November Issue: Giving Thanks
November is a month that always calls us back to the heart of what matters most. As the crisp air settles in and families prepare to gather around the Thanksgiving table, we’re reminded that gratitude is not only about the big milestones in life, but also about the simple moments—the laughter shared with friends, the warmth of family traditions, and the chance to pause and truly appreciate those who fill our lives with meaning.
This issue of Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle celebrates the many ways we give thanks as a community. Our feature on The Helm highlights the incredible programs and leadership they provide to inspire residents of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods to embrace healthy living, longevity, and fulfilling lives. What’s especially exciting is how these opportunities are now bridging generations—giving younger residents the chance to enjoy meaningful activities alongside senior friends and family members. It’s a beautiful reminder that gratitude grows stronger when it’s shared. Learn details and information from Executive Director Krista Siddall that will inspire.
We’re also delighted to showcase the talents of our Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle contributing photographers, Kimberly Rensburg and Andreas Browne. In their feature, they offer thoughtful guidance on creating timeless holiday memories through photography. From unique gift ideas to capturing the spirit of the season, their insights remind us that photographs are more than pictures—they’re treasured keepsakes. Be sure to watch for their upcoming workshop on photography with your phone or camera, perfect for elevating your everyday captures.
And what would Thanksgiving be without a memorable meal? Fresh Farms Market has shared recipes designed to delight around your holiday table. Beyond that, they offer everything you need for entertaining and enjoying the season, making it easy to host with both ease and style.
Finally, we are honored to be part of a Giving Campaign this Christmas season. Through it, we hope to extend generosity to those in need across our community. If you know someone who could use a helping hand, we invite you to nominate them and join us in spreading kindness where it’s needed most.
From our family to yours, may your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the people who make life truly meaningful.
Please follow us @grossepointecitylifestyle to connect, share, and help our community prosper.
DAVID MATTALIANO, PUBLISHER @GROSSEPOINTECITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
David Mattaliano | david.mattaliano@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Paige Peabody | paige.peabody@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
Erin McGregor | erin.mcgregor@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Margaret Carroll
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andreas Browne, Kimberly Rensburg
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
November 2025 Visit our Instagram
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Learn
At the Helm, we know everyone takes their own path through life. We’re here to make the journey more fun and rewarding. The Helm is where you can enjoy a favorite hobby or discover a new one. Watch a movie or play a game of cards. Take an exercise class or learn a new language. Find resources when you need extra assistance. We’re here for you — because this is your life’s journey. Visit us online or in person and see all the ways The Helm can help you find your way.
Life’s a journey. Find your way.
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
TO THE HELM
Giving Thanks
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE HELM
Sporting Clays Classic
Hula Hooping
In 2023, the Surgeon General listed loneliness as an epidemic with increased ramifications for seniors.
Krista Siddall, executive director of The Helm at the Boll Life Center in Grosse Pointe Farms, says there are now more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 17 in Michigan. In the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods, this statistic proved true sooner than it did in the whole state. “We have to make sure that we are able to serve those people, and that’s what The Helm is here to do,” she says.
Older residents and their families are thankful for all that the center has done and has continued to do since 1978, when a small group of residents from the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods formed “Seniors Onward for Change.” These visionaries focused on providing a one-stop shop that would help residents remain in their own homes with dignity and independence. A few years later, its name was updated to “Services for Older Citizens (SOC).”
In 2012, when the Henry Ford Health System provided use of its former nurses’ quarters to Services for Older Citizens for a nominal annual rental fee, SOC was able to conduct an extensive reconstruction project. This was made possible thanks to a significant gift from the John A. and Marlene L. Boll Foundation, as well as from generous donations from hundreds of community residents.
When it was complete, the building showcased a state-of-the-art center for senior activities and the community. In 2018, the name was changed to The Helm at the Boll Life Center.
Today, The Helm offers over 250 programs encompassing everything from fitness classes
and cake decorating to field trips and gardening. “We’re blessed with a model that really is based on the old-fashioned community hub model, and so it is our responsibility to offer seniors as wide a variety as we can that will impact not only their health outcomes, but their longevity, and by making their lives more meaningful,” says Krista.
