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Author: Xemplar Club

The Xemplar Club of Farmington & Farmington Hills is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to improving lives through community service, youth programs, and charitable events. Join us in making a positive impact!

Speaker Spotlight – Betsy Ford Main

Speaker Spotlight – Betsy Ford Maine

The Xemplar Club was honored to welcome Betsy Ford Maine as our first speaker of the season. Betsy, a retired attorney from Grand Rapids, shared the remarkable story of her father, Dale V. Ford, one of the U.S. Army’s Monuments Men.

Her presentation highlighted the Monuments Men’s mission to recover art and cultural treasures looted by the Nazis during World War II. Betsy’s father served in Europe, helping to preserve and return priceless works, including stained glass, paintings, and even a Rembrandt self-portrait. She also described the continued legacy of this work, with thousands of pieces of art still missing today.

Betsy brought her father’s journey to life with photos, stories, and reflections on the honor of seeing his contributions recognized in books, the film The Monuments Men, and even at the World War II Museum. Her talk was both educational and deeply inspiring, reminding us of the importance of preserving history for future generations

Monica Ingles

Simon Mourani

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Spotlight on Local Business: Monica from The Cake Sisters

 

At a recent Xemplar Club luncheon, members were treated not just to warm camaraderie and delicious cookies, but to an inspiring and entertaining talk from Monica, co-owner of Kitchen Creations in downtown Farmington and Sorella’s Cake Studio in Livonia—together known as The Cake Sisters.

Monica, a Farmington native and proud mom of four boys, shared the heartfelt journey that led her and her sister to become small business owners. What began with her sons working part-time for Missy and Joe LaRussa at Kitchen Creations turned into a dream realized when Missy offered to sell the business. Monica and her sister jumped at the chance to own a storefront in their hometown—a place that, as she put it, “feels like walking through downtown like a queen.”

 

Two Businesses, One Passion

The Cake Sisters encompass two complementary ventures:

  • Sorella’s Cake Studio specializes in intricate, multi-tiered wedding cakes and extravagant custom confections.

  • Kitchen Creations caters to at-home bakers with everything from cake pops to edible images and even name tag engraving with their high-powered Thunder Laser cutter.

Each location reflects Monica’s passion for inclusivity, artistry, and customer-centered service. “We want people to feel welcome and seen,” Monica said. “If you don’t have passion, you don’t belong in business.”

 

Standing by Values

Monica emphasized that both businesses operate on a values-driven model. Their mission? To provide high-quality, custom cakes and client experiences that are unforgettable. Their vision focuses on community-building, creativity, and integrity. Their core values—kindness, inclusivity, authenticity, accountability, and artistry—guide every decision they make.

She also humorously addressed the reality of balancing customer expectations and budget constraints, especially in the wedding industry. “People say they want a cake like they saw on Ace of Cakes, and then they’re shocked when I tell them it costs $1,800,” she laughed. “I can make it, but are you willing to pay for it?”

 

A Business Rooted in Community

The Cake Sisters are proudly embedded in the local and regional wedding scene. As a preferred vendor with major venues like the Henry Ford Museum and multiple golf clubs, Monica’s team is known for reliability and excellence. Their reputation is built not just on skill, but on consistently great reviews on platforms like The Knot and WeddingWire.

Despite modern marketing trends, Monica still cherishes in-person interaction. “This new generation wants to do everything online,” she said. “But sometimes I just want to say—can we have a three-minute phone call? It would be so much easier!”

 

The Weirdest Cake Ever?

Monica didn’t shy away from sharing a few wild business stories—including one cake that featured a questionable photo from a client’s aunt and ended with signed legal waivers and a very awkward birthday party. “We do what we need to pay the rent,” she said, “but we have boundaries too!”

 

What’s Next?

Monica and her sister aim to eventually relocate the cake studio to downtown Farmington, bringing both halves of The Cake Sisters under one local roof. In the meantime, they continue to serve customers with humor, heart, and a whole lot of buttercream.

You can find Monica most often at the cake studio in Livonia, but both locations are open to the public. “Come in, buy all the cakes,” she joked. “And I’ll even put weird stuff on them—if you really want!”

Dave Kinchen and Stephanie Mead

Dave Kinchen and Stephanie Mead

Wednesday, 21 May 2025

From Tornadoes to Transformation: Fox 2’s Stephanie Mead and Dave Kinchen Visit the Xemplar Club

Farmington, MI – May 2025 — The Xemplar Club of Farmington & Farmington Hills welcomed two dynamic voices from Fox 2 News — meteorologist Stephanie Mead and reporter Dave Kinchen — for a lively and thoughtful conversation about weather, journalism, and the changing face of Detroit.

