Mount Clemens, MI May 2023

Choosing the right Medicare coverage can be confusing with its alphabet soup of options. There is Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Supplement (Plans A-N), Prescription Drug Plan (Part D), Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) and more.

How do you know what is the right choice for you?

Let’s have a no-cost to you, no-obligation conversation, and I’ll provide answers to your questions, and you’ll learn about:

 The A, B, C’s of Medicare

 How and when you can enroll

 What are supplements and how they help

 Extra Help with prescription drugs

 What is not covered by Medicare

 What are the options beyond Medicare

Call, message or email me to schedule an appointment and let me help you understand your options.

Welcome to the LADIES issue!

We dedicate this issue to celebrating the women in our lives and community. As I reflect on the many women in my life, I am thankful for each one and the impact they have made on me. I’m lucky to have my amazing Mom, cherished memories of my Grandma and Babci, time with my aunts, cousins, friends, and sisters-in-faith. There are so many extraordinary ladies I revere for their courage to be vulnerable, their bravery and selflessness in times of challenge, and their acts of service that aren’t always seen.

In a world that thrives on competition, let’s take time to encourage each other, fix each other’s crowns, and appreciate the beauty in everyone. One of the best qualities a woman can possess is confidence in herself, while recognizing the beauty and talent of other women.

I hope this issue inspires you to create experiences that bring you, and the other special ladies in your life, joy. Prepare a delicious recipe together. Spend a relaxing day at the spa. Form a powerful partnership. Plant a tree in memory of a special lady. Send flowers, make a phone call, or take your children to visit with the women in your life who deserve to be honored.  It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them just how much you love them.

Warmly,

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Kimberly Janowicz

kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Amy Niezur | amy.niezur@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sue Everett

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kevin Shea, Kelly Hughes

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Photography by Capture a Moment Photography

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @mountclemenscitylifestyle

1: Winston struts his stuff for the Pooch Playoff Charity Event from Capture a Moment Photography. 2: Goober clearly loves the camera.

3: Hamilton strikes a pose. 4: Sparty is all smiles for Jen Dera and Angela Bilen of Capture a Moment Photography. 5: Gibby and Stewie pose for a group shot. 6: Bruno takes his turn in the spotlight. 7: Say cheese, Wicker!

MOUNT CLEMENS HAPPENINGS

Made in Michigan Show

Downtown Mount Clemens

Art, Craft, & Vendor Show

Friday and Saturday May 12 and 13

Live entertainment on the Fountain Stage on Macomb Place

Hours: Friday 11am–8pm and Saturday 10am–6pm

Band Schedule for Made in Michigan

Friday, May 12

Saturday, May 13

11am Tifani VanDenBerg 10am Jim Woolsey

1pm Kevin Tarnas 12pm Robby Chrism

3pm Eli Bucheit 2pm Heartland Duo 5pm–8pm The Tom Bartelmay Trio 4pm Johnny Rhoades

Mount Clemens Kids Business Fair

Cherry Street Mall

Saturday, May 13 • 10am – 4pm

Juneteenth Festival

Art, Craft, & Vendor Show • Downtown Mount Clemens

Friday and Saturday June16 and 17

Live entertainment on the Fountain Stage on Macomb Place

Hours: Friday 11am–8pm and Saturday 10am–6pm

Uptown Friday Night Concert Series

Live entertainment on the Fountain Stage on Macomb Place

Hours: Fridays 7pm–9pm

June 9

Kathleen Murray

June 16

John P

July 7

Spooky Sterling

July 14

Strictly Fine

July 21

Joe Alan Band

July 28

Dave Hamilton

586.469.4168

August 4

Tom Bartelmay

August 11

Whiplash

August 18

Ivory Steel

August 25

Motor City Josh

September 8

Oliva Van Goor

September 15

Kathleen Murray

Independence Day Celebration

Clinton River Park on North Bound Gratiot

Friday June 23

Hours: Concert at 7:30pm The Circle of Sound Band • Fireworks at 10pm

Enjoy The Oasis

The Oasis Social District is where people can buy and drink alcoholic beverages outdoors in the city's downtown area from participating businesses. See signage in the downtown area for limitations.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Cheryl Pittiglio Earns Director’s Club Award

Cheryl Pittiglio, owner of Pure Air Mold Removal Macomb in Clinton Township, recently earned the 2022 Director’s Club Award by Pure Maintenance at their annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, where Cheryl also had the chance to attend the Grand Ole Opry! Pure Air Mold Removal Macomb treats mold in homes with a patented dry fog technology, setting it apart from traditional mold removal techniques which often require drywall removal. Find out more at pureairmacomb.com.

Scan to read more.

