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MY Magazine | 5
Get Committed; Get Educated; Get Protected;
GET VACCINATED MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE IS NOT JUST A COLLEGE DISEASE The Quadrivalent Meningococcal Vaccine – MCV4 – will protect you from serogroups A, C, Y and W135*. It is recommended for all adolescents at age 11, with a booster dose at 16. The Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine will protect you from serogroup B*- which accounts for 1/3 of the cases in the U.S. It is licensed and available for ages 10-25 in the U.S. – but used more broadly in other countries. Meningococcal Disease does not discriminate and can attack at any time, anywhere, and at any age.
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MY MAKEOVER
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You could be featured in an upcoming issue of MY magazine. If you would like to be chosen to sit in Yiannis’ illustrious chair at Salon Edge in West Bloomfield and have him color, cut, crop and coiffe your hair, email a photo to us along with your name, address and telephone number to info@mymetroyou.com.
Yiannis Karimalis is a true hairdressing icon known for creating simple, sophisticated, timeless hairstyles that complement each client’s unique face, personality, and lifestyle. His clients adore him, and MY Makeover winners will surely become fans as well.
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from the publisher
What Matters Most by Maria Savoy
As I grow older, my perspective on life and how I reflect on things has changed. In the craziness of day-to-day activities, many of us have grown increasingly aware of the world spinning like a top and wanting to put one foot on the floor to stop the vertigo. I recently read a poem that made me think of what matters most in life. It’s not about how we come into this world, what family we are born into or even how we leave it. It’s about what we do while we are here. As I was reading, I became overwhelmed with emotion. I sat back and thought, yes! It doesn’t matter how much money we have, or how big our house is, or even the material things we own. What matters most is how kind we are and how we treat others. Although this wasn’t an “aha” moment for me, in reading this, it reminded me that I was on the right path. Life is about making the world a better place while living in it.
“Each of us will one day be judged by our standard of life -- not by our standard of living; by our measure of giving -- not by our measure of wealth; by our simple goodness -- not by our seeming greatness.” ~William Arthur Ward
Every day we have opportunities to touch people’s lives in a positive way, yet every day there are so many missed opportunities. The choices we make and the attitudes we exhibit touch people in ways that we may not even be aware of. Sometimes, all it takes is giving a slight smile to someone as you walk by or a small compliment to your co-worker to make their day. The way we live and how we love does make a difference. Awareness and willingness, is all it takes. Change: to make or become different. From the moment we wake, we are making choices. We choose what time to get up, what to wear, what to eat, and what time to leave the house; but most importantly, we choose our attitude. It is our attitude that is the single most powerful thought we own. It is up to us to choose well, for it is amazing how our choices of being positive or negative can affect so many. It’s only when we take responsibility for our choices that we begin to realize we truly are the masters of our fate, and only then will our lives begin to change forever. As a society we get caught up in the righteous act of who’s right or who’s wrong. Does it really matter? It doesn’t change anything; it just adds tension to your life. It’s a choice, and I choose to live my life in a way that will help and encourage not only me, but those around me.
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MY Magazine | 9
“Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it.” —Charles R Swindoll I realize that at today’s hectic pace, often times we forget to slow down and just be. We do this in an attempt to make the most of our day. We find ourselves running from one thing to another, trying to please others, falling just short of exhaustion. I get it, but taking time out of our lives to “just be” can provide some of life’s greatest moments. These moments can help us with our awareness of where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. It can be as simple as stopping to listening to the birds as they sing, taking in the laugher of a child, holding hands with that special someone as you walk down the street, or having an endless cup of coffee with your dearest girlfriend. These are the moments that create the essence of life that are so often missed. Slowing down doesn’t mean things won’t get done, they will. Slowing down will help you to become clear and to prioritize better, and in return help you to realize that everything will works out whether you worry, hurry, or not.
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“Slow Down and Enjoy Life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going to fast ~ you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.”
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Life is moments of unconditional love, joy, happiness, modesty, and humbleness. It is to smile and to make others smile. Each one of us has a choice to live and love, or not; to judge and criticize, or not; to slow down and enjoy, or not. It is up to us. Finding what makes our heart sing, and creating our own music, is what is intended in life. Be remembered for your kindness, your authenticity, and for the things you did to make a difference in the lives of others.
Maria Savoy – Founder, Publisher maria@mymagazinegroup.com
10 | MY Magazine
Featured on ABC’s 20/20, Huffington Post, and in “Everyday Oracles” written by Ann Bolinger-McQuade.
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MY Magazine | 11
c o n t e n t s 26
14
MY life 9
Publisher Notes
Regenerate Your Spirit Relax Your Mind Restore Your Body
14
Living with a Grateful Heart
32
Historic Franklin A Return Home
All Cover and Cover Story photo’s taken at The Planterra Conservatory, 7315 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI, 248.661.1515
Ask the Expert
on the cover Chip is the son of a man, who was one of America’s 10 Most Wanted Men in America. Now Unconquered and Transformed...
Serendipity
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MY Makeover Heather Bielecki
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Inspiring Woman Elizabeth Guz
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Introverts and Extroverts Which are You?
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Champion for Diversity Michele Economou Ureste
MY spotlight 36 Premier Pet Supply 40 Luigi Bruni Salon
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Walking the Talk Be the Change
Chip & Lisa St. Clair, Founders of the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation Grace The Cover
What to Know About Women’s Health
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Lets Celebrate! Chef Dawn
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MY Magazine | 13
MY | womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health
Regenerate
YOUR SPIRIT
Relax
YOUR MIND
Restore
YOUR BODY
by Mary Meldrum
14 | MY Magazine
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I
n a world where there seems to be an abundance of negativity, it may feel like happiness is a luxury. Happiness can be elusive for many of us as we rush about our days accomplishing our tasks and “putting out fires.” Unfortunately, happiness is not going to arrive on our doorstep wrapped with a big bow. It is up to us to get up every day and make it happen. Whatever happiness any person achieves, is because they took the time to create it. Happiness is something that needs to be cultivated. Below are some simple ideas to get those seeds planted.
MIND
Our minds are like software in our brains, a magnificent biological information processor. Like software, our mind holds information, a lot of information. While matter and energy are conserved in the universe, information is not. New information is constantly produced, and our minds are receiving and digesting it through our senses. We then create new thoughts of our own that give us a unique perspective of the information and lens we use to perceive the world. Our mind is a spectacular machine and working constantly; it deserves an occasional break. We are bombarded by information, data, schedules, requests, work, and communication every day. Periodically releasing our attachment to information and all tasks to relax our mind is like defragmenting our computer. So what do we do with all of this information flowing through our minds? Here are some mind-calming routines that can easily be incorporated into your day: ·
Meditation, the act of spending time in quiet thought.
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·
Affirmations, a statement that is declared to be true like I am successful, I am a leader, or I am going to make this a great day!
·
Prayer, a solemn request to a higher being asking for help or expressing thanks
·
Dancing, moving rhythmically to music
·
Coloring or painting, allowing your mind to create.
All of these things can be done by putting aside just a few minutes each day to relax and clear your mind. The impact it will have on you will be amazing. This is true cultivation of happiness. Some further suggestions are listen to a meditation while putting on your makeup, sign up for daily affirmations to come to your email inbox, turn up the music and dance while you are cooking dinner (why not grab a glass of wine or apple cider and enjoy), or color or doodle while you are on hold on the phone, no one will ever know. Amazon has some beautiful adult coloring books, so get yourself some colored pencils, and enjoy your creative self for a couple of minutes each day!
BODY
Our physical bodies are an expression of how we feel in the world. In order to fully appreciate and enjoy them, I suggest practicing more self-love and less evaluation of our perceived shortcomings. Shifting our thoughts from criticizing to love and self-care will start the process of restoration. Restoration can be an investment of time in finding out how to feel better and happier overall. Here are a few tips:
MY Magazine | 15
1.
If you think of your body as a high performance machine, like a Ferrari, you can think about the food that you put in it as fuel. Doritos and gummy bears are the equivalent of sand in your gas tank! Restore your energy and health by focusing on high octane super foods like dark greens, blueberries, avocadoes, and salmon.
2.
Switch to organic foods. In a matter of a few weeks, you can lower the levels of pesticides, hormones, and other chemicals and toxins in your body, which can have powerful restorative effects on our energy, mood, and overall health.
3.
Detoxification with professional wraps is another fantastic way to start your entire body on the way to restoration. Professional body wraps have been formulated to draw off toxins through your skin and stimulate a healthy metabolism.
4.
A 15 to 30 minute Epsom salt bath is a trip to the fountain of youth. Few people are truly aware of the power of magnesium sulfate, or Epsom salts. It is known to reduce stress, regulate enzymes, reduce inflammation, assist in muscle and nerve function, prevent arteriosclerosis, improve nutrient absorption, ease migraine headaches, and flush toxins.
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5.
Apple cider vinegar is another product that has been shown to have numerous health benefits for your body, including improving insulin sensitivity, reducing blood sugar, and reducing appetite. Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and triglyceride levels too.
definition is the praxis and process of personal transformation. Although this transformation can be in alignment with traditional religious beliefs and ideals, spirituality is rooted in one’s personal psychological growth, the connection with oneself, and acceptance of a higher power, a collective consciousness, and even quantum physics.
6.
Reducing your body weight can have a sustainable upside to health and happiness. OB/GYN Dr. Lisa Masterson says that extra body weight can interfere with a woman’s hormones and make her less fertile and more prone to other hormonal issues, such as mood swings and lower energy.
