STYLE + BEAUTY ACCELERATED STYLE BY SAKS AT M1 CONCOURSE
HOME + DESIGN
ROOFING DONE RIGHT: DISABLED MARINE WORKS HIS CODE OF HONOR
LIFE + CULTURE
MATHNASIUM BOOSTS CONFIDENCE – AND GRADES – OF TROY STUDENTS
Style Meets Speed

STYLE + BEAUTY ACCELERATED STYLE BY SAKS AT M1 CONCOURSE
HOME + DESIGN
ROOFING DONE RIGHT: DISABLED MARINE WORKS HIS CODE OF HONOR
LIFE + CULTURE
MATHNASIUM BOOSTS CONFIDENCE – AND GRADES – OF TROY STUDENTS
Style Meets Speed
Everyone wants the return of an investment in real estate. But when it comes to the hard work of improving the property? Not so much.
Investing as a funding partner may be right for you. We invest the capital of partners like you – making it possible to earn dividends from real estate investments without having to buy, manage or finance the properties yourself. In other words, without investing the sweat equity.
Create the potential for a steady secondary income stream by diversifying your funds outside of traditional stocks and bonds. If you have some IRA or other extra funds to invest, let’s have a conversation about how you can invest in real estate projects.
Past performance is no guarantee offuture results.
Liquid Mining is a future-forward Bitcoin mining and hosting operation offering investors a hedge against inflation through secured investments in Bitcoin mining, generating predictable annual returns paid quarterly. The expected overall return over thirty-six months is 8x - 10x.
We have a growing presence in southeast Michigan, with facilities in Pontiac, and other expansion opportunities being developed on the west side of the state.
Liquid Mining provides investors with a way to get involved in the Bitcoin ecosystem while earning an annual rate of return of at least 10%, paid monthly. This rate is projected to increase as our profitability
To learn more, go to Invest.LiquidMining.net Money has changed many times since mankind started trading. Bitcoin is part of the next evolution of money.
In our September issue, we celebrate the luxurious world of style in Troy. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or how we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives – the way we decorate our homes, the media we consume, the way we carry ourselves in conversations, the music we lose ourselves in.
It also permeates every facet of our lives, and for good reason. Style is deeply personal. It evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions and our desires. How we perceive ourselves and how we want to be perceived.
The great thing about fashion is it always moves forward (says Oscar de la Renta). What better way to move forward than in some of the fastest, most luxurious cars in the world at M1 Concourse? That’s exactly what we did with some of our partners, after styling them at Saks Fifth Avenue Troy, of course.
This month, we explore other facets of style in Troy. Ever thought of your roof as stylish? Yet it’s one of the first features you notice about a home. Patrick Stemmler of United Restoration Disaster Services shows how he’s bringing integrity back into style. And Mathnasium of Troy is making education more than fun; great math students are trendsetters, and local native Diana Badr and her partner Todd Byrne are leading the way.
We stop in at TOUS les JOURS, an incredible French-Asian fusion bakery, and enjoy a taste of Mediterranean cuisine with Cedar Grille.
We’ve found that style is best when you use it to authentically express who you really are. And that’s something no one else can duplicate.
“Style is something each of us already has; all we need is to find it.” – Diane von Furstenberg
TODD
September 2023
PUBLISHER
Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rebecca Schweitzer rebecca.schweitzer@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Margaret Haight | margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rebecca Eve Schweitzer, Todd Haight
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kevin Shea Photography, Winterlayne Photography,
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
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 Hunter Richie
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Tag your Instagram photos with @troycitylifestyle
Dmitry Kondratyev brings an impressive 25-year career in banking, plus a deep understanding of financial services and a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. He will originate commercial loans, deposits and provide advice on treasury management, wealth and private banking products. Horizon Bank, 2555 Crooks Road, is strategically located in the heart of Troy's business district. Dmitry joins a team known for building solid business partnerships by providing sensible financial advice.
Scan to read more.
Gifts For All God's Children has launched its annual Back-To-School Aid Challenge supporting over 1,500 children in metro Detroit. The organization has set up an easy-touse Amazon Wish List at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/NY447Z02WTA1, where donors can select specific school supplies to contribute. Every donation will have a profound impact on a child's educational journey. Gifts For All God's Children is a charitable organization devoted to providing resources and opportunities for children in need throughout metro Detroit.
