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Holiday + Giving D E C E M B E R 2 02 3

The season of giving Mount Clemens is a community where the citizens are caring, giving and compassionate. The City of Mount Clemens is defined by the different cultures and backgrounds of its citizens and visitors, making it a very unique and special place. As you celebrate the holiday season in your traditional ways, we hope you spend some of your time in Mount Clemens. The holidays are a joyous time – indulge yourself in things that make you feel happy.

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December 2023 PUBLISHER

Kimberly Janowicz | kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Holidays + Giving The holidays are here and as the spirit of the season is among us, we often try to replicate what made the season feel so magical to us in our youth. The traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child whether it is the smells, the sounds, the lights, the holiday activities, or a combination of it all that reflects those times. This month, we wanted to highlight the magic of the season and what our city has to offer that helps spread holiday cheer. We’ve compiled a little gift guide for shopping inspiration. Our small business advertising partners are also sharing great gifts ideas and holiday experiences. Please let our advertisers know you saw them in Mount Clemens City Lifestyle! Their support of this publication brings GOOD NEWS about our community to your mailbox each month. We also wanted to share what our area has to offer this holiday season for entertainment in our Event Calendar, and ways to give back. While this season can be beautiful for some, it can be painful and lonely for others, especially those who have recently lost a loved one. In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our community that need assistance or who are alone. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace and that we all remember to take care of each other extending grace, empathy, and love. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Amy Niezur | amy.niezur@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Antonette Slobodian, Nicolette Martin CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

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DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

10 A Wonderland of Gift Ideas

Lifestyle Letter

Shopping for the Holiday? Here’s a curated list from

Business Monthly

my favorite places to shop!

Gift Guide S HO PPI NG

Must See ENT ERTA I NMENT

Inspired By LI FE + C U LT U R E

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Party Planning FO O D + B EV E R AG E

Events

14 Enjoy Christmas With Amadeus

Electric Quartet Coming to Mount Clemens Emerald Theatre for Christmas Concert

20 The Giving Season Together

Positively Impacting Our Children & Community Through Volunteering

O N T H E C OV E R

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DECEMBER 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. Bringing out the "Big Boys" Wine Sampling at Cellar 59 This holiday season Cellar 59 Partridge Creek hosts their annual “Big Boys” event stocking their Cruvinet with impressive wines to sample by the glass. What’s a Cruvinet? Its temperature-controlled wine preservation and dispensing system keeping wines as fresh as the moment they are uncorked for up to three weeks. This year’s selection includes Pahlmeyer, PlumpJack, CADE, and a few surprises! Also enjoy small plates, Michigan craft beers on tap, and a full bar for cocktails.

Scan to read more.

Promotion: Susan Jarzeboski, Branch Operations Director, Macomb Family YMCA Susan Jarzeboski was promoted to Branch Operations Director of the Macomb Family YMCA. Under her leadership she is responsible for the oversight of several departments including Fitness, Youth & Family, Memberships, Front Desk, Aquatics, and the Day Camp. Susan has a background in hospitality and started with the YMCA in 2021 as a Business Office Manager. Her goals for the YMCA include increasing family memberships, community engagement, and oversight of multiple building improvements.

Scan to read more. Photography Macomb Family YMCA

Phil Gilchrist Honored with Hixon Award by Mount Clemens Kiwanis The most prestigious award presented to a Kiwanian is the George F. Hixson Fellowship award. Since the Mount Clemens Kiwanis Club's inception in 1921 the Hixon Award has been presented to 28 Mount Clemens recipients. Phil Gilchrist joined the club in 2016. Phil's leadership in fundraising and promoting the club has been invaluable. Kiwanians like Phil contribute countless hours towards the goals of improving the lives of children and the Mount Clemens community.