7.
Exercise will make you happy. Period. The good news is you don’t have to do a lot. This works in a way that is different than comforting routines, like getting lost in the TV, your computer, or gorging on ice cream or chocolate. Exercise generates loads of endorphins, the happy hormone, and all it takes is something as little as a simple walk, a yoga class, or even a bike ride.
Whether it is an attachment to a specific religion or not, spirituality can bring about a “letting go” of worry and pain mantra that, in turn, can improve your personal relationships, your outlook on life, and reduce stress. While we cannot always be in the state of harmony that spirituality gives us, it is possible to regenerate spiritually by becoming attentive to the taxing overloads of our mind and body.
SPIRIT
While spirituality can mean different things to different people, the
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Spirituality allows one to connect with the world, release control, feel a sense of purpose, and lead a happier and healthier life. This can be achieved very simply by listening to beautiful music or taking a walk in nature. Happiness is out there waiting for you to come and get it, and it is free! Fortunately, the formula has already been discovered and proven. Make a plan to relax your mind, restore your body, and regenerate your spirit. It’s time to get your on happy!
Divorce Diaries
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Look Beyond What You See by Annette Benson A woman’s face black and blue eye. This is the common image of domestic violence. Sadly, domestic violence knows no boundaries and its victims include women, men, and children. Violence is also not limited to broken bones. Violence comes in all shapes and sizes, including vicious words, screaming tones, threats of harm, and let us not forget deprivation of necessities of life and even love. Most adult victims of domestic abuse have had their self esteem taken away, leaving little strength to seek help. Children are often too scared to not only seek protection, but scared to get their parent in trouble. Children learn what’s “normal” by what they see, feel, and experience. Being witness to violent behavior, however frightening it may be, paralyzes children from being able to reach out for help. These little sets of eyes, even if not caught in the direct line of fire, internalize the wounds of the war they experience, often with those wounds not surfacing until adulthood.
If you need help, guidance, or resources, contact me. The consultation is confidential, and free of charge. www.AnnetteBensonLaw.com or 248-646-2600
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Domestic violence is not always visible to the naked eye, and its victims include innocent bystanders. We must maintain objectivity, use our voice loudly and clearly, and be willing to speak for those who cannot speak out for themselves. Be aware of our own actions and reactions, and those of others. Don’t look the other way. Don’t assume someone else will help. Be that person! Be the person who takes action because you can and you should!
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The neglect of a child’s need to feel loved by both parents, and to be free to love both parents. This is a severe form of child abuse, one that lingers within them like an infection, spreading throughout their body and soul contaminating their sense of self. Children who become adults with low self-esteem tend not to make the best choices.
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Abuse does not require evil intentions. In fact, even while trying to protect children from the dangers of their spouse’s poor judgment, children are exposed to the venom and hatred felt for the other parent who can easily feel justified for the cause.
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MY Magazine | 17
Living with a Grateful Heart
T
by Elaine Grohman
here is one thing that is absolutely certain in life, you never know what is going to happen next. One minute everything is fine and the next your life is turned upside down. One morning you could be unhappy and by afternoon you could be lifted by the laughter of a child. I don’t know about you, but I have yet to meet a single person who knows exactly what will happen at any given moment. No one can control time, but it is our choice on how to use the time we are given. We can affect time with our gratitude. It is a virtual certainty that time ushers in changes of all kinds. Whether that change is an illness, a death, a breakup or an unexpected kindness, nothing is certain except for one thing, time brings about change. After all, isn’t that what life is all about? Change is the inevitable occurrence of the movement of time and, try as you might, no one can stop the hands of time. Each second that ticks by presents opportunities. Sometimes, those opportunities are perceived as problems, and sometimes those opportunities are perceived as blessings. The truth is, it is all a matter of perception, regardless of what happens from one moment to the next. I can almost hear you say, “How could she possibly think that everything is an opportunity?” But really, what else could it be? As time opens itself to you, it provides an offering to your life. You can choose to perceive it as a challenge or you can choose to perceive it as a gift. Either way, the choice is yours, and time marches on. Each and every day we are given opportunities to meet extraordinary people, in extraordinary places, at exactly the perfect time. An extraordinary opportunity can happen in a grocery store, a hospital, an elevator, or on a 18 | MY Magazine
sidewalk. You might not recognize it at the time, but it is impossible for you to be anywhere other than where you are in any given moment in time. When you think about it, you cannot be where you were a step before the next. You cannot have the exact same conversation, in the exact location or with the exact perfect person. You can only be where you are. Each moment of time is a unique and extraordinary gift, given to you by life, for you to do with as you wish. Each day, life unfolds endless possibilities and potentials for you to embrace. What you do with those possibilities is entirely up to you. I recently had the opportunity to meet an extraordinary group of people. Each in their own unique way embraced or rejected what life had presented to them, and each choice made a difference. Take a look around you and consider what life is offering you. It might be the chance to change the life of another human being. It might be the chance to change your point of view. You might be given the opportunity to contribute your time to someone in need. The possibilities are endless, as are the gifts that life provides. Embrace each day with a grateful heart and watch as your world changes. As time goes by, be grateful; it might cause you to see things differently, and that just might make all the difference in the world.
Elaine Grohman is a speaker, author, energy healer and angel reader. She has a private practice in Farmington, MI. For appointments please contact Lainie Rubio at 248.320.6532 or visit her website at www.elainegrohman.com
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THE FUTURE OF SKIN CARE WITH MARINE INGREDIENTS by Margot Kohler Since early civilizations, humankind from every culture returns to the ocean for balance and well being. Scientific research has recently proven that seawater can indeed restore balance to an organism, something that cannot be offered anyplace else. Ocean water can offer this to us because it has a nearly identical chemical composition and concentration of minerals and trace elements to that found in our blood plasma. The human body is depleted of vital minerals on a daily basis and requires the replenishment of minerals and trace elements in order to maintain proper cell function. When cell function is out of balance, nutrients are not absorbed properly and our immune system may be compromised. Understanding the unique nutrient composition of the ocean’s environment has been monumental for the skin care industry. Spa products that revolve around ocean based active ingredients bring the sea and it’s replenishing therapies into the spa and into your home.
What would change if you really took care of yourself?
Marine based ingredients offer multiple advantages to skin care, such as re-mineralizing the body with vital minerals and trace elements, detoxifying to expel metabolic waste, and assisting the skin to balance, repair, and prevent aging. By simply adding a seawater concentrate to a hydrotherapy spa treatment, or your bath at home, you are recreating a sea environment which helps alleviate mental and physical fatigue, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and dehydration. After just one bath or body wrap, you will notice a profound improvement with both your physical and emotional well-being, having flushed toxins and excess water retention out of the body. The use of marine based topical gels and creams also helps minimize the appearance of cellulite while firming and toning the epidermis, the upper layers of the skin. This is all offered through different forms of sea algae plants and elements found in sea water. It is important to do your research when choosing your products and treatments. Many cosmetic companies now offer algae and marine based products, yet the ingredients are not always active and will not offer you the same results. Freeze drying methods will naturally preserve the active ingredients and ensure the properties are retained and the results are delivered. Location of harvesting is equally important so that the product is not gathered from polluted waters or from inland algae farms. It is preferred to be from areas with large tidal fluctuations, such as the Brittany regions of France. Lastly, it is important that the manufacturer is not depleting the ocean of its resources and practices sustainable development. Phytomer Corp on the Brittany coast of St. Malo, France has been the leader in researching and developing high quality marine based cosmetic products since the 1970s. With annual government grants, they are able to continue to patent ingredients and produce marine skin care which can successfully provide solutions to most skin care concerns. Marine biotechnology is providing the cosmetic industry with highly potent ingredients that cannot be acquired from any land based raw material and we hope for it to continue to be the future of skin care.
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MY Magazine | 19
Village of Franklin A Return Home
I
by Mary Meldrum
f you drive through the Historic Village of Franklin, Michigan, you get an immediate sense of a time gone by. Tree-lined country roads roll by this tidy, small town whose residents take great pride in their community. Bright flowers, picket fences, and historic architecture are all meticulously maintained. People gravitate to Franklin Village because of its thoughtful and intentional green space, as well as its peace and tranquility. It is a return to simplicity and our rural roots. Main Street Franklin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the economic vitality and preserving the architectural heritage of Franklin’s Historic Business District. Katherine White is Main Street Franklin’s Executive Director. Her background and expertise is a hybrid of urban planning and historic preservation, making her a great fit for the organization and its principles. Historic preservation is a priority for the residents of Franklin Village. “Becoming a historic district is a rigorous process. Franklin was the first historic district in Michigan,”
20 | MY Magazine
she shares. “That was many years ago and that Franklin was the first in the state to formalize their historic district demonstrates the preservation ethic in this community.” Due to the safeguarded history, Franklin Village boasts a vibrant shopping and commercial district. This small town packs a cornucopia of small businesses that offer a wide variety of products, gifts, and services. Some of the businesses in Franklin include:
Event Bliss
Susan Siegal and Terri Trepeck are the creative force behind Event Bliss in Franklin. The boutique stocks beautiful and unique items that have people seeking them out. They offer great accessories, jewelry, gifts for your home, and baby items. They also offer invitation and event planning for all occasions, including gifts for brides and bridal parties, host gifts, and even offer a bridal registry. There is nothing Event Bliss can’t coordinate for you.
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Historic Franklin Experience it.
