Coneys and Cake! U.S. District Court Judge Avern Cohn celebrates 92 years with a tasty tradition. Robin Schwartz | Contributing Writer Y ou could say U.S. District Court in Detroit took a brief recess July 22. Several judges and about two dozen federal court staff members left the courthouse and convened across the street at Lafayette Coney Island for lunch and cake to celebrate Judge Avern Cohn’s 92nd birthday. The U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan was appointed by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. The annual birthday tradition started the following year and has continued for 36 straight years. (His actual birthday is July 23.) “I thank you all for coming, and I look forward to July 23, 2017, for our next gathering,” Cohn told the crowd as the entire restaurant applauded. A Lafayette employee showed off his serving skills, balancing a whopping nine coney dogs (and three orders of fries) from his shoulder, down his arm, to his hand. He carried one more coney in his other hand. Attorney Andy Doctoroff served as the judge’s clerk from 1990-1992. He was there for the celebration. “Judge Cohn is the first person who taught me how you have to think proac- tively and aggressively and be curious all the time in order to be a good lawyer,” Doctoroff said. “He truly is eternally young. To be able to celebrate who he is and who we are as a family coming to the same location every year is some- thing we’re all fortunate to be able to do.” * Andy Doctoroff, Judge Avern Cohn, Chief Judge Denise Page Hood U.S. District Court Judge Avern Cohn celebrates 92 years. Top of page: A crowd gathers at Lafayette Coney Island in Detroit to celebrate Judge Avern Cohn’s birthday “I am confi dent that Steve Kaplan is the most qualifi ed candidate for township supervisor. His ethics are among the highest. He always represents the citizens fairly and justly. It is my honor and privilege to support Steve for West Bloomfi eld township supervisor.” ~ Dr. Nick Hersh, DDS, President, W.B. School Board A Lafayette employee balances nine coney dogs and three orders of fries along his arm. Debbie Binder is an asset to West Bloomfi eld Township! Township Trustee STEVEN KAPLAN Democrat for Township SUPERVISOR Career Highlights: West Bloomfi eld Township Attorney, 34 years Trustee for 12 years Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Macomb County, 24 years Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Wayne County, 2 years Private law practice, 3 years Adjunct Law Professor, Michigan State University College of Law, since 1997 (Professor of the Year, 2015) Ranked the highest among his legal peers for profi ciency and ethical conduct (Martindale-Hubbell, AV), for 20 years consecutive years Advanced Instructor, Wayne County Regional Police Academy, 15 years Featured on Dateline NBC for his legal role on several high profi le murder cases Education: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Oakland University Juris Doctor Degree, Cum Laude, Detroit College of Law Resident of West Bloomfi eld Township for over 40 years Optimist Club of West Bloomfi eld West Bloomfi eld Rotary Club West Bloomfi eld Chamber of Commerce Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Member of Temple Israel Professional Successful real estate practice centered around West Bloomfi eld Part-time lecturer for 3rd year pre-service teachers, University of Michigan-Flint, College of Education Former Teacher, West Bloomfi eld School District Education Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Psychology, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor Master of Arts in Teaching, Wayne State University Key Endorsements: James Blanchard, Former Michigan Governor Steve Budaj, Chair W.B. Planning Commission Kathy Hagopian, W.B. Environental Board Nick Hersh, D.D.S. President, W.B. School Board Barry Howard, retired Oakland Circuit Judge Pam Jackson, Democratic Party Chair, 11th District Jim Manna W.B.Planning Commissioner Lance Stokes, Co-Chair, W.B. Diversity Committee Michele Ureste, W.B. Township Supervisor Group/Union Endorsements: UAW Region 1 Metro Detroit AFL - CIO Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council Oakland County Democratic Black Caucus Paid for Steven Kaplan for Township Supervisor, 6823 Post Oak Drive, West Bloomfi eld, MI 48322 Key Endorsements: UAW Region 1 Metro Detroit AFL - CIO Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council Oakland County Democratic Black Caucus “Debbie is nothing short of a leader; the kind of person around whom people rally. She is quite simply destined to do great things.” ~ Heather Dickow Cholagh, West Bloomfi eld Resident Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Wayne County "Having been Debbie's neighbor in West Bloomfi eld for several years, we have seen fi rst hand how good she is at mobilizing and organizing people to problem solve and resolve issues. She makes it her business to know her neighbors and we have seen her work tirelessly and successfully to whatever she puts her mind to." ~ Barbara Abel, Fine Art Photographer and Ernest Abel, Emeritus Professor, Wayne State University Paid for Debbie Binder for Township Clerk, 4324 Foxpointe, West Bloomfi eld, MI 4832 2111960 July 28 • 2016 29