Issuu

D E C E M B E R 2 02 0

Happy Holidays! LI F E + C U LTU R E

WELLNESS

FOOD + DRINK

WES T B LO O M FI EL D â€™ S GIF T GUIDE

SEN I O R LU X U RY RES O R T WO RKS T O EL I M I NAT E WI N T ER B LU ES

T I P S FO R H O S T I N G D U RI N G T H E 2020 H O L I DAY SE AS O N

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHERS

Maria Ragone | maria.ragone@lifestylepubs.com, Russ Ragone | russ.ragone@lifestylepubs.com

Happy Holidays, West Bloomfield! THIS IS OUR LAST ISSUE OF 2020, AND ALTHOUGH MANY OF US ARE PROBABLY QUITE EXCITED TO SEE THIS YEAR COME TO AN END, WE STILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THE HOLIDAY SEASON UNFORGETTABLE.

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Danielle Alexander | danielle.alexander@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Especially amidst the pandemic, my family and I are making an effort to shop local

Nicole Waugh

and support small businesses this year. With that in mind, I put together a list of fun and useful gift items sold at local West Bloomfield-area businesses, which you can find on page 14. Whether you're shopping for a man, woman or child in your life, consider these nearby shops before ordering online! Although celebrations may look different than in the past, community members are trying to make the best of it all and hold onto whatever traditions they can. The Kohen and Blank families are still planning to hold their "Hanukkah Showdown," an annual latke cook-off, and the residents at Magnolia by the Lakes will still be (safely) participating in regularly-scheduled holiday events that the senior living center offers. If you do plan to host during the holiday season, consider the tips that event planner and restaurant owner Jamie Cremin shares on page 30. I hope you enjoy the holidays, whichever and however you celebrate. Cheers to a better end to 2020!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Happy reading,

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Danielle Alexander, Editorial Coordinator 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA RAGONE 4

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

Proverbs 3:5-6 West Bloomfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Bloomfield 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 West Bloomfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 14 Shop Local Show West Bloomfield and surrounding-area small businesses your support this holiday season.

20 A Hanukkah Showdown A local family implemented a new cook-off tradition to their Hanukkah celebrations.

26 A “Winter-less” Winter Local senior luxury resort works to eliminate winter blues and cabin fever among residents.

30 Hosting for the Holidays? Local event planner and restaurant

14 26

owner shares tips for safely hosting holiday gatherings.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local’s Choice

20 Food & Wine 26 Locally Owned 30 Inspired By 32 Lifestyle Calendar 33 Realty Report

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

GOOD TIMES

West Bloomfield's TreeRunner Adventure Park hosted HallowGlow Nights in October TreeRunner Parks hosted HallowGlow, a Halloween event and glow night loaded with new features that made it a popular and safe local spot for family fun this fall season. Participants enjoyed themed exhibit sets that were littered throughout the park for entertainment between the trails. The three-hour experience concluded with each guest receiving a pre-bagged trick-or-treat candy bag.

Group hayrides took place at Marshbank Park Community members had the opportunity to experience the changing seasons at Marshbank Park while enjoying a 20 minute tractor-drawn hayride. They encountered a few nature knowledge stops along their route for added adventure. After the ride, they found a cozy spot to enjoy cider and a seasonal treat. Photos courtesy of WB Parks.

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

West Bloomfield Parks hosted Park-to-Treat-to-Go In lieu of West Bloomfield's Trick-or-Treat Trail where children walked to the treats, the treats came to the kids this year. Children were encouraged to wear their costumes and stand outside of their car to await the parade. The parade consisted of costume characters and local businesses/nonprofits handing out candy to all of the trick or treaters. Photos courtesy of WB Parks.

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

AROUND TOWN

WARRIOR WAY INSTRUCTOR WAS #1 PICK FOR MARTIAL ARTS EVENT

of Trustee during the Board of Education’s special meeting on Sept. 14 with a unanimous 6-0 vote. Forhan will serve the remainder of the seat's term

Warrior Way athlete and instructor Austin

until December 2022. “My focus has always been

Bashi recently became the #1 pick for the Xtreme

on improving our schools, enhancing experiences

Fighting Championships, an annual mixed martial

for our students, supporting our staff and promot-

arts event that took place this November in Atlanta

ing the district," Forhan said.

where his fight was broadcasted on NBC Sports. with our kids program at Warrior Way," Warrior Way