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Professional makeup application for your special event. For those of you who would like a more permanent look, try their individualized percision permanent make-up services.
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Guest speaker, Blogger, Jennifer Hurzitz is back! Boys & Bourbon Event July 10th 7pm. No charge, come one, come all! 20% off one item with the mention of this ad.
kathy mamat designs JEWELRY DESIGNER classes repairs parties Formerly of Beadworks of Franklin Now located inside glamour puss and party girls 32800 Franklin Rd, Franklin, MI 248.821.4106 248.562.7420 kmamat@aol.com From prom to Homecoming, Bar/Bat Mitzvah to Party dresses, Mother of the Bride/Groom Dresses to Evening Attire. We have the right dress for the right occasion.
In-house unique custom jewelry. One-of-a-kind pieces. Jewelry making classes and jewelry repair. 20% off one item when mentioning this ad.
Your Dental Spa of Historic Franklin Village
smile design • teeth whitening implants • full reconstruction crowns & bridges • veneers • root canals extractions • dentures & partials anti-snore appliances holistic minded dentistry
248.855.4567
Appointments for Consignment Tuesday and Thursday Private Closet Consultation 32750 Franklin Road • Franklin www.dejavuresale.com
Ladies upscale, designer resale shop. Personal shopping, private parties, fashion emergency deliveries. Turn Your Goodies Into Cash!
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME! 20% OFF ALL FIRST VISIT TREATMENTS
Elina Costello, D.D.S
32749 Franklin Rd., Franklin 248.626.6635 smilebuildersoffranklin.com
Low-stress, high-tech, patient-focused dental care in a relaxing environment . Office setting of spa-like elegance with the latest state-of-the-art technologies. A holistic approach to dental care including nutritional counseling and support.
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Glamour Puss
The art of beauty; enhance your best self. Stocked full of fun, contemporary fashion and accessories, Glamour Puss offers make-up services with applications for special events such as cocktail and black-tie, mother of the bride/groom, bat mitzvah, homecoming, and prom. For those of you who would like a more permanent look, try their individualized percision permanent make-up services. So whether it’s a special event or an everyday look, we can help you to look and feel your best.
Party Girls
Girls just want to have fun; you can’t walk into this store and not feel special. Party Girls offers dresses for any occasion featuring cocktail and black-tie, mother of the bride/groom, Bat Mitzvah, Homecoming, and Prom. We have the right dress for any age and any occasion. Party Girls has flair from head to toe!
Kathy Mamat Jewelry Design
Glamour Puss is also host to Kathy Mamat, formerly of Bead Works, whose designs and talent for creating custom jewelry are well known. Along with featuring her exquisite jewelry, Kathy offers jewelry classes and repairs as well. Her unique and creative designs make her pieces one of a kind.
Franklin Grill
Franklin Grill offers locally sourced cuisine in a cozy setting. The garden patio is beautiful and in the fall patrons can warm up by the fires outside this 1840’s blacksmith carriage shop. The menu includes roasted Indiana duck, meatloaf, and seared sea scallops. Every Wednesday night is Franklin Rib Night with house made BBQ sauce and Friday is Fish and Chip Night. Come and try these and other delightful fares. Reservations are not required but recommended, especially on weekend evenings.
Z Dental
was constructed in 1837. His photos will be on exhibit through July at the Farmhouse Coffee & Ice Cream in Franklin, MI.
Yanke Designs
Most people visit the jewelry store in the nearest mall for their jewelry needs. Don’t be that guy/gal. Jewelry is an opportunity to express yourself, and Yanke Designs in Franklin will give you a new outlook on starting your own legacy with their custom one-of-a-kind pieces. Have a design idea? It’s what Yanke Designs does best. So let Yanke Designs help you turn your vision into wearable art.
Déjà Vu
Looking for a fantastic deal on designer labels? Nestled in the downtown area of Franklin, Déjà Vu is a ladies’ upscale designer resale boutique that can outfit you with gently used women’s designer clothing, shoes, jewelry, belts, and handbags. If you have some fine clothing that you are looking to clear out of your closet, make an appointment with Lisa at Déjà Vu to turn those items into cash. Déjà Vu also offers private parties and personal shopping.
Smile Builders of Franklin
Your journey to optimum health & a most attractive smile begins with a thorough assessment of your current condition & a careful consideration of your concerns, goals and desires. Dr. Elina Costello guides you with the careful competence that 29 years in private practice provides. She and her compassionate staff are trained and experienced in gentle treatment of fearful patients, including the administering of laughing gas. Individualized and thoughtful treatment plans are tailored for each patient to design an optimally functional and beautiful smile. Both children & adults find Dr. Costello to be patient and comforting. From cosmetic smile makeovers to implants and reconstructions, from
A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Dr. Donald Zelazny, DDS, has been providing personalized dental care for over 25 years. Dr. Zelazny is blessed to be able to bring three of his loves, dentistry, travel and photography together on dental mission trips. He has traveled to Honduras, Guatemala, Israel and Mexico to provide dental care for the needy populations in those countries. An avid photographer, “Dr. Z” has been able to capture images of the people and landscapes in these beautiful places and loves to share them. He is the owner of Z Dental in the quaint Village of Franklin, Michigan and practices in an old farmhouse that
22 | MY Magazine
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Historic Franklin Experience it.
www.mainstreetfranklinmi.com
Works of Art Labors of Love Award Winning Designs
Complimentary teeth whitening for new patients with exam and hygiene appointment.
Z Dental | 32767 Franklin Rd | Franklin, MI 48025 248.626.4232 | www.zdds.net
Join Dr Zelazny July 24th, 6pm for the “Smiles Need No Translation” open house. Photo’s will be on exhibit through July at the Farmhouse Coffee & Ice Cream in Franklin, MI.
32611 Franklin Road | Franklin, MI
248.855.5525 | yankedesigns.com Metro Detroit’s #1 Trusted Custom Jeweler. Designed with a personal touch. Turn your vision in to wearable art.
Franklin The
Grill & Tavern
Fun and fine women’s apparel along with jewelry, girlfriend gifts and accessories...
all perfectly priced. We have great things in store for our store! The Franklin Village Boutique is under new ownership and will re-open on July 20th after a fresh ‘makeover’. 32716 Franklin Road • Franklin, MI • 248.245.0834
Stop in to take a look at our newly renovated boutique as we transition to new ownership. Terri Cassels Cooper, Proprietor. We re-open July 20th!
Be a part of history! Amazing atmosphere, delicious food and a charming patio. Warm up by the fires both inside and out.
periodontal treatments, oral surgery, and root canals, to anti-snore (sleep apnea) appliances and nutritional counseling, you will find all your dental needs met with excellence, respect, and consideration.
at a big box store or a strip mall. It personalizes your shopping experience.
Fun and fine women’s apparel, along with jewelry, girlfriend gifts, and accessories, are all perfectly priced. Franklin Village Boutique is under new ownership and will re-open July 20th after a fresh makeover. Terri Cassels Cooper now owns the newly renovated boutique and has said “we have great things in store for ‘our’ store.”
“People are returning to this type of environment. Time and time again, historic downtowns bring higher property values, more walkable communities, and a greater sense of community ownership. People are loyal to historic downtowns, says Katherine. “When you shop at these local businesses, your money is reinvested back into the community.” It’s a great reminder of how we might better spend our time and money to benefit a beloved and extraordinary local community.
Economic development through historic preservation brings a sense of place in Franklin Village that cannot be achieved
For more information about Main Street Franklin and the Village of Franklin, please visit www.MainStreetFranklinMI.com
Franklin Village Boutique
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MY Magazine | 23
ask the expert by Holly CaSaroll
Q
What treatments can give me a youthful glow?
E
verybody wants their skin to glow, especially being outdoors where daylight shows every imperfection on our skin. We want to feel carefree and not have to apply layer upon layer of makeup, or worry about large pores, blackheads, dull skin, uneven skin tone, blemishes, or feel too pale. This is the best summer skin guide to give you radiant and glowing skin. With a little effort, and in no time, you will see changes in your skin that was once only available to the stars!
IN-OFFICE GLOW THERAPY
IN-HOME GLOW THERAPY
Genesis Excel V This is actually a very comfortable laser that will airbrush your skin without the downtime of other treatments. You will notice improved texture, reduced pore size, less lines, and decreased redness.
Enzyme Therapy Enzymes are a great way to get resurfacing without the sun-sensitizing chemicals in traditional peels, and you need not worry about downtime. Non-chemical exfoliants, like the Clairsonic brush, can be great for the summer, especially over harsh scrubs. Just don’t overdo it. If used a few times a week, these can greatly help remove dead cell buildup in the skin and give your texture more of a glow.
