The 'Ville - August 2024

Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine

Where

Jody Bauman’s paintings come to life while the bands play

John DesOrmeau

John DesOrmeau

Vita

Vita

John

John

since

Some of his local favorites are Rocky’s, Custard Time, Guernsey’s and the Pizza Cutter.

LOCAL JOURNALISM MATTERS

Please consider a donation to support The 'Ville. Since we began publishing more than five years ago, our goal has been to provide our readers with valuable information about the Northville community each and every month. Your support helps that mission survive and grow.

And while The 'Ville is sent to every address in Northville at no cost to readers, it is not free to produce.

LOCAL Matters! is the foundation of this magazine. If you find it of value, please consider supporting it. Every little bit helps! Please send donations to:

Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168

You can also make donations via PayPal to kurtkuban@gmail.com. Thank you in advance.

Publisher

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

• Frances H. Firek

• William Hopping

• Edward & Kathy Huyck

• Don & Tammy Nadeau

• Deborah Stanifer

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 20 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

BRAD EMONS - Writer

Over the course of his four decades with the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers, Brad established himself as one of the preeminent prep sports reporters in the state, winning many journalism awards along the way. His greatest joy is interviewing local athletes and coaches, and reporting on their efforts.

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.

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.

SCOTT SPIELMAN – Writer

Scott graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Journalism. He covered western Wayne County for more than 12 years at several publications before transitioning into corporate communications and media relations. A Canton resident, he has also finished his first novel and is hard at work on his next.

BRYAN MITCHELL - Photographer

Bryan started working as a photographer more than 30 years ago, and was the Northville Record photographer in the 90's. He has freelanced for The Detroit News, The Guardian, Reuters, and other publications. His photography has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the globe. The Northville resident also coaches mountain biking at Northville High School.

A View From The ‘Ville

City will give voters final say on street closures

Iwas in downtown Northville about a month ago around lunchtime on a beautiful Friday afternoon. As I was walking into Orin Jewelers, a woman walked out with two young children. As I held the door, the two kids ran to a couple scooters they had parked on the curb. Before the mom could get out the door, the kids had jumped on their scooters and began taking off down Main Street.

The woman’s motherly instincts kicked in and she yelled at the kids to stay out of the street, before stopping herself after realizing there wasn’t any traffic on Main Street to be worried about. She smiled and watched them glide off, having the time of their lives.

For me, it was a moment when I realized why there are so many people who support keeping Main and Center streets closed during the summer months. On that particular afternoon, there were people out having lunch at a couple of the restaurants and there was a nice crowd over near Town Square, hanging out and enjoying the beautiful weather and our lovely downtown.

It was a little glimpse of what some hope for the future of downtown Northville.

Critics of the street closures -- and there are plenty -- I’m sure will say that scenario is not the norm. In fact, groups like Let’s Open Northville routinely post photos on social media when the streets are empty of people.

There are also many downtown business owners who are critical of the street closures, and say they have hurt their business. Some even say the closures may force them out of business because it is almost impossible for new customers to find them.

Other downtown business owners love the streets being closed, and have made investments with outdoor seating and displays to take advantage of the situation. The reality is, however, not enough have bought into it. The city recently released some numbers regarding the number of businesses that have paid for sidewalk or street space. Only about 20 businesses have

paid to use sidewalk space, and only seven (all restaurants) have paid to use street space (on either Main or Center). In total, the city is only getting about $19,000 this year from those businesses to use public space (they pay per square foot used). That money helps the city pay for services to the downtown.

Some of the owners who are the loudest supporters of the closures are not on the list.

If you are a regular reader of this publication, you know the street closures have been one of the most contentious issues the Northville community has faced in a long time (perhaps with the exception of the Northville Downs redevelopment project). You see it at City Council meetings. You see it on social media. You see it in the letters we run in The ‘Ville. In many cases, the language is nasty, with recriminations going back and forth.

With all this divisiveness, the street closure experiment was never going to work. Too many have been actively working against its success. The Let’s Open Northville group has even sued to stop it. That case is currently in court.

On July 29, the city council did the best thing they could do by voting at a special meeting to put the issue on the ballot this November. It’s a smart move, and something people have been asking for. Now, the residents of the City of Northville will get to decide the issue. Every voter’s opinion will have equal footing.

I applaud the move, as it might be the only way possible to bridge the divide on the issue. We live in a democracy. Let the people decide.

I just hope the supporters and critics of the street closures, alike, can accept the outcome of the vote – no matter which way it goes. As a respected business owner recently told me -- it’s time to put this to rest and come together as a community.

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

ON THE COVER: Artist Jody Bauman does most of his painting during outdoor concerts at the Northville Winery. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

Your Voice

No benefits to closed streets

Seems as if there are a lot of opinions of what is best for our city. Many opinions are influenced by non-residents. As a source in your recent article “It’s Not Over Yet” stated, “the people that live outside of Northville want the benefit, because they don’t have to deal with the repercussions.” A small amount of restaurants also benefit from the closure.

Living directly in the downtown area at the Victorian Condos, I personally see no benefit of a closed downtown. Congested street with dangerous traffic. Overflow of out of towners coming to our city to party, drink, listen to free music (sponsored by out of towners) and to litter and trash. We’ve seen in recent years that where large crowds are violence happens. This can spread out to our whole community.

I say give the city back to its people. The best way to deal with this issue is to let the city residents vote by ballot what they want their community to look like. After all, it is our community.

Judy Michalak

Wonderful experience

As a younger homeowner here in Northville, I want to voice the sentiments of many in our community, especially the younger and less vocal residents, regarding the closure of our central downtown streets to traffic. This initiative of “closing” the streets feels like the first time the streets have truly been “open” to those wanting to enjoy our beautiful main street. Walking around downtown, grabbing a bite, shopping, and enjoying the space free from noise, pollution, and traffic hazards has been a wonderful experience for myself, and many in our community.

Observing people dining, children playing, and pedestrians appreciating the views on what was once a busy and less welcoming road has resonated with the next generation of families and can be seen every day the roads are “closed”. It begs the question: why would we reverse what has been one of the best decisions our local government has made in my lifetime?

While uncertainties may exist, it is vital that we as a community confront them together for the benefit of all residents, including future generations. Finding a balance, such as prioritizing vehicle traffic in colder months and pedestrian activity in warmer ones, seems a reasonable compromise that optimizes the use of our space.

Providing a safe environment for children to develop healthy walking habits and engage with their community away from car-related dangers is invaluable. It transforms our downtown into a genuine communal space, outweighing concerns about a few parking spots or a slightly longer drive.

I agree with those pink signs; it’s time to “open” Northville. Open for people, and their families.

Julian Gabriel

Let residents decide

We live on Main Street in Northville and would like to see the street closure issue go on the ballot for the residents to decide.

Ann Cusmano

The only way

Putting the issue of streets open or closed on the ballot is the only way to find out what the residents of Northville really want. If it is decided by ballot then people can accept it and stop the lawsuits and constant arguing. Only Northville city residents should decide this.

Marsha Miller

Do a safety study first

Yes, closing the streets should be on the ballot. I only say that knowing it would make everyone feel better, if they knew it was the will of the majority. No matter what the outcome of the vote.

However, safety should be considered first. The city should have a traffic safety engineering study performed first, by an independent professional and reputable traffic safety engineering firm. Asking two questions:

1) Is it safe to close Main and Center streets and divert traffic around the town into residential neighborhoods?

2) Would you recommend closing Main and Center streets?

The results of the study should be published to all, so people can make an informed decision before they vote.

What troubles me is one was never performed prior to the closing of the streets. The question was never asked. It baffles me the city is spending forty-two thousand dollars to study curb-less streets, yet they never spent a dime on a traffic safety engineering study seeking input regarding whether closing the streets would potentially be dangerous. It’s the equivalent of going into major surgery without first performing an X-Ray or MRI.

Kevin Hebert

Needed role

Congrats on continuing to publish The ‘Ville. I always look forward to reading it. I find it a very high quality magazine that fills a needed role in our community. The articles are very well written, timely and interesting. I hope you are able to continue it for many years to come!

Bill Bufe

A tough job

It was interesting to read your editorial in the July volume seven issue of the magazine. I worked briefly in journalism myself, and it is a tough job. However, you do a great service for the city and township with the magazine, because you show all sides of issues, give credit to citizens who are helping the community, and provide what I’m sure is a reasonably priced outlet for businesses to advertise.

I have lived in the community for decades and I sometimes forget about certain local businesses. When I see them advertising in your magazine, it reminds me about them and I often go back to try them again.

Thanks for the work that you do.

Mary Ann Raphael

Please submit your letters by emailing Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com. Letters must be 150 words or less. We reserve the right to edit all letters.

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2024 Fall Varsity Sports MUSTANGS NORTHVILLE NORTHVILLE

GIRL’S GOLF

FOOTBALL

GIRL’S SWIMMING

BOY’S SOCCER

GIRL’S CROSS COUNTRY

Tues 8/27 OPEN (Northville Invite) 12:00 PM Sat 9/7 Bath High School (Bret Clements Invite) 8:50 AM

Tues 9/10 OPEN (vs. Canton/Brighton) 5:30 PM Fri 9/13 OPEN (MSU Invite) 3:50 PM Tues 9/17 OPEN (vs. Hartland/ Plymouth @ Cass) 4:30 PM Sat 9/21 Jackson HS (Jackson Invite) 9:40 AM Tues 10/1 OPEN (vs. Howell/Salem @ Willow) 4:45 PM

GIRL’S FIELD HOCKEY

GIRL’S VOLLEYBALL

COED ROWING

Let’s Go Mustangs!

