All offers good until November 30th
Buy 2, Get 1 FREE 14”-15” SIZE ONLY
3 Hard Tails For
125
$
(1 BLACK, 1 BROWN, 1 NAVY - STYLE #330 - MUST BE SAME SIZE)
Gift Yourself Buy any jean at full price and receive 20% OFF any (1) item that goes on top! (Scarves, gloves, hats, underwear are excluded. 1 top will be discounted for every jean purchased. If a jean is purchased with multiple tops, the highest priced top will be discounted)
166 w. maple road / birmingham 248.645.5151 / www.carusocaruso.net Please read details of these special offers.
Lower Long Lake Lakefront
Spectacular Newer Bloomfield Hills
City of Bloomfield Hills Newer Estate
City of Bloomfield Hills
Custom Newer Construction in Bloomfield Hills
Bloomfield Township Newer Construction
Gorgeous French-style newer construction on manicured 1.5 acre parcel. Five bedrooms. Spectacular views of lake and gardens. Recreational lower level. $2,999,000
Estate home on almost 4 acres of manicured grounds. Casual floor plan for entertaining. Finished lower level with all the recreation you need. $2,850,000
On private cul-de-sac street. Uncompromised details. First floor owners suite. Lower level with extensive amenities. Four car garage. $2,380,000
Adjacent to Cranbrook Educational Community. Newer construction boasting all bedroom suites, gracious floor plan, 7 fireplaces, 4 car garage. Finished lower level. $2,285,000
Walking distance to Andover High School. Over 9,000 sq. ft. of living with walkout. Four car garage. Upper Long Lake out lot access. $1,299,000
With 5 bedroom and baths. Finished lower level with theater, craft and recreation room. Three car garage. Bloomfield schools. $1,299,000
LD O S Bloomfield Village Classic Country Home
Butler Ridge Beauty
Walk to Downtown Birmingham
Bloomfield Hills Gated Community
City of Bloomfield 3.29 Acre Setting
Bloomfield Village Classic Colonial
This rare 6,300 sq. ft. manor was rebuilt with a traditional floor plan. Master suite with dressing area. All bedrooms are suites. Lease $8,000/month. $1,250,000
With almost 10,000 sq. ft. of living on all 3 levels. Situated on 1.5 acres with full walkout lower level and 4 car garage. As seen in Homestyle magazine. $1,175,000
Executive retreat on large, private lot with pool and grotto. Owners suite with library. Finished lower level with bedroom suite and bar. $1,080,000
Over 5,200 sq. ft. with updated master suite. Finished lower level with bar. Three car garage. Bloomfield Hills Schools. $895,000
Surrounded by nature. Walkout elevation. Move in or custom build. Bloomfield Hills Schools.
With large bedrooms, 3 full baths up, Euro master suite, multiple fireplaces, finished lower level with fifth bedroom and bath. Lease for $3,800/month. $785,000
$785,000
LD O S New Construction in Birmingham
Southwest Rochester Gated Community
Executive Retreat in Bloomfield Hills
Franklin Park-like 1.2 Acre Setting
Birmingham Custom Remodel
Bloomfield Hills Soft Contemporary
Almost 4,000 sq. ft. of today’s living with gourmet kitchen, eat-in, 2 way fireplace to family room. Owners suite with office, Euro bath and dual closets. Private setting. $735,000
Custom designed newer construction. Gourmet granite kitchen. Master suite wing. Finished lower level with 2nd kitchen. Three car garage. $725,000
Newer Arts and Crafts design with open floor plan. Private setting with tranquil views. Three car garage. Bloomfield Hills schools. $690,000
Completely remodeled with Designer kitchen opening to living areas. Finished lower level. Three car garage.
Located on cul-de-sac setting and large private grounds. Euro kitchen. Library. Master suite with walk-in closet. $599,999
With private nature setting, manicured grounds and patios. Three stories of casual living. Open floor plan with 2-story great room. Finished walkout. Bloomfield Hills schools. $599,000
$635,000
LD O S West Bloomfield Rare 4 Acre
Forest Lake Country Club Frontage
Bloomfield Village
City of Bloomfield Hills
Parcel that is a perfect opportunity to build your dream estate. Rolling topography. Water at street and sewer up Maple road. Birmingham schools. $575,000
With southern exposure and perennial gardens. Newer kitchen, family room addition and second floor laundry. Bloomfield Hills schools. $549,000
Completely updated/turn key home with new professional landscaping, finished lower level and hardwood floors throughout. This will not last. $499,900
Rare ranch style detached condo. Large kitchen with deck. Living room with fireplace. Dining room. Library. Finished walkout lower level. Lease for $3,000/month. $495,000
A Rare Opportunity
Bloomfield Hills Buildable Site
Large 5,910 sq. ft. Beverly Hills colonial with separate living apartment. Open floor plan ideal for entertaining. Also for lease $2,800/month. $445,000
New on market. Close to Forest Lake Country Club and thoroughfares. A stunning, private elevation. Bloomfield Hills schools. $295,000
K A T H Y BROOCK BALLARD West Bloomfield Newer Construction
West Bloomfield Ranch Style Home
On cul-de-sac setting. Neutral tones throughout. Open floor plan for entertaining. Three car garage. Meticulously maintained. $479,500
This one and a half story is located on private setting with many capital improvements. Open floor plan. Private natural setting. $449,000
Sprawling Ranch
Bloomfield Hills Colonial
Newer Build in Pleasant Ridge
End Unit with Newer Kitchen
Situated on an over 1 acre wooded lot. Remodel includes kitchen/family addition with 3 car garage. Bloomfield Hills schools. $290,000
Situated on large corner lot. Large rooms and open floor plan for entertaining. Bloomfield Hills schools.
Sophisticated interior with granite kitchen, high ceilings, open floor plan. New roof. Fenced yard. Turn key. $157,000
Opens to step down family room, three bedrooms, formal dining room and living room. Finished lower level. Two car attached garage. Lease for $1,200/month. $149,000
$235,000
248.318.4504 KATHY@MAXBROOCKHOMES.COM MAX BROOCK REALTORS 275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009
KATHYBROOCK.COM
■ inside / november ■ 9: MAIL BAG
■ 24
48th District Court Judge Diane D'Agostini, Youth Coalitions, 48th District Court Judge Kimberly Small, Julie Hollinshead
CAFETERIA REPORT CARD
■ 11: CRIME MAP
Food safety at public and private schools is of considerable importance to parents, students and school administrators, as well as the Oakland County Health Division, which conducts inspections twice each year
A locator guide to specific categories of crime in the local area
■ SNAPSHOTS ■ 23: Kitty Dubin ■ 37: Michael Bouchard ■ 59: Julie Fielder ■ 74: Monni Must
■ 61: MUNICIPAL PSD assessment hearing; MIP ordinance changes; gypsy moth program; single hauler survey; township police join team; Shain Park progress; dog park site selection; plus more
■ 71: COUNTY Oakland budget approved; Cooper wins lawsuit; Triparty road funds spared
■ 75: BUSINESS NOTES Powerhouse Gym; Sachse Construction; Colorworks Studio; The Phat Sammich; Detroit Rocks!; Deyofor Face and Body; Elizabeth's Head to Toe; Etimes4; Auto Corporation
■ 76: EATING OUT Our directory of places where you can dine out in Birmingham-Bloomfield; Main course (Steve's Deli) and Quick Bites from the restaurant scene with Eleanor Heald; Focus on Wine with Eleanor and Ray Heald
■ 79: THE COMMUNITY HOUSE The President and CEO of The Community House, Shelley Roberts, on what's coming up in the weeks ahead.
■ 80: SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK The latest from the society and non-profit circuit
■ 90: FINAL WORD Our editorial endorsements of November election candidates.
■ OUR COVER
■ 12: DEMOGRAPHICS: WHO ARE YOU
■ 31: COMMUNITY TRANSIT HUB
■ 38: ELECTION INTERVIEWS
The unique nature of the Birmingham-Bloomfield area is an accepted fact, and demographic studies of the communities' residents reveal some interesting trends.
Long an Amtrak train stop, Birmingham and neighboring Troy could be the center of a revolutionary community transit hub if $7 million can be assembled in coming months.
Here's how Birmingham city commission and library board candidates, along with Birmingham school board contenders, feel about the issues when interviewed by The Paper.
4
THE PAPER
The Orpheus Fountain, by Carl Milles, outside the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills. Milles, originally from Sweden, created this famous bronze-cast work in 1934; there are 70 Milles sculptures on Cranbrook's grounds. Milles lived, worked, and taught at Cranbrook from 1931 to 1951. Cover art by Chris Grammer, from photos by Amy K. Lockard. NOVEMBER 2009
Sav •On Birmingham Drugs Your Neighborhood Drug Store and More… Serving Birmingham since 1935 and preparing for another 70 years.
The Past
SAV-ON DRUGS BIRMINGHAM
For years, Sav-On Birmingham Drugs has remained an independent family business. We have grown from a small neighborhood drugstore to a modern pharmacy offering traditional prescription services, quality products, and friendly service. We've made it our goal to meet the special healthcare needs of our community. Our pharmacists address questions and concerns completely and confidentially, providing unparalleled service. We hope you'll enjoy shopping at Sav-On Birmingham Drugs. It will always be our pleasure to serve you. Come in and watch us grow.
"ALMOST FINISHED!"
NEW AND EXPANDED! DOUBLE THE SIZE, DOUBLE THE PARKING! “Wait Until You See The Services We Will Offer!” www.oaklandpaper.com
33877 Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 Tel: 248-644-3214 • Fax: 248-644-6961 THE PAPER
5
Join Us For
Birmingham Beauty Event MEDICAL CENTER Primary Care/Walk-in & Medspa
November 12 4-9pm
Dr. Gina Gora, MD, PLLC, ABFM NEW IN BIRMINGHAM
• Illness & Injury • Physicals Sports/School Pre-Employment For All Your Illnesses & Injuries DOT • Drug Testing Urine MON-FRI 9AM-8PM • SAT & SUN 9AM-6PM Breathalyzer If you cannot come to us we’ll come to you Hair WE MAKE HOME VISITS BY APPOINTMENT • Immunizations FREE TRANSPORTATION* (Including Swine Flu Vaccine) • PAP & Contraceptives Birmingham-Bloomfield-Royal Oak • STD Screening Ferndale-Berkley-Beverly Hills. • Weight Loss & Wellness Program Most Insurance Accepted. No Coverage? • Nicotine & Substance Abuse Use Ours… Introducing Health Care Plan • Medical Marijuana $ • Physical/Occupational Therapy 69/Month (with membership)
PRIMARY CARE WALK-IN CLINIC
OPEN 7 DAYS
• Botox & Fillers • Microdermabrasion/ Hydrafacial • European Facial • Facial Peel
• Acne Treatment • Laser Hair Removal • Thicker Lashes With Latisse • Minimal Invasive Lipo
• No Needle Lip Plump With Vivite • Massages • IPL (Photofacial)
373 S. Old Woodward • Birmingham, MI 48009
248-723-7188 *All services performed by certified professionals
oliday gifts— all shapes and sizes—
packed and shipped with care, no compromises.
Count on our expertise to help get you through the holidays. We also offer shorter lines, timely options and convenient package tracking. We’re right in your neighborhood—try us today!
Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. is a UPS® company. The UPS Store® locations are independently owned and operated by franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. in the USA and by its master licensee and its franchisees in Canada. Services and hours of operation may vary by location. Copyright © 2009 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD UPS STORE IS LOCATED AT
330 EAST MAPLE ROAD DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM Extended Holiday Hours December 7th – December 23rd Monday-Friday 8-7 • Saturday 9-5 • Sunday 12-5 Free 15 minute parking behind store in new parking structure! Enter off Peabody Street.
Phone: 248.642.8770 store0094@theupsstore.com
6
THE PAPER
NOVEMBER 2009
■ from the publisher
T
he November issue of The Paper marks our foray into election politics in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area where voters on November 3 will decide positions on the Birmingham City Commission, the library board, Birmingham school board and a Bloomfield Hills charter question. But the election coverage appearing on pages 38 through 45 and the endorsements found on the Final Word page are not the first time that News Editor Tim Dmoch and I have either personally covered or managed news coverage of local elections. The two of us, either personally or as news managers, together have over 50 years experience covering elections in this county. Our experience spans quite a range in the political world, from local school districts; municipal elections for townships, cities and villages; school boards; county commission; county administrative offices; state Legislature; gubernatorial races and Congress. All told, together we have been through about 18 election cycles and close to a couple thousand candidates here in Oakland County. We have built a reputation in the political realm for our in-depth coverage of issues and candidates. Our experience has allowed us to develop certain standards and practices that we think provide our readers with the necessary information to be informed voters on election day. In this election, news staff members conducted recorded phone interviews with the candidates for the city and school board positions. In cases where we have not actually sat through a candidate interview, written transcripts and recordings of the interviews are reviewed before we begin discussions on the editorial endorsements you find in this issue. No, news editors, publishers and publications don't decide elections. We are just one additional voice in the community debate. However, we like to think that as seasoned students of government, we probably offer one of the more educated opinions on who might be qualified for an elected post. Of course, the final decision on candidates falls to registered voters reading this issue of The Paper. So we provide in this edition our interviews with the candidates. We take our election coverage one step further than most publications by allowing voters to hear the actual interviews through audio recordings of the candidates posted at our website - oaklandpaper.com. Yes, we take elections seriously. As cliched as it sounds, elections are a right and a responsibility of the voters, but news coverage and editorial endorsements are also a responsibility of any legitimate publication that claims to serve the residents of the local communities. Relative to our endorsements, we commend all the local residents who took the time to run for elective office. Our standard practice is to look for the best qualified candidates who can hit the ground running, so to speak, if elected. In the case where incumbents have filed for re-election, we think it’s the responsibility of challengers to tell voters why an incumbent should not be returned to office. Lastly, elections are always a question of alternatives, so on a comparative basis, we offer our opinions of who would best carry out the business of residents in the communities. As always, I welcome your feedback. David Hohendorf Publisher davidhohendorf@thescngroup.com
PAPER B I R M I N G H A M • B LO O M F I E L D
PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: James W. Fancy PUBLISHER / VICE PRESIDENT: David P. Hohendorf Administrative Assistant: Carol Barr NEWS EDITOR: Tim Dmoch Staff Writers Lisa Brody, Sally Gerak, Brooke Meier, Kathleen Meisner, Leslie Owsley, Kirk Pinho, Michael Shelton Contributing Writers: Eleanor Heald, Ray Heald, Mike Scott, Mark Stowers Research/Listings Assistant: Cynthia Stawick Staff Photographer: Amy K. Lockard Sales Representatives Jill Cesarz, Dan Neumaier, Jules Pickard, Linda Stickney, Ron Warwick Sales Assistants Jessica Holstein INSIDE SALES MANAGER: Lori Snyder Inside Sales Representatives Rhonda Libkuman, Cindy Stawick, Leslie Timko GRAPHICS MANAGER: Chris Grammer Graphics Assistants Denise Jungjohan, Karen Polatka, Marcia Reimer Systems Manager: Chris Grammer CIRCULATION MANAGER: Dennis Boggs Circulation Assistant: Dan Griffin ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGER: Carol Barr Supervisor: Carolyn Petherbridge Accounts Receivable: Mable McCullough, Jan Morris MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014 OFFICE ADDRESS: 7196 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48327-4113 TELEPHONE: 248.360.6397 • 248.360.7355 OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 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.
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY THE PAPER OAKLAND LAKEFRONT OAKLAND HOMES MONTHLYADVERTISER WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY 50th YEAR OF PUBLICATION
www.oaklandpaper.com
*
n a world where many businesses have turned to national branding, we continue to excel as a genuine Michigan company.
Locally owned & truly independent for more than 55 years
442 South Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham 248.644.3500 / hallandhunter.com Exclusive Affiliate of CHRISTIE’S GREAT ESTATES
8
THE PAPER
NOVEMBER 2009
■ mail bag Reckless story, editorial From 48th District Court Judge Diane D'Agostini: Your article, "Heavy Handed Justice," on underage drinking cases disregarded the truth and performed quite a disservice to our community. While your article claims that I did not return calls from your paper, your readers should know that I was not contacted for this story. If I had been interviewed, I would have told you that the high majority of Minor in Possession (MIP) defendants are successfully discharged without public record. Your inference that MIP teens are sentenced to jail daily for contempt of court is false. I have sentenced no such defendants to incarceration for the past two years but certainly advocate accountability and encourage high standards of conduct for our teens. It is clear that your intent in writing the story was to inflame by negligently omitting relevant facts and encouraging biased attorneys to be the focus of the story. As a former journalist, I find your story and editorial to be reckless. I wish you the best of luck on future articles which will hopefully adhere to journalistic integrity. ■ (Editor's note: Several attempts were made to speak with all judges in the 48th District Court. Likewise, we requested data on the number of first-time offenders who were incarcerated but were informed that such records were not available.)
Not fair and balanced From Donna Schaerer, executive director of the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition: Almost nobody wants youth in jail. Almost everybody wants youth to respect our laws. Almost nobody wants youth to start drinking early which compromises health, safety, and future success. Almost everybody wants local judges to have the discretion needed to deter future problems. The Birmingham-Bloomfield Paper, October 2009, printed an article, "District Court 48: Heavy Handed Justice?" which was not a fair and balanced report. Youth and judges alike need to uphold the law. We are not aware of judges sending youth to jail for drinking alcohol, and very few youth fail to comply with the consequences of their actions, and are later cited with contempt of court. But whenever you break a law and get caught, there are consequences to be paid. All too often — especially when underage drinking is involved — those consequences can be fatal, either by violence, alcohol poisoning or a fatal crash. We, as a community need to do whatever it takes to keep our roads and our children safe. Underage drinking is not a minor www.oaklandpaper.com
CONTEMPORARY problem. Underage drinking adds great risks of traffic crashes, injuries, unwanted sexual incidents, decrease in academic and athletic performance. Research has found changes in brain development, and longitudinal studies show that youth who start drinking early have a much higher probability of addiction in later life. Yet, too many give underage drinking a "wink and a nod." Judges need legally appropriate means to enforce the laws, especially for youth, and especially for early offenses. If judges need better options, communities need to work together to offer meaningful, corrective solutions. Underage drinking is a community problem, and the "blame game" doesn't solve it. The Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities (ACHC) is beginning a new strategic planning process to reduce underage drinking in Oakland County. Those interested in working in collaboration for solutions can contact Donnis Reese at donnis@achconline.org. More information is available at www.achconline.org. We, the undersigned, support those who do what they can do to encourage youth to act safely and responsibly; and, we support those who enforce our laws that prohibit underage drinking: Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities, Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition, Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition, Holly Area Coalition for Youth, MADD Southeast Michigan, Madison Heights Community Family Coalition, North Oakland Community Coalition, Southeast Oakland Community Coalition, Tri-Community Coalition, Troy Community Coalition, Waterford Coalition for Youth. ■
Sensational journalism From 48th District Court Judge Kimberly Small: Imagine my surprise in reading your article, "Heavy Handed Justice," to discover that I routinely sentence our teens convicted of Minor in Possession (MIP) of alcohol to jail. I guess the judge is the last to know. Why let a small thing like the facts get in the way of sensational journalism. Wouldn't your readers be surprised to know that in 2009 not one teen convicted of MIP first offense was sentenced to jail by me, on contempt or otherwise? And in fact, first offense MIP pleas are taken under advisement permitting dismissal upon successful completion of probation. When a defendant believes that a judge has made an error, an appeal may follow. To my knowledge, I have never been appealed on an MIP sentence in my entire 13 year career on the bench. I care deeply for this community
and work tirelessly, in and out of the courtroom, to guide our youth to prevent the tragic consequences of underage drinking that I see all too often. Your article has undermined not only my effort but also the efforts of all who give massively to this goal. While I look not for accolades, I certainly don't expect the editor of a local newspaper calling for me to be sued. At best, you were negligent and shamelessly used by a few disgruntled attorneys; at worst, callously malicious. ■ (Editor's note: We stand by our contention that a valid legal question about incarcerating first-time offenders under a contempt of court ruling is best answered at the circuit court or higher level.)
AMERICAN — F A R E —
Reiter for school board From Julie Hollinshead, Birmingham: I am supporting Katie Reiter for (the Birmingham) school board. I believe Katie will bring strong fiscal oversight to the district. She will help us get better value from the district's operating budget while keeping a keen eye on the quality of education in this very difficult school funding environment. The current school board is not showing sound fiscal judgment. The current board continues to increase the salaries of the administration while cutting teachers and staff in the school buildings. For example, in January 2009 the board approved a salary increase for the administration of 1 percent for the 2009-10 school year (effective July 1, 2009). Also in January, they approved administration raises up to 3.2 percent for the 2008-09 school year, and made the raises retroactive to July 1, 2008. In the previous two years (2006-07 and 2007-08), the administration has received 2 percent raises. The administration in surrounding districts such as Bloomfield Hills and Troy, as well as many other districts around the state, have either taken pay cuts or pay freezes to bridge funding shortfalls. My concern is deepened when considering how much Birmingham spends on the administration per pupil relative to other high performing districts at a time when the district's school budget is under severe duress. Birmingham is spending 70 percent more than Bloomfield Hills and more than double that of Ann Arbor on general administration per pupil. Just as Alan Mulally brought a new vision, a fiscal discipline that involved creating better products with fewer resources, I believe Katie Reiter can bring a new voice and more probity to our district's operating budget while aiming for the highest quality of education for our students. ■
THE PAPER
Lunch
Meetings
Dinner
Live Jazz Weekends
Present this ad for
30% off
your second entrée Not valid with any other offer
34965 Woodward
B i r m i n g h a m 248.644.5222 p e a b o dysr e stau r a n t.c o m 9
RUG OUTLET
ER
IGN S E D
In House Interior Design Service
Guaranteed Lowest
Custom Drapery Oil Paintings
“Out The Door”
Art & Accessories Photography and Design
Prices In The State Choose From Over $1 Million Worth Of Quality Rugs!
WE OFFER ONE OF THE LARGEST HIGH QUALITY RUG SELECTIONS IN MICHIGAN! We specialize in round, extraordinary shapes and hallway runners in all sizes.
TRADITIONAL, CONTEMPORARY & TRANSITIONAL RUGS!
30
% OFF
ALL HAND KNOTTED RUGS & TAPESTRIES Valid thru 11/30/09 • Savings with Coupon Only!
DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST! What Room:
Rm Size:
Rug Size: Don’t Forget Your Color Swatches! STANDARD RUG SIZES HALLWAY & STAIR ROOM SIZE ROUND RUNNERS ■ 5x7 or 8 ■ 5R ■ 2 1/2 x 6
■ 6x9 ■ 6R ■ 8x10 or 11 ■ 8R ■ 9x12 ■… ■ 10x14 or larger ■ 15R
1/2 1/2
1/2
E
Walton/University Blvd.
buy • sell • trade • clean repair • appraise
ROCHESTER HILLS
TIENKEN N
Rochester/Main
Shop Where Designers Shop!
■ 2 x8 ■ 2 x10 ■… ■ 2 x25
HOURS: MONDAY-SATURDAY 10am-7pm SUNDAY 11am-6pm
6920 N. ROCHESTER RD. Located At
PAPA JOES’ MARKET!
248.650.5131 www.designerrugoutlet.net
■ crime map
■
■
■
■
✪ ✪
■ ▲
■
▲
●
✖
▲
■
▲
■
■
✪ ✪■
✪
■
■
■
●■
✪ ■
■ ■ ■ ▲ ■ ✪ ■● ■ ●
✪ ■ ■▲ ■
● ✪ ✪ ▲
▲
■
■
●■ ■
▲ NORTH
map key
● Sexual Assault ● Assault ■ Robbery ■ Home Invasion ■ Breaking/Entering ■ Larceny ■ Burglary ▲ Vehicle Theft ▲ Vandalism ● Murder ★ Arson ✖ Drug Offenses ✪ Larceny From Vehicle
The latest crime locations by select categories from mid August through mid September.
S
ince the first settlers came from Detroit to the the decade with general population growth overall has come to a Birmingham-Bloomfield area in the 19th century, the grinding halt. Since 2005, Oakland County has been sending more area has experienced a number of demographic people out of the county than they have brought in.” changes, whether they have been sociologic, ecoMetzger said he’s seeing immigration numbers continuing to nomic or ethnic. The passing of time and a number decline because the economy is down, more people are leaving the of events have caused the area to change from a county than coming in as a result of job losses, and the median predominantly white, agricultural area to a booming household family income continues to drop. For Oakland County, the cultural melting pot. median household family income in 2008 was 10 percent less than it Kurt Metzger, director of the Detroit Area Community Information was in 1999. System, studies the demographics of southeast Michigan. According In addition, because of the economy, houses that were unattainable to Metzger, many of the demographic changes started when a large for minority groups of lower economic status are now more affordable population of residents began to move out of Detroit and into the and available due to foreclosures and the housing market crash. suburbs of east Oakland County. “The pattern was in the 1990s and early part of 2000 that the “Oakland County was really the only place African Americans were population was gradually growing,” he said. “Oakland County was locating to as they were moving out of Detroit in the 1950s and growing at a fast rate. What happened with the county is that it was 1960s,” he said. “They first located to Southfield and Oak Park. Then, growing on the edges. Growth was always along the expressways. as years went by, they located further into Oakland County, into Southeast Michigan kept losing population to people moving further Farmington and West Bloomfield, and to an extent, the Bloomfieldout into Oakland County and other areas. You began to see more sinBirmingham area.” gle-person households, more gay In the 1990s and early 2000s, households, and fewer kids. This Metzger said, a number of people region now has an air of cool that began to move from Detroit again attracts younger people. You have to seek better education opportuareas ... (that have) a downtown nities for their children. and night life. Oakland County is “Bloomfield Township almost trying to figure out how to get doubled it’s number of African young, educated people to live in Americans during the ‘90s,” he the region. The county has the Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills have said. “We are seeing Oakland monopoly because it has these been traditional Republican strongholds when it comes to poliCounty become much more diverdowntowns and mixed uses.” tics; however, some experts report that as the Republican Party sified in terms of race and ethnicMetzger said it’s these areas becomes more exclusive and conservative nationally, political ity. The Asian population has also that continue to stay strong trends in the three local communities are shifting. grown substantially in the despite the recent losses due to “The political demographics of that area have been changing a Birmingham and Bloomfield the economy, because “they conlittle bit,” said Bill Ballenger, a former state lawmaker, Michigan township area.” tinue to attract young, educated political analyst, and editor of Inside Michigan Politics. According to Metzger, the singles and couples.” “Birmingham and Bloomfield are thought to have been really Asian population seeks to locate Birmingham does attract a difstrong Republican territory, but it’s starting to trend to these areas because they tend ferent demographic than other Democratic.” to be well-educated and of higher areas attracting young couples. Political leanings of a community can be determined through socioeconomic status. “To live in Birmingham, you the Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and “We are seeing a lot of immihave to have money, so it really University of Michigan board races. These political contests are gration to Oakland County from limits the types of younger peorarely publicized and voters often know little about the candiAsian countries,” he said. “They ple that can locate there,” dates. As a result, most voters cast their ballots in those races are looking for the best school Metzger said. “It’s different, but based on party affiliation. districts and tend to live around at the same time, it’s still attractUp until the 2008 General Election, the winners of those races those areas.” ing people like baby boomers and — in which two board seats are filled — in Birmingham, Despite the county’s growing others looking to get rid of a Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills have been Republicans. diversity, Metzger said the highhouse and move into a loft.” In Birmingham in 2008, one Republican and one Democrat won est income communities are seeSirisha Uppelepepi, planning the race for two University of Michigan Board of Regents seats, ing slower rates of diversification. director for the Southeast and a pair of Republicans won the Michigan State University “Persons of color (often) tend Michigan Council of Governments Board of Trustees and Wayne State University Board of Governors to not have the income to live in (SEMCOG), has viewed similar races. In Bloomfield Township, one Republican and one Democrat these communities,” he said. “If demographic trends — the led the field in the University of Michigan race, while Republicans you look at Bloomfield and Birmingham-Bloomfield area outwon the Michigan State and Wayne State contests. Republicans Birmingham, your major groups paces the rest of the county in outpaced the field of candidates in Bloomfield Hills with well over of color will be Asian, Indian, terms of income and education 50 percent of the total votes cast in each of the three races. Arab and Chaldean. These groups levels, and their general demoAccording to Ballenger, most of the Republicans in the area are all seem to be growing in those graphics tend to be more stable. considered moderate Republicans. He said as the GOP trends communities.” “Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, more conservative nationally, many moderates are turning to the The recent economic collapse and Bloomfield Township have Democratic Party. has had an impact on demobeen very stable since the “They are definitely less Republican now then they were 10 graphics in the Birmingham1970s,” she said. “Age composiyears ago,” he said. “The Birmingham (state Senate) seat is still Bloomfield area and Oakland tion, median housing value, and considered a strong Republican seat, however.” County as a whole. income have stayed the same for The state’s 13th Senate District, which includes Birmingham, “Everything is really in flux the last 40 years. Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, has become a marginal right now,” he said. “Everything “(Their) housing values, the district, according to Ballenger. that happened in the beginning of percentage of people with bachePAGE 21 ➤➤➤
WHICH WAY THE POLITICAL WINDS BLOW
50th Anniversary Sale Professional Sales and Installation for all of your flooring needs
CORK & BAMBOO Starting at
399
$
299 WOOD LAMINATE $ 49 1
Starting $ at
sq. ft.
material only
295
sq. ft.
material only
100% WOOL CARPETING Starting at
STAIR RUNNERS 00 Starting $
WOOD FLOORS
$
at
15
lin. ft.
material only
sq. ft.
material only
sq. ft.
AREA RUGS up to
70% OFF
248.333.7086 • 42598 Woodward Ave. • Bloomfield Hills • www.mcleodcarpet.com Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. • Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Sunday Closed
CONCENTRATE. DOMINATE.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EYE CARE SPECIALISTS RIGHT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
To have the largest impact, focus your marketing in the right publication. The Paper for Birmingham-Bloomfield.
Most Insurance Plans Accepted
“Thank you to all our wonderful patients for referring your friends and family” Comprehensive Eye Care • Lasik Surgery • Cataract Surgery • Eye Disease • Designer Eyewear • Contact Lenses
BOARD CERTIFIED OPHTHALMOLOGISTS 600 S. Adams Rd., Suite 200 • Birmingham, MI
www.cvi2020.com
248-646-3733
The most read publication in the market. Advertising information: Jules Pickard Office: 248.360.7355 Cell: 248.891.9024 julespickard@thescngroup.com
Pa u l ’ s
PET TAXI rvice
Serving Oakland County
Se r
Non-emergency transportation for your loving dog or cat to the spa, day-care, groomer or vet. Airport pick-ups also available!
248-303-3900 940 E. Maple Rd.
Buy 1 complete pair of Eyeglasses, get a second complete pair 40% OFF
Birmingham, MI 48009 Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
With this ad. Some restrictions apply. No appointment needed for eyewear. Outside prescriptions welcome. Expires 11/30/09.
14
THE PAPER
★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4083 W. Maple Rd. ★ ★ ★ at Telegraph ★ ★ ★ 3945 Telegraph Rd. ★ at Long Lake ★ ★ ★ 4301 Orchard Lk Rd. ★ ★ ★ at Crosswinds Mall ★ ★ 31779 Middlebelt ★ ★ at Northwestern Hwy. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ With $19.95 or More ★ Incoming Cleaning Order ★ ★ Excluding other specials. ★ With this coupon. ★ ★ Expires 11/30/09 ★ ★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★
FREE
5
$
00
OFF
NOVEMBER 2009
lor’s degrees, and median household income all rank higher (than the rest of the county),” she said. The proportion of the population in the Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and Bloomfield Hills area with bachelor’s degrees or higher is almost 100 percent higher than Oakland County’s. “The median age is also relatively older than the median county age for the last 40 years,” Uppelepepi said. “For almost every decade, the average age is six to seven years older than the county’s average age.” Uppelepepi said a good number of the households in the three communities identify themselves as those without children. “That, too, has been consistent, and is slightly higher than the county percentage,” she said. The proportion of single-family households in Birmingham, Bloomfield
student, in all likelihood they live there — the demographics have changed so much. I’ve also noticed as there are more kids of color attending schools, more whites leave.” The school districts are always a good reflection of the changing demographics of the community, according to Metzger. Marcia Wilkinson, director of community relations for Birmingham School District, said the diversification of the district has been a tremendous asset. “It’s been a great boost and advantage for our district,” she said. “The diversity of the students has done nothing but add more to our district. We are hoping that the diversity continues to grow.” As far as programs, Wilkinson said the district acclimates new students to the district through a series of programs to make the transition easier. “We have all sorts of programs available,” she said. “At Groves High
Hills, and Bloomfield Township is also greater than the county’s — approximately 20 to 25 percent higher. “In Oakland County, for years, there has been a decrease in the amount of younger people living here. In these three communities, however, especially Birmingham, the under-35 population has been slightly increasing. In 2035, we expect to see it increase from 5 percent to 7 percent.” Despite this, the local area’s median age is expected to remain higher than the county’s. The economy has also affected the diversity of the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills school districts. “Births are down in the county all around,” Metzger said. Less births mean less students. “These districts are trying to maintain their student counts so they are all taking kids from other districts and opening enrollment to keep their administrative base,” he said. Despite the increase in open enrollment, Metzger said many of the minority students attending school in the districts actually live in the districts. “A lot of times, you hear parents complain about the influx of minority kids attending the schools,” he said. “Many of them think that they are coming in from Pontiac or other districts. If you see an African American, Asian or Arab
School, we have a Big Brothers-Big Sisters program. We like to help the new students make transitions. Our diversity has allowed us to broaden our horizons as a district and it’s a huge advantage for us.” JoAnne Messina, manager of student services for the Bloomfield Hills School District, said any changes the district has made to reflect shifts in demographics would likely have been made anyway. For example, the district is implementing a program to help minority students close the achievement gap. “We want to make sure that we can close any achievement gaps we see,” she said. As a whole, Messina said she’s seen a shift in diversity over the last 10 years. “I’ve absolutely noticed that we’ve become more diverse,” she said. “We’ve always had a large international population, but over the years the countries where our students have come from have changed. We used to have a lot of German students; now we are getting a lot of Italian students. As the socioeconomic base in the metro Detroit area changes, so does our district. As we see housing prices change, so does our district. People who couldn’t afford to buy homes in Bloomfield, now can.” The following is a look at recent demographic trends documented in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Bloomfield Township.
www.oaklandpaper.com
THE PAPER
15
1810 Maplelawn Troy, MI 48084 Sales: 866-523.3120 Service: 248.519.9801 www.SuburbanCadillacBuick.com Premier Cadillac Dealer
MAKE US YOUR LAST STOP WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD
2 TO CHOOSE FROM
New 2009 XLR
Escalade
2010 CTS
BUY NOW $59,000 Call us today at 866.523.3120 or stop in anytime and get to know us. We’re located off Maple Road on Maplelawn (between Coolidge and Crooks) and open when it’s convenient for you, including Monday and Thursday nights until 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Starting as low as
It’s
time…
Lube, Oil, Filter, Four-Tire Rotation, 27-Point Vehicle Inspection • Includes up to 6 qts. of the quality of GM Goodwrench Motor Oil and ACDelco® oil filter. (For those vehicles that require more than 6 qts., price may be higher)
• • • •
Rotate tires and torque wheel nuts as recommended Check tire inflation pressure and adjust as necessary Inspect tires for damace or excess wear 27-Point Vehicle Inspection, including: check fluid levels; check steering, suspension, wiper blades, exhaust, brakes, belts and hoses Three great services. All in one place. All at one time.
* 79.97 with synthetic oil $
* 39.95 with conventional oil $
Required for 2008 and newer Cadillac models, some older Cadillac models and other select GM vehicles
Excludes diesel engines. *Balancing tires and tax extra. Excludes Saab, Saturn and HUMMER vehicles. Offer good on eligible GM vehicles at listed dealership through 11/30/09.
