HOLIDAYS HAPPY
Happy Holidays
Artist: Roselyn Rhodes
Merry Christmas Grosse Pointe
There is a depth to life that nourishes the soul when we bring our thoughts and habits into the Christmas season. It is a simple story that needs no alteration. In a time when we are pulled in a million different directions on how we think we need to celebrate Christmas, the purest form of celebration is remembering what it’s all about. A Child was born and became the light of the world.
Both my daughters attended Star of the Sea. It was a great experience and gave them a foundation of faith and service. At Christmas, the magic of the season was multiplied by events like the Christmas concert, the decorations at school, and the notion of remembering and serving others.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, we wanted to highlight the true spirit of the season through the local Catholic schools. We spoke to Principals Tina Forsythe from St. Paul, Sarah Hensien from St. Clare de Montefalco, and Ann Diamond from Regina High School. Hear about how our local schools focus on what is most important this season and how it translates to the traditions at home.
Grosse Pointe at Christmas becomes a magical setting. As we go about our plans and actions, holiday shopping, and all the hustle and bustle; we are blessed to have so many families behind the businesses that make this such a special community. Everything we hold dear about living here is held together by making sure we support the local businesses. The holidays are crucial to keeping healthy businesses so we don’t lose what we have. A family, a neighbor, a friend is behind every purchase we make when we shop local. We speak to local business owners to showcase the magical and important heart of Grosse Pointe.
We also speak with Hallmark store owners, Matt and Kristi Dunseith. This wonderful couple excel at making the holiday season special through the hard work of keeping their stores a little Christmas oasis for us to enjoy and shop.
Finally, the giving campaign is in full swing as Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle participates in the annual event. Find out how you can nominate someone in need this holiday season.
May God bless you and your family this Christmas. We hope you all enjoy the time spent together and our magazine brings an extra jingle to your celebrations. Merry Christmas!
DAVID MATTALIANO, PUBLISHER
December 2024
PUBLISHER
David Mattaliano | david.mattaliano@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Paige Peabody | paige.peabody@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Margaret Caroll
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Kim Rensburg
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
Shop eugenie at Pearl this December
eugenie, a Detroit-based boutique, is popping up at Pearl in Grosse Pointe throughout December, with a curated selection of sustainable clothing, accessories, and jewelry. eugenie is committed to a sustainable future through conscious design and innovation, featuring independent, women-owned brands that reduce their impact on people and the planet. Learn more about eugenie at www.eugeniedetroit. com and visit them at Pearl on 74 Kercheval Ave this December.
Dr. William Krieg, Dr. Brynn Jezdimir and Dr. Richard Frenchi
CELEBRATING IN OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
The True Meaning of Christmas
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
"We always keep the birth of Jesus at the center of the holiday," says Tina.
Catholic schools strive to integrate high-quality education in a faith-based atmosphere, and this combination is most prevalent during the Christmas season. While most students are excited about the presents that will be waiting under the tree, the schools help them focus on the true meaning of the season.
Here, we meet three local Catholic school principals who tell us how they and their staff work to deliver this message.
TINA FORSYTHE - ST. PAUL ON THE LAKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL, GROSSE POINTE
Before becoming the principal of St. Paul on the Lake Catholic School, Tina Forsythe was a teacher. Today, she enjoys leading the school and spreading the message of Jesus, especially during the Christmas season.
"We always keep the birth of Jesus at the center of the holiday," she says. "We have Advent wreaths in school and classrooms, and we focus on what each candle means as it's lit. We talk about Mary and Joseph, and the Three Wise Men and the gifts they bring."
This message is incorporated throughout the classrooms and parish. "This way, it's not just about Santa Claus and the gifts—it's about Jesus."
The school also presents a Christmas concert at the beginning of December so children can sing to their families. "We have some traditional Christmas songs, some Christcentered ones, and then some fun ones as well," says Tina.
During the month, the school celebrates giving to others. "This year, we will do a raffle to raise money for charity. One of our school families donated a 93-inch bear, and one of our students thought it would be great as a fundraiser."
The church also has a giving tree full of ornamental tags showing what people in the community need. "We are all about service, so we encourage our families to take a tag and purchase these items for families in need."
A pancake breakfast is also held the day before Christmas break to bring families together to celebrate.
At home, Tina enjoys celebrating with her husband Jim, 26-year-old daughter Alexis, and sons Patrick, 26, and Jacob, 22. "The first thing you see when you come through our front door is our Nativity scene," she says. "I also collect Santas, and we love to decorate."
One of their beloved traditions is attending the Greenfield Village Christmas Walk. "It's all decorated for Christmas, and my absolute favorite part is going into the Greenville Village Chapel."
On Christmas Eve, the family attends mass; on Christmas day, they gather with other loved ones to celebrate.
