Ann Arbor, MI November 2025

THANKFUL FOR THE PRIVILEGE TO SERVE THIS COMMUNITY SINCE 2007

A Season of Gratitude

The colder weather and shorter days of the “ber” months in Michigan always feel like nature’s way of reminding me to quiet down, cozy up (“cocoa by candlelight” is a tradition in our household), and take stock of what matters most. It’s a time, even amid challenges, to reflect on the good that’s happened throughout the year.

This year, I’ve been especially grateful for the chance to listen, learn, and share our community’s stories through Ann Arbor City Lifestyle. Eighteen months ago, after being laid off from my job in tech, I never imagined I’d buy into a franchise, become a small business owner, run a print magazine, and meet so many incredible locals whose ingenuity and creativity make Ann Arbor so special. As we present the seventh issue, I’m grateful and humbled—for what we’ve built, for the partners who make it possible, and for the opportunities ahead to tell more stories.

In this issue, we begin by telling the story of the powerhouse couple behind Angelini & Associates Architects. Brad and Theresa Angelini embody the phrase “speak softly and carry a big stick.” They are as kind and welcoming as you’d hope for in the people designing your dream home—yet their portfolio stands among the most exceptional in the city, anchoring Ann Arbor’s architectural community.

Next, we spotlight five-time New York Times bestselling author John U. Bacon and his new book, The Gales of November (buy locally—Literati is stocked!). While I’ve turned to John’s X account (formerly Twitter) for intel on Michigan Football more times than I can count, what amazes me most is his ability to give voice to those who cannot speak—crafting a gripping tribute to the 29 crew members who lost their lives in the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald 50 years ago this November.

From there, we tackle the age-old question “what wine goes with turkey?” (spoiler: many) with guidance from sommelier James Lewis. We also highlight an opportunity to give back: the founders of City Lifestyle—which publishes nearly 250 magazines nationwide—have launched a private foundation to support those in need this holiday season.

Finally, we get to know respected Ann Arbor psychologist and executive coach Dr. Robert Pasick, whose timely focus on resilience and emotional intelligence centers on “learnfulness”—taking what you discover today and applying it tomorrow.

So here’s to November—a ’ber month made for cozying up with a book (or magazine!), gathering with loved ones, supporting one another and our community, and holding tight to what’s most important.

MARIA KARPIEL, PUBLISHER @ANNARBORCITYLIFESTYLE

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Maria Karpiel | maria.karpiel@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Rebecca Voigt | rebecca.voigt@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

William Walker Orr, Dr. Robert Pasick

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Meg Dula, Jeff Garland

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Proverbs

inside the issue

Welcome Home

Architects

What Lies Beneath

Bestselling

The

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

5:

and State Theaters CEO Molly Rowan-Deckart, and Kate Trumbull at Nightcap. 6: UMS President Matthew VanBesien and Joe Sesi of Sesi Motors at UMS’s 147th Season Opener.

to a sold out crowd at The Big House—the largest ticketed concert in U.S. history and the first-ever at Michigan Stadium.

business monthly

A Comedy of Cookies and Chaos

Jeff Daniels' Purple Rose Theatre presents the 20th Anniversary Production of his hilarious comedy,  Norma & Wanda , onstage now through December 21. Two very different sisters get themselves into an outrageous pickle with an old high school boyfriend, a chaotic church social and a secret family recipe for Christmas sausage. This humorous show is for adults only. For more information and tickets, visit purplerosetheatre.org.

Scan to read more

The Holiday Season Begins November 7th at Found

Join Found for a Holiday Opening Party from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, November 7. Get a first peek as the beloved Kerrytown shop reveals its 2025 Holiday Collection, including 5' polar bears, Scandi inspired accents, woodland critters, and giant paper trees. The party kicks off seven weeks of festive decor, fun surprises, and special gifts for everyone on your list!

