The Paper - February 2010

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Walking distance to Andover High School. Over 9,000 sq. ft. of living with walkout. Four car garage. Upper Long Lake out lot access. $1,295,000

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. $1,200,000

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

Classic Bloomfield Hills Estate Home

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

New on market. Custom built with almost 6,000 sq. ft. of living.

Finished lower level with full kitchen.

Four-car garage. Designed for entertaining. $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 views of Kirk in the Hills. Tucked away on 1.1 acres of rolling grounds. Soft contemporary with open floor plan. Bloomfield Hills Schools. $985,000

City of Bloomfield Hills. Private culde-sac location. Walkout lower level.

Live-in accommodations with separate entrance. $895,000

South shore lakefront. Updated ranch with finished walkout lower level leads to patio and fire pit. Casual lakefront living and sandy bottom ideal for swimming. $895,000

Orchard Lake Lakefront

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Never on market. Condo alternative living. Partially furnished. Completely updated. Finished lower level. Five car garage. One plus acres. $795,000

With sunset views and sandy beach.

City of Orchard Lake. West Bloomfield Schools. Surrounded by multi-million dollar home. $749,999

With boat docking and swimming on Dow Ridge. Situated on almost 2 acres. Five car garage plus work space for collector and boats. $699,999

Newer Arts and Crafts design with open floor plan. Private setting with tranquil views. Three-car garage.

Bloomfield Hills Schools. $670,000

Pine Lake Lakefront

Birmingham Designer Home

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

$1,275,000

K A T H Y BROOCK BALLARD Franklin Park-Like 1.2 Acre Setting

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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, work station and access to patio. Library. Walk to Bloomfield Hills Country Club. $619,000

Bloomfield Hills Soft Contemporary

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West Bloomfield Schools. $429,000

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■ inside / february ■ 15

■ 9: MAIL BAG

DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM PARKING

Birmingham has a variety of parking options in the downtown area, from open parking lots and parking structures to parking metered spaces.

Margaret Betts; Kevin Dalian; S. Grinenko; Kathleen Lesnau; Spencer Olinek; Donna Raphael; Marcia Robovitsky; Jay Shah; Sharron Saunders

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

■ SNAPSHOTS ■ 21: Annabel Cohen ■ 39: Mickey Guisewite ■ 59: Paul Tobias

■ 31: Irv Tobocman ■ 53: Laura Berman/ Brian Dickerson

■ 54: MUNICIPAL Arts board still considering memorial; gas pump televisions; Bloomfield Township millage vote; single waste hauler nixed; new police chief; extending the boulevard; overlay rules now mandated, plus more

■ 57: STATE Bonds for retirement plans; regional mass transit; corporal punishment, plus more

■ 61: BUSINESS NOTES Ariada Outlet; Beal Bank; L'Uomo Vogue; Studio D; Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro; Optik; Bolyard Lumber

■ 63: EATING OUT Our directory of places where you can dine out in Birmingham-Bloomfield; Main Course (Streetside Seafood) and Quick Bites from the restaurant scene with Eleanor Heald; Focus on Wine with Eleanor and Ray Heald

■ 67: THE COMMUNITY HOUSE The president and CEO of The Community House, Shelley Roberts, on what's coming up in the weeks ahead

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

■ 78: FINAL WORD Our opinion on the Bloomfield Township tax increase ballot question

■ OUR COVER

■ 24: PREGNANCIES AMONG TEENS

■ 33: GOVERNMENT INVESTMENTS

■ 63: STREETSIDE SEAFOOD

The Birmingham-Bloomfield area has a lower incidence of teen pregnancy, a factor of education and income levels, along with parental guidance.

Investment return revenue for local municipalities is dropping, a direct result of lower interest rates and less unallocated funds in the communities.

Proprietor Bill Roberts has built a successful restaurant by paying attention to customers’ desires, staff hospitality, along with food quality and consistency.

4

THE PAPER

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6

THE PAPER

FEBRUARY 2010

â– from the publisher

A

s evidenced by some of the letters to The Paper in the Mail Bag section on the following pages, some of our readers last month felt that the Hunter House on Woodward in Birmingham was unfairly tainted by our January issue because it was featured on our cover along with headlines for an unrelated story relative to the Michigan system for keeping track of sex offenders in the state, nearly two dozen of whom are registered as living in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area.

As I explained to Hunter House owner Susan Cobb weeks ago, there was certainly no intent to suggest a correlation between her business and headlines appearing on our cover.

In fact, our intent with each issue cover page is to feature community icons that are familiar to those in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. So it is unfortunate that some readers drew an unfounded conclusion from last month's cover art and story headlines.

I personally selected the image for the January cover art, having been a big fan of the Hunter House over the years. Even prior to my two sons starting to attend school in the area about 20 years ago, the Hunter House was long recognized by most, myself included, as a fixture in the Birmingham area, dating back to 1952.

Susan Cobb, the current owner, took the business over from her parents and has continued what has become a Birmingham tradition. So it's regretful if some were confused by our January cover.

The reaction of some of our readers prompted much discussion within our offices over the last month and in my case, has sensitized me even further as we go about producing our monthly issues of The Paper. With 36 years in the trenches producing publications in Oakland County, I still continue to learn with each passing day.

On the topic of our story about sex offenders that appeared in the January issue, this is a perfect time to address a couple of complaints from readers who felt that the story itself and the list of registered sex offenders living in the local area should not have been published at all. Sorry, on this point we respectfully disagree.

When we launched The Paper with our first issue last August, I noted in this space that our editorial mission was to provide a concise, straight-ahead presentation of important information each month. I have also noted in previous columns that we will not always agree on content and that some will be uncomfortable from time to time with the topics we tackle.

But our motivation will always be transparent: to provide a news product with essential information for local residents in an effort to help make the Birmingham-Bloomfield area the best it can possibly be. Our entire organization takes its role in the community very seriously. We believe our responsibility is to explore important community topics, no matter how uncomfortable for some readers.

Relative to the feedback we have been receiving since our launch, we don't just disregard critical comments that arrive. We welcome reaction on each issue, and we listen to your opinions. Your commentary is an essential ingredient in the process of producing a better publication for the communities.

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, Leslie Owsley, Michael Shelton Contributing Writers: Eleanor Heald, Ray Heald, Kathleen Meisner, 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 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.

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 copies are available at newsstand locations.

Paid subscriptions are available for $15.00 per year by phoning our distribution department at 248.360.6397.

So please continue the dialogue.

David Hohendorf Publisher davidhohendorf@thescngroup.com

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THE PAPER

FEBRUARY 2010

■ mailbag Grabbing attention From Kathleen Lesnau, Bloomfield Township: I’m sure you have heard this many a time this month (and if not, then I’m the only observant one): What were you guys thinking putting “sex offenders” in your headlines right under the photo of the Hunter House? If it was to get people’s attention, you certainly did. It leads one to think that that is where they “hang out.” I hope Hunter House contacted you. Either they have less business or more due to this cover layout. It would be interesting to pull their sales figures. ■

Big apology is owed From Sharron Saunders, Bloomfield Hills: I received your paper which was dated January 2010. On the front cover was a picture of Hunter House in Birmingham. It’s such a great place and I have been there many, many times. At the same time as seeing the picture of Hunter House, I saw, in very large letters, the words, “SEX OFFENDERS - WHO’S ON THE STATE LIST AND LIVING IN THE AREA.” These words, as you well know, were centered as if they were a part of the Hunter House picture.

I was shocked. My first reaction was that sex offenders are hanging out at Hunter House or maybe even working there. I took the time to continue reading to understand what this was all about. My concern is for Hunter House business. What about the people who did not take the time to figure it out? I really feel you owe them a big apology for the “bad choice” on the front-page layout.

Next month should be a front-page apology to Hunter house. ■

Connection implied From Spencer Olinek (no residency provided): If I owned The Hunter House, or was an employee there, I would be livid about your latest cover (January 2010). Besides being a bad, overlyphotoshopped photo of the place, it implies that there is a connection between sex offenders and the restaurant. I’d recommend better journalism in the future. ■

Wrong address listed From Kevin Dalian, Bloomfield Township: My son is Vitaliy Dalian who is listed in your list (“Local sex offender registry list,” January 2010 Paper). Unfortunately, you have published the wrong address for him.

You have published my address, not his. He has not lived at my address since September. His current address has been duly registered with the authorities, and they have visited him there. In fact, he was living at www.oaklandpaper.com

that address when they registered him, but some data entry moron refused to read the back of his drivers license, which is where the Secretary of State puts new addresses before sending new licenses out.

Unfortunately, multiple attempts by my son to get them to correct the web site have failed. Perhaps you will consider a follow-up piece on the gross inaccuracy of the data on the web site. Technology like that is still only as good as the people who type in the data. ■

Cover was in poor taste From S. Grinenko, Troy I am confused about the front page of the January 2010 issue. The Hunter House is featured and the copy “Sex Offenders” follows below.

I will just tell you what I see: The Hunter House is an employer of sex offenders or an establishment frequented by sex offenders. Why did you use this picture and business (with) this headline?

This is in poor taste, and I wonder what the Hunter House thinks of this copy. Are you implying that the Hunter House is seedy, unworthy or what? Please explain. ■

Desperate for readers?

From Margaret Betts, Birmingham: To the Birmingham-Bloomfield Paper that mailed an unsolicited copy to my home, please take me off of your list. If I wanted something akin to the “National Enquirer,” I’d go out and buy it, but I don’t. Your big, bold “SEX” on the front cover says it all. Are you that desperate to get readers? I hope local advertisers think not twice, but three times about putting an ad in your, pardon the expression, “newspaper.”

I have to question Oakland County law and political officials who appear to jump on the bandwagon of harassment and “overkill” of any and all on the sex offender registry. Take an honest look at the statistics and stop trying to scare the general public. Just remember — go back 100 years. If the registry were active then, how many great-grandfathers and grandfathers would be on it?

And give a honest answer.

As to the unapproved use of Hunter House as a background picture, that is deplorable. ■

Transit brings crime Name withheld upon request: In response to Jim Mellet of Birmingham (“Mass transit thoughts” Mail Bag letter, January 2010 Paper), I will remain anonymous because this is not politically correct in our new socialist society; however ... we don’t need public transportation to Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, etc. It brings in the wrong people from Pontiac or

Detroit or Southfield.

Sorry, I am tired of losing property value and safety. Look at the crimes so often committed in our communities which are now reported so frequently in… the Paper. Who do you think are the people robbing us?

They are the people who can’t afford cars in our economy, but can afford the bus. They are the people who live outside of our cities. The people who have traditionally been able to afford the privilege of living in these communities can afford cars and don’t need public transportation.

We don’t need “brother’s keeper” here. If you want that, move to Detroit and you may find fulfillment.

Every reader should do themselves a huge service, read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. You will see where we are headed at full speed. ■

More theater in town From Donna Raphael, Bloomfield Township: I was pleased to read about the three community theater groups in Birmingham and Bloomfield, since I believe community theater is the best value around for your entertainment dollar. But these aren’t the only shows in town.

Curtains up on Bloomfield Players.

Now in its 22nd year, Bloomfield Players focuses on family-friendly musical theater that often includes multiple family members among the cast and crew. Many Bloomfield Players thespians got their start by bringing their children for an audition and then auditioning themselves. We’ve had entire families on stage together — what a family experience.

This year Bloomfield Players will bring up the curtain on Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” March 12-14 and 19-21 at Andover High School. This musical features standards such as “You’re the Tops,” “De-Lovely” and “I Get a Kick Out of You,” along with a lot of tap dancing. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and senior citizens, with group rates available. For more information, contact bloomfieldplayers.org or e-mail groupsales@bloomfieldplayers.org. ■

Township millage hike From Jay Shah, Bloomfield Hills: For the last couple of years, we have seen headlines daily about the budget crisis at the state and local levels. Last year the scope of the crisis broadened, with headlines about crisis in the financial markets and the failure of major banks and insurance companies.

In Michigan news of bankruptcies of General Motors and Chrysler could not be missed unless you were visiting another planet. With the state unemployment at 15 percent and property values on the decline, most communities started planning budg-

THE PAPER

ets with reduced revenues from property taxes and state shared revenues. Recent headlines attest to this: “West Bloomfield balances budget with no layoffs,” “Voluntary pay cuts save Walled Lake $800,000,” “Citing decreasing revenues Birmingham schools sell administration building,” or “Troy police, fire officials agree to wage concessions.” However one headline ran counter to them all: “Bloomfield Township seeks tax hike.”

With the current state of the economy, the slide in the property values is expected to continue for at least the next five years. While most communities have implemented consolidation of services and personnel furlough or reductions, Bloomfield Township is looking at increasing taxes to balance the budget.

On Feb. 23, 2010 the township board will be asking the residents for a tax increase of 1.3 mills for the next 10 years. A survey ordered by the township board indicated that because of the decline in property values and property taxes, residents would be willing to approve the tax hike. In order to persuade the residents further they will be threatened with massive layoffs of police and firemen allegedly leading to an increase in crime and decrease in emergency response time.

Here are some of the issues that need to be addressed. The election is planned in February instead of November, when voter turnout is normally under 10 percent. February is when many seniors will be out of state and parents will be on a winter break. Also, the additional election will cost the township thousands of dollars in added expense.

Over 50 percent of the township population is over 60 years in age.

Many are retirees on a fixed income.

If the tax hike is approved many more will leave the township creating added burden for those who stayed.

In my opinion, prior to asking for a tax hike one should consider personal sacrifices. In private business, we would take a pay cut first before asking our customers to pay more for our services. Shouldn’t the township officials set an example by taking a salary reduction? Should all employees share in the pain by taking furlough days rather than see their colleagues laid off?

Other cost control measures include sharing services with surrounding communities, collaboration with cities of Birmingham and Bloomfield in emergency services, police and fire calls or dispatch. The township could also share or privatize planning or building services.

Before raising taxes shouldn’t we consider all other alternatives?

During the elections, politicians attribute “Tax and spend” philosophy generally to Democrats; the ➤ 9

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■ mailbag Republican township board asking for a tax hike is certainly a novel trend. ■ Editor’s Note: The township has left 18 positions vacant following resignations and reitrements since 2007. In addition, the township has been engaged in talks with neighboring communities about consolidating public safety services, and recently presented a dispatch services contract proposal to Birmingham officials for consideration. Township officials are also working with Bloomfield Hills on sharing or consolidating dispatch, fire/EMS and Building Department services.

Millage, trust issues From Marcia Robovitsky, Bloomfield Township: Bloomfield Township leaders want you to be informed about the millage and to trust them (as suggested by their survey). However: 1. Please read the official ballot you will be voting on. The ballot language allows for the taxes collected to be spent in any way, for any department the township deems necessary for the next 10 years. All this talk about saving police, fire, and emergency personnel will come up again and again over the next 10 years.

Why? Because all the money from this 10-year millage will not be just for police, fire and EMS. 2. The Senior Services Department is the old Bloomfield Hills Schools Seniors Group. It ran a program similar to the current Birmingham Schools BASCC program for seniors. In 2004, the members of the Bloomfield Hills Schools senior program had prior knowledge about the 2004 millage and they were aware that they would become the township senior program if the millage passed. So those that could voted. Many other township residents found out about the proposal only when they showed up to vote ... if they voted.

3. Bloomfield Hills Schools isn’t part of the township government.

However, all people in the Bloomfield Hills school district can “join” the township senior program for $30 a year. It doesn’t matter if you live in Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, etc., just whether you are in the Bloomfield Hills School District. Also, the Bloomfield Hills Schools send out a newsletter ... it includes information about the senior program that is a township department.

However, many of us live in the township, but our school district is either Birmingham, Avondale, or Pontiac. We don’t receive the newsletter from Bloomfield Hills Schools. Therefore, we are not as www.oaklandpaper.com

well informed about the township senior program.

4. If you take a close look at your taxes bill, you will see that there are special collections shown, i.e. safety paths. Why isn’t the 2004 senior tax listed for 0.25 until 2014? Is it because you will then understand what it costs you for the program?

Some are paying more than the $30 the township collects from people not living in the township? Do not confuse this tax with the building tax to be used specifically to build the senior center ... (not run it day-today). That is an additional long-term tax.

5. My main concern: Why allow certain groups to “buy into” our township programs? How many more people do the personnel have to service because of this benefit? I doubt the fees collected begin to cover most of the expenses of running the department ... with high costs for personnel, their health benefits, and their pension benefits. If you look closely at many of the senior programs, they are day travel events. The daily travel programs collect fees, but balance that against how many personnel and how much time is spent setting up and organizing those trips. Which would you rather have, an expensive senior program or safety for all?

6. When the township leaders openly discuss and consider the high costs of the senior program and make permanent the decision that it is only for township residents .... then I’ll consider the trust issue.

Another part (besides travel/cuts in personnel) of the program to consider cutting from the senior program: The Friendship Club. It may not be the township’s role to take care of those with severe dementia and other diseases. Examine the costs to the entire township for that part of the program ... and the insurance/liability that may come with it. The number of people in that program is small. There are excellent established programs in the area, with trained and qualified/licensed personnel to care for this kind of need. The senior program is big government ... scale down ... provide the basics.

7. Vote ... have your voice heard.

8. Vote no on Feb. 23, 2010. ■

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CORRECTION A chart published with an article under the headline “Tax free property: Exempt land value difficult to project; the price of community offerings” in the January 2010 edition of the Paper should have listed the Community House in Birmingham as having a “non-profit” property tax exemption status. ■ THE PAPER

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PARKING THE INS AND OUTS OF THE METERS, STRUCTURES IN DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM

By Lisa Brody

F

or some, receiving parking tickets is just part of the cost of visiting Birmingham.

For others, it’s a cat-and-mouse game of dodging the parking enforcement officer.

Yet others choose to park in one of the five parking structures dotting the city, which offer up to two hours of free parking.

Whether it’s fees for hourly metered parking, fees charged at the city’s parking garages or ticket fees for violations, the revenue generated by the parking system is enough to maintain operations and provide a balance held in reserve for emergency repairs.

There are over 4,700 public parking spots throughout the downtown area for shoppers, diners, visitors, business people, and employees.

According to Paul O’Meara, director of engineering for Birmingham, there are 965 metered street parking spots, three surface lots with approximately 250 spaces, and five parking structures providing 3,500 parking spaces.

“The largest lot, on Chester Street, has 880 spaces,” he said. “The Park Street structure has 811; the North Old Woodward lot has 745; the Pierce Street structure has 706; and the Peabody parking garage has 440.”

Each of the city’s parking structures were built with special bonds that were sold specifically for that use, and each have had their debt paid off. ➤

“All of the debt (from the parking decks) is retired,” O’Meara said. “There are no outstanding bonds.”

The oldest garage is at North Old Woodward — which used to be attached to Jacobson’s Home Store. It was built in 1966, and has an outdoor surface lot as well as the parking structure.

The Pierce Street parking garage was initially built in 1968; it was recently renovated and reworked to make it safer and more up-to-date.

The Park Street structure was constructed in 1974; and then the Peabody garage, which is the city’s smallest, was built in 1984. The Chester Street structure, which is the largest, is the last parking structure built by Birmingham. It was constructed in 1989.

Plans to build an underground parking garage beneath the rebuilt Shain Park were scrapped in 2009 when costs skyrocketed while the economy — both local and nationally — tanked.

Additionally, there are private parking lots and garages scattered throughout the city.

While those driving around looking for a parking spot either on the street or in a lot or structure might get a little frustrated from time to time, parking is a significant revenue source for Birmingham. For fiscal year (FY) 2009 — July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 — the city collected $2.38 million in revenue from the five parking structures, according to Birmingham City Treasurer Sharon Ostin. She said the city also collects revenue from the parking meters that are posted throughout Birmingham.

It costs $1 an hour for most meters, or 25 cents for 15 minutes. Curbside collection at the one-hour meters earned Birmingham $906,507 in FY 2009, while the North Old Woodward meters brought in $25,732 during the same period. Meter cards, which have been phased out, were responsible for another $5,860 in revenue for the 2009 fiscal year.

That’s a grand total of $3.32 million in revenue for the city.

Then there is the revenue collected by the police department through parking enforcement efforts — or parking tickets.

Parking tickets in Birmingham cost $7 if they are paid to the city within 10 days. The price then jumps to $15.

“However, whether they are paid or not, on the eighth meter ticket in a calendar year, the ticket price goes to $25,” said Birmingham Deputy Police Chief Don Studt.

Those who think they can get away with not paying parking tickets should guess again. Not only does the price of the tickets jump up, “but if you are a regular parking ticket customer, and you get six or more and don’t pay them, we tow your car,” Studt said. “You then have to pay your outstanding tickets, a $25 impound fee, and the tow fee to get your car back.”

The police don’t make arrests for outstanding parking tickets.

The department doesn’t tow the cars, it has a contract for that service with Bob Adams Towing in Birmingham. The towing fee depends upon the make and model of the car.

According to Terry Adams of Bob Adams Towing, “for a straight tow of a two-wheel drive vehicle, it’s $95. For a four-wheel drive vehicle, it’s $140.”

All towed vehicles are taken to Bob Adams Towing at 2499 Cole Street in Birmingham, which is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday though Saturday.

“If it’s after hours, we can arrange to work it out as long as they don’t have an ‘attitude problem,’” Adams said.

The Birmingham Police Department employs one full-time parking enforcement officer, and three part-time parking enforcement officers who work four to six hours a day. In FY 2009, officers issued 34,592 parking tickets, generating $376,530 in revenue.

16

“That’s 5 percent less in revenues than the year before, and 14 percent less tickets than the previous year,” Studt said.

Asked why ticket revenue and the number of tickets fell in FY 2009, Studt said, “Less people.” “(Parking ticket) revenues have gone down consistently every year since 2003-04,” he said. “They’re down 10 to 12 percent from then. While parking meters generated $1.04 million in the last fiscal year (the actual revenue, not from tickets), in 2004-05, which was our best year, the meters generated $1.18 million. There’s less usage now. There’s less retail, and more offices.”

Contrary to popular belief, the police don’t practice a policy of parking “gotcha.” Traffic enforcement officers don’t stand at meters, watching the minutes tick by and wait to write a ticket.

“We have a very broad policy. We call it a ‘driver return policy,’” Studt said.

“If the driver is running down the street as the officer is writing the ticket, we void the ticket on the spot. There is not a quota system. The full-time guy, he knows all of the regulars, and keeps an eye out.”

On the converse, feeding the meters is highly discouraged.

“The idea behind parking meters is the turning over of traffic, and getting new people into the spaces,” Studt said. “You want to turn them over throughout the day.

It’s short-term parking. It benefits every shop to have meters turn over.”

John Heiney, executive director of Birmingham’s Principal Shopping District, heartily concurs.

“The meters are for quick inand-out (use), when people have a specific destination,” he said.

“They’re designed for turnover. For staying and shopping, there are the parking decks. Everyone wants a prime spot, but the parking decks are covered, safe, and welllit. They’re an asset that we have.”

According to Heiney, parking is a perennial problem that comes up in downtowns across the country, and is one of the chief complaints that merchants hear about when customers, frustrated about their search for a parking spot, enter their stores.

“We actually have an abundance of parking compared with other cities, be they Royal Oak or Ferndale, or cities in other states,” he said. “We are fortunate to have five parking decks.”

