West Bloomfield, MI March 2021

M A R C H 2 02 1

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2021 PUBLISHER

Maria Ragone | maria.ragone@lifestylepubs.com, Russ Ragone | russ.ragone@lifestylepubs.com

There’s No Place Like Home AND BOY HAVE WE SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN OURS THIS LAST YEAR! But, to make the best of it, we’ve been working hard to complete as many home projects as we can since once we are safely able to be out and about again, that’s definitely where we’ll be.

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Danielle Alexander | danielle.alexander@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nicole Waugh, Joe Lease

The best thing about your home is it’s the only one exactly like it. Sure, your neighbors’ homes may have a similar style or paint color, but the way you decorate your interior and the memories you create in your yard make it uniquely yours. In this issue, we’ve included home office renovation tips from local interior designer Veronica Simmons of Simmons + Co. Design (page 18), 2021 kitchen design trends from Danielle Krause of LaFata Cabinets (page 12) and reasons why homeowners shouldn’t neglect their trees from ISA Certified Arborist at Monster Tree Service Matthew Bennett (page 16).

All three of these experts might inspire you to make some positive changes to your home. (Well, at least that’s what happened to me when I interviewed them!).

Are you or one of your loved ones planning to age at home? This issue also features Zeenat and Jeanne of Synergy HomeCare on page 28 who discuss the benefits of homecare and what to look for in an agency. Or, do you happen to be curious about homeowners insurance and what that covers? On page 22, you can see the most

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

common questions Jackie Everson receives concerning this as an independent

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

agent at Storm Insurance.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Perhaps you’re looking for things to do at home while the weather is still cool?

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

We’ve even included three one-pot meal recipes from local mothers (page 24),

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

as well as a DIY wall hanging project from Dee Sloan, owner of Sylvan Lake’s Board & Brush (page 34).

Happy March, West Bloomfield!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Danielle Alexander, Editorial Coordinator

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Home office designed by Simmons + Co. Design in Commerce

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAX WEDGE OF MAX WEDGE PHOTOGRAPHY 4

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

Proverbs 3:5-6 West Bloomfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Bloomfield area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Bloomfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2021

FEATURES 12 2021 Kitchen Trends Danielle Krause of LaFata Cabinets describes the four most popular kitchen design trends.

16 Importance of Tree Care An ISA Certified Arborist at Monster Tree Service discusses why homeowners shouldn’t neglect their trees.

18 Home Office Makeover With everyone utilizing their home offices more than ever, local interior designer shares transformation tips.

28 Aging at Home Synergy HomeCare staff chats

12 16

homecare benefits and how to go about finding a good agency.

18

DEPARTMENTS

28

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Trend Setter

16

Inspired By

18

Renovate & Refine

22 Local Limelight 24 Culinary Creations 28 Locally Owned 30 Lifestyle Calendar 34 DIY

GOOD TIMES

Local residents enjoyed the igloo dining experience With restaurants shut down for indoor dining, West Bloomfield-area residents booked an igloo (sometimes even months ahead of time) to take a night off cooking while also supporting local. River's Edge Brewing Company, Detroit Fleat, Harvey's Bar & Grill, Deadwod Bar & Grill, Bigalora and Berkley Common are six of many metro Detroit restaurants that had igloos this winter.

MONSTER TREE SERVICE

DOESN’T HIBERNATE STRATEGIC PRUNING When foliage is gone, our arborists can easily identify and remove dangerous, dead or dying branches.

SAVE YOUR HOUSE Keep your trees winter storm ready to help prevent hazardous or dead limbs and branches from causing damage to your home.

SAVE YOUR TREES Pruning helps to reduce the risk of disease and encourages optimal tree growth.

CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

248-206-2086

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West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

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West Bloomfield-area families embraced time outdoors this winter With little-to-no indoor entertainment options, West Bloomfield and surrounding-area residents made the best of it and spent more time outdoors than in any other winter in the past. "It is what it is at this point," Farmington resident Erin Duggan said. "If there was ever a winter to invest in a warm coat, this was it."

