31 minute read

Past Tense: Northville’s reel history

Reel History

Marquis Theatre sale highlights Northville’s movie house past

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By Michele Fecht

The sale last month of Northville’s historic Marquis Theatre to longtime resident and business owner Chuck Lapham (read the story in the January 2020 issue of The ‘Ville) marks a new chapter for one of Main Street’s most iconic structures.

Though not Northville’s first movie house, the Marquis has been a mainstay for movie and live theatre patrons for nearly a century.

Northville paved the way for area movie houses in 1915 when William Thompson constructed the Alseium Theatre on East Main Street nearly adjacent to today’s Marquis. The site is now Great Harvest Bread Company.

The Alseium first occupied space in the Northville Opera House on the southeast corner of Center and Dunlap streets. Construction of the new theatre in the heart of downtown expanded offerings to silent movies and vaudeville in the evenings with special matinees for children on Saturdays. It became a destination for moviegoers throughout the area.

A remodeling in 1924 included additional seating and interior repainting. Less than a year later disaster struck. In April 1925, a raging fire destroyed the Alseium and much of the north side of East Main from its mid-block to Hutton Street. Fire departments from Plymouth, Redford, Farmington and Walled Lake were called in to help fight the blaze. Though Thompson originally pledged to rebuild, the $10,000 in insurance on the theatre building and its contents was barely enough to cover the theatre’s equipment. Thompson eventually sold the property to C.R. Horton, who planned to build on the site. The Alseium’s demise was devastating for Northville “Little Annie Rooney” starring Mary Pickford was shown on opening night of the PennimanAllen Theatre on Feb. 9, 1926.

The Penniman-Allen Theatre not long after opening in 1926 with its original marquee.

citizens who not only lost their movie house but also the venue for numerous community events such as graduation ceremonies, war bond drives, and club gatherings. The theatre’s charred remains were a constant reminder of the loss until efforts were finally under way more than 18 months after the fire to clear the site. Ironically, to the west of the gutted Alseium, a new theatre was taking shape.

KATE PENNIMAN ALLEN Kate Penniman Allen, the daughter of one of Plymouth’s most prominent citizens, brought the first movie house to downtown Plymouth with the construction of the PennimanAllen Theatre, (located on Penniman Avenue, of course). Opened in February 1919, the 600-seat theatre featured a large stage, orchestra pit and organ and would eventually contain concessions and a basement bowling alley.

Like Northville’s Alseium, the Penniman-Allen showed movies several days throughout the week. In March 1922, Kate Allen expanded the theatre’s movie nights to include Sundays — a move that defied the blue law restrictions on Sunday recreation and commercial activities.

The collective outrage that rippled through Plymouth’s placid village was palpable. Conservative leaders including the Reverend S. Conger Hathaway of the First Presbyterian Church railed against the move.

“Sunday shows are a debasing influence on the community,” stated the Rev. Conger in an article in The Detroit News. “They lure our children from Sunday vespers and if we allow

them it would be but a step to Sunday baseball and other public entertainment.” More liberal-minded citizens — and many merchants — who opposed blue law restrictions defended showing Sunday movies.

With the community divided, it was decided to put the issue to a vote. Though many conservatives tried to impress upon Kate Allen that the issue was not personal, the formidable businesswoman wasn’t having any of it.

In a colorful rebuke to her critics, Kate Allen stated, “Well let me tell you, if they close my place on Sundays they will find it closed every other day also. I shall shut this place definitely

Kate Penniman Allen (Plymouth Historical Museum Archives)

and finally if the ordinance passes. Indeed, I would like to tear the whole place down brick by brick and throw every brick at certain persons I know.”

The woman did not mince words.

Voters handed Kate Allen a victory by defeating the ordinance to ban Sunday movies 746 to 507. To celebrate, the victors paraded through the streets of Plymouth. The celebration was purportedly funded by Harry Lush, the theatre’s manager, who would go on to manage the construction and operation of Northville’s Penniman-Allen Theatre.

OUR OWN P&A THEATRE With the financial backing of the undaunted Kate Allen, Northville’s new state-ofthe-art movie house opened its doors on February 9, 1926 to an enthusiastic crowd and gushing reviews. It was noted that Kate Allen spared no expense in building and furnishing the theatre. The $150,000 in construction costs included 750 seats, a large orchestra pit, a $13,000 Wurlitzer orchestra organ and a stage accommodating 14 sets of scenery. It was noted that the organ “was one of the finest instruments in the state, in fact only Detroit can boast of a bigger and better one.”

