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DOWNTOWN01.12 25 The International Baccalaureate

A few local high schools are offering their students the International Baccalaureate program to challenge them in their quest for an education.

15 31

CRIME LOCATOR

39: Marney Rich Keenan

CITY/TOWNSHIP

Axis Music Academy; Lexi Drew; Level Multipsport; Barbara Boz Boutique; Old Woodward Shave Company; GiffelsWebster; Ned's Travelburger

DISTRIBUTION: Mailedmonthlyatnocharge tohomesinBirmingham,BloomfieldTownship andBloomfieldHills.Additionalfreecopiesare distributedathighfoot-trafficlocations. Forthosenotresidinginthefree mail distribution area, paid subscriptionsareavailablefora $12 annual fee. Phone 248.792.6464 and request the Distribution department or go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions”inthetopindexandplaceyour orderon-lineorscantheQRCodehere.

The food and service at Hong Hua in Farmington Hills should convince you that authentic (not Americanized) Cantonese Chinese derserves top billing.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

Nightclub plan rescinded; East Maple improvements; Play Birmingham is back; micro brewery approved; light rail plan nixed; former Kresge building sold, plus more

BUSINESS MATTERS

Many wines fly under the radar. Because they do not lie within best-known categories, these wines do not receive deserved kudos.

AT THE TABLE

51: Brad Sherman

Auctioneers are conductors, showmen, entertainers and one of the more critical elements when it comes to moving items.

FACES

Auction masters

FOCUS ON WINE

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

13: Nick Gorga

Access to police reports

The debate continues on how much access the public can have to incident records maintained by local police departments.

THE COVER Amtrak train, Birmingham.

ENDNOTE

DOWNTOWN P U B L I C A T I O N S DOWNTOWNBIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD 124WESTMAPLEROADBIRMINGHAM48009 P:248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com facebook.com/downtownpublications twitter.com/downtownpubs

Publisher:DavidHohendorf AdManager:JillCesarz Graphics/ITManager:ChrisGrammer NewsEditor:LisaBrody

NewsStaff/Contributors:HillaryBrody, SallyGerak,Eleanor&RayHeald, AustenHohendorf,GarrettHohendorf, KathleenMeisner,LaurieTennent

DOWNTOWN

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

Our thoughts on exploring alternatives to the current styrene-based pipe repair practices; the Complete Streets program for local communities.

INCOMING: Wewelcomefeedbackonboth ourpublicationandgeneralissuesofconcern intheBirmingham/Bloomfieldcommunity.The traditional Letters to the Editor in Downtown are published in our Incoming section, and can include traditional letters or electronic communication.Youropinionscanbesentvia e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com; or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009. Letters must include your full name, address anddaytimephonenumberforverification.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER owntown Publications has watched with interest in recent months as other publications in the metro Detroit area have started to deal with injecting a bit more transparency on the website versions of the news products in terms of people who want to leave opinion comments in reaction to news stories.

The two Detroit dailies and some of the non-dailies in the area are now resorting to the use of Facebook accounts when a visitor to their website wants to leave a comment about a story appearing online or in the print edition. In other words, if you want to leave a comment, you can simply use the access to your Facebook account, which automatically appears at the bottom of each story. Part of the logic behind this move is to make it easier to comment on stories but also to begin requiring people to identify themselves as they offer their opinions online. As one of the Detroit dailies phrased it, using Facebook access and therefore your real name forces a â&#x20AC;&#x153;more civil environment for conversation.â&#x20AC;? Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield, in January of 2011, began requiring visitors to our website to register and create an account with an actual name and e-mail address. Since then, we have added the Facebook access at the bottom of all stories both to make it easier to comment and for identification purposes. As we said in January of last year, in the early days of the Internet there was a Wild West mentality that allowed for commentary to be left on a publication's website on an anonymous basis. That led to interesting reading but the forum often led to abusive and degrading comments on many websites. So it has been reassuring to see that most legitimate news publications in the area now require personal identification before allowing someone to post comments to their site. Long overdue, but a definite improvement in terms of community discourse. Reacting to a story at our website is part of the community dialogue that we hoped the create with Downtown, but it is just one way to lend your voice to the debate on local issues. We accept letters to the editor which appear in our Incoming section each month. Those can be sent by traditional mail or by e-mail to either myself or News Editor Lisa Brody (LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com). Our goal has always been to encourage feedback and discussion about what we write about or other issues in the community, and we are pleased by the continuing response from readers. ****** On a closing note for this issue, if you are a businessperson who wants to target the Birmingham/Bloomfield area in a special upscale publication, then make note that the early commitment ad discount for The Guide, published in March of 2012, is fast approaching. We don't need ad copy but if you want to pick up a 10 percent discount off the ad rates, you need to contact Ad Manager Jill Cesarz (JillCesarz@downtownpublications.com) no later than January 6 to reserve space. Cesarz can explain other discounts that are being offered to those in the business community who are planning to market through The Guide, an upscale community directory providing essential information for local residents and newcomers to the area. She also has a limited number of copies of a prototype we have produced so you can actually see the special format and stock we have selected for The Guide when it was designed. As I said in a recent column, we will be applying the same high editorial and graphic standards to The Guide that have made Downtown such a popular publication. The initial response to our latest publication has been very strong, as we are looking forward to producing the definitive guide for the Birmingham and Bloomfield area. As always, I welcome your feedback. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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Complete Streets plans As a Birmingham resident and director of the Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3), I want to thank you for your recent and in depth article on Complete Streets (Downtown/Nov. 2011). As you stated in the article, Woodward Avenue is prime for Complete Streets efforts. As the only All American Road in the state -- and one of only 38 in the country -- it makes sense to implement these strategies on Woodward. To aid in this effort, WA3 just received a $752,000 Federal National Scenic Byway grant for a Complete Streets plan for the entire 27-mile Woodward corridor – from Detroit to Pontiac. Efforts may include developing a plan for a continuous bike/safety path along Woodward, reducing speed limits and enhancing crosswalks. The plan will help achieve a more integrated and compatible mobility system for people to access the incredible assets, venues, attractions and events along Woodward and throughout its nine communities, while aiding in business attraction, quality of life, economic development, and infrastructure improvements for the region. At a time when Michigan and our region is challenged to seek creative and innovative solutions to make our cities more competitive, healthy and exciting places to live, we appreciate your attention again to the issue. Heather Carmona, Executive Director, Woodward Avenue Action Association

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My compliments on the complete and detailed article in the November 2011 edition dealing with Complete Streets. It is hard for me to imagine after reading the article why any city would not wish to adopt such an initiative, especially when it is supported by the State of Michigan as well as Oakland County and surrounding communities like Birmingham. Government statistics now indicate that over 33 percent of the adult population is obese, and as you point out nearly 50 percent of people with safe streets meet the national recommended activity level which is nearly double that of people who do not have safe streets to walk. I also find especially interesting the comments relating to Complete Street initiatives resulting in increased land and real estate values, along with attracting new development. DOWNTOWN

In short, why would we not endorse a program that encompasses safety, health and increased real property values? I have sent details on Complete Streets programs to the City of Bloomfield Hills Commission in hopes they will support a Complete Streets initiative. John B. Monaghan, Bloomfield Hills

Child Killer cover up? The Grand Jury in Pennsylvania has indicted a former Penn State assistant football coach for numerous criminal sexual charges with several minor boys. Before the case goes to trial, Penn State has fired its president, financial vice president, athletic director and revered football coach. Let me take you back 35 years ago in Oakland County criminal history on this same crime. Christopher Busch and Gregory Greene are charged in Genesee County as codefendants involving the same minor child. Greene is found guilty in the Genesee County case and sentenced to life in prison. Busch pleads guilty in Genesee County, Oakland County, and two other counties to criminal sexual charges with minors and is released on probation in each case without spending a day in jail. What is the basis for these disparate results? Busch was the son of H. Lee Busch, a General Motors executive. Greene did not have access to counsel of his choice. This information became public after November 30, 2007, when Busch was identified as a suspect in the notorious Oakland County Child Killer cases. The above information would not have surfaced without the investigation conducted by the Livonia Police Department, the Michigan State Police and the Wayne County Prosecutor who followed up on this lead. These investigators concluded that Busch was a viable suspect. When their result was passed to their superiors and the Oakland County Prosecutor, further action on the Busch involvement terminated. Despite multiple formal and informal requests from the families of the child victims for the status of the Busch involvement, the Oakland County Prosecutor refuses to meet with them. The Michigan Constitution grants criminal victims the right to confer with the prosecutor. Why the cover up? This history is particularly troublesome to the King family because Tim King, the fourth victim, was abducted after Busch was released as a suspect in the murder of Mark Stebbins, the first victim. The 01.12

SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Birmingham/Bloomfield communities. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. While we don’t have a specific word limitation, we reserve the right to edit for length.

Michigan State Police reports state that Greene had identified Busch as the killer. The Penn State Board of Trustees took prompt action to minimize the fallout on society. Why has the Oakland County Prosecutor denied the victims and the public access to the Busch criminal history and his possible involvement in the sexual abuse and murders of four innocent children? The families of the four victims are owed an explanation. Barry King, Birmingham

Thanks for inclusion I just wanted to thank you for featuring Reading Works (and myself) in your paper (Downtown/December 2011). I loved the article. I have to tell you that so many people contacted me regarding the story. In fact, I was kind of chuckling that I only got a couple of emails/text messages after my article in another pubication, but after your story, at least 50. Good sign that people are reading your paper. Susie Schechter, J.D., Executive Director, Reading Works

Upgrade Amtrak shelter As an occasional Amtrak passenger, I hope the development of Birmingham's Rail District will not overwhelm the already-humble Amtrak amenities there. It's entirely right that "Big Rock Chop House was once a bustling train station" and while rail travel will never again be what it was, one can't help but glance wistfully at that substantial edifice from the dubious glass shelter that approximates a double-wide phone booth. Further, however accustomed nearby residents might be to the activity along the Eton thoroughfare, they should not downtownpublications.com

have to endure overflow parking from the stingily-allocated curbs serving the Amtrak stop. I commend the Birmingham and Troy officials who diligently pursued a shared transit center but I fear that with the collapse of that grand design, the belief has taken hold that nothing can be done. I respectfully submit that, whatever Troy might be doing on its side of the tracks, Birmingham can still proceed to upgrade the shelter and identify additional parking for riders of the rails. Paul M. Seibold, Birmingham

Medical marijuana article Thank you for your well researched, fact-filled article “Betrayal of Voters” about medical marijuana in the December 2011 issue. I have several friends in California and in Michigan with serious diseases or pain who have been significantly helped by using marijuana. Therefore I have a special interest in seeing how the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act of 2008 has been implemented since approved by citizens who voted overwhelmingly for it in all 83 counties of Michigan. There are not enough articles like yours showing how the people’s will has been thwarted by our county and state prosecutor and sheriff – and even by some of the municipalities who are confused and afraid of something they know little about but have been told their whole lives that marijuana is somehow “bad.” I think eventually marijuana will be reclassified as something other than “Schedule One” (an illegal drug with no medical value) because the federal government already allows a few people to receive it from a supply it controls for experiments, and recent experience by the veteran’s administration has shown it to be useful for post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). The reason why 60 plus percent of the people in Michigan voted for Proposal One in 2008 is because nearly everyone knows someone who has been debilitated by cancer or chronic disease. If this is a useful medicine, why not let the people use it responsibly? How ironic in an age when many are calling for cuts in government spending, and for health care savings. A plant that for some people works better than an expensive drug. Thank you for your extensive research on this topic. Information like this is needed if there is ever to be a change in society. Gail Whitty, Birmingham DOWNTOWN

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FACES Nick Gorga atch Detroit is drawing new storefront businesses and a fresh enthusiasm to the streets of Detroit. For Nick Gorga, a creator of Hatch Detroit, personal success in other endeavors carries social responsibility and has guided him in his decision to help others. “My partner, Ted Balowski, and I wanted to find a way to encourage and support local businesses and shine a spotlight on all the amazing ideas of entrepreneurs,” Gorga said. “We would fund one business and, by making it so public, we’d hopefully be instrumental in helping other businesses hatch.” The pair created a contest and collected over 200 submissions from aspiring entrepreneurs. The winning idea would receive $50,000 to start up a retail business based in the city of Detroit. “We were blown away. We expected to get maybe 50 ideas,” Gorga said. “We received a variety of ideas from wine bars to bakeries and art galleries. If you could possibly think of a retail idea, we got it.” Local corporations and individuals devoted to the betterment of Detroit donated funds to Hatch Detroit for the winning idea, but Gorga and Balowski were willing to put the money up themselves if they believed in the idea and the creators were unable to raise the money for it. “We wanted to make sure the project got off and running and would not be bogged down waiting for the money to be raised,” Gorga said. “But we’ve had an amazing response.” Through online voting, the prevailing idea for Hatch Detroit 2011 went to “Hugh,” a male-inspired sophisticated living boutique. The specialty store is slated to open in midtown Detroit by summer 2012 and Gorga hopes that Hugh will create buzz and excitement in downtown Detroit. With overwhelming public interest in their non-profit organization, Gorga and Balowski plan to “hatch” another business in 2012. “Our goal, in the broadest sense, was to help attract and retain people to live and work in Detroit and Michigan in general,” Gorga said. “I think that one of the absolute essentials to that is vibrant and diverse retail.” According to Gorga, his hometown of Birmingham serves as an ideal example of the type of flourishing retail district they hope to hatch in Detroit. “Living in Birmingham has provided a lot of great market resources for Hatch. It shows what a walkable business district looks like at the highest level,” he said. “Studying how Birmingham has done it guides the vision of what Hatch might do for Detroit neighborhoods.” Gorga, a Detroit Country Day School alumnus, is a Princeton University and University of Michigan Law graduate. At just 35years-old, he is a partner with Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn law firm in Detroit and was named to “Crain’s Detroit Business Class of 40 under 40” in 2011. Gorga perceives that building a successful career allows him to use his good fortune to give back to the city. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” Gorga said. “We are working 20 hours a week on top of full-time jobs and families. But, if it costs me 20 hours a week in sleep, it’s a small price to pay.”

Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Esme McClear

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ACCESS DEBATE:

How public are police incident reports? BY LISA BRODY

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“As state and local government services increase and public The debate on the issue continues to this day in the communities problems become more sophisticated and complex and therefore of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. harder to solve, and with the resultant increase in revenues and “Whoever police have arrested, even before charging them, can expenditures, it is incumbent upon the state and its localities to quintessentially be allowed (under the state Freedom of Information extend public accountability wherever and whenever feasible. The Act),” said Herschel Fink, a noted media and First Amendment attorney with Honigman Schwartz Miller and Cohn law firm in Detroit people's right to know the process of governmental decision-making and to review the documents and statistics leading to determinations and Bloomfield Hills. “Victims of crimes can also be identified. Police may say otherwise, but the Freedom of Information Act says they both is basic to our society. Access to such information should not be thwarted by shrouding it with the cloak of secrecy or confidentiality. can be. As for a confidential source to the police, which leads to an The legislature therefore declares that government is the public's arrest, we should have access, but we don't usually pursue that.” As a citizen, each one of us is entitled to walk into our community's business and that the public, individually and collectively and police department and request a police incident report. “I think they're represented by a free press, should have access to the records of government in accordance with the provisions of this article.” quintessentially public records,” Fink said. “They're clearly subject to In Bloomfield Township, a request for a police incident report can the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and the public has a be made at the department records unit, Mondays through Thursdays, legitimate interest in the crime in their communities, as well as how from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. their police departments There is a flat rate fee of deal with that crime.” $10 for incident reports General police reports and a Freedom of consist of automobile crash ach one of us has the right, some even assert, the civic obligation, to ask Information Act request reports, private property and look into what is going on in our respective communities. That can must be completed. A form theft reports, larcenies, include attending city commission, board of trustee meetings, and planning can be accessed on their home invasions, auto board meetings, reading their transcripts, or following media reports, to know website, thefts, thefts from autos, what is happening, and how elected officials are operating our cities and bloomfieldtwp.org. fraud, drug offenses, townships. In Birmingham, “FOIA assaults, murder, breaking We are each permitted to find out what crime is occurring in our should come in for and entering, arson, communities by requesting specific police incident reports. If we ask our everything because that's identity theft, and governmental officials and police departments, and do not receive satisfactory the standard the state has damaged property responses, we as individuals have a form of legal redress. It's called the set down for the release of incidents. Freedom of Information Act. public information,” said Bloomfield Hills Police The Freedom of Information Act is a tool that is often used by members of Birmingham Police Chief Chief Richard Matott the media, as representatives of the public, to find out what is taking place, or Don Studt. responded, “Anybody who's has taken place, but it's not only available for use by the media—it's an easy He said Birmingham involved in an incident can and accessible tool for every citizen. And the cost should only be the price of follows the letter of the ask for a copy of the police copying a file, although some communities do charge for the clerical cost to law. Fink might disagree. incident report. For the access a requested file. Studt stated that if a official version, they'll need Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was amended by 1996 PA criminal case is pending, to FOIA it. The charge is 553, and its basic intent regulates and sets requirements for the disclosure of the incident report is the fee for whatever the public records by all “public bodies” in the state. By “public body,” the act excluded. Ditto if the case cost of copying it is. means a state officer, employee, agency, department, division, bureau, board, is under investigation, or if However, it would be commission, council, authority, or other body in the executive branch of the an arrest has been made redacted as long as the state government, but does not include the governor or lieutenant governor, but a final adjudication has case is not under the executive office of the governor or lieutenant governor, or their employees. not been made. investigation. If the case It also includes an agency, board, commission, or council in the legislative “If there's an ongoing isn't completed, or if we're branch of the state government; a county, city township, village, inter-county, investigation, which still checking out all of the inter-city, or regional governing body, council, school district, special district, or means we still have a victims and allegations and municipal corporation, or a board, department, commission, council or agency; criminal investigation photos, then we couldn't or any other body which is created by state or local authority, or one that is going on, that's our release the incident report funded by or through state or local authority. All state agencies, county and definition (of exclusion),” no matter what.” other local governments, school boards, other boards, departments, Studt said. “If a juvenile is Fink disagrees, saying commissions, councils, and public colleges and universities are covered. involved, or if it's a sex incident reports should not crime, we won't release be sequestered to those involved with a specific crime, but available to anyone. “The public needs any names or sensitive documents. There are exemptions for private to know what is going on in their communities and neighborhoods, and to interests.” He noted that they have had situations a few times where citizens hold police accountable, and those on their local councils and have come in requesting the house plans of a house being built in the commissions, and in townships, their boards of trustees, accountable, to city, claiming they're public. what is happening. By and large, the public has an interest in police “For example, you see a house being built, and you like it. You go activities, and can, and should, access incident reports.” into the planning department of the city, and you request the The Committee on Open Government at the Department of State, complete building plans because they're filed with them,” Studt said, regarding FOIA, that “a free society is maintained when government is responsive and responsible to the public, and when the explained. “But those are an example of an exclusion because they're someone's work product.” public is aware of governmental actions. The more open a Those who access police incident reports from multiple police government is with its citizenry, the greater the understanding and departments note there can be variations between not only the access participation of the public in government.

