The 'Ville - December 2022

Wonderful Most Time of Year

Vita Vizachero

Vita Vizachero

Vita has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1989. Some of her local favorites are Table 5, Pooles, Rocky’s, and Cantoro’s on Haggerty.

Vita has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1989. Some of her local favorites are Table 5, Pooles, Rocky’s, and Cantoro’s on Haggerty.

vvizachero@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2711

vvizachero@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2711

John DesOrmeau

John DesOrmeau

John has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1987. Some of his local favorites are Rocky’s, Custard Time, Guernsey’s and the Pizza Cutter.

John has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1987. Some of his local favorites are Rocky’s, Custard Time, Guernsey’s and the Pizza Cutter.

jdesormeau@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2720

jdesormeau@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2720

Livonia, MI

Please consider a donation to support The 'Ville. Since we began publishing nearly 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

KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher

Kurt Kuban is an award-winning journalist, having served as a reporter and editor for several local newspapers and magazines, including The Northville Record, over the course of a career spanning more than two decades. Kurt lives in Northville with his wife, Cheryl, and their three children, all products of Northville Public Schools.

CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director

Craig has been in the creative industry for over 30 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 19 years. Craig enjoys chasing his young daughter and providing moral support to his lovely wife.

MICHELE FECHT – Writer

Michele Fecht is a longtime journalist whose first post-college reporter position was at The Northville Record before moving on to The Detroit News. A 30-plus year resident of the City of Northville and historic (old) house owner, she is an author, researcher, local history enthusiast, and community activist/advocate.

WENSDY VON BUSKIRK – Writer

Wensdy graduated with a degree in journalism from Wayne State University. Her first job was working as a reporter for The Northville Record. Now, as a freelance writer and editor, she works for a variety of magazines, and is excited to get back to her roots in The ‘Ville. -Photo by Kathleen Voss

MARIA TAYLOR – Writer

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

Tim 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.

– Writer

JOHN C. HEIDER – Photographer

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

BRYAN MITCHELL - Photographer

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

TIM SMITH - Writer

LARRY O'CONNOR

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.

Donald & Tammy Nadeau

Anna Mary Postma

Margaret Roebuck

Alan & Judy Somershoe

The Value Of Supporting Local News

It was five years ago this month that I launched The ‘Ville. It was a big gamble considering the state of print media – and of my bank account. In all honesty, I’m a bit amazed I’m still publishing this rag. I’ve kind of taken it one month and one issue at a time, and in the blink of eye five years have gone by.

Back then, I was confident the community would embrace a publication focused exclusively on Northville. And, if truth be told, the other reason I felt the timing was right was due to the obvious decline of the Northville Record newspaper. Any longtime reader of The Record knows what I’m talking about.

While it might have benefited me, The Record’s decline has been sad to see. The newspaper has been an important part of the Northville community going back to 1870.

It is the oldest weekly newspaper in Wayne County. For most of its history, the newspaper has done a great job telling our story.

All that seemed to change beginning in 2005 when the newspaper was purchased by Gannett, the Virginia-based

corporation that has spent nearly two decades stripping it of its value and heart. Last month there were rumors that The Record would cease publishing altogether in early December. But, while it did shut down the Observer & Eccentric newspapers print editions this month, Gannett decided to continue publishing The Record. At least for now.

On page 20, you’ll find Michele Fecht’s Past Tense article about the history of The Record. It is an interesting story, and a stark reminder of what we’ve lost.

Michele, and most of the people who write stories or shoot photographs for this publication, have worked at The Record at one point in their careers, including me. I was the editor for a few years, and I am forever grateful because it brought me to Northville.

One of the things I’m most proud about The ‘Ville is the fact we have professional journalists working here, and I think it shows. Michele Fecht is a great example. Her Past Tense column is so informative, and I know how much people appreciate

learning about Northville’s history. I certainly do.

Good journalism is valuable, but it is not free.

That’s why I want to acknowledge our advertisers, who make it possible to publish every month. Without them, I could never pay our designers, writers, and photographers, and I wouldn’t be able to print 22,000 copies each month -- and mail them to every address in Northville.

As you flip through the magazine, you’ll see our advertisers are mainly locally-based businesses, most of whom support our community in other ways as well. They sponsor non-profits, little league teams and the local events we all look forward to (and that we write about in The ‘Ville).

I can’t thank them enough. Please support them.

I also want to thank all of you who have been generous enough to send in donations. They help more than you know. And the little notes you have sent me have definitely buoyed my spirits, especially when my print bill goes up (which it often has since

the beginning of the pandemic) or other problems arise.

If you enjoy getting The ‘Ville, please consider a donation (for details see the opposite page).

Some people say print media is dying or already dead. Maybe the decline of The Record is proof of this, rather than an example of a greedy corporation coming in and forgetting what’s important.

But I know, as do our advertisers and donors, that Northville’s story – OUR story -- is just as important to tell now as it ever has been. And we’ll continue to do it for as long as the community supports it.

Lastly, on behalf of everyone here at The ‘Ville, I want to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Peace to you all. One thing I’m sure of is we will have plenty to write about in 2023.

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

ON THE COVER: Nikhila Shankar sings with other members of the newly-formed Northville Chorale during the group’s debut performance singing Christmas carols Dec. 10th in Northville’s Town Square. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

In community’s best interest

In the recent “Your Voice” section, Steve Potocki wrote that Northville Township’s planned “essential services complex” at Legacy Park was “unneeded.” That assertion is inaccurate and does a disservice to the township’s plans to better protect our residents. I served 29 years with the Charter Township of Northville in public safety, including paid-on- call firefighter (volunteer), dispatcher, police reserve officer, and career fire department captain. I have lived or worked in Northville Township for the past 44 years.

Using merely 15 acres (not 23 acres claimed by Mr. Potocki) out of the 332-acre parcel for the proposed Public Works/Public Safety Building is in our community’s best interest. The 7 Mile location will reduce emergency response times to the northeast section of the township, which is currently nine minutes or more. This second fire station location will shave four minutes off emergency runs. That’s life-changing, because today’s fires burn hotter and quicker as a result of building materials and house design. House fire victims 40 years ago had 17 minutes to escape, and now that is down to three minutes. Lives may depend on this second fire station.

Engineering experts have researched the cost to modernize the current outdated Public Safety Headquarters at 6 Mile and Winchester roads, and the township has shared the estimates. Renovation would actually cost more than the proposed new complex. The current facility is too small, obsolete and not positioned to serve our entire community in the coming years.

Mr. Potocki also conspicuously fails to note that this project will be completed without any new taxes. And importantly, this project will not preclude the primary purpose of Legacy Park - increased passive recreation opportunities and green space to satisfy the expressed desire of the vast majority of Northville Township residents. I understand this location will also serve as a trailhead for the park, with comfort station and parking for passive recreation, pathways, and trails. I appreciate that the township will address these long emergency response times with the new building, personnel, and equipment, for the second fire station, not only for my neighborhood, but for the entire northern and eastern portions of the township now and into the future.

Guy Balok

Some kids have allergies

I read with interest the article in your October issue about the new police dog working with the Northville Township Police. I love dogs and they love me, but there was one paragraph that caused some concern.

The article states that the school district will soon be piloting a therapy dog program in the elementary schools. Although I believe that this could be a great program, I hope that some consideration is given to the hundreds of children in our school district with allergies. For some children, exposure to dogs (and many other animals) can trigger hives, rashes, asthma attacks, etc.

Unless the district wishes to take full responsibility for adverse allergic outcomes, parents should be made aware of the presence of any therapy dogs in the school and be given an opportunity to protect their child’s health by opting out of any activities including the animal. Although such a program could be helpful for some children, we should remember that there are others who could be harmed.

Robin Schleh

Missed a big one

I’ve enjoyed reading The ‘Ville with its timely articles and overall, excellent journalism. However, you missed a big one on page 3 of the November 2022 issue. In the photo caption of your editorial concerning Northville Mustang football, you referred to the Baseline Jug as the Eight Mile Jug. What the heck? Anybody that has been around Mustang sports the last 20-plus years or so are probably scratching their heads and wondering what that is all about. We’ll give you a pass this time but keep an eye on the details.

