Grosse Pointe, MI December 2025

HOLIDAYS & Giving

ARTS + CULTURE A CENTER FOR ALL A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE FOOD + BEVERAGE WINTER IN A GLASS

Schaap Community Opening

November 30 - 1pm Matinee December 3 - 6pm Gala Party

Grosse Pointe Theatre

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas December 5-7, 11-14, 18-21

Richard & Jane Manoogian Gallery & Community Gallery - Featuring collections from Richard & Jane Manoogian - Detroit Institute of Arts - Marshall M

Fredericks Sculpture Museum. Open to the Public: 10am-2pm: December 6, 13, 20, 27

Eisenhower Dance Detroit - January 24-25

Grosse Pointe Theatre

Pride and Prejudice

February 19-22, February 26-March 1

Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra - March 8

Grosse Pointe Theatre - Youth on Stage

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition March 13-15, 20-22

EDD Youth Ensemble - Dance Mosaics - March 21

Detroit Concert Choir - Sketches of the Morning Sky March 28

Grosse Pointe Theatre

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical April 10-12, 16-19, 23-26

Grosse Pointe Community Chorus - May 2

Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra - May 3

Detroit Concert Choir - Sound in Technicolor May 16

Detroit Medical Orchestra - May 17

Grosse Pointe Theatre

Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Broadway Version) June 5-7, 11-14, 18-21

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December and A Very Merry Christmas!

There’s a special kind of magic that settles over Grosse Pointe at Christmastime—one woven from decades of shared memories, faith, and community. From twinkling lights along Kercheval, Lakeshore, and our neighborhoods to the sound of church bells echoing across Lake St. Clair, Christmas here has always been more than a season—it’s a celebration of love, tradition, and the birth of Christ. Each year reminds us that the true joy of the holidays comes not just from gifts under the tree, but from the warmth of connection, the spirit of giving, and the beauty of togetherness.

This December, our community has something truly special to celebrate - the Grand Opening of the A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Center for the Performing Arts. Its debut performance, White Christmas, couldn’t be more fitting for the season. This new center represents more than a venue—it’s a bridge between generations, creativity, and culture, linking our cherished Grosse Pointe traditions with the thriving artistic corridor to Detroit. We sat down with Jaime Rae Turnbull, the Center’s Executive Director, to learn how this stunning new space will inspire, unite, and enrich our community for years to come.

We also spotlight Carolyn Gross, Choral Director at Grosse Pointe South High School, who carries forward a legacy of excellence built by generations of talented educators and students. Under her leadership, the award-winning South Choir continues to fill our hearts with harmony during the holidays—reminding us that music remains one of the purest expressions of Christmas joy. Their performances have become a cherished local tradition that brings families together year after year.

In this issue’s City Scene, we capture moments from the Tau Beta Fundraiser, a hallmark event where generosity and community spirit shine as brightly as the season itself.

As you enjoy this month’s stories, we invite you to join us in supporting our “Heart of Grosse Pointe” campaign. This Christmas, shop local, dine local, and celebrate local—because when we give back to the small businesses and people who make our community thrive, we keep the heart of Grosse Pointe beating strong.

Follow us @grossepointecitylifestyle as we share the traditions, stories, and spirit that make this season—and our city—so special.

December 2025

PUBLISHER

David Mattaliano | david.mattaliano@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Paige Peabody | paige.peabody@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com

Erin McGregor | erin.mcgregor@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Susan Baldani, Margaret Carroll

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ahmed Ismail/The Portrait Place, Kat Stevenson, Kristin Mann

DAVID MATTALIANO, PUBLISHER @GROSSEPOINTECITYLIFESTYLE

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

city scene

A CENTER for All

A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Center for the Performing Arts

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY SCHAAP CENTER

Art is a wonderful platform for viewing beauty and appreciating culture, but it goes much deeper than that. “The arts really bring people together,” says Jaime Rae Turnbull, the executive director of the A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Center for the Performing Arts in Grosse Pointe Park. “It fosters community and a sense of belonging.”

