March 2014

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Detroit City Limits
Hitting All the High Notes
March Issue
Photo courtesy of Michael Hacala
Detroit Children’s Choir uses music to
inspire others in their communities
By Jane Peterson
Many children are told that when they
can grow up they can be anything they
want to be. Members of the Detroit
Children’s Choir are learning that they
don’t have to wait until they are grown
up to make a difference.
“Children have the ability to make an impact in the
community and elsewhere around the world,” said
Margo Strebig, director of communications for the
Detroit Children’s Choir (DCC).
Since 2006, the Detroit Children’s Choir has been
helping youth ages 8-14 learn about community
involvement, social awareness and leadership skills as
well as develop a lifelong appreciation for the creative
arts.
Over 200 children are involved in program, which
includes:
• Three neighborhood choirs: The Northwest
Neighborhood Choir, Mid-town Choir and the
Southwest Neighborhood Choir. These choirs are open
to all children who wish to sing and be encouraged by
music
• The DCC Concert Chorale for children who
wish to explore music literacy, vocal technique
and performance opportunities. This is offered in
conjunction with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s
Civic Youth Ensemble
• The DCC Touring Choir, an audition-only choir
that performs at many local events
• In-school choirs that bring music education directly
to participating schools
Among
the
DCC’s
missions is for children to
make connections with
others who have different
backgrounds than their
own. The hope is that
bonds can be formed
and
understanding
strengthened so children
become
ambassadors
and leaders in their communities both now and in the
future.
As DCC members learn about reading music,
counting and rhythm, they establish a strong sense of
team work, learn the importance of harmonizing as a
group, discover the power of discipline and develop
self-confidence, said Strebig.
“They really come together as a team for a common
purpose,” she said.
Experienced choir members mentor new members as
they work side-by-side to hone their musical talents
and express themselves in song. Strebig said it’s
inspiring to watch shy children blossom into leaders.
“Music tends to bring children out of their shell,” she
said. “We want them to be proud of their talent.”
The Detroit Children’s Choir has been invited to sing
at Detroit Pistons and Shock games, the Ben Carson
Covenant Community Care Event, Southwest Dance
Showcase and Voices for Michigan Children to name
a few. Last fall they performed a “Go Get ‘Em Tigers!”
performance with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in
Detroit’s historic Orchestra Hall.
Next up for the DCC is a Spring Concert titled “Love
in Many Languages.” Scheduled for 4 p.m. May 31 at
the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit,
the performance will feature the combined voices
of the Detroit Children’s Choir as well as musicians
from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Children will
share the universal language of music and premiere an
original commissioned piece by Paola Marquez called
“I’m Love.” The concert is free and open to the public.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Detroit
Children’s Choir can visit www.detroitchildrenschoir.
org.
Detroit City Limits
Logo Design
Contest!!
See page 11 for details
Heart of the Art: Detroit Artists Market
The Detroit Artists Market gallery.
Photo courtesy of the DAM.
By Phil Stayhue
The idea of the “starving
artist” probably dates back
to about a week after the first prehistoric
human applied paint on a cave wall,
but the term took on an entirely new
– and grim -- meaning in Detroit’s art
community in the midst of America’s
Great Depression. Artists created -and their works sat unsold -- until a
handful of imaginative local art patrons
recognized a need and established the
Detroit Artists Market (DAM) in 1932.
Founded by Mrs. H. Lee
Simpson and originally dubbed the
Detroit Young Artists Market, this
non-profit art gallery remains true to
the founding ideals by creating a venue
for artists in the community to exhibit
and sell their works, simultaneously
educating the public about art. While
the gallery has called seven different
locations in Detroit home over the years,
the present DAM address in Detroit’s
Midtown – 4719 Woodward Avenue – is
one that should be considered a mustsee for long-time Detroit art collectors
and new visitors alike.
“The DAM is a unique space
with a rich history. Our mission is
to simply uplift the arts community
by supporting local artists, both
emerging and established by providing
opportunities to showcase and sell
their work,” said Dalia Reyes, programs
manager, Detroit Artists Market. “It is
important and vital to support the arts
and the Detroit community – and we
are proud to be a part of that. Thanks
to our devoted members, sponsors and
volunteers we continue to do that today.”
Another DAM team member
shared equally strong feelings.
“The variety and the quality of
the artwork exhibited here is a direct
reflection of the vast creativity you find
here in Detroit,” said Peter Gahan, DAM
exhibitions manager. “Artists that have
been exhibiting work for decades are
many times shown along with artists
who are still honing their craft in area
colleges and universities.”
Guests visiting the gallery also
have an opportunity through DAM
membership to support an organization
that has long relied upon community
support to make art more accessible in
the city. The DAM boasts a full schedule
of exhibitions, specials events, artist
opportunities and more. A variety of
membership levels are available to meet
donor needs.
