WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS!
HOLIDAYS HAPPY
Kids & Pets
Kids are amazing. They bring enormous joy and purpose. Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which we transfer society and culture's traditions, morals, and memories. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our most challenging work and greatest investment.
And who could forget our furry or feathery friends? The unique companionship they offer can be a truly transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets, with their unconditional love, provide us with the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. The bond between kids and their pets is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.
In this issue, we explore community connections for our kids.
Sports play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of our children. They learn skills that benefit them in all aspects of life. We speak with Don Jaeger of Bulldogs Hockey Club and Eastside Sports, John Fodell of the Grosse Pointe Gators Swim Club, and Ken Brubaker of 313 Lacrosse. They provide valuable insights into the opportunities and values that sports provide, instilling a sense of pride and inspiration in our community.
We also speak with Dr. Manish Kesliker, Director and Co-Qwner of Emcura Immediate and Primary Care, about handling the sports injuries and physicals needed to compete today.
Faith is a foundation of family and culture, and no greater source of strength exists. We visit with Louise Brady Davey to learn about the Grosse Pointe Young Life Club. Kids can meet other kids interested in learning and growing in their faith and Jesus while offering a map and guide when questions arise in their minds about how to figure this world out.
Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society (GPAAS) is growing. We visit with Executive Director Corinne Martin and heard about the purchase and renovation of the Barbara N. Weiss Animal Protection Facility.
Finally, Liz Denton, owner and graphic designer of Print XPress, brings a personalized touch in an open-store setting for many different needs for kids, your family, or your business. They have invitations, posters, events, and whatever you need to personalize your items. They have it all, and Liz brings the Grosse Pointe touch to highlight your style, identity, and proper etiquette.
Let's celebrate the kids and our furry "bosses" that run our households… Enjoy, and God Bless!
August 2024
PUBLISHER
David Mattaliano | david.mattaliano@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Paige Peabody | paige.peabody@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Susan Baldani, Margaret Carroll
DAVID MATTALIANO, PUBLISHER
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
From ideas and thoughts to completed designs, Russell Landscaping Inc. delivers creativity, individuality, and satisfaction. We are passionate about the potential of a project and are committed to the great execution of a design that fits best for our clients. Our team concentrates on making it easier for you to achieve all of your project’s intention and ideas.
We Have Everything You Need to Start Feeling Better!
iCRYO Grosse Pointe offers a variety of services that are known to reduce inflammation throughout your body and minimize the pain you experience in your muscles and joints. All first-time guests receive a 1-on-1 tour of our center, to learn about the life-changing benefits of our services.
Meet the Owners!
Free Sports Physicals at Emcura Immediate Care Grosse Pointe Woods
INFRARED SAUNA MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS i M SHOTS
RED LIGHT THERAPY
iCRYO - Grosse Pointe 96 Kercheval Avenue Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
COMPRESSION THERAPY SECA BIOIMPEDANCE MEDICAL SCALE HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
UV i V THERAPY i V INFUSIONS
MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS i M SHOTS
SCULPTING
Local residents Kristen, an ICU Nurse, and Dominic, a local business owner, have joined the iCRYO family. Together, they form an unstoppable team! Their mission? To inspire their local community to live their best lives. Join them on this shared journey toward health and wellness.
THERAPY
BIOIMPEDANCE
SCALE HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
Emcura Immediate Care and Emcura Primary Care will offer free sports physicals in select weeks in July and August. Dr. Manish Kesliker has offered this special in the Grosse Pointe clinic to help promote better care and nutrition. Get the kids ready for fall sports and help educate your kids about their health, nutrition, and wellness. Located at 20599 Mack Ave in Grosse Pointe Woods. Must be scheduled online at Emcura.com or call 313-895-7770.
KIDS & CLUB SPORTS
ARTICLE BY SUSAN BALDANI
When children become involved with sports, they learn much more than just how to play a game. They learn skills that will benefit them in all aspects of life. Here, we learn more about three popular sports and why they’re great for kids.
Hockey, Swimming & Lacrosse
"It provides kids a way to stay in shape and exercise, especially during winter."
KEN BRUBAKER -
HEAD COACH OF 313 LACROSSE
Founded in 2005, 313 Lacrosse has had thousands of players rotate successfully through its doors. “I consider it a privilege to have spent one-third of my life teaching this great game to kids in Grosse Pointe and the surrounding communities,” says Ken. “To me, it’s more than just a game. It has a spiritual and historical element and has been played for over a thousand years.”
Ken enjoys teaching his players not only the skills of the sport but also the history and culture of the game from the Native American perspective. “After all, it’s their game, and we’re lucky to have borrowed it from them.”
