BRICK
THE
AUGUST 2022
MAGAZINE
ANN ARBOR
Timeless Beauty Trends Fitness On Your Own Time Pickleball: A Timeless Sport for All Ages and Abilities
JULIE DEPPNER
LEANING INTO A SECOND ACT
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THE
BRICK
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MAGAZINE
AUGUST 2022
Publisher
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Sarah Whitsett
Managing Editor
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Marji Wisniewski
Art Director
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Jennifer Knutson
Copy Editor
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Rachel Hart Klayman
Sales Account Manager
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Jill Clair
Sales Account Manager
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Beth Heiss
Cover Photographer
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Betsy's Photography
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Tiffany Birch Monica Brancheau Ilse Devereux
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Kylee Doty Christy Howden Melissa Joy
Nancy Kelley Stephanie Overla Marji Wisniewski
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4 | The Brick Magazine
CONTENTS 6
Letter from the Editor
9
Lewis Jewelers Moves to New Retail Location in Ann Arbor
10
Julie Deppner, Executive Director and CEO of Silver Maples: Leaning Into a Second Act
16
The Art of Feeling
18
Timeless Goodbyes
20
Timeless Beauty Trends
22
What is Timeless Design?
24
Fitness On Your Own Time
26
The Timeless Legacy of Betty Blair
28
Pickleball: A Timeless Sport for All Ages and Abilities
30
Stolen Sun Pickles: A Timeless Treat
A Letter from the
EDITOR
I
have this classic black leather jacket. I bought it at a local consignment shop and I know that as time passes, it will still look as good as it did the day it was made. It’s timeless—a classic that is unchanged by the passing of time. Like everything timeless, it is as good or true as it was the day it was created.
TIMELESS
In this month’s issue, we are celebrating the value of timelessness. On page 28, Christy Howden explains the fastest-growing sport in the country: pickleball. With its easy-to-learn rules and speed of play, pickleball is sure to be a timeless sport for all ages and abilities to pick up. I enjoy the fact that I can play with my parents or my teenager. It is an ageless sport as well. Speaking of pickles, Stephanie Overla shares her family’s Sun Pickle recipe on page 30. Stephanie says she has shared this family recipe time and time again and it has never failed to impress and delight! And now is the perfect season to pick up some pickling cucumbers at one of our local farmers markets. In contrast to timelessness, we can’t forget the value of aging. On page 10, Julie Deppner, CEO of Silver Maples, reminds us of the beauty that can be found in celebrating the aging process. Only with aging can one gather wisdom, priceless experiences, and countless memories. So, how do you define “timeless?” Maybe it is your favorite sweater, or a piece of artwork in your home? Or maybe it’s the eternal love that you have for someone in your life. I hope you take the time to read the stories in our August issue and reflect on what “timeless” means to you.
follow along on instagram: @thebrickmagazine find us on Facebook: The Brick Magazine Ann Arbor 6 | The Brick Magazine
Marji Wisniewski, Managing Editor
“it has to be more than pretty; it must be livable” R E F L E C T YO U R L I F E ST Y L E . www.birchdesignassociates.com R E S I D E N T I A L • COM M E RC I A L
August 2022 | 7
e t a r b e l e C o t e m i T In August we are moving our sparkle down the road to 300 S. Maple Rd.
Photo by G.E.Anderson Local Model Alyse Madej
8 | The Brick Magazine
734.994.5111 LEWISJEWELERS.COM
Lewis Jewelers Moves to New Retail Location in Ann Arbor
I
n August 2022, Lewis Jewelers, a longtime supporter of The Brick Magazine, will move to a new, expansive retail location in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
After 25 years at the current Stadium Boulevard location, this family-run business had grown so much that it was bursting at the seams in its space. Conveniently, the perfect site for expanding operations became available just down the street.
In addition to a stress-free shopping experience, the store will also offer service consultations, a custom design area, repairs, engraving, and private events. Consultations can take place in an upstairs loft area as well as in multiple “Lewis Jewelers takes pride in offering an exceptional yet relaxed sit-down locations throughout the store. fine jewelry and timepiece shopping experience for our customers,”
remarked David Lewis, president of Lewis Jewelers, and a
“Our customers have been incredibly supportive of us collections more breathing space while our customers will have and our dreams for more store to explore. However, our approach to connecting with the new store,” said each client on a personal level won’t change.” Lewis. “We attribute that to the fact that we’re always giving The newly constructed 10,000-square-foot Lewis Jewelers back locally and supporting so many great local initiatives. store is at 300 South Maple Road in Ann Arbor, the former We’re looking forward to a brilliant future.” location of the Quarter Bistro restaurant adjacent to Westgate Shopping Center. The new location is scheduled to open in August. The store will host a grand opening “salebration” from August 10-20, The new store will offer expanded collections from designers with jewelry up to 60% off. including Omega, Hearts On Fire, Breitling, Tudor, and Roberto Coin, to name a few. Lewis Jewelers will continue The Brick Magazine would like to thank our friends at Lewis to offer their Lewis custom creations and their new U of M Jewelers for their ongoing support of our mission and collegiate collection. publication.
