Troy, MI July 2025

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS FOR MER PRO-GOLFER BOB KRAUSE BRI NGS BUSINESS TO THE GREENS

WE BRING THE FLOORING STORE TO YOUR DOOR!

MIKE HAMMOND (CEO), MELINDA HAMMOND, JAYLEN HAMMOND, NAJETTE HAMMOND (OFFICE MANAGER).
FROM BEAT-UP HARDWOOD TO LUXURY VINYL TILE.
KITCHEN TILE TRANSFORMED WITH LUXURY VINYL PLANK.
TRANSFORMATION
CARPET TO LAMINATE.

Let’s Explore Troy Together

We live in a time where everything seems scheduled, structured and optimized—right down to the minute. I get it. I’m wired that way, too. There’s a certain satisfaction in being efficient, in checking off the boxes.

But lately, I’ve been thinking about what we lose when every moment is planned. What about the moments that don’t fit neatly on a to-do list?

I’ve been trying to leave more room for those lately — for detours, for curiosity, for the kind of exploring that doesn’t have a destination in mind. And it’s made me realize that the best memories aren’t always the ones you plan for.

Every now and then, my family decides to go out without a plan. We wander through Troy, exploring corners we haven't seen before, popping into stores and restaurants that catch our eye. Nothing earth-shattering — but we end up talking and laughing in a way we haven’t in a while. All because we gave ourselves a little freedom to explore.

And we don’t have to travel far to find that sense of discovery. Troy is full of hidden gems — new bakeries and coffee shops, scenic trails, local events — that are just waiting to be experienced. Sometimes, all it takes is giving ourselves permission to break the routine.

This month’s issue is all about that spirit. Whether it’s a wine dinner, a weekend getaway or just saying yes to something unplanned, we hope we inspire you to explore — your city, your surroundings, maybe even yourself.

Here’s to getting a little lost — and loving it.

July 2025

PUBLISHER

Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Margaret Meyer Haight margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Julia Flores, Allison Sommerville allison.sommerville@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda Ditch, Cindy Stewart, Susan Thwing

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Darrel Ellis, Cindy Stewart

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

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inside the issue

This July, we celebrate a Marine veteran and his lifelong commitment to doing what’s right. Paradise Found Travel writer Cindy Stewart explores the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands. Featured 14 20 26 30 14

A Different Kind of Game

A

Happy Trails

Daniel Cooke’s adventure company is forging an outdoor identity in the Motor City.

To Defend & Uphold

Bob Krause, former pro-golfer and business development advisor for Trion Solutions in Troy. Photographed on location at Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon. See “A Different Kind of Game” in this issue.

Darrel Ellis

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city scene

At Troy City Lifestyle’s Leading Ladies Event at Fogo de Chão April

30. 1: Mina Alwaeli 2: Our honored women from our May issue: Michelle Choice, Ruksana Salam, Sheila Denstaedt and Esse Tuke. 3: Valencia Younan. 4: Troy City Lifestyle Co-Publisher Margaret Meyer Haight and Harnisha Shah. 5: Paul Davis and Jeffrey Jucewicz. 6: Troy Mayor Ethan Baker (center) with Bethany (left) and Arden (right) Baker. 7: Sul and Ruksana Salam. Photography by Cindy Stewart
The Mayor’s State of the City Address, Troy Historic Village, May 7. 1: Bethany and Mayor Ethan Baker and Cindy Stewart. 2: At the SOTC pre-reception at the Firebird Tavern, Troy: Troy Fire Deputy Chiefs Shawn Hugg and Michael Koehler. 3: Rob Malszyk and David Stone, Trion Solutions.

business monthly

Clean Vision Celebrates 1 Year with Next-Level Paint Protection

Clean Vision Detailing & Tints in Waterford is celebrating its one-year anniversary, continuing to provide expert auto detailing, ceramic coatings and professional window tinting. The shop now offers Icon Rocklear Protective Coating — a cutting-edge solution known for its showroom-quality finish and long-lasting UV resistance. It’s considered the gold standard in paint protection, with durability measured in decades. Visit gocleanvision.com or call (248) 667-5999.

