1. pets
2. aquariums

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May Issue • detroit-city-limits.com
Belle Isle Aquarium bounces back from rough times
By Sarah Rigg
The Belle Isle Aquarium has seen some rough
times in the more than 100 years of its existence,
but a volunteer group has this Detroit landmark
up and running and is making improvements.
Designed by architect Albert Kahn in a “Beaux
Art” style, the building opened in August of 1904
as the third largest aquarium in the entire world.
Its stone entrance sports an emblem of Detroit
and two spitting fish. Tanks with water trucked
in directly in from the ocean supported many
saltwater fish, and the aquarium also housed
fresh-water fish.
“Kahnn designed both the aquarium and
the horticultural conservatory next door. He
designed the façade so that even someone
who didn’t speak English would know that the
aquarium was a house for fish. It’s got Neptune,
flowing water, and fish, and the inside gives the
impression of an underwater cavern,” said Lori Feret, a volunteer guide at the
aquarium.
Kahn was sometimes called the “architect of Detroit,” as one of the leading
industrial designers of his day. He also designed the Ford River Rouge Complex in
Dearborn, Detroit’s Fisher Building, and many of the buildings on the campus of
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
The aquarium’s history is quirky. Its basement was used as a “speakeasy” during
Prohibition, and during the Great Depression, the aquarium’s giant turtle was sold
to a restaurant and made into food, with proceeds from the sale used to feed the
remaining fish, Feret said.
Beautiful original skylights were walled off during a 1950s renovation. In 2002,
the aquarium made the national news when a female white-spotted bamboo shark
gave birth to two baby sharks, despite not having been near a male in six years.
By 2005, the aquarium was the oldest continually-operating aquarium in North
America, but, as Detroit fell on hard financial times and attendance at the aquarium
declined, the aquarium was closed.
The Friends of the Belle Isle Aquarium merged with several other groups to
create the Belle Isle Conservancy in early 2012, and in September of 2012, the
conservancy re-opened the aquarium.
The Aquarium is now operated as part of the Belle Isle Conservancy by volunteers
under the supervision of a professional curator. The conservancy is working to
add more exhibits and more fish, with a stingray and a giant pufferfish being two
of the recent additions. Volunteers are also working on upgrading the tanks and
restoring skylights in the building.
A private donor funded the restoration of
two skylights, and conservancy members
are currently working on a third skylight
in the building’s dome. Money will have
to be raised to eventually restore the
fourth and final skylight toward the back
of the building, Feret said.
Since 2012, numbers of visitors have
risen as well, which is vital to the
aquarium’s success.
“One thing I tell people when I volunteer
is that the doors can’t stay open if the
public doesn’t come through those
doors,” Feret said. “Luckily, over the
summer, we were averaging around
1,700 visitors any given Saturday or
Sunday. For us volunteers, it’s a labor of
love. We love the aquarium and we love Belle Isle.”
Current hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission and parking
are free. For more information or to make a donation to the skylight restoration
project, visit http://belleisleconservancy.org/visit-the-park/belle-isle-aquarium.
Sarah Rigg is a freelance writer and editor in southeast Michigan. You may reach her
at sarahrigg1@gmail.com.
Photo by Wikipedia user Rmhermen
This historical photo shows the aquarium shortly after it was built in 1904. Credit: Public domain photo
The Force is with the 501st Legion’s Great Lakes Garrison By Phil Stayhue
A long time ago in a “Star Wars”
galaxy far, far away, dreaded Imperial
forces imposed their will with vast
numbers of armor-clad Stormtroopers
and enough firepower to blow up
planets. Times have changed. The
ranks of the evil Empire today is larger,
much closer to home and filled with a
startling number of big softies at heart
– and they’ve found a home in the
501st Legion, Great Lakes Garrison.
Founded in 1997, the 501st Legion
is an all-volunteer group designed to
unite “Star Wars” costuming enthusiasts
under a banner organization seeking
to promote interest in the science
fiction universe. That distant galaxy
was envisioned by director George
Lucas and his Lucasfilm, Ltd., in six
Hollywood blockbuster films that
have grown into cultural icons – “Star
Wars: A New Hope” (1977), “The
Empire Strikes Back” (1980), “Return
of the Jedi” (1983), “The Phantom
Menace” (1999), “Attack of the Clones”
(2002) and “Revenge of the Sith”
(2005) along with a pair of critically
acclaimed animated series, “The Clone
Wars” (2008-20014) and the currently
running “Star Wars Rebels.” Now
owned by the Walt Disney Company,
the franchise is set to be reenergized in
December with the theatrical release
of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
The newest film lands in theaters Dec.
