BROWSING:  Special Section

The annual pancake breakfast will be held from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Fenton Community & Cultural Center, hosted by the American Legion.

What surprises many people is that protecting your brain does not have to involve expensive supplements or complicated routines. Often, it starts with simple choices made every day in the kitchen, at the grocery store, or even while packing lunch for work.

Aging is not simply a process of getting older—it is a stage of life that can be rich, meaningful, and deeply rewarding when supported by healthy habits and strong connections. While no one can stop the passage of time, people can greatly influence how they experience it. Staying healthy and happy in later years requires attention to the body, the mind, relationships, and the spirit.

From the end of February to the first week of March, Chef Mark Handy, Chef Gregory Campbell, and Chef Kristina Boroff led Mott Culinary Institute students on a study abroad to Italy. Based in Florence and the Apicius International School of Hospitality, students embarked on a five-day program to “enrich the culinary arts students,” as Chef Handy explained. This enrichment came in various forms over the course of the trip, from standard classroom instruction to cultural immersion. And, of course, every aspect of this trip contributed to students’ lives and learning in different ways.

There’s something about lake life that naturally draws people together. Whether it’s the shimmer of water at sunset or the easy rhythm of boats returning to the dock, lakeside homes are designed for gathering. Today’s waterfront homeowners are taking that tradition a step further, creating outdoor spaces that seamlessly connect the lake, patio and home while making entertaining effortless from dock to dinner.

Summer in Michigan has its own rhythm. It begins with the first warm breeze across the water and unfolds in long, golden evenings where time seems to stretch just a little farther. For generations, lake living has been part of the state’s identity, but in recent years it has taken on new meaning as homeowners discover how time spent near water can improve wellness, productivity and the overall pace of daily life.

Lake living has always influenced the way Michigan homes look and feel, but today’s lake-inspired interiors are moving beyond predictable nautical themes. Gone are the anchors, rope motifs and overly literal beach décor. In their place is a more refined aesthetic, one that captures the calm, natural beauty of the water while embracing modern comfort and understated luxury.

On a summer morning in Michigan, the lake wakes slowly. A light mist drifts across the water, the sun climbs over the treeline and the first boat glides quietly from the dock. For many lakefront homeowners, boating isn’t just recreation, it’s part of the rhythm of life on the water. Today’s boats are evolving to match the modern lake lifestyle, blending technology, comfort and social design in ways that are transforming time on the water.

One of the most significant shifts shaping the future of lake homes is a growing focus on sustainability. Homeowners are increasingly aware of their impact on the fragile ecosystems that surround inland lakes and the Great Lakes shoreline. As a result, new construction and renovations are incorporating environmentally responsible materials, energy-efficient systems and shoreline-friendly landscaping. Native plants are replacing traditional lawns to reduce runoff, while permeable pavers help manage stormwater more effectively. Solar panels, geothermal heating and high-performance insulation are also becoming more common, allowing lake homes to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.