Scan to read more.
Dutton Farm, a non-profit dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will hold its annual event, the High Hopes Gala, October 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. This year's gala will be a dazzling Masquerade Ball, as you're invited to "dress to impress" for an evening of elegance, entertainment and philanthropy. The soiree will take place at The Treasury, 30 North Saginaw, Pontiac. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, visit duttonfarm.org
Scan to read more.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/TroyMI
The bread! Ohhh, that incredible fresh-outof-the-oven bread delivered to your table, so hot and irresistible. If you’ve had it, you know that’s the first thing to love about Cedar Grille in Troy (cedargrille.com). Of course, you must side it with the famous homemade falafel, hummus and baba ghanouj. Now, you’re off to a great start for lunch or dinner with the healthy, homestyle Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine at Cedar Grille.
Founder and owner Camilia Salah is proud to share her family recipes with customers, who she calls her extended family. (After all, you do feed family, right?) The menu ranges from mezza (appetizers and shareables) to traditional entrees like shish kabob, shish kafta, stuffed grape leaves, baked kibbee and lamb chops.
Then there are the sandwiches – shawarma, shish kafta, chicken tawook and many more – and family-ready combo platters. Everyone will find something among the vegetarian options, juices, smoothies, salads and sides.
Eating in is an experience, but you can bring the deliciousness home through online ordering, takeout and delivery options. Have a work party or family occasion coming up? Don’t serve pizza and subs. Try a healthier fare with Cedar Grille’s catering of appetizers, salads, sides, protein platters and desserts. Conveniently located on Crooks Road at I-75; call (248) 267-9100.
at this French-Asian-inspired bakery. You just won’t find this anywhere else, and we’re fortunate owner Jinwan Lee has brought it to Troy.
Every day, TOUS les JOURS (facebook.com/touslesjourstroy )makes fresh breads, decadent cakes and delicious pastries with the finest ingredients and utmost care. The gorgeous cakes and specially designed packaging offer a visually pleasing experience from every angle.
irresistible
Who in the world thought to bring French and Asian flavors together into one bakery concept?
We don’t know either, and we don’t care ... just pass the Cloud Cake. If you haven’t tried one yet, you must! This fluffy, delicate sponge cake is a bestseller at TOUS les JOURS, filled with freshly made whipped Cloud cream flavors like milk, chocolate, strawberry and green tea.
That’s just the beginning. You’ll appreciate the artistry within every baked good and specialty beverage
But it’s your taste buds that will celebrate the Strawberry Croissant, Spinach Feta Danish and Yuzu Pie (yum!). Try the Taro Cream Bread and Purple Sweet Potato Loaf (it’s really purple inside). We love the Croque Monsieur (for breakfast or lunch) and Sweet Frank Roll. And we haven’t even talked about the Iced Lavender Latte, Caramel Macchiato and other specialty coffees and teas. Those alone are worth the trip.
So, it’s time for a taste. Now through September 30, spend $20 or more in bakery items and receive one beverage FREE ($5 and under) but you must bring in this month’s issue of Troy City Lifestyle. TOUS les JOURS is at the corner of Crooks and Maple.
Cloud cakes and decadent desserts are simplyMost financial advisors are quick to talk about investment returns and market volatility. We’ll probably talk to you about sleep. Because if you don’t have a plan that aligns with your goals, you may never get any rest. So let’s take the return out of the conversation. Instead of asking how your investments performed last year, let’s talk about how to align your financial decisions with your risk tolerance and long-term goals.
We’ll do more than help manage your investments. We’ll help manage your comfort level. So, let’s talk.
Yves Saint Laurent famously said, "Fashions fade, style is eternal."
So, for our Style issue, we decided to share some of the luxurious styles, available right here in Troy, that have both international and eternal appeal.
We invited some of our partners to be professionally styled at Saks Fifth Avenue Troy, then took them to M1 Concourse for a oncein-a-lifetime feature photography session.
The result? A fabulous experience with some of the world's most luxuriant brands, like Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Gucci and Prada. We hope you enjoy the results as much as our partners did.