The parking decks offer two hours of free parking, which Heiney said the city’s Parking Committee came up with in the 1990s in order to encourage parking in the decks.

“The two hours of free parking was instituted in 1996, when we did a complete price overhaul on parking,” O’Meara said. “The old price scheme had people paying 25 cents for the first hour (in the decks), and 50 cents for the second hour. The committee wanted to try to get people to park in the lots vs. the meters. The meters were raised from 50 cents for an hour to $1 an hour, and the lots were made free for two hours.

“We decided that if you wanted the luxury of parking right by the store you were going into, you would pay more for it,” he said. “And it’s held true all these years.”

Heiney said he feels the two-hour free parking approach in the structures has actually added to the walkability of Birmingham, which is a hallmark of the city and a chief objective.

“The idea is to get people to walk and see the storefronts and see the town,” he said. “For many people, that’s part of the charm of Birmingham.

For the store owners, their bread and butter is their windows. They’re their billboards. If people are driving by, looking for a parking spot, they’re not looking in the windows.” ➤

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Offering two hours of free parking in the parking decks has actually increased the city’s parking coffers, rather than depleting them.

“We’ve actually gained revenue by doing that,” O’Meara said. “We historically had not had any nightlife. Before 1996, we had only charged a 50 cent evening flat rate, and sent the cashiers home. As the nightlife picked up, we decided to offer two hours of free parking and have cashiers, and we stay open and charge as late as there is a demand.”

O’Meara noted that as of the first week of January 2010, the parking decks are now open 24 hours a day, every day but Sunday, when parking throughout the city is free — in both the lots and on the streets.

“The gates (in the decks) are down,” O’Meara said. “We’re asking people to pay now 24 hours a day, except Sundays. We believe we’ll get more revenue that way.”

Since the parking plan and rate change in 1996, there have been no rate changes made in Birmingham.

“Revenues were higher than we had estimated, so we have kept the rates longer than we had anticipated because we have been making more than we expected,” O’Meara said.

The biggest change in the parking structures was a move this past summer to automate them. Now, upon exiting the parking structure, rather than handing a ticket to a parking attendant, motorists insert the ticket into a machine which reads the ticket and notifies the driver how much they owe for parking. If one parks in the lot for two hours or less, nothing is owed, and the gate will lift. Each subsequent hour (or portion thereof) is $1, up to a maximum of $5 in all of the lots except for Pierce, where the maximum is $10 (except for monthly passes).

Payment can be made with cash or credit card. Simply insert payment in the appropriate slot, and you’re on your way.

There are several spots in each parking garage where motorists can go to a speaker and speak to a person for assistance in using the payment machines. The office at the Chester Street structure is manned late to help people, and provides remote service to the other lots.

“We talked about automating for several years, and it became clear that we could save a significant amount in labor costs,” O’Meara said. “It’s become the common practice in the parking industry in general.”

Preliminary numbers indicate savings of approximately $200,000 a year.

“We are still in the transition mode, so there may be greater savings to come,” O’Meara said.

There are still cashiers working in the Pierce Street and North Old Woodward structures, as well as the automated option, as they are not laid out in a way that allows for a strictly automated payment exit.

In the past, O’Meara said, there was typically one cashier in each parking garage per shift, as well as a maintenance person available in each structure, who performs general maintenance duties, cleans, and would be able to jump in as a second cashier as needed during rush periods. There were two shifts per day.

“We still have the daytime maintenance shift at each garage,” O’Meara said. “They’re there in the afternoons as a roving person to keep an eye on things.”

The automation of the garages began in May 2009.

“We did one garage at a time,” O’Meara said. “It took a month to complete each one.”

In addition to daily visits in and out of the structures, monthly parking passes are available at each of the city’s parking structures. Currently, 2,900 passes are in use. A month’s pass at the Chester structure is $30; at the Pierce structure, it’s $55.

“It’s all based on supply and demand,” O’Meara said. “We try to encourage people to park in the less-used lots by making them less expensive.”

Another source of parking revenue is through the valet services that work for various restaurants in Birmingham, and for The Townsend Hotel.

“We license the valets,” said Deputy Police Chief Studt. “They pay a fee to the parking garages, and they get a card to go in and out of the lots.”

As for the covered parking meters and spots in front of several city restaurants, like Forte, Chen Chow, and Cameron’s?

“We charge them $10 per day per meter, which is $1 per hour, per spot, the same as if someone was parking at the meter all day,” Studt said. That’s also what the city charges contractors and other service providers.

“We pay $1,000 a year for each license, based on up to 500 cars per week,” said Steve Ferich, owner of In House Valet in Birmingham. In House Valet is the valet service for The Townsend Hotel, Forest Grill, Big Rock, and The Reserve.

In addition to the license, the valet service has to pay parking garage fees.

Big Rock and The Reserve have their own lot. ➤ 18

THE PAPER

FEBRUARY 2010

“People think $8 is a lot to pay for a valet, but you have to pay for the license, for parking, labor costs, insurance, $32,000 in garage keepers liability insurance, plus incidentals,” Ferich said. “You can have a bad month if you ding a few cars.

“At Forest Grill, we use the parking beneath the building and a private lot across the street,” he said. “I have one older man who is the valet who is very service-friendly. It’s a one-man operation, with minimal needs. There are 100 cars, maximum, a week, but it’s a very high-end operation.”

The Townsend Hotel, however, is a different story. Besides providing valet service at the front door, Ferich offers a sedan service for hotel guests. In House also does all of the valet services for parties at the hotel.

The hotel has 90 parking spots under the hotel, which they use first.

“Prior to the expansion of Shain Park, we would fill the spots at (parking) Lot No. 7,” Ferich said. “We’d fill the meters with coins or the old meter cards. We would literally feed the meters.”

For very large events, In House also uses the structure on Pierce Street.

“There are a lot of daytime charity events at The Townsend,” he said.

“The problem with using the structures is that when you have 150 cars leaving at once, it’s not very timely, and it really bottles up. Also, there are other drivers leaving the lot, too.”

Ferich said his business has an excellent working relationship with the police.

Certain areas of Birmingham necessitate residential parking permits, which are for street parking in an area that’s adjacent to a school or business district. Because such areas encroach on certain neighborhoods, some residents have banded together to petition the city to make their neighborhood a residential permit parking area.

Residential permits are $6 for a two-year parking permit sticker. Parking tickets in this area are $25.

Drivers with handicapped permits may park at any parking meter in the city for free.

In the parking structures, normal fees apply for handicapped parking, although there are handicapped parking spots on every floor.

The revenues from parking fees and tickets are used to pay all of the operating and maintenance costs for the parking structures, according to O’Meara.

“We have a separate parking fund fully-funded by parking revenues,” he said. “That includes the costs for employees, like cashiers and maintenance personnel, window washing and other maintenance, and paying the electric bill — that’s a big one.”

The city’s Engineering Department tries to keep a “rainy day fund” with approximately $2 million in it, in case of an emergency, “like a piece of a structure falling off and needing an emergency repair, where we’d have to find the money. If we didn’t have the fund, we’d have to search for it, or borrow it,” O’Meara said.

Every five to six years, city personnel regularly jackhammer the holes out of the parking deck walls and patch them with a strong latex-modified waterproof concrete. Decks are also waterproofed to seal them and keep water out of the concrete.

“It’s a very expensive system to maintain,” Studt said.

One little blip recently occurred in Birmingham’s parking system — 10 parking meters on North Old Woodward were sawed off, some at the base, some at the head, and stolen.

“When the first one happened, we figured it was a prank and (the stolen meter was) in some college dorm room,” said Birmingham Police Sergeant Terry Kiernan. “Now what we think is that they are being stolen to have a key made to get into the meters.”

Kiernan noted that there are only a few keys made for the meters by the manufacturer, and since early November, when the last meter was sawed off, there have been thefts at many of the meters.

Whoever has done this in Birmingham has also hit Royal Oak and Ferndale.

“They hit Royal Oak one night for 60 meters,” Kiernan said.

Birmingham police are carefully watching and targeting the meter thief or thieves.

“The last time they hit was Christmas morning, and they only got eight meters,” Kiernan said. “I don’t know if the guy got spooked, saw someone, or what. But we’re watching.”

Birmingham police acknowledge the suspect or suspects have been successful in making a dent in parking meter revenue collections.

“They’ve gotten us for several thousand dollars. At least, that’s what the meters generally have generated,” Kiernan said. ■ www.oaklandpaper.com

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â– snapshot

annabel cohen

B

loomfield Township resident Annabel Cohen is the definition of an old-fashioned bon vivant. Not only is she a chef, writer and world traveler, but she could be the only Eastern Michigan University alumna who made a flan in her dorm room.

"I've always loved cooking. I was having dinner parties in high school," she said. "My mom was my first catering customer, and she was my toughest customer of all."

Cohen is now a traveling chef, of sorts, combining her love of cooking with her passion for travel. She once owned a successful catering business, called Annabel's, but sold it 15 years ago to spend more time with her daughter, Raquel.

"I was working night and day as a single mom and I felt like I never saw my daughter," she said.

Cohen was able to combine her cooking and writing talents to pen "Eating for Acid Reflux: A Handbook and Cookbook for Those with Heartburn" in 2003 with medical writer Jill Sklar.

"I've always loved to write, but I never thought anyone would care about what I wrote," she said. "Writing about food just came so naturally to me."

Once Raquel graduated from high school, Cohen promised she'd never

endure another Michigan winter. True to her word, she's traveled to Italy, India, Japan, Thailand, Israel, Mexico, and throughout the U.S. "Because I've made a lot of friends over the years, there are a lot of places I can stay," she said. "I have a friend in Bali, and I'm thinking I'm off to Bali next."

Through her travels, Cohen is able to offer her cooking skills to restaurants all over the world in exchange for a priceless education in cooking and culture.

"I'm going to see if I can get a job in Florida to work for a Cuban restaurant," Cohen said of one of her upcoming ventures. "Friends think it's strange that I'll offer my services for free, but I get a $10,000 cooking education out of it."

Her latest venture is a new cookbook she is working on, entitled "Civilized Camper Cookbook."

"In the wilderness you can still be civilized and eat good food," Cohen said. "When you go camping, you can't take your whole spice rack with you."

But, don't expect to see Cohen around town until the weather breaks.

In the words of her idol, author Susan Sontag, Cohen said, "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." — Katey Meisner The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

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PREGNANT TEENAGERS

RATES ARE MUCH LOWER IN BIRMINGHAM-BLOOMFIELD

By Leslie Shepard-Owsley

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n unintended pregnancy devastates some families who consider it a millstone rather than a milestone in their child’s life. Though a national campaign to mitigate the number of teen pregnancies worked over the last decade, the trend is reversing, prompting Congress to step in and recently pass legislation committing over $100 million to prevention education.

Michigan is following the same track as the nation, realizing an increase in teen pregnancies, as well as sexually transmitted infection (STIs) cases that double the national average. Health care officials cite the upturn in part to state budgetary constraints. Former prevention programs that proved effective have been red lined, leaving educators and state health officials at a loss in how to address the proliferation of STIs and curtail teen pregnancies.

While there are no teen pregnancy statistics available for municipalities, area school officials and the representative of a local social services organization say teen pregnancy rates in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Bloomfield Township appear to be lower than the state and national rates, with educators counting their blessings that their students are not conforming to the norm.

Deb Boyer, assistant principal at Birmingham Seaholm High School and chair of life management and health education, said that in her 20plus years with the Birmingham School District, she has seen only one teen attend school while pregnant.

“That happened about 10 to 11 years ago,” Boyer said. “She was allowed to continue her classes until she graduated.

“This is an affluent area and well-educated,” she added. “There are other alternatives in case this happens, and we deal with students proactively. We wouldn’t lose a student due to pregnancy.”

Should the occasion arise, any student with a medical condition would qualify for a 504 plan that formally draws up special accommodations, according to Boyer.

“There is no protocol in place, but it’s a common-sense kind of thing,” she said.

While statistics were not readily available, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Ed Bretzlaff of the Bloomfield Hills School District said school administration officials defer delicate matters such as teen pregnancy to social workers and counselors.

“Pregnancy is a personal issue handled with family and counselors confidentially,” Bretzlaff said. “I’m not privy to this information. The school doesn’t handle it. Typically, this would be handled confidentially with a family social worker, not administration.”

Julie Fisher, executive director with the Building Better Families through Action and a Planned Parenthood board member, said parents in the Birmingham-Bloomfield communities are on task in educating their kids about teen pregnancy.

“While teen pregnancy is always an issue in cities like Chicago, where I used to teach high school, it’s unusual here,” she said. “It’s not that kids aren’t ever getting pregnant, but they are getting it taken care of, or are more educated on how not to get pregnant. We provide prevention and our programming is community-driven. In my three years as director, I’ve never had anyone ask

for a special discussion on teen pregnancy, because it’s not a problem in the schools.”

According to the non-profit and non-partisan National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, a grassroots and research organization based in Washington D.C. that works with teens and practitioners in the field to collect data, the national teen birth rate increased 3 percent between 2005 and 2006, the first increase in 15 years. Despite a 38 percent decline in teen pregnancy since the early 1990s, statistics show that three in 10 girls become pregnant by age 20.

Effective prevention programs delay teen sexual activity, improve contraceptive use among teens, and prevent teen pregnancy, according to the organization, which lists 21 programs with relatively strong evidence of success after evaluations were conducted through randomized experimental studies.

Most successful programs are curricula-based sex and STI/HIV education programs; youth development and community service; interventions with parents; and others that take a broad approach to health care, academic assistance, and sex education.

No abstinence-only programs have shown evidence of success because there is no sure way to evaluate them, but through less-rigorous evaluations they have shown success in delaying sexual activity.

The organization touts abstinence as the best course of action because delaying sex is the most effective way for teens to avoid unintended pregnancy and STIs; however, the reality is that many teens don’t refrain from sexual activity.

“There’s less funding available, parents are working longer hours, and students have more time on their hands, with less money,” said Pauline Pruneau, health education regional coordinator with the Oakland County Intermediate School District. “The bottom line is, there’s less supervision and more opportunity.”

Since teen pregnancy is rooted in popular culture and social values, it’s unreasonable to believe programs alone can alter the outcomes, according to Michigan Department of Community Health.

The department maintains that reducing teen pregnancy requires community programming and outreach to influences norms, values, and popular culture. Collaboration between parents, families, the media, and faith-based arbiters is key. o help reinforce the efforts of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and other advocacy groups, Congress recently passed a package of spending bills, including a historic new investment to prevent teen pregnancy. The legislation includes a total of $114 million for a new evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention program. This funding is the first and only large-scale federal investment dedicated to preventing teen pregnancy through proven, effective efforts.

The teen pregnancy prevention initiative will provide $75 million for programs that have been shown through rigorous evaluation to positively affect teens’ behavior, and $25 million for research and demonstration on promising models and innovative strategies. The provision also includes $10 million for technical assistance, training, and other supportive activities to assist in effectively running the program, and an additional $4.5 million for program evaluation.

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According to a press release issued by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, the move by Congress underscores the relevancy and timing of curtailing teen pregnancy.

“Given the recent increase in the teen birth rate, it’s more important than ever to invest in interventions with evidence of success, and the bill Congress has passed does just that,” said Sarah Brown, CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.

While health officials in Michigan applaud Congress’ fiscal contribution to combat teen pregnancy, some are skeptical that Michigan will receive its fair share due to recent state spending cuts.

“We were on a good track, but with the spate of state budget cuts, we can’t focus on prevention,” said Amy Zaagman, executive director for the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health. “I hope Michigan is eligible because a lot of the time a state must show maintenance of effort, and we’ve decreased our commitment level.” n ancillary legislative victory in the war against teen pregnancy came in the form of the Mikulski Women’s Health Amendment to the Senate health reform bill, H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was adopted on Dec. 9. This amendment, offered by U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (DMd.), requires all health plans to cover comprehensive women’s preventive health services — with limited or no cost-sharing. The legislation ensures that women have access to low-cost preventive services designed to address their specific health care and help avoid unplanned pregnancy in the first place.

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, the rate of teen pregnancy (per 1,000) in Michigan had been declining since at least 1996. The rate for 10- to 14-year-olds declined from 1.8 in 1996 to 1.0 in 2006. For 15- to 17-year-olds, the rate declined from 47.0 in 1996 to 28.2 in 2006. Overall, Michigan has had a 44 percent decrease in teen pregnancy among 10- to 14-year-olds and a 40 percent decrease among 15- to 17-year-olds between 1996 and 2006.

Oakland County mirrors the state trend. Teen pregnancies in the county were steadily declining while the female population continued to rise between 2000 to 2007.

In 2000, Oakland County’s teen female population stood at 35,691, while teen pregnancies totaled 1,578. In 2001, female teenagers numbered 36,618, accounting for 1,502 pregnancies.

In 2002, the number of female teens living in the county grew to 37,318, while their pregnancies declined to 1,336. Again in 2003, the number of female teenagers rose to 37,820, while the number of pregnancies dropped to 1,364. Likewise in 2004, the number of female teenage county residents escalated to 38,732, and there were 1,357 teen pregnancies. By 2005, there were 39,586 females in the county’s teenage population, but the number of pregnancies fell to 1,303. The trend continued in 2006, when there were 39,952 female teenagers in Oakland County and 1,297 teen pregnancies. Finally by 2007, the female teen population soared to 40,122, contributing to 1,202 teen pregnancies, the lowest number on record in nearly a decade. ➤

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The 2009, Right Start in Michigan of the Michigan League for Human Services and Michigan’s Children report cites a dramatic reduction in the rates of teen births. Based on 15-year trends in the state, from 1992 to 2007, in the state’s 83 counties, and among the 69 communities with populations of 25,000 or more, teen births and repeat teen births declined by more than a quarter.

However, new information indicates a shift from the downward trend in teen pregnancies, both across the U.S. and here in Michigan.

“There’s a two-year lag between when the rates are published,” said Jessica Sheets, senior manager of communication for the National Campaign to Preventing Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. “For the last two years, we’ve seen the numbers going up. That’s the first increase in the last 14 years. We attribute this to a variety of factors, primarily sex without contraception. We are anticipating numbers to rise again over the next few years.”

The Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health’s Zaagman said she is disheartened by the recent statistics.

“We have had great success in the past by putting some unique programs in place to impact the teen pregnancy rates, but I’m afraid we’re slipping backwards,” she said. “We were making great strides by teaching teens the value of having control over their own body. I attribute the relapse largely to economic conditions.” ccording to Kara Anderson, a teen pregnancy consultant with the Michigan Department of Community Health, the latest data shows teen pregnancy down until 2005, with small fluctuations in 2006 and 2007.

“The two-year increase we’ve sustained is a modest increase, and can’t be attributed to one source,” Anderson said. “It’s a matter of monitoring, or it could be a fluke, or a combination of influences, such as media, peer pressure, and/or funding. Right now, we’re in the throes of investigating the causes we just can’t pinpoint.”

For the last seven years, the state has slashed prevention/intervention programming, something that’s considered to be one of the reasons for the teen pregnancy rate increase.

“In short, teen pregnancy rates are rising due to the disinvestment in prevention,” Zaagman said. “The state has cut 80 percent for family planning, so there is limited access. If there is no health care in the school centers, or if programs continuously get cut, it’s bound to have an impact — they are the main conduit for teen health care and education. These centers don’t provide contraception, but do provide education, health awareness, and confidence building.”

Rising unemployment seems to be another impediment to curtailing pregnancy rates.

“We’ve known for a long time that after school is a dangerous time for sexual activity,” Zaagman said. “If kids aren’t busy with a job, there’s a higher unintended pregnancy rate across the board, and (currently) more and more 16- to 18year-olds don’t have jobs.”

Despite funding cuts impeding positive statistical outcomes, teens still have access to school sex education programs for information.

“In the schools, there is no health education requirement dealing with sex education, but a coalition of people support fact-based health care,” Zaagman said. “Sexuality and abstinence

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are big pieces to that, which covers how one controls his or her life, as well as choices and consequences.”

The Michigan Model for Comprehensive School Health Education was developed in 1983, and continues to be supported and updated through statewide collaboration. The model is a comprehensive K-12 research and skills-based curriculum that addresses a range of health issues. essica Shaffer, a consultant in the Michigan Department of Community Health who works on the Michigan Model, said that in the arena of HIV and sex education, the model calls for HIV lessons in Grades 4 and 5, a unit-ofstudy for students in Grades 7 and 8 (currently under revision) and a curriculum for Grades 9-12, Healthy and Responsible Relationships: HIV, other STIs, and Pregnancy Prevention. Both the revised middle school and the high school curriculum include abstinence-based and abstinence-only approaches to meet the needs of communities with varying perspectives. While highly recommended, the model is not state-mandated.

“School districts can choose to be comprehensive and provide contraception and abstinence programming, and some may just allow abstinence, or others are somewhere in between,” said the Michigan Department of Community Health’s Anderson.

“We provide an abstinence-based, not abstinence-only curriculum,” said Birmingham Seaholm’s Boyer. “The only sure way to prevent STI’s is through abstinence. We parlay that until they are in a committed relationship and accept the responsibility of parenthood, abstinence is best.”

In June 2004, Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation (Public Acts 165 and 166) that outlines requirements from public school sex education programs. The laws mandate instruction on dangerous communicable diseases, including HIV and AIDS. Instruction must be offered at least once a year at every building level (elementary, middle/junior, and high school).

“Districts look at their needs including if there is a high pregnancy rate,” said the Oakland County Intermediate School District’s Pruneau.

“Most districts do parental surveys to determine what grade they want the sex ed classes to start, and what topic areas to cover. The majority begin in fifth-grade.”

True to form, the Bloomfield Hills School District sex education program begins with a basic introduction in fifth-grade and builds from there.

“We follow the Michigan state curriculum guidelines on reproductive health and sexually transmitted diseases,” said Bretzlaff. “In fifthgrade, there is a brief introduction to human sexuality, and basically, it’s based on the anatomical and physical differences between boys and girls.”

Subsequently, in seventh-grade the information is discussed in more detail in tandem with sexually transmitted diseases. Information is reiterated and expounded upon in ninth-grade within a mandated health course.

The Birmingham district approaches sex education in a distinct way.

“I attend meetings at the county level, and other districts don’t teach a comprehensive curriculum and shy away from reproductive health, unlike Birmingham,” Boyer said, adding the Birmingham district rolls out a comprehensive

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program throughout a student’s educational journey.

In the fourth-grade, there is one day of instruction related to hygiene, followed by a twoday explanatory discussion on the reproductive system in fifth-grade classes.

“The boys and girls are taught separately about bodily changes, and told that a pregnancy can occur when the egg and sperm unite,” Boyer said.

In seventh-grade, the district sets aside 25 to 30 days of basic instruction to cover topics such as communication, substance abuse, reproductive health, and refusal skills to combat risk behavior.

In 11th-grade, the district requires students to take one term of health education. One of the topics covers reproductive health and underscores refusal skills, date rape and date rape drugs, parenting, responsibility, and adoption.

“In 11th-grade, they are making personal decisions and will soon be transitioning to college,” Boyer said. “We add a dimension to health that needs a certain maturity to comprehend.”

The district updated the health curriculum last year with life management courses as part of its cycle review, according to Boyer.

“We used to have 10 weeks in sixth-grade and 20 weeks in eighth-grade. Now we have 30 days vs. 30 weeks,” Boyer said.

