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iMetro Magazines mission is to explore and deliver information that shapes the modern lifestyles of Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, and St. Clair county families. Join us as we discover the local people, places, and trends that shape this area of southeast Michigan.

The opinions expressed by our contributors are their own, and other professionals in their field may express different views. We have sought to ensure accuracy and completeness of the information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors. iMetro Magazine has no responsibility or liability for any inaccurate information or placement.

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Welcome to i MetroMagazine

Editor In Chief Rose Mocerirose@imetromagazine.com Editor Cathy PlumCathy@imetromagazine.com

Contributing WritersCathy Plum

Contributing PhotographersTodd Schaffer

Creative DirectorTodd Schaffertodd@excaliburcreativestudios.com

Sales OfficerRose Mocerirose@imacombmedia.com

Staff

iMetro Magazine, LLC50490 Central Industrial Dr

Shelby Twp, MI 48315www.imetromagazine.com

iMetro MagazineMarch 2013Volume 1 Issue 1

2013 i Metro Magazine, LLCis a regisered trademark of iMacomb Media

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c o n t e n t s

iBusiness

8from Inmates to InfantsAn Entrepreneur Finds His Niches

iHealth & Science

12Paying It forward!Companies giving back to their communities

20

25 iDepartments

alternative MedicineAn Entrepreneur Finds His Niches

technology2013 Best New Gadgets

7Arts/EntertainmentCharities

Education

Events

Dining Local

Fashion

110

120

3060109716

Restaurant Guide

Recipes GuideGrown up Mac & Cheese and Italian Chicken Soup

2597

18 Dodge Ram 15002013 Truck of the year

17

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ic o n t e n t s

iPeople

iHistory & Culture

acting RandomlySpotlight on local volunteers

The adverse EffectLife when adversity stikes at home

40

32

Arts/Entertainment

iRecreation20

20

55

20Looking BackA blast from the past

Who KnewFacts not commonly known

from Our NeighborsWhats happening

around us.

iDestinationsYour travel guide to favorite desinations.

Trends

Seasonal SportsSpring sports and events 60

55

5560

Day Trips88

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from Inmates to Infants: an Entrepreneur finds His Niches

Although the phrase find your niche is thrown around ad nauseam these days, Sterling Heights entrepreneur Ryan Santangelo says its no joke. Hes found three niches of his own. I know thats a cliche, but its really true, Santangelo explains. Theres a market that was being missed, and we came in and filled that hole. For the last two businesses they started, Santangelo and his brother Pete found similar niches for two very disparate sets of clients: business owners and prisoners. Dynamic Media, which they started in 2004, provides SiriusXM programming to businesses; Secure Media Systems, founded in 2008, provides prison-safe MP3 devices and media download kiosks to inmates.

For their latest endeavor, the Santangelos have tapped into an entirely different market: new parents. The new project, a high-tech baby monitor called SafeToSleep, was inspired by Santangelos own frustrations as a parent of two. My brother and I both have kids, Santangelo says. We were shocked at how terrible baby monitors were.

8 | iMetro Magazine

Theres been way more innovation in toys than there has been in infant safety, and we dont understand

why.

When you go to buy a monitor, its really kind of junk, these little walkie-talkie kind of things. And the new monitors are designed around features that are really for the parents, you know: take a high-definition picture of your baby and post it to Facebook. So, using a combination of licensed technology and original developments, the Santangelos wirelessly linked a fiber-optic sleeping mat to a smartphone app. The mat monitors each breath the baby takes, and parents can set the app to alarm if breathing stops or slows. The product debuts this month with a MSRP of $329, but its been in development for two years. Santangelo says the testing process, conducted at a hospital in Singapore, took six months.

There were 65 babies involved, all the way from preemies up to about 20 pounds, he says. The babies would lay on the mats and the nurses would manually count the breath rate of the child, then theyd look at the wired cardiorespiratory monitor, then theyd look at the number our technology was reading. Once SafeToSleep was refined to match the accuracy of the hospitals monitors, Santangelo says it was time to announce it to the baby world. The product debuted in October at the ABC Kids Expo, a major trade show for the childrens products industry. The Santangelos

set up a booth with fake babies to demonstrate the technology (We bought these babies that were designed by this artist, and we basically cut them open and put a device inside that would breathe and make the chest thump, Santangelo says). Santangelo says the booth drew heavy traffic, which he credits to presenting a high-tech product in a surprisingly low-tech market. There were a lot of bibs and cribs and stuff like that, but we were one of the few exhibitors to have anything that was technological in nature, he says. Theres been way more innovation in toys than there has been in infant safety, and we dont understand why. That spirit of common-sense innovation has pervaded Santangelos business endeavors. With Dynamic Media, it meant selling business owners on licensed and legal satellite radio programming. With Secure Media Systems (which the Santangelos sold last spring), it meant creating a specialized clear-plastic MP3 player that would display a prisoners identification and couldnt be weaponized. Both businesses have seen smashing success: Dynamic Media is the nations largest provider of SiriusXM to businesses, and Secure Media Systems equipment is in hundreds of prisons nationwide. Santangelo says his businesses are in Sterling Heights to stay, though.

