Thankful
THE KINGSLEY’S THANKSGIVING FEAST
BUILD A SANCTUARY WITH CALIFORNIA CLOSETS
CATCHING UP WITH JEANNA TROTMAN A PERSONALIZED LIFT OFF WITH PREMIER JETS
NOVEMBER 2024
FLORIDA EXPRESS JET CLUB
Oakland County International Airport
The Florida Express Jet Club simplifies private jet travel with unique “Travel Zone” pricing. Travel is good for any direct flights to/from any Florida airport to anywhere on the zone map with locations east of the Mississippi River. Scan the QR code to learn more about this program!
Meredith Colburn | Associate Broker/Team Leader, Nanci J. Rands | Associate Broker, Jessica Weisman | Realtor®
Adriane Dundon | Realtor®, Caroline Johnson | Realtor®, Lauren Colburn | Marketing Director/Realtor®
Caroline Keating | Realtor®, Brooke Goodstein | Director of Operations/Realtor®
Do you want what anyone can have or something that’s made just for you? Of course you do. Kristi & her team are here to help you choose
Custom Furniture & Interior Design
The Thankful Issue
In this season of giving thanks, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Its focus is spending time with those who you love and encourages giving back in a meaningful way. While ambition, competition and slaying goals can be very healthy, forgetting to place importance on being present, enjoying the ride and appre ciating those around us who have helped us along in our journey can leave us missing out on what truly matters. We’ll never be content if we look outside ourselves and at our possessions or titles to determine if we are fulfilled. True contentment comes from within and from fulfilling who we were made to be.
Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratitude and giving back to our community. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our city the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you.
This holiday season, as we prepare to gather with our loved ones and in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set aside time to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings.
Blessings to you and your family,
ALI KRAMER, PUBLISHER
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rayna Southart | rayna.southart@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Linda Ditch, Jeff Miller, Lisa Moyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Aly Darin, Janie Jones, Jeff Nguyen
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Skin House is a medical & wellness spa located in the heart of downtown Birmingham. Dr. Christina Barbat, the founder and physician, created Skin House alongside designer and best friend, Aleksandra Vitosevic. Together, the duo built a sanctuary devoted to beauty and balance.
This Fall, Skin House expanded its menu to include spa massages, lymphatic drainage, and body treatments. Skin House’s enhanced suite of services, expertise, and luxury-level customer service have guests feeling fresh-faced all while feeling at home.
inside the issue
Catching Up With Jeanna Trotman
The
Building A Sanctuary
California
Thanksgiving By The Kingsley
The
city scene
At the Dynami Foundation’s Uncork for a Cure’s Fashion, Art & Philanthropy fashion show at Neiman Marcus Somerset Collection, Sept. 19, to benefit Lobular Breast Cancer research and local women in need. 1: Valerie Pasche, Linda Filipczak, Dynami Founder Flora Migyanka. 2: Renee Janovsky, Joe Giacomino, Flora Migyanka, James Rigato, John Vermiglio. 3: Birmingham City Lifestyle Publisher Ali Kramer and Dynami Founder Flora Migyanka. 4: Elena Kovacs, Renee Janovsky, Cassandra Callaghan, Alivia Callaghan, Molly Green. 5: Mary Wysocki, Renee Janovsky, Flora Migyanka, Eric Lowry (El Cappy). 6: Maddalena Pistillo, Kimberly Campanale, Flora Migyanka, Chuck Bennett, Renee Godin, Doris Gilles, Caroline Oberst. 7: Chuck Bennett, Renee Godin.
At the Community House’s 35th-annual Birmingham House Tour, Sept. 12: 1: Ryan Teahan. 2: Kathy Parker. 3: Lauren Sheppard. 4: Jackie Aubuchon, Dick Aubuchon, Maureen Wilson, Dan Wilson. 5: Tiffany Glime, Amy Ordona. 6: Lauren Sheppard. 7: Kathy Wolf, Barb Olson.
Photography by Patty Moore
At the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber’s 20th-annual Vine & Dine, a tasting of wine samples, new cuisine and local entertainment, at the Kingsley, Sept. 17. 1: Fogo de Chao Event Sales Manager Michelle Choice and chef. 2: NuClassica featuring Amy Decker (left) and Jordan Broder (right). 3: Coleman Yoakum, Founder of Micah 6. 4: Chefs from Eddie Merlot’s. 5: Linda Hatfield (left) of Michigan United Credit Union. 6: The Community House’s Corporate Executive Chef and Vice President Ryan Friedrich and Sous Chef Mark Danysh. 7: Dan Glisky and John Cowan from Woodberry Wine. Photography by Hugh Anderson Photography
Franklin's New Hot Spot: Newly Renovated Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery
The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery, by Ronin Capital Partners’ Jay Farner, opened in Franklin’s circa 1948 carriage house, a history “The Franklin” honors.. Executive Chef Nick Geftos (also chef at BESA Detroit) was inspired by the oyster suppers of Franklin’s original New England settlers. Enjoy shucked oysters at the raw bar, fresh seafood, steaks and burgers and weekend brunch in the two-bar dining room, upper level, outdoor patio or all-season pavilion. Thefranklinmi.com.
