December 2021 | Vol.4 | Issue 12
Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine
e v i t i s P o V ibes
Meet the Local Sales Reps in Your Community.
Vita Vizachero
John DesOrmeau
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John has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1987. Some of his local favorites are Rocky’s, Custard Time, Guernsey’s and the Pizza Cutter.
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THE GIFT OF LOCAL JOURNALISM As you decide what and who is important in your life this Christmas, please consider a donation to support The 'Ville. Since we began publishing, our goal has been to provide our readers with valuable information about the Northville community each and every month. Your support will help that mission survive and grow. And while The 'Ville is sent free to every address in Northville, it is not free to produce. LOCAL Matters! is the foundation of this magazine. If you find it of value, please consider supporting it. Every little bit helps! Please send donations to: Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168 You can also make donations via PayPal to kurtkuban@gmail.com. Thank you in advance. We wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.
VOLUME 4 ISSUE 12 DECEMBER 2021 16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734.716.0783 • TheVilleMagazine@gmail.com
KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher
Kurt Kuban is an award-winning journalist, having served as a reporter and editor for several local newspapers and magazines, including The Northville Record, over the course of a career spanning more than two decades. Kurt lives in Northville with his wife, Cheryl, and their three children, all products of Northville Public Schools.
CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director
Craig has been in the creative industry for over 30 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 19 years. Craig enjoys chasing his young daughter and providing moral support to his lovely wife.
MICHELE FECHT – Writer
Michele Fecht is a longtime journalist whose first post-college reporter position was at The Northville Record before moving on to The Detroit News. A 30-plus year resident of the City of Northville and historic (old) house owner, she is an author, researcher, local history enthusiast, and community activist/advocate.
BRAD EMONS - Writer
Publisher Here is a list of people who contributed to local journalism last month. We appreciate your support! Elizabeth & Munther Ajlouni Edward Huyck Ming & Barbara Louie Dianne & Don McCulloch Chuck & Andrea Murdock Jim & Martha Nield
Carolyn Nieuwkoop Jerol & Karen Olson Russ & Bernice Schiller Joe & Ann Sefcik David & Sue Woodsum
ADVERTISE IN THE VILLE Our locally-owned publication is an affordable way to reach the Northville Market. We direct mail to all 21,000 addresses in the 48167 & 48168 zip codes.
To secure space in The Ville, contact Scott at (313) 399-5231 or scott@streetmktg.com. SCOTT BUIE - Advertising Director/VP of Sales
For more than 20 years Scott has worked with clients in Metro Detroit to create advertising campaigns to grow their business. After managing sales for radio station in the Detroit Market for 17 years he purchased Street Marketing where he works closely with a variety of businesses and events. Scott and his family have lived in the Plymouth and Northville area for over 23 years.
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.
MARIA TAYLOR – Writer
Maria is managing editor at The ACHR NEWS, a B2B publication based in Troy. She has worked as a reporter for the Northville Record, Novi News and Plymouth Observer, and once had her photo on the cover of TIME. She lives in Farmington and, as a self-avowed history nerd, routinely risks her life by standing in the road to photograph old buildings.
TIM SMITH - Writer
Tim brings a penchant for telling powerful and personal stories that run the gamut from news to sports. During more than 35 years in journalism, he has earned numerous state and national awards. The Wayne State grad is a published author and rec ice hockey player.
LARRY O'CONNOR – Writer
Larry is a metro Detroit area journalist whose work has appeared in The Detroit News, Jackson Citizen Patriot and the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers. When he’s not meticulously chronicling people or events, he’s avidly rooting for his favorite soccer teams – Manchester United and Glasgow Celtic.
BILL BRESLER - Photographer
Bill lied his way onto his high school's yearbook staff in 1971 and has worked as a photographer ever since. He recently retired after 39 years with Hometown Life, a newspaper group that includes the Northville Record. He's won many journalism awards for his work, and taught photography at Madonna University. According to Bill's wife, he's too young to retire, so he's happy to be part of The 'Ville.
BRYAN MITCHELL - Photographer
Bryan started working as a photographer more than 30 years ago, and was the Northville Record photographer in the 90's. He has freelanced for The Detroit News, The Guardian, Reuters, and other publications. His photography has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the globe. The Northville resident also coaches mountain biking at Northville High School.
A View From The ‘Ville
A Platform For Diverse Voices
A
s you might imagine, I was inundated with emails and phone calls after our November issue came out. Our main story, you may remember, was about downtown Northville’s Social District. The City of Northville, at the Downtown Development Authority’s recommendation, has decided to keep Main and Center streets closed to traffic, so outdoor dining and mingling can continue until at least the fall. One thing I can tell you is this topic is generating some heated feelings – on both ends of the spectrum. Some people love the Social District. Many others feel like it’s time has come and gone. I received a lot of letters to the editor, many of which are posted in the ‘Your Voice’ section on Page 4. There were far more letters than I could
print in one issue. I want to thank all of you who reached out to me on this issue – and all the other issues that we have covered. I appreciate your letters, and the fact you are willing to put your name on an opinion. I think letters to the editor have long been one of the most effective ways to convey ideas in the public sphere, and get others to rally around a cause. Unfortunately, social media has emerged in recent years as a substitute for many. But anyone familiar with the keyboard combat that often takes place between social media users can probably tell you it’s not necessarily the most productive way to solve problems or find consensus. In the words of the 17th century philosopher Thomas Hobbes, social media can be “nasty, brutish and
short.” Of course, Hobbes was referring to life in general, but fortunately for him he never had to encounter a crazy uncle railing against immigrants on Facebook. My point is people on social media usually pop off on topics and snipe at one another impulsively with little regard for feelings and typically with venom they would most likely never use in other social settings. I think in many ways social media tends to pull people apart. With letters to the editor, however, I think people spend a little more time to think things out and make an argument that can change minds or influence decision makers. And I can assure you city leaders will read this month’s letters to the editor, because they do care what people think. That’s what
good leaders do. Having diverse voices in this magazine makes it more valuable, and was one of my main objectives when I started The ‘Ville four years ago (I can’t believe I just wrote that). I’m just so glad we can provide a platform that people trust enough to share their feelings. With issues like the downtown Social District and controversial Northville Downs project not going away anytime soon, there’s going to be plenty to debate. So, keep the letters coming. You might just change someone’s mind. Kurt Kuban is the Publisher and Editor of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine. com.
Your Voice: Letters to the Editor 4 The City Lines guided by positive vibes 14 Lost pregnancies bring holiday grief 22 NHS teams have a fall to remember 26
Significant Moment of Change
8
Ken Holland's Perfect Fit
10
‘Twas The Month Of Christmas
18
ON THE COVER: Patrick Deneau of The City Lines is surrounded by his bandmates Brandon Benson and Jack Spivey. Photo by Anastasia McKendrick.