18, 2015.
The upcoming film (the first in
a planned third trilogy), along with
additional related off-shoot film
Great Lakes Garrison members at Comerica Park. Photo courtesy of Eric Alexander.
releases, video games, toys, books,
comic books and more is expected to
swell the ranks of the 501st Legion,
which currently has more than
6,000 members worldwide. More
importantly for residents of the Motor
City and the entire State of Michigan, a
local branch of the much larger 501st
Legion exists for area residents hoping
to express their fandom to a greater
degree – the Great Lakes Garrison.
A 501st Legion member since
2009, Eric Alexander serves as the
commanding officer of the full-fledged
Great Lakes Garrison (established in
2007) after the group then known as
the “Michigan Squad” branched out
from the Midwest Garrison. The Great
Lakes Garrison has over 100 members
united in their love for Star Wars.
Each member interested in costuming
is responsible for creating detailed
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Publisher: Elizabeth H.
586-303-7216
Contributing Writers
Angela Barnes, Russ Bisinger, Annette Compo, Michelle Fallena, Sarah Rigg, Phil Stayhue,
Kristen Wolosonowich
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 2 May 2015
costumes from the “Star Wars”
universe, with exacting standards for
quality and authenticity monitored by
garrison leadership. Completing these
requirements entitles members to a
lifelong identity number within the
organization (TK-7944, for example)
that would bring a smile to any fan’s
face.
“In high school, I worked at Service
Merchandise and had access to the
newest ‘Star Wars’ figures as they
arrived off the truck,” said Alexander,
a self-professed lifelong ‘Star Wars” fan
born in 1977. “But in 2008, I decided
to stop buying the three-and-threequarter-inch action figures, and to
make myself into an action figure.
I’ve been costuming ever since, and
steadily selling off parts of my toy
collection to buy new costume pieces.”
Many basic costuming components
are common in the “Star Wars” universe,
enabling members to construct
various characters by making minor
alterations to their existing costumes.
Members do work collaboratively in
the costuming process, although there
are some related costs. For example, a
suitable Stormtrooper costumer can
cost more than $1,000 to complete,
while adopting the persona of bounty
hunter Boba Fett can exceed $3,000.
The ultimate bad guy costume replica,
Darth Vader, can carry a $5,000 price
tag.
“It’s just fun appearing in costume,
but it can be tough. We can sweat like
crazy or freeze, depending on the
temperature. You are basically standing
in plastic and wearing Under Armour,”
said Alexander. “One extra fun fact
about our trooper armor? We’re often
asked to appear in photographs, and
it’s a natural reaction to smile for the
camera, even if our faces are hidden
beneath helmets. So if you’ve had a
picture taken with a Garrison member
in costumer, it’s a good bet that trooper
was smiling, too.”
For “Star Wars” fans opposed to
supporting the forces of villain Darth
Vader, enthusiasts can also join the
Legion’s equivalent organization for
supporters of the Rebel Alliance – the
Rebel Legion (www.rebellegion.com)
– which enables costume makers to
don Jedi robes, X-Wing pilot uniforms
and more. Alexander is also a member
of the local Rebel legion’s local affiliate
Great Lakes Base (www.greatlakesbase.
com) as well as a supporter of droidbuilding enthusiasts from the “Star
Wars” universe. Visiting www.
astromech.net reveals a wealth of
information on members of the R2-D2
Builders Club.
Cost can certainly present a
challenge for new Great Lakes
Garrison members, but the rewards are
simply priceless. While not affiliated
with Lucasfilm, the entire Legion does
have a solid working relationship with
the powers behind the “Star Wars”
universe. Legion members are strictly
prohibited from profiting by wearing
their costumers, but their appearances
at public events can be used to inspire
charitable contributions to various
non-profit organizations.
The Great Lakes Garrison Web
site
(www.greatlakesgarrison.com)
notes the local organization has
participated in nearly 1,400 charitable
and community events since the group
was established, including events for
Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children’s
Miracle Network, the Ronald
McDonald House, the American
Cancer Society/Relay for Live,
Forgotten Harvest and more. These
same garrison troopers have also
participated at events like the annual
Detroit City Limits
The Force is with the 501st Legion’s Great Lakes Garrison
(Continued from page 2)
“Star Wars” day event held at Comerica
Park, home of Major League Baseball’s
Detroit Tigers franchise. (This year,
“Star Wars Night” at the ballpark will
be Sept. 19, with the divisional rival
Kansas City Royals in town.)