Over the summer, there was bocce ball outside, while inside, classes in tai chi and ballroom dancing were taking place. There are several classes designed to promote strength, balance, and flexibility. “We know that one in four seniors has falls that lead to an ER visit, so by helping them learn to strengthen those core muscles and other muscles in their bodies and get their stances correct, it will help reduce those visits.” She has seen people start out using canes and in wheelchairs, and after taking these classes, no longer need them.
The Helm believes in intergenerational programming, too. “We had an intergenerational birdhouse building class, which was super fun, and we did intergenerational bingo with the schools, which was a wonderful partnership,” says Krista. “We know that intergenerational activity with our seniors and our young people is so beneficial to both.
Field trips to Frankenmuth and Selfridge airbase have also taken place, as has a senior prom. A cultural series is held at least twice a year, during which participants learn about various countries, including China, Mexico, and India. There were foods to try as well as books and movies to view.
The mental health component is huge for seniors. They need to have a purpose. “ ”
Tai Chi
Motown 22
“We talked about the various art forms from China. We explored holidays in each country. It was so fun because it gave our seniors a new understanding of different cultures.”
Providing all of these programs has significant ramifications for seniors’ overall health. “In 2023, the Surgeon General listed loneliness as an epidemic with increased ramifications for seniors,” she says. “Of the top things that would impact health, loneliness was above quitting smoking and quitting drinking, which is shocking.”
Seniors, she explains, often experience high levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. “In fact, 35% of
seniors tell us that they’re lonely, and that often stems from the fact that we’re living in a society that is more disengaged with each other socially.” Plus, children and parents often live a great distance apart from each other.
“The mental health component is huge for seniors. They need to have a purpose. Whether it’s getting up and going to a class, coming in to see friends, contributing to the yard work, or coming in to volunteer for something like our Meals on Wheels program, they have to have a mission.”
The Helm provides numerous essential services, including rides to medical appointments, a home chore
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program, and connections to vital resources. “So there are really two arms to what The Helm provides the community, which is a blessing because all of those things are really integral to health outcomes,” says Krista.
In addition to serving seniors, The Helm supports people of all ages who face issues common to older adults. “It may be someone who’s 40 or 50 going through challenging times with a parent, an aunt, or an uncle. The Helm is here to help them navigate that journey.”
They also get a lot of questions about elder law, cleaning out somebody’s house, caregiving resources, and more. “We receive a lot of questions about Medicare and offer free Medicare counseling,” she says. “Many of the things we do stem from either the seniors’ questions or from their family members.”
In 2024, the center received about 5,500 phone call requests and served around 3,300 people in person. Both members and non-members can take advantage of its programs and resources. “We have a non-member fee and a member fee, so if they’re not a member, it might be a little higher, say $7 instead of $5, but a lot of the programs are free. We pretty much have an open-door policy, so we’re trying to help whoever we can.”
Of course, all of this programming and other services take a village, and The Helm is grateful for the people who make what they do possible. “We are so
blessed to be supported by the Grosse Pointes and by Harper Woods because these services are going to become more and more important over the years as we see our aging population grow,” says Krista.
Over the last year, a millage was proposed, and they are very grateful for that. “I want to say thank you to everybody who supported the millage because that gives us a sustainable stream of income, which is very important as we grow.”
The Helm conducts numerous fundraisers, including a gala held in October, as well as clay shooting and golf events. “Our events are significant for bringing in quite a bit of our annual income, as is our holiday appeal beginning in late November,” she says.
Of course, donations can be made year-round to support current services and help implement new programs. “We’re hoping to add to our services in the next year with an adult day program, which will continue our commitment to the community in providing services that we have heard they want.”
Like many nonprofits, The Helm also welcomes volunteers. “The spirit of philanthropy is vital, and seeing what people can do and really understanding how they impact the trajectory of outcomes for their community is very important,” says Krista.