Rachel Cynowa, Pure HealthyBack purehealthyback.com/locations/troy
Deneen Macedonia, Trion Solutions trionworks.com
Dr. Leigh Elceser, Joslyn Chiropractic Center joslynchiropractic.com
Dmitry Kondratyev, Horizon Bank horizonbank.com/troy
Dan Zech, Stalt Financial staltfinancial.com
A special “thank you” to Saks Fifth Avenue Troy Stylist Mary Cholagh
#saksornowhere
#sakstyle
Rachel Cynowa
Black Leather Blazer by Rag & Bone
Black Cotton Dress by Theory
Shoes by Gucci
Bag by Bottega Veneta
Sunglasses by Prada
Deneen Macedonia
Beige Top & Skirt by Stella McCartney
Beige Heels by Christian Dior
Bag by Bottega Veneta
Sunglasses by Saint Laurent
Black Top & Pant by Stella McCartney
Silver Heels by Saint Laurent
Bag by Saint Laurent
Sunglasses by Saint Laurent
Dr. Leigh Elceser
Black Blazer by Celine
Jeans by Hudson
Heels by Christian Dior
Sunglasses by Saint Laurent
Dress by Akris Punto
Heels by Christian Dior
Dmitry Kondratyev
Green sport coat by Zegna
Shoes by Saint Laurent
White Polo by Isaia
Dan Zech
Blue Sport Coat by Brunello Cucinelli
Blue Cashmere Zip by Brunello Cucinelli
Pants by Armani
Shoes by Celine
ABOUT OUR CARS
2019 Aston Martin Vantage
Generously provided by Jim Tanner
Chief Operating Officer, M1 Concourse
2014 Porsche Cayman (both black and silver versions)
Generously provided by M1 Concourse
M1 Concourse blends style and speed, offering the perfect automotive events and entertainment venue at its 87-acre property including a motorsports community of garages and its own private Motorsports Club. The state-of-the-art facility features indoor and outdoor spaces that overlook the 1.5-mile circuit.
M1 can transform any event into a one-of-a-kind exclusive experience. The M1 Concourse is conveniently located on the legendary Woodward Ave. in Pontiac.
In short, M1 Concourse is the epicenter of all things automotive in Metro Detroit, providing a place where enthusiasts can keep, show, and exercise their vehicles in the company of other enthusiasts.
Esse Tuke is bold and straightforward, with nearly 20 years’ experience in divorce court, litigation and trials. She finds the ‘middle’ that can settle cases, but she’s always prepared to take a case to trial, with expertise and sound preparation. It doesn’t have to be messy.
Troy is an exceedingly generous community. We are abundantly populated with not-for-profit organizations that serve, educate, train, heal and restore, and they do it with your generous contributions of time, support and funding.
So, we asked some of our readers, “Who is your favorite nonprofit – and why?” The recommendations we received range from helping underserved children to caring for those touched by the epidemic of suicide.
Along the way, we heard about so many more you support. Boys & Girls Club of Troy. Chaldean Community Foundation. American Lung Association. Easterseals MORC. Families Against Narcotics. Disability Network Eastern Michigan. Arab American and Chaldean Council. And so many more.
These are just a few of the organizations that deserve our support this year – and, as we approach the holidays, with year-end financial gifts.
Who’s your favorite nonprofit? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram (@troycitylifestyle).
Meanwhile, here are a few of our readers’ favorites!
“This is my favorite charity. Their mission is to empower communities to prevent suicide and offer hope and healing to survivors. They offer support to survivors through the conference and support groups. Kevin’s Song has personally helped me and other families in Troy after the loss of loved ones by suicide.”
– Ann Percy (Ann Percy State Farm Insurance)CHILDRENSDMC.ORG
“We love Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Not only are they in Troy, but it’s all about children. We’re not the only ones. Last September, during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, many people across Troy came together to collect the most-requested item from the children at Children’s Hospital – Squishmallows! These are soft and cuddly, and they comfort pediatric patients as they go through care at the hospital.”
