April 2022 | Vol.5 | Issue 4
Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine
STANDING TALL
Coach Rick Bennetts leads Mustangs to banner year in pool
Meet the Local Sales Reps in Your Community.
Vita Vizachero
John DesOrmeau
Vita has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1989. Some of her local favorites are Table 5, Pooles, Rocky’s, and Cantoro’s on Haggerty.
John has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1987. Some of his local favorites are Rocky’s, Custard Time, Guernsey’s and the Pizza Cutter.
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THE GIFT OF LOCAL JOURNALISM As you decide what is important in your life as we start a new year, please consider a donation to support The 'Ville. Since we began publishing four years ago, our goal has been to provide our readers with valuable information about the Northville community each and every month. Your support will help that mission survive and grow. And while The 'Ville is sent to every address in Northville at no cost to readers, it is not free to produce. LOCAL Matters! is the foundation of this magazine. If you find it of value, please consider supporting it. Every little bit helps! Please send donations to: Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168 You can also make donations via PayPal to kurtkuban@gmail.com. Thank you in advance. We wish all our readers a Happy New Year and a healthy and prosperous 2022.
VOLUME 5
ISSUE 4
APRIL 2022
16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734.716.0783 • TheVilleMagazine@gmail.com
KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher
Kurt Kuban is an award-winning journalist, having served as a reporter and editor for several local newspapers and magazines, including The Northville Record, over the course of a career spanning more than two decades. Kurt lives in Northville with his wife, Cheryl, and their three children, all products of Northville Public Schools.
CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director
Craig has been in the creative industry for over 30 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 19 years. Craig enjoys chasing his young daughter and providing moral support to his lovely wife.
MICHELE FECHT – Writer
Michele Fecht is a longtime journalist whose first post-college reporter position was at The Northville Record before moving on to The Detroit News. A 30-plus year resident of the City of Northville and historic (old) house owner, she is an author, researcher, local history enthusiast, and community activist/advocate.
BRAD EMONS - Writer
Over the course of his four decades with the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers, Brad established himself as one of the preeminent prep sports reporters in the state, winning many journalism awards along the way. His greatest joy is interviewing local athletes and coaches, and reporting on their efforts.
Publisher Here is a list of people who contributed to local journalism last month. We appreciate your support! Liz Clancy (Elizabeth’s Bridal Manor) Pete & Shari Clason Dave & Amy Field Michelle Hertz Bev Hines
Wyatt Istvan-Mitchell Charlie & Renee Siracusa Laura & Lew Tillman
ADVERTISE IN THE VILLE Our locally-owned publication is an affordable way to reach the Northville Market. We direct mail to all 21,000 addresses in the 48167 & 48168 zip codes.
To secure space in The Ville, contact Scott at (313) 399-5231 or scott@streetmktg.com. SCOTT BUIE - Advertising Director/VP of Sales
For more than 20 years Scott has worked with clients in Metro Detroit to create advertising campaigns to grow their business. After managing sales for radio stations in the Detroit Market for 17 years he purchased Street Marketing where he works closely with a variety of businesses and events. Scott and his family have lived in the Plymouth and Northville area for 25 years.
WENSDY VON BUSKIRK – Writer
Wensdy graduated with a degree in journalism from Wayne State University. Her first job was working as a reporter for The Northville Record. Now, as a freelance writer and editor, she works for a variety of magazines, and is excited to get back to her roots in The ‘Ville. -Photo by Kathleen Voss
TIM SMITH - Writer
Tim brings a penchant for telling powerful and personal stories that run the gamut from news to sports. During more than 35 years in journalism, he has earned numerous state and national awards. The Wayne State grad is a published author and rec ice hockey player.
LARRY O'CONNOR – Writer
Larry is a metro Detroit area journalist whose work has appeared in The Detroit News, Jackson Citizen Patriot and the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers. When he’s not meticulously chronicling people or events, he’s avidly rooting for his favorite soccer teams – Manchester United and Glasgow Celtic.
BILL BRESLER - Photographer
Bill lied his way onto his high school's yearbook staff in 1971 and has worked as a photographer ever since. He recently retired after 39 years with Hometown Life, a newspaper group that includes the Northville Record. He's won many journalism awards for his work, and taught photography at Madonna University. According to Bill's wife, he's too young to retire, so he's happy to be part of The 'Ville.
BRYAN MITCHELL - Photographer
Bryan started working as a photographer more than 30 years ago, and was the Northville Record photographer in the 90's. He has freelanced for The Detroit News, The Guardian, Reuters, and other publications. His photography has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the globe. The Northville resident also coaches mountain biking at Northville High School.
A View From The ‘Ville
Naming MKG Citizen Of The Year Was Easy Call I always look forward to the Northville Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Community Luncheon, which was back this year after a couple year absence due to COVID. It was held April 13 at Schoolcraft College. In addition to being new Chamber director Douglas Wallace’s coming out party, the event featured presentations from Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull, Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo and Northville Schools Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher. All three gave updates about what’s going on in the community, and there was plenty of good news. Turnbull discussed a number of exciting downtown projects that are in the process including for the Northville Downs, Foundry Flask and old Opera House sites. He also talked about a number of city initiatives like the River Walk, Ford Field improvements and new Farmers Market, which he hopes will be finished by
the time the city celebrates its bicentennial in 2027. Abbo also had some exciting news to report. The township will soon be taking down the remaining buildings on the old Michigan Psychiatric Hospital property on Seven Mile, which means we will start seeing the community vision for Legacy Park come to fruition. He said once everything is done, it will be one of the “premier parks in the state.” Abbo also announced the township will be lowering water and sewer rates by 3%, which should make residents and business owners pretty happy. But the day really belonged to “MKG” (as Gallagher is known to so many), who shared all the good things happening with the school district. At the conclusion of her presentation, the audience stood and gave her a wonderful ovation, recognizing this will be her last time doing such a presentation, as she is retiring this summer. And at the end of the event,
Gallagher was also named the winner of this year’s John Genitti Citizen of the Year Award. She was genuinely surprised by the recognition. Great job by the Chamber staff keeping it from her, which must have not been easy as MKG is also a member of the Chamber Board of Directors. I don’t think anyone else in attendance was surprised, however. It was an easy call. Gallagher has been a leader for Northville Schools for nearly four decades, as a teacher, principal and now superintendent. If you want to know what motivates her, all you had to do is listen to her presentation. It was all about inclusion and how the district does all it can to make sure every student has a sense of belonging and every opportunity to succeed. Most every school board member who has ever worked with Gallagher over the years has praised her leadership. The last two years of her tenure have been difficult
New Look for Jolly Postman
18 An Artful Life
22
A Running Renaissance
36
ones, trying to deal with the pandemic, and she dealt with her share of criticism from some members of the community. But at the end of the day, she did her best to keep our kids safe based on the medical advice she was given. And her record speaks for itself. She has been a tireless advocate for the district, which is one of the best in the state, and she is highly respected in the community. That was apparent when she received another standing ovation as she accepted the Citizen of the Year Award. “We are truly stronger together,” she said during her presentation. Amen. Best of luck in retirement, MKG. Thank you for your service to the community. Kurt Kuban is the Publisher and Editor of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine. com.
Your Voice: Letters to the Editor 4 Is Downs project a good fit? 6 Swim team caps off incredible season 14 School district finds next superintendent 10 NHS winter sports round-up 26 High School Confidential 30 Township PD seen as model for the state 32 Out & About 38 Dishin’ With Denise 42
ON THE COVER: Northville High School Boys Swim Coach Rich Bennetts, Michigan’s coach of the year, with two of his top senior swimmers, Evan Scotto DiVetta (left) and Leonardo Simoncini at the Northville High School pool. Photo by Bryan Mitchell.