Medical LED These dermatological Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are screen based, not hand held, and are 100x stronger than other LEDs on the market. They help to build collagen and elastin, are an anti-inflammatory, and give a red carpet glow in just under 30 minutes. OxyGeneo One of my favorite treatments for an on-the-go, lunchtime glow! Resurface, shrink pores, even out texture, oxygenate, and nourish the skin with collagen stimulants. The effects are seen immediately! HALO Newly released HALO is the world’s most advanced laser to give you a perfect glow! The only hybrid fractional laser around, HALO will decrease pores, help erase 10 years of sun damage, decrease lines and wrinkles, and do it all without the downtime of traditional ablative lasers! With low discomfort, and only a few days of peeling, in 5-6 days, you will see the best version of yourself possible! Don’t be surprised when your friends notice how much more youthful and glowing you look! 24 | MY Magazine
Apply a Lightening Agent When you are exposed to the sun, you are darkening your sun spots, freckles, and acne pigmentation tremendously, which can all lead to an uneven, dull complexion. Lighteners help suppress your melanocytes. Apply a Bronzer or Self-tanner with Highlighter We all can look better with a little color, so it is imperative to get the look without all the damage. Bronzers are a great way to go if you are doing laser treatments throughout the summer. Self-tanners are a good choice for those who want their artificial tan to last a week or so. Holly CaSaroll, Founder of FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness An Integrative Skin and Wellness Clinic 248.663.0161 facebeautyscience.com
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Walking the Talk “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”―Mahatma Gandhi
by John J. Schalter
T
his is a very special edition of MY for me because the cover features two individuals I deeply respect. I value both our personal and professional relationship. I have the honor of sitting on the Board of Directors of the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation and it is for this reason that I have decided to change the format of my article (for this month only) in order to give some needed attention to this wonderful organization. Over the years, I have had a lot of opportunities to sit on boards of non-profits. They are all special opportunities in different ways; however, there was something about the St Clair Butterfly Foundation that captured my heart. One of the reasons I am so passionate about this foundation is because it can and will have such an impact on the world we live in. They work primarily with “at risk” youths. These are children who enter the world with great potential to have productive, fulfilling lives, yet experience tragedies or violations that can potentially lead them to a life filled with crime, alcohol, or drugs. Since a large majority of these youths have been abused or neglected in some way, the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation offers a chance to fill what I call “a hole in the soul.” It fills the emptiness felt by abuse through a wonderful curriculum with creative arts and activities. The best thing is the kids absolutely love the process and cannot get enough of what the foundation has to offer. Programs like the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation potentially saves our government tens of millions of dollars simply by healing our teens and keeping them out of correctional facilities and jails.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. ―Robert Frost
wheelchair for over a decade. Had I not received some attention and guidance from some special coaches and teachers, I may have taken the wrong path, getting involved with the wrong kind of people. Another reason to connect with the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation is the fact that Chip and Lisa actually “walk the talk.” As you will read in the cover story in this issue, Chip was a victim of outrageous mental, physical and emotional abuse as a child. He could have spent the rest of his life feeling sorry for himself and making excuses for his behavior. However, he took the “road less traveled” and used his suffering as a platform for constructive change and inspiration to help children and young adults around the world. It’s a choice to love rather than hate, to heal rather than seek retribution. When you have the courage to take the road less traveled, it can be a rewarding experience; it is a road I would love to meet you on. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in learning more about the foundation. You can also visit www.SCBF.org as well. The return I have gotten by supporting the foundation has been spectacular. To see that we are actually helping children and making a difference is priceless. I would like to encourage all of you to get involved; I can promise you, you will never be the same. Peace and Blessings,
John
Tragedy comes in many forms. I can relate with these kids and connect with the work the foundation is doing because of my own experience of pain and trauma when I was 11 years old. At that time, my father had a debilitating stroke the left him barely able to talk or see, and confined to a
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John Schalter is a Life Coach, practicing Attorney (36 years), and Professional Screenwriter. He is also a musician, songwriter, and artist. He does private coaching, but limits his client numbers to 27. If you would like to discuss coaching further and/or get on the waiting list, call him at 586-997-HELP (5357). The first consultation is always free! MY Magazine | 25
MY | life
From
Caterpillar to Butterfly
Chip & Lisa ST. CLAIR
Chip; Versace Collection Jacket, $1095, T shirt $185, both available at L’Uomo Vogue, Bloomfield Hills, 248.855.7788.
Lisa; Black Blouse, $68, Peacock Room, Detroit, 313.559.5500. Gold Line earrings, Wink Boutique, Grosse Pointe, 313.882.8100.
All Cover and Cover Story photo’s taken at The Planterra Conservatory, 7315 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI, 248.661.1515.
by Mary Meldrum Photography by Steve Ragland Photography Assistant Robert Olinski Styled by Jessica Kocik
Through it all, Chip survived. He rationalized his father’s behavior as a result of post traumatic stress disorder from the Vietnam War. He was told his dad was a war hero, a decorated veteran, and former prisoner of war. Of course he would have some anger issues.
S
ometimes there is no one to console us. All we have is ourselves. It is from a time and place of utter desperation that written words or artistic expression can impact us the most. Music, dance, cooking, gardening, meditation, art, and poetry offer boundless power to those who are willing to see, to listen, and to allow the experience to transform and grow them into what they are truly meant to be.
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole From his early memory as a small boy, Chip St. Clair recalls only violence from his father. The kicking and beatings from a man who used profanity as punctuation loomed in his memory and overrode his childhood with terror. There were no warm family gatherings or moments, only a helpless alcoholic mother and paralyzing fear. His father used any excuse to justify his monstrous raging and physical abuse.
Chip did not know that his father was really an escaped prisoner, a convicted killer under the alias of David St. Clair, whose real name was Michael Dean Grant—one of America’s top most-wanted killers. He did not know that the reason they moved so frequently was so that his father could avoid being caught. As a young man, Chip discovered that his mother helped Michael Dean Grant escape from prison and they had been on the run for 26 years, all of Chip’s life. Their cover was blown by Chip’s girlfriend, Lisa—who is now his wife—when she called the police on Grant when he dislocated Chip’s arm while beating on him in a fit of rage. Michael Dean Grant returned to prison.
Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. It was the poem Inviticus, by Ernest Henley, that saved eight-year-old Chip when his father threw him out of a row boat in the middle of Lake Michigan. He braced against the frigid dark water with the poem fresh in his mind from that morning. Against the odds, he was able to summon enough strength to make it to a raft before hypothermia set in. When Chip was 11 years old, they were living in the International Towers apartments in Long Beach, California. His father forced him outside of a balcony railing on the 28th floor and proceeded to pound on his hands as he clutched the railing in terror. All the while his father was teasing him and telling his mother that Chip was trying to commit suicide. As Chip grew into his teen years, he began to mimic his father’s irreverence for his own life. He learned not to love or care for himself and took big risks and engaged in reckless behavior. He felt no love for himself and saw no future.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud.
A charcoal self portrait of Chip St Clair drawn by Chip at age 16
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MY Magazine | 27
While both his parents were in jail, Chip had the chance to open his father’s black trunk that he was never allowed to look in. Inside, he found news articles, bags with baby teeth, children’s hair, and pictures of other young boys with the name “Chip” written on them. His father was a suspect in the Oakland County child killer case, which remains unsolved today. The depth of his father’s corruption, his secret life, his violent tendencies, and a life of profound lies poured out of that trunk. He was not a Vietnam veteran or a war hero. He was not a Green Beret captain. He never received any metals of honor. He was not a prisoner of war. He was a sociopath who murdered a little boy.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, The trunk contained a forged birth certificate, social security number, and documents and papers showing loans and accounts taken out in Chip’s name. His own parents stole his identity. He was only in his early 20’s and was tens of thousands of dollars in debt, debt that he was never aware of. His identity, his real age and true birth date remain a mystery to him still. The discovery of his father’s true identity devastated Chip and cast him into a hopeless search for answers to his own identity. There are no words that can describe the empty feeling when someone loses connection to their parents, and this disconnect was particularly torturous.
And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find me, unafraid. The chilling reality that unfolded for Chip St. Clair first brought depression. He attempted suicide and, like many abused children, was at risk of becoming something of a monster like his father. Violence, torture, and masterful manipulation were all he had known. He credits Lisa for providing the emotional lifeline that helped him to recover from the complete loss of himself and his parents—the only family that he really knew. “The unintended consequence of my father’s violence was that I learned that fear is a tool that you give to someone else to use against you.” says Chip St. Clair.
It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, Throughout his childhood filled with brutality and unpredictable assaults from his father, Chip escaped through reading. He read book after book after book, losing himself in the words. He relished poems and stories that took him to places far away from his own desperate life. He would also draw and paint and listen to music when he had the opportunity. Immersion in art was a great escape route from circumstances and memories that haunted him. Through his creative expression and the enjoyment of artistic release, Chip found his footing, his strength, and his future.
I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. What Chip did was go one step beyond saving his own life. His self-soothing techniques of creative expression have transformed this child of violence and deception into a gentle man of peace, compassion, and character. Now Chip is channeling his knowledge, strength, and resources into helping other at-risk children. Truly, Chip St. Clair’s life represents a lighted path for many children who have suffered at the hands of adults in their lives. This same butterfly theme is the basis for his 2008 book about his life called, “The Butterfly Garden.”
Chip; Etro Striped Shirt, $375, L’Uomo Vogue, Bloomfield Hills, 248.855.7788 Lisa; Sanctuary Purple Blouse, $69, Meghan Marion, Royal Oak, 248.268.4781; Butterfly Necklace, $89, Sole Sisters, Royal Oak, 248.547.7653
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Chip recognizes the symbolism in everything and sees that there is so much for us to learn. Some years ago, he visited the butterfly house at the Detroit Zoo where he had his revelation regarding the butterfly metaphor. “I remember looking around at all the amazing butterflies. It is such an amazing place. I noticed how vulnerable but
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beautiful these creatures are. But what was most interesting was the people that were there in the butterfly house with us,” he reflects. “The people reacting to the butterflies, from the smallest of children to the oldest men, they had the same expression on their faces. These little creatures unknowingly disarmed them. Their emotions were reduced to innocence and purity. That was all that was left. There was just this deep appreciation for the beauty. There was no judging, no pain, and no anguish. It was just purity.” Chip began to see the world as a butterfly garden. “The purpose of the caterpillar, by its nature, is to eat. It consumes, devours, and destroys everything around it to get the fuel it needs to make the rest of its journey, and then it goes into chrysalis, a cocoon. Within weeks, it emerges as a butterfly to pollinate. So now this creature that used to destroy its surroundings, now helps to create a beautiful world from flower to flower.” Chip relates, “What if our purpose in life is to be like a caterpillar that metamorphosed into a butterfly through transformation and introspection?