Between Dynamic Media and SafeToSleep, the Santangelos employ 13, three of whom were hired last year. And theyre anticipating hiring an additional 20 for a SafeToSleep call center. We always joke that Sterling Heights is the Silicon Valley of Michigan, because theres a great deal of innovation, Santangelo says. The automotive base pulls in a lot of really talented people, and for companies like us, thats a windfall of a talent pool to pull from. You go to Washington or California, youre competing with Google or Microsoft for talent. And having lived in Sterling Heights since he was six and his brother was three, it only makes sense for Santangelo to stick around. Were born and raised here, he says. This is home for us.

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Jennifer Nicholson isnt a casual observer of the ongoing renovations at a home on Nicke Street in Clinton Township.

Nicholson has gotten her elbows dirty putting up new wood trim and painting the 900-square-foot Macomb County Habitat for Humanity house and hopes it will be her home.

Habitat was my beacon of light in the darkness, said the single mother of four children ages 3 to 13.

On Wednesday, Habitat for Humanity officials and volunteers got a big helping hand from Ford employees who are members of the United Auto Workers, the organizations first corporate partner this year.

UAW-Ford recently contacted the non-profit housing agency and promised it would provide a minimum of five of its members to volunteer at various home construction and housing renovation projects three days a week through 2013.

Without the support of UAW-Ford and other companies, we couldnt continue or mission, said Terri Benson, events manager for Macomb County Habitat for Humanity.

At the three-bedroom bungalow near 14 Mile Road and Beaconsfield, the autoworkers installed kitchen cabinets and molding on Wednesday. Last week, they installed a new kitchen floor. The house, built in the 1950s, also has new lighting fixtures, plumbing, furnace, electrical wiring plus vinyl siding on the house and detached garage. The bathroom was gutted for new ceramic tile on the floor and shower walls, and a new vanity. A new concrete driveway and sidewalk were poured last year, and landscaping is expected to be planted in March.

Ford worker Angelo Sacino said it feels good assisting the organization with housing improvements for qualified, low-income families. Its been a real honor working with them, he said. Were happy to help.

Using federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding earmarked by county government officials, Macomb County Habitat for Humanity purchased the house and other foreclosed dwellings in 2010. Benson and Habitat marketing manager Michael Terenzi Jr. said they didnt know how long the house on Nicke Street had been vacant, but neighbors notice when dark and unoccupied houses suddenly bustle with activity.

To purchase a Habitat house, applicants must be employed, deemed low-income, and meet other eligibility guidelines.

But the rules dont stop there. Before purchasing one of the houses through zero-interest financing, prospective buyers must successfully complete home maintenance classes, a money management course through Michigan State University Extension, and perform 250 hours of sweat equity to become habitat partners.

We teach them how to be good homeowners, Benson said.

UaW-fordgives Habitat for

Humanity a helping hand

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We teach them how to be good homeowners, Benson said. Habitat for Humanity, which has 76 affiliates in Michigan, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Macomb County in 2013. This year, the organization plans to place approximately 20 families into new homes that are newly built or renovated.

Ruselda Villanueve Johnson, the organizations local fundraising official, said the offer of help by UAW-Ford was a pleasant surprise.

It really came out of the blue. Its huge, she said. It builds awareness of what were doing here.

Were trying to let folks know were here, were not going anywhere and we have families to serve.

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Fashion

Fashion

Katerina Boccis2013 Collection of Evening Gowns

Contact Katerina Bocci Studio for more information or prices.

586-247-3622

A night of

Directions:Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake the potatoes until soft, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, brown the bacon over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery and onions. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken, thyme and broth; bring to a simmer and skim any foam that rises to the top. Reduce the heat and barely simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 40 minutes. Discard the thyme. Remove the chicken and let cool. Pull off the meat and shred into bite-sized pieces; cover and set aside. Season the broth with salt and pepper.

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, until toasted, about 3 minutes; s e t aside. Halve the baked potatoes and scoop the flesh into a bowl; mash w i t h a fork and season with salt and pepper. Sift the flour over the potatoes and add the toasted crumbs, parmesan and nutmeg; lightly knead to make a firm dough. Roll into 1/2-inch-wide cylinders; cut into 1/2-inch pieces and round the edges to make oval-shaped gnocchi. Bring the soup to a boil and drop in the gnocchi. Cook until they float to the top, 1 to 2 minutes; transfer the gnocchi to warm bowls with a slotted spoon.

