The 'Ville - August 2018

Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine

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AUGUST 2018

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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, who all attend Northville Public Schools.

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John Heider, 53, was the The Northville Record and Novi News photographer from 1996 until 2017. He lives in Ann Arbor and enjoys fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, feature writing, woodworking projects and the symphony.

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.

Thank you!

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Publisher

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

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A View From The ‘Ville

Becoming part of the team

I

just dropped off my eldest son at Northville High School for his first day of freshman football practice. Those who know me know what a big deal that is for me and my family.

As my son puts on the pads, he continues an important legacy in the Kuban household that goes back several generations. It’s not an overstatement to say football is life in my family.

It teaches the importance of discipline and hard work, and how to overcome adversity -- plus a great deal more. And, yes, it’s fun, too.

I’ve been impressed with NHS head football coach Matt Ladach and his staff of dedicated coaches. They’ve been very up front about the NHS coaching philosophy, which is more focused on things like character, leadership, and dedication than on winning, something that usually takes care of itself if those other traits develop with the team.

Now that my kid is entering the program, I realize just what a responsibility Ladach and his staff has taken on. We are entrusting our sons (and in some cases daughters) with them, expecting them to teach important life lessons. And it’s not like they are getting paid much as they provide a tremendous community service.

Of course, it’s not just the football coaches. I was able to talk to a few of the Mustang coaches in various sports for a story I wrote last month (“The Mustang Way”). Their dedication to our student athletes is remarkable. They are playing a huge

role in the development of this community’s youth – and they not only recognize it, they also relish the opportunity.

This got me to thinking how important community service is, not just in sports, but in general. We should all try to give our time to causes that benefit our children, our families and our town.

In Northville, there are many fantastic organizations that offer opportunities for community service and would love to have new members. For example, the Northville Rotary Club participates in numerous service projects during the course of the year, including the recent Tour de Ville, which raised more than $14,000 for local, regional and even international humanitarian projects.

Rotary is just one group, however. Seek out one that fits your interests, such as the Friends of the Northville District Library or Friends of Maybury State Park. The Northville Educational Foundation also comes to mind. The NEF raises important funds so our public schools have the resources to rival any district in the state. They are always looking for volunteers and sponsors.

Even volunteering at your local school, church or at events like next month’s Northville Heritage Festival makes a difference. Just find

something. You’ll be happy you did. I recently decided to join Rotary. In addition to helping with some local projects, I think the best part so far is being around people who have the same sense of community. It’s incredible how selfless they are.

As I drop off my son, I’m filled with pride because I know he is taking his first steps of an incredible journey. He might not win any state championships while at NHS, but I know he’ll develop into a disciplined young man and learn the importance of being part of a team.

So I raise my glass and give thanks to his coaches – and all of you who volunteer your time to causes greater than yourself. That’s why Northville is such a special place to live. We’re all part of the same team.

Kurt Kuban is editor and publisher of The ‘Ville.

He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@gmail. com or (734) 716-0783.

Your Voice: Letters

4

No Vacancy: Northville Square diversifies 6 Main Street School fated for demolition 14

Sanctuary of Green Thumbs Hive of Creativity

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Off Leash

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22

ON THE COVER: Northville resident Amanda Huszti with Zoey, who was adopted through the Northville-based Waggin' Tails Dog Rescue. The photo was taken at Northville Township's Marv Gans Park near the dog park.

Photo by P.A. Rech | palanimages.com

Past Tense: Remembering Northville’s Storytellers 16 Out & About 26 Community Bulletin Board 28 It’s Your Business: Northville City Car Wash 30 Color My World club combats depression at NHS Dishin’ With Denise

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36 The ‘Ville 3

Your Voice Get the process right

At Northville’s Board of Education July 10 meeting, the board entertained public input for the redevelopment of the Main Street School and property.

Members of the community spoke addressing their questions, concerns and opinions, followed with board members summarizing their mindset and their desire to demolish the building in favor of new development.

The board of education is being short-sighted, blindly willing to toss away a local historic landmark, which is one of the largest contributing structures to our Northville Historic District. The board showed no regard to immediate forecasts of growth, preservation, redevelopment, re-use or re-purposing. Is this the legacy our board of education chooses, to lose Northville’s designated Historic District? We have the data, we see this challenge.

As voters, we need assurance that our board officials are informed and armed with the data to base sound decisions, true to facts and compiled research.

Certainly not opinion, or fear and uncertainty.

But at the meeting, each of the member’s remarks said just that -- “I fear”; “I am torn”; “I am uncertain”; “I am scared as hell of apartments”; “I want to be mindful”; “I am sensitive to history”; “what’s the feasibility”; “we have financial responsibility”; “fiduciary responsibilities”; “not enough data”; and we “need answers from the city.”

Let’s prioritize, collect data, research and educate. As a community, we are available and willing to meet with the professionals and do this right.

Let’s be reasonable and do our homework. The board of education is faced with an overwhelming task. Our community’s resources are here, and available to assist them as they have expressed in their own words: uncertain, torn, unqualified and unsure of city’s role. Let’s work together and come to terms that make sense. We cannot move forward based upon fear and uncertainty.

Leanie Bayly, President Northville Historical Society

Library should get more parking

I feel that the best proposal for the Main Street School property would be #1 (Cambridge Homes plan for five single family homes) or #2 (Old Village LLC – four homes and a park) along with #7 (Northville District Library’s plan for parking on one lot). The library should most definitely get one of the lots. The Northville Public Schools Board of Education would be able to discern between Cambridge Homes and Old Village LLC as to which of the two proposals would be best for our community.

Love the magazine! Keep up the awesome work!

Kathy Fox Northville

SOUND OFF 4 The ‘Ville

If the walls could speak

My vote is hands down to remodel the existing Main Street building is for pitch #5 (renovate school into 52 luxury apartments). We have enough single family homes in the area by these developers. The school has been home to many young minds over the years and it would be a shame to rip it down for yet another standard looking home. If the walls could speak you would hear love and laughter.

I especially think that the historic value alone is worth keeping it around. Too many times it’s about who has the deeper pocket. Why not let the people with the beat idea win for once?

Kim Gauthier Downtown resident (and mom to former Main Street School preschooler)

Make a land swap

With the announced sale of Northville Downs and the proposed addition of numerous homes and increased traffic, I would hope that our city and township planners could get together and work on an actual creative park plan. The logical solution to the problem of overloading Center Street with more traffic is to propose a land trade. Trade unused Northville Psychiatric Hospital property for part of the 48 acre Northville Downs property, put all the new development where the roads, expressway and store parking is designed to handle it.

As many others have mentioned, open up the now covered Rouge River and create a park that many more city and township residents can actually walk or bike to vs. a park on the hospital property that is located on the fringes of the township, isolated from most of the population, and entails driving your car to. A park on the hospital property will be used more by Livonia residents than Northville Township residents who are paying the bill.

A city park with a larger “Town Square” or “Central Park” for festivals, restaurants like Tavern on the Green in New York City, a swimming pond that kids can ride their bikes to and an actual band shell that can be utilized, rain or shine, makes a lot of sense. Plus it is good for existing downtown businesses vs. a park way out on 7 Mile and Haggerty Road that will only bolster existing Livonia restaurants.

More development will not enrich the quality of life for current residents, but a “Central Park” concept will and be truly unique to the area.

We currently share recreational services now, so why not share a new and much needed town park? The City of Northville lacks a town square and this is the only opportunity to correct it.

Steve Lomske, Architect Northville Township

Please submit your letters by emailing Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

Letters must be 150 words or less. We reserve the right to edit all letters.

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The Northville Sports Den is just one of several Northville Square eateries that offer outdoor dining.

No Vacancy Northville Square finds its niche as a ‘lifestyle mall’

By Kurt Kuban

When Planet Fitness moves some of its corporate offices into Northville Square sometime in mid-September, the mall with a checkered past will reach an important milestone – it will be virtually full to capacity. That’s quite a turnaround for a shopping center that has struggled to attract tenants over the years and only had about 50 percent of its space leased out less than five years ago.

PF Michigan Group, LLC, which operates 41 Planet Fitness locations in Michigan and Ohio, is the latest tenant to sign a lease. They will be moving 15 employees into 5,000 square feet that will act as its headquarters. They will be

6 The ‘Ville

Northville Square’s 33rd tenant.

