The 'Ville - January 2020

January 2020 | Vol.3 | Issue 1

Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine

A New Era Mayor Turnbull focuses on future without forgetting the past

Residential/Commercial Buying/Selling Call 248 278 0026 for all your real estate needs.

11 6 W e s t M a i n S t r e e t , N o r t h v i l l e

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11 0 W i l l i t s S t r e e t , B i r m i n g h a m

SP ECI A L A D V E R T I SING ME S S A GE

LUCA MARIANO DISTILLERY UNVEILS SINGLE BARREL KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON Northville’s Francesco S. Viola made a splash in the premium whiskey world last spring when his startup company, Luca Mariano Distillery, released its first batch of Old Americana Bourbon. To much fanfare, he followed that up a few months later with his first Rye, noted for its bold taste and full body.

The company is very excited about the release of its third product, Francesco S. Viola Signature Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon. A special release will take place January 17, which is both Francesco’s 43rd birthday and the 100th anniversary of Prohibition.

107 proof, you don’t realize it. It is smooth and well balanced. It’s not something you soon forget.”

The release will be very limited— just three barrels. Only 349 bottles will be sold at select stores in Michigan. The rest (211 bottles) will be on shelves in Kentucky, where the bourbon has been aging for nearly five years at the company’s distillery in Danville.

“I’ve always loved the taste cherry wood gives. I thought I would experiment and try it with the bourbon. It exceeded my expectations,” said Francesco.

This new bourbon is the result of Francesco’s unique recipe, which he says is comprised of more than 51-percent corn with a balance of smoked malted barley—the key to its smoky, yet smooth flavor.

“It drinks very clean,” Francesco said. “It has a great flavor.

Although it comes in a little hot at

Francesco won’t divulge all the details of his recipe, but says a key factor is smoking the malted barley with cherry wood, something he first learned to love while smoking meats at home.

It is no secret that Francesco is passionate for whiskey— and bourbon in particular. His beloved grandfather Mariano— part of the company’s namesake along with his son Luca—first taught him how to make whiskey, which he began to do as a hobby in 2010. A few years later he founded the company in honor of his Sicilian-born grandfather, who inspired him.

Francesco’s ties to whiskey go back even further than 2010. His

great-grandfather (Mariano’s dad), Baldassare Viola, was heavily in debt to the Italian mafia, so he worked for them running whiskey between Canada and the United States during Prohibition. This is what led the family from Italy to America many years later in the 1970s, and a couple generations later the creation of Luca Mariano Distillery. Coincidental, yet ironic, that the new bourbon is set to be released on the 100th anniversary of Prohibition.

FRANCESCO S. VIOLA SIGNATURE SINGLE BARREL KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON will be available beginning January 17 and can be found locally at: G.S. Royal Oak Wine Palace Livonia Superfine Wine Canton Canopy Bottle Brighton Tippins Market Ann Arbor

Francesco is intimately involved in every aspect of the bourbon making process, from developing each recipe to hand-picking the barrels, which, despite their similarities, produce their own taste. In fact, he personally chose the three barrels for this special release, and will continue to do each year in limited quantities on his birthday.

He’s confident bourbon lovers will come to anticipate January 17th as much as he does.

www.lucamariano.com

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ISSUE 1

JANUARY 1

16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734.716.0783 • TheVilleMagazine@gmail.com

KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher

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

CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director

Craig has been in the creative industry for over 25 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 16 years. Craig enjoys cycling, running, wine tasting, his beloved Boston Terrier and an unhealthy addiction to movies.

MICHELE FECHT – Writer

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

BRAD EMONS - Writer

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

Mr. & Mrs. Richard E. Allen Cathy & Chris de Bear John & Sandy Dickson Jim & Virginia Long Ron Lynch

VOLUME 3

Jim Nowka Mary Kay Pryce Thomas & Ann Schneider Rob & LeAnne Stevens William & June Weaver

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

MARIA TAYLOR – Writer

Maria has edited Michigan History and The Active Learner magazines and reported for The Northville Record, Novi News, and Farmington Observer and (currently) BNP Media. She lives in Farmington and, as a self-avowed history nerd, routinely risks her life by standing in the middle of Grand River to take photos of old buildings.

LONNIE HUHMAN - Writer

Lonnie graduated from EMU with a degree in creative writing. He is a longtime newspaper reporter, including two stints with The Northville Record. He is now a freelance reporter for a number of publications, including The Sun Times News in Dexter, where he lives with his wife and two young children. He is glad to be back covering the Northville community.

BILL BRESLER - Photographer

Bill lied his way onto his high school's yearbook staff in 1971 and has worked as a photographer ever since. He recently retired after 39 years with Hometown Life, a newspaper group that includes the Northville Record. He's won many journalism awards for his work, and taught photography at Madonna University. According to Bill's wife, he's too young to retire, so he's happy to be part of The 'Ville.

JENNY PEARSALL – Graphic Designer

Jenny has been in the design and print industry for more than 20 years, holding various positions in graphic design, large format and trade show graphics, print buying, production and print management. One of her favorite memories is working for Colorquik Graphix in the historic Water Wheel building in downtown Northville.

The ‘Ville is a product of Journeyman Publishing, which assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. Any form of reproduction of any content in this publication without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Comments are welcome at thevillemagazine@gmail.com.

A View From The ‘Ville

New Year Brings New Beginnings

E

ach year when we toss out the old calendar, it gives us a chance to reflect on our lives -- and our habits – and evaluate things we can do better, ways to get healthier and hopefully become better people in the process. It’s a symbolic opportunity to make new beginnings and improve our lot in the world.

That is even more the case as we put 2019 in the rearview mirror and embark on a new decade.

As we look ahead, 2020 is definitely going to be a year of change in Northville. In this issue we highlight some of those changes.

Our cover story is about Brian Turnbull, the new mayor of Northville. Turnbull stormed into City Hall by soundly defeating incumbent Ken Roth in the last election. It’s no easy task beating an incumbent, but Turnbull was an active campaigner and worked hard, and he also had the advantage of

command, Deb Wilhelm.

Public Safety Director Todd Mutchler has also assumed the role of township manager.

Mutchler’s first move was Christina Zayti will leave her beloved Marquis Theatre at the to promote end of the month.

Marina name recognition – his family Neumaier, the township’s goes back five generations. finance manager, to also serve I sat down with Turnbull and as assistant township manager. we discussed the election, his Together, working with the family, and his plans for 2020 elected members of the township and beyond. One thing is clear, board, they will fill the void left he has ideas about the future, but

by Snider and Wilhelm, and lead they are definitely rooted into the township into the future. our town’s past. Kind of like him.

Please see page 24.

Please see page 10.

And speaking of new eras…

There are also changes The Marquis Theatre, perhaps happening at Northville the most iconic building in Township Hall. The year 2019 downtown Northville, has been was definitely the end of an sold. There have been rumors era there as Chip Snider, the for months, but owner Christina longtime township manager, Zayti finally confirmed it at the retired along with his second in end of December. Zayti’s parents,

Inge and Jay Zayti, purchased the theatre in 1971 and revived it. In recent years, it has been a mecca of live theater, and a place where many children have learned the craft of acting.

The building needs some major repairs, and Christina came to conclusion she needed to sell. Chuck Lapham, who helped found Tipping Point Theatre, came to the rescue.

He will be working with his grandson, Brandon Bueter, to develop a long-term, viable plan.

But his overriding goal is to keep it a theater.

I think we are all pulling for them to be successful. The Marquis is just too important to downtown Northville to see it become something else. Please see our story on Page 6.

Here’s to new beginnings!

Kurt Kuban is editor and publisher of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your feedback at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

Your Voice: Letters to the Editor 4

6

Chasing Aurora Borealis

18

Marquis Theatre Sold

A New Era

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ON THE COVER: Mayor Brian Turnbull gets serious about 2020 during an interview at Genitti’s while holding a portrait of his father, Bruce Turnbull. Photo by Bill Bresler

Moorman cherishes his time with Badgers 12 Mustangs primed to make a name on the slopes 14 Past Tense: Snow dump 16 Toxic mold causes nightmare for Coach Gudith’s family 22 New year, new leadership for township 24 High School Confidential: New Year’s resolutions 26 Something new brewing at former Village Workshop 34 Dishin’ With Denise 36

Your Voice Dedicated public servants January is National School Board Recognition Month, which is a great opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of the Northville Public Schools Board of Education and the time these seven members spend all year long to support Northville students, the community, and Northville teachers and staff. The decisions impacting our schools are made by people elected to represent our community’s values, culture and circumstances.

