West Bloomfield, MI July 2025

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

FOR MER PRO-GOLFER BOB KRAUSE

BRI NGS BUSINESS TO THE GREENS

The Beauty of Wandering Close to Home

There’s something special about the word explore. It suggests adventure, yes — but also curiosity, openness and the willingness to see something familiar in a new way.

Living in West Bloomfield, we’re lucky. Nature, culture and community all live side by side here. You don’t have to board a plane to find beauty — you just need to look up from your routine.

One of my favorite discoveries this year came on a random walk through Marshbank Park. I’d passed it hundreds of times, but never really stopped. That day, I slowed down. I noticed how the light filtered through the trees, how families were gathered by the water, how peaceful it felt to just be there.

I hadn’t planned for anything special — but it turned out to be exactly what I needed.

That’s the spirit of this issue. Whether it’s trying a new dish at a local restaurant, wandering into a boutique you’ve never visited or finally kayaking across Cass Lake, exploration doesn’t have to be far away. It just asks that we be present, curious and open.

Here’s to fresh perspectives and unexpected joys. Here's to rediscovering the beauty in our own backyard.

See you out there.

TODD HAIGHT, PUBLISHER

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 MANAGER

Allison Sommerville allison.sommerville@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Kim Costa, Cindy Stewart, Susan Thwing

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Darrel Ellis, Janie Jones, 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 Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Paradise Found

A Different Kind of Game

A

Big Fun, Close to Home

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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Screening Packages

Stroke Prevention - $149

Carotid artery screening, EKG (atrial fibrillation & arrhythmias), ABI (peripheral artery disease), and abdominal aorta screening.

Women’s Health - $159

Ultrasound of the uterus, ovaries, bladder, and thyroid to detect cysts, cancers, fibroids, endometriosis, and other abnormalities

Preventative Care - $199

Full abdominal ultrasound (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder) plus abdominal aortic aneurysm screening.

Heart Health - $149

Echocardiogram for early detection of heart valve disorders, cardiomyopathy, congenital defects, and myocarditis. Great for all ages, including student-athlete screenings.

DVT Screening - $199

Lower extremity arterial and venous Doppler to detect blood clots—ideal post-surgery, post-COVID, or prolonged immobility.

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.

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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.

ViewFest 2025 July 13

ViewFest 2025, the nation's largest mental health festival, returns to the Detroit Zoo July 13. Hosted by Words of Hope 4 Life, the free event features walking, entertainment, interactive exhibits and resources for all ages. “No Limits, No Labels” showcases community mental health stories; Hug Buddy Postcard Project features the longest line of postcards. More than 150 organizations are expected to participate. Wordsofhope4life.com/viewfest2025

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PARADISE FOUND

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY STEWART

Yes, I’ve always had a bucket list of places where I wanted to travel — Alaska, Hawaii, Caribbean Islands and Italy.

And yes, over the years I have been fortunate enough to visit them all, plus many more spectacular destinations. I am also certain that there are cities and countries I never thought about visiting or places I know nothing about.

So when the opportunity arose to travel to the Galapagos Islands for a yoga retreat, even though I wasn’t sure I could even place them on a map, I jumped at it.

Flying to South America, then to the middle of the Ecuadorian waters of the Pacific Ocean, this once-ina-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 a long day of 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 the handchosen local materials to open, light-filled spaces that breathe with the land. At Montemar, architecture doesn’t compete with nature, it flows with it.

Setting out for our first walk around the 43-acre paradise in the highlands of Santa Cruz, we were welcomed by giant tortoises in their natural habitat. They roam freely around the property, cooling off in the pond, dozing in a mud pit and sauntering along the paths, munching on the abundant vegetation. They are not bothered by humans because they, like all the wildlife on the Galapagos Islands, have no predators. Humans living here choose to protect wildlife and the environment.

Every detail of our journey told a story, from Chef Juan’s dishes crafted with ingredients from Montemar’s community garden to the sustainable practices that infused our entire experience. We savored 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 views of the countryside, 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, after a spectacular sunrise, yoga class was held outdoors, 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 top five beaches in the world. Enveloped by pristine white coral sand and turquoise water, we walked along the beach with land iguanas and Charles Darwin’s finches to the mangroves where we kayaked with giant sea turtles, reef sharks and brown pelicans.