To learn more about how The Helm can assist you and your loved ones, and how you can support these critical services, go to HelmLife.org
are so blessed to be supported by the Grosse Pointes and by Harper Woods…
Strength & Balance
Bocce fun
ARTICLE BY MARGARET CARROLL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREAS BROWNE AND KIMBERLY RENSBURG
Sharing Joy
With Andreas & Kimberly
Of all gifts, the greatest is love. How do we uncover what is inside our hearts and share it with others?
The answer lies in how we spend our time and with whom. What about when time and space drive us apart? Ask anyone who misses a milestone event at home because they have to travel for work.
Photographs take on a whole new significance then, by filling that void.
Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle Magazine is gifted with talented contributors who share their skills to make this publication stand out.
Contributing photographers Andreas Browne and Kimberly Rensburg work with local business owners featured in this magazine each month to tell the story of their business and showcase their staff and workspace with bold, beautiful photos.
Andreas, owner of Yellow Door Brand on Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Farms, joined the magazine with its inaugural issue in October 2019. His first assignment was photographing the Crescent Sail Yacht Club, which required climbing onto the roof to get the shot he needed. He completed the assignment and has been on board since.
Kim, owner of Kimberly Rensburg Photography in the City of Grosse Pointe, met Publisher David Mattaliano at a Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce event three years ago and found his vision for the magazine aligned perfectly with her focus on visual storytelling and branding for businesses of all sizes.
The pair collaborate, working as a team on senior portraits for teens graduating from high school.
Andreas is an expert with lighting and staging of high-quality studio portraits. Kim takes over from there, working with clients at their outdoor location of choice for the environmental portion.
They both report that the work provides a means of giving back and an emotional connection with others.
“Photography does three things when you share it,” according to Andreas. “You give in the present, you give in the past, and you give in the future.”
This really hit home in the aftermath of the flood of 2021, when people came to Yellow Door for help salvaging damaged photos. Yellow Door is a resource, offering custom printing, video tapes and movie reels conversion, custom clothing, alterations, and shoes for brides and grooms on their wedding day, even ballroom dance lessons to ensure the first dance is visually memorable for all the right reasons.
Andreas’ advice: print your photos and share them. “Photographs are oftentimes how people get to know us and see us.”
Kim reports she really enjoys working with local business owners and members of our community. “I hear a number of times from clients that this is the first time they’ve ever invested in photos. I am thrilled to capture the big moments of their lives, whether they are getting married, having a baby, or launching a business.
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“Share your joy with others.
A photo says,
‘This is who we are. This is how we are now,’ even if your kids are screaming in the background.”
“This work allows me to share in their joy.”
Kim’s advice: take your photos out of the digital gallery and print them.
“Share your joy with others. A photo says, ‘This is who we are. This is how we are now,’ even if your kids are screaming in the background.”
Both Andreas and Kim came to photography after completing their degree in other fields of study. For Andreas, it was medicine. Kim studied the Spanish language.
“I never knew I was creative,” says Andreas. He bought a Nikon F100 the year he enrolled in graduate school. He quickly embraced it, shifting gears to study photography several years later.
He discovered Grosse Pointe while attending annual parties hosted by medical colleagues of his mum, and it was a natural choice to establish Yellow Door Brand here years later.
Kim always enjoyed photography as a hobby before launching her business as a career. She acquired a Nikon D750, and her husband suggested she take a class. “I loved it from the second I stepped into the classroom.” She established her business in 2016.
Both Andreas and Kim share their passion for photography by teaching, he at Michael B’s Cafe through Wayne County Community College District in Grosse Pointe, and she at Star of the Sea Catholic School beginning in the spring.
Learn more by visiting their websites: www.Yellowdoorphoto.com www.Kimberlyrensburg.com
Kim and Andreas are teaming up to give back to Grosse Pointe in this season of giving! Everyone is invited to attend a FREE two-hour class and learn how to Take Photos Like a Pro. All are welcome!
