The 'Ville - April 2023

Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine

In Good Hands

Lahanas ready to lead city through challenges ahead

Vita Vizachero

Vita Vizachero

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.

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.

vvizachero@billbrownford.com

John DesOrmeau

John DesOrmeau

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.

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.

jdesormeau@billbrownford.com

vvizachero@billbrownford.com

Office:(734) 524-2711

Office:(734) 524-2711

Office:(734) 524-2720

jdesormeau@billbrownford.com

Office:(734) 524-2720

LOCAL JOURNALISM MATTERS

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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:

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16435 Franklin

Northville, MI 48168

You can also make donations via PayPal to kurtkuban@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance.

Publisher

Here is a list of people who contributed to local journalism last month. We appreciate your support!

Barb & Danny Cook

Scott Frush

Edward & Kathy Huyck

Elaine Kokko

Jim & Martha Nield

David & Gail Zima

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.

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.

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

MARIA TAYLOR – Writer

Maria is managing editor at The ACHR NEWS, a B2B publication based in Troy. She has worked as a reporter for the Northville Record, Novi News and Plymouth Observer, and once had her photo on the cover of TIME. She lives in Farmington and, as a self-avowed history nerd, routinely risks her life by standing in the road to photograph old buildings.

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.

JOHN C. HEIDER – Photographer

John is a 25-year veteran of the Northville Record and other Detroitarea newspapers. In addition to his photography, he's an amateur gardener, poet and fly-fisherman. He also claims to have invented the metric system.

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.

‘Ville Facilities Should Reflect Pride We Have In Our Schools

If you were able to attend any of the Northville High School football home games last fall, you know how electric our stadium can be. That was especially the case for our playoff games against rivals Novi and Catholic Central, the latter of which was televised as Bally Sport Detroit’s Game of the Week.

The commentators on that broadcast noted several times about the incredible atmosphere during the game at the stadium on Eight Mile. The bleachers on both sides of the field were packed and the crowds were enthusiastic, even raucous at times. In other words, exactly the atmosphere you want for a big game under the Friday Night Lights.

The football games attract a large swath of the community –from the kids who pack the rowdy student section, to the families, alums and other spectators -young and old alike -- who fill the grandstands. That’s what makes the games special. Even if you don’t like football, it’s a true expression of the community spirit.

However, there is a major issue with the current bleachers – they

do not have hand rails like most of the other stadiums in our league. While that may not seem like a big deal, believe me, for someone who has a disability or is a senior citizen, climbing those stands can be a hazardous situation. I’ve personally witnessed many people stumble and even fall after losing their balance because they have nothing to grab onto. Heck, I’ve stumbled a few times myself.

It’s especially dangerous when the place is crowded and people are running up and down the stands.

Over the last few years, my wife has contacted the school district at numerous levels about the situation -- the coach, athletic director, principal and even school board members. While everyone has been sympathetic to her concerns, they explain it’s a very expensive fix. It’s not just a matter of installing handrails because of the age of the bleachers and the way they were designed.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, any new facilities must be “accessible to people with disabilities so they, their families and friends can enjoy equal access to entertainment, recreation,

and leisure.” And that includes handrails.

The reason I bring this up now is because fixing the bleachers is one of the many infrastructure improvements planned if the school district’s $134.4 million bond proposal, which will be decided by voters on May 2, is successful.

In addition to replacing and expanding the home bleachers to 4,500 seats, other plans include installing new synthetic turf on the NHS baseball and softball fields, and renovating the school’s pool.

Other big ticket items include major renovations to Meads Mill Middle School, and upgrading HVAC systems, lighting and air quality at all of the district’s facilities. To read more about the bond proposal, please see our story on Page 28. If the bond passes, voters will not see an increase in taxes. The millage rate will stay the same, as the district is retiring current debt.

The district says if the bond doesn’t pass, it will save the average Northville homeowner about twenty bucks a month over what we’re paying now.

I know people hate paying taxes. But the way our school funding is structured now, nearly the entire district budget goes towards salaries and operations. There just isn’t enough money in the perpupil funding from the state for infrastructure upgrades. And our schools are aging whether we like it or not.

It’s important to remember our exemplary school system is one of the main draws to the Northville community and why families want to move here. And our athletic programs as a whole are second to none in the state. Our facilities should reflect the pride we take in our schools, our athletics and in our most precious commodity –our children.

As such, I’ll be voting for the bond proposal. I think it just makes sense on so many levels, but I’ll be especially happy to see the new larger – and safer -- bleachers installed. It’ll make the Friday Night Lights that much better.

Kurt Kuban is the Publisher and Editor of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@ thevillemagazine.com.

Northville City Manager George Lahanas at City Hall. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

Your Voice

Yes for NPS

There’s an election May 2, 2023. There’s only one item on the ballot, but it’s important, and an easy “yes.”

If you are a homeowner, like me, you know the “joys of homeownership,” those painful but necessary repairs and upgrades to HVAC systems, the roof, appliances, and endlessly patching and painting. It’s no different with our schools. However, instead of a family of five like mine, 11 NPS school buildings house almost 7,000 students. Although they are routinely and frugally cared for, significant renovations are unavoidably part of the process for Northville Schools, too.

Two things are true. Yes, Northville schools are excellent. But also yes, NPS needs this bond program for improvements to buildings, infrastructure, programs, and more. Having one of the top tier districts in the state takes resources.

The proposal is a zero increase to the current debt millage rate, so our taxes will not go up. The bond proposal authorizes the issuance of $134.4 million in bonds and every dollar of this bond stays in Northville Public Schools.

Obviously, the most important benefit of having excellent schools is that Northville students receive a world-class education. Even if you don’t have students in NPS, having great schools directly improves your property values, the desirability of our community, and the ease to resell your home when the time comes.

Please make sure to vote YES for NPS on May 2 (or on your absentee ballot today).

Kate Rundell President, Silver Springs PTA

Half measures

Stop the presses! The Northville City Council has just reversed themselves (sort of), opening the downtown streets for the winter months, while keeping them closed in the summer.

All this does is perpetuate a bad situation. With the streets open for half the year, nothing will be done to address the basic traffic flow issues, and when the streets open in the winter, the downtown restauranteurs will be faced with the problem of what to do with their elaborate outdoor dining installation. Find someplace to store all that stuff, or just leave it intact for the city snowplows to bury and push out of the way, as they do with my mailbox?

I think the City Council is just stalling for time, hoping the problem will just go away. The simple fact is that, sooner or later, the streets will be reopened, because the downtown pedestrian malls seldom work. The sooner the Council faces this fact and opens the streets year-round, the sooner we can forget all this nonsense. Or perhaps the citizens of Northville can just rise up, singing the most stirring numbers from “Les Miserables” and storm the barricades.

John D. Webster

Let voters decide

I enjoy the current closure of Main Street and Center Street and I park in the same places that I did before the street closures. However, if I lived in the neighborhood surrounding downtown and traffic was using my street to detour Center, or if I owned a business that was losing customers due to the closures, I would probably feel differently. Everyone has their own opinions based on their personal experience. The best solution would be to let the voters decide. Put the question on a ballot and allow the voters to make a choice between keeping the streets closed only in the summer months, opening the streets year round, and opening Center Street while leaving Main Street closed. You can’t please everyone but you can at least try to get the opinion of the majority of voters.

Jacqueline Gauvin

Where are the people?

I am not understanding the continued street closure. On St. Patrick’s Day, I took some shoes to downtown Northville for repair. After I realized it was a holiday and needing to go to what was going to be a crazy downtown, I figured I might see someone I know partying in the street and maybe see what the street closure was all about.

Much to my dismay, at 5 p.m. on a Friday, a major drinking holiday, downtown was a ghost town. Where were all the people? I figured St. Patrick’s Day, of all days, the bars and restaurants and streets would be flooded with people.

Marianne Gillum

Will it survive?

I’d like to bring up some issues about the proposed move of the Northville Downs racetrack from Northville to Plymouth Township.

1. Horse racing seems to be a dying business. I had cousins that spent most of their lives in the harness racing business and had to give it up because they could no longer make a living.

2. The failed Pinnacle Track in Huron Township cost Wayne County taxpayers in excess of $36 million.

3. The Hazel Park raceway closed along with Jackson, Windsor and all other harness racing tracks in Michigan. The only track still in existence in Michigan is Northville Downs.

Personally, I am not necessarily opposed to the track being moved to Plymouth Township but I believe the township should have held off and looked into some of the before approving the track. I am concerned that if this track does not survive we will have another Pinnacle disaster on our hands and we will be stuck with another white elephant, but I hope I am wrong.

Duane G. Zantop Plymouth Township

‘In Good Hands’

Lahanas has track record to lead city through challenges ahead

By Larry O’Connor | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

Turnovers in East Lansing draw attention on the football field, but elected officials in Northville expect this one will strike pay dirt on the personnel level.

In February, the city hired George Lahanas as city manager less than a month after he departed from the same position 66 miles to the northwest.

In his old job, Lahanas received upbeat performance reviews — including his most recent one according to published reports — and was highly regarded during his 24 years in East Lansing, 11 as city manager.

“You are in good hands,” said Tim Dempsey, East Lansing interim director of Planning, Building, and Development.

Dempsey worked with Lahanas for 15 years, the bulk of those when the latter was city manager.

“He is one of those people who can work across different groups and is very even-keeled in his approach. He understands the culture and can let people do their job and make things happen.”

Fiscal acumen and revitalization of East Lansing’s downtown marked Lahanas’ tenure.

Despite nearly a quarter century of accomplishments, Lahanas’ bosses opted for a fresh approach. East Lansing city council members approved a separation agreement during a January meeting.

Northville welcomed Lahanas, who started his new

role March 6. He replaced Pat Sullivan, who stepped down Jan. 6 after 16 years as city manager. Mark Wollenweber served as interim city manager.

Frank Walsh Municipal Services guided the city through the search with council members Marilyn Price and Andrew Krenz serving on the personnel committee.

Some 24 hopefuls applied with the field being narrowed to 10 before five candidates were selected and interviewed.