Your Voice Think like a business
Thanks to The ‘Ville and reporter Larry O’Connor for the great reporting on the current financial situation of the 35th District Court. Well done! It was refreshing to hear Mark Abbo state that the revenue shortfall would not be rectified by an increased focus upon issuing traffic tickets to create a revenue stream. If our current public safety efforts are resulting in fewer people driving recklessly, intoxicated, or out of compliance, our communities should not be working harder to issue irrelevant citations that would be perceived entrapment or harassment of honest, hardworking citizens in a woeful attempt to make up a budget shortfall. The 35th District Court needs to think like a business, and when times get tough, a business looks for creative ways to reduce costs in order to avoid a deficit. Patrick Ramsey
Ticket quota a bad idea
I was deeply concerned to read in the March 2022 edition that it is even a passing thought to improve funding at 35th District Court by “having local law enforcement officers write more tickets.” Kudos to Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise and Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo for rejecting this horrible idea as “against the interest of good policing” and “against the Constitution.” Those are key problems with this idea, but hardly the only ones. For example, local communities have been successfully sued by civil rights firms for enforcing unwritten ticket quotas. In short, the costs of this sort of thing are not easy to see up front, but they are there. We need to recognize there is no free lunch. Policing for profit is at best a misguided sugar rush, at worst a Pandora’s box. Do we really want our police driven by considerations of profit maximization? Properly funding our government is about setting taxes and budgets appropriately, period. We need to face our budget needs head on and without an explicit or implicit ticketing for revenue scheme. Sarah Prescott
Rent space
If the 35th District Court needs more revenue, why not rent space for lawyers’ offices, private detectives, and counseling services, etc.? If our local communities pay for judges’ staff, consolidate staff and to reduce fixed costs, cleaning, heating, etc. Shut down and close courtrooms and move to shared judicial offices and court space. Judges with less of a workload will work fewer hours, requiring less time in the office and courtroom. Marilyn Trumper-Samra
“Family Owned for Four Generations”
Loan out judges
In reference to the revenue issues of the 35th District Court. Judges must be needed in other areas of Michigan. Loan out one or two judges to areas that have court backlogs. Have judges work on backlog connected with illegal immigrants in our area or other areas in Michigan. Josephine Sheehy
Grateful for planners
I am so grateful to the Northville City Planning Commission for their dedication and civic responsibility to our community. I sat through a four hour mind-numbing meeting of the commission recently, many of whom have day jobs like our volunteer school board members. Why anyone would subject themselves to endless criticism doing a thankless job is beyond me. But I am so glad they do, so I don’t have to. Thank you for your sacrifice! Ming Louie
Ask business owners
I agree with Catherine Martin’s letter in last month’s issue (“Don’t forget restaurants”) of whether or not we should keep the streets in Northville closed. The powers that be should get the business owners together -- both restaurants and retail -- and have them vote on it. After all they would know the best answer to whether we should open or close the streets. Julie Fugedi
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Finding Some Harmony Hundreds debate whether Downs project is a fit for Northville By Larry O’Connor
D
avid Field, a 35-year Northville resident, noted there are 6,000 or so people who live in the city “and there are 6,000 opinions” when it comes to the proposed Downs redevelopment project. “And each one of them believes they are correct,” the High Street resident and former civics teacher added. Hunter Pasteur Homes’ planned unit development (PUD) slated on the 48acre landmark harness racing track site continues to elicit a maelstrom of views as it winds through an intricate approval process. The Downs application includes an array of single-family homes, townhouses, highend apartments, condominiums and small businesses. Undoubtedly, the addition of 459 housing units and 16,000-17,000 square feet in commercial space will radically alter the city’s landscape, which has some residents in a lather. Dissenters have launched a website — www.citizensfornorthville.org — in a last-ditch effort to stall what they deem a “high-risk” project, asking people to object by emailing the city or attending future
6 The ‘Ville
planning commission and city council meetings. They joined nearly 300 others who either cautiously support the development or simply wanted to chime in on the watershed proposal during a public hearing on March 15 at the Northville Community Center. Another 190 folks tuned into the close to five-hour meeting via Zoom. The city also received 69 emails or letters on the topic. DEVELOP RESPONSIBLY Foes fear the Downs will bring congestion, noise, and, more importantly, detract from Northville’s Norman Rockwellesque setting. “We chose to stay in Northville because of the small-town feel,” said Nancy Riegner, a Center Street resident who grew up in the city and raised her family here. “The race track will definitely get developed, but there is a way to develop it responsibly.” Randolph Street resident Nancy Rice cited the anticipated traffic influx, which would include more buses and garbage trucks, “things that will take this quaint, beautiful, small town and make it what I
hope it doesn’t look like, like other cities in the area, unnamed, that have blown up,” she said. The 10-member city planning commission is examining the mixeduse development’s preliminary site plan through a series of five topics, the first of which was on land use on April 5. Once reviewed, the planning commission will either recommend the city council approve the preliminary site plan as is or support it with conditions. Otherwise, the commission could send it back to the developer. If the city council OKs the preliminary site plan, the application goes back to the planning commission for final approval. Donna Tinberg, planning commission chairwoman, stressed the reason for seeking resident input was to ensure the proposal met the criteria for a PUD, which in addition to allowing the city to have more say in the development, requires the project to provide a public benefit. “The Downs and the surrounding property are owned by private citizens, the same way we all own our own homes,” Tinberg said. “And, like any private citizen, at any time, the current owner of the Downs can choose to close their business and sell their property to whomever they like. “In this case, the owners of this property have decided to sell to the Hunter Pasteur team. Whatever your personal feelings may be about Hunter Pasteur, they have a right under the law to purchase the property. They also have a right under the law to develop it in a manner that complies with our master plan and zoning ordinance.” CONSTRUCTIVE INPUT The Downs proposal includes 9 acres of open space highlighted by a designated 1-acre Central Park, which offers a view of the First Presbyterian Church and will be open to the public. Another bonus is the planned “daylighting” of the Middle Rouge River. Hunter Pasteur’s Seth Herkowitz also underscored the anticipated shot in the arm to the city’s coffers, saying the project will create $5.7 million in tax revenue. “We understand there are varying perspectives as it relates to our site plan
and our project,” said Herkowitz during a 21-minute presentation at the public hearing. “Constructive community input has profoundly influenced our plan and we are appreciative.” Hunter Pasteur tweaked its proposal as concerns arose. The developer recently created a website — www.northvilledowns. info — to answer questions and quell misinformation. The number of living units has decreased 23% to 459 from 599 proposed in the original 2018 proposal while the variety of housing styles increased to six from four. The plan has grown to include single-family, townhouses, carriage and row houses along
2018 Master Plan, which allows 7.6 to 14 units per acre. The city can handle the “nominal” increase of 845 residents the Downs will bring once completed in six years, said Herkowitz, noting Northville has 340 fewer people than in 2000 so the net population gain is expected to be 505. RED FLAGS The Downs will be better equipped to handle what will likely be an older set, the developer said. The city’s senior household population is expected to surge to 47% by 2045. “That is a staggering number,” said the
We understand there are varying perspectives as it relates to our site plan and our project. Constructive community input has profoundly influenced our plan and we are appreciative.” Seth Herkowitz, Hunter Pasteur Homes
with condos and apartments. The builder also tackled the plan’s perceived “canyon effect” along Center Street, which was brought up by residents during a previous hearing. Remedies include replacing townhomes south of Fairbrook with 1½-story row houses and reducing the height of townhouses proposed north of Fairbrook to 2½ from 3 stories. The measure further cuts the number of housing units by 10. On that front, Herkowitz maintained the Downs’ density of 9.85 dwelling units per acre compares favorably with other projects — notably Foundry Flask (16.77 dwelling units per acre) — and is within the city’s
Hunter Pasteur partner, who added the proposed six housing styles have either a first-floor primary suite or direct access from internal elevators. “We’ve consistently talked about the importance of housing diversity and its correlation with the goals and policies of the master plan.” Herkowitz’s presentation did little to appease skeptics. Where the developer pointed out areas of compromise, Jim Long saw red flags. The Fairbrook Court resident is suspicious that it is taking multiple presentations to coax residents that the project is beneficial. “That told me there are some issues they
are trying to hard-sell us,” said Long, a 72year resident. “You take a look at these two site plans. They are so similar … All they did was shuffle the deck.” Long noted he wasn’t speaking on behalf of the Downtown Development Authority, where he is a board member, or the Foundry Flask project, where he is representing the developer. “I’m not anti-development; I am antiharmful development,” he said. “I’d love to see the Downs developed, but there are probably other options for developing this that wouldn’t have density issues, wouldn’t have traffic issues, wouldn’t require roundabouts. If someone thinks we have to put roundabouts in, that ought to tell you we will have serious traffic issues.” West Dunlop resident Scott Lowery is adamant the plan doesn’t meet the PUD requirement, citing that it must be in “harmony” with the existing zoning district and not be detrimental to adjoining zoning districts. “Northville is not Birmingham, it’s not Royal Oak and we don’t want it to become that,” said Lowery, who’s lived in Northville for 32 years. ‘GAME CHANGER’ Supporters touted the progress made during the PUD process, noting the revised Downs plan includes more green space, underground parking, varying architecture, improved walkability and a better chance for people to mingle. “While we’re not there yet, you can’t ignore the impact this has had,” said David Gutman, who lives on Spring Drive. Former councilwoman Nancy Darga extolled the Downs’ 9 acres of open space to be a “game-changer,” providing flood relief and a catalyst for recreation. “When I moved into Northville, I woke up every morning to the sound of a rooster crowing next to my bedroom window,” Darga said. “I drove to work and loved looking at the horses who ran in their paddocks along Sheldon Road where now I see large homes. “There, through the years, have been a lot of changes in Northville. To know that to stop change is like me telling my kids to stop growing. It’s not possible.”
The ‘Ville 7
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11 6 W e s t M a i n S t r e e t , N o r t h v i l l e
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RJ Webber hung out with some students at Ridge Wood Elementary. Photos courtesy of Northville Schools
Aaron Baughman, who was the only internal candidate that was a finalist, tours the Early Childhood Center with director Chelsea Simons.
