Two of our favorite things: Kids & Pets
This month's issue is always one of my favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy children bring to our families and the impact they make on our communities.
You've heard it said that children are our hope for a brighter tomorrow. That's because their innocence, curiosity and limitless potential have the power to shape our world in ways we cannot even imagine. Of course, then they grow up and we wish they were young again.
Children represent our hardest work and our greatest investment, and we're always delighted to dedicate an issue to them.
And who could forget pets – so lovingly called fur babies? Their companionship can be transformative for children and adults alike. When I remember the unconditional love I've received from my pets over the years, I can still almost feel it. I'll bet you can as well.
Coty was my favorite. She was an oversized, big-boned Pure Sable Sheltie, the last one left from her litter. No one else wanted her, so we took her home. For more than 13 years, she was the best-behaved, most faithful, happiest dog I've ever had, and I still miss her.
Although children are of infinitely more value, what children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention and intention shape 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!
TODD HAIGHT, PUBLISHER @TROYCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Margaret Haight | margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Julie Flores | julie.flores@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Simran Bajwa | simbaphotography1@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Cindy Stewart
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cindy Stewart, Margaret Haight
Corporate Team
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CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
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inside the issue
Finding
Her
Purr-pose
With Feline Fund, Tara Tomcsik-Husak is standing up for cats’ medical treatment—and she’s all business The Joy of Friendship
At Camp Bow Wow, dogs are both pampered and socialized
Fabulous Flats
Once an office building, Troy’s Forum Flats apartments have impressive amenities—and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows
Posh Practices for Pampered Pets
Looking for the best for your jet-setting pet? Don’t miss this list Featured 12 18 22
Departments
Feline Fund founder Tara Tomcsik-Husak’s cat Nomi, photographed in Tara’s home.
Simran Bajwa
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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Workout party: Howard Beatty (center) of Howard Beatty IV Insurance Agency with the Move Detroit team 2: Small group networking: Ann Percy (left) with her Troy Chamber of Commerce Business Development Group 3: The Boothby family enjoying Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology’s annual outing at Jimmy John’s Field 4: Paolo and Domenic D’Amico, brothers and owners of BodyBing Tanning in Troy 5: Howard Beatty IV Insurance Agency’s Parking Lot Party drew a fantastic crowd of workout participants 6: Mayor Ethan Baker (second from left) with three generations of the Forbes family at Somerset Collection 7: The team at Revolve Cycling Studio celebrate the grand opening with Troy
Mayor Ethan Baker (center)
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8: Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology employees and family enjoy the office’s annual Jimmy John’s outing 9: Premier Pet Supply presents Tara Tomcsik-Husak with $22,000 donated by customers to support FelineFund.org 10: Nicole Gudeman (New Era Designed interior design) enjoys Carrabba’s Wine Dinner with Vicki Cerven-Astell (Kiwanis Troy)
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ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY
WITH HER FELINE FUND, TARA TOMCSIK-HUSAK IS STANDING UP FOR CATS' MEDICAL TREATMENT—AND SHE'S ALL BUSINESS
FINDING HER PURR-POSE
BY SIMRAN BAJWA
You can tell from her home that Tara Tomcsik-Husak is the ultimate 'cat lady.' From her cat wallpaper, to the neon 'Meow' sign, to the cat stairs for her cats Nomi and Jazz, her home is a cat sanctuary.
In addition to her demanding role as president and CEO of the Troy
requires partnerships and collaborations, using all of its donations to fund veterinary care for cats in need.
"There's a greater impact when we all work together," Tara says.
One of Feline Fund’s goals is increasing funding for TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return).
I GET PAID IN PURRS, HISSES…AND THE OCCASIONAL KITTY KISSES.
Chamber of Commerce, Tara is also the founder of Feline Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to providing veterinary care to homeless, feral and pet cats in need.
“It all started with an Hour Magazine ‘Cutest Pet in Metro Detroit’ contest," Tara tells me. The winner got a two-page article in the magazine, and Tara's cat Jazz won.
"I thought there would be no greater time to use that article to launch a nonprofit," Tara recalls. "So when they said, 'Tell us about your cat,' I introduced them as two cats on a mission to help cats in need: Jazz is Feline Fund’s Chief MEOWketing Officer, and Nomi is our Chief PURRfection Officer.”
Then Tara got to work actually creating Feline Fund. In less than two months—and just before the article went to print—Tara was approved as a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization, and Feline Fund was born.
Feline Fund is not a rescue, shelter or clinic. It's an organization that
“While I wish every cat had a home indoors, that is not the reality,” Tara says. "The problem is homeless cats who live outside are going to shelters and getting euthanized because there aren’t enough fosters or capacity in shelters.