Good Starting Point MUSTANGS WORKING HARD TO STAY ON TOP

By Brad Emons

During the KLAA’s annual football media day on Aug. 8, second-year Northville coach Brent Luplow addressed some of the challenges facing his 2024 squad.

Among those is replacing a talented senior class, while continuing to develop a growth mindset both mentally and physically, while embracing the competition and bringing out their best each and every day.

The Mustangs are coming off a 10-2 season, which yielded two trophies including a KLAA West Division title (7-0) and a Division 1 district championship.

Their lone two blemishes came against No. 1-ranked and D1 state runner-up Belleville.

“We had a phenomenal senior class that we lost,” Luplow

said. “It was a really good one and we’re going to have to find pieces to take over and we’ve had some guys step up already, and we’ve got some good pieces, probably five or six three-year varsity guys, three-year starters

at key spots on our team that can be leaders and show what it takes. They won eight games two years ago, 10 last year, so they know how to win and they’re welcoming this junior class in. There’s going to be

some young kids that are going to be pieces this year.”

During media day, Northville was picked by the KLAA West coaches to repeat as division champion.

“We set the expectation pretty high in year one,” Luplow said. “We wanted to be one of the best teams in the West and now we’re picked to win it this year. That’s something we’re trying to get across to our kids that we are going to get every team’s best game this year, just based off what was last year. We’ve earned nothing and we’re trying to work hard to stay at the top.”

Five starters return on offense from a Mustangs’ team that averaged 32 points per game.

One of the key returnees is

The Mustangs enter the 2024 season under second-year coach Brent Luplow (middle) led by seniors Hassan El-Zayat (left) and Colin Charles.

Senior quarterback Michael Cygan will be battling for the starting position (with junior Cooper Derkach). Photo courtesy of Mustangs Football

We wanted to be one of the best teams in the West and now we’re picked to win it this year. That’s something we’re trying to get across to our kids that we are going to get every team’s best game this year.”

Brent Luplow, Northville Head Coach

6-foot, 190-pound senior wide receiver and defensive back

Colin Charles, who has had interest from Big Ten schools Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State and Illinois.

“I think we have a lot of talent on the team this year -- from top to bottom, so I don’t think it will be hard to reciprocate,” Charles said. “I know we’ve got a good group, a lot of good chemistry, so we just got to bond together and should have no problem going back-to-back this year.”

For Charles, who is also a standout sprinter in track, it’s been a productive offseason.

“It’s been really good – just trying to stay humble is the main thing, just going to work like I’ve done before and just approaching it like it’s my last year of high school, so nothing gets taken for granted,” he said. “That’s been my mentality going into the offseason.”

Meanwhile, Hassan El-Zayat, a 6-2, 225-pound senior, will

help anchor both lines. He is one of three starters returning defensively as an edge rusher and will help anchor the offensive line.

“Individually, I’ve been putting in a lot of work during the offseason knowing that I’ll be playing on both sides of the line, both the O-line and D-line,” El-Zayat said. “I’ve been focusing on putting on

weight to make our line much tougher.”

And El-Zayat likes what he sees thus far.

“I don’t think the offense will change much,” he said. “I still think we’ll be a team with strength and size on both sides. Running we will be good at. Passing we’ll be good. ”

Other key senior returnees include defensive back/wide receiver Drew Rankin, 6-3, 240-pound offensive lineman Adam Travers, linebacker/tight end Cole Attanasio, linebacker/ running back Kaden Kuban, defensive lineman Noah Rydzewski and kicker/punter/ DB Ryan O’Neil.

According to Luplow, two juniors will provide great depth at the running back position in Max Defore, who is coming off a torn ACL, and Mack Hart. Also in the mix from the junior class is Anthony Testani (offensive line), Aidan Hamilton (inside linebacker), Ryker Gorman

(kicker/punter) and Austin McGarrow (safety).

Meanwhile, the quarterback battle shaping up in camp is between senior Michael Cygan and junior Cooper Derkach.

“Both of them have really done some good things in the offseason,” said Luplow, who planned to name the starter after the first scrimmage. “Cygan played some backup duty for us last year and Derkach is coming up from the JV. Both bring different abilities and skills to the table and we’re excited to see how it plays out because both are pretty solid.”

Overall, Luplow feels optimistic heading into second season.

“The offseason has been good, great turnouts in the weight room in the spring, and the summer we really used 15 of our days really well for each day,” he said. “We’re at a real good starting point when practice starts.”

Senior defensive back Drew Rankin is one of several key returning starters for the Mustangs. Photo courtesy of Mustangs Football

The Mustangs are riding high after winning division and district crowns in 2023. Photo by Kurt Kuban

An Improved Friday Night Lights Experience An Improved Friday Night Lights Experience

8 Mile Stadium gets $1.8 million in upgrades, new bleachers

By Maddie Luebkert | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

Thanks to a bond Northville voters approved last year, the 8-Mile Football Stadium, formerly known as Tom Holzer Field, has received some upgrades to bring an improved “Friday night lights” experience to the whole community.

The $134.4 million bond approved by voters for districtwide improvements did not increase the debt millage rate. The district dedicated $1.8 million from that bond to improving the stadium, beginning with new turf last season.

This summer the bleachers have received the most improvements so far. The home bleacher section on the west side of the stadium used to hold an estimated 2,700 spectators and were only partially ADA compliant. The upgrades have expanded spectator capacity by about a thousand, with the listed capacity at 3,602. The new bleachers also have 26 wheelchair spaces, two ADA

capacity also serves as an incentive to work even harder, according to Coach Luplow. “We tell the kids, the more we win the more fans will be here, and we are excited to play in front of the new bleachers this fall.”

According to Luplow, Northville’s student section was already one of the “top in the state.” But now with the added capacity, Luplow believes it will be even better and add to “the Friday night lights experience.”

Players on this year’s football team are also looking forward to the new improvements to the field. Senior linebacker/ running back Kaden Kuban has played on the field since he was a member of the Northville Stallions youth football team.

Much like Coach Luplow, the team wants the new upgrades to help enhance the experience of everyone involved, whether in the stands or on the field.

“The support we get from the community is great and we are looking forward to having the new stands filled,” said captain Drew Rankin.

Rankin, another senior, has grown up on the field alongside the rest of the team. He is looking forward to his senior year, and said the bond with his teammates is “something I will be cherishing this year.” Rankin hopes the improvements to the stadium will bring some extra energy to the team this season and “solidify Northville Football as a powerhouse in the state for years to come.”

ramps, four sets of entry stairs, and aisle handrails making the bleachers fully ADA-compliant.

The visitor bleachers have received similar upgrades, increasing the capacity and becoming fully ADA-compliant.

Northville High School

Athletic Director Brian Samulski said the stadium will also receive a new sound system. All the improvements will be ready in time for the beginning of the 2024 season, which begins Aug. 29 when the Mustangs host Lake Orion.

Northville football Head

Coach Brent Luplow said he’s excited about what the improvements will offer the Northville community.

“Coming off a historic season last year, and an undefeated home record, we are excited to build off of that and give families and residents of Northville a fun and exciting experience on Fridays this fall,” Luplow said.

The increased spectator

“Having the new field and new bleachers is definitely an upgrade, but it’s going to have a different feel to it,” said Kuban, who can’t wait to see the student section rocking for games.

Writer Maddie Luebkert, a Northville High School graduate, is currently a journalism student at Denison University in Granville, Ohio.

The support we get from the community is great and we are looking forward to having the new stands filled.”

Senior captain Drew Rankin

Northville Athletic Director Brian Samulski (left) stands on the new bleachers with football players Colin Charles and Adam Travers, Rose Connors of the dance team, Abigail Bulles of the pom team and Ana Provo of the cheer squad.

The new home bleachers at 8 Mile Stadium have a capacity of more than 3,600 spectators.

Blending JodyBauman’spaintingscome

MusicandArt

tolifeduringoutdoorconcerts

One recent evening outside Northville Winery & Brewing Co., as the Barelyon duo plays mellow cover songs, Jody Bauman stands at an easel near the stage painting as the crowd sways to the music.

With a brush in one hand and a palette in the other, the artist moves to the beat, dabbing, brushing and blending colors. A tall thin figure with long flowing hair and paint-spattered jeans, he dances to the left of the canvas so the audience can watch his work unfold.

For nine years, Bauman has been a fixture at the winery, painting alongside the various bands that appear.

“The music completely inspires me,” he says.

As dusk descends and lights flicker over the winery patio, a gnarled tree trunk appears under Bauman’s brush, branching into a dark blue sky. On a tree limb, lead singer Leona takes shape inside a

glowing fairy ball as Brion, the guitarist, looks up from the ground below.

Bauman says each painting

ByWensdyVonBuskirk

PhotosbyBryanMitchell

is spontaneous, inspired by the music and mood of the evening.

“I start writing a story in my head with a beginning and an

I start writing a story in my head with a beginning and an end. Once I find the page in the middle that I can see as a picture, I rip that page out of the book and paint it. I hope when somebody sees it they have their own story and can see my story as well.”

Artist Jody Bauman

end. Once I find the page in the middle that I can see as a picture, I rip that page out of the book and paint it,” he explains.

