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By Ingrid Sjostrand

FOR 22 YEARS, SHANBOM EYE SPECIALISTS HAS BEEN HELPING RESIDENTS OF BERKLEY and the Metro Detroit area see clearly. Led by Dr. Steven A. Shanbom and Dr. Amanda Salter, the practice specializes in cataracts and Lasik, but also offers a myriad of other eye care services.

“Our practice has been a center of excellence in cataract and Lasik surgery for over 30 years. We have extensive experience with premium implant lenses to minimize the need for glasses after surgery,” Shanbom said. “We also see patients for glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, dry eyes and routine medical eye care.”

For individuals wanting to know how to better care for their eyes, he recommends getting a vision exam every year and said there are certain signs of cataracts and dry eye to look out for.

“The annual exam will screen for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration,” Shanbom said.

“Symptoms of cataracts are glare and halo – especially with night driving. Difficulty seeing far distance or reading are also common. Dry eye symptoms include the eyes feeling heavy, tired, and sandy with fluctuations in vision. Ironically, watery eyes can be a sign of dryness.”

BOARD-CERTIFIED IN BOTH OPHTHALMOLOGY AND INTERNAL MEDICINE, Shanbom attended Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed residencies at Detroit’s Sinai Hospital. As a patient of his own Lasik surgery in 1999, he still maintains perfect vision without glasses and is an advocate for the procedure. He has performed more than 30,000 corrective eye procedures.

Dr. Salter joined Shanbom Eye Specialists in 2021. Her specialties complement the practice, and she has even introduced some new procedures to their offerings.

“She is a native Detroiter who attended the University of Michigan before studies at NYU and the prestigious Brown University,” Shanbom said. “In addition to excellence in cataract surgery, Dr. Salter has a special interest in treating dry eyes. She has also added cosmetic treatments, such as Botox and fillers to the practice.”

Located at 28747 Woodward Ave., the building itself is a vision in architecture. Shanbom moved his practice into the arched, landscaped structure right off M-1 in 1999.

“We purchased the practice from Dr. Spiro, who built our impressive building on Woodward in 1985” he said of the space. “We also added a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center on the lower level of our building where we perform our cataract and cosmetic procedures. This is a convenience for the patients and allows them to avoid the hospital.”

BUILDING THEIR PRACTICE OUT TO ALLOW FOR IN-OFFICE PROCEDURES is one way that Shanbom Eye is always working to make vision care convenient and comfortable for their patients. But they also work hard to make life easier for their Berkley neighbors. One way they do that is through involvement in the Berkley Chamber of Commerce.

“We love being a part of the Berkley community and have supported Berkley high school events and sponsored the Dream Cruise. We’ve also sponsored many senior programs and have been involved with the Lion’s Club.” Shanbom said. “The Shanbom Eye Specialist family is proud to serve the Berkley community for their eye care needs.”

For more information or to schedule an eye care appointment, call 248.546.2133 or visit shanbomeye.com

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By Ingrid Sjostrand

TOM BYARS HAS SPENT HIS CAREER WORKING TO PROTECT HIS NEIGHBORS IN BERKLEY and the surrounding Metro Detroit communities – but maybe not in the way you would think. Byars is president and owner of Eagle Rock Insurance, and for the last 24 years he’s been ensuring residents have protection from natural disaster, accidents and the unexpected in life.

“We take the time to get to know you, and that way we can figure out those specific situations that we need to apply insurance remedies to,” he said. “That’s the basis of our being. We’re just an old-school neighborhood agency.”

Byars has lived in Berkley since 1998 and to him that means more than just residing and working here. He acted on the Board of Directors for the Berkley Chamber of Commerce for eight years and currently sits on the Board of Review.

Byars is also dedicated to Eagle Rock contributing to the community, too. “We’ve supported the Berkley Education Foundation for years, participated in golf outings. One of our employees, Rebecca Theriault, is in the Junior Women’s Club,” he said. “We’re certainly invested in the community. We volunteer on various projects and boards and it’s important for us to give back.”

BYARS BELIEVES BEING INVESTED IN THE COMMUNITY also brings insight to his business and allows him and his team to better serve residents.

“There are certain types of losses that are very frequent in this area. Water backup is a big one. I would never sell a homeowners policy without a water backup coverage because it’s not ‘IF it’s going to happen to you,’ but rather ‘WHEN it’s going to happen’ here in Berkley and Huntington Woods,” he said. “We have the advantage over someone who isn’t necessarily local, a call-center somewhere basing your policy solely on price.”

Eagle Rock provides auto, business, home, life, flood and motorcycle insurance, as well as wealth management services. They are an independent insurance provider representing multiple carriers, including Progressive, AutoOwners and six others, which to Byars, is another benefit to his clients.

“We have the advantage over a provider that only has one carrier and – not to denigrate those – it’s just a different way to get the product out to market,” he said. “I’m not employed by any of my companies, I’m representing my client. So it gives me a little more flexibility in finding a good insurance solution for them.”

THERE ARE FOUR EMPLOYEES AT EAGLE ROCK, including Byars. All are licensed, accredited, and take regular classes, which Byars feels is important to provide the best for clients.

“That’s what we strive for, we make sure we position ourselves as professionals in our client’s toolkit. But this is not a high-pressure sales environment, a few moments of your time could save you a lot of heartache down the road,” he said. “Pick up the phone and call us, it’s always the same people. We know about your kids, your dogs, your pets – it’s that level of familiarity that also helps us place our coverage correctly.”

