



One of my favorite sayings in our household is, “Normal is boring.” And it’s kind of true, isn’t it? By definition, normal means standard — which feels hard to get excited about. Fortunately for us, Ann Arbor is anything but standard. Possibly anything but normal. Thank goodness!
In this issue, we cover a variety of topics, but our focus is on uncovering the extra dimensions of the people and places in our community. We set out to go beyond what you already know and spotlight what you might not.
This includes a conversation with the incomparable Charles Woodson. You already know his background isn’t normal — it’s legendary. But did you also know he’s a true humanitarian? Not one for show, but someone genuinely committed to advancing pediatric research. There are many reasons to be proud he is a “Michigan Man,” far beyond his accomplishments on the football field.
We also visit KC Runciman Landscapes — you’ve likely seen one of their trucks around town. But did you know they are the oldest landscape design firm in the Ann Arbor area, founded in 1946 after WWII? Their history is as rich as the gardens and outdoor spaces they design. And while you’ve certainly driven past the University of Michigan Golf Course — maybe played it, maybe tailgated on it — did you know it was designed by one of the greatest golf architects of the 20th century?
What a wonderful, not-normal place we get to call home. Let’s get out, explore it, and support it!
PUBLISHER
Maria Karpiel | maria.karpiel@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Rebecca Voigt | rebecca.voigt@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Katie Bobrow, Will Walker Orr
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jonathan Knight, Meg Dula Photography, Michigan Photography
MARIA KARPIEL, PUBLISHER @ANNARBORCITYLIFESTYLE
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Makaya McCraven
Fri Oct 10
Michigan Theater
Herbie Hancock
Sat Oct 25
Hill Auditorium
Julia Keefe Indigenous
Big Band
Thu Jan 29
Michigan Theater
Subscription
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Sat Feb 7
Hill Auditorium
Miles Davis and John Coltrane Centennial
Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane
Sun Feb 15
Hill Auditorium
1: The 47th annual Burns Park Run, including a 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run, took place the weekend of April 27. 2: The Pulpo Group and Mothfire Brewing Co. teams crafting their collaboration beer, Octo Ale. 3: Contributing writer Christopher Ankney, publisher Maria Karpiel and editor Rebecca Voigt celebrating the launch of Ann Arbor City Lifestyle at Lowertown Bar & Cafe. 4:Rochman Design-Build hosted a team activity at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Conservatory. 5: Customers browsing the shelves at Literati on Independent Bookstore Day. 6: Adina Fried, Emily LoPresto, owner Diana Marsh and jeweler Dallas Maynard at Thistle & Bess’ recent trunk show with the designer. 7: A still from Strange Abandoned Deranged, which was screened during the 63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival.
Exceeding our clients’ expectations since 1989.
Join Guardian Tree Experts' Master Arborist, Kris Adler, for a Downtown Tree Walk on June 14 at 5 p.m. Learn to identify tree species, discover their unique traits, explore the challenges trees face in urban areas, and find ways to keep them healthy. Meet at Grizzly Peak to grab a pint and enjoy a stroll celebrating and protecting our community’s beautiful canopy!
Scan to read more
UMS celebrates its 147th season with world-renowned music, dance, and theater performances that provide opportunities to celebrate, connect, explore, and inspire. Through the events on its stages and the many learning opportunities beyond, UMS connects audiences and artists in uncommon and engaging experiences. Join UMS for dozens of performances happening throughout Ann Arbor, September through April. For more information, visit ums.org.
Scan to read more
In April, the Aventura team traveled to Asheville, N.C., to spend time with the renowned Félix Meana of the James Beard Award-winning restaurant Cúrate. They left deeply inspired by the unforgettable hospitality and the shared commitment to honoring Spanish culture and gastronomy in the United States. The team looks forward to welcoming Meana and his talented team to Ann Arbor for future collaborations!