It’s Unanimous
‘Ecstatic’ school board chooses Novi’s Webber to succeed MKG By Tim Smith
A
national search conducted by the Northville Board of Education ultimately found its winning candidate to succeed soon-to-retire Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher in a neighboring community. Following an extensive, multi-month search – with four top-flight educators chosen for finalist interviews – board members unanimously voted April 12 to offer the key position to Novi Community School District administrator RJ Webber. “We believe in Dr. Webber and know our entire community will support him for the best interests of all,” noted school board president Sarah Prescott in a press release shortly after the vote to choose Webber. “While we are sad to see Mary Kay Gallagher leave us this summer, we are ecstatic to welcome Dr. Webber to our district.” Webber, currently assistant superintendent of academics in the Novi district, is now entering into contract negotiations with the Northville board. Should an agreement be reached, he is
10 The ‘Ville
RJ Webber
tentatively set to begin his tenure on July 1. He brings impressive credentials: a master’s degree in public administration, from the University of Michigan, as well as an education doctorate (Ed.D) from Michigan State University. According to Prescott, no stone was
left unturned in the executive search. She thanked search firm Ray and Associates for providing “a very strong pool” of candidates and also underscored the important role played by the Northville community. “This board has taken seriously an intense amount of feedback from students, families, instructional and noninstructional staff, building leaders and central office,” Prescott continued. “We are grateful for the many forms of feedback offered, often with very detailed and heartfelt messaging.” Among the short list of candidates who were brought in for finalist interviews was Aaron Baughman, currently the assistant superintendent of instruction for Northville schools. The other hopefuls who were strongly considered to lead the district included: Maysam Alie-Bazzi, an administrator in Dearborn Public Schools and Matthew Barbini, superintendent for the Libertyville, Ill. school district. Northville board members whittled down an extensive pool of candidates and announced first-round interviews would take place the week of April 4-8. Further interviews took place April 11 and April 12.
have a stable board The board voted of education. And 7-0 on March 24 to just a tremendous invite Baughman, community.” Alie-Bazzi, Barbini Baughman, who and Webber holds bachelor’s for those April degrees from interviews. William Tyndale “We had a stellar College and a pool of candidates,” Master of Science noted Prescott in a in Educational previous statement. Leadership “Knowing we have RJ Webber will replace Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher, who is retiring after 39 years with the district. Here she is reading to a from Madonna been rated the preschool class at Old Village School. University, was number one district the strongest internal candidate. He process. in Michigan, it is nevertheless extremely interviewed with the board of education on Gallagher announced late last year that gratifying to see the caliber of professionals April 12, along with Webber and Alie-Bazzi. she would be stepping down from the we have attracted from across the country Barbini, the lone finalist who resides in district helm in June. She is leaving after 37 for our next leader.” another state, has a bachelor’s of science years of service, mainly as an administrator According to Prescott, the quartet of degree in special education from Illinois – including the last decade or so as candidates were “truly the best of the best State University as well as master’s and superintendent. from a national pool, and our 7-0 vote doctorate’s in educational leadership from “I think we’ve got a tremendous team of is a visible sign of the excellence these Northern Illinois University. educators and central office staff here in individuals bring to the table.” As of press time, the district was still Northville,” said Gallagher during an earlier A series of community forums proved negotiating a contract with Webber. interview about her decision to retire. “We invaluable in the superintendent selection
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Junior Ryan Halberg was one of many Mustangs who placed at the state meet.
By Brad Emons
‘Maximum Effort’
Swim team caps off incredible season by finishing second at state meet
I
t’s a safe bet to say there hasn’t been a Northville boys swim team quite like this one in the past 49 years. You have to go way back when Northville, coached by Ben Lauber, captured their first and only Michigan High School Athletic Association Class B-C-D team title in 1973 after a runner-up finish in the previous season. Fast forward to 2022 at the Division 1 state finals held March 11-12 at the Holland Aquatics Center where the Mustangs made a historic run as they scored 267 points to earn runner-up honors behind firstplace Ann Arbor Pioneer, which captured its 16th state crown with 365. Northville finished fifth overall in 2021, but in 2020 veteran coach Rich Bennetts, ironically, thought he had a championship caliber squad
14 The ‘Ville
The Northville boys swim team holds up their team mascot Walter after winning the KLAA meet. Photo courtesy of Kate McCullough
capable to reaching the podium until the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the state meet. “We were pretty stacked that year,” Bennetts said. “We went through the regular season undefeated, won the division, won the league meet. We were looking forward to having a good state meet and then the old rug got pulled underneath us like everybody. We had a
good team in 2020 – you never know where you’re going to place – but we definitely would have been up there.” This year’s Northville squad produced similar results winning the KLAA West Division dual meet title with a 7-0 record as well as the conference meet title with 1,024.5 points. But this Northville squad had
a different type of make-up than in 2020. “Honestly, I don’t think this team was as diverse in terms of the events,” Bennetts said. “With this year’s team pretty much early on had a straight-up freestyle squad, so we just went with what we had and we had a lot of good freestylers, so we used them. In 2020 we probably had a little more stroke guys and maybe spread out scoring a little more.” The Mustangs posted 10 AllState (top eight) performances and broke four varsity records in Holland highlighted by the Division 1 champion 200-yard freestyle relay team made up of seniors Evan Scotto DiVetta, Kyle McCullough, Nate Obrigkeit and Leonardo Simoncini (1:23.88). “We talked about it all year that that might be the one year we can get Pioneer (1:24.11) and
Obviously, the kids did all the work. My job is to put them in position to succeed and I was happy I was able to do that. And they took advantage of a good team. We knew we had a good team from day one and I was just proud of the guys. The main thing is they never kept their eyes off the ball. They were always focused on that state meet.” Rich Bennetts, who was named Division 1 Coach of the Year by the Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association
we kind of set ourselves on that and realized that was our shot to do it,” Bennetts said. “And we fortunately were able to put together four good swims and touched them out there at the end, so that was fun.” Meanwhile, the foursome of Simoncini, sophomore Phillip Zhavoronkov, junior Nathan Xiao and Scotto DiVetta finished runner-up to Pioneer in the 400 freestyle relay (3:06.01). “We were able to hold our seed in that event,” Bennetts said. “We broke our varsity record in the 200 and 400 freestyle (relay), so that was pretty cool because that 400 freestyle relay record has been
around for a while, so it was cool to get that one off the board. I think we hit our potential in most all the events.” Scotto DiVetta broke the school record in the 50 freestyle (20.79) with a third in the state meet, while Leonardo Simoncini placed fourth and eclipsed the varsity mark in the 100 freestyle (45.74). Both records were held previously by Kirk Maibach. Simoncini also contributed a fourth in the 50 freestyle (21.07), while Scotto DiVetta added a fourth in the 100 freestyle (45.82). “It was nice because those guys had been battling all year
Nate Obrigkeit was part of the Division 1 champion 200-yard freestyle relay team with fellow seniors Evan Scotto DiVetta, Kyle McCullough, and Leonardo Simoncini.
long and they were right on each other’s heels in every event,” Bennetts said. “It was kind of a nice way to finish it with each of them getting a record even though secretly both wanted both records. But it was cool the way it worked out, so both guys got their names on the record board. They were undoubtedly the two big leaders in terms of point totals and things like that.” Other All-State performers for the Mustangs included senior Andy Maiz, third, 1-meter diving (390.85 points); Zhavoronkov, fifth, 500 freestyle (4:38.62) and eighth, 200 freestyle (1:43.76); William Teng, fifth, 100 breaststroke (58.54); and McCullough, seventh, 50 freestyle (21.70). The 200 medley relay team of senior Austin Waller, Teng, McCullough and Obrigkeit added a sixth (1:35.72). Other state placers (top 16) included sophomore Jason Cho, ninth, 100 backstroke (53.92); 13th, 200 IM (1:58.01); Waller, 10th, 100 backstroke (53.94); junior Ryan Halberg, 12th, 500 freestyle (4:46.30); Obrigkeit, 13th, 50 freestyle (21.76); senior Noah Eckenroth, 16th, 200 freestyle (1:48.91) and 500 freestyle (4:55.68). “You never really know at the
state meet because you’re just trying put together some good swims, and we were able to do that, which was cool,” Bennetts said. “We kind of maximized what we could have done. I think we had 20 swims and we scored in 17 of them, so if you score in 85 percent of your swims, you’re going to have a good meet.” At the KLAA meet, individual champions for the Mustangs included Zhavoronkov in 200- and 500 freestyles, and ScottoDiVetta in the 50- and 100 freestyles. Maiz added a first in diving and the Mustangs also swept all three relay events. And for the first time, Bennetts received Division 1 Coach of the Year honors by the Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association. “Obviously, the kids did all the work,” he said. “My job is to put them in position to succeed and I was happy I was able to do that. And they took advantage of a good team. We knew we had a good team from day one and I was just proud of the guys. The main thing is they never kept their eyes off the ball. They were always focused on that state meet. We knew we had a good team and we were able to do that.”
The ‘Ville 15
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Your dermatologist is also trained to guide you in treatment of the acne scars. The success rate of the treatment of acne scars depends on several variables: length of acne scarring process, depth of acne scar, skin type and color, and many other skin variations. Deep acne scars may need to be surgically removed, medium depth acne scars may benefit from microneedling or chemical peels. Superficial acne scars and discoloration can improve with laser treatments, or prescription medications. If you are in need of acne management, acne scar treatment, or skin strategies, schedule your one-on-one appointment with board certified dermatologist, Dr. Kartono at MI Skin Center (248) 963-5915 or info@ drkartono.com.