Bob Hubbert

Teachers unions are needed

This letter is in response to Carol Maynard’s letter last month (“Stick to collective bargaining”). Teachers are underpaid and overworked. Durham Transit signs have been up going on three years looking for bus drivers. What they are willing to pay may have been good in 2020, but in 2022 not so much. Maybe a union would help.

On the 20th of November, 2,700 hardworking people were fired from United Furniture Industries in Mississippi. They were notified by email that all their benefits were terminated without the benefit of COBRA insurance. A union would have gotten 30 to 90 days of benefits. But for the poor 2,700 employees – nothing. Bye bye. That kind of treatment is why unions are needed.

This is the year 2022 not 1922. I hope none of Ms. Maynard’s family members have been affected by such gross management style like that of United Furniture. They must not be teachers, either, considering how little regard she seems to have for them.

Brian Long

Citizens need to be armed

When the founding fathers crafted the Second Amendment, particularly the part of a “well regulated militia,” they were referring to everyday citizens as the militia who could be called upon as patriots to support or oppose the professional military when needed. They knew and understood that the citizen militia needed to be armed with state-of-the-art individual military weaponry, hence the Amendment language.

Anything less would mean defeat, as the militia would be outgunned by professional soldiers. The Amendment was never intended to protect sporting or hunting arms, as many supporters of the banning of military style firearms state, but rather it is intended to protect the ownership of firearms designed for war.

The U.S. can deal with any exterior threat to our democracy, as we would be united and currently have the best trained and armed military in the world. The founding fathers recognized that there could also be an autocratic threat from within. The attempted Jan. 6th “coup” and attack on the Capital, by Trump supporters, is a recent example. Our military is obligated to support the Commander and Chief. Had the attack been successful, who would defend the principles of our republic and its democracy? It certainly would not be the citizen militia if all they had were hunting firearms.

Consider that if the Second Amendment falls, the first and fourth will not be far behind. And that should concern all of us whether we are ideologically liberal, conservative, pro-gun, anti-gun, Republican or Democrat.

Sarunas Mingela Ming Louie

kurtkuban@gmail.com.

Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer, M.D. Emergency Medicine

Corner of Ann Arbor Road and N. Haggerty

Clearing A Big Hurdle

With council’s approval, Downs project moves closer to reality

By Larry O’Connor

or a seismic development that will bring 443 new homes and with it, the potential influx of 1,000 or so residents, many remain unmoved from their stance on the $300 million Downs project.

That didn’t stop the city council from unanimously approving the preliminary PUD site plan on Nov. 21.

Many residents don’t want it, citing potential traffic gridlock and loss of the area’s small-town charm.

“It’s too much,” said Rayson Street resident Mike Lapinski, one of 22 people who spoke during an hour and 20 minutes of public comment at the Northville Community Center.

Though not perfect, city officials believe there is enough public benefit — namely a 1.25-acre Central Park and the scenic splendor that will come with daylighting the River Walk — to sign off on the mixed-use venture.

Regardless, Hunter Pasteur

Homes representative Seth Herkowitz insists there will be construction on the 48-acre site of the Northville Downs harness racetrack whether through a PUD or conventional rezoning.

Four years ago, the developer asked for 599 residential units. The planning commission approved the project for PUD eligibility with 536 units a year later.

After further negotiation, the builder scaled the proposal to 443 units. That has led to 39 meetings — 18 with the planning commission — and more than 120 hours of public input during the last 15 months, not including the 4½-hour session on Nov. 21.

“We are the rightful owners of this property,” Herkowitz said. “Both the council and public need to know, given our significant investment in acquiring the property and given the time spent, there will be development on this land.”

Council’s blessing came with a list of 10 conditions, which must be met before the final site plan is approved.

Those contingencies reveal a roadmap of public and private financing to underwrite the large-scale development.

ROUNDABOUT AND OTHER UPGRADES

The builder is seeking a 10-year tax abatement under state Public Act 210 worth $3.5 million on the plan’s 178-unit apartment building.

Another tool, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority tax increment financing, is being sought to capture revenue to offset the River Walk $17.8 million undertaking. The Downtown Development Authority and the city council have to approve both measures.

The tax cut would help Hunter Pasteur offset $1.6 million in infrastructure costs, including design fees for a roundabout at Seven Mile and Sheldon roads. Seven Mile Road and Main Street upgrades along with a planned Cady-Griswold Street sewer realignment are also on the lengthy to-do list.

“Many of the infrastructure projects that I mentioned

This artist rendering of the Downs project shows the Central Park area that will be accessible to the public. Courtesy of Hunter Pasteur Homes

This map of the Downs project area shows the (outlined in blue) proposed expansion of the DDA boundary, which will include the river park area (outlined in pink).

throughout this presentation, including the priority infrastructure projects, are needed whether or not there is a Downs project as proposed,” Herkowitz said.

Mayor Brian Turnbull read a letter from Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, pledging support to what would be the county’s first roundabout on Seven Mile and Sheldon. If the city obtains roundabout grant money, the developer will reallocate $700,000 toward other unmet infrastructure needs, Herkowitz said.

The DDA boundaries need to be expanded to include the River Park area for a TIF (Tax Increment Financing). The DDA board started the boundary expansion process by a 9-1 vote, with one member abstaining on Nov. 15, said Shawn Riley, DDA board of directors chairman.

“The thought of daylighting that river and having a beautiful park — Central Park — was really exciting,” Riley said.

The developer would capture all TIF revenue until 2030 when Hunter Pasteur’s share drops to 90% and the city, county, and other taxing authorities begin receiving 10%.

In 2032 and ‘33, the developer’s portion falls to 75% while other taxing entities collect 25%.

By 2034, the city and others would see 100% of new tax revenue from the Downs project, which could reach more than $4 million. The DDA would receive $50,000 a year under the agreement.

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority passed a resolution conditionally supporting the TIF, said Patrick McGow, Brownfield Redevelopment

Authority chairman.

Local governments use brownfields to promote the revitalization of properties, McGow said. One was approved earlier this year to subsidize the Foundry Flask development.

City and township officials are working on finding a permanent Farmers Market site.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The City Council approved the PUD plan for the Downs development. We’d love to hear your feedback on the proposals. Are there things you like or dislike about the project? Please be specific. Email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com.

The River Walk job entails removing contamination, abatement of hazardous materials (underground tanks), and demolition of underused buildings (racetrack). The river will also be re-routed to the east.

Herkowitz touted $11.4 million in Hunter Pasteur contributions to the project.

In addition to spending $4.37 million to build out Central Park, the developer is pledging $50,000 annually through condo and apartment fees to maintain the public area. The park will be dedicated to the city and maintained by the parks and recreation department.

The developer is spending $628,000 for the Gateway at Center Street and $350,000 for eight privately-owned but publicly accessible pocket parks.

The builder also pledged to contribute 50% — or up to $125,000 — to move and reconstruct the historic log cabin, which is located on the east sided of the Downs.

The developer offered to host the Farmers Market temporarily through 2025. The place of commerce will remain at its current site off Seven Mile and Center Street through 2023.

Factored into the $11.4 million developer giveaways is $3.1 million in dedicated land value (River Park, $2.1 million; Central Park, $625,000; Gateway at Center Street, $371,450).

The developer’s benevolence didn’t sway Downs’ detractors.

“Daylighting the river benefits the developer much more than it benefits the public,” said Fairbrook Court resident Billy Burns. “By daylighting, the flood plain is removed and they can build and add density. We should not have to fund this.”

TRAFFIC CONCERNS

Beal Town resident Michelle Aniol said she is not against Downs redevelopment, but questioned using a PA 210 incentive to cover $1.6 million in upfront infrastructure costs. The tax abatement — projected to be as much as $3.5 million over 10 years — would be more than double the initial investment.

“I am not comfortable paying the developer $1.9 million, if the numbers come out that way, to be our banker,” Aniol said.

Mayor Pro-Tem Barbara Moroski-Browne worried about 11 three-story townhouses planned for the south end, asking if eight could be scaled back.