3rd-generation jeweler. "Our new store will allow our vast jewelry
August 2022 | 9
Photo by Betsy's Photography 10 | The Brick Magazine
Julie Deppner, Executive Director and CEO of Silver Maples: Leaning Into a Second Act by Marji Wisniewski
F
rom the moment I drove into Silver Maples, I could sense that cozy neighborhood feeling. The red brick and white trim adorning the buildings provide an instant feeling of unity. The beautiful, landscaped grounds show how much love and care is put into the community. Driving around the villas you can also see examples of selfexpression with the porch decorations each resident carefully chooses. But it was after talking with Silver Maples’ Executive Director and CEO, Julie Deppner, that I realized the warmth inside this planned senior living community where they celebrate friendship and a passion for life.
A FOUNDATION IN EDUCATION From the time I was ten, I knew I wanted to be a high school teacher and principal. I had a passion for education and wanted to be a leader in that field. I was born into a working class family in Clarkston, Michigan, and was the first among my siblings to go away to college. Although I was living the life I had dreamed of as a child, at 46 years old I made a pivot in my career that would change everything. In my first job out of college, I taught math and Spanish at Sherman Middle School in Holly, Michigan. When my husband Dennis’s job caused us to move to Adrian, I felt blessed to get a position teaching at Chelsea High School. Once I started teaching in Chelsea, I knew it was a community that I wanted to raise my kids in. It had that familiar small-town feel both my husband and I grew up with, so we moved to Chelsea. After only a few years of teaching, I started working on my next goal of becoming a principal. At Eastern Michigan University, I earned a Masters in Educational Leadership and
then my Ed Specialist degree. This helped me get the job of Chelsea High School assistant principal, followed by principal six years later. It was so thrilling to have the job that I always dreamed of. I really loved that job. I will say it was hard, but extremely rewarding. This was a fun time in our lives as I was the principal at the high school where my two boys attended. Each boy reacted differently to me being principal. My older son doesn’t like to be singled out, or brought attention to, so when we’d pass in the halls, I’d just get a nod. Conversely, my younger son was so excited to have me as his principal that he’d yell, “Hey, Mom!” from down the hall. He’d also try to use my role to his advantage: “You know who my mom is?” He embraced it. In 2012, the new superintendent of Chelsea schools asked me to join him as the assistant superintendent. However, after only three years, he took a job as the superintendent in Grand Haven. I had left my passion job of being a high school principal in order to be his assistant superintendent, but now he was gone. August 2022 | 11
Mission: Silver Maples Retirement Neighborhood is a vibrant community that excels at creating and supporting a positive aging experience. From fine dining and enriching activities to exciting group outings in Ann Arbor, there’s never a dull moment at our retirement community. Founded in 1997, this trendy, upscale retirement neighborhood offers both independent living and licensed assisted living accommodations for those 62 years and older. Today, the retirement neighborhood offers 33 independent living villas, 77 independent living apartments, and 58 assisted living apartments, all nestled on over 17 acres of serene land and woods. Silver Maples is just a few minutes away from Chelsea’s downtown area and 15 minutes from Ann Arbor, giving residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the active lifestyle you enjoy. Silver Maples is a locally owned nonprofit organization that is jointly sponsored by the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation and BRIO Living Services (formerly United Methodist Retirement Communities, Inc.).
12 | The Brick Magazine
Photo by Betsy's Photography
That really offered me some time for personal reflection. I wasn’t really looking for a career change, but at a Chelsea Rotary Club meeting I found myself saying, “I’m entering my 31st year of education (26 years teaching plus I “bought” 5 years) and I could retire this year!” People kind of gave me looks because I was only 46 years old. Then I got the call that would change the trajectory of my life.
SECOND ACT A fellow Rotarian called and said, “I heard you were thinking of retiring from education. What do you think about applying for CEO of Silver Maples?” I didn’t know a lot about senior living, but I did know about Silver Maples, as I was an active member of the Chelsea community and Silver Maples is very engaged here. I was told the board wanted to focus on finding someone who was highly involved in the community. After taking an online course to learn as much as
I could about all things senior living, I threw my name in the hat for the job. And in April 2016, I feel lucky to say, I was selected as Silver Maples’ next CEO. It was pretty scary stepping out of my comfort zone. I didn’t know anyone in the field, and it was hard starting over. But as I pushed through the growing pains of that first year, I realized many parallels to my work as a school administrator. Both jobs involve overseeing food service and transportation, along with custodial and maintenance services; the staffing was remarkably similar. One of the first concerns that I had to address from a resident was that one of our waitstaff was smoking in the parking lot. I thought, “Oh, smoking in the parking lot – I’ve got this one!” We love hiring high school and college students at Silver Maples, and having the opportunity to be their first real work
experience. The residents love the energy these young adults bring each and every day. And that’s something I can relate to as well. However, two things are vastly different between high school and senior living. First, there is no bell that sends everyone home at three o’clock; the residents live here. I had to adapt to the fact that this is their home 24/7. This is not a place where they come to learn and leave every afternoon. That was a big transition for me—recognizing that I now work in people’s homes. Second, I learned the importance of respecting our residents’ breadth and depth of life experiences. Working in school with kids, most of the time you know more than they do. Here, I am able to learn so much from our residents. It has been very humbling. When I was young and wanted to be in charge, my mom would say I was being bossy. I didn’t yet know how to be a leader. Now, I would say that leadership is a mindset and a skill you can hone over time to turn “bossiness” into leadership. When I started this second act in life and changed career paths, it allowed me the opportunity to
reflect on my leadership style as an adult. Through that reflection I determined that my style is highly collaborative. Gathering a lot of information from others allows me to be a good decision-maker. I also put a lot of focus and effort into hiring great people, then getting out of their way while supporting them and allowing them to grow. That was really reinforced here at Silver Maples when I came on board. We have developed an amazing team of experts here.