Cranbrook Academy of Art Announces
Christopher Whittey as Interim Director
Christopher Whittey was named Interim Director of
Photo by Sammie Saxton
He previously headed the Art, Graphic Design and Art History Department at Oklahoma State University. Whittey has studied at the Center for Creative Studies, Wayne State University, the Rhode Island School of Design and the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program; he's worked as a master carpenter at New York’s Metropolitan Opera and Saturday Night Live and has exhibited his own sculptural and installation projects.
Bloomfield Hills Student Wins 2nd Prize in International Essay Contest
Hugh Aaron of Bloomfield Hills, an 11th-grader at Detroit Country Day School, won 2nd prize in the Past is Prologue Essay Contest, sponsored by the American Battle Monuments Foundation (abmf.org), which supports the federal agency responsible for all 26 American military cemeteries and 31 monuments overseas.
Hugh wrote about WWII Air Dominance that enabled the D-Day invasion, "relevant to everyone in the world who enjoys living in freedom," he says.
More than 700 students competed in the contest.
AUTUMN DINNER PARTY
Celebrate the holiday season with an informal gathering of friends and food.
ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Whether for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or a new November tradition, create an alfresco dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings. Fall favorite recipes are updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast. Each guest can blanket themselves in mixed flannels, adding to the iconic autumn ambience. Get inspired by this menu, decor and hosting tips from catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Kansas City’s Savor & Swirl (@savorandswirl) culinary company.
INSIDER TIPS FOR HOSTING:
• Build a menu around the season. “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” Chef Kyle says. “Autumn dinners mean bigger-course meals with varied proteins, like turkey, duck and sirloin, hearty starches and good fall produce, especially root vegetables such as butternut squash and pumpkin.”
• Greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer Champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.
• Draw inspiration from the season’s changing colors, cooler temps and lower humidity to move back outdoors. “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”
• “You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers,” Hannah says, “but keep bouquets low to not interfere with conversation flowing. For fall, I like richer, jewel-toned florals to mix and match. I vary glass vases with burnished brass for warm fall vibes.”
• Put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.”
• Follow the French principle of mise en place or everything in place before your event. “This is actually our company’s name,” Kyle says. “It’s that important to us. Make sure the wines are all open, cocktails are premade, place settings are out, candles are lit and music is playing. When guests arrive, it gives that wow-factor and shows you intentionally made them feel special.”
• To build confidence as a host, start small and practice. “Keep the menu and guest list small,” Kyle says. “Choose recipes you already have confidence in. If you make a great Beef Stroganoff, then go with that. People will love it!”
• As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.”
INSPIRATIONAL MENU
CANAPÉS
Cheese Brulees with aged goat cheese, thyme, figs, local honey, petite greens
APÉRITIF
Champagne
DINNER MENU
Roasted Whole Duck
Brined & Smoked Turkey breast
Grilled Bone-In Ribeye Steaks
Chef’s Sage Gourmet Stuffing
Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Hardwood Smoked Bacon
Heirloom Root Vegetable Hash (see recipe)
Red Bliss Buttered Mashed Potatoes
Gravy
Cranberry Orange Zest Sauce
Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls & Whipped Butter
Dessert
Traditional Pumpkin Pie, Whipped Cream
YIELD: 6-10 SERVINGS
HEIRLOOM ROOT VEGETABLE HASH
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups heirloom organic carrot, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom organic rutabaga, peeled, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom organic parsnip, cubed
• 1 cup heirloom organic turnip, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom organic marble potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons rosemary, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped
• 1 tablespoon thyme, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste
Optional Garnish
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
METHOD OF PREPARATION
1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F on convection setting (425°F conventional).
2. In mixing bowl, add oil and raw cut vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Place seasoned vegetables on oiled baking sheet and bake in oven until they are caramelized and tender, about 30-60 minutes. Will be soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some lightly charred areas.
4. Remove from oven once finished cooking.
5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
CATCHING UP WITH JEANNA TROTMAN
The former sports anchor talks leaving Channel 7, Lions mania and her favorite Thanksgiving memories.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF NGUYEN
Jeanna Trotman with her daughter, Quinn
Jeanna Trotman is a storyteller. She’s loved writing since she was little.
But she also loves sports. “My parents say my first words were ‘Pull the goalie,’” she says. So sports journalism was a natural career choice.