“I look at what is supposed to be happening in that residential neighborhood and this just

doesn’t fit, but so much else does,” Moroski-Browne said.

“This just changes the character of the whole southern side.”

Hunter Pasteur CEO Randy Wertheimer balked at replacing eight buildings, which contain 38 units. “We may be able to do something with two, three, or four of them,” he said.

The pair sparred over who should pay for any traffic remedies in Beal Town.

Wertheimer proposed his development team meet with Beal Street and Fairbrook Court residents to address concerns over increased vehicle traffic. Ideas include elevating pedestrian crossing to create a speed bump and artificially narrowing roads to one lane.

The CEO offered to pay half with the city picking up the other.

“This is site-generated traffic … This is a developer’s responsibility,” MoroskiBrowne said.

Wertheimer replied: “I respectfully disagree this is 100% the developer’s responsibility.”

The mayor, who is a local history buff, tried to assure people by putting the landaltering development into context. Turnbull cited watershed moments during the past century, including when the Carlo family opened Northville Downs as the state’s first nighttime harness horseracing track in 1944.

“We have to know our history, where we’ve been, all those different times when we thought that the world was going to end in Northville, all those different developments,” the mayor said. “We have to be a little bold here.”

BRINGING OUT THE BRILLIANCE

in every single kid since 1968.

The world needs one-of-a-kind thinkers, doers, and dreamers. That’s where Greenhills School comes in — a school wholeheartedly dedicarted to teaching students the art of thinking imaginatively, ingeniously, and inventively. Classes are playgrounds for the curious, and teachers are given time to focus on their students. To get to know them. And to draw out the genius within.

Ringing in the Season

Northville resident Gail LeVan sings second soprano. She’s spent decades making music with local singing groups — in Farmington, Plymouth, and 36 years with the Novi Choralaires. But never in her hometown, because Northville itself didn’t have a community choir.

Until this holiday season, when Michael Ansara decided to start one. He called all the local church choir directors, then posted on Nextdoor: “Announcing the official and historic launch of Northville’s very own community choir — the Northville Chorale!” LeVan was ecstatic when she heard the news.

“When Michael called me, I said, ‘Oh, absolutely.’ Especially since no one has been singing anywhere because of COVID,” she said. “Choir is really the universal language. And I find

that with everyone who loves to sing, it’s a huge part of their life, as it is mine. When you’re in a choir, it’s like you become one person … you can feel what other people are thinking, you know what you’re going to do, you can adjust because you just have this common language between you. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful feeling to be in a choir.”

The group debuted with caroling in Town Square for

downtown Northville’s “A Holiday to Remember” event the evening of December 10. About two dozen singers raised their voices to traditional favorites: “Joy to the World”, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “Carol of the Bells”, the 16th-century carol “Gaudete”, and a special arrangement of “The First Noel” by director Andy Kohler, a graduate from the U-M School of Music, featuring a solo violinist.

“We had all four sections, had a good number of people, which you don’t always get when you’re trying to do a startup,” said Kohler.

LeVan sang second soprano.

She hopes the Northville Chorale becomes a tradition for everyone to come out and see downtown, in concerts, and look forward to every year.

But making music goes deeper than that for her. In a time when national politics feels more divisive than ever, she hopes the group helps unite the community around creating something positive and beautiful.

“I want the chorus to grow and become sort of nonpartisan — it brings everyone together,” she said. “When you get with a group of really good, dedicated singers, you get very few people talking about politics or religion, or anything like that. They just love music, and they love to make that piece of music perfect.”

Ansara couldn’t agree more.

“It’s about bringing all the talent that’s in Northville

By Maria Taylor | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

Newly formed Northville Chorale hoping to become local institution

Violinist Haejin Kim accompanies members of Northville Chorale in Town Square.

Northville Chorale made their debut singing Christmas carols Dec. 10th in Northville’s Town Square.

together and to produce great community music. Come sing with your neighbors, come sing with your community,” he said.

Ansara got his love of singing his freshman year at Northville High, under the leadership of recently retired choral director Mary Kay Price. He sang all through high school, then joined the Choral Union at the University of Michigan (that’s where he recruited Kohler as director) and has been singing ever since.

Ansara is vice president at MJ Diamonds. Last year he sponsored “Dancing In the Ville,” a Wednesday evening summer dance lesson series with music and an instructor (it will be returning for 2023).

The Chorale is his latest contribution to the Northville arts scene; the company will be the Northville Chorale’s main sponsor as it gets started.

“One piece is definitely the art piece and creating great productions in town,” he said. “The other piece is building community.”

The Northville Chorale is “kind of open to all, anyone who can kind of hold a good tune

type of choir,” he said. There aren’t formal auditions — he holds one-on-ones to make sure potential singers can carry a tune and read music — “so if you sing in the shower and think, ‘That sounds pretty good,’ or someone said you have a good voice, come sing with us.”

The Northville Chorale will rehearse Thursdays from 7-9 p.m., January 12 until April 27 at Ward Presbyterian.

“This is really geared towards post school -- people who are out of high school, probably out of college, they’re doing their thing, work and raising kids,” Ansara said.

Plans beyond the holidays are still being hammered out, but there will probably be a couple performances a year. Ansara has a vision to sing at all the iconic Northville spots -- Tipping Point, Marquis Theater, Mill Race, the top of the Hines Park hill at the Bennett Arboretum in the summer twilight.

“In terms of the music, we’re probably going to range everywhere from classical Mozart and Beethoven pieces, and then also some popular spirituals ... those fun, wade-

in-the-water type a cappella pieces, things that really move you. Maybe a patriotic concert,” he said.

Looking further ahead, Ansara hopes the Chorale could go on tour: he’s thinking Boston, New York, Chicago, one of the cities rich in culture and history and music.

“Usually, there’s some kind of performance attached to it — we sing a piece, maybe the national anthem at the baseball stadium or something in their art gallery,” he explained. “We might be all meeting, in front of the art museum, we’re about to walk in, and the choral director just kind of looks at everyone and says, ‘OK, here’s an A, here is the G, let’s make some music.’ And we’ll sing a song real quick, and then all 100 of us would go

in and have some fun looking around at the site.”

That’s the part that LeVan loves most about singing.

“You can sing with anyone, and you always have your instrument with you. And you can always find someone, even on a bus, that will think to sit down with you and start singing,” she said. “It’s like you always have your calmness with you — something that gives you peace — when you have your voice.”

Anyone who wishes to sing with the Northville Chorale, get updates about concert dates, or become a sponsor can sign up for more information at https://forms. gle/Hk2vCRpeEB2vD4T37 or by scanning the QR code on this page.

It’s about bringing all the talent that’s in Northville together and to produce great community music. Come sing with your neighbors, come sing with your community.”

Michael

Ansara Founder of Northville Chorale

Kayla Sheehan (left) was all smiles during the singing group’s festive performance Dec. 10 during Northville’s “A Holiday to Remember” event in Town Square.

Q: What do I wish a dermatologist had told me about germs in public places?

DR. KARTONO’S ANSWER: As a mother of two young kids, I wish I could let everyone know to keep their water shoes or sandals on when in public places such as during swimming class. There are so many infectious things we can pick up easily if we are not careful, and high on the list would be plantar warts! Warts, which are caused when over 100 different strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infect small cuts in the skin, are very contagious. Yes, those pesky long term warty growths on our feet or hands can be spread from communal circumstances where a lot of people get together and share common surfaces such as in indoor shower stalls and changing rooms.

Another common scenario would be in locker rooms and gyms. There is a reason why communal workout areas are equipped with dispensers of antiseptic wipes and gels. When we rub our skin firmly on the surface of a bench, maybe even drip sweat, there is a

possibility we may leave infectious trails and one may catch infectious things from others.

A common port of entry for the wart would be through small cuts in the skin. So, what can you do to prevent catching warts? Wear a band aid over exposed skin cuts if in public places, wear your shoes or flipflops in communal bathrooms, wash your hands a lot when active in public spaces, always wear your own socks, shoes, and other clothing items, and don’t re-use someone else’s towel or razor blade. Besides avoiding viral infections such as warts, practicing the above can also prevent acquiring bacterial and fungal infections as well! But if you think you contracted an infection, help is available with Dr. Kartono at MI Skin Center at (248) 963-5915 or email scheduling@drkartono.com.

