Birmingham/Bloomfield

ENDNOTE: OUR CHOICES FOR THE AUGUST 2 PRIMARY ELECTION

JULY 2016

PLUS

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP

PRESCRIPTION FOR TROUBLE: MEDICAL WASTE IN WATER GRAYING OF OAKLAND: THE SILVER TSUNAMI HAS ARRIVED CANDIDATES ON ISSUES: DOWNTOWNPUBLICATIONS.COM

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Sophisticated Living in West Bloomfield $2,599,000

Turtle Lake Lakefront $2,499,000 or VL for $699,000

Franklin Village Estate $2,475,000

Custom Built home in Heronwood $2,399,000

Dominick Tringalli Designed Turtle Lake $1,995,000

Over 1.5 Acres Near Cranbrook $1,990,000 of VL for $899,000

Bloomfield Hills Gated Community $1,925,000 or $12,000/MO

New Construction in Bloomfield Hills $1,899,000or VL $699,000

Custom Built Home by Casadei $1,299,000

Luxury Custom Built home in Bloomfield Hills $1,099,000

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BLOOMFIELD 2368 Heronwood | $1,749,000

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racious home nestled in the serene and gated community of Heronwoods. The property’s beautiful interior comprises more than 10,500 sq. ft of show-stopping luxury with vast living spaces and exquisite details throughout. A grand foyer offers guests a spectacular welcome while high ceilings, beautiful marble and gleaming hardwood floors grace flexible entertaining spaces that include a stunning chef’s kitchen with granite, custom cabinetry and superior appliances, as well as a magnificent living room and great room. Walls of windows infuse the entire house with light and allow for stunning views of the lush grounds complete with a swimming pool overlooking a wooded ravine and pond. The luxurious master suite is a true oasis with a sitting room, dual bathrooms, walk-in closets and separate vanity area. The upper level showcases 4 additional bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The finished lower level, which walks out to a patio, boasts a 2nd kitchen, 2 full bathrooms, sauna, family room, bedroom and workout room. An unparalleled estate in private and peaceful location!

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BIRMINGHAM 1045 Westchester Way | $1,599,000

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xceptionally designed custom home close to town offers 5 bedrooms, 4 full and 2 half baths. Impeccable details, quality craftsmanship and graceful features combine for easy flow, enhanced by floor-toceiling windows which create light and airy spaces. The exquisite front door opens to large foyer and is flanked by library with built-ins & one of 2 entry-level half baths. The well-appointed chef’s kitchen boasts custom cabinetry, granite countertops, stone accent backsplash & a butler’s pantry. Kitchen is open to great room with built-in shelves, cabinets, exposed wood beams & fireplace with stone surround.

Private 2nd floor master retreat with spa like bath. Hardwood floors and high ceilings throughout continue in the finished lower level complete with rec room, entertaining area, mirrored workout, bedroom and full bath. Outside, a covered patio with cozy seating leads to a sparkling pool, patio, fireplace and secluded backyard – the perfect environment for summer entertainment.

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BIRMINGHAM 1335 Puritan Avenue $1,399,000 Remarkable 4 bedroom, 3.2 bath Colonial on a coveted street in Quarton Lake Estates. Spectacular quality and fine details throughout, including solid wood doors, crown moldings, hardwood & marble. Study with fireplace and built-ins. Two-story family room, which flows to kitchen, offers huge windows overlooking the back yard. Deluxe master bedroom suite with sitting area and gorgeous marble bath. Second “master-like” ensuite bedroom. Spacious finished lower level with 9’ ceilings features 2nd family room, rec room, full bath and an abundance of storage.

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CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 555 Rudgate Road $1,098,000 Situated on a stunning 1.1 acre property across from the Cranbrook community, this elegant 5 bedroom Colonial in the City of Bloomfield Hills offers more than 3500 square feet of interior space highlighted by a beautiful marble entry, spacious living and dining areas and a lovely gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry and top-of-line appliances. Gleaming hardwood floors and bright light-filled rooms throughout. Spacious finished lower level. Beautiful outdoor area and lush park-like grounds.

ED T S I TL S JU

BIRMINGHAM 655 S. Glenhurst $829,000 Bright and open Colonial in superb location! The updated interior boasts beautiful hardwood floors, moldings, built-ins & exquisite attention to details.

Gourmet center island kitchen with professional appliances & custom cabinetry flows to breakfast nook & expansive great room leading out to patio & spa tub. Spacious master suite with dual baths and exercise room. 2nd floor complete with 4 additional bedrooms and 2 full baths, plus laundry. Charming covered porch overlooks pristine, private back yard.

VOTE TUESDAY AUGUST 2nd IN THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

What are your neighbors saying about Leo? PAID FOR BY RETAIN LEO SAVOIE BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR, 3847 OAKLAND DR., BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48301

“Leo was the first to respond when DTE was cu ing down our trees.”

— Inge-Lise Gray “His door is always open. I have never had a problem ge ing in touch with him.”

— Alan Must

“Leo has worked tirelessly with the State of Michigan and the Oakland County Road Commission to improve our infrastructure.”

— Julie Fielder

“He always comes to our Homeowners Association meetings.”

— Doug Ashley “Leo has earned our vote.”

— Ed Genheimer

Keep Leo Savoie. Keep the good going.

DOWNTOWN07.16

47

Drinking water: prescription for future trouble While water treatment plants must meet federal regulations, most standards haven't been updated in 40 years. The result is a system that isn't able to routinely detect or completely remove pharmaceuticals and hundreds of other chemicals from drinking and wastewater.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

20

Officials at the Regional Transit Association have their work cut out for them if they hope to sell a 1.2-mil tax for mass transit in the four-county region of southeast Michigan on the ballot in the November general election.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

25

Our political/government gossip column details the latest, including a county candidate with a higher calling; ballot vacancy in the race against Rep. Mike Bishop; a promised Bloomfield protest that never happened; and more.

CRIME LOCATOR

31

A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.

MUNICIPAL

87

New township approach on retirement fund; Birmingham parking fee changes; Legacy Hills development approved; Kepes call for lawsuit to end; Allen Edmonds coming to downtown; W. Maple Road paving project begins; plus more.

FRONT/BACK

118

Katie Deska gives us the the latest on what’s happening in the front and the back of the house in metro Detroit area restaurants with a series of short takes on the latest news and gossip for the industry.

THE COVER The four-acre pond at the E.L. Johnson Nature Center on Franklin Road in Bloomfield Township. The 40-acre nature center site, with walking trails is home to a wide variety of wild life and is part of the Bloomfiled Hills School District. Downtown photo.

34

The graying of Oakland The Silver Tsunami has officially arrived in Oakland, with the concern for aging in place now front and center in local communities.

58 Fugitive apprehension teams Fugitive apprehension teams at the county, federal level and in some local departments chase down those subject to an arrest warrant for a number of violations.

110

Scott Berels

FACES SOCIAL LIGHTS

124

Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.

ENDNOTE

134

With absentee ballots for the August primary going in the mail soon, we offer our opinion on what candidates offer the political parties their best hope, along with our thoughts on a few millage proposals.

32 44 57 85 110

Rachel Leemis Clarence Black Jennifer Taub Ryan Kadro Scott Berels

Jeff & Matt Barker LD O O

S

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O S 2604 Lamplighter Ln. $455,000

638 Westwood Dr. $775,000

LD

280 Harmon St. $1,030,000

LD

LD

395 Berwyn St. $1,225,000

S

S

S

O

O

LD

LD

Sold in Birmingham & Bloomfield in June

4410 Charing Way $365,000

2175 Dorchester Rd. $333,000

Featured properties in Quarton Lake Estates:

1420 Fairfax St. $1,495,000

1140 Lake Park Dr. $749,900

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1541 Island Ln, 139’ on Island Lake $1,750,000

2993 Heron Place, Bloomfield Hills Schools $1,495,000

5310 Putnam Dr, 69’ on Walnut Lake $1,475,000

1580 Oxford Rd, Birmingham Schools $1,295,000

2995 Quail Run, 1.62 Private Acres $1,099,900

1218 Water Cliff Dr, Bloomfield Hills Schools $995,000

860 Hidden Pine Rd, Bloomfield Hills Schools $675,000

3790 Brookside Dr, Bloomfield Hills Schools $595,000

26485 W. Thirteen Mile Rd, Birmingham Schools $579,000

4868 Fairway Ridge S, Bloomfield Hills Schools $562,500

6886 W Knollwood Cir, Birmingham Schools $539,900

26900 Crestwood Dr, 1.4 Acre Lot in Franklin $499,900

2298 Cameo Lake Ct, Detached Ranch Condo $469,900

1853 Wingate Rd, 1st Flr Mstr Wabeek Condo $424,900

350 N Main St, Unit #507 Royal Oak $329,900

5941 Eastman Blvd, Walnut Lake Privileges $319,900

www.jeffbarkerhomes.com 275 S. Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham

PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Allison Batdorff | Rachel Bechard | Hillary Brody Katie Deska | Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak Austen Hohendorf | Kathleen Meisner | Bill Seklar PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Jean Lannen | Laurie Tennent Laurie Tennent Studio VIDEO PRODUCTION/CONTRIBUTOR Garrett Hohendorf Giant Slayer ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in downtown Birmingham.

For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication.

Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009.

If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes.

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Member of Downtown Publications DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS

RE-ELECT N E A L

BARNETT

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE

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19

FROM THE PUBLISHER s we approach the November general election it will be interesting to see whether leaders of the move to introduce mass transit, or as some would have it, improved mass transit, to southeast Michigan have correctly assessed the level of public support for what is expected to be a 20-year tax to begin underwriting what is projected to be a $4.6 billion plan that essentially relies on high-speed buses moving on dedicated lanes.

A

This will be what some historians are saying is the 24th attempt since the 1960's to bring some type of mass transit to metro Detroit, defined in the latest proposal as an area encompassing the counties of Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne, including the city of Detroit.

The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan, or RTA for short, was authorized by state lawmakers in 2012, to be the agency of record for oversight and service coordination of mass transit. Its ten-member board, comprising two members from each county and one from Detroit, along with a non-voting chairperson appointed by the governor, is authorized to hire a system CEO (which they have) and place a vehicle registration fee and/or property tax on the ballot, the latter of which is expected to be announced at some point in July.

Initial plan details provide for a dedicated-lane bus system, one that can also run in mixed traffic if needed. The new system will run along a few select major north/south corridors from downtown Detroit out into parts of the region, like Pontiac. Although the exact stops have yet to be determined, there are suggestions that there will be 26 mass transit stations in 11 communities in the four counties, which seems light to say the least.

Backers of this plan are also touting that there will be improvement of route coordination between existing bus service now provided by SMART and DDOT as it applies to transfers, a sticking point under the current system.

And, in what strikes me as a move to help sell the tax this November, there will be Metro Airport express routes to select communities, including Troy and Novi in Oakland County.

Under the proposal voters will face in November, if the majority of the electorate in the four counties support the mass transit tax, all counties must participate and pay up, unlike under the current SMART tax system that allows communities to opt out of the levy, which in most instances occurs because of lack of legitimate local service. Oakland communities currently opting out of the SMART system include Novi, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills and a majority of west Oakland lakes area communities, which alone count for about one-third of the geography of the county.

In an attempt to stem complaints on the lack of an opt out provision, RTA plan supporters are quick to point out that places like Rochester Hills are slated for improved local bus service in the year 2020, and in 2021 local service will likely be provided in White Lake along the Highland Road/M-59 corridor. And in 2018, there will be an attempt at east/west cross county service.

Further, to address concerns that the majority of funding will somehow benefit Detroit disproportionately (where three out of five residents work outside the city, which is ranked number eight nationally in carless households), 85 percent of the funds collected from any given county must be spent there.

The cost for this? The RTA is expected to ask in November for a 1.2-mill

property tax, which means if you own property with an assessed value of $79,000 (the RTA's example), your annual bill will be $95. Not bad until you figure that if your home's market value is $400,000, the cost will be $120 and upwards from there. Oakland County is expected to cough up $60 million annually. The RTA tax will be on top of the millage already approved for the SMART system in the region.

RTA supporters paint a promising picture for the proposed tax, no doubt counting on a number of factors. For one, initial polling shows support of 53 percent to as high as 65 percent based on 800 respondents. Backers also point to the current rebound in select areas of Detroit which could be a sign of potential support for mass transit, plus 75 percent of people working in Detroit live in the suburbs. Supporters are banking on the trend in recent years among voters to support regional institutions like the Detroit Zoo and the Detroit Institute of Arts, although considerable educational work will need to be done to equate the RTA plan with what are considered regional, cultural assets like these two.

Then there is the national sentiment that says government should be investing in bus systems and rail. And of course, there's the time-honored argument that mass transit routes draw development, which only improves the economic standing of those particular areas.

All of this planning really hinges on who shows up to vote come this November. While it's nice to think that the Bernie Sanders movement has energized a new phalanx of young voters who would back mass transit, the stats simply don't support the theory. The Millennials, or Generation Y, consisting of ages 19-35, can't be counted on to turn out in any higher percentage that in the past. In fact, according to an analysis by Atlantic magazine in the past year, Generation Y is equal in proportion to the Baby Boomer generation as a voting block. However, between the years 1964 and 2012, the youth vote has fallen below 50 percent while the Baby Boomer vote has approached 80 percent. There's also the question of how the areas of Oakland and the other counties that have opted out of mass transit votes in the past will weigh in on the November tax question.

The hope might rest with both the Baby Boomers and affluent/better educated seniors, who remain involved politically today and who may be convinced to treat mass transit much like their local school system – you may not have a use for it now but for the overall good of society in the future, it's an investment that should have been made decades ago so it must be made now.

Only time will tell whether the 24th time is the charm when we get to this November's ballot.

Election footnote: Downtown newsmagazine's recommendations to voters for the August 2 primary election appear in the Endnote page at the back of this issue, and candidate responses to the publishing group's questionnaires can be found on the home page of our website at DowntownPublications.com. As in past elections, we offer this early due to the large percentage of voters who cast absentee ballots which are expected to be in the mail around the time this issue arrives in your mailbox.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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Complete 2014 renovation and expansion of historic home. Beautiful hardwood floors. All-new kitchen, garage, mechanical, roof, gutters, carpet & paint.

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BIRMINGHAM 679 Shepardbush | $999,000

BIRMINGHAM 911 Brookwood Street | $1,895,000

One-of-a-kind estate property on 3.73 acres off Vaughan Road. Pool, spa, tennis and all-sports courts.

1500 sq. ft. guest house. 3-car garage.

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Impeccable, spacious 2003 built home in Poppleton Park area. 4 bedroom suites. Elevator. Gourmet kitchen. Superb master. 3-car garage.

5,115 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths

Beautiful 2000 custom built home on picturesque street. Tremendous quality and millwork throughout.

Christopher Longe design. 3-car garage.

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CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 200 Woodwind | $1,295,000

BLOOMFIELD 5330 Woodlands Estates Dr. S. | $2,250,000

FRANKLIN VILLAGE 31600 Briarcliff Road | $895,000

Builder’s own Tringali design in desirable Chestnut Hills. Great living spaces plus walkout lower level.

Spectacular 2-story rec room.

7,601 Total SF | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 3 Half Baths

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INCOMING Letter to Bloomfield voters We are addressing this letter to the voters of Bloomfield Township.

Management and employees normally would not and should not get involved in the politics of the governments we work for. In fact, we did everything within our power to stay out of it and be completely neutral. Unfortunately, we have been forced into the middle of the politics between treasurer Dan Devine and the rest of the elected officials.

Every single one of us is extremely proud to work in Bloomfield Township. It has always been a model community that other townships, villages and cities strive to be. We are honored to be given the opportunity to be part of a community that is AAA-rated, is the only township in the state with its own road department, and provides exceptional police and fire/EMS services, just to name a few. These are some of the things that allow Bloomfield Township to hire and retain the best talent in each respective field of the services we provide.

You expect to receive facts and truths about your local government operations. Sadly, treasurer Devine has decided to pursue a political platform of discrediting members of the township board and management team which includes sending mailings containing misinformation about the operations of the township. You should be aware that all of treasurer Devine’s claims are, in our informed opinion, wrongful and misaligned as to the reality of how township operations and delivery of services are handled.

Treasurer Dan Devine has aligned himself with several new candidates who have absolutely no experience in local government. This is what he wants your future township board to look like. To have an almost entirely new board led by him as the most seasoned of the group. All while he continues to pursue his appeal of his lawsuit against the township. All while he continues to pursue his conspiracy theories of corruption and fraud running rampant not only throughout the township departments but also with the vendors, contractors and suppliers we work with to provide township services.

We publicly reject allegations made by treasurer Devine and some candidates that we, the management team, have been unduly influenced by supervisor Leo Savoie. downtownpublications.com

Township Supervisor Leo Savoie, Township Clerk Jan Roncelli, along with Trustees Neal Barnett, Corinne Khederian and Brian Kepes have worked openly and professionally with the public, the management team and township legal counsel to ensure the residents of Bloomfield Township receive superior services.

These five elected officials are why Bloomfield Township continues to be one of the most desirable communities in Michigan.

Collectively they have worked with residents to get residential streets repaved through special assessments. They have taken prior contracts that were bid and approved for projects and extended those existing terms for additional work. This has saved the residents millions of dollars in project costs by avoiding increased costs of engineering, supplies and labor.

They had the knowledge and foresight to attack the aging water and sewer infrastructure issue head on – realizing it’s much better to be proactive than reactive. Emergency situations and tragedies can be prevented, or at least better managed, by replacing the older pipes in the system on a regular basis. This is how we are able to provide the highest quality of water to our residents along with top notch customer service. They look at the issues, listen to the people and do the right things for all the right reasons.

Police Chief Geof Gaudard, Fire Chief Dave Piché, DPW Director Tom Trice, Finance Director Jason Theis, Engineering and Environmental Services Director Wayne Domine, Community Relations Director Greg Kowalski, Assessor Bill Griffin, IT Director Gayle Sadler, Planning, Building & Ordinance Director Patti Voelker, Senior Services Director Christine Tvaroha

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political/government news and gossip items, both on and off-the-record, compiled by staff members of Downtown.

Possible items for this column can be sent to OaklandConfidential@DowntownPublications.com.

Higher calling: Local Republicans have been abuzz since the June 14 Birmingham Bloomfield Republican Club Meet the Candidates meeting, held in conjunction with the Bloomfield Republicans Women’s and Birmingham Republican Women’s clubs, when former state Rep. Chuck Moss, currently running in the August primary for the 12th District County Commission seat against incumbent Republican Shelley Goodman Taub, seemed to intimate that he was positioning himself for Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson’s seat when Patterson retires after his next term. Besides touting he was running on a platform of vision and experience, Moss repeatedly MOSS emphasized that he had the best leadership skills, based on his experience as the chair of the appropriations committee when he was in Lansing.

“The county commission has essentially not gotten in the way and floated behind the battleship of Good King Brooks, and that’s worked out real, real well. The problem is, in four-and-a-half years, Brooks Patterson isn’t going to be here. He’s only going to run for one more term....We’re going to have to step up ourselves.”

He said the county commission, of which he was a member from 2001-2006, when he successfully ran for the state House 40th District, is the county legislature, “which means it’s the power of the purse...This is an election for the future – for who the county exec is going to be.” It is? That might be news to Patterson, who has filed to run for his seventh term as county executive, and has acknowledged it will be his final term. Interestingly, in the primary commission race, Patterson has endorsed Taub, who was a commissioner from 1993 to 2002, then became a state representative, and returned to the commission in 2008. Oh, and let’s not forget speculation has it that Patterson could opt not to fulfill his final term so he can influence who gets appointed to his position. Trust us, Moss is not on the list of potential heirs to the throne. Amen.

Techtard: Former Oakland County Clerk Bill Bullard, running in the August GOP primary against Rochester Hills clerk Tina Barton for his old job, has a campaign platform of improved technology and innovation for the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds office, asserting he provided great improvements to the office when he was the clerk in 2011-2012.

Word is, he did increase e-filings and e-record keeping and other electronic transactions. Which makes it all the stranger that he filled out his responses to a primary election questionnaire from Downtown – which he hand-delivered – with an IBM Selectric BULLARD typewriter, which IBM notes on its website they retired in 1986. All other respondents, for numerous other elected offices, emailed their responses back in a Word or comparable format.

Democratic choice: When actress/Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District Melissa Gilbert dropped out of the race against Rep. Mike Bishop (R) on May 24, citing advice from her doctors, it left Democrats with a quandary as to who could possibly unseat the congressman, and how the space on the Democratic side of the ballot could be filled. Because Gilbert dropped out after the official date for dropping out of the primary, which was April 22 at 4 p.m., her name will still appear on the August 2 ballot. Linda Keefe, who also submitted a petition to run as a Democrat, will not, because she did not have enough signatures on her petition. After the primary, according to Oakland County Democratic officials, the county officials that are GILBERT represented in the district – in this case, Oakland, Livingston and Ingham counties – will have their Democratic party chairs, treasurers and recording secretaries, for a total of nine people – choose an individual who they feel is the strongest candidate to represent the 8th District. “Before the August primary, although we will not be able to name that person, we are talking to qualified individuals,” said the official. “We will have that person in place to name after the primary. We are pretty excited about the caliber of candidates that have stepped forward to seek the office on short notice.” Included on the short list are two northern Oakland County women with strong credentials that officials feel could unseat Bishop. What don’t any of the potential eight or so candidates have?

Political experience. “They’re all going to be green candidates, which seems to be a benefit in this election cycle.”

Protest no show: Dave Thomas, a Bloomfield Township resident running in the August GOP primary for township supervisor against incumbent Republican Leo downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

RE-ELECT

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Savoie, sent out an email on Monday, June 20, urging his supposed band of followers to not only attend an “important elections committee meeting� that day, but also exclaimed: “We need to invite the local media to this event to help bring attention to how the Township is being run...We need about 50 people to show up and to be disgusted with this in a classy way...Can we get 50 people and some potential signs protesting this and filling the meeting room? Can someone bring a video camera?�

At the elections meeting, embattled treasurer and tireless/tiresome Savoie critic Dan Devine claimed the supervisor was abusing the township’s sign ordinance by putting up large signs on “developer friends’ properties in the township,� which THOMAS clerk Jan Roncelli stated was not something the elections committee deals with.“Elections signs are a frequent issue during election season,� she noted.

Despite Thomas’ urgings, and the township’s preparations for possible protestors, with two uniformed police officers stationed outside a larger meeting location, there were no protestors. None. Zero. Nada. Ironically, even Thomas failed to show for the meeting he claimed in his email was so important. And no one in attendance was seen with a video camera recording the meeting, nor was any local media there, save Downtown newsmagazine, which – for the record – was not invited.

No big bump: Despite larger than average turnouts for the presidential primary in March, local municipal clerks are not seeing an especially large surge of new voters this election cycle, nor a significantly high increase (or any increase) in requests for absentee ballots for this August’s primary. Rochester Hills Clerk Tina Barton looked at 2012’s election, the previous presidential cycle, and said, “We’re only up about 100 applications (for new voters). So we’re on track. I looked at the first six months of 2012 and the first six months of 2016, and in 2012, we had 5,600 total requests for absentee ballots, and right now we have about 3,500. We estimate we’ll get to about 6,000,� out of a total of over 53,000 registered voters.

Rochester City Clerk Lee Ann O’Connor said while the number of registered voters in the city has increased in recent years, it has more to do with an increase of residents in the eastern portion of the community. “We have about 10,100 registered voters, but it has been growing steadily for over the past few years as the east side growth has been climbing. It’s up from about 7,500, but it is leveling off.� O’Connor said about 700 of 976 absentee voter forms that were sent out have been returned. Overall, she said she doesn’t see any increase in registered voters or absentee ballots compared to previous elections. “It doesn’t seem any different,� she said. “Certainly no more than before.�

Bloomfield Hills Clerk Amy Burton said while figures weren’t immediately available, she has been tracking absentee voters and they appear to be the same as previous presidential elections. Bloomfield Township Clerk Jan Roncelli said the township is pretty much on pace, similar to previous primary cycles. “A presidential election brings out more people,� she said.

The local patterns seem to fit with what is being recorded nationally by political experts who are now determining that presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump did not actually bring out new voters during the primaries, but activated some registered voters to vote for the first time in a presidential primary. Same story for Bernie Sanders.

Trump tribulations: The volley of bombastic statements being lobbed by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump has become a distraction for establishment conservatives. Republican Congressmen David Trott, a Birmingham native representing the 11th Congressional District, and GOP Congressman Mike Bishop, who represents the Rochester/Rochester Hills’ 8th District, initially backed former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush as the party’s candidate, but officially endorsed Trump when he became the last man standing. “I endorsed him when he was the only candidate left in the field,�

Trott said during a phone interview. “It’s certainly a distraction. For example, Speaker Ryan has task forces working for several months on rolling out ideas on poverty, security and other issues that will have a profound impact on our policy, but that hasn’t had any traction because of the presidential campaign.�

Bishop, in a statement, offered a non-denial endorsement of TRUMP Trump. “Donald Trump was not my first or second choice for president, but I will get behind the nominee that Republicans choose at the convention this summer,� Bishop said, seemingly leaving room for options should the GOP offer up an alternative. “Ultimately, this is up to the people to decide, and I will support their decision. While I do not agree with everything he has said, I do think he presents a stark contrast to Hillary Clinton.�

Both Bishop and Trott said they hope to see Trump unite the Republican Party in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Trott said he and his wife both plan on voting for the GOP nominee come November, despite any rumors to the contrary. “That being said, I sure don’t tell her how to vote.� downtownpublications.com

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FACES Rachel Leemis pending a day each week on the floor of a beef processing plant, 33-year-old Rachel Leemis said she does it to ensure the quality of her Michigan raised, 100 percent Piedmontese beef, which she sells to restaurants, retailers and direct to consumers.

After convincing Jerry Chapman, a longtime rancher in Eagle, Michigan, to work with her, Leemis found the partner she needed to bring to life her unique desire to raise a herd of Piedmontese cattle.

Today, they roam free on Chapman’s grassy 300-acre farm and 10 other cooperative Michigan farms Leemis partners with.