Art, she explains, also allows people to disconnect from the outside world and all of its troubles and truly immerse themselves in a production, a dance performance, or an exhibit. “It’s a bit of an escape and something that brings joy to so many.”

When it comes to ensuring that art is accessible for everyone, philanthropy plays a major part. “Without philanthropy, there would be no art,” says Jaime Rae.  “Our community time and time again steps up to make sure that when times are tough and budgets are tight, they are willing to step in to protect it.”

A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap have a long-standing record of giving to many organizations that have had a tremendous impact on the area. Through the creation of the Schaap Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Wayne State received a $10 million grant in 2008 to construct a modern addition to its chemistry building. Other significant contributions have been made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Detroit Public Television, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, University Liggett School, and the Grosse Pointe Theatre. Scholarship programs have also been established, and a $5 million donation to the Grand Bargain for the Foundation for Detroit’s Future was made to support the Detroit Institute of Arts spinoff.

One of their most significant contributions, totaling $30 million, has led to the creation of the A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Center for the Performing Arts, which will transform the art landscape in the Grosse Pointes and throughout the city of Detroit.

“This idea was born all the way back in 2012 with Carol and Paul Schaap,” she says. “They were approached by the city of Grosse Pointe Park to assemble land that the city owned to create an art center, and so they worked with the city to do that.”

At the end of November, the Schaap Center for the Performing Arts opened its doors to great applause. The grand opening included a collective performance produced by the Grosse Pointe Theater. It included all of the program partners, including the Grosse Pointe Theatre, Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, and others. They all came together for a unique performance that unveiled the building and the capacity of the performances to come.

With its 435 seats, the Center provides a unique, intimate atmosphere, which was very badly needed. “The Grosse Pointe Theater and the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra were making the best of hosting performances in local schools and churches since they didn’t have a proper home,” says Jaime Rae. “These and other long-standing organizations, such as the Detroit Concert Choir and the Grosse Pointe Community Chorus, have decades of experience in performance art in Detroit and have an incredible following. This center is providing them with a venue that can house them.”

Along with providing a prominent place for fellowship and gathering to appreciate performing and visual arts for the community and the region, it will also offer educational opportunities for students.

An additional key feature of the Center is the availability of tickets at an affordable price. “We feel that the arts have the ability to bring people together, and we want to include people from everywhere to experience what a performance or an exhibit will bring to them,” she says. “And so, it has always been a goal to keep it at an affordable price so that it’s accessible for all.”

Another remarkable component of the Center is the Richard and Jane Manoogian Art Gallery. “Here, we will exhibit private collections starting with the early American art collection of Richard and Jane. We will also have rotating exhibits in our community gallery, the first being two sculptures on loan from the Detroit Institute of Arts and a curated exhibit of small sculptures of Marshall Fredericks, including the original prints of the sketches of those sculptures. We have a really incredible lineup for our exhibits, and those will be accessible to the

public free of charge two Saturdays a month and on Mondays for seniors and school field trips.”

Anyone who purchases a $45 or $50 ticket for a performance will also have access to these galleries. “It’s a locally-based, community-based venue; however, there may be a time when private collections come from other areas,” says Jaime Rae. The community gallery will feature only local organizations and artists.

The Schaap Center is located on East Jefferson, which is the epicenter of many cultural organizations. “This is essentially part of the cultural corridor. We have Pewabic Pottery, a remarkable institution that’s been around for over a hundred years; the Shepherd, which is new and exciting; Belle Isle; the War Memorial; and the Ford House. We feel it will provide more opportunities for businesses, homes, and residents to benefit from this multi-million dollar investment in the cultural corridor. We see that it is going to help to stabilize areas that are looking for anchor institutions to drive economic impact.”

Of course, this initial investment by the Schaaps provided the necessary resources to build this incredible space, but moving forward, continued donations and support will be needed to sustain it.

