Issuu

D E C E M B E R 2 02 1

B LO O M F I E L D H I L L S

A R T S + C U LTU R E

WINTER + REVELS

M I C K F L EE T WO O D ’ S SU RPRISI N G LO CAL C O N N EC T I O N SHOPPING LO CAL H O L I DAY G I F T G U I D E HOME + DESIGN H O L I DAY D EC O R T I P S

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

Karin Eisenberg | karin.eisenberg@lifestylepubs.com

Let the Holiday Season Begin

Rayna Southart | rayna.southart@lifestylepubs.com

THEY SAY IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR, AND I THINK

Evan Deuvall

THEY’RE RIGHT. The holiday season seems to unburden us from reason and

L AYO UT DESIGNER

indulge our every whim: Christmas cookies for breakfast, latkes for dinner, sparkling wine on standby, champagne on New Year's Eve and so many more opportunities to just eat, and eat...and eat. For me, the holidays are about family. I remember as a child celebrating Chanukah and receiving gifts every day for eight days and doing the same for my own children

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

AD DESIGNER

Kirstan Lanier CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stacy Conde, Carly Eisen CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Aly Darin

when they were young. Each year, I love the season with all the beautiful Christmas decorations and trees and the festive feeling of love and lights. While holidays are about memories, they can also bring about new beginnings. Each December is a time to celebrate and give back. To spend time with family and friends, to make mental resolutions of how we can improve and honor others. It’s a time to reach out to those who are lonely and families that are in need. If you’re like me and cannot get enough of what this time of year has to offer, here are a few other things that make an ideal holiday season: crunchy golden leaves, holding hot beverages in hand, busting out coats and cardigans, baking amazing

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

desserts, cozying up by a warm fireplace, twinkling lights, bundled up scarves,

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

stealing kisses underneath the mistletoe, secretly searching for the PERFECT gifts

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

and the excuses we make to inch a little closer to each other.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

This season, let us embrace what is truly important. We have all been through such

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

a hard couple of years. We have learned the meaning of love and the value of a quality existence. Let us continue to be safe with an eye toward more peaceful and prosperous times. Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy holiday season!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Karin Eisenberg

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI ON THE COVER Gerard Marti (left) and Mick Fleetwood (right) 4

Birmingham Life | December 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Birmingham Life™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham 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 Birmingham Life™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

MEREDITH COLBURN R E A L

E S T A T E

— P R O V I D I N G A L U X U R Y E X P E R I E N C E AT E V E R Y P R I C E —

248-762-5319

MEREDITH@MEREDITHCOLBURN.COM MEREDITHCOLBURN.COM 4 42 S. OLD WOODWARD AVE ., BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 12 Holiday Gift Guide Your guide to local shopping this holiday season

16 Deck the Halls Holiday Décor with Meg Corley Premier Interiors

20 Interview with Mick Fleetwood We chatted with Mick Fleetwood about his surprising local connection

20 16

26 Authentically French Get to know this local french bakery

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local’s Choice

Renovate & Refine

26 Locally Owned 30 Inspired By 34 Lifestyle Calendar

PLAN FOR TOMORROW – LIVE FOR TODAY

Our Expertise is Built on a Solid Foundation of Excellent Client Service and In-Depth Market Knowledge. Financial Planning // Proactive Tax Reduction // Estate Planning // 401k // Team Approach Medicare // College Planning // Social Security Maximization // Elder Care Protection Trust

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Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Investwise Financial and Cambridge are not affiliated.

GOOD TIMES

Birmingham Life Magazine Launch Event Birmingham Life Magazine hosted a private launch event at Robert Kidd Gallery on October 20 to celebrate our community partners and friends. It was an evening of libations, music, food and art.

Birmingham Life Magazine Launch Event We'd like to say a huge thank you to our event sponsors: Robert Kidd Gallery, Simply Good Kitchen, The Bubbly Bar, ID Enterprises, Aly Darin Photography, Culinary Combo Bakery, Trey Simon Music, Beyond Juice and The Daxton Hotel. We couldn't have done it without you!

