The Paper - December 2009 by Kingsett

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ŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ŵǇ ƌĞĂů ĞƐƚĂƚĞ ĐĂƌĞĞƌ͕ / ŚĂǀĞ ƐĞĞŶ ŶƵŵĞƌŽƵƐ ĨůƵĐƚƵĂƚŝŽŶƐ ŝŶ DŝĐŚŝŐĂŶ͛Ɛ ĞĐŽŶŽŵǇ͘ dŚĞ ƌĞĐĞŶƚ ͚ŚŽƵƐŝŶŐ ďŽŽŵ͛ ǁŚŝĐŚ ůĂƐƚĞĚ ƐĞǀĞƌĂů ǇĞĂƌƐ ǁĂƐ ĨƵĞůĞĚ ďǇ Ă ĐŽŵďŝŶĂƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ĨĂĐƚŽƌƐ͗ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĞĐŽŶŽŵǇ͕ ůŽǁ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ƌĂƚĞƐ͕ ƉŽŽƌ ůĞŶĚŝŶŐ ƉƌĂĐƚŝĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƐƉĞĐƵůĂƚŝǀĞ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞƐ͘ KƚŚĞƌ ƚŚĂŶ ůŽǁ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ƌĂƚĞƐ͕ ƚŚĞƐĞ ĨĂĐƚŽƌƐ ŶŽ ůŽŶŐĞƌ ĞǆŝƐƚ͘ /Ŷ ĨĂĐƚ͕ ǁŚĂƚ ǁĞ͛ƌĞ ƐĞĞŝŶŐ ŶŽǁ ŝƐ Ă ƌĞƉĞĂƚ ŽĨ ŚŽƵƐŝŶŐ ĐǇĐůĞƐ ǁĞ͛ǀĞ ƐĞĞŶ ďĞĨŽƌĞ͘

Dennis J. Wolf

Ɛ ,Ăůů Θ ,ƵŶƚĞƌ ĞŶƚĞƌƐ ŝƚƐ ϱϳƚŚ ǇĞĂƌ͕ / ĐŽŶƚŝŶƵĞ ƚŽ ĂĚŵŝƌĞ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ǁĂǇ ŽƵƌ ϳϬ ĂŐĞŶƚƐ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞƐĞ ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐŝŶŐ ƚŝŵĞƐ͘ dŚĞǇ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĞǀĞƌͲĐŚĂŶŐŝŶŐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŶĞŐŽƚŝĂƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ ĐŽŶĨŝĚĞŶĐĞ ǁŚŝůĞ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĞŵŽƚŝŽŶĂů ŝŵƉůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ ŽĨ Ă ŚŽŵĞ ƐĂůĞ͘

Owner & CEO Hall & Hunter

KƵƌ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐ ŚĂƐ ŶŽƚ ŐŽŶĞ ƵŶŶŽƚŝĐĞĚ͘ tŚŝůĞ ŵŽƐƚ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵƉĞƚŝƚŽƌƐ ŚĂǀĞ ƚƵƌŶĞĚ ƚŽ ŽƵƚͲŽĨͲƐƚĂƚĞ ĨƌĂŶĐŚŝƐŽƌƐ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ĐŽŵƉĞƚŝƚŝǀĞ͕ ,Ăůů Θ ,ƵŶƚĞƌ͛Ɛ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐ ŝƐ ďƵŝůƚ ŽŶ ĂƚƚƌĂĐƚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƌǇ ďĞƐƚ ĂŐĞŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ŐŝǀŝŶŐ ƚŚĞŵ ƚŚĞ ƚŽŽůƐ ƚŚĞǇ ŶĞĞĚ͘ KƵƌ ƐĂůĞƐ͕ ŵĂƌŬĞƚŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ƐǇƐƚĞŵƐ ĂƌĞ ƚĂŝůŽƌĞĚ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂůůǇ ƚŽ KĂŬůĂŶĚ ŽƵŶƚǇ ĂŶĚ ĞĂĐŚ ĐůŝĞŶƚ͛Ɛ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů ŶĞĞĚƐ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ Ă ůŽĐĂůůǇ ŽǁŶĞĚ͕ ůŽĐĂůůǇ ŽƉĞƌĂƚĞĚ͕ ϭϬϬй DŝĐŚŝŐĂŶ ĐŽŵƉĂŶǇ͘ ǀĞŶ ƚŚŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚ ĚĂǇ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶƐ ĂƌĞ ƐŽďĞƌŝŶŐ͕ / ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ƉŽƐŝƚŝǀĞ ĂďŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ŽĨ DŝĐŚŝŐĂŶ ĂŶĚ KĂŬůĂŶĚ ŽƵŶƚǇ͘ ǀĞŶƚƵĂůůǇ͕ ŝŶǀĞŶƚŽƌǇ ǁŝůů ĚĞĐƌĞĂƐĞ͕ ƉƌŝĐĞƐ ǁŝůů ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ĂŶĚ ůŽŶŐͲƚĞƌŵ ƐƚĂďŝůŝƚǇ ǁŝůů ĨŽůůŽǁ͘ / Ăŵ ĞǆĐŝƚĞĚ ďǇ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƌĞĐƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ,Ăůů Θ ,ƵŶƚĞƌ͕ ĂŶĚ / Ăŵ ŝŶƐƉŝƌĞĚ ďǇ ŽƵƌ ĂŐĞŶƚƐ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ŚĂƌĚ ƚŽ ŬĞĞƉ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ŵŽǀŝŶŐ͊͟ J

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THE PAPER

DECEMBER 2009

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SHARON EISENSHTADT PERSONAL STYLIST

■ inside / december ■ 8: MAIL BAG Surendra Kelwala M.D., Andrew Meyer, Greg Thrasher

■ 11: CRIME MAP A locator guide to specific categories of crime in the local area

■ SNAPSHOTS ■ 19: Yousif Ghafari ■ 33: Parker Lynch ■ 53: Marcy Heller Fisher ■ 63: Norman Yatooma

■ 35: MUNICIPAL Bloomfield Hills audit; gas station variance rejected; MIP ordinance alteration; staffing assessment results; more Rouge River erosion; Shain Park reopens; Art Fair changes, plus more

■ 55: EDUCATION Superintendent leaving; school funding challenges

■ 57: COUNTY SMART millage proposals; business loan program

■ 61: STATE School district consolidation study; DNR-DEQ merger; MIP prosecution exemptions

■ 66: EATING OUT

■ 12

Our directory of places where yu can dine out in Birmimgham-Bloomfield; Main Course (Phoenicia) and Quick Bites from the restaurant scene with Elenaor Heald; Focus on Wine with Eleanor and Ray Heald.

■ 69: THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

GOURMET GROCERY STORES

The President and CEO of the Community House, Shelley Roberts, on what’s coming up in the weeks ahead.

While a number of old-guard, traditional grocery stores have fallen by the wayside in past years, alternative, upscale independent stores with specialty foods have developed to fill in the gap, and they are finding strong support in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area.

■ 70: SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK The latest from the society and non-profit circuit

■ 78: FINAL WORD Our thoughts on consolidations and proposals.

talk of school district county SMART millage

■ COVER

■ 21: OPTING OUT OF RECRUITMENT

■ 27: LOCALLY PRODUCED TV

■ 67: SAMEER EID OF PHOENICIA

Thanks to the No Child left Behind Act, military recruiters have access to information about students in pubic schools, unless parents or students elect to opt out of the process.

Award-winning, locally produced cable television shows are readily available to viewers in the local area, and we profile the offerings that are just a click away.

Sameer Eid, proprietor and chef of Phoenicia restaurant, is considered by many to be the area dean of MediterraneanLebanese cuisine.

THE PAPER

On our cover: Carriage rides in downtown Birmingham, leaving from Shain Park, have become part of the holiday tradition in the city. Cover art by Chris Grammer, from photos supplied by the Principal Shopping District.

www.oaklandpaper.com

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DECEMBER 2009

■ from the publisher

s we neared time to release this December issue of The Paper for print this past weekend, I had cause for reflection on what the last 6-8 months have been like at the publishing group as we brought this new publication to the residents of the Birmingham-Bloomfield area. We have been very fortunate to have received such a strong response in the local communities and the business sector to our monthly editions of The Paper. Obviously, we hit a responsive chord when we designed a product that would be professionally produced, with strong editorial content and packaged in a full-color magazine format for the Birmingham-Bloomfield area. Certainly a good editorial product that reached a large number of homes was missing from the area for too many years. It certainly helped in our first few issues that I personally was a known quantity in the area, thanks in large part to the members of my family who have been involved in a number of Birmingham-Bloomfield civic and school endeavors for the last 20 years. That recognition at least opened some doors with key business leaders who took the time to hear me out on our concept for producing a local publication on a monthly basis that would look at issues and trends in the communities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills each month. Many of those business leaders you see are represented in these pages in the December and past issues, and they made The Paper possible. But I also was fortunate to have the backing of the existing managers and staff members of the publishing group, and a number of veteran journalists from the local area who joined us in our endeavor. They are all represented in our masthead on this page. Their excitement for a new challenge made the launch of The Paper much easier. Yes, there were those who doubted the logic of trying to launch a publication in this area when other publications were failing and certainly the economic times made some wonder whether a new publication could survive. But we have been pleased to prove the naysayers incorrect. We have not only hit but surpassed all of our projections, including the number of accounts who are using this publication to advertise (over 100 at this time). And the general response from readers as we mail each monthly issue has been heartening.

PAPER

PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: James W. Fancy PUBLISHER / VICE PRESIDENT: David P. Hohendorf Administrative Assistant: Carol Barr NEWS EDITOR: Tim Dmoch Staff Writers Lisa Brody, Sally Gerak, Brooke Meier, Kathleen Meisner, Leslie Owsley, Kirk Pinho, Michael Shelton Contributing Writers: Eleanor Heald, Ray Heald, Mike Scott, Mark Stowers Research/Listings Assistant: Cynthia Stawick Staff Photographer: Amy K. Lockard Sales Representatives Jill Cesarz, Dan Neumaier, Jules Pickard, Linda Stickney, Ron Warwick Sales Assistants Jessica Holstein INSIDE SALES MANAGER: Lori Snyder Inside Sales Representatives Rhonda Libkuman, Cindy Stawick, Leslie Timko GRAPHICS MANAGER: Chris Grammer Graphics Assistants Denise Jungjohan, Karen Polatka, Marcia Reimer Systems Manager: Chris Grammer CIRCULATION MANAGER: Dennis Boggs Circulation Assistant: Dan Griffin ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGER: Carol Barr Supervisor: Carolyn Petherbridge Accounts Receivable: Mable McCullough, Jan Morris MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014 OFFICE ADDRESS: 7196 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48327-4113 TELEPHONE: 248.360.6397 • 248.360.7355 OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

That's why with this issue of The Paper, as we close out 2009, I thought it appropriate to issue a thanks to those who have made this new publication possible. As I said when we first launched in late August, we will not always agree on content; some will be uncomfortable from time to time with topics we tackle, while others may have to adjust to what some have described as an "edgier approach" to news coverage which has been lacking in the local area. But our motivation will always be transparent — a news product that serves to provide a concise monthly package of essential information for local residents, all designed to help make the Birmingham-Bloomfield area the best it can possibly be.

DISTRIBUTION: The Paper is mailed free of charge to over 29,000 homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills just before the start of each month. Additional free copes are available at newsstand locations. Paid subscriptions are available for $15.00 per year by phoning our distibution department at 248.360.6397.

Again, thanks for everyone's support this past year and the words of encouragement for 2010. David Hohendorf Publisher davidhohendorf@thescngroup.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY THE PAPER OAKLAND LAKEFRONT OAKLAND HOMES MONTHLYADVERTISER WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY 50th YEAR OF PUBLICATION Member of National Newspaper Association

www.oaklandpaper.com

■ mail bag Transit hub questions

Can Can you you see see where where you you are are going? going?

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From Andrew Meyer, Birmingham: The proposed transit center (“Community transit hub: Birmingham and Troy still seeking funding,” November 2009) is emblematic of what is wrong with how the city of Birmingham spends tax dollars. Instead of understanding if we need such a hub, we focus on how we are going to build it. We are like the kid in the candy store — because there is a piece of property we can get our hands on, we must build something. With so much city budget uncertainty for the next few years, any expenditure needs to have a more thorough review. Have our leaders even considered: • When will the Detroit Regional Mass Transit plan begin to take shape? Right now it is an unfunded dream that is decades away from implementation (if at all). • How many people will utilize such a hub if there actually is regional mass transportation? • How will the city be able to take advantage of the hub? Are shoppers going to get on the train in Pontiac and get off at the Birmingham stop to go shopping? How will they then get to downtown? Oh yeah — Birmingham will simply buy buses to take them from the hub to downtown. • Have we even thought about the other (besides buses) on-going costs for the hub? Future budgets will be burdened with expenses like electricity, police and fire protection, snow plowing, and maintenance. I propose we understand our financial situation before we jump off the deep end and commit money to a venture with so many unknowns. P.S. — I wont even go into the discussion of obtaining “free”

funding from the federal government. ■

An abuse of power From Dr. Surendra Kelwala, child and adult psychiatrist, Livonia: I want to thank your Paper for bringing up the issue of the highhanded judicial conduct in the matter of punishing youth for consuming alcohol. I read with interest the responses of the two judges from the 48th District Court and the endless number of coalitions and their crocodile tears on how they are so concerned about the welfare of the youth. These judges are primarily there to put these kids in the system so they can have a steady source of income for their profession and their agency through imposing heavy court costs, endless probation, and giving lenient sentences to only those who pay their lawyers through their nose. These coalitions with all the high-sounding names are mainly controlled by folks whose primary motivation is to trap these youths into their shallow and often outright infantile treatment programs, which makes these children cynical about the intelligence of society rather than respecting it as a source of wisdom. And once again all these coalitions and treatment centers have very little concern for the mental and social health of these kids, primarily concerned with gouging money, and to add insult to injury, often treating those entrusted to them as animals. Their arrogance in talking to and handling these kids is matched only by the disdain and contempt our courts show in dealing with people who get entrapped in their quagmire. Youth is a time for experimentation. It is a time when the child ➤

Talk to Birmingham-Bloomfield Your opinions are important so let us know what you think. Mail Bag provides our readers with a forum to express their thoughts on important issues. We reserve the right to edit all letters.

Most Insurance Plans Accepted

Letters for Mail Bag should be submitted by mid-month to appear in the next issue and must include the writer’s name, address and phone number for verification. Only the writer's name and community will be printed.

Buy one complete pair of Eyeglasses, get a second complete pair 40% OFF

Letters can be sent via e-mail to news@thescngroup.com, submitted through the website for The Paper (oaklandpaper.com) or by mail to P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387. ■

With this ad. Some restrictions apply. No appointment needed for eyewear. Outside prescriptions welcome. Expires 12/31/09. PAPER1209

THE PAPER

DECEMBER 2009

explores as to how much he can push the society and still be safe. He has to learn about societal norms through testing the limits. He has to judge his own strength against the power of society. It is time for the youth to indulge in all kinds of fantasies, sexual and violent, including thoughts of killing others, all the same stuff that our action movies and literature glorifies, and which need expression in words, poems, Internet musings, in boasting, and in pretension of acting them out, without actually hurting others. Society has to understand that only such “trial actions” lead to development of minds that will be able to do extraordinary things when challenged with extraordinary situations as adults. By coming down heavy-handedly upon the cheeky behavior of our youth, through abuse of power vested in our cruel judges, insensitive police, out-to-lunch psychotherapists, drug-pushing psychiatrists, and highway-robbing lawyers, we are just making them bitter towards the kindness and good sense of society. A society’s level of civilization is not gauged just by how ruthlessly it enforces its laws but in understanding that boys will be boys, and girls will go along with them to celebrate life in the first flush of youth. Space does not permit me to give examples of how some young folks have been ruthlessly punished by our judicial system, some of it so draconian that even Talibans hiding in the caves of Bora Bora will shake their head in disbelief that such type of hatred towards youthful exuberance can exist in any human society. ■

Area devoid of color From Greg Thrasher, Birmingham: I read with great interest the storyline about the demographics in our region. As a Black male living in Birmingham such data is revealing on many levels. I found the comments by Kurt Metzer insightful but not really information that is new nor eye-opening. Clearly both Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills remain predominantly white and devoid of any significant Black populations except for weekends when the restaurants and movie venues are full of color. In both Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills there are no elected Black residents on the school boards, city commission and council in either venue. In fact both locales lack any significant people of color as employees in public safety and city office administrations. I always find it interesting reading the usual slogans and platitudes about how these venues embrace diversity and inclusion yet the residential housing stock and lack of elected officials do not reflect the cum ba ya sound bites. One hopes the next time this topic is covered the demographics will reflect the chatter. I would value some more color in my neighborhood rather than the leaves, pumpkins and refuge containers. ■

OPEN L AT 12/10 & E

& 12/17

‘til 8:00

Portion of our proce eds to benefit local food bank

CORRECTION A chart appearing with an article in the November 2009 edition of The Paper entitled “Cafeteria Report Card,” mistakenly included the Birmingham School District’s Midvale Early Childhood Center. The center’s kitchen is part of a Meals on Wheels program and isn’t used to prepare food for Birmingham district students. ■

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THE PAPER

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THE PAPER

DECEMBER 2009

Top row, upper left: produce area at Papa Joe's Gourmet Market in Birmingham; dining area at Holiday Market in Royal Oak. Second row: Deli counter at Long Lake Market; Plum Market on Maple Road in Birmingham. Bottom row: The Bistro at the retooled Kroger at Maple and Lahser; and the coffee area at Westborn Market in Berkley. At right, the facade of Papa Joe's Gourmet Market on Woodward. The Paper photos / Amy K. Lockard

GOURMET GROCERIES Independent, upscale markets By Lisa Brody

ne by one, they’ve fallen by the wayside in metro Detroit: Chatham, A&P, Farmer Jack’s. The grocery stores we fed our families with for generations, all found they could not survive on the narrow profit margins endemic to the grocery trade. “The grocery industry is highly competitive. Our industry operates on a 1 percent margin,” said Linda Gobler, president and CEO of the Michigan Grocers Association. In their place, instead of empty storefronts, are specialty gourmet grocers which have grown and are thriving, filling a niche of catering to the desires of home cooks and sophisticated foodies insistent on high-quality goods to feed their discerning broods, even in recessionary times. According to Time Magazine (April 3, 2008), “The specialty food sector is growing as pantry goods that used to be basic commodities are being repackaged as upscale luxuries. Even as some people worry about being able to put any kind of food on the table, the sales of specialty foods are up 17 percent over the past two years (compared with 4 percent for overall food sales).” “I think we’re seeing a real shift in how people think about food,” said Victoria von Biel, executive editor of Bon Appétit Magazine. “People are realizing that high-quality, fresh, seasonal, unprocessed foods add to your quality of life, and that is true whether times are good or bad. Eating well and cooking great food for your friends and family is a very nurturing experience, especially during hard times.” The Birmingham-Bloomfield area enjoys an especially high variety of competitive choices, with big chains like Whole Foods in Troy and Trader Joe’s in Royal Oak offering fresh and packaged organic choices, and Costco in Bloomfield Township maintaining a stranglehold on the big-box corner of the market. Locally-owned family businesses are especially popular

with Birmingham-Bloomfield shoppers. Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market on Woodward in Birmingham, Plum Market on Maple in Bloomfield Township, Long Lake Market on Long Lake Road in Bloomfield Township, Holiday Market in Royal Oak, and Westborn Market in Berkley all cater to discriminating shoppers who know the best, want the best, and expect the best. “Specialty markets operate where the clientele can support them,” said Gobler. “A certain segment of our population is especially focused on fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish in their diets, and you see that in the choices that are reflected in these local stores.” Kroger, recognizing the customer profile in the area, created a completely new store model when it purchased the former Farmer Jack’s store at Maple and Lahser roads and redesigned it for the market place, filling 50 percent of the store with fresh and organic produce, a large wine area, a bistro with a chef cooking freshly-made food to go with a lovely eat-in area, and expanded meat and seafood areas. They have less staples and grocery items than a typical Kroger, or other grocery store. It’s a different Kroger store than the one at Maple and Woodward or Maple and Telegraph, although there are elements of the Maple/Lahser store in each of those locations. “This store was not expanded. It’s the same square footage as the (previous) Farmer Jack’s,” said Dale Hollingsworth of Kroger’s consumer communications. “Most grocery stores have 75 percent dry groceries, and 25 percent perishables. In this store, to accommodate the seafood, bistro, the gourmet offerings of Chef Vergie, imported cheese area, and wine, it’s more 5050. It’s our effort to say this is the kind of store that fits this customer.” Many of the gourmet markets have grown from their roots as a small family grocer.➤

Anthony Curtis, owner of Papa Joe's Gourmet Market in Birmingham; salad bar area at Plum Market; Alice and Tom Currier of Long Lake Market on Long Lake near Telegraph.

“We’ve evolved into a gourmet market,” said Anthony Curtis, owner of Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market in Birmingham and Rochester. “Thirty-five years ago, we were just a family-owned fruit market, and we kept growing. We started adding beer and wine, groceries, then added more produce and fresh perishables. Now we’re more like a European market.” Westborn Market, run by the Anusbigian brothers, was started as a small fruit stand in Dearborn by their parents; the original location on Michigan Avenue is now Westborn’s flower market. Westborn, which has specialty markets in Dearborn, Livonia and Berkley, went through a series of expansions in Dearborn, eventually purchasing the property across the street from the original store. Alice Currier, who owns Long Lake Market with her father and husband, said the business will turn 50 years old in May. “We cater to the people in the neighborhood,” she said. “We’re a local market. We’ve always gotten our customers from word of mouth. We know our customers, their needs and requests.” While Plum Market on Maple at Lahser roads in Bloomfield Township is a newer concept in grocery shopping, the two owners, brothers Matt and Marc Jonna, learned the art of servicing customers and merchandising with the best products in their family business, the Merchant of Vino gourmet food and wine shop, which was sold to Whole Foods eight years ago. Their father, Eddie Jonna, began the store as an individual wine store, gradually adding in food prepared by his wife, Juliette. Later, Matt and Marc joined Eddie as they expanded the range of available gourmet items, and daughter Monica George created unusual gift baskets (she is now co-owner of Zieben Mare in Franklin). “We believe choice is paramount, and our produce selection reflects that, mixing the very best in natural, organic, specialty, and local products,” Matt states on the store’s website. Through their representatives, the Jonna brothers declined to comment directly for this article. Plum’s primary emphasis is on all-natural, local and organic products, and on collaboration with well-recognized names in the food industry. Their produce, seafood and meat are fresh, and Michigan-grown when possible. Breads from Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor are highlighted. Their sushi kitchen is built and staffed by Troy Asian restaurant Mon Jin Lau. They carry a large line of California’s See’s candies. A new dessert experience is Swirlberry, a tart and tangy frozen yogurt with live active cultures and probiotics, which is gluten-free and fat-free. Although not technically in Birmingham or Bloomfield, residents travel south to Royal Oak and Berkley to Holiday Market and Westborn Market for their variety and quality. “It took over 50 years to build this,” said Tom Violante, of his family’s expanded Holiday Market, filling a strip center on Main in Royal Oak. “Dad and Mom started in 1954 one block north of where we are now as a little neighborhood market. It was party store-esque with gourmet meats. We expanded more than a dozen times over the years.” About two years ago, Holiday Market added more parking and a rear entrance; greatly expanded the bakery, adding around 30 people; upgraded their produce department, cheese island, and Du Jour Island of prepared foods; and developed their own cooking school, Mirepoix.