Michigan Freedom of Information Act

Y EARL ENT M E PLAC OUNT C DIS LINE DEADARY 6! JANU

THE GUIDE 2012 BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD

Downtown Publications is excited to be presenting its newest publication for 2012, The Guide. Designed as a high-quality stock, convenient-size annual publication that will serve as the definitive directory to the communities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. We have designed a publication that is more befitting these special communities, and we think we are uniquely qualified to capture the essential information for the Birmingham and Bloomfield area. With our monthly news magazine, Downtown, we have established a track record of producing a quality, upscale editorial and advertising product. We will be applying these same high standards to The Guide, 25,000 copies of which will be mailed in March 2012 to residents in the area. The Guide will serve as the source of essential information for local residents and newcomers to the area. Special early-commitment and other advertising discounts of up to 20 percent are being offered, so start your planning now to be part of the special annual publication. Further detailed information can be obtained from Ad Manager Jill Cesarz by phoning 248.792.6464 or jillcesarz@downtownpublications.com, or scan the QR code at the bottom of this ad. Make sure your business is represented in The Guide 2012!

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DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD 124 WEST MAPLE ROAD BIRMINGHAM 48009 P: 248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com

to reports, but what is reported in different municipalities' reports. “Birmingham and Bloomfield are overly concerned about their reputations and are overly abusive of the Freedom of Information Act, and are wholly illegitimate and, in my opinion, do so to protect the community reputation, and that does a great disservice to the community because then the community does not know what is going on in their backyard,” said Fink. “Then the community is not able to use the public's power of election and community pressure to make sure the police and public officials fully perform their duties because people are deprived of information. That's the whole basis for the Freedom of Information Act—to give the community information because the public needs to know if the police deprive them of public of information, which in my opinion is contrary to law. Then public officials cannot be held accountable because the public does not know what is going on.” Fink points out that a traditional watchdog of public misdeeds has been the media, be it of someone like former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, or more recently, former Wayne County Airport Authority's Turkia Mullin. But the media's ability to watch and catch transgressions on smaller, more local levels has been curtailed in recent years due to cost-cutting, news closures, combining of beats and media organizations, and other financial fallout. “The media has traditionally been the enforcers of this, and more and more they are challenged financially, and do not have the resources that it has had in the past,” Fink noted. “The less court actions go to enforce these laws, public officials sometimes take advantage of that to hide potentially embarrassing information because there's no one there to police the police. TV stations are encountering it as much as print media. That's the dilemma we're facing. It's a real challenge to the First Amendment.” An example of how the media can be a community and political watchdog occurred in a landmark 2008 Michigan Supreme Court ruling regarding the Michigan State University newspaper, The State News, which sued the university over Freedom of Information issues, and prevailed. In 2006, there was a serious assault of a Michigan State student in a South Hubbard Hall dormitory room. The State News made a FOIA request to Michigan State University to have the police incident report, including the names of the assailants, released. Michigan State opposed the FOIA, claiming the FOIA privacy claim and that law enforcement was continuing its investigation. The incident allegedly involved an MSU student who, along with two other men, assaulted a victim by pouring gasoline on the victim and threatening to light it while wielding a handgun. MSU officials denied the initial FOIA request to “protect the integrity of the criminal process and the safety and privacy of individuals,” according to a statement from university spokesman Terry Denbow in 2006. At the time, then general manager of the State News, Marty Sturgeon, said they were really just looking for the suspect's name and mug shot. The State News sued MSU, represented by Herschel Fink. They initially lost at trial, but overturned the ruling on appeal. In a published decision, the Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the case to the trial court, concluding that the trial court erred in finding that the entire report was exempt. The case eventually made it to the state's Supreme Court, which ruled for The State News, noting, “We give effect to the Legislature's intent as expressed in the language of the statute.” “The MSU case was a prime example of a public safety department and a governmental body trying to protect itself,” Fink said. “There was crime on campus, and they didn't want the public to know about it, especially about a crime in a dorm. It was a long and expensive battle, of which the ultimate outcome was that the Court of Appeals was quite critical of the university administration. “And ultimately, it was all moot because by that time, the perpetrators had been charged and sentenced, and there was no longer any controversy. It was a waste of money,” Fink noted. “But that's a good example of what we're dealing with fighting various public bodies' release of information that could cause public embarrassment.” DOWNTOWN

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BIRMINGHAM-BLOOMFIELD

REAL ESTATE TODAY Rightsizing: what option is best for you? Written by Barbara Draplin, RealtorÂŽ

PG 21

Barbara Draplin helps you consider your many options as you make the decision to rightsize.

2012 Home Trends: upgrades worth considering Written by Rebecca Meisner, Associate Broker

PG 21

Rebecca Meisner takes a look at hot home trends for 2012 and helps you determine which upgrades might be right for you.

,QYHVWLQJ LQ UHDO HVWDWH Written by Penny Toth, RealtorÂŽ

PG 22

7KH ĹšUVW LQ D WZR SDUW VHULHV RQ LQYHVWLQJ LQ UHDO HVWDWH )LUVW Penny Toth explains why real estate can be a good long-term LQYHVWPHQW VWUDWHJ\

New home construction generates jobs and money Written by Robert Taylor, Associate Broker

Robert Taylor explores the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Multiplier Effectâ&#x20AC;? and what it can mean to our local economy.

cbwm.com | 248-644-6300

PG 22

ROBERT DUNDON 248-224-6236 office: 248-433-5443 | rdundon@cbweirmanuel.com | cbwm.com

SOLD Troy

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Bloomfield Hills $3,100,000

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Bloomfield Hills | $899,000

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| Extraordinary residence in the exclusive gated community of the Hills of Lone Pine. Situated on a spacious well-landscaped lot with pond view. Curved staircase, two-story fireplace, granite kitchen, first floor master, walkout lower level.

cbwm.com | 248-644-6300

Troy

| List: $120,000

Rightsizing: What option is best for you? by Barbara Draplin

As the Baby Boomers head to the next chapter in their lives, many are reflecting on the idea of rightsizing. Rightsizing your living environment can be fun and exhilarating but many postpone the decision too long as emotional and financial considerations come into play. Many Boomers are either full or part-time caregivers for their grandchildren or elderly parents. Some Boomers have grown children returning to the nest to save on living expenses (if they ever left at all). Finally, some Boomers have shed these responsibilities and are looking for a ‘lock and leave’ housing choice so they are free to travel or live somewhere else part of the year.

Timing and finances It makes sense to meet with your financial advisor as well as your Realtor® to review your options. But if you can move, now is a great time to take advantage of the market. Low interest rates and a recovering real estate market make it a great time to actively pursue your rightsizing plans today. There is also a favorable property tax environment right now. SEV’s have been reduced to, at or below capped assessed values; in many cases, eliminating the undesirable “pop-up” tax that hindered these types of discretionary moves in the past.

Kitchens The kitchen is the center of the home and it is estimated that a major kitchen remodel in our region can recoup up to 60% of the project cost.*

Barbara Draplin welcomes your comments: 248-433-5404 | bdraplin@cbweirmanuel.com

Kitchen appliances are becoming even more practical and accessible. One example is the center island refrigerator drawer than can be stocked with meal ingredients for the cook or juice boxes for the kids. Dishwasher drawers and wine refrigerators are also showing up in kitchen islands and butler’s pantries. Finally, six-burner stoves, and double ovens are still in demand for serious cooks or those who love to entertain.

Popular kitchen finishes include: stone surfaces (granite, Caesar stone, poured concrete), What makes the most sense for you? stainless appliances, and bright lighting. Cabinet The main objective in rightsizing is to make your choices vary quite a bit, but many designers are lifestyle more fun and affordable. Just like planning recommending that cabinets be a single color your retirement and managing your finances, you throughout the entire house (kitchen, laundry, want to make sure you have the advice of a trusted bathrooms, etc.). People are still choosing either professional. Always depend on your Realtor to help white cabinets for the kitchen or dark “furniture you research and consider all of your options so you style” wood cabinets to match tables or other can make the most of this exciting time in your life! furniture in an adjoining living room.

2012 Home Trends: Upgrades worth considering by Rebecca Meisner

But you don’t have to do a compete remodel to make a big statement. A tile backsplash provides a lot of interest in the kitchen and can be a relatively easy weekend “do it yourself” project. Popular tile choices right now include natural stone or even glass which reflects a lot of light and comes in a wide array of colors.

Let’s look at three of the most likely choices for Boomers considering a move: Rightsizing This is a newer housing trend for aging Boomers, born out of some of the situations mentioned above. When several generations are living under one roof, space is at a premium. Some Boomers are actually making lateral moves or upsizing to accommodate grown children, grandchildren and elderly parents. Because of this trend there are both newer and renovated homes available today with split floor plans, in-law suites and even separate guest quarters. Downsizing Traditional downsizing is still happening. Many people are doing what their parents’ generation did and simply moving to a smaller home. Some advantages to a smaller home include lower utilities, and less maintenance. There are many affordable, modest-sized homes in our local neighborhoods Condominiums and active adult communities For some, the maintenance-free lifestyle of a condominium is the most attractive option. For those spending weeks or months away in warmer winter climates, condos can offer a “lock and leave” solution. Newer urban condo venues also provide a concierge lifestyle for those desiring a more upscale environment.

In addition to preparing food, busy families often use the kitchen for homework, socializing, and as a command center to pay bills and organize calendars. This has driven a trend for extra counter space, desks, and work islands.

Flooring Wide plank wood floors (4” or 5”) and large square tile (24”) in slate, stone or porcelain are showing up in a lot of model homes right now.

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but no one can argue with good return on investment. If you’re thinking about customizing your home for your own enjoyment or renovating with the intention of listing your home for sale in the near future, here are some upgrades you may want to consider. They range from simple to extensive, but all will add value to your home. It all starts with color Paint is an easy and inexpensive way to freshen the look of your home. Paint trends for this coming year include neutral colors such as off-white, taupe and warm greys, but also some deep and moody shades of blue and green. Designers are currently in favor of painting accent walls in complementary colors, and keeping a consistent palette throughout the entire house.

cbwm.com | 248-644-6300

Bedrooms and bathrooms Bathroom remodels are always a great way to get return on investment, in some cases up to 55% of your costs.* Today’s trends in master baths include linen closets, built-in storage, and radiant heated floors. Stall showers with all glass “Euro” doors and steam or sauna features, and soaking or jetted tubs are also hot right now. Many master bedrooms are featuring fireplaces, mini fridges (for coffee, water, etc.), adjoining sitting rooms, space for fitness or home office equipment, and “his & her” closets. Mud rooms The mud room or “owner’s entry” is an often under-valued, under-utilized space. But this space is working harder nowadays with the installation

of built in “cubbies” or storage lockers. Having a place to hang up coats, backpacks, and sport equipment makes this a great staging area for busy families. Outdoor space Outdoor living rooms are a great way to extend inside comfort to the outside of your home. Brick paver or stone aggregate patios are often favored over decks due to lower maintenance. But because of topography or the style of the home, many people still consider a deck. Adding a deck can recoup between 56%* (for composite) and 60%* (for wood) of your project costs. Either way, today’s decks and patios have outdoor kitchens and fire pits with cozy furniture such as weatherproof couches and loveseats. A little change can have a big impact If your budget won’t allow for major renovations, consider making some small changes: Replace kitchen and bathroom cabinet hardware and outdated light fixtures, use higher wattage light bulbs to add brightness, paint one accent wall, or remove outdated wallpaper. Most importantly: de-clutter! Don’t be afraid to make changes to your space in 2012, but remember that some upgrades are worth more than others. *Remodeling magazine online report 2010-2011

Rebecca Meisner welcomes your comments: 248-408-2212 | rmeisner@cbweirmanuel.com

Investing in real estate by Penny Toth

In today’s volatile investment climate, many investors look for ways to diversify their portfolios. Investing in real estate can be a solid wealth-building strategy. While some people may be leery, remember that buying real estate is similar to buying stocks. Both types of investments offer short-term and longterm strategies. Under the short-term approach investors buy, rehabilitate and sell for a short-term gain. Under the long-term approach, investors buy, lease and build equity over several years creating a long-term gain with built-up equity over time in addition to an ongoing income stream. This month, we are going to focus on long-term strategies. Next month we will explore “house flipping” as an investment strategy.

There are several factors to consider when deciding to invest in real estate. Some of the factors include: the availability of time, money and your personal expertise. Investments in real estate are not for everyone and they should only be part of a balanced portfolio. It is also important to understand that though the housing market has historically experienced steady appreciation, there can be periods of downturn. For this reason, buying property should be part of a long-term investment strategy. So let’s take a look at the structure of a typical residential real estate investment. In this scenario, we will consider the purchase of a single family rental property for $150,000. Lenders typically require a 30% down payment on non-principal residences, (a home you will occupy less than 6 months out of the year) in this case it would be $45,000 down with a mortgage of $105,000. Assume an interest rate of 5% for a 30 year term. The monthly payment for principal, interest, taxes and insurance would be approximately $1,080. Good rental properties should yield a monthly rental amount equal to approximately 1% of the purchase price. In our example, that would mean monthly rent of $1,500 yielding a monthly net income of $420, or $5,040 in the first year. Even when closing costs are added to the initial investment, a return of nearly 10% percent for the first year would not be uncommon. Holding this investment for a longer period would bring several other considerations into play. For example, part of the monthly net income must be set aside for maintenance and replacements that will be necessary during the holding period. In addition, as tenants turn over, there will be potential losses due to vacancies and leasing costs. But on the other hand, your equity will continue to build for two reasons: first, each monthly payment being made out of the rent will pay off a small amount of the loan principal. Over time, the net value of the investment steadily increases to full market value. In addition to the equity build-up via loan amortization, the value of the property will most likely appreciate over time, creating even more net value.

New home construction generates jobs and money by Robert Taylor

In the BirminghamBloomfield market, new construction is making a surprising comeback. According to new Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) data permits for new single family homes, by the end of the 2011, will be the strongest they have been in four years. The projection is that the final figures for 2011 could see a 13% to 19% improvement over last year. This recovery is not limited to just our market. All of Oakland County is experiencing a lift with new construction permits estimated to be the highest in five years (up a robust 24% over 2010). Another estimate, which includes all of the counties monitored by SEMCOG, has 2011 housing starts at 23% ahead of last year. A study conducted by the National Association of Realtors® estimates that for each dollar spent directly on housing between $1.34 and $1.62 is added to the gross domestic product. This is the “Multiplier Effect” in action. “The Multiplier Effect” happens when one industry (such as construction) has the potential to generate jobs and money both directly and indirectly for other businesses and industries. I recently assisted a friend with the construction of his new home and I was amazed at the number of different pairs of boots that walked the dirt to get that home built. Counting the builder, his tradesmen and the subcontractors, forty-eight different companies were paid. There were also several nonbuilder entities that benefitted from this home build: the bank, the title company, and furniture and home improvement stores, just to name a few. People employed in those sectors go on to spend more money on other consumables. Thus, the “Multiplier Effect” in action.

Every potential real estate investment will be different and must be evaluated by a competent professional. For those willing to manage a tangible asset, deal with tenants and leave their investment dollars committed for a longer period of time, a single-family rental may be a good choice for a portion of their portfolio.

The bottom line is improving. Construction and resales of existing homes is providing a positive financial impact on our local economy. It is a slow recovery with a long way to go, and homeowners and buyers need to be patient. But it is improving. And as the market picks up, buyers and sellers alike should remember that it is absolutely necessary to have a trusted advisor who is an expert in your local market because after all, all real estate is local.

Penny Toth welcomes your comments: 248-433-5491 | ptoth@cbweirmanuel.com

Robert Taylor welcomes your comments: 248-433-5432 | rtaylor@cbweirmanuel.com

cbwm.com | 248-644-6300

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EXPERIENCE MATTERS Buying or selling a home, even under the best of circumstances, can be a stressful and complicated undertaking. So with the real estate market we find ourselves in today, choosing an experienced professional to represent your interests is even more critical than ever. In my 24 years as one of the top real estate professionals in Birmingham and Bloomfield, I have conducted business in all types of market conditions. I can help you price, stage and market your property to maximum advantage, as well as give you advice on financing, appraisals, and short sales.

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classes in each of his junior and senior years at Detroit Country Day, and sat for lengthy, internationally determined exams in each class at the end of his senior year. The IB program at Detroit Country Day is optional, with 16 students, or 10 percent of the graduating class, choosing to participate. “It was our largest IB graduating class in 34 years,” said Jonathon Porter, IB Diploma Program Coordinator, Detroit Country Day School. He noted that of the 16 students in the 2011 IB graduating class, 15 passed and received their International Baccalaureate Diploma, including Gruskin. Many are now attending Ivy League universities. Detroit Country Day has offered an International Diploma program since 1978, the longest continuous curriculum in the area. “It was begun by the headmaster at the time as another way for the school to distinguish itself educationally. If it's an elite education, we want to be a part of it,” Porter said. “I'm so happy I did it for a high school education,” Gruskin said. “I really liked the style of learning of the IB. It focused on the depth of learning rather than just the breadth of learning. I found the AP (Advanced Placement classes, another advanced educational barometer) classes more superficial. For me, it was a way to stand out on a college resume rather than having a lot of AP classes and exams.” While Detroit Country Day School has offered the International Baccalaureate program for the last 34 years, for many years they were the lone ranger of IB in the area. Recently, several other private, parochial, and public schools have begun to offer IB programs to some or all of their students. Schools as diverse as Bloomfield Hills Schools, International Academy, Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy in Pontiac, Kingsbury Country Day School in Oxford, Southfield Schools, Novi Schools, Clarkston Community Schools, and Troy Schools have begun offering all or part of the International Baccalaureate program. Yet, to other administrators, International Baccalaureate is perceived as an educational fad, another scholastic ship passing by in its quest to deflect attention from other academic deficiencies. The International Baccalaureate was founded in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland, to prepare students for college, with a particular emphasis on creating “world citizens” who would be able to live and work internationally. The first IB schools were predominantly private international schools, including some which educated diplomats' children so that they could easily move around the world with a consistent education. One of the first places in the United States in the late 1960s to offer the IB program was the United Nations School in New York City. The IB program has now grown to the point that it is being used by 3,288 schools in 141 countries. Last May, the 4,000th IB program worldwide was introduced at an international school in Wuxi, China. The program

The International Baccalaureate was founded in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland, to prepare students for college, with particular emphasis on creating “world citizens.”

is growing rapidly, having doubled in size in the last five years, and despite educational budget cuts in the United States, it is being added by both public school districts and private schools. It appears to be quite popular currently in Michigan. “We want our kids to compete in a 21st century world and get jobs, and we want to help kids get a leg up by taking some credits in high school,” said Sam Sinicropis, Michigan state educational options coordinator. “We have to offer kids a variety of choices in order to allow them to succeed.” According the the International Baccalaureate Organization, its mission is “to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.” Its goal for the next five years is to establish IB as a global leader in international education. Through the program, they assert, students get a rigorous and balanced education, with an ability to draw on knowledge and understanding of various cultures and histories, and learn how to think critically and apply what they have learned in different contexts and across various academic disciplines through critical and creative reasoning. “IB programs engage students in an international education that provokes a greater acceptance and understanding of the world around them,” said Carol Bellamy, chairperson of the IB Board of Governors. Rather than studying individual subjects in depth, like high school students do in AP classes, IB is a series of six topics which are interconnected as a curriculum. “The IB Diploma Program's challenging curriculum educates the whole student, developing the capacity for inquiry, research and problem-solving as well as

essential skills for communication and collaboration,” the organization said. Each student takes six courses in both 11th and 12th grades, from English, an advanced math class, a language, choice of history, such as U.S. history or European history, and sciences, including biology and chemistry. Their curriculums are prescribed by the international IB organization, and schools must follow them precisely. “IB is supposed to be pretty consistent wherever you go,” said Country Day School's Porter. “Wherever you go, IB is supposed to be homogenous. We don't do anything different from them, so when IB changes their program, we do to keep it in step.” Sharon Derico of Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, which has about 175 students of its 700 high school students in IB classes, said they like the program “because it is recognized as a highly competitive academic program with six college level courses. We knew it would be rigorous, based on standardized measurements taught and recognized worldwide. All IB students are given the same tests worldwide. Each high school which hosts it consistently has a menu of courses which must be followed, although not all students in the school have to do it. It's a program which can be hosted alongside other academic programs.” Derico said Notre Dame Prep decided to offer the IB program in addition to their other academic offerings, including several AP courses, “because we knew we were a good academic program and we knew our academics were being handled at that level.” For the class of 2011, which are now college freshmen, she said 90 percent enrolled in the IB program earned their diploma. Rod Rock, superintendent of Clarkston Community Schools, said his district added the IB program three years ago under the last superintendent because it gives students an option to engage scholastically. “We're hearing positive things from graduates on the global perspective it's given them,” he said. “It's important for a school our size (1,900 high school students) to allow students the opportunity for a college preparatory program with other kids from around the world in IB programs.” While Rock was not certain the exact number of students enrolled in the district's IB program, he said there is consistent demand for it from both students and parents. The district also offers AP courses. “IB's broad, yet it's focused on the thinking, so it gives students the opportunity to think about different cultures and to think globally,” he said. “That's a diverse world out there.” The focused approach to learning is what Country Day's Gruskin enjoyed. “In Charles Fremuth's Theory of Knowledge English class, that's where we really got the benefit of IB. It was a student-centered class, with free-flowing

