LIFE + CULTURE
FUELING YOUR ATHLETE
RED LIGHT THERAPY
ARTS + CULTURE
ARCHIVING YOUR FAMILY LEGACY
The Spirit of Love, The Joy of Local
As February unfolds, the air fills with the spirit of love.
While we traditionally associate this month with grand gestures and heartfelt cards, I find myself drawn to a broader notion of love—one that extends beyond romantic relationships and embraces our vibrant West Bloomfield community.
“Love local” is more than a catchy phrase—it’s a way to honor the charm, dedication, and creativity that define our local businesses.
From the cozy ambiance at Matari Coffee on Orchard Lake Road to the thoughtfully curated treasures at ArtLazar Gallery, our town offers countless opportunities to discover something special and support those who work tirelessly to enrich our lives.
This February, let’s show our love for them. Plan a romantic dinner at Prime29 Steakhouse, indulge in a decadent treat from Sweet Dreams, or surprise someone special with a unique bouquet from Sage Green Floral Shop. And don’t forget to pamper yourself—book a rejuvenating spa day at VIO Med Spa
In this issue, we celebrate the stories of local visionaries like Hite Photo, celebrating 100 years of capturing family memories. Healing red light therapy at Advanced Muscle Care. Specialized nutrition support for athletes at Nutrition Counseling Center. And we put the spotlight on filmmaker Keith Famie, who honors the richness of community through award-winning documentaries.
As we embrace the month of love, let’s celebrate the connections that make West Bloomfield feel like home—our neighbors, our local businesses and the bonds we share.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your story. We hope this issue inspires you to love and support local in every way.
HAIGHT, PUBLISHER
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Allison Sommerville allison.sommerville@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Margaret Haight | margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Simran Bajwa | simbaphotography1@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Marshall Zweig, Jonathan Ashbury, Allison Sommerville
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Simran Bajwa, Matt Prested
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Proverbs 3:5-6
A Dash of Curiosity
The deep humanity in Keith Famie's award-winning documentaries is fueled by his unquenchable curiosity about life—and death
Fueling Athletic Performance and Wellness
Nutrition Counseling Center creates a hub for holistic health and elite athletic training in Northville
Frankie McCullough uses red-light therapy—and her own intuition—to help you break free from pain
After 100 years, Tom and Don Hite preserve the legacy our community—and your family
1: Cup of Connections networking event at Schuler's Bookstore in partnership with West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce 2: West Bloomfield Parks & Recreation "Winter Solstice Celebration" featured nature walks and festive activities 3: Leadership Luncheon with Roop Raj of FOX2, Suzanne Levine and KC Crain, President/CEO Crain Communications.
NEWS
Cheryl Arafat earns Super Customer Satisfaction Award
You know you’re great at customer service when you win a national award – and that’s exactly what Cheryl Arafat, owner of Home Clean Heroes, has done. Cheryl recently was awarded the Super Customer Satisfaction Award at the Home Clean Heroes franchise convention. Cheryl has an unprecedented 100 Net Promoter Score and Google 5-Star rating. One reason? She gives back. Through her Heroes First program, she supports local first responders with every cleaning service performed. Reach her at (248) 829-6659.
Prime Concepts Detroit Acquires Commerce Restaurant
Barbat Holdings, a West Bloomfield, Mich.-based real estate investment and management company, announced the acquisition of It’s a Matter of Taste, in Commerce Township. Prime Concepts Detroit, Barbat Holdings’ hospitality group, will occupy the building and re-concept the restaurant as Aurora on the Lake, an extension of the group’s Aurora Italiana restaurant brand. Prime Concepts Detroit will transition the 11 acres of property on Union Lake to Aurora on the Lake, with renovations to be completed in early 2025.
Midwest Diagnostic Imaging offers February specials
Show your body some Love this February with a Valentine’s special from Midwest Diagnostic Imaging. All month long, take $25 off health screenings such as abdominal ultrasounds, carotid dopplers, echocardiograms and more. Schedule your appointment at MDImichigan. com or call (248) 681-2000. Midwest Diagnostic Imaging is located at 5463 Elizabeth Lake Road in Waterford.
