Mount Clemens, MI June 2023

SAVE YOUR WAY

No matter what your timeline, or what you’re saving for, we can help you get there. We offer FDICinsured savings solutions to help you make the most of your money.

Balances are fully insured up to the FDIC’s allowable limits.

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as of 4/26/2023. Rates on certificates of deposit accounts are fixed for the duration of the term unless otherwise disclosed; fees could reduce earnings; penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal on Certificate of Deposit accounts. You must deposit at least $1,000 to open the 7-Month CD and earn APY. You must deposit at least $5,000 to open the 13-Month CD and earn APY. Total deposits may not exceed $1,000,000. Deposits must be new funds to First State Bank. Current First State Bank customers are eligible to make a one-time transfer from another First State Bank account of up to $10,000 with the deposit of $2,000 or greater in funds new to First State Bank. Limit one account transfer offer per tax-reported owner. Promotional offer subject to change or cancellation at any time.

**Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of 4/26/2023 and subject to change. This is a variable rate account and the interest rates and APYs may change at any time. Limited time offer. Limit one account per Tax ID. Balances between $5,000-24,999.99 earn 3.75%

A Salute to Fathers

Have you ever wondered, “Do fathers matter? What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s start with the simple answer—the importance of a father is tremendous! Fathers make countless differences in their home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you!

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children. My father passed away several years ago, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him. Whether it’s the sparkling sun on the water that makes me remember the fun days we had boating, or his sage advice about business and finances, he is with me every day in spirit.

As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:

• A father’s strength can be powerful

• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational

• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting

• A dad’s smiles can instill joy and confidence

• Time with a dad can be fun and productive

• A dad’s physicality can be challenging

• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational

• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving

• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable

Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say—thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.

Happy Father’s Day!

KIMBERLY JANOWICZ , PUBLISHER @MOUNTCLEMENSCITYLIFESTYLE

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Kimberly Janowicz

kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Amy Niezur | amy.niezur@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kelly Hughes, Kevin Shea

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

LaCroix Eye Care is excited to add another fabulous collection to our designer assortment! Oliver Peoples is a heritage brand born in the heart of West Hollywood. The unique culture of Los Angeles – elements of fashion, film, art, music – continues to inspire the product and vibe of the brand.

Each Oliver Peoples frame is hand-crafted with careful attention to detail, sculpting and perfecting the materials to achieve a balanced and refined final product.

LaCroix Eye Care is one of only a handful of optical boutiques in the area to offer this iconic brand. Come experience the exclusive and fashionable vibe of Oliver Peoples!

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @mountclemenscitylifestyle

1: Breakfast is served at the Mount Clemens Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast with Boy Scout Troup 157. 2: John MacArthur flipping pancakes. 3: Kathy Kelchner and Dinesh Chawla presenting at the Protect Your Estate event. 4: Geri Pritchard and Steve Hamick lead the pack. 5: Elms Family Community Services and Reign MK Pads are partnering to mentor girls this spring/summer. 6: Greg LeFevre and Dave Gerlach share a laugh at the griddle. 7: AJ Palucki working hard in the kitchen at the pancake breakfast.

MARILYN MCGEE

KELLY HUGHES

KELLY HUGHES

KELLY HUGHES

KELLY HUGHES

KELLY HUGHES

KELLY HUGHES

Steven Fedenis Earns Allstate Honor Ring Award

Steven Fedenis has been recognized by Allstate Insurance Company for high standards in customer satisfaction, customer retention, and financial service sales. Steven has achieved the distinctive Allstate Honor Ring award for his 11th consecutive year. For nearly 60 years, the Honor Ring has been Allstate’s symbol of outstanding achievement and is a symbol of dedication in assisting customers. Steven Fedenis Allstate Insurance Agency, serving Mount Clemens and Clinton Township, can be reached at 586-840-0425.

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ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY HUGHES

A Taste of the Good Life

GET TO KNOW CELLAR 59’S WINE LOCKERS AND TASTING EVENTS

“I think having a wine locker builds a sense of ownership here—commitment. When you have a wine locker you say, this is my place,” says Michael, a customer of Cellar 59, a wine bar owned by Dan and Tami Kedziorek located nearby at The Mall at Partridge Creek.