$31,300
FWD Base Price • GMS Pricing Applies
IN STOCK NOW
Birmingham The Oakland County Planning and Economic Development Department community profile for Birmingham describes the city as a vibrant, prosperous community. The population is just over 20,000 people in a city covering 4.73 square miles. The biggest population growth for the city occurred between 1940 and 1970, when the population skyrocketed from just 10,000 to approximately 26,000. The population began to drop off in the 1980s, and leveled off to 20,000 in 2000. The population is expected to remain around 20,000 through 2035, according to SEMCOG projections. Nearly 70 percent of the people living in Birmingham over the age of 25 have a four-year college degree or higher. Oakland County states that population and household growth has stayed relatively static since 2005, and the majority of residents fall between the ages of 35 and 64. Births in Birmingham have dropped from 315 between 1990 and 1999, to 261 between 2000 and 2007, according to SEMCOG. Deaths in the city also decreased slightly. Between 1990 and 1999, 166 deaths were recorded. They fell between 2000 to 2007 to 135. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 25 percent of Birmingham residents were living with children, 38 percent were living alone, and 37 percent were living with two or more people and without children. According to SEMCOG’s 2035 projections, this will change only slightly. In 2035, 26 percent of residents will live with children, 30 percent will live alone, and 44 percent will be living with two or more people and without children. The median household income in Birmingham has increased in small increments from 2005 to 2007. In 2005 the median income was $106,264; in 2007 it was $106,515. Approximately 16 percent of residents earn $200,000 or more a year, and 14 percent earn between $75,000 and $99,999 a year. The top three employers, according to Oakland County, are Birmingham Public Schools, McCann Worldgroup, and Munder Capital Management, Inc. SEMCOG’s data shows employment levels will remain steady at approximately 18,000 employed, despite the economic climate. By 2035, employment levels could reach close to 20,000. Only 2.9 percent of Birmingham residents live below the poverty level. That number is up slightly from the 1990 U.S. Census data, which stated 2.3 percent were living in poverty. Over the last 50 years, Oakland County, including Birmingham, has become more diverse — reflecting the nation’s melting pot characterization. According to the 1990 Census, 97.3 percent of the city’s population was White; 0.4 percent was Black; 1.3 percent was Asian or Pacific Islander; and 0.8 percent was Hispanic. According to the 2000 Census, 95.3 percent of the city’s population was White; 0.9 percent was Black; 1.5 percent was Asian or Pacific Islander; 1.2 percent identified themselves as other; and 1.2 percent was Hispanic.
Great Gifts
Bloomfield Hills Bloomfield Hills is an exclusive residential area with no industrial properties in the city and only modest commercial and office establishments, according to the Oakland County Planning and Economic Development Department profile for the community. Major population growths in Bloomfield Hills didn’t occur until the 1960s. Between 1960 and 1990, the population grew from 2,378 to just more than 4,000. Between 1990 and 2000, the population fell by a few hundred and has hovered around 4,000. That trend is expected to continue through 2035, when the population will be approximately 3,900, according to SEMCOG. The birth rates didn’t fall between 1990 and 2007 as much as they did in Birmingham. Between 1990 and 1999, there were 156 births and 146 deaths. Births from 2000 to 2007 fell to 130 and deaths during the same time period rose to 178. The majority of the the city’s 4,000 residents are currently between the ages of 35 and 64; however approximately 25 percent are 65 or older. Like Birmingham, since 2005, population and household figures have remained static and are projected to stay that way through 2035. According to the 2000 Census, 27 percent of residents were living with children, 21 percent were living alone, and 52 percent were living with two or more people and no children. According to SEMCOG projections, those figures will change slightly. In 2035, 35 percent of residents will be living with children, 19 percent will be www.oaklandpaper.com
THE PAPER
REENSTONE’S G Creatoors oof F ne Jewwelry S nce 19 Cr 1925 528 NORTH OLD WO W ODWA W RD U BIRMINGHAM
248.642.2650 MON - FRI 10-5:30, THURS UNTIL 7, SAT UNTIL 5
17
FIND THE WORLD’S FINEST CIGARS, LIGHTERS, CUTTERS, ASHTRAYS, HUMIDORS, CIGAR CASES, PIPES AND TOBACCOS AT:
FINE CIGARS & EXECUTIVE GIFTS 142 South Old Woodward Avenue Downtown Birmingham
248.647.4555 24545 West 12 Mile Road Southfield
248.948.9100 www.churchillsltd.com
“Home To-Do List”…CHECK! Your home is full of laughter, memories…and things to do! From paint to plumbing, from floors to faucets, from outlets to ovens and everything in between, one call takes care of it all.
INTRODUCING GITTLEMAN CONSTRUCTION’S NEW DIVISION
____30 years of expertise…for every inch of your home. ____Home repairs, hardware installations, plumbing, electrical and HVAC repairs and assembly of furniture, toys, grills and more.. ____We pledge to be on-time and on-budget, every time. ____Give us your To-Do List and you’ll get it back with a great big checkmark! Call 248-538-5400 or visit handymancare.net
18
THE PAPER
NOVEMBER 2009
living alone, and 46 percent will be living with two or more people but no children. Approximately 70 percent of residents 25 and older have a four-year college degree or higher, according to the county. The median household income rose from $189,109 in 2005 to $192,010 in 2007. Of the city’s 4,000 residents, 47 percent earn $200,000 or more a year; while 9 percent earn between $75,000 and $99,999. According to Census reports, 4.2 percent of the city’s population was living in poverty in 1990. That number fell in 2000 to 3.7 percent. Like Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills’ employment projections remain positive, despite the current economy. In 2005, there were 8,514 jobs within the city, according to SEMCOG. That number is expected to rise to 9,374 by 2035. Bloomfield Hills also experienced similar levels of diversification as Birmingham between 1990 and 2000. In 1990, 90.3 percent of the city’s residents were White; 1.3 percent were Black; 6.8 percent were Asian or Pacific Islander; and 1.7 percent were Hispanic, according to U.S. Census reports. In 2000, 89.8 percent of the residents were White; 1.6 percent were Black; 6.6 percent were Asian or Pacific Islander; 0.9 percent identified themselves as other; and 1.1 percent were Hispanic.
WOMENS CONTEMPORARY BOUTIQUE CASUAL R CAREER R EVENING I N T I M AT E S G I F T S FEATURING
Bloomfield Township The Oakland County Planning and Economic Development Department community profile for Bloomfield Township describes the community as the first township in Oakland County. It was founded in 1827, and has kept it’s natural beauty, which attracted settlers to the area almost two centuries ago. The township is 25 square miles in size and has approximately 43,000 residents. Of the three local communities, Bloomfield Township experienced the most drastic population boom. Between 1940 and 1970, the township population jumped from 1,771 to 42,788. Both births and deaths have remained relatively stagnant throughout the last 19 years. From 1990 through 1999, there were 227 births and 242 deaths in the township, according to U.S. Census reports. Between 2000 and 2007, there were 203 births and 215 deaths in the township, according to SEMCOG. Like both Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham, the township’s population and household figures have remained stagnant since 2005, and is projected to remain that way through 2035. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 32 percent of Bloomfield Township residents lived with children, 22 percent lived alone, and 46 percent lived with two or more people but no children. Those numbers aren’t expected to change much by 2035, when 32 percent of residents will live with children, 23 percent will live alone and 46 percent will live with two or more people but no children, according to SEMCOG. The majority of township residents are between the ages of 35 and 64, but there is also a significant amount of people 65 and older, according to the county. About 70 percent of township residents 25 and older have a four-year college degree or higher. Median household incomes in the township have also increased, going from $126,146 in 2005 to $127,331 in 2007. In the township, 22 percent of the residents earn $200,000 or more; 11 percent earn $150,000 to $199,999; and 12 percent earn $75,000 to $99,999. Of the more than 40,000 residents, 2.5 percent of the population lives in poverty, according to the 2000 Census. However, that percentage was up from the 1990 Census figures, which indicated 1.4 percent of the population was living in poverty at the time. Since 2005, there has been approximately 24,000 jobs in the township. That figure is expected to rise to 25,000 in 2035, according to SEMCOG. Bloomfield Township, in addition to having the most drastic population change, experienced the most diversification of the three local communities, which can be attributed to immigration, according to Metzger, and an influx of middle to upper class minorities. According to the 1990 Census, 90.7 percent of the population was White; 2.4 percent was Black; 5.5 percent was Asian or Pacific Islander; 0.1 percent identified themselves as other; and 1.2 percent was Hispanic. All of these percentages increased, with the exception of Whites, according to the 2000 Census report. In 2000, 86.6 percent of the population was White; 4.3 percent was Black; 6.5 percent was Asian or Pacific Islander; 1.3 percent identified as other; and 1.4 percent was Hispanic. ■ www.oaklandpaper.com
Yigal Azrouel Tucker Ports 1961 Calypso Black Halo CP Shades Love Shop Velvet ERES Catherine Malandrino Mint Nu Miki Thumb Parker Blue 0039 Italy Malibu Malene Birger Carlos Falchi Genetic Denim Burning Torch Sharon Segal Georgie Illia Steven Alan Herve Leger Gender Bias American Vintage 49 Sq. Mi. Sunner OmGirl
SHARON EISENSHTAD T T/PERSONAL STYLIST
C OMPLI MEN TARY P ERSONAL S TYLING S ERVICES MONDAY - FRIDAY 10 - 6
SATURDAY 10 - 5
4076 WEST MAPLE ROAD BLOOMFIELD HILLS
THE PAPER
N.E. CORNER OF
TELEGRAPH & MAPLE, NEXT TO LEE’S SPECIALTY
248 594 8181
shebloomfield.com 19
$
%
OFF
BIG ROCK CHOPHOUSE CONTINUES TO CELEBRATE 25 YEARS IN BIRMINGHAM WITH ITS $25 PRICE FIXED MENU!
Professional All Breed Grooming Since 1972
M ON D AY - T H U R S D AY TW E N T Y F IVE D OL L A R S P ER P ERSO N
Located at:
2075 East 14 Mile Road Birmingham, MI 48009
N OV EM B ER M EN U
4 Blocks East of Woodward on North Side of Street
Platinum Blonde and Cheddar Cheese Soup Chicken Pot Sticker Oriental Dumplings with Ponzu Sauce
✖ ▲ N
W oo dw ar d
14 Mile Rd. Coolidge Hwy.
First Course (Choice of One) Asian Cabbage Salad Napa, Red and Green Cabbage, Carrots and Won Ton with Ginger Mustard Dressing
Av e.
13 Mile Rd.
248-540-4999 ✴✴ Now Open 7 Days-A-Week ✴✴
Main Course (Choice of One) Filet Mignon Grilled, Wild Mushroom Ragout Grilled Salmon BBQ Sauce, Steamed Broccoli
Marcy’s Groom A Pet / discount coupon
50% OFF Clearance Items
Sautéed Shrimp Scampi Stewed Michigan Heirloom Tomatoes Pecan Chicken Maple and Pecan Crust, Lobster and Asparagus Ragout
Cannot be combined with any other offer Choice of One with Main Course Roasted Garlic-White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Truffle Fries or Clove Scented Basmati Rice
Expires Nov. 30, 2009
Limit 1 coupon per visit
Marcy’s Groom A Pet / discount coupon
Dessert Course Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Or Bumpy Cake
FREE Toe Nail Clip $10.00 value / Walk-in only
illy French Press Coffee Service
Cannot be combined with any other offer
EARLY DINERS SPECIAL: Visit us from 4:30 p.m. -- 6 p.m. and receive our November price fixed dinner menu for only $20 per person! Must be seated and have order placed prior to 6 p.m.
Expires Nov. 30, 2009
Limit 1 coupon per visit
Marcy’s Groom A Pet / discount coupon
VISIT US FOR DINNER AND ALSO RECEIVE 25% OFF BOTTLED WINES OF $100 OR LESS.
10% OFF Full Groom
This program is not valid with any other rewards, promotions or incentives and is valid for a limited time only.
Dog or Cat Cannot be combined with any other offer Expires Nov. 30, 2009
Limit 1 coupon per visit
For more information, to schedule your appointment online, or to see a virtual tour of our grooming salon and store, visit us at:
www.marcysgroomapet.com
248.647.7774 • bigrockchophouse.com 20
THE PAPER
NOVEMBER 2009
THE POLITICAL WINDS ➤➤➤ PAGE 13 “It’s still probably 53 or 54 percent Republican,” he said. “In 2006, there was a very close race for the Senate between Republican John Pappageorge and Democrat Andy Levin. Pappageorge won it by just over 700 votes out of thousands that were cast. “Birmingham and Bloomfield are still Republican, but less strongly so than they used to be,” he said. The change can be attributed to demographics, according to Ballenger. “The area has become more diverse,” he said. “Many moving into the area are more moderate on social and cultural issues, like gay rights and abortion — this would favor the Democrats. The Republicans are the pro-life party, and I really don’t think that the people who live in Bloomfield and Birmingham are particularly strong right-to-life advocates, or very conservative on social or cultural issues — they are very conservative on economic issues.” Ballenger said as the Republicans have become more conservative on social and cultural issues like gay rights, gun control and abortion, they’ve alienated some voters that used to be Republicans. “Those people are becoming independent and Democratic,” he said. Mike McGuinness, chairman of the Oakland County Democratic Party, agrees with Ballenger’s assessment. “That area is historically Republican, but over the last three elections, it has gained considerable support for Democratic candidates,” he said. “Specific examples are Barack Obama for president, Gary Peters for Congress, and Jennifer Granholm for governor.” McGuinness said voters haven’t changed; what has changed is their approach and thoughts on the different parties. “The people of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham are very well-educated — those are hard-working communities that value education,” he said. “I think that many area residents feel a greater affinity towards the Democrats when it comes to strong education and some different social policies. Even if they are Republicans, they tend to be more moderate Republicans. Today’s Republican Party nationally doesn’t really provide much of an opportunity for moderate Republicans.” According to McGuinness, despite generally being Republicans, the people in the area have always been well-educated and independent-minded, which can account for the 2008 election results in the university board races. “A lot of the people running for those board races live in or around the Birmingham/Bloomfield area,” he said. “It’s possible (local voters) had interactions with some of these candidates, and voted based on that as opposed to party lines.” In the future, McGuinness said he sees the Birmingham and Bloomfield area trending more Democratic. “It doesn’t look like the Republican Party will become more inclusive or any more moderate in the future, as they are trending towards the most divisive elements of their party,” he said. “I think that in the Birmingham and Bloomfield area, votes in the future will have to be earned, not counted on for one party or another.” David Law, a former state representative and current chairman of the Oakland County Republican Party, said he views the political leanings of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and Bloomfield Hills a little differently. “I think the area is still a strong Republican area,” he said. “The people there are still concerned with fiscal issues, so I feel the Republican Party resonates with them.” According to Law, the number of Republicans recruited in the Birmingham and Bloomfield area has increased in the last six to eight months. “It’s still a strong Republican area, and I think it’s going to stay that way,” he said. “What I’m finding is that people are looking at whether they agree with President Obama’s policies, and they look at Congressman Peters and how he voted for ‘Cap and Trade’ and for the stimulus that’s not working — I think people are feeling more connection to the Republican Party, particularly in that area.” Law said the 2008 election results can be attributed to the high turnout. “I think you had a lot of people coming out and voting who may not have voted in other elections and voted for Obama,” he said. “I can tell you we’ve had a number of people who have called us up after doing so, saying they’ve made a mistake and want to rectify that mistake.” Despite the results, Law said he expects the numbers to return back to normal starting with the next election, and that he anticipates the Republican Party will continue it’s stronghold in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and Bloomfield Hills. ■ www.oaklandpaper.com
THE PAPER
“Fitting Women Since 1947” 265 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009
248.642.2555 Monday thru Saturday 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
21
CHANGE YOUR LOOK. CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK. 193 WEST MAPLE BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN 248.645.0075 SHADESOPTICAL.COM
The only thing that's constant is change. We embrace it, we celebrate it, we invite you to do the same. Come in and explore the new collections at Shades and inspire your style. Change will do you good.
â– snapshot
kitty dubin
K
itty Dubin is a happy woman, even if she doesn't have three seconds of down time in any given day. The busy playwright is pleased to see her most recent work, "The Blank Page," her sixth play to be produced by the Jewish Ensemble Theater (JET) in West Bloomfield Township, earning her the honorable title of playwright-in-residence. The play is currently on stage at the JET until Nov. 8. "I feel like I have the ideal professional life," she said. In addition to writing original works for the stage, the long-time Birmingham resident also teaches the craft. Working as a professor at Oakland University for 13 years, Dubin pioneered the study of playwriting at the university, creating courses for students interested in the art. "I love teaching and I love writing," Dubin said. "It's a great combination because the teaching keeps me sharp as a writer and the writing keeps me sharp as a teacher." In her work, Dubin draws on her own experiences to build characters and situations.
"I like to write from a place of authenticity," she said. "It's like patchwork. I'll take a little bit of so-and-so, and I take a little bit of another person, and I build a character." "The Blank Page" is a tale of a creative writing professor who wrote a novel 10 years ago, but was sidelined by marriage and family and is struggling to revive her career. "I'm a small piece of that character," she said. Although Dubin's plays have been produced at venues such as The Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea and BoarsHead Theater in Lansing, she said she's glad to have made a connection with the JET. "It's lovely if you can connect with a theater that nurtures you and wants to read your work." Teaching, playwriting and family life keeps Dubin busy and full, and she has no complaints about her career path. "If I could just keep doing what I'm doing, I'd be a happy woman." — Katey Meisner The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard
W
ith many students depending on their school for meals throughout the academic year, food safety at public and private schools is of considerable importance to parents, school administrators, and the Oakland County Health Division. While it’s directly in the hands of food service employees to make sure food safety regulations are followed, it’s up to the Health Division to conduct inspections and ensure food is properly stored, prepared and served. “The state law requires two inspections per year,” said Laura Riddell, an environmental health supervisor with the Oakland County Health Division. “If needed, we respond to complaints and we also do follow-up inspections, as needed, based on those two routine inspections each year.” Inspections are held approximately six months apart. The Health Division tries to inspect school food preparation and serving facilities while the schools are operating, but there is no set time for an inspection, according to Riddell. “It might mean when they’re serving; it might be when they’re preparing food,” she said, adding that Health Division staff inspects all factions of a school’s food preparation and serving process. The Health Division doesn’t inspect a cafeteria unless there is actually food service occurring there. “We’re basically looking for compliance with the Michigan Food Law of 2000,” Riddell said. “There are numerous violations in there that could be cited.” Health Division sanitarians look for critical and non-critical violations during their inspections. Critical violations are those that affect the safety of food and deal directly with food handling. These types of violations may include food that isn’t stored at the proper temperature, equipment failures, or peeling paint near food preparation areas, according to Riddell. Non-critical violations are those that can affect food safety, but are less likely to affect food safety. “Those are things that are more structural,” Riddell said, adding that the non-critical violations may include staff not wearing hair nets or having seasoning shakers without labels on site. “This would also include the cleaning of things that aren’t food contact surfaces; for example, the cleaning of floors.” There are no fines for violations, but the institution is responsible for correcting all violations. They have no more than 10 days to correct critical violations. “We can give them less than 10 days,” Riddell said. “But according to the law, we can’t give them more than 10 days.” Under the law, a school can have up to 90 days to correct a non-critical violation, according to Riddell. “My experience is that they are very accommodating and they want to do right by their students,” she said of school food service staff. “They want to do a good job and work toward compliance.” Riddell said the state law requires seasonal food preparation facilities operated nine months or less per year to be inspected once a year. There may be facilities that warrant more frequent inspections because of performance history. “There have been a few cases where, either upon the request of the facility or some other reason, we may do (inspections) more frequently, but those cases are very few,” she said. According to Riddell, inspections are announced ahead of time when sanitarians are visiting a location that is opening for the first time. However, once a facility is open and operating, inspections are generally unannounced. Here’s a look at the food service operations in the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills school districts, and at select private schools in the area.
Birmingham School District Every school in the Birmingham district prepares meals for their students on site daily, according to David Andrejko, a Sodexho School Services general manager for the school district. The district, which has an enrollment of just over 8,000 students, has 15 buildings, with 13 of them being instructional buildings. Andrejko said Birmingham schools employ 61 staff members within the food and nutrition departments. “The district prepares 1,875 meals at the elementary level, 3,080
meals at the middle school level, and 2,586 meals for high school students every day,” he said. “The manager of each school does a monthly safety audit and fiscal audit. We pay a private company to come in and surprise inspect our schools.” The schools are selected at random and inspected, with all records, safety issues, production, cleanliness and equipment checked, according to Andrejko. “Food safety is extremely important to us,” he said, adding that the district has a good relationship with the Health Division. “We welcome them,” he said. “They are there to do a job and we’re proud of what we do. If something were to be wrong, we definitely would want to know it and correct it. If we’re doing well, we want to know that, also.” While Andrejko said the Health Division visits are met with cooperation, he said, “It does take a little time away from us; but it’s not a problem.”
Bloomfield Hills School District Meals at high schools and middle schools in the Bloomfield Hills district are prepared on site daily, while the elementary schools have their meals prepared at a production kitchen at Lahser High School and delivered in the morning. Food service personnel at the elementary schools then heat those meals for serving. The school district’s student enrollment is about 5,200. The district has 16 buildings, with 13 of those being instructional buildings. “The Bloomfield Hills Food Service Department (Campus Cafe) employs 43 staff,” said Debra Stoops, food service director for the district. The department prepares 920 meals at the high school level, 585 at the middle school level, and 1,056 at the elementary level each day. “Food safety is the responsibility of every person who is involved in our food service program,” she said. “Serving safe food to children and adults who participate in the Child Nutrition Program is a top priority for every Bloomfield Schools food service employee, regardless of their job assignment.” Every action in food service has the potential to impact the safety of food, either during purchasing, storage, preparation, service or cleanup, according to Stoops. While Michigan law requires that only one individual per building be ServSafe certified, Stoops said that all food service employees employed by the district take the ServSafe training course and national certification exam. “We empower our employees with the knowledge and skills they need to prepare and serve food safely,” she said. “In training each employee, they realize the role they play every day in protecting our students’ health and well being.” Stoops said the district’s Food Service Department has built a good relationship with the Health Division sanitarians. “If I have food code questions, I’ll call and ask how they interpret a particular rule,” she said. “Regular communication also lets sanitarians know that you are concerned about safety and sanitation all the time. I view them as a great resource, rather than just an enforcement person.”
Academy of the Sacred Heart Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills has a student enrollment of approximately 500, according to Denene Decker, assistant to the head of school. “Meals are not prepared on site, but heated by a company called Educational Catering, Inc.,” Decker said. According to Frank Ricupati, president of Educational Catering, Inc., six people are employed in food services at Academy of the Sacred Heart, and 190 meals are served daily. “We just started this year at Academy of the Sacred Heart, and the building staff is just tremendous,” he said. “If there’s anything that needs to be done, it’s fixed right away.” Ricupati said he couldn’t speak to why the school recently switched to a new company for food services, but did say there were a few items that he asked the school to attend to and staff promptly complied.
SCHOOL FOOD SAFETY TOP CONCERN OF PARENTS, ADMINISTRATORS AND COUNTY HEALTH DIVISION BY KATEY MEISNER
AA
A S T R E I N ’ S
F O R
T H E
H O L I D AY S
FA B U L O U S F I N D S U N D E R $ 2 5 0
S I LV E R & D I A M O N D S
S I LV E R & D I A M O N D
S I LV E R & D I A M O N D
REG $113
SALE $73 EARRINGS REG $150 SALE $105 PENDANT REG $105
S I LV E R & D I A M O N D
REG $185
REG $165
SALE $79
SALE $129
SALE $115
PENDANT & EARRINGS
KEY PENDANTS
BANGLES
S TA I N L E S S S T E E L & D I A M O N D S
ANTIQUE STYLE
S TA I N L E S S S T E E L & D I A M O N D
HEART NECKLACE
HUGS
•
KISSES
•
LOVE
REG $179
REG $85
REG $159
SALE $59
SALE $109
EARRINGS
SALE $99 BANGLES
S I LV E R & D I A M O N D N E C K L A C E
248.644.1651 C r e a t i v e
•
120 WEST MAPLE
•
Shop Online at
•
S AT 1 0 - 5 : 3 0
W W W. A S T R E I N S . C O M
Peter E. Schaffer, D.P.M.
•
SUN 12-5 (Nov.29th - Dec.20th)
KITCHENS ADDITIONS BATHROOMS
Conservative & surgical care of bunions, hammer toes, nerve pain, ingrown & fungus nails, warts, fractures, sprains & sports injuries.
40% OFF
For heel pain, Dr. Schaffer is now using TOPAZ™ for patients with plantar fasciitis. TOPAZ™ utilizes radio frequency technology, the same proven technology that has been used on millions of patients worldwide. The entire process takes less than 20 minutes and the patient is ready to go home after a quick recovery from light anesthesia. Introducing Esthetician Julie Sosnick for laser hair removal, Botox and other injectable fillers.
CARPET LAMINATES HARDWOODS
Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
Birmingham FootCare Specialists
OAKLAND BUILDERS AND FLOORS CO. 2254 Cole St. Birmingham, MI 48009
600 N. Old Woodward (Maplewood Office Park)
248.594.3338
S I LV E R B R A C E L E T S
DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM
H O L I D AY H O U R S ( S t a r t D e c 1 4 t h ) : M O N - F R I 1 0 - 8
J e w e l e r s
SALE $125
REG $142
Same Day Appointments Available
Commercial and Residential
248.593.5592
Specializing in Off-Leash Obedience Training for the Family Dog Completely enjoy your dog this holiday season No dog is too old to learn new behaviors.
New Sessions Every Month!
ENROLL NOW!
CANINE ACADEMY No time to train your dog? No problem! We can professionally train
your dog in our In-Kennel Off-Leash Program. Owners are welcome to train their own dog too! The Choice is Yours! Group Classes held in
Birmingham, Rochester, Oxford & Clarkston
248.236.0287 • www.greatdogs.org 26
THE PAPER
NOVEMBER 2009
“I think the inspection processes is very valuable to the community,” Ricupati said. “It keeps all service managers on their toes.” Food service operations should be prepared every day for an inspection, and Ricupati said if a manager is nervous, it’s probably for good reason. “It’s almost impossible to get a perfect rating,” he said. “But if there is an issue, the violation is corrected immediately or shortly after.”
Roeper School The Roeper School and Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills outsource their food services to the Chartwells Dining Company. “The safety and welfare of the students and staff of Roeper is our highest priority,” said Paul Gonino, resident district manager for Chartwells. “For the past year, Chartwells’ team of three associates serves 150 meals daily to the students of Roeper.” The dining service company has extensive food safety programs in place for the schools, according to Gonino. Roeper has an enrollment of 550 students attending classes in two buildings — one building houses pre-kindergarten to fifth-grade students, and one houses students from sixth-grade through 12thgrade.
Cranbrook Schools Chartwells has serviced Cranbrook Schools for 10 years, according to Gonino. The company employs 40 associates at the schools, and serves 2,400 meals daily to Cranbrook students. “Our food service policies and procedures are in full compliance with applicable federal government food safety and sanitation codes and regulations, as well as all state and local health codes,” Gonino said. “The safety and welfare of the students and staff of the Cranbrook Educational Community is our highest priority.” Currently, Cranbrook’s student enrollment is 1,600. There are four primary instructional buildings on the Cranbrook campus, according to Clay Matthews, Cranbrook’s director of communications.
St. Hugo of the Hills “We are inspected without warning twice a year, and that’s enough,” said Oriat Peters, cafeteria supervisor at St. Hugo of the Hills in Bloomfield Hills. “They are very thorough.” According to Peters, the school’s enrollment is approximately 720 students, and the school serves 300 to 400 meals per day. St. Hugo www.oaklandpaper.com
■ school food facility inspection results birmingham school district School
Date
West Maple Elementary School Berkshire Middle School Beverly Elementary School Bingham Farms Elementary School Birmingham Covington School Derby Middle School Midvale Early Childhood Center Greenfield Elementary School Wylie E. Groves High School Harlan Elementary School Pembroke Elementary School Pierce Elementary School Quarton Elementary School Seaholm High School
4/28/09 5/13/09 4/28/09 4/30/09 4/30/09 4/23/09 6/30/09 5/20/09 5/19/09 9/14/09 4/16/09 4/22/09 9/15/09 9/16/09
Critical Violations 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 2 2 0 2 0 2
critical critical critical critical critical critical critical critical critical critical critical critical critical critical
Non-Critical Violations 0 7 3 1 1 0 1 1 6 1 0 1 1 3
non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical
bloomfield hills school district School
Date
Bloomfield Andover High School Bloomfield Hills Middle School Conant Elementary School East Hills Middle School
Critical Violations
Non-Critical Violations
4/27/09 4/24/09 4/24/09 5/7/09
0 1 0 0
critical critical critical critical
0 1 1 3
non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical
5/5/09 5/6/09 4/16/09 5/8/09 4/20/09 4/28/09 4/20/09
0 0 0 4 0 0 0
critical critical critical critical critical critical critical
0 0 1 5 0 0 0
non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical non-critical
(3 time offense-uncorrected violation from 5/28/08)
Eastover Elementary School Model High School Hickory Grove Elementary School Lahser High School Lone Pine Elementary School Way Elementary School West Hills Middle School private schools School
Date
Brother Rice High School Detroit Country Day Upper School Detroit Country Day Junior School Detroit Country Day Lower School Detroit Country Day Middle School Roeper Schools Roeper City Country School (Woodward) Academy of the Sacred Heart Cranbrook Dining Hall Cranbrook Institute of Science
4/23/09 5/5/09 5/6/09 4/17/09 4/30/09 9/10/09
Critical Violations
Non-Critical Violations
0 0 2 0 1 1
5/5/09 4/22/09 7/9/09
critical 2 non-critical critical 5 non-critical critical 1 non-critical critical 4 non-critical critical 4 non-critical critical 1 non-critical Pending report for 2009*** 3 critical 4 non-critical 2 critical 5 non-critical 0 critical 1 non-critical
4/29/09 4/24/09 5/11/09
0 critical 3 critical 0 critical
(1 uncorrected violation from 1/21/09)
Brookside Cranbrook School (Cranbrook Rd.) Marian High School St. Hugo of the Hills
employs 10 food service employees and has one building. “We have a very clean kitchen here and we follow all the rules,” she said. “We work very hard at it.”
Brother Rice With one building on campus, Brother Rice High School has an enrollment of approximately 800 students, according to Erika Radwan, general manager of food services. The food service department consists of five employees who prepare meals daily. According to Radwan, the menu
is a la carte and she isn’t able to give an exact total on meals served daily. “They’re nice visits,” Radwan said of Health Division inspections. “They find our kitchens to be one of the cleaner sets because that’s just our standard.”
Detroit Country Day Glorianne Pearlman, food service director at Detroit Country Day, said her staff is always prepared for Health Division inspections. “You never know when they’re going to come, so we just try to
THE PAPER
2 non-critical 1 non-critical 0 non-critical
keep the kitchen clean,” she said. Country Day’s food service operation is outsourced to Flik International, which employs 19 staff members at Country Day. They serve 1,800 meals each day. “We feed a little over 200 staff members between the four campuses, in addition to the students, which adds to the number of meals served,” said Angela Miller, director of communications at Country Day. Country Day has four separate buildings for lower, junior, middle and upper levels, and a student enrollment of 1,572. ■ 27
28
THE PAPER
NOVEMBER 2009
www.oaklandpaper.com
THE PAPER
29
Kitchens
▼ Baths ▼ Additions
BATHROOM SPECIALIST
248.669.3500
SIMPLE MAKEOVER
3081 Haggerty, Suite 1 • Walled Lake Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Evenings & Saturday by Appointment
www.newmyer.com
Oakland Community College Highland Lakes Campus - Student Center Arena 7350 Cooley Lake Road Waterford, MI 48327 Friday, November 6, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Put on your dancing shoes or just sit back and enjoy the sounds that made the twenties roar and the thirties sizzle, performed by the fabulous Hotel Savarine Society orchestra. They will be joined by the Pleasant Moments Vintage Dancers, an Ann Arbor-based performance group specializing in social dances of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Come and enjoy the fun. Tickets available at all Oakland Community College Bookstores or on line at www.oaklandcc.edu/entertainment
For more information please contact Velma Jones at 248-942-3243 30
THE PAPER
OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE®
NOVEMBER 2009
Artist rendering of propopsed transit center
COMMUNITY TRANSIT HUB BIRMINGHAM AND TROY STILL SEEKING FUNDING By Lisa Brody
B
irmingham and Troy officials are in the midst of a joint effort to bring expanded mass transit to their cities through the development of a proposed intermodal transit center that is progressive, innovative, and green. The project, known as the Birmingham/Troy Transit Center, is in its infancy, but could quickly come to fruition with rapid funding approvals. Engineering and architectural plans have been drawn, grant requests have been submitted, local businesses are supportive, and trains and buses are waiting to be boarded. All that’s needed is money to build a revolutionary community transit hub with a price tag of $7 million. Construction must begin by June 2010, or the entire project may wither away. Birmingham has long been an Amtrak train stop, with the current Big Rock Chop House previously used as an elegant train station. For several years, the current “train station” has been a plastic cover over a bench in the restaurant’s parking lot, situated at East Maple and Eton roads. According to Troy Acting Assistant City Manager/Economic Development Services Director Mark F. Miller, it was 10 years ago that Farmington Hills real estate developer Grand Sakwa sought approvals for the parcel of land at the corner of Maple and Coolidge roads in Troy, which had previously been the Ford New Holland Tractor site but was owned by Fiat. Grand Sakwa wanted to develop the land into a shopping center with apartments and/or condominiums, and filed a lawsuit against the city to get the site’s zoning changed. A consent judgment allowed for the desired development, with the stipulation that Grand Sakwa give Troy a portion of the land — approximately 4 acres at the Birmingham border against the railroad tracks — for use as a transit center. “The city of Troy could qualify for ownership of the transit center as long as we got funding and began construction by June 2010,” Miller said. Grand Sakwa developed the property into the Midtown Square Center, with
such big-box stores as Home Depot, Target, Kohl’s, Old Navy, and others. The Village at Midtown Square features high-density condominiums. The development is complete, while construction of the transit center has yet to begin. With the years ticking by and the transit center construction deadline approaching, Troy and Birmingham officials began to meet and discuss community needs, ridership, designs, funding, and viability of the project. “A number of years ago, the city of Troy did a feasibility study on what could be there,” Miller said. Determining a transit center was the best option, Birmingham was brought on board, first through an informal commission. Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus represented Birmingham. “The driving forces are that people recognize a transit center is going to be part of any successful metro area,” he said. Troy received $350,000 from Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for a preliminary engineering study. Wendel Duchscherer, an engineering consulting firm in Amherst, N.Y., was hired to help determine exact locations on both sides of the existing train tracks, determine how the buildings should be oriented on the sites, prepare preliminary drawings, outline the process for developing final drawings, and report on the options. Wendel Duchscherer created preliminary engineering drawings for the cities. In February 2009, Hubbell, Roth & Clark was contracted by Troy, with Birmingham sharing in the costs, to create designs for the transit center. It’s called an intermodal transit center because it’s designed as a hub for intercity train, regional bus, taxi, and black sedan services. There’s a possibility of rental cars being available, as well. Walter Alix, principal with Hubbell, Roth & Clark, said his firm has created schematics and engineering drawings that could be used to solicit construction bids once funding is secured.
The transit center building, to be situated off of Doyle Drive, behind Midtown Square in Troy, will be approximately 2,400 square feet in area and feature a waiting area, ticket seller space, restrooms, a kiosk area, and janitorial space. It’s designed as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building, with a green roof; recycling equipment for a water irrigation system; geothermal heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; LED lighting; and a re-use rainwater system. Regional and recycled materials would be used in building the transit center. “We will have silver status for LEED accreditation,” Alix said. “We are designing it to have a lot of underground utilities running under and parallel to the railroad tracks, like cable, fiber optics, and power.” In addition to being a train station, there will be four full bus slips, room in front for taxis and black sedan cars, and possibly a kiosk inside for rental car service. “We have been working with SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) and discussed how they are routing their buses,” Alix said. “We talked about technical details, what a bus center needs in turning radius and bus space, and incorporated that into our designs.” “SMART has agreed to reroute all Troy and Birmingham buses to the transit center,” said Jana Ecker, planning director for the city of Birmingham. “We are also hopeful to have parking for electric cars, with rechargeable stations,” Alix said. The Troy side of the project area has room for parking approximately 125 cars. The transit center is also included as a hub in the Detroit Regional Mass Transit plan hub design. “It makes sense to have a multimodal center in central Oakland County,” said John Swatosh of the Regional Transit Coordinating Council, which coordinates transportation between Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties and the city of Detroit and developed the Detroit Regional Mass Transit plan. “Our mission is to develop plans for existing transit, and to develop plans for more rapid transit.” Swatosh said he believes the transit center site is a good location because it’s near the 16 Mile Road corridor, it’s on a good east-west road corridor, and it’s close to Woodward Avenue. “It’s also a good location because it’s already on Amtrak’s Wolverine Line, which will be good for intercity transit if the route is extended to a DetroitPontiac commuter rail, with Birmingham having a stop.”