THECHILDRENSCENTER.COM
“The Children’s Center is a nonprofit in Detroit that provides children with clinical, behavioral and academic support, plus emergency crisis care. And they often counsel children who need a safe, comfortable environment to open up. So, our team adopted a flower garden at the center. We cleared out the area, sketched out a plan for the various flowers and plants, and we’ll begin planting soon.”
– Janet Pasco (Horizon Bank) Harnisha and friends collect Squishmallows for Children's Hospital of MichiganMeet Diana Badr, the woman behind Troy's new Mathnasium learning center, who knows firsthand the life-changing power of math. As a student with ADD, Diana struggled with math during her time at Troy's Larson Middle School, almost failing seventh-grade math. However, her mother's intervention led her on a path of transformation, ultimately preparing her to become a math teacher herself.
Today, alongside her business partner, Todd Byrne, Diana is on a mission to help students excel in math through her Mathnasium learning center (mathnasium.com/troy/about). The center is offering free student assessments just in time for the new school year.
"Mathnasium can change the trajectory of your child's life," says Diana, a qualified educator with degrees in Mathematics and Education. She currently teaches Honors Geometry and Precalculus at Stoney Creek High School. Diana emphasizes that the disruptions caused by COVID have left many students falling behind in math, but Mathnasium can bridge the gap and help them get back on track.
The results speak for themselves, with 94% of parents reporting improved math skills and understanding in their children after joining Mathnasium, and 90% of students noting an improvement in their grades. It's no wonder
Diana was passionate about bringing this program to her hometown.
Having grown up in Troy, attended its public schools and spent most of her life here, Diana has a strong connection to the community. Her involvement in various local activities, from working in the Troy Community Center to instructing at the Troy Aquatics Center and helping with the kids' camp at the Troy Farm, underscores her commitment to the well-being of Troy's youth.
When Diana and Todd were searching for a business opportunity, they aimed to serve the community where she had her educational journey. Recognizing the absence of the math program she once attended, Diana saw the need for Mathnasium and seized the opportunity to make a positive impact on Troy's students.
Mathnasium's unique approach to math education begins with a complimentary evaluation for each student. This allows instructors to identify knowledge gaps and tailor personalized programs to help students catch up or excel. The focus is on making the learning process engaging and enjoyable.
Diana's eyes light up as she shares stories of students who have achieved remarkable progress. One student, initially testing at a first-grade level, climbed to the fourth grade within just six months. High school students typically witness a 20% grade increase within three months, while elementary students can advance a full grade level in the same timeframe.
In the wake of COVID's disruptions, many students are struggling to catch up, with some classes lagging an entire year behind the expected levels. Mathnasium not only makes math fun by offering rewards, including an Xbox, for completing work at the center, but it also provides individualized attention to each student, eschewing homework to maximize their focus and productivity.
The diverse team of 12 instructors at Mathnasium addresses the whole child, taking into consideration any attention issues or learning difficulties a student may have. This holistic approach ensures that every child receives the support they need to thrive in math and beyond.
To learn more about Mathnasium's individualized programs and to schedule a free back-toschool assessment, call (248) 234-4926. Don't wait for struggles to begin; unlock the potential of math for your child with Mathnasium's expert guidance and support.
“The disruptions caused by COVID have left many students falling behind in math. Mathnasium can bridge the gap and help them get back on track.”
TROY MARINE IS KNOWN FOR QUALITY, INTEGRITY –AND AN INCREDIBLE 50-YEAR WARRANTY
Patrick Stemmler is on a mission to renovate the image of roofing professionals. His secret? The Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.
“We’re expected to live these values in our communities,” says the disabled veteran. “I run my business with integrity.”
United Restoration (unitedrds.com) offers affordable roof repair/replacement, siding/gutter replacement and mitigation. He makes the insurance process easy and his GAF Master Elite designation means top-tier installation using the best GAF, Owens Corning, Mastic and Napco products. Newly installed GAF roofing systems have a 50-year, one-time transferable warranty.
For a free estimate, call (844) 772-8737 or email urds@unitedrds.com
Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is the dress in our closet that can be accessorized to fit the event and often is the dress we go back to time and again. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?
Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Chanel transported fashion from tight corsets and bustles to straightlined silhouettes. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves. Today, people accessorize the black dress to fit any occasion.
We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be.
OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.
