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Orchard Lake Lakefront Soft contemporary on over one acre of manicured grounds. This walkout setting is ideal for today’s living or a perfect spot to build your dream house. $1,200,000
Bloomfield Hills Masterpiece
City of Bloomfield Hills
Look no further for that newer construction, custom designed, classic home. Dual owners suites. Finished lower level media, wet bar, exercise room and wine cellar. Heated 4 car garage. $1,698,700
Country Estate with golf course views. Separate entrance in-law/nanny suites. Private street. Five car garage. Indoor pool with exercise room and spa.
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On over 2 acres with private pond. Large kitchen opens to family room with service staircase to second floor. Large bedrooms with baths. Finished lower level. $995,000
On almost an acre. Kitchen opens to family room. 5 bedrooms including master suite. Finished lower level with theatre and recreation room. $995,000
Large executive home with hardwood floors throughout. Kitchen opens to family room. Formal library. Finished walkout lower level rec. room with bar and pool. $989,000
Newer Construction in Birmingham
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East coast style classic...rebuilt in 2005. Formal rooms with contemporary conveniences compliment the flow and function of this “perfect” property. Walk to Cranbrook Educational community. $1,995,000
Designer Perfect New Construction In the City of Bloomfield Hills. First floor master suite with private access to formal library. All bedroom suites with marble baths. 4 car garage. Dual staircases. Turn key! $1,895,000
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Classic colonial ideal for renovation or tear down and build. Sunset views. Surrounded by multi million dollar homes. Bloomfield Hills schools.
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Millcreek Builders new construction. Complete with 5 bedrooms. Kitchen opens to family room. An owners suite like “The Ritz”. 3 car garage. Walk to schools. All financing provided. $690,000
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Lakefront home with walkout lower level. Southwest facing. Long deep lot. Ideal recreational opportunity or build your dream home. A great destination location. $599,000
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MAX BROOCK REALTORS 275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009
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City of Bloomfield Hills
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On Orchard Lake with boat docking and swimming on Dow Ridge. Situated on almost 2 acres. Many rooms for entertaining. 5 car garage plus work space for collector and boats. $589,000
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DOWNTOWN11.10 13
20
Young voices: being heard There are are a number of local public, private and parochial schools, each with its own student newspaper. Each reflects the tone and tenor of their school's population, and all are examples of hard work, fine writing and commitment.
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CRIME LOCATOR
11
54
CITY/TOWNSHIP
BUSINESS MATTERS Old World Olive Press, The Purple Bear, Honey Tree Grille, MASQ Beauty, Perfect Image Spa, Blu Arch Collection, Shades Optical, Jet's Pizza, Fall into Birmingham
Forthosenotresidinginthefreemaildistribution area for Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield, paidsubscriptionsareavailablefora$12annual fee. Phone 248.792.6464 and request the Distribution department or go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions”inthetopindexandplaceyour orderon-line.
4
Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers major events of the past month.
ENDNOTE
Art Fair location under review; new Bloomfield Hills Treasurer; Rail District Bistros get go ahead; vendors in downtown look unlikely
DISTRIBUTION: Mailed12timeseachyearat nochargetohomesinBirmingham,Bloomfield TownshipandBloomfieldHillspriortothestart of each month. Additional free copies are distributedathighfoot-trafficlocations.
Beau Jacks in Bloomfield Hills can thank the longevity of its staff and the mission set out by the original owner of this local favorite eatery.
SOCIAL LIGHTS
29: Doug Ross
39: Olivia Rita Oram
49
Consolidation of municipal services was a hot topic starting two years ago but it would appear most efforts are stalled.
46
FACES
41
Slowdown on shared services
AT THE TABLE
A monthly recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.
19: Luke Song
Local breakfast joints A quick guide to the breakfast dining options in the local area, and where the power breakfast crowd holds court in the morning.
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Our editorial opinion for voters as they consider candidates for state senate and house, along with the county board of commissioners
THE COVER Island Lake in Bloomfield Township, with Kirk in the Hills in the background.
DOWNTOWN P U B L I C A T I O N S DOWNTOWNBIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD 124WESTMAPLEROADBIRMINGHAM48009 P:248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com Publisher: DavidHohendorf News Editor: LisaBrody News Staff/Contributors: SallyGerak,Eleanor&RayHeald,KathleenMeisner,LaurieTennent Ad Manager: JillCesarz Graphics/IT Manager: ChrisGrammer
DOWNTOWN
INCOMING: We welcome feedback on both ourpublicationandgeneralissuesofconcernin the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditionalLetterstotheEditorinDowntownare published in our Incoming section, and can include traditional letters or electronic communication. Your opinions can be sent via e-mailtonews@downtownpublications.com;or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009. Letters must include your full name, address and daytimephonenumberforverification.
11.10
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
W
hen we launched Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield we set a goal of having a strong companion website for the monthly print product and we think we are well on our way.
We are viewing the website, downtownpublications.com, as an immediate extension of the print edition. The site is updated every Monday and Friday, and sometimes more often if there is breaking news of importance to the local area. We offer you the opportunity to sign up for e-mail notification of updates. The companion website will play an increasingly important role in the months and years ahead, so we have laid out a game plan for developing a strong site to attract visitors every week. In mid-October we made the decision that, because the Birmingham-Bloomfield area is not only more computer literate than most areas in the region, and has consistent access to high-speed Internet access, we were going to post our election coverage of the state Senate, state House, Oakland County Commission and the Bloomfield Hills School Board races on our website early. By offering our information three weeks before the Nov. 2 voting, we hope to provide information for absentee ballot voters. So if you want to review the positions of these candidates, head to downtownpublications.com, where you will find candidate responses to our questions. We have also added a Community Calendar that we hope becomes the clearing house for local events. At the Community Calendar, local groups can schedule an upcoming event, provide a detailed description of the group and the event, along with contact information. Visitors to the site can run a search by date or group on the Community Calendar and map out the event, if needed. We have also added a free want ads section to the website, with a limited number of what we thought would be the most popular classified want ad categories local residents might use. Our website also carries all of the print ads from advertisers you see in each issue, along with links to their websites, and the ability to map out how to get to their business locations. You can also access on our site all of the content from the current issue, as well as archives of stories from past issues and from weekly updates to the site. Further, society reporter Sally Gerak's latest column is posted every Monday morning, and her past columns and photos are also archived. From our site, you can link with the websites for local municipalities and schools, and send e-mails to state lawmakers from the area. We also provide a section on the site where you can look up and connect with regional non-profit community groups and, as more groups join our site at no cost, we hope this becomes the source for non-profit group information. Lastly, we are in the process of preparing for the launch of a monthly shopping e-mail newsletter, called Downtown Deals, in January. Downtown Deals will provide information on special events and shopping discounts from merchants in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area each month. It's an added benefit we will provide for our advertisers and residents. To help kick off the launch of Downtown Deals, turn to page 52 for details on a random drawing for giveaways on jeans from Caruso Caruso, designer sunglasses from Shades Optical, jewelry from Astrein's Creative Jewelers and dining gift cards from Big Rock Chophouse. Your e-mail is automatically added to the recipient e-mail list for Downtown Deals when you enter the drawing for these special items. As you can see, we plan on a multi-pronged approach to become the leading information provider in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, using the monthly print product, our website, and special electronic newsletters. We are very excited by the initial reaction to the first issue of Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield, and we hope you will avail yourselves of the other opportunities we will be providing. As always, we welcome your feedback. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com
INCOMING More building information
Vote 'yes' for future
Thank you for the great article and pictures of the (Birmingham) buildings(Downtown/October 2010). I had fun matching the pictures to your written information. Then today I walked up town and realized that I was wrong about a couple matches! What fun. I took my husband on an architectural tour tonight in our car. He remarked, "We will have to do this again on foot." How about future information on some of the other buildings? Barbara Clevenger, Birmingham
Please review some important facts before voting in Bloomfield Hills this November. Voting “yes” for the Schools will not increase your taxes. Voting “no” will not keep two high schools. We will merge into one high school even if you vote “no.” Voting “yes” will just allow us to keep the current millage in place to use for the construction of the new high school. Bloomfield Hills high school enrollment is dropping each year. Our state school tax funds are dropping each year. We simply cannot operate and run two large high schools at approximately two hundred students below capacity and offer the extensive array of choices and classes which have made our schools the best in the country. The “no” supporters keep going on about putting money into "learning not fancy buildings" (and) that is exactly what the “yes” voters want. Seventeen hundred students cannot fit into a school built for 1100. If we use the current structure we would need to enlarge the auditorium for 600 or more students; enlarge the cafeteria; media center; band room; gym locker rooms; etc., not to mention rewiring for up-to-date technology. The "skywalk" was only a suggestion to keep the students safe when walking to Model or other school sites and I have to admit, it would keep them from wandering off campus. Ask any construction company and they will tell you that it would cost more to extensively enlarge than to rebuild. I am so surprised with the Bloomfield Hills community not supporting our schools. Our taxes support five high schools, one of which (International Academy) takes students from 13 other districts yet we pay for the school. Birmingham residents pay extreme taxes for their two high schools compared to our taxes for five. We are not being asked for more money.For the future of Bloomfield Hills and our students, I urge you to vote “yes.” It is simply the right thing to do. Maggie Jannott, Bloomfield Hills
Welcome to town Just finished reading the premier issue of Downtown. I found it to be full of useful information and very informative. I learned a lot about my community and thoroughly enjoyed it. Finally a local publication with something to read. Welcome to town, Downtown. Ilene Emmer, Bloomfield Hills
Expected nothing less As a former Oakland County resident, retired Advertising Director of the Oakland Press and now the Editor of Thesman Lifestyles in Mesa, Arizona, I read online with interest the premier issue of Downtown and I was very impressed. Frankly, I expected nothing less from Publisher David Hohendorf and the crew he has assembled at the new publishing group. I have followed his career for decades in Oakland County and his record of success in the media field. Professional design, well-written local stories and a complete package of news that obviously will hit a responsive chord in the BirminghamBloomfield communities. I look forward to future issues of Downtown. Bonnie L. Price, Mesa, AZ
Excellent addition Your new paper is an excellent addition to the BirminghamBloomfield community. The articles are thoughtful, timely and interesting. My only objection is the size of the print, making reading difficult even with corrective eyeglasses. I found myself struggling through the articles, though I wanted very much to read them. I wonder if darker ink would make a difference. Other than that, you have a winner. Jan Kriegel, Bloomfield Hills 8
The right proposal It is not often that people can have a direct and positive impact on the lives of everyone in their community, but voters in the City of Bloomfield Hills will have the chance to do just
that on November 2. An extensively researched plan for library service detailing all options and associated costs was made available to the public at the August city commission meeting. This resulted in the citizeninitiated ballot proposal for library services. The proposed millage rate of .617 is a maximum and would cost a family with a $750,000 home about $231 a year or $19.28 a month. The average Bloomfield Hills resident would pay a mere 32 cents per day, the same amount paid by the average township resident to operate the township library. The funds may only be used to provide library services as permitted by Michigan law and a designated liaison would be appointed to the township library board. The majority of area communities have unpaid, independent library boards with a dedicated library millage. Some of those that do not are in serious jeopardy, such as the Troy Public Library which is scheduled to close on June 30, 2011. In fact the establishment of an independent city library board was unanimously endorsed by three previous city mayors (William Sandy, Dale Dawkins and David Kellett), as well as the Bloomfield Township Public Library which has had such a board since its inception in 1964. The failure of our city commission to resolve the library problem over the past seven years make it clear that an independent library board is in our citizens’ best interest if this issue is to ever be resolved. Representatives from the township library have indicated that they would welcome the 2,723 city cardholders who lost service when the contract ended in 2003. Since that time the library has been completely remodeled and expanded, offering all of the inperson and digital services of a first class, 21st century library. It’s no wonder that even without the city, use of the township library has increased 51 percent. This is the right proposal at the right time. Please vote “yes” on November 2. Larry Neal, Bloomfield Hills
Library value: priceless I have been a resident of the City of Bloomfield Hills for 27 years and an educator for 42 years, most of that time in Michigan. I am writing about
DOWNTOWN
the “library problem” for city residents. Seven years ago, when my residential access to Bloomfield Township Public Library (BTPL) ended during a contract dispute, I investigated the city’s offer for reimbursement for a guest card at Troy Public Library. I learned from that library’s staff that I would not have full use of all services. I then discovered that Baldwin Library (Birmingham) would provide me with full access (to both Baldwin and BTPL), due to the location of my job in that city. My relief was expressed audibly – I felt saved. Throughout my life, libraries across the U.S. have been associated with rich experiences, on a personal level, in professional work, and with my avocation. But it is not a matter of what I can personally get from library access that motivates me to work for an opportunity for Bloomfield Hills residents to have reasonable and full access to the services of a viable library facility. It is the fact that so many individuals, from young children to the elderly with limited resources and/or abilities, would benefit from the resolution of this incredible situation that has dragged on for years. In this metropolitan area where few of us know many of our neighbors, a group of intrepid residents of the city has pursued a resolution to the “library problem” because they recognize a need. With a professional librarian spearheading this effort, a strong and innovative plan has been conceived. Let us seize the opportunity to enrich the lives of our neighbors and ourselves and raise this city to a higher level. Value: Priceless. Sandra Shoshani, Bloomfield Hills
Dig even deeper Thank you for the (Oakland County Child Killer)article. I was around when these events took place and was convinced that the investigation was a sham at the time. Too many stupid things done and not done. There are too many people telling lies and half truths in this situation. If you want to cover the story completely and honestly, gather all the families together and find out all the little stories that stitch this work together. You would be amazed at the things that have taken place; I am. The police are hiding something. 11.10
Someone does not want this in daylight. Perhaps Charles Busch on the east coast wants it kept quiet? Perhaps the (Michigan) State Police just "screwed up" and do not want to admit it. This should be a grand jury investigation. I was cautioned by someone from the Department of Justice to "be careful"! Hope you dig deeper into this case. Seems it goes to press and then dies Thomas Ascroft, Lainsburg
Just seeking truth My name is Patrick Coffey, the original source listed in your (Oakland County Child Killer) article who brought this case information forward. I am disturbed by the ramblings of this unnamed attorney that I might want to write a book or something, rather than my simply having done the right thing for my childhood friend, Timmy, and his surviving family. There is no book deal, movie deal, or anything that would benefit me personally or others. I am doing only what the King family requests of me, and in whatever direction the truth may be found. I have testified under oath in this matter, whereas Mr. Wasser, perhaps on the advise of his attorney, has avoided testifying at all costs. Patrick T. Coffey, San Francisco, CA (Editors note: Mr. Coffey grew up across the street from Timothy King, the last child killed by the Oakland County Child Killer.)
Tim King’s sister I am Tim (King's) older sister. I was a senior in high school when Tim was abducted, held captive for six days and then murdered. I am now 51. I am an attorney with two kids, one of whom is now older than I was when this happened to Tim. I can understand why Larry Wasser’s Detroit attorney wishes to remain nameless in your (Oakland County Child Killer) article. He has defamed Patrick Coffey. Patrick Coffey has been entirely selfless in this nightmare. We are where we are today because of a conversation between Mr. Wasser and Mr. Coffey. Mr. Wasser can continue to deny it, but he knows the truth. In July 2006 Mr. Coffey spoke at a national polygraphers' conference in Las Vegas. Patrick lives downtownpublications.com
in California and had developed an expertise in using polygraph exams to help support asylum claims in immigration cases. After the presentation, Mr. Wasser asked Patrick if he would be willing to make the same presentation before the Michigan Association of Polygraphers at their next conference. Patrick agreed and mentioned he had lived in Birmingham in his youth. Mr. Wasser gave Patrick his business card with an address in nearby Southfield. Patrick told Mr. Wasser that part of the reason he became a polygrapher was because of his neighbor, Timmy King, who had been murdered by the Oakland County Child Killer. He asked Wasser if he knew of the case. As Patrick described in a July 27, 2006, email to his family that I was copied on: “In doing so I saw his heart miss a beat and he went flush with an unexpected change in facial expression.” Wasser went on to confide, polygrapher-to-polygrapher, that he had conducted an attorney-client privileged (private polygraph set up by the attorney) polygraph on the man who was the Child Killer. “He further informed me that both the perpetrator was now dead as well as the Attorney who represented him.” Later that night, Patrick called my brother Chris and told him what had transpired. Patrick called me the next morning and told me about the conversation with Mr. Wasser. He asked Chris and me to keep this quiet and give him some time to see if Wasser would be willing to discuss this further. Although Mr. Wasser himself breached the attorney-client privilege by speaking to Patrick about this matter, I readily agreed to wait and see if Patrick could obtain some kind of information that might get us on the right track. Mr. Wasser is a bigwig in the polygraph world and could try to ruin Patrick for contacting us. Patrick asked that we go to police and simply try to get the names of suspects who were deceased, whose attorney was also deceased, without divulging any details. Perhaps if there were just a few suspects who fell into that category, he could approach Wasser and run the names by him without causing Mr. Wasser to “name names.” The idea was to see if we could independently come up with a name or names, without the need of ever discussing any of this polygraph
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. Please include your name, community and day time phone number for verification.
information. When July 2007 rolled around and it had been one year since Mr. Wasser spoke with Patrick, it was obvious he was not going to say another word to Patrick. In November 2007, Patrick flew to Detroit to give testimony on the record about what had taken place in Las Vegas. In Michigan it is a felony to give perjured testimony in a murder case. I do not believe Mr. Wasser gave any testimony under oath, which I am sure was by design. You can ask his attorney about that. It was not until this point (when Patrick was prepared to fly to Detroit, on his own dime I might add) that I told my dad and my brothers what was going on. Some time later, (we were) asked if our family had known anyone with the last name of Busch. None of us knew anyone by that name. I asked an old friend who is an attorney and still lives in the area if the name meant anything to her. She checked Ancestry.com and came up with H. Lee Busch, who had four sons—three of whom were dead and it was Christopher who had died in 1978. She got me Busch’s death certificate . It showed he was in his mid-twenties and was living on Morningview Terrace in Bloomfield Township at the time he committed suicide. Later, when we found out Busch was a convicted pedophile, we also learned that he had been represented in multiple criminal sexual conduct cases by attorney Jane Burgess, who had since passed away. We found newspaper articles stating Busch had also been a suspect in the Oakland County Child Killer case, polygraphed in February 1977, and cleared. Wasser’s statements were a
DOWNTOWN
classic example of an “excited utterance,” a term used for hearsay statements that are considered reliable enough to be used as evidence at a trial. An occurrence or event is sufficiently startling to produce a relevant, spontaneous, and unreflecting response. In other words, the person makes the statement without the time necessary for conscious fabrication. There is no way Mr. Wasser expected to ask a California polygrapher to speak in Michigan and have him say that he grew up in Michigan and lived across the street from Tim King. His immediate response to Patrick and his visceral reaction speak volumes. The fact remains that Mr. Busch is a dead suspect who had numerous Criminal Sexual Conduct cases against him and was represented in those cases by an attorney who is also deceased. I was the initial source of the information that was the basis for the investigative subpoena. I told Detective Williams what Patrick had told me and I did so without warning or asking Patrick. I waited a year before going to police out of deference to Patrick and because of my misguided thought that maybe Mr. Wasser would provide some indication that might point us in the right direction. If it were your brother who was murdered, what would you do? Ignore the information? I didn’t ask for this information, just like I didn’t ask for the state police to “rejuvenate” their task force in 2005. But once this got dropped at my feet, it seemed like something that should absolutely be taken seriously. There is no joy in any of this, I can assure you. And, Mr. Wasser, his attorney, the higher-ups at the Michigan State Police and Mrs. Cooper all know it didn’t have to come to this, despite their posturing in the press. Why is everyone so afraid of the possibility that the truth—or some part of it—will come out? Things were more of an open book when the suspect was some objectively certifiable scumbag from the greater Detroit area who could not afford a private attorney. Why are the families being treated like suspects instead of crime victims? What is wrong with this picture? Patrick did not get our “family all stirred up for nothing” and your source knows that better than anyone (except Mr. Wasser). Catherine K. Broad, Naperville, IL (Editors Note: This letter was edited for space. It can be read in its entirety at downtownpublications.com.) 9
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Sexual assault
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Murder
Robbery
Home invasion
Breaking/entering
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Burglary
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These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through October 15. Placement of codes is approximate.
