Issuu

Loving Billy Sims F O O D + B E V E R AG E

CO O KIN G CL A SSES FO R DATE N IGHT A R T S + C U LTU R E

TROY ' S M AGI CAL DIN N ER TH E ATRE LI F E + C U LTU R E

FU N IDE A S FO R VALENTIN E' S DAY

F E B R UA RY 2 02 4

Beyond

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Life in Troy is love at first sight I don't know about you, but Valentine's Day always finds us torn between trying to resist another greeting card holiday or wanting to indulge in all the sweet reasons for the occasion. Do we plan an evening out or a cozy night at home? Buy gifts or just share a sweet evening conversation? We usually land somewhere in between. Cards, flowers and a nice meal at one of our favorite Troy restaurants. And chocolate. There must be chocolate. I'm sure you have your own traditions, but here's one thing we probably hold in common: The desire to make sure those around us know we love them. Like Mom, who left us one year ago. As our tribute of love to her, in this issue we experience the rich beauty of Guatemala, where she was born. When I was a child, we lived there for a summer and I can promise this: The beauty and people of this small country are unforgetable. No matter how you mark the Month of Love, we hope this issue will inspire you to come together with the people in your life. The ones at home, in your neighborhood and in our community. Love local means your local businesses, those in your community. Loving what is near. So, catch the next show at The Magic Soiree or plan a cooking class to learn, create and dine together. Grab coffee at Biggby and head home for game night with the family. Or check out our other ideas in this issue for a romantic night in Troy. Thanks for letting us be a part of your life. Our hope is that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before. Happy February! T O D D H A I G H T, P U B L I S H E R @ T R OYC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

February 2024 PUBLISHER

Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Julie Flores | julie.flores@citylifestyle.com AD M I N I ST R AT I VE D I R E C TO R

Margaret Haight | margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Todd Haight, Julie Flores, Sean O'Keefe, Cindy Stewart C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Kevin Shea Photography, Simran Bajwa (photosbysimba.com), Sean O'Keefe, Cindy Stewart

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

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

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

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 accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

H O WA R D

B EAT T Y

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Life Insurance is Forever Love Valentine’s Day flowers bring joy – for a few days. The gift of life insurance shows your love for a lifetime. To find an affordable plan that protects your loved ones, call me today. (But take my advice: Get the flowers, too.)

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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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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

20 28

Featured

24 28 6

On the Cover

For the love of laughter

British comedy magicians headline a unique dinner theatre experience in Troy

Cooking lessons make for the perfect Date Night

Local legend Billy Sims – the 1978 Heisman winner who led the Detroit Lions to the playoffs in 1982 and 1983 – scores in Troy with his award-winning Billy Sims BBQ.

Couples find love in the kitchen with local classes led by professional chefs

Billy Sims: Still the local crowd-pleaser

Legendary running back shows his moves in the kitchen with BBQ masterpiece

Photography: Kevin Shea Photography (ksheaphoto.com)

Departments 4

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Chef ’s Selection TRAVEL

Trend Setter LIFE + CULTURE

Must See ARTS + CULTURE

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE

Events

This is how you do Italian.

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Good news happening right in your neighborhood.

Inspiration for your best local life.

Exclusive giveaways.

Hidden gem alert!

Local content by local creators.

SCAN TO CONNECT

Troy CiTy LifesTyLe™ FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

FEBRUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

CINDY STEWART - CITY OF TROY

5 CINDY STEWART - CITY OF TROY

HORIZON BANK

CINDY STEWART - CITY OF TROY

ANN PERCY STATE FARM INSURANCE

1 & 2: Two of the winners of Troy’s 2023 Holiday Lights Contest, celebrating the holiday season. 3: Dr. Alessandra Colon of the chiropractic reality TV series “Crack Addicts” with Dr. Leigh Elceser. 4: Horizon Bank volunteers set up the Holiday Shopping Bazaar at The Children’s Center in Detroit. 5: Mayor Ethan Baker joins Santa and Sophia and Luca Caruso for Troy’s Christmas Tree Lighting. 6: The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Regency at Troy, offering long-term care and short-term sub-acute rehabilitative services. 7: The incredible team from Ann Percy State Farm Insurance supports local teachers and fire prevention.

