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EDUCATION

A CAMPUS THAT FEELS LIKE HOME

LIFE + CULTURE FORD HOUSE SHORELINE RESTORATION PROJECT

PUPPY LOVE

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY AUGUST

August Kids n Pets

The shores of Lake St. Clair offer great opportunities to live a unique lifestyle and have world class views and iconic locations. Whether walking or biking Lakeshore Dr with your favorite pet or a young person looking out over the lake envisioning a future they are putting together, we feel and smell the fresh air caressing our face and can relax and decompress, refocus, and reenergize. Moments and feelings develop on the shoreline.

This August issue of Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle takes an inside look at the shoreline restoration project recently completed at the historic Ford House. We speak directly with Landscape and Natural Areas Manager Kevin Drotos, the dedicated project manager of the Restoration project. Kevin shares insight into how this initiative preserves and restores the lakefront grounds to be enjoyed by future generations while keeping a high quality ecosystem. Ford House brings an incredible opportunity minutes from our homes to take it all in with its beautiful, expansive grounds and signature community events. Whether walking the grounds, Bird Island, dining at The Continental, or attending an event, Ford House is a foundation of Grosse Pointe.

One of the biggest decisions young people make is choosing a college. We speak with Adrian College President Dr. Jeffrey Docking, and Frank Hribar, VP of Enrollment and Student Affairs, about the advantages of considering smaller schools. Most important to the process is finding the best fit for each prospective student. Families need to think about location, size, social, academic, athletic, spiritual, and the different factors to bring the best well rounded experience. They also offer insight into choosing majors and direction to think about not just the world now, but what it will be tomorrow. Adrian is a beautiful campus with a great academic and athletic experience that awaits our community's future leaders.

Finally, we find some truly adorable pups and share a refreshing and simple approach on factors to think about when bringing a new furry best friend into your loving home. This guide simplifies the transition for your entire family with adorable pics to enjoy.

We hope these stories inspire you to explore, learn, and grow right here in Grosse Pointe. Enjoy the warm sunshine, the lake breezes, and every single moment of this vibrant summer season.

August 2026

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

Sue Baldani, Margaret Carroll

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

DAVID MATTALIANO, PUBLISHER @GROSSEPOINTECITYLIFESTYLE

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A Campus That Feels Like Home

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIAN COLLEGE MARKETING AND PR OFFICE

The Adrian College Experience

With approximately 1800 students, both undergraduate and graduate, Adrian College in Michigan may be considered a smaller institution, but that doesn’t mean it’s not doing big things. In fact, U.S. News & World Report recognized Adrian as the most innovative college.

“We don’t just look at what’s in front of students today, but we also look around the corner,” says Dr. Jeffrey Docking, who’s been the president of the school for the last 21 years. “For example, what kind of world are they going to step into, and what are the jobs that don’t even exist yet that we can see coming on the horizon? We try to offer majors that prepare students for not only the world that is, but for the world that will be.”

Majors such as cybersecurity, data analytics and supply chain management are ever-changing, often due to artificial intelligence making inroads into every industry. “We really stay at the forefront, and we innovate and try new things,” he says.

Adds Frank Hribar, vice president of enrollment and student affairs, “We really pride ourselves on the expansion of our academic programming, and being a smaller school means we can maneuver like a speedboat in the water as opposed to a freighter when new opportunities arise.”

While innovation is important when it comes to selecting a college, Dr. Docking stresses that the number one criteria students should focus on is fit. “It often boils down to a feeling of being comfortable socially, academically, athletically, spiritually, and otherwise.”

“Educating the heart is the critical complement to educating the mind, and that's what we explore really well.”

This is why he strongly encourages prospective students to not only do their research on a college, but to also take a college tour. “You really can’t understand how it feels until you get onto a campus, walk around, and talk to people to know if it’s the right place for you.”

Sometimes, the perceived prestige of a school affects their decisions too much, and location plays a bigger role than it should. About 1,500 out of the 1,800 students live on campus.

“We really lean in heavily into that 18-to-23-year-old experience from soup to nuts from the auxiliary services we provide, like food and housing services, right into the athletic programs and academic curriculum,” says Hribar.