“Our members include local
artists, patrons, students, collectors,
neighbors and art lovers,” added Reyes.
“By being a member of the Detroit
Artists Market, you are supporting the
non-for-profit organization, becoming a
part of a solid creative community and
allowing us to continue to be a resource
for artists and art appreciators.”
Art collectors and admirers
are always welcome, and so are the
artists making the gallery possible.
Artists interested in showcasing their
contemporary works are welcome
to contact the gallery for scheduled
exhibition opportunities. Additionally,
the DAM maintains an “Artist Database”
on its Web site featuring artist-members
and their artwork.
Within the DAM is the
“Elements Gallery”, an always-ongoing
retail space offering hundreds of
Michigan artist-made items in nearly
every medium imaginable. There
one will find ceramics, glass, jewelry,
photography, paintings, wearable fiber
items, and much more.
Learn more about the Detroit
Artists Market and how to make a
charitable contribution by visiting
the organization’s Web site – www.
detroitartistsmarket.org – or calling
(313) 832-8540. Gallery hours are
11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through
Saturday. Admission is free to the public.
FAST FACT: Must-have art!
Local business owners can display
contemporary artwork by local artists
in their workplace through the Detroit
Artists Market’s Art Placement
Program. It’s an easy, affordable way
to distinguish any office environment.
The DAM staff can assist in
identifying suitable art. Call the
gallery today at (313) 832-8540.
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Detroit City Limits
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www.detroit-city-limits.com
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Publisher: Elizabeth H.
586-303-7216
Contributing Writers
Angela Barnes, Russ Bisinger, Jen Bucciarelli, Annette Compo, Michelle Fallena, Todd A. Luhtanen, Dr. Nandi,
Andre Salamy, Jane Peterson, Sarah Rigg, Kurt Schwarz, Beth Schensky, Phil Stayhue
Detroit City Limits is run by EHAC, LLC. Copyright 2013 - Detroit City Limits reserves all rights. This is a free publication and may not be reproduced either in part or whole without permission from the publisher. Detroit City Limited does not assume responsibility of unsolicited materials of any sort. The publisher has the right to decline anything that is submitted and does
not meet the guidelines of what Detroit City Limits represents. Whatever is submitted to Detroit City Limits becomes their property unless otherwise specified. Whatever material needs
to be returned must have a self-stamped addressed envelope attached to it, if it’s not- your loss! Everything within the publication is strictly the view of Detroit City Limits and in no way
represents the view of other cities, suburbs or individuals.
2 Volume 1 March 2014
Detroit City Limits
Detroit pickle maker Topor’s offers a product ‘just like
grandma used to make’ By Sarah Rigg
The red brick building
at 2800 Standish St. in Detroit where
Topor’s pickles are made isn’t particularly
eye-catching, but the company’s product
is a Detroit icon.
Reviewers on yelp.com heap praise
on the pickles saying, “I’m addicted to
Topor’s!” or “These are the best pickles
in the country.” On other online forums,
people who have moved away from
Michigan are desperate to find out where
they can buy their favorite pickles.
The current owner, Larry Topor, says the
flavor of his pickles are “often imitated,
never duplicated.”
Topor (pronounced TOE-per) took
over the business from his father, Harry,
who established Topor’s Pickles in 1960.
Harry Topor had owned a delicatessen
in Detroit for many years, and when he
realized his deli’s pickles were extremely
popular, he sold the deli to start a
business dedicated solely to making
pickles.
The company has remained a family
operation. Larry Topor’s wife, K.P.,
is “the head clerical person” for the
company, Topor said. The couple’s three
children have all worked at the company
over the years, though they have all gone
on to other careers now.
The pickles are unique for a number of
reasons, the main one being that they
are made with the cold-packed natural
barrel process.
“Our natural barrel genuine dill pickle,
the blue label, has no chemicals,
preservatives or additives. We achieve
our taste through natural fermentation,”
Topor said. “They’re like the pickles
grandma used to make and store in the
basement.”
In addition to the original recipe pickled
cucumbers, Topor’s also sells baby dill
and spicy pickles, green dill tomatoes,
and pickled hot and sweet peppers.
In recent years, the pickles have gotten
attention outside of Michigan as well.
Food Network’s show “Food Finds,”
about six years ago, came to Detroit and
Detroit’s Oldest Restaurant
By Russ Bisinger
One of my favorite Detroit restaurants is Roma Café. They are
located on 3401 Riopelle in the Eastern Market area. Roma Café
proudly boosts being, “Detroit’s Oldest Restaurant”. The atmosphere
is great for just about anything, from casual dining to high-class special occasions.
