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DEARBORN | DETROIT | DOWNRIVER

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Gina Dudash and Studio G offer children the opportunity to stay in shape while maintaining some normalcy during an unprecedented time.

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CONTENTS Bringing our community together one page at a time • P U B L I C AT I O N INFO

ROD LEIGHTON Publisher MARKETING

ROBBIN MOYER Director of Marketing

AGENDA

EDITORIAL

SUNDRA HILSINGER

D 6 SUMMER FUN Picks by our Senior Editor Sundra Hilsinger for Summer Fun in The D

Senior Editor

JACKIE KILBRIDE, HOLLY J. PLUDE, A. J. REILLY, JACK HIGGINS

FEATURES

Contributors PHOTOGRAPHY

D 8 STUDIO G TO DANCE ON Offering children an opportunity to stay in shape while maintaining some normalcy during an unprecedented time D 14 FIRST RESPONDERS To cope with the stress of his job Mike Crandall says he relies heavily on his ‘family’ which includes the men at the station friends as well as motorcycle club – the Axemen

IAN P OKRIEFKA Photography Editor

JANE FIJAL , JOHNNY MIGGINS Contributing Photographers PRODUCTION

TOM COSGROVE Graphic Design Assistant

IMBIBE D 18 PROMENADE ARTISAN FOODS Chelsie and Jono Brymer offer a taste of France to the Downriver area with their establishment in downtown Trenton

FRANCISCA BARRY Design Associate SOCIAL MEDIA

SAMAYA OVERALL , AYANA KING Media Team Members

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NEXT SEPTEMBER 2020 ISSUE We will feature the Detroit waterfront with coverage of a visit this summer by The D Profile Special ADVERTISING opportunites are available in this issue as we wel-come the reopening of our local businesses!

M E D I A

G R O U P

Dearborn | Detroit | Downriver

734-282-4640 | 313-498-0537 • w w w. V i s i t T h e D . c o m

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THROUGH JAN 31, 2021

Marvel exhibition From comics to film Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes is an exhibition that features more than 300 artifacts including some of Marvel’s most iconic and sought-after pages, costumes and props.

AUG

Guests can visit the museum and this special exhibition every day between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

07-16 JURASSIC QUEST DTE Energy Music Theatre welcomes Jurassic Quest a family-friendly drive-thru safari-style event that takes visitors on an hour-long car ride through the age of dinosaurs and includes an optional audio tour that can be accessed through visitor’s phones and car speakers. 70 moving and life-like dinosaurs. including a 50-foot-long Megalodon and an 80-foot-long Spinosaurus, will be featured.

Tickets are $49 per vehicle and can be purchased at jurassicquest.com or 313 presents.com

what’s on our

AGENDA

We have a few suggestions to keep you busy this Summer 05-26 SUMMER SESSIONS

THROUGH JAN 3, 2021

Frida Kahlo & Salvador Dalí The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) welcomes important works by Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dalí, presented alongside photographs from the DIA’s collection documenting the artists’ imaginative larger-than-life personae.

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The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) will offer series of free outdoor, socially distant, performances throughout August.

Small groups of musicians will perform for limited audiences at the DSO’s Sosnick Courtyard (51 Parsons St.) as well as three Detroit Riverfront Conservancy venues: Robert C. Valade Park, the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, and Gabriel Richard Park.

No-cost ticket reservations are required for the Sosnick Courtyard perform-

ances and registration is encouraged for performances at the other venues.

Please note that all events are general admission and seating won’t be provided – please bring your own chairs and blankets.

SEPT 04-07 JAZZ FESTIVAL The 2020 Detroit Jazz Festival will be held virtually on Labor Day Weekend.

A star-studded lineup features mostly Detroit-based artists but also includes

iconic saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and pianist Robert Glasper.

The festival will take place at three large indoor sound stages at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center though due to the coronavirus there will be no live audience.

The performances of these artists will be filmed in high-definition audio and video and broadcast on the Detroit Jazz Festival’s social media channels (including Facebook Live and Instagram), Detroit Public Television, WRCJ 90.9 FM, WEMU 89.1, WDET 101.9 FM, and the Detroit Jazz Fest app.