Attendees will learn the basics of photography to transform their party pics and selfies from run-of-themill to eye-catching and beautiful! This two-hour class will cover:
• Composition: how to set up your shot to draw the eye to your subject (hint: front and center is not always best). Learn to add drama and interest by making the most of your background, foreground, and other details
• Light: learn how to find the best angle to reduce shadows, soften facial features, and avoid that ‘deer in the headlights’ squint
• Fine-tune your focus: get more dramatic results by turning off auto settings to increase depth-of-field
• Tips & tricks for winning selfies
• 5 ways to edit photos on your cell phone Bring your cell phone or camera and get ready to have some fun with our expert staff photographers!
TAKE PHOTOS LIKE A PRO!
12 noon - 2 p.m.
Saturday, November 15th
Yellow Door Photography & Imaging
18430 Mack Avenue
Grosse Pointe Farms
Questions? Call (313) 264-1587
Mark Wilamowski, Agent 19637 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Bus: 313-881-8100
Email: mark@callmarkw.com Callmarkw.com
ingredients
• Extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons
• Fresh rosemary, 2 teaspoons
• Fresh thyme, 2 teaspoons
• Garlic, 2 cloves
• Grated parmesan, 1 1/2 cup
• Grated zest of lemon, 1
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Turkey, 10lbs - 12lbs
• Unsalted butter, 1 stick
directions
1. Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Fit a wire rack inside of a rimmed baking sheet; set aside.
2. Combine the butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper in a medium bowl until smooth.
3. Pat the turkey dry, then season all over (both the underside/flesh and skin) with 1 tablespoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Place skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Work your fingers between the skin and meat on the breast and top of the turkey legs to loosen, then rub the Parmesan-butter evenly under the skin. Rub the olive oil all over the skin, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup Parmesan.
5. Roast until the Parmesan is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into a thigh reaches 165 degrees F, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Let rest for 30 minutes before carving.
BAKED MASHED POTATOES WITH PARMESAN CHEESE AND
ingredients
• Russet potatoes, 4 pound
• Butter, 1/2 cup, 1 tablespoon
• Grated mozzarella, 1 1/2 cup
• Grated parmesan, 1 cup
• Whole milk, 1 cup
• Plain dry bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and set aside.
2. Cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until they are very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain; return the potatoes to the same pot and mash well. Mix in the milk and melted butter. Mix in the mozzarella and 3/4 cup of the Parmesan. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking dish. Stir the bread crumbs and remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan in a small bowl to blend. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the mashed potatoes. Recipe can be prepared up to this point 6 hours ahead of time; cover and chill.
3. Bake, uncovered, until the topping is golden brown, about 20 minutes.
ingredients
• Salt, 1 1/2 teaspoon
• Eggs, 3 large
• Milk, 1 1/2 cup
• Unsalted butter, 1 stick
• Active dry yeast, 1 package
• All-purpose flour, 6 cups
• Sugar, 1/2 cup
• Water, 1/2 cup
directions
1. Place milk in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat, stir in the butter and sugar and let cool. Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit until foamy. Combine milk mixture, eggs, yeast, salt, and 1/2 of the flour in a mixer with the dough attachment and mix until smooth. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and stir until a smooth ball forms.
2. Remove from the bowl and knead by hand on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 60 to 70 minutes. On a floured surface, punch down the dough and shape into desired shapes. Place on a parchment paperlined baking sheet. Cover again and let rise until doubled, about 30 to 40 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven 350 degrees F.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter before serving.
ingredients
• Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon
• Ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon
• Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon
• Cream cheese, 8 ounces
• Eggs, 3 large
• Heavy cream, 1/2 cup
• Salted butter, 10 tablespoons
• Sour cream, 1/4 cup
• Whipped cream
• Brown sugar, 1 cup, 2 tablespoons
• Granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cup
• Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons
• Can pumpkin puree, 15 ounces
• Chopped pecans
• Gingersnaps, 12 ounces
• Pecans, 1/2 cup
• Dash of kosher salt
directions
1. For the pumpkin gingersnap cheesecake: In a food processor or blender, grind the gingersnaps until fine. Pour into a bowl and stir in the pecans, melted butter, brown sugar and salt. Press into the bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
3. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese in a stand mixer until soft, scraping the sides once. Mix in the pumpkin, scraping the sides once or twice. Add the eggs 1 at a time, allowing them to mix in, then add the sour cream and mix. With the mixer on low, add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg. Thoroughly scrape the bowl and mix to ensure everything is smooth and mixed in.