The Birmingham School District also wards off teen pregnancy in the form of a state-approved parenting class that uses infant simulators called “Baby Think it Overs,” so students experience the realities of baby care.

“Students see what it’s like to be a parent,” Boyer said. “The baby cries, must be fed and diapered and held. If it’s neglected, shaken, or abused, or cared for in a timely manner, the memory chip records interactions once the student inserts a key.” ccording to state guidelines for HIV/AIDS instruction, parents and/or legal guardians must be notified in advance of the presentation of such content; notified of their right to review materials in advance; their right to observe instruction; and their right to excuse their child from such instruction without penalty.

Risk reduction curricula teach best methods for restricting and preventing dangerous communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS. School districts are allowed to teach about behavioral risk reduction strategies, including the use of condoms, within their sex education program.

School districts can choose the content of sex education; however, they must align with Michigan law related to sex education and reproductive health. Within the parameters of reproductive health, there must be supervision, an optout provision to excuse a pupil from attendance, and “reproductive health” must be defined.

Abstinence must be underscored as a central core to the program.

“While students must take the health course, we typically have one to two students per year at each of the high schools who opt-out of the reproductive health section,” said Birmingham Seaholm’s Boyer.

Both Bloomfield Hills Schools’ Bretzlaff and Boyer said that if the students opt-out, other arrangements are made for them during that section, where alternative and relevant assignments are given.

In each of the local districts, parents are given ➤

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notification and opportunity to view reproductive and sensitive materials prior to instruction.

The abstinence-driven curriculum provides instruction on healthy dating relationships and on how to set limits and recognize danger signs; provide information for students on how young parents can learn more about adoption services and about the provisions of the Safe Delivery of Newborns Law; and includes information clearly informing students that having sex or sexual contact with an individual under the age of 16 is a crime punishable by imprisonment, as well as the possibility of being listed on the state’s sex offender registry for up to 25 years.

The Michigan State Board of Education revamped its recommended K-8 sex education program in February 2008 to be more comprehensive and scientific, but still places an emphasis on abstinence being the best practice to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The new model falls under the category of an overall health education program.

“We reviewed our own health education curriculum at the middle school last year to make sure it aligns with state guidelines,” Bretzlaff said. he sex education curriculum implemented in most Oakland County school districts falls under a blanket health education program that touches on nutrition, exercise, puberty changes, and body functions.

In order to teach sex education, teachers must be qualified to teach health. Training in both HIV/AIDS and sex education/reproductive health are usually offered through the Oakland Intermediate School District’s health coordinator.

Guest speakers are not required by law to go through these trainings; however, a trained teacher should always be in the classroom when guest speakers are presenting information.

The age-appropriate sex education material can’t condone acts contrary to Michigan Law, including indecent exposure, gross indecency, or criminal sexual conduct.

Under state law, clinical abortion can’t be considered a method of family planning, nor can abortion be taught as a method of reproductive health.

A person can’t dispense or distribute a family planning drug or device in public schools.

Prior to rolling out a sex education curriculum, a local sex education advisory board must be established by a school district. The local school board determines the terms of service, the number of members, and a membership selection process that is representative of the school district population. The advisory board must include parents of children attending the district’s schools, students in the district’s schools, educators, local clergy, and community health professionals. At least half of the members must be parents who have a child attending a school operated by the school district, but the majority must not be employed by the school district.

The advisory board is responsible for establishing program goals and objectives for pupil knowledge and skills that are likely to reduce the rates of sex, pregnancy, and STIs; reviewing and recommending materials and methods to the school board by considering the district’s needs, demographics, and trends, including, but not limited to, teenage pregnancy rates, STI rates, and incidents of sexual violence and harassment. The advisory board must also develop a report on the program goals and objectives, and make it avail-

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able to parents in the district at least once every two years.

The Birmingham district employs a number of safety nets before a change in the sex education curriculum is adopted.

According to Boyer, the health committee meets periodically to discuss new resources or teaching strategies. If there is a consensus on a new strategy, it goes to the building curriculum council. If it’s approved there, it ends up in the laps of the education council at the district level and the district health advisory council.

“Each committee is able to make comments to make sure they are reaching a diverse student body, that it’s age-appropriate and doesn’t stereotype and if it can be used by a substitute teacher during instruction,” Boyer said. “The advisory council is not there to draw up curriculum but to give advice on it.”

Two co-chairs for the sex education advisory board must be appointed by the school board, at least one of whom is a parent of a child attending a school operated by the school district.

Every district choosing to have a sex education program must have a sex education supervisor approved by the Michigan Department of Education to oversee the program of instruction.

In Oakland County, that person is Pruneau.

“My role is to give them resources and consult with them on law and state guidelines and give them best practice advice,” Pruneau said. “We network with individual districts to set up programs.”

Pruneau said she culls resources such as “Talk Early, Talk Often” platforms and speakers that parlay hot topics impacting kids today. Among those resources are the Responsible Relationships and Healthy Sexuality programs.

There are a number of state program interventions the intermediate school district funnels through the districts to mitigate teen pregnancy, including Talk Early, Talk Often and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative.

Talk Early, Talk Often falls under the Michigan Model umbrella and is a grassroots effort that provides middle school parents with the tools they need to talk to their children about sexuality and open up lines of discussion to address or mitigate pregnancy. he Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative is a comprehensive pregnancy prevention program of the Michigan Department of Community Health’s Adolescent and School Health Unit. The goal of the program is to reduce the teen pregnancy rate. It’s implemented through comprehensive, evidence-based interventions that target factors that lead to delayed initiation of sex and increased condom or other contraception use.

The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative programs target youth and young adults between the ages of 10 and 18 (and up to 21 for special education populations). It promotes personal respect and responsibility, builds skills for dealing with peer pressure and is age, gender and culturally-relevant. Participants acquire and practice specific skills such as communication, negotiation, refusal, decision-making, and resistance of peer/social pressure.

Parent education is also provided to encourage effective communication with youth about sexual health and sexual activity.

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health’s Anderson, the Teen

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Pregnancy Prevention Initiative is funded through four agencies that were originally promised $1.4 million in state aid last May. “Now the contribution is $360,000, due to cuts,” Anderson said. “Each grantee has been allocated $90,000. On top of that, and on the clinical side, is family planning.”

The four recipients of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative funding will expand the teen pregnancy prevention program within the Michigan Department of Community Health, which currently includes the Michigan Abstinence Program, Child and Adolescent Health Center Program, Michigan Model for Health Program and Family Planning. ichigan Family Planning makes available general reproductive health assessments; comprehensive contraceptive services; and related health education and counseling.

While services are available to anyone, the primary target population is low-income women and men. Income levels at or below poverty level can receive the full scope of service at no cost.

“The money allows for holding training for parents and families and is allocated to four grantees to do evidence-based curriculum and supplemental parent programming,” Anderson said. “We at the state level reach the kids through these services. At one point we had annual abstinence funding, but that stopped on June 30.”

Despite efforts to alert teens to the dangers of early sex, especially unprotected sex, health officials are alarmed by the sharp rise in STIs in Oakland County.

“The recent data on STIs is that they are doubling the national average,” said the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health’s Zaagman.

“Once a teen population has STDs, it becomes a part of that school, and the numbers snowball.”

Part of the family planning funding is not only go for pregnancy controls, but for screening for STDs, as well.

“If STDs aren’t nipped in the bud, they can infect the community. If you pair that up with a baby, you’ve got a sick baby and a high-cost situation,” Zaagman said.

Building Better Families Through Action’s Fisher said that organization is hosting a series of hot topic seminars for parents and teens over the next few months at the Doyle Center, located at 7275 Wing Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills.

Seminars are $20 each. To preregister visit: www.bbfaprevention.org.

On Tuesday, March 23, at 7 p.m., parents and teens are encouraged to attend a seminar on teen dating and dating abuse.

The Oakland Intermediate School District’s Pruneau said that despite sex education curricula and the scope of programming still in place, open and candid family discussions have the greatest impact on teen behavior.

“Parents need to be educated as well and need to talk to their children,” Pruneau said. “We realize parents are hesitant, and that’s why we’ve developed best practice programs, but if more parents would speak to their kids, more kids would listen. By sharing their moral opinion with their kids, it provides them with the correct information to make good choices.”

Ultimately, Pruneau said sex education must start at home.

“Schools don’t give kids values — they just direct information,” she said. “They need a parent’s perspective to make the right moral decisions.” ■

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ighly-regarded Birmingham architect Irv Tobocman has been leaving his mark in Michigan with his contemporary, international style since he graduated from the University of Michigan in 1956.

"When I was a child, my three ambitions were to be a musician, an actor or an architect," Tobocman said. "I did a little bit of the other two, and architecture was the final choice."

Known around southeast Michigan for his contemporary white, square buildings, he has created his own signature style, a rarity for any architect — local or national.

Tobocman said his style is akin to that of the Bauhaus in Germany during the 1920s.

"This is something that is a part of architectural history," he said. "We were trained in school according to Mies van der Rohe (a GermanAmerican architect)."

The first building ever designed by Tobocman was for a fabric wholesaler on 8 Mile Road in Detroit. Since that time, he's been designing residential and commercial structures with a certain sense of pride for each individual job.

"I'm proud of everything I've done," Tobocman said. "It has nothing to do with size or location. Good work is good work. It could be a small house, an addition to a building or the interior of a store."

Setting him apart from other architects, Tobocman often controls the entire image of his projects.

"I get hired essentially as the architect and then I ask to be able to

design the interiors and part of the landscape," he said. "There's a theme that runs through the entire project. It's not like having an orchestra with three leaders."

With many structures to choose from, he said he is unable to pinpoint his own favorite work. " "That's kind of like asking me which child that I like the best," he said.

According to Tobocman, his work has matured over the decades and he's less adventuresome and more cognizant than he once was.

"I'm much more circumspect about doing timeless work," he said.

"Every building or job that I do will be out there for 60 years, and you have to be very careful about what you leave behind."

Like many architects, Tobocman applauds famed designers before him, but realizes that he has been equally influenced by a deep love of music, art, theater and family.

"I was a classical pianist and I also did stage work at the University of Michigan in the early '50s," he said. "My mother was a housewife and my father was in the building industry. Both of my parents encouraged me."

Tobocman moved to Birmingham in 1980 and calls the city a mixed bag of buildings and architectural structures. After over 50 years of work, he said he still feels the creative pull of design calling out to him.

"There's a lot of room for improvement and I want to be a part of that improvement," he said. "My goal is to be as good as I can be and get as many opportunities as possible." — Katey Meisner The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

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MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS LESS UNALLOCATED REVENUE AND A LOWER INTEREST RATE

By Brooke Meier

S

ince the economic slide began in earnest in September 2008, individual’s stocks, 401ks and other investments have taken big hits. The same can be said for the municipal investments made by Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township. Already facing a serious revenue crunch, the municipalities have generally had less unallocated revenues on hand to invest, and lower interest rates on those investments are producing less investment income.

In each municipality the treasurer has the authority to invest public funds based on guidelines laid out in the municipality’s investment policy. Each policy has to be established by the township board or city commission as dictated under Michigan’s Investment of Surplus Funds of Political Subdivisions Act, commonly known as Public Act 20 of 1943 (PA 20).

Also under state law, a municipality must provide a copy of its investment policy to any financial intermediary, broker or dealer, who must acknowledge receipt of the policy and agree to comply before executing an order to purchase or trade the municipality’s funds. In addition, the treasurer of each municipality must provide a quarterly written report to the community’s governing panel concerning the investment of public funds.

“Public Act 20 is the state law that dictates permissible investment vehicles for municipal entities to ensure a conservative approach to investment of public funds,” said Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner. “Under PA 20 and Oakland County’s Written Investment Policy, our (county) objectives in investing are threefold: safety, liquidity, and yield. In implementing this strategy, holdings may include money market funds, U.S. Treasury securities, agency securities, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances and repurchase agreements.”

Adding to that, Sharon Ostin, director of finance/treasurer for Birmingham, said, “(PA 20) authorizes local governmental units to make deposits and invest in accounts of federally insured banks, credit unions, and savings and loan associations that have offices in Michigan. The local unit is allowed to invest in bonds, securities, and other direct obligations of the United States or any agency or instrumentality of the United States; repurchase agreements; bankers’ acceptances of United States banks; commercial paper rated within the two highest classifications that matures not more than 270 days after the date of purchase; obligations of the State of Michigan or its political subdivisions that are rated at investment grade; and mutual funds composed of investment vehicles that are legal for direct investment by local units of government in Michigan.”

The following are definitions of each permissible investment instrument as stated in PA 20 and defined by the Michigan Townships Association (MTA): • U.S. Treasury bills (T-Bills): Short-term, discounted government security sold through competitive bidding at weekly or monthly auctions in increments of $1,000, with the denomination being no higher than the total issuance.

Three and six-month bills are auctioned weekly. T-Bills can be purchased through a primary broker/dealer or a bank.

• U.S. Treasury notes: Obligations of the U.S. government bearing interest payable at six-month intervals until maturity. Denominations, after a minimum of $5,000, are in $1,000 multiples. The notes are sold by cash subscription, in exchange for outstanding or maturing government issues. The big difference between T-Bills and notes is that notes have longer maturities, from two to 10 years, but also can be bought with shorter maturities in the secondary market.

Treasury notes can be purchased through primary broker/dealers or major banks.

• U.S. Treasury bonds: Similar to notes, except original maturities are 10 years and longer if bought at auction. They can also be bought with shorter maturities in the secondary market. The MTA states it’s rare for a municipality to invest out more than 10 years.

• U.S. Treasury STRIPS: U.S. government bonds that are separated into two components: periodic interest payments and principal repayment. Each of the interest payments and principal payments are stripped apart and sold individu-

ally as zero-coupon securities. Maturities for STRIPS fall on the 15th of January, February, May, July, August and November.

• TINTS (Coups): Interest rate options on notes and bonds, Government National Mortgage Association mortgage-back securities and municipal bonds.

• PRINS or STRIP (Ps): Similar to coups, but only principal on notes and bonds.

• CUBES: Government bonds that pay interest semi-annually through the use of book-entry coupons.

• U.S. government agency obligations: Securities issued by U.S. government agencies or quasi-government agencies and guaranteed directly or indirectly by the U.S. government. These securities are generally used because their safety of principal is almost as great as that of the U.S. Treasury’s, and the yield is somewhat higher.

• Savings account: Deposit account at a commercial bank, savings and loan, or credit union that pays interest, usually on a day-of-deposit-to-day-of-withdrawal basis. Financial institutions can pay whatever rate they like on savings accounts, but the rate then has to be in relation to the actions of the money center banks in repricing their prime rate.

• Savings deposit receipt: A non-negotiable receipt evidencing a deposit with interest to be paid at a stated rate. The maturity may be fixed, but normally is subject to presentation by the depositor for payment. According to the MTA, this instrument is outdated due to the popularity of regular passbook and statement savings accounts with daily interest.

• Certificates of deposit (CD): A receipt of funds deposited in a financial institution for a specified period at a specified rate of interest. Denominations can be any agreed amount, and interest is calculated using the actual number of investment days in a 360 or 365-day year. Maturities range from a few weeks to longer periods of time, which allows matching cash flow needs, but liquidation prior to maturity usually carries a penalty.

• Commercial paper: A short-term unsecured debt obligation of a corporation.

Such paper is either issued by companies directly or sold through a broker/dealer or banks. The paper is normally sold at a discount. Per PA 20, a Michigan municipal treasurer can only invest in the two highest-rated commercial papers, F1/F2, A1/P1 or A2/P2, and for a period of no longer than 270 days.

• Repurchase agreement: A contractual arrangement between a financial institution or dealer and an investor. The agreement normally runs for one to 30 days, but some can be longer. The investor loans funds for a certain number of days at a stated yield. In return, a block of securities is pledged as collateral. At maturity, the securities are returned and the funds are repaid, plus interest.

• Banker’s acceptance: Investments of short-term credit arrangements that allow businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions, although when accepted by a bank, they are direct obligations of that institution.

Maturities range from 30 to 270 days. They are sold at a discount from par similar to U.S. Treasury bills, and, since an acceptance is tied to a specific loan transaction, the amount and maturity of the acceptance are fixed.

• Money market mutual fund: An open-ended mutual fund that invests in a wide variety of investment instruments. Most brokers and banks offer money market mutual funds and most national mutual fund distributors have a fund that would be allowable for municipal investments. The mutual fund can only invest in state-approved investment instruments.

• Investment pools: Michigan doesn’t offer a state-managed government investment pool for local treasurers. However, Michigan does offer pooled investment through several other statutes. PA 367 of 1982 allows banks to form investment pools that are available for municipalities to use. Securities in this type of pool must also comply with PA 20. Another type of pool is allowed under the Urban Cooperation Act. Jim Beelen, a member information liaison for the MTA, said the association doesn’t give advice to municipalities concerning their investments; however, the MTA does offer model investment policies for municipalities to review. ➤

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“What we recommend is that they adopt an investment policy which would include the types of investments allowed,” Beelen said. “Those types are limited by statute.”

The sample policies include all the types of investments allowed by PA 20, as well as the restrictions, according to Beelen.

“They are both resolutions that municipalities can use to form their own policies,” he said. “I think most of our townships use certificates of deposits (CDs) and money market accounts (for investing public funds), but there are those who use more sophisticated investment tools. Any municipality has be careful about the length of time they have their money tied up. They need to be able to get to it in case they need it. Currently, with the economic environment the way it is, they will be watching that even closer.”

Here’s a look at recent investment trends for Oakland County, and Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills.

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OAKLAND COUNTY “Investing is a critical function for ensuring that taxpayer dollars are safe, that the county has appropriate liquidity, and that our capital is preserved and grown where possible,” Meisner said. “There’s no doubt that the financial meltdown and housing crisis have affected investments for Oakland County, and every other public and private investor in the market.”

Investors of every type have felt the negative impact of the financial meltdown, and Oakland County is no exception, according to Meisner. In 2007 the county’s average investment earnings rate was 5.3 percent; in 2008 the average rate of return on investments was 4.2 percent; and in 2009 the average rate of return was 2.5 percent.

The county’s overall budget revenue figure for Fiscal Year 2010, as adopted by the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 24, 2009, is $409.83 million.

The county’s investment holdings include money market funds, U.S. Treasury securities, agency securities, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances and repurchase agreements.

“Agency securities are the instruments that have recently provided the best return with the backing, implied or explicit, of the federal government,” Meisner said.

“We have no crystal ball, though we expect short-term rates to stay fairly flat for the next year, maybe with a slight rise towards the end of year,” he said. “Our projections are based on previous years and a sophisticated combination of research, analysis and input from investment professionals in the public, private and non-profit sectors.”

In addition to investing county dollars, Meisner and his office manages an investment pool.

“My office administers the Oakland County Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP), an investment vehicle offered to all municipal entities throughout Oakland County where they can get a higher return and a greater degree of safety in their investing,” Meisner said. “Natalie Neph, my deputy treasurer for investments, played the same role for my predecessor, Pat Dohany, and leads this effort for us. Right now, approximately 20 public entities participate in the pool, whose size is about $908 million as of Jan. 6, 2010.”

According to Meisner, the investment pool was created by the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office to provide local municipal entities with an opportunity to diversify their portfolio, while achieving greater safety and yield. The investment pool was created during Dohany’s tenure as county treasurer.

“Local governments simply contact our office and fill out a short application in order to receive the many benefits of this strategy,” Meisner said. “Local governments may have as many accounts as possible, so the pool may also provide assistance with cash management.”

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BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP “The vast majority of our investments are derived from property tax revenues and are held only on a short term, in order to pay ongoing operating expenses for municipal services for our residents,” said Bloomfield Township Treasurer Dan Devine. “In mid-September 2008, the average CD rate being paid by the banks was around 4.5 percent. By January 2009, rates had declined to approximately 2 percent.”

For January 2010, CD interest rates are below 0.5 percent, according to Devine.

In 2007, with interest income of $1.62 million, the rate of return on township investments was 5.3 percent; in 2008, with $1.31 million in interest income, the rate of return was 3.8 percent; and in 2009, with interest income of approximately $800,000; the approximate rate of return on all short-term township investments was 2.23 percent. As of press time, Devine said the township was waiting for 2009 year-end data.

“The severe drop in investment income is largely caused by the steep decline in tax revenues due to the housing market collapse,” he said. “Even if interest rates rebound, we have much less revenue to invest. Thus, our investment income will remain extremely low for the next several years. This just adds to our difficulties in providing consistent service levels to our residents.

Approximately 50 percent of the return was from a bond fund managed by Gregory J. Schwartz and Co., a Bloomfield Township financial advising firm.

That bond fund had a rate of return of approximately 5 percent and consists of AAA-rated fixed income securities.”

The township invests in CDs, money market accounts and governmentbacked securities, typically in bond funds or Treasury bills. ➤ www.oaklandpaper.com

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$ “We choose vehicles that are safe and liquid,” Devine said. “We can’t afford undue risk to principal. We need ready access to our investments because we utilize them throughout the fiscal year to pay operating expenses for services rendered by the township to our residents.”

The fiscal year for the township runs from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. According to Devine, the township will likely finish the current fiscal year with $500,000 in interest income. The overall budget revenue figure for 2009-10 is pegged at $39.84 million. The overall projected figure for 2010-11 is $35.75 million.

“The dramatic decrease is largely due to the sharp decline in tax revenues due to the slide in real estate values,” he said. “We are experiencing a trifecta of economic woe with tax revenues tanking, state revenue sharing disappearing, and interest income becoming negligible on lesser amounts of cash on hand to invest.”

The bond fund managed by Gregory J. Schwartz and Co. was the most productive township investment, Devine said, with over 50 percent of the township’s overall investment income coming from this fund and accounting for less than 25 percent of the township’s total investments.

“Our Schwartz and Co. advisors are experts at finding productive return with minimal risk,” Devine said.

The township doesn’t utilize the county investment pool.

“We prefer to manage our own investments with the advisors we have a track record of success with,” Devine said.

As for the next fiscal year, Devine said the township is being pragmatic when forecasting its financial future, and relying on advice from economists, financial advisors, and real estate experts.

“Data indicates that the real estate market will not begin to improve until at least 2012, and maybe beyond,” he said. “Even when the economy turns around, municipalities will be limited by Proposal A and the Headlee Amendment in recouping the lost tax base at a rate of 5 percent or less, based upon the Consumer Price Index. Tax revenues historically increased at a rate of approximately 3 percent (annually). Due to the real estate market crash, Bloomfield Township’s tax revenues will have declined 20 percent over four years, blasting a $6 million per year whole in an annual operating budget of about $40 million.

Sadly, even if interest rates were to rebound, our return on investments will remain low unless and until we are able to recoup lost tax revenues.”

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Like the county and Bloomfield Township, Birmingham has seen a decrease in investment returns since the economic downturn began.

According to Ostin, the average investment yield on Sept. 30, 2008 was 3.678 percent. On Nov. 30, 2009, that average dipped to 2.214 percent. The investment return figure for 2006-07 was 3.8 percent; and it was 4.28 percent for 2007-08.

The city’s overall budget revenue figure for fiscal year 2009-10 is $26.87 million.