Playing the intergalactic bad guys is
undeniably appealing, but Alexander,
a married father of three children,
admits many Legion members have
experienced some emotional moments
behind their helmets, too. That soft side
might cause some angst for the fictional
Imperial leader the Emperor, but would
bring a nod of approval from any selfrespecting 900-year-old Jedi master.
“We often visit children in hospitals,
Make-A-Wish events and more, and
knowing what those children are going
through can be emotionally draining,”
Alexander added. “It’s a good thing
we’re wearing helmets, because we can’t
be seen crying.”
If you’re interested in requesting a visit
from the 501st Legion or learning more
about membership, visit www.501st.
Detroit City Limits com. And of course, may the Force be
with you.
FORCEFUL FACT: May 4 (“May the
fourth be with you” is considered an
international holiday among “Star
Wars” enthusiasts, playing off the
science fiction franchise tagline “May
the Force be with you.” Coincidentally,
the first six movies in the series arrived
in theaters in the months of May. The
newest film in the series – “The Force
Awakens” – will break the trend, with a
December 2015 premier.
Photo courtesy of Eric Alexander.
Volume 2 May 2015 3
5 Easy Ways To Go Green
By Willie E. Brake
Now that Earth Day has passed and you’re convinced that going green is good, let
me show you how to implement greener practices in your own space. Listed below
are five easy things you can do right now to make a big impact on reducing your
environmental footprint.
1.Use Sleep Settings on Computers to Reduce Electricity Use
All computer operating systems have power-management settings that allow
computers to go to sleep or stand-by mode when not in use and reduce the amount
of electricity they use.
The utilization of sleep setting dramatically cuts the amount of electricity your
computer uses, and it saves you on average of $50 per year per computer.
Recommended sleep settings:
Monitor/display sleep: Turn off after 15 minutes or less.
Turn off hard drives/hard disk sleep: 15 minutes or less.
System standby/sleep: After 30 minutes or less.
2. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting is the single largest electricity use. One of the simplest way to save energy and
money is to switch to energy-efficient lights. Fortunately, alternatives to traditional
incandescent lighting don’t require you to sacrifice lighting quality or brightness, and
energy-efficient lighting costs have been steadily dropping.
Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and light emitting diode (LED) lights typically
use 25 percent to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent. LEDs are by
far the most energy efficient and they last much longer. LEDs have been reported to
last 50,000 hours, while incandescent burn out after 1,200 hours.
CFL and LED lights all fit in to standard incandescent light fixtures, so they are very
easy to use. LED lights have recently overtaken CFLs in cost-effectiveness. While
LED bulbs are more expensive to buy, they are less expensive over time because they
use much less electricity, last much longer, and are more durable.
3. Change Settings on Your Printer to Print Duplex
Paper is still an incredibly wasted resource. If you print double-sided, it significantly
reduces the amount of paper you buy and also waste. In this decade, it is projected that
Americans will throw away more than 4.5 million tons of office paper. Worldwide,
we’re deforesting an area equivalent to the size of England each year.
Setting your computer to print double-sided is very easy with a printer that has
dupleXing or you could opt to do it manually by turning the paper to the other side
and clicking on the print button.
4. Buy Refurbished Computers and Extend the Life of Computers
Refurbished computers are secondhand computers that have been fully tested,
returned to factory specs, and warranted.
Using refurbished computers or keeping your existing computers extends the life of
IT equipment to its full potential (seven years or more). Computers contain precious
metals, toxic materials, and other non-biodegradable materials. If you use this
equipment for six or seven years rather than three or four, the environmental impact
for even a fraction of the estimated 2 billion computers now in use in the world will
be immense.
5. Get in the Cloud
Cloud computing is managed IT software or services that reside on the Internet,
and are available at no cost, pay-per-use, or by subscription or monthly fee to users.
Someone else and managed on your behalf provides the services you use. Examples
that you may be familiar with include Gmail, Skype, and Microsoft Office 365.
Cloud computing is regarded as a generally green IT field because it tends to decrease
the amount of IT infrastructure that a person needs; computing power is shared and
concentrated more in high-efficiency datacenters and less in the millions of home
and office computer networks.