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

9

AROUND TOWN Masks are required, and every state requirement for Covid-19 is being followed. For more information or to book a session, visit thepilateshousewb.com.

OPEN NOW: ONLINE AND IN-PERSON ESL CLASS REGISTRATION Be an example for your children, earn a raise at work, accomplish a personal goal and improve your English by attending West Bloomfield Adult Education English as a Second Language. WB Adult Education is now registering students for both online and in-person classes that run every six weeks. There is a $50 registration fee for the class, and students, 18 and up, need a picture ID and SS#

WBHS STUDENT RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY FOR HER ART

(if student has one) to register. All are welcome regardless of where they live. Visit wbsd.org or call (248)-539-2390 for more information.

West Bloomfield High School student Ife Martin recently received a 2021 National YoungArts Foundation award. Martin is among 659 young visual, literary and performing artists from across the country selected through YoungArts’ annual competition. Award winners at all levels will receive cash prizes between $100 and $10,000, as well as the opportunity to learn from leading artists.

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THE PILATES HOUSE IN WB CELEBRATES ITS ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY Eight days before the shutdown, The Pilates House, located on Orchard Lake, opened its doors.

medical grade spa where building relationships and making you feel beautiful is the core focus. Nothing more. Come experience Onward Spa. Call 248-5383030 to make an appointment now, and mention this post to receive a 10% discount on all services.

“The year forced me out of comfort zones and into new ways to keep a few classes going outside over

10

the summer,” owner Emily Smith said. “We also

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

hosted yoga/barre classes at Kirk in the Hills in the

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

evenings through October.” Small, private classes

WestBloomfield using the Get In Touch link and let

with six or less people are currently being held.

us know what you think.

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

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11

TREND SETTER

K ITC H E N

TRENDS DANIELLE KRAUSE OF LAFATA CABINETS DISCUSSES THE FOUR MOST POPULAR KITCHEN DESIGN TRENDS. FOUNDED IN 1962 BY PETER LAFATA, LAFATA CABINETS IS FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED, MANUFACTURING ALL OF THEIR CUSTOM CABINETRY WITH HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS AND DURABLE FINISHES. We recently had the opportunity to chat with LaFata’s Danielle Krause about the most popular trends right now in kitchen design.

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER

“The kitchen is the heart of any home,” Krause explained. “It’s the

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY

place where families gather to eat, entertain and hang out together.

OF LAFATA

We all spend a great deal of time in our kitchens. When remodeling your kitchen, keeping up with the latest trends will give you an idea of what you might like to see in your own home.” Krause said the four big trends in kitchen design are the transitional style, pops of color, quartz countertops and accent lighting.

12

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

1

“The biggest trend in kitchen design is the transitional style,” Krause said.

“This simple yet elegant style is a blend of contemporary and traditional, taking elements of both to get the best of both worlds. This style blends materials and textures, such as metals and woods to create interest to the eye. With transitional style, you will see streamlined, simplistic doors and edges with elements of old world craftsmanship, such as shaped legs and corbels and custom-curved wood hoods. Open floor plans and crisp, clean lines create a beautiful spacious feel.”

“Incorporating pops of color is another trend in kitchen design,” she added.

2

“Classic white painted cabinets are ever popular, but adding a splash of color to islands and hoods creates excitement and style to the kitchen. Gray is a very popular wall color and cabinet color alike. Painted cabinets in general are very popular, and custom paint colors are a great option to get that perfect shade you have in mind.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

13

TREND SETTER (CONTINUED)

Krause

continued:

“The

current

trend for countertops is quartz. Quartz countertops are beautiful and extremely

3

durable. The nonporous, scratch-resistant surface of quartz is very appealing to many people. Of course granite is traditionally a beautiful natural countertop option, which is still very popular.”

“When it comes to lighting your kitchen, accent lighting is a must to highlight the countertop and backsplash,” she said. “A great way to showcase your cabinets is by accenting some doors with glass fronts and lighting them

4

from within. It gives the kitchen a beautiful glow, and the glass front cabinet provides a space to display decorative pieces while keeping the countertops uncluttered and streamlined. Adding vertical height to cabinets adds function and design to a smaller space.”