WEST BLOOMFIELD NUTRITIONIST OFFERS "FREE-FROM" SNACKS ON NEW APP

instructor Brandon Fracassi-McDaniel said. A West

Savorfull delivers healthy, delicious and free-

Bloomfield resident, Bashi wrestled and graduated

from snacks to fit every dietary lifestyle. Leveraging

from West Bloomfield High School.

expertise and cutting-edge technology, Savorfull

"He is a great martial artist who helps intensively

WEST BLOOMFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION APPOINTS NEW TRUSTEE

makes it easy for individuals and organizations to discover and buy nutritionist-curated snacks through its mobile app and online marketplace.

The West Bloomfield School District Board of

Each snack is vetted by Founder and CEO Stacy

Education is pleased to announce the appoint-

Goldberg, MPH, RN, nationally-recognized nutri-

ment of Christina Forhan to the Board’s vacant

tionist and industry leader, to accommodate clean

board seat. Forhan was appointed to the position

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AROUND TOWN

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WEST BLOOMFIELD AUTHOR TAKES KIDS ON "A ZOMBIE VACATION" West

Bloomfield

children's

book author Lisa Rose is scheduling virtual author visits for schools, religious organizations, scouting and families. As Lisa reads her new book A Zombie Vacation dressed like a zombie, kids will discover why there’s no place in the world like the Dead Sea. After the reading, Lisa can do STEM activities. The book is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Learn more about Lisa and her work at LisaRoseWrites.com

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ WestBloomfield using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. 12

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

LOCALâ€™S CHOICE

shop LOCAL SHOW WEST BLOOMFIELD AND SURROUNDING-AREA SMALL BUSINESSES YOUR SUPPORT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

YS HAPPY H DA OL LI I 14

LIDAYS HAP HO PY

Y DA

APPY HOLI DA S H YS

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West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER

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LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

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West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

g i f t s fo r

CHILDREN

01 GIRLS’ HOLIDAY TOP AND SKIRT, $65, giannacouture.com | 02 GIRLS’ HOLIDAY DRESS, $99, giannacouture. com | 03 AIRFORT, Inflates in less than 30 seconds and is 77” wide x 50” tall, $59.99, toyologytoys.com | 04 FUN DELUXE COSMIC GLOW MINI GOLF, A five-hole glow-in-the-dark course, $129.99, toyologytoys.com | 05 LOCAL AUTHOR’S NEW CHILDREN BOOK, $17.95, lisarosewrites.com | 06 30-DAY JUMP PASS, Jump two hours every day for 30 days, $40, DEFY Detroit | 07 BALLOON ANIMAL PIGGY BANK, Can be personalized, $60, Guys N Gals | 08 CUSTOM-MADE PILLOW, By Kicks by Sammy, $85, Guys N Gals | 09 DETROIT CROP SWEATER, $66, Guys N Gals CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

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FOOD & WINE

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER

a hanukkah

showdown A LOCAL FAMILY IMPLEMENTED A NEW COOK-OFF TRADITION TO THEIR HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS. AND NOW ITâ€™S NOT ALL ABOUT THE PRESENTS.

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

BLOOMFIELD

TOWNSHIP

RESIDENT

recalls the competition being her mother’s

HOWARD BLANK WAS RAISED BY A MOTHER

idea where Howard said it could have been

WHO PEELED AND SHREDDED HER OWN

him; regardless of how it actually went down,

POTATOES AT HOME TO MAKE LATKES

this was the year that their family’s “Hanukkah

EVERY HANUKKAH. However, his mother in law,

Showdown” was born.

local West Bloomfield resident Marilyn Kohen,

With a latke spatula prize on the line, Howard

had always made her potato pancakes using

arrived at his mother-in-law’s that Hanukkah

pre-shredded spuds since they do not turn brown.

with his crispier latkes where Marilyn stuck to

With his parents living out of town, Howard

her traditional soft ones in addition to the rest of

missed his mother’s latkes, so while discuss-

the holiday spread. Howard and Jamie’s daugh-

ing the Hanukkah menu on Thanksgiving in

ter Ella, who was around five at the time, was in

2010, he– bravely (and, as he said, probably

charge of tallying the votes.

out of sleep deprivation)– decided to comment on Marilyn’s latkes.