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The ‘Ville In Focus - with Bryan Mitchell
2 | Vol.4 | Issue February 2021
Northville’s Ne
ws and Lifest
yle Magazine
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Northville’s ‘Jolly Postman’ Gets A Makeover
here are few people in Northville as recognizable as U.S. Postal carrier James Holland, who has been delivering mail in the downtown central business district and surrounding neighborhoods for more than a quarter century. An affable man, Holland has a great relationship with the hundreds of people on his route, knowing many by name. But it isn’t his good nature that makes him so recognizable. It’s his bushy white beard and long hair often tied in a long ponytail. You might say he looks more like Professor Dumbledore than Cliff Clavin. He refers to himself as the “Magic Hippie Mailman” on social media, and is a regular at the Northville Winery’s Grateful Dead nights (he certainly looks the part). But that all changed on March 24, when Holland visited friend and hair stylist Kelly Sesi at One Society Salon in Northville. After squirming in his chair for about an hour as Sesi sheared off years of growth both from his face and head, he walked out of the salon with a whole new look feeling like a new man. Holland says getting his first haircut in about 17 years was actually spurred on by the fact his girlfriend of 17 years decided to break things off with him. So he decided he was going to make it a true “clean break” by starting a new chapter with a new look. He called Sesi, who is actually the last person to give him a haircut, and said go to work. Sesi said this is just the third time she’s given him a haircut in 25 years, and joked that he’s not exactly her best client. Holland said he gave Sesi permission to do whatever she wanted, though admits as the hair started flying he felt a “sense of panic.” But now he’s happy with the look, even though it’s taken a few weeks to get used to – for both him and all his regular customers who didn’t recognize him at first. “Some people who I’ve talked to for years didn’t even know it was me,” Holland said. “They thought I was a sub.” Despite his clean-curt appearance, Holland said he’s still welcomed with open arms at the Grateful Dead nights. And that girlfriend who broke up with him has even called to see if they can get back together.
18 The ‘Ville
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Skate Party Tickets are now available for the Drop-In Beer Fest, a fundraiser for the Northville Skatepark Project, which is raising money to build a skateboarding park in the Northville community. The event takes place from 2-8 p.m., Saturday, May 21 at Millennium Park in Northville Township. The event will feature craft beers by Northville Winery and Brewing Company, North Center Brewing, Bearded Lamb Brewing Co. and more. There will also be several food trucks, including Slows Bar BQ, Whoa Chinese, Tiny’s Weiners, PizzaPazza, and Detroit Mini Donut. There will be plenty of live music throughout the event, with performances by The City Lines, Social Bones, J2C and Northville Folk. Modern Skate & Surf of Royal Oak will be bringing a mobile half pipe and be giving skateboarding demonstrations throughout the event. There will also be plenty of skateboarding and other vendors on hand. For more information, including how to purchase tickets in advance, visit www.facebook.com/NorthvilleSkatepark.
Open Them Or Keep Them Closed? The City of Northville and the Northville DDA are looking for your feedback on whether or not the downtown roads should be reopened to vehicular traffic. East Main Street between Hutton and Center streets and North Center Street between Main and Dunlap streets have been closed since June of 2020 in response to the COVID shutdowns. Outdoor structures and heaters were added to provide an alternative to indoor dining which was closed down by the Department of Health and Human Services. With almost two years of experience with the street closures, which are set to expire on Nov. 1, the city and DDA are reaching out to downtown residents, businesses and building owners, as well as residents of the Northville community for input on how downtown should function in the future. There is an online survey at www.downtownnorthville.com that people can take to give their thoughts on the matter. According to the DDA, there is plenty of interest, and they received nearly 800 responses the first day the survey was up. The survey ends on May 2. For more information, contact the DDA office at lward@ ci.northville.mi.us or (248) 349-0345. 20 The ‘Ville
Win A Corvette Would you like to own a Corvette? Well, here’s your chance to win one. Northville’s Living and Learning Enrichment Center, which provides opportunities for people on the Autism spectrum, is raffling off a brand new 2021 convertible Chevrolet Corvette, which was donated by a special donor, who recently passed away. The raffle is a fundraiser for Living and Learning, which is selling just 1,000 tickets at $300 apiece. The tickets will be on sale through May 5, the day of the drawing, or until the 1,000 tickets are sold. To purchase a ticket, visit www.livingandlearningcenter.org/corvetteraffle or call (248) 308-3592 Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Pictured with the Corvette is Living and Learning’s Jill Engel.
Opening Day The Northville Farmers’ Market will open for the season on Thursday, May 5, and will be open every Thursday through October from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. across the street from Northville Downs at the corner of Center Street and Seven Mile. Organized by the Northville Chamber of Commerce, the Farmers Market has space for approximately 60 vendors, who produce and sell Michigan food and farm products, and originally created non-food artisan products. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, contact the Market Manager at (248) 349-7640. For more information about the Farmers Market, find them on Facebook or visit the Chamber’s website at www.northville.org.
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Loss of beloved partner quiets Northville’s Fowler-Thelen Studio Artist Bill Thelen at his home studio. Photo by Bryan Mitchell
F
or more than four decades, Northville artists Laurie Fowler and Bill Thelen shared a partnership in life and work creating their distinct fiber and mixed media sculptures in their Fairbrook Street home-studio. The usual hum of activity — with Bill welding the steel sculptural framework in the garage-turned-weldingworkshop and Laurie weaving fibers from a kaleidoscope of colored spools in the first-floor studio — has quieted since Laurie’s passing in December after a valiant four-year battle with cancer. “She was upbeat through the whole thing, right to the end,” Bill said, noting that Laurie’s optimism kept them focused on their art. ARTISTIC COLLABORATION Each brought their own unique talents to their work. Bill’s background in
22 The ‘Ville
architecture, graphic design and painting complemented Laurie’s skills with textiles. “She also had a great color sense,” Bill noted. Making a living as artists is not for the faint of heart; it’s a leap of faith. Laurie operated a weaving supply store and taught weaving after taking fiber studies at Greenfield Village in the early 1970s. Bill spent his early career working in urban planning and graphic design. The couple reached a point when they decided to leave their day jobs and take the plunge as fulltime working artists. Having met on a Lake Michigan beach and later married in Battleboro, Vermont, the couple purchased their Fairbrook house in 1978. The home dates to the late 19th century but had a later addition constructed on the west end that served as the Carlson Health Studio from the early 1950s to the mid-1960s.
Northville artists Laurie Fowler and Bill Thelen shared a partnership in life and work.
“The big attraction to the house was the clinic addition” Bill explained, noting that he gutted that space and raised the ceiling for the studio. “It allowed us to separate work from living space.” The garage became the welding workroom. Bill took a welding course at Schoolcraft College to create the welded steel sculptures integral to their fiber work. ON THE ROAD The launch of FowlerThelen Studio coincided with an explosion of fine art shows throughout the country. “The
80s and 90s were a good time to do art,” Bill said. “People were getting back to handmade arts and crafts, and the fiber work we were doing received a really good reception.” In the early 90s, when the interest in fiber art started to wane, the couple added 3D mixed media painting to their portfolio. “I went back to my painting and taught Laurie,” Bill noted. “She was a natural at it.” In addition to painting, Bill designed the shape cutouts for their distinctive pieces and handled prep work. For decades, the pair traveled the art show circuit focusing
initially on shows in Michigan, and then traveling within the golden triangle between Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland and Columbus that provided easy access. They were early exhibitors at the Ann Arbor Art Fair that would balloon to the largest juried art fair in the nation. “We made about 40 percent of our income from the Ann Arbor show,” Bill noted. They would eventually move into new markets exhibiting at some of the best juried art shows in the country from Miami to Texas to New York and other locations doing as many as 15 to 18 shows a year. Life on the road gave them national exposure, a multitude of awards, and a growing list of clients for commission work. Their work is in collections throughout the country in private homes as well as corporate and public spaces including the Inland Steel Corporation in Chicago, Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company in
An exhibit of Fowler-Thelen Studio sculptural mixed media art work.
Milwaukee and American Greeting Cards Corporation in Tennessee, to name a few. Locally, their work is at the University of MichiganAnn Arbor, the Novi Public Library, Providence Hospital in Southfield and St. Andrew’s Church in Rochester -- as well as others. Their collaboration as artists extended beyond their studio work. “Laurie did all the office work and I did the client relations work,” Bill said, noting that their individual strengths and talents provided the foundation for their
partnership. Their last art show was in Bethesda, Maryland, right before COVID hit. As Laurie was undergoing treatment at the time, Bill’s brother stepped in to help him with the show. Like most everything else, art shows were cancelled during the pandemic. LOCAL ADVOCATE In addition to their artwork, both were strong advocates for the arts. Laurie served on the Northville Arts Commission in 2004 and 2005; she was a commissioner when the Northville Art House first opened its doors.
“Laurie was someone you gravitated towards,” said Sue Taylor, president of the board of directors of the Northville Art House. A longtime friend and book club chum for more than 20 yeas, Taylor described Laurie as “very embracing. She was like a mother hen. She never forgot a birthday.” Taylor also noted that “Laurie had such grace in the face of tremendous difficulty.” Taylor along with others have helped Bill plan a memorial service for Laurie to be held in June. As a tribute to Laurie, memorial contributions may be made to the Northville Art House (215 W. Cady Street, Northville, MI 48167) with funds designated to the Emerging Artist Series. Bill said he is undecided at this point about what he will do next. He is still considering his options but noted that his truck — the vehicle he and Laurie used for their show travels — has been sitting in the driveway for two years since the last show in Bethesda. He’s not sure he wants to take to the road alone.