Her quest for the uncommon breed, which originated in Piedmont, Italy, was sparked in the summer 2010, when Leemis was looking for a supplier of high quality beef for the restaurant she planned to open. Once she learned that Piedmontese products have a more attractive nutritional profile than salmon or chicken, Leemis was sold.

“Health is very important to me. I love the idea that if you’re going to eat a protein source that’s animal, that it has less fat and calories than a boneless, skinless chicken breast, that excites me,” said Leemis. “It satisfies the ornate carnivorous urge that most of us aren’t willing to relinquish.” One that's almost entirely unavailable.

“I Google searched and made phone calls, and when I got (a rancher in Italy) who spoke English, I said ‘I’m opening up a restaurant and before I drop my savings, I need to meet with someone, I want to know this beef inside and out.’ I hounded them for two weeks,” and soon, she was en route to Torino, Italy.

She was told that if she wanted pure Piedmontese beef, she would have to raise it herself. “I asked why we don’t do it pure in the U.S. and they chuckled and said the American diet prefers the flavor of fat.”

The Italian ranchers Leemis met with were willing to help her bring the breed to American soil, and the beef to the table. They even vetted Leemis to Chapman.

“Everyday I talk to Jerry – he’s my right and left hand. I set the specs and standards and he enforces them,” said Leemis, who’s been working with Chapman for over five years now. “Jerry and the farmers, they taught me – I was so green. I’m a Jewish girl who grew up in Bloomfield Hills. But I figure things out and ask a lot of questions, and one of my talents is surrounding myself with people who are smarter than me,” said Leemis with a light heart. “I got in and got dirty, and I can drive a John Deer and take care of the animals.”

When it’s time for the slaughter, Chapman drops off the animals at Byron Center Meats in Grand Rapids, where Leemis goes for the weekly 4 a.m. butchering session.

Leemis and the Monty’s Beef Co. team is a multifaceted success that supplies primal cuts to high-end restaurants; stocks product in Plum Market, Holiday Market, Bush’s, and Better Health; sells from a Royal Oak retail shop of their own; cruises in a recently launched food truck, which Leemis said dishes up “killer burgers, brisket sandwiches, and a kick-ass vegan burger.”

But that’s not all. By the summer of 2017, Leemis expects to be serving from a brick and motar restaurant of her own, just as she had originally planned, before she got “cattled-away.”

S

Story: Katie Deska

Photo: Laurie Tennent

THE GRAYING OF here's a saying that at 20, you have the body you were born with; at 40, the body you're working on; and at 60, the body you deserve. As more and more people are living longer and staying active and healthier, the saying could be extended to the age of 80.

The first of the Baby Boomer generation turned 65 in 2011; currently, according to the Pew Research Center, 10,000 Baby Boomers will turn 65 every day until the year 2030. That's a lot of senior citizens. Boomers, that feisty generation that has always been “the first” to have ever done anything, comprises 26 percent of the population of the United States, compared to 13 percent of seniors who currently are made up of the World War II generation. By 2030, when all members of the Baby Boom generation will have reached 65, fully 18 percent of the population will be seniors, Pew Research projects. Compare that to Millennials, who now surpass Boomers as the largest living demographic, with 75.4 million in 2015, versus 74.9 million Boomers in 2015. Of course, by 2030, Millennials will be middle aged.

Just don't tell Boomers they're old. In a 2009 Pew Research study, the typical Boomer said old age doesn't begin until at least age 72.

Whether we like it or not, as a society, we're getting older. The good news, life expectancy is growing longer along with us. In 2013, there were 44.7 million adults 65 or older in the United States, representing 14.1 percent of the population – one in seven Americans. And the number of older Americans has increased by 8.8 million, or almost 25 percent, since 2003, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging. At the same time, those 65 year olds now have the likelihood of living an additional 20 years longer

T

SILVER TSUNAMI

than their predecessors.

“Since 1900, the percentage of Americans 65-plus has more than tripled (from 4.1 percent in 1900 to 14.1 percent in 2013), and the number has increased over thirteen times (from 3.1 million to 44.7 million),” said a research report from the Administration on Aging. “The older population itself is increasingly older. In 2013, the 65-74 age group (25.2 million) was more than 10 times larger than in 1900; the 75-84 group (13.4 million) increased by 70 percent, and the 85-plus (6 million) was 49 times larger.”

And the numbers of older Americans are forecast to double over the next 25 years as life

OAKLAND COUNTY HAS ARRIVED

BY LISA BRODY

expectancy is expected to rise to 110 by 2030.

Besides better health and reduced death rates, the impact of a larger, healthier demographic has profound economic influence. Similarly, as that large demographic ages and becomes less healthy, the effect upon the community and its infrastructure is just as impactful.

“For Boomers, which in their youth, their educational needs led to the building of lots of schools to accommodate them. Now, as they age,

we're going to have to develop services to provide for this generation,” said Paul Bridgewater, president and CEO of Detroit Area Agency on Aging. “We're not yet there with public policy, and the expansion of services.”

Throughout Oakland County, both the county and numerous local municipalities, as well as community agencies have been planning for the “Silver Tsunami,” which is when the number of older people outnumber the number of children younger than five years of age. And the time is here.

Providing for the Silver Tsunami is a storm on two fronts. Healthy, active seniors often are choosing to continue working longer into their senior years, as they prolong retirement, which could last 30 years. Others are choosing new careers, or are forced to continue working long past traditional retirement age because they haven't saved enough for retirement, or were severely impacted by the recent Great Recession. Others, who were able to save for retirement, often remain active in their communities, turning their attention to leisure, travel, culture, family and philanthropic pursuits.

Yet, simultaneously, as people age, the need for long-term care and aging in place services are increasing, and the demands upon the nation's healthcare system will increase. The greatest impact to be felt from this generation's aging will be due to the sharp increase in the number of people with cognitive issues, such as Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.

“There's no greater diversity than aging. Some people are doing incredibly well, astounding us all; some are doing OK; and some are doing very poorly,” noted Peter Lichtenberg, director of Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology

“There's lots of reasons for all of that – aging doesn't happen overnight.

Some are exposed to malnutrition, poverty and poor education. Over a lifetime, they're at a cumulative disadvantage. It's not all of sudden at 65.

“This generation, the Boomers, are starting to fray. Retirement savings are much less than previous generations because few have defined benefit retirement plans,” he noted. “Many have much greater household mortgage debt, and our health system has gone backwards. We have less than half the gerontologists than we had 20 years ago to care for an aging society. So every medical practitioner has to become a specialist on aging.” ichtenberg said the fastest growing group of seniors is the 85plus age group, and its impact is huge because “of the enormous changes where they need assistance, from their eyesight, strength, cognitive abilities, even without dementia, needing assistance day-to-day, they can't drive anymore, and they're heavily made up of widowed and divorced women, so they have a greater potential for isolation.”

Communities, faced with individuals who have chosen to stay in their homes – to age in place – are working in a multitude of ways to diminish that isolation, to assist this aging demographic while also providing a dynamic and inviting location for the Boomers to stay, play, mature and remain economic forces.

“Between 50 and 100, there are so many differences – even more than between zero and 50,” noted Renee Cortright, executive director of Rochester Older Persons Commission (OPC), a non-profit serving the 50plus community in Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township.

Cris Braun, executive directive of Birmingham's Next, formerly the Birmingham Area Senior Coordinating Council (BASCC), concurred, “We are going through an exciting evolution to meet our changing demographic, for more and more people 50-plus.”

“It's an exciting time. People are living longer. The Boomers have come into the senior age, and the World War II age is living longer, and the stigma of aging is going away,” said Bloomfield Senior Center Director Christine Tvarhoha. “We do see some 50 and 60-somethings. We often have two to three generations of people working out, or in a program together. It's great to see them mixing together. A lot of camaraderie develops and it develops between the generations.”

In Oakland County, in 2016, there are currently 154,906 individuals over 65, out of a total population of 1.2 million people. But it's an aging county, with 411,411 over the age of 50 – people who will certainly hit 65 by 2030. Currently, there are 21,607 men and women over the age of 85, although more than double – 14,515 – are women.

What do those numbers portend?

“Aging isn't for sissies,” OPC's Cortright pointed out. “Nearly 40 percent of Americans over the age of 65 live with at least one disability, and 45 percent of those over 85 have dementia. Aging for many older adults is not easy. They may lose their ability to drive; perhaps they can no longer do laundry or make their bed, or bathe without help. It's harder to shop or prepare meals, and the body, and sometimes the mind, betrays them.”

Richard Kline, acting director of the Michigan Aging and Adult Services Agency, pointed out that according to the U.S. Census Bureau, “While 20 percent of Michigan's population is 60 or older, 38.6 percent of all Michigan households have someone 60 or older. Our overall vision is for Michigan residents to live well as they age. Seventy percent of people turning 65 will need long term care services (at some point). Michigan has about 1.9 million older adults, and about a half-million are serviced statewide by the Aging and Adult Services Agency, whether through nutrition services, Meals on Wheels, in-home help,” or other services, such as counseling, health screening and disease prevention, elder abuse prevention, medication assistance, home repair, transportation, vision services and legal assistance.

“In our advocacy area, we're seeing a growing demographic, especially with increasing cognitive impairments,” he said. “The governor has declared our state a no-wait state (meaning people do not wait to get assistance). We are advocating for more funding because there are still waiting lists for programming assistance. With legislative help to grow the budget, we hope to have no waiting lists. We take the stance that we're going to provide good information so the legislature can make good decisions. We know these services work and people use them. As knowledge and awareness grows of the services and programming, the needs also keep growing. So our funding search continues.”

In their advocacy arena, they do not differentiate between active seniors and aging seniors, going to where the needs exists.

Their funding was established through the Older Americans Act, which was originally enacted in 1965, according to the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, to support home and

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community-based services such as Meals on Wheels and other nutrition programs, in-home services, transportation, legal services, elder abuse prevention, and caregivers support through the Department of Health and Human Services. The goal is to help seniors stay as independent as possible and in their own homes as long as they can, to age in place.

However, the Budget Control Act of 2011 imposed cuts in non-defense discretionary spending across the country, and resulted in massive cuts in senior nutrition and other programs in fiscal year 2013, at the same time as the senior population was booming. On April 19, 2016, The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act, a bipartisan law sponsored by Republican senators Lamar Alexander and Richard Burr, Democrat Patty Murray, and Independent Bernie Sanders, was signed into law by President Obama, to improve benefits for seniors and their families. The new bill restores funding from the Older Americans Act, as well as additional funding to promote healthy living, fall prevention, and chronic disease self-management.

The goal, besides caring for seniors, is to potentially realize savings to Medicare and Medicaid.

“Each Area Agency on Aging does a great job, having a plan looking at its own region, and discerning the needs for its population,” Kline said.

He said in Oakland County, the Area Agency on Aging 1-B works with about a third of the county's seniors.

In preparing for the Silver Tsunami, Oakland County's Area Agency on Aging 1-B wrote a document in 2010, titled “Preparing for the Silver Tsunami: A Wave of Opportunity,” instructing the county on the wealth of economic possibilities seniors offered, noting, “For every $3 spent on seniors, there is $4 returned to state and local governments by them. Most 65 year olds are healthy, active and working. They are buying more as consumers; they are taking in more than they are consuming in public resources.”

The agency pointed out that seniors spend 92 percent of their monthly income, rather than saving it, as younger demographics need to do, and that they typically spend it locally. In 2009, seniors spent $5 billion in Oakland County, making them a very strong economic force.

“Healthy, active seniors absolutely are economic drivers,” said Birmingham City Manager Joe Valentine, noting when people retire, they have more time and means to contribute to the various city boards and commissions, and they do. “We have very knowledgeable people volunteering.”

Creating a walkable community has been a recipe, Valentine said, for keeping the older Boomer/senior demographic in the city, and spending.

“The amenities, the existing conditions we have we hope will continue, where they have the opportunity to walk downtown and dine and shop in a very convenient setting,” he said. ext's Braun said that “economically, we have a lot of clout in a lot of ways. Those who are 50-plus and 65-plus have more disposable income. We travel more, we eat out more, we vote, we add a sense of stability to neighborhoods, adding a cultural stability and rootedness to any neighborhood with younger families.”

Last September, just east of downtown, an upscale independent living facility, All Seasons Birmingham, opened on E. Maple Road, offering apartments for seniors, along with a dining room, social, educational and cultural activities, transportation services, a fitness room and beauty salon, theater, library, computer bar, as well as 24-hour staff on site. There are also All Seasons independent living facilities on E. Nawakwa Road in Rochester Hills, and in West Bloomfield.

“All Seasons and Baldwin House (on Chester) offer a place where people can be in a downtown area without having to worry about the maintenance and upkeep of their house,” Valentine said. He noted one area Birmingham does need to look at is the city's single family homes.

“We need to have discussions about how to modify to age in place, perhaps how to allow a first floor master bedroom, so they can stay in their homes and enjoy everything Birmingham has to offer.”

Blaine Wing, city manager of Rochester, also recognizes the economic vitality of seniors in the marketplace, noting the city finished a master plan for the community a little over two years ago recognizing all aspects of residents' life spans.

“We're in the process of acknowledging that it's here, and we're starting to begin to address it,” he said, looking internally, at how many employees in Rochester are already at retirement age, with the city's finance director, John Hiller, recently announcing his retirement in January 2017.

Wing said the master plan document, which city officials have already begun implementing, is creating a biking, walking, pedestrian-friendly community. He noted the parking structures which opened in recent months as an asset in moving cars off the streets, offering greater walkability. “We've made sidewalks a certain width, added to the trail

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system and bike paths (with Rochester Hills), created great parks. It's a great benefit to the community,” he noted.

OPC's Cortright noted that “Rochester and Rochester Hills, in a lot of ways, have adapted to a multitude of ages. They've made it easy for someone to age in place. There's a library with a nice, well-rounded offering of vision-impaired e-books; there are walking paths; transportation provided by the OPC that gets them to doctor's appointments in three communities. The park system is great; there's a vibrant downtown with wonderful shopping. It's a vibrant community with a good network of blue zones, for people whose elders are living longer with vim and vigor, have a sense of community.”

“We're trying to plan for both sides,” Wing said of the master plan and the city's planning approach. “As people get a little older, they're maybe going to a condo from a house, downsizing, choosing less maintenance.

That makes their home available for a young family who can come into the community. It keeps a community vibrant.”

Birmingham's Valentine echoed that sentiment, noting that maintaining a balance of demographics is critical. “Seniors aren't a drain, but a concern with the Silver Tsunami is the growing demographic, and for any community, is maintaining its school district. Maintaining that balance between the older population and younger families, so you can still sustain a vibrant school district, is so necessary,” for economic success as a city, Valentine emphasized. “Much of the success of a city and its taxable value is tied to its school district.”

“We want you as a young family, we want you as a more mature family, and we want you to age in place,” said Bloomfield Township supervisor Leo Savoie. While from the township's point of view, Savoie said they don't generate extra revenue from senior residents, most of whom have been in the township for decades, because their property values have been capped, “they are very strong contributors to the businesses in the township and surrounding areas. They support the restaurants, groceries, doctors. It is important to have a group that is contributing to the local businesses so that the local businesses can thrive in the community.”

Over the last decade, due to a dedicated safety path millage, Bloomfield Township is in the process of constructing safety paths on almost all of its main roads, providing walkability and bike access to residents, and connectability to neighboring communities, such as Birmingham, West Bloomfield and Troy. avoie points out that Bloomfield Township has numerous housing options, including two Sunrise Senior Living assisted living facilities, a Samaritas independent living facility, and an assisted living and skilled nursing care facility which will be built on Square Lake Road by Granger Senior Living. “There are also condos in the Heathers, Adams Woods, Wabeek, and other condo communities that make it easy for people to stay in Bloomfield Township,” he said.

Another benefit to living in Bloomfield Township, Savoie said, is the township's EMS system. “Every fireman is a paramedic. Every vehicle, including firetrucks, is a lifesaving truck, meaning they have all the equipment for any medical emergency.”

In addition, the Bloomfield Township Police Department created a program called Friends in Blue in coordination with the Bloomfield Township Senior Center, where the senior center gives the police department people who need to have safety checks once a week.

“Where maybe they don't have family locally, they will check in on them once a week,” Savoie said. “Also, the police and fire will clean up yards for seniors. It's all about having the resources they need as they get older.”

“We're looking at the full cycle of life, on the housing side,” Wing said, noting the city has a Sunrise Senior Living facility, which provides assisted living, and recently approved Cedarbrook, a continuum of care facility which will offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care housing. Cedarbrook also has a similar facility in Bloomfield Hills, as well as one under construction in Northville.

Michael Damone, owner of Cedarbrook, noted that currently the need is for independent living for the 65-plus demographic. “A lot of assisted living need isn't going to be here for another 10 years, when they begin to turn 80,” he said.

Of the demand right now for independent living, he said, “They're healthier, they like to know that care is only a button push away. That gives them, their kids and their families peace-of-mind, and as they age or become frail, or need memory care, they can transition to another area with the same friends, people they're already comfortable with, and in the same environment.”

Rochester and Bloomfield Township have built state-of-the art senior

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centers, paid for through dedicated millages, to offer fitness and programming for active seniors, and services to aging seniors.

Birmingham's Next uses the former Birmingham Midvale school, and is actively growing to accommodate the needs of senior residents in Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Franklin.

Besides programming, education and fitness for aging Boomers and other active seniors, another primary purpose is providing services for those who are not as mobile, or have cognitive issues.

“We have a very comprehensive support services department,” said Braun of Next. “As much as we all think we will always have our walkability and flexibility, there comes a time when we all need help. Our ride requests are up 23 percent just this year, and we've added another bus to keep up with demand. People can outlive their ability to drive by 10 years.” loomfield began offering transportation services in 2012, picking up residents and bringing them to the center for activities, movies, fitness and other activities due to demand, through an arrangement with SMART. All three communities offer homebound seniors Meals on Wheels, which addresses senior hunger and isolation, providing a hot meal five to seven days a week. It also provides a wellness check.

“Meals on Wheels are ways for people to stay in the community longer because it provides a safety net for people living on their own,” noted Bloomfield's Tvaroha. “It encourages independence for those who wish to remain in their home for as long as possible,” Rochester's Cortright added.

OPC also offers a congregate meal program at the center, which offers nutritional meals to seniors along with socialization.

An increasing issue, for both seniors and their families, is Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia. Globally, there are an estimated 47.5 million dementia sufferers, and the number is expected to increase to 75.6 million by 2030. Currently, 25 percent to 30 percent of people 85 or older have a high level of cognitive decline. “As people are living longer, people are having more cognitive issues. When people used to die in their 60s or 70s, and they had some issues, they were considered senile. But as we have learned more, we are understanding some of the issues of dementia and cognitive issues, and how many may get it,” said Barbara Cire, spokesperson for the National Institute of Aging.

“Age-Related Syndrome, the repercussions from falls, frailty, dementia, exhaustion – it's more complicated than anyone thought it would be, the knots and tangles of dealing with their immune system changes, all are working to impact the brains of people with dementia or age-related Alzheimer’s,” noted WSU's Institute of Gerontology Peter Lichtenberg.

“Between 65 and 85, you really start to see that difference, as they become to have some physical decline, may begin to decline psychologically. They may be aging in place, and have lost a spouse.

They're lonely, not as experienced dealing with certain issues, and there's a real vulnerability to potential exploitation.”

The majority of care for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s is provided by family members. “Our health system for dementia is really family members,” Lichtenberg said. “It's really a heavy task.”

He noted it can have a heavy societal toll, as well, which Bridgewater, of Detroit Area Agency on Aging echoes. “Care is being done in the house, with love, and not always with knowledge, and can get into the area of elder abuse,” Bridgewater said of the burden of caregiving. “When you're used to and accustomed to having a relationship with someone, and it changes, a family member may not know you anymore, may not act the way they used to, and on either end, someone can lash out. It can be frustrating, the changes of the dynamics to the relationship. Some people have to leave their job, because they can't leave the older person alone. And it can cause huge financial strains.”

Local senior centers offer some services for dementia patients and their caregivers, from respite care for caregivers and caregivers support, to adult day service. At Bloomfield's Senior Center, Tvaroha said, “Friendship Club is a very important service which allows people to remain in their house. Some who are living with a spouse or an adult who may still be working, it allows them to drop them off before work in a safe and secure environment, and they may have four, five, or six activities in a day, from art therapy, pet therapy, music therapy, games, and exercise every day.

The beauty and goal is to help the person suffering from dementia maintain their highest level of ability, to draw them out and engage them at their current level.”

Damone, of Cedarbrook, which offers memory care, said, “It's a real specialty. We spend a lot of time finding the right individuals who are comfortable and want to work in this, and we try to provide a lot of training and support, as well as providing education for family members to help them understand the journey their family member is on.”

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FACES

Clarence Black ormer Detroit Country Day student Clarence Black has been a reality television star, served in the United States Army, acted in dozens of commercials, worked as a sports broadcaster, judged beauty pageants and started his own businesses â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and he's just getting started.

"When people ask how I did all of this, I say 'I'm not afraid to fail.' I might win, or I might lose, but I'm going to try," he said.

"Country Day is where everything started for me. It inspired me to take chances. They push you and expose you to new things."

Raised on the west side of Detroit, Black was 17 when he graduated from Country Day in 1994. Finding success on the school's basketball team, he went on to play for Hillsdale College.

After college, Black entered the business world as a financial consultant with Merrill Lynch in Auburn Hills for about a year, before pursuing other opportunities. In 2001, he landed a spot as a contestant on the third season of the wildly popular reality television show, "Survivor." While he didn't win the show, it opened several doors in the television and radio field, where he continues to work today.

"I was trying to work in the financial services industry, and it wasn't a great fit. I was trying to be something I wasn't, and I hated it," he said. "My cousin and I would get together on Tuesdays, and we saw a reality show called Big Brother, and I interviewed for it in California. They didn't want me for the show, but they cast me in Survivor."

In 2002, Black started working with WDFN sports radio as an on-air talent for a weekend sports talk show. He also hosted a PGA golf show, an NBA Draft Night Special, a Detroit Lions pre-game show, and other shows. At the same time, Black was working in the pharmaceutical sales industry. He has continued to work in various broadcasting jobs over the past 12 years, including time as an oncamera broadcaster covering high school sports for PlayOn! Sports.

Additionally, Black has worked as a judge with the Miss USA pageant, acted in several television commercials, and even spent about an hour as a professional wrestler.

When some of the radio gigs he had been working at began to dry up in 2009, Black did another 180-turn and joined the United States Army, where he served as a Signal Officer and continues to serve in the Army Reserves.

"I had never done radio, but I knew I could figure it out. I just needed an opportunity," he said. "I had no experience in TV or on the sports side of television, but I believed in myself and was willing to be a sponge and learn," he said. "It's amazing how that came from my experience at Country Day. When you're an inner-city kid at a place like that, you better not be afraid of anything."

Today, Black splits his time between the Army and managing Blacklight Entertainment and Media, which he started in 2014.

And, while he continues to do work in television, much of his free time is spent being a father, coaching his son's basketball team and volunteering.

"I have a big bucket list," he said. "Right now, I'm working with Justin Verlander's Win for Warriors, which provides support to veterans and their families. Those few moments I'm not serving or working, I'm usually at the gym or with my kids."

F

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Water is rarely pure. Whether it is water that enters our home for drinking and bathing, or dirty water flushed down the drain and returned back to the environment, there are hundreds of potential contaminants that remain in our water, even after purification efforts.

With nearly half of the population in the United States using at least one prescription drug in the past 30 days, and more than 20 percent using three or more, remnants of those drugs are commonly found in the water both exiting and entering our homes. And, while water treatment plants must meet federal regulations, most standards haven't been updated in 40 years. The result is a system that isn't able to routinely detect or completely remove pharmaceuticals and hundreds of other chemical compounds from drinking and wastewater.

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Whether over-the-counter drugs or prescription medications, a portion of the medicines we ingest aren't used by our bodies and are excreted into our wastewater.

Likewise, unused pharmaceuticals are often flushed down the toilet in whole form in order to keep out of the hands of others. While sewage systems are designed to remove harmful contaminants from our wastewater before being released back into the environment, studies have found anywhere from 20 percent to 90 percent of pharmaceuticals are typically removed from "influent," or sewage, depending on the treatment process used. The remaining chemicals are discharged as "effluent" and pumped back into local waterbodies.

Contamination from those wastewater treatment plants and leaking sewage and septic systems eventually ends up in larger rivers and lakes that are used as sources for drinking water. Treatment systems used for drinking water typically remove anywhere from 50 to 99 percent of pharmaceuticals from the water before reaching local homes. For instance, chlorine-based drinking water treatment plants — the most common in the United States — remove about 50 percent of pharmaceuticals.

More advanced systems can remove more chemicals, with reverse-osmosis filters able to remove 99 percent of contaminants.

"Treatment doesn't remove all pharmaceuticals, and they aren't designed for that," said Laura Verona, who oversees the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's (MDEQ) wastewater division in southeast Michigan. "They have looked for pharmaceuticals in water and have found them, but in low concentrations, it's nothing that should be cause for alarm."

The study of pharmaceuticals and other trace chemicals in water stemmed from research done in the late 1990s by the United States Geological Survey. By 2000, scientists had tested 139 streams in 30 different states for the presence of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals (including antibiotics), natural and synthetic hormones, detergent metabolites, plasticizers, insecticides and fire retardants. The results showed about 80 percent of streams tested had the presence of at least one of the contaminants, with half of the streams containing at least seven or more of the chemicals. The study, which was the first of its kind, led to a new classification of contaminants, considered "contaminants of emerging concern," and questions about how they impact waterways and sources for drinking water for millions of people.

In terms of research, the overall focus has been on aquatic organisms, which receive more exposure to wastewater on a constant basis, said Ed Furlong, an environmental chemist at the United States Geological Survey's National Water Quality Laboratory, in Lakewood, Colorado.

"Most aquatic organisms are exposed continuously," he said. "Many tend to focus near wastewater discharge because it is warm and has an ecosystem. Those fish are probably more likely to reflect exposure, and that's

While water treatment plants must meet federal regulations, most standards haven't been updated in 40 years resulting in less than ideal water treatment.

where the majority of research is now."