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discussions. In our IB History of the Americas class, we charted our four topics, and went in depth for the entire year. It was a completely different style from an AP history class, which covers a wide breadth of topics; you cruise through the topics. I found that AP classes were taught towards the test, whereas IB shouldn't be.” As in any school, with any program, a great deal of the success of a program is dependent upon the skills and talents of the instructor. Instituting an IB program into a school is an expensive proposition. “IB is very scripted, and it's very expensive,” said David Larson, superintendent of Birmingham Public Schools, which has studied the programs, and chosen to not offer the International Baccalaureate Programme at any of their schools after researching it four years ago. “For districts that choose it, that's fine, but we feel we're fine without it,” he said. “We're more comfortable with our own professional development model that encompasses rigorous academics, excellent teachers, and which leverages state-of-the-art technology. I believe that all of the things that IB strives for, we're able to do that with our own models. If you look at the quality of IB, at the in-depth understanding, its products, and the quality of sustained learning, I believe we're achieving that through our comprehensive AP program at both high schools (Seaholm and Groves). We offer about 36 AP courses, and we do a very good job of preparing those students.” Students in the Birmingham schools district who do want to achieve an IB diploma can apply to attend International Academy in Bloomfield Hills. The International Academy is a public, tuition-free high school of choice for students in 17 Oakland County school districts which collaborate. Consistently considered one of the top high schools in the United States, it offers the full IB diploma program to all of its students. Of their 2011 graduating class (current college freshmen), 94 percent earned their IB diploma. Bloomfield Hills students now also have the opportunity to enroll in the IB program in the district. This school year, Lahser High School began offering the two-year diploma program, with approximately 100 students enrolled. For the last few years, the district has been offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) at their middle schools, beginning first at West Hills Middle School, and Primary Years Programme (PYP), which first began at Lone Pine Elementary and is now utilized to some extent at all of their elementary schools. “For all students up to grade 10, they have a piece of IB, but it's not a complete, separate curriculum, it's infused in our philosophy,” said Bloomfield Hills Superintendent Robert Glass. “We did it because it seemed to unify our curriculum. It's inquiry-based, and students really feel a greater sense of ownership of learning. We have also found that it is attractive to many of the

Like the more commonly recognized AP exams, students who complete the IB diploma program and pass the IB exams can receive college credit by participating universities.

international families that are coming in, and it's good for families moving in and out right now because it fits well with their international studies, especially since the 11th and 12th grades are standardized. Now, adding the diploma component at Lahser, which, when we combine will be part of our unified high school, is for the subset of students who are seeking an IB curriculum. We are anxious to see how our kids do on IB tests.” Like other fans of IB, Glass is impressed with IB's emphasis on global learning, its interconnectiveness, “which is very consistent with our district's mission, and resonates with who we are,” he said. “When we think about 21st century skills, it's much more than rote learning. In this global world, it's much more than that.” While Bloomfield Hills Schools have added the IB program as an educational choice to their curriculum, it shares space on the academic program with the more familiar AP courses. Glass said Bloomfield Hills currently offers 27 AP classes, based on demand. “We have a great success rate with AP,” Glass said. In the 20102011 school year, 279 students took an AP exam at Andover High School, although about 350 students actually took an AP class (some students did not sit for the exam). Of those 279 students, 82.4 percent received a 3 or higher. AP exams are scored on a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the highest. “Over the last five years, there has been a trend upward in the number of tests administered, and the percentage of students receiving a three or higher has remained consistent,” Glass explained. Like the more commonly recognized AP exams, students who complete the IB diploma program and pass the IB exams can receive college credit by participating universities. Universities require a 3 or 4 or higher on an AP in order to receive credit from a university. Arlyce Seibert, Head of Schools for Cranbrook Schools, is on the other side of the coin regarding IB programs. “We've looked at it on three separate

occasions, and each time concluded it was not for us,” Seibert said. “For a school such as Cranbrook, which is challenging, and one that attracts many international students, we determined that the IB program, with its specific curriculum with teachers trained to that curriculum and students sitting for those tests, did not work for us. We did not want the standardized curriculum. We do not believe you can successfully run an AP program and an IB program. If you have both, from our viewpoint, they cannibalize each other.” Seibert said that Cranbrook has a very strong AP record, currently offering 36 AP courses. “It shows the strength of our curriculum, the rigor of our curriculum, and the strength of our teaching, and how well our students respond,” she said. “We concluded that there is more general rigor, and that many more students can take a variety of AP courses, which is less limiting than IB, and you can actually see the student's success. We believe APs are a very valuable indicator of how a school presents itself.” While some schools believe IB is another instrument for students to demonstrate their academic diligence to colleges during the application process, Seibert said that colleges look at the totality of a school's rigor and their curriculum. “Colleges do their own tracking of a student's performance in their college, so they see how a student performs in their own environment,” she said. “There has to be authenticity between the two: can the student perform in a college environment? That's where the validity of a college prep curriculum lies.” She pointed out that the IB program is very expensive for schools to incorporate, because teachers must be trained to the specifications of the program, and then repeatedly instructed as courses are upgraded or changed. According to the IB organization, the application fee is in excess of $10,000, and teacher training is in the neighborhood of $8,000 to $9,000 per teacher per course, not including travel expenses. Training is usually located at one U.S. conference location site. Seibert said she believes AP courses offer more for individual students, who can play to their talents. She thinks that when the dust settles in a few years, AP will still be around, and IB will be taught at only a few schools. “For a student who might excel in English and history, but maybe isn't as strong in math and science, the AP program is more beneficial because it plays to the student's strengths, vs. the IB program, which they have to succeed in all of the courses,” Seibert said. Yet that is what proponents of IB point out as its strength—that students become well-rounded, worldly students, cognitive in a wide range of subjects, prepared for a global world. “The IB program is what you make of it, and what the teachers make of it,” said IB graduate Gruskin. “If the teachers do not embrace the IB education, it's just another mediocre fad education.”

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GAVEL TO GAVEL THE AUCTIONEERS

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hey're conductors, showmen, entertainers, comedians, middlemen, and modern day snake charmers. Auctioneers are the people who dazzle us with their knowledge of everything from the most fabulous to the most mundane factory, and cajole us into wanting, wanting, wanting it right now. An auction can take place for a car, a house, machinery, or the more glamorous items of art, antiques, fine furnishings, and jewelry. Many of us have been to charity auctions, which benefit beloved causes with the addition of beautiful attire, friends, alcohol and entertainment. Not that every auction isn't entertaining. A good auctioneer knows how to amuse and delight his or her audience, whether with humor, hubris, panache, or a perfect mixture of all three. A good auctioneer is more than an individual with a gavelâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; they're an expert in their field, and one to turn to between auctions to learn more about your field of interest, to discover when items you enjoy will be coming up for auction, and to assist you in purchasing the best quality items you can. The wonderful secret is that there are terrific auctioneers located in the metro Detroit area. Contact them to find out when their next auctions are, and what they will be offering. Not ready to buy? Don't fret. It's a blast to go and observe. Study the scene, and then when you're ready, bid away.

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Bob DuMouchelles DuMouchelles Art Galleries 409 E. Jefferson, Detroit. 313.963.6255 How long have you been in the auction business: DuMouchelles began in 1927 by my grandparents, Joseph and Charlotte DuMouchelles. Joseph started out focusing on fine art and decorative objects, silver, and high-end furnishings, and we've always been a part of that. What do you specialize in: High-end furnishings, original art, fine crystal and jewelry. DuMouchelles are certified art auctioneers and appraisers. 1950's and 1960's art is really coming into it's own right now. Andy Warhol keeps going up, and keeps appealing to an affluent crowd, and we've had quite a few recently. First big charity event you auctioned: It was in the early 1980's. I helped out with the Detroit Institute of Art's Fash Bash auction. I wasn't the auctioneer then; I was just bid spotting. What was your biggest auction: It was the biggest item I ever auctioned. It was in December 2007, a Thomas LeClear painting for $3.7 million. It was a very rare painting of a Buffalo newsboy. How do you get people to part with their money? The merchandise does that, and the quality of the merchandise. If they like what there is, and if there's a desire for it, they bid. How important is alcohol at a charity auction? What else helps people to open up their wallets? There are pros and cons to alcohol. If people are having fun, they'll spend, but if they're distracted, they won't bid. You don't want them to wake up the next morning with buyer's remorse. But I do like entertainment at charity events because it moves things along. I'm all for a balanced evening, where it makes you want to go back the next year. Why people hire you: People always approach us to look at their estates. I believe they choose us because we really put ourselves fully into all of the projects we commit ourselves to. Special clients: We have so many, big and small. We've been so privileged to meet so many special collectors who have preserved these special collections for future generations. We're here to hopefully perpetuate the handing off of the baton of the past collector to the future collector. We're just the middleman.

Charles Wickins M.C. & Hammer, The English Auctioneer 2566 E. Maple Road, Suite 17, Birmingham. 248.730.2400 How long have you been in the auction business? In this current incarnation, I've been doing this for five years. Forty years ago I was a car auctioneer in England. I came over 28 years ago and gave it up. How did you get started in this business? About eight years ago I was volunteering at Care House, and they were going to choose another auctioneer for an exorbitant sum, so I stepped up and said I'd do it. I volunteered for two to three years. With the business downturn, I decided to do this full time. What do you specialize in: Charity auctions for schools. There's a big difference between a commercial auction and a charity auction. A commercial auction can have a reserve, and if it's not met, it doesn't sell. At a charity, it must sell, so you must be in charge of the crowd. First big charity event you auctioned: Care House Merry Go Round at the Townsend Hotel eight years ago. I remember someone paid $4,100 for a pair of tickets to see Bob Seger. What was your biggest auction: Sacred Heart Auction in 2010 because they had 40 items. Also the Kaleidoscope Auction (for Brookside School Cranbrook) in 2010 because we had some pretty big items. How do you get people to part with their money? Respect and temper, and Catholic guilt. Most of the hard work is done before hand by the committee. If you have good items and the right crowd, you can sell it. But you have to get the attention of the crowd. You have to be half-entertainer and half-salesman. Sometimes the difference comes down to two people not being in the crowd.

Then you always thank them for any winning bid because they did not have to bid. Without them, you have nothing. How important is alcohol at a charity auction? What else helps people to open up their wallets? Alcohol can be important, but not as important as you might think, because you don't want drunks with remorse the next day. It is important to get people to hit their maximum on the day of the auction, but you can get people carried away. To open their wallets? Ask for it. That's what dedicated giving is for. At the end of the auction, it's very important to ask them, and depending on the event, to have dedicated giving, where you raise your hand and say, “Here's your opportunity to make a difference.” And you'd be surprised how effective that is. Why people hire you: They hire me because I'm reliable, professional, entertaining, and I have a funny accent, and my fee structure is such that I'm affordable for small auctions and positively cheap for large ones. Special clients: Private and parochial schools.

Dan Stall Dan Stall Inc. The Auction Team 1000 S. Old Woodward Ave., Suite 107, Birmingham. 248.646.2900 How long have you been in the auction business: I've been in business for 28 years, and I've found a niche. I have 14 trained professions, and we do the lighting, staging, sound, and I have two people who record sales, one manually and one on the computer. I use six to seven spotters at auctions, and they acknowledge the bids to me. Everyone on my team wears a tuxedo. How did you get started in this business? I was a salesman, and one 90 degree day in July I was driving down John R and 14 Mile Road and some cars stalled, and I got out of my car, and there was a sign that said “Auction Today.” It was for a tool and die company. I saw he was closing a deal every 60 seconds, and there were 300 or 400 people there bidding. I made six to nine calls a day, and didn't always close a sale. I thought, “He's making a sale every 60 seconds.” I went to auction school in Mason City, IA, and came back and went to work for the late Frank Boos. What do you specialize in: I did some charity auctions, and saw a niche. I do about 30 to 32 a year, mostly on Friday and Saturday nights. First big charity event you auctioned: It was a county event. What was your biggest auction: Eton Academy had a phenomenal auction last year; they netted approximately $1.5 million, which was an all-time high. We sold football-related packages to go to the Super Bowl, and sit with Phil Sims and a package with Howie Long. How do you get people to part with their money? We came up with the idea of people hosting tables of friends and associates rather than business tables or corporate tables to make it a social event vs. a corporate event. People today are not going to 12 events, they're going to two, and they're staying later at the events. How important is alcohol at a charity auction? What else helps people to open up their wallets? People have cut back with their alcohol intake. They don't have designated drivers like there were 10 or 15 years ago. We pride ourselves that there's gotta be a good pace. We time ourselves to two minutes per item. Why people hire you: They hire us because they've seen us work, and they've seen our professionalism, the fun we have, and they've seen the money we raise. We do a power point presentation with each item being sold so people can see the actual items been auctioned and become engaged. We work with charities six to nine months ahead of time, and we help them build their charity teams. Special clients: Michigan Opera Theater, Eton Academy, Children's Leukemia, Children's Trust Fund, Detroit Zoo, Flint Institute of Music.

Lori Stefek Stefek's Auction House 18450 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms. 313.881.1800 How long have you been in the auction business: I've been in business for almost four years. We're in a renovated restaurant built at the turn of the 20th century. I'm the sole proprietor.

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How did you get started in this business? For 10 or 12 years, I was in the estate sale business, and at the urging of some of my clients, I opened my own auction house because I had better items which were deserving the global market. I went to auction school at the Missouri Auction School. What do you specialize in: Fine arts, antiques, mid-century furniture, jewelry, silver, and collections. We auction between 400 and 600 items every other month, and we also do some charity auctions. Because we're a smaller house, we can personalize our service and pay special attention to our clients. We research items in great detail, and call collectors and let them know what we've acquired, which helps bring up the value of the items. What was your biggest auction: Many. We get the word out by advertising in local papers and on our international website. How do you get people to part with their money: At a regular auction, it's no problem, because they know what they want to spend. At a charity auction, you have to push them a little more because it's for charity. One of the things I like to do with a charity auction is we auction off desserts. Whole tables chip in, and it's easy money. It's fun, and I do it to get the evening started. At the last charity auction I did, there must have been 10 cakes from local bakeries and restaurants, and we raised over $3,000. How important is alcohol at a charity auction? What else helps people to open up their wallets? You don't want them too sloshed; just to have a glow going. Alcohol does play into a charity auction by loosening people up. To get them to open up their wallets, a lot of it is in my presentation. It's the ambiance and the timing of the evening. It's really good to do during dinner when they can't get up. Why people hire you: What you see is what you get. We're very conscientious and very customer-oriented. I'm a small business owner who started from nothing, and I'm honest. My last name is the name of the company. Our auctions are also lots of fun; we serve wine and cheese. Special clients: Services for Older Citizens in Grosse Pointe; Family Center in Grosse Pointe; Grosse Pointe Education Foundation; Full Circle, Grosse Pointe.

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Rip Hayes Hayes Auction Group 545 Haverhill, Bloomfield Hills. 248.646.3791 How long have you been in the auction business? I started 16 years ago as a side business. My main company is owning and operating Nub's Nob in Harbor Springs. It's one of those hobbies that got out of control. How did you get started in this business? All of the private schools would have auctions, and I worked with the late Frank Boos when my children were at Kensington Academy (now part of the Academy of the Sacred Heart), and when he retired, I took over. I'm licensed in 48 states, and I do auctions here, in Florida, Colorado, California, New York, Connecticut, Missouri, all over. What do you specialize in? I only do benefit auctions. First big charity event you auctioned: The Kensington Academy auction in 1996. What was your biggest auction: An auction for Cardinal Newman at the Breakers in Palm Beach. We raised $1.4 million. How do you get people to part with their money? The personality of the auctioneer really makes an auction. I use an auctioneer chant. I keep people engaged, and I make it fun, and when people are having fun, they bid. I like to mingle with the crowd. I don't like to stand behind a podium. How important is alcohol at a charity auction? What else helps people to open up their wallets? Within reason, it's a good thing. They should have good food and good alcohol. It gets people in the mood. And you should not close the bar during the auction. What helps people to open up their wallets is the quality of the items. Trips, dinners, all-inclusives—something you cannot get on Ebay or the Internet. If you have the right pull from the heart, and the item connects with the mission, people will most certainly open their wallets. Why people hire you: I have a good track record, I raise a lot of money, and I have a lot of fun. I just bring in myself. I believe it's all about the organization. I'm a good deal. Special clients: Private schools; Judson Center; General Motors; Beaumont Hospital; Multiple Sclerosis Society; American Cancer Society; St. Louis Cardinals; Vail Mountain Schools. downtownpublications.com

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“My mom was sick with Parkinson’s,” she said. “I quit to take care of her, but they asked if I would do one column or essay a week. I started with just one column in the Homestyle section and a couple years later, I came back on staff as a columnist.” Today, Keenan’s columns run on page 2A every Wednesday and in the Homestyle section of The Detroit News on Fridays. While her Friday columns often feature anecdotes about her family and her own thoughts about the world around her, Keenan’s Wednesday columns allow her to reflect on current events and to highlight extraordinary people in the community. “It’s great to be able to tell other people’s stories and it’s really fun to write first person with my own perspective as well.” When Keenan isn’t writing, she spends time in her Bloomfield Township home with her husband and three daughters, who have all made an appearance in her columns, much to their chagrin, she jokes. In her spare time, she can be found running in Bloomfield Township with her black Labrador, Lucy. Keenan takes none of her personal or professional blessings for granted and regardless of what the future holds, writing will always be a part of her life. “It’s so great to be paid to be a vehicle for other people’s stories,” she said. “I’m so blessed that I could do this while I raised my kids and I can do this anywhere. I know I’ll always write.” Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Laurie Tennent

CITY/ TOWNSHIP Restaurant liquor license rescinded By Lisa Brody

An ordinance approving a Class C liquor license for a proposed restaurant in Bloomfield Township was unanimously rescinded by the board of trustees on Monday, November 28 following an investigation into the business dealings of the restaurant's other location by Bloomfield Township Police Captain Steve Cook. The restaurant was originally approved by the board of trustees for a liquor license with a resolution allowing it to go forth to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission on October 9, 2009. It did not act at that time, but has recently. One of the conditions the Liquor Control Commission requires be met is an investigation from the local police department. Bloomfield Township's Police Department, following a thorough review, suggested the liquor license be denied, as well as a dance and entertainment license. The proposed restaurant, owned by The Butterfly Group, is for 37000 Woodward Avenue at the corner of Big Beaver Road. The building is currently under construction. The Butterfly Group is anticipated to be a restaurant and banquet facility, from the owners of Crave Restaurant and Lounge in Dearborn. Crave is owned by Khalil Rhamadan. The Butterfly Group proposal was submitted in conjunction with Michael George, after Rhamadan was turned down for a liquor license by the township last May. Cook reported that on September 8, 2011, The Butterfly Group's attorney contacted the township to re-establish their liquor license application, as George was the primary signatory. Cook's assertion was that the original resolution was null and void as the police had rejected their application. “However, their attorney has taken the position that it is still in effect, and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission considers the resolution still in place, and puts them ahead of all others for that location,” Cook said. Cook requested the trustees render the original resolution to be rescinded and null and void, “especially since The Butterfly Group has reinvented itself. Some members have removed themselves, and others have been added.” “In essence, this just clears the downtownpublications.com

deck so they can begin again with a new group,” said township treasurer Dan Devine. According to papers filed with the township, The Butterfly Group has signed a lease with the owners of the building for approximately 11,856 square feet on the lower level of the building, which they will share with a bank.