Chip; Ingram Shirt, $325, Ceramica Gray Jeans, $289, both available at L’Uomo Vogue, Bloomfield Hills, 248.855.7788 Lisa; Talia Dress, $110, Talia Aspen Vest, $110, both available at Sole Sisters, Royal Oak, 248.547.7653; Black Cuff, Ann Taylor, $68 We all are at some point in our lives on a quest to figure out who we are. I had to do that in a more literal sense.” Indeed, it is clear that he has succeeded.
THE FOUNDATION
The Butterfly Garden ~ A Memoir about Chip St. Clair’s life, written in 2008.
With the help of Anne Nechal, their effervescent Executive Director, and a supportive Board of Directors, Chip’s creative immersion methods have become part of his philosophy and have been developed into best practice programs that he and Lisa sponsor through their nonprofit organization, the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation. The foundation is aptly named for the metamorphosis effect that Chip experienced as an abused child into a healed adult. That same process and the foundation’s programs have been adopted by the Madison Heights School District, with flagship programming at Madison Preparatory, the district’s alternative high school. Over time, the results are being studied and measured. The outcomes for the children of abuse in these programs are stunning. mymagazinesouthoakland.com
MY Magazine | 29
creative play and artistic expression,” says Anne. “They don’t have to sit or be quiet the whole time, and it helps them to lower their walls and become more accepting of school and themselves. We don’t talk at them, we talk with them; they find their voice and, therefore, find their success.” This is about taking children who face neglect, fear, despair, and abuse in their life and helping them to find their fierce spirit and their gentle heart. The programs help kids to be strong, calm, and resilient in the face of adversity and change. They heal and learn to grow their ability to create, to tolerate, to accept, and to forgive.
Overall skill level and proficiency in the program’s curriculum is easy to track, as well as the overall elevated grades in other courses for these children who previously limped along and held no personal investment in their outcome. There are also intangible aspects that the program clearly invokes, such as elevated confidence, self-esteem and self-respect. There is an aspect of community and shared investment in each other. “There is a powerful psychological effect these programs have on the children,” emphasizes Chip. “This is not an ‘artsy-cool’ thing. There is a lot of science behind this.” Studies have demonstrated that this type of creative expression has been shown to influence brain waves and synaptic connections in the brain. “Through our programs, we provide our kids with power tools,” conveys Anne Nechal. “All of our programs have built in success. There is no way for these kids to fail.” This has been shown to be an important aspect for children who feel the world has not given them any breaks or allocated them any success. “Kids in our programs have—for one reason or another— already failed in the traditional school setting,” explains Anne. “They find their success in every project they undertake through the foundation. We give them an opportunity to use their voice and their minds.” “During Halloween last year, we got some pumpkins to carve. We discovered that some of these kids have never touched a pumpkin or dealt with carving a pumpkin,” shared Chip. It is well documented that children learn through creative play and personal exploring. These children have been deprived in a very deep way of this type of learning.
Their mission: To be the leaders in the prevention of the cycle of violence against children and youth through intervention and rehabilitation, focusing on evidence-based creative arts programs. The St. Clair Butterfly Foundation will be working with the Detroit Lions Academy through a new partnership with Neighborhood Legal Services of Michigan starting this month for four weeks. They will be doing programs that deal with anger management and conflict resolution. The Foundation is actively looking for more opportunities to insert these creative programs into other schools and camps. “My biggest take-away from all of this has been in understanding leadership, the power of people, and the power of one person’s ability to make a change,” says Chip. “The goals of our foundation cannot be accomplished alone. To give children hope, we need help. We need an army of volunteers, we need compassionate corporate sponsors, and we need strong community partners and passionate individuals who truly want to be the change. And so our call to action, our challenge is this: If this resonates with you, how can you help to leave a legacy of change?” Are you ready to be the change and help give each and every child a voice? If you would like to discuss an opportunity, or if you would like more information about the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation, or contribute monetarily, please contact Anne Nechal at 248-330-4164, or email at info@SCBF.org.
“Some kids don’t thrive without playing. Our programs are extremely interactive, so the kids do very well through
30 | MY Magazine
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MEET CHIP AND LISA ST. CLAIR FEATURED IN THIS MONTHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MY MAGAZINE, FOUNDERS OF THE
Sunday, August 2nd 11:30am to 3:00pm Tantalize your tastebuds with craft beers and amazing food! Silent Auction, 50/50 Raffle, Music and fun All auction items, raffle and 10% of all beverage sales will be donated to SCBF Please join us and bring family and friends to support the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation inspiring C.H.A.N.G.E.
51 NORTH BREWERY 51 N Broadway Street, Lake Orion, MI No reservations required. For more information, visit SCBF.org or email info@SCBF.org
About 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before they turn 18.
Only 38% of them will disclose the abuse. Civil litigation against an abuser is shown to be helpful in recovery, and empowering for the victim. Together, we will recover damages and begin the healing process.
586.773.9500 www.theperrinlawfirm.com 319 North Gratiot Ave. Mount Clemens, MI 48043
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MY Magazine | 31
Serendipity by Adria DeAngelis Veit
W
hat is love? Have you ever really thought about it? We all have a different view on the topic and the word itself. I have written many times about love, joy and the effect that positive endorphins have on your body. Love is at the root of it all. Sounds simple and not a profound new finding. However, love is more complex and mysterious than we give it credit for. In a unique way, many may think that love equates to perfection. Why perfection you may ask? When we experience love, it seems that there is nothing that can be out of synch in our lives. Everything will be alright, you’re protected. A brief definition of love: noun, an intense feeling of deep affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, intimacy, attachment. The words in the definition of love all exude kindness. There couldn’t be a better definition of one little four letter word. The complexity of love is so much more than the definition itself. The charming words do not describe the depth love is capable of. Perfect love is boring love. Actually, we do know that love is not perfect. We each experience our own recipe for its success, sorrow and never ending hope, which allow it to be the additive to each and every one of our life experiences. There are numerous events in our lives where the growth, success, and failure is directly impacted by love. Believe it or not, a loving or broken relationship is not at the root of these life experiences. Love is within us and is guided by our own personal free will. We grow by good judgement, we succeed by loving ourselves, and when we fail, it’s our own interior message of love that picks us up and gives us confidence to try again. At times, we lose love for ourselves and picking ourselves up is a challenge that we often feel we cannot achieve. We are overwhelmed with words, if, but, only, why, to name a few. The best part of the challenge is that we do get past them. When we reflect back on years that have past, it’s not uncommon to think or even state “I don’t know how I ever got through it.” I will leave it up to you to fill in your own blank to that statement. Success, you just filled it in and that was the past. 32 | MY Magazine
Love is found not only in joy but in sorrow. The joyous moments of love are easy to digest and make us all want more of the feeling(s) that accompany them. The sorrowful aspects of love, as painful as they may be, are the ones that really heighten our awareness of love. A year and a half ago, I dedicated my column to my beloved Miniature Schnauzer Chewfi. It was the most difficult act of love to have to let her go to heaven as I am comfortable stating. At the time, I described all the lessons I learned about life from her endearing unconditional love. I was and still fill the pain of her loss. A challenge filled with the words if, but, only, and why. As dramatic as it may sound, despite the pets I have had in my life, I never thought I would be able to rid myself of the pain that filled the cavities of my heart from the loss of my dear Chewfi. We find so much out about ourselves when we learn about the meaning of love through painful moments in our lives. Just like after the rain when the sun shines, we appreciate it even more. I am pleased to share that I am now once again enveloped in love as if they were the rays of the sun covering my entire being. A new Miniature Goldendoodle puppy has come into my life. Her name is Bellina. It’s funny that these two different breeds are “miniature,” the unconditional love that they possess is the farthest from miniature at all. May you take time to find the true meaning of what love means to you! Don’t hold back being the rays of love not only in your life, but someone else’s too!
Adria DeAngelis Veit Intuitive Medium Adria.Believe@gmail.com
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PREMIER PET
YOUR PETS HAPPY PLACE by Mike Palmer At Premier Pet Supply our focus has always been treating every customer like a regular, whether you are a first time visitor or have been coming for years. We provide unmatched service that has an added value: knowledge of the products we sell. You’ll feel like family the moment you first walk in the door. Our store is filled with every imaginable product for all animals with a focus on natural & holistic. We pride ourselves in carrying everything you’re used to finding at a pet supply store and we also carry an incredible amount of specialty items that you may never have known existed. You’ll be surprised when you walk in the door with not only our service and selection but with our prices. If we don’t carry what you’re looking for, most likely we can have it within a few days. We have made a tireless commitment to our local communities through schools and local events. We have continuously supported local rescues with donations and support. We have cats for adoption 7 days a week and offer adoption events for dogs on both Saturdays and Sundays.