14

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

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INSPIRED BY ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER | PHOTOGRAPHY JOE LEASE

importance of tree care

MATTHEW BENNETT, AN ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST AT MONSTER TREE SERVICE OF WEST BLOOMFIELD, DISCUSSES WHY HOMEOWNERS SHOULDN’T NEGLECT THEIR TREES.

1

what is your role as an isa certified arborist?

I ensure that all of our clients have a quality experience with Monster Tree Service

by providing honest and professional evaluations of their trees and shrubs. I am also

WHETHER

responsible for recommending a mitigation plan according to industry standards that

TREE AND SHRUB PRUN-

are best for the plants, considering their overall health, location on the property and to

ING OR REMOVAL, INSECT

provide a proposal that gives the homeowner options that will fit within their budget.

AND

2

why should tree care be important to homeowners?

Along with apparent reasons like diverse ecology, oxygen production and helping to

DISEASE

PRESSION,

REQUIRE

SUP-

FERTILIZA-

TION OR OTHER TREE AND

SHRUB

NANCE

MAINTE-

AND

PLANT

HEALTHCARE RELATED SERVICES,

MONSTER

remove carbon and other pollutants from the air, plants around the home can actually

TREE SERVICE OF WEST

reduce homeowners’ utility costs and are among the few examples of things that increase

BLOOMFIELD CAN HELP.

in monetary and psychological value as they age when they are taken care of properly.

3

what happens when homeowners neglect their trees?

Not caring for your surrounding landscape will potentially result in poor vigor and overall health

4

We recently caught up with ISA Certified Arborist Matthew Bennett about the importance of proper tree and shrub care and what homeowners should be doing to take better care of their trees and other plants on their property.

and also a possibility of certain hazardous situations that could cause property damage or injury.

how can homeowners go about caring for their trees?

In Michigan, this should involve routine property inspections from an ISA Certified Arborist that includes

developing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan and a tree and shrub assessment that is specific for your property. The next step would be to have a recommended mitigation plan and proposal documented that is best suited for the property and, again, to provide options that fit within the homeowner’s budget.

16

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West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

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17

RENOVATE & REFINE

HOME OFFICE MAKEOVER WITH EVERYONE UTILIZING THEIR HOME OFFICES MORE THAN EVER, LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNER VERONICA SIMMONS SHARES HOME OFFICE TRANSFORMATION TIPS.

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MAX WEDGE PHOTOGRAPHY AND STARLOFT PHOTOGRAPHY

VERONICA SIMMONS PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER/OWNER OF SIMMONS + CO. DESIGN (248)-596-0300 VERONICA@SIMMONSCODESIGN.COM WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO REDO THEIR HOME OFFICE? Now’s the time! While we hope the Covid crisis will be resolved sooner rather than later, #wfh (“working from home”) is here to stay.

HOW CAN A HOME OFFICE TRANSITION BE BENEFICIAL, ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR? The home office has taken on a whole new meaning! It has gone from a room that was maybe used once or twice a week to a room 18

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

OFFICE ONE TRANSFORMATION

that has daily usage and possibly from multiple members of the family. Creating

more with wallcoverings in home offices because it usually

a space that not only functions but that is also enjoyable to be in is a game

provides instant warmth to a space but also looks great on

changer when it comes to the home office. Remodeling your home office can

video conferencing. Lastly, various forms of lighting are essen-

increase productivity as well as desire to work. And if your occupation requires

tial, just like in every other room of your home. General lighting

you to be active on Zoom calls or various types of video meetings, having a

is always critical, but task and accent lighting help to create an

space that reflects your style has become a must for your virtual background!

ambience in particular when you have to work early morning hours or late into the evening.

