win on our outdoor pabi for our cassia unday su p o Or menu featuring o ew eat f abbread izzas and an o wafted gourmet 0 news media, venting his anger over the budget cuts. Referring to the state, he pointed out that "the time has come to put your money where your mouth is, and cutting the funding to arts cries of hypocrisy." Bremer says the article "just stuck in my craw; the reasoning doesn't make sense." In his letter, he cites the huge budgets of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Institute of Arts and Henry Ford Museum, and the thousands of dol- lars that even JET, "a small anchor arts organization with six full-time employees:' pumps into the commu- nity while producing an average play. This money includes close to $300,000 in salaries "for Michiganders (the actors) who live, spend and pay taxes in Michigan:' $15,000 for printing costs, $7,000 for credit card services, $6,000 for the phone company, $4,800 for insurance and other expenses. "I figure that for every $1 we spend, it produces another $10-$20 in return for the area's economy, including such things as restaurant revenue for peo- ple going out to eat before the show, gas to get here and so on:' Bremer reasons. "I believe state officials had some inkling of a pending budget cri- sis. If they would have warned us and discussed it with us, we could have readjusted our plans and forecasts!' The letter added: "Our state gov- ernment ... lauds their 'Cool Cities' project, which places arts and cul- ture as the centerpiece of our state's revival. We have been told ... we must lure more outstanding companies to relocate in the state. The quality of life in society is directly proportional to the arts and culture available for consumption." With a $750,000 JET annual budget, the $13,000 shortfall would cover six weeks of operation. Bremer is consid- ering a staff layoff for at least a month to help alleviate the deficit. There usually are one- or two-week layoffs each summer during the production hiatus. JET received $25,000 in donations from DaimlerChrysler and Masco for the past season, and Orbach is hoping for continued corporate contributions for next season. "I hope the state cuts are not reflected in our donor base fears Orbach, who co-founded JET in 1989. "In order to combat the cuts, we need more and more people in the commu- nity who value the theater enough to provide us with additional financial support. "The moral of An Inspector Calls is that we do not live alone. We're not isolated; we're all connected and should be responsible for our actions. The same applies to the current financial situation." Orbach is moving ahead with JET's plans for the 19th season, even increasing the list from five to six shows, including two musicals: a reprise of the highly successful Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh! (a non-sub- scription offering) and Neil Simon's They're Playing Our Song. "My philos- ophy is that it's always better to have the theater light than dark;' she says. ArtServe Michigan, an organiza- tion with many Jewish members that helps build awareness of the arts in the state, also would be hampered by the grants freeze and budget cuts. The Southfield-based group stands to lose $86,000 of its $134,000 state stipend, according to ArtServe's new president and CEO, Neeta Delaney. "We may have to lay off some staff and cut school educational programs and some awards programs:' she says. Delaney, of Jackson, formerly the dean of continuing education at Eastern Michigan University, replaced Barbara (Bunny) Kratchman, who retired after 10 years in the top post, although she will remain as a part- time consultant to the group. ArtServe, which also receives pri- vate donations, spearheaded a rally in Lansing last month that drew several hundred arts lovers who want the freeze lifted, no more cuts in 2007 and $1 million more in grants next year. Delaney pointed to a study that shows the arts supports about 100,000 jobs in Michigan and gener- ates nearly $2 billion annually in the state economy "People forget that the arts is an industry:' she says. II The Jewish Ensemble Theatre will hold its first People's Choice Awards fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 21, at Bentley's Restaurant, Drake and Walnut Lake roads, in West Bloomfield. Following a gala dinner, results of voting by theatergoers will be announced on the best play and actors of JET's 2006-2007 season. Cost is $75 person. For information, call the JET office (248) 788-2900. www.jeremyrestaurantandbar.com (248) 681 - 2124 • 1978 Cass Lake Rd. • Keego Harbor Open for Dinner at 5:30 Tuesday-Sunday • Closed Monday • Restaurant of the Year, Detroit Free Press **************************** STAR*STAR* STAR DELI COMPARE OUR LOW PRICES WITH ANY DELICATESSEN IN TOWN! IS ONE OF THE BEST CARRY OUT ONLY RESTAURANTS IN AMERICA! Hours: Open 7 days from 7-10 MEAT TRAY $6.99 per person SALAD TRAY * Potato Latkes * Handout Lox * Our Regular Tuna & Fat-Free Tuna Can't Be Beat! * Vegetarian Chopped Liver * Homemade Potato Salad & Coleslaw $7.50 per person DAIRY TRAY $114.99 per person a; STAR'S TRAYS CAN'T BE BEAT FOR QUALITY & PRICE! off ON STAR'S BEAUTIFUL ALREADY LOW-PRICED MEAT OR DAIRY TRAYS WITH THIS COUPON • Expires 5/31/07 • One Per Person • Not Good Holidays • 10 Person Minimum 24555 W. 12 ILE ROAD 248.352.7377 g **************************** Just west of Telegraph Road • Southfield SIAM SPICY II (248) 626-2092 32425 Northwestern Hwy. Between Middlebelt & 14 Mile Farmington Hills MICHIGAN'S The Detroit News voted "Best Thai Food" lbeDetrottfgc -n■s AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK BUY ONE DINNER ENTREE DINNER GET THE SECOND OF EQUAL OR PROMOTIONS I LESSER VALUE FOR 4pm - close daily www.siamspicy2.com I 50% OFF Dine-in or carry-out Not good with any other offer exp 5/31/07 .1.1. MIMI =IN I I I MIN 1250220 May 2007 43