Issuu

AU G U S T 2 02 1

ENTERTAINMENT

LI F E + C U LTU R E

EDUCATION

Q/A WI T H OWN ERS O F T U R T L E C REEK FARM

5 WAYS T O EF F EC T IVELY C O M M U N I CAT E WI T H YO U R P E T

D IY D I N O S AU R SENS O RY K I T

Kids and Pets

THE ONLY REAL ESTATE AGENT IN METRO DETROIT who is also a (888) 501-7085

MASTER HOME INSPECTOR + MARKETING PROFESSIONAL + FORMER REAL ESTATE + APPRAISER CONSTRUCTION + PROFESSIONAL 15 YEARS COMBINED REAL + ESTATE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE WEST BLOOMFIELD NATIVE + (Russ knows West Bloomfield)

Russ truely Knows Real Estate

Black & White

from more perspectives than most other realtors, and as such can provide expert advice with experience and dedication that both a Buyer and Seller require in this market.

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White

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2021 PUBLISHERS

Maria Ragone | maria.ragone@lifestylepubs.com Russ Ragone | russ.ragone@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Happy August!

Danielle Alexander | danielle.alexander@lifestylepubs.com

OUR END-OF-SUMMER ISSUE IS DEDICATED TO SOME OF OUR CUTEST

L AYO UT DESIGNER

RESIDENTS: OUR BELOVED KIDDOS AND PETS. I’ve been a mom for over six

Dani Moore

years but recently added “fur mom” to my list of titles. Our cavapoo, Rex (pictured

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

above), has brought so much joy to our family this year— especially to the kids!

Joe Lease, Amy Gillespie

AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart

This month, we had the opportunity to not only meet and interview the owners of Turtle Creek Farm, Lucy and Paul Clucas (page 24), but we were also given a tour of the property where over 100 animals reside! (I seriously can’t wait to send my kids to summer camp there in the future.) We also heard from DePorre Veterinary Hospital’s Dr. Tom DeHondt, who provided tips on how owners can and should effectively communicate with their pets (page 34), as well as local artist Jenn Coleman on why she loves creating and gifting pet portraits (page 20). In this issue, local resident and former teacher Zena Samona-Ibrahim also shared how to go about making a sensory kit for your children (page 28), and two West Bloomfield teachers discussed what they are looking forward to this upcoming academic year (page 18). Additionally, this month’s magazine marked our first-ever incorporation of the

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

“Local Experiences” section (page 14) where you’ll find local spots to take the

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

kiddos, pet-friendly destinations in and around West Bloomfield and end-of-

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

summer celebration ideas.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

As summer winds down and we prepare for a hopefully more normal-looking school

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

year ahead, we remind you to take the time and enjoy some quality time with your kids— and pets— this month. As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Best,

Danielle Alexander, Editorial Coordinator

ON THE COVER Charlotte and Lila Jackson; Angela, Dino and Oscar Ragone; and Analise, Gabe and Rex Alexander

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE LEASE 4

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 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.

INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2021

FEATURES 20 Pet Portraits In addition to anything “artsy,” retired secondary art teacher loves making and gifting pet portraits.

24 Q/A with Owners of Turtle Creek Farm Lucy and Paul Clucas discuss what Turtle Creek Farm offers children.

28 DIY Dino Sensory Kit Local resident explains how to make your own dinosaur-themed sensory kit.

34 Communication is Key Local veterinarian shares five

28 24

effective communication strategies for pet owners.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local Experiences

Local Limelight

20 Artist’s Palette 24 Locally Owned 28 DIY 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Animal Kingdom

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WB PARKS TO HOLD PET ADOPTION EVENT On Saturday, August 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Drake Sports Park, you can come meet dozens of adoptable pets from the area's best rescue and foster groups. 2019 participating adoption agencies included AdoptA-Pet

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Animal Rescue League, Feral Kitty Trappers, Greyhound Expressions, Last Day Dog Rescue, Mid-Michigan Pug Club, Pawsitive Cause Non-Profit Animal Rescue and Pet Adoption Alternative of Warren. 2021 partners will be announced soon!