In terms of potential risks to humans, the main concern regarding pharmaceuticals in water has focused on antibiotic chemicals, which may lead to more resistant bacteria strains. Endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as hormones, have been shown in several studies to alter the reproduction systems of some aquatic organisms.

Studies have indicated the amount of pharmaceuticals in drinking water and its sources are minuscule, typically measured in micrograms (a millionth of a gram) or nanograms (a billionth of a gram) per liter of water. However, the long-term impact to humans from the constant exposure to a virtual cocktail of pharmaceuticals is largely unknown.

"We can never not worry about it. From a scientific perspective, it's an issue to find it in water, but in some cases, we think there is more of an ecological risk than a human health risk," said Joan B. Rose, the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research at Michigan State University and an international water expert.

"The levels we find in water are thousands below our therapeutic uses. But, if it's in water, even at these lower levels, what does that mean? Does it make it all the way to drinking water, and are we being exposed to these on a consistent basis? Do we have good methods to find it, and if we can find it, how widespread is it? Once those questions are answered — and they are starting now — we can identify the hotspots. But the health effects side has been very difficult to get research done. I think we need longterm studies to know, and maybe those haven't been done yet."

Pharmaceuticals are just one of the many "contaminants of emerging concern," which are being found in low levels across the country which are having an impact on surface water and aquatic life. "Emerging" contaminants, which include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and endocrine disrupters, have been detected in municipal wastewater, surface and ground waters, drinking water and aquatic life around the globe.

A study into chemicals of emerging concern in the Great Lakes region, conducted by scientists from the United States and Canada with the International Joint Commission (IJC), found six chemicals with a

high frequency of detection and low removal rate from sewage or wastewater. Those chemicals include one herbicide and five pharmaceuticals, including an anti-seizure drug, two antibiotics, an antibacterial drug and an anti-inflammatory. The study also found high frequencies of caffeine, acetaminophen and an estrogen in sewage, but with higher removal rates.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a federally-funded effort focusing mostly on stopping invasive species, improving wetlands and removing outdated dams, also supports research to study chemicals of emerging concern.

Joe Duris, a microbiologist at the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) Michigan/Ohio Water Science Center, in Lansing, said the initiative has allowed the USGS to study the effects of statins, birth control, anti-seizure drugs, antibiotics, painkillers and other drugs on water and aquatic life.

"We are also trying to understand the relationship between some of the pharmaceuticals and the relation of antibiotic resistance in the environment," Duris said. "We have done some studies and have evaluated some locations in Michigan."

The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Oakland County was first discovered more than a decade ago, according to a study by the USGS and the Oakland County Health Department. The study, which took water samples from 20 different streams, also found E. coli levels that exceeded the state's recreational water quality standards of 300 E. coli per 100 milliliters of water in 19 of 35 of the samples taken. Among the locations sampled were the Rouge River in Birmingham and Paint Creek in Rochester.

Scientists conducting the study said high fecal bacteria concentrations are an indicator of possible fecal pollution which may carry harmful pathogens and pose a threat to human health.

The study found both antibiotics and strains of E. coli resistant to antibiotics at almost all sites tested, with the highest percentage of resistant bacteria in the Clinton River at Auburn Hills. Antibiotics used to treat humans were discovered in the water at the same location, while antibiotics used to treat animals were discovered in the Paint Creek in Rochester. Additionally, in some locations in the county there was the presence of E. coli that was resistant to the antibacterial treatment of the the antibiotics cefoxitin and ceftriaxone.

Duris said it's important to note that the presence of antibiotics in water doesn't necessarily mean antibiotic-resistant bacteria is also present.

"If you find an antibiotics in the water, you don't necessarily find the resistant bacteria," he said. "Bacteria and antibiotics move through the water very differently, and bacteria can do things that a chemical in the environment can't. It's a complicated dance in the environment to find the relationship as it relates to bacteria."

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It should also be noted that the monitoring station in the Clinton River at Auburn Hills was the only one in the test that was located downstream from a wastewater (sewage) treatment discharge, that being the treatment facility in the city of Pontiac, which discharges in the river.

Overall, E. coli resistant bacteria were more common at urbanized sites.

"This pattern indicates the source of this resistance may be a result of human or urban impacts, such as wastewater from wastewater treatment plants or failed septic systems, urban runoff, industrial discharges, urban animal populations (domestic animals and birds), and so forth," the study concluded.

A more recent study into organic contaminants in Great Lakes tributaries completed by the United States Geological Survey in March found over 90 percent of samples from the Clinton and Rouge rivers exceeded water quality benchmarks for at least one or more contaminants by a factor of 10 or more. The Clinton River had nine chemicals that exceeded water quality benchmarks (the most of any water tested), followed by the Rouge River, which had eight.

Overall, the study found one or more chemical compounds in 92.5 percent of 709 water samples taken. Mixtures of 10 or more compounds were discovered in 34 percent of samples at 25 percent of the sites, with the Clinton River at Auburn Hills testing positive for 53 compounds in a single sample. The chemicals most frequently found were the insect repellent DEET and carbozole, a chemical used in the production of pigments. Other chemicals found include those found in fossil fuels, herbicides, and flavorings and fragrances.

While the study didn't look specifically at pharmaceutical contaminants, it highlighted the complexity of compound mixtures in streams, particularly those with urban influences.

The Clinton and Rouge rivers also were included in a study of antibiotic, pharmaceutical and wastewater-compound data for Michigan from 1998 to 2005, conducted by the United States Geological Survey. Those findings again reflected the findings of earlier studies.

That study found the maximum number of chemicals detected at any site was 20 (Clinton River at Auburn Hills), followed by 18 (the Evans Ditch at Southfield), and 17 (the Clinton River at Yates). Pharmaceuticals detected included albuterol (an asthma medication); dehydronifedipine and warafin (medications used to treat high blood pressure); and sulfamethoxazole (an antibiotic).

Duris said testing for pharmaceuticals in the Great Lakes and its tributaries continues to be an "active area of interest." Currently, he said, the USGS is looking at wider samples at the mouths of tributaries, which will offer a representation of an entire watershed, rather than localized spots.

Duris said levels of pharmaceuticals in larger water bodies, such as the Great Lakes themselves, are far lower than tributaries, as contaminants often bind to solids and settle to the bottom or are greatly diluted by the

It's common to detect NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories), acetaminophen, high bloodpressure medications and anti-depressants in very small amounts.

entirety of the lake.

Cheryl Murphy, an ecotoxicologist of fish at Michigan State University, said the impact of pharmaceutical birth control on fish are particularly concerning, as they have been shown to feminize male species and lead to intersex fish.

"They are finding intersexed fish in a lot of different areas â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in the Great Lakes, near Minneapolis, the Chesapeake Bay and other areas," she said. "They do have effects, but we are just starting to understand them.

"These are drugs and pharmaceuticals that we take for all sorts of different reasons, and they get flushed out in wastewater treatment effluent because we aren't extracting them. It gets in the waterways, and because a lot of vertebrates have a lot of the same receptors as humans, they react on fish, frogs and other organisms."

Murphy said trace pharmaceutical effects on humans may differ because the drugs don't tend to accumulate in the same way in people.

That means eating fish exposed to pharmaceuticals likely won't cause adverse effects when consumed. Still, Murphy said studies have shown instances where estrogen levels in water have caused dramatic changes to fish populations.

In one Canadian study, the effects of birth control on fish was studied at an experimental lake area in northwestern Ontario, which showed that constant exposure to estrogen lead fathead minnows to feminize male fish, and lead to a near extinction of the species over a seven-year period.

"It is shown that birth control can cause a whole (fish) population to collapse," Murphy said. "There has to be more work done to prevent all of these things from wastewater."

United States Geological Survey's Furlong said while wastewater treatment plants often receive the blame for pharmaceutical contamination of our rivers, lakes and streams, most facilities are simply operating under federal regulations.

"It's easy to point to wastewater as the culprit, but what we put in it, they try to take out," he said. "They haven't had the kind of focus that regulation brings. It's a skilled and dedicated group of professionals."

Richard Rediske, the senior program

manager of the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University, said small concentrations of pharmaceuticals in water don't necessarily mean a problem will be present. However, the potential is typically greater at locations where wastewater discharged into a stream or river makes up a high percentage of streamflow.

"The problem with pharmaceuticals is that they are excreted by our bodies and go through the wastewater system, and they are never taken out by common treatments," he said.

"Nicotine and caffeine are common, then others like NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories), acetaminophen, high blood-pressure medications and anti-depressants, but all in very small amounts. It takes a lot of wastewater to raise the level up high enough that it might be of concern.

"I don't think it's an issue in Michigan as far as causing problems with fish, but we need more work and monitoring, and more low-dose studies."

In southeast Michigan, Rediske said wastewater discharges from Ann Arbor into the Huron River were shown to increase estrogen in Ypsilanti's drinking water.

"That's an instance where a wastewater discharge is near a (drinking) water intake," he said. "Use of birth control and other pharmaceuticals from Ann Arbor shows up in water, but not enough to cause a problem."

Oakland County residents connected to sewer systems have their wastewater treated by either the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), formerly known as the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), or at one of eight municipal wastewater treatment plants in Commerce Township, Holly, Lyon Township, Milford, Pontiac, South Lyon, Walled Lake-Novi, and Wixom. Residents not on a sewer system operate independent septic systems.

All eight of the Oakland County wastewater treatment plants and the GLWA's plant use an activated sludge process to treat sewage.

Wastewater plants in Walled Lake-Novi, Commerce and Pontiac are overseen by the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office, while other municipal systems are overseen by those municipalities.

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash said while pharmaceuticals in wastewater are an important issue for everyone, he isn't aware of any technical data on the subject at any of the treatment plants overseen by his department.

The GLWA operates the largest treatment facility in North America, serving about 40 percent of the state's population and treating between 600 million and 700 million gallons of wastewater on an average dry day. Because some communities operate combined sewage and stormwater drains, that figure can spike during rainfall events.

"The primary process we use for treatment is biological, and activated sludge," said Suzanne Coffey, COO of wastewater for the GLWA. "It's a multi-stage process, where the naturally occurring bacteria and microbes treat and metabolize contaminants."

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The primary stage first screens the water and allows solids to settle out before filtering it through sands. The secondary stage uses the activated sludge process. After all processes take place, the water goes through a chlorination process and is then discharged to the Detroit River and Rouge River. During wet weather, there are also untreated combined sewer overflow discharges to the same two rivers, and treated combined discharges to the Detroit River, Conner Creek, the Rouge River and the O'Brien Drain.

Wastewater treatment plants in Oakland County also discharge treated water into local waterbodies, including the Rouge River in Commerce Township; the Shiawassee River in Holly; two groundwater discharge beds in Lyon Township; the Clinton River in Auburn Hills for Pontiac; the Huron River in South Lyon, Milford, Walled Lake-Novi, and Wixom.

Coffey said the activated sludge process does treat for some pharmaceuticals, but there is still "a huge variety of potential contaminants." She said the department is currently working on a wastewater master plan, which will look at different technologies for the future, but implementing the plan could take up to 40 years.

Contamination of surface waters from wastewater treatment plant discharges was also tested by the International Joint Commission (IJC), which found several antidepressants in both incoming wastewater and treated water discharged into the Grand River, which spans from south of Jackson to Lake Michigan. Concentrations were found more than 100 yards downstream from the area of discharge.

In addition to discharges of treated wastewater, the sludge used in the sewage treatment process, which is often applied to farmland as a type of fertilizer, was also found to be a source of aquatic contamination, with runoff into surface water. In some cases, pharmaceuticals absorbed by the sludge were found to be at higher concentrations than other effluents, according to the study. Testing at wastewater treatment plants in six different cities in Michigan found 14 different pharmaceuticals, including several antibiotics, acetaminophen, caffeine and carbamazepine,

Only a portion of the pharmaceuticals we use every day are actually absorbed by our bodies. The rest of our prescription and over-the-counter drugs end up being excreted and flushed down drain. However, experts say we can help reduce the amount of pharmaceuticals entering the environment and returning to our drinking water by practicing proper disposal techniques of unused drugs.

"We try to discourage flushing as much as we can," said Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash, who said he urges residents to take advantage of the sheriff's drug collection program.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said his department spearheaded

Water treatment plants in Detroit and Windsor generally failed in the complete removal of certain pharmaceutical substances.

which is used to treat epilepsy.

Surface waters at a Lake Huron drinking water plant, where portions of Oakland County residents, including portions of the Birmingham/Bloomfield and Rochester/Rochester Hills areas receive their drinking water, were also found to have trace amounts of "a vast number of pharmaceuticals," according to the study.

In Oakland County, the majority of residents receive drinking water from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), formerly the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, while others not hooked into regional system are served by local wells. For Oakland County residents hooked directly into the GLWA's system, water comes from two main sources. Those residents living north of 14 Mile Road receive their water pulled from the utility's Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant, near Port Huron, while those living south of 14 Mile receive water from the GLWA's Springwells treatment plant, along the Detroit River, with water pulled near the head of Belle Isle and from the Canadian side of the river.

The existence of pharmaceutical compounds in many drinking water sources led the scientists with the International Joint Commission to conduct research on the effectiveness of drinking water treatment plants on the removal of the compounds.

Pharmaceuticals were found in more than 50

Operation Medicine Cabinet in order to keep unused medications from being tossed in the trash or flushed down the toilet. The program, which operates under the authority of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, allows people to anonymously drop off unused medications at sheriff office locations and local police departments. The pharmaceuticals are then incinerated, along with illegal drugs that are confiscated by the department's Narcotics Enforcement Team.

"That was many years ago," Bouchard said about the start of the program. "Now we expanded and there are only about 10 law enforcement agencies in Oakland County that don't participate. There is no real cost to them."

percent of pretreated drinking water.

"In order to evaluate the removal extents of pharmaceuticals precisely, the authors analyzed the pharmaceuticals in 22 paired raw and treated water samples," the study stated. "The water treatment plants in Detroit and Windsor generally failed in the complete removal of pharmaceutical substances ibuprofen, gemfibrozil (a lipid/cholesterol regulator), ketoprofen (an anti-inflammatory), naproxen (an anti-inflammatory), lasaloid (an antibacterial agent in animal feed), erythromycin (an antibiotic), tylosin (an animal feed additive), and ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic)."

While the International Joint Commission found the Great Lakes Water Authority's Water Works Park water treatment facility, on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, didn't remove all pharmaceuticals, the facility does utilize one of the more state-of-the-art ozonation treatment processes, thanks to a $250 million upgrade at the facility, which was completed in 2002.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), conventional chlorination treatment of drinking water removes about 50 percent of pharmaceuticals, while ozonation, advanced oxidation, activated carbon, and nano-filtration can achieve much higher removal rates. The most effective process, reverse osmosis, can remove more than 99 percent of large pharmaceutical molecules. However, the organization states the cost of reverse osmosis systems aren't worth the benefit.

In ozonation, the treatment process doesn't add chemicals to the water, but rather uses ozone to eliminate contaminants. The process also creates a cleaner tasting and smelling water, and is believed to remove higher concentrations of pharmaceuticals. The process of reverse osmosis, which is most effective at removing salts and other contaminants, is accomplished by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane.

While the process can remove up to 99 percent of contaminants, the cost is for such treatment is considerably higher.

"Implementing additional specialized and costly drinking water treatment, specifically with the intention of reducing trace concentrations of pharmaceuticals, is not considered necessary at this time, as the

Drop-off locations include those at police departments in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills. Additional locations include Auburn Hills, Beverly Hills, Clawson, Farmington Hills, Franklin, Holly, Huntington Woods, Keego Harbor, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Oxford, Royal Oak, Southfield, Troy, West Bloomfield and White Lake, as well as all sheriff's office substations.

"We take in tons. Literally, tons each year," Bouchard said. "The week we announced and launched the program, we had to go back to some locations and empty the cabinets the same week. We actually had people waiting at locations when we launched."

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human health benefit would be limited," the organization said in its most recent study. "The most appropriate approach to minimize the presence of pharmaceuticals in drinking water and reduce human exposure is to prevent or reduce their entry into the water environment as far as reasonably practical. This can be achieved through a combination of preventative measures, including enhanced communication with the public on rational drug use and disposal of pharmaceuticals, education for prescribers, and systematic drug take-back programs."

Great Lakes Water Authority's Porter said the Water Works facility was upgraded in anticipation of new drinking water requirements.

"Chlorine isn't the primary disinfectant; we use ozone there," she said. "We were looking at changes and anticipated there would be a new requirement in the state. That didn't happen, but it was to our benefit. Ozonation is predominantly used in Europe, but we are taking hold of that."

Porter said additional upgrades are expected at the GLWA two other water treatment plants in the future, but the exact technology has yet to be determined.

"We are a pretty old system and due for some capital investment," she said. "We are looking at what is best for the area."

Porter said the Lake Huron water treatment plant currently has a conventional chlorination system, but it could be upgraded to a more state-of-the-art system, such as nano-filtration,

Municipal wastewater treatment plants designed to treat raw sewage from our homes must meet federal Clean Water Act requirements and be permitted by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) in order to operate. But tens of thousands of septic systems are currently operating at individual homes throughout Oakland County with little or no oversight from state, federal or local agencies.

"There are about 80,000 septic systems, and some estimate as many as 100,000, in Oakland County," said chief of environmental health Mark Hansell with the Oakland County Health Division. "They are predominantly in the north and west sections of the county. Areas that have been urbanized in the southeast section are less likely to have them."

Still, many homes in Bloomfield Township and the Rochester/Rochester Hills area lack sewer connections, instead relying on individual septic systems to dispose of sewage. The county health department is responsible for issuing permits for new systems and enforcing action to address leaking or failing septic systems.

"In general, a failing septic (system) can affect surface water quality and ground water quality, as well as the physical quality of having sewage on the ground if

Reducing trace amounts of pharmaceuticals is not considered necessary at this time, as the human health benefit would be limited.

which she said may be considered when the source water has low dirt.

"We are looking at the best choice that is most cost effective," she said. "This organization is committed to not just meeting regulations. We want to move beyond that."

The chlorination process, which is the most widely used process in the country, draws water from the bottom of a waterbody, such as Lake Huron or the Detroit River, and screens it for debris. After screening, it goes through a chlorination process where the water is cleansed and other chemicals, such as fluoride, are added to the water. From there, the water is moved to settling basins to allow additional

you're not near a lake or stream," Hansell said. "Sewage is known to carry many viruses and health hazards that require corrective action. It may also impact areas on drinking water wells."

Septic tanks are watertight containers that are buried beneath the ground.

Wastewater from homes enter a septic tank, which holds the sewage to allow for solid waste to settle to the bottom and form sludge. Oil and greases float to the top of the tank and form scum. The process allows for partial decomposition of solids before being filtered through a second compartment and into a contained sanitary drain field where the water is further filtered through soils, removing more bacteria, viruses and nutrients.

Septic systems may fail due to an overflow of sewage or a variety of mechanical reasons, forcing raw sewage to leak out of the system. A failure may result in raw sewage pooling on the surface or entering groundwater, and local aquifers in nearby waterbodies. Residents on individual drinking water wells â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of which there are about 100,000 in Oakland County â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are particularly susceptible to septic contamination.

Hansell said only a small percentage of leaking septics are brought to the

contaminants to settle out of the water. The water is subsequently filtered again before going through a post-chlorination process and ultimately made available to customers.

While the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn't regulate pharmaceuticals and other "contaminants of emerging concern" in drinking and sewage treatment systems, the agency is working to learn more about the impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment and sensitive human populations, such as pregnant women, children and people with impaired metabolisms.

Mitch Kostich, a research biologist with the EPA's National Exposure Laboratory in Cincinnati, Ohio, is part of a team of scientists working on a model for estimating concentrations of the some 1,800 different medications approved for use in the United States that may be found in wastewater. The model will provide estimates for potential exposure rates and provide scientists with information needed to estimate overall risk and prioritize future research on those pharmaceuticals of greatest concern.

"Our work and our review of the work of other researchers suggests risks from pharmaceuticals in water, including drinking water, are very low," Kostich said. "For aquatic life, the results are not as clear, in large part because of the large number of very diverse species that might be exposed and therefore must be considered."

Clearly, more work needs to be done.

department's attention from complaints. And while the county's sanitary code requires septic owners to address leaks, the county is only aware of those brought to its attention.

"There is no program, currently, to require routine inspections of existing septics, either on a time frame or at the point of sale," Hansell said. "There is pending legislation at the state that would introduce that â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there has been pending legislation statewide for many years."

Hansell said there aren't any current investigations underway regarding groundwater or surface water contamination caused by leaking septic systems.

The latest statewide efforts to require septic inspections (House Bill 5732) was introduced in June by state Rep. Julie Plawecki (D-Dearborn Heights). Under the proposed law, a baseline set of state septic regulations would be introduced to require an inspection is done when a home is sold, as well as when any construction permits are issued.

"Michigan has the weakest septic system regulation in the country and is desperately in need of reform on this very important issue," Plawecki said. "This legislation would implement the necessary regulatory framework, and is a great starting point to bring us in line with other states."

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Jennifer Taub aised in a staunch Republican household in Bloomfield Hills and attending some of the finest schools in the country, it's no surprise that financial author Jennifer Taub was drawn to a career that blends the law and public policy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even when she's taking up causes for the Democratic party.

"I'm a registered Democrat, so we have lively dinner table conversations," said Taub, the daughter of former Republican state legislator and current Oakland County Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub. "We all get along.

Civil engagement is what we want in this democracy, and we all care about public service. I get involved in policy work at the federal level, but I'm interested in how large institutions effect the lives of ordinary people."

Born in Tucson, Arizona, Taub moved with her family at 3-years-old to an apartment in Bloomfield Township before relocating to Troy and, eventually, back to Bloomfield Township, where her parents still live. In 1985, Taub became a member of the last graduating class at Kingswood School Cranbrook before it went co-ed, then attending Yale and Harvard Law School.

After graduating from law school, Taub practiced law as an associate general counsel for Fidelity Investments before joining academia and teaching law at Vermont Law School. Taub also writes about financial reform. In 2014, she wrote her first book, "Other People's Houses: How Decades of Bailouts, Captive Regulators and Toxic Bankers Made Home Mortgages a Thrilling Business."

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"I was teaching at the time the financial crisis hit and was immediately captivated by the details of what was going on," she said. "I understood in the early weeks of September (2008) that there was going to have to be a major intervention by the government to save the financial industry. I understood the domino effect and how things interconnect. I understood what a big mess it would be, but was afraid it would be a top-down rescue only, and homeowners would be left out. I hoped action would be taken to help out ordinary people."

Using narrative form to tell the story of a Texas family's Supreme Court case, the book focuses on the similarities of the savings and loan crisis of the 1980s and the financial crisis of 2008 from the perspective of the homeowner.

Taub writes extensively and speaks often about financial reform, lecturing throughout the United States and overseas. Currently, Taub is in the midst of co-authoring a casebook about white collar crime.

While Taub lives in Northampton, Massachusetts with her husband and children, she said she still considers Michigan her home.

"He's an artist, so he's able to share in the child care, and he does all the cooking, which is nice," she said of her husband. "We try to get back home. I still consider Michigan my home. I consider myself a Midwesterner.

My oldest daughter loves the waterslides in Oakland County. We try to drive back and make it in one day."

Story: Katie Deska

As a citizen, it can be one of life's scariest moments, hearing that a wanted individual is on the loose, possibly in the local community.

Imagine being a police officer, sheriff's deputy, or other law enforcement officer and having to get out there and search for and find that wanted man or woman. It takes fortitude, determination, and expert training, as well as the understanding of what they are up against – a criminal who feels they have nothing left to lose.

Fear, audacity, chutzpah, criminality – all may motivate someone to run from the law. But whether on a county, local, state or federal level, ultimately, the fugitive will be caught, because the web of law enforcement is thick, and the intelligence network is intricate and well-connected. At all levels, there are officers dedicated to hounding down the area’s most dangerous fugitives.

Wanted by the law, a fugitive is the subject of an arrest warrant. He or she may have failed to show up for court, skipped out on bond, violated conditions of parole or probation, or may be the suspect of some kind of criminal activity. Faced with limited time, money and manpower, apprehension teams prioritize their pursuit of the most violent offenders to those who pose the most significant risk to society. Typically, the fugitives that are subject of an active search are wanted in relation to a homicide or attempted murder; a major assault; rape or other sexual offenses; and drugs.

Composed of five deputies and one sergeant, Oakland County’s Fugitive Apprehension Team is trained to find those on the lam, along with the U.S. Marshals Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team and the Special Investigations Unit comprised of some local police departments.

“When someone is facing an overwhelming challenge (in court), and the evidence is so high, and the seriousness is so high that there’s no chance in the world that they could beat the case, there’s a large likelihood they’d flee,” said Captain Joe Quisenberry, head of Oakland County’s investigative and forensic services division, which houses the fugitive apprehension team.

“The fugitive (apprehension) team immediately makes it their complete focus in life,” said Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, who has been the county's sheriff since 1999. “They’re some of our most seasoned, capable, determined and successful detectives or police officers. They know they’re looking for people who are very willing to kill people – including the detectives looking for them.”

“Once the warrant is given to us, and we look at the file, we start with their last known addresses, and family members, and we research databases that show when and where contacts might have happened. We review police reports, and from there, we hit the streets looking,” said Quisenberry.

WANTED THE ART OF FINDING FUGITIVES

BY KATIE DESKA

The county’s fugitive apprehension team is responsible for about 600 arrests a year, according to Bouchard, and costs the county $900,000, which is about .6 percent of the department’s $142 million budget. “(The team) is very productive, and very value adding,” said Major Robert Smith, who oversees law enforcement services for the sheriff’s office. “Once you go through all the effort to get someone, and get a warrant, and they don’t show – there’s a good chance they’re a repeat offender – and if you already spent that much money to get them, then it makes sense to spend a little more and get then back in front of the court.”