In September, Trotman, raised in Sterling Heights and now a Berkley resident, announced on X (formerly Twitter), to her fans’ dismay, that after three years, she was leaving her dream job — sports anchor/reporter at WXYZ Detroit.
It was not an easy road getting there, and leaving was “the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make,” she says. But it was the right one.
Trotman earned a communications degree from Lake Superior State University, where she was a four-year NCAA Division-II student-athlete playing volleyball, and a master’s in broadcast journalism from Boston University. While a junior as LSSU, she landed an internship at WXYZ, where she learned from sports directors Don Shane, Tom Leyden and Brad Galli.
“I immediately knew that broadcasting was what I wanted to do,” Trotman says. “But I was inexperienced and not yet comfortable on camera.” It was also the beginning of her pathway back to Metro Detroit.
After grad school, Trotman started her first job as a weekend sports anchor in Rochester, Minn., followed by becoming sports director for the NBC and Fox affiliates in Flint. “I viewed it as the minor leagues — doing what I wanted to do but in a smaller capacity,” she says.
The same month she started at Flint, she married her longtime boyfriend, Zach Trotman, then an NHL defenseman, first with the Boston Bruins and then with the Pittsburgh Penguins. When Trotman left Flint, she headed to Pittsburgh to spend the rest of her husband’s hockey season with him after a decade-long long-distance romance. Three weeks later, Covid hit.
“Hockey got canceled,” she says. “But at the same time, we got pregnant — we had struggled for a while, and finally things were aligning.
“We were finally able to be together, be pregnant — Zach and I joke that quarantine was so much fun for us. We were literally stuck together,” she says.
A NEW CHAPTER
A month after the couple’s son, Luca Gregory (named after Zach’s father) was born in 2020, Trotman’s old friend Brad Galli called, asking when she’d be ready to come back to Detroit. “If it’s at 7 — it’s now,” she responded.
Trotman accepted an offer as sports reporter and weekend sports anchor from Detroit’s ABC affiliate. At the same time, after many injuries and surgeries, Trotman’s husband, Zach, had decided to retire from hockey. So the little family returned to Michigan — and Zach immediately jumped into medical sales, selling devices for spinal surgery.
“People assume he doesn’t work, or he’s a hockey coach,” Trotman says. “But he switched full gears. He has the tenacity of an athlete, but he’s also a natural at building relationships.”
Now a mom of two — daughter Quinn Dolly (named after her grandmother) is 19 months old — Trotman explains her decision to leave Channel 7: “A lot of people thought I left to become a stay-at-home mom. I got a lot of ‘choosing your family is Number 1,’” she says. “And a lot of that is a driving factor. But that’s not why I left. I think people can do it all — it’s not even a mom or woman thing. Parents can do both. We both want to set a good example for our kids of what hard work looks like.
“I’ve lived my childhood dream at the very station I grew up watching,” Trotman wrote on X. But now, she CONTINUED >
Michigan Football's National Championship Celebration in Ann Arbor
Interviewing Terrion Arnold, Lions cornerback
realizes, “It also has to be the right capacity, and it wasn’t for me anymore. When I was younger, I could take all the working nights, weekends and holidays, and put my head down and pay my dues. Now, I feel like I’ve paid my dues. I have a husband and two young kids at home, and it didn’t make a lot of sense anymore.”
The hardest part, she found, was “sticking up for myself,” she says. “I knew what the right choice was for so long. But there’s a mindset that’s forced on you — pay your dues and don’t complain about it. Finally having the guts to take a stand for myself was really hard. I hope other people feel they have the ability to stand up for themselves.”
The state of local television and its future also factored into her decision. “What local television was when I started — to start local and climb the ladder — versus where it is now are two very different things. I did climb the ladder and got to where I wanted to be,” Trotman says. “Now I’ll alter the goal or change what I expect that to look like. I’m excited for whatever the switch will be, whether that’s writing, radio or staying in TV in some capacity. I’m not done, just going in a different direction. I’m patiently waiting to see what’s next.”
Storytelling, she says, is “what got me in it and what keeps me in it.” The stories about real life are Trotman’s favorites. “The stories within the bigger moments,” she says. She recently did a piece
about a terminally ill grandfather and his grandson; another story was about a 12-year-old adopted girl who got life-altering hip surgery and now is a baseball star “who throws faster than the boys,” she says. “Those are what I love, and I think what I’m best at. That’s what I want to continue doing. I’m enjoying this little break, but I can only stay sitting for so long.”