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11.10
ome mornings, throwing Cheerios into a bowl, splashing some skim milk over, and scarfing it down before racing out the door doesn't satisfy that hunger to really eat a good breakfast. To sit down and be served a delicious, nutritious meal that can hold all day long, or to enjoy a really decadently-wonderful treat. According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, breakfast is a noun meaning a meal eaten in the morning, the first of the day. But the true definition of breakfast can vary from person to person. Some can't start the day without a towering glass of fresh squeezed orange juice; others need a heavy jolt of java to get going. Some like to savor their breakfast while reading the first news of the day, either in paper or on the web; others grab a bite while while rushing out the door or eat behind the wheel of their car. Whatever your style, the Birmingham/Bloomfield area has dining choices to match. You can grab a bagel and a shmear at Einstein's or Panera, have a couple over easy at Ember's Deli or a coney, an omelet at Toast or The Rugby Grille, or many other fine choices. Some days are meant for staying home. But others are defined by venturing out.
S
Beyond Juice: Open Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m.; Saturday at 8; Sunday at 10. Casual carry out place specializing in healthy fare with a few tables, inside and out. For breakfast, they offer egg white sandwiches, egg white burritos, and their signature smoothies. 270 West Maple, Birmingham.
Deli Unique: Eggs and other classic deli fare is served every morning, from 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 7:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 39495 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills. Einstein's Bros. Bagels: Open every day at 5:30 a.m with fresh bagels, their cream cheese spreads, coffee and egg sandwiches. Two locations, in downtown Birmingham on S. Old Woodward and at Maple and
Bloomfield Deli: Open at 7:30 a.m. every day. Walk to the counter to order breakfast sandwiches and omelets, then sit at one of their tables. 71 West Long Lake Rd., Bloomfield Hills.
Hunter House opens at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturdays for eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, egg and cheese sandwiches, french toast, pancakes, oatmeal and other breakfast fare. 35075 Woodward, Birmingham. IHOP: It wasn't originally known as the International House of Pancakes for nothing. Pancakes, eggs, breakfast meats, waffles, french toast, the works. IHOP opens at 6 a.m. daily to fortify you for work, traffic or tackling Costco. 2187 South Telegraph, Bloomfield Township. Kerby's Koney Island: Open at 7 a.m every day of the week, serving coffee and bacon and eggs, pancakes, omelets, and all sorts of breakfast food to get you started. 2160 North Woodward, Bloomfield Hills. Leo's Coney Island: Leo's, whether you're stopping at the location at Maple and Telegraph or on S. Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham, is open at 7 a.m. every day to satisfy your hankering for good old-fashioned eggs, toast, bacon, hash browns and pancakes. Wide booths can fit a crowd. 154 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham; 6527 Telegraph, Bloomfield Township.
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Beverly Hills Grill: While not technically in Birmingham or Bloomfield, it is filled with locals — and people from throughout metro Detroit area— enjoying Bananas Foster French Toast, a vegetable scramble or their lump crab omelet with spinach, gouda and wild mushrooms, huevos rancheros, or one of their eggs benedict dishes. Breakfast is served from 7-11 a.m. Monday to Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 31471 Southfield Rd., Beverly Hills.
Cosi: Unique square bagels welcome breakfast eaters at 6:30 every day but Sunday, when they open at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast wraps in their special Cosi bread include spinach florentine, a Santa Fe wrap and an Italian
sausage wrap. They also offer fresh quiche, croissants and specialty coffee drinks. 101 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham.
S T IN O BRE Sim AKFAST Jal p n
AL
le to sensatio BY LIS A BRODY
Telegraph, help jump start the day for those on the go or looking to relax there with the newspaper. 176 Old Woodward, Birmingham; 4089 West Maple, Bloomfield Township. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Opens every day at 7 a.m. for eggs, cereal, omelets and other classic breakfast food. 3598 West Maple, Bloomfield Township. Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Quick and easy eggs, toast, bacon and hash browns can be yours Monday through Saturdays at 8 a.m., Sundays at 9 a.m. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham. Hunter House Hamburgers: While it might not be a place you would think of for a quick breakfast,
Little Daddy's Parthenon: Open at 7 a.m. on weekdays, and at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sundays, Little Daddy's offers breakfast specials each day until 11:00. But every breakfast item is available all day long. 39500 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills.
Original Pancake House: There's still nothing like their Big Apple Pancake for a truly decadent delight. Folks wait in line for their fresh-squeezed orange juice, thick-slab bacon, eggs, fluffy omelets, and a wide array of pancakes, french toast and waffles. Their doors open daily at 6:30 a.m. 33703 Woodward, Birmingham. Panera Bread: Bagels and fresh-baked croissants, muffins and other bakery items are available to take out or eat in from 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. Sunday. 100 North Old Woodward, Birmingham; 2125 South Telegraph, Bloomfield Township. Steve's Deli: You might have to wait a little later to enjoy Steve's egg white omelets, bagel crisps, lox, matzoh brei,and other
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CONTENT It's a simple fact of publishing life: CONTENT IS KING. For your message to resonate in the market, you need to know that local residents are reading a product. The December issue deadline for Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield: Friday, November 12. Contact Jill Cesarz. Office: 248.792.6464 Cell: 248.860.8414 JillCesarz@downtownpublications.com
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THE POWERS THAT BE: Where they dine for breakfast breakfast delicacies, but you can enjoy them all day long. Steve's opens at 9 a.m. every day of the week. 6646 Telegraph, Bloomfield. The Gallery Restaurant: Eggs, lox plates, and oatmeal are the menu items, but the real specialty The Gallery offers is their leather booths, solicitous service and central location. Open at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. Sunday. 6683 Telegraph, Bloomfield. The Rugby Grille: Nestled inside The Townsend Hotel, The Rugby Grille opens daily at 6:30 a.m for those staying at the hotel, and others choosing an elegant, genteel breakfast spot. Besides traditional eggs, bacon and toast, The Rugby Grille offers fritattas, omelets, pancakes, homemade oatmeal, breakfast burritos, and any special request. 100 Townsend, Birmingham. Toast: The funky transplant from from Ferndale features unique omelet creations in addition to ones you can make yourself, breakfast burritos, eggs benedict and eggs florentine, flavored pancakes and a variety of weekly specials, as well as their Bloody Mary. The doors open at 7 a.m. on weekdays, and 8 on Saturday and Sunday. 203 Pierce St., Birmingham.
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reakfast meetings can be an efficient and social way for important business to get done without infringing on valuable time during the 9 to 5 day. Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., many people believe more work gets done between bites of toast and sips of coffee than on the third green at Oakland Hills, and certainly more than in most board rooms. Not every breakfast place qualifies as a power breakfast location. Some are elegant, white linen napkin places. Other are simple, more neighborhood spots. Yet each offers similar things: an easily accessible location from different directions; comfortable booths and tables that permit privacy in a public setting; respectful service; and a reputation for allowing patrons to sit and do business for as long, or as quickly, as needed. “This is the ultimate power breakfast spot,” Keith Schofield, director of restaurant operations, The Townsend Hotel, quietly boasts of The Rugby Grille. “Everyone from attorneys, architects, stockbrokers, businessmen, politicians—and the guests who stay here, come here for breakfast. I can't say who those individuals are, but you know who those people are. We're not just a hotel, we're a local dining destination, as well.” Elegant, refined, and monied, The Rugby Grille is nestled inside the storied Townsend Hotel. While movie and rock stars might prefer room service, auto executives, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and noted real estate moguls enjoy the quiet gentility the Grille offers. It is designed to resemble a very distinguished dining room, albeit it one with impeccable service. “I'm a front of the house guy, so I say service has to be even better than the food. You can have great food, but if you have mediocre service, people won't come back. If you have so-so food but great service, they'll consider returning,” said Schofield. He said his morning clientele is all over the board, with some just wanting coffee, fresh juice and a basket of croissants as they conduct business. Others want a full breakfast, which could be omelets, french toast, pancakes, eggs benedict, simple bacon and eggs, or one of their special
Whistle Stop Cafe: When the doors open during the week at 7 a.m., eggs, toast and breakfast meats are popular, as is their new special, eggs benedict. On the weekends is when the Whistle Stop Cafe shines. Opening at 7 a.m. on Saturdays and 8 on Sundays, crowds clamor for blueberry apple pancakes, waffles, and eggrolls with scrambled eggs and green and red peppers inside. The lines form early. 501 South Eton, Birmingham. downtownpublications.com
breakfast bowls, such as red flannel hash with poached eggs or bruschetta with roasted tomato coulis and eggs on top. Special requests are not out of the ordinary. “My clientele tends to know what they want, and are not afraid to ask for it,” said Schofield. “They've traveled all around the world and sampled the best, and they expect the best.” The key, he said, is providing a respite for the diners conducting businesses over breakfast. “In this economy, with all of the stress everyone has, it's important to be a quiet oasis,” he said. A little more tumultic is Steve's Deli at Maple and Telegraph in Bloomfield Township. Joanee Hurwitz, owner with her husband Steve, said she believes it's a power breakfast destination because of the potent combination of good food and good location. “I think they want bagels, lox and a meeting,” she said. The staff lets them sit as long as they need to conduct their
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business, or as quick as they need to get out of the door. Breakfast diners, she said, usually choose bagels, lox, omelets and homemade oatmeal. Right next door, The Gallery Restaurant is one of the most frequently mentioned when asking those who have power breakfasts. Why? It's conveniently located at Maple and Telegraph roads, diners can be served their oatmeal or bacon and eggs quickly, or they can quietly sit over business in one of their booths for as long as necessary without being bothered. Other business diners give a quick wave, proceeding with their day. That sense of privacy and respect has been a hallmark of Steve and Stefanos Becharas' restaurant for almost 30 years. “Even more than the location is the cleanliness, reasonable pricing, high quality and fantastic service,” said Steve Becharas. “I'll go to restaurants all the time and ask where my girls are. The service is the most important thing. As owners, we're always around.” Becharas said on weekday mornings, business people predominate throughout the restaurant, and on weekends, mornings are filled with families. “For meetings, we give them privacy. And the best corned beef hash around,” he said. Becharas noted that the restaurant also fills with groups of women meeting for school, philanthropic and fundraising groups as they conduct their business. “It all happens here,” he said. Besides the corned beef hash, breakfast eaters choose omelets, eggs, homemade oatmeal, “and they all choose the pita parm, even for breakfast,” Becharas laughed. At Beverly Hills Grill in Beverly Hills, you'll see attorneys, doctors, federal judges, real estate professionals, entrepreneurs, industrialists, hairdressers, advertising executives —the who's who of metro Detroit coming together in one place. Owner Bill Roberts holds fast to a “no reservations no matter who you are” tenet, so regardless of your pedigree, everyone who comes to the Grill to enjoy their omelets and scrambles, oatmeal, muesli, eggs benedict, steak and eggs is treated the same. Which is respectful and courteous. Not a bad way to prepare for the day as a work warrior. Whether a twosome or a large group, the Original Pancake House in downtownpublications.com
Birmingham can accommodate your needs. You just might have to wait in their long, meandering line to accomplish that. Once you're seated, you'll be served quickly. The national chain features dark wood booths for quiet tete-a-tete meetings, or tables pushed together for larger gatherings. Their food may be of the pancake food variety, but on steroids. Their omelets are whipped and fluffy, they have delicious, thick crispy bacon, freshly-squeezed orange juice, and lots of coffee. The waitresses understand why they're there, to serve you breakfast, efficiently, and to anticipate when you need a refill of the joe. Deli Unique of Bloomfield Hills is part of the Matt Prentice Restaurant empire, but it's the only one that is a morning destination. “Part of it is the Matt Prentice name that comes with it,” said manager Courtney Guthrie. “The location definitely adds to the destination.” It's a casual deli that's only open from 6:30 in the morning until 2:30 in the afternoon because that's when the business along the Woodward corridor nearby, filled with law firms, investment companies, and county government offices north, get busy. “We have Merrill Lynch, other stockbrokers, lawfirms, everyone is around here. We also get a lot of people from Oakland County coming in here for breakfast. Our food speaks for itself. But I also believe it's because of the Matt Prentice name,” Guthrie said. Omelets, bagels and lox, eggs and bacon, and oatmeal are the high traffic items that fill the bellies of the busy business folk. Three separate dining areas keep conversations discreet. Toast in Birmingham is the newest power spot to enter the power breakfast bonanza. It's a creative, fun and funky environment, right in the midst of downtown. Toast offers two rooms, one an open, noisy, fun room; the other, cozy and intimate. Observers seem to notice more deals taking place in the quieter space, which is ideal for Birmingham executives and creative managers to do their business over bacon and eggs, omelets, oatmeal, and homemade bread, as well as an assortment of tea and coffee, served in non-matching mugs. Warmer mornings allow for the large picture window to open out to the city beyond, beckoning breakfast diners to get out and begin the real business of the day.
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FACES Luke Song uke Song didn't know what hit him when Aretha Franklin donned his now-famous hat design to sing the national anthem at the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama. “Wow, it was an amazing moment in history,” Song said. “And, topping it off with our hat was even more amazing.” Franklin has been a customer of Mr. Song Millinery, a ladies' custom hat design and manufacturing boutique, for more than 20 years. Franklin’s hat, a gray bow-tied design adorned with Swarovskicrystal, was the result of several concepts. “We typically customize based on elements from various styles,” Song said. “On the Inaugural hat, it was completed by combining and redesigning of four different designs.” While Song was honored to design for the august occasion, he did not realize the impact the event would have upon his life. “My sister said it would generate a buzz and I didn't believe her,” Song said. “She was right.” Since that January day, the swell in business has been undeniable, with Song receiving hundreds of thousands of requests for a duplicate hat. “We haven't sold the exact same design, but we have variations that we produce for the market.” Song, a Birmingham resident and graduate of Birmingham Seaholm High School, didn’t always envision himself as a designer and milliner. A native of South Korea, he emigrated here with his family as a child. “I was good at science, but my passion was in the arts,” he said. “So, just shy of finishing my degree in biochemistry, I switched.” Song went on to study design at Parsons the New School for Design in New York. Although he didn’t plan on joining the family business, Song eventually realized his place was beside them at the Southfield millinery shop. “I think most children of family businesses pull away from continuing (the business), but you know at least one of the children gets pulled in,” Song said. “Two of my sisters are in the business, too. Truthfully, we were always a part of the business.” Headwear has made a big comeback over the past year, and Song is designing for women from their 30s all the way into their 90s, he said. “We are seeing younger and younger (women) coming in to purchase hats and headbands,” he said. “(We are designing for) church-going women, religious women, Red Hats, bridal groups, teas and funerals, just to name a few.” When women look to revamp their closets, Song is finding that many are doing so by adding headwear rather than acquiring new clothing, and the trend has been a positive one for the Song family. With a growing, successful business, Song travels the globe and granted this interview from London. “I travel often, and it’s always on business,” he said. While Song’s family moved to the U.S. from South Korea in pursuit of a quality education for their children, what they found was fame and success beyond their expectations.
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Story: Katey Meisner
Photo: Laurie Tennent
The Scribes: (from left) Matt Cunningham, Lahser High School; Caroline Shinkle, Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School; Natalie Mardigian, Academy of the Sacred Heart; Gabe Menchaca, Andover High School; Isabella Shaya, Academy of the Sacred Heart; (on floor) James Feuereisen, Andover High School; Jeremy Gloster, Roeper Upper School
YOUNG VOICES: STUDENT NEWSPAPERS MAKE PHOTO: LAURIE TENNENT
BEING HEARD HEADLINES OF THEIR OWN STORY: LISA BRODY
ear ye, hear ye. Spread the news. Since the invention of the Gutenberg press in 1436, journalists have been printing the news, working to share with others the information about their community to others. Journalism is the investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends, with the goal to inform the citizenry. Some publications cover civic and government organizations, others follow an investigative format. There are some that are devoted to just business or specific trades; others that are dedicated to entertainment subjects. Journalism covers all cultural aspects that society is interested in learning about, and today can be communicated in print, broadcast media, or over the web. Student newspapers at high schools and colleges work to achieve the same goals, teaching fledging reporters the art of communications while informing their school population of what is going on. In the process, some fall in love with the art, and go on to become professional journalists and writers. In the Birmingham-Bloomfield area, there are a number of public, private and parochial schools, each with its own student newspaper. Some are primarily student-led after school activities, while others are the result of a journalism class. Each reflects the tone and tenor of their school's population, and all are examples of the hard work, fine writing and commitment that characterize what journalism is meant to embody. Ben Harwood, publications advisor at Seaholm High School in Birmingham, said the Seaholm Highlander has been in publication for decades. While they continue to publish a print newspaper twice a month, they have an active website, www.seaholmhighlander.com, which is updated anywhere from twice to four times a week, and includes video and student-led polls. Their website is a powerful, interactive tool for the paper, which last year was named Michigan's best high school newspaper website by the Michigan Interscholastic Press, winning the Spartan Award. “We get approximately 400 to 500 hits per day on our website,” Harwood said. Harwood said he believes Seaholm's paper stands out because, where it was once a club activity, it is now a daily class. It's something he
H
pushed for when he came to the school from a broadcast journalism career four years ago. Since then, the staff has earned 25 state journalism awards, and has placed in the top 10 each of the last three years. “There's more accountability and face-to-face instruction,” he said. “Most important is the
time—I have a dedicated hour each day with the students. Also, having a grade attached is a great incentive. The results are remarkable.” Harwood says the Highlander is no lightweight rag, but one dedicated to serious issues. “We've had serious conversations about ethical and legal issues and protecting sources,” he said. “We've been threatened with lawsuits at least twice in the last two years. Last year, my staff, along with the advisor and newspaper at Groves High School, worked hard to create publications whose policy means there is no censorship and no prior review. We do not need to show the publication to anyone before it goes to print. We have the support of our principal, Terry Piper, and the superintendent of Birmingham Schools. “But the kids know they have to take that very seriously. We have very few opinion pieces. I have a strong rule—four sources for each story and one outside source. The goal is objectivity. I tell them, you'll have some people who do not like your stories, but we want to know we're doing things the right way,” Harwood said.