T
he Wolverine Line offers daily service between Pontiac and Chicago. Amtrak’s Blue Water Line offers daily service between Port Huron and Chicago. Both lines currently flow through Birmingham, and are financed in part through funds made available by MDOT. Between June 2007 and June 2008, the Wolverine Line saw an 8.1 percent increase in ridership, and the Blue Water Line saw a 12.2 percent increase. For fiscal year 2007, Amtrak served 19,404 riders at the Birmingham station. If the Detroit Regional Mass Transit effort is able to develop SMART bus hubs as job connectors, the Birmingham/Troy Transit Center would allow riders to connect to other hubs at Oakland Mall, Macomb Mall, the Eastland Transit Center, Northland Mall, the Rosa Parks Transit Center, Fairlane Mall, and Southland Mall, where they would be able to easily transfer buses, as well as not be on buses for hours. The proposed transit center project isn’t without obstacles. It was discovered that while the passenger trains that travel on the existing tracks are owned and operated by Amtrak, the tracks themselves are owned by the Canadian National Railway. “Canadian National would not allow passengers access to the tracks from the Troy side,” said Birmingham’s Ecker, who has become involved in the planning of the transit center project. “Further, they would not allow an atgrade crossing on the Birmingham side, or allow passengers to walk across the tracks to get to the Troy side.” That means that while the land for the transit center is on the Troy side of the train tracks, passengers would have to board from the Birmingham side, necessitating a pedestrian tunnel beneath the tracks and connecting the transit center with a Birmingham access site. “The tunnel will be 16-feet-wide by 11-feet-high under the train tracks,” said Hubbell, Roth & Clark’s Alix. “It’s called a tunnel, but actually, in engineering terms, it’s an ‘open cut,’ so there will not be a tunneling action, which is much more expensive. It will take one lane, or rail of tracks, out of commission at a time, but one track will be open. There will be about 300 feet on the Birmingham side with a covered canopy to protect train riders from the weather.”
It has been determined that the pedestrian tunnel will come out in the area of Cole Street in Birmingham’s Rail District. “Initially it was all free land,” said Birmingham’s Markus. “Once the railroad company determined people have to board on the Birmingham side, it’s no longer free land, because now we have to purchase land for the tunnel in Birmingham. There is no land in Birmingham for the tunnel. If you are going to run a tunnel from Troy to Birmingham, you have to get land for ingress and egress. Furthermore, there is no road there right now. So, you have to buy the land, build the road, and access it to the tunnel. Then, we need some parking on our side, so we need to buy more land, and pay more money. The costs are incremental. And we don’t want to overbuild this thing.” The $7 million estimated cost of the transit center project includes the cost of the pedestrian center, but not Birmingham’s cost of acquiring land. “We are in the process of securing the land,” Ecker said. “They are mixeduse or commercial properties in the Rail District, none are residential.” The challenge of paying for the transit center comes down to finding funding from federal, state, and local programs, and through grants.
C
arrie Zarotney, president of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, is part of a work group which meets with Michele Hodges, president of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham planner Ecker, and Troy’s Miller every other week to move the project forward and seek funding. “We have been working with our legislatures to get funding, and at grant opportunities with the Department of Transportation and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus dollars,” she said. “We’re building our case piecemeal for financing. We’re looking at lots of pots of money to make this a reality.” The group just applied for a $7 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant through the federal stimulus program, as a one-time opportunity. “Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said TIGER grants are designed to promote greater mobility, a cleaner environment, and a more livable community, all of which the transit center does,” Zarotney said. LaHood has assured locals that the Department of Treasury is looking for shovel-ready projects for recovery act money. “The TIGER grant was due by Sept. 15, and they will award the money by Feb. 17, 2010, at the latest,” Ecker said. U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills), and U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) and Carl Levin (D-Detroit) are all supportive of providing funding for the transit center, with the project becoming a cause for Peters even before he was sworn into office in January 2009. “I went to my first meeting on this in early December 2008,” he said. “It’s important to have a regional multimodal center, and it’s important to have the cooperation of Amtrak and the buses. We are working to have a highspeed rail from Detroit to Birmingham to Pontiac to Chicago, and it will be important to have this center to get this high rail.” During U.S. House of Representatives Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee meetings, Peters requested $2 million in federal transportation funds. He said he was very pleased to get House authorization for $1.3 million. Michigan’s senators haven’t been as successful, and the funding request is currently in the conference process to reconcile differing House and Senate appropriations bills. “Senator Stabenow continues to support all federal transportation funding options,” said Matt Williams, Stabenow’s press secretary. “She continues to pursue appropriation funding. She understands this project is essential for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the transportation system in metropolitan Detroit and will result in immediate job creation and sustained economic development.” The Birmingham/Troy work group hired Dan Beattie of Clark Hill’s Washington D.C. office to assist with lobbying efforts in Washington, Lansing, and southeast Michigan to acquire the funding needed to begin building the center by June. Beattie is not a lawyer but a government affairs specialist. “My charge is that we find every source of government funding that propels the building of this transit center,” he said. While it is never easy to acquire funds, he said he believes it’s realistic in this instance. “There is tremendous support at every level of government that this transit center is emblematic of the type of transit center that metro Detroit deserves,” he said. “This is not just about Birmingham and Troy. It’s a great incubator for getting others replicated in other parts of the metro area in order to disseminate transit. It makes it a great test case. You have two com-
The transit center building, to be situated off of Doyle Drive, behind Midtown Square in Troy, will be approximately 2,400 square feet in area and feature a waiting area, ticket seller space, restrooms, a kiosk area, and janitorial space. It’s designed as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building, with a green roof; recycling equipment for a water irrigation system; geothermal heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; LED lighting; and a re-use rainwater system. Regional and recycled materials would be used in building the transit center. “We will have silver status for LEED accreditation,” Alix said. “We are designing it to have a lot of underground utilities running under and parallel to the railroad tracks, like cable, fiber optics, and power.” In addition to being a train station, there will be four full bus slips, room in front for taxis and black sedan cars, and possibly a kiosk inside for rental car service. “We have been working with SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) and discussed how they are routing their buses,” Alix said. “We talked about technical details, what a bus center needs in turning radius and bus space, and incorporated that into our designs.” “SMART has agreed to reroute all Troy and Birmingham buses to the transit center,” said Jana Ecker, planning director for the city of Birmingham. “We are also hopeful to have parking for electric cars, with rechargeable stations,” Alix said. The Troy side of the project area has room for parking approximately 125 cars. The transit center is also included as a hub in the Detroit Regional Mass Transit plan hub design. “It makes sense to have a multimodal center in central Oakland County,” said John Swatosh of the Regional Transit Coordinating Council, which coordinates transportation between Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties and the city of Detroit and developed the Detroit Regional Mass Transit plan. “Our mission is to develop plans for existing transit, and to develop plans for more rapid transit.” Swatosh said he believes the transit center site is a good location because it’s near the 16 Mile Road corridor, it’s on a good east-west road corridor, and it’s close to Woodward Avenue. “It’s also a good location because it’s already on Amtrak’s Wolverine Line, which will be good for intercity transit if the route is extended to a DetroitPontiac commuter rail, with Birmingham having a stop.”
T
he Wolverine Line offers daily service between Pontiac and Chicago. Amtrak’s Blue Water Line offers daily service between Port Huron and Chicago. Both lines currently flow through Birmingham, and are financed in part through funds made available by MDOT. Between June 2007 and June 2008, the Wolverine Line saw an 8.1 percent increase in ridership, and the Blue Water Line saw a 12.2 percent increase. For fiscal year 2007, Amtrak served 19,404 riders at the Birmingham station. If the Detroit Regional Mass Transit effort is able to develop SMART bus hubs as job connectors, the Birmingham/Troy Transit Center would allow riders to connect to other hubs at Oakland Mall, Macomb Mall, the Eastland Transit Center, Northland Mall, the Rosa Parks Transit Center, Fairlane Mall, and Southland Mall, where they would be able to easily transfer buses, as well as not be on buses for hours. The proposed transit center project isn’t without obstacles. It was discovered that while the passenger trains that travel on the existing tracks are owned and operated by Amtrak, the tracks themselves are owned by the Canadian National Railway. “Canadian National would not allow passengers access to the tracks from the Troy side,” said Birmingham’s Ecker, who has become involved in the planning of the transit center project. “Further, they would not allow an atgrade crossing on the Birmingham side, or allow passengers to walk across the tracks to get to the Troy side.” That means that while the land for the transit center is on the Troy side of the train tracks, passengers would have to board from the Birmingham side, necessitating a pedestrian tunnel beneath the tracks and connecting the transit center with a Birmingham access site. “The tunnel will be 16-feet-wide by 11-feet-high under the train tracks,” said Hubbell, Roth & Clark’s Alix. “It’s called a tunnel, but actually, in engineering terms, it’s an ‘open cut,’ so there will not be a tunneling action, which is much more expensive. It will take one lane, or rail of tracks, out of commission at a time, but one track will be open. There will be about 300 feet on the Birmingham side with a covered canopy to protect train riders from the weather.”
It has been determined that the pedestrian tunnel will come out in the area of Cole Street in Birmingham’s Rail District. “Initially it was all free land,” said Birmingham’s Markus. “Once the railroad company determined people have to board on the Birmingham side, it’s no longer free land, because now we have to purchase land for the tunnel in Birmingham. There is no land in Birmingham for the tunnel. If you are going to run a tunnel from Troy to Birmingham, you have to get land for ingress and egress. Furthermore, there is no road there right now. So, you have to buy the land, build the road, and access it to the tunnel. Then, we need some parking on our side, so we need to buy more land, and pay more money. The costs are incremental. And we don’t want to overbuild this thing.” The $7 million estimated cost of the transit center project includes the cost of the pedestrian center, but not Birmingham’s cost of acquiring land. “We are in the process of securing the land,” Ecker said. “They are mixeduse or commercial properties in the Rail District, none are residential.” The challenge of paying for the transit center comes down to finding funding from federal, state, and local programs, and through grants.
C
arrie Zarotney, president of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, is part of a work group which meets with Michele Hodges, president of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham planner Ecker, and Troy’s Miller every other week to move the project forward and seek funding. “We have been working with our legislatures to get funding, and at grant opportunities with the Department of Transportation and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus dollars,” she said. “We’re building our case piecemeal for financing. We’re looking at lots of pots of money to make this a reality.” The group just applied for a $7 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant through the federal stimulus program, as a one-time opportunity. “Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said TIGER grants are designed to promote greater mobility, a cleaner environment, and a more livable community, all of which the transit center does,” Zarotney said. LaHood has assured locals that the Department of Treasury is looking for shovel-ready projects for recovery act money. “The TIGER grant was due by Sept. 15, and they will award the money by Feb. 17, 2010, at the latest,” Ecker said. U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills), and U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) and Carl Levin (D-Detroit) are all supportive of providing funding for the transit center, with the project becoming a cause for Peters even before he was sworn into office in January 2009. “I went to my first meeting on this in early December 2008,” he said. “It’s important to have a regional multimodal center, and it’s important to have the cooperation of Amtrak and the buses. We are working to have a highspeed rail from Detroit to Birmingham to Pontiac to Chicago, and it will be important to have this center to get this high rail.” During U.S. House of Representatives Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee meetings, Peters requested $2 million in federal transportation funds. He said he was very pleased to get House authorization for $1.3 million. Michigan’s senators haven’t been as successful, and the funding request is currently in the conference process to reconcile differing House and Senate appropriations bills. “Senator Stabenow continues to support all federal transportation funding options,” said Matt Williams, Stabenow’s press secretary. “She continues to pursue appropriation funding. She understands this project is essential for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the transportation system in metropolitan Detroit and will result in immediate job creation and sustained economic development.” The Birmingham/Troy work group hired Dan Beattie of Clark Hill’s Washington D.C. office to assist with lobbying efforts in Washington, Lansing, and southeast Michigan to acquire the funding needed to begin building the center by June. Beattie is not a lawyer but a government affairs specialist. “My charge is that we find every source of government funding that propels the building of this transit center,” he said. While it is never easy to acquire funds, he said he believes it’s realistic in this instance. “There is tremendous support at every level of government that this transit center is emblematic of the type of transit center that metro Detroit deserves,” he said. “This is not just about Birmingham and Troy. It’s a great incubator for getting others replicated in other parts of the metro area in order to disseminate transit. It makes it a great test case. You have two com-
6 months same as cash!* complimentary consultation | 248.624.1234 | californiaclosets.com Address Address 3260 Old Farm Lane, Walled Lake 178 North Adams, Rochester Hills
*Upon credit approval © 2009 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated.
KEEP IT SIMPLE One deadline. One concise monthly, full-color package of ad and news information. Reach over 29,000 Birmingham-Bloomfield homes free by direct mail, plus 1,500 copies free on newsstands. Eliminate the hassle of daily or weekly ad deadlines. Don't wonder what type of editorial environment surrounds your message. Know who your ad will reach. The December issue of The Paper. In homes November 27. Ad deadline November 10. Contact Jules Pickard. 248.360.7355 • julespickard@thescngroup.com. It's that simple.
Visit our website for more great specials
10.00 OFF
$
Cell/Cordless Phones • Camera/Camcorder Wheelchair/Mobility Scooters • Hearing Aid Lawn & Garden • Snowmobile • Motorcycle • ATV • RV
your purchase of $50.00 or more*
FREE Auto Battery Testing
Champagne & Fine Wines, Premium Cigars & Lighters, Micro, Craft, Imported Beers, Sodas, Juices, Water and Snacks
15% OFF
Any Craft, Micro & Imported Beers, Many Wines and Champagnes
% OFF
ANY PURCHASE! When you mention this ad
Birmingham • 34164 Woodward Ave.
Sale wines excluded. Limit one (1) per customer per visit. Expires November 30, 2009
(East side of Woodward, just north of Lincoln, under the flag)
248-644-0666 M-F 9-8 • Sat. 9-6 • Sun. 12-5
*Delivery Services are available for an additional fee
Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. • Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. • Sun. 12 noon-6 p.m. THE PAPER
▲ N Maple Borders
e. Av rd wa od Wo
12
Excludes liquor, cigarettes and sale wines. Limit one (1) per customer per visit. Expires November 30, 2009
34
AMERICA’S BATTERY EXPERTS
Papa Joe’s
Lincoln 14 Mile Rd.
Major Charge Cards Accepted • Battery Recycling Center
NOVEMBER 2009
ETON
MAPLE
P r o p o s e d Tr a n s i t Center location
munities that maybe would not have been thought of, because they’re both relatively wealthy, and there are not as many citizens who are economicallydependent on public transportation. But their leaders recognized that their businesses and citizens would benefit from a more transit-oriented infrastructure that links their communities together, as well as their community to other areas. MDOT submitted an application for $8.4 million in federal money for the high-speed rail system from Pontiac to Chicago with the Birmingham/Troy transit center on it. That helps.”
B
irmingham planner Ecker said local officials will know any day whether they will have the high-speed grant money. They have also applied for a small LED lighting grant from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, which would cover approximately 90 percent of lighting costs at the transit center. There will be LED lighting in the building, tunnel, and on the tracks. At press time, no money had been secured for the transit center. No funding, a tight deadline looming, and current limited ridership — so why ardently pursue building the transit center? “We are looking at what will attract business to the immediate area.” said Zarotney of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce. “The tax revenues, as property values increase within the immediate area (of transit facilities), are large. State studies show that properties within a quarter-mile of a transit center can increase (in value) by 30 to 40 percent.” She also said she believes the project will help businesses throughout Birmingham and Troy. “We have had a tremendous positive response from businesses,” she said. “There are a number of businesses who rely on SMART transportation for their employees.” “There are between 75,000 and 1.3 million jobs located within four blocks of a SMART bus stop,” said Beth Dryden, SMART’s director of external affairs, marketing and communications. “We will have five to seven routes through that center a day. And once people get off a train, they will need to continue their journey. We will also be a key location for route transfers. Seventy percent of SMART riders use it to get to their job area, so we contribute to the economic vitality of the area.” Amtrak currently has eight freight stops at the Birmingham train location. According to Amtrak, freight rail has a fuel consumption rate 11.5 times
more energy efficient than trucks, and a single intermodal freight train can carry the same load as 500 trucks. Amtrak’s website states, “Infrastructure improvements made to enable passenger rail often benefit freight rail, which helps reduce congestion.” “By putting all of the transit means in one regional hub, we are making better and more efficient use of existing transportation resources,” Ecker said. The economic benefits to Birmingham are debatable. Zarotney said she would work with the city’s Principal Shopping District (PSD) to arrange for some kind of transportation link between the transit center and downtown Birmingham. “Nothing is certain yet,” she said. “We would probably do a shuttle van from the transit center to the downtown area.” “It may be fairly neutral for downtown Birmingham,” said City Manager Markus. He said there is already a bus line serving the downtown area; perhaps riders could transfer at the transit center and take a bus into the downtown area. “The Rail District I believe will be a wonderful beneficiary of this area,” Zarotney said. “It is a hidden gem of Birmingham. By solidifying the transit center in the Rail District, it will enjoy so much more exposure.” Markus agrees. “Improving and helping the Rail District is part of our objective,” he said. “It’s still in a redevelopment mode, and still prime property. If the economy bottoms out and grows, that area will benefit.” Zarotney said she believes that’s a another small detail to be worked out once construction is under way. Hubbell, Roth & Clark’s Alix said, “Once the funding is obtained and property acquired, then the project would be bid out, the lowest bidder would be chosen, and the project could be built.” He said a project of this size and scope is usually bid on by a local contractor, and he and his company are ready to go once the funding is in place. What if the funding doesn’t fall into place? “We will keep trying, and remain positive that we’ll get it,” Zarotney said. “This is a very important part of our joint development.” “If we don’t get funding, then there is a set price for Troy to buy the land,” Miller said. And they start the funding process all over again. ■
36
THE PAPER
NOVEMBER 2009
â– snapshot
michael bouchard
S
ince he was 2-years-old, he's lived within four miles of downtown Birmingham. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard grew up hanging out at Marty's Records; he bought his high school letter sweater from the Varsity Shop, and the ring for his bride in downtown Birmingham. He continues to raise his three children there. Throughout his life, Bouchard has owned local small businesses; been a local police officer; and served the area as a Michigan state senator, a state representative, a member of the Beverly Hills Village Council, and now as county sheriff. Always ready for a new challenge, he's launched a campaign to become Michigan's next governor. An issue at the forefront for Bouchard is the loss of Michigan jobs and, in turn, the loss of Michigan residents. "If they want to leave, that's their choice," he said. "If they have to leave to find a job, that's a failure of leadership." Bouchard said that when he left the Senate, Michigan was ranked as one of the best states in America to grow or start a business. "Today we lead the nation in unemployment and we lead the nation in outbound moves," he said. "The good news is we can fix it." According to Bouchard, he brings unique experience to the gubernatorial race.
"My time as a leader in the Senate and my time running a government organization are going to be critically important," he said. Tough decisions will need to be made by the next governor, and Bouchard said he's willing to make those decisions without regard to his own political career. "I'm more than willing to do what's necessary to fix Michigan and not worry about re-election, but worry about the next generation," he said. Bouchard said his most meaningful and proudest experience was helping out after 9/11, when he made a plea to his constituents for donations to assist the victims, and received flashlights, batteries, and water in droves. He said visiting the wreckage of the World Trade Center to help with recovery efforts was a gut-wrenching experience. "I saw the impact of all those families who lost loved ones," he said. Bouchard brings all of his experiences, from growing up locally, to serving in the state Legislature and assisting after 9/11, to his quest for governor. In the short term, he said he's focused on getting Michigan on the right track. "I want it fixed and, after that, I'm totally fine with putting my feet up and watching Michigan sunsets." — Katey Meisner The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard
■ election
Birmingham city commission Christina Fleischer-Casper, Dulce Fuller, incumbent Rackeline Hoff, Edward Lichten, Andrew Meyer, Mark Nickita, and incumbent Stuart Lee Sherman will compete for three open seats on the Birmingham City Commission during the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election. City commissioners serve four-year terms and are paid $5 per meeting. The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates and their responses. Go to oaklandpaper.com to listen to recordings of the complete candidate interviews, featuring additional questions and candidate answers. REVENUES/BUDGET: Property values in Birmingham have declined approximately 40 percent over the last few years, which will lead to lower property tax revenues for the next several years. How do you see that affecting city government and the services offered to residents? If spending or program cuts are necessary, what do you believe should be cut and what should be held harmless? PUBLIC SAFETY CONSOLIDATION: Birmingham and Bloomfield Township officials have been discussing the potential consolidation of the communities’ police and fire departments. Where do you stand on that idea, and why? What other, if any, public service consolidations are feasible? BISTRO LICENSES: The unique zoning ordinance which led to the city’s bistro liquor licenses has been a success. Please explain why you would or wouldn’t continue licensing more bistros in the downtown area. With the city’s Principal Shopping District hiring a leasing consultant who has suggested that the city doesn’t need additional restaurants, and the commission recently taking action to authorize new eateries, do you see the commission and PSD as being out of sync in their visions for the downtown business area? If so, how should incompatible goals or visions be resolved? TRANSIT CENTER: Birmingham and Troy officials are working on a transit center project on the communities’ border. Please state whether you believe the project is necessary and prudent at this time. Tell us why you believe the project is worth the estimated cost. LIBRARY DEBATE: The City Commission and Baldwin Library Board of Directors have been at loggerheads for much of the year over the library’s desire to levy a higher millage than commissioners believe is acceptable, prompting the library to seek a state attorney general’s opinion on the library board’s fiscal 38
autonomy. Tell us why you do or don’t believe the City Commission has handled the library millage in the right way. What, if anything, would you like to see changed in the way the commission deals with the library board? CHRISTINA FLEISCHER-CASPER REVENUES/BUDGET: I see revenues declining as an interim issue. As new industries grow in our community, our community will be desirable and home prices will rise again. In the meantime, there needs to be careful management of assets. We do have a steady amount of assets that comes in, but certainly there’s not enough of a decline to cause a lack of services. Spending should be cut on frivo-
Christina Fleischer-Casper is a stay-athome mother.
lous items, maybe in beautification areas, maybe certain smaller support areas like going to a paperless system rather than purchasing office supplies. That sort of thing is a very important area to cut. One of the main things that has to stay and cannot have any cuts is our fire and police services, and our other support services that make our community the value that it is for our residents. PUBLIC SAFETY CONSOLIDATION: I’m completely against the merger. It increases the coverage area too much to a large radius for a comfortable response time for our residents. Secondly, the change in services would be traumatic for our residents. For the 911 call center operations, the employee fatigue would increase, and what will happen is our litigation will increase against the city. Also, something that hasn’t been brought up is the potential need for residents — their insurance companies will see the change in our status of services and our residents will have to cover the difference in their insurance company bill. Each individual resident could end up paying more in their personal insurance. I’m not personally in favor of mitigating services where our residents deserve the services they have. At this point, I would need to see what would be necessary over a period of
time. I have not yet seen a full research base on anything, on any other service, or any other economic number that would show that any service (consolidation) would be necessary. BISTRO LICENSES: I would license as many as the area could handle; however I would require full sit-down food service. (The Paper: That is in the bistro license requirements.) OK, as long as the food service was included, I would be willing to accommodate any license. Communication is key across the board. That’s why I’m running. A lot of people don’t feel like they have had input in what they see in day-today experiences. I’m looking to increase communication and believe that communication is absolutely essential. It’s just (a matter of) taking time and reviewing what the individual committees and residents have to say. TRANSIT CENTER: It’s entirely necessary. I believe there are transportation dollars that would go into effect from other sources, and as many alternative styles of transportation that you can reach into an area, the better the area can grow, stabilize and maintain its value. Any time you have successful transportation, where you can get on at Point A and get to Point B, it actually gives you a stable base of people coming to your community. With fuel costs fluctuating like they have been, and with the cost of maintaining vehicles, there are people who don’t desire to utilize a vehicle in ways they have in the past. This would open up more consistent forms of transportation for commutes and for other regions to reach us as a community. That can impact our shopping, our home prices positively, and have people look at our community as a way of life. LIBRARY DEBATE: The way the mills are originally set up by the residents, they intentionally had a desire to set up the library. Many of us as residents use the library, and most people who visit the library and use those services wouldn’t be interested in seeing them suffer. That being said, I believe the way the communication has failed has been a shame. I’m not convinced that all efforts have been made on both sides; and further, that has to be patched, or our library will suffer. No, I do not think they handled it the right way. DULCE FULLER REVENUES/BUDGET: I don’t think it affects the essential services to residents, and obviously it’s going to mean the city has to be very cautious with our budget. They’re going to have to look to broaden their tax
THE PAPER
base. There is a lot of room for investment in the downtown area. It could use some revitalizing, and there’s room for more density in the downtown area. And more density in
Dulce Fuller has owned the Woodward & Maple boutique on East Maple in downtown Birmingham for the last 18 years. She previously owned another Birmingham business.
the downtown area would, of course, produce a larger tax base, which would be very helpful to alleviating the tax burden on the homeowners of Birmingham. Police and fire are fundamental obligations of government. That’s not to say there might not be room for expenditure cuts, but those must be maintained at the great levels they have been at. Wherever we can hire new city employees, they have to (receive a) defined contribution instead of a defined benefit (plan). That should be helpful. We need to maintain the streets and the sidewalks. This is absolutely a stunning community. I travel, and every time I come back I’m awed by the beauty of our community. There’s a tremendous pride of ownership in the neighborhoods and it really shows. PUBLIC SAFETY CONSOLIDATION: There is no proposal actually in front of the City Commission to consolidate the fire departments. I think a study has been done, and they found the initial cost to consolidate the two cities’ fire departments is actually prohibitive. Apparently Bloomfield Township doesn’t have any money to put into the endeavor, and certainly I don’t think Birmingham is in any position to do that either. It leaves out a community that is in between the two of us, and that’s Bloomfield Hills. I think we maintain the status quo. I do believe wherever possible the city should privatize services, because when you do that we have complete and utter control over the product that we get. If we don’t like it, we just fire the company and find one that does a better job. I think they have done a good job of privatizing a lot of city functions. There might be more that might be transitioned to private entities, which also NOVEMBER 2009
employ people who pay taxes, which is a win-win. BISTRO LICENSES: It’s been extremely beneficial. I and my retail neighbors on East Maple are serious beneficiaries of Cafe Via. It’s an anchor for us. With the economy being soft, it has brought a lot of traffic to the neighborhood, and it was seriously needed because those people are stopping in shops here in this area and purchasing. It has really made a difference between some of us staying and being forced to close. It has put a lot of adults on the streets at night, which has kept the carousing groups of kids in check. It just makes the whole atmosphere at night feel safe and comfortable. There are no incidents, that I know of, of public drunkenness. It’s been great. It keeps everyone on their toes. Everybody has to improve their product and maintain their property. They could be out of sync with one another, but I don’t believe there are any government entities that can predict what the commercial sector is going to do, or how people are going to react, or what people want. It’s easy to say you don’t need any more eateries in the downtown area, but how in the world do you come up with that analysis? It doesn’t make sense to me. If they are not needed, then they’ll fail. And if they are, and they do a great job, they’ll succeed. I am a firm believer in competition and choice. The market will sift out that which it does not want. TRANSIT CENTER: I don’t think it’s prudent at this time. I don’t think it’s needed at this time. I don’t think a great portion of this community commutes like that and you are correct when you say our revenues are going to continue to decline. We need to create no more debt at this time. I don’t know where they think we are going to get the quantity of commuters that can make that a worthwhile investment. LIBRARY DEBATE: The library board is an elected board and these are people with a passion for the library, and they are on the inside and know best the needs of the library and where money could best be spent. I believe they should have the ability to use their millage as they see fit. (The commission) should allow the library board to decide what it needs and what it’s going to cost. I think they would want to get the best deal for the money, so I don’t know why the commission should need to interfere. RACKELINE HOFF REVENUES/BUDGET: We have to be even more prudent in making financial decisions, and we have to continuously look for cost-saving measures. I think the current commission is very aware of what’s happening with revenues, so we are looking for opportunities to share services, for greater efficiencies, and continuously www.oaklandpaper.com
have that in mind. We are eliminating some positions through attrition — not letting people go, but as they retire, sometimes those positions are left open. We also are being very careful now with parks and recreation enhancements.
Rackeline Hoff was first elected to the City Commission in 2001. She served as mayor in 2005, and is the city's current mayor pro-tem. She has served on the city's Board of Review, Zoning Board of Appeals, Advisory Parking Board, and the Ad Hoc Committee for Downtown Development.
We have spent the majority of our bond funds, so we are keeping our eye on that. We are exploring opportunities for shared services with other communities, and this is also an option for cost savings. PUBLIC SAFETY CONSOLIDATION: It definitely is a strong possibility in consolidating certain departments. For instance, there are areas like dispatch, animal control, and lock up that could possibly be consolidated easily and efficiently. But I do think we need to explore this further. No decision has been made and I strongly support maintaining a police presence in downtown Birmingham. We have looked at consolidating, or doing the services in community development for Beverly Hills. That they did not approve, but those are some of the areas. Also, let’s look at code inspection and enforcement that could be shared with other communities. BISTRO LICENSES: Yes, it has been a success, and it’s added new vibrancy to the city, but I think before we approve new licenses, we have to look at the whole issue of liquor licenses and the effects of the increase of liquor licenses in the city. We haven’t done this since they’ve been in operation. We have to look at this for police and fire activity, if there’s been an increase, the impact on neighboring businesses and residents, and the increase demand on city services, so I’m not either in favor or opposed to adding additional liquor licenses. Before I make a decision I want a little more investigation and some kind of report on what’s happened. I didn’t know that the leasing agent said there should be no more restaurants. I wasn’t aware of that. So I wasn’t aware of any incompatibility. This is the first I’m hearing of that. I think we have been working
very well with the PSD, and in having similar goals, and everyone wants downtown Birmingham to be thriving. We’re very concerned about the empty storefronts, and I hope this new leasing specialist will help us fill some of them. I think we’re in sync. TRANSIT CENTER: This is an area I am very concerned about. I think we are working towards a very tight deadline. We have the June 2010 deadline when we are required to break ground on that project. I am concerned about how much money that Birmingham is going to invest in this project, and whether it will get off the ground by the deadline. I would support it if we get the funding, but at this point, we have hired lobbyists and we have put money into it, and I’m a little reluctant to put much more money into it until we have some idea of whether this is going to go forward. I would say it’s a sum of money we don’t have right now. We can’t pay for half of that project; it’s in the many millions. I would like more of an indication that this money is going to be raised. We have invested several thousands of dollars so far, and I would like some definite indication of where we are headed. LIBRARY DEBATE: I fully support how the commission handled the library issue. The fact that the library had a large amount of money in their general fund and wanted to increase the millage was inappropriate. But, moving forward, there has been a change with the library director gone, and I hear the library is looking to work with the city more compatibly. They are moving in the right direction. I don’t think we are going to have the issues or the problems we have had in the past. EDWARD LICHTEN REVENUES/BUDGET: To balance the budget, Birmingham, like every other community, will have to reduce the number of city employees. This can affect services, but ideally we’ll find ways to minimize the cost of these employees, therefore maximizing the number of employees that we retain. Without being able to analyze all of the specific programs, the ones we want to maintain the most are police and fire. I believe we can reduce some of the costs of the clerical employees. The parks and services need to be maintained, although we might be able to reduce some of the expenses in maintaining parks and services. Some of the activities, such as a dog park — we probably need to be looking for programs that really don’t cost the city significant funds. PUBLIC SAFETY CONSOLIDATION: If we’re able to reduce upper echelon or supervisory personnel to some extent, this could be a benefit. The thing that I have talked to two other cities about is basically reducing the cost of health care benefits while maintaining higher preventative, early-intervention mechanisms. We’re
THE PAPER
looking at saving potentially a quarter-of-a-million dollars or more, and that money would allow us, if we implemented such a program, to retain a higher number of firemen and police in the city of Birmingham. I don’t have the numbers, but I’d like to look at what we spend on parks and recreation, the tree programs, maintaining the flowers, and everything else in the city. From what I saw a couple of years ago, this area may have the potential for some significant cuts, and we may be able to save significant overhead in this parks and recreation program from a cost standpoint, from what they’ve been paying for trees, the administrative personnel, and the services rendered. That would be one of the first things I will look at should I be elected. BISTRO LICENSES: Based on the implementation of the program, I think it’s been done very well. We had a couple of sore spots that were closed down, so the city government has done a very good job of policing this, and since bringing in people who have money to spend is one of the optimal functions of city government, I would support continuing this program. But, in the area of Old Woodward, where it crosses into regular Woodward, there is a little bit more police activity needed, because there has been more thefts and assaults.
Edward Lichten, M.D. is a obstetrician/gynecologist who also practices hormonal-based medicine for men and women at the Lichten Wellness Center in Birmingham. He has served two terms on the EMS committee.
