Birmingham/Bloomfield

PLACES TO EAT: 200 RESTAURANTS • GERAK: SOCIAL LIGHTS 110

APRIL 2017

PLUS

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP

THE FOOD CHAIN: HUMAN WASTE SLUDGE ON FARMS WHISTLEBLOWER: REPORTING GOVERNMENT MISDEEDS ENDNOTE: SEND NEW BISTROS TO RAIL DISTRICT ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM

DOWNTOWNPUBLICATIONS.COM

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792

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DOWNTOWN04.17

52

From waste treatment facilities to the farm fields Statewide, about 85,000 tons of biosolids from wastewater treatment plants was applied to about 18,000 acres of agricultural land in 2016, and while officials say the practice is safe, not everyone agrees there are sufficient safeguards.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

20

There could be a ballot effort to change how we draw political district lines in Michigan or the federal courts could put an end to the practice of political gerrymandering.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

28

Oakland state rep makes the lobbyist foodie list; anti-Semitic chants at convention; two local U.S. House districts on target list; Justin Amash the new anti-Trumpster; Kowall and the internet gambling issue; the long-awaited Trott townhall meeting; plus 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

69

Birmingham bistro applications await vote; Hendrikson new city manager; Bloomfield investment plan improvements; Ironwood Grill liquor license held up; new Birmingham city clerk; plus more.

THE COVER The Springdale Golf Course, one of two municipal courses in Birmingham, the second being Lincoln Hills. Both courses are expected to open in April. Downtown photo.

32

Nick Becharas

SOCIAL LIGHTS

110

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

ENDNOTE

118

The government must step up its monitoring, scientific testing and possible food labeling when biosolids are used on crop land; our view of where to place new bistros.

FACES

32 51 66 96 99 103

Nick Becharas Zach Gorchow Jessica Hauser Paige Mobley Taryn Asher Sean Forbes

JU ST LIS TE D WEST BLOOMFIELD | 4275 Wendell Road | $350,000

BLOOMFIELD | 5131 Woodlands Drive | $429,500

Beautifully updated Colonial on picturesque .45 acre lot. Granite island kitchen with professional grade stainless appliances. Bloomfield Hills Schools.

Chic, renovated ranch condo in gated community has dramatic living and dining rooms. Fabulous eat-in island kitchen. Library/3rd bedroom and great baths.

4 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | 2,433 Square Feet | MLS# 217019552

3 Bedrooms | 3 Full Baths | 1,961 Square Feet | MLS# 217013764

Nanci J. Rands & Meredith Colburn

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top producers

BLOOMFIELD | 5330 Woodlands Estates Dr. S. | $1,998,000

BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE | 760 N. Glengarry Road | $844,000

Classic contemporary gem by Tobocman with gorgeous views in the gated Woodlands on Gilbert Lake in Bloomfield Hills. The walkout ranch has an open floor plan and exudes luxury from the impressive foyer through the high-ceilinged dining and living rooms. Handsome travertine marble floors extend through much of the main level. Big, granite island kitchen and breakfast area are a cook’s delight. Marvelous master suite includes dual areas in the marble bath and commodious closet. Two additional main level bedrooms and a large and divided bath. Knock-out, walkout lower level includes two more bedrooms and baths, a theater room, family room/billiards room and an abundance of storage.

Tremendously updated and perfectly situated in the heart of the Village. Flowing floor plan with beautiful, refinished hardwood floors throughout entry level.

Tons of natural light. New white marble kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and custom cabinetry. New, spa-like master bath with exquisite marble and natural quartzite. Heated floors. New custom master closet. Grand living room with fireplace. Comfortable family room with fireplace and views of rear yard.

Entry level bedroom suite currently used as library could be 1st floor master.

Master and two additional bedrooms on 2nd level.

5 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 8,338 Total Square Feet | MLS# 217005440

5 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 8,338 Total Square Feet | MLS# 217005440 Co-listed with Jessica Schwartz

Providing a Luxur Luxury y Experience at all prices

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Nanci J. Nanci J. Rands Associate B Broker roker

248.701.9000 248.

701.9000 NRands@ HallandHunter.com HallandHunter.com

ceeded our You Y ou far ex exceeded expectati ons of a rreal eal expectations estate pr offessi e onal, fr om professional, from our initial meeting and ever p of the wa ayy everyy step way through cl osing. Y Your our through closing. suggesti onss ffor or pri ce and suggestions price promotion wer promotion weree righ rightt on Your our grasp of the mark. Y market, atten tion to the market, attention detail and ffo ollow through through follow wen ond. wentt above and bey beyond.

--Seller, Seller, Bloomfield Bloomfield

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M eredith Meredith C olburn Colburn Associate B Broker roker

248.

248.762.5319 762.5319 MColburn@ MColburn@ HallandHunter.com HallandHunter.com

442 South Old Woodward ard A Avenue venue in Birmingham B

PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Allison Batdorff | Rachel Bechard | Hillary Brody Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak | Austen Hohendorf Kathleen Meisner | Bill Seklar | Aileen Wingblad PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Jean Lannen | Laurie Tennent Laurie Tennent Studio VIDEO PRODUCTION/CONTRIBUTOR Garrett Hohendorf Giant Slayer ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski Carol Barr 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 PREFERRED OAKLAND HOMES

Easter Worship Services

Easter Worship Services Holy Week at the Kirk

Join us for Holy Week and Easter Services as we welcome Rev. Dr. Nathaniel D. Phillips, our fifth Senior Pastor.

Palm Sunday – April 9 9:00 & 11:15 AM Palm Sunday Services – Dr. Nate Phillips 9:00 AM Children’s Processional with Palms 7:30 PM Annual Palm Sunday Concert With Excerpts from Messiah – Chancel Choir & Orchestra

Maundy Thursday – April 13 7:00 PM Celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and Stripping of the Altar Dr. Nate Phillips (childcare available for ages 0–5)

Good Friday – April 14 1:00 PM Good Friday Service – Dr. Nate Phillips (childcare available for ages 0–5) 7:30 PM A Service of Readings and Music – Chancel Choir

Easter Sunday – April 16 %L U PL QJKD P )L U V W

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7:00, 9:00 & 11:15 AM Sanctuary Festival Services – Dr. Nate Phillips 10:30 AM Easter Egg Hunt – Front Lawn (weather permitting)

1340 W. Long Lake Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 (248) 626-2515

kirkinthehills.org

Kirk in the Hills

Easter Worship Services THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO THE FIRST BAPTIST BIRMINGHAM HOLY WEEK EVENTS The public is invited to attend one or more scheduled events at the corner of Willits and Bates in downtown Birmingham for the week beginning on April 9th Palm Sunday. A progressive, social justice church we celebrate and remember Christ through service locally and globally.

Palm Sunday Service: April 9; 10:30 A.M. Maundy Thursday:

April 13; A light supper and gathering at 6 P.M.

with a service at 7 P.M.

Good Friday: April 14; A joint Community Service to be held from noon to 2PM, at The First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham.

Easter Morning: April 16; Continental breakfast 9:30 A.M followed by Worship at 10:30 Also, the church’s Sanctuary will be open to the public between 11:30 -1PM for quiet reflection Monday through Thursday during Holy Week.

The church is located at 300 Willits at the corner of Willits and Bates Streets in Downtown Birmingham.

Tel: 248.644.0550

FROM THE PUBLISHER ike many parents, I suspect, as our two boys were growing up we made sure they understood the value of exercising their right to vote, including on more than one occasion dragging them to the voting precinct with us to see how the process worked, starting with the old mechanical voting machines and transitioning to the current method of casting votes, including the absentee ballot which is how for most elections the votes are cast in our household.

L

We tried to impress upon them the importance of being involved in the election process and the unique system we have in this country of ‘one man, one vote,’ a system that has been emphasized by the courts since 1963, when the U.S. Supreme Court modified the phrase to include women – ‘one person, one vote.’

Because they grew up in a home where politics/government was a consistent topic of discussion – thanks to my profession and my spouse’s involvement in local government – they eventually started to understand the nuances of our electoral system which is geared toward keeping the dominant political party in power, be it Republicans or Democrats. In other words, it’s a ‘one person, one vote’ system but when you get to the county, state or congressional level, there are limitations thanks to how we draw political districts in Michigan every 10 years following the federal census.

For years political districts in Michigan were drawn up by political leaders in Lansing or at the county level when it came to county commission districts. Then in the 1963 Michigan Constitution, voters saw the wisdom of creating a reapportionment commission. However, every reapportionment plan ended up being contested by one political party or another and the Michigan Supreme Court, in a 1982 decision, abolished the reapportionment commission and authorized the legislature to draw up district boundary plans once again.

So now, like in many states, the political party in power really controls the shape of the districts for state House and Senate and for the U.S. House, which starts to explain how some districts cut across counties and meander in odd patterns whose logic only those who are in the seat of power can understand. It is called gerrymandering – which means drawing district to gain advantage over another political party.

Democrats have done it in the past, although with both legislative chambers and the governor’s office in the hands of the GOP here in Michigan, you can forget about any political equity in districts that are drawn after the federal census in 2020. Likewise, with the surge of the Tea Party in past elections, the Republican party has more than doubled its control of state legislatures across the country since the 2010 census.

There are about a half dozen states that have started to address the question of political gerrymandering through use of either bipartisan commissions or non-partisan legislative services to redraw districts after each census without consideration of past voting behavior and the current residence of incumbents who hold office.

Up until now the federal courts have generally only considered population count as its main concern, starting in 1964 when the ruling

was handed down that political districts had to focus on equal population counts with only a minor variation allowance. Next, the federal courts have also focused on racial gerrymandering and the voting rights of minority populations. Largely ignored has been political gerrymandering – lest anyone forget, judges are also political animals with at least a whiff of party allegiance.

But that could all be changing thanks to a recent court case last year in the state of Wisconsin and a ruling by a three-judge federal panel which ordered the Wisconsin legislature to draw new legislative district boundaries. The court ruled that Wisconsin’s districts violated both the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by denying Democratic voters the right to be represented. This is a first in federal court history – ruling that partisan gerrymandering is unconstitutional, and it could be a harbinger of what could be in store for the state of Michigan.

You see, the plaintiffs in the Wisconsin case developed a mathematical formula for determining districts that are excessively manipulated along political lines, called an efficiency gap. Interestingly, a list of states with similarly manipulated districts largely done on political considerations was also drawn up. You guessed it – Michigan is on the list and is ranked very closely to Wisconsin in how districts have been carved up to keep the power structure in place as we now know it.

No one knows if the Wisconsin decision will be challenged at the U.S. Supreme Court level. If it is, then a similar ruling could end up applying on a nationwide basis. As it stands now, the federal court decision only applies to that state.

There could also be a possible statewide vote on the issue of how we draw political districts here in Michigan. A ballot committee group – Voters not Politicians – is starting to hold town hall sessions across the state to discuss placing the issue of apportionment on the ballot, possibly in 2018, I assume as a constitutional amendment that would force a non-partisan panel or commission like those successfully used in other states. It’s a tough road to hoe on a statewide petition drive, the cost of which generally is pegged somewhere in the $2-million dollar range. Add to the challenge the fact that while political junkies, politicians, policy wonks and the like understand the issue, to the general voting public it is not an easily understood concept and is low on most peoples’ radar, which would explain why in over three decades there has been no push to place this on the ballot.

Although depending on how the petition and corresponding documents are written, I more than likely would support such a drive.

But I secretly hope some of the brighter minds in the legal community will follow the Wisconsin example and take this issue to federal court.

It’s high time the current system of partisan gerrymandering – which allows the powers in the ruling class to determine the outcome of elections – is overturned.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

C H R I S

PERO

A s s o c i a t e B r o k e r

248.797.0784 | cgpero@yahoo.com | over $42 million sold in 2016

275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham

3089 Heron Pointe Bloomfield Hills $1,999,900

Custom built home with over 250 feet of lake frontage on Forest Lake. New roof, mechanicals and windows. Huge finished walkout lower level. 3 car attached garage. Gated community. Bloomfield schools. Gorgeous lake views throughout this amazing home.

4762 S. Chipping Glenn Bloomfield Hills $1,899,900

Stunning Hills of Lone Pine custom 2004 home. Gorgeous kitchen with Millennium cabinetry and top end appliances. 12 foot ceilings, brazilian cherry hardwood floors, 5 fireplaces. Incredible main level master suite includes his and her baths and closets. Four car attached heated garage with epoxy floor.

4961 Rands Bloomfield Hills $1,150,000

Spacious home in Bloomfield Township with Birmingham schools. 5 bedrooms, 3.3 baths. Remodeled throughout including beautiful gourmet kitchen and an amazing master suite. Huge 6 + car garage.

One acre of property. Lake privileges on Walnut Lake. Finished basement. A wonderful home.

201 Dourdan Bloomfield Hills $1,050,000

To be built home by Cranbrook Custom Homes in desirable Dourdan Place Sub, a neighborhood of 18 custom homes. Stone and brick elevation. Standard features will include granite counters throughout, custom cabinets, nook and great room with wide plank wood flooring.

4 bedrooms upstairs plus an additional loft/play room.

2235 Quarton Rd Bloomfield Hills $649,900

Stately red brick Colonial, built in the 20's, sitting on nearly one acre of beautiful grounds in Bloomfield Village. Newer kitchen with Wolf stove and Sub Zero fridge. Four bdrms, 2.2 baths. Two car side entry garage.

Tremendous character and charm throughout. Birmingham schools. Also for lease - $4250/mo.

75 Manor Bloomfield Hills $589,900

Spacious ranch tucked away on almost a half acre lot, just minutes from downtown Birmingham. Home has large main floor master bedroom addition, a first floor laundry and a two car attached garage.

Patio and decking on a beautiful yard. Birmingham schools.

723 Ann Birmingham $479,900

Wonderfully updated in-town Colonial on a nice 50x120 lot just blocks from downtown. Beautiful new kitchen in 2014 includes granite counters, SS appls & hwf’s. Formal dr and spacious lr. 3 bdrm’s, 2 full baths up - master with bath and sitting area. New Andersen Windows and doorwall. New paver patio and separate fire pit area. Two car detached garage.

590 Riverside Birmingham $449,900

Unique opportunity for land purchase in a secluded detached condo development. Tucked away site yet just blocks away from town.

Lot price only.

275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham

C H R I S

PERO

A s s o c i a t e B r o k e r

248.797.0784 | cgpero@yahoo.com | over $42 million sold in 2016

455 Aspen Birmingham $1,499,900

Wonderful newer build home designed by Ron Rea, with a spacious open floor plan and soaring two story living room with fireplace.

Gorgeous eat-in kitchen includes large island, premium appls, and custom cabinetry. Spectacular master suite. Finished basement. 4 car garage.

60 Quarton Lane Bloomfield Hills $1,499,900

Sprawling ranch with an open floor plan, extensively renovated.

Beautiful new kitchen includes center island and Viking appliances. 4 bedrooms, 5.1 updated baths. Finished walk out lower level. 3 car side entry garage. Over one acre of property. Birmingham schools.

503 W Merrill Birmingham $975,000

Downtown living at its finest in this quality built beautiful townhouse condo. Large white kitchen with granite counters, center island and spacious nook area. Formal Dining area and Living Room with fireplace and hardwood floors. Fantastic master suite has vaulted ceiling, huge WIC and bath. Finished lower level with family room, full bath and exercise room/additional bedroom. 2 car attached garage. Private patio. First floor laundry.

463 Bryn Mawr Birmingham $799,900

A move in ready classic brick colonial on a 100 foot wide fenced lot. Beautifully renovated kitchen includes granite counters and center island. Mud room/laundry also on main level. Hardwood floors. 4 bedrooms up including the master with a gorgeous updated bath. Finished basement- rec room, exercise area, and full bath. Newer windows. Two car attached garage.

1105 Smith Birmingham $569,900

Wonderful renovation/expansion with great curb appeal on a corner lot in Birmingham. Around the corner from Howarth Park. Kitchen includes granite counters, center island and SS appls. Opens to spacious family room with fireplace. 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths. Finished basement. Two car garage.

3045 S. Westview Ct Bloomfield Hills $485,000

Spacious home on a beautiful cul-de-sac lot of almost one acre in Bloomfield.

Remodeled kitchen with granite counters, hardwood floors and SS appls.

Heated Florida room overlooking backyard. Four bedrooms upstairs. Lower level includes laundry, office or 5th bedroom, huge family room and a patio right outside. 2 car attached side entrance garage. New driveway 2016.

927 Worthington Birmingham $475,000

Wonderfully expanded Colonial on a nice lot in Birmingham.

Remodeled kitchen with SS appls and Corian Counters opens to back nook and family room addition. Huge master bedroom suite, large WIC and nice bath. Two other spacious bedrooms up with a second full bath.

Finished rec room in basement. Two car detached garage. Paver patio.

2651 Kopson Court Bloomfield Hills $325,000

Four bedroom, 2.1 bath colonial home on a nice interior lot with Bloomfield schools. Many updates within the last 10 years including kitchen, central air, heating system, siding, windows and roof. Clean and move in ready. Partially finished basement. Just listed.

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INCOMING Arrogant, delusional I find David Hohendorf’s recent (March) editorial regarding President Trump’s relationship with the press as "unraveling of some basic institutions that are the underpinning of democracy…" arrogant and self delusional.

During the eight years of President Obama one could say the relationship with the press and the White House was analogous to TASS and the Soviet government. Your cozy nature with that administration allowed such scandals as Benghazi and Hillary Clinton’s private email server and so-called "Foundation" was given a free ride.

Why did you not report on some of President Obama’s cabinet such as Eric Holder (Fast and Furious and Ferguson witch hunt debacles), Lois Lerner and the IRS scandal, and let us not forget the Iran ransom payment for millions of dollars in cash to a state sponsor of terrorism? Let us not forget Obamacare and the debacle from the legislative process of back room deals, to the website debacle and implementation and cost overruns to individuals (remember "you can keep your doctors and pay no more than $2,500.00?).

Never in the history of Hohendorf’s editorials did he question these events, let alone report on them. All the above have far more serious consequences to the nation and the people, yet he neglected them. This is why Trump was elected. As for the press, their anointed candidate lost.

Now that Hohendorf’s affair is over, he rants and raves. The press now adorns itself with the Constitution, yet for the past eight years you watched it get trampled and said nothing.

Andrew J. Sulich Birmingham

Galvanizing the opposition Thank you for your recent From The Publisher article outlining the “alternate reality” playing out from Washington DC that has many of us questioning how our democracy can be failing so many Americans at this critical juncture in our nation’s history.

The silver lining, if there is one, is that the Trump agenda has galvanized the opposition in Michigan and elsewhere — and unlikely allies have found common ground. Faith-based groups and political progressives have realized that their agendas are, at the root of it all, very closely aligned.

The silver lining is a pale consolation prize, but I believe that this wake up call has already put into motion a movement that will, in the long run, prevail and bring our downtownpublications.com

SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Birmingham/Bloomfield communities.

Specializing In Hard To Fit Sizes ––––– Gift Certificates Available

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

country back to the basis on which it was formed, and to the very high moral ground that we seem to have temporarily abandoned.

Margaret Baxter Bloomfield Hills

Expression of concern Thank you taking a stand for the protection of our democratic institutions and against the Trump administration’s assault upon them.

Your publication has been a great resource to our community with its indepth investigation of local issues. Your latest editorial (From The Publisher) is a principled expression of concern over a national crisis which is also dramatically affecting our community.

Steve Fabick Birmingham

Fourth Estate attack Once again, I am writing a letter to Downtown in support of David Hohendorf’s column (March).

In my wildest imaginations I never thought I would see an attack on the Fourth Estate, the free press, by a political party that won the presidential election.

All political parties and functionaries of those parties certainly dislike much of what the press reports.

Understandable, but the press is deeply fundamental to a democracy.

Every dictatorial government throughout modern history first attacks and then emasculates the free press.

Look at Putin's Russia where he controls the media in that country. It is Orwellian.

I finished a career as a federal probation officer and there was not a federal District Court Judge, regardless of their perceived political leanings, who did not understand how essential a free press is for democracy – especially District Court Judge Avern Cohn.

DOWNTOWN

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I watched Judge Cohn stand up for every individual who found themselves in front of him in a criminal proceeding if he saw weak or flawed arguments by the government. He protected their rights to the ultimate degree knowing how powerful government agencies are. For President Trump to attack the federal judiciary is frightening.

Your monthly publication is some of the best investigative journalism I have read. Do not change.

Tim Kozak Birmingham

Voice of reason Once again David Hohendorf is the voice of concern and reason (From The Publisher). Right on.

We are living in a scary time with "the unraveling of some of the basic institutions – of our democracy,” as he puts it. Fortunately, between the news media, the courts and Congress, the extent of the damage being done by the current president and his henchmen will finally be obvious to the people who voted for him.

For the rest of us, eternal vigilance, speaking out, resistance and disruption are our roads to sanity.

Pauline Mengebier Bloomfield Hills

democracy of the US continue to stop this impulsive dimwit from hurting this country in a way that we may not be able to fix.

Nicole Wasson Rochester

Warning about Trump I want to thank you, fervently, for David Hohendorf’s article (From The Publisher) sounding the warning about Trump.

He articulated what I have been thinking, and I hope your bigger platform will reach many people and cause them to think carefully about what is happening.

Margo Lesser Birmingham

From The Publisher I just wanted to tell you I really enjoyed David Hohendorf’s editorial "From The Publisher" in the (March) issue of Downtown.

I couldn't agree with him more.

Also, thank you for interesting articles – not at all expected in a free paper but thoroughly enjoyed. Keep up the great work.

Marilyn Vala Rochester Hills

Value publication

Current administration

Count me among your readers and fellow citizens who value your publication. I always turn first to "From The Publisher" and I consult you before I cast my votes.

Since my husband's demise, you are my informed voice of reason on many matters – not too easy to find today, alas.

Thank you for creating a substantive, wide-ranging – often courageous – source of information for our community.

Eugenie R. Beall Bloomfield Township

I just happened upon David Hohendorf’s (March) From The Publisher column on Donald Trump.

I know you'll probably get a lot of less-than-savory emails calling you out, so I simply wanted to drop a line and say thank you for writing it, and calling out what's wrong with the current administration.

Kelley Kiefer Madison Heights

Thoughtful column Thank you for David Hohendorf’s thoughtful column.

I have never written to a publication before, but I felt moved to do so after reading his March 2017 column.

I'm sure you will be inundated with emails of the opposite, but I wanted to say that I appreciate him calling attention to the fact that this administration is "scary stuff,” and that the media is there as a service to the public to give information so that we can have a transparent government.

So thank you again. I hope that the checks and balances that were put in place for the protection of the downtownpublications.com

205 E. Maple Road | Downtown Birmingham M - Sat 10-6 www.BarbaraBozBoutique.com

CALL THE LOCAL EXPERTS FOR PHYSICIAN, JUMBO, VACANT LOT AND CONSTRUCTION FINANCING OPTIONS

Source of information I wanted to write to let you know that I read and appreciate your publication.

I read your political recommendations because the publication is not one-sided with endorsements. The Birmingham community is not one-sided and we deserve to hear opposing points of view to make educated choices.