Eagle Rock Insurance
thomas@eaglerockinsurance.com | (248) 548-5530
1904 W Eleven Mile Rd, Berkley MI 48072

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By Lisa Howard

These Neighborhood Pizza Pies Are Definitely Amore.

AS THE POPULARITY OF THE TV SHOW CHEERS AMPLY illustrated, sometimes you just want to go where everybody knows your name. And sometimes you really want pizza.

Those two desires dovetail in the form of Crispelli’s, where Manager Eric Hitchcock says he’s never worked at a restaurant with so many regulars before. Coming from a guy who has spent literally half his life in the restaurant business, that’s saying something. “We have so many regulars that sometimes I feel like I spend my entire day sitting down and chatting with customers,” Eric says. “It feels like family coming in to visit. Some people have been here since Day One, some come in once or twice a week every week and some people make Fridays or Saturdays their regular pizza night. When they come in, you get excited to see them.”

That level of loyalty kept Crispelli’s humming even when they suddenly had to switch to curbside-only in the spring of 2020. While that service model presented a host of challenges, Eric jokes that he felt like he had created the first drive-thru pizza place because so many people rolled up to grab pizzas. “People were very understanding and receptive,” he says. “Even though the dining conditions and carryout conditions may not have been the best when the pandemic first hit, customers kept coming back because they’re fans of our food and fans of our hospitality.” He says the positive community in Berkley has made Crispelli’s his favorite place to work.

The restaurant continues to shift with the times. The bakery area was recently renovated, and the plan is to be open for breakfast service starting in 2022. Crispelli’s will also be celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2022, a milestone Hitchcock looks forward to. Some new items will be popping up on the bakery and breakfast menus (cherry croissants, anyone?) even as the restaurant continues its tradition of making its pizza dough from scratch every day and letting it ferment for several days to create a richer flavor.

“We don’t buy a lot of processed stuff,” he explains. “We get vegetables six days a week and we hand-slice and make everything here. It costs more in labor and hours, but being able to offer great gourmet food at an affordable price makes our efforts worth it.”

THAT DEDICATION TO PUTTING FOOD AND customers first probably explains why the Berkley Crispelli’s is the busiest of all of the locations. They also have restaurants in West Bloomfield, Clarkston, and Troy, plus there’s a Crispelli’s Bakery in Royal Oak. And then there’s the Crispelli’s food truck, which roams Metro Detroit and dishes up their signature pizzas at events like the Berkley Street Art Fest. All of that plus donating to local teams, organizations, and causes is part of Crispelli’s commitment to being a vibrant part of the community.

Along with updating the interior of the restaurant, Crispelli’s equipped its two patios with heaters last year, making it possible for diners to enjoy the great outdoors pretty much year-round. Carryouts are still in demand, too, and the Club Room continues to be a go-to venue for hosting private events like birthdays and rehearsal dinners. “It’s great being part of moments like that in people’s lives,” Eric says. “We know we wouldn’t be here without our customers, and we love to put our best face forward and take care of them.”

Crispelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria | 28939 Woodward Ave., Berkley MI 48072
248.591.3300
www.crispellis.com

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By Lisa Howard

REAL ESTATE INVOLVES A LOT MORE THAN SHOWING HOUSES, realtor Tim Murad points out – it’s a “relationships” business. On average, he works with clients for three to six months depending on how long it takes for them to find their dream home, do the closing, and move in.

“In almost four years of being a full-time Keller Williams realtor, I’ve made so many friends! Because that’s what my clients become,” he says. Whether their clients are buying or selling, realtors need to work closely with them to understand their wants and needs and how those factors fit in with the current market.

Last year was a particularly challenging time for anyone involved in real estate given that the traditional timeframe for selling homes was pushed back several months. “March and April are typically the hottest selling months because families want to move over the summer and be settled in before school starts, but that hot streak didn’t get started until midsummer of 2020.

Now we’re seeing more of the traditional market,” Tim explains. He anticipates the market to remain competitive, though, with sellers typically receiving multiple offers over their asking price if they price it right. “If you over-price a house, it’ll sit on the market forever even if the market is hot,” he warns. “Sometimes home-owners have a vision in their head of what they think their house is worth, but that doesn’t necessarily reflect the state of the market.”

Another factor in the upward trajectory of selling prices has been a shortage of new housing. Ever since the recession in the late 2000s led to fewer new homes being built, construction has not gone back to pre-recession levels. That puts more demand on existing houses. The trend was starting to reverse…and then the pandemic hit. Construction costs, in particular, have gone up in terms of both materials and labor. “And on top of that, the pandemic also changed where people want to live,” Tim says. “Because a lot of people can now work remotely, they no longer have to live so close to their place of employment.”

IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT BEING A REALTOR THESE DAYS IS COMPLICATED! But that hasn’t dimmed Tim’s appreciation of real estate. As a kid, he loved drawing houses and buildings, an obsession that led him to become an architect. His work at an architecture firm eventually took him to the IT department, where he stayed for many years.

Ultimately, though, he wanted to get back to working with people, so he combined that with his architectural experience and became a realtor. “I can look at homes and help guide people to decide if they want to do renovations or additions,” he says, “and I can take what the inspector is trying to explain and put it in layperson terms for the buyer.”

Along with understanding the nuts and bolts of a home, over the years, he’s also acquired expertise in how cities interact with their residents; he has served on several City boards, including the Berkley Planning Commission, the Berkley Downtown Development Authority, and the Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce. As a longtime Berkley resident, he was also the chair of the committee that worked on the Berkley Public Library renovations back in 1998.