Northville CARES helping troubled youth 30 Community Bulletin Board 34 Dishin’ With Denise 36
Your Voice all about
DOWNTOWN Great atmosphere
I agree about keeping the streets closed. Northville finally came alive. My husband in the past would go to Plymouth for dinner, and couldn’t get over how alive and fun it was compared to Northville. I think lights going from one side of the street to the other would also add to it. Julie Fugedi We’ve been residents of Northville for over a decade and we’re huge fans of the social district. We’ve been out in Northville in the past two years more than we’ve ever been. The concerts, the walking drinks and the evening atmosphere are fantastic. It’s a great draw that our friends and family from outside the area love to see when we have them over. We also do a good deal of business at the cobbler, wine shops, the art galleries and the financial and accounting firms and have had no issue with parking. As for the parades - we’re at them all and have found the new routes easier to find seating along than the packed downtown routes used to be. At a minimum we’d love to see the spring through fall shutdown remain permanent - it really gives Northville something unique that makes it a destination for an entire evening and not just a place for dinner. Shawn Ryan As a resident of Northville, I would love to see the social district remain permanently. I have been able to explore more of the shops with the streets being shut down. I think it is a comfort thing for me because not all drivers going through that area would respect the speed limit. Cheryl Hunt
Time has passed
I am in favor of opening Main and Center Streets to traffic. It was fine to close the streets during the height of the pandemic but that time has passed. I love you and your team’s work on The ‘Ville. Keep up the great work because it is appreciated by myself and our community. Frank Murkowski I live west of downtown Northville. In the 35 years that I have lived in Northville I have traveled east on Main through town whenever my destination was to the east and driving home, I would do the same to the west. I continued this route despite the added burden of more and slower traffic and the addition of unnecessary stop signs and flashing red signals on Main Street. Taking this route made me feel part of Northville and would keep me in touch and informed with what was happening in downtown such as upcoming events and the opening of new businesses. Now that this route is obstructed, I drive to Seven Mile or Eight Mile depending on my ultimate destination. Old behaviors are difficult to change, but when forced and the new is faster and more convenient, the old will be replaced. I have been weaned of my local drive through town. Sadly I don’t miss it anymore, and I feel less attached to Northville. Sarunas Mingela
4 The ‘Ville
Open Center
The downtown Northville closure was great in 2020, but it’s time to reopen. Plymouth always allowed traffic to flow on their main drag while accommodating more restaurant outdoor seating. It’s not right our city doesn’t allow traffic to flow properly on Sheldon/Center Street. Beck is always backed up heading northbound. So… please open our streets so we can get to Novi and the expressway, and alleviate Beck Road backups. We can eat indoors now, so there is no reason to close our streets going forward. Please be considerate and think of Northville drivers as well when it comes to your final decision. Jen Thompson I am a longtime resident of ‘Noville’ who always shopped in downtown Northville if there was a business or restaurant that met my need that day. Northville is much more convenient than going north to downtown Novi, and the atmosphere is friendly and feels safe. However, once they closed Center Street and Main, I tried it once and found it to be too much of a hassle due to the narrow streets around downtown, and not being able to park as close to where I wanted to go as before. I haven’t been downtown since. If I have to travel south, I completely bypass downtown Northville by take 8 Mile to Beck or 8 Mile to Griswold to East Main/South Main. I think the City of Northville is hurting a lot of their businesses by continuing street closings for the sake of a few restaurants. Bob Krupka
It is long past time to open Center Street. South Wing has bore the brunt of unending traffic -- semis, heavy equipment, and cars racing off 7 Mile and some not even stopping. Wing was not meant to be the main northsouth burden of this town. There is no monitoring of this, no police around to ticket any traffic violators. Open Center Street. Sharon Mullins I applauded the closure of Main and Center streets when it first happened. I have been saying for years that they should make the one block of Main Street a pedestrian mall. It’s closed most weekends for some type of festival/sale/event and there is limited parking due to all of the restaurant seating built in parking spots (which has always seemed to me a little unsavory and possibly dangerous). The continued closure of Main Street doesn’t really bother me. The continued closure of Center Street annoys me, however. There is no easy north-south traffic route through the city and this closure benefits far fewer businesses. Further, those restaurants on Center Street could have the option of seating in the rear of their locations rather than the front. Our parade routes would be somewhat restored, also. Were it my decision to make, I would open Center Street and leave Main Street closed for the time being. Robin Schleh
We moved to Northville in 1967 from a small town in southern Ohio. We chose Northville primarily because of the school system (two small kids) and it had a very nice old time downtown. We now live at Fox Run in Novi. We still use Northville for dining and other city business as needed. The permanent closing of the downtown streets will eventually kill the city of Northville as we know it. You might inquire about other small towns that did this type closing to see what outcome they experienced. Joe Traudt
Opposed to Beck expansion
We live at the northeast corner of Beck Road and Eight Mile Road. We are very much opposed to the Beck Road expansion project. The volume of traffic will drastically increase beyond what any of us can imagine. This project will not reduce accidents, due in part to the massively increased volume. The speed limit west of Beck on 8 Mile Road is 55. Coming into the intersection at Beck and 8 at that speed can be a significant issue. Some other considerations are: • It will become the 275 shortcut. • It will have a negative impact on the neighborhoods that border Beck Road. • The scope of the project is much too large for the space available. • The wildlife will be greatly impacted. • The green space between Beck and the adjacent neighborhoods will be eliminated. • Numerous trees that function as a sound barrier and welcome wildlife will have to be removed. • The quality of life for Northville residence will be diminished. • Noise will be greatly increased. • Increase the instability of homes along the corridor. These are just some of the many reasons that the Beck Road project is not appropriate. Northville will only serve to promote and encourage urban sprawl by supporting this project. All of us that live near and around Beck Road understand the realities of driving on it, and understand that it can be crowded. There are minimal, if any businesses, that Northville has along this corridor. John & Pam Dodge
Nothing positive
While your November article highlights the problems resulting from a wider Beck Road (more traffic, more accidents, confiscation of private property), it missed a key point. Northville will no longer be a point to travel to. It will become a point to travel through. There is absolutely no positive economic impact to Northville or Northville Township if Beck Road is widened. Paul Bartkowiak
Too much noise
I have lived in Blue Heron for 7-plus years. I’ve been complaining of road noise and congestion on Beck Road since I moved in. It’s loud all the time and ultimately hurts the values of our property. I actually hate the road noise. It’s no wonder people on Ridge and Napier have been fighting any expansion of their roads. It’s not fair. Pave and widen those roads to take some of the pressure off Beck. Also, stop allowing semi-trucks and construction trucks to roll through Beck. They should go around to I-275. It destroys people enjoying living here. Steve Grant
Expand Beck
I think Beck Road needs to be wider south of 8 Mile. Ideally, five lanes would be wonderful but even just three would be an improvement. The road does not seem wide enough anymore to accommodate today’s traffic volumes. Karen Martin
SOUND OFF
Find a new route
I live on Beck Road between 8 Mile and 9 Mile. As for widening Beck between 6 Mile and 8 Mile to three lanes, making a left turn lane, I think that is the max they should do if anything. I would rather see them leave the land alone. It’s a beautiful area and we want to keep it that way. The problem is that Beck is the only north/south road between two highways I-96 and M-14 - in our area. How about banning the heavy Class 8 trucks on Beck, but make a new north south road west of us somewhere. I realize those trucks are important but believe me, the racket they make is awful. As for widening from 8 Mile to Pontiac Trail - no! For the people that live right on Beck, the noise and traffic is horrendous. If there was another road the commercial vehicles could take, I think that is the answer. Plus, there is no room for them to do that without disrupting housing. Pam Barnett
Three lanes make sense
I vote for Beck Road to be expanded to three lanes. Maxine Baker
Sticking up for team
I always enjoy Brad Emons’s articles about NHS sports. Good reading. I do have one comment regarding the past article about the NHS boys tennis team in the November issue. First of all, congratulations to the 2021 team and coaches. Northville has had number one singles champions in the past, but I am guessing this may be the first time that Northville has had the number one singles player Dick Norton and number one doubles team as champions in the same year. A tremendous accomplishment. Now, regarding the statement “recorded their best finish in school history by placing third.” I do have an old Northville Record article that my mom kept that stated the 1967 boys tennis team finished third in the state. A little history. Back in the day there were not individual 1 thru 4 singles nor 1 thru 4 doubles in the season ending tournaments. All singles players played in the same flight and the same in doubles. In 1967 Northville played in the regionals at Eastern Michigan. Whoever won the regionals qualified for the state finals. I won in the singles and Randy Burnet and Ken Burger won in the doubles. We were fortunate that our number one singles and number one doubles qualified for the State Finals at Kalamazoo. Randy and Ken lost in the quarter finals. I lost in the semifinals to the eventual champion. We did garner enough points to indeed finish third in the state. Leading our team was longtime Northville coach, teacher and all-around great guy, Dick Norton. Thanks for letting me indulge. Have to stick up for the team. Jim Long
Please submit your letters by emailing Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com. Letters must be 150 words or less. We reserve the right to edit all letters. The ‘Ville 5
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Northville Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher (left) with Winchester Elementary Principal Kelly Lindsay and former Winchester student Ava Thomas.