Scan to read more
Dr. James Olsen, DDS
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Today Clothing todayclothing.com | 734.548.8301
State & Liberty stateandliberty.com | 734.882.0272
Bivouac bivouacannarbor.com | 734.761.6207
Renaissance Clothing renaissanceannarbor.com | 734.769.8511
Van Boven vanboven.com | 734.665.7228
Couth Grooming Co. couthshop.company.site | 734.345.1133
Varsity Barber Shop varsitybarbershop.com | 734.761.8330
Coach & Four Barber Shop coachandfourbarbers.com | 734.668.8669
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Arcade Barbers arcadebarbers.com | 734.665.7894
Taylor & Colt BarberSpa taylorandcoltmi.com | 734.929.2229
Valor Strength and Performance valorsp.com | 734.272.0090
3N1 Fitness Revolution 3n1fit.com | 734.369.3890
Blue Lion Fitness bluelionfitness.com | 734.929.5268
Wolverine Strength and Conditioning a2xfit.com | 734.222.9600
Forged Barbell forged-barbell.com | 313.410.3696
Ann Arbor Gardens annarborgardens.com | 313.274.1356
Guardian Tree Experts LLC guardiantreeexperts.com | 734.786.1688
KC Runciman Landscapes, Inc. kcrunciman.com | 734.429.5200
Lotus Gardenscapes lotusgardenscapes.com | 734.371.8534
TERRAFIRMA Landscape terrafirmalandscape.net | 734.434.3811
Arbor Brewing Company Session Room sessionrooma2.com | 734.585.7300
HOMES Brewery homesbrewery.com | 734.954.6637
Grizzly Peak Brewing Company grizzlypeak.net | 734.741.7325
Bløm Mead + Cider drinkblom.com | 734.548.9729
Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales jollypumpkin.com | 734.913.2730
ARTICLE BY MARIA KARPIEL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN KNIGHT
Ask any football fan — Charles Woodson is a legend. But beyond his success on the field, he’s built a legacy of giving back to the community through the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund and its signature fundraiser, Event on Main in Ann Arbor. With this year’s event just around the corner, we sat down with Woodson and his Event on Main partner, Scotty Passink, to learn why supporting this essential research is more important than ever.
CHARLES – YOU’VE MADE YOUR WOLVERINE FAN BASE SO PROUD. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MICHIGAN MEMORY?
CHARLES WOODSON: Ahh…that’s not an easy one! I’ve got so many great memories from my time at Michigan, but it’s hard to top beating Ohio State in ’97. The punt return, knowing we were headed to the Rose Bowl…man, I remember it all like it was yesterday. I didn’t realize putting that rose in my mouth would become such a classic photo, but it really did capture the moment.
A BIG GOAL OF THIS MAGAZINE IS TO GET PEOPLE OUT IN THE COMMUNITY MORE. WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO ANN ARBOR SPOT?
CW: I’ve got to go with Chop House. It’s one of those iconic Ann Arbor spots. Just about every time I’m back, I shoot a text to my guy right here — Scotty P! — and we make it happen. It’s tradition.
CONTINUED >
YOU’RE A HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER, NFL HALL OF FAMER, ENTREPRENEUR — AND YOU’RE A HUMANITARIAN. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THE CHARLES WOODSON CLINICAL RESEARCH FUND, AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
CW: Coach Carr always told us, “Be a part of something bigger than yourself.” Visiting kids at Mott every Thursday had a huge impact on me. Those kids were facing things no child should have to face. It changed me, Griese, Hutch — all of us. Giving back and using our platforms for good was always going to be part of who we were.
As for what the fund does, our mission is to accelerate research that leads to better treatments, cures, and quality of life for kids and their families. Full stop. We do that in four ways: providing seed funding to help researchers explore bold ideas before pursuing major grants, like those from the NIH; recruiting and retaining top research talent; supporting infrastructure, like the Woodson Clinical Research Lab at Mott; and building a long-term endowment to ensure this work continues for generations.
