Food + Beverage

Making Pizza And Memories

Flour Power: You can be the pizza chef at Oven 360 Article by R. Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa By the time the flour settled, there were smiles everywhere. Three local kids – Asher, Cayde and Ava – transformed balls of fresh dough into handcrafted pizzas. There was laughter, some friendly competition, plenty of flour in unexpected places – and the pride that comes from creating something with your own hands. That's exactly what owner Mike Spineti envisioned when he introduced...

Life + Culture

Famous Faces. Second Chances.

With the help of a host of celebrities, Christine O'Brien's photographs shine a spotlight on rescue pets waiting for a home. Article by R. Todd Haight | Photography by Christine O'Brien / Ruff Life Photography Every shelter has them. The dog that quietly watches families walk past. The cat that has waited so long, volunteers wonder if anyone will ever choose her. Christine O'Brien has met hundreds. And every time she raises her camera, she hopes to change the ending. As the pet...

Local Services

Happy Dog, Happy Home

The Dog Wizard shares the magic behind a well-trained dog Article by R. Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa Bringing home a new dog comes with dreams of long walks, family adventures and a loyal companion waiting at the door. Shredded pillows, stolen steaks and nonstop barking? Not so much. That's where The Dog Wizard Dog & Obedience Training comes in. "We don't just train dogs," says owner Tim Siedlaczek. "We transform relationships." After more than three decades in the pet...

Education

Dreams Take Flight Over Oakland County

Hidden in plain sight: Victors Aviation's flight school inspires the next generation of aviators. Article by R. Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa "Lilliana, turn left heading 270." The young pilot gently banks the airplane, lines up with the runway and begins a remarkably smooth descent. Her eyes dart between the windshield and the instrument panel as she makes small corrections, listening carefully to every detail from her flight instructor. Moments later, the wheels touch down. ...

Sports + Recreation

Ready, Set, Let's Play

Looking for summer family fun? These Troy attractions offer unforgettable adventures, birthday parties and excitement for kids of every age Article and Photography by Cindy Stewart Summer is a season of freedom for kids. But for parents, it can quickly become a season of hearing, "I'm bored!" Before everyone retreats to another afternoon of electronics, check out these Troy boredom busters that promise hours of active, memorable fun. Escape Entertainment Center: Bowling and more for kids of...

Travel

Postcards from Cindy

Welcome to Wilmington, North Carolina, Where Southern Charm Meets the Allure of the Coast Article and Photography by Cindy Stewart Sometimes the best vacation spots are a short journey from home. Wilmington, North Carolina is less than a two-hour flight from here, an historic coastal city on the Cape Fear River. Enjoy its riverwalk lined with more than 200 cafes, shops and bars, plus coastal charm and year-round appeal. This is a very walkable city. Do you love history? Tour beautiful...

Life + Culture

The Summer of Fun

Explore concerts, craft brews and local adventures in Troy Article by Cindy Stewart Summer in Troy invites you to slow down, step out and explore something new. From lively outdoor experiences and unique dining experiences to historical moments and local gems, Troy offers plenty of ways to soak up the summer while rediscovering the city in fresh, fun ways. Here are a few of our recommendations. Historically fun In July and August, Troy Historic Village offers special activities every...

Health + Wellness

You May Be Sleeping Wrong

Troy "sleep coaches" blend science and wellness principles to help you finally sleep better Article by R. Todd Haight | Photography by John Heck You may be sleeping wrong. Not “I stayed up too late binge-watching Netflix” wrong. More like your mattress, pillow and sleep position may quietly be working against your body every single night. That’s the eye-opening message behind Snooze Mattress Company in Troy, a boutique sleep store that approaches mattresses less like furniture and more like...

Fitness

More than Muscle

Explore a different kind of fitness coaching – one designed for lasting lifestyle change Article by R. Todd Haight | Photography by John Heck For many people, the first sign of burnout isn’t physical. It’s the quiet realization that they no longer feel like themselves. Energy fades. Sleep gets worse. Stress becomes constant. Somewhere between work, caregiving, family and everyday routines, they begin to accept exhaustion as normal. By the time many clients walk into Detroit Strong Personal...

Life + Culture

Pitch Perfect in Troy

First Full-Size Cricket Field Debuts in Boulan Park Photography by OM Media The sound of leather on willow is echoing through Boulan Park in Troy as the City officially unveiled its first full-size cricket field – a milestone years in the making for one of the region’s fastest-growing sports communities. With Troy City Council members, community leaders and dozens of local cricket players in attendance, the celebration marked the city’s growing commitment to bringing people together. “The...