Adding to their long list of distinguished guests (like me), they were recently
honored by a visit from our Vice President and Mayor. I have never had a bad meal
here. The tuxedo clad wait staff is on a friendly high alert. Everyone you run into
makes you feel so welcome. The last time I was there for lunch, I started with an
antipasto salad with house dressing. Served with bread, they proudly mix their
special salads at a nearby serve area. The ingredients were high quality, generous
and the house dressing made it even more special. For my main course, I had the
Chicken Parmesan. It was breaded, smothered in cheese and served with spaghetti.
It was the best I ever had. I finished with a cup of amazing coffee and an authentic
cannoli. As much as I would like to keep this Detroit gem to myself, I know it is only
right to spread the word.
Photo taken by Russ Bisinger
featured just three Detroit foods:
Alinosi’s confections, Sander’s
chocolates, and Topor’s pickles.
“To tell you the truth, it was kind of
a pain,” Topor said. “I fielded 4,000
calls in four days, and our regular
customers couldn’t get through.”
Topor said that the publicity was
“irreplaceable” but didn’t necessarily
result in a lot of extra sales.
“I get requests to ship the pickles all
over the country, but my product is
refrigerated,” Topor said. “It has to go
overnight freight air, and shipping costs
four times what the product would cost.
Even if you went second-day ground
with dry ice, it still doubles the cost. It
just did not pay to ship the product.”
Luckily, those living in southeast
Michigan will probably be able to find
these Detroit pickles at Meijer, Kroger
or Hiller’s grocery stores, as well as
at venues such as Bread Basket Delis,
Holiday Market and even the Tiger Den
at Comerica Park.
For more information about Topor’s
Pickles,
call
313-237-0288,
or
watch a YouTube video of Larry
Topor talking about the company’s
history at http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=MMykXdwQxXs (or visit
YouTube.com and search for “Topor’s
Pickles”).
--Sarah Rigg is a freelance writer and
editor in southeast Michigan. You may
reach her at [email protected]
Milano Bakery & Cafe
Pączki Day
March 4th
St. Patrick’s Day
March 17th
Preorder your
Different varieties
of Pączki today
Preorder your
Cakes, Cookies
& More
don’t forget
preorder today!
3500 Russell Detroit, MI. 48207
313-833-9557
open monday - saturday 7am - 5pm
located in detroits eastern market
Detroit City Limits Volume 1 March 2014 3
Seasonal Affective Disorder
By Dr. Nandi
The Winter Blues! We all seem to have it
occasionally, but what happens when it becomes
a problem, causing depression, decreased energy
and loss of interest in activities. When these
“winter blues” happen at the same time each
year and affects your life, you may be suffering
from seasonal affective disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is defined
by a change in your mood at the same time
each year. We don’t know the exact cause but
reduced sunlight has a role in changing your
body’s rhythm and can change the chemicals in
your body. This can result in the symptoms of
depression.
If you’re having the symptoms of
seasonal affective disorder, please see your
doctor. There is effective treatment, including
light therapy where you sit near a light box. This
light simulates outdoor light and can change
the chemicals in your brain. Also, medicines
prescribed by your doctor can help as well as
psychotherapy.
To fight seasonal affective disorder, it’s
very important to increase the light in your
home or work. Open the blinds and let the light
in! Unless your health or extreme temperatures
don’t allow it, go outside and enjoy outdoor
activities. Exercise is vital and can help treat
seasonal affective disorder.
In the winter months, it’s tempting to
stay inside, parked in the front of the television.
Don’t get trapped by this behavior. Remain
active and energized! Help keep the winter
blues away.
FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD By the Travel Diva
As winter days go, today was a very good one. The sun was
shining and the temperature rose above 40. o F My thoughts
turned to summer, which led me to create a list of festivals you,
should consider experiencing this year. Some may cater to
specific crowds, while others are good for everyone to enjoy. It is a mix of budgetfriendly and higher-end events that are fun for groups, couples, singles, families,
young and old, alike. Here they are in random order, domestic and international
locations combined.
The 1st GRAMMY® Music Festival at Sea.
Nov. 4 – 8. Sailing from Miami to Grand Bahama Island and Nassau, this festival
will celebrate and feature GRAMMY women who rock, including Estelle, Shawn
Colvin, Emmylou Harris, and Indigo Girls. More artists to be added.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico
October 4-12. This festival takes place at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. A parade,
balloon races, flights, and much more make the skies come alive with spectacular
color for this family friendly event. A must for anyone who loves these grand flying
machines.
Wodaabe Gerewol and Cure Salee –In-Gall, Niger, Africa
September 11. Two events in one: The Gerewol is a beauty pageant for men and
also a courtship ritual. The Cure Salee is the gathering of Wodaabe tribes (and
tourists) that is a harvest festival, marketplace, and spectacular display of the lush
culture of a still nomadic people.