Once they move in, there will only be 600 square feet of space available in the 90,000 square foot mall.

It’s true that office space might not be a traditional use for a mall, but diversifying the

tenant base has been the key to Northville Square’s success, according to Tim Cain, who has managed the facility for nearly five years. While previous owners may have focused on attracting retailers, current management has cast a wider net, he said.

There are popular restaurants including the Northville Sports Den, Brick’s and Cherie Baby Cheesesteaks and Café. There’s a realtor (Bershire Hathaway), Steve Fecht Photography, a salon, attorneys, medical professionals, financial planners, a place to do yoga or pilates, a tutoring service and a couple media companies – just to name a few. There’s even a museum – The Lace Museum

– dedicated to vintage lace and clothing.

“We’ve opened it up to whoever wanted to come in.

Anyone is welcome,” said Cain.

“We’ve turned it into a lifestyle mall. You can come here and get a meal, work out or do yoga, and get your hair done. You don’t have to leave the mall to have a full-day experience.”

A NEW VIBE That wasn’t always the case with the mall located in the heart of downtown Northville at 133 W. Main Street. It originally opened as a mall in 1973, but was not successful.

the building and re-opened it as a mall. In 2013, they sold it to the current owners and Northville residents, Todd Hutchins and Tara Kingsbury.

Under the new owners and Cain’s management, Northville Square definitely has a new vibe. While it can still be a little sleepy at times, especially when compared to more retailoriented malls, it benefits from being in downtown Northville.

One of the more recent tenants is actually a former tenant who came back to the exact same space in the mall.

Sweet Brew ‘N Spice, a coffee café operated by Rita Patel,

Mary Salmon owns The Lace Museum, located on the lower level.

We’ve turned it into a lifestyle mall.

You can come here and get a meal, work out, and get your hair done.

You don’t have to leave the mall to have a full day experience.”

Tim Cain Northville Square manager

Northville Square manager Tim Cain

The Michigan Association of Gift Salesmen then converted it into a place where store owners could purchase goods and the mall was closed to the general public. It became known as the MAGS building.

About 10 years ago, Margene and Bob Buckhave renovated

opened in June. Patel had managed the former Solid Grounds Coffee House but left for New York in 2010. She returned in 2016 and wanted to open her own coffee shop.

She was considering locations in other towns, but began scouting Northville Square and

was amazed the old space was empty.

“At random times I would come over here and scope it out.

There’s been a lot of change in Northville since I left. I see a lot more foot traffic and different types of businesses. It’s not all retail anymore,” said Patel, who serves coffee, tea and has a menu of healthy and organic fare.

Patel credited Cain and the management team for working with her on a lease that made sense for both parties.

“I felt like they wanted me to come in here and succeed. I want to be a long-term tenant. I

feel this is the location for me,” Patel said.

‘A PRETTY GOOD MIX’ Those words are music to Cain’s ears. He said his goal is to attract diverse tenants who add to the mix and also can afford the lease.

“I don’t have them sign a lease they can’t afford. We’re not dirt cheap, but we offer a fair agreement,” said Cain, who is also the freshman baseball coach at Northville High School.

“Since I’ve been here, almost 100 percent of our tenants have The Mall continued on page 8

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The Mall continued from page 7

taken the option to renew the lease. That tells me we’re doing something right.”

Cain said Northville Square also offers an excellent maintenance team that keeps

NORTHVILLE SQUARE ADDRESS: 133 W. Main Street, downtown Northville PHONE: (248) 347-3900 WEBSITE: For a complete list of tenants and services, visit www. northvillesquare.com. the place in tip top shape.

The building itself, which is relatively new, is unique for downtown Northville. It’s in

a great location and is in good shape.

“The building kind of sells itself,” said Cain, noting he spends very little money on marketing.

That was definitely the case for Planet Fitness Michigan LLC, according to owner Bryan Rief, who said the company is moving from another location just a few blocks away.

“We really wanted to stay in downtown Northville, and this is perfect for what we are looking for,” Rief said of Northville Square. “We’re still growing, and this space can accommodate our growth. I know they struggled as a retail location, but having office space makes perfect sense.”

One person thrilled to hear of Northville Square’s success is Northville Downtown

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Pictured clockwise: Dear Prudence; Gardenviews; Brick’s of Northville

Development Authority Director Lori M. Ward, who feels it is just another sign that downtown Northville is a great place to work and do business.

And that is only bound to improve with a lot of residential development planned for Northville.

“Having the building fully occupied, to me, demonstrates what a strong market we have here in Northville. Tim Cain has done a super job of filling up the space with a mixture of restaurants, retail, office and service businesses,” Ward said. “With more residential development occurring adjacent to the downtown, Northville will need a strong commercial base to support the needs of the expanding residential community.”

Ironically, the one thing

Rita Patel opened the Sweet Brew ‘N Spice coffee cafe in June.

Cain would like to see a little more of in Northville Square is retail, which might draw in a little more foot traffic, but, with so little vacant space, he’s not complaining.

“I think we’ve got a pretty good mix,” he said.

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By Wensdy Von Buskirk

O

ver the past 13 years, the Northville Art House has earned a reputation as one of the best art centers in Metro Detroit. Its mission is simple: to bring high quality arts to the community through exhibits and education.

As exhibition season kicks off, this small-town gem continues to do just that. First on the calendar is House of Wax, which runs through Aug. 25 and features encaustic painting, an ancient medium in which pigments are mixed with hot wax, applied to a surface, and manipulated before they harden. Found objects and sculptural techniques are often added.

Curated by Berkley artist Candace Law, House of Wax features 39 works from 23 artists from across the country.

The exhibit solidifies what the Art House aims to provide on a regular basis.

“We look to have a range of artists from the Detroit

10 The ‘Ville

HofivCereativity

Art House is small town gem with big time aspirations

area and Michigan, as well as across the country, working in different genres,” says Ryan Kaltenbach, exhibits director at the Northville Art House since 2016. “We want our visitors and members to experience works they’re familiar with, but also works that allow them to think about and experience art through observation, dialogue and interaction.”

In September, the Art House will feature its 10th Annual West of Center juried allmedia exhibition, a tradition that celebrates artwork with a contemporary take on traditional themes.

To mark its milestone anniversary, the Art House brought in Artist Jeff Cancelosi, head of the exhibitions committee at Detroit Artists Market, as juror.

Two more exhibits will hang in the gallery before it closes for the season on Dec. 15 (see sidebar).

The Art House stages about

10 exhibits a year, all of them free to the public.

In addition, the Art House offers a wide variety of classes for children and adults, outreach programs throughout the community, and a gift shop full of unique finds.

Kaltenbach, who came to the Art House from his position as collections manager and deputy director of the Saginaw Art Museum, says Northville residents should be proud of the cultural organization in their midst.

“Individuals of all levels and interests can come here to experiment, grow and be creative,” he says.

“Northville’s a great town and the Art House helps bring people together in the community. It brings them downtown to get involved and share in that with others, which is wonderful.”

BUILDING HISTORY

The Northville Art House, located on Cady Street behind the library, kitty corner to the post office, and in front of the dog park, is part of the very fabric of the city’s walkable downtown.

The 3,152-square-foot trilevel was built in 1963 as a home for the Boy Scouts.

When long-time Arts Commissioner Sue Taylor came across the building in 1996, by then in use as a senior

Individuals of all levels and interests can come here to experiment, grow and be creative.” Ryan Kaltenbach Northville Art House exhibits director center, she recalled art classes her children attended growing up in California.

“I remember seeing it when we moved back to Michigan and thinking it would make a cute art center. It reminded me of the one my kids went to in Hayward, which had a community space, art rooms, and a little store, much like ours,” she recalls.

Taylor’s vision persisted, and when the city announced the seniors would be leaving for a bigger space, she played a huge role in bringing the Art House to life.

In April of 2004, city officials agreed to let the Arts Commission take over the building rent-free as long as they covered utilities, maintenance, and all of their own operating expenses with no additional help.

From there, volunteers got to work transforming the space.

“It was originally called the Scout House. That’s why we called it the Art House, as a throwback to its original name,” Taylor said.

The Art House opened to the public with a special exhibit on March 4, 2005.