Both Kate Allen and Harry Lush attended the opening night gala. Entertainment included an organ recital, a musical comedy act and singer Eddie McGrath, “Detroit’s most popular singer.” The feature film was “Little Annie Rooney” starring Mary Pickford. Admission was 30-cents for adults and 15-cents for children. Northville’s Penniman-Allen Theatre continued to be a focal point for entertainment throughout the 1930s, 40’s and 50’s, though not always without difficulty. The Depression gutted many entertainment venues. In March 1933, Northville’s Penniman-Allen closed its door due to a lack of patrons. It re-opened eight months later on November 15 with the movie “Saturday’s Millions” packing the house at two showings. Attendance fallout forced the theatre to close again in 1951. The theatre would eventually be sold to Edward Hohler, who also owned the Farmington Civic Theatre.

The Penniman-Allen Theatre in 1941. ZAYTIS OPEN MARQUIS In 1971, the Zayti family purchased Northville’s 1926 movie house renaming it the Marquis Theatre. The Marquis opened on September 30, 1978 featuring a live stage production of “The King and I.”

Inge Zayti was the bulwark behind the extensive renovation of the theatre uncovering many of its original features including the French glass doors, brass handles that now grace the lobby entrance and the black walnut ticket booth. The original seats from the P & A were donated to a Dearborn theatre company.

A 2003 fire caused extensive damage to the lobby area and smoke damage to the theatre. Lost in the fire were movie posters of Mae West and Tom Mix as well as original programs from the theatre’s days as the Penniman-Allen. Because the fire was confined to the lobby, the box office and doors were saved.

Though they offered movies, the Zayti’s emphasis was on children’s theatre and theatre camps with Inge and her daughter, Christina, handling operations. Since her mother’s death in 2013, Christina has been the sole owner and operator of the theatre.

While the sale of the Marquis ends nearly 50 years of Zayti family ownership, the new owners provide a lifeline to the 1925 movie house . . . a lasting vestige of Northville’s past. Postscript: Kate Penniman Allen died in 1941. Harry Lush went on to open to the Penn Theatre in Plymouth in 1941, and moved to California in 1950. Plymouth’s Penniman-Allen Theatre burned down in 1968.

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Desi Tashan 2020 will be big, bold and showcase Indian culture

By Uthra Nagarajan

There is a festive spirit bubbling up over at Northville High School, as the school’s Indian American Student Association (IASA) begins making final preparations for the annual Bollywood dance competition, Desi Tashan 2020.

The event will take place Feb. 28 in the school’s auditorium and, according to IASA copresidents Aarvi Shah and Keya Patel, will be one of the biggest Bollywood dance competitions in the region, attracting

participants from all over the metro Detroit area and more than a thousand spectators. Bollywood dance combines classical Indian forms of dance with jazz, hip hop and other contemporary dance forms. In addition to the entertainment factor, Desi Tashan, which is the IASA’s largest event, shines a spotlight on Indian culture.

“The IASA was founded in 2011 with an aim to cherish and preserve Indian culture and beliefs,” says Aarvi. “We strive to create a genuine sense of community through dances, movie nights, fundraisers, and more. Northville IASA creates an environment for people to form friendships and forge bonds that will last a lifetime.” The most rewarding part of being involved in IASA, Aarvi and Keya feel, is that they can give back to the student body through colorful events that showcase culture and offer entertainment.

One of the ways the IASA manages to achieve a sense of

community is through Desi Tashan. Started in 2015, this dance competition pits high school dance teams in the metro Detroit area against each other. “When we started out, it was on a much smaller scale and Desi Tashan didn’t have a big audience,” explains Keya. “But now we have participating teams who start try-outs and practices as early as summer. The intensity of the competition has definitely risen over the years.”

As the competition grew in scale and popularity, high school students across the region have shown a consistent interest in showcasing their dance skills. Teams like Novi Nazar and IAE Junoon have been top teams over the years. A fun factor that makes Desi Tashan tick is that the competing teams focus not only on the dance but also on engaging with the audience by choosing themes to depict in their performances.

“A couple of years ago, the Farmington team picked social issues to portray in their dance,” Keya said. “The audience has

also appreciated Disney movie Tarzan and Crazy Rich Asians as thematic performances.” Desi Tashan is not just entertaining, it also brings in the moolah. While the organizers initially sold tickets door-to-door, the dance competition’s popularity propelled them to launch online sales two years ago. As with any competition, Desi Tashan has evolved and proven to be a platform to bring together students from different cultures and walks of life.