Despite having a strong Berkley base, Tim works with clients all over Metro Detroit. Still, he isn’t shy about his feelings regarding our city. “From a real estate standpoint, Berkley is one of the most desirable cities in this area right now,” he says. “I’ve always said to people that it feels like you’re in a small town in the middle of a big city. Everybody knows everybody and is welcoming, yet you’re minutes away from big art museums, sports teams, concert venues, you name it. It’s a great place to live and to raise a family.”

Tim Murad Realty | 423 S Washington Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48067 | (248) 288-3500
https://tjmurad.kw.com | Tim@TimMurad.com

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By Lisa Howard

IF THE LAST TWO YEARS HAVE TAUGHT US ANYTHING, it’s that we need to find silver linings wherever we can, go with the flow and roll with the punches. Oh, and it helps if we’re eating good food while doing all of that!

Katie Kutscher, who co-owns Berkley Common with her sister Christine Gross, has become an expert in finding innovative, positive ways to run a restaurant through some pretty turbulent times.

“It’s been a roller-coaster of fun ideas and ups-and-downs,” Katie says. “We’ve really tried to capitalize on where people are in their lives and market to them in different ways, whether that’s offering take-out family dinners or getting an outdoor dining area up-and-running when people couldn’t eat inside restaurants. When the shutdown happened, we also partnered with a PR firm and raised $15,000 for restaurant workers in Berkley.”

Being nimble has meant that Berkley Common has been able to keep offering their perennially popular items – the Korean BBQ cauliflower wings with kimchee and sticky rice, the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, the BC burger – even while creating new dishes and dining experiences.

During the summer months, the restaurant hosts its outdoor Uncommon Beach Bar & Bungalow, featuring tiki drinks and summer fare like oysters and lobster rolls. When the weather turns chilly, the Uncommon Lodge & Igloo winter dining program kicks into gear, providing space for up to six diners in each igloo and a menu of hearty, warming dishes.

THE SPACIOUS OUTDOOR AREA IS WHY THE RESTAURANT saw so many diners come from an hour or more away last winter. Berkley Common was one of the few restaurants with outdoor dining capacity. “Regardless of the pandemic, people want more outdoor spaces,” Katie says.

“Whether Covid pushed us along or not – and I believe it did – it’s just good business to have more visual aspects in a city, and that includes outdoor dining spaces. It makes for a more vibrant city.”

She points out that Berkley’s master plan has always included a vision of robust outdoor public spaces. The idea has recently gained momentum, with the City, Schools and Downtown Development Authority teaming up to put in a plaza near the corner of Coolidge and Catalpa. Now Katie is working with the City to create a pocket park on Twelve Mile to allow people to visit restaurants and retail establishments and then enjoy their purchases in an outdoor park setting.

Along with continuing to emphasize their outdoor seating, Katie and Chris have plans to open a high-end weekend cocktail bar upstairs in what’s currently the private event space.

A BIG SILVER LINING FOR BERKLEY COMMON HAS BEEN THAT THE RESTAURANT was able to attract top talent after so many other establishments had to completely close for a good chunk of 2020. The bartenders who came to work at Berkley Common have an impressive knowledge of craft cocktails, Katie says, and she wanted to find a way to showcase those skills.

She’s been able to reopen the event space, too, albeit with much smaller groups than before. And, even though she has fewer seats in the main dining area, the restaurant’s total seating capacity has actually increased thanks to their outdoor tables.

“We’ve had to be pretty creative throughout the pandemic and look at the opportunities,” Katie says. “What’s different? How has the landscape changed, and how can we change and grow with it? We want to capitalize on the momentum of the positive things that have happened.”

As many satisfied BC diners would tell you, the restaurant has done just that.

Berkley Common | 3087 Twelve Mile, Berkley MI 48072
248.677.0795 | http://berkleycommon.com
info@berkleycommon.com

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By Lisa Howard

BANKS AND BANKERS SOMETIMES HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BEING STUFFY, but Tamara Powell, manager of the Berkley branch of Vibe Credit Union, is the opposite.

So is the branch itself. Her 20-year anniversary of working at Vibe is just around the corner, and she’s been the manager for the past 12 years. One of her main jobs, she says, is to be the face of Vibe; to get out into the community and meet people. That’s why she also joined the Berkley Area Chamber and loves to volunteer at events around town like the annual Berkley Street Art Fest and the Berkley Art Bash.

“Being in Berkley is like being in a big city in a small town – everyone knows everyone,” Powell says. “The average person I meet who lives here has either lived here for 30 years or they were raised here and then moved away and now they’re back in the community with their new family. I feel like no one leaves Berkley.”

That kind of neighborly connection makes it all-the-more enjoyable to network within her roles as both a credit union manager and a Chamber member. Perhaps not surprisingly, she’s also the Treasurer of the Chamber.

TAMARA AND HER FAMILY ARE ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY IN MANY WAYS. Her kids attend Berkley schools and played for Berkley sports teams, among them the Berkley Steelers and Bears. The kids work in the community too. In other words, everyone in the family stays plenty busy, and Tamara’s days are full with work and family life.

Powell says life at the credit union keeps getting busier too, especially now that the renovations are complete. The branch got a complete overhaul starting in the Winter of 2020 and finishing in the Summer of 2021, even shutting down the drive-thru services for about two months while the parking lot was redone.