Scan to read more

Aventura Introduces New General Manager

The Pulpo Group is thrilled to welcome Gabriel DeFlaviis as General Manager of Aventura. Immersed in hospitality since middle school, DeFlaviis has worked nearly every role across restaurants and bars while studying illustration at the College for Creative Studies. He joined Selden Standard in 2016, earned his introductory wine certification in 2019, and went on to manage restaurants and wine shops across Oakland and Wayne counties before becoming the opening GM at Leña. Now, DeFlaviis brings deep industry expertise—and a sharp sense of humor—to the Aventura team.

Scan to read more

ARTICLE BY WILLIAM WALKER ORR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF GARLAND AND MEG DULA

WELCOME HOME

Architects Brad and Theresa Angelini create spaces that bring families together

For Brad and Theresa Angelini, architecture is much more than a profession—it’s a family affair. Since 1989, the award-winning, husband-and-wife duo behind Angelini & Associates Architects have designed spaces that welcome the morning light as often as they draw families together. As the holiday season approaches, their philosophy feels especially timely, with their vast body of work standing as a proud cornerstone of Ann Arbor’s architectural community.

When Brad and Theresa moved to Ann Arbor, they had a six-month-old baby and dual teaching roles at the University of Michigan School of Architecture and Urban Planning. Initially balancing their practice with academia, the pair chose to go all-in on their firm after landing a significant job designing a home for one of the university’s regents.

“That was a big turning point for us,” Brad says. “It let us feel like we had the freedom and the ability to maintain a practice.” Today, more than 700 projects later, Angelini & Associates endures as a testament to collaborative, client-centered design.

Operating as equal partners, the couple shares every design decision. Each brings different strengths, with Brad excelling at client outreach and Theresa in project management. “In terms of collaboration, we both realize it’s not about anybody’s ego,” Theresa says. “It’s whatever works—the winning scheme—and if one of us is uncomfortable with something, we talk about it and respect each other’s opinions.”

The couple is so in sync that they often joke about forgetting whose idea was whose throughout the creation process, preferring instead to spotlight the contributions of the firm’s talented 10-person team. This humility is reflected in the Angelinis’ design approach, too, with the pair discussing everything from groceries to clients’ sleep habits to best tailor a home to their needs.

But while every client’s needs are unique, Brad notes one universal truth: “Bottom line,” he says, “everybody ends up in the kitchen—across all departments and households.”

Another aspect that plays a big role in the Angelinis’ process is the presence of natural light in their interiors, a throughline that extends across their body of work and requires a thoughtful balance between practicality and client expectations. For some projects, this approach necessitates a layout aimed at best capturing the first hints of dawn through east-facing windows. For others, the sunset is the name of the game, with living rooms, patios, and porches positioned to catch those last gleaming rays of sunshine from the west. “It starts with the orientation of the

Flecktones Nov 30

Tune in to a November full of incredible sound. Reserve the edge of your seat at events this month like An Evening with Boz Scaggs, violinist Gil Shaham with pianist Akira Eguchi, the Danish String Quartet, or Béla Fleck & the Flecktones. Explore the full 2025-26 Season today!

Tickets to all events are available now 734-764-2538

house,” Theresa explains. “That determines what views you can get and where light can then enter the home.”

This dedication to thoughtful, client-focused design has led Angelini & Associates to professional acclaim over the years, including multiple Detroit Design (formerly Detroit Home) Awards since 2005, an AIA Huron Valley Firm Achievement Award in 2014, seven AIA Huron Valley Honor or Merit Awards, and a LEED Silver certification for sustainable design.

Despite this recognition and the firm’s national presence—the Angelinis have completed several collegiate projects in Iowa, Arizona, and Texas—Ann Arbor continues to influence their approach to architecture, with many of the community’s clients prioritizing discretion and eco-friendly practices over elaborate, showy exteriors.

“The thing that sets [Ann Arbor] apart from some other areas is that it’s not ostentatious,” Theresa says. “The people here aren’t remodeling or building a new home just to impress other people.”