Harwood notes that while the school district, and the school board, are ultimately the governing board overseeing any editorial freedom, by following strict journalistic ethics, they have mitigated those concerns. “It's a student-run and governed publication. Our editor is senior Emily Gordy. They come up with the stories, write it, lay it out, sell the ads, and distribute it,” he noted. “The only thing they don't actually do is print it.” Seaholm's Highlander, like other area student newspapers, appears to follow the tenets of journalism espoused by The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, that journalism's first obligation is to the truth, and its first loyalty is to its citizens. They emphasize that the essence of discipline is verification, and it must serve as an independent monitor of power while striving to make the significant interesting and relevant, and the news comprehensive and proportional. They also state that journalists must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience. “Journalism at its best questions the status quo,” said David Watson, Crane-Clarion newspaper advisor at Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School in Bloomfield Hills for the last 20some years. The Crane, the newspaper for Cranbrook, has been around since at least 1926, said Watson. It merged with Kingswood's paper, the Clarion, in 1983, three years prior to the two schools merging into one high school. The newspaper is run as an extracurricular activity, and editors and section editors can receive varsity team credit for their work. Key editorial positions are appointed by the advisors with input from the previous year's graduating senior staff. This year's managing editor is senior Caroline Shinkle. Strictly a print entity, it is published five to six times a year, with a typical issue running 28 to 32 pages, although there are some that are as large as 44 pages. “I worked my way up the ranks since freshman year,” said Shinkle. “I like the opportunity to engage the student body in issues that they might not think about. Journalism teaches you about life, about asking the right questions and learning how to get to the right source.”
“Our orientation runs as much towards magazine journalism as it does to newspaper journalism,” said Watson. Watson said that administrators and members of the Schools' Board of Governors do not read the issues or any articles before they go to press; advisors monitor all press freedoms. “The administration, like any, can get nervous, but it has always sided with freedom of expression. I try to get the kids to stay focused on the issues,” he said. “I'm very responsible, but high school students do not enjoy full freedom of speech, according to the U.S. Supreme Court. So there is no hate speech allowed, no demonization of others, no ethnic hatred. We encourage discussion of issues, and we like controversy. There can be criticism of the schools, in general terms, like about a school policy. But there are absolutely no jokes about alcohol or drugs. That's too dangerous. And there's no personal criticism of coaches or teachers. We do not allow any individual attacks.” There is an opinion and editorial page. “I like that there are opinions and columns. It forces them to do a kind of transparent writing that they would not do otherwise,” Watson said. All of the Crane-Clarion's work is done after school and after sports activities are completed, often going well into the night. “That's what keeps us from producing more
issues,” Watson said. “Or from going on the web.” Even as an extracurricular, the Crane-Clarion consistently is an award-winning publication, earning gold medals from the Columbia Scholastic Press Organization for the last ten years, and first class wins from the National Scholastic Press Organization for seven or eight years. Lahser High School in Bloomfield Hills has had a newspaper since they opened the school. It was recently renamed Knight Life (the school's sports teams are the Knights), after being called The Page for decades. Published six times a year, it is produced in a class taught by Terri Thav. “Students run the paper, but I teach the class,” she said. “I am the adviser, and final decisions go through me. However, it completely reflects the students' points of view.” This year's editor is Matt Cunningham, who Thav said was chosen based on his writing, editing and leadership abilities. “I like telling stories that are relevant and creative at the same time,” Cunningham said. Covering local and community news, Knight Life demonstrates students’ perspective on their world, although they do not have complete freedom of the press. “Since it is funded through the district, they have censorship rights,” Thav said. Andover High School's newspaper, also in the
Bloomfield Hills District, is a product of a journalism class. The Shield “has been around forever,” said teacher and adviser Chris Hammitt. Published approximately once a month, they work on a four-to-six week production cycle. The class meets every other day for 90 minutes. In order to choose editors, of which there are two this year, James Feuereisen and Gabe Menchaca, Hammitt said they treat it like an actual job interview the spring before their senior year. “They are interviewed by myself and the former editor. We have them dress up like a real job interview, and bring a portfolio. They have to have been on staff for a year, a junior or senior at Andover, and in good academic standing. We hold it in the library. It's very formal. This year, we had six students apply. It's not just interviewing for this position, but actually learning how to interview for a job,” she said. Hammitt's perspective as an adviser is that when it comes to advisers, “there are advisers who are journalists who educate, and then there are educators who majored in journalism. Journalists are all about freedom of speech. Educators are more about the process. Our paper is an educational tool. It's much more about the process.” She seeks to challenge her students to come up
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SPECTACULAR Holiday Entertainment! Tickets On Sale NOW!
LA BOHÈME Giacomo Puccini
November 13 - 21, 2010 Star crossed romance, beautiful melodies and a bittersweet story have made “La Bohème” a perennial classic.
Performed in Italian with English supertitle translation
FOR TICKETS AND PRE-PAID PARKING CALL 313.237.SING or visit michiganopera.org
The 2010 Fall Opera Season made possible by Ford Motor Company
“Too Hot To Handel”made possible by Mack Avenue Records
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TOO
T HOTO
HANDEL
Detroit’s Original Holiday Tradition
The Jazz Gospel Messiah!
November 26 - 28, 2010
Saturday December 4, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
Brought to life by the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra, conducted by John Varinou
FEATURING THE MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE ORCHESTRA
Saturday November 13, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday November 17, at 7:30 p.m. Friday November 19, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday November 20, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday November 21, at 2:30 p.m.
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET COMPANY
NUTCRACKER
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Friday November 26, at 2:30 p.m. Friday November 26, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday November 27, at 2:30 p.m. Saturday November 27, at 7;30 p.m. Sunday November 28, at 2:30 p.m. D Featuring Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s captivating score D Enchanting Victorian scenery and costumes D Thrilling waltzes of the snowflakes and flowers D Dozens of dancing and singing children
Family matinee performances feature the following: Professional face painting, $5 donation Santa and Nutcracker available for photos, Live reindeer, (prior to performance) Sugar Plum Parade on stage following the performance, Buffet lunch, $10. Call or visit our website for details
DOWNTOWN
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Presented by the Detroit Opera House and the Rackham Symphony Choir With Tenor Rodrick Dixon, Soprano Alfreda Burke, Alto Karen Marie Richardson. Joined by Alvin Waddles, piano, Dave Taylor, drums, Marion Hayden, bass and the Too Hot Orchestra. Conducted by Suzanne Mallare Acton
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with relevant ideas, “but they can't come up with any fluff,” she said. “No horoscopes or recipes. I tell them to write people stories. We look at the news value and we make a judgement call. The kids know I have the final word. Our audience is teenagers.” “Ms. Hammitt cares deeply about newspapers, and in her heart, journalism means a lot,” said Feuereisen. “She has an eye for design. When students start on the newspaper, she runs a lot of journalism workshops to teach us how to interview, how to organize an article, and how to organize quotes. Just to become a staff writer, you have to have had three good articles published first.” Journalism is also taught as a course at Roeper's Upper School in Birmingham. Their paper has been called Tuna Talk since 1998, after the school's unofficial mascot, the Fighting Tuna. There has been a student newspaper off-and-on since the Upper School was established in the late 1960s. “The paper is primarily student-run, but journalism is offered as a course and the paper is the product of that course. The current editor, Jeremy Gloster, creates lesson plans with some guidance from the advisor, and the content, including decisions on sections, columns, supplements, etc., is decided by the editors and the reporters,” said Linda Vernon, Roeper's adviser. Topics typically cover school-specific topics, events,
alumni news, but also relevant area news. In keeping with Roeper's philosophy of developing self-directed, self-motivated, independent, curious students, Vernon said “the paper has an adviser but no process of review, and it is not really controlled by the school's administration, and any conflicts between the school and the paper have always worked in the paper's favor. Tuna Talk is not formally restricted by the school, and the administration has never intervened on an article or exercised prior restraint.” The Academy of the Sacred Heart is in the process of putting their student newspaper, the Sacred Heart Voice, into an online-only format. Strictly a student-led club, co-editors Isabella Shaya and Natalie Mardigian lead other students thirty minutes, once-a-week, during an activity period time. “They never work on it after school, they only do it during this activity period, which they also have for numerous other things,” said Gayle Brooks, Sacred Heart adviser. “I oversee them. The studentrun articles are run through me and the Associate Head of School, Judy Hehs.” Brooks said that opinions can be expressed in stories as long as they are well-written and wellsupported, but that “bad things cannot be said
about other students, nor anything that would be hurtful.” “So much of what we are about, being an independent school, is about allowing students to develop their critical thinking skills,” said Nicole Pielecha, communications coordinator for Academy of the Sacred Heart. Each of the schools have seen some graduates go on to careers in journalism, with several former editors from Seaholm, Andover and Roeper currently toiling as top editors at universities throughout the country, including Harvard, Dartmouth, Northwestern University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Missouri, Ohio University, and others. Cranbrook Kingswood newspaper alums include a coterie of noted authors and journalists, including Brad Leithauser, Sven Birkerts, New York Times Magazine contributor Rachel Aviv, Huffington Post writer Ariston Anderson, former Good Housekeeping staffer K.K. Schmier, and many others. Each of the current student newspaper editors hope to work on their college newspapers, but none aspire to a career as a journalist. “It's the people you meet, the people you get to interview and the people you work with that are so great,” said Feuereisen of Andover. “It's a special experience you can't get anywhere else.”
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FACES Doug Ross oug Ross is an educator and pioneer, unwilling to tolerate the notion that financial status should determine the success of a child’s education, and he has spent his career proving it. Ross, founder of Detroit's University Preparatory Academy (UPA) charter school, recalled a UPA student named “Patrick” who disappeared from classes during his junior year in high school. “He was incarcerated, and then living on the streets,” Ross said. “To make sure no child would be lost, we went to an abandoned house on the east side and we got him out.” The student went on to graduate and is now a firefighter, Ross said. “Those are the stories we remember.” Ross, a Birmingham resident, started his career as a middle school teacher in Detroit after graduating from University of Michigan, but quickly became frustrated with the ineffectiveness of the prescribed curriculum. “I came up with a different form of teaching and it was not acceptable to the school board,” Ross said. “So, I decided I could make more of an impact by going into politics and I went to Princeton to get a degree in public policy.” Ross became engrossed in politics and went on to serve as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor in the Clinton Administration, Director of the Michigan Department of Commerce, and as a Michigan legislator. While in politics, he was most proud to play a role in the comeback of the Michigan economy in the 1980s and helping to eradicate sales tax on food and medicine. He then ran and lost the gubernatorial election in 1998 and wondered where he could apply his knowledge to make the broadest impact on society. Education quickly re-emerged as a source of opportunity. “It never occurred to me (to start a charter school) until 1999,” he said. His mission was to ensure a 90 percent graduation rate with 90 percent of the students pursuing a postsecondary education. With 94 percent of the class of 2007 accepting their diploma, his first class was a triumph and graduation day was momentous for Ross. “It was very emotional,” he said. “There was a real sense of pride seeing them succeed. It was one of the most dramatic and satisfying days of my life. If we had not been willing to intervene in a personal fashion, some students may have ended up on the streets.” Ross attributes the success of UPA to the high expectations of students and personal commitment by teachers to do whatever it takes. “We can’t change the outside world, but we can work to keep them on track,” he said. “At core, it is the belief of the child that, ‘I’m staying with you. No matter what you do, you’re not going to push me away.’ The hope is that UPA is a place that develops an equal opportunity model for Detroit children,” Ross said. “You can’t build great urban schools bureaucratically. We do not accept the fact that poor children should do worse than middle class students.”
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Consolidation of municipal services, a concept that gained considerable press in the last two years, could suffer the fate experienced by other past attempts to revamp how governments operate. In 2008, Oakland County funded several studies examining the future of municipalities in the county and opportunities to share services via consolidation of services. The Capital and Cooperative Initiatives Revolving Fund (CCRIF) study, for example, examined the possibility of consolidating police and fire services in Birmingham and Bloomfield Township over a period of time. Now, approaching the end of 2010, the study sits fallow, with the two local municipalities still mulling it, but each hesitant to pull the trigger and be the first to push to consolidate.
beginning a very slow climb back. Bloomfield Township tracks property values quarterly, and reports that so far this year, values have fallen further than they had anticipated. “In December 2009, there was a 12.9 percent decline in property values,” said Daddow. “There will be another 12 percent decline in December 2010. So municipalities, if they were using equity to cover themselves until the market came back, made a very bad structural decision because the value will not return until at least 2020 to 2025. We have been predicting this since 2007. There are going to have to be greater rounds of cuts in their municipalities.” Daddow is also concerned about the foreclosure document issue occurring nationwide, and its long-term implications for a real estate rebound here in Oakland County.