“I believe George Lahanas could handle this and hit the ground running,” said Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull, joining four city council members in unanimously selecting the Queens, N.Y. native.

The reason for such

confidence is Lahanas’ calm yet commanding demeanor, which will be required as the city enters a pivotal juncture with a myriad of projects on tap. The marquee undertaking is the $300 million Downs development on the 49-acre Northville Downs harness racetrack site.

The massive residentialcommercial enterprise will coincide with Foundry Flask, Farmer’s Market and Ford Field ventures, which “are going to require unflappable management skills,” said council member Barbara Moroski-Browne at the Feb. 6 meeting.

Lahanas spearheaded East Lansing’s public-private Center City District on Grand River and Albert avenues. The mixed-use development includes senior (92 rental units) and mixed market housing (273 rental units) as well as a Target store. A 620-space parking structure is also part of the project.

While in East Lansing, Lahanas also oversaw a $155 million annual budget while doubling the general reserve and invested $25 million in legacy costs and infrastructure.

He has a master’s degree in Public Administration from Northern Michigan University and also earned his bachelor’s from the school in Marquette.

Lahanas, 52, is married to Shelley. The couple has two teenage daughters, Eleni and Marina.

The ’Ville: What appealed to you most about the Northville city manager’s position?

Lahanas: It’s a great community, it’s got a lot going for it. It has a great downtown and it’s surrounded by these nice walkable neighborhoods. So, I

New Northville City Manager George Lahanas

just thought it was really kind of a special place.

The ’Ville: What is the biggest difference between this job and the one you left, besides having a major university in your backyard?

Lahanas: It’s kind of a funny thing, but a lot of times in the downtown, if you have adult beverages and that sort of thing in a college community, it can present real challenges in keeping things calm, keeping things clean and keeping things quiet. In a city like Northville, people try to enjoy those recreational activities but don’t have those typical problems that go with a university town.

The ’Ville: How would you describe your leadership style?

Lahanas: I’m collaborative and work as a team with people, the directors that I work with, and willing to hear and work on the things that they think are important. I am also willing to hear their concerns and thoughts, and if there are different or better ways of doing something. Then, hopefully,

they’re also open and willing to hear my direction and my thoughts on how things can be done as well.

The ’Ville: How do you view the current outcry from some residents and businesses about the downtown being closed off to traffic? Is there a solution?

Lahanas: When COVID came, a lot of communities did the right thing and closed streets where they could support businesses outside. As we’re coming out of that, communities are trying to figure out the right level of pedestrian activity, and what streets to open and close. Northville is in the midst of that transition.

I do think there are solutions. Over time, you see what’s working and what’s not working, and you make modifications.

The ’Ville: What do you see as your role in overseeing the Downs development?

Lahanas: We’re still in the process of working on the development agreement. So there are some steps still yet to come, and that still has to go before the council. I think that is making sure it’s clear to everybody, the developer and the city, what everyone’s obligations are under that development because a development like this has a lot of moving parts. We want to make sure everyone understands

what they’re getting into and everyone can deliver what’s expected.

The ’Ville: Did you have anything comparable development-wise in East Lansing that you oversaw?

Lahanas: We had big developments where we had $100 million or more dollar developments. We had a lot of larger-scale projects in downtown. So we have had some familiarity with this type of development and it’s complex, and it takes time. You have to make sure you’re watching out for the community’s interests while helping to facilitate a positive development.

The ‘Ville: You’ve also mentioned that infrastructure is going to be a priority. May you be more specific?

Lahanas: I think when you look at a city like Northville, it’s not unlike my old other city, a city that’s been around for a long time – 100 years, 150 years – the

infrastructure has been in the ground for well over 100 years at this point.

So you have water mains, you have sewers and you have things that are going to need to be addressed. When you have underground infrastructure, you have to plan that out in coordination with your road projects so that you’re doing things at the right time and doing things in coordination.

The ‘Ville: Any regrets about how things shook out in East Lansing? You had positive performance reviews and city council votes to part ways.

Lahanas: No, I don’t have any regrets. We did a lot of great work in East Lansing. I was there for almost 25 years, 11 as manager. We did some great stuff on financial sustainability and downtown development, sort of astounding changes from when I took over 10 years earlier. I’m proud of what we did and no regrets, and I look forward to being here now.

George Lahanas spent 24 years working for East Lansing, including 11 as city manager.

What Just Happened Here?

Breaking Down the April 3 Northville City Council Meeting

Participants and observers of this month’s Northville City Council Meeting thought perhaps they witnessed a face-off: Pink signs vs. No signs. But what we actually saw was part of the metamorphosis of what downtown Northville will become. Like a caterpillar spinning its cocoon, so was spun all manner of comments and suggestions. Some of those suggestions were ideas we could all live with: Let’s not lose them in the noise… What was clear is that everyone is passionate about our downtown.

History - The closed streets became something more than the sum of its parts during Covid (since 8/14/20) as a Social District. It evolved from a town square to a physical and emotional “safe harbor” during the pandemic. We no longer need that haven. It’s time let go of that to evolve again.

4/3/23

Audience Suggestions

• Close for Friday night concerts and special events weekends, with the emphasis on “special”

• Close for weekends during seasonallytolerable months

• Close Thur 4 pm - Sun 4 pm in 4 mos. summer period

• Merchants’ need streets open during the week to be viable

• Accommodate mobility challenges of all sorts

• Adults want social space on weekends for themselves & their kids

Currently - What is happening is that we are “becoming”. Becoming something, but we are not there yet. There is no permanent plan, but we have most of the components for one.

April 3 Council Meeting - The meeting was necessitated by a requirement for City Council to vote on whether the streets met the MDOT criteria to continue to receive Act 51 road funding… The criteria was binary, open or closed. We couldn’t be sometimes closed—it was all or nothing. The impact of having two “decertified local” streets that were our major through-streets is not completely understood. It’s possible that SEMCOG and WAYNECOG (Wayne County) will deem us ineligible for badly needed grants to pay for a round-about and other City related projects, and we might need to change our streets’ status again in order to comply.

April 3 Council Meeting Scorecard

WHAT COUNCIL DID WHAT COUNCIL HASN’T DONE

Classified the streets as closed. Hasn’t voted on DDA’s motion on non-permanent closures. (It was included in 4/3 Council packet in Mike Domino’s memo.)

Decided to close SEASONALLY, April - Nov.

Gave up Act 51 funding for street upgrades/improvements to Center Street by reclassifying roads. Must now find funding or use City’s general fund.

Jeopardized future funding for roundabouts, other road improvements.

Hasn’t had any discussion of why the streets remain closed such a long time.

Hasn’t created a plan or a budget for bollards or other street closure devices.

Hasn’t developed a plan for safer, shorter school bus routes. NPS requested that Center Street be open.

Kicked the can down the road. Hasn’t made accommodations for mobility-challenged people.

They left the door open to remove “seasonal” designation, as they did not designate it “permanent”.

Hasn’t created a task force to evaluate street closures.

The goal is safe ‘walkable’ streets; effective and balanced traffic flow; and fluid connections across the city. To this end, we recommend:

✓ Open Center Street with calming and event closures

✓ Open Main Street with either event closures or seasonal closures

✓ Build the southern connection at Hines/7 Mile/New Griswold with the Downs & beyond

T This re-establishes the north/south and east/west connections through the business district and with the building of the new southern link, we restore the city grid This ensures the most effective connectivity

Good News!

The building blocks for a permanent plan already exist.

• Mobility Network’s (see QR code) comprehensive, detailed plan to move traffic and people safely through our town.

• Motion from the DDA. (see box)

• Grissim, Metz, Andriese’s advice to optimize downtown for all ages, all seasons. Recall, they cautioned NOT permanently removing traffic light structures or curbs. Also have their guidance on tools and strategies to optimize or downtown space.

What We Still Need

• A Town Hall guided by an external facilitator that provides an interactive forum with our leaders and our experts. And a safe, civil place to have a dialog with our neighbors.

• Need a plan before the year’s end, ready to implement by November 1, 2023, as the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) proposed. We need to NOT be back here next year.

• Still need a budget + money, an implementation timeline, ADA plan, decision on specific bollards or gates system.

• To implement the Council-accepted Mobility Network’s recommendation.

What Our Pink Signs Mean

Many residents are displaying pink “Let’s Open Northville” signs. We are your neighbors who are concerned about the present and future Northville. We are looking forward to a balanced, permanent resolution that respects and accommodates ALL our residents, businesses, all the work of our competent committees, the DDA, and our budget constraints.

Was Correct

• Need to effectuate permanent resolutions due to impending development

• Need to ensure we have a strong business district serving ALL businesses’ needs, mobility necessities, ADA/emergency vehicle/delivery drop-off compliance

• Can’t afford to lose road funding - of any amount!

• Need to establish permanent traffic patterns

• Council needs to align with Master Plan; get traffic off of Wing and surrounding neighborhood streets.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Complaint Form: Scan here if you or a friend can’t get a close drop-off or parking space due to closures

Northville City Council Meeting Calendar: Bring your letters!

NPD Transparency Dashboard: Shows # of service and direct calls has increased

Excerpt from Mobility Network Plan

Talk to us about:

• EV CHARGER INSTALLATIONS

• HOW YOUR EV CAN PROVIDE YOUR HOME WITH POWER WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT!

• THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN COST SAVINGS

• REBATES

‘A Long Time Coming’

Much-needed left turn lights coming to busy Six Mile/Sheldon intersection

By Tim Smith

The intersection of Six Mile and Sheldon roads in Northville Township has been a giant headache for rush hour commuters for years.

Finally, some relief is on the horizon, with the expected installation of a left-turn traffic signal. Work is likely to begin in August or September 2023 with completion sometime in spring 2024, said Terry Marecki (R-Livonia), who represents the 9th District of the Wayne County Commission (which includes Northville and Northville Township).

“The first thing people are going to see are the pads and the new poles that are going to hold the lights,” said Marecki, noting that the project will total about $345,000 from the Wayne County budget.

Marecki said the planned

project “has been a longtime coming. There’s been complaints on this for a long time. … It seems like I’ve been hearing about this for a long time and I’ve been there (on the commission) since 2015.”