“Mirepoix allows for passion and pleasure in cooking with great ambience,” Violante said. They offer a variety of cooking classes, from basics (“Knife Cuts is our No. 1 class”), to very intricate classes for the home chef to enhance their innate enjoyment for wonderful food, and allow them the ability to make it at home. Violante also said they encourage groups of six or more to create their own class, with their own schedule. “It’s a dinner, with wine, and you learn something practical that you can apply to other recipes,” he said. Violante noted that following the opening of the Julia Child movie “Julie and Julia,” there was a run on certain items featured in the movie. Currier of Long Lake Market saw that, as well. “We had someone who brought in their Julia Child cookbook the other day, and wanted her turkey custom-cut so she could practice her turkey before Thanksgiving,” she said. “That’s what we try to provide for our customers.” The personal one-on-one service is a hallmark of old-time neighborhood grocers, like Long Lake Market. “We take the time to invest in our customers, who they are and what they like, so they’re happy to shop here,” Currier said. “We provide recipes, and help them with recipes and special ingredients. We take the time to know them by name.” Larger gourmet grocers work hard to get to know their customers’ needs and desires, as well, and to respond to them. Recognizing the trend of dual-income working couples who were tiring of eating out night after night, years ago Curtis of Papa Joe’s decided to not just serve basic prepared foods, but to offer fresh gourmet offerings. “Nationally and statistically, we know more people are eating at home, and we are a society of instant gratification. If there is a gourmet salad already prepared, they will justify it because, in the end, it’s less costly than eating out,” said Michigan Grocers Association’s Gobler. “I came up with the idea for gourmet prepared foods years ago in our old Rochester store, where we had an old 10-foot section in the back of the store with rotisserie chicken, pasta salads, that stuff, like everyone else,” Curtis said. “I decided to put it front and center, with our chef-prepared foods. It works even better in Birmingham, because who wants to come home and worry about making dinner? Also, you can go to the meat or seafood department, pick something out, and our chefs will cook it for you while you wait. Our most popular food is chicken piccata, eggplant rollatini, and any stuffed chicken. Everything is made fresh that day. “We have also grown into a full-fledged caterer, with 75 chefs between the two Papa Joe’s, able to serve up to 800 people. We can do it in your home, or at our new La Sala Banquet Hall in Rochester. We can handle every aspect of party planning for you, from flowers and pastries, to getting wait staff, bartenders, party rentals, all of it. Just come to us, and we handle it all for you,” he said. When Long Lake Market renovated earlier this year, they added two chefs and a full kitchen. Prepared home-cooked meals are proving to be very popular, according to Currier, with three-cheese macaroni and cheese, homemade soups, chicken Provencal, penne with spicy Italian sausage, and an in-house line of cookies topping the list. ➤

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Kroger manager Ben Simpson; Sarkis Mark Anusbigian (left) and Anthony Anusbigian of Westborn Market in Berkley; and Tom Violante (left) with Gina and Craig Mangold of Holiday Market.

“Our Du Jour Island of prepared foods from our catering department is a great amenity for our customers,” said Holiday’s Violante. “It’s easy to do the main course, then just heat up side dishes (picked up at Holiday), or pick up a chopped salad, and have a really high-end dinner.” Westborn has a full kitchen with 15 to 20 hot entrees a day, cooked fresh on site. The menu changes seasonally, with baked acorn squash with maple and walnut butter popular now, and cedar planked salmon, prime rib, gourmet macaroni and cheese, and roasted vegetables regular mainstays. One of the interesting elements in the sustained growth of these markets is that it’s occurring in the midst of the longest economic downturn since the Great Depression, one that affects every niche of the market. “While the product mix of the store helps, nothing has been untouched by the recession,” said Kroger’s Hollingsworth. “When cutbacks came, they came to white-collar as well as blue-collar.” “We’re selling more hamburger and chicken, and the more high-priced items are being bought for special occasions or special celebrations, and less for day-to-day,” said Long Lake Market’s Currier. “In every category, people are choosing down,” said Westborn Marketing Director Bryan Bandig. Last spring, Westborn’s owners and leadership team made a clear marketing decision to become the more value-oriented market of the gourmet markets. “We lowered margins wherever we could,” Bandig said. “Our message is that there are great values with Westborn quality. Currently, in dairy, we’re selling Grade A extra large eggs for 99 cents for three months. Right now, we’re losing money on them because prices fluctuate a lot, but we’re not going to adjust the price of them daily. We’ve said they’re going to be at this price, and we’re holding consistent at this price for our customers. We feel very passionate about that.” During Michigan’s harvest season, Bandig said Westborn buys approximately 80 percent of their fresh produce from Michigan farmers, most of whom they have dealt with for over 40 years. “Because they are Michigan products, they are value propositions,” Bandig said. “They don’t have high fuel charges or freight charges, and we have relationships with the farmers, and can negotiate with them. It really matters to our customers that they are buying local Michigan products.” “We are constantly reassessing,” said Holiday’s Violante. “For example, with wine. No one is buying a $50 bottle of wine anymore. We’ve had to make room for $15 bottles of wine. We are reallocating and reassessing to make room for what people want. We are thriving, but we’ve had to adapt. If something is not working, we do not do it. If something is working, we do more of it. But we will not lower our quality to lower our price.” “Shoppers are going for quality over quantity,” said Bon Appétit’s von Biel. “For example, they are skipping factory farmed beef in favor of grassfed and humanely-raised meat. Yes, these foods are more expensive, and so you eat them less often, but you really enjoy them when you have them. There’s also a paradox to this way of eating: If you are eating in season, the produce you are buying is probably going to be less expensive than

buying out-of-season fruits and vegetables. In terms of cutting costs, I think people are looking at alternatives that deliver the same high-quality experience but are less expensive. They are searching out lower-priced wines and foods (Prosecco rather than Champagne; domestic artisanal cheeses rather than imported ones) and saving the luxury goods for very occasional splurges.” Papa Joe’s Curtis concurs. “Everybody is looking for fresh, and it’s not a deal if it’s not fresh,” he said. “If you go somewhere, and they’re offering four cucumbers for a dollar, but two go bad, what kind of a deal is it?” Curtis said he feels more people are heading to local grocers vs. mass grocers because they feel they are getting fresher products. Each of the gourmet grocers head to the Detroit Produce Terminal near the Ambassador Bridge or Eastern Market in Detroit in the dark hours of the morning, tagging their produce to be delivered fresh that day to their markets. “They know the food is not made in a commissary, that at a grocery store it’s not as fresh as in a gourmet market,” Curtis said. “With a gourmet grocer, it’s not being shipped first from a regional warehouse to a local warehouse then to the store. All of the pastries and breads are baked everyday, and all of the prepared foods are cooked regularly on site. “We’ve gone to our suppliers, and we’re demanding special prices so we can take care of our customers during this time,” he said. “We now have a four-page newsletter that’s available online and in the store with all kinds of specials from every department every week. We’ve gotten a great response from it. It’s really helping people out.” Papa Joe’s has also created a rewards card, called the Gourmands Rewards Club Card, where customers earn a point for every penny spent. They can then go online and print off coupons to use in the store in exchange for free items. Plum Market also has a rewards card. “It’s another way to thank people for supporting us,” said Curtis. Many of the stores have lowered the prices of their wines to appeal to a wider range of people, so customers can pick up less expensive bottles to enjoy more frequently. “We created a complete section upstairs in our wine area in response to the economy that are all under $10,” Curtis said. “Our sommeliers have found lovely wines that are by vineyards people may not be as familiar with.” Westborn’s Bandig agrees. “We’re skewering lower-priced, bringing in unique boutique wines that maybe people haven’t heard of in both whites and reds, noticing we still need to offer a value option. We’re offering a tiered program, with a robust offering under $9, 15 for $15, and classics for connoisseurs, with $25 to $150 wines, to appeal to a diverse audience.” Plum Market doesn’t believe wine should be for special occasions, putting their wines front and center near their produce section. They offer case prices on bottle prices, regardless of how many bottles are purchased. The competition is fierce, the knives are out, the food is fresh. Those benefiting? Shoppers, cooks, and diners in Birmingham-Bloomfield who are enjoying the finest choices there are to offer at the best prices available. ■

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yousif ghafari

orn in a less-developed area of South Lebanon, Yousif Ghafari emigrated to the U.S. in 1972, earned multiple degrees, became a successful entrepreneur, and capped his career off as U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia. As the oldest of seven children, it was education that brought Ghafari to the U.S. at the age of 19. He spoke little English, but was able to overcome adversity at Wayne State University to earn degrees in mathematics and engineering. Ghafari is the founder and chairman of GHAFARI, a full-service global architecture, engineering and consulting firm specializing in advanced technological innovations such as 3-D high-definition surveying and 3-D building information modeling. His expertise lies in automotive, industrial, and aeronautical innovations. Its headquarters are in Dearborn, but its operations are all over the globe. Ghafari has been involved with the Republican Party for many years, assisting in the campaigns of both George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. Under George W. Bush, Ghafari was selected to serve as U.S. Ambassador of Slovenia, a small republic in Central Europe.

"It was my dream job,” Ghafari said. "My wife and I moved to Slovenia for a year and we loved every minute of it." As Ambassador, Ghafari had the opportunity to host former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura. "We spent two days with them and we had a very nice visit," he said. After President Barack Obama took office in 2009, Ghafari resigned and return to the U.S., where he and his wife, Mara, are longtime Bloomfield Hills residents. Named one of the Top 100 "Executive Heroes" in southeastern Michigan, Ghafari is among the area's leading philanthropists. "I would say that education would top the list of causes I support," he said. "I'm very loyal to Wayne State, my alma mater." With several offices in the U.S. and abroad, Ghafari said it seems like his residence is in the air, as these days he travels extensively. But, with his wife of 31 years, three children, and a strong loyalty to the Detroit area, Ghafari remains firmly grounded in Bloomfield Hills. — Katey Meisner The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

RECRUITING STUDENTS Military access to school information By Brooke Meier

ach fall as school begins, parents of high school students are faced with stacks of papers for registration as well as preparing their son or daughter for the upcoming year. What many may not realize is that often included in that packet of information is a notice pertaining to student directory information, and it’s availability to military recruiters through a little-known provision of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. In the United States, the military force is made up of volunteers willing to serve and protect the nation and its interests. To achieve a capable force, the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps employ recruiters to reach out to high school students that may be interested in a career in the armed forces. These recruiters are permitted access to the directory records of each high school student under provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act, including names, phone numbers and addresses. Section 9528 of the act requires that military recruiters be granted access to student directory information or federal funds for the school district can be restricted. This section states that, if a school receives federal funding, it must give military recruiters the same access to student contact information that’s given to colleges, universities and prospective employers. According to Carolyn Claerhout, manager of district and pupil services for the Oakland Intermediate School District, both the Michigan Department of Education and No Child Left Behind Act take positions on military recruiters. “The Michigan Department of Education puts out a publication every year explaining parents’ rights,” Claerhout said. “There is a special section that explains military recruiters. They have the same right to access (student directory information) as college and job recruiters. It’s dictated in the No Child Left Behind Act so schools can’t say they will grant access to colleges and job recruiters but not military recruiters. If they have a college fair, for example, they have to let the military in to join it.” Claerhout said the state also has similar language in the school code that governs public schools. What many parents may not know is that they can sign a release to opt out of having their child’s student directory information released to the military. ➤

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“(Schools) have to send out notice (of the opt-out provision) — this can happen in many different ways,” Claerhout said. “It can be in that first newsletter home to parents, it can be in a letter to parents, part of a student hand book, or even posted on a web site. Every district does it a little differently.” This notice must be sent out each year so parents have an opportunity to remove their child from the military recruiters’ student contact lists. “This is all a part of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) notice,” she said. “The FERPA rights notice will usually say something like ‘The following has been listed as directory information.’ A district can include name, grade, height, weight, any honors, and even a picture. If a parent wants to opt out, they usually have a time frame in which they have the opportunity to opt out.” According to Claerhout, there can be a blanket opt-out option that removes the information from all contact lists, or just a military exclusion notice that parents can submit. While the federal act states that districts which refuse to hand out student contact information when asked to by military recruiters can lose federal funds, Claerhout said she isn’t aware of an instance of that happening. While parents can opt out of having their child’s directory information released to military recruiters, public schools can’t deny recruiters access to the schools to discuss military options with students. Both the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills school districts allow military recruiters on campus, along with college and job recruiters. Both school officials and military officials say counter-recruitments efforts in the area haven’t been a problem in either the past or present. While the No Child Left Behind Act may be the catalyst for recent discussions on allowing directory information to be released to the military, the issue as a whole dates back to the 1980s, according to Maureen Schafer of the Michigan Department of Education. In 1992, as part of an effort to address long-standing recruiting concerns, Congress passed language that allowed the Secretary of Defense to collect and compile directory information pertaining to each student who is 17years-old or older, in 11th grade or higher, who is enrolled in a secondary school in the United States or its territories, Schafer said. The collection of this information was limited to name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, level of education, degrees received and most recent educational agency or institution. This information could only be collected for three years for any individual and was required to be kept confidential. Nothing in this law required that any educational institution hand over student directory information. In 1999, Congress again enacted legislation pertaining to student information collected for military recruitment purposes. This language requested secondary schools to provide the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) with the same access to secondary school students and to student directory information as is provided to post-secondary educational institutions or to prospective employers. Congress continued to revise the wording twice more in 2000 and 2001, each time strengthening the language. In 2000, provisions were added that allowed certain schools to be excluded — private schools with a religious objection to military service, for example — and local educational agencies that passed, with a majority vote, a policy to deny such access. In 2001, language was added to include the docking of federal dollars as a repercussion for a district denying access to student contact information. Opt-out provisions were also included, along with the previous private school stipulation. In 2003, a final amendment was adopted by Congress. Lawmakers removed the provision that allowed for a majority vote of the local educational agency to deny military recruiter access to student directory information. Then, in 2007, the Department of Defense announced changes following a settlement with the New York Civil Liberties Union. As a result, the department agreed to use the student directory information database only for recruiting and not to share the data with other government agencies. The department also agreed to destroy information on individuals after three years, rather than five years, according to Schafer. Private schools aren’t required to allow military recruiters on their grounds and they don’t have to hand over student directory information to military recruiters. “Private schools don’t have to comply with the FERPA stuff when it comes to military recruiting,” Oakland Schools’ Claerhout said. “This is because they don’t receive any federal dollars. “They aren’t governed by the same laws,” she said. “The laws don’t apply federally or at the state level. Our state school code only applies to public institutions.”

Sgt. Aaron Stuckey, station commander of the U.S. Army’s Auburn Hills recruiting station, said Army recruiters don’t visit private schools in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area unless they are invited. “No, we don’t really recruit at private schools,” he said. “We won’t go there usually unless we are invited by the schools. If we are invited, then we will stop by to talk to the parents, students and staff about the opportunities the Army can provide.” The Army does recruit at Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham public schools. “Enlistment levels from the area have been pretty stable,” Stuckey said. “Most of the high school students that we do enlist don’t enlist until after they graduate from high school. We enlist a couple students every year from the schools. We receive a lot of support from the area, which is a good thing for us.” According to Stuckey, there are parents in both districts that opt out of having their students’ information released to military recruiters. “It’s a choice parents have,” he said. “We receive the list of names of students and parents that are interested (in military service). Those are the ones we try to contact. We don’t force the issue upon parents and students who opt out.” There haven’t been many counter-recruitment efforts in the local districts, according to Stuckey. “We haven’t really run into that very much,” he said. “In our area, most people that we run into are pretty receptive to what we have to say. They will congratulate us and thank us for our service. We haven’t run into too much opposition to what we do.” While some recruiters might bring T-shirts, water bottles and key chains to a school with them to attract students, Stuckey said the Army recruiters in the area don’t use such promotional materials. “When we go into school, we focus on informing students about the programs the Army offers,” Stuckey said. “We use Humvees and stuff like that for special events to add more to school events. We do whatever we can to help schools out with their events, whether it’s letting us set up a Humvee to help improve their event, or something else to help shine a light on the Army image. Other than that, we are there to talk about education benefits and to inform students on their options and the ways the Army can help them out.” Stuckey said the main incentives the Army focuses on when talking with interested students is the Montgomery G.I. Bill that offers $49,248 for all soldiers enlisted in the Army. Based on qualifications, they could also qualify for the Army college fund kicker to the G.I. Bill. “This boosts the Montgomery G.I. Bill from the $49,000 to up to $83,000 for college,” he said. “That’s what we want to relay to students and parents who may not have the luxury of paying for college, or for those who do, but are looking at another route that the student wants to pursue by serving in the (U.S. Army) Reserve or going on active duty.” Here’s a look at how the local public and some private schools handle the release of student directory information to military recruiters.

BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS For the 2009-2010 school year, 466 students at Birmingham Groves High School opted out of having their directory information released to military recruiters. At Birmingham Seaholm High School, 519 students opted out this year. Marcia Wilkinson, director of community relations for the Birmingham Public Schools, said the district complies with federal and state laws pertaining to military recruitment on campus and the accessibility of student directory information. “In the past, we have had recruiters on campus,” Wilkinson said. “We do have a newsletter, one that every district probably uses, that allows parents the option of opting out of having their student’s named released to the military.” Wilkinson agrees that No Child Left Behind requires that parents are notified of the option to opt out of releasing their student’s directory information. In the Birmingham district, parents are notified of their right to opt out at the beginning of the year. “We notify them in the fall when the kids are registering for high school,” she said. “We send home a form that states the parent or guardian has the right to opt out of having their directory information released to military recruiters. It refers to the No Child Left Behind Act and the bill that amended the section that state school districts are required to release information unless parents opt out.” The opt-out option is brought to parents and students’ attention as students enroll in the district, according to Wilkinson. “We will do it at anytime, but we ask that parents who receive the form ➤

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BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS A total of 723 Bloomfield Hills high school students opted out of having their directory information released to military recruiters. The Bloomfield Hills Public School District allows military recruiters to come into schools as part of college recruiter events, according to Betsy Erickson, director of communications and community relations for the district. “In addition, our schools send a notice to parents giving them an opportunity to opt out of the recruiter’s getting their students name,” she said. “If they don’t opt out, then we give the name to the recruiters.” Like Birmingham schools, Erickson said the Bloomfield Hills district complies with FERPA and No Child Left Behind Act provisions. “We have to give them the same access we give college and job recruiters,” she said. “When armed services recruiters ask to visit campus, we treat them the same way that we would a visiting college,” said Clay Matthews, Cranbrook Schools’ director of communications. “It’s the exact same situation as a university that comes out.” Matthews said the schools rarely receive requests from recruiters for student directory information. Because Cranbrook doesn’t receive federal funds, the schools aren’t obliged to hand the information over to military recruiters. According to Matthews, those requests aren’t honored, so an opt-out option isn’t necessary. “With college visits, it’s voluntary for students, and it’s the same for the armed forces — we treat them the same way,” Matthews said. “We have alumni who are in the military right now. The highest-ranking woman in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the ground in Iraq right now is a graduate of Kingswood.”

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at the beginning of the year have it returned to us by mid-September,” she said. “This year, the due date was Sept. 18, for example. We give them a couple of weeks to get the information back to us. “If it’s fine with you that your child’s name is released, then you don’t have to return the form,” she said. “We only need the forms back from parents who want their student’s name removed from the list.” Wilkinson said when recruiters come to the high schools, they are greeted by a member of the staff. “Nobody just walks in and wanders around the school,” she said. “All of our recruiters, whether from the military or universities, have a designated area where they can talk with students.” According to Wilkinson, there haven’t been any real anti-recruitment efforts in the district. “I think the only thing we will encounter sometimes is a parent who will call in and ask why we have (military) recruiters on campus,” she said. “I think most people understand why, because they see the forms and notices that we send out. I’m not aware of any organized (anti-recruitment) efforts by any means.”

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ACADEMY OF SACRED HEART According to Gretchen Parks, director of college counseling at the Academy of Sacred Heart, the school doesn’t allow military recruiters to come to the upper school. “We generally don’t allow recruiters, but we do allow the academies like West Point,” Parks said. The school doesn’t release student directory information to recruiters and parents, and as a result, doesn’t need an opt-out policy or notification for parents and students.

ROEPER SCHOOLS Pat O’Connor, director of college counseling for the Roeper Schools, said the schools will take any information and literature military recruiters have, but don’t allow them to recruit in the schools. “We don’t release student information to the military,” O’Connor said.

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Detroit Country Day allows military recruiters on campus, but there are restrictions on contacting students. “Juniors are not permitted to attend the visits except for during their lunch time,” said Donna Aleo, administrative assistant for counselors in the Country Day college counseling office. “Usually we will set up the recruiter in the cafeteria during those times.” Seniors, on the other hand, are allowed to visit with military recruiters. “The seniors schedule meeting time with the recruiters in one of our offices here,” she said. Like the other area private schools, Detroit Country Day doesn’t give out student directory information to the military. “When the student meets with them they can provide whatever information they want to provide,” Aleo said. ■ THE PAPER

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ward-winning community television programming is just a remote control click or two away for those living in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area. Local hosts and producers provide a myriad of programs for viewers in Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and surrounding communities through the Bloomfield Community Television (BCTV) system and the Birmingham Area Cable Board (BACB). Established in 1983, BCTV entered into a contractual agreement with the BACB in 2001 to expand its viewing audience beyond just Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Since that time, BCTV has assisted in managing the community access programming on Comcast Cable Channel 15 in Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township, as well as Comcast Cable Channels 15 and 18 in Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham and Franklin — Channel 15 carries municipal access programming, while Channel 18 provides public access programs. Channel 15 isn’t available at this time in Bloomfield Township or Bloomfield Hills on AT&T’s U-verse video system. The local access channels are available on AT&T’s U-verse system in Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Franklin. “The Birmingham Area Cable Board was formed in 1982 in the four municipalities of Birmingham and the villages of Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and Franklin to negotiate local franchise authority contracts, and run Channels 15 and 18,” said Bob Borgon, executive director of the cable board. According to Jo Marengere, BCTV’s administrative assistant and publication specialist, the system’s state-of-the-art local cable television studio — located at 4190 Dublin Road at Exeter, across from the Bloomfield Township Fire Department and Township Hall — offers a variety of government and public-access programming. “Basically (BCTV) is a government and public-access station serving Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, and then we have a contract with the Birmingham Area Cable Board to serve Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and Franklin,” she said. “We have community producers who come from all of those communities, and they do shows on a wide range of topics.” Three award-winning production staff members educated in television production help community producers and show hosts create and air programs, according to Marengere. BCTV received nine awards at the 2009 Philo T. Farnsworth Video Festival, according to Leslie Helwig, BCTV’s general manager and community relations director for Bloomfield Township. Among the winning programs local viewers can see are: “Practical Law,”

“Agebusters,” “Ask Dr. T,” “Kids’ Dog Show,” “Bloomfield Township Today: Building a Championship,” “Go-No-Go,” “Kreger Farmhouse,” “Dining Out,” and “Between the Holidays.” “We are very proud of the excellent community programs produced here at BCTV,” Helwig said. “Having them recognized by an organization as prestigious as the (the Alliance for Community Media Central States Region) serves as a testament to the quality of work done by our producers, our volunteers and our staff. This year we had nine winners, either first- or second-place, out of 10 shows submitted to the contest.” Prospective BCTV producers must follow a process in order to become a program producer. According to Marengere, the interested party must fill out a proposal form indicating the program concept, any costs of production, and explain all of the details regarding the program. They then must attend a volunteer workshop to familiarize themselves with the process of television production. “They learn how to operate a camera and how a show is produced,” she said. “Program Development Committee meetings are held four times a year. Once their show is approved, they are assigned to one of our production staff people, and then they work together to design a set and work on scripts.” Marengere said this process must be followed, and because BCTV is a public-access system, there is no cost to community producers and hosts to produce and air a program. “We have a lot of interesting programming,” Marengere said. “All the shows have their fans. We have a show called ‘Age Busters’ and if there’s some glitch and it doesn’t air, we get phone calls.” With topics ranging from medical and religious to political issues, BCTV produces a broad spectrum of programming for its viewing audience. “We have a show that’s produced by state Rep. Chuck Moss (RBirmingham, Bloomfield) and we have a show that’s produced by Marcia Gershenson, who is a county commissioner (D-Bloomfield Township),” Marengere said. “Marcia tends to do a lot of shows that aren’t so political, but more along the lines of what Oakland County has to offer.” “I highlight existing programs in Oakland County that offer services that I think the public would like to hear about,” Gershenson said. “I have a wonderful director and when I come in to do the show, it’s a pretty well-oiled program.” Having produced the “County Corner” program for three years, Gershenson said she uses the show to let people know where they can turn to quickly for assistance. “We’ve had the Oakland County Health Department talking about the ➤