Willie E. Brake is a Computer Expert at All About Technology, a Certified Disability Owned
Minority Business Enterprise and Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, based in Detroit, Michigan.
Motor City Fast Facts By Phil Stayhue
What’s in a name?
Settling on the perfect name is never easy. Ask any prospective parents how many baby naming books they’ve consulted, and it’s easy to understand the
challenge. After all, a terrible moniker follows the tyke for life. Naming a city is a challenge of a much higher magnitude. Fortunately for us, the French
were up to the task, according to a quick Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org) search. The City of Detroit’s name stems from the presence of the Detroit River,
with a French translation meaning “the strait of Lake Erie.” The next time you enjoy a french-fry at your favorite Detroit Coney restaurant, think of France’s
contribution to our hometown.
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4 Volume 2 May 2015
Detroit City Limits
Held For Years In Taylor, Metro Detroit
Golden Gloves is a “Hit” Back Home In
Detroit
Story and photos by Cecelia Wells
Writer, Photographer for GreeningDetroit.com
To the joy of many and for the first time
in years the Metro Detroit Golden Gloves
3 day tournament was held in the city of
Detroit last Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This national event draws many amateur
boxers worldwide who aspire to become
worldwide champs, such as Sugar Ray
Leonard, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali,
and not to mention our own Motor
City Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, who all
started their boxing careers out in the
Golden Glove Tournaments.
Many spectators across Michigan came
out to the 2015 Metro Golden Glove
Tournament, held at Bert’s Market Place
in the Eastern Market to edge the young
fighters on in their attempts to conquer
their opponents.
The Detroit Police Chief James Craig
Detroit City Limits also made an appearance to this
historical event where he expressed
great admiration to the Golden Glove
Tournament sponsors, coaches and
parents for promoting such a positive
cause. He highlighted that we as a
community have to take an initiative in
mentoring and encouraging our youth
to go in a positive direction. However, it
was extremely exhilarating to watch the
competitors maintain courage, calm and
control during this competition.
Moreover, the fans were graced with
a three day week-end with some of
Michigan’s most elite fighters and
winners who will move on to the Golden
Glove’s National Championship in their
hopes of one day becoming worldwide
champs as their iconic predecessor’s.
Volume 2 May 2015 5
Photo courtesy of Starlett Simmons
Eastern Market Profile: Five Star Cakes Co.
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 month: Five Star Cakes Co.
Vendor: Starlett Simmons
Products: Gourmet dessert cakes and pastries made from scratch
Location: Products are made in a licensed commercial kitchen in Detroit, vending at
Shed 2 at Eastern Market.
Phone: 586-360-7491
Q & A with Starlett Simmons
DCL: How did you get started?
DCL: What are your most popular products?
SS: I have always loved to bake. I often made desserts
for family and coworkers to enjoy. I loved the responses
I received about my desserts being so delicious. After
working for more than a decade as an accountant,
I decided to follow my heart and passion for baking.
I enrolled in a pastry arts program, and the rest is
history. I left my position at a local university to
pursue my dreams. Detroit Kitchen Connect has
helped legitimize my business by providing a licensed
commercial kitchen for me to bake my desserts. DKC
also helped take me from making food under the state’s
Cottage Food laws to selling wholesale. I am licensed
through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and
Rural Development and am commercially insured. This
allows me to put my products in stores, sell at farmers
markets, etc. FoodLab Detroit connects me with other
food entrepreneurs with similar situations. FoodLab
also provides an enormous amount of information and
resources for food entrepreneurs.
SS: My signature carrot cake is my number one seller.
My other top sellers are German chocolate cake, double
crust peach cobbler, peach cobbler pound cake, lemon
sugar cookies, and brown butter rum banana bread. I
also make other layer cakes, cookies and pastries. I also
cater corporate events.
DCL: How did you get involved with Eastern Market?
SS: The DKC program is a part of Eastern Market. I
provided carrot cake for the harvest festival at Shed 3
and was a part of the documentary on Eastern Market’s energy of the people here. We work harder than
website. I began vending last December at the Saturday anybody else! The city is coming back stronger than
ever, and I’m glad to be a part of it. There are tons of
market.
opportunities for food entrepreneurs here.
DCL: What’s in the future for your business?
SS: I want to open a dessert boutique style bakery in
the city in the near future.