THE LIONS’ ROAR
“I grew up as a Lions fan. I was a season-ticket holder my entire life,” Trotman says. “In Flint, I covered the Lions during the Caldwell era and the Patricia era and now I’ve covered the Dan Campbell era. Being on this side after the Lions’ extraordinary season last year, I felt everything the fans are feeling. It was the highlight of my career,” she says. “That’s why I love covering that team. I remember those days of, ‘This is our beloved team, but guys, you’ve broken our hearts so many times, you’ve ruined so many Thanksgivings,’” she laughs.
“But now, the fans are getting rewarded. The Lions, and Monday Night Football, have turned Ford Field and the game-day experience into a party that’s all for the fans.
“This culture expends way past this locker room, and the city deserves something to cheer about,” Trotman says. “It’s so cool to be a part of that, which is why it was really hard to leave [Channel] 7.
Zach Trotman plays with Luca
The Trotmans
“I knew what the right choice was for so long. But there’s a mindset that’s forced on you — pay your dues and don’t complain about it. Finally having the guts to take a stand for myself was really hard. I hope other people feel they have the ability to stand up for themselves.”
“I had spent every Thanksgiving at Ford Field, looking around at the empty seats and bored fans. Lions fans couldn’t catch a break,” she says. “One night, we had just finished our pregame special for the Prime Time Monday Night Football. I was leaving the field as the players were coming out for introductions, which is the craziest time. It hits peak volume.
“Being on Ford Field at that moment, looking up to the stands — there wasn’t one seat empty, not one person not on their feet, everyone screaming. After years of covering all sports at so many different levels — it was the loudest environment I’ve ever experienced. That moment really got me. And now, that’s the regular atmosphere.”
Perhaps it’s because she comes from the perspective of being married to a pro athlete that Trotman takes the hobnobbing with celeb athletes in stride. “I know how to respond to the players, or ask questions after a loss,” she says. “I know that seeing us is the last thing they want to do after a long day of practice and film.”
But she agrees it can be fun, too. “Last year, when I was very pregnant and my belly had really popped, one of the Lions, Jamal Williams [now with the Saints], was like, ‘Can I feel your belly? Do you know what you’re having?’ It’s fun to talk to them on a personal level — some of the interviews I’ve had aren’t just about sports, they’re about family and real life and the emotion. I don’t know if I would say we are ‘friends,’ but they come to trust you enough to talk to you. I talk to their parents, their wives, their girlfriends — I think that all helps, and being a regular in the locker room.
“Everyone sees this amazing culture that Dan Campbell has instilled, but it’s literally from top to bottom,” Trotman says.
Trotman wears her WXYZ media pass
“It’s Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes above him and it’s Sheila, it’s their marketing department and their pr department and the players. There’s really not a bad egg in that entire locker room and that comes from them. My friends are like, ‘Is it real?’ It’s more than real, there’s not a bad day there. I love coming home from Allen Park. It’s just a really good place to be.”
When in undergrad, Trotman wrote her thesis on “Women in Sports Broadcasting” and its changing landscape. “It’s something I’ve studied and have been critical of. When I finished grad school, I had brown hair and wore sweaters on top of button-down shirts,” she says. “I was trying hard not to be the then-stereotypical blond girl in sports. I didn’t want to be the stereotype because I simply did not want people to think about it.”
When she met her agent, “He told me to be a blond, wear a bright color. ‘You know your stuff, just own it,’” she says.
“I’m in the middle of the generation before me, who were the first women in the locker room, and the generation coming up, with a profound feminist outlook of being ‘a woman doing this job,’” Trotman says. “The first generation in the ’90s did the hard work — I did not. Because of them, I’m able to put forth that the more that you bring attention to yourself as the female in the room, the more you are just the female in the room. I want to be another reporter, just a person asking questions, even though I am often the only or one of the few women in the room.
“There’s a fine line that I pride myself on. I’m cognizant of the way I frame a question, the way I dress. I’ve had way more positive experiences with the men I deal with than negative,” she says.
IN THE NOW
Trotman is loving the break she’s on. “We’ve been to every Lions game, as fans. We’ve been to Tigers games. I never got to just be a fan,” she says. “I get to be present with my son going back to school and being there for drop-offs and bedtime.
“Being a full-time mom is much harder than being a full-time employee,” Trotman says. “But I love it.” The couple, who celebrated their 34th birthdays, three days apart, in August, got bikes for the occasion and take the kids on family rides. They hit the cider mills and orchards.
“And Luca is loving watching the Lions — he can name six players and he gets super pumped about it. Recently, we were watching football on the couch and Luca, Zach and I were all freaking out over a trick play. I never got to watch football with my family on the couch!” she says.
And this year, she’s looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with her family. Although the sports-loving couple find Thanksgiving food to be overrated, they are big fans of the holiday. “Thanksgiving to me was getting up early, going down to the Eastern Market in my parents’ RV to tailgate, play football, go to the game — and often be disappointed — then dinner at my uncle’s,” she says. “For us, the focal point was always the Lions.”