After more than 35 years, Angelini & Associates continues to influence the way Ann Arbor families live and grow together.

“It’s such an honor to be invited into [our clients’] lives,” the couple says. “It’s something we’re really thankful for.”

Learn more at angeliniarchitects.com

ARTICLE BY MARIA KARPIEL

WHAT LIES BENEATH

Five-time New York Times bestselling author. Cult hero of Michigan sports. Renowned historian and speaker. Townie. And now, with The Gales of November, a new book—praised by Ken Burns himself— on one of America’s most famous shipwrecks, John U. Bacon takes on the untold story of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.  Ann Arbor City Lifestyle caught up with the author to learn more about the “Titanic of the Great Lakes.”

JOHN, TELL US: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK?

Like a lot of Michiganders, I grew up fascinated by the Great Lakes in general, and the Edmund Fitzgerald in particular. I was 11 years old when the ship went down, and I still remember it—and the haunting feeling it gave me whenever I looked out across any of the Great Lakes. Once you’ve caught the bug, it’s hard to shake. I knew I wanted to tell people about the Great Lakes, and how important shipping is, but my main goal was to humanize the 29 men who went down with the ship.

THE SHIPWRECK HAS OFTEN BEEN CALLED THE “TITANIC OF THE GREAT LAKES,” AS IT WAS THE LARGEST AND FASTEST VESSEL ON THE LAKES AT THE TIME. WITH SO MANY CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS AND ENDURING MYSTERIES SURROUNDING THE NIGHT OF NOVEMBER 10, 1975— WHEN ALL 29 CREW MEMBERS PERISHED—WHAT’S YOUR TAKE? IN YOUR VIEW, HOW DID THIS TRAGEDY UNFOLD?

I side with one of my experts, John Tanner, who told me, “It’s never just one thing that sinks a ship; it’s a series of events, like dominoes. And if you don’t stop the chain, they can start tumbling fast.”

It was everything, all at once: the worst storm in a century, generating 100 mph winds and kicking up 50-foot waves; poor forecasting and communications; mechanical failures on

the Fitzgerald, including short and long radar breaking down; and some bad decisions and some well-meaning ones that backfired. But because the Fitzgerald’s sinking drew so much attention, they greatly improved forecasting, communication, and decision making, and there has not been one commercial shipwreck on the Great Lakes since, which is stunning.

GORDON LIGHTFOOT’S HAUNTING BALLAD MEMORIALIZED THE “WIVES, THE SONS, AND THE DAUGHTERS LEFT BEHIND.” YOUR BOOK GOES EVEN FURTHER, BRINGING TO LIFE THE STORIES OF THE SAILORS AND THEIR LOVED ONES. DID YOU KNOW FROM THE START THAT GIVING VOICE TO THESE PERSONAL NARRATIVES WOULD BE CENTRAL TO THE BOOK?

That was my main goal, but I had no idea if I could achieve it. For that, fortunately, the

CONTINUED >

“I

families were willing to talk with me about their fathers, their uncles, their brothers, cousins, and in a couple cases their boyfriends. I was also lucky enough to find six men who had served on the Fitzgerald at some point, who knew the ship and the crew, and even one sailor who was on the Arthur M. Anderson, chasing the Fitzgerald that fateful night. I think he’s probably the last one left,

and his insights are incredible. You won’t find their stories anywhere else, so I’m greatly appreciative. I think the readers will be, too.

FINALLY, IF THERE’S ONE MESSAGE YOU HOPE READERS CARRY WITH THEM AFTER TURNING THE LAST PAGE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Too hard to pick one, but I can give you a few: Experienced sailors will tell you the Great Lakes can be more dangerous than the oceans; we depend on Great Lakes shipping and sailors more than we think, if we think about them at all; and we’ll probably never know exactly what happened.