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swine flu; we’ve featured parks and recreation programs, Habitat for Humanity, The Friendship Circle, and anything that piques my interest,” she said. “Senior issues are very important, as well.” “Chuck does more political topics,” Marengere said of Moss’ program. “It might be state issues, county issues, or local issues.” Moss said he has been producing “Eye on Oakland” since 2004 with Oakland County Commissioner David Potts (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield), his co-host. “It tends to be about public affairs,” Moss said. “We’ve had people on like (Oakland County Executive L.) Brooks Patterson.” Moss said he and Potts like to keep the program local, and mainly feature municipal officials. “Anything we think might be interesting, we’ll put on,” he said. Another political program, “Bloomfield Township Today,” is produced by BCTV’s Helwig and hosted by Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dave Payne. The show provides information on the latest news and events in the township. “At Your Service,” produced by Bloomfield Township Clerk Jan Roncelli, offers the public useful information on a variety of community topics. A popular program entitled “Talk of the Town,” is produced by Jim Lane, according to Marengere. “He focuses mainly on local issues,” she said. “He will choose maybe three topics per show, and they may be more local topics. The last show he did was on the Lansing budget stalemate and the proposed consolidation of services between Birmingham and Bloomfield Township.” With many programs focused on community organizations, such as the League of Women Voters, historical societies, the Birmingham Area Senior Center, the Birmingham and Bloomfield Republican Women’s Club, and the Birmingham Senior Women’s Club, Marengere said BCTV programming covers nearly any issue. “We’ll go on location and cover meetings or talks,” she said. “Interface Odyssey,” an Emmy award-winning program featuring representatives of different religions, has been in production for quite a few years, according to Marengere. The highly-regarded program is produced by Lynne Boyle. “We have a whole list of religious shows that we air on Sunday afternoons,” she said. Also in the religious programming lineup is “New Beginnings,” produced by William Townsend. The show focuses on the teachings of the word of God. Sandy Debicki, producer of “Age Busters,” started the program in 2008 when she felt the need for an exercise program geared toward seniors wasn’t being addressed. “I had done some research, and had looked at some retail stores, and saw nothing for seniors,” she said. It takes Debicki and an exercise instructor a month to produce a single “Age Busters” program, from the conceptual idea to production. “It’s really exciting because we’re getting great feedback now from people who are watching it,” Debicki said. “We’re getting wonderful testimonials from people who have gotten out of the hospital, need exercise, and are now working with ‘Age Busters.’” “Active Living,” produced by Sally Savoie and Christine Tvaroha, also offers information to local seniors. The program highlights activities available at the Bloomfield Township Senior Center. Greg Thrasher, producer of “Plane Ideas,” explores topics including politics, food, art, music and more with his program. “It’s not just a talking head show,” he said. “We do poetry, spoken word, music, interviews, and feature every kind of personality. I let the guests do their thing and I kind of get out of the way.” Thrasher said he looked around and saw no other African-American program hosts on the system, and he wanted to fill the diversity void. “I think I’m the first black host,” he said. Henry Gornbein, one of the longest-running producers of a BCTV program, has produced “Practical Law,” a legal program that tackles topics ranging from the Kwame Kilpatrick mayoral scandal to how to deal with identity theft, for the past 12 years. “Chief Justice Marilyn Kelly of the (Michigan) Supreme Court recently shot a show,” Gornbein said. “The range of topics really runs the gamut.” Gornbein, a Bloomfield Township resident and founding and managing partner of Gornbein Smith Peskin-Shepherd PLLC in Bloomfield Hills, counts various media figures, judges, and lawyers Sam Bernstein and Geoffrey Fieger among some of his “Practical Law” guests. “It takes about 40 minutes to do a half-hour show at the set, and I generally do two at a time,” he said. “My goal is to really take legal issues and demystify them so that the lay public can understand them.” Another long-time BCTV producer, Cindy Kainz, produces the eclectic program called “Bottom Line.” The show has been in production for about 14 years and covers a wide range of topics. ➤

CABLE FEES Communities get percentage By Katey Meisner Cable television providers in the state of Michigan must enter into franchise agreements with municipal officials before being allowed to offer services in a community. Key aspects of the franchise agreements are provisions calling for the payment of fees by cable television providers to municipalities and/or cable authorities. The franchise fees required under municipal franchise agreements are a percentage of the cable provider’s annual gross receipts in a community that are paid to the community each year. Cable television providers — namely Comcast and AT&T in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area — also pay an annual public, educational, and government (PEG) programming fee based on a percentage of gross annual receipts in the community. These fees are also paid back to the community to buy television production equipment and produce PEG programming. PEG fees are handled by quasi-governmental entities such as a cable commission, cable authority, or cable board representing one or more municipalities, leaving each individual community to directly receive and handle annual franchise fee revenues. “In Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, programming produced by BCTV (Bloomfield Community Television) is only carried by Comcast,” said Jo Marengere, administrative assistant and publication specialist for BCTV. In the City of Birmingham, local municipal and community access programming is carried by both Comcast and AT&T, according to Bob Borgon, executive director of the Birmingham Area Cable Board (BACB). “The franchise fees for (Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills) is 5 percent, and the PEG fees are negotiated by each community, varying between 2 and 3 percent,” Marengere said. “AT&T pays about 10 to 12 percent of the total fees we collect from both Comcast and AT&T,” Borgon said. “The bulk of the cable TV business is still dominated by Comcast. We’ve asked other providers to come to Birmingham and surrounding communities to offer their services, but the cost to build the infrastructure to put up the cable wires is in the millions of dollars. So, we’re kind of stuck.” Comcast offers service throughout Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham and Franklin; but only 80 to 90 percent of residents living in those communities use it, according to Borgon. He said the PEG fees are used to issue grants to the local schools and buy equipment for the municipalities to make sure they can record and air their local government meetings. “We’ve also given grants to the municipal police and fire departments to receive cable and Internet connections,” Borgon said. “For the franchise fees, we spend about onethird of the budget to run the two stations at BCTV and the rest is for expenses that the board incurs.” Neither Comcast nor AT&T representatives would divulge how many subscribers they have in the BirminghamBloomfield area, due to competition considerations. The following is a listing of the total cable franchise and PEG fee revenues recently paid by Comcast and AT&T to Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township. • Birmingham (2008-09 fiscal year, running from July 1June 30): Franchise fees — $245,992.51; PEG fees — $247,608; • Bloomfield Hills (2008-09 fiscal year, running July 1June 30): Franchise fees — $91,654; PEG fees — $66,246; • Bloomfield Township (2008-09 fiscal year, running from April 1-March 31): Franchise fees — $710,540; PEG Fees — $423,452. ■

“I highlight topics that are health-related,” she said. “Another area that I highlight is some of the non-profit organizations, such as HAVEN, Crossroads Pregnancy Center, Leader Dogs for the Blind, the Special Olympics and even the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit.” Kainz has covered issues such as reverse mortgages, identity theft, financial planning for retirement, and help for first-time home buyers. “I guess some of it is my own personal quest for knowledge,” Kainz said. “It’s just to bring about topics that I would think would be of interest to my friends, my family and neighbors.” “Spectacles — A New Focus,” has been produced by Betsy Laboe for nearly five years. “Ellen Rogers came on to co-host about two-and-a-half years after the show began,” Laboe said. “We take a closer look at women in the community. We talk about some of their accomplishments.” Laboe said she felt the need to put the spotlight on women, from featuring women who design clothing and practice medicine to those who model. “They are very talented and they need to be highlighted,” she said. Gregory Bator, producer of “Graceful Aging,” has been producing his program since June 2009. “It’s a show I’ve long wanted to do,” he said. “Aging happens, like it or not. I’ve been an attorney for approaching 30 years, and my practice focuses on seniors.” Bator said he’s brought in experts from different areas to address issues important to seniors, covering topics like handling a fall and cooking tips. Another senior program called “Senior Matters” has produced approximately 60 shows over a two-and-a-half-year period, according to producer Greg Jamian. The program features everything from financial matters and health to preventing theft and fraud. “The purpose of the show is to provide community information, and I put a lot of time and effort into it,” he said. “The effort behind the scenes is usually a two- to three-hour minimum per half-hour show. We wanted to provide a high-quality program for the viewing audience, and we try to pick and choose programming that’s suitable to our demographic.” The BCTV studio and staff are talented and highly-capable, according to Jamian. “You’re only as good as the back room staff, and Bloomfield Township has made a commitment to keep this funded, and it was a wise decision on their part,” he said. Dr. Niru Prasad, a board-certified pediatric and emergency medicine physician, has been producing “Health Talk” for nearly four years. “I’m in the health care business and have been for 30 years,” Prasad said. “I invite different experts from all fields of medicine to discuss hot topics like the flu. I try to be seasonal, so I will soon be inviting guests to talk about holiday depression.” Tara Kachaturoff, creative producer and host of “Michigan Entrepreneur,” is an entrepreneur who took an interest in producing a business-based program for BCTV. “Basically, I feature Michigan entrepreneurs, founders of companies from start-up to stellar,” Kachaturoff said. “I’m talking to people who are starting their company today to people with $50 million in revenue.” Kachaturoff said she strictly highlights founders of companies, not franchise holders. Having produced “Michigan Entrepreneur” for nearly five years, Kachaturoff has also worked in the corporate financial arena her entire professional life. “I love talking and I always wanted a television talk show,” she said. “Obviously, I’m an entrepreneur and I love talking to people about what motivates them and inspires them. I love being able to share people’s creativity with other people and I can do that through the TV show.” Jonathan Swift, producer of “Dining Out,” provides a behind-the-scenes look at area restaurants. He also produces “Global Connections,” which explores the international cultural, music and political scene and how community residents make an impact on that level. John Sauve, producer of “Art and Design,” features interviews with local artists. “Technology and You,” produced by Robert Kachadourian, focuses on the use of technology in current times. Newer BCTV programs include “Library Highlights,” produced by long-time volunteer Rita Sol, which features the services that local libraries offer. Brand new to BCTV is “The Jack Frost Show,” produced by disc jockey Cleven Williams. He highlights and interviews local musicians, providing them the opportunity to perform for the viewing audience. According to Helwig, BCTV has just logged their 500th program for 2009. Perhaps there’s a show with your name on it waiting to be produced. ■ 30

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DECEMBER 2009

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hen Birmingham resident Parker Lynch moved to Bangkok, Thailand in search of a teaching position, he found more than just an exciting career opportunity: He found love and the opportunity to become Thailand's Ultimate Explorer. "I didn't know Aubrey (Hang) until I came to Thailand, but oddly enough she's from Grosse Pointe, Mich.," Lynch said. "I met up with her not long after I came to Thailand and she was able to show me around a little bit and help me get acclimated." It wasn't long before Lynch and Hang began to date and the adventurous couple discovered The Ultimate Thailand Explorers travel competition. As one of five finalist couples, Lynch and Hang hope to win the opportunity to travel to Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui while documenting their travels in order to promote Thailand's top travel destinations. "Voting starts on Dec. 1 and goes through Jan. 8," Lynch said. "That's when we really need people to start voting for us." A Cranbrook alumnus, Lynch said moving to Thailand was a big culture

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This year, use your flex spending dollars on your face. THE PAPER

DECEMBER 2009

■ municipal Bloomfield Hills ledgers earn unqualified opinion

Breath test now voluntary under MIP ordinance

By Lisa Brody

By Brooke Meier

The city of Bloomfield Hills’ fiscal year 2009 financial ledgers have earned the highest possible endorsement from representatives of the city’s auditing firm. The Bloomfield Hills City Commission was presented with its annual audit report on Tuesday, Nov. 10. By law, the city must have an audit conducted yearly and presented to the commission. Plante & Moran auditors performed the audit and presented their findings to the commission and the city. They gave the city’s ledgers an unqualified opinion, the highest that can be given. The audit report noted declining revenues, which was no surprise, according to City Manager Jay Cravens, as property values have been falling and state revenue sharing allocations to the city have decreased. “In 2010, revenues will continue to be lower because property values are down, and 60 percent of what we collect are property taxes,” Cravens said. “We will have two options in 2010: we’ll have to continue to cut back and let go employees, or raise the millage. In this political climate, raising the millage is difficult.” The audit report revealed the city’s general fund balance was down $210,000 from the figure documented at the end of the 2008 fiscal year. In 2008, the general fund balance was $4.41 million at the end of the fiscal year; in 2009, there was $4.19 million left in the general fund. Expenditures for the city have risen in some categories between 2008 and 2009. Public safety expenditures rose from $3.7 million in 2008 to $4.1 million in 2009. The general government fund spent $2.6 million in 2009, vs. $2.2 million in 2008. Public works had expenditures of $1.31 million in 2009; in 2008 the expenditures were $1.24 million. Expenses for the 48th District Court in 2008 were $319,664, and in 2009 they were $421,279. Debt services rose to $1.49 million in 2009 from $1.38 million in 2008. Capital expenditures were down, to $2.7 million in 2009 from $3.4 million during the previous fiscal year. “There are some increases, because some costs are personnel, some are legacy costs, and some are retiree costs,” Cravens said. “However, we still have a fund balance in the city.” Cravens said that in 2012, under the city’s five-year financing plan, the city’s undesignated fund balance will be depleted if costs continue to rise and revenues don’t stabilize.

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved new language in the township’s Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) ordinance to reflect recent case law that states minors are no long required to take a preliminary breath test when it’s suspected they’ve consumed alcohol — it’s now voluntary. That change stems from three Michigan cases in which a required preliminary breath test was ruled an illegal search and seizure. The most recent case came out of Troy, where minors at a party were subjected to preliminary breath tests. The minors were allegedly drinking alcohol, and the police officer who responded to the party administered preliminary breath tests to the youths. A defendant in the case blew a 0.025 percent blood-alcohol level and was cited with a minor in possession (MIP) offense. In court, the defendant argued that the city’s MIP ordinance was unconstitutional because it allowed a police officer to perform a warrantless search, and that no exception to the search warrant requirement applied. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan has ruled in two cases that a similarly-worded state statute is unconstitutional. As a result, the ordinance was changed from, “A peace officer who has reasonable cause to believe a person under 21 years of age has consumed alcoholic liquor or has any bodily alcohol content may require the person to submit to a preliminary chemical breath analysis” to “A peace officer who has reasonable cause to believe a person under 21 years of age has consumed alcoholic liquor or has any bodily alcohol content may request the person to submit to a preliminary chemical breath analysis.” In addition, the sentence following the changed language was removed because it stated, “A person who refuses to submit to a preliminary chemical breath test analysis as required in this subsection is responsible for a civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $100.” Kirt Bowden, Bloomfield Township Police Chief, said he is happy with the changes. “They reflect what we’ve already been practicing.” “We just needed the change to reflect recent case law. It was a simply procedure,” he said. “We are up to date in our operations in the field - it was just time to change the verbage in the ordinance.” ■

www.oaklandpaper.com

Variance rejected Gas station will have to build wall By Lisa Brody

he Ghafari Mobil Gas station at Oak Street between Old Woodward and Woodward Avenue, which is looking to rebuild its convenience store and expand by adding a 24-hour Tim Horton’s coffee and doughnut store, was denied a variance to omit a screening wall during a Tuesday, Nov. 10 Birmingham Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) meeting. According to Jana Ecker, the city’s planning director, the business is required to have a 32-inch masonry screening wall around the perimeter of the parking area. The owners of the gas station didn’t want to put one up on the eastern edge of the parking area, where the Tim Horton’s drive through area would be, stating it would create sight-line problems. “It would not,” Ecker said. The owners of the gas station want to rebuild the gas station, place the convenience store component closer to Oak Street and add a second floor. A Tim Horton’s would be situated adjacent to the convenience store on the east side, with access to the drive through off of either Woodward Avenue or Old Woodward. Drivers would drive inside the building and come out onto Woodward. Residents of the condominiums on Old Woodward across from the gas station have expressed concerns about the plans to Birmingham officials, stating worries about increased traffic congestion. The owners applied for a variance for the masonry screening wall on the eastern edge of the property, but the BZA didn’t agree they had a hardship, and turned the gas station down. Short of suing the city in circuit court, the owners will need to comply with the screening wall requirement. Ecker said the city’s Planning Board hasn’t seen formal project plans yet, although Ghafari Mobil still has time to submit them before the next Planning Board meeting on Dec. 9. ■ “It may be a recommendation we give to the commission to raise the millage, based on these audit numbers,” he said. “Last spring, we did recommend to the commission to raise the millage, and the commission declined to do that. Other communities are tapped out, and don’t have that ability. We do.” Bloomfield Hills’ millage is currently at 8.3 mills. Under the Headlee Amendment to the state’s Constitution, Bloomfield Hills can raise the millage to 11.3 mills without going to the city’s voters for approval. A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the

property’s market value. The owner of a property with a taxable value of $200,000 ($400,000 market value) pays $1,660 a year in property taxes to support the city’s general operations. Cravens said he will know what his recommendation to the commission will be in the spring, after property assessments and taxes are determined, and the budget is determined. “We’ll have a general idea of our budget in January, and release the forecast in February,” he said. The budget is generally drafted in March, with approvals by the commission granted in May. The city operates on a July 1-June 30 fiscal year. ■

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■ municipal Bloomfield Hills staffing assessment suggests changes By Lisa Brody Personnel and service changes, consolidations and cuts are among the recommendations in a staffing study commissioned by Bloomfield Hills officials to help determine how to address projected budget shortfalls in future years. The Bloomfield Hills City Commission received the final results of a citywide staffing assessment and efficiency study at its Nov. 10 meeting. The study was performed by Plante & Moran in order to help city officials address budget challenges. The study analyzed the operations of three key functions of the city’s government, including general government, public safety, and public works. Plante & Moran representatives found areas of great efficiency in all three areas of the local government, and others which could benefit from cost cutting or consolidation. The firm noted that Bloomfield Hills, like the majority of Michigan municipalities, is facing significant fiscal constraints due to the current economy and decreasing property tax revenues. Plante & Moran staff found that the city would have to spend an additional $1.91 million over the next five years, or 21 percent more, if no changes were made and the city continued to conduct businesses and provide services as it does now. That, in conjunction with declining revenues, would create a projected $3.42 million budget shortfall over the next five years. Rather than raising taxes to cover the shortfall, the study suggests areas where the city could consider changes or cuts. There are six full-time and one part-time employee in the general government — a city manager, treasurer/finance director, city clerk, building official, building department clerk, treasury clerk, and a part-time code enforcement officer. The study found that comparable to other cities of the same size, and suggests that the city create as flexible a workforce as possible to accomplish its daily activities, including cross-training the city clerk and front office clerks. The study suggests outsourcing trade permits and inspections to Bloomfield Township, and if that’s viable, to consider eliminating the city’s Building Department clerk position and instead create a few part-time customer support/administrative positions. It was also recommended that the city consider purchasing a phone system data reporting module so the city can evaluate incoming call volumes and appropriately determine staffing levels for customer service. 36

More river bank erosion Latest problem located on private site By Lisa Brody

ore waterfront erosion has been discovered along the Rouge River banks adjacent to Birmingham’s Booth Park, following a wet spring that caused similar problems elsewhere in the city. This time, the erosion is on private property at the edge of the Brookside Town Home condominium property. “The cause of the erosion is from natural corrosive forces of water against a bend in the river, and not from the park construction,” said Assistant City Engineer Brendan Cousino of the Birmingham Engineering Department. The condominium owners have hired an engineer and design firm, King & MacGregor Environmental and Ecological Consulting of Canton, to determine the extent of the erosion problem, and how to rectify it. “We hope to begin in late fall or early winter, and it will take between two to four weeks to correct, weather depending,” said Derek Stratelak, King & MacGregor’s project manager, wetland consultant, and hydrologist. He said he anticipates the project costing approximately $50,000, which the condo owners will pay. “Because of the configuration of the condos, and the steep slope of the river, accessing the river from their area of the condos, where the work needs to be done, is really impossible,” Cousino said. “It’s very difficult to get machinery down there. The engineers have requested access through Booth Park, although the city doesn’t yet have an agreement submitted.” The erosion must be corrected or it will continue. The owners of Brookside condominiums must follow city procedure, submitting an agreement with plans to do the work, which is then reviewed first by the city attorney, then by the Parks Department, followed by the Engineering Department. Once it has met with all of their standards and policies, it will be put before Birmingham’s City Commission for approval. Once the City Commission authorizes the work to proceed, King & Macgregor will have to get a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) permit, and then a Birmingham soil erosion permit. In order to prevent further erosion over time, natural plantings and growth, which will help to hold the soil in place, will be placed at the site. “They are also planning on putting a channel structure in place, which is large rocks in the stream bed, just as the city did in Booth Park, to concentrate the flow of water away from the stream banks and toward the center of the channels,” Cousino said. “The approach is consistent with natural stream channel design protocols,” Stratelak said. Earlier in the year, the city spent about $316,000 to address river bank erosion in Booth Park adjacent to Old Woodward and Brookside Avenue. Several areas of Birmingham have needed road and stream bank construction repairs due to a wet spring, Cousino said, including the east side of Old Woodward and along Shirley and Lincoln. The city spent less than $100,000 three years ago to stabilize the river bank and halt erosion in Booth Park. That problem was in a different location than the recent erosion in and around Booth Park, and unrelated. ■ Fully 54 percent of the city’s annual budget goes to public safety. The staffing study finds significant areas where the city could reduce its expenditures, including considering

staffing reductions, outsourcing the dispatch position, approaching Bloomfield Township to provide full fire and EMS coverage for Bloomfield Hills, contracting with the Oakland

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County Sheriff’s Department for police services, and extending the replacement for police and fire vehicles to preserve capital for the future. A key recommendation, which wouldn’t only save money, but time and potentially lives, is the outsourcing of fire and EMS services. According to the report, “We recommend approaching Bloomfield Township for discussions surrounding providing full fire and EMS coverage for the city. The township currently has capabilities beyond the depth of the city’s current department, given the staffing, equipment, close station proximity and advanced life support services offered its residents.” In addition, the report states the township could provide better response times on EMS calls. The study recommends considering partnering with another municipality for police services or the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department because currently the city is spending approximately $300 per incident. The study also suggests Bloomfield Hills approach Birmingham and/or Bloomfield Township regarding a collaborative or contractual arrangement for public works activities to reduce the city’s cost structures. Some work the Department of Public Works (DPW) does is a burden to the city, and should be outsourced, according to the report. It also recommends that a policy and procedure manual, as well as job descriptions, be created for the DPW. City Manager Jay Cravens said the entire staffing study has been posted on Bloomfield Hills’ website at bloomfieldhillsmi.net, and that city officials are looking for public comments on the report and its recommendations. The City Commission is expected to discuss the report during its Tuesday, Dec. 8 meeting. ■

Eton construction, water main work finally completed Road reconstruction along Eton between Maple and 14 Mile roads is finally complete. Construction began in late July, and all work was finished Saturday, Nov. 14, when the final layer of asphalt was laid. In addition to repaving the road, water main replacement took place on the north end of the road. The project caused a disruption for some area businesses. Matt Rafferty, owner of the Whistle Stop restaurant, said his business was enduring a great deal of hardship due to the construction. “My business was already down 30 to 40 percent due to the economy prior to the construction,” he said. ■ DECEMBER 2009

■ municipal Safety paths slated for construction in township next year By Brooke Meier Six new safety path stretches are scheduled to be constructed next year in Bloomfield Township, following action by the Board of Trustees on Monday, Nov. 9. The paths, constructed in accordance with the township’s safety path master plan, will be funded through the township’s safety path millage. The new paths will be constructed along Squirrel, 14 Mile, Wing Lake, Telegraph and Square Lake roads, according to Wayne Domine, director of engineering and environmental services. With the paths approved, the Engineering Department can now move forward and design, survey, plan and write specifications for bids so that the bidding process can take place in early 2010. Domine said the department will also hold meetings with individual residents to discuss their concerns regarding likely path locations adjacent to their homes, before the projects go out for construction bids. A total of six new safety path routes were approved with a total budget cost of approximately $1.5 million. An additional $80,000 to $90,000 is budgeted for sidewalk work in Bloomfield Village. As part of the millage, the township agreed to maintain and repair paths in the village, according to Domine. “These paths have been on the list for a while,” said Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dave Payne. “We try to take the paths on somewhat sequentially, in a way that makes sense systematically, so we can get the best price.” The safety path millage, which is currently collected at the rate of 0.4839 mills, is a five-year levy that was first adopted by voters in 1998. It was renewed in 2003 and 2008. A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value. The owner of a property in the township with a $100,000 taxable value ($200,000 market value) currently pays $48.39 a year in property taxes to support safety path construction and maintenance. “It’s been very popular in the township,” Payne said of the millage. “Some people have been saying, since we’re having financial difficulty, ‘Why don’t you take the money from the safety path prowww.oaklandpaper.com