Call or email now to schedule an appointment! (248) 963-5915 info@drkartono.com

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

248.963.5915 • info@drkartono.com • 133 W. Main St., Suite 251, Northville, MI (inside Northville Square) • www.MIskincenter.com

Dr. Francisca Kartono, DO Board Certified Dermatologist

Turn the Page

By Larry O’Connor

Northville’s Edward Sarkis

Balian knew it was a book he had to write, but his subject would never cooperate.

Despite that Mount Fuji-like hurdle, the academic, author, and musician completed “Turn the Page: The Bob Seger Story,” a biography on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singersongwriter and Michigan favorite son.

Balian brainstormed the idea with Mike Novak, Detroit entertainment attorney and a mutual friend of the legendary rocker. Balian and Novak were returning from a book distributor relating to another project Balian was working on when the subject turned to the lack of published works on the rock star who has sold 75 million records.

“He turned to me in the car — I’ll never forget it — and he said ‘There is no biography on Bob Seger and you should write it,’” said Balian, whose band Andromeda opened for Seger’s

and other Detroit musical acts in the late 1960s. “And so I did.”

Balian dedicated “Turn the Page” to Novak, who died in 2013.

As expected, the publicityreticent Seger didn’t participate in the 280-page project. Thus, the biography is unauthorized.

“That said, his wife (Juanita Dorricott) has read it cover to cover, and I am still alive,” Balian said. “So, I guess that is a good thing.”

While “unauthorized” bios carry a reputation of containing unsubstantiated gossip, Balian and his two research assistants set out to write fact-based account of Seger’s six-decade, hit-laden career.

Balian interviewed Seger’s longtime guitarist Drew Abbott and Detroit music icon Mitch Ryder, who “offered some interesting input.”

Otherwise, he relied on past interviews with the artist had done with Rolling Stone, Birmingham-based Cream

magazine,

“Turn the Page” contains 240 footnotes.

“If we couldn’t document something from more than one source, then we did not put it in the book,” said Balian, who has a doctorate in education. “We were adamant about making this an accurate account of Bob Seger’s personal life and career.”

SEGER’S BUMPY ROAD

Seger’s musical journey in the 1960s and early ‘70s resembled an arrhythmia patient’s echocardiogram reading.

After modest success with Bob Seger and The Last Heard, the Ann Arbor native landed his first major record deal with Capitol Records in 1968. The single “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” reached No. 17 on the national charts a year later but the newly named Bob Seger System hit a wall commercially.

Seger released a solo album, which didn’t sell and Capitol

soon dropped him.

“It’s interesting: Any other band with a Capitol contract would have been dancing out in the middle of Woodward Avenue, but Bob’s first contract with Capitol ended in disaster,” Balian said. “Of course, everyone in the record industry knows each other.

“Other record labels wouldn’t touch Bob after Capitol had let him go, so it was a real downer for Bob and the band at that point.”

Seger’s alliance with music producer and manager Edward “Punch” Andrews would see him through dark times, Balian said. Andrews started his label, Palladium, which enabled Seger to release songs while he continued to perform live with various ensembles as loyal Detroit fans supported him.

CKLW-AM program director Rosalie Trombley also did her part, giving the rocker’s heartfelt music much-needed airplay.

The Detroit News, and Detroit Free Press.

Local author pens biography of Bob Seger’s

Seger discovered the right chemistry with bassist Chris Campbell, drummer Charlie Allen Martin, saxophonist Alto Reed, and guitarist Abbott, which formed the core of the new Silver Bullet Band. Capitol Records re-signed him in 1975, releasing “Beautiful Loser” with the single “Katmandu.”

A two-night performance at Cobo Arena in September 1975 would change Seger’s fortunes forever. The double-LP “Live Bullet” released in April 1976 is hailed as one of the greatest live albums of all time, selling six million copies.

He parlayed his live recording success into a studio triumph with “Night Moves,” whose title track hit No. 4 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. The October 1976 album release also reached six million in sales.

Seger’s prolific songwriting garnered national acclaim as a string of hits followed. He entered the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012.

Balian endeavored to do more than chart Seger’s success, though. He wanted to paint a composite of an uncompromising artist, one

whose perfectionist streak nearly cost him at a pivotal juncture.

“He was against the ‘Live Bullet’ album being recorded at all,” Balian said. “He felt The Silver Bullet Band, which was early in its formation at that point, was not ready for a live recording, but Punch talked him into it.

“That album would have never happened if it was not for Punch Andrews.”

Seger also keeps a tight rein on his music. He avoided the MTV video craze and is reluctant to lend his music for commercial purposes. One notable exception is the “Like a Rock” ad campaign with Chevy Trucks, which reportedly came about after a UAW member asked Seger and Andrews to do something to help the beleaguered auto industry.

“He’s worth mega-millions of dollars at this point,” Balian said. “ We’ve quoted a number in the book, and so we can not say he’s not been successful, but had he been able to double or triple that revenue, who knows?”

Seger’s rough-and-tumble

background will give fans an appreciation of his rise to stardom, Balian said.

“He had an extremely rough upbringing with his mom and his brother,” the author said. “His dad left the family when Bob was about 11. In Ann Arbor, they even lived in one flat that had no bathroom.

“This was hardly a starship rocking into space. It was a very rocky career and, without Bob and Punch’s tenacity, there is no way they would have made it.”

ROCK AND ROLL PEDIGREE

Balian wouldn’t have taken on the book had he not experienced the halcyon days of Detroit’s music scene.

Balian was lead guitarist with Andromeda, which crossed paths with Seger and other outfits like Ted Nugent’s Amboy Dukes, The Rationals, and The Frost.

Along with the guitar, Balian plays piano, bass, and keyboards. He and fellow Andromeda member Ray George are in the GeorgeEdwards Group, which released three vinyl records on the Drag City Label in Chicago. They have sales in 70 countries and have made 35 YouTube videos, Balian said.

Balian grew up on Detroit’s northwest side, graduating from Cooley High. He earned his bachelor’s at Lawrence Tech and master’s degree and doctorate at Wayne State.

He lived in San Diego for 20 years where he taught at California State University San Marcos before moving back to the Detroit area three years ago, settling in Northville.

He’s done 50 signings to promote “Turn the Page,” including one at Dancing Eye Gallery in Northville last

WHAT’S IN THE BOOK

Northville author, academic and musician Edward Sarkis Balian examines Bob Seger’s story in "Turn the Page", which he said is the first and only complete Seger biography. In the book the author answers the following questions and more:

• Who is the young woman Bob is singing about in “Night Moves”?

• What is a “grasser?”

• What was Bob’s connection to Beatle, John Lennon?

• When and where did Bob meet the Eagles’ Glenn Frey?

• Who was the super-model that inspired Bob to write “Hollywood Nights”?

• Why did Bob turn down playing the Woodstock festival?

• In 1969, why was Bob actually replaced as the lead singer in his own band?

• Why did Bob never appear on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand?

• Who is the subject of Bob’s hit song, “Beautiful Loser”?

• Why did Bob turn down a Motown recording contract?

• What did Bob see as the real key to his career success?

month.

“Turn the Page” was the 12th of 13 books he’s written, but the most taxing. Included is a discography and a list of all Seger’s tours. The book has 24 color pages, featuring 60 different images.

“The research was very painstaking, 2½ years with three of us working on it and it was just a very difficult long-term process to go over it and over it, re-reading and re-arranging.,” Balian said. “I enjoyed it, but it was a definite challenge.”

For more information about “Turn the Page” or to purchase a copy, visit bobsegerturnthepage.com or Amazon.

Northville’s Edward Sarkis Balian with Bob Seger’s wife Juanita Dorricott during a booksigning event for his “Turn the Page: The Bob Seger Story” biography. Photos courtesy of Edward Sarkis Balian

Past Tense

On the Record

Historic newspaper has covered Northville’s story since

News that the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers’ print editions would cease publication earlier this month in the company’s move to an all-digital model ends more than a century of traditional newspaper delivery to a halfdozen local communities.