“I hope when somebody sees it they have their own story and can see my story as well.”

SETTING THE SCENE

NWBC hosts live music

Wednesdays through Saturdays, rotating through various bands with Michael Bush, Pajamas, Chirp, and Barelyon among the regulars. During cider season,

Northville artist Jody Bauman is a big fan of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, often incorporating them into his work.

Jody Bauman can often be found painting at the Northville Winery live music shows.

Sunday afternoon concerts are added. The most popular night, and the only one with a cover charge, is Dead at the Winery every Thursday, a Grateful Dead tribute band with NWBC co-owner Rob Nelson on vocals and guitar.

The winery serves its craft beers, hard cider, wine, and “cyser” from a window overlooking the patio and guests can order from different food trucks that pull up each night.

Bauman paints live at all of the shows.

“Jody is wonderful and adds to the overall vibe we are building here. People seem to really enjoy watching his canvas come alive while enjoying a pint and listening to talented folks on stage,” co-owner Carina Nelson says.

REKINDLING ART

Bauman grew up in Northville and attended

took the stage.

Northville High School. He always loved to draw, but put his art on hold when he moved to Detroit at age 18. For two decades, Bauman worked as a bartender in the city. At some point, he picked up a pencil and paper and started a series of drawings incorporating an abstract shape.

“I ended up doing a show of 30 sketches and sold them all,” he says.

Bauman moved back to Northville to care for his mom and began bringing a pad of paper and pastels to open mic nights at The Rock in Plymouth, sketching as different musicians

“It was fun. I was just giving them away,” Bauman says. “A couple years later I started painting with bands and I was invited to come up to the Northville Winery.”

BUILDING FAMILY

Bauman uses acrylic paint on board, letting the wood grain lend texture to his work. His subject matter has an ethereal quality, populated by fantasy characters in surreal settings.

His appearances at NWBC have led to commissions and live painting gigs at weddings and events.

He has painted with hundreds of different bands in many venues, but stays loyal to the Winery, expanding his role to help husband-and-wife owners Rob and Carina with maintenance on the property. During cider season, he also helps make the donuts every day.

Music & Food at Northville Winery

Northville Winery & Brewing Co. hosts live music and art Wednesday through Saturday evenings plus Sunday afternoons during cider season. Visit thenorthvillewinery. com for times, bands, craft drink menus, and food truck info. Parmenter’s Cider Mill is scheduled to open Aug. 24 for the season. For more information, visit www. northvillecider.com.

“Every single painting is different. I feel like you know they’re mine when you look at them but I don’t stick with a theme. It’s very open,” he says.

Bauman puts out a silent auction sheet and bidding starts at $100. He has sold every piece.

“The Nelsons are family to me and they have created a wonderful environment here of music and art together. If there’s anything that’s inspired me to do what I do it’s their work ethic and their willingness to have more fun every day,” Bauman says.

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A Family Affair

Long’s celebrates its 75th year with third generation

at the helm

As one of a handful of multigenerational familyowned businesses remaining in Northville, Long’s Plumbing has come a long way in its 75 years.

Founded by Glenn and Lois Long in 1949, the company has grown from its “mom and pop” shop beginnings in the post-World War II years to the multi-division Long Companies that include Long Mechanical, Long Plumbing Company, Long Mechanical Service and the Long Kitchen and Bath Design Gallery.

Projects in its commercial and industrial division — the largest sector of its business — have included installations at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Northville High School, Northville District Library, South Lyon East High School and most recently the new STEM facility, the George and Mary Turek Hall of Science, on

Michele M. Fecht

Detroit Catholic Central High School’s Novi campus. Outof-state projects have sent the company to Arizona, Alabama, Kentucky and Ohio.

Despite its growth, the company has not deviated from its commitment to its residential customers who have

been a mainstay of the business since its inception. “Faucets still leak,” noted Jim Long, who took over the company from his parents and now serves as its secretary; daughter Allison Long Burns took the helm as president in 2019.

“We continue to do what

we’ve always done,” Allison explained, attributing the company’s longevity in Northville to a dedicated customer base. While the company has evolved over generations, she noted that Long’s is still “a family business” and considers its staff as family. Some employees have been with the company for decades.

LIFE / WORK PARTNERS

In 1949, Glenn C. Long, a licensed master plumber and boiler installer, opened a plumbing business out of his home at Baseline and Horton. Though Glenn Long’s name would appear on his truck and in advertisements in The Northville Record during the early years of the business, his wife, Lois, was very much a full partner in the entity. She managed the company’s books, answered the phone, and waited on customers. The company name would eventually change to Long’s.

“My mom and dad worked as a team,” Jim noted. “It was always that way.”

In 1954, the Longs constructed a facility on Seven Mile Road just east of the railroad tracks, the current location of MasonPro. It served as an office, showroom and warehouse. Jim explained that his dad’s desire to be in downtown Northville led

Glenn Long, Jim (at left with the holster), and Tim in front of the Glenn's truck at 411 Baseline in 1952.

Jim Long and daughter Allison Long Burns are second and third generation owners of Long Plumbing and Long Mechanical. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

to the 1964 construction of a new facility at 116 East Dunlap that highlighted plumbing fixtures and plumbing repair parts. In 1970, a portion of the showroom was dedicated to bath and kitchen remodeling. That would become the foundation for Long’s Kitchen and Bath Design. In 1974, Long’s built its current structure on East Main Street expanding its footprint from the 2,500-square foot location on Dunlap to 6,000 square feet on East Main. Its Dunlap Street location would eventually be leased for Edwards Café and later Edwards. The building would eventually be purchased by the City of Northville and demolished in 2006 to add a 30car parking lot.

Long’s current location at 190 East Main Street would house their offices and include a kitchen and bath design showroom, and Long’s Fancy Bath Boutique, a popular retail spot for bathroom accessories ranging from towels and shower curtains to soap dispensers. The boutique was spearheaded by Virginia Long, Jim’s wife. The bath boutique was discontinued

when the street level interior was redesigned for their expanded kitchen and bath showrooms.

PASSING THE TORCH

While Glenn and Lois Long’s three children -- Mary, Jim and Tom -- grew up in the family business, it would be Jim who eventually took the reins. The 1967 Northville High School graduate worked side-by-side with his father before becoming president of the company. He would oversee its expansion, and in 1981 would open J.R. Long Inc. of Tampa, Florida, a subsidiary of the Long’s business focused on plumbing and mechanical projects. He sold the Florida company in 2009 to three employees.

Like his father, Jim has served as president of the Michigan Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association and currently serves on the board of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Detroit.

In addition to his leadership in professional organizations, Jim also has mirrored Glenn’s community commitment.

Glenn Long was a member of the Downtown Development Authority and served as president of the Northville Chamber of Commerce. Jim has long served on the DDA. Glenn Long died in 2003 and Lois Long in 2008.

Long’s currently has 45-50 employees including a full complement of skilled workers including plumbers, pipe fitters and sheet metal workers with the mechanical division being the largest segment of the business. It is an open (nonunion) shop.

Jim and Allison acknowledge the challenges facing the skilled trades and emphasize their good fortune in having a knowledgeable and dedicated crew. “There is a great demand for skilled workers,” Allison said. “You can make a very good living doing this work.”

After 75 years of replacing hot water heaters, designing

bathrooms, laying piping for large commercial and industrial projects and yes, fixing leaky faucets, Allison and Jim note: “We are holding our own.”

Allison, a 2003 Northville High School graduate, worked at Long’s during college summer breaks before joining the company fulltime after receiving her degree in business from Western Michigan University.

“I’m enormously proud of Allison,” Jim said. “She earned her position.”

In addition to heading the family business, Allison and her husband, Billy Burns, are parents to two daughters, Lucy, 4, and Grace, 2 — perhaps the next generation to carry on the Long’s legacy.

For more information about Long’s Plumbing or Long’s Mechanical, visit longmechanical.com.

Glenn and Lois Long at their first storefront built in 1954 on Seven Mile Road.

Glenn and Lois Long with Jim, Virginia and baby Allison Long in front of the East Main Street building in 1986.

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Pour With Purpose

Kiefer Foundation event raising awareness about distracted driving

By Kinsey Burr

Steve Kiefer established the Kiefer Foundation in 2016 after he lost his 18-yearold son Mitchell in a tragic distracted driving accident the same year, when a young female driver was on Snapchat and hit Mitchell’s car at 82 m.p.h.

The foundation was created as Mitchell’s legacy, with the mission of ending distracted driving and all associated traffic deaths and injuries.

Steve Kiefer and supporters of his cause have spent the last eight years traveling throughout Michigan and the country telling their story, to encourage safe behaviors behind the wheel and advocating for statewide legislation with lawmakers.

This year the Kiefer Foundation has added a new event to their schedule. The Pour With Purpose wine

tasting event calls community members to enjoy a variety of wine tasting, hor d’oeuvres and education on the dangers of distracted driving. The event will be hosted on Sept. 20 at Cantoro’s Italian Market (15550 N. Haggerty Road), and will feature winemaker Sebastiano Capponi from Villa Calcinaia in Forence, Italy paired with Celani Wines and Tito’s Vodka.

The event is a spin-off of the annual Play With Purpose event hosted by The Kiefer Foundation at the USA Hockey Arena, where people can support the cause and watch

electronic devices while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads. According to Kiefer the passing of the law was not easy to achieve, but after five years of advocacy Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the law into effect in June 2023.

hockey dedicated to Mitchell’s legacy.