Scan to read more
Photography by Amy Gillespie
Photography by Prime Concepts Detroit
Photography by Kathy Turley, Director Of Marketing, Cheryl Arafat, Home Clean Heroes, and Joe DeLatte, President Of Home Clean Heroes
February special of $25
Stroke Prevention Package - $149
Take control of your health with our comprehensive package which includes our carotid artery screening, EKG for evaluation of atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias, ABI for detection of peripheral artery disease, abdominal aorta screening to detect aneurysms of the aorta.
Women’s Health Package - $159
Comprehensive ultrasound screening of the uterus, ovaries, and bladder to detect cancers, cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, or other abnormalities. Also included is an ultrasound of the thyroid.
Preventative Care Package - $199
Your health is your most valuable asset. This exclusive package includes full abdominal ultrasound including liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and bladder, as well as abdominal aortic aneurysm screening.
Heart Health Package - $149
Echocardiogram for early detection of heart conditions such as heart valve disorders, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, and covid related myocarditis. The package is for all ages. Get your young athletes screened prior to participating in sports.
DVT Screening - $199
Lower arterial and venous doppler for detection of blood clots. Get peace of mind following covid, surgery, injuries or if you have any risk factors / family history of blood clots.
A DASH of Curiosity
Keith Famie's award-winning documentaries are fueled by his unquenchable curiosity about life – and humanity
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VISIONALIST ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTIONS
With famed local artist Robert Schefman
I’m a curious person by nature: I find people and their inner workings fascinating. When I sit down with Keith Famie, I’m moved to find he’s a kindred spirit. Keith’s journey—from celebrity chef to TV personality to documentary filmmaker—is a study in reinvention. But what it truly reflects is Keith’s deep curiosity about humanity.
Keith made his mark in Detroit-area restaurants: A former West Bloomfield resident, he was the Chef de Cuisine at Forte in Birmingham, and he created well-known dining destination Les Auteurs in Royal Oak.
But Keith was already searching for what was next. That’s what led him to compete on Season 2 of Survivor: The Australian Outback—and to abruptly stop competing.
“Towards the end of Survivor, the last four or five days, I just kind of disconnected from the whole thing,” Keith recalls. “I thought, ‘Whatever’s going to be is going to be.’ I’d go on these walks by myself and just sit on this one ledge, for hours.”
The silence was a revelation for Keith. “It’s weird when you can’t hear a sound—zero sound,” he says. “Try it sometime. Go someplace with zero sound, where it’s just your thoughts. It cleanses you. It’s humbling. You become—you start taking stock of your own life. Your mistakes, your regrets, your successes, your failures. You can’t escape yourself. It’s like therapy with yourself. That’s when I realized—there’s got to be something more.”
After Keith became the last contestant voted off, he landed a deal with the Food Network, which took him all over the world to tell stories of food and culture. But behind the scenes, Keith was grappling with a personal crisis: his father, who had Alzheimer’s disease, required care.
“I was his custodial guardian,” Keith says. “When he passed in 2003—I held his hand as he took his last breath—it was a defining moment. I thought, ‘I don’t want to be the chef guy anymore. Everything I’m doing feels self-centered. I need to focus on something bigger.’”
With Pastor Lawrence W. Rodgers of Second Baptist Church, Detroit
Interviewing Eddie Jonna, founder of Merchant of Vino
With this realization, Keith pivoted to filmmaking. “I already had a production company [Visionalist Entertainment Productions] for my Food Network projects,” he explains. “So I thought, why not use it to tell other people’s stories?” The transition wasn’t easy. “When I’d call someone for an interview, they’d ask, ‘Aren’t you a chef?’ It was economic suicide for a while,” he admits.
