Stars For Strays
Local Celebrities
Champion Rescue Pets
WDIV-TV ANCHOR PRIYA MANN WITH "AURATH"
Celebrating the Joy of Kids and Pets
Isn't there something magical about seeing the world through a child’s eyes?
Every pizza they create is a masterpiece. Every paper airplane feels like the first step toward the skies. Every puppy is a best friend with a tail.
Their excitement has a way of reminding us to slow down and appreciate the little things.
I was fortunate to grow up with pets and, probably just like you, learned great life lessons from every cat and dog that romped through our house. They were members of the family. I can still remember every name.
That spirit of curiosity and fun fills this month's Kids & Pets issue.
First, a stunning photo essay created by pet photographer Christine O'Brien, featuring local celebrities from television, sports and music who are helping to shine a spotlight on rescue pets.
Climb into the cockpit at Oakland/Troy Airport with Victors Aviation, where children are becoming tomorrow's pilots. Watch three young chefs create their own pizzas at Oven 360 (something you can do as well, by the way) and discover how the trainers at The Dog Wizard help you build a happier relationship with your dog.
Finally, discover our Troy "Boredom Busters," a roundup of local family adventures that make the most of the final weeks of summer.
I hope you'll spend August making memories with your loved ones, exploring Troy or simply enjoying time with a beloved pet. Or maybe adopting a new one.
Whatever you do this summer, I hope this issue reminds you how some of the smallest members of our community – our children and pets – bring us the greatest joy. Cheers!
TODD HAIGHT, PUBLISHER
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Margaret Haight | margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Allison Sommerville allison.sommerville@citylifestyle.com
Jessica Parsons | jessica.parsons@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Cindy Stewart
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Simran Bajwa, Christine O'Brien, Cindy Stewart
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
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1: Premier Pet Supply presents The Feline Fund with a gift of $42,000 donated by customers 2: Jenna Zech, Cat Toone, Kelly Toone, Dan Zeck (Stalt Financial) celebrate date night at Carrabba’s Wine Dinner 3: Shariq Farooquee and Hinnah Sheikh (center, of Elements Massage) with The Magic Soiree’s Keith Fields and Lady Sarah
TARA TOMCSIK-HUSAK
CAT TOONE
HINNAH SHEIKH
MAKING PIZZA AND MEMORIES
FLOUR POWER: YOU CAN BE THE PIZZA CHEF AT OVEN 360
By the time the flour settled, there were smiles everywhere.
Three local kids – Asher, Cayde and Ava – transformed balls of fresh dough into handcrafted pizzas. There was laughter, some friendly competition, plenty of flour in unexpected places – and the pride that comes from creating something with your own hands.
ARTICLE BY R. TODD HAIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
That’s exactly what owner Mike Spineti envisioned when he introduced interactive pizza-making classes at Oven 360 in Troy, the first U.S. location for the Canadian-based restaurant.
For an hour, as the children were tutored by a real pizza chef, pepperoni pies became more of an experience than just dinner.
“We wanted to create something people could do together,” Mike says. “It’s a great way to have fun while learning something new.”
Leading the lesson was Mosabb “Moose” Alttabab, who has worked eight years with Oven 360 in Canada, launching new stores while teaching guests the art of authentic pizza making.
His easygoing personality and endless patience quickly put the kids at ease, as he showed them how to stretch dough, spread sauce and sprinkle cheese.
Then he let them experiment and discover techniques for themselves.
“Kids create topping combinations we never would have thought of,” Moose laughs. “We learn from them.”
Ava’s favorite part was working the “squishy” dough. Asher had fun playing with (and eating) toppings, while Cayde was intently focused on placing each item carefully in place.
After all that creativity, the payoff came fast. In about 90 seconds, each pizza baked on a stone crafted from the volcanic rock at Italy’s Mount Vesuvius, where intense 900-degree heat and constant rotation produce a crispy artisan crust.
“They were fascinated by the oven,” says mom Karen. “Later at home, Cayde was all excited, explaining to his dad how the stone spun around while cooking. He was amazed by how hot the oven was.”
The best part, of course, was eating their cheesy creations. As they walked out after, Ava did her “happy skip” and declared, “Mom, that was so much fun!”