“Though the teams still have a majority of Indian American students, we are slowly starting to witness diversity in the participants,” says Keya. “We

“We have over 1,000 students and family attend and the entire auditorium at the school gets sold pretty quickly,” Aarvi says. The IASA starts selling tickets only two weeks before the competition to keep up with the rising sales.

are beginning to see more students of other cultures take an interest in the event and contribute to it positively.”

Apart from the competitive performances, the audience is also treated to Northville IASA’s underclassman and senior

dance which usually draws in the applause. Desi Tashan has played host to Michigan Izzat as well, the University of Michigan’s all-male fusion dance team, which entertained the audience with their rousing performance. So what drives the organizers to put together this dance competition? The opportunity to bring together talented individuals and uplift the event creatively is surely a plus, but the bigger gratification comes from donating all the event proceeds to Vista Maria, a charity that helps vulnerable young girls who have been abused or trafficked.

“We began by donating $3,000 during our first year,” says Aarvi proudly. “The amount has risen exponentially, thanks to the popularity of the competition. Last year, we managed to donate $19,400 and we have donated more than $60,000 in the past four years.” The Northville IASA’s goodwill hasn’t gone unnoticed; the association has been recognized by the Northville School Board and at the official Vista Maria Recognition breakfast for their efforts, which they will continue after this

year’s event. “As always, we hope to donate more than last year because in the end, it is going toward a great cause,” Aarvi said.

So, if you are interested in getting immersed in Indian culture for an afternoon, taking in colorful Bollywood dancing and music, and helping out a great cause, be sure to attend Desi Tashan 2020 scheduled for Feb. 28. Participating teams will include Farmington Wicked Andaaz, Troy Zahara, IAE Junoon, UCS Jazba, Troy Riyaaz, PCEP Tamasha, and Novi Nazar. All information regarding ticket sales will be updated on the IASA website at nhsiasa.weebly.com and on their Instagram handle @ nhsiasa. Desi Tashan 2020 WHAT: Bollywood Dance Competition, organized by the Northville Indian American Student Association WHEN: Feb. 28 WHERE: Northville High School Auditorium MORE INFO: Visit nhsiasa.weebly. com

Election Season

Starts in March

There is little doubt that 2020 is a major election year. For voters in the Northville Public Schools district it all begins on March 10.

The district is asking voters to consider replacing the district’s current Sinking Fund millage with a new one that will extend the 0.9519-mill levy from 2021 to 2025 and provide expanded uses of the proceeds, including instructional technology and security equipment.

The current levy expires on Dec. 31 of this year.

District officials say the .9519-mill five-year request will provide approximately $3 million each year to fund instructional technology, building and site repairs, while preserving general fund dollars to accomplish the district’s core mission of instruction and student learning.

NPS Board of Education President Matt Wilk said it’s important to keep in mind the 0.9519-mill five-year request would be a replacement of the existing sinking fund millage and would not result in an increase over the current millage rate. He said the current sinking fund millage is used for capital repair and replacement items throughout the district. “We intend to continue the same uses, with a focus on instructional technology and security, energy and operational efficiency, and health and safety,” said Wilk. “Under normal circumstances, the district would call this a renewal. The state, however, recently expanded the uses of sinking funds, to include technology and building security. Since we want to use the existing millage for these new uses, the district can’t formally call the millage a ‘renewal’ although it is one -- not an increase,” he continued. As far as the financial implications it will have on the voter, Wilk said, “In fact, this millage is capped by the Headlee Amendment, so the rate decreases each year.”

What happens if the millage proposal doesn’t pass?

According to the district’s website: “Over the past decade, severe cuts in school funding coupled with the rising cost of operating the school system have put tremendous pressure on the District’s General Fund.” District officials say the millage replacement will equal about $3 million each year.