Scan to read more. Photography Mount Clemens Kiwanis

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A Wonderland of Gift Ideas Shopping for the Holiday? Here’s a curated list from my favorite places to shop! ARTICLE BY ANTONETTE SLOBODIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SHEA

Finding unique gifts in Downtown Mount Clemens is as easy as “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” with Kevin McCallister! We had a cheer-y blast shopping and sipping on Cafe Mochas here in our own vibrant hidden gem. Diane from Max & Ollie’s Vintage Boutique greeted us warmly and showed us her favorite items for this Holiday season. The classic pieces here are shiny chandeliers to fine china dated years back for your family Christmas Eve Dinner. Max & Ollie’s is a museum full of fun finds and antique charm for anyone who loves rare pieces. On my gift-giving list for the Fashion Lover —Outerwear. From Knits to Fancy, as women, we want variety in our lives. Max & Ollie’s gives us the opportunity to be the only one wearing a coat from the 60’s or the 80’s! Visit Max & Ollie’s Vintage Boutique at 65 Macomb Place. Next, we scurried to The Nest Collaborative. The shop is a collaboration of talented business owners who produce handmade, unique gifts such as baked goods, clothing, and décor. Manuela Koziarz is a long-time

vendor and is now the proud owner of this one-of-akind shop. She absolutely loves it, especially getting to know all forty-five vendors and helping them sell their dreams to our community! On my gift-giving list for the Handsome Gentleman — ArtiSun Bath & Skin Care Luxurious Handmade Soaps and Dapper Bones Grooming Set. Every woman loves a well-groomed man, this is a great gift for any male in your life! Visit The Nest Collaborative at 66 Macomb Place. We head to Yaya’s Plant Shop where you are surrounded by fresh green leaves, not just Christmas trees, from all varied species of plants and more! Sarah, the extremely friendly and knowledgeable store owner answers all my questions. Full confession: I have plants but am not the best caretaker! On my gift-giving list for the Plant Lover: Circular gold plant trellis and Fern Plant with a sleek black deco pot. Sarah also said, the snake plants are great gifts because they are minimal maintenance. Check out Yaya’s Plant Shop at 36 New Street.

L E A R N M O R E : Antonette Slobodian is a Content Creator / Writer who worked in the Fashion Industry. She is a wife, a mother of two boys and three dogs. She worked at a children’s charity for over a year, solidifying her passion for philanthropy. She loves to sing and dance, and her new favorite workout is boxing! Follow her on Instagram @Qualityofwifeandboys.

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» » » » » »

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ENJOY CHRISTMAS WITH AMADEUS

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES SCHMELZER, ELITE PHOTOGRAPHY

Electric Quartet Coming to Mount Clemens Emerald Theatre for Christmas Concert 14

M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT

After two sold-out shows at Meadow Brook Hall in August, the unique, well-known Romanian electric quartet, Amadeus, will be returning to perform a magical Christmas Concert at the Emerald Theatre on December 22. Amadeus—Andreea Runceanu, Patricia Cimpoiasu, Bianca Gavrilescu, and Laura Lazarescu, includes strings, piano, and vocals—a classical crossover with a rock touch. Hailing from Romania, they are one of the most appreciated electric quartets worldwide and

the uncontested leader of classical crossover music. Blending classical and modern sounds, and using all electric instruments, Amadeus are Yamaha Europe Artists that have found international success, including five albums on a major label in Romania and a YouTube platform with over 200 million views and close to 600,000 subscribers. The quartet, known for their unique musical style featuring two electric violins, an electric cello, and an electric piano, began in 2000. Since 2010, they have operated as independent artists,

recently releasing their sixth album, Joy, on their own in 2020. Spanning genres from new classical to the traditional sounds of various cultures, Joy features 14 original tracks and represents the group’s goal of sharing the “essential parts of the soul of Amadeus, impatient to touch the souls of fans worldwide.” Graduates of the National University of Music in Bucharest, Amadeus has performed in over 40 countries spanning four continents to date, garnering fans in Europe, South America, CONTINUED > D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