Scan to read more

A Permanent Fix for GERD: Explore Reflux Surgery

Tired of taking reflux medications — or concerned about their long-term effects? Reflux surgery by Dr. David Chengelis at Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery (dlcsurgery.com) offers a minimally invasive, lasting solution for GERD. The procedure stops acid from coming back up, so you can sleep through the night and work through the day without discomfort. Many patients are now free from daily meds and enjoying a better quality of life. Schedule your consultation and explore whether surgery is right for you at (248) 291-6516.

Scan to read more

Dan Zech Awarded Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Tomorrow’s 20

Dan Zech, co-founder of Stalt Financial in Troy, has been recognized as one of Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Tomorrow’s 20, honoring professionals under 40 who are shaping the future with innovation, leadership and community impact. He was presented the award at the Chamber’s annual gala on May 8. Shown above: Kelly and Cat Toone, Dan and Jenna Zech, Karen and Brian Zech. Staltfinancial.com.

A Different Kind of Game

A former pro-golfer uses the game to build business.

Bob Krause, photographed on location at Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon

Bob Krause might seem like a golf pro who never left the course — but he’s actually more than that. As Business Development Advisor and a member of the sales team for Trion Solutions, Krause has turned his passion for golf into a powerful tool for business development and relationship building. His story is not just about fairways and birdies — it’s a lesson in connection, trust and the simple magic of spending a few hours on the course.

Krause’s journey began at 16, when he picked up a club at Maple Lane Golf Club in Sterling Heights. “It just came to me naturally,” he says.

After a self-taught start, Krause went pro in 1990 and spent a decade on mini tours across the country — living out of his car, surviving on Taco Bell burritos and granola bars while chasing a dream with relentless belief.

He played with legends like John Daly, Bernhard Langer and Ernie Els. One of his proudest moments was shooting an 11-underpar 61 at the Reno Tahoe Pro-Am — an unforgettable round that reminded him what was possible when talent meets timing.

But when Krause eventually stepped away from tour life, he wasn’t leaving golf behind. He was just getting started with a different kind of game.

Now a respected golf instructor at the Detroit Athletic Club and a familiar face in dozens of elite charity tournaments each year, Krause uses golf to break down walls and build authentic relationships.

“Golf is the international language,” he says. “You talk about it at weddings, at business dinners, even at funerals. It connects people in a way few other things do.”

It was one of those charity outings that changed the trajectory of Krause’s career. Former NFL star Braylon Edwards had invited him to play but couldn’t make it at the last minute. So, Krause was asked to join another group — one that included Trion President and Co-Founder David Stone and Trion Chief Operating Officer Craig Vanderburg. They were immediately impressed.

Weeks later, Krause was in their office — he thought to discuss sponsorships for the golf documentary he was creating. Instead, he was asked to join the Trion team as a business development executive.

“They said, ‘Let’s not just support your project. Let’s make you part of what we’re building,’” he recalls.

Trion relieves the stress and burden of managing payroll and other HR functions so business owners can stay focused on their core business. Trion, with national headquarters based in Troy, has more than 1,000 corporate clients spread throughout all 50 states.

For Krause, success at Trion starts with relationships, his greatest strength. In his role, he’s found the freedom to grow new business by doing what he loves most—building trust on and off the golf course.

“I’m not a traditional sales guy,” he says. “I’m a relationship person. If we become friends and you ever need payroll or HR services, I’ll have a solution in Trion. If not, we’ll still play golf.”

Living that philosophy, he has brought Trion partnerships with major brands, including Joe Vicari Restaurant Group and Jimmy John's. More importantly, it’s earned Krause deep, lasting friendships that happen to connect to business.

One of those relationships is the man Krause calls his business mentor: Jeff Caponigro, Executive Vice President–Corporate Communications and Chief Marketing Officer for Trion.

“Bob has an extensive network and is held in high regard,” Jeff says. “Golf is one of those rare spaces where you quickly learn whether you’d want to do business with someone. Bob’s honesty and likability stand out — on the course and in the office — which makes him an ideal representative of Trion.”

For Krause, the golf course is a proving ground for character. “You can’t fake it out there,” he says. “That’s why it works.”

Krause believes any business leader can use golf — or something like it — to explore new ways to build rapport that leads to business. “Whether it's on the course or over coffee, the key is to be real,” he says.