ANN DIAMOND - REGINA HIGH SCHOOL, WARREN
Ann Diamond has a long history with Regina High School. She's been a student, a teacher, and now a principal. "I really feel like this is where I learned to be my true self and be empowered to be anything I want to be," she says.
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"The students are always reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas," says Ann. “ ”
Celebrating the beginning of the Christmas season at Regina is always exciting. At the beginning of December, an Advent wreath is displayed, and a candle is lit every week in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. "The students are always reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas," says Ann.
St. Nicholas Day is another tradition held at the beginning of the month. "Our girls wear saddle shoes and hang one shoe on their locker. Then, St. Nick comes and leaves treats in their shoes."
The staff also does a Secret Santa with the students, followed by a breakfast at which they can all share what they received and learn the identities of their secret Santas.
To bring the joy of Christmas outside of the school, Regina's choral ensemble goes into the community to sing carols and brighten people's day.
Ann believes one of the most important messages she, her staff, and the parish get across is being of service. "We remind them that the season centers around love, generosity, and togetherness rooted in the birth of Jesus," she says. "We want to reflect on the values of kindness, compassion, and goodwill."
One way the school does this is by helping local families in need. "Last year, we adopted, I believe, eight families and collected presents for them because here at Regina, we want to make sure everyone is able to celebrate Christmas."
This giving also extends into Ann's personal life. She and her husband Ken, along with their four boys—Blaise, Jax, Gage, and Slade—aged 15 to 21—celebrate Advent and adopt a family of their own. They also take ornaments, or tags, off the Christmas tree at church to buy things for those who need them.
" Regina is a place where we celebrate joy and hope and are grateful for what we have," she says. "I teach that at home as well."
SARAH HENSIEN - ST. CLARE OF MONTEFALCO, GROSSE POINTE
Sarah Hensien strongly believes in the foundation of faith, faith-building, and leadership that Catholic education offers. St. Clare of Montefalco, which will soon be celebrating its 100th anniversary, was a perfect fit for her.
Every year, the school has a theme that runs through everything it does, and this year's theme is "Love one another as you wish to be loved." This message is especially poignant at Christmas.
"We celebrate the birth of Jesus and try to bring hope to all around us," she says. "One of the various ways we do this is by focusing on the four pillars of Advent: hope, peace, love, and joy."
Every morning during December, students gather around an Advent wreath in the main hallway to sing,
share readings, and light the candles on the wreath. "It's really beautiful to hear all the voices singing and sharing readings, which stay with the kids," says Sarah.
Instead of ornaments, the huge Christmas tree that hangs on the wall has cutouts of students' hands. The purpose of doing this, she says, is to instill a sense of gratitude for what they have. "They write something they're grateful for on one of the hands, and then on the other, they write a person or group of people that they're praying for. It's a beautiful reminder of why we celebrate the season."
There's also a school-wide Christmas concert held in the church for family members. Like the other schools, they celebrate St. Nicholas Day by asking the students to leave their shoes in the hallway so St. Nick can leave candy canes and chocolates in them.
To give back, the student council organizes a hat and glove drive, which distributes the items to those in the community who need them. The church also has a giving tree to help others have a happy Christmas.
At home, Sarah plans to celebrate the holiday with her family. "In the past, we've celebrated with my parents, but they both passed in the last year, so my husband John, my son Jack, and my daughter Anna are going to celebrate quietly by first going to church, then coming home to listen to music by the Christmas tree and just sit by the fire."
“We celebrate the birth of Jesus and try to bring hope to all around us,” “ ”
FRESH FARMS MARKET
Shopping from your Heart
PRESERVING OUR COMMUNITY
ARTICLE BY MARGARET CARROLL
BY KIM RENSBURG
PHOTOGRAPHY
Bedford Falls is a fictional place that only exists in "It's a Wonderful Life," but Grosse Pointe comes close, especially in November and December when Kercheval Avenue is fully decked out for the holidays.
Main Street Grosse Pointe, the association dedicated to maintaining the historical integrity of our downtown district, makes the annual transformation possible. The group is responsible for beloved traditions such as Paint the Town each spring, planting beautiful flower beds, the annual Sidewalk Sale, Music on the Plaza, and more.
According to Main Street Grosse Pointe Board Member Susie Bohrer, the goal is to ensure the Village continues to be a great place for everyone to gather, shop, and enjoy! Susie is one of 10 Board members who meet monthly (in addition to various committee meetings) to maintain the Kercheval shopping district so it feels current and meets residents' needs while maintaining its historic charm.
Susie brings a unique perspective to achieving that balance. She is co-owner with her mother, Susan Stefani, of Susie At Home. Susan Stefani established the iconic Grosse Pointe home decor store 11 years ago on the foundation of a successful jewelry business on Fisher Road. Grandmother Angie still comes in every day.