I disagree with the leasing group. But the point that I think we can make is if we can offer services here that are not available elsewhere… if we can offer through the Chamber of Commerce better, cheaper health care to attract businesses to the area — at this point the competition between Royal Oak, Birmingham and Troy is going to heat up as there are less and less businesses, so we have to have something unique, and it’s not going to be the rental rates, because they’re higher here, so I’m looking for ways for the businessmen and businesswomen to come into the city. TRANSIT CENTER: The problem we are faced with in Birmingham at this time is the transportation issues that bring people from Detroit into 39
■ election the Birmingham area. Transit costs, using Amtrak or (SMART) bus lines, can be done without increasing costs. I have no problem looking at these issues, but spending money on transit that would be coming south rather than west or east into Birmingham would be counterproductive. LIBRARY DEBATE: I think when you get into issues, and the library is a very important part of our city, there should be room for compromise. One thing I like to do is to turn these issues over, when they become a blockage, to a mediator, and ask, “OK, what’s a simple solution?” When the library board gets involved with lawyers and the attorney general, and the city has to have legal expenses, by the time it’s done it would have been better to settle this directly. ANDREW MEYER REVENUES/BUDGET: I think the government needs to be aware of what is happening, and what will happen in the future, and spend their money accordingly. There are some indications in the city to lead people to believe otherwise — parks and golf course renovations, and so forth. We really need to model what our revenue is going to be in the next three or four years and make some assumptions about worse case scenario planning and then size the government accordingly. We have to realize what is most essential to us, and prioritize our services over what is most essential to the taxpayer. I can’t give you any specific examples right now because we need to understand what a lot of the taxpayers, their perspective on things, in terms of what is essential and nonessential. Clearly, at the pace we’ve been going at, we can’t operate that same pace, so decisions will have to be made. PUBLIC SAFETY CONSOLIDATION: I haven’t seen the proposals, but if there is cost savings and there’s not a drop in service level, I would be in favor of it, provided we are very sensitive to the needs of the employees that are affected. We’ve got to assume the service level remains the same, that there are associated cost savings with that. If that’s the case, I think that makes sense. I don’t think there’s anything that’s not looked at in terms of trying to save money but maintaining the level of service that the consumers want. BISTRO LICENSES: I don’t see any reason to stop. It appears to be a successful endeavor. I don’t have the statistics to back it up, but as we walk around town, it certainly seems like it’s more successful, and the choices of restaurants are greater than they used to be. So I don’t see any reason to stop or revise that policy. I think we have to realize what value the PSD brings to the organi40
zations of the city. As I talk to business owners in the city, they have to pay a pretty hefty mandatory fee to be part of the PSD, and they express concern to me that they’re not getting value for that. I’m not sure if they’re out of sync or not, but the people I talk to don’t see the value in the PSD. I agree that their goals should be united for the city, but ultimately someone has to set those objectives,
Andrew Meyer is president of Meyer Entrepreneurs. He is a consultant who helps small businesses get started.
and that’s the City Commission. TRANSIT CENTER: At this time I believe all projects should be looked at and scrutinized for continuing to fund them simply because of the situation we are in. I’ve taken the train out of Birmingham and as one of three people who got on the train in Birmingham, I would like to understand how many would actually use the facility under construction. (The Paper: It’s not under construction.) Or proposed, I should say. LIBRARY DEBATE: I don’t know. I live in Birmingham, I pay a lot of Birmingham taxes, I can’t imagine the Birmingham residents would allow or would agree with an increase in their taxes. Fundamentally, doing that doesn’t make any sense. Now, who controls the library is an issue that probably needs to be handled down the road. There’s some discussion over who they report to ... so there’s some tension built in there. I have no opinion (on the way the commission deals with library board) at this point. I have to learn more about it. MARK NICKITA REVENUES/BUDGET: Luckily, we are in a better position than many communities. “Business as usual” will not be something we can take for granted in the future. We have to roll up our sleeves and be as efficient and as effective as possible in dealing with the city’s budgetary issues as we move forward, while looking very carefully at how we maintain the services that we have. That’s the goal, to not cut back services and not increase taxes, but find ways to keep revenues as stable as possible, increase revenues where possible, and minimize the loss where possible. Efficiency is going to be key. I think there are a number of things that we’ve done a certain way ...
we’re going to have do some re-evaluation. Clearly, in any community safety becomes a primary issue, so police and fire is going to be something that becomes significant in maintaining the quality that we have. We always look at cities, because I’m involved in city development and city building in my work. Safe and clean is always fundamental, priority No. 1, to make sure we have a clean city, that it’s maintained well, that things work well, and that we’re safe. So those are the areas that have to be maintained. I think we’re going to find less money for some of the other assets over time, like in the past when we spent money on parks. We’re going to have to be more efficient with our funding going forward ... like street improvements and parks. I don’t think we will stop and not deal with those things, I just think we will have to be not as aggressive as in the past, and looking at maintenance instead of expansion in those areas. PUBLIC SAFETY CONSOLIDATION: The importance of police and fire are premier. The most important thing is keeping our system as good as it can be. At the same time, I’m aware, and I have reviewed the report that has been issued on the feasibility study of police and safety that Plante & Moran did in 2008. I understand that there are recommendations to look very seriously at consolidation. I’m in favor of being as efficient as possible. I think we need to look more at how we can consolidate and how we can save money by putting the two systems together, but I think it doesn’t weigh as heavily on the value of the community relationship and how the police and fire integrates with that. At this point, I see that it needs to be an evolution of the understanding of what needs to happen, but I do think there are many areas where we can become more efficient and perhaps we just haven’t rolled up our sleeves and looked at it as aggressively as we have to now. There are opportunities without losing our values. There have been some discussions about consolidation already. There’s dispatch, there’s activities regarding our waste management that’s been successful, and there’s issues about pest control that have been done to some degree. We’ve already looked at some areas, and we need to look at more of that. Public safety, and the way we maintain our parks, the way we water things, all these things — there’s opportunities to be more efficient. And frankly, there’s opportunities to look very carefully at what we found successes at. We’ve been successful at utilizing private relationships in some conditions, and typically utilizing the expertise of our community and the interest in our community and our residents to do things.
THE PAPER
BISTRO LICENSES: I was very involved in that, as a Planning Board member. I had to approve every license that came before us. The bistro licenses go in front of the Planning Board before they go to the City Commission to weigh in on it. I’ve had intimate contact with the development of that ordinance, as well as the implementation of it since it’s inception. I support it, and I believe we have seen some great successes. One thing that’s terrific about it is that we have the opportunity to monitor its progress and adjust it if we see that there are any issues or problems. So far things have been going very well; and going forward, I say we continue the processes. There really have been no glitches. There may have been very minor things that have happened, but overall we have had great successes. I would be very supportive of moving forward with the program and looking for ways for it to flourish and evolve, for it to enhance other areas of the perimeter of downtown, like the Triangle Area as that gets developed, which is now in its infancy. I’ve been involved with the PSD in regards to these recommendations as part of the Business Development Committee, with regards to hiring a consultant from outside to give us insight. One of the things we’re
Mark Nickita is an architect and urban designer. He served on the city's Planning Board from 1997 to 2000, and 2003 to present, including chairing it. He has served on the PSD Business Development Committee, the Birmingham/Troy Transit Center Design Committee, Booth Park Design Committee, and the Triangle District Design Committee.
looking at ... (is) what would be the optimum retail activity that we would like to see in the city, and how would we go about getting that? One of the things the City Commission has done, and has to do with the land owners ... they’re looking at the reality of vacant space and getting people to come into those spaces. There’s a bit of integration that has to happen. On one hand there’s the need of filling space and getting the streets active, and allowing new and interesting things to happen, like outdoor bistros and cafes which have brought people and activity to the city. For a retail consultant, I think our perfect world is something a little more well-roundNOVEMBER 2009
ed, that doesn’t have too much of one thing. We do need some more apparel, we do need a shoe store, we do need some places to do some shopping other than just eating. I think it’s fine to have a goal from the retail standpoint, to go towards something, and then find ways to get there. It’s also important to recognize that we need the streets active. I would work collectively with the two ends of the needs and the two goals that are there trying to find ways to get a comparable mix. TRANSIT CENTER: I have been involved with that project from the very beginning as a member of the Planning Board, and on a subcommittee to examine that and design charrettes to look at the bigger picture ... and it has been a great project to integrate. I have been a strong advocate of working with Troy, not only on this, but on other issues, because we do border them, in a variety of ways throughout the city perimeter on the east side, and I hope to initiate the integration of the two communities to work together on planning issues. I do think one of our big assets on the east side, in the Rail District, is our connection to the transit that allows us to go into not only Detroit, but to Chicago. I think our connection to having a downtown, or a city station, has been historically very important, and we would want to maintain that into the future. The opportunity to have us and Troy work together has been a great opportunity. I support the idea very strongly. I do think we should have a transit center. I also believe very strongly that it should be accessible from Birmingham. Birmingham has always had the access point, and we must maintain that. That means the tunnel, or some connection, must be part of that. We are looking at ways of getting staged amounts of development to work with ridership as it increases. Right now, there’s a certain amount of ridership there. We need to build a system that works for the ridership that’s there right now and the near future, which is supposed to gain (according to) the studies that have been given to us. Then longer term, there might be the opportunity for a more established system there. I think the question is, to what level do we do it initially, and how will it grow over time? I’ve been in favor of some level of phasing, so we can work into size as it goes on. I think the estimated cost is one that is a goal of the overall bigger picture, but I think some of that can be done at a lesser cost. But the project overall is an important one to do. LIBRARY DEBATE: The library is one of the things the community has as a great asset. I think the library has to be as strong as possible and I www.oaklandpaper.com
believe autonomy is possible. The board is elected by the residents, and the residents essentially put those people there to direct the library in the best way they see fit. I believe there should be some strengths in focusing on ways for the commission to assist the library in whatever way possible, but allowing them to grow and establish in whatever way the residents want to see that happen. I would see the commission collectively attempting to support the library, not necessarily take it over or take the lead, but assist them in their goals and make it even better than it already is. STUART LEE SHERMAN REVENUES/BUDGET: The decline in property values has already affected revenues for the city. Fortunately, we have been prepared for this, and have been preparing for a number of years. As a result of paying attention to what is going on, we’ve been able to get ahead of the curve on cost-
Stuart Sherman has served one term as a city commissioner, and is the current mayor of Birmingham. From 2000 to 2005 he served on the city's Board of Review, and from 2004 to 2005, he was a hearing officer for the city. He is a tax attorney at Jacob & Weingarten.
cutting. We’ve reduced the cost of city government at a rate faster than the rate of decline has hit the city. We’re going to do everything possible, and at the same time, preserve the city services the residents expect. That’s going to be our goal. There’s nothing that gets held harmless. Again, the goal has been preserve city services by reducing costs and looking at how services are being provided, and figuring out ways to provide the same services at lower costs, and that’s what we’ve done. We’ve done it to the point where we haven’t had to touch our reserves yet. Our reserves are at close to 40 percent of our budget. We’re in a very good position to weather the storm. PUBLIC SAFETY CONSOLIDATION: I think the discussion, any discussion, about different ways to provide services should continue, and we should do them at a time when we are not in a position where we have to make a move. By having the opportunity to study these types of issues in a non-pressure situation, we’re able to get good information and make solid
decisions. As to whether this particular solution is going to work for Birmingham and Bloomfield Township, I don’t know yet. The study that was done was commissioned by Birmingham and Bloomfield Township, and paid for by Oakland County. It gave us some good information, but at the same time it utilizes assumptions that may not really work for us. One of the things we learned from that study was we’re doing a great job of controlling our costs and reducing the costs of producing police and fire safety. Yet, we’re still providing the same high level of public safety that residents expect. The idea may work under different assumptions. The way it’s been presented isn’t something we’re going to move forward on. That doesn’t mean the discussion stops. There may be things within our police and fire that make sense to do together. Maybe it’s animal control, maybe it’s dispatch. It’s something we’re still exploring. And it may not only be with Bloomfield Township. There may be other communities that we may need to talk with. Every element of city government needs to be looked at under today’s budget constraints. Maybe we need a district library, where you have locations throughout the county, and everyone gets to use those libraries, and the cost of libraries is spread out over a much larger group of people. Public works — it’s very expensive. If it can be used over a wider period, you have some cost savings. Something that looks like it’s operating at the most efficient level possible, we may find, hey, here’s another idea, and that may result in cost savings without sacrificing services. BISTRO LICENSES: The bistro concept has been an unparalleled success. If you walk down the streets during the week, some of the restaurants are turning over their tables two or three times a night. It has brought in people who may not have come to the city previously. They’re out there, they’re walking, they’re enjoying the atmosphere. It’s been great. We still have to balance the licenses that are out there with the needs of the community. So far, I think what we have done is working very well. Each concept that comes before us has to be looked at: Is it going to fit in; is it the kind of establishment that will enhance the experience of Birmingham; or, is it something that isn’t right for Birmingham? So far, what we have seen is great, and I’m hoping it’s going to continue. I don’t think the commission and the PSD are out of sync with each other. We are looking at what will be in the best interest of the community as a whole. That has to be the overriding concern. TRANSIT CENTER: This morning I
THE PAPER
met with a representative of (U.S.) Rep. Gary Peters’ office regarding this exact issue, trying to figure out exactly where we are with this issue. It’s a project that Rep. Peters has worked very hard on to secure funding. He has secured $1.3 million for it so far. Mass transportation is an issue that southeast Michigan is lacking. If you look across the country, the communities that seem to attract the young, talented people that make communities vibrant have mass transit. There is a community that grows as a direct result of that. The transit center is still in its infancy, as far as will it work in this location or not. There are some issues that have to be dealt with. We are taking a very cautious approach to it right now, because we are not sure there is going to be funding available. At the same time, if it appears that transit centers, where they work, bring in a great deal of positive economic growth, and we have to look at every possible way to bring in growth to our community. LIBRARY DEBATE: I think the city has handled the situation with the library board exactly correct. It’s not the library board. The library board was being directed by their director. The process they were using, and the budget technique they were using, were causing them to take taxpayer money beyond what was really needed for their operations. They were padding their budget. And that’s not acceptable. When they came and said they wanted a millage increase, when we were having to look at ways to trim other budgets, like public safety, but the library needed more money, when they were sitting on more than one-and-a-half million dollars, unrestricted funds, that was not good government. I think the library board has taken very wise steps in the last few months by agreeing to the separation of service between the library board and their head librarian. They’ve taken very prudent fiscal steps to address these issues, and I applaud them. The library is a very important asset to this community, and we have to protect the library for future generations. But they are not above any other area — public safety, public works — where they should get special treatment for the funds that are available. We want them to have enough money to operate, and they always had plenty of funds to operate. That was never the issue. The issue was who was going to decide how much money they actually needed. Now that the board has taken certain steps, I think the relationship between the commission and the library board is going to improve drastically. ■ 41
■ election
Baldwin library board Sheila Brice, incumbent Andrew M. Harris, Hermann Fleischer, and Frank Pisano will compete for three open seats on Birmingham’s Baldwin Public Library Board of Directors during the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election. Library board members serve four-year terms and do not receive compensation for their service. The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates and their responses. Go to oaklandpaper.com to listen to recordings of the complete candidate interviews, featuring additional questions and candidate answers. MILLAGE/BUDGET: The City Commission and library Board of Directors have been at loggerheads over the library’s desire to levy a higher millage than city commissioners believe is acceptable, prompting the library to seek a state attorney general’s opinion on the library board’s fiscal autonomy. Tell us why you do or don’t believe the library board has handled the millage issue in the right way. What changes in budget priorities or spending would you advocate at this time, and why? DIRECTOR SEARCH: The library board is expected to embark on a national search for a new library director, following the recent resignation of Martha Custer. Please tell us what experiences, skills and characteristics you’re looking for in a new library director. Please state why you do or don’t believe the library board should hire a firm to conduct the director search. TOP ISSUES: What are the three most important issues for the library at this time, and how do you propose to address them? SHEILA BRICE MILLAGE/BUDGET: In March, when the proposed budget was presented for a public hearing, I had big concerns. I became concerned when I attended the hearing and saw (the library board) budgeting $40,000 for an attorney — in essence using our tax dollars to sue the city. The library has been part of the city of Birmingham for over 75 years and ... I couldn’t understand why we would be looking at separating when during these difficult financial times, we need to partner and strengthen our teaming and partnering together. I also felt that the process of how the budget wasn’t formally presented to the city — that bothered me, and then at the public hearing, there was minimal attendance and I just felt that the word hadn’t gotten out. I also felt that a perfunctory hearing was given to the public; we were 42
allowed to speak, those few of us that were there. But then the board, just immediately after hearing a few comments, approved the proposed budget, and I’m not sure if it was ever delivered to the city manager’s office and the treasurer’s office, and I feel that had been the route for decades — to present the budget to the city because the library is a subfinancial unit of the city. I’ve studied the budget and I know that a significant part is devoted to personnel and retiree costs. Looking over what’s slated for capital fund improvement, I’d like to see the new board revisit that — what they have earmarked for spending in different years for different departments. They’ve spent a considerable amount of money refurbishing the Rotary Room, and I noticed that the sound and technology capabilities seem to need improvement to cablecast the board meetings and be able to live stream. I’ve heard comments from other citizens that you can’t hear what’s being recorded there. We have to be leaner in every department and I know that the current board and director tried to cut some costs. We have to look at how we can cut costs without taking a dive in the quality of our services. I think we have to really collaborate with our other partner, Bingham Farms, and to make sure that we’re still meeting with them regularly, the same with meeting with Beverly Hills. I did attend (a) Beverly Hills council meeting ... and heard the concerns from the council about their ability to participate in their contract with Baldwin. So, that’s a huge concern. I guess I would recommend that the new board, each board member, be assigned one of the municipalities, to meet regularly with Bingham Farms, Bloomfield, and Beverly Hills to discuss funding issues as we (are) working on a new budget. DIRECTOR SEARCH: I visit many libraries, even on vacation. While my husband is visiting sports stadiums, I’m visiting libraries and I really avail myself to the Internet, checking out what libraries are doing, not just locally, but statewide and nationally. The head or chief librarian has to be the technical advisor to the board. He or she is the person who has to recommend policies for the board. They also make recommendations about employees and supervising their work. The (new) director has to have had some experience in long-range planning, strategic planning, and visioning. The chief librarian would have to be someone who
has a good record of being trusted, be reputable, and a good steward… of funds. The librarian would be expected to know national laws, but (also) state laws on how the library is supposed to conduct themselves, privacy laws, etc. This person should have a good track record of attendance in their prior employment and working with boards, and be attuned to all the community partners that are stakeholders in the Baldwin Library. Also, I would say (we need) a collaborative person who has shown from past employment and past volunteer activities that they can partner with municipal, civic and non-profit groups, as well as Friends of the Library, teens who are on board giving advice, and the general users of the library. I’m very pleased that the library board has arranged for two interim directors: Doug Koschik and Matt Church. I hear they’re doing a fine job. I heard them speak at the Beverly Hills council meeting. I’m personally very comfortable that these two capable, qualified and dedicated librarians have agreed how they are splitting the duties, have attended city department meetings, and are making a seamless transition from the director supervision to carrying on ... the quality services that we expect at Baldwin. At this time I know the board doesn’t want to rush into hiring. Instead of going to a national search firm, I truly believe that given our unemployment in this state, the attractiveness for those who want to stay in this wonderful state that are looking locally, in the tri-county area, would be the first place I would start. (I support) looking within the state of Michigan before we would contract to hire with a national firm. TOP ISSUES: I believe, No. 1, hiring the director is the most important issue, and giving a good orientation to the director and to the new board. Second is overseeing our budget, making it more transparent and involving the community in the process early on — not just having the hearing at the end of the process… (but) broadcasting every library board meeting and budget hearing and live streaming would be my recommendation, as well as making sure that minutes of the meetings are delivered in a timely fashion to City Hall and posted on Baldwin’s website. And then, thirdly, to repair and strengthen relationships that Baldwin has with the city of Birmingham and the other 3 B’s:
THE PAPER
Sheila Brice has been employed with Birmingham Public Schools for 18 years as a community service organizer at Groves High School. Brice has served as director of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, and done marketing projects for the Baldwin Public Library's 75 anniversary celebration.
Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Bloomfield Township. ANDREW M. HARRIS MILLAGE/BUDGET: I think the library has handled the millage issue in the right way. It’s been our practice historically to set our own budget and use our own millage rate as part of that budget and to take it before the commission. And the commission has, more or less, rubber stamped it in years past. Recently, as the question indicates, the city commission has not approved the library’s millage rate. Our first reaction back in April of 2008, before I was on the board, was to enter into good faith negotiations with the city. We sent them letters indicating why we felt like we had the legal authority to set the millage, and the city respectively had a different position. In October of last year, because there was still no resolution, the City Commission and library board created joint governance and finance committees with the objective that they resolve this millage issue and several other issues pertaining to governance and finance. Unfortunately, despite good faith negotiations, we were unable to resolve the issue. The library’s position is still legally that we have the right to set our millage based on state law and the City Charter. It gets intricate but, in a nutshell, we’re a library that’s called a section 10A library and that’s in reference to a state statute, and the law has consistently held that 10A libraries control their own millage rate. The city has a different position. That’s where we stand now. We sought the advice of an attorney general’s opinion through our (state) Sen. (John) Pappageorge as we try to resolve this issue one way or another without litigation, at minimal cost to the taxpayers, and to resolve an issue that’s so important to our budget and to our planning going forward. In short, I thought the library handled itself, and will continue to handle itself, well. We’ve tried to resolve this issue in good faith through negotiation and correspondence with the city. Once that didn’t bear any fruit, we tried to get a costeffective resolution through our state NOVEMBER 2009
senator, through a process that has provided for Michigan residents to get a legal opinion without costs of litigation. We got back what we thought was beneficial and we’re still trying to resolve the issue. I think we’ve handled ourselves responsibly in proper fiduciary (oversight) of the library. We had, as part of our capital budget, significant renovations to the first floor. Those haven’t been updated in several decades. We scrapped all of those because the budget has been reduced significantly over the past two years because of the 1.0 millage rate. What we’ve also done is freeze compensation. There aren’t any, if I recall correctly, increases in salaries to any of the employees, and we don’t forecast any increases going forward. Another thing we’ve done is take our rainy day fund, or fund balance, and we’ve had to cut that significantly. I believe it’s about 14 to 15 percent now. That’s a full 10 percent below what municipal accountants recommend. If this millage issue isn’t resolved by the next time we adopt our budget at the end of June 2010, we’re going have to explore more cuts, and those cuts may be a cut in hours of service, fewer hours on the weekends perhaps, and perhaps fewer programs. But we hope that further cuts are unnecessary. We don’t want to take away from Baldwin, which is one of the assets in the community that is valued tremendously by our residents. DIRECTOR SEARCH: The two main criteria we’re looking for are library expertise and financial experience. We’re hoping ideally to find a candidate that has an MBA in business, has some kind of finance background, and also has a master’s, post-graduate degree, in library science. As we’ve seen now through our budget negotiations and the cuts we’ve had to make, a firm grasp of the library’s financials is very important. From the library aspect strictly, it’s obviously important that the new director be familiar with Baldwin’s circulation, its programs, its technology; so we want someone who is going to fill that criteria, as well. Do we need a search committee? We’re not sure yet. I think it would be a breach of our duties not to at least explore it. I’m part of the new director search committee. It’s going to be led by Ileane Thal, former librarian, a current board member, who is retiring. Ileane has experience hiring a library director for a different organization, and part of the process is to take a look at what some of these firms can provide and see if we might benefit from their services. At this point, to rule out even considering a search wouldn’t be consistent with the due diligence www.oaklandpaper.com
as required here. I will say that the interim directors, Matt Church and Doug Koschik, have done a great job taking over their additional responsibilities since Martha Custer left. And, whether they stay on, one of them or both of them, that’s another option that we’ll consider as we look to make a permanent decision on replacing Ms. Custer. TOP ISSUES: We have to find a new director as soon as possible that is going to maintain the level of services that residents of Birmingham, Beverly Hills, and Bingham Farms expect from the library. As I said, I’m on the committee, and I know we’ll work hard and do our due diligence to find the next director or directors. The second most important issue is maintaining positive relationships with the city commission, and that’s largely centered around resolving this millage issue. I know the board is still willing to negotiate in good faith with the City Commission. Perhaps we can get a resolution before the time we adopt our next budget on what is the actual millage rate. There are other incidental issues that affect our relationship with the city. The city performs a series of administrative services for the library. It actually owns the library building, and it handles benefits for our employees. That’s all part of maintaining a positive relationship with the city, which in the recent past hasn’t been optimal. Finally, I think our relationship with Beverly Hills is very important. As most folks know, Beverly Hills has a contract with Baldwin to use our library in exchange for a fee. Now they’ve recently opted out of that contract because of their financial challenges. And, because that contract makes up about 14 percent of Baldwin’s revenue, I think it’s very important that we work with Beverly Hills, its village, its council, its residents, to promote Baldwin’s services — remind them of the value they receive from that contract so that they’re more apt to opt back Andrew Harris, an attorney for Kitch Attorneys & Counselors in Detroit, is a current member of the Baldwin Library Board of Directors. Harris has served as a chairperson of the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board, a member of the Citizens for Shain Park Committee, a member of the Friends of the Library.
into that contract and be our partner for library services. HERMANN FLEISCHER MILLAGE/BUDGET: Well, I think this item has been more of a misunderstanding on how the city would fund that portion of the library. The library building is owned by the city, so the dollars and cents that they’re talking about are the dollars and
cents we would be able to use for buying books, DVDs, computer programs, and other items that are necessary for the library. There are ways of doing more in our library alone so that you can cut down on the cost. But, I think the city needs to take a look at the library as a real jewel because without the library and the type of library we have, why would people want to come to Birmingham? Why would people want to come and buy a home in Birmingham? Birmingham is a city based on services, and I think you have to keep up the best services you have. The library is one of them. DIRECTOR SEARCH: It has been normal in the library world that a director search is conducted by an outside company. They take care of screening the candidates based on what the requests are from the board. The type of librarian that we need is someone that’s futuristic, somebody that’s willing to come up with new ideas for the library. They have to also be an administrator because they have to take care of internal functions of the library, and everyday operations. Plus, the person that gets selected needs to understand that they are working for the library board, not for anyone else. So, the direction that the board gives that person, they would have to follow through with the board first. I think in the long run, everything will work out. TOP ISSUES: The first issue is reestablishing a budget that makes the library workable. Second is re-establishing a good relationship with the city commission, and I think that can by done by sitting down and talking things out before they get to the point where they are at right now. And, I think the third item that we need to look at is what are the future needs. We got hit all the sudden with ... the Internet, and that changed the face of libraries because they weren’t just books anymore to look at. You have the Internet to work with, and I think that’s the main point, that the library is going to change and it’s going to be a futuristic director, someone who knows or can see that change is Herman Fleischer is a retiree who worked as a media specialist at the Oakland Community College library in Auburn Hills for over 29 years. He was also a member of the Birmingham Cablecasting Board for 15 years.
coming, and I think the board needs to understand that and reflect that. FRANK PISANO MILLAGE/BUDGET: I know that we’ve been at odds with the City Commission on the millage and we need to, I feel, build a bridge with the City Commission to get the proper millage to keep the library funded
THE PAPER
for the excellent service that we’ve seen in the past. I don’t know enough about hiring an attorney. That I would have to delve more into in the future and talk to other board members, if I do get elected, to see if that’s the right course of action or not. I think that, first and foremost, is that we need to work as a team with the City Commission to get the millage that we need, or if there’s possibly other courses of action that we can work together as a team on to hopefully get the millage that we need. I don’t know anything about the attorney and I don’t really want to comment on that right now. DIRECTOR SEARCH: With me being new to this position and really not knowing what went on with the past library board coordinator, the characteristics of an individual I would think of for that position are being very knowledgeable of how the library works, the needs and wants of the community, and to provide that for the services that Birmingham demands and wants for their community. The national search, I think, is the right road to go down. I was able to sit down with the co-directors right now, and it seems that they’re doing a very good job, and I think that I would have to — me being new at this and not knowing the ins-andouts, I would have to rely on more information from the library board, current members, and what their thinking is and go from there. TOP ISSUES: First, I think looking at hiring a new library coordinator is the most important. I know that the current co-directors are doing a very good job, and I would like to seek advice from more senior members of the board to see what course of action they’d like to take. I think that if we do hire a coordinator, we need to work with the city and the city manager and City Commission to get to a resolution to get the proper funding, and somebody that can build a bridge and relationship with the City Commission. Second, I think we want to definitely talk to Beverly Hills about the current contract. I think that’s very important, not only for Birmingham, but for the city of Beverly Hills to continue to provide those services to them and look at what we can do with the current contract and if we have to renegotiate it. I think it’s very important that they’re a part of our community library. Third is building a bridge of communication and working together with the City Commission, and that’s what I would work towards. ■ Frank Pisano has been a financial advisor with Oppenheimer in Birmingham for seven years.
43
■ election
Birmingham school board Katie Reiter is challenging incumbent Lori Soifer for a seat on the Birmingham School District’s Board of Education during the Tuesday, Nov. 3 election. Board of Education members serve four-year terms and receive no pay for their service. The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates and their responses. Go to oaklandpaper.com to listen to recordings of the complete candidate interviews, featuring additional questions and candidate answers. BUDGET: Declining property tax revenues and uncertainty over state perpupil spending make it increasingly difficult for the Birmingham School District to maintain a balanced budget. What action should the district be taking at this time to meet this challenge? If spending or program cuts are necessary, what should be cut, what should be spared cuts, and why? TECHNOLOGY: Tell us why you are or aren’t satisfied with the level of technology used in the schools? Where are improvements or changes necessary, and why? COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Please state why you do or don’t believe the district is doing enough to reach out to the community and remain open to various voices and interests. State why you do or don’t believe the community is doing enough to be an active partner with district officials. WHY YOU? Why, specifically, should voters choose you over your opponent? TOP ISSUES: What are the three most important issues for the district at this time, and how do you propose to address them? KATIE REITER BUDGET: I think first we have to think proactively rather than reactively. We need a planning process that includes all of the community, engages everyone and brings in all of our talents and skills. Real savings come from long-term and careful planning, and that you can’t just listen to the loudest voice in the room and you can’t cut while you’re running. We need to rethink and refocus our budget in terms of our wants, our needs, and our must haves. We also need to remember that we can’t keep cutting to continue excellence. We really have to find ways to strengthen our programs, bring in new families and more revenue, at the same time that we are strong fiscal stewards of our taxpayer money. We need to change our elections to even-numbered years to reduce fees paid to the townships. Southfield Township, Bloomfield Township and West Bloomfield 44
Township all charge us for elections on the odd-numbered years. The exact amount varies by how many precincts are open (in each township). By changing our elections to the even years only, we will pay no
Katie Reiter has owned Health Quest Enterprises for 15 years, acting as a health and wellness management consultant. She has also volunteered as a district room mom.
fees for our elections, saving us $40,000 to $50,000 every other year, or $25,000 annually. We need to initiate a board policy to bid out all consultant services. That could save us some money. We need to consult and work with our other local districts and the (intermediate school district) to find ways to consolidate, to coordinate more services and back room services, and cut costs across the administration. We need to coordinate more with local colleges to use students as interns for classroom credit to assist in our areas such as tutoring, working with underachieving children, technology assistance, etc. I’d like us to study school start times and busing schedules both for cost reduction and educational benefits. We could possibly coordinate a regional transportation schedule with other districts in the ISD. We need to utilize our local business experience more for expertise, for donations and for internship possibilities. I’d like us to create an idea bank and a grant writing committee including staff and community members. With my background, we can reduce health care costs by initiating a proactive employee wellness program for all district employees. TECHNOLOGY: Birmingham likes to (have) cutting-edge technology and I think it’s very important for a board member to know about 21st century learning, to know about technology and to understand about collaborative teamwork and how to engage technology in the classroom. A board member needs to understand that so they can offer support and guidance to the staff member. I don’t think it’s the board’s job to look over the shoulders and do the jobs of the administration and the teachers. The board hires the superintendent to run the district; the board needs to
ensure that it’s well run. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I don’t think the district is doing enough to reach out to the community. I completely agree that board members are our first-line elected officials. They need to be engaged and accessible and responsive to all of our community. I’m concerned that we simply don’t do that right now. We are responsible to the public for their money and their children and they must be able to communicate with us. I’d like e-mail address and phone numbers for individual board members listed. I’d like board meetings streamed live on our website or on You Tube. We hold a lot of closed sessions and, just because by law they can be closed doesn’t mean they have to be closed. We need to hold regular, open town hall meetings with all the stakeholders in the district, not just the parents. We need regular coffee with the board member sessions for staff. I’d like to see educational forums held on a monthly basis and well advertised to the community, dealing with issues that directly relate to our schools and the community. The board needs to be engaged with the kids more. I’d like to see them hold regular lunch hours with a board member at the high school. WHY YOU? Several reasons. I believe that I’m going to bring new energy, new eyes and a new approach to my work as a board member. Up until this campaign season, the board has really not actively listened to or been engaged with most members the community and I don’t think we can make innovated changes for the future with all the same people and all the same planning processes from the past. This board has voted for pay raise after pay raise after pay raise for our administration and has spent money on non-urgent items such as board furniture and office furniture, while at the same time making cuts that directly affect our classrooms. I’m going to approach these kinds of things differently. I’m going to ask questions. I’m going to be engaged and I’m going to watch every penny that we spend. TOP ISSUES: The biggest issue is fiscal management. We need to refocus and rethink our spending in terms of our wants, our needs and our must haves, and we have to do it out in the open. We have to make sure that we spend all taxpayer money efficiently and effectively. Second, we need to have much stronger and more effective communication between the board and the community and I think I’ve listed things that I would do for that. We can’t have stronger fiscal manage-
THE PAPER
ment if we don’t know what the priorities of our community are, so we have to be more engage with the community. I also think that we have to provide strong oversight of the administration to ensure that they focus on exceptional teaching and learning. We can’t forget that that is what we are here to do. We have to prioritize the ongoing educational improvement and we have to prioritize the equal value of the educational needs of every child. LORI SOIFER BUDGET: Clearly that is the most critical challenge right now… to minimize the impact of unavoidable cuts. Since 2002 the Birmingham Public Schools have reduced our budget by over $22 million. We are anticipating an $8 million reduction that we’re going to have to make next year. Over the past number of years we have made a number of difficult decisions. The most recent one was to privatize our custodial and transportation services, and although it was a very difficult decision for the board to make, we are saving $3 million annually as a result. Our first and foremost priority is classroom instruction and to this point, although we have cut a considerable sum of money from our operating budget, we have been able to continue to maintain our exemplary programming and maintain high academic standards. Fortunately we are one of the few districts in Oakland County to continue to maintain a healthy fund balance or fund equity. If we need to, we can use that according to board policy to make up shortfalls in state funding. We are very fortunate we have increased enrollment this year. That will help offset this year’s proration from the state. Going forward, I can tell you that every area of operations is being looked at. We are engaging the community in conversations about what are our priorities, what are their priorities and moving forward, keeping the focus on student achievement and student learning. That’s how we will be making our decisions. TECHNOLOGY: We are moving forward in the area of emerging technologies. The board has invested money in professional development and in purchasing new technologies for our classrooms. Our education foundation has taken a strong role in providing technology for the classroom. Last year, they contributed over $30,000 and we’ve outfitted all of our high school math classrooms and our middle school classrooms with Promethean boards. This year we’ve implemented a new program at the third-grade level called Ignite. It’s a program that leverages new NOVEMBER 2009
technologies in a way that merges content technology and instruction to more fully engage our students and prepare them for their global future. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I believe we have worked very hard over a number of years ... to put in place many structures that include and incorporate the community into our school district. As you know, 80 percent of the people in our school district don’t have children in the
Lori Soifer was elected to the Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education in May 2005. She currently serves as board president, and previously served as vice president and secretary. Soifer has co-chaired the Community Education Central Advisory Council. She has served as northern regional vice president of the PTSA Council. Soifer served on the North Central Accreditation Committee for Covington School and a parent volunteer at Midvale, Quarton, Covington and Groves schools. Soifer was a parent representative on the districtwide strategic planning team and on the Deputy Superintendent Committee.
public schools. Community education has long been a priority. We have‌ active PTSA leadership. We have a number of ways for parents to be involved in the district. We have parents who sit on almost every district committee including education council and strategic planning teams. We look closely with the BASCC (Birmingham Area Senior Center Council). We also have a very unique group called CECAC (Community Education through Collaboration and Communication). They include all of the civic organizations, all of the neighborhood associations. They do an update of what is going on in the schools and usually bring in a speaker, something of relevance to the community. We send regular communications to all residents in the district. Some of our schools have a bring-a-neighbor-to-breakfast-day. We have intergenerational programming between our seniors and some of our elementary schools. Having said all that, however, it’s very difficult to engage the community in general when there are concerns, particularly about funding, because school funding is a very complicated issue. In general, people in this community believe that they pay their taxes, which are high, and they don’t understand that our taxes go to the state and get redistributed www.oaklandpaper.com
to the rest of the state. (With) some parents, until something affects their child or their child’s classroom or a program that they very much want to keep and feel is in jeopardy, it’s difficult to engage them because we have sheltered and kept the cuts away from the classroom. We started the budget process earlier than we ever had in the past and we are going to be holding two community conversations: one on Oct. 27, one on Nov. 5. We want people’s ideas and opinions in terms of cost reductions and revenue enhancements. WHY YOU? I believe I have the experience, the knowledge, and the understanding of education issues that is critical at this time as we have to consider choices and move into what potentially is going to be a period of unprecedented revenue loss. I’m very conscientious about doing my homework. I have a strong knowledge of current education and emerging education issues and I think that is a very valuable asset to this board. I have a proven record of working collaboratively through difficult situations, a whole list I could give you over the time I’ve been an active volunteer in this community before I was elected and since I’ve been elected. I’m a careful and thoughtful listener. I think carefully and deliberately about problems. I use all data in making my decision, including community input and I think that at this time, that all is going to be very, very helpful. TOP ISSUES: The most critical challenge is to minimize the impact of unavoidable budget reductions. I have a proven record of working collaboratively and transparently through difficult situations. I will work diligently to leverage the expertise of teachers, administrators, students, parents and community members as we respond to this crisis while staying focused on student learning and achievement. The second‌ is to continue to promote and monitor the district’s strategic plan, which was formed in April and May of 2008. It’s focused on 21st century teaching and learning, long-term financial stability for our district and strengthening our partnership with community and communities around us. The third thing‌ (is) despite the fiscal challenges we face, we have to continue to provide purposeful, professional development and continue to invest in our teachers because I think it’s essential for quality instruction and the exploration of innovative learning environments. Performance-based programs such Ignite and 21st Century Block, which we’re doing in the middle school, are models of how we can leverage instructional technologies to increase student achievement and inspire lifelong learning and prepare our kids for their global future. ■THE PAPER
THE 0ERFECT 0LACE FOR 9OUR (OLIDAY 0ARTIES (OST YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY OR EVENT AT #RUST AND RECEIVE &2%% !00%4):%23 FOR YOUR GROUP /NE FREE APPETIZER PROVIDED FOR EVERY PEOPLE 0RESENT THIS AD FOR OFFER #ANNOT COMBINE WITH OTHER COUPONS OR OFFERS
2/#(%34%2 (),,3
",//-&)%,$ 0,!:!
