April 2020
Ziyad Hermiz Joins Varnum Litigation Team
A trial attorney with more than 10 years of experience, Hermiz focuses on business and commercial litigation. His work includes resolving disputes in the areas of non-compete and trade secrets, shareholders and LLC’s, physician and medical provider representation, civil RICO, franchises, real estate and other business related matters. He also advises startup and closely-held businesses.
Hermiz graduated cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law where he served as executive editor of the Law Review. He received his undergraduate degree with honors from Michigan State University. Prior to entering private practice, Hermiz interned for the Honorable Judge Avern Cohn for the U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Michigan.
I am excited about joining the Varnum team,” Hermiz said. “I have known several Varnum attorneys personally for many years, and the firm has a great reputation. I look forward to growing my practice and serving Varnum clients.”
‘Placemat Project’ Helps Spread Anti-Drug and Tobacco Message
Eight or nine years ago Lisa Barkey of the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition had an idea while looking at a restaurant placemat: Send a message to people that underage drinking and drug use is not okay. The placemat project was born and has enjoyed broad sponsorship and wide distribution at local restaurants every year since.
The mission of the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition is to build community partnerships to reduce high-risk behaviors including alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, to help ensure that our youth may grow to their greatest potential.
“We bring programs into the West Bloomfield Schools and the community on drug and alcohol prevention, anti-bullying, internet safety, mental health, coping, resilience—anything to help our youth,” said Barkey.
“Over the years, our community partners have grown so the logos on the placemat continue to grow,” added Barkey. “As we continue to grow in the community, it also shows the community the old saying ‘it takes a village to raise kids.’”
Barkey says her goal is for more people to know about the coalition and what they do—help parents know its ok to say “no” and for our youth to know most teens already say “no.”
“This placemat has a dual purpose-it reminds parents its ok to say NO and that underage drinking and drug use is not a minor problem, plus it also shows all of our community partners,” said Barkey.
Placemat distribution is on hold in light of the coronavirus crisis, but as soon as restaurants re-open, the coalition plans to distribute the 17x11-inch messages to area restaurants, including Leo’s, Village Palace, Greek Isles and others.