Tango Buenos Aires Festival – Buenos Aires, Argentina
August 13 -26. Evita may have said not to cry for her, but you might surely weep at
the sheer beauty of the evocative dance that is the Tango. Each year a half-million
spectators attend this lively festival. There is nothing like it anywhere.
4 Volume 1 March 2014
Harlem Book Fair – New York City
July 11-12. The Harlem Book Fair is the largest book fair of its kind, with over 250
booths and stages along West 135th Street offering books, story-telling, readings,
music, author and celebrity meet-ups, and more.
World of Music, Arts, and Dance (WOMAD) – Wiltshire, England
July 24 – 27. A music festival for the whole family created by Genesis front man
Peter Gabriel, WOMAD works to bring the world together to be a better place. It’s
family friendly and has children’s activities such as workshops, areas for ages 14-17,
and a kid’s themed carnival.
Frontier Days – Cheyenne, Wyoming
July 18 – 27. Enjoy broncos, parades, pancake breakfasts, carnivals, concerts by big
name stars, and more during the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. This is a summer
vacation bargain with something for everyone.
Boryeong Mud Festival – Boryeong, South Korea
July 18 -27. This homage to the healing properties of the local mud flats has become
an international phenomenon. Participate in activities like the Mr. Mud contest,
mud races, or even a mud boot camp. Try something more sedate such as mud
facials, body painting, pottery demos, or lounging on Daecheon Beach. Family
picnics, toddler-friendly play areas, parties for the 20-something crowd, pop and
hip-hop performers from around the world, parades, cultural performances, and
fireworks all make this an unforgettable world event.
Well, this is all the space we have for now. You can reach me at Traveldiva@
star1vacations.com to learn more about any of these or other world festivals.
Consider making one of them your next travel destination. Let me know if you do,
or already have.
Until next time…
Ciao!
Detroit City Limits
Eastern Market Profile: JP’s Salgados - Brazilian Gourmet Foods
By Sarah Rigg
In each issue of Detroit City Limits, we’ll profile a regular vendor at Detroit’s Eastern Market, focusing on some
of the lesser-known vendors, products. This issue: JP’s Salgados.
Vendor: Jan and Pete.
Products: Authentic homemade Brazilian appetizer treats.
Location: Company kitchen is based in Taylor; vending out of Shed 5 on Saturdays at Eastern Market.
Phone number: 734-626-3271
Website: www.jpsalgados.com
Q & A with Pete of JP’s Salgados
DCL: How did you get started, and what does the
business name mean?
carried our product.
JPS: Salgado means salty finger foods in Portuguese.
Jan is from Brazil, from Sao Paulo. I got the idea for
the business when we went there to get married. That
was my first time going to Brazil, and I discovered the
food. That’s when I decided to start making it, because
I thought it was a product people would enjoy, and
it’s something nobody is doing here in southeast
Michigan. People know about Brazilian steakhouses,
but this is true authentic Brazilian street food. I started
the business to bring something new to the region. We
started in the Tuesday market at Eastern Market, but
when that closed for the season in October, we were
asked to participate in the Saturday market. We also
cater and deliver, and our products are sold frozen in
groceries and delis, and some local restaurants have
JPS: Basically, we’re making potato dough appetizers.
I make them with real potatoes, butter, flour and milk
to make the dough, and then we have an assortment
of different filings. Chicken is one of the most popular
items, but we also have beef, ham, spinach and feta,
and pepper jack cheese fillings. The spinach and feta
ones get a lot of attention from anyone vegetarian.
Detroit City Limits DCL: What are your most popular products?
DCL: What’s next for the business?
JPS: I’m doing the business on the side right
now, because I don’t have enough sales or market
recognition to support me doing it full time. My idea
was to start the business primarily as a wholesaler. I’d
make the stuff, freeze it, and then distribute it to stores
and restaurants. The biggest issue, though, is that
people don’t know the product, and at restaurants,
they need to train the waitstaff to push the product,
or customers won’t know to order it. I’d love to get
a food cart and go to places like Eastern Market and
cook it on site, but that has its own licensing issues. I
have a food producer license but not a mobile food
license. I’m working on getting that. I wish Detroit’s
government was a little more lenient toward the food
truck industry. There are so many restrictions to deal
with that it makes it hard to get started. My long-term
goal is to do this on a national level, get the product
into Meijer and Kroger.
DCL: What do you like about Detroit?
JPS: I like Eastern Market, the biggest market in the
area. It’s definitely a good place to get exposure, and
I’m glad to be part of that. Also, Detroit is diverse and
it’s growing.