So while Bob Krause may have traded tour life for business meetings and client rounds, he’s never strayed far from the fairway. In fact, you could say he’s still chasing wins — only now, they look a lot more like handshakes than trophies.

And in the world of business and golf, that’s the kind of score that really matters.

PRO TIP: HITTING OUT OF THE ROUGH

Here’s a pro tip from Bob Krause, Trion Solutions Business Development Advisor, at Walnut Creek Golf Club: When you’re in thick rough chipping onto the green, but hitting into heavy tree cover, play the ball mid-stance with a little weight forward. Hinge your wrists early, keep the finish short, and use a 9-iron instead of a wedge to keep the shot low. It’s a tough spot — but evaluate, adjust and get out clean so you can enjoy the round. Catch more tips from Krause on “Teeing It Up With Bob Krause” on WXYZ-TV Local 7, sponsored by Trion Solutions.

HAPPY TRAILS

When Daniel Cooke left his high-powered position as a senior associate at Honigman to launch an outdoor adventure company in Metro Detroit, the reactions from colleagues were mixed — but mostly incredulous.

“I got a lot [of looks] when I left Honigman,” he says, laughing. “But my decision came from advice from my mom: Never quit something when it's going poorly. Pivot when you're in a really good space — when everything is at its apex, it's going well, and even in spite of that, you still decide, ‘Okay, but I want to venture out and try something new.’”

That venture became Expedition Detroit (expeditiondetroit.com), the region’s first full-scale guided hiking and outdoor experience company, with a mission as ambitious as its founder: to change the way people see Detroit, not just as a city, but as an outdoor destination.

Cooke’s entrepreneurial itch started young.

“I took a quiz in high school about what profession I should pursue,” he recalls. “My three answers were outdoor wilderness guide, park ranger and either lawyer-slash-entrepreneur. I remember thinking even then, ‘That directly aligns with my passions — but come on. You can't have a career in that. That's just fun time.’”

So, he chose law. He went to law school, landed prestigious gigs at top firms and worked in venture capital and intellectual property. But even as his legal career blossomed, something tugged at him.

“As I did more outdoor adventure travel throughout my twenties, there was always a voice in the back of my head, like, what could have been?”

That voice got louder. On hiking and rafting trips out west, Cooke met people who had built lives around the outdoors.

“They found a way to stay out there,” he says. “Now in their mid-to late-30s, they had found these entrepreneurial niches and built companies that were aligned with their passions,” he says.

So Cooke thought, “Why not Detroit?”

He saw a clear gap. “The ecosystem was all there, ski hills, the DNR, metro parks, mom-and-pop gear shops, advocacy groups — but it was very fragmented. No one was pulling it together or changing the mentality of this region of ‘we are an outdoor destination.’”

In August 2022, Expedition Detroit was launched full-time. The company offers curated, guided hikes across Southeast Michigan. From the trails of Pinckney and Proud Lake to corporate outings on Belle Isle, the experiences are built around showcasing the state’s natural beauty, often within 45 minutes of Downtown Detroit.

“We’re actually the largest provider of guided outdoor experiences in the entire Michigan State Park system,” Cooke says. “And we exclusively operate in Metro Detroit."

“There’s inherent value in discovering something new about a place that’s already familiar,” he says. “Some people just won’t go outside unless they feel safe — and that’s what we offer.”

DANIEL COOKE’S ADVENTURE COMPANY IS FORGING AN OUTDOOR IDENTITY IN THE MOTOR CITY.

Expedition Detroit team members, including Founder/CEO Dan Cooke, Dr. Eric Reilly, Steve Turetsky and Dr. Ryan Owen hike Glenn Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail

Expedition Detroit also serves as a bridge for those who don’t see themselves in the traditional outdoorsy mold.

“A lot of people feel like, ‘I’m not that archetype — I’m not the guy in flannel,’” he says. “But they still want nature. We make it accessible. Otherwise, they may never experience that side of themselves. And in my opinion, that’s worth investing in.”

The company remains small — just five team members — but mighty. Their offerings include preset hikes based on SEO analytics and trending trail interest, plus tailored group experiences. “For individual hikes, people tend to head west to Brighton Rec, Pinckney, Highland,” he says. “For corporate groups, they usually want to stay close to the city. Belle Isle is our most popular.”

