FEBRUARY 2024 - THE HOWLETT FAMILY - FOOD FELLOWSHIP AND FUN

"They say that opposites attract, but it is our shared interests that keep us busy. During the years leading up to our October 2023 marriage, we learned that we both love the variety of Michigan’s four seasons for kayaking, walking in the woods, shooting, and ‘shrooming (morels mostly). Don’t forget music, travel, and a passion for good food and drink. Combining all of these, we exchanged wedding vows outdoors at the Huntsman Hunt Club in Metamora, followed by a wild game dinner. Hal and I (Rebecca) ate our way across Barcelona during a honeymoon that was highlighted by classic Flamenco at the Palau De La Musica and pastries from the oldest bakery in Barcelona, La Colmena. Food is tied to our best times together, and we love feeding family, says Hal. Variety is the name of the game for us as we become foodies and Detroit is a great place to exercise the palate."

MARCH 2024 - THE STEWART FAMILY 

"John and I (Jen) love living in Oakhurst with our kids, JJ and Jaylynn. We have so many friends that live here too. As a family, we enjoy spending time together. When we are home that looks like watching movies or playing cards, taking bike rides or spending the day at an amusement park. When we travel, we vacation and find ways to enjoy wherever we are staying. We all like to hang out with our friends and do things together. Swimming, skiing, etc. Last year for Spring break, we went to Honolulu and Maui, Hawaii. It was one of the best, and most memorable family vacations so far! The Hawaiian islands are such a beautiful place to visit. You should go!"

APRIL 2024 - AVA TEREAU - EVERY EXPERIENCE MATTERS

"Nothing in life is easy, but if I were to constantly sit back and let failure win I wouldn't be the person I am today. Not only has soccer given me the necessary skills to be a functioning human being in today's world, but the beautiful game has also given me unforgettable memories and experiences of a lifetime. I have met some amazing people through soccer. Most of my friendships were cultivated through soccer. Although these past few years have not been easy as I struggled with the recruiting process, and injuries I wouldn't change anything for the world. I am so beyond grateful for the incredible opportunities and experiences I have gained because of soccer. I will continue to move forward."

MAY 2024 - THE BISBEES - GRATEFUL FOR NEW BEGINNINGS*

Last May, Colton, Blakey and Elena were so excited about moving into our neighborhood and becoming a part of the Oakhurst and Clarkston communities. They would fit right in! So would their dogs Demarcus and Lola. Colton plays golf, Blakey enjoys gymnastics, singing and new to volleyball. Elena loves reading, playing golf and a good Netflix binge every now and then. Their home continues to be under renovation so they haven't moved in yet. Elena shared her mother's recipe for Pistachio Cake just in time for Mother's Day. I made it, did you? So good!

JUNE 2024 - OAKHURST GRADUATES - CELEBRATION AND RECOGNITION

In June, we celebrated so many graduates from our neighborhood, including the following:

Gabrielle Allen, Aidan Barnes, Avery Beauchamp, Alexis Carlisle, Allison Danatzko, Antonio Gaglio, Brenden Gerard, Allison Grund, Brooke Hansen, Sophie Harp, Miles Hoyle, Zachary Juzysta, Alexandria Lecureux, Rys Mado, Lane Robison, Jordan Rotman, David Sikowski, Drew Smith and Ava Tereau. Photo Credits found in the June 2024 issue on pages 14 ,15,16 and 17.(Note: Delaney Zielke added in July 2024.) I bet we'd all love to hear how their first semesters went at school.

JULY 2024 - DELANEY ZIELKE - VALUABLE LESSON LEARNED

"One valuable lesson I learned throughout volleyball is that you have control over every small thing you do. My coach placed a bolt on a string, handing one to each of us. She told us to think about which way we wanted it to go, forward or backwards, side to side. To our surprise, the bolt swayed whichever way we thought about it going, it seemed like a simple phenomenon but had such deep meaning. Don't worry too much over what you can't control, simply appreciate the little things and control what you can in your mind. It made me realize my internal thoughts had a lot more power over me than I originally thought."

AUGUST 2024 - THE SHORE FAMILY - WHAT MATTERS MOST

Brian and I love living in Oakhurst with our daughters, Lila and Lindsay (aka Lulu). We're both passionate about giving to St. John Lutheran School and Church in Rochester where they attend church, where  the girls attend school and now where Jen teaches!  They love to travel whenever they get a free minute. They enjoy Anna Maria Island, Fort Myers, Disney World, Mackinac Island, and they love to spend time together at their family cottage up in Port Austin. They are grateful to be living in such a wonderful community and we are all lucky to have them as neighbors. Have you met Wags their sweet dog yet? Adorable!

SEPTEMBER 2024 - THE WEICH FAMILY - PLANTING OUR ROOTS IN CLARKSTON

"Brian and I (Jen) built our house and moved into the Oakhurst neighborhood in October 2012. We'll never forget the date because it was oldest son's, Braeden's 6th birthday. Along with our other two sons, Elliot and Colin, we love the balance of small town feel with access to plenty of amenities. We're an outdoor family with strong ties to the scouting community. Our dog Maverick completes are family that works together, plays together and makes memories together. One favorite: impromptu get togethers and outdoor movie / bonfire nights with neighbors."

OCTOBER 2024 - THE KITSONS - OAKHURST FELT LIKE HOME