"We care about our community and each person who comes into the shop," says Susie. "The three of us divided our talents to run Susie At Home to compete in today's retail environment while curating a unique collection of items to serve this community.
It is a really beautiful relationship that is unique to small businesses."
Grosse Pointers have been supportive since day one, when Susie's mom brought the same warmth and flair to the retail space she uses when styling her home. There is even a fireplace and wet bar for coffee. "We wanted it to be not only a store but an experience," Susie explains.
Shoppers who visit Susie At Home have the advantage of expert advice. "You will find things you can mix or do something different with what you already have," Susie points out. "Many women come in with dishes they inherited from their grandmother, for example. We can pair it with a new napkin ring or element, and they leave very excited to use their items.
"We have a love affair with antique or vintage."
Anne Murphy, who founded Apple Blossom Baby and Decor with Lisa Chalker in 2018, also aims to provide shoppers with a unique experience. "Lisa is an amazing artist," Anne says, whose artistic vision and flair have contributed to the space's look and feel and the selection of one-of-a-kind items for sale. They moved to Kercheval in the Village from their first location in Grosse Pointe Woods about five years ago.
"I love being here. It's the best," Anne says. She sees a lot of neighbors and clients served by her realty business. "It's nice to see friends, and really great to have them stop in."
"I can do all my Christmas shopping right here," Anne points out. "Shopping locally is vital to
“We’ve been trying to communicate to people in the community that if we don’t shop downtown, Main Street Grosse Pointe can’t support you.”
"When there is a thriving downtown area, it drives up our home values."
keeping our economy strong, and that, in turn, keeps our community strong and vibrant."
Anne gives back by serving as Vice President on the board of Main Street Grosse Pointe. "We put on events all year round," she points out. "We've been trying to communicate to people in the community that if we don't shop downtown, Main Street Grosse Pointe can't support you."
"Our local Village stores don't have higher prices than the internet. Our association works hard to ensure the Village of Grosse Pointe remains vibrant. People assume the City pays for everything, but we all work together. Anything that is organized and put on here in the Kercheval shopping district is pretty much put on by (Main Street Grosse Pointe)."
According to Anne, a lot takes place behind the scenes. "We have to raise money. We have to ask for volunteers. There are a lot of things we do for the community." Anne adds that getting involved is easy, and everyone is welcome! Main Street Grosse Pointe is always looking for fresh ideas, donations, and volunteers.
Kercheval Avenue's hometown feel drew Ann and Matt Turnbull back home to Grosse Pointe from Chicago. The husband-and-wife team owns Village Palm and Newport, two clothing staples that employ 10. The Turnbulls purchased Village Palm in 2019. The pandemic was tough for businesses, but the Turnbulls remain committed to their community. They place a high value on supporting each other and their fellow Grosse Pointe businesses.
"Many of our labels are manufactured in the US," Matt points out. We can't buy American all the time, but we try. " The Turnbulls employ 10 staff who are focused on getting to know their customers.
"Because of that," Ann says. "We can really help. Our clients can call and let us know what they need. We can line up options to make it easy and convenient for them
to shop." She points out that there is no substitute for shopping at a brick-and-mortar store like Village Palm or Newport when purchasing clothing and gift items.
"It's a totally different experience than shopping online," Ann adds. "That might be okay for ordering household items, but coming into a store, getting that personal advice and attention, and leaving with something beautifully wrapped is no comparison."
"We try to provide an experience where you are not a shopper but a friend, where everyone feels welcome," husband Matt points out. "Shopping locally is a very important part of that.”
"The holiday season is a tradition that we certainly want to maintain," he adds. Village Palm and Newport support the family-friendly events that take place along Kercheval, including the annual Santa Parade.
An emphasis on the personal touch is also a priority at Small Favors, which has been operating for nearly 20 years and has been in its current location for eight years. Betsy Enders, co-owner with Kasey Malley, says, "We love being part of the community. We are thrilled to be able to be here and help Grosse Pointers with their gift-giving needs. Everything leaves here wrapped, so it has that perfect touch. At Christmas time especially, the hustle and bustle of a store full of happy shoppers is such a joy to be part of."
There is an even bigger reason to shop locally. "When there is a thriving downtown area, it drives up our home values," Susie Bohrer points out. "We are creating a value for the community, which in turn helps all our residents. Many customers will come in, shop in neighboring stores, and then dine out. Shopping and dining in our Village means the money stays in our community."
Main Street Grosse Pointe, phone: 313.886.7474, email: villagedda@grossepointecity.org, website: villagegrossepointe.org .
DECEMBER.
