West Bloomfield, MI August 2024

Two of our favorite things: Kids & Pets

As the new Publishers for West Bloomfield City Lifestyle, we're grateful for the opportunity to bring you engaging local content every month – from stories about travel destinations to recipes, home trends and features about our local businesses.

And this is the perfect issue to start out, because it's one of our favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy children bring to our families and the impact they make on our communities.

You've heard it said that children are our hope for a brighter tomorrow. That's because their innocence, curiosity and limitless potential have the power to shape our world in ways we cannot even imagine. Of course, then they grow up and we wish they were young again.

Children represent our hardest work and our greatest investment, and we're always delighted to dedicate an issue to them.

And who could forget pets – so lovingly called fur babies? Their companionship can be transformative for children and adults alike. When I remember the unconditional love I've received from my pets over the years, I can still almost feel it. I'll bet you can as well.

Coty was my favorite. She was an oversized, big-boned Pure Sable Sheltie, the last one left from her litter. No one else wanted her, so we took her home. For more than 13 years, she was the best-behaved, most faithful, happiest dog I've ever had, and I still miss her.

Although children are of infinitely more value, what children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention and intention shape how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.

Cheers!

TODD HAIGHT, PUBLISHER

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Margaret Haight | margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Simran Bajwa | simbaphotography1@gmail.com

Heather Masson | massonheatherr@gmail.com

Amy Gillespie | agphotographyis@gmail.com

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

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With Feline

Feline Fund founder Tara Tomcsik-Husak's cats Nomi (left) and Jazz, photographed in Tara's home.

Where we see rabbits and horses, Anna and Sofia of Front sees objets d’art

After

Simran Bajwa

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Normandy Optical welcomes Dr. Habba to West Bloomfield

Dr. Calvin Habba has joined Normandy Optical’s West Bloomfield office. A graduate of the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, Dr. Habba specializes in comprehensive eye exams, specialty contact lenses from major brands and pediatric eye care for children. Normandy Optical offers a price and quality guarantee on all services and is located off Orchard Lake Road in The Boardwalk Shopping Mall. For an adult or pediatric appointment, call (248) 855-5810.

R . B R I A N F I A N I

ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY

WITH HER FELINE FUND, TARA TOMCSIK-HUSAK IS STANDING UP FOR CATS' MEDICAL TREATMENT—AND SHE'S ALL BUSINESS

FINDING HER PURR-POSE

You can tell from her home that Tara Tomcsik-Husak is the ultimate 'cat lady.' From her cat wallpaper, to the neon 'Meow' sign, to the cat stairs for her cats Nomi and Jazz, her home is a cat sanctuary.

In addition to her demanding role as president and CEO of the Troy

requires partnerships and collaborations, using all of its donations to fund veterinary care for cats in need.

"There's a greater impact when we all work together," Tara says.

One of Feline Fund’s goals is increasing funding for TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return).

I GET PAID IN PURRS, HISSES…AND THE OCCASIONAL KITTY KISSES.

Chamber of Commerce, Tara is also the founder of Feline Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to providing veterinary care to homeless, feral and pet cats in need.

“It all started with an  Hour Magazine ‘Cutest Pet in Metro Detroit’ contest," Tara tells me. The winner got a two-page article in the magazine, and Tara's cat Jazz won.

"I thought there would be no greater time to use that article to launch a nonprofit," Tara recalls. "So when they said, 'Tell us about your cat,' I introduced them as two cats on a mission to help cats in need: Jazz is Feline Fund’s Chief MEOWketing Officer, and Nomi is our Chief PURRfection Officer.”

Then Tara got to work actually creating Feline Fund. In less than two months—and just before the article went to print—Tara was approved as a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization, and Feline Fund was born.

Feline Fund is not a rescue, shelter or clinic. It's an organization that

“While I wish every cat had a home indoors, that is not the reality,” Tara says. "The problem is homeless cats who live outside are going to shelters and getting euthanized because there aren’t enough fosters or capacity in shelters.