THRIVING DURING UNCERTAINTY I’m proud to say that because of the dedication and hard work of our team, Silver Maples has thrived during the pandemic. It still makes me feel a little sad thinking back to March 13, 2020, when the order came down from the government that we had to lock down the assisted living side of our neighborhood (it is licensed by the State). Closing our doors to the outside world was challenging. Closing the doors from inside and separating neighbors and friends living in independent living from those in assisted living was devastating in a lot of ways. We still lived under one roof, but now had to isolate residents from their families, as well as
For those interested in learning more about our neighborhood at Silver Maples for themselves or a loved one, I always suggest engaging with our website as the first step. There is a lot of information there for potential residents, including pricing and services. The second step would be to come in and visit our community. We currently have a robust waitlist for the independent living villas, but our assisted living is more needsbased and thus has a shorter waiting period. Even when the senior living industry saw a downturn during the pandemic, our enrollments didn’t skip a beat. I also encourage folks to shop around and look at what other communities offer, as we’re blessed to have many senior living choices in Washtenaw County.
Photo by Betsy's Photography
August 2022 | 13
Photo by Betsy's Photography
from the library, the concert space, and two dining rooms. Isolating from their friends in the neighborhood was really hard on our residents.
Technology needs among the residents also grew immensely. We hired a technology expert and that has been one of our best decisions. The residents have become more fluent in technology, connecting with friends and family in new ways. We had community coffee hours over Zoom and now they want to keep those meetings virtual to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes, in pajamas while drinking their morning coffee.
There was also a lot of fear about dying if they contracted COVID. As our community supports people over the age of 62, they were the group most impacted by negative outcomes of the disease. So, protecting them did, at times, feel like a matter of life or death. We did everything we could for "Over the last two and them. I’m tearing up just thinking back half years, the pandemic to those early days. I remember I had to write a letter for my staff enhanced the trust shared between who had to still drive into work the staff and the residents. These during the lockdown, in case they relationships are stronger than got stopped by law enforcement. One staff member admits she still ever because we have had to work keeps that letter in her glovebox to together to keep everyone remind her of that uncertain time.
healthy and safe."
Weathering the pandemic was the biggest challenge I’ve faced in my career, but from this challenge, we all grew together. We had to interpret regulations from the State, and they were changing quickly in the beginning. In turn, we wrote daily memos to keep everyone in the know. The pressure to keep everyone informed enhanced my ability to communicate.
14 | The Brick Magazine
We implemented a phone app as well. The residents are rolling with it, as they are now more likely to try new things. This newfound comfort level with technology cultivated a community of online shoppers. At first that was something that we weren’t prepared to handle. We had so many packages coming in. Now, we are looking to completely remodel our mailroom to accommodate all of the home deliveries!
Just like your favorite restaurant, we have perfected curbside pickup for the meals of those who live in our villa residences. And although some things are different from
before the pandemic, our residents are thriving with more opportunities to connect safely with others, compared to those who live alone. Over the last two and half years, the pandemic enhanced the trust shared between the staff and the residents. These relationships are stronger than ever because we have had to work together to keep everyone healthy and safe. So, by the time we had our first COVID cases in March 2022 (it was amazing to go that long without a case), we were ready! And for our residents to hear and see all of their friends recover from the virus was really powerful.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Our residents are more engaged now with the community than ever before. Our resident committees play a big part of our work here, guiding many of our neighborhood decisions. For example, we recently bought new furniture with the help of committee members. They came in and sat in the new chairs and provided us with feedback. They had a real say, as they were the ones to use it. We also have a group of volunteer board members that help give us direction. As a nonprofit, we reinvest any revenue back into our community. Because of this model, we’ve been able to make a lot of improvements. In 2018, we expanded our kitchen in a $1.2 million project. It was a big project to manage but really helped us serve meals better. In 2020, we built 16 more highly sought-after independent living villas during the middle of a pandemic. No small feat! Looking back over my life, the more involved or busier that I stayed, the more successful I became. Today, I am the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce secretary (and past president), a member of the Chelsea Rotary, and a board member of the Chelsea Senior Center. Giving back to my community has always been really important to me; I believe it makes me a better leader. Any time you have a bigger picture of the community it allows you to have a better understanding of the role your organization plays in the overall scheme. When I’m volunteering my time, it not only feels good personally, but it also supports Silver Maples by staying involved and visible in Chelsea.
AN ENRICHED LIFE Silver Maples of Chelsea is a vibrant community creating and supporting a positive aging experience. We work hard to bring in enriching experiences for our residents. We are always looking for artists, musicians, etc., to perform or
engage with our neighborhood as well as opportunities to take our residents to experiences outside the community of Silver Maples. If you think you have something educational or inspiring to offer our seniors, our robust programming team would love to hear from you. My life has been enriched and inspired from being a part of our residents’ aging experience. To be able to play even a tiny role in their rich lives is a gift. And one I would not have received had I not taken this uncharted path. If you are considering taking a road less traveled, pivoting in your career, or starting a second act in your life, I say go for it! You might not check all the boxes on the job description, but if you lead with passion and believe in yourself, you can’t go wrong. With a passion for marketing that started as a young girl, Marji Wisniewski created her own marketing and communications organization in 2017. As owner of Blue Zebra Marketing Solutions, she helps local and regional businesses and nonprofits tell their story through branding, graphic design, content creation, and PR. She focuses on customized solutions for each client that are more unique than a zebra’s stripes. Marji is looking forward to her new role as Managing Editor of The Brick Magazine. Marji has a love for gardening, all things Lake Michigan, Pilates, her family, and dogs. August 2022 | 15
Photo by Mart Production
The Art of Feeling by Kylee Doty
W
hen I was a freshman in college, I started writing poetry and recording it for YouTube. I would write about the world, love, and all the things that felt important enough to communicate to other people. One day, thinking about these topics, I started to wonder how many people had something they wanted to say to another person that they just couldn’t. This could be for many reasons: the person could have passed away, fallen out of touch, or been very toxic, among other things.