Cellar 59 is known for its wine lockers, recently showcased in a special tasting event featuring six wines. Says Dan, “Every month we have a wine tasting. Guests have the opportunity to taste the wine and then order. The wine order usually comes in within one week and is placed in their wine locker for their next visit.” The tastings are a great way to try high-end and obscure wines, with Tami working with distributors to bring in a curated selection for each event.

The bar has 18 wine lockers, says Dan, and they have been available for just over a year. “We don’t run this like a typical wine locker club,” he continues. “At places such as Morton’s or a yacht club, lockers can cost $500 to $5000 or more, just for the locker, and these places usually do not host tasting events.” At Cellar 59, wine lockers cost $100 every six months, and customers can defray some of the

“I think having a wine locker builds a sense of ownership here—commitment. When you have a wine locker you say, this is my place,”

— Michael, Customer

There’s no pretense here, says Dan. “If you’re here, you’re part of it. That’s very unusual. That’s our clientele.”

cost through discounts on wine purchases. Software tracks locker owners and the vintages, prices paid, and when bottles were added and removed, including a historical section of bottles used.

Dan and Tami were inspired to start the lockers from their travels. “We travel a lot,” he says. “There are differences about how we do things in Michigan and how they do things in say, Cape Cod, Florida, California, wherever.” Dan built the lockers in his living room. “I decided to design them myself,” he says. “I picked out the wood and designed custom moldings.” Dan also created the software used to track the wine lockers. “I’m a computer person,” he continues, “I designed the software the way I wanted it, and when we need updates, I can just go in there and update it.”

Guests with wine lockers find them useful in surprising ways. One customer, Lisa, who runs a travel agency, finds her locker at Cellar 59 indispensable when meeting potential clients to discuss their honeymoon plans over a glass of wine and a waitstaff who know her by name. Another locker owner, Andrea, says, “I wanted to have a light wine locker for when I come here to work during the day and have some wine. Before you know it there’s another girl here by herself. And then another one. It’s like Starbucks, but with wine!”

There’s no pretense here, says Dan. “If you're here, you’re part of it. That’s very unusual. That's our clientele.” Michael agrees. “This is the friendliest wine bar I’ve ever been to.  Every time I sit in this bar everybody's introducing themselves, everybody's talking to each other, and becoming friends. It is literally the friendliest bar I have ever experienced. It's like Cheers.”

Tami and Dan Kedziorek

Gabe Anton

Gabe ANTON

Gebran “Gabe” Anton, now age 90, is a Mount Clemens institution. Growing up here as a child, his father, a cobbler with a shop in downtown Mount Clemens, died in 1949 when Gabe was only 17. “In Arab communities,” says Gabe, “The oldest son takes over as head of the house when a father dies.” Despite his young age, Gabe assumed the responsibility for running the shop as well as finishing his education at Mount Clemens High School. “The school let me finish on a condensed basis,” he says. “I went to school from 8:00 AM to noon, and then went to work in the shop.”

Fortunately, adds Gabe, “My father had hired a cobbler before he died, after breaking his hip. I didn’t know how to fix shoes!” A popular item at the time was steel heel plates. “If you bought the shoes from me,” Gabe says, “I would install heel plates for free. Otherwise, it was a quarter.” Gabe’s shop sold then-popular flipper-type shoes including white bucks, blue suedes, and more.

Gabe grew up at 253 Crocker Blvd, in a house his father built. “I don’t know how a shoemaker was able to build that house!” he laughs. His parents, whose family was originally from Armenia, could speak English but not read or write it. Gabe had four sisters, and although the family didn’t have much in material goods, they had a happy life. “We never went to restaurants,” says Gabe, “but my mom could make soup out of a cement block! I certainly wouldn’t have been voted the best-dressed kid in school, but I certainly felt very loved—what else do you need?”

CONTINUED >

He was, however, voted “senior class cut-up” at Mount Clemens High, although that was not his original school. “I went to St. Mary High School,” says Gabe, which closed in 1970. “I had a nun teaching my religion class. I don’t remember what I did, but whatever it was, it met with the nun’s disapproval. I got sent to the Mother Superior and she nibbled on my tail.” The next year, continues Gabe, the same nun was assigned as his homeroom teacher. Not wanting to spend more time with the nun, he says, “Don’t ask me where I got the chutzpah, but I walked out and enrolled myself at Mount Clemens High School!”

