Finance + Legal Services

Jeanne Stine: Investing in a well-lived life

Troy's former mayor reflects on hard work, politics and how to find true purpose in life Article by Cindy Stewart | Photography by Simran Bajwa & Cindy Stewart If you ask former Troy Mayor Jeanne Stine the secret to a long life, she’s quick to say, ”Staying busy doing things you love.” And she has lived by this creed since she was very young. Tell us about your childhood The oldest of 11 children born to Eleanor and Lyle Goodwin, I was born June 18, 1929 in Birmingham. I had seven younger...

March 2024

Fitness

Pickleball is a smash in Troy

Here’s where to play – and where beginners can get started with lessons Article by Cindy Stewart | Photography by Vaughn Gurganian Ready for a workout that helps you meet new friends? Try pickleball, the social sport that’s taking the City of Troy like a, well, like an overhead smash shot. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America, described as a combination of ping-pong, tennis and badminton. It’s fun, social and friendly. The rules are simple and the game is easy for...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Can you really retire?

Here's how to pay for the longest vacation of your life: Retirement Article by Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa (photosbysimba.com) Chuck Vercellone will never forget the day his father came home from work without a job. “He was a pencil and paper draftsman his whole life. Then, one day, his company was bought out and he lost his job. There he was, in his early 60s, with no retirement plan or CAD experience, nothing but a small IRA. He ended up working part-time as a janitor...

March 2024

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...

February 2024

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...

February 2024

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...

February 2024

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...

January 2024

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...

January 2024

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...

January 2024

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...

January 2024