"We work with local TNR trappers to get them spayed, neutered and vaccinated, and then returned. So that they won’t be brought back to a shelter or euthanized, feral cats get ear-tipped, to show this cat has received care."
Feline Fund sets up large TNR spayand-neuter days all year round. In less than two years, they've provided veterinary care to over 2,000 homeless cats.
“When we control the homeless pet population, we keep future cats out of the shelters," Tara points out.
In addition to homeless cats, Feline Fund helps cat families who cannot afford veterinary care. They host free vaccine and microchip clinics, and assist families in overcoming obstacles to veterinary care.
CONTINUED >
“With a shortage of veterinarians and the rising cost of care," Tara points out, "families and cats are at risk."
Tara encountered one such family at one of Feline Fund's free vaccine clinics.
“They had just immigrated to Detroit,” Tara explains. Their young daughter didn't speak much English, and their cat— who wasn’t eating—was her only friend."
Feline Fund had the cat examined, and discovered the animal had a rare jaw disease. Treatment would cost over $7,000, for a family that, as Tara observed, "could barely afford rent."
Feline Fund partnered with a veterinarian to treat the cat.
"This little girl was able to keep her best friend," Tara shares proudly.
Feline Fund doesn’t receive government or grant funding. Its mission is solely funded by individual donations and their 'Sponsor a Stray Cat' program.
"For every $50 donation," Tara explains, "we email the actual photo of the cat they sponsored. They've paid for a homeless cat's vaccines, spay/neuter surgery and ear-tipping.”
Tara holds up her cell phone, scrolling through cat pictures.
“We have a photo of every cat we've provided care for," she shows me. "We thank our donors by showing them the actual cat they helped.”
Tara models vintage Kate Spade ‘cat shoes’ as Nomi looks on.
WE KEEP FUTURE CATS OUT OF THE SHELTERS.
The fund also relies on pet-conscious partner companies.
“Premier Pet Supply hosts a donation and round-up fundraiser for us every year, in all their locations. In the past two years, they've raised over $33,000. That's veterinary care for over 650 homeless cats," Tara notes. "We make them a photo book with the faces of every cat their funding saved."
Feline Fund is always looking for new partners. Tara is excited that Biggby Coffee in Troy will also be hosting a Feline Fund event this month. If your company wants to help, Tara will supply Feline Fund Donation Tags that donors can write their names on, and businesses can display.
Tara doesn't take a salary for her work: 100% of donations go to provide care for cats.
"I get paid in purrs, hisses…and the occasional kitty kisses,” Tara says.
To learn more about Feline Fund or to donate, visit felinefund.org
A Feline Fund TNR spay-and-neuter event
– Dale R.
Joy of THE FRIENDSHIP
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
At Camp Bow Wow, dogs are both pampered and socialized
Sarah Miller, owner of Camp Bow Wow Troy, points to a picture on the wall beside her.
“Her name was Charlie,” Sarah says. “Little black Pomeranian. I took her all over the place with me. She was my baby.
“Charlie unfortunately passed unexpectedly. I've lost humans, but losing her was…awful.
“I used to take Charlie to another Camp Bow Wow. I thought, ‘Wouldn’t that be awesome to see dogs every day?’ And I said, ‘Life's too short, and no one's just gonna show up and be like, 'Here's your dog daycare you've been dreaming about.' Time to take action.’”
When Sarah first bought Camp Bow Wow, five years had passed since Charlie had been a client.
“I said, ‘I don't know if you would remember my dog.’ The staff instantly said, 'The black Pomeranian.’ After five years’ absence, without even me saying my dog's name or breed, they remembered her? That’s the kind of place Camp Bow Wow is.”
Sarah says the socialization Camp Bow Wow offers is critically important for a dog’s development.
“Dogs here get used to being around other dogs, other people besides their pet parent, and that's huge,” Sarah explains. For many dogs, their pet parent is their whole world. When they come to camp here, they have relationships with other pups, with staff members."
Sarah says the health and safety of pups and staff are priority one.
“Every dog that comes in the building has to pass a special multi-step interview on-leash. And we’re closely monitoring all day to make sure they can be a regular part of our community.”
What does that community look like?
“Our schedule is two hours of playing in group, an hour and a half of rest, back to play, back and forth all day long. And they all have access to water at all times, and comfy cots and blankies to take their rest breaks.”
Many dogs, and their pet parents, love Camp Bow Wow so much they want to come back as often as possible.
“We offer unlimited memberships and discounted daycare packages. We have a lot of people that come four or five days a week to make sure their dogs get plenty of socializing.”