Zoning allows eatery to seek license The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved a request at their December 12 meeting to have a restaurant location within a shopping center rezoned B-2, which will allow the owners of the restaurant to make an application for a liquor license. The property owner for the Bloomfield Hills Shopping Center at the corner of Opdyke and South Boulevard in Bloomfield Township requested that the freestanding restaurant on the grounds of the strip center, currently inhabited by the China Village restaurant, be rezoned B-2, which will allow the owners of the restaurant, if they so desire, to apply to the Michigan Liquor License Commission for a liquor license. The shopping center is zoned B-1, which does not permit liquor licenses. “The rest of the shopping center remains B-1, so we retained the integrity of the shopping center. The freestanding restaurant is the only part of the center that is now zoned B-2,” said Bloomfield Township planner Robin Carley. Patti Voelker, Bloomfield Township Planning, Building and Ordinance Director, told trustees in her presentation that there has been several restaurants at that location, and they have had a difficult time succeeding without a liquor license. The planning department did not know if China Village currently has plans to apply to the state for a liquor license.

Play Birmingham back with new plans A resolution before the Birmingham City Commission on Monday, November 28 was unanimously approved entitling three new entities to be added to the existing liquor license for Palladium Restaurant I, L.L.C., located at 270 N. Old

Former Kresge building to be redeveloped By Lisa Brody

he former Kresge building on Maple Road in Birmingham, which currently houses the Roots store and until recently the Lexi Drew store, has been sold to Bailey Schmidt, Inc., a Birmingham real estate company, which hopes to redevelop the site as a five-story multi-use building, either as retail, office and residential, or as a hotel, “which would be really exciting,” said Peter Noonan, vice president of Bailey Schmidt. Long time residents will remember the location as a popular S.S. Kresge store in the 1960s and 1970s. Noonan said that a private family in Florida owns the real estate, with Kmart (formerly Kresge's) having had a lease on the prime Birmingham location since 1959. The lease will expire in January 2013, and Bailey Schmidt will take over at that time. Roots, at the corner of Maple and Henrietta, has been located in Birmingham at that spot since December 1997. Store manager Tiffany Delay said she remembers the store opening. “Our presence in Birmingham should remain until the end of time,” she said. She said Drew Bailey, owner of Bailey Schmidt, came in to the store and told them they would like them to remain as tenants. Roots, which is a corporate store with corporate headquarters in Toronto, has a lease through January 2013. Delay said there are only four Roots stores in the United States, with Birmingham one of the four. The others are Aspen, CO; Park City, UT; and Los Angeles. “No one's kicking Roots out. They have a lease until January 2013. If we do not redevelop the building right away, we would want them to stay,” Noonan said. Lexi Drew, a trendy women, men and children's clothing store, moved from a center spot on Maple in the building to Old Woodward, in the former location of Bag'z and Beadz. Plans for the building are still evolving. Currently referred to as The Marionson Development, Noonan said the site is zoned for office, residential, and commercial use. “There will be a future development of 108,000 square feet with underground parking, with beautiful park views,” Noonan said. “We are currently reviewing our options to create a beautiful building in the heart of the city. There are very vital interests looking to make a statement in Birmingham, and we're looking to help them do that.”

Woodward in Birmingham, to be utilized for Play Birmingham, an entertainment complex proposed for the former Buca di Beppo and part of the former Tower Records locations next to the Palladium Theaters in downtown Birmingham. The new liquor license partners are Ronald Jona, EWD Ventures, and Jason Hegedus. EWD Ventures is a corporation wholly owned by Eric Doelle, an owner of Hamilton Room, Chen Chow, and Barrio Tacos & Tequila, adjacent to the proposed entertainment complex. Also before commissioners were resolutions for three interior bars, an outdoor bar permit, a dance permit, an entertainment permit, and a new official food permit. Commissioners tabled all of those as the petitioners and their attorney, Kelly Allen, did not present full plans and have not been approved by the city's planning board.

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Play Birmingham was previously turned down, by a 4-3 vote in May, for a special land use permit which would have permitted billiards and electronic games. Play Birmingham initially proposed to offer a sports bar-like casual restaurant, nine lanes of bowling, interactive video games, four billiards tables, a golf simulator, basketball, a bar and candy shop, all under one roof. The current adaptation will offer the sports bar-like restaurant, banquet facilities, eight lanes of bowing, a golf simulator, basketball, four bars, a sweet shop and a candy shop. Resident Dorothy Conrad spoke out opposing the facility. “The original proposal for the Palladium was theaters in the upper levels, one restaurant, and retail all along the first floor. This becomes one big entertainment building,” she said. Commissioner Stuart Sherman 41

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said, “I would not include the outdoor service permit, the dance permit, and the new entertainment permit until we see a final site plan.” “I concur,” said commissioner Scott Moore. “When we get into the issues of dance, entertainment, and outdoor service area, I want to know what the planning board has to say. We're sitting here in a vacuum. Normally, when I look at an entertainment or dance permit, I know how it's going to work. I approve the transfer (for the liquor license) because the standard has been met. But the others, you need to come back and present the complete package.”

Bistro Joe’s plan clears commission Bistro Joe's, a dine-in area within Papa Joe's in Birmingham which has been under consideration since receiving a 2007 Birmingham bistro license, received revised final site plan approval and a special land use permit amendment approval from Birmingham City Commissioners at their Monday, December 12 meeting, after a representative from Papa Joe's was warned that commissioners would not tolerate any further delays. Papa Joe’s Market was granted approval originally for outdoor dining by the planning board on May 28, 2003. Papa Joe’s Market received approval from the city to operate a bistro on November 14, 2007, which they decided to call Bistro Joe's. The concept would be for visitors to purchase prepared foods in the

Complete Streets for E. Maple set he Birmingham City Commission, after a lengthy presentation and discussion on Monday, December 5, approved a resolution accepting a Complete Streets Study to redesign East Maple Road between Eton Road and Woodward Avenue to three lanes, with bike lanes on either side of the outer lanes, and the center lane as a left turn lane. East Maple is currently a fourlane road with two lanes of traffic in either direction. The Complete Streets presentation was prepared by Parsons Brinkerhoff/LSL Planning, at

market, take it to the bistro area, then proposed for the second floor mezzanine near the wine shop, and purchase wine by the glass from a special vending machine. City commissioners have been frustrated by the lack of progress owner Tony Curtis has made on the bistro. Last winter, they gave him until March 1 to begin construction, or they would revoke the establishment's bistro license. Construction began February 28. New changes to Bistro Joe's, presented by Roman Bonaslowski of Ron & Roman of Birmingham, include the addition of a second story parapet wall and balcony with outdoor seating, new canopies and signage. According to planning department plans, the proposed changes to Bistro Joe’s now include additional outdoor dining via a second floor parapet wall and an exterior balcony that will mirror the layout of the current outdoor dining directly below, as well as new signage and canopies. Current outdoor seating on the sidewalk would be eliminated. Commissioners expressed their concerns that extensions to the 2007 bistro license for Bistro Joe's have been going on for almost four years, and if work is to be completed, it should be now.

WA3 not changing mass transit focus By Lisa Brody

The decision by the city of Detroit to abandon light rail from downtown

the direction of the city's engineering department. The commissioners were hesitant to fully commit to the new plan at the meeting but directed city engineer Paul O'Meara to begin working with Parsons Brinkerhoff/LSL Planning on engineering plans for the first phase of the roadway, from Eton to Adams roads. A hearing for the public to comment on the proposal will occur at the city commission meeting on February 13. Complete Streets is a federal initiative adopted by Birmingham in August 2011, one of 50 communities in Michigan to have adopted it. Complete Streets' policies are designed and operated to enable safe access to streets for all users. It

Detroit to 8 Mile Road in favor of rapid speed busses has not altered the focus of those studying mass transit along Oakland County's Woodward Corridor. Heather Carmona, executive director of the Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3), said, “We have never advocated light rail specifically (for Woodward). We have never determined which mode of mass transit would be best for the six communities, from Ferndale to Birmingham, along Woodward Avenue. Light rail was just one consideration.” Jana Ecker, planning director for the city of Birmingham and a member of WA3, said, “We're still going to consider which mode of transportation and what the alignment will be from 8 Mile Road to 15 Mile Road (Maple Road). We still intend to have rapid transit along Woodward in six communities.” Detroit has altered its original plans to build a light rail system from the base of Jefferson, up Woodward to 8 Mile Road, due to its financial situation, replacing it with a proposed rapid bus system with 34 stations which would cost significantly less to establish. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood determined with Detroit Mayor Dave Bing that there is not enough money to build, nor operate, a light rail system, and provided Michigan members of Congress recently a two-page document which detailed a minimum of nine bus stations in Oakland County and 16 in Wayne County. There would also be stations in Macomb County.

is an enterprise that results in roadways which are designed and operated to enable safe and comfortable access and travel for all users of all ages and abilities. A goal of Complete Streets is that as roads and streets are repaired and redeveloped, they will be looked at, analyzed and redesigned with more than just cars in mind. The East Maple corridor would be one of the first to incorporate many of these properties, altering the roadway from four lanes, two in each direction, to three total lanes, with one lane in each direction and a center left turn lane, a right turn lane at Adams road, and a five-foot bike lane between Woodward and Eton in both directions. There

Carmona said WA3's primary goal is to incorporate Complete Streets, the initiative to create streets for use for various forms of transportation. “We are working on infrastructure, beautification, and structural changes to Woodward. That is what Complete Streets is all about,” she said. WA3 has received two grants to help them accomplish their goals. One is a $750,000 grant to study and begin work on Complete Streets plans along Woodward. “It's to begin looking at bike lanes along Woodward, reducing speeds appropriately, some crosswalks, dedicated bus lanes,” she said. “We're also looking to create some policy changes, because by doing that we can have more influence with MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation).” The other grant, for $2 million from the Federal Transit Authority, is to study how mass transit will work, and in what forms, from 8 Mile Road to Maple Road. “This study will help us determine what modes of transportation will work best for these 14 miles of roadway,” Carmona said. Ecker said they have begun the proposal process of hiring a consultant to study the situation. “Through our Complete Streets initiatives, we hope to begin to incorporate plans and changes in these municipalities along Woodward through zoning changes, land use changes, and legislative changes,” Carmona said.

would be a five-foot sidewalk on either side of Maple Road. There would also be transit and pedestrian amenities, such as landing pads or benches, along the way. This proposal from Parsons Brinkerhoff was plan number five of seven they introduced at the meeting. Commissioners were intrigued by the plan but concerned that reducing the traffic from four to essentially two lanes of traffic in each direction would foster excessive spillover traffic into adjacent neighborhoods. Experts from Parsons Brinkerhoff acknowledged that could happen but that some cars would also go to other mile roads.

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Walgreens to come before planning again Representatives for a new Walgreens Pharmacy, proposed for the former Border's Books at 34300 Woodward in Birmingham, came before the Birmingham Planning Board on Wednesday, December 14 seeking final site plan approval and a special land use permit to operate a drive through pharmacy window in the rear of the building and had part of their proposal delayed until January. The planning board approved the drive through window, but asked for a postponement until January 4, in order to have more information on window, door, landscaping and streetscaping designs for the site. Walgreens is currently the largest drug store chain in the country, with almost 8,200 locations in all 50 states. They are headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The Border's building has been owned by Related Real Estate of New York, but Lormax Stern, a West Bloomfield commercial development company, has an option to buy and redevelop the building. They have a long-term lease with Walgreens. “It's a very technical, tricky site plan to review,” said planning board chairperson Robin Boyle. A key issue the planning board wrestled with was how to adapt the building, built before the Triangle District Plan was created, to the specifications of the plan, which requests five-story buildings, pedestrian walkways, a park, parking structures and other amenities. “We would like much broader usage in this area,” Boyle said. “But this is a compromise. We got the applicant to guarantee that the second floor of the building will be used for regional offices, not for storage, which will bring 30 to 35 day employees in each day, adding vitality to the area. We have no problems with the rearpositioned drive through; it's as inconspicuous as you can make it. On each issue, the developers listened to us and to our concerns.” A key issue discussed at the meeting was how to incorporate a vital component of the Triangle District Plan, which is the development of Worth Park, “where people can congregate,” Boyle said. “It can only be achieved by moving Worth Street to a north/south alignment. We talked to the applicant about realigning Worth,” which has been a planning department and city commission priority for the

last few years. Boyle said Lormax Stern agreed to sign an agreement with Birmingham to give a portion of its overly-large parking lot to the city at a later date to help realign Worth. Tony Curtis, owner of Papa Joe's and the adjacent Hunter Plaza, agreed to create a pedestrian walkway link between the north end of Hunter Plaza and Walgreens.

Birmingham's dog park underutilized Birmingham's much-requested dog park isn't being used as much, nor by as many dogs, as city officials and proponents had anticipated. Birmingham's dog park is located at Cranbrook and 14 Mile Roads, adjacent to Lincoln Hills Golf Course. It opened last spring, and a key fob entry system was installed last June. The park is still in its one-year trial period. Birmingham Director of Public Services Lauren Wood presented an update on the park to Birmingham city commissioners on Monday, November 28. Last spring, after being inundated with all sizes of dogs, the parks and recreation department determined that a resident/non-resident pass system, with an entry fob, would work the best for the park. They decided to sell 255 resident dog park annual passes at $50, and 50 non-resident annual passes, with a fee of $200, with residents showing proof of residency. However, to date, 125 resident passes have been sold, and 65 non-resident passes have been sold. There are 1,400 licensed dogs in Birmingham. Wood told commissioners that other complaints she has heard have been that at times people feel their dogs do not have any other dogs to play with, and that some would like a separate area for large and small dogs. “We fixed some slight amenity issues early on,” she said. “After heavy rains, it gets too muddy to keep it open, so we shut it down for a couple of days. We're definitely going to have to reseed areas of it.” Commissioners decided to keep the prices intact for the time being. Mayor Mark Nickita said, “How we get the word out to more people, whether we advertise it, what the right price it, that will evolve. There may be a lot of people who feel less compelled to pay the price now that it's there, so they don't. That will evolve. It will come in time. Some people have asked for a park for small dogs, some for large dogs, but it's only .85 acres. Those are things we can talk about in the future.”

Architect rendering of Griffin Claw Brewery

Griffin Claw Brewery gets approval By Lisa Brody

riffin Claw Brewery Company, a new microbrewery, restaurant, tasting room and beer garden destined for 563 and 575 S. Eton in Birmingham, received unanimous final site plan approval and a special land use permit from Birmingham's City Commission on Monday, December 12. The approval came after a lengthy presentation by Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker, owner Norm LePage, designers Ron & Roman of Birmingham, and LePage's attorney, Rick Rattner, and was followed by public comments, both for and against the proposed project. The proposed site of the development in the Rail District currently houses an office building and a vacant lot, which has been vacant for years. The proposed project will consist of one building, and will include the brewing and bottling facility, a bar/restaurant, a tasting room, outdoor eating area, and beer garden. Ecker said a parking lot in the back will have 96 parking spaces, more than the required 78 spaces. Roman Bonaslowski of Ron & Roman said they have developed a reciprocal arrangement with Robot Garage, which is located behind the microbrewery, to allow them to use their parking lot during the day, in exchange for use of their 20-some spots at night. There will also be two bike racks. The total square footage of the project is 11,970 square feet, with the brewery taking up over 9,000 square feet. Including outdoor seating, the establishment will accommodate about 120 seats, in what LePage, who also owns neighboring Big Rock Chop House and The Reserve, called a “neighborhood pub with a casual menu at moderate prices. People will be able to walk in from the neighborhood.” Bonaslowski said the facility will have an industrial look, “to be reminiscent of old Michigan industrial areas,” to be cohesive with the industrial feel of the area, and to be compatible with what the Eton Road Corridor Improvement Plan requires. “We didn't want to schmaltz it up,” said fellow designer Ron Rea. Ecker said the building, to be built of poured pre-cast concrete, will have large storefront windows to allow people passing by to look in and see the brewery operation. An adjacent grain silo, a walk-in cooler, a tasting room, a small courtyard, and a passageway to the beer garden all have striking design elements tying them together, and to the neighborhood. Long wooden tables and smaller metal tables fill the outdoor eating area, which Bonaslowski said was in keeping both with the Rail District, and a European beer garden. The same long wooden tables will be found inside in the restaurant, as well as smaller, wooden-topped metal tables. LePage has acquired a microbrewery liquor license from the state for the new establishment, which allows for resale to other establishments and stores. He said he will be making vodka and wine to serve, as well as finely-crafted beer. Attorney Rattner, noting that the 1999 Eton Road Corridor Plan envisioned a mixed use designed to serve the residents of Birmingham, said, “This is a design that fits in to the use of the corridor plan beautifully. We have built something that fits into this neighborhood like a jigsaw puzzle—it's a perfect fit.” However, many residents of the neighboring area disagreed, with 51 signatures on a petition having been turned into the planning department objecting to the project, and several people in attendance at the meeting. Some were appeased by the presentation, but others wanted LePage to close his operations, especially the outdoor eateries, by 11 p.m. at the latest. State licensing does not require that, and he demurred. A few residents were concerned about patrons and employees parking on the neighborhood streets in front of their homes, and of being woken up at 2 a.m. by drunken patrons. LePage, planners and commissioners all stated that should not happen, that adequate parking was being provided, and LePage does not imagine patrons staying as late as 2 a.m. Others, including fellow business owners of the Rail District, spoke out in favor of the business proposal. Ultimately, commissioners agreed, and voted unanimously to approve it.