Shain Park reopens Some site work yet to be completed By Lisa Brody

hain Park was officially re-opened to the public for Veterans Day ceremonies on Wednesday, Nov. 11, when officials laid wreaths on relocated World War II and Civil War monuments. A new flag pole was erected near the monuments in the northwest corner of the park a few days before the Veterans Day ceremonies. However, not all Shain Park improvement work has been completed. The contractor is finishing a granite streetscape on Merrill Street surrounding the Marshall Fredericks sculpture, “Freedom of the Human Spirit,” which soars from the center of Merrill Street. “Park lights, to be placed around the park and around the walkways, will be delivered early in December, and installed shortly thereafter,” said Brendan Cousino, Assistant City Engineer in the Birmingham Engineering Department. Granite columns with granite balls on top will be installed just in from the pedestrian walkways during the next few weeks to keep automobiles out of the walkways. A green construction fence will be removed in early December after the site work is completed. Trees and sod will planted in the spring. Erosion control blankets will be placed over the bare soil for the winter, and people will be asked to remain on the walkways, according to Cousino. The city’s traditional holiday tree lighting will still continue, jumping across Henrietta Street to the front of City Hall this year, according to Principal Shopping District Director John Heiney. “We will be lighting up all of City Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 6 p.m.,” he said. The Santa House will be back at Shain Park, on Henrietta between Merrill and Martin. “We’re running special power to it, and it will be nicely decorated,” Heiney said. ■ gram and use it elsewhere?’ Legally we can’t do that. The voters voted that money for a specific purpose and that’s what we’re obligated to spend it on.” The following safety path routes are set to be constructed in 2010: • Long Lake Road/from Franklin Road to the township line; • Square Lake Road/from Klingensmith to the township line; • Square Lake Road/from Fieldway to Hickory Grove; • Franklin Road/from Square Lake Road to Kendry; • Woodward Avenue/from Highland to Square Lake Road; and

• Square Lake Road/from Squirrel to the International Academy. ■

Birmingham gets $36,201 in federal CDBG funding By Lisa Brody The Birmingham City Commission held a public hearing on Nov. 9 before approving the allocation of 2010 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to public service agencies and community projects

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benefiting the city. The federal CDBG program provides funds to benefit low-and moderate-income residents to renovate older housing, revitalize neighborhoods, provide human services, and rebuild community infrastructure. Projects beneficial to an individual or family are judged based on income, and projects beneficial to the community in general may only occur in census tracts which meet federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) criteria for lowand moderate-income areas. The commission authorized spending a total of $36,201 in CDBG funds for 2010. Of that, $7,500 was set aside for yard services and $3,360 was appropriated for senior services. Another $18,101, or half of the total allocation, was put towards removing architectural barriers at the Allen House Museum by removing the porch doors and threshold and making them Americans With Disabilities Act- compliant. The final $7,240 will go to the Planning Department to help cover salaries and wages for staff that will administer these programs. Despite requesting public comments, there were none at the Nov. 9 hearing, nor any commissioner comments. The commission approved the CDBG spending proposal in a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Scott Moore abstained, citing a conflict as a board member for the Birmingham Area Seniors Coordinating Council (BASCC). ■

Sears Outlet fills grocery space inside Kmart store A Sears Outlet store has moved into the Kmart on Telegraph Road north of Square Lake Road in Bloomfield Township, filling the void left by the removal of the grocery section from the store. This is one of three such Kmarts in the nation, according to Kim Freely, spokesperson for Sears Holding Corp. The other two are located in North Carolina. “These were formally Kmart Super Centers,” Freely said. “Within the last year, the grocery centers were removed from these stores. We had the open space, so we decided to put an outlet location there.” According to Freely, there are at least a dozen other outlet stores in the country located next to or near Kmarts. “This is just a partnership that made sense. There are 180 to 200 Kmarts that have Sears products in them. We are continually looking for synergies between the two formats,” Freely said. The Sears section of the Kmart store opened on Oct. 2 and held it’s grand opening event on Oct. 24. ■ 37

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A public hearing was expected to be held on Monday, Nov. 23 to garner comments on the $72,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds slated for allocation to a minor home repair program run by Bloomfield Township Senior Services. The proposed allocation was discussed by the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Nov. 9, and approved for public comment. This will be the second year in a row that all of the township’s CDBG funds will be dedicated to the program. Christine Tvaroha, director of senior services, appeared at the township board’s Nov. 9 meeting to update township board members on the program and it’s success over the last year. The $72,000 in CDBG funds must be spent in the next three years. Public comments were heard during a Nov. 23 township board meeting. Without objections, the township’s CDBG application were to be approved and submitted to the county for final approval. In the meantime, Tvaroha said Senior Services will continue to spend the CDBG funds they received for the 2009 program year. “It’s a new program for us,” she said. “A year-and-a-half ago or so the county approached us and said our community would be eligible for this program, and asked us if we wanted to partner with them and put in an application.” The township board approved the application, and a new service was created with the funds to serve seniors. “Half of our residents are over the age of 50, so it made sense,” Tvaroha said. In addition, Tvaroha said the program doesn’t just benefit the lowincome seniors eligible for receiving the home repair funds. “It benefits their neighbors and neighborhood,” she said. “We see it as an investment in maintaining property values. That’s good for all residents.” The program provides funds for things like roof repairs, new windows, and updates on electrical or plumbing systems. “The primary purpose is, of course, safety and energy savings,” Tvaroha said. “If someone has leaky windows, that is an issue. We also have cases where we address accessibility. One of our current customers has some issues with the cracked, old sidewalk leading to her home. It’s uneven and creates a real diffi-

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culty for anyone with low mobility like she has. In that sense, safety is the key.” The program can also be used to address ordinance issues, like fallen trees in a yard, for example. To be eligible for the funds, a resident must be 62 or older, reside in Bloomfield Township, and be in the low- to moderate-income bracket. According to Tvaroha, for a twoperson household to qualify, the maximum household income is $28,400. Depending on the number of eligible applicants in the next year, Tvaroha said the township board may look at raising the income eligibility threshold. “What we’re doing now is kind of testing the field because it’s a new program,” she said. “We just got a new list of possible applicants from our Assessor’s Office. We are going to approach those folks and continue to market the program. My guess is by next April we will decide whether or not to raise income requirements according to federal guidelines.” The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually allocates the block grant funds to participating communities through county governments, based on set criteria. CDBG money must be used to improve the quality of life for senior citizens, youth or low- to moderate-income residents. The funds can be used to renovate older housing, revitalize neighborhoods, provide human services, and rebuild community infrastructure. ■

Art fair location, date changes OK’d by commission By Lisa Brody Birmingham’s spring art scene will look a little different next year due to a need to hold the event in a new location. The traditional spring art fair, which has taken place for years on Mother’s Day weekend, will be held in a new location and on a different date in 2010. The newly-redesigned Shain Park will have to settle for most of 2010, preventing city-sponsored events from taking place there, including the art fair. Re-named Art Birmingham, the juried art fair will be relocated to Old Woodward between Maple Road and Hazel Street. Jane Linn, president and CEO of the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, which sponsors Art Birmingham, came before the Birmingham City Commission on Nov. 9 with a resolution to have the art fair’s location moved and the date changed from Mother’s Day weekend, May 7-8, to the following ➤ DECEMBER 2009

■ municipal

Hoff, Sherman, Nickita elected Brice, Harris, Pisano sent to library board; Soifer re-elected irmingham voters came to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3 to fill open seats on the City Commission and Baldwin Public Library Board of Directors; while voters in the Birmingham School District filled a Board of Education seat and Bloomfield Hills voters weighed in on a proposed charter amendment. The following is a breakdown of election results in the BirminghamBloomfield area. BIRMINGHAM CITY COMMISSION Voters in Birmingham re-elected a pair of incumbent candidates and one of five challengers to fill three open seats on the City Commission. Rackeline Hoff, first elected to the commission in 2001, was reelected with 1,624 votes, or 23 percent of the votes. Stuart Lee Sherman, a tax attorney finishing his first commission Rackeline Hoff term, also won re-election with 1,607 votes, or 22.76 percent of the votes. Mark Nickita, a longterm member of Birmingham’s Planning Board who is an architect and urban designer, was elected to his first term on the commission with 1,463 votes, or 20.72 percent of the total. Dulce Fuller, Stuart Lee who has owned Sherman the Woodward & Maple boutique on East Maple in downtown Birmingham for 18 years, finished fourth in the field with 865 votes, and 12.25 percent

of the votes. Andrew Meyer, a small business consultant, received 766 votes, 10.85 percent of the vote. Christina Fleischer-Casper, a stay-athome mother, received 371 votes, for 5.25 percent of the votes. Edward Lichten, a physician practicing in Birmingham, garnered 358 votes, or 5.07 percent of the votes. “I think that experience and involvement made the difference (in the election),” Hoff said. “The three who were elected have strong backgrounds and a lot of experience in Birmingham’s city government.” Going forward, the new commissioners say the priorities they are Mark Nickita focusing on are finding a new city manager to replace Tom Markus, who is retiring next year, and balancing the budget in light of declining state shared revenues and property tax collections. “I also want to work with businesses coming into the city, and on roads and sidewalks,” Nickita said. “My agenda is to do what’s best for the city as a whole,” Sherman said. Meyer said he will return to the ballot. “I’m a newcomer, but I plan to stick around. I’ll try again in two years,” he said. City commissioners serve fouryear terms and are paid $5 per meeting. LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sheila Brice, incumbent Andrew M. Harris, and Frank Pisano were tapped by voters to fill three open seats on Birmingham’s Baldwin Public Library Board of Directors. Library board members serve four-

weekend, May 15-16. Commissioners unanimously approved the changes. “We will have fewer booths on Old Woodward,” Linn said. “Two years ago, we had 244 booths, and this year (2010), we will have 188 booths. By going into the streets, it integrates the art into downtown.” Locating the popular art fair to the streets of Birmingham will give it a feel similar to the Ann Arbor Art Fairs. The Birmingham art fair has been

a spring fixture of the local art scene for the past 28 years. For over a decade, the art center has partnered with the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce to produce the event. Earlier this year the chamber was informed the art center was going in a different direction. “The art center came to us and said they wanted to partner with The Guild of Artists and Artisans in Ann Arbor, a non-profit which partners with fairs to do the logistical

By Lisa Brody

www.oaklandpaper.com

year terms and don’t receive compensation for their service. Brice, a former Birmingham Public Schools employee who was director of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, received 1,936 votes, for 34.88 percent of the vote. Harris, an attorney and current library board member, finished second with 1,608 votes, representing 28.97 percent of the vote. Pisano, a financial advisor, received 1,330 votes, or 23.96 percent of the vote. Hermann Fleischer, a former media specialist at Oakland Community College, received 673 votes, or 12.13 percent of the total. “The voters of Birmingham want a better relationship between the library board and the City Commission,” Harris said. “I’ve been working on the library’s good faith efforts to resolve the millage issue and other governance issues.” Brice said she believes voters were looking for a new direction, and reconciliation between library and city officials. “I’m known as a collaborator,” she said. “People were hopeful I can help repair the relationships with Birmingham, Beverly Hills, and Bingham Farms. I want to bring careful oversight to the library’s budget, and to make people aware of everything the library has to offer.” BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION In a close and hotly-contested race, Katie Reiter challenged incumbent Lori Soifer for a seat on the Birmingham School District’s Board of Education. Soifer prevailed with 3,305 votes, or 50.94 percent of the votes. Reiter earned 3,172 votes, or 48.89 percent of votes. Board of Education members serve four-year terms and receive no pay for their service. “My opponent ran a very strong

work,” said Chamber President Carrie Zarotney. The city’s Principal Shopping District (PSD) requested the event date change. PSD Director John Heiney said he has heard concerns from shop owners and restaurateurs about the art fair occurring on Mother’s Day weekend. “The PSD and businesses strongly requested a change from our signature weekend of Mother’s Day weekend,” Linn said, adding she wanted

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campaign, but my record and credentials stood out,” Soifer said. “I’ve worked hard for the last four years, and I’ve been focused on student learning and achievement.” With significant funding Lori Soifer cuts coming, Soifer said Birmingham school board members have their work cut out for them. “The future will be very difficult, but our focus will remain on student learning.” BLOOMFIELD HILLS CHARTER AMENDMENT Bloomfield Hills voters approved Proposition A, which gives the City Commission discretion on when the billing process for a special assessment district (SAD) begins. SADs are used to pay for public projects benefiting a limited number of parcels in a given area by charging a special assessment only to the owners of properties benefiting from the project. A total of 477 votes were cast with 301 votes, or 63.10 percent, in favor and 176 votes, or 36.90 percent, opposed to the charter revision. The proposed amendment to Chapter X, Section 15 of the charter states, “Shall the City Charter be amended to provide that the due date for the first installment and each subsequent annual installment for the special assessment district shall be as determined by the City Commission at the time the assessment roll is confirmed rather than providing for a due date (30) days from the confirmation of the assessment roll?” ■ Brooke Meier contributed to this report.

approval of the event location and date change from the City Commission now in order to have plenty of time to inform the public of the changes. City commissioners asked Linn and Heiney whether businesses on Old Woodward had any concerns about the art fair being located outside their establishments. “Only one restaurant manager had concerns, but they had a dialogue, and they’re fine with it now,” Heiney said. ■ 39

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Bloomfield Hills $2,999,000 Private entry to elegant Estate in City of Bloomfield Hills. Large marble foyer with custom designed dual iron work stairway. Bedroom suites plus large master suite with sitting room. Lower level features pool room, theater/wine cellar/shooting gallery. Attached greenhouse. Four car garage. 29109290 Presented by Ronni Keating

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Sprawling, open floor plan, 2.5 acres on Wing Lake! Spectacular lot with magnificent setting on two lots. Potential masterpiece with today's creative updates. Features separate suite/apartment behind four car garage. Truly unique offering. 29130160 Presented by Ronni Keating

Completely renovated sprawling Ranch on over three acres. Fabulous master suite with custom cabinetry in walk in closet. New gourmet kitchen with granite, fireplace and stainless steel appliances. Salt water pebble tech from gunite pool. Four fireplaces, exercise room and 3 car heated garage. 29137067 Presented by Erin Keating Dewald

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High style and sophistication! Four bedrooms, 4.1 baths, open floor plan and finished lower level. Sellers enlisted top designers for interior finish and Detroit Garden Works for the yard. Granite kitchen, custom outfitted study, great storage, cobblestone drive and lst floor laundry. Recreation room with built-ins, bar area. 29093524 Presented by Sara Lipnitz

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A wonderful traditional Colonial on over two acres. Meticulously constructed and maintained. Freshly painted interior, premium appliances; Jenn Air, sub zero, two ovens, four fireplaces, living room and library. Five car garage. Birmingham schools. 28135735 Presented by Mike Cotter

Not just a pretty face! This lovely Colonial has been exposed to major, beautifully executed updates from top to bottom! Well within subdivision, set on wonderfully landscaped grounds, private yard with gorgeous pool. New four car attached garage. Bloomfield Hills Schools. 29005288 Presented by Mike Cotter

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White Lake Frontage $649,900

"Restoration Hardware" style newer construction with flowing floor plan featuring dark hardwood floors throughout. Gourmet kitchen has honed granite counters, custom cabinets, stainless appliances and opens to the family room with fireplace. Master suite with marble bath and custom walk in closet. 29107564 Presented by Renee Acho

Enjoy fabulous sunset views. Two story gourmet chef 's kitchen opens to great room and dining room overlooking the lake. Master suite with lake views, balcony and beautiful master bath. Finished lower level with possible bedroom or bonus room. 29058206 Presented by Renee Acho

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Bloomfield Hills $1,499,000 A slice of heaven in the City of Bloomfield Hills on 1.45 acres. Updated walk-out Ranch with cedar shake roof and open floor plan. Five bedrooms, 3.2 bathrooms, 3,800+ sqft. Finished lower level boasts an additional 2,687 sqft. Hardwood floors throughout first floor. Magnificent landscape includes ornamental pond and pathways. 29067874 Presented by Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky

Lake Huron Frontage $999,999 $500,000 Price Reduction! 1,300 feet of frontage on Scammon Cove, Lake Huron. Forty-five plus acres with long private gravel driveway but also abuts paved roadway on the east side. Private beach and own deep water boat dock. Great for summer home, bed and breakfast or vacation rental! Seven bedrooms and 3.2 baths. 29140848 Presented by Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky

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Farmington Hills $1,095,000 This gorgeous home features the finest amenities, keynoted by a spectacular two story entry hall with marble floor, crystal chandeliers and a sweeping staircase. Five bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 28093736 Presented by Cheryl Andeer

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Grosse Ile $3,500,000 Magnificent waterfront Estate on over three acres. Five bedrooms, 9.1 baths, 11,000+ square feet. Tennis court with tennis house, vanishing edge pool/spa, covered boat well with hoist for 57 foot yacht. Fabulous view of water, also treed beauty in front. 29126646 Presented by Joanne McGuire

Northville Township $1,899,000 A private gem nestled on two acres. Beautifully designed center entrance Colonial complete with all imported hardwoods. Four bedrooms, 4.3 baths. Lower Level is a second home with theater area. 29145714 Presented by Joanne McGuire

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Metamora $1,499,000 Spectacular Equestrian property with designer perfect Georgian home. Chef 's dream kitchen, beautiful family, living and dining rooms. Second kitchen in lower level. Custom dressage barn inclusive of indoor arena, 15 stalls, tack, laundry, feed and bath room, 10 paddocks and equipment barn. 29016770 Presented by David Busch

Metamora $1,275,000 Custom country French home on twenty acres in the heart of the hunt. High end finishes, four masonry fireplaces, living room with 18â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ceilings, vaulted ceilings in master and gathering room. First floor master, finished walkout. New custom carriage house with high end finishes. House/Carriage House will accommodate seven cars. 28031154 Presented by David Busch

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Imagine walking to the magnificence of a five-acre waterfront estate, complete with richly appointed executive residence and an exquisite corporate retreat. Glorious grounds of the gated estate unfold to reveal the Detroit Riverfront. 29122472 Presented by Kathy Lyons

Welcome to the “Ginger Bread Cottage” with 175 feet of frontage on private Pine Lake. Landmark home designed by William Kuni (Ford Mansion). Loads of charm and updates including brand new kitchen currently under construction. Nine fireplaces. Five car garage. 29062772 Presented by Bill Tracy

Detroit $849,900

Bloomfield $789,900

Historic Indian Village Estate. Impressive front entrance invites you into a period of time where beauty and details of this home abounds in every room. From the hardwoods, original windows, slate roof, Pewabic sandstone, plaster, formal dining room, fireplaces and much more. Seven bedrooms, 3 car garage and separate Carriage House with two bedrooms. 28175905 Presented by Donna Barlow

Maplewood Homes well appointed new construction home for your family's life style and perfect for entertaining. Large treed lot in Wing Lake Shores, Bloomfield Hills schools, and privileges on private Wing Lake. Construction completed November 2009. 29106751 Presented by Lisa Sturdevant

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Contemporary masterpiece overlooking Minnow Lake. Stunning architectural, exotic slate and wood floors throughout. Granite chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen and six bedroom suites. 29141097 $2,890,000. Marjorie Hirschfield & David Kopko

Custom quality is evident in this Cedar Shake home on a deep lot. Lovely blue stone patio and pool. Five bedroom suites. Approximately 6,000 sq. ft. 29140532 $2,195,000. Ronni Keating

You will find unmatched custom craftsmanship and detail in this Victor Saroki design. Three floors of sophisticated living space with three bedrooms and 3.1 baths. 29096779 $1,399,000. Jenny Turner

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Impeccably maintained Contemporary with four bedrooms, 5.2 baths. Cathedral ceiling, marble fireplace, hardwood floors. First floor master with spa bath and two walk in closets. 29079166 $1,195,000. Sara Lipnitz

Amazing custom features and highest end amenities. Beautiful stunning staircase and elegant foyer. First floor master suite. Gourmet kitchen with Sub Zero fridge and all granite sink. 29133514. $999,999. Lisa Sturdevant

Custom built home in Estates of Wyndham Pointe on a private lot backing to nature preserve. Beautiful cherry wood floors and custom millwork. Chef 's kitchen with gas cooktop and island. 29061307 $650,000. Kathy Lyons

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Absolutely elegant unit with gorgeous views of Pine Lake. Fabulous master suite with balcony overlooking lake. Beautiful Brazilian Cherry floors throughout. Elevator to all three levels. 29059758 $599,000. Celeste Cole

Quarton Lake Estates: Nicely updated Colonial on one of the premier streets in Birmingham. Four bedrooms, 4.1 baths, over 3400 sq. ft. 29062467 $599,000. Bev McCotter

Five decks overlooking fabulous site. Open floor plan with updated kitchen, huge granite island and stainless steel appliances. Updated baths with granite and tile. Exercise room with steam shower and sauna. 29011947 $549,000. Kathy Haack

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Beautiful lake front home with over 100 feet of frontage on all-sports Long Lake. Four bedrooms, 3.1 baths with large finished walkout lower level. 29147207 $417,500. Avery Weisling

Beautifully remodeled in 2008 with two large master suites; one on the entry level. Great room with cathedral ceilings and dramatic floor to ceiling fireplace. Three car attached garage. 29058345 $375,000. Candice Cuyler

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■ snapshot

marcy heller fisher

arcy Heller Fisher spent years teaching special education students, but found her true calling when inspiration struck in the form of local Birmingham artist, Marshall Fredericks. "I was up at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum in Saginaw and was blown away by his work," she said. "It was just magnificent. I looked around and I saw my life in there. I knew all the sculptures, and they were like old friends." Fisher, a long-time Bloomfield Township resident, said she had always longed to be a writer and, with the blessing of her husband, she stopped teaching and began working on children's historical fiction. Moved by Fredericks' work, Fisher authored "The Outdoor Museum: The Magic of Michigan's Marshall M. Fredericks," which went on to win the SOS! (Save Outdoor Sculpture) Achievement Award from the Heritage Preservation and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The manuscript nearly went unpublished. Upon Fredericks' death in 1998, his daughter, Suki Fredericks, inquired about the book she'd remembered her father assisting Fisher with years prior, Fisher said. The manuscript was eventually published in 2001. Having made a profound impact on Fisher both personally and profes-

sionally, she created the Marshall Fredericks Photo Safari and Album for the Birmingham Public Schools in 1995, and was eventually hired by the Fredericks' family to work on the compilation and research for the monograph "Marshall M. Fredericks, Sculptor." "Marshall Fredericks was a wonderful, charming, delightful man with a great sense of humor," Fisher said. "Whenever I speak about him in Birmingham, everyone knows him and has a wonderful story about him because he just was a warm, generous fellow." Fisher has also authored "Fired Magic: Detroit’s Pewabic Pottery Treasures." She is now working on a series about Michigan's cultural heritage. Though she and her husband live in Paris part-time, she is still very much a part of the Birmingham and Bloomfield community, where she sits on the Cultural Council of Birmingham/Bloomfield, and was honored as the recipient of the 10th annual Birmingham/Bloomfield Cultural Arts Award in 2005. "This is a community that supports culture. It's a wonderful place to live," she said. — Katey Meisner The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

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■ education Local schools hit by multiple rounds of state spending cuts By Katey Meisner

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Michigan school districts are reeling after Gov. Jennifer Granholm ordered an additional $127 per pupil cut in 2009-10 state funding in late October, enacting a line-item veto in the K-12 school budget the Senate had sent her and claiming the budget didn’t balance. A proposed K-12 budget had already included a cut in state spending of $165 per student. Together with Granholm’s line-item veto, each district will be cut at least $297 in per-pupil spending for the current academic year. Granholm has also used her lineitem veto to eliminate so-called “Section 20J” funding for some districts, including the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills districts. According to Betsy Erikson, communications and community relations director for Bloomfield Hills Schools, the district will lose about $600,000 in 20J funding for the current school year. That cut, in conjunction with the two per-pupil funding reductions will cost the district a total of $2.3 million for the 2009-10 school year.

