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.
MAKING MEMORIES BRIGHT
Hello, my friends!
As the holiday season envelops us in its warm embrace, it’s a time to reflect on what truly brings us joy, connection, and meaning. This December, our Gifts + Giving issue celebrates the spirit of giving—not only through presents wrapped with care but through memories made, moments cherished, and acts of kindness that leave a lasting impact.
Mount Clemens has always had a heart for helping others, and this year is no different. The Giving Campaign, organized by City Lifestyle, offers us a chance to be a Secret Santa to those in need in our community. As you’ll read in our feature, it’s about more than financial assistance; it’s a reminder that no one should feel alone.
Of course, some of the best gifts are the memories we make around the table. In this issue, Kraatz Flower’s own Lynette Marsack inspires us with creative floral centerpieces to bring life and warmth to holiday gatherings. Lynette reminds us that beauty often comes from nature’s simplicity—branches, wintergreens, or a ribbon tied just right.
And let’s not forget the cherished traditions that light up our lives—like holiday lights tour with loved ones. Growing up, a night spent admiring Christmas lights was a family tradition, and as I look back, those nights listening to Christmas songs in the car and laughing together felt like a beautiful escape from the holiday rush. Today, I carry on that tradition, bringing joy to my mom with our cozy lights tour and favorite treats. Moments like these remind us that some of the greatest gifts are simply spending time together.
So, as you browse through this issue, we hope you’ll find inspiration to create joyful memories, connect with loved ones, and perhaps share a little extra kindness this season. Because the best gifts we give and receive often can’t be wrapped—they’re shared and remembered.
Warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas & joyful holiday season,
The inspiring Lynette Marsack takes time—just before serious surgery—to give tips on holiday centerpieces
Simple Yet Fancy Holiday Appetizers
Sure to be crowd pleasers this holiday season, indulge in these delicious, stress-free recipes
Crafting Cheer DIY Winter Crafts
Making Merry Bright
For everyone who enjoys Christmas lights like our publisher Kimberly Janowicz, we spotlight the events that really shine
Kraatz floral arrangements were photographed at The Crocker House Museum & Garden in Mount Clemens. Photography: Kevin Shea
city scene
1: Jenn Magri, Rebecca Pomaville. 2: Media Sponsor Kimberly Janowicz, Susan Laurent 3: Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations had everyone on the dance floor. 4: The dynamic duo behind ArtParty: Engagement Manager Peggy DiMercurio and Executive Director Matt Matthews. 5: Kristie and Mark Lohmann. 6: Gregg and Lori Shipman donned Van Gogh’s The Starry Night theme from head to toe 7: ArtParty Honorary Chairs, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and his wife, Tracie. Photography by Michael Pfaendtner
8: Anton Art Center clay instructor Donavon Marrocco. 9: Live mural painting by street muralist Chazz Miller, founder of Detroit Public Art Workz (PAWZ). 10: City Commissioner Theresa McGarity 11: Bobby Finn, Delilah Tinoco. 12: Volunteer Sandra Tornberg secured the amazing assortment of 25 different restaurants for the gala event. 13: Chef Alex and the Italian American Cultural Society take a moment from serving 500 guests. 14. Stahl’s Catering has been a longtime supporter of the Anton Art Center’s ArtParty fundraiser.
by Michael Pfaendtner
Photography
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SHEA
Inspiration Holiday Floral
THE INSPIRING LYNETTE MARSACK TAKES TIME—JUST BEFORE SERIOUS SURGERY—TO GIVE TIPS ON HOLIDAY CENTERPIECES
Photographed at The Crocker House Museum & Gardens
It’s October 14 when I talk to Lynette Marsack, owner of Kraatz Florist. She’s in Henry Ford Hospital, awaiting brain surgery the following day. But that doesn’t stop Lynette from scheduling and having this interview.
“The first of October, I was rushed to the hospital thinking I was having a stroke,” she recalls. After tests, doctors discovered a tumor. It was benign, but brain surgery is always a risk.
“Life just happens when you’re making plans,” Lynette philosophizes. “We’re not as much in control as we think we are. We just got to play the game and keep moving along.”
It seems like a cue to change the subject, so I ask Lynette for her favorite holiday tradition involving flowers.
“Probably decorating my store for the holidays. I start right after Halloween, and it just goes and goes and goes until the 24th of December. Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths—and all my Christmas gifts.”
Lynette looks around the hospital room. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
I realize she means this year, and tomorrow’s surgery. I wonder how long the expected recovery period is; she tells me eight weeks.
“I can’t worry about it,” Lynette muses.
The conversation returns to flowers. Lynette tells me Kraatz decorates many offices for the holidays. “In fact, the hospital that I’m sitting in right now—Henry Ford—I decorate,” she smiles.
CONTINUED >
Kraatz’s most popular arrangements during the holidays are centerpieces. Lynette’s customers send Kraatz centerpieces to long lists of friends, family or clients. “Wintergreens, berries, branches, pinecones, beautiful ribbon loops, carnations—they give you that feeling of the holiday,” she says.