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THE ARTS

Studio G to

DANCE ON

OFFERING CHILDREN AN OPPORTUNITY TO STAY IN SHAPE WHILE MAINTAINING SOME NORMALCY DURING AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME EDIT SUNDRA HILSINGER

s business restrictions relax, Studio G Performing Arts Center embraces the return of in-person instruction.

Early in the stay at home order, Studio G Owner and Artistic Director Gina Dudash decided to move all instruction online to Zoom. This protected the dancers and offered them an opportunity to stay in shape while maintaining some normalcy during an unprecedented time.

“Despite being in quarantine, it has not seemed to hurt the kids who want to dance,” says Dudash. As dancers return, Dudash says she’s even seeing several prospective students signing up for classes and new dancers auditioning for the competitive team.

After a two week break from Zoom instruction, summer classes began in studio Monday, June 29th. Because students’ wellbeing is always the highest priority, Dudash says that every precaution to keep them safe has been made. Precautions include requiring teachers to wear masks at all times, and while not dancing, students may wear them also.

Additionally, asking parents to drop students off at the door, providing hand sanitizer in all common areas and classrooms, and installing a Plexiglas window at the reception desk. The lobby and break rooms will be closed, and conditioning classes will occasionally be held outdoors, weather permitting.

Studio G’s competitive team has also begun training and has welcomed some new members to the team. While last season’s in-

PHOTOS THOMAS JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY

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credible winning streak was unfortunately cut short, the dancers plan to keep their heads held high and push forward by recycling some of the routines not able to be fully appreciated last season. Even though a few team members have graduated, they have donated back their costumes for new team members to take their place. Not only will this cut parents’ costs on choreography and costumes, but it also allows the dancers to return to something familiar while they strive for a return to normal. Of course, new numbers will be added as well.

Choreography camp with guest faculty from around the country will be held in August and September. Students also have the

choice of repeating their solo from this past season if they choose–another cost savings to parents.

As usual, Dudash says she has every intention of continuing to provide the best quality dance instruction. While winning trophies is nice, and they win many, her main focus is on training well-rounded dancers who have a strong foundation are adept at all forms of dance. “We train our kids to be able to go out into the world and work. If they want to dance after they leave high school, they have every tool to succeed.

If they don’t choose to dance, that’s fine, too, but I’m not going to water down the training,” says Dudash. “While they are in my studio, they are getting 110% of my knowledge and the opportunities I provide for them.” And Dudash, who has over 30 years of experience in the dance industry, provides a wealth of knowledge and enriching opportunities.

Many Studio G dancers have gone on to professional careers in everything from Broadway Tours to working in renowned institutions such as Disney World, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Lines, professional dance company’s around the U.S., and college dance teams such as Point Park University, Grand Valley, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Wayne State, and AMDA New York- to name a few.

Besides a diverse and talented round-up of instructors at Studio G, which includes Dudash, Studio G prides itself on its guest faculty that are in the studio numerous times

THE ARTS

GINA DUDASH SAYS THAT EVERY PRECAUTION TO KEEP STUDENTS SAFE HAS BEEN MADE AT STUDIO G throughout the year to work with the kids.

Not just “any” guest teachers, but world-renowned guest instructors who are experts in the industry and can make a difference in a dancer’s life. One such noted guest teacher the studio loves having is Lane Napper, an actor, and choreographer who has worked on shows like iCarly, Victorious, and many more. The dancers love watching those shows so they can see Lane act and perform.

Lane is one of many big names the school brings in. In addition to those teachers, Studio G is also able to have casting directors and agents talk to the kids and their parents re-

garding representation, as well as university dance directors. One such noted educator Studio G has brought in is Rhonda Miller, from Pace University.

Even for dancers who decide to pursue other opportunities, the skills they learn at Studio G will carry them through life. Dance knowledge and experience alone opens up opportunities to support themselves financially while in high school and in college.