In addition, I can tell you I often only learn about new restaurants to try from your publication, and I only learned of the new local Holiday Market from your advertisement, and now it is a place that I frequent.

Thanks for being a great local source of information.

Sheri Laufer Birmingham DOWNTOWN

Ted Ted Edginton Edginton ted.edginton@usbank.com ted.edginton@usbank.com 248-866-9460 248-866-9460 NMLS NMLS #502442 #502442

Mark Mark Webberly Webberly mark.webberly@usbank.com mark.webberly@usbank.com 248-882-2535 248-882-2535 NMLS #139326 #139326 NMLS

usbank.com Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage and Home Equity Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association, Member FDIC.©2014 U.S. Bank

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

Storage Cleaning

Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political/government news and gossip, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column (all sources are kept strictly confidential) which can be emailed to: OaklandConfidential@DowntownPublications.com.

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BIGOTRY 101: Who could have imagined that in 2017 anti-semitism would once again be rearing its ugly head. Sadly, some local Republicans confirm the toxic malady hit the state’s Republican convention in February, when party administrative vice-chair David Wolkinson of Birmingham ran for re-election to the party position. “There were a bunch of people who also wanted to be vice-chair who interrupted the proceedings,” said a Bloomfield Township Republican who was in the room, backed up by a local state legislator who witnessed the proceedings. The individual said that Cecil St. Pierre, Warren city council president, was running the proceedings for the 9th District, which includes Bloomfield Township, “and was allowing people to interrupt.” Most disturbing, several sources said, were chants that began with – “Boo, hoo, go away Jew ” – which were permitted to continue through the vote, aimed at Wolkinson, who is Jewish. “I couldn’t believe it,” said the township Republican, who has long been active at the state level. “Here, we’re supposed to be together, and they’re going too far. No one said this chant is wrong. And Ron Weiser (Michigan Republican Party Chairperson, who was not in the room) is Jewish. I spoke to Wolkinson, but he didn’t want to make a fuss.” Wolkinson lost the position. Heads up to those living in the 9th District, whose congressman is Rep. Sander Levin, of what is hiding in plain sight.

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POINTED ARROWS: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee – or the “D-Triple C,” in political parlance – has circulated a letter alleging that Republican House incumbent across the country are in danger of losing their seats in 2018, and have targeted dozens of seats around the country for “Round One” of their battlefield to regain the House of Representatives. In Michigan, three districts have caught their eye – including District 8, currently held by Mike Bishop (Rochester, Rochester Hills) and District 11, represented

by David Trott (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills). Vicki Barnett, BARNETT Oakland County Democratic Chair, said she wasn’t aware of the DCCC initiative, but “I’m very glad they’re doing that. We’re very concerned about Rep. Bishop and Rep. Trott’s districts because they represent Oakland County residents. Our goal is on the local level, to represent state and county races and local elections. But I do have a lot of angry (Oakland County) constituents.” Stay tuned folks. The 2018 election is just around the bend.

THE UN-AMERICANS: A hot mike only added to the troubles Rep. David Trott (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills) found himself in when he finally held a town hall for his constituents on Saturday, March 18. Trott has been criticized for not holding any town halls of late, and not being available at his district’s office to meet with people from the district. So, when the doors to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi opened on Saturday, March 18, for the one-hour event that started at 8 a.m., up to 1,000 were there, despite heavy snow – and hundreds were left out in the snow. While they loudly expressed their preference – or not – for Obamacare, education, budget cuts, and numerous other issues, the angriest reaction was TROTT when Trott said, “The American military was ‘the weakest it’s ever been,’ his justification for upping the military spending, funded by cuts to discretionary spending elsewhere in the budget. “That’s saying our military is unprepared and can’t take care of Americans,” said one noted Oakland County Democrat, who also took issue with Trott cherry-picking his questions. “You represent everyone in your district, and you treat them all the same. It’s not your job to cull the questions. It’s your job to respond to everyone, not just to Republicans, but to Democrats and the unaffiliated. Mr. Trott should know that – he’s been elected twice.” A hot mike left on as Trott was leaving the town hall caught him talking with aide Stu Sandler, who admitted to the congressmen that he had thrown out some constituents’ questions and then stated that they would take the crowd’s booing of funding for the military and write a different story, and “we’re going to promote the shit out of that,” adding “It’s un-American crap,” according to a broadcast tape of the event and The Washington Post. Trott hit the national airwaves with Fox television following the town hall and proceeded to write off the opposition in the room as “ Bernie Sanders socialists.” Remember, these are Trott’s constituents.

DOWNTOWN

04.17

MOVE ALONG NOW: Michigan lawmakers this year have been included in national news reports about states around the country trying to limit protester rights, in light of the increase in demonstrations since President Donald Trump took office. The reports finger Republican lawmakers advancing bills that would criminalize or penalize public protests. A 2015 Michigan bill got national attention after members of the state’s House breathed new life into the bill in late November 2016 after sitting stagnant in a committee since May of 2015. The bill would have added new civil fines and an avenue for employers or other companies suffering from mass protesters to collect damages in court. House members in December approved the bill 57-50, but support for the bill in the Senate fell short before the end of the year. The bill, however, was a bit of a red herring, as Michigan law already makes it a criminal misdemeanor for mass protesters to hinder or prevent a place of business’s work or employment.

DOUBLING DOWN: State Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) anteed up for the second consecutive session on a pair of bills to legalize online gambling in Michigan, after failing to obtain a full Senate vote last session. The bills, introduced by Kowall on March 1, cosponsored by Senator Marty Knollenberg (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills), would create the “Lawful Internet Gaming Act” to allow for online gaming throughout the state. The pair would need the approval of a third bill addressing the criminal code. Efforts to approve KOWALL online gambling in the state have been strongly opposed by Native American tribal casinos and opponents of online gaming, but Amaya Inc., a large backer of the efforts, has an apparent ace in the hole: lobby representation by MGS Consultants, which also happens to employ former legislator and Kowall’s wife, Eileen Kowall.

Mike Kowall said there’s no stacking of the deck, as he started working on the legislation about four years ago, prior to his wife’s work with MGS. Further, he said Eileen does work on educational issues, not gaming, as a subcontractor with MGS. Kowall said he’s now working with the tribes before the bills go KOWALL for a vote on the Senate floor.

TWEET, TWEET: Not all Michigan Republicans are fans of President Donald Trump, or of his notorious tweets. Just ask – or follow on Twitter – Rep. Justin Amash (R-Grand Rapids), a fourth-term congressman who is chairman of the House of Representative’s Liberty Caucus and has been associated with the Tea Party. He rode the Tea Party’s populist wave into office in 2010, but today, as a staunch libertarian and fierce conservative, he is anything but “popular” with the new president, and refuses to compromise his beliefs – routinely calling Trump out on everything from corporate welfare and cronyism to his emergency orders, notably on immigration, which Amash contends “undermines our constitutional system.” Amash, 37, who has been called the “most hated Republican” in some GOP circles because of his consistency relative to his core values and standards of libertarianism, a political philosophy advocating individuals’ sovereignty over their own lives, freedom of choice, and the importance of individual judgement, even if it means he sometimes votes with Democrats. “I ran on a set of principles, and it really doesn’t matter which party is in charge or who the president is; I’m going to stick with my principles,” he tweeted. With over 100,000 Twitter followers, Amash may not have Trump’s reach on Twitter, but he gets his message across, both to his followers, and to that Follower-in-Chief.

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GOBBLE, GOBBLE: Two state legislators from Oakland County were among the top 10 recipients of free food and drinks purchased by lobbyists in 2016.

Ravenous representatives Klint Kesto (R-Commerce) and Mike Webber (RRochester, Rochester Hills) received more than $5,500 in free grub last year at the trough of those peddling influence. Kesto, received the second most ($3,266) in free food and beverages, while Webber tallied $2,405, making him the sixth hungriest recipient of freebies. The findings were part of a recently released report issued by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, an independent organization that tracks the role of WEBBER money in Michigan politics. Craig Mauger, executive director of the organization, said the average American household spent about $3,008 on food away from home in 2015. downtownpublications.com

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FACES Nick Becharas s president and chief operating officer of a 103-year-old coffee company, Nick Becharas has a discerning palate for java.

"I don't drink as much coffee as my father. He probably had about 20 cups a day. I drink probably four or five cups," said Becharas, who heads up Becharas Brothers Coffee Co., in Highland Park. "We 'cup' coffee every morning. It's kind of like wine tasting, and it's a ritual we do every morning to determine what we are going to buy and what we are going to put into our blends."

Using a century-old lazy susan table, Becharas and others use different sampling methods to taste coffee sent to them by coffee brokers from around the world. The beans are roasted, then ground.

Sampling includes checking for aroma, a small spoon taste in the back of the mouth, and another sip that ends up in a spittoon.

"It's only from repetition that we know what we are looking for," said Nick, who lives in Bloomfield Hills. "This morning, we had about 10 samples from Brazil. We can tell from that sample, which represents about 40,000 pounds, where it came from and from what region. We do that every morning."

Learning the business from his father, Dean, Nick started learning the coffee business about the time he learned how to walk, from packing and roasting to plant operations and later working as a commodities broker in London. Today, Nick heads up the business side of the company while Dean Jr., is vice president over operations. Their sister, Stephanie, serves as treasurer/secretary and oversees the company's office.

The company, which for 55 years was the largest supplier of coffee to the United States military, was started in 1914 by brothers George and Nicholas Becharas, who moved to the United States from Europe. Nick’s father, Dean, was responsible for heading up plans to build the company's Highland Park plant in 1966, and later took the reigns of the company in the 1970s. “The plant here was built by the railroad to my father's specifications, because we were bringing so many railcars in," he said. "He did it with no real engineering or mechanical background.

He worked with a German mechanical engineer to automate the factory. We have changed the process a little today, but when the railroad built it, everything, including the storage silos that are above the roof line, were built into the foundation of the building."

Once home to more than a dozen coffee roasters and providers, the Becharas family business is the only major coffee company left in the Detroit area. When the military changed its coffee purchasing policy about 1991, Becharas looked for new ways to diversify, moving into the retail and specialty market. It now packages coffee for more than 40 private labels in two dozen states, including Five O'Clock brands and Detroit Bold Coffee.

"My dad kind of instilled that you don't rely on what's bringing in revenue now in order to be here in 10 years. Always be looking for different approaches and avenues," he said.

Today, Becharas said his plan is to continue the legacy that his family started a century ago.

"We believe that if we didn't spend as much time and detail into putting out a great cup of coffee, it would be hard for us to compete with a lot of major brands. Our customers rely on us to do that."

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Photo: Jean Lannen

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MARKET UPDATE The Numbers Speak for Themselves...

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04.17

B

en Graham was 25 years old, and thought he had hit the employment jackpot, having landed what he believed was a dream job as a legislative aide in the Michigan House of Representatives, for former Rep. Todd Courser (R-Lapeer). But that job soon turned out to be a nightmare, with Courser having an affair with fellow Rep. Cindy Gamrat (R-Allegan), with whom he shared an office and staff, and having asked his staff, including Graham, to create a rumor that he had had sex with a male prostitute in order to deflect attention from his affair with Gamrat.

Graham, along with fellow staffer Keith Allard, confidentially went to House leadership, including then-Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter, to inform them of the affair and coverup. It soon appeared as if leadership turned on Graham and Allard, rather than Courser and Gamrat, in an effort to “protect their own.”

“During the course of the investigation, they released my name, full address, Social Security number, full personnel file – it was released on the internet for 12 to 14 hours before they took it down,” Graham said.

Eventually fired from their legislative positions, Graham and Allard filed a Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) lawsuit and a wrongful termination suit against both the state House of Representatives, Cotter and Courser and Gamrat, along with lawsuits citing slander, libel and wrongful termination.

While they ended up dropping their lawsuits against the two former disgraced legislators, who eventually left the House (Courser, by resignation, and Gamrat, by expulsion), Graham and Allard prevailed against the state House in their whistleblower lawsuit, settling for $515,000, which they split between the two of them, less attorney fees.

“I'm pretty young to have gone through something so crazy,” Graham, who just turned 27, said. “It was unpleasant to say the least.”

Graham admits he was nervous, and pretty conflicted about filing a whistleblower lawsuit against his former bosses, much less against a legislative body, “because I'm conservative and I believe in limited government. But I also believe in the courts and tort reform. I don't believe in suing just to sue people all the time. I believe only in suing people when you have to. It shouldn't be taken lightly. I wanted to do the right thing.

They were supposed to protect me, and instead they just left me out there. I just wanted to be protected from workplace harassment, and a situation where I shouldn't have to deal with politicians' affairs and coverups.”

“Whistleblowers tend to be morally principled individuals that are seeing wrong at their place of employment,” said Shereef Akeel, a Troy attorney with Akeel & Valentine, who has practiced whistleblower law for 21 years. “They see their family pictures on their desk and know that if they say nothing, they will keep their job and take care of their family. But they see the wrongdoing going on, and can't live with it, so they risk it all. They are constantly trying to balance the repercussions of blowing the whistle versus saying nothing and allowing the wrongs to continue. Then their conscience gets the better of them. Their silence is taut approval of the wrongdoing.”

The WPA of 1989 is a federal law that protects federal employees who work for the government and report misconduct. A federal agency violates the Whistleblower Protection Act if agency authorities take, or threaten to take, retaliatory action against an employee – or an applicant for a job – because of the disclosure of information that the employee or applicant made. In Michigan, the Whistleblower Protection Act is intended to protect employees, public and private, from wrongful termination or retaliation in a protected activity. Protected activities include those employees who have reported a violation of law, regulation or rule to a public body; employees who were about to report a violation; or employees who have participated in hearings, investigations, or legislative inquiries.

W

hile a whistleblower does not have to work for the government or a government agency, and many whistleblowers do work for private companies, in order to file a whistleblower protection lawsuit, they must report the wrongdoing to a government agency, and not just to the human resources department of their company.

“There's a misconception about WPA, and about working at a private company, like GM or Ford,” said Akeel. “If they report it to the HR department, they think they've blown the

whistle and are protected – but they're not.

You have to go outside the company to a public agency, like the EPA or DNR.” Akeel said there is only one exception, which is called the Kilpatrick Rule, after former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. “If you are working for a city or university – if you're a public employee – if you report it up the chain of command, you're protected,” he said.

In 2007, two former Detroit police officers, Gary Brown and Harold Nelthrope, prevailed in a whistleblower lawsuit against Kilpatrick and the city of Detroit, saying city officials made them suffer after they raised questions about alleged wrongdoing within Kilpatrick's security unit. The two were awarded $6.5 million.

Brown – who today is director for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, claimed he was fired in 2003 because he was looking into allegations into drunk driving accidents, falsified overtime records, and claims that two former mayoral bodyguards the mayor used helped facilitate and cover up extramarital affairs. Brown was awarded $3.6 million by a jury.

In 2013, Kilpatrick was convicted of 24 federal felony counts and sentenced to 28 years in federal prison. Brown did not return phone calls to Downtown newsmagazine.

Steve Shaya was a contract employee for the city of Hamtramck – unlike Brown, who was a full -time employee – working as the director of public services. Shaya didn't like that certain police officers were moonlighting at local garages after work – against a city ordinance that forbid the subcontracting of city employees, especially without disclosure of their extracurricular work to city council.

“The Hamtramck officers were assigned also to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency), and when there were busts, they were taking the seized vehicles and calling DA Auto Restoration Towing (in Hamtramck), where the rates were astronomical. They made money off this, their buddies were working there, and they were billing the city,” Shaya's attorney, Mark Koroi of Plymouth, said. He said Shaya and fellow whistleblower Cathie Graham, who was on the city council at the time, felt the officers should have disclosed the arrangement and that they were working there in their off hours. Since they didn't, Koroi said Shaya and Graham reported it to then-city manager William Cooper, who insisted it must stop due to conflict of interest concerns.

Koroi said he believes the officers did stop.

And then Cooper was suddenly fired in March of 2012, after developing a strained relationship with council in the few months prior to his firing. Cooper accused the city of breach of contract and settled with them for $142,000.

But Shaya's travails were not over. “On

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November 15, 2013, my client was having lunch (at home in Hamtramck), and he goes back to work, and he gets contacted by the same officer he reported (for working at DA Auto),” Koroi said. “He said there's been a report of a hit and run – 'you hit somebody.'

Essentially, my client went to the emergency manager and said, 'Look at my vehicle – there's no new damage. There's nothing there.

It's BS.' It got turned over to the city manager, because supposedly there was a 911 call reporting it.”

Koroi said the 911 tape actually exonerated Shaya, because the information in the alleged 911 call was different in all ways – from the time of the incident, the supposed intersection, that the person in the hit and run was black (Shaya is Chaldean), and other inconsistencies, including that the caller said the vehicle was struck in the side of the vehicle, while the officer told Shaya the damage was to the hatchback.

“It had to be fabricated,” Koroi said, noting that the officer who called Shaya was caught on tape bent over laughing in the interrogation room. Charges against Shaya were eventually discharged, and Shaya filed a $10 million whistleblower lawsuit against the city of Hamtramck in February 2014. He was terminated from his job with Hamtramck on October 23, 2014, and the city settled with him on March 3, 2017. He is now employed with another Wayne County municipality as director of public services.

“With whistleblower protections, whether at the state or federal level, the purpose is to protect the integrity of the law by removing barriers to employee efforts to report violations of the law,” said Jason Shinn of Shinn Legal of Keego Harbor, who represents employers and individuals in whistleblower compliance. “In other words, whistleblower protections protect the public by protecting employees who report violations of laws and regulations.”

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raham, the state legislative whistleblower, is today a resident of Dryden in Lapeer County, with his wife and baby, and has his own construction company, having left the political arena, disillusioned. As a youth, Graham was homeschooled, and went to a small Baptist Bible college in Ohio, where he majored in public administration. “I got

involved with politics at a young age. I would listen to talk radio in the afternoons,” he recalled. “At 16, I volunteered for my first campaign – for Dick DeVos for governor. After that, I got more and more involved in politics, and in 2008 I met Todd Courser and volunteered for his first race, which he lost.”

He went to college, and returned to Lapeer County, and worked on Courser's 2010 state Senate run, which he again lost, as well as a 2013 challenge for the state Republican Party chair, before Courser won his state House seat in 2014, which he also worked on. He admits there was something about Courser that drew him in.

“He has a captivating personality. He is very outgoing and very manipulative,” Graham noted. “I was taken in by his personality. I believed he was a politician who could affect real change, and he was somebody I could really support. And it turns out I was wrong about that.”

While Michigan does not have a central database to determine how many whistleblower lawsuits have been filed or determined in the state, federally there were 3,355 total whistleblower suits in 2016, up from 1,842 in 2006. The Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) agency receives the most lawsuits each year, as it is the federal agency charged with the enforcement of safety and health legislation. “A key element of WPA is where it can can cause public harm or compromise safety,” Akeel noted, where a company or individual is not following or enforcing important rules, an employee reports it to the state or federal agency and is then fired for that, or suffers retaliation.

Of the number of whistleblower complaints in 2016, out of the 3,402 total cases, 63 were found to have merit, with 441 settled and 376 being settled or having another resolution.

There were 712 cases withdrawn, 1,715 dismissed and 95 kicked out of court. In 2015, when there were 3,337 cases filed, 45 were found to have merit, and 485 were settled, with 313 having another positive resolution.

There were 1,665 cases dismissed, 106 cases kicked out of court, and 723 withdrawn.

“To establish a whistleblower claim under Michigan law, an individual must initially show that the individual was engaged in a protected activity, as defined by the WPA; the individual was discharged; and a causal connection existed between the protected activity and discharge,” Shinn explained.

He said that protected activity under the WPA may consist of reporting to a public body a violation of a law, regulation or rule, or being about to report such a violation to a public body, or being asked by a public body to participate in an investigation.

“In our experience, an employee asserting the second type of claim – an 'about to report' claim – is often the most difficult to establish,” he said. “This is in part because

the individual who with 'a clear and convincing evidence that he or she or a person acting on his or her behalf was about to report, verbally or in writing, a violation or suspected violation...to a public body.' Also, to assert a whistleblower claim under Michigan law, the violation or suspected violation must have already occurred or be ongoing. It is not legally enough for an employee to report some conduct or act that might occur. In other words, future, planned, or anticipated acts that would cause a violation or a suspected violation of law are not included.”

W

hile there are a patchwork of numerous protective statutes under state and federal law, a main and comprehensive area of whistleblower law is the False Claims Act, also known as the Lincoln Law, a statute enacted in 1863 to fight widespread fraud when companies were selling rotten food and defective weapons to the Union Army in the Civil War. The False Claims Act imposes a liability on people and companies who defraud government programs. “It's for federal cases where the government has been defrauded, and (we) bring the case on behalf of the government as well as against the companies,” said Philip Brown, an attorney with Constantine Canon, a private New York and Washington D.C. law firm which evaluates claims and lawsuits on behalf of the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), IRS, and other agencies.

The law allows private citizens, who are legally known as relators, to bring a lawsuit on the government's behalf, and if the government prevails, they are rewarded with between 15 and 30 percent of the government's recovery. This kind of lawsuit is also referred to as qui tam, and was largely resuscitated in the 1980s, during the Reagan administration, when according to Constantine Canon, “there were widespread reports of shocking abuses by government contractors, including billing $400 for hammers, $1,000 for bolts, and $7,000 for coffee pots...In 2009 and 2010, the law was revised to provide greater protections and incentives for whistleblowers.”

In fiscal year 2016 (ending September 30, 2016), the Justice Department recovered over

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$4.7 billion in settlements and judgements from false claims against the government. Of the $4.7 billion recovered, $2.5 billion came from the health care industry, including drug companies, medical device companies, hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories, and doctors. Many of these cases, the Department of Justice stated, were Medicaid fraud cases from state programs, and experts estimated that up to 10 percent of all healthcare billings are lost to fraud.

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tate false claims acts in Michigan are limited to health care fraud. The Constantine Cannon law firm stated that the Michigan Medicaid False Claim Act applies to false claims presented under the state's social welfare act, and a successful whistleblower can receive between 15 and 25 percent of the proceeds in cases where the state intervenes; if the state doesn't intervene, a successful whistleblower can receive between 25 and 30 percent of the proceeds – unless the whistleblower was involved in the violation.

The next largest recoveries came from the financial industry, from the housing and mortgage fraud crisis, were the ripples are still being felt, with $1.7 billion being recovered in fiscal year 2016. Looking forward to fiscal year 2017, $48 million will have come from a settlement agreement on December 16, 2016, from United Shore Financial Services LLC of Troy, which agreed to pay the United States the amount to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act in a whistleblower suit, by knowingly originating and underwriting mortgage loans insured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA), that did not meet applicable requirements.

In announcing the settlement, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division, said, “The settlement holds United Shore accountable for its endorsement of ineligible loans for FHA mortgage insurance. Over the past several years, the civil division, in collaboration with numerous U.S. Attorneys' Offices, HUD, and its Office of Inspector General, has diligently worked to hold FHA-approved lenders

accountable for actions that deprived homeowners of their homes, wasted taxpayer funds, and contributed to the financial crisis.” United Shore did not respond.