happen,” he said. “There can be public discussions, and the public will weigh in, but the decision will be made by elected officials. I hope the decision will be fact-based and not emotionbased. Lots of places in Michigan, and around the country, have had (consolidation) work out well. It can actually improve response times and communications. At least in theory, it can work out well.” Louis Glazer, of the Michigan First think tank in Ann Arbor, said the question local governments have to determine with less revenue coming in is how they maintain their services. “They can either raise taxes, reduce the cost of delivering those services, either through consolidation, privatization, which is not possible with police and fire services, they can reduce labor costs, or they can do it through technology,”
BY LISA BRODY “Unfortunately, we were too far ahead of the market” when implementing the study, said Robert Daddow, deputy executive for Oakland County. “While Oakland County saw the economic morass we were heading into, the locals did not believe the projections were really going to happen. They did not perceive the need for consolidation, and thought the study was unduly negative. We performed eight to 10 studies, spending between $1 million and $1.2 million in consulting costs, and none have come to fruition.” “Everyone wants to protect their own turf,” said Professor John Klemanski, local government and politics, at Oakland University. “As the financial trend continues—Michigan has had such a long recession—there is going to be a call for cities looking at consolidation of services, even merging, even though there is resistance from politicians and citizens. “It is difficult for people to give up their civic identity, plus their ability to call their local representatives. You see them on the streets; they're local businessmen. That wouldn't happen with consolidation,” he continued. “People do not want to give up their closeness with their local governments despite fiscal reasons.” Continuing economic conditions may preclude citizens wishes and force the hand of local government managers. Property values are continuing to fall, with the bottom now estimated by Oakland County at 2013 or 2014, before
“The foreclosures are going to be banked for a while. When they come off the market, prices will rise, and there will be a bubble that will then burst, and prices will fall, and the market will be flooded with (foreclosed) homes,” he said. “It has the potential to be a very long problem. Short term, it will put a pall over a real estate market that's already troubled because of other reasons.” Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus, who will complete 21 and one-half years at the helm of Birmingham by year's end to head to Iowa City, Iowa to become city manager, and Dave Payne, Bloomfield Township Supervisor, have been meeting regularly to discuss their municipalities' mutual needs, the Oakland County study, and how they can best implement it without a disruption to citizens and service providers. “If this state does not hit bottom, we'll see more privatization and consolidation. Like the Big Three (auto companies), the golden goose could not continue to lay the golden egg; it was not sustainable,” said Markus. “We cannot continue to force the taxpayer to subsidize these services, or we'll have a revolt on our hands.” He readily acknowledged that residents do not willingly want to consolidate with other communities, no matter what community it is. But he said that it is the responsibility of those elected and appointed to run the municipality to take the hard stance, work the negotiations, and make the decisions. “You have to have leadership to make it
he said. “If you do not do any of these things, at some point the service level reduces, and it hurts the local economy, and then they have nothing to offer.” Glazer echoes Daddow's concerns over the lack of progress many municipalities, including Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, are making towards these efforts. “That issue will come to the forefront when voters have had enough at the polls, and they have no other options,” said Daddow. “But first they'll deplete the equity of the community, turning to millages to solve the problem. If the voters turn the millages down, they'll deplete their equity, and not having anything left, they'll turn to consolidation.” “I'm less worried that consolidation is difficult to do,” said Glazer. “I'm more concerned about not doing anything. Ultimately, what our economy needs is places where knowledge workers want to live, like Birmingham and Bloomfield. Our economy is only growing with knowledge workers. You cannot grow the knowledge workers' economy without knowledge workers living there. If the quality of life deteriorates, they will leave, or their kids will leave, and we need to retain both. That's what local officials need to understand. Not to do it in the long term is an awful choice.” The CCRIF study conducted by Plante & Moran, paid for by Oakland County, had
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evaluating the feasibility of police and fire consolidation between Birmingham and Bloomfield Township as its main objectives, as well as determining operational features of both short-term and long-term consolidation options, and determining costs and benefits associated with each option. They created an implementation plan for various options, and developed a fundamental business case for collaboration. It was launched in June 2007 and completed in 2008, to assist the two communities to explore options for consolidated police and fire services. The key project conclusions were that the case for consolidation was supported, in part because of the large number of projected retirements in the near term for both police and fire departments, and the continued weak state of the Michigan economy. “There appear to be economies of scale associated with consolidating police and dispatch operations. Operational savings over a seven-year period is estimated up to approximately $5 million, with estimated operating savings thereafter of approximately $1.75 million annually. In order to achieve the ideal consolidated operations for police, there likely needs to be an investment in facilities in order to centralize operations to one station location. This one-time investment, with a positive net present value, is estimated between $3.6 and 5.6 million. There also appear to be significant savings associated with combining fire departments. Operational savings over a seven-year period is estimated up to approximately $4.5 million, with estimated annual operating savings thereafter of approximately $1 million,” the report said. “Much of the savings for police operations is anticipated to be derived from consolidating the administrative command structure into one larger department. Further consolidation of law enforcement services may provide for more stable department service levels, as a larger department may better respond to budget fluctuations. Savings and additional call volume capacity is projected with the consolidation of E911 dispatch operations. Savings for the fire departments are primarily in the areas of equipment, command staff, and redundant firefighter positions,” it continued. “We suggest that both communities move forward with implementation of combined police and fire departments, including dispatch operations, under an inter-local agreement between the communities as soon as is practical.” Birmingham, with a population of 19,348, had 13,551 dispatched calls in 2007. Bloomfield Township, whose population is approximately double, with 41,284 residents, had 24,617 dispatch calls in 2007. Birmingham's police department had net budgeted costs of $6.1 million for that period, while Bloomfield Township's police department had $11.3 million net budgeted costs. The study noted that the two departments provide law enforcement investigations, dispatch and records services to their respective communities, and each has a centrally-located headquarters. Birmingham's is located in City Hall in downtown Birmingham; Bloomfield Township's is on Telegraph south of Long Lake Road. They share similar philosophies, and each is considered responsive to their citizens requests and have rapid response times. They are not on the same radio, preventing them from assisting each other. 34
BECAUSE OF CITIZEN RESISTANCE, BLOOMFIELD HILLS HAS ISOLATED ITSELF AGAINST FISCAL CALLS FOR CONSOLIDATION OF SERVICES WITH ITS NEIGHBORS
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Birmingham offers a safe harbor for residents on a 24/7 basis, where a citizen can come to the station and have almost immediate access to a police personnel dispatcher, who can contact a police officer. If the two departments combined, citizens would need to be referred to the Telegraph location; a phone could be provided on the outside of the Birmingham station which would ring directly to dispatch on Telegraph to alert them to send a police officer; or citizens could be instructed that all fire stations were safe harbors, as they must meet 24/7 staffing requirements, according to the study. While renovation costs would be incurred in consolidating the two departments, that is considered a one-time cost, and long-term dollar savings would be significant. From a manpower and coverage standpoint, it would potentially allow for increased manpower and greater shift flexibility for patrol operations. Benefits would remain capped. Future benefit obligations would be negotiated favorably for both municipalities. The benefits for fire consolidation would permit the five Bloomfield Township stations and the two Birmingham stations to integrate into six 24/7 operations with full ambulance and rescue operations at all six stations. Nationwide, the trend is that fire departments are responding less to fires, but increasingly to medical calls. In Birmingham and Bloomfield Township, in 2007, of the 5,478 combined runs, only 2.5 percent of all calls were for actual fires; 39.5 percent were false alarms; and fully 58 percent were for medical runs. By consolidating, the two departments could reduce equipment and administration while increasing the number of on duty fire personnel. “I believe the reasonable place to start (consolidation) is dispatch,” said Bloomfield Township's Payne. “Everything has been on the table with Birmingham for the last six to eight months. There are labor issues to be worked out. Ours are worked out; Birmingham's are not. There is the political process. In Birmingham, there is technical issues to deal with. There are (security) cameras all over downtown. There are the 911 and dispatch issues. We are looking to see if we can accommodate all of them. “All of them can be handled, but it takes time,” he continued. “When you are talking about dispatch and emergency services, there is no room for error. There is no other service that is so crucial that we must take our time to do it right. Our two communities work together well, and I expect it will continue. I see the fire departments doing more as the manpower goes down. There's more coverage and mutual coverage, both ways, today between communities.” “Everyone talks about consolidation. The presumption is that you can save money. There are trade offs. Are those savings worth giving up control? In some areas they are, others, not,” said Markus, pointing out that Birmingham has been part of SOCCRA, a garbage, recycling and material waste collection agency for 12 southeastern Oakland County communities, for several years. “The economies of scale make it worthwhile,” he said. “Those opportunities exist for other services.” Payne agrees, pointing out Oakways Hazmat, a 11.10
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FACES Olivia Rita Oram t just 20-years-old, clothing designer Olivia Rita Oram can add tennis pro Venus Williams to her roster of clients. One of over 35,000 entries in the Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport design contest, Oram vied for—and won— the honor of seeing her design come to life on the tennis court at the 2010 U.S. Open. “It was amazing,” Oram said. “I had no idea she would choose me. There were some other great competitors in the finals and I was so glad she chose me.” Oram first heard of the contest through an admirer of Olivia’s Designs, her You Tube fashion video forum. “I got to the top in Week Three by the people’s choice votes,” she said. “In Week Eight, Venus chose me as one of her favorites.” Oram, who began sewing when she was 16, always knew she had a knack for fashion. Reaping inspiration from television shows like Project Runway and The City, she soon realized her dream of designing. “I’ve always been creative,” she said. “Watching shows on TV, I knew what I wanted to do. Creating something and throwing it on the runway is very appealing.” With just four years of experience sewing, designing the haltered black and white tennis ensemble for Williams was an enormous coup for Oram. After the prevailing design was chosen, Oram received further acclaim from the tennis pro herself when Williams took to her Twitter account, and sent a tweet shouting out the winning design. "Congrats to Olivia Oram, winner of the Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport design contest! Can’t wait to wear your outfit at the U.S. Open," Williams tweeted. “It was amazing,” Oram said. “I wasn’t expecting for her to write a tweet. My sister and I saw it and were really excited about it.” Because of the support and encouragement of her family, Oram, a Lahser High School graduate, chose her sister to join her in claiming her prize. “They flew us out to New York to the U.S. Open, and paid for the hotel in Times Square,” she said. “I didn’t get to meet (Williams), but the trip was amazing.” Tide also awarded Oram $5,000, which she shared with the St. Paul Nonprofit Charitable Organization (SPANCO), a charity that assists people in developing countries. “The money I donated helped a child in Ghana, West Africa with their schooling and food,” she said. A Bloomfield Hills resident, she admires the fashions at Caruso Caruso and Oliver’s Trendz in Birmingham. “Joe Faris is definitely my favorite designer in the area,” she said. “(His fashion) is really different, with a little bit of an edge to it.” Already possessing an impressive resume and the beginnings of a promising career, Oram is determined to stay the path in fashion design, and perhaps open clothing stores of her own one day. “I see myself starting a clothing line and having stores in metro Detroit, New York and L.A.,” Oram said. “There’s nothing else I want to do.”
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Story: Katey Meisner
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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11.10
CITY/ TOWNSHIP Medical marijuana zoning ordinance The Bloomfield Township Planning Board unanimously approved a proposed zoning ordinance amendment for medical marijuana use and distribution in the township in early October and township Board of Trustees was scheduled to consider the issue. The purpose of the amendment is to consider an appropriate manner under which a township resident can lawfully use medical marijuana, if they are properly registered in Michigan. Proposal 08-1, known as the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, stated that it would permit physician-approved use of marijuana by registered patients with debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis (MS), and other conditions as may be approved by the Department of Community Health. The law requires the Michigan Department of Community Health to establish an identification card system for patients who are subsequently deemed qualified to use marijuana, and individuals qualified to grow marijuana. The law permits registered and unregistered patients and primary caregivers to assert medical reasons for using marijuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marijuana. It also allows individuals, to become known as caregivers, to grow limited amounts of marijuana for qualifying patients in an enclosed, locked facility. It passed by an overwhelming margin in November 2008, and became state law in April 2009. The law's ambiguity, and local communities' uncertainty, has created the opportunity for the legislature to now create laws to help structure usage and dissemination of medical marijuana in keeping with voters' intent. In Oakland County, 68 percent of those who cast ballots in the November 2008 general election voted to approve the use of marijuana for compassionate care. Statewide the ballot proposal passed by 62.1 percent. As of October 7, 2010, the Michigan Department of Community Health reported it has received over 62,000 new and renewal downtownpublications.com
Bistros in Rail District he Birmingham City Commission has approved an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to allow bistros in the MX, or Rail District, of Birmingham with a Special Land Use Permit. Bistros have been allowed in Birmingham since 2007 under a Special Land Use Permit zoning ordinance. It permits up to two bistro liquor licenses to new businesses in the Central Business District (the downtown area), or the Triangle area, and two licenses to existing businesses in the same areas each year. A bistro must conform to very specific criteria. The issue arose for the MX District after an application was put into the Planning Department requesting the opportunity to have a bistro on Cole Street in the Rail District. It was initially rejected as bistros had not been permitted in that area. The applicant requested that the Planning Commission re-examine the possibility of bistros existing in the Rail District, which is Eton Road, from The Reserve on the north, east to the railroad tracks, south to Lincoln. After public hearings and careful examinations by the Planning Commission, the department recommended the City Commission approve bistros for the area. Planning Director Jana Ecker said a report on the Eton Road Corridor, adopted in 1999, well before the 2007 adoption of bistros, makes reference to “small scale, service-oriented establishments and businesses.” “The Planning Commission felt that the smaller, eclectic style of bistros would be ideal for this area,” she said. “At a public hearing, many people came out and requested smaller restaurants that people could walk to in the area.” A discussion among commissioners centered on the problems with streetscaping and the lack of consistent sidewalks in the Rail District, and the problem of forcing land owners to put in sidewalks during a period of economic slowdown. “One of the reasons we didn't go ahead with a sidewalk project (previously) is the decline in the property values,” said Commissioner Tom McDaniels. “Nothing's changed. I do not think we'd impose the assessment on that community.” “I think it's going to happen,” responded Commissioner Scott Moore. “Quality pedestrian access is more than just sidewalks. When the property owners see that their property values are actually being held back by not improving their property and their streetscapes, they will.” “I'm in favor of bistros in the MX District,” said Commissioner Mark Nickita. “I'm concerned about the lack of sidewalks on Cole. We need to consider the infrastructure. Parking is going to be an issue there.” City Manager Tom Markus responded, “We should have some design standards as each property is developed. The area is going to develop over time. It's eclectic, and we don't want to chase out anyone who is bringing in jobs. The entrepreneurs who are investing and are developing the area on their own will do it. Opportunities will present themselves. It's very private-side driven. The bistro looking to go into Cole Street, if approved, will be made to put in a sidewalk and other streetscaping.” Frank Carnovale, an architect on Cole Street for the last 12 years, said, “I think it's wise to come up with some kind of vision and direction of streetscape (for the area). We do not want overregulation; we want support. I feel excluded from all of the activity downtown. We are contributing to the city, and paying taxes. I feel we should be afforded all of the same considerations as other areas.”
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applications, and has issued 32,859 patient registrations. Caregivers can provide up to 2.5 ounces each to no more than five patients at a time, growing up to 12 marijuana plants per patient at one time. However, law enforcement notes that 60 plants, if grown properly, can provide significantly more than 2.5 ounces for five patients at a time. “Sixty plants could give you about 28 pounds of pot, if done right,” said Captain Steven Cook. “The law does not address the excess grown. But, if you're caught with the excess, you're in violation of the law.” Cook noted that dispensary problems around Oakland County have primarily been outside the scope of the Michigan Medical Marijuana law. “They assert the medical marijuana defense, but in all but one case, the persons were outside the scope the act,” he said. “Most had other drugs, like ecstasy and coke. They bring in other crimes, as well. We've seen an increase in home invasions in Troy, for instance, that are traced to narcotics businesses and dispensaries.” The proposed township ordinance creates a definition for medical marijuana usage for registered patients only; prohibits any cultivation and/or distribution activity in the township by any caregiver or patient; allows up to two qualified patients with lawful registration cards per dwelling; requires a qualifying patient to register with the Bloomfield Township Police Department, the only residential address where the patient will be allowed to use medical marijuana in the township; and permits medical marijuana usage by registered patients in R-1, R-2, R-3, RM Multiple-Family, and PRD Planned Residential Development zone districts. Unlike early drafts of the ordinance, there is no registration fee. “The only way I can check if someone is legal is if I have their card in my hand and I can check your number,” said Cook. The ordinance registration will alleviate that, and help stem citizen complaints. “This will give cops notice of who is legal and who isn't, and if they do not need to get a search warrant for someone's house.” 41
Bloomfield Hills hires new treasurer The city of Bloomfield Hills hired a new Finance Director/Treasurer on Thursday, September 23, to fill the vacancy created when Treasure Carolyn Lorenz resigned, effective June 30, 2010. The city offered the position to Lisa Dolan of Bloomfield Township, and she accept the job, according to City Manager Jay Cravens. Dolan will earn $79,900 plus benefits for the full time position. Dolan has the experience and credentials the city commission was seeking, Cravens said. “In the past, she was an auditor with Plante & Moran, so she has the experience,” he said. Plante & Moran is currently performing the city's audit, and provided finance services to Bloomfield Hills while the city was without a treasurer. Dolan also has experience as Assistant Finance Director for Clinton Township from 1995 to 2005, and was Finance Director for the city of Berkley in 2005. She was a consultant with the 41-B District Court in Clinton Township from 2005 to 2007. She taught accounting and payroll at Baker College. While she was a student, she worked as a legal assistant for the United State's Attorney's Office in Detroit. Dolan attended Wayne State University, receiving both her B.A. and M.B.A. from the university. The city commission hired the Michigan Municipal League to execute a search through their services arm. The city also advertised in business journals, receiving candidates with both municipal and business experience. “Heather van Poucker found the qualified candidates for us,” said Cravens. “We received over 50 applicants for the job. Heather narrowed it down to 15 who had the credentials, qualifications and experience we were looking for.” The city's search committee, which consisted of van Poucker; Walt Couter, planning board chairman; Commissioner Sarah McClure; and Cravens, winnowed the list down to six they were interested in interviewing. They interviewed five of those in person; one, from South Carolina, was interviewed over the 42
Markus accepts new job om Markus, city manager for Birmingham for the last 21-and-a-half years, has accepted the position as city manager of Iowa City, Iowa. Markus was one of four candidates interviewed in late September in Iowa City, and then was invited back as a finalist to a public meet and greet. He was offered the job after that gathering. The other candidates were a city manager from North Port, Florida; a consultant and former city manager from Elgin, Illinois; and the city manager of Sioux City, Iowa. Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa, a Big 10 school. According to its 2008 census, the city had over 68,000 residents, making it the fifth largest city in Iowa. Located along the Iowa River, the city is 24.4 square miles. Similar to Birmingham, the city is governed by a seven-member city council and a city manager appointed by the council, who implements the policy Tom Markus decisions of the city council, enforces city ordinances and appoints city officials. “It's really a great city, and a stimulating challenge,” Markus said of the city that is over three times the size of Birmingham. “It's Iowa's East Lansing or Ann Arbor,” he said of it being a vibrant college town. “I actually think we'll stay there” after he finishes his government work. “It's both a job and a retirement opportunity. I'm really a midwestern guy. The city has some of the friendliest people I've ever met,” he said. He is scheduled to begin there December 1, 2010, traveling back and forth that month, and starting full time in Iowa City on January 1, 2011. Assistant City Manager Joe Valentine was appointed at a recent City Commission meeting as Acting City Manager during any absence or transition which may occur as Markus leaves. It is not known if Valentine is seeking the job on a permanent basis. “There's a lot of interest out there,” for his current position, Markus noted. City Commissioner Stuart Sherman praised Valentine as a wise interim choice. “Markus is leaving the community in a great position. He has the ability to step back from a situation and take the emotion out of it so people are able to give good, rationale decisions,” said Sherman, who worked closely with Markus as the city's mayor last year. Sherman said the commission will get a report from The Mercer Group of Atlanta, who is performing the search for Markus' replacement, on the status of applicants sometime in November. “There is no reason to accelerate the process” because Markus is leaving before the year is out,” said Sherman. “We have a great staff at the city, and we will not be running blind. Part of Tom's legacy is that he has the right people in place.” “I thought I had one more in me,” Markus, 59, said. “You have to take advantage of opportunities when they come about. Cities do not come up that often. Last time Birmingham came up was 21 years ago.”
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phone. “From there, it was narrowed down to a final group of three candidates,” said Cravens. “Those interviews were done by the full city commission.” He said there was a clear consensus on Dolan. The first task she will have will be to familiarize herself with the Fiscal Year 2011 budget the commission has adopted, Cravens said. “I think she'll want to scrutinize it and see if there is any need to make
any adjustments,” Cravens said. “Then she'll probably work with Plante & Moran since they'll be wrapping up the audit soon. Before you know it, it'll be time to delve into the 2012 budget, since we start up again on that in a couple of months.”