If approved, Wilk said it will be put to good use under the stewardship of the school board, which approves the district budget. By Lonnie Huhman Northville Schools asking voters to replace current sinking fund millage

“We pride ourselves on having delivered what we promised five years ago, and we intend to do it again,” said Wilk. “Main projects this time around include classroom technology, security and PA systems, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, emergency lighting, concrete, paving and site drainage. The district has a full list of projects on their website. Residents should also know that we scrutinize every expense and bid out every contract under this millage.” District officials have held a series of community forums to get the word out. The next one is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Old Village School during the regularly scheduled Superintendent Coffee Chat. To learn more about the sinking fund millage proposal, visit www.northvilleschools. org or call NPS at (248) 344- 3500. Questions and comments may also be sent via email to nps@northvilleschools.org. Work continues at Hillside Middle School. The sinking fund will pay for upgrades at all 10 district schools. Photo by Fred Shadko 12 The ‘Ville CP SIDE 2 • No Contracts • Trusted, Reliable Service • Our Work Is Guaranteed • Trained, Bonded & Insured • Tailored To Your Needs Visit Us At www.maidaide.com LET US DO THE CLEANING WHILE YOU ENJOY MORE TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Final Visual Sales Rep: alentz No Contracts • Trusted, Reliable Service Our Work is Guaranteed • Trained, Bonded & Insured Tailored to Your Needs Call for your FREE in-home consultation today 248-668-2222 • www.maidaide.com LET US DO THE CLEANING WHILE YOU ENJOY TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS! Call for your FREE in-home consultation today 248-668-2222 • www.maidaide.com SPRING CLEANING! YOUR FIRST 5 CLEANINGS New Customers Only $15 OFF CP SIDE 2 • No Contracts • Trusted, Reliable Service • Our Work Is Guaranteed • Trained, Bonded & Insured • Tailored To Your Needs Call For Your FREE In-Home Consultation Today 248-668-2222 Visit Us At www.maidaide.com SUMMER SPECIAL $ 15.00 New Customers Only. Coupon must be presented at time of estimate. With Valpak® Coupon Only. Not Valid With LET US DO THE CLEANING WHILE YOU ENJOY MORE TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Thu. - 06/20/2019 - 12:18:48 PM 3113168576 Final Visual Sales Rep: alentz

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Senior twin Grant Gattoni wrestles at the lighter weight at 119 and 125 for the Mustangs. Photo by Todd Gattoni

When stepping onto the mat against the Northville High wrestling team this season, opponents may be doing a double-take. Or make that a triple-take. That’s because the Gattoni brothers, senior twins Nicholas and Grant, along with sophomore Jack, fill out three different weight classes in the Mustangs’ lineup card.

“Each one has their own personality, all three work hard,” Northville first-year coach Dylan McLeod said. “I’m extremely happy to have all three of them. Each day they seem to push each other, get better. They make sly jokes during competition depending on who is doing better and it helps keep the team loose and going.” Halfway through the 2019-20 wrestling season, the Gattoni trio, all three-sport athletes, have proven to be formidable force on the mat. “They all set an example,” McLeod said. “Nick and Grant, being the seniors, they definitely push everyone in the room because it’s their final year. Jack, being only a sophomore, he sets an example for the lower classman of how to practice hard every single day, work hard and just shows kids that hard work does pay off.” Nick, at 152 pounds, is a three-time regional qualifier and team captain who was ranked as high as 11th in his weight class by MichiganGrappler.com. He was the team’s MVP as a junior.

Grant, who carries himself in a lighter weight class at 125, was off to the best start of his career by winning 22 of his first 27 matches of the season.

The baby of the group – Jack – wrestles one class below at 119. He also earned top 15 state ranking by MichiganGrappler. com starting off 22-5.

Being 20-to-25 pounds Grappling Gattonis By Brad Emons Brotherly competition pays off on the mat, field, and track The Grappling Gattonis The Gattoni brothers got an early start in the Northville youth program. Debbie Eicholtz/Northville Record.

heavier than his two brothers, Nick, who carries a bigger frame, has somewhat of the advantage in the wrestling room.

“Sometimes I wrestle both of them, but usually it’s not very fair,” Nick said. “I usually have the upper hand because I weigh at lot more than he (Grant) does. I think we were very competitive. Sometimes we just mess around, wrestle each other and stuff. He (Jack) holds his own, but I try to take him on sometimes. I think he’s gotten used to it.”

GAINING LEVERAGE

Despite being undersized as an outside linebacker and running back, Nick also earned All-Kensington Lakes honors in football last fall. His wrestling experience helped him gain the right type of leverage on the football field.

“For tackling purposes it helps me to get lower on the tackle,” said Nick, who is also an outfielder on the Mustangs’ baseball team. “Being smaller actually helps me to push harder and do better to make up for being smaller.”

Grant, meanwhile, took a slightly different athletic approach playing a little bit of football and baseball at a young age before he eventually morphed into cross country where he was a team captain last fall. During the spring season he runs track.