O’Halloran’s Public House and Hall Reopening

After sustaining water damage on Christmas Eve due to a broken pipe, O’Halloran’s will be reopening later this spring. Many of your favorite menu items will still be on the menu, along with the debut of new specials and a craft cocktail menu. O’Halloran’s is currently booking events. Visit  ohalloranspublichouse.com or follow them on Facebook for reopening details.

Scan to read more.

Belle Santé Medical Spa

Treat mom, a special woman in your life, or even yourself this Mother’s Day to a day of beauty! Belle Santé Medical Spa offers leading-edge medical skincare and spa treatments in St. Clair Shores, featuring facials, massage therapy, skin care, and more. Belle Santé Medical Spa prides itself on a relaxing, elegant atmosphere. Look beautiful and feel great! Gift cards can be purchased in the spa or online at belle-sante-spa.com/gift-cards .

Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MountClemens

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SHEA

A Lifetime in Bloom

LYNETTE MARSACK OF KRAATZ FLOWERS SHARES HER STORY

“When I started horticulture classes in 1978, I never thought I would own my own flower shop,” says Lynette Marsack, owner of Kraatz Flowers. Lynette, born and raised here in Mount Clemens, started working at Kraatz in 1980. She worked there full-time until 1985, when she married her husband Bill and raised two boys, Nathan and Taylor, and has now owned the shop for 23 years.

The shop, which is soon to celebrate its 75th anniversary in business, was started by Leslie and Emma Kraatz, along with their children Arlene, Janet, and Paul. There were thirteen greenhouses and a small house on Ferndale Street, “a gravel road that ran parallel to what is now Groesbeck,” says Lynette. In 1949, when Groesbeck was completed, the Kraatz family decided to open a retail flower shop.

When Leslie and Emma retired in 1965, says Lynette, the children and their spouses took over. Arlene had gone to school for bookkeeping, Janet went to the American Floral Art School in Chicago, and Paul studied Floral Horticulture at MSU, so they were well-prepared to run the business. “The

CONTINUED >

“When I started horticulture classes in 1978, I never thought I would own my own flower shop.”

Lynette Marsack, owner of Kraatz Flowers

“We are more than just flowers,” she says. “We have a unique gift line, as well as a large assortment of plants.”

business flourished,” continues Lynette, and even had a satellite store at Macomb Mall. Over time, however, the expense of heating the greenhouses and the development of cross-country flower shipments made the greenhouses unprofitable, so they were torn down one by one and the property sold.

By 2000, the Kraatz children were ready to retire, and Lynette and her husband Bill decided to buy the shop. Unfortunately, Bill passed away unexpectedly in 2004, scuppering their plans to tear down and rebuild the original 118-year-old building, which had fallen into disrepair. In 2010, Lynette relocated Kraatz Flowers to its current location at 301 Cass Avenue.

Lynette had other challenges to contend with. “I had only been a designer,” she says, “never wanting to involve myself with the financial end of the business.” Fortunately, she had family and friends to help, especially Marilyn Harder, “my mentor and dear friend,” who Lynette misses every day since she passed in 2021.

Despite the challenges, Lynette has found pleasure and success in owning her shop. Business boomed shortly after the pandemic began, as people sent flowers to loved ones they couldn’t see in person.

“We are more than just flowers,” she says. “We have a unique gift line, as well as a large assortment of plants.” Lynette offers flowers for every person in your life, from mothers to sisters, grandmas, friends, teachers, and pastors. For Mother’s Day, Lynette suggests roses, hydrangeas, tulips, and Gerbera daisies, or if the mom in your life enjoys gardening, “a nice blooming plant or hanging basket she can use outside.”

“Our flowers have a longer life than most because of the way we process them as soon as they come in,” she adds. A big proponent of “recycle, reduce, reuse”, Lynette also trades flowers for vases. “Everyone has extra vases hanging around,” she says, “so bring in a box and receive a lovely bouquet!”

The practice was established in Mount Clemens in 1939 by Dr. Albert LaCroix and is grounded in providing continuity of care across generations and building trusting relationships. Dr. Ann LaCroix Fredal joined the practice in 1984 and was joined by her associate Dr. Joyce Yestrepsky in 2015. Now with the addition of Dr. Tessa Fredal, the practice boasts a third-generation optometrist. This impressive team has been voted BEST OF THE BEST by the Macomb Daily two years in a row, and is dedicated to carrying on the tradition of combining experience and expertise with elite technology to ensure patients receive eye care of the highest quality.

Your Future Career Starts Here

We can help you find the training and services you need to advance your career, and align your career path with local employers in rewarding and high paying fields. From apprenticeships to paid schooling, from advanced manufacturing to health care, don’t just find your next job, find your future career.