“Authorization for investment activity is derived from PA 20 of 1943, as amended, and the city’s General Investment Policy, which is in accordance with statutory authority,” Ostin said. “The city has a General Investment Committee appointed by the City Commission. General investments are made with the advice and counsel of the General Investment Committee and are in compliance with state law and the city’s general investment policy. Additionally, the city retains an investment advisor whose performance is reviewed by the General Investment Committee. Preservation of principal is the foremost objective.”

Birmingham doesn’t participate in the county’s investment pool program.

While there may be signs the economy is picking back up, Ostin said based on projections, the city’s rate of return on municipal investments for fiscal year 2010-11 is expected to be 2 percent.

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“Obviously, since the economic downturn, our rate of return has dropped,” said Bloomfield Hills Treasurer Carolyn Lorenz.

In 2007, the city’s investment income was $350,356; in 2008 the investment income was $78,423; in 2009 it was $97,981. Lorenz said she didn’t have a total return rate for any of those years.

Overall budget revenues for 2009-10 were $8.47 million.

“When we invest we mainly use CDs, money markets and investment pools,” Lorenz said. “We want something that’s low risk — that’s the biggest factor.

We also look at liquidity.”

According to the investment policy adopted by the City Commission, Lorenz said safety and diversification are important factors considered when investing public funds.

Lorenz said the city participates in the Oakland County Investment Pool.

“We actually did pretty well with the investment pool this year,” she said.

“When I’m looking to invest I look to see where we can diversify and get the best interest rate possible. If something has a low interest rate and we are diversifying, then I will go with it as long as it’s safe.”

For 2010, Lorenz said she expects the city will see a 0.5 percent to 1 percent rate of return on investments.

“That’s probably conservative, but I would rather be safe,” she said. “It’s really the going rate right now. I get weekly investment rate sheets, particularly on CDs and money markets, to see what each of the banks are offering. It’s been around a half of a percent lately. We do have some investments that we purchased some time ago that are just now maturing, so that will bump up our returns a little.” ■

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mickey guisewite

T

hree years ago, Mickey Guisewite, founder and executive director of the Bottomless Toy Chest, was handed the worst news of her life: Her 12-year-old son, Jack DeCerchio, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia.

"We basically went from worrying about things like studying for an English test to worrying where a central line would be inserted," she said.

"Cancer is something you can't just put a Band-Aid on."

Thankfully, after seven long months of treatment, DeCerchio was given a clean bill of health, and is now a healthy, active freshman at the Roeper Upper School in Birmingham.

Although her son recovered, Guisewite wasn't content to simply return to work and leave behind the many parents and children whose journeys she shared during her son's painful ordeal.

"We founded the Bottomless Toy Chest in 2008," she said. "It's a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to delivering interactive toys, crafts, and hands-on activities to children going through cancer treatment in local hospitals."

Parents are often forced to go to work rather than sit by their child's

bedside in order to maintain their health insurance, Guisewite said, adding that she created the organization to help build a child's confidence and provide a distraction from their circumstances.

"We've had an incredible amount of support from schools, churches, synagogues and local businesses," she said. "Anyone can help by donating new toys, volunteering or offering financial donations."

A long-time Bloomfield Hills resident, Guisewite and her husband often venture to Birmingham for dinner with DeCerchio and their 9-year-old daughter, Mia. "We love all the restaurants in Birmingham," she said. "Jack’s favorite is Brooklyn Pizza."

Guisewite has endured a great deal of tribulation, but like her son, she is a fighter. She has used this life-altering experience to make a difference in the lives of the many children who light up when the Bottomless Toy Chest stops by their hospital room.

Visit www.bottomlesstoychest.org to see how you can help.

— Katey Meisner The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

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Forest Lake Frontage $3,390,000 Custom designed French Country Home Estate in gated community sits on private Forest Lake with access to Lower Long Lake. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and award winning landscape. Updates make this home turnkey with all the amenities. Five bedrooms with 5.2 baths.

29148569 Presented by Ronni Keating

Bloomfield Hills $949,000 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 three car heated garage.

210007851 Presented by Erin Keating Dewald

Ronni Keating & Erin Keating Dewald

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Bloomfield $2,395,000 Extraordinary Village home. Meticulously built with modern details and features. Home boasts six bedroom suites, 7.2 baths and 9300+ sq ft of finished living space. Gourmet kitchen. Finished lower level with 2nd kitchen, recreation room and private entrance. 3+ car garage. Pebble-tec pool, extensive landscaping and hardscape. 29001502 Presented by Sara Lipnitz

Franklin Village $1,495,000

Birmingham $1,099,000

Once in a life time opportunity to secure one of Franklin’s greatest homes.

Mt. Tom sits high atop a 4+ acre hilltop property. Meticulously updated mechanically and cosmetically. Grounds are breathtaking. Four bedrooms, 3.1 baths, 4,581 sq ft. 28164472 Presented by Sara Lipnitz

Gracious Quarton Lake Estates home. Soaring ceilings, custom details and stylish décor. Gourmet kitchen boasts premium appliances and granite.

Generous master suite with a spa-like bath and huge walk-in closet. First floor laundry, finished lower level with recreation room and storage.

29134475 Presented by Sara Lipnitz

Sara Lipnitz

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity

skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Bloomfield $1,650,000 This wonderful, custom built 1997 home is tucked away on a 1.5 acre wildlife sanctuary! Premium appointments, high end finishes and exceptional spaces are found in this magnificent property. Over 8,000 sq. ft. of luxurious living space apportioned within three floors. Walkout lower level features guest facilities, gourmet kitchen and lovely family rooms. Beautifully manicured ground affords much privacy. 29158668 Presented by Mike Cotter

Birmingham $1,199,000

Bloomfield $699,000

Maybe the finest in-town location, just steps from fine dining, theater and all the magic of downtown. This “to be built” custom Victorian offers beautiful millwork, hardwood, marble, stone and built-ins. Open family room/gourmet kitchen concept, formal dining room, coffered library and exquisite master suite. 29139596 Presented by Mike Cotter

Classic Birmingham Village New England Colonial. A full complement of updating kitchen and mechanicals. Spacious, inviting rooms with four fireplaces. Six bedrooms and 3.1 baths. Three car garage, oversize grounds and plenty of charm. 29020424 Presented by Mike Cotter

Mike Cotter

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham $2,950,000 Absolutely exquisite New England style home! Features stately foyer with dramatic center staircase, chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen with white cabinetry, windowed breakfast room and family room with fireplace. Lower level complete with theater room, bar and bedroom. Private backyard with multiple patios.

29142675 Presented by Renee Acho

Birmingham $1,795,000

Birmingham $639,000

Three spectacular in town Brownstones ranging from $1,350,000 $1,795,000. Large living and dining room, stunning custom kitchen, bluestone patio and elevator. Master suite with custom dressing room and marble bath with jetted tub. Finished lower level. 29074015 Presented by Renee Acho

Price Reduced! "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

Renee Acho

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity

skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Bloomfield Hills $4,250,000 Incredible value! 3.34 acre estate with spectacular views of the grounds; including in-ground pool, spa and tennis court. Renovation and expansion in 2000 with 2500 sq.ft. includes basketball court, gym, family room, sauna and full bath. Exquisite study with cherry wood, five bedroom suites, luxurious master suite with fireplace. Walk out lower level with 3900 sq. ft. 29156653 Presented by Cindy Obron Kahn

Birmingham $895,000

Farmington Hills $639,000

Newer construction! Stunning Colonial with hardwood floors, crown molding, white and cherry wood cabinetry and granite island. Large master suite with fireplace, two walk in closets, bath with steam shower and jetted tub. Fabulous, just completed lower level. Full home generator.

Four bedrooms and 4.1 baths. 29153635 Presented by Cindy Obron Kahn

Wonderful classic Tobocman Contemporary on approximately 1.5 acres.

Bright and open floor plan. Stunning kitchen with new side by side Sub Zeros and top of the line appliances. Skylights and custom built-in cabinets.

Four bedrooms and 2.1 baths. 29153638 Presented by Cindy Obron Kahn

Cindy Obron Kahn

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Pine Lake Frontage $2,495,000 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. 210001752 Presented by Bill Tracy

Independence Township $1,200,000

West Bloomfield $474,900

Spectacular four year old custom built home on 10.7 wooded acres. Tall ceilings, granite, travertine tile and wide plank wood floors. Luxurious master suite. Four fireplaces. Six bedrooms and 5.3 baths. 210001716 Presented by Bill Tracy

Nicely updated and well maintained situated on a quiet pond. Open floor plan with dramatic vaulted ceiling. Updated kitchen and bath with granite. Finished walk out includes family room, winder cellar and office.

Four bedrooms and 3.1 baths. Birmingham Schools. 210002090 Presented by Bill Tracy

Bill Tracy

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity

skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Bloomfield Hills $6,500,000

Birmingham $1,999,000

This true mansion sits prestigiously on a hilltop with spectacular views of its four acres. Absolutely stunning architectural details walk you through the residence. From its captivating grand foyer, palatial two story great room, expansive library and spacious formal dining room. Seven bedrooms and 8.3 baths. 29136982 Presented by Jill Beshouri

In-town living at its finest! Absolutely gorgeous residence! From the architectural detail, cherry floors, granite countertops and natural stone, quality craftsmanship abounds. Two fabulous kitchens, commercial grade appliances and double French doors opening the great room to a wonderful pergola covered patio. Four bedrooms and 4.2 baths.

210001214 Presented by Jill Beshouri

Birmingham $1,175,000

Birmingham $950,000

Sophisticated and elegantly decorated throughout this home boast a spacious floor plan with dramatic architectural detailing. Wonderful Chef 's kitchen with high end appliances, gracious formal dining room and a huge master suite. Four bedrooms and 3.1 baths. 29152547 Presented by Jill Beshouri

Classic, sophistication and style describes this gorgeous in-town residence. Professionally decorated, gourmet kitchen, dining area opening to family room with double French doors. Spacious master suite. Finished lower level offers theater area, workout room and kitchenette. Three bedrooms and 2.2 baths. 210004479 Presented by Jill Beshouri

Jill Beshouri

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Bloomfield Village $1,495,000 Captivating interior renovation! Reconfigured floor plan is absolutely perfect. Kitchen by Designs Unlimited features fireplace along with Bosch, Subzero, Miele and thermador stainless steel appliances. French doors lead guests from interior living spaces to the beautiful brick terrace and yard.

Lovely first floor master retreat provides both privacy and spa luxury. 210001231 Presented by Darlene Jackson

Springfield Township $1,200,000 Quality custom built home on a beautiful acre-plus site in Bridge Valley. Numerous built-ins, five masonry fireplaces, waterfall and pond, interior brick and stone, granite and tile throughout. Large laundry/project room, steam shower, hot tub, spacious and inviting floor plan. Incredible home theater and home gym. Multi-tier deck overlooking large yard with stone patio, tree fort, and play structure. 29101308 Presented by Linda Eriksen

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity

skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Rochester Hills $1,750,000

Farmington Hills $1,035,000

Spectacular estate living in gated community close to Rochester and Stony Creek High School. Professionally decorated and landscaped. First floor master suite including 19x7 closet and study 13x13. Three bedroom suites up with separate family room and exercise room. Large gourmet kitchen with hearth room. Marble, granite, soaring ceilings, music room and much more. 29061852 Presented by Donna Barlow

This gorgeous home features the finest amenities, keynoted by a spectacular two story entry hall with marble floor, crystal chandeliers and a sweeping staircase. Great room, high ceilings with French doors to terrace overlooking beautifully decorated landscaped grounds. Five bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 210008579 Presented by Cheryl Andeer

Lake Huron Frontage $999,999

Bloomfield $999,999

$500,000 Price Reduction! 1,300 feet of frontage on Scammon Cove, Drummond Island. 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! Eight bedrooms and 3.2 baths. 29140848 Presented by Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky

Amazing custom features and highest end amenities. Beautiful stunning staircase and elegant foyer. Gracious and open loft overlooks great room.

First floor master suite. Gourmet kitchen with Sub Zero fridge and all granite sink. 29133514 Presented by Lisa Sturdevant

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Northville Township

Lake Angelus

Birmingham

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 $1,899,000. Joanne McGuire

Beautiful Lake Angelus lakefront on three acres.

Four bedrooms, 4.1 baths, large custom kitchen with eat-in space. Gorgeous views to this exclusive all sports lake. 29129460 $1,600,000. Dave Busch

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

Bloomfield

Birmingham

West Bloomfield

Perfect for family life and entertaining. Featuring crown molding throughout, granite in kitchen, all baths and laundry room. Access to Kern Lake for swimming. Bloomfield Hills Schools. 29140499 $789,900. Lisa Sturdevant

Authentic Cape Cod with a surround patio facing the Rouge River and enhanced by mature trees is nestled behind Baldwin Road. The guest house adds 961 sq. ft. to the living space. Two bedrooms and two baths. 29116090 $750,000. Betty Pince

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

West Bloomfield

Detroit

Troy

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

Fabulous "Clarence Day" Home located in the historic Palmer Woods. Five bedrooms with 4.2 baths. Beautiful great room, paneled library, gazebo with hot tub, three private patios!

29111271 $550,000. Adrena Holman

Gracious Tudor home! Great Room with vaulted ceiling, formal dining room and first floor master suite. Finished lower level with 2000 sq. ft. Four bedrooms and 2.1 baths. 210001464 $449,000.

Karen Atchoo

West Bloomfield

Birmingham

Royal Oak

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

Beautiful Colonial built in 2004. Open floor plan with spacious rooms. An island kitchen with stainless steel appliances, first floor laundry, custom window treatments. Three bedrooms, 2.1 baths. 210002537 $359,000. Avery Weisling

Stunning home on one of the most desirable streets in Royal Oak. Substantial renovations done in 2001 with 2nd floor addition. Large eat-in kitchen. Master suite with two skylights and walk in closet. 29141743 $319,900. Ann Greenberg

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity

skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Aspen, Colorado Red Mountain Ranch $12,500,000

Aspen, Colorado French Country Chateau $9,950,000

Elegant, mountain Contemporary home located on just under one acre at the top of Red Mountain with panoramic views from Independence Pass to Mt. Sopris! Features include 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 6300 sq ft, gorgeous indoor & outdoor spaces for entertaining, professional gym, spa with steam room, sauna, shower & massage area, gourmet kitchen, 4 fireplaces, air conditioning and radiant heat. Enoy the outdoor negative edge swimming pool with hot tub, spectacular backyard with built in BBQ, numerous outdoor entertaining & patio areas. 780 sq ft two car garage.

Fabulous French Country Chateau with ski-in/ski-out access to Two Creeks at Snowmass Mountain. Every amenity & detail has been addressed, with features including 6 private bedroom suites, 6.5 baths, approximately 6000 heated square feet, two-sided wood-burning fireplace in the living room, gas fireplace, custom French & Italian doors & light fixtures, radiant heat and wine room. Three car garage with built-ins, excellent storage, and an enormous covered & heated outdoor living/kitchen area with waterfall, gorgeous landscaping, and private lounge areas.

Aspen, Colorado Monarch on The Park in Aspen $8,350,000

Aspen, Colorado Red Butte Townhome $6,750,000

With sweeping views of Aspen Mountain, Wagner Park, and downtown Aspen, this spacious top floor residence offers a vast corner terrace with outdoor living space and a fireplace. The open floor plan features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3,580 square feet, magnificent sky-lit great room, state of the art gourmet kitchen, master bedroom with fireplace and private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood doors, cabinetry and zone-controlled air conditioning. Enclosed 2 car garage. Close to the gondola, restaurants, shops, parks, and bike paths.

Enjoy captivating views of Aspen Mountain, Highlands, Buttermilk, Pyramid Peak and the golf course. Custom designed with high level finishes, open and flowing floor plan, large gourmet kitchen with Sub-Zero & Viking appliances.

Private master suite on its own level with sun terrace & serene garden, master bath with onyx & mahogany, guest baths with elegant contemporary tile & stone. Media/game room with projection TV, billiards, & wet bar, gas fireplaces, elevator, air conditioning & humidification and radiant heat. The completely landscaped property includes a snowmelted courtyard driveway.

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

â&#x2013; snapshot

laura berman

D

etroit News columnist Laura Berman and Brian Dickerson, a columnist for the Detroit Free Press, may be professional rivals, but at home they are a cohesive husband and wife team.

"Brian and I can't help but talk about the news of the day, but we maintain an edge, of sorts," Berman said. "If he has a scoop or I have a scoop, we keep it to ourselves."

The pair, who had admired each other's work for years, dated and eventually married in 2008.

"I think (Laura) just has a great mind and is an insightful interviewer and writer. She's very good at getting to the heart of something that other people are being mealy-mouse about," Dickerson said.

"I have always admired Brian's work, and I think he has great integrity as a writer and as a person," Berman said. "In an age when people try to simplify things, he works hard to add complexity and nuance to his work."

Though the two write for competing publications, they have relatively similar political philosophies and opinions.

"We think remarkably alike," Berman said. "We do have areas where we differ politically, but as it happens, we were both history majors and we have very similar orientations."

Berman graduated from the University of Michigan, and Dickerson from Princeton University. Ironically, they both worked for the Miami Herald â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just at different times. They met in the courtroom when they covered the Jack Kevorkian trial for their respective publications.

"It's like one of those romantic comedies where people keep missing

brian dickerson each other, but they finally get together in the end," Berman said.

Both Berman and Dickerson say that coming up with ideas for columns can be a challenge.

"Some days, it's hair-pulling," Berman said. "But, I love politics and I love to find people who have untold stories."

"Laura gives me a lot of ideas for columns without knowing it," Dickerson said. "She'll trigger a line of thought that will lead to a column.

We'll be out to dinner and something interesting will be mentioned and you can kind of see us calculating whose column window is open next."

Berman and Dickerson each brought one child into the marriage. To ease their way into family life, Dickerson said he leased the Birmingham home next door to Berman's during their engagement.

Though the newly-blended family is still adjusting to the combined arrangement, Birmingham is a special place for Berman, Dickerson and their children.

"We had our (wedding) reception at Forte, so we have a fondness for that (restaurant)," Berman said. "But Salvatore Scallopini is our family hang-out. My daughter knows all the waiters."

Dickerson, who is also deputy editorial page editor for the Free Press, said he and Berman dream about a book collaboration. For now, the couple is enjoying the friendly rivalry and the opportunity to compete each day by writing for two major publications. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Katey Meisner The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

■ municipal Township services, personnel levels hinge on millage

By Brooke Meier Bloomfield Township voters will cast ballots Tuesday, Feb. 23, on a proposed increase in the township’s operating millage.

The township is seeking a 10year, 1.3-mill hike in its general government levy, which would allow the township to maintain public services at current levels.

The ballot language states, in part: “Shall the Charter Township of Bloomfield be authorized to levy new additional millage of 1.30 mills for a period of ten (10) years to support and fund the operations of the township, including but not limited to police, fire, emergency medical services, department of public works and all other general operations of the township?”

The increased millage would generate $4.51 million in the first year if authorized and fully levied.

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.

According to Bloomfield Township Clerk Jan Roncelli, the 2009 average taxable value of a Bloomfield Township home in the Bloomfield Hills School District is $205,133 ($410,266 average market value), making its annual property tax obligation $7,492. Roncelli said based on projections for 2010, that same home’s taxable value will decrease to $184,106, which will reduce its taxes to $6,724 — an overall decrease of $768.

If the millage increase is approved, the same home’s property tax obligation will still decrease, according to Roncelli, but by $528, not $768, for a total tax bill of $6,964.

“Residents will see a tax decrease regardless of whether the proposal passes or not. It will just be $200 less (of a tax reduction), on average, if voters approve the 1.3-mill increase,” said Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dave Payne.

The special election is being held on Feb. 23 so the township can levy the additional 1.3 mills, if approved by voters, in December 2010.

Because the township has an April 1-March 31 fiscal year and collects property taxes for operations in December (nine months into any given fiscal year), it’s encountering declining property tax revenues earlier than other townships, which base their budgets on property tax revenues collected in December, just 54

Window sign ordinance Panel reviewing storefront provisions

By Lisa Brody

B

irmingham’s Community Development Committee has created a task force committee to look at the city’s window sign ordinance, and determine if it meets the current needs and best interests of businesses in the city.

“We’re just trying to create basic guidelines so it doesn’t get out of control,” said Richard Astrein, co-owner of Astrein’s Creative Jewelry, who serves on the task force and is a member of the Principal Shopping District (PSD) Board, which is also involved with the development committee.

The concern is over the various sale and promotional signs filling store windows in the city.

“It’s a tough economic climate, and they’re using it as advertising and promotions,” Astrein said.

“We’re trying to be more lenient than we’ve been before.”

John Heiney, executive director of the PSD, said, “We’re looking to create recommendations, not a new ordinance at this time. We want businesses to be aware of their windows. The goal is that the less clutter, the more appealprior to fiscal years that run Jan. 1Dec. 31, according to Payne.

The township must base its fiscal year 2010-11 budget on 2010 property tax revenues, which are expected to decline substantially compared to 2009 figures. The township’s 2009-10 property tax revenue was estimated at $31.08 million. The 2010-11 figure is expected to be $27.52 million.

“The townships that run the Jan. 1-Dec. 31 fiscal year will be feeling

ing the windows will be.”

A letter about the review has been developed and sent out to business owners.

“The committee wants to support visibility and help businesses,” Heiney said. “It evolved into guidelines and recommendations.

The committee will look at the ordinance later in the year.”

The city’s current sign ordinance states that signs can’t interfere with entrances, traffic, or the right of way; there can be no illumination on temporary signs; signs can’t be painted directly onto a building or storefront, and must be safely attached, without using nails, tacks, or wires; obscenities are prohibited; and a sign can only advertise goods for the business located where the sign is posted.

Temporary signs can only be posted for two weeks in any sixmonth period. They can be no more than 20 square feet in total surface area. Portable signs can only be 4 square feet per side. Advertising rental, sale, or lease signs can be 8 square feet per side.

There can only be one sign per street frontage, and a permit is required for any kind of signage. ■ the hardships that we are now with their budgets next year (2011),” Payne said. “To balance our budget without this millage, there will have to be a significant, 30 percent reduction in staff in the township, including police, fire and EMS personnel.

We cannot eliminate any more employees and continue to provide the same level of police, fire and EMS protection.”

If the millage passes, the township will be able to maintain staffing

THE PAPER

for police, fire and EMS at approximately the same levels they are at now. Currently, there are 89 employees in the police department, including 68 sworn officers. Without the millage approval, that number will be reduced to 78 employees, 59 of those sworn officers, for the 20102011 fiscal year beginning April 1.

The fire department will see a reduction from 62 employees, including 54 EMS/firefighters, to 60 employees, including two less EMS/firefighters.

By the 2011-12 fiscal year, the police department will see a 23 percent total decrease in personnel compared to the 2007-08 fiscal year without the millage approval; and the fire department will see a 27 percent total decrease in personnel compared to the 2007-08 fiscal year.

Payne said if the millage proposal fails, 25 positions will be permanently eliminated by April 1, 2010, and a cumulative total of 45 to 50 positions would have to be eliminated by April 1, 2011, which would have a significant negative impact on public safety and other public service response times and levels of service. ■

Bloomfield Hills nixes single waste hauler proposal

By Lisa Brody The Bloomfield Hills City Commission voted 4-1 on Tuesday, Jan. 12 to maintain private waste hauling contracts entered by city residents, thereby nixing a proposal to move to a single waste hauler system in the city.