16 | The Brick Magazine
I decided to begin a project that would allow people an alternative way to air these thoughts and feelings. They could submit these statements to me, which would give them a way to “say” what they wished they could say to others, without actually having to confront those people. I thought this might provide some release from the emotions that so often get hidden away inside of us. The only rule, and I mean the only rule, was that specific names were not allowed. Everything else was fair game: no length requirements, no restrictions on vulgar language, etc. I wanted to provide a safe place for people to let it all out.
Over the span of three years, I collected more than 60 What if we became the Letters Project for those close to letters of various moods and lengths. I included them in us? A safe place to help those we love feel comfortable what became my undergraduate senior capstone project, enough to be open and honest and messy without the appropriately titled fear of judgment. We Letters Project. This book "...there is a need to be more empathetic in a need that in this world. I became exactly what I world that values being tough and appearing am thankful to have been had hoped for, a pinnacle able to bear the burden to have it all together." of freedom and release, of reading so many a concentrated concoction of some of the most poignant beautiful, joyful pieces, as well as some gut-wrenching, and joyful parts of strangers’ lives, bundled together into despairing ones. Feeling emotions is not something to be something other strangers could read. ashamed of, as we are so often conditioned to believe. The art of feeling things is something raw and beautiful Throughout the process, I learned much more than I had and human, and we should not only treat it as such, but anticipated. I learned there is no timeline for how long encourage it in others. something can hurt, or how long someone can miss another. There is no timeline for falling in love, or falling out of love. *Letters Project is available for purchase on Amazon as In this way, feelings can be timeless. Healing is not linear, but an eBook. talking or writing about such salient situations can produce Kylee is currently pursuing her MA in some peace. Reading other people’s stories allows us to Communication and Media at Bowling Green understand that we are not alone. I am not an expert on feelings, nor am I a counselor or therapist. But I will not hesitate to tell you that there is a need to be more empathetic in a world that values being tough and appearing to have it all together. Many of us wake up and decide that it is another day to pretend to be okay.
State University. She graduated from Adrian College with her BA in Communication Arts and Sciences in 2021, where she doubleminored in Leadership and Ethics and Journalism. She enjoys collaborative projects, writing music, and the vocal arts. Instagram: @ kyleedoty; Twitter: @ kyleedoty13
This time of year brings with it many unexpected costs for all families as kids go back to school and move into their dorms. For Girls Group families, it’s especially difficult. Furnishing new backpacks for students will be especially important this year! We will also assist Girls Group participants with the many hidden costs of attending college for the first time.
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August 2022 | 17
Timeless Goodbyes by Monica Brancheau
Photo by Priscilla duPreez
18 | The Brick Magazine
S
aying goodbye is always difficult. Whether it is a goodbye you welcome or one you don’t, the finality of the goodbye may bring up emotions that would otherwise remain dormant.
who is going off to England, goodbye to my daughter who is starting her junior year of college studying abroad, and goodbye to my youngest who I will drop off at college for his freshman year. This last one will be especially difficult. One would think that with all of the practice I’ve had, this would be “old hat.” But this goodbye will be different. He is my baby, the last to leave the nest. This goodbye is also a goodbye to my daily parenting. This goodbye will lead me into a new phase of life, and redefine who I am. I don’t yet know what that new phase will be, but I know it will be very different from my last 23 years of daily mommying. When I drive away on that day of saying goodbye to my youngest, my eyes will need windshield wipers. Yet, I find reassurance knowing that when I next visit him, it will once again be easier.
I remember the first time I dropped off my infant daughter at daycare when I went back to work for the first time. She was so tiny, all of 8 weeks old. Leaving her there, in her car seat, with my pumped breast milk and all of her blankies, was excruciating. It was my first time being away from her for 8 hours. I did not want to say goodbye. When I drove away, in tears, I felt like I had left a part of my body at her daycare. All day long, I could only think about her. A week later, it became a bit easier and then a month later we had established a solid routine. She was excited to go to daycare and I was no longer sobbing during my drive. Fast forward to 18 years later. This time, I was dropping off my daughter at college. After I gave her a final hug, walked down her dorm hallway, and sat in my car, I stared at her dorm window for a while. I thought about the adventure she was about to embark on. I cried as I drove away, thinking about how I’d no longer be able to spend time with her every morning or easily pop into her bedroom to see her. When I visited her a few months later at school, she was fully immersed in her new life and new space, and I was no longer sobbing as I drove away. Now here we are again, in the month of August, where I will be saying goodbye yet again. Goodbye to my oldest son
Goodbyes are difficult. Goodbyes are timeless. They always are and always will be bittersweet. Monica Brancheau is a mom of four who has had multiple careers. She’s a Michigan native and graduate of the University of Michigan who never left Ann Arbor. She has decades of experience working with children’s issues, from education to non-profit work in teaching in urban settings and non-profit management, marketing, and fundraising. When she's not working, you can find her gardening, reading, writing, listening to music, and spending time with her treasured family.
