Mount Clemens, MI August 2023

KIDS + PETS

The Kids & Pets Issue

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. This issue is one of my favorites – babies and fur-babies! Could it get any cuter?

Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment, and we are happy to highlight the best for kids in this issue.

Who could forget pets? This special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love and the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.

Although children are of infinite value, what children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention, and intention shapes how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.  Cheers!

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Kimberly Janowicz | kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Amy Niezur | amy.niezur@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sammie Laforce

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kevin Shea, Paul Versluis

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

KIMBERLY JANOWICZ, PUBLISHER @MOUNTCLEMENSCITYLIFESTYLE

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @mountclemenscitylifestyle

1: L’Anse Creuse graduate and Mount Clemens resident Abigail Moceri plans to attend Macomb Community College. 2: Electric quartet from Romania, Amadeus, stops by Cellar 104 in Mount Clemens. 3: Roger Silvestro II, graduate of L’Anse Creuse North, is awarded the Mount Clemens Kiwanis Scholarship. 4: John P performs at the Uptown Friday Night concert at the Fountain Stage. 5: Kids enjoy the Super SatARTday event at the Anton Art Center. 6: Uptown Friday Night Concert featuring Kathleen Murray Band sponsored by Mount Clemens City Lifestyle.

7: Ashley Brewer and Valerie Hamilton, President of NCNW Macomb, at Mount Clemens’ Juneteenth Event.

ANTON ART CENTER DAVID GAGNON

586-222-8284 30126 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores

Bingo Pet Salon offers grooming services for all breeds of dogs. Our certified groomers work with you to help find the optimal groom for your dog for look and maintenance. Your pet’s comfort and safety will always be our top priority.

DIY Dog Treats

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

BIRTHDAY CAKE FOR YOUR PUP PEANUT BUTTER AND PUMPKIN DOG TREATS

Celebrate your dog’s next birthday or treat your pooch for no reason at all! Peanut butter and apple combine to create a taste your dog will love as much as you do. Apples provide vitamins A and C, along with beneficial fiber for your dog. Make sure to remove all the seeds, as they contain potentially harmful compounds.

If small children want to help, they can do it! Core and cut the apple into large slices, then let your little one finish chopping with a plastic knife. Challenging your child to cut tiny pieces not only makes the recipe work best, but also provides great fine motor practice which can help strengthen muscles used for writing.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 egg

• 4 tablespoons peanut butter

• ½ cup apple, chopped fine

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Unsurprisingly, most dogs love peanut butter! Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats for your pup (and you, too!) When allowed to dry completely while baking, these treats store well at room temperature. If you choose to bake them to a softer consistency, store them in the refrigerator for best results.

Children will love to help make these as well. The ingredients are safe if they sneak a bite, and children love using cookie cutters. Dog bone-shaped cutters make this recipe even more fun to make.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ½ cups flour, preferably whole wheat

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup canned pumpkin

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a ramekin and set aside. In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Pour batter into ramekin. If desired, garnish with a few additional apple slices. Bake for 20 minutes or until done. Makes 1 serving.

Note: To make a larger batch, try multiplying the ingredient amounts by four, and dividing the batter evenly in a six-cavity muffin tin. In this case, shorten baking time by a few minutes if needed.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined. Add flour gradually and mix to form a firm but workable dough. Add a teaspoon or two of water if dough is too dry to roll.

Roll dough ½ inch thick. With a cookie cutter, cut shapes and transfer to an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy. Makes about 25 treats, depending on size of cookie cutter.

NO-BAKE OAT BALLS APPLE CHEDDAR DOG TREATS

Quick and easy, these dog treats also contain pumpkin. Pumpkin is packed with nutrition for your dog and can be soothing for pups with stomach upset. If you don’t have pumpkin, try replacing it with mashed banana, sweet potato, or even butternut squash--all tasty, healthy options for your dog.

With no oven required, this recipe is simple enough for children to make on their own. Little ones will be so proud to make treats for your pet all by themselves! If you have concerns about peanut butter due to allergies in your home, use sunflower butter instead—it is also pet safe, and some dogs even prefer the taste.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup canned pumpkin

• 1/3 cup peanut butter

• ¼ cup milk or half and half

• 3 cups uncooked rolled oats, reserving ½ cup for topping

DIRECTIONS

In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, peanut butter, and milk. Stir until combined. Add 2 ½ cups oats and mix until the dough is firm enough to roll into balls. With a spoon or scoop, form dough into 1 inch to 1 ½ inch balls. Roll balls in reserved oats to coat. Chill in refrigerator for at least one hour. Store refrigerated. Makes about 20 treats.

