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November 2023 PUBLISHER

Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Thanksgiving: Gathering, gratitude and giving back True contentment comes from within – and from fulfilling who we were made to be. Maybe that's why, in this season of giving thanks, we find ourselves reflecting on the blessings in our lives. After all, the essence of Thanksgiving is gratitude, a sentiment that usually leads back to those we love and appreciate. And so – somewhere between the turkey and the pumpkin pie – we rediscover what truly matters. Qualities like living in the present. Appreciating those who have helped us in our journey. The joy of giving to those around us. For our family, those are all part of our Thanksgiving experience. We're grateful for our children. They range from middle school to adulthood, ensuring that each relationship is uniquely meaningful and equally precious. We're blessed with a special-needs son, who showers us with praise and endless smiles every day. And, these days, we're thankful for Margaret's continuing healing from breast cancer, which compels us to see the beauty in every, single day. That's why our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back to our community. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our city the vibrant community that it is. We're especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorstep each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you. This holiday season, as we prepare to gather with our loved ones in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and pause to reflect on those blessings. You're one of them.

EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Julie Flores | julie.flores@citylifestyle.com ADMINISTR ATIVE DIR ECTOR

Margaret Haight | margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Cindy Stewart, Julie Flores, Todd Haight CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

PortraitsWithMichelle.com

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

T O D D H A I G H T, P U B L I S H E R @TROYCIT YLIFEST YLE

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

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/ TROYMI |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Troy City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Troy 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 Troy City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Time for a holiday makeover on your hair

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Open House LI FE + C U LT U R E

Local Limelight PR O FES S I O N A L SE RV IC E S

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Our Town LI FE + C U LT U R E

Events

Beauty, style and passion are in fashion at Antoine Salon

18 Troy native turns Trion Solutions into a national name

Creating a powerful brand isn’t easy – unless you have a PR/marketing guru leading you

26 Thanksgiving traditions around Troy Three stories of gratitude that will inspire you this holiday season

32 We’re #10 in the nation!

Livability.com names Troy one of the Top 100 Best Places To Live

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Portraits With Michelle Powering the national profile for Trion Solutions: (from left) Co-Founders Bonner Upshaw III and David L. Stone with Jeff Caponigro, APR, Executive Vice President-Corporate Communications and Chief Marketing Officer.

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1-7: The 53rd annual Troy Family Daze closed Sunday, Sept. 17 with incredible attendance on “International Day.”

Photography by Cindy Stewart Troy Community Affairs Director

C I T Y SC E N E

14 12

8: Troy residents donned flannel for an autumn & lumberjack-themed evening at Fire & Flannel. 9: 2023 Fire & Flannel was sponsored by Troy Chamber of Commerce and Troy Historic Village. 10: That’s a wrap on Fire & Flannel, presented by The Davey Tree Expert Company! 11: The Troy Chamber team celebrates 2023 Fire & Flannel Event. 12-14: More from the 2023 Fire & Flannel Event. Photography by Troy Chamber of Commerce

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CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

HARD ROCK STONE WORKS

ROCCO CAPONIGRO

16 SHEILA DENSTAEDT

VANBUSKIRK DENTAL

BURN BOOT CAMP OF TROY

CINDY STEWART

GLEBA & ASSOCIATES

15: WXYZ-TV7’s Alicia Smith, Jeff Caponigro (Trion) and Jerry Niesler (Red-E Parts), Auto Show Charity Preview. 16: Burn Boot Camp of Troy crew supports the 4th Annual Super Drew Family Extravaganza. 17: The staff of Hard Rock Stone Works enjoying their building trades event. 18: A powered-up team from VanBuskirk Dental participated in the 5K at Troy Family Daze. 19: Star-studded Grand Opening: FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center, Troy, owners Harnisha and Chirag Shah (right). 20: Sheila Denstaedt and family checking out the new Firebird Tavern in Troy. Three thumbs up! 21: Gleba & Associates presents at the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @troycitylifestyle

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. USI named one of nation’s Best and Brightest Companies USI has been named one of the nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by The National Association for Business Resources. The competition honors organizations displaying a strong commitment to excellence in HR practices and employee enrichment programs. USI is one of the world's largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions. Pictured: Gil Bromley, Vice President, Employee Benefits, USI Insurance Services.