We learned about the importance of the highlands, including lava tunnels, a tortoise reserve with more than 6,000 of the giant creatures (sadly, down from 60,000) and Los Gemelos (twin volcanic craters), where our guide led us in a search for the 13 species of Darwin’s finches — we found eight. And the flat North Seymour Island, created by the uplifting of submarine lava, is a bird watcher’s paradise, home to nesting grounds for the majestic frigate birds along with the swallowtail gulls and their babies.

We toured South Plaza, the smallest island in the archipelago and home to a large collection of marine

Every corner of Montemar (montemar.ec) is designed to blend natural elegance with comfort — from the handchosen local materials to open, light-filled spaces that breathe with the land.

and land animals — it’s the only island in the Galapagos where land and marine iguanas share territory, but no one knows why. A large colony of sea lions also inhabit this island, and many of Darwin’s finches nest under the prickly pear cacti.

A before-sunrise water taxi and a long hike along a rocky pathway led us to Las Grietas (the Grotto). The product of an earth fracture, this natural inland pool was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as we floated between high volcanic walls in the cool, clear water. Our reward for this very early excursion was breakfast at locals’ hangout El Descanso del Guia in Puerto Ayora. Our last day in paradise also included a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Center, shopping and a BBQ lunch of grilled langostinos, veggies and fruit.

Each day, we woke to giant tortoises exploring the wild beauty of the Galapagos, then sunk into spaces designed for deep connection and peace. The Galapagos Islands are truly paradise — and Montemar is a gem among them.

A Different Kind of Game

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

ARTICLE BY TODD HAIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREL ELLIS

Bob Krause might seem like a golf pro who never left the course — but he’s actually more than that. As Business Development Advisor 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.

BIG FUN, CLOSE TO HOME

Check off your family adventure bucket list with these local thrills, all within an hour of West Bloomfield.

ARTICLE BY SUSAN THWING

Looking for unforgettable family outings that spark curiosity, courage and connection? Metro Detroit is full of adventures that require nothing more than a tank of gas and a little bit of spirit. Here are a few family-friendly activities that you can get to in under an hour — and will remember forever.

UP: SEE A HORSE SHOW

Whether you’re horse-crazy or just horse-curious, open horse shows are a wonderful way to spend a day outdoors. Held across Michigan, these events feature riders of all ages and horses of all breeds competing in everything from showmanship to trail classes.

Horse shows are often free and open to the public. “We encourage families to stop by, ask questions and explore the barns,” says longtime show organizer Taylor Fabus of Fabus Farms. “We love to have new faces in the stands.”

Bring a lawn chair, sunscreen and curiosity — you might just fall in love with the equestrian world. Check out schedules at shomehorseshows.com, miquarterhorse. com or goshowmichigan.com

3. ZIP, CLIMB AND SWING: TREERUNNER

ADVENTURE PARKS

Adventurers of all ages will love the high-flying thrills at TreeRunner Adventure Parks. With dozens of zip lines and aerial obstacles, these parks offer challenge levels for everyone from toddlers to teens to brave-hearted adults.

Step into the world of Robin Hood — or Katniss Everdeen — at Rising Phoenix Archery in Troy, the largest archery training facility in the U.S. For just $12/hour, families can drop in for their Open Range experience or register for classes that range from beginner to elite, led by certified coaches who want everyone to feel like they belong.

Craving the thrill of skydiving but not quite ready to jump out of a plane? At iFLY Detroit in Novi, you can experience the sensation of freefall in a safe vertical wind tunnel. With professional guidance, even kids as young as four can try it. Perfect for birthday parties, STEM outings or just a day of daring fun. Iflyworld.com/detroit .

The West Bloomfield location is the largest in Michigan, while the Rochester park sits scenically on Oakland University’s campus. Whether it’s a birthday, family outing or just a weekend escape, TreeRunner delivers an adrenaline rush in a beautiful natural setting. Treerunnerparks.com

“Members and staff love the sport, and it’s infectious,” says coach and Rising Phoenix CEO Brandon Wright. “You can even find a member willing to help out newcomers with advice if the coach is assisting another participant. Everyone here understands that we all started not knowing a thing about archery and now collectively, we have one of the largest knowledge bases in the nation to help you grow your skills.” Risingphoenixarchery.com .