Volume 1 March 2014 5
Calendar of Events 2014
Eastern Market Vendors
Saturday, 6am-4pm Shed 2, Detroit
Rent Live
Easter Chicks
Stop & See Johnny
in Shed 3 for all the details
or call(810) 798-3743 or
(810) 614-2954
Handmade
Authentic Pasta
Pasta Sauce
Ravioli Gnocchi & Olive Oil
(586) 298-1344
www.veracepastaeolio.com
Holtz
Farms
Fresh all home grown
Michigan produce
(734) 735-2463
Ida, MI
6 Volume 1 March 2014
March
Autorama- March 7-9, 2014, www.autorama.com
Spring Detroit Restaurant Week- Spring 2014, www.detroitrestaurantweek.com
Detroit Tigers Opening Day - March 31, detroit.tigers.mlb.com
April
Spring Detroit Restaurant Week- Spring 2014, www.detroitrestaurantweek.com
Big Day Thaw Classic- April 11-13, www.detroitsports.org
Metro Times Blowout- April 30-May 3, blowout.metrotimes.com
May
Eastern Market Flower Day- May 18, www.detroiteasternmarket.com
Movement: Detroit Electronic Music Festival- May 24-26, www.movement.us
Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix- May 30-June 1, www.detroitgp.com
Autopalooza- May-September 2014, autopalooza.org
June
Motor City Pride- June 7-8, motorcitypride.org
WYCD Downtown Hoedown- TBD, www.wycd.com
Detroit River Days- June 20-22, www.detroitriverdays.com
Ford Fireworks- June 23, www.theparade.org
Stars & Stripes Festival- June 27-29, www.starsandstripesfest.com
July
American Power Boat Association (APBA) Gold Cup- July 11-13, www.goldcup.com
Detroit Electronic Music Festival and Federation of Electronic Music
Technology (FEMT)- July 4-6, http://demf.us/
Art in The Park- July 11-13, artinthepark.com
Concert of Colors- July 2014, www.concertofcolors.com
Maker Faire at The Henry Ford- July 26-27, www.thehenryford.org
Orchard Lake Fine Art & Craft Show- July 26 & 27, www.hotworks.org/
orchardlakefineartshow
Arab and Chaldean World Festival- July 2014, www.arabandchaldeanfestival.com
Concours d’Elegance of America- July 27, www.concoursusa.org
August
African World Festival- August 14-15, www.maah-detroit.org
Woodward Dream Cruise- August 16, www.woodwarddreamcruise.com
Detroit Sports Commission Prep Kickoff Classic- August 28-30, www.
detroitsports.org
Michigan Renaissance Festival- August-September 2014, www.michrenfest.com
Arts, Beats & Eats Festival- August 29-September 1, www.artsbeatseats.com
Detroit Jazz Festival- August 29- September 1, www.detroitjazzfest.com
Michigan State Fair – August 29-September 1, 2014, www.michiganstatefairllc.
com
September
Arts & Apples Festival- September 5-7, www.artandapples.com
DIY Street Fair- September 2014, diystreetfair.com
Northville Victorian Festival- September 2014, www.northville.org
Tour de Troit- September 20, www.tour-detroit.org
Fall Detroit Restaurant Week- Fall 2014, www.detroitrestaurantweek.com
October
Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank Marathon- October 19, www.freepmarathon.
com
November
America’s Thanksgiving Parade- November 27, www.theparade.org
Big Bright Light Show- Mid-November-Early January, www
downtownrochestermi.com
December
Noel Night- December 6, detroitmidtown.com
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village- December 2014, www.thehenryford.org
Detroit City Limits
Collaboration empowers Ocelot Print Shop
Traditionally, learning the art and science behind the scenes
of a screen printing shop requires a level of dedication and
time simply not available to members of the community looking to turn
their artistic visions into reality. Those rules are being entirely rewritten
at a refreshingly bold and innovative new member of the Detroit creative
community – the Ocelot Print Shop and Artists’ Collective.
Founded in 2012 thanks to a shared inspiration between a trio of
like-minded individuals, Ocelot Print Shop (OPS) was envisioned as
“a community screen printing shop that is dedicated to providing a
collaborative work space to members of our community, offering nontraditional education in the form of classes and skill shares, and a full
service print shop where our members are the screen-printers,” according
to the organization’s Web site – www.ocelotprintshop.com.
The result of this bold enterprise is a community print shop enabling
artists to pursue screen printing knowledge in a professional environment
while exploring their artistic abilities by learning to print posters, t-shirts,
holiday cards and more during scheduled instructional sessions. Different
classes are offered throughout the year.