Efforts to address the problem over the past decade have been hit and miss.

The backup of traffic on westbound Six Mile at Sheldon and southbound Sheldon (at Six Mile) – particularly during morning and afternoon rush hours – prompted a traffic study by the county several years ago.

But after that attempt resulted in a no-go for the proposal, the issue was reevaluated in 2022 with the green light finally being given.

“Wayne County (previously) said they had done an evaluation and didn’t really

believe a left-turn signal was necessary,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo. “But we asked them to revisit that issue and the need. And they came back and agreed it is something that would be very helpful.”

According to Abbo, leadership of homeowners associations representing residents in the vicinity of the intersection deserve much credit for the subject being put back on the front burner.

“It was always an issue whenever we had homeowners association meetings,” Abbo said. “That was one of the things that prompted us to talk to the county again.”

With the multi-directional signal, Northville High School students who either drive to campus or are driven there by their parents won’t feel the pressure of scrambling to make it to their first class on time.

“From what I’ve heard, the morning rush hour is the big problem, especially with the high school with people dropping (students) off,” said Marecki, adding that with the pandemic finally easing “I’m sure there’s a problem in the evening, too. The traffic has become more prominent now that people are going back to work.”

Others feeling the time crunch to get to their jobs also will find some relief.

What county officials found with the most-recent traffic study, Abbo noted, was “I believe they saw there was a large traffic issue at certain times in the day, particularly in the morning when schools are in session and (business commuters) are trying to access M-14.

“There are such long backups

on Six Mile Road when they wanted to turn left (south) onto Sheldon,” he said.

The project, Abbo explained, is more involved than merely installing a traffic signal.

“It’s more complicated than just changing the software and programming for a light,” Abbo explained. “They’re hoping to put in new poles, new sidewalk pads, new pedestrian indicators. And then having to deal with the timing and programming of a light is something that will take time.”

Marecki said the roadway itself at the intersection will not undergo any construction.

About the on-again, off-again nature of the project, Marecki said the pandemic – with many people working and going to school virtually – contributed to the interruption.

“I think they looked at this prior to Covid, so it was already on their radar,” Marecki said. “It’s been just kind of sitting there. There are strict rules with roads (and traffic lights), through MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation). You just don’t decide you want to put something in, it has to meet the criteria.”

Marecki underscored the need for Northville High School students to arrive safely and on time in the morning. The leftturn signal will enable several more vehicles per cycle to get past the logjam.

“Their kids are driving to school or they (parents) are driving the kids to school,” Marecki continued. “Getting late for school, (and) what happens with that is they get into the school and everybody’s rushing which is not a safe thing for students. This (signal) will help.”

The Sheldon/Six Mile intersection is often congested during rush hour. The installation of left hand turn lights should help.

Coming Back Full Force

Rouge Rescue organizers say public’s help vital for river’s health

By Tim Smith

Efforts to save the Rouge River from water pollution no longer are confined to a single day, event or intervention.

But Rouge Rescue is still a big deal to the nonprofit organization Friends of the Rouge. According to Marie McCormick, the group’s executive director and Northville High grad, the cleanup event is slated for Saturday, May 20 around the Rouge watershed.

“We actually had Rouge Rescue in person last year (after the event being interrupted in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic), but maybe it wasn’t as robust,” McCormick said. “This year, Rouge Rescue is coming back full-force.”

The first Rouge Rescue was in 1986. In the beginning it largely consisted of volunteers removing trash from the longneglected river. Over the years, however, the annual event that attracted thousands of

volunteers around the Rouge River watershed began to incorporate other activities including planting native vegetation along the river, building bird and bat boxes and opening logjams to create recreational opportunities on the river.

While the event traditionally occurred the first Saturday in June, Rouge Rescue activities are now spread throughout April, May and beyond.

“We’re calling the month of May ‘Rouge Rescue Month,’” McCormick said. “Right now we have two events scheduled for the day of Rouge Rescue. But for the month of May we have five or six events a week. There’s something for everyone.”

On May 20 (date for the official Rouge Rescue) there will be two Detroit-based events, including a rain garden planting at LaNita’s Pocket Park and Rouge Park Appreciation Day.

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP

The calendar of events on the Friends of the Rouge website (therouge.org) stretches well into June with plenty more opportunities to be scheduled, too.

The Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex (PARC), which is the home of Friends

of the Rouge, will host several raingarden maintenance work days, two sessions each on most Thursdays during May (May 4, 11, 18 from 9 a.m. to noon; and 1-4 p.m.).

“There will be weeding, mulching, rock arrangement, replacement of dead plants that didn’t make it over the winter,” said McCormick about the work days at PARC (located in downtown Plymouth), encouraging people to visit the website to volunteer for a specific date and time.

Such efforts will alleviate the dumping of stormwater into the Rouge watershed, but many other projects will be available throughout the spring months.

McCormick noted there will be tree plantings of small saplings along the Lower Rouge in Inkster, through a partnership of Friends of the Rouge with the Alliance of Rouge Communities and Wayne County Parks.

“We use a dibble bar and we open up the earth and drop in the sapling,” she said.

That reforestation project is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

(Top left) A volunteer holds a brown trout during a fish survey of Johnson Creek in Northville. (Top right) Herman Jenkins of Friends of the Rouge shows off a map of the Rouge River watershed to some children.

Friends of the Rouge is looking for volunteers to help maintain some of their rain gardens, which filter stormwater and keep pollution out of the river.

“The river is part of our community and there’s a lot of different ways you can get out and help the river,” McCormick emphasized. “There are things you can do at your own home. The Friends of the Rouge is a great organization to volunteer with, but there’s so many (groups) that do wonderful, environmentally focused activities like tree plantings, and trash pickup.”

The Lower Rouge River, between John Daly and John Hix roads in Inkster, will be the site of several tree planting work days – one of them slated for the Rouge Rescue Day (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 20).

For those who won’t be able to volunteer at a Rouge Rescuerelated event, McCormick suggested they can help the cause by writing or calling local, state and regional officials.

McCormick did exactly that concerning the controversial plan for the Northville Downs racetrack to be relocated to a 40-acre tract in Plymouth Township near Five Mile and Ridge roads.

In a Feb. 13 letter on behalf of Friends of the Rouge to Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise, McCormick cited a list of concerns about how such a project would imperil Johnson Creek, a tributary of the Middle Rouge River. Johnson Creek is the lone coldwater tributary of the Rouge River and home to sensitive cold water fish such as mottled sculpins, johnny darters, the endangered red side dace and brown trout.

The letter also asked township leaders to act “cautiously when beginning this

new era of development. Please consider the consequences of removal of vegetation within the floodplain and replacing it within more impervious surfaces.”

Heise would not comment specifically about the concerns raised by Friends of the Rouge. But he stated in an e-mail that Northville Downs is set to be on the May 3 agenda of Plymouth Township’s planning commission.

The development plan, Heise noted, already has received initial approvals and that Northville Downs and the township “continue to negotiate the terms of the Planned Unit Development and the Community Benefit Agreement.”

IMPORTANT TO BE HEARD

According to McCormick, it remains to be seen whether the horse has left the barn in terms of the Northville Downs relocation project or other developments. She is sounding the alarm, however, for more citizens to raise their voices and do their utmost to protect nature.

“The Downs development is

Marie McCormick, Executive Director, Friends of the Rouge

important points calling for a more careful approach come to the forefront.

“It can be a bit daunting, you know, as the representative of an environmental organization but also a member of the community hearing about these developments when they are pretty much ready to go and approved,” McCormick emphasized.

About the potential damage of development to Johnson Creek, which runs through the proposed Downs site, McCormick said the tributary is “very sensitive to things like sediment loading and (rising) temperature” which

construction of a new horse racetrack and facility would negatively impact, she said.

She urged residents to not give up hope and to take whatever action they can.

“I think there’s opportunities for the community to give feedback to the planning commission and the (Plymouth Township) board of trustees about setbacks and things like that,” McCormick continued. “Considerations for green infrastructure and other types of integrated design that helps protect the river.”

For more information on how you can help the Rouge River, visit www.therouge.org.

Come outside to explore the eastern end of Legacy Park. It is open from dawn to dusk

While much of Legacy Park is closed because it’s a demolition site, there are two open biking and hiking trails on the eastern end of the property to explore now It’s the only portion open at this time.

To access, park on the north side of Wayne Avenue or in the Schoolcraft College parking ad. The head venue Cross ty)

“The river is part of our community and there’s a lot of different ways you can get out and help the river. There are things you can do at your own home. The Friends of the Rouge is a great organization to volunteer with, but there’s so many (groups) that do wonderful, environmentally focused activities like tree plantings, trash pickup.”

Reversing Course

Council ‘compromises’ to open downtown to traffic during winter

By Kurt Kuban

The word “compromise” seems to be in vogue since the Northville City Council voted to change course on the downtown street closures earlier this month.

At the end of a marathon, nearly six-hour meeting on April 3, the council voted unanimously to open up Center and Main streets to traffic during winter months, while keeping them closed during the summer. It was a reversal for the council, which made the decision in August to close the streets on a permanent basis.

While there were proponents of both positions at the contentious meeting – public comments lasted for nearly three hours by those in the packed council chambers and those watching remotely on Zoom – most people seemed satisfied with council’s decision for seasonal closures.

Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull called the decision a compromise he hoped would please both sides, and

that largely proved to be the case. Laura Genitti, owner of Genitti’s and a critic of the street closures, also used the word, as did Landon Garrett, one of the owners of Center Street Grille, a business that has benefitted from Center being closed because it provides space for outdoor dining.

“The city originally closed the streets to save the businesses during the pandemic,” Garrett said. “And I can say we wouldn’t be in business today if that hadn’t happened. We appreciate the sacrifices everybody has made. This is a compromise we can live with.”

While council members didn’t admit publicly the pink “Let’s Open Northville” signs popping up all across town or the criticism from members of the community influenced their decision to reverse course, they couldn’t ignore several reports presented to them at the meeting.

