BRIDAL BRIDAL GLAM GLAM
by team chaos by team chaos
Where the Wild Things Learn: The Kids & Pets Issue
Hello, my friends!
August is all about the joyful chaos that comes with kids, pets, and the late-summer rhythm that pulls at our hearts before the school bell rings. This month, we’re celebrating that wild, wonderful energy—and the people who help shape it into something truly special.
We begin with The Art of Becoming, featuring Romanelli’s International Martial Arts. This isn’t just a place to learn kicks and punches—it’s a character-building community. As Sensei Romanelli says, “Kids are learning compassion, respect, perseverance—things they’ll carry into every part of their lives.” And isn’t that what we all want for the next generation?
Next, meet Becky Kamp of Wolf Pack Dog Training. Her approach isn’t about perfection—it’s about partnership. She gets it. Puppies chew shoes, kids forget commands, and parents are doing their best on minimal sleep. Becky brings calm to the chaos, helping dogs and humans find their rhythm together.
Finally, we take you on a tour of our town’s charming Little Free Libraries . These handcrafted book havens are more than just cute—they’re community treasures filled with stories waiting to be shared. Built and donated by service clubs and neighbors, they remind us how even small gestures can spark big imagination.
Whether it’s building character, building connection, or building curiosity— this issue celebrates the ways our community helps kids and pets grow into their best, happiest selves.
Here’s to messy rooms, muddy paws, and the magic of learning something new every day.
Warmly,
P.S. Feeling inspired? Learn how to start your own Little Free Library at littlefreelibrary.org!
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Kimberly Janowicz | kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Marshall Zweig, Kimberly Janowicz, Pam Reid, Beth Del Ville
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jake Sciacchitano, Kevin Shea, Kevin Roberts, Qiana Kelsch
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
JANOWICZ, PUBLISHER
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PARADISE AT HOME
Imagine waking up to the gentle shimmer of the water, sipping your morning coffee, or hosting unforgettable evenings in your own lush backyard oasis.
Kristie Lohmann of RE/MAX First specializes in waterfront properties as well as first-time buyers. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a waterfront property, a downtown gem, or a backyard built for serenity, Kristie brings unparalleled market knowledge, personalized service, and a passion for helping you find not just a house—but your perfect escape.
Kristie Lohmann
Art of Becoming
Romanelli’s Martial
Inside the family-first magic of Becky Kamp’s Wolf Pack Dog Training Stories on Every Corner Little libraries. Big neighborhood charm Unplug & Have Fun
Meet Maisel, our cover pup—trained by Becky Kamp of Wolf Pack Dog Training and photographed by Jake Sciacchitano, an accomplished artist, husband, and father whose creative eye brought this portrait to life.
Jake Sciacchitano
AUGUST 2025
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Dash (right) returns with his new friend Smokey (left), a very energetic one-year-old tabby. 2: Cashew Harrington is a 6-month-old silver lab who wakes everyone up with morning puppy kisses! 3: Daisy is a 4-year-old black lab mix who adores people, car rides, and family adventures! 4: Stella is a boxer who loves car and boat rides, and walks around Mount Clemens. 5: In memory of Ruby Mae (aka Moo), who was 76 lbs. of love, snuggles, and care. 6: Rosie & Henry mastered the art of barking during Zoom court to score “quiet treats!” 7: Meenie is just 14 months. She loves snuggles, kisses, and watching CAT TV on YouTube!
BARB WEINTZ
LAUREN MARIE
THE ZARZA FAMILY
MIKE & TAMMY SIMMONS
LYNN TREMAINE
MIKE & JODI SWITALSKI
JENNIFER DAVID
1: Bucky is an American pitbull terrier & American Staffordshire terrier. He’s the best adventure partner! 2: Born with 3 legs and abandoned, Meg was rescued during a vacation in Roatán, Honduras. 3: Spooky prides herself on being a Ninja kitty who can escape out the door undetected!
PEGGY FELDMAN
EMMA PARDI
KIMBERLY JANOWICZ
business monthly
Cellar 59 Launches Wine 101 Class
Join Cellar 59, located in The Mall at Partridge Creek, for an intimate Wine 101 Class starting August 5th, held the first Tuesday of every month at 6 PM. Explore varietals, regions, themes, processes, styles, and vintages through guided tastings. Cost is $25 per person. Reserve your spot for the next available class by calling (586) 228-0010. Sip, learn, and discover wine!