“The Ocelot Print Shop was created to provide a collaborative work space
to community members, offering non-traditional education through
informal classes and skill sharing,” said Bayard Kurth, OPS co-owner. “Our
goal is to serve as a community cornerstone for arts-based education and
access to screen printing equipment. We want to offer access to shared
print-making resources.”
Serving as a learning resource for artists, Ocelot Print Shop also affordably
meets an existing need in the community by fulfilling screen printing
Premium Meats
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needs of both businesses and
consumers. Paper products suitable
for screen printing include posters,
postcard and business cards.
Customers seeking screen printing
services on textiles can choose from
t-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags and
large sheets of fabric, to name a few.
Stickers, decals and fleet markings
are also available.
One of the unique factors about
OPS is the community-driven
theme making the enterprise a
reality. Three types of membership
in OPS – monthly, hourly, and
supporting – provide varying levels
of access to the facility, although
a working knowledge of screen
printing is not required with the
supporting membership level.
Ocelot Print Shop is located at 3535
Cass Avenue, in the Cass Corridor.
The building housing OPS is owned
by the Cass Corridor Neighborhood Development Corporation. Shop
hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; noon to
9:30 p.m. Wednesday; and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. For more information
about OPS, call (313) 573-4853.
Homes For Rent
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Detroit City Limits Volume 1 March 2014 7
Got a Real Estate Question?
Ask Annette!
Dear Annette
My wife has a home from before we were
married. We have been renting it out but have
been thinking that we would like to just sell it.
We went on a website that told us that the house
was worth $70,000, I am thinking that may a
little lower in value for us to sell. We listened
to your show every weekend and what your
opinion.
Arthur and Cheryl – Macomb
Great Question Arthur and Cheryl! Home prices
surged 11.3 percent this year compared to 2012,
the latest housing data by the National Association
of REALTORS® shows. A rise in home prices has
pulled more home owners out from underwater
with the return of equity this year. On NAR’s
Economists’ Outlook blog, researchers explain that
a borrower who bought a median-priced home
in 2004 and held it for nine years – the average
tenure in a home – would now have $28,114 in
equity (includes combined price appreciation and
paying down mortgage principle).
If you are curious about your home value, we
need to look at homes that have sold in the recent
months. With the real estate market going in two
directions; both up and down, using homes that
have sold that have closed recently will be a better
snapshot to the current value. Many websites
that you go to that are not Realtor backed, may
not use the date as a requirement. If the date is
not a requirement than the website may have use
a home that sold two years ago to get an average
and we all know that homes were selling for
a lot less 2 years ago. First step is for us to find
out the current value of your home and then we
can determine a plan of act to support selling the
home for the most amount of money in the fastest
amount of time!
Annette Compo is the popular host and Real
Estate Broker of Real Estate 411, heard weekly on
Sundays from 4-5pm on 760AM WJR. Annette is
a Real Estate Broker and a part of the Real Estate
Industry for 28 years. Annette has been helping
consumers understand all options when making
decisions with their largest investment, their real
estate. If you are thinking about what your home
is worth, call (877) ANNETTE
Annette would love to talk to you!
Credit vs. Deduction
By Beth Schensky
Everyone is busy… or at least should
be busy--getting their tax paperwork
together… so I thought we would
begin to take a look at the difference
between a tax deduction and a tax
credit today.
In summary…
•
A deduction can reduce
your adjusted gross income (or AGI).
It is your AGI that Michigan uses to
calculate your tax liability. The IRS
further adjusts that AGI figure using
itemized deductions to reduce the
dollar amount used to calculate your
tax liability.
•
Once your tax liability has
been calculated, a tax credit reduces
that amount of tax due dollar for
dollar
So which is “better”… more
“valuable”?
Definitely a credit.
For example: if you are in the 20%
tax bracket and have an 8,000 tax
liability:
8 Volume 1 March 2014
•
a $1000 deduction will
reduce the dollar amount that
you have to calculate your tax
from thus the $1,000 deduction
means that your tax liability will
decrease by $200 (20%--your tax
rate-- times $1000—the deduction
amount)
•
a $1000 credit will save
you $1000 in cold hard cash
because it reduces the actual tax
liability (so if you owed $8,000
before the credit… you will now
owe $7,000 after the credit)
Thus if you have a CHOICE (as
there often is in the tax world),
you are usually better off in terms
of dollars in the cash in your back
pocket by choosing a tax credit
before taking a tax deduction.
There are exceptions to this that
need to be considered. Remember
nothing is black and white in the
tax world!
Detroit City Limits
Spring is just around the corner - Really!
If you’re planning on moving this year, I can’t stress enough how important it is to use
a business that you can trust especially a mover.