Ă“x™x ,ÂœVÂ…iĂƒĂŒiĂ€ ,`] ° Âœv Ă•LĂ•Ă€Â˜ /Ă•Ă€Â˜ >ĂƒĂŒ œ˜ >Ă€VÂ?>Ăž ÂˆĂ€VÂ?i - 4H A P & 3 A P 3UN P P
ĂˆĂˆĂ“Ă“ /iÂ?i}Ă€>ÂŤÂ… ,` >ĂŒ >ÂŤÂ?i ,` - 4H A P & 3 A P 3UN P P
19 " /, ] / " ,
" 9
%NTRĂ?E MUST BE OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE #ANNOT COMBINE WITH OTHER OFFER OR COUPONS 'OOD THROUGH 40
6ÂˆĂƒÂˆĂŒ Ă•Ăƒ œ˜Â?ˆ˜i >ĂŒ ĂœĂœĂœÂ°VĂ€Ă•ĂƒĂŒÂŤÂˆĂ˘Ă˘>°˜iĂŒ 45
248.644.7000
E
kZgn i^bZ ndj XdbZ ]dbZ ndj h]djaY [ZZa a^`Z ndj¼kZ Vgg^kZY#
www.SKBK.com © MMVI :V[OLI`»Z 0U[LYUH[PVUHS 9LHS[` (MÄSPH[LZ 0UJ (SS 9PNO[Z 9LZLY]LK :V[OLI`»Z 0U[LYUH[PVUHS 9LHS[` PZ H SPJLUZLK [YHKLTHYR [V :V[OLI`»Z 0U[LYUH[PVUHS 9LHS[` (MÄSPH[LZ 0UJ (U ,X\HS 6WWVY[\UP[` *VTWHU` ,X\HS /V\ZPUN 6WWVY[\UP[` ,HJO 6MÄJL 0Z 0UKLWLUKLU[S` 6^ULK (UK 6WLYH[LK ,_JLW[ 6MÄJLZ 6^ULK (UK 6WLYH[LK )` 59; 0UJVYWVYH[LK
Lower Long Lake Frontage $3,900,000 Spectacular setting on Lower Long Lake! Country French Estate featuring walkout lower level to private landscaped pool area with brick deck and walkways. Large backyard down to boat dock. Large room sizes with lovely views of the lake! Back stairway leads to separate suites built over garage. Warm and inviting! 29123106 Presented by Ronni Keating
Bloomfield $1,795,000
Birmingham $799,000
Lovely Estate facing Oakland Hills Country Club Golf Course. Elegant European finishes. First floor master suite with his and her stone work baths. Four upper level suites. Custom kitchen opens to Hearth Room. Limestone fireplaces. Brazilian Walnut hardwood floors and heated stone floors. Porte-cochere to 3 car garage. 29099152 Presented by Ronni Keating
Rare five bedroom newer construction in downtown Birmingham. Spacious gourmet kitchen with top of line appliances opens to living room. Mahogany floors throughout. Finished lower level with sixth bedroom, full kitchen and bath. Attached garage with mud room. Large corner lot with patio and large yard. Wrap around porch...truly beautiful! 29122004 Presented by Erin Keating Dewald
Ronni Keating & Erin Keating Dewald
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Equal Housing Opportunity
Birmingham $2,375,000 Exceptional newer home in Quarton Lake Estates. Custom built, boasting 4 bedroom suites. Homeowners enlisted the best in the business to assist with design inside & out! Oversized mudroom, 2nd floor laundry, endless built-ins, spectacular kitchen & a finished lower level are just the beginning. Two car attached garage and a 2.5 detached garage, prepped for a carriage home. 29035561 Presented by Sara Lipnitz
Birmingham $1,195,000
Birmingham $825,000
Situated in the highly desired Quarton Lake Estates neighborhood, this treasure offers 4 ample bedrooms, 3.1 baths with classic curb appeal and a well thought out floor plan. Three car attached garage and generous large yard. Thick millwork, beautiful hardwoods, premium appliances, gorgeous stone and granite, it has it all! 29056914 Presented by Sara Lipnitz
High style & sophistication! Four bedroom, 4.5 bath, open floor plan and finished lower level. Sellers enlisted top designers for interior finish & Detroit Garden Works for the yard. Granite kit, custom outfitted study, great storage, cobblestone drive & lst floor laundry. Recreation room with built-ins, bar area. 29093524 Presented by Sara Lipnitz
Sara Lipnitz
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity
skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Bingham Farms Village $725,000 Wonderful Ranch family home with a full complement of updating. Private gorgeous site with major landscaping and patios. Spacious recreation room 15 x 35, yet intimate spaces with light and lovely decor. A rare property. Five bedroom, 4.1 bath, family room and sunroom. 28127446 Presented by Mike Cotter
Birmingham $729,000
Birmingham $869,000
Classic Colonial home beautifully set on a premier street and situated on a magnificent site. Family room & all season sun room overlooking private patio yard. Sunken living room with built-ins, fireplace & hardwood floors through-out. Paneled basement with wet bar, laundry room & 1/2 bath. Absolutely beautiful! 29106145 Presented by Mike Cotter
Fabulous new stone manor house set on hidden lane close to downtown. Spacious, beautifully built and full of premium features. Three fireplaces, finished lower level with full bath, open floor plan, designer kitchen, exquisite granite baths, gentleman's library just to name a few. Truly a turnkey! 29128843 Presented by Mike Cotter
Mike Cotter
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Equal Housing Opportunity
Bloomfield $1,995,000 Featured in Detroit Home Autumn 2009 Issue! Gorgeous kitchen, breakfast room with fireplace and sitting area. Spacious master suite with fireplace, spa like bath and custom dressing room. 5 bedroom suites, finished basement with high end kitchen, billiards and exercise room. The lush landscaped lot features swimming pool and multiple patios. 29067292 Presented by Renee Acho
Birmingham $995,000
Birmingham $2,300,000
Just Reduced! Built by Albert Kahn & designed by Wallace Frost, this home sits in one of Birmingham's most desirable neighborhoods. Hardwood floors, pewabic tiles, radiant in floor heating in family & garden room, 2 story family room & master suite with french doors leading to balcony. Patio leads to a private, fenced yard withsecret perennial garden. Truly remarkable! 28192097 Presented by Renee Acho
Perfect blend of old world architecture & 21st century style on premier Birmingham street! Unparalleled custom trim, coffered ceilings, gourmet kitchen, paneled library & 5 fireplaces. Five bedroom, 5.3 bath, generous closets & custom ceilings. Finished lower level with full kitchen, fireplace, media room, 1.5 baths, rec area and bedroom. 29026740 Presented by Renee Acho
Renee Acho
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity
skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Kern Lake Frontage $1,999,000 Beautiful mahogany circular staircase, first and second level master suites, tiered theater room, mahogany library, central vacuum, sound & alarm system. View the French inspired exterior from the property entry and experience the 10,000 sq. ft. of living and entertaining space. 29117936 Presented by Lisa Sturdevant
Bloomfield $1,099,000
Bloomfield $699,900
Amazing custom features and highest end amenities. Beautiful stunning staircase and elegant foyer. First floor master suite. Gourmet kitchen with Sub Zero fridge and all granite sink. 29133514 Presented by Lisa Sturdevant
Maplewood Homes Builder owner’s personal residence. Completely renovated in 2008. Gourmet granite kitchen, first floor master, five bedroom, 4.3 bath, hardwood and crown moldings throughout. Bridge overlooks foyer, Cedar roof, two decks, circular drive and nature trail behind wooded private lot. 29076326 Presented by Lisa Sturdevant
Lisa Sturdevant
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Equal Housing Opportunity
Holloway Lake Frontage $949,000 Spectacular lakefront living at its finest from the elegant grounds to the etched glass front entrance inviting you into this custom built home with views of lake. Great room offers vaulted ceilings & dramatic skylights. First floor master bedroom with deck overlooking lake. Lower level walkout plus pool house with bedroom, kitchen & bath. Beautiful yard with shed & 2 car garage. 29061857 Presented by Donna Barlow
Rochester Hills $1,750,000
Detroit $849,900
Spectacular estate living in gated community close to Rochester & Stony Creek H.S. Professionally decorated & landscaped. First floor master suite incl 19x7 closet & study 13x13. Three bedroom suites up with separate FR & exercise rm. Large gourmet kitchen with hearth rm. Marble, granite soaring ceilings, music room & much more. Four car heated garage. 29061852 Presented by Donna Barlow
Historic Indian Village Estate. Impressive front entrance invites you into a period of time where beauty & details of this home abounds in every rm. From the hardwoods, original windows, slate roof, Pewabic sandstone, plaster, formal dining room, fireplaces & much more. Seven bedrooms, 3 car garage & separate Carriage House with 2 BR. 28175905 Presented by Donna Barlow
Donna Barlow
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity
skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Bloomfield $3,100,000 Contemporary masterpiece over looking Minnow Lake. Stunning architectural, exotic slate, wood floors throughout the main level and waterfall cascading down two floors. Granite chef 's kitchen, two story great room, six bedroom suites including a gorgeous master with two dressing rooms and a fabulous walkout lower level with theater and kitchen. No expense has been spared. 29134902 Presented by Marjorie Hirschfield & David Kopko
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 & pond, interior brick & stone, granite & tile throughout. Large laundry/project room, steam shower, hot tub, spacious & inviting floor plan. Incredible home theater &. home gym. Multi-tier deck overlooking large yard with stone patio, tree fort, & play structure. 29101308 Presented by Linda Eriksen
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Equal Housing Opportunity
Grand Blanc $2,499,000 Live in the beautiful country in this exquisite French Chateau. Only the finest materials from around the world were used to build this magnificent home. Only a twenty-five minute commute to Auburn Hills. 29067813 Presented by Bill Tracy
Pine Lake Frontage $2,395,000
Independence Township $1,200,000
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. 29062772 Presented by Bill Tracy
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. 29046531 Presented by Bill Tracy
Bill Tracy
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity
skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Bloomfield Hills $3,698,000
Cass Lake Frontage $1,675,000
Exquisite home situated on 1.5 acres in the city, boast’s dramatic architectural details throughout. Chef ’s kitchen opens to hearth room and breakfast nook. Walkout Lower level complete with wet bar, theater room, family room and fifth bedroom with private bath. Private backyard with gorgeous landscaping and deck. 29055113 Presented by Kathy Lyons
Extraordinary lakefront with detailing reminiscent of a European Villa. Enjoy beautiful views of Cass Lake. Premium finishes throughout, rosewood, limestone and marble. Walkout lower level with temperature controlled wine cellar. Perfect blend of style and quality captures the essence of lakeside living. 27143420 Presented by Darlene Jackson
Bloomfield Hills $1,499,000
Birmingham $550,000
A slice of heaven in the City of Bloomfield Hills on 1.45 acres. Updated walk-out Ranch with cedar shake roof and open floor plan. Five bedrooms, 3.2 bathrooms, 3800+ sq ft. Finished lower level boasts an additional 2,687 sq ft. Hardwood floors throughout first floor. Magnificent landscape includes ornamental pond and pathways. 29067874 Presented by Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky
Elegant in-town Colonial is a true jewel with coffered living room ceiling and multi-skylight second floor. Three spacious bedrooms and 2.1 baths, 3 fireplaces, dining room with stacked windows and granite entertainment bar. Lower level has 2 rooms awaiting conversion to media/exercise areas. 29102731 Presented by Karen Atchoo
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Equal Housing Opportunity
Northville Township
Lake Angelus
Farmington Hills
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 w/ theater area. 28160692 $1,899,000. Joanne McGuire
Beautiful Lake Angelus lakefront on 3 acres. Four bedrooms, 4 full & 1 half baths, large custom kitchen with eat-in space. Gorgeous views to this exclusive all sports lake. 29129460 $1,600,000. Dave Busch
This gorgeous home features the finest amenities, keynoted by a spectacular 2 story entry hall with marble floor, crystal chandeliers and a sweeping staircase. Five bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 28093736 $1,095,000. Cheryl Andeer
Birmingham
Bloomfield Hills
Birmingham
Quarton Lake Estates: Nicely updated Colonial on one of the premier streets in Birmingham. Four bedrooms, 4.1 baths, over 3400 sq. ft. 29062467 $599,000. Bev McCotter
Five decks overlooking fabulous site. Open floor plan with updated kitchen, huge granite island and stainless steel appliances. Updated baths with granite and tile. Exercise room with steam shower and sauna. 29011947 $549,000. Kathy Haack
Minutes from downtown, Quarton Lake and Holy Name. Upscale kitchen by Degulio, custom plantation shutters. Landscaping and grounds are exceptional on this rare, extra deep lot. 29072959 $410,000. Kris Barich & Molly Henneghan
Bloomfield Hills
Detroit
Birmingham
Beautiful pillared Colonial set on over an acre in the city. Newer Poggenpohl kitchen with granite and pewabic. Three bedrooms and 3.1 baths. Birmingham Schools. 29081036 $599,000. Kathy Smith
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, 3 private patios! 29111271 $550,000. Adrena Holman
High-end custom home with impressive open floor plan. Three bedrooms and 2.1 baths. Extensive kitchen features espresso colored cherry cabinetry w/concrete & granite counters. 28069242 $419,000. Kathy Haack
Bingham Farms Village
Birmingham
Bloomfield
Beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home. Designed & built by Todd Bendler. Radiant heated floors, concrete counter tops, high-end SS appliances. Finished LL with studio, in-laws suite, theater room and work shop. 29084118 $749,000. Candice Cuyler
Premium JYC Home with open floor plan, upgraded kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances. Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors, crown molding, finished, open flowing daylight basement with full bath. 29127413 $424,900. Bill Tracy
Bloomfield Village Colonial beautifully renovated and appointed. Formal living, dining and family room, mud room and gourmet kitchen with island. Generous eat-in area and desk. Private deep lot. 29096909 $685,000. Jenny Turner
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity
skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Southeast Michigan’s greenest builder is now offering free Retro-Green evaluations.
Before
What is Retro-Green? Created by Steve Templeton, this program is geared toward greening your existing home. We conduct a home analysis to pinpoint areas where your home can save energy and reduce costs. After the analysis is complete you will be given a written report detailing the environmental and energy improvements that can be made to your home.
www.templetonbc.com
Renovations
248.642.5330
Additions
New Homes
info@templetonbc.com
Historical Restoration
â– snapshot
julie fielder
S
ince Birmingham's Principal Shopping District (PSD) hired retail consultant Julie Fielder to drum up interest in downtown storefront properties, she has been working tirelessly to introduce Birmingham to new regional and national retailers. "The downtown area is a wonderful meeting place for the entire community," Fielder said. "It has a very loyal and affluent customer base." Having comprehensive experience in national retail leasing from 25 years working as a leasing agent with the Taubman Co. in Bloomfield Hills, Fielder is more than ready to dive in and enhance the sophisticated downtown shopping district she has personally enjoyed for 17 years. As a longtime resident of Bloomfield Village, Fielder is no stranger to the area's sensational shopping. "Birmingham has a reputation for fine dining, fashion, and home furnishings and gifts. I personally love so many of the stores," she said.
"Stacey Leuliette Gracious Living, The Italian Dish and Woodward & Maple are wonderful for gifts and home accessories; Tender and Linda Dresner are outstanding for designer fashions." Schakolad Chocolate Factory is a personal favorite of Fielder and her husband, Jim. After meeting with the PSD board and business community leaders, Fielder is excited to carry out her 18-month contract to create a more active and vibrant downtown. Living within minutes of downtown Birmingham, Fielder understands the unparalleled standard its residents and neighboring communities expect. She said she recognizes her goal is to enhance the boutiques and restaurants already in Birmingham. "My key objective is to recruit national and regional retailers to the downtown district that fit the interests of the Birmingham customer." — Katey Meisner The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard
5 YEAR, 60,000 Mile Warranty 5 YEARS Factory Scheduled Maintenance
“Still family owned and operated”
(Includes Oil Changes)
5 YEARS Wear and Tear Coverage (Includes Brakes, Rotors and Wiper Blades AT NO COST TO YOU)
5 in stock at similar sa vings
TOR 5 M-5 CONNEC
WELCH ROAD
APLE E.W. M
HAGGERTY ROAD
DECKER ROAD
AIL IAC TR PONT
3055 E. WEST MAPLE RD. COMMERCE TWP., MI 48390
*All payments are plus tax for 12,000 mile per year leases with approved tier zero credit thru U S Bank North America. Total due at lease inception is $2,895.00 which includes first payment, acquisition fee, tax, title and transfer of plates. Security deposit waived with approved credit. Lessee must be eligible for Ford A or Z plan and Volvo loyalty for S80. All lease offers expire 10.31.09. Volvo Safe and Sound offer expires 1.4.2010
■ municipal PSD assessment extension backed by commission
Minor in possession ordinance Court decisions prompt review of township provisions
By Lisa Brody The Birmingham City Commission voted Monday, Oct. 12 to extend an existing Principal Shopping District (PSD) special assessment for a three-year period, after listening to arguments for and against an extension. The PSD was created in January 1993 to further the business interests of city merchants, restaurateurs, and businesses in the downtown business district. There are two assessment districts in Birmingham. One is the downtown area, ringed by the five city parking structures. The second, called 1-A, or overlay, district, extends out toward Adams Road to the east, north toward Oak Street, and south to Lincoln. Those located in the downtown district pay a higher assessment than those in the 1-A district. Rates are based on square footage. The PSD pays for marketing, special events, flower plantings, snow plowing, promotions, a magazine, and a leasing consultant. PSD Executive Director John Heiney came before the City Commission to explain he wasn’t asking for an increase in the PSD assessment for the next three years because of the economy, but merely an extension of the collection period. Commissioner Rackeline Hoff said the commission has received several letters that objected to the extension, and she understood there would be no increase in the assessment. “Do you understand there is a misunderstanding?” she asked Heiney, who stated that he did. Commissioner Tom McDaniels asked, “Why should the PSD have stable revenue when everyone else’s is declining?” “Because it has been operated since Day 1 as a model of efficiency,” City Manager Tom Markus responded. Heiney said the PSD has lost between 8 to 10 percent of its sponsorship revenue in the last two years due to economic conditions. Several business representatives spoke to the commission about what they perceived as the lack of service or help from the PSD. Grace Scalia, who owns a beauty salon at the south end of Worth and Lincoln, said, “How are we included? What do we get besides a bill? I’ve never been asked for anywww.oaklandpaper.com
By Brooke Meier
T
he Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees is in the process of reviewing the township’s Minor In Possession of Alcohol ordinance language at the request of the township police department. The police department seeks changes to reflect recent case law that states minors are no longer required to take a preliminary breath test when it’s suspected that they have consumed alcohol — it’s now voluntary. That change stems from three Michigan cases in which a required preliminary breath test was ruled an illegal search and seizure. The most recent case came out of Troy, where minors at a party were subjected to preliminary breath tests. The minors were allegedly drinking alcohol, and the police officer who responded to the party administered preliminary breath tests to Leo Savoie the youths. A defendant in the case blew a 0.025 percent blood-alcohol level and was cited with a minor in possession (MIP) offense. In court, the defendant argued that the city’s MIP ordinance was unconstitutional because it allowed a police officer to perform a warrantless search, and that no exception to the search warrant requirement applied. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan has ruled in two cases that a similarlyworded state statute is unconstitutional. As a result, township police and Board of Trustees members are discussing the local ordinance as a whole and changing the sentence, “A peace officer who has reasonable cause to believe a person under 21 years of age has consumed alcoholic liquor or has any bodily alcohol content may require the person to submit to a preliminary chemical breath analysis.” The potential new language reads, “A peace officer who has reasonable cause to believe a person under 21 years of age has consumed alcoholic liquor or has any bodily alcohol content may request the person to submit to a preliminary chemical breath analysis.” Police Chief Kirt Bowden said his department already complies with the new case law and doesn’t require minors suspected of drinking to submit to a preliminary breath test. “We absolutely agree that we are already complying with the changes in case law when enforcing the ordinance, and it would be unfortunate to have the ordinance declared unconstitutional and lose cases,” he said. “The word change makes perfect sense.”
thing, never been featured in the magazine, never knew they had committees. We aren’t in the principal shopping business. You can call it an assessment — it’s another tax.” Sharon Kreidler, the owner of a business on Elm Street, said, “Every three years I come here. We do not get flowers. We do not get music. And by the time they plow (snow),
Bowden said it’s important for the ordinance to reflect the new case law. If a minor is suspected of drinking alcohol and refuses a breath test when asked to submit to one, Bowden said there is no consequence; however, if there are other visible signs that lead officers to believe the minor has consumed alcohol, the minor can still be brought in on an MIP offense. “It can be a pretty easy observation to make — bloodshot eyes, smelling like alcohol, etc.,” he said. At the township board’s Sept. 29 meeting, Trustee Leo Savoie suggested an alternative program for first-offense MIP offenders in order to keep the minors out of court. “From what I’ve heard, the court is sending the wrong message with some of their punishments for MIPs,” he said. “Instead of the kids learning to respect the law, the kids and the parents are becoming frustrated and turned off by it.” There is a long-held belief by some in the community that the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Township is heavy-handed in it’s treatment of MIP first offenders. Township Supervisor Dave Payne said township police and attorneys are looking at developing some kind of alternative program for MIP first offenders, but it’s too early to comment on the specifics of a possible alternative. It must first be established whether an alternative to court is even possible under the state’s MIP laws. Bowden said if it’s possible, it’s something the department would like to take part in. “We will explore that with our counsel and see if that makes sense for us,” he said. In addition, Bowden said some of the rumors about the 48th District Court and it’s punishments are just that, rumors. “I’ve talked to people who are under the impression that hundreds of first-offense MIP offenders are being put in jail for contempt of court — that isn’t the case,” Bowden said, adding that he’s working to find out exactly how many minors are put behind bars each year on MIP offenses through the 48th District Court. “It’s difficult,” he said. “Most of these are put into jail for additional charges that come to light during testing for the MIP offenders, or they commit other crimes and are in violation of probation. It’s hard to get those numbers, because they aren’t easily broken out.” According to Payne, a new, amended MIP ordinance should be ready for public review at the end of October or in early November. ■
my own people have already been out there. We get nothing.” David Fisher, the owner of a medical office building in the Triangle District, said, “We are not the beneficiary of sidewalks or flowers. We do not benefit from the costs. If you’re on the east side of Woodward, you do not benefit.” Others at the meeting spoke in support of the PSD.
THE PAPER
“The PSD is very beneficial to the downtown area,” said Richard Astrein, owner of Astrein’s Creative Jewelry and a PSD Board member. “It costs much less than being in a regional mall or the costs of a strip center.” Heiney noted that the PSD is a shopping district that increasingly works with non-shopping businesses, especially in the last 10 years. ■ 61
• Exemplary Academic Programs • Strong Christian Service Outreach • Award-winning Fine and Performing Arts • Exciting Co-curricular Activities • Outstanding Athletic Programs (Class A, CHSL, and MHSAA) • Active Parent Clubs • Qualified, Dedicated Faculty • Nurturing, Christian Environment
Come and see why our students are prepared academically, spiritually, and emotionally to be leaders in the world! Marian High School is a Catholic college preparatory high school for young women sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. ,
7225 Lahser Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 Phone: (248) 644-1946 Fax: (248) 644-6107 www.marian-hs.org
BREWMASTER DINNER
1987 1987 E. E. West West Maple Maple (2 (2 miles miles W. W. of of Haggerty) Haggerty)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Walled Walled Lake Lake
Join us for a fabulous dinner featuring Big Rock Chophouse’s award-winning beers!
248-624-6655 …Everything Your Hearth Requires
Reception - 6:30 PM Chef Selections of Hors Poured with Belgian Wit and Platinum Blonde First Course Platinum Blonde and Pinconning Cheddar Cheese Soup En Croute Poured with Helles Bock and Saison St. Clair Second Course 7XIEQIH 0EOI 7YTIVMSV ;LMXI½WL MR 4MPWRIV 7SEOIH 'LIVV] ;SSH &YXXIVRYX 7UYEWL ERH +MRKIV 'LYXRI] Poured with Czech Pils and Red Rock Farm House Ale* Main Course Sopressata Wrapped Belgian Dark Strong Ale Braised Short Rib &PEGO )]IH 4IEW 1YWLVSSQ ERH 'MTSPPMRM 6EKSYX Poured with Belgian Dark Strong Ale and IPA**
ALSO…
Dessert Course Rodgers Root Beer Float with Russian Imperial Stout and Butterscotch Toffee Ice Cream Poured with Russian and Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stouts Price Fixed $70 per person inclusive of Tax, Tip and Valet
248.647.7774 • bigrockchophouse.com * Silver Medal GABF Belgian-Style Lambic or Sour Ale Category ** 3rd Place Nottingham Yeast Competition 62
• • • • • THE PAPER
• Zero Clearance Fireplaces • Chimney Pipe • Gas Grills & Parts • Wood Mantel Surrounds
Wood & Gas Stoves Glass Doors Gas Logs FREE Fireplace Grates Matches Standing Screens With coupon • Expires 11/30/09
NOVEMBER 2009
■ municipal Township will continue to battle gypsy moths By Brooke Meier The Bloomfield Township Gypsy Moth Risk Assessment Program will continue through 2010 after garnering approval at the Board of Trustees’ Sept. 29 meeting. The program was implemented in 1993 by the township and the National Gypsy Moth Management Group. For 2010, the price of the biological control used to curb the spread of gypsy moths won’t change from previous years’ costs. The township will pay $177,806 for the treatment and assessment of moths in the area. The agreement for 2010 will begin the first of a proposed threeyear professional services agreement with the National Gypsy Moth Management Group. The contract has been amended to allow the township to terminate the contract in any year with written notice provided at least 30 days before the end of the calendar year. According to Mark Ticehurst, a member of the National Gypsy Moth Management Group, gypsy moth
ENERGY &
W I N D O W S
infestation throughout the township has declined because of targeted and timely biological controls. The Michigan Department of Agriculture states the gypsy moth is one of North America’s most devastating forest pests. They feed on the foliage of trees and can cause mass defoliation and tree mortality. “They’ve done an excellent job,” said Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dave Payne of the treatments. “We’ve had big infestation area that have created nuisances for residents. The moths fly around in high numbers and their excrement is everywhere — if it’s a heavily (moth) populated area if can create quite a mess.” “When the trees are defoliated, it eventually causes harm to the trees and they can die,” he said. “They really like the large oak trees, and we have a lot of those in the township.” The township originally took over gypsy moth treatments after several residents came to the board asking for help. According to Ticehurst, this is the best management practice. “When you are treating as a whole as opposed to an individual basis, you can ensure you are treating everywhere necessary,” he said. According to Ticehurst, some people may not be able to afford the necessary treatments to control the
gypsy moth population, and if only a few people are treating for gypsy moths along any given street, for example, the treatments are futile. “Compared to where we were before we started the program, I think it’s been a very successful program,” Payne said. “It’s worth the money and something that needs to be done on a more global level, as opposed to individual lot owners to get these results.” Ticehurst said the township has seen a significant decrease in the local gypsy moth population since the beginning of the program. ■
Residents to be surveyed on single waste hauler idea By Lisa Brody Bloomfield Hills residents will be surveyed about the city switching to a single waste hauler refuse collection system — as opposed to continuing to allow residents to contract with any hauler they choose — and will get a chance to speak to the issue during an upcoming public hearing. The Bloomfield Hills City Commission revisited the issue of switching to a single waste hauler system during its Oct. 13 meeting.
At the commission’s September meeting, commissioners stated they felt it was necessary to have a compelling reason to ask residents to switch from the waste haulers they had previously chosen to contract with, to one the city would hire. They asked the city’s engineering consultant, Jamie Burton of Hubbell, Roth & Clark, to research the issue to present a report to the commission. The report, which was presented at a private work session held between the two commission meetings, indicated that too many garbage trucks operating in the community rapidly destroy the city and neighborhood roads. Before the commission makes a firm commitment to switch to a single waste hauler collection system, it has decided to move forward with a citizen survey. City Clerk Amy Burton said the city will send out a survey questionnaire via e-mail and hard copy. “We want to capture as many email addresses as possible, so we will send out a letter requesting email addresses,” she said. There will be a public hearing for residents to express their thoughts on the topic at either the December or January City Commission meeting. ■
S AV E R C O N S T R U C T I O N
IS GOING GREEN! cing Finan ble ! Availa
$1500 ENERGY TAX CREDIT AVAILABLE NOW!
FIBERGLASS WINDOWS BY
CALL FOR DETAILS
Fiberglass Windows SAVE $1000!
When it looks like this...
Fiberglass Doors SAVE $500! OUR VISIT OOM! R W O H S
Let us make it look like this for best efficiency!
Fiberglass Insulation SAVE $250!
6000 Williams Lake Road • Waterford
www.ThermalShieldWindows.com Serving Oakland, Oakland, Macomb, Macomb, Livingston Livingston & & Genesee Genesee Counties Counties
www.oaklandpaper.com
THE PAPER
63
Beaumont
WEST BLOOMFIELD AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER The Beaumont West Bloomfield Ambulatory Surgery Center (L.L.C.) Located on the west side of Orchard Lake Road, just south of West Maple Road in the Beaumont Medical Center Building.
Beaumont West Bloomfield Ambulatory Surgery Center
Orchard Lake Road
Our prime location offers easy access and convenient parking for patients traveling from any direction.
Offering a safe, convenient, high quality alternative to having your procedure performed in a hospital. Conveniently located in your community. Licensed & accredited by the State of Michigan Staffed by Board Certified Physicians • Experienced and professional. Certified by the Federal Medicare Program (CMS)
W. Maple Road
N
W. 14 Mile Road
State-of-the-art ambulatory surgery facility. New and innovative minimally invasive surgical techniques to speed recovery from injury or illness.
6900 Orchard Lake Road, Lower Level, Suite 100 West Bloomfield, MI 48322 248-406-2400 Phone • 248-406-2401 Fax
■ municipal Township police joining team for major crime cases
Shain Park reopening pending Grass, trees scheduled for planting during the spring
By Brooke Meier The Bloomfield Township Police Department has received authorization from the township Board of Trustees to participate in the Major Case Assistance Team (MCAT). The team was formed through the approval of inter-local agreements between Bloomfield Township, Clawson, Birmingham, Troy and Auburn Hills. It’s expected that participation in the team will provide better training for officers and more hands-on experience when members are faced with tough cases. “It’s a better way of preparing our officers,” said Township Clerk Jan Roncelli. “Right now we share officers. This is a way to formalize this partnership with major investigations. This MCAT team will have specially-trained officers to participate — it’s a better way of sharing our services.” The township board also approved the operations manual that specifically lays out team protocols. The agreement will take effect as soon as the “ink dries,” said Bloomfield Township Police Chief Kirt Bowden. “We are already sharing our services, and this is just more formalized,” he said. “If, for instance, a major case were to come up before all the communities approved the agreement, we would all still be able to share services and help each other out.” According to Bowden, the team came together when the communities realized the value of working together on major cases like homicides, serial criminal sexual conduct (CSC) offenses, and others. “When you get cases like that it can really overwhelm the detectives bureau,” he said. “We decided to get together to have a more formal arrangement to be able to throw teams of investigators in on big cases so one department isn’t overwhelmed. It’s beneficial for all of the communities.” Bowden cited an example that occurred in 2006, when the partnership proved successful. “In December 2006 we had a drug-related homicide near Woodward and Square Lake,” he said. “At that time we called up several different departments, including Oakland County’s narcotics team. Soon after, we had dozens of cops on the streets grabbing their informwww.oaklandpaper.com
Shain Park is on schedule to be re-opened at the end of October or in early November, with all but spring landscaping and street work completed under a $2.9 million improvement project. “It’s coming in on time, and close to budget,” said Mayor Stuart Lee Sherman. “I’m absolutely impressed with what I’ve seen.” The concrete work has been completed where Merrill Street had been, and Marshall Frederick’s sculpture, “Freedom of the Human Spirit,” is being reinstalled in the center of the street. Granite pavers will then be installed over the concrete. At certain times of the year, Merrill Street will be open to traffic moving
Playground equipment, as well as a reflection pool with a fountain, will be in the north end of the park. “I think it (Shain Park) will be the town square,” said City Manager Tom Markus. “It’s going to be a first-rate park. All of the credit in the world goes to all of our designers, engineers, architects, and commissioners on our steering committee working together,” Markus said. “There were a lot of great ideas.” Working on the steering committee were City Commissioners Tom McDaniels, George Dilgard, and Gordon Rinschler; architect Albert Kahn; citizen volunteer designer Ron Rea and architect Chris Longe; general contractor Braun Construction; and the city’s engineers and inspectors.
around the sculpture, but will likely be closed for an extended period between next spring and early fall for events and activities inside the park. A permanent band shell is being installed in the southern part of the park, in an area that was formerly Parking Lot No. 7. World War II and Civil War Monuments, along with a new flag pole, have been put in place within a plaza in the northwest corner of the park, which will accommodate Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day events. An outdoor reading room has been developed near the Baldwin Public Library.
“We have cable, electric, and irrigation lines underground,” Markus said. “The lighting is great, with uplighting on the monuments.” Grass and numerous trees will be planted throughout the park in the spring. Straw matting will be placed over the dirt instead of grass this fall. The surrounding streets will be paved in the spring, as well, and Martin Street will become a two-way street with diagonal parking. “In person, the park is more impressive than I interpreted it from the plans,” Markus said. Shain Park is located in the Civic Center area between the City Hall and library. ■
By Lisa Brody
ants and looking for the killer. Within a 48-hour period, we identified the murder weapon and had the killer in custody.” When a big case like a homicide comes up, the detectives bureau is consumed with the amount of required work, according to Bowden. At the same time they have to carry on their other investigations and duties like going to court. “This lets us throw a lot of talent very quickly at a problem for the next 72-hours,” he said.
That time frame can be extended if the case calls for it. In addition, the formalization of the team will allow members to meet each other, get to know each other and train together to be more efficient. “In our community and others, you don’t always see homicides and criminal sexual conducts, so there isn’t on-the-job training,” Bowden said. “Through this partnership, our officers will be exposed to these cases and get experience they wouldn’t otherwise receive.”
THE PAPER
According to Bowden, the cost of joining the team is minimal. “You are paying for your investigators’ time, which can include overtime, but all you need is one major case to come back to you and you’ve more than made up for that cost because now more can get done in a shorter amount of time, reducing our costs — it’s really a break-even proposition. Plus, you can really put a price on the training and experience our officers will get.” ■ 65
Your Varicose & Spider Vein Solution You’re never too old or young to jumpstart your health and fitness program with healthy legs! Have your legs treated in under an hour using the latest technology with no downtime, no scarring, and NO STRIPPING.
BEFORE
AFTER
NEW TREATMENT Advanced Vein Therapies is the only provider of Veinwave™ in the state of Michigan, a new safe and effective treatment of rosacea and facial veins.
Board Certified Phlebologist & Interventional Radiologist
JEFFREY H. MILLER, MD 46325 W. 12 MILE ROAD 66
248.344.9110 SUITE 335 NOVI THE PAPER
You may have a medical condition covered by insurance known as Venous InsufďŹ ciency if you experience any of these leg symptoms: s 0AIN !CHING 4HROBBING OF ,EGS s (EAVINESS OR LEG FATIGUE s 3WELLING OF FEET ANKLES s 2ESTLESS LEGS s .IGHT CRAMPS s )TCHY VEINS s 6ARICOSE VEINS s .ON HEALING ULCERS
www.AVtherapies.com West of Novi Road near I-96 NOVEMBER 2009
■ municipal Commissioners concerned about Barnum Park work By Lisa Brody A construction status report on Birmingham’s Barnum Park project has prompted concerns among some city commissioners that the park project isn’t proceeding on a satisfactory path. The report was presented to the City Commission on Monday, Sept. 21 by Lauren Wood, Birmingham’s Department of Public Services Director. Wood reported that approximately seven weeks ago, a paving contractor moved off of the project, which allowed a landscaping contractor to follow up with warranty work on dead and/or damaged trees. The initial plans for the 9-acre, $1.5-million park project called for 308 trees and plantings native to Michigan be planted after the former Barnum School was torn down. Approximately 38 trees are dead, and another 13 are missing from the planting order. “The (landscaping) contractor is going to plant the missing trees, and replant the dead trees,” Wood told city commissioners.