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FEBRUARY 2024

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Chris Ball authors guide for special needs financial planning Chris Ball, co-founder of Stalt Financial in Troy, has authored the book, "Making Sense of Special Needs Finance: A Caregiver's Roadmap to Financial Stability." The publication provides critical guidance and support to families and caregivers trying to develop short-term and long-term financial plans for loved ones with a disability. Stalt specializes in financial planning for families of special needs individuals. For more, you can reach Chris at (248) 733-4344.

Scan to read more Photography by Stalt Financial

Troy Chamber director in new Leadership Oakland class Evan Rinaldi, director of Business Development for the Troy Chamber of Commerce, has joined this year’s Leadership Oakland Cornerstone Class. In the program, she will learn more about the issues facing the county and how to make an impact. When asked about this experience, Evan said, “I am very lucky to be afforded this opportunity for immense growth by the Troy Chamber. I look forward to becoming more involved in the community through Leadership Oakland."

Scan to read more Photography by Troy Chamber of Commerce

VanBuskirk Dental celebrates one-year anniversary Dr. Brittany VanBuskirk is celebrating her first anniversary as owner of VanBuskirk Dental. Her father, Dr. Kevin Schierlinger, started the practice some four decades ago before retiring, leaving Dr. Brittany and a talented team to continue on serving local patients. Together, they offer exceptional care in preventive, restorative and cosmetic treatments, using the most advanced techniques. Most importantly, they prioritize customer service to ensure dental visits are comfortable and relaxing. Call (248) 828-8128.

Scan to read more Photography by VanBuskirk Dental

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F.I.T. Financial Group, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC 1450 W. Long Lake Road, Suite 365, Troy MI, 48098 Office: 248.817.3200 FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

G L O R I O U S G U AT E M A L A N G O U R M E T Experiencing the evolution of a country, one bite at a time.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN O’KEEFE

I have always been fascinated with Guatemala. It is a land of stunning beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a people as colorful as the fabrics that adorn the women of this ever-welcoming Central American nation. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala offers a Mayan culinary palette with a rich history of international influences. CONTINUED >

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | TRAVE L

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

“It is a land of stunning beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a people as colorful as the fabrics that adorn the women of this ever-welcoming Central American nation.” Ancestral foods such as corn, squash, honey, and cacao were not only sustenance, they also held cultural significance. These ingredients symbolized the Mayans' close connection to the land and their rich culinary heritage, passed down through generations of ancestors. This small but culturally diverse country has evolved its culinary traditions over centuries, drawing from indigenous Mayan roots, Spanish colonial heritage, and a delicious rainbow of global flavors. In recent decades, globalization has brought even more international flavors to Guatemala. The country has embraced Asian, African, and North American cuisines, resulting in an eclectic culinary landscape ripe for your next globally relevant dining adventure.

RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX

Relais & Châteaux is the pinnacle of global excellence in hospitality and fine dining. There are 580 properties across the world that have received this very special demarcation and Casa Palopó and Villa Bokéh are the only two properties in Guatemala to achieve the Relais & Châteaux status and identifying plaque on their thresholds. The mission, “to preserve the diversity of cuisines and hospitality in this world so that future generations can know and share in their richness,” is top of mind for everyone at these two equally magical destinations. The incredible staff at this Guatemalan dynamic duo are making a better world through their cuisine and gracious hospitality. RelaisChateaux.com.

CHEF MARCOS SAENZ

When Chef Marcos and I first met I was taken by his understated charm and presence. Born in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, his respect for small local farmers is only matched by his desire to use the most time-honored, indigenous, seasonal products. Casual in conversation and very honest about his approach to cooking, Chef Marcos was to make a huge impact on my visit to Guatemala. Growing and buying locally is certainly a key to his success but so is the romance between Chef Marcos and his ingredients. Each bite celebrates his culinary journey and adds to the global excitement behind Guatemalan cuisine.