TREAT YOUR PET TO
Only The Best Premier Pet Supply treats every customer like family from the moment you walk into the door. They know that your pet is an important part of your family and they agree! They support local community groups and events all to benefit the welfare of animals. NATURAL & HOLISTIC FOODS TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS
We are so proud to have been voted best pet supply store in all of metro Detroit in numerous publications over the years and it is our goal to continue to work as hard as possible to prove that we are deserving of those honors.
BEST SERVICE AND SELECTION AROUND
Bottom line is we care about you and your pets. Come experience what our customers have been for over 20 years!
VOTED BEST PET SUPPLY STORE IN METRO DETROIT!
HARD TO FIND UNIQUE ITEMS
Come Join us at our
A Trusted 23 year Family Owned Business Who Cares About Your Pet
SATURDAY, JULY 25TH FROM 8-9
PREMIER PET SUPPLY
23RD ANNIVERSARY & 8th ANNUAL CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PARTY! SUNDAY, JULY 26TH FROM 8-6
20% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE INCLUDING FOOD AND TREATS!!! Sunday only: Face Painting, Andy the Balloon Man, Petting Zoo, Pet Photo Shop, Hot Dogs, Raffle Drawings and much more Visit Premierpetsuppy.com for more information
Visit Your Pets Happy Place
NOW IN TWO LOCATIONS 31215 Southfield Rd. Beverly Hills, MI
248.647.4310
COMING LATE SUMMER Southwest corner of Rochester Rd. & Auburn Rd. Rochester Hills, MI
ADVERTORIAL
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MY Magazine | 33
Heather Bielecki
MYMakeover
Photography by Steve Ragland
Heather was wearing her hair long and it was a darker blonde shade with no gray. Because it was all one length as well as thick, her hair lay straight and flat around her beautiful face. I decided to change and lighten the color to better complement Heather’s eyes, and gave her baby blonde highlights. I kept her hair long but added a lot of layers. When I blew it dry, Heather’s hair had so much more body. I also gave her bangs to soften her look. It’s a style that she can have fun with and wear in different ways. When I swept it up with a few bobby pins and gave Heather an up do, she was amazed! She said that what I did in two minutes usually “takes her forever.” The other hairdressers in the salon commented about Heather’s elegant, soft new look. She was very happy and couldn’t wait for her husband to take her out on the town that evening! ~ Hair by Yiannis Karimalis 248.931.8722, www.yiannishair.com
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After taking a hearing test, we found that my word recognition was as low as 46%. They were unable to identify the exact cause, and I immediately was placed with hearing aids upon returning to work. I am thankful for the support my coworkers at Plex Systems have given me. It wasn’t until last January that it became increasingly worse. I would come home from work exhausted and stressed, and at home it was increasingly difficult for my daughter and husband. I couldn’t hear my daughter when she would ask for something, causing her to always go to her Dad, and my husband was exhausted with having to translate every conversation with others and listening to my voicemails as I couldn’t.
I
have had hearing loss since I was a teenager. At that time it was mostly higher pitches. I was told it was a result of nerve damage and there was nothing they could do. I was able to hear enough to get by and felt it truly didn’t impact my life much. It wasn’t until the late stages of my pregnancy with my daughter that I realized how much I was struggling to hear. After my C-section, my hearing dropped significantly.
In March, I was aligned with an amazing group of people at the University of Michigan who helped me navigate the world of Cochlear Implants. They told me that there was no such thing as nerve damage, that it was actually cochlear damage. I was approved to receive a Cochlear Implant because my hearing had deteriorated to 16% word recognition. I had surgery at the end of April. After 4 weeks of recovery, I can’t begin to tell you how amazing it is to hear my daughter and my husband again. It was incredible to speak on my cellphone to my family for the first time in 3 years and really hear them! I’ve been able to watch TV without closed captioning, I can hear when people approach me, and can even hear the doorbell and oven timer in our new house. I can’t begin to truly explain how awesome it is being able to hear again. I’m forever grateful for the medical technology and thankful for the team at U of M that has allowed me to hear again. I would like to thank Yiannis, Mona, and MY Magazine for giving me this amazing opportunity. This makeover aligned with hearing again has helped me to put new lease on life.
Mona Rickart, Makeup, Heather Bielecki and Yiannis Karimalis, Hair Stylist
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— Heather Bielecki
Mona Rickart, of Edge Salon in West Bloomfield, 48.798.9888, and Heather Bielecki
MY Magazine | 35
MY | local
LUIGI BRUNI SALON
THE HEIGHT OF HAIR DESIGN AND FASHION by Barbara Krajenke early influences was working with celebrity stylist Oribe, who helped to guide him into his signature style while he was working with celebrities and fashion houses. The stability of the Luigi Bruni Salon as a business is due to several elements, including vision, talent, and guest services. The salon encompasses Luigi’s love of fashion and creativity, emphasizing the trends from edgy to sophisticated in fashion and hair—a reflection of both his creativity and style. The philosophy of the salon’s guest services is to give the guests a memorable experience, starting as soon as they walk through the doors to the moment they exit.
L
A source of Luigi’s creativity is inspired by the younger generation and learning about new hair and fashion trends.
uigi Bruni Salon is the epitome of high energy blended with elegance. The expertise and talent of the owner, Luigi Bruni, and his team of stylists and makeup artists have made the Birmingham salon a sought after destination for hair and beauty, celebrating ten years of business this October. Luigi opened the salon at the urgings of his friend and business partner Chris Jeannotte, who was inspired by Luigi’s talent and previous ten years of experience as a stylist. One of Luigi’s
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“I am always learning from the younger generation. I am still evolving and I am still passionate,” said Luigi. Luigi and his crew keep current by maintaining their extended color education through Wella, a hair product line using innovative technology and techniques that inspire the team at Luigi Bruni Salon to execute jaw dropping, flawless color. In addition to this expertise, the stylists are constantly kept up to date in all aspects of the hair, fashion, and beauty industry. Luigi Bruni Salon gives back to the community working with charities
like the Children’s Leukemia Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Karmanos Cancer Institute. They also participate annually in the MDA Association Camp Dances, where Luigi and his team of stylists get the kids all dolled up for the dance event. Luigi Bruni Salon is the official beauty sponsor for the Miss Michigan USA and Miss Teen Michigan USA event. The salon’s team of stylists and makeup artists work backstage getting the contestants camera ready. The Luigi Bruni stylist team works all year with the winners of the Miss Michigan contests
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for photo shoots and public events. Luigi reflects, “I opened the salon ten years ago on a ‘wing and a prayer.’” The efforts of Luigi Bruni and his exceptional staff have made them a staple in the local beauty business. The salon maintains its success by staying current, having a love of fashion, and providing quality guest service. “I love what I do and I have a passion about it. I love to come to work. I can honestly say that,” Luigi states.
LUIGI BRUNI SALON
706 N Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009 248.723.1500 • luigibruni.com
MY Magazine | 37
Inspiring Woman
Elizabeth Guz Sponsored by
Hair: Alexis Calcaterra, Makeup: Megan Morin, lor: Malika Abdul Malik Elizabeth Guz, Hair Co
by Maria Savoy Photography by Robert Olinski 38 | MY Magazine
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TRAGEDY LOSS AWARENESS
D
r. Brian and Elizabeth (Liz) Guz of Franklin, MI have had three beautiful children, a daughter, Lauren, and two sons, Michael and David. From the outside looking in, they portray the perfect all-American family. One never knows the struggles a family goes through behind closed doors. In 2009, their oldest son, Michael, then a junior at Groves High School, took his life after a long battle with depression and anxiety related to Bipolar disorder. Michael had seen many therapists and psychologists and had been prescribed many medications over the years. They helplessly watched him get progressively worse, struggling with this disease and not knowing how to fix it. Bipolar disorder is a medical condition caused by a chemical
imbalance in the brain, marked by significant changes in mood, thought, energy, and behavior. Losing a child defies human order, a child should never die before a parent. The pain can be all consuming and overwhelming. It takes great strength to find ones way in a seemingly dark world, but that is exactly what Liz did. In exploring a way to honor Michael’s existence, the Guz family reached out to the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund at the University of Michigan Depression Center and formed the Michael Guz Memorial Fund. The University of Michigan Depression Center does genetic testing on an on-going basis to understand the genetic link in families. Liz is a very private person, however she knew her mission now was to help others who struggle in the same way her family did. Breaking down the barriers and stigma and allowing people to freely talk about mental illness has become a passion for her and her family. Elizabeth and her daughter, Lauren, used the first two initials of each of their names to create a business making unique and beautiful jewelry along with raising awareness and money for bipolar research. ELLA Designs donates 50% of all proceeds to the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund. “Since we began, we have had a tremendous response to our unique and versatile jewelry,” said Liz. “In 2013, I was overjoyed to be able to donate $25,000 toward research and look forward to doing more in the future. I now feel that I can make a difference.” Having had success at shows and house parties, Liz launched an online store this summer, elladesignsjewelry.com, where 50% of all proceeds still benefit the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund. “I miss my son every single day, but I am grateful to be able to create an awareness in the hopes to help others.”