Quicken Loans of Detroit has been targeted with similar lawsuits, and in early March 2017, U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith ruled that a lawsuit over questionable loan practices filed by the federal government can proceed, although the timeline was narrowed.

Another recent example of a large settlement due to the False Claims Act is the diesel emissions scandal that forced Volkswagen to plead guilty to fraud, obstruction of justice, and falsifying statements as part of a $4.3 billion settlement with the U.S. Justice Department in January 2017, over a scandal that the automaker had intentionally cheated on emissions tests. In total, VW agreed to spend up to $25 billion in the U.S. to address the claims from owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers, as well as offering to buy back about a half-million polluting vehicles in the U.S. Brown said in recent years, the SEC, CFTC and IRS have been ramping up their whistleblower programs, “bringing in bigger and bigger rewards.” The cornerstone of a whistleblower claim under the False Claims Act is proof that fraud or misconduct on the part of the company caused the government to suffer a financial loss.

According to the Department of Justice, whistleblowers filed 702 qui tam, or False Claims Act, cases in fiscal year 2016, and “the department recovered $2.9 billion in these and earlier filed suits this past year.

The government awarded the whistleblowers $519 million during the same period,” Mizer said.

Brown explained that an individual can bring in a complaint, and it will be filed in federal court, sealed under the suit, and then the Department of Justice investigates the complaint. While the suit is under seal, the whistleblower is protected and stays anonymous. “Usually the case can be under seal for a while, anywhere from 60 days to a few years,” he said, depending on the agency.

Brown and his colleagues at Constantine Canon, where there are 22 attorneys dedicated just to whistleblower law, “A lot of lawyers get into this field because we want to do good,” he explained, interview the complainant, “and if the agency decides to pursue the (whistleblower) suit, it's their show. If they decline, there are other remedies.”

For an employee who has in essence tattled on their employer, why is it so important to be shielded by the Whistleblower Protection Act? “Retaliation can be through the silent

treatment (at work), being iced out, not being invited to meetings you normally would be,” said Shereef Akeel. “Some employers are very clever, and they lawyer up and cover it. They'll give the employee (who blew the whistle) less desirable jobs, or move them to the night shift. Maybe they're not given their customary Christmas bonus, or are not put on the Christmas list. They could be ostracized. You're living through this gut-wrenching experience, and then you're ostracized. It's very difficult for the whistleblower. And it's even more difficult because they're usually such black-andwhite, right-and-wrong type of a person.”

Jason Shinn concurred. “Many forms of retaliation stem beyond termination: threats or discrimination against you regarding your compensation; terms, conditions, location or privileges of employment.”

An individual can also experience layoffs, blacklisting, demotion, the denial of overtime or of promotion, being disciplined, loss of benefits, failure to hire or rehire, being intimidated or harassed, the making of threats, reduction of pay or hours, and a reassignment that affects an employee's prospects for promotion.

The False Claim Act is but one of several fraud laws that assist whistleblowers, from the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which protects employees, contractors and agents of publicly traded companies who report fraud by the company against its shareholders. Employees who are able to win under this statute may be able to be reinstated to their prior position, receive back pay and seniority level, special damages, and whistleblower attorney's fees.

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ithin various industries, there are specific laws and acts that tackle fraud and whistleblower suits pertaining to those fields, with all of the statutes focused on either public health or safety; the environment; employee rights; or the integrity of the public securities and financial markets. They include such statutes as Crop Insurance Fraud for farmer's and the agricultural industry; flood insurance; the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 that was passed as part of the Dodd-Frank legislations, which protects whistleblowers for reporting

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violations on numerous federal laws governing consumer financial products and services, including mortgages, credit cards and loans. There is also the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008, protecting whistleblowers for reporting on violations on safety standards for consumer products, and the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, for violations of food safety standards. The EPA has seven federal environmental laws protecting government and private employees reporting environmental violations, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Solid Waste Disposal Act, and Toxic Substances Control Act, among others.

The newest, Brown said, enacted in December of 2015, is the Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act. “It's modeled after the SEC program. Essentially, a whistleblower who brings safety concerns about a motor vehicle receives an award as well as receiving whistleblower protection,” he said, noting the huge settlements in the last few years over major automotive safety issues, from Takata with air bags to General Motors with their key fobs.

“We're seeing a lot of people reaching out.

We've had clients come to us that are reaching out because they've been retaliated and their employment has drastically changed, and they're reaching out to find out what they could do,” Brown said. “They literally are just trying to keep their job, or be compensated if they just lost their job.”

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or someone filing under the national Whistleblower Act, under the False Claims Act, Brown said they have 10 years to file their suit. In state situations, it's a little different. The Michigan Whistleblower Protection Act, enacted in 1980, requires that an action be filed within 90 days of the occurrence that is the basis of the claim, which many attorneys assert is the major shortfall in Michigan's law.

“In Michigan, it's too strict. Ninety days is a huge impediment,” said attorney Akeel.

“While the statute protects the employees who blow the whistle, the weakness of the WPA statute is that it has the shortest statute of any law.

In Michigan's WPA, relief includes reinstatement, back pay, fringe benefits,

seniority rights, injunctive relief, actual damages, and costs and attorney's fees. A violator is liable for a civil fine of not more than $500.

“They've just been fired and that is very tragic. When someone gets fired, it takes them a month to just realize what happened,” Akeel continued. “They have to figure it out, why they've been fired. Then maybe they learn there's the whistleblower act. They come to my office and it's too late. That's the biggest reason why whistleblower suits fail.

Look, with personal injury suits, they have three years to bring a lawsuit. Breach of contract, six years. Fraud, ten years. We see one to three a week, and it's an unknown act – why they often don't prevail, because they don't know about it in time.”

Mark Koroi also thinks that Michigan's WPA does not adequately protect as many whistleblowers as it could, “because with only 90 days to file, you can't do a full background check and complete all the research, find the facts and interview the witnesses you need to. You need a couple of years. With WPA, there is no temporal proximity.”

Jason Shinn asserted that Michigan's whistleblower statute “is similar to the federal and other state laws regarding the protected activity, types of retaliation, and burden of proof variations. The most significant difference between Michigan whistleblower protection and other states concerns notice.

Certain states first require the employee bring the issue to the attention of a supervisor or the employer, who is then given a 'reasonable opportunity' to correct the violation, but under Michigan law, no such advance notice is required before an employee is entitled to whistleblower protection.”

To Shinn, the reason many challengers in whistleblower lawsuits do not prevail has to do with competing story lines – while the fired employee claims retaliation, the employer counters the employee was a poorly performing employee who is disgruntled after being fired.

“Against that backdrop, if an individual sues within the statute of limitations and meets the evidentiary framework, a presumption of retaliation arises,” Shinn explained. “However, the employer can rebut that presumption by offering a legitimate reason or reasons for making the adverse employment decision. For a whistleblower case to be valid, the employee must prove there is a causal connection between the act of retaliation and discrimination and the activity protected under the whistleblower statute.”

Akeel agrees. “Courts have been mixed – did the employe get fired because of the whistleblower or because of poor performance? It's 50-50 in my experience. The attorney lives and dies by the credibility of

the witness. If the person is moral and upstanding, with excellent performance reviews, and is only fired once the whistle is blown, the court goes their way.”

Brown, who works on a federal level, said if the government intervenes in a whistleblower case, “there a high likelihood it's going to lead to a settlement,” noting cases rarely go to a trial. “We'll see it more and more (of settlements), because the incentives are there. If the government does not intervene, and it goes to trial, you're entitled to a higher percentage.”

W

hile the Michigan Accountability Index Report card rated the Michigan Whistleblower Protection Act as being below par, and having a ranking of 42nd out of 51 states, plus the District of Columbia, for its lack of breadth of coverage and that it doesn't include collective bargaining rights, Brown disagrees.

“I definitely don't think so. Michigan seems like an active office. New York may have a bigger office, but Michigan brings plenty of good cases, and has good statutes,” he said, noting cases brought by former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade included successful prosecutions of Dr. Farid Fata, the Rochester Hills oncologist who convinced hundreds of patients they had cancer in order to bilk Medicaid for chemotherapy treatments. “That was a False Claims Act whistleblower case. That's the kind of case where maybe it's not the most profitable, but it's the right thing to do.”

He also pointed out the Kilpatrick prosecution, which initially stemmed from whistleblower complaints, and “I give Michigan credit for auto cases. I think the attorney general's office is quite active and does a good job. Some states don't have any Medicaid whistleblower statutes.”

In Michigan, he pointed out, there are state statutes which mirror the federal level, and there is the ability to file under federal statutes.

“It's a very, very stressful process. You really want people to know what they're getting into,” Brown emphasized. “We have their best interests at heart. We tell them they can't just be in it for the money. They have to know we keep everything confidential.”

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Zachary Gorchow ormer Seaholm High School student Zachary Gorchow and current editor of Gongwer News Service, in Lansing, knew before he graduated in 1994 that he wanted a career in journalism.

"I sort of knew that Michigan State University had a strong journalism program, and a strong student newspaper, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do," he said.

While his parents had sparked an early interest in current events and the importance of news, Gorchow said he was initially interested in public policy or law.

"By the middle of my freshman year, or that summer, I knew journalism was where I wanted to move toward. I worked at the high school paper at Seaholm, but I knew I needed fresh clips, so I applied and was accepted for an internship at The State News."

As a student at MSU, Gorchow worked at The State News while earning his degree in international relations. He then started writing for the Redford Observer. It was while working for The Observer papers that a colleague from The State News passed word to him that there was an opening at the Gongwer News Service in Lansing.

"I knew what they did and that they wrote about state government and politics, and I wanted to get back to Lansing to write about it," he said. "I like the public policy aspect. I like looking at what people are doing to make things better for the state and the people who are living in the state. I have always found the law interesting, and have always been fascinated by the competition that goes into elections and what is going on in the electorate."

More than a century old, Gongwer provides subscribers with

F

comprehensive, independent coverage of issues in and around Michigan's government political systems. The news service, which is available by subscription only, provides bill tracking of legislation, as well as news about lawmakers and state government. For political junkies, the service is one of the key sources of what happens at the state capital. For Gorchow, it was the perfect opportunity.

"I don't think you can work here successfully if you don't have a passion for it," he said. "If you prefer covering cops or writing features or general assignment, you're not going to be happy here. You have to be interested in what government does."

Gorchow was a staff writer at Gongwer from 1998 until 2005, when he left Lansing to cover Wayne County and the city of Detroit for the Detroit Free Press. In 2009, he left the daily newspaper and returned to Gongwer when he was hired as editor of the Michigan service. In addition to serving as editor, Gorchow leads the service's coverage of the governor's office. In 2015, he was named by The Washington Post as one of the best state political reporters in the country.

While the decision to leave the Detroit Free Press was difficult, he said the opportunity to serve as editor was one he may never get again. “I loved working for the Free Press. I wasn't looking to leave. I was very happy there. I was covering city hall, and that's about as prominent as a beat there is at the paper," he said. “However, a longtime head of Gongwer's Michigan's office decided to retire. I knew if I didn't go back now, it would probably never happen."

Story: Kevin Elliott

FROM WASTE TREATMENT PLANT TO THE CROPLANDS

BIOSOLIDS USE AS FERTILIZER INCREASING ALONG WITH CONCERNS

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

Farmer Dave Blakney and his son, Chris, started growing row crops about 17 years ago on their 300-acre farm in Huron Township, but it was more recently that Blakney said he learned about the availability of "biosolids," as an alternative to traditional fertilizer for some crops. "It's very good. Nitrogen is the main interest. It usually has about 190 pounds of nitrogen per acre, and that's very good. The fertilizing quality is excellent," Blakney said. "It's free. No charge, typically."

Created from the sludge leftover during the treatment of sanitary sewage, the term "biosolids" was coined in 1991 by the wastewater treatment industry. Sewage sludge is formed from the leftover organic and inorganic materials settled out of wastewater after the screening process. However, sludge may undergo additional treatments that allow it to be used recycled and applied to farm fields for crop production as fertilizer, as well as other uses.

Many in the agricultural and wastewater treatment industries say the use of biosolids provides several benefits to cropland while recycling waste materials that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills or incinerated. However, the idea of growing crops in fertilizer derived from human waste is harder for other people to swallow, particularly for those with health and safety concerns about biosolids.

Statewide, about 85,000 tons of biosolids from 175 different wastewater treatment plants was applied to about 18,000 acres of agricultural land in 2016, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Of that amount, about 32,163 tons came from the Great Lakes Water Authority wastewater treatment plant in Detroit, with more than 2,000 additional tons of biosolids applied to farmland from wastewater treatment plants in Oakland County, according to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which oversees the state's biosolids program. Overall, the state estimates biosolids provided a value of about $14 million to farmers in 2016.

At Blakney Farms – which produces corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and houses a cow-calf operation with breeding bulls and a handful of horses, hogs and chickens – Dave Blakney said biosolids are applied to about 125 acres of land used for growing corn for livestock feed.

"We use it just before we plant," Blakney said of the type of biosolids applied to his cropland. "They apply it to the fields, and we plant a few days after. We had used it on about 125 acres this year. Our first usage was about five years ago."

Blakney said he was attending the Michigan Ag Expo when he first learned about the availability of biosolids in his area. He currently receives biosolids from Synagro Technologies, which works with more than 600 wastewater facilities in 34 different states. Most suppliers, he said, apply biosolids at no cost, or charge a small fee for applying the product.

"There is no debris, tissue, or anything that you might find in sewage. It's been centrifuged and tested, probably more than regular fertilizer. What is regular fertilizer?

It's typically manure of some sort," Blakney said. "Biosolids get a bad rap, and I don't think it's deserving."

Concerns about biosolids have been raised since the early 1990s when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) first created regulations prescribing biosolid use. Those opposing the use of biosolids say the recycled sludge contains thousands of known and unknown substances, including disease-causing pathogens, some of which are resistent to antibiotics; toxic metals; dozens of carcinogens, hormone disrupting chemicals; dioxins; pharmaceuticals; pesticides, PCBs; PAHs; and other contaminants.

"We do have concerns about using biosolids as fertilizer on land," said Gail Philbin, director of the the Sierra Club's Michigan Chapter. "There are too many questions about the safety of the substance for applying it on land right now. The policies that govern it aren't adequate to cover human health, so we do oppose it."

The Sierra Club bases its position statements from scientists in the 1990s and 2000s, who said federal government's regulations regarding land application of

biosolids, which were set in place in 1993, need to be updated. Among those who have called for additional research was the National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council, which in 2002 warned that the regulations were based on outdated or nonexistent science.

Current regulations require biosolids to undergo special treatment to kill pathogens and be tested for specific metals. Regulations are also in place to regulate the type of biosolids and amount that may be applied to cropland to ensure potentially harmful contaminants don't over accumulate in soils and uptake into crops. Still, opponents of biosolids say regulations only cover a small fraction of the thousands of contaminants likely to be found in biosolids.

Further, there also are concerns about direct human exposure to biosolids, as reports of illnesses surface from residents living near land application sites who have been exposed to dust and water runoff from fields treated with recycled sludge.

David Lewis, a microbiologist who directs the Georgia-Oklahoma Center for Research on the Environment at the University of Georgia, has called for additional research and restrictions on the public's exposure to biosolids after he investigated illnesses and deaths he said were linked to EPA programs promoting the agricultural use of processed sewage sludge.

"The EPA estimates there are about 60,000 chemicals and toxins in the sludge, and that's just what we know of and have studied. Based on chemicals that there are analytical methods for, there are likely thousands more," said Lewis, also a former research microbiologist for the EPA's Office of Research and Development who serves as Senior Science Advisor to the National Whistleblower Center. "That is only an infinitesimal number of what is produced in the atmosphere. They are like grains of sand in the sea shore. Most of the chemicals that cause cancer and birth defects we have not yet studied. So, sewage sludge is magnified and concentrated in the universe of pollutants – known and unknown – that we worry about the most."

Despite vocal concerns, many in the agricultural and wastewater treatment industries say research has shown biosolids use in crop production is safe, so long as the appropriate protocols and regulations are being followed.

The Water Environment Federation (WEF), a non-profit organization representing wastewater and water quality professionals, said that biosolids provide financial, environmental and social benefits, which support sustainable resource management, create jobs and builds healthy soils.

Patrick Dube, Biosolids Program Manager for the (WEF), said pathogen levels set by the EPA for biosolids ensure that it's safe for human health and the environment.

"It's a matter of employing best management practices to make sure we reach those levels. As long as you're following regulations and procedures, there's nothing to worry about with the land application of biosolids," he said. "There are standard tests being done to make sure they are reaching appropriate levels."

While the EPA's regulations don't account for all of the potential contaminants present in biosolids, Dube said the industry is continually looking at new methods of testing and detection. In terms of emerging contaminants of concern, such as pharmaceutical and personal care products that might be found in biosolids, he said the current consensus among researchers in the field is that those levels in biosolids aren't an issue if all current rules and regulations are being followed.

"A lot of concerns are based on maybe not quite understanding or being aware of the process that biosolids undergo to become safe," Dube said. "Type A biosolids that have no pathogens in them are safe for growing crops, as long as you're following regulations and making sure they are applied at a rate that they don't pose any threat to humans."

Lewis, the former EPA microbiologist now with the University of Georgia, said the spread of heavy metals, pesticides, PCBs and pathogens being spread through dust in the air and water from biosolids should be of greater concern. However, he said there is a lack of data on

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the threats that biosolids may actually pose. Instead, Lewis said the EPA and the Water Environment Federation, which is the nation's largest trade organization for the wastewater industry, have worked with agricultural colleges to generate research that aims to support the EPA's rules and say there isn't a problem.

"We had numerous tugs of war with Washington before. This was different. The solution Washington had was to slow down scientists, or stop them," Lewis said about the EPA's work on the 40 CFR, Part 503 rules, which were issued by the agency in 1993 and set out regulations on biosolids. "To my knowledge, the EPA scientists just stopped. With biosolids there was no going back and forth with Washington. I think because of the political and economic pressure that was being done."

In 1997, the Cornell (University) Waste Management Institute concluded that regulations governing land application of biosolids don't protect human health, agricultural productivity and the environment.

In 2002, the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) warned that the scientific underpinning of the EPA's Part 503 rules were based on outdated or nonexistent science. The report included about 60 recommendations for addressing public health concerns, scientific uncertainties and data gaps in the science underlying the sewage sludge standards.

"There is a serious lack of health-related information about populations exposed to treated sewage sludge," Thomas Burke, then chair of the committee that published the report said in releasing its findings. "To ensure public health protection, EPA should investigate allegations of adverse health effects and update the science behind its chemical and pathogen standards."

The committee said it agreed with the EPA's general approach to regulating pathogens, which requires the level of microorganisms to be reduced through treatment and restrictions on land use immediately after biosolids are applied. However, the committee said the EPA should also use new pathogen-detection technology to ensure that treatments are reliable. "Microbial risk assessment should include the possibility of secondary transmission of disease, such as through person-to-person contact or through food, air or water, should also be developed," the report stated.

In response to the NAS report, the EPA in 2003 developed a final action plan that sets out to determine potential risks of select pollutants; measure pollutants of interest; characterize potential volatile chemicals from land application; and understand the effectiveness of water/sludge treatment and risk management practices.

The EPA in July of 2015 updated its plan to include 15 actions that have been undertaken or are ongoing. Those actions include biennial reviews of published data and potential harms; methods for evaluating pollutants; the development of analytical methods for detecting pharmaceuticals and personal care products in sewage sludge; and other measures.

The most recent biennial review issued by the EPA stated that the agency's decision in 2003 that regulation of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in land-applied biosolids wasn't needed for adequate protection of public health and the environment. However, the EPA said it is in the process of analyzing nine pollutants and molybdenum to determine if additional monitoring or regulation was needed. Those pollutants include barium, beryllium, manganese, silver, 4-chloroaniline, fluoranthene, pyrene, nitrate and nitrite. On a longer term basis, the EPA will continue evaluating another 135 chemicals identified as of possible concern, as well as investigating alternative tools for estimating missing data about environmental properties, human health and ectotoxicity values and acceptable concentration data in sewage sludge.

Jonathan Latham, executive director of the Bioscience Resource Project, a public interest organization that provides independent research and analysis in agriculture-related biosciences, said he too believes more research is needed on biosolids.

"It would really be a good thing to know what the content of food

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ends up being," he said. "To look at corn that is fed to animals or in crops eaten by people; what is taken up by those crops."

Foods grown with Class A biosolids, or sludges with more advanced treatments, are permitted for human consumption, but there are no special labeling requirements needed, as is the case with genetically modified foods. However, foods that are considered "certified organic" products cannot be grown using biosolids, under the US Department of Agricultural's certification process.

Further, at least one business has taken steps to notify consumers if biosolids are used in food production. In 2014, Whole Foods implemented its "Responsibly Grown" rating system. The system prohibits the use of biosolids on land within three years prior to harvest.

Tracy Yager, a hydrologist with the United States Geological Survey in Denver, said she and other scientists looked at the use of biosolids from 1993 to 2010. The studies, she said, involved biosolids from a specific wastewater treatment plant, and a large tract of farm land that was used by actual farmers. Overall, she said the specific studies didn't show conclusive evidence on how biosolids specifically impacted crops, groundwater or soils.

"There are all these different complicated layers that we really can't say this comes from biosolids for sure. The best we can say is that it may be consistent with use of biosolids, but it could be something else, like cow manure, which can produce the same results, so there are mixed inputs."

The most recent research on the uptake of contaminants by crops was headed by Edward Topp, a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The study, "Biosolids applied to agricultural land: Influence on structural and functional endpoints of soil fauna on short- and long-term scale," sampled crops for up to 96 months after biosolids were applied.

"Overall, the present study found only weak evidence for negative long-term impacts of biosolids applied at commercial rates on soil fauna," the study stated.

When it comes to biosolids, it's important to note that not all are created, treated or used in the same way. And, despite the terms "biosolids" and "sewage sludge" used interchangeably in some contexts, the materials are very different.

Sewage sludge is formed by wastewater treatment plants during the treatment process. Wastewater coming into the facilities goes through a filtering and screening process to remove rocks, grit, plastic and other items. Water then enters clarifying tanks, where the remaining solid materials are separated through settling. While the water is sent to another area to undergo further treatment, the separated solids that fall to the bottom of the form are a sludge consisting of everything that is flushed into a sewer system. The raw matter at the bottom is considered septic sludge, or what as been called "raw primary biosolids," since 1991 by the EPA. Sludge produced in the primary treatment process can't be used for land application without additional treatment. Likewise, most wastewater treatment facilities employ secondary treatment processes to remove contaminants from water. The most common form of secondary treatment use an activated sludge process, where the bacteria in the sludge is used to break down organic matter left in the water from the primary treatment process. Water is then disinfected, most commonly with a chlorine process, before being returned to the environment. However, advanced treatment processes, such as ultraviolet light, ozone, carbon absorption, distillation or reverse osmosis may be used to further remove pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, metals and other contaminants from wastewater to the point where it may be recycled as drinking water.