The main issue that landed the issue back on the agenda

was the fact the city was in jeopardy of losing Act 51 funding from the Michigan Department of Transportation. Public Works Director Mike Domine told council the city risked losing about $60,000 in state funding if city officials didn’t recertify the streets by April 12, which they can’t do if the streets remain permanently closed.

Northville Schools Superintendent RJ Webber then reported to council the impacts the street closures have had on bus routes. Webber said the routes, especially north/south routes through town, have been “significantly impacted” as buses are forced to travel on residential streets. There have been delays, and he noted

there are safety issues for his bus drivers, especially on Wing Street with vehicles parked on both sides of the street.

“Wheeling a big rig around (on side streets) is definitely challenging,” Webber said.

Shawn Riley, the chairman of the DDA board, then presented to council the DDA’s recommendations. At the March 28 DDA meeting, the board discussed various alternatives, but ultimately approved working with the city to implement “non-permanent” rather than “seasonal” closures of both Main and Center, which would give the city flexibility to close the streets for special events or extended periods of time.

Nancy Darga spoke on behalf of the city’s Mobility Network Task Force, saying the group’s recommendation was to open up Center Street to improve traffic flow through the city. This would include several traffic calming elements -- a roundabout at Seven Mile, as well as bump-outs, parallel parking and lowering the speed limit from 35 to 25 m.p.h. on Center.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The City Council has decided to open up Main and Center streets to traffic again during the winter months, and then close them during the summertime. Do you think it was a good compromise? Or would you like to see something different, and why?

Email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@ thevillemagazine.com.

“The idea is to keep traffic slow, steady and safe for people to get in and out of Center Street,” Darga said.

For Main Street, Darga said the Mobility Network recommended opening the road either for special events or seasonally.

After listening to the reports, and the nearly three hours of

The recent beautiful weather on April 14 brought plenty of people to downtown Northville.

public comment, the council voted unanimously for the seasonal closures.

The council’s decision means, at least for now, both Main and Center streets will be reopened to traffic on Nov. 7 and remain open until April 30 of 2024. There could still be temporary closures in the winter for special events, including parades.

“We have said since the beginning of this that we would always be flexible,” Mayor Turnbull said.

Council member Barbara Moroski-Browne countered that flexibility is good, but the downtown business owners and city leaders also need “stability” as they move forward with several initiatives.

Of course, not everyone is happy with the council’s

Brian Turnbull, Northville Mayor

decision to open seasonally.

Attorney Richard Corriveau, who owns an office on Main Street just outside of the social district and is a member of the Michigan Civil Right Commission, feels the street closures, whether on a permanent or seasonal basis, are a violation of the American with Disabilities Act.

“This is a violation of the ADA, because if you have even one disabled person (in the social district), that person has

to be able to drive or be driven to where they’re going and they have to have handicapped parking spots in front of the buildings,” said Corriveau, who believes the city is inviting a lawsuit.

Jim Long, who owns Long Mechanical as well as several buildings in the social district, would also like to see the streets opened year round, except for special events like they were before the pandemic. He said parking has definitely been an

issue not only for his customers but also his workers and suppliers who have a difficult time getting access to his buildings.

“It’s just time. We need to open the streets again,” Long said.

Turnbull said he understands and appreciates the passion people feel about the issue. He’s hoping the compromise will get everyone working with one another rather than against each other.

“We are all passionate (about Northville),” the mayor said. “But we have to come together. All of the energy we’re spending has to be spent on the right things. We have five or six or seven major projects going on right now, including this. We have to come together on this.”

“We have said since the beginning of this that we would always be flexible.”

Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer, M.D. Emergency medicine physician

Corner of Ann Arbor Road and N. Haggerty

RIDING THE RAILS

Electric streetcars provided Northville with mass transit

By Michele M. Fecht

At the close of the 19th century when Northville hit its peak in manufacturing, maintained a robust business district that included such cultural amenities as its own opera house, and offered a bucolic setting for housing development, the community promoted itself as “The Ideal Suburban Village.” It even printed a small pamphlet in 1892 promoting those virtues.

Within that pamphlet, it was noted that Northville “is but twenty-four miles from Detroit . . . and is reached in a direct line by the Flint & Pere Marquette railway.” It further stated that “an electric railroad is now being discussed, and in all probability will shortly be constructed.”

It was under that premise that numerous electric streetcar franchises courted Northville leaders in the late 1890s in what would be the beginning of a burgeoning new transportation model — the interurban.

While the Flint & Pere Marquette rail line had served the community since 1871, trains were best suited for long commutes. Street transportation in the 1890s was still predominantly by horsedrawn carriages and wagons, bicycles, and the occasional appearance of motor cars by those who could afford them.

The interurban was a transit system of electric streetcars with the ability to

link to multiple municipalities. It provided cheap fares, comfortable seating and faster speeds with short-haul passenger runs. It was 19th Century EV mass transit!

On August 10, 1898, Northville township and village leaders granted a 30year franchise to the Detroit, Plymouth & Northville streetcar company. The Northville Record’s August 12, 1898, issue noted that the fares were set at 5 cents to Plymouth, 15 cents to Wayne, 35 cents to Detroit and school children’s tickets at 8 for 2 cents. Coordination with the Village of Plymouth would follow.

HAGGLING OVER ROUTE

The Record also noted that

“the route through the village is to be decided by council. A difference of opinion prevails as to just what the route should be.” That proved to be an understatement as heated debate about the route among village leaders, business owners and the franchisee would nearly derail the project.

Among the many issues causing discord was whether the interurban should extend to the U.S. Fish Hatchery on Fairbrook, one of the most notable hatcheries in the country. Others argued that Main Street was too narrow to accommodate the streetcars, pedestrians and wagons. Fears for school children, “disfigurement to the beautiful street; a noisy addition to its

quiet and peacefulness” were also noted by the opposition. With the rail proposal at an impasse, some 300 citizens took matters into their own hands presenting a petition to the village leaders for “a line route to be on the Plymouth Avenue (now South Main Street) to the depot, past the Globe furniture factory around by the park and thence straight up Main Street to a stopping place-as shall be designated by the council.”

The “stopping place” became Center Street. Eventually, the “crow’s nest” or elevated bandstand would be added to the Main / Center intersection.

ELECTRIC STREETCARS

The citizens’ proposal won out and rails were laid in time for the arrival of Northville’s first electric streetcar on November 10, 1899. Regular service began the following day with complimentary rides given to residents. “The cars were crowded beyond even the standing room capacity with Northville, Plymouth and Wayne people, the Record noted in its November 17, 1899 issue. “It seemed that all the Plymouth people were over here, and all of Northville certainly over at Plymouth. Up till Sunday night more than 1,000 passengers had been carried.”

Not long after the interurban arrived on Main Street, a second line was added with Northville

Horses, buggies and autos share space with the streetcar on Main Street. All images courtesy of the Northville Historical Society

being served by two different companies. The line from Plymouth traveled along what today is the northbound lane of Northville Road. It rounded the curve on a wooden trestle over what then was the old Argo mill pond and then headed east up the middle of Main to Center Street where the line ended. To turn around, the Plymouth car backed up to and around Griswold. It stopped then proceeded front first around the corner headed east on Main Street.

By 1900, there were approximately 29 companies that operated electric rail lines. These companies merged or were consolidated by four remaining rail lines. At the close of 1900, all but one of the companies merged into the Detroit United Railway.

The midwestern states of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin made up more than 40 percent of the nation’s interurban mileage. Its flat terrain helped cut construction costs. Lower Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana comprised a tri-state interurban network of some 5,600 miles – more than 35 percent of the national total in 1916.

COMFORT AND ECONOMY

The interurban provided not just efficiency and economy to travelers but also speed, comfort and amenities. Streetcars traveled at speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Cars were heated and equipped with drinking fountains and toilets. Each car had a motorman who occupied a compartment at the front of the car, and a conductor who collected fares and was responsible for switching cars. Streetcars were about 35 feet in

length but were later increased to 50 feet with some extending to 67 feet.

There was seating capacity for 54 passengers. Celluloid handles were installed to help passengers in taking or exiting their seats. The wood base construction of the early cars would eventually give way to steel. Early cars were painted green and yellow but later changed to dark red.

In addition to its appeal to

riders, the interurban proved a boon to local farmers. A central DUR freight station located at the northeast corner of Griswold and Main streets (now occupied by the Water Wheel Centre) was a transport hub for Northville’s farmers who sent produce to Detroit’s Eastern Market and dairy products to cheese factories. Parmenter’s also shipped its barrels of cider on the DUR.

The waiting room for the

interurban was located on the street level of a building on the west side of North Center Street. The upper level housed the photographic studio of Lyman L. Ball.

Among the frequent DUR riders was Henry Ford, who would take the interurban from Farmington to ride to Northville’s Ford Valve plant and then onto his other village industry plants at Waterford (Six Mile and Northville roads) and at Phoenix Lake (Five Mile and Northville roads). It was the emergence of the automobile that would contribute to the demise of the interurban in 1928.

END OF RAILS

In September 1936, the last of the streetcar tracks on East Main Street were covered with sand and tar. In some communities, the rails were dismantled and used for scrap metal during World War II.

In 1980, during Northville’s Mainstreet ’78 downtown project, interurban rails were uncovered — the last remnants of the community’s electric streetcar days.

The interurban’s place in Northville’s history can be found at Mill Race Village in the late 19th century interurban waiting room moved to the site in 1990. Originally located at Baseline and Haggerty, it served passengers awaiting transport on the Farmington line. Another DUR waiting room is located at Greenmead Historic Village in Livonia.

While electric streetcars are hard to come by, the Lost Railway Museum in Grass Lake has a restored interurban electric rail car on display.

The DUR freight station at Griswold and Main streets.

Office:

CynthiaLynnLuxury@gmail.com CynthiaLynnLuxury.com

WINTER SPORTS ROUND-UP WINTER SPORTS ROUND-UP

Gymnast Crabbe’s state title leads the way for Northville’s winter athletes

By Brad Emons

Time to get your camera phones out and reflect one more time regarding the Northville High School winter sports season. Here’s another quick snapshot of what took place for 2022-23.

