Sports + Recreation

Football Phenom

Avery Gach’s journey from Birmingham to the Big House. Article by Susan Thwing | Photography by Gary Leung and U-M Athletics When Avery Gach steps onto the football field at the University of Michigan this fall, he won’t just be carrying the hopes of a new team; he’ll be carrying the pride of his hometown. The 6-foot-5, 280-plus-pound offensive lineman from Birmingham has always stood out — literally and figuratively. But while his imposing size made him a natural for football, his journey to...

Education

Ambassadors of Calm

Teachers and their four-legged friends bring comfort, joy and connection to Birmingham Schools. Article by Susan Thwing In the hallways of Birmingham Public Schools, tails wag alongside backpacks and sneakers. Whether nestled beside a student in a counseling session or padding through a science class, the members of the Canine Comfort Crew are more than just pets: They’re a vital part of the district’s mission to create safer, more supportive environments for all. Since its launch in the fall...

Home + Design

The Path to Outdoor Living

Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Sally Matak THE DETAILS Home: Birmingham Landscaping: Mosher Design Co., Royal Oak Furniture: Witmer Design, Bloomfield Hills   Soft greenery dotted with lush and juicy hydrangea lines the pathway to this backyard oasis in Birmingham. Matt Mosher, owner of Mosher Design Co. in Royal Oak, transformed a once small space into a stunning retreat. Expansive yet inviting, clean and modern yet brimming with verdure, the space unites luxury with...

Education

Head of the Class

Meet this year’s stunning star students — graduating high school seniors who’ve excelled in athletics while earning top marks. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Brandon Folsom, Geoff Wickersham DANNY HOLT HIGH SCHOOL Brother Rice High School   AGE 18 CITY OF RESIDENCE Rochester COLLEGE ATTENDING IN THE FALL Vassar College, where he will play lacrosse SPORT Lacrosse ACCOLADES Academic: Brother Rice High School Valedictorian; Brother Rice Computer Science...

Life + Culture

Pet Paparazzi!

The results are in — our community loves our pets! Get to know some of our favorite furry friends, submitted by our readers. Article by Lynne Konstantin TEDDY HERMANN  So many adorable, charming, mischievous and cuddly bonus family members — we wish we could include them all. To help us choose, we brought in Birmingham City Lifestyle ’s Senior Cuddle Specialist, Teddy Hermann. P.S. He’s currently scheduling playdates with his new friends.   GORDIE PULTE MOM Lauren Pulte City ...

Life + Culture

Dogs' Day Out

Get a dog’s-eye view on the big biscuits, shady patios, fresh fountains and places to roam in and around Birmingham. Article by Patti Zielinski When you want the inside scoop on dog-friendly hot spots, you ask an expert: Dexter, an affable Airedale Terrier who is known as “The Begger of Birmingham.” “At the CVS [at 35777 Woodward], pharmacists Caroline, Nora and Patricia are particularly generous with the treats when Dexter dog picks up his monthly medication,” says owner Ann Tappan of...

Travel

Worth the Drive

Head to Saint John’s Resort for a family adventure, a day of golf — or a quick weekend getaway. Article by Lynne Konstantin A short 20-plus minute drive from Birmingham lies a hidden gem — and the world is about to take notice. Saint John’s Resort was once a quiet seminary and retreat center. Nestled across 200 lush acres in the charming town of Plymouth, Saint John’s has evolved into a premier destination. And from Aug. 22-24, it will host the 2025 LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship...

Home + Design

A Sunshine State of Mind

A local couple’s Key Largo home brings the outdoors in — and the indoors out. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Martin Vecchio “I love creating a connection between the indoors and outdoors when designing a home,” says Armina Kasprowicz, owner and principal designer of Rochester Hills-based Armina Interiors (arminainteriors.com). So when her West Bloomfield client called in a panic about his Florida home being damaged by Hurricane Irma, she flew into gear — literally taking the...

Travel

The Road Luxuriously Traveled

Pack the family, the bags, the snacks and the anticipation for the best summer road trip ever, with the 2025 Lincoln Navigator. Article by Birmingham City Lifestyle Staff Family’s schedules cleared? Check. Road trip destination mapped out? Check. Best car for the job, that will provide luxurious comfort, family unity and pleasure on the road — a sanctuary on wheels? Lincoln of Troy suggests the all-new 2025 Lincoln Navigator. Long live the luxury SUV.  At least, that’s what it’s looking...

Life + Culture

Pure Birmingham

Discover the charm of our city, through the eyes of a local Instagram content creator. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Farrah Laviolette By day, Farrah Laviolette, known as Dr. Farrah to her young clients, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist. But in her spare time, the Birmingham resident has combined her passions for photography and the Birmingham community and launched Pure Birmingham (@purebirmingham), an Instagram page dedicated to showcasing, as she says, the “magic of...