While roughly 65% of its students are from Michigan, with a fair amount from Ohio and Indiana, others come from all over the world, especially for its sports programs.

There are 53 sports teams, ranging from rugby and lacrosse to rowing. “We span from traditional sports like football, baseball, and basketball to less traditional sports, but certainly popular in this region, such as men’s and women’s ice hockey, and figure skating and synchronized skating,” says Hribar. “We also have some really fun, yet very competitive fringe sports, like a national championship-winning bass fishing team and a national championship cornhole program.”

Tristin Richardson, who graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School in 2016 and later graduated from Adrian College, took full advantage of not only the academics being offered, but the sports, too. An NCAA Baseball student-athlete from 2017–2021, he was also a four-time MIAA Conference Champion, a four-time MIAA Tournament Champion, and a Midwest Regional Champion. Today, he has

an MA in Sports Management and a BBA in Sports Management from the school.

“I chose Adrian College for its state-of-the-art facilities in both academics and athletics,” he says. “The facilities at Adrian College gave me an instant advantage over student athletes at other schools I was considering.”

Richardson also appreciated that over 65% of the enrolled students at Adrian College were also student athletes. His favorite moment: Hitting a walkoff home run to send the Adrian College baseball team to the College World Series.

“Another thing I appreciated was that the professors were business professionals with real-world experience and connections.”

In addition to being president, Dr. Docking teaches a leadership course, and brings in leaders from a variety of industries. They have included former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, and Google Vice President Maggie Johnson.

Critically acclaimed authors, nationally known musical artists, and sports legends, such as hockey superstar Steve Yzerman, are also part of the

campus experience. “This past academic year, our Free Speech Speaker Series speaker was best-selling author, John U. Bacon, who’s also a local and someone students can relate to,” says Hribar.

Gabrielle Brumme, who will graduate in May 2027 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and an Associate of Arts in Graphic Design, is also taking full advantage of what Adrian has to offer. She’s currently the student director of Creative Media for Adrian College Television, a recipient of the Adrian College Scholarship Award for maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and a member of the Women’s D2 Hockey Team.

“I chose Adrian College because of its strong hockey program, including having its own rink and gym,” she says. “I also love the smaller-school atmosphere and class sizes, which make it easier to build connections with professors.”

She adds, “My favorite part of my Adrian College experience has been the friendships I’ve made with my teammates on the Women’s D2 Hockey Team. They have become some of my closest friends, and I know those relationships will last a lifetime.”

While some students focus on schools that offer the majors or sports they’re most interested in, others aren’t sure of their paths yet. “One of the strongest value propositions we offer is helping students identify what motivates them and what they’re passionate about, and that

can happen in both a classroom setting and in an internship setting, where engagement with faculty directly leads to those light bulb moments,” says Docking. “Educating the heart is the critical complement to educating the mind, and that’s what we explore really well.”

His advice to students is to figure out what they love to do, and then find a way to get paid for it. “Put yourself in a position where you get to know your professors and the curriculum in a very personal way so you will get a sense of not only what you’re good at, but also what you love. If you can find that career, that major that will lead to that, that really is the key, in my opinion, to not only professional happiness, but to overall success.”

Even if students have their minds set on a big state university, Docking strongly encourages them to at least take the time to look at a smaller school, to understand the differences, and make sure that they’re making the right decision for themselves - both educationally and socially. “Don’t just follow the herd when you make what will be one of the most important decisions in your life.”

He looks forward to continuing to oversee the success of Adrian College’s current students as well as welcoming the new ones. “This generation of students is very earnest, and I think they’re generally kind,” says Docking. “They care about the environment, and I believe they want to make good decisions. They are the types of people who will continue to make this country even better.”

Adrian.edu

FORD HOUSE Shoreline Restoration Project

PRESERVING A TREASURED LANDSCAPE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

ARTICLE BY MARGARET CARROLL

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY FORD HOUSE/ RENDERINGS BY INSITEDESIGN STUDIO

The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House grounds have a whole new look, thanks to an ongoing major initiative whose primary goal is to restore and protect the beloved estate’s natural shoreline and wetlands for generations to come.