Jenn Magri, owner of Chaos Studio Salon

MAKING THE

dream true COME

“I originally started Chaos to create something different for women,” says Jenn Magri, owner of Chaos Studio Salon in Mount Clemens. “A place where you didn’t feel the need to get dressed up to get your hair done. A place where you felt at home, like visiting old friends. We wanted everyone to feel welcome and to have an atmosphere and vibe that portrayed that!”

Jenn started Chaos Studio Salon in 2005 as a woman-owned business. “I can remember several instances throughout the years that someone would come in and ask for my husband or the ‘man in charge,’” laughs Jenn. “I would calmly say, ‘I am the owner, how can I help you?’ You would see their demeanor change immediately when they realized I was the person in charge and I am a woman. It has now become more and more acceptable when people see women in power, and that’s a wonderful accomplishment for all of us!”

For years, Jenn operated her salon out of a rented space, but had a dream of owning her own building. Jenn found the process tough but empowering. “The process has been way different than buying a house. There are so many more people involved when buying commercial. I had many new challenges while trying to purchase and manage the new building, follow-up with all of my contacts, and run a successful salon at the same time! I’m also an Expert Stylist behind the chair and a mom to my boys who are 9 and 5, so that’s a whole different ballgame!”

Jenn Magri of Chaos Studio Salon Takes Ownership and Builds Her New Location

When Jenn found her new location, still in Mount Clemens, she “wept with pure joy.” After almost 18 years in business, her dream had come true. “I was literally giddy to get started on the renovations. The most rewarding feeling is seeing it all come together, just as you dreamed it would!”

Jenn credits Linda Reetz-Kahl, Commercial Loan Officer at First State Bank, for being her “rock” through the process of purchasing a building. “It was Christmas time and she had taken off a week, but she still texted and emailed me to make sure everything was going smoothly. She was sincere, supportive, and efficient, and we hugged hard when it came to closing! She surely went above and beyond to make sure my dream came true.”

Says Linda, “Working with Jenn was fantastic. Being a community bank, we pride ourselves on working and living in the neighborhoods we lend to. All approval processes are done locally and the turnaround time for new loan requests is usually fast. We offer a full array of commercial products that can help businesses of different sizes and needs grow in our community.”

Jenn has been hard at work renovating her new location, opening later this year. “We will be able to offer even more self-care spa services with specialized facials, therapeutic massage, microblading, body waxing, and more! This building will bring life and love to the east side of the Clem, and our rustic boho design will be the talk of the town. We can’t wait to show off the grand finale! Almost 18 years later, our goal is the same—supporting women, empowering women, and to make everyone feel at home when they are in our space. We strive every day to be the best of the best, always training, always learning, and growing to be everything our guests need for self care.”

Mother’s Day Brunch

FRESH SPRING RECIPES TO CELEBRATE THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE

Planning a brunch to celebrate mom or other special women in your life?  Missing the tastes of spring? Lauren Lane has suggestions for a fresh meal that celebrates all we love about spring. Bruschetta may be a familiar dish, but strawberries and goat or mascarpone cheese add a new twist. Paired with a fresh vegetable quiche, you have a meal that brings out the best of the season.

Spring Quiche

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pie dough

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cups mixed vegetables, such as raw spinach, cooked broccoli, or asparagus

• 7 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 1/4 cups light cream

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

• 3/4 cup grated gruyere or white cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup grated ParmigianoReggiano cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Transfer dough to a 9-inch pie plate and crimp edges.

3. Cover crust with parchment paper and fill with dried beans or rice to weigh down crust. Bake 25 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Remove paper and beans or rice. Set aside, keeping oven on.

4. In a bowl, add eggs, cream, herbs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Whisk together well.

5. Sprinkle half of the cheeses into the crust, followed by the vegetables. Add remaining cheeses.

6. Pour egg mixture over the top and bake until set, about 35 minutes.

Strawberry Bruschetta

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound strawberries, washed and sliced

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Kosher salt

• 1 loaf Italian or French bread, cut into 12 slices

• 1 cup goat or mascarpone cheese, room temperature

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, basil, or mint leaves

• Balsamic vinegar or glaze

• Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1 . Combine strawberries and sugar in a bowl and set aside.

2. Brush bread with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.

3.  Preheat broiler. Place bread on a baking sheet. Broil a few inches from heat for 1 minute, then flip slices and broil opposite sides until golden brown.

4.  Spread cheese on toasted bread.

5. Season strawberry mixture with salt, pepper, and herbs. Spoon over cheese.

6 . Garnish with additional herbs. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or glaze.

For more inspiration and recipes visit @Lauren_lane_culinarian.

ARTICLE BY LAUREN LANE AND AMY NIEZUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Build Your Own Benefits

Options for Making Your Business Dreams Come True

ARTICLE BY SUE EVERETT

Some people hold tight to the dream of owning their own business, afraid to take the leap because they think matching the benefits package they enjoy with their current employer isn't possible if they strike out on their own. Or they believe the huge cost of securing the benefits they need will put out their entrepreneurial fire.