And being together. “I’m probably the most grateful person on Earth,” Trotman says. “I have the greatest support system and I’ve leaned on them a lot. My husband is my rock. Luca and Quinn’s personalities fill my every day. My parents, my in-laws, my friends, my WXYZ co-workers — the support I’ve had through this transition has been unreal. There’s nothing better than this season in life.”
Jeanna Trotman with her son, Luca
D R . B R I A N F I A N I
• Construction-to-Permanent loan
• New home construction or renovation
• Borrow up to 90% of the home’s “to-be-completed” value
• Interest-only payments during the construction phase
• Single, one-time closing
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH
Finding Light in Darkness
The DRE Project delivers sustenance to people in need.
After years of living in the midst of grief after the death of her beloved sister Andrea (Dre) Kristin Jackson, Birminghamresident Jennifer Jackson found her way out by asking herself, "What would she want for my life?"
The answer came in the form of delivering home-cooked meals for people facing hardship. Over time, that vision developed into the DRE Project. The organization's mission is to bring light and positivity to the world — one meal and box of groceries at a time, in partnership with other nonprofits throughout Metro Detroit, such as Humble Design Detroit,
Jennifer Jackson, founder of the DRE Project, named after her sister, Andrea Jackson
New Day Foundation, Easterseals MORC, Sheriff PAL, Kids Empowered on the Move and SAY Detroit. Birmingham City Lifestyle spoke with the Birmingham resident about the DRE Project's development and goals for helping others.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE FEEDING FAMILIES AS A WAY TO HELP?
I was raised in the pizza industry and started in the stores at the age of 10. When I lost my sister, I went to hell, and as I came back, I wanted to shine the light that she left in this dark world. I didn't know how, so I turned to Kensington Church, which has been a huge part of my journey, and took the LIVE! Training. In that class, I was taught to look at my hands and see the gifts that I had been given. I knew I was good at food; it was in my blood, so that's where I started.
We deliver 60 pounds of dry goods, a homecooked meal prepared by the Foodie Engineer, and our birthday boxes. Our next step is a recipe book with all the items we serve in the boxes,
which provide about seven days of food. We want to help getting creative and cooking on a budget for a family! We start with food but then offer any additional resources a family might need. From household items to clothing, furniture and baby items, our community is pulling together to help these families.
HOW HAS THE MISSION CHANGED OVER TIME?
The DRE Project began serving home-cooked meals to families that suffered loss during COVID19 and delivered more than 2,800 meals through 2021. Today, we deliver one time to any family facing hardship. In 2023, we delivered to more than 200 families and are on track to help more than 600 families in 2024.
This happens out of my garage, so imagine what I could do with a space. I have been praying for a space to come forward that we can utilize. If anyone has a space and wants a tax write-off, please reach out!
CONTINUED >
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PEOPLE LEARNING TO LIVE WITH GRIEF?
In all honesty, I ran from grief for the first six years, and it was hell. Grief is a journey we must follow on our own, but understand we are not alone. Don't run from grief. Go through it. It hurts. It sucks, and you will never get over the one you lose. So, face it, accept it, understand the feelings and push through it. We have so many resources now, and the New Hope Center for Grief Support is one of them. I facilitate virtual groups for this Northville-based nonprofit that has many in-person groups as well.
HOW DO YOU THINK DRE WOULD FEEL ABOUT THE PROJECT NAMED AFTER HER?
Dre had this caring side of her, which we call the ‘wounded bird syndrome.’ She was always taking people in, helping them, offering them meals and just someone to listen. I know she is proud to see the number of people we're helping in her honor, and the more we can serve, the bigger she will be smiling down on us.
How To Help
The DRE Project is run entirely on support from the community. For more information about the DRE Project, to donate or to volunteer time or services to the DRE Project, visit thedreproject.org or call (248) 709-3229.
The DRE Project volunteers
•
•
•
Lisa Kirsch Satawa Chief Legal Strategist
Schedule An Appointment
Let us help your family live a healthier, happier life together.
At CLS, we believe in the importance of whole health for the whole family.
Our experienced team prioritizes the well-being of every family member, offering personalized care and support to help you achieve your health goals. From gentle adjustments to holistic treatments, we are dedicated to providing top-notch chiropractic care.
Additionally, our state-of-the-art Functional Neurology Center offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to support both adults and children with various conditions such as ADHD, Vertigo, POTS, Autism, Concussions/TBIs, Parkinson’s, and more. Experience the difference in your family’s health and well-being with us at CLS.