DCL: What do you like about Detroit?
SS: Detroit is my home, born and raised. I love the
E a s t e r n
M a r k e t
--Sarah Rigg is a freelance writer and editor in southeast
Michigan. You may reach her at sarahrigg1@gmail.com.
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6 Volume 2 May 2015
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Detroit City Limits
Photo courtesy of Frank Hammer
Hola, Cuba!
By The Travel Diva
Cuba is calling my name! Maybe it’s because it has been forbidden to me for all of
my lifetime. Maybe, the Motor City in me is fascinated by the pictures I’ve seen of
50 year old cars in great condition. Maybe, it’s the great music and other cultural
arts that cannot be denied. Or, just maybe, it’s my lifelong desire to know more
about other people and places. Whatever it is, Cuba has been like a siren’s call,
whispering along the edges of my mind for quite some time. I have heard the call
and have finally responded. I’m going to Cuba!
Now, let me say that I know a whole lot of folks who have traveled to and from Cuba
over the years. You may be one of them and you may not be impressed so, forgive my
enthusiasm. But, the Americans I know who have entered Cuba directly from the
U.S. have held VISAs that allow them entry because they are musicians, educators,
have family ties, or other special reasons. None of which have ever applied to me.
Going to Cuba just to go has never been an option. But wait, that really isn’t an
accurate description of my desire; I don’t want to go to Cuba just to go. I want to
experience the culture, learn more about the art and music and agriculture and,
of course the people who encompass that and more. And now, someone with no
connection, no artistic gig to perform, no backing by a school, etc., can share in
these experiences. U.S. government-sanctioned “People-to-People” (http://goo.gl/
mlCzN6) programs allow Americans to travel directly to Cuba. These programs
provide regular, unconnected folks like myself opportunities to engage with Cubans
through educational and cultural exchanges. I’ll be traveling this December 2015
G r a t i o t
as part of an arts,
music, and culture
tour.
Highlights
of my trip will
be attending the
Havana Jazz Festival
and rubbing elbows
with Cuban and
international
musicians; visiting famous schools of the arts; exploring Havana and Trinidad as
well as rural villages like Cojimar and the Viñales Valley; and learning from Cuban
people and experiencing the rich heritage that is the “Pearl of the Antilles.”
What a wonderful Christmas present and a great way to end this marvelous year; I
can hardly wait! So, is Cuba on your travel list? Are you like me, ready to answer
that call? Contact me or google People-To-People. You can find out how you can
get to Cuba directly from the U.S. with no connections, at least none other than the
one which binds us all as human. And, I for one believe that is the best connection
to have.
Hasta la próxima!
Angela the Travel Diva
www.star1vacations.com
C e n t r a l
M a r k e t
Monday thru Thursday 8am-5pm, Friday & Saturday 8am-6pm 1429 Gratiot Ave., Detroit 48207
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(313) 566-5471
Monday thru Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday thru Saturday 8am - 6pm
Detroit City Limits SINCE 1971
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(313) 877-7674
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Volume 2 May 2015 7
Ask Annette a question?
By Annette Compo
Dear Annette –
I am thinking about becoming a real estate investor and just need a little help to get started. I think I am on the right path, but I need a little direction.
Give me a few helpful tips to make sure I am doing the right things.
Phil - West Bloomfield
Great topic Phil! Congratulations on your new business idea! People get into any type of business and forget it is a business that has many moving parts.
With real estate as the venue for revenue stream, we must look at all of the moving parts. Real estate investing is substantially different from investing in
stocks, bonds and CDs, and it can seem a little too much at times. For people that may be thinking about getting into this business, real estate investing
doesn’t have to be difficult or scary. When I teach people how to invest in real estate, my philosophy is to maximize return while minimizing the risks.
When done correctly, real estate investing is one of the safest and best long-term wealth-building tools on the planet. Remember – the planet is covered
more with water than dirt so dirt is a commodity.
Tips to help you successfully launch your real estate investing career.
1. Please Don’t Hobby IT!
Real estate investing is a business, and you should treat it as such. We need to start any business by developing a business plan. This is your road map to get to where you
want to go. Having a detailed idea about running your business, with realistic goals short and long term is critical. If you don’t know how to write a business plan, you can
find help with me, I have coached many investors on how to do this.