As a community, we are fortunate to have an actively involved, deeply committed Board of Education dedicated to leading and supporting our ongoing quest to open A World of Possibilities for and Jafaar Jankowski with our students that will prepare them for life and work in a global society.

Our Board of Education establishes the district’s vision, mission and goals and develops policies to achieve them; they encourage continuous improvement in student learning; and advocate at the local, state and national level in support of public education. They oversee an annual general fund budget of more than $80 million, 7,151 students, 863 Doner Wilk employees, and 11 buildings. This responsibility requires the time and energy to attend meetings and school functions; review agendas, documents, proposals, and reports; and make difficult decisions that are both fiscally responsible and focused on what is best

for the students of Northville Public Schools.

While we make a special effort in January to show appreciation to our school board members, we realize their many contributions reflect a year-round commitment. We will celebrate the Board Hwang Prescott of Education at the January Board of Education meeting on January 14 in the Globe Room at Old Village School.

I encourage you to take a moment to express your gratitude to the Board with a thank you note, or by saying a simple “Thank You” when seeing a board member at one of Northville’s many wonderful events. Take this opportunity to show our year-round appreciation for these servant leaders who work Lynn together to prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders.

The individuals serving Northville Public Schools and their years of service are: Cynthia L. Jankowski, eight years Matthew Wilk, seven-and-a-half years Roland Hwang, five years Sarah Prescott, four years and four months Laurie Doner, two years Angela Jafaar, one year Suzanne Lynn, one year Mary K. Gallagher Superintendent Northville Public Schools

Not the whole story

First, thank you for all your stories about our amazing Northville High School girls golf team. They are truly outstanding young women, both as students and athletes.

I think the story that gets missed with this team is just how much talent they have.

Coach Chris Cronin played two varsity lines throughout the season, including sometimes different tournaments on the same day.

Our top five players deserve all the praise they get -- and then some. But there were 16 athletes on this team and they all paved the way to the state competition.

Remarkably Coach Cronin could have played any of his top 12 and still won the state championship.

And, yes, I’m the proud parent of a player.

Michael Hofner

SOUND OFF 4 The ‘Ville

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.

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MARQUIS THEATRE New owners planning updates but uncertain of its future

By Lonnie Huhman

T

he Marquis Theatre holds a special place in the Northville community. From those who learned about live theater inside the historical building on Main Street to those who made a school bus trip to Northville to see a production of classics like the current show Beauty and the Beast, the theater has created an important legacy for many.

That legacy is about to enter a new chapter as second generation owner Christina Zayti has sold the theater that she grew up in and has owned/operated since her mother passed away in 2013. Her parents, Inge and Jay Zayti, purchased the former movie theater at 135 E. Main Street in 1971 and restored it to create a hub of live theater for the community.

Longtime Northville resident, business owner and philanthropist Chuck Lapham has purchased the theater from Zayti, and will take over operations at the end of January.

“I love this place so much. It’s like a family member,” said Christina, while looking around the lobby at the end of December.

“But it’s time,” she said of beginning a new chapter for both her and the theater.

The theater is a unique place and that’s the way she said her mother – known by many as “Miss Inge” -- wanted it. She

6 The ‘Ville

was the one who originally commissioned the American flag mural on the outside wall of the theater that is such a local landmark.

The building was built in 1924 and for years it was a movie theater.

Seven years into their ownership, Inge Zayti set out about restoring Christina Zayti has sold the Marquis Theatre, which has been in her family since it into an elegant, 1971, to Chuck Lapham (right), the founder of Tipping Point Theatre. yet comfortable working theater that pays homage to the came through its doors or stepped onto its Victorian era. From there the legacy of stage, Christina continued her mother’s the theater grew, especially through the legacy. She said it was important to her the thousands of children who saw a show on theater be a safe and fun place. Among the its stage or went to a summer acting camp many things she will miss, are the children, there. staff, actors and many others she met Inge Zayti grew up in Germany and through the years. loved the theater and opera, her daughter “We’ve had a lot of good times here,” she said. So when she and her husband came said with a smile and a tear in her eye. to Northville it was her hope and dream She’s seen generations of kids come to to help foster that same love for the the theater and then seen their kids do the community she now called home. same, and then there’s the bond she’s had In keeping that family feeling inside the with her staff and the actors over the years. theater very much alive for everyone who She said it was a very emotional decision to

to put his truck driving career on hold and come help the family business on Main Street.”

The Zayti family also ran clothing shops in Northville.

“There, Chuck learned the importance of what a strong downtown district has on a community,” Bueter The Marquis Theatre has been a mecca for live performances and summer acting said. camps for kids.

Over the years, sell the theater – and even more so telling Lapham went from employee to store everyone. owner, to eventually being on city council “I’m going to miss everybody,” she said. and most recently being a recipient of the Northville Citizen of the Year Award. Bueter SPECIAL HISTORY said his grandfather has always maintained In making the decision to sell, Zayti his relationship with the Zayti family and said it was important to her that the next when Christina decided she was ready to owner care about step back, it was a this legacy, and she natural decision for believes Lapham her to reach out to does.

Chuck.

Lapham, who “They are both founded the in agreeance that nearby Tipping it is best for the Point Theatre with community that Chuck Gaidica it not go on the and has been a open market and longtime supporter to remain in the of the Marquis hands of a deeplyTheatre, said the rooted Northville main reason he citizen insuring purchased the the preservation iconic Main Street and future of the building is its theater,” Bueter Inge Zayti, a German immigrant, purchased the historical value said.

Marquis in 1971, and managed it for four decades. to downtown Northville and his fear someone else WHAT’S NEXT would purchase it and either demolish it or So what’s the plan going forward? convert it to another use.

Lapham and Bueter said they really have “I don’t want anyone tampering with it. their work cut out for them on this project I wanted it to remain locally owned,” said and are unsure of the exact direction they Lapham. are headed, but their wishes are for it to Lapham, 86, will operate the theater with remain a theater and rental venue to bring the help of his grandson, Brandon Bueter. people to downtown Northville. First on This decision was an important one for their agenda is to address long overdue Lapham because there is a very long history maintenance issues, including a new roof between him and the Zayti family. Bueter and other structural problems. They plan to said it was Jay Zayti that convinced “Chuck preserve its historical features.

The Marquis is filled with Hollywood memorabilia, including this photo of Shirley Temple.

“Our number one priority is to maintain its past and present nostalgia while making accommodations available for the needs and desires of future events and rentals,” Bueter said.

Again, like Zayti, the sense of community is important to Lapham and Bueter. They said they would like Northville to know that this is a community effort. They have had some discussions with the Tipping Point Theatre management team about a possible partnership.

“It is most important to us for this to remain a focal point of Main Street and we are open to ideas and suggestions,” Bueter said.

In the meantime, there’s still some time to see a show with Zayti still at the helm before the handover happens. Children’s theater doesn’t appear to be in the future plans, so it’s truly the end of an era.

“Beauty and the Beast” will be live on stage at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays Jan. 11, 18 and 25, and on Sundays Jan. 12, 19 and 26. The last show is the 26th. For more information call (248) 349-8110 or visit www.northvillemarquistheatre.com.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? The Marquis Theatre, which was built in the 1920s, is changing ownership and has an uncertain future. We’d love to hear about your memories of this beloved theater, and what you’d like to see happen with it in the future. Please email your stories and opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

The ‘Ville 7

THE

NORTHVILLE

TOWNSHIP

FIR EFIGHTER S

CH ARIT Y

FUND

17 Annual Fireman’s Ball th

S AT U R D AY, F E B R U A R Y 8 , 2 0 2 0 LAUREL MANOR, LIVONIA

The Northville Township Firefighters Charity Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is excited to announce our 17th Annual Fireman’s Ball on Saturday, February 8 at Laurel Manor in Livonia. Over the last decade, our generous supporters have helped us to raise more than $425,000 for local charities.

Beneficiaries have included injured and fallen firefighters, police officers and their families, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Great Lakes Burn Camp, New Hope Center for Grief Support, Northville Civic Concern, Northville Parks and Recreation, the Salvation Army, the Goodfellow’s and many, many others.

In 2019, we were honored to unveil the new state-of-the-art, inclusive Trailhead Playground dedicated to Sherrill Berman at Maybury State Park.

This playground is open to the public and will serve friends and families of all abilities for generations.

Only 750 tickets will be sold for the event.

To purchase tickets, please visit www. ntffcharityfund.com.