Sludge left over from the treatment process must be disposed of, either as sewage sludge or as biosolids that may be used for fertilizer or other applications. Sludge disposal may involve removal to landfills, incineration or surface disposal, where sludge is placed in

lagoons, wastepiles or other such impoundments. Surface disposal sites for sludge don't exist in Michigan.

Most sludges undergo additional treatment at the wastewater treatment plant before they are used or disposed of in order to meet regulatory requirements and reduce costs. Only sludge that is treated to meet federal and state requirements for reducing pathogens, certain metals and the attraction of vectors, or disease-carrying organisms like flies, rodents, can be applied to land or used as compost.

Sludge that is used as biosolid fertilizer is treated through biological, chemical, physical or thermal processes, as well as dewatering or drying. It's these processes that determine the characteristics, quality and use of biosolids produced. The EPA categorizes biosolids as either "Class A" or "Class B" biosolids. Because Class A biosolids undergo additional treatment to remove pathogens, it may be applied to land used for human food consumption. Class B biosolids may contain pathogens that restricts how often it may be applied, and prohibits its use for human food consumption.

Some pathogens found in Class B biosolids could be bacteria such as Bacillus, Legionella, Listeria, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, and others; viruses, such as Hepatitis, or Rotaviruses; Protozoa, such as Toxoplasma or Cryptosporidium; and other helminth worms, according to the EPA's Office of Research and Development.

Class B biosolids must meet certain maximum pathogen levels such as average fecal coliform levels that are below two million units of bacteria per gram.

Class A biosolids are considered by the EPA to be safe for immediate and direct contact with humans and animals based on requirements to reduce pathogens below detectable levels. While soils must still be tested in the application of Class A biosolids, there aren't any crop restrictions, meaning that Class A biosolids may be used as most any other fertilizer in the growth of crops for animal or human food consumption.

Federal regulations require Class B biosolids to have pathogens reduced to levels that are "protective of public health and the environment." The EPA states Class B biosolids may have low levels, but not to the level that they may be sold or given away in bags or other forms for land application at public contact sites, lawns or home gardens, nor used directly for crops used for human food consumption.

Further, fields that have previously had Class B biosolids applied have specific waiting periods before certain crops for human food consumption may be planted.

Class A biosolids that undergo additional treatment methods, such as composting, heat drying and high-temperature aerobic digestion may meet additional requirements for pathogen reduction and metal reductions, qualifying them as "Exceptional Quality," biosolids, or "EQ." Some municipalities in the country that produce higher quality biosolids opt to bag and market them to the general public.

While biosolids produced in Michigan aren't available to the general public, the Great Lakes Water Authority wastewater treatment plant in Detroit produces "Michi-green" biosolids through its partnership with the New England Fertilizer Company (NEFCO), which is available to farmers in bulk amounts.

"There are all kinds of different processes that can lead to different end products. We really focus on Class A, particularly with the drying method," said Manuel Irujo, vice president of operations for Massachusetts-based NEFCO. "Class B is more of the liquid that is land applied by injection, but it can also be a stabilized, cake format, which is about 30 percent solids. NEFCO is Class A, and uses a thermal drying process, which covers the time and temperature used."

The Great Lakes Water Authority recently revamped its wastewater treatment facility to produce Class A biosolids, then retained NEFCO to construct and operate a biosolids drying facility. The production of Class A EQ biosolids at the facility started in February of 2016, and is the largest facility of its kind in North America.

"The end product is dried to 97-percent solids, and it's a granulated

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product, so it's easy to spread," Irujo said. "We only deal with Class A EQ material that comes out to professional quality. That speaks to the pretreatment that the wastewater treatment plant has to eliminate any contaminants."

According to the Michigan DEQ, the Great Lakes Water Authority's facility in Detroit produced about 127,833 dry tons of biosolids in 2016, which includes all forms of biosolids, including that which was applied to land or sent to landfills for disposal. Of that amount, about 32,162 tons were applied to land.

Prior to the implementation of the new biosolids facility, all sludges at the plant were destroyed via on-site incinerators or were processed for Class B application.

"The decision was made for using biosolids for a couple of reasons," said Majid Kahn, director of wastewater for the Detroit facility. "It can be re-used for fertilizer or a granular product. We had incinerators that needed to be upgraded to the maximum standards. At that point, we asked whether we should upgrade two incinerators where it is destroyed, or go the other direction where we can reuse it for a beneficial purpose."

Suzanne Coffey, Great Lakes Water Authority chief planning officer and interim COO of Wastewater, said the authority retained NEFCO to design and build the drying facility, which will also operate it under a 20-year lease agreement. The facility, at 9125 W. Jefferson in Detroit, is capable of producing 420 tons of finished biosolids each day.

"For us, this idea of sustainability is really important, and is about being a utility of the future," Coffey said. "There are other elements we plan to do in the future. We have plans for a wastewater management plan that includes recovering things like phosphorus. We think that's something that's achievable. Also, the energy we use at the plant, we want to reduce our energy consumption. There are facilities that are providing energy to the grid from wastewater. This is the first step of some very big initiatives."

Much of the pretreatment conditions at the facility help to reduce pathogens and contaminants in biosolids that are produced. Biosolids also undergo a dewatering stage, where a percentage of the liquid is removed. It then undergoes a heated drying process, where it's exposed to air at about 1000 degrees until the biosolids reach about 220 degrees for at least 15 seconds, ensuring the elimination of pathogens. It's then processed into a pellet form and stored in large silos at the site, or shipped to locations for land application.

Biosolids produced at the Detroit facility are applied by NEFCO throughout much of southern Michigan, portions of Ohio, and Windsor, Ontario, where biosolid regulations are more restrictive.

Prior to NEFCO's partnership in Detroit, the majority, if not all, biosolids applied in Michigan were Class B biosolids.

"Detroit has skewed the amount of Class A biosolids used," said Mike Person, state biosolids coordinator with the DEQ. "In the state, there are some 30,000 dry tons of Class A, EQ, and probably 75,000 tons of Class B. Detroit is responsible for skewing that for Class A. There are only a handful of Class A facilities in Michigan, but more and more are looking at this as they are beginning to make updates. They are transitioning from Class B to a more dewatered Class A, EQ, and that's a good thing."

Jared Buzo, operations engineer with the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office (WRC), said the office has plans to upgrade the Pontiac Wastewater Treatment Plant so that it will generate Class A biosolids. Currently, the wastewater treatment plant uses an aerobic digestion method to produce Class B biosolids.

"We always call all of it biosolids," Buzo said about the sludge and the fertilizer at the wastewater treatment plants. "In Pontiac, it goes to a digester. That heats it up and some of the biosolids will react and create a gas and reduce the amount of solids."

The gas generated by the breakdown of biosolids is used to power two boilers and an air pump at the plant to further treat the biosolids.

The boilers heat up the biosolids to about 100 degrees, which many of the pathogens in the sludge. From there, the biosolids are sent to a

dewatering process and are then ready for land application.

Buzo said upgrades planned at the Pontiac wastewater treatment plant in the future will heat biosolids to about 300 degrees to eliminate all additional pathogens.

Of the some 3,633 tons of biosolids produced at the Pontiac wastewater treatment plant in 2016, about 1,302 tons were digested as biosolid fertilizer, and about 410 tons of that being applied to farm fields or pastures. The remaining biosolids and raw sludge was disposed at landfills.

"We digest as much as we can, but we have limited capacity," Buzo said.

Still, the process saves the plant money in disposal fees. Current landfill disposal costs at the plat are $54.35 per dry ton, while the application of biosolids cost the plant $31.83 per ton. Buzo said the plant contracts with Bio Tech Agronomics of Beulah, Michigan, to handle the application of biosolids. In 2016, the company applied Class B biosolids from the Pontiac facility to fields in Genesee and Livingston counties.

Other wastewater treatment plants in Oakland County that produced biosolids fertilizer in 2016 include: Wixom, which produced and applied 564 tons of biosolids; the Walled Lake-Novi facility, which produced 337 tons of biosolids and applied 254 tons; the Holly wastewater treatment plant, which produced and applied about 299 tons of biosolids; the South Lyon wastewater treatment plant, which produced and applied 168 tons of biosolids; the Milford wastewater treatment plant, which produced and applied about 149 tons of biosolids; and the Lyon Township wastewater treatment plant, which generated and applied about 66 tons of biosolids.

Lenawee County Commissioner Bob Knoblauch, who stopped farming in about 2003, said he has received phone calls from residents who are concerned about the use of biosolids in the county, particularly the Class A EQ type coming from the Detroit wastewater treatment plant.

"When they were doing spreading when it was cold and there was snow on the ground, nearby residents – particularly when it's windy – ended up having materials in their yards, on their decks and in their water. They have dust on their window sills inside," he said. "Nobody was absolutely opposed to having the material being spread, but in those cases, they thought there should be more guidelines as far as how they had to stay away from residential property.

Knoblauch said the drifting dust from the finer quality EQ being produced has also caused some farmers to take action to stop the spread of biosolids into the watershed and nearby waterways.

"We are in the River Raisin Basin, and that goes into Lake Erie. They have put in tile structures and filter strips next to ditches," he said. "With the tiles, they can cut off water from going into a drainage system, so they put them on if they made a fertilizer application and get a heavy rain, then they can stop the water from discharging into waterways."

The runoff into the river basin, and eventually Lake Erie, is of particular concern, as it is a location that has experienced harmful alga blooms and phosphorus loading in the past.

"Because (Lake Erie) is a non-attainment area, a lot of that work is being done by farmers in the area. The farmers aren't doing the spreading; it's a contractor that does the spreading," Knoblauch said.

"But on windy days when the ground is frozen, some of the material was ending up in the waterway, and they didn't feel that was a good practice to be doing it that way because some are trying to help the situation and it looked like others were creating problems."

Both the Michigan Farm Bureau and the Oakland County Farm Bureau said they weren't aware of any Oakland County farmers using biosolids on their lands. The DEQ, which maintain records of all biosolids applied in Michigan, said it's possible some farmers in the county are using biosolids, but the current tracking system makes listing application by county difficult.

Laura Campbell, agricultural ecologist with the Michigan Farm Bureau, said biosolids are a valuable resource for the agricultural

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industry, and a win for both farmers and the wastewater treatment plants. However, she said there are potential issues, as with other fertilizers.

"The thing that makes them particularly different is that when you deal with biosolids, it's not just human waste, it's everything that homes and businesses put down the drain, so it has to go through a process that is pretty heavily controlled by the state of Michigan," she said.

Other contaminants that are regulated by federal rules include nine heavy metals that the EPA says are commonly found in biosolids, including arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, molybednum, nickel, selenium and zinc.

"They have to go through a treatment process to make sure we aren't contaminating farmland when it's put on, and then there are agronomic rates on where and how much they can spread it, so how much they can apply without creating runoff problems," Campbell said.

Wastewater treatment plants that produce and apply biosolids work with third-party contractors for the actual application of biosolids to land. State and federal regulations require the applicators to conduct certain actions when applying, such as testing biosolids for some contamination and minerals before they are applied, testing soils to ensure agronomic rates of nutrients and minerals aren't being exceeded, and keeping records of tests and the exact location of the land applications.

Biosolids that exceed certain limits can't be applied to land, or must be restricted. Limits include ceiling concentration limits, which is the maximum concentration of each pollutant allowed in biosolids for land application. The EPA also regulates pollutant concentration limits, along with pathogen level and requirements to stabilize organic matter set standards for EQ type biosolids. Those biosolids with metal concentrations below a certain level can be land applied without obtaining a permit. Those with higher levels above the pollutant concentration limits require a permit for each site and rate applied based on agronomic levels, or the nitrogen need of a crop. The cumulative amounts must be tracked. Cumulative pollutant loading rates must also be tracked, which is the maximum amount of a pollutant that can be applied to a site over its lifetime by all biosolid applications.

Finally, annual pollutant loading rates determine the maximum amount each pollutant can be applied in a 365-day period.

Mike Person, with the DEQ's Biosolids Program, said the state's regulations go beyond that of federal Part 503 rules. Those rules include additional soil testing, including phosphorus limits, along with notification requirements to county health departments where biosolids are being applied.

"The permit approval process is far beyond the EPA requirements," he said. "Each facility beforehand has to have a residuals management program plan, which is their way of saying how they will comply with Michigan's Part 24 rules. From operation to vector attraction and pathogens, how it will be tested and analyzed and how it goes through the process of monitoring agronomic rates, as well as how its transported and applied to land."

Person said each facility that produces biosolids is permitted by the DEQ. He said virtually all wastewater treatment facilities then work with other companies to apply the biosolids to land. In order to meet the state and federal requirements, the contractors will execute an agreement on behalf of the treatment facility with the landowner where the biosolids are being applied. The agreements include the type of biosolids that will be applied, the rates and any restrictions on the type of crop that will be grown. The agreement and other information, including soil testing results, are provided to the treatment facilities. The facilities must provide that information to the DEQ on an annual basis.

In terms of enforcement, he said the DEQ does track it, but he can't recall any serious violations. He did confirm an incident in the early 2000s, however, in which a shipment of pickles were seized, after a farmer in the Alma area grew pickles on land that was treated with Type B biosolids. In that case, Person said a neighbor alerted the DEQ about

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the mix up after learning about the biosolids rules on the DEQ's website.

In 2003, a Michigan Auditor General report on the DEQ's Water Division Program, which oversees the biosolids program, found the division didn't effectively operate the program.

The Water Division did not inspect some biosolid generators or sites where they applied biosolids to verify that parties that applied biosolids to land provided or maintained current soil analysis documentation or maintain current soil analysis documentation. Of 13 wastewater treatment plants the auditors inspected in 2000 and 2001, eight didn't have complete inspections. The audit also found a backlog of residual management plans.

Person, who said he wasn't previously aware of the audit's findings, said the program has five equivalent full-time employees that cover the entire program for the state. However, he said each facility is typically inspected every year.

"We set (inspection) priorities based on the size of the facility," he said. "It's the goal to get to every one (inspected). There are some some smaller ones we don't always get to."

In terms of conducting on-site inspections where biosolids are being applied to land, Person said it's also the goal to conduct them each year, however, those actually done are "hit and miss."

"We have a goal to get out to every plant while they are land applying," he said, "but it's not always easy to do."

Professor emeritus and retired Michigan State University Extension specialist Lee Jacobs worked on research with biosolids from about 1973 to 2009 at MSU's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Jacobs also worked on regional research committees to help establish the EPA's Part 503 rules, and Michigan's Part 24 rules, addressing land application of biosolids in the state.

"When I came to Michigan State University, we had some pretty bad sludges that were being generated in municipalities, particularly those in conjunction with metals in the auto industry," Jacobs said. "The sludge that generated a lot of high concentrations of metals we didn't want going to agricultural land."

It wasn't until stricter water quality laws came into effect, some years after they were enacted in the 1970s, that metal concentrations in sludges started to drop, and biosolids use in agriculture was considered favorable. Jacobs said early metal samples of sludges, in some cases, were higher than some ores being mined in the state.

"To give some perspective, it takes about 10,000 parts-per-million to be a one-percent consistency. We found one sludge that had about 27,000 parts-per-million of copper, so basically, we would say there's 2.7 percent on a dry weight basis of solid materials that were essentially copper," he said. "When Michigan had a White Pine copper mine operating, they were basically mining an ore that had a one percent concentration for extracting copper ore. So, that sludge was basically a mineable resource, and something we didn't want to see go out on agricultural land."

Since that time, he said the quality has greatly improved. Further he said land application rates, which are required to be monitored in all types of biosolids, were developed by looking at many different pathways of exposures. Those pathway exposure models, he said, require solid scientific inputs to ensure safety.

"A lot of people have some unscientific views of biosolids application to land, and some just flat out don't like the process and try to make a case against it, and it's not necessarily scientifically-based rational.

Lewis is among those," Jacobs said. "While he had issues with it, most issues he had didn't have a good scientific basis for it. You're always going to have people look and find something that they think isn't appropriate because they don't like the kind of material being used.

"It's not just biosolids, but a lot of scientific issues that people don't like. I'm not saying they don't have valid fears, but a lot of those negative things are based on they just don't like it and are trying to get it stopped."

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BINGHAM FARMS | 32475 Bingham Road | $479,900 This treasured family home on 2.86 acres in the heart of Bingham Farms is a great opportunity for extensive renovation or new construction.

Secluded wooded lot in an area of million dollar homes. Birmingham schools. Home is sold AS IS and also listed as vacant land (MLS#216077377).

Lot Dimesions: 122’ x 656’ x 272’ | 3,074 SF | 5 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 216077373

T IN AC R T ON C R DE UN

S! AY D 5

BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE | 32865 Faircrest Street | $549,000 Landmark 1928 West Beverly home on 1.62 acres adjacent to Rouge River and Birmingham Country Club. Designed by renowned architect Clair Ditchy, the home offers many of the original architectural details, including high ceilings, wood floors throughout (some under carpet), plaster walls, custom molding, 5 fireplaces and a walkout lower level. Whether you have an eye to renovate or recreate, this property is exceptional.

4,234 SF | 6 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217006330

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

Lynn Baker, Associate Broker Deby Gannes, REALTOR® 248.379.3000 LBaker@HallandHunter.com 248.379.3003 DGannes@HallandHunter.com

No home too large, no home too small, we DO sell them all!

LynnAndDeby.com |

Lynn and Deby - Hall & Hunter Realtors

JUST LISTED

PALMER WOODS 1700 Lincolnshire | $699,000

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 4649 The Heights Boulevard | $1,850,000

ROCHESTER HILLS 1970 Oak Pointe | $899,999

A jewel in the city! One-of-a-kind 3-story mansion Gorgeous manor home with 270° views of Westwynd golf Over an acre in a prestigious gated community. Open light-filled floor plan. Spacious 1st floor theater and on close to an acre with formal/informal gardens and course from patios & decks with custom-built pergolas. st sunken pond. Located in unique, involved neighborhood. Expansive chef's kitchen. 1 floor master & walkout LL. master suite with patio access. Finished lower level.

5,583 SF | 5 BR | 4.2 Baths | MLS# 217011285 5,685 SF | 6 BR | 4.1 Baths | MLS# 217002225 7,736 Total SF | 5 BR | 5.3 Baths | MLS# 217019924

JUST LISTED

NEW PRICE

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

CLARKSTON 7608 Devins Ridge | $949,900

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 2462 Selkirk Court | $549,999

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.

Estate home in Bridge Valley sub on almost 2 acres of perennial gardens with views of a serene pond.

European flair. 1st floor master. Walkout LL. 3-car garage.

Wellington sub cul-de-sac location filled with updates and upgrades throughout! Meticuously maintained.

Finished LL with possible 5th bedroom. 3-car garage.

7,442 SF | 5 BR | 4.2 Baths | MLS# 216023510

5,671 SF | 4 BR | 4.1 Baths | MLS# 217017023

3,454 SF | 4 BR | 3.2 Baths | MLS# 217015431

Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500 Ginny Fisher ÂŽ

Lynda Schrenk

REALTOR

REALTORÂŽ

248.225.5945

248.760.6026

gfisher@hallandhunter.com

lschrenk@hallandhunter.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 1772 Heron Ridge Drive | $1,599,000 Pristine executive retreat in private gated enclave on ravine setting.

Renovated Millennium cherry kitchen opens to family room. Beautifully finished walkout lower level with possible 5th bedroom. Entertain or relax on lower paver terraces and expansive decks. 4-car garage.

7,385 Total SF | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217005750

BIRMINGHAM 887 Wimbleton | $799,000

BIRMINGHAM 366 W. Brown Street, Unit #2 | $799,000

Elegantly updated landmark Tudor in charming Poppleton Park offers stylish and elegant details throughout. Highlighted features include a beautiful family room addition and formal living room with marble fireplace. Spacious master suite with renovated bath. Impeccable!

Completely renovated downtown condo boasts an open floor plan filled with sophisticated urban flair. Gourmet kitchen. Espresso wood floors and recessed lighting. Master bath with Carrera marble. Finished basement with wine room. New courtyard patio. 2-car garage.

2,984 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 216100520

2,033 SF | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217018762

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500 Amy Zimmer, Associate Broker Tiffany Glime, REALTOR

Kathleen Jardine

®

Associate Broker

248.469.6430

248.755.4710

azimmer@hallandhunter.com

kjardine@hallandhunter.com

248.930.5656 tglime@hallandhunter.com

ING D N PE E L SA

BIRMINGHAM | 1119 Southfield Road | $849,000 1119Southfield.epropertysites.com No detail was missed in the restoration of the historical “Erwin Farmhouse,” while blending its original integrity with a modernized elegant twist.

Redesigned in 2010 by Jeffrey King Interiors. Truly a unique gem – from the wraparound porch and walk-to-town corner lot, to the lower level retreat.

2,735 Square Feet | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217007071

NEW PRICE

BLOOMFIELD 2385 Heronwood | $1,035,000

BIRMINGHAM | 1763 S. Bates Street | $610,000 1763SBates.epropertysites.com

Executive living in private gated community. Elegant foyer with exquisite marble floors and curved staircase. Updated chef’s kitchen opens to bright vaulted great room. New roof and whole house generator. Magnificent outdoor patio with built-in kitchen by Creative Patio. 3-car garage.

Walk to town from this gorgeous renovated home with open floor plan. Twostory foyer and living room. Sophisticated remodeled kitchen. Spacious master has luxe bath with herringbone marble flooring and claw foot tub accented by a Schonbek chandelier. 2nd floor laundry. Finished lower level.

4,914 SF | 4 BR | 3 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217006686

2,678 Square Feet | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 216108048

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

Cheryl Riback Associate Broker, ABR, SRES 248.808.3112 CRiback@HallandHunter.com

LAKEFRONT

ORCHARD LAKE | 3795 Indian Trail | $1,090,000 Enjoy lakefront living in this lovely home on a gorgeous 78’ x 305’ lot with a 100 ft. dock system and 10’ x 8’ platform. Features include a great room with high ceilings and gorgeous views of Orchard Lake. Expansive open and bright floor plan with living room and dining room area and hardwood floors. Kitchen has granite counters, stainless steel appliances, double ovens, gas range and walk-in pantry. Library/den with fireplace. 4th bedroom/bath on main floor. 1st floor laundry with additional stove. Two garages, one detached. Security alarm and power generator for essential areas of the home. 2 A/C units and 2 furnaces. The ideal setting to relax and enjoy the views!

3,742 Square Feet | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217017710

SALE PENDING

SOLD

SALE PENDING

BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE 22210 Nottingham | $699,000

BLOOMFIELD 1485 Sodon Lake | $589,000

FARMINGTON HILLS 31380 W. Stonewood Court | $549,000

Sophisticated 2012-15 renovation on cul-de-sac in the most desirable subdivision in Nottingham Forest. Open & designer-perfect floor plan. Gorgeous eat-in kitchen.

Master suite has luxurious bath and euro shower.

Spacious lower level with full bath & rec room.

Updated home with mid-century flair on a magnificent lot short of an acre in Sodon Lake area. Spacious and meticulously maintained. Fantastic master with walk-in closet, bath & sauna Jacuzzi. Granite kitchen. Finished LL. 2-car + 1-car garages. Bloomfield Hills schools.

