Great Haircuts, Homemade Soup and a World-Class Hospital

Editors and columnists love year-end lists. Open any magazine or newspaper this week, and you're likely to find a list dictating what's "in" and what's "out" for 2011 — as if your very life depends on which designer handbag to carry or what color to paint the living room.

I didn't assemble that sort of list this week. Instead, I borrowed a page from my gratitude journal and compiled a roster of Royal Oak resources that are so tightly woven into the tapestry of my days that I can't imagine where I'd be without them.

The word "trendy" is often used to describe Royal Oak, yet what I love most about this community is that it remains an enclave of experienced professionals and beloved icons who are there when you need them.

My list is by no means comprehensive, and, of course, it's biased. My hope is that it will inspire you to make a list of your own — or that you might even be moved to send a thank you note to someone who made your life a little richer or easier this year. In no particular order, here are a few Royal Oak treasures and institutions that have kept me healthy, groomed, grounded, nourished and, sometimes, glued together.   

This world-class hospital has become such an integral part of my family's health care that we fondly refer to it as Billy Beau's. It's been the setting of major events and turning points in my life – a joyful childbirth, a worrisome breast biopsy, two hip-replacement surgeries and several emergency visits with loved ones. More recently, 's Geriatric Clinic has helped me make some tough decisions involving my mother's health care. Knowing that Beaumont is just a mile away brings me peace of mind.

Patti Barreault,

Finding a hair stylist you trust is almost as important as finding the right marriage partner. I met Patti Barreault on a field trip when our children were in , and I made an appointment with her the following week. Since then, I've never walked away from her chair at without feeling thrilled about my haircut and better about myself. I keep telling Patti I'll end up wearing a bad wig if she ever retires. She thinks I'm kidding.

Everybody needs a cozy "Mom and Pop" hangout, a place where everybody knows your name. Owned and operated by Donna and Tony Iljkoski, the newly renovated still serves fresh coffee and comfort food all day. Before I owned a computer, I used to scribble notes for my first local newspaper column in the back-corner booth. I've ordered Donna's famous Greek salad and her soul-soothing homemade soup at least once a week for the past 20 years.

Family Health Care Center

In an age of medical specialists, I find comfort in the holistic concept of the family doctor. Dr. Paul Ehrmann, D.O., fondly referred to by his patients as "Dr. Paul," has seen my family through strep throats, common colds, pulled muscles, irregular heartbeats and annual physicals. He also orchestrated my care during two hip surgeries 10 years ago. I'm indebted to Dr. Paul for referring me to Dr. Lane Brown, the gifted orthopedic surgeon who literally got me back on my feet and walking again.

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It's nearly impossible to starve in Royal Oak. Whether I'm shopping for a hard-to-find ingredient for a fussy dinner party or organic produce for salads, I can easily bag everything I need in the way of groceries without crossing our city limits.

Gustafson & Morningstar Dentistry

Drs. Steve Gustafson and Shari Morningstar have been neighbors and friends for more than 20 years. But our connection actually dates back to my early childhood, when "Dr. Steve's" dad was my dentist. (Drs. Steve and Shari took over Dr. Donald Gustafson's practice in 1988.) Today, my whole family relies on this gifted husband-and-wife team for healthy smiles. We can also vouch for the fact that Dr. Steve hands out toothbrushes on Halloween.

Jack and Emma are cherished members of my family. We were lucky enough to find them at the , where they were fostered as kittens. What's not to love about a place that gives shelter to abandoned animals and cares for them until they're placed in caring homes?

Sometimes it's hard to choose between the New Orleans-style French toast and the eggs crustacean. Either way, is my first choice for weekend brunches.  It's also my favorite spot for dinner before catching a play at Theater. Owned by the Morton brothers, who often host special events for charity, this restaurant supports the work of local artists by displaying their work on the walls.  In addition to its terrific seafood menu and friendly wait staff, Lily's gets high marks for community spirit.

A well-stocked bookstore can give a town its soul. Relatively new to my list, as well as to Royal Oak, this big-name bookstore is now a Main Street destination. I can't think of anything cozier than spending a dull midwinter afternoon exploring the shelves at B&N.

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Royal Oak made thrift shopping cool. I've purchased some of my favorite things, including a vintage Christian Dior tuxedo jacket, from Royal Oak's I'm also indebted to the venerable for supplying most of the wardrobe I've worn as a film extra this year. Knowing that my purchases help those in need is a fashionable bonus.

Every writer loves a great library, and I'm especially lucky to have one in my city that supports local writers of all genres. In 2007, adult services librarian Rosemary Mirsky spearheaded the library's first Writer-in-Residence program, bringing a variety of new writing workshops, author lectures and writing discussion events to our community. I'm proud and grateful to have been a part of that effort.   

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need," wrote Marcus Tullius Cicero, an ancient Roman lawyer and philosopher. Clearly, Cicero neglected to include a few essentials on his list — including good medical care and a first-rate hair stylist. But he was off to a good start.  

As 2010 winds down, I'm wishing you all a wonderful New Year. Thank you, Royal Oak!

Cindy La Ferle's award-winning story collection, Writing Home, is available on Amazon.com. Proceeds from the sales of new copies are donated to the . For more information, visit Cindy La Ferle's Home Office.