Mayor Dave Kellett cast the sole dissenting vote.

At issue was whether the city should switch to a single waste hauler system, involving only one waste collection company chosen by city officials, or continue to allow residents to select their waste hauler and make arrangements for collection.

Consideration of a change to a single waste hauler system was contentious when last discussed two years ago, and was again a hot and divisive issue for both citizens and commissioners.

At the Jan. 12 commission meeting, about 35 residents spoke out against a single waste hauler system.

Words like “monopoly” and “free enterprise” were repeated, with attending residents emphasizing that they would like to keep the system they have had.

After the commission vote against a signle hauler system, commissioners directed Cravens to research more recycling options for the city. ■ FEBRUARY 2010

■ municipal Studt to succeed retiring Patterson as city police chief

Building standards mandated for city’s downtown district

By Lisa Brody

By Lisa Brody

Birmingham will soon have a new police chief, with current Deputy Chief of Police Donald A. Studt taking over for retiring Police Chief Richard Patterson effective Feb. 28.

Patterson is retiring after 43 years with the Birmingham Police Department.

“My dad was the director of safety for Detroit Public Schools, and it had always been my desire to be a policeman,” Patterson said. “I applied in May, 1967, at 21-yearsold, and started in June 1967. I’ve had every job here but animal control, and we all do a bit of that. In 1989, I was promoted to the No. 2 position, and in 1999, I became chief of police.

“Now, on Feb. 28, I will leave here,” he said. “I’ve got mixed emotions. I’m not ready to retire. I would love to continue in this career, but many departments are promoting from within. Maybe I’ll do something new. I love to fish, but not permanently.”

Studt is no stranger to Birmingham, either. He is a Birmingham resident, and has been a member of the force for 35 years.

His children all attended Birmingham Schools.

“I started in l974 as a police officer, and I rose through the ranks,” he said. “I became a detective in 1986, a commander in 1989, and in 2000, I was appointed deputy chief.”

Noting that the chief sets the priorities and the tone for the department, Studt said his priority is to continue much of his predecessor’s work.

“We do a great job community service-wise,” he said. “We want to continue that with our great staff.”

City Manager Tom Markus, in a resolution appointing Studt to the Police Chief position at the Birmingham City Commission’s Monday, Jan. 11 meeting, said that while Studt is past retirement age, he is likely to stay with the department in the chief position for at least five years.

“It’s nice to recognize that you’re a resident of the community,” Markus said of Studt.

The City Commission unanimously approved the appointment resolution.

“Thank you for your consideration and your support,” Studt said. ■

The Birmingham City Commission voted unanimously Monday, Jan. 11 to approve a zoning ordinance amendment involving the downtown Birmingham overlay district.

The amendment allows the city to control standards for all new building, renovation, and architectural details in the downtown Birmingham business district. Under the change, the overlay district, which was specified in Birmingham’s 2016 plan, will be consistent with zoning changes made for the city’s Triangle District.

A major component of the 2016 plan is “to animate the street with retail.”

Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker said the city’s Planning Board has been working on the overlay district change since March 2003 to make optional recommendations for the downtown area mandatory zoning requirements.

The ordinance specifies retail space occupying the first floor of buildings in the overlay district. A building can have a minimum width of 20-feet of retail, but no first-floor parking. The ordinance prohibits more than two floors of office space, and requires residential space.

Currently, Birmingham buildings can have no more than five floors.

The change mandates certain architectural details, such as insuring 70 percent of a building’s first floor has windows to foster walkability. There are other requirements for awnings and materials.

For an existing building, the language specifies that if more than 40 percent of the building will be renovated or needs reconstruction, the new construction rules apply, as is practical.

“The overlay district does allow for higher density development and more square footage, in exchange for tighter controls and details,” Ecker said. “Current use is grandfathered in, even if it’s not allowed in the overlay district.”

Birmingham resident, retailer, and land owner Dulce Fuller spoke out against the ordinance amendment.

“If this resolution had been in effect when (the former) Jacobson’s building had been empty, instead of getting McCann Erickson (ad agency), the building would still be empty. There are no retailers out there,” she said.

Fuller and her husband, Ted Fuller, own the former Jacobson’s building. ■

www.oaklandpaper.com

Boulevard extension Grant sought for Old Woodward project

By Lisa Brody

T

wo-and-a-half years after North Old Woodward was reconstructed into a boulevard-style streetscape, the city of Birmingham is looking at acquiring federal grant funding to extend the boulevard through downtown, from Willits to Brown.

Birmingham Director of Engineering Paul O’Meara said he hopes to reprise the opportunity the city had in 2007, when about 75 percent of the $2.2 million in construction costs for the North Old Woodward reconstruction project was covered by federal grant money.

“As city engineer, I’m responsible for maintaining the roads in Birmingham,” he said. “It’s up to me to see if there is an opportunity for outside funding, and right now, I see that there is an opportunity for that.”

According to O’Meara, the city is applying for federal grant money that’s being made available for future projects. The earliest the South Old Woodward reconstruction project could begin is in late 2013 or 2014.

The grant application for the project is due Thursday, Jan. 21.

Grant decisions and notification will be made in February.

O’Meara said this is not a frivolous application; the streetscape and the intersection of Maple and Old Woodward have needed repairs and reworking for quite a while. In addition to the creation of an extended boulevard, the project

would remove areas with inaccessible sidewalks; repair and upgrade to the sewer system in the most difficult area of the city to make emergency repairs because of the large amount of traffic and the concentration of businesses in the area; replace and upgrade three signalized intersections; remove and replace the oldest city water main; and replace the pavement, sidewalks, and street lighting systems in the area, all of which O’Meara said are needed.

“The North Old Woodward Boulevard concept is a daring design,” he said. “The general overall look would be consistent with North Old Woodward.”

While it may appear that Old Woodward south of Maple is narrower than the stretch north of Willits, O’Meara said, “It’s the same width all the way down Old Woodward.”

The overall estimated project cost at this time is $1.7 million, not including water and sewer system upgrades.

According to O’Meara, he hopes a $400,000 grant can be obtained.

“Although there is more competition now, and less funding available, I do believe we’ll get it,” he said.

If that money is obtained, the city can then apply for a streetscape grant, and if needed, a special assessment district (SAD) can be created, since many businesses would benefit from the sidewalk improvements. ■

THE PAPER

55

■ municipal Arts board still mulling possible 9/11 memorial

By Lisa Brody The Birmingham Public Arts Board has decided to continue its consideration of a proposal to establish a 9/11 memorial in the city.

The proposal was revisited by board members during a Dec. 16 meeting.

“We have voted to go ahead to look at the concept of a memorial,” said Barbara Heller, chairperson of the Arts Board. “There was a strong advocacy towards doing something.”

The Public Arts Board is considering a memorial to the victims and survivors of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and an airplane which crashed in a Pennsylvania field on Sept. 11, 2001.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the steel from the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers, is soliciting proposals from public and municipal agencies and non-profit organizations interested in acquiring pieces of steel wreckage for use in a public display.

The authority has very specific requirements for use of the steel in public monuments, including the transportation of the steel.

“If we do go forward, we don’t just want it as a piece of steel,” Heller said. “We are an arts board — we would want it to be a Phoenix, to be reborn in some way.”

Joe Valentine, Birmingham’s human resources director, said city officials aren’t necessarily certain they want to use a piece of steel from the Twin Towers in a memorial.

“We are still exploring different ideas and options,” he said.

Heller said the decision on a memorial, or the kind of memorial that would be created, is one the board doesn’t take lightly; and board members are eager to receive input from residents.

“Everyone in this world was affected,” Heller said. “Survivors of the attacks, and family members, live in this community. One woman, a survivor of the World Trade Center, wrote us that just because something bad happens you shouldn’t just forget or ignore it.”

Birmingham resident and 9/11 widow Kia Pavloff-Pecorelli has opposed the idea of a 9/11 memorial in Birmingham using World Trade Center steel, saying it would be a difficult reminder for her and her son.

The arts board doesn’t receive any city funding. Any future memorial would be funded completely through private contributions.

The next steps will include look56

New broadcast media regulations Birmingham commission moves to allow TVs on gas pumps

By Lisa Brody

A

public hearing to consider ordinance amendments allowing the use of broadcast media devices at gasoline service stations with a special land use permit was held Monday, Jan. 11, followed by Birmingham City Commission approval of four zoning ordinance changes and the referral of two sign ordinance changes back to staff for review.

The city’s Planning Board recommended an ordinance amendment for an electronic media device designed to broadcast while customers purchase goods and services. The devices must not be larger than 1.5 square feet in size. The proposed ordinance change specifies that such devices must facilitate a one-on-one experience.

“There would need to be a 200-foot buffer zone around the gas stations,” said Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker, adding that the buffer would provide for the erection of barriers to prevent noise from infiltrating residential areas.

The changes are being considered at the request of GSTV, which stands for Gas Station TV. The company places 20-inch TV monitors on gas station pumps to broadcast a mix of 65 percent news content and 35 percent advertising. The programming can be customized for the client, and for Birmingham, it would include $40,000 worth of free programmed air time.

The company recently signed a $1 million lease for space on South Old Woodward, bringing over 30 technological employees to Birmingham from its former Oak Park location.

In the past, the Speedway station on Woodward Avenue had GSTV monitors on its pumps, but the monitors were interpreted as violating the city’s sign ordinance, and the monitors were removed. GSTV would like to be able to place their monitors at that Speedway station once again in order to walk potential clients to the site from the company’s new offices to see the product in use.

“It’s very hard if you cannot showcase your product,” said GSTV Chief Executive Officer David Leider.

GSTV conducts business in more than 100 markets nationwide, including at many gas stations throughout ing at what form a memorial would take; considering the most appropriate place for a memorial; what size it would be; and its placement.

the metro Detroit area.

“GSTV is the premier digital video network providing entertaining and informative TV at the pump.

Featuring NBC news and entertainment, ESPN sports, and market-specific AccuWeather, GSTV reaches customers on-the-go,” the company’s web site states.

GSTV monitors provide a one-on-one experience, and cannot be seen by motorists driving past a gas station, which was a concern for some Birmingham commissioners.

Ecker said requiring a special land use permit would ensure that the decibel level from the monitors isn’t higher than the level of noise existing at the street level. City planners have reportedly checked monitor decibel levels several times, at different times of day.

“The consensus of the Planning Board was that it did not make it any worse than it already is,” she said.

All of GSTV’s employees attended the Jan. 11 City Commission meeting in a show of support for the company. Several others stood up and spoke in favor of granting the ordinance amendments.

“They are the kind of client we recommend to our clients,” said Sara Lundgren, who works at McCann Erickson. “I would encourage you to support their efforts.”

“We should be making business easier to do, rather than harder,” said Commissioner Tom McDaniels.

“Instead of changing the sign ordinance, shouldn’t we be creating a new broadcast media ordinance?”

“Separating it opens it up to something we may not want in the future,” said Commissioner Mark Nickita.

“We could call it the sign and broadcast media ordinance.”

City commissioners approved four zoning ordinance amendments, but concerns about large electronic billboards and other electronic signs held up approval of two proposed sign ordinance amendments. The commissioners sent the sign ordinance revisions back to be reviewed and clarified by staff. They will be looked at again by commissioners at an upcoming meeting.

City Manager Tom Markus assured GSTV representatives and commissioners that wouldn’t interrupt GSTV’s approval process. ■

“Possible locations are in front of one of the fire stations, a spot in Shain Park, or there are 10 areas in Barnum Park where sculptures could

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be placed,” Heller said.

Arts board members will walk the different potential memorial sites and make further suggestions. ■ FEBRUARY 2010

■ state Lawmakers asked to revisit health care bonding proposal

Transit authority bills Outline for regional system proposed

By Lisa Brody Senate Bill (SB) 927 has been introduced in Lansing to allow county and local governments to issue municipal securities to fund retiree health care trust fund obligations, similar to legislation approved last year by the state House and a measure vetoed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2007.

SB 927 was reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee in December.

The bill would allow a county, city, village, or township to issue municipal securities to cover the cost of the unfunded difference between assets and liabilities of a health care trust fund, as determined by an actuarial study. Such action would be allowed through Sept. 30, 2014.

Municipal securities are bonds issued by a local taxing authority and not subject to federal income tax.

Under the bill, eligible counties, cities, villages and townships would have to have a credit rating of A or higher to issue the bonds. The bond proceeds would be deposited in a particular trust fund used to retire the municipal security, and outstanding municipal securities can’t exceed 5 percent of the state’s equalized valuation of the assessed property in the local unit issuing the securities.

Also, the bonds can’t exceed 75 percent of the current actuarial liabilities on retiree health care benefits owed to employees of the local unit.

Municipalities utilize two different payment options for retiree health care plans. One is a pay-as-you-go plan, which pays as the retiree gets sick.

The other is a Voluntary Employee Benefit Act Trust, or VEBA. It is an irrevocable trust, whose only purpose is to pay medical bills. It must be fully-funded.

Oakland County’s retiree health care system is a VEBA. Oakland County Deputy Executive Bob Daddow said the timing of the bill is two years too late — after Granholm vetoed similar legislation in a better economic climate.

“Two years ago, we sought this legislation, and myself and (Oakland County Management and Budget Director) Lori Van Pelt educated legislators about the concept of retiree health care,” he said. “We used the governor’s exact language in the bill, and finally got it passed in December of ‘06 — and she vetoed it. Her horrendous public policy cost this county $78 million.”

Daddow explained that instead of being able to issue a bond to cover the county’s retiree health care system, which the previous legislation would have allowed, the county had to use certificates of participation, which are contracts between two funds and are more costly and riskier investwww.oaklandpaper.com

By Lisa Brody A series of bills that would establish a Regional Transit Authority for southeast Michigan were introduced in the state House on Saturday, Dec. 19, by state Reps. Bert Johnson (DHighland Park), Jon Switalski (DWarren), and Marie Donigan (DRoyal Oak).

House Bills (HBs) 5731, 5732, and 5733 lay the groundwork for building a regional transportation system for Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties and the city of Detroit, and outline who would run it and how to achieve funding for the authority.

The bills set up a board of directors for the system consisting of a member from each county and the city of Detroit, and a representative of the state governor.

The primary bill, HB 5731, sponsored by Johnson, creates a regional transit authority to provide regional transportation. It prescribes certain powers and duties to the authority and to certain state agencies and officials in overseeing it, in order for it to be run properly.

The bill also authorizes the levying of taxes to help pay for the transit system, and provides ments with higher interest rates.

“The new bill penalizes those of us who have set money aside and are fiscally sound,” Daddow said. “The economic climate for issuing debt is horrendous. In these trying times, (municipalities will need) too many operational cuts or raised taxes in order to go issuing bonds and paying the debt. It just won’t work.” ■

School code reform would restrict use of restraints, seclusion

By Lisa Brody The state House has been asked to consider a proposed amendment to the school code that would further protect students from being subjected to corporal punishment.

House Bill (HB) 5639 especially targets punishment in the forms of restraints and seclusion of students, where physical as well as emotional trauma can take place.

State Rep. Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake) is a co-sponsor of the bill. She said its purpose is focused on “instances where kids have been locked in closets, or restrained where they have been hurt, or restrained on the floor where they couldn’t breathe.”

for the issuance of bonds and notes.

HB 5732, sponsored by Switalski, deals with road classifications; how to review transportation needs in the transit authority jurisdiction; pledges of funds for transportation; Michigan Transportation Fund Grants; and how and where to tax and issue bonds for the establishment of a regional transit authority.

Donigan’s HB 5733 exempts existing county, city, township or village transit programs from regional transportation authority oversight.

“Public transit is very important. If (Oakland County Executive L.) Brooks (Patterson) and his team are happy with it, I’m happy with it, too,” said state Rep. Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield). “But I hope there will be an opt-out clause, as well. It’s an important part of democracy that any part of government has to go back to a vote of the people for consent. That includes whoever would be running regional transit. It keeps you on your toes.”

The bills have been referred to the House Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs Committee for consideration. ■ HB 5639 states that no school employee, official, or volunteer can use or condone a “life-threatening restraint, including touching or holding of a pupil by another person causing a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a pupil’s freedom of movement and that poses a threat to the functioning of the pupil’s respiratory system or ability to speak, including, but not limited to, prone restraint and basket hold restraints.

“Chemical restraint, (which) includes any drug or medication that is used as a restraint to control behavior or restrict an individual’s freedom of movement,” is also prohibited from use under the bill.

Appropriate prescription medication for the student would still be allowed.

The bill also prohibits the use of mechanical restraints which a student couldn’t easily remove, but doesn’t prohibit the use of bandages or orthopedic devices.

The use of seclusion is specified as a prohibition, and is clearly stated as separate from the use of timeouts for the purpose of regaining self-control, where children are separated but not physically or otherwise prevented from leaving and staff are fully visible and accessible.

The bill states, “Seclusion includes confinement of an individual alone in an area from which the indi-

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vidual is prevented from leaving.”

“There have been instances where kids with autism or mental disorders have gotten out of control,” Kowall said. “This bill provides training on how to deal with these kids, some of whom have anger management issues, or who are quite big.”

According to Kowall, the bill sponsors don’t want to put teachers or staff in any kind of danger or risk, either.

The bill specifies when some kind of restraint or force can be used on out-of-control students, such as when a student has a weapon; to break up a fight; to briefly hold a child in order to calm them down and provide comfort; to escort a pupil from one area to another, after a confrontation; while helping a student in completing their task if their resistance is minimal; and to hold a child for a brief time to prevent an impulsive behavior that may threaten that child’s safety.

Parental contact must be made after any event, and an assessment plan must be developed for the student.

HB 5639 has been forwarded to the House Education Committee for consideration. ■

Draft environmental justice plan open for public comment The state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on it’s draft of an environmental justice plan.

The plan seeks to ensure the state’s residents are being protected from harmful environmental occurrences like contamination from landfills or air pollution.

The nearly 100-page draft plan, according to DEQ Spokesperson Bob McCann, is organized into several chapters detailing public participation, integration into DEQ activities, disparate impact assessment, interdepartmental integration, the petition process and the role of local units of government.

Environmental justice is defined in the plan as “the fair, non-discriminatory treatment and meaningful involvement of Michigan residents regarding the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental law, regulations and policies by the state.”

The DEQ plans to implement the environmental justice considerations outlined into administrative activities such as permitting decisions, compliance and enforcement activities, and grants and other incentive programs.

The plan is online at michigan.gov/DEQ. Comments can be sent to DEQ-EJplan@michigan.gov via e-mail, or mailed to Frank Ruswick, Senior Policy Advisor, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 30473, Lansing, Michigan 48909. ■ 57

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FEBRUARY 2010

â&#x2013; snapshot

paul tobias

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aul Tobias is a banker who still believes in the metropolitan Detroit market. A Bloomfield Township resident, Tobias is chairman and CEO of Mackinac Financial Corporation and mBank in Birmingham, and has had a long career in banking and finance, choosing to stay in the Detroit area when colleagues left for greener, and often, warmer pastures.

He has been blessed with a very successful career, and his fervent hope is that the next generation will have the same opportunities he had.

"I've worked in this community ever since I graduated from the University of Michigan in 1975," he said. "I've managed to have a wonderful professional life in the community where I grew up. It's been easy for me to stay."

Tobias serves as a trustee for Albion College, where he earned his BA, and said he believes that higher education is an important key to successful prospects in Michigan.

"My biggest concern is for the younger generation," he said. "For Michigan to get better, we need to create an environment where the next generation will have the same opportunities that I had. I'm worried that's not the case. It's one of the reasons I continue to serve on the board at Albion."

While Tobias concedes that the economic outlook for Michigan is dismal, he said he hopes that Mackinac Financial Corporation can work with

businesses and individuals toward a brighter future.

"We have plenty of capital and plenty of financial strength, so we're lending," he said. "Our contribution is to be a good member of our community and look for credit-worthy companies and individuals to help meet their needs."

Tobias said he's hopeful that the banking industry will ultimately be able to weather the current financial storm.

"I'm an optimist, and with strong leadership in Lansing, we'll eventually come back," he said. "But it's not going to be in the next year or two."

Married to his wife, Emily, for 26 years, and with three children, Tobias has a personal stake in the prosperity of the Birmingham and Bloomfield communities.

"We're looking out for organizations that we can support and be partners with," he said. "Our focus here is to find good businesses and good people to help meet their financial needs."

As a local businessman, Tobias said he has great expectations for the place he and his wife have called home their entire lives.

"But you've got to reach bottom sometimes before coming back up." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Katey Meisner The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

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■ business notes

Ariada Outlet at 4301 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield has moved in with its parent company, Ariada Boutique, at 168 S. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham.

“For us, it was very inefficient to pay rent and a second set of bills at a separate location,” owner Ariada Ilyasov said. “And we do have enough room at the Birmingham boutique. We are conveniently located in the heart of the city and we decided our customers wouldn’t mind coming to visit us at the new location.”

Ilyasov opened Ariada Outlet just over a year ago, but has run the boutique for nine years. “At the boutique we carry all our new arrivals every season,” she said. “Previously we would send our sale items to West Bloomfield and sell them for as much as 75 percent off or more. We pretty much mark things as they go through the season.” The outlet is now located in back of the boutique and shoppers are able to peruse new arrivals, as well as items that have been heavily discounted in the outlet portion of the store.

“We sell ladies apparel, sportswear, evening wear, casual outer wear, wedding party and prom dresses,” Ilyasov said. “We carry Jovani, which is great for prom, and our price points for prom dresses start at $155. In our outlet section, we have prom dresses

by Betsey Johnson and Diane Von Furstenberg available.” Additionally, the boutique offers jewelry, accessories and hosiery.

Ilyasov, who has been a Birmingham resident for over six years, moved to the city to be closer to the Ariada Boutique since she spends a significant amount of time there.

“There’s nothing not to like about Birmingham,” she said. “It reminds me of a little European corner of Michigan.” To that end, Ilyasov brings a touch of Europe to Birmingham by carrying designers such as Isabel De Pedro and Jordi Labanda, both out of Barcelona. “We also carry Cop Copine, a line from Paris, which suits a wide age range.” Ariada’s most popular line is Equestrian Design, she said. “That pant line happens to fit any lady who walks in here that is anywhere from a size zero to a size 14. It’s a very popular pant; it feels amazing and doesn’t wrinkle.”

With both businesses and a residence in the city, Ilyasov said that Birmingham is a www.oaklandpaper.com

beautiful place to be. “My hope is that everyone here will prosper.”

■ Beal Bank at 301 N. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham has opened for business, and manager Nina Dauphinais is very excited about the new location and prospects for 2010.

“We’re looking forward to a new year of growth and we have a positive outlook.” Not your traditional bank, Beal Bank offers CDs, money markets, I.R.A.’s and statement savings. “Your typical bank would have checking accounts and an ATM,” she said, “But we are non-traditional.” Thus far, Dauphinais said the bank is prospering in the new location at N. Old Woodward Ave. and Willits St. “I think it’s a very nice, quaint area,” she said.

“The people are very friendly.”

■ L’Uomo Vogue at 6520 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills has added Italian designer Luigi Bianchi and Italian-made footwear by Mark Nason to their ample list of luxury lines.

“Luigi Bianchi is a complete collection of sportswear and tailored items, as well as made-to-measure clothing with the finest Italian fabrics from Loro Piana and Ermenigildo Zegna,” owner Mike Goldman said.

