Janet Davis Cleaners - March 2025

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(248) 543-0340 | www.janetdaviscleaners.com 27607 Woodward Ave., Berkley, MI 48072

MARCH 2025

with Christmas images, and keeping the classic elements everyone has grown to expect. We were treated to a surprise meet and greet with one of the new dancers in the cast. It felt like everywhere we walked was an adventure in itself. When we walked down Fifth Avenue, the Louis Vuitton store was under construction, but they didn’t waste an opportunity to turn it into a public show. They made the building look like a stack of trunks projected on to clear screens to create a 3-D effect, as well as small drones as “birds” flying throughout the theater. We decided to give ourselves extra time in NYC this year, so we made sure to hit Central Park again, checked out the “Ghostbusters” firehouse, posed for a selfie in front of Taylor Swift’s condo, and had a meal at Gayle’s Broadway Rose, a restaurant staffed by Broadway hopefuls who sing to you between dished out meals. Clearly, we didn’t get enough show tunes there because we also caught the Broadway show “Six: The Musical,” about King Henry VIII’s wives. Times Square was so packed you could barely walk. The next day, we took the subway to the 911 memorial and visited the museum. As we wrapped up the trip, I couldn’t help but feel so grateful for the chance to make these memories with my family. From another round of great experiences with the Rockettes to taking in the sights, it was another unforgettable trip. I’m already looking forward to the next trip, but for now, we’re just dancing in our memories. –Kyle Matthews 1 (248) 543-0340

A Second Round of NYC Magic Rockettes, Broadway, and Family Fun

A chat with a real-life Rockette, a Broadway show, amazing food, and lots of walking in the country’s biggest city — things you may remember from the amazing trip I took in summer 2023 with my daughters’ dance studio to New York City. They were getting an immersive dance experience, which gave us the chance as a family to explore the Big Apple. We had so much fun we had to do it again, and the rest of our family joined us over the holiday season for another round of NYC adventures. This time, about 60 people attended, 12 of whom were my family members, and we had the opportunity to do even more sightseeing. We stayed just south of Central Park, right in Manhattan, and we started the day with a stroll to Bryant Park. The whole scene looked like something out of a holiday movie, with a skating rink and pop-up Christmas market.

retiring; she had been a Rockette for half of her life and gave us a peek behind the curtains into what it means to be a Rockette. After that, we split up, with my wife and younger daughter joining a group at the American Girls store and me and my older daughter joining another group to check out Canal Street and its famous counterfeit goods. Admittedly, being one of two dads on the trip was a little surreal and funny. While we didn’t buy anything from the vendors, the girls had fun testing their negotiation skills. We tried to ensure the girls had plenty of time to bond with their friends and that our family had time to check out all the tourist sites they wanted. In the evening, we all dressed up for dinner and the Rockette’s Christmas show. My family has a special connection with their holiday event. My wife saw them growing up in

The next day kicked off with a two-hour tap dance class my girls got to do with a Rockette at New York City dance studio in Midtown. Once the dance portion was over, the parents returned for a Q&A with the dancer. She told us her fascinating story of the 18 years she spent dancing with the famous group before

New York and Detroit, and my mom also caught them in Detroit. During COVID-19 we watched the event on TV as a family, and it’s become a tradition to watch it every year. Seeing them in person was a different experience, and they did an excellent job of incorporating new technologies, like projectors