*At CLS, chiropractic care is always free for kids 17 and under with a paying adult.
chiropracticlifestylestudios.com | 248.744.4447
30955 Woodward Ave, Ste. 435 Royal Oak, MI 48073
Drs. Chad & Chelsea Jackson and son Carson
BUILDING A SANCTUARY
California Closets Michigan creates custom-designed everything.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
Since opening California Closets Michigan ( locations. californiaclosets.com/mi/greater-detroit ) in 1988, Ray and Sheilah Markham have grown their business — and their family.
"We collaborate to execute thoughtful designs that cater to each project’s needs for functionality, durability, aesthetics, timeline and budget." — Jenna Wittbrodt
Sheilah started out as a salesperson with California Closets Connecticut, while Ray, who had a background in sales, played pro hockey with the New York Rangers. Presented with the opportunity to open a franchise in Michigan, they launched new careers with the personalized storage solutions company.
The franchise began operations in Commerce and over the years, opened additional showrooms, including locations at the Somerset Collection in Troy and in Rochester. They have since established their current showrooms in Birmingham and the Michigan Design Center in Troy. In 2022, the business opened their new headquarters: a 30,000-square-foot flagship showroom and design studio in Wixom, which also houses their production facility with a dedicated team of engineers. The company also serves Northern Michigan.
Since then, the next generation of the family has taken the reins: Siblings Ray Markham, Jr., COO, and Jenna
Wittbrodt, CEO, bring backgrounds in finance and sales and design, respectively, to the family business. Below, we caught up with Jenna Wittbrodt.
TELL US ABOUT CALIFORNIA CLOSETS?
California Closets originated the custom-closet industry in 1978. Today, the brand operates a multinational franchise and company-owned organization with showrooms across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
My parents established and grew California Closets Michigan, which is distinguished by a legacy of innovation, organizational expertise, quality craftsmanship and design authority. From beautiful closets and home offices to hard-working kitchen pantries and media centers, we design custom home storage that adds value to your life and home by making space for what belongs. It’s what we call ‘Practical Magic.’
A guest house is home to a gorgeous Murphy bed
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
We are a full-service, custom-designed home-storage company working with residential clients and trade professionals alike. We collaborate to execute thoughtful designs that cater to each project’s needs for functionality, durability, aesthetic, timeline and budget. All of our services are performed by employees — never subcontractors — including manufacturing at our state-of-the-art facility in Wixom — and installation.
HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
We start with a complimentary design consultation, either in-home or using blueprints/drawings in one of our showrooms. During this initial visit, which can last approximately two hours, the designer will take the time to get a feel for the project’s space, take an inventory of belongings — seeking to learn the goals and needs for the space — then make recommendations to maximize every inch.
For instance, for a closet design, it’s important to account for the types of clothing that will be stored (how many long-handing sections are needed versus short). In a home office, it’s valuable to know if the area will be shared, and how power needs to be integrated. Then, the design process is totally collaborative using our proprietary 3D software — a personalized 3D design is created, allowing clients to see exactly how the final product will look in their space. Finally, the project is custom-crafted using North American materials and expertly installed.
“CLOSETS” IS IN YOUR NAME. WHICH OTHER AREAS OF THE HOME DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?
Though we created the closet category nearly 50 years ago, people are still often surprised that we also specialize in high-quality Murphy beds and office spaces. Additionally, our expertise now expands far beyond closets to include almost every room in the home: walk-in, kids, guest, linen and entryway closets; mudrooms; pantries; wine bars and entertainment centers; garages; bookshelves and home libraries; fireplace surrounds and living areas; craft rooms; even commercial and retail spaces.
HOW DO YOU CUSTOMIZE STYLES FOR EACH CLIENT?
We pride ourselves on functional and beautifully crafted designs. Our professional designers have interior design backgrounds and we partner with
Left: Ample shelving for a local men's salon. Bottom: An entertainment cabinet opens to a pull-out Murphy bed.
"Our designers take the time to get a feel for the project’s space and inventory belongings to maximize every inch." — Jenna Wittbrodt
many in Metro Detroit and Northern Michigan. With versatile offerings in both premium materials and curated woodgrain and matte finishes as well as hardware, door and drawer styles and storage accessories, we’re able to customize each design to the client’s desired aesthetic — whether transitional, modern or contemporary.
CAN YOU WORK WITH ALL BUDGETS?
Absolutely, which also takes people by surprise. The beauty of our process is that it is truly personalized for each client. Our consultations are collaborative and transparent. Clients have the ability to see how a quote builds by adding, removing and playing with our many design details. We also offer price matching and are incredibly competitive in the market overall. We understand, no matter what the budget, the
significance of our clients’ investment. To that, all pricing is inclusive of the product, installation and limited lifetime warranty.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER BUILDERS/DESIGNERS?