Classes aren’t just for children. Couples book date nights. Businesses schedule team-building events. Sports teams celebrate together with a DIY pizza party. Birthday parties become hands-on experiences instead of simply ordering pizza.
“We’ve had groups of 14 or more,” Mike says. “Everyone gets covered in flour and cheese, and then they sit down to enjoy what they created together.”
Pizza is the perfect dish for those who have never made food from scratch. That’s why Oven 360 sells its dough, so families can recreate pizza night in their own kitchens.
“We can even put together sauce and topping packets if you want, so you’ll have a complete pizza to make together when you get home,” says Mike. “Cooking creates memories.”
Of course, it all starts with exceptional ingredients. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional techniques is what first attracted Moose to the company.
“The dough is everything,” he says. “That’s what makes the pizza unique.”
Because Oven 360 has all its ingredients put out in front of customers, you can make your own pizza just by stopping by for lunch or dinner. Choose
a size, tell Oven 360’s professional pizza-makers which toppings you prefer and walk out minutes later with hot pizza. Don’t forget the salads, sides and the amazing gelato.
This summer, guests will also discover an expanded menu featuring artisan pizzas, fresh bread-bowl pastas and salads, panini sandwiches, additional gelato flavors and a decadent Nutellapistachio dessert pizza.
But for groups that book a pizza-making class, the flour-covered experience becomes a favorite memory.
“I want to own a pizza place when I grow up,” said Asher. “Now I know how, because they showed me.”
Watching the kids eagerly try each other’s creation, it’s clear this wasn’t simply about making pizza.
It was about making memories.
Editor’s Note: Oven 360’s pizza-making classes can be customized for children, families, couples, birthday parties, sports teams and corporate groups. Online scheduling is expected to launch soon, although private classes can already be arranged directly through the restaurant. Don’t forget to call for dinner or catering.
1711 Crooks Road | (248) 731-7874 | Oven360.com
Oven 360 Owner Mike Spineti with Asher, Cayde, Ava and Moose
Troy Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Tara Tomcsik-Husak with friend from Happy Paws Haven
BY R. TODD
WITH THE HELP OF A HOST OF CELEBRITIES, CHRISTINE O'BRIEN'S PHOTOGRAPHS SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON RESCUE PETS WAITING FOR A HOME.
FAMOUS FACES. SECOND CHANCES.
Every shelter has them.
The dog that quietly watches families walk past. The cat that has waited so long, volunteers wonder if anyone will ever choose her. Christine O’Brien has met hundreds. And every time she raises her camera, she hopes to change the ending.
Classically Trained Pastry Chef Callahan LaPorta with Junie B from Happy Paws Haven
As the pet photographer behind Ruff Life Photography, Christine has spent nearly two decades proving that one beautiful portrait can help someone fall in love with a pet before they ever meet.
What began as a passion has become a calling, helping countless rescue animals find families through the power of photography.
“Christine is a true hero in the animal welfare community,” says Tara Tomcsik-Husak, founder of The Feline Fund. “Not only does she donate her talents, but she raises funds for so many rescues, giving pets a better chance at finding loving homes.”
Her latest project – created with Tomcsik-Husak and Premier Pet Supply owner Mike Palmer – pairs local celebrities with adoptable rescue pets from shelters across southeast Michigan. The recognizable faces invite people to stop scrolling. The animals do the rest.
“Creating the artwork is fun, but knowing these collaborations help save lives, that’s why I do it,” Christine says.
CREATING THE ARTWORK IS FUN, BUT KNOWING THESE COLLABORATIONS HELP SAVE LIVES, THAT'S WHY I DO IT.
WDIV-TV 4 Reporter
Shawnte Passmore with Versace from Happy Paws Haven
Comedian and Actor Marc Evan Jackson (Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn NineNine, The Good Place) with Snow Angel from Friends for Animals Metro-Detroit
Among those lending their support is pastry chef Callie LaPorta, who recently adopted a rescue cat with her husband, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta. She and her miniature Bernedoodle, Bonnie, also volunteer together as a therapy dog team at Henry Ford Hospital, proving animals have the remarkable ability to comfort and connect.