(Above photo) Laurie Fowler shows off an award-winning piece. Courtesy of Bill Thelen. (Right photo) Bill Thelen said he is undecided about what he will do next since Laurie's death. Photo by Bryan Mitchell
The ‘Ville 23
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Senior goalie Dylan Eliason earned first-team D1 All-State and All-KLAA honors this season. Photo courtesy of Karen McCallum
Jack Gattoni (top) earned a KLAA title and placed sixth individually at the D1 state finals. Photo courtesy of Deb Stein
WINTER SPORTS ROUND-UP DISTRICT TITLES MARK SUCCESSFUL SEASON FOR MUSTANGS By Brad Emons
F
Senior forwards Matt Gorski and Sam Barnhart earned AllKLAA honors for the Mustangs, while sophomore guard Carlos Adamson was named honorable mention. Other team members included seniors Brett Mathiesen, Ty Schembri, Gabe Peck-Dimit and Jack Holland, along with juniors Cullen Foley, Nolan Thomson, Angelo Rodriguez, Max Anderson, Deepak Laungani, Louis Karkoski and Matthew McLaughlin. The Northville coaching staff included Sean Turner, Ed Kritch, Ali Metaj, Chris Ackett, Chris Jacobs, Bret Turner, Shaun Dicken and Darrel Schumacher.
or the 2021-22 Northville High winter sports season it was the boys’ varsity swim team that carried the banner with a runner-up finish in the Division 1 finals. But there were plenty of other great storylines other than the swimmers, who posted their finest season in 49 years under coach Rich Bennetts (see page 14). Here is a quick look at what transpired for Northville varsity athletics under the Michigan High School Athletic Association winter sports umbrella.
BOYS BASKETBALL Coached by Todd Sander, the Mustangs (13-10, 7-7 KLAA West) hoisted their first district championship trophy since 1998 with a 48-43 win over Canton before bowing out in the Division 1 regional semifinals at Novi on a gut-wrenching lastsecond loss to Romulus, 56-55.
26 The ‘Ville
GIRLS BASKETBALL (Top photo) The Northville boys basketball team earned its first district title since 1998 with a victory over Canton. Photo courtesy of Todd Sander. (Bottom photo) The girls basketball team captured its third district championship since 2016 with a win over Canton. Photo courtesy of Todd Gudith.
Coach Todd Gudith guided the Lady Mustangs (17-6, 10-4 KLAA West) to its third district title since 2016 by beating Canton in the finals, 44-32.
Northville was ousted in the first round of the regional by D1 state semifinalist Wayne Memorial, 55-33. Earning All-KLAA honors for Northville included senior forward Juliana Imbuzeiro, along with junior guard Eve Tanaskoska and junior forward Suzy Heller. Junior guard Sydney Brown earned honorable mention. Rounding out the team
percentage, earned first-team D1 All-State by the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association. Eliason was joined on the All-KLAA team by sophomore forward Connor Vissotski, who had a team best 23 goals and seven assists. Senior Zachary Holstad added 14 goals and 13 assists.
WRESTLING
After finishing sixth in the conference tourney with 98.5 points, the Mustangs (3-5, 3-4 KLAA West) sent three grapplers to the MHSAA Division 1 individual finals at Detroit’s Ford Goalie Dylan Eliason earned Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Field. Association Division 1 All-State honors as well as All-Conference in the Leading KLAA. Photo courtesy of Karen McCallum the way was senior Jack Gattoni (130 were seniors Mela Salah and pounds), who earned All-State Emily Marnocha, along with honors (top eight) with a sixthjuniors Lauren Talcott, Nethra place finish en route to a 48-6 Yandooru, Brigit Sumskas and Evelyn Deren. They were joined by sophomores Nikki Grech and Miranda Link. Gudith’s coaching staff included Pete Wright, Grace Munoz-Smith, Kari Schmitt, Sara Zink, Alan Kruck and Lauren Young.
BOYS HOCKEY Coached by Gordie Brown, the Mustangs (12-14-1, 4-6-1 KLAA) fell in the second round of the regionals to eventual state runner-up Brighton, 4-1. Senior goalie Dylan Eliason, who posted a 2.38 goalsagainst average and .945 save
Senior Jack Gattoni earned All-State honors and broke the 100-win career win barrier. Photo courtesy of Todd Gattoni
overall record. Gattoni, who also won the KLAA tourney at 130, finished third in the regional and was joined at the state finals by junior Josh Drake (112), who placed third at the regional and finished 40-8 overall. Sophomore Zephan Catalina (130) placed fourth at the regional and wound up 42-11. Meanwhile, Angelo Mastrianni (145) was a regional qualifier and finished 25-16.
GYMNASTICS After placing sixth in the Division 1 team regional (135.600), coach Victoria Clay’s Lady Mustangs (2-5, 2-1 KLAA West) sent two to the MHSAA individual finals held March 12 at White Lake Lakeland. Sophomore Anastasia BeutzCordina finished 36th overall in the Division 2 uneven parallel bars (7.675) after qualifying with a sixth at the regional (8.35). She also placed ninth in the all-around at the regional (34.025). Sophomore Lauren Wegienka wound up 36th overall in the D2 balance beam (7.675) after a sixth at the regional (8.9).
BOYS BOWLING Senior Brandon Leavitt led the way for the Mustangs (3-12, 3-11 KLAA West) with a 218.69 per game average to rank third individually in the conference. As a team, Northville took 11th at the Division 1 regional held at Canton’s Super Bowl. Leavitt placed eighth at the regional with a six-game total of 1,302 to earn a spot in the state finals held March 5 at Allen Park’s Thunderbowl where he finished 47th overall in the qualifying block.
NHS bowlers Brandon Leavitt and Maddie Coe were both named All-KLAA.
GIRLS BOWLING Senior Maddie Coe led the Mustangs (6-9, 6-8 KLAA West) with a 157.33 average, which ranked 18th in the conference individually. She placed 29th at the regional. As a team, Northville took 11th at the Super Bowl regional for coach Elizabeth Bacigal.
SKIING Coached by Kyle Moir, the Northville boys placed fourth at the Division 1 regional at Mt. Brighton with a total of 191.5 points. Individually, Joe Sepanik took 13th in the slalom with a time of 42.48, while Nathan Moriarty added a 15th in the giant slalom (35.59). On the girls’ side, Northville scored 243 points to finish sixth at the regional as Molly Maloney took 21st in the giant slalom (42.35), while Paige Dorgan added a 22nd in the slalom (52.34).
COMPETITIVE CHEER Coach Cathy HoweLeung’s squad finished ninth in the Division 1-District-5 competition with a total of 624.68 points.
The ‘Ville 27
FOOD FITNESS FUN
YOUR DAY-OUT DESTINATION Enjoy your next day out at Schoolcraft College. Make a lunch reservation at American Harvest restaurant for a world-class meal. Play pickleball at the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center. Take an aquatics or yoga class through Personal and Professional Learning (PPL). Stop by our campus soon!
schoolcraft.edu/AmericanHarvest | schoolcraft.edu/FitnessCenter | schoolcraft.edu/PPL
HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL
Sophomore Anderson Corridore (from left), junior Grace Koski, senior Meredith Knight, and senior Kaia Counts helped manage inclusion bracelet sales during lunch. Photo by Lauren Sprow
Working Together NHS celebrates and practices inclusion in many ways
O
n Feb. 18, students and teachers of the Unified Basketball team gathered at center court for a photo with sophomore Drew Brizard proudly holding up NHS’s newly-awarded National Unified Champion School banner. Special Olympics Michigan officially recognized Northville for its commitment and efforts to bring inclusion for all students, making NHS one of 49 schools nationwide selected this year and one of 20 in Michigan to receive this honor over the past five years. Given the numerous programs and clubs at NHS in support of inclusion, however, this award should come as no surprise. Most notably, NHS holds classes specifically for
special education students where paraprofessionals aid lead teachers in delivering instructions and helping with each student’s needs, whether that be in math, writing, or communication. Additionally, students are assisted with daily life skills, such as getting ready for class, lunch, and going home on a bus. Robert Young, an NHS paraprofessional and boys tennis coach, has been heavily involved with the program ever since he found out that he had the perfect personality and temperament to interact with these students six years ago. From his experience, Young stressed that empathy and being open-minded and understanding were key to developing successful
relationships with the kids. “The students in my classroom have the same emotions that you and I have but the difference is that they may not know how to handle them,” he said. “You just have to realize that they don’t know what they are doing in most cases so the task becomes keeping them safe, keeping yourself, other students, and staff safe while trying to find a way to redirect the situation to a place that the student can process it.” Young also emphasized the importance of a more integrated learning setting in which general and special education students could work together - similar to the Peerto-Peer program. Special education teacher
and Unified head coach Kelsey Mikiciuk shared a similar sentiment about bridging the gap between special and general education students: “Continue improving our whole school engagement, offering more programming opportunities… [it] would be great to bring the movement district-wide, down into the middle schools and elementary schools,” she said. “We only want to further the inclusion movement.” And further the inclusion movement NHS has. New this year was an Inclusion Week, which took place in February. Each day, students were encouraged to dress up and participate in activities during lunch. “We thought it would be a great way to get all students involved,” Unified Basketball Coach and NHS health teacher Sabrina Palumbo explained. “Each day was a spirit day for students, and videos were shown throughout the week in classes and different events at lunch.” On Monday, students signed a unity banner; Tuesday saw $1 donations to purchase a bracelet or sticker, with profits going to the Special Olympics; Wednesday held another donation; and on Thursday, the Unified Basketball team held pep rallies in all three lunches to generate hype for the big game on Friday. One of the student-run organizations that supports this idea of inclusivity is the Uniquely Unified club, which helped create several other initiatives. “Originally, a student approached a few of us teachers wanting to create a peer-run
EDITOR'S NOTE: High School Confidential is a collaborative effort by the Stringers Journalism Club made up of Northville High School students Audrey Zhang, Lauren Sprow, Navya Meka, Maria Cowden, Tamsin Boyd, Wesley Paradowski, Alyssa Bachert, Brian Zhang, Pranavi Oruganty, Lucas Yessayan, Evelyn Brockenshire, and Sneha Hegde. 30 The ‘Ville
club focusing on having a time scheduled where anyone could come hang out and do activities or create friendships… basically an inclusive, safe environment for peers to do activities together,” Mikiciuk said. “After the club began, we were able to create and start a Peer-to-Peer class as an elective here at Northville, allowing peer mentorship [and] that inclusive environment to expand further into the school day.” Each Uniquely Unified meeting provides general and special education students with an outlet to relax together and enjoy each other’s company through chill activities. Following the establishment of the club and Peer-to-Peer program came Unified, in which NHS applied to become
a Unified Champion School through the Special Olympics of Michigan’s inclusion movement and started the Unified Basketball program. The team works to provide inclusion for its athletes as well as raise awareness and acceptance. There’s a ratio of three special education students, or athletes, to two general education students, or partners, on the court, with athletes shooting the baskets. “Working with special education students has changed my perspective on my life,” junior Grace Koski said. “It has taught me to not take things for granted because the littlest things in life are so important. I see how excited these kids get just to play a game or score a basket.”
