West Bloomfield, MI June 2020

JUNE 2020

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

Let s’ Get Outside!

AN INTERVIEW WITH WBSD’S SUPERINTENDENT

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West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2020 PUBLISHER

Maria Ragone | maria.ragone@lifestylepubs.com, Russ Ragone | russ.ragone@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Happy Father’s Day and Hello Summer!

Danielle Alexander | danielle.alexander@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER

Dani Moore

TO THE MEN AND FATHERS THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY, WE CELEBRATE

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

YOU THIS MONTH WITH OUR ANNUAL GENTS' ISSUE. I tip my hat to my own father

Joe Lease

this month who has been the best dad any son could ask for. He not only taught me how to work hard and put in strong effort every day but also demonstrated how to be a great father and husband. Although we are not fortunate enough to have my dad in our lives anymore, I am still often inspired by him. He was always passionate about the outdoors, and I'm so excited to GET OUT and spend these days golfing, camping, grilling, fishing and boating with my friends and family, all of which I spent doing with my dad throughout my life.

There are so many reasons to celebrate this month. Of course Father's Day is June 21st, and the first day of summer comes one day before! With the summer season underway, the long sunny days can be filled with backyard cookouts, camping trips, fishing excursions, boating on one of West Bloomfield's many beautiful lakes and so much more. As our community emerges from the COVID-19 calamity, we will soon again enjoy each other's close company, BBQs, Tigers games, kids' sporting events and the beach, just to name a few. We

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

should all thank our first responders and the brave men and women on the front line who

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

have battled the virus for all of us...thank you! Their hard work and sacrifices will enable us

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

all to begin our community's journey back to "normalcy" very soon.

West Bloomfield is a resilient and diverse community, and as we venture out of our homes, let us remember that life in many respects is local. I have always believed in sup-

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

porting local businesses, but now, more than ever, our local community businesses need our support. When it's time for a new home, financial services, medical or dental treatments, a home improvement, a tasty meal or...anything, consider one of our many local and quality businesses within our community. Supporting our local businesses by using their services will, in turn, rejuvenate our local economy and community stature. Let's ride this wave of recovery together and watch our community thrive, not just survive!

In this month's feature, we introduce you to some local movers and shakers, all passionate about what they do and from a variety of industries. Learn about what makes them

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA

unique and how they run successful businesses. The men in our area exude inspiration,

MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK

innovation, pride for the community, as well as active and healthy lifestyles.

IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Cheers to celebrating the men in our lives. Happy Father's Day and Happy June!

Russ Ragone, Publisher 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Shenandoah Golf & Country Club

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH LEASE 4

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

Proverbs 3:5-6 West Bloomfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Bloomfield areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Bloomfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2020

FEATURES 12 Taking Care of the Community West Bloomfield Township’s Emergency Operations Center helped maintain constant communication with residents amidst COVID-19 crisis.

14 An Interview with WBSD’s Superintendent Dr. Hill finds West Bloomfield to be a “gratifying place to live and work.”

20 Local Gents Six local business owners share some of their secrets to success.

20 14

26 No-Fault Auto Insurance Reform Six local business owners share some of their secrets to success.

12

26

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Giving Back

14

Local Limelight

20 Inspired By 26 Legal Compass 30 Culinary Creations

If something were to happen to you, will your family be able to put everything together?

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7

GOOD TIMES

Henry Ford Health System keeps spirits up through "well wishes" The Well Wishes campaign invited anyone to send notes to patients recovering without loved ones due to visitor restrictions during COVID-19, as well as healthcare heroes from housekeeping to nurses and doctors. As of April, more than 8,000 well wishes and messages have been sent to wellwishes@hfhs.org. For more information about the campaign, visit henryford.com/wellwishes. PHOTOS COURTESY OF HFHS.

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AROUND TOWN other, "How come you didn't tell me you're going to the store?," and Cohn wondered why his phone just couldn't tell her. NeedAnything? provides the easiest and fastest way to send an alert to the people you choose that you are out shopping and ask if they need anything. The app is free to download.