Asia, and North America. They played their debut show at Meadowbrook Hall in Rochester in August of 2022. The show, which brought Meadowbrook one of their largest audiences, sold out in less than four weeks, also a record for the venue. This past summer, Amadeus returned to Meadowbrook for two additional sold-out shows. In addition to the Emerald Theatre show on December 22, Detroit PBS will broadcast another special evening, Amadeus “Silent Night Concert” on November 30 at 9:30 PM. From their first performances on stage to now, the group— featuring Andreea on violin, Patricia on cello, Bianca on violin, and Laura on piano, plus vocal by all members, has focused on their mission of engaging youth with classical music and inspiring them to learn to play an instrument, as well as “bringing people of all backgrounds closer to the joys and wonders of classical music.” These performances have included such notable events as the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the wedding of a Qatar royal family member as well as the Duke of Seville. Now, this celebrated group is coming to Mount Clemens, with a Christmas concert at the Emerald Theatre on Friday, December 22 at 7:00 PM. “This will be one of the best shows of 2023. Their music is full of energy, and their stage appearance and performance are captivating,” says David Gagnon. David’s Cellar 104 Boutique Winery in Downtown Mount Clemens is the Presenting Show Sponsor, and his company, TCB Enterprise, is the Producer and North American agent for Amadeus. The concert, says Amadeus member Andreea, “promises a diverse repertoire—carols included—that transcends language barriers, connecting people through the universal language of music. Whether you are seeking a romantic evening with a date or a joyful gathering with friends, this Christmas concert promises an unforgettable experience.” Ticket selections, starting at $49, include General Admission, Tables, Opera Box seating currently on sale at TheEmeraldTheatre.com. Sponsorships and Meet & Greet tickets available: David Gagnon 586-206-3332. “Don’t miss this opportunity to let Amadeus transport you to a world of enchantment on December 22,” concludes Andreea. “Get ready for a holiday experience you’ll cherish forever!”

M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT

Amadeus visits downtown Mount Clemens. Photo by David Gagnon.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to let Amadeus transport you to a world of enchantment on December 22. Get ready for a holiday experience you’ll cherish!”

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

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The Giving Season Together Positively Impacting Our Children & Community Through Volunteering

ARTICLE BY ANTONETTE SLOBODIAN

The smell of fresh green pine in the crisp, chilly air and the rush of holiday holly fills joy and laughter in everyone’s home, heart, and especially here in our close-knit community. The giving season is a time when we can come together and bring smiles and giggles to others who may need it the most. When we light up someone’s face, especially with a thoughtful gift, experience, or even a simple friendly conversation, our hearts grow bigger and bigger and everything in life feels COMPLETE! As a child, growing up in a Catholic home, values, morals, beliefs, and respect have always been practiced as much as possible with our family of six! We did not live in a

huge home, making personal space an issue and privacy desperately needed! Having respect for others and our family members was always a priority. Continuing these values is important to me. It starts by building the groundwork for how you want to raise your child(ren) and show up in the community and world. Instilling these values and leading by example is the best thing parents, adults, leaders, and mentors could be doing and taking action to help our community and the people who need a friendly face or just a smile to make their day! Now, having two boys of my own, it’s important for us as a family to volunteer time CONTINUED >

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

The giving season is a time when we can bring smiles to others who need it the most.

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Volunteering in the kitchen can simultaneously teach children cooking skills and empathy.

Families and businesses can organize a mitten drive in the cold, winter months.