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | TRAVE L

CASA PALOPÓ

Casa Palopó is perched on the edge of Lake Atitlán, one of the most picturesque spots in Guatemala. Formed as a result of a massive volcanic eruption some 84,000 years ago, this lake in Guatemala’s southwestern highlands is over 50 square miles and is dotted with small, colorful communities rich with Mayan cultural heritage. The lake is surrounded by three giant volcanos and many hills which offer some of Guatemala’s most dramatic and awesome views. This luxurious, tiered, boutique hotel is renowned for its stunning vistas and exciting gourmet cuisine. Chef creates dishes that celebrate the rich and vibrant culinary heritage of the nation. Each dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you choose to enjoy the outstanding interpretation of a Peruvian Ceviche, the Duck Breast with green pea puree, cassava fake charcoal, roasted cambry onion with hibiscus and orange reduction, or the table side Bananas Foster you are certainly in for one incredibly memorable meal. CasaPalopo.com.

VILLA BOKÉH

Located on the outskirts of Antigua, Villa Bokéh is a six-acre colonial-style estate that embodies all the understated elegance and character of historical Antigua. Lush gardens and a lagoon give rise to a picture-perfect view of Volcán de Agua, an active volcano that towers over the property and all of Antigua. The restaurants at Villa Bokéh offer a prime example of how Guatemalan cuisine has evolved and embraced international influences. Bring your appetite and be sure to enjoy the chef’s signature Creamy Corn Soup or the Mediterranean Shrimp, polenta cake, fava bean hummus, and roasted cherry tomatoes with parsley chimichurri. I have never been as impacted by my travels, nor the people that met, as I was in Guatemala. Throughout the trip, I was offered a glimpse into the heart and soul of a people who, despite change, honor tradition, family, and culture ever so highly. Every meal was a dinner with friends, family, and loved ones. I have never been more impressed by the simplicity of people, whose undefinable richness left me always wanting more. VillaBokeh.com

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY STEWART

Love is blooming all around Troy INSPIRE ROMANCE WITH THESE EXCITING DATE IDEAS

What’s your idea of a romantic date? Recreate Lady and the Tramp with pasta at Carrabba’s. Like every Disney classic, what young couple in love (or married couple needing time away from the kids) doesn’t crave a romantic meal? Date night must include a visit to Carrabba’s Italian Grill offering authentic Italian cuisine passed down from the founders’ family recipes.

What could be more rom a n t ic than a picnic in a Troy pa rk? I believe it’s enjoying a special place together where you can pay attention to one another. Talk, touch, kiss, lose yourself in each other’s eyes.

Wa r m your he arts with a col d treat at Gilly ’s. Gilly’s Ice Cream is perfect for a sweet date. Share a thick milkshake, hand-dipped cone or sundae; your choice of flavors is sure to bring a smile – and hopefully a second date.

Ex pl o re yo u r feel i n g s (a n d Troy ’s n at u ra l s u r rou n di n g s) at S t age Nat u re C en ter. Play tourist together in Troy. Stroll the Historic Village, explore the natural surroundings at Stage Nature Center or golf at Sylvan Glen or Sanctuary Lake. Just be sure to bring your favorite guy or girl!

T R E N D SE T T E R | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Ex plore woode d tra il s toge the r at one of o ur famous parks. With over 1,000 acres of parklands in Troy, the sky’s the limit for your date. Explore wooded biking trails, stroll hand-in-hand along lakes and streams, or picnic in our parks. Choose what’s perfect for you.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

LOCAL MAGICIANS HAVE A FEW TRICKS UP THEIR SLEEVES

For the love of laughter ARTICLE BY TODD HAIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SHEA PHOTOGRAPHY

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

“

T h i s i s a n i g ht of s o p h i s t ic at e d s h e n a n i g a n s ,

“

i l lu s io n s a n d s le i g ht of h a n d .