As it grew, it took over the role of the Arts Commission, which had been organizing art festivals, concerts and events in the city since its founding in 1980. Now, the nine-member commission acts mainly as a support system for the Art House.

“As the Art House became more successful we had to

devote our energy to making sure that it stayed successful,” Taylor says. “It really does take a village.”

DRAWING SUPPORT

With four part-time employees, the Art House is constantly raising funds to meet its $125,000 annual budget.

According to Director Amanda Barnett, the non-profit is funded through donations, membership fees, class fees, exhibits and entry fees, as well as occasional grants from the Northville Community Foundation.

The Art House gift shop also contributes half of sales.

“The store features 50 artists, predominantly Michiganbased, and provides a nice revenue stream. Sales are on a commission basis. Every piece that’s purchased supports the art house as well as the artist,” says Barnett. “It’s a great place for gifts with local Northville artists and Northville subject matter.”

Barnett has a Bachelor of Arts from Albion College, and a graduate degree in arts administration and cultural policy from Goldsmiths, University of London.

She draws from her experience in development with the Donmar Warehouse theater in London’s Covent Garden as she focuses on increasing Art House membership.

Currently, she says about 110 members pay $30 per individual and $50 per family in exchange for discounted classes and

merchandise.

She would like to see more residents of Northville and the region get involved.

“Like all non-profits we have to keep the lights on,” she says. “We’re really focusing on what is the Art House for the community. How can we best serve the residents of Northville? As a communitybased arts organization that’s who we’re there for.”

CREATING SPACE

The heart of the Art House is its classroom, down a short flight of stairs with large windows overlooking a tidy backyard.

Work tables are arranged throughout the room, and shelves and bins spilling over with art supplies line every available surface.

Here, children gather for summer art camps and after school art classes.

Adults come for oil, acrylic, drawing, watercolor, mixed media, and calligraphy.

Classes run 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

On Friday afternoons, professional artists reserve the studio for live model drawing.

On weekends, workshops cover various mediums, from fiber and ink to quilting and calligraphy.

Painting with Parkinson’s classes meet Wednesday nights.

Classes are so successful they’re outgrowing the space.

“Our challenge now is that we are basically a one room schoolhouse and so we have had to be creative about seeing where else we can offer art classes,” Taylor says.

That’s where Programming and Operations Manager Erin Maten comes in.

BRANCHING OUT

Since stepping up from a long-time volunteer and gift shop clerk into her current role, Maten has been successful in expanding Art House outreach, by launching an after-school art program in Northville elementary schools, as well as the Young Artist Art Fair.

The Northville mother of three noticed there were plenty Hive continued on page 12

The ‘Ville 11

Hive continued from page 11

of extracurricular academics and sports offered, but no art.

She reached out to the PTA at Thornton Creek Elementary to see if they’d be open to partnering with Art House.

They were.

Art House instructors began visiting the school twice a month to guide kids through projects they might not experience in traditional art class.

The program was a huge success, and has since spread to Amerman and Moraine elementary schools.

The fee is $18 per class, and after expenses the Art House was able to donate $1,200 back to the PTAs last year, with the request that the money be put toward art supplies and education.

More than 200 children have participated in the after-school program, giving rise to the Young Artist Art Fair.

“It was pretty exciting to see so much interest in art,” Maten says. “I really wanted to do something more.”

Maten decided to hold an exhibit just for kids, and the fair launched in an outdoor tent across from the Art House during Northville’s 2017 Arts & Acts festival.

Thirty-two young artists paid a small entry fee and sold their work to the public.

The next Young Artist Art Fair will be held at Northville Presbyterian Church on Nov. 17, during the city’s annual Holiday Greens Market, and will feature entertainment by the Northville Strings Students and folk singer Neil Woodward.

The Art House also has

conducted an art lecture series at the Senior Center, and teamed up with Hillside Middle School to bring art to special education students at Northville’s Cooke School.

“What I have discovered is that we can go outside of the Art House by going into our schools, teaming up with others in our community and collaborating together,” Maten says.

LOOKING AHEAD

As the Art House moves into the future, organizers intend to bring its annual Arts & Acts event — an outgrowth of Northville’s Art in the Sun and the Art House’s biggest fundraiser of the year — back to the streets of downtown after a largely unsuccessful move to Millenium Park this summer.

They hope to continue to expand summer camps and

classroom offerings, following the trends in popular art. They also hope to increase outreach and membership.

For all the challenges the organization faces in its constant quest to make ends meet, it’s worth it, according to the woman whose dream drove the creation of the Art House more than a decade ago.

“I think that it offers a certain quality of life to be educated about all the possibilities of seeing the world through art.

It can be emotional, it can be beautiful, it can be divisive, it can be challenging,” Taylor said.

“Not everybody agrees on what makes good art but that’s kind of the fun and challenge of art.

I think for a community like Northville, the Art House really offers a lot. It makes the city a better place to be.”

Northville Art House Happenings EXHIBITIONS

Aug. 3-25: House of Wax: Juried Encaustic Competition Sept. 7-29: 10th Annual West of Center Juried All-Media Exhibition Oct. 5-27: Patterns & Symbols: The Japanese Art of Hiroko Lancour Nov. 2-Dec. 15: Tans FORM: Contemporary Works in Metal, Glass, and Ceramics.

EVENTS

Sept. 9: Paws and Paint: Unleash Your Pet’s Creativity for a Cause Nov. 17: Young Artist Juried Art Fair

Find out more at northvillearthouse.org

12 The ‘Ville

You can DANCE! JOIN PIAZZA DANCE COMPANY TODAY!

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A variety of classes are offered for the intensive, recreational, pre-school, teen and adult student.

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UPDATE:

• Old Village LLC (Mike Miller and Greg Morad), bidding $1.7 million (or $10,000 above best offer, not to exceed $1.752 million) to build four singlefamily homes on five lots, with a green space to buffer the Old Village School next door.

• Malloure Family LLC, bidding $1.25 million to build two single-family homes and a park dedicated to the city.

Traffic was a major concern cited by the board members who voted in favor of demolition, as was safety of the children who will attend the early childhood program at the Old Village School next door.

“I’m a little scared of apartments,” added James Mazurek, board president. “They’re transient in nature, and to make them financially viable on this site, it would have to be a high-density project.”

The three proposals eliminated called for between 25-40 units, three blocks from downtown. Brett Russell/Design House proposed maintaining the We want to know your opinions school façade and about the school board’s recent vote building between to demolish Main Street School, which dates back to the 1930s.

20-25 condos.

Do you think the building is worth Curtis Building preserving, or would Northville be wanted to turn better off without it? Please email the former school your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban The board voted in favor of into high-end at kurtkuban@gmail.com. demolishing the school that apartments, and dates back to the mid-1930s. At DW Development/ the time it was built, the school was viewed Hosey Development/Tekton proposed 35 as cutting-edge design, and was featured luxury apartments for the structure, while in a Museum of Modern Art exhibition preserving the existing façade and some of the historic interior.

Board Vice President Roland Hwang cast the lone “no” vote, citing the $400,000 demolition cost – to be paid by the school district – as well as concerns over historic preservation and the fact that the Northville master plan calls for multi-family or senior James Mazurek, housing at that site.

School Board President The Main Street School is a contributing building in the Northville Historic on school architecture built with a child’s District, so the school district’s request needs and well-being in mind. for demolition will go before the Historic The proposals remaining are: District Commission in the near future. The • Cambridge Homes, bidding $1.825 HDC recently voted to deny a developer’s million to build five single-family request to demolish a pre-Civil War building homes (or $1.46 million for four lots). located at 341 E. Main Street.

School Board Settles on Main Street School Demolition WHAT DO YOU THINK?

5-1 vote nixes preservation plans in favor of single family homes

By Maria Taylor

A

t their July 10 meeting, the Northville Board of Education voted 5-1 to narrow down the proposals being considered for the former Main Street School (501 W. Main) to the three developers proposing single-family residential homes.

I'm a little scared of apartments. They're transient in nature, and to make them financially viable on this site, it would have to be a high-density project.”

The three bids eliminated had proposed renovating the 81-year-old Main Street School into apartments or condos, while the fourth had been to purchase a section of the property for additional Northville District Library parking.