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.

ARTICLE BY SUSAN THWING

“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 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 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.”

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Summer is here and what better way to quench your thirst than with drinks crafted from the season’s fresh produce? Embrace the natural sweetness of sun-ripened fruits and the invigorating zest of garden-fresh herbs. From crisp berry infusions to fragrant herbal blends, enjoy the art of crafting delicious and revitalizing beverages that celebrate the fresh flavors of summer.

THE “HERBAL COCONUT” PIÑA COLADA

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Coconut Rum

• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice

• .5 oz Coconut water

• 1 oz. Cream of Coconut.

• A few fresh mint leaves

• Optional: A few fresh basil leaves.

• Ice

• Garnish: Mint sprig, and a pineapple chunk.

Instructions:

Muddle the mint and basil leaves in the bottom of the blender. Add the remaining ingredients and ice. Blend until smooth and pour into a glass. Garnish with fresh fruit and herbs

This sangria emphasizes fresh garden herbs and the sweetness of seasonal berries.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio or Garnacha)

• ½ cup brandy or rum

• ½ cup elderflower liqueur

• 1 cup sparkling water

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• ½ cup fresh raspberries

• ½ cup fresh blueberries

• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves

• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced (optional)

• 1 lime, thinly sliced

Instructions:

In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, brandy (or rum), and elderflower liqueur. Stir gently to mix. Add the sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, mint leaves, rosemary sprigs, and cucumber slices to the pitcher. Gently muddle the berries and herbs slightly to release their flavors. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, add the sliced lime and sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently. Serve the sangria over ice, ensuring each glass gets a mix of fruit and herbs.

GARDEN HERB &BERRY SANGRIA

ROSEMARY GRAPEFRUIT PEAR FIZZ

This cocktail balances the tartness of grapefruit, the sweetness of pear, and the distinct notes of rosemary, all brought together with a bubbly finish.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gin (or Vodka)

• 1.5 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

• 1 oz Pear Liqueur (or Pear Juice)

• 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice

• 1 sprig of Rosemary

• Sparkling water

• Garnish: Rosemary sprig, grapefruit slice, pear slice

Instructions:

Place the rosemary sprig in a cocktail shaker. Lightly muddle the rosemary to release its oils. Add the gin (or vodka), grapefruit juice, pear liqueur and lime juice to the shaker. Add ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with a rosemary sprig, a grapefruit slice, and a pear slice.

LIME MINT

ROSE MOJITO

A Lime Mint Rose Mojito adds a floral twist to the classic mojito, creating a refreshing and elegant cocktail. Here’s a recipe that balances the traditional lime and mint with the delicate aroma of rose.

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves

• 1 lime, cut into wedges

• 2 tablespoons white sugar (or simple syrup, to taste)

• 2 ounces white rum

• 1 ounce rose water (adjust to taste, as it can be potent)

• Club soda or sparkling water

• Garnish: Mint sprigs, lime wedges, edible rose petals (optional)

Instructions: Muddle:

Place the mint leaves and lime wedges in a glass. Add sugar. Use a muddler to gently crush the mint and lime. Pour the white rum and rose water into the glass. Stir well. Fill the glass with ice. Top with club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently. Garnish with a mint sprig, a lime wedge, and, if desired, edible rose petals.

This magazine exists because Todd said ‘Yes.’

Behind every City Lifestyle magazine is a leap of faith — someone who chose to shape the story of their city. They saw a chance to inspire, connect, and elevate the voices that make their community shine.

Now, new cities are waiting for someone to say yes. What if it was you?

West Bloomfield City Lifestyle

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Summertime Notes

MARK

YOUR CALENDARS FOR

FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR FUN — FROM BANDS TO BEE WATCHING — IN WEST BLOOMFIELD.

ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN

Whether you’re fans of family-friendly outdoor musical stylings or prefer an activity to do together, WB Parks has you covered this July and August. Kick up your heels or settle in for live entertainment (with snacks, of course) or break out the hiking shoes — there’s something for everyone. For more, visit wbparks.org.