Instead of peanut butter, these treats feature cheese, another favorite of many dogs. What’s more, two tasty flavors of cheese combine to make them irresistible! While cheese is more of a treat than a nutritional benefit for your dog, the lower lactose levels in cheese makes it more digestible for Fido. These treats are baked until very dry, and store well at room temperature in an air-tight container.

Children will love to help roll and cut the dough, and these are easy enough for them to make. Just be sure to help with the oven! Once again, choosing a dog bone cookie cutter will make these more fun to make and more fun for your dog to enjoy.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups flour

• ½ cup uncooked rolled oats

• 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese

• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 2 tablespoons oil

• 3 tablespoons water

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine cheeses, applesauce, and oil. Add flour and oats and mix until well combined. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed until mixture forms a firm but workable dough.

Roll dough ¼ inch thick. With a cookie cutter, cut shapes and transfer to an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes. Turn off heat and allow treats to dry thoroughly in the oven. Makes approximately 16-20 treats, depending on size of cutter.

No-Bake Oat Balls are easy enough for small children to make!

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SHEA

Quality Time— Together!

FIND FAMILY FUN AT THE MACOMB FAMILY YMCA

For years, the Macomb Family YMCA has been a place for families to enjoy some quality time and nurture their minds, bodies, and spirits, says Susan Jarzeboski, Membership Experience Director at the YMCA. The records are unclear on the year the original YMCA on Dickinson opened. In 1966, the Mount Clemens Lions Club donated land on North River Road and the new YMCA opened in 1969. Ever since, says Susan, “It has been a pillar of the community.”

Some have visited almost since then. Felicia Young met her husband Will in 1973, and as she was too young to date, she met him each Friday at the “Y” for Teen Night. Today, married 42 years, she says, “We enjoy the Silver Sneakers program at the YMCA.”

The Youngs, along with other families in the area, find many good reasons to belong to the YMCA. Enjoying the pool (with open swim time offered daily), playing basketball, wallyball, or racquetball are some of the activities available for families to enjoy together, parents and

CONTINUED >

“The YMCA is a place where families can go, leave the digital devices behind, and spend some quality time together.”

“It has been a pillar of the community.” - Susan Jarzeboski

children alike. For children over 12, with a signed waiver and orientation, parents and children can work out together in the fitness center. Susan notes that the YMCA is a place where families can go, leave the digital devices behind, and spend some quality time together.

For busy parents looking for a date night, the Macomb Family YMCA has the answer. “We offer a member benefit called ‘Parents Night Out,’” says Susan. “It is offered once a month to members on a Friday evening from 4:00-8:00 PM. Parents can drop the kids off for a few hours of fun and structured activities, with pizza being served as well. The entire family enjoys a night out!” Alternately, parents can make use of the Child Watch program, allowing them time to work out or use the facility on their own while their children enjoy games, movies, or coloring.

Macomb Family YMCA has plenty of offerings for children. This summer, says Susan, “we are currently running summer day camp, karate, and swim lessons.” In fact, the YMCA introduced the idea of group swim lessons over 100 years ago, and the organization teaches over one million children essential swimming skills each year.

Activities coming soon at the “Y” for children include basketball, dance, and “Tiny Chefs”—a class for little ones to learn simple recipes and cooking basics to build life skills and confidence. No matter which you choose, says Susan, “They are all great programs to bring kids and families together in a safe place.”

Giving back is also an essential part of the YMCA. According to Susan, last year the Macomb Family YMCA distributed food boxes to needy families in the area, and this summer is partnering again with Huron-Clinton Metroparks to offer free swim lessons for 150 kids aged 5-15.

As part of the YMCA Metropolitan Detroit Association, the organization’s mission is powerful. To find out for yourself, visit the Macomb Family YMCA’s website at ymcadetroit.org

Guiding Every Step of the Way

Inside Regina High School’s Mission to Develop the Next Generation

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SHEA

According to The National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, “nearly 87% of girls’ school students feel their voices— their opinions—are respected compared to 58% of girls at coed schools”, and the Goodman Research Group found that graduates of girls’ schools are six times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology compared to female graduates of coed schools.

grades 11 and 12, says, “Regina aims to integrate faith into all aspects of student life. We foster an environment where students are encouraged to explore and deepen their faith through prayer, retreats, liturgical celebrations, and service opportunities.”