‘Significant Moment of Change’ Mary Kay Gallagher announces her retirement at end of school year By Tim Smith
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hen Northville Public Schools Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher was an undergraduate student at Michigan State University in the early 1980s, pursuing a pre-med degree, she grew tired of a part-time job washing dishes at Holden Dining Hall. And she was not crazy about studying for a bachelor’s degree in medicine in the first place – since it really was at the urging of her father and she had a different vocation tugging at her heartstrings. “My dad (the late Tom Scullen, a school superintendent in Illinois and Wisconsin) had dreams of me being a medical doctor,” said Gallagher, who announced her retirement on Dec. 1. “But my path gravitated back towards kids.” Young college student Mary Kay Scullen felt her true calling was to work with and help educate young children. Her gut instinct would prove to be on point. She soon landed a new part-time job with a child development center on the East Lansing campus. Over the next several years she went on to earn a bachelor’s in elementary education (in 1983) and a master’s in K-12 educational administration (in 1988) – the latter with a 4.0 grade-point average, no less – and the rest is history.
8 The ‘Ville
“I got a job there and it started off being just some extra money, as I was working my way through college,” Gallagher recalled. “Rather than going the route of medicine, my calling was education. “Probably the hardest conversation I had about that was with my dad. Because that was at a time when jobs (in education) were not plentiful. So he actually was thinking I should do something different. But I followed my dream.” Those instincts turned out to be as prescient and perfect as her subsequent administrative career in Northville Public Schools turned out to be over 37 years, beginning in 1985 as coordinator of the district’s early childhood program. During the mid-1990s, after marrying Tim Gallagher (the Northville couple has two daughters, Katie and Sarah), she served as principal at Moraine Elementary School. In 2006, Gallagher became assistant superintendent for instructional services and – beginning in 2011 – ultimately and triumphantly led the growing district as its superintendent. Although Tom Scullen died in 2007, he was able to see that she made the right career choice by leaps and bounds. “My step into central office was certainly
with his (Scullen’s) encouragement,” she noted. “I was glad that I made that move before he passed away. His voice was very much in my ear at the time (then-Superintendent) Leonard Rezmierski retired and caused me to pursue that position. I never aspired to be a superintendent early in my career. So my dad was certainly an influential person in that whole process.” Gallagher’s storied career in the district is now in its final chapter, following her recent announcement to retire as of next June. That information went to families and employees on Dec. 1 through e-mails and the Northville Public Schools website. THE SEARCH BEGINS “I think we’ve got a tremendous team of educators and central office staff here in Northville,” Gallagher said. “We have a stable board of education. And just a tremendous community. So my goal in doing this announcement early, prior to the holidays, was really to allow ample time for that (nationwide) search process to take place. “I have confidence that this community will attract strong candidates. I have every bit of faith that it will be a positive and productive process. It’s all public, so there will be plenty of opportunities for community input. I feel good about that process unfolding.” Although the final couple years of her career have been fraught with unforeseen challenges – chief among them the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – Gallagher insisted those issues did not speed up her retirement timetable. “Last June I did have that conversation with the board that I was likely to retire in the next year or two,” Gallagher emphasized. “I certainly wanted to get past the pandemic, which obviously we’re still grappling with. Hopefully by spring we’ll get into better shape as far as that goes, with more vaccines available. But it’s certainly been a challenging couple of years. “But no, this is more a matter of where I’m at with my family. My husband’s been retired now for a year, and so it was really a decision for and with my family, for a bit more time and flexibility. I certainly hope
I think we’ve got a tremendous team of educators and central office staff here in Northville. We have a stable board of education. And just a tremendous community. So my goal in doing this announcement early, prior to the holidays, was really to allow ample time for that (nationwide) search process to take place. I have confidence that this community will attract strong candidates. I have every bit of faith that it will be a positive and productive process.” Mary Kay Gallagher Northville Schools Superintendent
and plan to stay involved in the Northville community.” The quest to find Gallagher’s successor already has begun. On Dec. 7, the Northville Board of Education approved a Request for Proposals (RFPs) which will be sent to a variety of search firms across the United States. RFP’s must be received by 5 p.m. Jan. 3, with the school board to then review those proposals, select and finally approve the top firm by Jan. 18. Interviews with finalists are expected Jan. 10-12.
Mary Kay Gallagher with members of the Northville High School Unified basketball team.
“If there aren’t any hiccups along the way that’s the projected timeline for making a selection of the search firm,” Gallagher said. “And then from there, the search firm helps the board facilitate. There will be an opportunity for community input as they develop the profile for the next leader of Northville Public Schools. And that ultimately will result in a posting of the position.” The goal is to make a final decision on a new superintendent in April or May, with that person on board by July 1. ‘SUPERHUMAN’ WORK ETHIC Whoever gets the nod will have tremendous shoes to fill, according to Northville board members Angela Jaafar and Sarah Prescott. “I am grateful for the time I’ve had to
work with Superintendent Gallagher as percent in 2017. I have learned so much from her in such Moreover, Moody’s Investor Service a short time,” noted Jaafar, in an e-mail. upgraded the district’s rating in 2014 from “Superintendent Gallagher is a pillar in the A1 to Aa3, the first time a Michigan district Northville community. As the leader of our could boast of a ratings upgrade since 2009. top-rated school district in the state, the In 2017, Gallagher oversaw the passage value she drives is immeasurable. of a $104.85 million bond proposal to “We can see the positive impact of her modernize and bring NPS facilities into the leadership from our student achievements 21st century. to the playgrounds and through our “We’ve been able to transform our property values. Everyone wants to be part learning spaces and address our aging of such an amazing school district and much facilities,” Gallagher said. “We haven’t is attributed to the leadership of Mary Kay solved the world’s problems in that regard, Gallagher.” but the launching of Hillside 2.0 and Prescott also weighed in on Gallagher’s addressing the renovation and rebirth of announcement. Old Village, there are many highlights of “This is a significant moment of change that bond proposal.” for our community,” Prescott stressed. But Gallagher doesn’t want to hear about “Mary Kay is the hub of a complicated her own successes, simply because she and finely tuned mechanism. She has a prides herself on being the ultimate team work ethic that can only be described as player who is all about fostering “a culture superhuman.” of learning and leadership” that brings out Prescott added that rarely in her life has the best in every young man and woman. she met anyone “so stone cold competent “I am just so grateful for all the people at their job, from ice cream scooper to CEO. that have crossed my path and that I had Mary Kay has taught me a huge amount in the opportunity to learn from and with,” a small time and I respect her immensely. Gallagher continued. “I think one of the This is a sad transition. Because we cannot really phenomenal things about Northville keep her, we must carry on and replace her schools and this community is that focus – and we will.” on learning, and the growth mindset. There The facts underscore that high praise. are always opportunities for growth and Today’s Northville district is made up improvement.” of about 7,400 students, 850 staffers, 11 schools and has a general fund budget of $78 million. It is fiscally strong with a general fund balance having grown from 3.6 percent of expenditures when Gallagher took over Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher still visits as many classrooms as she can. the helm to 25.9
The ‘Ville 9
Ken Holland, former Detroit Red Wings president and Northville resident, at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto where he was inducted last month. Photo by Matthew Manor/Hockey Hall of Fame
Holland’s Hall of Fame suit was designed by tailor Alexander Hamka (left), owner of Alexander’s Custom Clothiers in downtown Northville, and Adriana Francavilla.