“I can tell you how we’re making that up,” Erikson said. “We had a slight increase in students over what we projected; we are not paying out early retirement incentives to teachers that we had budgeted for; we also cut central office budgets by about $500,000 and we’re realizing some utility cost cut reductions.” The Bloomfield Hills School District will be able to maintain a balanced budget, Erikson said, but Superintendent Steve Gaynor said he is still displeased with the state funding reductions. “It’s time that the state walk-thetalk,” Gaynor said. “They talk about the importance of education for economic recovery and yet they are doing their best to handicap us from actually making that happen.” The Birmingham Public School District is expecting cuts in excess of $400 per pupil, according to Marcia Wilkinson, director of community relations. Wilkinson said the district is expected to lose approximately $1 million in 20J funding this year, for a total reduction of about $3.3 million for the 2009-10 school year. “We will be announcing (how the district will handle the cuts) within the next week,” Wilkinson said. “Our students are always our top priority and any mid-year reductions would be structured so there is no impact on current programs and services. ■

RASHID

Gaynor plans to leave district after June 30, 2010 By Katey Meisner Bloomfield Hills School District Superintendent Steven Gaynor has announced his intention to retire effective June 30, 2010. “It was a difficult decision, complicated by my respect and fondness for every one of you,” Gaynor said in a statement posted on the district’s website. “The time just felt right,” Gaynor said of his decision to retire. As for what Gaynor intends to do in retirement, he said his goal is to spend more time with his wife and sons. “I love to boat, read and golf,” he said. “So I will do more of all of those.” His decision to retire, according to Gaynor, is bittersweet, as he said he will miss the school district’s students and staff, but not the “Lansing politics and indescribably inadequate funding.” Bloomfield Hills School parents mirror Gaynor’s mixed feelings in regards to his retirement. “I am exultant that (Gaynor) is retiring,” said Bloomfield Hills resident and district parent Indira Hall. “Unfortunately, he isn’t retiring

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■ county Commissioners consider SMART millage proposals By Leslie Shepard-Owsley Mass transit advocates want to place a countywide question on the August 2010 ballot seeking a millage collection in every Oakland County community to support countywide bus service through the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART). The Oakland County Board of Commissioners General Government Committee is now mulling a pair of resolutions authored by two Oakland County Commissioners: Stephen Schwartz (D-Farmington Hills) and John Scott (R-Waterford). The resolutions are timely since an existing four-year SMART millage is slated to expire in 2010. SMART is funded by a 0.59-mill property tax, last renewed by voters in participating Oakland, Wayne and Macomb county communities in 2006. Scott’s resolution would allow individual communities to continue to choose whether to opt in to the Oakland County Public Transportation Authority (OCPTA) while levying the current rate of 0.59 mills needed to fund SMART from 2010 to 2013. A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value. The owner of a property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) pays $59 a year in taxes to support SMART. “I feel if the citizens in the optout communities want bus service from SMART they should petition their respective legislative bodies to put the SMART millage on the ballot,” Scott said. “This way, the voters in the opt-out communities can vote on whether or not they want to pay taxes for bus service from SMART. You can’t raise property taxes during these economic times for a service people won’t use.” Currently, 23 Oakland County communities levy the SMART millage and therefore participate in the county transportation authority, including Birmingham and Bloomfield Township. “Commissioner Schwartz’s resolutions are nothing more than a money grab by SMART because their revenues from property taxes are shrinking,” Scott said. “SMART sees the opt-out communities with high property values like Novi, Rochester, and Rochester Hills, as a great source for new revenue. About 56 percent of the registered voters in www.oaklandpaper.com

Business loan program $500,000 effort to assist county owners By Lisa Brody

he Oakland County Board of Commissioners has agreed to allocate $100,000 for a program to help small businesses in Oakland County acquire loans. The Oakland Microloan Program, sponsored by Commissioner Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak), was approved unanimously by the Board of Commissioners in late September. The details with all pertinent organizations are now being worked out by Oakland County Deputy Executive Douglas J. Smith and Maureen Donohue Krauss, director of the county’s Economic Development and Community Affairs Department. A final proposal was brought before the county board’s Finance Committee for review on Thursday, Nov. 19. Woodward explained that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a mechanism for microlending to small businesses around the country. If an entity or organization puts up 15 percent of the capital, the SBA will provide the remaining 85 percent. In order for this to be achieved, a qualified, certified intermediary must be used. “There is only one qualified intermediary for Oakland County — the Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED),” Woodward said. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, CEED has a long track record as a selective non-profit organization working with entrepreneurs, small business owners, minorities, and women-owned businesses throughout southeast Michigan with a high success rate. Their website (miceed.org) states, “CEED provides a loan program that extends credit to businesses that cannot obtain financing from conventional sources.” CEED is currently working on similar programs with Detroit and the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. Woodward said the Oakland County Board of Commissioners has allocated $100,000 toward the program; $75,000 would go toward microloans and $25,000 would be used to cover administrative costs. The SBA will provide about $425,000; “in effect, granting half-a-million dollars of microloans in Oakland County for our $75,000 investment,” he said. Individual businesses will receive from $500 to $35,000 in loans. If a borrower defaults, the federal government, as the SBA, carries the default, not Oakland County. All loan money will be funneled through CEED. “To leverage several hundred thousand dollars, up to half-a-million dollars based on a $100,000 investment, that’s definitely something to look into,” said Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Bullard Jr. (R-Highland). “At a time when we have had to cut budgets, this is very important,” said Oakland County Commissioner Marcia Gershenson (DBloomfield Hills). “At this time, when small businesses cannot get loans, these microloans will help them get loans, start businesses and create jobs,” Woodward said. “We believe that half-a-million dollars in new capital will protect and/or create 100 new jobs in Oakland County.” ■ Oakland County reside in the 23 optin communities, while 44 percent reside in the opt-out communities. That 56 percent will be receiving a tax cut while keeping the same service they currently receive from SMART, while the 44 percent will be receiving a tax increase with little or no service from SMART (if a countywide SMART millage is collected).” Schwartz’s resolution would authorize a countywide SMART millage question on the ballot, thereby eliminating the traditional opt-in/opt-

out system while lowering the proposed property tax for SMART from 0.59 mills to 0.54 mills or lower. According to Schwartz, the millage would generate between $47 million and $50 million a year, with the potential to build new fixed routes on high traffic roads such as Huron/M-59, Grand River Avenue, 12 Mile Road, and Orchard Lake Road. A new flex route would connect South Lyon to Novi. “The problem with the status quo is that it isn’t financially viable,”

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Schwartz said. “We’ve had a reduction in property values and it’s anticipated to continue. SMART is expected to have operational deficits for the next four years. It’s not a sustainable system, so why enter into any resolution if it can’t support itself. With a countywide tax, it would be financially sustainable, and can expand service and have up to 90 percent direct bus routes so anyone can get anywhere by bus through the county.” In June, SMART trimmed 25 percent of its administrative and nonoperational staff, clipping $1.6 million in costs to sustain its current routes. According to SMART Spokesperson Beth Dryden, SMART has a plan in place to save another $17 million in costs by 2014. SMART has raised its fares to net approximately $3.4 million in additional funding. According to Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Bullard Jr., the problem lies with the communities which would be burdened with an additional tax. “Commissioner Schwartz wants a millage on the ballot that calls for a transportation tax even in those areas that have never been taxed, which encompasses the whole northern and western parts of the county,” he said. SMART routes are currently designed to stop at community borders that have opted out of SMART service. Transit advocates state if each county community collects the millage and joins the SMART system, users would be able to travel easily throughout the county. Schwartz’s resolution establishes a tax rate of 0.50 mills to fund SMART for a one-year term. According to the resolution,70 percent of current SMART riders use public transit for work, and 20 percent of those riders use public transit for school. The countywide funding would maintain the existing level of public transit service, expand service to areas not previously in the network, extend two fixed routes, and provide for 32 new connector para-transit runs while providing about $1 million to support transit enhancements, such as door-to-door or dial-a-ride services for the disabled and elderly. With SMART ridership steadily increasing over the last several years, Schwartz said it makes sense to have a more comprehensive system that could result in receiving more federal dollars for public transit. The county’s administration is opposing Schwartz’s resolution and supporting Scott’s based on several key factors, according to Oakland ➤ 57

THORNETTA DAVIS

■ county

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County Deputy Executive Gerald Poisson. The countywide tax proposal would collect over $29 million from Oakland County taxpayers, for an increase of $7.8 million in taxes over the current levy, according to Poisson. “It’s a good deal for some and bad for others that opt out,” he said. “For the 56 percent of the people who get a tax break and maintain service and force their will on the rest — that’s a great deal for them, but for those of the 44 percent who pay $13 million and get $5 million back, that’s not a good deal. It’s special interest legislation for Commissioner’s Schwartz’s area. The bottom line is whether you force a tax question on those who chose not to participate.” Poisson said the county administration will oppose forcing a countywide vote to increase the amount of local tax revenues fed into a regional transportation system as long as the Regional Transit Coordinating Council’s 65/35 percent formula split continues to be forced upon SMART. Currently, the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) garners the lion’s share of the transit coordinating council’s revenue, with SMART

netting 35 percent. “The formula has cost SMART over $100 million in the last decade,” Poisson said. “In 2009 alone the mandate has cost SMART $17 million, an amount nearly equal to that raised by the county transit authority’s current levy, and legislation won’t change that. Currently SMART only gets 27 percent from the state’s match for operating expenses while the state continues to divert $600 million to other bills. If the state chooses not to invest in public transit, why should local communities supplant the diverted tax dollars? In addition and starting in 2005, MDOT’s (Michigan Department of Transportation) director bypassed the 65/35 formula and sent operating subsidies directly to the People Mover, costing SMART over $7 million since then. These inadequacies must be fixed before the county executive will support any change.” The Oakland County Board of Commissioners General Government Committee plans to review the SMART millage resolutions on Monday, Nov. 30 before submitting recommendations to the full county board on Dec. 2. ■

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■ state Panel would study school district consolidations By Lisa Brody In an effort to take the first step toward school district reform, state Rep. Fred Miller (D-Mt. Clemens) has introduced a bill to create a nonpartisan School District Modernization Advisory Commission to review school district boundaries in the state and see where consolidation might make financial sense. “Politicians and leaders of every party recognize that education is crucial to Michigan’s economic recovery, yet we are seeing wave after wave of cuts to education,” Miller said. “These repeated cuts to education are emphasizing the need to rethink the way we deliver this most important service, public education.” House Bill (HB) 5561 would create a temporary commission composed of 15 members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, to review current school district boundaries and identify instances where consolidation of two or more school districts, or the division of a larger school district, would result in “significant cost savings without negative educational impact.” “There are currently almost 550 school districts in Michigan,” Miller said. “The current system was devised in the 1940s, when it went from 4,000 districts to the current amount. Now, Michigan is a very different place. While everyone has a sense of loyalty to their community, their schools, their teams, and their mascots, we need to revamp.” Miller said the idea of creating a commission to study district boundaries and consolidation — thereby taking politics and personal loyalty out of the decision-making process — came to him when the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission Report, regarding U.S. military base closings, was released, as his district is next to Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township. The goal of the base closure report was to ensure the integrity of the base closure and realignment process as an objective and independent action for review and analysis, without political bias. “This (School District Modernization Advisory) commission is designed to take politics out of the discussion of school district boundaries,” Miller said. “Some should be consolidated, some annexed, some perhaps even subdivided. We left it vague to allow the commission to set its goals. The key is the outcome, which is quality of education.” According to the bill, one member of the commission would be appointed by the Senate Majority Leader, www.oaklandpaper.com

DNR-DEQ consolidation Senate votes to block pending merger By Brooke Meier

he state Senate has taken action on a resolution to overturn a gubernatorial executive order to recombine the state Departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Environmental Quality (DEQ), passing it on a party line vote of 22-15 with one excused vote. State Sen. John Pappageorge (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield) voted to approve the resolution. Following it’s passage without amendments, Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 23 moved to the state House, where it’s awaiting action. If the House approves the resolution, Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s effort to merge the DNR and DEQ and allow the state’s governor to appoint the combined department’s director will be blocked. Currently, the state’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) appoints the DNR director, while the governor appoints the DEQ director. Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) members were happy to see the resolution passed by the Senate. MUCC and more than 90 other environmental groups had sent a joint letter to Granholm, asking her to reconsider turning the NRC’s current DNR director appointment authority into a political appointment by the state’s governor, according to Dave Nyberg, government and public relations manager for MUCC. “MUCC applauds the passage of SCR 23 as a critical first step in restoring the bi-partisan NRC’s authority, a move that is necessary to maintain transparency and reject political influence on natural resource management decisions,” he said. “The members of the Senate recognized what we all learned by Proposal G: Michigan citizens don’t want our natural resources to be dictated by politics,” said MUCC Executive Director Erin McDonough. “The passage of this resolution is an important first step, but we need to build upon this vote and the current bi-partisan momentum in the House to achieve the same result.” According to McDonough, the executive order puts the protection of Michigan’s natural resources in danger. “MUCC was founded back in 1937 with the goal of reducing the amount of politics in natural resource management,” she said. “This move in the executive order is a step backward. Instead of having a bipartisan body in charge of appointing who oversees the management of our resources, we will now have a political party in control. It’s our natural resources that are getting the short end of this stick. The Senate has passed a resolution to send the (executive order) back to the governor and we need the House to do the same.” Despite reported rumors that the governor is willing to negotiate following Senate approval of the resolution, Granholm Press Secretary Liz Boyd said Granholm is standing by her executive order. “We are always interested in having discussions and hearing ideas with merit, but we are not contemplating any wholesale changes in the executive order,” Boyd said. A majority of House and Senate members must pass a resolution to formally reject the executive order by Dec. 7, 2009 in order to prevent it from taking effect. “I can’t predict what the House will do,” Boyd said. “We believe it’s in the best interest of the state to allow the executive order to take effect. People hold the governor accountable for what happens with the environment, natural resources and agriculture. Since the citizens hold the governor accountable, we think the governor should be accountable to those citizens. That’s why it’s important that the governor make the appointment of the director of the new department.” In the meantime, the DNR and DEQ have launched a merger information web page complete with a transition plan to outline how the two departments will come together by Granholm’s January 2010 deadline. To view the transition plan and any new information regarding the merger visit michigan.gov/dnr and look for the DEQ-DNR (DNRE) Merger Information Page link. Comments on and suggestions for the new DNRE can be e-mailed to DNRE-TransitionSuggestionBox@michigan.gov. ■

and another by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Michigan Education Association (MEA) and the Michigan Federation of Teachers would each have their own representative member, and

Michigan school boards would be represented by a commission member. Another would represent Michigan school administrators, and one member would represent Intermediate school districts (ISD).

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School principals and school support staff would each be represented by their own member. Public school parents would have two representative members, and three members would represent the general public. The final commission member would be the superintendent of public instruction, or his or her designee. The bill requires the commission to submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by Aug. 1, 2010. The bill is headed to a hearing in the House Education Committee. ■

MIP prosecution exemptions clear Michigan House By Lisa Brody A bill that would prevent the prosecution of minors for drinking alcohol if they or their friends call for medical assistance has cleared the Michigan House of Representatives, and has been referred to a Michigan Senate committee. House Bill 4876, sponsored by state Rep. Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing), was passed by the House with a 98-7 vote. State Rep. Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham) voted for the legislation. The bill would amend the Michigan Liquor Control Code to exempt certain minors meeting specified criteria from sanctions under the state’s minor in possession (MIP) of alcohol law. It specifically would exempt a minor who had consumed alcohol and presented him or herself to a health facility for treatment, as well as a minor who accompanies that person. It would also exempt a minor who contacted 911, a police officer, or emergency medical services personnel for the purpose of obtaining medical assistance for an intoxicated friend. According to the bill, it has been the informal practice of some law enforcement agencies not to charge minors with MIP violations if an ambulance or the police are called on behalf of a person who had consumed too much alcohol, even if the reporting minor had also been drinking. The bill would codify that practice across the state. Senate Bill 902, sponsored by state Sen. Jon Switalski (D-Warren), is a companion bill. “We don’t want kids dying because they’re fearful of prosecution,” said state Sen. Deb Cherry (DWaterford). “We want to prevent underage drinking, but if they’re in that situation, we want them to get the medical help they need.” State Rep. Bill Rogers (RBrighton) disagreed. “If they’re more concerned about getting an MIP (citation), then they’re not much of a friend,” he said. ■ 61

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orman Yatooma, a Bloomfield Hills resident and an attorney practicing in Birmingham, was 20-years-old when his father was murdered while interrupting a carjacking. The tragedy not only devastated the Yatooma family emotionally, but financially, as well. "We were forced to live off of loans and take part-time jobs to make ends meet," he said. Through the Yatooma Foundation for Kids, founded on Father's Day in 2003, the family has been able to bring hope and assistance to other families left in similar circumstances. The foundation provides children who have suddenly lost one or both parents with counseling, tutors, mentors and assistance in finding employment for surviving parents. "We provide anything from helping them buy backpacks for school to taking them to the Super Bowl," Yatooma said. The Indiana University School of Law graduate has longed to be an attorney since he could utter the word. Through Norman Yatooma & Associates, a full-service law firm, Yatooma is able to help others who have experienced a similar loss. Most notably, Yatooma is representing the

son of exotic dancer Tamara Greene, who allegedly was killed after performing at a rumored, but as yet unproven, wild party at the Manoogian Mansion, Detroit's mayoral residence. "We both lost our parents to gunshot violence and both of our parents' murders remain unsolved crimes," Yatooma said. "The only difference between me and him is that the mayor of the city wasn't seeking to obstruct the investigation of my father's death." Yatooma's hope is to prove a cover-up of the Greene murder and obstruction of the investigation by city officials. The job, he says, is significantly under way. With signed affidavits from city officials stating that files went missing, witnesses were intimidated and police officers felt their jobs and safety were threatened, Yatooma said he wants to provide the vindication that his family was never afforded. Through his work and his family's foundation, Yatooma has been able to pull something positive out of the tragic murder of his own father. "It's a great silver lining for us," he said. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Katey Meisner The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

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■ business Q3 Asset Management, a private wealth management firm specializing in tactical investment strategies, has relocated from Bloomfield Hills to 2175 Cole in Birmingham’s Rail District. “Relocation to Birmingham has always been a goal of ours,” said founder and principal Bradford Giaimo. “We are very excited about this opportunity to bring our brand of tactical investing to the businesses and residents of the area.” ■ Husband and wife team Marcee and Ray Kurmas recently opened Uptown Deli at 215 N. Old Woodward in Birmingham. Marcee Kurmas said the reason they decided to open the deli is the lack of deli-like eateries in the Birmingham area. “It’s a typical deli,”

she said. “Some of our popular items include homemade soups made fresh daily, corned beef, and the Uptown club sandwich.” According to Kurmas, her husband had previously been part-owner of The Avenue restaurant in Royal Oak for 22 years. “Business at this location has been excellent, thanks to word-of-mouth,” Kurmas said. “We like the area and the people, and we thought it would be a great fit.” Uptown Deli makes chicken noodle soup daily, along with a special chef’s selection. “All of our products are top-of-the-line,” Kurmas said. Birmingham Sushi Cafe has opened at 377 Hamilton Row in Birmingham. Manager Kevin Huang said that there was a need for this style of restaurant in the Birmingham area.”There’s a variety of restaurants in town, but there’s not a good sushi restaurant in Birmingham,” Huang said. With an assortment of Japanese food, Huang said the cafe is a family-style restaurant where patrons can come in and have a relaxing, social experience. “We have all kinds of sushi, beef teriyaki, bibimbap and some kobe beef,” Huang said. “It’s all Japanese with an American fusion-style.” According to Huang, the cafe is drumming up more and more www.oaklandpaper.com

business every day, and gaining popularity in the area. “Every week

our sales are increasing,” Huang said. The cafe seats up to 70 diners, offers a comfortable eating environment, and serves lunch and dinner daily. ■ Accessory 550, an affordable boutique, has recently opened at 550 N. Old Woodward in Birmingham. Sandra Treboldi, Birmingham resident and entrepreneur, couldn’t be happier with the space. “I love it. I love this street,” Treboldi said. “Parking is really good and the space is beautiful. I absolutely love my neighbors, and it’s a central location. You can get in and out very easily.” Accessory 550 offers a variety of accessories that are fun and affordable. “We are very priceconscious, but the quality is good,” she said. “Most of the items in the

store run under $40. We have scarves, wallets, purses, fun handbags, hair accessories, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and all kinds of jewelry.” Geared toward a fun, fashion-forward style, Treboldi said she likes to keep a boutique-like atmosphere. “There is one of each item, so when it’s sold, that’s it,” she said. “I don’t buy more than one thing.” Thus far, Treboldi said business has been great. “We’ve been getting a really good response,” she said. “Once they come in, they’re kind of intimidated, but after they see the prices, they’re really happy.”

Treboldi’s decision to go toward a more affordable boutique was a personal one. “I like to shop like crazy, and with jewelry, you want to mix it up but you don’t want to get just one thing,” Treboldi said. “Even though the economy is bad, people still want to buy stuff. They just don’t want to spend everything they’ve got.” In Treboldi’s estimation, things are going to get better for retailers in the Birmingham community. “Things are starting to change a little bit for the better.” Treboldi owned several shops in the past, including Flash Accessories and Luxe in Birmingham, as well as Vain Couture in Royal Oak, before opening Accessory 550 in October. ■ After 20 years in business, Moran’s Flora of Birmingham has recently moved from Hamilton Row to 2129 Cole Street in Birmingham. “We just wanted to get a fresh start in a new area,” said owner Rosita Moran. “I’ve been wanting to come over here for years. We’re just thrilled to death to be over here on Cole Street.” Moran said the new space has an artsy atmosphere that she likes much better for her business. “My customers are thrilled with the parking,” she said. “They can just run in and grab something. Before, it was more of a hassle, so they wouldn’t stop. That’s been a real bonus for us.” Moran mainly specializes in fresh flowers, but also works with silks. “We do decorating for a lot of offices in town.” Moran Flora also offers plants for her customers. “We do European basket gardens, which are very, very popular,” she said. “We also have greeting cards and candles.” The Birmingham florist works on weddings and parties, although her customer base is primarily corporate, she said. “Business is very good. I’ve already booked four weddings for next year,” Moran said. “That’s huge compared to last year.” Though customers are having functions on a smaller scale, they still have a need for floral services, Moran said. “We work with them on a budget and we can make it look grand, as compared to what they can do on their own,” she said. “That’s what our expertise is for.” Having been a Birmingham business owner for two decades, Moran loves the area. “We have wonderful people around us and it’s just a great spot.” ■ Business items from the Birmingham-Bloomfield community are reported by Katey Meisner. Faxes (248.360.1220) and e-mails (kateymeisner@thescngroup.com) must be received three weeks prior to publication.

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■ eating out The Eating Out directory for The Paper is just that, a guide to dining establishments where patrons can go to eat. Many, if not most, of these eateries also allow for takeout orders. If an establishment serves beer(B), wine(W) or liquor (L), the listing indicates such. Likewise, if breakfast (B), lunch (L) or dinner (D) is served, we indicate by code and then the days it is offered. 220: A one-of-a-kind Birmingham restaurant specializing in steaks and fresh seafood with an Italian flair, complemented by a fine selection of distinguished American, Italian and global wines. Located in the historic Edison Building in the heart of downtown Birmingham. B, W, L. L & D, Monday-Saturday. 220 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.2150. Akshay Indian Cuisine: Featuring Indo Chinese, South Indian, Northern Indian and Tandoori (Clay Oven) dishes. Spicy flavors compliment the relaxed and elegant atmosphere. Reasonable pricing makes Akshay Indian Cuisine a local favorite. L & D, Tuesday Sunday. 1615 S. Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.858.2315. Andiamo: Andiamo’s offers Northern Italian decor amid a chic dining spot. A favorite among many area celebrities. Featuring traditional Italian dishes in an elegant dining room or live music in the lounge. An extensive wine list and selection of desserts. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Beau Jacks: Known for its superior whitefish and popular salads, Beau Jacks offers certified black angus beef as well as vegetarian and heart-conscious items. The menu features chili, onion loaf, baked spinach and artichoke dip, croissants and wraps. B, W, L. L, MondaySaturday; D, daily. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Beyond Juice: Offering Meal-in-a-Cup creations, sandwiches and a variety of desserts. Greek, seasoned chicken, tuna and garden salads also available, along with homemade Belgian waffles and jumbo muffins. B & L, daily; D, Monday-Saturday. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078.

Avenue, Ste. 105, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9730. Bloomfield Deli: With a large selection of sandwiches and wraps, Bloomfield Deli also offers several different varieties of grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled chicken wraps and breakfast sandwiches. Also offering fresh salads and a salad bar with 20 different vegetables and fruits. B & L, Monday-Friday. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. Boston Market: Features sirloin, beef brisket, turkey, meatloaf and rotisserie chicken. Boston Market offers soup, steamed vegetables, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and casseroles to pair with a main dish. L & D, daily. 42983 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.334.5559. Brandy’s Steakhouse: A cozy ambiance, private dining room and traditional dishes can be expected at Brandy’s. Offering salads, seafood, pastas and Brandy’s signature steaks. B,W,L. L, Monday-Saturday; D, daily. 1727 South Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.338.4300. Breakaway Deli: Breakaway Deli features a variety of house sandwiches as well as a meatfree zone for vegetarians. B & L, MondaySaturday; D, Monday-Friday. 71 West Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.642.2900. Brooklyn Pizza: Brooklyn Pizza features New York-style pizza by the slice, homemade cookies and ice cream. L & D, daily. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. Cafe Via: A high-end downtown eatery featuring an elegant setting as well as a patio courtyard. Grilled salmon, roasted chicken, crabcakes and lambchops are some favorites at Cafe Via. B, W, L. L & D, Monday-Saturday. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8800. Cameron’s Steakhouse: Featuring dry aged and prime steak with an impressive wine list. Cameron’s is a classic steakhouse. B, W, L. D, daily. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.1700.