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Law Offices of Barton Morris welcomes Mayor Ethan Baker The Law Offices of Barton Morris welcomes its new Partner, Troy Mayor Ethan Baker. Initially elected to Troy City Council in 2015, he has served as Mayor since 2019. Ethan began practicing law in 2006 with the belief that all clients should be treated with the individual attention and respect they deserve, in order to build lasting and personal relationships, while providing them with the legal expertise they require.

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Entech Staffing Solutions Named Crain's Best Places to Work 2023 Entech Staffing Solutions has been named a 2023 Crain's Best Places to Work winner. Entech has been sourcing short-term, long-term, temp-to-hire, contract and direct-hire positions for job seekers and employers in Troy, Grand Blanc and the surrounding areas since 2009. Entech recruits, screens, interviews, evaluates and qualifies candidates before recommending them. As a smaller, local, women-owned staffing agency, Entech has greater flexibility and more opportunity to provide a more personalized solution to meet staffing needs.

Photography Entech Staffing Solutions

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/TroyMI

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Thankful for beauty, style and happiness

D I S C O V E R A C U LT U R E O F G R AT I T U D E – A N D T H E BE AUT Y OF COLOR – AT A N TO I N E S A L O N

ARTICLE BY TODD HAIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY PORTRAITS WITH MICHELLE

O PE N H OU SE | L IFE + CULTURE

Antoine Saleh started cutting hair as a teenager. That’s not so unusual. Until you realize this was in Lebanon – with a war raging. “During the Lebanese Civil War, I did hair for friends because no one had access to hair stylists,” he says. “My family emigrated here when I was 17 and it made sense to keep doing what I enjoy.” Leaving behind a life of conflict, Antoine was determined to create one of peace and happiness – traits that are now hallmarks of his full-service salon, Antoine Salon, 2838 W. Maple Road at Coolidge (antoinesalonoftroy.com). “We have the most relaxed atmosphere,” says the acclaimed Master Stylist. “When it comes to hair and beauty, we create style, not drama.” Your first impression of Antoine Salon comes from the manager, Miraye, who is very accommodating of all clientele. If she cannot get you in immediately, she’ll take your name, consult with a stylist and see where she can find the best appointment. “People love that personal touch,” Antoine smiles. And now is the best time to try something new. This is the season for impressing family and friends with a bright new look as you gather around the holiday table. “Winter is gloomy, so brighten your life with something new. Let your hair, not the weather, affect your personality, your outlook,” he offers. His stylists specialize in helping you change your look. Bring in a photograph of a haircut, makeover or highlights and they’ll match it.

“Listen, it’s hard to change and hard to know who to trust. Every one of our clients is a walking advertisement for us, so each one has to be done perfectly.” Antoine has 17 stylists, including a makeup artist, nail tech and aesthetician who is an expert at eyelashes and microblading. All are presentable, professional, outgoing – and all are educated by Antoine to provide the highest service and greatest results. Antoine boasts a well-rounded salon. “We don’t specialize in one thing; we do everything and we do it well.”

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And, of course, hair coloring. “We specialize in highlights and color,” he says. “We serve all hair types and textures,” he adds. “We service everyone.” Here, you’ll find well-known, professional brands. Schwarzkoff. Kevin Murphy. Bumble and Bumble. And the RG Cosmetics Hair B line – known as hair botox. “We were the first salon to bring hair botox to Michigan and we’re the sole distributor. It’s great for humidity and frizz control, with no formaldehyde whatsoever. A lot of people don’t want to do keratin because of the chemicals, so this is the best choice. It’s safe for everyone.” His hand sweeps over the salon, filled with stylists bringing beauty to clients of all ages. His pride is as evident as his passion.

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From Troy High to heights of creativity Wordmaster: Jeff has personally written more than 300 issues of the popular Trion Update newsletter, distributed twice weekly to Trion's 200 team members.

A time of Thanksgiving: Trion’s journey to national branding – thanks to Troy native ARTICLE BY TODD HAIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PORTRAITS WITH MICHELLE

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | PR OF E S S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