First and foremost, it is our people. Our company works from a set of specific core values that drive everything we do. We are a unified team that is empowered, valued and motivated to deliver excellence. We take the utmost pride in our work, and our team delivers a lasting, custom-crafted product and highly personalized experience. There is never a one-size-fits-all approach — every single project is unique and execution includes thoughtful design details that might be overlooked by other companies.
A hallway mudroom with a built-in bench doubles as a cozy spot for family pets.
We have a robust trade-industry presence and work with designers, builders, architects and organizers alike who also understand and appreciate the value of our expertise and full-service approach. We collaborate with these businesses, working to support their unique needs and clientele. Every product we offer, design and install goes through extensive research and development, and we pride ourselves not only on functional, beautiful spaces, but designs that will stand the test of time.
WHICH GEOGRAPHIC AREAS DO YOU SERVICE?
Our franchise showroom and manufacturing center is in Wixom. We also have a recently updated showroom in Birmingham, and in 2019, our showroom at the Michigan Design Center opened.
Our showrooms are another facet that sets us apart — allowing clients the ability to experience our product firsthand. Our company services almost all of Michigan, both Metro Detroit and Northern.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRODUCTS AND THEIR ATTRIBUTES?
Our premium materials include elevated construction and design points which are standard, not upgrades. Our drawers use steel, full-extension under-mount runners with soft-close mechanisms and our standard drawer offering is birchwood with dovetail construction. Our boards are finished with laser edge-banding — not glue — and our standard depth for shelves is 14” versus 12” with other companies.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
I find it incredibly fulfilling to work with amazing customers and a fantastic team. Delivering on our promises and seeing designs come to life during installation is rewarding, especially knowing that we’re making a real difference and impact in our customers’ day-to-day lives by not only enhancing their organization but creating spaces they can enjoy for a lifetime.
Thanksgiving By The Kingsley
Let the iconic hotel get you out of the kitchen this holiday.
This Thanksgiving, add to your gratitude list not spending hours in the kitchen preparing the meal. The Kingsley in Bloomfield Hills is again offering everything necessary for the holiday dinner, including the turkey. Just place your order and allow their skilled catering staff to do the work for you.
"The culinary team we have in-house, who are able to provide high-quality banquet and catered meals for weddings and huge corporate events, can also bring that talent to a Thanksgiving dinner at home," says Sean Hughes, director of food and beverage for The Kingsley. "I really want people to be able to focus on football that day," he adds.
"We want the items we offer to be not only great quality but to represent the same upscale dining experience you would get when you have an event on the property or dine in one of our restaurants,” says Marketing Manager Amber Demick. “People get to take that home with them and make it part of their Thanksgiving tradition."
The special holiday menu has a wide and varied selection of soups, salads, entrees, side dishes and desserts. Most are upscaled versions of traditional fare, such as the Boursin Mac ’n' Cheese, Brown Butter Sage Stuffing and a House Fall Salad. The main course highlights include local Amish turkey, Au Poivre Strip Steak and Roasted Aukra Salmon. Vegetarian diners can enjoy the Dinosaur Kale and Inca Quinoa Salad, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges and Baby Heirloom Carrots and Roasted Beets.
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALY DARIN
"We're trying to get that home-cooked feel for the customer who wouldn't be able — or doesn’t want — to do it themselves,"
"We're trying to get that home-cooked feel for the customer who wouldn't be able — or doesn’t want — to do it themselves," Hughes says. "It's about quality and putting that love into the dish."
Of course, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without desserts. The Kingsley’s pastry chef is offering pies such as Caramel Apple Streusel, Banana French Silk and, of course, Pumpkin. Also on the menu: Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies and a large variety of cookies.
Customers can order an entire meal for 10 people or just a side or dessert to take to a gathering. Everything is packed in foil pans with instructions for easy oven reheating.
Demick says, "With Thanksgiving being such a family event, a lot of people like to get their own turkey. But we still wanted to offer that as well to make it one less thing you have to grab. Of course, if you're going to a family member's house for the holiday and are responsible for bringing a side, we can make that easy for you, too."
Looking ahead, The Kingsley is planning a Breakfast with Santa event, replete with a buffet and photos with The Big Guy himself. And don't forget desserts for your holiday gatherings.
To place your Thanksgiving order, visit Zalmans.com and click on the catering tab. All orders must be received by noon on Tuesday, Nov. 26, for pick up between 10 am and 2 pm on Thanksgiving Day. For tickets to the Breakfast with Santa event, email amber.demick@hilton.com. For more about the Kingsley Bloomfield Hills, visit thekingsley.com .
FLOWERS AND DECOR BY GERYCH’S GREENHOUSE, FLOWERS & EVENTS
PREMIER PRIVATE JETS AIMS TO MAKE FLYING MORE PERSONALIZED AND PRODUCTIVE.