But now business is running at full tilt, with a record number of loans issued and a thriving membership. Ever since Vibe merged with Oakland County Credit Union – which doubled the number of Vibe branches – more and more people have been coming in to find out about the credit union’s services.

“MY FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING THE MANAGER IS THE PEOPLE,” Powell says. “I love meeting the new members and helping the existing ones. And I have a great team here, which makes my job easy. Everyone at the branch understands the importance of providing excellent member service. We get referrals because our members brag about how well they’re treated.”

Some of the employees whom she originally hired are still there eight years later, a testament to the branch being a great place to work. In addition to Powell volunteering at Chamber events, the branch also sponsors community initiatives like the Berkley Public Library’s summer reading program.

As Powell points out, being a financial institution doesn’t mean being standoff-ish rather, it means being at the heart of the community.

3082 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072 | 248.735.9500
www.vibecreditunion.com/home/home

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By Sara E. Teller
Photos by Ashley Poirer

THE BERKLEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (BACC) IS DEDICATED TO CREATING A SPACE for business owners to come together to serve Berkley and our surrounding communities. The Chamber has organized many events and activities over the years, with this year being no exception despite the ongoing Covid pandemic.

Many great things have been happening around town in general, even as the world is faced with a ‘new normal.’ There are businesses continuing to come into Berkley, and the close-knit community has witnessed a growing number of people settling in, especially younger singles and families. Drawn to the area because of the ‘everyone-knows-everyone’ ambiance, free parking and many fun things to do, Berkley continues to be a go-to spot for newcomers.

BACC primarily supports small businesses by engaging in local events, organizing affordable marketing options, offering a high-volume social media presence, and initiating networking activities. In 2021, BACC was instrumental in supporting businesses through a grant from Oakland County. The Chamber offered PPE items for its members, as well as propane for outdoor heaters, hand sanitizer, wipes, and other items that weren’t in the budget before the pandemic hit. The Chamber ensured members were given as much online attention as possible, particularly regarding adjustments made to days and hours they were open, and the innovative ways owners came up with to continue serving residents.

“We organized very successful 2021 summer events that brought thousands of people to Berkley, in a strategic, safely-spaced manner,” explained BACC’s Executive Director, Darlene Rothman, adding, “We had beautiful days for these events, and everyone enjoyed being outside. You could feel the excitement in the air!”

BERKLEY ART BASH & STREET ART FEST: While the Berkley Art Bash is traditionally held annually during the second weekend in June, the event was postponed to September 11 this year to allow for more people to receive the Covid-19 vaccination. Pinspiration Berkley and Vibe Credit Union sponsored the Kids Zone. Nearly 100 vendors offered a diverse assortment of photographs, garden art, jewelry, pottery, wearables, paintings, and gourmet offerings.

“We expanded the footprint by a few more blocks to ensure more space between vendors and to allow for safer shopping,” said RoseAnn Nicolai, BACC Events & Operations Manager and owner of Nicolai Events & Communications. “A lot of the success of the event was due to April McCrumb, owner of Catching Fireflies and Yellow Door Art Market. She did such a great job curating the show and finding such talented artists to be vendors.”

The County Oakland Irish Fest group hosted the entertainment which included Doug Thompson, the Flanagan-O’Hare Irish Dancers and Michael O’Brian & the Distractions. Children who attended could either make a craft there or take a kit home. Pinspiration Berkley also had a splatter-paint tent where children could fling paint onto a small canvas, creating their own piece of artwork.

The Berkley Street Art Fest date was also postponed to August 7 this year due to the pandemic. Downtown Berkley was transformed with art as professional and aspiring chalk artists created colorful street art with chances to win prizes. Shop for Good Village, a newly-added component coordinated by VITRINE owner Susan Rogal, was a curated collection of handmade products made by sellers with a primary focus on ‘doing good’ on a local or global scale. A commissioned artist, Ed Irmen, created a mural at Folio Offices. People throughout Metro Detroit watched these artists as their masterpieces came to life. The event was presented by the MSU Federal Credit Union.

“We are looking forward to Berkley Art Bash returning back to its usual time of year in 2022, Nicolai said. “Mark your calendar for June 11, 2022. Berkley Street Art Fest date will be announced in 2022, and County Oakland Irish Fest, which the Chamber is a sponsor, will return on September 10, 2022.”

CRUISEFEST: The 2021 CruiseFest shirt, designed by Jon Murrell of Armadillo (owned by Dave Lakatos), was such a big hit that it sold out prior to the event for the first time in the CruiseFest’s history. The Chamber responded by adding a limited timeframe for residents to purchase them online.

The shirt was created to promote the 25th anniversary of the CruiseFest, which was held on August 20, 2021. The event draws car lovers from all over and includes a parade of classic vehicles for attendees to enjoy. Darron Moore & the 14th Floor provided the event’s entertainment. New for 2021, the Berkley Parks & Recreation hosted an outdoor movie experience in front of the Neighbor’s Shoppe. The film Grease was screened immediately following the parade.

RESTAURANT WEEKEND & NIGHT MARKET: BACC partnered with the Berkley DDA to bring, for the first time, a Restaurant Weekend to downtown Berkley the first weekend of October. Katie Kutscher and Christine Gross, sister owners of Berkley Common, also helped pulled together this amazing event.

“Berkley Common was the driving force behind this,” Rothman said. “Katie initiated the conversation, encouraging us to do something to help the restaurants.” The owners wanted everyone (BACC, DDA, and the participants) to join together as a team to bring extra attention to the restaurant community during an especially difficult time.