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August 2022 | 19
Timeless Beauty Trends by Ilse Devereux
W
hen we think of beauty trends throughout past decades, which ones can we consider classic? It’s easy to think of fads that come and go: over-lined lips, rainbow-colored hair, feathered brows, you name it. Hair and makeup styles are forms of self-expression and with so much information readily at our fingertips (literally!), people have become more comfortable trying out something new.
20 | The Brick Magazine
As with fashion, some beauty fads from the past eventually make a comeback. While there are a few I’m happy to see return, there are plenty that should stay in the past. Take, for example, the 90s brow. I can’t believe that’s making a comeback after the decades it has taken us to grow back our brows. Beauty products are meant to make you feel good about yourself. That’s a little hard to do these days, with Instagram
influencers, TikTokers and Kardashianites establishing impossible standards of beauty and shoving thousands of products and makeup routines down our throats. I’m here to tell you: stick to a timeless look. Fads are fun and there is a time and place for them, but I’d much rather slap on a pretty lip and cheek color and call it a day. Think of these icons: Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, I could go on and on. You know what they all have in common? Their timeless beauty. We still look to them for inspiration. One of my favorite quotes is from Coco Chanel: “the best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.” Coco’s classic look was red lipstick and pearls. How perfectly timeless. You might not want to sport a sexy red pout on a day-to-day basis, but red lips are timeless and appropriate when you have somewhere to go. Along with red lips, here are three classic looks that will never go out of style.
1. Clear glowing skin is at the top of the list. Take
care of your skin, it’s the only one you’ve got. Take pride in a skin regimen. Treat yourself to a facial. It doesn’t matter if it’s at home or at a spa. But if it’s a spa I can certainly direct you to the best estheticians in town. Go easy on the foundation; too much will look cakey. I love a tinted serum or buildable foundation such as Ilia’s C Beyond Triple serum or Westman Atelier’s Vital Skin. For a youthful glow, add a dusting of powder and bronzer such as Westman’s Vital Pressed Skincare Powder and Peau de Pêche.
2. To highlight your healthy complexion, add blush! Blush has been around since the beginning of time.
Fake the exercise-induced flush with a sheer creamy blush. In a pinch? Use your lipstick! My mom taught me this trick in my teens and I still use it to this day and with most of my clients. In fact, many makeup companies are catching on and are creating lip-to-cheek products. My go-to picks are from RMS and Rituel de Fille.
Photo by Kat Stevenson
Photo by Kat Stevenson
3. Lastly, the smokey eye. Though it may not go with
every outfit, there are many ways to update this timeless look. The dark-almost-black smokey eye can be toned down for a daytime look. I like to use a brown eyelid color over black eye pencil with lots of mascara to create that mysterious, sexy look à la Kate Moss. My go-to khol pencil is by Jillian Dempsey and any matte shade of brown shadow will do. I recently saw an Instagram post with an image of Sophia Loren that read, “In a world full of Kardashians, be a Sophia Loren.” I say, in a world filled with filters and too many products and too many celebrities, keep it simple. Keep it timeless, whatever timeless may mean to you. Ilse Devereux is a makeup artist in Metro Detroit and northern Michigan. She started her career 20 years ago at Utopia Salon in Northville, then worked at salons such as 6 Salon and Masq Beauty in Birmingham, Michigan, before branching out to become a freelance bridal makeup artist. Many of her clients date back to the time Ilsedid their makeup for their high school dances. Ilse recently moved to Ann Arbor after many years of living in Detroit with her husband. You can find her at London Beauty (formerly known as Lily Grace) here in Ann Arbor. Ilse dedicates her free time to networking and supporting female entrepreneurs in Metro Detroit and exploring Ann Arbor’s parks and trails.
August 2022 | 21
What is Timeless Design? by Tiffany Birch
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hat is considered “timeless” in the field of interior design? If you polled 100 people, you might receive 100 different answers. This can be explained in part by the old adage, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Another common saying, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” frequently holds true as well. However, when it comes to timeless design, there are a few considerations that arguably separate the two. Throughout history there have been a number of notable styles in the field of interior design, including Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian, and Art Nouveau. Today’s typical home buyer might not know which time period they prefer in architecture or interior design, but they will know instinctively if they like the style of the house. More general descriptors such as “traditional” or “modern” are now often 22 | The Brick Magazine
used. But at the end of the day, there are a few notable characteristics of “timeless” design. Well-designed architectural elements are timeless. They establish the character and overall look of a house or room. When you hear that a space has “good bones,” it usually refers to the architectural elements of the house. For example, well-proportioned staircases, moldings, windows, and built-in features can add a feeling of richness and completeness to an interior space. A skilled architect can transform a basic, boxy space into the most lovely building when adhering to the guidelines of simplicity, symmetry, and proportion. Classical architecture offers the most timeless elements. Iconic features like a gable roof, cornices, or columns may come to mind; they are but a few elements that give a structure its unique style. There are countless others, but
direction, assisting you in making selections that fit the architecture of the home, as well as your personal style.