Gabe’s wife, Suzanne “Pat” Anton, was also a student at Mount Clemens High. She was voted best-dressed and best-looking, says Gabe. He had just bought himself a new 1950 Mercury for $900 and had gone to the A&W on the north end of town, followed by driving around trying to “pick up chicks.” “Pat and her friend had just gone to the movies. I pulled up and tried to hit on her.” It worked, he says, and she got in the car with him. When he asked for another date, Pat told him she already had one coming up with another guy. Gabe says with a smile, “I told her you can have that date, but it’s the last one you’ll ever have. And it worked!” Stressing that Pat is the best decision he ever made, Gabe continues, “We sort of fell in love right away, and now our four daughters, our grandchildren, and our great-grandchildren—the whole family—are coming in June to celebrate our 70th wedding anniversary.”

Gabe's shoe repair and first Anton's store

The wedding took place in 1953, while Gabe was on leave from the army after being drafted during the Korean War. Their first home was above a millinery shop owner’s home in Mount Clemens. After leaving the army in 1955, he set out to build the family business. “In 1957 I opened a men’s store next to the shoe store. I didn’t even own a suit when I opened it!” Gabe credits his friend Louie for the idea. “Louie said, ‘Why don’t you open a men’s store? I’ll come work for you.’ There was no rhyme or reason for it, but it succeeded.”

In 1959 Gabe assumed a third store next to his shoe shop and men’s store, gutted the building, and built what he calls “the most beautiful store in Mount Clemens,” followed by a second Anton’s store in Utica in 1967. In the early 70s, Anton’s expanded to Warren, and in 1976, to Lakeside Mall.  With a loan from developer A. Alfred Taubman, Gabe says, “I went from a small-time operator to one of the biggest men’s chains in Michigan.” Eventually, Gabe owned nine Anton’s stores and four Gabe’s—a smaller store that focused on items that could be personalized with computerized monogramming.

When Gabe opened his store in Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor, however, he was faced with a challenge. “It was a 12,000 square foot store. Most of the others were more like 7500.” Gabe recalled a Scottish woolens store he had visited in Canada that had a British MG automobile inside and was inspired. “My friend Joe had a 1937 Packard Phaeton. It was a gorgeous car, powder blue. I

asked Joe to borrow his car to take up some space in the store—it was so big!” The car proved so popular that Gabe began to add classic cars to all of his stores, including a 1939 Lincoln Phaeton, a 1937 Ford convertible, and a 1941 Lincoln Continental.

Gabe sold the business in 1987 and focused more on real estate, which had been an interest of his for years. In 1969, he bought the Bath City Building, which at the time was a produce store and meat shop. Gabe also recalls buying the Vicant Building on Walnut St with a partner, which originally was six small shops that had partially burned. “I bought the block and rebuilt it,” he says. “We won a national award for the Vicant Building.” Gabe went on to develop a large number of projects around Mount Clemens, including the Cherry Street Mall, the Clemens Center, the Towne Square Building (donated to Oakland University as the Anton/Frankel Center with his partner Stuart Frankel), Gibraltar Trade Center, a new building for the Macomb Daily, and contributing and raising money to build the Anton Art Center.

These days, says Gabe, “I don’t own a doorknob in this city now. I’m 90 and ready to retire.” Retirement for Gabe has been “liquidating” the fruits of his career for a peaceful life with Pat in his Grosse Pointe Farms home, designed to accommodate their needs as they age by their daughter Ann-Marie Anton. Gabe built himself a memory room in the house, where he has hung favorite photos. Reflecting on his life, and his work in Mount Clemens and beyond, he concludes “Nice memories make me emotional.”

“I went from a small-time operator to one of the biggest men’s chains in Michigan.” CONTINUED >

“Gabe’s legacy is that of family, vision, generosity, and a passion for Mount Clemens.”

Pinball Wizard

Meet Mike Bradley of Sparks Pinball Museum

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SHEA

“My first experience with pinball was when I was 9 years old,” says Mike Bradley, owner of Sparks Pinball Museum on 23 Mile Road in New Baltimore. “I ran into a pinball called FunHouse at a bowling alley in Warren called Pampa Lanes. After playing it, I was so enamored with it and would later beg my parents to take me there to play it.” Today, FunHouse is still Mike’s favorite game to play, and as he says, “the only one I understand the rules to.”