Steve Kiefer said the goal for Pour With Purpose is to reach a wider range of the community and to continue to educate and to advocate.

“We bring ourselves and victims’ families to tell these painful stories,” Kiefer said.

“Because we hope that people will somehow connect with our story and change before it happens to them.”

Steve Kiefer has also been instrumental in the passing of the Hands Free Law - a bill that makes it illegal to use a cell phone or other mobile

Today the Hands Free Law has been passed in 29 states, and the Kiefer Foundation is committed to passing legislation in the remaining states that have yet to.

Kiefer Foundation supporter and Northville Township resident Christina Frush has seen the hard work that has been put into the foundation and the impact they have already made. Frush said Steve and the Kiefer Foundation have been “very instrumental in the last five years or so working with legislatures across the country,” alongside the positive influence they have had on their own community.

Michigan State Police report there was an approximate 2% reduction in distracted driving related accidents in 2023 when compared to 2022, which can be partially attributed to the passing of the legislation.

(Left Top) Alexa, Blake and Steve Kiefer hold up a portrait of Mitchell Kiefer. (Right top) The rink at U.S.A. Hockey Arena was dedicated in Mitchell Kiefer’s memory.

Although the numbers are positive, the Kiefer Foundation is working to make even more changes on a personal and societal level to reduce the number of distracted driving incidents.

Education on safe driving habits is a priority for the Kiefer Foundation. Another purpose of these events is to raise money for resources that assist in showing the realities of car crashes that result from distracted driving.

One of the things the Kiefer Foundation has done to support this is team up with Innovation Works, an interactive experience developer based in Plymouth. The team is working to develop a simulator based in augmented reality that will show people the true dangers of distracted driving.

Although fundraising is not the top priority of the foundation, Steve Kiefer said the money they do raise goes towards projects like this one with Innovation Works and getting them implemented in buildings like schools, police stations and churches so the community has access to them.

Kiefer said that he knows keeping hands off of mobile devices while operating a vehicle is a difficult task, especially in today’s age. That is why alongside educating people on the dangers of

distracted driving, the Kiefer Foundation is also dedicated to the advancement and implementation of technology to end distracted driving; some of these resources include Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Google Assistant.

“We impact people, we change behavior and then we inform them of the tools that can be used to help them be more effective and more connected to their cars if they need,” Kiefer said.

The Kiefer Foundation hosts events throughout the year

to maximize awareness and encourage community building. The second annual Pure Barre Yoga Event will take place Aug. 17 at Catholic Central High School. The eighth annual Play with Purpose Event will take place on Sept. 14 at USA Hockey Arena.

To get involved in The Kiefer Foundation or support the cause to end distracted driving and traffic related accidents, visit mKiefer.org.

Pour With Purpose

WHAT: Fundraiser for the Kiefer Foundation

WHEN: 6-10 p.m., Sept. 20

WHERE: Cantoro’s Italian Market (15550 N. Haggerty Road)

TICKETS: $150

MORE INFO: Visit mKiefer.org

NORTHVILLE SCHOOL BOARD

Steve Kiefer (second from left) was with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other state lawmakers when she signed the Hands Free Law in June 2023. Photos courtesy of the Kiefer Foundation

HAPPYHomecoming

Northville-native Leftwich thankful to be in charge at Maybury

By Tim Smith | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

Kale Leftwich is living the dream, leading the supervisory charge at Maybury State Park in Northville Township – the very park he wistfully perused from the bedroom window of his boyhood home.

Earlier this year, Leftwich was named supervisor at Maybury, assuming the reins from Traci Sincock, who retired. In many ways, this year has been the ultimate homecoming for a young man who has always been a champion for Michigan’s natural beauty.

“I love coming to work,” Leftwich said. “I love being in meetings and having input on the direction of this place that I’ve called home for 32 years.

“I see each day as responsibility to protect and guide this vital community resource. I want everyone to see Maybury through the same lens as me.”

That unquestionably is a wondrous vantage point Leftwich would like all to see.

When he was a youngster, his family moved to Northville where Maybury State Park has become “the backdrop of my life,” with a penchant for visiting farm animals, riding horses along the park’s equestrian

Additional Funds Sought To Kickstart New Maybury Entrance

Maybury State Park is seeking help from the public to complete plans for a new pedestrian entryway on the south side of the park.

According to Friends of Maybury vice president Barb Krizman, at least $50,000 is being sought from donors and through grants to get the project over the final hump. That money is primarily to handle engineering costs. The new entry point along Seven Mile between Grande Vista Drive and Honeytree Lane (just east of Ridge Road) will incorporate a HAWK beacon signal.

“We’re working with the DNR (Michigan Department of Natural Resources) and Wayne County,” Krizman said. “(The county) is requiring us to do that HAWK signal just for the safety of pedestrians and people crossing there.”

Without the HAWK, which is an acronym

for “high-intensity activated crosswalk beacon,” Wayne County would not grant a right-of-way permit which is required for the project to proceed. To activate the light, pedestrians will push a button when desiring to cross Seven Mile.

“There’s no time frame with Wayne County,” Krizman continued. “Providing we have the rest of the funds, that’s the biggest contingency. So Friends of Maybury are trying to apply for some grants, we’re trying to reach out to our members in the community.”

This is the second fundraising campaign for the project, with the first in 2022 successfully bringing in approximately $18,000 to help with initial engineering cost estimates.

“The original $18,000 was all generated from private, local, community households,” Krizman added. “We just want

people to know that money is going for (the) project and that the park and DNR and the township are fully behind this. Friends of Maybury are fully behind it.”

But in part because of the Covid pandemic’s impact on supply chain economics, those engineering cost estimates increased. This year’s fundraising campaign would help pay for the cost overruns.

Meanwhile, according to Maybury Park Supervisor Kale Leftwich, the next phase entails determining what actual construction costs would be.

“Currently, my cohorts in Lansing are putting together the bid package to send out to contractors,” Leftwich said. “At that point, and we’re expecting that to be in the next six-to-eight weeks, we would know what our actual cost would be.”

Krizman said a non-motorized

Kale Leftwich is the new supervisor at Maybury State Park.

trails and relaxing by the old fishing pond.

At an older age, he and friends would regularly ride mountain bikes down Main Street, up Beck Road and into Maybury to sample the various bike paths.

Leftwich carried his love of the outdoors into his career, first working in 2010 for the Michigan Department of Resources in the summer months at Maybury before leaving to gain crucial experience at Seven Lakes State Park, Proud Lake Recreation Area, Milliken State Harbor, Highland and Brighton recreational areas “and even a stint at Belle Isle as the first Ranger crew on the island.”

He then came full circle, building a home in 2020 on the same land he grew up on.

“I can still see Maybury from my front porch,” Leftwich noted. “When I was selected for Maybury’s coveted supervisor job this past April I knew I had my forever job.”

Now in charge of Maybury, Leftwich is working with township and city officials as well as the Friends of Maybury non-profit support group to keep the momentum going in the right direction.

“Currently we are working hard to complete the Seven Mile non-motorized entrance,” he continued. “Once completed there will be access from all four directions of the park.

“Further down the road we want to make sure that we are involved and connected to Novi’s new purchased parkland adjacent to ITC Park. We are all separate entities but serve the same community, and the user should be able to seamlessly access one park to another. What that looks like remains to be seen, but we are excited to be a part of it.”

Although there always are governmental challenges to overcome and hoops to navigate, Leftwich is like a young boy again eager to promote and protect Maybury’s 944 acres of mature forest, where paved trails traverse 100-foot oak trees.

“It’s a respite from the noise and hubbub

of the surrounding suburbia,” Leftwich stressed. “Our patrons aren’t coming here for entertainment. In fact it’s quite the opposite. It’s to unplug and enjoy nature. We can’t be too careful in protecting that experience.”

Among his immediate goals is to expand access to all types of users, including those with various issues getting from Point A to Point B.

“We were one of the first parks to have a tracked wheelchair to take users with

Continued on Page 30

entrance along Seven Mile is to help many pedestrians and bicyclists who live in several subdivisions and apartment complexes in the vicinity, including Ridge Hill Estates and Hidden Ridge at Grande Vista.

“It would enhance the community, especially with all the development south of Seven Mile,” Krizman said. “There’s people, there’s always bikers going down Seven Mile. They climb over the fence and they cut holes in the fence. That’s just not good for the community or the park.”

The effort to implement a non-motorized entrance is several years in the making, with it being highlighted in Maybury State Park’s 2019 Master Plan.

“We’re just trying to make sure we accommodate everyone and we want to have access to the park from all four directions,” Leftwich said. “Especially as the community grows.”

When Maybury opened in the mid-1970s (its 50th anniversary is slated for 2025) the entrances were incorporated on Eight Mile and Beck to accommodate development to the park’s north and east. There also is an equestrian entrance along Napier Road, to the park’s west.

“As things have changed we have seen that there is an abundance of need for an entrance along Seven Mile,” Leftwich emphasized. “However, the way things

work, we feel it would be best for that to be a pedestrian entrance. That way, we can move into a greener future, where people can access the park through walking and through biking.”

Friends of Maybury State Park is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that supports the park. Krizman said people interested in donating to the cause can go to Friends of Maybury.org, then go to the contact or donate pages.

Continued from Page 29

mobility issues onto the park trails,” Leftwich said. “In the future we would love to have an Enchroma viewer at the pond to allow all visitors (including those who are color blind) the ability to see natures autumn beauty.”