An example of a case the fugitive apprehension team participated in began last November, when a violent home invasion left an elderly Rochester Hills woman duct taped in her suburban living room, a situation from which she remarkably escaped. After she reported the incident to a neighbor who called sheriff's deputies, local media outlets publicized the image of the suspect’s face, and a tip rolled into the county sheriff’s office, that a man fitting the description was spotted near the Rochester Hills Meijer northeast of Adams and Auburn roads.

Acting on the lead, deputies were dispatched to the scene, where they spoke with one Dequantell Jamerson, who agreed to come to the station for questioning.

“We felt pretty confident he did it, but we didn’t have enough evidence to hold him,” said Captain Michael Johnson, commander of the sheriff’s substation in Rochester Hills. Before letting him loose, deputies obtained Jamerson’s glove, which was sent to the Michigan State Police forensics lab for testing.

By the time detectives got word that DNA of the 77-year-old victim was found on Jamerson’s glove, he had fled.

“He got into the wind,” said Johnson. “We had no idea where he was. My detectives did spend time looking for him, but were unsuccessful, so we contacted the Oakland County Fugitive Apprehension Team.”

Created in the late 1980s by former Sheriff John Nichols, the team is a multi-pronged effort to catch fugitives who have fled to or from the area.

“Most other smaller agencies don’t have the resources (to have a fugitive team), but as long as they’re within Oakland County, they pay Oakland County taxes, and Oakland County funds the fugitive team, we would be the agency to arrest, in any jurisdiction,” Quisenberry said.

Oakland County also has a sheriff’s deputy stationed at the federally led, multiagency Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team (DFAT), one of 60 interagency fugitive-finding teams spearheaded and funded by the U.S. Marshals Service. Considered the nation’s earliest law enforcement agency, the marshal service dates back to 1789, and is currently the primary body charged with tracking down the most dangerous and devious fugitives.

“The marshals service sponsors this special task force,” said Aaron Garcia, U.S. Marshals’ Supervisory Deputy of DFAT. “We

deputize local and state police officers, giving them authority to work as U.S. marshals. We do it as a force multiplier.”

Once deputized, the marshals’ task force officers have limited federal authority for fugitive investigations, which grants officers the right to work across state lines and charge people federally.

“We continue to search for the guy until he’s in custody or until the warrant is resolved. We don’t just stop looking for someone.

Once we determine it’s a task force case, we look for them.

Sometimes it’s days or weeks – or 10 years,” said Garcia. “If we’ve exhausted a lot of stuff, we won’t work it as a primary case the whole time, but we’ll continue working on it. But we have cases from eight years ago of guys who’ve fled the county and were trying to get them back.”

The task force frequently provides a “fugitive sweep” if there’s a high rate of crime in a certain area, whether it’s Detroit, Pontiac or Oakland County, said Garcia. “We’ll go in there and target. We do fugitive sweeps all the time, maybe on a monthly basis. We do a three-day round up at least quarterly. It’s a benefit because we often get several other state and locals with us, from other departments in the area. We may do a parole round up and look for all parolees.”

Averaging 273 arrests a day in fiscal year 2015, the U.S. Marshals Service arrested just shy of 100,000 fugitives nationwide, including over 5,000 gang members and nearly 4,000 homicide suspects. They closed nine cases that made the “15 Most Wanted” list, arrested about 11,700 sex offenders who were wanted for sexual assault, non-compliance with the national sex offender registry, and other offenses.

DFAT, a team of about 50 to 55 deputies who focus on the Eastern District of Michigan, has been responsible for “over 25,000 arrests in the last 10 years,” said Garcia. “Those are violent crimes – rape, drugs, homicide, attempted murder, and include extraditions.”

A collaborative task force of law enforcement officials from local, state and federal agencies, DFAT includes officers from Detroit, Dearborn, Flint, Livonia and Sterling Heights police departments; deputies from the sheriff’s offices in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne and Washtenaw counties; and members of the Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of Corrections, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Each department pays the salary of their officer, but DFAT covers expenses such as overtime pay, vehicles, equipment and training, said Garcia.

When a case that originates in Oakland County is referred to DFAT, “the Oakland County officer (on DFAT) gets assigned that case, and makes requests to U.S. marshals offices around the county,” said deputy Matt Batcheller, of the U.S. Marshals Ann Arbor office.

Key to the unit’s success is the database of information that each department provides.

“We work with other major cities who have fugitive task forces.

We can reach out to task forces across the country, and say, ‘Hey, can you go to that house,’ and they already have someone. We call it a collateral lead,” said Batcheller, referring to the report that is sent to fugitive apprehension teams around the nation.

Knowing that officers were on to him and had already obtained a glove worn in the assaultive Rochester Hills home invasion, suspect Jamerson had good reason to flee the nearly 2,000 miles he traveled to reach Arizona. He was apprehended in May, and upon his extradition to Michigan, Jamerson was interviewed by Rochester Hills detectives, and ultimately confessed to the crime.

“Once he is brought back into custody, and brought back to the state of Michigan and to our jail by our fugitive apprehension

team, then our detectives do the arraignment before the judge, and bring witnesses forward for testimony at the preliminary exam. They’re still the officer in charge of the case – they just stepped away from it during the time the fugitive team (is working the case),” said Quisenberry, of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. “The fact that we can hand it off to someone to go make the arrest is a thing of beauty; to hand it off to someone you know will take it up and work it until the end.”

A violent serial offender released on parole, Kevin Jermaine Wiley quickly became the subject of a three-week manhunt after family members of his girlfriend, Marie Colburn, found her lifeless 30-year-old body shoved in the closet of her Pontiac apartment.

Located by U.S. Marshals in Elizabethtown, Kentucky this May, Wiley faces charges of first-degree murder in her suffocation death.

Colburn was a Baker College graduate and member of the 2004 class of Lakeland High School, in White Lake.

After discovering on April 19th that Wiley had cut his tether, his parole officer put a notice in the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) for Wiley’s violation of his early release. The same day, Colburn was killed, and discovered three days later by her family. Detectives began aggressively looking for Wiley, and soon contacted the county’s fugitive apprehension team for additional support.

“Once they knew there was new behavior on Wiley’s part, and law enforcement found her body, they notified DOC (the Michigan Department of Corrections) immediately because he was on parole. We issued a warrant nationwide while they were looking for him within the first few hours, putting the puzzle together,” said Lieutenant Charles Levens, supervisor of MDOC’s parole absconder recovery unit, and a member of DFAT. “It could have been several days before a warrant for murder was issued, but we’re able to issue a warrant immediately for violating parole, with the purpose of investigating.”

Contributing ten officers to DFAT, the MDOC’s parole absconder recovery unit is a key player in tracking down fugitives.

“One thing we really bring to the table is the background information,” said Levens. “We have a huge database on these guys. When they go to prison, we get background information on who raised them, their criminal history – we already have all that.

We know who visits them, and that’s someone close. We know who sends them money, and that’s someone who’s really close to him. Why waste time with an aunt he wasn’t close to if we know he’s really close to his stepsister? We bring a wealth of data and background.”

In 2009, MDOC had 2,500 parole absconders statewide, but by 2016, the number dropped significantly, and currently hovers at around 1,100 absconders, according to Levens. “We started working with the U.S. Marshals task force, adding MDOC personnel to the absconder unit and task force. In six years, we’ve cut (the number of absconders) in half. The task force concept works.”

U.S. Marshal Robert Grubbs, of Michigan’s Eastern District, initiated DFAT in 2004, after joining forces proved to be a successful enterprise during the hunt for a man who shot and killed a Sterling Heights police officer that year.

Eventually cornered by law enforcement officers in Jacksonville Florida, the accused, Timothy Berner, took his own life, and, Grubbs vowed to bring together local, state, and federal agencies to pool resources, manpower and experience in the effort to get severely violent offenders off the street.

Prior to the creation of DFAT, “every police agency had their own fugitive team, and the U.S. Marshals had their fugitive team,” said Garcia, who’s been on the task force since its inception.

Major Robert Smith of the sheriff’s office served on the county’s team in its early days, and recalled the former arrangement. “The prosecutor had some investigators that worked for him that were deputized, and we had our own detective bureau. We had times that we wanted to look for someone, and it takes a certain amount of manpower, and so it evolved into a combination of our people, that focused on persons that jumped bail on (Oakland County’s) Sixth Circuit Court or violated parole or probation or had warrants.”

Johnson, of the Rochester Hills substation, also used to be on the fugitive apprehension team, serving for four years in the 1990s.

“There were four assigned from the sheriff’s (office), and four from the prosecutor’s office. The chief investigator from the prosecutor’s office was the boss,” said Johnson. “Over the years, it morphed. If you knew someone was in another state, we would reach out to the police departments at other locations.”

Although the Oakland County Fugitive Apprehension Team is willing and able to assist any police department within the county, it’s not always necessary. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which operates out of the Troy Police Department, is a collaborative team composed of officers from the Troy, Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Auburn Hills, and Royal Oak police departments. Dedicated to locating criminal suspects, the SIU allows for a thorough and timely investigation to be conducted, while maintaining affordability for these local departments.

Once the investigation has been worked to a point where a police department has probable cause to arrest someone, the SIU can be utilized for surveillance and capture.

“These guys are trained in locating and apprehending fugitives.

These are the people I would call first, before the county,” said Birmingham Police Department Chief Mark Clemence. “The county is great because they have access to resources we don’t, but I can’t think of a recent time when we used the (county) fugitive apprehension team. It’s been a while. The (SIU) will arrest the person for the detective, similar to what the fugitive apprehension team does for the county.”

Similar to how DFAT officers are deputized as U.S. marshals in order to work across state lines, the officers on SIU are deputized by the county’s sheriff’s department, which grants them arrest powers outside of their home jurisdiction.

“There are a lot of different crimes that cross jurisdictional boundaries. We learned that by sharing notes and communicating with each other that the same crimes were happening in Troy as were happening here,” said Clemence. “We compare notes and find that we're looking at the same people. We said, ‘Let’s focus in, and work together,’ and what this unit does is look for identified suspects and target those people for a follow up.”

Recalling the 2014 shooting of a Bloomfield Hills attorney, Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Chief David Hendrickson said, “To locate suspects, we utilized special investigations to find people.

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We quickly had dozens of detectives working on it. We identified several suspects quickly and we were able to make arrests and get people off the street within days. It was a team effort between different departments’ personnel and resources.”

The multiagency SIU, which conducts electronic and visual surveillance, made a swift arrest in the suspect of the March slaying of a Troy mother while she was at home in her apartment at Somerset Park Apartments. After the investigators developed a suspect, SIU was put to work, and within 12 hours the team had Charles Anthony Stephens in custody.

“He was in a house, I don’t recall why he was at that house, but it was in Detroit. He was charged with homicide and is awaiting trail in circuit court,” said Scott McCanham, captain of investigations for Bloomfield Township Police Department, which staffs one full-time officer at the SIU office in Troy.

“He’s assigned (at SIU) for two years, and he’s our liaison with our detective bureau, so anything we may develop out of our bureau, he’ll take it to SIU, and when they assign a priority to it, they will work it as they see fit – they have multiple cases going on at one time.”

It’s not guaranteed that SIU will take on a police department’s case; rather, officers would talk it over with Troy commanders, who then conduct an assessment to determine if the case is right for the team, and where it would fall on the proverbial priority list. If the case involves a particularly violent crime, and the suspect is deemed to be extremely dangerous, the police department may call in the Oakland County Fugitive Apprehension Team instead.

“If we believe SIU can handle the case, they may assist us in picking up somebody, but in rare circumstances we’ve use Oakland County FAT. We’ve used both,” said McCanham.

“Oakland County FAT is more well-suited for the potential of more violent crimes, that’s my opinion. We can send SIU, whereas Oakland County FAT would go outside Oakland County boundaries. Special investigations or FAT tries to do our best to notify another jurisdiction that we’ll be operating in their jurisdiction. Both teams run surveillance prior to taking any action, so they can take (the suspect) down at a time that they deem with a smaller chance of any more violence, or that person fleeing – to minimize any type of danger to the person or our officers.”

Chief Steven Schettenhelm of the Rochester Police Department recalled when the city utilized the county’s fugitive apprehension team in 2012 after a man used a sledgehammer to break into a jewelry case before escaping with thousands of dollars in merchandise.

“It was a smash and grab situation at a jewelry store. The individual smashed out the jewelry case to obtain Rolex watches, and ran out the door,” said Schettenhelm. “We identified a suspect, obtained a warrant, and through (the team’s) efforts, were able to get that person to turn himself in. It was only through their efforts of getting out into Detroit and the area. It became known to him that he would be arrested. He was in Detroit, and they were trying a number of places looking for him, and family members convinced him that it was in his best interested to turn himself in.”

Schettenhelm, who’s been with Rochester for eight years, echoed the sentiment of other local police departments in saying, “We try to look at the gravity of the crime, and location, and see what team has the best set of resources that meets that need. It’s always great to have resources available. That’s their area of expertise, and once detectives reach a dead end or could use that assistance, it’s great to pick up the phone.”

The consensus among officers on a manhunt is that they’re limited only by their imagination. They’ve experienced hours and hours of searching – between walls, in attics, and even refrigerators – gunning down fugitives from their hiding spots.

“The guys we’re going after are violent. A lot have a huge criminal history,” said the U.S. Marshals' Garcia. And a lot of those on the run are looking at the prospect of being locked up for a long time.

“They flee, they hide in places you’d never imagine. We make sure we’re well-equipped. We always make sure we have an overwhelming number of law enforcement officers. When we know where you’re at, we’re coming with overwhelming power.”

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36400 Woodward Ave, Suite 122 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 kmascia@primecapitalmortgage.com

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

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415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

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248-212-4231 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

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FACES

Ryan Kadro eaholm High School graduate Ryan Kadro cut his teeth as a producer working with Carson Daly on NBC’s “Last Call,” and celebrated New Year’s Eve with Daly for five years in the center of Times Square.

“We’d have live guests drop by, like Mike Bloomberg, Rihanna, Jay-Z. The chance to produce those performances, it’s a little bit of a ‘pinch me,’” said Kadro. “I remember when the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup. We had Lindstrom and Osgood on the show, and they brought the Stanley Cup. You can’t be successful and be star-struck in this business, but I was so nervous because I grew up going to Red Wings games. But I kept it together, and didn’t embarrass myself too bad.”

The son of a doctor and nurse, Kadro didn’t imagine himself working behind the scenes in broadcasting. After graduating from Albion College in 1998, Kado lived in Ann Arbor, where he worked as a bartender at Sweet Lorraine’s and focused on playing guitar.

“I played in a band, and I told my parents I was moving to Los Angeles to be a rock star.” Sticking to his plan, Kadro made the trek out west, and soon got a call from a friend who hooked him up with a job giving tours of the NBC studio. “Within a month, I knew I wanted to be a producer,” he said.

In 2001, NBC hired Kadro as supervising producer of “Last Call with Carson Daly,” where he worked on the nighttime segment until he moved to CBS in 2010, where he supervised production of The Early Show, filmed in New York.

Kadro worked his way up the ranks, and within a couple years was

S

instrumental to the morning show’s re-launch as CBS This Morning, which occurred in 2012.

“When I started, I hadn’t worked on a morning show. There were a lot of conventions about what you should be doing at what time,” said Kadro. “At 7:30 a.m. everyday, it had to be a big story about a missing child. There’s a little hyperbole, but it was like looking for who’s the missing kid this week, which is terrible to say, but it became very formulaic.

“Jeff Fager and David Rose (CBS producers) said forget all that, do the news. We thought, what if we do seven minutes on Syria at that time, will the audience come on that ride?” Increased ratings revealed that Americans were ready for a more hard-news focused show. “We were doing something that no one thought could be done, and that we were successful is very rewarding.”

In April, Kadro was promoted once more, to executive producer of the CBS wake-up show starring Charlie Rose, Norah O'Donnell and Gayle King, which centers on politics, interviews and international stories. “It’s fun, even on days it’s stressful, because news and information is coming in so fast, and you have to make decisions so quickly and they end up on TV 30 seconds later,” he said, noting he’s happy to be in the control room and producing.

Arriving at the studio around 3:30 a.m., Kadro heads home around 5 in the evening, where he lives in Westchester County, New York with his wife and two kids.

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MUNICIPAL City parking rates, policies to change Birmingham city commissioners on Monday, June 6, expressing belief that increasing prices and lowering the availability of monthly permits at some parking structures could provide more parking spaces for shoppers and diners, adopted some changes to the city's parking system, sending proposed rate changes at the structures back to the advisory parking committee for more work.

The city of Birmingham has been experiencing a severe parking crunch for the last couple of years, and first, in 2014 and 2015, an ad hoc parking study committee studied the downtown area and the Triangle District for nine months, with city engineer Paul O'Meara reporting the committee's findings to the city commission in March 2015. At the time, O'Meara reported that on the north side of the downtown area, there was a parking deficit of 278 spots, with a greater shortage of 480 spots in the southern area of downtown. As the Triangle District was still undeveloped, parking needs were too difficult to determine.

In March 2015, the city commission appointed an advisory parking committee to advise the commission on how to help mitigate the parking crunch. On June 6, O'Meara returned to the commission with a six-pronged resolution, which included changing the daily rate at five parking structures, while maintaining the first two hours free, then doubling their current rates, to a maximum of $10 a day, effective July 1, 2016. Instead of $1 an hour after the first two hours free, the rate would be $2 an hour.

O'Meara said that the current hourly rates have been the same since 1996. “Twenty years is a long time, and there is a great demand we are not meeting, which seems to be encouraging employees to not find parking elsewhere,” he said.

After a great deal of discussion, commissioners approved the rate increase by a vote of 5-1, with commissioner Carroll DeWeese against, but did not take up a change to have a maximum rate of $5 if someone left after 10 p.m., with commissioner Patti Bordman saying that she had trouble with someone leaving at 9:59 paying $10, and another person leaving at 10:01 paying $5.

The second proposal, to increase monthly parking permit rates to $70 a month for Park, Peabody, Pierce downtownpublications.com

Sacred Hills lot split, homes approved

By Lisa Brody

fter three years of planning, requests and revisions, a lot split and revised site plan for Academy of the Sacred Heart was approved, as was the final site plan under the open space preservation option for a cluster home development designed for empty nesters, to be called Legacy Hills, on the split land, at the Bloomfield Township board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, June 15.

Patti Voelker, township planning, building and ordinance director, explained the application for approval was a coordinated effort between Pinnacle Homes and the Academy of the Sacred Heart, which was seeking to split its 40-some acres into 23 acres for the school and just under 17 acres for the new home development, which was designed to have four acres of a wetlands nature preserve.

As part of the lot split, Sacred Heart intends to remove its baseball diamond, reconfigure and revise its driveway entrance, and relocate its tennis courts to the former baseball diamond location. Voelker explained the new development would consist of 17 home units, dense woodlands, and five wetlands. Newly-designed layouts would incorporate 25-foot setbacks, 35-foot rear setbacks with 8 to 10-foot rear decks. There would be four building elevations, which she said would be compatible with the surrounding areas, and all the homes would be ranch or one-and-a-half stories.

Sister Bridget Bearss, head of Academy of the Sacred Heart, spoke to the board, explaining, “I wish, frankly, we didn't need to sell our land to secure our future, but we do. We have given up a lot to consider our neighbors,” referring to neighboring homeowners who had fought the school, Pinnacle Homes and the township over the proposed lot split and development. “A decision is needed to determine our future,” noting without the split and sale, the school may not be able to continue.

Howard Fingeroot, managing partner of Pinnacle Homes, emphasized that the company has numerous Pure Michigan accolades, and they are good stewards of the land. “This project really hits the gold standard. Under the open space preservation option, over 65 percent of the land is preserved undisturbed, more than 75 percent of the trees will be preserved undisturbed.”

John Ackerman of Atwell Engineering explained that 9.42 acres of Legacy Hills “remain undisturbed. Substantial trees remain in the four-acre nature preserve area. The intention is to beautify this property as much as possible.” He also said that they studied the situation, and no endangered species were in the wetlands area.

Jeff Axt, a township trustee candidate from a neighboring area, read a statement to the board stating how he and his wife had worked with the entities and the township on what he called the Axt Plan, “which uses more Sacred Heart land and preserves more rare wetlands,” and stated their support for the new submissions as long as they followed the Axt Plan.

Supervisor Leo Savoie thanked Axt for his help in shaping the lot split and development, and while some neighbors still opposed the plans, trustees voted 5-1, with treasurer Dan Devine opposing and Corinne Khederian absent, to approve the lot split and revised site plan for Sacred Heart, and the final site plan under the open space preservation option for Legacy Hills.

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and N. Old Woodward garages as well as the Lot 6 regular permit, and to $50 a month for the Chester garage, Lot 6 economy garage, and south side of Ann Street permit, was sent back to the parking committee and to staff for more work. Mayor pro tem Mark Nickita, in for absent mayor Rackeline Hoff, said the

commission was not ready to move on the resolution.

O'Meara said of it, “All five garages have waiting lists of up to a year. We put Chester at $50 because most people who park there would like to park somewhere else and have to walk farther. Most of their permit holders are still on wait

DOWNTOWN

lists for other garages.”

DeWeese said, “Part of why we have the demand is we're way underpricing,” saying the city should increase the permits even more in order to drive employees and employers to park off site, out of the downtown area. “The residents are subsidizing those who do not live here.”

Bordman concurred. “If we don't sell the permits, we would open up the spaces to people who will shop and go to restaurants,” she said. “It is more important to support shoppers and people coming in to our restaurants, not employees,” noting it was important to keep transient parking for residents who pay for the system.

City attorney Tim Currier corrected both DeWeese and Bordman. “There aren't a lot of tax dollars in the parking system. It's mostly a user system,” funded by the permits and daily tickets.

Commissioners supported a resolution to offer off-site parking to employers within the central business district, for possible parking at three local church lots, for no cost to the employer other than the cost of transporting the employees back and forth from the off-site lots to their job site. They also unanimously approved increasing all parking meters on Chester to $1 an hour from their current 50 cents an hour.

They also unanimously approved decreasing the authorized number of monthly permits at the Park Street and N. Old Woodward structures by about 100 permits each, through attrition, over the next year.

A last proposal, to offer evening only monthly permits at all five structures for $20 a month, initially met resistance from some commissioners but was ultimately approved. O'Meara explained the permits would be for those who work in the city in the evenings, primarily at restaurants, “because the garages can take a lot more parking at that time of day. They could not leave cars overnight,” he said.

To questioning, he said permitted cards could be programmed so they could not be accessed earlier in the day.

Kepes demands Devine drop lawsuit

By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Township Trustee Brian Kepes, who is running for township treasurer against 87

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Library's building plan approved irmingham city commissioners unanimously approved the final plan for the renovation of the adult services area of the Baldwin Public Library at their meeting on Monday, May 23, in order for staff to begin developing request for proposals for construction, pending approval of final construction drawings at their next meeting.

While commissioners were supportive of the proposed $2.2 million renovation, which will renovate the area of the 1981 Birkerts addition of the library in order to improve both its functionality and its aesthetics, the one major hiccup that occurred at the meeting was that neither library director Doug Koschik nor architects Luchenbach Ziegelman Gardner presented commissioners with final plans, but rather a conceptual animated presentation.

“Any blueprints for us to look at? I'd like to see the final plans.

I'm not sure what I'm looking at. As you said, the animation is not accurate,” said commissioner Stuart Sherman after lead architect Robert Ziegelman finished his presentation.

Commissioner Mark Nickita concurred. “These seem to be like renderings we've seen before,” he said. “Are they still conceptual?

They aren't conceptual like the earlier proposal – we're approving what's actually being done, and a rendering isn't a document. The city of Birmingham is very concerned about the building, because we're altering the building.”

Baldwin Public Library is owned by the city of Birmingham.

When architects seemed confused, Sherman said, “If you were remodeling my house, I'd want to know what it would look like. It's no different...We're being asked to approve a plan that's not accurate.”

“You have a plan without the materials and dimensions, which would be a very specific calling out of what you'd be doing in the renovation,” Nickita said.

Ziegelman said, “Materials don't change, ideas don't change, drawings don't change. It's what's on the building now. It's limestone. We're taking out limestone, and we're adding glass. The horizontal steel is the same as in the back.”

Ziegelman had said the main concept of the renovation is “sunlighting,” introducing artificial and natural light to the building through bands of windows and adding a skylight to the historic building along with high intensity lighting. He said it will also help lower energy consumption, as well as “allow you to be part of the community, inviting you into the library.

“We want to clean up the old building, pull it back and let it stand as something to look at without things around it,” he said.

While commissioners Carroll DeWeese, Andy Harris, and Patti Bordman all said that the plans they had were sufficient. Harris said, “The plans have not been changed materially,” and commissioner Pierre Boutros, seeking the peacemaker role, said, “I think we can make it work tonight.” Sherman and Nickita wanted the plans brought back at the next meeting. Sherman noted no other project would be approved without final plans being reviewed.

“It's a city building. We have a responsibility to the plans before we approve them,” noted Sherman.

“I think commissioner Sherman brings up an important point,” Nickita said. “We've seen conceptual plans and schematics, but we haven't seen actual information. We've had verbal information. It's there, but we didn't see it and the materials. In the past, we and staff, we've had things in order to verify – in order to dot the i's and cross the t's. That's the technically correct way to do it.”

How that would affect the timing of bidding the construction then became the issue, and city manager Joe Valentine said if commissioners approved the resolution that evening, with the condition that the final plans were brought back the following meeting for approval, staff could begin preparing the request for proposal (RFP) immediately, and they could remain on time.

Commissioners voted 7-0 to approve the final plan for the adult services renovation with that condition, which Koschik did on June 6, and the final plan was unanimously approved.

B incumbent treasurer Dan Devine in the August Republican primary, on Thursday, June 9, called on Devine to drop the appeal to the treasurer's lawsuit against the township, which was thrown out of circuit court in December 2015, noting it has already cost residents at least $45,000.

Kepes said he issued the demand because he feels it is a waste of the township's resources.

“Dan Devine continues to pursue an irresponsible, frivolous lawsuit that is costing our taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars,” stated Kepes.

“He has already damaged our community’s reputation enough with his bizarre accusations that have generated embarrassing headlines and forced the board of trustees to formally censure him.