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First State Bank Congratulates Laura Ruggirello on Leadership Macomb Graduation
First State Bank proudly celebrates Laura Ruggirello, Branch Manager at their Hayes location, for graduating from Leadership Macomb Class XXVII. Through this 10-month program, Laura deepened her understanding of Macomb County, enhancing her ability to lead with insight and community focus. This milestone reflects First State Bank’s commitment to fostering employee development and building strong leaders who make a meaningful impact. Visit firststate.bank or leadershipmacomb.org for more information.
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SUPER HERO DAY IN MOUNT CLEMENS
Support Local • Have Fun • Be a Hero Downtown Mount Clemens transforms into a hero headquarters on Saturday, September 6! Start your day at Clementine’s at 8 AM, then join the main event from 11 AM to 4 PM for themed treats, trivia, exclusive merch, raffles, and more. Local businesses unite with fun deals and heroic flair—plus cookies to match! Dress as your favorite character and celebrate small-town spirit during construction. Capes encouraged!
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Photography by Leadership Macomb
ART OF BECOMING
Romanelli’s Martial Arts helps kids discover who they already are
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SHEA
Before either brother tied a belt around their waist, Tony and Dean Romanelli were just two kids in love with Ninja Turtles and The Karate Kid. Tony remembers his first class as simply “fun—I just knew I wanted to come back.” Dean remembers the awe of watching intermediate students in their crisp uniforms and thinking, I want to be one of them.
“We call it ‘walking with the white belt.’ It means we remember what it feels like to start.”
That quiet longing—to belong, to become—still lives in the kids who step onto the mats at Romanelli’s International Martial Arts, a proud member of the Zen Bei Butoku-Kai International martial arts organization. Led by O’Sensei Brian Ricci of Massachusetts, this parent organization has shaped Dean and Tony's approach as direct students and now, as directors themselves.
“We call it ‘walking with the white belt,’” Tony says. “It means we remember what it feels like to start. That’s where the real foundation gets built.”
LEARNING TO BE SEEN
Some kids show up ready. Others don’t. But all are met where they are.
“We try to build a place where nobody gets left behind,” Dean says. “If a kid doesn’t feel safe anywhere else, we want them to feel safe here.”
“When a kid’s nervous, we don’t push,” Tony adds. “Sometimes just sitting with them on the side for a few classes is enough to build trust.”
It works. They’ve seen kids who couldn’t make eye contact become instructors. “The kids don’t just look up to us—they look up to each other,” Dean notes. “That creates a real circle of support.”
One child, homeschooled and afraid to join the group, ended up performing confidently in front of a packed crowd.
“He walked in scared to be seen,” Tony says, “and left proud to be known.”
WHAT PARENTS DON’T EXPECT—BUT SHOULD
Most parents come hoping for discipline, focus, and structure—and they get that. But what they don’t always expect is how martial arts begins to shape the rest of a child’s life.
“Sometimes parents come to us and say, ‘I don’t know what happened, but my kid just stood up for themselves at school for the first time,’” Dean says.
“One mom told us the confidence she gained here gave her the courage to leave her job and start her own business,” Tony adds. “It’s bigger than martial arts. It’s a mirror.”
“We want parents to know this is a character school just as much as a martial arts school,” Dean emphasizes. “Kids are learning compassion, respect, perseverance— things they’ll carry into every part of their lives.”
RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST
The longer I listen to Dean and Tony, the more I realize martial arts here isn’t an individual pursuit. It’s communal. Students help each other rise. Parents connect. Lifelong friendships form.
“Some of our students are still friends 20 years later,” Dean shares. “That’s the kind of community martial arts can create.”
“We’re not just teaching kicks and punches—we’re teaching how to be a person who lifts others up.”
“It’s not just about the kids, either,” Dean adds. “Parents come here and feel like they belong. That matters.”
“We want parents to know this is a character school just as much as a martial arts school. Kids are learning compassion, respect, perseverance— things they’ll carry into every part of their lives.”
WHAT SUCCESS REALLY MEANS
When asked what success looks like, neither brother mentions belts or trophies.
Tony recalls one girl who could barely make eye contact when she started. She’s now earned her black belt and helps teach the younger students. “That’s success,” Tony says. “She changed, and now, she’s changing others.”