Beautiful Tobocman custom mid-century modern ranch combines sophistication and comfort. Floor-to-ceiling windows and wood trim. Extensive built-ins throughout, high ceilings & travertine floors. Granite island kitchen.

Walkout LL with rec room, office, bedroom & full bath.

3,257 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 217007443

3,524 SF | 3 Bedrooms | 3.2 Baths | MLS# 217009645

4,608 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 217003698

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

Sal Impastato & Mark L. Bess JU ST LIS TE D

248.763.2223 | SImpastato@HallandHunter.com 248.425.3778 | MBess@HallandHunter.com

TROY | 5064 Christy Court | $699,000 Troy’s hidden architectural jewel done to designer perfection with sought-after main floor master suite. A double-story entry with floating staircase leads to vaulted living room with expansive windows, fireplace, hardwood floors and French door to private terrace. Center-island kitchen complete with limestone counters and floors, premium stainless appliances and large breakfast area leads to side deck. Amazing walkout lower level features family room with fireplace and access to private outdoor patio, wet bar and two guest bedrooms with adjacent slate bath. Also includes private office area and large storage room. Premium location!

BLOOMFIELD 600 Pine Valley Way | $850,000

SO LD

SO LD

SO LD

3 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | 3,664 Total Square Feet | MLS# 217016199

WEST BLOOMFIELD 4517 Tanbark Street | $595,000

ROYAL OAK 318 E. Lawrence Avenue | $259,000

JU ST LIS TE D

Spectacular Young & Young Mid-Century modern! Updated soft contemporary with expansive views of Charming vintage Colonial offers newer eat-in kitchen Cement, brick, glass, cedar siding and roof combine the 5th tee of Wabeek CC. John Morgan island kitchen. with access to outside grilling area. Nice-sized master suite with new private bath. Close to downtown.

Master suite with marble bath. Walkout LL. Elevator. in this home designed with a continuous flow.

3 BR | 2.1 Baths | 1,344 SF | MLS# 217002014 4 BR | 2.1 Half Baths | 3,029 SF | MLS# 216114531 4 BR | 3.3 Baths | 5,719 SF | MLS# 216088985

BLOOMFIELD 4011 Blackthorn Court | $385,000 Desirable ranch located on private cul-de-sac in popular Thorncrest sub. Spacious living room opens to large dining room. White kitchen features bright breakfast area and door to paver patio overlooking large yard. 1st floor laundry, basement for storage, newer windows, hot water tank and new septic system. Bloomfield Hills schools.

3 BR | 2.1 Baths | 2,232 SF | MLS# 217017428

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Profit from Our Experience

FACES Jessica Hauser irmingham native Jessica Hauser was looking for a new fitness regimen in 2010 when she met with Khali Sweeney at the Downtown Boxing Gym on Detroit's eastside. What she found was a mission that would change the lives of hundreds of children, as well as her own.

"My friend is a professional boxer, but he never told me of the mission work going on there. He only said he boxed there, but he suggested I work with his coach. Growing up in Birmingham, going to a building in a neighborhood where I knew nobody – it wasn't the most comfortable thing. But one day I did it," Hauser said, now executive director of the Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program. "I instantly felt something. It was packed with kids, wall to wall. I was used to adults talking and kids looking like they were listening, then doing what they want. But I saw kids helping each other with homework and interacting with adults in a real way."

In 2007, Sweeney set out to start a program that blended athletics and mentoring and education, as well as building a place that served as a safe haven for kids. Refusing to charge kids from the surrounding neighborhood, Hauser said Sweeney poured all his possessions into the gym, but it was still on the verge of closing when she arrived.

"I started right away on the legal paperwork so we could accept donations," Hauser said, of her initial work in helping to form a 501(c)3.

Essentially paying her own way to work at the gym for the first three years on the job, Hauser worked to build the trust of those in the community while trying to get donations and volunteers to support the gym.

"It was basically putting out fires on a daily basis, like trying to find $300 to keep the lights on. It didn't happen overnight, and it wasn't an easy path," she said. "But what gave me hope was that everyone who came down here felt that same thing that I felt, so I knew this would be successful. It just took time."

More than 75 percent of the gym's 125 students live within three miles of the gym. Since starting, 100 percent of the 267 kids that have gone through the gym program have graduated high school. Of those, 98 percent have gone through college. Current enrollment in the program is about 125 kids, with more than 700 on the waiting list.

Volunteers and donations, with celebrities such as Madonna and Eminem contributing, have helped to move the gym from its original 4,000-square foot building to a 27,500-square foot space. Vans donated to the gym allow pick-up and drop-off of students every day, and a kitchen donated by Rachael Ray and help from Forgotten Harvest feed kids dinner each day.

Hauser said the goal is to be able to enroll 250 kids in the program, which runs all year.

"Most kids are with us for four years. They start young and don't leave until they graduate from high school," she said. "The impact you can have on a kid for six or seven years, that's pretty powerful.

And a lot say it's a judgement-free zone. They can take all the crap they get all day at school and home, and put it away here."

B

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

MUNICIPAL

City interviews BSD director applicants

By Lisa Brody

Birmingham envisions major city project

By Lisa Brody

After grappling for several years with a shortage of parking, and recognizing an opportunity to redevelop the site at Bates and where the N. Old Woodward parking structure is located, the Birmingham city commission on Monday, March 13, unanimously approved having city staff develop and send out a request for qualifications (RFQ) to solicit developers, engineers, architects and other interested firms in pursuing its redevelopment to include residential, commercial and retail while incorporating hundreds more parking spaces.

Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker noted that for the last several years city staff and the commission had been addressing parking and the shortage that has developed in the city as office space and its usage has changed. A couple of years ago the city looked at adding two floors to the Pierce Street parking structure, as it is the only parking garage with that capability, but parking demands in the city have changed, she noted, “and now the recommendations are that we move forward with the N. Old Woodward deck first.” The existing parking lot would be demolished.

She added that the city's master plan advises for the redevelopment of Bates Street, with a Bates Street connector going through the area behind the N. Old Woodward flat lot.

Rather than having potential developers come up with plans and their own concepts, the city hired noted Birmingham architect Victor Saroki to create conceptual options on how a public/private development could look that the city would prefer.

Ecker said that RFQ “would allow for a two-step process, where we would send this out, and they would show how they qualify, what experience they have, their financial ability, how they could work with the government. Then we would pick a few to work with, and invite those to submit a RFP (request for proposal), and we could be very specific about what we want – the activation of the space and the streets. We recognize the economy goes in cycles, and we think this may be the best time to move forward, rather than wait another five years.”

Saroki explained that he had come up with two main versions, each with an alternate plan. “It became pretty apparent that this

location was the most optimum. It could yield a maximum amount of parking, it created a new street, and it provided the opportunity for new development opportunities, alongside the Willits Building, which is five stories; the Google Building at four stories, and Brookside Terrace, being built, at five stories.”

He said the existing N. Old Woodward parking lot has 572 parking lots, with another 173 spots in the surface lot, for a total of 745 spots. The proposed new deck would have eight levels, with two below grade, for 1,182 parking spots.

The Bates extension, he said, provided the opportunity for a fivestory mixed use building on Willits Street, and two buildings of residential along Bates, which would be extended in the rear of the property, and a five-story mixed use building on N. Old Woodward. An alternate version of this plan would make the residential building just one building, and create a large public plaza for public use with access out to Booth Park. There would be ground floor retail space cut out of the parking structure, he said. “We feel it is an enhancement, with three new development sites,” Saroki said.

The second schematic, Saroki said, would have a seven-story parking structure, with only one level below ground, and the building site on N. Old Woodward. One story of retail would be placed on N. Old Woodward and there would be a smaller pedestrian plaza. An alternate version would provide a liner of retail on Bates Street, with a larger pedestrian plaza. “The advantage of this version is that construction costs would be a little less,” Saroki said. “Even with six stories, the mass of the parking deck will fit in along N. Old Woodward.”

Saroki said he and his staff had talked to some local leasing agents, and they stated that national retailers would likely not want to go into the Bates location, but “more like what you're getting along Cole Street – hair salons, fitness salons.”

But he emphasized, “These three development sites will be premier development sites.”

To questions from commissioners, he said that they felt the residential buildings would have their own underground parking, but the mixed use buildings would have some underground parking and need some parking from the new parking structure, but that the new structure would have ample parking to satisfy both demands.

ix final candidates for the executive director position of the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) were interviewed by the executive board of the BSD on Friday, March 10, with three of the candidates being asked to come back for a second round of interviews on Monday, March 20, to fill the position left vacant when former executive director John Heiney resigned in December after 17 years in the position to move to Prescott, Arizona.

Birmingham City Manager Joe Valentine said a special meeting is being contemplated for Wednesday, March 29, for the full BSD board to further discuss the three finalists, with hopes of making a recommendation for a new executive director to the full board of directors at their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 6.

The city posted the job opening and accepted resumés until the end of January through its human resources department. The six finalists, which Downtown obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, were Darlene Rothman, currently executive director of the Berkley-Area Chamber of Commerce; Christina Sheppard-Decius, executive director of downtown Dearborn; Timothy R. Colbeck, director of the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority; Ingrid S. Tighe, business development manager for Michigan Economic Development Corporation and employment analyst for Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency; and Lori Rondello, promotions and event manager for the BSD, and interim director of the BSD. After lengthy interviews conducted by the executive board, comprising BSD president Geoff Hockman, Richard Astrein, Doug Fehan, Bill Roberts and Valentine, the three asked to return for a second round of final interviews are Rondello, Tighe and Sheppard-Decius. No decision has yet been made on these candidates.

Sheppard Decius has been executive director for downtown Dearborn since August 2015, a community of 100,000, with two downtown districts encompassing 44 blocks, 759 businesses and property owners and an operational budget of $1.4 million. Prior to that, she was a consultant to the downtown Brighton Principal Shopping District, and executive director for 15 years of the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority.

Tighe has worked for the state of Michigan since 2013, promoting Michigan as a competitive place for business investment and job growth, managing company growth and expansion projects, and implementing a veteran hiring implementation program. Since 2007, she has been a SPARK Leadership motivational speaker and consultant. She previously worked for Hines Interests, a real estate corporation.

Rondello has worked for the BSD since 2009 as the promotions and events manager, creating, overseeing and maintaining events to attract people to downtown Birmingham, including Day on the Town, Woodward Dream Cruise, Birmingham Farmers Market, Restaurant Week, Movie Nights, Annual Tree Lighting, and Winter Mrkt. Since January, she has worked with the city, BSD leadership and staff to run the BSD. “It was a well-rounded group,” Valentine said after the first round of interviews. He said the executive board is looking for “someone who in essence has the skill sets Heiney did after 17 years here. Someone wellrounded, who gets along with a wide range of different people and has great people skills. Someone who can manage special events and help work with landlords.”

One member of the executive board said he believes the job has changed over the 17 years since Heiney was there, noting that Heiney was originally more of a special events person, “and now it's more about filling (retail) vacancies, and the changes in retail. Someone with some retail background would be good.” The individual also said he would like to see some creativity in possibly reinventing some of the special events, noting they all have “a life span.”

Another member of the board said he was seeking a more seamless transition, with continuity in special events.

The BSD is funded through a special assessment on all commercial, non-residential property in select areas of the city.

Valentine said the executive director will need to work with merchants, business owners, retailers, landlords and commercial real estate brokers.

The executive director of the BSD will earn between $90,000 and $105,000 plus benefits, and begin after the board's April 6 meeting.

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Ecker said there would be a mandatory site visit at the end of the month for all developers seeking to submit an RFQ, and then a date sometime in April when the RFQ will be due.

Bloomfield finance picture brightening Improvements, both subtle and significant, to Bloomfield Township's financial funds, were disclosed to the township's financial sustainability committee on Wednesday, March 8, as well as a decision to go forward with request for proposals for providers for municipal finances in the future.

The financial sustainability committee is an advisory committee created as an investment advisory panel to advise the board on all investments held by Bloomfield Township, or where the board of trustees acts as a fiduciary. In addition to the township supervisor, treasurer and finance director, a trustee is appointed to the board, along with three residents who are

knowledgable or involved with the finance industry.

Previously, current treasurer Brian Kepes was the designated trustee appointed to the board. To fill his slot, trustee Neal Barnett was recently appointed to the committee, with residents Dave Petoskey, who continues as chair; and Don Katz and Ken Hudson continuing on the committee.

Kepes reported that Prudential Investments, which has $154 million in township pension fund money invested, agreed to defer another $5 million in payments to the fund to cover minimum fund liabilities and retirement costs due to them until December 31, 2017.

“Every year, we're told what we need to provide to them to shore up the fund, based on retirements and the performance of their bond fund,” Kepes said. Last year, the township had deferred a $5 million minimum funding liability, meaning the township now owed Prudential over $10 million – “in essence over 15 percent of our equity balance, which is not a good call,” Kepes said. “I was able to get them to defer $5 million

for another year,” until December 31, 2017, with the remaining $5 million due the end of March 2017.

Kepes reported that as the township's certificate of deposit (CD's) have been maturing, he has been transferring them over to the Oakland County Municipal Investment Pool, which has approximately $1.5 billion in its funds. “It is equalling or exceeding the returns we were receiving in our money market accounts,” he said.

In addition, in an effort to improve the interest rates on the township's bank account at Chase Bank, it was improved from earning 22 basis points to earning 40 basis points.

“That's almost double our interest rates on our daily bank account,” Kepes reported.

Investment company Gregory J. Schwartz & Co. maintains the township's equity account, along with managing $14.5 million in short term bonds. Kepes said for the last four years, the bonds have only made about $5,000.

“Now we're looking at purchasing U.S. Treasury bills, and creating a fund that will hold short term T bills

that we estimate will earn 1.2 percent per year,” Kepes said. In addition, he said they will be cutting investment fees with Schwartz & Co. by 90 percent – somewhere in the neighborhood of $70,000 over a period of several years.

The next order of business for the financial sustainability committee is looking at preparing a request for proposal (RFP) and how to go about the RFP process for their various funds, including the equity fund. The next committee meeting will be Monday, April 10, at 7:30 a.m.

“We look forward to having Schwartz and the other providers participate in the (RFP) process,” Kepes said. “These proposed revisions are consistent with the board's adopted investment policies.”

Emagine liquor license review delay After a lengthy discussion with one of the owners of Birmingham's Emagine Palladium and Ironwood Grill – now renamed and redone as Four Story Burger – the public

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MUNICIPAL hearing at the Birmingham city commission meeting on Monday, March 13, to consider the 2017 renewal of the establishment's liquor license renewal was postponed until Monday, March 27, in order for the planning board to review the new site plan.

At their meeting on February 27, city commissioners renewed all of the Birmingham Class B, Class C, and microbrewery liquor licenses for 2017, other than for Four Story Burger, formerly Ironwood Grill, in the Palladium Emagine Theatre, which failed to file for a special land use permit for changing the establishment's name and menu, and set up a public hearing to consider its renewal for Monday, March 13.

City Planning Director Jana Ecker stated that a certified letter had been sent on February 28 to both Emagine and CH Limited LLC, notifying them of their failure to comply with the liquor license ordinance regarding the special land use permit, with the change in name and concept, and the mailing included the ordinance in the letter.

Mayor Mark Nickita told fellow commissioners the issue was, “It's an either/or – it's for renewal or not for the liquor license.”

Commissioner Stuart Sherman asked if the the applicant was at the meeting. “The issue we have is the applicant is not in compliance with the ordinance for the liquor license.”

Nickita noted that it had been discussed at that last commission meeting, and still had not been addressed by the owners of the establishments.

Jonathon Goldstein, one of the partners of CH Limited Holdings through Cloud Nine, which owns the Maple Theater in Bloomfield Township, came forward. “There was no change in ownership. We did change the name of the restaurant.

When the previous restaurant failed, I was asked to try to create a new concept that the Birmingham community would like better. I had never even been part of the process.

I had never even been in this building before.”

He continued, “I falsely made the assumption that since we were not making any changes to the exterior

of the building, I didn't have to do anything. I only got a letter in the beginning of February that said we were not in compliance with the special land use, which was confusing. I thought the liquor license was in. Since then it has been submitted, with all the site plans, and I thought Ron & Roman submitted everything.”

It was mentioned that the company was notified in September or October that if they were going to make changes at the restaurant, they would have to amend their special land use permit to stay in compliance with their liquor license.

Nickita stated that the permit had to be evaluated, “and it has to go through the process.”

“Mr. (Paul) Glanz still part of the company? Still the CEO (of Emagine Entertainment)?” Sherman asked Goldstein. “He signed the site plan and his organization isn't here, and it wasn't two weeks ago either. The organization is still the same, and I'm troubled because who's running things? Is there signage?”

Goldstein said there wasn't, only temporary interior signage. Nickita

disagreed. “There is. It's on the ceiling and you can see it from the street.”

City manager Joe Valentine noted that new site plans had not come in until the end of the day that day, not with the application for the new site plan.

“So it was not complete for our decision making,” Nickita pointed out.

“I'm disturbed that these ordinances were not important enough for you and your organization to follow,” commissioner Patty Bordman said.

Annual liquor licenses through the state expire on April 30, attorney Tim Currier said, with action necessary by the commission in the month of March, necessitating the reconsideration of the liquor license at the commission's March 27 meeting, rather than at their April 13 meeting. Commissioners did approve a resolution to hold a public hearing at their April 13 meeting to consider terminating the special land use permit for the Emagine Palladium Theatre and Ironwood Grill, which was established in March 2015.

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Lucy closing doors at end of the year

By Lisa Brody

Lucy, the women’s activewear store located at 137 W. Maple in downtown Birmingham, will be closing at the end of the year, after its corporate parent, VF, announced it will close down the brand and combine it with The North Face, another VF brand.

The announcement was confirmed by Dawn Dzedzy, director of marketing for Lucy. “It was announced in February, during VF’s quarterly earnings meeting, when they called for combining Lucy and The North Face,” Dzedzy said.

“They’re going to incorporate the product design team and expertise under one label.”

Many of Lucy’s more popular lines and features will be incorporated into a new line that will come out under The North Face label.

Dzedzy said the competition in the women’s activewear and athleisure wear category led to the

decision to close down Lucy, with The North Face “having superior name recognition, distribution and brand awareness. It’s a more competitive brand.”

There is a North Face store at The Somerset Collection in Troy. Near the Lucy store in Birmingham is lululemon and Gazelle, which also feature fashion forward workout clothing and active wear.

Dzedzy said Lucy will continue to have “lots of new merchandise and product lines through 2017, and they’ll be delivering every few weeks. There’s still lots of good stuff to come from Lucy.”

The Birmingham location has a lease through the end of 2017, according to store manager Lori Peck, and will close at the end of the year. Other locations will close as leases come due. The Novi store is closing at the end of March.

Besides The North Face and Lucy, VF Corporation operates numerous brands, including Lee Jeans, Wrangler, Rock & Republic, Eagle Creek, Jansport, Kipling, Smartwool, Timberland, Vans, Nautica and Reef.

$43 million budget set for 2017-18 A fiscal year 2017-2018 budget, with revenues estimated at $43.4 million and expenditures for the year estimated at $43.3 million, was approved by Bloomfield Township trustees on Monday, March 13.

Township supervisor Leo Savoie said trustees had first begun reviewing the annual budget in November 2016, and had received additions and changes since then. “We had a study session on the budget two and a half weeks ago, and since then, the budget has stood.”

The township’s fiscal year runs from April 1 of 2017 through March 31, 2018.

Township finance director Jason Theis said there is the assumption the township will have a three percent increase in taxable value from fiscal year 2016-2017, estimated at $3.5 billion in revenues. State shared revenue spending is believed to be neutral, while investment income is anticipated to increase in the coming year. A new lease was

approved between the township and the 48th District Court, which will provide increased revenue income, but all other sources of revenue should be neutral.

Property taxes are expected to bring in $32.4 million of the $43.4 million in revenues to the budget, with state shared revenue spending at $3.2 million. Other sources of revenue will provide $7.5 million.

Of the $43.3 million in expenditures, $27.5 million is allocated towards public safety expenses.

“While there are no anticipated elections this year, we may have to purchase new election equipment,” Theis said. In addition, personnel will see a two percent increase in full time wage perks. He said most funds will see a decrease in legal fees due to the hiring of in-house attorney Bill Hampton.

A police department union representative objected to a change in health care benefits for retirees, but treasurer Brian Kepes explained, “It's the same health care as employees receive.” Clerk Jan Roncelli said, “I believe you're going to be very pleased.”

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MUNICIPAL Hendrickson chosen as new city manager

Birmingham hires new city clerk

By Lisa Brody

A

Bloomfield Hills Police Chief David Hendrickson, currently acting as interim city manager, was unanimously approved as the new incoming city manager at a special city commission meeting on Thursday, March 9, after a search committee hired the Michigan Municipal League (MML) to conduct a search for a new city manager following the resignation of former manager Jay Cravens in October 2016.

The criteria set by the search committee, comprised of mayor Michael Coakley, clerk Amy Burton, commissioner Sarah McClure and former commissioner Mike Zambricki, provided Jeff Mueller, executive recruiter with MML, with the criteria they were looking for, including municipal experience, education, and experience with finance, human resources, infrastructure, and ethics, among other requirements. Mueller told the commission that they had 39 candidates apply, with 11 that fulfilled the requirements. Those were screened by MML, with reports provided to the search committee. Of those, three made the final round of interviews. However, one had problems with his background check and withdrew.

Commissioners interviewed Hendrickson and Robert Moffet, city manager of Gladwin, Michigan, for the last 12 years. Moffet told commissioners his primary motivation for applying for the Bloomfield Hills city manager position was that his fiancee lives in Bloomfield Township, and he has been a part-time resident.

While Moffet emphasized experience in budgeting and infrastructure, commissioners were uncomfortable with his lack of knowledge and research on the city, and that it appeared he was only seeking the position because of his fiancee.

“It was obvious he was moving because of his fiancee, not because he wanted the job,” commissioner Susan McCarthy said. “A positive, he's been a city manager, but it's not the experience we need here. He seemed to say the same thing over and over. I didn't feel he did his homework.”

Hendrickson, who has been the city's public safety chief for the last three and half years, impressed commissioners with a positive, proactive, team-oriented approach to governing, despite his lack of city downtownpublications.com

fter a search that provided Birmingham with 21 applicants, the city commission unanimously approved the selection of J. Cherilynn Brown to be appointed as the new city clerk, effective Monday, April 3, at their meeting on Monday, March 13.

A search subcommittee, comprised of commissioners Patty Bordman and Stuart Sherman, city manager Joe Valentine and human resources manager Yvonne Taylor, was appointed by the commission on January 9, and winnowed the 21 applicants to five finalists. They conducted a round of interviews on the five finalists, which led to two candidates for a second round of interviews, Taylor reported. Following that round, the subcommittee's unanimous recommendation was for Brown, currently deputy clerk for the city of Oak Park.

“She comes to the city with a great deal of municipal clerk experience,” Taylor told the commissioners.

Brown, a certified municipal clerk by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, has 17 years of experience as a municipal clerk. Since March 2015, she has been the deputy clerk/director of elections for Oak Park, and prior to that she was the city clerk for the city of Ferndale, from 2007 to 2015. She was also a deputy clerk for Auburn Hills.