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MY Magazine | 39
MY | local
by Barbara Krajenke
P
ets are part of the family. They enrich our lives by providing us with warm greetings, cuddles, and companionship. We, in turn, want to provide our pets with the best care and seek a pet supply store to meet our pets’ needs. Premier Pet Supply in Beverly Hills does just that by carrying a variety of pet products and providing attentive customer service. Premier Pet Supply is an independent, family business owned by Ray Hesano and his nephew, Mike Palmer. Being animal lovers themselves, they understand our desire to provide our pets with the best of care. The store carries a wide selection of natural and holistic products with a well-informed and friendly staff. Hesano opened Premier Pet Supply in 1992. Palmer began working at the store two years later after graduating high school. Palmer fell in love with the industry and became Hesano’s business partner, taking over operations of the store when he was 21 years old. “There is a lot of pride in our business. I love helping people, it makes me feel
40 | MY Magazine
good to make other people happy,” said Palmer. “We want people to feel comfortable here. Customers say they’ve felt like family since the first day they stepped foot in our doors.” In August 2015, the family business is expanding to Rochester Hills, opening their second Premier Pet Supply store at Rochester and Auburn roads. While Palmer continues to manage the Beverly Hills location, his cousin and business partner, Jeff Nagarah, will manage the new location. “People realize that supporting a local business supports the community. When people support a local business, at least 80 percent of the money stays here,” said Palmer. Premier Pet Supply has been successful for over two decades. Palmer attributes that to being a step above the corporate pet supply chains by offering exceptional customer service,
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a positive work environment, wide product selection, and community involvement. “As an independent business, we have to do a lot of things that stand out. We
know our customers have other options. We want to create an experience and make it worth their while,” said Palmer. Premier Pet Supply stands out as an independently owned business, by providing for its customers’ needs rather than following a corporate guideline for ordering product. “As an independent business you have to stay ahead of trends. Fifteen years ago, the store was one of the only places to carry a large selection of organic and natural pet foods,” states Palmer. “I noticed they (pet owners) wanted to provide a healthier life for their pets, so we started carrying more and more natural and holistic products,” said Palmer. Premier Pets Supply emphasizes customer service by a friendly and knowledgeable staff, greeting many customers and pets by name. Palmer believes that work culture thrives on the positive, providing staff training and an upbeat environment. Customers notice the positivity and want to come back. “People want a pleasant experience. They are always greeted with a smiling face. We value every customer that walks through our door and want people to feel that they’ve gotten a great value when they leave. It helps to keep store environment fun and fresh. We hire people with good attitudes that love animals,” said Palmer.
Premier Pet Supply’s culture is also based on community involvement. The store hosts dog and cat adoptions, working with organizations like the Humane Society, Almost Home Animal Haven, Companion Pet Rescue, and Special Animal Friends and Rescue, Inc, (SAFARI). Cat adoptions are hosted at the store daily and dog adoption events are hosted every Saturday and Sunday. “In the past ten years we have serviced at least 4,000 animals to be adopted into homes. I love the fact that we can help animals and help give them a home. Providing both the pets and families with joy,” states Palmer. Palmer also proudly promotes animal stewardship by visiting schools and talking to kids about pet responsibility and ownership. One of the most popular community services offered through the Premier Pet Supply store is a volunteer program for kids 8 years and older where they work one hour a day to help take care of the animals. The call-a-head volunteer program is offered to four kids a day seven days a week. Palmer believes that to achieve success you need to have enthusiasm about your business and provide the best customer service. “The thing that has been a part of my success is to never be complacent. There is always room for improvement; you can always better yourself and better your business.”
Come Join us at our
23RD ANNIVERSARY & 8th ANNUAL CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PARTY!
SATURDAY, JULY 25TH FROM 8-9 SUNDAY, JULY 26TH FROM 8-6
20% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE INCLUDING FOOD AND TREATS!!! SUNDAY ONLY: Face Painting, Andy the Balloon Man, Petting Zoo, Pet Photo Shop, Hot Dogs, Raffle Drawings and much more Visit Premierpetsuppy.com for more information
PREMIER PET SUPPLY 31215 Southfield Road Beverly Hills, MI 248.647.4310 premierpetsupply.com
NEW LOCATION:
PREMIER PET SUPPLY Southwest corner of Rochester Rd. & Auburn Rd. Rochester Hills, MI Opening Late Summer 2015 HOURS OF OPERATION Mon-Sat 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. mymagazinesouthoakland.com
MY Magazine | 41
MY | reality
INTROVERTS AND EXTROVERTS Which are you? The answer might surprise you. by Judy Lipson
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noticed that I was far more comfortable were the proper way to be. How ociety understood introverts and with people—1:1 or in groups. I sad that this judgment of introverts/ extroverts simply. Those who wasn’t certain why this changed, but extroverts seems to have habitually were outgoing and comfortable in social I recognized that I was not the same continued to this day. situations were called extroverts. Those who were shy and reserved Is any part of my story like yours? were deemed introverted. When you are aware of your Interestingly, Carl Jung, who needs you will have less judgment A new recognition of myself first talked about introverts about your actions. When you has emerged in recent years. and extroverts in the early 1900s, did not intend that release these judgments, you can I wonder, do you note this people would be one or the accept your true self and provide familiarity? I still find myself loving the company of others, other. He recognized it as a adequate self-care since you will but I often feel a great need to continuum. no longer be fighting against your be alone. It all made sense a few years ago when I read a new (not truest inclinations. During my childhood and exactly new, it was what Jung early adulthood years, I person I had been. I began to consider was saying all along) description of identified myself as an introvert. It was myself more an extrovert and was introverts and extroverts. The terms not a description that I recognized pleased with the change since societal introvert and extrovert don’t describe approvingly because others led me belief, along with my own discomfort, your comfort level or involvement to believe that this was not the best had led me to believe that extroverts with others, but rather your method way to be. In my mid-adult years, I
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for recharging your mind and spirit. Introverts recharge alone, extroverts recharge with other people. With that in mind, how would you describe yourself? Do you want or need quiet after a stressful experience? When you have been with a crowd of people, do you crave solitude or silence? Do you desire the companionship of others to re-energize? Are you a sensitive person? If you are, then you receive substantial input through visual, auditory, tactile, smell, and emotions during everyday activities. What that means is that it’s common for you to need ‘downtime’, therefore appearing like an introvert. This is not a bad or good thing, but it is important to know if this is who you are. When you are aware of your needs you will have less judgment about your actions. When you release these judgments, you can accept your true self and provide adequate self-care since you will no longer be fighting against your truest inclinations. Self-care means that you realize when you need to take downtime. Plan for it and don’t be embarrassed by it. Accept it. As youths, introverts can seem invisible and therefore overlooked, or appear weak, and thus become vulnerable to bullying. Introverts reflect on new information at length and react relatively slowly. Extroverts are geared more for action, so they reflect and react at nearly the same time. This difference may lead introverts to be
judged, or judge themselves, for not responding quickly enough. Extroverts often have a higher activity level, and their quicker processing and willingness to volunteer may make them stand out socially and academically. As a result, in the workplace, extroverts are more likely to volunteer for multiple committees, be more social, and take on leadership roles. They may overpower certain clients or colleagues who try to keep things “strictly business,” and they can burnout due to over commitment. Introverts often prefer to work in solitude and can get angry if interrupted. They may wait for an assignment to be refused by others before stepping up. In leadership positions, introverts can utilize their impressive concentration and problemsolving skills, providing detailed, well thought-out plans. They make good diplomats since they are observing from a distance and can remain emotionally uninvolved. It is important to realize that neither introvert nor extrovert is better than the other. Know who you are and honor your temperament. Recognize, understand, accept, and support who you are to experience a greater sense of peace in your life.
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INTROVERTS: •
Respect their privacy
•
Privately reprimand or teach new skills
•
Let them observe new situations
•
Provide thinking time and don’t interrupt
•
Offer transition time and notifications
•
Encourage one similar best friend and don’t force more
•
Don’t try to make them an extrovert
EXTROVERTS: •
Respect their independence
•
Compliment publicly
•
Accept and encourage enthusiasm
•
Understand when they are busy
•
Let them dive right in
Judy Lipson is a licensed, professional counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield, MI. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties, work or school related anxiety, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit SpiralWisdom.net for more information. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to replace medical care.
MY Magazine | 43
MY | local
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT
Women’s Health
by Dr. Gina Lynem-Walker, physician consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BREAST CANCER:
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HEART DISEASE:
•
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed for women.
•
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman’s death is about 1 in 36 (about 3 percent).
•
Heart disease affects more women than men, causing one in three women’s deaths each year, killing one woman every minute.
•
Fewer women than men survive their first heart attack and their symptoms can often be misunderstood, even by some doctors.
•
•
According to one study, 50 percent of women experienced no chest pain prior to or during their heart attack, which is one of the most commonly known symptoms.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT OSTEOPOROSIS:
•
Women should be on the lookout for less obvious symptoms such as nausea, indigestion, palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue and back pain.
•
Osteoporosis affects women more than men.
•
Osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million women worldwide.
•
It is estimated that of all the people in the U.S. affected by osteoporosis, 80 percent are women.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT STROKE:
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT DEPRESSION:
•
Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men.
•
Depression affects women more commonly than men.
•
Each year, about 55,000 more women than men have a stroke.
•
12 million women are diagnosed each year with depression compared to 6 million men.
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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES: •
Autoimmune diseases are more common in women than in men.
•
Symptoms are generally nonspecific and because of that, diagnoses can be delayed. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include:
•
Lupus
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Multiple sclerosis
•
Type 1 diabetes
•
Thyroid disease
WHAT ARE SOME RISK FACTORS? •
Genetics
•
Lifestyle factors like stress or inactivity
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Health factors like elevated blood pressure or cholesterol
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR WOMEN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE CARE SERVICES?