Eventually, Keith’s persistence paid off: his Our Story series on PBS highlighted immigrant communities in Michigan, taking viewers on emotional journeys back to their ancestral homelands. “I realized I was still cooking,” he says. “Only now, I was cooking with different ingredients.”
Keith’s films are guided by his curious and open-minded approach to filmmaking. “You never really know the story you’re going to tell,” Keith discloses. “You set out with one vision, but life always surprises you.”
As an example, Keith describes a documentary of his that moves us both to tears: Maire’s Journey, which follows the final months of 24-year-old Maire Kent, who was dying of cardiac sarcoma. Keith met Maire while working on a documentary concept about embracing dying. “She was this old soul in a young body,” he says. “Her wisdom floored me.”
“You never really know the story you’re going to tell. You set out with one vision, but life always surprises you.”
Filming actor Henry Winkler
Filming actor Tim Allen in his LAbased car collection facility
With Bob Lutz, one of the auto industry's most influential executives
“Every project I work on teaches me something new about myself and about the world. From respected humanitarian leaders, I’ve learned that curiosity is a powerful tool.”
What started as a single interview grew into a profound relationship. Maire expressed a unique wish to Keith: she wanted her ashes to journey to the ocean in a boat. “Maire made me promise to film everything, even her funeral, and to get her to the ocean in that boat. I told her, ‘I’ll make it happen.’ I had no idea how,” Keith confesses, “but I knew I had to try.”
Keith reached out to George Wurtzel, a blind carpenter he’d met years earlier. “George said, ‘I can do it.’ And he did,” Keith recalls. The handcrafted, waterproof, three-and-a-half-foot wooden sailboat George constructed carried both Maire’s ashes and her story. Over six weeks, the boat traveled from Michigan’s waters to the Atlantic, touching countless lives along the way.
“People who found her boat and read her story didn’t just return it to the water—they carried her message forward,” Keith notes. “What inspired me most wasn’t just Maire’s story, but how people—complete strangers—picked it up and carried it forward. That’s what humanity at its best looks like.”
Keith’s films tackle deeply human themes: Down syndrome, homelessness, mental health. He’s also created a multi-part series about people on the front lines of both cancer and forms of dementia, as well as many more complicated topics.
“I ask viewers to look in the mirror,” he explains. “I want them to ask, ‘How has this changed me? How can I grow?’”
His most recent documentary, Detroit: City of Chefs, reflects Keith’s deep ties to the area. “It’s amazing how harmoniously so many cultures have lived together here over the decades,” Keith remarks. “That’s a lesson in humanity.”
Keith’s curiosity about humanity has served him well—he and his team have garnered 23 Michigan Emmy awards and counting—but Keith is about serving others. “It’s not about awards,” he says. “What really matters is the lives we touch.”
I still have Maire’s story going around in my psyche, as well as the story about Keith’s dad. I’m pulled to ask Keith his own thoughts on dying. He ponders for a moment.
“I think that dash on our headstone— that little line between the year we’re born and the year we die—really defines who we are,” Keith says.
What seems to define Keith’s dash is his curiosity. “Every project I work on teaches me something new about myself and about the world,” Keith observes. “From respected humanitarian leaders, I’ve learned that curiosity is a powerful tool. If we approached life with curiosity instead of judgment, the world would be a much kinder place.”
To understand the stories Keith’s working on, or to see any of his previous films, visit v-prod.com
WHAT MAKES LIFE PRECIOUS, IN KEITH’S WORDS:
“So many wonderful friends I've made, with cherished lessons taught to me by a very diverse group of mentors. Basically, every time I step onto a set with my amazing team to tell someone’s story. When not telling stories, I cherish all times I can spend with my kids, my love of my life and our grandkids.”
With WXYZ-TV longtime anchor Bill Bonds
Filming the closing scene from the film, Chromosomally Enhanced: What's Your Superpower
Filming The Razors Edge
FUELING PERFORMANCE & WELLNESS
Team creates hub for holistic health and elite athletic training with specialized nutrition, eating disorder counseling
ARTICLE BY JONATHAN ASHBURY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
Patrizia Jesue has a heart for wellness. A local native, she’s deeply familiar with the needs and values of the community.