She is a member of the Oakland County Clerks Association, Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

“Thank you all for the opportunity. I have been working in all functions of the office since 1996. I am honored and excited for the opportunity,” Brown told commissioners.

manager experience. Hendrickson was previously an administrative captain with the Warren Police Department, where he worked for 27 years. “I had a lot of management, overseeing management of 270 people, with 60 under my direct command,” he said.

He said he is proud of helping the Bloomfield Hills Police Department transition to current standards. “They didn't have rules, policies or regulations – I developed about 80 percent of that. They're going through accreditation process right now. I believe in it, and support it. It's a way for law enforcement agencies to have another set of eyes.”

He said he has built collaborative relationships with other communities that had not previously existed, including a mutual aid agreement with Bloomfield Township Fire Department. “It's a relationship where we're working together, training together. That's a big accomplishment.”

As interim city manager, he said he has continued that practice, working with the finance director on budgetary needs, including prioritizing infrastructure. If chosen as manager, he told commissioners, he would seek greater training for staff, “HR works so everyone has a clear idea of job responsibilities, cross training for everyone so they know

each other's jobs. That would be something I would do right away. We would also attack...goals the commission has.”

As for concerns the commission had for the budget, he said he had a lot of experience dealing with budgets, and that his skill sets, using critical thinking and a responsive nature, would allow him to work well with employees, commissioners and residents. He said he understood the need for the city to find a good funding mechanism to deal with roads, “from maintenance, milling roads for top replacement, to replacing the roads completely, including water mains and sewers.

We've been looking at that to develop a several year plan.”

“I think the chief is clearly the right one for us,” said McClure. “He's a modern, new kind of public safety official. He was managing 60 employees with a $30 million budget in Warren. Public safety here is 40 to 50 percent of our budget. As interim manager, he's shown he's data driven and responsive. There's a couple areas he has less experience, but he's a smart guy, and he's good at making relationships.”

“To me, it's night and day,” concurred commissioner Stuart Sherr.

“The first was too general. David has so far exceeded my expectations. In five and half months, he's tackled all

DOWNTOWN

areas. He's just impressed me in so many levels.”

“I think it's really a no-brainer,” commissioner Mike Dul said. “He's so analytical, and he gets along with everyone. I think he's perfect – he's the guy.”

Commissioners voted 5-0 to have the mayor prepare an offer to Hendrickson.

In the near future, the commission will begin a search for a new police chief to replace Hendrickson.

Two of three bistro plans move forward

By Lisa Brody

At the Birmingham Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, February 22, two of the three proposed 2017 bistro candidates, Adachi and Whole Foods, had their final site plan and special land use permits moved forward to a future city commission meeting for final approval, while the third candidate, Lincoln Yard, was asked to come back on Wednesday, March 8, for more details, although planning board members were also supportive of the bistro concept.

In an unusual move, in October of 2016, the city commission moved forward three bistro concepts to the planning board for further development. Per the city's ordinance, which was created in 2007, only two bistro applications can be approved each calendar year.

The bistro ordinance was developed as an economic development tool to invigorate the downtown streets, create walkability and vitality, and to enhance the retail component of the city. Per the ordinance, a bistro can have no more than 65 seats, with up to 10 at the bar; outdoor seating in front to enliven the walkability of the streetscape; window glazing of at least 70 percent, with windows that open up to the outdoors, to bring the outdoors in; a full kitchen; and more food than bar business, among other requirements.

The three approved applicants for 2017 were for Adachi, an Asian bistro in the Peabody mansion, at 325 S. Old Woodward at the corner of Brown Street; Lincoln Yard, an allAmerican restaurant located in 2159 E. Lincoln in the city's Rail District, in the Birmingham Schools' former bus garage; and inside Whole Foods Market, under construction in the 2100 block of E. Maple, also in the Rail District.

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Report shows crime stable in Birmingham he recently released Birmingham Police Department 2016 Annual Report revealed that the city of Birmingham is a safe place, and other than an increase in larcenies, crime rates remained stable or declined slightly from 2015.

Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence submitted the annual report to city manager Joe Valentine, noting that, “The crime statistics for 2016 continue to reflect that the crime rate has remained consistently low over the course of the past several years.” He noted that there were only 19 burglaries in all of 2016, for both residential and commercial structures, and “considering that the city has approximately 8,500 residential structures and another 500 commercial structures, this is a number all citizens should be very proud of.”

The Birmingham Police Department currently has 32 sworn officers, up one in the last year, from 31 in 2015. Comparatively, in 2014, the department had 30; in 1991, 35; and 1965, 34. However, Clemence said they made three major operational changes to the department, with a new command staff structure, the patrol operation moving to a 12-hour shift format, and the addition of a new police officer, which allows for the assignment of a senior officer to the FBI Financial Crimes Task Force.

With the new command structure, the position of deputy chief of police was eliminated, and three commanders were put in place, for services division; investigative division; and operations division.

“All of these changes have resulted in positive results,” Clemence wrote. “The command structure has been flattened to allow for greater communication and control. The 12-hour shift format has reduced sick time, reduced overtime and increased the number of officers on the street.

The officer assigned to the FBI has assisted on a number of large scale fraud investigations of Birmingham residents whose cases crossed local, state and national jurisdictions.”

The department had 14,863 calls for service in 2016, down from 2015, when they had 16,771 calls for service.

In 2016, there were 174 fraud complaints, compared to 181 in 2015. In 1991, there were 99, and in 1965, only 17 fraud complaints.

There were no incidents of homicide in 2016, and only one criminal sexual conduct, I or III. In 2014 and 2015, there were two complaints each year of criminal sexual conduct, and no homicides. There was one incident of arson in 2016.

There were 48 victims of assault in 2016, consistent with the 45 in 2015, and 50 in 2014.

The area that did see a spike was in larcenies, or common thefts, whether from stores, homes, automobiles or businesses. In 2016, there were 201 larcenies in Birmingham, while in 2015, there had been 158.

That is still down considerably from 1991 and 1965 – in 1991, Birmingham had 728 larcenies, and in 1965, 707.

Another area that saw a decrease in crime over the years is vandalism, with 47 incidents in 2016 and 46 in 2015. Yet in 1991, Birmingham had 248 incidents of vandalism.

There were 10 vehicles stolen in 2016; in 1991, 43.

There was a decline in the number of drivers apprehended while operating impaired, 65, in 2016, down from 107 in 2015, while there were 319 in 1991. In 1965, there were 10.

Clemence, who became chief in May 2016 following the retirement of former Police Chief Don Studt, stated in the report he is a firm believer in participating in multi-jurisdictional task forces under cooperative agreements, where police departments coordinate with neighboring agencies. “These task forces address specialized and complex crime and service-related issues,” he said.

Birmingham currently participates in seven task forces/cooperative agreements, including CLEMIS, a court and law enforcement management information system; a dispatch answering point service; MCAT, major case assistance team; NET, narcotics enforcement team; a special investigations unit; Oakland County tactical unit; and the FBI financial crimes task force. In addition, in 2016, the department joined an accident crash investigation team.

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for several years, saying the central business district of downtown Birmingham is at a saturation point for restaurants and bistros.

Adachi was submitted by Kenny Koza, with 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including owning 11 hotels, five full service restaurants, and three fast casual restaurants; Brian Friedman, a real estate developer and hotel owner in Washington D.C.; and Michael Schlow, executive chef, a winner of numerous awards. The Ford-Peabody building is a historic building, and was approved by the Historic Design Commission for exterior changes, but will need to go before the design review commission to receive a variance, as the building cannot accommodate 70 percent window glazing.

The application for Adachi indicated it met the other criteria, including an ability to finance the project, with a menu focused on southern Asian and eastern Asian cuisine. The design, by Birmingham architect Chris Longe, showed a main dining room, cocktail lounge, and sushi bar and an exterior Japanese garden, with specialties that would include Miso Bronzed Black Cod with seasonal vegetables; cut spicy Tuna, seared Kobe Beef Tartare and Spicy Shrimp Tempura; Crab-Crusted Ahi Tuna with Japanese Hot Mustard Soy Glaze; Miso Bronzed Black Cod Seasonal Vegetables, along with many others.

The planning board recommended it should be forwarded to the city commission for approval as a bistro.

A proposed dining location within the Whole Foods under construction at 2100 E. Maple, is also seeking a bistro license. In its proposal, it stated that rather than 65 seats, it would offer 28 seats in its main dining area and eight additional seats at its bar, for a total of 36 seats, along with 33 outdoor seats. This Whole Foods establishment is one of 467 the company owns nationwide, they stated, and they will be serving American food at its proposed bistro.

“American style food can be found in other restaurants in the city, although the Whole Foods bistro may offer more organic and healthier dishes,” a memo to planning board members stated.

“Whole Foods will be operating its full service grocery with licenses which allow for the sale of beer, wine, and spirits 'to go,'” their application stated. “Whole Foods seeks a bistro license to enable the customer to enjoy a glass of wine or

beer with lunch or dinner. This is a perfect complement to a slice of hand-tossed pizza from a brick oven, fresh sushi, hot soup, salad, or an item from the 'hot bar.' Whole Foods has perfected the art of fresh, 'homemade' prepared foods and meals made to order. Whole Foods’ meals will be available to enjoy on site in two sections of the store; the bistro, and the other cafeteria-style area of the store.”

Planning board members recommended that Whole Foods move on to the city commission for consideration of approval.

Planning board members also really like the proposal for Lincoln Yard, located at 2159 E. Lincoln, to be owned by Curt Catallo and Anne Stephenson, who are experienced restaurateurs, also owning the Clarkston Union, Union Woodshop, Vinsetta Garage and Fenton Fire Hall, among others. The location of Lincoln Yard was once Birmingham Public Schools' bus garage, and would be repurposed and converted into a restaurant serving organic American breakfasts, coffee, pizzas, lunches, and dinners in a warm, airy and rustic setting. Unique to this site, according to the proposal, “will be a focus on light, clean eating with a variety of locally sourced, season specials, featuring Lincoln Yard's own harvest offerings in addition to local farmer's market goods.”

Lincoln Yard, as presented, would have 55 indoor seats, some of which would be in the storefront, with garage doors opening to the outdoors. In addition, they presented 132 outdoor dining seats, of which 68 were proposed for the rooftop and 64 for ground level, most in the rear of the building. They said they would like to be open 8 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, for both indoor and outdoor dining.

Catallo and Stephenson have a history of repurposing locations into vibrant restaurants, which planning board members liked, but expressed concerns regarding parking lot circulation, landscaping issues, the lack of enough outdoor dining in the front of the restaurant in order to enliven the streetscape and create vibrancy, among a few other issues, and asked them to come back on March 8 to represent their application. The site plan and architectural renderings were done

by Krieger Klatt of Royal Oak. Final approval for all bistro licenses will be done by the city commission at a meeting in late March.

SUNDANCE SHOES Lincoln Yard bistro plan awaits decision Lincoln Yard, the third proposed 2017 bistro the Birmingham City Commission approved conceptually in October 2016 and sent forward to the planning board for further development, was unanimously recommended for approval by the planning board on Wednesday, March 8, after making adjustments to their plans which board members had recommended.

The three proposed bistros, Lincoln Yard, Whole Foods and Adachi, will now come before the city commission, likely in late April, for final site plan approval and special land use permit for a bistro liquor license. However, per Birmingham ordinance created in 2007, only two bistro applications can be approved each calendar year. The bistro ordinance was developed as an economic development tool to invigorate the downtown streets, create walkability and vitality, and to enhance the retail component of the city. Per the ordinance, a bistro can have no more than 65 seats, with up to 10 at the bar; outdoor seating in front to enliven the walkability of the streetscape; offer dining options which are not offered elsewhere in the city; window glazing of at least 70 percent, with windows that open up to the outdoors, to bring the outdoors in; a full kitchen; and more food than bar business, among other requirements.

At the planning board meeting on February 22, Adachi, an Asian bistro in the Peabody mansion, at 325 S. Old Woodward at the corner of Brown Street; and a dining spot inside Whole Foods Market, under construction in the 2100 block of E. Maple, also in the Rail District, were approved to go forward. Lincoln Yard, an allAmerican restaurant to be located in 2159 E. Lincoln in the city's Rail District, in the Birmingham Schools' former bus garage, was requested to make certain plan changes, which they did. They eliminated some of the parking in the rear of the restaurant, moving 32 seats to the front of the building to activate the front streetscape; they improved the walkway from the sidewalk to the front door, to make the front entranceway more recognizable from pedestrian vantage points; they broke up the parking areas surrounding the building with more landscaping, and added plantings along the east side of the building. In addition, they provided the board with a written easement for a shared parking agreement with the adjacent building at 2125 and 2129 E. downtownpublications.com

Lincoln, Armstrong White, an advertising and CGI photo retouching studio, to provide more parking for the restaurant.

The board then discussed the unusual conundrum they, and the commission, are faced with, since the commission forwarded three concepts on, rather than the required two. They had a discussion to see if they should prioritize the board's preferences, and all planning board members said that Lincoln Yard would have the greatest positive impact for the city, making it their number one choice.

After that, there was no consensus between Adachi and Whole Foods.

Some board members felt Adachi would be a unique choice, in a historic building, with Asian food, while others were concerned about not preserving a historic building.

Some said Whole Foods would be the more successful option, although it does not fit the normal criteria of a bistro license.

Whole Foods had also sought an economic development liquor license, but commissioners chose to not change the zoning of the site to allow it to comply for the license at their meeting on February 13.

An economic development license is a limited-use liquor license Birmingham created for properties along Woodward Avenue that have increased their value by at least 500 percent. However, the All Seasons independent living building on E. Maple was granted an economic development license in 2015. Two other economic development liquor licenses have been granted in Birmingham, for The Stand, at 34977 Woodward, and Triple Nickel, at 555 S. Old Woodward.

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Water problems at Berkshire, Bingham Two more Birmingham schools discovered higher than allowable levels of copper and lead in the water flowing in some drinking fountains and classroom sinks following routine water testing, according to the school district.

There were issues discovered in drinking fountains, sinks and laboratory sinks at Bingham Farms Elementary School, located at 23400 W. 13 Mile Road in Bingham Farms, and Berkshire Middle School, 21707 W. 14 Mile Road, Beverly Hills, after routine water testing was done throughout the Birmingham Public Schools district in December 2016 by Trace Analytical.

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water sources were tested, and there were five positive results found for lead and copper, including two water sources that are generally considered as drinking sources, located in the drinking fountain bubbler in room 12, and the hallway fountain by the eastern hallway exit to the gazebo.

The other positive results were located in two classroom sinks, in room 14 and room 5, and in a sink in the custodial office.

Students are currently encouraged to bring water bottles to school, and there is a refilling station in the gym.

In an email communication regarding the water testing, Bingham Farms principal Russ Facione stated that the affected sources were shut off until they can remediate and retest as appropriate.

He assured parents that the pipes that bring water into the building were also tested and they are fine.

At Berkshire, there were 18 positive results out of 153 water sources tested, but none of the positive results were at drinking locations. They were at science room lab sinks, and three art classroom

downtownpublications.com

sinks, the school stated. Signage has been placed on the sinks to read “no drinking,” and will remain in place until remediation and retesting is done.

“As a result of the Flint lead crisis, we test the water at all of our schools on a voluntary basis,” superintendent Dr. Dan Nerad said in January. “We do so on a strict basis.

We have tested for lead for several years, and we have had results we were pleased with in the past, but the testing now is much more rigorous and complete. Because of that, in some of our schools, there were some sinks that did not meet the standards. We don't have results yet from all of our schools, and don't know those results yet. We are posting the results on our website as we get them, because it's exceedingly important that we are transparent on all testing.”

Water testing reveals problems at Groves Groves High School, like other Birmingham schools, had water at

the school tested in November 2016, and results were just released, showing that there was lead and copper in two water fountains and high lead and copper levels in another drinking faucet at the school, along with hand wash sinks and sinks in science labs throughout the school.

The two water fountains are located in the main hallway of the school, across from Room D-1.

Groves had its water facilities tested by Trace Analytical. A memo from the district to parents stated, “Out of the 355 water sources tested, there were 102 positive results in water sources. The areas included 93 in the science labs, the two hall water fountain’s, and seven hand wash sinks located in various parts of the building. The water to the fountains located by Room D-1 have been shut off, and the other sinks/areas were singed as 'no drinking.' Signage will remain until we can remediate and retest as appropriate.”

“As a result of the Flint lead crisis, we test the water at all of our schools on a voluntary basis,” said

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superintendent Dr. Dan Nerad said in January. “We do so on a strict basis.

We have tested for lead for several years, and we have had results we were pleased with in the past, but the testing now is much more rigorous and complete. Because of that, in some of our schools, there were some sinks that did not meet the standards.

We don't have results yet from all of our schools, and don't know those results yet. We are posting the results on our website as we get them, because it's exceedingly important that we are transparent on all testing.”

The district shut down the problem water sources, and is currently reviewing the results with Trace Analytical. They plan to re-test the areas that exceed applicable levels.

“We have a three-pronged approach. First, we are turning off water to any and all water outlets where testing has shown high levels,” said Nerad. “We are communicating to our school community, to our families, right away, and we're working with experts to help us with recommendations on abatement, to guide us with what changes we need to make.”

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FACES Paige Mobley he grew up entertaining audiences at The Community House in Birmingham and now Paige Mobley, a stunning blonde beauty, was a finalist on VH1’s “America’s Next Top Model.”

“I grew up doing a lot of dance,” she said. “I realized when I got older that I liked being on stage more than the dancing part.”

The Academy of Sacred Heart High School graduate admitted she would pretend to be sick sometimes so she could stay home from school and watch marathons of “America’s Next Top Model.”

“I always loved the show for the drama and excitement,” she said. “When ‘Top Model’ casting producers reached out to me in Cycle 22, I felt like this was it. I applied and did all the necessary steps. I made it really far, but I just missed the mark.”

Mobley was disheartened when she was not chosen as a finalist for the show’s final cycle on The CW network, but she was not dissuaded from pursuing her dream.

“I did some modeling in New York,” she said. “Modeling in New York is a whole other level. In New York City, you have the best models in the entire world.”

Mobley appeared on the “Ellen” show in a commercial for PC Intel and Best Buy computers. She also played a role in the hit show “Gossip Girls” on The CW. “I played Chuck Bass’s date to a party in a flashback scene during the series finale,” she said.

To her amazement, fate intervened and “America’s Next Top Model” was picked up by VH1. She was contacted by the casting crew, to audition for Cycle 23.

Mobley’s Midwestern charm and beauty earned her a spot among the semi-finalists.

“They call you two weeks before you’re about to fly out,” she said. “It’s very last-minute and hectic, but it’s opened a lifetime of doors and opportunities for me already.”

The show began filming in New York City in July 2016.

They wrapped up in September 2016. Due to confidentiality agreements, Mobley was not allowed to tell her extended family and friends where she was during filming.

“My parents knew, but even they were kept in the dark about a lot of stuff,” she said. “We told people I was on vacation. Communication is very limited.”

In the meantime, she is living in Los Angeles and going to auditions regularly. Appearing on the show has already led to many opportunities. “I’m the new national ambassador for Smile Direct Club and I’ll be hosting on QVC for the company.”

The 22-year-old has dealt with the harsh expectations of a modeling career, but Mobley remains grounded and has an immense sense of gratitude and grace.

“I want to be in charge of my own self-worth,” she said. “I just want to stay on a steady incline, be happy and take every opportunity with a sense of appreciation.”

S

Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Gilbert Flores

FACES

Taryn Asher ox 2 News anchor Taryn Asher was a tenacious little girl who was fascinated by broadcast journalism, drawn to the microphone and determined to stand out.

“Everything was a microphone. I used to narrate and interview my sisters,” Asher said. “I wanted to (be a reporter) since the second grade.”

Growing up, Asher admired Detroit journalist icons Bill Bonds and Diana Lewis. She instinctively knew broadcast journalists had a profound impact on the lives of viewers.

“The Detroit news was so powerful. Even at a young age, I picked up on it.” In pursuit of her lifelong dream of becoming a news anchor, Asher studied journalism and political science at Michigan State University.

“Everything came together in college,” she said. “I saw an internship for something called HOM-TV. It opened so many doors. It really taught me the basics.”

By her senior year at MSU, Asher’s upbeat personality and on-air charisma caught the attention of local news stations. She took a position as a photographer and reporter for WLNS-TV (Channel 6) in Lansing and was later promoted to weekend anchor and reporter.

“I was comfortable (on camera),” she said. “It was second nature.”

In 2000, Asher took a job with WJRT-TV (Channel 12) in Flint. In 2007, she landed a coveted position at Fox 2 News Detroit, where she currently anchors alongside Huel Perkins weekdays at 11 p.m. Not unlike the news anchors she revered as a child, Asher is now impacting the lives of viewers.

Asher earned her third of four Emmy Awards investigating and exposing

F

the synthetic drug epidemic in metro Detroit. Her persistent coverage of the “K2 (synthetic drugs) Crackdown” helped result in a ban on synthetic drugs.

“In a matter of two weeks, we were able to make a significant change.

I was able to make a difference and that’s what it’s all about.”

Asher has established a remarkable career in the newsroom. It is also where she met and fell in love with her husband and fellow reporter, Jason Carr. In 2000, the two met at WJRT-TV in Flint. They co-anchored the weekend morning news and began dating in 2001.

“People knew we had chemistry before we did.”

The power couple married in 2007, and they currently live in Bloomfield Hills with their daughter, Gia. “(Carr) co-hosts ‘Live in the D’ on WDIV-TV (Channel 4). He’s very talented. He is my rock.”

Altruism is a paramount commitment to Asher. She works to bring awareness to organizations such as COTS Homeless Shelter, Community Social Services of Wayne County and Community Living Services.

Regrettably, Asher and her Fox 2 News family were recently devastated by the sudden loss of their beloved colleague, Ron Savage. The tragedy served as a reminder of Fox 2’s comradeship.

“There’s a lot of heart at Fox 2 News. We’ve been able to overcome a lot,” she said. “There have been opportunities to go other places. You never know where life is going to lead you, but I’m happy in Detroit. This is my home.”

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BUSINESS MATTERS Street food arrives In a unique move, St. James Episcopal Church in Birmingham has partnered with Souri and Christophe Gaillard, permitting the Gaillards’ to operate Khao San Birmingham, a Thai street food carry out restaurant which is run out of the church’s kitchen. “This is an offshoot of my family business in Portland, Oregon,” Souri said. “I love cooking, and I wanted to bring Laos and Thai street food to Birmingham.” She said she heard that St. James church had a professional kitchen and professional license that were going unused, “and I have my catering license, so we worked out a deal. It’s a really cool joint venture.” Khao San brings the real flavors of southeastern Thailand and Laos, of which Souri is from, in a seasonal menu that offers family recipes and popular dishes, including many that are vegetarian or have gluten free options. “I looked through family cookbooks to see which recipes people in Birmingham would like,” she said. “I have a changing seasonal menu. A lot of the recipes come from street vendors in Thailand. My cousin and his wife spent about six months in Thailand, taking classes and doing research. Then they adapted them to Portland’s eating habits, and I adapted them to Birmingham.” She said she tries to cook without MSG, and her soy sauce has no wheat gluten. She chooses the best ingredients by reading all the labels. “It’s made me a better cook in the process.