• Pap smear screenings for cervical cancer begin at 21, regardless of whether a woman has been sexually active before. •
If results are normal, then the test is repeated every 2 to 3 years after that. Pap smears are no longer done every year.
•
After age 30, if the Pap tests have been normal, then the tests are reduced to being done every 3 to 5 years.
•
HPV screenings are also offered because that virus increases the risk for cervical cancer.
•
Mammograms screen for breast cancer and begin at age 50 unless there is a strong family history of breast cancer or if there has been an abnormal office exam. Then screening begins at age 40 to 45.
•
After the age of 50, women should get a colonoscopy unless there is a family history of colon cancer.
•
Colorectal cancer spikes after the age of 50.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER WAYS WOMEN CAN STAY HEALTHY? •
Keeping a healthy diet such as:
•
Eat a plant-based diet
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Less meat, less fat
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Get more calcium and vitamin D
•
Preventive care can help catch potential health issues at any age, for men, women and children.
•
Preventive care is important because as women age, problems can arise. For example:
•
Getting 30 minutes of exercise daily to keep up bone mass and muscle strength
•
Bones begin to thin after age 30 as bone density decreases.
•
Stop smoking
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Diabetes and heart disease become more prevalent at age 45 to 50.
•
Colon cancer spikes after age 50.
•
Annual exams and preventive health screenings watch for these things.
•
Even if women aren’t symptomatic, they should go to the doctor to ensure any diseases are caught early so they are more easily treated.
•
And if a woman is having symptoms, she should definitely make an appointment to see her doctor.
ARE THERE CERTAIN TESTS AND PROCEDURES THAT WOMEN SHOULD HAVE DONE AT CERTAIN AGES OR MILESTONES? •
Physical exams with a primary care doctor should occur every year.
•
These exams look at overall health and run common tests like a complete blood count, chemistry panel, lipid panel, blood pressure and cholesterol.
•
After the age of 45 women begin to be screened for abnormal lipids and blood sugar.
Gina Lynem-Walker, M.D., is an urgent care provider and physician consultant for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more information and tips on improving you and your family’s health, visit AHealthierMichigan.org.
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MY Magazine | 45
A Champion for Diversity Michele Economou Ureste
M
ichele Economou Ureste knows a thing or two about diversity. The 46 year old West Bloomfield Township Supervisor is a first generation American citizen. Her father was born and raised in Greece and her mother was born in Romania and raised in Hungary. She is married to a Hispanic man who endured discrimination throughout his childhood. Their three children, ages 9, 10, and 12, have been taught that no such ignorance and lack of education will be tolerated in their household. She brings her philosophy about diversity and inclusion to every facet of her life. “We live in a very diverse country and every person should be afforded equal opportunities for education, employment, and all of the things that life has to offer. Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or age is wrong, and I will always fight against it”. In her job as Township Supervisor, Ureste experienced an unexpected backlash from some of her adversaries on the township board after she hired an executive assistant who is Chaldean. She has also had to investigate charges of racism by two African American employees. Ureste believes that some employees have in fact been treated unfairly based on their race though others on the board disagree. A media firestorm erupted and an outraged public took sides; some in support of Ureste and others who side with the trustees who deny that there is a problem. In early March, at the urging of Supervisor Ureste, the board approved the formation of a 28 member citizen-based diversity committee. The group made numerous recommendations on how the township can improve its hiring practices and increase the number of minority employees, vendors, and outside contractors. The board is being asked to respond by October. Although being the top elected official brings with it a great deal of responsibility and stress, Ureste loves her job, and her qualifications are impressive. She is a graduate of Livonia Stevenson High School and Central Michigan University (CMU), where she double majored in Political Science and Journalism. She ran the TV and radio stations at CMU and quickly landed a job at Ford Motor Company. During her tenure at Ford, Ureste worked as a production assistant on FCN News, and later launched the PeopleNet system for procuring contract personnel services to all of Ford’s
46 | MY Magazine
manufacturing and vehicle operations. She also worked as the Quality Program Manager at the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) when the first quality system standard was mandated by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to the Tier 1 supply chain for third party registration. Intelligent, witty, patient, and fair are words many of her colleagues and friends use to describe Michele Economou Ureste. While the stress of the job can’t be avoided, she knows how to separate work from home life. Her free time activities include running, cycling, and group fitness exercising. She is also a master gardener and enjoys art projects with seashells collected from vacations on Sanibel Island, Florida. “West Bloomfield has traditionally been a hot bed of politics as the same people in the local political scene have been involved over the past 20 years. I am determined to bring much needed change. I am doing what the citizens elected me to do, which is to make West Bloomfield a great place for every resident to live, work, play, and operate businesses successfully.” Ureste was recently awarded The Diversity Champion Award by The Race Relations & Diversity Task force of Birmingham, MI. She believes that the fate of our economy depends upon whether every child is afforded an opportunity for a good education. Her favorite book, which she strongly recommends is Who Stole the American Dream by Pulitzer Prize winning author Hedrick Smith.
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MY Magazine | 47
MY | cooking school
LET’S
Celebrate! by Chef Dawn Bause
S
blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries will all be available soon, and by the end July, peaches and melons too. I simply refuse to eat cherries or peaches except this time of year, and they have to be grown in our great state.
As a chef, it’s the time of year I’ve been waiting for all year. Every week through the end of September, the local fare picks up at the area’s Farmer’s Markets. We’ve got all kinds of wonderful fruits and veggies to choose from. Michigan cherries,
Peppers, potatoes, summer squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini make their debut this month, and just about every green and fresh herb is thriving by now as well. To say I’m in heaven is an understatement. Plus, these are the ingredients that make up our “side dishes.”
ummer’s here with Father’s Day and the 4th of July just around the corner. Time to celebrate! Add some delicious food, some games, and fireworks, and life doesn’t get any better.
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Gazpacho in a Cup Servings 4-6 1 small green pepper, diced fine (hand dice if possible) ¼ cup red onion, diced fine 2 medium cucumbers; peeled, seeds removed, and diced fine 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 bunch green onions, sliced thin 1 small lime, juiced ½ teaspoon cumin powder ½ teaspoon pepper
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon salt (add more to taste) 2 tablespoons white or red wine vinegar 5 large red tomatoes (blanched, peeled, and seeds removed, chopped fine) or 1-16 oz. can plum tomatoes (puree in blender) 1 cup Mr. T’s Bloody Mary Mix 1 can Campbell’s tomato soup 1 cup tomato juice Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. Let set at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. Serve in a glass or bowl and garnish with diced, ripe avocados, a little minced cilantro, or finely chopped cucumbers and fresh tomatoes.
I spend much more time on my sides than on the main dish. I don’t know why, but for some reason we tend to think of side dishes as optional. One of those, if-you-have-time or special occasions only part of a meal. Not so in Italy, where I lead food and wine tours every fall, and where every meal is a special occasion. Skipping the contorni is unthinkable! Contorni are fresh vegetables, prepared simply and elegantly to bring out the fullness of their flavor.
main dish’s protein. And during this time of year, they can easily “steal the show” with their flavor, color, and freshness.
Side dishes make a dinner a real meal and compliment your
for a lovely first course.
The first recipe I want to share with you is an amazing gazpacho recipe. It’s a staple at all of my summer parties. I received this recipe from a dear friend who grew up in Cuba. It’s a hit every time I make it. I usually serve it in a short glass with a splash of Grey Goose vodka on top, but feel free to serve it chilled in a bowl
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MY Magazine | 49
Red White and Blue Salad Yields: 4-6 Dressing Ingredients: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup maple syrup ¼ cup raspberry chipotle sauce (store bought *) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon fresh or dried tarragon ½ teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea salt) (*) If you can’t find the chipotle sauce, I improvise and cook a handful of fresh raspberries in a sauce pan with one tablespoon of water over medium heat. I then mash the berries with a wooden spoon and add a dash of red cayenne pepper flakes. Cook for a couple minutes, let cool, and then add to the dressing. To make dressing, mix all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. Salad Ingredients:
Zorba Greek Orzo Salad
Package Mixed Greens, pre-washed
Yields: 4-6
1 small red onion, sliced thin and chopped
Dressing Ingredients: 1 cup extra virgin olive oil Juice of 1 lemon
1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup blueberries
2 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped
1/3 cup raspberries
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 ounce pine nuts (optional)
¾ teaspoon dried basil ½ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper ½ teaspoon coarse kosher or sea salt Place all the ingredients in a blender and pulse until well incorporated. Salad Ingredients:
In large salad bowl, place mixed greens and red onion. Gently toss salad with a little dressing at a time until greens are lightly coated with dressing. Dish onto individual salad plates and garnish with berries, goat cheese, and pine nuts if using. If there is extra dressing, serve it on the side. Better to use less dressing than too much. You can always add more!
1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta That’s it for this issue but before signing off, I just want to mention there are still a few places left on my fall “Splendors of Tuscany Tour,” September 26 to October 3rd, 2015.
½ cup grape tomatoes, halved 1 cucumber, seeded and chopped 1/3 cup red onion, sliced thin ½ green bell pepper, chopped ½ cup crumbled feta cheese 5-10 Kalamata olives, pitted and halved Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain. In large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, feta, and olives. Toss with dressing and chill for at least one 1 hour in refrigerator.
50 | MY Magazine
It’s the ultimate small group, privately guided food and wine tour in Italy. For more info go to my website: www.cookingwithdawn.com. Email or call me with questions: AskDawnNow@aol.com or, pick up the phone and call me at 313.618.6559. Buon Appetito!
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