“I grew up in Northville and these areas are vibrant and affluent, yet they lack accessible resources for specialized nutrition and eating disorder counseling,” she says.
Patrizia and Troy in the Northville location
We’re partners in health, not just dietitians or trainers. We care deeply about your physical, mental and emotional well-being.
“I’m thrilled to bring these services closer to home for so many who currently travel long distances.”
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Patrizia – a registered dietitian and owner of the Nutrition Counseling Center in Troy and Clarkston – has opened her newest office within the Burrell Sports Performance Center in Northville. This innovative partnership blends the expertise of Patrizia with that of Troy Burrell, a former NFL player and founder of Burrell Sports Performance.
Their hub for holistic health and elite athletic training will serve communities as near as Farmington Hills, Walled Lake and West Bloomfield.
For Patrizia, the collaboration with Troy Burrell is a natural fit. An athletic trainer specializing in speed, agility and injury prevention, he works with high school, collegiate, even professional athletes.
“Nutrition is key to optimizing performance,” he explains. “At higher levels of competition, the
differences in talent narrow, and what sets athletes apart is their commitment to holistic health – including nutrition.”
Patrizia’s expertise in nutrition complements his performance training philosophy, creating a seamless integration of services.
“Troy’s focus on care and community aligns perfectly with how we approach our clients,” she notes.
The new location supports elite athletes while providing specialized care for those struggling with eating disorders. So, Patrizia has brought in two dietitians to meet the growing demand. Jaclyn Wrase, an M.S. R.D. and specialist in eating disorders, helps clients build healthier relationships with food and their bodies. Maddie McSweeney, R.D., is a dietitian and sports specialist who completed a strong sport and performance focus in her graduate studies; she works with athletes in the center.
“Eating disorders are complex and our approach is deeply personalized,” Patrizia emphasizes. “We’re not a one-size-fits-all program.”
In addition to eating disorder counseling, the center also offers sports performance nutrition tailored to athletes of all ages. From the Mini Athlete program for ages 10-14 to packages for collegiate and adult athletes, services are designed to enhance performance through proper nutrition, mental health support and lifestyle optimization.
“Anyone can train hard, but athletes who prioritize nutrition and mental health truly excel,” she says.
The partnership also includes Jessica Nelson, a specialist in pediatric nutrition. She works extensively with neurodivergent children and those with sensory-based eating challenges.
The Burrell Sports Performance Center, 43334 W. 7 Mile Road, provides an ideal setting for the center's expansion. The open, state-of-the-art warehouse space reflects the dynamic and athletic energy of its clientele.
Troy sees this partnership as a milestone for his facility and the local community. “To have a business of NCC’s caliber under our roof is phenomenal. It’s a resource not just for our athletes but for the entire area.”
Patrizia shares this enthusiasm. “We’re excited to be part of the growth in this area,” she says, pointing to the bustling development, including the nearby Northville Downs project. “This location gives us the opportunity to serve more clients while remaining true to our holistic philosophy. We’re partners in health, not just dietitians or trainers. We care deeply about your physical, mental and emotional well-being.”
As NCC settles into its new home, the Northville community can look forward to a healthier future –one where performance and wellness go hand in hand.
For more, visit nutritioncounselingcenter.com or call (248) 686-0340.
A Healing Light
Frankie McCullough uses red-light therapy—and her own intuition— to help you break free from pain
I came to my interview with Frances “Frankie” McCullough, the owner of MuscleCare Inc./ Red Light Health in Bloomfield Hills on the outskirts of West Bloomfield, with a long list of questions. I didn’t get to ask a single one.
“Is there anything you want to say before we start?” I asked. Frankie began to speak—and her wisdom just tumbled out. There wasn’t room for questions…but there wasn’t a need for them either.