Marshbank Music Series: July 9, 16, 23, 30. Celebrating its ninth year of festive and free live entertainment, Marshbank Park again draws all ages to its concert hill for a variety of musical genres, with music beginning at 6 p.m. Tip: Don’t miss the food trucks, starting at 5:30 p.m.

• July 9: Cosmic Groove, serving up Top 40 hits

• July 16: Spacecat, also featuring Top 40 hits

• July 23: Old Days, a Chicago Tribute band

• July 30: Lost West, featuring Country Rock and Pop

Bees, Butterflies & Blooms: Aug. 23, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Buzz and flutter around Marshbank Park to learn about the importance of pollinators and what you can do to help these critters help our earth. There’s something for all ages, including live butterfly displays and interactions. Numerous hands-on activity stations will include:

• Monarch tagging with butterfly release

• Beeswax crafts

• Sweep netting to look for native pollinators

Kids Komotion Concert featuring Rick & Dayna’s Playhouse: Aug. 21, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Head to Marshbank Park for some free musical fun. The Optimist Club of West Bloomfield will be on-site selling snacks and refreshments. All proceeds benefit the work they do for children in our community. Tip: Bring your socks to play on inflatables at no charge. Fairytale characters Tinkerbell and Peter Pan will be on hand for the fun.

Food Truck Tuesdays: July 1-29. Mix up your workday or kids’ time lunch with weekly food trucks from 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m., at the tent between the Library & Recreation Activities Center. Find details at Wbparks.org/event/ food-truck-tuesday

• July 1: Cousin’s Maine Lobster

• July 8: Sourpuss Lemonade BBQ & Pizza

• July 15: DW’s Street Eatery

• July 22: The Grilled Wrap

• July 29: Vedged Out

• Aug 5: Twisted Street BBQ

• Aug 12: DW’s Street Eatery

• Aug 19: Cousin’s Maine Lobster

• Aug 26: Po Sam’s Cafe

Little Hikers for Families: Aug. 7. Join WB Parks’ Naturalist on a nature discovery walk for the whole family. Enjoy silly songs and fun activities to keep all ages, from babies to school-aged, engaged. The trail is a half mile and unpaved so only all-terrain strollers are recommended; a baby backpack/carrier is suggested for infants. Families can explore the Nature Room and Outdoor Natural Play Area after the hike. This program has a reservation fee of $3-5 per family. When you attend, the fee is returned to your account to use for a future program. Wbparks.org/event/little-hikers.

Nature Explorers’ Discovery Days: Every Wednesday through Aug. 27, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visit the Nature Room (inside the Recreation Activities Center) where families can immerse themselves in the wonders of nature in the backyard of West Bloomfield, offering a variety of activities designed to inspire curiosity and foster a love for the natural world. This self-guided experience allows families to explore at their own pace, making it perfect for children of all ages. Wbparks.org/event/ nature-explorers-discovery-days

• Observe live reptiles and amphibians native to Michigan

• Engage in a variety of crafts and hands-on activities

• Make discoveries in the natural features of our outdoor natural play area.

JULY 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND & 29TH Food Truck Tuesdays

WB Parks Recreation Activities Center, 4640 Walnut Lake Rd West Bloomfield Township | 11:30 AM

Join West Bloomfield Parks for Food Truck Tuesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm at the tent between the Library & Recreation Activities Center, organized by West Bloomfield Township, Library, Police and Parks Departments.  Wbparks.org/event.

This month's lineup:

Jul 1 - Cousin’s Maine Lobster

Jul 8 - Sourpuss Lemonade BBQ & Pizza

Jul 15 - DW’s Street Eatery

Jul 22 - The Grilled Wrap

Jul 29 - Vedged Out

JULY 7TH, 14TH, 21ST & 28TH Sensory Friendly Mondays at Lily Pad Springs Splash Pad

Lily Pad Springs Splash Pad, 6200 Farmington Road, West Bloomfield 11:00 AM

West Bloomfield Adaptive Needs

Events hosts Sensory Friendly Mondays 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lily Pad Springs Splash Pad in West Bloomfield. Sensory Friendly Mondays will offer limited capacity visits where the Big Splash Bucket and other overhead spray features are limited. These events are designed to create a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities.  Wbparks.org/programs/

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