WEST BLOOMFIELD SIBLINGS CREATE OUTLET FOR CHILDREN/TEENS AMIDST CORONAVIRUS Siblings Jack and Sammy Pollack were feeling a lot of different emotions during the COVID-19 crisis, and assuming others their age were in the same boat, decided to start a website called "Quaranteen Help" where children and teens can reach out if they are having problems, feeling down or just want to

FJA STAFF MAKES FACE SHIELDS FOR MEDICAL WORKERS

talk. "Connecting with others and writing down feel-

At peak production, FJA was able to produce

ings can better our mood, especially during times like

about 50 face shields per day, supplying several

these," their website reads. "We are in this together,

hundred face shields directly to front-line health

and it’s important to stay positive and connected."

care workers. "The design we're using came from

For more information, visit quaranteenhelp.com.

an internet site that provided multiple designs," FJA's Director of Innovation and Technology Dan Bourdeau said. "We chose this particular one because it matched our production capabilities and was one of the most hygienic in that it is made completely of non-porous plastic for the headband and precision laser cut overhead transparencies for the face shield."

DETROIT PROPERTY BROTHERS, NOW WILCOX PROPERTY GROUP, ADDED NEW SERVICE The Detroit Property Brothers have recently changed their name to Wilcox Property Group.

Additionally, the real estate agent brothers who offer a full-service real estate approach have

WEST BLOOMFIELD MAN CREATES ALERT APP TO USE WHILE SHOPPING

10

recently rolled out new virtual services. From initial meetings, walkthroughs and document signings to virtual showings, virtual open houses and negotia-

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West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

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11

GIVING BACK

TA K I N G CARE OF THE COMMUNITY

IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS, WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP WAS THE FIRST TOWNSHIP IN OAKLAND COUNTY TO ACTIVATE ITS EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER, WHICH BROUGHT TOGETHER ALL MAJOR STAKEHOLDERS WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP’S GOVERNMENT, ALLOWING THEM TO COORDINATE THEIR RESPONSES TO HELP RESIDENTS. “We identified several items from day one of this crisis that we knew were going to be important for us to get right,” Deputy Chief of Police and Public Information Officer for West Bloomfield Township Curt Lawson explained.

Lawson said the team first wanted to make sure they communicated not only with each other at the department level but also provided verified and reliable information to community residents, such as need-to-know items like the town hall and library closings, playground closures, how to pay invoices and reminders on how to stay protected from COVID-19.

“We have been in constant contact with county officials at the Health Department and with the county’s Emergency Operations Center,” Lawson said back in April. “The information we receive (there is a lot of it), we try to push out in a way that educates our community on what is going on but not in a way that creates additional anxiety.”

Throughout the spring, all important information was shared with the community through multiple platforms, including West Bloomfield Michigan Police Department’s Facebook page, wbtownship.org, West Bloomfield PD’s Twitter account and Nixle, as well as during interviews on both 89.3 FM and Civic Center TV. Additionally, those assigned to work at the Emergency Operations Center continued to find ways to keep its own team healthy, so the Township’s government could continue to effectively operate. In fact, all of the public safety departments worked at full staff, always maintaining a good supply of personal protection gear to keep both first responders and residents healthy.

12

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP’S EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER HELPED MAINTAIN CONSTANT COMMUNICATION WITH RESIDENTS AMIDST THE COVID-19 CRISIS.

“ M r. K a p l a n , To w n s h i p S u p e r v i s o r, a n d h i s team continue to look for innovative ways to keep providing the services needed, requested and e x p e c t e d .”

“Mr. Kaplan, Township Supervisor, and his team continue to look for innovative ways to keep providing the services needed, requested and expected during this crisis,” Lawson said. “Feedback from our residents has been very positive.”

Moving forward, Lawson said West Bloomfield Township will continue to monitor data coming from its Emergency Operations Center, the county’s Emergency Operations Center, Health and Human Resources and the Governor’s Office.

Additionally, the Township will keep using local media, its website and social media as means of communicating.

“In any crisis, it is important to be informed and to remain flexible while continuing to move forward in a positive direction,” Lawson said. “Our community has the best public safety departments in the state, and we are committed to providing the very best service to our community.”