The company’s SEO strategy has paid off. “If you Google ‘skiing near Detroit,’ our article is the top hit. If you Google ‘Turkey hunting near Detroit,’ we’re number one,” Cooke says. “And none of that is sponsored. It’s all organic.”

That digital dominance is now translating into real-world demand. With perfect five-star reviews and a growing list of corporate clients, Cooke’s onceunlikely dream is gaining traction.

“We want to demonstrate that you can live in Metro Detroit, build a life here, have a family here, and still have immediate access to world-class outdoor experiences,” he says.

Cooke at Island Lake State Recreation Area
Gravel biking in Detroit
A guided hike at Proud Lake State Recreation Area
Cooke at Base Camp of Mt. Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak. “My personal travels often align with Expedition Detroit’s mission: to showcase that the Detroit region, including both its outdoor amenities and outdoor adventure athletes, are capable of reaching a world-class tier.”
At Shira Camp, Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

Cooke hasn’t fully left law behind. He maintains a legal practice on the side, but his passion is clearly with Expedition Detroit.

“I just felt like I wanted to do something more,” he says. “And it felt like I was at a point where I was either going to lock in and keep going that [legal] route — or take the risk and do something else.”

For Cooke, the risk is proving worth it, one hike at a time.

TRAIL TALES WITH DANIEL COOKE

Most Memorable Moment? For Daniel Cooke, two experiences stand out — one chaotic, the other deeply moving.

“The craziest thing? I led a group of five on a guided hike at Pontiac Lake’s rugged 10-mile mountain bike trail, walking the loop in reverse, as best practice dictates. Midway through, mountain bikers began wiping out left and right, flipping over handlebars on rocky slopes. One told me they were part of an adventure race: hike a mile, kayak a quarter mile, then bike the trail. I couldn’t help but laugh. That’s like jogging a mile, swimming four laps, then running a marathon! This adventure club just completely threw their participants into the gauntlet.”

A meaningful memory came during a night hike with a man named Ross, a firsttime client in his 40s.

“He booked a night hike as a preliminary push into an outdoor lifestyle,” Cooke recalled. “At the beginning, he was timid. By the end, he was inspired, ready to explore more, plan trips. He was the epitome of the clientele we hope to have on the trail: people who are curious.”

Favorite Trail? Highland Recreation Area’s Haven Hill Trail often tops his list. “It’s about 3.5 miles, very manageable, but it has everything,” he says. “Wetlands with a boardwalk that makes you feel like you’re in Japan, rolling glacial moraine topography like the Appalachians and a rigorous incline leading to the old Edsel Ford estate ruins. Edsel called it his ‘nerve retreat'. It’s a piece of hidden history in the middle of Metro Detroit.”

Wildest Wildlife Sighting? In Maybury State Park during the fall rut. “We market our night hikes as ‘night hiking safaris,’” he says. “But this one — deer were cutting us off every 20 yards. Owls hooting, raccoons popping up — it felt like we were walking through a zoo. It was magical.”

Algonac State Park is a favorite destination.
Photo by Tyler Leipprandt, Michigan Sky Media, courtesy of MI DNR

Nearly

TO DEFEND & UPHOLD

This July, we celebrate a Marine veteran and his lifelong commitment to doing what’s right.

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH
Patrick Stemmler, center, at Mt. Fuji
Stemmler in Iraq

Patrick Stemmler is a straight shooter. Whether helping local clients with roofing, remodeling or disaster remediation through his company United Restoration Disaster Services (URDS) or for insurance companies and contractors in his newest endeavor, United We Restore appraisal services, he’s not afraid to fight for what is best and ethical for those who hired him — and those around him.

After working for a large national contractor, Stemmler founded the Troy-based URDS (unitedrds.com) in 2016 on a foundation of integrity and excellence. In an effort to simplify property damage remediation with high-quality restoration, roofing and remodeling, he surrounded himself with other veterans and civilians working hard to be their best selves. Similarly, his now-shuttered nonprofit, United We Restore, was dedicated to providing housing to veterans, families of veterans and people dedicated to service — their motto: “Restoring hope, one life at a time.”

Earlier this year, Stemmler launched another iteration of the name United We Restore (UWR; @unitedwerestore), a consulting business for storm contractors specializing in insurance claims, that “strives on integrity and keeping everyone honest.”