The campaign also features actor Marc Evan Jackson, attorney Mike Morse, chef James Rigato, television personalities Priya Mann, Kim DeGiulio, Shawnte Passmore and Stephanie Mead, composer Jake Bass, celebrity stylist Katrina Malota and many other familiar faces, all donating their influence to help rescue animals find homes.
The portraits were brought to life with many contributions: Hair and makeup by Katrina Malota and her team from Salon 6, Birmingham. Dresses by Peacock Room Detroit. Leather Pet Bowties by Pingree Detroit. Collars by Glimmer Collars of Birmingham. Jewelry for Kim DeGiulio by Rebel Nell Spellbound Collection. Extraordinary locations include Globe Tobacco Building, Dequindre Cut Greenway, Planet Ant Hamtramck, State Savings Bank.
As you turn the page, remember that while these featured pets have found homes, countless others are still waiting for theirs. We hope you will visit one of the featured rescue organizations or support their mission through fostering, volunteering or donating.
Premier Pet Supply Owner Mike Palmer with Kellah from Happy Paws Haven
WDIV-TV 4 Anchor Priya Mann with Aurath from Detroit Animal Care and Control/Friends of DACC
Looking for summer family fun? These Troy attractions offer unforgettable adventures, birthday parties and excitement for kids of every age READY, SET, LET'S PLAY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY STEWART
Summer is a season of freedom for kids. But for parents, it can quickly become a season of hearing, “I’m bored!” Before everyone retreats to another afternoon of electronics, check out these Troy boredom busters that promise hours of active, memorable fun.
Everything feels big at Kids Empire
Laser tag at Escape Entertainment Center (photo provided)
ESCAPE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER: BOWLING AND MORE FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
Escape takes the stress out of planning fun activities for kids with VIP bowling suites, high-energy arcade action, laser tag battles and crave-worthy food. With the diverse array of attractions, there’s something to suit everyone’s interests, making it an ideal destination for casual walk-ins and group alike.
The perfect setting for amazing and affordable birthday parties, guests get a different selection of bowling, laser tag and arcade depending on the selected party, with private party rooms and hosts to make every celebration seamless and memorable. And now, check out their new Hyperbowling lanes.
1950 E. Square Lake Road | (248) 879-8700 | troyescape.com
KIDS EMPIRE INDOOR PLAYGROUND: PLAY BIG
Discover big spaces, big stories and big experiences, where the only limit is your imagination. Check out the floor-to-ceiling climbing maze, perfect for active play with hours of sliding, climbing, exploring, dancing, spinning and more. There’s a dedicated section for toddlers with age-appropriate slides, ball pit and play
structure. Parents will enjoy the large seating area to enjoy snacks or catch up on work with free Wi-Fi. Kids Empire offers hassle-free birthday party packages, field trip options and private events.
388 John R Road | (248) 581-4536 | kidsempire.com
SLICK CITY: THE FIRST INDOOR “WATER PARK” WITHOUT WATER
Your excitement will reach new heights with the thrilling and unique attractions at Slick City Troy. Prepare for an exhilarating ride down the massive dry slides, feeling the rush of wind as you zoom down, enjoying a safe and thrilling descent that’s fun for all ages.
While the giant dry slides are the highlight, Slick City Troy offers other attractions to ensure a full day of action for everyone: 15 huge slides, basketball and dodgeball courts, both on an Airtrack, food, beverages and more. Groups as large as 400 are welcome for parties, including sports teams, field trips, corporate groups and teams looking to build camaraderie. Spectators are always free.
1820 Crooks Road | (248) 816-8496 | slickcity.com
Ride
City
DISCOVER THE TROY AIRSTRIP WHERE
dreams take flight
Hidden in plain sight: Victors Aviation's flight school inspires the next generation of aviators.
ARTICLE BY R. TODD HAIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
Some of the this year's summer aviation campers
“Lilliana, turn left heading 270.”
The young pilot gently banks the airplane, lines up with the runway and begins a remarkably smooth descent. Her eyes dart between the windshield and the instrument panel as she makes small corrections, listening carefully to every detail from her flight instructor.
Moments later, the wheels touch down. Perfectly. Except she isn’t really flying. Because Lilliana is just 12 years old.