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

“Behind every success story is a caring volunteer—someone just like you.” — MCREST

during the busiest season of the year and beyond. Mount Clemens has several beautiful, historical churches in need of volunteers, especially during the holidays. Debra Goff-Liegghio, Stewardship Director for St. Peter’s Church, agrees. “Volunteering from a young age teaches children to respect others' differences,” she says. St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Market Street has over 44 volunteer opportunities just in this church alone, and over 1,000 volunteers to help with the larger community they serve. Debra has been a church employee since 2005 and started as a parishioner and volunteer. During the holidays, the pain of tough times is more acutely felt, and help is desperately needed. Debra says, “We have an Adopt-a-Family Program, where we typically average 30 families, however the need was so great last year we adopted 84 families!” This is a wonderful way to involve your children by having them pick out a toy for another child, or getting input from your teen on what another teen might enjoy. When Debra’s children were young, her family volunteered every year with MCREST (Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team). At the time, her 10-year-old son learned basic cooking skills while making and serving pancakes as a kitchen volunteer. Her daughter looked forward to going back to

MCREST each year because it brought her so much happiness. Scott Joy developed a passion for helping others watching his father, Tim, serve the community. Tim Joy was a retired financial manager, and besides serving as a Board Member of MCREST, he was always involved in giving to underserved people. Today, Scott is following in his father’s footsteps as the Marketing and Communications Manager for MCREST, an organization that has positively impacted 4,500 people in the last decade, a thousand of those being children. Scott says that MCREST is always looking for families to volunteer, whether it’s helping in the kitchen, organizing a mitten drive for the frigid winter months, or picking out Christmas gifts for the children without a home this year. The power of volunteerism is evident in our community. MCREST’s website states, “Former MCREST guests, once homeless, are now living in their own homes, working, and leading fulfilling lives. But behind every success story is a caring volunteer—someone just like you.” To volunteer with MCREST, visit http:// www.mcrest.org/volunteer. To participate in the Adopt-A-Family program through St. Peter’s Church, contact Debra at (586) 468-4578.

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 26

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

W INTER’S REVEL Your Guide To a Simple and Stylized End-of-the-Year Soirée

ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Following closely on the coattails of autumnal and winter holidays, The celebration of the new year can often be overlooked due to an understandable desire to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season. But, a holiday that celebrates past memories and the opportunity for both new experiences and a fresh start shouldn’t lack any of the glitz of its celebratory predecessors. Round out the final days of the year reminiscing on or saying goodbye to the experiences—good and bad—of the previous 12 months with a simple end-ofthe-year gathering that isn’t lacking any of the glamour. CONTINUED >

th e dr ink s Champagne has long been a traditional drink to toast to the new year. Keep it simple but step up your game with your own DIY Champagne cocktail bar. Consider stocking your bar full of custom Champagne or bubbly choices, festive mixers like cranberry juice or rosemary simple syrup and unique garnishes like fresh fruit and herbs or decorative ice cubes with edible flowers.

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the decor There’s no need to go out and buy a ton of additional decor when you just decked the halls (quite literally) with holiday ornamentation. Make those decorations work as hard as you did by repurposing all the greenery, pine cones and wood place settings you just couldn’t say no to. Throw in some neutral napkins, some natural twine and some dried orange peels for a woodsy (and fragrant) twist.

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

the snacks Keep your guests happy with the perfect cheese plate. Consider how many people you’ll be serving, whether you’ll be serving before or after dinner and what cheeses you’ll want to include. According to WineFolly.com, sparkling wines pair best with creamy, sticky cheeses due to the high acidity and carbonation. WHAT YOU NEED • Cheese board or serving plate • Assortment of cheeses We recommend Brie, Port Salut, Muenster, Camembert or Gruyere PUTTING IT TOGETHER Cheese is best served at room temperature, so be sure your cheese has time to rest prior to serving. Slice the cheeses and arrange artfully on your cheese board with labels for each. Consider providing separate serving knives for each cheese to avoid any mixing of flavors. Add any additional bites you’d like and enjoy! CONTINUED > D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

the traditions No matter where you are in the world when the clock strikes midnight, ring in the new year internationally by taking part in one of these worldly traditions. + SPAIN Spend Nochevieja (“old night”) at home watching the countdown on TV—you can party later! Are you in need of some luck for the upcoming year? Wearing red underwear for the night may give you some. + MEXICO Be sure to have lots of grapes on hand. Demonstrated by Spaniards as well, this tradition involves eating 12 grapes with every strike of the clock, symbolizing good luck for every month of the new year. + DENMARK Destroy your frustrations and start the year fresh by smashing unwanted glassware. Danish tradition calls for smashing plates on the doors of friends and loved ones around midnight, but we think you should probably save that part for when you’re actually in Denmark. + SCOTLAND Although its singing has become pretty standard worldwide, “Auld Lang Syne” originated in Scotland in 1788 as a poem by Robert Burns. Go ahead and make a cheat sheet for all your friends—we won’t judge.