You no doubt have seen the Trion television commercials, one of its many sponsorships and its logo on one of the tallest buildings in the heart of Troy. And you may have asked yourself, “Where did Trion come from so suddenly?” Trion Solutions (relyontrion.com) was co-founded more than a decade ago by Bonner Upshaw III and David L. Stone – managing payroll and taxes, benefits administration, workers’ compensation and regulatory compliance for more than 800 client businesses nationwide. The more revealing answer though is Trion’s marketing/PR/branding, which has made the Trion name so recognizable. How was that achieved? It hearkens back to Troy High School, where a teenage Jeff Caponigro discovered a love for words and persuasion – and has used that passion to build an iconic PR/marketing career eventually leading to building the brand identity of one of the nation’s largest and most-respected Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs). Jeff began writing professionally for the Troy and Rochester editions of the Observer & Eccentric while still at Troy High; and, was a reporter/columnist for two daily newspapers while studying Journalism and English at Central Michigan University. After graduation, his career shifted to PR/marketing. At the age of just 25, he worked his way to being named Vice President at one of the nation’s Top 50 PR firms. A few years later, he became Executive Vice President and then President/CEO of a PR firm that grew to become Michigan’s largest PR firm at the time, Casey Communications Management. He felt the calling to hang his own shingle and, in 1995, launched Caponigro Public Relations and a few years later Caponigro Marketing Group. National accolades followed. His became the first PR/marketing firm in the world to earn ISO 9001:2000 certification for quality processes and procedures. He authored THE CRISIS COUNSELOR: A step-by-step

guide to managing a business crisis, named one of the “10 best PR books” by PR Week, published in five languages and released in an entertaining audio book. Along the way, his path intersected with Bonner and David, who worked at a now-defunct Detroit-area PEO – a client of Caponigro PR in the ‘90s. Fast forward years later and Bonner and David have a fast-growing company in Trion Solutions. It became a client of Caponigro PR and, three years later, invited Jeff to join the expanding Trion staff on a part-time basis to help transform its brand identity, enhance its reputation and increase its market profile as Executive Vice President-Corporate Communications and Chief Marketing Officer. It was an intriguing invitation. Jeff always had a high regard for Bonner and David and loved the value proposition of a PEO – knowing even faster growth could be on the horizon. For Trion, it meant acquiring a marquee professional with the rare combination of public relations, journalism and marketing/advertising experience – someone in industry circles known as the “Pro of pros” and considered over the past four decades as Michigan’s best-known PR/marketing executive. The part-time position quickly shifted into full time in late 2018, and – enjoying himself and making things happen with the support of Bonner, David and others – he decided to phase out his agencies. The position at Trion was Jeff’s first in 30 years for which he is not the CEO, and he has adjusted well. Under Jeff’s direction and execution, Trion has sponsored Marco Andretti’s Indy car, the first balloon in America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit, the PGA Tour’s Rocket Mortgage Classic, Michigan State University sports, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and many others. Trion also is a generous corporate citizen, supporting many nonprofits such as locally based Dutton Farm. In addition, Jeff is unusually “hands on” for someone at his level. He personally writes the popular

CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

twice-weekly Trion Update, distributed to Trion’s 200 team members. He has authored more than 300 issues since starting the publication a few years ago. Jeff humbly points out the marketing accomplishments at Trion are not achieved alone. He guides two marketing/design agencies and one in-house staff member, Matt Belletini, who he appreciates very much. Despite the humility, he has been inducted into three industry Halls of Fame – and has served in leadership positions on several community and civic boards such as being named Chairman of the Board of Central Michigan University. “Jeff brought Trion to a whole new level,” says CEO and Co-Founder Bonner Upshaw III. “He created our brand and brought significant ROI. We look forward to continued growth by living out our brand.” President and Co-Founder David L. Stone agrees. “Thanks to Jeff and our work together, employers across the nation know about Trion Solutions and our strong value proposition. And, we live up to our brand as our excellent staff delivers on what we promise.” The results are incredible. Trion is by far the largest PEO in Michigan, a Top 10 PEO nationally and the largest certified minority-owned PEO in the United States. Trion enjoys an impressive 96-percent client-retention rate, among its client companies that range from 10 to 7,000 employees. The common thread is the quality of Trion’s team members and the company’s client-service model – in key areas such as payroll processing, workers’ compensation, benefits administration and many others. Trion has five attorneys on staff to help ensure HR compliance and to counsel on critical workplace issues. The company’s national headquarters is in Troy and it has service offices in Scottsdale, Ariz., Aventura, Fla. and Traverse City, Mich.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | PR OF E S S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

Jeff with Joe Vicari, owner/CEO, the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group. Photo: Eric Perry of ericperryphotography.com

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Jeff Caponigro, Bonner Upshaw III and David L. Stone talk strategy at Trion.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | PR OF E S S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

The Trion brand is rooted in community and culture. Personal relationships and service. Promises made, promises kept. It is harvested by a highly regarded, good-natured Troy native who always is thinking about the next steps for further building the Trion brand. Outside of work, you might find him golfing at Orchard Lake Country Club with sons Nick, Mike and Rocco; bowling

at the Detroit Athletic Club; or, cooking and baking at his home only a few miles from his former Smith Middle School and Troy High. “We have an all-star cast at Trion and an extremely bright future ahead of us,” Jeff says. “It is such a tremendous honor to team with Trion team members, who are wonderful people and outstanding at what they do.”