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CITY/ TOWNSHIP Social Kitchen approved by board By Lisa Brody

Social Kitchen, a new bistro proposed for the Tokyo Sushi and former Subway locations on E. Maple Road in Birmingham, was unanimously approved by Birmingham's Planning Board on Wednesday, November 30, and will now move to the city commission for final approval. Social Kitchen, along with Market, for N. Old Woodward, were preapproved by the city commission in September in a new format for bistro approvals. Market received planning board approval earlier in November, and will also proceed to the city commission for final approval. Social Kitchen will be owned and operated by 26-year-old chef Zack Sklar, who also is the owner of Cutting Edge Cuisine Catering Company, which has two 4,000 square foot locations, one in Bloomfield Hills, the other in West

Bloomfield. He initially started his catering company in New York, and has worked as an executive and sous chef in New York and Michigan, working previously at Tribute, the Ritz Carlton and Emily's restaurants. He was trained at the Culinary Institute of America and is proposing to serve an eclectic mix of uniquely presented tapas-style food. The bistro, to be designed by Ron and Roman of Birmingham, would have three dining areas; one inside, with 10 seats situated at a bar towards the front of the bistro; 56 seats for outdoor dining in the adjacent pedestrian passageway; and a rooftop terrace for outdoor dining and private parties. “In order to create a cozy bistro feel, the applicant is proposing to install fabric panels from open air metal structures with fabric canopies both in the passageway and on the rooftop to create intimate outdoor dining areas, reminiscent of a European bistro,” planning director Jana Ecker wrote in Social Kitchen's application. A clear glass rail and

trees in pots will complete the rooftop terrace, while planters attached to the metal railing will enclose the outdoor cafe in the passageway. Planning board chairperson Robin Boyle stated that Sklar will be required to lease the space in the alleyway from the city, unlike other bistros which use seating on sidewalks or build decks in leased parking spots during spring and summer months. “Our conclusion was that this was an interesting, vibrant, and innovative concept for the city led by a creative young chef,” Boyle said. “A lot of the innovation is on their property. It's their risk.”

Medical marijuana suit dismissed A lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) against Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills on behalf of two Birmingham residents who are medical marijuana patients was tossed out by Oakland County

Circuit Court Judge Colleen O'Brien. Linda and Robert Lott are both registered patients under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. They, with the assistance of the ACLU, sued the two municipalities, as well as the city of Livonia, seeking declaratory relief against ordinances in those three cities which prevent the usage, growth and dispensation of medical marijuana. The cities created their ordinances after the passage of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act in November 2008. The language of the ordinances do not specifically forbid medical marijuana, but rather prohibit anything that is against federal law. In her ruling, Judge O'Brien said that “declaratory relief is not automatic... The language of MCR 2.605 is permissive rather than mandatory.” She wrote that she was dismissing the lawsuit because the Lotts have never been arrested for wrongdoing in conjunction with their presumed medical marijuana use. “No controversy exists here for the court to decide.”

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Brad Sherman hen Brad Sherman, designer for the innovative New York recycling company TerraCycle, sees an old mattress or a used bottle, his artistic eye does not dismiss it as trash; he sees opportunity. “Since I was a kid, I was always making things out of different materials,” Sherman said. “My mother used to get me up at five in the morning to be the first one at an estate sale. I acquired that passion and love that she had. It was a huge influence in my ability to give materials a new purpose.” As a Cranbrook Kingswood high school student, Sherman grew as an artist and took courses in metalsmithing with instructor Jojo Macey. “(Macey) gave us creative freedom and she had such a passion for Cranbrook,” he said. According to Sherman, Macey taught him to appreciate the architectural and artistic talents of Eliel Saarinen, designer of the Cranbrook Educational Community. “As a creative student, being surrounded by Cranbrook really shapes you. It is one of the greatest influences of my life.” Sherman went on to study at Michigan State University and earned his master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in sustainable design. He opted to remain on the east coast and was offered his dream job at TerraCycle, a recycling company that collects waste and creates reusable and resalable items out of rubbish. “I’ve always had an issue with throwing things away,” he said. “Whenever I can, I try to look at how I can give a material new life rather than see it end up in a landfill. I heard about TerraCycle and it fit so naturally with my interests.” Sherman’s first responsibility upon joining TerraCycle was to redesign the company workspace with modest funding. “I had to be extremely resourceful, and basically had to use trash to fill out the space.” Sherman created desktops out of old doors and dividers out of records and bottles strung together with cable. As a designer with the company, Sherman is asked to do the same for his clients. “A typical week is: I get the material in, come up with concepts, build prototypes and pitch it to the interested brand.” TerraCycle has created backpacks out of Capri Sun juice packets and iPad cases, messenger bags and totes out of vintage, deconstructed mail sacks from the 1950s. Sherman also started Revivalry, a New-York based furniture design company, with fellow Cranbrook alumnus, Anne Carney Strickland. He hopes to grow the business but his current focus is his design work with TerraCycle. Sherman now resides in New York and has found his niche away from home, but he returns to Michigan often to spend time with his parents and to take a stroll in his favorite part of town. “I have a tradition with my mother,” he said. “Every time I’m home, we take a walk through Cranbrook. I have really deep roots there and I would eventually like to take what I’ve learned and move back. That’s my ultimate goal.”

Story: Katey Meisner

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BUSINESS MATTERS Giffels-Webster relocates Giffels-Webster, a civil engineering and surveying firm, has moved to 1025 East Maple in Birmingham from Rochester Hills. The expanding company required more space to house its executive offices, accounting department, civil engineers and surveyors. Loren Crandell, president and head of the Birmingham office, said the new office location in Birmingham puts the firm in a more centrally located space to better serve Oakland County clients. “Birmingham is an eminently walker and biker-friendly city that is home to a thriving, affordable business district, and these are values that we support,” Crandell said.

New digs for Lexi Drew After four years at their 215 West Maple Road location in Birmingham, Lexi Drew has moved to a new space at 152 North Old Woodward in Birmingham. “There are a lot of internal and external changes,” said Dalia Kejbou, consultant for Lexi Drew. “It’s going to be an all new Lexi Drew.” The clothing store will primarily be a women’s boutique. “We will have a little bit of menswear as well. We’re going to carry upscale luxury items. We’ll bring in brands that nobody else has.” When their lease expired, the clothing store found the 2,000 square feet space at Old Woodward Avenue and Maple Road. “We like the exposure because we’re near Panera and you can see us from both Old Woodward and Maple,” Kejbou said. Lexi Drew brought all their staff with them during the move and Kejbou said they are looking forward to a more modern, fashionforward motif. “The aesthetics are completely different. We wanted to do something less traditional than the old store.” Kejbou said the company is honored to serve the Birmingham community. “Birmingham is like the king of the state. We are humbled to be here. It’s the best of the best.”

H. Joel Newman firm H. Joel Newman PLLC, a law firm specializing in complex business litigation, has moved into a new office, located at 370 East Maple Road in Birmingham. According to owner Joel Newman, the new space better accommodates the growing firm and provides expanded technology and office space to serve clients in commercial litigation, downtownpublications.com

shareholder and partnership disputes, attorney malpractice and stockbroker fraud cases. “It’s a convenient location for the clients and I think the new space will enhance the practice.” The firm was previously located at 322 North Old Woodward in Birmingham.

Axis Music Academy Axis Music Academy has moved into the 1,400 square foot space, previously occupied by Morrey’s Fine Jewelry, at 283 Hamilton Row in Birmingham. “A lot of the Birmingham population understands the value of a music education for their children,” said owner John Antone. “The market here really embraces our services and the audience was right.” The music academy, which opened its first school in 1996, offers instruction to students of all ages and abilities. “We’ll teach 1-year-olds to 101-year-olds,” said Andrea George, marketing and event director for Axis. “We have a music discovery program for ages one to five. It teaches them rhythm basics and they learn about all the different instruments.” The academy also offers musical training in piano, guitar, drums, violin and vocals. “Whatever someone would want to learn, we have instructors who teach it.” The academy employs more than 70 instructors. “They’re all incredible. We have a reputation we want to uphold so we have all-stars across the board.” The build-out in the new space was specialized to accommodate the sound needs of the academy. “We have nine lesson rooms,” George said. “Eight will be used as private lesson rooms, and one larger room will be used for group lessons.” Antone also runs schools in Canton and Southfield.

Barbara Boz Boutique After successfully marketing her jewelry line all over the world, Barbara Boz has opened her own storefront, Barbara Boz Boutique, at 205 East Maple Road in Birmingham. “I started in wholesale first and just this year, I opened my first shop,” Boz said. She opened a boutique in Harbor Springs, Michigan in June 2011 and recently debuted her Birmingham store. “The residents here are well traveled and

have a nice cultural style,” she said. “They want style and they want to look chic every moment of every day and I can help them with that.” Boz carries her own designs and represents other collections in her boutique as well. Pieces in her shop range in price from $10 to $500. “We also have handmade belts from Peru and beautiful handmade scarves and gloves.” The Birmingham space, located just east of Panera Bread, has an art gallery feel, Boz said. “I have beautiful antique glass cases.” Boz said she enjoys meeting her customers in person and staying in touch with their style needs. “I’m very happy with the response I’m getting. I approach this business seriously and I like the idea of having multiple locations to express the brand in a variety of ways.” Boz’s designs received national recognition when they were worn by Oprah Winfrey in “O, The Oprah Magazine” and on the “Oprah Winfrey Show”. Her jewelry was also worn exclusively by Courteney Cox in “Scream 4,” filmed in Michigan and released in 2011.

Level Multisport store Birmingham will welcome Level Multisport, a sports store for triathlon enthusiasts, to 528 North Old Woodward Avenue this January. “We’re hoping to open by January 1,” said co-owner Christine Rosender. The store, located in the old Greenstone’s location, will offer clothing, accessories and equipment for runners, bicyclists and swimmers. “We’ll carry yoga wear as well.” Rosender is embarking on the endeavor with her husband Adam Rosender, with whom she shares a passion of triathlons. “We’ve been doing triathlons for over 10 years. Our relationship stemmed from the sport.” The husband-and-wife team hired Brad Kopek, a Bloomfield Hills designer, to assist with the store's design. “We’re working on having an eco-friendly space,” Christine said. “We took down some interior walls so it will be very open and we opened up the ceiling so it will give it a larger feel.” The Rosenders are former Birmingham residents and Christine said that the energy and excitement in Birmingham drew them to the space. “There is a big sense of community and everyone is active in Birmingham,” she said. “We want to help grow the sport and be immersed in the community. We hope to host

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races and hold group events down the road.” The Rosenders plan to have three or four employees.

Old Woodward Shave The Old Woodward Shave Company, nestled in the back room of The Barber Pole, has recently opened and is offering oldfashioned straight razor shaves. The shop, located at 164 South Old Woodward in Birmingham, is owned by Stephen Trachsel, 34, and Ryan Alsup, 31. “We’re just two young guys doing old school shaves the right way.” Trachsel, who has owned the Barber Pole for four years, said the business has been well-received in the community. “We also found a lab in Troy, Elba Lab, that makes our own shave cream and shave oil.” Their products are also packaged and available for customers to purchase.

Ned's Travelburger The owners of Ned's Travelburger recently rolled into the Rail District with their renovated 1946 Spartan aluminum travel trailer. The restaurant on wheels, parked at 2010 Cole Street in Birmingham, is a selfcontained eatery with a fully functioning kitchen. “We do all the prep work in the kitchen and we serve out of the trailer,” said co-owner Scott Steigerwald. “Carl (Patron) is the chef and he is there every day of the week. He mans it personally and it’s his energy that brings a lot to the business.” Their specialty burger, named Ned’s Travelburger, is rectangular shaped. “It’s rectangular so you can eat it with one hand. We also sell turkey burgers and we hand cut our fries every day,” Steigerwald said. Patron, who owns the business with Steigerwald, named the business for his son, Ned. “It’s a family affair,” Steigerwald said. The owners make use of social media to inform patrons if they will be moving locations. “We keep people abreast of our plan on Twitter and Facebook,” Steigerwald said. Business Matters for the Birmingham Bloomfield area are reported by Katey Meisner. Send items for consideration to KathleenMeisner@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

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PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The 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 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.2150. Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield township, 48304. 248.499.6867. Barrio Tacos & Tequila: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 203 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.6060. Beau Jacks: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078.

Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.642.0717. Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eaton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. 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. 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. Chen Chow Brasserie: Japanese. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.2469. China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221. Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner,

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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. Cosi: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 101 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9200. Crust Pizza and Wine Bar: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6622 Telegraph, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.855.5855. Deli Unique of Bloomfield Hills: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7923. Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 176 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9888. Also 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 &

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FOCUS ON WINE Toast the unusual By Eleanor and Ray Heald

any wines fly under the radar. Because they do not lie within best-known categories, these wines do not receive deserved kudos. This month, we fly below the radar to embrace the obscure and toast the unexpected. Take a ride! Wine’s greatness is in its variety. Although Americans favor cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, there is a wonderful selection of lesser-known wines that accompany a wide assortment of cuisines, are satisfying and refreshing in their uniqueness.

grenache blanc and 12 picpoul blanc. None of these varieties are all that interesting on their own, but in harmony make a terrific blend that’s rich, balanced and ageable, yet drinking quite nicely now. Reds Currently, the hottest unexpected varietal is tempranillo, the most commonly planted red variety throughout Spain and Portugal. Although its origins remain unknown, the name tempranillo stems from the Spanish temprano or “early,” referring to its ripening nature. At first, it became best known as the principal

Whites Among the newest white wine sensations is malvasia bianca, which has been planted across Europe since classical times. The ancient pedigree, however, does not result in predictable wines. Some are dry, others are sweet, and then there are those with bubbles. Drier versions are pleasant aperitifs or fine accompaniments to Asian foods. Try: 2010 Wild Horse Malvasia Bianca $20 with honeysuckle and lychee nut aromas. Verdelho originates from the Iberian Peninsula. Once used exclusively for fortified wines, it’s now enjoying a table wine revival. The crisp, lime finish of Wild Horse 2010 Verdelho $22 from California’s Paso Robles region is a winner. Albarino hails from the Rias Baixas region of Spain’s Galicia province. Currently, there are a few albarino vines planted in California, including the renowned Paragon Vineyard in Edna Valley which bottles 2010 Tangent Albarino $17. Honeyed tangerine and grapefruit characteristics make it pleasant on its own or with any seafood. Grown primarily in Austria and the Czech Republic, gruner veltliner is truly food friendly. Paragon Vineyard in California’s Central Coast Edna Valley is producing 2010 Zocker Gruner Veltliner $20. Zocker translates as gambler, yet this bottling is not a gamble. A broad palate with ripe melon and fruit cocktail flavors has an intriguing note of white pepper. Rhone-style white blends are attention grabbers. Tablas Creek 2009 Esprit $40 is 62 percent roussanne, 26

grape in the Rioja region. Over the last two decades, tempranillo from the Rioja encountered upstart rivals from other regions of Spain. Alejandro Fernandez in Ribera del Duero served notice with his Pesquera, a 100 percent tempranillo or Tinta del País as it’s called in the region. In essence, tempranillo is the red wine of Spain and frequently called that country’s answer to cabernet sauvignon. Five years ago, it was hardly known in the U.S. Today, its spot on comparison with pinot noir produced on the West Coast has created a sensation. Like pinot noir, tempranillo is food versatile. General characteristics are pomegranate, cranberry and cherry with a smoky-earthy spiciness. Depending on where it’s grown, it can be lighter in color and flavor intensity. Yet, some are nearly as intense as cabernet sauvignon. Our recent tasting of several domestic TEMPRANILLOS revealed these stellar examples: Curran 2007, Santa Ynez Valley $28. Winemaker Chris Curran makes outstanding pinot noirs and her techniques with tempranillo, including 40 months barrel aging in 40 percent new French oak yield a luscious wine brimming with dark black cherry and cola

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 Grill: American. Lunch, Monday-

Friday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9400. Fox Grill: American. Lunch, Monday through Friday; Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. 248.792.6109.

notes laced with vanilla. Abacela 2007, Umpqua Valley, Oregon $35 is a delicious rendition with ripe black fruits and a savory spiciness. Decanting recommended. Bray 2007, Shenandoah Valley, Calif., $22 showcases black cherry, black raspberry, plum and currant characteristics. El Matador 2008, Lodi, Calif., $22 has 16 percent alcohol (highest among those tasted) and therefore comes across jammy accented by cherry and anise notes. Bodegas Paso Robles 2007 Viva Tu $28 puts the spotlight on black cherry, pomegranate, anise and cassis characteristics. The New World blend 2008 Trenza Tinto, San Luis Obispo $30 is composed of syrah, grenache, tempranillo and mourvedre. According to winemaker Christian Roguenant, “It’s a big, rich wine with complex aromas of leather, tobacco, blueberries, sweet oak and a hint of white pepper.” It is! Mourvedre was in that blend. The question begs, however, does mourvedre make an interesting varietal wine? It is well suited to the warm, dry Mediterranean climate of California’s Dry Creek Valley. It’s a late-ripening variety and often challenged by autumn rains. Vintage 2009 was excellent for mourvedre in Dry Creek as evidenced by 2009 Quivira Wine Creek Ranch Mourvedre $32. Blaufrankisch is believed to have been brought to North America by Hungarian grape growers in the early 1900s. It made its way from British Columbia to Washington State, where producers use its alternate name, lemberger. A bit too close to a well-known stinky cheese, its European name is preferable, thank you! Wild Horse 2009 Blaufrankisch, Paso Robles $26 is decidedly an unexpected red with blueberry and blackberry notes touched with black pepper. Similar characteristics are noted in Michigan’s Shady Lane 2010 Blue Franc (100 percent blaufrankisch) $23 which is plush and lush. Unfortunately, this is a tasting room only wine for Shady Lane, but worth a stop if you are in Leelanau County this winter. Eleanor & Ray Heald are contributing editors for the internationally respected Quarterly Review of Wines among other publications. Contact them by e-mail at focusonwine@aol.com. Fuddrucker’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Beer & wine. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.333.2400. Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222.

DOWNTOWN

Hogan’s Restaurant: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6450 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.1800. Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. House of India: Indian. Tuesday-Sunday; Lunch & Dinner. Reservations. 1615 Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.451.0201. Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. 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. La Feast: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. 297 East Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7768. Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 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. Max & Erma’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.1188. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Mountain King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2913. New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Breakfast, Monday-Thursday; Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. 183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181. Northern Lakes Seafood Co.: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 39495 North Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7900. Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 138 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2760. Also 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: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966. Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877. Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222.

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Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999. Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Quiznos: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 185 N Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.7827. Sanders: American. Lunch, daily. No reservations. 167 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.3215 Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. South: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8133. 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. 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. 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 Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 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. Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. Tokyo Sushi & Grill: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 225 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6501. Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964 Whistle Stop Cafe: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.5588 Zazios: Italian. Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34977 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, 48009. Phone: 248.530.6400 Zumba Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No Reservations. 163 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2775.

AT THE TABLE Authentic food at Hong Hua By Eleanor Heald

hinese cuisine remains a taste trend in the U.S. Yet because of inferior take-out joints, Cantonese Chinese restaurants often take a lower rung on the preference ladder. That is, until you’ve experienced Hong Hua in Farmington Hills, where food and service convince you that authentic (not Americanized) Cantonese Chinese deserves top billing.

Classic origins Confucianism and Taoism influenced Chinese history and its culinary arts. Confucianism focused on taste, texture and food appearance. It placed emphasis on the enjoyment of life, to the extent that food and friends are inseparable. Taoists were concerned about the life-giving attributes and nutritional value of various foods. Both philosophies are embraced in authentic Cantonese cooking, which was the first Chinese regional cuisine to hit U.S. shores when, in the 1800s, Chinese immigrants from Canton came to build U.S. railways. Immigrants had difficulty transplanting traditional cooking. They were principally men, from a Chinese culture where women did all the cooking. Unfamiliar ingredients caused unsuccessful adaptations. To compensate for a lack of traditional flavors, overcompensation in the use of sugar and soy sauce became common. American Cantonese was born!

Seafood dishes are the number one choices of regulars. Filet of Sea Bass with asparagus and housemade spicy X.O. Sauce $24, and Steamed Salmon with Black Bean Sauce $21, take fish to new heights. Beef lovers should check the “Chef’s Suggestion” section. Rib-Eye Steak and Asparagus with “Maggie” Sauce $26, is not a chophouse item. Maggie, a housemade soy sauce, is more flavorful than ordinary soy and takes a rib eye in a new taste direction. Then there’s Hong Kong-style Stir-Fried Choice Rib Eye with lotus root $25. “Indigenous to Asia,” Gary Yau explains, “lotus root is an underwater vegetable. The exterior is covered with a reddish-brown peel with a white lacy interior. Peeled and sliced thinly for the sauce in this rib eye preparation, it adds a crunchy texture and delicious flavor.”