Birmingham Life | December 2021

L u x ury

MARKET REPORT

Presented by Candice Rich, Luxury Home Specialist

Fall/Winter Luxury Forecast As the weather cools, traditionally so does our real estate market in Michigan. However, in simple terms, our current market is still very much nontraditional. The Luxury Real Estate market remains extremely robust and luxury properties are still very much in high demand. If this trend remains on track, with the number of sales as well as the highest median price point for luxury properties, then 2021 could possibly be reported as one of the strongest years on record! Buyers Remain Optimistic Despite Challenges Rising prices and competition have made things challenging for Buyers in 2021; but despite those challenges, Buyer demand remains strong heading into our winter season with buyers seeing a cooling of bidding wars; however, the market still remains more competitive than it has been historically. We’re very much still in a seller’s market Even with the incredible rate of appreciation in home prices we’ve been experiencing has now started to cool down, it remains a Seller’s market. New Construction is up 2% from August and despite this increase in new inventory, homes are still selling rapidly. Economists are hopeful, several stating “Overall, we think home sales will remain strong going into next year, but we should see inventory levels continue to slowly trend toward more normal levels and home price appreciation begin to slow and peak over time.”

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BLOOMFIELD 6091 FRANKLIN 5 560 PINEWAY 5 4017 LINCOLN 4 198 TIMBER TRACE 5 310 MARTELL 4 210 LOWELL 5 2974 TURTLE POND 3 1120 COUNTRY CLUB 8 1539 LOCHRIDGE 5 5200 WINDINGWOOD 5 1867 LONG POINTE 4

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210 S Old Wooward Ave., Ste 200, Birmingham MI www.CandiceRich.com

AROUND TOWN award-winning artist Lois Teicher and installed at the intersection of West Maple and Henrietta Street. Teicher says, "Dynamic Tension refers to opposing forces which are characterized by constant change, activity or progress. These forces producing motion are in constant tension. This sculpture refers to this concept, in visual form.” The photo below is Mayor Pierre Boutros with Lois Teicher posing with Dynamic Tension.

CHIROPRACTIC LIFESTYLE STUDIO OPENING Chiropractic Lifestyle Studio (CLS) is now open in the new Woodward Corners plaza in Royal Oak. Their stunning, state-of-the-art clinic is technologically innovative, scientifically based, non-invasive and always patient-centered, with a primary focus on chiropractic care that will impact your entire family. Dr. Wes Paten, head doctor at CLS, believes in holistic health care, focusing on each patient’s physical, emotional,

ATELIER SCHOOL OF ART OPENING

mental, social and environmental health. CLS

Atelier School of Art is a gem nestled right

is built on the idea of creating healthy lifestyle

in the heart of Royal Oak. The newly renovated

behaviors including vitalistic nutrition, brain

studio space recently reopened its doors to

health, exercise and positive mental attitudes.

expanded and diverse youth and adult programs. Artists at every experience level can find high-quality art classes and a welcoming community. Classes are kept small to ensure that students get plenty of individual attention. For more information, visit AtelierSchoolofArt. com, call (248) 951-4400 or stop in to explore this amazing art school at 407 E. 4th Street.

NEW SCULPTURE UNVEILED IN BIRMINGHAM A new sculpture called Dynamic Tension was gifted to the City of Birmingham by

Birmingham Life | December 2021

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle. com/BirminghamMI using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

LOCAL’S CHOICE

LOOKING TO SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

holiday gift guide WHEN THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL, GIVE GIFTS OF THE MOST DELIGHTFUL. This holiday season, make your list. Check it twice. Shop from the wonderful stores in our community, and your gifts will be a seamless surprise. From cozy coats to dazzling jewelry, lavish your good list with these pleasing presents. You’ll surely spread joy and cheer! 4. Gift the à la mode lady in your life the Marni Jacket

a quilted insert that provides bonus protection against

($1980). This chic cocoon-shaped mélange wool coat

the elements, the Bugatti glen checkered coat ($695)

features delightful details like a contrasting lamb

will be his constant companion on chilly days. For ease

shearling collar and faux fur trim. Purchase this jacket

and warmth, it’s fused with Flexcity, a wool blend with

from TENDER at 271 W. Maple Rd. Visit their website

high-performance stretch. Shop dolce MODA for this

at tenderbirmingham.com.

coat at 323 E. Maple Rd. and dolcemoda.com. 5. Bone-chilling temps will have nothing on the belle 2. For the man who loves to travel, give him the Ultra-

who’s gifted the SANIA scarf ($75). This black and white

Luxurious Milano Rib Knit Travel Set ($695). This

woven jacquard scarf features a retro houndstooth pat-

high-performance jacket and pants set is handcrafted

tern and festive fringes. It can be worn as a classic loop

in Minnesota and made of moisture-wicking Techno-

or shawl. Purchase the SOIA & KYO scarf from Found

Cotton fabric. For added ease, pants have a draw-

Objects at 168 S. Old Woodward Ave. Visit their website

string elasticized waistband and functional zipper fly.

at shopfoundobjects.com.