WHAT HOME OFFICE TRENDS ARE POPULAR RIGHT NOW? From a style perspective, we want the home office to be an extension of your home, not

WHAT WAS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE HOME OFFICE

like you’re walking into an entirely different dimension! We are seeing a lot of

PROJECT FEATURED ON THE COVER? These were long-

gorgeous writing desks come into the market, which allows us as designers

time clients of ours, so we already had a good idea of what

to float these desks in the space, so the homeowner can face the door or face

makes this couple happy, but they always trust us to deliver an

the window and the back of the desk is still attractive. If you have the space,

elevated space for them. Not every client loves color, so we’re

built-in cabinetry is still huge. It adds to the grandeur feel of the space while

always excited when we can get a chance to use bold colors

also providing the needed storage and display space. We’re also doing a lot

and create a space with so much depth.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

19

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

OFFICE TWO TRANSFORMATION HOW DID YOU GET INTO INTERIOR DESIGN? I’m a firm believer that interior designers have been designing their whole lives! So, it’s always something I’ve been into. After I graduated from the University of Michigan, I decided I wanted to pursue my passion of design. I initially started working out of my basement, then I moved to an office space in Wixom. 13 years later, our studio is located in Commerce Township where we now have a building with over 3,500 square feet.

IF A READER REACHED OUT TO YOU ABOUT REDOING A HOME OFFICE (OR OTHER ROOM), HOW CAN THEY EXPECT THE PROCESS TO GO? Whether a client is looking to transform a family room, living room, kitchen, bath, home office or any other space, our 10-step design process is the same.

From concept to completion, we will handle all aspects of design and installation, ensuring the client gets the outcome they desire. The process is smooth because we are a one-stop shop for all elements of the project. Our ultimate goal is to create simple, sophisticated and elevated spaces that our clients can enjoy for years to come!

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West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT INDEPENDENT AGENT AT STORM INSURANCE JACKIE EVERSON ANSWERS THE COMMON QUESTIONS SHE RECEIVES ABOUT HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE.

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLE WAUGH

HOM E OW N E R S I NS U R A NC E EXPLAINED JACKIE EVERSON INDEPENDENT AGENT AT STORM INSURANCE SERVICES IN FARMINGTON WHAT IS “ORDINANCE OR LAW” COVERAGE? The policy agreement between an insurance company and the homeowner is that the company will rebuild the home as it stood just before the accident up to the limit of coverage on the policy, but if your home was built prior to the most current building codes, then the municipality permitting

HOW IS HOME REPLACEMENT COST DETERMINED?

and approving the rebuild will require the home

This can be a hard concept to understand because the value of

to meet current standards. Ordinance or Law is

a home is not a factor in determining the replacement cost of the

the coverage that fills the gap between what your

home. And it’s the replacement cost that determines the required

policy contract allows and what your municipality

limit of coverage for the dwelling. Most insurance companies

requires and is almost always a 10-20% limit of the

use a third-party software to calculate the replacement cost of a

dwelling coverage.

home and err on the side of caution when it comes to calculating these replacement estimates, taking into consideration the worst

DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER

case scenarios.

WATER DAMAGE? Water is a funny thing when it comes to insurance because the cause of the

Everson emphasized that everyone should be checking with their agent

water damage must be sudden and accidental,

to make sure their limits of coverage in each area are sufficient to cover

which means a leak through the roof or basement

their situation. To learn more, visit shopmichiganinsurance.com.

wall that’s been going on for an extended period as a maintenance issue, not an insurance issue. The purpose of insurance is to cover sudden losses that you couldn’t possibly recover from financially without it; it does not replace the repairs and upkeep necessary to maintain a home.

22

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

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23

CULINARY CREATIONS

O P M N O E E T A L S

“MOM, WHAT’S FOR DINNER?” Ugh. The question I loathe most yet hear every single day.

Not only is the planning, shopping and preparing process a lot to handle on top of everything else going on, but then it all adds up to the most dread part: the cleanup.

As a result, one-pot meals have really become more popular over the years. In the next few pages, you’ll hear from local residents Maria Ragone, Katie Goncalves and Kristin VanSingel who shared with me their favorite one-pot recipes, including Huevos Rancheros, Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Chili and Chicken Marsala. Can’t wait to try them myself!