Photo by Daria Shevtsova
it’s safe to say that the most important feature of a home’s style is its windows. Windows are both the eyes and jewels of the home’s exterior. The period of the home, its relation to sunrise and sunset, and its practical, everyday use should all guide the selection of window style. Windows are that important, and can even invite a sense of curiosity about the house and its interior. We all get a first impression when entering a home. It might prompt us to make assumptions about the home and its inhabitants. Typically, an entry foyer or staircase will greet us and the selected materials and finishes of the space will set a tone. Hopefully, it will offer a welcoming nod, and in the case of timeless design, a sense that each element was well thought out. The architectural details of a well-built staircase or landing, appropriate to the period of the home, should be complemented by the selection of wall treatments. Options include wallpaper, wood paneling, wainscoting, and beadboard. Ceiling features are of equal importance, including ceiling height. A high ceiling, cathedral ceiling, or tray ceiling offers a feeling of openness and is typically found in a contemporary-style home. It would be rare for a historic home to have these applications, and therefore high ceilings might not be considered timeless in that sense. Likewise, a tin or wood-beamed ceiling would be quite nice in a farmhouse or Mission-style home. This is where an experienced interior designer can steer you in the right
Flooring choices are also important when designing a timeless home. The options are limitless! Brick pavers in a herringbone pattern would be lovely in an entry or mudroom of a home with traditional roots, just as sleek maple wood floors in a natural finish would lay the foundation for a modern masterpiece. Don’t forget marble and ceramic tile, concrete, and wall-to-wall carpeting. Again, it all comes down to selecting materials that are appropriate to the space and that offer beauty and functionality. Area rugs are especially versatile, although they can be costly. Even so, you can’t beat an antique Heriz rug to give a new home a bit of old-world charm in a den or library. Speaking of antiques, let’s discuss lighting and furnishings. While both are necessities for day-to-day living, they also offer an opportunity to add stylish and timeless details. Admittedly, breaking the “rules” here can be fun, as long as one considers the features and furnishings in the space. Classicists would not break form, and would only consider using lighting appropriate to the period of the home. But staying true to one’s personal style and choosing a modern table lamp juxtaposed with a Tibetan altar table can be quite special! Either approach could be considered timeless. That’s where the old adage can still ring true: beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Tiffany Birch has been an interior designer since 2002, and specializes in both residential and commercial projects. She holds a Master of Social Work degree (ACSW) and utilizes interpersonal relationship skills on a daily basis with her client base, largely comprised of Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit residents. She enjoys residing in the city and the comforts of home. When she’s not fully immersed in client projects, you can find her on the golf course, a favorite pastime. www.birchdesignassociates.com Instagram: @birchdesignassociates August 2022 | 23
Fitness On Your Own Time by Nancy Kelley
24 | The Brick Magazine
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ow has your fitness routine evolved over the last two years? With most gyms, small fitness studios, local YMCAs and other recreation centers now fully open for in-person workouts, it may feel like pre-pandemic times. You might think it natural or necessary to go back to your pre-pandemic schedule. But some of us ended up changing our routines for the better. Personally, I fell madly in love with my new hybrid schedule and have no intention of ever giving it up. When the pandemic hit, I was lucky to be able to keep up my Pilates workouts, because the folks at MOVE Wellness were quick to pivot to live online classes. Let me be clear, I was not excited at the thought of online classes, but because it was my only option at the time, I played along. Little did I know that online classes would become a lifeline socially, emotionally, and physically for the next 10+ months. Like everyone else who missed their old routines, I was super excited to return to my in-person workouts when the studio reopened. But here’s what surprised me: as much as I absolutely wanted to return to the Pilates studio, I did not want to give up my at-home online classes. Could I do both? Yes!
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The travel time I’m able to save by taking virtual classes; I can be in and out of an online class in 50 minutes! I’m a contract employee paid hourly, so every minute counts.
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The overall value—I am getting live, professional instruction at an affordable price.
What I love about my in-person classes: •
The 1:1 in-person connection with my trainer, who can correct my form with more nuance or encourage me to push a bit harder.
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The equipment—jumping on the Pilates reformer, chair, or Cadillac keeps things interesting.
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In-person interactions with friends and instructors.
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Occasionally leaving my house to both physically and emotionally immerse myself in the fitness environment. What’s next? A hybrid fitness routine? I have learned so much by being forced out of my normal fitness routine and experimenting with live online classes. It’s something I would never have tried, had it not been for COVID-19 shutting down all the gyms, tennis clubs, and fitness studios in Ann Arbor. It’s easy to point to these online classes as a silver lining in a very difficult time.
For the first time ever, my fitness routine fit my life, on my terms, instead of the other way around. I have often heard MOVE Wellness owner
What slowly came into focus for me as gyms and studios reopened was the opportunity to adapt my fitness routine to include both virtual and in-studio training. As a result, I was able to build a more robust, flexible, and sustainable fitness routine. For the first time ever, my fitness routine fit my life, on my terms, instead of the other way around. I was working out more than I had in a decade. More classes and more consistency led to more results. What I love about my online classes: •
Seeing who shows up for class (a little like happy hour)! I do feel like part of a community. Sometimes we chat, sometimes we don’t; either way it’s okay.
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The flexibility of changing my clothes (or not) five minutes before logging on for class.
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The ease of adding on extra classes when my schedule allows it—avoiding the pressure of an early commitment to something I’m not sure I will be able to do.
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Occasionally doing class in my pajamas with the camera off.
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The ease of working out while traveling or on vacation. I spend a lot of time in northern Michigan and can take my online routine with me.