What I cook is what I feed my family.” The restaurant is carryout only, open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, with a secret door buzzer on the Chester side of the building “because there’s a preschool at the church,” she said. “Local businesses call us the ‘secret lunch place.’ People are intrigued.”

Stretch it Cheryl Maher has opened up The Pilates Method at 966 E. Maple Road in Birmingham, focusing on stretching, strength and control.

Maher said The Pilates Method focuses on the “Classical” system of Pilates, a method originator Joseph Pilates designed downtownpublications.com

to be used with equipment she said he created and originally made by Gratz. “The studio is committed to bringing the authentic Pilates method to the Birmingham/Bloomfield area,” their website states. Offering private training and small classes, “each class is focused on the uniform development of your body in order to create stretch, strength and control, resulting in visible changes to your posture and movement.”

Helping young musicians A seven-month long music drive to help disadvantaged students acquire musical instruments is being spearheaded by Birmingham’s Axis Music Academy, 283 Hamilton Row. Participating with Seven Mile Music program, a student-run organization that provides free weekly music and art lessons to K12 students in the city of Detroit, and requesting instruments. Axis Music is running a drive to acquire and provide these students with instruments.

Donations can be done at Axis Music’s Birmingham or West Bloomfield studios, or they will arrange for a pick up. Donny Klemmer of Axis Music said their instructors will fine tune the instruments before turning them over to Seven Mile Music. The program will run through the end of 2017.

Ski shop moves Skier’s Peak, a ski shop that had been located at 6565 Telegraph Road at Maple in Bloomfield Township, relocated to Keego Harbor, at 2867 Orchard Lake Road, a month ago. Hans Enri, hard goods buyer for the store, said, “The big thing was economics. The lease was just too high (in Bloomfield). We’re just a small single store. We went someplace we could survive.”

Skier’s Peak specializes in ski equipment and snowboarding equipment and winter fashion clothing, “everything to keep people warm,” Enri said. In the new location, he said they will also be focusing on water sports, like standup paddle boards, board shorts, flip flops, and are going to be working with local sailing

schools. “We’re not going to be carrying sailboats, but we will carry all the accessories and clothing,” he said.

Hairdresser changes Farrell Reis, who owned a hair salon of the same name at 544 N. Old Woodward in Birmingham for 38 years, said he sold the salon to Shawn Savaya of Savaya Spa Salon, which has reopened in that location. Reis has taken his scissors and brushes to a chair at Antoine’s Salon in Troy at Coolidge and Maple, right by the current Whole Foods. “It was time to sell and have less responsibility,” Reis said, after managing 13 other stylists for years at his own salon. “Now I just handle my own clientele.” Savaya, who is remodeling the salon, was swamped and too busy to comment on the new salon.

Forward moves Real estate brokerage business, Forward Commercial Group, 6785 Telegraph in Bloomfield Township, has recently opened its new office after relocating from its former location at 1025 E. Maple in Birmingham. Broker Emil Cherkasov, who established Forward Commercial in late 2015, said rapid growth during the business’s first year prompted the move from the Birmingham location. The new location will allow the firm to add staff while providing a more centrally located office to the clients they serve, he said. Cherkasov started Forward Commercial after more than 15 years of experience in southeast Michigan. The business offers commercial real estate services, including sales, leasing, consulting and negotiating.

Stitching it up Tailor Nasser Dabaja has taken his expertise and 20 years owning NSEW inc. in West Dearborn and Flint, and opened Perfect Fit Tailors in downtown Birmingham.

Located at 261 E. Maple, on the second floor above Jos. A. Banks Men’s Clothes, specializes in alteration on clothing for ladies and men, as well as leather repairs. “I do anything to do with sewing,” said Dabaja, who said he used to be a handbag maker in

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the 1990s in Beirut, Lebanon, where he is from. He no longer crafts handbags and purses, he said, “because you need different equipment,” but he does do embroidery, company logos, and monograms, notably on men’s shirts. “I decided to come to Birmingham because I was in the area and I really liked it,” he said.

“I love the downtown scene and people walking around on the streets. I decided I wanted to locate here.” His other company, NSEW inc., continues to operate, providing contract services for clothing stores.

Hotel honors The Townsend Hotel and Rugby Grille, 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, were recently recognized by Forbes Travel Guide. The hotel received a FourStar Rating for the fifth consecutive year, while the restaurant received a Recommended rating from Forbes, which has been considered the leading travel guide in the hospitality industry since 1958.

The Townsend is one of only two hotels in Michigan to receive the Four-Star Rating, and Rugby Grille is one of only two in the state to receive its rating. Opened in 1988, the Townsend Hotel has earned a reputation for exceptional services and amenities. “Providing gracious, thoughtful and personalized customer service is the daily goal of our team members at The Townsend Hotel and Rugby Grille,” said Steven Kalczynski, the hotel’s managing director. “Recognition from the travel and hospitality industry’s most respected authorities, like Forbes Travel Guide, serves to validate our efforts, and is always an honor to receive it.”

Out of coffee The Biggby Coffee, located at 1952 S. Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township, has closed its doors.

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.

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FACES Sean Forbes efying seemingly unbeatable odds, Sean Forbes has emerged as a prominent entrepreneur and celebrated hip hop artist despite the loss of his hearing as an infant.

“A high fever caused me to have a 95 percent hearing loss,” he said. “But, my parents and brothers never looked at me as different and I didn’t grow up any different than my brothers.”

At five-years-old, Forbes’ parents bought him a drum set.

“It was a defining moment. My parents were telling me I could do anything I wanted. They shaped my life,” he said.

“When I was about 10 to 12-years-old, I started learning to play guitar.”

Forbes attended Lahser High School in Bloomfield Hills and his relationship with music continued to swell exponentially.

“When I was in high school, I formed a band with my brother,” he said. “My brother was the bass player and I wrote the majority of the material. This is what I wanted to do with my life, but the odds were stacked against me.”

Following high school, Forbes enrolled in the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. There he met his wife, JoJo, with whom he has one child. The experience exposed him to a dynamic new milieu of people who were also deaf/hard of hearing (HoH).

Forbes consistently pursued his music despite general misgivings regarding the ability of the deaf/HoH community to enjoy and create music. “When I hear a new song, I’ll be able to hear what the band or singer is trying to convey. I won’t understand the lyrics until I read them. I’ll listen to that song hundreds of times and maybe within the first 20 times, I’ll be able to get down the process. I’m able to actually enjoy the song after that. It becomes a memory in a sense.

Music is stationary. I’m able to enjoy and expect the same thing every time I listen to it.”

Disillusioned by the lack of access to music for the deaf/HoH community, Forbes partnered up with Joel Martin, owner of 54 Sound Studio in Ferndale. The two created a non-profit organization to offer musical and informational resources to the deaf/HoH community.

“We (co-founded) D-PAN (Deaf Professional Arts Network) in 2006 with the sole purpose of creating sign language videos.”

Forbes created a video signing “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. Through a mutual friend, he had the opportunity to show the video to the award-winning artist. “(Eminem) was shocked. The first thing he said was, ‘Deaf people like music?’” The rapper was fascinated to learn that the deaf/HoH community are interested and capable of appreciating music on a different level.

D-PAN staffs nearly 35 employees and has expanded its resources to include news, entertainment, and educational content.

With notable songs “I’m Deaf” and “Let’s Mambo,” and his full-length debut album “Perfect Imperfection,” Forbes continues to work on his music and performs throughout the U.S. and abroad.

“It’s been a blessing to be able to do that and to create something so many people believed I couldn’t.”

D

Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Jean Lannen

PLACES TO EAT APRIL TASTING EVENTS Tour and Taste Spirit Series #6 - Belvedere, Zim’s 81 & Tito’s Thursday, April 6, 2017 • 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Got Rocks Cigar Lounge $30 inclusive of tax and tip.

Attendees will receive a 20% discount to dine at Big Rock following the tasting.*

Rose Revolution Tour and Taste Thursday, April 13 • 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Big Rock Chophouse • $30 inclusive of tax and tip.

Attendees will receive a 20% discount to dine at Big Rock following the tasting.*

Birmingham/Bloomfield

Stone Street Winemaker Dinner with Craig Ellick Thursday, April 20, 2017 • 6:30 p.m.

Big Rock Chophouse • $125 inclusive of tax and tip.

*Voucher good for the purchase of food and beverage, dine in only, must use the night of this event, no other discounts apply, non-transferrable, no cash value, not good towards 20% tip or 6% sales tax.

Executive Chef Gabby Milton • Executive Pastry Chef Eric Voigt 245 S. Eton St., Birmingham • 248.647.7774 • bigrockchophouse.com

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104

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.

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.

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.

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,

DOWNTOWN

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, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009.

248.258.9400.

Four Story Burger: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 290 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.385.0506.

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.

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

2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166.

Khao San: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, MondayFriday. Carry out only. 355 W. Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.3525.

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.

04.17

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.

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.

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.

Polpetta Meatball Cafe: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.9007.

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 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.

Sidecar Slider Bar: Burgers. Lunch &

downtownpublications.com

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, Monday-Saturday. 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: 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, TuesdaySaturday. 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, Monday-Saturday. 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

DOWNTOWN

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.

The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112.

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.

105

Sundays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

May 7th – October 29th

Located on N. Old Woodward across from Booth Park Ea[`a_Yf%?jgof Hjg\m[] ;]jlaÚ]\ Gj_Yfa[ Hjg\m[] Fresh Prepared Foods • Garden Plants & Flowers Live Entertainment • Kids Zone

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 CafĂŠ: 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 CafĂŠ: 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.

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307.

248.453.5291.

Tre Monti Ristorante: Italian. Lunch, Thursdays. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.680.1100.

West Bloomfield/Southfield

5/7 Opening Day

6/25 Chef Clash Sunday

9/17 Harvest Festival

8/13 Corn Festival

10/29 End of Season Celebration

BirminghamFarmersMarket.org Birmingham Farmers Market

BhamFarmMkt

DOWNTOWN

P U B L I C A T I O N S

106

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.

DOWNTOWN

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 CafÊ & 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.

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

Detroit Angelina Italian Bistro: Italian. Dinner,

04.17

Not to b bee explained. exp explained . To be be exp experienced.

B 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.

2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207.

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: Eurasian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. 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.

downtownpublications.com

3401 Riopelle St., Detroit, 48207.

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, Monday-Saturday. 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, Monday-Saturday.

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.

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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE ". . . the arts have been an inseparable part of the human journey; indeed, we depend on the arts to carry us toward the fullness of our humanity…”

– National Standards for Arts Education During my early days in office as the new President & CEO of the venerable Community House in Birmingham, I had the privilege and honor to meet with scores of Community House supporters, donors, volunteers, community leaders, business leaders and friends, to meet and greet each other, and for me to gain a better understanding of the history of The Community House and to understand the needs of today’s key stakeholders.

Shortly thereafter, I commissioned a yearlong study and outreach initiative (touches) targeted to our local community and beyond, to learn what our constituents, past and present, thought The Community House is, and perhaps what it could or should be.

SEARCHING FOR A JUMBO LOAN? L

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These touches also revealed to us that the vast majority of our friends and supporters pined for or appealed to us to resurrect, celebrate, recognize and promote the Arts and Culture in our region. Not just in Birmingham, not just in Oakland County, but throughout our gifted region.

Bill Seklar

We were urged to become a place – a charitable institution – that provides another home, a second stage, a welcome haven – for individuality, for our young and not so young, for our gifted or for those that value gifted, and for those that seek creativity and for those that cherish artistic importance – in a more humane world.

We couldn’t agree more.

• Fixed rate financing • Up to 100% LTV*+ • Adjustable rate financing • Escrows may be waived** • Construction loans

Consistent with that effort, The Community House’s new Director of Programs and Enrichment, Danny DeRose, and his team, recently announced and new and extraordinary series of lectures, CultureTalks, a series of up close and personal lectures, featuring cultural mavericks from southeast Michigan.

This rare gathering includes Maestro Leonard Slatkin, music director, Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Mr. Steve Wogaman, president, Chamber Music Society of Detroit; Mr. Salvator Salort-Pons, art curator and director, Detroit Institute of Arts; Robert Bury, director and CEO, Detroit Historical Society; and Studio Performers from the Michigan Opera Theatre Studio. CultureTalks is set to take place at The Community House in Birmingham throughout the months of April and May as follows: • Wednesday, April 19th – 6 p.m. – Maestro Leonard Slatkin, music director, Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Celebrating his 10th and final season as Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Slatkin will discuss the changing world of classical music and its prominent place in Metro Detroit.

• Thursday, April 27th – 6 p.m. – Dr. Steve Wogaman, president, Chamber Music Society of Detroit. Detroit’s premiere presenter of national and international chamber music talent, Dr. Wogaman brings a talk about this craft and how it connects to our many greater Detroit communities.

• Tuesday, May 2nd – 6 p.m. – Salvador Salort-Pons director, Detroit Institute of Arts. World-renowned art curator and director, Salvador Salort-Pons will discuss his history and how it brought him to one of the world’s most highly regarded art museums, the Detroit Institute of Arts.

• Sunday, May 7th – 3 p.m. – Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Performance and Discussion. The Studio performers of the Detroit Opera House will dazzle you with their solo and group performances, along with a lecture on opera in Detroit and where the genre is headed in the future.

• Tuesday, May 16th – 6 p.m. – Robert Bury, director and CEO, Detroit Historical Society. Marking the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Detroit riots, Mr. Bury will begin with a short film on the riots themselves and what led up to this historic unrest. A lecture will follow showing how these riots are still shaping much of the Detroit area that we see today.

CultureTalks seats are very limited. Tickets for the entire CultureTalks series are $50. Individual tickets are $15. To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact Danny DeRose, Director of Programs and Enrichment, at dderose@communityhouse.com or via TCH’s website at communityhouse.com.

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House in Birmingham. downtownpublications.com

•

We understand that finding a loan that meets your needs is critical to your overall financial goals. That is why we offer several jumbo loan options.

Universally, we learned that the majority of our constituents viewed The Community House as a cherished place to gather, to learn, to grow, to interact, and to build memories and lasting relationships.

Lynn Wiand Senior Residential Loan Officer 201 W. Big Beaver, Suite 201 Troy, MI 48084 p 248.918.5964 c 248.228.4805 f 248.918.5792 lwiand@ibcp.com independentbank.com/mortgage/lwiand

To learn about your jumbo loan options, Contact your local Mortgage Specialist today.

*Example of a 7/1 ARM loan amount of $600,000 with a 3.625% simple introductory interest rate, 4.611% Annual Percentage Rate, monthly payment of $2736.31. Payment subject to change annually after 84 months, based on 30 year amortization. Rate adjustments based on Index of 1 year LIBOR plus margin of 3.875%. Initial/Periodic/Lifetime caps 5/2/5. Rate effective 12/23/16 and subject to change without notice. Property insurance and taxes required but are not included in monthly payment above. +BPMI (Borrower-Paid Mortgage Insurance) or LPMI (Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance) may be required for LTVs over 90%. 100% option requires a first and second mortgage.

Second mortgage requires LPMI. **Escrows may be waived for eligible transactions on LTV ratios of 80% or less for a .25 discount point charge. Normal credit standards and restrictions apply. Equal housing lender. Member FDIC. 50607 Rev. 01/17

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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.

Bates Street Society Dinner

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Bates Street Society Dinner The Community House Board of Directors welcomed 200 to the second annual dinner ($200, $250 tickets) honoring significant donors ($25,000 Sally Gerak plus). It also saluted community Pillars of Vibrancy who were toasted at a preliminary champagne reception. The 2017 Pillars are: Culture - architect Victor Saroki and publisher of Downtown Publications David Hohendorf; Wellness - Richard Astrein and Beaumont Hospital President Rosanna Morris; Philanthropy - Lois Shaevsky and George Miller; Education - Margaret Matthes. They were eulogized by house CEO/President Bill Seklar and received tribute pins from past pillars before joining the dinner crowd. Violinist Adriana Saroki’s selection of “Amazing Grace” was especially appropriate to the program filled with kudos for the pillars donors and past house leaders. “This place exists because of Gale Colwell and Debbie Schrot,” declared Seklar. After dinner speaker Jack Krasula kept the theme going with quotes from such disparate sources as Mother Teresa and Yogi Berra. ‘Twas a perfect conclusion to a memorable evening at the traditional town center.

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1. Richard Astrein (standing left) of Huntington Woods, George Miller of Birmingham, Margaret Matthes of Rochester, Rosanna Morris (seated left) of Royal Oak, Victor Saroki of Birmingham and Lois Shaevsky of Bloomfield. Not pictured, David Hohendorf of Birmingham. 2. Gerald & Margaret Matthes of Rochester. 3. Michelle (left), Victor and Adrianna Saroki of Birmingham.

4. Dom (left) & Erin DiMarco of Bloomfield, Ric Devore of Birmingham. 5. George Miller (left) of Birmingham, Dick Bradley of Bloomfield, Richard Kamp of Beverly Hills. 6. Pierre Boutrous (left) of Birmingham, Rosanna Morris of Royal Oak, Bill Seklar of Bloomfield. 7. Marion Wyatt and Margo Strickland of Bloomfield. 8. Kathy & Mark Rheaume of Birmingham. 9. Lori Rondello (left) of Beverly Hills, Luanne & Joe Campbell and Sue Seklar of Bloomfield.

Marian Mardi Gras Benefit

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Go Red Get Fit Premiere Party Some 150 women, including Susie Dubin, who has been on a heart transplant list for six years, and Beaumont cardiologist/Detroit Go Red chair Dr. Pam Markovitz, convened in Beaumont Royal Oak’s South Tower Lobby February 8 to rev up for the upcoming American Heart Association luncheon. Heart disease survivor Sarah Witting also told her dramatic story. Others auditioned to tell their stories as national AHA spokeswomen. But it was the hula hoop and dance instructors who got people in a fitness mode.

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1. Eileen Sacca (left) and Cristina Recchia of Bloomfield and Tammy Eberhard of Oakland.

2. Elaina Ryder (left) of Birmingham and Patty Phillips of Royal Oak. 3. Kathy Petoskey (left) and Kristen Biglin of Bloomfield, Janie DePorre of Troy. 4. Mike Burns (left) of Farmington and Tony Montalbano of Bloomfield. 5. Tara Nodland ( left) and Maria Glod of Bloomfield and Alyson Brown of Birmingham. 6. Donna (left) & Rusty Brown and Todd & Lisa Halsted of Bloomfield.

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Marian Mardi Gras Benefit Eileen Sacca, Cristina Recchia and Tammy Eberhard chaired the large, dedicated Marian Benefit Evening committee. Some of the 300 guests ($100, $125, $300 tickets) began it at Mass in the school chapel before strolling to the school gym to party amidst the silent auction ($27,500) display. It included original art by Marian alums. Kathy Carroll, Julie Ryckman and Kathleen McInerney. Jennifer Margherio and Patty Sharkey’s outstanding coordination, respectively, of the Mardi Gras theme décor and sustenance made the evening exceptional. Although dining was self-serve, Sweetest Gourmet caterers had stations enough that lines were practically non-existent and guests could choose between standard or tall tables for camaraderie. Emcee Dan Sharkey kept the ball rolling for auctioneer Jim Bickley and they persuaded John Woch and Bob Recchia to double their generosity when interest in their donations was high. This brought the live auction take to $38,500. Pledging for scholarship assistance and class equipment added another $15,700. Lucky raffle ($19,500) winners included Dave Petoskey and Rusty Brown, and lively music

by Good Gravy kept the good times rolling. The annual event will net an estimated $125,000 plus lots of school spirit.

Lighthouse PATH 25th Anniversary Twenty-five years ago Lighthouse of Oakland County launched its program for homeless women and their children and 150 supporters ($100 and up ticket) gathered at the Birmingham Community House to celebrate the milestone.

Included in the crowd were Noreen Keating, who was Lighthouse CEO at the time, and Larry Goss, who was a member of the Burton Katzman crew. It renovated what has become home to more than 16,000 individuals during the past 25 years. Although PATH is the acronym for Pontiac Area Transitional Housing, it could also mean the road to independence as detailed by former client Jennifer Hughes. “(When we were at PATH), my kids did not know they were homeless,” she said, describing how they enjoyed selecting toys and clothes from the donation room. Junior League of Birmingham was an early PATH supporter and many sustaining members were in the crowd that bought raffle tickets ($5,000) and pledged $13,000 in dedicated giving. Retro party accents included a buffet carving station flanked by an ice sculpture and a

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Sanders crème puff hot fudge dessert. The celebration raised $55,000.

BEF Unabashed Bash The popular annual fundraiser for the Birmingham Education Foundation innovative school programs attracted 240 ($150 ticket) to the Townsend for conversation, cocktails and a seated dinner.

Before dinner the Seaholm String Chamber ensemble and the Groves Jazz band made music. After dinner, Groves seniors Charlotte Beggs and Jadyn Broomfield and the Groves Show Choir got rousing ovations – the seniors for their description of the enriching opportunities BEF had provided and the singers for their vocal selections from “Ain’t Misbehavin.” Then auctioneer Beth Rose energetically conducted bidding for eight items ($23,000) before garnering another $21,300 (counting a matching gift) in outright donations for grants. Counting the silent auction ($19,110), an online auction ($10,340) and a raffle ($5,850), the 16th Unabashed BASH raised a record gross of $158,275.

Faith in Action Dancing with the Stars Three hundred people ($75 ticket) gathered at the San Marino Club for snacks, spirits and to cheer on the 10 good sports and their partners who agreed to compete on the dance floor.

The dancers were Corrin Barnett, Daniel Palmeri, John Lyman, Sandra Rellinger, Stephen Kramer, Hannah Saunders, Priya Mann, Donovan Khamoro, Dennis James and Jennifer Ann Wilson. There were judges, too: Alisa Zee, Craig Wolanin, Hon. Julie A. Nicholson and Frank Beckmann.

When their votes were tallied, Daniel Palmeri had the Judges Trophy and Corrin Barnett had the Mirror Ball Trophy. Dennis James won the online People’s Choice award. The glam evening raised more than $20,000 for Faith in Action of Oakland County. The nonprofit is a partnership of community faith groups, human service agencies, local businesses and volunteers dedicated to delivering free services to help seniors stay in their homes.

Sacred Heart 2017 Benefit More than 240 Academy of the Sacred Heart boosters gathered at the Detroit Athletic Club for the school’s 2017 benefit – Heart of Gold Gala. It honored the extraordinary commitment of Heart of Gold award recipients Tommy and Susie Betrus whose four children attended ASH. The event was chaired by Tom and Karen Hartle whose vision included music by Ben Sharkey and an after-party that lasted into the wee hours. In between a silent auction, splendid dinner and a live auction, attendeesa competed with conversation. Hartle and Mike Gerard did the auctioneering duties. They got $7,500 for an escape to Windsong Resort on Turks and Caicos and $5,000 for a carefully curated Napa Valley experience. Both items sold two times, doubling the take. The spirited, fun downtownpublications.com

Lighthouse PATH 25th Anniversary

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1. Bridget Stockton (left) of Milford, Linda Light of Rochester Hills.

