The 'Ville - February 2023

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

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) 524-2711

vvizachero@billbrownford.com

Office:(734) 524-2711

Office:(734) 524-2720

jdesormeau@billbrownford.com

Office:(734) 524-2720

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Publisher

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

Todd & Katherine Barber

Pete & Shari Clason

Joseph & Joyce Fennell

John & Irmita Heid

Ken & Pauline Kunkel

Joyce G. Murdock

Jim & Martha Nield

Carolyn and Hans-Jurgen Schnepel

Amy Zubor

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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 SMITH - Writer

Tim brings a penchant for telling powerful and personal stories that run the gamut from news to sports. During more than 35 years in journalism, he has earned numerous state and national awards. The Wayne State grad is a published author and rec ice hockey player.

LARRY O'CONNOR – Writer

Larry is a metro Detroit area journalist whose work has appeared in The Detroit News, Jackson Citizen Patriot and the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers. When he’s not meticulously chronicling people or events, he’s avidly rooting for his favorite soccer teams –Manchester United and Glasgow Celtic.

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.

SCOTT

For more than 20 years Scott has worked with clients in Metro Detroit to create advertising campaigns to grow their business. After managing sales for radio stations in the Detroit Market for 17 years he purchased Street Marketing where he works closely with a variety of businesses and events. Scott and his family have lived in the Plymouth and Northville area for 25 years.

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.

We All Have A Role To Play In City’s Future

In last month’s issue, we ran a story about all of the projects the City of Northville either already has in the works or they’re on a wish list of things city leaders would like to see accomplished in the not-so-distant future.

It’s a long and ambitious list with a hefty price tag of more than $20 million. The projects include daylighting the Rouge River currently underneath Northville Downs, developing a river walk along the Rouge (from Ford Field to Hines Park), purchasing property on Seven Mile for a permanent Farmer’s Market site, and making major upgrades to Ford Field.

Along with the story we included a photo of an artistic rendering for an archway to be built over the entrance at Ford Field. Several of you contacted me to express your disdain for the arch design. Well, Lori Ward of the DDA also contacted me to inform me the design in the photo was created by a consultant about a decade ago and by no means represents what will ultimately be

designed and built at the park.

Ward wanted to make sure people knew that the project is still in its early stages, and there is still plenty of time to influence what ultimately occurs at the site.

She makes a good point. Most of these projects are only on the ground floor. Up to this point, the majority of the work has been preliminary planning to secure funding -- either federal money through the American Rescue Plan Act and STAG Clean Water Act, or via Wayne County through its parks millage. Northville Township is also kicking in to help, offering to provide a substantial amount to purchase the old McDonald Ford property for the Farmer’s Market. City leaders are also hoping to partner with the private sector via sponsorships or grants.

Once the necessary money is secured, the design and other work can proceed on the various projects.

to be completed by the city’s bicentennial celebration in 2027. That is certainly ambitious, but not impossible if the city finds the funding.

Multiple city council members have said they would not support raising taxes, so the city will have to find the money in other ways. But the timing probably couldn’t be better, considering the federal monies that have been made available to help the economy get restarted after the Covid pandemic. A lot of Northville’s projects fit perfectly with the intent of the legislation. They will be good for the environment, offer recreational opportunities for our residents, and improve our infrastructure – something that is good both for our residents and businesses.

for their work thus far. We are blessed to have an abundance of talented people in this town, which they have proven with their work.

But I think it’s important to remember that if you live, work or own a business in this community, you should have the chance to offer your two cents as these projects get off the ground floor. Remember, it’s easy to complain about something once it’s built. There will be plenty of opportunities in the coming months and years to get involved and play a role in what our town will look like in the not-so-distant future. There’s no doubt we truly are at a crossroads in Northville with so much going on at one time. We should all be involved in that process. That’s what the concept of community is all about.

Mayor Brian Turnbull has said repeatedly that he would like to see most if not all of the projects

Mayor Turnbull created a number of task forces made up of local residents and business owners to work on the plans for the Farmer’s Market, Riverwalk, and Ford Field. They have donated their time and talents, and they should be commended

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

We've had a pretty mild winter thus far (knock on wood!), but we've still had a shot or two of winter weather. Greg Burkhardt took advantage of the winter storm at the end of January to hit the cross country ski trails at Maybury State Park.

Photo by John Heider

Skating Toward NHL Future Firefighter’s Ball Is Back 34 8 22 Mustangs Get New Football Coach

Your Voice

A real team effort

The Northville River Restoration Task Force established by the city in 2020 has successfully developed plans and drafted grants that to date, have resulted in $4,360,000 in state and federal funding of which $390,000 is local match. This accomplishment is not the result of any one individual, but the culmination of efforts of a team of people who are volunteering their talents and elected officials who have supported these efforts. None of these grants were written by consultants as implied in the article “Big Plans, Big Price Tag,” featured in the January 2023 issue of The ‘Ville.

Northville is blessed with residents of incredible talent who are committed to making this community a great place to live. Much thanks goes to Mayor Brian Turnbull who established the River Restoration, Farmers Market, and Ford Field Task Forces. Special thanks to the City Council who have participated as liaisons and leaders in these efforts. The Mayor’s efforts to plant the seeds of this collective vision of daylighting the river under the Down’s racetrack and developing a continuous chain of parks and trails along the Rouge River and Johnson Creek empowered Wayne County, Congresswoman Haley Stevens and State Representative Matt Koleszar to secure funding.

The success of these efforts also goes to Oakland County Commissioner Gwen Markum, the Oakland County Water Resource Commission, the City of Novi, Northville Township, Congresswoman Debbie Dingel, and State Senator Rosemary Bayer who provided support. “Big Plans” require a dedicated team effort.

Nancy Darga Chair, Northville River Restoration Task Force

Shout out to plow drivers

As a 28-year resident of Northville I like to brag to others about what a wonderful place it is to live. That includes the people, the wonderful shops and businesses downtown and the great city services.

A big shout out to the snow plow drivers in Northville. During the most recent snow storm at the end of January they did a fantastic job plowing and salting the streets. I like to call my brother, who lives in Ann Arbor to tell him that Northville has already plowed my streets three or four times and the snow has not stopped falling yet. Great job and thank you to all the snow plow drivers who work early and late hours to clean the streets from snow and ice. Keep up the great work!

Jim Kastely

SOUND OFF

Only one winner

The vast majority of residents are totally against the Downs project. Several meetings have been well attended and the overwhelming majority express opposition to the project in its present form. The uniqueness of the city will be lost. The city is also responsible for major capital expenses.

It’s obvious to me the City Council is not capable of dealing with HunterPasteur Homes and Mr. Seth Herkowitz. There is only one winner and it is not the residents of Northville. Why have a meeting and not consider the input of almost all who attend? I have no idea why the council chooses to support a project that will destroy the city we all chose to live in. Perhaps we chose the wrong council members.

Jack Bianco

In support of progress

I just wanted to express my support for the plans at Northville Downs. The current track is an eyesore and waste of downtown land. The city did proper due diligence with a survey of what the community wanted, kept pushing the developer to incorporate feedback, and now it’s time to take action. I can’t wait to see the Rouge River daylighted and those empty dirt lots turned into a community.