Big Boy: Big Boy features its classic diner burgers, breakfast specials and popular dessert menu. With its famous Big Boy sandwich and soup and salad bar, its a hometown diner for the whole family. B, L & D, daily. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.642.0717.

Cannella Patisserie: Offering an array of authentic croissants and French pastries and featuring light meals from a selection of French crêpes. Also offering special occasion and wedding cakes. B, L & D, Tuesday-Sunday. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9704.

Big Rock Chophouse: Big Rock Chophouse’s 4-star, award-winning menu offers flavorful recipes centered around enormous, hand-cut aged steaks, lamb chops and fresh seafood. Featuring an on-site brew house, the restaurant also boasts an extensive wine cellar, complete with more than 400 fine wine and champagne selections. B, W, L. L & D, MondaySaturday. 245 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Cheeburger Cheeburger: The diner makes the decisions with the “Invent Your Own” option for cheeburgers, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, salads, shakes and malts. With a wide variety of toppings, Cheeburger Cheeburger offers endless combinations to please every diner and the ambiance is fun and festive. L & D daily. 755 E. Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.6900.

Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Featuring Japanese and American fusion-style fare, the cafe specializes in sushi, beef teriyaki, bibimbap and some kobe beef. The atmosphere is a relaxing, family-style environment. L & D, daily. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. Birmingham Tower Deli: Gourmet delicatessen located in downtown Birmingham features Boars Head meats and cheeses, soups, salads, burgers and pizza. Catering available. B, L & D, Monday-Friday. 280 N. Old Woodward

Chen Chow Brasserie: The decor and menu selection at Chen Chow Brasserie create a most elegant dining experience. Main courses include Pan Seared Tofu, Tamarind Glazed Salmon, Miso Sea Bass, Steamed Halibut, Dashi & Udon and more. Extensive wine list. B, W, L. D, daily. 260 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.2469. China Village: A warm environment featuring China Village’s famous sesame and General Tso’s Chicken. L & D daily. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221.

Cityscape Deli: Cityscape offers homemade soups and a wide variety of custom carved sandwiches, pasta salads, bean and couscous and Hungarian beef goulash. Homemade healthy sides compliment fresh deli sandwiches. B, L & D, Monday-Saturday. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. Cosi: With a signature flatbread, sandwiches, melts, soups, salads and a kids menu, Cosi offers options for all diners. B, W. B, L & D daily. 101 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9200. Crust: An upscale restaurant, with an open kitchen and dining room decor with natural wood elements. Full menu includes Neapolitan, thin crust pizzas, salads, sandwiches and small plates. B, W, L. L and D, daily. 6622 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.855.5855. Deli Unique of Bloomfield Hills: A menu featuring eight different deli sandwiches and an extensive breakfast menu. B & L, daily. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7923 Dick O’Dow’s: Offering Irish classics and home cooking, including stuffed chicken, wild Irish salmon and, of course, shepherd’s pie. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Featuring a huge assortment of bagels, sandwiches and specialty coffees. B & L, daily. 176 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9888. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Lebanese dishes from stuffed grape leaves to taboulee and humus. B, W, L. L & D, Monday Saturday. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Pita sandwiches, soups, burgers, hot dogs and melts available. An extensive breakfast menu includes egg specials, breakfast roll-ups, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches and sides. B &L, daily. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. Forest Grill: Forest Grill’s seasonal menu showcases house-made charcuterie, raw bar, clay oven-baked pizzas and traditional bistro dishes. Influenced by French, Italian and contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on simplicity and flavor. Extensive wine list, including a number of regional wines from boutique vinters and Michigan vineyards. B, W, L. L, Monday-Friday; D, Monday-Saturday. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9400. Forté Restaurant: With beautiful decor and lavish cuisine, Forté offers a complete dining experience, including an extensive wine list. Renowned chefs present a complete breakfast menu as well. B, W, L. B, L & D, daily. 201 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7300. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: An American steakhouse with a contemporary flair featuring aged prime beef, market fresh seafood and an award-winning wine list. B, W, L & D, daily. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Fuddrucker’s: With simple recipes and madefrom-scratch buns, Fuddrucker’s offers burgers, chicken, fish, salad, and a kids menu. B, W. L & D, daily. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.333.2400.

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Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Featuring sandwiches, salads and Coney Island classics. Breakfast is available anytime. B, L & D, daily. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. Hogan’s Restaurant: Casual atmosphere and homemade fare, Hogan’s offers steak, seafood, burgers, a vegetarian and children’s menu. A tavern-type environment is also available to patrons. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 6450 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.1800. Hunter House Hamburgers: Featuring high quality, gourmet hamburgers. Recently voted Number One Burger in Michigan by Food Network Magazine and “20 Burgers You Must Eat Right Now” in June 2009 Gourmet Magazine. B, Monday-Saturday; L & D daily. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. IHOP: From creatively flavored pancakes to steaks, sandwiches and salads, IHOP is best known for its breakfast fare. B, L & D, daily. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.333.7522. Kerby’s Koney Island: Kerby’s offers a special chili recipe, lean meats and a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties. B, L, & D, daily. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills. 248.333.1166. Kirk’s Open Pit Bar B Que: Serving barbecue ribs that are slow cooked and covered in a smoky sauce, Kirk’s also offers barbeque and broasted chicken, seafood, homemade macaroni and cheese, peach and apple cobbler, and sweet potato pies. B, L & D, Tuesday- Sunday. 33766 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7010. Leo’s Coney Island: Greek specialties, burgers and coneys are offered along with omelettes, breakfast specials, soups and salads. B, L & D, daily. 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301 (248.646.8568) and at 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.8568. Little Daddy’s Parthenon: Featuring Greek fare, like hand-carved gyros, Little Daddy’s Parthenon offers oven roasted turkey, gourmet sandwiches and house-made food. B, L & D, daily. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.647.3400. Maple Leaf Cafe: Offering a variety of breakfast dishes, salads, lunch plates and burgers are also available. B & L, daily. 297 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.1222. Max & Erma’s: Features a family-friendly environment with a variety of burgers, an assortment of salads and a signature tortilla soup, plus steaks, ribs and fajitas. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.1188. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Accepting daily delivery of a wide variety of fresh fish flown in from all coasts, the atmosphere is that of an upscale seafood restaurant. Also features a lively bar area. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Mountain King: Chinese restaurant serving fried rice, sesame chicken, General Tso’s chicken and standard Chinese favorites. L & D, daily. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2913. New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Featuring a Thai atmosphere and variety of Thai specialties such

DECEMBER 2009

■ main course Small details make Phoenicia different

charbroiled with vegetables ($28.95). For a full Phoenicia feast, accompany any dish with the most famous Lebanese wine, Chateau Musar. The 1999 vintage is $98 per bottle. (Phoenicia, 588 S Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248.644.3122. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday until 11 p.m. Saturday 5-11 p.m. and Sunday 5-9 p.m. Reservations recommended – a must on Friday and Saturday. Average check per person: $25-$30 without a beverage.)

by Eleanor Heald

usiness executives frequently assess their smartest moves. Sameer Eid, proprietor and chef of Phoenicia restaurant, views his “smart move” as relocating to Birmingham in 1982. Considered by most as the area dean of Mediterranean-Lebanese cuisine, Eid’s approach is a unique combination of tradition and modernAmerican tastes. Because of a flourishing business, by 2002 Eid remodeled Phoenicia with a Byzantine facade, added a small bar area seating 12 and improved the windows to showcase the Birmingham cityscape, particularly enchanting at night, back dropped by white cloth tables and waitstaff in crisp black and white attire. Small yet important details make the difference at Phoenicia. Following a long tradition with Lebanese cuisine, only olive oil, clarified butter and USDA Choice and Prime lamb are used. Up at 5 a.m. three times weekly, 70-year-old Eid drives his van to the Detroit Produce Terminal at Springwells and Fort Street in Detroit. All produce coming to Michigan starts at the Terminal before further distribution. Eid picks up at the source. “I do not,” he affirms, “have restaurant purveyor delivery service. Since I demand the highest quality for meat and produce, I pick it out myself and drive it back to the restaurant.”

CONTEMPORARY TWISTS Eid distinguishes Middle Eastern dishes and Lebanese cuisine by describing Lebanese as “sophisticated and refined, influenced by French cooking methods and sauces. “Lebanese dishes are intricate preparations, principally involving lamb. Yet, not everyone likes lamb, even though I serve the highest quality. So, I introduced baby back ribs, bone-in rib eye steak, a one-pound bone-in veal chop and fish such as whole Branzino and Dover Sole to the menu or as specials.” Baby back ribs are well seasoned with a housemade dry rub and tangy housemade tomato-based barbecue sauce on the side ($23.95). Baby backs are the number one seller.

as duck, noodles, seafood and curries. Also offering soups, salads, fried rice and appetizers. B, Monday Thursday; L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181. Northern Lakes Seafood Co: Serving a signature lobster reuben for lunch and a Chilean sea bass for dinner. The seasonal menu includes a soft shell crab, lobster bisque and Columbia river king salmon. B, W, L. L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 39495 North Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.0370 Olga’s Kitchen: Olga’s offers fresh and unique

www.oaklandpaper.com

QUICK BITES

Phoenecia proprietor and chef Sameer Eid.The Paper photo / Amy K. Lockard

However, Norm LePage, owner of Birmingham’s Big Rock Chop House says, “there’s no better chicken than Phoenicia’s Baked Chicken,” a one-half fresh chicken baked with lemon and garlic sauce, served with rice that’s cooked with diced lamb and nuts ($20.95). There’s no higher praise than that coming from a fellow restaurateur. Eid credits his 29-year-old son Sammy, a University of Michigan political science grad, for contemporary menu spins and his stamp on the wine list selections. “I intended to go to law school,” Sammy says, “but I envisioned how I could work in the family restaurant and make a difference.”

SCANNING THE FULL MENU If you like small plates or sharing smaller plates, the hors d’oeuvres section of the menu has 16 listings. There’s the traditional Hummus and Baba Gannouge ($8.95 each), which can be ordered for two as a Mixed Appetizer with Taboulee ($10.95). If flavored appetizers, sandwiches, soups and salads. Grilled to-order Olga bread available. L & D daily. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500 and at 138 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2760. Peabody’s: With rustic beams and subtle lighting, Peabody’s offers unique sandwiches and salads, along with fresh seafood, house prime rib, signature steaks and pastas. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222. Pancake House: Best known for breakfast fare, the Original Pancake House has a varied

spicy options and amped-up flavors are your preference, try Sujuk, highly-seasoned Armenian sausage sauteed with lemon sauce ($9.95) or Bastorma, wellseasoned fillet of beef cured and served thinly sliced ($11.95). Salads are traditional, but now that cold weather is here, try the warming Lentil Soup ($4.95) or Squash with Laban Soup, diced squash cooked in homemade yogurt with onions and seasoning ($5.95). The “Chef’s Table” includes traditional Lebanese specialties, from Kibby Neyee (raw lamb); a half order is $16.95. Baked Kibby, the freshlyground cooked lamb version of the former ($21.95). A Mixed Plate ($26.95) is a sampling of stuffed grape leaves, stuffed cabbage and baked kibby. The Broiler section goes traditional Lebanese with Shish Kafta, ground lamb with onions and parsley season and charbroiled ($25.95), and Shish Kabob, very lean and tender lamb filet

menu. B, L & D, daily. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. Panera Bread: A variety of soups, sandwiches and desserts., plus an on-site bakery. B, L & D, daily. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48309. 248.203.7966 and at 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877. Phoenicia: A special dining experience, Phoenicia offers all the traditional dishes of Lebanon. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. B, W, L. L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 248.644.3122.

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Through the holidays, seven days a week, Cameron’s Steakhouse (115 Willits Street, Birmingham 248.723.1700) is offering its Signature Selections Menu, including choice of starter, choice from among four main courses, including a seven-ounce filet, and side dish for $35 with Carrot Cake or Chocolate & Raspberry Symphony Duo dessert for $5 additional. A choice among four main courses at $45, includes a Colorado Lamb Chop. ■ With new eatery openings, delays are almost inevitable. That’s what has happened to three Birmingham new spots mentioned in previous Quick Bites as opening by the end of 2009. Deluxe Bar & Grill, Bistro Joe and Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro will palate please in 2010. Stay tuned for opening announcements. ■ Stepping up its game, Executive Chef David Gilbert teamed with sommelier Mario Plaza to introduce an exciting bar menu at Forest Grill (735 Forest Ave., Birmingham 248.258.9400) offered Monday-Saturday from 5 p.m. until closing. Plaza paired special cocktails with unique items ($7-$18) such as Maine Lobster Taco, Oxtail Flautas and a Killer Chip Sandwich with spicy capacolla and provolone cheese. Three clay oven baked pizzas are reminiscent of a Tuscan Osteria, while the rest of the bar menu shouts French bistro. Can’t take a trip? Forest Grill is close. ■ Eleanor Heald is a nationally-published writer who also writes the wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for The Paper. Suggestions for this feature and specifically for the Quick Bites section can be e-mailed to quickbites@oaklandpaper.com.

Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern fare featuring chicken shawarma, sweet salad, fattoush, Greek salad, lambchops, seafood and taboulee. Pita Cafe is known for its fantastic garlic spread. L & D, daily. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999. Pizza Papalis & Rio Wraps: Full menu includes rio wraps, pizzas, salads, soups, pasta and desserts; known for its Chicago-style deep dish pizza. L & D, daily. 4036 Telegraph Road, Ste.106, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7722. Qdoba: A one-of-a-kind Mexican grill restaurant, Qdoba features tacos, salads, nachos,

■ focus on wine Fizz Ed: A holiday champagne primer By Eleanor and Ray Heald

oliday celebrating without champagne? Not very sparkling! It’s important to note that champagne comes from the region in France known as Champagne. No sparkling wine originating from another place should be labeled champagne. There continues to be sparkling wines masquerading as champagne using the term “California champagne.” This tells you two things: the producer does not respect the name champagne and is trading on its luxury image while

•Bouquet: when the cork is popped, you should sense aromas such as freshly risen bread dough, toast or biscuits. •Texture: the wine should be creamy and rich with a soft bubbling action that lasts a long time in the glass. •Finish: never plodding, but always with a lift at the end inviting the next sip. Champagne should be served chilled from the refrigerator at 40 degrees or from a champagne bucket filled with half water and ice. Glasses should be either tall flutes or long tulip-shaped. A 750mL bottle serves five glasses. Plan on two to three glasses per person at a champagne cocktail party and two-thirds of a bottle per person at an all-champagne wine dinner.

Champagne styles

not making the genuine product. If you want champagne, it must come from the Champagne region of France. Champagne is not a catch-all bubbles category for sparkling wines! Although technically, it takes only three weeks to get bubbles, by law in the Champagne region, a non-vintage (NV) champagne must be aged 18 months on the yeast in the bottle before disgorging when the yeast sediment is expelled. Vintage champagne must be aged three years. Longer aging on the yeast in the bottle impacts the three most important characteristics of any champagne. quesadillas and more. L & D, daily. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Quattro Cucina Italiana: A high-end setting offering Osso Buco and Branzino filet among several signature Italian dishes. With a relaxing, open atmosphere, Quattro features a variety of pastas, soups, salads and an extensive wine list. B,W,L. L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 203 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.6060 Quiznos: A signature toasting style creates crisp edges, melted cheese, sizzling meat and warm bread. Choose from over 20 oventoasted subs, five flatbread chopped salads, 10 sammies, five torpedoes & bullets and soups. Offering a full children’s menu and new, on-site catering. L & D daily. 185 N Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.7827.

Rio Wraps: Features burritos, salads and deli wraps. L & D, daily. 42805 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.540.7722 . Salvatore Scallopini: Salvatore Scallopini offers fresh prepared daily Italian dishes, appetizers and a variety of desserts. B, W. L & D, daily. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe: A casual cafe offering health-conscious options. Grilled pani-

Typically, champagnes labeled Blancs de Blancs Brut are 100 percent chardonnay. They are delicate and dry. It’s traditional to match them with oysters, smoked salmon, caviar or paté. They pair with soft cheeses, such as brie, goat cheese and gorgonzola. NV Bruts represent a producer’s style. Eighty to 90 percent of a champagne house’s production is NV and this is where house style is set. They are generally blends of chardonnay and pinot noir and sometimes a small percentage of pinot meunier. Vintage-dated bruts represent the characteristics of a particular year, and are generally made only in top vintages. Both take to salty foods, such as nuts, thin slices of Parmeggiano-Reggiano cheese, prosciutto or freshly-popped popcorn sprinkled with shredded ParmeggianoReggiano (no kidding!). nis, sandwiches, grilled flatbreads, chopped salads and quesadillas are featured. L & D daily. 172 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200 Steve’s Deli: Classic and popular deli featuring a wide variety of soups, sandwiches and deserts. B, L & D, daily. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Streetside has developed a reputation for fresh fish, oysters and other seafood on a seasonal menu B,W,L. L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Sushi Hana: Sushi Hana’s menu includes tempura, teriyakis, yakitori, fried egg, seafood, vegetables and more. Offers traditional Japanese fare as well as some Korean dishes. L, MondayFriday; D, Monday-Saturday. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. Sy Thai Cafe: A casual dining atmosphere, Sy Thai serves orange duck, noodle dishes, stirfried mussels with onions and all the usual Thai classics. L & D, daily. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. The Corner Bar: Part of the Townsend Hotel complex, The Corner Bar offers a lighter fare from 5-7 p.m. that includes sliders and salads. B, W, L. D, Wednesday-Saturday. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958.

Go figure, but an Extra Dry champagne is slightly sweeter than Brut. Moet & Chandon formerly produced a version called White Star. The name has been changed to NV Imperial ($30) and is the number one seller in the U.S. At a recent tasting of Moet Hennessy USA champagne brands, Morton’s The Steakhouse Executive Chef Edward Takacs paired it with a salad of mixed field greens dressed with toasted walnuts, apples, blue cheese and Dijon vinaigrette. When it comes to luxury champagne, NV Krug Grand Cuvee ($99) ranks with the best. Takacs paired it with lump crab cake and a mustard-mayo sauce. A Brut Rosé and rack of lamb is sensational, but Takacs proved that NV Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose ($38) was magical with sliced New York strip sirloin, sauteed mushrooms and duchess piped potatoes. It’s difficult to match champagne with dessert so you might consider NV Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial ($38) as a liquid dessert on its own. It makes a match with crème brulee. Quoted champagne prices are from Plum Market, 3675 West Maple, Bloomfield Township. • Our favorite California Sparkling Wines: J Vineyards J Cuvee 20 Brut $20; and J Brut Rose $40. From Mumm Napa: Brut Prestige $20; and Brut Rose $24. Schramsberg 2006 Blanc de Blancs $36; 2006 Blanc de Noirs $40; 2006 Brut Rose $43; and 2002 J. Schram $105.

Holiday wine splurges

• Williams Selyem: 2007 Vista Verde Vineyard Pinot Noir $54; 2007 Ferrington Vineyard Pinot Noir $62; 2007 Hirsh Vineyard Pinot Noir $72; 2007 Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard Pinot Noir $75; 2007 Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir $78; 2007 Drake Estate Vineyard Chardonnay $60; and 2007 Papera Vineyard Zinfandel $48. • Marimar Estate: 2007 La Masia Chardonnay $37; 2008 Bonita’s Hill Chardonnay $39; 2006 Dobles Lias Chardonnay $45; Stony Block Pinot Noir $47; and 2007 Syrah-Tempranillo blend $45. Marimar Estate has produced an educational CD that includes information on grape growing and winemaking. You can obtain a copy by phoning 707.823.4365 x 101 and speaking to Jennifer or email Marimar@MarimarEstate.com. • Sbragia Family Vineyards: 2007 Gamble Ranch Chardonnay $40; 2006 Cimarossa Cabernet Sauvignon $75; 2006 Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon $50; 2006 Rancho del Oso Cabernet Sauvignon $75; and 2006 Wall Cabernet Sauvignon $75. • Sea Smoke: 2007 “Ten” Pinot Noir $80; and 2007 “Southing” Pinot Noir $50. • Joseph Phelps: 2006 Insignia $200. • Paul Hobbs Imports: You may know Paul Hobbs California wines, but his Argentine imports under his own Vina Cobos label, his recently introduced Pulenta Estate wines and Riglos Winery are delicious in the $16 to $50 range. The Vina Cobos Felina Cabernet Sauvignon $19 is a steal.

Whether as a gift for another wine lover or yourself, the following wines from acclaimed (and some of our favorite) producers are hard to beat.

Eleanor & Ray Heald are contributing editors for the internationally-respected Quarterly Review of Wines, among other publications. Contact them by e-mail at focusonwine@aol.com.

The Gallery Restaurant: Family restaurant in an art gallery environment offering full menu. American fare includes omelettes, sandwiches and a variety of salads. B, L & D, daily. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313.

Tokyo Sushi & Grill: A cozy sushi bar offering sashimi, soba noodle dishes, teriyakis, tempura, all the traditional Japanese dishes, and, of course, sushi. L & D, daily. 225 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6501

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: The Moose Preserve features a full menu, including fresh fish, barbecue ribs and certified black angus steak. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. The Phat Sammich: Offers 70 different sandwiches, five daily soup specials and salads. Homemade fare is prepared fresh daily and weekday lunch delivery is available. L & D, daily. 34186 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0860 The Rugby Grille: Conveniently located inside Birmingham’s Townsend Hotel and offering a luxury dining experience. B, W, L. B, L & D, daily. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. Toast: With a modern retro style, Toast offers American dishes with a touch of southwestern taste, including signature breakfast food to burgers. B, W, L. B & L, daily; D, MondaySaturday. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

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TOPZ: Offering homemade fare, featuring Michigan vendors and local Michigan products, TOPZ prides itself on its air-baked, non-fried fries, nuggets, onion rings, burgers, chili and soups. L & D, daily. 327 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.220.1108. Uptown Deli: Daily homemade soup and dining for patrons is available at the deli. Among favorite food items are the Uptown Club, corned beef sandwiches, daily chicken noodle soup and a chef’s special soup selection made fresh each day. B, L, D, daily. 215 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.731.7023. Whistle Stop Cafe: Voted among the best diners in America by Good Morning America, this eatery boasts of its local roots and feel. B & L, daily; D, Monday-Friday. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.5588. (Want your eating establishment listed? There is no charge for this directory in The Paper but there are a couple of rules. An eatery must be located in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township or Bloomfield Hills and must have tables where patrons can dine in. Send your information via fax (248.360.1220) to Katey Meisner or e-mail to kateymeisner@thescngroup.com.