14 The ‘Ville

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PAST TENSE

The Greatest Generation Remembering Northville’s Storytellers

By Michele Fecht

B

ruce Turnbull’s passing on July 6th silenced one of Northville’s most notable — and quotable — storytellers. Only a few months shy of his 99th birthday, Bruce was not only Northville’s sage historian, but also our community crier and cheerleader.

Born above his father’s electric shop on West Main Street on October 7, 1919, he witnessed nearly a century of life in our community — save for his years of service as a Marine during World War II. While there are several written histories of Northville, Bruce’s unique perspective and enthusiastic delivery of anecdotal gems brought our community’s past to life. It is one thing to write about history; it is another to have lived it.

He shared his love of our community’s past by conducting tours of Mill Race Historical Village and Northville’s downtown. Anyone who participated in one of his tours or attended one of his many talks and presentations came away with scores of Northville lore.

There were tales of the famous such as flying ace Eddie Stinson, and locals such as Mrs. Watts, the town’s night telephone operator. And who could forget the demise of poor Mrs. Rayson by an errant chunk of ice?

Bruce’s recall was impressive,

16 The ‘Ville

interior and chamber of commerce.

Northville won first place in its population class (under 5,000) three years running.

Bruce and his wife Rita were Northville High School graduates; Bruce was president of the Class of ’37 and Rita was salutatorian of the Class of ’36.

After the war, Bruce took over his father’s electric shop, which moved from its West Main location to 153 East Main in the building now occupied by Baby Baby. He was the Northville Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1989.

Bruce Turnbull

and his willingness — or more aptly eagerness — to share our history was a gift . . . one we should not take lightly.

Bruce was one of the last of his generation of storytellers.

His passing serves as a reminder of two others with a shared passion for our history: Francis “Fran” Gazlay and Richard “Dick” Ambler. Both Fran and Dick passed away in 2012. Fran, who was a bulwark in the establishment of Mill Race Historical Village, died at the age of 93 in May 2012 only weeks before the village celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Ambler, a fifth-generation Northville resident, passed away at 89 in April 2012.

All three were extraordinary gentlemen, not only for sharing their encyclopedic knowledge of our history, but also for their

unfailing devotion to Northville.

Volunteerism and community service defined their character.

All served on numerous civic commissions and boards as well as stepping into other roles as athletic coaches, scout leaders, church volunteers and more.

Bruce was a member of the City’s Planning Commission, the Northville Area Senior Citizen’s Advisory Council, the Northville Rotary Club, Retail Merchants Association and, last but not least, the 1960 “Beautify Northville” campaign committee.

Yes, this was a thing. It was an annual nationwide Clean Town contest sponsored by the National Clean-Up, Paint-Up, Fix-Up Bureau – apparently this was also a thing – with entries judged by representatives of the U.S. departments of commerce,

Francis "Fran" Gazlay

Fran, who came to Northville with his wife Elizabeth (Biz) in 1950 after his WWII service as a flight instructor in the United States Army Air Corps, spent more than 60 years championing the Mill Race Historical Village.

A teacher by vocation, Fran was a charter member of the

Northville Historical Society, serving as president for 10 years. He was head cheerleader of the village’s Stone Gang and author of “Welcome to Mill Race Village . . . We Saved It for You!,” a primary source on the making of the historic village, and “Greetings From Northville: A Postcard Album,” a photographic history of Northville in postcards from 1906 to 1985.

He also served on the City of Northville Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and Historic District Commission. He was the Northville Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1986.

While Fran’s imprint can be seen in every facet of the Mill Race Village, it also is evident in the Northville Historical Society’s archives.

Fran donated more than 34 files of documents, postcards, photos, writings, and other materials to the society. His decades of photographing downtown buildings and spaces from all angles are some of the only evidence that remains of those entities. He also wrote descriptions and identifications on the back of every image.

Three cheers for that.

With his wry humor, quick

wit, signature earring and pipe, Fran was the consummate charmer. He could convince you to buy swampland in Florida — or build a historic village on a flood plain in Northville.

There are few today who can trace their roots to the early decades of Northville’s beginnings.

Dick Ambler was among that rare breed. The Dick Ambler Amblers staked their claim in Northville in 1854. His early ancestors, William and Mary Ambler, owned the Ambler Hotel located on the southwest corner of Main and Center streets.

The hotel also served as the headquarters for the stage routes leading to Detroit.

The Ambler name appears throughout the annals of Northville’s history. William H. (son of the hotel owner) served as township supervisor from 1887-89. Sherrill Ambler, Dick’s father, was both a village and township clerk and a member of the Northville Board of

Education.

Dick served on the Northville Board of Education, City Planning Commission, Northville City Council, Northville Township Board of Trustees and was a trustee for the Conrad Langfield Northville High School Band Trust.

He also was a driving force behind the annual Old Timers’ Lunch held the first Monday in June at Genitti’s.

Dick and his wife Jeanne (Atchison) were members of Northville High School’s Class of ’39. Jeanne was the daughter of Dr. Russell E. Atchison and sister of Dr. Russell M. Atchison, who practiced medicine in Northville for more than 60 years.

Dick shared not only his family’s rich history but also so much of our community’s past. He generously gave original images — including one of the earliest photographs of Northville’s downtown —

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to the Northville Historical Society. His stories of growing up in Northville and his keen recall of people and events are invaluable records.

All three of these gentlemen were members of the Greatest Generation. Perhaps living through the deprivation of the Great Depression and the sacrifice and profound loss of World War II gave them a greater appreciation of community and the importance of “giving back.” We are the fortunate recipients of their generosity in creating, living and sharing Northville’s rich history.

At a celebration marking his 95th birthday (at a party at Genitti’s, of course!), Bruce Turnbull stated: “It’s not about the destination, but the journey itself.”

Indeed.

Postscript:

Video, audio and transcripts from oral histories of more than 100 long-time Northville residents including the Amblers, the Gazlays and Bruce Turnbull are available through the Northville District Library’s website at http:// www.northvillehistory.org/ oralhistory.html.

“Family Owned for Four Generations”

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The Casterline Family providing quality care in the heart of downtown Northville since 1937

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By Maggie Kuban

Canines aren’t the only ones making friends at Northville’s dog parks t’s true what they say. Dogs really are man’s best friend.

Thanks to Northville’s two dog parks, however, we may have some serious competition for their affection.

This is a competition that began 15 years ago when the Northville City Council approved the creation of the 0.7-acre Cady Street dog park, located behind the Northville Art House.

The idea for the park was actually hatched in 1995 by a group of local dog owners, who regularly brought their dogs to Northville’s Friday night concerts and wanted a place to take their dogs at other times.

They convinced city leaders there was a need, and soon the former DPW yard was replaced with the first dog park in Wayne County.

Kent and Lisabeth Tyrrell, some of the founding members of the Cady Street dog park, still

18 The ‘Ville

make multiple daily visits with their dog, Misty, a 3-year-old Shetland sheepdog. The Tyrrells say there are so many reasons they love the dog park they helped establish.

“The best part about the park is the fact that the dogs get to run,” Lisabeth Tyrrell says.

This unique off leash experience is what attracts many of the dog park users. It’s

probably the main reason the Cady Street dog park became so popular – and busy. The small park would fill up with a couple dozen dogs at any given time. The need for a larger park became apparent and, in 2006, Northville Township created a second dog park in the community. It covers four acres at Community Park (now called Marv Gans Community Park)

off of Five Mile and Beck roads.

The larger park features three separate fenced areas for the dogs, including one area that is reserved for small and/or older dogs. The park also features water fountains and toys for the dogs, as well as seating for the human visitors. Located in the back of the park (behind the soccer fields), it is a tranquil setting of trees and rolling hills, which attracts other small critters and even an occasional deer or two.

Take a trip to either of the parks and it’s easy to see the dogs love coming, and quickly bond with other pooches.

Regular users of the two parks say rarely are there problems with dogs fighting or getting out of control. This is due in part to the mandatory education exam that is required by all members, which is important because it spells out the responsibilities as a dog park user. Dogs also must

NORTHVILLE’S be licensed and up to date on vaccinations.

Magic, an 8-year-old greyhound rescue, and her owner Christine Neal frequent the dog park at Community Park. Neal likes the larger park because it allows Magic to run around, allowing her to get in touch with her racing past. Neal said the park isn’t just a place for dogs to get to know one another. She has noticed a real community feeling among the humans who use the park, too.