There’s magic in laughter and certainly in love. And then there’s Lady Sarah and Keith Fields, owners of Michigan's only magic dinner theatre – The Magic Soiree in Troy (TheMagicSoiree.com). This is a night of sophisticated shenanigans, illusions and sleight of hand, led by this British-born couple who have found celebrity in silliness. Or perhaps it's cleverly disguised genius. Either way, they pack the show night after night, fulfilling their desire to change the world, one laugh at a time. So, what’s the trick? “Lots of experience,” Sarah laughs. “We’ve been in magic for 40 years and together for 32. Magic has taken us further than we ever imagined. Is that fair to say?” Keith’s deadpan response: “Yes. We went to Monroe once.” They’ve gone much further, actually, performing at the exclusive Magic Castle in Hollywood, showrooms in Vegas and local favorites like Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle and One Night Stans. It's more than a passion; they live to make people laugh. Lady Sarah, daughter of a playwright, has been performing since she was 5. Keith started as a street magician before headlining English comedy clubs. “I went to see his very first comedy show,” she recalls. “I worked for an ad agency, he was starting his comedy career and the rest is history.” Keith can’t resist. “Well, it’s all over the place, so it’s geography, actually.” One must ask, why Troy? The idea was birthed while the couple enjoyed a theatre residency in Gatlinburg, Tenn. “After traveling the country and internationally, we asked ourselves, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to have a venue here

at home?’ After all, Troy is a sophisticated community and they should have something to appreciate.” Adds Keith in a rare serious moment, “We’re in love with Troy. If you live here, you become an evangelist for it.” So, they created a hilarious magic experience and called Camp Ticonderoga home. For the first half of the evening, you experience the fun close-up, with magicians performing right at your table. But the real jewel is when Lady Sarah and Keith Fields take the floor with their cabaret act. I won’t spill the secrets or spoil the fun by revealing what’s next, but it’s safe to say you’ll never look at toilet paper or a ukulele again without thinking of The Magic Soiree. “We work hard to develop a show that’s as much about us being us as it is about the magic,” says Keith. “Magic is the structure on which we hang our personalities and our sense of humor. We’ll take you on a roller coaster ride.” When that ride comes to an end, you’ll be weak from laughter, enthralled by the mystery and stuffed from the delicious dinner buffet prepared by the chefs at Camp Ticonderoga. “We want the audience to want to be our best friends. We’re genuinely interested in people. Life’s crummy out there right now, so it’s good to make people happy.” Keith chimes in: “They say if you can make one person smile at the end of the day, well, you’re not a very good comedian.” “It’s so good to have a giggle, isn’t it?” Lady Sarah smiles. For tickets to the best show in Troy, visit TheMagicSoiree.com. Shows book quickly, so reserve tickets early. CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

“ 22

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

We ’ ve b e e n i n m a g ic fo r 4 0 ye a rs a n d t o ge t h e r fo r 32 . M a g ic h a s t a ke n u s f u r t h e r t h a n we eve r i m a g i n e d .

”

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24 8 . 8 2 2 . 8 1 1 5 | a n t o i n e s a l o n o f t r o y. c o m | 2 8 3 8 W. M a p l e R o a d Tr o y, M I FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

SH A R I NG love T H ROUGH FO OD

ARTICLE BY TODD HAIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA (PHOTOSBYSIMBA.COM)