Bruce Hudson’s mom, Ruth, said it best. “Only 30 know what happened: 29 men and God.” And they’re not talking.

Learn more at johnubacon.com.

a festive pairing

The age-old question, “What wine goes with turkey?” is answered.

ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL

It’s a question heard every year about this time: “What are the best wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?” “In my early days in the wine business, the answer was pretty cut and dried because it was all based on the assumption that you had a turkey that came out of the oven that was dry, and so you’re almost guaranteed to need something with a little bit of sweetness to it to help balance that out,” James Lewis says. James is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years. “I’d recommend a sweet or off-dry Riesling or Gewü rztraminer. Something that will help with that dry meat that you’re about to choke down.”

But now, with all the ways people are preparing the big bird, he says that conversation has become a lot more interesting and fun.

“People are frying turkeys, which come out really moist and delicious. They’re smoking turkeys and they’re doing them on the grill,” James says. “Now, when I’m asked that question, I always ask how the turkey is going to be cooked because any given preparation is going to call for something a little bit different.

“If you’re deep frying it, it’s going to come out very moist with a fair bit of fat, so you need something that’s going to cut through that. So you can go with a dry white, you can do a dry Riesling, or you could try a French Chardonnay, which typically doesn’t have that big, rich mouthfeel that California Chardonnay would have. It’s crisper and cleaner with high acidity.”

For those who prefer red wines, James says that a fried or smoked turkey can handle something a bit bolder and full-bodied. “Try something like a Pinot Noir. It’s not at all heavyhanded. When I’m talking about red wines, and

I talk about heavy-handed or big—Cabernet is big and full-bodied. I call it the linebacker of the wine world. Then you’ve got Pinot Noir, which is more about balance and elegance. So, if Cabernet is a linebacker, Pinot Noir would be the ballerina. They’re both athletes, but with different approaches to athletics, so they have different approaches to your palate. Cabernet is big, dry, and highly tannic, so you might serve a Cabernet or Malbec if you’re having a steak for Thanksgiving, but you wouldn’t want to do that with a turkey.

“With a turkey,” James continues, “you want something that’s going to have a little more acidity, less tannins, and medium body; not that big mouth-filling richness. You can do a Beaujolais or an old-world Italian Sangiovese, which tends to be a very food-friendly wine.”

Somewhere in between might be a soft, flirty rosé. And rosé wine seems to be having a moment. “Rosé was always thought of as a summer wine, but people are now drinking it year-round. It’s an excellent choice to go with turkey.”

What about bubbles? “I almost hesitate to answer that because it’s kind of the easy answer. You can drink Champagne or sparkling with anything because of that really bright acidity. Especially if you have a fried bird, a Prosecco or sparkling wine is going to cut right through that fattiness and balance it out really nicely.”

If you’re hosting a tableful of friends and family this year, James says it’s easy to bring together a collection of wines that will please the crowd. “If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

“If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

What if I’m serving ham this year?

“Lots of people have ham for Thanksgiving, right? It’s very traditional to pair ham and Pinot. But again, you can get creative. You can do a Grenache, you can do a Beaujolais…really, any of those medium-bodied reds will be delicious.”

What about dessert?

How much should I spend on a bottle of wine?

“If you’re having pumpkin pie for dessert, I would go with something like a tawny port. The spiciness of the pie combined with that kind of nuttiness and caramel notes of a tawny port? Lovely. And it would work with an apple pie as well.”

“That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because wine is so incredibly subjective. That said, I’m a firm believer that there is an absolute ocean of delicious wine in that $15–$25 retail price point. If you go to your wine shop and tell them you’re looking for a nice off-dry Riesling for around $20, they should be able to find you something that’ll work really well. There’s no reason to break the bank.”

H O P E

with YOU

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

NOVEMBER 8TH

Brahms’ Symphony No. 2

Michigan Theater | 7:30 PM

Sensational South Korean-German violinist Clara-Jumi Kang joins the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra for an evening program including Tōru Takemitsu’s Requiem for Strings, Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, and Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 2. For tickets and subscription packages visit a2so.org.