“Success is when a student finds their voice,” Dean adds. “Not just in class, but in life.”
“I don’t need a student to win a tournament,” Tony observes. “I need them to walk into a room and feel like they belong there.”
And when I ask what they hope Romanelli’s kids will be in ten years, Dean answers without hesitation: “The best version of themselves.” Which, I’ve learned from experience, is not a destination—it’s the path itself. So as the interview ends, I really understand what Tony and Dean have built: a place where kids don’t just learn to defend themselves—they learn to be themselves. Or in simpler terms: it’s a dojo for engaging in the quiet, sacred art of becoming.
If you want your child to be a part of this remarkable community, visit internationalma.com
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“HE listened TO ME!”
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAKE SCIACCHITANO
I’ve never met someone whose love of dogs is as apparent—or as earnest—as Becky Kamp of Wolf Pack Dog Training.
Before we even begin our official interview, Becky lets me know she’s fostering a six-week-old pit bull. “He’s learning from my beagles,” she says with a laugh. “So don’t be surprised if he howls.”
Sure enough, ten minutes in, there it is in the background—a puppy’s little cries. But instead of disrupting the conversation, it deepens it. Because if there’s anyone who knows how to work with the unpredictable realities of life with kids and dogs, it’s Becky. And she does it with heart.
“SOMETIMES IT TAKES TWO SESSIONS, SOMETIMES SIX. BUT WHEN THE CHILD LIGHTS UP AND SAYS, ‘He listened to me. That was so cool,’ THAT’S WHEN I KNOW it’s working.”
— BECKY KAMP
Frankie Maisel Dexter
Becky’s Wolf Pack Dog Training offers both in-home and studio-based sessions, as well as group classes, and private consults. What makes Becky’s approach so effective is her intuitive understanding of real families: busy households, overstimulated puppies, screen-distracted kids, parents stretched thin.
“If the kids are in soccer and mom’s working late, we do private sessions,” Becky says. “If they’ve got space in their schedule and want the dog to socialize too, we go for group classes—especially with puppies. I love when families come in together.”
Part of what might bring those families together may be because Becky tailors her training to kids. Every session includes a homework sheet—written clearly enough for a second grader to follow. Her goal is more than obedience—it’s empowerment.
“If the parents are busy cooking dinner and their kid says, ‘Can I train the dog?’ the answer is yes,” she says. “I want kids to feel like they’re part of it. That the dog listens to them too.”
In her studio, she keeps a kid-friendly guide to dog body language. It’s a way to help children feel not only welcome, but confident. They’re learning to read cues— their dog’s as well as their own.
“Sometimes it takes two sessions, sometimes six,” she says. “But when the child lights up and says, ‘He listened to me. That was so cool,’ that’s when I know it’s working.”
She tells me about one family whose oldest child had started pulling away from their new puppy. The dog wasn’t listening, and the boy was growing resentful. Becky suggested a one-on-one session at the studio—just the child and the dog.
“I WANT KIDS TO FEEL LIKE they’re part OF IT. THAT THE DOG listens to THEM TOO.”
“The dog started responding,” she recalls. “And you could see the shift. The boy smiled again. He was proud.”
These are more than behavior adjustments—they’re emotional repairs. And sometimes, the real work begins in the family’s home. Becky explains that many challenges—counter surfing, food stealing, jumping on furniture—need to be addressed in the context where they occur. A dog that snatches food from a child’s hand isn’t going to unlearn that at a training studio. “You can’t teach a dog to stop stealing food off the table if you’re not at the table,” she says.
But there’s another layer to her work—something harder to quantify. When she enters a home filled with tension, where the dog feels like one more problem in an already stressed household, she can sense it. And she knows what to do.
“Sometimes I walk in and the energy just says, ‘This is your last chance, Becky.’ So I make it my mission: this dog is going to stay in this family.”
She begins with connection, not correction. Sometimes “sit” isn’t the first cue. “Leave it” might be— because it builds impulse control and shifts power gently back to the family. And over time, the home changes. I ask her if she has a “Mary Poppins moment:” a moment where she knows the family can do it on their own now, without her. Becky doesn’t hesitate with her answer.
“The way the family speaks to each other,” she responds. “They start rooting for each other. That’s usually when the dog starts making better decisions—pausing, checking in, staying put when the kids run by instead of chasing.”