“We are hoping to work with the community to finish our capital campaign, which is for major donors, and we are very close to our goal,” says Jaime Rae. “We also have an endowment that we are actively fundraising for because it will take a great deal of funds to keep the Center operational year-round, so it’s important for us to really cultivate the donors and patrons of the arts to continue to support it.”

A Gala Party will take place on December 3, featuring great food and drinks, and will be a night to mingle with fellow arts enthusiasts and other community supporters. Later in the evening, the Grosse Pointe Theatre, Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra, and others will take the stage for a special theatrical and musical production created just for this event.

The Center is also looking to grow its volunteer program, the Schaap Ambassador Corps, which originated with the Grosse Pointe Theater. “This will give opportunities for people to volunteer to be ushers and docents and enjoy a show at the same time. It’s a chance to be a part of something very special.”

Jaime Rae says a lot has been written about the building’s structure, architecture, size, and all the bells and whistles, and while those things are wonderful, what’s most amazing is what’s going to be happening there. “It’s the people, the patrons, the performers, and the jobs that are being created that are going to be the heartbeat of the Center. That’s what’s important for the community.”

To find out more, buy tickets, and support this new community treasure, go to SchaapCenter.org

THE A. PAUL AND CAROL C. SCHAAP CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AT A GLANCE:

• Opened November 30, 2025

• 49,000 square foot building

• 435 seats

• State-of-the-art lighting and acoustics

• Pre-function space with wine bar and concessions

• Year-round community programming

• Eco-friendly with sustainable storm water solutions and enhanced energy efficiency

• Affordable tickets for accessibility for all

• Volunteer opportunities

• Includes the Richard and Jane Manoogian Art Gallery:

• A fine art exhibition space

• Private permanent art collection

• Rotating exhibits

• Temperature-controlled atmosphere

• Community and visiting artist gallery

Email: noah.hauswirth @raymondjames.com

Website: raymondjames.com/ noahhauswirth

A Tradition of Excellence

“They learn life lessons here, and will go on to be leaders in their community."

Music unites us. That fact is the driving force and life mission, in her own words, of Carolyn Gross, Choral Director of Grosse Pointe South High School.

“Music brings everyone together,” Carolyn points out. “Grosse Pointe South Choir is a bridge between generations, from very young children to their grandparents sitting next to them at concerts.”

“Whether you love the Great American Song Book “Stairway to Paradise” from George Gershwin, or “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” from Elf:  The Musical, South Choir brings people together.”

She has dedicated her career to teaching music, serving Grosse Pointe Public Schools for 29 years, most recently as Choral Director at Grosse Pointe South. She has worked tirelessly to rebuild the program after COVID-19, taking over a program that had 57 students in fall of 2023 and bringing it up to 100 students currently with three full choirs singing in soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Carolyn has focused on restoring Grosse Pointe South’s very rich tradition (there were 130+ students at its height), which continues to be a great source of community pride.

Grosse Pointe South Choir is one of the most successful choral programs in Michigan. The group has earned highest ratings and has been featured at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival. They are four-time national show choir champions, most recently in 2019 (under the leadership of then-Director Christopher Pratt), in addition to winning numerous awards for choral sound, choreography, technical assistance, costuming and show.

As impressive as these achievements are (a full listing is on the website:  www.gpsouthchoir.org),

even for a school with a longstanding reputation of producing future leaders, the level of excellence and performance really needs to be heard and seen to be fully appreciated.

There are loads of opportunities coming up to watch them in action! “What better way to get in the holiday spirit than be with your kids and your family, relax and share music,” Carolyn points out.

The full choir (all 100 students) will perform at the Village Tree Lighting on Kercheval Avenue in Grosse Pointe on November 21st. The annual “Sounds of the Season” concert takes place Friday, December 5th, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 6th, at 2 p.m. at the Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center.

The Grosse Pointe South Choir will carol in restaurants throughout the Grosse Pointes and St. Clair Shores on Saturday evening, December 6th. All 100 students participate to spread good will for the holiday season. It is also a source of funding (tips appreciated!).