Inspiration Along with Cantonese, the menu also includes Szechuan dishes which Yu says “taste stronger because of the spices. Cantonese is lighter and, I believe, healthier because lighter oil and less salt are used. With traditionally-made Cantonese dishes, you get to taste the purity of top-quality ingredients that are not masked by sweet, sour or heavy spices.” Chef Peter Chan and the owners glean new ideas from their frequent travels to Hong Kong. Over the last few years, Hong Hua has developed a wine list to complement its traditional Cantonese dishes. “Red wines are ordered most,” Yu points out. A cabernet deal to accompany beef is California’s 2008 Forefront $10 by the glass and $40 by the bottle. Pine Ridge More than a translation 2010 Chenin Blanc-Viognier $29 is Hong Hua, translating as a lovely accompaniment to lighter “grateful,” has owners who are dishes. dedicated to presenting traditional January 23, 2012 is the first day Cantonese dishes to Americans. of the lunar new year — more Partners Danny Yu, Gary Yau, commonly known as the Chinese Shetwei Seto and Chef Peter Chan New Year. Hong Hua is not into have been together for more than celebratory firecrackers and lion 20 years. All were born in China, dances, but always creates a spebut began culinary pursuits in Gary Yau, Danny Yu, Shetwai Seto, and Peter Chan. cial menu to celebrate. Phone to Montreal. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent learn more. Chan is the brilliance behind In Hong Kong, appreciation and preparation of Cantonese the traditional Cantonese dishes. His partners are masters at food has been developed to the highest level. Some cultures pleasing customers and running a business that showcases Chan’s cooking. Opening the Farmington Hills location in the regard food preparation as a craft, but the Chinese consider cooking an art form. It is at Hong Hua. year 2000, the owners created an atmosphere that subtly announces an oriental eatery with understated American Hong Hua, 27925 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills casual ambiance. 248.489.2280. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. The menu is extensive, so Danny Yu offers navigation Friday and Saturday until midnight. Sunday noon to midnight. tips. His first suggestion is to begin with a soup ($3-$5 per bowl). “Our Szechuan Hot and Sour is very popular. It has QUICK BITES lots of chicken in our housemade chicken broth.” It’s this With plans to open in early February 2012, Roadside Bar & made-daily chicken broth that makes Hong Hua’s soups standouts. Shredded Duck and Mushrooms is a thick soup for Grill, 1727 South Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, is the latest addition to the Roberts Restaurants which currentwhich Chinese black mushrooms and a housemade duck ly include Beverly Hills Grill, Streetside Seafood in stock create authenticity. Birmingham and Town Tavern in Royal Oak. Proprietor Bill Roberts explains the menu as “simple, fresh American food From apps to mains served at both lunch and dinner. There will be a few favorites One tip to keep in mind when reading the menu is that from our existing restaurants, but Corporate Executive Chef not everything is on the menu. Ask your server what may be Patrick Roettele is lining up a significant number of new conspecial in the kitchen that day. It could be steamed scallops cepts in keeping with the ‘roadside’ name.” in the shell with an incredibly delicious garlic sauce or soft shell crab with pepper salt. Appetizers run $2-$9. If you’re Note a clever play on names. Streetside and now Roadside fond of Italian-style calamari, try it deep fried Chinese style. on Telegraph Road. At this point in the meal, I’m viewing a whole Peking Duck, to be carved tableside, arriving to my table of four (a Eleanor Heald is a nationally published writer who also writes little Confucianism!). A bargain at $38, it serves four in two the wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for separate courses: crispy skin with pancakes and green Downtown. Suggestions for Quick Bites section can be e-mailed onions, then shredded duck meat with Chinese vegetables to QuickBites@downtownpublications.com. and steamed brown rice.

Experience really does count!

M. MICHAEL COTTER, CRS 248.310.1974 mcotter@skbk.com

PAULA KANIA LAW 248.535.4700 pklaw@skbk.com Associate Brokers www.LuxuryHomesOfMichigan.com

icturesque vineyard & winery passionately developed over past 20 years. Location on 45th parallel of the Leelanau Peninsula makes this setting prime for quality cool climate wine grapes. More than 50 acres of premium vines. Sale includes winery, tasting room, 3 homes, 3 barns, warehouse & top quality wine making equip. Acclaimed wines! $5,000,000.

Mike Cotter & Paula Law

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE want to tell you about three important announcements from TCH that you can be part of in 2012:

SAVE THE DATE: March 24th Dinner Dance Gala Honors David Trott. Join us for TCH’s first annual black tie dinner dance gala on Saturday, March 24th. As an important part of this community’s “family,” we wanted to honor a family business owner at our gala. The criteria for the honoree was that he/she be the majority business owner of a family business; the business must have been in existence for more than five years, the honoree is a conscientious contributor of time, talent and treasure throughout SE Michigan, and a generous advocate of TCH; be an example of personal values and ethics; and their company is a model of excellence in product and customer service in the professional community. We could think of Camille Jayne no one better qualified than David Trott of Trott & Trott, LLP. The gala theme is: Creating More Vibrant Lives, which David helps do everyday. Make sure to ‘save the date’ to come honor David to thank him for all he does for so many. Email us at gala@tchserves.org to reserve a table or tickets. SUPPORT A FAVORITE CHARITY WITH TCH: Many of your favorite charities are anxious to have TCH bring our iCount™/KidsCount wellness program to their kids to help them get in shape, eat better and live more vibrant lives. We have received positive responses from The Development Center, YouthVille Detroit, The Children’s Center, Horizons Upward Bound, Matrix Human Services, and City Year Detroit. You and/or your company can help support these nonprofits even more by sponsoring one of them to get TCH’s iCount program. We have over 600 teens ready to start the iCount program, but we can’t reach them all without your help. Please call me directly at 248.594.6409 or email me at camillej@tchserves.org if you would like to start helping these worthy teens “get going” to becoming more vibrant and healthy community contributors.

ROBERTSON

In Town

Call to learn how we can make building your new dream home a reality.

248-282-1432 www.michigansbestbuilder.com

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TCH IS UPGRADING! Last year at TCH we had numerous company parties, conferences, group breakfasts, luncheons – and of course weddings and social events. Everyone is telling us how much they enjoy our upgraded food thanks to our in-house Chef Reubin and his team, as well as our new, approved caterers. Musicians from the DSO and Michigan Opera Theatre boast about our great ballroom acoustics. Yet, like any other beautiful and historic site, we need to do some upgrades to be even better. Just a “refreshing,” as they say. Here’s the fun part: as a nonprofit, TCH is truly the “community’s house”, so we’d like to have a designer competition to redo various sections of the house, and have the community-at-large vote as to whose designer’s work they like best. We plan to pair each designer with a design student from a local design school. A qualified committee will provide criteria, the general palette and oversight, but the design teams will present their design solutions via social media for public voting. We’d like as many design suppliers to join in as well, so we can showcase them all through a six-month social media and PR blitz. The amazingly talented photographer Gene Meadows has offered to do the before and after photos. It’s not unlike many of us feeling we could use a bit of ‘refreshing”…I know I could! Stay tune for more information as we put the Designer Faceoff together. Camille Jayne is President & CEO of The Community House. downtownpublications.com

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David W. Potts J.D., PLLC* 600 S. Adams, Suite 100, Birmingham (248) 594-4999 *AV rated lawyer

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40 OFF 25% OFF YOUR

TUXEDO R E N TA L YOUR OFFICIAL OUTFITTER FOR

ANY

R E TA I L PURCHASE

FOR EVERY TUXEDO RENTAL FOR THE AUTO SHOW WE’LL DONATE $10 TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM

WEST BLOOMFIELD

BY SALVATORE SCALLOPINI’S

IN THE BOARDWALK

534 N. OLD WOODWARD AVE.

6907 ORCHARD LAKE RD.

248.594.0800

248.865.6100 59

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.

DIWA: The Art of Wine

1. Event honorary vintners Tom (left) & Vicki (right) Celani with David (second left) & Angela Banda of Bloomfield and John & Laura Percival of Birmingham. 2. Event chairs Jim (left) & Mary Beth Nicholson of Grosse Pointe with event vintner Tom Celani of Bloomfield. 3. Past event chair Yousif Ghafari (left) of Bloomfield, CCS president Rick Rogers of Grosse Pointe. 4. Tony (left) & Mary Barra of Novi with past event chairs Gary & Kay Cowger and Syd & Elizabeth Ross of Bloomfield. 5. Jay Schreib (left) of Orchard Lake, Julie Kowalik of Bloomfield, past event chairs Kim & Frank Campanale of Orchard Lake and Michelle & Linden Nelson of Bloomfield. 6. Jacqueline Tilak (left) and Jason Ruff of Birmingham and past event chairs Jennifer & David Fischer of Bloomfield. 7. Julie (left) & Steve Henes of Birmingham with Nadia & Victor Simon of Bloomfield. 8. Maria & Bill Roberts of Bloomfield.

Bloomfield Hills Rotary Honors Dinner

4 1. Rotary president Bob Hoisington (left), Kay White Meyer and honoree Jeanne Hackett of Bloomfield. 2. Donna (left) & John MacInnes with past Rotary president & event emcee John Wilson of Bloomfield. 3. Eunice Coffman (left), Marion Wyatt and Margot Strickland of Bloomfield. 4. Jackie Sefferman (left), past honoree Pat Hardy, Judy Anderson and Carol Zuzenak of Bloomfield. 5. George Meyer (left) with Diana & Dick Larke of Bloomfield. 6. Susie Baker (left), Kaye Mayhew and Kay White Meyer of Bloomfield with Rita Margherio of Orchard Lake. 7. Shelley Roberts (left) of Birmingham, honoree Jeanne Hackett, her daughter Amy Hackett Palmer and her husband David Palmer of Bloomfield.

DIWA: The Art of Wine Record setting attendance (506 guests) marked the 30th annual the Detroit International Wine Auction at the GM Wintergarden. Benefactor ticket holders ($1,500) first sipped Celani Family Vineyard wines and noshed on yummy fare from Andiamo’s new Joe Sally Gerak Muer’s at the Vintner’s Private Reception before they bid $20,500 in a mini live auction. They then joined patrons ($600-tickets) and supporters ($350-tickets) to peruse the silent auction of wine and art created by graduates of the College for Creative Studies, the event beneficiary. The silent auction raised $56,000 before everybody adjourned for a splendid dinner and the live auction conducted with flair by veteran wine auctioneer Fritz Hatton. It featured two bidders paying $40,000 each for the main donation of the honorary vintners Tom and Vicki Celani - VIP trips for six on the Celani aircraft to their Napa, CA vineyards and royal treatment for four days and three nights while there. Such generous bidding brought the live auction total to $359,900 and the event total to more than $1.4 million. Proceeds from the annual event fund critically needed student scholarships and free art programs for more than 4,000 Detroit youth annually. Bloomfield Hills Rotary Honors Dinner “I’ve talked a lot but never spoken to a group,” confided Jeanne Hackett when she accepted the Distinguished Community Leader award from the Rotary Club Foundation. This followed heartwarming salutes from retired Community House president / CEO Shelley Roberts, Rotarian Kay White Meyer and Hackett’s son-inlaw David Palmer, a member of the Birmingham Rotary. In the audience were old friends of the philanthropist, a nonagenarian who “…steps up to meet community needs,” according to White Meyer, who nominated her. The honoree is also a jewelry designer and many guests, like past honoree Pat Hardy, were wearing her creations. “I gave this (Hackett necklace) to my late mother-in-law. It was the only thing I ever gave her that she liked,” Hardy said. Proceeds from the event will help fund Rotary projects like polio eradication and clean water. Behind the Scenes Gala Nearly 150 supporters of the Jewish Ensemble Theatre Company attended the seventh annual Behind the Scenes Gala hosted by Doreen Hermelin at her Bingham Farms home. Before the program guests dined on savory fare catered by Matt Prentice and heard a Fats Waller review by the Alvin Waddles Trio. Then they applauded when Mary Lou Zieve saluted Madge and Bill Berman for their philanthropy nonpareil (including the glorious new Berman Theatre) `and Sue Curtis for demonstrating “…the true spirit of volunteerism” as JET board president Tom August noted, adding, “For Sue, no job is too large or too small.” JET managing director Chris Bremer also said that four of the five shows for the current season are Midwest premieres and Mary Davis spoke about the Education Outreach program which performs “The Diary of Anne Frank” and takes plays about bullying to schools. The event raised $23,000, an essential boon because ticket sales only cover 50 percent of the JET budget. A Night of Charity in the Big Easy The Art Van Furniture store in Warren was transformed into a huge jazz club with a New Orleans spin for the two-hospital fundraiser. “I’m on both boards (St. John Providence and Henry Ford Heath Systems),” noted host Art Van Elslander. “We don’t have to go to Mayo. We have two of the best hospitals right here,” he told the crowd of 600-plus. They had taken a break from sipping, supping on blackened shrimp and Po-Boys, and listening to internationally-acclaimed jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimee to convene in what actor/emcee Ted Napolitano called, “The world’s largest bar inside a furniture store.” It was the clearance center of the AV flagship store, transformed with a stage, stand up bar tables and a very long, beaded light curtain. Entertainment included a “Life is a Cabaret” floorshow with selections from “Cabaret”, “Chicago”, and burlesque as well as the Hot Club of Detroit and Arthur Murray swing dancers. The evening raised $140,000 for the Infant Mortality program at St. John’s and the Perfect Depression program at Henry Ford because Art Van picked up all the bills. The Community House Meet & Greet Camille Jayne’s enthusiasm for her new job as President and CEO of The DOWNTOWN

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Community House was evident at the Meet and Greet Gathering she hosted recently. More than 140 TCH loyalists attended. In addition to meeting Jayne, they sipped and supped on fare generously provided by Plum Market and World of Wine and heard two recent 21st Century Leaders graduates speak about the benefits of the outreach program for 7th graders from 16 schools in Wayne and Oakland Counties. Jayne’s remarks focused on her goal for the non-profit’s mission - to make TCH also stand for “Teach. Connect. Help.” Cattle Baron’s Ball Initiated in 2003, the local version of the American Cancer Society’s western style fundraiser was held at the Michigan State Fairgrounds before it moved to the Shotwell-Gustafson Pavilion at Oakland University for several years. But the 2011 event, Motown Showdown, returned to Detroit and a new home at the Joe Louis Arena. It attracted about 1,200 people, including the 200 who kicked off the evening at the VIP reception in the arena’s Legends Club where photographs of Red Wings icons observed honorary chair GM’s Joel Ewanick welcoming and thanking guests for their support. The evening featured fine food, music by homegrown talent Annabelle Road, the popular mechanical bull for riding, Chevy Karaoke, a silent and live auction, and presentation of the Cowger leadership Award to Koyo Bearings’ Ken Hopkins. Also, for the fourth year, awards for the food and beverage providers were announced during the traditional Parade of Chefs. The 2011 Chuck Wagon Awards were: Best Sweet - Peteet’s Famous Cheesecake; Best Savory - Forte Belanger and Zazios; Best in Presentation - Forte Belanger and Shriners Silver Gardens. The live auction, which included a custom SS Camaro convertible styled by West Coast Customs valued at $143,255, generated more than $300,000. Counting presenting sponsor Chevrolet’s beneficence, the CB Golf Round-Up chaired by George Lenyo and the CB (Clay) Shoot Out event chaired by Doug Guidan, the 2011 Cattle Baron’s Ball raised more than $1.4 million to support the mission of the American Cancer Society. Moulin Rouge Chocolate Jubilee After 26 years of staging a mid-day Sunday afternoon brunch followed by sampling the wares of chocolate confectioners, Alzheimer’s Association supporters decided the time had come for a major change. Led by chair Lil Erdlejan, the 2011 Chocolate Jubilee adopted a fun, Moulin Rouge theme and moved to a Saturday night at the MGM Grand. Some 750 attended, including nearly 500 Benefactors who were saluted at a preglow. It featured a rousing Can Can downtownpublications.com

Behind the Scenes Gala

1. Event hostess Doreen Hermelin (left) of Bingham Farms, presenter Mary Lou Zieve of Bloomfield and honorees Bill & Madge Berman of Franklin. 2. Board members Henrietta Hermelin Weinberg (left) of Southfield with event chairs Phoebe Mainster of Bloomfield and Sue Curtis of W. Bloomfield. 3. Board VP Elaine Sturman (left) with board president Tom and Kathy August of Bloomfield. 4. Doris & past honoree Jim August of Bloomfield with managing JET director Chris Bremer of Warren. 5. Dorie & Marvin Shwedel of Bloomfield. 6. JET artistic director David Madidson with Barbara & Michael Kratchman of Bloomfield. 7. Peggy Daitch (left) & her husband Peter Remington of Birmingham with Sue & Alan Kaufman of Bloomfield. 8. Milt (left) & Lois Zussman of Bloomfield and Saul & Marjorie Saulson of Franklin.

8 A Night of Charity in the Big Easy

1. Debbie (left) & Dave McNeill of Troy with Bill and HFHS Foundation board member Wendy Powers of Bloomfield. 2. Kate & Gary Durack of Bloomfield. 3. Doug Glazier (left) of Rochester with Jennifer Harmon and Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield. 4. Patrick & Susan Schulte of Birmingham. 5. Leon Bakka (left), Craig Williamson, Jane Synnestvedt and Andrzej Rozecki of Birmingham.

5 The Community House Meet & Greet

1. Tom Varbedian of Bloomfield and Camille Jayne of Birmingham. 2.Jeff & Lisa Johnston of Birmingham. 3.Beth Gotthelf (left) of Birmingham, Carla Schwartz of W. Bloomfield and Blanca Fauble of Bloomfield. 4.Marc Jonna (left) of Birmingham and Nidal Daher of Bloomfield. 5. Richard Astrein (left) of Huntington Woods and John Heiney of Rochester.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Revue that captured the risqué spirit of old Paris with swishing skirts, kicks and squeals galore. Unchanged was the AA’s recognition of the honorary chairs Danialle and Peter Karmanos and the major donors: Becky and Gary Sakwa, Nancy and James Grosfeld, RoseAnn Comstock, and Mary and Ralph Wilson. Also unchanged, but better than usual, was the presentation by someone close to the disease. This year the speaker was board member John MacInnes who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. His poignant remarks included Ten Commandments for those with Alzheimer’s. We especially liked number 5 – “Don’t buy a rocking chair” and number 10 – “Relax and thank God for wonderful memories of a life well lived.” Also unchanged was the Chocolate Fete with 20 generous vendors providing their trademark confections. So, were the changes good for the event’s bottom line? You bet. It raised approximately $875,000, an increase of $125,000 over last year.

Cattle Baron’s Ball

1. K.C. (left) & Ashley Crain of Bloomfield with honorary chair GM’s Joel and Liz Ewanick of Birmingham. 2. Kay (right) & Gary Cowger of Bloomfield with Cowger Award winner Ken Hopkins and his wife, formerly of Bloomfield, Bonnie Hopkins of Northville. 3. Myra Moreland (left) of Birmingham and GM’s Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield. 4. Honorary chair GM’s Joel Ewanick (eft) of Birmingham with Jeff & Lisa Bouchard of Birmingham and Patricia Mouradian and Lisa Payne of Bloomfield. 5. Susan Bolley-Gulzff (left) and Liz & Pat Morrissey of Northville with Roxanne & Chris Perry of Birmingham. 6. Becky Cox of Birmingham.