Lacrosse can be played by kids and adults of all ages. “It’s fun and has a spot for players who may not have the size, speed, and athleticism required for other sports. It helps to be a great athlete, but it’s not a requirement.”
He says lacrosse teaches the importance of teamwork, effort, focus, and determination. It also builds character and teaches how to be assertive and physical.
Ken loves the positive feedback from the players at 313 Lacrosse. “They have fun, make new friends, and appreciate the solid coaching that has become our trademark. Many have moved on to play in college and have attested that we were a part of their success.”
313Lax.com
JOHN FODELLHEAD COACH OF GROSSE POINTE GATORS SWIMMING CLUB
Grosse Pointe Gators is a year-round USA swim team that offers everything from beginner-level competitions with 4 and 5-year-olds all the way up to college swimmers. “We travel all over the country together, which is a great experience,” says John.
The Gators have been a community-based organization in Grosse Pointe for 20 years. The program promotes true camaraderie, where team members encourage each other to reach higher and higher levels. “It’s a great team sport because there are no cuts, and one person isn’t going to get more playtime than anyone else.”
Kids figure out that the harder they work, the better they get, and how to persevere through discomfort, he explains. “They also learn to bounce back from disappointment and keep going. Being on a swim team also teaches time management skills; GPAs for swimmers are usually off the charts.”
As far as health benefits, he believes swimming provides a higher level of physical fitness and conditioning than any other sport. Kids also eat healthily so their bodies can function at the peak levels needed. “It’s one of the only sports you can do for life.”
GPGatorsSwim.org
DON JAEGERHEAD COACH OF THE BULLDOGS HOCKEY CLUB
When Don was 3, his father built an ice rink in the family’s backyard. Once he started skating, he just fell in love with it. Today, he shares his passion for skating and hockey with others.
The Bulldogs Hockey Club is part of the Eastside Youth Sports Foundation. “We start kids as early as 3 years old,” says Don. “The friendships and the character that kids build through hockey is second to none.”
"It's a great team sport because there are no cuts, and one person isn't going to get more playtime than anyone else."
It’s also a great sport for a healthy lifestyle. “It provides kids a way to stay in shape and exercise, especially during winter.”
Hockey also teaches the value of hard work. “What you put into the game is what you get out of it, and the harder you work, the more you get rewarded. Players also have to deal with players on their own team, their opponents, coaches, and officials, so they learn much about team dynamics and resiliency. They can then incorporate those skills into everyday life.”
Some kids who have gone through the entire program come back to volunteer and teach others how to play. “When we see that hockey-forlife mindset, we know we’ve been successful.” BullDogsHockeyClub.org
THE RIGHT CARE
While all the coaches take safety seriously, there are times when a doctor visit is warranted. Dr Manish Kesliker is the medical director and co-owner, along with his wife, Dr. Supak Sookkasikon, of Emcura Immediate Care and Primary Care in Grosse Pointe and Bloomfield. He has placed IVs for dehydrated football players, treated concussions, and managed ankle sprains and other injuries.
“As a family-owned clinic, our priority is always your family,” says Dr. Kesliker. “In addition to post-injury counseling, concussion management, and future injury prevention, we always emphasize good nutrition during our sports physicals.”
Emcura.com
Bloomfield Hills | Grosse Pointe Farms since 1959
FAITH IN GP
GROSSE
POINTE YOUNG LIFE
ARTICLE BY SUSAN BALDANI
In 2015, while in her junior year of high school, Louise Brady Davey was invited to attend the Grosse Pointe Young Life club. “I heard it was a fun place to be with people I knew and wanted to hang out with,” she says. “I wasn’t interested in the faith part that much, although I was cool with it.”
Initially, she joined for community. She found the other members kind and living life the way she wanted to live. “I started learning about Jesus a few months in and was taken with the message. So then, I didn’t only want to go because it was fun, but I was totally invested in learning more.”
In 2017, she started leading the club and has been its director for the past two years. Young Life, found in all 50 states and more than 100 countries, is a Christian ministry that reaches out to middle school, high school, and college students. “One of our slogans is, ‘We go to where kids are,’ so that’s football, basketball, and soccer games, and plays, musicals, and concerts.”
If kids are interested, they may go on Slurpee® runs, coffee dates, and other fun outings to develop relationships with members. After that, they’re invited to club if they’re still interested. “Club, we say, is a party with a purpose. We play many games designed for kids to meet everybody around them and
"When people get introduced to Jesus, it just changes their lives."
build a community. At the end of the night, the purpose is to have a message from me or one of our volunteers, which serves as a slow introduction to Jesus. From there, we invite kids who want to know more to partake in Bible studies in our weekly Thursday night campaigner’s Bible study.”