According to Wood, the dead and missing trees will be replaced this planting season, which she said means by December. She also reported that the contractor had not maintained native tall grasses as specified, and there had been discussions toward correcting that. “There are low spots with ponding water, and we are working on that,” she said. “Careful maintenance is under way.” Commissioner Rackeline Hoff said she was very concerned about the current appearance of the park, with dead trees in several spots, plantings that didn’t look the way they had in renderings, and numerous bare spots. “What happened, when we hired the best?” she asked. City Manager Tom Markus cautioned that the park project isn’t complete. “Let the project get finished,” he said. “Then it will replicate the drawings.” Markus also chastised the commission as a whole for not allocating more money to the park project before construction began. “It’s 9-acres with $1.5 million. If you have a problem, look around this table. You had a budget concern, so we had shortcuts we had to make.” A concern for several commission-
ers is that park areas with native plantings are still sparse and weedy. “It will take up to three years for tall grasses to over take the weeds,” Wood said. “You have to understand native plantings,” Commissioner Scott Moore said. “It takes a few seasons. Then you have beautiful color all four seasons.” David Young, a resident of the Barnum Park neighborhood, told the commissioners, “For balance, I have to say it’s a lovely addition to the neighborhood.” The commissioners decided to invite representatives of project general contractor M.C. Smith to come before the City Commission, and ask them questions about the process of completing the park project. ■
Custer leaves her library director position a bit early Baldwin Library Director Martha Custer has left her position, despite previously planning to remain with the library until late November. Custer, who resigned from her position under an agreement with the library’s Board of Directors on Sept.
2, worked her last day at the library on Sept. 18. Initially, her last day was to be Nov. 30, 90 days after tendering her resignation, as stipulated in terms of her employment contract. While board members determine what kind of candidate they are looking for and then conduct a search for a new director, they have asked Custer’s two assistant directors, Matt Church and Doug Koschik, to become interim library directors. “I’ve watched both of them operate, and they have been a tremendous support to Marti,” said Conigliaro. “So far they have done an excellent job, with no financial changes.” According to Conigliaro, said Church and Koschik are operating as interim directors on an indefinite basis, and could possibly be considered as permanent directors. A search committee for choosing a professional recruiting firm will be created by library board members, and the board will create a job description and profile. Conigliaro added that library board members are looking for a new and unique set of skill sets in a new director, “because libraries have changed, and will continue to change into the future. We are looking to establish the future of the library and to interface with the city.” ■
A holiday wish fulfilled
Hoping to capture more of the holiday market in Birmingham-Bloomfield? Look no further than the publication you now hold in your hands. Over 29,000 homes by direct mail each month. Plus an added 1,500 free copies distributed at newsstands. Equally important, your ad gets read because this publication gets read. Just ask local residents.
The Paper. Place your holiday message in our December issue. Arriving in local homes November 27. Ad deadline November 10.
Advertising information: Jules Pickard. Office: 248.360.6397 • Cell: 248.891.9024
www.oaklandpaper.com
THE PAPER
67
“Now More Than Ever, Experience The Difference Between An Agent And An Expert”
Renee Lossia Acho 2008 Over $10 Million Sold 2009 Year To Date Sales: 600 Pierce - 750,000 - Selling Agent 1555 Henrietta - 1,150,000 - Listing & Selling Agent 2615 Heights View - 1,750,000 - Listing Agent 998 S Bates - 1,250,000 - Listing Agent 971 Pierce - 1,350,000 - Listing & Selling Agent 1201 Ardmoor - 750,000 - Listing Agent 4700 Wind Ridge - 999,000 - Listing Agent 2681 Covington - 995,000 - Selling Agent 774 Bennaville - 699,000 - Listing Agent 4127 Winterset - 359,000 - Selling Agent 1766 Golf Ridge - 399,900 - Selling Agent
Pending Sales: 990 Pilgrim - 2,390,000 - Selling Agent 1465 Quarton Ridge - 1,799,000 - Selling Agent 1565 Henrietta - 995,000 - Listing & Selling Agent 810 Chapin - 569,000 - Listing & Selling Agent
Renee@skbk.com
248.310.1414 ReneeAcho.com
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity
skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
■ municipal Funeral home set for development as apartments
New dog park project location Birmingham commissioners request plan for Lincoln Hills
By Lisa Brody A prime real estate parcel on East Maple Road in Birmingham is once again moving toward redevelopment, this time as a traditional apartment building. Ron Hughes, of Hughes Properties in Bingham Farms, purchased the former Hamilton Funeral Home three years ago with the intention of building three-story luxury townhouses at the site. The funeral home, which is now closed, is located on the corner of East Maple and Elm roads in the city’s Triangle District, which is bounded by East Maple, Woodward Avenue, and Adams. At 1.84 acres, the former funeral home parcel is currently the largest site in the district, which is east of the downtown area. Hughes took the townhouse plan through the city’s full planning process, and received approvals from the Planning Board and City Commission. “But then the market could not support a ‘for sale’ product,” Hughes said, adding he next sought to build a senior housing development by working with a company out of Vero Beach, Fla. Once again, he successfully went through the city’s site plan approval process. “But seniors cannot sell their existing homes,” he said. Hughes next worked with a group of Beaumont Hospital doctors to draft a medical building proposal, but the collapse of the financial market scuttled that plan. “I recognize now a demand for rental housing,” he said. “The demand is very high, especially for this location.” The site is directly across from a Kroger store, within walking distance of downtown Birmingham, and in close proximity to the Somerset Collection. He is planning on building and managing traditional apartments at the site — not lofts — with high ceilings and interior trims and using the finest materials. While the unit mix has not yet been finalized, there will be a mix of sizes and styles of apartments, from studios to threebedroom penthouse units. “They will be traditional in decor,” he said. Birmingham’s Planning Board unanimously approved the final site plan for The Regency at Elm on Aug. 26. The project now has to go before the City Commission for approval. www.oaklandpaper.com
By Lisa Brody After months of debate, 10 meetings, and eight sites seriously considered, Birmingham officials are moving toward the development of a dog park in a portion of the Lincoln Hills golf club parking lot. The City Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 12 to direct staff to design a site plan and provide estimated costs for developing a dog park at Lincoln Hills. At the meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Bob Fox recited the various locations the Parks and Recreation Committee had previously considered before deciding on recommending a vacant Birmingham Schools transportation yard on Lincoln or the southeast corner of Kenning Park, where the Birmingham Little League plays, as potential dog park sites. There are problems with both of those proposed sites. The city would have to buy the bus yard site from the school district, and city officials don’t want to spend the money to procure the site and rehabilitate it into a park site. The Birmingham Little League and Brother Rice High School have proposed redeveloping Kenning Park for more extended baseball use, and a dog park would conflict with that use — although that is still under consideration. At a previous City Commission meeting, City Manager Tom Markus said city staff would look into the dog park issue, and come back with additional recommendations. Fox, on the recommendation of staff, suggested the triangle property just south of the 555 Building on Old Woodward, where it meets Woodward, or the east side of the Lincoln Hills golf club parking lot for a dog park site. According to Fox, parking lot renovations were already planned for next spring, and up to 20 parking spots could be given up for a dog park. He said a dog
The current plan includes 92 units, but Hughes said the final building will probably have 62 to 70 units. “The game plan is to break ground in Spring 2010, and come online in Spring 2011,” Hughes said. ■
Intersection now open following reconfiguration A reconfiguration of Vaughan Road at Long Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills has been completed, and the intersection reopened. “The orientations in the (previous) intersection created awkward turning movements and numerous
park could easily be created there and extend east from the parking lot, into the rough area of the golf course towards Cranbrook Road, on a 41,548-squarefoot, or 0.95-acre area. “There would be no elevation changes,” he said. “It’s part of the rolling landscape that is part of this activity. It lends itself to a lot of the features we are looking for. We could possibly use extra parking at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center, and put a wood chip trail along Cranbrook Road.” Commissioner Rackeline Hoff asked where a gate and access would be located for dogs and owners, and Fox suggested two spots — one near the Lincoln Hills parking lot, and the other near 14 Mile and Cranbrook roads. “I have never received as much communication on anything as a dog park,” Hoff said. “No one seems to be against it; it’s just finding the right location. There is too much traffic on Woodward south of the 555 building, so I suggest pursuing Lincoln Hills or Kenning Park.” Commissioner Tom McDaniels echoed Hoff. “Lincoln Hills is an obvious choice,” he said. “I would suggest the commission go with Lincoln Hills, and have the staff design a site plan and costs. And maybe we pursue having the dog park included in the charrette for Kenning Park.” “If the Lincoln Hills site works, and I think it does, it’s the quickest way to get a dog park. Why hold this community, a community we never knew existed, hostage any longer?” asked Commissioner Scott Moore. Approximately 25 supporters of a dog park project were in the audience. Mayor Stuart Sherman asked how many of them liked the idea of a dog park being developed at Lincoln Hills. They all raised their hands, and then applauded after the commission voted to have staff draft a site plan for that location. ■
points of conflict at Vaughan and Barden roads,” said Bloomfield Hills consulting engineer Jamie Burton of Hubbell, Roth & Burton. Bloomfield Hills officials evaluated the intersection and determined it should be made safer. “Vaughan has been realigned to intersect with Barden south of Long Lake Road, which now creates two conventional 90-degree safe intersections,” Burton said. While crews were realigning the intersections, other associated projects were undertaken. It was determined that the water system needed improving. Bloomfield Hills has two pressure districts, divided by Long Lake Road. Those living south of Long Lake have historically had lower water pressure than those
THE PAPER
north of Long Lake. “We added a pressure valve to the intersection at Vaughan and Barden which greatly increases the flow, pressure, and fire-fighting capabilities in this area,” Burton said. The pavement on Barden and Vaughan roads was completely rehabilitated. Drainage in the area was also improved. The cost of the intersection realignment was approximately $250,000. The city received $124,000 through Oakland County’s Tri-party program for the project, and the remaining amount was funded through the sale of bonds. The water pressure valve project cost was about $300,000, and was paid for through the city’s water fund. ■ 69
Raising the bar for custom homebuilding and fine renovations‌
Complete personalization on your lot or ours
. SALES OFFICE (248) 851-6400 3200 L EGACY C OURT | W EST B LOOMFIELD | M ICHIGAN 48323 | (248) 626-3150 | FRANKELHOMES . COM
■ municipal New company hopes to move into Birmingham By Lisa Brody A business looking to relocate to Birmingham has received verbal assurances that the city will find a way to work around a sign ordinance prohibition involving electronic media that would be an impediment to the company coming to the city. GSTV, which stands for Gas Station TV, is currently headquartered in Oak Park. The business places 20-inch TV monitors on gas station pumps to televise a mix of 65 percent news and entertainment content and 35 percent advertising. At one point, the Speedway station on Woodward Avenue in the city had GSTV monitors on its pumps, but that was interpreted as violating the city’s sign ordinance provisions and the monitors were removed. “Technically, that violates the sign ordinance,” said Mayor Pro Tem Rackeline Hoff. GSTV CEO David Leider said the growing company is on the verge of signing a lease on a 10,000-squarefoot office space in the heart of downtown Birmingham, where it has more than 50,000 viewers, but needs to be in close proximity to a
gas station equipped with its monitors in order to easily demonstrate its product to potential customers. “We would like to be able to walk over to a facility to let them see how it is used,” Leider said. City Manager Tom Markus has recommended creating a special land use permit for GSTV authorizing the use of such electronic equipment, rather than amending the sign ordinance. That would allow Speedway, a GSTV client, to reinstall monitors at its gas station in Birmingham and clear the way for the company to relocate to Birmingham. “I would like to have 45 talented young people in our community,” said Markus of the potential business relocation. He added that the city has been working to get Speedway to clean up and renovate its station in the city. “I would put conditions on such a special land use permit,” he said. “They (GSTV) would partner with the city to address Speedway — ‘if you get this, you have to do some other things.’” “We get the added bonus of getting Speedway cleaned up,” said Mayor Stuart Lee Sherman of Markus’ recommendation. Markus pointed out to Leider and his partner, Mark Alhermizi, that the company would have to go through public hearings, come before the
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and Planning Board for approval, and then return to the City Commission for final approval. “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 website states. Leider acknowledged the company could choose to relocate to any locale in the country, but prefers to stay in metro Detroit. “When our lease in Oak Park came up, we looked around and said the only place we belong is in Birmingham,” Alhermizi said. ■
Fire department will provide EMS transportation By Brooke Meier The Bloomfield Township Fire Department plans to begin offering emergency medical service (EMS) patient transportation after receiving state licensing, probably next year. The department is already equipped to handle EMS services; however, it currently doesn’t transport patients. That service is provid-
ed through Star Ambulance. According to Fire Chief David Piche, the department’s personnel provides patient care during emergency runs, while Star Ambulance provides transportation and collects revenue from insurance companies for that service. “We arrive on the scene with a rescue vehicle and fire engine, and we do all of the patient care,” Piche said. “Star Ambulance transports the patient with one of our paramedics in their truck on the way to the hospital, and we follow in the rescue vehicle to pick up our paramedic. Star only transports and receives all of the revenue. We would like to try and recapture that revenue and put it into our public safety fund.” The department has everything necessary to begin EMS transportation, and won’t have to incur any additional cost to the township — all that is missing is state licensing. “We have trained and licensed Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs), three frontline rescue vehicles, one reserve rescue vehicle and most of the EMS equipment necessary,” Piche said. The department can generate approximately $3 million in costrecovery revenue over the next five years. ■
Our Famous & Fabulous
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
50% OFF
DINNER Dine-In or To Go
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★ Buy One Dinner + 2 Drinks and get 2nd ★ Dinner of Lesser Value ★ ★ ★
1/2 Off!
With this ad • Limit one 1/2 Off Excludes other offers • Expires 11/30/09
★ ★
★
★
★
★
★ ★
DINE IN • CARRY OUT • CATERING
248-932-0800 6646 Telegraph
★ ★
★ at Maple Bloomfield Plaza ★ ★ www.stevesdeli.com ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ www.oaklandpaper.com
Whatever Your Time We Have The Cruise For You!
KEEP IT SIMPLE One deadline. One concise monthly, full-color package of ad and news information. Reach over 29,000 Birmingham-Bloomfield homes free by direct mail, plus 1,500 copies free on newsstands.
Southern Caribbean - 10 days Sailing November 6, 2009
Eliminate the hassle of daily or weekly ad deadlines. Don't wonder what type of editorial environment surrounds your message. Know who your ad will reach.
Itinerary: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy - Messina, Italy - At Sea - Piraeus, Greece - Mykonos, Greece Kusadasi, Turkey - Rhodes, Greece - Santorini, Greece - At Sea - Naples, Italy - Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
The December issue of The Paper. In homes November 27. Ad deadline November 10. Contact Jules Pickard. 248.360.7355 julespickard@thescngroup.com.
Itinerary: San Juan, Puerto Rico - Tortola, British Virgin Islands - St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles Castries, Saint Lucia - Bridgetown Barbados - Saint George’s, Grenada - At Sea - Willemstad, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles - Orangestad, Aruba - At Sea - San Juan, Puerto Rico
European Mediterranean - 10 days Sailing November 20, 2009
Southern Caribbean - 7 days Itinerary: San Juan, Puerto Rico - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands - Saint Croix, Virgin Islands - Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis - Roseau, Dominica - Bridgetown, Barbados - At Sea - San Juan, Puerto Rico
877 S. Adams, Ste. 100 • Birmingham, MI 48009
248-646-5800
It's that simple.
alw@alwtravel.com THE PAPER
71
LINDA J. HANNA Associate Broker
248-330-7477 Cell linhanna@hotmail.com Email 300 S. Old Woodward Birmginham, MI
BIRMINGHAM. This downtown updated condo is a STEAL at this price! Featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen with granite, newer carpeting throughout, crown moldings, master suite with private bath and walk-in closet, 2 covered parking spaces and 24 hour exercise room! $169,900
BIRMINGHAM. Incredible full brick ranch in sought-after Sheffield Estates featuring 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, high end upgrades, newer mechanicals, newer roof, newer windows, designer kitchen, full finished basement, deep fenced yard with new landscaping and more! $169,900
B LO O M F I E L D H I L L S . T h i s original owner, well maintained, sprawling ranch is nestled in a quiet neighborhood featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, full walkout basement, 2 car attached garage, almost an acre of well landscaped property and more! $274,900
BIRMINGHAM. Spacious rebuilt colonial with versatile floor plan featuring 4,000 finished sq. ft. 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, expansive living room with fireplace, first floor nanny/in-law suite, dining room with light cherry bar, elegant master suite with master bath (heated floors, double vanities, etc.), heated porch, walkways and driveways and so many more features!! $975,000/$4,200 L
BIRMINGHAM. Walk to downtown from this extensively updated ranch featuring 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, living room with fireplace and recessed lighting, gleaming hardwood floors throughout, large dining room, updated kitchen with granite, family room with fireplace leads through the French doors to the patio and private backyard. $317,500
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP. Culde-sac location. Located deep within popular Sandalwood complex, this end unit condo features 2 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, large living room with fireplace and picture windows, spacious kitchen with eating area, formal dining room, huge master suite with private bath and walk-in closet, Finished walkout basement (1 of the only units with one!) and more! Just drastically reduced! $199,900
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP WITH BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS. Located in Bloomfield Village South, this excellent ranch features 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, newer kitchen, newer roof, some newer windows, newer electrical, professionally finished basement, 2 car attached garage and more! $249,900
BIRMINGHAM. Classic Cape Cod offers expansive first floor master suite with elegant master bath (marble jetted tub, separate shower and skylights), living room houses grand piano and ample seating, Updated kitchen with granite, 2 dining areas, first floor den with wainscotting and built-ins and more! $560,000/$2,700L
WEST BLOOMFIELD. BRING US AN OFFER NOW! Colonial in desirable North Potomac Green subdivision within walking distance of West Bloomfield High School features 2,590+ finished sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, separate living room opens to formal dining room, kitchen with eating space and tall cabinets, family room with fireplace, sunroom and more! $235,000
Kickoff the party with Edible Arrangements!
$
Save 3
on your order when you mention this ad.* *Offer valid on select products. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer code must be used when placing the order. Offer expires 11/30/09 Code: BKWB1109
Thanksgiving Fruit Festival®
Delicious Fruit Design® with Dipped Apples in Football Keepsake
To order, please call or visit the location nearest you:
BERKLEY 2530 12 Mile Road
248-547-7000 WEST BLOOMFIELD 6167 Haggerty Road ©2006
Copyright © 2009 Edible Arrangements, LLC
72
248-960-5200
EdibleArrangements.com THE PAPER
©1999
Franchises Available. Call 1-888-727-4258
NOVEMBER 2009
■ county Tri-party road program spared from elimination
Inmate release list Cooper wins fight against state officials
By Leslie Shepard-Owsley While the Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted to spare the Tri-party road funding program when adopting the county’s 2010 budget, the program has been scaled back, and funds will be disseminated in a different manner during the new fiscal year. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson had recommended the Tri-party program be cut from the county’s 2010 budget due to looming deficits and dropping property values, which fell by $13.3 billion this year. However, the Board of Commissioners adopted a new budget Thursday, Sept. 24 with an amendment to cap the program at $1 million during 2009-10. “At least we kept it going for another year,” said Oakland County Commissioner John Scott (RWaterford). “We found $1 million we’re putting into it that allows local communities to match. We’ll see where we stand next year.” The county allocated $2.25 million to the Tri-party program for the 2009 budget, according to Deputy Oakland County Executive Robert Daddow, who said although the program was spared for the 2010 fiscal year, there will be a change in the way program funding is distributed. “What we’ll end up doing in a couple weeks is talk with the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), which is holding $8 million of our dollars previously distributed to them for which local units didn’t do anything with, and have them return it to us,” he said. In the past, Oakland County appropriated funding for the program and cut a check to the RCOC to retain the money until local projects were ready to move. “Now we want it back,” Daddow said. “That’s $1.5 million to $2 million a year and now they’ve accumulated $8 million which is three to four years of road work money they’re keeping. The reality is they are holding our cash when we could use it ourselves. If locals don’t have road projects planned, we’ll hold onto the money until they come up with one.” According to Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Bullard, Jr. (R-Highland), despite Patterson’s proposal to eliminate the program, the county board found a way to keep it intact. “We think it’s a great achievement. Brooks proposed to scrap the whole www.oaklandpaper.com
Wage cuts part of county budget for new fiscal year By Lisa Brody
By Lisa Brody Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Nanci Grant has ruled that the Michigan Department of Corrections violated the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) when it failed to provide the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office with the full list of state inmates being considered for early release. Grant ordered punitive sanctions of $500 against the state, and the payment of reasonable attorney fees incurred by the county, which have yet to be determined. She will also retain judicial oversight for the next six months, to insure that corrections officials continue to comply with requests for information. Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper filed a lawsuit in June against the Michigan Department of Corrections for what she called a “blatant refusal to provide ... critical information” regarding 3,000 to 5,000 prisoners slated for early release this month as a cost-saving measure. Cooper said she, as well as Wayne and Macomb county prosecutors, traveled to Lansing to meet at Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s office to discuss the thousands of inmates who were expected to be paroled by either October or December. However, the prosecutors’ informal requests for a list of inmates being considered for early release were rebuffed, and a subsequent FOIA request was filed. Cooper said the Department of Corrections responded that the requested list didn’t exist, and that she took issue with the reasoning for the department not providing a list. A lengthier, more detailed FOIA request was then filed, but the
program but we worked together to get to $1 million, and that’s times three, because one-third (of program funding for the year) comes from the county, the municipality, and the RCOC. It may be a little less than half of the last couple years’ (funding for the program), but we can still do a decent number of road projects with that kind of money.” The Tri-party program has been in effect since 1989. It allows local communities to decide the nature of annual projects to be funded equally
department didn’t respond in time, according to Cooper, prompting her June 24 lawsuit. Cooper had hoped to obtain a list of potential early parolees before their release, so that she might be able to share information with state corrections officials to help avoid the release of dangerous individuals back into the community. Cooper said she and other officials discovered this past weekend that there were more than 15,000 prisoners being considered for early release between May 26 and Oct. 1. “Starting Oct. 1, 5,500 names are up for parole,” she said. “So there have been 10,000 scheduled for parole since May 26, at accelerated rates of release. The bulk of the numbers were during the time they were delaying us.” Cooper said 28 percent of the 1,744 inmates released in June and July had committed acts of criminal sexual conduct (CSC); and 51 percent had been convicted of assault crimes, including CSC offenses. “There are people in there for very dangerous crimes,” Cooper said. The Prosecutor’s Office is now going through whatever papers they have been given by hand, to determine which county listed offenders are from, and the crime they committed. The office will bill the state for any overtime costs incurred to review the list of inmates up for early release. “Michigan Department of Corrections does not want a review, and everyone is subject to review,” Cooper said. “They’ve been given a number, and they want to get to that number. It’s reckless.” ■ by the RCOC, a participating municipality and the county. Such projects usually involve small-scale work, such as widening intersections, adding turn lanes and widening roads. Money is allocated to participating communities based on road mileage and the number of accidents occurring annually in the municipality. Because some areas receive minimal funding based on these statistics, they are normally allowed to accumulate monies over a number of years for larger projects. ■
THE PAPER
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a balanced line-item budget for the next three fiscal years at their Sept. 24 meeting. Commissioners approved budgets of $819 million for fiscal year 2010; $788.14 million for fiscal year 2011; and $774.04 million for fiscal year 2012. Oakland County is the first county in the country to approve a triennial budget. “We have been cutting methodically since 2002 and 2003, and we’ve been balancing our budget,” said Oakland County Deputy Executive Bob Daddow. “Every county department came to the board with proposed reductions to meet their responsibility.” Daddow said commissioners kept the county millage the same as the several years, at 4.19 mills. “It is below what we could levy without a vote of the people, at 4.23, but no one from either side of the aisle wanted to increase it, and we could not lower it,” Daddow said. A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value. The owner of a county property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) will continue to pay $419 a year to the county in property taxes under the 4.19-mill levy. The board approved an acrossthe-board wage cut of 2.5 percent for every county employee, regardless of position, for 2010 and 2011. The county will realize savings of $5.5 million in 2010 and $11 million in 2011. Elected officials will donate back to the county an amount equal to 2.5 percent of their annual pay. The wage cut caused a lot of across-the-aisle discussion, with Democrats advocating furlough days rather than a wage cut. “We cannot furlough equally,” said Commissioner Shelley Taub (RBloomfield). “You cannot furlough the sheriff or prison staff. I do not understand people who wanted layoffs ... rather than a wage cut.” Eventually, the commissioners came together to resolve their differences to balance the budget. The only potential hiccup in the 2010 budget is the $36 million the county receives in state grants. “If they’re up there cutting, counties will be affected,” Daddow said. “If I lose grant money from the state, I’m going to have to make cuts.” ■ 73
â– snapshot
monni must
M
onni Must tells stories with a camera. Two years ago, the Bloomfield Township homeowner was shattered when she buried her oldest
daughter, Miya. "Losing a child is something you can't describe," Must said. Seeking personal healing, she and her daughter, Sabrina (above right), a writer, combined their talents to tell the stories of local Holocaust survivors. The result, "Living Witnesses: A Story About Holocaust Survivors," was published with photos and stories recalling the horrors of the Holocaust. Through the process of publishing "Living Witnesses," Must and Sabrina discovered they were able to deal with their own personal grief. "The one thing I know how to do is take pictures; the one thing Sabrina knows how to do is write," Must said. "So we teamed up." Must said she felt that Holocaust survivors could relate to her grief. "I wanted to know that, after all these years, you don't forget," she said. "There were a lot of tears." Included in "Living Witnesses" was Sandor Adler, a Holocaust survivor who was shuffled into a gas chamber as a child. "It was the only time that gas chamber malfunctioned," Must said. Some of the photographs, like Adler's image, imitate life through
Must's vision. Adler's picture was taken in the vapor room at the Cranbrook Institute of Science, which was made to resemble an actual gas chamber. "Where the photos are taken and how I approached it had to do with their story, and what I felt each survivor could withstand," she said. Must has since formed a close bond with the survivors she photographed. "It's like a whole new family for me," she said. Much like the individual grieving process in Must's own family, she said each survivor has their own story. "The way they handled their tragedy is like a fingerprint. Each person has a hole in their life and in their heart that never really heals," she said. "Living Witnesses" was released in September 2009, with 100 percent of profits from book sales being donated to local Holocaust survivors in need. Must and her daughter Sabrina are considering future collaborations with survivors in other cities. "I hope that people will remember that these are real people, and they just won't be forgotten," Must said. "They represent all the people who survived and went on to live rich, wonderful lives." — Katey Meisner
■ business Powerhouse Gym is tentatively set to open Dec. 1 at 400 E. Brown St. in Birmingham. According to Jaclin Ruscitti, club manager, the location is what drew them to open in the former Oakland Athletic Club locale. “I love the area here,” Ruscitti said. The site is being completely renovated and will include cardio workout equipment, a yoga studio, an aerobic and spinning studio, and a protein shake bar. Look for a date for their grand opening party. ■ Birmingham-based commercial construction firm, Sachse Construction, has recently opened an office in St. Thomas, Ontario. According to Todd Sachse, President of Sachse Construction, the expansion was motivated by requests from existing customers, primarily international retailers and restaurant chains. “We work throughout the United States for many retail and restaurant clients, and a growing number of them wanted us to handle their projects outside the country, too,” Sachse said. “This was a logical progression, especially given our headquarter’s proximity to Canada.” The company is also pursuing work in British Columbia and Ottawa, Sachse said. Sachse Construction, founded in 1991, is now ranked as one of metropolitan Detroit’s top 20 general contractors. The local office is located at 260 E. Brown St. in Birmingham. ■ Colorworks Studio, an interior design company at 2159 Cole Street in Birmingham, is celebrating the opening of their new location in the Rail District and the launching of an exclusive line of Michigan-made custom home furnishings called Twist. “Twist is a pretty diverse line,” said owner Barbi Krass. “It runs the gamut from modern to traditional, and everything in between. “The line is eco-friendly and completely manufactured in Michigan,” she said. Keeping the line in Michigan serves to keep jobs in the state. “It’s a great way for us to keep track of quality, timely delivery, lessen freight costs, and give clients all sorts of custom options that they couldn’t get with production furniture,” Krass said. After 30 years in West Bloomfield, Krass decided to make the move to Birmingham in August, 2008. “We had heard about the synergy in this area and we just love it,” she said. “It’s kind of a whole creative quarter, and we wanted to be near other like-minded businesses.” Colorworks first opened in 1978, and was recently www.oaklandpaper.com
featured in Styleline Magazine. Colorworks Studio was also featured on HGTV, where it won a Designers’ Challenge. They specialize in new
Barbi Krass
construction, remodeling design and project management. ■ The Phat Sammich recently opened at 34186 Woodward in Birmingham to husband and wife team, Jeffrey McArthur and Annette Berman. Owner of Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup in Farmington Hills and Mt. Chalet in Royal Oak, McArthur has been a Birmingham chef for years at both the Midtown Cafe and the Townsend Hotel. “We love Birmingham,” McArthur said. The Phat Sammich offers 70 different sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as vegetarian sandwiches. “Everything is homemade, and we deliver lunch to local businesses Monday through Friday,” he said. ■ Detroit Rocks! has moved out of the 115 E. Maple space in Birmingham. The retail shop, specializing in Tshirts, vintage women’s clothing, artwork, music and photography, had been at the Birmingham location for about eight months and originally leased the space with Main Shoes, according to owner Robert Dempster. Main Shoes pulled out due to declining revenue, Dempster said, and the rent increase was more than he could afford. “They almost tripled my rent,” Dempster said of the representative landlord. “I asked to stay until the end of January,” Dempster said. “But (the representative landlord) was pretty heavy-handed.” Dempster is getting ready to launch a website and he’s looking into relocating to Ferndale or Ann Arbor in the near future. “We love Birmingham,” he said. “It’s really sad.”
■ After five years in business at 470 N. Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, the owners of Touch Spa have amicably parted ways and started separate Birmingham business ventures. “We wanted to do our own thing,” previous coowner Elizabeth Arsov said. “It was just timing and life.” Arsov opened Elizabeth’s Head to Toe studio spa in the space that Touch Spa had previously occupied at 470 N. Old Woodward Avenue on Oct. 6. “Instead of having 2,600 square feet, the landlord has divided the suites in half, so I have the front 1,200 square feet.” Elizabeth’s Head to Toe features a make-up artist, manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials and massage therapy. Barbara Deyo, previous co-owner and make-up artist, has set up shop at 576 N. Old Woodward in Birmingham. “I’m excited,” Deyo said. “Elizabeth and I were together for a long time, and we had a great run, but it was time to branch out and I’m looking forward to it.” Deyo for Face and Body opened Sept. 30, and features a make-up studio, facials, massage, airbrush tanning and other body services. Deyo has been a professional make-up artist for 22 years. In the past, she has worked for several television stations, and has worked with Kid Rock, Ethan Hawke, Bob Seger, and Dennis Quaid, as well as other celebrities. A grand opening for Deyo is slated for Nov. 5. ■ Ladies clothing store, Etimes4, is moving into 470 N. Old Woodward in
Jessie Elliott
Birmingham on Nov. 1. Owner Jessie Elliott has been running the business out of her home, but with four children, hence the “4” in
THE PAPER
Etimes4, she was ready to expand. “I really thought I could do it out of my home, but we hit the ground running,” she said. Elliott said the business is booked out through December and averaging two shows a week. “The space in Birmingham is going to be a showroom.” Etimes4 takes fashion on the road, bringing collections to consumers for home shows. “The focus of our business is mobile couture,” Elliott said. Depending on the clientele, a collection is tailored to fit the needs of the consumers. “If you have a bunch of students, we’re not going to have $1,200 dresses there.” With three price points, the store offers something for all shoppers. “It’s very reasonable.” Among designers, Etimes4 will carry Poleci, a higherend clothing line for women’s business and casual wear. “Poleci is very elegant, current clothing and from what I understand, we are the first business in Michigan to carry it.” In addition to clothing, they will carry accessories and jewelry for purchase. Elliott, a Bloomfield Hills resident for 15 years, worked in automotive before starting a business in fashion. “My life kind of shifted a little bit and I was stuck in a rut,” she said. “I’ve always loved fashion and I decided to go for it.” A grand opening is planned for late November. ■ Isaac Zemach, longtime resident of the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills area, has opened Auto Corporation dealership at 394 S. Old Woodward in Birmingham. The dealership offers pre-owned domestic and foreign vehicles. “We’re selling cars at guaranteed wholesale prices,” Zemach said. Every car comes with a six month or 6,000 miles warranty free of charge, according to Zemach. “I want to reach out to high school kids,” he said. “At this time, they can’t afford to buy expensive cars, and we’re offering affordable, preowned vehicles in good condition with in-house financing available.” Zemach also owns dealerships in Highland Park and Detroit. He’s been a Birmingham resident for six years, and prior to that, lived in Bloomfield Hills for over 20 years. Business items from the Birmingham-Bloomfield community are resported by Katey Meisner. Faxes (248.360.1220) and e-mails (kateymeisner@thescngroup.com) must be received three weeks prior to publication. 75
■ eating out The Eating Out directory for The Paper is just that, a guide to dining establishments where patrons can go to eat. Many, if not most, of these eateries also allow for 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. 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, Monday-Saturday; D, daily. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Beyond Juice: Offering Meal-in-a-Cup creations, sandwiches and a variety of desserts. Greek, seasoned chicken, tuna and garden salads also available, along with homemade Belgian waffles and jumbo muffins. B & L, daily; D, Monday-Saturday. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078. 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 onsite brew house, the restaurant also boasts an extensive wine cellar, complete with more than 400 fine wine and champagne selections. B, W, L. L & D, MondaySaturday. 245 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Birmingham Tower Deli: Gourmet delicatessen located in downtown Birmingham features Boars Head meats and cheeses, soups, salads, burgers and pizza. Catering available. B, L & D, Monday-Friday. 280 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Ste. 105, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9730. Bloomfield Deli: With a large selection of sandwiches and wraps, Bloomfield Deli also
76
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, MondayFriday. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879.
made soups and a wide variety of custom carved sandwiches, pasta salads, bean and couscous and Hungarian beef goulash. Homemade healthy sides compliment fresh deli sandwiches. B, L & D, MondaySaturday. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, Monday-Friday. 71 West Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.642.2900. Brooklyn Pizza: Brooklyn Pizza features New York-style pizza by the slice, homemade cookies and ice cream. L & D, daily. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. Café 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 Café Via. B, W, L. L & D, MondaySaturday. 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, TuesdaySunday. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9704. Cheeburger Cheeburger: The diner makes the decisions with the “Invent Your Own” option for cheeburgers, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, salads, shakes and malts. With a wide variety of toppings, Cheeburger Cheeburger offers endless combinations to please every diner and the ambiance is fun and festive. L & D daily. 755 E. Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.6900. 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 home-
Crust: An upscale restaurant, with an open kitchen and dining room decor with natural wood elements. Full menu includes Neapolitan, thin crust pizzas, salads, sandwiches and small plates. B, W, L. L and D, daily. 6622 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.855.5855. Deli Unique of Bloomfield Hills: A menu featuring eight different deli sandwiches and an extensive breakfast menu. B & L, daily. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7923 Dick O’Dow’s: Offering Irish classics and home cooking, including stuffed chicken, wild Irish salmon and, of course, shepherd’s pie. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Featuring a huge assortment of bagels, sandwiches and specialty coffees. B & L, daily. 176 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9888. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Lebanese dishes from stuffed grape leaves to taboulee and humus. B, W, L. L & D, Monday Saturday. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Pita sandwiches, soups, burgers, hot dogs and melts available. An extensive breakfast menu includes egg specials, breakfast roll-ups, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches and sides. B &L, daily. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. Forest Grill: Forest Grill’s seasonal menu showcases house-made charcuterie, raw bar, clay oven-baked pizzas and traditional bistro dishes. Influenced by French, Italian and contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on simplicity and flavor. Extensive wine list, including a number of regional wines from boutique vinters and Michigan vineyards. B, W, L. L, Monday-Friday; D, Monday-Saturday. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9400. Forté Restaurant: With beautiful decor and lavish cuisine, Forté offers a complete dining experience, including an extensive wine list. Renowned chefs present a complete breakfast menu as well. B, W, L. B, L & D, daily. 201 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7300. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: An American steakhouse with a contemporary flair featuring aged prime beef, market fresh seafood and an award-winning wine list. B, W, L & D, daily. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Fuddrucker’s: With simple recipes and 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.