LAFATA CUSTOM CABINETS' SHOWROOM IN WEST BLOOMFIELD IS NOW OPEN LaFata's newly renovated showroom is now open and better than ever! 12

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 2021

"There are plenty of new displays, highlighting the current styles and trends," said Sabrina Parisi of LaFata. "We’d love for you to visit and see it for yourself." To bring your dream kitchen to life, stop in or give LaFata a call at (586)-247-1140 to setup an appointment. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WEST BLOOMFIELD LIBRARY OFFERS SUMMER READING PROGRAM In order to establish positive reading habits, earn fun rewards and engage with others, the West Bloomfield Library has been holding a summer reading program for all ages. This year’s theme is “Tails and Tales.” Residents of West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake or Sylvan Lake who have a WB Township Public Library card have been encouraged to register; registration has also been open to non-resident students and their families with a student library card. In addition to holding online events,

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the library has been providing activities for families and friends to do outside or at home. For example, families can take summer library fun offline with weekly youth and biweekly young adults project kits that contain a craft or hands-on project to encourage kids to explore, learn and create with friends and family. For more details or to register, visit westbloomfieldlibrary.org. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

NOW OPEN! Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ WestBloomfield using the Get In

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LOCAL EXPERIENCES

KIDS + PETS

While it’s not over yet, summer is soon coming to an end and what better way to bid adieu than to spend time with friends, family and our favorite four-legged friends! Embrace the end of the season by gathering the kids, dogs and adults alike for some indoor and outdoor recreation and exploration, pet-friendly destinations that embrace our furry friends, and our end of summer and return to school summer party ideas!

END-OF-SUMMER HURRAH

Stuart Lee

+ Interested in martial arts classes? Finish off the summer with classes at Warrior Way! 3100 Old Farm Lane Walled Lake, MI 48390 + The perfect end-of-summer and back-to-school celebration would be spending some time at DEFY, a nearby trampoline park. 2737 Union Lake Rd Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48382 + Grab a bite and get a head start on fall clothes shopping at The Boardwalk. 7001 Orchard Lake Rd West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322 + Head over to Walled Lake's That's WasSUP and rent a paddle board for a couple hours! 141 E Walled Lake Dr Walled Lake, MI 48390 + Tigers ball games are back this summer, so grab a couple tickets and head Downtown! 2100 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 2021

scan for more city-wide tips

KIDS AT PLAY + Come cool down at the brand new Lily Pad Springs, the largest splash pad in Michigan with 5,500 square feet of watery fun! 6200 Farmington Rd West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322 + At the Outdoor Natural Play Area, kiddos can play in dirt, create a masterpiece with sticks, hop on log stepping stones and hunt for bugs. 4640 Walnut Lake Rd West Bloomfield, MI 48323 + There's no better way to explore the local trails than with guided hikes led by West Bloomfield Naturalists. Children must be accompanied by an adult! 4640 Walnut Lake Rd West Bloomfield, MI 48323 + There's one Kids Komotion Summer Concert left to attend this year on August 26 at 6 p.m. featuring The Music Lady, Beverly Meyer.

WB Parks

2805 Hiller Rd West Bloomfield Township, MI 48324

scan for more city-wide tips

+ Drake Sports Park is home to our city's super fun Skate Park! Hours are 9 a.m. to a half hour before dark. 6801 Drake Rd West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322

PET-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCES

Nicole Waugh

+ Karner Farm's Dog Park offers nearly four acres of fenced-in area and is divided into three sections. Permit is required. Visit wbparks.org for more information! 5911 Halsted Rd West Bloomfield, MI 48322 + Take your pooch on a walking trail at either Bloomer, Drake, Marshbank or Sylvan Manor parks. West Bloomfield, MI + Tails-to-Trails Summer Camp is where your pup can meet other dogs from the community while being assisted with basic obedience training. 4640 Walnut Lake Rd West Bloomfield, MI 48323 + Whether you're in need of daycare, grooming, boarding or training for your pup, bring your him or her to Dog City Daycare! 4278 Haggerty Road Commerce Township, MI 48390

scan for more city-wide tips

+ Looking for quality pet products at great prices? Visit Magoo's Pet Outlet and find food/supplies for dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles and tropical fish. 3050 Union Lake Road Commerce Charter Township, MI 48382 CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

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West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

TWO WEST BLOOMFIELD TEACHERS SHARE WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE 2021-2022 ACADEMIC YEAR.