“Me and Nick decided to pursue different sports,” Grant said. “He went into football, which they usually work their upper bodies, trying to get as much muscle as possible. In cross country, a lot of us are lean, more skinny, for endurance. The entire time Nick has been getting a lot more muscle and bigger, and I’ve stayed at a smaller size. But it (running) will help me keep up with my endurance in wrestling. I love going long times in matches and just seeing the other guy getting tired out, and I can just keep a long, steady pace. It really helps with cross country getting the endurance.” Nick and Grant were competitive with each other not only in the backyard, but also in middle school where they’d line up and run the mile against each other.

“I was running cross country and he was like, “I bet I can beat you at it,’” Grant recalled. “After school ended, we’d come to the track and race here and see who would win. And he would always beat me in sprints and I would always beat him in longer distances. We always tried to see who was better everything – push-ups, pull-ups at home. It’s just really fun to get competitive with that and each other.” HOLDING HIS OWN

Of course, Jack couldn’t avoid hanging out with his older brothers growing up and joining in the fun.

“We’d play baseball out in the backyard,” said Jack, who made Northville freshman baseball team last spring as a second baseman while also running cross country last fall. “And them being older, when I was back there it helped me to compete more. I liked playing with them. It was fun. I could usually hold my own.”

Fast forward to his second year in high school, Jack is proving he can keep up with his older brothers on the wrestling mats. Of course, he’s learned quite a few moves from his older siblings.

“They usually just push me a lot, and if I do anything wrong, they usually help me,” the sophomore said. “My brother, he helps me when people put legs on me, so they usually teach The Gattoni brothers include (from left) twins Grant and Nicholas, along with Jack.

me defenses and stuff when I’m not doing it.”

The rest of the Gattoni family includes father Todd, who wrestled at Canton High, and mother Julia, one of the wrestling team’s biggest fans. Older sister Taylor, a 2017 Northville grad, ran track and cross country for the Mustangs and now attends Michigan State.

Todd currently serves as a volunteer assistant coach at Northville under McLeod.

“If he (dad) sees me doing wrong or when he thinks of a good move, he usually works with it downstairs in the basement,” Jack said. “We have a mat, so we usually go over it with moves and stuff.”

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

The Gattoni brothers not only excel as multi-sport athletes, but also in the classroom.

Nick, who carries a 3.8 gradepoint average, is undecided right now where he might attend college.

Grant, also sporting a 3.8 GPA, is taking two advanced placement classes. He will more than likely end up at either Michigan State or Michigan (his dad’s alma mater). He plans to study mechanical or environment engineering. He likes to draw and listen to music during his free time.

Jack, who carries at 3.9 GPA, might be the smartest of the bunch. He plans to take A.P. classes his junior year and enjoys movies, skateboarding on his street, listening to music and watching movies.

“Pound for pound the Gattonis are as tough as they come,” Northville head football coach and physical education teacher Matt Ladach said. “First of all, they’re awesome people. And second of all, they’re the type of people that once they put their mind to something, they’re going to accomplish it. Their determination and persistence is unreal.”

For McLeod, as a first-year coach, he couldn’t ask for a better example to set in the wrestling room. They are three of the reasons why the Mustangs are enjoying one of their strongest seasons in years. “It’s just hard work, non-stop, just the drive to be better, and that’s all three of them,” the Northville coach said. “And they all want to make the ‘states’ this year. As the course of the season goes, the better they wrestle.” Gattonis Continued from page 15 • 100% AMERICAN ANGUS • NO HORMONES NO ANTIBIOTICS BURGER + BEER $10 EVERY THURSDAY BURGERFI CHEESEBURGER + REGULAR FRY + ANY DRAFT BEER

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Senior Nick Gattoni is a three-time regional qualifier who wrestles at 145 and 152 pounds. Photo by Todd Gattoni

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9ideasforValentine’sinthe’Ville Compiled by Wensdy Von Buskirk

Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, making it perfect for a date night out, or great night in. You don’t have to go far to find romance in our cozy little town. Here are nine ways to make the holiday special, right here in The ’Ville:

Til Death Do Us Part … Vegas Style

Laughs are crucial for a healthy relationship, and Genitti’s Hole-In-The-Wall interactive dinner theater provides plenty. In the newest

show, Til Death Do Us Part … Vegas Style. Tracey and Martin celebrate their 25th anniversary by getting remarried at Las Vegas’s own Loui’s Wedding Chapel, Casino, Petting Zoo, and Sea Food Buffet. One problem

though: Who invited Aunt Edna? Will family ruin this special event or will murder be in the cards? Showing through June 27, including a V-Day performance at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. Tickets, $59 per person, include family-style Italian dinner. For reservations, call (248) 349-0522. The 39 Steps

Right down the road, Tipping Point Theatre offers another murder mystery show in an intimate setting. In this parody of the famous 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film, Richard Hannay hopes to add some excitement to his boring life, and soon finds he’s the only person who can save London. The 39 Steps mixes thriller and Monty Python-style humor for a play that’s sure to spice up your night.

