arolyn and Randy Holloway loved to entertain. The problem was, with three growing children and a cramped combined family room and kitchen, they hardly had room for themselves, much less all of their friends. So, they called Gittleman Construction Company on an acquaintance's recommendation, and got the space they'd always wanted. PLATINUM PLANNER Having only had a minor mudroom renovation before, the Holloway family had little idea what to expect when they proposed to add 560 sq. ft. to their home, turning the small, obsolete kitchen and family room into a host's dream - "It made our home a lot more livable," said Randy. MUSIC RESUMES: Pianist Lang Lang opens the new season of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra with a piece by Rachmaninoff at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward, Detroit. Guest conductor Peter Oundjian leads the musicians in presenting pieces by Beethoven and Chopin. The program is repeated at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8; 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Tickets start at $19. (313) 576-5111. CREATIVITY MEETS CUISINE: An event tradition mixes a variety of artworks with a variety of food treats for the annual Art & Apples Festival scheduled Sept. 8-10 at the Rochester Municipal Park. Almost 300 artists show their works 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday. There will be a larger children's area this year, while food booths will feature unique items, such as apple-infused tea and cheesecake on a stick. $5 adults. (248) 651-4110. URBAN ROMANCE: Stagecrafters and crew have picked the musical classic West Side Story to launch the new season Sept. 8-10, 14-17, 21-24 and Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 Lafayette, Royal Oak. The show, set in the midst of gang life in New York City, starts at 8 p.m. except at 2 p.m. Sundays. $16-$18. (248) 541-6430. SIGNATURE SOFTBALL: A softball game between celebrities — including Kris Draper and Mickey Lolich — to benefit children's chari- ties begins at 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Comerica Park in Detroit. The Champions' Challenge features current members of the Red Wings opposing alumni of the Tigers. Detroit area media personalities compete at 5:45 p.m. Proceeds benefit Think Detroit PAL, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, Detroit Tigers Foundation and Hitch Charities for Children. S 10. www.ilitchcharitiesforchildren.org . RAT PACK REWARDS: Three charities benefit from preview perfor- mances of a show that pays tribute to the talents of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop at the Gem & Century Theatres, 333 Madison, Detroit. The Rat Pack Is Back! begins at 8 p.m. and raises funds for the American Lung Association on Sept. 12, COTS on Sept. 13 and Alternatives for Girls on Sept. 14. Ticket prices vary by charity with reservations made by calling each one, in order of performance dates, (248) 784-2030, (313) 576-0206 or (313) 361-4000, ext. 223. HIGH-TECH COUNTRY: The American Cancer Society benefits from the Cattle Barons' Ball starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Michigan State Fairgrounds, Detroit. Texas-inspired gourmet foods will be served by chefs from popular restaurants while mechanical bulls, blackjack and rodeo roping are among the midway attractions. An auction, local tal- ent and style contest add to the bash. $200. (248) 557-5353. STAR POWER: Tony Award-winning musical actress Donna McKechnie, who grew up in Michigan and starred in the original production of A Chorus Line, performs to raise funds for Meadow Brook Theatre, Rochester, where the curtain goes up at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15. A post-show reception with the singer-dancer is planned. $75 performance; $125 for performance and reception. (248) 377-3300. Even better was the level of customer service which is "Gittleman's special touch." Carolyn, in particular, was impressed - she had a household to run, and out of a basement, to boot. "It was important to me, that they were there when they said they'd be there." And they were. The team was prompt and tidy, cleaning the workspace every day. Now the Holloways entertain comfortably in their new space, enjoying the company of family and friends in rooms designed with their specific needs in mind. "This was a large job, but they finished on time and on budget, and the end result was wonderful," said Randy. And Gittleman is welcome back to the Holloways' anytime. "I became friends with them," added Carolyn warmly. "They were so prompt, and so organized - very easy to get along with." Too bad the renovation's over. But when the time comes to expand your social itinerary, and your home along with it, you can count on Gittleman. JUST ASK THE HOLLOWAYS. "GITTLEMAN CONSTRUCTION Inc 28580 ORCHARD LAKE RD., SUITE 102 FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 248.538.5400 www.gittleman.net CUSTOM RENOVATIONS Doors and Windows Trusted in doors for over 30 years for best quality, services and satisfaction! We now make custom glass. 33084 Northwestern Highway • West Bloomfield 48322 Continued on page 37 (next to new Honey Tree) 248-737-3700 JNPLATINUM • SEPTEMBER 2006 • 35