“I’ve always been a healer,” she begins, recounting early memories of learning from her grandmother, a traditional healer. “She would use cupping, energy work—things people now think of as alternative medicine but were just part of our lives.”
Frankie watched her grandmother’s methods ease pain and transform lives. It planted a seed that would eventually grow into a decades-long career.
The community Frankie serves has given her another nickname: “best kept secret.” Word of Frankie’s healing talents spread organically—one person’s relief becoming another’s recommendation. “People started passing me around, like a gift,” Frankie laughs. “I don’t advertise much because word-of-mouth has always brought the right people to me.”
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
Frankie’s journey to becoming one of the area’s most sought-after healers took her from California healing institutes to working with Fortune 500 executives, professional athletes and other public figures. “I’ve been blessed to work with incredible people, but at the end of the day, everyone deserves to feel whole and well,” she says.
For 45 years—13 at her current location—Frankie has given clients relief from physical, emotional and spiritual pain. Though MuscleCare Inc. offers a variety of therapies, Frankie’s groundbreaking red-light treatments have become a cornerstone of her practice. Red-light therapy reduces inflammation, promotes cellular repair and alleviates pain.
“Red light works on the cellular level,” Frankie explains. “It stimulates mitochondria—the powerhouses of your cells—to repair and rejuvenate. It’s incredible for reducing inflammation, easing chronic
pain, improving mental clarity and even tightening skin.”
Frankie says red-light therapy originated with NASA research: “They used red light to grow plants in space—and noticed profound health benefits in the scientists working with it,” she says. “Their skin improved, their energy increased—it was a revelation.”
Clients rave about its transformative effects: Trina Samolin did redlight therapy after five breast surgeries. “Sensation and feeling are coming back in my breast,” Trina says, “which is a miracle in itself. It’s also helped with my MS, inflammation, skin and even weight loss.” Another client, Eava, recalls coupling her massage with red-light therapy: “It was incredible.
The inflammation in my neck and shoulders significantly reduced, and I left feeling relaxed and much more mobile.”
Frankie’s approach to red-light therapy is not one-size-fits-all. She listens carefully to her clients’ needs, so she can combine the right treatments that will amplify clients’ benefits. Frankie pairs red-light therapy with treatments like cupping, fascia release and sometimes a vibration plate and PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) mats. “The vibration plate helps move lymph and toxins out of the body, while the PEMF mat calms the nervous system. It’s a holistic reset,” she says.
Rachel Madi, a client who suffered from severe sciatica, declares, “Frankie’s treatments are the only thing that works for me. Because of her, I’m able to function as a mother and wife. I am so thankful I found her.”
The science of healing fascinates Frankie—including its fairly recent understanding that pain and emotions are linked. “All pain has an emotional component,” she notes. “When we address the root—whether it’s physical or emotional—the healing is so much more profound.”
Her intuitive healing complements these modern modalities. Frankie listens—to bodies, to energy and to the unspoken. “Healing isn’t about fixing,” she says. “It’s about witnessing. People don’t need a mechanic; they need someone to sit with them and see their humanity.”
Frankie’s innate wisdom has played a significant role in her practice. “I’ve always had a sense of knowing,” she shares, recounting moments when clients were stunned by her insights. “It’s not something I learned; it’s something I’ve always had. But it’s not about me. Healing isn’t something I do to people—it’s something I guide them through. I help people connect with themselves.”
When that self-connection is reestablished, many clients describe emotional and spiritual breakthroughs, as
well as physical ones, during their sessions. Rohini Ramakrishnan believes Frankie has “divine hands. She talks to your body, listens to where the pain and trauma are stored, and releases it. It felt like she removed pain not just from my body but from my mind as well. It was an emotional journey.”
Despite her acclaim, Frankie remains humble, crediting her clients for their own healing journeys. “I’m just a conduit,” she insists. “The healing comes from them. I just help them find it. I’m in awe of the human body’s ability to heal itself. Every time someone walks out of here feeling better, it’s a reminder of why I do this.”