LOCAL MOMS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE ONE-POT RECIPES. ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER

24

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

HUEVOS RANCHEROS + 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 medium onion, chopped + 1 garlic clove

Sear the meat in the olive oil in a large pan with sides. Add in the

ingredient s

+ 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes

chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.

+ 8 oz diced beef or chicken

Stir in the tomatoes, chili lime seasoning, hot sauce, black beans,

+ 1 tbsp chili lime seasoning

salt, pepper, and let simmer on medium heat for five to ten minutes,

(no salt added)

until the meat is cooked.

+ 1 16 oz can black beans + Hot sauce to taste

While the sauce is cooking, set up the shells onto each plate, cut

+ 1 tsp salt

up the avocado into slices, cut the lettuce into thin shreds, chop

+ 1 tsp pepper

the cilantro and cut the lime in half. Divide the sauce evenly among

+ 6 eggs

the six shells.

+ 1 avocado + 1/2 heart of Romaine lettuce

Cook the eggs in the same pan to your liking; the Ragones

+ 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

like over-medium. Put one egg on top of each shell, sprinkle with

+ 6 oz shredded cheese

shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, cilantro, avocado slices and

+ 6 crunchy tostadas

a squirt of lime.

+ 6 tsp sour cream + 1 lime

CONTINUED >

direc t ions CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

25

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

CROCKPOT CHEESY CHICKEN CHILI

Add in all the ingredients to a crockpot, turn the crockpot on high and cook for six hours. Then, add the package of cream cheese to the top of the chili and warm through until it is melted (about 30 minutes).

+ 1 15 oz can of corn, not drained + 1 10 oz can of Rotel tomatoes with chiles (any heat level you prefer), not drained + 1 15 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed + 1 tbsp of garlic powder + 1 tbsp of cumin + 1 tsp salt + 1 tsp pepper + 8 oz package of cream cheese + Desired chili toppings

ingredient s 26

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

When the cream cheese is

direc t ions

+ 1 pound of frozen chicken breasts

melted, using a spoon, break up the pieces of chicken until they shred and stir everything together. If the chili is too thick for your preference, you can add chicken stock a little bit at a time until it is thinner.

Serve with any toppings you like for chili. The Goncalves family likes cilantro, tortilla chips, hot sauce, jalapeno slices and a little extra shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

CHICKEN MARSALA

Boil water in a pot, add salt to your liking and cook noodles until done to your preference. Drain noodles into a colander and place the empty pot back onto the stove. Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano into Ziploc bag and set aside. Cut your chicken breasts into strips and coat in the flour mixture, being sure to shake off any excess flour.

Heat oil in pot over medium heat and place chicken strips in + ½ box thin spaghetti (or noodles of your choice) + ½ cup flour + ¼ tsp salt

ingredient s

+ ¼ tsp pepper + ¼ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp dried oregano + 3 tbsp peanut oil (or oil of your choice) + 1-1.5 lbs of chicken breasts, sliced thin and cut into strips + 1 cup mushrooms, sliced thin + 750 ml bottle of marsala wine (VanSingel uses Cribari Cellars American Marsala) + 2 cups chicken stock + 1 tbsp minced garlic + 4 tbsp butter

pot and cook until chicken is almost cooked through completely (chicken will finish cooking thoroughly when it is simmering in sauce). Depending on how much chicken you have, you may have to cook the chicken in two batches. If you have to cook it in two batches, you may need to add additional oil to the pot. If this is the case, then once the second batch is cooked, add in the first batch of chicken back to the pot.

Add in mushrooms to the pot along with minced garlic. Stir to combine for 30 seconds. Be sure to scrape up bits from the bottom of the pan. Add marsala wine into the pot and bring to a boil, soon reducing to a simmer for 10 minutes (sauce will reduce in size by 25-50%). Add in chicken broth and butter, bring to boil and simmer for another 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked completely through.