The Historic Core Restoration phase, which included restoring one mile of coastline (running from the front of the grounds to the Powerhouse at the back), is now complete. It opened in time for Father’s Day, ahead of schedule, and there is more to come. The goal is to complete the entire project and reopen all areas of the estate to the public by this fall.

“We have been able to restore the one-mile shoreline from an unnatural state into a natural state and restore coastal and forest wetlands, including as many near-shore habitats as we could,” according to Project Manager of Restoration Kevin Drotos. Kevin has served as Landscape and Natural Areas Manager of the Ford House for the last eight years, implementing a strategy to protect the estate’s grounds against invasive species, so it was a natural progression to take on the added role of project manager for the major new installation.

“The result will be a higher quality ecosystem,” says Kevin. “We need to preserve what is here, and restore what we have so it remains true to the intent of the design of the property while always striving for balance so the estate can be enjoyed by future generations. Decisions need to be made in view of variables such as weather patterns and water levels.”

The Shoreline Restoration Project (formerly known as the Lower Lake St. Clair Habitat Restoration Project) is a multi-phased initiative reshaping several areas of the grounds of the 87-acre estate. The project began in 2023, thanks to a $7 million grant from the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The process had its origins earlier, in 2015, when Wayne County began reviewing sites in need of shoreline restoration along Lake St. Clair, with its miles of sea wall.

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House was a leading candidate because of its strong commitment to stewardship of the historic parcel of land, its outreach programs to the surrounding community, including educational programs

for schoolchildren, and its universal compliance with ADA Level II (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations.

If it sounds like a tall order, it was. Kevin holds a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Michigan and manages a team of seven (including a director and four seasonal staffers) who oversee pruning and plantings throughout the estate. “We care for grounds that are truly a part of Michigan history,” he points out.

“Maintaining it is an interesting blend between historic estate and gardens.”

He prepared a feasibility study for the Shoreline Restoration in 2020, which secured the project’s green light.

A key element of the Historic Core Restoration has been the construction of a new berm that has completely transformed how the shoreline looks and functions. The new berm is constructed of a mix of soil, clay, and stones that were graded to protect the shoreline from erosion throughout.

The project required the removal of two and a half acres of concrete that were added with sandbags in 1973 to minimize flooding after Lake St. Clair reached historic high water levels. Gone are approximately 136 old-growth trees along the waterfront (and the potential hazard they posed to visitors from both advanced age and beaver activity).

The new clay-core-engineered berm at the south end of the cove protects a shoreline that has been regraded to a shallower depth. Steeper areas subject to greater wave action have added protection from natural stone and downed trees. A walkway of natural stone has been installed along the top.

The result, Kevin points out, is a berm that is much closer in material use to the natural shoreline that was part of the original estate. “Our goal is to protect the shoreline and plant native trees,” he adds. For every tree removed, the team is planting multiple new trees.

“One of our top priorities has been the use of native plants,” Kevin reports. The plan calls for the establishment of some 200,000 native plugs throughout the grounds, including hundreds of trees and thousands of shrubs.

The goal is to preserve the estate as a habitat for animals, including more than 200 recorded bird species. Further details are available at www.ebird.org

Kevin and his team have preserved cuttings from historic Dutch Elm and Ash trees that were originally planted to fulfill Jens Jensen’s original landscape design. They have also collected cuttings from the old growth willows that lined the shore. New plantings will have wire mesh to help protect against beavers.

Another major focus has been Bird Island, which has benefited from several restoration techniques. Restoration efforts have involved the removal of concrete. In the past, concrete and cement slabs were placed along the shoreline of Ford Cove to prevent erosion. But their placement negatively affected the natural habitats of many native species.

“By restoring the shoreline to its natural condition, we can support local wildlife and provide a higher level of sustainable care to the estate and its shoreline. We were able to soften the shoreline along the cove side, which receives very low wave energy. The result will be pleasing to the eye, using native plants to stabilize the shoreline all the way to the water’s edge. “Our goal is to protect the shoreline and increase biodiversity; one of our top priorities has been the use of native plants.” More than 100 native species will be installed (such as Cardinal Flower, Blue Flag Iris, Rushes, Sedges, and other grasses).