"We work with local TNR trappers to get them spayed, neutered and vaccinated, and then returned. So that they won't be brought back to a shelter or euthanized, feral cats get ear-tipped, to show this cat has received care."

Feline Fund sets up large TNR spayand-neuter days all year round. In less than two years, they've provided veterinary care to over 2,000 homeless cats.

“When we control the homeless pet population, we keep future cats out of the shelters," Tara points out.

In addition to homeless cats, Feline Fund helps cat families who cannot afford veterinary care. They host free vaccine and microchip clinics and help with emergency care

CONTINUED >

for families overcoming obstacles to veterinary care.

“With a shortage of veterinarians and the rising cost of care," Tara points out, "families and cats are at risk."

Tara encountered one such family at one of Feline Fund's free vaccine clinics.

“They had just immigrated to Detroit,” Tara explains. “Their young daughter didn't speak much English, and their cat— who wasn’t eating—was her only friend."

Feline Fund had the cat examined, and discovered the animal had a rare jaw disease. Treatment would cost over $7,000, for a family that, as Tara observed, "could barely afford rent."

Feline Fund partnered with a veterinarian to treat the cat.

"This little girl was able to keep her best friend," Tara shares proudly.

Feline Fund doesn’t receive government or grant funding. Its mission is solely funded by individual donations and their 'Sponsor a Stray Cat' program.

"For every $50 donation," Tara explains, "we email the actual photo of the cat they sponsored. They've paid for a homeless cat's vaccines, spay/neuter surgery and ear-tipping.”

Tara holds up her cell phone, scrolling through cat pictures.

“We have a photo of every cat we've provided care for," she shows me. "We thank our donors by showing them the actual cat they helped.”

WE KEEP FUTURE CATS OUT OF THE SHELTERS.

The fund also relies on pet-conscious partner companies.

“Premier Pet Supply hosts a donation and round-up fundraiser for us every year, in all their locations. In the past two years, they've raised over $33,000. That's veterinary care for over 650 homeless cats," Tara notes. "We make them a photo book with the faces of every cat their funding saved."

Feline Fund is always looking for new partners. Tara is excited that Biggby Coffee in Troy will also be hosting a Feline Fund event this month. If your company wants to help, Tara will supply Feline Fund Donation Tags that donors can write their names on, and businesses can display.

Tara doesn't take a salary for her work: 100% of donations go to provide care for cats.

"I get paid in purrs, hisses…and the occasional kitty kisses,” Tara says.

To learn more about Feline Fund or to donate, visit felinefund.org

ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS

ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG

WHERE WE SEE RABBITS AND HORSES, FRONT SEES OBJETS D’ART

Together, Anna Lindgren and Sofia Lagerkvist form the Swedish design studio Front. They are the creative minds behind multiple animal collections, exclusively available through Italcasa Design. I interviewed Front for City Lifestyle

When I ask what drew Front to create their animal collections, I’m surprised to find out that this innovative team bases its creations on data.

“The inspiration for Resting Animals emerged from our fascination with the emotional connections humans form with figurative objects,” the team explains.

“Through our research, we discovered that many people hold animal figures in high regard. Other studies also show that looking at calming objects can trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine, enhancing feelings of happiness and relaxation.”

Front even researched how animals sleep and hibernate, so Resting Animals would capture that serene tranquility.

“We sought to bring a touch of nature into homes,” the team explains, “and provide a sense of contentment and companionship through their peaceful presence.”

What was the inspiration for the Animal Thing pieces , on display at Italcasa’s Troy location in the Michigan Design Center?

“ Marcel Wanders, Moooi’s creative director, asked us to ‘make a lamp that even my grandmother would like,’” they reveal. “We revisited research where we interviewed people to see what happens with objects after they have left the store and become a part of people’s daily lives. Figurative objects often elicit strong emotional reactions, yet they were largely absent in contemporary design at the time.”