Meanwhile, when Leftwich can stop and take a deep breath, he often sees others who remind him of his own roots.

“Not a week goes by I don’t run into someone I went to school with, or played soccer with, or knew a member of my family,” Leftwich added. “Knowing that I am tasked with the success of this park motivates me to make it the best park it can be.

“And being able to do it for my family, neighbors, and community makes it that much more rewarding.”

THE LEFTWICH FILE

WHO: Kale Leftwich, 41, new supervisor at Maybury State Park in Northville.

FAMILY: Married to Rachel (they are both Northville High School graduates). They have two children in the Northville school district. Their daughter, Felicity, age 8, was just accepted to the Alternative Learning Program for academically talented students; their son, Bennett, age 6, recently made the Northville Jaguars travel soccer team.

BACKGROUND: Leftwich has worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources since 2010 and has worked at eight state parks around metropolitan Detroit. He was a member of the first DNR Ranger crew on Belle Isle in 2014.

WHAT INSPIRES HIM: “What makes me tick is being helping part of my community. My dad was a firefighter and my mom was a nurse, and they always taught me to give back to the place you come from. Do your best to make your community a better place.”

Peek Inside Your Health: Full Body MRI Screenings Unveil Silent Issues Before Symptoms Arise

(SOUTHFIELD, MI) Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. Thanks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully.

As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only cover about 29% of cancers with 71%

occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the genitals and can detect it very early.

For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive flights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a clinic opened in Southfield, making these scans available to Metro Detroit residents.

“Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with difficult treatments. We can

also identify conditions such as brain, abdominal, chest, and groin aneurysms,” stated the founder of the Southfield clinic called Bionicc Body Screening.

The primary focus of Bionicc Body Screening is to deliver peace of mind, offering a comprehensive and detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures. The ultimate hope is for excellent health. However, in the event that something is detected, the advanced screening aims to catch any potential issues at their earliest stages. This approach offers the best opportunity for successful treatment outcomes, should the need arise.

Robert B., age 50, opted for a full body scan from Bionicc Body Screening and a very small tumor

was detected. He said, “It saved my life. Their MRI found a kidney tumor that had been missed by a recent CT scan. I cannot recommend this service more.”

Take the first step to learn more about full body scans by visiting www.BioniccBodyScreening. com and request a free, no obligation Information Kit. Request it today and you’re also guaranteed a copy of their FREE eBook, Catching Cancer Before It’s Too Late! (This is a limited time offer.) Schedule today at 1-833-BIONICC

Darren R. LaLondeIngrid Runnion

Setting The Track Ablaze

Middle schooler’s competitive spirit leads to state, national accolades

By Maddie Luebkert

She may only be in middle school, but budding track star Alexandra “Alex” Scappaticci is already breaking records and competing on a national stage.

Scappaticci started racing competitively in 6th grade when she joined the Meads Mill Cross Country team. The reason might not be what you’d expect to hear from someone setting the track ablaze. She said it was to improve at soccer, which she still considers her main passion.

“My mom said I should at least try it,” Alex says.

So with some convincing, she joined the Meads Mill track and field team later that year. She then broke the school’s 3,200-meter record that spring.

Scappaticci continued to shine this past track season as a 7th grader. On May 10th, Scappaticci competed in the Southeast Michigan Showcase at Wyandotte Roosevelt

High School. She broke three personal and school records in the 800-meter, 1,600-meter, and 3,200-meter races in a span of three hours.

A month later, Scappaticci competed in the Mid Michigan MEGASTAR meet (the unofficial state meet for middle schoolers). Scappaticci earned

Scappaticci got her revenge by winning the 3,200 and beating the same girl she lost to a month earlier in the Southeast Michigan Showcase.

“Alex dedicated a lot so that when she ran against her at MEGASTAR, she would beat her,” Paputa noted.

The MEGASTAR meet performance catapulted Scappaticci onto the national stage, and she competed in the New Balance Nationals at historic Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pa.

Sonia Scappaticci, Alex’s mother, said competing at the national level was a daunting task. “We didn’t really know what to expect because it’s a whole different ball game,” Sonia said.

But the large crowds and incredible competition didn’t bother Scappaticci. She competed in the 1 mile and 2 mile events and placed second in both, making her one of the fastest runners in the country for her age group. In fact, during her 2 mile race, she set a Michigan state record, running the first 3,000 meters in 10:07.28, breaking a record that had lasted for more than four decades dating back to 1982.

not one, but two state champion titles -- in the 1,600 and the 3,200.

“She had said the year before that she had wanted to come back and do it and she did it,” said Meads Mill Middle School Track and Field coach Evan Paputa.

Even more special,

Most recently, Alex traveled to Greensboro, NC where she competed in the AAU Junior Olympic Games on Aug. 3. She competed in the 3000-meter race and took home gold with a time of 10 minutes and 23 seconds.

Though Scappaticci’s individual accomplishments are more than impressive, her coach said what makes her special is more than just a time on a stopwatch. She has an individual drive and desire to win second to none.“She has a tremendous competitive

Alex Scappaticci, racing with a smile on her face. Photo by Melissa Samluck

Alex Scappaticci (right) has leaned a lot on her Meads Mill teammates, including Audrey Beers (left) and Rosie Kulpa.

Alex Scappaticci with Meads Mill Track Coach Evan Paputa.

spirit,” Paputa said.

That fighting spirit has been evident during meets, especially when Scappaticci is up against better competitors.

“It makes me more excited because I know I’m going to push myself harder when there are other really good runners,” she said.

Despite her competitive nature, Scappaticci always supports her teammates. In fact, she credits several of her teammates for helping her learn about the sport when she first joined. Those same teammates were among her biggest cheerleaders as she broke those three school records. “They cheered me on in all my races.”

One of the reasons for her success, she said, is that she doesn’t overthink things, especially when she’s

running a race. In fact, she has become somewhat famous at Meads Mill for smiling during her races.

When preparing for a race, Scappaticci tries not to overthink things.

“I feel like when I start thinking, I start thinking I’m tired,” Scappaticci said. “I try to smile because I feel like I’ll be less nervous if I look more relaxed.”

And of course, she owns a pair of lucky socks. “I have these socks and I’ve worn them

Dr. Francisca Kartono, DO

hobbies that don’t involve sweating, she revealed she likes building Lego soccer stadiums.

And on top of being a track star, Scappaticci is a straight A student at Meads Mill.

Scappaticci’s future on the track looks bright, and she’s already making plans for her 8th grade school year.

for every track meet and cross country meet this year and they’re just like really lucky.”

When it rained at the MEGASTAR meet, she had to ditch her good luck charm socks that were wet. She still won all her races. The backup pair is now considered the “backup lucky socks.”

Outside of track and her training, Scappaticci loves to keep moving, whether playing soccer, basketball with her younger sister, or golfing with her family. When asked about

“I want to try and break five minutes in the mile, and I want to try and PR (personal record) in all my events again,” she said. She also anticipates a return to both states and nationals. And if you haven’t yet gathered from this article, her goal is to win. And she says she’ll do whatever it takes.

Writer Maddie Luebkert, a Northville High School graduate, is currently a journalism student at Denison University in Granville, Ohio.

Q: What is the best moisturizer out there?

When debating which moisturizer to buy, we should pay attention to the ingredients rather than the packaging. One out of three Americans have skin that can be easily irritated, and there are certain ingredients in our everyday products that can cause us to itch. These are often fragrances, preservatives, fruit acids or antioxidants. Ingredients like these mean well, but they are irritating to skin – especially skin with eczema tendencies. Below are few of Dr. Kartono’s favorite moisturizers for both body and face:

• Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream

• Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

For a more elegant moisturizer for the face, Dr. Kartono prefers:

• SkinBetter Mystro

• Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream

For patients’ convenience, MI Skin Center has some of these moisturizers in stock at our office for purchase. Keep in mind, if moisturizer alone does not fix your dry skin at home, it is possible that you may have a skin disease that can benefit from prescription medication.

If you need help with dry or irritated skin, schedule an appointment with board certified dermatologist Dr. Kartono and her team at MI Skin Center at (248) 963-5915 or info@drkartono.com.

Alex Scappaticci pulls away at the New Balance Nationals at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pa.

out & about out & about out & about

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE THIS MONTH

I Love Pigs Day

Aug. 24

Maybury Farm will be celebrating their pig residents from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The event will feature a pig talent show, storytime with pigs, as well as activities and crafts, and more. For more information, visit mayburyfarm. org.

Parmenter’s Opens

Aug. 24

Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill opens for the season at 10 a.m., and will be open every day from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. through the fall season. Parmenter’s is located at 714 Baseline in Northville. For more information, visit www. northvillecider.com.

Born in Blood

Aug. 26

The Northville District Library will host Heather Bruegl, who will present the program “Born in Blood: The Beginning of the National Parks” beginning at 7 p.m. Bruegl, a member of the Oneida Nation and a Madonna University graduate, is a public historian and travels frequently to present on Indigenous American history. She will discuss how America’s indigenous peoples were impacted by the creation of the National Park system. To register for the event, visit northvillelibrary.org.

Teen Backpack Makeover

Aug. 27

The Northville District Library will host this event for students from 7-8 p.m. in the Carlo Meeting Room. Students can bring their backpacks and get them ready for the new school year. Bring it in for a complete makeover with patches, buttons, keychains, decals, and more. To register for the event, visit northvillelibrary.org.