I am also in support of creating a better downtown aesthetic. Now that it has been decided to keep the streets closed, I believe the city (and businesses) can make investments to utilize the outdoor space year round. That was tough (and expensive) to do when permanence was in question.

I trust that our Northville leaders will monitor progress over time and adjust plans accordingly for both these projects. Most of all, I look forward to a new and improved Northville that is representative of both its historical past and bright future.

Coleen Borgia

Not especially attractive

As I bounce my way up North Center Street, weaving to avoid the potholes on the approach to 8 Mile, I ponder to myself, “Is there a better way to spend a few hundred thousand dollars than to construct an archway for Ford Field that looks uncannily like the skeleton of the giant I-94 Uniroyal tire emerging from its tomb?”

There are many ideas in the article “Big Plans, Big Price Tag” (January issue) that are worthwhile and would add to the quality of life in Northville - the daylighting of the Rouge and the parkland around it, and the new location for the farmers’ market, to name a couple, but the proposed archway is not one of them. It is out-of-scale, not especially attractive, and would almost suggest that its intent is to be a monument to the visionaries currently serving in our city government.

John D. Webster

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

Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull

Let’s Open Northville

Where We Are Now

• DDA expert estimates changes to the streets will cost $2.5-$3 million

- $3M + $47,700 (GMA) + $59,800 (F&V) = $3,107,500 + on-going maintenance

- NOTE: The cost of reopening streets = $0

• Not all businesses doing well, many need streets opened

Why This Matters

• Downs buildout will worsen traffic

• Accessibility: Some people cannot access businesses

• Emergency services & plowing are threatened

• Traffic cuts thru neighborhoods, reduces home values

• No Main Street parades

Let’s reopen Main & Center streets to:

• Ensure the success & access to ALL businesses

• Conform with fire & public safety ordinances, Master Plan

• Make walking/driving safer; get rid of filth & need for rat traps

• Restore parking & views of historic buildings

• Eliminate improperly diverted traffic thru neighboring streets, violating our Master Plan

• Recapture license and permit vendor fees for special events,

• City should charge businesses for use of street space

Northville Street Closure Critical Events Timeline

10/17/22

3/16/20

Executive Order closes non-essential businesses

6/4/20 Governor lifts restrictions on businesses

8/14/20

“The Twist” Social District opens: Main & Center are closed (promised end date 10/20)

5/17/22

DDA tells Council to permanently reopen Center, keep Main St. seasonally closed

Council awards contractor GMA $47,700 to create “Pedestrian Plan” for permanentlyclosed Social District

1/19/23

GMA presents “Pedestrian Plan” to DDA & City Council

DDA applies for street closures & alcohol

Governor lifts restrictions on restaurants

Council extends Social District from

Council votes AGAINST DDA recommendation: PERMANENTLY closes Main & Center

Council awards contractor F&V $59,800 to perform traffic study related to Main & Center closures

According to a 7/22 Traffic Study, 2,075 north-bound vehicles are turning left at Cady and going up Wing. This is only northbound traffic! Double it to understand Wing Street residents’ assault on their safety & property values. Covid

restrictions are gone, and so should the Main & Center closures. Let’s restore the previous closure guidelines for seasonal weekends & special events.

By Larry O’Connor

Proposed Northville Downs move could be windfall for Plymouth Township

On the surface, Northville Downs’ proposed move to nearby Plymouth Township would be a tale of the victor and the vanquished, especially considering it will mean an end to racing in downtown Northville.

Yet Plymouth Township and city of Northville officials both see themselves celebrating in the winner’s circle with last month’s landmark announcement by the Carlo family, the owners of historic race track.

After all, Plymouth Township gains a state-of-the-art harness horse racing facility on 128 acres at the southwest corner of Five Mile and Ridge roads, the former Detroit House of Corrections site. And racing will still be taking place in the community, just across the street from Northville Township.

“We are excited to bring our family business to Plymouth,” said John Carlo, Northville Downs’ owner and director of operations, in a written statement.

With it, the township coffers will get an infusion of so-called

“breakage,” which involves money — often just pennies — derived from rounding down betting payouts to the nearest dime.

For example, if a payoff is $10.23, the bettor receives $10.20 and the remaining 3

In 2021, Northville’s breakage share was $214,203. The city’s take in 2020 was $113,501, which was affected by fewer live and simulcast race events due to Covid.

Breakage income offsets police and fire service costs

in 2022 — will evaporate from the city’s books. Northville’s top numbers keeper doesn’t sound too worried, though. “Once the racetrack closes, that lost revenue will eventually be replaced over time,” Wiktorowski said.

Such confidence is derived from the mammoth $300 million commercial-residential development on course to replace the 87-year-old raceway at Seven Mile and Sheldon roads.

Hunter Pasteur Homes has received preliminary planned unit development approval to build 443 homes on the 48-acre site once the race track closes and moves 4.5 miles southwest.

The city won’t recoup lost breakage revenue or receive money for operational costs related to new development until 2032. That’s due to a tax increment financing plan used to underwrite construction costs.

By 2034, though, Northville could see more than a $4 million windfall with that amount expected to increase annually.

By contrast, Plymouth Township will see smaller but immediate dividends with harness racing’s arrival.

The township could net $250,000-$300,000 a year in breakage fees alone once the new track opens, said Kurt Heise, township supervisor.

cents goes into a fund that is distributed to the track’s host municipality. And those farthings add up.

Northville received $180,731 in breakage fees last year, down from $640,000 annually during the early 2000s, said Sandi Wiktorowski, city finance director and treasurer.

related to Northville Downs and helps pay for public safety equipment and vehicles, the city’s finance director and treasurer said. Money collected also covers city councilcommitted special public improvement projects.

With the track’s exodus, those fees and tax revenue — $113,116

Northville Downs at Plymouth Township is projected to open in spring 2024, if planning commission members and the board of trustees sign off.

The half-mile oval track will include a 4,900-squarefoot open-air grandstand, a 23,032-square-foot racing building, a 35,475-square-foot horse barn and a 3,200-square-

The proposed site of the new track is at the southwest corner of Ridge and Five Mile roads in Plymouth Township.

foot maintenance building. An 18,400-square-foot patio in front of the grandstand will provide a standing area.

The first phase also includes a paved lot to handle 200 vehicles and a grass-paved area for another 200 overflow spaces. Surfaced lots are included for 28 employees and officials with 20 spaces adjacent to the horse barn and another 36 spots for trailers.

Northville Downs has 52 live racing dates from March to October this year and offers year-round simulcast wagering.

A proposed 53,800-squarefoot gaming facility with a separate parking lot for 1,333 spots is included as part of the project’s second development phase. However, the structure and lot would require separate legislative approval.

Northville Downs at Plymouth Township could generate another $500,000 a year in tax revenue, Heise said.

However, that money would go into the Michigan International Technology Center Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Fund for the first 10 years. The MITC redevelopment area consists of 800 acres along Five Mile Road, between Beck and Ridge roads, in Plymouth and Northville townships.