Cool reception for vendor ordinance The Birmingham Principal Shopping District (PSD) board in early October rejected a proposed city
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ordinance amendment allowing peddlers and vendors in city parks and alleys or passageways and recommended instead that the city place outdoor dining furniture in Shain Park. Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker had previously told the PSD that the idea behind having vendors was to put them in Shain and Booth parks, to encourage people to stay and enjoy the parks, and in city alleys and passageways to increased street activity in the city. She further noted that activating the alleys and passageways in town was a proposal in the 2016 plan, and utilizing vendors may be one way to do that. The idea, she said, would be to have vendors set up permanent spots for the season. “Some retailers view it as a conflict,” said PSD Executive Director John Heiney. “We understand that the more activities in and around downtown, the more vibrancy there is. But you have to weigh the interests of the retailers who have a much larger investment in the downtown, between rent, utilities, build-outs, property taxes and those kinds of things.” After reviewing the proposed ordinance, a PSD subcommittee reported back to the Executive Committee of the board which then share their position at the PSD monthly October meeting. The general concerns centered around setting up temporary vendors that would compete with brick and mortar businesses. “Whether artisans or food vendors, the subcommittee agreed that these types of businesses would directly compete with existing downtown stores during a continued slow economy,” the subcommittee memo stated. Instead, the PSD Executive Committee recommended to the board to create seating and dining areas throughout Shain Park where visitors can enjoy a meal they might bring in or purchase from a Birmingham restaurant, which the board unanimously supported. Retailer Richard Astrein suggested that designer Ron Rea, who was involved with redesigning Shain Park, be asked to design the outdoor furniture so that it is compatible with the new design, and the board agreed. The outdoor dining furniture recommendation in Shain Park will be sent back to the Birmingham Planning Board subcommittee. 11.10
Art fair location now under city review By Lisa Brody
Uncertainty exists as to where next year's art fairs will set up their tents in Birmingham. While 125,000 people enjoyed the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center Art Fair in May along South Old Woodward and The Common Ground Annual Birmingham Street Art Fair the last weekend of September, with its accompanying rush of cool weather, saw about 75,000 visitors, there are some Birmingham merchants and city commissioners who would like to see these signature events return to their former home at Shain Park. However, Shain Park is forever changed, having been renovated from a simple park to a town square, with accompanying grandeur. There is a permanent bandshell, Marshall Frederick's statue “Freedom of the Human Spirit,” which has now been placed in the center of Merrill Street, accented by large granite balls which prevent casual passage, long passageways, and far less green space. In fact, art fairs and other events, like the Village Fair, can no longer be held in the park itself, but around the park, if planners choose to do so. Prior to the renovation of Shain Park, both fairs had always been located in and around Shain Park. The 2010 art fair season was the first time either fair was situated on S. Old Woodward while the park was finished, and landscaping was allowed to cure. Max Clayton, Executive Director of the Guild of Artisans and Artists in Ann Arbor presented proposals to the Birmingham City Commission for the 2011 Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center 30th Annual Art Birmingham and Common Ground’s 37th Annual Birmingham Street Art Fair, asking to continue the fairs on S. Old Woodward, rather than back surrounding Shain Park. The 30th Annual Art Birmingham is scheduled for May 14 – 15, 2011 and Common Ground’s 37th Annual Birmingham Street Art Fair (formerly known as Art in the Park) is set for September 24 – 25, 2011. While the Guild, the longtime sponsor and organizer of the Ann downtownpublications.com
Arbor Street Fair, is helping to organize, find sponsors and promote the two art fairs in conjunction with both Common Ground and the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC), found the two fairs on S. Old Woodward to be successful, commissioners were less enthusiastic. Commissioner Tom McDaniels asked Clayton if they had given any thought to putting the fair up around Martin Street around Shain Park. “We did do some measurements. Old Woodward is 70 feet wide, and we can have two sets of booths on each side. The side streets around
one selling gutters, were there, and I hope this will not continue,” said McDaniels. “These are signature events that define who we are. They do not have a place in an art fair.” “It causes concerns for our retailers,” said Mayor Pro Tem Gordon Rinschler. “It's supposed to be an art fair, and if you are going to have outside vendors, like doctors, or Costco, which I saw at a fair in Farmington Hills, then we do not want you,” said Commissioner Stuart Sherman. Clayton said she understood, noting that it is important to raise funds for their art fair associates, and
Downtown photo: Austen Hohendorf
Shain Park, like Henrietta, Townsend and Bates, we could only have one side of booths. Martin now is much wider. Last weekend, we had 170 booths, plus sponsorship booths, a children's area, which is approximately 200 locations. Around the park, optimistically, is 120 to 125 booths. The problem is, this is a fundraiser, and we cannot raise enough money at 125 booths,” Clayton said. “I had thought the booths were going to be back-to-back, spine-tospine, down Old Woodward,” said Commissioner Mark Nickita. It was explained that created a safety issue because it was difficult for ambulances or fire trucks to have access to get down the street. Of particular concern to several commissioners was the addition of four sponsorship booths, which included a window replacement company and a gutter company, to the mix of judged artists' booths. “I feel it is inappropriate that two of the booths, one selling windows,
in previous years, auto companies and suppliers had filled that niche. “Our goal has been to find those partners that complement our events,” she said. While the Guild was very pleased with the layout of the fairs on S. Old Woodward from Maple south to Daines, that sentiment was not shared by some retailers on the street and some commissioners. Richard Grinstein of Grinstein Jewelry & Design, 162 S. Old Woodward, said, “Common Ground and the BBAC are wonderful organizations, but we cannot give up three days of income. Most of the retailers on our block and Merrill are pretty angry. We looked out at empty boxes and saw 75,000 people who couldn't see us. My request is either Martin Street, or with the booths in the center of Old Woodward. I request that you do not approve the site plan with it blocking the stores.” Glenn Ceresnie, owner of Ceresnie & Offen Furs, 181 S. Old Woodward, concurred. “My store has been in
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Birmingham for 41 years. We've seen a lot. When you close our streets, it's tough to do business. We hope the art fair will prevail, but not at the expense of the businesses.” Birmingham's city commission, hearing these reports at their meeting, requested the PSD board perform a survey and a recommendation to the commission regarding future placement of the art fairs before the commission makes a decision to the Guild and the community. The PSD issued an e-survey to all Birmingham retailers, receiving back 31 responses. They reported the results at their board meeting on October 7. “Basically, there is a split in the business community of the businesses that did respond to an email survey of retail merchants,” said John Heiney, executive director of PSD. Ten, or 32.3 percent, of the respondents were located on S. Old Woodward, where the art fairs were situated this year. Eleven (35.5 percent) reported their sales had decreased over the weekend of the fall art fair from a normal fall weekend. Twelve retailers (28.7 percent) said their sales were the same or had increased. Ten (32.3 percent) of the respondents said their foot traffic was down for that weekend, while 15 (48.4 percent) said they had seen either an increase in foot traffic, or no change. “Art fairs have proven over the years to bring people to the downtown area,” said Larry Sherman, PSD board member and longtime retailer. “I urge everyone to try to find a positive solution to this. One hundred thousand is a lot of people to bring to the downtown area over a weekend.” The Guild has been requested to come back to the commission with alternate design plans for the two fairs, one with adequate designs for Martin Street and around Shain Park, and another for down the center of South Old Woodward, if they can make that work with the Fire Marshall. The city planning staff will also be making a recommendation to the PSD board and the city commission relative to placement of future art fairs. 43
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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. We note the general type of food served; when and what meals are served during the week; if an establishment accepts reservations; and if alcohol is served. We provide an address with zip code for those who need to map out the destination and a phone number. 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. Beau Jacks: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630.
Boston Market: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42983 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.334.5559.
Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135.
Brandy’s Steakhouse: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1727 South Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.338.4300.
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.
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.
Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078.
China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221.
Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.642.0717.
Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220.
Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eaton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.
Cosi: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 101 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9200.
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.
PROMOTE YOUR EATERY MINIMAL MONTHLY COST
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.
Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest Grill: American. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9400. Forte Restaurant: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7300. 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.
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. Kirk’s Open Pit Bar B Que: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. 33766 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7010. 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.
Hogan’s Restaurant: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6450 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.1800.
Mirage Cafe: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 297 East Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7768.
House of India: Indian. Tuesday-Sunday; Lunch & Dinner. Reservations. 1615
Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117
Birmingham/Bloomfield residents frequent restaurants and take-out establishments on a regular basis. So here's your chance to promote your eating establishment on an inexpensive monthly basis through the Dining Guide in Downtown. Two size directory boxes are available each month, with a minimum commitment of four months to qualify for the discounted Dining Guide rates. A small box measuring 2 inches width by 2.5 inches depth costs only $110/month on a four-month commitment. Commit to 12 months for only $90/month. Double the size of your promotion for $220/month on a four-month commitment or $180/month for a 12-month commitment.
CALL JILL CESARZ TO DISCUSS PROMOTING YOUR RESTAURANT OR TAKE-OUT ESTABLISHMENT 248.792.6464 EXTENSION 600
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FOCUS ON WINE Best French wine bang for an autumn budget By Eleanor and Ray Heald
ising wealth in the Asian markets has given this part of the world a thirst for what they consider the best wines. That escalated Bordeaux prices and our palates looked elsewhere in France, in particular France’s southern Rhone Valley. Fifth generation Perrin family makes its mark with southern Rhone wines that offer your best bang for the buck. Currently three brothers, Marc, Pierre and Thomas are moving Perrin & Fils forward in a wine world posing ever-increasing competition. The Perrins market three brands. Chateau de Beaucastel since 1909, is considered high end as represented by the 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge ($109). Perrin & Fils wines ($12.75 to $37) focus on regions such as Gigondas and Cotes du Rhone. La Vieille Ferme, started in 1970, is a negociant brand, focusing on value for money (even more so today!) with wines priced under $9. “To understand Perrin & Fils today,” says 40-year-old Marc, overseeing sales, marketing and development in the U.S., UK, Japan and Russia, “it’s important to recognize that we are a family-owned and managed company. In fact, each of us is involved in many parts of the business.” Pierre is 38 years old and in charge of Asia and India markets, but most involved in all technical and winemaking aspects. Thomas, who is 36, is responsible for Canadian and French markets, but also all financial aspects. “Very importantly, we all participate in winemaking and particularly in the blending process, which is key in most of our wines. We have always tasted wines together and have consequently developed a ‘family’ taste which we think is a signature in our wines.”
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Organic viticulture In 1964, long before organic viticulture became a worldwide focus, Beaucastel was one of the very first French estates to adopt it. Since then, no chemical pesticides or herbicides have been used in the vineyard. “We believe,” Marc says, “that is the only way to grow grapes which really have a sense of place. The soil is lively and not compacted and roots grow deep into soil layers. We also believe in old
vines, low yields, deep roots, no irrigation and blending using all 13 allowed Chateauneuf-du-Pape grapes varieties.” When the Perrins buy or lease a new vineyard, they take the time to convert it to organic viticulture which usually takes four to five years. “Beaucastel terroir,” Marc continues, “is fabulously complex, composed of limestone from the Miocene geologic period, clay and sand, and then the famous stones, which are in fact, parts of the Alps mountains, deposited by the Rhone River. Iron and magnesium are key components further complexing the soil.” In encour-
aging deep-rooted plants, vines interact with all available elements, creating millions of micro-chemical reactions between roots and soil components. “These reactions give grapes their complexity and hence the wine its complexity and capacity to age.” A typical blend for Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge is 30 percent Grenache, 30 percent Mourvedre, 10 percent Syrah, 10 percent Counoise with a balance of the remaining allowed grapes. “Some minor grape varieties account for only one percent of the final blend,” Marc explains, “but for us, if we don’t use them, something is missing. That’s the magic of Chateauneuf’s specificity and the reason why when the A.O.C. rules (the first in France) were written; all 13 varieties became part of the law.” La Vieille Ferme The Perrin family created the La Vieille Ferme brand and, with American partner Robert Haas, started Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles, Calif. “We hope,” says Marc, “to be able to make Perrin & Fils the absolute reference in the southern Rhone and to further improve the quality and reputation of Beaucastel. “We are interesting more youthful wine drinkers in the U.S. market, who are seeking bolder, sometimes edgier wines. La Vieille Ferme is a good example of wines that appeal to American drinkers because they represent great value for the money and are ‘real’ wines in the brands’ universe.
We also believe that our southern Rhone wines with lots of fruit, ripeness and roundness are very appealing to Americans. We are convinced that Americans will enjoy these wines with less new oak flavors.” As owner or vineyard leasers in all the best terroirs, Perrin & Fils is rightfully considered the southern Rhone specialist as evidenced by 2006 Perrin & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Sinards ($43.50), 2007 Gigondas ($37), 2007 Cotes-du-Rhone Villages ($13.50), 2006 Vinsobres Les Cornuds ($15) and 2006 Rasteau ($26) and the great bangs for the buck La Vieille Ferme Blanc, Rose and Rouge for under $9. Vineyards and winemaking are managed by the same team and with the same principles as the high end Château de Beaucastel. WINE PICKS Red blends are becoming popular. Here’s one that tastes like it should cost double: 2007 Hogue Columbia Valley Red Table Wine $10 (blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and malbec). Bring on the pasta for 2007 Rapitala “Nuar” Nero d’Avola Pinot Nero $16 and 2008 Da Vinci DOCG Chianti $14. Malbec has won the palates of Americans. Try these great values: 2008 Tamari Reserva $15 2009 Alamos $13 2009 Dona Paula Los Cardos $12 2008 Red Rock Winery $11 Best wines for Thanksgiving: Because Merlot is mellow, it is an excellent choice for the Thanksgiving feast with its myriad food flavors: turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce. The following, in a broad range of prices, should harmonize nicely. 2006 Duckhorn Napa Valley, Three Palms Vineyard $85 2007 Shafer Napa Valley $48 2007 Kenwood Reserve $25 2007 Sbragia Home Ranch $25 2006 Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County $24 2006 Franciscan Napa Valley $22 2007 Kendall-Jackson Sonoma County $19 2007 Kenwood Sonoma County $16 2008 Mirassou $12 2008 Blackstone $11 2008 Fetzer $9 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.
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, MondayFriday; 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. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; 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. Quattro Pizzeria & Wine Bar: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 203 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.6060. Quiznos: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 185 N Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.7827. Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 172
AT THE TABLE North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. Steve's Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Frday; 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. 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 Phat Sammich: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 34186 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0860. 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. Topz: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 327 Hamilton, Birmingham, 48009. 248.220.1108 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
Beau Jacks casual ambience scores with loyal patrons
beef ground sirloin. The secret to award-winning chili is the seasonings and when they are added.”
Come and get it Make a mental list of your favorite comfort foods, then check Beau Jacks menu. You’ll find all of them. Appetizers asual, approachable and affordable is the theme of are $5 and up for dips, chicken wings, nachos, potato successful restaurants today. Add comfort food and skins, steak bits and a big favorite, fried clams. The most the place is a sure hit. As newer area restaurants dare to unique is onion loaf. be avant-garde, Beau Jacks in Bloomfield Hills continues Main course salads have become popular. Between $9 with the casual and comfort focus that has made it a suc- and $14, there are seemingly endless choices and you can cess since opening in 1966. dress it with the “best damned creamy garlic you’ll ever The atmosphere is clubby, pub-like and not at all stuffy. eat.” J.L. Hudson’s famous Maurice Salad with Maurice If you prefer booth seating, there are ample booths among dressing is a treat. Essentially, it’s a chef’s salad with the 160 seats. The “coolest” mayonnaise-based dressing room has tables off the large ingredients of minced sweet piano bar with live music gherkins and finely chopped Thursday 6:30 to 11 p. m. and hard-boiled eggs. With a Friday and Saturday 7 to 11 main course, a Caesar Salad p.m. can be added for $4.25. Walls are filled with On the specials board most antiques and other objects days are a one-pound portion suggestive of the owner’s of Lake Superior Whitefish personality. Newer bars strive and Canadian Lake Perch for this look, yet Beau Jacks running $22 to $24. Baby captured it in a 1996 renovabacks are $24 for a whole tion. slab. For 44 years, former execuCertified Angus steaks and tive chef and now semian assortment of chops range retired chili champion and $15 to $29. Classic Main general manager Bob Vargo dishes such as chicken, veal, has been a major part of Beau pasta and fish and chips are Jacks popularity. However, he $12 to $20. shakes this off and points to Burgers put Beau Jacks on servers, some with 35 years of the map and keep it there. A service, dishwashers with 25 half-pound Angus burger is years, cooks with 20 and the $7.45 or $9 with your choice principal bartender since of 20 toppings. opening. With colder months upon Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent “Original owner Jack us, Vargo promises that items Cochran,” Vargo begins, “wanted a pub-style eatery. He such as stuffed peppers, meat loaf, braised lamb shanks sought a unique name and shunned Jack’s Tavern or any and chicken and dumplings will be on the menu. name like that. Beau Jacks was suggested. He liked it and If you’ve left room, for about $5 there’s a Brownie it stuck. At first the draw was burgers, up to 400 per night Sundae, Cream Brulee, Key Lime Pie, Snicker’s Torte or were sold along with our popular fish and chips. There’s a the Original Sanders Hot Fudge Cream Puff. continual evolution and over the years, we’ve added dishes that have gained popularity with diners. But always at Pub drinks moderate prices.” With a full bar, Beau Jacks has cocktails and beer, yet most amazing for a pub is a very good and sensibly priced Now, Jack’s son Gary Cochran is the owner. Essentially, wine list. If you have an event to celebrate, Veuve Clicquot he’s been in the restaurant business all his adult life. Champagne is $75 per bottle. Almost anywhere you dine, Trained by Vargo, 24-year veteran Mark Cooper is execu- it’s three figures. Most wines are served by the glass from tive chef. And yes, he knows the secret chili recipes as $6.50 to $9 or by the bottle mostly in a $30 window. does sous chef Andrew Giles. Currently the term “gastropub” is being used to describe pubs concentrating on quality food. Beau Jacks Chilihead didn’t use this moniker over 40 years ago, but it surely When the late Jack Cochran asked Vargo if he wanted could today, yet probably won’t. To area fans Beau Jacks to enter a regional chili cookoff in 1980, Vargo was up for says it all. it. He didn’t win, but says he had a lot of fun. Undaunted, he entered the North Central Regional cookoff in 1981 and Beau Jack’s 4108 W. Maple (between Telegraph and took first place. He did it again in 1982, ’84, ’85 and ’88. Franklin Road) Bloomfield Hills, 248.626.2630. MondayHe won the Indiana State cookoff in 1985 and Michigan Thursday 11:30 a. m. to 10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11:30 State championships in 1986 and 1999. Canadian a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 4-9 p.m. Reservations not Championships were his in 1997 and ’98. AAA of accepted.Piano bar Thursday 6:30 to 11 p. m. Friday and Michigan voted his chili “Detroit’s Best” in 1987 and Saturday 7 to 11 p.m. Print the food discount coupon Detroit Monthly’s readers voted him tops in 1992. found online at beaujacks.com No need to prove his prowess any longer, he’s content to serve up award-winning chili at Beau Jacks for $4.95 Eleanor Heald is a nationally published writer who also writes the per cup or a dollar more per bowl. For the same price, Focus on Wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for every Wednesday, white chili with spices similar to the Downtown Publications. Suggestions for the The Small Dish section red, is on the menu. “My red chili,” Vargo explains, “is all can be e-mailed to TheSmallDish@downtownpublications.com. By Eleanor Heald
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11.10
BUSINESS MATTERS Old World Olive Press Birmingham continues to be the home of unique boutiques. Old World Olive Press has moved into 282 W. Maple in Birmingham. “We’re in the process of doing a build-out on it to get the space that we need,” said owner Shasta Fase. “With the variety of products we have, we really need custom shelving.” Old World Olive Press offers 50 varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegars from around the world. “The balsamic vinegar is mostly from Italy and the olive oil is from all over,” Fase said. “We also offer sea salt seasonings and rubs.” This is the third location for Fase and her husband, Cory DeLong. “We also have stores in Plymouth and Rockford.” Fase and DeLong were in search of a community that has lots of foot traffic, and Birmingham fit their needs. “We felt (the store) would complement the restaurants in the area and the overall community.” Fase and DeLong had previously been in high-pressured corporate careers before deciding to start their own business. “We looked at each other and wondered why we weren’t doing something we absolutely love. We both love to cook and travel,” Fase said. “We’re going to Italy at the end of the month for business and pleasure, and we’re always in search of the best products.” The owners, who travel back and forth across the state to run the businesses, maintain an effective business partnership, Fase said. “We really complement each other. There are areas that I excel in and areas that he excels in. We enjoy not having that stress and doing something we really love.” According to Fase, staff from the Plymouth location will fill in at the new location until they are able to fill several current openings in Birmingham.