NTFD Open House

The Northville Township Fire Department’s annual Open House will take place Sept. 28 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the fire station located at 45745 Six Mile Road. . There will be a variety of activities, including fire safety tips, fire truck exploration and station tour, fire hose demonstrations, CPR demonstration and plenty of giveaways.

Movies in the Park

Sept. 6

Northville Parks and Recreation will host this event beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Ford Field in downtown Northville. Diary of a Wimpy Kid will be shown, beginning at dusk. There will be free inflatables and popcorn, as well as a snow cone vendor and more.

Barn Dance

Sept. 6

The Salem Area Historical Society’s annual Barn Dance will be held from 7-10 p.m. at Three Cedars Farm on Six Mile Road just west of Curtis Road. The Picks & Stick String Band will be providing the music. The square dance caller will assist dancers with all levels of experience. All ages are welcome. Admission at the door will be $5 per person. For more

information, visit sahshistory.org or email Salem_Area_HS@yahoo.com.

Coffee Connection

Sept. 11

The Northville Chamber of Commerce will hold this networking meeting from 8-9 a.m. at KSI Kitchen & Bath (17955 Haggerty Road). The event is free for Chamber members, and $10 for non-members. For more information, visit www.northville.org/networkingevents or contact Maddy Wise at (248) 349-7640.

Golf-4-Good Sept. 11

Northville Township is once again partnering with the Northville Community Foundation (NCF) to co-host the 3rd Annual “Golf-4-Good” Charity Golf Outing Invitational at the Northville Hills Golf Club. All profits will benefit NCF and Maybury Farm whose mission is to enhance and enrich life in the Northville community. The outing will include 18 holes of golf, a continental breakfast, putting and chipping contest, lunch and ceremony appetizers. There will also be an opportunity to

engage with Northville Township elected officials, staff, commission volunteers, and like-minded individuals and businesses dedicated to supporting NCF’s mission. To register or for more information, visit northvillecommunityfoundation.org/ charitygolf.

Toy Swap

Sept. 14

The Northville District Library will host this event from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Carlo Meeting Room. Do you need to purge your home of old, forgotten toys? Drop them off to the NDL Info Desk from Sept. 9-13. Toys must be in good, working condition. Limit of five toys per household. You will receive a ticket for every item you drop off, so that you can return on Saturday, Sept. 14 to “shop” for new toys. Any toys remaining after the event will be donated. For more information, visit northvillelibrary.org.

History with Mayor Turnbull Sept. 18

Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull will present “Northville: The Ideal Suburban Village of the 1800s” at the Northville District Library from 7-8:30 p.m. Mayor Turnbull will share the history and stories of Northville through time in celebration of the annual Victorian festival. To register for the event, visit northvillelibrary.org.

Victorian Festival Sept. 20-22

Northville’s Victorian Festival will take place throughout downtown Northville. Hours are 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20; 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. See page 38 for more details. For more information, you can also visit northvillevictorianfestival.com.

Keep ali v e T ra dit ion the

Northville’s Victorian Festival began in 1989, and for years brought the community together at the end of summer to celebrate the town’s past while also serving as a big party, featuring a parade, live music, carnival and so much more. It was something Northvillians looked forward to every year.

In recent years, however, the festival had lost its mojo, so much so that organizers even changed the name to the Heritage Festival to try give it a shot of lifeblood. That didn’t work. Despite changing the name back to the Victorian Festival last year, the event still struggled to get people involved and the Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the event, was going to cancel it this year. It needed a savior. In stepped James Gietzen.

Gietzen is the new director

By Kurt Kuban

Victorian Festival’s new director hopes to revive event to past glory

of the Victorian Festival, which will be held Sept. 2022 throughout downtown Northville.

Gietzen is probably the perfect person to take on the role. Not only is he the owner of JAG Entertainment, which is responsible for putting on

Plymouth’s Ice Festival and Fall Festival, but he also grew up in Northville and is a current resident. He also already works with Northville by organizing the summer concerts.

Gietzen said he has some great memories going to the Victorian Festival as a kid – the

carnival, the community booths and especially getting sausages with his dad. When Gietzen heard the festival was on life support and probably would be canceled this year, he wanted to prevent that from happening. After some discussions with Mayor Brian Turnbull, he decided to take over the event and try resurrecting it to its former glory.

“The Victorian Festival has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead it now,” said Gietzen, a 2008 Northville High graduate.

“It just remember it having a really good community vibe, something that brought everyone together,” he recalls. “That’s one of the reasons that I decided to take it on.”

The 2024 version of the festival will include some of the

staples, including the Victorian Parade on Friday evening, community booths, craft show, live entertainment, and a car show. And Mill Race Village will be hosting Victorian activities on Sunday, including the everpopular duck race on the Rouge River, which always closes the festival.

There won’t be a carnival, like the ones Gietzen remembers from his youth, but there will be a few new wrinkles to the festival.

The Northville Parks and Recreation Department is organizing the Play Parlour, which will include traditional games, crafts and other activities for the entire family. Details are still being worked out, but Gietzen said it is going to offer lots of fun for families.

“We’re focusing on family activities, so we can get the kids involved. It’s going to be a very family-friendly festival, especially the Play Parlour,” Gietzen said.

According to Gietzen, two of the big challenges thus far have

been finding event sponsors and getting enough community groups involved, which also plagued the Chamber.

But some groups have stepped up, however.

For example, the Northville Art House will be organizing a chalk art exhibition on Center

Street just north of Main. People will be able to donate to the Art House and have their own space to create their own masterpieces in chalk.

And the American Legion will be hosting a beer tent (located at the corner of Center and Dunlap on the American Legion front lawn) Friday and Saturday evenings. There will be live music in the tent -- Atomic Café on Friday and Northville Folk on Saturday.

There will also be plenty of live entertainment over at Town Square, including performances by the Center Stage Dance Company, juggler Crazy Craig and a fencing demonstration. There will also be a petting farm on Sunday.

As of press time, Gietzen was still lining up other entertainers, so be sure to visit northvillevictorianfestival.com for up-to-date information.

While there will still be activities going on Sunday in the downtown area, like the craft show, vendors and petting farm, a big part of the festival’s focus will shift over to Mill Race Village.

Northville Historical Society Executive Director Paul Snyder said the village, which has been closed this summer due to a brick paving project, will be reopened in time for the festival. He expects the Historical Society, which manages and maintains Mill Race, to hold its annual Victorian Clothing Sale prior to the festival, as well as hosting

Northville 3rd graders on the Friday of the festival.

“It definitely looks like we will be open in time for all the festival activities,” said Snyder. “We’ll have the kids there on Friday, and do all our normal stuff on Sunday – cake walks and the duck race.”

Snyder said the village really comes alive during the Victorian Festival, and is something they look forward to every year.

“It’s a time-honored tradition. We have so many adults who bring their children, and tell us they came when they were kids,” he said.

Gietzen is just getting his feet wet, but he hopes to grow the event in the future. He sees the Plymouth Fall Festival as a model, in the sense it gets so much participation from a wide range of community groups and organizations. That’s his goal moving forward.

“The Victorian Festival is such a unique event. It’s one of the most Northville things I can think of. It’s a tradition that dates back to 1989, and one of the things that made us feel like a small town where you know everyone. I want to rebuild it to be like it was,” Gietzen said. “I just want people to come to downtown Northville and celebrate what a great community we have here – both now and in the past.”

If you are interested in being a festival sponsor, contact Gietzen at James@ myjagentertainment.com.

2024 Victorian Festival EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday, Sept. 20

• 5 p.m. – Nonprofit/Craft and Vendor booths open

• 6:30 p.m. – Victorian Parade

• 7:30 p.m. – American Legion Social Tent Live Music from Atomic Café

• 8:30 p.m. – Nonprofit/Craft and Vendor booths close

Saturday, Sept. 21

• 9 a.m. – Nonprofit/Craft and Vendor booths open

• 9 a.m. – Car show

• 10 a.m. – Center Stage Dance Company performance at Town Square

• 11:30 a.m. – Northville District Library presents Crazy Craig (juggling, balancing acts, and more)

• Noon – Joey Skinner at the American Legion (good old rock and roll and classic country)

• 1 p.m. – Additional activities and performances (details to follow)

• 4:30 p.m. – Additional activities and performances (details to follow)

• 7:30 p.m. – American Legion Social Tent Live Music from Northville Folk

• 8:30 p.m. – Nonprofit/Craft and Vendor booths close

Sunday, Sept. 22

• 9 a.m. – Nonprofit/Craft and Vendor booths open

• 11 a.m. - Vintage Games – Mill Race Village

• 11 a.m. -- Petting Farm opens

• 3 p.m. -- Duck Race – Mill Race Village

• 4 p.m. -- Petting Farm closes

5 p.m. – Festival closes

Schedule subject to change. For more information, visit northvillevictorianfestival.com

It's Your Business Proper Real Estate Group

Luxury Living Is Closer Than You Think

Proper Real Estate Group brings top service to every deal

When you think of luxury homes, the cities of New York, San Francisco, Miami or Los Angeles may come to mind. But all you need to do is look around the gated communities and upscale neighborhoods in Northville, Plymouth and Novi to find luxury living, according to Raffaele Malizia and Brad McGuire.