THE PAPER
Hunter House Hamburgers: Featuring high quality, gourmet hamburgers. Recently voted Number One Burger in Michigan by Food Network Magazine and “20 Burgers You Must Eat Right Now” in June 2009 Gourmet Magazine. B, Monday-Saturday; L & D daily. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. IHOP: From creatively flavored pancakes to steaks, sandwiches and salads, IHOP is best known for its breakfast fare. B, L & D, daily. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.333.7522. Kerby’s Koney Island: Kerby’s offers a special chili recipe, lean meats and a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties. B, L, & D, daily. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills. 248.333.1166. Kirk’s Open Pit Bar B Que: Serving barbecue ribs that are slow cooked and covered in a smoky sauce, Kirk’s also offers barbeque and broasted chicken, seafood, homemade macaroni and cheese, peach and apple cobbler, and sweet potato pies. B, L & D, Tuesday- Sunday. 33766 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7010. Leo’s Coney Island: Greek specialties, burgers and coneys are offered along with omelettes, breakfast specials, soups and salads. B, L & D, daily. 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301 (248.646.8568) and at 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.8568. Little Daddy’s Parthenon: Featuring Greek fare, like hand-carved gyros, Little Daddy’s Parthenon offers oven roasted turkey, gourmet sandwiches and housemade food. B, L & D, daily. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.647.3400. Maple Leaf Cafe: Offering a variety of breakfast dishes, salads, lunch plates and burgers are also available. B & L, daily. 297 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.1222. Max & Erma’s: Features a family-friendly environment with a variety of burgers, an assortment of salads and a signature tortilla soup, plus steaks, ribs and fajitas. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.1188. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Accepting daily delivery of a wide variety of fresh fish flown in from all coasts, the atmosphere is that of an upscale seafood restaurant. Also features a lively bar area. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Mountain King: Chinese restaurant serving fried rice, sesame chicken, General Tso’s chicken and standard Chinese favorites. L & D, daily. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2913.
NOVEMBER 2009
■ eating out
■ main course
New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Featuring a Thai atmosphere and variety of Thai specialties such as duck, noodles, seafood and curries. Also offering soups, salads, fried rice and appetizers. B, Monday Thursday; L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181.
Steve’s Deli: traditional with modern spins
Northern Lakes Seafood Co: Serving a signature lobster reuben for lunch and a Chilean sea bass for dinner. The seasonal menu includes a soft shell crab, lobster bisque and Columbia river king salmon. B, W, L. L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 39495 North Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.0370 Olga’s Kitchen: Olga’s offers fresh and unique 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 Chicagostyle 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, MondayFriday; 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
www.oaklandpaper.com
(Steve’s Deli, 6646 Telegraph Rd. at Maple in Bloomfield Plaza, Bloomfield Hills 248.932.0800. Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
by Eleanor Heald
R
emember the orgasm scene in the movie When Harry Met Sally? It was filmed at arguably the most famous shabby-chic deli in the U.S. – New York City’s Katz’s Delicatessen on East Houston Street. When the greater BirminghamBloomfield area seeks deli bragging rights, it looks no further than Steve’s Deli in Bloomfield Hills. Zagat’s Restaurant Guide praised it as “one of the country’s finest delis.” A New York reference is not out of place since Steve’s calls itself “A little bit of New York right here in Bloomfield Hills!” Opened in 1994 by area natives Joanee and Steve Hurwitz, Steve’s has become not only a private owner success story, but an area institution. The eat-in and carry-out menu has the three elements that are often considered key ingredients to deli notoriety: hot corned beef on rye, matzo ball soup, and chopped chicken liver. “Those may be frequently mentioned traditional deli items,” Joanee says, “but Steve’s goes way beyond that with hundreds of menu items and daily specials. When we opened the deli 15 years ago, we saw an area need for a sit down, carry out and catering venue with items that taste homemade because they are. We pride ourselves on each item being the greatest it can be and we want our food items to become an obsession with customers and they have.” The vibrant red hues of Steve’s eatin area with tables and two-person booths runs parallel to the kitchen and main service area, open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Fifty employees keep things humming. Joanee sums up her secret to success in a few words: “hands on ownership. It’s the only way to keep quality, service and presentation at the highest level. I take my business personally as a reflection of myself.” She also explains the secret to Steve’s longevity. “I stay interested in the menu items. They are a top priority.” To satisfy modern tastes and attract younger customers, Joanee has crafted a menu with items focused on dietary needs, low-carb dishes and vegetarian items in addition to traditional deli fare.
What’s on the menu Among 16 appetizers (ranging $6.50 to $10) and from Nova Scotia Lox with cream cheese to a fat-free or regular tuna or chicken salad, the Buckwheat Pasta is the number one favorite. Name any salad you can think of and Steve’s is serving it. Ali’s Salad (named after 24-year-old daughter Alexandra) tops the list with mixed greens, tomatoes, feta cheese, egg
QUICK BITES
Steve’s Deli proprietor Joanee Hurwitz
whites, grilled chicken and balsamic vinaigrette ($11). Named after another famous New York deli, Bergdorf Salad combines lettuce, tomato, grilled chicken, avocado, bacon, hard boiled egg, beets and gruyere cheese chopped fine with Russian dressing on the side ($12.29). Discovering the front-of-the-deli hot case is the easiest say to view before you order. It showcases at least five of the myriad main courses ($13 to $15), specials of the day, such as pineapple chicken, veal stew, turkey tetrazzini, baked short ribs or mushroom chicken and five sides (from a list of 17, priced $3 to $5). From main courses, the top seller is either beef or turkey stuffed cabbages, served with a side dish and vegetable ($15.29). With good reason, they’re called “Overstuffed Sandwiches.” Try a half sandwich and a bowl of soup for $11 and you’ll be more than satisfied. Carry-out soups are purchased in nospill glass jars. Breakfast lovers can order this meal anytime. Dessert aficionados can get a New York deli fix with either cheesecake or a double chocolate layer cake, both “imported” from Carnegie Deli. With cupcakes in vogue, Steve’s homemade varieties are holiday designed as are the wide assortment of unique candies.
Focused on innovation Not satisfied with the status quo, although extraordinarily successful, a short and tightly-edited wine list featuring Michigan wines exclusively will be introduced before the end of the year.
THE PAPER
This autumn, lots more than seafood and fish are being featured at Birmingham’s Streetside Seafood restaurant (273 Pierce St., Birmingham 248.645.9123). Chef Sharon Juergens reports that late fall brings the start of stone crab season that lasts through May 15. When available, Streetside will feature stone crab claws throughout their season. “Traditionally,” she says, “they’re served cold with a mustard sauce. When stone crabs are caught, one claw is taken; then they are returned to the ocean to regenerate the claw. Thus it’s a sustainable seafood practice.” Additionally, Chef Sharon and her Sous Chefs have started to make their own ice cream and low-fat yogurts. Fall favorites are cinnamon (with apple pie), pear sorbet, caramel and honey/vanilla yogurt. Lastly, Streetside takes orders for their Thanksgiving pies. Besides pumpkin, favorites are key lime and walnut bourbon. ■ Mark your 2010 calendar. Some folks like to get the first months of the new year organized in the fourth quarter of the previous year – that’s now! In 2010, Birmingham Restaurant Week will actually be two weeks. Monday thru Friday, February 1 to 5 and again 8 to 12. Stay tuned for a list of participating restaurants in this always popular event. ■ Yet you don’t have to wait until February for a good dinner deal. Birmingham’s Big Rock Chophouse (245 S. Eton St. 248.647.7774) celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special called simply 25-25-25. Monday through Thursday, $25 per person gets you a three-course dinner with a first course choice from among three menu items, one main course, among which is a 6-ounce filet with a side and one of two desserts. All wines under $100 are 25 percent off. ■ A new Birmingham eatery called South will open in winter 2010 (210 S. Old Woodward), opposite the Birmingham 8 theater. Partner Joseph Spadafore (with Steve Puertas) reports that a southern-flavored menu theme from southwest U.S., Mexico and Cajun country is planned. Matt Barkach, with experience at Andiamo, Rochester Chop House and Kruse and Muir, will head the kitchen staff serving lunch and dinner. ■ 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.
77
■ focus on wine An adventure in wine discoveries By Eleanor and Ray Heald
R
ecession has been good for wine! Not for some producers of high end and trophy wines, but for the vast majority of consumers. The economy changed the way they buy. A demand for value wines has surged as wine aficionados realize that there are a significant number of good and flavorful values at $15 and under. Not every wine, but a good number, especially imports. In searching out values, consumers have discovered some wine regions as
satisfying their need for something different. Thus, an overview here of the value wines of Sicily. Separated by a slit of water from Italy’s region of Calabria at the “toe of the boot,” Sicily proudly underscores thousands of years of winemaking history. Yet touting Greek colonization or Phoenician influence belies the fact that today, Sicily has developed into one of Italy’s more important wine regions. In addition to its island status, Sicily’s singularity is spotlighted by an undulating and mountainous terrain with low fertility soils, abundant summer heat to ensure grape maturity at harvest and meager rainfall. Vines push roots deep into rocky soils, ensuring wines with site personality.
N Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.7827. Rio Wraps: Features burritos, salads and deli wraps. L & D, daily. 42805 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.540.7722 . Salvatore Scallopini: Salvatore Scallopini offers fresh prepared daily Italian dishes, appetizers and a variety of desserts. B, W. L & D, daily. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe: A casual cafe offering health-conscious options. Grilled 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,
78
A successful Marsala trade taught Sicilians marketing savvy and skills needed to transform their table wine industry into one that is now globally competitive. Pedigreed wines have been associated with eastern Sicily and the areas bordering Mount Etna. There, vines grow principally on the volcano’s eastern side at altitudes between 1,300 and 3,300 feet. New vineyards in cooler hillside locations throughout the island have dispelled a long-held belief that summer in most of Sicily is too hot to make serious, flavorful, dry table wines. Attraction of enological luminaries such as Riccardo Cotarella and Ezio Rivella to independent wine estates confirms Sicily’s wine ascent. Additionally, prominent producers from northern and central Italy have made vineyard investments on the island. Among northern Italian producers now showcasing wines from Sicily is Villa Pozzi. According to fourth generation family representative Daniel Pozzi, their wines come from vineyards located in the west part of Sicily, an ideal site at 1,300 feet above sea level. The soil, he says, is clay with good water retention, which “allows production of wines with attractive aromas.” Vines are an average of 20 years old and include a mix of native varieties, nero d’avola, graciao, inzolia, catarratto and grillo plus international varieties merlot, syrah and chardonnay. The winery is located in the ancient part of Marsala where a cellar, originally built in 1860, has been restored to modern standards. It’s the only winery with an underground barrel cellar, carved into the region’s tuff stone, a type of rock formed during a volcanic eruption. Unprecedented advances in Sicilian
wines are due not only to plantings on cooler sites, such as the Pozzi vineyards, but also employing state-of-theart grape growing and winemaking technology. The region’s indigenous grapes, or those that have been grown since ancient times, now offer modern expressions. As wine aficionados continue searches for new and different wine aromas and flavors, contemporary wines of Sicily have gained broad global respect.
Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123.
The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: The Moose Preserve features a full menu, including fresh fish, barbecue ribs and certified black angus steak. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688.
Sushi Hana: Sushi Hana’s menu includes tempura, teriyakis, yakitori, fried egg, seafood, vegetables and more. Offers traditional Japanese fare as well as some Korean dishes. L, Monday-Friday; D, MondaySaturday. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. 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.
What to buy from Villa Pozzi • 2008 Pinot Grigio, $12, originates from the Veneto region, not Sicily. It’s more than worth a mention since its tropical, melon and citrus characters offer a fuller, plumper and richer style than many in the market at this price point. It was made by Fulvio Santini, recently named the best dry white winemaker in Italy. • 2006 Merlot, $12, is more Italian style without jammy or green character, often experienced in a wine from lessripe grapes. • 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12 is ripe, fruity, rich and approachable. To round out the wine, 20 percent was aged in one-year-old cooperage; the remainder in stainless steel. • 2007 Nero d’Avola, $12, hails the future of Sicily as an indigenous variety that is exceptionally delicious, bursting with generous and juicy cherry-like fruit. Nero d’Avola scores among Sicilian reds. Also known as Calabrese, it offers the suggestion that it may well have origins in Calabria. Nero d’Avola performs splendidly on Sicilian hillside slopes, just where Villa Pozzi grows it. Sicily, a land that showcased from its earliest history the essential elements of healthy Mediterranean life: grain, olives, citrus fruits, herbs and wine,
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 &
THE PAPER
now brings the world modern and intriguing wines, some to quaff and others more serious on which to ponder. Either way, Sicilian wines offer an adventure in wine discoveries.
More wine picks from Italy White wines: • 2008 Antinori Bianco Toscana $13 • 2008 Centine Bianco Toscana $13 • 2008 Saracco Moscato d’Asti $16 semi-sweet and refreshingly fizzy • 2008 Ceretto Blange Langhe Arneis (Piedmont) $27 Red wines: • 2006 Coltibuono Cancelli IGT $11 sangiovese, syrah blend • 2007 Li Veli Passamante Salento IGT $12 (Puglia) 100 percent negroamaro • 2007 Rapitala Campo Reale Nero d’Avola (Sicily) $12 • 2006 Ajello Majus Nero d’Avola (Sicily) $13 • 2007 Li Veli Salento “Orion” Primitivo (Puglia) $13, genetically identical to zinfandel • 2007 Avignonesi Rosso di Montepulciano DOC $15 • 2006 Santi “Solane” Valpolicella Ripasso (must fermented on Amarone skins, enriching structure while maintaining mellow characters) $15 • 2007 Boroli “Quattro Fratelli” Barbera d’Alba (Piedmont) DOC $18 • 2006 Mazzoni Toscana Rosso $20 merlot, sangiovese blend • 2007 Ceretto Rossana Dolcetto d’Alba DOC (Piedmont) $25 • 2004 Ceretto Zonchera Barolo DOCG (Piedmont) $51 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.
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, onion rings, burgers, chili and soups. L & D, daily. 327 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.220.1108. Whistle Stop Cafe: Voted among the best diners in America by Good Morning America, this eatery boasts of its local roots and feel. B & L, daily; D, Monday-Friday. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.5588. (Want your eating establishment listed? There is no charge for this directory in The Paper but there are a couple of rules. An eatery must be located in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township or Bloomfield Hills and must have tables where patrons can dine in. Send your information via fax (248.360.1220) to Katey Meisner or e-mail to kateymeisner@thescngroup.com.
NOVEMBER 2009
■ the community house
E
very day, I am amazed when I walk by the front of The Community House. The new Shain Park is fast approaching completion, and it will be beautiful. Even so, many of you have asked questions about parking because the number of parking spaces in Lot 7 has been significantly reduced. In addition to the remaining 50 metered spaces in Lot 7, please remember that the Chester Street Parking Structure on the corner of Maple and Chester streets is a short walk down Merrill and offers two hours of free parking. We have recently added automatic door openers at our Merrill Street entrance to make navigating walkers, wheelchairs and strollers much easier. Also, if you have a disability placard, you can park at any meter in Birmingham for as long as you like without Shelley Roberts charge if the nearby handicapped parking spaces are filled. In addition, in the not too distant future, there will be more parking available on the streets in the general area of The Community House. This time of year, The Community House is bustling with activity In addition, to our many classes, we have lots of great special programs: • On November 5, Cynthia Pasky, founder, president and CEO of Detroitbased Strategic Staffing Solutions, will speak at our Influential Women breakfast. • November 7 and 8 our youth theatre group, Sarah Smith Productions, will present Guys and Dolls, Jr. • November 15 is the First Annual Yogaday which we are presenting with the Yoga Association of Greater Detroit. • On November 17 at 7 p.m., our Race Relations & Diversity Task Force will feature a fascinating panel discussion with women from different faith traditions — Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Baha’i and Hindu — who will reflect on the changing roles and expectations of women and discuss their own personal journeys and determine if they are on the same journey. • On November 18, we will have our first Preview Party for our very popular Winter Holiday Gift Show. Tickets are one for $35 and two for $65. It will be a great girls night out (although men are welcome), so invite your mother, sister or BFF and join us for wine, hors d’oeuvres and shopping. What could be more fun! Your Preview Party ticket includes admission to the show the following day. If you can’t come to the Preview Party, be sure to come to the Winter Holiday Gift Show on November 19. Admission is $6 It’s not too early to start planning for the holidays, and there is no place more special to have a holiday event than The Community House. It is beautifully decorated and warm and welcoming—many of our rooms even have huge working fireplaces. When you entertain at The Community House, you are guaranteed delicious food and first class service—you have my promise. Our Program Department has a wonderful array of classes to help you make your holidays memorable: • On November 10, come to The Community House to learn how to make Festive Thanksgiving Side Dishes. Join us the next day, November 11, for our class One Month Magic—Designer Holiday Decorating. • On December 2, we will feature Holiday Gift Wrapping for adults and on December 13, Holiday Gift Wrapping for Kids. • On December 4, join The Community House and Tasteful Tours as we eat our way through Motown, Chow town and the many cultural neighborhoods in downtown Detroit. If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift, look no farther than The Community House. Nothing could be more fun on a cold winter day than taking a class at The Community House, and we have gift certificates available. I’m hoping that my family gives me a series of yoga classes with Sandy Krafsur! Another great gift idea is tickets for Jersey Boys. Your mother would like nothing better than going with you and The Community House to the Saturday matinee on January 23 and having lunch at the Rattlesnake Club. Wedding engagements of friends and loved ones are part of the magic of the holiday season. Plan to have your special day at The Community House to ensure that your wedding is elegant and memorable. Book your wedding at The Community House to take place during the months of January - April 2010, or October - December 2010, and receive complimentary valet parking with advance payment of your facility rental. What are you doing the day after Thanksgiving? For many, this is the time when they sort through the letters from charities that they have received during the year and make their charitable donations. When you do this, please remember your Community House and the important role it plays in making our community strong. We need your support now more than ever. I look forward to seeing you at The Community House! ■ Shelley Roberts is president and CEO of The Community House. www.oaklandpaper.com
HOLIDAY PASTRIES FROM BIG ROCK CHOPHOUSE NOW AVAILABLE!!! Order Thanksgiving dessert from Big Rock Chophouse’s renowned Pastry Chef, Mark Slessor. Cheesecake $25, 10 inch Pumpkin Cheesecake $25, 10 inch Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Pie $15, 9 inch Zucchini Bread 2.5 lb. loaf, $9
Banana Nut Bread 2.5 lb. loaf, $9 Carrot Cake $25, 10 inch Pint of Strawberry Topping, $7.5 Pint Raspberry Topping, $7.5
Deadline for ordering holiday pastries is Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at noon. For more information or to place your order, please contact Laurie Dyja at ldyja@bigrockchophouse.com or at 248.647.7774.
THE PAPER
248.647.7774 • bigrockchophouse.com
THINK TRADITION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Give the gift of education. Steeped in tradition, Madonna University combines career preparation with liberal arts and service learning. Students have access to more than 75 undergraduate programs and 27 graduate programs, and there are several certificate programs at both levels. Small classes are the hallmark of a Madonna education. Professors know you by name and are dedicated to your success.
Enroll now for Winter Semester! Classes begin January 6, 2010
734-432-5339 www.madonna.edu 36600 Schoolcraft Road • Livonia, MI 48150 79
■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Karmanos Partners’ Night
Here is the update on the social scene from the past month. Social Lights is posted each week on The Paper’s website at oaklandpaper.com, where readers can sign up for an e-mail alert when the latest column is posted. Many more photos from each event appear online each week, and past column and photos are archived on the website for The Paper.
Karmanos Partners’ Night
Top row: Karmanos Cancer Institute board chair Alan S. Schwartz (left) of Franklin with Partners executive committee co-chairs Andrea Morganroth of Birmingham and Dan Cornwall of Bloomfield. Honorees Michelle (left) and Charles Becker of Grosse Pointe and Maddie and Sid Forbes of Bloomfield. Clockwise from left: Jim and Patti Prowse of Bloomfield. Auction co-chair Michelle Mio (left) of Birmingham with Dina Harris of Bloomfield. Sponsor Compuware’s Peter and Danialle Karmanos of Orchard Lake with Lauren Rakolta of Bloomfield. Brian Harris (left) of Berkley and Pam Haratsis of Bloomfield posing for caricaturist Joe Buechel . Bruce (left) and Kathy Broock Ballard of Orchard Lake and Jennifer and Lee Ghesquiere of Bloomfield.
“You are in Sid Forbes’ house tonight,” Alan S. Schwartz told the guests at the Karmanos Partners Night event Sept. 12 at Somerset Collection South. He was introducing the event honorees - Forbes, his love since school days Maddie and Michelle and Charles Becker. Schwartz, who chairs the Karmanos Cancer Institute board, wanted newcomers in the crowd of 600 to know that the iconic shopping destination was developed by Forbes (with the late Morrie Cohen) 40 years ago, is managed by Forbes/Cohen and owned by The Forbes Company & Frankel Associates. It has hosted countless charity events and was the site of the first Partners fund raiser 15 years ago and most of them since. The evening was part two of the Partners’ annual fund raiser. Together with the Golf Classic on Aug. 24, the event raised $750,000, including Fred and Barbara Erb’s generous matching pledge of $125,000. And it was lots of fun. Two generations of cancer fighters socialized big time, dined, checked out a marketplace bazaar and silent auction. They also danced ‘til midnight. It was a great “house” party.
Childen’s Hospital’s Rockin’ on the Roof “We hoped for 300 when we planned to stage this party on the roof,” said sponsor and committee member Jo Kessler. But the weight of 600 guests plus all the party equipment dictated the move to the Columbia Center parking lot. Nobody seemed to mind rockin’ on the black top instead of the roof top at the Sept. 10 benefit for Children’s Hospital. We learned that the event actually developed because Rosie Gilchrist, COO at GMH Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton law firm which is headquartered in the Columbia Center, was inspired by a tour of the hospital to raise funds for it. Her firm and the building owners went all out to do so. Some spotted in the crowd were Judy and Bob Kramer, Dr. Thomas and Rebecca L’Ecuyer, Jane and Mario Iacobelli, Jack Krasula, Pam Good, John Ginopolis and Dr. Irving Burton, who mentioned he was chief resident at CHM in 1944-45. They bid in a silent auction ($8,600) and sipped and supped on the stroll. They applauded when CHM president Dr. Herman Gray, who co-chaired the event with his wife Shirley and the Will Heritages and Roy Luttmans, saluted honoree Mike Babcock. They also helped raise nearly $400,000 which will be earmarked for the new Pediatric Center across from the hospital.
Society of Women Painters Awards Reception
■ Children’s Hospital of Michigan’s Rockin’ on the Roof
Clockwise from upper left: Committee member and sponsor Rita Margherio (left) of Orchard Lake, event co-chairs Will and Kathy Heritage of Rochester Hills with Dr. Mike Trese of Bloomfield and Dr. Luisa DiLorenzo of Birmingham. GMH’s Barry King and his wife Janice of Birmingham. Columbia Center assistant engineer Tony Miella (left) of Oak Park with Kirco’s Mike Piette of Macomb, Matt Kiriluk of Bloomfield and Quinn Kiriluk of Birmingham. Committee members Susie and Dr. Jack Baker of Bloomfield playing air guitars. Event co-chairs Roy (left) and Lisa Luttman of Birmingham with presenting sponsor GMH’s Julius Giarmarco of Rochester Hills and committee member Rosie Gilchrist of Clarkston.
80
The scene at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center on Sept. 11 confirmed the city’s reputation as “small but sophisticated.” Several hundred people gathered in the galleries to socialize, view art and applaud the Birmingham-Bloomfield Cultural Council’s 2009 awardees. For their generous facilitation of world class sculptures for Birmingham’s CityScapes public art project, Hill Gallery owners Tim and Pam Hill received the 14th annual Cultural Arts Award. The BBCC Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Arthur DeRoy Rodecker, who has led the DeRoy Testamentary Foundation’s support of countless projects like the Student Our Town art show at The Community House. All three honorees were sincerely grateful, but Rodecker got laughs when he said the length of his speech would follow his mother’s advice: “Say thank you and sit down.” Awards were also given to the winners in the Birmingham Society of Women Painters’ 65th annual exhibition. And like the BBCC awardees, all got a long stem yellow rose from Goldner Walsh’s Tim Travis. These were: first place Sonia Molnar, second place Rota Skoczen, third place Andrea Tama, fourth place Danguole Jurgutis and merit winners Jeri Fellwock, Judy Lipson, Martha Paul, Barbara Keidan and Ellie Gause. There are 65 works in the BSWP exhibit. It runs through Oct. 9. However, you had to be at the opening to enjoy the painters’ culinary talents. Society members lovingly supplied the homemade food and the wine that made the event decidedly sociable.
Birmingham House Tour Tea The annual Birmingham House Tour on Sept. 15 that benefited The Community House offered a sign of hope for those in the real estate business. At the Tea where many tourists gathered to compare notes and socialize, Kristen Armstrong, event cochair with Maureen Evans, noted, “We had record pre-sales and sold out (1,500).” People came from all over southeast Michigan to tour four outstanding homes in Bloomfield Hills and three in Birmingham’s popular Quarton Lake Estates, Poppleton Park and downtown neighborhoods. Styles ranged from Mark McCammon’s sprawling, modern, party-ready bachelor pad on four-plus acres in Bloomfield Hills to TCH board member Andrea Leistra’s comfortable, traditional family haven overlooking Quarton Lake. All the generous homeowners received a Denise Little sketch of their homes. The generous sponsors (Hall & Hunter Realtors, Paramount Bank and Hall & Hunter Associate Brokers Nanci Rands and Meredith Colburn) probably hope to receive calls from inspired house hunters.
THE PAPER
NOVEMBER 2009
JVS SFA Fashion Show Some 80 supporters of JVS (formerly Jewish Vocational Services) took a break from the workshops, training and counseling services they provide unemployed people from all walks of life on Sept. 10 to sip, nosh, socialize and see the season’s new fashion trends at Saks Fifth Avenue. SFA’s Cheryl Hall Lindsay selected the 35 outfits and narrated the runway show in her enthusiastic, informative style. She summarized the casual section by noting with a smile that the plaid, velvet and tweed pieces “…could take you into the woods without looking like you’ve been chopping wood.” Ticket proceeds ($100-friend, $150-benefactor) will support JVS’ program for assistance to women returning to the labor market.
Chamber Vine & Dine More than 475 people attended the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber’s annual Vine & Dine event benefiting Gleaners Community Food Bank at the Cranbrook Institute of Science on Sept. 23. They socialized big time, sipped and supped on the stroll. The 23 food and wine participants showcased such savories as restaurant 220’s lobster and artichoke bruschetta, Mitchell’s Fish Market’s shrimp & slaw cocktail, Peabody’s poached shrimp with lemon champagne sauce, Beverly Hills Grill’s king crab salad and Cameron’s Steakhouse’s pulled short rib sliders, to name just a few. The latter, a tasty, comfort food offering, paired nicely with the Rochester Red table wine from Rochester’s Fieldstone Winery’s nearby station. Most also watched the fashion show which was moved into the auditorium when rain threatened the original outdoor venue. Two performances accommodated those who were interested in seeing the show that included au currant apparel from the Claymore Shop, paulina bh, Tender and Roma Sposa. When the 20 models paraded for the encore each carried a single dollar bill. This represented Gleaners’ bargain cost for three meals. When all the numbers are tallied the chamber estimates that Gleaners’ share (25 per cent) will enable the food bank to provide 15,000 meals.
Beyond Basics’ Elegant Evening The setting was magical – around the fountain on the terrace of Paul Hodges’ stone manse on a hilltop overlooking Upper Straits Lake at sunset. The weather was perfect. The jazz was live – performed by four Cranbrook alums. The hospitality was gracious. The purpose was definitive – to inspire more people to embrace Beyond Basics’ educational mission for at-risk children. Displays of Detroit’s Jamieson Elementary School kids’ pictures, books they wrote, art projects they created and a video of their story playing inside were all designed to advance the purpose of the party. But the truth is that when Beyond Basics’ co-founder Pam Good honored the Farbman family for its original funding and ongoing support of the program, Burt Farbman’s remarks were equally persuasive. He spoke about his personal experience as one of Beyond Basics’ 1,000 volunteer tutors - teaching photography to 22 kids. “Their reality is drug dealer-
www.oaklandpaper.com
■ Birmingham Bloomfield Cultural Arts Award and Birmingham Society of Women Painters’ Reception
Clockwise from upper left: Cultural Arts Awardees Birmingham gallery owners Tim and Pam Hill of Lyon Twp. with presenter and one of the three people who nominated them Kathy Walgren of Birmingham. Presenter of the Lifetime Achievement Award Richard Astrein (left) of Huntington Woods and recipient Arthur DeRoy Rodecker of Bloomfield. U-M 2009 art graduate Hattie Stroud (left) with her grandmother/exhibitor Carolyn Hall of Bloomfield. Merit award winners Jeri Fellwock and Judy Lipson of Farmington Hills, Martha Paul of West Bloomfield, Barbara Keidan of Beverly Hills and Ellie Gause of Bloomfield.
■ 2009 Birmingham House Tour Tea
Left to right: Sheila Brice (left) and mayor pro tem Racky Hoff of Birmingham. Estelle Kleiman (left) and volunteer Florence Schuman of West Bloomfield and Beverly Hords of Southfield. Event honoree Patty Ghesquiere (center) with event co-chairs Kristen Armstrong (left) and Maureen Evans of Birmingham.
■ Saks Fifth Avenue’s JVS Women to Work Program Benefit Top row: Cheryl Schanes (left) of Birmingham, Liz Schubiner of Bloomfield and Natalie Newman of Wrest Bloomfield. Event chair Julie Nelson Klein (left) of West Bloomfield with Judge Nanci Grant and her mother Lisa Grant of Bloomfield. Model Kylie in a Badgley Mischka beaded gown. Middle: Caroline Levin (left) of Bloomfield and Sisue Citrin of Birmingham. Bottom row: Lisa Meer of West Bloomfield with Millie Pastor and Irma Elder of Bloomfield. JVS president Barbara Nuremberg (left) and development director Sharon Synder of Bloomfield.
THE PAPER
81
■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber’s Vine & Dine
infested neighborhoods…I wanted them to see Detroit though my eyes,” he explained. He also helped them produce a school yearbook and fielded questions like “Are you rich?” (His answer; “If you mean do I make more money than I spend, then the answer is ‘yes’.”) He added that for those kids the answer out of poverty is education. Good followed up by noting that Beyond Basics can get a kid’s reading up to grade level in six weeks with one on one volunteer tutoring. Board chair Ira Jaffe concluded, “This program delivers. We want you to spread the word.” Whereupon T-shirts printed with “Detroit Rocks When Detroit Reads” donated by Robert Dempster were tossed into the crowd of 150 guests. The evening raised more than $15,000 for Beyond Basics’ reading, writing and art programs.
David McCall Johnston Exhibition
First row: Julie (left) and BBC board president John Roberts with event co-chairs Perennial Enhancement’s Mary Costello of Bloomfield. Second row: John Henke (left) and the Claymore Shop’s Charlie Marcuse of Birmingham and Al Skiba of Rochester Hills. Huntington bank’s Bruce Kridler (center) of Bloomfield with Gerry and Lisa Brody of Birmingham. A taffeta mini dress with detachable ball gown skirt removed from Roma Sposa. Third row: An indigo satin gown from paulina bh. From Tender: an Emilio De La Morena dress under a Thakoon Ecru feathered jacket; in background a Mui Mui runway print dress. Fourth row: Bob Pliska (left) of Bloomfield with the Hills Fine Wine & Spirits’ Sonny Mio of Novi and Brian Yaldoo of West Bloomfield. Bottom row: Penny and Rick Persiani of Birmingham. Peabody’s Kevin Peasgood (center) of Madison Heights with Anita (left) and Delton Wilkop of Troy. Gleaners’ volunteer Joe Manatrex of Bloomfield.
“Art Good Enough to Eat and Other Works” on Sept. 13 at the Corners was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Artist David McCall Johnston’s prints and paintings, many of them with food subjects, were the visual focus. His talented wife Ruth Mossok Johnston, a culinary consultant and writer, surely knows how to “make a party.” In a bountiful buffet spread her homemade tapenade and salsas complimented other catered fare like the sweets from Platinum Treats. Spotted checking out the food for both body and soul were Jacqueline Andreae, Marvin Wolf, Michael Abramsky, Janice Bloom, Rita and Peggy Kerr, Tim Travis and the Dannel Schwartzes, Stan Levys, Joel Adelmans, Ben Nathans, Michael Duffys and Donal Hepworths, to name a few of nearly 400 guests. A percentage of the brisk sales was given to The Corners, a non-profit center offering wellbeing services to the community.
Kadima’s Annual Benefit ”Kadima is the only organization that steps in and fights mental illness and its stigma,” Ann Katz declared. She and her husband Norman were on stage at Orchestra Hall Sept. 22 where they were being honored at Kadima’s 25th anniversary fund raiser. Kadima’s new board chair Sandi Tamaroff and board member Jo Elyn Nyman then made pitches for the agency’s new Children’s Program and Jim Farber, flanked by his smiling family, spoke about how Kadima’s family services have helped them. And even though Kadima in Hebrew means “moving forward”, the event reached back to the ‘60s for entertainment. And by the time they got to “Hey, Jude”, Twist and Shout, The Ultimate Beatles Revue foursome had the audience of 1,000 standing, waving and singing along. Most lingered after the show to enjoy the afterglow sponsored by Milt and Lois Zussman. Including generous program book support, the event raised about $250,000.
Spirit of Manresa Reception Supporters of the Manresa Jesuit Retreat House sipped, supped, socialized and got a sneak peak at items on the main event’s auction block at a reception Sept. 20. It preceded a delightful recital featuring vocalist Stefanie Carrier, violinist Conor Peleman and pianist Leszek
82
THE PAPER
NOVEMBER 2009
Bartkiewicz. Three Jesuits to be honored at the dinner and auction also got accustomed to being in the spotlight Father Bernie Owens, celebrating 50 years as a Jesuit, Father Jim Serrick, 60 years as a Jesuit, and Father Walter Farrell, 75 years as a Jesuit. The main event was scheduled for Sept. 26.
■ Beyond Basic’s Elegant Evening
Third Annual Bosart Invitational Sherri and Brad Bosart hosted a charity tennis tournament at Bloomfield Open Hunt on Sept. 12 to benefit the Penrickton Center for Blind Children. It provides five-day residential, daycare and consulting services to blind, multi-disabled children. Thirty-six of the 50 people who turned out played tennis and all of the $6,000 raised by the event will go directly to Penrickton Cemter which Brad has served as an advisor for more than 10 years. Check the website at www.penrickton.com
Women of Vision Luncheon Kudos to Jennifer LoPatin and Marian Littman, who co-chaired the NCJW’s luncheon that attracted 500 people to Congregation Shaarey Zedek on Sept. 15. They shopped at boutiques, applauded Judy Rosenberg when she received the Hannah G. Solomon Award for more than 25 years of community service from NCJW national president Nancy Raztan and cheered feminist icon Gloria Steinem.
Third annual JAM USA golf outing Kudos to Nathan Conway who chaired the annual golf fund-raiser for JAM (Joint Aid Management). It attracted more than 120 to Pine Lake Country Club on Sept. 14 where the foursome of Mike McCarthy, Bob Sage, Ajim Bardha, and Frank Gallagher posted the lowest score. And thanks to presenting sponsor Residential Home Health and others, the event raised more than $100,000 for JAM’s nutrition, water drilling and educational programs in impoverished African nations.