“Voting was interesting since loyalty really got in the way,” Jamie explained. “My dad, for

“You have to feel pretty secure with your spot

example, seemed to go in with the idea that no

in the family to question your Jewish mother-in-

matter which latke he liked better, he had to vote

law’s latke recipe,” Howard’s wife and Marilyn’s

for his wife, so then I, of course, felt like I had to

daughter, Jamie, said laughing. “At first, I

do the same for my husband. The kids ended up

thought to myself, Why you gotta do that? Don’t

being the deciding vote, but it was still hard for

mess with the recipe! But luckily we’re a close

them, too, as they had to make the tough deci-

family, and Howard and I were married for quite

sion between Gree (Grandma) or Dad.”

some time already, so it was never going to be a controversial thing.”

Marilyn, who (rightfully) dubbed herself the “Latke Queen,” ended up winning that first

Coming from a sports-loving, naturally-com-

year. However, Howard entered a Greek latke

petitive family, Jamie said it was no surprise

with spinach and feta that ended up beating his

to her that her mother did not accept the, as

mother-in-law’s entry the following year.

Marilyn herself described, “politely critical” latke comment without at least a little fight. Jamie

“I loved Howie’s Greek latkes,” Marilyn said. “They were creative and delicious.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

As the years went on, Jamie said her aunts wanted to join in with their secret family recipes, and they even had a non-Jewish neighbor try to work her way into the competition one year, offering to enter sweet potato latkes. “It’s just funny to me since no one used to want to make the latkes since if you made them, your house smelled for like a week, and now everyone’s houses smelled like latkes even though the gathering itself took place at one house,” Jamie said. Instead of Hanukkah being only about the gifts, Jamie said the annual latke cook-off has shifted her family’s focus back to why they’re gathering in the first place and why they eat what they do. Latkes, which are fried in oil, are meant to symbolize the miracle of Hanukkah when the oil of the menorah in the Second Temple of Jerusalem was able to stay aflame for eight days even though there was only enough oil for one day. Over a thousand years later, the miracle is still being celebrated by Jewish families across the world. “This whole thing has really given us an opportunity to teach the kids how to have fun without always getting something,” Jamie explained. “Plus, just like any other Jewish tradition or speciality food, these recipes have really become meaningful gifts in and of themselves.”

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

m a r i l y n ’s “winning” latkes INGREDIENTS + 1-2 bags of frozen, shredded potatoes + 1 small onion + 2 eggs + ½ cup flour or matzo meal + 1 tsp salt + ¼ tsp pepper + ½ tsp baking soda + Oil for frying

DIRECTIONS 01 Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl. 02 Heat oil in a heavy pan or griddle. 03 Drop batter by the spoonful and fry until golden brown and crisp on both sides. 04 Drain on paper toweling. 05 Serve hot with applesauce, sour cream or cinnamon and sugar.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

h o w a r d ’s l a t k e s INGREDIENTS + 5 large potatoes + Approximately ¼ cup matzo meal + 1 onion + 1 egg + Vegetable oil for frying

DIRECTIONS 01 Peel potatoes and grate them. Grate onion, as well. 02 Add 1 beaten egg, and then add matzo meal slowly until the mixture is no longer wet. 03 Heat oil in skillet. 04 Use a tablespoon to drop potato mixture onto the hot skillet. 05 Drain on paper towels. 06 Serve with applesauce.