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

13

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

An Interview with WBSD’s Superintendent

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER

LONG BEFORE THE COVID-19 CRISIS, THE WEST

District Learning Design Team meet, and using ‘Portrait

BLOOMFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT (WBSD) HAD FULLY

of a Graduate,’ we thought about and discussed what our

EMBRACED AN INITIATIVE CALLED “PORTRAIT OF

district would need to have in place if students weren’t

A GRADUATE,” WHICH SEEKS TO MOVE BEYOND

physically in school tomorrow,” Dr. Hill said. “We needed

PUSHING STUDENTS TO ATTAIN CERTAIN GRADES

to be prepared, just in case.”

OR ACADEMIC MILESTONES AND FOCUS ON SET-

Little did anyone know that March 16 would end up

TING STUDENTS UP FOR SUCCESS IN THEIR PUR-

being the first day of the statewide school closure; never-

SUITS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL. It teaches students four

theless, WBSD’s “Cloud Learning” was prepared to move

personal skills (also known as the 4Cs) that will allow

forward that same day.

them to be successful in life’s various endeavors: Critical

“We actually had class on Monday, March 16, and after

Thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Contribution.

Chromebooks and Hotspots were distributed to students

Dr. Gerald D. Hill, who was named Superintendent by

and families in need of them, we averaged the same face-

the West Bloomfield Board of Education in 2012, said

to-face attendance we’ve always had,” Dr. Hill explained.

the district’s implementation of this initiative helped

“The amazing thing to me is that not only are the teachers

smoothly guide the mandatory and historical move to

able to carry on real learning, but also the parents, who

virtual learning this spring.

have their own work and are not necessarily trained or

“In early March, we realized we were going to potentially be faced with some unusual challenges, so we had our

DR. HILL FINDS WEST BLOOMFIELD TO BE A “GRATIFYING PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK.”

14

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

equipped to be the teachers, have been our partners in this, collaborating ever since.”

CONTINUED >

S u p e r i n t e n d e n t o f W e st B l o o m f i e l d S c h o o l D i st r i ct

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

15

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

R ota ry C l u b o f W e st Bloomfield President

16

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

Dr. Hill said that the switch from face-to-face to virtual learn-

In addition to being Superintendent, he is also serving as this

ing was able to happen “on a dime” because a culture of trust

year’s President of the Rotary Club of West Bloomfield, a group

had already been set.

of 30 service-oriented men and women who want to make a

“We didn’t start our planning from scratch, but rather we acti-

difference in our community and in the world. Provided that one

vated a capacity that we had built over the past few years of work-

of the Rotary’s mottos is “Service above Self,” it is no surprise

ing collaboratively, which proved to be invaluable as we faced this

that Dr. Hill, an educator, found his way to becoming a Rotarian.

crisis,” Dr. Hill said. “Looking forward, we’re working on the what-

According to Rotary International, Rotary members believe

ifs now. How do we start school back up in the fall if we’re still in a

people have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s

distance learning mode? Or even with social distancing? What if

most persistent issues. The 35,000 clubs from all over the world

things are more normal again? What are we going to do with the

work together to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean

learning gaps that will be larger than normal?”

water/sanitation/hygiene, save mothers and children, support

Prior to his role in the West Bloomfield School District, Dr.

education and grow local economies.

Hill had 16 years of previous superintendent experience in

Dr. Hill said the West Bloomfield club focuses on Orphan Medical

Illinois, as well as a background with decades of both teach-

Network International (OMNI) in Zambia, as well as its local

ing and administration roles.

programs like supporting “at-risk” students through the STRIVE

“My wife and I wanted to be in a community that is rich

scholarship program; Team Turkey, which provides fully-cooked

in diversity (racially, religiously and economically), values

Thanksgiving dinners to families in need on Thanksgiving Day;

education and is involved in education,” Dr. Hill explained

Rotary Readers, a dedicated group of volunteers who spend time

about their decision to come to West Bloomfield. “We enjoy

in classrooms reading to students; and much more.

the community and are very involved in the community. It’s a gratifying place to live and work.”