Many of Dudash’s high school students become assistant instructors at the studio and teach dance camps. As they get older, they can venture into jobs with one of Dudash’s

other companies, EnerGy National Dance competitions, which does a 57 city U.S. competition and convention tour each season.

“Our older dancers who are seniors in high school or older can intern as backstage assistants and in the lobby at EnerGy events.

They get an inside look at the competition industry and are mentored by many of EnerGy’s judges and faculty, who are all working professionals in the Dance industry, both commercial, television/film, and Broadway, which provides valuable insight for them.

Not to mention, the weekend pay they receive is more than they would make in a month working another part-time job,” explains Dudash. “If our dancers would like to know more about the industry in that sector, we provide them with that!

They are not, however, ever allowed to compete at any EnerGy event, as it poses a conflict of interest- but they truly enjoy working the events and learning all they can about the industry. Additionally, for our advanced dancers, both junior and senior level, they are given assisting opportunities at conventions.

They must audition for the convention faculty by video to be accepted into the protege’ program at EnerGy.” All in all, the opportunities are plentiful for Studio G Dancers, and one thing is certain; they all possess similar qualities. Qualities like discipline, being accountable to a team, commitment, and the ability to communicate and work with others are just some of the things Dudash’s students walk away with.

“The kids all know that I love them, and I want what’s best from them. I might come down on them for certain things. Still, they know at the end of the day, it’s all coming from a place of love,” says Dudash, adding that she teaches her students that even though they are successful at competitions, their real competition is themselves. It’s skill, experience, and hard work that makes the real difference. “You get out of it, what you put into it,” Dudash says, “and of course we love winning and being on top, but at the end of their time at Studio G it comes down to what you’ve done, who you’ve worked well with, and your ability to be diverse and well rounded.”

“Casting directors and agents don’t care how many trophies you’ve won, but they do care where you’ve studied, what additional summer programs you’ve taken, what perSummer 2020

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formances you’ve done, who you’ve worked with, and if you are well rounded. If you’re a one-trick pony and all you care about is a trophy- you’re missing the point,” says Dudash.

Studio G students are required to take everything, including ballet classes. Not just “half-hour” ballet classes, but a full-blown hour and a half to two-hour ballet classes, and at least twice a week, they are required to be in ballet class,” says Dudash. “They are well educated and prepared and will no doubt take the skills they learn while under my guidance with them whether they’re auditioning for a job in the industry, or going to school to become a doctor.”

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Hard-working, disciplined, committed, and dedicated are just a few of the words used to describe the team. “We practice hard, but I tell my kids, when you’re in the studio, I don’t want you to think about going out with your friends, and when you’re out with your friends, I don’t want you to think about being in the studio.

Keep it in perspective, work hard and stay focused when you’re in the studio,” Dudash says, adding that motto has gotten her through and enabled her to give her dancer’s weekends off. “We work hard Monday through Thursday and save our weekends for much-needed downtime.

Of course, some of our students love to take convention classes on the weekends or work EnerGy events, and that’s fine too, but that is completely optional- and yes, there is always going to be the occasional weekend rehearsal.

Still, weekends are mostly reserved for quality time with friends and family, and of course, competing during competition season.”

While all of this may seem expensive, Dudash notes that it’s much like any other competitive team or sport, but one unique thing Studio G provides that gives parents a leg up, are opportunities to help them with dance costs, such as by working the concession stands at any of the local EnerGy National

Dance Competitions events. Out of the 57 cities they visit, there are about 15 that are close enough for parents to drive to, and if they would like to work at the events, they can keep 100% of the profits. “Some of our parents last year paid almost their entire dance bill for the season by working concessions alone,” Dudash adds. “We love providing those opportunities to help our kids, and our parents succeed, and we understand that money can be an issue, so if they want to partake in those things, they are certainly able to!”

“The competitive team has a booster club that sets everything up. I don’t deal with any of that- I completely trust the parents of the booster club to take care of that for each other! We are one big happy dance family, and we all support one another,” says Dudash.

