Education

Head of the Class

Meet this year’s star students — graduating high school seniors who’ve excelled in athletics while earning top marks. Article by Lynne Konstantin AZARIA D. MAY HIGH SCHOOL West Bloomfield High School  AGE 18 CITY OF RESIDENCE Pontiac COLLEGE ATTENDING IN THE FALL Michigan State University SPORTS I play lacrosse and swim. I hope to do intramural lacrosse in college. ACCOLADES Graduated Magna Cum Laude; Golden Opportunity Scholarship; Delta Sigma Theta Inc scholarship; KFI...

Local Services

Best in Show

Premier Pet Supply built a local empire on personal service and quality goods. Article by Jennifer Lovy | Photography by Simran Bajwa Ordering pet food and supplies online is so fast and convenient that it’s easy to forget there are other ways to shop. Mike Palmer, owner of Premier Pet Supplies, doesn’t discourage online shopping. He offers it, too (premierpetsupply.com).  However, the heart of his business model lies in something the internet can’t provide: a highly personalized shopping...

Health + Wellness

Making Smiles

KB Dental turns dreaded visits into family fun. Article by Linda Ditch A visit to the dentist isn’t at the top of most people’s list of favorite activities. The team at KB Dental wants to change that perception. Their goal: to make patients of all ages feel comfortable throughout their visit, and happy that they took steps to care for their oral health when they walk out the door.  With locations in West Bloomfield and Troy, KB Dental (kbdental.com) can be a one-stop shop for a family’s...

Home Services

Cleaning Up

Jordan DiMercurio helps homeowners — while giving hope to the homeless. Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Simran Bajwad Jordan DiMercurio started Squeaks Window Cleaning in 2023 after spending a summer as a window cleaner with a friend in Iowa.  He was 16 years old. Two years later, what started as a side hustle has grown into an 11-employee business. Squeaks (squeakswindowcleaning.com) not only cleans windows, but also gutters, solar panels and dryer vents, with power-washing services...

Sports + Recreation

Family Fun Takes Flight

End the summer on a high note with Legacy Ballooning. Article and Photography by As summer starts to wind down, Michigan skies are heating up — literally. For those looking to end the season on a high note, Legacy Ballooning offers an unforgettable experience above the treetops, where sunsets stretch for miles and adventure takes flight. Based in Troy and flying out of the Milford and South Lyon areas, Legacy Ballooning (legacyballooning.com) is Michigan’s only female-owned and operated hot...

Professional Services

Smart Start

Helping families navigate the college-planning journey. Article by Susan Thwing When Tom Krent talks about college planning, he doesn’t start with applications or financial aid. He starts with stress — and how to relieve it. “Families are overwhelmed,” Krent says. “We walk alongside them with a plan. When people know their options and have a strategy, the stress melts away.” Since 2013, Krent has been with Education Planning Resources (EPR; fprsllc.com), a Metro Detroit-based nonprofit...

Entertainment

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...

Sports + Recreation

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. SADDLE UP: SEE A HORSE SHOW Whether you’re horse-crazy or...

Professional Services

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...

Arts + Culture

Paradise Found

Travel writer Cindy Stewart explores the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands. 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...