In fact, Dr. Hill said that Rotary District 6380, which includes West Bloomfield along with 53 other clubs in Southeast Michigan

Dr. Hill said his favorite part of being superintendent is attend-

and Southwest Ontario, is donating money, so that 100,000 N95

ing student performances or activities (something he and his

masks can be distributed to predetermined hospital frontline

wife regularly do), where he enjoys not only watching the stu-

workers in the area; it’s called the “100K Mask Challenge.”

dents’ joy on the stage or on the field but seeing the pride in

For more information about the Rotary Club of West Bloomfield,

parents’ faces, too.

visit westbloomfieldrotary.org.

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

17

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INSPIRED BY ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER

LOCAL GENTS SIX LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS SHARE SOME OF THEIR SECRETS TO SUCCESS.

SCOTT, HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE LINE OF WORK YOU’RE IN? Our grandfather owned rental properties in Lansing.

Jon and I were tasked with helping clean the houses out between tenants. We saw the worst stuff. Plates of food were pushed under couches and left for months, cement poured in toilets…terrible stuff. We always joked that we would never get into real estate.

JON, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? The short chat I have with my clients right after closing.

Scott and Jon, Wilcox

They are always happy and excited for the new chapter they will be starting. It is a great feeling knowing that I was able to help them along their buying/selling journey to get to that point. It is great.

SCOTT, WHAT ARE SOME POSITIVE THOUGHTS THAT YOU KEEP IN MIND DURING THE TOUGH TIMES? This is a difficult time, but there are always ways to make the most of it. Now is the time to work on a bigger house project. There is always that deep house cleaning that everyone has talked about but never had the time for.

Exploring new hobbies would be fun. You can also find ways to help the community. We have taken the opportunity to help with grocery delivery for seniors who cannot leave their homes. Find something that keeps everyone safe and makes you smile.

WILCOX PROPERTY GROUP METRO DETROIT

20

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A SUCCESSFUL

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU PASS ON TO SOMEONE

WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

INTERESTED IN RUNNING HIS/HER OWN BUSINESS?

I am a proactive planner. I pride myself on planning

Have a plan and be persistent. Ask for help from suc-

ahead of time and being as efficient as possible. I have

cessful people in your field and be ready to modify your

set up systems, so that I can provide excellent customer

plan as you go. It takes time to build a successful practice,

service while spending less time on tasks. Because I

but with hard work and dedication, it can be rewarding.

have a great support system around me, I can delegate

It took me 2.5 years to figure out what works best for me,

tasks to others so that my time can be spent more effec-

and I am proud of where I am at with my businesses.

tively. This, in turn, allows me to spend more time with my family and friends.

WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED ON A DAILY BASIS? I love helping others. If I can help one person a day, in anything, I get excited. I also set goals for myself to get specific tasks done each day, week and month, and if I am unable to get everything done, I carry it over until it is finished. I am a task-oriented person, and I motivate myself

DALLO FINANCIAL FARMINGTON HILLS

by having a list of tasks that need to be completed.

Joseph, Dallo “It takes time to build a successful practice , but wi th hard wor k and dedication, it can be rewarding.

It took me 2 .5 years to figure out what works best for me, and I am proud of where I am at wi th my b u s i n e s s e s .”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

21

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

Joseph, Nemeth JOSEPH R. NEMETH DDS & ASSOCIATES SOUTHFIELD WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS? My parents were alive during the Great Depression, and we always had to struggle financially when I was a child. Because of this, the concern of financial security has always been a part of my persona. Furthermore, helping other people live a healthy and successful life for themselves has always given me such great gratitude. The two biggest things that keep me motivated are the joy of helping others and reaching a healthy level of success in my own life.

WHAT IS THE BEST LIFE ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED? “This too shall pass.” Sometimes we get too caught up in the immediacy of things.

When we look back on them, we realize that it wasn’t nearly as important as we thought it was at the time. Try to take a long point of view and realize that time is going to pass, and these things that are so concerning now will actually go away. My father used to say, “100 years from now, nobody is going to care.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU PASS ON TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN RUNNING HIS/HER OWN BUSINESS? If you find something that you love to do, pursue that. Find something that you can enjoy. If you really enjoy it, you will be successful at what you do. Look for a profession that fits your personality as opposed to doing something that makes money. If you enjoy it. you will be successful; if you don’t enjoy it, you won’t be nearly as happy or successful as you would be if you really enjoy your work.