(If the mixture is too “liquid-y” for your preference, you can add in a small amount of a cornstarch slurry to tighten up the sauce). Place noodles back in the pot, mix and serve directly from the pot.

direc t ions CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

27

LOCALLY OWNED

ag ing at home

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER | PHOTOGRAPHY JOE LEASE

SY N E R G Y 28

ZEENAT MANNAN AND JEANNE ATKINSON OF SYNERGY HOMECARE SAID ONE KEY FACTOR IN THE DECISION TO AGE AT HOME IS THE AVAILABILITY OF GOOD HOME CARE SERVICES, WHICH ALLOW THE ELDERLY TO COMBINE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES WITH THE COMFORT AND FAMILIARITY OF THEIR HOMES. “Home care stimulates healing and quality companionship, and utilizing home care services produces a significantly lower chance of re-hos-

+ Get your home—and yourself—ready first:

pitalization during recovery,” they explained.

Caretakers should think about your sleeping, bath-

“Another huge benefit is healthy food choices

ing, toileting and resting arrangement at home and

and home cooked meals: an in-home caregiver

first make the home safe and then secure.

can prepare wholesome and nutritious meals,

+ Have experience, training and good quality

following your favorite recipe. Caregivers can

control: Every senior has unique needs and, some-

also become your own personal assistant and

times, serious medical conditions, so you need to

chauffeur—they can drive you to appointments,

ensure the caregiver has the experience, training

errands and entertainment events.”

and right personality. The agency itself should also

Whether you’re looking for a caregiver who can

have a robust quality control and review process.

travel with you on extended vacation or simply

+ Offer backup for call-offs and emergencies:

stay with you while your family members run

Car breakdowns, snowy road conditions, child-

errands, it’s important to find the best agency

care issues and so many other things can disrupt

possible. Mannan and Atkinson agreed there are

home visits. Help from family and friends are

five markers of an excellent home care agency:

good options in those contingencies, but you need to make sure the home care agency has adequate back-up staffing.

+ Have been background-checked, insured and bonded: Hiring a professional home care agency ensures that the caregivers are insured, bonded and criminal background checked.

+ Prioritize—especially now—infection control protocols, PPE and hygiene: Taking heightened infection control measures and effectively communicating should be a home care agency’s top priority. You should also ask how the agency is monitoring Covid exposure, contact tracing, PPE, personal hygiene and other CDC guidelines.

SYNERGY HomeCare provides tailored home care services in West Bloomfield and the greater metro Detroit area that attend to each senior’s unique needs, making it possible for enhanced safety and well-being, right in the comfort of home. For more information, call (248)-919-1244 or visit synergyhomecare.com. Home assessment is free!

HOMECARE

ZEENAT AND JEANNE OF SYNERGY HOMECARE DISCUSS THE BENEFITS OF HOMECARE AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN AGENCY.

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

29

3

MARCH

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

APPLE DISCUSSION SERIES: A CONVERSATION WITH RUI RITA Virtual Event

Rui Rita is a Broadway Lighting Designer. Engage in conversation with him about his professional journey for the Apple Discussion Series! This evolution of the Apple

Award program will feature online experiences

where

audiences

will hear from actors, designers, managers, producers and more

from the American theatre. Visit theatreanddanceatwayne.com for more information.

4

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Virtual Event

If you need a refresher on skills like how to properly use a colon, fix

And Choose From A Larger Selection, Get Specialized Installation,

misplaced modifiers or locate an inappropriate shift from a second person to third person pronoun, join Metro Detroit English tutor Danielle

FOR LESS!

Alexander for this virtual workshop on March 4, which happens to be National Grammar Day. For more

GRANITE | MARBLE | QUARTZ | TRAVERTINE | SOAPSTONE | LIMESTONE We have a huge selection of stone slabs in stock and many options to choose from... far more than what you can get when working through a renovation or cabinet contractor.

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CALL NOW

TO SCHEDULE A TOUR

information

or

to

register,

visit

detroitwritingroom.com/events.

4 MOMMY AND ME HIKE

Recreation Activities Center (4640 Walnut Lake Rd in West Bloomfield)

OF OUR MAGNIFICENT SHOWROOM!