Anna and Sofia both grew up surrounded by pets and wildlife; they find animals inspiring.

“Animals teach us empathy and companionship,” the two contend. “Our projects reflect this connection, aiming to capture the essence of animals and evoke strong emotional responses with our designs.”

When I think of animal art, it’s the kitschy: piggy banks and dogs playing poker. Front understands that connection—and they’re aiming to reprogram it.

“Design education has indoctrinated us with the belief that these things were not good taste,” they observe. “One challenge is overcoming preconceived notions of what constitutes ‘good’ design. By embracing these objects, our aim is to disrupt traditional design hierarchies and boundaries, and create pieces that resonate on a deeply personal level.”

Front’s Animal Thing collection has become something of a selfie sensation. Front gets photos from all over the world of people ‘riding’ their lamps. That includes performers Madonna and Robbie Williams; the latter even featured the horse lamp (at right) in his wedding photos.

“It’s amazing,” Anna and Sofia confess. “We never thought it would have that sort of life. We hope our pieces inspire curiosity and provide companionship.”

To learn more about Front’s animal collections, contact Italcasa Design: italcasa.us

AUTHENTIC MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

AFTER AN UNTHINKABLE ACCIDENT, REALTOR LAWRENCE LEWIS VALUES OPEN COMMUNICATION

Life After Near-Death

My son and I are eating outside on the patio… and the car hit me.

A minute into my conversation with Lawrence Lewis, I realize I witnessed a miracle: the simple act of Lawrence walking into the restaurant we've met at.

“June 2nd, 2016.” Lawrence begins with the date, the way people often do when recalling a day their lives changed.

"My son Troy and I are at a restaurant, eating outside on the patio. My back was to the parking lot, and my son was sitting across from me, kind of like you and I are right now,” Lawrence tells me.

“And the car hit me.”

A car drove right into Lawrence’s back, while 11-year-old Troy watched in horror.

“Literally out of nowhere, I heard tires squealing and then this car, I just remember seeing this car," Troy recalls. "It all happened in such a split second.”

Troy managed to blurt out a warning.

“I said ‘Move! Run!,’ and this car just bulldozed right through the patio and right through our table. And he's just laying there like he was…”

Troy trails off.

“He thought I was dead,” Lawrence explains.

“I remember hearing the lady behind me screaming,” Troy continues. “All I saw was my dad under this car. And so…that’s like…it's over, it's done.”

“I was unconscious for some period of time,” Lawrence says. “I have no idea how long.” Troy guesses a couple of minutes.

“I froze,” Troy recalls. “I was just getting out of 5th grade. You don't know what to do. It was terrifying."

Suddenly, miraculously, Lawrence woke up and got up.

“Suffered a lot of injuries from that,” Lawrence says. “Concussion, slurred speech, closed head injury, torn rotator, herniated discs, bulging discs, tears.”

“He immediately went straight to the hospital,” recalls Troy. “And ever since that first day, it was just constant in and out of physical therapy appointments, surgeries, doctor’s appointments.”

“It changed the trajectory of our life, not just mine,” Lawrence says. “He's used to seeing a figure in his life that's strong, that's going to work, that’s doing these activities.”

Troy agrees. “At that age, he was always taking me to do stuff, movies, go-karting. It was definitely a hard adjustment for me. I would come home to my dad and he would be there, but it was just a completely different person, rehabilitating himself.”

Lawrence persevered through grueling physical therapy, but it didn’t come quickly.

“There were some dark days,” Lawrence remembers. “I was a very independent person, very active. All that was taken away. I gained a lot of weight, I was depressed, I developed anxiety. I mean, I had a near-death experience, right?

“Thank God for my mother. Had some good people around me. And the man upstairs decided it wasn't my time to go yet.”

I wonder if Lawrence remembers a moment where the clouds lifted.