2. Find a good bank or mortgage broker in your area.
Real estate agents are good sources for recommendations, or you can ask other investors whom they’ve used. You might want to do this even before you start your property
search. If you’re paying cash, you’ll need to prove you have the funds by submitting a recent bank or brokerage statement when you make an offer. This relationship is
critical for communication on your ability to purchases for proof of funds, as well if you decide to refinance or try to sell so you have the talent in lending on your side.
3. Where do I look?
We tend to search where we are comfortable. Some new investors make the mistake of limiting their search to areas close to their home. But often better rental areas
may be located a little farther away or a market that is on the crest of changing. Look at all real estate deals and due strong diligence on education of the deal. Team up
with a real estate agent that also understands this type of business. Make sure that you choose an agent who has sold a large number of investment properties, and also
understands concepts such as return on investment (ROI), net operating income (NOI) and debt service.
4. Begin to Network!
Real estate investor groups are great places to network with other investors, lenders and repair service providers. You can often pick up helpful advice about your local
market from other club members. Some communities offer courses on real estate investing through adult education or local real estate brokerages. Also, contact me for
coaching services if you feel you may need a little extra help.
5. Read – Read – Read about real estate investing.
A tremendous amount of free information exists today online about real estate investing. When purchasing a book, look for those that offer practical guides on buying,
flipping, renting and selling properties. Careful about books, media or TV shows that claim you can make huge sums of money in 30 to 60 days or 25-year-old books
detailing techniques that may no longer work.
To achieve success, model your investing decisions after what other successful real estate individuals has done. Build a team that surrounds you that know more than you
about what you are trying to do. Above all, remember that like anything else, the harder you work and the more effort you put into your real estate investment business,
the greater your ultimate reward will become over time.
~Annette Compo, Your Real Estate Broker
Annette Compo is the popular host that has been heard on 760AM WJR, CBS and ABC Radio. 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 (248) 640-9803 or Email Her at Annettecompo@kw.com Annette would love to talk to you!
Keller Williams – annettecompo@kw.com –realestate411now.com
8 Volume 2 May 2015
Detroit City Limits
Information technology networking, simplified: IT in the D By Phil Stayhue
Weary of attending a never-ending
array of metro Detroit social events
back in 2001 in a futile quest for gainful
employment opportunities in the
niche field of information technology
professionals, a pair of local pioneers
– Bob Waltenspiel and David Phillips
– decided to rewrite the rules. They
founded the Detroit Networking
Organization, the spiritual predecessor
to what is today known as IT in the D,
becoming what they lovingly dubbed
the “anti-group.”
Those rebellious radicals have
never reentered the fold of social
norms. They’re still holding bi-monthly
Detroit City Limits networking events open exclusively to
information technology professionals
and employment recruiters – sales
people need not attend, thank you – and
hosting much larger IT events called
“Pink Slip” parties, a colorful nod to the
dreaded forms synonymous with the
words “You’re fired.” The group hosted
their 17th annual Pink Slip party in
March, attracting a crowd estimated in
excess of 1,000 at the Majestic Theater in
Detroit’s Midtown district.
The entire purpose of any afterwork hours IT in the D gathering
for information technology industry
insiders is spelled out on the group’s
Web site – www.itinthed.com – with
one simple goal: “networking Detroit,
one beer at a time.”
The founders never envisioned
themselves as champions for the
unemployed when they started their
organization, but the results on Detroit’s
employment landscape have been
unmistakable. They estimate more
than 1,200 people have found gainful
employment through Pink Slip party
participation. Currently there are 5,400
people enrolled in the networking
group.
Recently attending one of the
group’s smaller networking events held
at Blackfinn Ameripub in Royal Oak,
Mich., Phillips witnessed IT in the D
success on a very personal level.
“People can read stories about
the unemployed, but it doesn’t always
impact you on a personal level,” said
Phillips. “We were hosting an event
at Blackfinn, and I was there before
the event actually started when a man
walked up to me and said, ‘I just want
to thank you by buying you a beer. You
saved my house, and you probably saved
my marriage. I was hired after attending
your Pink Slip party.’ That’s got to be
one of the coolest things that could ever
happen to me.”
Further proof that IT in the D
efforts pay off comes from a co-founder
himself. Phillips lost a job when
Detroit’s economic climate faltered, and
the connections he’s made through his
own organization led to a position with
another company.
There’s no fee charged to gain entry
into a Pink Slip party, but admission
is restricted to workers in the field of
information technology and decision
makers involved in the hiring process. A
limited number of sponsors help defray
costs for renting the facility, along with
food and entertainment costs.