New Honey Tree Grille The Goulas family of restauranteurs is opening up another Honey Tree Grille at 3633 W. Maple Road at Lahser in Bloomfield Township early in 2011, in the shopping center that also holds Plum Market. “We have some other restaurants nearby in Commerce, Novi and at downtownpublications.com
the Somerset Collection,” said coowner Markos Goulas, “but we don’t have anything around there and it’s a good central location.” The Honey Tree is a family dining restaurant that offers soups, salads, gyros, wraps and burgers. “We have a variety of breakfast items,” he said. “We make omelets and crepes in the dining area and there is something for everyone. On Sundays, we have a brunch buffet. It’s something you’d see in a fine dining restaurant.” According to Goulas, Honey Tree was founded by his uncle, Tom Goulas, in 1975. “Working with family is a safe way to go,” he said. “There’s always trust and it doesn’t matter what happens; in the end, we’re family.”
The Purple Bear Children's store The Purple Bear at 244 E. Maple in downtown Birmingham recently renovated their store and revamped their style. “My store needed to reflect more contemporary children’s trends,” said owner Patience Wright. “We put a piano in the store, and we encourage the children to bang and play on it, and the response has been very enthusiastic. There’s a lot more white space and it’s more gallery-like.” The Purple Bear now offers music and story classes and sells artwork, books and toys. “The classes are an additional reason to come to Purple Bear that has nothing to do with shopping,” Wright said. “It’s now a children’s lifestyle boutique and it’s a reflection of what customers have asked for.” Elle Elder, loyal customer for several years, couldn’t be happier with the changes. “I’ve been a customer from day one,” Elder said. “I’ve always loved her selection and the new shop is just incredible.” Wright was an elementary school teacher for 17 years before retiring after becoming a mother. “I have a 7-year-old son and he was the reason I got into
the business initially. I quietly bowed away from that career and started a new one.” After six years in business, Wright’s son has grown up with the Purple Bear and still accompanies her to work two days a week. “He loves it because we have penny candy and his friends come in. There are lots of things to do.”
Perfect Image Spa Perfect Image Spa recently moved into the space at 730 N. Old Woodward, Lower Level, in Birmingham. Owner Ava Ballo was inspired to start the business after years of modeling. “I was constantly having airbrushed makeup and tanning done before shoots,” she said. “I just loved it and thought it would be a great service to have in Birmingham.” Ballo, who has graced the cover of Healthy & Fit magazine, offers mini-makeovers with photo shoots, airbrush tanning and makeup, and workshops. “We’re also doing glamour birthday parties for kids,” she said. “We have Red Carpet events and the kids are picked up in a limo and come for their birthday party.” Ballo also co-owns a used car dealership in Royal Oak and has been a Bloomfield Hills resident for five years. “I shop in Birmingham and I just love the town.”
Blu Arch Collection A new art gallery is opening in downtown Birmingham. Blu Arch Collection is coming to 142 W. Maple. Chuck Krause and Betty Lou Ruddy are a brother/sister team behind it. “We are very hopeful we will be able to open in early November,” said Krause. “There are many factors outside of our control, but everyone we have worked with has been so supportive in moving the process along.” The owners have found Birmingham to be optimal for their new business. “This community embraces art on so many levels and appreciates distinctive items to give for gifts or to grace their homes, so it made perfect sense for us to look at Birmingham to open our store,” Krause said. Krause and Ruddy, who is a Birmingham resident, have had an affinity for art since they were
DOWNTOWN
young. “We grew up in Lake Orion in the mid-1950s, when the modern art and furniture that our parents purchased was unusual for a small town,” Ruddy said. “We both remember the day our parents’ prized possession arrived: a marble-top Euro Saarinen pedestal table with six tulip chairs. Art has played a special part of our lives ever since.” Krause has worked in photography, wood-turning and metalworking, and some of his handmade items will be on sale at the Blu Arch Collection. The store will carry contemporary art, sculpture, jewelry, vases and furniture, and paintings. “We have found a variety of special artists so that the customer can have the pleasure of choosing just the right piece.”
MASQ Beauty opens MASQ Beauty, a studio specializing in makeup and facial waxing, has opened at 798 N. Old Woodward in Birmingham. Owners Summerita Ayar and Marisa Qarana worked as eyebrow and makeup artists in Birmingham for several years before starting their own business. “I’ve been in Birmingham for over 10 years now and Marisa has been here for 8 years,” said Ayar. “All our clients are here and I personally like how diverse it is.” Ayar, who started at Todd’s Room and recently left 6 Salon to open MASQ, said it’s something she’s wanted to do since she got into the business. “My clients are from all over,” Ayar said. “It’s my favorite thing about Birmingham.” Beth Forrester, who has been a makeup artist for over 15 years, also joined the MASQ team. Ayar and Qarana love the space on Old Woodward. “All the pieces came together really well,” Ayar said. “Everyone says it has good juju and it’s just cozy, I think.” MASQ also offers accessories, makeup, fragrances, brushes and handbags. 49
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The annual party at Shades Optical this year has taken on a new dimension with an in-store appearance by Billy Barton and Patty Perreira of the Barton Perreira frame company on Nov. 18. Shades, 193 West Maple in Birmingham, is known for its annual party that celebrates design and fashion with a mix of food and live music, but has added a new twist this year with the appearance of Patty Perreira. Perreira started her career at Oliver Peoples in 1987 and her portfolio now includes Paul Smith, Prada, Miu Miu, Jill Sander, Helmut Lang and Vera Wang. Perreria left Oliver Peoples in 2006 and with Barton, who was vice president at the time, started their own brand of eyewear. Perreira’s designs were recently featured in “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,” when Gordon Gekko donned a pair of Barton Perreira frames. Dr. Bill Koppin, owner of Shades, noted that “Patty rarely does in-store appearances, so we are proud to have her for the night.” The annual Shades Optical celebration starts at 6 p.m.
Jim Nardi is preparing to open his second Jet’s Pizza at 4082 W. Maple Road at the northeast corner of Telegraph in Bloomfield Township. “I also own the Keego Harbor Jet’s at Orchard Lake and Commerce Rd.,” Nardi said. “I found the (Bloomfield) location a year and a half ago, and I just loved the area. I want to be a part of the community, and I’d really like to move my family out that way.” Nardi said he is hoping to open by Dec. 1 for the holidays and New Year’s. “I’m excited about the clientele,” he said. “We’ve done all the numbers in terms of the vehicles that pass by the store every day. They haven’t had a Jet’s Pizza in that area, and I’m looking forward to focusing on it.” Nardi will be setting out to canvas local neighborhoods, giving away 3,000 free pizzas in mid-November. “We just want to let people know we’re coming to the area,” he said. Until opening day, Nardi said he’s focused on staffing the new store. “I’m really excited that we’ll be able to hire 10 to 12 employees
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from the area for the new location.” Jet’s offers pizza, subs, wings, and catering.
Fall into Birmingham What could be better than shopping, saving money, and supporting your favorite local charity? Fall into Birmingham, a program that raises money for local charitable organizations, begins Tuesday, Nov. 9 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 14. The Shop Local Committee partnered with 10 non-profit organizations and has gained the support of over 70 local restaurants and merchants. “It’s a great program and it ties in our merchants with downtown charities,” said John Heiney, executive director for the Birmingham Principal Shopping District. “(The program) provides a 20 percent discount and people can select what charity they want the proceeds to go to.” The card can be purchased from the following groups: Beverly Elementary School, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition, Comfort Bears for Kids (Wachler), iMatter for Kids, Pierce Elementary, Quarton Elementary, St. Regis Raiders, Seaholm High School Football Boosters and The Community House. The event is being organized by Deborah Knight and Paige Leary. “We’re still open to any groups looking to fundraise,” said Knight. “This is a great way to raise money for local schools, organizations and sports teams, where kids are paying more to play.” Ann Brown, fundraiser for the Seaholm High School Football Booster Club, is looking to help kids who cannot afford to play. “We had maybe 12 students in the program we deemed to be hardship cases and (fundraising) really helps those kids,” Brown said. “Hopefully, this will be a successful event and we can have similar events like this in the future,” Knight said. A list of participating merchants is available at FallIntoBirmingham.com. Business Matters from the Birmingham/ Bloomfield area are reported by Katey Meisner. Send items for consideration to KateyMeisner@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.
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! ! “A soft touch is everything when it comes to your skin�
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6]ZWROg 3dS\ba W\ 0W`[W\UVO[ 6=:72/G B@33 :756B7<5 November 24, 6 p.m. - Shain Park
Help Santa and the Mayor light up the town for the holidays! Enjoy caroling, ccarriage rides and free hot cocoa as well! In Shain Park! A/<B/ 6=CA3 Weekends November 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 24, Fridays, 3-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m. Extended hours December 3-5 for Winter Markt , Christmas Eve 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 p.m. Merrill Street at Henrietta
Santa is in a real house for the holidays, at a new location in Shain Park! PPlus: Take a photo with Santa. Proceeds benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind! 07@;7<56/; E7<B3@ ;/@9B December 3, 3-8 p.m.; December 4, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and December 5, 12-4 p.m. - Shain Park
Enjoy a charming old-world style market featuring local artisans, holiday decorations, hhome accessories, a kids area, live entertainment, plus traditional German food and drinks!
CONTENT It's a simple fact of publishing life: CONTENT IS KING. For your message to resonate in the market, you need to know that local residents are reading a product.
;/571 =4 07@;7<56/; December 11 and 18 from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. - Participating stores throughout downtown.
EEnjoy the sights and sounds of Birmingham during the holidays! Plus, random shoppers will receive FREE GIFTS from Birmingham stores, right on the street! Santa House is open, and there are horse-drawn carriage rides! 1/@@7/53 @723A During Tree Lighting, Winter Markt and Magic of Birmingham!
Carriages load near Santa House- corner of Henrietta and Merrill.
The December issue deadline for Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield: Friday, November 12. Contact Jill Cesarz. Office: 248.792.6464 Cell: 248.860.8414
For more information, hours and event details, go to enjoybirmingham.com. Always two hours free parking in the decks!
JillCesarz@downtownpublications.com
Birmingham Principal Shopping District Š 2010
downtownpublications.com
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ENTER AND WIN JEWELRY FROM ASTREIN'S CREATIVE JEWELERS BIG ROCK CHOPHOUSE DINING GIFT CARDS JEANS FROM CARUSO CARUSO DESIGNER SUNGLASSES FROM SHADES OPTICAL That's right, here's your chance to be part of a random drawing for jewelery from Astrein's Creative Jewelers, gift cards for dining from Big Rock Chophouse in the Rail District of Birmingham, denim jeans from Caruso Caruso in Birmingham and designer sunglasses from Shades Optical in Birmingham, organized by Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield as we get ready to launch a new monthly e-mail shopping newsletter. Fifteen lucky people will have their name selected in a random drawing and will be awarded one of these special prizes. Nearly $3,000 in prizes from local merchants. HERE'S HOW TO ENTER Just go to www.downtownpublications.com/contest and sign up. You will have to give us your name, e-mail address and the name of the community in which you reside. Your name will automatically be entered into a random drawing that will take place in early December. By entering the Downtown Publications random drawing, your e-mail address will automatically be registered to receive our new monthly e-mail newsletter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Downtown Deals. Downtown Deals will be e-mailed to thousands of recipients each month, alerting them to special retail sales and happenings in the business communities of Birmingham-Bloomfield. This will be the source of shopping information. (Sorry, employees of the firms involved or their family members are not eligible to win and don't bother trying to enter more than once because our e-mail server is smarter than you! Winners will be notified by e-mail and their names will be published in the January issue of Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield.)
THE COMMUNITY HOUSE
Fabulous Tudor Estate on Almost 3 Acres In The Village of Franklin
sually by the time November rolls around, things have become a little quieter at The Community House—the frenzy of fall events has ended and classes are well underway. Well, that isn’t the case this year, and the main reason is the exciting Elmore Leonard Literary Arts and Film Festival. Several years ago, my good friend and Community House Board member Jackie Sefferman suggested that The Community House host a film or cultural festival. Many ideas were discussed, and the conclusion was that there was no better person to honor than Michigan native Elmore Leonard who raised his family and continues to live in Birmingham. This was especially exciting for me because I have loved living next door to Elmore’s son Peter and his family for over 25 years. It was also thrilling for Board member Kathy Wilson who counts the Leonards among her closest friends. And so, under the leadership of Chairs Jackie Sefferman and Kathy Wilson and their stellar committee, the Elmore Leonard Literary Arts and Film Festival came to be. After months of planning, The Community House Shelley Roberts is thrilled to present The Festival. Keeping true to our mission, the event will provide attendees with an educational overview of the burgeoning film industry in Michigan, as well as opportunities for cultural enrichment. We would like to extend our thanks to Elmore Leonard and congratulate him on his outstanding contributions to film, literary arts and the state of Michigan. The festivities begin on Thursday evening, November 11, with The Elmore Leonard Literary Arts and Short Film Award Presentation followed by panel discussion. The competition, which took place from July 1-October 1, was open to all and included three categories: Short Film, Teen Short Story and Screenplay. Submissions were required to reference a location within the state of Michigan (a specific city, landmark, building or locale). Remaining in line with the Elmore Leonard theme, all works were also required to be in the genre of mystery or crime. At the conclusion of the award presentation, an esteemed group of panelists will discuss How to Get in the Film/Screenplay Industry in Michigan. The discussion will be moderated by Richard Jewell, Michigan Film Office’s Work Force Development Officer. Panelists include Elmore Leonard, author; Jonathan Swift, author; Jim Burnstein, Hollywood screenwriter and professor at University of Michigan; Emery King, Michigan Film Office Advisory Council; Steve Blackwood, actor; Tom Grace, author; and Steve Enright, entertainment attorney, Dickinson Wright. The event is sponsored by the Detroit Medical Center and provides attendees with the opportunity to network with top experts in the Michigan film industry. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event will start at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. No charge; seating is limited. Reservations at 248-644-5832 are appreciated. On Friday evening, November 12, The Community House will present a screening of Elmore Leonard’s Fire in the Hole, the pilot for Justified, the hit television series on FX Network, developed by Graham Yost and starring Timothy Olyphant. After the screening, expert panelists will discuss How to Take a Book to a Screenplay to a Movie/TV Series. Industry experts include: Mitch Albom, author, Detroit Free Press, columnist, screenwriter, broadcaster; Mike Lupica, author, sports columnist-Daily News and ESPN; Charlie Matthau, film/TV director (Freaky Deaky) and actor; Michael Meltzer, producer (Freaky Deaky); Tod “Kip” Williams, actor, director, producer, screenwriter; Mary Jane Skalski, producer. The discussion will be moderated by Richard Jewell. The evening, sponsored by Greenleaf Trust, will present attendees with an excellent opportunity for networking. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the screening will start at 7:30 p.m. The charge is $10. Contact The Community House, 248-644-5832, or online at www.elmoreleonardliteraryartsandfilmfestival.com. Seating is limited. The closing event for The Festival will feature a gala celebration honoring the life and work of Michigan legend Elmore Leonard on Saturday evening, November 13. The gala will include a dinner, live music provided by the Johnny Trudell Orchestra, a documentary, testimonials to Leonard, celebrities, announcement of the winners of the Film, Screenplay and Teen Short Story Competitions, as well as remarks from the honoree himself. Patron tickets to the Gala are $250 with admission at 6 p.m. and. Include a meet and greet with Elmore Leonard. Friend tickets, with admission at 6:45 p.m. are $200. Tickets can be purchased by contacting The Community House, 248-644-5832. Sponsors for The Elmore Leonard Literary Arts and Film Festival include: Michigan Film Commission, Munder Capital, the Detroit Medical Center, Greeenleaf Trust, Heitz Wine Cellars, Detroit Media Partnership (StyleLine Magazine), Detroit Public Television and The Townsend Hotel. Shelley Roberts is President and CEO of The Community House.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the social scene from the past month. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an email notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.
Karmanos Partners’ Evening
Sally Gerak
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4 1. Event honorees Kenneth & Frances Eisenberg (center) and their sons Brian (left) and Stephen of Bloomfield. 2. Partners’ co-chairs J.J. Modell (left) and Dan Cornwell of Bloomfield with Karmanos board chair Alan Schwartz of Franklin. 3. Evening co-chairs Peter Fezzey of Farmington Hills and Michelle Mio of Birmingham. 4. Sue Ellen Eisenberg of Bloomfield (sister of honoree Kenneth Eisenberg) (right) with her children Aaron Mazor (left) of Los Angelus, CA, Laura Mazor of Washington, DC, and Tony Eisenberg of NYC. 5. Honorary committee member Stuart Bloch (center) of Washington, D.C. with his sister Harriett Bloch Fuller and her husband Sheldon of Bloomfield. 6. Erwin & Roberta Madorsky of Bloomfield. 7. Sheldom & Bobbi Toll of Bloomfield. 8. Ron Davis (left) & his wife Barbara Rom with Karen & Mickey Shapiro of Bloomfield. 9. Larry & Barbara Schiff of Bloomfield. 10. Rachel Shultz and Dale Fuller of Bloomfield.
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Ted Lindsay Foundation annual Golf Classic “People should line up to pay back when Ted asks,” opined Dick Cote during the social hour at the Ted Lindsay Foundation Celebrity Golf Outing. It attracted 185 golfers and 280 dinner guests to Wabeek Country Club. Cote was chatting with Father Don Worthy who suggested that Ted Lindsay is more relevant today at age 85 than he was when he was playing hockey. During the dinner program, current Red Wing coach Mike Babcock called the hockey legend “a difference maker.” One of the differences he has been making since 2001 is in funding for autism research. The 2010 event will increase the $2 million he has already raised by more than $135,000. Researcher at Thoughtful House for Children in Austin, TX Dr. Laura Hewitson gave an update on their autism research and thanked Lindsay for his foundation’s support. So how did Lindsay originally get involved in fundraising for autism research? A friend with an autistic son asked him to do so. Neiman Marcus Benefit Adult Day Care Celebrate Beauty co-chairs Lainie Lipschutz and Dana Loewenstein spent part of the evening at Neiman Marcus welcoming the 200 guests who turned out for the event
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Karmanos Partners’ Evening People are still talking about the Karmanos Partners’ Evening that attracted some 700 people to the Detroit Institute of Arts. Esthetically, they refer to the huge tent over the entrance driveway and stairs where the partying began before one even entered the museum and the variety of seating options and the décor in the Great Hall and Diego Riviera Court. Culinary highlights were the outstanding small plate fare served at stations that ringed the hall and court. The music and dancing energy were supplied by Mel Ball and Colours. But the warm and fuzzy vibes were supplied by honorees Kenneth and Frances Eisenberg and their progeny, including grandson Noah, 11, whose performance at the mike, like a pro, of “The Happy Song” by Robert Dempster, kicked off the program. When Ken explained that both his father and father-in-law lost their lives to cancer and that his wife successfully fought breast cancer in 1989, there was no doubting the depth of the couple’s commitment to the comprehensive cancer center. Dr. Patricia LoRusso, director of the center’s Phase 1 investigational therapeutics program, told the poignant story of “Jonathan,” and board chair Alan Schwartz said that the Eisenberg’s and some friends would match the event proceeds dollar for dollar up to $1 million. This brought rousing applause from the guests, many of whom are well known philanthropists. Another cheer went up for Donna Czarnik when emcee Warren Pierce announced her as the raffle winner ($5,000 Somerset shopping spree donated by the Forbes family). When the numbers were all in, the 17th annual Partners two-part event (golf and gala), the gala silent auction ($40,000), raffle and the generous matching gift totaled $2.1-million for research at Karmanos. And that’s definitely worth talking about.