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

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West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLE WAUGH IT MAY BE COLD AND DREARY OUTSIDE, BUT THE RESIDENTS AT MAGNOLIA BY THE LAKES ARE STAYING WARM AND CHEERFUL WHILE SIPPING HOT COCOA, WATCHING OLD-FASHIONED FILMS AND LISTENING TO FESTIVE MUSIC WITH FRIENDS– ALL ALONGSIDE A BEAUTIFUL GEORGIAN ANTIQUE FIREPLACE. In fact, founder and owner Dr. Farideh Bagne said the Keego Harbor senior luxury resort has been created to feel “winter-less.” “When you enter Magnolia, it is as if you have been transformed into a European seaside village, designed to eliminate winter blues and cabin fever,” said Dr. Bagne, whose vision was to develop a better option for seniors who are facing the difficult choice of moving to a warmer climate or staying close to family. “Residents don’t have to move to achieve a better lifestyle. It’s much easier on the family to visit Grandma or Grandpa here than to try to arrange regular trips to Florida.” With Harbor Walk, an indoor, climate-controlled, Old Europeanstyle bridge that spans over Cass Lake Road, residents are able to travel between buildings on the property without ever having to step outdoors. Overlooking Cass Lake, Harbor Walk features benches, trees and Italian marble statues. “We serve mimosas there, so residents can relax and watch the sunset on the lake,” Dr. Bagne explained. “Sunsets take place much earlier in the winter months, so it’s a lot easier for residents to join in on the beautiful views of the glistening ice and falling snowflakes.” In addition to its high ceilings and indoor water features, Magnolia’s real flowers, plants and trees are not only aesthetically more beautiful than artificial ones but also heighten residents’ moods throughout the cooler months. Although the winter season is not an ideal time to enjoy the outdoor patio and nine-hole miniature golf course, residents do have the heated pool, fitness center, beauty salon and libraries as other means of having fun. For the month of December, the staff decorates Magnolia for both the Christmas and Jewish holidays. A resident favorite is the giant table that holds a Christmas village, complete with lights and little houses. They also have the opportunity to contribute to the decor by participating in wreath-making and other holiday crafts with activities coordinator Jaky Van Dox. “With three activities a day, residents often ask me, ‘What is this? We’re not on a cruise ship!,’” Dr. Bagne said. “It’s very important to me to offer so many activities that residents look forward to rather than thinking of each day as just another day, trying to figure out how to spend their time.” Leading up to the winter months, Magnolia’s staff always takes a trip to a local cider mill, so residents can enjoy the fall colors and indulge in cider and donuts. In addition to day trips like this,

2019's Festivities

as well as lunch and dinner outings at local restaurants, there is also a daily exercise class offered. (Magnolia’s version of “hockey” is pictured on page 26).

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

“Each month we also like to highlight a different country and discuss its history, religion, books and movies,” Dr. Bagne said. “At the end of the month, we have a party with food and music to celebrate that culture. Residents who are of these cultures enjoy sharing their stories and recipes.” Dr. Bagne established and operated the largest, privately-owned conglomerate of cancer centers in the US, including seven radiation therapy centers in Metro Detroit. After selling her company to 21st Century Oncology, she agreed to not establish competing cancer facilities but knew she still wanted to work with seniors; as a result, she decided to use her skill and energy to create a senior village that has never been seen before. “Our motto is, ‘Whatever you ask for...done!,’” Dr. Bagne said, laughing. “Seniors have spent their lives working hard, raising children, assisting their community and are ready to start a new chapter in their lives where they can concentrate on their own health and happiness. They have contributed so much, and now it’s our turn to reward them and make sure their lives are the best they can be. And at a very reasonable price.” Magnolia by the Lakes features 125 villas and studios overlooking both Cass and Sylvan Lakes, and space is currently available in both the independent and assisted living, 24-hour care resorts. Magnolia Gardens and Magnolia Clubhouse are currently in the works. Learn more at magnoliabythelakes.com. MAGNOLIA’S MELTED SNOWMAN COOKIE RECIPE 1. A couple dozen of Chef James’ sugar cookies 2. 1 bag of marshmallows 3. 4-5 colors of gel decorating tubes 4. White frosting 5. A bunch of seniors who like to laugh and don’t care about getting messy

CONTACT INFO

1700 Cass Lake Rd in Keego Harbor (248)-681-8000 magnoliabythelakes.com

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

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West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE DANIELLE ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY LAUR NASH

LOCAL EVENT PLANNER AND RESTAURANT OWNER SHARES TIPS FOR SAFELY HOSTING HOLIDAY GATHERINGS.

OUTDOOR GATHERINGS WILL BE TOUGH FOR THE HOLIDAYS. HOW CAN I SET UP MY INDOOR SPACE THE SAFEST WAY POSSIBLE? The first thing I recommend is to rearrange all chairs and furniture in your gathering space, so that it gives a comfortable distance apart from one another without feeling like you are at a socially-distanced meeting. Guests will go where they are guided and typically respect the space and setup of a host’s home over a restaurant, which makes it easier to create the space you desire. Make hand sanitizer easy to find (a pump is best) and coordinate the colors and fragrances to your holiday theme. A great way to start any party off on the right foot this year is by simply stating your expectations and concerns, if any, up front. HOW CAN I SOCIALLY DISTANCE MY GUESTS DURING THE MEAL? You can simply space out your glassware and napkin settings for more guest room. A simple way to measure good spacing is by sitting at each place setting, putting your hands above the center of the plate with just the top of your middle fingers touching and pointing both elbows out to either side. For your napkins, consider a disposable option this year; for your glassware, personalize it not only for a lovely personalized gift but also because it takes away the worries of picking up someone else’s glass; for your plateware, try handwriting names on each plate with a washable paint marker; for your silverware, make sure to have more than enough prepared as each utensil should only

JAMIE

CREMIN

STARTED

HER

be used for one dish.