“I’ve been doing this for a long time,” he says. “A lot of companies give clients the impression of knowledge because they’re energetic. I try to take more of a substance approach. I want them to know what I’m actually talking about versus feeding somebody a bunch of bull.”

Perhaps that attitude comes from being a Marine veteran. Stemmler served from 2003 through 2007, first with the 3rd FAST Company (Fleet Antiterrorism Security Teams) providing global security support, then with the 1st Battalion 9th Marines (the Walking Dead) during deployment to Iraq. His service included witnessing the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami while stationed in Japan.

Stemmler landed his first job, delivering newspapers, when he was 11 years old; by 13, he had three routes and counting — his goal was to hire other kids to do the delivery while he pocketed a cut of the pay. During that time, he received an honor from the city for saving the life of an older woman when he noticed she hadn’t picked up her paper from the porch for three days. He told his dad, who contacted the authorities. The woman had fallen down her stairs and broken her hip.

As Stemmler got older, he moved on from newspaper deliveries to college, welding and ultimately working as a grave digger at a cemetery. One day, his neighbor stopped by while wearing his Marine dress blues uniform.

“I looked at him and said, ‘You know, I would look good in that uniform,’” Stemmler remembers. “He asked me what my job was

and I told him I bury people. I said I was a welder by trade, but I didn’t want to do that anymore. I wanted to kick in doors.”

The Marine told him about FAST Company and Stemmler’s interest was piqued. “The next day, they took me to Lansing to sign up,” he says.

Stemmler liked the constant travel and camaraderie of being a Marine. When his military career was cut short due to injury, his disability wasn’t enough to pay the bills. So he launched URDS.

Recent health issues have led to turning over the reins of his company to a manager — another Marine — and launching UWR. He’s also involved in a nonprofit started by his wife in 2023 to honor her brother Alec, a veteran who died by suicide: Gizmo Lives On helps cover adoption fees for rescue animals to support veterans’ mental health. Stemmler’s companies also raise funds to buy bulletproof vests for police dogs.

“Police departments don’t supply vests for their dogs,” he says. “Their handlers pay for them. We recently supplied a vest to a dog going to Syria and Ukraine.”

Patrick Stemmler’s years of military service perpetuated in him the values that define his character today: honor, integrity and an unwavering commitment to serving others with the same dedication he brought to defending his country.

Patrick Stemmler.
Photo by Amy Gillespie

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PARADISE FOUND

I’ve always had a bucket list of dream destinations — Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Italy. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to visit them all, plus many more spectacular places. But when the opportunity arose to travel to the Galapagos Islands for a yoga retreat, even though I wasn't sure I could place them on a map, I jumped at it.

Flying first to South America, then to the middle of the Ecuadorian waters of the Pacific Ocean, this oncein-a-lifetime trip took almost 24 hours, four planes,

two buses and a boat to finally arrive on Santa Cruz, the main island of the 127 in the archipelago, then onto our final destination of Montemar Eco Luxury Villa — or as I like to call it: Paradise. After the exhausting travel, owner and former naturalist guide Reyna Oleas told us to breathe deeply and embrace the moment, because here, unwinding isn't just an activity — it's a way of life.

Every corner of Montemar (montemar.ec) is designed to blend natural elegance with comfort, from hand-chosen local materials to open,

light-filled spaces that breathe with the land. Architecture doesn’t compete with nature — it flows with it.

Our first walk around the 43-acre highlands of Santa Cruz welcomed us with giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. They cool off in ponds, doze in mud pits and saunter along paths munching vegetation, unbothered by humans because they, like all Galapagos wildlife, have no predators. Humans here choose to protect wildlife and the environment.

Every detail of our journey told a story. Chef Juan crafted dishes with ingredients from Montemar's community garden, bringing us the rich flavors of the Galapagos through food grown with purpose and care.

Bartolome Island, with its spectacular Pinnacle Rock, became one of my favorite destinations. After a boat ride that included lunch and breathtaking countryside views, we hiked 375 wooden steps to witness jaw-dropping volcanic landscapes and Sullivan Bay’s black lava flows. The descent led us past lounging lava lizards to Pinnacle Rock Beach, one of the Galapagos’ premier snorkeling spots. Swimming in this vibrant underwater universe, we encountered colorful tropical fish, playful sea lions, sea turtles, reef sharks and stingrays. On shore, we spotted the tiny Galapagos penguins, the second smallest in the world, and my favorite — the magnificent blue-footed boobies who look like they stepped in a can of bright blue paint.