A Perfect Fit Ken Holland stays loyal to local tailor for his Hall of Fame suit By Tim Smith
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hen longtime Detroit Red Wings executive Ken Holland found out he was being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, he knew exactly who to call to make him look like “a million bucks” for the once-in-a-lifetime experience. Holland immediately contacted his friend and tailor Alexander Hamka, owner of Alexander’s Custom Clothiers located in downtown Northville. “We built up a relationship,” said Holland, a Northville resident for nearly two decades before he left the Red Wings in 2019 to take an executive position with the Edmonton Oilers. “I do all my clothes shopping with Alex. I’ve gotten other people to come here, I introduced Alex and (former Red Wings coach) Mike (Babcock) and Mike bought
10 The ‘Ville
some clothes through Alex. “It was a natural for me when I got the (Hall of Fame) call. I knew I’d have to get a suit, so Alex’s the guy.” Holland’s snappy blue premium wool fabric suit came with a hidden surprise, perfect for the induction festivities in Toronto. Inside the collar, Hamka stitched the words “Hall of Fame” for posterity. “He put a special thing in there for me,” Holland noted. “It’s sort of hidden in there, right on the inside of the collar so nobody can see it. It’s sort of his little gift to me. “I’m very honored to go in, but he’s got it in a spot where it’s hidden and you won’t see it. Nobody would see it, but I certainly know it’s there.” That kind of under-theradar location fits Holland as
well as the Scabal suit does. Anybody who knows Holland from his many years crafting championship teams for the Red Wings knows he isn’t one to seek the limelight, so the message’s placement isn’t too surprising. It has never been about Ken Holland, which is how he likes it. In fact, at the Red WingsEdmonton game on Nov. 9 at Little Caesars Arena, the night before Holland picked up his suit at Alexander’s, the team paid him a video board tribute for his induction into the Hall of Fame. The official induction gala took place Nov. 15. Holland waved but seemed uncomfortable with the attention. “I’ll be glad when (the spate of festivities) are over and I can go back to being Edmonton GM
Ken Holland and worry about trying to win hockey games,” said Holland, who returned to Alexander’s Custom Clothiers the following afternoon to pick up his suit, shirts and three vibrant neckties before traveling to Ontario. “It was a great night. I was very honored with the tribute on the big screen and obviously fans gave me a nice round of support.” Being the hockey lifer (Holland was a pro goaltender who played three games for the Red Wings in 1983-84), it didn’t take long for him to change the subject. “I wish we would have won,” said Holland, whose Oilers dropped a 4-2 game to Detroit. “But I’ve been at it long enough to know it’s a roller-coaster ride. You win some and you lose some, and you just gotta win more than you lose.” THE PERSONAL TOUCH According to Hamka, a thirdgeneration custom tailor whose business is located at 124 W. Main Street, he was contacted in August by Holland about his pending induction into the Hall of Fame. “He told us that he was notified (by the NHL) and wanted to have a suit made
for it (the ceremony),” Hamka recalled. “The people in Toronto (where the Hall of Fame is located), they have their tailors and they make them garments.” Holland did talk to people connected with the Hall of Fame about having his suit tailored in Toronto. But the former Red Wings executive apparently told them that “he only has his clothes made here,” Hamka said. “I didn’t realize how big of a deal it was,” Hamka noted. “Because they have their own tailors, they like things done a certain way. Plus, they get to promote their players or their clothiers in Toronto. By (Holland) keeping it local, the hometown where he lived for so long and supporting us, it was a lot of loyalty right there.” Hamka added that “the family is so loyal it’s crazy. So when he called me up I said ‘Absolutely, I thought I’d never see you again.’” The suit was stitched together in house, using the same premium fabric featured in Hollywood blockbusters “The Godfather” and “Casino” Hamka said. “You really don’t see it (Scabal) in department stores at all,” said Hamka, not pinpointing the exact cost of Holland’s suit but adding it generally is sold for at least several thousand dollars. “Even if he (Holland) could (afford such a price tag) he is such a humble guy.” As for the special inscription emblazoned under the suit collar, Hamka said it was a special little gift for the new Hall of Famer. “I put the Hall of Fame under the collar, so when you pop the collar up you’ll see ‘Hall of Fame’ on there,” he continued.
Alexander Hamka added a special inscription under the collar of Holland’s new suit.
“I did that, he just literally rolled with it. He left it up to us. “Typically it (the ceremony) would be a black tie (event), but because of Covid they dressed it down a touch. So we still want to keep it somewhat fancy, and elegant, and formal. But we kind of surprised him with the Hall of Fame. Adriana (Francavilla) and I designed the whole suit for him.” REGULAR CUSTOMERS That the Edmonton, Canada-based general manager immediately got together with his friend and tailor to do the special garment – even though for most of the past 18 months he couldn’t even visit the United States due to international border restrictions – spoke volumes about how much Holland values friendship and loyalty. And Hamka said those characteristics are seen over and over again from the many sports and entertainment executives who continue to come to his business and keep it strong despite the pandemic’s
taking a big chunk out of many retailers since March 2020. Former Detroit Red Wings goalie and current Bally’s Sports Detroit studio analyst Chris Osgood, who lives in Plymouth, is another of Hamka’s devoted patrons. Hamka also said longtime Plymouth Whalers coach and executive Mike Vellucci (now an assistant coach with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins) is yet another regular customer. “We deal with a lot of
athletes, football, hockey,” Hamka said. “We deal with a lot of the upper management of the Detroit Lions and Red Wings, whatnot. Mike Babcock (who lived in Northville during his Detroit coaching stint) still gets his stuff from us. Osgood does.” Meanwhile, business at Alexanders actually picked up because of the 2020 statemandated lockdown. According to Hamka, changes in dietary habits during the pandemic resulted in some clients losing weight and needing to be fitted for new suits and sports coats. “We’re dealing with a lot of the executives and CEOs,” Hamka said. “So those people who usually are traveling and eating on the plane, eating airplane food, … when they weren’t (traveling) they trimmed up completely. Their diet changed. So now, all of their clothes didn’t fit and they still got to look the part running the companies.” Always doing just that for decades is Hall of Famer Ken Holland, diminutive in physical stature but bigger than life as an NHL mover and shaker.
The 2021 Hockey Hall of Fame inductees are Kevin Lowe (from left), Jerome Iginla, Ken Holland, Kim St. Pierre, Doug Wilson and Marian Hossa. Photo by Matthew Manor/Hockey Hall of Fame
The ‘Ville 11
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I
f you’re in a band, hearing your song on the radio is pretty great. Let Northville’s Patrick Deneau explain: “It was kind of a ‘That Thing You Do!” moment,” he said, referring to the popular Tom Hanks film, in which Hanks’ character manages a band that break into joy when their song debuts on the radio. When WDET-FM played “East Jordan Ironworks” from The City Lines new “Waiting on a Win” LP, Deneau, family and fellow band member Brandon Benson were there. “Everyone started dancing. It sounds like you’re somebody else. That was a cool experience for me,” said Deneau. He leads the indie-heartland-Americana band. By day, he is a firefighteremergency medical technician, husband and father -- and Sault Tribe member. The Northville High School grad’s band project – all three members of the band are Northville High alums – shows that belief in learning, public service and the power of music to inspire can survive a pandemic. Deneau said he hopes the record “will inspire other folks working in public safety to seek music or pursue art as therapy.” The City Lines raised a ruckus at their well-attended official LP-release party in late November. They played to a packed PJ’s Lager House on Michigan Avenue in Corktown. “I was blown away by seeing some people I didn’t know singing the words to our songs,” Deneau said. His songwriting started as a way to blow off some steam and hit the reset button mentally. “I found music, particularly writing, to be therapeutic and I
14 The ‘Ville
used it to explore themes in my life and create characters that resembled people in the world I often see.”
The City Lines is comprised of Northville High grads Brandon Benson, Jack Spivey and Patrick Deneau. Photo by Anastasia McKendrick.
Sending Out Positive Vibes
Public service, native heritage help guide music of The City Lines By Kevin Brown
Northville's Patrick Deneau with wife Crista and their daughter Isla.
NATIVE ROOTS Beyond music, Deneau is also learning more about his native Sault Tribe heritage. “I’ve often wanted to feel closer to the tribe physically and spiritually. My mother Brenda, who is originally from the Soo, had left long ago for a life in Detroit (she works in retail; dad Christopher worked in the printing industry) and a lot of the cultural touchstones of growing up native were somewhat lost on my sister (Elizabeth Osantoski) and I.” Deneau is teaching daughter Isla some common Ojibwe words at home, learned through online courses sponsored by his tribe’s language and culture department. His favorite Ojibwe word is “boozhoo” -- a playful greeting similar to “What’s up?” “When you say ‘boozhoo’ to someone, you are actually asking them if they are the spirit of Nanabozho, a trickster in the form of a rabbit,” Deneau said. Another word is “Nishin,” (nashin) which means “good.” On Friday nights, he, wife Crista, Isla and Deneau’s parents dance together in a circle in the living room. “Not necessarily to traditional native music or anything, but to whatever feels good. It’s our way of channeling positive energy into the universe,” he said. PLAYING IN THE BAND The City Lines is made up of Jack Spivey and Deneau on guitars and Benson on bass. All three sing. Their record was recorded and mixed at Plymouth Rock Recording
Company in Plymouth, Plymouth Rock Corktown in Detroit, and blushtonemusic in Ypsilanti. More recording took place in the Deneau’s laundry room, Benson’s bedroom, “and Room 229 at the BloomingtonNormal Marriot Hotel in Normal, Illinois,” Deneau said. Evan Starr – another Northville High graduate -recorded most of the drums. He lives in Durham, North Carolina. “He did fly in for the gig at PJ’s with us,” Deneau said. Other key contributors include Asa Brosius on lap steel and Ali Wiercioch on vocals. Recording began before the pandemic. The group got creative with at-home recording setups and file sharing to complete the project. The songs include “Thank You for Your (Public) Service.” It explores how some days as a public safety worker you feel heroic and brave, but others you might feel small and deflated. “For Heaven’s Sake” explores “how strange it is as a young person to have to explain your family tree to your school peers when asked why you may not present as ‘Indian’ as they do in the textbooks or movies.”