In 2019, the Fireman’s Ball sold out for the seventh straight year with more than 750 guests, and we were able to raise over $55,000. The event provides guests with an opportunity to dine, drink and dance with friends while raising money for wonderful causes.

While we expect to sell out, we are still seeking donors, event sponsors and prizes for our many auctions and raffles. If you or your business is interested, please contact us at (734) 219-3961 or via email at admin@ntffcharityfund.com.

Our mission is simple: to work together as a community to improve the lives of others.

Without the support of our local businesses and generous donors none of our work would be possible.

Please join us for a wonderful evening while helping out those in need. We thank you in advance for your consideration and look forward to partnering with you for our Fireman’s Ball.

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Now the Work Begins Mayor Turnbull looks to the future with one eye on the past

By Kurt Kuban

N

orthville’s new mayor Brian Turnbull has one eye on the future and one on the past.

Calling Turnbull, 59, “new” probably isn’t the right term, though. He has spent his entire life here, and in fact comes from a clan that goes back five generations in Northville.

In fact, those deep roots – and a concern for the future -- are probably what prompted him to run for mayor against two-term incumbent Ken Roth. Turnbull was especially worried about the proposed development at the Northville Downs site.

He, like many others, felt the density being proposed was not suitable for the site, and would have a negative impact on the community.

In essence, he felt it would wreak havoc on the town his family has called home since the 1800s. While not opposed to new development, Turnbull says he wants to make sure it happens in a way that will benefit the community, not hinder it.

We caught up with Turnbull at one of his favorite hangouts

10 The ‘Ville

in town – Genitti’s Hole-in-theWall – to get his thoughts about his election, see how his first month in office has been, and what his goals are for 2020 and beyond.

The ‘Ville: You campaigned hard during the election.

Still, it’s often difficult to beat an incumbent. Were you surprised by the election results? And why do you think voters connected with you?

Mayor Turnbull: I think it’s the first time in 200 years in Northville that an incumbent got beat, so we knew we were on an uphill battle with the wind against us.

We were involved because of the issues in town, especially over development, and we were listening. This wasn’t a planned activity that I was going to get involved but around a hundred families asked me to get involved.

I was just a conduit to the movement for the future.

We were surprised by all the support we had at the 30 different home meetings we had and all the canvassing we did – we hit 1,800 homes and talked to

an awful lot of people. The more we got involved, the more we knew it was the right thing for the future of Northville and our kids and grandkids. We took the needs seriously, and we felt we were representing what we were hearing out there. So, in that sense, it wasn’t really a surprise on election day.

The ’Ville: You have a compelling story with your family history here in Northville. Your father, Bruce Turnbull, was born above your grandfather Cliff Turnbull’s electric shop in 1919. During his life he became known as Northville’s historian and one of its biggest cheerleaders.

Mayor Turnbull: We go back five generations in town.

Everybody gave back through the years. In this generation of mine everyone had moved away. I was the last one in town.

Everybody expected me to give back in some way. My parents always instructed us to learn, do and give back. I was finally in a position to give back.

My dad was the local historian for most of his 100 yeas in town,

and I tried to keep that alive after he passed away. He was a cheerleader for the town, he was a Citizen of the Year, he was the Rotary Club president back in the day, after my grandfather he owned the Northville Electric shop (where Baby, Baby is today). They used to call him Mr. Northville.

The ‘Ville: Do you feel he is with you now that you are serving as mayor? Do you kind of feel he is serving with you as you make decisions?

Mayor Turnbull: Yes, absolutely. Looking back at history, both my grandfathers helped Northville get through the Depression, and did a lot for the city. My father helped us get through the latest era – after World War II to the early 2000’s, and he dedicated himself to chronicling the history of Northville, teaching all the third graders about our past at the annual Victorian Festival.

In fact, my mom helped start the Victorian Festival. And we were big supporters of Mill Race Village when it first started. So they were all about Northville.

So, do I feel when I make decisions that they are part of it? Absolutely. You have to know your history -- where you’ve been, and where you want to go in the future. If you don’t know your past, how can you make good decisions for the future?

Just look at the Downs (Northville Downs). My grandfather, my father and others in town have always known something was going to happen there – for at least the last few decades. Now it’s time for us to do whatever we can. We don’t have a second chance. This will change the trajectory of town for the rest of our lives. So when I look at making decisions about what we do moving forward, I definitely look at the past, and what my grandfather and parents would be thinking about this issue and how it will affect Northville in the long term.

The ‘Ville: You fought so hard to become mayor. Now that you’ve been serving for more than a month, is it what you expected? Any surprises?

Mayor Turnbull: Now the work begins – for all of us. Those hundred and some families that approached me about running, and the thousand people or so that I talked to, now it’s time for all of us to engage. Be active in the meetings and the planning.

Be involved in activities in town collectively.

It has been interesting. I am probably spending 40 hours a week at City Hall since being sworn in – just learning, understanding, meeting with folks. I’m taking it very seriously, and trying to understand where we need to go in the future. And we have some challenges. Northville has changed tremendously in the last few decades. In the coming years, we have more things going

on than in the last hundred years combined. So, it’s a pretty important time.

The ‘Ville: As we head into 2020, what are your main goals for the city this year?

Mayor Turnbull: The number one thing is how we approach Northville Downs.

I spend a good portion of my day meeting with people on the development. The 49 acres is the most sought after land

though not many – apartments and some commercial, and some retail on Cady. I think it’s my job to attract businesses to Northville.

Also, I think it would be outstanding to connect Hines Park to Ford Field. A linear park where we can daylight the river would be great for the entertainment district and a place for our youth and young families.

Mayor Brian Turnbull talks about the future -- and the past -- at Genitti's, one of his favorite places in town. Photo By Bill Bresler

in Southeastern Michigan for development. We have to do it collectively and thoughtfully for what we want.

I think it’s great that the planning commission is reopening the master plan, and coming up with something for what we want in the long term. I think they are doing an outstanding job. I think it’s also important to look at the old McDonald Ford site, the old Foundry Flask site, and the Cady corridor. This could be our entertainment district in the future. Maybe have some –

I’m also focused on making Ford Field more of a meeting spot. Historically it was. We used to play the football games down there on Friday nights. It was the place to be. We used to have an amphitheater down there.

You can still see the old seating behind CVS. That’s where all the major gatherings would happen.

Ford Field has a chance to be one of the main venues in town. Everybody wants to come to town for festivals and activities. Where do we put all these activities? We can’t shut down the streets every weekend.

We have to look at the different venues. One being Ford Field.

One being downtown. One being the area behind City Hall where we have the beer tents. Maybe down by the Village Workshop.

And, if we do it right in the future, the Northville Downs area along the linear park I’m talking about. I don’t want to say no to people who want to hold events in Northville, but we need to look at different venues than just downtown.

The ‘Ville: One of the things you mentioned on the campaign trail is you would like to see the city and township explore more shared services. Have you started talking to township officials about this? What would you like to see happen?

Mayor Turnbull: We already work together on some things very well – recreation, the senior center, and even the library. Can we do other things in the future?

Yes. We can work together on recreation events, or a stage that we can share back and forth, and maybe find corporate sponsorship that can pay for it. Open area and lands we can work on together – whether it’s by the Downs area or elsewhere.

I have had discussions with the township and even other communities about finding common interests where we can work together.

But it’s not about combining the police and fire department, but looking at where we can be more affective with combining expenses. Could that be an option 10 years down the road?

It could be something we look at. The people I’ve talked to are very open. Bob Nix (Northville Township supervisor) is a good friend, and we both feel like there are more things we can do together.

The ‘Ville 11

Badger games became a family affair for David Moorman (68), with his parents, Joe and Pam, grandfather William Farmer, sisters Katherine and Rachel. (Not pictured is Moorman’s other sister Jessica).

‘ACCOMPLISHMENT OF A LIFETIME’

Moorman waves to the Wisconsin faithful in his final home game at Camp Randall Stadium.

By Brad Emons

Moorman cherishes his five-year football run at Wisconsin

I

f it’s true that there’s no letter ‘I’ in the word ‘Team,’ then nobody epitomizes more about University of Wisconsin football than David Moorman.

The 2015 Northville High grad and fifth-year senior offensive lineman for the Badgers wrapped up his career on the New Year’s Day Rose Bowl game against Oregon, but his 55-game career path with the Badgers has been nothing short than a model of sacrifice, patience, consistency and persistence.

“You come in there, just a young player, you just want to get on the field,” said the 6-foot-5, 307-pound Moorman.