Mike’s early interest in pinball grew. “My dad purchased our first pinball machine called Space Shuttle from a bar in Roseville called Tip Top Tavern back in

the early 90s. After that, my dad and I would go to various arcade auctions over the years, where I would drag a large extension cord to play the games that were to be auctioned off. It was like a free arcade to me. We ended up with a small room in our basement with a few pinballs and video arcade games, where I would pretend to operate my own arcade.”

Mike’s family ended up selling most of the games purchased in the 90s, but in early 2011 Mike started to buy them again after finding his childhood favorite, FunHouse, for sale on Craigslist in Toledo. Today, his collection of 100 pinball machines is rotated through

Mike Bradley, Mount Clemens resident

Sparks Pinball Museum for guests to enjoy, located inside of Premier Lanes. Premier Lanes, says Mike, is a family-owned bowling alley with its roots in the Liberty Bowl, once located in Roseville. “When the K-Mart Corporation wanted the spot where their bowling alley was, the family moved the bowling alley (even the enormous pinsetters and wooden bowling lanes) to a shopping center on 23 Mile that was once a small mall.  The family converted the mall into a bowling alley and bar. Today the bowling alley is run by brothers Frank and Joe Sgroi and their Uncle Joe Sgroi.” Mike lost his father in 2009 and the Sgroi’s lost their father, who started Premier Lanes, a few years later, but notes they are “continuing our dads’ legacy with the bowling alley and pinball museum.”

Among Mike’s collection of pinball machines are Joust, “a tabletop pinball where two players battle each other from each end.” According to Mike, it is based on the popular video arcade game Joust, and only 400 machines were made. Another unique find is Banzai Run, a game from 1988 with a normal horizontal playfield and a vertical playfield for the backglass, he adds.

When planning a night out at Sparks, says Mike, “it can be as low key or as eventful as you want it to be.” In addition to pinball and games, he continues, “you can start your night out in the on-site restaurant called Motor Café.  You can swing by to throw a few games of bowling and retire to the pinball museum to relive the nostalgia of a vintage arcade.  You can also check out the Diesel Concert Lounge where you can catch a live concert or event.”

“Pinball brings people together,” says Mike. “While playing at Sparks or at the tournaments we have once a month, you see many different people come together who may not typically socialize outside of pinball. It lets you get to know different groups of people you may not normally mingle with.”

Mike adds that as fun as pinball is, it wasn’t always legal. “Pinball was made illegal in many American cities and towns because it was considered a form of gambling and therefore immoral. Since the games are typically all made in Chicago, it became associated with organized crime,” he says. “New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia initiated a ban on pinball games in 1942 as a way to crack down on mob activity. It wasn’t until 1976 that pinball

“My dad purchased our first pinball machine called Space Shuttle from a bar in Roseville called Tip Top Tavern back in the early 90s. After that, my dad and I would go to various arcade auctions over the years, where I would drag a large extension cord to play the games that were to be auctioned off. It was like a free arcade to me.”

became legal again in NYC, which ended the 35-year ban.  There’s a new movie based on this story called, ‘Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game’ that was released this year.”

Outside of Sparks Pinball Museum, Mike is a 17-year resident of Mount Clemens and has been involved with organizations in the city, including as a board member of the Macomb County Historical Society. Consistent with his love of vintage games, Mike also owns a 1964 Airstream camper and enjoys camping all over Michigan with his partner.

Despite his love for the game at an early age, these days Mike finds more pleasure in repairing pinball machines and arcade games. “I’m actually a terrible pinball player when it comes to competing,” he laughs.

“Pinball brings people together,” says Mike. “While playing at Sparks or at the tournaments we have once a month, you see many different people come together who may not typically socialize outside of pinball. It lets you get to know different groups of people you may not normally mingle with.”

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. 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 Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE

Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!

PLAN A STAYCATION

You don’t need to go very far to have a great time with Dad! Explore a new neck of your own woods with a family staycation. You can go out on the town, stay at a fancy hotel and maybe even enjoy some room service!

GO BIRD WATCHING

Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, naturefilled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.