At Camp Bow Wow, every dog gets a cabin, not a crate, so they have plenty of space. In addition to day care, the camp offers boarding, baths, nail trims and full service grooming.
For those parents who want their fur baby to get extra love and attention, the camp also offers 15-minute Enrichments: Snuggle Time, where pets get treats and cuddled; Agilities, where they traverse a little course with tubes and hurdles; and Sniff-and-Seeks, where dogs have to find special items by scent.
Sarah says pet parents also love getting special pictures of their dogs. So every month, the camp has a uniquely
themed photo shoot or art project: Disney, Alice in Wonderland and many more.
“For Mother's Day, we did paw-print paintings on an 8x10 canvas. We dipped the puppies’ paws in the non-toxic paint, and then I drew stems and a bow so it looked like a little painting of a bouquet of flowers.”
In Sarah’s eyes, Camp Bow Wow is enhancing the quality of their canine clients’ lives.
“They're not here forever. If you're lucky they're here 15 years. But if we can make their lives even more enjoyable than just at home with their pet parent, give them the joy of having friendships and playing and not just laying on a couch all day…how sweet is that?”
For more on Camp Bow Wow Troy, call Sarah at (248) 583-9247.
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ONCE AN OFFICE BUILDING, TROY’S FORUM FLATS APARTMENTS HAVE IMPRESSIVE AMENITIES—AND YOU GOTTA SEE THESE WINDOWS
Fabulous Flats
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
As a former office building, Forum Flats, Village Green's brand-new luxury apartments in Troy, offers a stunning feature every potential resident reacts to.
“The windows," says Gabrielle Schlagel, the manager of Forum Flats. "They always rave about these oversized floorto-ceiling windows. Your entire wall is essentially a window.”
Forum Flats's 200 units and 27 different floor plans all have Whirlpool in-unit washers and dryers, quartz countertops, white shaker-style cabinetry, and oversized walk-in closets. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center, yoga studio, outdoor heated pool, community grill, and optional carports and garages. For remote workers, Forum Flats’s business center has plenty of co-working space, as well as private booths.
Forum Flats also works to create community, with monthly social events to support nonprofits. Their Splash Party, scheduled for August, is a fundraiser for the local Ronald McDonald House, with food, vendors, giveaways and a raffle.
“I've even taken a new resident before and said, ‘This is Kathleen. You guys would be great friends,'" Gabrielle says.
Forum Flats is involved with other philanthropic efforts too: Gabrielle says the complex donates non-perishables to shelters on holidays from Valentine’s Day to Thanksgiving.
One nonprofit is close to Gabrielle’s heart.
“I like to partner up with Humane Society. If you want a new pet, you adopt right there. We even waive application fees if a resident wants to adopt a Humane Society pet.”
CONTINUED >
As you might have guessed, Forum Flats is pet-friendly too.
“We have a dog park, a fenced-in area where dogs can be unleashed so residents can let them play. We also have a dog wash station, so afterward if you don't want mud in your apartment, you can wash off your pup's paws.”
Gabrielle says Forum Flats even has a Pet of the Month award.
“Yeah, with a little goodie bag and a gift card," Gabrielle says.
I ask Gabrielle what feeling Forum Flats aims to evoke in its residents.
“From the moment they first inquire about the community, we’re trying to create a feeling of relief for them: ‘I'm finally home and I'm taken care of,'"
What does the complex do to create that feeling?
“From day one, we're authentic with every single resident. This is our place of business, but this is all of their homes
as well. We’re sensitive to that fact. We also offer maintenance on-site five days a week. For emergencies, our response time has to be, if not fixed, responded to within 24 hours. Our residents feel safe in that way.”
I wonder if Forum Flats offers cutting-edge innovations.
“We're a keyless community," Gabrielle says. "We don't have physical keys. It’s all virtual. You can lock and unlock your door from any place, anywhere."
From my perspective, Forum Flats has done everything with potential residents’ happiness in mind. Gabrielle says that’s the goal.
“I want residents to feel taken care of,” Gabrielle says. “That feeling when you go back to your mom's house and your mom just takes care of everything for you. That sense of relief.”
For more info, visit forumflatstroy.com
Posh Practices for Pampered Pets
Looking for the best for your jet-setting pet? Read on
ARTICLE BY CINDY STEWART
If your pet is your best friend or even your child, you'll appreciate these unique ways to ensure your furry companions live their best lives.
1. PET INSURANCE
Ann Percy (annpercyagent.com), a State Farm pet insurance broker, is a proud owner of dogs Beau and Chloe. She knows firsthand the joy pets bring.