Purchase the travel-ready togs at St. Croix Shop at 268 W. Maple Rd. or stcroixshop.com.

6. Spice up her accessories with unique, vibrant, handmade and stackable bracelets, necklaces, rings and

3. Surprise the chronograph-aficionado in your life

more by Arm Candy. Their non-tarnish gold-filled, sil-

with the elegant and sporty TAG Heuer Carrera watch

ver and rose gold ball bracelets feature details like nat-

($5,750). It features a steel H-shape bracelet and

ural stones and charms and playful colors like neons

44-mm case in fine-brushed and polished steel. For

and pastels. With prices ranging from $10 to $1,000

added performance, it includes their in-house Heuer

and more, you’ll find something for any lady on your

02 automatic movement. Purchase this chronometer at

list. Go a step further and personalize her present with

Lucido Fine Jewelry at 250 N. Old Woodward Ave. Visit

initials or meaningful words. Shop Arm Candy at 574

their website at lucidojewelry.com.

N. Old Woodward Ave.

Birmingham Life | December 2021

ARTICLE CARLY EISEN

1. With its single-breasted buttons, stand-up collar and

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RENOVATE & REFINE

deck the Halls HOLIDAY DÉCOR WITH MEG CORLEY PREMIER INTERIORS

The client found the gold acorns on their travels and ARTICLE STACY CONDE

asked if I could use them somewhere. The mantel is large enough to handle the scale and the acorns worked perfectly for balance.

MEG CORLEY FOUND HER PASSION FOR INTERIOR DESIGN AS A STUDENT AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY. She made her way in the field as an intern and then a design assistant at firms in Birmingham before opening Meg Corley Premier Interiors in 2010. With the holidays on the horizon, we asked Meg for some decorating tips. Birmingham Life: When is it appropriate to put up

I wanted something different here since the large tree in the foyer is right off this room. We added the ornaments and the skirts are actually bathroom rugs with a glittery ribbon to give a glistening effect.

the holiday decorations and when do we have to take them down? Meg Corley: I start putting up holiday decor the week after Thanksgiving and typically clients will leave decor up through the first of the year. However, we like to leave fireplace mantels more versatile for the winter season so that clients can have that bit of warmth through the winter months. BL: What type of lighting do you recommend for holiday gatherings? MC: We love the soft white lights instead of using LED bulbs. The incandescence brings a soft glow. BL: Do you prefer to work with live or artificial plants? MC: Most of the decor we do inside is artificial so clients can use it year to year, but I do also use real magnolia leaves and string them throughout artificial garland. For exterior pots, we use real greenery. Meg gave us some examples of real-life client work she designed for the holiday season.

Birmingham Life | December 2021

We wanted a grand entrance when you walked in the front door. We made the swags with artificial greenery, ornaments, decorative sticks, ribbon, faux flowers and battery-operated lights.

This mantel was designed with a winter scene theme rather than a holiday scene, so it can be used all season. We used woodland owls and feather garland to add an unexpected softness.

You can use real greens for your outdoor pots as the cold weather holds their integrity. I use pine, juniper, cedar and magnolia leaves. CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

MICK FLEETWOOD’S SURPRISING LOCAL CON N ECTION

Birmingham Life | December 2021

ARTICLE KARIN EISENBERG

WHAT DO BIRMINGHAM AND ROCK LEGEND

Now the two have launched the Mick Fleetwood

MICK FLEETWOOD HAVE IN COMMON? Well,

Coffee Company, which began with Mick’s love for

the answer is pretty simple and may even sur-

coffee. Gerard asked Mick to develop that love into

prise you. Gerard Marti, owner of the Robert Kidd

coffee blends that would be sold worldwide. The

Gallery, started a friendship with the co-founder

beans are imported from Africa and Hawaii and the

of Fleetwood Mac more than 20 years ago in Hawaii

coffee will be available online in December and at

that endures to this day.

local grocery stores including our very own Kroger,

Gerard was born and raised in Marseille, France.

Papa Joe’s and Plum Market.

