Birmingham & Bloomfield

 This morning I attended a breakfast at The Townsend for the Michigan Humane Society's Mega March for Animals 2008 kickoff. This annual fundraiser, held this year on Sunday, October 8, brings together families, friends and, of course, animals for a walk around Detroit to raise money for a good cause.

MHS showed videos depicting animal cruelty and homelessness (talk about heartbreak)...and did you know one female cat and her subsequent litter of female cats will give birth to more than 300,000 cats in 7 years (MHS calls it the Cat Crisis). That makes for a lot of homeless kitties out there. 

Like many new restaurants, Birmingham's Forest Grill has experienced a delay in its planned June opening. But the creation of award-winning chef and charcuterie expert, Brian Polcyn, will finally open in the triangle district with a benefit for The Community House this Friday August 8.  The evening begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.  Proceeds will benefit the outreach programs of The Community House. 

The article (Aug/Sept issue, page 20) about Laurie and Tom Cunnington, Birmingham oil executives who travel to Africa every year for JAM (a non-profit that raises money to help feed the children there) inspired resident Steven Page so much, he created a Facebook page to help raise money for the organization. Signature is so proud to have helped spread the word on such a worthy cause and in the process motivated someone else to do good! Visit www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=35198732704 to donate or learn more!

Thanks Steve for being so caring and supporting your Signature neighbors.

In the issue that just came out we featured a Birmingham mom with a car cleaning service. We have gotten a HUGE response from it! If you are interested in contacting DeLynne O'Toole, you can reach her at decarcleaning@aol.com or 248.227.0938

The abandoned shacks and sheds of Northern Michigan's landscape are the subject of a monotype print exhibit by Dorothy Anderson Grow, running July 25-August 29 at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center.

As a child Dorothy Grow says she would play in deserted dwellings and imagine them to be castles. She sees unlimited potential to take what was and bring it “back to life” as something new.  

The exhibition is open to the public, for free, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Meet the artist at the free opening night reception this Friday, July 25, 6-8 p.m. 

 In our June/July issue, we featured an article about the historic Barton Farmhouse, an 1832 structure in danger of being demolished. We are happy to report that Preservation Bloomfield, the non-profit group formed to raise funds to save the farmhouse, reached its goal of $500,000! Barton Farmhouse was moved on Tuesday, July 15, from Long Lake Road to Bowers Farm, about a mile north. The community came out in full support!

This weekend, July 19 and 20, is The Community House's annual Jazzfest, with free concerts running 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 1-9 p.m. Sunday.

Click on this link for a complete lineup of artists

http://www.communityhouse.com/events/events/JazzEntertain.htm

And listen to Jesse Palter here 

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfmfuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID...

She's a young singer/songwriter who will perform Sunday, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

You don't have to be a jazz head to love this stuff!

Lululemon, a retail store with the coolest yoga-inspired athletic apparel, opened a Somerset location this spring. The store offers a free yoga class every Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon. This month's instructors are from Yoga Shelter, which has four locations in metro Detroit. The Birmingham Yoga Shelter was featured in our April/May Living Well issue.

An hour-long yoga session followed by a shopping session? Can't beat that!

Here's some of the hip workout wear for women and men you'll find at lululemon:

 So, the Fall Fashion Issue comes out July 23 and to get you all in the mood, I'd thought I'd share a secret for what's going to be stylish and savvy for men in the upcoming season. Be on the lookout for the one hot accessory every male should be armed with: the watch! And while women's jewelry is getting smaller, the men's timepiece faces are big. Check out these Tiffany Atlas Dome watches ($2,600), inspired by the historic Greek Atlas clock.

Photo credit: © Tiffany & Co.

Be fashion forward and start shopping now! Who is your favorite Birmingham/Bloomfield or Somerset jeweler? Comment on this blog and tell us!

Don't forget Wednesday is In the Park Concerts night. Bring a blanket and snacks to Shain Park and enjoy a Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet & Percussion Duo/Musica Batteria performance starting at 7 p.m.

Nothing like a classic (al) summer night in Birmingham!

Check this link for more info:

http://www.enjoybirmingham.com/index.php?c=event&l=328