“We’re basically looking for revenue sharing (breakage fees) plus additional financial guarantees,” Heise said. “I cannot get into what that is going to look like yet because we’re still in negotiations with (the Carlo Family) on what would be the communitybenefit agreement.”

The project’s first hurdle is gaining PUD approval, which the Plymouth Township planning commission will

oversee. The planning commission was set to meet Feb. 15.

The site is zoned industrial except for a portion along Johnson Creek on the property’s east side, which was rezoned to public lands in 2016.

PUD approval is contingent on the project providing a public benefit, and a pathway would be one example, Heise said.

“We’ve always envisioned a public pathway off of Ridge Road, going around the development, going to the south and going north to Johnson Creek,” he said. “The township has even designated both sides of Johnson Creek as a linear public park.

“We want to lock that in by having them build a public pathway along the site and creek.”

Planning commission members are expected to consider track lighting, crowd noise, traffic and hours of operations in weighing the Downs’ proposal.

Northville Downs Acquisition Company, LLC and township representatives will deal with specific events and financial arrangements under terms of the community-benefit agreement.

For instance, the township supervisor thinks the new Downs site could be an ideal venue for a return of the Fourth

of July fireworks show, possibly in concert with the Michigan Philharmonic or a musical group. The event was scrapped in 2017 at Plymouth Township Park due to safety concerns.

Heise sees other possible public benefits.

Several folks in the equine community — horse breeders, owners and riders — have expressed an interest in the planned Northville Downs at Plymouth Township. That has spawned ideas of equestrian, polo, steeple chase, or other horse-related events perhaps taking place there.

The track’s development is also kicking up a stir in youth soccer circles.

Township Technical Center, off North Haggerty Road, or at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools’ fields when available.

The lush green race track infield depicted in design renderings might be one option for soccer fields, Heise said.

“If they are able to incorporate some field space into that design, it could be a win-win for the community,” said Bob McCurdy, Plymouth Reign vice president.

Said Heise: “We have to make sure we get a good deal that really benefits the township, and that boils down to money and special events for the benefit of the community.”

Northville Downs Acquisition Co. bought the property from Hillside Ridge Holdings West, LLC in October.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The owners of the historic Northville Downs race track are proposing moving the track to the southwest corner of Ridge and Five Mile roads in the Michigan International Technology Center corridor. The property had been approved for an industrial park. How do you feel about the Downs moving and do you think a race track is a better use for the property in the MITC?

The 350-member Plymouth Reign is plagued by a dearth of playing fields, which puts the club at a competitive disadvantage against teams in Canton, Northville and Livonia.

Please email your comments to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@ thevillemagazine.com.

In 2019, Hillside Realty Investments received approval to build a nine-unit research and design, office and condominium park. The firm laid the groundwork, installing a private roadway, utilities and drainage. The pandemic and ensuing hybrid workforce trend made marketing office properties difficult, paving the way for the sale.

The club plays home matches at Lake Pointe Soccer Park on Haggerty Road but can’t practice there due to wear and tear on the field. Instead, players ranging in ages 8-19 train near the Bosch Plymouth

Northville Downs owners did look at other sites, including Legacy Park in Northville Township. “Legacy Park is not for sale,” said Mark Abbo, Northville Township supervisor.

This is an artistic rendering of the proposed Northville Downs at Plymouth race track. The plan includes a 4,900-square-foot open-air grandstand and a 23,032-square-foot racing building.

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Mustangs Corral Luplow As New Football Coach

NHS in ‘good place’ with former Brighton offensive coordinator taking reins

By Brad Emons

Although he’s at the ripe age of 28, Northville High School’s new varsity football coach Brent Luplow brings a wealth of knowledge beyond his years.

The son of a Hall of Fame football coach from Clare, Michigan, Luplow got the nod after spending the past four years as the offensive coordinator for KLAA Central Division rival Brighton.

Luplow replaces Matt Ladach, who stepped down after 15 years as the Mustangs’ head coach where he compiled an overall record of 89-56, including nine playoff berths and four KLAA Central Division titles.

“The things I’ve done at Brighton have helped me prepare to be here,” Luplow said on Feb. 11, the morning after accepting the job offer from Northville. “When I

interviewed, I told them that I’ve done everything possibly I could do at Brighton to prepare myself to be head coach without being a varsity head coach. So, I feel super ready for this opportunity.

“It’s been a crazy last 14 hours – my phone hasn’t stopped ringing – and I slept for seven of those hours. But I’m excited,” he continued. “I know I’m going to surround myself with good people and good mentors and get assistant coaches that will help these kids not only in the game of football, but life. And that will help me with the things I don’t know. But I’m super excited to learn about the community, learn about the kids, and immerse myself in what’s all ahead of me here.”

What attracted Luplow about the position is that he perceived Brighton and Northville

to being very similar communities.

Ironically, in last year’s homecoming meeting before an overflow crowd at Tom Holzer Field, Brighton (8-2) earned a hardfought 17-14 win and went on to win the division title by a game over second-place Northville.

“A lot of familiarity playing Northville the last five or six years in the league (KLAA),” Luplow said. “I think it’s the same type of kid for the most part, very similar families. And everything about this place is first class. You walk in the school and you see how beautiful it is, the facilities are beautiful. The support from the community is awesome. We came over here last year for our game versus Northville and it was the best environment we had all year. People all over the place and not a seat to be had. That and just the commitment to excellence that I’ve seen is something I want to be a part of, and I think we can grow that under my leadership.”

The selection process to replace Ladach proved to be long and tedious, but Luplow ultimately emerged as the school’s choice. He will also become a part of Northville’s faculty in the fall where he is certified to teach Business, Marketing and English.

“It was longer than I anticipated, but we got to the finish line,” Northville athletic director Brian Samulski said. “I think everyone’s excited. The school is excited, the kids are excited to get started and I think we’re in a good place.”

Luplow inherits a program where the cupboard is fairly stocked. The Mustangs return several key performers off a team that finished 8-3 in Ladach’s final season before being upended by Novi Detroit Catholic Central in the Division 1 district final, 42-17.

In Luplow’s first season as offensive coordinator (2019) under head coach Brian Lemons at Brighton, the Bulldogs finished 11-3 and reached the Division 1 state finals at Ford Field before losing to Davison, 35-25. In the state semifinal game that season, Brighton shocked No. 1-ranked and previously undefeated Belleville, 22-19.

“We’re going to be a multiple, power spread offense,” Luplow said of his plans for Northville. “We want to be tough and physical on both sides of the ball. We want

The new Northville varsity football coach is Brent Luplow. Photo by Brad Emons

Brent Luplow has spent the last four years as the offensive coordinator at Brighton.

to play very multiple in what we do and make teams prepare for multiple and different things. And do some different things that some teams in our league don’t do. We want to be something where teams have to prepare for us and worry about the formations that we give them, but we want to fly around, want to play fast at times, but we want to slow it down as well. We’re going to spread it out as well. We’re going to use a lot of motion shifts.”

“And then defensively force turnovers. Fly around to the football, be great tacklers and super fundamental all around. We’re going to be super disciplined and we’re going to do things the right way and coach for discipline and be a really good, fundamental football team.”