Beat the eggs with a fork; use the fork to paint ribbons of egg across the soup. Let set, about 30 seconds. Stir in the chicken meat, parsley, basil and spinach; season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup over the gnocchi. Serve with lemon wedges and more Parmesan.

Food for ThoughtIngredients:2 medium baking potatoes (about 1 1/4 pounds)4 strips bacon, thinly sliced2 carrots, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds2 stalks celery, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces24 pearl onions, peeledKosher salt and freshly ground white pepper1 3- to 4-pound chicken1 small bunch fresh thyme, tied with string8 cups low-sodium chicken broth2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup breadcrumbs3/4 cup all-purpose flour1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish 2 large eggs1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil3 cups loosely packed spinach leaves1 lemon, cut into wedges

Italian Chicken Soup with toasted Parmesan Gnocchi

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GROWN UP MaC & CHEESE

Ingredients:Kosher salt1 pound elbow macaroni1 stick unsalted butter, plus melted butter for brushing

1/4 cup all-purpose flour2 teaspoons mustard powder

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)1 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper1 quart whole milk8 ounces Havarti cheese, grated (about 2 cups)1 pound sharp yellow cheddar cheese, grated (about 4 cups)12 ounces white American cheese, grated (about 3 cups)1 sleeve butter crackers (such as Ritz), crushed (about

35 crackers)2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)

DirectionsPreheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water

to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just slightly softened, about 6 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta and rinse under cold water.

Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and cayenne and cook, whisking, until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce begins to boil and thicken, about 5 minutes. Stir in the havarti and all but 1 cup each of the cheddar and American cheese; cook, stirring, until the cheese just melts, about 1 more minute. Stir in the pasta, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to make a creamy sauce. Season with salt.

Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Spread the pasta mixture in the dish. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a bowl in the microwave; stir in the crushed crackers and parmesan. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar and American cheese evenly over the pasta, then scatter the cracker mixture on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until heated through, about 25 minutes. Remove the foil; continue baking until browned and bubbly, about 20 more minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

iMetro Magazine | 19

Tech

NESt tHERMOStat

Normally we wouldnt get very excited about a new thermostat, but the Nest has been designed by two former Apple employees who were involved in the creation of the iPod and iPhone. The Nest learns your habits every time you adjust it and automatically heats your house to suit. It even lets you control the heating when youre not in via the mobile app. The makers of the device claim that this smart heating can halve your fuel bills.

Shop Now: Nest

LOCKItRON SMaRt LOCK

Bid adieu to that stomach-sinking Did I lock the house? feeling, or the not much better I locked myself outagain moment. Lockitron provides key-less lock and entry initiated through a Smart phone app. For added peace of mind, those with kids can also receive texts when they arrive home.

SHOP NOW: Lockitron

IPaD MINI 2

This 8-inch version of the Ipad has been surrounded by some rumors and questions. Some outlets are reporting that it is already in its manufacturing stage. A Fall 2013 release date is seen to be swirling through the rumor mill. The first version of the Ipad Mini has seen some disappointing reviews due to the screen resolution and processor. However, leave it to Apple to listen to their consumers and rectify problems. The Ipad Mini 2 will prevail and will be a force to be reckoned with.

Shop Now: Apple20 | iMetro Magazine

2013 COOL GADGETS Are you looking for the best gadget gifts to give to a friend or family member? Often we think of gadgets that our geeky friends will like but there are also cool gadgets and gizmos that can be given to just about anyone on our gift list. The gadget does not have to be a technology based item, it can be something that is useful and then again the gadget can be something that is humorous.So, lets have a look at some of the best gadget gifts on the market today.

TechBELKIN WEMO BaBy MONItOR

The Innovation Awards at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) helps sort through the tons of gadgets at the show to highlight some of the most useful, interesting and groundbreaking. The focus is really on new stuff that you might actually want, and will be available to the general public. The WeMo Baby Monitor & App from Belkin. Its great for any new parents or parents-to-be. Its a baby monitor that can go in your childs room, but uses an app on your phone instead of a second receiver. That means you can check up on your child with your iPhone or iPod Touch, and you dont have to carry a second device around the house with you. This is already available from retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, and costs $84 from both of those retailers (as of right now). A new baby monitor from Amazon (without the iPhone capability) can run you anywhere from $40 to

$140, so the WeMo is a good deal with extra added convenience.

Shop Now: Belkin

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