STEPHANIE NAFSO FOURTH GRADE TEACHER AT SCOTCH ELEMENTARY “I am looking forward to a full classroom of smiling students ready to tackle the essential skills of fourth grade. I want to continue to build relationships and successfully implement the 4Cs, which are critical thinking, communication, collaboration and contribution, so students can be a valuable asset to our community and the world. I am excited to be teaching my whole class at the same time and spending more time with each of my students. I am also looking forward to a normal, fullday schedule where students can participate in lunch, recess and specials (in person)! The hybrid model worked to ensure social distancing and safety, but it put a heavy toll on teachers and students. For teachers, we had to be the in-class teacher (for the students in school) and the online teacher (for the students doing school at home)— simultaneously. It was tough, but we got it done because teaching students, whether face-to-face or remotely, is our business! Let’s bring on the new school year and pray that we all continue to practice preventative strategies, so that we are in-person the whole school year!”

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 2021

A New School Year

C R Y S TA L KASSAB JABIRO SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE HISTORY TEACHER AT WEST BLOOMFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL “I am anticipating a fresh start. So much has changed in the past year and a half that I am not sure I want to go back to ‘normal.’ Sure, some things will remain, but some things will have to evolve. That is because we as a people have been transformed by so much— by technology, by fear, by politics and by social justice. We have to do better for our kids and for our society, and it starts with us. It starts within us. Nonetheless, I am truly looking forward to the hustle and bustle of a school day… greeting kids at the door with a smile or a fist bump or a hug, jumping into the their TikToks, hearing those confident voices and encouraging the shy ones, sharing hearty laughs and just teaching the kids grammar and writing and history with every fiber in my being. And selling donuts and bagels in the morning, dressing up for spirit days, cheering at pep assemblies, skipping lunch to help students, sprinting to the bathroom during five minutes of passing time and jamming the copier early in the morning— all of it.”

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

ARTIST’S PALETTE

IN ADDITION TO FURNITURE REVAMPING, COLOR CONSULTATIONS AND ANYTHING “ARTSY,” RETIRED SECONDARY ART TEACHER LOVES DOING PET PORTRAITS.

pet portraits WHEN SHE STILL TAUGHT SECONDARY ART, JENN COLEMAN WOULD ASK HER STUDENTS TO PAINT AN ANIMAL, AND MOST WOULD CHOOSE TO PAINT ONE OF THEIR PETS. “It was a chance for them to showcase their furry family members,” she said. the love of our pets brought us together.” Coleman retired after 28 years in the classroom but

to paint him. He recently passed away, so she plans to give it to his family.

needed a creative outlet; as a result, she founded Hello Color Design, LLC. Although she does color consultations, furniture revamping and anything “artsy,” she also specializes in pet portraits. “As an only child growing up, my pets were my bud-

3. THE AMERICAN BULLDOG Done in acrylic. The dog is monochromatic in color, and the background was meant to “pop” using the complement color. Very simple looking style.

dies and a large part of our small family,” she explained. “I’ve loved gifting pet drawings and paintings for people as it’s something special that they can hang on their walls to remember their beloved pet. It’s so sad that

4. THE SAD BASSET HOUND Done in watercolor with complementary colors. The Basset’s sad and mopey face draws attention.

pets can’t stay with us forever, so a painting, to me, keeps them here a little longer with us.”

5. KISSING COWS

To check out more of Coleman’s work, follow

Done in watercolor with a cool color scheme. A lover

her on Instagram @hello_color2020 or find her

of cows, Coleman painted this in 1996 after getting

Facebook: hellocolor.

married to decorate her cow-themed apartment. She took the photo at her great grandmother’s milking farm

1. AN ENGLISH BULLDOG CLOSE-UP

in New Haven.

Done in acrylic. Coleman gave it to a friend who always wanted an English Bulldog.

6. “IZZY,” COLEMAN’S BULLY

2. “TAZ,” THE RAINBOW BULLDOG

glued on rhinestones, used the paint in more of a Van

To give it more of a three-dimensional look, Coleman Done in acrylic. Coleman’s husband’s friend owns this dog, and since he was so cute, Coleman decided

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 2021

Gogh-style and added the hat and glasses to make her look like an old lady.

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER

“We had many funny stories about our pets and sharing

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 2021

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LUCY AND PAUL CLUCAS DISCUSS THE STORY BEHIND TURTLE CREEK AND WHAT CHILDREN DO AT THEIR VERY POPULAR SUMMER CAMPS.