I share a story from my own past—a rescue dog named Moxie I adopted, who struggled with crates and separation anxiety so badly, she would bloody herself trying to escape confinement. An old-school trainer labeled her “worst case scenario” and threw keys across the room to startle her. But I share with Becky the soft, intuitive animal Moxie was underneath her trauma. Becky gets it.
“The keys thing—that’s an outdated method,” she says. “What that dog needed was trust. You build that through consistency, routine, and understanding the dog.”
She walks me through how she helps dogs like Moxie, one micro-step at a time, rebuilding not just behavior, but safety.
I tell her what happened next: I had to find Moxie a new home, and I was fortunate enough to work with a woman who lived on a farm, where Moxie could run around. A year later, the woman brought Moxie to work to visit. I didn’t even know if Moxie would remember me.
She was always a hyperactive, twitchy dog, but when Moxie saw me, she stopped moving, laid down on the car seat, and put the crown of her head toward me. I walked up, got down on my knees, and put the crown of my head against hers. This highly anxious dog and I didn’t move, for two full minutes. Just stillness. Connection.
“THEY NEED TO understand boundaries, ESPECIALLY AS PUPPIES GROW...I SAY THE SAME THING— BUT I SAY IT DIFFERENTLY. AND SUDDENLY, it clicks.”
“That,” Becky replies, “is the power of relationship. And that’s why I do what I do.”
Before we wrap, I ask what one essential piece of advice she’d give to families considering a dog.
“Do your homework on the breed,” she says. “Just because it’s cute doesn’t mean it fits your family’s lifestyle. Especially with herding breeds—people don’t realize how much structure and attention those dogs need.”
And, she adds, don’t forget to train the kids, too.
“They need to understand boundaries, especially as puppies grow. And honestly? Sometimes they listen better to me than their parents. I say the same thing—but I say it differently. And suddenly, it clicks.”
Simply put, Becky’s not just training dogs. She’s helping families learn how to become a pack—together.
To work with Becky, visit wolfpackdt.com
STORIES ON EVERY CORNER
Little libraries. Big neighborhood charm.
ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY JANOWICZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN ROBERTS
As a lifelong book lover there’s something magical about the Little Free Libraries scattered throughout Mount Clemens. Each one is a small but powerful symbol of community, creativity, and the joy of sharing stories.
104 S. Wilson
120 S. Wilson
852 Esplanade
Seminole Elementary School
Dorothea-Leonore Park
Balmoral Triangle
Bee Reader Monthly Book Selection
These delightful boxes, found in parks, front yards, and near schools, invite readers of all ages to “take a book, leave a book.” Some are simple and handpainted, while others, crafted by local residents and skilled artisans, add a whimsical touch to your neighborhood stroll.
Many were generously donated by the Mount Clemens Optimist Club and are lovingly maintained by volunteer stewards. Children’s books are always in high demand, but you’ll also find novels, biographies, and unexpected treasures perfect for summer reading.
This feature story highlights just a small sampling— we wish we could include them all! Every Little Free Library in our city has its own unique charm and is absolutely worth visiting.
To start your book adventure, check out the map at littlefreelibrary.org or download the app to find one near you.
Feeling inspired? You can even build your own and bring the joy of reading to your block. It’s a beautiful way to connect—and to share a story.
Kevin Roberts | @FatherPhoto
Kevin Roberts @FatherPhoto is a photographer with years of experience capturing everything from everyday moments to high-energy events. Known for his creative eye and authentic approach, Kevin blends storytelling, connection, and a deep love for people into every frame. Whether on the sidelines, in the studio, or out in the wild, his work reflects a passion for preserving moments that matter.
Bee Reader in MCEP Pollinator Park (N.B. Gratiot) MacArthur Park
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UNPLUG HAVE FUN! &
ARTICLE BY PAM REID
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summertime is the best time for kids to disconnect and enjoy being outdoors.
Long, long ago, in a time before technology, children entertained themselves and played endlessly with nothing more than ... wait for it ... their imagination. They played outdoors for hours with friends, balls, jump ropes, buckets, chalk, bicycles, you name it! The level of creativity saw no limits in the minds of these children. While some families have plans for getaway vacations, there are those planning to stay home and scrambling for things their children can do. We’d like to share some ideas that don’t include technology or cost a boatload of money for that matter. The benefits of spending time outdoors and unplugged outweigh complaints about temperature or those annoying creepy crawlers. The added bonus is that many outdoor games secretly teach life skills. Technology is used only to confirm game rules.