The lakeside of the island, which is subject to higher wave energy and wind, has been shored up using natural stone in a technique called a Dynamic Revetment that will, over time, shape the shoreline and eventually mimic a natural cobble beach. Dredging will restore water flow between the lake and the cove sides through a small channel at the island’s entrance.

The final piece is the installation of a boardwalk to maintain Bird Island’s wetland ecosystem.

The latest phases of the project follow on from the construction of a wetland boardwalk at the south end of the property that was completed last year.

At the project’s conclusion this fall, all areas of the grounds will be opened and accessible to the public once more.

“This project allows the Ford Estate to be a model of shoreline restoration techniques for other organizations.”

“The result is higher biodiversity, which means a heightened level of resilience for the landscape, strengthening it against invasive species and/or weather events, as well as increased protection for the shoreline, which is subject to rising and falling wave action and levels of water in Lake St. Clair,” Kevin reports. “This project allows the Ford Estate to be a model for other organizations in shoreline restoration that uses different techniques to achieve the best possible outcomes, and all of it, in our case, is universally accessible.

“This project reflects our deep, long-term commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible stewardship of the Lake St. Clair shoreline,” Kevin says. His hope is that the work will serve as an example of best practices for shoreline restoration while also serving as an ongoing steward of a property that has a truly unique place in history.

“That is what the Ford Estate legacy is all about.”

For further information about the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House and detailed updates on the Shoreline Restoration Project, including visiting hours, please visit: www.fordhouse.org

NATIVE PLANTS FOR GREATER RESILIENCE

“One of our top priorities has been the use of native plants,” Kevin reports. The plan calls for establishment of some 200,000 native plugs throughout the grounds, including hundreds of trees and thousands of shrubs.

“The result is higher biodiversity which means a heightened level of resilience for the landscape, strengthening it against invasive species and/or weather events, as well as increased protection for the shoreline which is subject to rising and falling wave action and levels of water in Lake St. Clair,” he points out.

YOUR EYES...OUR FOCUS

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

PUPPY LOVE

ARTICLE BY DAVID MATTALIANO

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ONE

Bringing a puppy into your home is pure magic—a furry bundle of unconditional love, wet nose bumps, and boundless joy that instantly transforms your family. But that heartwarming connection also brings a beautiful, lifelong responsibility.

Before falling for those puppy-dog eyes, consider your family’s unique rhythm. Do you have toddlers who need a gentler breed, or active teens ready for a running partner? Think about your lifestyle: frequent travel requires pet care plans, and our snowy Grosse Pointe winters mean choosing a pup that thrives indoors during chilly months.

Your living space matters, too. While a sprawling yard is ideal for high-energy breeds, smaller homes or manicured city lots are perfect for lower-maintenance companions. Remember, your puppy is an indoor family member, not an outdoor fixture. By matching a dog’s needs to your routine, you ensure their safety and your peace of mind. Embrace the journey—your new best friend is waiting!

Phone: 313.343.6809

Email: alex.martinez@raymondjames.com

Phone:

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Email: alex.martinez@raymondjames.com Website:

Mark Wilamowski, Agent 19637 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236

Bus: 313-881-8100

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A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

AUGUST 1ST

Grosse Pointe Arts Festival

The Hill, Grosse Pointe Farms | 10:00 AM

The Grosse Pointe Art Festival Presented by the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce will return to the Hill. This event will showcase local artists who will line Kercheval Avenue and sell their original work. Art types will include: Paintings, Ceramics, Crochet, Drawings, AND MORE! grossepointechamber.org

AUGUST 6TH

Shakespeare Stroll

Ford House | 7:00 PM

Ford House and Grosse Pointe Theatre present Shakespeare Stroll, an outdoor theatrical event set across the grounds of the historic estate. Guests move from one outdoor stage location to another, experiencing six live scenes drawn from Shakespeare’s most beloved plays. ordhouse.org

AUGUST 6TH

GPSO Outdoor

Summer Concert

War Memorial | 7:00 PM

Join the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra for an outdoor summer concert on the waterfront! The War Memorial back lawn will be the picturesque venue for this special performance. Folding chairs will be provided, or you are welcome to bring your own outdoor summer chairs or picnic blankets. warmemorial.org