MAIN STREET GROSSE POINTE VILLAGE SHOPS ARE OPEN LATE ON THE THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, WITH ADDITIONAL EXTENDED HOURS DAILY IN
Pictured; The TurnbullFamily
Bloomfield Hills | Grosse Pointe Farms since 1959
Bloomfield Hills | Grosse Pointe Farms since 1959
Bloomfield Hills | Grosse Pointe Farms since 1959
A HALLMARK HOLIDAY
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
ARTICLE BY MARGARET CARROLL
Christmas is deeply woven into the fabric of family life. It is a rich tapestry of celebration, spending time with those we love, and honoring the memory of those forever in our hearts. It is a time on every level of homecoming.
For everyone who wants to open their doors and share their hospitality, there is a place that offers one-stop shopping to help deck the halls: Kristi’s Hallmark on Greater Mack Avenue in St. Clair Shores.
“We are here to help celebrate life events large and small or show someone you care in moments of need,” says Matt Dunseith, who, with his wife Kristi, has owned the store since 2019. They have three other Hallmark locations in Macomb Township, Clinton Township, and Warren.
The St. Clair Shores store is unique, smaller, and has a more neighborhood feel. “We have very loyal shoppers in this location, people who have been shopping here under the previous ownership, and it is great to continue to serve them,” Matt says. He credits his wife Kristi as the true face of the business they’ve been in for 35 years.
CONTINUED
“I love helping people celebrate the holidays with their families and decorate their homes,”
“I love helping people celebrate the holidays with their families and decorate their homes,” Kristi explains. She buys for all four locations, and is always looking for stock that will make Kristi’s Hallmark a warm and happy place to walk into. “I want this to be a ‘feel good store,’ a welcome environment,” she says. “Holidays are happy times, and we want our stores to reflect that.”
That is top of mind when Kristi does the buying each January for items to stock for Christmas at the end of the year. “My goal is to offer our customers a choice of items in a range of price points, so they can create memories with items they feel good about, purchases that will enhance their holiday experience.”
Budget and choice are essential.
“We try to offer a balance,” Kristi explains. “Some customers want inexpensive. Others want designer, very high-end. I look for items that will add value. People want things to help them create a memory for those they care about.” According to the Dunseiths, that’s what the Hallmark brand is all about.
Kristi’s Hallmark is on-brand there, too. The Dunseiths have been married for 28 years and have two adult children who grew up in the family business.
“They keep us on track with our family traditions,” Kristi explains, adding it is not easy. Retail is known for long hours, and
Kristi maintains a presence at all four locations, which together employ 50 people.
“During the day, I love helping customers find what they want for their family and friends, helping them find joy this time of year,” Kristi says. “When I get home after work, I rely on our kids to keep up our holiday traditions.”
Being a working mom has helped make Kristi’s Hallmark a place where customers can race in after a busy day and find what they need quickly, or take their time and browse until they find something inspiring. “We try to be responsive to our customers’ needs,” Kristi explains. “We bring in unique items and a mix of promotional things, so there really is something for everybody.”
Shoppers looking for a jumpstart on Christmas will find it in July, when the Hallmark Premier ornament collection arrives, followed by full stock rollout in September. Kristi’s Hallmark hosts a Holiday Open House each November to kick off the holidays, offering a variety of specials.
Kristi’s Hallmark (23155 Greater Mack Avenue, St. Clair Shores) is open 9:30AM - 6:00PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; Thursdays until 7:00PM; Sundays through Christmas 11:00AM - 4:00PM. Call for details: (586) 775-6530.
Grosse Pointe Hornets Boys
Grosse Pointe STING Girls
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
Bus: 313-881-8100
Email: mark@callmarkw.com Callmarkw.com
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 8TH
Bedtime Stories with Santa War Memorial, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48230 | 2:30 PM
Dress the children in their comfiest pajamas and let them snuggle up with their favorite stuffed toy and blanket as they join Santa Claus for a magical evening in the Alger House. Storytime seatings will take place between 4-8pm on both Sunday, December 8th and Thursday, December 12th. Capacity is limited and tickets must be obtained in advance. www.warmemorial. org/eventcalendar11
DECEMBER 8TH
Brunch with Santa Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236 | 10:00 AM
A magical morning filled with joy and wonder. Indulge in a scrumptious hot breakfast buffet and watch the sparkle in your children’s eyes as they chat with Santa and share their holiday wishes. Sundays, December 8 and 22, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friends of Ford House tickets go on sale on Tuesday, October 29, at 10 a.m. www.fordhouse.org/events
DECEMBER 15TH
Breakfast with Santa War Memorial, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48230 | 9:30 AM
This holiday season, join friends and family for a joy-filled Breakfast with Santa at The War Memorial! Santa makes a spectacular entrance via his iconic helicopter to kickstart the festivities. Choose your preferred seating time (9:30am or Noon) and we’ll bring the holiday cheer. Capacity is limited and tickets must be obtained in advance. www.warmemorial.org/ eventcalendar11