4. Pour the filling into the pan, smoothing the top. Set the pan on a baking sheet and bake until the filling is no longer soupy but still slightly jiggly, about 50 minutes. Turn off the oven, open the door just a hair and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for 15 more minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 30 minutes, then cover it with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. For the salted caramel sauce: Mix the brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, vanilla and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-low to medium heat. Cook, while whisking gently, until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool, then refrigerate until needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.
6. Slice the cheesecake and top with the salted caramel sauce, whipped cream and chopped pecans.
PUMPKIN GINGERSNAP
CHEESECAKE
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand.
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh
Groceries
• Clean your home completely. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating.
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Prep Meals & Set the Table
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go. Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
1 DAY BEFORE
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
NOVEMBER 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 7TH
Concert Over the Cove: Julie Dilworth
Ford House | 7:00 PM
Join celebrated Detroit vocalist Julie Dilworth for an intimate lakeside concert in Ford House’s Lake Shore Room. Surrounded by panoramic water views, guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening of live music, soulful vocals, and summer ambiance in this special edition of Concerts Over the Cove. For more information: 313.884.4222, www.fordhouse.org
NOVEMBER 8TH
A Toast to Giving –Bar Bingo, Bourbon & Bubbles
Lochmoor Club | 6:00 PM
Join us Nov 7 for Bingo, Trivia & More at Lochmoor Club—an exciting fundraiser supporting Kids On The Go’s programs for children with special needs. For more information: 313.332.1026, www.kidsonthegocamp.com
NOVEMBER 11TH
Veterans Day Breakfast
The War Memorial | 8:00 AM
Our annual Veterans Day Breakfast includes the presentation of thank-you notes handmade by local students, an uplifting service song medley, keynote remarks, and a gourmet breakfast. The War Memorial is pleased to offer a space for local service members to experience camaraderie over a meal together. For more information: 313.881.7511, www.warmemorial.org
NOVEMBER 20TH
Hollyfest
The War Memorial | 6:00 PM
Save the date for Hollyfest celebrating 25 years of empowering families & enriching lives. For more information: 313.447.1374, www.familycenterhelps.org
NOVEMBER 21ST
The Rivers Makers Market
The Rivers, 900 Cook Road, Grosse Pointe Woods | 11:00 AM
Shop small this holiday season and join us for the Holiday Vendor & Craft Market at The Rivers of Grosse Pointe. For more information: 313.885.5005, www.theriversgrossepointe.com.
NOVEMBER 22ND
Maker Studio: Fused Glass
Charcuterie Boards
Ford House | 10:00 AM
Design your own one-of-a-kind fused glass charcuterie board in this festive workshop led by Fired and Fused Glass Studio. No experience needed—just bring your creativity! All materials provided. Finished boards will be ready for pickup a few weeks later, making this the perfect handmade gift or holiday. For more information: 313.884.4222, www.fordhouse.org
NOVEMBER 23RD
Grosse Pointe War
Memorial Tree Lighting
The War Memorial | 5:00 PM
Come and enjoy as our 20-foot Christmas tree returns to the front circle! A traditional tree lighting celebration with caroling, hot chocolate, and a holiday vendor market is the best way to spark joy this holiday season. For more Information: 313.881.7511, www.warmemorial.org
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NOVEMBER 28TH
50th Annual Grosse
Pointe Santa Claus Parade
Lewiston & Kercheval to Cadieux & Kercheval | 11:00 AM
Bundle up and enjoy a magical morning of floats, marching bands, performers and of course Jolly Ol’ Santa presented by The Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce! For more information: 313.881.4722, www.grossepointechamber.com
NOVEMBER 29TH
Home for the Holidays at Ford House
Ford House | 5:30 PM
Please join us for this new wintery event. More information to come: 313.884.4222, www.fordhouse.org