There are a lot of movers out there that charge $10 - $30 less Per hour but that doesn’t
mean you will save money in the long run. Most of these companies are NOT covered
under workers comp and half of them aren’t even licensed. For a 6 hour move is it
really worth the $100.00 or less savings to gamble. Visit sites like the BBB and Angie’s
List too find someone you can trust even it it’s not Men on the Move.
Visit us at www.michiganmovers.com for your free residential or commercial quote
today!
Sincerely,
Gary L. Bulson
Men on the Move
General Manager, Owner
Movie Review:
LAST VEGAS:
For those of us that are a little older this is our “The Hangover” movie. I heard a lot
of mixed reviews about this movie but I loved it. I thought it was very funny. It was a
little predictable but what movie isn’t now a days. It is a must see if you 40+.
LONE SURVIVOR:
I loved this movie; it was a great tribute to the men that gave their lives in Operation
Red Wings. You can tell that they had Marcus Luttrell guiding them and making
sure things were not blown out of proportion just to make Hollywood happy. I will
definitely buy it once it comes out on DVD, Being a veteran I am picky about military
movies but I give this one 2 thumbs up.
SHOWTIME! In The “D”
By Michelle Fallena
March is here and hopefully Old Man Winter has finally departed
with the frigid “Winter Blast”.
The spring thaw will soon arrive and folks in the “D” are ready to do
their traditional change from “snow” suits to “bathing” suits! Before baseball season
starts there are a lot of other things to do and venues to visits; like the Fox Theater.
This is an architectural gem and a timeless treasure of the Golden Era of theaters.
Many of our downtown theaters have vanished but the magnificent Fox remains in
the “D”. My husband and I were volunteer ushers at the Fox for over ten years. For
special productions the Red Carpet was rolled out to the curb. Detroit’s elite would
arrive in their shiny limos. A chauffeur would open the door and the ladies would
get out, attired in the finest designer fashion and furs. Their escorts in tail tuxedos.
It was like being at the Emmy awards. At that time all of the volunteers who worked
at the Fox Theater were on teams. Each team had two leaders who gave out their
assignments and what future shows they had to work. If there was a special show you
wanted to see you could ask another team leader if you could work that day. Once the
patrons were seated you were allowed to sit in certain areas and see the show. It was
great. My husband I saw a lot wonderful shows and great entertainers over the years.
That was yesterday. Today things have changed and society has become more modern
but the Fox still retains all of its magical qualities. The brightly lit marquee shines
along Woodward Avenue for all to see, inviting everyone. This is truly a magnificent
landmark in the “D”. Take the time to come down for a visit. See the sumptuous
interior with its Far Eastern design.
Enjoy a show. There is always something for everyone!
See you soon!
Detroit City Limits Volume 1 March 2014 9
I Never Stop Learning
By Andre Salamy
Recently, I was asked why I take continuing education so seriously.
My response was a simple “Why not?” As a realtor we are required
to maintain our license by taking continuing education classes
yearly. I went one step further and did two designation classes and
I couldn’t be happier about that decision.
The first class I took was a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation class.
SRES designation means I have taken the steps to have additional training in dealing
with our Seniors. After all, they are the fastest growing population and arguably the
greatest generation. The training entailed what to focus on and to really listen to, not
just hear, what the clients needs are. This should always be the case, but in our ever
evolving, technology driven society, paying attention can be difficult.
Detroit
Fully functional and operational body and
repair shop. 4 bays with over head doors for
repair, an alignment/tire bay and a body/paint
bay. New roof and doors 2013. Includes lifts
and hoists and other equipment. Don’t miss out
on this opportunity.
The second class I took was an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation
class. ABR designation means I have taken the steps to have additional training in
dealing with Buyers. The training entailed some things to pay attention to when
walking through a home with clients as well as writing a Buyer beneficial offer. I
have had great success working with Buyers. However, I wanted to become better.
I take education seriously. Because of this, I can better serve clients in capacities
they need me to. The learning is not over. I have a couple more classes I want to take
in the coming months, so stay tuned for updates. In the meantime, whether you fit
into one of the categories above or not, I can handle all of your real estate needs. So
give me a call at 248-932-0330 or 877-ANNETTE. You can also reach me through
our website at www.realestate411now.com. Again, whatever your real estate need,
I can help.
Detroit
Large 3 level home, hardwood floors throughout,
6 bedrooms, full basement, detached 2 car garage,
butlers pantry, fire place in living room, kitchen has
granite counter tops, tile floor and backsplash.
Dearborn Heights
Wow!Adorable Must See 2
bedroom brick ranch. Very cost
effective condo like life style
but with the privacy of a house.
Across the street from a city park
with tennis courts and children’s
playground. Central Air! Vaulted
Ceiling! Recently remodeled! 1 car
detached garage!