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY AMY GILLESPIE

LOCATED NEARBY AT 6205 COOLEY LAKE, TURTLE CREEK FARM SITS ON 10 ACRES IN WATERFORD TOWNSHIP AND IS HOME TO OVER 100 ANIMALS, INCLUDING

HORSES,

ALPACAS,

GOATS, EMUS, CHICKENS, DUCKS AND A VARIETY OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS. Biologist, educator and owner “Mrs. Lucy” Clucas leads all of the farm’s educational programs, including summer camps, field trips, girl/boy scout groups and more. West Bloomfield Lifestyle photographer Amy Gillespie and I recently had the opportunity to tour and learn more about Turtle Creek Farm from both Clucas and her husband, Paul. We both agreed: we’ve never seen anything like it before. For more information about Turtle Creek Farm, call (586)-292-3644 or send an email to turtlecreekfarm1@aol.com.

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 2021

Q /A W I T H O W N E R S O F T U R T L E C R E E K F A R M

LOCALLY OWNED

LUCY, BEFORE LEADING EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AT

LUCY, I NOTICED YOUR WEBSITE (TURTLEC-

TURTLE CREEK FARM, WHAT DID YOU DO?

REEKFARM.ORG) EXPLAINS WHAT CHILDREN

I taught biology at St. Mary’s [in Orchard Lake] and also worked

WILL DO EVERY DAY AT CAMP, BUT WHAT

the auto shows for Ford, both of which have helped me here since

WOULD YOU SAY THE MAIN DIFFERENCE IS

in order to get young kids learning and excited about science, you

BETWEEN “NATURE ADVENTURE CAMP” AND

have to get them hyped up, and I don’t mind being a goofball.

“ADVANCED NATURE ADVENTURE CAMP”? Nature Adventure Camp is for children ages five

LUCY, WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO OPEN UP YOUR FARM

to eight where Advanced Camp is for eight and

TO KIDS IN THE SUMMER MONTHS?

up. Both are very hands-on, but the older kids get

Years ago, I worked some camps with West Bloomfield Parks and

to do a bit more advanced work like dissecting.

took children to different places like Cook’s Farm Dairy in Ortonville

Families who have both a younger and older one

and an alpaca farm. Although I never thought I’d be a camp girl, I

will often choose the Nature Adventure Camp, so

had so much fun with it, a blast really, so since I already owned the

that their kids can be together. You don’t have to

property, had the animals and school groups were already coming

have attended Nature Adventure Camp to sign up

here, I decided to begin offering summer camps, too.

for Advanced Camp.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

I WANT KIDS TO BE EXCITED ABOUT SCIENCE, GIRLS E S P E C I A L LY, S O I M A K E T H E M E X C I T E D, S O T H AT T H E Y C A N TA K E T H AT W I T H T H E M A N D G O O N . -MRS. LUCY

LUCY, RUMOR HAS IT THAT CAMPERS ACTUALLY GET TO TAKE AN ANIMAL HOME THROUGHOUT CAMP. LIKE, ANY ANIMAL?

LUCY, HOW MANY KIDS CAN ATTEND CAMP? 30 kids a week, and this year we added two extra sessions since we couldn’t hold camp last

Yes! Our animal sleepovers are, by far, campers’

year due to Covid. I’ve never advertised since

favorite part of camp. They get to pick any animal they

without advertising I still can’t get all the kids in

want to take home, and we provide the food, cage, etc.

who want to come!

I’d say the baby goats, baby bunnies and rats are most popular. Some kids come here on a Monday afraid of

LUCY, WHAT’S “FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY”

spiders or chickens, and by Friday, they’ve learned to

AT CAMP?

not be terrified and instead appreciate them.

Every week on the last day of camp, campers’ friends and family are invited to a guided tour led by

PAUL, HOW CAN PARENTS SIGN THEIR

their own camper where they will learn about the

CHILDREN UP FOR CAMP, AND WHEN?

wonderful animals, visit the teepee and see what

On February 1 at 8 a.m., online registration opens every year. This year, by 8:03, we already had a waitlist, so I’d be ready to go right at 8.

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 2021

their camper has learned at camp.

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

DIY

LOCAL RESIDENT SHARES HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN DINOSAURTHEMED SENSORY KIT.