DREAM CAREER IN NEW YORK CITY, PLANNING EVENTS FOR A FAMOUS

WHAT SHOULD I SERVE?

MUSIC VENUE, AND THEN BROUGHT

If you are considering a buffet, add a lovely touch of someone to

HER EXPERTISE TO MICHIGAN TO

serve your guests; however, I would highly recommend a plated meal

CREATE LUXURY LIFE EVENTS AND

served by one or a team of designated people (please note that this

OPEN SULLIVAN’S PUBLIC HOUSE IN

can be executed with your appetizers, as well!). An individualized

OXFORD WITH HER HUSBAND.

plate instead of multiple guests reaching over various dishes is your

As an event planner and restaurant

safest bet. For your cocktails and bar, a designated wine pourer

owner, she said she has seen a lot of

would be appreciated, or for a fun twist, do a cocktail-making class

industry changes this year. She and

where each guest has their own glass, sugar cubes, mint, berries,

her husband introduced protocols in

tools and other pre-portioned ingredients needed.

February in their restaurant to ensure guest and employee safety, such as table

ANY SUGGESTIONS IF I DO DECIDE TO HOST OUTDOORS?

service hand sanitizing, social distanc-

If you do opt for an outdoor event, provide a well-heated and

ing and glove wearing, and have taken

vented tent. Tents should be placed on concrete and put up a day in

every precaution since then to make

advance to heat the concrete flooring. The pluses to this idea would

sure they are a part of the solution. Learn

be more space and fresh air. The same serving suggestions would

more at luxurylifebyjamie.com or call

still apply; however, an all-disposable plate and silverware option

(646)-207-3174.

would be the way to go. CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

1 MAGIC OF LIGHTS

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

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4 HOLIDAY NIGHTS IN GREENFIELD VILLAGE

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4 BIRMINGHAM WINTER MARKT Shain Park (Birmingham)

From Dec. 4 through Dec. 6, Shain Park will come alive with activity during the City of Birmingham’s annual Birmingham Winter Markt event. Attendees will enjoy European food and drinks, gift items, holiday greens, crafts, ice sculptures, live reindeer, warming stations, a Kinderhaus children’s activity area, the popular Santa House, live entertainment and more. For more information, visit allinbirmingham.com.

4 BIRMINGHAM TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Shain Park (Birmingham)

On opening night of the Birmingham Winter Markt, the community will come together with Santa and Birmingham’s Mayor for live caroling and the lighting of a 35-foot holiday tree with more than 40,000 LED lights. Check allinbirmingham.com for updated times. CONTINUED >

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

DECEMBER

REALTY REPORT

CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

5 LETTERS TO SANTA

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

WB Recreation Activities Center (4640 Walnut Lake Rd in West Bloomfield Township)

Don’t mail your letter to Santa when you can drop it off in person! That’s

right, meet Santa, give him your letter and he will have a goody bag for

you. You might also get to meet some

of his helpers! In lieu of the annual "Bowl with Santa" event, Letters to Santa will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION OPEN HOUSE Virtual Event

Virtually join local collector Cathy Hasse who will share her collection of 150 editions of The Night Before

Christmas books, highlighting their unique features. She will discuss some of her favorite editions, what inspired her collection and where she found some of the more special volumes. Visit gwbhs.org/events for Zoom login information.

19 MOSCOW BALLET'S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER: CHRISTMAS STREAM OPENING NIGHT Virtual Event

Moscow

Ballet

and

Talmi

Entertainment are excited to launch the ground-breaking Great Russian Nutcracker: Christmas Stream for holiday

audiences

this

season.

The digital performance stream will debut on December 19, 2020 at 8 p.m. and will be viewable on MarqueeTV through January 1, 2021. To purchase tickets, visit etix.com. 34

West Bloomfield Lifestyle | December 2020

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