I always say, “Build your legend,” and for everyone who donates to the endowment fund — that’s exactly what we’re doing together.
TELL US ABOUT EVENT ON MAIN.
CW: Event on Main has grown and evolved over the years, but at its core, it’s a celebration. It’s a celebration of a year’s worth of generosity, of community, of hope. It’s not just about one night or one big donor — it’s about all of us, together, working toward something bigger for kids who need help.
SCOTTY PASSINK: Yeah, and honestly, the word “donor” doesn’t feel right anymore. We’ve become a family. We’ve shared stories, tears, laughs — we’re a team. Some have been attending for 10 plus years!
SCOTTY — YOU’RE ONE OF CHARLES’ CLOSEST FRIENDS, YOU HELP LEAD EVENT ON MAIN, AND YOU’RE A TOWNIE WITH AN INCREDIBLE STORY.
SP: Haha, it’s true — I’m a townie. Born and raised in Ann Arbor. My mom, Mary, worked as the secretary for Bo Schembechler and every head coach up to Coach Harbaugh, so I spent my childhood around Michigan football — literally growing up at Schembechler Hall, before it was Schembechler Hall.
But, another part of my story is, I was born with cerebral palsy. It’s something I can’t change, and I’m reminded that a lot of people have it tougher than I do. I was lucky to have parents who never let me believe I couldn’t do something — and who made sure I had access to the care I needed at Michigan. I grew up in that locker room, and guys like Charles, Hutch, and Griese — they’re like brothers. I couldn’t do what they did on the field, but I learned to fight, mentally and physically. I’ve had 16 surgeries. This cause? It’s deeply personal. What Charles is doing could help someone like me. Outside of my parents, Charles has had the biggest impact on my life.
WITH ALL THE RECENT HEADLINES ABOUT RESEARCH FUNDING CUTS, DOES THAT MAKE THIS YEAR’S EVENT EVEN MORE IMPORTANT?
CW: Without a doubt. The headlines are very real. The uncertainty around research funding is real. And that’s why what we’re doing matters now more than ever. One of our goals is to help Michigan become the top NIH-funded pediatric research institution in the country. This fund helps bridge the gaps, keep momentum going, and ensure critical research doesn’t stall. There’s too much at stake.
WHAT’S ONE WISH FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENT?
SP: Haha — no rain!
CW: I second that! But more than anything, I’d love for as many people as possible to be part of this moment. We have a real chance to make a lasting impact. So, Ann Arbor — come out, be part of the team, and help us move this mission forward. June 19 — let’s go!
Event on Main
Date: June 19, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Main Street, Ann Arbor
KC Runciman Landscapes, materials with soul, and the refuge of beauty
ARTICLE BY WILL WALKER ORR
On a serene backroad in Milan, Michigan, some 12 miles from Ann Arbor, lies a delightful hidden gem, with lush grounds more akin to a Monet painting than your traditional landscape design studio. Here, you will find a worn gravel path
“When we can use these materials to give a garden more character, more soul — it’s incredibly rewarding.” - Fred Knight
winding beneath vast towering groves, forming a thick, wooded passage toward KC Runciman — the oldest landscape design firm in the Ann Arbor area, and a staunch advocate of old-world artistry and craftsmanship.
KC Runciman Landscapes was founded in 1946 by Kenneth Claude Runciman, who was the first registered landscape architect in Washtenaw County. Over the company’s nearly 80-year history, its vision has expanded beyond that of your typical landscaping firm, becoming a curator of outdoor spaces built on craftsmanship and naturalistic design. For current owner Fred Knight, who worked as a subcontractor for KC Runciman for two decades before joining the company in 2010, honoring that legacy is just as important as preserving it.
“We’ve always kept the Runciman name,” Knight says. “Ken left a good legacy, and we’re proud to carry that forward while evolving what he started.”