Two of Jeff’s prestigious awards from the Public Relations Society of America: His medal for being inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows (left), an honor awarded to very few PR professionals nationally, and the Silver Anvil, the PR industry’s most prestigious honor. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

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WHAT’S YOUR THANKSGIVING TRADITION? HOW SOME TROY RESIDENTS GIVE THANKS AND MAKE MEMORIES ON TURKEY DAY

Esse Tuke, The TUKE Firm, and Sarah Miller, Camp Bow Wow

We all have favorite Thanksgiving traditions: Lions football, America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit, maybe a deep-fried turkey. Well, this year, why not start a new tradition? Here are a few ideas to get you started: • Write thank-you notes to your family or friends, sharing why they mean so much to you • Share a turkey leg virtually by video chatting with loved ones who live far away • Introduce a new dish every year; have your family vote on whether to make it an annual tradition • Make a special family recipe from generations ago, such as your great-grandmother’s pumpkin pie • Share memories of those you miss as you enjoy coffee and dessert around the table • Use the “good” dishes for a change • Exchange Christmas ornaments that will be hung on trees just a few weeks later • Share your family history and discover stories you’ve never heard before Here’s another one our family actually did: After Thanksgiving dinner, pull out all of grandma’s recipes, the ones everyone used to love. Then, have someone assemble them into a digital cookbook, add a little design and maybe some photos, and share them as an end-of-year surprise for everyone in the family. So, we asked some Troy residents about their favorite traditions. Here is what they shared.

ARTICLE BY TODD HAIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PORTRAITSWITHMICHELLE.COM

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

Esse Tuke, The TUKE Firm (Photographed at Walsh College

ESSE TUKE THE TUKE FIRM ( T H E T U K E F I R M .C O M ) No one knows family like Esse Tuke. A first-generation Nigerian American, she was born in Philadelphia while her dad was in medical school. Her dad was strong and silent; her mom is the opposite, a “spitfire” who is very loving and family-oriented. And she has five siblings, most in New York or New Jersey. “We all get along. Mom and dad had three boys and three girls. I’m the oldest daughter, so I’m the matriarch-to-be,” she says with a smile. And holidays? They’re incredibly special family times. “I celebrate with my mom and siblings in New York. Dad joins us in spirit form. We have lots of food, lots of music and there is always dancing. And such a variety of foods – not all traditional dishes. A well-made turkey that’s juicy, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, freshly mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes.” And it gets even better, she says. “We have Nigerian foods, as well. Jollof, a savory rice dish from West Africa. Fried sweet plantains, or ‘dodo’ as we call it, paired with rice, peppers, curry, tomatoes and spices. As you cook these dishes, the magic happens, the scents fill our home, we enjoy the sounds and it’s so life-affirming. Great times!” CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

Sarah Miller, Camp Bow Wow Photographed at Walsh College

SARAH MILLER CAMP BOW WOW (C A M P B O W W O W.C O M / T R OY ) Sarah Miller knows all too well how tough holidays can be for dogs. Unusual smells and sounds. Unfamiliar people coming through the house. Extra movement and activity in the house. It can seriously disrupt a dog’s routine and cause them stress. So, it’s not surprising that for Thanksgiving (and other holidays), some owners trust their pets to Sarah’s doggy daycare in Troy, called Camp Bow Wow. While their owners enjoy turkey and football, the puppies get regular exercise, socialization with people and other dogs, plus fun puppy things to do. “Thanksgiving is always very busy for us,” she says. “We always have a full house because so many families are traveling or just want their pup out of the house for the day with so much going on. Our team makes it special for the pups with turkey dog treats mixed in with real pumpkin and real cranberry. They really like pumpkin; it’s sweet but also healthy for them.” And what does Sarah do for Thanksgiving? “We always have mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and two turkeys – one smoked, the other traditional oven roasted. I prefer the smoked one because it’s so juicy and flavorful.”