“You don’t plan for unexpected injuries or illnesses,” Ann explains. “If the cost is too high, people may have to make the difficult decision to not treat their pet. Once you meet your deductible, Trupanion pet insurance pays 90% of all eligible expenses.”
2. BLUEBERRY FACIAL
Spoil your pet uniquely with a luxurious Relaxation Package at Troy Pet Grooming (troypetgrooming.com). This combo includes a warm bath with lavender and chamomile shampoo, a rejuvenating blueberry facial, teeth brushing and paw balm. Your pet will feel pampered and refreshed.
3. GOURMET PET TREATS
Delight your doggie with gourmet refrigerated treats from Premier Pet Supply ( premierpetsupply.com). Choose from delicacies like Hungry Howie’s beef jerky or pupsicle beef-flavored pops. If your dog's a careful eater, reach for Freshpet’s grain-free vital beef and bison recipe roll.
Treat your pets to these amazing services and products—they'll love you even more than they already do!
ENJOYING SUMMER
In the moments between fishing in our pond and swimming in the pool, our family will celebrate birthdays and have outdoor parties. True to form, I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way. My beach ball garland is a spin-off of the traditional balloon garland. Everyone uses balloon garlands… so let’s make one out of beach balls instead! Everyone serves a birthday cake… how about one carved out of a watermelon for a crazy twist?? I hope you join me in the making of these fun additions to a party!
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEANN PARKER
Beach Ball Garland
Have you ever noticed that when blown up, beach balls have a little plastic loop that forms where they are blown up and sealed? It makes for the perfect place to string twine through and use as an outdoor “balloon” garland! String it up, add some extra beach balls to the pool or yard and you have all the party decorations you need!
Materials
• 2 packs of assorted sized beach balls (assorted 20”, 16” and 12” for a total of 36)
• 1 pack of mini beach balls (5” sized, total of 25)
• Thin rope or twine
• Air pump
Instructions
1. Using an air pump, blow up all the beach balls... It takes a while!
2. Arrange inflated beach balls in a line on the ground, alternating sizes as you go.
3. Starting on one end, thread your string or twine through the blow loop of each beach ball until you reach the end.
4. Tie each end of your beach ball garland to a post or tack to a wall.
Watermelon Cake
A cake that you could eat for breakfast! Made only of fruit and (if you want to go real crazy) some fresh mint and whipped cream too. A few years ago we started making watermelon cakes for our summer birthday celebrations due to one of our little ones suffering from food allergies. In order to make a cake that even she could enjoy, the watermelon cake was born in our lives. Even if you don’t have family or guests with food allergies, this cake is a thriller and loved by all!
Ingredients
• 2 large watermelons
• Assortment of berries and fruit
• 4 wooden skewers
• Toothpicks
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep both watermelons by cutting off the rinds and sculpting to create a cylinder shape with a flat top and bottom. Make the bottom cylinder bigger and the top cylinder slightly smaller.
2. Stack your smaller watermelon on top of the larger using wooden skewers to support the center.
3. Use assorted berries and fruit to decorate the outside of your watermelon cake. For the sides of the cake, use toothpicks to help the berries stay in place.
4. Serve alone or with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.
“I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way.”
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AUGUST 6TH & 14TH
4-Course Wine Dinner at Carrabba's
Carrabba's Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver, Troy | 6:30 PM
Join Carrabba's Italian Grill in Troy for a flavor exploration with a four-course food and wine pairing. Relax and enjoy this exquisite meal with family, friends, neighbors or co-workers after a long day. Discover Carrabba's featured wine and off-menu masterpieces, as well as camaraderie and gifts compliments of the house. Visit Carrabbas.com or call (248) 269-0095 for details and reservations.
AUGUST 8TH
TNT Big Band: Summer Sensation Concert Series
Boulan Park (on Crooks Road between Big Beaver and Wattles) | 6:30 PM
TNT Big Band, under the direction of Tony DiMaria, performs styles ranging from Glenn Miller to Motown, pleasing the crowd with jazz, blues and rock and roll. It’s a great dance band as well. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food available from a food truck starting at 5:30 p.m. Sponsored by Genisys Credit Union.
AUGUST 22ND
Thornetta Davis: Summer Sensation Concert Series
Boulan Park (on Crooks Road between Big Beaver and Wattles) | 6:30 PM
Detroit’s Queen of Blues, Thornetta Davis is a six-time National Blues Music Award Nominee, including two for the 2021 BMAs for Best Soul/Blues female and Best instrumentalists/vocals. Thornetta’s live performances will leave you uplifted and asking for more. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food available from a food truck starting at 5:30 p.m. Sponsored by Genisys Credit Union.
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