Members of The City Lines “spin” some records. Photo by Crista Deneau
TOP OF THE MITTEN Deneau spent his early years growing up around Petoskey, in lower northern Michigan. His dad was a volunteer firefighter. “It seemed like a fun job, seeing my dad helping people. I thought I wanted to help people, too.” Deneau recalled a visit to the Soo, when his Uncle Rudy walked in with a guitar and started fingerpicking something “probably by John Prine. It was the first time I’d ever seen somebody do that,” Deneau said. A few years later, seeing the Rolling Stones at The Palace served as another lesson about the power of music. “Everyone was singing along; my uncle and my grandpa were singing. I remember being struck that everybody knew the words.”
celebrations. At Wayne, Deneau met Crista, also studying in the Wayne State arts program. Also a photographer, she now runs her own photography events business, Deneau Photographic. Deneau became a parttime firefighter in 2005, while working on his bachelor’s degree at Wayne State. He graduated in 2009 and began working as a full-time firefighter in 2011. “It’s ultimately a greater calling. I love being a fire fighter and I love when other people see that too— maybe that will inspire them to get involved in public service,” he said. For more information about The City Lines, including how to purchase (and listen to) their music, visit thecitylines.com. They are also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
He got his first guitar as a teen and began playing with friends in punk-inspired bands. After graduating from Northville High in 2004, music generally was set aside after Deneau entered Wayne State University -- not to seek a career, but to explore photography and the arts. His grandfather Alan Deneau had been a photographer for The Detroit News – capturing subjects including Martin Luther King Jr. leading a Detroit march for justice, and Detroit Red Wings 1950s Stanley Cup Patrick Deneau plays guitar and sings. Photo by Anastasia McKendrick champion
The ‘Ville 15
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‘Twas the month of Christmas
‘Twas the month of Christmas, when all through The ‘Ville There were plenty of people stirring, looking for their holiday fill It began with a parade, lighted and full of care In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there That jolly old elf rode high upon his sleigh, and received the city key And unlocked the smiles of the children, who were filled with glee Santa was followed by a herd of colorful Volkswagen reindeer Adorned with colorful lights, big antlers and easy to steer Through the crowded streets, and to the center of Town Square Where the tree was waiting to be lit, along with our Mayor With the help of many youngsters, he flipped the switch Up went the ‘aahs’ and the town center looked oh so rich Others came to town, seeking a market of Holiday Greens Where they found wreathes and garland for their own Christmas scenes Shoppers hit the downtown shops looking for a special, hard-to-find gift For all the loved ones whose spirits they’re hoping to give a lift
18 The ‘Ville
The Christmas season was celebrated over at Maybury Farm Where the families mingled with the animals inside the historic barn Santa made a few stops, long enough for the kiddies to say hello Snap a pic, whisper in his ear and walk away all aglow Over at Mill Race Village, revelers were transported back through time Enjoying some Victorian holiday traditions that haven’t been left behind Back Downtown on December weekends, new traditions were made Like strolling musicians and carriage rides, while some reindeer played It’s clear no place does the holidays quite like The ‘Ville How fortunate it is we live in a place where we can get our fill Of that wonderful Christmas spirit and hometown pride And as the final countdown begins for Santa’s big ride Remember his words, as he gets ready to take flight “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” – Photos by Bryan Mitchell – Poem by Kurt Kuban (with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore)
The ‘Ville 19
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‘It’s the Most Alone Feeling’
Infertility, lost pregnancies can bring grief during holidays By Maria Taylor
F
or many, the holidays are all about making happy family memories. But for couples who are struggling to have a baby, it can be an especially hard time. “When your mailbox is constantly flooded with holiday cards with pictures of people and their kids and their happy year, and you’re struggling to even get pregnant, that can completely knock you off your feet,” said Jesse Sutherland. “Or you were
to start a family?’ at family and friend events, so I kind of publicly announced our struggles and wanted to launch a community support group to bring people together who were also struggling.” Northville resident Emily Nelson was one of them. She met Sutherland at her prenatal yoga studio, where Sutherland was at that point holding meetings. “It’s the most alone feeling,” Nelson said.
FILLING A NEED Since then, the group has progressed into two: one for infertility/loss and one for after pregnancy loss. Nelson co-leads the infertility/loss group along with Northville resident Steffanie Marshall. Lilly Pritula, who lives in Farmington Hills, leads the pregnancy after loss group along with Sutherland, who’s in Royal Oak. Pritula said the group’s authenticity is a breath of fresh air. “This group was absolutely my safe space — just being able to be so authentic and saying I am not buying into the positivity that everyone’s trying to say, like ‘Oh, there’s no way something bad could happen again to you because you’ve already had bad things happen,’” she said. “It doesn’t all just go away when you see the pink lines,” Sutherland added. “Instead, it’s this pairing of emotions like excitement and fear and happy and terrified and hopeful, but also just always waiting for the other shoe to drop.” One in eight couples have experienced infertility. It’s one in four for pregnancy loss. Yet there’s still a huge stigma around both, Pritula said. Pritula is in a same-sex marriage, so for her, “that’s our only option.” “So many people put a lot of blame on themselves for finding themselves dealing with infertility, and it’s hard to watch
The first holiday that I went to, the family was like, ‘I’m so sorry your baby isn’t here with us.’ That was it. And I was just like, ‘Thank you so much for saying that.’ This baby was real. This experience was real. And what happened to us was real.” Steffanie Marshall pregnant, and now the baby you expected to be here this holiday isn’t here.” Sutherland knows this firsthand. For the past several years, she and three Metro Detroit friends have been heading up peer-to-peer groups aimed at supporting women who are dealing with infertility and pregnancy loss. Sutherland started the effort after four years of struggling with infertility and two first-trimester losses. “I felt really alone and misunderstood, and felt like a lot of people were tiptoeing around us,” she said. “There were a lot of questions like ‘When are you guys going
22 The ‘Ville
“Jesse was able to help pick me up.” Now their mission is giving back. As Nelson said, it’s a way to put her grief into action. Volunteering (it’s all completely volunteer work) is her way of honoring her daughter Veda, who is no longer here. “We hope that they leave even a little bit lighter,” Sutherland said. “It’s really a tragically beautiful thing that sometimes these women come to us and they’re just hurting so badly, and to see them leave a meeting with the sense of connection so many of them are yearning for.”
people try and process that, because I feel like fertility is something that no matter how hard you work, or if you do everything the right way, there’s still no guarantee,” she said. “More of us now are trying to give a voice to this, but I still think the vast majority of people aren’t comfortable talking about it — and it can cause such a trickle-down effect in families and in relationships, and there’s a lot that goes into it aside from the actual medical portion.” Both groups have an online presence on the Detroit Mom website: detroitmom. com/infertility-loss-support-group and detroitmom.com/pregnancy-after-loss-
support-group. Marshall, who’s a writer with Detroit Mom, contributes articles for the sites. There’s also a 200-member private Facebook group. Like so many groups, they went virtual when the pandemic hit. Then things really took off. Twice as many people as normal showed up to the first virtual meeting, and while the group is still primarily local, some members hail from Connecticut and Oregon. “People were really in crisis,” Pritula said. Fertility treatments are considered elective, and resources were being put toward COVID instead. “Understandably,” she added. “But for many women, the clock has been ticking and there’s no way around that. Even things like going out to dinner with your girlfriends, where you can say ‘I’ve been struggling’ — even that was taken away. So having this space where people were all kind of in the same boat had to have been really meaningful.”