“In one of my doctor's offices," he recalls, "there was this lady, always joyous when I saw her. A car accident had left her wheelchair-bound the rest of her life at the age of 20. So when I met her, it's 20 years later. And I was like, 'If she can find a way to move forward, so can I.'"

CONTINUED >

Lawrence sought out group counseling and began counting his blessings.

“I started looking at what I can do versus what I can't do," Lawrence says.

In addition to healing psychologically, Lawrence substantially recovered physically.

“He went from 100 to zero and zero to 100,” Troy observes. “He’s the busiest man ever now. Man, seeing everything my dad has been through, and pushing through that…that makes me work so much harder, in school, in my job, in everything I do."

As you’d expect from a person as resilient as Lawrence, he has put himself in the best possible position to succeed for his real estate clients.

"I hold two designations. Sellers’ Representative Specialist means that I have more knowledge than the average agent on selling homes. Accredited Buyer's Representative means I know more than the average buying agent.

“I’m also a certified Pricing Strategy Adviser. I have more knowledge in evaluating a home's value. I'm not an appraiser, but I can get you close. There's more to it than just looking on Zillow."

In addition, Lawrence has done home inspections for many fellow Realtors.

“I did like 15, 20 home inspections in my first year. So that gives you a huge advantage too.”

Lawrence also has a fair housing certification.

“I don't discriminate," Lawrence says. "As long as you qualify for a home, I can help you."

When he talks about helping clients, Lawrence is quick to mention his team: Chelsea Thomas, Rachel Farabee and broker Ron Rocz.

"They're a huge part of my success and I’m extremely grateful for their support, knowledge and responsiveness," Lawrence says. "Ron has created a positive, healthy environment where an agent can thrive, and next-level tools that allow me to move quickly for my clients."

The hard-earned wisdom from having survived pain is perhaps Lawrence's biggest advantage: he has compassion for what his clients may be going through.

“It’s important to me to have a deep understanding of you as a client. Your wants, your needs, are different than someone else's. So part of my role is the communication, listening, bringing up things that you may not think of.”

Lawrence pauses, and I see on his face again that empathy for others’ challenges that’s borne from having triumped over his own.

“That’s what I'm really trying to convey,” Lawrence says softly.

“I care.”

You can contact Lawrence at (248) 891-4269.

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STREETS TO SNUGGLES

BY MARSHALL ZWEIG

“We’ll rescue a dog,” Gail Schwartz tells me, “and we will feel like it’s got an owner. It’s just this kind of…this feeling. And sure enough, we find the owner and they’re home.”

Gail and her daughter Lauren Anchill, co-founders of Almost Home, have always had a profound bond with animals.

"In a shelter, they're in a cage all day. Foster homes are so much better for them. They’re happy."

“We would rescue animals off the streets growing up,” Lauren says.

“When I was little there was a squirrel, I called her Sally,” Gail adds. “I used to feed her, and she would crawl all over the screen door. I opened the door, Sally came up to me, and my mom started screaming, ‘Get that thing out of here!’”

Before Almost Home, Gail and Lauren volunteered at a number of local animal shelters, but they all euthanized their animals.

“It was too distressing for us,” Lauren says.

The women began their own no-kill rescue, but it was the biggest challenge of their lives, with 100 animals at once and $20,000 in monthly bills.

In 2001, a dog named Sugar jump-started Almost Home.

“She was in Ohio, and she was pregnant. They were going to euthanize her. They put Sugar in the

gas chamber—and she started having her puppies. It was Thanksgiving. And one of the shelter workers couldn’t take it and pulled her out.

“She called me and said, ‘I’m gonna lose my job, but I need to place this animal. She’s got puppies.’ And Lauren and I were like, ‘Let’s go to Ohio.’”

Lauren and Gail found all eight puppies a home— and even got Sugar placed with one of her pups.