They are available in groups of eight to sing in four-part harmony at private parties in December.  Book here:  caroling@gpsouthchoir.org

Carolyn’s ambition for students at Grosse Pointe South is as big and outsized as the enthusiasm she brings to her role, based on her private vision of success that is bigger than striving to win.

It’s about helping our young people.

“I want our students to have a very safe supportive place where they feel seen, where they understand that their songs have an affect on the people who listen,” Carolyn says. “They need to see that music allows them to contribute to a greater good.”

The students know they are representing something bigger and larger than themselves. “ ”

“They need to know that even though they may not be able to solve the world’s problems, they can have a positive impact through their music.”

Her 12-year tenure as GPPSS music department chair left her with an unshakable conviction that young people need to feel valued and need to feel they belong. Carolyn holds a degree in Music Education from Wayne State University, and remains deeply committed to bringing music into our community, and sharing her joy with our students.

“My goal is that singing in a choir is seen by the kids as something that is cool, that is okay for them to want to

join so they can have a place where they feel safe and feel like they belong,” Carolyn says. “I want it to be known that joining Choir is a good goal for them to have from the very first day they walk into Grosse Pointe South.”

Three core pillars form the foundation of the program:  tradition, talent and excellence. Carolyn has implemented policies such as having the kids take an active role in leading daily school rehearsals (as well as after school leading up to the shows).

Grosse Pointe South Choir has four ensembles for students in grades 9-12:

• Pointe Singers:  this is South’s Premiere Show Choir, open to students in grades 10-12, which has earned top placements across the midwest and nationally over the last 30 years. In 2019 they were crowned FAME Show Choir National Grand Champions. Winter 2024 included a tour of NYC, where they performed at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and had the opportunity to work with the current dance captain for Broadway’s musical, “The Great Gatsby”

• South Singers:  Junior Varsity Show Choir for grades 9-12. They also participated in the NYC Choir tour

• Concert Choir:  South’s traditional choral choir for grades 9-12. Twenty new students joined in 2024-25. They had 20. They perform Classical to Contemporary and everything in between. South’s Concert Choir participated in the NYC Choir tour last year and will also join the local school tour with the Pointe Singers in December

• Extracurricular Choir:  “Suspensions,” an a cappella ensemble led by Grosse Pointe South alum Nick Kuhl. Performs in the style of “Pentatonix,” “Straight No Chaser,” and “Pitch Perfect.”  Audition-only for students in grades 10-12 who are enrolled in Grosse Pointe South Choir

Last - but not least - Carolyn has re-launched Boys of the Pointe for middle school male vocalists from any area school. They will perform at Sounds of the Season, and are up to 21 students after their first three days of spreading the word.

Carolyn credits the choral program’s rapid rebuilding with the strong support of parents who join the Choir Boosters, and who “really go above and beyond.” Thanks to parents and community support, the Choir debuted blue and gold costumes last season and has the benefit of weekly professional vocal coaching sessions. The choir benefits from the support of Richard Wolf, Accompanist with the program for 22 years; Cori Callahan, Choreographer; Andrew Pankiewicz, Choreographer, and Nick Kuhl, Vocalist and “Suspensions” Coach.

Her goal for this year is to continue to build more depth into the program and to honor South’s legacy of excellence. “The choral program strengthens the long-term investment of the students and community,” Carolyn explains. “They learn life lessons here, and will go on to be leaders in their community.” The choral program empowers them with the social and emotional skills to perform on stage, especially if they perform solo or in a small ensemble. “The students know they are representing something bigger and larger than themselves.”

That legacy includes former Choral Director Ellen Bowen. “She had the vision of a choir that could do it all:  sing, dance and perform great works,” Carolyn notes. Other masterful directors include Dr. Len Riccinto, John Finch and Herman A. Clein.