Luplow literally grew up on the sidelines watching and then playing for his father Kelly, who coached 35 years at Clare posting an overall record of 251-95 from 1987-2021.

“I’ve been involved in inventory equipment since I was three,” Brent Luplow

said. “I feel old because I’ve been in the locker room and the coach’s office with him forever. He’s taught me a ton. He’s going to come help this fall. One of the top things is being able to relate to the kids and being a transformational coach, not a transactional coach, and being someone who’s there for everything in their life, not just a football season.”

After graduating from Alma College where he played quarterback (201215), Luplow did his student teaching at

Shepherd High and launched his coaching career at Clare in 2016. His first teaching position was at Ida before moving over to Brighton in the fall of 2017.

Luplow also serves as the JV boys basketball coach at Brighton, posting 17-1 record (through Feb. 10). His overall record as freshman and JV basketball coach at Brighton is 83-6.

Luplow, a triplet, has two sisters in the coaching ranks – Reyna, the new varsity girls basketball coach at Hartland, and Jillian, who coached volleyball in Alma. Recently married this past July, Brent and his wife Mary currently reside in South Lyon.

“I think what impressed myself and the entire committee was just Brent’s personfirst mentality. He’s all about kids, very organized, bases everything around building strong relationships with kids and that’s what we’re all about . . . just a down to earth guy who wants to get to work and grind like all of us here,” Samulski said.

Brent Luplow and his wife Mary were all smiles during a recent visit to Northville High School after he accepted the job.

Rolling Out The Red Carpet

Genitti’s, Marquis Theatre to co-host Chamber’s new awards ceremony

By

They literally will roll out the red carpet next month for greater Northville’s usually unheralded heroes – those hardworking but behind-the-scenes people who really grease the wheel.

The occasion is the Northville Community Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Awards Dinner, slated to begin 5 p.m. on March 9 at Genitti’s Hole-in-theWall and move across East Main Street to the historical Marquis Theater. To be given the celebrity treatment will be the men and women who through their efforts help make the city and township excel on multiple levels.

“I knew our Citizen of the Year is something we’ve done for a long time,” said Douglas Wallace, executive director of the chamber. “But it’s nice to be able to recognize all the community people and get them together and recognize them in the larger audience. That’s a nice plus for us.”

Six important awards will be presented during the Marquis Theater portion of the night, beginning around 7:30 p.m. after an estimated 200 guests have had dinner and drinks at Genitti’s and then walked across the red carpet from one side of East Main to the other.

“We pay for the rental carpets and all that stuff, to put a red carpet down the street with stanchions and the whole thing,”

said Wallace, the mastermind behind the inclusive gala. “We’re just trying to make it a fun night.”

So after a “happy hour” at 5 p.m. and family style dinner from 6-7 p.m. at Genitti’s, guests will walk over to the Marquis beginning at 7 p.m.

“Then at 7:30 p.m. we’ll start a presentation,” Wallace said. “I was just talking to the Novi-Northville Civic Chorus and they said they’d like to do 15 minutes of singing when we start. That’s a perfect thing.”

Although there could be winter weather to contend with, Wallace said the elements shouldn’t pose much of a problem for the guests – especially since the bulk of the evening will be held indoors.

“The whole point is just to get people to be there and be a part of it,” Wallace said. “If we have a beautiful night I’ll be excited. If we don’t I’ll still be happy because we have a lot of people coming to celebrate each other and that’s the most important part.”

The John Genitti Citizen of the Year will be unveiled during the awards presentation. The award, renamed to honor John Genitti in 2014, “celebrates the dedication and commitment of community members that give their time, energy and talent to make Northville a special place to live, work and play.”

Also, to be presented together for the first time in Northville will be awards shining the spotlight on standout businesses (large and small), organizations and individuals for a variety of accomplishments.

Community service and Northville District Library volunteer of the year recipients also will be honored.

“Normally, the township always does theirs at a meeting, ‘Oh, we’d like to recognize a person of the year,’” Wallace said. “They put that out there at a board meeting. But I thought this would be a nicer way to do it.”

Wallace knows from personal experience that such grand ceremonies resonate with the overall community. Before becoming Northville’s chamber director in February 2022, he held similar jobs in Mt. Pleasant and Plymouth – where he oversaw awards nights to much success.

The idea to feature a red carpet was something he was pushing almost as soon as he began the Northville job.

“It went really well,” Wallace continued. “Mt. Pleasant’s had like 400 people every year, so it’s a great crowd. Everybody from the community comes and celebrates, so it’s nice. In Plymouth, they have about 200 or so. It’s a great community thing for them, too.”

Working hand-in-hand with Wallace on

Tim Smith | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

Matt Zook (left) and Douglas Wallace, of the Northville Chamber of Commerce, planning the Northville Community Awards Dinner at Genitti's, which will co-host the event with the Marquis Theatre.

Photo by Bryan Mitchell

putting the event together were chamber staff members Matt Zook and Olivia Moses. Countless others helped behind the scenes, he added.

As for the red carpet treatment, Wallace said not only do the award recipients get a special night to remember, it also boosts the importance of work ethic and volunteerism.

“Most of them are unsung heroes,” Wallace emphasized. “I think the biggest thing is, those businesses – the city, township, for us (at the chamber) – we don’t always have a place to say thank you to the people who’ve worked so hard in our community to keep it going and be what it is. It’s just a great opportunity for us as organizations to say thank you.”

Others might see the hubbub and think getting involved might just be up their alley.

“It’s not so much because of the ‘Oh, I think I’m winning an award.’ I think a lot of times people don’t realize that ‘Oh, I could have been volunteering and helping over here?’ They didn’t realize these (organizations) needed volunteers. People

don’t realize how much they can do.”

MARQUIS OPENING SCENE

Meanwhile, the Marquis Theater’s involvement for the awards night is a major win, according to Wallace. Its owner, Brandon Bueter, was convinced to open the Marquis’ doors for the event, prior to the venue officially reopening following renovations.

“It was a good introduction for us to get Brandon to have more community groups seeing this place, since he hasn’t had it open in a few years,” Wallace said. “It’s his first thing in a while. It’s a big plus for us to see the Marquis opening again.”

Wallace said the Marquis is on track to officially re-open later in the year, with an October string of Michigan Philharmonic concerts already planned.

The theater seats 400 people, but there only will be about 200 for the March 9 event. Wallace said he wants the annual event to grow to the point where it can easily draw the Marquis’ capacity amount.

“I think in the future we can get the whole 400 or so,” Wallace added. “But it’s a newer event, so trying to make things happen and put together is always a work in progress. But I think it should be fun. Once people see what it’s like I think they’ll jump right in.”

Tickets for the Northville Community Chamber of Commerce First Annual Awards Dinner are $75 and can be purchased by visiting www.Northville.org.

The event will include a red carpet reception at the Marquis Theatre. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

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Betting On Our Students

Night for Northville gala goes all in for educational opportunities

By Tim Smith

When it comes to helping Northville schools’ students have a better chance to reach for the stars in life, the Northville Educational Foundation is front and center.