“Sometimes things don’t always go your way, you’ve got to wait your turn, but this whole experience has been unbelievable, just making friends, being a part of this team, being around and a part of this great university has been an unbelievable experience.”

12 The ‘Ville

After redshirting his freshman year, Moorman mainly served as a back-up for three seasons on the Badgers’ talented offensive line. He was more of a special teams contributor.

Because of his versatility and being able to play multiple positions, Moorman landed

a full-ride football scholarship.

Moorman, who also took reps at tackle and center, then earned his first Big Ten starts against Illinois and Ohio State.

Moorman, who could be plugged into all five offensive line positions, was able to earn his first reps at right guard, splitting time with the other two lineman and playing the jumbo fullback role as well in a 38-0 victory over Michigan State.

“I came in as a guard and right away after my After Wisconsin’s 35-14 victory over Michigan, former freshman year Northville High teammates David Moorman and Jake Moody I was moved get reacquainted. to tackle,” a starting role at left guard Moorman said. “Injuries early in the 2019 season during happen, and it was like, ‘Hey, 61-0 non-conference win over if I’m not able to start, I can Central Michigan, ironically the make myself more valuable as first school to officially offer him a back-up by learning multiple

positions.’ I learned both guards and both tackles, and before you know it, I was learning to play center. And due to a lot of injuries, I learned to play tight end and I learned to play fullback, so I had the ability to play a lot of different things.

“For me, I just love football.

And any way I can help the team and get on the field, that’s kind of my goal. Doing something in a lot of different ways I’m certainly proud of,” he added.

Moorman suffered an ankle injury on the first series and never returned in a 38-17 victory on Nov. 30 at Minnesota, which clinched the Big Ten West Division title for the Badgers.

The injury idled him for Big Ten Championship rematch against Ohio State on Dec. 7 in Indianapolis, a game where the No. 2-ranked Buckeyes rallied from a 21-7 deficit for a 34-21 win.

Wisconsin ended the regular season 10-3 overall and

although the Badgers fell short of a Big Ten title, Moorman declared himself fit and able to jump back on the field against Oregon.

It was his first trip to the Rose Bowl after suiting up for the Badgers in the Orange Bowl (2017) and Cotton Bowl (2016).

“This past year has really been fun getting on the field, having the ability to start and play in big games,” he said.

“I played in all the big ones (bowls), but unfortunately never got the chance to get into the (FBS) playoff, but this is a pretty good consolation prize to end my career at the Rose Bowl.”

In addition to beating Central Michigan this season, Moorman also earned bragging rights in his home state this fall with Camp Randall Stadium wins against Michigan (35-14) and MSU. “Growing up in Michigan, the two schools you dream of as a little kid are Michigan and Michigan State,” he said.

“They recruited me a little bit, but I never actually got a full scholarship offer from either.

Wisconsin offered me a full scholarship. I fell in love with Wisconsin, so I had to come here. It’s honestly the best thing that ever happened to me. To be able to get those two wins against them this year, and starting in the games, it was really cool for me and my family. And it’s kind of added to how my career has gone for me and something I’ll always remember.”

Moorman’s parents, who include Joe, who played football at Eastern Michigan, along with Pam, missed only two Wisconsin home games during his five-year career. (David also has three younger sisters

including Katherine and Rachel, who attend Michigan State, and Jessica, who plays basketball at Hope College.)

“It’s been really fun for them,” Moorman said. “I think they really enjoyed the Wisconsin experience more than me. They love this place and they’ve been a part of it every Saturday.”

Moorman admits the five years has sailed by quickly since he made his Wisconsin debut suiting up for the Badgers on Sept. 3, 2016 in the Lambeau Field Classic against LSU. Along the way, he has been named a two-time Academic All-Big Ten (2016 and 2018) selection and was the winner of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award in 2019.

On Dec. 15, Moorman graduated with honors with a degree in Communication Arts and Entrepreneurial Business.

Coming out of Northville, Moorman was an All-Stater and a three-star recruit according to 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals. coms. He credits the Northville administration, faculty and football staff for preparing him for the next level.

“I honestly owe so much to Coach (Matt) Ladach and all the coaches of the Northville football team,” Moorman said.

“Coach (Dennis) Colligan, coach (Darrell) Schumacher, coach (Mark) Mandell – all those guys -- have been excellent high school coaches. They taught you how to work hard and they taught you to be persistent. But the biggest thing is that they taught me to be a good person on and off the field. Football is a competitive game, but if you’re not a good person or not a good teammate you’re not going to go very far in life.”

Following the Rose Bowl,

Moorman will be contemplating a career in computer software sales or perhaps taking a flyer on the NFL. “I’m not 100 percent sure, but I’ll either be playing football or pursuing a sales career,” he said.

“It’s cool because I figured it’s not a bad decision either way.”

Moorman, the ultimate team player, will leave Madison with his head held high chalked full

of great memories and lifelong relationships.

“It’s crazy how God works in mysterious ways and I’m a firm believer that kind of everything just happened,” Moorman said.

“Going through high school you never know. If I had to do it all over again I would do exactly the same. It’s definitely been an accomplishment of a lifetime.”

Fifth-year senior David Moorman proved he could play numerous positions in the Badgers’ offense, including tight end and fullback. Courtesy of University of Wisconsin Athletics

The ‘Ville 13

It’s All It’s All Downhill Downhill From Here From Here

Senior Katie Davis, the team MVP from a year ago, leads the way this season for the Mustangs’ girls squad.

Mustangs primed to make a name on the slopes

By Brad Emons | Photos by Mari Morris

A

lthough the sport of competitive skiing remains in its infancy at Northville High School, the Mustangs are hoping they’re already up to full speed for the 2020 season.

The program was born as a club sport five years ago and this will be the third season the Mustangs will compete with a full complement of skiers in the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Division 1 regional.

Under fourth-year coach Kyle Moir, Northville’s numbers have grown to 17 boys and 13 girls.

Northville senior Jack Deak placed 13th in the giant slalom in last year’s Division 1 boys regional at Mt. Brighton.

14 The ‘Ville

“I would say the word is getting out that we’re a competitive varsity sport, competing at the higher end of the Mt. Brighton league,” said Moir, who skied competitively at Western Michigan University and made it to the MHSAA finals as a high schooler in 1985 and 1986 for Detroit Catholic Central. “People are realizing that it’s a truly sanctioned MHSAA varsity sport, not just for people that are going out skiing. It’s truly a competitive sports environment for kids who want to go out and alpine ski race.”

Despite going through growing pains the last couple of seasons, the Mustangs hope they can reach the MHSAA D1 finals on Feb. 24.

In order to obtain that goal, they must earn a top three finish at the regional.

Last season, the Northville boys placed sixth in the Mt. Brighton regional and the girls finished 11th.

“We did pretty well at it last year and we have a lot of returning members that were key factors in our overall performance for the team as a whole,” Northville boys senior captain Harrison Zoltowski said. “We have pretty high expectations and we’re just going into it pretty optimistically.”

Zoltowski, the team’s MVP, was 17th overall in both the slalom and giant slalom at last year’s regional. Also returning for the boys squad are fellow senior captains Jack Deak, who took 13th in the slalom, and Kyle Morris, who was 19th in the GS and 32nd in the slalom.

Other key returnees include senior Alex

Begin, who was 18th in the GS, along with sophomores Chris Gruschow and Jasper John Gustafson.

Meanwhile, the Northville girls will be led by team MVP Katie Davis, a senior who tied for 36th in the GS and 39th in the slalom at the regional.

Other key girls returnees include sophomore Ramie Sussex, senior Isabel Umanzor, sophomore Katrina Cox, junior Lily Wang, sophomore Alessandra Umanzor and senior co-captain Meghan Davis.

Zoltowski, Morris, Deak and Katie Davis were all SEMSL qualifiers from a year ago.

“I think we can qualify for the (boys) state finals,” Moir said. “We came close last year with the same group of boys. They (the girls) do have a chance for the state finals, but not as much for the boys.”

In the midst of a three-day training camp, Northville officially launched its season on Jan. 4 by hosting an invitational meet at Boyne Mountain against White Lake Lakeland, Fenton and Spring Lake.

The Mustangs embarked on their SEMSL schedule Jan. 7 at Mt. Brighton.

Meanwhile, there was plenty of activity for the Mustangs during the off season in preparation for the 2020 campaign.

“Kids do preseason ski camps on their own out in Colorado,” Moir said. “A number of them went out over Thanksgiving

through other organizations. They’ll do other camps as well. There are other camp alternatives that the kids can elect on their own in order to get better.”