While things are starting to return to some normalcy- dance camps for younger recreation students are expected to return next month - there are still some questions. “As optimistic and hopeful as we are to return to normal, there are still some uncertainties, such as our in-house ballet company, The Southeastern Michigan classical ballet. Our incredibly popular Nutcracker Ballet performances at the famed Whitney mansion may also be at risk of being canceled for this

D OWN RIVE R ’ S F I N EST L I MOUS I N E S E RVICE

THE ARTS

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season,” explains Dudash. The show draws not only avid ballet lovers but also well-known members of the surrounding communities. These include TV personalities, city and state officials, and even members of the Detroit Red Wings. “The dancers got such a kick out of knowing some of their favorite hockey players and their wives were in the audience. After the show, they got a bigger kick of the players asking to get photos with some of them!” The show is one of the just a couple Nutcrackers covered on all Detroit news stations and featured in national magazines such as Hour Detroit and AAA living. “The waiting list for this show is long, and we hate to disappoint our audience, but safety is of the utmost importance. Rest assured, if it doesn’t happen this year, we will be back next year with the same amazing quality show people have come to know and love!” promises Dudash.

Regardless of what happens, you can expect that Studio G Performing Arts Center will continue to persevere and dance on. • Studio G Performing Arts Center has two convenient locations. Studio G’s spacious 6,000 sq. ft. studio is located at 8525 Macomb St., Grosse Ile (across the sidewalk from Hungry Howie’s Pizza) and a satellite program located at 21311 Telegraph Rd., Brownstown.

To register for the summer camp or fall season’s recreation programs or for info on auditions for the competitive team, please visit studiogpac.com, email dancegrosseile@att.net, or call 734-362-0880.

3312 4TH ST. AT EUREKA RD. | WYANDOTTE | 734-281-4755 D 12

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There’s a harmony between the fire departments in various cities and it’s a welloiled machine.

– Mike Crandall

SALUTE

FIRST RESPONDERS To cope with the stress of his job, Mike Crandall says he relies heavily on his ‘family’, which includes the men at the station, friends, as well as motorcycle club – the Axemen EDIT SUNDRA HILSINGER

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PHOTOS CHRISTINA BRO WN

M

ichael Crandall, Hamtramck Fire Lieutenant, says he’s only ever wanted to be a firefighter and that it’s “the best job in the world.”

“Actually, it’s not a job. A job is someplace you don’t wanna go,” Mike clarifies. “it’s a lifestyle.” Growing up, Mike was inspired to go into firefighting because of his next-door neighbor, who was the Warren Fire Chief.

Getting started wasn’t easy. At 23, Mike had to work parttime to afford the fire academy and EMT courses, which meant he could only attend class part-time. “It took me forever to get on, but I finally got hired in Highland Park, worked there for two years, then finally got hired in Hamtramck, and now I’ve worked here for 20 years,” says Mike. “It was a dream come true.”

Of the city, Mike says, “Hamtramck’s a cool place, I love Hamtramck. They’ve got a great fire department. Great city, great people.” And Mike- along with the other 30 or so full-time firefighters at the station- is kept busy responding to calls in Hamtramck, Highland Park, as well as Detroit as a part of a no borders agreement to ensure whoever is closest to the fire gets there first. “There’s a harmony between the fire departments in various cities, and it’s a well-oiled machine,” says Mike.

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SALUTE

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To cope with the stress of his job, Mike says he relies heavily on his family, which also includes the men at the station, friends, as well as the motorcycle club he belongs to called the Axemen. “I have good and bad memories, especially when we ran EMS, I

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saw a lot of bad stuff then,” says Mike, “but anytime you go in, and no one gets hurt, that’s good.”

In terms of plans for the future, Mike is looking forward to retiring in five years, hopefully as a captain. At that point, he will continue his personal business Brick House Inspections, taking advantage of over two decades of experience inspecting properties and helping people in a different capacity. • Visit brickhouseinspections.com for more information about Mike Crandall’s inspection business or call 810-9647798 to schedule an appointment.