2. Monica (left) & Matt Schwanitz of Bloomfield, Rick David of Pontiac.

3. Becky Sorensen (left) of Bloomfield, Larry & Kathy Goss of Orchard Lake. 4. Patty & C.J. Ghesquiere of Bloomfield. 5. Susan Foley (left) and Noelle Schiffer of Birmingham. 6. Linda & Harve Light of Rochester HiIlls. 7. Dick & Dawn Rassel of Bloomfield. 8. Hal Milton and Maryann Cromwell of Bloomfield. 9. Bob & Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield.

10. Ron & Gail Pope-Rashid of Bloomfield.

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BEF Unabashed Bash

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6 1. Dan Nerad (center) of Bloomfield, Pam Davis (left) of Bloomfield and Catherine Turnbull of Birmingham. 2. Geri & Gordon Rinschler of Birmingham. 3. Rachel Guinn (center) of Auburn Hills, Ben Dolan (left) and Matt Heller of Beverly Hills. 4. Patrick & Ann Liebler of Birmingham.

5. Dave Turnbull (left) and Eve & Wally Haley of Birmingham. 6. Adam (center) and Alicia Acey (left) of Franklin and Alifia Vohra of Birmingham. 7. Jason & Patty Monahan of Birmingham.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK evening netted nearly $230,000 for ASH, which was founded in Detroit in 1851and moved to Bloomfield Hills in 1958.

Sacred Heart 2017 Benefit

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1. Susie & Tommy Betrus of Bloomfield. 2. Karen & Tom Hartle of Birmingham. 3. Mary & Gary Straffon of Bloomfield. 4. Kristine Roth-Bowden (left) of Bloomfield, Agostino Visocchi of Rochester, Staci Zimmerman of Bloomfield, Sharon Myers of Birmingham. 5. Hans-Werner & Anke Kaas of Birmingham. 6.

Kevin & Amy Nowlan of Bloomfield. 7. Maya Marsh & Ryan Marsh of Bloomfield. 8. Mike Gerard and Tom Hartle of Birmingham. 9. Matthew Kunz (left) of Birmingham, John Antakli of Pontiac. 10. Chad & Megan Martin of Bloomfield.

Winning Futures Corks & Forks

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1. Kris Marshall (left) of Troy, Matt & Tina Joseph of Lake Orion. 2. Stephanie & Randy Lett of Birmingham, Bob & Joan Bisciotti of Northville. 3. Jim & Marybeth Parks of Beverly Hills. 4. Kelly (left) & Mike Copeland of Macomb, Steve & Sheri Gordon of Royal Oak. 5. Aletha Jackson (left) of Southgate, James E. Lee of Southfield.

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Winning Futures Corks & Forks The 9th annual Corks & Forks attracted a sold out crowd (350) to The Townsend Hotel on Feb. 25 to support Winning Futures, a mentoring and scholarship program that has impacted over 30,000 youth since its founding in 1994. Nearly 150 VIP supporters arrived early to chat, peruse the silent auction display and sip the sterling wine selection provided by Woodberry Wines. One guest was WF 2016 Mentor of the Year James E. Lee, who is very impressed with the program. “I intend to be Mentor of Year again in three years,” he declared. The dinner program had highlights. CEO Kris Marshall’s description of WF founder, the late Sam Cupp’s life and vision; event chair Matt Joshua’s case for supporting the organization that has started a Keys to College program; alumnus Will Dunbar’s personal testimony of how WF significantly changed his life and still keeps him grounded and motivated today. The fun began when TV’s “Pawn Star” Les Gold conducted the live auction. He got bidders to part with $100,000. Thanks also to additional pledges, the evening raised a record profit of over $250,000.

Bar Foundation Fellows Reception Oakland County Bar Foundation vice president Patrick McCarthy welcomed more than 220 of the 708 foundation Fellows to the annual cocktail reception staged in their honor at the Townsend Hotel. Although membership (nomination by a Fellow and a pledge of $1,000 or $5,000) is not limited to legal professionals, most are attorneys or judges who practice in Oakland County. The reception was quite cordial, like the foundation’s annual Signature Event. It raises money to support programs run by organizations like Lakeshore Legal Aid, HAVEN and RESTORE Foundation which supports the Oakland County drug courts.

Impact 100 Happy Hour Several dozen philanthropic-savvy women gathered at The Bird & The Bread to talk about Impact 100 Oakland County. The idea is simple: 100 women each give $1,000 annually, and each has one vote resulting in a gift of $100,000 to an organization with a big idea but limited access to large funds. Some, like Mary Pat Rosen, Amy Loepp and Colleen Miller, had been in the inaugural group of 100 that launched the Oakland County chapter a year ago. That successful launch enabled them to donate $100,000 in 2016. (Variety’s weekend food program won the women’s vote.) But collective giving is so powerful that the Oakland County chapter wants 200 members by March 31 so it can make two grants this year. “If we had 500 members we could make a grant in each of 04.17

CHRISTIAN

GR OT HE

cgrothe@gmail.com | www.CHRISTIANGROTHE.com | 248.979.1900

275 S. OLD WOODWARD, DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK the five grant areas (arts and culture, education, environment and recreation, family, health and wellness),” Loepp noted wistfully. The group is on the road to the second 100.

Bar Foundation Fellows Reception

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2 1. Dan Quick (left) of Bloomfield, Patrick McCarthy and Lynn Sirich of Birmingham. 2. Hon. Wendy Potts (left), Tom Kienbaum & Liz Hardy of Birmingham. 3. Kerry Cahill (left) of Royal Oak, Sue Ellen Eisenberg of Bloomfield. 4. Jennifer Lord of W. Bloomfield, Lou Eble of Rochester Hills.

5. John Wright (left) of Grosse Pointe, Randy Wright of Birmingham.

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Impact 100 Happy Hour

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1. Amy Loepp (left) and Colleen Miller of Birmingham, Turesa Lewis of Southfield. 2. Blythe Moran (left) and Mary Pat Rosen of Bloomfield, Mindy Vanes of Birmingham. 3. Katherine DiClaudio (left) of Birmingham, Pamela Niekamp of Waterford. 4. Lira Liras (left) and Jessie Bell of Birmingham. 5. Shaina Allen (left), Sherry McCormick and Kim Martin of Birmingham.

Figure Skating in Detroit Launch

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1. Sharon Cohen (left) of NYC, Alissandra Aronow of Ann Arbor, her mother/event sponsor Dr. Marjorie Fisher of Birmingham. 2. Dr. Geneva Williams (left) of Detroit, David & Carrie Aronow of Bloomfield. 3. Liz Punsalan Swallow & Jerod Swallow of Birmingham. 4. Meryl Davis (left) of Birmingham, Jeremy Abbott of Royal Oak and Uka Sato of Troy. 5. Joti Polizoakis of Novi and Isabella Tobias of Birmingham. 6. Tanith Belbin White (left) & Charlie White of Ann Arbor, Charlie, Sr. and Jacqui White of Bloomfield. 7. Julie Fisher Cummings & Peter Cummings of Detroit and Palm Beach. 8. Chuck (left) & Sandra Jacobowitz of W. Bloomfield, Jerod Swallow of Birmingham.

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NATAS Award Luncheon The Michigan chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences gathered at the Townsend Hotel February 26 for lunch and to honor five, 25-year Silver Circle inductees and Henry Baskin, a 50-year Gold Circle inductee. Baskin, an attorney whose list of clients reads like a Who’s Who of the Detroit entertainment community, also had many on-air gigs over the decades. The most recent was his legal-themed program “Due Process” which ended a 32-year run last year. In his acceptance remarks, Baskin noted how much the non-profit community relies on television people for public service announcements and publicity. “The stations work together for the community...(this is) an industry that I love,” he concluded.

Figure Skating in Detroit Launch As a youth development tool, figure skating offers fine idioms. At the invitation only cocktail event held March 1 in the CUBE at the Max & Marjorie Fisher Center, the Fishers’ granddaughter Alissandra Aronow, a former competitive skater, and her friend, Olympic Gold Medal winner Meryl Davis, focused on perseverance.“You have to pick yourself up each time you fall,” Davis noted.

Dr. Geneva Williams, the director of the new non-profit Figure Skating in Detroit, lauded its leadership and academic goals for girls of color. “We are building a foundation on ice,” she told the 200 guests. Sharon Cohen, who founded Figure Skating in Harlem 20 years ago, explained why Detroit was chosen as the first city for expansion and brought a start-up gift for FSD of $150,000. Sondra Williams, an FSH alum now in college, described the power of the program. The launch celebration resulted in donations of more than $75,000 toward the $1.5-million goal. The plan is to have three introductory workshops, a summer day camp and a year-round after-school program called ICE — I Can Excel. It will serve 300 Detroit girls between 6 and 15 years of age the first year.

DSO Classical Roots Celebration The 39th annual Classical Roots Celebration on March 3 was perfectly partnered with the Detroit Historical Society’s project inspired by the 50th anniversary of Detroit’s turbulent summer of 1967. The concert featured the world premiere of “Detroit 67 for Orchestra and Choir” by composer/trumpeter/multi-Emmy Award winner Terrance Blanchard. Both he and violinist Regina Carter were the event honorees. Carter’s virtuosity (“4 Sisters” – an ode to Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan) earned a standing ovation from the sold-out audience 04.17

(2,000), 380 of whom had arrived early for a strolling dinner ($300, $500 tickets), fellowship and a video starring DSO African-American Fellow/bassoonist Alexander Davis staged in the CUBE. They were briefly addressed by sponsor JPMorgan Chase’s Ric Huttenlocker and sponsor DTE Foundation’s Faye Nelson. Event co-chairs Jason Tinsley and Theresa Peace Agboh delightedly announced the celebration proceeds as $300,000 and profusely thanked the sponsors.

All were joined at a dessert and dancing afterglow ($75 ticket for under 40-year-olds) which prolonged the festivities.

Heart Association Go Red for Women “Know your numbers,” Dr. Pam Markovitz said to the 580 ($250 & up tickets) American Heart Association supporters gathered in the Rotunda at Somerset Collection North on March 3. The Beaumont cardiologist who chaired Go Red for Women was referring to the importance of vital signs like one’s blood pressure. “Best is 120 over 80,” she continued in her contagious, upbeat manner. The luncheon program also starred survivor Jennifer Kahn in person following a video of her heart attack survival. And style expert Jeannie Mai, who used her young, favorite uncle’s fatal heart attack to get her immigrant Vietnamese mother to start focusing on fitness.

Emcees Deena Centofani and Sally Lou Loveman also did yeoman service getting guests to raise their paddles and pledge $38,500, counting Dr. Pam’s $15,000 match for heart research. Before lunch, guests had received mini beauty treatments at Macy’s and bid $27,000 in the silent auction. It included lots of great experiences plus some purses filled with goodies donated by AHA supporters. But even the guests who did not buy anything looked like “bag ladies” toting their take home bags stuffed with souvenirs. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the 15th annual Detroit Go Red for Women raised over $700,000. St. John Providence’s Dr. Joan Crawford and ITC Holdings Corp’s Linda Blair were also introduced as chairs of the 2018 Go Red for Women Detroit project.

Benefit for Van Andel Institute Seventy guests ($150 ticket) convened March 9 at Neiman Marcus for the luncheon and fashion show sponsored by the Lighthouse Group to benefit the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids.

During the pre-luncheon champagne reception, they socialized, perused designer apparel in the third floor salons and had make-up applications by stylists from Guerlain, Trish McEvoy and Le Métier de Beauté. After lunch, two passions were on display during the presentation before the fashion show. The first was Carol Van Andel’s for the cutting edge research, collaborations and education (cancer and Parkinson’s disease) that occurs at the institute founded 20 years ago by her in-laws. She concluded her description of the initiatives and the researchers with “...I don’t have a job, I have a dream.” The second was NM style adviser Ken Dewey’s fervor for fashion. He called the show a passion play in three acts which he named Take It to the Max, The Now of the New and The Games People Play. He also shared downtownpublications.com

DSO Classical Roots Celebration

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1. Margie Dunn (left) & Mark Davidoff of W. Bloomfield, Barbara Van Dusen of Birmingham. 2. Carola (left) & Ric Huttenlocker of Clarkston, Guy Simons of Birmingham, Pat Demps of Oklahoma. 3. Keith Mobley (left) of Birmingham and Mable Jones of Detroit, Alex Davis of Detroit. 4. Teri Fenner (left) of Bloomfield, Priscilla Perkins of Troy. 5. Alexandra & Andrew Sherman of Bloomfield.

Heart Association Go Red for Women

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1. Dr. Pam Markovitz (left) of Ann Arbor, Mary Zatina of Detroit. 2. Sindhu Josby of Rochester. 3. Dr. Pam Markovitz (left) of Ann Arbor, Cis Kellman of Southfield.

4. Clarice Golden (left) of Brighton, Diane Aaron Calhoun of Northville. 5. Jackie Rhodes, Kim DeRocher, Ann Krueger, Christina Miller.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK notable quotes about fashion. Like iconic NYC jeweler Harry Winston’s “People will stare. Make it worth their while.” The audience applauded many of the looks. And anyone who did not take home what Dewey called the huge “Bribe Bag” hanging on each chair missed out on valuable gifts from the generous cosmetic houses.

Benefit for Van Andel Institute

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McCann Benefit for Kidney Foundation On World Kidney Day (March 9) more than 200 people accepted McCann Worldgroup Diversified Agencies Global President Bill Kolb’s invitation to “Eat, Drink & Be Giving” at his company’s newly-renovated Detroit headquarters in Birmingham. Two soaring pillars in the flowerbedecked lobby were wrapped in Kidney Foundation orange with the legend “Give a Piece of Yourself.” A splendid silent auction (that raised $21,000), a creative kidney display, food stations and bars were in the adjoining room. National Kidney Foundation Michigan COO Linda SmithWheelock marveled, “Even the bathrooms have kidney facts graphics.” Kolb’s charitable hospitality was motivated by his cochairmanship with Henry Ford Health System’s Wright Lassiter lll of the May 21 Kidney Walk at the Detroit Zoo. To fuel guests’ interest in participating, Melissa Leonard told the moving story of her husband’s life-giving gift of a kidney to his twin brother and 15-year-old Danny Zivian told of his future kidney transplant. “Is anybody here type O?” he asked. The good-natured teen has raised $85,000 for the National Kidney Foundation Michigan since he was 11. “My goal is to get to $100,000 by the time of my transplant,” he said. All funds raised will help the NKFM prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it. This includes 900,000 Michiganers.

1. Carol Van Andel (left) of Ada, Reneé Janovsky of Grosse Pointe. 2. Janet Ankers (left) of Beverly Hills, Barbara Roden and Ken Dewey of Bloomfield.

3. Tara Grekin (left) of Bloomfield, Alicia Long of Waterford. 4. Marianna Keros (left) of Birmingham, Deb Clark of Grand Rapids. 5. Gordana Ferris (left) of Rochester Hills, Anne Widlak of Grosse Pointe, Diane Widlk of Bloomfield. 6. Ginny Zeff (left) of Bloomfield, Kim McFadden of Warren.

7. Tricia Lessway (left) of Bloomfield, Sue Pauli of Sterling Hgts., Mary Anne Lauwers of Shelby Twp.

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McCann Benefit for Kidney Foundation

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1. Bill Kolb (left) of Birmingham, NKFM’s Linda Smith-Wheelock of Canton, John Hiltz of Livonia. 2. Kris Shaffer (left) of Ann Arbor and Mel Smart, Karl Liang and Jill Cooley of Birmingham. 3. Nicole Dowswell (left) of Rochester and Kristin Dipple of Livonia.

4. Marcie Gerlach (left) of Plymouth, board member Josh Bryant of Birmingham, Frank Matyok of Royal Oak. 5. Dawn Deak (left) of Northville and Lori Sullivan of Plymouth. 6. Linda Sarbera (left) of Clifton, NJ, Lance Miller of Birmingham.

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100 Women Who Care of Greater Rochester At the most recent 100 Women Who Care of Greater Rochester meeting, 271 women spent one hour listening to three charity pitches before voting on which one each person found most compelling. When the votes were counted, the Catholic Community Response Team (CCRT) had the most. Because each voter wrote CCRT a check for $100, the social service organization received $27,100 to provide emergency resources for people in need in Pontiac. CCRT director Barbara Williams explained that CCRT’s most pressing concern is keeping people in their homes so they don’t end up on the street. The Women Who Care seeks to support local charities with very direct and basic needs. The group takes pride in its no-frills approach to direct giving. To date, they have raised more than $281,100 for such non-profits as New Day Foundation, Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, Baldwin Center in Pontiac, Hands of Hope, SandCastles Grief Support, FaithWorks, Neighborhood House, God’s Helping Hands, Power Company Kids Club, Dutton Farm, Blessings in a Backpack and Turning Point.

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

Biosolid regulation critical for consumers he saying "one man's trash is another's treasure" may not better fit a situation than the biosolids recycling process, which is used to convert broken down sewage sludge into a useful type of fertilizer. However, the public, as well as state and federal regulators overseeing the process, should be mindful that despite advances in modern science, there still is no philosopher's stone remedy for converting garbage into gold.

Referred to as biosolids, and commonly marketed as "organic fertilizer" under branded names like Milorganite, which has been available to the general public for decades, biosolids fertilizers are made from sludge formed during the wastewater treatment process. In other words, human waste and all the other sewage taken out of water at wastewater treatment plants.

While the ability to recycle those sludges has been known for many years, the practice of applying treated biosolids to thousands of acres of farmland in Michigan is a more recent trend. And, although there is value to farmers and wastewater treatment plants in recycling biosolids, we believe additional research and controls are needed at the state and federal level before turning a blind eye to the potential dangers such material poses to human health and the environment.

In Michigan, about 85,000 tons of biosolids fertilizer is applied to some 18,000 acres of farmland, with about 32,000 tons of that used for growing crops for human food consumption. Most, if not all, of the biosolids used on crops for human consumption comes from the Great Lakes Water Authority's (formerly the Detroit Water and

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Sewerage Department) wastewater treatment facility on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. The remaining biosolids generated in Michigan aren't considered safe enough to be used for growing crops that people will eat.

While federal law restricts lower grade biosolids from being used for people, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's Biosolids Program, which is responsible for enforcing the federal regulations, has just five full-time employees working to monitor biosolids applicators. A 2003 audit of the program found operational deficiencies in it. Further, the case in the early 2000s of potentially tainted pickles that were grown with biosolids unapproved for such uses – discovered by the DEQ only after being alerted by a neighbor – illustrates that additional resources are needed to ensure regulations are being followed.

Contaminants that may be found in biosolids range from cancer-causing PCBs, and PAHs, heavy metals, pharmaceutical products and other chemicals. Regulations provide that measures are taken to destroy disease-causing pathogens, as well as about a dozen other contaminants. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), by its own admission, has said it is in the process of evaluating more than 135 potential contaminants in biosolids.

The impact on human health of eating food grown in biosolids, whether within federal regulations or not, is relatively unknown. While some research has been done on the matter, there seems to be no conclusive findings on the longterm impact of foods grown with biosolids.

Because of the degree of uncertainty, we believe consumers should have the ability to know whether food they are purchasing was produced with the use of biosolids. However, that ability is mostly non-existent, outside of foods labeled as "certified organic," which prohibits the use of biosolids in their production.

At least one retailer, Whole Foods, has taken efforts to provide their customers with additional knowledge about produce with its "Responsibly Grown" rating system that prohibits the use of biosolids on land within three years prior to harvest. We feel it is imperative for all foods grown using biosolids to include additional label information, similar to labeling for genetically modified foods (GMOs).

Lastly, we believe additional oversight may be needed to protect the environment where biosolids are applied. Fertilizers, in general, have been fingered as a contributor to toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie, as well as a potential contaminant to groundwater. Additional steps are warranted to ensure biosolids applied to fields remain on those fields, rather than finding their way into local waterways.

Overall, much of the recent focus on sewage sludge has been to improve its perception by the public. Referring to it as "biosolids," or branding efforts to present it in a more favorable light may improve the image to some degree, but at some point, it's the equivalent of putting lipstick on a pig.

Instead, those in the industry should provide meaningful steps to provide the public and environment protection.

Target new bistros for city Rail District n 2007 the city of Birmingham developed and passed a unique ordinance, the bistro liquor license ordinance, as an economic catalyst for the city. The goal of the bistro ordinance was to invigorate the downtown, create greater walkability by having colorful umbrellas over outdoor dining tables on downtown sidewalks, which would lead diners and shoppers into stores. The ordinance has been, by all accounts, a huge success, helping to invigorate both the central business district and the N. Old Woodward part of town.

Actually, downtown Birmingham, and the area leading into it on N. Old Woodward, are quite saturated with restaurants and bistros, from fast casual spots to fine dining establishments. While there has been some turnover of dining locations, as is natural anywhere, the plethora of bistros and restaurants with traditional liquor licenses – from steakhouses like Cameron’s, Hyde Park and Fleming’s, to smaller spots like Cafe Via, Streetside Seafood, Toast, Social, Luxe, Market, Townhouse, Bella Piatti, and so many others are evidence of the success of the bistro ordinance.

As a matter of fact, in 2011, the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) conducted a thorough review of the bistro license concept, including type,

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scale, condition, location and impact, both positive and negative, that bistros have had on the city. At the time, they were pleased with the benefits to the downtown area that bistros had brought. However, many were concerned that a saturation point had been reached.

It’s time to share the wealth – literally. No one, from city commissioners, city staff, restaurateurs to merchants and those proposing bistros, should forget that the bistro ordinance is, and must remain, a tool to revitalize and sustain areas of the city. This past October, city commissioners reviewed and passed along to be developed three conceptual plans for 2017 bistro licenses, two of which are located in the city’s Rail District, Lincoln Yard and a bistro within the new Whole Foods. The third is on Old Woodward at Brown, an Asian fusion restaurant for the Victorian mansion. All three have passed the planning board’s recommendations, and will return to the city commission for final approvals sometime in April.

However, the city, by ordinance, can only approve two per year.

The commission does have a possible alternate option for Whole Foods, which technically does not fit the criteria of the bistro ordinance. The

commission could approve an economic development liquor license for Whole Foods – which it has also sought – for a project that has improved a site by at least 500 percent. At a recent meeting, commissioners said they did not want to move “the economic development corridor” from Woodward. But they have before, for All Seasons Birmingham, which, like Whole Foods, is on E. Maple. It was a wise move then; it would be a wise move now.

Barring that, we believe the most efficacious determination of which applicants should have the coveted bistro licenses are the two in the Rail District. They will spur greater economic development, walkability in the Rail District area, and create greater vitality in this specific area of the city.

Aside from the fact that we agree with those who think the downtown area has reached a tipping point in terms of the number of restaurants, we also have concerns about the Adachi bistro proposal for the Ford-Peabody mansion on Old Woodward. While the proposal is enticing, this is a historic site that has be altered to become a restaurant. If it doesn’t succeed in a crowded marketplace, the building will be forever changed, the antithesis of historic preservation.

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