Almost Home has created a deep base of dog lovers willing to give their rescues a temporary home.

“In a shelter, they’re in a cage all day,” Lauren says. “Foster homes are so much better for them. They’re happy in a home environment.”

The women tell me of dogs who needed extensive surgeries; Almost Home paid all the animals’  medical bills.

“That’s the kind of money we need,” Lauren says. “We do anything medically that needs to be done.”

She turns to Gail. “Like those puppies we spent $20,000 on.”

“Yeah, they all had parvo,” says Gail. “Only one made it. But we still have to pay the bill.”

Almost Home’s signature event is their group adoptions. Dozens of dogs who were on death row, from multiple states, get adopted all at once, by a parking lot full of enthusiastic pet foster parents.

“We usually rescue 20 to 50 at one time,” Gail says. “We give the foster parents all their supplies. We give the dogs chicken when they arrive.”

“And then when they get home,” Lauren adds, “they send us pictures in their warm loving home. It’s very rewarding, what we do.”

Clara Calabro of Livonia has fostered through Almost Home multiple times. Clara and her family adopted the second dog they fostered.

“These animals come from a lot of turmoil,” Clara says. “They need a lot of extra love. Me and my kids have that.”

Lauren and Gail share stories of their dogs helping people through depression, illnesses, losses. Multiple people have told them Almost Home saved their lives. Gail always refuses credit: “I say, ‘We didn’t. The dog did.’”

“One of my friends asked me,” Lauren remembers, “Do you see yourself doing Almost Home for the rest of your life?’ And I said, ‘100% yeah.’ I would never do anything else.”

“I love that,” Gail says.

To contact or donate, visit almosthomeanimals.org

FABULOUS FLATS

ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA

ONCE AN OFFICE BUILDING, TROY'S FORUM FLATS APARTMENTS HAVE IMPRESSIVE AMENITIES—AND STUNNING FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS

As a former office building, Forum Flats, Village Green’s brand-new luxury apartments in Troy, offers a stunning feature every potential resident reacts to.

“The windows,” says Gabrielle Schlagel, the manager of Forum Flats. “These oversized floorto-ceiling windows. Your entire wall is essentially a window.”

Forum Flats’s 200 units and 27 different floor plans all have Whirlpool in-unit washers and dryers, quartz countertops, white shaker-style cabinetry and oversized walk-in closets. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center, yoga studio, outdoor heated pool, community grill, and optional carports and garages. For remote workers, Forum Flats’s business center has plenty of co-working space, as well as private booths.

Forum Flats also works to create community, with monthly social events to support nonprofits. Their Splash Party, scheduled for August, is a fundraiser for the local Ronald McDonald House, with food, vendors, giveaways and a raffle.

“I’ve even taken a new resident before and said, ‘This is Kathleen. You guys would be great friends,’” Gabrielle says.

I ask if Forum Flats is involved with other philanthropic efforts. Gabrielle tells me the complex donates non-perishables to shelters on holidays from Valentine’s Day to Thanksgiving.

One nonprofit is close to Gabrielle’s heart.

“I like to partner up with the Humane Society. If you want a new pet, you adopt the dog right there. We even waive application fees if a resident wants to adopt a Humane Society pet.”

As you might have guessed, Forum Flats is petfriendly too.

“We have a dog park, a fenced-in area where dogs can be unleashed so residents can let them play. We also have a dog wash station, so afterwards if you don’t want your muddy dog in your apartment, you can wash off their paws.”

Gabrielle says Forum Flats even has a Pet of the Month award.

“Yeah, with a little goodie bag and a gift card,” Gabrielle says.

I ask Gabrielle what kind of feeling Forum Flats aims to evoke in its residents.

“From the moment they first inquire about the community, we’re trying to create a feeling of relief for them: ‘I’m finally home and I’m taken care of.’”

What does the complex do to create that feeling?