Another NHS endeavor that offered a team environment for typical and special needs kids to connect was the Northville ACEing Autism (AA) program. Founded in 2020 by senior Audrey Zhang, AA gives autistic children a chance to build a healthy lifestyle through tennis and socialization with other kids. It launched its first sixweek program in the summer of 2021 where a total of 24 NHS students dedicated their Sunday mornings to teach 13 autistic kids ranging from 5 to 18 years of age. Running in a similar fashion to Unified Basketball, AA paired 1-2 NHS volunteers with one autistic child to coach stretching, swinging a racquet, and hitting a ball. “ACEing Autism means a
lot to me,” junior Varun Varre shared. “It’s not only about teaching [autistic kids] the sport of tennis, but it is building stronger relationships and social connections with them. I feel like AA has allowed me to both interact with these students on and off the courts and love the sport of tennis.” Whether it is through sports, spirit days, or simple crafts, Northville High School celebrates and will continue to celebrate inclusion and look for new ways to spread its meaningful message. “Anytime that we can get our students involved with other people and the community, the better they will be,” Young said. “I hope that it creates awareness and understanding of our [special needs] students.”
Clerk Roger Lundberg (from left), Michigan AG Dana Nessel, Township Manager Todd Mutchler, Police Chief Scott Hilden, Public Safety Manager Lisa Cupp, Lt. Christopher Rowley, School Resource Officer Michael Brown and Community Service Officer Andrew Domzalski during Nessel's recent visit.
AG Nessel shines a light on Northville Township PD as model for state By Larry O’Connor
W
hen state Attorney General Dana Nessel wanted to get the lowdown on law enforcement accreditation, she didn’t throw a dart at a map. The state’s top cop sought out the best. So she dropped a dime on Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police executive director Robert Stevenson. “They were looking for departments that we felt were stars, and Northville Township was one of those,” said Stevenson, whose association oversees the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation program. Stevenson’s unqualified recommendation and Northville Township’s sterling credentials were enough to bring the attorney general for a visit on March 25. What was supposed to be an hour stopover turned into a 1½-hour gettogether as Nessel learned the inner workings of Northville Township’s operation. After being greeted by Township Clerk Roger Lundberg, the attorney general
32 The ‘Ville
it validates the work the men and women of the Northville Township Police Department are doing on behalf of this community and supported by the elected officials.” The Attorney General’s Office’s Criminal Investigative Division is undergoing the exhaustive MACP accreditation process, which can take 1½ – 3 years to complete. “I Lt. Christopher Rowley listens to Dana Nessel read a proclamation for the thoroughly township's police department. enjoyed learning more about how the provided an overview. Northville Township Police Nessel honed in on the Department is assisting other department’s work in the law enforcement agencies, mental health area and including my own, with the efforts to keep juveniles out accreditation process through of the juvenile justice system the Michigan Association of or justice system where Chiefs of Police,” Nessel said appropriate, Mutchler said. in a statement. “This process “We were honored and humbled by her visit,” the public allows for better protection for police agencies as well as the safety director said. “To me, listened to Public Safety Director Todd Mutchler, Police Chief Scott Hilden, Lt. Chris Rowley, Public Safety Manager Lisa Cupp, School Resource Officer Michael Brown and Community Services Officer Andrew Domzalski as they
communities they serve. “The township’s accreditation, as well as efforts by the association to provide this resource, serves as a model for agencies across our state.” The attorney general’s visit shined a spotlight on how increasingly vital such accreditations are for police departments, which are coming under more public scrutiny. George Floyd’s murder in 2020 prompted calls for police reforms. Those included duty to intervene, early warning systems to spot troubled officers, bias policing being prohibited and training on dealing with people who are mentally ill. Ironically, accredited departments had those policies in place before the 46-year-old man’s death, Stevenson said. The Northville Township Police Department is not only accredited through MACP, but is one of only five or so in Michigan to be internationally recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The department’s 911 communications center also earned CALEA certification. Though voluntary, a MACP or CALEA accreditation reflects that a department adheres to the best standards and practices. “It’s standards-based, so it’s about accountability and professionalism,” Mutchler said. Accredited departments also see the bonus of fewer lawsuits. During her stop, Nessel learned the Northville agency didn’t receive so much as a minor citation after a surprise visit from Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Association (MIOSHA), a rare feat.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about how the Northville Township Police Department is assisting other law enforcement agencies, including my own, with the accreditation process through the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. This process allows for better protection for police agencies as well as the communities they serve. “The township’s accreditation… serves as a model for agencies across our state.” Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General “We think it’s a benefit because of the excellence in police service,” said Stevenson, who retired as Livonia police chief in 2011 after 37 years with the department. “Departments that are accredited have the latest policies and procedures in place, so it’s not all about liability although that is a benefit. “But it is also a benefit to the community because you have a police department that citizens should take some comfort in knowing that they are following the best-recommended practices.” Of 600 law enforcement agencies in Michigan, 42 are accredited through MACP
Northville Township Public Safety Manager Lisa Cupp with AG Dana Nessel.
while another 100 such as the Attorney General’s Office, are undergoing the process. Northville Township’s department was accredited
by MACP in September 2018 and reaccredited in March 2021. Two officers from other departments inspected Northville
Township’s operation and filed comprehensive 25-page reports. Those summaries are available online: www. michiganpolicechiefs.org/page/ accreditedagencies. “There are 108 standards, but there are about 475 things that need to be accomplished within those standards,” Stevenson said. “Another advantage to the program is that there are calls for transparency with police agencies in their community, and this is a completely transparent program. “Anybody from the community can go onto the website and see exactly the policies and procedures that their department has achieved.”
Be on the lookout for your new voter registration ID card Northville Township’s Clerk’s Office will mail it around the week of May 1 in an envelope that looks like this. The new card is necessary because the Michigan Redistricting Commission redrew congressional, state senate, state house and county commissioner districts after the decennial census, so the card informs you of your new district. Good news! Your precinct and polling location remains the same in Northville Township.
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career as a consultant with Accenture Federal Services. “It wasn’t originally what I thought I’d be doing,” said McNamara, who recently changed positions to work for Capital One as a portfolio manager. “I moved to D.C. at the end of July of 2017 after taking a pretty long break from the Big Ten, just kind to let my body heal and reset.”