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benefiting the Dorothy & Peter Brown Adult Day Care Program senior day care program which began with a generous donation by Lipschutz’s late grandparents. They were flanked by colorful art works created by participants at the two program centers. The art and note cards and pendants containing art were popular sales items at the party, which also featured nipping and noshing, shopping, beauty services and a raffle of 44 items. In a brief ceremony before the raffle drawing, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Life Carol Rosenberg thanked all for their support and noted that the award-winning Brown program has been meeting the needs of older adults with Alzheimer’s and related disorders for over 10 years. It comprises the JVS Center in Southfield and the Jewish Senior Life center in West Bloomfield and offers services to all without regard to religion, ethnic or racial background, or residence. It serves persons at all levels of dementia and has some scholarships for those in need. Celebrate Beauty netted some $10,000 plus a percentage of sales from Neiman Marcus. Night at the French Opera The Motor City Lyric Opera Children’s Chorus and members of Detroit Country Day School’s performing arts conservatory recently shared the stage with mezzo-soprano Leah Dexter and tenor Corey Roberts at DCDS’s Seligman Performing Arts Center. Their selections from “Carmen”, “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables” earned them enthusiastic applause from the audience of 250. Socializing preceded and followed the performance which was introduced by honorary chair Jack Krasula. He made a compelling pitch for MCLO’s mission – to take fine music to Detroit schools. The event raised some $25,000 for the organization’s Operas on Wheels program, Classical Brunch Series “An idea whose time has come” is how many described The Community House’s new chamber music series which kicked off the last Sunday in September. It attracted 180 for brunch ($25-friend, $50-patron, $12-children) and 30 more for the concert only ($10) which featured violinist Hai-Xin Wu and pianist Zhihua Tang performing such favorites as Franck’s “Sonata for Violin and Piano”. Nancy & Keith Kleckner, Barbara Van Dusen, Lois & Gene Miller, Helen & Clyde Wu, Barbara & Paul Czamanske, Barbara Frankel and Sandy & Rick Nahm were a few of the music lovers spotted in the crowd that gave the downtownpublications.com
Ted Lindsay Foundation annual Golf Classic
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2 1. Hockey legend Ted Lindsay (right) and his wife Joanne (left) of Oakland and two daughters Lynn Lindsay LaPaugh of Rochester Hills and Meredith. Lindsay Berman of New Hartford, CN. 2. Foundation board members Cheryl Ash (left) of Detroit, Lew LaPaugh of Rochester Hills and Pamela Ayres of Bloomfield. 3. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock (left) of Northville with Genevieve and retired team physician Dr. John Finley of Bloomfield. 4. Lindsay fans Dick Cote (left) of Bloomfield, Fr. Don Worthy of Detroit and Jim LaPointe of Birmingham. 5. Mickey Redmond (center) of Bloomfield Hills with Lynda (left) & Jeff Pierce of Orchard Lake and Jamie & David Goldstein of Waterford. 6. Stewart Frank (left) of W. Bloomfield and Rob Steingold of Bloomfield.
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Neiman Marcus Benefit Adult Day Care
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1. Event co-chairs Dana Loewenstein (left) of W. Bloomfield and Lanie Lipschutz of Bloomfield. 2. Susan Brown Lewis (left), her daughters Julie Lewis Winkelman and Lainie Lewis Lipschutz and granddaughter Allie Lipschutz of Bloomfield. 3. Nancy Urbanczyk (left) of Farmington Hills and her daughter Jackie Urbanczyk of Royal Oak with Lauren vonderGoltz of Birmingham. 4. Phyllis Loewenstein of Farmington Hills and her daughter-in-law / event cochair Dana Loewenstein of W. Bloomfield and Laura Mercier’s Suzanne Skorich of Oakland. 5. Clinique’s Lisa Floyd (left) of Clarkston and Marlene Lafer and Gayle Lewkow of W. Bloomfield.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK musicians a rousing, standing ovation. The next brunch and concert Oct. 31 will star the Icarus Trio (flutist Richard Sherman, pianist James Wilhelmsen & series artistic director /cellist Robert deMaine). Call (248) 644-5832 to reserve.
Night at the French Opera
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2 1. Event co-chairs Sarah Jackson and Dr. Mary Fisher of Bloomfield. 2. Meredith Deighton and MCLO artistic director Mary Callaghan Lynch of Bloomfield. 3. MCLO Children’s Chorus members Noah Eisenberg (left) of Bloomfield, Mya Fisher & Gabriella Fleming of Rochester Hills and Trevor. Callaghan of Bloomfield (in mask). 4. Sharon and Meredith Deighton of Bloomfield.
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Preservation Corn Roast
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1. Event committee member Dave Baumbart (left) and Shirley Madallena of Bloomfield. 2. Event committee member Bee Engelhart (left) and Joyce Koreman, of Bloomfield Hills. 3. Dr. Bob & his wife Debbie Clark of Bloomfield.
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Preservation Corn Roast Harvest time is a good excuse to eat sweet corn, pet animals, go on a hayride and raise a few shekels ($4,000) for Preservation Bloomfield. The old fashioned social at Bowers Farm, complete with music, attracted more than 160, including Dave Bogart, Dave Baumhart, Chuck Kirkpatrick, Colleen Burcar, Betty Bright, Joanne Cherney, Pat Ribiat, Karin Eynon, the Brian Jardine clan and Bee Englehart, who coordinated the donated baked goods table. PB was founded by the leaders of the four Bloomfields – the township, the city, the school district and the historical society. Its mission is to build community and preserve the area’s heritage including the Barton Farmhouse and the Craig Log Cabin, both of which have been moved to the Bowers Farm. For more information, visit www.preservationbloomfield.org. Oakland Family Services’ Big Band Night Donna Young and her committee surely had lots of fun researching the ‘40s and ‘50s to plan their benefit party for Friends of Oakland Family Services that attracted nearly 220 to the Townsend Sept. 24. We’re talking white carnation boutonnières for the men and orchid wrist corsages for the ladies; demonstrations of ballroom, jitterbug and Lindy dances by Arthur Murray dancers; two pretty cigarette girls in short skirts and net stockings. (Not to worry. The cigarettes and cigars in their trays were the candy variety.) Friends board president Dee Wright-Masilotti also referenced how they studied old menus before selecting Caesar salad and braised short ribs of beef. She also did a stellar job detailing the OFS loyalties of the three honorary chair couples – Julie & Joe Beals, Bettty & Herb Fisher and Kathy & Kirk Martin. And after the live bidding conducted pro bono by auctioneer David Levy and pledges inspired by OFS CEO Michael Earl generated $ 21,600, it seemed like the whole room crowded the dance floor to dance to Jerry Fenby Band’s music. The retro event grossed more than $134,000 to help OFS establish healthy individuals and successful families. Ronald McDonald House Gala The Southeast Michigan 11.10
McDonald’s Operators Association tossed its annual fundraising gala aboard the Ovation Yacht and 250 seized the opportunity to jettison the event’s usual formal attire. The honorary chairs were Trevor Lauer, Michael Layne, Diana Lewis and Tom Moroch. With Kimmie Horne’s mellow vocals as accompaniment, they cruised the Detroit River, bid in a silent auction and dined on the stroll at stations offering shrimp, pasta, tenderloin and turkey. The late evening snack served on the deck was S’mores. Some bought blinkie lights for an IPad raffle and cards for a wine raffle and a Super Bowl XLV package raffle. The event raised $144,000 for the Ann Arbor and Detroit Ronald McDonald Houses which provide a home away from home for families of hospitalized children. Children’s Leukemia Foundation’s More than 300, including 168 benefactors who began the evening at Brooks Brothers for a Dom Perignon Champagne reception sponsored by the Varnum law firm, gathered at Somerset Collection South for CRUSH SOMERSET COLLECTION. Some were still taking about Zazio executive chef John Korycki’s superb benefactor vintner dinner for 38 hosted the previous evening by Cheryl and Don Leith. All were challenged to sample the presentations at 13 food and wine stations – not an easy, albeit, delicious assignment. The lounge seating and tables around the fountain in the center court provided good vantage for the short program. It featured award presentations to Great Lakes Wine & Spirits owners Elizabeth & Syd Ross for “…making giving fun” and Diversified Holdings Group CEO Michael Ansley, who happens to be a Crain’s 40-Under-40 designate. The Nick Russo family also thanked CLF for its help with their daughter’s leukemia battle and then kicked off the dedicated giving with a $250 pledge. When the stations closed, many guests joined the 50 late night arrivals and “wined down” at the Night Moves After-Hours party sponsored by Remy Cointreau USA. CLF of Michigan provides financial and emotional support to families coping with leukemia and related disorders, as well as dollars for research to the state’s comprehensive cancer centers. The CRUSH wine and food events are CLF’s signature series of fundraisers and raised more than $200,000 in 2010. DIA@125 Gala Committee Social “A lot nicer than an email blast,” is how one committee member among the 65 guests described the cocktail downtownpublications.com
Oakland Family Services’ Big Band Night
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1. Walt (left) & event chair Donna Young of Bloomfield with committee member Katie & Tom Prior of Birmingham. 2. Honorary chairs Julie (left) & Dr. Joe Beals and Kathy & Kirk Martin of Bloomfield. 3. Honorary chairs Betty & Herb Fisher of Bloomfield. 4. Richard & Friends board president Dee Wright-Maislotti of Birmingham. 5. Brigitte & Mort Harris of Bloomfield. 6. Barbara Van Dusen (center) of Birmingham with Ed & Sylvia Hagenlocher of Bloomfield. 7. Bill (left) & Susan O‘Brien (right) with Irma Elder of Bloomfield and Brenda Earl of Birmingham. 8. Newly engaged Anne Marks of Bloomfield & Bill Streng of W. Bloomfield. 9. Steve (left) & Diana Howard of Franklin, Jim & Martha Quay of Bloomfield & Steve & Cindy Shannon of Birmngham. 10. John (left) & By Fauver and Norm and Marge Fredericks of Bloomfield. 11. Karen & Joe Caserio of Bloomfield. 12. Pam & Mike McCarthy of Bloomfield.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Children’s Leukemia Foundation’s CRUSH
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party on Patti and Jim Prowse’s terrace last week. It was a beautiful setting for the gala chairs to update committee members regarding ticket sales for the Nov. 13 celebration of the museum’s 125th anniversary. It was so grand that Detroit First Lady Yvette Bing evoked a broad smile from architect Mark Johnson, who designed the manse and was on hand to give tours, when she declared, “Now, this is a real mansion!” FYI: reservations are going so well that the museum will definitely be THE place to be Saturday, Nov. 13. For reservations ($2,500, $1,500, $600, $125), call (313) 833-7967.
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1. Honorary chair Detroit Piston Jonas Jerebko (left) of Troy with event chairs Christine & David Morrow of Metamora. 2. Humanitarian awardees Syd (left) & Elizabeth Ross with presenter/past awardee Bill Roberts of Bloomfield. 3. CLF board president Gary Gonzalez (left) of Clarkston with President’s Leadership awardee Michael Ansley of Bloomfield. 4. Jennifer Kahn (center) with her parents / host committee co-chairs Dr. Marc & Cindy Kahn of Bloomfield. 5. Marc (left) & Evy Jonna of Birmingham with host committee members Debra & Jim Berline of Bloomfield. 6. Tom (left) & Susie Betrus, Denise & Creighton Forester and Nancy & Kevin Kennedy of Bloomfield. 7. La Becasse’s Guillaume HazelMassieux (center) of Burdickville with host committee members Greg & Denice Richmond of Bloomfield. 8. Zazio’s David Hollander (left) of Birmingham, executive chef John Korycki of Kalamazoo, Erin Ording of Plymouth and Master Sommelier Claudia Tyagi of Southgate. 9. Rick Walawender, John Radawan and Michele Compton of Bloomfield with Dr Walt Knysz of Lake Angelus. 10. Geoff O’Brien of Washington with his daughters Jaclyn & Kelly and Sean Brolley of Birmingham.
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DIA@125 Gala Committee Social
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1. Event hosts Patti (left) & Jim Prowse of Bloomfield with event sponsor Neiman Marcus’ Renee Janovsky of Grosse Pointe. 2. Gala co-chairs Gayle Camden (left) of Grosse Pointe, Yvette Bing of Detroit and Fair Radom of Bloomfield. 3. Committee members Sandy Seligman (left) of Bloomfield with Janis Wetsman and Peggy Daitch of Birmingham.
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Vine & Dine benefit for Gleaners More than 350 flocked to Cranbrook Institute of Science for Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber’s annual sip, sup and socialize fundraiser for Gleaners Communty Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and the chamber itself. Some of those arrived early as guests of Huntington Bank, which hosted a party within the party for clients and out of town executives. Many bought tickets to benefit Gleaners in the Chance Auction of eight donated packages. All savored the fare at the food and beverage stations stocked by 26 local businesses. All the stations were popular, especially Crust, which was giving away $10 gift cards, and Cameron’s Steakhouse, which was serving short rib sliders and was the first to run out of provisions. The show of fashions from Ceresnie & Offen Furs, OPTIK Birmingham, paulina bh, the Claymore Shop, Roma Sposa and David Wachler & Sons Jewelers, presented by FIGO-Salon, was a chic conclusion to the evening. In the finale the models all carried a dollar bill to symbolize the cost to feed a hungry person for one day. At least $4,000 of the event proceeds will help Gleaners do just that. Variety Annual Dinner Eighty supporters of Variety, The Children’s Charity attended the informal annual dinner at the Townsend. Most knew in advance that they would welcome Lucy Earl, Len Dillon, Jon Goldstein, Susan Paroly, and Doug Meijer to the board. They also knew that long-serving Penny Perisiani was leaving the board. But many who had not previously been clued in were intrigued by Christine Lovio George’s compelling presentation of the results of her PR firm’s research regarding branding the organization. All the interviews they conducted concluded, “…what gives here, stays here...people trust 11.10
Variety…(helping and being helped by Variety) is simply life changing.” Other program highlights included president Kelly Shuert’s presentation to Bob Golding of a chef’s jacket. It was signed by many of the chefs that Golding personally recruits to support Variety’s Lights, Camera, Auction fundraiser. They were also moved by foster mother Lily Nichols’ remarks. Since 1966, Nichols has fostered 57 children. For the past 14 of those years, Variety has provided the family essentials like food and extras for Christmas. “(Variety’s beneficence) is overwhelming,” Nichols declared. Her son Joshua also thanked Variety for getting him in the 4H riding program and her son Joey happily recalled being on stage with Chubby Checkers during a Variety fundraiser. Indeed, warm and fuzzies abounded at the low key gathering. Reception honoring new CCS Chair College for Creative Studies Trustee Lois Cohn and her husband, the Honorable Avern Cohn, hosted an evening reception at their Birmingham home in honor of CCS’s new Fine Arts Chair Leon Johnson. The evening included a cocktail party and a presentation by Prof. Johnson, who shared his vision for the future of Fine Arts at the College for Creative Studies and encouraged guests to join the college in creating positive discussion about metro Detroit’s future. The guest list included CCS administrators, chairs, and faculty members as well as art lovers and philanthropists. Bloomfield Hills Optimist Club At a causal dinner at Stonycroft Hills Club, the Bloomfield Hills Optimist Club installed new officers – president Robert Demptser and vice president Adela Piper - to lead its youth-focused service projects for 2010-2011. They also learned about the history of the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center from member Karen Miller. In the group of more than 30 members and guests were Bloomfield Hills City Commissioner Pat Hardy and past BHOC past president/City Manager Jay Cravens. The BHOC currently has 42 members and would welcome more. They meet for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday at the Centerpoint Marriott. Call Dempster at (248) 398-9999. Brother Rice 50th Anniversary What a birthday party! Brother Rice High School alumni representing all 47 classes came from all over the country to salute the college preparatory school’s golden anniversary. Activities were planned around the downtownpublications.com
Vine & Dine benefit for Gleaners
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7 1. Event sponsor Huntington Bank’s Bruce Kridler (left) of Bloomfield, Linda Bomberski of Troy and Andy Livingston of Upper Arlington, OH, with clients Tom & Cindy Fabbri of Sterling Hgts. 2. Former chamber board chair Betsy Reich (left) of Birmingham, Vivek Maripuli of Beverly Hills and chamber president Joe Bauman of Livonia. 3. Gleaner’s Suzette Hohendorf (center) of Birmingham with volunteers Joe & Pat Manatrex of Bloomfield. 4. Panera Bread’s Sherry Reeb and Arden Csolkovits of Bloomfield. 5. Streetside Seafood’s Anita Wilson of Troy and chef Michael Barrera of Ferndale. 6. Crust’s May Sesi (left) of Bloomfield and Jon Sherer of Birmingham with Karen Mulligan of Farmington Hills. 7. Nancy Varbedian (left) of Birmingham and Molly MacGregor of Beverly Hills. 8. Dan Bomberski (left) of Troy, Barbara Cottrell and Ken Bomberski of Bloomfield. 9. Dona Tracey (left) of Troy, Dr. Alice Fecko of Royal Oak and her parents Anne and Dr. Paul Fecko of Bloomfield. 10. J.R. (left) & Leslie Hesano of Birmingham and Anthony & Lynda Lombardo of Rochester.
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Variety Annual Dinner
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1. Variety president Kelly Shuert (left) of Bloomfield and Penny Persiani of Birmingham. 2. Bob Golding of Farmington Hills and Kelly Shuert of Bloomfield (making presentation of Chef Jacket). 3. Lucy Earl of Birmingham, Susan Paroly of Bloomfield Hills, Len Dillon of Bloomfield Hills, Jon Goldstein of Bloomfield Hills (new board members). 4. Henry Baskin of Bloomfield and Judy Tappero of Bloomfield with Jeffrey King of Birmingham.