At Regina High School in Warren, a private, Catholic, all-girls’ school founded in 1956, these statistics inform their mission to transform girls into “young women of faith and vision.” Eric

Burson, Guidance Counselor for

“Regina is about academic excellence,” says Eric, “and has smaller class sizes than public schools.” In addition to the over 100 course offerings and 18 honors and Advanced Placement classes, the school offers STEM and robotics programs to encourage girls to explore careers in math, science, and technology. Through their “A Day in the STEM Life” program,

alumnae share their experiences working in fields such as engineering and medicine to give a first-hand look at what those jobs are like. The school’s FIRST Robotics competition team, the Saddlebots, plan, design, build, and operate mobile robots to perform tasks. Additionally, the school participates in technological paid internships with GM, Cooper Standard, HAP, and Recaro. Additionally, the school has a medical training coop with Beaumont Grosse Pointe.

Bringing STEM skills into every class, not just science and math, is a focus. In English classes, for example, students engage in active, student-led discussions which prompt girls to take the lead and develop critical thinking and analysis skills. Other academic highlights include courses in anatomy/physiology, engineering essentials, French, Spanish, ceramics, piano, and theatre arts.

The varied and rigorous curriculum pays off—students in Regina’s graduating class this year have been offered over $8 million in scholarships among the 68 graduates, and a consistent 100% of seniors move on to higher learning.

Supporting students and personalizing experiences every step of the way is essential to the staff at Regina. Cara Smith, Guidance Counselor for grades 9 and 10, focuses on social-emotional support as well as helping students plan their academic careers and their futures in college and work. According to Cara, Regina offers “an incredible amount of individual support. Our counselor-to-student ratio is much smaller than average, which allows me to meet with each student on my caseload regularly.”

Terese Pauken, Counseling Assistant, agrees. “The recommended ratio of students

to school counselors is 250 to 1, and the national average is in the 400 to 1 range,” she says. At Regina, “our student-to-counselor ratio is 15 to 1. Our counselors meet with students on a one-to-one basis several times a year and whenever a student is in need. Students work with their counselors to handle concerns about a class, receive help with time management, resolve issues with a teacher or another student, address questions about selecting courses, develop a plan for college and career paths, prepare for standardized testing, and receive support with personal concerns.”

In addition to counseling support, Regina’s Instructional Specialists and Social Workers help with students’ individual needs. “We have an extensive and phenomenal support staff including two Instructional Specialists who run a Learning Resource Center and provide Student Accommodation Plans, which are highly uncommon in private schools,” says Michelle DeGrez, an Instructional Specialist at the school. Adds Lisa Avery, Social Worker and Regina alumna, “Regina has developed a wonderful support system for the students.”

“In every position at Regina, women are leading—from our president (Mary Treder Lang) to our principal (Ann Diamond), to our sports team captains, to the girls performing on the stage. Everywhere you look, you see female leaders,” says Kathryn Dunleavy, Instructional Specialist. “I believe this sets Regina apart and allows young women to realize their potential as leaders in the world.”

Regina boasts alumnae from all over the area, including Mount Clemens. For information enrollment information, visit Reginahs.com

“Everywhere you look, you see female leaders. I believe this sets Regina apart and allows young women to realize their potential as leaders in the world.”

Straight Teeth Straight Teeth Big Smile Big Smile

Confidence Confidence Harrison Harrison

Township Township

President Mary Treder Lang

The Taste of Summer

CELEBRATE THE END OF SUMMER WITH A MEAL THE FAMILY WILL LOVE

Treat the family to a delicious summer meal! Our fried chicken recipe features a flavorful mix of herbs and spices in a buttermilk brine that can be prepared the day before. Pair the chicken with roasted carrots drizzled with spicy hot honey and a fresh green salad. For dessert, we have a fresh peach bread pudding with salted caramel sauce. For the adults, cap off the meal with our signature cocktail recipe.

