Awaken the Beauty Within...
W est Maple
Plastic Surgery
Specializing in Cosmetic Surgery &
Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery
DANIEL SHERBERT, M.D. F.A.C.S.
Certifi ed by The American Board of Surgery,
The American Board of Plastic Surgery & Fellowship
Trained in Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery
(248) 865-6400
5807 W. Maple t Suite 177 t West Bloomfi eld
2053870
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LIFE’S LESSONS
In perfect English, Bekker says, “My
boss and I both believed that physical
education was important, that it was
not just play. We viewed it as a chance
to give the kids an opportunity to suc-
ceed and overcome challenges they’ll
face along the way.”
One of those kids who took the
opportunity to excel as a gymnast was
Bekker’s oldest son, Ari, who is ranked
eighth nationally and second statewide
in his age group.
While Bekker is not his son’s main
coach, he is proud of the youngster’s
determination and love for the sport.
“Ari has had a passion for gymnas-
tics since he was 4 years old. He’s an
honor student, plays the piano and
violin, but still comes into the gym
after school and on weekends, when
he can practice eight hours a day.”
With a maturity that masks his age,
Ari Bekker recognizes that much of
what he does is a result of determina-
tion as well as possessing the neces-
sary aptitude for gymnastics.
“To be a gymnast is not only a phys-
ical sport, but it is also a mental sport,”
he says. “Sometimes your mind can
overtake your ability and cause you to
doubt yourself.”
When that happens, the young
gymnast credits his dad’s advice and
constant presence at the gym for moti-
vating him to be a strong competitor.
“To have my dad in the gym is
great,” Ari says. “I wouldn’t be where
I am today without him being there.
Through all the rough times, he always
helps me, with no regrets.”
Bekker recognizes and celebrates the
differences between his two boys.
Elan Bekker is in his school’s gifted
program where he pursues technology,
music and a variety of sports.
“It’s a blessing they are so different
because they don’t have to be competi-
tive,” Bekker says. “But it’s interesting
because they definitely need each
other.”
Though Bekker says he never set out
to own the gym, he admits that acquir-
ing part ownership in the business has
played an important role in shaping
his version of the American dream.
“I’m living my dream for sure,” he
says. “I’m blessed to be here. But if you
don’t have goals, you won’t succeed. At
the end of 2015, I took time to think
about what I wanted to accomplish. If
I can take one step forward it makes
my year.”
Going forward, Bekker is developing
a pilot program for the academy that
will bring kids with disabilities into
the gym. To that end, he has reached
out to a friend who is an educator.
“I’m working with a preschool direc-
tor who is also a speech pathologist
to help us organize the program. I’m
dedicated to bringing this into the
gym,” Bekker says.
For him, success means having the
chance to give the kids at the academy
the opportunity to succeed in and
out of the gym by building their self-
esteem and confidence.
“Kids are like cars. If you make a
dent, it can be permanent so you have
to be very cautious,” he says. “The
biggest reward is when you see them
accomplish their goals. It’s like a mil-
lion dollars in your pocket.”
*
Alicia and Paul Tisdale were married 60 years
ago on August 26, 1956. They celebrated their
60th anniversary at a gala anniversary party
for relatives and friends at Franklin Country
Club. The party was given by their children,
Ronna Tisdale and Larry Tisdale.
The event was celebrated by many of the
same people who participated in the wedding
60 years ago. In addition, their grandchildren,
Jason, Rachel and Lauren Tisdale,
were also in attendance.
Following the festivities, the couple will
continue the celebration with a yearlong
cruise around the world.
Bekker’s oldest son, Ari, is ranked eighth nationally and second statewide in his
age group.
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24 August 25 • 2016