While The Northville Record and its sister Hometown Life newspapers in Milford, South Lyon and Novi, which are owned by the same corporation as the O&E, will continue to publish both print and digital editions — at least for now — the trajectory toward digital media has had a devastating impact on the newspaper industry.

That The Northville Record’s print edition has been spared is notable considering its longevity. It has long touted its status as the oldest continuously published weekly newspaper in Wayne County. Here is a look at three of the newspaper’s most influential publishers who helped sustain the newspaper throughout its storied history.

SAMUEL HARKINS LITTLE

This month marked the 152nd anniversary of The Northville Record’s first edition by publisher Samuel Harkins Little. His original foray into newspaper publishing came on July 15, 1869, with publication of the Wayne County Record, a four-page edition assembled with cheap handset type. He would officially change the nameplate to The Northville

Record with the December 24, 1870 edition, maintaining the motto: “Our Aim — The People’s Welfare.”

A 23-year-old store clerk and son of a miller, Little was an unlikely torchbearer for community newspapering. Nevertheless, what he lacked in financial support, printing savvy and staff resources, he more than made up for in ambition and tenacity.

Using his Prospect Hill (formerly Buchner Hill and now the site of Allen Terrace) home as his base of operation, Little and his wife Alfretta (Etta) produced a five-column folio that was routed to Detroit every two weeks and printed at the Detroit Free Press.

This process was no small feat considering that travel to Detroit in July 1869 was a two-

weekly edition.

Little did not get rich in the newspaper business. He and Etta bartered printing for coal, apples, chickens and other items. Little also supplemented his newspaper earnings by selling subscriptions to the Detroit Tribune, taking orders for sewing machines and writing song lyrics.

1870

day trek by wagon to Plymouth, stage from Plymouth to Wayne and eastbound train to Detroit.

The publisher’s lament was the potential for toppling the forms in transport, thus making alphabet soup out of the bi-

In early 1870, a group of prominent citizens started a “press fund” to raise money for the newspaper’s first printing press. On March 19, 1870, the newspaper was expanded from five to six columns. In that same month, Little also moved the newspaper operation out of his home to a downtown location. It is believed The Record’s first downtown office was located on the northeast corner of Main and Center on the second floor of what likely was the first frame store building constructed in Northville.

Samuel Little continued as publisher of The Northville Record until sometime between 1879-80, when Willard E. Hess purchased it. The death of Little’s father Edward (who operated Northville’s Argo Mills) in December 1871, and his wife, Etta and their newborn son, in May 1872, proved a devastating blow to the young publisher.

In the year following their deaths, Little relied on several clerks and his younger brother Andrew to publish the newspaper. In the ensuing years, Little’s interest in the newspaper waned with most of his attention focused on another enterprise: construction of an opera house at the corner of Center and Dunlap streets (Featured in the December 2020 issue of The ‘Ville).

The December 13, 1879 issue of The Record was the last to

Samuel Harkins Little

The Record building at Main and Center in 1956.

carry Little’s title as editor. The opera house opened that same year, though it is not known whether Little was in Northville to see his dream become a reality.

NEAL TAKES THE REINS

The newspaper founded by Little would operate under four different owners in the decade following the young publisher’s departure. While credit can be given to each publisher for continuing the newspaper, the passion and tenacity the young founder brought to his enterprise would not be seen again until 1891 when Frank S. Neal took the reins.

Born in Seneca County, New York, Neal came to Northville in 1883. Although he lacked any experience in newspaper publishing, Neal purchased The Northville Record in 1891 and would remain as publisher for 28 years.

Under Neal’s ownership, the newspaper moved its offices into the opera house — ironically, the pet project of Record founder Samuel Little.

Neal’s influence as a newspaper publisher brought Northville renown and helped shaped the community. He was a bulwark in the movement to divide Plymouth township into two entities in 1897, which resulted in the formation of Northville Township.

Neal also proved to be a major influence in Michigan politics. A staunch Republican, he served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives beginning in 1900. During his tenure in the legislature, he served as chairman of the ways and means committee. He also is credited with persuading

his friend Fred W. Warner of Farmington to become a candidate for governor. During Warner’s tenure at the state’s helm, Neal served as private secretary to the governor and was later named to head the state oil inspection bureau.

Neal’s passion for the newspaper industry led him to establish the East Michigan Press Association, which today is the Michigan Press Association. From 1922, until his death in 1928, Neal served as Northville postmaster. He along with aviation pioneer Eddie Stinson, played a pivotal role in making mail transportation by air a reality.

SLIGER’S ERA OF CHANGE

In 1956, William C. Sliger purchased the The Record and The Novi News from Glenn H. Cummings. It proved the beginning of one of the newspaper’s longest and most successful ownerships, and The Record became the flagship in a chain of weekly newspapers extending from Northville to Livingston County.

In purchasing the

newspaper, Sliger also bought the building at the northwest corner of Main and Center streets. The structure at 104 West Main housed The Record offices until 2008, when the operation was moved to South Lyon. It marked the first time in the newspaper’s history that its editorial and advertising offices were located outside of Northville’s downtown.

A graduate of Albion College, Sliger served three years in the Army Air Corps as a B-29 bomber pilot in the South Pacific during World War II. His experience in both the editorial and advertising departments at The Plymouth Mail, The Albion Evening Recorder and The Cadillac Evening News as well as other newspapers proved a tremendous asset as publisher. During his tenure, the newspaper experienced its greatest changes.

In 1961, Sliger purchased The South Lyon Herald, and in 1969

bought The Brighton Argus. The Milford Times and Livingston County Press would eventually be added to the chain along with publications in Hartland, Pickney and Fowlerville.

One of the most significant purchases occurred in 1965, when Sliger joined with two other newspaper publishers in establishing an offset printing plant in Novi, the Inter-City Press, Inc. The new printing facility heralded the beginning of offset printing, moving The Record and its sister newspapers from hot-metal Linotypes to the cold-type offset process.

As the newspaper’s publisher, Sliger was a passionate voice for the community. He was a bulwark behind the passage of the Mainstreet ’78 initiative that spurred the revitalization of Northville’s downtown. He also served on the board of directors of the Downtown Development Authority and was named a Citizen of the Year.

Sliger served on the board of directors of the Michigan Press Association and was a judge for National Newspaper Association contests. In 1976, Sliger sold The Record and its sister papers to what would become the HomeTown Communications Network.

Frank Neal (far right) and staff in front of The Record’s office in the Northville Opera House.

A Northville Holiday Tradition

Photos By Bryan Mitchell

Anyone who’s been in Northville long enough knows around these parts we kick off the holidays with the beloved Holiday Lighted Parade. This year was no different, as local bands, dancers, organizations and even Santa helped light up the streets around downtown Northville on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Mother Nature delivered some perfect weather, with cold temperatures and a steady snowfall providing the backdrop. Perfect for a visit from Santa – and even the Grinch made an appearance this year. Santa didn’t need his sleigh though, as he was escorted atop one of our fire trucks at the tail end of the parade.

The event featured a variety of music, beautiful lights and countless smiles.

One of the big moments of the night was when Mayor Brian Turnbull presented Santa with the key to the city and then, with the help of the crowd, lit up the big Christmas tree in Town Square -- right in the heart of downtown.

Thank you to the Northville Chamber of Commerce for organizing the parade, because it is a special night for so many families. And one of the best ways to kick off the holidays.

He Gave it EVERYTHING He Had

Ladach steps down as NHS football coach after 15 years

By Brad Emons

Afixture with the Northville football program during the past 15 years, head coach Matt Ladach has decided it’s the right time to step away.

The 45-year-old Ladach, who put his own imprint on the program after spending two seasons as the head coach at his alma mater Romulus High School, resigned after posting an 89-56 overall record with the Mustangs from 2008-2022.

His teams reached the playoffs nine times and captured four Central Division titles in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (2015, 2013, 2011 and 2010). His best season was in 2015 when the Mustangs finished 10-1.