Showing through March 8 with a Valentine’s Day performance 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. Tickets, $39 per person, at tippingpointtheatre.com. Share a Shake

Food is a surefire way to your sweetie’s heart, and Valentine’s dinner need not be a formal affair. Keep it casual at Browndog Barlor & Restaurant. Try the Browndog burger, smashburger style, with duck fat fries. Then, order up Love Potion No. 9, a boozy shake Photo by Steve Fecht

expanded their popular Plymouth yoga studio with an outpost in Northville in 2017, where they work and teach together.

that mixes chocolate vodka and Browndog’s small batch Strawberry Malt ice cream. Yum!

Browndog Treats, Drinks & Eats is located at 120 E. Main St. Visit browndogbarlor.com.

Couples Massage What better way is there to bond than blissing out with a massage? Whether you seek relaxation or healing, New Body Therapeutics has your back. Coming up on its 15th anniversary, the spa was founded in a downtown Northville home by Angela Levigne. Two of its unique rooms are designed just for couples.

“It’s pampering,” says Manager Kristina Bellanger. “In the past we’ve strewn rose petals across the room for a romantic atmosphere.”

Bring your own post-massage champagne toast or walk over for an espresso at The Red Dot Coffee Company.

New Body Therapeutics is located at 335 Center Street. . Couples massages start at $150. Book early for Valentine’s Day. Visit newbodytherapy.com

Partner Yoga

Sheri and Brent Rieli, owners of My Yoga Room, know how to keep the flame alive. The married couple Taking a yoga class with your soulmate can reduce stress, promote trust, and encourage communication. Consider a standard Yoga Flow or Vinyasa in Northville, or check out Brent’s special Partner Yoga workshop, to “move, breathe, laugh, and love.”

Valentine’s Day Partner Yoga, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, Plymouth Yoga Room, $30.

Dead at the Winery If your spouse has a hippie streak, he or she will be stoked to see this Grateful Dead tribute band on Valentine’s Eve. Select some craft wine, hard cider or beer and enjoy psychedelic tunes from past set lists. Grab some Grateful Fred to go and you’ll be all set for Friday night, too.

Dead at the Winery plays every Thursday at the Northville Winery & Brewing Company starting at 8 p.m. Visit northvillewinery.com.

Simply Wine

If you’re eating in, stop by Simply Wine for a bottle of boutique Champagne to pair with your home cooked meal. Here are some staff favorites: Nicolas Louis Delamotte Champagne ($50); Lallier Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne ($63); R. H. Coutier Brut Rose Champagne ($58).

Simply Wine is located at 109 N. Center, with 16 wines on tap to sample every day. Visit simplywinenorthville.com.

Flowers and Chocolate Red roses are traditional fare for Valentine’s Day, and Adorn Fine Flowers owner Alicia Racine offers everything from single stems to stunning arrangements. The most popular, she says, are a dozen roses in a specialty vase. For alternatives, try ranunculus, tulips, anemones or peonies. Round out your gift with chocolate — Adorn carries bars, bon bons and bags by labels like locally-made Guilt and chefcrafted Mayana.

Adorn is located at 118 E. Main St. Order Valentine’s Day bouquets in advance, at (248) 697-5422 or adornfineflowers. com.

Surprise Sparkles

If it’s true that the best gifts come in tiny packages, shop local at Orin Jewelers. The iconic shop has select pieces priced at $99, and others at 14 percent off through Valentine’s Day. Spend $200 and get a free meal from 160 Main or Le George.

“Many couples these days are opting out of celebrating Valentine’s Day,” says Orin’s Antoinette Kramer. “I say to all the guys out there, bring back the romance. Surprise her! She will never forget if you amaze her with a little sparkle.”

Orin Jewelers is located at 101 E. Main, call (248) 349-6940 or visit orinjewelers.com. Offers valid while supplies last.

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