After a few years, Date Night can get a little tired. Eating out? Again? Spice it up by making a meal together at one of the private cooking classes around Troy. Sur La Table (surlatable.com), for example, promises an immersive culinary experience with hands-on learning. You’re given the tools and ingredients, but before you panic, just know you’ll be guided by professionals such as Resident Chef Arra Joynt. “It’s fun to watch people try a new dish for the first time,” she says. “Like homemade ice cream. You think it’s no big deal until you try it, and then it’s like opening a gift at Christmas. The best part is, you’ve made it yourself.” On this day, she’s teaching the art of sushi to a dozen wishful chefs. Among them, a Troy law firm on a fun team outing and a local couple – financial planner Paul Dries (ameripriseadvisors.com/Paul.Dries) and wife JoJo, who recently founded the nonprofit On The Wings of Angels (onthewings.org). Married 12 years ago on Valentine’s Day, Paul and JoJo are parents to Paulie, 10, and Lucas, 8. CONTINUED >

COOKING CL ASSES IN TROY ENSURE YO U R DAT E N I G H T I S R O M A N T I C – AND DELICIOUS

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

Today they’re side by side, learning to make California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, vegetable hand rolls and sushi rice. Chef Arra starts with an overview of the class and meal prep tools, encouraging students to interact with one another. “This is a great way to meet new people,” she says. “Many people make new friends and then come back for other classes together.” After learning to cook the rice – “Don’t stir or wash it,” cautions Chef Arra – students move on to shredding vegetables and creating the perfect balance between rice and toppings. Chef Arra is hands-on, first demonstrating a skill – such as cutting vegetables uniformly, called batonnetting – and then working with each student to master the move. “We're loving this,” says Paul. “This is such a great date night idea. We love sushi but didn’t realize everything that goes into it.” JoJo adds, “We've learned a lot, like how to cut vegetables by rolling the knife, not chopping it, and how to handle the rice delicately so you can roll it correctly.” Savoring the final product – a spicy tuna roll he and JoJo created – Paul says, “This is a very romantic thing to do as a couple.” If you’re a novice, or perhaps a chef-inthe-making, you can learn from the best at a host of cooking lessons offered in the Troy area:

Cucina Lab Torino (cucina-lab.com) is led by Elisabetta Balzola, originally of Torino, Italy. You’ll master the art of cooking with wine and create authentic Italian dishes such as pasta sauce and gnocchi. Fresh Chef Detroit (freshchefdetroit.com) offers individual and group classes in your home or office. Chef Kirsten will create a class tailored to your interests. Mirepoix Cooking School (mirepoixcookingschool.com) teaches you to think and cook like a professional chef. This hands-on cooking experience lets you interact with the ingredients and do the prep work yourself. Private Cooking Instruction (privatecookinginstruction.com) is designed by Chef Carolyn, who creates a personalized menu that will be prepared by you, guided by her expert hands – right in your own home. Breaking the Mold with Chef Lauren (breakingtm.com) customizes lessons for each client, with classes that include pasta, cake decorating, pastries and meal prepping. Classes for children available.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

BILLY SIMS Lions legend scores with community, kindness – and a slab of ribs

ARTICLE BY TODD HAIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SHEA PHOTOGRAPHY

I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

Last December, former Detroit Lion Billy Sims was a guest at the Heisman Awards, one of the most prestigious honors of any sport. For three days, the legendary running back ran with college football greats like Barry Sanders and Charles Woodson. Days earlier, by contrast, he was glad-handing with fans in Troy. And just as happy in both places. Such is the life of Billy Sims, who films commercials with celebrities one day, and enjoys pulled pork with fans the next in his Troy restaurant, Billy Sims BBQ (billysimsbbq.com). A standout at Oklahoma State, Billy won the Heisman in 1978 and was drafted by the Detroit Lions as the first overall pick in 1980. He led Detroit to the playoffs in 1982 and 1983. CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

The next season, after setting the all-time Lions rushing record, he suffered a knee injury that ended his career. But this story isn’t about football. It’s about a man who values people over trophies. One who scores with community, kindness – and a fabulous slab of ribs. “Life is all about the supporting cast around you,” says the one-time Troy resident. “You can’t get through this world by yourself. It’s not all about me.” Humble words from the man who was a Pro Bowler his first three years in the NFL.