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

JINWAN LEE S O G O N G D O N G & TO U S LE S J O U R S ( S G D R E S TAU R A N T.C O M )

Jinwan Lee, TOUS les JOURS

Have you tried SGD in Troy yet? For those not in the know, SGD is So Gong Dong Korean Tofu and BBQ. And it’s quickly becoming the place to go because of its Korean traditions like Soondubu Jjigae (try the seafood), Hot Stone Beef Bibimbap and Fried Dumplings. But wait, aren’t we talking about Thanksgiving here? Yes, and Jinwan blends the two – Thanksgiving and Korean traditions – very nicely, thank you. “Last year was my daughter’s first Thanksgiving, so we celebrated with a traditional Korean meal of kimchi and soup, bulgogi and kalbi,” he says. “These are foods we serve every day in So Gong Dong.” Bulgogi, of course, is thin sirloin slices with onions in a Korean marinade and kalbi is barbequed beef short ribs. What’s better than enjoying great food together as a family? Making it together as a family. “We all cook together at my parent’s house – my mom, my wife, my brother and me. Then, for dessert, we enjoy cloud cake from TOUS les JOURS. Mango is one of my favorite cloud cake flavors.”

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

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F MILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS You are not alone. Navigating the financial landscape can be challenging for anyone, but for families who have dependents with disabilities, the stakes are even higher. Stalt Financial is dedicated to helping special needs families establish financial confidence so that they can enjoy the quality of life they deserve.

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N AT I O N A L HONORS FOR OUR CITY L IVA BI LI TY N A MES TROY # 10 BEST C I TY I N THE N ATION

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

I consider myself very fortunate, having lived and worked in Troy for 25 years. It’s so exciting that finally others in Troy and around the country are now learning what I have always known – that Troy is one of the top 10 cities to live in the nation. Troy has it all: excellent city services, highly rated schools, good quality of life and unlimited indoor and outdoor activities. How did Troy end up in the Top 100 Best Cities to Live list? At Livability, they love small and mid-sized cities – the crowd-pleasing, best places to live that leave you with money left over after paying your rent or mortgage. For 10 years now, Livability editors have combined their love of places with data to create the annual list of Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. Troy’s data was stacked up against all of the other small and mid-sized cities throughout the U.S. They curated the cities based on nearly 100 data points and an algorithm that measured a city’s economy, housing, cost of living, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education and health. Troy scored 837 out of 1000 (not bad, since number one scored 877). Troy is about as perfect a city as you can have, all right here within 34 square miles – library; community center with indoor pool, gym, fitness center, senior center and preschool; skate park, outdoor aquatic center, two golf courses, nature center, historic village, dog park, community gardens, farmers market and more than 1,000 acres of parkland with trails, lakes and streams for a variety of active and passive recreational uses. Troy has one of the lowest tax rates in Oakland County, Troy School District is A+ rated and recognized nationally for excellence in academics and fine arts education, and we are Michigan’s most diverse city. Troy’s retail and dining options are world-class. The nearly 1.5 million-square-foot Somerset Collection offers a shopping utopia. The City’s spectrum of shops and restaurants is as diverse as the City’s population, with cuisine and goods representing every corner of the globe. We have a plethora of local businesses to fit the needs of every resident, as well as visitors. I was hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't love living in Troy and I asked Mayor Ethan Baker what he thinks about Troy’s latest recognition. “What an absolute honor to be the #1 city for livability in the entire state of Michigan and #10 in the whole country! It doesn’t surprise me, however, because no one knows better

BY CINDY STEWART

J U S T H OW AW E S O M E I S I T T O L I V E I N T R OY ?

O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

Second-healthiest city in Michigan (2023)

#2 best suburb in Michigan and #1 best place to live in the Detroit Area (Niche’s list of top 10 Best Suburbs to Live in Michigan, 2021)

“W HAT A N A BSOLUTE HON OR TO B E THE # 1 C I T Y FOR LIVA BILIT Y IN THE E N TIRE STATE OF M I C H I GA N A N D #10 I N THE W HOL E COUN TRY ! ”

than I do what an amazing place Troy is to live, work, learn, shop, eat and play,” the mayor said. “Our City continues to thrive, celebrating the traditions of the past and embracing the progress that brings us into the future. I am extremely grateful for the residents and businesses of Troy, who truly make us shine.” Troy resident Margaret Harris agrees. “I bought my first home in Troy over 20 years ago after searching in several nearby cities. Troy is a bargain compared to other cities in Oakland County and across the nation. Troy has an award-winning school district, well-kept neighborhoods, parks and amenities such as a wonderful library and various recreation programs. "However, it’s the residents that make Troy the best city to live in. The residents with midwestern values of being friendly and welcoming have enabled Troy to grow into an exceptionally diverse and inclusive community. My family and I have made friends from all over the world without leaving the city.”