DIY Dino Sensory Kit ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER

WEST BLOOMFIELD RESIDENT ZENA SAMONA-IBRAHIM WAS RAISED IN METRO DETROIT AND ATTENDED THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANDEARBORN WHERE SHE RECEIVED BOTH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION AND PSYCHOLOGY, AS WELL AS A MASTER’S DEGREE IN EDUCATION. After working as a middle school science teacher for 15 years at nearby Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, she became a stay-at-home mom. “But I knew I always wanted to continue doing something in education even if I was not going to work inside the classroom,” Samona-Ibrahim said. Until she figured out what she could do, she began teaching her young children (now 5, 3 and 2) and finding fun ways to incorporate learning into their day-to-day lives. In October of 2019, she decided to share with others the educational activities and lessons she was making for her own kids via an Instagram blog: @edukidsmom. One post that yielded many likes and comments was her dinosaur-themed sensory kit. A sensory kit is a bag, box, crate or container that holds a variety of sensory tools, which can be used to both calm and stimulate a child’s sensory system.

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 2021

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materials: + Plastic kit container + Play-Doh or kinetic sand + Dinosaur cookie cutters + Mini rolling pin + Mini dinosaurs + Rocks, mini eggs, vase filler, mini wood logs, tree figurines, etc. + Tray

“I th i n k it is i mpor ta nt for you ng ch i ld ren to lea r n th roug h play, a nd read i ng shou ld be f u n a nd relata ble!” CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

DIY (CONTINUED)

“Some of my followers started asking me if I could make and sell them,” explained SamonaIbrahim. “I then started making different sensory kit themes, and they became very popular.” As an Usborne Books and More Team Leader, it was only natural that she began pairing her sensory kits with books, and now most of her kits revolve around a book theme. “I think it is important for young children to learn through play, and reading should be fun and relatable,” she said. “It also gives children an opportunity to use their imagination!” DIY DINOSAUR-THEMED SENSORY KIT Materials:

+ Plastic kit container + Play-Doh or kinetic sand + Dinosaur cookie cutters + Mini rolling pin + Mini dinosaurs + Rocks, mini eggs, vase filler, mini wood logs, tree figurines, etc.

+ Tray :: S TE P 1 :: Make or buy Play-Doh or kinetic sand. :: S TE P 2 :: Add some dinosaur cookie cutters and a mini rolling pin. :: S TE P 3 :: Throw in some mini dinosaurs. :: S TE P 3 :: Sprinkle in some loose parts: rocks, mini eggs, vase filler, mini wood logs, tree figurines, etc. :: S TE P 5 :: Get a tray for messy play and all the loose parts.

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 2021

:: s te p 2 ::

:: s te p 1 ::

:: s te p 3 ::

:: s te p 4 ::

d iy d i nosau rthemed sensory kit

:: s te p 5 ::

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AUGUST

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

This event is free, but pre-registra-

MONTHLY VETERANS MEETUP: SUMMER SOCIAL

FULL MOON HIKE

(4640 Walnut Lake Rd in West

THE BRIDAL EXPO

Bloomfield Township)

Oakland University

The full moon will light the trail as

All West Bloomfield and area veter-

(569 Pioneer Dr in Rochester)

you look for the animals that come

ans are invited to join other vets at

The Bridal Expo from 11 a.m. to 2

out after you go to bed! Please bring

August's Veterans meetup where

p.m. at Oakland University’s O’rena

binoculars if you have them; if not,

your yummy lunch will be catered

connects brides, grooms and their

you can borrow them there. Event

by Jagged Fork and include a turkey

families with some of the best com-

starts at 9:30. All children and adults

and cheese sub sandwich, pasta

panies in the bridal industry that will

must register.

salad and a cookie. Pre-registration

make their wedding a once-in-a-life-

at wbparks.org is required.

time event to remember. The first 100

tion at wbparks.org is required.

Recreation Activities Center Bloomfield Township)

brides will receive a free swag bag.

Recreation Activities Center (4640 Walnut Lake Rd in West

Pre-register for your free tickets now

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE: WALTER FLANDERS

(2805 Hiller Rd in West Bloomfield

Dr. William Spencer will present vir-

FAMILY KAYAK ADVENTURE

Marshbank Park for this year's offer-

or $10 at the door!

FINAL KIDS KOMOTION OF 2021 Marshbank Park's Concert Hill

Virtual Event

tually about his grandfather, Walter

Township) at 6 p.m.