She’s one of dozens of children from Troy, West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills and other communities attending Victors Aviation’s summer aviation camp at Oakland/Troy Airport. And she’s sitting inside one of the nation’s most advanced FAA-approved flight simulators.
The cockpit is so realistic that within minutes, kids who have never touched an airplane are learning what it feels like to take the controls. For many, it’s the beginning of a dream.
“I’ve wanted to fly for Delta since I was six and that’s what I’m going to do,” says 12-yearold Tristan Lorenz of Troy. His favorite part of camp? “The flight simulator. It feels real because it tilts.”
Peter Kovtun, 9, isn’t convinced he’ll become a pilot someday, but the Troy resident is thoroughly impressed by the simulator.
“It’s almost the same thing as going in a real airplane,” he says.
Then he clarifies, “I’ve ridden in airplanes. I just didn’t fly them.”
Lilliana, from Bloomfield Hills, says the experience has shown her that aviation is about much more than flying airplanes.
“I’m learning things you can’t get from textbooks,” she says. “It makes me realize how many different jobs there are in aviation besides just being a pilot.”
Those moments are exactly why Victors Aviation exists.
The Troy flight school was founded last year by Nathan “Nate” Miller – a retired Marine Corps Colonel and former Blue Angels pilot – along with Mike Roth, Jeff Vlasic and Nicola Reasoner. The mission? Make aviation accessible to anyone willing to learn.
“We’re trying to open that front door to aviation for as many people as we can,” Nate says. “You don’t need an aviation background. Just the desire to fly.”
Campers spend the week learning aerodynamics, aircraft systems and aviation careers before climbing into the school’s Redbird MCX full-motion simulator, where they practice virtual takeoffs and landings from Oakland/Troy Airport while flying above Metro Detroit. They also get to check out the school’s two airplanes.
Nate Miller teaches summer campers
in April, the school was one of only five flight schools selected for Textron Aviation’s prestigious 2026 Top Hawk program – earning Victors Aviation a factory-new Cessna Skyhawk 172S equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and advanced safety technology.
“Aviation is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do,” Nate tells his students. “It will teach you responsibility, persistence and self-confidence.”
While this camp is for children, the school serves aviation students of all ages.
Mike, a 68-year-old retired pharmacist, recently enrolled to earn the pilot’s license he’s dreamed about since childhood. While taking his own lessons, he volunteered to help teach simulator sessions during the summer camps.
“I’ve always had an interest in flying,” he says. “I’m retired now, so I have time to do something fun.”
His journey is proof that aviation isn’t just for teenagers pursuing airline careers. It’s for anyone ready to chase a lifelong dream.
“Our first two pilots graduate this summer,” Nate says proudly. “One is 18 years old, the other 65.”
Hidden behind businesses near Maple and Coolidge, Oakland/Troy Airport is easy to miss.
But there, inside a refreshed hangar, dreamers discover new possibilities, retirees check off lifelong bucket-list goals and tomorrow’s pilots take their first steps toward the skies.
2676 Industrial Row, Troy I (248) 750-8900 I VictorsAviation.com
DISCOVER MORE AT THE AUGUST 22 OPEN HOUSE
Interested in learning more? The school will host a free Wings & Wheels Open House on Saturday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Explore the airport, meet instructors and check out the amazing flight simulator. It's a great time to discover what it takes to become a pilot. For more about the Open House, visit VictorsAviation.com or call (248) 750-8900.
Summer camper Lilliana "lands" at Oakland/Troy Airport
ARTICLE BY R. TODD HAIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
HAPPY Dog,HAPPY HOME
The Dog Wizard shares the magic behind a well-trained dog
Bringing home a new dog comes with dreams of long walks, family adventures and a loyal companion waiting at the door.
Shredded pillows, stolen steaks and nonstop barking? Not so much.
That’s where The Dog Wizard Dog & Obedience Training comes in.
“We don’t just train dogs,” says owner Tim Siedlaczek. “We transform relationships.”
After more than three decades in the pet industry, Tim has seen firsthand how behavioral challenges can strain the relationship between dogs and their owners.
“Behavior is about communication,” he says. “When owners learn how to communicate clearly, you see lasting change.”