“The prices range depending on fabrics and start from $1,395 and up.”

“The Mark Nason footwear is a very uniquely designed rock ‘n’ roll-inspired collection,” Goldman said. “They have a lot of detail and they’re not sold everywhere. It’s not readily available to customers.” In the past, L’Uomo Vogue was able to offer customers products that were mainly at a higher price point, but Goldman said he wanted to give patrons more options and variety. “We’re maintaining,” Goldman said. “As the world evolves, so do we. That’s precisely why we brought in this new line.” The luxury clothing store, which is co-owned by Bruce Goldman, is in its 10th year at the Bloomfield Hills location, but celebrated its 30th anniversary in January 2010. “I can’t believe how long we’ve been in business,” Goldman said. “It’s wonderful.”

■ Studio D at 1066 Commerce in Birmingham opened its doors on Jan. 1. The studio houses three separate businesses run by artist, musician and designer Robert Dempster.

Dempster, who previously owned Detroit Rocks! At 115 W. Maple Road in Birmingham, has reopened Detroit Rocks!, Dempster Designs and Woodward Avenue Films out of his new studio in Birmingham’s Rail District.

“It’s a creative experience; Think Andy Warhol,” Dempster said. “It’s like an artist’s New York loft and it’s a wonderful source of creativity.” Studio D will offer signature ladies and men’s T-shirts, which are mainly created by

Dempster himself. “We’re going to be selling apparel and playing music,” he said. “All the work I do is three dimensional.”

In addition to selling clothing, Dempster will offer signage design through the design portion of his business and is currently working on a documentary called “Save Detroit” through Woodward Avenue Films.

“We’re going to start filming music videos of local artists and myself,” he said. “We’re also going to have guest bands come in.” In addition to being a Birmingham entrepreneur since 1974, Dempster sings, composes, produces and plays guitar and bass for his band, Sky Dolphin. For fans who were disappointed about the closing of Detroit Rocks! In September 2009, they will be offered a whole new experience at Studio D. “They can get music, artwork, signage, photography and apparel,” he said. “They can also have a great experience. I’m so proud of my new studio. It’s very stimulating.”

■ Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro will be opening at 155 S. Bates St. in Birmingham in early February.

“We’re hoping to open Feb. 1 so we can be open for Birmingham’s Restaurant Week,” said owner and Birmingham resident Mindy VanHellemont. The new business will offer wine by the bottle, half bottle and glass. They will also serve organic and local fare with indoor and seasonal patio seating.

“This is my first restaurant venture,” VanHellemont said. “I followed my passion for food and wine and I went to the Culinary Institute of America in California and completed their professional wine program.”

VanHellemont describes the restaurant as a farm-to-table eatery.

“Everything we’re serving is made fresh daily,” she said. “We’re trying to stick with as many fresh, organic and local products as possible.”

The wine list consists of 150 varieties by the bottle and 60 varieties by the glass. “Our wines are a good representation of the different varietal and the various wine regions of the world. We have everything from Michigan to South Africa represented on our list.”

VanHellemont is a familiar figure in the Birmingham community and serves on the Board of Trustees at Roeper School. “We love it here,” she said. “We’re even going to have a Sunday supper that will include an affordable, four-course meal at a fixed price. It will have a family, communitytype feel and our chef will change that menu weekly.”

Located next door to the restaurant will be a shop with wines featured at Tallulah’s available for purchase, at 151 S. Bates St. in Birmingham.

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■ Vintage and contemporary eyewear and accessory store Optik at 245 W. Maple in Birmingham, will now be offering products from The Weaving Sisters of Namtenga.

Initiated in 2000 by Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills, the organization raises money through the sale of handmade scarves, blankets and wraps toward the benefit of

Namtenga, an impoverished village in Africa. Dr. Joe Ales, owner of Optik, learned of the project through a patient, who is also a Cranbrook parent. “The Namtenga collection is a wonderful complement style-wise to the store, as well as to my belief in supporting projects important to my patients, their families and the community,” Ales said. All proceeds from the sale of these items go to the Namtenga Project.

■ Bolyard Lumber at 777 S. Eton St. in Birmingham has been completely revamped.

From ceiling tiles to flooring and displays, owner John Monigold said that they basically went through and gutted the interior of the store.

Monigold, a lifetime Birmingham resident, said that Bolyard Lumber has been in business since 1937, but just recently added the Birmingham location in July, 2009.

“Everything is going really well,” Monigold said. “We pick up momentum each month and it has exceeded our expectations.” Bolyard Lumber mainly provides services for higher-end residential projects, new construction and remodeling. They also offer another location at 3770 S. Rochester Road in Rochester.

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

■ main course

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 take-out 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.

Fish is world cuisine at Streetside Seafood

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, MondaySaturday. 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, MondaySaturday. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078.

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.

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, Monday-Saturday. 245 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

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 www.oaklandpaper.com

by Eleanor Heald t’s hard to find a more unpretentious ISeafood seafood eatery than Streetside in Birmingham. You might dub it intimate since it seats only 50 diners in a cozy space, yet Proprietor Bill Roberts calls it a “seafood saloon.”

That’s unpretentious!

Executive Chef Sharon Juergens is as comfortable with oysters as she is with any fish that swims in the ocean or Midwest lakes and streams.

Juergens has been executive chef for 11 years at Streetside which opened in March 1995.

Roberts took over the space of the former Richard & Reiss which operated there from 1983. He renovated completely, using Tom’s Oyster Bar as a model of casual ambiance to create his goal of “an ultimate neighborhood spot.”

Roberts cites five elements that he believes contribute to his success, not only at Streetside Seafood but also his two other restaurants in the Roberts Restaurant Group: Beverly Hills Grill (31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills) and Town Tavern (116 West 4th St., Royal Oak). “Staff hospitality is primary yet equal with food quality and consistency,” Roberts claims. “I also believe that supporting community events is essential. Then, and especially in today’s economy, diners must perceive good value.”

Yet with all its popularity, Streetside does not take dinner reservations.

“We’re so small,” says Roberts. “Our most efficient service is to take diners as they come and not to hold tables.”

SEAFOOD’S VERSALITY Michigan native chef Juergens, a Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts graduate, had stints with Michigan chefs Rick Halberg, Mary Brady and Jimmy Schmidt before heading up the kitchen at Streetside in 1998. “I enjoy the versatility of seafood,” she says. “It can be designed around Pan Asian flavors, Middle Eastern, Italian or given a Midwestern spin. And that goes for oysters to Mahi Mahi. Each country in the world has fish. Fish is world cuisine.”

Spicy Buffalo Shrimp with bleu cheese dressing ($10) and Oysters Rockefeller ($11) with spinach, bacon and parmesan are consistent diner favorites. Each day brings a different Bisque (cup $5) and Chowder (cup $4.50). Lobster Bisque is the house favorite and each Friday it’s New England Clam Chowder.

Housemade Cole Slaw with bleu cheese ($4.50) is the top salad pick.

“The vinaigrette,” Juergens points out, “is not creamy and is great at lunch with a sandwich or piece of fish.”

Whitefish Topped with Jumbo Lump Crab ($22), served with panfried potatoes, shallots and asparagus is the most ordered main course.

SPECIALS Daily specials are chosen from Streetside’s seafood purveyor’s selection of what’s freshest, in season or a good value.

In this second half of winter, Juergens expects her purveyor to supply Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Snapper, and

Stone Crab Claws from the southern hemisphere. Lake Fish are sporadic but Wild Striped Bass is frequently available from Chesapeake Bay. Roberts admits, “I watch the Food Network now more than ever. Iron Chef makes me aware of ingredients and methods and how best to critique my staff. It makes us better. Diners are more adventurous and because they too watch the Food Network and read culinary magazines.”

EVOLUTION “The economy,” Roberts continues, “has made a huge impact on restaurants.

We’ve witnessed big name chefs opening burger joints. Today, everything has to

Streetside Seafood Manager Heather Taylor (left) and Executive Chef Sharon Juergens.

be right to make it in this business.

Foremost, it’s all about quality staff.”

Juergens adds, “I now have the best set of culinary school graduate sous chefs that I’ve ever had. Mark Barbarich is classically trained in French and Italian cooking. Matt Ensworth specializes in Asian preparations such as Sesame Crusted Tuna Loin with Asian crab roll ($24). I favor Midwestern comfort foods.

“We know the kitchen staff is complemented by the veteran front-of-thehouse staff. They know our clients and offer the whole operation stability. Our diners are well-traveled and bring back menus from trips, asking if we can make a favorite they discovered. That makes us more creative in the kitchen.”

WINE SERVICE Many area restaurants are sitting on expensive bottles of high-end wines. That’s not the case at Streetside. General manager Anita Wilson crafts the wine list, often including diner request for specific bottles. “I know,” she says, “that Streetside specializes in seafood, but red wines are the most popular.”

One look at the list lets a diner know this is the case. There are a number of notable brands among the Pinot Noirs, which are a delight with salmon: Paul Hobbs, Penner-Ash, Saintsbury Brown Ranch and Darioush. If you’re in the mood for Streetside’s Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon with wild mushroom Port wine demi-glace and au

THE PAPER

gratin potatoes ($28), there’s an eyepopping list of Cabernet Sauvignon: Plumpjack, Paul Hobbs, Rudd and Shafer Hillside Select.

(Streetside Seafood: 273 Pierce St., Birmingham, 248.645.9123.

Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday until midnight. Saturday 4 p.m.-midnight. Sunday 4-10 p.m.

Reservations for lunch MondayFriday only. Check average per person: $32-$35 at dinner with cocktail or glass of wine.)

QUICK BITES Although we all like to enjoy a sitdown lunch or dinner, there are times when food on the move or eating on the hoof is the only “fit” in a busy day.

Joanna Thomas, owner of Piepers (43119 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, 248.481.7418) offers savory handheld pies. For decades, pasties have been Michigan’s savory pies.

Thomas took her family’s original meat pie and worked on the dough.

“Until I got it right,” she says. Then she added jalapeno pepper to the original meat and created other pies as spins on popular flavors. Options include breakfast (served from 6 a.m.

Monday-Friday and from 7 a.m.

Saturday), all-day pies and a few “sweetie pies.”

■ Birmingham Restaurant Weeks are Monday to Friday, February 1 to 5 and 8 to 12. Participating restaurants offer a $15 three-course lunch and a threecourse dinner for $25. Prices for the event have not changed since institution in 2000. This year, for the first time, it has been expanded to two weeks. Included in this year’s culinary fest are 220 Restaurant, Big Rock Chop House, Café Via, Chen Chow Brasserie, Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine, Fleming’s (dinner only), Forest Grill, Forte, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Peabody’s, Phoenicia, Quattro, Rugby Grille (lunch only), Salvatore Scallopini and Streetside Seafood. Menus are listed on enjoybirmingham.com website but here’s a peek at what Streetside Seafood will offer. The popular Housemade Cole Slaw as a starter, followed by a choice of one main from among Curried Bay Scallops with almond rice, Oven Roasted Atlantic Salmon with cauliflower gratin and steamed green beans or Mahi Mahi Medallions with mashed potato, grilled asparagus and lemon caper buerre blanc. Dessert is a White Chocolate Cheesecake Brownie with Ashby’s vanilla bean ice cream.

■ The start of Chinese New Year coincides with Valentine’s Day, February 14, this year. Getting a jump on the Chinese celebration, Chen Chow Brasserie (260 N. Old Woodward, Ave., 248.594.2469) will offer a special dinner showcasing the Chinese side of its Pan Asian menu from 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, February 13.

Reservations advised.

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.

63

■ eating out Birmingham features Boars Head meats and cheeses, soups, salads, burgers and pizza. Catering available. B, L & D, Monday-Friday. 280 N. Old Woodward 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 meat-free zone for vegetarians.

B & L, Monday-Saturday; D, MondayFriday. 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.

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.

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 64

fresh deli sandwiches. B, L & D, MondaySaturday. 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, Forte 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 made-from-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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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, TuesdaySunday. 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.

Max & Erma’s: Features a familyfriendly 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 as duck, noodles, seafood

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Olga’s Kitchen: Olga’s offers fresh and unique 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 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.

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, 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 oven-toasted 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.

FEBRUARY 2010

■ focus on wine Single vineyard gains true meaning at Ravenswood

By Eleanor and Ray Heald

A

s Americans we’re becoming more knowledgeable about the food we eat and where and how it’s grown.

Wine aficionados are more aware of grapegrowing terms like sustainable, organic and biodynamic. They look for appellation on a wine label. They check for a vineyard name that helps locate the grapes that made the wine.

Joel Peterson, winemaker at Ravenswood Winery, Sonoma County, Calif., well known for his rich, powerful zinfandels says, “Vineyard designates are the heart and soul of this winery.

For over 30 years, we have cultivated collaborative relationships with our grower partners. Results of our combined dedication and best vineyard practices are noticed in each bottle.”

Who grows the grapes?

When Patricia Heron and Barbara Olesen bought 36 acres of old Sonoma Valley grape vines, they named the parcel Barricia, a name you find on a 2007 Ravenswood Zinfandel ($35). Heron always knew she would become a farmer, but it didn’t happen until after law school, serving as dean of several colleges, and being elected presiding

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 paninis, 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, teriyaki, yakitori, fried www.oaklandpaper.com

judge of the Seventh Circuit Court!

The purchased vineyards were in bad shape, so she learned to drive a tractor, prune vines, and identify grape vine pests and diseases. After bringing the more than 100-year-old vineyards back to life, Heron and Olesen began selling grapes to Joel Peterson at Ravenswood.

Ricardo Belloni and his wife Natalia emigrated to Sonoma County, Calif., from Emilia Romagna, Italy. Raised on a farm, Ricardo wanted to own a vineyard. On the outskirts of Santa Rosa, he bought one that was planted in the early 1900s. For his family wine each autumn, he harvested his zinfandel that was field blended with small amounts of carignan, petite sirah and alicante bouschet. Peterson began making Belloni Zinfandel in 1991. Ricardo died in 1997, but his family still tends the vineyard. Ricardo would be proud of the 2007 Ravenswood Zinfandel ($35) that carries his name.

In a time when there were only a handful of Napa Valley wineries, Bill Dickerson was a psychiatrist and serious wine buff. He met a talented young winemaker and financed his winery.

That winemaker was the late Joe Heitz, who helped make Napa Valley wines famous via his Heitz Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Appreciating the eucalyptus-tinged wine of Heitz, Dickerson purchased a zinfandel vineyard near St. Helena that was surrounded by eucalyptus trees. Now, Joel Peterson makes Dickerson Zinfandel ($35) and the 2007 is classic finishing with mint (sometimes described as eucalyptus) and chocolate notes.

Long before it was politically correct, Otto Teller was a larger-than-life environmentalist and organic farmer. His pride and joy was Oak Hill Farm in Sonoma Valley, which he expanded in 1981 by

purchasing an abandoned vineyard known as Old Hill Ranch. The century-old zinfandel vines were overgrown by blackberries, poison oak and junk.

Consultants advised Teller to rip out the vineyard, fumigate and replant. He would have none of that! Teller rejected chemical herbicides and fertilizers, so he cleared the brush and stimulated vine growth organically while using beneficial insects to curb pests. Since grape quality was his goal, he saw no need to improve a vineyard that already produced a ton per acre of intensely-flavored fruit. Get your taste in Ravenswood 2007 Old Hill Zinfandel ($60).

In the 1970s, as a young winemaker, Joel Peterson came to the Teldeschi home in Dry Creek Valley and asked if he could buy some grapes for his then new winery, Ravenswood. He came away with a deal for a few tons of zinfandel from California’s most lauded area for the variety. The Teldeschis continued to sell their grapes to San Francisco amateur winemakers. When their delivery truck blew up near the Golden Gate Bridge some years ago, Peterson gained exclusive privilege to buy the grapes, some of which come from 90-plus years old. The 2007 Teldeschi Zinfandel ($35) is a classic California-Italian field blend that in addition to zinfandel includes petite sirah and carignan.

Under the stewardship of Scott and Lynn Adams, Big River is the most meticulously farmed vineyard that Ravenswood has the privilege of using.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the 2007 Ravenswood Big River Zinfandel ($35) is the most pure expression and essence of old vine zinfandel grown in Alexander Valley.

egg, seafood, vegetables and more.

Offers traditional Japanese fare as well as some Korean dishes. L, Monday-Friday; D, Monday-Saturday. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.333.3887.

Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688.

Sy Thai Cafe: A casual dining atmosphere, Sy Thai serves orange duck, noodle dishes, stir-fried 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, WednesdaySaturday. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958.

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.

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,

Vintage 2007 is the best vintage for California-grown zinfandel in a number

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, Monday-Saturday. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

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 TOPZ: Offering homemade fare, featuring Michigan vendors and local Michigan products, TOPZ prides itself on its air-baked, non-fried fries, nuggets,

THE PAPER

of years. If you love zins, don’t miss out on Ravenswood Single Vineyard designates or the following: •2007 Kendall-Jackson Zinfandel $15 •2007 Kenwood Vineyards Jack London Zinfandel $20 •Lot 2 Candor Zinfandel $20, a blend of 2007 and 2008 vintages •2007 Murphy-Goode Liar’s Dice Zinfandel $21 •2007 Rancho Zabaco Dry Creek Valley Reserve Zinfandel $24 •2007 Frank Family Napa Valley Zinfandel $37 •2007 Mazzocco Maple Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel $40

Embrace the obscure •2009 Dona Paula Estate Torrontes $16 •2008 Domaine le Peu de la Moriette Vouvray $16 •2007 Hugel et Fils Alsace Gewurztraminer $24 •2007 Arrowood Saralee’s Vineyard Cote de Lune Blanc $25 (blend of roussane, marsanne, grenache blanc and viognier) •2008 Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Blanc $25 •2007 Arrowood Saralee’s Vineyard Viognier $30

Valentine’s Day Three wines to impress your sweetheart: Champagne Taittinger Brut La Francaise $45; Poema Cava $13, a bubbly made solely from indigenous Spanish grapes; 2008 Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti $15/375 is a delicate dessert pour.

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.

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, MondayFriday. 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.

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■ the community house

CONTEMPORARY

A

deep, dark secret that is known by my family and friends is that February is my least favorite month. As a transplanted southerner who has now lived here for many years, I have developed some good coping skills to get through the month. First and foremost is to make the most of the great indoors by doing things that I enjoy and that I know are good for me: connecting with friends over a home-cooked meal served near a crackling fire, reading good books, going to Saturday and Sunday movie matinees, and improving my health, mind and spirit by taking classes at The Community House.

I almost don’t know where to begin suggesting classes and programs because there are so many great ones. I’ll point out several that I think are special, but please see our website, www.communityhouse.com, for the complete listing: • If you are a senior who is not comfortable participatShelley Roberts ing in a traditional exercise class, join us for a class that begins on February 3 and get fit while you sit!

• Just in time for Valentines Day, come to a one day class on February 13 with a partner and learn partner yoga poses. This is a great way to spend time with your friend, partner, spouse, etc.

• To keep your New Year’s resolution to get fit, sign up for our class on raw foods and learn the key to ageless beauty and well-being.

• To keep your New Year’s resolution to be a better parent, join us on February 23 and learn to be a Love and Logic Parent and to improve your parenting or grand- parenting skills and attend the February program of our sponsored group, the StoryTellers Guild, on February 11 where they will feature the awardwinning children’s books from 2009.

• To let loose and have fun, join our musical theatre class beginning on February 3. It is a great way to release your “inner Broadway star.”

• To keep up with current events and learn what makes our leaders tick, join us on February 25 (changed from February 4) when Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy speaks at our Influential Women Series program. And, yes, men are welcome to attend.

Even with February’s snow and ice, I can’t spend all of my time in The Community House and at home, so I’m planning to frequent downtown Birmingham. I love restaurant week and shopping the stores for great bargains on winter clothes — we aren’t out of the woods with the cold weather.

A great opportunity to stay in the area and still get away is to join us on February 19 for our Holy Detroit day trip when we will explore east side Detroit’s great churches with the incomparable Michael Farrell and enjoy lunch at Trattoria Andiamo.

Another great escape that is a little further from home is our Posies and Paintings trip to Chicago from March 5-7. We will travel by deluxe motor coach to the windy city and see the Chicago Flower & Garden Show titled “Cultivating Great Performances” where we will see cutting edge displays by leading growers and gardens and tablescapes by top creative talents. Throughout the day, there will be many featured speakers talking about aspects of gardening, and there will be a Market Place where you can purchase exotic seeds and bulbs. Before heading for home, we will have a docent lead tour of “The Modern Wing” of the Chicago Institute of Arts, the new spectacular addition to this world famous museum.

And speaking of flowers, there is no better way to rush spring than by attending our fabulous luncheon and presentation “House of Blooms” on April 14. Chris Giftos, who spent 33 years as the manager of special events and master floral arranger at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, will be our guest on April 14, showcasing his outstanding talents in the world of floral arranging and storytelling. While Mr. Giftos speaks, he makes a number of gorgeous arrangements which are given to guests as door prizes. I attended his presentation last spring at the DIA which was wonderful and a sell-out. Following is some interesting information about Mr. Giftos: His very first customer was Greta Garbo. He made Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding bouquet for her 1964 marriage to Richard Burton.

Lee Radziwill, sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, became his friend and he did flowers for Ms. Onassis for dinner parties she hosted at her Park Avenue penthouse.

In his role at the Met, Mr. Giftos greeted such guests as Nancy Reagan, Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey (and was a guest on Martha and Oprah’s TV shows), Bill Gates, George Bush, the Clintons, Prince Charles and Princess Diana and more!

Our special thanks to First Michigan Bank for its presenting sponsorship of “House of Blooms.”

Also, thank you very much if you supported our 2009 Annual Fund Drive. You make it possible for The Community House to help make our community such a special one.

For information about or reservations for our classes, trips and “House of Blooms,” please call 248.644.5832 or go to www.communityhouse.com.

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 ■ Parade Foundation’s Hob Nobble Gobble

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 one the website for The Paper.

Parade Foundation’s Hob Nobble Gobble Nobody throws a family party like The Parade Company. And 1,600 people of all ages were at the the 20th annual Hob Nobble Gobble the night before Thanksgiving. Parade Company president Tony Michaels personally greeted many of them before they scattered to play and party, dine and dance and collect the giveaways that distinguish the event. The long, skinny boxes of rolled-up Fatheads (life-sized wall graphics) contained such teen favs as Vanessa Hudgens, Camp Rock and the Jonas Brothers, as well as jocks like Barry Saunders, Maria Sharapove and David Beckham.

Thibeault & Moore caterers created themed food stations offering everything from Alaskan king crab cakes and jumbo shrimp to miniature turkey pot pies and a mashed potato bar. The main buffets in the ballroom, where Simon Vitale played most of the night before Danny Gokey and SHIROCK took the stage, featured Black Angus pismo beef tenderloin and chicken marsala, plus kid food like chicken fingers, mac‘n’cheese and pizza rolls. And for those whose kids would not leave the carnival midway, hot dogs, elephant ears and cotton candy were abundant.

Thanks to the beneficence of companies like Ford, GM, DTE, Art Van Furniture, Quicken Loans and others, Hob Nobble Gobble brought in over $300,000. The tickets were pricey ($1,000, $500, $350, children 6 & under-$200) but The Parade Company opened the Parade Studio for A Day In Paradeland the day after the Parade and 2,000 people came. For a few bucks they enjoyed games, arts and crafts, inflatables, delicious eats and got a real close-up look at the floats and Big Heads.