Join a naturalist on a free nature

(248) 982-9103

discovery walk. Enjoy silly songs

GRANITESOURCEOFMICHIGAN.COM

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | FIREPLACE SURROUNDS | HOME OFFICE FURNITURE OUTDOOR KITCHENS | OUTDOOR FIREPITS | FLOORING, AND MORE! 30

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

and fun activities. Families can explore the Outdoor Natural Play Area after the hike. For more information, visit wbparks.org.

12 CORD CUTTING WORKSHOP Virtual Event

As streaming services like Netflix and Hulu become more popular than ever, more people are cancelling their cable TV subscriptions and getting entertainment from alternative sources. Join the WB Library where you'll receive an overview of what you need to get started when switching away from cable and how to put together your own entertainment package.

Register at wblib.org.

14 VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE: 1976 WEST BLOOMFIELD TORNADO Virtual Event

Virtually share your memories of the F4 tornado that moved through West Bloomfield in March 1976. The tornado was responsible for one death, 55 injuries and over $5 million in damage. This is both the strongest and costliest tornado to ever hit Oakland County. Hear personal stories, see newspaper photos and watch video accounts. Visit gwbhs.org/events for more information.

17 VIRTUAL PRESENTATION: THEN & NOW – OUR FOUR COMMUNITIES Virtual Event

Join GWBHS historians for a virtual then and now look at our communities: Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, Orchard Lake and West Bloomfield. Sponsored with West Bloomfield Library, registration is free. Visit gwbhs.org/events for more information.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

31

17

MARCH

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARKING LOT LUNCH AND LISTEN FOR SENIORS

Connect at Orchard Mall (6335A Orchard Lake Rd in West Bloomfield)

Seniors are invited to come celebrate St. Patrick's Day with lunch from Jagged

Fork that will be available for curbside

pickup and a half hour of live Irish music beginning at noon that you can enjoy from

your car. Be sure to wear your "St. Patrick's

Day best" to win a prize! Pre-registration at wbparks.org is required.

24 VIRTUAL ANCESTRY WORKSHOP Virtual Event

This two-hour workshop is hosted by the West Bloomfield Township Public Library.

Find more information by visiting wblib.org.

FREE In-Home Estimates Full Remodeling Ser vices Available Shelby Township • West Bloomfield www.lafata.com • 586.930.1699

LET US DESIGN YOUR DREAM KITCHEN

25 VIRTUAL TOUR: THEN & NOW – OUR FOUR COMMUNITIES Virtual Event

Join GWBHS historians for a virtual then and now look at our communities: Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, Orchard Lake and West Bloomfield. Sponsored with West Bloomfield Library, registration is free. Visit gwbhs.org/events for more information.

25 PEOPLE AND POOCH HIKE

West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve (4655 Arrowhead Road in West Bloomfield)

Join a Naturalist and fellow dog owners for a guided hike on the trails of the West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve.

Stops will be made along the way to see what may start blooming this spring.

Dogs must be leashed, six-feet or shorter.

Registration required. Visit wbparks.org for more information.

32

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

DIY

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER

One-of-aKind Decor

// how to:

1//

4//

Find where you want to hang the item,

Hang your finished piece! Sloan said

and go for a hike to locate that perfect

she’d use some sort of hanging wire

tree branch for your space.

wrapped around your branch before hanging your project.

2// Paint old paint brushes! Don’t have any

Not only is this project easy to make, but

brushes? Ask your neighbors, family or

Sloan said it can be a wonderful con-

friends as people tend to hold onto old

versation piece and focal point in any

paint brushes and would be happy to find a

room. “One quote that has always stuck

home for them! Sloan painted her brushes

with me is by Brene Brown: ‘Unused

multi-colored, solid colors and rainbow

creativity is not benign. It metastasiz-

colors, and she said you can even paint the

es. It turns into grief, rage, judgement,

handles different colors. Make sure you let

sorrow, shame.’ I believe it’s important

them dry before moving on to the next step.

to find a creative outlet no matter your age, and I think this fun project can ap-

3// Use a fishing line to hang the paintbrushes at various heights along your branch.

34

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | March 2021

peal to any age.”

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BOARD & BRUSH

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35