The number one message, she explains, is that they are loved by Jesus. “Another huge part of every message and what we want to make sure every kid walks away with is hearing that Jesus died for us, and if they say yes to a relationship with Jesus, then He’s always there for them.”
While some of its members were already immersed in the Christian faith, others, like Louise, were not. “When people get introduced to Jesus, it just changes their lives,” she says. “It’s so much brighter and joyful.”
She says having faith can make things easier for young people struggling with issues. “Right now, a big trend with this generation is that they’re questioning everything. They’re questioning themselves and their identities, questioning adults and their intentions, and they just want to learn more. Being able to have Jesus and the Bible as a resource is a really amazing map and guide, especially during that time of life.” She says
kids can come and hang out at one of their parties or get-togethers. “Just come on by and bring a friend.”
Louise is the only staff member; everyone else who helps spread the message is a volunteer, and all go through background checks. “We love to have relationships with other local churches and youth groups, too,” she says. I also have a committee of adults who just love the Lord and are constantly praying for us, supporting us, and making the ministry happen.”
The club also offers Young Life and Wyldlife camping trips. “We typically hang out at a camp called Timber Wolf Lake, which is in northern Michigan, and every couple of years, we go out of state with our high schoolers.”
Young Life is 100% locally funded. “We want to express our gratitude to everyone who helps us, whether by volunteering or giving financially.”
If you’re interested in learning more about Young Life and supporting its mission, check out its website. “I think it’d be really hard for anyone not to find some goodness in what we’re doing.”
GrossePointe.YoungLife.org
Clair Shores | Detroit | Royal Oak
FURRY FRIENDS IN NEED
ARTICLE BY MARGARET CARROLL
Malcolm Forbes is famously quoted as saying, “You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who can do nothing for them.” This bodes well for the Grosse Pointe Animal and Adoption Society (GPAAS), which has been looking out for stray dogs and cats in our community for 27 years.
Corinne Martin, Executive Director, established GPAAS 27 years ago with friend Martha Schroeder, Vice President, and Co-Founder, to place dogs and cats needing homes with caring humans. The friends are dog people who also love cats, and they began accepting strays from the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods.
There was minimal need back then, according to Corinne, but that has changed over time. These days, GPAAS is running over capacity, like shelters nationwide. “We currently have space for about 60 cats and dogs, and we are currently at 100,” reports Corinne.
GPAAS is expanding and currently renovating a nearby 3,500-square-foot facility that will increase capacity to 30 pens. The goal is to open by the end of August. That’s good news for the 500-600 stray dogs and cats collected yearly from community streets and brought in by law enforcement because the need is acute, Corinne reports.
The building will be known as the Barbara N. Weiss Animal Protection Facility, named for a Grosse Pointe Farms resident who was devoted to improving the lives of animals and was very active in the shelter community for many years. When she passed away in 2023, she left a generous donation that made it possible to purchase the nearby building.
GPAAS TO THE RESCUE
However, More funds are required, with the total cost of purchase and renovations estimated at $400,000.
Corinne hopes Grosse Pointers will support the project and donate since the Weiss Animal Protection Facility will serve such a vital role. An Open House Fundraiser is planned for August.
“We are so incredibly thankful for the generosity of Grosse Pointers, who have supported us for many years,” says Corinne. “We need our community to support our shelter to stay viable.” She hopes Grosse Pointers will consider donating to help defray the costs for the new Barbara N. Weiss Facility, which will triple capacity for GPAAS.
That is good news for stray dogs and cats in the five Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods. GPAAS is a no-kill shelter, which means they are non-euthanasia. The only exceptions are animals examined and found to be highly aggressive or too sick to thrive.
The most significant need, however, is for adoptions. “We need people who are willing to adopt cats and dogs. We are over capacity right now and have been over capacity for over a year,” Corinne reports. The overcrowding is due to a combination of factors, including the high cost of pet ownership and landlords who don’t allow renters to keep their pets with them.
“We encourage anyone interested in getting a dog or cat to consider adopting. Come visit us. Come to one of our Open Houses and meet the many dogs and cats we have who deserve a good forever home.”
People who are considering adoption are encouraged to visit. Corinne and the team at GPAAS will do the rest. They work with a trainer who works with the animals.
“Our screening process is very good,” she reports. “We can match the home environment with the pets we have. We pride ourselves on matching the people and the pet.”
All pets placed for adoption have received a complete veterinary exam, are up to date on all vaccinations, and are sterilized and microchipped.