PLAY FRISBEE GOLF AS A FAMILY

Find a local frisbee golf course and grab a slot for the family to play. This activity is fun for both young and old and helps you take advantage of being in the beautiful outdoors together.

SPOIL HIM WITH BREAKFAST IN BED

Breakfast in bed isn’t just for Mother’s Day. Dads can enjoy it too! Whip up some of his favorite brunch treats and start Father’s Day off the right way.

06 09

HAVE A WINE AND PAINT NIGHT

Sign up for an artistic experience at a local wine and paint shop so Dad can let his creative side show and you can have a custom piece of art for years to come.

TACKLE A TASK TOGETHER

Is Dad a hands-on guy? Why not spend the day constructing a tree house or painting a birdhouse? Or better yet, help him organize the garage or start a garage redesign.

DO A FITNESS CLASS TOGETHER

Consider signing him up for a fitness class together. Whether he likes cycling, boxing or HIIT, encourage him to be adventurous and try something new.

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FIRE UP THE BACKYARD GRILL

There’s no greater way to get to a Dad’s heart than the word “barbecue”. Grab extravagant meats like a rack of ribs or wagyu beef burgers and go to town.

CONSTRUCT SOMETHING OUT OF LEGOS

Harken back to Dad’s childhood with a specialty kit of legos. Embark on a family project of helping Dad build models of favorite movie props like the Death Star or Hogwarts castle.

HAVE AN OUTDOOR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

07 10 11 13

COOK SOMETHING ADVENTUROUS

If some of Dad’s role models include Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, consider thinking outside the box and create a meal with something you wouldn’t usually go for like bison burgers or grilled octopus tentacles. Tackling a complex recipe may seem challenging but the memories and the meal will be worth it.

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

Clementine's Date Night: Cut-N-Board Collab

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

Clementine's is adding another fun night into the mix! While sweet things are more their style, they are bringing on a savory concept. Jonelle of The Cut-N-Board will be creating small charcuterie items for sale. Pastries and beverages will also be available. Event ends at 8:30 PM. No reservations required. For more information, visit clementinespastries.com

31st Annual Mount Clemens Car Cruise

DOWNTOWN MOUNT CLEMENS | 9:00 AM

Shine up those rides and join us for the 31st Annual Mount Clemens Car Cruise. Enjoy live entertainment and some amazing food trucks at the new food court area. Early-bird registration on Friday with open cruise in the evening. Saturday registration at 7:00 AM followed by car show, awards, and open cruise until 10:00 PM. For details, visit mountclemenscruise.com .

Uptown Friday Night Concert Series

FOUNTAIN STAGE ON MACOMB PLACE, MOUNT CLEMENS, MI | 7:00 PM

The Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority kicks off their annual live entertainment concert series. Bring your lawn chairs to the Fountain Stage to hear Soul Commission featuring Kathleen Murray, playing Classic Soul, Rock, Pop, and Motown hits. Drinks available for purchase at the Oasis Social District from participating businesses. Free. Sponsored by Mount Clemens City Lifestyle Magazine.

Juneteenth Festival Art, Craft, and Vendor Show

DOWNTOWN MOUNT CLEMENS | 11:00 AM

The Juneteenth Festival Art, Craft, and Vendor Show is coming to Downtown Mount Clemens from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Friday June 16, and continues Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Live entertainment will also be offered at the Fountain Stage on Macomb Place. For details, contact Michelle Weiss at 586-431-6788.

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Kiwanis Summerfest Charity Event

ITALIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER, 43843 ROMEO PLANK RD CLINTON TWP, MI | 6:00 PM

The Mount Clemens Kiwanis will hold their annual Summerfest Fundraiser to support local children. This year’s theme is “Throwback Thursday: Show Your School Spirit!” Guests are encouraged to wear spirit gear. Event includes dinner, premium bar, live entertainment, raffles, and a wine pull. Tickets are $75. To purchase, visit mountclemenskiwanis.com or email kiwanis@kcg.us.

Independence Day Celebration

CLINTON RIVER PARK ON NORTHBOUND GRATIOT | 7:30 PM

The Downtown Mount Clemens Independence Day Celebration is coming to Clinton River Park. The Circle of Sound Band concert will begin at 7:30 PM, followed by fireworks at 10:00 PM. Boat wells are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Michelle Weiss at 586-431-6788.