Moulin Rouge Chocolate Jubilee

1. Event chair Lil Erdeljan (center) of Bloomfield with co-chairs Amyre Makupson of Southfield and Richard Astrein of Huntington Woods. 2. Featured speaker John MacInnes and his wife Donna of Bloomfield. 3. Honorary chairs Peter & Danialle Karmanos of Orchard Lake. 4. Yan (left) & Bob Stewart of Birmingham with Millenium Donors Beckie & Gary Sakwa of Bloomfield. 5. Bob Allesee of Bloomfield with premiere Donor RoseAnn Comstock of Detroit. 6. Carol (left) & Mike Ziecik and Eric & Julie Borman of Bloomfield with Harold & Sarah Fried of Birmingham. 7. Jim Campbell (left) and Dr. Luisa DiLorenzo of Birmingham, with Jackie Layne, Debra Ribitwer and Sandy Layne of Bloomfield. 8. AA executive director Dian Wilkins (center) of Beverly Hills with Kristen & Ken Lingenfelter of Brighton.

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Christ Child Society’s Night of Angels This year the Christ Child Society’s benefit was on Halloween weekend so Molly Robinson decorated the tables for the sold out crowd of 275 at Oakland Hills Country Club with colorful pumpkins. Following a silent auction, cocktails and dinner, Ed Cherney and his son Eric conducted the live auction which raised nearly $30,000. It was highlighted by the sale of Kathleen McInerney’s painting “St. Michael The Arch Angel” for $2,000 and the generosity of the person who bought the 10 Thanksgiving Day Lions game tickets and gave them to the boys of Christ Child House. Guests also pledged more than $15,000 for the children before adjourning to the afterglow in the cigar tent set up on the lawn. The evening raised more than $80,000 for the society’s support of the at risk boys who live at the House. And because the society’s leadership had observed that the opportunity for those boys to be involved in a mentoring program with Brother Rice High School students has been the single, most impactful, positive experience they have ever had, society president Shondell Patterson presented BRHS the Mary Virginia Merrick Award. It was accepted by BRHS president John Birney who said that the boys of Christ Child have been a gift to his students. SandCastles’ Haunted Night at the Museum The giant, green-eyed black cat guarding the entrance to the Detroit Institute of Arts the night 200 supporters of Henry Ford Hospice arrived there was probably the spookiest element of the party because, frankly, the witches and pirates were all quite friendly during the cocktail hour in the lobby. Following dinner in Kresge Court at tables festooned with orange ostrich feathers, HFHS CEO Nancy Schlicting presented two awards named for pioneering visionary the late Jo Magna who brought hospice 01.12

care to the USA. The first went to the Henkel Corporation for its financial support of the hospital’s SandCastles grief program for children. This happened, Schlicting said, thanks to SandCastles volunteer, Henkel’s Jason Tylanda, The second went to her 13year colleague HFHS president and COO Bob Riney, who, like his boss, was costumed as a Star Trekkie. SandCastles manager Peggy Nielson also told a patient’s moving story before Doug Glazier explained the importance of Camp Erin to the grief recovery of children who have lost a loved one. Then guests pledged $13,000 for needy campers to attend the camp. Dancing and a dessert afterglow capped off the evening chaired by Claire Chambers. It raised $60,000 to support SandCastles, which is free to all who need its programs conducted at eight sites. Angels’ Place Annual Dinner The 19th annual Angels Place Dinner was a red, white and blue salute to U.S. servicemen and veterans. It played to a sold out crowd of 700 at the Hyatt Regency. Some of them came to meet the scheduled special guest Louie Zamperini, the 93year-old subject of Laura Hillenbrand’s book “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption”. However, a minor accident prevented Zamperini from attending, and his good friend and fellow Olympic gold medal winner John Naber was a splendid stand-in. Naber not only used Louie’s favorite lines, “Be hardy, be happy, be prepared”, he also did what Louie always does at his talks. He called upon veterans of each war to stand and he saluted them. Naber’s talk followed lots of patriotism. The opening ceremony was a presentation of colors by the 777th MP Detachment National Honor Guard followed by a procession of vets representing six wars. Then, with AP residents standing at his side, Mark Tisdale sang “The National Anthem” before emcee and event co-chair Brant Shuman spoke about his father’s experience as a Viet Nam POW with Senator John McCain for five years in the ‘Hanoi Hilton”. Guests also saw a unique video featuring some AP residents discussing their love of liberty, their gratitude for servicemen and concerns for the soldiers’ safe return. Following Naber’s speech, and after more than $16,000 in raffle tickets had been sold, it was time to draw the winner of the 21,000-mile lease on a 2012 Ford Focus partially donated by North Brothers Ford’s Doug and Gwen North. Ed Priebe held the winning ticket, but he immediately gave it back for use at one of the 19 AP homes for persons with developmental disabilities. It was a generous conclusion to the dinner which raised more than $200,000. Judson Center’s A Night to Embrace “Judson changed our lives,” Jay Aho told the 230 Judson Center supporters at the social service agency’s 28th annual benefit auction at the Troy Marriott. He downtownpublications.com

Christ Child Society’s Night of Angels

1. Event co-chairs Patti Crane (left) of Bloomfield, Pam Hildebrand of Birmingham and Chris Schwartz, Katie Parks and Maureen Cosgrove of Bloomfield. 2. Volunteer auctioneers Ed (left) & Eric Cherney of Bloomfield. 3. Brother Rice High School’s Anita Laurila (left) of Huntington Woods with Anne Marie Udell and Jill Hellyer of Birmingham and Joslin Crowe of Bingham Farms. 4. Larry (left) & Mari MacKenzie of Birmingham, Maria & Joe Serra of Bloomfield. 5. Kristin Lyranski (left) of Birmingham and Nancy Schwartz of Bloomfield. 6. Nora (left) & Schuyler Hamill of Bloomfield and Doug Hellyar of Birmingham. 7. Debbie (left) & John Schrot of Birmingham and Donna & Dave Zimmer of Bloomfield. 8. Kim McNulty (left) and Graham Ritter of Birmingham with Todd Halsted and Crystal Davidson of Bloomfield (in the after party cigar tent).

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4 1. Event chair Claire Chambers (left) and HFHS CEO Nancy Schlicting of Bloomfield with honoree Bob Riney of Grosse Pointe and HF Hospice VP Lori Crowe of Warren. 2. SandCastle’s manager Peggy Nielsen (center) of Rochester with Susan and Audrey Chambers of Bloomfield. 3. HFHS philanthropy VP Jon Fitzgerald (left) of Birmingham (costumed as OSU ex-coach Jim Tressel) with honoree Henkel Corporation’s Linda Chase & her husband Todd of Farmington Hills. 4. Bob & Millie Pastor of Bloomfield (at DIA entrance). 5. Cindi (left) & Doyle Mosher and (from “Toy Story”) Kathy & Mark Rheaume of Birmingham. 6. Linda & Larry Lipa of Birmingham. 7. Irving Shapiro (left) of Bloomfield, Jann Devereux of Birmingham and Paula & Barry Waldman of Huntington Woods. 8. (Three blind mice) Kim Fulgenzi (left) of Grosse Pointe, Niccole Gopian of Bloomfield and Paula Gralewsk of Sterling Hgts.

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK then noted the joy of adopting their son Joshua from Judson Center. His subsequent need of Judson’s autism services has made his sisters compassionate young women. “We thank you very much,” he concluded. The moving remarks followed cocktails and silent auction bidding and preceded toasts to the center by honorary co-chairs Robert Z. Feldstein and John Schaefer. There was also a fun heads and tails game to determine the winner of a raffle before the live auction conducted by Ken Lindsay. It was highlighted by a bid of $3,000 for a VIP package for two to the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis. Counting generous sponsors, the event raised $152,000 for the 87-year old center that serves families and children.

Angels’ Place Annual Dinner

1 1. Event sponsor Sally Sehn (left) with event co-chairs Barbara Sehn Day and Denice Richmond of Bloomfield. 2. Event emcee Brant Shuman (left) of NYC with sponsor Fran Shen and event co-chair Greg Richmond of Bloomfield. 3. AP volunteer Mary & John Schelske of Bloomfield with speaker / Olympian John Naber of Pasadena, CA. 4. Ford’s Sue Cischke (left) with Doug & Gwen North of Bloomfield. 5. Kate & Tom Lynch of Bloomfield. 6. Anne Whitelaw (left) of Bingham Farms, Jeff Dailey of Orchard Lake with Joan Keller, Becky Sorensen, Donna Leland and Janet Grant of Bloomfield. 7. Ed McCallum (left), Rich Sorensen, John Grant and Bob Leland of Bloomfield. 8. Welcoming committee Marty Nagle (left) of Troy, Colin & Riley North of Bloomfield, David Carpenter of Beverly Hills and Mark Titt of Bloomfield.

SKY Foundation Benefit Brunch Sky Foundation founder Sheila Kasselman and her brunch co-chairs Judy McClelland and Niki Gaulladet made some good calls for the third annual brunch benefiting research into the early detection of pancreatic cancer. They moved the event from The Village Club to The Reserve where more guests (285) and a larger silent auction could be accommodated. They engaged “The Last Lecture” author Jeff Zaslow to emcee and speak about the time he spent with Randy Pausch, the college professor who died of pancreatic cancer. And they added a live auction and got Rick Williams to be the auctioneer. Guests also received a positive research progress report from Wayne State University professor Michael Tainsky. In the crowd were research team members from Karmanos Cancer Institute, which gave Kasselman the Heart of a Survivor Award in September as an outstanding cancer survivor. Thanks to the innovations as well as the beneficence of the Cosgrove Family, Paula Klein Zeid, Bill and Wendy Powers, Carol Quigley and others, the 2011 brunch raised nearly $73,000, almost three times the 2010 amount.

Judson Center’s A Night to Embrace

Extreme Makeover Charity Reopening CARE House and Variety, The Children’s Charity gathered 150 supporters at Andiamo in Bloomfield Township to celebrate Ron Rea’s redesign of the popular eatery. They dined on savory samplings of menu selections, socialized at the bar, table hopped and danced in the space freed up by replacing some booths with stand up tables. Newcomers to the area should know that the restaurant was formerly the Red Fox, notorious as the last place Jimmy Hoffa was seen alive.

1. Honorary chairs Marta (left) & John Schaefer of Birmingham and Robert Z. & Adrienne Feldstein of W. Bloomfield. 2. Judson Center president & CEO Marn Myers of Farmington Hills with board chair Jim Bayson of W. Bloomfield and member Steve & Julie Henes of Bloomfield. 3. Claire Devlin (center) of Bloomfield with Emily Hay (left) and Meloney Lau of Birmingham. 4. Board member Susan (left) & David Rogers of Birmingham with their daughter Erica of Royal Oak. 5. Jennifer McMonigle (left) of Sterling Hgts, Rob Nast of Troy and Jeff Sadowski of Birmingham. 6. Chris & Tracee Theodore of Birmingham.

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American Glamour @ SAKS for JVS Some 100 supporters of the JVS Women to Work program, which started serving women during the Depression, attended an unusual fashion show host01.12

ed by Saks Fifth Avenue. It featured models - four pros in basic black and two celebrity judges - modeling jewelry from David Yurman’s American Glamour collection on a runway. Before the show, guests socialized, sipped, snacked and shopped some of the dramatic pieces from the collection. All took home some yummy toasted bread baked by Annabel Cohen, who served on the honorary committee with many other JVS advocates. Cranbrook Art Museum Grand Reopening After two years of being closed for a $22-million upgrade, the landmark Cranbook Art Museum, designed by renowned Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, reopened last month with the exhibition “No Object Is an Island: New Dialogues with the Cranbrook Collection.” It pairs the work of 50 leading contemporary artists and designers with objects from Cranbrook’s permanent collection of 20th and 21st century works. On the opening evening, CAM longtime director Gregory Wittkopp, who was exhibition co-curator with CAM Jeanne and Ralph Graham Collections Fellow Sarah MargolisPineo, enthusiastically welcomed some 500 generous museum loyalists. He also toasted the exhibition artists for “…sharing your vision with the world.” Then, like the 600 more art lovers who arrived later, people toured the new 22,000 foot Collections Wing where the entire collection is now visible—and accessible— to students, scholars and visitors. Before the opening weekend concluded, more than 4,000 people visited the museum. The exhibition runs through March 25, 2012. Don’t miss it. Arts’ Les Carnaval des ArtStars From the beginning to the end of the sold out Detroit Institute of Arts’ annual gala, the invitation and program art Florine Stettheimer’s 1930 painting Love Flight of a Pink Candy Heart – inspired whimsy. During the cocktail hour, costumed mobile entertainers provided fun diversions and the desserts served after dinner in Rivera Court included freshly spun cotton candy, apple pie on a stick and fresh banana donuts with nutella sauce in a cone. In between, there was more serious dining (think beef tenderloin) for the 261 $2,500-ticket holders in the museum film theatre where Hot Club performed and the 251 $600 ticket holders in the Kresge Court where the Scott Gwinnell Trio performed. An After Dinner ticket ($150) attracted 65 to join the dinner guests for dancing in the Great Hall to music by DJ Prevue and Jared Sykes. The success of the evening prompted constant smiles on event cochairs Yvette Bing, Bonnie Larson and Cathy Forbes, whose in-laws Maddy and Sid Forbes had hosted a splendid patron party. downtownpublications.com

SKY Foundation Benefit Brunch

1. Founder Sheila Kasselman (center) of W. Bloomfield with board member Dave Weir (left) and auctioneer Rick Williams of Bloomfield. 2. Event co-chairs / board members Judy McClelland (left) of Birmingham and Niki Gallaudet of Bingham Farms. 3. Karen Williams (left), Wendy Powers and Martha Quay of Bloomfield with Susan Foley of Birmingham. 4. Julia (left) & Steve Cosgrove of Birmingham and Chris & Maureen Cosgrove of Bloomfield. 5. Sharyl Ackerman of Bloomfield. 6. Sophia & Butch Glass of Bloomfield. 7. Irv Tobocman (left) & Barbara Mazer of Birmingham with Dennis & Barbara Declerc of Bloomfield.

Extreme Makeover Charity Reopening

1. Event co-chair Ruthie & Marty Selzer of Birmingham with Variety exec. director Jennie Cascio of Bloomfield. 2. Diane Hults (left) of Beverly Hills, event co-chair Brier Neal of Birmingham and CARE House board president/interim director Cathy Weissenborn, Denise Abrash and Karla Sherry of Bloomfield. 3. Lyle & Joyce Shuert of Bloomfield with Renee & Dave Tull of Birmingham. 4. Suzanne Russell & her husband Vince Giovanni of Bloomfield. 5. Joe (left) & Colleen Newmyer of Bloomfield with Ed & Felicia Shaw of Birmingham. 6. Andiamo’s Jerry Vitale (left) and Paul Chetoski of Rochester Hills, Joe Vicarri of Clinton Twp., Linda Gardella of Waterford and Tom Vitale of Rochester Hills.

American Glamour @ SAKS for JVS

1. Judges & models Marc Barron (left) and Shalina Kumar of Birmingham with JVS Ambassador chair Julie Nelson-Klein of Bloomfield. 2. Dr. Cassandra Klyman (left) and Julie Flynn of Bloomfield. 3. Bob Shelide (left) of W. Bloomfield with Gabriella & Diane D’Agostina of Bloomfield. 4. Debbie Tyner (left) of Franklin with Jan Klein of Bloomfield. 5. Board vice chair Hadas Bernard of Birmingham with board chair Lee Hurwitz of Huntington Woods. 6. JVS president and CEO Barbara Nuremberg (center) of Bloomfield with Naomi Harwood (left), Rochelle Upfal, Tamara Gorosh and Elaine Beresh of W. Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Santa Society’s Cause for Claus What a difference 19 years makes. The first Santa Society toy ingathering party was hosted by Tim and Naomi Turner at their home and 50 people attended. The 2011 version attracted way more than 600 guests to the Troy Marriott. Smartly attentive Marines were on hand to relieve them of their price of admission – toys for needy children registered in the Marine Toys for Tots program. Among the guests were the following Santa Society directors who pay the party expenses: Turner, Ray Dallavecchia, Jack Bourget, David Lau, Mario Apruzzese, Mark Boswell, Keith Butler, Steve Dempsey, Bill Frantz, Hillary Heacock, Brandon Horrocks, Scott Novack, Michael Obloy, Harry Radtke, Chuck Shreve and Steve Solys.

Cranbrook Art Museum Grand Reopening

1. Bob Ziegelman & Mary Linda Murphy of Bloomfield (with model for Eero Saarinen’s Dulles International Airport on which Ziegelman worked, paired with model in background of Hani Rashid’s Strata Tower in Dubai). 2. Char Terry (left) with Joann & Richard Brodie of Bloomfield (art in background Woodcut by James Surls (left) and on right: print by Randy Bolton, Artist in Residence and Head of CAA Print Media Department). 3. Board member Pat Hartmann (left) of Bloomfield and Evie Wheat of Birmingham (in new Hartmann Gallery). 4. Amy Kantgias (left) of Birmingham, her son George Lukas with Eryka Symington of Ann Arbor, and Myron & Joyce LeBan of Bloomfield. 5. Board members Maggie Allesee (left) of Bloomfield and Jim Kelly with his wife Marian Noland of Grosse Pointe and Harley Norland of Marietta, OH. 6. Board member Bharat Gandi (left) of W. Bloomfield with Sally Parsons of Birmingham and Tom Galantowicz of Beverly Hills.

Winning Futures’ Corks & Forks Winning Futures, a nonprofit organization that offers middle and high school students school-based mentoring programs focused on character value identification, goal setting, career preparation and strategic planning, staged its second Corks & Forks fundraiser at The Reserve and 230 supporters attended. They socialized, sampled more than 85 wines provided by The Detroit Wine Organization (www.Detroitwine.org) paired with such fare as mini beef Wellingtons and pork potstickers from a bountiful buffet, bid $2,670 in a silent auction and heard an update on the program by WF president & CEO Kris Marshall. Thanks to presenting sponsors Buick GMC, Crain’s Detroit, SHR Partners and SRG Global, the event netted $17,758 for Winning Futures and $4,900 for the Detroit Wine Organization.

Arts’ Les Carnaval des ArtStars

1. Event co-chair Bonnie Larson and her sons & escorts Todd Blanding of Chicago, IL, Scott Blanding of Cincinnati, OH and Jason Cunningham of Santa Rosa, CA. 2. Maureen & Roy Roberts of Bloomfield. 3. Karen Davidson (left) of Bloomfield, L. Brooks Patterson of Clarkston and Linda Orlans of Birmingham. 4. Mary Anne Gargaro (left) of Grosse Pointe with committee member Peggy Daitch & her husband Peter Remington of Birmingham. 5. Graham & Sally Orley of Bloomfield. 6. David & Jennifer Forbes of Bloomfield. 7. Ted (left) & Diana Golden, Linda Powers, Barbara & Larry Spencer of Bloomfield. 8. Lynn (left) & J. Ferron with Eric & Holly Machus of Bloomfield. 9. Annie Margulis (left), Marcia Avis and Elise Hayes of Bloomfield. 10. Daisy & Renato Ramus of Bloomfield.