“It’s nice to meet other dog lovers,” Neal said.

Northville Township Trustee Fred Shadko said there are currently about 400 people with dog park memberships. Shadko is another founding member of

DOG PARKS

including WHERE: 215 W. Cady Street and watching Marv Gans Community Park (Five owners and Mile and Beck road) their dogs HOURS: Cady Street – 9 a.m.-8 p.m. getting locked (or dusk) Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-7 in and having p.m. Saturday-Sunday to climb the Marv Gans Community Park – 7 fence. At the a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week end of the day, REQUIREMENTS: Mandatory the people education class, up-to-date love the parks vaccinations, active dog license, as much as dog park membership the dogs, he ANNUAL PASS: Northville residents said. pay $40 for an annual pass for both “They’re parks or $30 for one park really people Both canines and humans love to congregate at the Cady Street MORE INFO: Call (248) 349-0203 or Dog Park. Photo by Maggie Kuban parks and visit www.northvilleparksandrec.org you just get a golden There is a $12 charge for each to bring your retriever, additional dog. Members get a dogs. People form friendships along with their owners John key fob, which gets them in (and and socialize with each other Schemel and Marianne Webster out) of the gate. A combination outside the park, as well,” said are a perfect example of this pass will even grant users

"The best part about the park is the fact that the dogs get to run."

Lisabeth Tyrrell

the dog parks. Over the years he has watched the dog park community grow steadily.

He has lots of great stories,

Shadko, who takes his black lab Iza to the parks.

Kyya, a German shepherd mix, and her best friend Maisie,

community. Schemel and Webster have gotten to know each other because of their dogs’ friendship.

“We try to make it a minimum of three days a week around the same time,” Schemel said.

Claudia Hernandez claims the commonality of dog ownership is what ties everyone together.

“We share stories and talk about where we take [our dogs] to the vet,” said Hernandez, who brings her 3-year-old Siberian husky, Kayto, to the Cady Street park. She noted everyone she has met at the park has been kind and friendly.

The cost for a combination pass to both parks for Northville residents is $40 ($80 for nonresidents) for each dog, or $30 for just one of the parks.

access to Novi’s dog park, which features an agility course for the dogs.

Hernandez said having a place where Kayto can get his energy out and run around to his heart’s desire far outweighs the cost of a pass. Plus, the membership fees keep the parks completely self-sustaining.

Although the dog parks were created with Northville’s four-legged friends in mind, our two-legged residents might be getting just as much out of them. Take a visit to one of Northville’s dog parks and it’s pretty clear to see best friends come in both the two-legged and four-legged varieties.

Maggie Kuban is a sophomore at Northville High School.

The ‘Ville 19

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‘A Hidden Treasure’ Thayer’s Corner garden is sanctuary for local green thumbs

By Maria Taylor

M

argie Banner grew up on a farm in Iowa. So when the bunnies nibble the lettuce in her garden – well, it’s not the end of the world.

Especially when there’s nearly 60 acres more for them to choose from.

Banner’s garden isn’t in her back yard. It’s at Thayer’s Corner Nature Area in Northville Township, located just north of Six Mile off of Napier. It’s a garden oasis, where on a summer evening, all you can hear, over the lush, green fields, are the drone of the bees in the raspberry patch, the drip-drip of a water pump, or – if you’re close enough – the thunk of a clod of weeds being tossed into a garden pail.

There are 100 gardens, 10 minutes from downtown Northville. And many people don’t even know it’s there.

22 The ‘Ville

A FAMILY Thayer’s Corner started out in 2007 as a volunteer effort by Banner, the late Marv Gans, and a group of community volunteers. Banner is

football and baseball fields, but there’s also passive recreation,” she continued. “I told my fellow trustees, there is a person for every type of park you could use.” Some people come to

Residents spoke up: they wanted something at this end of the township.

Margie Banner Northville Township Turstee Northville township treasurer; Gans was also a township trustee, and the two of them approached the board with their idea.

“Residents spoke up: they wanted something at this end of the township,” Banner explained. They wanted a passive park.

“It’s wonderful we have

Thayer’s Corner to walk their dogs or walk the trails. There’s a horse trail along one edge.

And, of course, there are the gardeners.

Banner manages the property at Thayer’s Corner.

“I come out here for peace of mind: to clear my head, get dirty in my garden,” she said.

“It’s my sanity place.”

That serenity is something many of the gardeners enjoy, including Cathy Kelly. It’s her first year having a garden here, and she couldn’t be happier.

“It has been the best experience ever,” she said. “My husband and I say it’s like a hidden little treasure here. It almost feels like you’re going on vacation: you’re in this place of quiet and calm...it’s an amazing place.”

Kelly’s 15-year-old daughter Allison, who goes to Northville High, is the one who got them hooked. She found out about Thayer’s Corner by searching online. Now, Allison has a garden with tomatoes, peppers, squash, potatoes – “I’m not quite sure how you pick them,” her mom confessed – and a variety of greens, so their pet, Boris the tortoise, can feast on fresh lettuce and kale.

Although the garden started off as Allison’s project, her mom works on it, too. “When I saw it, I’m like, it’s the size of our living room,” Kelly said.

“At first, she wanted it to be her thing. Now she’s like, you can weed.”

When she’s not tending the veggies, Kelly likes to walk around and see what her fellow gardeners have done with their plots. There’s a lot of corn and lettuce and tomatoes.

Overhead, sunflowers raise their heads skyward. Some gardeners have put up arbors or trellises, and some have decorations: a watering can, a sign, a flower spinner twirling in the breeze.

“They’re so creative,” said Kelly. She’s met a lot of the other gardeners, too – and that just might be her favorite part of the whole thing. “One of them... she hugged me before she even knew me,” she said.

“Everyone’s so sweet.”

Kelly and her family live close by, near Ridge Wood Elementary, so oftentimes she bikes over. Some of her fellow green thumbs come a bit farther: Novi, Plymouth, Canton, Farmington Hills, some as far as Detroit and Wixom. Others live in the greater Northville area but don’t have the space at home.

Banner herself lives in a subdivision. “There’s better dirt out here,” she said.

Gardeners come from walks of life and all countries, too.

“We used to have a gardener who was a Laotian refugee,” Banner said. For those who have physical limitations or bad backs, there’s a row of raised gardens so they can work from a wheelchair or without bending down.

Kids enjoy the garden, too, although some of the little sprouts have different ideas of a fun day’s work. Once, a couple kids went into the garden’s

Margie Banner and Cathy Kelly among the sunflowers at Thayer's Corner.

Photo by Maria Taylor

playhouse and decided to do a bit of interior decorating.

“I was out on vacation in Martha’s Vineyards, and one of the gardeners called... the kids had berries on their hands and were ‘painting’ the inside window sills,” Banner said. “I almost died laughing. I said, ‘It’s a playhouse, it’s ok.’”

For her part, Kelly could tell stories about the little boy who likes to “help” his grandma: While she’s weeding, he digs a mud puddle and splashes mud everywhere. And since it’s a garden, it’s all taken in stride.

Anna Marie Sliman tends to her vegetable crop at Northville Township's Thayer's Corner. Photo by John Heider

“It doesn’t matter if you’re red, white, blue, or purple: we’re family,” Banner said. “It takes a village to make this place grow.”

A LABOR OF LOVE Maybe it takes a village – or, maybe it just takes a township with a lot of heart.

Thayer’s Corner is owned

by Northville Township and run by the Friends of Thayer’s Corner Nature Area nonprofit on an $18,000/year stipend, which covers things like maintenance, wells, electricity, and their security system.

Between that and rental fees – it’s $50/year for a garden, and people can rent the pavilion or the 1870s barn for events – operations are pretty much self-sustaining, Banner said.

Deb Brown mows and does maintenance. Other than that, practically all the work is done by volunteers: kids from Rotary International, the Schoolcraft honors society, and garden enthusiasts in general. One of this year’s volunteers is a high school student planning to attend MSU for agriculture.

Hank Fritz owns a tractor and keeps it on the property in exchange for putting down wood chips on the trails. Brown herself volunteers as much as she works.

Treasure continued on page 24

The ‘Ville 23

Treasure continued from page 23

“We have some hard core volunteers: probably 10-15 in the core group, and many of them are gardeners,” Banner said. “And the firemen and township staff…when we need help, they’re here for us.