It's a common misconception that in order to enjoy a generous benefits package you must be employed by a big company. The truth is, you can absolutely be your own boss while still taking advantage of a curated group of healthcare options to help you succeed--no big corporation necessary.

Don't let a fear of the unknown stop you from living your dreams.

As a licensed insurance agent with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, I can help you build a benefits package to meet your needs and one that works with your budget. In fact, because we have access to such a wide

selection of providers, it's possible to closely match the coverage you're enjoying with your employer now.

Your customized plan could include options from healthcare to dental and vision, life insurance, and could also include supplemental options such as cancer care and disability.

Give me a call to discuss your options, free of charge. There is never a fee to utilize my services.  HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is located at 21370 Cass Avenue in Clinton Township. For an appointment, contact Sue at SEverett@HealthMarkets.com or give her a call at 586-764-8903. Visit her website at HealthMarkets.com/SEverett HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state. Agents may be compensated based on enrollment. No obligation to enroll. 48359-HM-0322

Sue Everett Sue Everett is a Licensed Insurance Agent at HealthMarkets Insurance Agency in Clinton Township.

Building The Perfect Flower Bed

How To Build Your Spring Time Flower Beds

With sunny skies upon us, it’s time to start planting flower beds! The colorful flowers and fresh floral scents mark the beginning of Spring. It can be hard deciding what you’re going to do so we put together a guide to give you a little gardening inspiration. With everything you need to know including plant necessities and tastefully decorating your garden, we have you covered!

TAKE COLOR INTO ACCOUNT

Decide on a color scheme that includes 2-3 colors that complement each other.

CONSIDER PLANT HEIGHT

When choosing which plants you will use, take into consideration how tall the plants will grow and place the tallest in the back.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

MAY

11th Annual Macomb Business Awards

EMERALD THEATRE, 31 N WALNUT ST MOUNT CLEMENS, MI | 2:30 PM

Presented by Consumers Energy, the 11th Annual Macomb Business Awards will recognize local businesses in a number of categories, including Hidden Gem, Hometown Hero, Small But Mighty, and others. Tickets $35. For more information, visit business.macombgov.org/business-mba-about .

MAY

Mount Clemens Historical Commission Presents Ann Baxter

MOUNT CLEMENS LIBRARY, 150 CASS AVE MOUNT CLEMENS, MI | 10:00 AM

New Glass, Vintage Home is a workshop presented by Ann Baxter, a local expert on the historic aspects of stained glass in architecture. Ann has been featured on the HGTV program "Rehab Addict." For more information, contact Lana Vaughan at 408-568-5462.

Clementine's Date Night

CLEMENTINE'S PASTRIES, 57 MACOMB PLACE MOUNT CLEMENS, MI | 6:00 PM

Join Clementine's for a special date night from 6:00-9:00 PM. Clementine's will be creating a unique and custom pastry menu along with a few housemade mocktails. For more information, visit clementinespastries.com.

Made in Michigan Show

DOWNTOWN MOUNT CLEMENS | 11:00 AM

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MountClemens

80’s Party 4 a Purpose Charity Event

EMERALD THEATRE, 31 N WALNUT ST MOUNT CLEMENS, MI | 6:00 PM

Dig out your favorite 80’s attire and get ready to have fun for a good cause. Enjoy live entertainment from RadioWave and Los Gringos, along with contests, food, and a cash bar. Proceeds benefit Great Lakes Burn Camp for Burn Injured Kids, Blue Star Military Mothers Chapter 180, and Turning Point Mount Clemens. Tickets at 80sparty4apurpose.org

The Natural Health and Wellness Fair

MOUNT CLEMENS ARTS CONSORTIUM/URBAN NATUROPATH CAMPUS, 99 S MAIN ST MOUNT CLEMENS, MI | 12:00 PM

Curious about natural health? Come see over 50 different natural health products, practitioners, and services, all based in Macomb County, presented by The Urban Naturopath - Jennifer Gale. Enjoy healthy food, giveaways, and live music until 8:00 PM. Vendors until 6:00 PM. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit urbannaturopath.com.

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

Make an Impact for Mom

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.

Take a Flower Arranging Class

Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

You find the house, we’ll handle the rest.

When it comes to getting a mortgage, having the right partner matters. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, or you’ve been around the block before, First State Bank is with you every step of the way with a loan solution that’s right for you and expert lenders who are there to help and advise you.

From application to closing, First State Bank delivers competitive rates, great service, and a smooth mortgage experience. If you’re looking to buy or build a new home, we’re here for you. Give us a call today to get prequalified or to start your application!

When you’re looking for a home, look to your Hometown Bank.

866-372-1275 | www.fsb.bank/mortgage