I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

“It’s about community. I’m no better than anyone else. I’m just grateful to be here.” He’s not just here. He’s hard at work with his partner Jeff Jackson, growing a celebrated barbecue franchise with 36 restaurants in six states. The gem, Billy says, is in Troy. “Billy helped develop the menu, the processes, seasonings, sauces, everything," says Jeff. "He's part of everything we do, but what he loves most is shaking the hands of fans."

“Life is all about the supporting cast around you,” says the one-time Troy resident. “You can’t get through this world by yourself. It’s not all about me.”

And he shakes a lot. While in Troy recently, more than 500 people lined up over two days for a photo and autograph. Billy stayed until everyone was satisfied. “I lived in Troy when I played for the Lions,” he recalls. “I need to take care of the people who come to see me.” He raves about how the community has grown since he was a player. “I loved getting out when I lived here as a player, and there are still so many loyal, loyal fans here. It's all about people who respect what you did on the field.” It’s also about ribs and pulled pork and the tastiest barbecue sauce this side of Texas. But when Billy shows up at his Troy restaurant, the fans line up for the main course: Billy Sims.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T R OY M I

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FEBRUARY 2024

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

F EB RUA RY 3 RD

For students: Get certified in babysitting, CPR/First Aid and petsitting Troy High School, 4777 Northfield Pkwy, Troy, MI 48098 | 9:00 AM Topics in this class include first aid, when to call 911, CPR (with practice), choking, dealing with difficult behaviors, and basic care methods like feeding and diapering. Students who successfully complete the course requirements receive a certificate of completion for Certified Babysitter/CPR/First Aid course by Live Safe Academy. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Email troyenrichment@troy.k12.mi.us or info@LiveSafeAcademy.com. F EB RUA RY 3 RD

The Magic Soiree: Michigan's only magic comedy dinner show Camp Ticonderoga, 5725 Rochester Road, Troy | 6:30 PM Your hosts are the award-winning British comedy magicians Lady Sarah and Keith Fields (as seen on Fox TV & WXYZ). The evening starts with magicians who bring magic right to your table and ends with a hilarious stage show. Somewhere between all the magic, you'll enjoy a delicious buffet dinner. Cash bar is available. For tickets, visit TheMagicSoiree.com. F EB RUA RY 6T H

Wine Dinner at Carrabba's Italian Grill Carrabba's Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver, Troy | 6:30 PM Celebrate Valentine's by joining Carrabba's for a flavor exploration with an incredible four-course wine pairing. Relax and enjoy this exquisite meal with family, friends, neighbors or co-workers after a long day. You'll discover the evening's featured wine and off-menu masterpieces, as well as camaraderie and gifts compliments of the house. Visit Carrabbas.com or call (248) 269-0095 for details and reservations. F EB RUA RY 1 6T H

"Beyond the Book" with Nathan Wright Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy | 7:00 PM Join the Troy Historic Village for a "Beyond The Book" presentation by Nathan Wright, member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. A descendant of medicine people on both his parents' sides, Nathan continues his ancestors' legendary plant medicine work by ethically harvesting and making medicines from the same areas as his ancestors. For details, visit troyhistoricvillage.org. F EB RUA RY 1 7 T H

Take a walk with a naturalist Stage Nature Center, 6685 Coolidge Highway, Troy | 10:30 AM Learn about nature right here in Troy when you take a relaxing walk through Stage Nature Center, accompanied by a naturalist. This is a great experience for ages 3 to adult; children will love asking questions – and getting answers – about nature. Just $3. Adults should remain with their children. Register online at stagenaturecenter.org or call (248) 688-9703. F EB RUA RY 1 9 T H - 2 0 TH

Free midwinter break open house Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Rd., Troy | 10:00 AM Shake off your cabin fever and visit the village free of charge during your midwinter break. You can explore historic buildings, go on a scavenger hunt and experience fun educational programs. Great for all ages. Donations accepted. Available Monday, Feb. 19 and Tuesday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more details, visit TroyHistoricVillage.org.

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