22

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A SUCCESSFUL

a grandfather for the first time, and my 28-year-old just got

WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

engaged. We see them all the time as they live close by, but

At my juncture of my career now, it is a lot easier than it used to be. Now that I’m in the position I’m in, I can kind of

it’ll be nice to just have everyone over together, especially with my new son-in-law.

call the shots. But I am able to do that because I worked really hard to get here, always being the first one in and the

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

last one out. I did my best to balance work and home life

My father was in the car business for 50+ years, and when

because I know how important it is, but I worked as hard as I

I was a kid, all I thought about was cars. I was only exposed

could, so that I could do my dream job.

to excellence. My father was a tough guy, a disciplinarian, but he was the hardest working guy I’ve ever seen in my life.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR FATHER’S DAY?

He told me, “You can’t expect anybody to do what you can

Every year on Father’s Day, my three kids come to my

do yourself. Hard work always replaces mistakes.” One thing

house for a nice meal. My 30-year-old is pregnant, so I’ll be

I’ve taken away from him over the years is to leave home in the morning, work all day at your craft and go home at night. That’s the secret. If you do that every single day of your career, you’re going to go places.

“ Yo u c a n ’ t e x p e c t a n y b o d y to do what you can do yourse l f. Hard wor k always r e p l a c e s m i s t a k e s .”

Edward, Pobur CADILLAC OF NOVI NOVI

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

23

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

Adam, Fienman

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING DENTIST? There are so many aspects of dentistry that can be enjoyed such as working with your hands, utilizing technology, problem solving and creativity. I live and work here. I take great pride in being able to care for my own community. My favorite part of dentistry is establishing relationships with my patients that keep them smiling.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A SUCCESSFUL WORK-LIFE BALANCE? I don’t know that I do maintain a successful work-life balance. Some weeks are better than others, and that is OK. I designate specific time for work, family and self.

Keeping them divided by time and space helps me feel the most successful at keeping a balanced life.

WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS? Family is what motivates me. I have four young chil-

ADAM FIENMANN, DDS

dren that need me every day, all hours of the day. My wife and I work very hard to live a healthy, active life, so we can be there to create a positive home for our kids.

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP

Edwin, Gay

HOW DO YOU DISCONNECT FROM WORK AT THE END OF THE DAY? The first thing I do is give out hugs to my daughter and two dogs, who are all running towards the door at me. I try to engage with my daughter in between the time I get home and her bed time. My other favorite

the perfect contacts, finding a child’s first

hobby to take my mind away from things

glasses prescription, treating an eye infec-

is running. I was a cross country and track

tion or finding the perfect glaucoma drug for

runner all through college and try to stay

a patient.

mildly competitive and healthy by running these days, sometimes even during my

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU PASS ON

lunch break on a work day.

TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN RUNNING HIS/HER OWN BUSINESS?

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING AN OPTOMETRIST? Being able to solve problems for different people every day Whether that is finding 24

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

Build a great knowledge base of your profession, and then just go for it. Many intricacies of your field and lessons have to be learned on the job.

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25

LEGAL COMPASS

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER

No-Fault Auto Insurance Reform STORM INSURANCE SERVICES OF FARMINGTON ANSWER COMMON QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS QUICKLY-APPROACHING CHANGE. 26

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

ON MAY 30, 2019, GOVERNOR WHITMER SIGNED AN HISTORIC BIPARTISAN NO-FAULT AUTO INSURANCE REFORM BILL WITH THE GOAL OF “PROVIDING LOWER RATES FOR MICHIGAN DRIVERS, PROTECTING INSURANCE COVERAGE OPTIONS AND STRENGTHENING CONSUMER PROTECTIONS” (MICHIGAN.GOV). Since Michigan’s new auto insurance law will go into effect on July 2, and all insureds are subjected to it on this date, Storm Insurance Services of Farmington wanted to take the opportunity to answer common questions concerning this change.