From Waterford to the World
ARTICLE BY JEFF MILLER
Remember airline travel back in the day? About 40 years ago, airlines invited you to “fly the friendly skies” and offered “something special in the air.”
Today? Crowded terminals, dicey connections, long check-ins — the list goes on.
While most of the flying public has no alternative to the airlines, some flyers do. During and after the Covid pandemic, a number of these people tried private charter flying for the first time. And many of them have not looked back.
When you charter, there is no check-in, no security line, no wait. You can walk into a small executive terminal, be greeted by a friendly customer-service representative and, often, walk right out the airside doors to a waiting jet. You can even drive your car to the jet.
There’s no such thing as a connecting flight in business aviation: Every flight is direct. At the destination, you’re often greeted by a town car plane-side and off you go to your ultimate destination. It’s easy to get spoiled.
SIZED FOR SERVICE
Premier Private Jets was created 12 years ago to deliver this experience. It’s not one of the biggest charter operators, which the company sees as an advantage. It gets to know its customers better and provides a more family-like service experience, treating customers like their own. Premier operates a fleet of 13 aircraft — Cessna Citation light jets and Hawker mid-size jets, both holding about six to eight passengers.
Premier operates from bases in Waterford at the Oakland County International Airport, as well as Dayton, Ohio, and Stuart, Fla., where it is headquartered. It flies customers anywhere east of the Mississippi at standard rate and can take passengers to points west, as well as internationally at a slightly higher fee structure.
While some of the largest, pricier providers advertise their ability to throw on-board parties for young children, Premier focuses on delivering reliable, hassle-free travel to its customers, figuring that this is what budget-conscious charterers, and especially mid-size businesses, want most.
PACKAGE DEALS
Premier Jets offers a couple of packages focused on economy, in line with the company’s motto: “business aviation within reach.” Premier makes the point that hourly flight rates can compare to airline fares when flying families or business teams.
Premier’s Jet Card program offers packages of 25 and 50 hours, with rates decreasing as customers place higher deposits to draw upon as flight hours are consumed.
The company’s unique Florida Express Jet Club offers special rates for a package of four, eight or 16 flights. The proviso is that they must begin or end in Florida. It’s a program specifically designed for snowbirds and second-home owners.
For those Florida-bound college-fans, passengers are greeted by one of Premier’s five airplanes painted in University of Florida orange and blue. For more, visit premierprivatejets.com
Whether
Financing for renovations or expansion projects
loans all in
Interest only payments during the construction of your home
Construction periods up to 24 months
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
loaded hummus
This crowd-pleaser can be made in advance for easy entertaining.
hummus ingredients:
• 2 cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
• Juice from one lemon (or ¼ cup)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
toppings:
• Olives
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chickpeas
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Fresh Parsley
directions:
In a blender, add all of the ingredients except the olive oil and the toppings. Blend until smooth. Spread Hummus onto a plate or platter and top with chopped toppings. Serve with fresh bell peppers, zucchini, crackers and pita bread.
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions: Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
garlic herb feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
It’s never too early to start planning your holiday magic!
This year, let us handle all your Christmas lighting needs with our all-inclusive package, featuring lights that come with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind. We’ll beautifully illuminate your rooflines, light up trees and other landscapes, and adorn greenery like wreaths and garlands. From custom design to installation, we ensure your home or business shines bright all season long. Plus, we take care of maintenance, takedown, and storage, so you can relax and enjoy the festivities. Don’t wait until the last minute—secure your spot now and be the envy of your neighborhood. Our expert team will work with you to create a stunning, personalized holiday lighting design that captures the spirit of the season.
NOVEMBER 2ND
Steve Martin & Martin Short "The Dukes of Funnytown!" Fox Theatre Detroit
Steve Martin and Martin Short’s “The Dukes of Funnytown!” show is based on a friendship forged over three decades. Their humor is a joyous self-deprecating romp from comedy masters driven to make each other laugh as much as the audience. The rapid-fire jokes mock Hollywood and the fickle nature of celebrity, but the comedy truly soars when they lovingly, relentlessly roast each other.
NOVEMBER 2ND
HUEL PERKINS HOSTS BATES STREET SOCIETY DINNER
Birmingham Community House
The Bates Street Society recognizes donors who make significant charitable contributions to support the mission of the Community House in Birmingham. These members are acknowledged at the annual Bates Street Society Dinner, a black-tie threecourse seated dinner; the event also recognizes the Community House’s annual Pillars of Vibrancy. This year's event's Master of Ceremonies is award-winning news anchor, producer, writer and past pillar Huel Perkins. RSVP at communityhouse.com
Pictured left-to-right: Jason Geisz, Beth Silver, Adam Biswanger, Sue Minster, Bob Alati and Robyn Crewdson
My Place in Detroit