Those who participated included Berkley Common, 24 Seconds, Amici’s Kitchen & Living Room, Casa Amado Tacqueria, Coco Fairfield’s, Crispelli’s, Dog & Pony Show Brewing, Fresh Collective Kitchen & Market, Green Lantern, Oak Park Social and Republica. Each eatery had food and drink specials local foodies could retrieve online by scanning a QR code or simply take note of signs placed around town.

The same weekend, the DDA Night Market was held on October 2nd, giving residents the opportunity to visit their regular go-tos after hours and explore new businesses along the way. Retailers stayed open late to give visitors a magical night-time shopping experience. A complimentary downtown trolley sponsored by the Berkley DDA ran throughout the event and dozens of storefronts transformed with spooky décor.

The retailers who participated included Articipate, The Artsy Umbrella, Fresh Collective Market, GateKeeper Games, …Have You Any Wool?, June & December, Peninsulas, Pinspiration Berkley, PUCK HCKY, Red Arrow Tattoo Collective, Reware Vintage, Toadvine Books, Tootie & Tallulah’s, The Twisted Shamrock, Ullman’s Health & Beauty and VITRINE.

Rothman said, “The restaurants and retail stores were thrilled that the community supported them by eating and shopping locally, for as many items as possible and being gracious to their staff as many are understaffed. The holidays are approaching soon, so please consider buying local to support these businesses.”

STATE OF THE CITIES: The State of the Cities event, produced by CMNTv and sponsored by Beaumont Health, was held virtually on October 28, 2021. The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for local government entities including the City of Berkley, City of Huntington Woods, the Berkley School District, the Berkley Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the BACC, to report out to the community about the accomplishments and issues faced over the past year as well as talk about what is up-and-coming.

The Chamber honored local businesspeople and organizations during the State of the Cities that had been especially supportive of the Berkley community. Its Best of Berkley awards are traditionally given to Chamber members who exemplify leadership, have passion for the area, and go out of their way to support businesses with a commitment to making the community shine.

Rothman added, “This past year, with the pandemic, they had to be especially creative and think outside of the box.” The 2021 recipients focused largely on ensuring that the community flourished despite the Coronavirus.

THE 2021 CHAMBER HONOREES INCLUDED VITRINE, owned by Susan Rogal, as Business of the Year, and Robyn Cohen, owner of Sum Girls Boutique, as Businessperson of the Year.

VITRINE and Rogal have been instrumental in bringing attention to downtown Berkley businesses, especially along the Coolidge Corridor, where VITRINE is located.

“VITRINE is always coming up with new ways to promote Berkley, and Susan personally recruits businesses to participate in the downtown shopping events,” Nicolai said. “Susan is so willing to help new businesses on Coolidge succeed by offering them advice and connecting them with people who can help.”

“In particular, they were instrumental in growing this year’s Berkley Street Art Fest, using their summer marketing dollars usually allocated to promoting their business,” Nicolai said. “And their staff personally, on their own, promoted the event.”

The second honoree, Robyn Coden, “is a champion for downtown Berkley and its businesses,” Nicolai said. “At least once a month, she has an event that brings different vendors and businesses to town to promote at her store. She also consistently donates, both monetarily and of her time, to the community, civic groups, and Berkley Schools.”

Coden regularly employs students from Berkley High School and Anderson Middle School to work in the store and creates cross-promotional opportunities with other businesses. She has recruited new businesses to open their storefronts in Berkley, and through her social media presence, she is always drawing attention to these businesses.

Nicolai explained, “Both honorees are passionate about making sure everyone in downtown Berkley succeeds.”

Rothman and Nicolai are especially grateful to the “wonderful writers of this annual City Guide who all do a fantastic job.”

For more information on BACC activities and events, or to become a member, visit the Chamber’s newly launched site: www.berkleychamber.com

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By Ingrid Sjostrand

More Than Just A Bank… A Community Asset.

AFTER THE LAST TWO YEARS, WE ALL RECOGNIZE AND APPRECIATE the value of face-to-face interactions. MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) didn’t need a global pandemic, though – it’s been the foundation of their business for 84 years.

“There are certain transactions people feel more comfortable completing in person when they’re able to meet with someone face-to-face who is an expert in that area,” said Deidre Davis, MSUFCU Chief Marketing Officer. “That’s the value our employees bring each and every day to every community we are in.”

Maybe the importance of that value comes from their roots. MSUFCU was founded in 1937 during the Great Depression, to help their members borrow and save. It has since grown to include 22 Michigan branches and over 315,000 members worldwide. The Berkley branch, located at 1833 Coolidge Hwy, opened in November 2019 and is one of their dualbranded locations with Oakland University Credit Union, a trade name of MSUFCU.

“Our selection of Berkley as a credit union location was part of our plan to continue our expansion in Oakland County,” Davis said. “At the time, MSUFCU was serving over 16,500 members who lived within ten miles of the branch. Today, we have 19,705 members who live within ten miles of the branch, and more than 42,038 members who live in Oakland County.”

AND THEY DIDN’T JUST BUILD A BRANCH IN BERKLEY. MSUFCU became actively integrated into the local community. They’ve sponsored many city events, including CruiseFest and the Berkley Street Art Fair, and regularly make donations to area organizations, such as the Norup International School Dance FitChallenge, Forgotten Harvest in Oak Park and Lighting the Way with Detroit Cristo Rey High School.

The COVID-19 pandemic only increased MSUFCU’s commitment to the communities they serve and efforts to help local area businesses. In 2020, they introduced a “Back-toBusiness” loan program and launched #MSUFCUEatsLocal, a social media campaign, which highlighted local restaurants and rewarded residents for supporting them.