The longtime friends and luxury property specialists joined forces twoand-a-half years ago to create Proper Real Estate Group, affiliated with @ properties|Christie’s International Real Estate, in downtown Northville.

Building on their various skills and experiences – McGuire is a secondgeneration real estate broker and appraiser, and Malizia leverages his negotiation and management skills from a successful automotive career – they have found their niche in the full-service luxury home market.

“We find the luxury market a very exciting one to be in and we relate very well to that level of client,” says McGuire, who has lived in downtown Northville for 24 years.

“When Christie’s opened up in Michigan a couple of years ago, they courted us and

we really liked their platform,” explains Malizia. “It’s been a great matchup.”

As one can imagine, expertise, connections and service are extremely important in the luxury home market. Malizia and McGuire bring all three to their real estate practice.

Their knowledge is demonstrated by their designation as GUILD Elite™ Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. The Elite is one of the highest achievements in the luxury market and requires two residential transactions at $2 million or above within a 24-month period, a milestone McGuire and Malizia have each attained.

Given that the team often helps highincome individuals who are relocating to the metro Detroit area, industry connections become paramount.

“With the national and international network we have now through Christie’s, Brad and I have created relationships with top luxury agents around the country and they can call on us if their clients are moving to Michigan,” says Malizia.

Those connections also prove valuable for clients who are looking for a second home.

“We can refer our clients to trusted agents in our network, that we have vetted out, who will take care of all their needs,” adds McGuire.

Personal service with attention to every detail is another hallmark of the Proper Real Estate Group, which also has both exterior and interior design consultants on the team as well as a mortgage consultant. Plus, clients get the power of two dynamic agents, who are involved in every step of a property listing.

“We are there all the way through the process, until keys are handed off. Clients have two sets of eyes on everything because Brad and I are both involved -- from the staging inside and out, to showings, listings, title companies and inspections,” says Malizia.

Clients especially appreciate the team’s valuation process on both the buy and sell side.

“We really go through the comps analysis and explain it to the clients,” adds McGuire. “We have the advantage of knowing these homes well because we have sold or helped sell many of them. That is one of our major strengths.”

Looking to the future, McGuire and Malizia are excited about The Downs development that is coming to downtown Northville.

“We have been in direct communication with the developers and are excited to have an opportunity to sell these homes,” says McGuire, adding that they already have a waiting list of clients who want to move into the new residences.

Ultimately, their passion for the greater Northville and Plymouth area combined with an excitement for the luxury market is what drives the two partners.

“We are looking to be a staple in this community,” concludes Malizia.

Proper Real Estate Group @ properties|Christie’s International Real Estate is located at 170 E. Main Street, Suite #301 in Northville. For information visit proper-realestate.com/ or email sales@proper-realestate.com. Reach Brad McGuire at (248) 767-9663 or Raffaele Malizia at (313) 715-4555.

Raffaele Malizia and Brad McGuire of the Proper Real Estate Group.

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Let us bring your vision to life and create a space that truly reflects your style and personality. Contact us today to begin your journey to a beautiful home!

On the Road With

The Emerald Isle

Northville’s Rich and Gail Bazzy took along their copy of The ‘Ville during a recent trip to Ireland. They spent 10 days traveling through the western and southern reaches of Ireland ending in Dublin. Highlights included staying two nights in Ballynahinch Castle, hiking along the North Atlantic, watching a sheepdog in action, and touring the Guinness Storehouse. “We lucked out with the weather and encountered very little rain. There’s a reason it’s called the Emerald Isle, it’s a lush and beautiful country,” Rich said. Here they are pictured on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry with the North Atlantic behind them.

Ancient Streets of Rome

Northville’s Erin Stavi traveled to Italy back in April. The trip started in Florence. The 2006 Northville High graduate and her boyfriend Ben Rosner then headed to Lucca in the Tuscany region and Cinque Terre, before spending 12 days in Rome, where she made it a point to eat the local dishes and see the magnificent sights. “Outside of gorging myself with maritozzi, creamy bufala mozzarella, and delicious bread, I wanted to see what all the fuss of the Colosseum was about,” said Stavi, pictured in front of the Colosseum. “After walking from the Trastavere neighborhood to the Colosseum on a perfectly blue, warm day, I joined hundreds of people gawking at the gorgeous structure. It was unseasonably warm during my entire visit, which made it even more wonderful.”

Paradise in Fiji

John and Jennifer Fulton took their copy of The ‘Ville to the beautiful island of Fiji. The trip was a reward for John’s top sales efforts for his employer, Zebra Technologies. “We spent six days at the Fiji Intercontinental Resort and Spa, where we snorkeled in the South Pacific, combed the beach, relaxed, boated, zip lined, and learned local cooking techniques,” Jennifer said. “We also spent a few days in New Zealand, where the highlight was visiting Hobbiton, the set of the Shire in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.” Here they are pictured on the beach in Fiji.

Building Homes in Guatemala

Back in February, Northville’s Bill Moylan traveled to Guatemala, where he served as a volunteer on several construction build projects sponsored by the Dreams and Hopes organization. Moylan, who is a member of Northville Rotary, was one of 18 volunteers from various parts of the U.S. who assisted local Guatemalan skilled masons construct 10 ‘vented efficient cook stoves’ and complete the block walls of a new two-room house in the village of San Juan la Laguna. Here, Bill (back row, center) is pictured holding his copy of The ‘Ville with other volunteers, the contractors and some of the villagers in San Juan la Laguna, Solola.

‘Ville

The next time you head out of town, take along a copy of The ‘Ville, snap a photo, and let us know where your travels take you. Please email the photos to kurtkuban@gmail.com. We’ll feature the photos in an upcoming issue.

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City, Township Agree to Purchase Former McDonald Ford Property

Site will be home to farmers market and be key link to trail system

By Scott Spielman

Avacant piece of land on the border of the city and township of Northville may hold the key to a statewide connection of pathways and make the community a spoke of regional recreation activity. It could also be the future site of the Northville Farmers Market, one of the busiest in the state.

Now, city and township leaders may soon have control of that key. The city and township have entered into a purchase agreement to purchase the former McDonald Ford property along Seven Mile just west of Northville Road. Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo said the township and city have a purchase agreement in place to acquire the nearly 3-acre piece of land, which fronts Seven

Mile and backs up to Hines Park, from property owner Jeff Snyder. Abbo said officials are about halfway through a 90-day due diligence period, which includes an environmental assessment, before pulling the trigger on the deal.

“It’s probably the largest piece of property near the downtown that could be used to make the downtown area, in my opinion, more vibrant,” he said. “It’s probably the one chance we’ll have to purchase this piece of property, especially with the development going on at Northville Downs. We would both own, co-manager and cooperate on the properly jointly.”

Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull said the idea to purchase the property dates

the property but they have all, for one reason or another, fallen through. Turnbull said he’s optimistic about the deal this time around, though, and excited about what the future holds.

Snyder credited Abbo for finally coming to an agreement.

“I can’t say enough about Mark Abbo; he was a tough negotiator, tough but fair. He certainly represents the residents of the township very well,” Snyder said.

The agreed sales price for the 2.88 acres located within the city limits is $1.775 million, according to Abbo.

In addition to Snyder’s land, the city has an agreement to purchase an adjoining two acres located behind Inch Memorial from the Allen family for $800,000.

back about four years, when the city developed a task force to determine a suitable permanent home for the Northville Farmers Market. The market had to move this year because of the development currently under way at the former Northville Downs site, which includes the parcel on the west side of Center Street where they market has been held for years.

Turnbull said a new place to stage events, like the annual Fourth of July Parade and others, was also needed. A group of about 20 citizens looked at different locations around town.

“This was the most logical one. A lot of research was done and that was the right site,” Turnbull said.

There have been previous attempts made to purchase

If all parties agree, the city and township would enter into a joint agreement for the land—about $2.5 million total. The Northville Chamber of Commerce would continue to manage the Farmers Market from that location, while the Northville Parks and Recreation Department would manage the entire site.

Abbo said the township is using money it has in reserves, including some funding it gained through sale of land in the Michigan International Technology Corridor along Five Mile on the west side of the township. Northville City Manager George Lahanas said the city’s portion will come from reserves and potential grants.

“It’s good for both communities. We started this as a city opportunity and activity, but it’s important for everybody in the city and the township,” Turnbull said. “We are working

Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo (left) and Northville City Manager George Lahanas at the former McDonald Ford site on 7 Mile.

together in a joint operation, joining those two pieces of land into one gathering place.”

Abbo said the township got involved because the communities are connected in many ways.

“Someone has to ask the question: does the downtown add value to being a Northville Township resident—and I think the answer to that is yes,” Abbo said. “We’re just doing our part to make sure that we end up with a healthy, vibrant downtown Northville.”

One business owner who thinks it’s a good idea is Jim Roth, who owns Good Time Party Store and Custard Time, which sit directly across from the site.

resident. “It’s time we get something positive going. We really need that right now with so many other issues dividing the community.”

Lahanas agreed. He said the land will be far more than just the home of the farmers market.

“We certainly support this,” he said. “It will definitely bring more traffic to our business. But more than that it’s going to be a great thing for the community. This will turn that corner into kind of the entrance into downtown Northville.