DECEMBER 2009

■ the community house

ecember at The Community House could not be more festive and fun. Being a southern gal, I love our decorating theme, magnolias. The gold, white and green decor is elegant yet warm and welcoming. The holidays begin with “Breakfast with Santa” presented by The Community House and Birmingham Youth Assistance on Saturday, December 5 at The Community House. The Berkshire Middle School Brass Winds will add to the festivities by providing holiday music. The event will also feature face painting and animal balloons, and each child will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and receive a gift. There are two seatings, 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and tickets are $13. Shelley Roberts Get ready for the holidays with some clever, colorful and creative ways to wrap your gifts. Learn to make a florist-style bow and see examples of the many types of bow possibilities plus exciting ideas incorporating the latest wraps, ribbons and tie-ons to add that special touch. Even the unwrappable gift can be delightfully camouflaged! This is truly a hands-on class with all instructions and materials provided. This class will be held at Lisa’s Gift Wrappers, 28834 Woodward, Royal Oak on Wednesday, December 2. On December 13, we will have a special class on Holiday Gift Wrapping for kids. Holiday entertaining is often stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! Learn tips utilized by chefs and caterers to ensure that you enjoy your entertaining this holiday season. Join us on Tuesday, December 8 as we show you how to create platters that can be made in advance. Prepare quick and easy appetizers and dessert finales to make your entertaining truly stress-free this holiday season. This class will be taught by Pam Gustairs who graduated with honors, receiving a degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College in Livonia. She is a chef at Holiday Market. Join us on December 4 when Tasteful Tours and The Community House will take you though the many cultural neighborhoods in downtown Detroit where we will sample (and buy) delectable ethnic dishes—a foodies delight! Take a day trip to Lansing on a deluxe motorcoach and The Community House trip escort! On Sunday, December 13, see Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Wharton Center. We will have the best seats available and will enjoy dinner at Steve & Rocky’s. Also, it’s not too late to plan a holiday party at The Community House. We can work with your budget to plan the perfect event in our beautifully decorated holiday home for your friends, family and employees. Be sure to think of The Community House when you are doing your holiday shopping. Make your life easier and your loved ones happy by giving them gift certificates for our wonderful classes and trips. I’m sure that everyone on your list would love to join us for a matinee of Jersey Boys on January 23 and lunch at the Rattlesnake Club! To register for Breakfast with Santa and classes, schedule trips, get information about booking parties and buy gift certificates call 248.644.5832 or see our website, HYPERLINK "http://www.communityhouse.com" www.communityhouse.com. Our winter classes will be on our website on December 1, and our winter catalogs will be mailed the same day. All good things come to an end, and this is the case this year for our Children Only Shop. We decided to discontinue the Shop this year due to the declining attendance for the past few years. We realized that the many dollar stores in the area are now meeting the needs of children who wish to buy inexpensive gift items. We thank you for your past support and will keep our options open and bring the shop back in the future if there is a need for it for our little shoppers. With the changes around us, it is reassuring to know that we have a secure, warm, and welcoming home like The Community House right here in downtown Birmingham. The original mission of The Community House has survived for 86 years—“to meet the changing needs of the community”--because friends like you continue to support it. The Community House receives no tax dollars or funding from the United Way. We depend on your generosity to offset operating and facility expenses of $1,600 a day which are not funded by the fees we charge for classes, etc. In addition, your donations fund our community outreach programs and services. When you make your year-end contributions, please remember your Community House and give generously. I look forward to seeing you at The Community House! ■ Shelley Roberts is president and CEO of The Community House. www.oaklandpaper.com

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Christ Child Society’s Night of Angels

Here is the update on the social scene from the past month. Social Lights is posted each week on The Paper’s website at oaklandpaper.com, where readers can sign up for an e-mail alert when the latest column is posted. Many more photos from each event appear online each week, and past column and photos are archived on the website for The Paper.

Christ Child Society’s Night of Angels

Clockwise from upper left: Larry (left) and Crystal Davidson and Linda and Dan Silvasi of Bloomfield. Paul and committee member Julie Holtgreive of Troy with Dan and Claudia Malone of Bloomfield. Jan Heidel (left) and Marianne Hausworth of Birmingham and Mary Claire Pulte of Bloomfield. WDIV’s Karen Drew (left) of Troy, CCS chaplain for 25 years Msgr. John Zenz of Birmingham and CCS president Jill Barker of Bloomfield. Event co-chairs Claudia Duerr of Birmingham and Marlen Borio of Beverly Hills with Craig and committee member Val Andrews of Bloomfield. Jurnior auctioneer Eric Cherney (left) of Bloomfield with his father Ed.

Artist Julie Dawson’s Sillybillies art sculptures were colorful accents at the Christ Child Society’s Night of Angels Oct. 10 at the Townsend. WDIV’s Karen Drew, who has done a story on Christ Child House, emceed the program that featured Arius, a young Christ Child House success story. He got a standing ovation from the 170 guests when he told how he learned to trust people. Eric Cherney, a member of Junior Christ Child, also earned applause when he auctioned off Junior Christ Child donations (leaf raking and gift wrapping services). Auctions raised $22,000 plus the $11,000 guests pledged for dedicated giving. The annual event is expected to net around $40,000. CCS members are now preparing for their annual Christmas Walk on Friday, Dec. 4. For ticket information contact co-chairs Lanie Cosgrove at HYPERLINK “mailto:lcosgrove@hallandhunter.com”\o lcosgrove@hallandhunter.com or Elaina Ryder at HYPERLINK “mailto:elainaryder@gmail.com”\o “mailto:elainaryder@gmail.com” elainaryder@gmail.com.

Lights, Camera, ADL Takes Action The Anti-Defamation League picked a winner when they chose to honor Michigan connections in Hollywood and the burgeoning Michigan film industry. They over sold the Oct. 14 fundraising soiree at the Townsend, prompting jokes by emcee Zach Braff about paying $200 to wait in food station lines. Nobody among the nearly 500 guests seemed to mind as they mingled with honorees Mike Binder, Gary Gilbert, Harry Winer, Bob Brown and Harvey Grace. The latter’s teen granddaughter was especially pleased to meet Braff, one of her favorite stars. All praised the Michigan tax incentives for film makers. The event also featured serious socializing, a video collage of the honorees’ work, movie time snacks and silent and live auctions. In the latter, Birmingham attorney Michael Serling, an ADL board member, bought a walk on part in Jack Binder’s film “Domino”. Funds raised will enable the ADL to continue the fight against injustice and bigotry.

OUR TOWN Opening Night Party The 24th annual OUR TOWN Art Show and Sale benefiting The Community House opened there Oct. 15 with the traditional gathering of more than 350 Bloominghamers and exhibiting artists. A living collage of art-inspired characters from St. Dunstan Players greeted arrivals who were challenged to visit with friends, view the art and dine at serving stations. The most oft repeated comments we heard were: “Isn’t this the best show yet?” and “Don’t miss the lamb chops and the shrimp with polenta.” At the award ceremony juror Barbara Heller seemed genuine in her praise for the art as she noted the difficulty she had selecting the awards. Local artists getting some of the $10,000 prize money were Ken Pellar, Russel Thayer, James Fetter, Patty Eisenbraun and Ken Taylor. The three-day event is expected to raise more than $60,000 for THC outreach programs.

■ Lights, Camera, ADL Takes Action

A Belle Isle Autumn Luncheon Clockwise from upper left: ADL Board chair Elaine Sturman (left) of Bloomfield, with honoree Mike Binder of Pacific Palisades, CA, his brother Michigan Film Production’s Jack Binder and their mother Judy Trumbull of Beverly Hills. Event chairs Richard and Pam Nodel of Orchard Lake. Shayna and her dad jeweler Steve Tapper of West Bloomfield. Art Lieber (left) and Myrna and Spencer Partrich of Bloomfield. Karen Jacobson (left) of Bloomfield, Lynn Ferris of Franklin, Holly CaSaroll of Birmingham and Jodi Weiss of Bloomfield.

It was a natural partnership – the Belle Isle Women’s Committee and the Bloomfield Hills Branch Women’s National Farm & Garden Club. More than 150 people attended the Oct. 13 luncheon at the Detroit Yacht Club. That garden club president Cecily O’Connor and the speaker, author Lynden Miller, were Smith College classmates was the spark that connected the noted public gardens savior to this area. That and the fact that the Smith College campus, Manhattan’s Central Park and Belle Isle were all designed by Frederick Law Olmsted’s firm in the late 1800’s. The garden club and the BIWC have also been working together for 2 1/2 years on the “Daffodils for Detroit” project. The Daffodils project is modeled on NYC’s Daffodil Project that was begun after 9/11. The goal is to plant daffodil bulbs throughout the city, starting with Belle Isle. To date, more than 10,000 daffodils have been planted on the island. Sis Fisher donated daffodil bulbs that luncheon guests were asked to plant in a public space or leave for Greening of Detroit to plant on Belle Isle. The hope is that the blooms will become the same symbol of hope and rebirth that they have been in NYC. To contribute to The Daffodil Fund, email Cecily O’Connor at HYPERLINK “mailto:lnghtr@att.net” \o “mailto:lnghtr@att.net” lnghtr@att.net. Thanks to the corporate generosity of Compuware and PVS Chemicals, the luncheon also raised more than $32,000 for Belle Isle renovation and WF&GA’s horticultural scholarships.

Spirit of Manresa Gala Nearly 300 supporters of the Manresa Jesuit Retreat House flocked to the Royal Park Hotel last month for Mass and a gala that celebrated the jubilees of Fr. Walt Farrell (75th) , Fr. Jim Serrick (60th) and Fr. Bernie Owens (50th). They also saluted the honorary chairs Ken and Lori Hiltz, Fr. Gene Simon, Albert and 70

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DECEMBER 2009

Elizabeth King and Rick and Kathy Wagoner and Ann Marie Monette for her beautification of the Manresa grounds, Judd Hart, for his founding of the event and Sister Stephanie Helfrich for receiving the Ignatian Spirituality Award:@Readerline. They also dined, danced and bid generously in auctions. In addition to a legion of Jesuits, guests included members of the newly elected Board of Directors: Frank Migliazzo, Bill Wittenberg, Gerry Seizert, Fr. Tim Babcock, Fr. David Mastrangelo, S.J., and Brian O’Keefe. The event raised an estimated $125,000, including dedicated giving pledges of $14,000 and $45,000 from the auctions. Highlights of the live auction included Fr. Bernie’s bowl of raspberries ($2,000), name a Manresa toad ($5,000), a gem encrusted Nabucco Bangle bracelet ($13,000) and dinner with the Jesuits ( three sold at $5,100).

■ OUR TOWN Opening Night Party

Easter Seals Hollywood Nights Detroit native Steve Blackwood’s singing was the entertainment at the Easter Seals fundraiser but it was Rick Reed’s speech when he accepted the Lee and Jim Uhlig Autism Scholarship for his family that really moved the audience of nearly 200 at the Royal Park Hotel. His remarks about how the agency’s PLAY (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) program is helping his family also inspired honoree Ed Deeb when he accepted the Angel of Change Award from Easter Seals CEO John Cocciolone. Easter Seals also honored Roger McCarville posthumously with the 2009 John and Elizabeth Kersten Philanthropy Award. Learn more about Easter Seals program at www.essmichuigan.org.

Top row, right to left: Event chairs Connie (left) and Ian McEwan of Birmingham with honorees Chuck and Denise Little of Troy. Juror Barbara Heller (left) with DeRoy Testamentary Foundation’s Pam and Mike Harris of Birmingham and Art Rodecker of Bloomfield. Ken (left) and Silver Award winner Patty Eisenbraun of Bloomfield, top award winner Ken Pellar of Troy and juror Barbara Heller of Birmingham. Middle row: Sponsors Bob (left) and Pam Rossiter of Birmingham and Marilyn and Ken Way of Bloomfield with Sheridan and Dick Snell of Birmingham. Pianist Bob Allesee (left) of Bloomfield, Barbara Van Dusen of Birmingham and Harriet Secrest of Bloomfield. Below: Benefavtor chair Sandy Nahm (left) of Bloomfield and Judy Gardner of Birmingha. Not pictured: Rick Nahm and Lee Gardner. Exhibitor Irene Ambrose and her husband Casey Ambrose of Bloomfield. Student OUR TOWN winners Laura Juncker (left) and Michael Moceri of Bloomfield and Kacie Mills of West Bloomfield.

CARE House’s Merry-Go-Round Two hundred passengers boarded the S.S. CARE House (aka the Townsend Hotel) Oct. 14 and cruised into a first class evening of cocktail hour casino gaming, stroll dining at four ports of call and a heartwarming awards program capped off with dessert and dancing. Mixed into the activities was a raffle that raised $12,000 and dedicated giving totaling $34,000 in pledged donations. Thanks also to sponsors led by Cendrowski Corporate Advisors, the 12th annual benefit raised $130,000. Our notes from the awards program include director Pat Rosen’s gratitude to Henry Cendrowski for major sponsorship for three years, board president Cathy Weissenborn’s gratitude to Rich Mida for his stewardship of the Frederick A. Vollbrecht Foundation’s generosity and Rick Williams explanation for his sister’s interest in CARE House’s mission. “My brother and I abused Wendy when she was a child,” he jested before presenting the Kaleidoscope Award to Wendy Willams Powers. Circle of Hope awardee Karla Sherry was saluted with a great, rap style litany of attributes by Denise Abrash. It included the fact that “…Karla has 1,000 friends.” Two other program highlights were the song (“Heal the World”) by young Abby Jackman with backing by two www.oaklandpaper.com

■ A Belle Isle Autumn Luncheon

Above, left to right: Lynden B. Miller (left)of NYC and event co-chair and BIWC founder Sarah Earley of Bloomfield. Sis Fisher (left) of Bloomfield with Carmen Harlan of Detroit of Detroit and her sister Donna Sykes of Southfield. Bloomfield Hills Garden Club (Women’s National Farm and Garden Associastion) current president Cecily O’Connor (left) of Bloomfield and past president Lynn Stinson now of Gaylord. Below: Yvette Bing (left) of Detroit, Robin Henderson and Annie Margulis of Bloomfield. Rita Buschmann (left), Barbara Smith, Andy Anderson, and Sis Nolte of Bloomfield and Kitty Nau of Beverly Hills.

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Spirit of Manresa Gala

Clockwise from lower left: C.A.V.E. Awardee Ann Marie Monette of Royal Oak receiving award from Fr. Peter Fennessy of Bloomfield. Auction co-chairs George and Grace Seroka of Bloomfield. Honorary co-chairs Lori and Ken Hiltz of Bloomfield. Auction cochair Bud Wilson (center) of Livonia with event sponsor Larry and Crystal Davidson of Bloomfield

■ Easter Seals Benefit

Left to right: Child Ambassador Parker Reed (left) of Beverly Hills and honoree Ed Deeb of Bloomfield with Easter Seals’ Mary Kathleen Bujold of Troy. Honoree Ed Deeb (back left) of Bloomfield, his wife Joanne, sister Marge and (in front) his mother Sarah, 92.

■ CARE House’s Merry-Go-Round

Mosaic singers and CARE House client Julie Guzanek’s story. The latter, who adopted her two abused grandchildren, has not only received support and family therapy at CARE House, she is also a volunteer there in the Family Support group. It helps families heal. Next on the CARE House calendar is the 14th annual Circle of Friends at noon, Jan. 28 at the Townsend. Cathy and im Weissenborn are the chairs. Mackinac Partners is the presenting sponsor. Elyse and David Foltyn are hosting the preview party in their Birmingham home.

Lighthouse PATH’s Salute Two women shared the spotlight at Salute America on Oct. 15. One was PATH (Pontiac Area Transitional Housing) resident Leilani Currie, who took her four kids and left an abusive relationship. She has now been in school for two years, is on the dean’s list and received a Christian Dior makeover. “I don’t know where I would be without PATH,” she told the gathering of nearly 100 at Mark McCammon’s Bloomfield Hills home. The other honoree was Susan Flint Cooper. She was introduced thusly by Lighthouse CEO John Ziraldo: “Susan Cooper is a great American – the kind of woman who, with her neighbors, would raise a barn.” Cooper’s remarks then saluted the legacy of her parents - to commit to something about which you are passionate. Guests applauded both women, dined on American fare like sliders and apple pie, bid $1,700 in a small silent auction, networked and socialized big time. Music by Larry and Tom was a perfect background for the low key evening in McCammon’s party-perfect home. It netted more than $27,000 thanks also to sponsors like HP and Beaumont Hospitals.

Key to the Cure Kick Off Party

Top row, left to right: Awardee Karla Sherry (left) and her son Peter of Bloomfield and her mother Clarice Perry of Linn Creek, MO. Bill and event awardee Wendy Williams Powers with Karen and Rick Williams of Bloomfield. Judy Runco (center) of Birmingham with Rose and event awardee Frederick A. Vollbrecht Foundation’s Rich Mida of Beverly Hills. Mddle row: Lynn Perenic (left) of Franklin and event honorary chairs Denise and Herb Abrash of Bloomfield. Major sponsor Harry Cendrowski and his wife Maureen Nulty of Birmingham. Bottom row: left to right: Event chairs Cindy Broderick and Mark Wayde of Birmingham. Past event chair Roz Jacobson (left) of Birmingham with past awardees Sandie Knollenberg of Bloomfield and Elyse Folytn of Birmingham. Award winner Karla Sherry (center) of Bloomfield with event chairs Cindy Broderick and Mark Wayde of Birmingham.

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More than 800 people frolicked at Saks Fifth Avenue on Oct. 15 to kick off the annual Key to the Cure shopping weekend benefiting the Henry Ford Health System’s Josephine Ford Cancer Center and the Francee & Benson Ford, Jr. Breast Care & Wellness Center. In addition to shopping, the makeup artists, psychics and DJ Chris Anthony were also popular. Likewise, the refreshment stations. These included signature crowd pleasers from The RitzCarlton, Brio, The Capital Grille, McCormick & Schmick’s, Morton’s and the Signature Grille. Cocktail bars donated by Dragon Bleu Vodka, Tommy Bahama Rum and Valentine Vodka were also crowded.

St. Hugo Fashion Benefit Lunch Sandy Reso and Cecelia Kelley’s committee put the fight against breast caner in the forefront at the 51st annual St. Hugo Altar Guild’s fundraiser Oct. 13. It attracted 360 to Oakland Hills Country Club and many of them bought tickets ($17,000 worth) for raffle prizes that included a $1,000 Shopping Spree at Somerset Collection. In addition to socializing, the highlights included Kay Brown’s engaging emcee performance, an update on breast cancer DECEMBER 2009

by Beaumont’s Dr. Pamela R. Benitez and the fashion show .It featured apparel from Chico’s at Somerset and Dittrich Furs modeled by church members who are breast cancer survivors. Proceeds will support the guild’s many outreach projects.

■ Lighthouse PATH’s Salute America

WCHC New Member Tea Event chair Linda DeKar and WCHC president welcomed 70 to the WCHC membership tea at the 2009 Somerset Collection Show Home in Birmingham. All commented on the handsome home’s green amenities and on the moving presentations by directors of some hospices supported by WCHC grants. Among those inspired to the WCHC were Julie Gust, Ann Doman, Susan Hall, Jenifer Keliikuli, Annie Kleene, Sandra Krampert, Janet McCarty, Linda McIntosh, Christine Colman Smith, Lisa Stancza and Vicki Waldron.

Clockwise from lower left: Mary Roth (left) of Bloomfield and Carla Grava of Birmingham. Lighthouse CEO John ZIraldo (left) of Detroit with CJ and PATH board vice president Patty Ghesquiere of Birmingham. Event founder Maggie Allesee (left) with host Mark McCammon and his parents Val and Dave of Bloomfield. Honoree Susan Cooper (left) of Birmingham with Beaumont’s Gene Michalski of Rochester and Dr. Ken and Diane Peters of Huntington Woods. David (left) and Julia Baumhart of Bloomfield, board member Noel Massie of Hartland, Spring and PATH board president Jim Clarke of Bloomfield. Dr. Eric and Karole Davies of Bloomfield.

Childhelp Planes, Trains and Autos Childhelp co-founders Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson came from Arizona to join more than 300 area supporters of the organization that serves abused, neglected and at-risk children at the Childhelp 50th Anniversary Gala Oct. 17. It was staged at Oakland County International Airport’s Oakland Air Hanger which was elegantly decked out for the occasion. Folks dined, danced, bid on donated auction items and raised $60,000 (net) for the organization.

MIRA Gold Key Event The Mental Illness Research Association’s recent 17th Annual Gold Key Gala Event attracted a loyal group of more than 100 to Andiamo’s Celebrity Room. They dined, played casino games and honored Jacqueline Castine, Carol Rosenblum and David Bartczak, and Community Network Services. Spotted in the crowd were honorary chairs Kevin and Jackie Downey, Dr. Carmen McIntyre, Dr. Altona Rone, Leslie Wise, Doug and Linda Hubbard, Debbie Elert and Jim Alampi, Laura Bostick, Stephanie Archangeli, Nancy Lee, and Paul, Pat and Tracy Jacques. Funds raised support MIRA’s research grants and patient services.

■ Key to the Cure Kick Off Party

Judson Center Night to Embrace The Judson Center benefit auction was held at the San Marino Club for many years before it got tony and moved to the Townsend. This year planners moved it again, to the GM Heritage Center (an exceptional car museum) in Sterling Heights and made it a wine tasting and strolling dinner. Many were seeing the venue for the first time and considered it a real treat. The crowd of 250 supporters, included loyalists like David and Lisa Drews, Steve and Julie Henes, Olivia Visperas, Barton McLaughlin, Susan and David Rogers and Melissa and Michael Husmillo. They saw a moving video of a family who adopted a special needs child through Judson, pledged $12,600 in outright gifting, bid more than $24,000 in the silent auction that included a popular wine table and more than www.oaklandpaper.com

Left to right: Maggie (left) and Michael with their mother, host committee member Janet Madigan of Birmingham and Saks Fifth Avenue manager Kim Nye of Troy. Kathy Goldberg(left) and Stephany Austin of Bloomfield. Karen Blum (left) of Troy and Kristina Petzer of St. Clair Shores.

■ St. Hugo of the Hills Altar Guild’s Fashion Benefit Luncheon

Left to right: St. Hugo of the Hills Altar Guild President Mary Young of Bloomfield. Kay Browne (left), Marianne McBrearty and Martha Torre of Bloomfield.

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Women’s Committee Hospice Care’s New Member Tea

$20,000 in the live auction. The latter did not include the donated one week holiday in Cancun because Tracee Theodore selected that when her name was drawn as winner of the 52-card Pick Your Prize raffle. But Judson Center’s programs for children and families at risk were the big winners because the event raised $112,000.

JARC’s 40th Anniversary

Left to right: Yvonne Young-Capece (left) of Troy, Helen Holmes of Bloomfield and Cheryl Facchini of Farmington Hills. Carolyn Birger (left), Julie Schaffer and Chana Singh (new) of Bloomfield. WCHC president Julie Beals (left) and event chair Linda Dekar of Bloomfield. Kristin Lusin (left) with Carole Larson Wendzel of Bloomfield and Annie Kleene of Pleasant Ridge.

■ Childhelp’s Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Left to right: Co-founder of Childhelp; Sara O’Meara(left) of Scottsdale, AZ Congressman Gary Peters of Bloomfield Twp; State Advisory Board chair Keith Pomeroy of Birmingham Childhelp co-founder Yvonne Fedderson of Scottsdale, AZ. Childhelp State Advisory members Gretchen Davidson (left) and Wendy Silverman with Mitchell Masters and Ethan Davidson of Bloomfield. Shelly Farmery (left) of Detroit, Kathy Schweitzer of Grosse Pointe Farms and Brian Manoogian of Bloomfield.

■ Judson Center’s A Night to Embrace

Clockwise from lower left: Carolyn Grobble (left) of Bloomfield and Julia Henes of Birmingham. Meg Conroy (center) of Birmingham with Paula and Mak LaNever of Northville. Auctioneer Rip Hayes (left) of Bloomfield and volunteer sidekick Jason Vines of Franklin with emcee Jackie Paige of Bloomfield. Antonio Benecchi (center) with Stefanie and Juergen Reers of Birmingham.

■ JARC’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

At left: JARC CEO Rick and Dana Lowenstein of West Bloomfield. Phylliis Lowenstein (left) of Farmington Hills, Brian Hughes of Franklin and Andy Roisman of Beverly Hills. At right: Karen(left) and Irv Rosenstein of Troy and Ron and Sue Hodess of West Bloomfield. Jen and David Findling of Birmingham.

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JARC invited supporters to “Party like It’s 1969” and 250, including Renee and Craig Erlich, Linda Solomon, Ken Korotkin, Lisa Brown, Mark Davidoff, Margie Dunn, Sheldon and Sonia Gonte did just that at Somerset Collection. Many dressed a la their hippy days and partied amid ‘60s décor compliments of Special Events Party Rental. They shared the dance floor with Go Go Dancers who gave out love beads and peace signs as DJ’s from Star Trax upped the decibels. To mellow out they listened to Hannan Lis, Steve Tarnowsky and Marty Liebman sing folk songs. They supped on cuisine by Matt Prentice and Forte Restaurant. The rousing retro soiree was hosted by Somerset Collection, which is also celebrating 40 years, and the Forbes Company. Party proceeds, as well as a percentage of three days of shopping at the landmark center, will directly support the services JARC provides to people with disabilities..