Now, he wants the taxpayers to give him in excess of $25,000 for the stress and diminution of reputation that his own questionable choices and actions caused. I demand that Dan Devine drop this lawsuit immediately, reimburse the taxpayers the cost to defend ourselves the $45,000, and let his real employers – the voters of this community – make a judgment on his service at the August 2nd primary election.”

Devine filed a lawsuit in Oakland County Circuit Court on September 10, 2015 against what he claims was his employer, Bloomfield Township, and township supervisor Leo Savoie, alleging they had subjected him to retaliation because he reported suspected violations of law to public authorities, which have since been ruled invalid by the Secretary of State. He sought monetary damages, the minimum of which are $25,000 under the Whistleblowers' Protection Act. The lawsuit claimed Devine's actions were protected under the Michigan Whistleblowers' Protection Act. In order to bring a lawsuit under the Michigan Whistleblowers' Protection Act, an individual must be an employee, rather than an elected official, which Devine asserted he was because he received employee health care from the township.

However, on December 16, 2015, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Leo Bowman dismissed the suit as without merit, affirming he

was not an employee of Bloomfield Township, but an elected official.

Divine has appealed the case.

In response to Downtown Publications on Thursday, June 9, Devine issued a statement which basically acknowledged he is not an employee but an elected official.

“The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees have approved my investment recommendations 100 percent since 2000 and I have been re-elected by the residents four times since then,” he said.

As for dropping the lawsuit, Devine called Kepes' request “desperate political grand-standing by a failing candidate.”

Devine's written statement also claimed that “lawyers for Leo Savoie and the township board have been paid less than $10,000 dollars while I have paid $50,000 out of my own pocket to defend my good name in a case now pending before the Michigan Court of Appeals.” He did not say how he came to the $10,000 legal figure, one that Savoie, Kepes and township clerk Jan Roncelli dispute.

Devine has had a contentious relationship with several fellow board members in recent years, primarily arising from how he has handled his role as township treasurer. He has been at odds with the township supervisor since Savoie was appointed to the position rather than Devine.

The drama surrounding the township treasurer reached a new height in May of 2015 when Devine went into the Bloomfield Township police department and claimed Savoie had “kidnapped” his 25year-old daughter, when actually she was at a substitute teaching job. Rather than apologize to Savoie when the issue was raised at a board meeting, Devine dug in his heels and was publicly censured by the board of trustees in July of 2015, for what the board said was conduct that “brought both ridicule and embarrassment” to the township and a “series of irregularities attributable to the township treasurer.”

Because no Democrats have filed for the post, the winner of the August primary will become the treasurer for a four-year term that pays $139,00 annually, plus benefits.

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MUNICIPAL Updates given on township lawsuits Bloomfield Township Attorney Bill Hampton provided an update at the Wednesday, June 15, board of trustees meeting on three lawsuits involving the township at the request of trustee Dave Buckley and treasurer Dan Devine, although Devine unsuccessfully attempted to move the update from the beginning of the meeting to the end of a packed agenda and move it to closed session, asserting he had strategies for the lawsuits and the lawsuit he has against the township was a “personnel” matter.

Fellow board members rejected moving the updates to a closed session by a vote of 4-2, with Buckley and Devine voting against and Corinne Khederian absent, after Hampton stated he was providing status updates, there would be no legal strategizing, and that a circuit court judge had already determined that Devine was not an employee, but an elected official, so the update was not a personnel matter.

“I think it's important to note that we're discussing the lawsuits because it was requested by Dave Buckley.

When the township and others are defendants (in a suit brought by Devine), the citizens are entitled to hear an update,” trustee Brian Kepes asserted. “Dan Devine is the plaintiff.

The residents are entitled to know why you're suing the township.”

In response to Devine's protestations, clerk Jan Roncelli said, “You did request this. Bill clearly said this was a status report, and we did not need to go into closed session.”

After the vote turning Devine down on the request for a closed session, Laura Amtsbuechler, with the law firm Johnson Rosati Schultz Joppich, presented updates on two lawsuits. Flicka v Bloomfield Township, she said, is a civil rights claim dealing with the arrest and detention of an individual which the township has asked to have thrown out. It currently has cost the township approximately $15,000 in legal fees, she said.

The case Dan Devine v Bloomfield Township and Leo Savoie, a Whistleblower Act case,

Amtsbuechler said was “one arising out of the board censure of Devine, with our notion that he is not an employee, and the censure was not an act that would trigger the act.”

She said Oakland Circuit Court Judge Leo Bowman agreed, ruling that the suit had no merit and was unenforceable. She said Devine has appealed to the Michigan Court of Appeals, but there was no time table for when it might be heard.

“Our intention is to file for damages as we feel it is frivolous,” she said.

After being asked, she stated that through the end of May, the township has paid $60,000 or more in legal fees to defend itself in this lawsuit.

Devine piped up, “I've paid $50,000 of my own money to regain my good name against this board and Leo Savoie.”

Hampton gave the update on a third lawsuit, Youmans v Bloomfield Township, a lawsuit claiming the township has raised water and sewer rates in violation of the Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment. Hampton said the township has filed an answer and interrogatories are ongoing.

“This law firm (Kickham Hanley) seems to have an idea that they can sue municipalities in this county.

Birmingham settled, however, in Birmingham the issue dealt with wastewater treatment rates. That's not part of this case. This is about what goes into the water rates, what goes into the sewer rates. We believe we have done them consistently with the same methodology that's done across the country, and we do not exceed Headlee. We believe in this litigation, it will show revenues and expenditures are equal, and there is no revenue going into the general fund.”

Hampton continued, “This is not a class action – just one property owner. Now a motion could be made to make it a class action, and we will oppose it.

“This is a slipshod case that has been filed by lawyers that did not do their homework,” Hampton said, noting that they had filed Freedom of Information Requests with the township for information on water and sewer rates, and when information gathering fees were what they deemed too high, they never

Read what primary candidates had to say on the issues.

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County Clerk. County Commission.

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retrieved the information – in essence flying blind. “We feel very confident in our position. We will file for summary disposition of the case.”

Hampton emphasized for the board and the audience, “What this case is not about, it makes no allocation of fraud; of mismanagement of water and sewer; it does not seek an audit or a forensic audit, because our books are audited – when people put out campaign literature that the township's AAA rating is at risk, that is just outrageous and not true. This lawsuit is frivolous and lends credence to other lawsuits, and those who are making these campaign allegations are not true. There are no water and sewer overcharges. This $11 million is a fantasy. Nowhere does (the lawsuit) say $11 million.”

W. Maple resurfacing project to begin The long planned resurfacing of W. Maple between Cranbrook and Southfield roads in Birmingham is about to begin, with a phased rollout, beginning the week of June 27, and lasting about nine or 10 weeks.

The city of Birmingham was awarded federal funds to limit the expense to residents, and the final decision as to whether the city will keep the roadway three lanes, versus returning it back to four lanes, will be made in the next month. However, city officials have said the three lanes has been very successful, so it is likely the new road will remain three lanes.

The first phase, which will take about three weeks, will leave Maple open to traffic, but deal with sidewalk work, where handicap ramps and other sidewalk work is required.

The next phase, which engineers say will take two weeks, will replace concrete curbs and gutters as needed. This work will require shifting traffic from one side to the other, but two lanes will always be maintained. Some residential driveways may be closed at times for curb replacement work.

The last phase, which is likely to last four weeks, beginning in August, will remove the existing asphalt surface and replace Maple with new asphalt, and the underlying older concrete pavement will also be repaired as needed. Traffic will be detoured to Quarton Road at this time. downtownpublications.com

Devine election workers request denied

By Lisa Brody

loomfield Township election commission meetings are typically administrative affairs, but not so on Monday, June 20, when treasurer Dan Devine requested – and was denied – to amend the agenda, and candidate for supervisor Dave Thomas sent out an email to supporters requesting 50 people show up and protest election signs in the township, which he asserted were “in direct violation of the ordinance.”

Unfortunately for Thomas, no one showed up to protest, not even him, and clerk Jan Roncelli, who runs the election commission meetings as well as all election functions for the township, noted that the signs are only violating ordinances if they are in the commercial right of way, but that it was an ordinance department issue, not an election commission issue, so Devine had brought it to the wrong department – something she said after 17 years in the township, he should have known.

After Roncelli stated to Devine at the beginning of the meeting that he could not amend the agenda, as he can at trustee meetings, she permitted him to speak for three minutes during public comments, where, besides the sign complaint, he requested that two election workers, “Sheila Beal and Diane Perkins, or anyone involved with the Bloomfield Township trustees or involved with Dan Devine v Bloomfield Township and Leo Savoie, be removed from working the election because of the alleged $2,500 donation Hubbell Roth & Clark (HRC) made to Savoie in 2014, which I have made a complaint of, because in 1994 an election worker was convicted of tampering with a ballot and sent to jail.”

“I have been the township's engineer for 30 years,” Tom Beal of HRC stated to the commission. “My wife has worked on elections for more than 20 years. I didn't know it was inappropriate to contribute to campaigns when I wrote a check in the last cycle to Dan Devine's campaign.

“Over a year ago last May, the election department ruled there was nothing inappropriate and not to further the election cycle of Mr. Savoie,” Beal continued. “That allegation was dismissed over a year ago, and yet it is still on Mr. Devine's website. We have repeatedly told him if he didn't take it down, we would sue him. The continuation of slander is very important to us. There was no check from HRC to Mr. Savoie for $2,500, except for a golf outing.”

Sheila Beal then spoke. “I feel wronged. In 1994, when that election worker was marking ballots, I was the one who caught him and turned him in.”

She referred to an incident in 1994 in Bloomfield Township when an election worker was found marking absentee ballots for Daniel Devine Sr., Devine's father, in an unsuccessful judicial election.

The commission declined to remove Beal or Perkins, former township financial director Ray Perkins' wife, who has been an election worker for about 30 years.

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Residents can stay notified on updates by going to www.bit.ly/bhamnews.

Township to change pension guarantee Following the recommendations of the township's financial sustainability committee after a Graystone Consulting study on the the township's defined benefit plan for the township's retirees, the Bloomfield Township board of trustees on Wednesday, June 15, unanimously voted to halt the issuance

of new pension guarantees to new retirees, but to continue to service current retirees through the existing Prudential defined benefit plan contract while the township looks into the cost of buying out all of the existing Prudential guarantees.

Financial director Jason Theis explained halting the issuance of new pension guarantees “Is like stopping the bleeding. It's a savings, to staunch the bleeding, that should earn 6 to 9 percent return in the long term, rather than being forced by Prudential to be put into a 1.5 to 2 percent fixed rate to protect their interests.”

DOWNTOWN

Theis noted that the equity account managed by Schwartz & Co. should be in the $90 million range, “but it's about $60 million … by being forced to put money into the Prudential account.

We're not diversified properly anymore and we can't get there anymore if we don't make any changes.”

This was echoed by Graystone Consulting's study, which included a statement in its report on the current financial climate, pointing out that transfers from the equity account managed by Schwartz had been tapped into faster and deeper than expected to cover Prudential benefit payments which were not accurately anticipated. “Depending on the annual transfer amount and the expected return on assets, the separate account balance (with Schwartz & Co.) is projected to be depleted six to 10 years from December 31, 2015.”

By halting the guarantees from Prudential, all township retirees would still receive their benefits, but it would just not necessarily be paid out by Prudential Insurance. It was noted that short of a bankruptcy by Bloomfield Township, which is a AAA-rated municipality, all beneficiaries would continue to be paid as expected.

“Bloomfield Township is in a better position than Prudential to guarantee those benefits,” supervisor Leo Savoie said, as Prudential is rated five levels below the township. He also said he believed it would be prohibitively costly for the township to purchase the guarantees, but trustees voted to have treasurer Dan Devine find out from Prudential what the cost would be, and to have the township get a legal opinion to see if they are contractually obligated to the employees to guarantee the benefits. They also voted to approve making the most minimal annuity payment to the account in order to not jeopardize the township's position with Prudential.

Clerk Jan Roncelli noted that at a study session with representatives from Prudential Insurance in March 2015, where they noted there were less than 100 similar benefit plans left in the country due to excessive costs to municipalities, “Prudential said we had to get rid of the guarantees.” Theis concurred, noting that Schwartz and the township's previous financial director Ray Perkins had as well. “I think it's finally time to do it.”

“The fact is, it strengthens the township, which strengthens the pensions,” noted trustee Brian Kepes.

“It diversifies our benefits. Prudential is 95

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MUNICIPAL clearly looking to the township.”

A resolution by Devine to get pricing options for unions for when it is time to sit with them to negotiate new contracts, which expire March 30, 2017, was deemed too premature, and was tabled.

Birmingham approves 2016-2017 budget With a slight decrease in the city's millage rate for the upcoming fiscal 2016-2017 year, which includes a .31 mill increase to the city's library levy, Birmingham city commissioners approved a $31.5 million budget at their meeting on Monday, May 23.

Mark Gerber, city finance director, had presented the preliminary budget to commissioners at a budget workshop on Saturday, April 16, with the library millage increase and an adjustment to the city's sewer rate to include $175,000 in additional funding for capital improvement and to provide the appropriate funding of retirees' health care liabilities, and at the

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commission's May 9 meeting.

The final budget for the city's fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2016 until June 30, 2017, includes $21 million in projected property tax revenue, as well as $3 million in revenues to the Baldwin Library fund from property tax revenue; $3 million from licenses and permits; and $2.8 million from charges for services.

The automobile parking system fund, which is not part of the city's general fund, is anticipated to provide almost $5.7 million in revenue. The major and local street funds are projected to account for $7.5 million.

Public safety remains the largest expenditure for the city of Birmingham, projected at $12.8 million for 20162017, with the general government fund at $5.3 million. Engineering and public services for the city is expected to spend $4.7 million. Transfers out, which can include debt service, accounts for $6.1 million.

Compared to a millage rate for 20152016 of 14.8269 mills, city commissioners set the millage rate for 2016-2017 at 14.7614 mills, a decrease

of .31 mills, which was then added to the city's library levy, in essence not changing the millage rate for a resident taxpayer.

Home store approved for Kmart location At Home, a home décor superstore from Texas, was unanimously approved by the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees at their meeting on Monday, May 23, for the former Kmart location on Telegraph Road north of Square Lake, which has been vacant for several years.

“This proposal is to redevelop the shell for a new store called At Home, with frontage on Telegraph,” said Bloomfield Township Planning Director Patti Voelker, noting it will have rear access backing up against the new Villages of Bloomfield. “They're looking to make this much more pedestrianfriendly from Telegraph. The plan calls for renovations of 118,000 square feet.

The site will remain the same with landscape improvements.

DOWNTOWN

The new store will be located at 2101 Telegraph Road, and At Home will anchor the other end of the Bloomfield Town Square shopping center from Costco. With over 50,000 pieces of merchandise ranging from lamps to throw pillows to home furnishings and patio furniture, the stores are like Costcos for home design aficionados.

Voelker explained to trustees that they required a special land use because they requested extended hours of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Architect Tony Calloway, a Dallas architect designing the store, said the company had been in business about 37 years, when it started in Texas selling pottery.

“About three years ago, we rebranded the company with new management, and expanded the types of products we carry,” Calloway said.

“Since then, we've added about 30 stores in 28 states, adding a wider product range.”

Of the Telegraph site, he said, “We're looking to really supplement the landscaping in the front and clean it up.”

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INCREDIBLE HOME & LAKEFRONT WITH SUNSET VIEWS $2,990,000 6,975 total finished sq ft, 4 en suite bedrooms with private terraces, 4.3 baths, 1.71 acres, 1300 ft of lake frontage, sandy beach/boat launch. One-of-a-kind Don Paul Young designed & updated home on a one-of-a-kind peninsula lot! Entry level master and laundry. Generator, 4 car garage with heat and AC, Bloomfield Hills Schools.

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EDUCATION Schools pursuing property sales Cranbrook senior claims ‘hate’ assault A 17-year-old Muslim Cranbrook student from Hamtramck, who had been part of the school's renowned Horizon-Upward Bound program, reported to both Cranbrook Schools and the Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Department that she and her mother had been verbally assaulted by a group of boys driving by Kingswood School, and then she was later surrounded and shoved by possibly the same group when she was out for a run on the school's ground, and that in each instance, her religion was the motivation for the attacks.

She asserted through a complaint with the American-Arab AntiDiscrimination Committee (ADC) in Dearborn that the school had not taken her complaints seriously and that the student and her family had not received satisfactory communication from Cranbrook.

On Thursday, June 9, the ADC issued a press release requesting a hate crime probe. However, a hate crime or ethnic intimidation probe can only follow an investigation presented by law enforcement to the prosecutor's office.

"I think something happened, but I just don't know what. I have a detective working specifically on this case," said Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Chief David Hendrickson.

"Cranbrook is taking it very seriously, and so are we. We're just having difficultly identifying anyone as suspects."

Hendrickson said the girl came into the police station on May 26th to make a statement, and she was accompanied by her two sisters. Since that time, "We have tried to get the witnesses in to discuss it further."

Despite allegations from the girl and the ADC that Cranbrook may have video or surveillance tapes of either of the incidents, Hendrickson said that isn't true. "There is no surveillance anywhere they can retrieve. It's just not true that there is any video."

Fatina Abbrabboh, director of ADC Michigan, spoke on behalf of the student, stating that the female student and her family came to the ADC offices because they did not feel Cranbrook was being proactive enough. Abbrabboh said the student told her on May 25 she was returning to the Kingswood School campus, where she was a boarder, with her mother who wears full, traditional Muslim attire, and a truck of four or five males yelled at them, “Allahu

Akbar” and made other racist remarks.

“It happened around 8 p.m. Her mother was dressed in full Muslim garb, and they're in the parking lot,” Abbrabboh said. The girl's sister was also with them. She said the girl did not report the incident until the next morning.

Abbrabboh said about 90 minutes later, around 9:30 p.m., or later, the girl, “she's just 95 pounds, went off for a run on the grounds, and encountered five guys in the woods who surrounded her, yelling at her, 'Go back to your country,' and pushed her. She doesn't know if they're the same guys. I know it sounds like a bizarre coincidence.”

Abbrabboh said she did not know why the girl did not report the incidents, especially the alleged attack, to anyone at the school, much less police, until the next day, when she filed a police report with Bloomfield Hills Public Safety claiming that she had been verbally assaulted as well as physically attacked. Abbrabboh said she had not been in contact with Bloomfield Hills police, the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, nor Cranbrook.

Abbrabboh said the family was upset that there had not been a campus-wide email from Cranbrook alerting other students of the possible danger on its grounds, but did state the school held an assembly for students.

“Please also know that Cranbrook Schools' administration, Cranbrook Educational Community, and Cranbrook Security have been in contact with the family to promptly and very diligently address the situation. The safety and security of Cranbrook students is paramount. The ongoing investigation has included working with local law enforcement, contact with other local schools, reviewing surveillance, working with the student to identify the perpetrators, and reinforcing campus safety procedures with our boarding students.

None of the perpetrators were identified as Cranbrook students, however we will continue to investigate with the assistance of our local police,” Cranbrook Educational Community President Dominic DiMarco said in a release.

The student said she could not identify any of the alleged perpetrators, nor could she recognize whether they were students. Under questioning, Abbrabboh acknowledged there could be holes in the victim's story, but said the victim wanted Cranbrook to be more aggressive in its communication with her and her family. She graduated from Cranbrook June 10.

By Lisa Brody

fter community focus groups concurred with internal financial studies that Bloomfield Hills Schools should sell land and some schools that have been shuttered, the district's board of education sent out request for proposals (RFPs) for 18-plus acres on Long Lake Road, known as the Wabeek land, and the former Hickory Grove elementary school.

Cresa, real estate consultants with Plante Moran, worked with the district to develop a master planning and facilitation process, which included holding several community forums in the fall, which led to RFPs that the board is currently reviewing for the two properties.

The Wabeek land, located on Long Lake Road, just west of Franklin, is just over 18 acres, undeveloped and zoned residential.

“We're really concentrating on selling that right now. It's vacant, and it doesn't have a former identity,” noted Shira Good, director of communications and community relations for the district. “The idea in the community is, 'Didn't we already sell that, and if not, why not?' There's a lot of consensus.”

The value of the land did come in at a higher value than expected, she noted, which was extrapolated prior to assessment at approximately $1.8 million. She declined to provide the value.

Good said after the board sells the Wabeek property, their attention will focus on the former Hickory Grove site, 2800 Lahser Road, at 27.1 acres, also zoned residential and is split into two parcels.

“The board is reviewing the Wabeek RFPs with Plante Moran Cresa. We're done. The offers we have are the offers we're going to work with, or choose to decline,” she said. “Either they will accept one, or will enter into negotiations with one of the developers.”

The Lahser High School site, at 3456 Lahser Road, a 212,000 square foot building, is also under discussion, but is not currently for sale. “One of the things we're looking at is we're having ongoing conversations with community entities that have an interest in a portion of Lahser – entities who want the pool, or just the auditorium,” Good explained. She said there was no formal community entity, but “all private wonderings.”

“More importantly, no one wants the whole building, and we're not interested in selling the whole building and parcel at this time.

We sunk a ton of money into the football stadium, put in brand new turf, all new athletic facilities that are still great for our users. We want to maximize the community's investment in them,” she said, noting it's extremely costly to heat the large building all winter, just to the point where pipes don't burst. “Part of our exploration with Plante Moran Cresa has been, could we knock down just part of the building and plant grass? It's a piece of property, as we've been evaluating, we don't want to part with at this time.”

At the district's furthest west point is the former Pine Lake Elementary School, 3333 W. Long Lake Road in Orchard Lake, which the district has decided they need more time to carefully evaluate.

“Our process to date is to demolish it and just plant grass, and retain the playground, tennis courts and ball field, because we don't know what we don't know,” Good explained. By possibly selling the property, “we could lose the potential for a future elementary school.

You can't ever get land back.”

With educational and technological changes occurring rapidly, it would allow them to build a school of the future in 20 or 30 years, with new adaptations rather than renovating and paying high costs.

“Ten years ago, we didn't know what high school learning spaces would be today, much less in the future,” she noted. “We don't know what a future elementary school would need to be. We have to be able to adapt, and if you have vacant land, you can adapt.”

Further, state law has changed where if a school is vacant for a certain period, anyone can purchase it for a dollar, without district consent.

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BIRMINGHAM 915 S. Glenhurst | $1,240,000 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 4,127 Square Feet MLS# 216059555

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BLOOMFIELD 1888 Pine Ridge Lane | $399,900 3 Bedrooms 3 Full, 1 Half Baths 3,867 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 216059140

Multilevel walkout lower level condo in prestigious Wabeek Pines. Granite eat-in kitchen, 1st floor laundry and terrific master suite. Access to 3 decks on all levels. LL includes games area, exercise and spa area, 2nd kitchen and large storage area.

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MBess@ HallandHunter.com

SImpastato@ HallandHunter.com

BIRMINGHAM | 720 Kennesaw Street | $1,345,000 Exquisite Poppleton Park Tudor offers lovely first-floor master suite with high ceilings & fireplace. Close to downtown, this better-than-new completely updated home offers old world detail blended with today’s current style and quality throughout. Foyer with open staircase, iron railing and leaded windows. Charming living room with French doors overlooking bubbling water feature. Spacious dining room with plaster crown molding and bay window. New state-of-the-art kitchen opens to vaulted family room with limestone fireplace, custom wet bar & French doors overlooking private yard. Finished lower level rec room.

4 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | 3,227 Square Feet | MLS# 216050122

NEW LISTING

NEW PRICE

BLOOMFIELD | 3215 Middlebury Lane | $825,000

WATERFORD TWP. | 2021 Scott Lake Road | $499,000

Completely rebuilt 2-story Craftsman-style with 1st floor master. Huge center island kitchen with hearth room. Large 1/2 acre corner lot in center of Westchester Village.

4 BR | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | 3,500 SF | MLS# 216051396

Amazing, authentic arts & crafts renovation on 1.2 acres boasts views of allsports Scott Lake! All-new eat-in cook’s kitchen. Wonderful gardens & boat dock.

3 BR | 2 Baths | 1,810 SF | MLS# 216031859

SOLD OR LEASED

SOLD IN 3 DAYS!

SOLD IN 12 DAYS!

LEASED

TROY 1978 Sparrow Court | $369,900

BLOOMFIELD 5590 Fieldston Court | $295,000

BIRMINGHAM 111 Willits Street, Unit #305 | $5500/month

Completely updated pristine ranch with stunning island kitchen and master with new bath. Finished lower level.

Mid-century Foxcroft ranch with full basement located on large landscaped lot in quiet cul-de-sac setting

Updated condo with balcony in downtown’s most sought-after full service building, “The Willits.”

3 BR | 3.1 Baths | 2,167 SF | MLS# 216048252

3 BR | 1.1 Baths | 1,378 SF | MLS# 216045566

2 BR | 2.1 Baths | 1,698 SF | MLS# 216053791

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Lynn Baker & Deby Gannes 248.379.3000 lbaker@hallandhunter.com

248.379.3003 dgannes@hallandhunter.com

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 2411 Pond Vallee | $2,299,900 5 Bedrooms 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 7,615 Square Feet MLS# 216058053

Spectacular 2.34 acre estate 5 Bedrooms in premier gated community.

6 Full, 1 Half Baths Exceptional 1st floor master suite.

8,294 Total Sq. Ft. Finished LL. Exquisite finishes MLS# 216034276 and details. Gorgeous grounds.

BIRMINGHAM 1875 Stanley Boulevard | $695,900 4 Bedrooms 4 Full Baths 2,493 Square Feet MLS# 216045936

Tucked-away contemporary on approx. 1/2 acre wooded lot.

Eat-in kitchen overlooks garden.

Partially finished LL. Walk to Lincoln Hills and Seaholm HS.

Amazing updated bungalow on great lot! New Italian porcelain kitchen floor.

Spacious 2nd floor master suite. Finished basement.

2.41 acre estate in luxurious gated community. Georgian Colonial offers elegant master suite and finished daylight LL. Garages with room for 6-7 cars.