Ready or not, it’s time to play! A day - or two or three - full of outdoor games will invoke a trip down memory lane for some adults, or a “this is great” thought for others. In either case, playing these games has tremendous benefits - young people can fully embrace human connection, get a break from the instant gratification associated with technical devices and social media, and enjoy some good wholesome, age-appropriate fun. Many adults admit they played many of their favorite childhood games well into their teen years, and still others say they relish in a good game of dodgeball or tug of war today. This list is not all-inclusive, but it certainly gets the games started!
CHILDHOOD GAMES
TUG OF WAR - contest between two teams at opposite ends of a rope; each team trying to drag the other across a center line.
SACK RACE - stand in your sack, hold on to the top of your sack and hop as fast as you can to the finish line!
FREEZE TAG - each player freezes when tagged and can be unfrozen only by a player who is not yet frozen. Game ends when all players are frozen.
RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT - shout “green light” and all players run towards you, shout “yellow light” and they are allowed to walk, but when “red light” is shouted, they must stop and freeze. If player moves at “red light”, they go back to start line.
MUSICAL CHAIRS - walk to music around a group of chairs containing one chair fewer than number of players, and rush to sit down when music stops. The player left standing in each round is eliminated.
KICK THE CAN - find players in their hiding spots and put them in “jail”. Once a player is “jailed” the only way to be freed is for another player to beat the “IT” person to the can and kick it.
DODGEBALL - team sport in which players on two teams try to throw balls and hit opponents, while avoid being hit themselves. Consider water balloons instead of balls on a hot day.
There are more great outdoor games. Get unplugged and get outside!
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A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS AUGUST 2025
FRIDAYS, AUGUST 1ST-22ND
The Oasis Summer Concert Series
Downtown Mount Clemens on Macomb Place, adjacent to The Anton Art Center | 7:00 PM
Dine at our outdoor patios, then grab a cool beverage from participating bars in The Oasis Social District to sip outside. Our free outdoor concert series is on Macomb Place. Bring a chair and enjoy the lineup: 8/1 David Hamilton’s Rock Show (Rock, Funk, Pop), 8/8 Phunkfish (Classic Rock, Grooves), 8/15 Deadicated (Grateful Dead), 8/22 Spooky Sterling (Motown, Classic Rock).
AUGUST 7TH-10TH
Vintage Vibes & Front
Yard Finds: City-Wide Garage Sale
City of Mount Clemens | 9:00 AM
My son has been a student at Romanelli’s for over five years. I cannot express how great this dojo is. My son’s first experience with karate was through a school organization, and that teacher clearly did not know how to deal with young children. The instructors at Romanelli’s are unbelievably GREAT with children of all ages. They naturally modify their teaching styles and expectations based on each child’s individual age, level, and individual needs. The growth my son has shown in both selfesteem and physical abilities is un unbelievable. I would HIGHLY recommend this dojo for children, teens, and adults.
Leslee Siefert, Mother of Zachary Siefert - Junior Black Belt Graduate
If you’re a parent who wants your child to have:
• rock solid confidence
• lifelong self-discipline
• top level fitness
• and be safe from bullying and peer pressure
Limited space available - only a few spots left!
Clear out your closets or fill up your trunk— this beloved Mount Clemens tradition is back! Residents can host sales without a permit, and bargain hunters are invited to explore block after block of treasures, trinkets, and unexpected finds. Whether you’re selling, shopping, or just along for the adventure, there’s something for everyone! 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily.
AUGUST 11TH
Mount Clemens’ Own Uncle Kracker Hits the Armada Stage
Armada Fair, 74280 Fair Street, Armada, MI 48005 | 8:30 PM
Multi-platinum artist and Mount Clemens native Uncle Kracker brings his charttopping, feel-good mix of country, rock, and pop to the Armada Fair! With hits like “Follow Me,” “Drift Away,” and new tracks from Coffee & Beer, this is one summer night you won’t want to miss. Grab your tickets now at armadafair.org/tickets!
WHERE YOUNG MINDS BLOSSOM