Elaine Economou say, “the consistency and frequency of your routine builds positive outcomes,” and I have to say, she is right. I was able to increase my workout frequency while still receiving quality instruction, all from the comfort of my own home. And I am definitely seeing the benefits. At a time when most people were moving less, I was actually moving more and both my physical and mental health benefited. Truth: If I could only choose one form of exercise, it would not be online fitness. I’d choose tennis! I’m so grateful to be back on the courts and taking in-person fitness classes. But thankfully, I don’t have to choose. It’s extremely clear that online classes have a very important place in my routine, adding significant value, flexibility, and very real positive outcomes. I also know how much Pilates improves my tennis game and keeps me injuryfree. Since I don’t have to choose, I plan to continue with a mix of virtual and in-person training. This hybrid fitness routine keeps me moving more and stressing less and reminds me of another Elaine Economou mantra: “the more you move the better you feel.”
Nancy Kelley
August 2022 | 25
Photo by Eduardo Barrios
The Timeless Legacy of Betty Blair by Melissa Joy
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hen I first agreed to write this article, I wasn’t sure what the topic would be. But sometimes the universe will point you in the right direction. As a financial planner, I am given the opportunity to know people throughout many stages of their lives. And a compelling story I have to tell is about Betty Blair, a special octogenarian who I had to bid farewell to earlier this summer. When I first met Betty eight years ago, she did not feel heard by her financial advisor and had asked a trusted friend for recommendations. Fortunately, he gave her my name! 26 | The Brick Magazine
Betty Blair was a trailblazing journalist. She spent more than 20 years working at the Detroit News during the tail end of her career. Prior to that, she had worked at newspapers across the country covering women’s issues. She told me that in her ideal world, there would be no need for a dedicated “women’s section” of the paper. Although the women’s section was what she became known for writing and editing, Betty strongly believed that stories about women should not be relegated to a separate section of the paper. They stand on their own merit and are relevant to everyone.
Betty’s timeless legacy is a shining example of how to make an impact on the world even after you’re gone. include her beloved music organizations listed above, and her house of worship, Birmingham Unitarian Church. Each year, Betty and I would sit down together and discuss her annual charitable gifts. She made substantial gifts each year to the 501c(3) nonprofit organizations most important to her, typically through qualified charitable distributions from IRA accounts. Even in the last weeks of her life, Betty carefully planned her annual giving to fit her funding priorities.
Betty Blair
A half century ago, Betty won awards for her work covering the lives of Black women in Mississippi in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. I was interested to read her news clippings, some of which addressed issues of aging and nursing care. It was especially poignant to read these stories while in Betty’s assisted living room, which had been converted for hospice care in the last weeks of her life. After experiencing some health challenges during her 90s, Betty survived heart surgery and succeeded in her goal, shared tongue in cheek, to “live longer than the Trump presidency.” COVID offered extra challenges for an elderly person without living family members nearby. As a resident of an assisted living facility during the advent of COVID, Betty was forced into isolation because her body was fragile and vulnerable to infection. However, her mind remained sharp as a tack. The challenges of isolation during COVID were especially daunting because Betty did not use electronic communications. She had never owned a cell phone or email account. Regardless, she soldiered on through COVID, often reflecting on the current political climate while also enjoying the beauty of classical music, especially works performed by her beloved organizations, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings and Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival. So, what makes Betty’s legacy timeless? Everything I’ve mentioned thus far captures moments in time during a life well lived. But notably, Betty Blair is the first client I’ve had who left the bulk of her estate to charity. Because of her gifts and bequests, her legacy will live on through the work of organizations that were important to her. Those organizations
Betty’s legacy did not stop with annual gifts. She also drafted her will to include legacy bequests to her beloved organizations. Over the years, Betty adjusted her will and estate plan to fit her preferences. Through these gifts, which are being administered as we speak, Betty is supporting the endowments of the organizations that mattered the most to her. Here’s a question: how can you leave a timeless legacy? Does Betty’s story inspire you? Some things worth considering: •
What issues or organizations are important to you? If you could fund the work of a person or organization as part of your planned giving through an estate plan, what would be at the top of your list?
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Are there conversations you would like to have or actions you would like to take toward making your own legacy timeless?
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Are there stories like Betty’s that have helped shape your perspective on legacy and giving?
For me, it was a gift to know Betty Blair. I feel compelled to share her story. Betty’s timeless legacy is a shining example of how to make an impact on the world even after you’re gone. If you find it inspiring, I encourage you to think about making your own impact in the way Betty did. Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® is a financial planner and divorce financial analyst with more than two decades of experience in the world of financial services. In 2018, Melissa fulfilled a lifelong dream of starting her own company by founding Pearl Planning, located in Dexter, Michigan with additional locations in Grosse Pointe, Birmingham, and Charlevoix. Website: https://pearlplan.com
August 2022 | 27
Pickleball: A Timeless Sport for All Ages and Abilities by Christy Howden
28 | The Brick Magazine
Top Five Reasons to Play Pickleball:
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hat is pickleball? Only a short time ago, this would be the first question people would ask upon hearing of the sport. However, now that pickleball has become the fastestgrowing sport in the country, most are familiar with the game. If it’s still a new concept to you, think of pickleball as a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s easy to learn the rules, and fun to play! Pickleball is gaining in popularity, largely because it’s accessible to a wide range of players. You can begin playing at any age, and continue long into your senior years. The game does not require an advanced level of fitness or athletic ability, yet can still challenge accomplished athletes who seek to master its nuances. As a result, pickleball attracts players at all skill levels, including those new to paddle sports, former and current athletes, and even professional and Olympic athletes. It’s an easy sport to learn, yet for experienced players it can be fast-paced and intensely competitive. For everyone, pickleball is fun and social.