 

A Life Shaped by Weather

Stephanie Mead opened with a personal and passionate overview of her career in meteorology. Originally from the Chicago area, Mead developed a fascination with weather early on, especially the dramatic lake-effect systems and severe conditions common near Lake Michigan. She studied meteorology and journalism at Northern Illinois University, then began her career forecasting in the mountains of Idaho.

After stops in Green Bay and Indianapolis, where she covered major events like the Indy 500 and tracked numerous severe weather systems, Mead made her way to Detroit. “You’re not quite Tornado Alley,” she told the room, “but you’re close.” She noted that Southeast Michigan is seeing a shift in storm activity, with more tornadoes recorded already this year than usual for the entire season.

Asked if she ever chased storms, Mead smiled: “I love the science, but I’m not looking to get too close. I’d rather appreciate a tornado from a safe distance — preferably indoors.”

 

Covering Detroit’s Comeback

Dave Kinchen, a Detroit native and seasoned Fox 2 reporter, followed with his own homecoming story. His interest in journalism was sparked in middle school after meeting TV legend Frank Turner. That encounter launched a lifelong passion for storytelling, leading Kinchen through jobs in Flint and Philadelphia before returning to Detroit — just in time to witness the city’s remarkable revival.

“We’ve dreamed of this moment since the 1967 riots,” Kinchen said. “Now, the question is: how do we sustain it?”

He highlighted encouraging signs: population growth in the city, young professionals returning, booming redevelopment in areas like Corktown, and a renewed focus on mass transit and infrastructure. He’s especially interested in telling stories that capture the city’s momentum without ignoring its challenges — like housing debates in Royal Oak or crime prevention efforts through youth programs.

 

From Breaking News to Deep Roots

When asked about memorable stories, Kinchen mentioned both triumph and tragedy. The NFL Draft brought over 700,000 visitors downtown and ran smoothly — “that felt like winning a Super Bowl,” he said. But he also recalled difficult reporting, such as child neglect cases that shook the community.

As a journalist, Kinchen emphasized the importance of integrity: “Detroit is a ‘big small town.’ Everyone knows someone, so we walk a fine line — reporting honestly while staying grounded in the community.”

 

Questions, Weather Warnings, and the Detroit Spirit

Club members asked questions ranging from tornado trends and meteorological contracts to media ethics and the future of Detroit’s mayoral race. Mead and Kinchen offered thoughtful, informed answers — with humor and humility woven throughout.

Mead shared her professional love of forecasting winter storms (“so much detail, so much science”), but personally prefers fall for its mild beauty. Kinchen discussed the challenge of balancing shorter interviews with meaningful soundbites — and the joy of storytelling when a source says something truly powerful.

Jess Westendorf

Jess Westendorf

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Downtown Farmington’s Future: Jess Westendorf Shares Her Vision

Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Jess Westendorf, the new Executive Director of the Farmington Downtown Development Authority (DDA), spoke to the Xemplar Club with passion and vision for the future of downtown Farmington.

With six years of experience at the DDA, she now leads efforts to expand placemaking, strengthen local business, and enhance public spaces that bring people together.

Key Highlights

  • Mason’s Corner: A brand-new public space featuring the Unity Torch sculpture and a community-funded art swing.
  • Revitalized Alleys: Strategic investments have transformed underused alleys into hubs of activity, including new restaurants, shops, and gathering areas.
  • Public Art: Murals and installations — including projects in partnership with the DIA — add beauty and cultural appeal downtown.
  • Awards: Farmington was named a semifinalist for the Great American Main Street Award and honored as Michigan’s Downtown of the Year in 2024.

What’s Ahead

The next major project is the Art Park Promenade, which will improve pedestrian access from Riley Park to Shiawassee Park through a new public art corridor and neighborhood connections.

Jess also encouraged residents to share their input through the city’s master plan surveys, helping shape downtown’s growth over the next decade.

“There’s so much good happening here — and we’re just getting started.”

For more on downtown initiatives or to take the survey, visit the Farmington DDA website.

Simon Mourani

Simon Mourani

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 7 May 2025

Empowering Our Communities: DTE Energy’s Vision Shared with the Xemplar Club

During a recent Xemplar Club meeting, Simon Morani, Community Engagement Manager at DTE Energy, delivered a dynamic and informative presentation, giving members a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s major initiatives. From infrastructure investments and energy assistance to scam awareness and clean energy goals, Simon highlighted how DTE is working to create a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for all Michiganders.