Zoltowski, who also runs track and field in the spring for the Mustangs, spent a lot of time doing preseason summer conditioning work and fall dry land training with his teammates.

“A lot of focus just on my core and just overall cardio to get us ready for the slopes,” he said. “If I wasn’t crazy about skiing like I am, I wouldn’t have thought that we would be conditioning as hard as we are.”

Zoltowski got an early jump in the sport.

He began skiing at age four before starting competitively at age eight.

“Both my parents had skied a little bit,

The 2020 Northville High School Ski Team.

but they weren’t crazy into it, so I kind of developed a love for the sport somehow,” the senior captain said.

Zoltowski, who carries a 3.6 grade-point average, said he would like to continue to pursue skiing in college, but “it depends where I go.”

“It’s pretty constricted,” said Zoltowski, who plans to study medicine. “It would have to be in a pretty cool climate to ski.”

But for now, Zoltowski plans to savor every moment and make the most of his final varsity high school season.

“My favorite part about it is just the overall team community and what goes hand-in-hand with it,” he said. “Although the sport is a lot of fun, it’s just connections you make with not only your team, but with other teams in the region as well, and just being a part of the overall high school experience.”

For more information about the team, including its schedule, visit www. northvilleskiteam.com.

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Snow Dump Northville weathers cold, snow and ice

By Michele Fecht

W

ith its abundant hills, Northville long ago earned its title as “The Little Switzerland of Wayne County.”

That was never more evident than during winter when Northville’s snow-covered hilly terrain provided optimum thrills — and more than a few broken limbs — to skiers, coasters and horse drawn

cutters. It also provided its fair share of challenges to drivers.

It still does. East Street heading up to Hillside, Eight Mile heading west toward Beck or even the incline north on Taft Road can be a white-knuckle effort in futility in snow and ice.

A glimpse of a late February “snow dump” in 1939 shows Northville’s downtown

Cars parked along snow banks in front of the Penniman-Allen Theatre (now the Marquis Theatre) on East Main. The small structure in the forefront at right is Ware’s caramel popcorn stand. Photo courtesy of Fred Hicks.

Snow mounds in front of Kenneth Rathburn’s Chevrolet dealership at 122 West Main. Photo courtesy of Fred Hicks.

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blanketed in white. At that time, maintenance of Northville’s downtown streets — including snow plowing — were under the jurisdiction of Wayne County.

The images are courtesy of the late Fred Hicks, a lifelong Northville resident, who passed away last June at the age of

100. Fred was featured in the September 2018 issue of The ‘Ville. Fred and his wife, Laura, also provided two oral histories available through the Northville District Library’s website at www.northvillehistory.org/ oralhistory.html.

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In a self portrait, photographer Bryan Mitchell gazes out at the northern lights along the shore of Lake Superior in 2016.

By Kevin Brown

Chasing Down Aurora Borealis Local photojournalist focuses on landscapes of northern Michigan

A

stormy red sunset lights a The only sound is the waves,” forest landscape. Tangled he says. branches rest on shoreline His description is nice but sands. Waves crash against the photos tell the real story. sandstone cliffs. Framed by the shoreline, heavens glow green with pulsing light of the Aurora Borealis.

Some stories are told in Grand Portal Point at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in words. For the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Mitchell calls it one of the Northville’s best hiking destinations in Michigan.

Bryan Mitchell, they are told in pictures.

They are the focus of Mitchell’s The long-time most recent project, a printed photojournalist has been reborn Northern Lights Michigan 2020 as a landscape photographer, calendar. and he has been focusing on The images are rich northern Michigan, particularly with color, without digital the Upper Peninsula. manipulation. That’s because Mitchell’s landscapes include the camera lens reveals color vistas, sunsets and grand the human eye misses at night, displays of the Northern Lights. he explains.

“It’s just mesmerizing to sit A range of landscape images on the Lake Superior shore and are presented on Mitchell’s watch at 1 or 2 in the morning.

Facebook page and website.

I call it magical ribbons of light.

Many were taken in 2016, when

18 The ‘Ville

he was the Pictured Rocks but called his photos well National Lakeshore Artist in composed, refreshingly honest Residence. and not over edited.

“It was an amazing “I feel I’m there to document opportunity and helped me what I see,” Mitchell says. “I’m set a path for my landscape not a technical photographer. photography,” Mitchell says.

It’s more about conveying a The job included living 17 feeling or emotion.” days in a cabin. It served as a Then again, Mitchell’s not home base for exploring the U.P. exactly old school. When park near Munising. A favorite shooting sunsets, he’s careful shot shows a wave crashing to determine when the sun against a sandstone cliff at will set and the weather Mosquito Beach on Lake Superior.

Water sprays high, showing the power of the lake.

“Lake Superior is very beautiful, of course.

The sun sets over Lake Superior and through the arch of a But it’s also wave-sculpted cave along the shore in August of 2016 near dangerous,” he Munising, Michigan. This is one of Mitchell’s favorite photos. says.

At Reddit, the social news forecast. He plans northern website where Mitchell has lights shoots with guidance posted photos, one observer from the National Oceanic and said they don’t normally Atmospheric Administration’s like landscape photography, website, for Auroral Activity

IN FOCUS

WITH BRYAN MITCHELL Levels updates.

“You need to do some test shots on the stars to find where the right focus is,” he says.

Mitchell typically uses a tripod, and cameras set at slow shutter speeds.

In some photos, glowing northern lights are even seen through a stand of shadowy tree trunks. “I like layering, putting things in the foreground. It tricks the eye into making the image more three dimensional,” he said.

Is there an ultimate U.P. spot to view the northern lights?

Mitchell suggests the Lake Superior shore, facing north.

The vast region is free from light pollution.

page.

Mitchell started stringing, or working part time, for both the Oakland Press and the Detroit Pistons. “I loved the adrenalin

became a work opportunity.

In addition to Pictured Rocks, Mitchell has photographed popular U.P. tourist destinations such as the Porcupine Mountains, Tequomenon Falls and Brockway Mountain in Copper Harbor. While he will shoot from typical vantage points at Autumn sunset along the Lake Superior shoreline with waves these sites, crashing on the rocks and fall color painting the trees in Mitchell October 2019 near Munising, Michigan. likes to go off and documenting things. I trail and hike through brush started really enjoying telling for unique views. He calls this stories,” he says. Soon, he joined bushwhacking.

‘A GOOD THING TO DO’ the Northville Record and Novi “My guess would be most As a youth, Mitchell took News full time, shooting news nature photographers put a lot photos for fun. One day, he and and youth sports. of planning in shots. I do some a friend went to see a photo Mitchell felt pride when planning too, but I also just shoot. he’d spot one of his photos cut explore and take chances.”

“The photographer looked from the paper and displayed Mitchell used Google Earth to like he was access a waterfall at a recessed having a cave near Pictured Rocks, good time. It not served by a trail. “I had to seemed like a bushwhack through the woods good thing to and swamp.” do,” Mitchell Integrating landscape says. features can help make a great He took shot. “When the sun is setting classes at and the light is coming through Oakland the top of the trees, you get that Community nice flair of light,” he says.

Photographer Bryan Mitchell of Northville amid the fall College, A sunset photo can be ruined colors of Michigan. learning if storm clouds block the sun. the rules But Mitchell says waiting out of photography, composition on a family’s refrigerator. He’s such a sunset can pay off, should and dark room. He studied on also shot photos for the Detroit the sun peek through. his own as well. Mitchell’s first News and Detroit Free Press, Shooting just after sundown published photo appeared in among other news outlets. can also work. “Once the sun 1988, in the Oakland Press. goes below the horizon, don’t The photo revealed a knack for HEADED NORTH leave because sometimes the detail and composition. Taken A long-time lover of trail light is still bouncing off clouds. during a storm, it showed an biking and camping, Mitchell There can be great pink and exploding transformer high on a shifted focus to shooting orange lights in the sky.” utility pole, framed by a parked landscapes, as newspapers Cloudy skies can also produce car and houses below. began downsizing. His annual striking photos. Mitchell says a The photo went on the front U.P. two-week camping vacation favorite shows changing orange

WEBSITE: bryanmitchellphotography.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ishootmi PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG: bryanmitchellphotography.com/ blog Mitchell’s 50 favorite photos from his Pictured Rocks Artist in Residence experience are at bryanmitchell. photoshelter.com/portfolio/ G0000.WypSdY4pGo. You can purchase the Northern Lights Michigan 2020 Calendar at Mitchell’s website.

and yellow leaves on young maple trees, surrounded by pines near the Pigeon River north of Gaylord.