There were several breakthrough team performances and individual performers for the Mustangs, who garnered several significant awards and trophies for their efforts.

So, let’s frame one last look before turning the page on the 2023 spring sports season.

GYMNASTICS

At the MHSAA finals held March 10-11 at White Lake Lakeland, Northville’s Hadley Crabbe came away with the Division 2 individual uneven bars title with a score of 8.9.

She was also Regional 3 champ with an 8.85 as the Lady Mustangs placed sixth in the team standings with 137.175 points hosted by Salem.

In Division 1, Northville’s Noelle Licari qualified for the state finals placing ninth at the regional with an all-around score of 34.075 highlighted by a fourth on vault (9.15) and a ninth on uneven bars (8.4).

Lauren Wegienka also

qualified after placing seventh in the D2 all-around (34.075) at the regional highlighted by a sixth on floor exercise (9.275).

Also making it out of the regional included Gabby Reiten, fifth, D1 vault (9.025); Abby Kent, tied for fifth, D2 vault (8.95); Anastasia BeutzCordina, seventh, D2 balance beam (8.6).

BOYS BASKETBALL

After finishing 8-6 and placing fourth in the KLAA’s West Division, the underdog Mustangs (14-12) made a strong showing in the MHSAA Division 1 state tournament winning their second district title in a row with a 41-40 upset overtime win at home over Canton.

Northville opened district play with a 45-38 OT triumph over rival Novi and defeated Novi Detroit Catholic Central in semifinals, 6159, in OT.

The Mustangs, who also gave coach Todd Sander his

200th career win in February, fell in the regional semifinals to eventual D1 quarterfinalist Ann Arbor Huron, 56-45.

Junior guards Carlos Adamson and Justin Huang both earned All-KLAA honors, while senior guard Nolan Thompson was named honorable mention.

Other varsity team members included seniors Cullen Foley, Deepak Laungani, Max Anderson, Angelo Rodriguez and Louis Karkoski, along with juniors Cullen Murphy, Sonny Rentz, Nick Helner and Chad Carney, as well as sophomore Colin Charles.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Lady Mustangs (17-6, 10-4 KLAA West), who lost

to rival Novi in the Division 1 district opener 41-36, placed three members on the AllKLAA team led by senior guards Sydney Brown and Eva Tanaskoska, along with senior forward Susy Heller.

Senor guard Lauren Talcott earned honorable mention.

Following the season, Todd Gudith announced he was stepping down as the Mustangs’ varsity coach after 15 seasons highlighted by his 200th career win.

SWIMMING

After a runner-up finish in 2022, coach Rich Bennetts’ Mustangs placed seventh in the Division 1 finals held March 1011 at Calvin College.

Ann Arbor Pioneer captured the team title with 288 points with Holland West Ottawa (177) and KLAA West Division member Brighton (156) taking second and third, respectively.

Northville boasted three individual All-State performers (top eight) led by senior Ryan Halberg, fourth, 500-yard freestyle (4:38.89); senior Nathan Xiao, fifth, 50 freestyle (21.51); and junior Jason Cho, seventh, 100 backstroke (53.54).

The Mustangs’ 200 freestyle relay team of Xiao, senior Jacob Mowers, sophomore Evan

Northville’s Hadley Crabbe (center) was the MHSAA Division 2 champion on the uneven bars. Photo courtesy of Victoria Clay

Northville repeated as Division 1 district champion after overtime wins over Novi, Detroit Catholic Central and Canton. Photo courtesy of Todd Sander

Bachert and sophomore Ace Spicer added a fifth (1:27.78), while the 400 freestyle relay quartet of Xiao, freshman Brady Stenson, Halberg and Cho also made All-State with a sixth (3:14.42).

Other state placers included Mowers, ninth, 100 breaststroke (59.10); 14th, 200 individual medley (1:59.21); Cho, 11th, 200 IM (1:58.04); Halberg, 12th, 200 IM (1:58.14); Spicer, 15th, 200 IM (1:59.27); 16th, 100 breaststroke (1:01.35); junior Ryan Seidelman, 15th, 500 freestyle (4:52.37); and freshman Benjamin Hu, 16th, 500 freestyle (4:53.10).

Northville’s 200 medley relay team of Halberg, Spicer, Xiao and Cho added a 10th (1:38.62).

Meanwhile, the Mustangs captured one gold, four silver and two bronze medals to repeat as KLAA champions with a team-high 984 points to best rival Novi (705) and host Brighton (688) at the conference meet. Xiao was the lone individual winner taking the 50 freestyle in 21.59.

WRESTLING

Leading the way for coach Dylan McLeod’s squad were state placers Zephan Catalina (132 pounds), a junior, and Josh Drake (113), a senior.

Catalina finished the year 42-6 overall and placed sixth in the Division 1 finals at Detroit’s Ford Field. He was also runnerup in the regional and KLAA champion.

Drake, who placed seventh in the D1 finals, wound up 39-5. He

was runner-up in the regional and third at 120 pounds at the KLAA tourney.

Other regional qualifiers for the Mustangs included sophomores James Dunne (144), 17-13; Andrew Fawaz (165), 37-9; and Enzo

GIRLS HOCKEY

It was tough sledding for the Lady Mustangs, who finished 3-18 overall and 0-12 in the Western Conference of the Michigan Girls High School Hockey League.

Northville was ousted by Farmington Hills Mercy in the Division 1 play-in game, 5-1.

Avery Peters was the team’s leading scorer with 20 goals and three assists followed by Kyle Sims (9 goals/3 assists) and Ada Kremer (5 goals/5 assists).

Elise Mavrinac played all 21 games in goal for Northville.

placing fourth with 127.5 points finishing only behind Brighton (81), Birmingham (115.5) and Milford (122).

Top individual regional placers for the Mustangs included Weiland (seventh, slalom); Sepanik (eighth, slalom); and Moriarty (10th, GS).

At the state finals, Northville’s top slalom finishers included Weiland (32nd), Sepanik (33rd) and Moriarty (36th). Among the GS finishers included Moriarty (38th), Sepanik (39th) and Weiland (46th).

Mastroianni (175), 29-17.

Fawaz also took a fourth, while Mastroianni added a sixth at the KLAA tourney where Northville took ninth in the team standings with 79 points.

BOYS HOCKEY

It was a transition season under first-year coach Ryan Ossenmacher, who guided the Mustangs to a 9-15-2 overall record and 7-6 finish in the KLAA.

In the Division 1 playoffs, Northville defeated rival Novi, 2-1, before being ousted by Livonia Stevenson, 2-1.

Senior forward Tommy Loebach and junior forward Cole Lefere both earned AllKLAA postseason honors.

BOYS SKIING

The Mustangs, coached by Kyle Moir, captured their first-ever KLAA championship with a combined score of 24-20-44 in the slalom/giant slalom, respectively, to beat out Hartland (81), Brighton (107), Howell (148) and Novi (155).

Leading the way individually was Joe Sepanik, who took second in the GS and fourth in the slalom; Nathan Moriarty, fourth, GS; Jackson Weiland, sixth, GS/slalom; and Jacob Gusick, eighth, GS; ninth, slalom.

GIRLS SKIING

Northville placed sixth in the team standings at the Mt. Brighton regional with identical scores of 113-113-225 in the slalom and GS, respectively.

Paige Dorgan led the Mustangs with a 14th in the slalom and a 17th in the GS, while teammate Gianna Viola was next with finishes of 25th and 27th, respectively.

FIGURE SKATING

Coached by Sheri Combs, the Mustangs posted 12 podium finishes at the Michigan High School State Championships held March 25-26 hosted by the Lansing Skating Club at Suburban Ice East.

At the Regional 3 meet Feb. 14 at Mt. Brighton, Northville just missed earning a spot at the MHSAA Division 1 finals Continued on Page 26

Northville repeated as Kensington Lakes Activities Association champions before earning a seventh-place showing at the MHSAA D1 finals. Photo courtesy of Karen White

Senior Josh Drake and junior Zephan Catalina led the way for the wrestling team.

The boys ski team, coached by Kyle Moir, captured their firstever KLAA championship.

Among the individual first place finishes for Northville included Hannah Murad, Excel High Beginner Free Skate; Tiffany Zheng, Excel Intermediate Plus Free Skate (Group B); Ava Meade, Excel PrePrelimary Free Skate (Group B); Claire Butterfield and Meade, No Test-PrePreliminary Duet Artistic Showcase.

Individual second places were recorded by Zheng, Excel Intermediate Free Skate Plus; Sabrina Wang, Excel Senior Free Skate; and Celia Gniewek, Preliminary-Pre Juvenile Artistic (Group A).

Third places went to Rachael Baker in the PreJuvenile Excel and Meade in the PrePreliminary Excel Final.

Northville also garnered a first in Level B Intermediate Jumps; second, Level B Intermediate Spins; and third, Level C Low Spins.

In the Level B Intermediate team standings, Midland Area took first with 32 points, while Northville and Dearborn Unified tied for second with 30. The Mustangs ranked only second behind Plymouth Canton (127) in the individual standings by club with 93.

GIRLS BOWLING

The Lady Mustangs (3-13, 3-11 KLAA) wound up 10th at the Super Bowl regional with a total of 2,367, which included six Baker and two regular games.

Senior Mya Proctor, who was 40th at the regional, carried a team-high 144.15.

BOYS BOWLING

Coach Elizabeth Bacigal’s squad finished 0-16 overall and 0-14 in the KLAA standings followed by a 14th-place showing with a 2,652 total at the Division 1-Regional 5 tournament at Canton’s Super Bowl.

Posting the top averages for the Mustangs included Sriharsha Papolu (144.81), Adam Merritt (143.59), Mikey Murphy (141.8) and Colter Makowski (140.25).

COMPETITIVE CHEER

Coached by Bailey Barnes, the Mustangs wound up eighth in the Division 1-District 5 competition with a score of 633.60, including rounds of 196.40, 175.80 and 276.40.

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‘An Investment In Our Kids’

Northville Schools bond proposal on tap for May 2

By Tim Smith

On one hand, it seems a slam dunk that voters on Tuesday, May 2 would be in favor of a sprawling, $134.4 million bond proposal which would modernize and upgrade virtually every facility in Northville Public Schools without increasing the current debt millage rate.