Top row: Event host Paul Hodges of Orchard Lake with Beyond Basics co-founder Pam Good of Birmingham. Gail Wade (left) and Julie King of Bloomfield with creations by BB students. Joe, II,(left), Nancy and Joe Grace, III of Bloomfield. Middle row: Beyond Basics board chair Ira Jaffe (left) of Farmington Hills, Jamieson Elementary principal. BB volunteer art director Francine Grace (left) and Mary Callaghan Lynch of Bloomfield with picture perfect sunset in background. Stephanie (left) and Patti Dudek of Beverly Hills, Brenda Jaffe of Farmington Hills, David and Lily Broner of West Bloomfield. Event honorees – the Farbman Family: Suzy (left), Burt, past BB co-chair David and Nadine of Franklin.
PBS Premiere Night A friendly sociability permeated Detroit Public TV’s eighth annual Premiere Night at the Detroit Athletic Club on Sept. 24. More than 220 attended. They bid $9,845 in the silent auction, dined and bid $7,700 in the live auction conducted by Morris Shapiro. They applauded president Rich Holmberg’s announcements of the Erb family’s generosity and of the station’s status as the number one PBS station in audience growth in the Top 20 markets and sister radio station WRCJ 90.9FM as the number one public radio station in Southeast Michigan with the largest share of the market. They also applauded award sponsor Greenleaf Trust’s Bill Johnston and the four awardees. DTE Energy vice president Michael Porter accepted the Partnership Award for his company. Jim M. Nicholson accepted the leadership Award for his father, Jim B, who was in Europe. Bill Smith accepted the Stewardship Award and Edsel Ford accepted the Visionary Award. The evening raised $92,000 for DPTV. And that’s six percent more than was raised by last year’s event.
www.oaklandpaper.com
■ David McCall Johnston One Man Show
Clockwise from upper left: David McCall Johnston of Franklin and his painting of asparagus. Mary Lou Zieve (left) and Nancy Weingarten of Bloomfield with show poster. Dulcie Rosenfeld of Bloomfield and Ruth Mossok Johnston of Franklin. Platinum Treats’ Peggy and Stuart LaKind of West Bloomfield and Sandy Moers of Bloomfield
THE PAPER
83
■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Kadima Annual Benefit
MOCAD’s GOLD II at the Whitney
Left to right: Event honorees Ann (left) and Norman Katz of Bloomfield with event chair and Kadima board president Sandi Tamaroff of West Bloomfield. Jo Kessler (left) of Huntington Woods with afterglow sponsors Milt and Lois Zussman of Bloomfield. John (left) and board member Arlene Redfield of Bloomfield with Elaine and Fred Greenspan of Franklin.
■ Manresa Pre-Benefit Reception and Recital
Pat Liebler’s Whitney crew helped the arty folks from across-the-street neighbor MOCAD (Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit) New Wave support group embellish the historic mansion inside and out with gold streamers, lights and spheres for GOLD II on Sept. 26. The MOCAD fundraIser attracted 200 partygoers for heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bar, some private booths and DJ music throughout the Whitney. A few guests, like Franz Reiner who said he paid a mere $12 for his gold jacket, even put together gold fashion statements. The night amid opulence raised $1,500 for MOCAD.
The Parade Company Reception
Left to right: Event honorees Rev. Bernie Owens, S.J. (left) and Rev. Walter Farrell S.J. of Bloomfield and former Manresa director Rev. Jim Serrick, S.J. of Detroit. Event committee Grace Seroka (left) of Bloomfield, Bud Wilson of Livonia and Kathy Parker of Bloomfield. Janet Francis (left) of Birmingham and Mary Jo Henry of Bloomfield. George Seroka of Bloomfield.
■ Detroit Public Television’s Premiere Night
Distinguished Clowns convened, sans costumes, at The Reserve on Sept. 30 to enjoy the beneficent hospitality of Big Rock Chophouse and salute Syd Ross, the outgoing Grand Jester of the generous Thanksgiving Day Parade clown corps. They also welcomed Bill White as the 2009 Grand Jester and heard Parade Company president Tony Michaels explain the theme of this year’s parade events - Together We Shine. “This will include canned food drives and similar projects to bring the region together,” he noted. The exclusive Distinguished Clown corps of corporate and community leaders first paraded 25 years ago. In the early years, people were nominated by a current clown to join the corps. Today a mentoring program pairs experienced clowns with new, first year clowns. “(We want them)… to have a great experience so they’ll continue to be involved in future years,” explained White. Distinguished Clowns make an annual donation of $1,000 for the privilege of acting silly, making children laugh and passing out beads along the parade route. Because all clown costumes are custom made, the deadline to join is Friday, Oct. 30. Call CarolAnn at (313) 432-7831.
Giddy Up Gala From left to right: Honoree Edsel Ford (left) of Grosse Pointe with committee members Ken Whipple and Lois Shaevsky of Bloomfield and Big Screen Entertainment Group’s Michael Manasseri of Oakland. Mary Beth (left) and honoree Jim B. Nicholson’s son Jim M. Nicholson of Grosse Pointe with event chairs John and Debbie Erb of Bloomfield. Honoree Bill Smith (left) of Farmington Hills with board chair Dick Rassel of Bloomfield. Debra (left) and Jim Berline of Bloomfield with honoree DTE Entergy’s vice president Michael Porter and his wife Kim of Farmington Hills. Skip Roberts (left) of Bloomfield with WRCJ 90.9FM radio manager Dave Devereaux and his wife Kathleen of Birmingham. Karen and Joe Caserio of Birmingham.
84
THE PAPER
The third Annual Giddy Up Gala attracted 110 supporters of Camp Casey to Bloomfield Open Hunt on Sept. 26. Camp Casey is a therapeutic horse program for kids with cancer. Guests kicked up their heels, downed chuck wagon chow, bid in a silent auction and raised more than $18,000. “With the economy as it is, we are blessed to have raised more than last year,” noted Camp Casey founder Lauren Maiman.
Variety Annual Dinner Meeting The 70 Variety loyalists who attended the Annual Meeting on Sept. 29 at The Townsend had their devotion to Variety’s mission confirmed when Stacey Poole spoke. She detailed how the mioelectric arm Variety provided her ensured that she never sat on the sidelines. “Variety gave me a normal childhood, help with college and a great future,” she concluded to warm applause. The remarks by outgoing president Bruce Kridler and new president Kelly Shuert also earned applause. Some of the newer supporters may have been surprised to learn that the organization’s first annual meeting was 78 years ago at the Book Cadillac Hotel. They were not
NOVEMBER 2009
surprised that the current savvy leadership opted for a casual, value-priced, buffet dinner.
■ MOCAD’s GOLD II at the Whitney Mansion
Preservation Bloomfield’s Roast Kudos to the board of Preservation Bloomfield. Spearheaded by Cynthia von Oeyen, Sue Nine and Pat Hardy, and in less than two weeks, using only free, email invitations, they attracted more than 125 people of all ages to the Bowers Farm on Sept. 24 for a benefit Corn Roast. The informal party also included hay rides, music, old fashioned socializing and appreciating the Barton Farm House and the Craig Log Cabin on their new foundations at the farm. The fall frolic raised $3,600 for Preservation Bloomfield’s projects, including restoration of the two historic structures.
DIA’s To the Nines Luncheons On Sept. 16 Lila Silverman, Lauren Fisher, Fair Radom and Connie Ross hosted a luncheon and invitation addressing at Franklin Hills Country Club for the upcoming Detroit Institute of Arts gala fundraiser which Silverman and Lorna Thomas are chairing. The next day, Mary Anne Gargaro, Arlene Lewis, Gayle Camden and Henrietta Fridholm did the same thing at the Little Club for committee members who live on the other side of town. The event theme was inspired by the six decades of Richard Avedon’s fashion photography exhibition. It and the dedication of the A. Alfred Taubman Wing of European Art will star at the gala on Saturday, Nov. 14 where Taubman will be honored. Call (313) 833-7967 for tickets ($2,000, $1,500, $400, $100.).
Clockwise from upper left: Eric and event co-chair Carrie Doelle of Bloomfield. Becky Navin (left) of Royal Oak with Dan and Vanessa Miller of Bloomfield. Lauren MacVern (center) of Troy with event co-chairs Dennis Archer, Jr. of Detroit and Frank Torre of Bloomfield. Denise Entemann (left) of Bloomfield, Angelika and Daimler Financial Services’ Franz Reiner with Ute Reinhardt of Birmingham. Laurie and Chris Brochert of Bloomfield.
■ The Parade Company’s Distinguished Grand Jester’s Reception
St. Joseph Fall Spectacular Car dealer Hoot McInerney, one of the four guys who founded Men of Mercy in 1974, was honored at the event which has evolved from the original Men of Mercy stag dinner. It attracted 325 to the Townsend on Oct. 1 for good natured bantering between emcee Guy Gordon and guest celebrity CBS’ Phil Simms. The crowd, especially the guys, seemed to enjoy Simms’ memories of his NFL days with the New York Giants. He also gave a call out to Giants owner’s daughter Maureen who was at the dinner with her husband retired Red Wing Doug Brown. Remarks by Lynne and Dr. Harold Portnoy generated big ovations for the hospital and for McInerney, whose thank you was short and sweet. Then medical chief of staff Billy Gordon announced that the new physicians lounge would be named for the generous honoree and noted, “We’ll be the first hospital in the country to have a ‘Hooters’.” Funds raised were earmarked for the hospital’s newly completed 50,000-square-foot Surgical Pavilion.
Clockwise from upper left: 2008 Grand Jester Syd Ross (left) of Bloomfield, 2009 Grand Jester Bill White of Troy and The Parade Company president/CEO Tony Michaels of Rochester Hills. The Reserve general manager Vera Day Rizer (left) of Madison Hgts with Distinguished Clowns Jeff Sadowski of Birmingham, Norm LePage of West Bloomfield and his son Scott LePage of Birmingham. Michele Fent (left) of Birmingham with Distinguished Clown Judy Dunn of Commerce. Colleen and Distinguished Clowns Ahmed Ezzeddine of Farmington and Linda Orlans of Birmingham. Distinguished Clown Bonnie Jobe (left) with DC sponsor Ernst & Young’s ‘s Lisa Bower of Bloomfield.
■ Giddy Up Gala
A Night in Motown These days, on the charity scene opulence is out; resourcefulness is in. Friends president Dee Wright-Masilott thanked the Townsend for its generosity and the event committee for recycling decorations from last year’s Beatlemania event. She also told the 220 guests at the Sept. 25 party that the dollars budgeted for souvenirs would go instead to the OFS Children’s Learning Center. But there was no scrimping on fun and the dance floor was crowded until
www.oaklandpaper.com
Left to right: Dale Austin (left) of Grosse Pointe, Judie Sherman of Bloomfield and Helen Maiman of Beverly Hills. Karen Rouff (left) of Bloomfield with Linda Jacob.
THE PAPER
85
■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Variety, The Children’s Charity’s Annual Dinner
midnight. Some guests gave a visual nod to Motown’s 50th anniversary. Yvonne McCready wore a sequined Michael Jackson glove and go-go boots, Sally Mezy’s huge beehive hairdo won the Best Motown Retro Look prize. Auctioneer Rip Hayes did have to work real hard to get $20,000 for eight items and most winning bidders got bargains. One exception was the dinner for eight prepared in ones home by Orchard Lake Country Club chef Mark Dixon. That it included piano entertainment by OFS CEO Michael Earl may have been a factor in the overbid. Counting the $20,000plus guests pledged for OFS school kids programs, the event netted $90,000.
Ronald McDonald House Gala Clockwise from lower left: Jackie (left) with new directors Joe Abraham of Novi and Sarah Heath of Birmingham. Director Connie Becket (left) and her husband Jeff of Troy with Joyce Shuert and her son Matt Shuert of Bloomfield and past president Felicia Palazzolo Shaw of Birmingham. New director Gary Karp (left) of Orchard Lake with board vice president Henry Baskin of Bloomfield. Outgoing board president Bruce Kridler and incoming president Kelly Shuert of Bloomfield.
■ Preservation Bloomfield’s Corn Roast
Clockwise from upper left: Judy Anderson (left) and Katie Kiyo, of Bloomfield. Dorm Dickerson (left), Marilyn and Gerald Tuchow of Bloomfield. Harry Walsh (left) and Jan Roncelli of Bloomfield. Musician Paul Miles (center) of Southfield with Sue Nine (left) and Cynthia von Oeyen of Bloomfield.
■ St. Joseph Mercy Oakland’s Fall Spectacular
As Humanitarian of the Year Diana Lewis told the crowd of more than 500 gathered in the Great Hall at the Detroit Institute of Arts, “We’ve come a long way from the airport.” She referred to the first Southeastern Michigan McDonald’s Operators Association’s (SMMOA) charity event five years ago at the Willow Run hangar. The party was then called the Aviator’s Ball. Lewis has emceed each of the fund raisers and was honored at the Sept. 26 for so doing. The move to the DIA was a classy call. Guests cocktailed and bid ($38,000) on silent auction items in the Kresge Court and the Romanesque Hall before finding their tables in the Great Hall. Buffet dinner service in the Diego Riviera Court was casual and promoted table hopping before the live auction ($69,500). While partiers were upstairs, Kresge Court was magically transformed into the After Glow Casino where they gamed and partied until after 1 a.m. Total income from the auctions, raffle income ($7,000), tickets sales and generous sponsors like Ford’s fund, DTE Entergy and SMMOA will be divided between the Ronald McDonald House in Ann Arbor and Detroit.
Art Van’s 50th Anniversary More than 1,000 guests attended Art Van Furniture’s 50th Anniversary Gala Thursday, Oct. 1 at the company’s Warren show rooms. They dined, danced, watch a mesmerizing ‘cirque’ troupe and received a custom gift box of Sanders chocolates. Because Art Van paid for everything, the more that $1million in gross ticket ($1,000 - $100) sales were all donated to the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center and the Neuroscience Institute at Henry Ford Health System. The Gala was the culmination of Art Van Furniture’s yearlong campaign to give back to communities throughout Michigan.
Project HOPE Autumn Tea Clockwise from lower left: Mike (left) and Kathy Schwartz and C.J. and Patty Ghesquiere of Birmingham. Benefit chair Nancy Smith’s spouse GM’s John Smith (left) and award recipient Hoot McInerney of Bloomfield with honorary co-chair Dr. Harold Portnoy of West Bloomfield. Honorary co-chairs Sarah McClure (left) of Bloomfield and Lynne Portnoy of West Bloomfield with Arvin Meritor’s Lin Cummins of Rochester Hills. Padma Vattikiti (left) with Dr. Kirit Patel and his wife Malti of Bloomfield. Carolyn Flynn (center) of Lake Angelus with Betty and Terry Desmond of Bloomfield
86
THE PAPER
Nearly 50 members and prospective members attended Project HOPE Women’s Division’s fall event. It was chaired by Serena Orsiniand the hostess Fran Schmidt. Guests learned of Project Hope’s origins from Bettina Gregg, its quick response to the two recent earthquakes in Southeast Asia and the WD’s annual Holiday Luncheon and Boutique which Schmidt and Christa Hintz are chairing Wednesday, Dec. 9 at Forest Lake Country Club.
Benefit Organ Concert Detroit Symphony Orchestra oboist
NOVEMBER 2009
Brian Ventura and committee chair Barbara Diles welcomed nearly 40 guests to Ventura’s home to hear seven organists play his newly installed Moller Double Artiste organ. The occasion was the first of several events to raise money to get the Casavant Pipe Organ, currently in The Music House Museum in Acme, Michigan, returned to Orchestra Hall where it was first dedicated in 1924.
■ Friends of Oakland Family Services’ Night in Motown
Greatest Generation at Comerica The season may be over for the Tigers but it provided a memorable September evening for more than 40 World War II veterans who were guests of Bob Gillette’s America House Senior Living Residences. From the military honor guard flanking the men’s arrival to the flyover by a restored B-17 bomber from the Yankee Air Museum in Ypsilanti, the evening was filmed by Keith Faime’s crew for his one-hour documentary, “Detroit: Our Greatest Generation”, to be aired on WDIV-Channel 4 during the holiday season. American House’s 27 facilities are home to more than 150 WWII vets. The Southfield America House will have a Greatest Generation Museum for displaying memorabilia and hosting veterans meetings.
Leukemia Foundation’s CRUSH CRUSH Birmingham surely made a lie out of the “flyover country” label often applied to the nation’s hinterlands. Eight of the country’s 99 Master Sommeliers and three renowned French master chefs - Jean Joho, Michel Richard and Jacquy Pfeiffer-a rare gathering we are told, joined localites Vicki and Tom Celani, owners of the Celani Family Vineyards in Napa Valley, Ca. to honor the Children’s Leukemia Foundation’s second annual Food and Wine Classic. On Thursday night, CLF board chair Gary and Christine Gonzalez led the group at a welcoming reception for the visitors staged at the Somerset Collection Birmingham Show Home on Willow Lane. On Friday night, some participants (31 at $1,500 each) dined at the Celani’s Turtle Lake home. On Saturday, patrons (100 at $350 each) first attended a reception hosted by the Celani Family Vineyards in the Townsend Hotel’s Regency Room. They had a seminar from “Professor” Celani, learned of the couple’s passion for great wine and sampled choice wines paired with such appetizers as stuffed tempura squash blossoms. Then they joined 200 others (at $250 each) for the main event in the ballroom. It was very evident that the event required enormous coordination by Townsend Executive Chef Jim Bologna and Honorary Wine Director Ron Edwards. They worked directly with the Master Sommeliers and visiting culinary masters and their assistant chefs to whom Bologna opened his kitchen. This created extraordinary food and wine pairings. Additionally, much of the food and wine was donated by the masters and shipped or driven to town. Ten food and wine stations offered braised “Tenacious” (a Celani wine) beef cheeks, chestnut crusted venison loin and curry dusted wild Alaskan salmon, to name a few selections. People paused to toast (with Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne) the culinary and wine mas-
www.oaklandpaper.com
Outer row, clockwise from lower left: Event honorary chairs Kimberly and Ken Whipple of Bloomfield. Host committee members Mark and OFS board member Gail Kelley of Bloomfield. Event honorary chairs Tom(left) and Katie Prior and Joanne and Scott Ulnick of Birmingham. Kate (left) and OFS board member Larry Gladchun of Bloomfield. Host committee member Sally Mezey of Birmingham who won “Best Retro Motown” for her beehive hair do. Christine Giamperoni (left() and Nancy Smith of Bloomfield. Left to right (middle) above: OFS President/CEO Michael Earl of Birmingham and Rip Hayes of Bloomfield. Event chairs Julie Beals (left) and Kathy Martin of Bloomfield.
■ Ronald McDonald House Gala
Clockwise from left: Jeff Antaya (left), John April and Mike Clawson of Birmingham. Noelle and Kurt Cassel of Bloomfield. Patti and Streve Tapper of West Bloomfield. Event co-chairs Teresa Saputo (left) of Rochester and Trisha Stanton of Birmingham.
■ Project HOPE Women’s Division’s Autumn Member Tea
Left to right: Co-chair Serena Orsini (left) of Bloomfield, Linda Juracek-Lipa of Birmingham and Mary Lou Herrst of Dearborn. WD president Anita Hedeen (left) and Terri Sass of Bloomfield. New member Diane Schultz (left) of Rochester Hills with Queenie Sarkisian and Dorothy Wilkins of Bloomfield.
THE PAPER
87
■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Children’s Leukemia Foundation’s CRUSH Birmingham
ters, the CLF board and two philanthropic honorees: Matt Prentice, who received the Restaurateur Humanitarian Award, and Art Van Elslander, who received the President’s Leadership Award. Many partygoers joined late arrivals (50-plus at $50 each) for CRUSH After Hours. It was hosted by Remy Cointreau USA in the Regency Room which had been transformed from the “Patrons’ Classroom” to a dance lounge where D.J. Scene played until 1:30 a.m. According to director Bill Seklar, proceeds from CRUSH Birmingham, including the $42,000 from an auction and raffle, will bring to more than $200,000 the total raised in 2009 for CLF. This includes proceeds from CRUSH Northern Michigan held in August at the Boyne home of Kathryn Kircher.
Brother Rice Athletic Hall of Fame
Top row, left to right: Event chairs Jim (left) and Debra Berlin with Honorary Family Vineyards’ Vicki and Tom Celani of Bloomfield. Tom (left) and Vicki Celani with Art Van Eleslander of Bloomfield. Townsend co-owner and event patron Dave Sillman of Rochester with CLF director and event host committee co-chair Bill Seklar of Bloomfield. Second row: John DeCerchior and his wife Mickey Guisewite of Bloomfield. At the After Party, host committee co-chairs Marc (left) and Cindy Kahn with Renee and Michael Acho of Birmingham. Event co-chairs Jim (left) and Debra Berlin with Maria and last year’s Humanitarian Restaurateur honoree Bill Roberts of Bloomfield. Third row: Event Honorary Wine Director Ron Edwards( left) of Charlevoix with Humanitarian Awardee Matt Prentice of West Bloomfield. Gary Burkart (left), Tom Celani, Cindy and Marc Kahn of Bloomfield. Host committee member Marc Jonna (left) of Birmingham, Honorary Chef-Restaurateur Jean Joho of Chicago and Celanie Family Vineyards’ Gary Burkart of Bloomfield. Clockwise from at right: Patrons Julie Karmanos (left) and Nicole Corwnell of Bloomfield. Event patrons Dave (left) and Kappy Trott of Birmingham and Tender’s Cheryl Daskas of Bloomfield. Patrons Dan Cornwell (left) of Bloomfield, Mark Wagner of Troy and Bud Petcoff of Birmingham. Leadership Awardee Art Van Elslander(left) with Lorin Spence of Bloomfield and Janet and Gary Van Elslander of Grosse Pointe. Book Cadillac executive chef Jim Barnett of Birmingham with Master Sommelier Sally Mohr of Boulder, CO. Angela and David Banda of Bloomfield.
88
THE PAPER
People came from as far away as Tacoma, WA to attend the VIP Reception before the Brother Rice High School inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Induction ceremony Sept. 10 at the Bloomfield Township school. It was a chance to reconnect for some in the crowd of 150, like inductee Mike Lodish did with Eddie Giacomin, whom he had persuaded to coach the BRHS hockey team. It also brought out old boyhood pals of Lodish’s father, Dr. Edward Lodish, who would present the award to his son. They joined another 150 school loyalists at the ceremony and gave standing ovations to the six inductees, selected by a committee from a list of candidates nominated by BRHS loyalists over an eight-month period. The inductees were: football player Lodish, basketball player B.J. Armstrong, athletic director Mike Popson (posthumously), cross country coach Bob Stark, basketball coach Bill Norton and football coach Al Fracassa. The speeches were heart warming, filled with school pride and memories. For example, even though his football team had endured a devastating triple overtime loss that afternoon Coach Fracassa shifted into his legendary pedagogical form as he remembered how he had benched high school All American Lodish for smarting off to a teacher: “He had big tears in his eyes when I told him…. He never did that again,” Fracassa noted. Similar tales are legend in Warrior world, where state champion titles number 52 since the school was founded in 1960.
Hospice of Michigan Crystal Ball “(Regardless of diagnosis or ability to pay) we always say “Yes” to everyone,” Hospice of Michigan CEO Dottie Deremo told the 270 guests at the Crystal Rose Ball on Oct. 2. They were gathered at the Detroit Athletic Club for the 24th annual ball. It honored Barbara and Paul Czamanske, Judy Trepek, CampbellEwald and Mad Rover Post documentary makers, all of whose acceptance remarks were notable. Instead of a mini silent auction, Maggie Allesee, co-chair with Sue Nine, gave away some lovely donated items via a drawing and the post dinner scene was
NOVEMBER 2009
unusually spirited. The party plan to serve dessert buffet style in the room between the ballroom and the dance room got everyone on their feet and many burned off calories line dancing and such on the dance floor. In addition to the traditional long stem red rose souvenir, guests also received a Link Wachler-designed Life Links HOM bracelet. Some even bought additional links ($300-plus worth) to add to the gift bracelet. The soiree grossed $125,000.
■ Brother Rice High School Athletic Hall of Fame VIP Reception
Rev. Malcolm Carron Fundraiser Many who attended Loyola High School’s scholarship benefit on Oct. 13 were meeting Detroit’s new Archbishop Allen Vigneron for the first time. But it’s safe to say that all of them had known the Carron Award recipient, the late Kitty Storen. She served Loyola as development director for eight years before she lost her battle with cancer last February. When her husband Bob and daughter Patricia Storen Van Faussien accepted the award for distinguished service to the school, they spoke about how she combined her service to LHS with her dedication to Catholic schools and the city of Detroit. Among those area residents in the gathering of 175 at the Mass and dinner event at Sacred Heart Seminary were Julia Cooney, Marjory and Andrew Basile, Rachel and Michael Brennan, Gerry and Patrick Carroll and Margaret and Brian Casey.
Left to right, top row: Inductee Bill Norton (left) with his wife Vivian of Orchard Lake, Pat Lynch BR ’68 of Bloomfield and Troy native Tom McAvoy BR ’66 now of Tacoma, WA. Ed Schwartz BR ‘87 (left) of Bloomfield and Bloomfield native LCDR US Navy Chris Cote BR’ 86 of Midland. Former BRHS hockey coach Eddie Giacomin (left) of Bloomfield and Mike Lodish of Birmingham. Ed (left) and Judy Lodish of Bloomfield and BRHS president John Birney BR ’76 of Beverly Hills. The Dietz brothers: Kevin BR ’83 (left) of Troy and Jerry BR ’76, Danny BR ’77 and Mike BR ‘79 of Bloomfield. Inductee Mike Lodish BR ’85 (center) of Birmingham, holding his son Max with his mother Pat of Bloomfield.
■ Hospice of Michigan’s Crystal Rose Ball
Mothers/Daughters/Sisters A crunch of more than 700 people flocked to the Shenandoah Golf, Banquet & Country Club in West Bloomfield on Sept. 30 to hear Nancy G. Brinker speak. She is the Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control for the United Nations’ World Health Organization. She is also the founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, started in memory of her sister with $200 in a shoebox. It now has a presence in 50 countries and has invested more than $1.3 billion into research and outreach programs. The event, a fundraiser for the Francee and Benson Ford Jr. Breast Care and Wellness Center at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, has raised more than $1 million in the past five years.
Left to right, above: Honorees Barbara (front left) and Paul Czamanske of Bloomfield with their children Maria Stuart of McMinniville, OR, Lisa Stoick (standing left) and Peter Czamanske of Chicago, IL and Paul, 111 of Glen Lake. Honoree Judy Trepeck (center) of West Bloomfield with her daughters Jennifer (left) of NYC and Julie of Chicago. Event sponsors Dennis (back left) and Nancy Gershenson of Franklin with Kim and honoree Campbell-Ewald’s Jim Palmer of Rochester Hiills. Jeweler Linc Wachler (center) of Troy with Jennifer Trepeck (left) of NYC and Joanne Faycurry of Bloomfield. Bob and Millie Pastor with Claire Chambers of Bloomfield. Honorary committee members Oakland County Sherriff Mike and Pam Bouchard of Birmingham.
Old Newsboys Tribute Breakfast Eight hundred people, including lots of elected officials and civic leaders, turned out for the 20th Anniversary of the Detroit Goodfellows Tribute Breakfast in the Riverfront Ballroom at Detroit’s Cobo Center on Sept.25. They came to applaud Detroit radio legend Dick Purtan and his wife Gail, advocates for many local philanthropic organizations. They received the Edward H. McNamara Goodfellow of the Year Award. Funds raised by the event will help the Goodfellows reach the 2009 goal of $1.4 million to provide 36,000 holiday gift packages for needy children. 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
■ Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Friends Luncheon Ambassador Nancy G. Brinke (left) with Solange Messelian and Kristen Shapiro of Bloomfield. Event cochair Francee Ford (left) of West Bloomfield with Henry Ford Health System President and CEO Nancy Schlichting of Bloomfield.
THE PAPER
89
■ final word City commission, library board races
V
oters in the city of Birmingham will choose from a field of seven candidates in filling three seats on the City Commission during the Tuesday, Nov. 3 election. Birmingham is at a critical juncture, faced with declining revenues and at some point in 2010 the loss of its experienced city manager, so voters need to look for the best possible experience to lead the city into the shortterm future. Our candidate endorsements — based on the candidates’ answers in our interviews about important city issues, their past experience, and additional research conducted by our staff — are listed below for those voters seeking advice before casting their ballots. City commissioners serve four-year terms and are paid $5 per meeting. We look to challengers to make a strong case for replacing an incumbent in any contested election. Frankly, no one made that case in this race, so incumbents Stuart Sherman and Rackeline Hoff should be re-elected to new terms. The fact that no challenger delivered a pointed, specific argument for replacing the incumbents shouldn’t give voters pause when it comes to Sherman and Hoff, as they offer voters the best choice in this race for two of the three open commission seats. Sherman is wrapping up his first term as a city commissioner and currently serves as Birmingham’s mayor. A tax attorney by trade, Sherman brought Board of Review experience to the post when he first ran, and he has proven to be a logical thinker with a strong background on city issues to help sort out the present challenges. He showed a fair measure of courage by leading the charge in recently questioning Baldwin Public Library officials over the institution’s budget and millage rate. While outside legal experts will ultimately resolve any lingering debate about the library’s autonomy, it was refreshing to see Sherman’s unwillingness to hold the library head and shoulders — and harmless — above other city services and needs at a time when every taxpayer dollar needs to be closely scrutinized. He’s
Charter amendment proposal
B
loomfield Hills residents will vote Nov. 3 on Proposition A, which would give the City Commission discretion on when the billing process for a special assessment district (SAD) begins. SADs are used to pay for public projects benefiting a limited number of parcels in a given area by charging a special assessment only to the owners of properties benefiting from the project. The proposed amendment to Chapter X, Section 15 of the charter states, “Shall the City Charter be amended to provide that the due date for the first installment and each subsequent annual installment for the special assessment district shall be as determined by the City Commission at the time the assessment roll is confirmed rather than providing for a due date (30) days from the confirmation of the assessment roll?” There’s no need to overthink this common-sense proposal, which deserves a yes vote. The change would save the city a bit of money by letting assessment bills go out with tax bills and will probably give property owners a little more time to budget for assessment obligations. ■
taken a similar stance on potential service consolidation opportunities involving neighboring communities, including a possible public safety pact with Bloomfield Township, stating nothing should be left off the table when looking for ways to save public money. Hoff was first elected in 2001 and offered voters then her past experience with the city’s Board of Review, Zoning Board of Appeals, along with the Ad Hoc Committee for Downtown Development. Like Sherman, she knows the issues — although she doesn’t seem as willing as he is to stick her neck out when questioned on some important issues. Nevertheless, our sense is Hoff has become something akin to an institution in the community, remaining highly visible and active beyond the commission table. She strikes us as being a hard worker and advocate for the community. Hoff also seems to share Sherman’s bottom-line mentality when it comes to spending the people’s money, whether it’s exploring service sharing options with neighboring municipalities or holding the line on any additional investment in a proposed transit center project. For the third spot on the commission, voters would do best to back Mark Nickita, an architect and urban planner
by profession who would bring a wealth of municipal knowledge to this position. Nickita has served two stints on the planning commission and has served on the Principal Shopping District (PSD) Business Development Committee, along with strong involvement in the Transit Center Design Committee and the Triangle District Design Committee. We were impressed with some of his ideas, like working on a phased basis on the transit center and his overall grasp of how we need to approach the issue of attracting more business in the downtown area. Nickita has a solid grasp of what is facing the city and how to address those issues. We think the city would be served well by his critical eye for details and intellectual mind, so voters would be wise to place him on the City Commission. Though we aren’t recommending her in this election, we were impressed by many of the ideas and observations presented by Dulce Fuller, and hope to see her name on the ballot in the future. A long-time Birmingham business owner and the spouse of Ted Fuller, one of the city’s premier downtown developers and landlords, Fuller has become established in her own right as a knowledgeable fiscal conservative and we see her potential to be an asset at the commission table.
Baldwin Public Library Board of Directors Four candidates are competing for three four-year terms on the library board, positions that don’t draw any kind of financial compensation. Like in the City Hall, the library is in need of a new chief executive, making this an important election. Voters should be confident in electing Sheila Brice and incumbent Andrew M. Harris. Brice, a community service organizer at Groves High School for nearly two decades, is calling for more transparency in library management and budgeting procedures. Aside from stating a desire to mend the library’s frayed relationship with city officials, she’s advocating greater outreach to neighboring communities in order to bring them back or retain them as fiscal partners in order to serve the greater community. Harris is an attorney, former chairman of the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board, a member of the Citizens for Shain Park Committee and the Friends of the Library. He appears to be an unabashed advocate of the library’s financial autonomy, yet recognizes that the library relies on the city for some important services. In addition, he notes the library board needs to work hard to bring Beverly Hills back into the fold, as the village had been providing up to 14 percent of the library’s budget revenue through a service contract. When it comes to the third library board seat, the remaining two candidates in the field aren’t as qualified as Brice and Harris. Frankly, we weren’t overly impressed with the responses to our candidate questions from either Hermann Fleischer or Frank Pisano. Voters may find themselves — like us — in position of having to flip a coin to make a decision on who should get the third board seat. On the one hand, they can have Fleischer, a retiree who worked as a media specialist at the Oakland Community College library in Auburn Hills for over 29 years; on the other, there’s Pisano, a financial advisor with Oppenheimer for the past seven years. ■
Birmingham school board election
A
pair of strong candidates for a Birmingham Schools Board of Education position will make for a difficult decision for some local voters. We’re recommending re-election of the incumbent, Lori Soifer, in the absence of hearing a specific reason why she shouldn’t be returned to office. However, we liked a lot of what we heard from challenger Katie Reiter, who should make another run for a board seat if she isn’t elected on Nov. 3.
Board of Education members serve four-year terms and receive no pay for their service. Soifer has served on the school board since May 2005, is the current board president, and previously served as vice president and secretary. She has held leadership posts on several local district panels and groups, and was a northern regional vice president of the PTSA Council. She has ample knowledge of the issues the district faces at this time, no
doubt due to her experiences on many school board and advisory panels. Reiter — owner of Health Quest Enterprises for 15 years, acting as a health and wellness management consultant — impressed us with a slew of recommendations on where to look for reasonable and justifiable cost savings, particularly the need to change the district’s election schedule to even-numbered years and working with other districts to coordinate and consolidate pro-
grams and services. We agree with her general point that the school district can’t continue to operate and meet its charges like it used to, not in the current environment of significant state funding cuts and the likelihood of more in coming years. When we hear tales of the district recently sending over 40 teachers to Boston to attend a learning conference, we can’t help but wonder whether Reiter’s brand of alternative thinking needs to be employed in the district. ■
WE GIVE YOU MONEY WE BUY ALL WATCHES AND JEWELRY – ANY CONDITION
Don’t Want to Sell? We will give you a LOAN on-the-spot! No Credit Checks – No Hassle, Just Cash in Your Pocket When You Need It Most LEGACY JEWELRY AND LOAN IS HERE TO HELP *Licensed Pawn Brokers
✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱
GOLD DIAMONDS GOLD AND SILVER COINS STERLING SILVER FLATWARE WATCHES - ANY KIND, NEW OR OLD AND MUCH MORE… Not sure what you have? Bring it in for a FREE APPRAISAL
LEGACY JEWELRY AND LOAN
. Ave
www.legacyestatejewelry.com
ard odw Wo
248.723.9975
Old Woodward
700 N. Old Woodward Ste. 200 Birmingham, MI 48009
▲ N
Oak Blvd.
Maple Rd.
nklin Academy Fra
oakland county’s newest premiere preschool & kindergarten
Franklin Academy PreschoolOPEN HOUSE, Kindergarten Camp SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH, 12PM TO 2PM
“
Our Academy offers the renowned curriculum and teaching staff of Echo Park School. The school’s core academic program is combined with enrichment activities which include tennis, swimming, dance, martial arts, yoga, science, computers, Spanish and Hebrew. Franklin Academy’s rich stimulating environment encourages children to grow and prepares them for their educational future.
”
248.352.5437 Both half-day and full-day sessions are available. Call today to schedule your tour of our newly renovated
- Karen Vandeputte, Director Franklin Academy Former Echo Park Teacher and Interim Director
Franklin Academy!
Call now to make your reservations for schools break camp, ages 3-12! 9am to 4pm, November, 25 and 27 & December, 21–23, 28–30
29350 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48034 | www.franklinclub.com