Lynette says nature offers anyone a chance to be creative.
“Take a pair of clippers, go outside, and start cutting winter branches of all sorts of evergreens. Then just tie them together and drop them in a vase. Perhaps you could stick some birch branches in—the white shows up beautiful with wintergreens— and tie a red velvet shoelace bow around the vase. It just looks like the holidays all wrapped up.”
I ask for more tips. What flowers complement holiday decor? “Poinsettias come in brilliant colors—reds, burgundies, even in speckled now— ‘Jingle Bells,’ it’s called. Just a variety of palettes for anyone’s home.” For a focal point, Lynette suggests amaryllis: “The vibrant red is so striking—deep, dark, rich.” If you’re into the unique, Lynette advises accenting with silvers and golds in arrangements or wreaths: “Add a touch of sparkly, glittery branches or trims.”
To make your home, as Lynette puts it, “smell like the holidays,” she says you want wintergreens: “juniper, princess pine, the spruces, noble fir, Douglas fir. Cedar is a very popular one too.”
To blend with wintergreens, Lynette offers up white phalaenopsis ‘moth’ orchids.
For that holiday scent: “juniper, princess pine, the spruces, noble fir, Douglas fir. Cedar is a very popular one too.”
Keeping your flowers throughout the holidays is doable, Lynette says, with a little maintenance. “Just always change your water once a week and give your stems a fresh cut. They can last longer—even into the new year.”
It’s time for us to wrap up the interview. I explain to Lynette that this article won’t come out until the end of November, six weeks after tomorrow’s surgery. So I suggest we use the article as a manifestation prayer. I ask Lynette to talk to me from the future.
She finds the words.
“I am blessed to have had the support of my family and my friends. My doctor’s team was exceptional. This has been a life-changing event. I am thankful that I’m almost fully recovered. My head’s going to be shaved for a while, and my energy level is not what it was, but I’m getting there. But I’m so grateful to be back in the store, among all my beautiful flowers again.”
To which we all say simply: amen.
Lynette's surgery the following day went successfully. She continues to recover.
The team at Kraatz is ready to help you find the perfect centerpiece, stop in at 301 Cass Avenue in Mount Clemens or call (586) 463-8688. Mention "City Lifestyle" for free delivery.
HOLIDAY APPETIZERS
SURE TO BE CROWD PLEASERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, INDULGE IN THESE DELICIOUS, STRESS-FREE RECIPES simple, yet fancy,
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALIE FINAZZO FOX
Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers
INGREDIENTS
• 2 pears (or substitute green apple)
• 8 ounces of brie cheese
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 1/4 cup raw walnuts, chopped
• Balsamic glaze
INSTRUCTIONS
• Cut pear and brie into 1/2-inch cubes. Leaving the rind makes skewers less sticky to handle!
• Take (4-inch) skewer, add pear, arugula, and cheese.
• Gently press chopped walnuts onto brie cheese to stick.
• Drizzle balsamic glaze overtop.
Cranberry & Pecan Cheese Crostini
INGREDIENTS
• 1 (8 oz.) container light cream cheese spread
• ½ cup chopped cranberries
• 1 Tbsp. grated orange peel
• ½ cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
• Rosemary and olive oil crostinis
INSTRUCTIONS
• Top crostinis with a dollop of cream cheese.
• Add cranberries and pecans.
• Garnish with grated orange peel.
CRAFTING CHEER: DIY WINTER CRAFTS
ARTICLE BY ERICA BIBB | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
ORNAMENT CLUSTERS
SUPPLIES
• 22 gauge wire
• Ornaments of at least 3 varying shades and sizes
• Wire snips
STEP 1
Cut desired length of wire for a cluster, about 24”
STEP 2
Add an ornament about 4” from one end of the wire and twist the wire around the top of the ornament to provide a base for your cluster. Twist about 5 times. You should still have about 4” of wire at the end; you will need it to tie onto your garland, tree, or wreath.
STEP 3
Continue adding ornaments to the wire, alternating sizes and colors until you have 4-6” of wire remaining.
STEP 4
Twist the remaining wire around the top of your final ornament 5 times to secure all of your ornaments in place. Making sure to leave at least 4” of wire in place at the end in order to tie onto garland, tree, or wreath.
STEP 5
Use the ends of the wire to attach to your holiday item of choice!!
Pro tip: Keep your clusters to the 24” length to keep from getting too heavy and/or having ornaments pop off. Ornaments will pop off at times, but they will still look gorgeous and you can always glue the ornament back onto to the top. Simple, gorgeous, and impactful!
DIY WINTER WREATH
SUPPLIES
• pruning scissors
• grapevine wreath form
• 22 gauge wire
• wire snips
• hot glue gun
• hot glue
• 3 types of fresh cut greens (you can also use artificial and have a wreath that will last you year after year!)
• fresh eucalyptus
• pinecones
• bells or ornaments
• ribbon
STEP 1
Trim greens removing any bald spots and extra length. Lengths of greens should vary between 5-10”.