Networking-minded attendees are
urged to leave their resumes behind, as
sheets of paper have no place in a social
setting where a beverage of choice is the
most appropriate accoutrement. Simply
Photo courtesy of David Phillips.
passing along a business card and
following up with a following morning
phone call is the recommended
approach.
“These events are all about getting
things done,” said co-founder Bob
Waltenspiel. “So our usual rules apply
– no guest speakers, no agendas, no
fashion shows … nothing other than
good, solid networking with your peers
and the people you want to know.”
As every prospective job candidate
understands, a diverse set of skills
can be key. Likewise, IT in the D has
expanded beyond networking events.
The group blogs frequently and hosts
a regular show recorded and broadcast
live through a local Detroit studio. The
“IT in the D Show” podcast features
studio guests representing industry
insiders, executives, business owners
and more. The show is distributed via
iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher, and
is also available on the IT in the D Web
site.
“There is tremendous value in
networking, and IT in the D provides
the proof,” said Phillips. “Detroit is a
small town, in a much smaller industry.
If you don’t work with the people you
meet at one of our networking events
tomorrow, there’s a real chance you’ll be
working with them in the future.”
Learn more about IT in the D and
upcoming events through the group’s
site - www.itinthed.com.
Volume 2 May 2015 9
You are
Cordially Invited
to attend a
Mother’s Day Brunch
AVENGERS YOUTH MENTORING
ORGANIZATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PARTNER WITH CHRIS CAKES FOR THIS
YEAR’S ANNUAL MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
(DETROIT, MI) – the Board of Directors of Avengers Youth Mentoring Organization is hosting this year’s
Annual Mother’s Day Brunch, featuring Chris Cakes, nationally known for their “FLYING PANCAKES!”
on Sunday, May 10, 2015 from 12-3:00pm at the International Institute, 111 Kirby in Detroit across
from the DIA in Detroit.
For a donation of just $7.00, guests will enjoy a totally entertaining pancake brunch to include
sausage, orange juice, and coffee as well as warm hearts and smiles. Tickets can be purchased
through eventbrite at:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/mothers-day-brunch-all-you-can-eat-pancake-fundraisertickets-15636774012
This year’s event will be a welcomed alternative to last year’s crowded restaurant and will feature
the quick and witty food acrobatics Chris Cakes is known throughout the world for. “I want this year’s
Mother’s Day Brunch to be a memorable experience for our Mothers,” said Edward Dean, executive
director. “I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained.”
The Avengers Youth Mentoring Organization mentors 15 young men weekly during its “Lunch with a
Mentor,” provides a basketball training camp to youth ages 10-16 every Mon/Wed from 6-9pm at the
Oasis Center in Highland Park, and provides life skills workshops and seminars with accomplished
speakers and professionals to over 40 young men and women ages 10-24 at the Skillman Branch
Library each month.
About Chris Cakes
Chris Cakes has been featured on the Food Network four times, including an episode of “Unwrapped”
featuring breakfast foods, and served six (6) United States Presidents and four (4) Governors.
About Avengers Youth Mentoring Organization
Avengers Youth Mentoring Organization is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization currently mentoring over
200 youth in the Metro Detroit area through sports programming and life skills education.
For more information on Avengers Youth Mentoring Organization and how to get involved, please visit
www.avengersteam.org
######
10 Volume 2 May 2015
featuring renowned Chef Chris
Cakes often featured on cables
highly regarded food network.
Chief Chris Cakes will feature
his highly recognized pancake
brunch with all of the exciting
and distinctive nuances this
brunch is famous for. Enjoy the
quick and witty food acrobatics
Chris has entertained the world
with. This private alternative to
last year’s crowded restaurant
located at the International
Institute 111 Kirby at John R
(Across from the DIA) Sunday
May 10, 2015 from 12-3pm.
Treat your mother to a delicious
brunch with superior food,
warm hearts, and smiles on
Mother’s Day. You can get your
tickets on Avengers website
at www.avengersteam.org. A
donation of $7 is required for
each attendee. (Invitation for 5
attendees. Larger parties tables
are available for pre-selection)
Sponsored by the Board of
Directors of Avengers Youth
Mentoring Organization.