But on the other hand, if it goes down to defeat, people would enjoy a little more cash in their wallet every month. Very little. Enough to make a weekly trip to Starbucks.

“I think somebody asked us (at one of a string of community, fact-finding public meetings in late 2022) ‘If it didn’t go through what would that save us (on a homeowner’s monthly bill),’” recalled Northville Superintendent RJ Webber.

He turned to Mike Zopf, the district’s assistant superintendent of finance, who estimated the savings would amount to $20 per month per household. He arrived at that amount, based on the median taxable value home in the district ($375,000), explaining that the millage rate would be reduced from 3.4 to 2.7 mills, in the event the pending proposal fell short of approval.

“I dropped a 20 on my pizza last night and went and watched the Michigan State (men’s basketball March Madness) game,” Webber noted.

Approval of the proposal would bring so much more value than a hot slice of pie or steaming cup of coffee – and that provides

plenty food for thought.

Webber described the plan as “an investment in our kids” as well as one in residents’ homes and in the school district itself. A yes vote would enable the current debt millage rate of 3.4 mills to remain unchanged.

“My bottom line is, the resources we allocate to our children speak to how we feel about what our children deserve,” said Webber, who along with Zopf recently outlined the all-the-boxes-checked proposal

recently detailed the comprehensive proposal, which the school board green-lit in December following several months of due diligence.

Among some of the notable features of the 2023 bond proposal:

• Classroom Chromebooks and iPads would be replaced in every building, with sufficient bandwidth to power those devices;

• Installation of LED lighting in most facilities, enough for students to learn in well-lit, laboratory-like spaces;

• Energy efficiency upgrades across the board, including updating HVAC systems up to ASHRAE air-quality standards;

• New synthetic turf installed on Northville High School’s baseball and softball fields, plus renovations to the school’s pool;

• Bleacher replacement and expansion (to 4,500 seats) at the Eight Mile football stadium complex.

“What we’re trying to do with this bond program is address various needs,” Zopf said. “Technology needs, facility needs. I think, if you look at it, there’s something for every building.

at Northville school offices. “And what we’re saying here in this bond is we believe our children – each child – deserves a safe, clean, healthy environment that also stimulates their cognitive side.”

Both of the district administrators

“Every building is going to be touched in some way, in some shape. That’s one thing. But when you think about students, you (also) think about academics, programming, physical development, the learning environment. There’s elements of this bond

The school district held meetings at the end of last year that led to the recommended $134.4M bond proposal.

program that really reach into all those things.”

Bringing the almost-50-year-old Meads Mill Middle School up to the level of Hillside Middle School also is one of the bigticket items this time around. In 2017, when voters approved a $104 million proposal, approximately $40 million was earmarked to rebuild Hillside.

“It (Meads Mill) was built in 1975 and it’s the original HVAC system, original boiler, everything,” Zopf noted. “There’s a point where local community school districts

“In southeast Michigan it’s undeniable,” Webber explained. “If you go into any modern manufacturing plant, industry 4.0 is here. Or it’s industry 5.0 some might argue. What that means is, the factories that Mike (Zopf) and I started working in were dirty, maybe not great and safe.

“Factories now look more like this,” he said, pointing to photos included in bond proposal publicity material. “They’re clean, they’re safer, they’re using much more technology in the manufacturing of vehicles. Some of the largest robotics

how students’ input during community planning sessions late last year impacted the final proposal when it came to learning in a wi-fi world.

“You might have an Apple watch or a Samsung watch, you may have a cell phone and a computer, maybe another connected device,” Webber said. “So you put 30 kids in a room and you think you only need enough (power) for 30 cell phones. In reality, you need enough bandwidth for 120 things in that room. That was one point that the kids would make.”

RJ Webber, Northville Schools Superintendent

have to float these bonds to take care of the infrastructure.”

Hillside and Meads Mill have respective enrollments of about 1,000 and 700 students, Zopf continued, and “we’ll never get it to the Hillside level. But certainly we can make some dramatic improvements.”

The proposal also includes new entry canopies at Amerman, Moraine, Silver Springs, Winchester elementary schools and Meads Mill.

“If you’re a parent who has ever picked up a kid at one of our schools without a canopy at the front door,” Webber stressed, “and let’s say you’re running late from work and it’s raining. It might seem like a small thing. But knowing your kid is dry or you can be dry when you’re waiting for them, that’s something you can see in this bond.”

POWERING UP

There also are innovation centers for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (aka STEAM) to be installed at Meads Mill and at the high school.

According to Webber, those STEAM improvements will enable students to learn and grow in pristine, innovative centers.

companies in the world are here in southeast Michigan.

“So (we are) really wanting to give our kids that experience from the jump to understand and be able to interact with a world that has changed dramatically from when many of their parents grew up.”

Although many items in the 2023 proposal might not be shiny objects to many, they are as indispensable to schools and education as roofs and plumbing might be for homeowners.

“It’s a lot of the things that people can’t see in this bond that have a dramatic impact on learning,” Webber noted. “People would wonder ‘What is natural light?’ or ‘What is air quality?’ or ‘What is sound?’ What impact does that have on kids’ learning?

“But contextualize it in your own life. If you work in an office that has minimal natural light, air quality that’s not very good or a loud HVAC system, or just noisy, it’s going to impact your ability to do work.”

To that end, because lessons aren’t just about blackboards and textbooks anymore, Webber underscored why the money for electronic devices and bandwidth to adequately power them up is money well spent.

And the superintendent underscored

Should voters give the green light on Tuesday, May 2 to an all-encompassing proposal, their own kids will be able to do theirs: to better learn, interact and get more out of their years in Northville Public Schools.

And that bottom line is what really matters.

For more information about the May 2 bond proposal, visit the district’s website at www.northvilleschools.org.

My bottom line is, the resources we allocate to our children speak to how we feel about what our children deserve. And what we’re saying here in this bond is we believe our children – each child – deserves a safe, clean, healthy environment that also stimulates their cognitive side.

If the bond passes, Meads Mill Middle School will see major renovations.

Q: Do I need to wear sunscreen every day or just on sunny days?

DR. KARTONO’S ANSWER: The short answer is yes! Applying sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine. Similar to your morning routine of taking a shower, brushing your teeth, putting on sunscreen, and applying your makeup! The sun emits two types of UV rays that can damage the skin: UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and skin discoloration, while UVB rays cause sunburn and can contribute to skin cancer. Sunscreen acts as a barrier that absorbs or reflects these UV rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin and causing damage. An individual who rarely sunburns may think they are invincible and do not need to apply sunscreen every day, but this is not true. Sunscreen is the most simple form of preventing irreversible damage to your skin. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and prolonged sun exposure without sunscreen increases this risk. By wearing sunscreen daily, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by protecting your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

If you do not sunburn from a whole Saturday outside watching your kids play baseball, the sun may still be causing future damage and wrinkles that will appear. How do I know which sunscreen to use?

I agree, there are so many different brands, textures, amounts, and ranges. The American Academy of Dermatology currently recommends a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen that is a SPF 30 or higher, mineral based ingredients only if you have super sensitive skin or young children. Apply it generously to all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating for optimal protection.

Tuesday late hours available until 7:00 pm Saturday hours available

Dr. Francisca Kartono, DO Board Certified Dermatologist

“I am so excited to see the continued support of NPS students through innovative and inspiring programs that prepare our students for the careers and challenges of tomorrow. As a community member and former superintendent, I know the value of facilities and technologies that allow our students and staff to flourish. I encourage you to join me in supporting Bond 2023 with a YES VOTE ON MAY 2, 2023! ”

Strong Schools Strong Community

Why Say Yes?

Provides environments that engage and inspire students to succeed

Delivers improved environmental quality and operational cost savings

Creates comparable learning opportunities for all students

Protects our property values and instills pride in our schools

Mary Kay Gallagher, Former Superintendent Northville Public Schools

Speaking of...

Toastmasters is a chance to get more comfortable talking to others

By Tim Smith | Photos by John Heider

Imagine that next family event, whether it’s a barbeque, a wedding reception or Thanksgiving dinner.

Whenever there’s the inevitable disagreement with a crazy uncle or stubborn cousin, imagine reaching down into that public speaking “toolbox” and pulling out a snappy comeback or solid response to win the argument.

Or delivering the perfect wedding toast featuring little “insider” details about the bride and groom infused with humor. The kind of toast that deserves a standing ovation of its own.

Being able to think – and speak, coherently and cohesively – in real time is one of the benefits to joining Motor City Speak Easy, a District 28 chapter of Toastmasters International.

District 28 includes about 100 clubs in portions of Michigan, Ohio and Ontario with an estimated total membership of 1,200. Worldwide, Toastmasters International has 16,600 clubs across 143 countries. Motor City Speak Easy currently has 13 members, with room to grow to 20.

“It really is for everyone to communicate

better, listen better, be better in work and life, with your family,” said Motor City Speak Easy member Grace Morgan. “There’s benefits that abound for anyone.”

ON THE TABLE

Impromptu verbal sparring or persuasion can be worked on by members during the “Table Topics” portion of the local club’s detailed meeting agendas, based on Toastmasters International’s specific guidelines.

At a recent meeting, several members and guests gave short but sweet responses to questions assigned at random from a prepared list. Club president Liz Cezat, who is the communications director for the City of Northville, asked each Table Topics

presenter to pick a number from 1-9 and she subsequently provided the corresponding question.

“With Table Topics, I enjoy the opportunity to speak off the cuff and hear what other people say,” Morgan said. “We learn a lot about people … through the little stories they tell.”

But on this particular day, Morgan – a Plymouth Township resident and marketing specialist for global company Accenture and Motor City Speak Easy president from 2020-22 – also gave a five-minute speech about her family’s two-week vacation to Ireland.

To suit the talk entitled “How 8 Adults Survived 2 Weeks in Ireland without Killing Each Other,” Morgan – of Irish heritage and who married a man whose grandparents were born on the Emerald Isle – wore plenty of green but showed she is no newbie when it comes to the art of effective verbal communication.