“Members and employees were encouraged to order local takeout or delivery for a chance to win two $25 gift cards to a local restaurant, one for the winner and one to pay forward to someone else,” Davis said.

While sponsoring city events and supporting local businesses are essential to community growth, for MSUFCU it all comes back to helping residents of Berkley reach their financial goals. As a credit union, they’re able to offer many low- or no-fee services, low loan rates and competitive saving rates by returning their earnings to their members.

“Our mission is to help employees and members achieve their financial goals, and ultimately their dreams,” Davis said. “We believe it’s our responsibility to protect and improve the financial health of the communities we serve.”

MSUFCU ALSO OFFERS A VARIETY OF FINANCIAL EDUCATION RESOURCES including a podcast Wallet Watch, financial education events with topics for every age, and how-to videos on their products and services.

“Berkley is a vibrant and active community that we are honored to be a part of, and we look forward to future partnerships and supporting the success of community members,” Davis said.

Membership isn’t limited to Michigan State University or Oakland University students and faculty, there are a variety of ways to become an MSUFCU member. To learn more, visit msufcu.org/whocanjoin.

MSUFCU | 1833 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley MI 48072
(800) 678-4968
Katie Searl, katie.searl@msufcu.org
Danielle Deneau, ddeneau@msufcu.org
Jeff Skeans, Jeff.skeans@msufcu.org

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By Ingrid Sjostrand

FOR 18 YEARS, T. SCOTT GALLOWAY AND HOWARD COLLENS HAVE BEEN RUNNING THEIR LAW PRACTICE TOGETHER, serving the Metro Detroit community both legally and philanthropically. But their professional and personal relationship goes back much further.

“Howard and I first met working for the UAW International Union during law school, then worked together at the UAW Legal Services Plan,” Galloway said. “We’ve worked together our entire professional careers!”

When they decided to start their own practice in 2003, they knew two things: Both wanted to work closer to home and directly impact their local community, and they wouldn’t be able to bring any clients from their former jobs.

“It was a little bit dicey. We had two attorneys, three computers and no clients when we opened. We’ve done nothing but build since,” Collens said. “And we really have been fortunate to be active members of the community the entire time.”

Located at 26075 Woodward Ave. in Huntington Woods, Galloway and Collens PLLC is a boutique firm dealing with a variety of issues that affect everyone living in Metro Detroit. Galloway’s practice focuses on real estate law.

“A BIG PART OF WHAT WE DO IS COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL TRANSACTIONAL WORK. We’ve been involved in transactions with and represented some of the biggest names in Detroit sports and entertainment,” he said. “Another interesting niche is working with houses of worship as they look to sell large buildings and plots of land. We also represent real estate brokerages and property management companies.”

Collens, on the other side of the practice, handles matters surrounding estate law.

“My practice focuses on estate planning, estate administration and elder law. Estate planning involves preparing wills, trusts and financial and medical powers of attorney,” Collens said. “The reality is that everyone will die eventually and some of us will become incapacitated, but you won’t necessarily know that this will be your lot. We help anticipate some of those situations, and help our clients reflect on what’s important to them to make sure their wishes are carried out as they hope.”

It might be hard to see how those two worlds tie together, but the practices intersect quite often.

“There’s good overlap in our practice – you could imagine a situation where someone dies and has real estate they need to sell. We can help coordinate between both parties of our practice to make that happen more smoothly and efficiently,” Collens said. “A lot of probate issues also touch on real estate. Someone tries to sell a house only to find out there was an interest that didn’t get resolved and needs to have an estate opened.”

THE LAST TWO YEARS, WITH THE PANDEMIC AND ALL ITS WEIGHT, have been eye-opening to how rapidly things can change and how quickly loss can come. This was something Collens specifically dealt with in his specialty.

“The pandemic has been a tragic time and we see it directly, either dealing with people who have died of COVID or families that have suffered a loss,” he said. “People are more well-attuned with death, and dying in ways because of the pandemic and that means people are more inclined to do planning because they see the realities of what it means not to plan.” While nothing can ease the grief of loss, preparedness can lighten that burden.

Much like their law firm helps people in many difficult situations, Galloway and Collens are also dedicated to making a personal, community impact in Huntington Woods and Berkley.

“We’re locally-based. A lot of our clientele are people that we live near and we’re really grateful for that,” Collens said. “We’ve always felt it’s important to get involved in our community and to support the institutions that make our community what it is.”

“The best part of being in the community is being able to integrate our personal and professional lives to serve neighbors,” Galloway added. “Howard and I are very committed to making Berkley and Huntington Woods an even better place to live than it already is, and we are always looking for ways to lend support.”

www.gallowaycollens.com
info@gallowaycollens.com

0 1723

By Sara E. Teller

Businessman, Family Man & Visionary

JACK ARONSON, FOUNDER OF GARDEN FRESH IN FERNDALE AND A MAN WHO GAVE FIERCELY TO THE COMMUNITY HE LOVED, died peacefully in his sleep at age 68 after a battle with cancer. His heart of gold and love for his family will long outlive him.

Aronson was first and foremost a go-getter. He poured passion into everything he did. Son Daniel Aronson, the youngest of five now-grown children, said “I couldn’t have asked for a better role model and father. He was determined and hard-working, and yet he always made time to be with his kids.”