Musical Feast at the Polks’ Home Twenty two years ago the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Volunteer Council introduced Musical Feasts – a series of socials hosted by generous music lovers featuring sustenance for the body and soul. ‘Tis a winning combination. Last month Bobbi and Stephen Polk, Wendy and Bill Power co-hosted one of 19 2009 feats - Martini Madness III at the Polks’ Bloomfield Hills home. A sold out list of 80 guests, who each made a $100 DSO Volunteer Council donation, attended. The hospitality was warm, the passed hors d’oeuvres and small plates catered by Bloomfield Hills Country Club were superb. The martini selection included apple, vodka and chocolate martinis. Wine and other spirits were also served. But the hit of the party was the range and beauty of the music played by the DSO bassoon quartet. The program included Mahler, jazz, a creation of their own called “Pigs”, the Beatles “Hey, Jude” and a salute to DSO president Anne Parson (“Ain’t She Sweet”). They concluded with “Yankee Doodle Dandy”. “They were amazing,” opined Karen Williams. Bobbi Polk was so pleased with the evening that she said she’s looking forward to having Martnin Madness IV.

Variety Lights, Camera, Auction Paul Glantz, Judy Solomon, Michael Bressler and Bob Golding - this quartet has a formula down pat for Variety’s most successful annual fund-raiser. Glantz hosts the event at his Emagine Theatre in Novi’s Fountain Walk. Solomon and Bresslar chair it. Golding coordinates the restaurants that donate superb fare for dining on the stroll. A record crowd of 500 attended. They DECEMBER 2009

socialized between bites, bid $11,000 in a silent auction and donated enough additional money to buy 30 of the bikes that will be given to needy and special needs kids at Variety’s Bike for Kids Party Dec. 9. They capped off the evening by viewing any one of the films playing in the theatre. Additional bike donations may still be made by calling (248)258-5511. Bike sponsors will be invited to the heart warming bike party.

■ Martini Madness III Musical Feast

Linda Orlans’ Halloween Party A Lurch-like butler welcomed guests to Linda Orlans’ Birmingham home on Oct. 31. There, among mummies, bats and cobwebs, more than 80 friends, most in costume, socialized, supped on a trio of risotto cakes, cheese panni and butternut shrimp tarts and sipped Vampire Kiss Martinis. Costumes included Howard Stern, Captain Kirk, a priest, gladiator, hippie vampire and a banana and a pumpkin. The latter two were Sandie and Joe Knollenberg. Orlans, an attorney and great supporter of community organizations, instructed guests to bring their left over trick or treat candy. She donated it to Lighthouse.

Distinguished Women’s Award Kudos to Sue Nine for being named one of seven American women honored by Northwood University at events at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. The award honors women of outstanding attainment who represent NU’s principals of higher education and commitment to free enterprise. For Nine, the honor brings the number of her awards to 38. All well deserved we would like to note.

Top row, left to right: DSO bassoonists Bob Williams (left)of Northvile, Marcus Schoon of Troy, Michael Ke Ma of Northville and Vicky King of Beverly Hills. Jimmy Sklar (left) of West Bloomfield with event hosts Bobbi and Steve Polk of Bloomfield. Event co-host Bill Powers with John Street of Birmingham. Center row: Event co-host Karen Williams of Bloomfield and Adele and Mike Acheson of West Bloomfield. Event co-hosts Rick Williams (left) of Bloomfield and his sister Wendy Powers of Birmingham greeting DSO’s Anne Parsons of Grosse Pointe and Tom and Nancy Strickland of Bloomfield. Annie and Bruce Margulis of Bloomfield. Event co-host Karen Williams of Bloomfield and Adele and Mike Acheson of West Bloomfield. Lisa Wesner and Richard Karolak of Birmingham.

■ Martini Madness III Musical Feast

Detroit International Wine Auction What recession? You’d not have known the economy was struggling at the 28th Detroit International Wine Auction – The Art of Wine. At the Vintner’s Private Reception in Andiamo Detroit Riverfront, 150 invited guests socialized, sipped and snacked royally and five of them bid a total of $10,600 for lots of wine donated by the Tom Celanis, Van Conways, Harvey Fruhaufs and Jim (M) Nicholsons. Then they joined almost 300 more in the GMNext exhibit where wines and art created by CSS alumni shared the silent auction spotlight. When it closed, folks had bid nearly $40,000, more than half of which was paid for the art. The party then moved into the GM Wintergarden for dinner and the live auction, which was spirited. A oneweek trip to Paris with select winery tasting and tours sold for $17,000. The featured vintner’s lot followed closely at $16,000 and a luxury package of six nights in Umbria, Italy went for $13,000. Proceeds (more than $1-million gross) from the annual event will support the student scholarship fund and Community Arts Partnerships (CAP) program at CCS. Currently, 100 percent of CCS undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance. And last year CAP also provided art and design education to more than 4,000 high-risk school-aged students in Detroit. The college expects additional www.oaklandpaper.com

Clockwise from upper left: Variety president Kelly Shuert (left) and event host Paul Glanz of Bloomfield with event chairs Michael Bressler and Judy Solomon of Birmingham. Event co-chair Judy Solomon (left) of Birmingham with Reinart Galzayd of Bloomfield and Adrienne Oringer of Waterford. Julie (left) and Martry Wiener of West Bloomfield and Penny Persiani of Birmingham. Ralph Philp (left) of Livonia, Carol Esmacher of redford Dr. Scott Grant of Birmingham and event host Paul Glantz of Bloomfield. Kelly Shuert (center) of Bloomfield with David King and Jeffery King of Birmingham. Judy Komer (left) and Sally Marx of Bloomfield. Variety president Kelly Shuert (left) with past president Bruce and Debbie Kridler of Bloomfield. Hot dog vendor Frank Anatra (left) and Nancy and Eric Clark of Bloomfield

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Linda Orlans’ Halloween Party

income to be generated when the first regular production model Cadillac CTS Coupe will be auctioned at The BarrettJackson luxury automotive auction in Scottsdale, AZ, January 18-24, 2010. The car was a donation from General Motors where 175 CCS alumni work today.

St. John Hospice’s Oktoberfest “My mother liked Rose better than she liked me,” quipped funeral director David Techner, honorary chair of the St. John Hospice’s Oktoberfest. He was referring to his late mother’s hospice nurse Rose Fenster. Fenster co-chaired the event with Patti Koval and asked Techner to sponsor the fundraiser at Franklin Hills Country Club. “How could I ever say no?” he posited. It attracted 175 supporters, including Dr. Irving Burton who mentioned that he admitted the first patient to St. John’s when it opened. They all viewed a moving video about Emma, an infant who lived nine months with the genetic disease Trisomy 18, enjoyed a strolling dinner and bid enthusiastically in a silent auction. It included a traditional evergreen, decorated for Christmas by committee members Wendy Koster-Relich, Chris Cullen and Dorothy Koster. We were told that some eyebrows raised when the tree was brought into the traditionally Jewish club, but, as in all aspects of the event, a happy spirit of ecumenism, respect for life and belief in the hospice mission reigned. The silent auction raised about $20,000 of the event total ($42,000).

Clockwise from left: Joanne and Gary Wagerson of Bloomfield. Party hostess Linda Orlans (right) of Birmingham welcomes Barry and Linda Solomon of Bloomfield. ohn Henke, III and his wife Leslie Craigie of Birmingham. Party hostess Linda Orlans (left) with sheriff Mike and Pamela Bouchard of Birmingham.

■ College for Creative Studies’ Detroit International Wine Auction

Clockwise from upper left: CCS president Rick Rogers and his wife Susan of Grosse Pointe, featured vintner Bob Bertheau of Woodinville, WA, and event chairs Shelly and AVL Americas’ Don Manville of Bloomfield. 2004 event chairs Gary (left) and Kay Cowger of Bloomfield with 2008 event chairs Kim and Frank Campanale of Orchard Lake. 2005 event chairs Tom (left) and Vicki Celani (right) of Bloomfield with CSS board chair Keith Crain of Grosse Pointe and Sue Conway of Birmingham. David and Angie Banda of Bloomfield. Rhonda Welburn (left) of Detroit and GM’s Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield. Vicki Bockart (left) of Bloomfield, auctioneer Fritz Hatten of St. Helena, CA, Dario Bergamo and Michelle Selabassi of Rochester Hills and Gregg Bockart of Bloomfield. Cindy (left) and Steve Shannon with Gary Cowger of Bloomfield. Judge Amy Hathaway (left) and her husband judge David Groner of Grosse Pointe with event sponsors Sue and Van Conway of Birmingham. 2007 event chairs Syd and Elizabeth Ross of Bloomfield.

Rotary Club’s Honors Dinner The Bloomfield Hills Rotary Club’s annual Honors Dinner Nov. 5 was notable for the warm, personal insight into the personality and history of honoree Pat Hardy. Her husband Tom Hardy’s law partner Terry Page, who said he has heard Tom talk about Pat for 35 years, Tom and daughter Lisa Hamill all spoke candidly and lovingly about the evening’s star. She got a standing ovation from the 120 guests who represented, in addition to Rotary loyalists, Hardy’s colleagues from the Bloomfield Hills City Commission and Preservation Bloomfield’s Barton Farm House rescue, fellow Academy of the Scared Heart alumnae moms and the Birmingham Eccentric grass rooters. Pat concluded her acceptance remarks by honestly admitting that, although she thought she would not like being in the spotlight, she really did.

■ St. John Hospice’s Oktoberfest

Detroit Bishop’s Dinner

Left to right: Honorary chair David Techner (center) of Birmingham with event co-chairs Rose Fenster (left) of Huntington Woods and Patti Koval of Troy. Karen and Mike Brown of Bloomfield. Ken and Lori Hiltz of Bloomfield. Rose Fenster (center) of Huntington Woods with her family – Cara (left) and son Bryan Fenster of Chicago, husband Buddy Fenster and his mother Lillian Fenster of Birmingham.

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Bob Koval’s extensive list of community service, professional associations and personal friends resulted in a turnout of 227 for the 51st annual Detroit Bishop’s Dinner. They first attended Mass at St. Hugo of the Hills and then proceeded to the Centerpoint Marriott for a reception and dinner. They applauded Archbishop Allen Vigneron’s remarks as well as Koval when he received the 2009 Bishop Kevin M. Britt Award for a decade of exceptional service to Guest House. The multi-campus alcohol and drug addiction treatment center has been rescuing DECEMBER 2009

clergy and religious for more than 53 years. The dinner topped the 2008 endeavor by raising raised nearly $60,000 for the cause.

■ Detroit Bishop’s Dinner benefiting Guest House

Marian Under the Harvest Moon More than 350 Marian High School boosters turned out for Under the Harvest Moon at the Bloomfield Township school. They socialized, wined, dined on Holiday Market catered fare, applauded the Marian Rice Players’ singing and dancing, spent $25,000 in the Scholarship Fund Raffle and bid $65,000 in auctions. Auction highlights included alumna Billie Jo Wanink’s purchase of the Dean for a Day item. Wanink, a member of the first MHS graduating class, gave the gift to her former employee Mary Jo Henry Warner, also an MHS alum, for use by Mary Jo’s daughter Kelly Warner, a current sophomore.

Top row, left to right: Event host Archbishop Allen Vigneron (left) of Detroit with honoree Bob Koval and his wife Patti of Troy. Committee members John (left) and Kay Browne of Bloomfield with Kay’s daughter Katie and Bill Nienstedt of Birmingham. Committee member Caroline Flynn (left) of Lake Angeles with Ed and Gerri Parks of Birmingham. At right: Sue Nine (left) and Msgr. Tony Tocco of Bloomfield and Cia Lakin of West Bloomfield. Sue (left) and Leo Steinl and Joann and Lou Baughman of Birmingham.

■ Bloomfield Hills Rotary Club’s Honors Dinner

Public TV’s Evening of Antiquing Nearly 100 people turned out for Detroit Public Television’s fundraiser at Judy Frankel Antiques in Troy. The event, part of DPTV’s Outside the Box series, promotes life long learning and enrichment beyond television. The evening featured “Antiques Roadshow” style appraisals by Caroline Ashleigh and Janet Long. Four other experts Bob Burnstein, Mark Fritz, Ron Povlich and Dale Ross – were also present to discuss vignettes. Guests sipped, supped and strolled through the antiques emporium visiting with the experts while awaiting appraisals of their treasures. Twenty percent of the evening’s proceeds went to support Detroit Public Television.

Law partners Tom Hardy (left) and Terry Page of Bloomfield. Honoree Pat Hardy (center) of Bloomfield with her daughters Lanie Hardy Cosgrove (left) of Birmingham, Lizzy and Leslie of Ferndale and Lisa Hardy Hamill of Birmingham.

■ Marian High School’s Under the Harvest Moon Benefit Evening

Evening of Roasting & Toasting Four hundred sixty people cruised to the Ritz-Carlton Nov. 5 to for the Arthritis Foundation’s Tribute to Excellence: An Evening of Roasting and Toasting in Honor of Bob Lutz. The night included a cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment by “The Rat Pack” and bidding on such silent auction donations as a flight with Lutz in his former Soviet fighter-trainer jet. But the highlights were the roasts - a video roast by Jay Leno and live ones by Jason Vines, Fritz Henderson, Csaba Csere, retired Brigadier General Robert A. Raisch and Jean Jennings. Some spotted enjoying the fun were William G. Diehl,; Tony Hopp, Prabhakar Patil, George Perry, Cal Rapson, Alan Koch, Chip Perry, Yoshiki Sekiguchi and Theresa Smith Lloyd. The annual fundraiser brought in $240,000 for research into the prevention, control and cure of arthritis — the nation’s leading cause of disability. Send ideas for this coumn to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 or e-mail samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390.

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Clockwise from left: Kathryn Ambrose Reason (left) and Chris Schwartz of Bloomfield. Committee members Tom Korpela (left) and George Derderian of Bloomfield. Mothers’ Club co-president Barbara Fioravante (left) of Beverly Hills, Dads’ Club President Michael Burns of Farmington, and Mothers’ Club co-president Carolyn Fascetti of Bloomfield. Event co-chair Kathy Larson (left), acquisitions chair Laurie Maass and event cochair Denise Winter of Bloomfield. Board member Molly Robinson (left) of Bloomfield with Susan Raymond and board member Susan Conway of Birmingham. Marian board president Sharon McMurray (left) of Royal Oak and former board president Billie Jo Wanink of Bloomfield.

■ Detroit Public TV antiquing event

Left to right: Appraiser Caroline Ashleigh (left) of Birmingham and Genevieve O’Neill of West Bloomfield. Arlene Lullove of Bloomfield and appraiser Bob Burnstein of Auburn Hills. DPTV CEO Rich Homberg with Judie Sherman of Bloomfield. Stanley and Judy Frankel of Bloomfield.

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â&#x2013; final word Competing SMART levy proposals

ass transit advocates have found a sympathetic sponsor of a proposed countywide Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) millage question for the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to consider placing on the August 2010 ballot. Thankfully, another county commissioner is countering that proposal with one to maintain the status quo. The Oakland County Board of Commissioners General Government Committee is now mulling over a pair of SMART millage resolutions, one introduced by County Commissioner Stephen Schwartz (D-Farmington Hills) and another by County Commissioner John Scott (RWaterford). The resolutions are in response to an existing four-year SMART millage that's slated to expire in 2010. SMART is funded by a 0.59-mill property tax, last renewed by voters in participating Oakland, Wayne and Macomb county communities in 2006. A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property's taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property's market value. The owner of a property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) pays $59 a year in taxes to support SMART. For years, the Board of Commissioners has allowed individual communities to decide whether to place SMART millage proposals on their local ballots. Those that do and gain voter authorization collect the millage and receive SMART bus transit services. Currently, 23 Oakland County communities levy the SMART millage and therefore

participate in the SMART system, including Birmingham and Bloomfield Township. Schwartz's resolution would place a countywide SMART millage question on next year's primary election ballot, thereby eliminating the traditional opt-in/opt-out system in Oakland County while lowering the proposed SMART property tax to 0.54 mills or lower. According to Schwartz, the millage would generate as much as $50 million a year, with the potential to build new fixed routes on high traffic roads such as Huron/M-59, Grand River Avenue, 12 Mile Road, and Orchard Lake Road. Schwartz has said the current optin/opt-out approach on the SMART millage isn't financially viable for the transit system. He notes that SMART has experienced a reduction in millage revenues due to declining property values. With a countywide tax, SMART would be financially sustainable and could expand service so anyone could get anywhere in the county by bus, according to Schwartz. Scott's resolution would allow individual communities to continue to choose whether to opt into the SMART system by having voters approve a four-year SMART millage at the current rate of 0.59 mills to fund bus services from 2010 to 2013. According to Scott, about 56 percent of the registered voters in Oakland County reside in the 23 opt-in SMART communities, while 44 percent reside in the optout communities. That 56 percent would receive a tax cut while keeping the same service they currently get from SMART, while the 44 percent would face a tax increase if a countywide SMART millage is collected.

County commissioners need to maintain the existing opt-in/opt-out policy on SMART services. Putting a countywide millage question on the ballot could very well result in a tax hike forced upon taxpayers in communities that simply don't need or want bus transit services. With 56 percent of county voters in opt-in communities and Schwartz's countywide millage proposal expected to provide for a lower millage rate, the chances of the proposal's approval next August are pretty good. Taxpayers in Bloomfield Hills, for example, could be forced to pay a new tax for services they don't want or need. Every single voter in the city could vote no on the countywide millage, and still have to pay the tax if a majority of county voters vote yes. That's unacceptable. Under Scott's resolution, the Bloomfield Hills City Commission would continue to have the authority to decide whether to put a SMART millage on the local ballot. That approach is inherently more fair and responsive to local needs. If a community's residents and businesses are interested in bus services, they'll let their local officials know and ask for the chance to vote on increasing their tax burden for that purpose. The fact that SMART is experiencing a reduction in millage revenue doesn't justify creating a scenario whereby entire communities that don't want bus services are forced to pay for it through higher taxes. Scott's resolution needs to prevail. If so, there's nothing to stop SMART officials and supporters from taking their case to every Oakland County community, and letting local officials decided whether to put a millage question before their voters. â&#x2013;

School district study commission

state representative has introduced legislation to create a non-partisan School District Modernization Advisory Commission to review school district boundaries in the state and see where consolidation might make financial sense. Michigan legislators should back the proposal so the state and its citizens can at least look at potential changes that could improve efficiency and save money. House Bill (HB) 5561, introduced by Rep. Fred Miller (D-Mt. Clemens), would create a temporary commission composed of 15 members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, to review current school district boundaries and identify instances where consolidation of two or more school districts, or the division of a larger school district, would result in "sig-

nificant cost savings without negative educational impact." The bill requires various stakeholders to have at least one representative member on the commission, which would be required to submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by Aug. 1, 2010. The existing school district divisions were, for the most part, established over a half century ago. Over that time there's been debate about the need to consolidate districts and eliminate unnecessary, duplicated costs and services. Enacting HB 5561 would help settle that debate once and for all. There are some Oakland County districts that could probably stand to be combined, thereby eliminating unnecessary costs for

taxpayers. On the other hand, we know there's real value in local control. We like the aspect of the bill that clearly spells out which stakeholders need to be represented, and a provision that requires the governor's appointments to also provide balanced geographic representation of the state. Those two things will help keep politics out of the commission's work and ward off questions about the motivation behind its recommendations. Another positive thing about the bill is that it merely calls for a commission to study district boundaries and make recommendations to lawmakers. While that means there's no guarantee changes will be made, it would at least provide options for the state to consider as it looks for ways to streamline and be more efficient. â&#x2013;

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VINTAGE AND ESTATE

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Oak Blvd.

Maple Rd.

Upper Long Lake Lakefront

Orchard Lake Lakefront

Orchard Lake Newer Construction

Cass Lake Lakefront

Newer Construction in Birmingham

Bloomfield Village Classic Country Home

Executive custom contemporary. Almost 27,000 sq. ft. of recreational living including pool and sports court. Sophisticated owners suite $5,700,000 wing.

Lou DesRosier ranch style contemporary with walkout lower level. A visual masterpiece with the ambience of views from every room. An entertainers dream. $2,350,000

With almost 9,000 sq. ft. of living on all 4 floors. Six plus bedrooms. Finished walkout with second kitchen. Sunset views. Bloomfield Hills schools. $1,987,000

With sunset views and sprawling lakefront lot leading to sandy beach. Lower level recreation room. Newer construction. West Bloomfield schools. $1,699,000

With quality appointments and sophisticated details. Exceptional master suite. Finished lower level.

This rare 6,300 sq. ft. manor was rebuilt with a traditional floor plan. Master suite with dressing area. All bedrooms are suites. Lease $8,000/month. $1,250,000

Orchard Lake Lakefront

Orchard Lake Lakefront Buildable Site

Bloomfield Village Renovation

Walk to Downtown Birmingham

Vhay Lake Lakefront

Private Gated Estate Community

Soft contemporary on over one acre of manicured grounds. This walkout setting is ideal for today’s living or a perfect spot to build your dream house. $1,200,000

First time on market. One of Oakland County’s most scenic, in-town locations. Water and sewer at road. West Bloomfield schools. $1,149,000

Elegant redesign with function in mind. New Euro kitchen opens to family room and breakfast nook. Formal library. Large master suite. $1,149,000

Almost 5,000 sq. ft. of living with open floor plan for entertaining. Private owners wing. Views of large lot and luxurious grounds. $1,080,000

City of Bloomfield Hills. Private cul-de-sac location. Walkout lower level. Live-in accommodations with separate entrance. $999,000

New on market. Custom built with 6,000 sq. ft. of living. Finished lower level with full kitchen. Four car garage. Designed for entertaining. $995,000

$1,275,000

D L SO Classic Bloomfield Hills Estate Home

Quarton Lake Colonial

Newer Construction in Quarton Lake

New Construction in Birmingham

Spectacular Dow Ridge Setting

Executive Retreat in Bloomfield Hills

On almost 2 acres. Completely remodeled in 2005. Elegant yet incorporating today’s contemporary conveniences. Five plus car garage. $995,000

With almost 5,000 sq. ft. of casual living and open floor plan. Oversized lot with gardens and recreation space. Luxurious master suite. $989,900

With 3 car attached garage. Euro kitchen opens to family room, dining room and library. Master suite with separate sitting area. $949,000

Almost 4,000 sq. ft. of today’s living with gourmet kitchen, eat-in, 2 way fireplace to family room. Owners suite with office, Euro bath and dual closets. $699,999 Private setting.

With almost 2 acres of manicured grounds. Orchard Lake access and boat docking facilities. Large home with open floor plan. West Bloomfield $699,999 schools.

Newer arts and crafts design with open floor plan. Private setting with tranquil views. Three car garage. Bloomfield Hills schools. $690,000

Franklin Park-Like 1.2 Acre Setting

City of Bloomfield Hills

Pine Lake Lakefront

Walk to Birmingham

Completely remodeled with designer kitchen opening to living areas. Finished lower level. Three car garage. Walk to Cider Mill. $635,000

With first floor master suite. Kitchen with eat-in, workstation and access to patio. Library. Walk to Bloomfield Hills Country Club. $619,000

Association condo with boat docking and boat house facilities. Three levels of casual living. All floors open to exterior. Incredible views of pond, nature trail and waterfront.$575,000

From this Designer perfect residence. Kitchen opens to family room with fireplace. Second floor laundry. Finished lower level with full bath and bedroom. $569,999

Bloomfield Township

Cass Lake Access

Detached condo, end unit. Open floor plan and soft contemporary flair. Sleek kitchen with eat-in. First floor master suite. $499,000

And beach association with leaseable boat slip. Completely renovated with open floor plan and finished walkout. West Bloomfield schools. $429,000

K A T H Y BROOCK BALLARD Bloomfield Hills Soft Contemporary With private nature setting, manicured grounds and patios. Three stories of casual living. Open floor plan with 2 story great room. Finished walkout. Bloomfield Hills schools. $569,000

Bloomfield Village Completely updated/turn key home with new professional landscaping, finished lower level and hardwood floors throughout. This will not last. $499,900

248.318.4504 KATHY@MAXBROOCKHOMES.COM MAX BROOCK REALTORS 275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009

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Bloomfield Town Golf Course Frontage

Royal Oak Charmer

Beverly Hills Condo

Newer Build in Pleasant Ridge

Popular Highland model townhome. Neutral throughout. Kitchen with eatin. Master suite with fireplace. Finished lower level with full bath. Lease $1,900/month $250,000

Updated throughout. Gourmet kitchen opens to living spaces. Three bedrooms and office. Quite street adjacent to park and walk to town. Lease $1,800/month $239,000

Close proximately to Birmingham. This 2 bedroom with 2.5 bath, basement and 2 car garage end unit is a fabulous investment opportunity. $142,000

Sophisticated interior with granite kitchen, high ceilings, open floor plan. New roof. Fenced yard. Turn key. $139,900

KATHYBROOCK.COM