Finance + Legal Services

Savings, service with a smile

Like a Good Neighbor, Ann Percy and State Farm are there Article by Cindy Stewart | Photography by Simran Bajwa (photosbysimba.com) Not many women will tell you they followed in their father’s footsteps for a career, but Ann Percy did.   She ended up becoming Troy’s original Good Neighbor.   Growing up in Battle Creek, Ann loved that her Dad was one of the few fathers that could take part in her elementary school activities. Bob Gronewold was a State Farm Insurance agent and, as his own...

Home + Design

Hello Gorgeous Garage

Imagine your dream garage as you say goodbye to floor stains and clutter forever Article by Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa (photosbysimba.com) Every day, I’m bombarded with ads for garage floor coverings promising 5, 10 or even 15-year warranties. So, how could I say no to a lifetime warranty from Hello Garage?   And who offers that, anyway? This company must have a secret recipe for floor coatings.   Turns out, two secret recipes.   First, polyaspartic floor coating...

Arts + Culture

Using art to elevate your home

One-of-a-kind artwork creates a sense of luxury while letting you express your own style Article by Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa (photosbysimba.com) When it comes to home decor, ya gotta have art. But have you considered original art? It’s a powerful and personalized way to express yourself while elevating your home design. The question is, where do you begin? “You don’t have to research artists or search for the perfect piece. Find something that’s interesting to you, something...

Arts + Culture

For the love of laughter

Local magicians have a few tricks up their sleeves Article by Todd Haight | Photography by Kevin Shea Photography There’s magic in laughter and certainly in love. And then there’s Lady Sarah and Keith Fields, owners of Michigan's only magic dinner theatre – The Magic Soiree in Troy ( TheMagicSoiree.com ).   This is a night of sophisticated shenanigans, illusions and sleight of hand, led by this British-born couple who have found celebrity in silliness.   Or perhaps it's cleverly disguised...

Life + Culture

Love is blooming all around Troy

Inspire romance with these exciting date ideas Article and Photography by Cindy Stewart What's your idea of a romantic date? I believe it's enjoying a special place together where you can pay attention to one another. Talk, touch, kiss, lose yourself in each other’s eyes. Like every Disney classic, what young couple in love (or married couple needing time away from the kids) doesn’t crave a romantic meal? Date night must include a visit to Carrabba’s Italian Grill offering authentic Italian...

Life + Culture

Sharing love through food

Cooking classes in Troy ensure your date night is romantic – and delicious Article by Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa (photosbysimba.com) After a few years, Date Night can get a little tired. Eating out? Again?   Spice it up by making a meal together at one of the private cooking classes around Troy.   Sur La Table (surlatable.com), for example, promises an immersive culinary experience with hands-on learning. You’re given the tools and ingredients, but before you panic, just...

Life + Culture

Billy Sims

Lions legend scores with community, kindness – and a slab of ribs Article by Todd Haight | Photography by Kevin Shea Photography Last December, former Detroit Lion Billy Sims was a guest at the Heisman Awards, one of the most prestigious honors of any sport. For three days, the legendary running back ran with college football greats like Barry Sanders and Charles Woodson.   Days earlier, by contrast, he was glad-handing with fans in Troy. And just as happy in both places.   Such is the...

Life + Culture

Food for wellness

Nutritionist's lifelong love of cooking inspires her to help others stay healthy Article by Todd Haight | Photography by photosbysimba.com Before you make those tough-to keep New Year’s resolutions, like joining the gym or counting calories, change your relationship with food with the help of the team at the Nutrition Counseling Center ( nutritioncounselingcenter.com ). “We want you to have peace with your body and peace with your food,” says Registered Dietitian Patrizia Jesue, founder of...

Fitness

The joy of movement

Physical therapists take their own medicine for pain-free living Article by Todd Haight | Photography by photosbysimba.com Physical therapist Mike Mulcahy knew the treatments, the stretches, the therapies. After all, he had managed a physical therapy clinic and treated neck and spine patients for more than 15 years.   But he didn’t know the pain. Not until he suffered a herniated cervical disc in his own neck.   At that moment, stepping over from caregiver to consumer, Mike gained a deeper...

Wellness

Women-owned and faith-based

From simple beginnings to humble healer, Dr. Leigh moves hearts and bones as holistic practitioner Article by Todd Haight | Photography by photosbysimba.com It is a cold Saturday morning, but the former Boys & Girls Club in Pontiac is warmed by excitement as busloads of inner-city children pull up to the door. The glow – and noise – increase as hundreds of youth rush through the doors for a day of skits, music and games in a safe place.   This is The Power Company Kids Club, a nonprofit...