STEP 2
Create clusters with the greens and eucalyptus, using all 3 of the greens. Create the cluster and then wrap the cluster with the 22 gauge wire onto the grapevine wreath form (starting at the top of your wreath), making sure that the wire is tight. Wrap 5-7 times to ensure everything will stay in place. Do not cut the wire. Set to the side to use for the next cluster.
STEP 3
Continue adding fresh green clusters going down your wreath and slightly alternating the angle the greens are pointing. Finish your final cluster and give yourself 3-4” of additional wire to twist close at the back of the wreath to finish and secure.
SIMPLE GORGEOUS IMPACTFUL
STEP 4
Place ribbon at the end of the clusters to hide any ribbon. We tied a knot with the ribbon around the wreath and then wrapped several times around the wreath.
STEP 5
Tie on ornaments, bells, or pinecones to hang from the wreath. This is optional, you may just want to add a pretty bow or even keep it as is at this point! When tying on the extra baubles, remember to cut your ribbon at varying lengths, so the bells or ornaments can hang at different levels. Tie the 3 ribbons together and then tie as one onto your wreath.
STEP 6
Add desired number of pinecones and put in place with hot glue. You can wire on the pinecones, but I like the control of placement is easier with the hot glue method.
Pro tip: keep taking a step back as you construct your wreath and keep in mind that sometimes less is more. Don’t be afraid to make edits and trust your eye!
For more inspiration visit www.porchandpatioco.com
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MAKING Merry Bright
For everyone who enjoys Christmas lights like our publisher Kimberly Janowicz, we spotlight the events that really shine
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
Enjoying holiday lights is a modern family tradition. Just ask City Lifestyle's publisher, Kimberly Janowicz.
"As a child, Christmastime could sometimes be rush, rush, rush: buying, shopping, cleaning, preparing," Kimberly recalls. "Seeing the lights was the one night where we just spent time together as a family. It was quiet, peaceful and joyful."
With Christmas music playing on the car radio, Kimberly and her family visited familiar neighborhoods and explored new displays. "It was a Christmastime adventure," Kimberly says.
"I miss sitting in the backseat. Now I'm the driver, sitting in my dad's old seat with my mom beside me. I take her to make her Christmas more joyful."
Kimberly and her mom's own light-sighting traditions include a heated car blanket, chai lattes and cranberry bliss bars from Starbucks.
"Making Christmastime memories we can cherish is the best gift!" Kimberly declares.
So here's Kimberly's gift to you: luminous events in and around Mount Clemens where you can make your own holiday memories.
Meadow Brook Hall
1) Step back in time with the Mount Clemens Historical Commission’s Holiday Homes Tour. You'll be whisked from one brilliantly lit, beautifully decorated historic home to another, with access to all five homes' first floors. You'll hear fascinating stories about the families who once lived there. It’s a colorful celebration of our city’s resplendent past, December 7 from 1 - 4:30 p.m. All transportation provided. Tours leave every half-hour from the Crocker House Museum and Gardens. Tickets on Eventbrite.
2) Mix headlights with holiday lights at the Downtown Light Parade on Saturday, December 14th. Deck out your ride with festive decor, and join the parade as it twinkles through downtown Mount Clemens. Meet at 5:00 p.m. in the Towne Square Parking Lot (Yellow Lot). The radiant parade starts at 7:00 p.m. Spectators can stop into Black Cat for hot chocolate, or enjoy Oasis District holiday drinks out on the street—create your own pub crawl! For info on registering, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @mountclemenscitylifestyle
3) Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo features spectacular light shows, animal sculptures, an enchanted forest—and a talking wishing tree.“It responds to your wish, then sends it out the top of the tree into the sky,” says the Detroit Zoo’s Emily O’Hara. Proposing this holiday? Emily says, “Wild Lights” is a popular spot: “We have a special package, a special area set up.” For a photo op, Emily suggests the entrance's new lighted 15-foot logo: “You can sit in the O's of ‘Detroit Zoo.'" Tickets at detroitzoo.org
Holiday Homes Tour (photo by Kevin Shea)
Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo
Mount Clemens Light Parade
4) Choose your environment with two festive Meadow Brook Hall events. Stay warm and explore the historic mansion on the Holiday Walk, November 29 - December 23. It features 50 stunning trees, flickering fireplaces and shimmering decorations over three floors. If you’re outdoorsy, opt for the breathtaking Winter Wonder Lights: the grounds are transformed into a spectacle of gleaming displays. Stroll the sparkling paths, indulge in seasonal treats and cozy up around a bonfire. Tickets at meadowbrookhall.org
5) Immerse yourself in the enchantment of the season with Home for the Holidays at Ford House. Stroll a one-mile path illuminated by elaborate light displays, including whimsical willow trees and festive gardens. Explore the historically accurate holiday decor of The Main Residence at your own pace. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate—adults can spike it for a festive twist. After this glittering journey through history and holiday cheer, you can snap a photo with Santa himself. For info and tickets, visit fordhouse.org
Meadow Brook Hall
Ford House (photo by John Martin)
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