Northville grad Gina McNamara has revived her track and field career with the Georgetown Running Club Pacers in D.C. Photo by Pete Draugalis
A Running Renaissance McNamara finds a new groove in post-collegiate track career By Brad Emons
G
ina McNamara doesn’t consider herself a late bloomer, but at age 27 her running career has undergone a renaissance of sorts. The 2012 Northville High grad, who spent five years in the University of Michigan’s track and field program primarily as a middle distance and distance specialist, has flourished in the post-collegiate athletic chapter of her life as a member of the
36 The ‘Ville
Georgetown Running Club (GRC) Pacers in Washington D.C. After graduating from U-M with a degree in International Studies (with a minor in business) while also attending the Master of Management program at the Ross School of Business, McNamara, a threetime Academic All-Big Ten honoree, moved to Washington D.C. to embark on her work
WALK-ON As a walk-on at Michigan, McNamara enjoyed modest success. She was derailed early on by injuries during her five-year career and was redshirted as a freshman in 2013 before slowly working her way up the team ladder primarily in the 800-meter run. As a redshirt junior, 2016 was her most productive season where McNamara scored in the Big Ten Outdoor Championships taking eighth with a time of 2:08.99. That same season she placed sixth in the Big Ten Indoors in 2:08.92 after setting a personal best of 2:07.77 in the prelims. After McNamara arrived in the nation’s capitol, she reunited with former Michigan teammate Kiernan Gallagher, who was doing a summer internship in the D.C. area. Gallagher convinced McNamara to give the GRC Pacers, a New Balance sponsored club, a try. (Gina’s boyfriend Elias Graca, a standout miler who graduated from Penn, is also an active club member and competitor.) “It’s not as serious as Michigan was, it’s a lot of fun, the coaches have a really different approach to it,” McNamara said. “It took a little while to reset from collegiate running just because you go
from having a really structured regimen. In college it’s like 7 a.m. lift, go to classes, practice is at 3:30 every day, then either go to training table or study hall, and then weekends are usually spent on competitions. There’s a lot more rigor around in practice, being a DI athlete versus transitioning to the real world like a 9-to-5 job.” McNamara said the GRC Pacers, coached by Jerry Alexander, normally meet around 7 or 7:30 p.m. on a public track, or they train at nearby colleges with indoor tracks. “The National Mall has a perfect 800-meter gravel loop run just down the street between the Capitol or the Washington Monument,” McNamara said. “Just meeting in public areas and having a group of people to train with was really nice. The team has also grown significantly since I got here in 2017. It was learning how to balance a fulltime job with post-collegiate elite running. And since then, I’ve done a better job of time balancing that.” BETTER THAN EVER McNamara’s post-collegiate results during the just completed 2022 indoor season have been nothing short of remarkable. In early February, she set a club record in the Boston University Valentine Invitational mile run with a personal indoor track best of 4:43.78. She also competed Jan. 29 in the prestigious 114th Millrose Games in New York where she ran a 1,660-meter leg as part of a relay foursome that placed second in the distance medley with a club record time of 11:41.33. “It was a pretty good signal
that there are some P.R.s that can be chased,” McNamara said of her Boston performance. On Jan. 22, she returned home and captured the open 800 at the Michigan Invitational against a field of collegians in 2:10.32 just two weeks after recovering from a bout of COVID-19. In December of 2021 at the USATF Team National Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Fla., McNamara topped her collegiate 6-kilometer best by a minute in 22:07.1 to place 61st overall. “When I graduated, I thought I was going to be completely done with track and field . . . my P.R.s are my P.R.s.,” McNamara said. “I don’t think I could be as good as I was and I never thought I was going to be able to
Gina McNamara sprints home to victory in the 800-meter run at the University of Michigan Invitational on Jan. 22. Photo by Pete Draugalis
Gina McNamara during her days on the track at Northville High. Photo courtesy of Jackie Agius
be as good as I was when I was doing it full time.” McNamara currently holds club records in the indoor 1,000 (2:57.6), indoor mile (4:43.78) and road mile (4:40.04) set last summer at the 2021 Guardian Mile in Cleveland. (She earned an entry into the Guardian Mile the week before with a then personal best 4:42 at the Venetian Festival Ryan Shay Mile in Charlevoix.) “That was really cool, I could see me running under 4:40 next year if training goes well,” McNamara said. “I’ve gotten better at balancing the time scheduling with that. Workouts and base mileage have gotten better. In 2017 I didn’t race a ton. In 2018 and 2019 I did a little more of road races, a couple of track meets in the local area.” McNamara, who is serving a one-year term as the GRC Pacers president, was in the process of mapping out the club’s spring, summer and fall outdoor competitive race schedule following the indoor season. “It’s more balance in terms of wanting to stay healthy and train,” she said. “I’m able to help our group figure out a racing calendar, helping with workouts, liaison between different training groups. This
is the first year where we’ve had really good training partners. Our records for the club are being completely rewritten this year.” When COVID-19 hit in 2020, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as McNamara was able to stay in the D.C. area and train. Prior to that she was traveling around the country in her job at Acceture Mondays through Thursdays based on her clients needs. Meanwhile, McNamara has continued to work remotely since taking her new job with Capital One. “It takes up a lot of my weekdays and my weekends,” McNamara said of her club schedule. “The team has a lot of really talented men and women on it. This is the first year where I’ve felt really comfortable stepping back onto a track. The group has been good in fostering growth in miles, 5Ks. I’m looking at doing anything from 800s to the marathon. I’m going to go for a 5K P.R. if the opportunity presents itself.” NORTHVILLE ROOTS At Northville, McNamara was a four-year varsity letterwinner in cross country who helped the Mustangs to a fourth-place Division 1 team finish in 2010 (placing 52nd individually) and
eighth in 2011. She was a twotime member of the regional and KLAA championship teams as well. In track, she earned four varsity letters and was a twotime team captain. She was regional (2010) and KLAA champion (2011) in the 800 and was part of the school-record 4 x 400 relay team (2010). Meanwhile, the Northville legacy continues in the McNamara family at U-M. Gina’s younger sister Clare, a multi-athlete standout at Northville who excelled as a state champion in track (long jump), volleyball (AllState outside hitter) and club soccer player, is now a redshirt sophomore heptathlete where she recently finished sixth in the Big Ten Indoors. “I think my years at Michigan were really good,” McNamara said. “(Coach Mike) McGuire did an amazing job of lowering my high school times to be extremely competitive in the Big Ten. Especially with the 800. I think (GRC Coach) Jerry Alexander and GRC is really doing a great job of developing that upper end strength. “At Michigan we did a lot of hard and fast workouts . . . really a lot of hard 400s with really short rest, usually like no more than two or three miles worth of workout volume on the track -- versus in D.C. under Coach Alexander -- I’ve upped my volume to five or six miles worth of volume in workouts. It’s typically a little bit less aggressive pace with generous rest and it’s been interesting just to see how you can get fit with all the different training plans.” And for McNamara, it’s only fitting she is making the most out of her second track career.
The ‘Ville 37
out & about YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE THIS MONTH
Northville STEAM Fair April 27 The Northville Public Schools 8th Annual STEAM Fair will be held 6-8 p.m. at Northville High School. This year, the theme is “STEAM Olympics 2022 and will be aligned with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) Personal Project Night at Northville High School for sophomore students. For more information, visit www. supportNEF.org.
Thayer’s Corner Spring Clean-Up April 28 The annual spring clean-up at the Thayer’s Corner Nature Area, which is a Northville Township park, will be held from 9 a.m. - noon. All volunteers are welcome. The park is maintained and operated by volunteers. It is open from dawn until dusk year ‘round. There are walking/ hiking trails, wildlife and “nature” to enjoy. A historic barn and picnic shelter are available for rent. There is also a community farm. Plots are now available to gardeners on a reservation basis. To reserve a plot, call (248) 207-0765.
Patriot’s Day Celebration April 30 Historic Mill Race Village will host this annual event celebrating Patriot’s Day and “the shot heard ’round the world.” Running from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the event will feature Revolutionary War era reenactors, who will be on the grounds in and
Spring Carnival Is Back! The Northville Chamber of Commerce is bringing back the annual Spring Carnival. The carnival will take place June 2-5 in the lot next to Northville Downs. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; Noon-10 p.m. Saturday and 1-8 p.m. on Sunday. The carnival is run by Elliott’s Amusements, which specializes in providing family entertainment. It will include rides and a midway. For more information about the event, visit www.northville. org/carnival. For more information about Elliott’s Amusements, visit elliottsamusements.com. where generations of fans cheered on the Detroit Tigers for more than 100 years. The event is sponsored by NDL’s Friends of the Library group. Registration is required by visiting northvillelibrary.org. around the Cady Inn (transformed to Buckman’s Tavern) and the North Bridge (replica of North Bridge at Concord). Displays and reenactments will feature everyday life in 1775. Military exhibits to include drills, marching and manual of arms. There will also be presentations on spinning, knitting, blacksmithing, and other activities of the time. For more information, visit www. millracenorthville.org/events-2.
History of Tiger Stadium May 2 Local author Doc Fletcher will visit the library at 7 p.m. to discuss his book, The History of Tiger Stadium. The book honors “The Cathedral”
High School Musical May 5-7 The Northville High School Theatre students will be performing their spring musical, High School Musical, in the school’s auditorium. Performance times are 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Online ticket sales for High School Musical are available at https://nhstheater. ludus.com. Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door (students are $8 online and $10 at the door with ID).
Wildflowers of the Park Hike Friday, May 6-7 Join the Friends of Maybury as they lead a guided interpretive stroll
on open paths lined with many of Michigan’s native wildflowers and natural attractions at Maybury State Park. The walk will be a little over an hour long, and starts at 10 a.m. on both days. Bring your guidebook and camera. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Please dress for the weather as this program will run rain or shine. The hike begins in the Equestrian Staging Area (parking lot) in front of the horse barns. Use the Beck Road entrance to the park. The event is free, but you must have a Recreation Passport for park entry.
Rosie the Riveter Tea May 7 The Northville Historical Society hill host this event beginning at 1 p.m. at Mill Race Village. Catered by Victoria’s Tea Salon, attendees will enjoy a delicious assortment of tea sandwiches, scones and desserts along with the signature Cady Inn Tea all served on fine china. Tickets are $40 for Northville Historical Society members ($45 for non-members). To purchase tickets, call (734) 968-7338. For more information, visit www.millracenorthville.org.
City Lights Chorus May 21 The City Lights Chorus will present its annual spring show, “Where The Good Times Are” at 7 p.m. at Hilltop Church (21260 Haggerty Road, Northville). The awardwinning ensemble is preparing for international competition in July and you can see them in action with an evening of music. Also performing will be two quartets, Girl Talk and 3rd place Barbershop Harmony Society bronze medalist, Quorum. General admission tickets are $20. Student and group pricing can be found at www.citylightschorus.com.