Knight’s own journey into landscape design began after graduating from Michigan State and becoming both a licensed builder and horticulturist. After working for a landscaping company in Northville for a few years, he started his own firm, Knight Landscaping, in the late ’80s, which eventually merged with KC Runciman.
Perhaps the largest driving force at KC Runciman is its steadfast commitment to naturalistic design. Though this applies to ecological factors such as plant selection when designing outdoor spaces, it also goes a step further — in order to ensure that their landscapes feel timeless, KC Runciman frequently uses reclaimed and historic materials from all over the country, including barnstone, bluestone, antique bricks, and salvaged sidewalk slabs from old municipal projects.
“We use a lot of reclaimed materials because they bring stories with them,” Knight says. “It’s about
giving a second life to these things. They’re beautiful, durable, and they have a soul. We’ll get old sidewalk material from Ohio that was quarried around the same time as many of Ann Arbor’s historic homes. When you use it in a project, it feels like it’s always been there.”
Some of the company’s most notable projects have utilized these reclaimed materials, including the Charles Lang Freer House on Wayne State University’s campus in Detroit, the Kempf House Museum in downtown Ann Arbor, and several private residences throughout the Ann Arbor Hills neighborhood and the city’s west side. KC Runciman’s work has also been featured in the annual Ann Arbor Garden Walk, offering attendees an intimate look at the company’s unique garden designs.
Beyond gardening, KC Runciman also offers one of the most extensive inventories of contemporary and historic architectural materials in Michigan. The headquarters in Milan features more than 150 tons of boulders alone, not to mention its collections of salvaged stone and building materials sourced from the Midwest and the East Coast.
“It’s not for every project,” Knight admits, “but when we can use these materials to give a garden more character, more soul — it’s incredibly rewarding.”
However, these projects would never get off the ground without the skilled people behind them. KC Runciman may not be the largest landscaping firm
“We need beauty in our life, and we have a role — to give people a spot to step away from busyness in the fast-paced town this is becoming.”
- Fred Knight
in the Ann Arbor area, but it’s certainly one of the most comprehensive, featuring hard-working crews that specialize in woodworking, hardscaping, planting, and long-term garden maintenance. “These gardens are investments,” Knight says. “They evolve, they grow. We don’t just build them and walk away — we help take care of them, season to season.”
KC Runciman’s commitment to maintain its clients’ gardens has helped cultivate relationships spanning multiple homes, decades, and even generations. “We’re already doing projects for the kids and grandkids of original customers,” Knight says. “That’s very satisfying, getting a chance to work with them again.”
the company’s future. Knight’s son Kevin, who’s been with the company for 11 years, represents one part of KC Runciman’s next generation of leadership. Additionally, the company is looking to open their Milan headquarters to the public in the near future. “We’ve created something beautiful here,” Knight says. “The display gardens, the antiques, the mature plantings — it’s a nice, peaceful setting.”
kcrunciman.com
@k.c.runciman.landscapes
Though the firm’s values are rooted in its past, that hasn’t prevented Knight from focusing on
Though Ann Arbor has gone through many changes in the past few years, companies like KC Runciman will continue to offer its residents something lasting: a chance to create their own garden refuge in Tree Town. As Knight says, “We need beauty in our life, and we have a role — to give people a spot to step away from busyness in the fast-paced town this is becoming.”
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
THESE DELICIOUS RECIPES ARE LIGHT, BRIGHT AND FEEL LIKE SUMMER
The sun has returned, and grilling season is upon us. With the nice weather comes vegetable gardens and fresh produce, along with the overwhelming desire to be outside as much as possible. We’ve compiled some fresh and light dishes that you can shop for at your local farmers market and whether you’re looking for a quick mid-week meal or something to grill for a crowd on the weekend these dishes won’t disappoint. These pair well together or can stand on their own!