A Commitment to Clean, Reliable, and Affordable Energy

 

Simon opened by introducing DTE’s dual role in providing both electric and gas service across Michigan, serving over 2.3 million electric and 1.3 million gas customers. He emphasized DTE’s threefold commitment: reliability, affordability, and clean energy. Central to that promise is a $9 billion investment over five years aimed at reducing outages by 30% and improving restoration times by 50% by 2029.

A significant piece of that strategy is DTE’s CleanVision Plan, which includes retiring coal-fired plants like those in Trenton and Monroe, aiming to exit coal entirely by 2032 and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Strengthening the Grid: The Four-Point Reliability Plan

 

Simon outlined DTE’s comprehensive Four-Point Plan to improve energy reliability:

  1. Tree Trimming – Since 70% of power outages are caused by falling trees, DTE is actively trimming trees across neighborhoods.
  2. Grid Hardening – Replacing old wooden poles with stronger steel ones and modernizing cross arms to withstand extreme weather.
  3. Smart Grid Automation – Transitioning to a smart grid enables real-time rerouting of power to reduce widespread outages.
  4. Voltage Conversion – Upgrading from 4.8 to 13.2 kilovolts enhances both safety and service reliability.

Each element is carefully tracked and publicly accessible via DTE’s Process Improvement Maps, offering transparency on work being done across local communities.

Supporting Households: Assistance, Awareness, and Savings

 

Simon walked members through a robust suite of energy assistance programs for income-qualified residents, seniors, veterans, and active military. These programs include:

  • Winter Protection Plans
  • State Emergency Relief
  • Senior Credits (which require active enrollment)
  • Rebates for efficient appliances and smart thermostats

He also warned of increased energy scams, including impersonators spoofing DTE’s phone number. He stressed verifying caller identity and never sharing payment information over the phone.

Understanding Rates and Saving Smart

 

With the implementation of Time-of-Day Rates, customers can now take control of their bills by shifting energy usage away from peak hours (3–7 PM, weekdays). Tools like the DTE Insight App allow users to track and adjust usage in real time. For EV owners, Simon clarified that a separate meter can provide optimal charging rates during off-peak hours (typically 11 PM–7 AM).

 

Community Involvement at the Core

 

Simon also highlighted the community engagement efforts that define his role: from setting up resource tables at local festivals to visiting senior centers and Rotary clubs. DTE’s volunteerism program supports employees giving back with grants for nonprofit organizations, and the DTE Foundation offers grants up to $50,000 to eligible community-based initiatives.

A strong believer in building trust through presence, Simon attends city council meetings and has cultivated partnerships with local leaders like Todd Lipa of CARES in Farmington Hills. These connections help DTE amplify outreach and serve the broader community effectively.

 

Upcoming Local Event: DTE Open House in Farmington Hills

 

Simon enthusiastically invited Xemplar members to attend an upcoming DTE Open House at CARES of Farmington Hills. The event will offer direct access to DTE’s program leaders, from renewables to tree trimming, and feature free BBQ, giveaways, and onsite help desks to resolve individual concerns. The event is May 14th at CARES in Farmington Hills.


“You hear all the negatives,” Simon concluded, “but what you don’t always hear is how many opportunities exist—opportunities to save money, stay safe, and be part of the clean energy transition.”

The Xemplar Club thanks Simon Morani and DTE Energy for their dedication to educating and empowering the communities they serve.

Randy Bruce

Randy Bruce

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Mayoral Candidate Randy Bruce Visits Xemplar Club to Share Vision for Farmington Hills

The Xemplar Club of Farmington & Farmington Hills welcomed mayoral candidate Randy Bruce as its guest speaker last Wednesday, offering members an engaging look at his plans for the city’s future. A Farmington Hills resident of over 30 years and a retired General Motors executive, Bruce brought a compelling message grounded in his business acumen, community involvement, and a deep commitment to local values.


Bruce, who is seeking to become the next mayor of Farmington Hills, emphasized the importance of leadership that is both accountable and transparent. “I’m not a politician—I’m a community servant,” he said. “This is about making Farmington Hills the best it can be for families, for businesses, and for future generations.”


During his talk, Bruce laid out key areas of focus for his campaign:

  • Public Safety and Infrastructure: Bruce stressed the need for sustainable infrastructure improvements and ensuring police and fire services are well-equipped and supported. “Our first responders deserve the tools they need to keep us safe,” he said.