Which is why the NEF is set to host its Night for Northville annual gala – this year with the casino theme of “Betting on our Students.” The event runs 6:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 11 at Northville Square, 133 West Main Street.

“It’s raising support for students, teachers and staff of the district,” said Kate Mitchell, NEF executive director. “We’re all coming together and we’re betting on them and their future.”

Concurring was Night for Northville committee chairperson Marissa Edwards.

“As parents, teachers and adults in our community, we have confidence in our students’ abilities to meet the challenges that will help them reach their potentials,” said Edwards. “Raising money to be given back to our schools is going to provide unique opportunities to help them” do just that.

This year’s gala ($150 for a general admission ticket) is looking to draw more than 300 people, which would be

a turnout on-par with what would have been attendance in 2020 – the year in which NEF had to cancel the event at the last minute due to the onset of COVID-19. The presenting sponsor is Royal Truck & Utility Trailer.

In 2022, a smaller celebratory gala took place at Meadowbrook Country Club in Northville.

“We had one last year at Meadowbrook but it still had to be modified a little bit because of (the) Omicron (variant),” Mitchell said. “This year we’re having it at the Northville Square on the second floor.

“It’s a large area. On the south side of the building we’ll have our casino set up. Lava Grille is going to be our caterer and provide an open bar for us. And then we’ll have silent auctions spread out throughout.”

Providing live entertainment will be the Northville Folk Band. Emceeing the festivities will be Northville parent and business owner Robert Miller, who owns M Architects.

According to Mitchell, the general admission ticket enables guests to walk around the venue, sampling “heavy hors d’oeuvres” and take part in a wine pull among other attractions.

The wine pull raffle ($25 to enter) enables patrons to randomly pull one of 75 bottles of wine out of paper bags.

“We’ll have some tables but it will mostly be a strolling reception,” Mitchell noted. “We found that a lot of people at Meadowbrook last year loved the casino, but it was a smaller venue. This year, we’re able to open it up more and have more tables, so there’ll be more opportunities for people to play. There’ll be some high tops in there so people can watch as well.”

There also will be a VIP reception hosted by Lava Grille, with tickets available at $200.

“If you are a VIP you get to arrive 30 minutes prior to the event to have a cocktail inside Lava Grille,” Mitchell said. “You’ll have a table to reserve for the whole evening, it could be home base for guests for the night.”

The VIP admission includes an exclusive bar and valet option, she said.

Revenue generated at Night for Northville will be put towards various programs including the district’s “Investing in Innovation Fund”, grants for teachers, the annual Parent Camp and the Northville

STEAM Fair.

According to Edwards, a Northville parent, money generated at Night for Northville will provide supplemental funding “for more opportunities to create exciting enrichment programs” in the district, including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs, leadership development programs and teacher grants.

Through such endeavors, Edwards emphasized Northville Public Schools will have a better chance to strengthen what is “arguably the best (district) in the state of Michigan,” no small feat considering the relatively small amount of per-pupil funding when compared to other districts, she added.

By holding fundraisers such as the casino night, Edwards said parents and other supporters of the NEF have an opportunity to help the district do even more for its children.

“We want our kids to get the best education possible, to be as successful as possible here and now, and beyond,” Edwards stressed. “And the donations from NEF (are) essential in making sure that’s possible.”

Also back this year is a chance for school PTAs to nab a check for $500, simply by having the largest contingent of attendees at the gala. In 2022, Winchester Elementary School took the honors.

NEF, founded in 2000 by school parents and community members, is a 501(c)3 charitable organization “dedicated to supporting enrichment programs to benefit all Northville students.”

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www. SupportNEF.org.

Members of the Unity Skatepark team visited the site in January. From left are Jack Kelly, Gabriella Duhn, Vince Onel of Spohn Ranch (the company that is building the park), Jeff Scroggs, park superintendent Nate Reilly, and Andy Whitmire. Photo courtesy of Northville Township.

Wheels are starting to roll on Unity Skatepark

Northville’s first skateboarding park scheduled to open later this year

They have a name, a designer and timeline. So, the wheels are rolling on Northville Unity Skatepark, a passion project of Gabriella Duhn whose son Dominic was killed while skateboarding along Sheldon Road in 2020.

Unity Skatepark is slated to open in Millennium Park during late summer or early fall.

Los Angeles-based Spohn Ranch Skateparks has been hired to do the design and construction for the new 10,000-square-foot recreational facility on Six Mile Road, near Northville High School. The company has built nine skateparks in the state, including those in nearby Garden City and Milford.

The schedule is tight with groundbreaking set for spring.

“They know what they are doing, and they have done

these before,” said Debra Bilbrey-Honsowetz, Northville Township interim parks and recreation director. “They are very experienced, which is a comfort.”

Spohn Ranch was hired to do the job for $594,000. The Northville parks and recreation department will likely bring in a contractor to relocate an irrigation main, which is expected to take the project’s price tag closer to $600,000.

Northville Township board of trustees approved the contract with Spohn Ranch at its Nov. 17 meeting.

The board’s move marked another significant milestone for the grieving mother whose dogged two-year pursuit to turn a gut-wrenching tragedy into an uplifting public endeavor has captured hearts.

“I feel so grateful because

By Larry O’Connor

I know there is no way I could have done this myself,” Gabriella Duhn said.

Dominic, 20, died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on Sept. 20, 2020. He was survived by his mother Gabriella, father Drew, and brother Enzo.

Gustavo Godinez, 22, of Westland was sentenced from two to five years in the fatality. Godinez’s earliest eligible date for parole is in November.

Amid the heartbreak, Gabriella set out to shine a positive light on skateboarding, a solitary activity whose participants are often misunderstood by those outside its tight-knit community.

In doing so, Gabriella wanted to create a gathering place for people to celebrate life — while honoring Dominic’s memory — and feel safe. Unity Skatepark

will include a memorial to the 2018 Northville High graduate who was majoring in agricultural business at Michigan State.

She enlisted community members and embarked on an ambitious grassroots fundraising campaign. The Duhn family and a nonprofit foundation in Dominic’s name raised $359,000 toward the project.

Northville Township put forth $150,000, along with $83,327 the municipality received from the Wayne County parks millage allocation. The city of Northville also contributed $8,123 as part of its county parks millage share.

Vince Onel, who is Spohn Ranch co-owner and vicepresident of skatepark development, was swept up with the groundswell of

Dominic Duhn

community support for Unity Skatepark during a one-day visit in January.

The Iowa native visited Jan. 24 and took part in a design forum at township hall where 20 or so people provided ideas on what amenities the new skatepark should include.

High schoolers made up the bulk of the attendees. Organizers were pleased with the turnout despite it being finals week at Northville High.

Spohn Ranch also solicited input through an online survey posted earlier this month.

What is clear is people don’t want gravity-defying drops or punishing snake runs. They’d like to see Unity Skatepark distinguish itself from Riley Park in Farmington and Ann Arbor Skatepark.

“As far as the public meeting, the biggest takeaway is that the community really wants something a little beginnerfriendly than some of the skateparks in the area,” said Onel, 36, who has been skateboarding since he was 10. The University of Southern California graduate has more than 14 years of experience in the skatepark industry.