They’re wonderful to work with.”

Looking ahead, Banner would love to do more with the schools, so kids could use the area as a learning experience.

“Right now, we’re kind of under the radar,” she said. She’d like to put in a sprinkler system, and a hoop house to grow root vegetables year-round.

As for expanding? Brown, who’s been involved since the start, thinks 100 gardens is enough. “There’s room, but

Margie Banner Northville Township Trustee

we’re not looking to do that,” she said. “The back is left wild: the animals need a place to go.”

“What about the animals?” might be the most common question Banner gets from prospective gardeners, and

her answer is simple. “I say ‘we share.’ Deer nibble them, I’m sharing with a mole... When you’ve got a garden that big, there’s plenty to go around.”

That spirit of sharing goes beyond the tongue-in-cheek.

Many of the gardeners end up growing more than they can eat, so they take part of their harvest to the Northville Civic Concern booth at the farmers market on Thursdays. One of the churches has two gardens, and they donate everything.

“I take things home and tell my daughter to shop on my porch,” Banner laughed.

“People say, why do you keep doing it? It’s mostly because of the people you meet along the way... some very wonderful people who give of their time and give of their hearts. That’s why. It’s a labor of love for those of us who do this.”

For more information about the Thayer’s Corner Natural Area and its community gardens, visit http:// thayerscorner.org.

Uplifting Our Community From Within Main Street League is an organization of women dedicated to making a difference to those in need in the local community through the contribution of time, talents, and financial resources.

Join us! www.mainstreetleague.com

Thayer’s Corner will host ‘Farm to Table’ event Main Street League fundraiser helps feed local families Three years ago, volunteers from Northville’s Main Street League started a vegetable garden at Thayer’s Corner.

Then, MSL co-founder Lauren Romeo had an inspiration.

“I came across an Instagram post from Outstanding In The Field and was in love with the events they put on, and thought we could do something similar with Main Street League,” she said.

“There's something beautiful about bringing people together at a table and enjoying a meal in a beautiful setting.”

They already had the perfect setting: Thayer’s Corner.

From that inspiration came the Main Street League’s first Farm to Table Dinner, which made its debut last fall. Eighty people attended, enjoying a family-style meal prepared on location by Chef Brian Psenski and sourced from local farms and purveyors: tomatoes from Welcer Farms, ice cream from Guernsey, fresh produce from the League’s two plots at the garden.

This year, the Farm to Table Dinner returns Sept. 15. Tickets are $125/ person (available at www. mainstreetleague.com) and include dinner, beer, and wine.

Funds raised will go toward the League’s outreach services and the emergency needs of people in the Northville community.

“This is a perfect example of our local community coming together,” said Romeo. “We feel that giving starts at home, and we hope to create an event that makes that tangible for our attendees. They can feel confident in their donations, knowing that we help people locally.”

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Heritage Festival

Maybury Family Camp Out Aug. 18-19 Grab the family and enjoy a 24-hour camping trip at Maybury State Park (700 W. Baseline Road). Organized

by Northville Parks and Recreation, this event features a nature hike, fishing contest, crafts, a campfire, and much more. A family consists of four people with up to two small tents or one medium size tent. Tents are available for rent. Cost is $30 per family ($5 for each additional camper). Registration is required. To register or for more information, visit www.northvilleparksandrec.org.

Story Time at Maybury Farm Visit Maybury Farm every Wednesday and Thursday from 10-10:30 a.m. for storytime. There will be a 30-minute animated storytelling followed by a toddler-friendly activity. Free with paid admission to Maybury Farm – $3 per person (children 2 and under are free). For more information, contact the Northville Community Foundation at (248)374-0200 or visit www.mayburyfarm.org.

Music at Maybury Concert Aug. 20 The classic rock band Busted By Nine will perform from 7-8 p.m. at Maybury State Park as part of this concert series. For more information, call Maybury at (248) 349-8390.

Friday Night Summer Concerts

Sundays at Mill Race Village Aug. 19 The historic Mill Race Village is open Sundays from 1-4 p.m. through Oct. 14. Village buildings are open every Sunday with docents on hand to share the history of each building.

For more information, send an email to office@millracenorthville. org, call the Northville Historical Society at (248) 348-1845 or visit millracenorthville.org.

26 The ‘Ville

identify edible plants that grow in the park. Takes place from 10-11 a.m.

Meet at the park headquarters, 20145 Beck Road. For more information, call (248) 349-8390.

Tunes on Tuesday Kids’ Concert Series

Aug. 24 Steve King and the Dittilies will bring their classic rock sound to Northville’s Town Square to close out the 2018 Northville Friday Night Summer Concert Series from 7-9 p.m.

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the sounds of summer at this Northville Chamber of Commerce event.

For more information, visit www. northville.org.

Aug. 28 Guy Lewis will perform as part of this family-themed concert series organized by Northville Parks and Recreation. The shows take place each Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Northville Town Square (downtown Northville). If there is rain, the show will be moved inside nearby Genitti’s Little Theatre. For more information, including the complete series line-up, call (248) 349-0203 or visit www. northvilleparksandrec.org.

Edible Plants of the Park Walk

Unplugged Concert Series

Aug. 25 Join Friends of Maybury State Park for this guided walk through Maybury State Park, as a park expert will

Aug. 29 Wixie Harrington will perform from 7-9 p.m. as part of this DDA acoustic concert series in downtown

Sept. 14-16 Northville’s annual festival (formerly known as the Victorian Festival) will take place from 5-11 p.m. on Sept.

14, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 15 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sept. 16. The event put on by the Northville Chamber of Commerce features a parade, live entertainment, community booths, activities at Mill Race Village and much more. This year’s theme is the 1980s. For more information on our annual Festival, visit www. northvilleheritagefest.com.

Jake & Johnny Club Golf Outing Sept. 24 Philip J. Goodman of Philip J. Goodman, P.C. and John A. Hubbard of Hubbard Snitchler & Parzianello PLC, founders of The Jake & Johnny Club, will host the group’s ninth annual golf outing on Sept. 24 at Fox Hills Golf Club, 8768 N. Territorial Rd., Plymouth. Since its inception, The Jake & Johnny Club has raised more than $200,000 and has made contributions to research organizations working to cure childhood leukemia and juvenile diabetes. For more information, to donate or register for or sponsor the golf outing, visit www.jakeandjohnnyclub.org. You can also call (313) 672-7300 or send an email to PJGoodman@ jakeandjohnnyclub.org.

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SHARE IT The Community Bulletin Board Page is just what it says. If you have events, photos or accomplishments you’d like to share with the community, please email Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Photos by Liz Cezat

The Winning Foursome Meadowbrook Country Club provided the perfect backdrop for the Northville Educational Foundation’s 4th Annual Play Fore Education Golf Outing on July 30. Nearly 90 golfers took part in the event sponsored by many local companies and individuals.

According to NEF Executive Director Christa Howley, the event raised about $5,000 for Northville’s students and educators.

Bragging rights and the NEF cup went to (pictured from left) Jeff Balagna (a Meads Mill Middle School teacher), George Fekaris (NEF board president), Doug Walters (Meads Mill math teacher) and Kevin Howley. The team won the four-person scramble.

The NEF is kicking off its $25,000 Cash for College Raffle. Tickets go on sale Aug. 20 at www.SupportNEF.org, and no more than 1,500 will be sold. The drawing takes place Nov. 16 after the Holiday Lighted Parade.

Tickets are $50 or three for $100. Tickets will be available until the start of the parade (or until the $25,000 grand prize is reached). If not enough tickets are sold, the prize will revert to a 50/50 drawing with a minimum $1,000 prize. Last year’s winner won over $17,000.

For more information, call (248) 344-8458.

ABerkshire Giant Tent Sale Hathaway HomeServices and HWWB Realtors of Northville are sponsoring their inaugural Tent Sale from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13-15 at American Legion Post 147, 101 W. Dunlap in downtown Northville. The sale is a fundraiser for the Sunshine Kids Foundation, and its efforts to support kids with cancer. All of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the organization. The sale will include furniture, wall art, clothing, jewelry, small appliances, collectables, books, garden tools, electronics , bikes, toys and more. The items were donated by many generous businesses and individuals. For more information, call (248) 305-1500.