After attending art school in Paris, he took a job as a

I got the amazing chance to interview Mick

recording engineer in 1975 with EMI Records. He mar-

Fleetwood on his recent endeavors. We started off

ried in 1991 and moved to Hawaii, where he opened

talking about Nathan Apocada, the social media star

an art gallery. At the time, Mick Fleetwood was also a

who hit it big with his TikTok video in which he lip-

huge fan of Maui and spending a lot of time there, and

syncs Fleetwood Mac’s song “Dreams.” The video

the two quickly became dear friends.

inspired countless imitators, made Apocada a fortune

Years ago, Fleetwood Mac bass player John McVie studied photography and introduced the art-

and made sales of the 1977 song soar as it was discovered by a whole new generation.

form to Mick, for whom the passion certainly stuck. Gerard became fundamental in inspiring Mick to

BIRMINGHAM LIFE: HOW DO YOU FEEL

show his work at the gallery in Maui. Mick notes

ABOUT SALES OF “DREAMS” INCREASING BY

that he would not have done this had it not been for

184% AFTER NATHAN APOCADA’S TIKTOK?

the trust he had in Gerard’s eye for fine art. Today,

Mick Fleetwood: It was such a surprise, such a joy-

Birmingham’s Robert Kidd Gallery houses many of

ous and fun celebration. I met virtually with Nathan

Fleetwood’s photographs.

through a BBC newscast and my first words were, "We

But as it turns out, the relationship between

owe you." It was such a great story, and so needed in

the gallery owner and rock and roller was about

days that are so challenging. It made people smile and

to take yet another turn, this time outside of art.

I was happy to be part of it.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

MICK FLEETWOOD (CONTINUED)

BL: WHICH OF THE BAND’S SONGS MEANT THE

Royal Air Force. When I started to be what could

MOST TO YOU AND MOVES YOU TO THIS DAY?

be construed as famous-ish, he said, “Never for-

MF: Actually “Dreams” is one of them. This track

get you get up and go to the toilet in the morning,

remains Fleetwood Mac’s only song to top the

Michael.” Which means, just keep it in perspective,

Billboard chart in the States, and it embodies

have a good sense of humor and remember that

everything great about our album “Rumours.” This

you are a human being.

song played a pivotal role in the band becoming a household name. I think it’s the most famous

BL: HOW DID YOU START YOUR FRIENDSHIP

song that [vocalist] Stevie [Nicks] ever wrote. It's one

WITH GERARD AND COME TO BE SELLING

of the greatest songs about a relationship in turmoil.

COFFEE AND ART IN BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN? MF: Gerard is a former member of the recording

BL: WHAT LED YOU TO START BOTH PHOTOG-

industry, a musician and an artist, so the chemistry

RAPHY AND YOUR NEW COFFEE LINE?

was already there to form a strong and long friend-

MF: Well, regarding my photography and art-

ship that started more than 25 years ago. We both

work, Gerard Marti is the one who started everything.

like challenges and adventures, so the art, the pho-

At the time, we both lived in Maui and were already

tography, the coffee, the scarves are just part of these

dear friends. Maui is a beautiful place and I used to

exciting ideas that he came up with. I can't wait for

walk around the island taking pictures for my own

the next one!

pleasure. After seeing some of my shots, Gerard is the one who pushed me to make these public. Being an artist himself, Gerard selected the best images and curated a collection.

ABOUT MICK FLEETWOOD’S PHOTOGRAPHY For many years, Mick has traveled the world with his band, Fleetwood Mac. From one world tour to

Regarding the coffee line, you need to know that

another, Mick has observed our planet from the very

I'm a coffee freak. A couple of years ago when the

unique point of view of a nearly six-and-a-half-foot-

pandemic started and all bands were grounded, not

tall rock star. With a pair of drumsticks in one hand

being able to tour, Gerard came up with the idea

and a camera in the other, Mick has managed to keep

of creating my own coffee company. Since I own a

both arts alive. As he puts it, “Photography, just like

couple of restaurants in Maui it made sense. I live

music, is a powerful tool of expression and commu-

in Hawaii but have toured the world several times

nication. Both mediums open the door to boundless

with my band. I spent time in Ghana and Kenya and

individual interpretations.” Through his series of

discovered the coffee beans from these areas of

photographs, he hopes to capture what is sometimes

the world. So it was fun to experiment with different

beneath nature’s surface and what may not always

blends and create something really unique. Blending

be visible at first glance.

coffee is a fine art that marries coffee beans from

Mick has been known, now and then, to observe

different origins to enhance the best qualities of

his subject for days. “Often there is a magic moment

each and to create unique, signature-style coffees. It

for me that can sometimes take hours, even days,

is a lot like mixing music.

to reveal itself. But when it does, it’s spectacular. Capturing that moment in time is one of the aspects

BL: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU AT AGE 74 GIVE TO YOURSELF AT 30? MF: It would be the advice that came from my father. He was a pilot officer in United Kingdom’s

Birmingham Life | December 2021

of photography that I will forever find fascinating.” As for me, I find Mick Fleetwood to be the fascinating one. It was an incredible honor to interview him and get some insight into this incredible icon.