Every Dog Wizard journey begins with a free assessment to understand your dog’s behaviors – separation anxiety, leash pulling, excessive barking, fear – and your family’s goals and lifestyle. From there, trainers create a personalized program through private in-home training, day school or the Board and Train program.
Trainer Stewart Marmion has spent nearly seven years helping dogs and their families.
“Dogs are supposed to enrich our lives,” he says. “When behavior gets in the way, both the dog and the owner lose out.”
Tim and Stewart have seen it all. Dogs jumping on people. Owners dragged down the sidewalk by the leash. People worried what destruction waits for them when they got home.
While those are critical to happiness in the home, the work extends beyond teaching obedience commands. At its heart, The Dog Wizard is about helping dogs understand the world around them and what’s expected of them.
And the program isn’t just for puppies. You can teach an old dog new tricks, says Stewart. Even rescue dogs who have experienced trauma.
“It’s all about giving dogs confidence,” he says. “That will transform everything else about a dog.”
Such as Willie, a large rescue dog who had bitten six people before being brought to Tim and Stewart. He showed up wearing a muzzle. Rather than focusing only on obedience, Stewart helped Willie learn to calm himself and cope with stressful situations. Later, at a graduate support class, Willie was comfortably meeting new people – without the muzzle.
Another owner dreamed of having her Golden Retriever become a certified therapy dog. Through private coaching and continued practice, both owner and dog earned their therapy certification and now volunteer together in hospitals, bringing comfort to patients.
Graduation isn’t the end of the relationship. Families receive lifetime support through graduate classes, ongoing coaching and continued guidance whenever new challenges arise, helping reinforce the lessons long after formal training ends.
Tim says those long-term relationships are what make this work worthwhile.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing families enjoy a calm, confident and connected life with their dog,” he says.
For him, success isn’t measured by perfect obedience. It’s seeing families include their dogs in more of life’s moments, from neighborhood walks and restaurant patios to road trips and everyday adventures.
That’s the difference between owning a dog and truly enjoying one.
(248) 927-2044 I TheDogWizard.com
There's nothing more rewarding than seeing families enjoy a calm, confident and connected life with their dog.
Trainer Stewart Marmion runs a training exercise with his dog, Koozie
Tim with Scout
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
AUGUST 2ND
Troy Traffic Jam Classic and Specialty Car Show
Columbia Center, 201 W. Big Beaver Road | 9:00 AM
The Troy Traffic Jam – Metro Detroit’s premier classic and specialty car show – features more than 300 cars, ranging from antiques to high-performance vehicles. This 18th year celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with iconic American cars, historic military vehicles and cars with patriotic themes. Also enjoy Tech Talks from industry experts, art, kids’ pedal car races, robotics demonstrations, food and music.
AUGUST 5TH, 12TH, 19TH, 26TH
Summer Concert Series at Stine Park
Jeanne M. Stine Community Park, 241 Town Center Dr, Troy | 7:00 PM
Stine Park will once again host the Troy free Summer Concerts / Troy Summer Sensation Concert Series on Wednesday Nights. Grab a blanket and some lawn chairs and enjoy the food trucks on site and the tunes at one of the loveliest parks in Troy. Various musical styles and genres will be represented. For the full schedule, visit rec.troymi.gov.
AUGUST 11TH & 19TH
Carrabba's Wine Dinner: Sip Around The World
Carrabba's Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy | 6:30 PM
Travel the globe without leaving your seat at Carrabba's four-course Sip Around the World Wine Dinner. Each course is paired with wines selected from New Zealand, Provence, Tuscany and California, showcasing the character of each region. Every sip and bite will transport you across continents in one unforgettable evening. Call (248) 269-0095 to RSVP.
Where Strong Women Drive Every Closing
Close Anytime Anywhere
From the first conversation to final signature, the women of Vanguard Title deliver precision, professionalism and confidence with every real estate transaction – raising the standard and ensuring every client experience is seamless.
This month, we celebrate the women who make it possible. Strong women. Strong service. Strong results.
ALISHA STAMBAUGH
MONICA AHRENS
CHRIS KASS
DIANA PRESS CLOSING MANAGER