Daniel said of his father’s business mindset that he was always innovative and on the cutting edge. “He was the heart and soul of Garden Fresh,” he said. “He created the recipes. My mom helped make it come together while my dad would go out and sell it. He partnered with business-minded people. When he discovered that some of the products, like onions, were exploding, he researched high-pressure pasteurization vessels; water pressure which kills pathogens extending the shelf life and keeping everything fresh. It was a game-changer.”

Brett Tillander, CEO of Metro Detroit Youth Club, echoed these sentiments, saying of Aronson, “He saw the things that go unseen and heard the things that go unheard.” For the Youth Club, “He was a coach for people who needed it.”

ARONSON DID MUCH FOR THE KIDS INVOLVED WITH THE CLUB. Tillander remembers Aronson set one of the members up to throw a first pitch at a Comerica Park game. Aronson was inspired by her tenacity, Tillander said, and mentored her until, as an adult, she began to work with autistic youth herself. He recalled, “Jack had the ability to seed and inspire others to take action.”

He also added that Jack and wife Annette made a great team, saying, “Throughout their time at Garden Fresh, they both did so much. I remember Annette wouldn’t let the sale of Pepsi go through so that employees wouldn’t lose their jobs.” He chucked and recalled, “One day, Annette came in and some of the employees were anxious about it, wondering why she was there. Turns out, she just came in to wash the windows.”

Daniel and Tillander both agreed some of their favorite memories with Aronson involved food. Daniel called his dad a “foodie” and said he was a “phenomenal cook” who would feed a crowd by coming up with “seven different things that would somehow all come together in the end.” He added, “My favorite memories were driving around finding new places to eat.”

TILLANDER SHARED A STORY OF ARONSON RANDOMLY DRIVING HIM out to Red Hots Coney Island in Highland Park (now closed), putting four coney dogs in front of him and leaving him with a to-go bag of twenty. He didn’t have the heart to tell his friend he had just switched to being a vegetarian. He knew Aronson had a love for food, and Tillander ended up just eating them all. He said, “Whenever Jack was driving, it was an adventure. You had no idea where you were going and yet it was all okay.”

Daniel found his dad’s willingness to go above and beyond and get involved in as many charitable organizations as possible incredibly inspiring. He recalled, “He was involved in lots of charities, not only the Youth Club, he did a lot with the Salvation Army and the Beyond Basics Reading Program.” He added, “Above all, my dad was passionate, compassionate and strong.”

Tillander hopes that “when the silence comes, when the flowers stop, when the cards stop, others remember to connect with Annette and the family. They’ve done so much for the community.”

Jack is survived by his loving wife and devoted partner,  Annette (known as Vitamin A), his children Trevor (Angela), Melissa (Davey), Melanie (Dave), Jack (Bridget) and Daniel (Shantel) as well as 16 beautiful grandchildren, Tyler A, Tyler, Marlie, Janet, Katie, Jayson, Landon, Ryan, Lily, Katie, Emily, Mya, Lea, Hannah, Olivia and Drea, and siblings Kenneth (Joan), Virginia (Gordon), Diana (Roger), David (Lynn). Predeceased by his parents and his brother, Sonny.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Metro Detroit Youth Clubs (www.miclubs.org), Say Detroit (saydetroit.org), Salvation Army of South-Eastern Michigan (centralusa.salvationarmy.org/emi) or Beyond Basics (www.beyondbasics.org).

JACK WAS A PROUD GRADUATE OF FERNDALE HIGH SCHOOL, a restauranteur, and founder of Garden Fresh Gourmet. But, more than that, Jack and his beloved wife Annette, were committed to helping our community and our children achieve a better future. As a part of that commitment, the Aronsons made an incredible investment in Ferndale Public Schools to help improve literacy.

Jack knew that success for any student is built on a strong foundation of literacy. Due to the incredible generosity of the Aronsons, Ferndale Schools was able to hire a full-time reading specialist and purchase flexible learning furniture, computers, and licenses for READ 180 curriculum. READ 180 is a researched-based reading tool that blends reading comprehension, academic vocabulary and writing skills for students. Thanks to the Aronsons, Ferndale High School has been able to provide vital reading intervention and tutoring for hundreds of students.

Jack’s commitment was much more than just financial. In addition to being involved in the reading program at FHS, he and Annette regularly took the students on culturally diverse field trips and brought them lunch so that they could talk and get to know each other. Jack was committed to establishing personal relationships with our students and school community.

Jack’s engagement traveled far beyond the boundaries of Ferndale. He served on the board of Beyond Basics (an organization promoting youth literacy), as well as the national board of the Salvation Army. Through their foundation, Jack and Annette were also significant contributors to Boys and Girls Clubs of South Oakland County, as well as other charitable causes focusing on bettering the lives of children and young adults.

WHILE MANY WILL REMEMBER JACK for his incredible success in the business world. We in Ferndale have been blessed to know Jack personally and to witness the truly life changing impact of his generosity. The greatest legacy any of us can hope to leave behind is one where through our actions in life others benefit when we are gone. Jack has truly left a legacy that will positively impact our community for generations to come.

On behalf of the entire Ferndale Schools family, I want to send my deepest condolences to Annette and the entire Aronson family.

Thank you Jack.

Dania H. Bazzi, PhD
Superintendent, Ferndale Schools

 

THERE ARE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF THE TIMES I SPENT WITH JACK. I know I don’t stick out as anyone special in any particular way but that’s completely appropriate. Jack was a larger-than-life person to probably everyone he knew.