He and wife Alice have two children, son Max and daughter Macey. Both attend Northville High School, where Mitchell coaches mountain biking.

Mitchell continues to shoot photos for news sites, for local parks and businesses, and for public relations purposes.

While he enjoys all of these assignments, landscape photography has become his true passion. Something that is way more than a job.

“I cherish that time just to get away. It’s where I feel at peace,” Mitchell said.

The ‘Ville 19

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The Gudith family in happier times.

A test found mold in the home's crawl space and throughout their unfinished basement.

‘It’s Been A NIGHTMARE Coach Gudith’s wife’s mysterious illness caused by toxic mold

By Lonnie Huhman

A

s the coach of the Northville High School girls basketball team, Todd Gudith knows a thing or two about adversity. Over the last year, however, he and his family have experienced adversity on a whole new level.

Gudith’s wife, Chelsea, has gone through a debilitating 18-month mystery illness that included her experiencing skin rashes and lesions, prolonged bouts of fatigue and what he describes as brain fog. Multiple trips to the doctor didn’t offer much help.

“After going to several doctors and specialists, no one could diagnose the problem,” he said. “They prescribed medicine to treat the symptoms, but not to find the cure to what was ailing her.”

Frustrated with few answers

22 The ‘Ville

and no remedy in sight, Gudith said Chelsea “tirelessly researched on her own and found some groups of people online that shared similar symptoms.” It was through this research that she was able to make a connection to the cause of her mysterious illness.

“Chelsea was steered toward doctors at Biomedical Energy Center in Ann Arbor who suggested getting our home tested for mold,” said Gudith, who is also a teacher at Meads Mill Middle School. “Blood tests by the center showed that Chelsea had mold in her blood.

The home test found mold in our crawl space and throughout our unfinished basement. A number of items stored in the basement had mold on them and the testing showed that the air was saturated with mold.

“This was not black mold that most people are familiar with,” he continued. “The mold that was visible was white in color.

We were told that the toxic mold made it unsafe for us to continue to live in our home. We never go down in our basement, but the mold spores were being circulated throughout our home by the furnace and AC units.”

Although Gudith said the couple is private by nature, they decided to go public with their story because there may be others who are experiencing a similar situation and knowledge is power.

“We just want to let others know that if it could happen to us, then it could happen to others,” Gudith said. “We live in a nice home in Canton (built in 1990) that we meticulously keep clean. Mold was not even

something we considered.

Anyone who came over would never have known that we had toxic levels of mold.”

Once they figured out what the problem was, they were given a week to box up what belongings they were allowed to keep, Gudtih said, and everything porous in the home had to be thrown out, including carpet, furniture, mattresses, etc. He said hard surfaces like a kitchen table or dresser are able to be cleaned and the remediation took almost three weeks, followed by installing new flooring before they could get back home. In total, the family had to live away from home for about seven weeks.

Gudith said insurance would not cover the claim and the cost of the remediation alone is $30,000, not to mention

replacing most of their possessions.

Gudith said the start of the school year is always a hectic and stressful time, (this is his 19th year teaching at Meads Mill and his daughter is starting kindergarten). However, this disaster really pushed them to the limit.

ways, Gudith said they have been blown away by the support of their family and friends, and the community at large.

“Our family had been living with friends in Northville since this whole thing started. We’ve received a tremendous amount of support from numerous Northville families that have

in mid-November for them, Gudith said, and it was well attended. The support was very uplifting.

“It was great to see so many Northville families from over the years that came out to support us,” Gudith said.

“We’ve also met and worked with some wonderfully caring

be resolved and we’ll eventually be able to put our lives back together. Every family goes through some sort of crisis at a point in their life, this was just ours.”

They were able to begin moving back into the home around Thanksgiving, Gudith said, after spending nearly two

This was not black mold that most people are familiar with. The mold that was visible was white in color. We were told that the toxic mold made it unsafe for us to continue to live in our home. We never go down in our basement, but the mold spores were being circulated throughout our home by the furnace and AC units.”

Todd Gudith NHS coach and Meads Mill teacher

“It’s been a nightmare,” he said. “After dealing with the emotional and mental anguish of having to quickly move out and losing a large portion of our belongings, our family has pressed forward to start rebuilding our lives. As adults we can rationalize the devastation and learn to cope with the stress and heartache involved, realizing that it was just stuff that was lost. We will be okay in the long run.”

He said their young daughter has been a trooper in all of this and understands that they had to leave and throw away many of their things because the house “is sick.”

“She has taken everything in stride,” Gudith said. “We are trying to keep her on a regular routine, but that hasn’t been easy when we have so many meetings and decisions to make in order to speed up the process of getting us back home.”

While it has been heartbreaking situation in many

ties to Meads Mill or the basketball program,” Gudith said. “The staff at Meads Mill and the Northville athletic department have been amazing.

We are forever grateful to this

individuals throughout all of this. As difficult of a time as this has been for us, we still consider ourselves blessed. It was just material things that we had to get rid of, some more

Everything porous in the Gudith home had to be discarded, including carpet, furniture, and mattresses.

community who are so kind and have rallied around us.”

The Shawn Riley Band and Genitti’s held a fundraiser

sentimental than others, but overall it could have been much worse. Putting everything into perspective, our situation will

months away from their home.

“We still have a lot of items that we will need to replace and boxes to organize, but the home is clean and put back together,” he said.

He said although they don’t know the long-term effects the mold exposure will have on his wife and their family, Chelsea is already feeling better from not being in the house while they were out for nearly two months.

“Chelsea will begin to take medication to detox and rid the body of the mold,” he said. “The medication to detox her body causes a lot of pain though. My daughter and I will be tested shortly to see if there is any internal damage.”

Family friend Kimberly Palumbo set up a Go Fund Me account to help the Gudith’s pay for the costs of remediation to their home. Around 300 donors have contributed so far.

For more information, visit www.gofundme.com/f/thegudith039s-go-home.

The ‘Ville 23

New Year, New Leadership Mutchler will have dual role running township government

By Kurt Kuban

W

hile most people were out shopping and getting ready for Christmas, Todd Mutchler spent much of December learning a new job and going back and forth between Northville Township Hall, and the township’s fire and police stations.

On Dec. 14, Mutchler, the township’s public safety director, also assumed the role of township manager in a leadership shakeup that began in mid-October with the retirement of Chip Snider, who served the township for nearly three decades -- first as public safety director and then township manager.

Mutchler, who joined the township in 2016 when Snider wooed him away from Canton Township, will continue to act

24 The ‘Ville

as the township’s public safety director – at least for the time being.

Mutchler said it was never his goal to lead the township when he came over from Canton.

However, he said Snider and Deb Wilhelm, the former assistant Todd Mutchler manager and human resources director, approached him about a year ago to discuss their succession plan that included Mutchler taking over as manager when they retired. Wilhelm, who

retired in December, served as interim manager for about two months after Snider’s retirement.

She worked for the township for 26 years.

“It was very humbling to be asked to move into a position of greater leadership and to follow in their footsteps. I didn’t think twice about it,” Mutchler said.

The Board of Trustees agreed with that plan, making it official on Dec. 17.

One of Mutchler’s first acts

as manager was to promote Marina Neumaier, the township’s finance manager, to also serve as assistant township manager. A CPA, Neumaier has more than 30 years of combined private and public municipal finance experience. She has been the township’s finance director since 2012. Prior to that she served as assistant finance director for the City of Novi.

Mutchler and Neumaier have worked together as department heads, which he said convinced him of her leadership abilities.

“I couldn’t think of a better person to assume the role of assistant township manager.

She is an exceptional finance director. The township has continuously received recognition for our finances

under her leadership,” Mutchler said. “She’s an incredible person who knows what we are trying to accomplish with our leadership team.”

If you’re wondering what type of leadership style Mutchler will bring to the job, all you need to do is take a look at two of the men he worked for during his career. He learned much from Snider during his three years working under him here in Northville. He also served much of his career – almost three decades -- in Canton Township under the tutelage of longtime Canton Public Safety Director John Santomauro, who Mutchler ultimately replaced upon his retirement.

“Chip Snider and John Santomauro are legends in the public safety community,” Mutchler said. “I count my

lucky stars that I was able to learn from two of the premier leaders in this region. I couldn’t be luckier in that regard. Both of them had similar leadership styles.

They were authentic and genuine, and encouraged people to be who they are, which is the best way to be successful.”