“I’ve been at it for a long time, I spent 15 years,” Ladach said. “I feel confident I did my best, giving it everything I got and although we accomplished a lot of great things, I just didn’t feel like I was getting what I could out of the job. And I felt like we had a good senior class this year that restored our winning culture and a great group of underclassmen with more guys than I’ve ever had returning in my duration

as the coach. And I know those guys will continue all the traditions that we’ve established and will keep the culture going in a manner that is going to be prideful for me. So, the timing for me was right.”

Following an 8-3 fall 2022 season where the Mustangs reached the Division 1 playoffs and placed second in the KLAA’s West Division with a 6-1 record, Ladach’s announcement came as somewhat of a surprise.

Northville athletic director Brian Samulski said he really had no inkling that Ladach was planning to resign, but was grateful to be associated with him.

“I absolutely had no clue,” Samulski said. “Matt had a tremendous impact, not only on the football players, but he had that same impact on the student body and the school community. He’s not only an absolute perfect football coach, but he’s even a way more impressive person and coach.”

Samulski said the head coaching position has been posted and he expects to hire Ladach’s replacement no later than mid-January. The hiring and selection

committee will include a cross section of the Northville High community including Samulski, the Northville administration, student-athletes and parents.

“First and foremost, with all coaching positions we’re looking for an individual that understands the importance of building relationships with kids, and positive relationships with kids,” Samulski said. “Before we get into coaching philosophies and schemes, the number one key to any success is having positive relationships with kids. That’s the first thing we’re looking for, a candidate that understands the importance of that and has the ability to do that.”

Ladach admitted he may have to undergo football withdrawal once the 2023 season rolls around. But the job had become a 24hour, 7-day a week and 365-day a year grind.

“It’s hard because I loved being the head coach, I loved the kids, I love Friday nights, I love going to practice every single day,” he said. “It’s just all of the extras that have worn me out. We’ve got a ton of great coaches that I did not rely on enough. I’m tired. Throughout the day, every day, I run one task to the next and just looking forward to be able to walk, talk and enjoy conversations with people instead of trying to find ways to get out of a conversation and running to the next task. There’s a lot to the job that most people just don’t understand. Things come up every single season, and it’s ‘Oh, I’ve never experienced this one before.’”

Ladach said he isn’t quite through with the sport and will offer to play a supporting role in the school’s next head coaching hire. He will try and maintain his “football fix” by coaching middle school football in Northville.

“I definitely feel it’s appropriate for me to stay out of the new guy’s way, let him establish himself, his program and his own traditions,” Ladach said. “And hopefully after a year or two, or however many more, he’ll invite me to be a part of his staff and I can help him in some other capacity.”

Ladach and his wife Amanda have four children – three sons including Alex, Parker and Hunter, all of whom played football for Northville, along with a daughter Amanda.

Hunter, his youngest son, just finished

Photo by Bryan Mitchell

out his senior season and earned All-KLAA honors as a linebacker.

“I loved coaching my kids, but I’ve always said that I can’t wait for my kids to be grown because coaching is going to be a heck of a lot easier,” he said. “And now they’re all out, they’re all done playing, I’m stepping away because I’ve worn myself out . . . but I’m not done at all. You’re not going to see me wearing some other shirt, coaching for somebody else. But I hope to be able to come back some day and help here like ‘Shoe’ (Darrel Schumacher), Dennis (Colligan) – both former head coaches -and all those guys that have come back after being the coach.”

Several of his former Mustang grads went on to the collegiate ranks including NCAA Division I players Jake Moody (Michigan), David Moorman (Wisconsin), Ryan Roberts (Northern Illinois/Florida State), Trenton Guthrie (Minnesota), Joey Hewlett (Michigan), Nolan Knight (Michigan) and Ryan Nelson (Michigan).

Moorman, an offensive lineman who played for the Badgers from 2015-2019, posted on his Twitter page: “Can’t thank @CoachLadach enough for everything he’s done for my life and for the Northville Community! He’s impacted so many lives as a coach, teacher and friend. Appreciate you

coach and enjoy retirement!”

Ladach, who teaches physical education at the high school, believes he’s left the program in good hands following his resignation and says the future remains bright for the Mustangs.

“I love Northville football,” he said. “My reason for stepping away is sincere and genuine and I want what’s best for the kids. It’s a super persistent group that’s coming back. And some new ideas, some new concepts and some new traditions are going to be well received by the players and they’re going to do really well. I just hope to be a part of that in some regard when moving ahead.”

Meanwhile, Ladach said he plans to pick up one of his favorite hobbies again in his spare time where he’ll become more than just a casual angler, a fixture on rivers and lakes.

“I’m going to be doing plenty of fishing, but that’s not going to be every day, all day,” he said. “I do love fishing.”

Coach Matt Ladach and his three sons, Parker (from left), Hunter and Alex after beating Novi. Courtesy of Northville Athletics

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NHS FALL SPORTS ROUND-UP

BANNER SEASON

Mustangs thrive at state level in nearly every fall sport

By Brad Emons

If the Michigan High School Athletic Association had given out an all-sports trophy for the fall season, Northville High would have won it hands down, no questions asked.

On the heels of its MHSAA Division 1 boys state cross country championship and D1 boys tennis runner-up finish (see November issue of ‘The Ville’), including a repeat No. 1 singles title by Sachiv Kumar, the Mustangs continued to achieve great success well into the month of November.

Here’s a capsule look back at the other six fall sports programs from the fall 2022 season.

VOLLEYBALL

The No. 2-ranked Mustangs (47-4) made it all the way to the Division 1 finals before losing to top-ranked and two-time defending champion Bloomfield Hills Marian (49-1) in four sets, 22-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-11, on

Nov. 19 at Battle Creek’s Kellogg Arena.

The Mustangs, the only team

to defeat Marian this season, got 21 kills from senior outsidehitter Abby Reck and 12 from

junior middle blocker Avry Nelson in a losing cause.

Sophomore setter Ella Craggs collected 45 assist-to-kills, while senior libero Taryn Rice had a team-high 20 digs. Junior defensive specialists Greta McKee and Ashlee Gnau added 13 digs apiece.

Northville, however, was unable to overcome a matchbest 27 kills by Marian’s Izzy Busignani.

On Nov. 17 at Kellogg Arena, Reck racked up 22 kills and Nelson 11 in a five-set semifinal thriller over Saline, 25-23, 2125, 23-25, 25-13, 15-13. Craggs finished with 45 assists, while defensive digs leaders include Rice (28), Gnau (14) and Reck (13).

The Mustangs opened district play with back-to-back 3-0 wins over Plymouth and Novi before ousting Farmington Hills Mercy (3-1) and Allen Park (3-0) in the regional. Northville then defeated Berkley in the

Anna Wilds, Taryn Rice, Lauren McKellar and Abby Reck helped the Mustangs earn league, district and regional championships.

The girls swim team took second place in the state.

quarterfinals, 3-0.

Among those players earning postseason All-State accolades from the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association included Reck (first-team), Craggs (second-team), Nelson and Rice (both third-team).

Northville, which captured the KLAA tournament and West Division (9-0, 7-0), also had four All-KLAA selections including Reck, Craggs, Nelson and Rice, while senior outside hitter Lauren McKellar and Gnau earned honorable mention honors.

Rounding out this year’s Northville squad included senior Anna Wilds; juniors Ava Maahs, Ava Thomas, Ashley Krahe, Brooke Foucher; sophomore twins Molly and Mallory Reck; and freshman Giselle Burlingame.

SWIMMING

It was a banner season all the way around for the Mustangs, who scored 218 points to finish runner-up to champion Ann Arbor Pioneer (322) in the Division 1 finals held Nov. 18-19 at Oakland University.

Northville posted five individual All-State (top eight) performances led by senior Emily Roden, who captured her second state title in the 100-yard butterfly with an AllAmerican time of 54.05. Roden was also runner-up in the 200 freestyle with an All-American consideration time of 1:49.57.

Other All-State individual performers included junior Cassie Guerrera, 1-meter diving (370.80 points), along with sophomore Aoife Harkin, sixth, 200 individual medley (2:09.93); seventh, 500 freestyle (5:03.61).