• 2lbs. Outside skirt steak*
• 2 Tablespoons lime*
• 2 Tablespoons finely, chopped cilantro
• ¼ Cup olive oil or avocado oil
• ¼ White onion, finely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
1. Place skirt steak into gallon freezer bag
2. Combine all other ingredients in bowl and mix. Pour over steak and marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
3. Bring skirt steak to room temperature by letting it sit out for one hour.
4. Get your grill hot on one side and medium on the other.
5. Once the grill is ready, wipe excess marinade off steak. Starting on the hot side, place skirt steak on grill for 2 minutes per side, attaining a nice sear.
6. Transfer steak to the cooler side of grill and cook until the internal temp is 130°. Let rest for 10 minutes (temp will rise while resting).
7. Carve and serve. This dish pairs well with beans and rice or served as tacos. Following is a chimichurri sauce that compliments it nicely.
*Outside skirt steak is a more tender cut than inside skirt steak, for this recipe outside skirt is recommended. Do not use too much lime as the citrus can cook the meat before putting it on the grill, resulting in a tougher texture.
• ½ Cup parsley, finely chopped
• ½ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Red chili (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ½ Teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. You can make this in the late morning and let it sit for around 4-6 hours, or you can make it the day before and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to take it out and get it to room temp before you serve it, as olive oil hardens in the fridge. Serve over skirt steak or tacos.
• 2 Ears sweet corn
• 10oz. Cherry tomatoes
• ¼ Cup lime juice
• 1 Finely chopped jalapeno or serrano (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ¼ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ Cup white onion, chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
1. Grill corn, you do not need to soak the corn beforehand.
2. Place corn on the grill (inside their husks) over medium heat turning every few minutes.
3. After 10 to 12 minutes shuck the corn and put the cobs back on the grill for 2-4 minutes rotating frequently to achieve that charred look and flavor.
4. Cut the corn from the cob, place in bowl and add all other ingredients. Let the mixture meld for about an hour and serve with tortilla chips or as a taco garnish.
A UNIVERSITY COURSE DESIGNED BY AUGUSTA NATIONAL'S LEGENDARY GOLF ARCHITECT
One of the greatest golf architects of the 20th century, Alister MacKenzie, designed the University of Michigan Golf Course, which opened in 1931. Renowned for letting the natural landscape guide his designs, MacKenzie once said, “The chief object of every golf architect or greenkeeper worth his salt is to imitate the beauties of nature so closely as to make his work indistinguishable from nature itself.”
Just steps from the Big House and nestled in our own backyard, the University of Michigan Golf Course is considered one of the best collegiate courses in the nation. MacKenzie, its famed architect, also designed some of the world’s most preeminent courses — including Augusta National (home of the Masters Tournament) in Georgia; Cypress Point in Pebble Beach, Calif.; and the West Course at Royal Melbourne in Australia.
Ranked third in Golf Digest’s 2023 list of “America’s Greatest College Courses,” the 18 hole, 6,730-yard U-M Golf Course serves as the home course for Michigan’s varsity golf and cross country teams. While the city views are a delight, the course’s fairways and undulating greens are lined with mature fir trees, rolling hills, tall native fescue grasses, and steep elevation changes that are not for the faint of heart. The course is far from easy, but that’s part of its appeal and reflects MacKenzie’s vision of combining
strategic play with enough challenge to keep players engaged. The 537-yard, par-5 third hole is considered one of the most demanding, with a putting surface that Sports Illustrated described as having “ripples like ocean swells.”
Historically reserved for students, staff, alumni, and invited guests, “the Blue”— as it’s affectionately known — opened to the public in 2015. Now, unaffiliated guests can enjoy the course Monday through Friday via oneday packages — a rare opportunity to play a MacKenziedesigned gem and a true bucket-list experience for golf history buffs.
In May 2017, Michigan Athletics dedicated and opened the Richard L. Postma Family Clubhouse, a 23,000-square-foot facility that serves as a retreat after a tough round of golf. It also features an impressive pro shop to help players gear up and strategize for avoiding the course’s well-placed, sandy bunkers their next time out.