ARTICLE BY SAMMIE LAFORCE AND AMY NIEZUR PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL VERSLUIS

Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken

ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons white pepper

• 1 teaspoon ground mustard

• 5 teaspoons paprika

• 2 teaspoons fresh black pepper

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• 2 teaspoons cayenne powder

• 1 teaspoon celery salt

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 4 teaspoons onion powder

• 1-2 tablespoons kosher salt

• 4 cups buttermilk

• 1 bunch fresh sage

• 2 cups flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• Whole chicken, cut up

• 4 cups shortening

directions:

1. Mix white and black pepper, ground mustard, paprika, garlic, oregano, cayenne, celery salt, thyme, onion powder, and salt to make spice mixture. Set aside.

2. Combine buttermilk, sage, and half of spice mixture for brine. Marinate chicken in brine (place in refrigerator) for up to 24 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add remaining spice mixture to flour, cornstarch, and baking powder and combine.

3. In a Dutch oven or heavy saucepan, heat shortening to 350 degrees. Remove chicken pieces from brine and coat in flour mixture. Fry in shortening for 3-5 minutes per side. Place chicken on a rack over a baking sheet and complete cooking in oven for 15 minutes. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar

• 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature and cut into 6 pieces

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon salt

Peach Bread Pudding

ingredients:

• 1 loaf brioche

• 5 fresh peaches

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 cups milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 5 eggs

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes.

3. Cut peaches into medium dice.

4. Place peaches, white sugar, and butter in saucepan. Cook until sugar is dissolved and peaches are soft.

5. Mix remaining ingredients together.

6. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Add peach mixture, brioche pieces, and then pour milk mixture over.

7. Bake for 45 minutes.

8. Let cool for 20 minutes before cutting.

Salted Caramel Sauce

directions:

1. Heat sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon. Sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick, amber-colored liquid as you continue to stir. Be careful not to burn.

2. Once sugar is completely melted, immediately add the butter. Be careful in this step because the caramel will bubble rapidly when the butter is added. Stir the butter into the caramel until it is completely melted, about 2 minutes.

3. If you notice the butter separating, remove from heat and vigorously whisk to combine it again. Very slowly, add heavy cream while stirring.

4. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt. Caramel thickens as it cools.

El Ahumado by Cordial Craft

“Spanish for Smoky”

ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces Reposado tequila

• 1/2 ounce aperol

• 3/4 ounce lime juice

• 1/2 ounce agave nectar

• 1/4 ounces Luxardo cherry syrup

• 1 spritz of Mezcal

directions:

1. Combine tequila, aperol, lime juice, agave, cherry syrup, and Mezcal and pour over ice.

2. If desired, garnish with orange peel, cherries, and mint leaves on a pick. The taste is lightly sweet and pleasantly bitter.  The Mezcal adds just a hint of smoke to make a beautifully balanced, interesting cocktail.

Backyard Chickens

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.

The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.

Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Things To Consider Before Getting Chickens:

First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.

Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.

Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.

Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.

Backyard Chicken Q&A:

HOW MANY CHICKENS SHOULD I KEEP?

Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.

HOW MUCH DOES KEEPING CHICKENS COST?

All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor. Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.

WHAT KIND OF SHELTER DO THEY NEED?

Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor

run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.

Want to go the fancy route?

Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com

WHEN DO CHICKENS START LAYING EGGS?

Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.

events

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

Daughters of Macomb Parade and Event

AMVETS POST 29, 1 AMVETS DR MOUNT CLEMENS, MI | 9:00 AM

The Daughters of Macomb are hosting a parade at 9:00 AM, starting at Amvets and winding its way through town, followed by a private members' event at the Rec Bowl celebrating the 2023 Grand DOM, Jan Hudock. Women interested in joining the Daughters of Macomb can find more information at daughtersofmacomb.com .

Sunday Train Rides by Michigan Transit Museum

JOY PARK, 23701 HENRY B JOY BLVD MOUNT CLEMENS, MI | 1:00 PM

All aboard! Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Michigan Transit Museum with a train ride! Rides leave Joy Park at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 PM. Purchase tickets at michigantransitmuseum.ticketleap.com . Limited tickets are also available at the loading platform.

Indigo Night

THE DISCOVERY CENTER, 54 CHERRY ST MOUNT CLEMENS, MI | 6:00 PM

It's Indigo Night! Enjoy appetizers, beverages, auction, and music by the Mount Clemens Uptown Friday Night Concert Series from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 21 and up only, $30 per person. For tickets, call Monika at 586-615-7928 or email discoverycenter@gmail.com and mention "Indigo Night" in subject line. The Discovery Center is a STEAM site providing educational workshops for children.