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Vision Research Grant Awards Luncheon “I’m a wine guy so I’m impressed with your mission,” Rich Brown told the several dozen supporters of the Alliance for Vision Research gathered at Grosse Pointe’s Da Edoardo restaurant on a Sunday afternoon. They were there to wine, dine and applaud the recipients of alliance grants. The grant dollars (more than $142,000) were raised at the 2011 A Night for Sight charity wine auction and, as event co-founder Dr. Frank Nesi noted, “The first year we gave four grants. This year we are giving thirtysix.” They ranged from $1,000 to $10,000 and supported everything from high tech research to Seedlings’ Braille Books for Children. Alliance chair Dr. Luisia DiLorenzo admitted special pleasure presenting $5,000 to Oakland Ophthalmic Surgery’s Dr. Tim Page for expenses related to a surgical mission in Kenya because her service there last May prevented her from attending the auction. Dr. Bob Mobley will chair the 2012 auction May 19 at the Ford Conference Center. 01.12

Walsh College Leadership Awards Dinner At the annual Walsh College Leadership Awards Dinner Matt Cullen, Michael Brennan and Paul Glantz were honored for their community service and Stephanie Baron, MBA ’10, was recognized as an outstanding alumna. The event attracted nearly 300 people to the Royal Park Hotel and raised enough money to fund 60 scholarships for students at the Troy-based college which grants bachelor, master and doctoral degrees in business. Boys & Girls Clubs’ In Celebration Dinner Last year Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was in Italy when he and Yvette were celebrated by the Women’s Association of the Boys and Girls Club. But he made up for it this year by being on hand to pay tribute to the 2011 honorees John and Sharon James. The 130-plus Boys & Girls Clubs supporters in the Bloomfield Hills Country Club dining room applauded when John, a longtime B&GC board member, thanked Bing for bringing pride back to the city before declaring “…there’s no higher calling than to help young people find their calling.” WA chair Kathy Martin then happily reported that the 25th annual In Celebration Dinner had raised $75,000. This will allow the clubs to continue making a difference for the 23,000 youth at the 12 clubs that provide a positive alternative during after-school hours, weekends and summer vacations. Lighting the Way for the Holidays You suspect if Curtis Posuniak is involved in an event there will likely be great music and beautiful ornaments. The inaugural holiday season kick-off benefiting Lighthouse of Oakland County did not disappoint. The Sunday evening event attracted 250 to Somerset Collection North’s Grand Court where the music by Classic Voices, The Langford Men’s Chorus, Erica Abe, Corrin Hepburn and Tola Lewis made spirits soar while guests supped on yummy fare from Brio Tuscan Grille and viewed the 37 decorated trees. Patty Ghesquiere and Diana Johnson coordinated the 4½ foot trees and the ‘Sweet Peas’ team led by Sunne Terry and Marion Jones coordinated the 7½ foot beauties. Teri Fenner, Lynette Adkins, Dina Stravropoulos, Betty Raphtis and Jan Hepburn made the popular silent auction of more than 65 items happen. It raised $22,000-plus of the event total (nearly $80,000) which will help Lighthouse empower people in crisis to become self sufficient. Baldwin Library’s Books & Bites Birmingham’s Baldwin Library staged its first ever fundraising social and published a sold out (250-plus) best seller. Guests socialized and grazed at downtownpublications.com

Santa Society’s Cause for Claus

1. Host Ray (left) & Rita Dallavecchia of Bloomfield with host/ SS founder Tim Turner and his wife Naomi of Brighton. 2. Host Jack Bourget (left) and his wife Jeannie of Bloomfield with Bob & Sue Bloom of Northville. 3. Hosts Scott Novack (left) and Mark Boswell, with his wife Cindy, of Commerce and Steven Dempsey of W. Bloomfield. 4. Robert & Carole Wendzel of Bloomfield. 5. Kim & Anthony DiBartolomeo of Royal Oak (arriving with price of admission – Toys for Tots)

Winning Futures’ Corks & Forks

1. Winning Futures founder Kris Marshall (left) of Troy with Pierce School parents Bob & Sheryl Shenefelt of Birmingham. 2. Jim Courtney (left) of Birmingham, Kier Hieber of Scottsdale, AZ, Rachel & sponsor SRG Global’s Eric Ordona of Bloomfield. 3. Peter Betrus and Amy Orldona of Bloomfield. 4. Stacy Clow (left) of Rochester Hills, Heather Kazmierczak of Rochester and Erika Lapish of Birmingham.

Vision Research Grant Awards Luncheon

2 1. Grant presenters Dr. Evan Black (left) of Troy and Dr. Luisa DiLorenzo with recipient Dr. Tim Page of Birmingham. 2. Night for Sight 2011 co-chair Rich Brown (left) of Northville, 2012 co-chair Dr. Bob Mobley and event co-founders Dr. Frank Nesi, with his wife Karen, of Grosse Pointe and Dr. Paul Fecko of Bloomfield

Walsh College Leadership Awards Dinner

1. Walsh president Stephanie Bergeron (left) of Birmingham with honoree Stephanie Baron of Troy. 2. Honoree Paul Glantz, MST’84 (right) of Lake Angelus with his wife, Mary and son Jack. (Paul Glantz is the president of Emagine Entertainment and president and CEO of Proctor Financial). 3. Honoree Michael Brennan (left) of Northville with Ernst & Young’s Jeff Bergeron of Birmingham.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK food stations generously provided by Big Rock Chophouse, Luxe Bar & Grill, Peabody’s, Phoenicia, Streetside Seafood, Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro and Le Petit Prince, and Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market sent wines and servers. Guests also eagerly perused a silent auction conducted like a raffle. The evening raised more than $22,000 to renovate the early learning corner of the Youth Room. Architect Victor Saroki was also in the crowd to show ideas and drawings for a possible expansion of the library’s building as an effort led by Birmingham resident Jeffery VanDorn. An upcoming event expected to attract a big crowd is the Jan. 19 Writers Live series. It will star authors Elmore and Peter Leonard.. Best to register early at (248) 644-4650.

Boys & Girls Clubs’ In Celebration Dinner

1. Honorees John (left) & Sharon James of Farmington Hills with past honorees Joe and event chair Kathy Antonini of Bloomfield. 2. Past honorees Yvette & Mayor Dave Bing (center) and Linda Gillum (left) and Maureen Roberts of Bloomfield. 3. Anita (left) & David Dauch with Valerie & Dave McCammon of Bloomfield. 4. Past honorees Bob (left) & Maggie Allesee, Eleanor Breitmyer, Irma Elder and Sue Nine of Bloomfield. 5. WA chair Kathy Martin (left) with Jennifer & Dan Demello-Johnson of Bloomfield and Peter & committee member Pat Steffes of W. Bloomfield. 6. B & G Clubs President & CEO Len Kricho of Novi and past honoree Sandy Dauch of Bloomfield. 7. Barbara Whittaker (left) of Bloomfield with GM’s Christine Krathwohl and Tom McMillan.

Lighting the Way for the Holidays

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5 1. Event co-chair Lynette Adkins (left) and honorary cochairs Karen Davidson of Bloomfield and Beverly Paisley of Indian River and event co-chair Curtis Posuniak of Bloomfield. 2. Diana Johnson (left) and Patty Ghesquiere of Bloomfield. 3. Michael Coyne (left) and Phil Mara of Bloomfield (looking at tree Coyne designed and donated). 4. Joyce Russell (left) of Warren with event sponsors Ian & Connie McEwan of Birmingham. 5. Committee member Queenie Sarkisian (left) with Monica and Matt Schwanitz of Bloomfield. 6. Judie Sherman (left), Suzanne & Tony Rea and Valerie Straith of Bloomfield. 7. Lisa Gorcyca (left) of Troy and Karen Shapiro of Bloomfield. 8. Lighthouse CEO John Ziraldo (left) & his wife Monica of Detroit with event co-chairs Curtis Posuniak & Lynette Adkins and her husband Kedreick of Bloomfield.

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Auxiliary Holiday Tables For the first time in its 36-year history, the Cranbrook House & Gardens Auxiliary’s Holiday Tables exhibition offered sit down patron high teas (two) elegantly served in the Oak Room on the Thursday before the exhibition opened for three days of weekend touring. The plan still allowed time for guests to tour the 13 creatively arranged tables. Most, like Molly Robinson’s Irish whimsy, Bonnie Jobe’s Swedish spotlight and Hagopian World of Rugs’ Moroccan Nights featured the heritage theme inspired by the Booth family’s immigration from England. Before it closed on Sunday, some 450 guests toured the exhibition. Many also checked out the auxiliary’s shop that featured Michigan made giftables and attended some of the four workshops offered on Saturday. These included Judy Lindstrom and Julie Ritter’s on Booth’s Landscape Visions, Lynn Portnoy’s travel packing and Lisa Gleeson’s gift wrapping pointers and Michael Hodges’ on Motor City architecture. Randy Forester and Julie Ritter chaired the popular annual event which raised some $27,000 for the preservation, restoration and maintenance of historic Cranbrook House. Holiday Gift Show Preview Party Many faces in the crowd of 200-plus at the Tuesday night Preview Party of the Holiday Gift Show at The Community House made this observer think of the now defunct Kingswood Alumnae Association’s Giftorama. At both events, socializing competed with shopping and many made it a “ladies night out” occasion. More than a few seemed to be shopping for themselves, especially at the Pearly Vine booth where glamorous, colorful silk wraps turned lots of heads. Lauren Eaton and Stephanie Ashley chaired the preview and Shelly Lanesky, Meg Ferron and Mitzi Martin chaired the whole project. They got Kathy Broock Ballard to provide handy shopping bags (like she did many years for Giftorama), and the Surnow Company to sponsor the preview party valet parking. Before the show ended on Thursday, some 800 shoppers had toured the 60 vendor booths. The event was a fundraiser for The Community House. 01.12

Flutes, Friends & Fa La La FAR‘s 11th annual showcase celebrated 60 years of providing arts and recreation for children and young adults with developmental challenges. It attracted 130 to a preview dinner and more than 600 to the show at the Seligman performing arts center. With Allen Lee as emcee, the FAR Stars, Alexander Zonjic, Josh White Jr. and the Fred Astaire Dancers performed to music that reflected the six decades of FAR’s existence. Lucy Kauffman and Faye Gorback chaired the event that also offered a silent auction coordinated by Linda Golden and Barbara Fleischer and the popular FAR Bazaar coordinated by FAR’s volunteer “Art Lady” Judith Schwarzer. The evening raised more than $80,000 for FAR scholarships and programs. Distinguished Women Celebration In 1970, Northwood University established the Distinguished Women’s Award to recognize the contributions women make to communities, businesses and non-profits world-wide. Among the eight women honored at the 42nd annual ceremony in Dallas, Texas was Patti Prowse. Known professionally as Patricia Rhodes-Prowse, the awardwinning fashion designer, with her son Stone Rhodes, arrived in Bloomfield Hills in the fall of 2003 as the new bride of Jim Prowse and quickly became noted for her warm hospitality. The generous couple is also well known on the charity circuit, but NU booster Lynn Stinson also knew of Patti’s entrepreneurial accomplishments and nominated her for the DW award. The weekend activities at the Dallas Ritz Carlton included a panel discussion luncheon, the Eggs & Economics breakfast with notable NU faculty speakers and the Awards Gala. Locals among the 200 guests on hand to applaud when RhodesProwse received her DW medal included her husband, Stinson, Maureen and Jerry D’Avanzo and past DW Lynn Ferron and her husband J, who is NU board president. TCH Classical Brunch The most recent in the Classical Brunch series at The Community House attracted an especially appreciative Saturday audience that included 60 children from the non-profit Development Centers which serve lowincome families in Wayne County. The children were intrigued by the concept of combining storytelling and piano music. The delightful concert featuring pianist Sergei Kvitko and narrator Ken Beachler was repeated on Sunday. Three more concerts remain in the series which Sandi Reitelman chairs and for which Robert deMaine is the artistic director. The next on Sunday, Jan. 22 will feature Kimberly Kaloyanides Kennedy on violin, Yizhak Schotten on viola, Úna Fionnuala O’Riordan on cello and Katherine Collier on piano. For tickets ($10-concert only; $30-brunch & concert, $12-children brunch & concert) go to www.tchserves.org or call (248) 644-5832. Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390. downtownpublications.com

Baldwin Library’s Books & Bites

7 1. Board member Andy Harris (left) and event coordinator Janelle Boyce of Birmingham. 2. Library director Doug Koschik (left) and assoc. director Matt Church of Berkley with event committee member Rosemary Miketa of Birmingham. 3. Baldwin Friends president Barbara Suhay (left) with Mary Phillips of Birmingham. 4. Board members Bob Tera, with his wife Phyllis, and Sheila Brice of Birmingham. 5. Margaret Betts (left) and committee member Dorothy Conrad of Birmingham. 6. Kathy Wilson (left) and Vicki Sower of Birmingham. 7. Melissa (left) & Joe Srock of Bloomfield with Stephanie Akrashian and Murray & Georgia White of Birmingham. 8. Announcer Charles Wickins (left) with raffle winners Ingrid & Clark Haddock of Birmingham.

8 Holiday Gift Show Preview Party

3 1. Party co-chairs Lauren Eaton (left) of Bloomfield and Stephanie Ashley of Royal Oak. 2. Show co-chairs Shelly Lanesky (left) and Meg Ferron of Bloomfield and Mitzi Marttin of Birmingham with show sponsors Kathy Broock Ballard of Orchard Lake and Goldner Walsh’s Tim Travis of Waterford. 3. Dylan Damman & her mother Anne of Birmingham. 4. Lisa Petrella (left) and Adele Acheson of W. Bloomfield with TCH CEO Camille Jayne of Birmingham. 5. Show cochair Meg Ferron (left) with Tara Parker of Bloomfield.

5 DOWNTOWN

ENDNOTE

Time for a second look at styrene use n the December issue of Downtown, we examined the usage of styrene, an unsaturated liquid hydrocarbon that is a petroleum byproduct, in sewer repair work throughout the United States, and in particular, throughout Oakland County, for the last 40 years. Downtown took a look at the use of styrene because of an October 6 incident in which six people, five students and a staff member from Seaholm High School in Birmingham, were taken to Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak after the smell from nearby sewer repair work made them sick. The school was then closed until the sewer work being done on Lincoln Road in front of the school was completed. What we found was bothersome, to say the least. This past summer, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services added styrene to its latest Report on Carcinogens, stating it is a likely carcinogen. It would most likely have been listed as a carcinogen, as it is in Europe, if the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO), had not lobbied strongly against inclusion of styrene to the list of known carcinogens. Styrene, for decades, has been used for what is known as curedin-place-pipe rehabilitation work. In short, styrene is often flushed through the pipes to repair cracks, rather than having to suffer the expense of digging up infrastructure to make repairs or replace sewer and water pipes. In the last 10 years, it turns out there has been a great deal of research and numerous scientific studies done both in the United States and around the globe on the effects of styrene on the adjacent air

and water, with the universal conclusion that styrene is toxic, leading to the June 2011 decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to classify it as a possible carcinogen. A study done in 2004 by the Virginia Transportation Research Council discovered that the maximum duration that styrene was detected at any site was 88 days following the CIPP installation, far exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contaminant level for drinking water of 0.1 milligram per liter for styrene. Frankly, the U.S. has come late to the dance on this issue. Most of Europe years ago started moving away from the use of styrene in the pipe lining process because of its environmental dangers. What we found equally bothersome was the lack of local knowledge in Oakland County about the overall issue of styrene use on sewer and water line repairs. In doing our research, we were surprised to discover that both the Oakland County Water Resource Commissioner's office, which contracts much of the in-ground pipe repair in the county, and local officials, had a lack of awareness of the research into styrene's toxicity. Further, there appears to be little awareness of non-styrene based alternatives for in-place pipe repair. For the record, state officials, like those in the air quality division, were well aware of the problems with styrene. Although there has not been much feedback yet on our piece about the dangers of styrene, we were impressed with the proactive approach Bloomfield Township is taking. Under the direction of Bloomfield Township

Supervisor Leo Savoie, department heads immediately began conversations with contractors and suppliers to learn more about styrene, its problems, and to discover what alternatives there are to its usage. The public works department took the time to meet with contracting firms to learn about alternatives to the current repair practices, including the ability to use ultraviolet light and styrene encapsulated between the layers of a pipe liner that is inserted into the pipes, with little to no release of the styrene into the environment. They've also researched the possibility of using non-styrene based epoxy liners. Bloomfield Township officials acknowledged that material costs for non-styrene based polymers are more expensive, anywhere from 15 to 50 percent more for the cost of the materials, although we would suspect the increased cost still is considerably lower than digging up pipes for repair. We would expect the Oakland County Water Resources Commission and local municipalities to do their due diligence, educate themselves and their citizens about the hazards of styrene to the public and the environment, and pursue the latest technology available, as well. At a minimum, future in-place pipe repair projects should be bid out on a comparative basis showing specs and costs for the old styrene-based technology and safer, newer technology that does not rely on styrene-based resins. Only then can informed decisions be made to safeguard the public and the environment.

Complete Streets for all communities omplete Streets, also known as livable streets, is a federal initiative recently adopted by the city of Birmingham to enable safe access to streets for all users, whether they drive, ride their bike, walk, or use public transportation, and it's a program worth pursuing in neighboring Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Proponents of complete streets policies say the initiative can improve safety, lower transportation costs, provide cost-effective alternatives to private cars, encourage health through walking and biking, create a sense of place, improve social interaction, and improve adjacent property values. Birmingham is currently viewing all of its planning, engineering and infrastructure proposals with an eye on Complete Streets, be it reworking Worth Street in the Triangle District, as part of a final site plan for the new Walgreens, in order to create a pedestrian plaza and greater walkability in that part of Birmingham; the creation of new streets and streetscapes in the Rail District; streamlining traffic and adding a bicycle lane in either direction on E. Maple between Eton and Woodward; studying the addition of a boulevard to S. Old Woodward; and possible crosswalks along Woodward at Lincoln and other crucial intersections to enhance the walkability of the city.

Planners, designers, consultants and city commissioners are wrestling with the intricacies of how to best implement Complete Streets into the current infrastructure, working to retrofit a modern set of transportation theories designed for a population of the 21st century with the realities of 20th century roadways. During the last century there was a drastic overhaul of area roads, from dirt streets designed for the hoofs of horses to ones that could withstand the pounding of automobiles and trucks as we became a motorized society. This century, our roads must be revised to accommodate the demands of a multitasking population desiring roads to do the sameâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to adjust for traffic calming measures through communities, crosswalks, bike paths, sidewalks, dedicated bus lanes, and the sense of unity in a community which these measures can foster. Rather than developing roads leading people away, Complete Streets, and the designs for this century, must draw people in, creating a sense of place and community. There are several other local communities which Birmingham is working with on Complete Streets plans, such as the Woodward Avenue Action Association, through which six south Oakland County communities like Royal Oak and Ferndale are working together to create a unified and vibrant

Woodward Avenue in Oakland County. We recommend Birmingham look north and west, towards its neighbors Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, and add them to the mix on this issue. We suggest members of the three planning and engineering departments meet to hear and discuss what is going on in each community, to exchange ideas, and if possible, to work to continue the good works of each municipality. If down the road Birmingham redesigns Maple Road from Southfield to Cranbrook roads with Complete Streets, including bike paths and bus lanes, it would be a shame for their efforts, and the public's accessibility, to end at the city's boundary. Wouldn't it be great if Bloomfield Township picked up the mantle from there? If, in the future, a rapid bus line is extended north of 8 Mile Road to Maple, the public, and the municipalities, would all reap the rewards of seeing it continue through Bloomfield Township, north through Bloomfield Hills, and back north through Bloomfield Township as it continues up Woodward. Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills often refer to themselves as one community; this is a perfect example of the cooperation and foresight necessary to be one community for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors.

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