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

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D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

DECEMBER 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

D EC E M BE R 2 N D

Christmas Homes Tour by the Mount Clemens Historical Commission

TOURS BEG IN AT THE CR OCKE R H O US E , 1 5 UNI O N ST R E E T, MO UNT C L E ME NS , MI | 1 :00 P M An old Mount Clemens tradition with a fresh spin. Celebrate the beauty and elegance of historic homes decorated for the holidays. Hear about the customs of the current residents and of those past. Tours are every half hour, 1:00PM - 5:00PM. Tickets go on sale November 1st at Mount Clemens City Hall. For more info call Lana Vaughan at 408-568-5462. D EC E M BE R 2 N D

Crocker House Museum Holiday Open House

T HE CROCKER HOUS E | 12:00 P M Visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause 12:00PM - 3:30PM. Enjoy holiday traditions such as tunes with Marj, crafts for kids, treats, gift shop, baked goods, and much, much more! For more information contact the Macomb County Historical Society at info@crockerhousemuseum.org or 586-465-2488. FREE ADMISSION. Donations always appreciated. DE C E M BE R 9 T H

Holiday Light Parade

VIEWIN G ON MACOMB PLACE & WA L NUT ST R E E T | 7 :0 0 P M Our grandest Holiday Light Parade yet! Decorate your vehicle with holiday lights and join us for a parade downtown. Parade vehicle lineup begins at 5:00PM at the Towne Square Municipal Parking Lot (Yellow Lot). Spectators are welcome! Enjoy the Oasis District where you can purchase and drink alcoholic beverages in the designated outdoor areas downtown from participating businesses. Visit downtownmountclemens.org/events. DE C EMBE R 2 2 N D

Amadeus Christmas Concert

T HE EMER ALD THEATR E, 31 N. WA L NUT ST R E E T, MO UNT C L E ME NS , MI | 6 :0 0 P M Join us for an enchanting evening featuring Amadeus, the internationally acclaimed electric quartet from Romania, renowned for their instrumental arrangements of classical, pop, and rock classics. With over 200 million views on their YouTube channel, they have captured the hearts of fans worldwide performing in more than 40 countries. Get ready for a holiday experience you'll cherish! Tickets at TheEmeraldTheatre.com/events. DE C E M BE R 3 1 ST

Kids New Year's Eve Celebration

T HE DIS COVERY CEN TER OF M AC O MB , 5 4 C H E R RY ST R E E T, MO UNT C L E ME NS , MI | 4 : 00 P M Mount Clemens hosts a special New Year’s Eve celebration just for kids and families from 4:00PM – 9:00PM at The Discovery Center. This event includes kids’ activities, movies, and popcorn. A face painter will be on hand. Face painting fees vary by design. Fireworks show for kids on Main Street at the Clock Tower at 9:00PM. Visit discoverymacomb.org for information. DE C E M BE R 3 1 ST

New Year's Eve Gala Event

MAIN STR EET & N EW STR EET, DOWNTOWN MO UNT C L E ME NS , MI | 9 :30 P M The New Year’s Eve Gala takes place in the heart of historic Downtown Mount Clemens, on Main & New Street, near the Clock Tower. Entertainment will rock the stage for a Times Square-esque street party with fireworks at midnight! As Macomb County’s Entertainment Capital, Mount Clemens offers a wide array of restaurants/ bars for dinner, or to celebrate after the fireworks.

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