Since the fairgrounds will not exist next year, The Parade Company welcomes suggestions for a new party site. Call them at (313) 923-7400.

Gobble Wobble Benefiting CATCH

Clockwise from upper left: Art Van’s Mike and Christine Zambricki of Bloomfield.

Three generations – Sarah Earley of Bloomfield with her son Michael and grandson Ryan Earley of Chicago. Steven (left), Evan, Nicole and Noah Eisenberg of Bloomfield. John Rakolta (left) and his son JR of Bloomfield with his daughter Lauren and her husband Mike Fitzgerald of Birmingham. Skyelar (standing left) and Collin McQueen with their grandparents Pat (seated left) and Cathy McQueen and their aunt Mollly McQueen of Bloomfield.

Andiamo’s Joe (left) and Rosalee Vicari of Clinton Twp with Parade Foundation chair Matt Cullen of Grosse Pointe. Eli(left) David, Abby, Elyse, Lily and Evan Folytn of Birmingham. Cathy, Jim and Max Rosenthal of Bloomfield.

A newer Thanksgiving holiday tradition really picked up steam this year. Gobble Wobble, an excuse to rendezvous with school days friends while benefiting a charity was started four years ago by some native Bloomingham area 20-somethings.

This year the party at The Reserve sold out (400) the night after Thanksgiving.

Tickets were only $65 and included open bar so the fact that they raised $10,000 for CATCH, Sparky Anderson’s Charity for Children, is commendable.

Nearly $3,000 of that came from the popular raffle that offered items like Moosejaw fleeces and Pistons and Red Wing tickets. Patrick Thornton, Anne Carney, Greg DeMars, Kyle Desmond, Kristin Holmes, Scott Strickland and Liz Vollman comprised the organizing crew. They saluted corporate sponsors TMV Group, Allingham Corporation and Pinkdingo.com as well as Danee Isdaner, who made a personal donation. That the revelry did not end until 1:30 a.m. is testimony to their youth and the energy generated by the People’s Choice band.

Boys & Girls Clubs’ In Celebration Dinner The 23rd annual In Celebration Dinner attracted 125 to Orchard Lake Country Club to salute Maggie and Bob Allesee for their contributions to the community. The congenial evening was chaired by Judie Sherman and co-chaired by Bev and Beth Moore.

Their resourceful crew used children’s books as centerpieces which subsequently were delivered to the libraries in the 13 Sue Nine, a past honoree and long-time friend of the Allesees, presented the award. She outlined some of the large gifts the couple has given to major charities in Southeast Michigan and noted their impressive list of board memberships. She also observed that, although each of them enjoyed a high profile as individuals, they were equally distinguished as a couple.

A poignant moment in the program featured the testimonials of the 2009 “Youth of the Year,” Shafer Johnson, who loves football and hopes to get a scholarship to the University of Michigan, and his mother. With grace and tears she told how the Boys & Girls Clubs helped her locate affordable housing when she lost her home last summer. This would enable Shafer to graduate from the high school where he has enjoyed both academic and sport success.

A live auction of a lone item accented the evening. It was a 2010 Super Bowl package with all the perks for two. The bidding was spirited, but the winning bid came from Maggie’s children - Shirley and Bob Shirock, Kathy andKim Cooke and Michael Acheson, whose wife, Adele, was home with the flu. They then gifted the package to Maggie and Bob, avid sports enthusiasts. Counting their generous auction bid, the evening raised $77,000 for the B&GCSM.

St. Hugo of the Hills Grade School Blue Ribbon Celebration If you drive on Opdyke or Hickory Grove roads in Bloomfield Hills you’ll see blue and white banners proclaiming that St. Hugo of the Hills Grade School is a recipi68

THE PAPER

FEBRUARY 2010

ent of the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon Award. St. Hugo was one of only 50 private schools nationwide and the only school in Michigan to receive this coveted designation in 2009. It thus joins Birmingham’s Holy Name Grade School which won the same award in 2008.

The school community recently celebrated the distinction at an assembly where Principal Sister Margaret Van Velzen told the children, “We would not have qualified if not for your test scores.” The school choir and band entertained and each of the 700-plus students received a chocolate bar wrapped with the legend: “It’s sweet to be a student at St. Hugo.”

■ Gobble Wobble Benefit for CATCH

Yatooma Foundation Party Best Western Sterling Inn’s Indoor Water Park was a jopyous place when Yatooma’s Foundation For The Kids tossed a party there for 275, the families it supports following the tragedy of a parent’s death. The waterslides were a big favorite, but so were the pizza and Santa Claus. The Jolly One passed out 150 presents which had been wrapped by students at Troy Athens High School. The foundation’s annual fund campaign is part of the Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge and needs more donations to reach its $25,000 goal before year’s end. Go to www.forthekidsfoundation.org.

St. Dunstan’s Christmas Concert For the third year, Connie McEwan has organized the annual free Christmas Concert presented for the community by the St. Dunstan’s Theatre Players. “It‘s lots of work but truly one of my favorite things,” she confided. This year the Saturday afternoon event attracted about 450 to Christ Church Cranbrook. The kids in the crowd seemed especially animated when the Three Bartitones (Brian Jones, Lance Jones and Ryan Dawley) sang “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Point of View” which describes the holiday eating experience from the vantage of the turkey and the ham. They also flocked to the altar to gather around Ian McEwan (aka Santa Claus) for his reading of “The Night Before Christmas.”

Top row, left to right: Event co-chairs Kyle Desmond (left) of Beverly Hills and Anne Carney and Patrick Thornton of Birmingham. Event co-chairs Scott Strickland (left) and Liz Vollman of Birminghamn and Greg DeMars of Royal Oak. Marian High School alums Lisa Destefano (left), Katie Solner and Mave Laurie of Birmingham. Middle row: Cranbrook alums Kristin Holmes (center), an event co-chair and Jennifer Heath (left) of Bloomfield and Shannon Howell of Brooklyn, NY. Marian H S alum Adrienne Volk and Brother Rice HS alum Ben Rye of Birmingham. Sara (left) and Bridget Thornton of Bloomfield and Eryn Block of Birmingham. At right: Robin Muir (left) of NYC with event sponsor Allingham Corporation’s Jeff Allingham of Royal Oak, Ryan Allingham of Los Angeles, CA and fellow Seaholm High School classmate Ashley Sears.

■ Boys & Girls Clubs’ Women’s Association’s In Celebration Dinner Clockwise from right: Rita Dallavecchia (center) of Bloomfield with committee members Pat Steffes (left) of West Bloomfield, and Lynn Middleton of Orchard Lake. Event honorees Maggie and Bob Allesee of Bloomfield. Event cochair Bev Moore (left) event chair Judie Sherman of Bloomfield, WA chair Mary Nuenz of Orchard Lake, event co-chair Beth Moore of Bloomfield. Maggie Allesee (second from right) with her three children Kathy Cooke of Northville, Michael Acheson of West Bloomfield and Shirley Shirock of Novi.

Alzheimer’s Chocolate Jubilee What a history! The first Chocolate Jubilee was staged 25 years ago in Doreen Hermelin’s Bingham Farms home and raised $20,000. The 2009 event at the Ritz-Carlton attracted more than 700 for lunch, plus another 60 just for the tasting. It raised $865,000plus, bringing the 25-year event total to more than $13 million.

During the Silver Spectacular luncheon program Gary and Becky Sakwa, who were honored for their unparalleled generosity to the Alzheimer’s Association mission, expressed their awe for the caregivers and researchers.

Event sponsor Charity Motors’ board www.oaklandpaper.com

■ St. Hugo of the Hills Grade School Blue Ribbon Celebration

Left to right: Maria D’Angelo (left), Mara MacLean, Crystal Kallabat and Lauren Hebert. St. Hugo Principal Sr. Margaret VanVelzen (left) Assistant Principal Mary Ellen Keyes and Counselor Kathleen Koch. Happy St. Hugo students.

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Alzheimer’s Association’s Chocolate Jubilee

chair Norman Yatooma had his two, winsome daughters Olivia and Gabriella thank the audience for their support while he held little Sophia. Author Mary Ellen Geist, who took a hiatus from a thriving career in broadcast journalism to help her mother care for her dad, described how his love of singing was a great bonding experience for them.

National AA president Harry Johns noted that the number of people affected by Alzheimer’s is staggering as are the costs. He added that more drugs than ever are in the research pipeline aiming, he concluded, “…for a world without Alzheimer’s.” After the luncheon program, everybody sampled chocolate brought by vendors, including, Just Baked and Bizzy Lizzy, who had been judged by some celebrities to have the best display.

FAR’s Flutes, Friends & Fa-La-La

Top row, left to right: Major event sponsor Charity Motor’s Norman Yatooma of Bloomfield with his daughters Olivia, Sophie and Gabriella.

Event co-chairs Amyre Makupson (left) of Southfield and Richard Astrein of Huntington Woods with honored Millennium Donors Becky and Gary Sakwa of Bloomfield. Premiere Donor RoseAnn Comstock (left) of Detroit with Irma Elder and Millie Pastor of Bloomfield. Bottom row: Gayle Burstein (center) of Bloomfield with honorary chairs Cynthia and Edsel Ford of Grosse Pointe. Steven Miesowicz (left) and his wife Beth Gotthelf of Birmingham with Denise and Michael Tobin of West Bloomfield. Oz and Toad jeweler Jenny Turner (left) and her daughter Annie of Bloomfield showing the Alzheimer’s Association charm.

■ Variety FAR’s Flutes, Friends & Fa-La-La

The lives of more than 2,000 children and adults with special needs are enriched through the programs of the Variety FAR Conservatory of the Therapeutic and Performing Arts. The First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham provides FAR’s office and activity space, but supporters,like flutist Alexander Zonjic and the Bloomfield Hills Fred Astaire Dance Studio, make it’s annual fundraising show in Detroit Country Day’s Seligman Performing Arts Center a magical evening. The ninth annual version attracted 500, 120 of whom first dined at the Gold and Silver Patron supper.

Some spotted at that scene were the Ryan Stacys, Amir Dickows, John Aubreys, Mark LoPatins, Florence LoPatin, Ed Adlers, Rick Midas, Neil King, Joel Goldens and Barry Fleischers.

The show that followed was emceed with good heart and humor by Fox 2’s Alan Lee. Thirty-three Far Stars, along with their instructors and Zonjic’s Friends/musicians, were center stage for the production. Their performances earned them a rousing ovation for the curtain call. They also got and gave high fives at the afterglow where the FAR Bazaar of handmade giftables did a brisk business. The event netted about $50,000.

Crohn’s & Colitis Gala Evening

Top row, left to right: Honorary committee member Link Wachler (left) of Troy with event chairs Frank and Judy Jonna of Farmington Hills and Penny Persiani of Birmingham. FAR executive director Arleen Kass (left) of Birmingham with board chair Ryan Husaynu and his wife Sandra Plezia of West Bloomfield. Diane Widlak (left) of Bloomfield and event co-chair Judy Jonna of Farmington Hills. Event honorary chairs Joe (left) and Sandie Knollenberg with FAR board member Barbara and Tom Russell of Bloomfield. Greg (left) and Joy Di Censo of Bloomfield, Marian Rey McIntyre and her sister/committee member Lucy and Pat Kauffman of Bingham Farms.

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Nearly 600 people attended the CCFA’s 32nd annual fundraiser at the Palladium. After dishing and dining on the stroll, they convened for the program – A Toast to Advocacy- that honored Jill Davidson Sklar. “It was an amazing thing that Jill pulled off,” noted publicist Mark Pischea, a presenter along with L. Brooks Patterson and county treasurer Andy Meisner. “The amazing thing” was her six-year campaign to get a bathroom access bill though the state legislature. It mandates that retailers must provide emergency bathroom access to people with medical conditions requiring same – a necessity for many people with Crohn’s FEBRUARY 2010

and Colitis disease. Sklar got a standing ovation and displayed her determination and good humor when she declared, “Never stand between a woman and her ability to shop.” The event raised $143,000, which happens to be $11,000 more than last year. Folks then chose from five films to see. We lucked out by choosing “The Blind Side.”

■ Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s Annual Gala Evening at the Movies

Zoological Society’s Holiday Social Some 150 members of the Detroit Zoological Society’s Renaissance Circle gathered Dec. 1 for the annual member holiday social, just one of the many perks of circle membership ($1,200 or more annual donation). After a hearty buffet supper catered by the zoo’s chef, they adjourned to the new 3D/4D, 126-seat education center theater where DZS board president Gail Worden told them ,”You are the nucleus of our philanthropic groups.” Then, after a trial, special effects snow flurry descended on the crowd, zoo director Ron Kagan told some fascinating production notes about the new, 4D film, “Wild World Africa.” It is complete with sensory sensations such as wind, water, mist and scents.

Following the three-minute film, Ron Michalak opined, “It’s better than animations we see at Disney locations and the 4D mechanical effects are certainly worth the $3 they are charging…A similar, albeit longer, show in London gets roughly $30 for the same sensations.”

It is now opened to zoo visitors with showings every hour on the hour.

Top row, left to right: Joel and honoree Jill Davidson Sklar of Huntington Woods. Zina (left) and Mike Kramer with Nanci Kantor and her sister, a past honoree, Jean Dubin of Bloomfield. Howard Rosenberg (left) with Jeanne Maxbauer and Sally and Julie Marx of Bloomfield.

Bottom row: CCFA board member Katie Coleman and her husband Gordy of Bloomfield. JoAnn (left) and Don Colliver of Birmingham with Alice Belfie of Troy. Doug (left) and Sydell Schubot of Franklin with Contessa and Rosemary Bannon of Beverly Hills. Carol and Mike Ziecik of Bloomfield.

■ Detroit Zoological Society’s Renaissance Circle’s Holiday Social

Project HOPE’s Holiday of Hope More than 70 Project HOPE League members and their guests attended the group’s 20th annual holiday party at Bloomfield Open Hunt. They sipped, supped, socialized, enjoyed music by the Sheila Landis Trio and bought silent auction donations that included table top trees decorated and donated by Sharon Knepfler. They not only raised $6,000 for Project HOPE’s health mission around the world but they also brought 75 bags filled with new Christmas gifts for the children served by the Judson Center.

Left to right: Maggie Allesee (right) with Blythe( left) and Matt Moran of Bloomfield and Blythe’s father Dave VanderVeen of Clarkston. Charlene Handleman (left) of Bloomfield and Taeler Jackson of Detroit. Marj DeCapite (left) and Kathy Walgren of Birmingham.

■ Project HOPE League’s Holiday of Hope

Assistance League’s Marketplace The organizers of this year’s benefit for the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan moved the luncheon and shopping event from the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester to the new Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township (located north east of Rochester on Van Dyke Rd.). “It was an absolutely fabulous place for Mistletoe Marketplace,” noted co-chair Jan Marshall, adding that it compares favorably to the Royal Park and the Townsend Hotel. “We sold out a week before the event with 550 guests and 30 exhibitors,” she said. In addition to lunching and shopping, the event featured Madrigal Singers, the AL’s video, a raffle, silent auction and a quick fashion show featuring members www.oaklandpaper.com

Left to right: Charlotte Mahrt (left) of Bloomfield with event co-chairs Rachael Harla of Clinton Twp. and Jackie Kendall of West Bloomfield.

Committee members Lori Feret (left) and Suzanne Kain of Madison Hgts with national officer Barbara Kabakoff of Memphis, TN

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Cranbrook House & Gardens Auxiliary’s Holiday Tables Benefactor Gala

in upscale clothing from the league’s resale shop. It raised an all time high of $64,000 for the league’s philanthropic community programs like Operation School Bell which provides clothing to needy children.

Cranbrook Holiday Tables For the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home, especially if it is the late George and Ellen Booth’s Cranbrook House home during the Holiday Tables event. Flickering candles made the Benefactor Gala preview evening a superb time to view the 17 exhibitions and many of the 170 benefactors attended. Cranbrook connections were spotted in some displays. Annabelle Cohen, who did a jewel toned interpretation of Chanukah, is a Cranbrook graduate and the Cranbrook Archives Department put the spotlight on Cranbrook designers in “Michigan Modern - the Saarinen Swanson Group.” Birmingham designer Robert Endres also used the work of Cranbrook artisans like Harry Bertoia, Florence Knoll and Jack Lenore Larsen. But the exhibitors with the strongest ties were the Cranbrook Booth family heirs who brought out family photos, silver, china, linen, crystal and vintage objects. Their love and warm respect for their ancestors was evident as they chatted about family and the tables and vignettes they created. Carolyn Scripps even mentioned her generation’s plans to start a Booth family foundation.

The following day more than 130 patrons attended the tea, at which the Birmingham Junior League Chorus entertained, and 550 toured on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Eleven happy people won raffle prizes donated by generous Cranbrook supporters like Greenstone’s Fine Jewelry, DuMouchelle Art Galleries and Gerych’s-Graziella. The 34th annual event netted $45,000 for preservation, maintenance and restoration of Cranbrook House and Gradens.

Clockwise from upper left:Event chairs Anita Ruiz (left) of Novi and Sharon Jacobs and Leslie Ann Pilling of Bloomfield. Pam Stein (left), Jones Keena & Co designer Bob Endres and committee member Randy Forester of Birmingham. Cousins Louise Booth (standing left) and Jess Booth with their mothers Tracey Booth and Kate Booth all of Birmingham. Cousins Charlie Booth and Carolyn Scripps of Birmingham with portrait of their great great grandfather Henry Wood Booth and a Bell, Book and Candle vignette.

DuMouchelle designer Suzanne Lynch (left) of Grosse Pointe, Nancy and Bob Toal of Beverly Hills and Joan Du Mouchelle Walker of Grosse Pointe.

Gala co-chairs Lauren (left) and Tom Balames of Bloomfield with Kappy and David Trott of Birmingham. Gala cochairs not pictured-Adele and Mike Acheson. Bob Waun (center) of Birmingham with Char Terry (left) and Joanne Brodie of Bloomfield. John Jacobs (left) of Bloomfield, Emmanuel Steward of Detroit and Cranbrook Educational Community President Rick Nahm of Bloomfield.

Garden Club at Meadow Brook

■ Bloomfield Hills branch of the Women’s Farm & Garden Association at Meadow Brook Hall

Clockwise from lower left: Linda Fisher (left) of Bloomfield with her daughter-in-law Christina Fisher of Birmingham. Daniela Henderson (left) of Birmingham and Robin Henderson and Amy Peash of Bloomfield. Garden club officers: 2nd VP Lynn Ferron (left), historian Lois Thornbury, civic improvement Joanne Brodie, membership Debbie Erb, sec. Maureen D’Avanzo, pres.

Cecily O’Connor, 1st vp Elise Hayes and corresponding sec. Robin Henderson all of Bloomfield.

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Members of the Bloomfield Hills branch of the Women’s National Farm & Garden Association had a Christmas luncheon at Meadow Brook Hall, but it wasn’t held there simply because the historic mansion would be decked out for the holidays. The ladies had a mission, prompted by historian Lois Thornbury’s discovery in the club’s files of a 1954 letter written by Matilda Wilson. In the typewritten letter, which was complete with amateur typing errors and came from her winter home in Arizona, Mrs. Wilson politely explained why she would not be able to accept the invitation to serve on the club’s Ways and Means Committee.

Subsequently, as Thornburg noted when she presented the letter to the Meadow Brook Hall archivist, Mrs. Wilson did serve as president of the WNF&GA’s national board and hosted the International Tea celebrating FEBRUARY 2010

WNF&GA’s 52nd anniversary. Along with other WNF&GA branches, the Bloomfield Hills club has contributed to garden restoration at Meadow Brook Hall as one of its many community service projects.

■ Preservation Bloomfield’s Gingerbread Brunch

Preservation Bloomfield Brunch “This is amazing. I am in complete awe,” declared designer Joe Ferris at An Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Brunch at Oakland Hills Country Club. He was in the sold out crowd of 244 supporters of the Friends of Preservation Bloomfield.

They socialized as they circled the silent auction displays of 21 artistic creations (all of them sweet confections except Molly Robinson’s Katie Valenti retrieved from a curbside pile and donated to the cause) and the 37 table top trees decorated by some very talented people. Judges had a tough time naming the top seven houses but decided on the ones created by: Holiday Market’s Thomas Violante, Jr., Pine Lake Country Club, Knead a Cookie’s Dawn Schwanke, Lisa Yamin, Orchard Lake Country Club, Parmentier Patisserie’s John Parmentier and Sweet Dreams’ Michael Daher. The trees and the houses brought in $5,475 in bids.

Combined with a raffle, and centerpiece and ticket sales, the event netted $18,000 which will be wisely used by the all volunteer PB to complete the restoration of the Barton Farmhouse. It was moved to the educational park at Bowers Farm in 2008 and, together with the Craig Log Cabin which is also there, will be a legacy for future generations. For more information, visit www.preservationbloomfield.org.

Christmas Home Tour Some 300 people went on Christ Child Society’s annual Christmas Home Tour which was chaired by Elaine Ryder and Lanie Hardy Cosgrove, whose mother Pat Hardy originated the event in 1992. The duo lined up five homes that first time tourist Gail Nathan described as “very impressive…each home was unique.” Colleen & Marty McGough’s featured natural embellishments; Julia & Joe Schwegman’s was notable for its elegant simplicity; Shawn & Mark Vestevich’s coastal and Christmas décor even accented the master suite; Karen & Rick Williams’ soft earth tones looked very comfortable; Chris & Walter Schwartz’s colorful rooms were inviting. The latter home also had a gingerbread replica of itself, complete with a display of the sweet components used in its creation and the event Giving Tree, to which tourists brought hundreds of gloves and mittens for needy children. Most of the tourists also stopped at the Birmingham Athletic Club for luncheon and shopping at such vendors as Adorn, Creative Designs by Katy, Just Girls, Oz and Toad, Tracy Jane Made in Michigan, Yum Me, and Just Call Kara (formerly Brown Eyed Girl). www.oaklandpaper.com

Top row: Maureen D’Avanzo (left), Lynn Ferron, Sis Fisher and Sue Lawrence of Bloomfield.

Speaker / committee member Sue Nine (center) and emcee Jackie Paige (left) of Bloomfield and her mother Patti Paige of Birmingham. Middle row, left to right: Committee member Mary Counihan (left) of Birmingham and Barbra Block of Bloomfield. Jacqueline (left) and Jennifer Wojcik of Bloomfield modeling the dress-up clothes made and donated

by Judy Vindici. Mary Jo Dawson (left) of Bloomfield with former Academy of the Sacred Heart head Sr. Meg Canty now of Albany, NY. At right: Event chair Carol Shaya (left) and BP pioneer / committee member Pat Hardy of Bloomfield.

■ Christ Child Society’s Christmas Home Tour

Clockwise from upper left: Event co-chairs Elaina Ryder (left) and Lanie Cosgrove of Birmingham.

Lindsay Warren (center) of Royal Oak, Wendy Powers (left) and Karen Williams of Bloomfield, whose home was also on the tour, at Williams’ Adorn boutique. Just Call Kara’s Kara Laramie of Bloomfield wearing one of her lace dresses. Claudia Duerr (left) of Birmingham with her daughter Lauren Northrop and grandson Will Northrop of Bloomfield. Gail Nathan (left) of Orchard Lake and Lauri Goreta of Bloomfield. Committee member Val Andrew with Mary Lou Welsh of Bloomfield.