GPAAS also serves as a resource for pet owners who have questions and concerns. “We will talk to anybody who is having trouble with their pets. They can call us with questions about behavior if they’ve lost their job or are worried they can’t take care of their pet.
“We’re here to help.”
GPAAS is always looking for volunteers ages 18+ to walk dogs three times per day, seven days per week. They can also help with feeding, laundry, and cleaning the facility or just visit with the dogs in an enclosed grassy yard nearby.
They are also hiring people ages 18+ to work in paid positions.
Open Houses occur on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - to 12 noon at Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society, 20542 Harper Avenue, Harper Woods. Telephone: (313) 884-1551.
Details about the planned fundraiser will be listed on the website: www.gpaas.org.
“WE ENCOURAGE ANYONE INTERESTED IN GETTING A DOG OR CAT TO CONSIDER ADOPTING. COME VISIT US. COME TO ONE OF OUR OPEN HOUSES AND MEET THE MANY DOGS AND CATS WE HAVE WHO DESERVE A GOOD FOREVER HOME.”
Shop the Royal Dresses in our enchanting Storybook Boutique.
Back to School Haircut Day with Rapunzel
Join us Friday, August 23rd
Best Day Ever Haircut & Glitterlites | $135
Includes mini-makeover with Fairy Godmothers in training, Coronation, Story time and pixie dust wishes with Rapunzel.
Session 1: 10:30a - 1p
Session 2: 1:30p - 4p
Meet & Greet + Pixie Dust Wishes | $25 12:30p or 3:30p
Limited Offerings Available for Adults at additional cost: Massages | Facials | Waxing | Braiding & Glitterlites
Call 313.882.6240 to experience your sparkle today! thelonnextdoor.com text: 313.362.4604
. B R I A N F I A N I
INVITATION ETIQUETTE
ARTICLE BY MARGARET CARROLL
“Grosse Pointe is all about having your own style and identity,” explains Liz Denton, Owner and Graphic Designer of Print Xpress. Husband and partner Tim manages the operation. The result is a boutique design business with a Mom and Pop approach to customer service.
“I enjoy designing. I am the artsy person,” Liz explains. “There are so many small details and brands of paper with different weights, colors, and textures. We can help bring your ideas to life and design your stationery, business cards, and invitations with a color
and look that is unique to you.” They provide design and print services for most of the neighboring businesses along Mack Avenue.
Liz and her team of five take pride in offering a personalized touch. She worked for the previous owners as a graphic designer and had the chance to learn the customer base and business from the ground up.“I enjoy the interactions with my customers,” Liz says. “I get to know them and love being able to help with their special announcements.”
Help with Children's Invitations
The workspace is welcoming, with an open design area with a table loaded with sample books to spark ideas. Walls are hung with poster-sized renderings of digital photos and artwork. There are samples of gift items, including buttons, mugs, ornaments, and more. Liz and her team of five produce a full suite of items for any occasion, even signage for the big day.
“If it can be printed on paper, I do it,” Liz says. Walk-ins welcome. Print Xpress is located at 20373 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods. Hours are M-Th 10-4; Fridays 10-5; Saturdays 10-2. Call (313) 886-6850 or visit the website:
www.printxpressgp.com
Print Xpress
“Grosse Pointe is all about having your style and identity,” says Liz Denton. “We put the student’s personality on paper. It’s just wonderful to see the students and their personalities, hear what they say and think.”
Invitations should be sent four to six weeks in advance. The trend is for Open House, with half still requesting RSVPs. Thank you notes should be sent within seven to 10 days. Parents note: It’s never too soon to teach your children to write thank you notes.
Dr. William Krieg, Dr. Brynn Jezdimir and Dr. Richard Frenchi
AUGUST 3RD
Grosse Pointe Art Festival
The Hill on Kercheval
Join us for the annual Grosse Pointe Art Festival presented and hosted by the Grosse Pointe Chamber. Stay tuned for artist information! Email info@grossepointechamber.com to inquire. Feel free to call 313-881-4722 x 102 with any questions. www.grossepointechamber.com
AUGUST 17TH
Grosse Pointe Art Fair at Ford House
Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236 | 10:00 AM
Grosse Pointe Art Fair will take place August 17th and 18th from 10am - 6pm at Ford House. Come and see the newly built and state-ofthe-art Visitor Center. Shop for one-of-a-kind works of art in all styles and media, including painting, woodworking, ceramics, handmade jewelry and more. www.GrossePointeArtFair.com
AUGUST 23RD
Michigan Philharmonic Summer Concert
Ford House | 6:30 PM
Ford House’s summer concert series presents The Michigan Philharmonic where their music transforms the sprawling estate into a symphony of melodies under the open sky. www.fordhouse.org