  • Fiscal Responsibility: With years of executive leadership under his belt, Bruce highlighted his commitment to responsible budgeting and avoiding wasteful spending. “We need to manage our city like a well-run business—efficient, accountable, and forward-thinking.”

  • Community Engagement: One of Bruce’s standout messages was the importance of listening to residents. “I want to bring City Hall closer to the people,” he explained, pledging to hold more public forums and ensure that every citizen has a voice.

Xemplar members responded positively to Bruce’s message, especially his focus on bridging generational and cultural divides within the city. “We need a leader who brings people together—and I want to be that leader,” he said.


As election season approaches, the Xemplar Club remains committed to hosting informative sessions with local candidates and civic leaders. Randy Bruce’s visit provided valuable insight into the choices Farmington Hills voters will face in the coming months.

Robert Jackson

Robert Jackson

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 23 April 2025

One Man’s Journey from Farmington to D.C. to the Xemplar Club

At a recent gathering of the Xemplar Club in Farmington, Michigan, the room fell into respectful silence as guest speaker Robert Jackson stepped forward. A native of Farmington and graduate of Farmington High School, Jackson brought with him not just decades of experience in military and public service—but a story of transformation, mentorship, and unshakable commitment to country.

 

Jackson served nine years in the U.S. Navy and went on to spend 25 years in Washington, D.C., including roles as Deputy Communications Director for the House Armed Services Committee, Legislative Director, and later Chief of Staff for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). His career placed him in rooms with presidents and before Congress, advocating for those who have worn the uniform.

 

But his message on this day wasn’t just about titles or policy. It was about people—those who shape us, believe in us, and push us beyond what we think we can become. Jackson spoke with heartfelt emotion about the late Paul Welday, a high school acquaintance turned mentor, who helped guide him into public service. “One person can make all the difference in somebody’s life,” Jackson said. “Paul Welday made that difference in mine.”

 

Addressing a crowd that included administrative professionals, Jackson emphasized the unsung role of support staff. “Nobody does it alone,” he told them. “They keep us from doing the stupid things we’d do without them—it’s a full-time job.”

 

His speech at the Xemplar Club wasn’t just a trip down memory lane; it was a passionate call to action. Jackson expressed concern over current efforts to privatize veterans’ healthcare and the growing political gridlock in Washington that he believes harms the very people he spent decades fighting for. “Both parties need to talk. If they don’t, 21 million veterans suffer,” he warned.

 

Despite the serious tone, Jackson ended with a message of hope and gratitude—for the mentors, for the comrades, and for the mission that still drives him. As he spoke the final words, the crowd stood not just to applaud, but to honor a man whose life story embodies the values the Xemplar Club holds dear: service, leadership, and community.

 

In that small gathering, Robert Jackson reminded everyone that patriotism isn’t passive—it’s lived, shared, and earned.

Mary and Derek O’Conner

Mary & Derek O'Connor

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 16 April 2025

From Scratch: The Journey of Chocolate Chipped Bakery

At a recent meeting of the Xemplar Club, members had the opportunity to hear from Mary and Derek O’Connor, the founders of Chocolate Chipped Bakery—a growing local business with deep roots in the Farmington community.

 

Established in 2017, Chocolate Chipped Bakery began as a passion project driven by Mary’s long-standing love for baking. Her goal was to create the ideal chocolate chip cookie: one large enough to be satisfying on its own, soft and dough-like on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and generously filled with chocolate chips in every bite.

 

The bakery’s early growth was closely tied to the Farmington Farmers Market, where Mary and Derek were consistent vendors. Their cookies sold out at every market appearance, quickly earning them a loyal following and validating the potential of their business concept. These early successes laid the foundation for their expansion into a commercial kitchen and, eventually, a brick-and-mortar storefront in downtown Farmington in 2024.

During their visit, the O’Connors shared their story with club members and brought along samples of their signature cookies, showcasing the product that helped launch their entrepreneurial journey.

 

Chocolate Chipped Bakery is a strong example of local business development grounded in quality, persistence, and community engagement—values that align closely with the mission of the Xemplar Club.

Valerie Knol

Valerie Knol

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 9 April 2025

Valerie Knol on Leadership: Local Voices, Lasting Impact

This week, the Xemplar Club welcomed Valerie Knol, a dedicated public servant and longtime advocate for the Farmington and Farmington Hills communities. Knol, who currently serves on the Farmington Hills City Council and works in public affairs at Stellantis, offered a heartfelt and insightful look into the power of local government and the importance of community connection.