Each morning brought outdoor yoga classes surrounded by wild horses, giant tortoises, beautiful birds and the sounds of nature. Another excursion took us to Isla Tortuga and Tortuga Bay, one of the

Travel writer Cindy Stewart explores the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.
The author poses in front of Los Gemelos sink holes (up to one mile in diameter and approximately 1,000 feet deep).

world’s top five beaches. Enveloped by pristine white coral sand and turquoise water, we walked with land iguanas and Darwin’s finches to mangroves where we kayaked alongside giant sea turtles, reef sharks and brown pelicans.

We explored the highlands’ lava tunnels and a tortoise reserve housing more than 6,000 giant creatures (sadly down from 60,000). At Los Gemelos (twin volcanic craters), our guide led us searching for 13 species of Darwin’s finches — we found eight. North Seymour Island, created by uplifting submarine lava, is a bird watcher’s paradise with nesting frigate birds, swallowtail gulls and their babies.

South Plaza, the archipelago’s smallest island, hosts the only place where land and marine iguanas share territory — though no one knows why. A large sea lion colony also inhabits this island, and Darwin's finches nest under prickly pear cacti.

A before-sunrise water taxi and rocky hike led us to Las Grietas (the Grotto), where we floated between high volcanic walls in cool,

clear water — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our reward was breakfast at locals’ hangout El Descanso del Guia in Puerto Ayora.

Each day, we woke to giant tortoises exploring the wild beauty around us, then sank into spaces designed for deep connection and peace. The Galapagos Islands are truly paradise — and Montemar is a gem among them, where nature and luxury create an unforgettable sanctuary at the edge of the world.

Swimming in Las Grietas (the Grotto), a natural inland pool resulting from an earth fracture between high volcanic walls
An airy room with stunning views at the Montemar Eco Luxury Villa
A land iguana on the South Plaza
Stunning turquoise water of South Plaza, the smallest island in the archipelago

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JULY 4TH

DRIPBaR Celebrates

National Hydration Month

DRIPBaR, 2916 W. Maple Road, Troy

DRIPBaR Troy wants to “help people obtain their best health using advances in IV Vitamin Therapy,” says owner Ruksana Salam. In celebration of July being National Hydration Month, DRIPBaR wants to help you quench your thirst for wellness with these Fourth of July promos: BOGO 100-percent Hydration Drip and $99 Restoration Drip.  Thedripbar.com/troy-mi

JULY 8TH & 16TH

4-Course Wine Dinner at Carrabba’s in Troy

Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver, Troy

This July, Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Troy is cruising through wine country and bringing to life a four-course California Wine Tour event, where every sip is paired with their chefs’ best to enhance diners’ experience. This dinner features authentic Italian with wines that capture the essence of the Golden State in every glass. Visit carrabbas.com or call (248) 269-0095 for reservations.

JULY 11TH & 12TH

Pontiac Hot Air Balloon Festival

M1 Concourse, Pontiac | 5:00 pm

See Hot Air Balloons and Monster Show Kites at the Pontiac Hot Air Balloon Festival — tethered Hot Air Balloon rides available for $35, plus live music, craft vendors and food trucks.

After dusk: During the Hot Air Balloon Glow & Laser show, all balloons will be lit in unison, with lasers and music. Bring blankets, chairs and umbrellas. Freshtix.com/events/pontiacballoons.

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“We hire hundreds of staff every season, and every season Trion is invaluable to us.”

Every baseball season, we scale from a handful of employees to hundreds of coaches, players and other staff. Onboarding and payroll processing for these new hires is a huge undertaking. Thankfully, Trion, one of the country’s most trusted Professional Employer Organizations, has a wealth of resources to handle our unique HR challenges, including visa and immigration issues. Trion’s PEO offerings simplify seasonal tasks, ensuring everyone gets to play ball. And that’s why we rely on Trion. Visit RelyonTrion.com

– Andy Appleby, Owner/CEO United Shore Professional Baseball League

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