FRANKLIN VILLAGE 25301 Franklin Park Drive | $550,000

4 Bedrooms Stunning updated home seconds from Barnum Park & downtown.

3 Full Baths Kevin Hart-designed remodel throughout home. Spacious master 3,814 Square Feet suite. Bonus room above garage. MLS# 216055944

BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE 17138 Kirkshire Avenue | $389,900 3 Bedrooms 2 Full Baths 1,729 Square Feet MLS# 216052568

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 2312 Pond Vallee | $1,595,000

Gated 2.3 acres with 226' 5 Bedrooms on all-sports Walnut Lake.

4 Full, 2 Half Baths 1st floor master. Walkout LL. 7,442 Square Feet Land contract terms. Reduced $100K. Bloomfield Hills schools. MLS# 216023510

BIRMINGHAM 387 George Street | $619,000

Custom-built home close to 3 Bedrooms town with rare 1st floor BR with 2 Full, 1 Half Baths full bath. Study/5th bedroom in 1,929 Square Feet finished LL. Private fenced yard, large deck & electric gate. MLS# 216051696

BIRMINGHAM 2467 Polo Place | $499,900 3 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,541 Square Feet MLS# 216036350

WEST BLOOMFIELD 4711 Cove Road | $1,899,000

Estate section on private, wooded 1.33 acres surrounded by multimillion dollar homes.

Panoramic views of nature.

Upper level balcony. Greenhouse.

BLOOMFIELD 2655 Colby | $279,900 4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,403 Square Feet MLS# 216056687

Great neighborhood close to everything! Large newer kitchen.

Dining room with French doors to private treed yard. 4th BR/office in LL. Bloomfield Hills schools.

Visit LynnandDeby.com or Like Us on Facebook at Lynn and Deby - Hall & Hunter Realtors 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Holly Geyer Realtor

248.506.7345 HGeyer@HallandHunter.com

NEW PRICE

BIRMINGHAM 790 Lakeside Drive | $2,975,000 4 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 4,454 Square Feet MLS# 216060604

Custom-built residence with sweeping views of Quarton Lake, just a short stroll to downtown. Bella Cucina kitchen, 5â&#x20AC;? plank walnut floors and luxurious finishes throughout. Master retreat features marble bath and private balcony. Amazing lower level!

BLOOMFIELD 2896 Meadowood Lane | $899,900 5 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 4,543 Square Feet MLS# 216043755

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 3847 Oakland | $1,699,000 5 Bedrooms 5 Full, 3 Half Baths 5,064 Square Feet MLS# 216029382

ROYAL OAK 7100 W. 5th Street, #509 | $379,000

Chestnut Run North gem!

2 Bedrooms Family room leads to covered 2 Full Baths patio with private pool.

Finished daylight LL with full 1,201 Square Feet bath. Oversized 3-car garage. MLS# 216048491

Spectacular home overlooking Oakland Hills Country Club! Spacious 1st floor master suite with bath spa.

Beautiful chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen opens to deck and family room. Formal dining room with terrace looks out on the south golf course. Fabulous walkout lower level.

TROY 1465 Raleigh Place | $325,000

Highly upgraded upscale 2 Bedrooms condo in heart of downtown. 2 Full, 1 Half Baths Granite/stainless kitchen and 2,030 Square Feet floor-to-ceiling windows.

MLS# 216057287 Spacious master with balcony.

Fabulous Midtown Square townhouse condo with Birmingham schools. Kitchen opens to living room with balcony.

Private elevator. Great location!

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Adam Waechter Associate Broker

313.801.8018 akwhallandhunter@gmail.com

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

TROY 2949 Vineyards | $1,198,000 6 Bedrooms 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 7,060 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 216053418

Exquisite custom-built Colonial in desirable Bailey’s Vineyard Sub with Bloomfield Hills schools. Beautiful finishes throughout. Gourmet island kitchen opens to family room. Finished walkout LL features a custom bar, indoor pool with swim jet and heated floor.

NEW PRICE

3 Bedrooms 3 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,918 Square Feet MLS# 216058948

NEW LISTING

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7 Manorwood | $725,000 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 1 Half Baths 4,946 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 216052891

BIRMINGHAM 291 E. Southlawn Boulevard | $799,000

Gracious home on private drive with exceptional views and natural light. Huge living room with 12’ ceilings.1600 sq. ft. walkout LL. Elevator.

NEW LISTING

BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE 32630 Old Post Road | $449,900 4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,949 Square Feet MLS# 216059677

Impressive custom build with cedar accents and neutral decor. Open and spacious living room flows to the dining room. Floating staircase. Kitchen with quartz counters & stainless appliances. Large master with amazing bath. 3rd floor loft-style room. Finished LL.

BIRMINGHAM 411 S. Old Woodward, #504 | $420,000

Charming Colonial in prime 2 Bedrooms neighborhood south of Lincoln 2 Full Baths Hills golf course. Large master 995 Square Feet suite. Family room with door MLS# 216061380 wall to private wood deck.

Contact me for your private showing

Recently renovated luxury condo in the heart of downtown.

Spacious, open living space.

Balcony with beautiful views. Fullservice building, secured parking.

| AdamWaechter.com

442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Ginny Fisher Realtor

248.593.0518 GFisher@HallandHunter.com

NEW PRICE

BIRMINGHAM | 887 Wimbleton | $880,000

BIRMINGHAM | 1970 Northlawn Boulevard | $810,000

Pristine landmark Tudor in charming Poppleton Park elegantly updated for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s living! Stylish details include paver stone walkways and original slate floors throughout foyer, dining room and kitchen. Beautiful family room addition and lovely formal living room with marble fireplace. Spacious master suite with renovated bath. Impeccable!

Gorgeous setting with panoramic views of Birmingham CC golf course! Beautifully renovated home on elevated site has updated chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen and master suite with heated marble floors in bath. Finished lower level with light-filled office, wine storage cabinet, exercise room & half bath. Newer deck, fenced yard and so much more!

4 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | 2,984 Square Feet | MLS# 216047532

4 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 3 Half Baths | 3,084 Square Feet | MLS# 216045129

NEW PRICE

BLOOMFIELD HILLS | 1772 Heron Ridge | $1,599,000

TROY | 2360 Hidden Pine Drive | $585,000

Pristine executive retreat in private gated enclave on gorgeous wooded ravine setting.

Renovated Millennium cherry kitchen opens to expansive family room. Lovely finished walkout lower level with possible 5th bedroom. Lower paver terraces and expansive decks off main floor. 4 fireplaces, 4-car garage & so much more. Move-in perfection!

Beautiful Oak River Colonial with spacious floor plan and many upgrades! Wonderful granite kitchen opens to expansive family room and has double door walls to deck and yard. Serene master with 2 walk-in closets, plantation shutters & crown moldings.

Finished LL with oversized rec area, half bath, office/music room & bar/kitchen area.

4 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths | 7,385 Total SF | MLS# 21602336

NEW PRICE

4 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 2 Half Baths | 3,315 Square Feet | MLS# 216046466

NEW LISTING

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 245 Chestnut Circle | $725,000 3 Bedrooms 3 Full, 2 Half Baths 3,823 Square Feet MLS# 216029505

Elevated 3/4-acre site in desirable Chestnut Hills.

Paneled library. Expansive great room leads to lovely gardens. Spacious master.

FOR LEASE

AUBURN HILLS 238 Jotham Avenue | $172,000 2 Bedrooms 2 Full Baths 1,685 Square Feet MLS# 216056108

Light-filled upper level condo with open floor plan and great views. In-unit washer & dryer.

Mostly newer wood blinds.

Clubhouse, pool & fitness center.

BLOOMFIELD 2307 Lost Tree Way | $3000/month 4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,278 Square Feet MLS# 216033376

Updated executive long-term rental is move-in ready! Lovely eat-in granite kitchen opens to spacious family room. Expansive master suite. Finished lower level.

For more information, visit GinnyFisherHomes.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500 Angie Dobbins

C. Joy Morris

Realtor

Associate Broker

248.752.6714

248.914.0784

ADobbins@HallandHunter.com

JMorris@HallandHunter.com

NEW TO MARKET

NEW LISTING

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 6425 Golfview | $1,299,000 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 1 Half Baths 5,419 Square Feet MLS# 216057170

Kellett-built Colonial with expansive views of Oakland Hills CC north course. Grand 2-story foyer with sweeping staircase. French doors leading to patio, spectacular gardens & koi pond. 19’ x 17’ Design Studio kitchen. Huge master with sitting area.

NEW LISTING

BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE 32075 Waltham | $799,900 4 Bedrooms 3 Full Baths 5,405 Total Sq. Feet MLS# 216057291

Spacious updated home in the heart of West Beverly on quiet street with beautiful ravine views. Open floor plan with light-filled rooms. Finished walkout LL with 5th bedroom, full bath & large family room.

Heated pool with paver patio. Birmingham schools.

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 200 Canterbury Road | $885,000 4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 3,260 Square Feet MLS# 216056212

Mid-century at its finest on 1.8 acres that make you feel as if you are in the gardens of Cranbrook.

Multilevels with an abundance of natural light.

Master suite oasis with private roof top. Lower level basement with large rec room and storage.

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500 Amy Zimmer & Tiffany Glime

D. Ryan Wolf Realtor

248.469.6430

248.891.2221

AZimmer@HallandHunter.com

248.930.5656

RWolf@HallandHunter.com

TGlime@HallandHunter.com

NEW TO MARKET

RENOVATE TO THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS! BIRMINGHAM 1012 Oxford Street | $559,000 4 Bedrooms 3 Full, 1 Half Baths 3,229 Square Feet MLS# 216042897

Desirble Poppleton Park Tudor on corner lot of Oxford and Henley. Original character & charm with 4 fireplaces, hardwood (under carpet) & large living and dining rooms. Main bedroom has walk-in closet, bath & natural fireplace. Walk to park & downtown!

BERKLEY | $259,000 1877 Wiltshire Road | 1877Wiltshire.epropertysites.com 3 Bedrooms 2 Full Baths 1,666 Square Feet MLS# 216055639

Beyond expectations in Oakland Manor – “Not your typical bungalow” awaits in this well-maintained home! Entry with covered porch. First floor master.

Great space in upper level. Waterproofed basement.

Fenced yard with garden areas. Sprinkler system.

NEW PRICE

SALE PENDING

BIRMINGHAM 2064 Yorkshire Road | $279,999 4 Bedrooms 1 Full, 1 Half Baths 1,620 Square Feet MLS# 216053188

Beautiful tree-lined Pembroke neighborhood with Birmingham schools. Build new or bring your creative ideas to renovate this charming home. Value is in the land with this oversized 75’ x 149’ lot. Close to park, shopping, downtown Birmingham and schools.

ROYAL OAK $189,000 1226 Cloverdale Drive

NEW TO MARKET

BIRMINGHAM $85,000 1705 E. Fourteen Mile, Unit A

1226Cloverdale.epropertysites.com 1705FourteenMile.epropertysites.com Vinsetta Park ranch-style charmer Enjoy city living in the suburbs filled with original style and updated in an artistic 1st floor Manors of for modern living. Open floor plan.

Birmingham condo with pool view.

2 BR | 1.1 Baths | 963 SF 1 BR | 1 Bath | 581 SF MLS# 216040728 MLS# 216057392

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

FACES

Scott Berels rtists often recall a pivotal point in their academic history that guided them towards their career path of choice. Local sculptor and former Birmingham Seaholm High School student Scott Berels' interest in art is no different.

"It started around the time I was attending Seaholm, during my last year there," Berels said. "I wasn't a good student by any means.

I went to school, but I skipped class and went to the art room."

When Berels decided to sneak out for a bite to eat during his lunch period, he was greeted with a suspension by the school's administration. Not wanting to miss a full day, Berels said he showed up and tried to attend class, anyway. Eventually, he left Seaholm during his senior year and took up classes at Oakland Technical Center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That's kind of where the whole art thing started," he recalled.

Immersing himself in art, Berels later earned degrees from Oakland Community College and Wayne State University, studying photography and sculpture. Today, Berels specializes in sculpture and photography, as well as fabrication and CNC applications. His work has won him awards at shows at The Detroit Artists Market, Wayne State University, and several scholarships. He has also held solo and group exhibits at Detroit's 555 Gallery, the Center for Creative Studies, MOCAD Detroit, Wayne State, the Cass Cafe and other locations. His skills have been commissioned to bring other artists' ideas to life, as well as his own as an artist in residence at Fortress Studios in Detroit, a collective living and studio.

"It really opened a lot of opportunities for me. I saw how easily people were making amazing things and how fearlessly they could attack these projects," he said about living and working at the Fortress collective.

It was during Berels' time at Wayne State that he began moving into metal sculpture, using cast metal and iron. Repurposing old radiators and other materials, Berels turns junk metal into creative works of arts.

"It's a very DIY, backyard-garage style using recycled materials.

It's sort of like graffiti, using junk metal to make cool stuff," he said.

In 2015, Berels was commissioned to build the sign for Jack White's Third Man Records storefront on Canfield, in Detroit. Most recently, Berels traveled to Maine to construct a metal piece in Portland, Maine. The travel work, he said, allows him to travel to places he might not otherwise go, as well as enough time to go "adventuring."

"I'm still living a bit of a frat-house lifestyle, but I do it so I can work on big projects and be gone for a month without it being a big deal that I'm not home."

Whether it's a bicycle trip from Detroit to the Florida Keys, or hiking through the mountains in Maine when he's not working, Berels said he's happy with the freedom his work provides.

"My voice is a bit raspy right now because I had to scream at a bear to get away from me," he said, talking about his latest adventure in Maine. "The bear just wanted to be my friend. I did what they tell you to do: act big and loud. I tried that, and he didn't want to leave me alone. I started chucking boulders at him, then ran. He tracked me for about a half-mile."

A

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Jean Lannen

BUSINESS MATTERS Click for online businesses Sales processes that have traditionally been done in person, such as obtaining a mortgage and buying a car, are now being done online with the click of a few buttons under a pair of businesses launched by locally based MadDog Technology, 233 Pierce Street, in Birmingham. Co-founded by former Compuware CEO Pete Karmanos Jr. and a group of former Compuware executives, MadDog Technology specializes in advance technology and mobile device development. Earlier this year, MadDog entered the online mortgage business with Lenderful, which allows people to shop and apply for mortgages online. More recently, the tech business launched “delivermyride.com.” Mark Hillman, co-founder of MadDog Technology, said the site allows people to shop for and purchase automobiles through a network of about 50 dealers. “They come back with bids for your business. We do the same for trade-in, and they bid on that,” Hillman said. “You do the paperwork online, and we deliver the car to your house the next day.”

The service is only available for new vehicles. “Our thought was, ‘why not buy a car from your couch.”

Hillman said the business is expected to expand to about 100 people by the end of the year. “The mortgage business is small, but we are adding people every week or two.”

Knit shop closure Long-time arts and crafts shop, The Knitting Room, 261 E. Merrill Street, in Birmingham, closed for business on June 30, after more than 30 years in business and eight years at its current location. Co-owner Margaret Sheckell, who owned the store along with Sally Laboza and Sherrie Lendo, purchased the business about 18 years ago and kept it in the building. She said downtown parking issues and rents in the city contributed to the decision to close.

She said the business is feeling the infringement from online craft suppliers and manufacturers. “Not only on the sales, but you can also learn how to do anything online,” Sheckell noted. Originally started as The Weaving Room, in the former Continental Market, the name was later changed to the Knitting Room.

“The saddest part about moving is losing touch with all the people,” she said, “but I think they will continue downtownpublications.com

to meet. There is a camaraderie that goes well beyond knitting.”

Unique design studio Interior designers Alissa Jallad and Megan Corley Bildstein have combined their 16 years of experience to open their own brickand-mortar location, Carriage House Birmingham, 237 Willits Alley, in Birmingham. Formerly members of Birmingham collaborative studio, Forest Avenue Design, the award-winning designers decided last year to branch out into their own business. “It’s a very creative and energetic community, and our clients appreciate the location,” Jallad, said. “It’s inspiring to us as designers.” Jallad of Bloomfield Hills, and Corley Bildstein, will retain their individual design services for residential projects and partner on commercial and commercial projects.

Day spa debuts Mother and daughter duo Nahil Gebara and Jessica Lundberg are planning a grand opening ceremony for Rivage Day Spa, 210 S. Old Woodward, in Birmingham, at the end of the summer season, but the new spa, located on the second level of The Birmingham Plaza, will be open for business this July. The 7,500-square-foot space welcomes guests with a cozy seating area, furnished with a “picture-perfect” fireplace and black and white marble floors that leads to a 1,000 foot relaxation atrium. Vaulted ceilings add natural light to illuminate the area, where customers may relax in lounge chairs and sofas while they sip champagne at a communal table.

Located across from the Birmingham Theater and above The Bird and the Bread restaurant, the spa has partnered with Birmingham Plastic Surgery, 210 S. Old Woodward, Suite 250, also in Birmingham, to add additional services. Under the direction of Dr. Ahmet Karaca, the combined space offers laser hair removal, Botox, coolsculpting, vanquish and sublime/sublative services. The spa also offers facial treatments, body massages, nail services and personal care products from around the world.

No more fun stuff Owner and founder of Fun Stuff!, 725 S. Adams Road, Suite 104, at the Adams Square Shopping Center in Birmingham, Denise Kulak has

announced her departure as “Chief Fun Officer” at the unique gift store, which has closed its doors after more than four years at the location.

Originating as a barn store in northern Michigan as a “just-for-fun” project, Kulak opened the 200square-foot location in October of 2012. Featuring an eclectic mix of gifts, including greeting cards, baby gifts, toys, books, candles, scarves, mugs, local jewelry, puppets and more, Kulak opened the shop with the intention of creating a neighborhood pocket-type store. Located just blocks from her Birmingham home, Kulak announced the shop closing in June with an “everything-must-go” sale.

“The circus is coming to an end,” she said. “Fun Stuff! is closing and moving on. It was a good run, thanks for the fun.”

Eyebrow care The ancient art of threading to remove unwanted hair may have originated more than 6,000 years ago, but The Magic Eyebrow, 715 E. Maple, in Birmingham, has just opened for business. Located in the row of shops just east of Woodward and adjacent to Kroger, the new eyebrow service is next to Great Clips and Nails Etc. The hair removal technique uses a thin thread that is doubled and twisted, then rolled over areas of unwanted hair at the follicle line. The technique makes it able to remove short lines of hair, rather than one hair at a time, like tweezing, and can allow for more precise control and is gentler to the skin, advocates say.

Rehab facility moves Patients familiar with ATI Physical Therapy, should be aware the office has relocated from its former location at 43700 Woodward, Suite 106, in Bloomfield Township, to its new location at 2510 S. Telegraph, Suite I & J, in Bloomfield Hills. The new location offers additional space and greater visibility, according to a representative at the new location.

Founded in 1996, ATI operates hundreds of clinics across the country. The clinics offer physical therapy, worker’s comp rehabilitation, sports therapy, home health, hand therapy, women’s health and specialty therapies.

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P U B L I C A T I O N S 124 WeST MAPLe ROAd BIRMINghAM 48009

Business Matters for the Birmingham Bloomfield area are reported by Kevin Elliott. Send items for consideration to KevinElliott@downtownpublications.com.

Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

dOWNTOWN

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Beauty

(SALON)

by J. Lyle Ltd. 235 Willits Alley Birmingham, MI

$

20 Blow Outs

tuesday through friday

248:: 540:: 0046

PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown. The complete Places To Eat is available at downtownpublications.com and in an optimized format for your smart phone (downtownpublications.com/mobile), where you can actually map out locations and automatically dial a restaurant from our Places To Eat.

Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.2220.

5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300.

Arthur Avenue: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.480.0768.

Au Cochon: French. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009.

248.792.7795.

Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.792.3579.

Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.499.6867.

Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630.

Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355.

Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078.

Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only.

Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.9000.

Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880.

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor.

Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984.

Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.645.6879.

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690.

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily.

downtownpublications.com

Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township.

248.642.4000.

Cafe Via: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.8800.

Cameron’s Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.723.1700.

China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221.

Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555.

Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer.

877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220.

Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.9766.

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.1135.

Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.258.9939.

Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.647.2420.

Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134.

Forest: European. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400 Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations.

Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham.

248.712.4050.

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111.

Hunter House Hamburgers: American.

Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.7121.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369.

IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522.

Ironwood Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 6 or more. Liquor.

290 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.385.0506.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield

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Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166.

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800.

La Strada Dolci e Caffe: Italian. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492.

Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707.

Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568.

Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400.

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6051.

Mad Hatter Cafe: Tea Room. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. No reservations. Liquor.

185 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.0000 Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025.

248.723.7960.

Market North End: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953.

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.723.0800.

Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.3663.

Mountain King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.2913.

New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Breakfast, Monday-Thursday; Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. 183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181.

Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581.

Nosh & Rye: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily.

No reservations. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.7923.

Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.451.0500.

Original Pancake House: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5775.

Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966.

Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877.

Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222.

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122.

Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.6999.

Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941.

Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.874.1876

DOWNTOWN

Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270.

Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6200.

Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977.

Sanders: American. Lunch, daily. No reservations. 167 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.3215.

Sidecar Slider Bar: Burgers. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 280 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham 48009.

248.220.4167.

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200.

Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300.

Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301.

248.932.0800.

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.9123.

Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887.

Sweet Tree Family Restaurant: Middle Eastern/American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.7767.

Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830.

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American.

Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066.

The Corner Bar: American. Dinner.

Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958.

The Bird & The Bread: Brasserie. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.6600.

The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600.

The Gallery Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.851.0313.

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688.

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.

The Stand: Euro-American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 34977 Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.220.4237.

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.7881.

Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241.

Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar:

07.16

FRONT/BACK Front/Back is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening in both the front of the house and back of the house in the restaurants in the metro Detroit area.

French-inspired cuisine Rochester’s freshly opened Chapman House is situated in the century old structure it takes its moniker from. Located at 311 Walnut Boulevard, the cuisine is French-inspired American, and executed by head Chef Chris Cason, formerly of Michael Symon’s Roast in Detroit, and a protégé of James Beard Awardwinning Chef Takashi Yagihashi. Curtis Nordeen, the restaurant’s operations manager, said “We’re not a French restaurant per se, but we’re paying attention to those old techniques,” while infusing a modern flare. Nordeen likened the ambiance to that of Selden Standard in Midtown Detroit. The menu will be seasonal, yet “will always have a poultry dish, red meat dish, a couple fish items, some type of pasta, and either a vegetarian or vegan menu item, and one or two things based on what looks good.” Sous Chef Dan Cason, Chris’ brother, comes to Chapman House with experience working with James Rigato, owner of Mabel Gray and The Root, and at the Townsend Hotel. The house and property remained in the Chapman family through the mid-’70s, before it was repurposed. For the last three years, owner Geoffrey Dancik has been working towards opening the new restaurant. It officially opened on June 17th.

Italian re-do Clad in red-checkered tablecloths, with an imaginative ambiance, Birmingham’s Arthur Avenue, 260 N. Old Woodward, has been facing challenges to establish itself as a laid back Italian eatery. To right the ship, the restaurant will undergo changes resulting in a narrower menu focus, namely pizzas and salads. “We have been toying around with building a pizza oven in the middle of the restaurant so guests can experience that,” said Jamie Tepker, of Peas and Carrots Hospitality, which is spearheaded by Zack Sklar and Jim Bellinson.

“Chef Mark Barbarich and Zack are working on how they’d like to change the menu. We’re looking to start making those changes before summer gets underway, so pretty soon,” said Tepker. “Maybe they’ll do some fun riffs on some classics. Mark is the executive chef and the mastermind of the menu, and has been with us since 2012.” In addition to Arthur Avenue’s neighbor, Au Cochon, Peas and Carrots is behind Social Kitchen and Bar, Beau’s Grillery, Mex, and the upcoming Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken.

Southern comfort Ferndale was recently crowned with a new soul food restaurant, Southern Belles’ Bistro, owned and operated by friends Tony Murry and Chef Lisa Grove. “She’s from Mississippi and always did a lot of home cooking. Her specialty is yams. Everybody loves those and her chicken and dumplings, the ribs, and the batter for her fish,” said Murry, who keeps his focus on the business end. “The concept of the restaurant was to take Cracker Barrel and the traditional soul food restaurant and jam them together.” Unlike a traditional soul food restaurant, Southern Belles’ offers breakfast in addition to lunch and dinner.

On top of the usual breakfast menu suspects, Murry and Grove serve up chicken and waffles, a variety of crepes, and fish and grits, made with fried catfish and regular or cheesy grits. “Cheesy are the way most people in the south do them, with cheddar, to give them a little extra taste.” Municipal parking is behind the building at 22939 Woodward Avenue, on the west side of the boulevard, north of Nine Mile Road.

Casual Hawaiian dining GoGo’s, a new Hawaiian restaurant and bar has popped up in Detroit at 2040 Park Avenue, a building which also houses the Park Bar and Elizabeth Theater. Filling the vacancy left behind when Bucharest Grill relocated to Jefferson and Chene, Gogo’s maintains the space as a lunch and dinner go-to spot. Owned by Jerry Belanger, who also owns the Park Bar, the menu is “Hawaiian local,” said chef Adam Verville. GoGo’s has build-your-own holo dogs and an array of plate lunches served on white rice, with a side of macaroni salad or green salad. Formerly of Gold Cash Gold and St. Cece’s Pub, Verville said his favorite dish is the Loco Moco, the Hawaiian take on a burger. Brown gravy, made with garlic, ginger and scallions, is ladled over a burger patty and topped with a fried egg, then served atop sticky rice. A couple menu choices include spam as a key ingredient, including the Spam Chili and the Musabi – a layered snack made with a wedge of rice, a slice of grilled spam, egg, and bundled in a nori roll, with optional avocado. “The spam tradition dates back to the two world wars,” said Verville. “They were starving in the Pacific Islands, so the U.S. Army airlifted spam into a lot of

American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951.

Village Coney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams.

Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964.

Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.566.3566.

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917 Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680.

Andiamo Restaurants: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 129 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.582.0999.

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.0082.

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.547.6699.

Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 310 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.268.1621.

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.4749.

Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069.

248.544.2675.

D’Amato’s: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.584.7400.

Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017.

248.288.0220.

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.