Lilly Pritula (clockwise from top left), Emily Nelson, Steffanie Marshall and Jesse Sutherland. Photos by Rachelle Welling Photography
HOLIDAY ADVICE For friends and family who don’t want to be that awkward person at the holiday gathering, the women offer two pieces of advice. First, try to do your own research. “Even if it’s just some simple Google searches to understand what IVF means or what an IUI process is like,” Sutherland said. “In my own personal struggles, I was always the most touched by people who
took the time to learn, themselves, so that I didn’t have to be going through this terrible thing and also educating them on it. That can be a really powerful way to show support.” Secondly, acknowledge the loss. Marshall said, “The first holiday that I went to, the family was like, ‘I’m so sorry your baby isn’t here with us.’ That was it. And I was just like, ‘Thank you so much for saying that.’ This baby was real. This experience was real. And what happened to us was real, and this is how we’re living and moving forward.” That rings true for Pritula, too. “I think people feel that they’re bringing up this painful thing and they don’t want to bring down the mood, but for us, it’s quite the opposite. Of course, it’s under sad circumstances. But there’s never a time where someone has mentioned my son or said his name that I’ve been like, ‘I wish they didn’t do that.’ Having that remembrance always brings joy.”
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Junior Emily Roden was All-State in four events. Photo by Nutan Satapathy Senior forward Michael Chimenti (10) earned first-team All-State honors as the Mustangs finished 17-2-4 overall. Photo by Rob Rosowski Sophomore Brendan Herger earned All-State honors with an 18th-place finish overall at the Division 1 state finals. Photo by Mark McCaslin
A Fall To Remember Mustangs continue run of success at regional, state level
T
he fall 2021 season exploits of the fourtime MHSAA Division 1 champion Northville girls golf team – coached by Chris Cronin and led by Megha Vallabaneni, Samantha Coleman, Avi Gill, Haesol Park, Meghana Lanka and Ally Zuidema -- have been well documented (see November 2021 issue). Also highlighted in that issue was Northville boys tennis team, which recorded its best finish since 1967 as the Mustangs took third overall in Division 1 standings while bringing home the No. 1 singles title (Sachiv Kumar) and No. 1 doubles crown (Aditya Pundhir and Quinn Cassar). Not to be outdone were several other fall sports teams who made a name in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association, but also at the state tournament level. Here is a capsule look at how those other fall sports teams fared.
Northville defeated Clarkston in the regional final, 1-0, after ousting defending D1 champion Novi Detroit Catholic Central for the district championship, 3-1. Guided by Henry Klimes, who completed his 31st season as head coach, Northville also captured the overall KLAA championship with a 4-1 victory over Livonia Stevenson after winning the East Division title with a 10-0-4 record. Earning first-team AllState honors for the Mustangs include senior forward Michael Chimenti and junior goalkeeper Andrew Swancutt. Senior midfielder Kyle Stoner earned honorable mention All-State. All three were named to the All-KLAA team along with senior defender Levi Miller, sophomore defender Nick Settle, senior midfielder Jonathan Lima del Paula, and junior midfielders Alex Nevelos and Matt Shehab.
BOYS SOCCER
Coach Sarah Lindstrom guided the Mustangs (49-5) to a top 10 ranking before falling in the D1 quarterfinals to Ann Arbor Skyline, 3-1. Northville won its first
The Mustangs (17-2-4) earned their first trip to the Division 1 semifinals since 2007 before losing to eventual state champion Okemos, 1-0.
26 The ‘Ville
VOLLEYBALL
By Brad Emons
The volleyball team shows off their regional championship trophy.
district and regional titles since 2018 with victories over Canton (3-0) and Saline (3-0). The Mustangs also captured the KLAA West Division with an 11-0 record. Junior outside hitter Abby Reck earned second-team AllState honors by the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association, while senior setter Juliana Imbuzerio was named honorable mention. Both Reck and Imbuzerio were named to the All-Region 17 team along with junior libero Taryn Rice, senior middle hitter Erin Morrissey and junior rightside hitter Lauren MacKellar. Reck, Imbuzerio, Morrissey and Rice also earned All-KLAA honors.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY The Lady Mustangs always seem to be in the hunt among the top Division 1 programs in the state and this season was no different as they placed fourth in the team standings (197 points) on Nov. 6 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Northville earned its 13th top 10 finish at the state finals under Coach Nancy Smith. The Mustangs also captured their 11th KLAA championship since she took over the program in 2001. At the state finals, senior Jennie Line ran 18:11.84 over 5 kilometers to place 10th overall and earn All-State (top 30) honors. Rounding out the Mustangs’
Coach Nancy Smith’s team earned a fourth-place finish in the Division 1 finals and also captured the KLAA championship this season. Photo by Ann Couyoumjian
D1 scoring contingent was freshman Cassie Garcia, 43rd (18:52.35); sophomore Ella Christensen, 44th (18:53.99); senior Gina Couyoumjian, 98th (19:31.41); and junior Anna Gdowski, 124th (19:43.98). Also part of the Northville state finals contingent were freshman Rosie Gregory (145th, 20:02.41) and Maya Labonte (193rd, 20:33.63). At the Region 6 meet held at Hudson Mills Metropark, Northville was runner-up to Plymouth (50-58) as Line took first individually (18:35.0), while Christensen placed fifth (19:32.6). At the KLAA meet held at Huron Meadows, Northville held off Brighton (55-57) getting top 10 finishes from Line (third, 18:18.1), Christensen (seventh, 18:51.8) and Garcia (eighth, 18:51.8), while Couyoumjian added a 12th (19:32.4).
Mustangs included juniors Brock Malaikal (56th, 16:25.74) and Brady Heron (64th, 16:29.31); freshman Ethan Powell (94th, 16:41.28) and senior Brian McCallum (96th, 16:42.12). Also part of the Mustangs’ state finals contingent was senior Noah Eckenroth (100th, 16:43.77) and junior Brandon Latta (105th, 16:44.80). At the Hudson Mills Metropark Region 6 meet, Northville ran away from the field for its first title since 2014 with 39 points led by Herger, (second, 16:23.7); Powell (third, 18:24.8); Heron (sixth, 16:37.1); Latta (10th, 16:51.2); and Malaikal (18th, 17:00.6). Also placing were McCallum (19th, 17:01.7) and Eckenroth (21st, 17:11.0). At the KLAA meet, Division
1 champion Brighton took first with 53 points followed by Hartland and Northville with 74 and 76, respectively. Top 10 finishers for Northville included Herger (fourth, 16:01.83); Powell (seventh, 16:10.88); and Heron (eighth, 16:13.36). Northville captured the KLAA’s West Division dual meet title with a 7-0 record.
SWIMMING After taking third place in 2020, Coach Brian McNeff’s team turned in another strong showing with a fifth-place finish (177 points) at the Division 1 finals held Nov. 19-20 at the Holland Aquatics Center. Northville boasted All-State (top eight) performances in all three relay events, as well as four individual events. Senior Laurel Wasiniak was runner-up in the 100- and 200yard freestyles with times of 51.10 and 1:50.45, respectively, while junior Emily Roden was also second in the 200 individual medley (2:03.21) and 100 butterfly (54.82). The foursome of sophomore Ocean Taylor, junior Emma Dreiman, senior Emily Lowman
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Earning a fourth place in the D1 finals with 204 points, Northville recorded its best finish since its runner-up finish in 2015. And the future looks bright in 2022 for Coach Tim Dalton’s squad as five of the top seven runners return, including their top four scorers led by sophomore All-Stater Brendan Herger, who took 18th overall in 15:51.29. Other scorers for the
Coach Tim Dalton’s squad placed fourth in the Division 1 state finals after winning its first regional title since 2014. Photo by Mark McCaslin
and Wasiniak took third in the 200 freestyle relay (1:36.97). Northville’s 400 freestyle relay team of Roden, Taylor, Lowman and Wasiniak also placed third (3:29.10). The Mustangs’ 200 medley relay team of sophomores Katherine White and Maddie Pohlman, along with Roden and Taylor added a fifth (1:46.71). Other state meet scorers for Northville included Lowman, 12th, 100 breaststroke (1:06.00); Taylor, 13th, 100 freestyle (53.41); and Ava Jurkiewicz, 14th, 100 breaststroke (1:06.76). At the KLAA meet hosted by Brighton, Northville took six gold, one silver and one bronze en route to the team title with 991, while the host Bulldogs were second with 819. Wasiniak was conference champion in the 200 freestyle (1:51.19) and 100 freestyle (51.27), while Roden captured the 200 IM (2:04.43). All three relay teams were victorious including the 200 medley (1:46.30), 200 freestyle (1:36.72) and 400 freestyle (3:30.64).