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PREMIERE ISSUE

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THE D SPECIAL – SUMMER plaisir!

Imbibe

JONO: The menu at Promenade reflects the Brymers creativity. “We change it up so often because we want to keep things fresh and new.”

PROMENADE ARTISAN FOODS Chelsie and Jono Brymer offer a taste of France EDIT SUNDRA HILSINGER

PHOTOS JOHNNY MIGGINS

PROMENADE ARTISAN FOODS Husband and wife team, Chelsie and Jono Brymer, were bouncing from various states and job opportunities until they began having children and decided it was time to settle down.

As a musician from a family of musicians, Jono had no particular home base. Chelsie, however, is a Downriver native. “I grew up here, my whole family is here, so we decided it was the best place to land and raise a family,” she says.

Because Downriver’s music scene wasn’t the most conducive for a musician to make a living, the couple knew they would have to do something different in terms of careers. “He wanted to have some sort of creative outlet, and I’ve always loved baking, and we loved the idea of working together,” explains Chelsie. “So, we took all of those things we wanted to do, and we landed on Promenade.”

After selling in local markets, in the summer of 2016, the Brymers opened their first storefront. Seeing a similarity between historical downtown Trenton and Paris in its walkability and proximity to parks and water views, the couple knew they had to have a French-themed bistro. It also helped that Chelsie’s grandmother was proud of her French heritage, so the family is familiar with the country’s cuisine.

“When we started, we thought we would be a coffee shop.

But it turned out to be much more than that,” says Jono. Not only does Promenade serve delicious pastries and rich coffee, but it’s also the perfect place to feel a sense of community. “[Promenade] belongs to the community,” says Chelsie. “It’s a place where our guests can feel connected to each other and connected to us. The idea is to come, sit, and stay.” Promenade accentuates this welcoming spirit by doing things like allowing local artists to display their work on the walls and incorporating a kid’s area for families. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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The menu at Promenade reflects the Brymer’s creativity.

Jono explains, “We change it up so often because we want to keep things fresh and new. Using seasonal ingredients is very important to us and getting the freshest and best food we can get our hands on.”

Besides the thriving restaurant they’ve built, Jono and Chelsie are also incredibly proud and grateful for their employees.

“We have the best staff in the world!” says Chelsie. Their team of college student’s quality customer service is the best compliment to the food. “They’re bright, they’re smart, they’re fresh, they’re fun, they’re funny, they’re honest, they’re hard-working, they’re good to each other, and they’re good to us,” Chelsie gushes.

Although they serve something for everyone, you can’t go wrong with the Promenade – a French press coffee that is lightly seasoned with whipped cream poured on top. “It’s different than what you can get anywhere else, and it’s really special,” says Jono. Accompany your drink with the popular sea salt chocolate chip cookie, or one of their many varieties of quiche.

After seeing the success of their first brick and mortar location, the couple decided to expand to another location in Wyandotte, which they called Provence. The business was doing well there, and the community was excited about the new addition. Unfortunately, the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic forced Jono and Chelsie to make the hard decision to close that location and focus instead on Promenade, where they are hoping to see their new Wyandotte friends come to visit.

Luckily, the Trenton community has been just as welcoming to the Brymers as they have been to it. “We’ve really seen the best side of business, we’ve gotten to enjoy the community who’ve been phenomenal to us, and our guests are kind. It’s really been a sweet venture,” says Chelsie.

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Promenade Artisan Foods is located at 2627 W. Jefferson Ave., Trenton. Visit their blog at thefrenchwalk.weebly.com

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D -CATION

BY BOAT

Not even the pandemic stopped people from taking advantage of this oasis in fact according to Michigan Department of Natural Resources Manager Karis Floyd the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor has seen an increase in the number of visitors, especially on weekends. “It’s been a pretty magical place for folks who live downtown and those who travel to experience Milliken” says Floyd.

EDIT SUNDRA HILSINGER

PHOTO IAN POKRIEFKA / ROBBIN MOYER

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VISIT THE D.COM

There’s no end to the adventures that can be had during a visit to the Milliken State Park and Harbor, Detroit Riverwalk, and the bounty of other downtown Detroit attractions.