As our interview wraps up, I realize Frankie did with me what she does with her clients: she let the story unfold, trusted the process and somehow managed to answer every question I didn’t need to ask. I wonder if Frankie’s methods can work for anyone. Her response is simple but impactful: “We all have the power to heal. Sometimes, we just need someone to remind us of that.”
To learn more or schedule a session, visit musclecareinc.com
Bridging The Past and Present
AFTER 100 YEARS, TOM AND DON HITE PRESERVE THE HISTORY OF OUR COMMUNITY – AND THE LEGACY OF FAMILIES
ARTICLE BY JONATHAN ASHBURY PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
My mother was the historian of the family. One day, she called me over to say she was passing the mantle to me. I would now curate the generations of family photos, slides, videos, documents and diaries she had collected.
Boxes and boxes of them.
There was the diary of my great-great-grandfather as he traveled by steamship in the 1880s. Handwritten letters. Wedding day photos. Pictures of cousins, nephews, siblings in piles where only I could view them.
After investigating some national archiving services, I couldn’t convince myself to ship our irreplaceable family items to companies I didn’t know. What if they were lost?
Which is why I turned to Tom and Don Hite of Hite Photo (hitephoto. com). At a time when digital convenience reigns supreme, the brothers have become local historical experts by helping others preserve their family memories.
Now they’re celebrating their own history: 100 years in business.
“My grandfather, Howard Hite, worked for a company that developed film back in the 1920s,” says Tom. “His boss had too many clients, so he suggested my grandfather branch off and start his own photo finishing company. He even gave him some of his customers to start with.”
Using his Model T as collateral for a loan, Howard founded his photo finishing company, pioneering Michigan’s first color photo processing in the late 1950s. By the mid-20th century, the company employed over 200 people and became a cornerstone of Detroit’s photographic industry.
Tom and Don with their team in the West Bloomfield store
Fast-forward to today, and the Hite brothers continue to innovate in a rapidly changing industry. From the “huge photo war” between Kodak and Fuji to the digital revolution, the Hites have thrived by adapting to customer needs and advancing their product lines.
“Now, instead of printing all your pictures, you just want to print your best ones,” says Don. “We got into archiving, specialty printing and personalized services to stay ahead.”
For many, the task of preserving family memories feels overwhelming. Old photographs, slides, and video tapes languish in basements and closets, their stories fading with time. Enter Hite Photo. With a combination of expertise and empathy, the team simplifies the daunting process of archiving. Customers can bring in boxes of family treasures, and the Hites and their team sort them, assess costs and create digital archives.
“We’ll even come to your home to sort and organize everything,” explains Tom. “From photos and videos to documents and slides, we digitize it all. You can then upload it to a secure Cloud service so you can share it with all your family around the world and preserve these legacy pieces for future generations.”
Their meticulous approach has helped preserve everything from personal milestones to historical events. One woman entrusted the team with images her father captured during Detroit’s 1960s riots. Another client had slides documenting a unique gift from the Emperor of Japan – a prized cow.
Each project, no matter how unusual or sentimental, receives the same level of care.
Hite Photo’s commitment extends to veterans. For those who served, Hite offers free scans of photos, slides and documents related to military conflicts, then upload these priceless pieces of history to the National Archives at no cost.
“We believe these images should be accessible for others to learn from,” says Tom.
Most team members at Hite Photo hold a degree in photography or art, ensuring projects are handled with creativity and precision. From restoring
“We’ll even come to your home to sort and organize everything. From photos and videos to documents and slides, we digitize it all.”
faded photographs to designing custom history walls for businesses, their expertise shines through. A recent project involved archiving and displaying 50,000 slides for a local physician. Another saw them creating a stunning visual timeline for a university lobby.
Best of all, everything stays local and often is completed in just a few days.
Beyond archiving, Hite Photo excels in personalized printing. Customers can transform favorite images into works of art on materials like fabric, wood, metal, and acrylic. “People come in with amazing ideas,” says Tom. “We love helping them bring those visions to life.”