The Mustangs also had

State Champs Again!

The NHS mountain bike team won its second MISCA (Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association) D2 state championship Oct. 26 at Lakeshore Park in Novi. The team was led by seniors Matthew Heirtzler and Michael Herger. In addition, Ashley Reberg (front row far right) was the individual Novice girls state champion. Mountain biking is not considered a varsity sport, though participants earn a varsity letter.

a pair of third-place AllState relay performances as juniors Katherine White, Ava Jurkiewicz, Ocean Taylor and Roden combined in the 200 medley 1:45.33 (after going 1:45.07 in the prelims), while Roden, Ocean, Harkin and White teamed up in the 400 freestyle (3:29.83). Both were All-American consideration times.

Meanwhile, the 200 freestyle relay team of seniors Charmi Koppolu and Emma Dreiman, along with sophomore Mia Bayer and Harkin, placed eighth in 1:39.78 (after going 1:39.44 in the prelims).

Other state placers included White, 10th, 100 backstroke (57.77); sophomore Yunona Freese, 12th, 100 butterfly (59.16); junior Maddie Pohlman, 13th, 100 breaststroke (1:07.94

in the prelims); Ocean, 14th, 50 freestyle (24.29); 100 butterfly (59.17 prelims); Jurkiewicz, 14th, 200 IM (2:11.99 prelims); Drieman, 15th, 200 freestyle (1:56.79 prelims); 16th, 100 freestyle (53.93 prelims); and Bayer, 16th, 200 freestyle (1:57.70 prelims).

Other state qualifiers for the Mustangs included seniors Alyssa Calloway (200 freestyle/100 backstroke); Koppolu (100/200 freestyle); Bayer (100 butterfly); sophomore Lucy Deller (200 IM/100 butterfly); and freshmen Finley Cadwell (200 IM, 100 butterfly) and Paige Ligenfelter (1-meter diving).

Northville scored 1,047 points to dominate the KLAA meet, Nov. 3-5 at Novi, taking three gold, four silver and three bronze medals. Brighton and

Canton finished second and third, respectively, with 670 and 540.

The Missouri-bound Roden won both 200 freestyle (1:51.91) and 100 butterfly (55.17) and was also part of the victorious 400 freestyle relay team (3:30.72).

In addition to winning the KLAA meet, Northville took first in the Holland Invitational and second in the Ann Arbor Huron Relays. Their only dual meet loss was to Pioneer, 95-91, as they captured all seven KLAA West Division meets.

GOLF

The four-time defending Division 1 champion Mustangs saw their reign come to an end as Rochester Adams brought home the team title with a twoday stroke total of 629. Brighton (676), Rochester (681) and Northville (342-341683) claimed the next four sports on Oct. 14-15 at Battle Creek’s Bedford Valley Country Club.

Senior Samantha Coleman finished ninth individually with a two-day total of 78-81159 followed by senior Ally Zuidema, 31st (90-83-173); senior Avi Gill, 34th (85-90175); junior Meera Sankar, 47th (94-87-181); and sophomore Sanya Singhyal, 50th (89-96185).

Under new coach Kate Schultz, the Mustangs seized the Regional 2 tourney title on Oct. 6 at Washtenaw Country Club behind Zuidema, who took individual medalist honors with a 76. She was followed by Coleman, second (78); Sankar, sixth (83); Gill, 11th (87); and Singhal, 13th (90).

Northville added both the KLAA preseason (Aug. 23) and post-season (Sept. 30) tourney crowns to their trophy case at Kensington Metropark.

Coleman was medalist in the preseason tourney with a 71 followed by Sankar, tied for fifth (78); Gill, tied for seventh (79); Singhal, 10th (81) and Zuidema, 11th (82).

Coleman was named D1 first-team All-State by the Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association, while Gill, Sankar and Zuidema were voted honorable mention.

senior Anna Gdowski, 146th (20:13.33); and freshman MollyKate Coates, 168th (20:26.60). The team’s other state qualifiers included freshman Sammi Gale (180th, 20:35.70) and junior Callan Kaffl (214th, 21:00.16).

Meanwhile, Northville scored 46 points to capture the Region 6 meet on Oct. 29 at New Boston’s Willow Metropark behind the one-two finish of Christensen (18:35.6) and Garcia (18:45.2). Rounding out the Northville contingent was Gregory, 12th (19:55.3); Coates, 14th (20:01.9); and Gdowski, 18th (20:12.1).

In the 16-school KLAA meet Oct. 22 at Huron Meadows Metropark in Pinckney, Brighton unseated the Mustangs as conference champs, 51-91.

Northville’s top five included Christensen, second (19:05.3); Garcia, 10th (19:56.6); Coates, 20th (20:17.9); Gregory, 28th (20:29.7); and Gale, 31st (20:49.8).

FOOTBALL

(quarterback), Max Anderson (defensive back) and Angelo Rodriguez (wide receiver). They were joined by juniors Graham Gilmartin (offensive line), Evan Deak (outside linebacker), Ferris Jordan (defensive line) and Caleb Moore (running back).

Following the season, head coach Matt Ladach announced he was stepping down (see related story) after 15 seasons with an overall record of 89-56. He took the Mustangs to the playoffs nine times and earned four KLAA Central Division titles (2015, 2013, 2010 and 2011).

SOCCER

Under the direction of longtime coach Henry Klimes, the state-ranked Mustangs finished 13-3-4 overall, including 10-1-3 record to place

second in the KLAA’s West Division.

Northville captured its first-round Division 1 district playoff match against Canton, 1-0, before falling to eventual state semifinalist Salem in the district championship, 2-0.

Earning D1 All-State honors for Northville were senior goalkeeper Drew Swancutt (second-team) and senior forward Marco Palushaj (honorable mention).

All-KLAA selections included senior defender Moreno Scaccia, junior defenders Yuya Nakajima and Nick Settle; senior midfielder Matt Shehab; senior goalkeeper Owen Boukalik, as well as Swancutt and Palushaj.

Honorable mention selections included Elis Qafleshi, Adithya Abraham and Alex McCallum.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Coach Nancy Smith’s Mustangs turned in another solid season placing ninth with 308 points in the Division 1 finals held Nov. 5 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.

Two Northville runners made All-State (top 30) led by sophomore Cassie Garcia, who placed 15th individually in 18:38.67 for 5,000 meters, along with junior Ella Christensen, who took 29th in 18:57.58.

Other Northville state meet scorers included sophomore Rosie Gregory, 141st (20:11.63);

The Mustangs (8-3, 6-1 KLAA West) had a bounce back season earning a trip to the Division 1 playoffs before falling to Novi Detroit Catholic Central in the district final, 42-17.

Northville downed rival Novi during the regular season, 21-10, to win back the Baseline Jug and also defeated the Wildcats, 26-14, in the first round of the state playoffs. The Mustangs lead the all-time series, 30-25.

After finishing second to Brighton in the KLAA West, the Mustangs had nine players earn all-conference honors.

Leading the way were seniors Zach Groot (cornerback), Hunter Ladach (outside linebacker), Luca Prior

Ella Christensen (left) and Cassie Garcia both earned All-State honors in cross country.

The average human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times in its lifespan. Not to mention, the blood your heart pumps throughout your body will travel 12,000 miles in one day.

“While your heart has remarkable capabilities, it also has limitations, especially as it ages,” says Benjamin Swanson, M.D., a cardiologist at the new Henry Ford Medical Center –Plymouth.

environmental factors such as smoking, injuries, genetics and more, your “heart age” may be older than the age on your driver’s license.

The difference between male and female hearts

Heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease) is the leading cause of death for both men and women. However, it can affect women differently due to several factors:

Steps to minimize your risk of heart conditions

The good news is there are ways to slow down and potentially even reverse the effects on your aging heart. These include:

1. Nutrition: Eat heart-healthy foods and consider a plantbased diet, which is especially good for your heart. Limit your salt intake and sugarsweetened beverages as well as other foods with added sugar.

2. Exercise: Aim for a target of 150 minutes per week. This exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous or even require a costly gym membership. The key is doing something that you love. For example, walking, yoga and gardening are excellent, lowimpact ways to move your body.

3. Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk of developing heart conditions and other diseases. If you’re overweight or obese, even a moderate amount of weight loss can help.

activities to your routine, including ones that make you laugh.

6. Alcohol: Minimize your consumption. Long-term drinking above the guidelines can cause issues with blood pressure, your heartbeat and even your heart’s structure. In addition, for people age 65 and older, alcohol has a stronger effect and stays in your system longer.

7. Tobacco: If you smoke or use tobacco products, work on quitting.

By the time you reach age 65, you’re at greater risk for heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, atrial fibrillation (which can feel like an irregular or racing heartbeat) and other related conditions.

So, if you’re looking to live far into your golden years, here are facts to know about your aging heart and some tips to keep it going strong.

Your “heart age” versus your biological age

If you’re 62 years old, that means your heart is also 62, right? Not necessarily. Due to stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise,

• Physical differences: Women’s hearts are smaller, beat faster and tend to have narrower blood vessels.

• Endometriosis: Women who have had endometriosis may be at a higher risk for blocked coronary arteries.

• Pregnancy: Conditions that can develop during pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, can put added stress on your heart.

• Menopause: Changes in blood pressure can occur around the time of menopause which can put you at a greater risk for developing heart disease.

4. Blood pressure: Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with hypertension, a daily blood pressure reading with a home monitor is a great way to know if you’re at increased risk for developing it or related heart conditions.

5. Stress: It’s no coincidence that more heart attacks happen on Mondays and during the holidays, which are some of the most stressful times we face. Stress can impact your aging heart, so add fun and calming

“Although an aging heart is a normal part of life, you have far greater control over your heart health than you might realize,” Dr. Swanson says.

A healthier lifestyle, understanding your individual risk and a yearly heart check are important prescriptions for every age.

The new Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth is located at the corner of Ann Arbor Road and N. Haggerty. To make an appointment, call (734) 928-1600 or visit henryford.com/plymouth.

On the Road With

Mediterranean Adventure

Peter and Sheila D’Angelo celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary with a two-week Viking Ocean trip around the Mediterranean. Among their favorite stops included Sibenicik, Croatia (“so authentic and not at all crowded”), Pompeii (“enlightening and astounding”), and the Trulli Village in Barre, Italy which features unique homes from the 17th century. “This was our fifth trip to Europe, but our first Mediterranean cruise and it is now our favorite,” said Sheila. Here the Northville couple is pictured with The ’Ville in front of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

World’s First Gas Station

Northville’s Daniel Lindenmeyer recently traveled to his hometown of Wiesloch, Germany. Here he is pictured at the “First Gas Station of the World” in Wiesloch with his copy of The ‘Ville

“In 1888, Bertha Benz refueled at the Wiesloch City Pharmacy after running out of gas during a roadshow of the first car developed and patented by her husband Carl Benz,” Daniel writes, noting Bertha Benz is an honoree at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn (www. automotivehalloffame.org/honoree/bertha-benz/).

Rhone River Cruise

Northville’s Linda Leedy recently went on a Viking River Cruise on the Rhone River through the south of France. Linda went with her friend Judy Morante (a longtime Northville resident until recently). One of their stops was in Avignon, where they visited the Palace of the Papes.  Avignon was the seat of power for the Catholic church for 68 years from 13091377. They are pictured next to a model of the Palace (Linda is on the left). “In reality, it is huge and we were guided through a very large and exhaustive part of it,” Linda wrote. “We learned about the papacy, its power fights, as well as the architecture and decor of the palace.”

Way Down South

Judy and Jim Kohl, Northville residents for more than 48 years, took a cruise last month that traveled to Central America and South America. Some of their favorite stops included the Villa Lapas Rain Forest and Hanging Bridges in Costa Rica and the Cathedral of Lima in Lima, Peru. Here they are pictured with their copy of The ‘Ville at the Cathedral of Lima.

Down Under

The ‘Ville made it all the way to Sydney, Australia with Northville’s Marita Smith. She took an 18-day cruise out of Hawaii that included stops along the way on islands in French Polynesia, New Zealand and into Sydney Harbor. Here she is pictured on a soggy morning at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

“This trip was planned three years ago (before covid delayed it). It’s nice to have the world opening up again,” Smith said. “It was a great trip and I was glad to take The ‘Ville along.”

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Dishin’ With Denise

Makin' A List

Checkin’ it twice. December – it’s that month where you can’t help but think about what you accomplished during the past year, where you fell short, what’s still left to do (before the year ends) and honestly – where did the time go?

dedicated to keeping art alive in Northville. They gave me a check and asked I donate anonymously to one or more deserving organizations. (This was an honor I did not take lightly.) I was working on the next edition of Short on Words for the annual Arts & Acts Festival and Erin was working on crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s on the official paperwork to register Art House as a 501(c)3. The vision was very doable and introduced many new faces. I decided to take a portion of the money and support her efforts.

I’m very glad I did. Erin, personally and professionally, I wish you the very best.

good car show. They have a story that’s bigger than this column. During the holidays they teamed up with the Lingenfelter Collection. The Collection was open to the

Sadly, it’s time to say good-bye to Erin Maten, the Executive Director of the Northville Art House. I have had such pleasure working with her – and I’ve seen, firsthand, amazing changes at the little gem tucked away on Cady Street. Erin’s leadership had a forward-thinking plan and a vision. It took hard work, but simply, she accomplished a lot. The new board of directors for the now non-profit Art House has names and numbers for the recent successes, but I have my own story.

A generous Northville resident who appreciates the arts and donates freely, approached me. They trusted I knew the deserving groups

There is a new face in town – at Comerica Bank Stop by and say hello to the new manager, John Hogan. Again, I have a story. John comes to Northville from South Lyon. During the pandemic businesses were scrambling for PPP funding. I reached out to our local Comerica management team – for various reasons they steered me to John. He was a rock star. I explained to him I would need to have step-by-step instructions, starting with “turn on the computer.” He walked me through the grueling process and in the end, I dropped off a dish of lasagna to say “Thanks!”

There is no stopping the young men from Northville Concours d’Elegance. They are getting recognized by prestigious car collectors, the insurers of the classics and the folks who just like to check a

public Saturday, December 3. Admission was a donation to Toys for Tots. I brought toys and got to see Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Corvettes and even a Gremlin, which brought back a memory of my first brand new car – a 1974 Gremlin hatchback.

Ford dealer Pat Milliken brought in a Bronco for the Northville Concours team to fill up with toys. These young men invited their family and friends to stop by – and that Bronco was overflowing. Save the dates in the new year–April 15 fundraising dinner 6-9 p.m. at Genitti’s, and July 23 the 2nd Annual Northville Concours d’Elegance. For more information about the group and to get “on their list” visit northvilleconcours.com.

If there’s still room on your “list of things to do” over the holidays, check out the Tree of Teeth Light Show at Preservation Dental on the corner of Griswold and Main It features Lindsey Stirling’s

adaptation of the Ukrainian holiday tune “Carol of the Bells” and King & Country’s version of “Little Drummer Boy”. It is scheduled each night until January 6th at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. More times/ updates on can be found on the Preservation Dental Facebook page and on Instagram @ docdemray. Special thanks to

Chelsea Kivell, from WNIC. Chelsea and Dr. Bill Demray pushed the magic button to light up that tree this season.

The last two things on my “to do” list for this year…1) Let the people who live on the corner of Rogers & Main know I really like your home decorations – cool witch silhouette at Halloween and simply perfect hometown charm for Christmas. I pass by every day, and smile; 2) Merry Christmas and Happy Everything to all! Thanks for your kindness, always.

Denise Jenkins is a member of the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Tipping Point Theatre. An avid writer and proponent of the arts, she is also plugged into what’s happening in Northville. Contact her at denisemjenkins@aol.com.

Erin Maten

Chelsea Kivell with Dr. Demray at the "tooth tree" lighting.

The house at the corner of Rogers and Main Street with holiday decorations.

David Kibbey, Chase Ziegler, Bennett Dimeo and Drew Lehnert of Northville Concours d’Elegance.

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