“A lot of the skateparks in the area have really deep bowls and pools, which are great and super fun and serve a purpose. But the community feels like that need is already filled, that box has been checked.

“With this skatepark, they said, ‘Let’s create a space that it is inviting, encouraging and accommodating, and doesn’t intimidate folks.’”

Onel visited the skatepark’s future site and, after the public meeting, joined Gabriella for dinner at The Exchange Bar & Grill. He also surveyed

downtown Northville to gauge the vibe, taking a multitude of photos along the way.

The designer noticed the heavy use of brick and stone in downtown architecture, which are elements he’d like to incorporate into the finished product.

“Believe it or not, skateboarders do like textures in a skatepark,” he said. “They want the skatepark to look and feel as close to real-life architecture as possible. When it has those details and textures, they like it because it makes what you ride out in the street.”

To withstand harsh winters, Onel said materials to construct the skatepark will need to be “robust” due to the extreme freeze-thaw cycles. Such facilities are built to remain safe and functional for “decades and decades,” he added.

The Iowa native shares a kindred spirit with his latest customer.

‘In general, I would say people in the Midwest crave outdoor spaces,” Onel said. “They really value outdoor recreation because they are stuck inside for so many months of the year, and I remember that growing up as a kid in Iowa when it would get in the mid30s, that was warm enough to go outside. Even though I was wearing five different layers, that was warm enough to go out and skateboard.”

Gabriella Duhn shows no signs of cooling her dedication to the project. Fundraising continues and “every penny will still go to the skatepark,” she said.

The mother is concerned about how inflation might affect the $600,000 budget. She also envisions something grander

than just another recreational outlet.

“Not only are we building the skatepark, but we are also trying to build a gathering area,” Duhn said. “So even if you are a teenager who doesn’t skateboard, but you just want a place to go and hang out, we want to make it where the perimeter of this is very inviting, whether the mom wants to bring her 3-year-old with a scooter or the grandfather wants to see his grandkids do some cool skateboard tricks.

“We want it to be where everybody feels welcome and there is an area for them to enjoy it. So, that is going to cost money too.”

In meeting Gabriella, Spohn Ranch’s chief designer knew he was tasked with something more than drawing up a

skatepark.

“Granted, I only met her for a few hours, but she seems focused on the future and I appreciated that,” Onel said. “That is what I am going to help her and this community do, focus on the future and not let that tragedy be the end of Dominic’s story.

“We are going to write a new chapter in Dominic’s story and it’s going to be a positive chapter, a chapter about bringing this community together and finding closure and finding healing.”

For more information, visit Skateparkproject.wixsite.com/ northville.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

As designers continue to plan the Unity Skatepark in Northville Township’s Millennium Park, what ideas do you think they should incorporate?

Please email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@ thevillemagazine.com.

Vince Onel is co-owner of Spohn Ranch, and is leading the Unity Skatepark development team.

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No Longer Flying Under The Radar

Colorado College standout Noah

Laba skating toward NHL future

By Brad Emons

Although he was once considered flying under the radar as a youth player, Noah Laba suddenly caught the attention of hockey scouts from their air traffic control towers. And it’s been quite a take-off and landing for the 19-yearold Northville native, who is a standout freshman for Colorado

bringing home a bronze medal from the recently completed IIHF 2023 World Junior Championship hosted by Moncton, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

And although he was a healthy scratch for six of seven of Team USA’s games at the World Juniors, Laba did appear in the bronze medal game, a wild 8-7 overtime win over Sweden.

Two of his teammates also had Northville ties including forwards Dylan Duke, a sophomore at Michigan, and Cutter Gauthier, a freshman at Boston College. Colorado College teammate Kaidan Mberko, a freshman goalie, was also on the squad.

Despite not getting a chance at the gold medal after losing 6-2 in the semifinals to host Canada, it was rewarding to return with some hardware.

College, along with being a 2022 fourth-round pick of the NHL’s New York Rangers.

The 6-foot-2, 192-pounder centerman also earned a spot on the Team USA’s 25-man roster

“It was actually a great experience,” said Laba, who made the cut after 32 players were invited to participate at an evaluation camp held at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth.

“It was special playing for your country. Obviously, USA

Hockey is great. The work and all the time I spent with the staff there and the players there . . . you can learn a lot and take away a lot from them.”

Laba grew up in Commerce Township before the Laba family of six, moved to Northville when he was 11. He first put on skates at age four, but got his hockey wings climbing through the junior ranks with Belle Tire, Compuware and the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies AAA teams.

He attended Hillside Middle School as a seventh- and eighthgrader and attended Northville High until his junior year. His older brother Devin played hockey at Northville.

Coming out of AAA, Laba

went undrafted by both the Ontario Hockey League and U.S. Hockey League, but made the most out of a tryout with the Lincoln (Neb.) Stars of the USHL.

“I just came out of U-16 looking for a place to play,” Laba said. “Their assistant coach at the time gave me a call, wanted me to come to their camp, so that’s what I did. Obviously made it out of the camp and made the team.”

In two seasons with the Stars, Laba collected 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in 46 games during the 2020-21 season followed by 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists) in 50 games in 202122 where he was tied for fifth in

Northville native Noah Laba originally signed with Colgate University before landing at Colorado College.

Photo courtesy of Colorado College Sports Information

Noah Laba donned the sweater for Team USA at the recent World Junior Championships held in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada. Photo courtesy of USA Hockey

goals and sixth in points.

THE RIGHT FIT

While playing for Lincoln, Laba signed an NCAA letter-ofintent with Colgate University, but had second thoughts.

“I committed there early,” he said. “Really wasn’t the right fit, so kind of decommitted from there and opened my options back up. Talked to Colorado, some of the coaching staff through mediators and I was impressed with the facilities they had. And being in the NCHC (National College Hockey Conference) I believe is the best league in college hockey, and Colorado is a great state to live in. Those were kind of the main reasons.”

Laba was also on the flight log of new Colorado College coach Kris Mayotte, who was an assistant for the two previous seasons at the University of Michigan.

“We kind of had our eye on him a little bit, but he committed to Colgate somewhat early out of the Junior Grizzlies, so he wasn’t a guy that was big on our radar,” said Mayotte, who is in his second season with the Tigers. “But he was starting to make some noise once he got out to Lincoln. And you go watch him play and he’s this big, long powerful center man that can skate, has some heart and has some skill. Guys like that catch your attention pretty quickly.”

Through the team’s first 26 games, Laba has held his own for CC, scoring eight goals (second on the team), including two unassisted, to go along with six assists as the Tigers were 10-15-1 overall and 6-9-1 (as of Feb. 5) in the highly competitive NCHC, which includes defending NCAA champion and

chief rival University of Denver.

“He hunts pucks so well,” Mayotte said. “He’s got great speed. He can create time and space for himself. Because of it, but at the same time, he can take away and close time and space pretty quickly. He’s an offensive guy. He’s got pretty good numbers for us as a freshman.