The University of Michigan Golf Course is a rare opportunity to play and walk fairways shaped by the creative mind behind Augusta National and is a living piece of golf history, right here in Ann Arbor.
umgolfcourse.umich.edu @umichgolfcourse
JUNE 1ST
Taste of Ann Arbor
Main Street | 11:00 AM
Taste of Ann Arbor returns to Main Street on Sunday, June 1. The perfect way to sample Ann Arbor’s exceptional food scene, guests can purchase tickets to exchange for signature bites from various restaurant vendors lining Main Street. Come hungry and find your new favorite restaurants! For more information visit mainstreetannarbor.org/taste-of-ann-arbor.
JUNE 5TH
Liberty and Division | 11:30 AM
Bank of Ann Arbor’s outdoor summer concert series, Sonic Lunch, kicks off the 2025 season with Mike Posner and special guest Joe Hertler. Taking place every Thursday through August 28, Sonic Lunch concerts are free and suitable for all ages. Join the crowds for an energizing mid-day musical break. For the full summer schedule visit soniclunch.com.
JUNE 6TH
Rackham Auditorium | 7:00 PM
Literati Bookstore welcomes bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid to celebrate the release of her new book, Atmosphere. This epic new novel, set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program, is about the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love beyond our limits. All tickets include a signed copy of Atmosphere. To purchase tickets, visit literatibookstore.com.
JUNE 11TH
AADL Summer Game
Throughout Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor District Library Summer Game begins Wednesday, June 11 and runs throughout the summer. Solve puzzles, explore the city to find codes, and earn points to redeem for prizes. With Summer Game Mixers and key events like the Summer Game Spectacular, look forward to a season of fun for all ages. For full details, visit play.aadl.org
JUNE 13TH - 29TH
Ann Arbor Summer Festival
Downtown Ann Arbor
From music to art exhibitions, food, movies, kids’ activities and more, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events of summer. Head to Top of the Park for live music or to watch movies by moonlight, or visit The Annex for trivia, spoken word, nerd nite, and more. For full details visit a2sf.org.
JUNE 14TH
32nd Annual Ann Arbor Garden Walk
Old West Side, Ann Arbor | 10:00 AM
Celebrate summer with the 32nd Annual Ann Arbor Garden Walk on Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tour six beautiful private gardens, including two designed by KC Runciman Landscapes. Proceeds support local horticultural and environmental projects. Hosted by Ann Arbor Farm and Garden, this beloved event draws garden and nature lovers from across the community. For more information, visit annarborfarmandgarden.org.
JUNE 19TH
Aventura | 5:00 PM
Join Aventura for a monthly wine tasting featuring more than eight Spanish wines for just $65. Delight in carefully curated snacks expertly paired with each wine, all in an authentic Spanish atmosphere. Retail wine purchases are also available — don’t miss this chance to sip, savor, and take home your favorites. Valé! For tickets visit aventuraannarbor.com/#events
JUNE 20TH - 22ND
Ypsilanti’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
The 5th Annual Ypsilanti Juneteenth Celebration returns for a weekend of community, local vendors and live performances featuring Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Fred Hammond. For more information and a full lineup, visit Ypsilanti’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration on facebook.com
Celebrate summer at these local hot spots
1: LOWERTOWN BAR & CAFE
Serving coffee by day and cocktails by night, Lowertown’s spacious, dog-friendly patio has become a favorite gathering spot on the historic Northside.
2: MOTHFIRE BREWING CO.
The outdoor picnic tables at Mothfire’s new taproom are the perfect way to enjoy the craft brewery’s signature beers.
3: YORK
Turn to York for coffee, wine, charcuterie, and one of the best patios in Ann Arbor.
“We don’t tell clients what they can’t do. We get just as excited about their vision as they are, and we just figure out how to make it happen.”
- Jake Johnson