Do you find yourself fascinated by all things vintage or tend to get lost in the whims of nostalgia? If so, you’re not alone! Antiques aren’t just old trinkets — they’re timeless treasures gifted to us from the past. Whether it’s an heirloom painting or an old brass duck, these items have stories and hold priceless and sentimental value for many. Depending on how “vintage” your pieces are, cleaning and restoring them can require knowledge, precision, and care. One mistake can erase their historical significance and cause irreparable damage. Use these five tips to clean your antique collection safely. IDENTIFY WHAT THE ANTIQUE IS MADE OF. Despite what many say, soap and water aren’t always safe, especially for antiques. Water can cause warping in wood, damage certain fabric materials, and tarnish metal. With many antique pieces, the finish determines your cleaning method. A tip for wood is to test the finish with denatured alcohol. HANDLE IT DELICATELY. Before restoring your antique, it’s essential to consider whether handling it will potentially damage it. Wash your hands before touching items, and consider wearing gloves as an added precaution to prevent transferring oil from your hands to the collectible. AVOID HARMFUL CHEMICALS. No matter what your antique is made from, it’s always best to avoid products containing ammonia, bleach, and other harsh chemicals, as they can strip finishes, damage structural integrity, and cause discoloration. BE MINDFUL OF CLEANING TOOLS. Microfiber cloths, cotton swabs, and soft bristle brushes are fantastic tools for cleaning antiques. Having the right tools beforehand ensures the cleaning process is effective and prevents damage to the antique. STORE IT IN A SAFE PLACE. Depending on the type of antique you have, do a little research on the piece to understand how to store it properly. Keeping pieces out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources and moisture will always favor the antique. Plus, learning the fascinating stories behind vintage pieces is part of the charm of why you enjoy them so much! Handle With Care and Keep the Stories Alive Your Guide to Cleaning Vintage Treasures

Keep Your Baptismal Gown as Beautiful as the Day It Was Worn FROM FIRST BLESSING TO FAMILY HEIRLOOM

Baptismal gowns are more than just garments; they’re cherished symbols of a special moment in a child’s life and often become family heirlooms passed down through generations. These delicate fabrics carry sentimental value, and preserving them for years requires proper care, cleaning, and storage. Whether your gown is made of lace, satin, silk, or another

material, knowing the right techniques to protect it ensures this important family history remains pristine for future celebrations.

Most baptismal gowns are made of fabrics that are tricky to care for, like silk, which can get ruined by water. Always start by checking for care instructions and determining the garment’s material. Dry cleaning can be a safe option, but you can hand wash it cautiously if the gown is cotton or another easily washed fabric. Use warm water and wash it with a gentle detergent, rinsing it several times. You can roll the gown in a towel and gently squeeze the water out to avoid damaging it by wringing it dry. Air dry it entirely before safely storing it flat, hanging it in a garment bag or wrapped in acid-free paper in a clean box. At Janet Davis Cleaners, we know how special these family treasures are, and we’ve perfected the art of preserving them. We start by carefully inspecting the garment to ensure we use the ideal methods to clean and spot-treat it. The dress is steamed, pressed, and packed in an acid-free storage chest and tissue paper to protect it from damage. We can also replace buttons, lace, or other details necessary to make it almost brand new. Our customers know they can turn to us to care for these heirloom gowns. Mary brought her daughter’s baptismal gown to us to preserve 30 years ago, and when it came time for her granddaughter’s celebration, she knew who to call. “When we took the baptismal gown out of the preservation box, it looked exactly like it did when my daughter wore it...perfect! Of course, I returned to Janet Davis Cleaners to have them preserve this family heirloom again. The staff is top-notch and so incredibly sweet!” — Mary

Contact us today so we can preserve the special memories of your baptismal, christening, or communion gown for generations to come.

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GAME DAY READY How to Keep Your Sports and Band Gear Looking Fresh

The hanger shortage is still an issue, and we will continue collecting your hangers! Instead of sending them to the landfill, let us put them to use. We offer a cardboard hanger recycling tote you can request to fill with the hangers you no longer need. It can also help you organize your closet. Thank you for all your help. THE HANGER SHORTAGE CONTINUES

