Education

Beyond the Diagnosis

Two Birmingham moms share the power of inclusion, awareness and seeing the whole child. Article by Susan Thwing When Misty Petruzzello first reached out about sharing her daughter’s story, her goal was simple: help people see beyond a diagnosis. Her daughter Frankie, now five, was born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. While the condition presents unique medical challenges, Petruzzello, of Birmingham, hopes others will understand that dwarfism is only one small part of...

Local Services

Good Coffee, Cool Cars, Great Guys

Ted Edginton builds community by showing up. Article by Lynne Konstantin In the late-1950s and into the ’60s, the iconic Woodward Avenue was the hot spot for car enthusiasts. Speedsters taking their new hot rods for a run and spectators taking in the street racing even attracted the attention of engineers and executives from the Big Three. Today, street racing is no longer allowed — but the love for everything auto and the community around them still runs strong. Ted Edginton, a...

Health + Wellness

One Student. Real Change.

Local Girl Scout Gold Award-recipient Charlotte Russell created a lasting mental-health resource for her peers. Article by Susan Thwing When Charlotte Russell looked around her high school, she saw something many students were experiencing, but few were openly discussing: stress, anxiety and the pressure to be perfect. Rather than accept it as part of student life, the Birmingham student decided to do something about it. The result was a student-led wellness initiative that earned Russell...

Life + Culture

Around Town

in August Article by Lynne Konstantin 5th  The ultimate outdoor party band: Multi Grammy-winning Train brings its most chart-topping hits to Pine Knob with its Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere Tour . Opening acts Barenaked Ladies and Matt Nathanson. 313presents.com. 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th Four concerts left before the end of summer: Sit among the trees, pack a picnic or frolic to the music at Birmingham   In the Park Concert , a free series in Shain Park (corner of Merrill and...

Health + Wellness

Where Families Feel Seen

Dr. Danielle Alperin brings a personal touch to modern eye care — for kids and their parents. Article by Susan Thwing When Dr. Danielle Alperin and her husband, Mark, opened New View Eye Care in Berkley in November 2025, it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. In many ways, the family-owned practice had been years in the making. “I feel like this was always the plan,” says Dr. Alperin, who grew up in Farmington Hills and completed her optometry degree at Ohio State University before pursuing...

Local Services

Spoiled (Beautifully) to the Bone

Local pets are living their best lives. Article by Susan Thwing If you’ve ever spent more time choosing a shampoo for your dog than for yourself — this is for you. Across Birmingham and Bloomfield Township, pet owners are embracing a growing trend that goes far beyond basic grooming. Blueberry facials, detox mud baths, spa-quality shampoos, paw-conditioning treatments and personalized wellness care: All are on menus nearby, designed to keep beloved pets healthy, comfortable — and beautiful. ...

Shopping

Puppy Love

Treat your dog to the best of everything. Article by Lynne Konstantin Whether you’re smitten with a kitten, or savor coffee with a pup, sip from Molly Hatch Stoneware Dog Mug , in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachsund, Rescue Dog, Golden Doodle and more. Anthropologie.com.   Serve up delish, wholesome fun: Pup Cup is made with milk and cream, infused with pup-approved flavors like Bacon, Peanut Butter and Cookie Dough Bites — with no added sugar. Premier Pet Supplies, Beverly Hills; ...

Health + Wellness

Take a Hike

Wellness advocate and Recess Club founder Melissa Coulier digs deep on chronic illness, caregiving — and helping women reclaim their recess. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Brooke Brzoska, Brooke Elizabeth Art Growing up in Livingston, Mont., Melissa Coulier always felt most at home outside. So she went for walk — and invited everyone. Joyful, exuberant and ever-ready to pluck life from a tree and share it with everyone in her path, she launched Recess Club to share her passion...

Real Estate

Summit Seeking

Living the elevated lake life on Little Traverse Bay. Article by Susan Thwing Northern Michigan has long been a favorite escape for Metro Detroit families seeking cooler summers, waterfront beauty and a slower pace of life. But in recent years, destinations like Bay Harbor and nearby Petoskey, Charlevoix and Harbor Springs have evolved into something even more coveted: luxury lifestyle communities that rival resort destinations across the country. Now, a new development called The Summit...

Local Services

In Bloom, Year-Round

Building a business based on beautifying homes through each season. Article by Susan Thwing Rachel Carroll doesn’t remember making a conscious decision to become like her grandmother. It happened quietly. Her grandmother lived in a small house and had a gift for making a home feel special. There were seasonal decorations for every holiday, flowers in the yard, houseplants in the windows and a sense that beauty didn’t require extravagance — just care and intention. Years later, Carroll...