“When he closes you down in the D zone, he can end plays. He’s been great at the face-off dot. He’s been between 55 percent and 60 percent all year for us at the dot. He’s a guy you feel like can play in any situation. He can shut another team’s top line down, but at the same time he can score and

player was Pavel Datsyuk.

“I just remember being really little, watching him, watching Detroit,” Laba said. “He’s obviously a pretty special player to watch. Just every time he touched the puck, he did something very cool.”

When Laba was taking summer classes at Colorado College, he got an unexpected call on July 8.

“I didn’t necessarily know if I’d get drafted or not,” he said. “I was watching the draft. Watching whatever was going on at the time and then kind of saw my name, then got a phone call. I was in shock. Got up and left, took the call of course, and they told me I was drafted. It

friends.”

The Rangers, one of the NHL’s Original Six, made him the 111th pick overall in the draft.

“They showed interest in me,” Laba said. “I think I had a couple of interviews with them as well as some other teams. I think I talked to nine or 10 total. But for sure I didn’t know if I’d get drafted or not.”

From there, Laba went to the Rangers prospect camp and visited one of the most famous sports arenas in the world -Madison Square Garden.

“That was pretty special,” Laba said. “I think MSG just being right in the home of New York . . . driving to the stadium you’re surrounded by skyscrapers and things like that. It’s just such a historic building not only for hockey, but all the events they host there. It was

Only time will tell whether Laba, whose favorite movie is understandably Miracle, ultimately makes it to the NHL, but it’s no longer just a longshot. He brings a lot of intangibles to the Colorado College program both on and off the ice, and has been a great fit.

“I guess they thought I had a lot more to develop, but definitely a late bloomer for sure,” Laba said of an evaluation of himself. “I like to try and be that best I can be. Obviously, they have the resources here. It takes a lot of work to play pro hockey, so it’s been great. The people here are great. The fans are great and obviously everyone here loves hockey.”

Long and rangy center Noah Laba of Colorado College was a fourth-round draft pick of the New York Rangers. Photo courtesy of Colorado College Sports Information

Firefighter s Ball is Back

Charity event ramping up after several year absence due to Covid

By Tim Smith

After the horrors and heartbreak of COVID-19, which Northville city and township firefighters began experiencing every day in March 2020, few if any of those men or women thought about things like having fun and letting loose. Even if for a good cause.

But three years have changed the landscape enough to finally provide kind of a permission structure to “Dine, Drink, Dance and Donate.”

That is the catchy slogan for the 18th annual Firefighter's Ball, hosted by the Northville Township Firefighters Charity Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The 2023 event, back after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, is 6 p.m. Saturday, March 18 at Laurel Manor in Livonia.

The event is not a black-tie occasion, but guests should wear semi-formal or wedding attire.

“It’s gone very well,”

Tommy Hughes, president of the Northville Township

Firefighters Charity Fund, said about gala ticket sales.

“We weren’t sure what to expect. We’ve had a really loyal following over the years. We grew from where we first started, with 75 people (attending) back in 2002, and ran it every other year other than the last couple covid years.

“We’re trying to step back into it a bit and people seem pretty excited to get back out there, have a good time, get around their friends, family and neighbors and enjoy each other’s company a little bit.”

Cost to attend is $150 per ticket, available at www. ntffcharityfund.com/ firefightersball. As of the beginning of February, all but a couple hundred of the 550 tickets remained unsold. For that price, guests will receive a full meal, open bar and live entertainment from the Killer Flamingos.

Also on tap will be raffle gift baskets and a silent auction (featuring signed sports memorabilia, concert tickets

and more). Items continue to pour in from generous individuals and businesses, Hughes said.

“As we ramp this back up a little bit, we’re going to have to take some baby steps,” continued Hughes, adding that about 750 attended the 2020 gala, just weeks before COVID-19 stopped the world in its tracks. “Not that 550 people is baby steps, but we would have (loved to get) that 20 years ago.”

Hughes said the event normally draws a wide mix of people, from their 20s to 70s.

“It really is a community group,” he noted. “We have a lot of support from local fire departments, local police agencies, some of our local nurses who attend. And local businesses.”

The township firefighters’ charity fund itself is “completely unrelated” to the fire department, Hughes emphasized.

“Separate entity. None of the money goes back to the fire department at all. This is solely

a community function,” Hughes said.

Finally being face-to-face for an evening, without worry or restriction, is a huge relief for Hughes and all of the community movers and shakers who will attend.

But Hughes underscored the overlying purpose of the gala – to help raise dollars that can be funneled to community groups (such as Northville Civic Concern and the Northville Educational Foundation) from which help can be directed to individuals and families in need.

The 2020 event raised about $60,000, and although fewer people will attend this year, Hughes is hopeful the total funds generated this year will approach that amount.

The Firefighter's Ball remains the organization’s largest fundraiser. Since the event began in 2002, nearly $900,000 has been donated to local charities and causes. Some of those include assisting fallen firefighters, police officers and their families; the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Great Lakes Burn Camp, creation of the Sherrill Berman Trailhead Playground, Salvation Army, Goodfellows, Northville Parks and Recreation and many others.

At the top of the list of groups receiving important funds from the event is Northville Civic Concern. Marlene Kunz, longtime director of Civic Concern, said the funding is so important to their mission. She said the organization provides food and other relief for more than 250 local families.

“It takes a village. Without the village we can’t do anything,” Kunz said.

For more information, visit www.ntffcharityfund.com.

The Killer Flamingos will perform plenty of dance music.

Heart

medication 101 How doctors prescribe meds for your heart health

“When it comes to your heart, medications are prescribed based on your current heart health as well as your risk for future heart complications,” says Benjamin Swanson, M.D., a cardiologist at Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth.

“There is a spectrum of need—a patient could be on medication as a preventative measure

potential heart condition

(such as chest pain).

• You are healthy but want to protect your heart from heart problems in the future.

Medication after a heart attack

Your heart is at a weaker state and needs to be protected from possible damage. The medications you are prescribed allows

• ACE inhibitors: Help improve recovery of the heart muscle.

Treating cardiovascular disease

When you have blockages in your arteries, many of the same medications that are used to treat someone following a heart attack are used to treat cardiovascular disease.

Managing cardiac chest pain

If you are experiencing symptoms such as angina (chest pain), this could be a sign of possible blockages in the heart. Medications may include:

• As-needed nitroglycerin: Reduces chest pain by relaxing blood vessels around the heart while increasing oxygen-rich blood flow.

to avoid a possible heart diagnosis while a different patient could be on medication to help them manage symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease after having a heart attack.”

Prescribing heart medication

Your cardiologist might recommend medication for your heart for several reasons, including:

• You have a history of heart problems or are recovering from a cardiac episode.

• You have a diagnosed heart condition.

• You are experiencing symptoms related to a

the heart muscle to heal without risk of another heart attack or stroke. These may include:

• High-intensity statin: Prescribed to make sure your cholesterol levels are staying low.

• Daily aspirin therapy: Helps reduce inflammation of the heart muscles and prevents the development of blood clots.

• Platelet blockers: Block blood clot formation in the arteries.

• Beta blockers: Help lower blood pressure to prevent future heart attacks.

• Long-acting nitroglycerin: Prescribed if pain is frequent enough and a lower dose isn’t effective anymore.