According to Storm’s Licensed Insurance Agent: P&C, Life & Medicare Plans Jacqueline Everson, the new state minimum liability limits will change from $20,000 per person or $40,000 per accident to $250,000 per person or $500,000 per accident. However, lower limits of liability are available with signed consent from the insured.

“The reason for the increased liability limits is because drivers under the new law have additional liability risks that do not exist today,” Everson explained. “Today, if you are less than 50% at-fault in an accident in Michigan, you cannot be sued for any reason related to the accident. And if you are more than 50% at-fault in an accident, you realistically can only be sued for up to $1,000 worth of damage to the other driver’s vehicle, as well as pain and suffering, if it can be proved in court. The new law allows a visibly-injured party

agent advice 1.

BE FAMILIAR WITH THE REFORM The new auto insurance law will go into effect on July 2.

to sue any vehicle/driver/party involved in the accident even if the injured party is more than 50% at fault.”

2.

Although you have the option to sign a form and keep your lower

PURCHASE

limits of coverage, agents at Storm Insurance Services are advising

‘PERSONAL UMBRELLA

drivers to purchase personal umbrella liability insurance to protect

LIABILITY’ INSURANCE

against the heightened potential for lawsuits, both at-fault or not.

Everson provided three examples to consider: + “In four lanes of traffic (two in each direction), you and I are driving

Protect yourself/family against the heightened potential for lawsuits, both at-fault or not.

in the same direction (me on the inside lane, you on the outside lane)

3.

when a child runs across in front of you. You stop and avoid hitting

KEEP UNLIMITED

the kid, but I’m on the inside lane and can’t see the child, so I keep

MEDICAL BENEFITS

going and hit him. The court determines injuries, trauma, etc. have a judgment of $8M. It is determined that the child is 80% at-fault, and each of us is 10% at fault because your stopped vehicle blocked

Don’t be a guinea pig with the lower limits of medical coverage; let the dust settle first and then decide.

visibility of the child, preventing me from knowing I needed to stop.

4.

We each have to pay our 10% or $800,000.”

ACT NOW

+ “In two lanes of traffic (one in each direction), you are traveling in the opposite direction of me at about five miles per hour over the posted speed limit. I am drunk and going way over the posted speed

Avoid the July 2 mad dash, chaos and additional paperwork and add the ‘Umbrella’ policy now.

limit when my right tires go off the road and onto the shoulder. I

5.

overcorrect, which causes me to cross the center line into your lane,

DOWNLOAD THE STORM

glancing off your vehicle, which sends me straight into a tree while

INSURANCE SERVICES APP

still speeding. I’m severely injured, causing permanent paralysis. You

Receive updates, information and documentation for the carriers.

are uninjured because I barely glazed your vehicle, but the court determined that I would not have hit that tree had I not glanced off your vehicle, and I wouldn’t have glanced off your vehicle if you CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

27

LEGAL COMPASS (CONTINUED)

hadn’t been going five over. I was a medical student and am no longer able to complete college, let alone my future career as a physician. It’s determined my lifetime loss of income and medical expenses are $40M. You are determined to be 8% at fault in the accident, and you owe me $3.2M.” + “At a traffic light intersection, you are traveling west through the light, and I am traveling south through the light. I think I can make it through my light, which is already yellow, but you are still approaching the intersection when your light turns green, so you proceed through it, taking a sip of your coffee as you go, which is caught by the intersection cameras. I end up running the light on red, and you T-bone me. You are uninjured and walk away fine, but I received a direct hit into my driver’s door and am visibly injured. My injuries, etc. total $1.3M, and the court decides you are 35% at fault. You owe me $455,000.”

Everson said that in each of the above cases, all parties were Michigan residents and the not-at-fault driver was uninjured or injuries– soreness, headache, etc.– were not visible, and the at-fault party was the visibly-injured party.

“The new law does not take fault into account when determining if a party can be sued when all parties are Michigan residents,” Everson said.

“The only factor is the severity of the injuries that determine suability. And let’s face it: people don’t sue for small amounts but rather millions. That’s why we’re recommending personal umbrella liability coverage.”

The cost for $1M liability is usually less than $200 per year for a household with two adult drivers, two vehicles and one house, according to Storm Insurance Services. Therefore, Everson said it’s money well-spent if you’re one of these drivers who find themselves sued under the new law.