March Madness isn’t just about basketball — it’s a prime time to tackle cleaning end-of-season school sports and band uniforms. These garments undergo a lot of wear and tear on the field, and it’s essential to use the proper techniques to remove sweat, dirt, and other stains. From checking care labels to choosing the best detergents, proper cleaning can extend the life of these garments and keep them looking their best. A little extra care will keep their polyester jerseys or delicate band attire ready for the next game or big show. SPORTS GEAR Most sports gear is made of synthetic performance fabrics, which require a little extra TLC and a delicate approach. Always start by checking the care labels for any specific instructions. Believe it or not, your favorite brand of powdered soap, like Tide, is a powerful tool to remove stubborn sports stains. The small crystals in powdered detergent provide mechanical action before entirely dissolving in the water, micro- scrubbing your gear as it gets clean. Make sure to run an extra rinse cycle on your washer when you

do this so all the soap is out. Leftover detergent can often be the culprit of stinky athletic clothes. Use cool water, especially if you’re washing jerseys with numbers and letters that can crack or peel. BAND UNIFORMS When it comes to band uniforms, again, check the care label, as the fabrics and colors may need special care. Use gentle detergents and cold water to prevent popular school colors, like maroon, from fading or bleeding. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt or debris for band hats and plumes. You can use a spot treatment on individual stains. Hand wash a plume in cold water if it needs a good scrubbing. In general, you want to avoid the washing machine for band gear and you should air dry these garments flat. Bring uniforms that require dry cleaning to a reputable dry cleaner like Janet Davis Cleaners. At Janet Davis Cleaners, we know how to tackle the tough stains and vibrant colors of sports and band uniforms with the care they deserve. Contact us today! Homemade Shamrock Shakes

Inspired by TheKitchn.com

SUDOKU

No need to make a McDonald’s run for this refreshingly minty treat. Make your own St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shakes at home (They’re even better than Mickey D’s!)

INGREDIENTS Milkshake • 1 pint vanilla ice cream • 2/3 cup whole milk

Toppings • Whipped cream • Green sprinkles • 2 maraschino cherries

• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract • 8 drops liquid or 4 drops gel green food coloring

DIRECTIONS 1. Put 2 tall drinking glasses into the freezer to chill. 2. Allow ice cream to slightly soften for 10–15 minutes. 3. In a blender, add milk, peppermint extract, green food coloring, and softened vanilla ice cream. 4. Blend on lowest setting and work up to medium speed for 1 minute or until smooth and pourable. 5. Pour evenly into frosted glasses, and top with garnish of your choice. Serve immediately.

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Monday–Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(248) 543-0340 www.janetdaviscleaners.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE

27607 Woodward Ave. Berkley, MI 48072

1 Dancing Through the Holidays 2 Preserving Timeless Pieces

Trust the Experts at Janet Davis Cleaners

3 Pro Tips for Fresh, Clean Uniforms

Homemade Shamrock Shakes

4 Engage Your Kids With Fun Gardening Projects

GREEN THUMBS IN TRAINING How to Make Gardening a Family Adventure

MAKE SPACE AND PLANT TOGETHER. After choosing your seeds, you must ensure your garden is ready to sustain life. Dedicate a section of your lawn or patio to

There’s nothing better than spending time with your kids outside, enjoying an entertaining, creative, and informative activity. But sometimes, these activities are hard to coordinate.

Thankfully, gardening appeals to parents and kids from all walks of life. All you need is a dedicated area in your yard or patio and seeds, and you’re ready to get started. LET YOUR KIDS CHOOSE THE PLANTS. This is arguably the most crucial part of igniting your children’s interest in gardening. If you pick out the fruits, veggies, and flowers you want to grow and invite your kids to help plant, water, and pick, they may lose interest quickly. Instead, include them in the process from the get-go. Take them to the store and let

your gardening efforts and start laying soil or filling your planters. Help your children transplant their seeds or young plants directly into the area. Now, put them in charge of caring for the plants by checking on and watering them. You may want to follow behind to ensure they aren’t over or under-watering.

MAKE IT FUN AND INFORMATIVE! You can get your kids more involved by encouraging them to research their plants and track their growth. They can even look

online to see how their plants should be developing. Soon enough, those fruits and

them pick out seeds or plants. Encourage them to choose produce they already enjoy eating, making it even more fun for them! Just be sure their choices can grow in your area during the current season.

vegetables will be ready to eat, and you should let your children pick anything ripe when possible. Seeing the fruits of their labor (literally) will make this experience even more enlightening and enjoyable for them.

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