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EASY LEARNING CURVE - Beginning players love pickleball because it’s easy to learn, so gameplay happens quickly.
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FINESSE VS. FITNESS The game is played with a hard paddle and a large wiffle-type ball, which slows gameplay and makes it more of a finesse game than a power game.
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ACCESSIBLE - There’s an area on the court known as “the kitchen” or “non-volley zone” at the net, which can also slow gameplay and make the sport less intimidating.
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THE SPEED-DATING OF SPORTS - Games usually last 1012 minutes each, followed by a rotation of partners. This provides a mix of partners and opponents and makes for great social interaction.
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CHALLENGING AND FUN - As players begin to master pickleball, they can focus on learning the advanced nuances and strategies of the game.
Chances are, you’ll soon be asked to play pickleball if you haven’t been already! Whether you’re 13, 33, or 73, pickleball is a welcoming and encouraging sport to learn and play. Christy Howden became hooked on pickleball five years ago. Desiring more, she co-founded Wolverine Pickleball as a second act in life after becoming an empty nester. Wolverine Pickleball has grown exponentially over the last three years and now Christy is at the forefront of the national pickleball facility trend. Christy lives in Ann Arbor with her husband, Don, with whom she raised two daughters.
August 2022 | 29
Stolen Sun Pickles: A Timeless Treat by Stephanie Overla
30 | The Brick Magazine
F Stolen Sun Pickles INGREDIENTS •
Pickling cucumbers, enough to fill one or more gallon jars
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3 grape leaves
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3 medium-large garlic cloves
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1 bunch of dill
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1 quart white vinegar
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3-6 black peppercorns
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2 quarts water
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1 slice rye bread
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1 cup kosher salt
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Sliced onion, jalapeno, if you’d like.
DIRECTIONS 1.
Wash the cucumbers really well; soak them if they are particularly sandy. Make sure that the blossom end is removed from all cucumbers.
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I pick grape leaves off a grapevine in our yard on the day of use. Any variety is fine. The grape leaves add tannins to your pickles, which helps keep the perfect crunch.
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A bunch of dill includes the dill flowers, the dill stems, and the leaves, all of which make for a rustic, lovely-looking jar of pickles.
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Pack the cucumbers, grape leaves, dill, peppercorns, and garlic into a gallonsize glass jar. I pack everything in pretty tightly because I want as many pickles for the fridge space as possible.
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In a separate container, combine the remaining ingredients, except for the bread slice, to make the pickling solution. Stir well to dissolve the salt, which must be kosher salt as other salts can cause cloudiness in the jar.
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Pour the pickling solution over the cucumbers, leaving about an inch of space at the top of the jar. Place the rye bread slice on the top of the solution and gently press it in to soak up the liquid. Yes, this is a strange but necessary step, as the bread is what aids in the fermentation process.The bread will float and will not break apart if not jostled much. I still do this step even though I’m on a strict gluten-free diet.
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Tightly secure the lid on the jar, and place it in a sunny spot for three full days and nights. Rotate the jar 180 degrees each day. Then remove the rye bread slice carefully and discard. Chill the jar of pickles for 24 hours before serving.
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If you are making more than one jar, just repeat the pickling solution and add more grape leaves, dill, garlic, peppercorns as needed. We have made up to 12 gallon jars in a given year! They make great gifts and they are nice for holiday platters, if they make it that long! These pickles last six to nine months in the refrigerator. Our garage refrigerator has been the perfect place to store them.
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This tried and true recipe has never failed us! Make sure that your ratio of salt to vinegar to water is correct, to ensure the safety of the fermentation process. Before eating, always check your pickles for signs of spoilage, in order to avoid foodborne illness. Red flags include an “off” smell, cloudiness or bubbling in the jar, bulging or cracks in the container or lid, or a change of the color of the pickles.
or many years, my family has been making this pickle recipe when bushels of pickling cucumbers become available in farm markets Up North in late August and early September. This is also the time when temperatures during the day are starting to mellow out and the temperatures at night dip down, which is great for this pickle-making process. Our favorite place to buy these cucumbers by the bushel is Orchard Market on Highway 31 between Ludington and Manistee, Michigan. Way back when, my maternal grandmother used to grow these small pickling cucumbers in her large family garden and my grandfather would use them to make these pickles in a large wooden barrel outside of their back door. When my mom was a kid, she used to sneak out the back door and steal a pickle every so often from the barrel. She knew then that these pickles were something special. Since then, the old recipe has been modified to ensure food safety and the portions adapted for one-gallon jars rather than a huge pickle barrel, but making the pickles remains a fun and delicious tradition. We have shared these pickles with friends and family over the years and they are always well received, even described as “the best pickles I’ve ever had!” And the paper recipe is then copied for yet another family to enjoy. Stephanie Overla, a down-to-earth mom of four, received classical training as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu. After working for more than 10 years in the fast-paced culinary industry as an executive chef at a Michigan casino resort, she left that world to raise a family on whole grains and home cooking. Being from northwest Michigan, she has a passion for do-it-yourself, which, for her, translates into canning, freezing, and fermenting farm-fresh, by the bushel foods. Some favorites in addition to Stolen Sun Pickles are Pickled Beets and Corn Relish, as well as Peach Jam with Vanilla Bean. Along with her husband and family, Stephanie currently resides in Dexter. She is now a substitute teacher, with big summer dreams of large vegetable gardens and lazy days on the Huron River.
August 2022 | 31
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