“We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says. “I selected this collection of dresses to show the versatility of the black dress and to give women some new ideas of how to wear the evening gown with a train on a night out with her girlfriends or the traditional summer strappy maxi dress while running errands in cooler temperatures.”
Although black is a timeless, classic look, that doesn’t mean it goes without personality. You can make it your own style by accessorizing to infuse new life into a dress that you already own.
“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.
If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life. “Take that evening gown you wore years ago to a tailor for a little transformation. Turn it into a high low dress-top that can be worn out with girlfriends or on a date night. Pair the top with leather leggings, ankle boots, a chunky belt and some statement jewelry, and now you have a piece that pushes the boundaries of the little black dress.”
We treat conditions– not just the symptoms –like acid reflux or chronic fatigue and more at their source.
As a leader in nutritional healing and alternative health care, we integrate chiropractic care and nutritional therapy to balance your body chemistry– an approach that is both holistic and successful.
Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type? Amani provided this simple guide:
HOURGLASS FIGURE:
• V-necklines
• Cinched-in waistlines
• Tailored/fitted dresses
PEAR
FIGURE:
• Tailored dresses
• Off the shoulder
ATHLETIC FIGURE:
• Embellished
• Ruffles
• Empire waist
• Volume is your friend
APPLE FIGURE:
• Drop waist
• A-line
The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.
Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats
DOWNTOWN ROYAL OAK
Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats, presented by Flagstar Bank, is Oakland County’s favorite summer festival celebrating art, music, cuisine and community in Downtown Royal Oak on Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy more than 200 musical acts this year. Advance tickets only $7 or donate canned food at Flagstar Bank branches for free admission. For ticket and entertainment details, visit artsbeatseats.com
SEPTEMBER 9TH
Troy Family Aquatic Center Doggie Splash
3425 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, TROY | 10:00 AM
Let your pup doggy paddle with these 45-minute dogs-only swims. Dogs must be six months old with current dog license. Cost: $12 for Troy Dog Park Members, $15 for residents, $18 for non-residents. Dogs under 30 pounds at 10 a.m.; dogs 31-61 pounds at 11 a.m.; dogs over 61 pounds at noon. Register online by September 8 at https://rec.troymi.gov.
Troy Daze Carnival and Fireworks
TROY CIVIC CENTER, 500 W. BIG BEAVER ROAD, TROY
Don’t miss the 53rd annual Troy Daze! This family-friendly festival is a Troy tradition and 100% driven by volunteers, with all event proceeds supporting local Troy charities. Admission: $5 (kids 10 and under free). Ride tickets are purchased separately from ride vendor. For weekend ride information and pricing, visit TroyFamilyDaze.org. Hosted by the Troy Community Foundation.
CLEAR CHOICE NATURAL HEALTHCARE, 1953 W. SOUTH BLVD, TROY | 6:30 PM
We’ve eaten our way into becoming one of the unhealthiest countries. Over half of our population is overweight. Join Dr. Rick Sowerby of Clear Choice Natural Healthcare to learn why counting calories is not the answer to weight loss. Discover how functional medicine can help you regain your health and lose weight for good. Seating is limited; call (248) 879-1900.
3339 ROCHESTER ROAD, TROY | 4:00 PM
Join the center’s Grand Opening to meet the team and discover how they can help relieve your pain and improve balance, strength and endurance. Refreshments will be served; everyone is welcome. Enter your name into the raffle for a special prize (valued at over $200).
M1 CONCOURSE, 1 CONCOURSE DRIVE, PONTIAC
The American Speed Festival, presented by Comerica Bank, comes to life at the 87-acre M1 Concourse, combining some of the most renowned brands in automotive performance history – vintage Indy cars, historic stock cars and modern-day supercars. This is a rare opportunity to see race cars from every era perform on the 1.5-mile M1 Concourse Speed Ring. Visit m1concourse.com/asf-home
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/TroyMI
TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS.
A company’s greatest assets is its employees, which requires a commitment to providing them the best services available. Trion’s PEO and payroll capabilities can reduce the stress and burden of managing these areas, allowing you to stay focused on your core business. Reach out to Troy-Based Trion Solutions, one of the nation’s largest Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs), at relyontrion.com