Reception honoring new CCS Chair
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1. CCS president Richard Rogers (left) of Grosse Pointe, CSS board member / event hostess Lois Cohn of Birmingham) and CCS new fine arts chair Leon Johnson of Detroit. 2. Event host judge Avern Cohn (left) of Birmingham, CCS dean Imre Molnar of Franklin and Marc Schwartz of Birmingham. 3. Ethan and Gretchen Davidson of Bloomfield.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK theme “A powerful legacy and a promising future.” Highlights included a pep rally broadcast live on Ken Calvert ‘69’s WCSX morning show; The Great Debate featuring NBC correspondent Chris Hansen ‘77 as the moderator, and alumni attorneys Matt Allen ‘92, Shaun Van Horn ‘00, Anthony Vittiglio ‘95, and Louis Brown ‘99 versus Evan Herbert ‘11, Brian Koziara ‘09, Alexander Tolksdorf ‘09, and Michael Crowe ’11; an emotional Mass of Thanksgiving cocelebrated by Adam Cardinal Maida and 12 priests; the All Class Reception that attracted 600 to the Centerpoint Marriott Saturday night and the first annual Warrior Classic football game against Catholic Central High School on Sunday afternoon. The latter was a standing-room only event with alumni players representing Coach Al Fracasa’s 41-years at the school forming a tunnel for the team’s stadium entrance. Mike Farr ’85 had paid $1,200 in an auction at the reception for the honor of participating in a ceremonial coin toss before the kickoff. Rice, a big underdog with a 3-3 record, won the toss and the game, upsetting the undefeated number one-ranked team in the state, 17-3. It was the best possible conclusion to the months of planning for the 50th birthday party.
Brother Rice 50th Anniversary
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1. Honorary event chairs BRHS’89 David Morrow & his wife Christine of Metamora and BRHS alumni parents Vicki & Tom Celani of Bloomfield. 2. BRHS football coach Al Fracasa (left) of Warren with event coordinator/alumni wife & parent Jenny Cherocci of Rochester Hills and alumni parents Van & Sue Conway of Birmingham. 3. Event coordinator Nan Grobbel of Birmingham with National Pasttime Sports’ Anthony Russo of Dallas, TX. 4. Bro. Dennis Crimmins of West Park, NY with former students / classmates BRHS ‘64 Bob Stark of Birmingham, Ed Callaghan of Royal Oak, Steve Kwasny of Bloomfield and Pat Raleigh of Romeo. 5. Toree & BRHS’91 Jason Randall of Bloomfield. 6. Former BRHS faculty & president Fr. Joe Grimaldi (center) of Corralitis, CA with BRHS alumni parents Suzanne (left) & Tony Rea of Bloomfield and Christa & Greg Schwartz of Bloomfield. 7. Classmates BRHS ‘64 Pat McQueen (left) of Bloomfield, Dennis Denyer of Lake Orion and Mike Wyatt of Newman, GA. 8. BRHS wives & moms - Karen Rottenberk (left) and Janie O’Hara DePorre of Troy with Patsy Flynn and Kelley Smith of Bloomfield.
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Michigan Animal Rescue League’s Hoof & Woof Animal lovers nearly 200 strong convened at Oakland Hills Country Club for Michigan Animal Rescue League’s annual Hoof & Woof fundraiser. (“Hoof” refers to the original event venue – Bloomfield Open Hunt, during the nowdefunct horse show.) They socialized big time, savored delicious fare from a bountiful buffet and perused 150 donated silent auction items that included everything from a rhinestone dog collar to a diamond bracelet. Top dollar items were a four-night stay at the Grosvenor Hotel in London, a diamond bracelet and the private chef dinner prepared in your home. The entire auction brought in close to $16,000, bringing the event total to nearly $73,000. For information about MARL, which places about 500 rescued animals each year, visit .
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Detroit Public TV’s PBS Premiere Night
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Detroit Public TV’s PBS Premiere Night “An island of decency in a sea of coarseness,” is Ken Whipple’s suggestion for a Detroit Public TV bumper sticker. He offered it during his award acceptance remarks at the PBS Premiere Night which attracted 200 to the Detroit Athletic Club. Before the awards presentation and dinner they socialized, bid in a silent auction ($7,000) and a live auction ($18,000) of five packages conducted by Fred Nahhat. He got a generous bidder to pay $10,000 for a wine dinner for eight at Bobbi & Stephen Polk’s home. The Polk’s, who chaired the event and hosted the prelude benefactor dinner but were out of town, addressed the gathering via a video before the awards presentation. Whipple and his wife Kimberly were honored with the John W. Porter Leadership Award. Dr. Ron Goldsberry, who admitted that the late Tony Franco suggested he support DPTV when he first came to Detroit, received the Dolores & George Riley Stewardship Award. Dan Little accepted the Partnership Award on behalf of U-M Dearborn, and Skillman Foundation CEO Carol Goss, who declared herself “really passionate about children,” received the Visionary Award. The event, which also showcased the upcoming season’s highlights, raised a total of $95,000, thanks also to sponsorship from Greenleaf Trust and ITC.
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1. Awardees Ken & Kimberly Whipple of Bloomfield. 2. Event sponsor Greenleaf Trust’s Marc & Maggie Jannott of Bloomfield. 3. Ed Bagale (left) and past awardee Ed Deeb of Bloomfield. 4. Lee Lien (left) of Ann Arbor, Masco’s Melonie Colianne of Northville and Dawn Rassel of Bloomfield. 5. Tom & Laurie Cunnington of Birmingham. 6. John Brehm of Birmingham & Susan Pridmore of Bloomfield. 7. WRCJ’s Dave & Kathleen Devereaux of Birmingham.
Alzheimer’s Association’s Cake-A-Palooza Donors (125) of $2,500-and-up in support of the 2010 Chocolate Jubilee were treated to eye candy for the soul at the first ever Cake-a-Palooza event held at The Reserve. During the social hour, frosting was flying as cake artists from three bakeries decorated cakes with a Maintain Your Brain theme. Following dinner, Dr. Rhonna Shatz from the Neuroscience Institute at Henry Ford Health System shared information on how healthy lifestyle factors may help may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Then Michelle Bommarito, winner of the Food Network Cake Bake-Off and event coordinator, announced that Dorey Williams and Fiona Black of Sweet Nothings Fine Cakes & Desserts in Lincoln Park had been judged the winner of the cake competition. Amyre Makupson and Richard Astrein are chairing the popular main event – Sweet Memories –noon, Sunday, Nov. 21 at the Henry Hotel. It will honor Lynn and Paul Alandt and feature speaker Dr. Ronald Peterson director of the Mayo Clinic’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Plans include lunch and samplings from dozens of confectionaries. For tickets ($150 & up for luncheon; $50-sampling only), call (248) 996-1048 or go to www.alz.org/gmc/. Salute to Bob Yares During Bob Yares’ 31-plus years at Cranbrook, the now-retired Cranbrook Educational Community event coordinator worked closely with art academy
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volunteers, alumni, students, hosts of special events held there and other CEC staffers. “He knew how to make things work and where everything was hidden,” was the persistent message of those who toasted him at a recent cocktail party held at Gerhardt Knodel’s studio in Pontiac. Birmingham attorney / CAA volunteer John Henke opined, “Bob was the go to guy,” The “love in” was hosted by “Bob’s harem” - Lillian Zonars, Jean Schuler, Evie Wheat, Marjorie Shultz, Sally Parsons, Kathleen O’Nell, Anthea Noonan, Co Abbott, Maggie Allesee and Sue Nine. More than 85 friends, colleagues, volunteers and alumni attended the Sunday afternoon event. Their recollections of such occasions as the bonfires staged at the now-defunct Guy Fawkes Ball provided lots of laughs. For his part, Yares declared, “The students and volunteers kept me going.” Flying High with Philip Handelman Kudos to Philip Handelman. The Birmingham pilot and noted aviation author/photographer will receive the National Aviation Hall of Fame’s Eighth Annual Combs Gates Award for his upcoming book, an illustrated history of the first century of American airpower with select works from leading aviation artists. Handelman will receive the $20,000 cash award from former astronaut and the last man to walk on the moon, Eugene Cernan, and WWII fighter pilot, test pilot and air show legend Bob Hoover in a formal presentation Oct. 19, at the opening of the National Business Aviation Association 63rd Annual Meeting & Convention in Atlanta, GA. Mothers, Daughter, Sisters & Friends More than 600 women gathered at Shenandoah Country Club for the sixth annual Mothers, Daughters, Sisters & Friends luncheon. It featured boutique shopping and Olympic gold medalist Peggy Fleming, who shared the story of her figure skating career and her personal battle with breast cancer. The luncheon was chaired by the mother-daughter duos of Lisa Lis and Florine Mark and Francee Ford and Micki Kline. It raised more than $300,000 for the Francee and Benson Ford Jr. Breast Care & Wellness Center at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. In six years, the event has raised more than $1.5 million. 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
Michigan Animal Rescue League’s Hoof & Woof
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1. Event co-chair Yvonne Fisher McCready (left) and honorary co-chair Kimberly Whipple of Bloomfield (with dog Lucy on her handbag). 2. Event co-chair Michael McCready (left) with Patrick & Chris Smith and Besa Chandler of Bloomfield. 3. Cindy Ciura (left) and her husband Dennis Hafley of W. Bloomfield with event co-chair Connie Hogan of Bloomfield. 4. Kathy Smith (left) with honorary co-chair Sis Fisher of Bloomfield. 5. Sponsor David Fischer (left) and honorary co-chair Walt Fisher of Bloomfield. 6. Jim & Robin Henderson of Bloomfield. 7. Donna Chisholm (center) with committee members Tom & Molly Pulte of Bloomfield. 8. Committee members Jim (left) & Joslin Crowe of Bingham Farms with Rosanne & Mike Cotant of Birmingham. 9. Committee members Gwen (left) & Doug North and Cheryl & Bill Bournais of Bloomfield.
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1. Mort Scholnick (left) and Gayle Burnstein of Bloomfield with event co-chair Richard Astrein of Huntington Woods. 2. Honorary co-chair & cake judge Mary Wilson (left) of Grosse Pointe with past event chair Scott Jacobson of Birmingham, his sister Karen and mother Millie of Bloomfield. 3. Beverly Lopatin (left) of Bloomfield and Linda Bloch of Birmingham. 4. Sandra Seligman of Bloomfield and Rhonda Levine of Birmingham. 5. Danialle and Peter Karmanos of Orchard Lake. 6. Event co-founder Marlene Borman (left) of Bloomfield watching Sweet Heather Anne’s Claudia Kimbel of Ypsilanti and Heather Leavitt of Ann Arbor.
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ENDNOTE
Choices for Nov. 2 election ballot oters in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills have decisions to make regarding who will best represent their interests in the Michigan state Senate, House of Representatives, and on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners when they go to the polls on November 2. Our endorsements are based on the candidates’ responses to a detailed questionnaire, which you can find in their entirety on our website, downtownpublications.com, as well as past experience and additional research performed by our staff. We look to challengers to make a powerful and compelling case for replacing an incumbent in any contested election; change for merely for the sake of change is not a strong enough reason to endorse a challenger. Further, it deprives government of institutional knowledge and leadership, two important components needed in any election year. We do recognize and readily acknowledge when a challenger offers a better plan than the incumbent for representing their community.
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State Senate 13th District: John Pappageorge was asked by the Michigan Republican Party four years ago, at age 76, to step in and shore up this district (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) against strong Democratic election challenger Andy Levin, son of Rep. Sandy Levin. He beat him by a mere 776 votes. We are not saying age is the problem, but one has to wonder whether he has the energy to continue giving this key district the cutting edge leadership it deserves. Since arriving in Lansing four years ago, Pappageorge has not distinguished himself as a strong voice in the state Senate, basically just voting in lockstep with the Republican party. But if you are comfortable with maintaining the status quo, then certainly vote for Pappageorge. However, his opponent, Democrat Aaron Bailey, is a strong alternative who offers some new ideas, along with the drive and energy to push for improvements at the state level. A business consultant with a masters degree in business, he would be an effective representative for this important district. State House 40th District: Republican Chuck Moss is completing his second term representing this Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township district in Lansing. He has been an oldfashioned example of the finest of public servants— he is an active, knowledgable member of his community, who began his career of public service first as a Birmingham City Commissioner and Mayor, then served the area as an Oakland County Commissioner before becoming a state representative. Moss is an involved member of the community, and can often be found at commission meetings and other local events, always displaying his trademark wit. His years of local service allowed him to head to Lansing well informed. He understands that he represents his district, and does what is best for its residents. He is term-limited after this term, and we will be interested to see his next act. We would have had a difficult time finding a better candidate at this time than Moss to represent the 40th. Oakland County Commission 13th District:
Current Republican Commissioner Robert Gosselin, who has served two terms, did not respond to our repeated requests, which makes our job easier to recommend voters make a change this election by backing Democrat John E. Levin. Gosselin has concerned us, as a zealot conservative representing the religious right who does not believe in separation of church and state. While the county position has little to do with such weighty issues, we can’t ignore his storied past antics and public declarations on this and other issues. We believe he is too extreme in his positions to represent the diverse region of northern Bloomfield Township. Levin presents a moderate alternative to the incumbent, and we think he would take a consensus building approach on the county board. Oakland County Commission 16th District : Shelley Goodman Taub, a Republican who has long toiled on behalf of her community, continues to do a very good job for residents of her Bloomfield Township district. We praise her for her selfless devotion to public service. Her opponent, Kathy Hagopian, offers a number of good ideas and we hope she will run for office again in the future but we do not advocate change in this district. Taub offers voters a wealth of experience, including time in the state legislature and continuing involvement in regional and state organizations, all of which lends to making her a strong and knowledgeable representative at the county level. Oakland County Commission 17th District: Democrat Marcia Gershenson has been an excellent county commissioner and a consistent consensus builder. She is a team leader who is able to cross party lines when issues warrant it, such as balancing the budget. A fiscal conservative, she has initiated important countywide programs, such as the Oakland County Microloan Program which has helped get needed capital to small businesses, is working with the county housing foreclosure program, and believes in increasing local road funding. Her opponent may offer a fresh perspective, but has not given us a reason to replace this capable and effective incmbent. Oakland County Commission 20th District: David W. Potts, a Republican, has been the commissioner for this Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield district for the past two terms, and we see no reason to make a change. Frankly, his opponent, at 19 years of age, shows no knowledge or qualifications at this time. Potts is a conservative who wisely knows when to cross party lines and work with Democrats to achieve a consensus on issues he feels are important to his district, such as the Birmingham/Troy intramodal transit center and SMART opt-in contracts with communities. He sees important work ahead for county department heads as Oakland faces continuing revenue declines. His knowledge and grasp of the issues remain an important asset for this district. Bloomfield Hills School Board: The Bloomfield Hills
School Board has two open seats this election, with four candidates running. Cynthia von Oeyen has served for the last 12 years, holding various positions, including president, vice president, secretary, and currently, treasurer. She is knowledgeable of the issues confronting the district, and is well-poised to deal with future revenue reductions, declining enrollment, rising expenditures and other challenges schools continue to face. Her seasoned leadership is the reason we recommend she be returned to the board for another term. As a professor, Dr. Jacqueline El Sayed is very familiar with the topic of academic excellence, and understands it is the district’s top priority. She has fresh suggestions for the district on how to diversify revenue streams and cut costs, including borrowing development and advancement ideas from higher educational sector. El Sayed, along with von Oeyen, who voted to put the school tax questions on the ballot, support the millage proposals as proactive approaches to reducing utility and maintenance costs while preserving the percentage of the operating budget that can go towards instruction, while not increasing taxes to the community. El Sayed would be a strong addition to the school board.
School district millages Voters in the Bloomfield Hills school district will face two tax questions on the ballot. One proposal is for a .74-mill sinking fund renewal and the second is for a 1.43-mill bond request. The two proposals, if passed, would maintain the current 2.17-mill rate in the district. The issue of how to address the high school situation in the district has been a major issue for several years. The district is now focused on building one new school on the Andover campus and predicts an annual savings of $2.5 in operating expenses once complete. We think voters are best served with a YES vote on both proposals.
Bloomfield Hills library Bloomfield Hills voters will be facing a library question on the ballot that also includes a new tax. While we certainly applaud the efforts of the citizens who forced this to go on the ballot through the petition process, we think this issue needs some serious work before voters give their okay. So we are recommending a NO vote on this proposal and suggest the city form a committee to work out a more logical proposal to put on the regular city ballot next May. On the face of it, this proposal is being sold as a .617-mill tax for six years to fund two three-year contracts with the Bloomfield Township library so city residents have full access to library services. That concept we support. Unfortunately, the proposal also creates an independent library board, with autonomous powers. We are not supporters of independent boards with autonomy from the city commission. The city commission should address this issue by appointing a committee and charging the panel and city attorney to negotiate a contract in advance, then place a proposal on the ballot next May to fund the services contract through an iron-clad earmarked millage.
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MELINDA ALLEN LYNN BAKER PATTY BLAIR JOAN BROWN NANCY BUCK JOANN BUESSER LILA CASENAVE LOIS CASEY RON CLEM MEREDITH COLBURN JEAN COLBY KEVIN CONWAY LANIE HARDY COSGROVE EMILY DAY SANDY DEMETRIOU CHRISTINE DRINKWATER JANETTE ENGELHARDT GERALD ETUE KELLY ETUE GINNY FISHER FRANK FLYNN JULIE FLYNN GORDON FOX DEBY GANNES HOLLY GEYER EVA GOREN JANET GRAHAM PAM GRAY ESTER GREIG GAIL GROUT ANNA GULOYAN KRISTI HAMED KIM MINASIAN HAWES TIM HERTZLER SAL IMPASTATO CHRISTINE JOHN GILLIAN LAZAR JO LINCOLN DONYALE MAHORN VICKIE MCASKIN ALICE MCINTYRE BILL MEADE BARBARA MILLER KELLY MOODY JOY MORRIS JOHN NEWMAN ELLEN NEWVILLE GARY NEWVILLE KARIN NIHLS RITA M. O’BRIEN KRISTIN PARENT AMY PARKER MONA PARLOVE SHONDELL PATTERSON DOROTHY PERROTTA MICHAEL PERROTTA NANCI RANDS NANCY REIZEN CHERYL RIBACK JERRY SCHMIDT LYNDA SCHRENK DANA SHAGENA SUE SIMON PAM STOLER VIOLET VESTEVICH ADAM WAECHTER CHI-CHI WARD MADELON WARD TED WIDLUND DIANA WOLAK SCHMIDT BRAD WOLF DENNIS WOLF DEE WRIGHT AMY ZIMMER ELISE ZIMMERMANN DENISE ZUCKERMAN
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