FOOTBALL The Mustangs wound up 3-6 overall and sixth in the KLAA’s West Division at 2-5. Northville’s three-game Eight Mile Jug series winning streak against Novi came to a halt with the Wildcats winning, 31-17. Northville still leads the alltime series, 28-25. Northville’s All-KLAA selections include senior wide receiver Kai Saunders, senior cornerback Ray Shukeireh and junior receiver Nolan Thomson. Senior offensive lineman Jake Merritt made the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division-Region 2 team.
The ‘Ville 27
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Northville CARES, the whole purpose was, who is doing what, where, with what group of kids? Are we stepping on each other’s toes, are there gaps in supports and services for kids? And if there are, we need to identify those and figure out which agency is best suited to meet those gaps. And communication is big, so we all know what we are all doing.” Amy Prevo, Director of Northville Youth Network
Casting A Larger Safety Net Northville CARES streamlines help for troubled youth By Tim Smith
T
o whom much is given, much is expected. In high-achieving schools and communities, the drive to excel and succeed can become stifling for younger people. Add in a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and those adolescents might become prone to anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts -- let alone turning to drugs and alcohol or other negative actions which can lead them down into a deep hole that can be hard to climb out of. For those living in the greater Northville community, however, a comprehensive consortium is ready to help keep them from falling through the cracks. It’s the Northville CARES for Youth Advisory Council, with the acronym standing for “Connecting to Advance Resources Education and Support.” The non-profit organization was launched in 2020 and recently unveiled its website (northvillecares.org), where
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anyone seeking resources, support and even direction about what might be causing them anxiety and pain can tap in and pull out what they need. “Schools can’t do it by themselves,” said Elizabeth Santer, executive director of special services for Northville Public Schools and co-chair of Northville CARES. “We already had the partnership with Northville Youth Network, but it became clear we needed a council where we’re joining other community agencies and strengthening a movement to move the community forward in resources and supports in whatever families need.” Concurring was CARES cochair Amy Prevo, who oversees Northville Youth Network, one of the nine organizations and agencies involved in Northville CARES. “Whether it’s behavior choices or mental health issues like depression or anxiety, or other areas that are impacting our kids,” Prevo noted,
“Northville CARES is focused on the general well-being of kids from a variety of different perspectives.” Components of Northville CARES (which finally held its first in-person meeting in midOctober after months of being relegated to Zoom) include Northville Public Schools, New Hope Center for Grief Support, Hegira Health, Northville Parents of African American Students, Growth Works, Northville Youth Network (NYN), Northville Council of PTAs, Northville District Library, and police departments for the city and township. Local leaders including Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull and Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo are enthusiastically behind the effort. “People have to know they’re not doing this alone,” Turnbull stressed. “Almost one out of two people have had opportunities trying to get through Covid. And it’s up to all of us in the
community to help each other and I think this (Northville CARES) is just an outstanding example of many organizations coming together for our youth and our students.” Helping people who might be in need of a hand up is “the right thing to do, it’s what we want to do.” Abbo said, and Northville CARES checks that critical box. “Northville Township’s core purpose is to connect, engage and serve the community,” Abbo stated. “We care about our community. Every member of Northville Township is important. If somebody is hurting, we want to offer assistance. “We will use our resources to help our youth because we remember how hard it is growing up and we didn’t have a pandemic thrown into the mix. Northville CARES is a great example of how coming together for the greater purpose of helping others is good for the entire community.” WHERE TO GO? Indeed, as underscored by Turnbull and Abbo, teaming up for the greater good is the primary reason for the consortium, and to help people get their arms around what type of help is available
– rather than perhaps getting overwhelmed with having too much information or not really knowing where to go for help. “Northville CARES, the whole purpose was, who is doing what, where, with what group of kids?” Prevo explained. “Are we stepping on each other’s toes, are there gaps in supports and services for kids? And if there are, we need to identify those and figure out which agency is best suited to meet those gaps. And communication is big, so we all know what we are all doing.” An example of how Northville CARES does just that is the scheduled screenings of the feature length documentary Chasing Childhood, a timely and essential film during these times of great pressure and societal pitfalls which pop up like mine fields for teens and their families. “There’s anxiety and depression, risk of suicide,” Santer said. “Chasing Childhood is all about this. It’s
a natural progression of that conversation.” The movie (produced in association with the non-profit Let Grow) will be screened 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 and 10 a.m. Jan. 29 at Northville High School. Cosponsoring the screenings are Northville Youth Network and the PTA. Prevo said a 2019 Washington Post article about how students in high-achieving school districts are now considered part of an “at-risk” group was discovered by Northville Public Schools Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher. The Post article cited research (including a consensus study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine) which painted a picture that “excessive pressure to excel” is linked to the growth of behavioral and mental health woes among young people. With that article as the catalyst, discussions among Northville community leaders
“Chasing Childhood” Northville Youth Network and Northville Council of PTAs are sponsoring two showings of the documentary Chasing Childhood, which will include a post film Q&A. The screenings will take place from 6:30-8:15 p.m. on Jan. 20 and from 10-11:45 a.m. on Jan. 29, both at the Northville High School Auditorium. To register for either screening, send an email to johnsosu@ northvilleschools.org. To check out the trailer, visit www. chasingchildhooddoc.com. For more information, contact youthnetwork@ twp.northville.mi.us.
ultimately led to finding out about the movie and getting screenings booked at the high school. “That just gives you the idea of one person within the community, who happened to be the superintendent, came across something that was important and relevant,” Prevo continued. “It (bounced around) to different organizations. We wouldn’t have done that had we not been so connected.” Screening Chasing Childhood for parents and students potentially will keep the conversation going. “Chasing Childhood is about overparenting and the achievement culture,” Prevo said. “And the Northville community falls into that (category) for sure. The perspective of Northville CARES is, let’s take that specific topic and really look at it from each different organization (within the consortium) and how we interact with families. “Because sometimes there’s some things that are important to delve into with either kids or parents, but the schools might not be the appropriate place for that.” JOINING FORCES Both Santer and Prevo reiterated that although individual agencies did important work, each entity stayed in its lane. With Northville CARES, there’s a super-highway teeming with public-minded volunteers going to bat for residents. “Before, all of us did great things,” Santer said. “But we did great things for the demographic or the people we touched. But, how do you move a community when they are all
not connected? “To have this go (and succeed) you need to have a structure that is co-led by a community and a school person, there are regular meetings, the opportunity for discussion and continuing the dialogue is happening. And then joint ideas come back.” Interaction and collaboration between the organizations of Northville CARES keeps the wheel moving forward. And one piece is designed to connect to the next. Prevo said the summer 2020 protests and social unrest over the murder of George Floyd prompted Northville Parents for African American Students to hook up with the University of Michigan on EMBRace – an interactive discussion program, “Engaging, Managing and Bonding through Race.” “That program helped African American families, parents and their children to reflect and digest all of what was going on,” Prevo recalled. “To process the way the media was handling everything, just the messaging.” Because NPAAS is part of Northville CARES, “they were looking to recruit families to participate. When I came across families in my daily work at NYN, I would say ‘Do you know there’s a program called EMBRace that NPAAS is doing?’ “Those are ways we connect with one another, the way we work with kids within our own organizations, knowing those other resources are available,” she continued. “It makes each of our organizations stronger because we have more
CARES continued on page 32
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CARES Continued from page 31
stand prepared to help young people get back up on their feet. “They (police officers) may resources to bring to kids.” need to be involved to give The library and Northville support,” Turnbull said. “They Youth Network also collaborate know where to go and that on the Overbooked program, a clearing house (the CARES book club for consortium) parents where will get the titles often right people focus on timely involved at WHAT: Consortium of local topics such as the right time, agencies, organizations, dealing with depending on businesses and schools to share social media the need of, resources and programming and helping to in this case, available to Northville families. relieve stress the students and burden or our youth. PARTNERS: Northville Public from kids. It’s really for Schools, New Hope Center for Prevo said society.” Grief Support, Hegira Health, her group The age-old Northville Parents of African selects a group idiom might American Students, Growth of books. From be it takes Works, Northville Youth Network, there the a village to Northville Council of PTAs, library receives raise a child. Northville District Library, the list, makes Applying that and the two Northville police sure the books to Northville departments are available CARES, the MORE INFO: Visit and promotes “hub” needs northvillecares.org Overbooked all the various through its website. agencies – the “spokes” – to And Santer makes sure form a successful consortium. school families know about “Our kids are super and Overbooked, too. they’re talented and they’re “I did push that because smart and they’re driven,” it’s a really great resource for Prevo emphasized. “They’re parents and again, it’s all part of true leaders in a lot of different the collaboration,” Santer said. ways. But there’s a need there. “We’re all busy. If I know, not They are asking for support and just that they have it (a specific they’re showing that need in a book) but I understand what it’s variety of ways. about and the target audience. “But at the same time, our “That is good information for community has so many people, me to tell our school staff, our whether it’s our school district, counselors, our social workers, our organizations, our law our psychologists.” enforcement agencies. So many different stakeholders that READY TO HELP really care and want to provide Meanwhile, it is inevitable that support. that some adolescents falter “At Northville CARES we just regardless of all those efforts. want to bridge that gap between What happens then? the two, where the need is and According to Mayor where the support is so that we Turnbull, police departments can help our kids.” in both the city and township
Northville CARES for Youth Advisory Council
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SHARE IT The Community Bulletin Board Page is just what it says. If you have events, photos or accomplishments you’d like to share with the community, please email Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.