Additionally, agents at Storm Insurance Services are also advising insureds to keep unlimited medical benefits despite lower limits of medical coverage with signed consent and a qualifying health plan being available. Everson said that the July 2 law change allows you to choose unlimited (which is currently required), $500,000 or $250,000.

“As with our current No-Fault laws, it can take years for the courts to decide what the law actually says and how it will be applied,” Everson explained. “We do not want any of our insureds caught in these ‘guinea pig’ situations, so we are encouraging them to let the dust settle over the next couple of years and then decide what’s best for them and their families.”

Storm Insurance Services is encouraging all insureds to avoid the July 2 mad dash, chaos and additional paperwork by increasing their liability limits and adding their umbrella policy now. The agency has actually created a mobile app, which will be available to the agency’s current insureds and prospective insureds to receive updates, information and documentation for the carriers it represents. The app will also allow insureds to access their policy documents (including declaration pages), ID Cards (proofs of insurance), request policy changes, upload documents and more.

Storm Insurance Services is located at 24001 Orchard Lake Rd (Suite #120) in Farmington, and the agents shop their insureds’ policies at every renewal. For more information, call (248)-987-1470.

28

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

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29

CULINARY CREATIONS

the bone yard rib rub THE BONE YARD BBQ ON ORCHARD LAKE ROAD HAS BEEN SERVING AN AWARD-WINNING MENU TO THE FARMINGTON HILLS COMMUNITY FOR 40 YEARS; ITS ORIGINAL LOCATION IN DEARBORN HAS BEEN OPEN SINCE 1972, AND THERE IS ALSO A THIRD ONE IN LIVONIA THAT OPENED IN 1986.

CELEBRATING ITS 40TH YEAR IN FARMINGTON HILLS, THE BONE YARD BBQ SHARES ITS SPARE RIB RUB RECIPE.

“My grandfather, father and uncle were the ones who started the original restaurant, and all three restaurants are still operated and owned by the same family,” third-generation Gordon Djordjevski explained.

Now that Djordjevski’s son Sebastian is 14, he is able to work, actually making it a family business of four generations.

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE BONE YARD BBQ 30

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

“I think the family has done a really good job building the brand, in my opinion,” Djordjevski said. “We’ve witnessed

THE BONE YARD’S MAC & CHEESE This is a recent addition to the menu.

babies become teens and then adults who are now bring-

The Bone Yard ribs are cooked using an original open-

ing their own babies in. It’s really like we’ve all grown up

flame rotisserie, giving them the award-winning taste that has

together, which is a really cool feeling.”

made the restaurant a metro Detroit area tradition for barbe-

The Bone Yard BBQ remained open this spring for carryout

que for so many decades. With it being the most popular dish,

and deliveries amidst the coronavirus. They also donated food

Djordjevski decided to share the rub recipe for The Bone Yard

to frontline workers, as well.

spare ribs, which you can find on the next page.

“We’ve been keeping busy but making sure to keep our staff and customers as safe as possible while also helping out the community as much as we can,” Djordjevski said.

The food menu at The Bone Yard BBQ consists of starters, soups and salads, burgers and sandwiches, barbeque

“It’s what most people order when they come in,” Djordjevski said.

The Bone Yard BBQ is located at 31006 Orchard Lake Rd in Farmington Hills. For more information about the restaurant or to see its menu, visit theboneyardbbq.com.

chicken, broasted chicken, seafood, dessert and more; however, Djordjevski said the most popular dish, by far, is the “famous” barbeque ribs.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

31

CULINARY CRE ATIONS (CONTINUED)

32

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

THE BONE YARD’S FAMOUS GARLIC BREAD

spare rib rub recipe + Paprika + Black Pepper + Garlic Salt + Garlic Powder + Brown Sugar + Salt + Garlic Extract + Allspice DIRECTIONS The Bone Yard BBQ applies the rub the night before. Then, the spare ribs are speared in their stock-modified rotisserie machine where they cook for a couple of hours. Finally, they are finished in the broiler with the restaurant’s homemade sauce.

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield 33

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West Bloomfield Lifestyle | June 2020

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