Detroit
Historical home in Brush Park, Large corner lot
w/driveway. Fabulous condition, new wood floors
throughout main level. Updated Kitchen, LR, DR, Bath &
Basement. Central air, forced air heat. Stained glass doors.
Finished attic, w/cathedral ceiling. Upper & lower covered
porches off the back. Large, landscaped backyard.
Detroit
Opportunity to carry on a thriving
business a stone’s throw from WSU.
Business & Lease being sold. Seller
does not own building. High vehicle
& foot traffic. Seller willing to work
side by side for one month to
help ease transition.
You don’t want to miss this
oppotunity
These featured properties are not necessarily listed by this office
(877) ANNETTE
(266-3883)
Fisher Building, 3011 W. Grand Boulevard, Ste. 800 Detroit, MI 48202
10 Volume 1 March 2014
Detroit City Limits
Working Social – Organic Networking
Photo courtesy of Metro Work Place
The right way to network and build your business
By Todd A. Luhtanen, entrepreneur and disruptor
I walk into Starbucks and I see the usual suspects. The
hipster group is well represented and the soccer moms
are getting their energy to gear up for the afternoon
cycle of pickups and drop-offs. Then I see them, you
know them, and you might even be one, one of them,
the business guy with his laptop/briefcase/coffee and
newspaper. He’s setup shop and is settling in for a long
stay. He looks content but then I notice something off.
He seems a little uncomfortable, too much noise, too
many people too close. These aren’t business people.
These aren’t his peers. He wants to have his own office
but keeps justifying this overuse of ‘free’ Wi-Fi as being
frugal. The scene continues like this through out the
morning, different faces but the same situation. It
looks like it’s social but its not, it’s just frustrating.
What he really wants (even if he doesn’t realize it) is
to be Working Social. Working Social looks somewhat
like a coffee shop but with less grinders and blenders
and cash registers; with plenty of coffee and with more
desks and more business people and conference rooms
and a copier.
When you are Working Social you are working with
your peers, other business professionals who can
appreciate your need for isolation and exposure,
camaraderie and candid conversation. The level on
conversation can range from “how’s the family” and
“is it really snowing again” to “did your client accept
your proposal” and “thanks for the referral” and “I
met a guy who needs your services”. Through natural
conversations people Working Socially naturally get
to know each other. They get to know each other’s
business and family and along the way get to know
each others character and come to build trust with
each other. Referrals happen naturally among trusted
peers, among friends. This is not a forced referral
environment but more like, I know you and respect
you and want to refer people to you.
Working Social can’t happen at Starbucks or Panera or
in an individual office. It can only happen is a shared
environment intentionally designed to bring likeminded individuals together.
“Hey, what do you say we both be
independent together, huh?”
- Hermey (Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer)
Coworking shops and true “shared offices” are some
of the only places to find people Working Socially.
Without this daily interaction among each member it’s
impossible to build the relationships that will blossom
into trusted referrals, peer-to-peer business deals and
a genuine caring about each other and each other’s
success.
So, go out there and find a good coworking shop, there
are plenty to choose from. Junction 440, Bamboo,
Grand Circus are some of the choices in the city of
Detroit and there is Metro Work Space (my office)
in Livonia and Farmington, Byte and Mortar in Troy
and Workantile in Ann Arbor to name a few. These
offices provide something more than what is listed as
amenities something more than you can find in any
coffee shop and something you will never get from a
traditional office. Coworking is not a fad, it’s not just
a cheaper office it’s a new way to work, a better way to
work, it’s Working Social.
Todd Luhtanen is a husband, father and grandfather. He
is also an entrepreneur, software developer, coworking
founder, music studio owner, foundation president,
mentor to young professionals and coach to small business
owners. He is passionate about God, entrepreneurs and
small business. He founded Metro Work Space to fill
the gap in affordable office space for small businesses
and found coworking to offer much, much more. He
can be reached via email: todd@metroworkspace.
com and followed via twitter: @IMdisruptive. Metro
Work Space can be found on Facebook: facebook.com/
metroworkspace and on twitter: @metroworkspace.
Detroit City Limits is turning 1 in April! What better way to celebrate our birthday than a makeover!
Detroit City Limits
Logo Design Contest!!
We’re looking for a talented person to capture and design the beauty of Detroit for our new masthead!
So here’s the deal:
1. Logo specs - No larger than 9.5” wide by 2” high.
2. Send 300 dpi .jpg to [email protected] by March 21, 2014 along with your contact info
3. Can’t pay you...but what great bragging rights to have your work on one of Detroit’s premier papers!
4. Pick up the April edition to see if your design was selected! We’ll call you with the great news!
5. All entries become the property of Detroit City Limits.
Detroit City Limits Volume 1 March 2014 11
12 Volume 1 March 2014
Detroit City Limits