Avengers is a non-profit 501(c)(3)
organization currently mentoring
over 200 youth in the Metro Detroit
Area. You can find out more about
the Avengers Mentoring Program on
their website at www.avengersteam.
org just click the mentoring program
tab.
Detroit City Limits
Photo courtesy of Russ Bisinger
Crome Bar and Grille …
a great oasis By Russ Bisinger
This week, I was pleasantly
surprised by a visit to the Crome
Bar and Grille. They are located
inside the Hilton Garden Inn, at
351 Gratiot. Their location is in the
middle of the stadium, Greektown
and entertainment areas. With
outside seating, Detroit themed
decor and a friendly staff, it was
not a typical hotel bar/restaurant.
Parking ranges from meter to
several conveniently located lots.
In addition
to
their
Amer ican
based food
menu, they
offer a full
bar
that
includes a
variety of
local beers
on tap. This
particular
evening,
Photo courtesy of Russ Bisinger
I went for dinner during a game
night. With the surrounding bars
packed and noisy, I found the
Crome Bar and Grille to be a great
oasis with just the right amount
of activity. For dinner I had
the salmon and chose zucchini
and rice pilaf as my sides. The
salmon was perfectly cooked and
seasoned. The tasty glaze was
served on the side. My zucchini
was delicious and cooked just
right with a little snap. The rice
pilaf was a great interpretation
of this well liked side. When the
waitress came for my plate, it was
entirely clear of any evidence of
my downtown oasis treat. Keep
the Crome Bar and Grille on your
short list of downtown options.
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We have proudly served the needs of municipalities, businesses and individuals in Southeast Michigan since 1981.
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Office 586.285.4500 - Fax 586.294.2480 Email:dsantamarina@heitmanislaw.com
Detroit City Limits Volume 2 May 2015 11
All women are special - - Especially in the month of May
By Michelle Fallena
Along with all the construction going
on, the “D” was crowded with Tiger
fans all decked out in Orange and Blue
opening day of the baseball season.
Every year downtown turns into
something resembling a cross between
tent city and a reservation. Even the
bars put up tents out back. To add to
the festivities Hells Angels roared full
throttle down the middle of Woodward
Avenue. This was April 6 and the Tigers
won 4 to 1 – lets hope it continues and
we win the Pennant! GO TIGERS!
May 1st, often called May Day, just
might have more holidays than any
other month of the year. It’s a celebration
of spring; a day of political protests,
saints feast day and a day for organized
labor. In many countries it is a national
holiday.
People aboard planes and ships use the
word “Mayday” to indicate they are in
extreme distress, which was originated
in 1923 by a senior radio officer from
Croydon Airport London. He had
been asked to think of a word that
would indicate distress and be easily
understood by all pilots and ground
staff in an emergency. Since most of the
traffic at that time was between London
and Paris he proposed “Mayday”, a
French word (m’aidez) meaning, “Help
me”. Prior to this, SOS was the Morse
code equivalent of the Mayday call. In
1927 the International Radiotelegraph
Convention of Washington adopted the
voice call Mayday in place of the SOS
Morse Code.
services to honor the Virgin Mary
children brought gifts and flowers to pay
tribute to their own mothers.
The custom of Mother’s Sunday died
out almost completely by the 19th
century. However, the day came to be
celebrated again after World War II
when the American service men brought
the custom back and commercial
enterprises used as an occasion for sales.
Let’s not forget Memorial Day,
May 31st. In 1971 Memorial Day was
declared a national holiday by an act of
congress, though it is often still called
Decoration Day. It occurs on the last
Monday in May, as were some other
federal holidays. Other states have
Confederate Observance Day, which
occurs on different days and months.
There is a lot on the social scene as the
“D” gears up for the “lazy, hazy days of
summer”. On May 22nd – Sept. 7th at
the Detroit Zoo - Remember Godzilla?
Instead it’s “Dinosauria”. Kids of all ages
will be able to see 40 life-like dinosaurs
that roar, snarl and move.
May 23rd – 25th is the Electronic Music
Festival. May 29th – 31st Detroit Grand
Prix on Belle Isle. Check the Internet for
other events.
A final thought on Mother’s Day - -
Early Christians celebrated a Mother’s
Day of sorts during the festival on
the fourth Sunday of Lent in honor of
the Virgin Mary. In England, during
the 1600s, the holiday was expanded
to include all mothers. It was called
Mothering Sunday. After church
12 Volume 2 May 2015
Detroit City Limits