Still, Mutchler said he will put his own stamp Marina Neumaier on things. He expects to change some public safety policies in the future, working closely with police chief Paul Tennies and Fire Chief Brent Seigel. In addition,

he called his dual role as public safety director “short term.”

At this point he does not have a timeline when he will name a replacement.

“We have an exceptional fire chief and police chief.

Absent that, this would not have worked. I will be leaning on them quite a bit,” Mutchler said.

The township manager, under the direction of the elected Board of Trustees, is responsible for the overall management of the township.

The manager is responsible

for and directs the activities of the eight department heads.

The township has a total of 228 employees, most of whom work in public safety.

Mutcher’s salary for the combined role of township manager and public safety director is $157,000. Neumaier will earn an annual salary of $147,000 as assistant township manager and finance director.

Mutchler said his new role is made much easier because of the team that was left in place

by Snider and Wilhelm.

“One of the things I’m excited about with this transition is the fact Chip and Deb took great pains to put the right people in leadership positions,” he said. “Great leadership is about getting the right people on the bus and getting them in the right seats on the bus.”

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HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL

NHS students and staff share their 2020 resolutions

T

he beginning of every new year is a time to reassess ourselves as individuals and plan for the future. It gives us the opportunity to look back on all the memories of the year that we have come to either cherish or regret.

This year, we have the rare chance to look back on the entire decade of the 2010s and see how far we have come in ten years. These resolutions from the faculty and students of Northville High School represent our hopes, ideals, and dreams for the next period of our lives.

My New Year’s Resolution is to...

PERSONAL

• Mya Hudson (9): “Socialize more.”

• Fatima Khalid (9): “End off the year feeling very proud and accomplished.”

• Sabrina Loftus (9): “Start thinking about events more positively.”

• Amira Shaheen (9): “Be nicer.”

• Josh Chacko (10): “Be awesome.”

• Hamin Park (10): “Improve my personality.”

• Andrew Xiong (10): “Exercise more and read more.”

• Katie Ziparo (10): “Take some chances.”

• Abhi Athreya (11): “Spend more time having fun and finding hobbies and less time studying.”

• Justin Yang (11): “Spend more time with family and friends.”

• Jay Crawford (11): Have a successful track season.”

• Ben Leavitt(12): “Become bilingual.”

• Mia Sinelli (11): “Set aside one hour a day to achieve my dreams.”

• Ryan Vig (12): “Follow through on my personal goals.”

• Marcel Wong (12): “Become more self-confident.”

• Emily Yu (12): “Balance school, family, and work, while still taking the time to relax.”

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

• Danielle Goodman (9) : “Stop trying to live up to the world’s expectations of who I should be and instead not be afraid to be who I really am.”

• Kyra Makie (9): “Accept that failure is okay.”

• Annika Zaar (10): “Get at least seven hours of sleep each night.”

• Ashna Mulchandani (11): “Get more sleep and learn a new skill/hobby.”

• Rina Kawaguchi (11): “Exercise more and stay fit.”

• Ishika Talreja (11): “Illuminate depression with the help of social emotional learning [at] NHS.” • Timmy Turner (11): “Prioritize my health and get a good amount of sleep.”

• Amelie Winstel (11): “Keep up the motivation for school and always try my best and worry less.”

• Allie Lavacek (12): “Go out of my way to help people less

fortunate than me.”

• Tori Mady (12): “Stress myself out less.”

• Simran Panjwani (12): “Have a healthier diet and exercise more often.”

• Keya Patel (12): “Volunteer more and continue to give back to my community.”

SCHOOL

• Kaitlyn Cadaret (9) : “Improve on being more organized when it comes to time with homework or school projects.”

• Ruby Hough (9) : “Stop procrastinating so much for big test or projects so I don’t have so much to stress about the night before it’s due.”

• Saket Kulkarni (9): “Get better grades.”

• Mehmet Tascioglu (10): “Use a to-do chart to document tasks I need to complete for everyday [and] use it consistently.”

MISCELLANEOUS

• Kate Fulton (10) “Not cry over the loss of my childhood decade.”

• Randa Kanafer (10) “Do the 52 book challenge.”

• Akshaya Kannikeswaran (10): “Learn how to play the ukulele.”

• Sameer Torke (10): “Visit more than two countries next year.”

• Michelle Tong (11): “Learn how to do a backflip [and] go on a service trip.”

• Nick Mansfield (12): “Be more accountable.”

• Nicholas Gattoni (12): “Be more accountable than Nick M.” • Jason Zhang(12): “Become the only Zhang.”

TEACHERS/STAFF

• Jessica Baitinger (Business): “Do 20 of something new each month [for 2020] in honor of my 20th high school reunion.”

• Richard Cole (Chemistry): “Practice more patience with myself and others, [and] be more in the moment instead of planning what’s next or thinking about what’s past.”

• Stacy Katikos (English): “Embrace balance.”

• Tony Koski (Principal): “Continue to explore even more student opportunities at NHS and finding ways to increase student voice in our decision making and actions.”

• Brian Samulski (Athletic Director): “Always look to improve and get better each day.”

• Thomas Silak (AP Chem): “Avoid putting pressure on myself simply because the earth has revolved around the sun once again.”

• Kelsey Stalk (Business): “Slow down and be present in life’s moments.”

• April Surinck (Biology): “Spend more time learning to cook, especially international foods from the places I have visited.”

To another year of quality student reporting - The Stringers

EDITOR'S NOTE: High School Confidential is a collaborative effort by the Stringers Journalism Club made up of Northville High School students Maria Cowden, Maggie Kuban, Chethan Magnan, Navya Meka, Lauren Sprow, and Audrey Zhang.

26 The ‘Ville

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out & about YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE THIS MONTH SEND IT IN To get your items listed in Out & About, email editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

American Girl Party Jan. 17 This Northville Parks and Recreation event will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Northville Community Center.

For children aged 4-10. Come dressed in your favorite pajamas and take part in all the fun with your American Girl Doll (or your favorite doll). Pizza, snacks and drinks will be provided. The cost is $12/person.

For more information, visit www. northvilleparksandrec.org.

Jazz @ The Point Jan. 18 Tipping Point Theatre will host the Sean Dobbins Trio for this annual jazz series. In addition to Dobbins, the group includes Rob Bickley and Corey Kendrick. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for wine tasting with the first set beginning at 7:30 p.m. Desert will be served at 8:20 p.m. Tickets are $30, which include the wine and desert.

For more information, call (248) 3470003 or visit www.2StonesEvents. com.

Superintendent Coffee Chat Jan. 23 Northville Schools Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher will meet with parents, guardians, staff and community members from 6:30-7:45 p.m. in the Old Village School Globe Room, 405 West Main Street.

This informal coffee chat offers school families and community members the opportunity to ask questions, offer input and learn more about the district in a small group setting. Those attending are welcome

30 The ‘Ville

ArtCrush The annual ArtCrush fundraiser for the Northville Art House will take place from 6:30-10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8 at Northville Hills Golf Club.

The event will feature dinner with “A Taste of Italy” flare, an open bar, artist workshop, live painting, and a silent auction. The Keynote Sisters (pictured), featuring sisters Phoebe and Jaclyn Holmes, will provide the entertainment. They have been honing their craft since grade school, performing at numerous venues including Northville Art House’s Arts and Acts, and they just released a CD, Rose Colored Glasses. Proceeds from the event will help the Northville Art House grow their programs and offerings to cultivate a creative space in the heart of Northville.

Tickets are $85 per person or $1,000 to be a Table Sponsor. For more information, contact the Northville Art House at 248-344-0497 or visit www. northvillearthouse.org/artcrush.

to come and go at any time during the event.

Game of Tiaras Jan. 23-25 The Northville High Drama Club will perform ‘Game of Tiaras’ at the NHS Auditorium. Performance times are 7 p.m. In addition, there will also be a 1 p.m. matinee showing on Jan. 25. The play follows the aging king of a magical kingdom, who decides to split his empire between his three daughters -- Cinderella, Belle, and the Snow Queen. “Terrible tragedy ensues. Terrible, hilarious tragedy.”

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.nhstheatre.com.

NHS Lecture Series Jan. 29 The Northville Historical Society 2020 Lecture Series kicks off with Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull

presenting “Northville’s Historic Neighborhoods” from 7-11 p.m. in the New School Church at Mill Race Village. There is no charge to attend the presentation, but donations to the NHS are welcome.

For more information, visit millracenorthville.org.