“They’ve been talking about this for some time, so it’s high time to put it to bed. It’s going to be a plus, plus, plus for the Northville community as a whole,” continued Roth, who is a longtime Northville Township

“Calling it just the farmers market site is understating it dramatically. It’s going to be so much more,” he said. The Northville Farmers Market— which is the secondlargest in the state, drawing vendors and visitors from 46 different zip codes—only takes place on Thursdays -- only 26 days a year. But Turnbull said there is plenty of opportunity for a community gathering place that would host other events, like weddings and family reunions, as well as be a staging area for already existing activities.

The property and its intended uses already fit well into improvements planned in the area, he said. Ford Field will soon see about $5 million

in improvements that will bring a new ADA entryway, decorative fencing and more.

The City is also creating a river walk area near the Downs, where the Rouge River—which currently flows underneath the property—will be daylighted. The McDonald Ford property would serve as a conduit and connection to Hines Park.

“I’m fired up at the possibility of having access to that whole corner. It’s the center post of all these walk systems,” Turnbull said. “It’s exciting to think we’re trying to get Northville ready for the next generation. It’s exciting to see the potential of where we’re going with this thing.”

It could factor into a regional hub, too. Turnbull said it could eventually hook up via a pathway to Fish Hatchery Park and via another route, Rotary Park and Maybury State Park going north as well as Legacy Park in Northville Township at the former Northville Psychiatric Hospital property. With a connection to Hines Park—and, through that, the I-275 pathway, the property could serve as a regional hub where people could park and travel via bicycle south to Ohio or, eventually, north to Mackinaw City.

Because this project would connect to county and state

parks, there would be grant funding available to help pay for it, he added.

“I’m excited about the potential and what it’s going to bring to all the citizens in the community,” Turnbull said. “There’s so much potential. This is transformational for the future. This would be the biggest thing we’ve ever done in the City of Northville.”

The river walk project should be complete this year, according to Turnbull. A purchase decision on the McDonald Property could come by the end of September.

“It’s not a done deal, we have to do some diligence,” Abbo said. “We have to look at, in addition to just getting the land, the improvements associated with it and make sure it’s viable—that the uses and types of events that we could do there are the type of amenities that add value to this community. Those are the things we’ll be exploring.”

Both the Northville City Council and Northville Township Board of Trustees still have to sign off on the final deal, once it is determined to move forward.

As for Snyder, he is hoping to close on the property by the end of the year.

“If they can get through the environmental due diligence and the litany of processes they need to go through to do this and make sure the community is on board, it should close by late November or December,” said Snyder, who believes it will really improve the area.

“I’m excited about the intersection; it’s right in my backyard and my family is looking forward to having close access to the farmer’s market,” he said.

Good Time Party Store owner Jim Roth is in favor of the new location for the farmers market.

The site is directly across the street from Custard Time and Good Time Party Store.

BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

Color Run Highlights Suicide Awareness

Color My World, a student-led club at Northville High School, will host its annual Color Run, beginning at 11 a.m. on Sept. 22. The event will begin on the NHS track and then move into the nearby Woodlands subdivision. The club, founded by students in 2017, is devoted to promoting mental health awareness at the school. They also offer many resources to help the local community prevent teen suicide.

The Color Run will feature a short walk/run, food, raffles, music, prizes, and more. All funds raised will be used for peer-to-peer mental health outreach events/activities. The cost to register is $24.99, which will include the run, a T-shirt, snacks and refreshments.

To sign up for the event, or to make a donation to the club, visit colormyworld.redpodium.com/color-run-2024. Registration will also take place on the day of the event, but T-shirts are not guaranteed.

September is Suicide Prevention Month.

Farm To Table

Main Street League, a Northvillebased non-profit that raises funds to help advance charitable needs within our local community, will host their annual Farm To Table dinner event on Saturday, Sept. 7 on the beautiful grounds of the Living and Learning Center.

This is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for MSL, which uses the money for its outreach and emergency assistance programs.

Tickets cost $150 and can be purchased by visiting www.mainstreetleague. com/farm-to-table. Ticket price includes an Italian-inspired dinner in the garden, as well as beer and wine. There will also be live entertainment. The featured chef this year is Brian Psenski.

For more information about Main Street League and the incredible work they do in the community, visit www.mainstreetleague.com. Pictured are Lauren Romeo of MSL and Rachelle Vartanian of Living and Learning.

Robostangs Looking for Members

Northville High School’s award-winning robotics team, the Robostangs, will host an information meeting from 7-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 in Room 161 at NHS (Mr. Pak’s classroom) for students interested in becoming part of the team.

“During the event, we will delve into each of our 10 subgroups to help students get a better understanding of which ones to apply to,” said Tanvi Kakunje, business captain for the Robostangs. “Our student-led team is made up of a business side and a build side, and prepares our members for their future career goals.”

For more information about the team, visit www.robostangs.com.

In the photo, members of the Robostangs were all smiles last spring when they competed at the 2024 state finals and came away with the FIRST Impact Award (for the second year in a row). Photo courtesy of the Robostangs.

Hula Dancers Take Over Downtown Northville

On the evening of Aug. 7, downtown Northville looked like it was having its own little luau when a Hawaiian dancing troupe visited town as part of the weekly Dancing in the Ville program. The guest dancers from the Hoaloha Polynesian Dance Group gave a hula demonstration, and then taught participants how to do the traditional Hawaiian art form in Town Square.

According to Dancing in the Ville organizer Michael Ansara, most of the guest instructors were local with ties to Hawaii, and it made for an interesting evening.

“We had island vibes in the Ville,” he said.

The annual summer dance series takes place on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. in Town Square. Instructors from Arthur Murray Dance Centers provide basic lessons for a variety of dance genres each week. The series wraps up this year on Aug. 28, when the instructors will teach the basics of Salsa dancing. All skill levels are welcome to join in the fun.

RSummer Romance Dishin’ With Denise

emember when…you went to the beach with a steamy paperback book that was filled with fluff and happily ever after? Remember when… you could put your arm around the passenger in the front seat of your fancy car? Remember when…a dinner date was a special occasion?

President Joe Biden came to town and gave Miss Ainslie Carter (14 years old) an unofficial executive order. The president singled her out in the crowd gathered at The Garage: “Hi, how are you? How old are you?” Ainslee answered “Fourteen”, to which President Biden replied, “Remember, no serious guys until you’re 30. Okay?” She agreed. My best wishes to Liz and John Carter for positive results on that promise.

Northville’s Sarah Kolis has been sewing all her life and has a love for vintage clothing. She has taken her passion to new levels crafting one-of-a-kind bridal gowns from vintage fabrics. Sarah sits down with a bride and together they plan out every little detail: “I sketch out a design, we decide

Denise Jenkins, who is a board member of the Northville Chamber of Commerce, is an avid writer and proponent of the arts. She is also plugged into what’s happening in Northville. Contact her at denisemjenkins@aol.com.

on materials…after that a little fairy dust, and I make their dream dress come to life.”

She also does bridal and other formal gown alterations – plus – vintage wedding gown re-designs, “if a bride wants to wear her mom’s wedding dress for the rehearsal or something like that.” I am completely, and romantically, intrigued with her work (I, too, love to sew). Sarah recently hosted her grand opening, and I understand there is a future fashion show in the works. For information – or to schedule an appointment with her – check out her website at sarahkolis.com.

About that dinner date… congratulations to Frankie Grippi and Megan Abrams celebrating 20 years of serving up some of the best Italian food in town at TiramiSu. Many customers have grown to become friends and family over the years. Time (and a flood) brought changes to the dining room and the fireplace. Honestly, I can’t remember a time when the atmosphere didn’t feel warm, welcoming and truly romantic. Megan can’t believe how

quickly 20 years have come and gone, with some beautiful memories – family dinners and special occasions – an engagement ring coming out as the dessert and two employees who met at the restaurant, married and now have three kids. She tells me, “Every year gets a little better.”

Personally, I love sitting in the front room and watching people walk by – it feels so cosmopolitan. The bar is always filled with familiar faces. As for the food, my favorite is the Chicken Cremosi – apparently it is a signature dish. The Veal Michelangelo, Osso Buco and the Lobster Penne are other crowd pleasers. The idea you can order your choice of pasta, and your choice of sauce I’ve always thought was brilliant. Frankie has the recipe book –complete with his mom’s sauce recipe, but he still likes to create and try out new specials. Megan really knows the art of service. Together they are great partners at work, and in life. They want to thank everyone for their continued support…including the staff.

“Northville is a beautiful

town, with beautiful people,” Frankie said. The week of September 8 – 14 they are planning a few surprises for their guests. I’m recommending TiramiSu…obviously a signature dessert.

What about a romantic dinner at home … for the holidays? The Northville Community Foundation is still looking for homes to be a part of the Annual Holiday Home Tour. There is no cost to participate, and the proceeds help fund community grants –scholarships – and educational opportunities at Maybury Farm. The experienced committee will work closely with you and monitor your home throughout the tour which will take place on Friday and Saturday – November 22-23. According to Executive Director Diana Wallace, the bonus is “Your home will be completely decorated for your family Thanksgiving get togethers.” Contact her at (248) 374-0200 or diana@mayburyfarm.org.

Remember when…the radio was playing that tugging at your heartstrings love song “See you in September.”

President Biden taking a selfie with the Carter kids -- Ainslie (14), Declan (11), Georgia (9).

Northville’s new couture designer Sarah Kolis. Photo by Penny Ralene Photography

TiramiSu’s Francesco “Frankie” Grippi and Megan Abrams

From left, Diana, Kelly and Amy Wallace at the Holiday Home Tour.

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would recommend Jamey to anyone.”