Valerie began by sharing how her journey in public service started—not with a campaign, but with volunteering.

 

“I didn’t run for office first. I actually served on the Planning Commission,”

She reflected on the early days when a friend encouraged her to apply. That first step, taken with humility and a desire to help, would eventually lead to roles as Mayor of Farmington, Mayor Pro Tem, and Council Member.

One of the strongest messages Valerie brought was about the value of local government.

 

“The government that affects your life the most is your local government.”

From public safety to zoning, she reminded us how decisions made close to home often have the biggest impact on our day-to-day lives.

Her time in local office has been shaped by a strong belief in listening and building consensus—skills she also brings to her role at Stellantis, where she works on policy and government relations.

 

“It’s about solving problems and making things better, not making headlines.”

Throughout her talk, Valerie stressed the importance of engagement, encouraging members to take part in community life in whatever way they can.

 

“Don’t be afraid to show up,” she said. “You don’t have to be on Council to make a difference.”

She also touched on how powerful it is to simply be present and listen, whether it’s at a Council meeting, a neighborhood gathering, or a volunteer event.

In closing, Valerie reminded us that being involved is a form of leadership in itself.

 

“Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and caring about the people around you.”

We’re grateful to Valerie Knol for her time, her candor, and her continued commitment to public service. Her story is a reminder that leadership starts with listening—and that we all have a role to play in building stronger communities.

John O’Brien

John O' Brien

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 2 April 2025

From Trenches to Transformation: Inside Farmington’s FiberCity® Rollout with John O’Brien

As Farmington and Farmington Hills continue their ambitious transformation into a fully connected FiberCity®, one name keeps coming up—John O’Brien.

John isn’t just a liaison between construction crews and city planners—he’s the boots-on-the-ground advocate, the one who takes the heat when lawns get dug up and the first to follow up when repairs need to be made. Now officially joining the Farmington Area FiberCity® Community Relations team, John’s mission is clear: make the transition smooth, make the communication clear, and make the impact long-lasting.

 

FiberCity®: What It Means and Why It Matters

Unlike traditional internet infrastructure projects that piggyback on old DSL or cable lines, the FiberCity® initiative is a full-scale rebuild of internet infrastructure—laid entirely from scratch. This new underground network will deliver ultra-fast fiber optic internet to every home and business in the community, creating multiple high-speed service options for residents and businesses alike.

Currently, T-Mobile is the leading provider for single-family homes on this network, while Spartanet (formerly Spartan Fiber) and Collectro will serve multi-family housing. These new choices bring long-overdue competition to a space long dominated by limited and often unreliable options like Spectrum or AT&T.

 

John’s Approach: Real Talk, Real Results

In a recent community Q&A session, John broke down the process in plain language. From the messy trenching stages to the final straw-blanket grass restoration, he assured residents that while the disruption is temporary, the benefits are built to last.

 

“People would come up to me pretty fired up—‘Hey, you messed up my lawn!’” John shared candidly. “Yes, but fixing it is part of the process. We won’t leave a mess behind—we’re here to improve your service and your property.”

He emphasized that final landscaping is done after all fiber work is complete. The sequence ensures crews aren’t tearing up newly restored yards for finishing touches later on.

 

Smart City Possibilities on the Horizon

The implications go beyond just fast internet. The FiberCity® backbone lays the groundwork for smart city features: traffic light coordination, temperature sensors for roads, air quality monitors, and more.

 

“This isn’t just about watching Netflix faster,” John said. “It’s about public safety, infrastructure efficiency, and economic growth.”

Keeping Residents in the Loop

One of John’s biggest points was the 24/7 UK-based call center that logs complaints or questions, which are then handled locally—often by John himself. Whether it’s a sprinkler damaged by drilling or a mysteriously delayed flag removal, he tracks issues, writes tickets, and gets them resolved.

 

“I’m your advocate. I work with the contractors and make sure they’re accountable. Don’t be afraid to call—I want to help.”

He also provided practical tips—like when to remove those infamous utility flags (after the biodegradable blanket is down and grass hits four inches) and what each stage of the process should look like.

 

Looking Ahead to 2026

As of now, the project is 50% complete, with construction expected to wrap up by 2026. More neighborhoods are coming online each month. Residents are already reporting better service and significant savings—some switching to T-Mobile Fiber for double the speed at lower prices compared to legacy providers.

John closed the session not with more tech talk, but with heartfelt appreciation:

 

“Thanks for having me. I’m proud to be part of something that’s really going to change our community for the better.”

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