GreenSpace Cafe: Vegan. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations.

Liquor. 215. W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.206.7510.

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145.

Inn Season Cafe: Vegetarian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. 500 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.547.7916.

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.543.9500.

KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500.

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.591.5459.

Local Kitchen and Bar: American.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.291.5650.

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.584.4227.

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947.

One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633.

Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900.

Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.850.7420.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300.

Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888.

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.1141.

Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067.

248.607.3127.

Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.541.1186.

Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.7300/ Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.4444.

Twisted Tavern: American. Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.545,6750.

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711.

Troy/Rochester Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 176 N. Adams Rd, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.218.6001.

Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300.

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831.

Chapman House: French-American.

Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended. Liquor. 311 Walnut Blvd., Rochester. 48307. 248.759.4406.

Ganbei Chinese Restaurant and Bar: Chinese. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307.

248.266.6687.

O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 324 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537.

Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083.

248.619.9060.

Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400.

Lakes: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 5500 Crooks Rd., Troy, 48098. 248.646.7900.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, 48084.

248.637.6400.

The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825.

Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.453.5371.

Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083.

248.689.2332.

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845.

NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.816.3424.

Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200.

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500.

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.524.1944.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000.

Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424.

Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester, 48306.

248.652.4500.

Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.817.2980.

Tre Monti Ristorante: Italian. Lunch, Thursdays. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.680.1100.

West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600.

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034.

Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334.

248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.851.8782.

The Lark: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6430 Farmington Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.661.4466.

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081.

Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310.

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890.

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor.

6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500.

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.626.8585.

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248. 538.8954.

Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622.

Sweet Lorraine’s Café & Bar: American.

Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29101 Greenfield Rd., Southfield, 48076.

248.559.5985.

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223.

It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390.

248.360.4150.

The Root Restaurant & Bar: American.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390.

248.698.2400.

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771.

islands.” Working with Verville is Brandon O’Sullivan, also formerly of Gold Cash Gold, as the restaurant’s sous chef.

Taste of what’s coming Fountain Detroit, a sand-side restaurant/bar at the south end of Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward, is a teaser for the restaurant that is slated to open in the former Fountain Bistro space, which is being renovated. Housed in an adapted shipping container, Fountain Detroit’s kitchen is representative of “cargotecture,” the new style of architecture taking shape alongside the growing trend to repurpose freight containers. A modern take on casual beach fare, Fountain Detroit lets visitors enjoy outdoor dining under umbrellas, at picnic tables and the parks’ sandbar. Chef Jordan Hoffman, who returned to his home state after working with Clique Hospitality in Las Vegas, dishes up a variety including the Poke Tacos, Grain Salad and recipes using a special blend of Detroit’s Corridor brand sausage.

“It’s a bit of a refined take on your very traditional summer and beachside classic foods, like a backyard BBQ or a beachside grill,” said Kate Hill, director of marketing for 800 Parc, LLC. “We’re having some fun as we prepare to open the year-round brick and mortar, which is the former Fountain Bistro space,” and still remains unnamed. The venture is under the operation of 800 Parc, whose partners in the project include Zaid Elia, of The Elia Group, co-owner of Birmingham’s 220, and Matthew Shiffman, of Centerpoint Ventures real estate firm.

New chef at Top A new chef has taken over at the restaurant claiming to have the best views in Detroit. Chef Ryan Olson, formerly of Andiamo and Bay City’s Real Seafood Co., has taken over at Top of the Pontch, located at 2 Washington Boulevard, in the Crowne Plaza, home of the former Pontchartrain Hotel. Before former Chef Brandon Schatko departed for a position on the east coast, the culinary team was discussing changes to the menu, including adding a handful of new desserts. “It will be a much lighter menu. You’ll see a lot more salad-based items and seafood-based items. I’ll be adding a pork chop – I haven’t finished ironing out the details, but it will have a watermelon chutney,” said Olson in June. The new menu is expected to rollout the beginning of July, and will have a heavier emphasis on daily specials. “For right now, we want to keep the new American concept going. It seems to be something that sells pretty well for our market, but I’m very much into seafood.”

Shake Shack to Detroit The much-adored, Manhattan-born Shake Shack, which started as a hot dog cart in the early ‘00s and has already gone international, will open it’s first Michigan location in Detroit next year. “At this time, we can only confirm that our Detroit Shack will open in 2017 in the First National Building,” at 600 Woodward, said Adam Shapiro, marketing and communications manager. “Unfortunately, we don’t have any other details to share.” Using hormone-free, 100 percent Angus beef in its burgers, the company prides itself on using “good ingredients” and doing good deeds, like reusing old bowling alley lanes for table tops. Vienna beef dogs are crisped on the griddle and served in a potato roll; their fries are crinkle-cut style; and their dense frozen custards, called concretes, include mixins, such as cocoa nibs, sea salt, bananas, donuts, and strawberry preserves.

Pop up to full time?

North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.620.6100.

Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442.

248.634.5208.

Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346.

248.795.2077.

Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500.

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.625.5660

As Hamtramck’s pop-up dinner venue, Yemans Street, strives to stand out amongst an increasing number of pop-up hosts, owner-operators Chef Matt and Corrie Tinker are in the midst of “some serious talk between us for opening up full-time. We are looking at seasonal menus, opening for lunch first, and then soon after we will open for dinner,” said Tinker. In the meantime, the husband-wife duo will unveil a new “Funch” menu in July, offered on a walk-in basis on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Our menu can be very unique, so patrons can expect the (un)usual,” Tinker wrote in a statement. The couple also has eyes on a liquor license for their communal-table, art-filled space, located at 2995 Yemans Street.

Pop Up Intel: The Menagerie, 31 N. Saginaw Street in Pontiac: Michigan Produce hands-on cooking class, July 1. Chef Sean Force, executive chef at Cameron Mitchell Restaurants and formerly of Roberts Restaurant Group, July 23.

Front/Back is reported each month by Katie Deska. KatieDeska@DowntownPublications.com. We welcome news items or tips, on or off the record, about what's happening in the front or back of the house at metro area restaurants.

Detroit

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The Birmingham/Bloomfield area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown.

Contact Mark Grablowski for advertising rate information.

O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 601 MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com

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Angelina Italian Bistro: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

1565 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.1355.

Antietam: French. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

1428 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, 48207.

313.782.4378.

Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2040 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.965.3111.

Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.961.2543.

Coach Insignia: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

100 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243.

313.567.2622.

Craft Work: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit, 48214.

313.469.0976.

Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110.

The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.4180.

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun.

Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600.

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122.

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.5588.

Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837.

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216.

313.309.7946.

Maccabees at Midtown: American.

Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

5057 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 48202.

313.831.9311.

Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616.

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669.

Motor City Brewing Works: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700.

1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221.

313.863.1917.

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226.

313.309.2499.

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.2100.

Roma Café: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

3401 Riopelle St., Detroit, 48207.

DOWNTOWN

313.831.5940.

Russell Street Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 2465 Russell St, Detroit, 48207. 313.567.2900.

Santorini Estiatorio: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 501 Monroe Ave, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.9366.

Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.438.5055.

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214.

313.822.8000.

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.9828.

Small Plates Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1521 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226. 313.963.0702.

St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Ave., Detroit, 48216.

313.962.2121.

Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234.

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668.

The Block: American. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.964.4010.

Top of the Pontch: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservation. Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.782.4313.

Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.9470.

24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.964.3821.

Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.3965.

Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American.

Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207.

313.393.1711.

The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700.

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1646.

Wolfgang Puck Steak: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226.

313.465.1411.

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711.

07.16

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07.16

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent” – Maria Montessori I read recently that “art and music are basic human functions. Humankind and art cannot function without one another. We have the burning desire to create, whatever it may be and however tiny or grand. The interaction with sound is unavoidable, either to make it or take pleasure in it.”

For 93 years, The Community House has been intrinsically entwined with the humanities and fine arts. It has been a place to hold a concert, a recital, a performance, an exhibition or a class. People in our great community have always found music significant in their lives, whether for enjoyment in listening, the emotional response, performing, or creating.

The most common way one becomes involved with music is through listening or attending a musical event.

Historically, The Community House has filled that role through our many cherished partnerships and collaborations over the years, including with the Birmingham Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, WRCJ, Birmingham Musicale, Youth Theatre Musicals, High School Battle of the Bands, private classes such as Kindermusik, piano, guitar, and Jazz Fest.

We are reminded that “the role of arts and music in our society fill a void that we all need in order to enrich ourselves and our culture, they provide alternate infinite experiences, and they also further enhance the skills we use in other disciplines and professions.” This has been, and will always remain, one of the hallmarks of The Community House.

Work with a top performer in Michigan – and America.

Talmer Bank and Trust is proud to announce that Senior Mortgage Lender Tim Smith has been named Michigan’s No. 1 Mortgage Originator for total purchase volume in 2015 by national publication Scotsman Guide.

He placed in America’s top 100 originators in other categories, and has been ranked in the nation’s top 60 originators for 2015 by National Mortgage News.

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Bill Seklar

Join the many homeowners who have relied on Tim’s committed service to his customers— contact him today to get started.

It is in that spirit, The Community House is delighted to announce the return of its Jazzy Nights on The Terrace series – Thursday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m. throughout the month of August.

800.456.1500 | talmerbank.com

While the purpose of bringing back its Jazzy Night on the Terrace series is to enable The Community House to bring area jazz enthusiasts back together to enjoy the cool sights and sounds of summer, it also offers The Community House the opportunity to highlight the importance of music in our region, to showcase immensely talented area musicians, and for The Community House to present yet another fine arts series – which promises to further enrich the lives and minds of the community.

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

Jazzy Nights on the Terrace series will take place outdoors under tents at The Community House. The series will include passed and table set appetizers, signature cocktails crafted by Remy Cointreau USA , sparking water and soft drinks. The series may be purchased as a package, or each evening individually. The 2016 Jazzy Nights on the Terrace musical lineup includes:

Read what primary candidates had to say on the issues.

• August 4th – Johnny Trudell Quartet • August 11th - Jerry McKenzie, Just Jazz, featuring Lori Lefevre on vocals • August 18th - Carl Cafagna Group • August 25th – Ron Kischuk, Masters of Music It is clear that “The more options we have for people to enrich their lives and minds, the better it is for any society. People need to be shown the importance of our art and its value to them, especially those who have power to influence society. If society is shown the value of music, the arts will be better funded, better appreciated and will thrive even more.” The Community House pledges to do its part. Please join us. For more information about Jazzy Nights on the Terrace please contact JackieM@tchserves.org or visit our website at www.tchserves.org.

Other Fine Arts/Musically Inspired Organizations in the Area:

Bloomfield Township. County executive.

County Clerk. County Commission.

• WRCJ 90.9FM: Proud sponsor of lovely musical programs, classical concerts and brunches. For more information, call Dave Devereaux at 248.305.3780 or go to WRCJFM.org.

• Christ Church Cranbrook: 88th Summer Carillon Series - featuring an exciting roster of carillonneurs bringing their skills to the church’s beautiful 50-bell carillon. For more information, go to christchurchcranbrook.org

Go to:

DowntownPublications.com

• Birmingham Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra: Offering the transformative experience of live music, striving to cultivate interest in the musical arts for the entire family with emphasis on educational growth. For more information, go to info@bbso.org • The Cranbrook Music Guild: Created in 1951 by Henry Scripps Booth. Celebrating the art of music and the very best in Chamber music. For more information, go to cranbrookmusicguild.org .

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House in Birmingham. downtownpublications.com

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.

Older Persons’ Commission Gatsby Gala

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Older Persons’ Commission Gatsby Gala Many of the 333 people ($150 tickets) who arrived at the Royal Park Hotel for the OPC’s Gatsby Gala were wearing Roaring Twenties Sally Gerak accessories. Notable among those was Kathy White, who was feathers from her flapper-style head band to her toes. Before dinner, guests socialized and perused the silent auction and raffle. The latter offered glasses of champagne, only one of which held a pair of real diamond earrings from Haig’s of Rochester. The scene was the 14th annual fundraiser for the Meals on Wheels program which prepared and delivered 116,151 meals last year. The gala program emceed by Jennifer Kincer featured videos with earnest testimonials regarding the program’s importance to the homebound, especially the wellness checks performed by the drivers. But the very short live auction was the hoot of the evening. Picture “Hardcore Pawn” star Les Gold and Rochester Hills mayor Bryan Barnett as Frick and Frack, with Gold threatening to build a high rise pawn shop in Rochester Hills if the bids didn’t go higher. The man who paid $3,000 for an Arum Design Jewelry pendant told Gold, “You stay out of Rochester.” This brought a smile to the face of OPC board chair Stuart Bikson and the evening’s proceeds to the $100,000 goal. The fun concluded with Charleston line dancing to the Henry Ford Big Band music.

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1. Stuart Bikson (left) of Rochester, Melody & Tim Soave of Rochester Hills. 2. Bill Wonfor & Kathy White of Rochester Hills. 3. Susan & Dan Marus of Rochester. 4. Susan and Bill Jandeska of Rochester. 5. Ken (left) & Maureen Sanger of Rochester Hills, Margaret Dimond of Beverly Hills, Terry Hamilton of Troy. 6. Becky Lund of Grand Blanc, Margaret Moulis of Rochester Hills, Melissa Allen of Birmingham, Jennifer Shields of Rochester. 7. Sandi Pape (left) and Liz & David Kalb of Bloomfield, Cynthia Fetsco of Rochester Hills. 8. Lisa Edelstein and Kitty Lilley of Rochester Hills. 9. April Lopes (left) of Royal Oak and Rose Barge and Susan Voydanoff of Rochester Hills. 10. Renee Cortwright (left) and Marty & Lori Knollenberg of Troy.

HAVEN Gala

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1. Heather Cattallo (left), Rod Wood, Beth Morrison. 2. Nikki Socres (left) and Kristin Supancick of Bloomfield and Brian Schmacker of Rochester Hills. 3. Tachel Seeley (left) of Berkley. Teresa Malawa of Rochester and Margaret Alberts of Bloomfield. 4. Rachel Downs (left) of Rochester Hills, Deborah Downs Forster of Marysville. 5. Barbara Whittaker (left) of Bloomfield, Kathy Littleton of Troy, Terri Moon and Gwen Malone Rhodes of W. Bloomfield.

6. Dave McNulty of Birmingham and Noelle Gill of Northville.

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HAVEN Gala To support Oakland County’s only comprehensive program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, 350 people ($175 & up tickets) attended the Hopes & Dreams Gala at the Troy Marriott. They cocktailed and bid nearly $20,000 in a silent auction before settling in for the dinner program. It was emceed by WXYZ’s Heather Cattallo and featured the presentation of the Heart of HAVEN award to the Detroit Lions via Lions new president Rod Wood. However, most would opine that the program high point was childhood sexual abuse and rape survivor Shawn Dunn’s story of how HAVEN “…has become my safe harbor; where I can share my experience, where I am finding my voice and where I am releasing my shame.” A live auction ($23,400) and outstanding music by 14-year-old Kym Brady, The Urban Violinist, rounded out the evening. Prior to the Gala, 100 supporters attended the Benefactor Reception at The Townsend, where another HAVEN client told the compelling story of her husband’s horrific, non-physical abuse “...I never had a bruise…I was stupid and pathetic. I didn’t talk back. (It made me wonder) what’s normal,” she said. When she finally called 911, the sheriff told her to get an a PPO. Because her firm managed HAVEN’s account and she knew HAVEN CEO Beth Morrison, she called Beth. Everything changed the next day. “HAVEN made sure that I have a safe house for my girls and me,” she said. Thanks also to the generous sponsors, the Gala raised $293,651 to help HAVEN sustain victims as they heal and regain hope.

Variety Table Tops Luncheon Caroline Groeneveld and Deb Thomas chaired Variety’s annual Table Tops Luncheon which attracted 300 people (tickets $95, $175 – including upcoming Benefactor Party) to Pine Lake Country Club. Before lunch, guests were challenged to check out each of the 32 intriguing tables set by designers, and not just for ideas. Each contained a raffle donation to be selected. President Jeffrey King and emcee Fox-2’s Monica Gayle took care of the gratitude business before artist/designer Mary Fisher took center stage. The daughter of Marjorie and late philanthropist Max Fisher, the guest speaker began with, “It’s nice to come home.” Previous event speakers have all shared their take on the decorating world, but Fisher’s message was related to Variety’s mission; i.e. children. “Children are the canaries in our cultural mine,” she said. What followed touched on the work of Mother Theresa, her own attempt to adopt an impoverished orphan, and the cost of

DOWNTOWN

07.16

unseen poor kids. She also praised the visual creativity of the designers. “You have inspired me today to make visible what our eyes do not see…Grace to you and peace,” she concluded. Counting the raffle ($12,000), Table Tops raised $35,000.

Cranbrook Academy of Art STUDIO Kim Dent and Philip Morici chaired the 2016 CAA STUDIO event that was presented by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. It drew a sold-out crowd (400 at $500 and $250) for cocktails in the festival tent on the museum lawn before dinner in the studios. All of the 10 CAA Artists-in-Residence hosted a dinner group in their private studios, where conversation and storytelling was as nourishing as the cuisine. Following dinner, guests returned to the tent for the (After)STUDIO party ($20, $25 tickets), were joined by CAA students, and danced to music by DJ Haute to Death. The event raised $160,000 for CAA scholarships.

College for Creative Studies Student Exhibition Opening The traditional, and very popular, VIP Collector’s Reception that kicks off the College for Creative Studies end-of-the-year student exhibition attracted 350 ($350 ticket) to CCS’ A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education on May 13. They socialized, sipped and shopped, big time. By closing time they had purchased more than $100,000 worth of artwork. Those funds go directly to the student artist, but their ticket proceeds also raised $300,000 for CCS. Impact100 Since the cocktail hour gathering in March hosted by Laura Liras at her Birmingham home, 100 Oakland County women have signed up to donate $1,000 each in order to make a positive and meaningful impact on life in Oakland County. This launches the new chapter – Impact100 Oakland County. The women’s philanthropic 501(c)3 group exists in more than 30 cities, including Detroit. It’s inaugural grant of $100,000 will go to a nonprofit that predominantly serves Oakland County in the five focus areas: arts & culture, education, environment & recreation, family and health & wellness. James and Kevin Cristbrook hosted a grant application workshop at their Shain Park Realty offices for non-profits and representatives of 29 organizations attended.

Additional information is online at www.impact100oaklandcounty.org.

Rainbow Connection Dream Makers Ball If any of the nearly 250 guests ($250 & up tickets) gathered at the Townsend for Rainbow Connection’s second annual Dream Maker’s Ball wondered why they were there, Wish Ambassador Aidyn dissolved all doubts. The 5-year-old battling leukemia displayed consummate, unabashed joy when he learned that the child-sized Dodge Charger Police Cruiser Mary Anne Alioto had just bought in the live auction would be his.

Other heart-tugging moments occurred during Jeff Hauswirth’s litany of wishes granted last year to kids battling life threatening illness. Especially the 17-yearold who wanted to play golf at Augusta National with his dad. He did. And died shortly afterwards. Thus inspired, guests pledged $68,000 in addition to the $52,050 Dan Stall got out of them in the live auction. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the swellegant evening raised more than $300,000 for an organization that “never says no” to sick kids’ wishes. downtownpublications.com

Variety Table Tops Luncheon

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1. Caroline Groeneveld (left) of Bloomfield, Jeffrey King of Birmingham, emcee Fox-2’s Monica Gayle of W. Bloomfield.

2. Lucy Earl (left) and Kay Ponicall of Bloomfield, guest speaker Mary Fisher of West Palm Beach, FL. 3. Judy McClelland of Birmingham. 4. Missy Spickler (left) and Joy DiCenso of Bloomfield. 5. Gwen North (left) and Rhonda Sabatini of Bloomfield, Lisa Bouchard of Birmingham, Nancy Seavitt of W. Bloomfield. 6. Guest speaker Mary Fisher (left) of West Palm Beach, FL, Deb Thomas of Troy and Caroline Groeneveld of Bloomfield. 7. Maggie Allesee (left) and Judy McBride of Bloomfield.

Cranbrook Academy of Art STUDIO

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1. Sandy Smith (left) and Ann Williams. 2. Lynda Charfoos and Allan Rothfeder. 3. Chris (left) & Natalie Forte, Brian Foltyn & and Liz Cohen.

Rainbow Connection Dream Makers Ball

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8 1. Brooks Patterson (left) of Clarkston, Kathy and Russ Shelton of Rochester Hills. 2. Rod Alberts (left) with Harold Kuhn of Bloomfield.

3. Ruth (left), Reinhard and Lisa Eschbach of Bloomfield. 4. Sandi & Dave LewAllen of Rochester Hills. 5. Mary Grace McCarter of Oakland, Bryan Barnett of Rochester Hills. 6. Aidyn and Mary Anne Alioto (right) of Birmingham. 7. Brad (left) & Aleka Baker of Royal Oak, Charles Gleeson and Julie Gleeson of Bloomfield. 8. Ed Lennon (left), judge Mary Ellen Brennan and Liz Luckenbach & Chris McLogan of Bloomfield. 9. Aidyn (center) with Rene & Dr. Jeffrey Taub of Birmingham.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Ladies, Lipstick & Lace

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1. Larry (left) & Lori Rapp of Bloomfield and Amie & Daniel Stern of Birmingham. 2. Tara Grekin (left) of Bloomfield, Trish Dewald of Royal Oak and Laura Mackiewicz of Ferndale. 3. Sue Conway (left) of Birmingham, Denise Acierno of Bloomfield.

4. Gayle Burstein (left) and sponsor Cindy Kahn of Bloomfield. 5. Tamar Kadian (left) of Bloomfield, Janet Ankers of Beverly Hills. 6. Laurie Tennent (left) of Bloomfield, Molly MacDonald of Beverly Hills. 7. Gordon Cox of Bloomfield, Carol Hofgartner of Livonia.

Matilda R. Wilson Award Luncheon

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Matilda R. Wilson Award Luncheon More than 100 people ($100 & up tickets) attended the Boys & Girls Clubs’ of Southeastern Women’s Association 41st annual award luncheon at Bloomfield Hills Country Club. It was rife with history, as befits the clubs’ 90th anniversary year. Event chair/last year’s honoree Lynn Ferron began the reflections with intriguing facts about the award namesake. “There are 33 Google pages about Matilda’s philanthropy,” Lynn noted. B&GSEM President/CEO Len Krichko continued by naming some of the prominent club founders, including three of the “Body by Fisher” Fisher brothers.

This was germane because 2016 honoree Elsie Fisher Hayes is the granddaughter of one of the seven Fisher brothers. For her part, Elsie, whose philanthropy is far ranging, said she was privileged to have a nurturing and loving family, but was “…merely a conduit,” and then asked guests to look at their own reflections in the mirrored vases holding the centerpiece arrangements (she made all 13 of them). “They reflect all the energy in this room,” she concluded. WA president Beth Moore then saluted her mother Bev, a past president and past honoree, for being a great role model. The luncheon raised more than $17,000 to help fund programs for the 15,000 members.

Angels’ Place WINGS Garden Event Renee and Gabe Zawaideh are gutsy. They hosted an early spring Friends in the Garden Party for more than 200 Angels Place supporters just a few months after they moved into their handsome new Bloomfield Township home. Luckily, the weather cooperated and Gabe’s friendly crew of volunteer bartenders served wine from an al fresco bar, while inside three vendors enticed shoppers and competed with the savory appetizer buffet. The highlight of the evening was Master Gardener Judy Berlucchi’s flower arranging demonstration. The friendly, casual party doubled the WINGS membership and raised $30,000 for the group – (Women Involved in Nurturing and Giving Service) to residents of the homes for persons with developmental disabilities.

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1. Logan (left) and Elsie Fisher Hayes, Yvonne Fisher McCready and Sis Fisher of Bloomfield. 2. Bev Moore (left) and her daughter, Beth Moore of Bloomfield. 3. Connie McEwan (center) of Birmingham, and Lynn Ferron (left) and Valerie Straith of Bloomfield. 4. Ann Stallkamp (left) of Birmingham, Sylvia Hagenlocher, Annie Margulis and Robin Henderson of Bloomfield. 5. Kathy Martin (left), Margot Strickland and Marion Wyatt of Bloomfield. 6. Walter Fisher (left), Rip & Stewart Hayes and Greg Fisher of Bloomfield. 7. Barbara Denomme (left) of Birmingham, Holly Beth Moncher, Lynn Miller and Mary Ellen Borovich of Bloomfield.

JDRF Promise Ball The 31st annual Promise Ball drew 400 people ($300 & up tickets) determined to “Beat T1D” (type 1 diabetes) to the MGM Grand for the high energy soiree presented by the Ford Motor Company. The

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Ladies, Lipstick & Lace Attendance (185 at $75 & up) ) was at an all time high for the Alzheimer Association’s event Lori Rapp and Tara Grekin chaired in the beauty aisles at Neiman Marcus. The theme – Creating Memories Through Art – was evident from the invitation design by photographer Laurie Tennent (her “Peony” image) through the gorgeous products in her pop up shop and sponsor gifts. With background music by Jared Sykes, the stylish crowd chatted, sipped, snacked, shopped, sampled beauty services and bought raffle tickets ($3,000). Thanks also to NM shopping cards, the event raised nearly $60,000 for the AA Minds on Art program collaborations with the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Association.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK highlight of the dinner program was board chair Eric Dietz’s presentation of the Jane Jospey Cobb Promise Award to Grant & Sue Beard because the Beards promptly announced their personal gift of $500,000 to support JDRF’s research program. Their generosity led the Fund a Cure pledging, which added another $750,000. Counting the live auction, the evening raised $1.6 million.

Angels’ Place WINGS Garden Event

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1. Judy Jonna (left) and Rene Zawaideh of Bloomfield, Judy Berlucchi of Birmingham and Dexter. 2. Molly Saeli (left) and Kathy Waggoner of Birmingham, Kate Gladchun and Diane Widlak of Bloomfield. 3. Martha Kistler (left) of Troy, Beverly Gross of Bloomfield, Sally Mezey of Birmingham. 4. Mary Letscher (left), Nancy Smith, Wendy Powers and Julie Beals of Bloomfield. 5. Michael Sarafa (left) of Farmington Hills, Joey Jonna, Leith Sawa and Gabe Zawaideh of Bloomfield, Branden Yono of Birmingham.