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LOCALLY OWNED ARTICLE KARIN EISENBERG PHOTOGRAPHY ALY DARIN

Authentically

FRENCH

Moni Ghosn and Joumana Kayrouz

MONI GHOSN JUST COULDN’T SATISFY HIS CRAVINGS FOR AUTHENTIC FRENCH BAKED GOODS – SO HE TEAMED UP WITH WELL-KNOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY JOUMANA KAYROUZ TO OPEN CHEZ PIERRE ET GENEVIEVE IN BLOOMFIELD HILLS. Named for Joumana’s French bulldogs, Pierre and Genevieve, the shop offers a mouth-watering selection of hand-crafted artisan breads, breakfast pastries, baked goods, tarts, sandwiches and a variety of seasonal pastries. Everything is tres French: the chefs, the flours and other ingredients, even the ovens and packaging come from across the pond. And the results? Magnifique! The pair took a leap of faith and opened the bakery at Maple and Telegraph in May 2020, right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It quickly took off to become a huge success. Moni lived in the south of France for almost 30 years and then in New York before moving to Michigan about five years ago. Craving the French products he’d loved since childhood, he kept asking around to find some when finally someone told him about a local French patisserie. He visited this beautiful, small hidden jewel shortly before it closed, Le Petit Prince, and loved it, but knew the area still needed a full-service spot with a large variety of French products. 26

Birmingham Life | December 2021

BIRMINGHAM LIFE: HOW HAS BUSINESS BEEN SINCE THE OPENING? Moni Ghosn: Business has been very good, crazy good. We are busier than we can even keep up with. We were able to thrive because we stayed open during the pandemic and had a lot of curbside business. We didn’t have a choice but to succeed. Being a to-go business helped, a lot. BL: HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO HIRE CHEFS FROM FRANCE? MG: In France, living the American dream is really still a reality. There is no French dream, just an American one. Chefs in France make so much less than in America. So finding chefs to come to Detroit isn’t an issue. The only issues are border restrictions and visas right now. I believe things are getting better. We had three chefs at one point and now we have two. We are waiting for one more. Given the grand success of the bakery, Joumana and Moni are now opening a French bistro next door that will offer the same authenticity as the bakery. It will include its own unique menu with French-imported wood ovens for pizza, authentic French wine and beer, cheese products, crepes and other French dishes with a bonafide French bistro feel. It will have limited seating and focus on quality and carry-out. They will soon be hiring a specialty pizza chef solely for the Bistro and are hopeful that today’s notorious supply-chain problems are soon resolved – they once had to wait six months just for flour from France! When entering the bakery you feel as if you’ve been magically transported to the City of Lights. “Everything we sell,” Moni said, “down to the Italian illy coffee and products makes you feel as if you’ve just entered a true épicerie in Paris. Both Joumana and Moni were a pleasure to interview. They were gracious enough to allow me to taste a cup of coffee that was like no other. The rich taste and smell along with the incredible ambiance of the bakery made me feel like I was truly in France. If you have the chance, come and try it—you will not be disappointed. Bon Appétit! CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

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Birmingham Life | December 2021

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INSPIRED BY

Gratefully

ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, WAS PARALYZED IN A GYMNASTICS ACCIDENT WHEN SHE WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT UNTIL LAST YEAR SHE DID NOT HAVE A STAIRLIFT IN HER HOME. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000. “I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my

“I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are.” —Anna Sarol

family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have

Anna Sarol

otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent. When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy. “When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy

Birmingham Life | December 2021

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle 32

Birmingham Life | December 2021

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DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

NOV 19-JAN 1

NOV 27-DEC 18

3-5

MAGIC OF LIGHTS

COMPLIMENTARY REFRESHMENTS FOR BIRMINGHAM SHOPPERS

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tions, Santa House, live reindeer and the Kinderhaus children’s activity area are sure to please visitors of all ages! For more information, visit www. AllinBirmingham.com/WinterMarkt.

12-20, 27-30

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on 12/20-12/23 and 12/27-12/30 from

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camps deliver unprecedented creative

cost $9, seniors (59 & older) cost $9,

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military/first responders cost $8 and

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Birmingham Life | December 2021

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