• Calcium channel blocker: Prevents calcium from entering the heart, allowing the heart muscles to relax.

• Beta blockers: Slows the heart rate to reduce the frequentness of chest pain.

Factors that influence your medications

“There are instances when your heart medication may need to be changed or adjusted,” Dr. Swanson says. “Taking

certain medications over time can sometimes make that dosage more or less effective.”

Some other factors that could impact dosage or the type of medication you are prescribed include:

• Having had heart surgery or a stent put in

• Significant changes in your blood pressure or cholesterols levels

• Increase in your risk for a heart condition or the diagnosis of a heart condition

• Development of new or worsening symptoms or side effects

• Age

• Weight

• Diet

• Gender or genetic-based risk factors

• Other medications you are taking

If you need to change the dose of your

medication, talk with your doctor first. Depending on your condition and why you need to change dosage, they can advise on if you should wait until your next appointment to be seen again.

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.

Heart medication for low to no risk cases

“When a patient comes in with no history of heart problems, they are often hoping to gauge their heart health and check for any cardiac risk factors,” Dr. Swanson says. “In these cases, we start by looking at blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as taking note of the patient’s age, overall health and family medical history.”

If you are concerned about your heart health, talk with your primary care providers about seeing a heart expert. This is especially important if you have a family history (in a first-degree relative such as a parent, sibling or child) of heart complications. A cardiologist can help evaluate your potential risk and determine if starting medication for your heart health is right for you.

Want to get started? Take our 5-minute quiz at henryford.com/ heartquiz to find out how healthy your heart is.

Chili’in the Ville

The Northville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is bringing Chili’in the Ville back for its second year from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. The event will pit members of the Northville Township and City of Northville fire departments to see who can make up the best chili – last year the township won. Various downtown restaurants will also be serving their own chili and vying for the best in town. Browndog Barlor is looking to retain its title.

The event will also feature a number of business-sponsored ice sculptures in the shape of zoo animals this year, as the DDA has partnered with Clear Cut Ice to create the family-friendly ice displays. Tickets are available to purchase in sets of eight for $10. Each ticket provides a sample-size portion of chili from participating businesses. To purchase tickets, visit Mod Market at 150 Mary Alexander Court. For more information about the event, visit the DDA’s website at www.downtownnorthville.com.

National Champs!

The Northville high school varsity dance team, lead by head coach Sarah Benish and assistant coach Maggie Reinhardt, returned home to Northville as national champions after the national high school dance team championships in Orlando, Florida.

Some 75 teams from across the country competed over the course of three days, beginning on Feb. 3. Northville earned the top score in the preliminary round, and advanced straight to the final round, which included 22 teams. Benish said the team’s final routine on Feb. 5 was “breathtaking, emotional, and executed perfectly.” When they were announced the winners in the small varsity jazz division, the team was jubilant.

“There’s no better feeling than knowing all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears these athletes put in all season was greatly rewarded,” Benish said. “We could not be more proud of the success of this program. We are so thankful for all the people that believed in this team and helped us get to where we are today.”

Your Next Step To A Better Business

Chili’in the Ville will feature great food and ice sculptures.

The Northville high school varsity dance team with their national championship trophy Feb. 5 in Orlando.

With over 65 years of combined experience, Ingrid and Darren are ready to point you in the right direction.

Darren R. LaLonde

along with several restaurants return to face off in a

chili competition in downtown

During the event take a walk on the wild side and see the zoo-themed ice sculptures.

• Regain your lost energy.

• Improve muscle strength, mental focus, sexual performance and more!

Dishin’ With Denise

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.

Love and Wonder Make the World Go Round

The world is a really big place, but smaller than you think. When I decided to be a little curious this year, I didn’t expect the stars to line up and the world to play along. Since we last “dished”, I had the chance of a lifetime to go on an adventure to learn about my roots. My grandmother came to this country in the early 1900s, a young teenage girl from a town in Italy called Turrivalignani. She came without parents, only her little brother in tow, and others from her village –including my grandfather.

opened their home and their hearts to me – a stranger from a small town in Mee-ch-again. I found a little piece of me in Concetta, and maybe even Rosetta, but most importantly I learned when opportunity knocks – open the door, the world is waiting.

I lived with my “Grammy” growing up and asked repeatedly: “Please take me to see your village.” She said no. If I had a bucket list – this would have been on it. In a village with only 300 families, on what I would call a mountain, I met cousins – saw the land my grandmother’s family owned and visited the graves of my great grandparents complete with their photos. Mayor Giovanni Placido and his lovely wife, Margherita graciously

Closer to home, I have spent a lot of time at Northville City Council meetings watching as our little world is changing Just when you think it’s all changing, something happens that is familiar and brings a smile to your face. Last month I was reminded of my days as a den mother when I saw the 5th grade Boy Scouts out of Winchester Elementary march up to lead the crowd attending in the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag. It doesn’t get better than that. Pack number 903 has young boys from Winchester and Amerman elementary schools. Keep up your good works future mayors and city council representatives. We need you!

Did you know there is an all-male a cappella barbershop chorus based

in Northville? I did not learn about them until late last year. They’re called City Lights Chorus. Recently they raised funds for new risers and are awaiting the arrival – donations are still being accepted, and they are appreciated. The group was founded in 2017 and they are dedicated to the highest standards of living and performing. They will be holding a spring concert on Saturday, May 20 at Hilltop Church (in Northville). Find out more by visiting the website: citylightschorus.com or follow them on Facebook.

I want to thank Tony at the Cobbler’s Corner for the lickety-split repair to my granddaughter’s backpack. In this big old world, it’s a pretty small town when you take a trusted possession to the local guy who can actually fix it for you, while you wait. Sure, it was a simple fix…we were prepared to wait a week or two…but it took less time than writing up a slip. Makes sense, right? I’ve taken boots that are nicely broke in, but needed a new zipper…that took

some time, but I’m still wearing them. I could write a whole article about repairing shoes and purses – buy good, repair and recycle, save money…yah dah yah dah yah dah. If it’s old school, I’m in. And I know an 11-year-old who is mighty happy with her stitched up backpack. Save the date and buy your tickets early. The 2nd Annual Hopes & Dreams Gala to benefit the Living & Learning Enrichment Center will be held Friday, June 2nd from 7–11 p.m. The 12-acre campus at 801 Griswold will be open for an evening of wonderment. The first was by far one of the best fundraisers I’ve attended – the setting spectacular, the food stations by local restaurants were well done, wine tastings and music by FiftyAmpFuse was perfect for dancing under the stars. You can see for yourself what makes this worthy organization a labor of love. Tickets go on sale March 3rd. Visit their website for details at livingandlearningcener.org. (PS – I hear they may be open to booking your next event there… be curious.)

Me, Mayor Giovanni Placido and The ‘Ville in Turrivalignani, Italy.

City Lights Chorus at a competition in Charlotte, NC (2022).

Scouts from Pack 903 (from left) Cole Wilamowski, Henry Ferrara, Jack Zabkiewicz, and Ian McKinstry.

Jamey Kramer Putting You First

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