NOVEMBER 9TH

A2 Community Bookfest

Downtown Library | 10:00 AM

Join the Ann Arbor District Library for the A2 Community Bookfest, featuring various activities for all ages, including keynote and author talks (don’t miss headliner and bestselling author Katie Kitamura), hands-on crafts for kids and adults, storytimes, and discussion groups. Booksellers, publishers, authors and more will be on the vendor floor from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at aadl.org/bookfest.

NOVEMBER 10TH

Glenn Miller Orchestra

Michigan Theater | 7:00 PM

“In the Mood” for swing music? The most popular and sought-after big band of all time returns to Ann Arbor for an unforgettable performance featuring hits such as “In the Mood,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Moonlight Serenade,” and more. For tickets visit marquee-arts.org

NOVEMBER 27TH

Ann Arbor Turkey Trot

Downtown Ann Arbor | 7:00 AM

Kick off your Thanksgiving Day festivities with the Ann Arbor Turkey Trot. With a 5K race, Tot Trot 1K, hot chocolate and cookies at the finish line, costume and age group awards, and photos with Turkey Tom and Santa, it promises to be a morning filled with fun for the entire family. Register at theturkeytrot.com

NOVEMBER 29TH

Small Business Saturday

Throughout Ann Arbor | 10:00 AM

Support local businesses and #ShopSmall this holiday season. From jewelry stores and art galleries to clothing boutiques and toy stores, visit your favorite Ann Arbor shops to support the businesses that give the city its unique character—all while checking off your holiday gift list. For a holiday shopping guide, visit mainstreetannarbor.org

NOVEMBER 29TH

University of Michigan vs. Ohio State

Michigan Stadium | 12:00 PM

The ultimate rivalry returns to the Big House as the Michigan Wolverines take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or glued to TV at home, it’s a game not to be missed. Go Blue! For tickets visit seatgeek.com.

NOVEMBER 30TH

Béla Fleck & The Flecktones:

Jingle

All the Way

Hill Auditorium | 4:00 PM

Celebrate the season with an unforgettable Thanksgiving weekend concert featuring GRAMMY-winning quartet Béla Fleck & The Flecktones. After a decade-long hiatus, the group is reuniting to bring their distinct blend of bluegrass and jazz to the stage for a performance that embraces the spirit of the season. Tickets and limited VIP packages are available at ums.org.

ARTICLE BY DR. ROBERT PASICK

One Conversation at a Time

GET TO KNOW DR. ROBERT PASICK, ANN ARBOR’S GO-TO LEADERSHIP COACH

From Ferndale to Harvard to A2

From my roots growing up in Ferndale to my training at Harvard, my journey has been about learning who I am—and helping others do the same. My work is about helping people and organizations grow through self-awareness, “learnfulness,” resilience, and purpose.

Leaders Connect Learnfulness ≥ Mindfulness

I admire people who continue to learn throughout their lives. I call this quality “learnfulness.” Unlike mindfulness, which encourages us to observe our thoughts and feelings, learnfulness is about taking action—noticing, capturing, and applying life lessons in real time.

Psychologist + Executive Coach

At my core, I am a psychologist and executive coach. This combination allows me to draw from both disciplines to guide leaders and individuals through complex challenges and difficult times. My passion is to help people achieve success in work and life.

I am the founder and host of Leaders Connect, a monthly leadership roundtable where leaders from all sectors can come together to meaningfully connect and learn from one another. I strive to make a difference, one conversation at a time.

50 Years And Counting

This past year I celebrated 50 years of being a clinical psychologist. Helping people grow, lead effectively, and find clarity in their personal and professional lives is not just my job—it’s what I truly enjoy.

Learn more at robpasick.com.

A LEGACY BUILT ON CRAFTSMANSHIP

“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