Unlike faceless online services, they offer same-day delivery for products like canvases and metal prints. “People want fast and local,” Don emphasizes. “They also want to know their memories and ideas are in good hands.”
Their design services also set them apart. Clients can provide a logo or concept, and the Hite team takes it from there, crafting everything from promotional materials to striking photo gifts.
Some images need a little Photoshop. Whether it’s adjusting skin tones, merging images or removing unwanted backgrounds, their attention to detail ensures every piece is print-perfect.
With locations in West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills, the brothers remain focused on what matters most: preserving stories and delivering exceptional service.
With the holidays just past, Tom suggests this is the perfect time for ensuring that moments that matter live on for generations.
“The more you wait, the harder it is to preserve your memories,” says Don. “Once it’s done, it’s like a weight lifted off your shoulders.”
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Building the Perfect Bouquet
Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.
USE THIS GUIDE WHEN ORDERING VALENTINE’S DAY BOUQUETS
Roses
LOVE & ROMANCE
Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.
Lilies
PURITY & FERTILITY
Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.
Tulips
PERFECT FOR DEEP LOVE
A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will compliment the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.
LOVE POTION #9
ANNA BARNES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY
WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?
This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• 1.5 oz rosé
• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)
THE HOW-TO:
1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.
3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.
4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.
6. Enjoy!
2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 7TH
Canine Companions Hike
Recreation Activities Center, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield | 12:00 PM
Bring your precious pooch for a hike on the Civic Center Trails. You'll be joined by a Naturalist who will share fun canine facts while you hike with your dog from noon to 1 p.m. All dogs must be licensed and remain on a leash at all times. There must be one adult for every dog. Free. Visit wbparks.org to learn more.
FEBRUARY 8TH, 15TH, 22ND
The Magic Soiree, Michigan’s only magic comedy dinner show
Camp Ticonderoga, 5725 Rochester Road, Troy | 6:30 PM
This is a must-see magical, funny dinner show for everyone. Tickets include a delicious buffet meal, close-up magic at your table and the hilarious magical cabaret featuring Keith Fields and Lady Sarah. It’s a great night out for magic and comedy. Once you see the show, you’ll want to see it again! Visit TheMagicSoiree.com for tickets before they disappear.
FEBRUARY 9TH
Local Black History Open House
Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield | 1:00 PM
In 1908, Marie C. Bolden, an Ohio-born African-American teenager, became the first-ever national spelling bee champion in the U.S., overcoming tricky words like “acquiesce”, “descendant”, and “millinery” on her way to the top. Hear her story and explore exhibits celebrating local Black history and contributions to the community at this free event. Donations appreciated. For more information, visit gwbhs.org/events.
FEBRUARY 11TH & 19TH
4-Course Wine Dinner at Carrabba's in Troy
Carrabba's Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver, Troy | 6:30 PM
Join Carrabba's Italian Grill in Troy for a flavor exploration with a four-course food and wine pairing. Relax and enjoy this exquisite meal with family, friends, neighbors or co-workers after a long day. Discover Carrabba's featured wine and off-menu masterpieces, as well as camaraderie and gifts compliments of the house. Visit Carrabbas.com or call (248) 269-0095 for details and reservations.
FEBRUARY 12TH
Senior Snowshoe Hike
Recreation Activities Center, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield | 2:00 PM
Enjoy the Civic Center Trails on snowshoes. You'll learn the history of snowshoes, then strap on a pair. A Naturalist will be your guide as you look for all the wonder nature has to offer, such as animal tracks, signs and sounds. If there aren’t sufficient snow levels, a winter walk will be substituted. Free; hiking poles provided. Visit wbparks.org to learn more.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Black Expo
Orchard Lake Mall, 6445 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield | 1:00 PM
In celebration of Black History Month, head to the Orchard Lake Mall for demos and displays highlighting careers, resources and blackowned businesses. This family-friendly event is free and runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring more than 75 vendors. Visit wbparks.org to learn more about the event.
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