“Honoring the legacy of those who have gone before is a big part of sending our kids out into the world,” Carolyn says. “It is a unique aspect of attending Grosse Pointe South High School.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE

JONES

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS & COZY CREATIONS

INGREDIENTS:

FESTIVE CRANBERRY GIN FIZZ

A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• 3/4 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda

Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig

In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.

INSTRUCTIONS: CONTINUED >

SPICED CINNAMON RUM FLIP

A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz dark or spiced rum

• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup

• 1 oz heavy cream

• 1 whole egg

• Dash of ground nutmeg

• Dash of vanilla extract

Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:

Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge. Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.

BOURBON VANILLA BEAN HOT CHOCOLATE

An ultra-creamy, chocolatey holiday drink with a hit of warm bourbon and a vanilla bean twist.

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup high-quality dark chocolate (chopped or chips)

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

• 2 oz bourbon

Topping: 4 large marshmallows

Optional garnish: grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, cinnamon

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PRACTICE AREAS

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In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and heated through. Add chopped dark chocolate and stir constantly until melted and silky. Lower heat if needed to avoid scorching. Remove from heat, then stir in bourbon. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength to your liking. Top with marshmallows. Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and shaved chocolate. Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for spicy depth

Kid-friendly version: Omit bourbon and add peppermint extract or caramel syrup instead.

INSTRUCTIONS: CONTINUED >

HOLIDAY SPICED GINGERBREAD LATTE

A warm, frothy, and festively spiced drink perfect for winter nights.

INSTRUCTIONS:

INGREDIENTS:

For the latte:

• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)

• 3/4 cup milk

• 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup

• Whipped cream

For the gingerbread syrup:

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp molasses

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting

• Marshmallow

• Crushed gingerbread cookie around the rim or on top

Make the gingerbread syrup:

In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, molasses, and spices. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Prepare the drink:

Brew your espresso or strong coffee. Heat and froth your milk. In your glass, add 2 tablespoons of the gingerbread syrup. Pour in the espresso, then the steamed milk, stirring gently to combine. Spoon frothed milk or whipped cream on top. Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Optional: Rim the glass with crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs for extra flair.

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

DECEMBER 3RD

Cookies with Santa Ford House | 12:00 PM

Santa will make his annual stop at Ford House to visit your children! This year, children will meet Santa by the fireplace in the lakeside St. Clair Room! www.fordhouse.org

DECEMBER 4TH

Middle School Dance Holiday Sweater Edition

War Memorial | 6:30 PM

Calling all 6–8th graders to the festively decked halls of the War Memorial on Thursday, December 4th, 6:30–8:30pm for a merry night of music, friends, and holiday fun you won’t forget. www.warmemorial.org

DECEMBER 7TH

Brunch with Santa Ford House | 11:00 AM

Santa will make his annual stop at Ford House to visit your children! This year, children will meet Santa by the fireplace in the lakeside St. Clair Room! www.fordhouse.org

DECEMBER 14TH

Breakfast with Santa War Memorial | 9:00 AM

This holiday season, join friends and family for a joy-filled Breakfast with Santa at The War Memorial! Santa makes a spectacular entrance via his iconic helicopter to kickstart the festivities. www.warmemorial.org

Bloomfield Hills | Grosse Pointe Farms since 1959

GROSSE POINTE

Mark Wilamowski, Agent 19637 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236

Bus: 313-881-8100

Email: mark@callmarkw.com Callmarkw.com

CONTINUED

DECEMBER 18TH

Merry & Bright Holiday Dinner

War Memorial | 6:30 PM

Experience the historic Alger House at its very best, festively decorated for the holiday season when you join us for our newest event, the Merry & Bright Holiday Dinner Party www.warmemorial.org

DECEMBER 19TH

Christmas Concert Over the Cove

Ford House | 7:00 PM

Get into the holiday spirit at our Christmas Cabaret Over the Cove, an intimate Christmas cabaret experience with Vanessa Carr and band. Set against the stunning backdrop of Ford Cove, this festive event will take place in the cozy, lakeside Lake Shore Room on the second floor of the Visitor Center. www.fordhouse.org