“From day one, we’re authentic with every single resident. This is our place of business, but this is all of their homes as well. We’re sensitive to that fact. We also offer maintenance on-site five days a week. For emergencies, our response time has to be, if not fixed, at least responded to within 24 hours. Our residents feel safe in that way.”

I wonder if Forum Flats offers cutting-edge innovations.

“We’re a keyless community,” Gabrielle says. “We don’t have physical keys. It’s all virtual. You can lock and unlock your door from any place, anywhere.”

From my perspective, Forum Flats has done everything with potential residents’ happiness in mind. Gabrielle says that’s the goal.

“I want residents to feel taken care of,” Gabrielle says. “That feeling when you go back to your mom’s house and your mom just takes care of everything for you. That sense of relief.”

For more info, visit forumflatstroy.com

summer is POPSICLE SEASON

KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.

SPICED GRAPE POPSICLES

ingredients:

Makes 18 to 24

• 2 quarts Concord grape juice

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 12 whole cloves

• 4 cinnamon sticks

• 3 tablespoons whole allspice

directions:

Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.

CHERRY LIMEADE POPSICLES

ingredients:

Makes 18 to 24

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup lime juice

• 2 cups tart cherry juice

directions:

In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

AUGUST 6TH & 14TH

4-Course Wine Dinner at Carrabba's in Troy

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

Join Carrabba's Italian Grill in Troy for a flavor exploration with a four-course food and wine pairing. Relax and enjoy this exquisite meal with family, friends, neighbors or co-workers after a long day. Discover Carrabba'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.

AUGUST 10TH

Japanese Matsuri (Festival) Day

West Bloomfield Main Library, 4600 Walnut Lake Road | 12:00 PM

Celebrate Japanese culture to commemorate the library's 25-year relationship with sister library, the Awaji City Higashiura Library. Enjoy traditional Japanese music and dancing, sweets, crafts, activities and more. The Bon Odori Dance from the SAKURA Japanese Instrumental Group starts at noon, with a traditional tea ceremony from the Japan Society of Detroit Women's Club at 2 p.m. All ages welcome. Details: (248) 232-2290.

AUGUST 13TH

"The Enchanted Season" with Lance Parrish and Tom Gage

West Bloomfield Main Library, 4600 Walnut Lake Road | 7:00 PM

Join sportswriter Tom Gage and former Detroit Tigers catcher Lance Parrish for a talk about their new book  The Enchanted Season, chronicling the Tigers' historic 1984 season and World Series triumph. Books will be available for purchase through Schuler Books after the talk. For more information, call (248) 682-2120.

AUGUST 17TH

"Like, Totally!” 1980s Fishing Day

Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road, West Bloomfield | 1:00 PM

Bring the kids for some fun family fishing. The family that rocks the most gnarly ’80s costume contest will win the coveted "fishing trophy." Fishing equipment and bait will be provided. Fishing licenses are required for anyone over 17 to fish. This is a family program, so all children and adults must register. Call (248) 451-1900. Cost: $8 to $10.

AUGUST 22ND

Kids Komotion Concerts: Guy Louis Sferlazza

Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road, West Bloomfield | 10:00 AM

Enjoy free, musical fun with Guy Louis Sferlazza! Kids Komotion Concerts feature interactive children’s entertainment and free inflatables (socks required). The Optimist Club of West Bloomfield will have snacks and refreshments for sale. All proceeds benefit the work they do for children in our community. Mario and Princess Peach will be on hand until 11 a.m. Details: Call (248) 451-1900.

AUGUST 24TH

Bees Butterflies & Blooms: Pollinator Festival

Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road, West Bloomfield | 10:00 AM

Learn about the importance of our pollinators and what you can do to help these critters that are so important to our earth. There’s something for all ages, including live butterfly displays, monarch tagging with butterfly release, beeswax craft, sweep netting to look for our native pollinators, interactive talks, free native seeds giveaway and photo opportunities. Free. Details: Call (248) 451-1900.

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