SEND IT IN To get your items listed in Out & About, email editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.
38 The ‘Ville
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Tom Watkins has been spending time in Costa Rica after the death of his son, Daniel (left).
No Greater Agony Than Burying A Child There’s a difference between ‘moving forward’ and ‘moving on’ By Tom Watkins
W
ith the devastating loss of our 36-year-old son Daniel on Feb. 18, it seems at times like I am sinking, stuck, frozen, hesitant, hurt and afraid. Daniel had an infectious smile. Trouble is we only were able to enjoy it for a short while. Far too short a while. I take solace in crossing this river by feeling for the stones of those of you who traveled this path before. I have joined a club no one wishes to join, burying a child and having to say good bye to our beloved son. The rewind button plays the good times, challenging times and, yes, the bad times over and over again -- bouncing between my heart and my mind and rolling down my cheeks day and night time. Smiles and tears are shed simultaneously -- like rain on a brilliant sunny day. I ask myself, “What if”, “What should”, “Could I,” “Did I”? A thousand times each day. Newfound worries about my daughter, grandsons and others that I love are now along for
40 The ‘Ville
the ride as I move through the moments of each day. Questions of “why” never seem to shy away. Some have suggested with time I will be able to “move on.” I know this was meant to be helpful and I took it as such. However, I do not feel I will ever be able to “move on” from the boy who became a man that I loved so much. Although each day I do try to move forward: One minute. One hour. One day at a time. I embrace the philosophy from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), as though it is mine. If I only think about staying “sober”, staying focused, staying in the moment attempting to find joy and express gratitude for the next 24 hours. If I can pull down the rearview mirror and look ahead, grieving about my loss, our loss and accepting the death of my son -- the steps of moving forward will eventually have begun. If I can do this every day, I am told it gets easier as the days roll along.
I am slowly moving forward, which is happening with the love and support of my network of friends and family. It is also being nurtured along with the new connections I have made with many of Daniel’s friends who have cried, laughed and reminisced with me about things I knew and did not know about my son; Daniel, Dare Dan or Diddly-D. There were innocent, precious, loving and challenging times where Daniel occupied my mind and heart beginning with conception until the bitter end -- when his spirit was lifted to hopefully a much better place with more love and grace. Like AA, one is able to “move forward” in grieving with love and support; this is true I am here Tom Watkins with his son Daniel and grandson Owen.
to report. There is no greater pain that I have felt than seeing my child hurt and then die right in front of my eyes. The pain of losing Daniel ricochets throughout my mind, body and soul. Daniel lives on in the many friends and family who he loved and love him; especially his son. It is hard to imagine a deeper love for their son than watching our son Daniel with his special little boy, Owen, my grandson. Daniel’s mantra was always, “helping to bring Owen into this world is the best thing I have ever done.” Daniel lives on in the memories of the many he touched with his warmth, smiles, laughter, loving support and such. “Onward, forward”, I can hear Daniel call. He loved deeply and is loved deeply. Daniel, you remain alive in my memories and the memories of many others. Your life on earth has come to an end … until we meet again. I love you, Daniel my son. Tom Watkins is a longtime Northville resident who served as the Michigan state superintendent of schools and state mental health director. He is a prolific writer and an expert on China/US relations.
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Denise Jenkins is a member of the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Tipping Point Theatre. An avid writer and proponent of the arts, she is also plugged into what’s happening in Northville. Contact her at denisemjenkins@aol.com.
April Shines Like A Diamond
n my humble opinion, if your birthday is in April – you’re lucky. Diamond is your birthstone. The rest of us make a case for our birthstone: sapphires, rubies, topaz, peridot. But let’s face it, there is nothing quite like a diamond.
The winners were – Kaitlyn, Daria and first place went to Dawn, who donned Bridgerton apparel, including the jewels, from head to toe.
Michelle Zauner wearing earrings by Michael Opipari at the Grammy's. The Bridgerton winners at Orin's (from left) Kaitlyn, Dawn, Daria with Orin's Antoinette Mazzoni Kramer.
Orin Jewelers knows about diamonds. The recent girl’s night out in downtown Northville had a Bridgerton theme, which I must admit I knew very little about. Orin’s held a costume contest, and I was asked to be a judge. Uh-oh, I thought – am I qualified? I did my homework and asked around. Well, it seems people who watch the Netflix show really KNOW the Bridgerton family. I, on the other hand, needed more research. I found the costumes were spectacular and the jewelry out of this world. It all started making sense. One episode features the Rhianna hit song Diamonds. (A new favorite in my music library.) I joined Jayme Hundley from Tuscan Café and Mayor Brian Turnbull on the panel of judges.
More dish on jewelry, and more eye opening for me. Apparently, there is a band called Japanese Breakfast. Michelle Zauner is the lead vocalist and songwriter. The group was nominated for a Grammy this year. Michelle made the red carpet come to life with a bright yellow wedding cake-like dress adorned with earrings and shiny rings on almost every finger. All but the yellow band were designed by Michigan designer, Michael Opipari. You can find Opipari’s work at our “little gem”-- the Northville Art House. You can actually purchase Opipari’s work at the Art House store located at 215 W. Cady Street. In the market for a wedding dress? Want to do something to help the people of Ukraine? Elizabeth’s Bridal Salon will host a Bridal Gown Benefit Sale called “We Love Ukraine” from April 29-May 14. Appointments are
required. Brides may bring up to two guests. Ten percent of the sales and door donations will go to the Red Cross for Ukrainians in need. Elizabeth’s is located at 402 S. Main Street. For more information, call (248) 348-2783 or visit elizabethsbridalmanor.com. Congratulations to Northville resident Steve Lomske on his new book deal. His book, On The Bank of the Chippewa, is now available on Amazon. It is the story of three brothers growing up in a German family on a midMichigan farm during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The best part of the story is the dedication to his daughter Natalie – a graduate of Northville High School who is in Los Angeles “living her dream.” I’m proud to call them my lifelong friends. Wish me luck. The most exciting two minutes in sports is coming up Saturday, May 7. Nearly 10 years ago I took my mom to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby. We did it in style. She told me almost every day, until she died, that it was the best vacation of her life. She passed away five years ago this month. I don’t know where the time has gone. I do know that I will be at our very own Northville Downs on Derby Day. I go every year in
Denise's mom, Edith Mrakitsch, arrives in Louisville for Derby Day.
her honor. Grab a hat and join me. (By the way, live racing has returned to the Downs Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 7:30 p.m.) It was once a diamond in the rough. The Living and Learning Enrichment Center is holding its inaugural Gala on Friday, June 10. It has been a journey of “Hopes and Dreams” and that evening you can see for yourself, while touring the unique 13-acre campus and discovering how they are changing the lives of people with autism and developmental disabilities. There will be food, a wine tasting and dancing under the stars to the music of FiftyAmpFuse. Tickets are available for $125 per person at http://llechopesanddreams.org. When all is said and done, I can still hear Marilyn Monroe singing diamonds are a girl’s best friend. I love a good childhood memory.
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ANY PURCHASE APPLIES TO ALL FOOD & BEVERAGE. GOOD ANY TIME. DINE IN OR CARRY OUT. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER.
133 W. M A IN S TR EE T, NOR TH V IL L E • (24 8) 347- 59 93 • W W W.N O R TH V IL L E SP O R TSDEN.COM
Jamey Kramer Putting You First
Associate Broker ABR, CNE, CPS, CRS, GRI
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID RAVENNA, MI PERMIT NO. 320
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46865 Sunnybrook Lane, Novi Sold In 2 Days @ 107%
23418 Mystic Forest, Novi Sold In 2 Days @ 110%
Putting You First ... Put Me First • Top 1% USA - Realtrends • #1 Northville/Novi Homeseller • #1 Agent RE/MAX Classic, All Offices • #1 Agent RE/MAX Southeast Michigan • Hour Magazine Best of the Best • Voted Best Agent - Peoples Choice Awards • JameyKramer.com
22763 Foxmoor Drive, Novi
• Gorgeous Royal Crown Colonial • 4 Bedrooms / 2.1 Baths / 2,649 Sq. Ft. • Private Wooded Lot • 2 Story Foyer • Andersen Windows • Remodeled Kitchen Features White Cabs, Quartz Counters, Hardwood Floor & SS Apps
• Updated Master Suite W/ Cathedral Ceiling, Walk-in Closet & Ensuite Bath • Finished Lower Level Includes Rec Area, TV Room, Office & Wet Bar • 2 Car Attached Garage • Doorwall To Deck & Patio • Awesome Neighborhood • Acclaimed Northville Schools
Recent Client Reviews “Jamey Kramer and his wonderful team helped us sell our home quickly and sucessfully!! We really liked that he came out personally for the first meeting and explained all the ins and outs of selling and what he and his team can help us with. They made it possible for us to move to another state while still getting the home on the market and selling it - even provided us with contacts in the area and state we moved to. His staff member Diana Kelly has been especially helpful and responsive to all our texts, emails and phone calls that we had during the process. We are very happy we chose Jamey and his team and I would wholeheartedly recommend their splendid services to anyone looking to buy/sell homes in that area of Michigan and/or relocating.” Silvio & Martina Maetzke
For Top Dollar, Quick Results, Great Service And A FREE Market Analysis Call Jamey 248-348-7200