She began her speech asking audience members to think about a bucket-list destination they would travel to if given the opportunity.

Morgan broke down all the spectacular points of interest she, her husband, their five adult children and a family friend visited during the junket. Those included the Ring of Kerry, Lahinch Beach, Galway and Cliffs of Moher.

“And in Dublin, we learned to pour a perfect pint,” she noted with a glint in her eyes.

Listening to every word and writing

Ashwanth Sreedharan of Northville speaks during a recent Motor City Speak Easy Toastmasters meeting. He is a member of the club.

The Motor City Speak Easy Toastmasters chapter meets twice monthly at Plymouth Township Hall.

down the positives and negatives of Morgan’s speech was the Motor City Speak Easy evaluator, Ashwanth Sreedharan of Northville. On a notebook page, Sreedharan jotted a list of positives which took up an entire column. Comparatively, his constructive criticisms were few.

Although he suggested Morgan play up more of an emotional, “what’s in it for me” angle, he rated the overall speech as “wonderful.”

Earlier in the 90-minute meeting, as a kind of icebreaker, club member Mike Shesterkin of Livonia played the role of humorist. Whoever tackles that assignment must provide “a funny story, event or episode to lighten up the mood.”

Shesterkin, a Toastmasters veteran of about 10 years, did exactly that. He explained how “buzz words” can be deceptive and flat-out misleading, especially in the world of help wanted advertisements.

“Take ‘competitive salary,’ what that really means is we remain competitive by paying less,” said Shesterkin, executive director of Detroit-based SMSBF, which helps small, local businesses to connect, communicate and thrive. “‘Join our fastpaced team,’ what that really means is ‘we have no time to train you.’

“And ‘must be deadline-oriented’ -- that means you’ll be six months behind schedule on your first day.’”

Audience members, including guest Jennifer Chon of Northville, smiled and enthusiastically clapped in appreciation of Shesterkin’s witty wordplay. Chon, who works in the human resources department at La-Z-Boy Inc., later said she came out for the open house to collect some useful presentation pointers.

“I wanted to get a better idea of when I present to get more of the audience to be engaged,” said Chon, adding that Morgan’s speech about Ireland and tips about vacationing do’s and don’ts really moved the needle for her.

Another highlight for her was the “word of the day” offered up by grammarian Robin Chacko complete with its definition. Whenever that word (vestige) was dropped into a speech (which Morgan did) or impromptu verbal riff, members applauded.

“It’s always good to learn a new word

of the day,” added Chon, who plans on returning soon for another Motor City Speak Easy meeting.

LET’S TALK

Sitting to the side of the room was Northville Township’s Julie Zajdel, the club’s secretary and a relative newcomer with just over a year under her belt. At the open house meeting she also was its quizmaster.

For the latter role, she listened to every syllable, sentence and story, reported her findings to the group and asked questions to find out whether audience members were listening as closely as she was.

Before the 90-minute meeting’s conclusion, Zajdel presented a testimonial and said Toastmasters has helped tighten and improve her own verbal skills.

“I realize I say ‘You know what I mean’ all the time,” Zajdel noted. “So, once you hear it you can’t unhear it. For me, taking the pauses, understanding not to say ah and um. It’s a work in progress but that’s really been the best thing I can take away from Toastmasters.”

Another testimonial was given by Shesterkin, using frequent hand gestures and eye contact to keep listeners hanging on

every word. He talked about how another business consultant encouraged him to sign up for Toastmasters.

“What goes on up in here (he pointed to the top of his head), in the attic of this thing between my ears,” Shesterkin stressed, “and getting it (the message) out in a speech to a group of people – concisely, effectively” takes a lot of thought and effort.

“And it’s work that is really worthwhile for me, because it helps us communicate better.”

Although the majority of Toastmasters’ members are business owners, employees or in related fields such as marketing and public relations, whatever benefits someone can glean out of twice-monthly meetings is up to every person.

“Everyone gets something different out of it because they go into it with different expectations,” said Cezat. “Some people want to get better at their jobs or they want to be able to respond to their bosses. This gives them the practice skills to do that.”

And getting a handle on talking to other people about any subject, and connecting in the process, is an invaluable asset for authors, teachers, CEOs and virtually anybody. That particular asset is highlighted and underscored in the postCOVID-19 world, one where too many people communicate via text instead of conversation.

“In a moment of human history where we seem to have a real hard time talking to each other,” Shesterkin continued, “this is the sort of thing all of us ought to be working on. How we can communicate more effectively through speechcraft.”

Wholeheartedly concurring was Morgan.

“It’s even more important,” stressed Morgan, about verbal communication skills in the age of social media. “Being able to communicate face-to-face, to really get your point across, is critically important now. Especially with social media, when everything’s a sound bite.”

Motor City Speak Easy meets 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month at Plymouth Township Hall, 9955 Haggerty Road. To join, fees are $57 for a six-month period. Visit mcspeakeasy. toastmastersclubs.org for more information.

Liz Cezat is the president of the Motor City Speak Easy Toastmasters. She is also the communications director for the City of Northville.

What's on the Menu?

The lunch experience at Northville High School

Every weekday at 10:25 a.m., the bell rings, and roughly 800 Northville High School students spill out of their classrooms, heading toward the cafeteria for “A” lunch, the first of three lunch slots. It is the beginning of a rambunctious routine as students jostle each other forming lines, and the cafeteria volume swells while the lunch staff serves and restocks food for the hours to come.

Many students consider lunchtime as the best part of the day because of its social opportunities.

“Lunch is the perfect time just to interact with new friends and spend time with old friends,” sophomore Ritvik Ellendula explained. “[So, find] a group of people who you’re friends with and who you want to sit next to.”

The lunch staff also find joy in their work.

“It’s fun,” kitchen assistant

Paula Paige said. “You have your kids who are super friendly and know you, and then you have the ones who are super shy and you try to get them to say ‘hi’. It’s just nice, you know.”

Lunch is not always the smoothest operation at NHS.

One common complaint regarded the long lines with students waiting up to 20 minutes for food. Students also raised concerns about the quality of the meals.

“Sometimes the food is too oily and kind of bland, [and] the portion sizes are quite small,” sophomore Andrew Wu said.

One student, who wished to remain anonymous, wondered about the food source: “There is a good variety, but it seems pretty artificial.”

Aggravating the food source issue is the loss of the free lunch program following the COVID-19 pandemic. “The cost is [also] really expensive for the quality of the food that we get,”

the student added.

For the complete lunch picture, light must be shed on the lunch staff’s jobs and their daily challenges. Every morning, the cafeteria staff clocks in before 7 a.m. and begins food prep for some 1,200 lunches at around 7:30 a.m. They work diligently to make the lunch experience enjoyable for everyone but face various constraints.

Depending on the amount of food and ingredients left over from the previous day and their forms, staff decide what to reuse or throw out. While some can be salvaged, most of the leftovers end up being thrown away. Hence, the lunch ladies often struggle with making enough food for buyers while minimizing wasted surplus.

“I’ll think I have to make 200 more lunches so I’m scrambling to make more food, when in reality, only about 50 of those kids are buying,” kitchen coordinator Jean Herman commented on the causes of waste. As for food quality, “if our produce comes in and it’s not fresh, then we can’t do anything about it,” Paige said. Nor does the staff have control over pricing. “Kids got

used to [lunches] being free last year, and that was all paid by the government,” Paige said.

Hoping to improve the overall lunch experience and make it the best part of their day, students offered potential solutions.

“It would probably lower the traffic in lunch lines if other registers were opened or if there were extra lines added in the annex,” senior Srihari Hebbar said.

To address concerns about food taste and quality, “the school should include a poll on what food items we like and dislike and a poll of what foods we might like to add,” sophomore Brennan Quan said.

“It would be nice if [the cafeteria] could have popular menu items, such as chicken and mashed potatoes and chicken alfredo, more frequently,” Wu said. While there is still plenty that both students and lunch staff can do for a more pleasant lunch routine, increased transparency and attention from school and district administration may jumpstart efforts to address the issues in the near future.

NHS cafeteria staff Jean Herman (left) and Rachel Cordeau. Photos by Alyssa Bachert

Students have different opinions about the lunch menu. Here is a double portion at a recent lunch.

EDITOR'S NOTE: High School Confidential is a collaborative effort by the Stringers Journalism Club made up of Northville High School students Brian Zhang, Chive Paradowski, Alyssa Bachert, Diya Kannappan, Adeline Snook, Lucas Yessayan, Sneha Hedge, Tamsin Boyd, and Pranavi Oruganty.

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Take the Ford Field Survey

Open Up! Steps Up for Community

The Northville High School student-run club “Open Up!” recently raised money for Northville Civic Concern, to help feed local families in need. It was the latest fundraising effort by the group to help the community.

Open Up!, founded by NHS junior Rishi Narendra Kumar, has a goal of spreading knowledge on important life skills (prepared speaking, confidence skills, time management) while finding a way to donate to charities dear to the organization’s mission. The club holds weekly classes for a small fee (100% is donated to charity) to help young adults in Northville and surrounding communities by teaching them presentation skills, debate and impromptu speeches, etc. The organization has expanded beyond Michigan, with students in the United Kingdom and Bahrain, to name a few.

According to Kumar, the club has donated money to a number of local causes, including $500 to a foster home in Livonia. They have also sent money to help alleviate medical costs for patients in India and elsewhere.

Kumar showed up at the March 6 Northville City Council meeting where he presented a $1,000 check to Civic Concern’s Marlene Kunz. Pictured (from left) are Kumar, his mother Rekha Narendra Kumar, sister Nidhi Narendra Kumar and Kunz of Civic Concern. Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull is in the background. Kumar said the club will be donating $1,000 to Civic Concern every three months indefinitely. The mayor and council recognized Kumar and the group’s efforts. The mayor and council recognized Kumar and the group’s efforts.