Moody Wins Lou Groza Award University of Michigan senior Jake Moody, a Northville High School grad, is the winner of the 2021 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award. Moody was the only FBS kicker to make more than 20 field goals at a rate of 90% or better without missing an extra point this season. At 22-for24 on the season, his 91.7% accuracy is second-best among kickers with 20 field goals, and stands as by far the most accurate in Michigan history on at least 20 attempts. Moody, who is U-M’s first Groza winner, beat out Oklahoma junior Gabe Brkic and Ohio State senior Noah Ruggles for the award. The national panel of voters is comprised of more than 100 FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers. Since the first Lou Groza Award was handed out in 1992, 28 finalists, including 16 winners, have gone on to appear in the NFL, earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl and taking home six Super Bowls. Moody and the No. 2 Wolverines take on No. 3 Georgia at 7:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve in the Orange Bowl. The winner will play in the National Championship game on Jan. 10.
New Police Chief Onboard Undefeated! Scott Hilden, a 29-year law enforcement veteran, is the new police chief for Northville Township. He replaces Paul Tennies, who retired Dec. 17 after 19 years with the department. Hilden comes to Northville after having served as chief of public safety/police and emergency management for Washtenaw Community College (since 2016), where he oversaw a department of seven sworn officers, 34 non-sworn officers and staff, and was responsible for emergency operations planning and led the crisis management team. Prior to his time at WCC, Hilden spent 24 years with the Canton Township Police Department, where he rose up through the ranks to become deputy chief. Chief Hilden was sworn in on Dec. 6 (pictured with Clerk Roger Lundberg), and said he was excited to get started. “From what I have seen, this organization seems to be exceptional,” Hilden said. “I’m very happy to be part of the team. I’m going to do the absolute best job I can and I look forward to working with everybody.” Todd Mutchler, the township’s manager, said the township “will benefit from his experience keeping communities safe” and noted his “exceptional customer service.” “Chief Hilden is the right person to fill the big shoes that Chief Tennies leaves,” Mutchler said.
34 The ‘Ville
The Meads Mill Middle School boys cross country team completed an undefeated season, and both the varsity and JV boys teams won the League Meet. The boys varsity team also placed 2nd out of 25 teams in the first-ever MHSAA Middle School Regional Cross Country Meet at Macomb Dakota on Oct. 23, while the JV team came in first place at the regional. Meanwhile, the Meads Mills girls varsity squad placed 3rd in the league and 3rd at the Regional, while the JV team placed 2nd in the league and 4th at the Regional meet. The teams are coached by Mike Soukup, Sarah Debien and Karen Hopkins. Pictured are top five finishers Tyler Sillick, Manny Coates, Benjamin Hartigan, Brandon Cloud, and Basho Muhlbauer.
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Do you Believe? I
celebrate Christmas and have the utmost respect for others who celebrate other faith-filled holidays at this time of the year. One of my favorite holiday classic movies is Miracle on 34th Street - the original one starring Natalie Wood. There is a quote from that film that applied in the 1940s and still does today: “Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.” If you feel all that surrounds you is chaos, faith comes in handy. It shines through - but sometimes you have to look deep in your heart and keep focused on your piece of the world.
Great Harvest was just one of the local merchants that offered Sandi Haas donations for Northville Civic Concern.
GRATITUDE On Nov. 18 Blasius Gallery (in neighboring Farmington Hills) held an event for various kitchen and bath dealers in the area. The focus in 4th Quarter at this family-owned wholesale business was “Gratitude”. The event was an opportunity to thank dealers, and support one of our local food banks. Marlene Kunz, of Northville Civic Concern was thrilled with the generous amount of food and supplies delivered the next morning. According to Sandi Haas, who is active in the Northville community and a designer at Blasius: “Giving back is the real reason for the season.”
36 The ‘Ville
Sweet Brew owners (from left) Marco Lytwyn, Rosangela Lytwyn and Sandro Lytwyn.
HELPING OUT I’d like to say thanks to the crew at Sweet Brew ’N Spice Café. They’ve been pitching in around town at different events - serving up hot chocolate, sweet treats, coffee, tea and more. I personally called on them to help at an event and everything went so smoothly. They are located on the Main Street level of the Northville Square mall. It appears their warm hospitality is catching on. Every time I stop in there’s a full house. If you haven’t been, you’re missing out. I still need to try the made-to-order crepes. STILL GOING STRONG During the first weekend in December, The Lace Museum, also located in the Northville Square Mall, celebrated a milestone anniversary. Mary Salmon, the curator, is grateful: “I thank each and every one of you for your encouragement, your interest and respect over the past five years. The Lace Museum would not have survived without you. We are still going strong.” They have gorgeous holiday gifts for sale from Mary’s recent trip to the Netherlands and Poland, including soaps, handmade tea towels, European textiles and, of course, lace. Congratulations, Mary! VIRTUAL HOME TOUR If you have watched all your favorite holiday movies already…here’s a suggestion for a really cool event to tune in and turn on - that benefits the Northville Community Foundation (NCF). They are doing the annual holiday home tour virtually. They
are showcasing eight of the community’s most beautifully decorated homes. You can purchase tickets the day you want to preview. The virtual tour will be available through December 24th. NCF Executive Director Diana Wallace is appreciative: “You can support Maybury Farm and community non-profits safely this season by enjoying our professionally filmed virtual tour.” For more information contact the NCF at info@ northvillecommunityfoundation.org.
Comerica’s Rita Homminga clowns around as a volunteer in America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
CLOWING AROUND Yes, I am a sucker for the season. I especially love parades. I was tickled when we watched Miracle on 34th Street as we decorated our Christmas tree this year and my granddaughter, Madeline got so excited when she recognized Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I took each of my grandchildren to New York to see that parade when they were six years old. America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Detroit, is one of my alltime favorite events - to work on, ride in and watch. I’ve done it all. But I’ve never “clowned around”. Rita Homminga from our local Comerica bank team loves playing the part of a clown in the parade. She’s been doing it for 28 years. This year she said, “It rained on my parade but it didn’t matter, it was still a lot of fun.” She normally helps with the Big Heads, but this year they all went headless. The weather didn’t stop a large crowd from turning out to welcome the parade back to Woodward Avenue. And when Santa arrived - clear skies did too. I guess he had a little faith.
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