We met when I was running AJ’S Cafe in downtown Ferndale. AJ’s was a beloved “living room” of Ferndale that achieved a lot of local, even national and global attention for the many grassroots activities that happened there. Jack once told me that when he traveled around, people knew two things about Ferndale, him and AJ’s Cafe! That was pretty cool.

When the time came to leave AJ’s Cafe, I was kind of like a fish out of water. I had no idea that the social capital we had achieved at AJ’s could be translated into working capital somehow. I put my chips down on a coffee company and we called it Detroit Bold, because the city of Detroit and all of its people, despite all we had endured throughout the ages, was bold. It was the best word to describe us.

THERE WAS NO ONE I COULD HAVE IMAGINED ASKING FOR ADVICE OTHER THAN JACK. He basically took me under his wing and took me in. I’ll never forget that first meeting on 9 Mile at his headquarters in Ferndale. He sat me down at this super-long executive meeting table with he, Dave Zilko, and Mike Griffin, his trusted cohorts. They began to lay out a plan for me to follow and gave me the necessary roadmap towards success. Detroit Bold is sold in hundreds of stores today and it would never have happened were it not for Jack.

It was not all work, though. I played in his charity softball games because he asked me to be one of the celebrities. I could not imagine myself as a celebrity but hey – if he wanted me to play I was glad to, no questions asked. I knew the cause was good. We had a lot of lunches together, mostly at Red Hot’s Coney in Highland Park. We both were originally from around there and loved to go back. Our roasting operation is there, too. Jack made sure to stop in and see the facilities and lend his name to ours.

In 2016, we lost our mom. Throughout the year, Jack always made sure that I went back home with hummus, chips and salsa. Our mother was bedridden and had a hard time eating, but she sure loved that hummus. I Face-Timed Jack for my mom so she could say hello and, of course, Jack was gracious enough to chat with her.

Jack and Annette (that was our mom’s name too!) attended the funeral and took me off to the side of the room where they gifted our family a check to help with the funeral costs. I was so flabbergasted, it was completely unexpected and quite helpful. Jack and Annette knew that my coffee business was still a fledgling business.

JACK NEVER SOUGHT ATTENTION FOR THAT KIND OF STUFF. I think Jack knew that happiness did not come from the attainment of things. It came for Jack by giving, and quietly so. I think that of all the gifts he has given to me, that is the one that I cherish the most.

If you knew Jack, you know what I mean. If you didn’t know him, rest assured you

would have liked him. He gave his time and talents to me as he would to anyone who crossed his path.

Rest, dear friend. We will carry on and your memory will live on for generations to come.

AJ O’Neil
Detroit Bold Coffee & AJ’s Cafe

 

I KNEW JACK ARONSON SINCE THE ’70S, THROUGH A MUTUAL FRIEND. But I really got to know him and his wife Annette in the early ’90s, working for him at Clubhouse BBQ. Then, in August of 1998, I started working for them making salsa in the back of the restaurant. That’s when the real story began.

As the salsa business grew over the years, so did their love for helping others. Through their humble struggle building a business, so did their humanitarianism grow. They became involved with the Bed & Breakfast Club, Salvation Army, The Boys & Girls Club and many other great giving foundations. They started their own Artichoke Garlic Foundation. They help fund Beyond Basics and many more. They have been there for countless organizations and thousands of individuals over the years.

I love these people who also helped me in my time of need. I can’t express my deep sadness for the loss of my friend. Jack who lost a three-year struggle with cancer. Through his struggle, he learned so much about this horrific disease, traveling to Switzerland, Austria and lastly Hungary in June/July of this year searching for alternative cures. Through his travels, much was learned for future cancer victims.

His memory will live on throughout the world forever. R.I.P. my dear friend and boss in Heaven with all of the other Earth’s Angels.

Sincerely, your Cherbot 2000!
Cher Mitchell

I’D HEARD HIS NAME IN MY HOUSE EVERY DAY FOR YEARS. My mom was always going to work at his house, or she would hang with his wife, Annette (one of her best friends). Jack was my first boss at Clubhouse BBQ in Ferndale. Now I know the whole family, and am sorry for their loss of such a creative and generous man! He loved helping his community.

I was already working at the restaurant when he created Garden Fresh Salsa. I worked at a few different positions for that company too. On one trip in Chicago, Jack told a waiter it was my birthday. It was not, but they didn’t know that, and the staff came with a cake and song. It’s funny to look back on now! He made a pig for my luau graduation party and an employee put the pig’s head on my living room table! (I had just become a vegetarian.)

Jack sent me food often through my mom. He knew I love salmon. He loved me, and called me Amy Lou. (“Jack, like you know that is not my middle name right?”) I used that name on a voice text telling him that I loved him about eight hours before he died. I am very grateful that I knew to tell him that then.

He made his dreams come true and did what he was sent here to do, which is to help people! I could never forget him even if I wanted to. He has been such a big part of my life.

Amy Mitchell

ONE THING ABOUT JACK ARONSON (there are too many to list) is that each relationship he had was unique to that individual. He always made you feel important, no matter if you were a student trying to build your own brand or the CEO of a major company. I never saw any ego in any of my time with him over the years.

When I was in treatment for cancer, he made sure I had food prepared each week, and when it was over he and Annette offered me a job with the Ferndale Literacy Project. He saved my life in ways he and Annette never knew. Heartbroken that I will never hear that booming voice again or have to struggle to keep up with his speed-talking. Love you,  Jack.

Carol Jackson
Ferndale Literacy Project
SouthEast Oakland Coalition

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