#1 best city to live in Michigan and #6 best city for retirees in the U.S. (ChamberofCommerce.org, 2019)

Fourth-best place to raise a family in Michigan (WalletHub, 2019)

Cindy Stewart

ABOUT THE PERSON

Cindy Stewart has served as Troy’s Community Affairs Director since 1998. She holds a bachelor’s in Journalism/Public Relations from Madonna University and a master’s in Communications from Eastern Michigan University. She gives of her time and expertise to the Intergovernmental Cable Communications Authority, Boys & Girls Club of Troy, Troy Police & Fire Benevolent Association, Troy Youth Assistance, Troy People Concerned and Troy Historical Society. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

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

NOV E M BE R 7 T H

Wine Dinner (or Bourbon Dinner) at Carrabba’s Italian Grill

600 W. BIG BEAVER, TR OY | 6 :30 P.M. Join the Carrabba’s team for a flavor exploration with a delicious four-course food and wine pairing on Nov. 7. Then, on Nov. 15, come for a Bourbon Dinner; this pre-Thanksgiving “Friend’s Giving” experience also begins at 6:30 p.m. For details and to RSVP for either exceptional dinner, visit Carrabbas.com or call (248) 269-0095. NOV EM BE R 1 7 T H

The Magic Soiree: Magic Comedy Dinner Show

CA MP TICON DEROGA, 5725 R O C H E ST E R R D, T R OY | 6 :30 P M Your hosts are the award-winning British comedy magicians Lady Sarah & Keith Fields (as seen on Fox TV and WXYZ). Talented close-up magicians bring magic right to your table, followed by a hilarious stage show, where you could be the stars! Somewhere between all the magic, you'll enjoy a delicious buffet dinner. Limited seating and tickets go fast. Visit TheMagicSoiree.com. NOV EM BE R 1 7 T H

Music of the Soul: Troy Metro Symphony Orchestra Concert

FIRST BAPTIST CHUR CH OF TR OY, 26 0 1 J O H N R R OA D, T R OY | 7 :0 0 P M From Beethoven’s exquisite Egmont Overture to Berlioz’s lively Hungarian March, Troy Metro Symphony Orchestra has amazing music lined up! Repertoire for the fall series “Music of the Soul: When Beauty & Power Soar” features sacred and classical works with guest artist Dr. John Boonenberg (piano) performing Grieg’s riveting Piano Concerto in A Minor. Free; donations are appreciated. Visit TroyMetro.org. NOV EM BE R 2 6T H

Brunch With Santa at Fogo de Chao

3 01 W BIG BEAVER R D, TR OY | 1 1 :0 0 A M Brunch With Santa features the famous Market Table and Feijoada Bar, continuous tableside fire-roasted meats, traditional Brazilian sides and dessert station. Children will enjoy a goodie bag plus dedicated time with Santa for photos. Adults $52; children 7-12 $26; ages 6 and under free; plus gratuity and tax. Reserve space at mchoice@fogo.com or (248) 989-8030. NOV EMBE R 2 8T H

Hairclub of Troy Open House

H AIRCLUB OF TROY, 50 W BIG B E AV E R , S UI T E 6 20, T R OY | 5 :0 0 P M HairClub is the leading provider of hair regrowth, replacement and restoration options in North America, with a talented staff of hair restoration consultants, licensed cosmetologists and world-class stylists. And they help men, women and children! Check them out at this free Open House, with live demonstrations, refreshments, giveaways and great promotions. Call (248) 220-3050 for more information. NOV EMBE R 2 8T H

"Be Their Hero" Camp (Workout)

BURN BOOT CAMP OF TR OY, 3 27 9 R O C H E ST E R R D, T R OY Burn Boot Camp of Troy is supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – and you can help! It's the 2023 "Be Their Hero" national fundraising campaign. The Troy crew will have a free glow-party workout open to the public, so you can work out while raising money to help people impacted by cancer. Call (248) 729-7105 for details.

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