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center Shop & Champagne

BBAC Shop & Champagne

Immediate left:Restaurateur Matt Prentice of West Bloomfield with volunteer Mary Okray of Ortonville. Clockwise from lower right: Artist Mary Wright (left) of Franklin, who created the hats, with sponsor Goldner Walsh’s Tim Travis of Waterford and Lynne Carey of Birmingham. Kelly and Nick Talmers of Birmingham. Event sponsor Judy Adelman (left) of Birmingham with her nephew Dr. Mark Burnstein, his wife Tracey and their son Alex of Bloomfield.

Ranette Franklin McManus (left) and Pat Bristol of Bloomfield. Doug (left) and Claudia Stroud of Bloomfield buying jewelry for her mother Carolyn Hall from the artist / BBAC instructor Mary Kernahan of Westland. Event sponsors Josh Sherbin (left) the BBAC board president, and Laura and Amy Kantgias with Don Crawford and his wife Susan Lundal of Birmingham.

Janet (left) and sponsor Honigman, Miller, Schwartz and Cohn’s Norm ANkers of Beverly Hills with sponsors Stephen and Bobbi Polk of Bloomfield. Amy (left) and Brad McMahon of Farmington Hills with his parents sponsor Comerica’s Elaine McMahon and her husband Dan of Birmingham.

Sacred Heart Christmas Benefit Nearly 400 Academy of the Sacred Heart loyalists flocked to the school for the first part - Heart of Christmas - of the school’s Benefit Twenty Ten. (The second part is Saturday, March 27.)

They partied around a Christmas tree adorned with 150 homemade gingerbread men and many did Christmas shopping at the large, silent auction.

Some student-produced items, which included handmade quilts, tree skirts, hand-painted dishes and other artworks like a collage of hand-painted hearts were extremely popular, raising thousands of dollars for the school. But the big topic of conversation was the ingenuity of the ASH moms who made the “green” gingerbread playhouses using such recyclables as paper towel rolls, tennis ball cans and water bottle caps. One of the winning bidders donated the house to the Preschool where it quickly became one of the most popular playthings. The Heart of Christmas raised nearly $120,000.

Junior League Mistletoe Madness

■ Academy of the Sacred Heart’s Heart of Christmas Benefit Clockwise from far left: Committee members Kathy Bond (left) of Bloomfield and Dawn Leiser of Birmingham.

Event coordinator Christine Dolan (left) of Troy and decorations cochair Debbie Gerard of Birmingham with Lily (Pulitzer) House in background. Board member Grant Beard, borad president Bob Forrest and retired judge Fred Mester of Bloomfield. Jim Bardy (left) of Orchard Lake with Jim and Lynda Panaretos of Birmingham. Mark and Lynn Frikker of Bloomfield.

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Here’s wagering that some of you received gifts which were bought at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center’s annual Shop & Champagne preview party of its Holiday Show of treasures handmade by 130-plus artists. More than 300 attended. They snapped up giftables like Carol Hojnacki’s fabric stockings, Mary Wright’s colorful felted hats, Sherry Vickery’s felted fiber dolls, Julie Langensiepen’s felted signs and Jeanne Hackett’s popular jewelry. Most of the shoppers took advantage of free, professional wrapping by Lisa Gift Wrappers.

They also socialized, sipped bubbly and supped at stations where the tasty fare was donated by the Matt Prentice Restaurant Group, 220-Edison’s, Beverly Hills Grill, Phoenicia, Schakolad of Birmingham, Brooklyn Pizza, Great Lakes Tea & Spice, Jeremy Restaurant & Bar, Slows BBQ and Splendid Plates.

The festive event netted more than $20,000.

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Birmingham Junior Leaguers staged their annual Mistletoe Madness in the two-level special events space at Cloverleaf Fine Wine in Royal Oak. The venue was conducive to spirited partying. Thirty VIP ticketholders arrived early to sample champagnes, but the 140 more who came for the main event also enjoyed a selection of fine wines to go with the strolling dinner, silent auction, music and dancing. The event raised an estimated $19,000 to support JLB’s community service projects.

Project HOPE Holiday Luncheon This annual social attracted nearly 125 to Forest Lake Country Club to peruse the offerings of 17 boutique vendors. The most popular items seemed to be sweaters, shawls, candles, popcorn and jewelry. Guests and FEBRUARY 2010

vendors alike commented on the elegance of the club and the luncheon. In addition to providing an opportunity to exchange holiday greetings the event also netted about $6,000 for medical services to the needy around the world.

■ Junior League of Birmingham’s Mistletoe Madness

Alternatives for Girls Tea Shirley Maddelna, Linda Kent and Kerrie Trompics welcomed more than 80 to the Tea at the Townsend they sponsored to benefit the life-changing programs of Alternatives For Girls.

Attendees included the three-generation trio of Joann Hellberg, Lana and Alex Chappell, who have supported the annual charity social for 19 years; mother daughter duos like Josie Sheppard & Rebecca Csatari, Sascha & Martha Montross, Linda Bomberski & Charlotte Blocki and Maddalena’s daughter Connie Purucker, as well as loyalists like Kathy Dalton, Rachele Downs, Sue Battersby, Pat Hardy and Jane and Pat Edson. Among the 110 silent auction items they bought were donations from the Townsend, a skincare package from Dr. Steven Morris, an oil painting, custom necklaces and holiday decorations including a floral arrangement adorned with eight Radco ornaments. The event raised $6,700.00 for AFG which has been serving homeless and high risk girls since 1987. Visit the AFG web site at www.alternativesforgirls.org.

Clockwise from upper left: Amy Ragheb (left) of Birmingham with event co-chairs Sheila Chaudry and Kimberly Jacks of Royal Oak. JLB board president Noelle Schiffer (center) of Beverly Hills with Larry Denton (left) and Don DeClercq of Birmingham. Event committee members Abbey Stark (left) of Royal Oak, Meggie Weyand of Bloomfield and Stephanie Dates of Birmingham. Craig (left) and Yanya Bell of Royal Oak with Jonae and Brian Condit of Bloomfield. Mark (left) and Jenny Gogan of Royal Oak, Susan Vincenti of Birmingham and Leah Krohn of Royal Oak. Sonia Slavik (left) of Bloomfield with Bloomfield native Blythe Becker Pongrancz and her husband Joe of Canton and Amy Zimmer of Birmingham.

■ Project HOPE Women’s Division Luncheon & Boutique

Chai Center activities The BBCC, which is committed to creating a community in which people can experience the Jewish religion in a friendly, warm environment, was founded by Bloomfield Hills residents Eileen and Jerry Borsand in 1985. Although its Sabbath services are held at the Masonic Lodge in Bloomfield Hills, classes and programs are held in the Birmingham home of Rabbi Boruch and Ita Leah Cohen. Rabbi Cohen said the blessing at the menorah lighting ceremony in Shain Park on a really cold December night but folks warmed up afterwards at the Cohens’ home.

Many there had been in the crowd of 180 at the BBCC annual dinner at Franklin Hills Country Club. It honored Alan and Lori Zekelman for their extraordinary generosity in support of education, the betterment of humanity and the local Holocaust Memorial Center which bears their name. “They give in a way that inspires others to give - and that brings riches beyond measure,” noted Rabbi Cohen. He may be contacted at (248) 203 6721 for more information about the center.

Detroit Public TV’s Premiere “Detroit Remember When: The Jewish Community,” a documentary produced by Detroit Public TV and Sue Marx Films’ Sue Marx and Allyson Rockwell, premiered on Channel 56 during the station’s winter pledge festival. Supporters, friends, the film’s producers as well as volunteers from the www.oaklandpaper.com

Clockwise from left: Boutique co-chair Mary Putinta (left) and committee member Dorothy Wilkins of Bloomfield. Fun & Festive Designs vendors Denise Cleary (left) and Carol Wipp of Bloomfield with customer Rose Shahinian of Commerce Twp. Committee member Ellie Tholen (left) of Birmingham and Marlynn Barnes of Bloomfield. Bettina Gregg (left) of Bloomfield and Cheryl HallLindsey of West Bloomfield.

■ Birmingham Bloomfield Chai Center events

Clockwise from lower left: Dinner co-chairs Mark and Jan Hauser of Bloomfield. Dinner co-chairs Jerry and Eileen Borsand of Bloomfield. Community Pillars awardees Alan (left) and Lori Zekelman of Bloomfield with presenter Gary Karp of West Bloomfield. David and Kelly Victor of Bloomfield. Alex (left) and Gaby Karp of West Bloomfield and Judy Karp and Ita Leah Cohen of Birmingham.

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Detroit Public TV’s Premiere of about Detroit’s Jewish Community

Clockwise from immediate left: DPTV board member Barbara Kratchman of Bloomfield and JHSM supporter Peggy Daitch of Birmingham who were both in the documentary. DPTV donors Dale & Bruce Frankel of Bloomfield. DPTV general manager Rich Homberg (center) of Bloomfield with Jewish Historical Society of Michigan board members Jerry Cook (left) of Farmington Hills and JHSM President Arnold Collens of Waterford. DPTV’s Dana Loewenstein of W. Bloomfield, JHSM board member Linda Yellin of Farmington Hills & DPTV’s Kelley Hamilton of Grosse Pointe Woods

■ Beaumont Foundation’s Broadway Premiere Night

Clockwise from upper left: Scott and Joanne Ulnick of Birmingham. Events hosts: Fred Nederlander of Franklin with his daughters Liz Coden (left) of San Diego, CA, Amy Nederlander and Lisa Nederlander-Robinson of NYC. Beaumont Foundation board chair Geoff Hockman (left) of Birmingham with board member and an event sponsor Birmingham jeweler Richard Astrein of Huntington Woods.

Marjorie Nederland (left) of Bloomfield and Rancho Mirage, CA with Joe and Carol Nederlander of Bloomfield. Julie Drummond (left) of Birmingham and Barry Brink of Beverly Hills with Wendy and Bill Powers of Bloomfield. Bob (left) and Nancy Shostak with hospital board treasurer Mark and Lois Shaevsky of Bloomfield and Beaumont Pres / CEO Ken and Eva Matzick of Grosse Pointe. Carla Grava (left) with foundation sec. and campaign exe. committee member Susan Cooper of Birmingham, Joyce Schomer of Bloomfield and Janet Henke of Birmingham. Event sponsor Stephanie Kemp (left) of Bloomfield, Sharon Schaefer of Birmingham, hospital board sec. / event sponsors Gale and Doug Colwell and Meredith and Hull Quarrier of Bloomfield. Tony Soave (left) of Grosse Pointe, David Fischer and event sponsor Mickey Shapiro of Bloomfield and Mike Chirco of Washington Twp. Fran Stern (left) and Barbara Thurber of Birmingham

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evening’s sponsor the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan attended the premiere at the DPTV studios in Novi.

During the pledge breaks, live-studio interviews were conducted with Marx, Rockwell, author rwin Cohen, JHSM Board members Arnold Collens and Jerry Cook. The film itself, which covered neighborhoods, discrimination, education, philanthropy and business, put Barbara Kratchman, Peggy Daitch and other local residents in the spotlight as they recalled their idyllic childhood days in Detroit.

Beaumont Premiere Night “Jersey Boys” provided the boffo entertainment for Beaumont Foundation’s Broadway Premiere Night at the Fisher Theatre but Fred Nederlander provided the heart. “I told CJ that if he doesn’t miss me as much as Fred misses Betty, he’s in big trouble,” quipped Patty Ghesquiere after the show. She referred to Nederlander’s heartfelt tribute during the pre-show program to his late wife and the care she received at Beaumont. In fact “Betty’s seat” for the performance was the one beside Fred’s that was occupied by a bouquet of flowers.

Seven hundred of the 2,000-plus guests bought the $300-Patron tickets and ate on-the-stroll at buffets catered

by Andiamo. They also heard from Foundation chair Geoff Hockman, hospital president/CEO Ken Matzick, Foundation president Margaret Cooney Casey and campaign chair Walter Wolpin that the fundraiser brought in $225,000 for cancer patient care and that the Campaign for Beaumont Hospitals had already raised $140-million of it’s $170-million goal.

Dancing with Detroit’s Stars “They are so professional,” declared one of the 300 guests at the Detroit Historical Society’s Dancing with Detroit’s Stars Ball at the Dearborn Inn before the holidays. The referenced dance talent was expedited by Evan Mountain and his staff at the Bloomfield Hills Fred Astaire Dance Studio where the couples practiced. The dancers were: Monica Gayle and her husband, Dean Greve; Rhonda Walker and Robert Shumake; Carolyn Cassin and John Warren; Joseph and Simone DaMourl; Dr. Darnell and Shirley Kaigler; and Mark and Tiffany Douglas.

The latter couple garnered the most votes by way of cash donations ($13,000 total) to the DHS. In addition to the choreographed dance competition, the fun evening also featured dinner, silent auction bidding and a brief live auction in which Beverly Ross created excitement by being the top bidder for two of the three holiday digs donated by the Richard Brodies, Jim Nicholsons and Rich Solaks. In FEBRUARY 2010

between many of the guests also crowded the dance floor. The annual event raised $177,000, including the $20,000 people pledged for school children’s field trips to the museum.

■ Detroit Historical Society Ball Dancing with Detroit’s Stars

Kidney Foundation Motown Magic The Supremes. The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder, or rather lifelike versions of them, were all at Motown Magic, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s annual Kidney Ball. Their Motown sounds also played throughout the party which attracted 720 guests to the Renaissance Marriott before the holidays. That more than 900,000 Michigan residents live with chronic kidney disease may explain the broad support enjoyed by NKFM. Before the program and dinner, they socialized and bid $32,000 on 180 donated items in the silent auction. The program contained a surprise for Ducker Worlwide’s Myra Moreland, who co-chaired the event with Meijer’s Blanche Mack. She knew that Meijer was to be honored for their longtime generosity to NKFM, but after honorary chairs Fritz and Karen Henderson presented the Cynthia H. Shannon Award to Meijer, they presented another award to Moreland, an energetic and convincing advocate for NKFM. Her mother and son came from out of town for the event. It grossed $512,000 for patient programs and services.

Clockwise from upper left: Event co-chairs Nancy Smith (left) of Bloomfield, Beverly Hall Burns and Lois Warden of Grosse Pointe and Dr. Vivian Carpenter Barfield of Birmingham. Irma Elder and Claire Chambers of Bloomfield with dance competitor Michigan Women’s Foundation’s Carolyn Cassin of Grosse Pointe. GM’s Vivian Pickard with dance competitors Simone and GM’s Joseph DaMour of Bloomfield. Retha Douglas (left) of Bloomfield with her son Mark and his wife Tiffany of Detroit, who won the dancing competition. Second place vote getters Rhonda Walker of Franklin with her partner Bob Shumake of Bloomfield. Last year’s winning dancers Nancy and John Smith of Bloomfield.

■ National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s Motown Magic

St. John’s White Christmas Ball The White Christmas Ball had a Swedish accent this year. That’s because Bonnie Jobe, who chaired the 56th annual event, seized the opportunity to pay tribute to her family’s heritage. Accents like crystal centerpieces, snowflakes, ice sculptures, Santa Lucia candle-topped wreaths suspended from the ceiling and silver satin dressed tables and chairs made the ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton resemble an ice palace.

About 350 guests attended the annual fundraiser sponsored by St. John Hospital’s Fontbonne Auxiliary. The auxiliary is named for the founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the hospital’s sponsoring congregation.

An unusual entertainment highlight was the performance by four aerialists from the Detroit Flyhouse. They worked on long white curtain streamers suspended from the ceiling. Guests danced beyond midnight and took home silver bowls generously donated by Edward T. Ahee Jewelers. The perfectly-detailed event raised approximately $70,000, more than the 2008 ball. The proceeds are earmarked for kidney dialysis equipment.

Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 or e-mail samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390. www.oaklandpaper.com

Clockwise from upper left: Detroit Tiger Curtis Granderson (center) of Royal Oak with event chairs sponsor Meijer’s Blanche Mack (left) of Canton and sponsor Suburban Collection’s Myra Moreland of Birmingham. Event co-founders Steve (left) and NKFM board chair Cindy Hoglund Shannon of Bloomfield with Peter and Amy Hoglund of Birmingham. Karen (left) and Fritz Henderson and committee member / sponsor AVL North America’s Don and Shelly Manvell of Bloomfield. Sponsor Taubman Foundation’s David (left) and Cindi Weinert of Bloomfield and Anna and Chris Rea of Birmingham. Jennifer and sponsor Lear’s Scott Holman of Bloomfield. Kathy Nauer (center) of Birmingham with host committee members Linda Rodney (left) and Cindy Shannon of Bloomfield.

■ St. John Hospital’s Fontbonne Auxiliary’s White Christmas Ball

Clockwise from lower left: Bill (left) and Darrene Baer of Grosse Pointe with Susan Willis-Reickert and her husband Erick Reickert of Bloomfield. Dr. Larry Walsh (left) with event chair Bonnie Jobe of Bloomfield and auxiliary president Aspa and her husband Dr. Constantine (Chuck) Raphtis of Grosse Pointe. Honorees Patrick (left) and Stephanie Germack Kersic of Grosse Pointe, Frank and Elyse Germack of Birmingham and Greg and Suzanne Germack Frederickson of Grosse Pointe. St. John Sr. VP Sr. Betty Granger, CSJ (center) of Warren with Dr. Sam Tekyi-Mensah and his wife St John Health President / CEO Dr. Patricia Maryland of Bloomfield.

Jennifer Newby and her husband Dr. Leonard Bunting of Birmingham.

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■ final word Vote yes on township millage

B

loomfield Township voters are being asked to authorize a proposed increase in the township's operating millage during a Tuesday, Feb. 23 special election. After reviewing the ballot question and township documents, and posing questions to township officials, the financial figures behind the proposal and those used to draft the ballot question appear to be solid. This particular ballot question — a requested for an additional millage levy, not a renewal — involves a purely personal decision for voters. For those who want to maintain the current level of public safety, Department of Public Works and other critical township services, the millage increase is necessary. We're confident township officials have done their due diligence in exploring service consolidation opportunities, and made several changes to save money where possible — including cuts in personnel over several years. We're therefore recommending a YES vote on Feb. 23.

The township is seeking a 10-year, 1.3-mill hike in its general government levy, which would allow the township to maintain public services at current levels. According to the ballot language for the millage proposal, the additional millage would support and fund the operations of the township, including but not limited to police, fire, emergency medical services, Department of Public Works and all other general operations of the township. The increased millage would generate an estimated $4.51 million in the first year of collection if approved by voters.

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.

Township officials state the 2009 average

taxable value of a Bloomfield Township home in the Bloomfield Hills School District is $205,133 ($410,266 average market value), making its annual property tax obligation $7,492. Projections for 2010 indicate the same home's taxable value will decrease to $184,106, which will reduce its property taxes to $6,724 — an overall decrease of $768.

If the proposed millage increase is approved, that same home's property tax obligation will still decrease, but by $528 — not $768 — for a total tax bill of $6,964.

While it's true that a property owner's tax obligation will decline by a greater amount without the increased millage, a property owner would still see a tax decrease if the proposal passes — it's just a matter of how much their property tax bill declines.

That scenario is a result of declining property values in the community. The drop in overall township taxable value in recent years has been so great that even with a higher tax rate (millage rate), property tax bills will still drop.

The township must base its fiscal year 2010-11 budget on 2010 property tax revenues, which are expected to decline substantially compared to 2009 figures. The township's 2009-10 property tax revenue was estimated at $31.08 million. The 201011 figure is expected to drop to $27.52 million.

The millage proposal represents an opportunity for voters to maintain the level of services they now receive by avoiding some deep cuts in personnel. There are 89 employees in the police department, including 68 sworn officers. Without the millage approval, that number will be reduced to 78 employees, including 59 sworn officers, for the 20102011 fiscal year beginning April 1. The fire

department would see a reduction from 62 current employees, including 54 EMS/firefighters, to 60 employees, including two less EMS/firefighters. By the 2011-12 fiscal year, the police department would see a 23 percent total decrease in personnel compared to the 2007-08 fiscal year without the millage increase; and the fire department would have a 27 percent total decrease in personnel compared to 2007-08.

Voter rejection of the millage proposal would require the permanent elimination of 25 positions across the township by April 1, 2010, and a cumulative total of 45 to 50 positions being eliminated by April 1, 2011.

The township has essentially eliminated 18 local government jobs since 2007 by leaving 18 positions vacant after resignations and retirements. That's saved the township money. In addition, township officials have been talking with counterparts in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills about consolidating or sharing dispatching, fire/EMS and Building Department services. Recent changes in The Friendship Club, part of the township's senior programing, have slashed that program expenditure in half. General employees are working under a three-year wage freeze.

The township is also moving to provide advanced life support emergency medical transportation services, which will be a new source of revenue for the community.

We're convinced the township has taken appropriate action to implement spending cuts. That's brought the township to the point of either needing a hike in its operating millage, or the additional spending cuts outlined above. We think the millage proposal deserves as YES vote. ■

Wise change for overlay district

A

lthough we can appreciate concerns about timing and making it a little harder for developers looking to implement projects in Birmingham's downtown area, the Birmingham City Commission made the right decision when recently approving zoning ordinance amendments for the downtown overlay district.

Prior to the recent approval, a new development coming into the downtown area had the option of using either the building requirements outlined in the 2016 plan for the city or using an older standard of development. Now all new development will have to follow the details of the 2016 plan.

A major component of the 2016 plan is "to animate the street with retail." Adoption of the zoning ordinance amendment will help achieve that worthwhile goal.

The ordinance specifies retail space occupying the first floor of buildings in the overlay district — at least around the perimeter of a building. A building can have a minimum width of 20-feet of retail space, but no firstfloor parking. The ordinance prohibits more

than two floors of office space, and requires residential space on upper floors. Currently, Birmingham buildings can have no more than five floors.

The change also mandates certain architectural details, such as insuring that 70 percent of the first floor of a building has windows. There are other requirements for awnings and materials.

The new zoning ordinance language states that if more than 40 percent of an existing building will be renovated or needs reconstruction, the new construction rules apply, as is practical.

Prior to adopting the amendments, some commissioners questioned the wisdom of such changes given the current economic climate. The concern was the ordinance amendments would make it more expensive or onerous for developers to do projects in the downtown area.

Such concerns aren't without some merit.

However, the changes outlined in the ordinance amendment probably should have been made years ago. Rather than let developers

choose whether to conduct projects under the optional 2016 plan guidelines or build projects under previous ordinance provisions, it's past time to make the logical 2016 guidelines mandatory.

This change will foster a healthy retail district and walkable downtown area in the city by requiring developers to have retail spaces with significant window areas at the ground level. In theory, that will draw even more foot traffic into the downtown area, which will bring with it more business and revenue for merchants. That, in turn, bodes well for the city as a whole.

One of the 2016 plan's goals is to help foster and preserve a vibrant, walkable city.

Birmingham has witnessed much progress along those lines. Approving the ordinance amendment will help by ensuring even more live retail operations at street level in the downtown area.

We're pleased the City Commission took this action, and believe that neither city officials, residents, nor current Birmingham retailers will regret that action. ■

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