28 The ‘Ville

Smith Sworn In Jeff Smith was sworn in as the new president of the Northville Rotary Club on June 29 at Genitti’s. Rotary District Governor Paul Sincock was on hand to swear in Smith and the rest of the club’s new officers, including Mike Vetter (president elect), Derek Blair (secretary), and Lynne Badeen (treasurer). For more information about Northville Rotary, visit http://northvillerotary.org.

Final Roll Call City of Northville Police Chief Michael Carlson is retiring after more than a quarter century with the department. Carlson began with the city as a part-time officer in November of 1992 and was promoted to full-time in July of 1993.

City officials, family members and fellow officers attended a retirement party for Carlson on July 31 at the Sports Den. In the photo, Carlson holds up a special display of the award pins and badges he wore over the years, along with Sgt. Greg Hannewald, Detective David Randall, Captain Dustin Krueger, and Angela Carlson, Michael’s wife. Krueger has been named interim police chief until the city can find a permanent replacement.

Thornton Creek welcomes new principal N

orthville resident and former PlymouthCanton Schools teacher and administrator Deagon M. Jewett has been tabbed as the new principal of Thornton Creek Elementary School. At its Aug. 7 meeting, the Northville Public Schools Board of Education unanimously selected Jewett to replace Jennifer Bennett, who in late-June, accepted a position as a literacy coach with another school district.

Jewett comes to Northville from Plymouth-Canton where he served for the past two years at Eriksson Elementary School in the newly created position of student support coordinator. His goal in the position was to provide wellbalanced and academically sound educational experiences,

as well as creating a friendly and welcoming environment through curriculum development and instruction.

He also had to address a wide range of social, emotional and developmental needs of students.

Prior to that Jewett was a classroom teacher at PlymouthCanton’s Eriksson and Isbister Elementary Schools for nine years, teaching first through third grades.

From 2013-15 Jewett also served as site coordinator for Plymouth-Canton’s elementary and middle school

summer program.

Northville Public Schools Supt. Mary Kay Gallagher said Jewett is a strong educational leader with diverse experience working with teachers, students and families, and she is excited to have him on board.

“Mr. Jewett is well-versed in instruction, curriculum, data-driven decisionmaking and continuous improvement, while also sharing a passion for The Leader in Me framework and a positive school culture,” said Gallagher.

Jewett lives in Northville

with his wife, Adrienne, and their two daughters, Lucille (going into fourth grade) and Rose (going into first grade), who both attend Moraine Elementary School.

“I was first attracted to Northville because of its public school system, which is why my wife and I moved to Northville eight years ago,” Jewett said.

“We wanted our children to have access to an excellent education, and be raised in a community that shares our values and beliefs.”

Jewett also noted the district’s commitment to The Leader in Me model and integrating technology into the curriculum, something he said was apparent when he visited Thornton Creek for the first time.

It’s Your Business Northville City Car Wash

The Hometown Car Wash Giving back is part of the plan at Northville City Car Wash W

hen Mike and Angela Jaafar say they want to be your “hometown” car wash, they mean it. The Jaafars, who own Northville City Car Wash, are some of Northville’s biggest cheerleaders. They especially love downtown Northville, where the car wash is located at 470 E. Main Street.

Ever since the Jaafars moved to Northville in 2004, they have whole-heartedly embraced the town and done their best to immerse themselves into the local community. In addition to owning a business here, all five of their children (Jenna, Julie, Jad, Ryan and Zane) attend Northville Public Schools. They are frequent contributors to youth sports and local organizations. In fact, Mike is director of the Northville Youth Football

30 The ‘Ville

Stallions. Angela also sells a successful business. Third, and lot of real estate in Northville. perhaps most surprising, they And they have visited local also met what would become schools to teach students about future friends and business entrepreneurship. partners in the Belangers, who In other words, they are own Motor City Wash Works, a really manufacturer involved. of car wash When it equipment came time to and supplies. start a new The OWNERS: Mike and Angela Jaafar business, Belangers ADDRESS: 470 E. Main Street, they targeted invented Northville downtown the original HOURS: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. MondayNorthville as soft cloth Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday the only place car wash, PHONE: (248) 319-0047 to consider. according to ON THE WEB: Visit www.facebook.

So when they Mike Jaafar. com/northvillecitywash learned that “Usually Lee and Pam when you Belanger were selling their buy real estate, you make the car wash business in 2007, transaction and you go on it proved fruitful for several your way. We’ve become best reasons. friends. We vacation together.

First, it was located We go out to eat,” Mike Jaafar downtown where they wanted said of the Belangers. “They are to be. Second, they purchased a a Northville family, and they

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passed the baton to another Northville family.”

Northville City Car Wash’s relationship with Motor City Wash Works means they get to implement many of the new technologies developed by the Wixom-based business.

“We are carrying forward that legacy,” Mike said.

“They’ve innovated a lot of the equipment and technology in our industry. They are always updating equipment and we get it all firsthand right from the manufacturer. This place has evolved from the early car wash to the most high tech around.”

He noted all of the equipment at Northville City Car Wash is less than a year old, which his customers really notice. The latest is the Dry ‘N Shine automated drying system.

Make no mistake, however,

Northville City Car Wash is very much a family-owned and operated business. When Mike and Angela aren’t there themselves, Angela’s sister Tanya manages the place, while their oldest children, especially Jenna, who is a NHS senior, also help out.

They are also committed to maintaining an attractive property, with colorful landscaping and a tidy lot.

They have a total of eight employees, who are required to wear collared shirts.

“Professionalism is taken very seriously here,” said Angela Jaafar, who also owns her own realty business.

She specializes in selling luxury homes in and around Northville. “Customer satisfaction is paramount. We

Mike and Angela Jaafar at Northville City Car Wash, with their children Julia, Jad, Zane, Ryan and Jenna.

want every customer to be happy."

In addition to having access to the latest and best equipment in the industry, Northville City Car Wash

“Gerry helped us purchase our first home and closed within 30 days. He provided the knowledge we needed to make a good choice and save some money. Would highly recommend him!!”

customers also get free unlimited use of vacuums and courtesy towels. The car wash also offers unlimited monthly pass packages for a flat fee that many of their customers find

valuable. In addition, they have a fundraiser program that helps many local schools, youth sports and Northville organizations. Just stop by and ask them about it.

It all comes back to their support of the community.

“We’re very proud to be a part of Northville. We live here.

We work here. We play here,” Angela said. “We give back every chance we get. From day one, we’ve been doing that. We consider it part of the business expense.”

The car wash is open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call (248) 3190047 or find Northville City Car Wash on Facebook.

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Annie Heitmeier of Color My World, The S Word director Lisa Klein, 13 Reasons Why Not author Dylan Koss, Amelia Lehto of Common Ground, and Color My World board member Etinosa Imalele hosted a suicide prevention event in the spring.

‘A Problem That Can’t Be Ignored’ Color My World club combats depression at NHS Story and Photos by John Heider

I

t’s just talk. Everyone gets ‘the blues’.

Sure, youngsters get down or sad, or might say they’re going to harm themselves - but they rarely take any actions. Right?

Not wanting to take any chances, three Northville High school students became concerned enough during their freshman year that their peers were actively speaking of depression and had accompanying thoughts of suicide - they decided to do something about it.

Incoming junior Annie Heitmeier, and her lieutenants Jahnavi Rajgopal and Sarah Mathew, are looking to expand and continue the influence of their anti-suicide endeavor Color My World.

With more than a year under its belt in reaching out to students who are having an emotionally tough time, the club is having its first ever fundraiser so that it can focus on peer-to-peer counseling at the high school. They’ve scheduled a Color My World ‘Color Run’ on Sept. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 pm starting at the school’s track.

34 The ‘Ville

The Color Run (where participants will get a Color My World T-shirt that will be pelted lovingly with colored powders by fellow students) will be making its way around the Woodlands subdivision then returning to the track where there will be live music, a DJ and food for all.

The 16-year-old Heitmeier is the founder and president of Color My World, one of many clubs at NHS. “I just started thinking about the club in my freshman year. A lot of my fellow students were depressed and joking about suicide,” she said.

Heitmeier felt like she needed to find a way to celebrate life and unite people in her school who were having a tough time dealing with mental pressures they encountered at the high school.