W

ith summer comes an annual reminder that the Motor City is home to some of the most beautiful green spaces in the country, and William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor is no exception.

Opened in 2004, Milliken encompasses 31 acres and is Michigan’s earliest urban state park. The park’s breathtaking water views and native plant landscaping combined with a variety of attractions draws visitors from within and without the city. With paved trails, fishing platforms along the shoreline, covered picnic areas, educational wetland, 52-slip harbor, and more, there is plenty to see and do. D Profile’s Director of Marketing, Robbin Moyer, had this to say of her own weekend visit to the park: “You want to get to know the city of Detroit? Come dock your boat at Milliken State Park. For the outdoor enthusiasts, there is something for everyone, whether it’s riding a bike or an electric scooter down the Dequindre Cut or Riverwalk, it’s all there. For adult flare, a cocktail or two at Andrews On the Corner or a Bloody Mary at Vivo’s is my recommendation.”

Not even the pandemic stopped people from taking advantage of this oasis, in fact, according to Michigan Department of Natural Resources Manager Karis Floyd, the park has seen an increase in the number of people going to get fresh air, especially on weekends. “It’s been a pretty magical place for folks who live downtown and those who travel to experience Milliken,” says Floyd.

For special occasions, park space can be rented. Currently, Milliken hosts about 100 weddings each year, and among the park’s multitude of picturesque backdrops, the 63-foot light tower replica of the Tawas Point lighthouse is a local favorite. Several charitable foundations also enjoy using Milliken as the setting for their events.

For the night scene crowd, the newly opened Midnight Temple offers traditional Indian fare with a contemporary twist.

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With paved trails, fishing platforms along the shoreline, covered picnic areas, educational wetland, 52-slip harbor, and more, Milliken has plenty to see and do.

Easily one of the most popular park features, the harbor offers boaters rental space to dock during the day and amenities like clean restrooms, a laundry facility, and grills. It’s not uncommon for folks to dock their boat and order a ride share service Downtown.

Milliken’s convenient location on the Detroit River makes it easily accessible to various other Detroit attractions such as the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater, the Outdoor Adventure Center, and the Dequindre Cut, which leads to the Eastern Market.

In the summer, the harbor is filled with seasonal boaters, many of which have been coming for over 20 years. “It’s kind of like a big family, and you look forward to seeing them come back every summer. It’s a family environment at the docs,” says Floyd, adding that the convenient access to the river is a big draw.

If making use of the park’s picnic areas isn’t in the day’s plan, there are tons of local meal options that delight. Coriander Kitchen and Farm, a popular follow up to a kayak tour, serves farm to table dishes that are just as fresh as they are Instagramable.

About a 10-minute walk from Milliken is the John C. Valade Park, home to family friendly features such as a children’s musical garden, playscapes, and an expansive sandy beach. Valade’s unique floating bar, Bob’s Barge, has drinks and other refreshments, and The Shed, a 3,600 square foot building, has choice barbecue and sushi selections.

For the night scene crowd, the newly opened Midnight Temple offers traditional Indian fare with a contemporary twist. The vibrant décor should come with a passport stamp for its ability to transport guests. Next door, the Detroit City Distillery serves up cocktails crafted from small-batch whiskey, gin, and vodka in a relaxed environment. For an added treat, during the summer, Riopelle Street is blocked off to create a large outdoor patio filled with drinks, food, and live music.

There’s no end to the adventures that can be had during a visit to the Milliken State Park and Harbor, Detroit Riverwalk, and the bounty of other downtown Detroit attractions. Of course, guests are reminded to enjoy the park and become a stakeholder in helping to keep it clean. Says Floyd, “As a focal part of downtown Detroit, we want people to be able to come down and enjoy the location.”

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William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor is located in Detroit (1900 Atwater Street). For dock reservation or picnic shelter rental call 1-800-44-PARKS or visit midnrreservations.com

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