Christ Child Society’s pour les enfants

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1. Gabriela Milford and Kathy Milford of Bloomfield. 2. Bess Paradiso and Claudia Duerr of Birmingham.

3. Kelly Winkler (left) of Birmingham, Kim Cameron of Birmingham and Cathy Mazur of Beverly Hills. 4. Molly Robinson (left) and Susan Mazur of Bloomfield. 5. Joan Page (left), Karen Seitz and Judy Juneau of Bloomfield. 6. Patti Jessup (left) of Bloomfield and Gail Callaghan of Troy.

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Oakland County Bar Signature Event

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1. Charles Moore (left) of Birmingham, Patrick M. McCarthy of South Lyon, Connie & Eric Pelton of Bloomfield. 2. Doug Young (left) of Southfield, Judge Denise Langford Morris of Pontiac, David Jones of Birmingham. 3. Hon. Wendy Potts (left) of Birmingham, Thomas J. Tallerico of Bloomfield, Patrick B. McCauley of Birmingham.

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Christ Child Society’s pour les enfants Ever since Joyce Korman put a French name on the Christ Child Society’s spring fundraiser in 1988, the event has been a popular fixture on the charity scene. This year was no exception. It attracted 273 ($75 ticket) to Pine Lake Country Club to shop, inspect a silent auction, lunch and applaud a fashion show. The apparel from Sara Campbell, Harp’s, Lilly Pulitzer, Tennis & Golf Company, Janet Varner, and W by Worth was modeled by members and their offspring with jocular commentary by Kim Cameron and Kelly Winkler, aka Tiny Fey and Amy Poehler. The society has long honored a member as the Woman of the Year but only two years ago did they start making the presentation at the luncheon.

This year that award was presented posthumously to Judy Slivinski who lost her battle with cancer in February. In her eloquent tribute to Judy, Susan Hall detailed Judy’s super salesman personality and talents as well as her amazing volunteer acumen and devotion to CCS. “…Judy understood that Christ Child brought out the best in her and the best in all of us. In this organization we turn love into action, “ she concluded. The event raised nearly $40,000 for the society’s service to disadvantaged children.

Oakland County Bar Signature Event More than 400 members of the legal community flocked to Oakland Hills Country Club for Oakland County Bar Foundation’s 17th annual Signature Event.

Sponsor checks totaled $236,500.

Combined with ticket sales, the strictly social event raised a grand total of $307,105. Foundation president Charles Moore expressed amazement over the outpouring of support: “….we are able to continue helping…the legal aid and education nonprofits that truly do amazing work.” Since 2002, OCBF has contributed more than $1.9 million to such programs as Lakeshore Legal Aid, Michigan Civic Center for Education, HAVEN and RESTORE Foundation.

Holy Name Fashion Fiesta The Holy Name Catholic Grade School community enthusiastically turned out for the Fashion Fiesta. It attracted nearly 190 to Oakland Hills Country Club for serious socializing, appetizers on the stroll, 07.16

deciding which of the 31 raffle prizes try to win and a brief program. It featured a salute to the 8th grade moms and endearing reflections by one of them, Molly McMahon Israel, herself a Holy Name alum whose mother Mitzi was in the crowd. But the big attraction of the evening was a runway fashion show.

The very high energy production featured apparel from seven shops modeled by 13 moms and six teachers, all of whom earned rowdy applause.

Event co-chairs Noelle VanDyke, Kim McNulty, Katie Robison, Melissa Passon, Katie Richards, Jill Wall and Debby Hannigan joined guests for the postshow Afterglow. The rousing evening raised some $6,000 for the PSO. Suite Dreams Hats Off Luncheon As it does most years, the annual Suite Dreams Project Hats Off Luncheon attracted a chic, capacity crowd (350 @ $150 & $200 tickets) to The Townsend Hotel where it was launched 15 years ago. Most guests were wearing terrific hats. And, as he has done each year, David C. McKnight designed the aesthetics – this year a play on the iconic black & white Chanel No.5 logo.

During the luncheon program Tim McGraw’s “Always Stay Humble and Kind” was the background music for a video spotlighting the designer-planned rooms and the sick children for whom they mean comfort and joy. Trish Beaudet said doing three rooms was “…my most rewarding experience.”

More than 70 guests bought a Hat/Pub Crawl lanyard ($50) and, plucking a black or white helium balloon from the lobby ceiling, they trekked to 555, Bella Piatta and the Rugby Grill to extend the festivities. Counting the chance raffle ($16,000) and generous sponsors, Hats Off No15 raised $75,000 for the heartening project founded by Kris Appleby and Kay Ponicall.

Women Helping Women Luncheon Approximately 470 supporters ($100 & up ticket) of the Grace Centers of Hope gathered at the Royal Park Hotel before lunch to socialize and check out the sprawling silent auction. It offered 89 prizes and, when it closed, had raised nearly $20,000 for the center’s faithbased programs. When they sat down for lunch, veteran supporters of the event knew they could count on CEO Pastor Kent Clark to evoke a chuckle or two and he did not disappoint, urging guests to buy raffle tickets from “…my grandson Matt (Sokol). He’s a tight end on the MSU football team. And he’s single,” Clark added. His friendship with the late Bill Davis and how he became a major GCH donor was also amusing. downtownpublications.com

Holy Name Fashion Fiesta

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1. Katie Richards (left) of Bloomfield and Debbie Hannigan of Birmingham. 2. Noelle VanDyke (left) and Melissa Passon of Bloomfield and Katie Robison of Birmingham. 3. Pam Hildebrand (left) of Birmingham, Liz Lee and Molly Markley of Bloomfield. 4. Jill Wall (left) of Troy and Kim McNulty of Birmingham. 5. Pam Burbott (left) of Beverly Hills, Pat Burbott and Katie Neinstedt of Birmingham. 7. Elizabeth Mitchell (left) of Birmingham, Amy Shehab of Bloomfield.

Suite Dreams Hats Off Luncheon

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1. Emma and Kay Ponicall of Bloomfield. 2. Kris Appleby (left) of Bloomfield, Zoi Seremetis of Romeo and Christi Couch of Bloomfield. 3. Stacey Dewey (left) and Wendy Russell of Rochester. 4. Marilyn Zakucia (left) of Sterling Hgts., Jean DeMartino and Sandy Nida of Rochester. 5. Paula Carson (left), Tamra Odrobina, Anne-Marie Kuntzman and Kristen Tessman of Rochester, Jennifer Kincer of Rochester Hills. 6. Avery (left), MacCall and Quinn Appleby of Bloomfield. 7. Barbara Spencer (left) of Bloomfield, Debbie Northrup of Rochester, Kim Palmer of Rochester Hills. 8. Sandie Pape (left) of Bloomfield, Heather Pape of Rochester Hills, Jennifer Fox of Rochester. 9. Nicole Eisenberg (left), Angela Spencer, Julia Sosa, Tracy Nystrom of Bloomfield, Gail Van Cleave of Troy. 10. Lindsay Slotka (left) and Kaye Nguyen of Rochester.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK And it was a perfect introduction of the Angel of Grace Award to Davis’s son and his wife for major funding of the new women’s and children’s center named in Bill’s memory. A testimonial by GCH graduate Leann Lecik was truly inspirational and underscored Clark’s claim that “..we are loving people back to life.” The event also featured RGA Model Management’s spring/summer trend fashion show with GCH clients glammed up by Luigi Bruno and crew and professional models on the runway.

Counting the raffle ($8,400) and generous sponsors, the 18th annual fundraiser raised $136,766 for the GCH life changing women’s and children’s programs.

Women Helping Women Luncheon

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1. Shannon Grace Sokol and Matt Sokol of Rochester. 2. Nanette Droulliard (left) and Maria Moceri of Rochester. 3. Taylor Shallow (left), Briana Wojciechowski, Kathy and Shannon McDevitt and Ashley Doctor of Rochester. 4. Dave Sokol (left) of Rochester, Pastor Kent Clark of Troy. 5. Shannon Lazovski (left) of Rochester, Susan Cetnar of Clinton Twp. 6. Luigi Bruni of Birmingham and Sarah Tarran of Pontiac. 7. Aubrey Allen (left) with Ruby, of Rochester, Christine Kirkpatrick of Howell.

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Newcomers Club Celebration of Women

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1. June Rowley (left) of Bloomfield and Valerie Johnson of Franklin, Julie Schenke of Bloomfield. 2. Nicola Raistrick (left) of W. Bloomfield and Doris Ellis of Bloomfield, Meg Gerner of Beverly Hills. 3. Jessica Murray (left) and Ruth Mueller of Bloomfield, Andrea Hachem of W. Bloomfield, Inez Garfield of Farmington Hills. 4. Beate Beck (left) of W. Bloomfield, Sundus Lewis of Rochester Hills. 5. Tennielle Glas (left) of Farmington Hills, Rachel Luedtke and Joanna Kinsella of Bloomfield. 6. Zobia Hussain (left) of Royal Oak, Olivia Chavarin of W. Bloomfield, Melissa Mitchell of Bloomfield.

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Newcomers Club Celebration of Women

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1. Cedric and Jennifer Ballarin of Bloomfield. 2. Katie and Arnaud Mangin of Birmingham. 3. Ken and Kathy Myers of Bloomfield. 4. Peter & Stephanie Schwartz of Bloomfield. 5. David Jaffe & Erica Peresman of Birmingham. 6. Lori & Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit.

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Newcomers Club Celebration of Women Due to a construction-related glitch, the Birmingham Bloomfield Newcomers Club’s spring charity event celebrated women in the men’s grill at Birmingham Country Club. Fashion show runway and all. And thanks to BCC’s yeoman efforts, they did not skip a beat. More than 130 of the 270 newcomers attended. They applauded wildly as the 12 member models, who had dressed in the men’s locker room, paraded vintage and designer apparel from women-owned stores. Featured were vintage fashions from Kelly Johnson’s Chi-Chi and the Greek and designer pieces from Lisa Rosenberg and Robin Bloom’s Closet NV consignment shops. The scene was indeed joyous as some of the models blew kisses to their girlfriends. Before the show, members elected June Rowley to succeed Doris Eller as president and Catherine Court spoke about the power of the purse. She thanked the women for their donations to Handbags of Hope, a non-profit that gives purses filled with toiletries to victims fleeing abusive situations. “We are overwhelmed by your generosity,” said Court. Following the show the party moved to the heated tent for lunch. The cosmopolitan BBNC, which is sponsored by The Community House, was founded in 1947 and has members from 40 countries.

For more information, go to bbnewcomers.com.

French American Chamber of Commerce Gala Saluting Detroit’s French roots, more than 200 ($160, $190 tickets) convened at the Detroit Athletic Club for the Michigan Region French-American Chamber of Commerce annual gala and award ceremony. The dinner program featured Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s keynote speech and the presentation of a donation to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation for support of Camp Burt 07.16

Shurly, located in Chelsea. It provides a high quality summer camp experience for DPS students. The FACC donation was matched by French auto supplier Faurecia to total $20,000.

American House Foundation Celebration The atrium at American Center was a happening place when 250 people ($150, $175 tickets) gathered there for the eighth annual Celebration of Dignity and Hope. The guest list included people from event sponsors like REDICO, Continuum Services and American House Senior Living Communities. They chatted, sipped, supped on the stroll, bought raffle tickets and bid $23,000 for the 49 silent auction items. During a brief pause in the festivities, foundation president Rob Gillette named and profusely thanked all the donors, including Randi Watchowski for invaluable help with the auction. He also emphasized that foundation dollars support seniors in need, not residents of American House.

The event added $190,000 to the $1million-plus the foundation has raised to help low income seniors.

Incidentally, the Southfield office tower was built in 1975 as the home of the now defunct American Motors corporation.

Bonnets in Bloom Salvation Army Auxiliary An event started in 2004 as a small tea by the late June McGregor to benefit one of her pet charities – the Salvation Army Auxiliary – has grown into a splendid luncheon that attracted 206 ($50 ticket) to The Townsend Hotel.

Before dining, guests sipped punch, bid on the 60 silent auction offerings ($8,000) and surveyed the 21 unique luncheon tables, all designed and set by auxiliary supporters. Auxiliary president Barb Coslow (event co-chair with Marilyn Hill) gave a brief annual report highlighting the group’s work with special needs people before guest speaker June Kenny spoke about how the smallest act can be life changing.

The most compelling was the story of Helen Keller’s teacher Annie Sullivan.

As an abandoned child living in dark seclusion in an almshouse she was befriended by a nurse. “…thus, Helen Keller’s remarkable story is really one about that unnamed nurse,” June concluded.

Good Samaritan Benefit The Samaritan Center, which Holy Cross Children’s Services opened 15 years ago and daily serves 1,500 vulnerable people on Detroit’s east side, enjoys the benevolence of a band of suburbanites called the Good downtownpublications.com

American House Foundation Celebration

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1. Rob Gillette with Kari (left), Lauren and Katie Gillette of Beverly Hills. 2. Paul Stidulski (left) of Beverly Hills, Dale Watchowski of Birmingham, John Keuten of Rochester Hills, Mark Saffer of Bloomfield. 3. John Cook (left) of W. Bloomfield and John Cook of Rochester Hills. 4. Bill Gilbert of Beverly Hills, Randi Watchowski of Birmingham.

5. Barbara Barrel of Novi, Pierrre Boutros of Birmingham. 6. Frank Barazsu (left) of Orchard Lake, Maryanne Dunleavy and Lissa Chartier of Farmington Hills.

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Bonnets in Bloom Salvation Army Auxiliary

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1. Karen Lhyle (left) of Birmingham, Barb Coslow of Troy and Marilyn Hill of Royal Oak. 2. Table designers Mary Ann Kennedy (left) of Bloomfield, Mary Ann Gardella of Brighton. 3. Table designer / hostess Barbara Finn (center) of Bloomfield, Joann Doyle (left) of Oxford, Dot Maloney of Lake Orion. 4. Sue Martin (left), Shirley O’Keefe and Joan Ruen of Bloomfield. 5. June Grannis (left) of Troy, Gladys Kowalski and Sandy Mackle of Bloomfield. 6. Guest speaker/author June Kenny of Livonia, Jeanne Towar of Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Samaritans. More than 150 members and their friends ($200 ticket) gathered for pre-theatre gourmet wining and dining at Paul Grosz’ Cuisine restaurant. President Mia Materka surprised event co-founder Sue Nine with a gift of gratitude before Sue recognized Lila Lynch’s 40 years of generous HCCS support.

Sue noted that Lila has even given one of her 12 children, John Lynch, to the cause. He is now the president of the social service agency that was started 65-plus years ago as Boysville. The group then strolled across Lothrop to the Fisher Theatre for a performance of “Sound of Music,” where they were joined by 20 excited HCCS teens, most of whom were seeing live theater for the first time. The evening raised more than $27,000 for HCCS.

Good Samaritan Benefit

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1. Br. Francis Boylan (center) of Clinton, Sue Nine (left) of Bloomfield and Mia Materka of W. Bloomfield.

2. Carolyn Andrée (left) of Bloomfield and Mariann Bolton of Grosse Pointe. 3. Pat (left), Ashley, Mia and Gerry Carroll of Birmingham. 4. Lila Lynch (left) of Grosse Pointe, Dawn Lynch Rassel of Bloomfield.

5. Lisa (left) and Dave Wilson of Bloomfield, Colin Connery and Kiki Wilson of Birmingham. 6. Lois Thornbury (left) of Bloomfield, Portia Fields-Anderson of Pontiac. 7. Carolyn Ress (left) and Nancy Wardlow of Troy, Ann Bartoli and Sue Best of Bloomfield. 8. Janet Forgione (left) and Diane Roelant of Bloomfield.

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Women’s Division Project Hope

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1. Tina Prevas (left) and Lidija Dorkin Grahovac of Bloomfield. 2. Eva Meharry (center) of Windsor, Bettina Gregg (left) and Mary Putinta of Bloomfield. 3. Jaime Matelko (left) and Sherry Saginaw of Bloomfield, Jill Hollander of Orchard Lake. 4. Jackie Bagley (left) of Commerce, Laurie Balian Aiello and Linda Juracek-Lipa of Birmingham. 5. Joyce Hall (left) and Cheryl Hall Lindsay of W. Bloomfield, Kathleen Hall Gariepy, of Farmington Hills.

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Women’s Division Project Hope Carson’s at Laurel Park Place hosted 30 members of Project HOPE’s Women’s Division for a Saturday morning coffee, beauty makeovers and discount shopping before all joined 200 other fashionistas for Carson’s spring trend runway show. It featured the must-haves of the season and highlighted a special mother-child segment in which some professional models and their children earned “oohs” and “aahs” when they walked the runway. Lidija Dorkin Grahovac, Cheryl Hall Lindsay and Tina Prevas chaired the WD event, which included post-show shopping and a delightful lunch at nearby Sweet Lorraine’s. Members reconvened a few weeks later at Forest Hills Country Club for the WD annual luncheon meeting. Topping the agenda was the election of new officers: co-presidents Bettina Gregg and Linda Juracek-Lipa and officers Cheryl Hall Lindsay, Judie Sherman, Tina Prevas, JoAnn Colliver and Laurie Balian Aiello. But the highlight of the gathering for the 60 attendees was Life and Legacy Coach Katana Abbott’s presentation.

Her message – legacy is more than money; it’s what people think, feel and remember when they speak or hear your name – resonated with the audience. The WD raises funds to support Project HOPE’s worldwide disaster relief work, medical training and health education.

Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390.

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ENDNOTE

Our endorsements for August primary

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s part of the August 2 primary election, a number of political party standard bearers will be chosen for a few local and county offices, along with determining the fate of some local millages and a tax renewal for the Detroit Zoo. In the case of Bloomfield Township, with no Democrats having filed for any local posts, the offices of supervisor, clerk, treasurer and the entire board of trustees will effectively be determined with the August vote.

As a voter – either absentee or at the polls – you will be selecting who best can represent your party in the November general election.

Downtown newsmagazine sent questionnaires to candidates in contested primary races, the answers to which can be found on our website – DowntownPublications.com.

Below you will find our recommendations – based on both answers from candidates and our institutional knowledge of candidates and issues.

OAKLAND COUNTY County Executive/Democrat/Four-year term Two Democrats are running in the primary to oppose Republican L. Brooks Patterson in November, and we are impressed with VICKI BARNETT, who brings a wealth of experience to the table, first as a member of Farmington Hills’ city council from 1995-2003, as well as the city’s mayor, and then as a state representative, from 20042009. Barnett has a thorough understanding of government and particularly how Oakland County works.

We think she could, as the Democratic standard bearer, raise some legitimate questions about the future of Oakland County.

County Clerk/Democrat/Four-year term On the Democratic side, we endorse current Oakland County Clerk LISA BROWN in this primary race. She has done an admirable job in the position, and has an overall understanding of government, having served in the state House for two terms before becoming county clerk in 2012.

County Clerk/Republican/Four-year term There are two qualified individuals running to be the Republican standard bearer – Bill Bullard, with decades of political experience, and Tina Barton, city clerk in Rochester Hills. Bullard, who has been Highland Township supervisor, both state representative and state senator, and was appointed county clerk in 2011, has been in one political office or another for the last 38 years. Barton, who holds both master municipal clerk and Michigan municipal clerk certifications, and was recently named 2016 city clerk of the year, has held clerk positions for about 10 years, as deputy clerk in Bloomfield Township and clerk in Rochester Hills. Either would do well as the county clerk. However, this election is about who would be the best Republican to go against Brown in November – and using that criteria, we are backing TINA BARTON. Bullard has had two unsuccessful county elections – against Brown in 2012, and in 2000, for drain commissioner. We believe at this juncture, Barton, as a woman, will be the stronger candidate to represent the GOP. County Commission/12th/Republican/Four-year term In the 12th District, which includes Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham, incumbent commissioner SHELLEY GOODMAN TAUB is a long-time elected official (former state rep, multiple-term county commissioner) who has a wealth of institutional knowledge, and understands all of the issues facing Birmingham/Bloomfield residents. She has chaired, or is currently chairing, numerous committees, and in September, will become the chair of Michigan Association of Counties. In 2016, she was chosen one of the top 25 women leaders in local and state government – the first Michigan woman to be so honored.

Her opponent in this race has his own experience at the state House and county level. Frankly, other than one

deceptive campaign claim, relative to past wage increases to commissioners, we have yet to hear why Taub shouldn’t be reelected. Her opponent is clearly a politician in search of an office.

County Commission/13th/Republican/Four-year term MAX ROHTBART, an Oakland University history and political science student and Republican Party delegate, was the only one to return our questionnaire, so by default we endorse him to go against Democrat incumbent Marcia Gershenson in November for this district which represents a portion of Bloomfield Township.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP Bloomfield Township has experienced a tumultuous few years because one full-time official, the treasurer, has not been able to separate politics and his political aspirations from his responsibilities, leading to a very contentious and disruptive situation, which voters can rectify in this election. We are advocating for change and we’re calling for the removal of two incumbents – the treasurer, Dan Devine, and his acolyte or sidekick, trustee David Buckley, who often appears unprepared at township board meetings. No Democrats have filed for any township posts, so the future of the community will be decided in this primary election.

Supervisor/Republican/Four-year term Supervisor LEO SAVOIE, appointed in 2011 and reelected in 2012 after having been a trustee since 2004, provides a strong voice of leadership and should be reelected once again. The last several years have been spent trying to clean up financial disarray related to retirement legacy costs and water and sewer upgrades, in order to provide long-term infrastructure improvements.

He has a keen sense of budgeting, with the ability to balance wants and needs on one side with what can actually be afforded. He understands a primary part of the job is accessibility. His opponent in this race has been more than willing to accept the half-truths put out by the township treasurer and has shown himself to be part of the fringe group of malcontents who either do not seek the truth or do not understand it, and has run a campaign on deceptive, bogus charges.

Clerk/Republican/Four-year term Bloomfield Township is fortunate to have clerk JAN RONCELLI. As township clerk for 12 years, and trustee for eight prior years, she is the longest serving board member, and is well-known both locally and statewide as a premier municipal clerk. She serves as the Michigan representative on the national election standards board, and has won numerous awards for her work. She has a thorough understanding of the job and its duties, which are numerous, and performs them to the highest standards. To her credit, in the midst of all the township turmoil, Roncelli is not given to hyperbole. She takes a no nonsense approach to questions, such as the financial issues roiling the treasurer’s office. She was the pivotal voice in moving ahead the concept of oversight of that office in the form of the financial sustainability committee and has proven her worth as a member of the township board. Her opponent pales on all counts and the township can ill afford her as a decision-maker.

Treasurer/Republican/Four-year term Frankly, we made our decision a year ago when we called for the resignation of treasurer Dan Devine, who we believe has done a poor job on a number of fronts. We called for his resignation because not only has he not performed well, there are legitimate questions whether he really works at the job anywhere approximating full-time; he is continuing to sue the township and the supervisor, despite his case being thrown out of court; he was censured by the board after he suggested to police that supervisor Leo Savoie had kidnapped his daughter. He has been a rogue member of the board, causing problems for everyone else, including an exemplary cast of professional

employees in the township. He has a tendency to operate with less than accurate information, which raises legitimate questions about whether after all these years he even understands how the township functions. Yes, he has built up a cult following amongst a small group of residents more than willing to drink the kool-aid, so to speak, but grandstanding and being vocally disruptive at board meetings is not an indication of knowledge.

Fortunately for the township, one of the stronger trustees, BRIAN KEPES, has decided to run for treasurer, and we urge voters to choose him. He understands the failings of Devine, and comprehends what needs to be done financially to secure the township for years to come.

Kepes has a proven record of service to the township going back 25 years, as a trustee since 2009, former chairman of both the board of review, zoning board of appeals and other boards, dating back to 1994. He brings with him degrees in accounting, as a CPA, and experience in business as a property manager. Because Kepes has lived through the turmoil, he understands how necessary it is to restore stability. He is eminently qualified to right the ship and take the township into the future.

Trustee/Republican/Four-year term Incumbent NEAL BARNETT bring years of experience, financial insight and stability to the township, having been a trustee for 12 years. He also sits on the planning board, and his background as a psychologist and attorney provides tons of knowledge to the board. Incumbent CORINNE KHEDERIAN also brings a wealth of experience, not only as a trustee, but from eight years on the zoning board of appeals and her long history of community involvement. She constantly digs to unearth the truth. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the elephant in the room – Khederian has been absent from some meetings this year due to a seriously ill family member, but we believe it will be rectified soon, or she will know when to step aside. But right now, her voice is one that township residents need as an advocate.

Political newcomer MICHAEL SCHOSTAK, a professor of finance and a former contractor with the defense department, brings an understanding of finance that is refreshing, and is necessary on the board of trustees. In his answers, he has fresh ideas, which may not all be implemented, but which show he has given a great deal of thought to the inner workings of the departmental offices of the township. Another newcomer, GEOFF HOCKMAN, we believe deserves residents’ votes. He has been involved with the Bloomfield Village Fire Department, a volunteer force, since 2008, and is currently its chief, and understands the critical importance of public safety. He is also a local small business owner.

MILLAGES All Oakland Country residents will be asked to approve a renewal of a .1 mill for the Oakland County Detroit Zoological Authority, for a period of 10 years, to run 2018 through 2027. The millage would replace the previous millage, set to expire with the 2017 tax levy, which was a worthwhile investment the first time around, and we encourage voters to vote YES on the renewal. The zoo is being managed well by the Zoological Society now that it is governed by the regional authority.

Bloomfield Township residents are being asked to approve two millage renewals, one, a road maintenance millage for up to .7115 mills beginning with the December 2017 tax levy, was first levied in 1966 for ten years. This millage is the only one for the township which provides funds for road maintenance, and voters must say YES to provide the most basic repairs for township roads.

Bloomfield Township’s police and fire departments are exemplary, underwritten by four public safety millages. This renewal, to approve up to 1.9935 mills for ten years to finance police, fire and public safety protection, replaces one expiring in 2016, is critical to maintain the excellent services residents expect and deserve. Vote YES.

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