“It was mainly to present a forum on suicide and depression, and a place where we were all united by a common goal,” said Heitmeier.

That goal was to provide students with

a safe forum where they could talk about feeling down and suicidal thoughts – and not be judged or quieted. The club held meetings every Tuesday throughout the 2017-18 school year. About 30 students showed up most weeks.

“It’s where we could not only express our concerns but also come up with potential solutions,” said Jahnavi Rajgopal.

In order to bring some of those potential solutions to their members, the club reached out to 13 Reasons Why Not author Dylan Koss and got him to come speak to the group. Documentary filmmaker Lisa Klein who started “the S-word” movement attended a Color My World meeting to talk about suicide prevention. She even flew in from California on her own dime to speak to the group.

Sarah Mathew explained how Koss’ philosophy helped the group.

“We were more focused on the positives of ‘13 Reasons’ and wanted to highlight how just one person can give you a boost to stay

alive. Both Dylan and Lisa talked about the safe ways to deal with mental health issues and the safe way to reach out to others,” Mathew said.

Heitmeier said the guest authors provided valuable personal anecdotes on dealing with depression.

“They showed through their own experiences how they got through it,” said Heitmeier, noting the club hopes to instill in fellow students the ability to at least acknowledge that depression exists at the high school. “I think the only thing wrong with mental illness is the stigma we attach to it.”

Heitmeier points out that while the club cannot wholly eradicate students’ sad thoughts: “Our goal is to spread positivity through the school.” And to that end, besides offering students a forum to speak about their feelings - Color My World-ers

place upbeat message posters up around the school and around town in Northville.

All of the funds raised by the club’s Color Run will go towards peer-to-peer mental health activities at the school. Last year the club gave money raised to a national suicide prevention effort, but now feels it best to keep the money and effort local.

“We realized that we need to directly impact mental health outcomes at NHS, and we’ve been lucky to have the support of both the principal and vice principal and (NPS Superintendent) Mary Kay Gallagher,” said Heitmeier.

Responding to an email, Gallagher indicated she supports the club and its mission.

“Strengthening mental health supports for and with students continues to be an area of focus for Northville Public Schools.

We are grateful for, and commend the NHS Color My World student club for their thoughtful approach to promoting positivity and inclusiveness, raising awareness of real issues and Annie Heitmeier, concerns students Color My World Founder and President are facing, and for their desire to work in partnership with other students clubs and with our school staff and mental health professionals to make a positive difference at Northville High School.”

Noting that suicide is the second leading cause of death for people age 15-25 Color My World realizes the importance of their efforts: “It’s a problem that just Color My World members Julia Maahs, Emily Hodges and Georgia Bernwanger publican’t be ignored,” cize the club’s Sept. 15 Color Run at the Table 5 restaurant in Northville, one of the many said Rajgopal. local businesses supporting the event.

I just started thinking about the club in my freshman year.

A lot of my fellow students were depressed and joking about suicide.”

Sarah Mathew, Annie Heitmeier, and Jahnavi Rajgopal founded Color My World - a teen anti-suicide club at Northville High last year. The NHS juniors will sponsor a fundraiser for the club on Sept. 15. Photo By John Heider

Asked how the club came up with its interesting moniker Heitmeier relates that: “My friend Quinn Zbiegien suggested the title of the club ‘Color My World’ because everyone in this world has their own color, passion, and life and they have each something to add to this world - and without that ‘color’ it would be a shame.”

Mathew agreed, summing up the club’s ultimate goal.

“It’s the silence that shields the issue. We need to open it up to discussion and we can actively combat it rather than silence it,” she said.

For more information or to register for the Color My World Color Run Sept. 15 fundraiser, visit colormyworld.redpodium. com/color-my-world-color-run.

The organizers would like to thank their key sponsor: The Kekich Realty team.

Other sponsors include: Community Choice Credit Union, Bookwalter, Fee and Wright Orthodontics, The Knickerbocker Group of Raymond James, Leo’s Coney Island, Office Depot, Planet Fitness, Running Fit, Rusty Bucket, UPS Store, and Varsity Ford.

Contributors include Great Harvest Bread Company, Guernsey Dairy Farms, Mike Miller Builders, Mrs. Fields – Laurel Park Place, Tim Horton’s and Westborn Market.

The ‘Ville 35

Dishin’ With Denise

Denise Jenkins serves on the board of directors for 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.

Getting ambitious in August I

was born in August.

According to folklore I am ambitious, observant, caring, have a creative bent of mind, and am proud of my achievements. I tend to think folklore has merit. I love being part of the team at The ‘Ville – for all of those reasons.

Everyone working on this magazine shares many of these attributes. Either we were all born in August – or it is because the leader of the pack, Kurt Kuban, knows how to assemble a great team. Every month I enjoy hearing from so many with personal thoughts and tidbits. Keep ‘em coming...

Marquis Theatre

Speaking of ambitious, it was 40 years ago when ‘Miss Inge’ (Inge Zayti) opened the restored Marquis Theatre in downtown Northville. She and her husband bought the theater in 1971 and began renovations, which they completed in 1978.

Miss Inge brought in Count Basie, the Four Freshman and big productions like Carousel and other Broadway musicals popular at that time. It wasn’t long before she realized the potential and the popularity of Children’s Theatre camps, workshops and performances.

I was tickled to go to one of the the first 2018 summer

36 The ‘Ville

camp programs and watch my soon-to-be-10-year-old granddaughter perform.

The camps teach more than theatrics. Young people learn self-confidence, public speaking and the art of working together on a project from start to finish, all important life skills.

Summer camps are winding down but there are a few more performances, and auditions for two upcoming shows are scheduled.

Auditions for the Halloween show will be held Sunday, Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. and auditions for “Tinkerbell Visits Storyland” will be held Sunday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. There is no audition fee and they are looking for young actors between 8 and 16 years of age. The performer should be prepared with a monologue or poem – no more than 90-seconds, and it does not have to be memorized. They will be asked to sing “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music, an accompanist will be provided.

Miss Inge’s daughter, Christina, has honored her parents, by continuing the Children’s Theatre Program and like her mom, she’s always exploring an exciting variety of entertainment options for audiences. This summer’s shows included “A Tribute To Pink Floyd” and Friends of the Michigan Opera presented “Sounds Of Summer”. For information about Children’s Theatre and other performances call (248) 349-8110.

The ever popular 50 Amp Fuse will be in town for

a special performance. They will be live in Town Square on Saturday, Sept. 8 as part of a daylong “fun”draiser for the Living & Learning Enrichment Center. Everyone is welcome to join the fun from noon until 10 p.m.

Admission to the concert is free, but there will be food and Vartanian drink, face-painting and tattoos, a moonwalk and more.

Living & Learning founder Rachelle Vartanian knows it takes a village. “We are so excited for people to come and see our vision.” Rachelle took a leap of faith, quit her job after 20 years, sold her house and downsized her life to bring to life the Living & Learning Enrichment Center. They are a dedicated team of professionals working with teens and adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome and other related disorders.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the Artisan Marketplace in the works on Mary Alexander Court that will offer job training skills and employment opportunities.

There will be resource information available at the event for parents and educators.

Donations will be accepted.

Complete details are available by calling (248) 308-3592.

I love to see houses in my neighborhood all dressed up

for the holidays, which may seem a long way off, but plans for the beloved Holiday Home Tour, put on by the Northville Community Foundation (NCF), are already underway. If you have the magic touch and your home is transformed into a winter wonderland, share the joy and sign up to be a stop on the tour. The event takes place the weekend of November 16-17.

Touring takes place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. One homeowner who has been “on tour” twice told me: “We had a great time!”

Anyone interested can reach out to the NCF office at (248) 374-0200.

June 9th was a night to remember for one of Northville’s very caring families.

Carly Francavilla and Jack Kelly were married at the Horlock estate. The rain delay was not a problem. Guests, dressed in formal attire, waited out the showers by bowling at a preparty hosted by the groom’s parents Michelle and John Kelly. When the time was right everyone made their way to a beautifully designed outdoor living space. The theme for the wedding was “Imagine” – a reference to the groom’s design and landscape business.

Kelly Wedding And, the couple’s first dance, of course, was to the John Lennon classic of the same name.

Congratulations!

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