Mother’s Day Art Contest

The Northville Art House and Orin Jewelers are sponsoring a Mother’s Day art contest for children (kindergarten-5th grade) called “Mommy and Me.” The top three winners will receive gift cards from Orin Jewelers -- $200 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place. Art should be 8.5” X 11” with the theme “MY MOM IS AMAZING!” All media welcome. For more details, visit the Art House website at northvillearthouse.org or call (248) 344-0497.

Northville leaders continue to work on a new master plan for Ford Field, but they want to hear from the public before it is completed. They are asking people to take a survey, which takes approximately five minutes to complete. You can either visit www.surveymonkey. com/r/6989SK3 or use your smart phone to scan the QR code posted with this news brief. The survey will be open until April 30. Your feedback will help the city better understand what you would like to experience at Ford Field. You can also stop by Ford Field Park West parking lot, the Community Center, the Library, and the Rec Center at Hillside to fill out a hard copy of the survey. The master plan is expected to be completed this summer and will focus on improvements to the outdoor elements at Ford Field Park East and West.

Capt. Dipple Leaves Firefighting Behind

The Northville Township Fire Department said good-bye to longtime member Dan Dipple, who retired after 26 years with the department. Dipple left the department on March 24 to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. He joined Northville Township in 1997, first as firefighter/EMT, then lieutenant and finally a captain. Whether it was teaching a CPR class or ensuring first responders have access to mental health resources after a stressful critical incident, Capt. Dipple always stepped forward to make a difference.

“I feel grateful and privileged to have had such a great career here,” he said. Dipple has established many relationships in the community and said he will still be active in the department’s extra-curricular activities, including golf outings, hockey games and the Northville Township Firefighters Charity Fund, of which he is one of the founding members.

Dipple, who also coached hockey at Northville High School for eight years, said he is looking forward to spending more time with his two daughters and is ready for a new challenge.

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out & about out & about out & about

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE THIS MONTH

Northville Schools STEAM Fair

April 25

The 9th Annual Northville Schools

STEAM Fair (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) will take place 6-8 p.m. in the gymnasium and cafeteria at Northville High School. The 2023 theme is “Inspire - Imagine - Invent” which is a focus on using engineering and design to create mind-blowing innovations. The Northville Educational Foundation sponsors the event along with other community partners. This is an exciting, hands-on learning opportunity for students and families.

Chamber Mixer

April 26

The Northville Chamber of Commerce will co-host this networking event with the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce from 5-7 p.m. at The Rusty Bucket at 18785 Traditions Drive, Northville. The Chamber’s Business After Hours Mixers create an opportunity for members and non-members to mingle and build business relationships in an informal, relaxed setting. The event is free for chamber members, and $15 for non-members. For more information, contact Matt Zook at (248) 3497640 or visit www.northville.org/ networking-events.

Seussical

April 27-29

The Northville High School Drama Club will present its spring performance of “Seussical” at 7 p.m. April 27-29. There will also be a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on April 29. The play includes the characters from “Cat in the Hat” in a story about friendship, loyalty, family and community. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for students (with IDs). Seating is reserved. To purchase

Farmers’ Market Ready To Bloom

The ever-popular Northville Farmers’ Market kicks off a new season on May 4, and will run Thursdays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. through the end of October. The market, organized by the Northville Chamber of Commerce, will feature some 75 stalls of produce, plants, artisan items and more. It is located in the lot on the corner of Seven Mile and Center Street, across from Northville Downs. Follow the Northville Farmers’ Market on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. For more information, send an email to mattzook@ northville.org, call the chamber at (248) 349-7640 or visit northville.org.

tickets or for more information, visit nhstheater.ludus.com.

Frog and Toad Hike

April 29

Maybury State Park will host this onemile hike around the pond from 7-9 p.m. Participants will be listening for frogs and toads that live in the park. Dress for the weather and be prepared for muddy trails. Use the Beck Road entrance and meet at the picnic shelter near the horse barn.

Armed Forces Day

May 20

The Northville High baseball team will host its annual Armed Forces Day at NHS with an opening ceremony at 10:30 p.m. The event, which honors military veterans and active duty members, will feature a visit by an Apache helicopter. Members of the Army, Navy and Marines will

also be on hand, plus appearances by Tuskegee airmen. A number of Vietnam War veterans will be honored. The free event will also feature a double-header by the varsity baseball team, and six varsity softball games.

City Lights Chorus Show

May 20

In their third annual chapter show, the City Lights Chorus will perform “Once A Year Day” at 3:30 p.m. at Hilltop Church in Northville (21260 Haggerty Road). City Lights, which has qualified for the 2023 international convention, will debut their contest set and several other new songs featuring stylings of vocal jazz, barbershop and more. The show will feature two quartets -- vocal jazz quartet The Freshmen Sound and 2022 Pioneer District champions CHONK. Tickets are $20. For group

pricing (10 or more), email the chorus at citylightschorus@gmail. com. For more information, visit citylightschorus.com.

Flea Market

May 20

The Salem Area Historical Society will host its annual Community Flea Market & Yard Sale from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Jarvis Stone School Historic District, 7991 N. Territorial Road. The school and barn will be open for visitors. This is a community-wide yard sale featuring flea market and resale items. Large 15’ x 15’ outdoor spaces are $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Signup at www.SAHShistory.org. SAHS will also have a space with donated items for sale. Donated items can be dropped off at the South Salem Stone School from 9-11 a.m. on May 13 and from 5-7 p.m. on May 17.

History Presentation

May 24

Speaker Joe Oldenburg will present “The Salem Train Wreck of 1907” at 7 p.m. at the South Salem Stone School, 7991 N. Territorial Road. He will discuss the incident that occurred on July 20, when two Pere Marquette trains collided near Five Mile and Napier roads. For more information, visit www.SAHShistory. org.

Orin Rocks Block Party

May 27

This fun, family-friendly event, hosted by Orin Jewelers, runs from 6-10 p.m. along Main Street in downtown Northville. It will feature live entertainment and various food vendors. Enter to win prizes, play some games and enjoy this familyfriendly event. For more information, visit www.orinjewelers.com.

SEND IT IN To get your items listed in Out & About, email editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

Dishin’ With Denise

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.

‘Dress like Coco, Live like Jackie’

I’m a Jackie Kennedy fan. I know there are Coco (as in Chanel) and Audrey (from Breakfast at Tiffany’s) fans in my age group, but imagine my surprise to learn there are 30 & 40-somethings right here in Northville that appreciate iconic. A group of Our Lady of Victory Moms met to work on the annual fundraising auction gala, and they were asked to dress the part of one of these remarkable women. And they did so with glamour and grace and the auction brought in nearly $350,000. Ladies (and all who offered a hand), job well done!

hot, not too cold and for as often as I wear it – it never seems to wear out. It’s a classic and they fixed me up for a reasonable price - without judgement. I thought it was about time to say thanks.

the Year. Wow, does she ever deserve it! I’ve known Sher since we belonged to a quilt group when our children were young – they’re all married now with children of their

If you need that once-ina-lifetime outfit cleaned, trust Michigan New Cleaners to take good care. It’s in the parking lot kitty-corner from the CVS drive thru on Dunlap. They give you a bag with a tag so you can do the simple drop off -- in and out in 30 seconds and the clothes are ready as promised. They even do some alteration work. One day I asked for a new zipper in a well-worn lightweight reversible winter vest. It may have seemed silly to spend any amount on that repair – but I love that vest. It works in rain or shine, not too

Tuffy Muffler on South Main at the 7 Mile dead end has a new owner, and they strive to make it more women-friendly. Sounds simple enough, but it’s not the norm. So many of my friends and family share horror stories from days past. I met Janeen and Brian Holdwick at a Northville Chamber special event at Genitti’s a few weeks back. As we were talking, I was thinking of all the times I was a little awkward when taking my car in for service. I hope you’ll join me in welcoming them to the neighborhood. They are having a grand opening Thursday, May 11 from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be games, giveaways, and lunch. Radio station 96.3 FM will be on hand for the ribbon cutting at 1 p.m.

At that same Chamber event I was tickled to see my friend Sher Watkins named Northville Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of

own. Sher has been helping at the Chamber forever. She is a driving force at the Farmer’s Market. There was even a time she answered the phones, and you might say, was the information station. Congratulations Sher, as our granddaughter’s might say, your pretty chill.

I am honored by all who read my column, and I get so excited when you reach out to me. The best happened last month after my dishin’ review of area fish & chips. I opened my email one morning and there was a greeting from “Cousin Jim.” It seems my cousin, Jim Cicala (on my dad’s side of the family), reads my column and he just happens to be Moose of the Year at the Northville Moose Lodge 1190. He and his wife Mary invited me to be their guest for Friday night dinner. We met, caught up on family, laughed and shared stories about how life took us from there to here.

I learned all about the charitable efforts of Moosehaven, a growing old gracefully alternative for seniors located in Orange Park, Fla., and Mooseheart, a residential childcare facility located west of Chicago. The Child City is a home for children and teens in need. Check out the websites for both –they tell the tale of two hidden gems and the story of just who is a Moose. We also discussed the resurgence of joining social clubs and the importance of volunteerism that keeps the club culture alive. You must know a Moose to become a Moose – someone needs to sponsor you to join, and it is a place for “members only” with the ability to bring a guest now and then.

Volunteering, the Moose and Jackie all sound rather nostalgic, don’t they? I find most things come and go and come back again. Sometimes there is a subtle change to how things resurface but some things stay the same…like the word “iconic”. In doing a little research, I realized when I use the word it has the same meaning as when a Gen Z uses it. The world is not as upside down as I thought.

“Act Like Audrey, Laugh Like Lucy.”

Jackie look-a-like Michelle Ilitch Parker with Audrey look-a-like Kathleen Kean.

The OLV moms

Sher Watkins -- Northville Chamber Volunteer of the Year

Northville residents Mary Cicala and Jim Cicala (Moose of the Year) with Denise in the middle.

Client Review

“Jamey and his assistant, Diana, worked so efficiently and successfully sold our home in a week. Jamey knew the Northville housing market very well and was able to put our house on market quickly. Diana gave attention to all the necessary details that made the showing and documentation processes flawless. We are very happy to have Jamey and Diane help us!”

-Paula Zhou & John Wu