Gather the children to join on the hill at

Cass Lake

ings of children's entertainment. Every

Flanders, an early automotive entre-

Discover the fun of kayaking on

child will receive a musical instrument

preneur, who had a large estate

Cass Lake during an all-ages family

to use and take home. The Optimist

in West Bloomfield. He’ll include

paddle, beginning at 7 p.m. Upon

Club of West Bloomfield will be

what it is like to own a Flanders 20

arrival, you'll receive a brief lesson

on-site selling pre-packed snacks and

Runabout. Live Q & A. Showcase your

on how to successfully enter, exit

refreshments. The Judson Center will

classic car in the museum parking

and paddle a kayak. A naturalist will

be providing a tie-dye project!

lot, depending on weather/COVID-

accompany you as your own per-

19 restrictions. See gwbhs.org on

sonal guide. All equipment, includ-

August 1 for final plans.

ing life jackets, is included. Preregister at wbparks.org.

12 SENIOR MUSIC AT MARSHBANK: SILVER STRINGS

29 "THE BEE'S KNEES" MOTHER DAUGHTER TEA

Recreation Activities Center (4640 Walnut Lake Rd in West

WOODWARD DREAM SHOW

Bloomfield Township)

M1 Concourse

Mothers, grandmothers or moth-

Hiller Rd in West Bloomfield Township)

(1 Concourse Drive in Pontiac)

er-figures, collect your little bee and

Between 12 and 1 p.m., seniors are

How can you top the Woodward

join in for a day that’s sweet as honey.

invited to head over to Marshbank

Dream Cruise? That’s impossible,

The presenting sponsor, Bee’s In The

Park

outdoor

but you can make it the car expe-

D, will also serve as the special guest

concert presented by Henry Ford

rience of a lifetime thanks to the

speaker to share some bee informa-

Hospital in West Bloomfield. Bring

all-new Woodward Dream Show

tion! You will also get to work on a

blankets, chairs and whatever you

beginning at 8 a.m. on the 20th at

take-home craft while enjoying light

like to eat for lunch! Seating will

M1 Concourse. This event makes

snacks. P re-registration is required.

be spaced out for you to observe

the perfect complement to the

Residents:

appropriate social distancing.

Dream Cruise!

dents: $17/person.

Marshbank Park's Concert Hill (2805

for

wonderful,

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 2021

$15/person,

nonresi-

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ANIMAL KINGDOM

C O M M U N I C AT I O N IS KEY IN ORDER TO HAVE A HAPPIER DR. TOM DEHONDT HAS BEEN A VETERINARIAN AT

RELATIONSHIP WITH PETS, A

DEPORRE VETERINARY HOSPITAL IN BLOOMFIELD HILLS

LOCAL VETERINARIAN SHARES

SINCE 2015. He takes pride in providing the highest possible

FIVE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

level of medical care, as well as the teamwork displayed among

STRATEGIES FOR OWNERS.

all the staff in this common goal. Since the world can be scary for our four-legged friends, Dr. DeHondt— who has been Fear Free Certified® since 2017— provided tips on how owners can effectively communicate with their pets, which can help foster a calm, peaceful and happy relationship.

RECOGNIZE FOUR FS

Flight is avoiding, escaping or retreating; Fight is aggression; Freeze is becoming a statue and Fidget is mouthy or jumping on people— it’s also important to recognize what settings bring out these behaviors and what’s making your pet uncomfortable!

U N D E R S TA N D P E T ’ S

C O M M U N I C AT I O N OF STRESS

Are they lip licking, yawning, head turning (away from you), shaking or holding their tail low? Are their ears flat or twisted back? Is their tail hanging straight down or raised? Etc.

U S E U N D E R S TA N DA B L E / C O N S I S T E N T L A N G UAG E

Think about how confusing it would be if someone was talking to you and then switched to a language you didn’t recognize or comprehend.

RESPECT PET’S P E R S O N A L S PAC E

Make sure they want your attention. If you are petting them and you stop, how does the pet respond?

UTILIZE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

Do they look away, or do they look to you and ask for

Use treats and appropriate toys to desensitize stress and

more? Listen to what they are telling you. Let sleep-

reward the behavior you desire. Eliminate opportunities

ing dogs and cats lie!

for your pet to get into trouble.

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | August 2021

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