Meet Your Legislators Feb. 3 The Northville Chamber of Commerce will host “A Morning with your Legislators” from 9-10:30 a.m. at Northville Township Hall. Registration and networking will begin at 8:30 a.m. The event provides an opportunity for residents and the business community to meet our

local, state and federal officials, hear about committee work and future legislation that may affect the Northville community. Coffee and light breakfast will be served.

The speakers include U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, State Rep. Matt Koleszar, State Sen. Dayna Polehanki, State Sen. Jim Runestad, Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki, and Oakland County Commissioner Gwen Markham. Admission is $10 for Chamber members, and $15 for non-members. For more information, call (248) 349-7640 or visit www. northville.org.

Garden Club Meeting Feb. 5 Join the Country Garden Club of Northville at its monthly meeting beginning at 11 a.m. at Ward Church, 40000 Six Mile Road (enter via door 6 or 7). The speaker will be Sue Grubba, who will present “Healthy Soil & Wise Fertilizing.” Snacks will be provided.

For more information, call (248) 2021518. All are welcome to attend.

Daddy Daughter Dance Feb. 7 This Northville Parks and Recreation event will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Northville Community Center.

Whether its dad, grandpa, uncle or another special father-figure you won’t want to miss this memorable time of fun, laughter and dancing. Admission is $30 per couple, and $5 for each additional family member. Register at www. northvilleparksandrec.org. For more information, call (248) 349-0203.

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A Bronze Award Worthy Effort

Making An Impact 100 Women Who Care Northville presented $15,000 to Voices For Children Advocacy Center in Flint on Dec. 12. Voices For Children provides a place where children and families can turn to for help, when the child has been physically, mentally, or sexually abused and/ or forced into human trafficking. Among other services, they provide forensic interviews, medical exams, legal help, court advocates and on-going therapy (free of charge) to help the victim and their families begin to heal.

The donated funds will be used to help build an addition to their current facility, which is important because they currently do not have enough space to keep up with the demand for the services that they provide.

Pictured are group members Lisa Wiseley, Suha Costy, and Amy Walsh presenting the money to Voices For Children Executive Director Claudenyse Holloman.

To date, 100 Women Who Care Northville has raised more than $150,000, which they have donated to many local and regional charities. They will hold their next meeting at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 3 at Genitti’s in downtown Northville. For more information about the group, visit https://100womenwhocarenorthville.weebly.com.

In an effort to get their Bronze Award, Winchester Elementary Girl Scout Troop 40748 participated in the Michigan Foster Care Closet pancake breakfast on Dec. 21.

According to Kelly Anderson, one of the troop leaders, the girls collected donations for all of the food, and then set up, served food and cleaned up at the event.

“There were over 500 people in attendance and the girls really worked hard to make our portion of the event a huge success,” Anderson said.

“The girls were running drinks to tables, busing tables and cleaning up, running gifts to cars, holding babies while parents filled plates, or watching kids in the play structure area while parents picked out presents. Girls in the troop who were not able to attend the day of the event spent a day stuffing 300 stockings in advance of the party.”

Local businesses which made donations included Charley’s Deli (donated all the sausage for 500 people); Holidays Restaurant donated all of the bacon; Photo Booth Diva’s donated their time and photo booth for the event; Starbucks donated all of the coffee; Heritage Bakery, Crust, Looney Baker, and Rumi’s Passion all donated baked goods; cash donations from Meijer, Fresh Thyme, Busch’s, and Leo’s Coney Island; and French Toast Bistro donated fruit.

For their efforts, the girls earned their Bronze Award, which is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can achieve.

Making Christmas a Little Brighter Northville Rotary’s annual Goodfellows Newspaper Drive on Dec. 14 was a big success.

Club members, assisted by Northville Township firefighters, solicited donations at various intersections around town and were able to raise $8,000. All of the proceeds were donated to Northville Civic Concern’s “No Child Without A Christmas” program, which provided Meijer gift cards to nearly 200 local households for the holidays.

Pictured presenting the check to Civic Concern Director Marlene Kunz are Rotarians Alan Somershoe (left) and club president Mike Vetter.

32 The ‘Ville

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It’s Your Business The Hangar/North Center Brewing Company

North Center Brewing Company’s Kevin DeGrood (left) and Carter Guider of The Hangar toast to their new partnership.

NCBC Taking Flight at The Hangar Big changes brewing at former Village Workshop – including a new name

By Kurt Kuban

T

here have been plenty of work projects created inside the confines of the Village Workshop since it opened on Cady Street back in 2015. Work crews are again

busy this month, but this time they are converting a large portion of the building into a craft beer brewery, as the business undergoes a major transformation.

Talem Technologies CEO Blake Mathie is one of the tenants at The Hangar.

34 The ‘Ville

In fact, Brian Donovan and NCBC owner Kevin DeGrood.

Dennis Engerer -- the owners “Our service area will triple in of the facility -- have created a size, our seating will double and whole new business model for our brewing area will quadruple the former in size,” makers DeGrood said. space inside The larger ADDRESS: 455 E Cady Street , the historic space will Northville building allow NCBC PHONE: (248) 667-7157 where Stinson to have an WEBSITE: www.hangarcowork.com airplanes expanded were once menu, and manufactured. And that DeGrood has hired Matt includes a new name – The Jagusch as his head chef. Locals Hangar. may remember him from his Perhaps the biggest change many years at Poole’s Tavern. will be the fact that the ground “He’s pretty excited about floor will be the new home this. It is going to allow him the of North Center Brewing opportunity to create a more Company (NCBC), which will complete menu,” DeGrood said. be moving from its current However, the biggest location at 410 N. Center Street. advantage of moving to the The brewery will consume new space for DeGrood is it about 8,500 square feet of will allow him to have a larger space, much larger than their distribution operation. He’ll current location, according to have a large indoor cooler, space

THE HANGAR

to do proper barrel aging of his beer, and a quality control lab.

“This will allow us to utilize our tanks better. We’ll be able to double the distribution side of our business. Right now, it’s about 10-12 percent of our business. After we move in here, it will allow us to increase that to 25 percent,”DeGrood said.

Ironically, DeGrood looked at leasing the space when Donovan and Engerer first restored the building, but he eventually decided on the N. Center location for a variety of reasons.

When he heard they were again looking to lease space, he reached out. Both parties felt it was a perfect fit and great

for breweries is becoming over saturated. Obviously you need good beer, but we also want to be known for our food and atmosphere,” DeGrood said.

OTHER CHANGES The brewery is just one aspect of the changes happening inside of The Hangar, and it will only consume about a third of the leasable space.

There are several companies already leasing space, including iWorker Innovations, which provides customized services and benefit packages to selfemployed individuals, and Talem Technologies, which manufactures exoskeletal

The Mindtation team creating its first podcast at The Hangar. From left are Maria Gosur, CEO Michael Oliver, and Deborah Daiek.

business model is a co-working space for self-employed or more mobile-based workers.

Mindtation CEO Michael Oliver said The Hangar is a perfect incubator for his business. They

This is going to be a unique place. It will be another place that is different that will continue to make Northville a destination for people in the region.”

Kevin DeGrood Owner, North Center Brewing Company timing.

“We already had a relationship,” said Carter Guider, general manager of The Hangar.

“The fact that he had looked at this space years ago, and we had worked together on projects in the past, it just made sense.”

Laura Hinojosa, property manager at The Hangar, DeGrood participates in a podcast. said construction began after Jan. 1 devices that improve limb and he expects to be moved in mobility for people affected by mid-March. by spinal cord injuries and “The main motivation neuromuscular degenerative for the move is market diseases. competitiveness. The market The third prong of the new

“Like The Village Workshop we want The Hangar to be an incubator space for small businesses that may not be able to afford traditional office space in town with all the complications and expenses that go along with that,” said Engerer. “We are able to give someone the space they need, large or small, networking opportunities with other businesses, office services including internet, mail box, utilities and a very cool work environment, 24/7.”

Co-workers will also have access to Podcast Detroit, a professional in-house studio dedicated to helping others record and share their own podcast shows. One such business taking advantage of this service is Mindtation, a startup business at The Hangar.

launched their first podcast from the studio in December.

“It was the humble sense of community and creative environment that attracted us to The Hangar,” Oliver said.

EVENT SPACE Like The Village Workshop, The Hangar will still provide event space and continue to attract community events, including Northville Rotary’s annual Tour de Ville. DeGrood and NCBC will be managing all the events in the brewery space.

“People who want this space for events will be very happy,” DeGrood said. “This is going to be a unique place. It will be another place that is different that will continue to make Northville a destination for people in the region.”

The ‘Ville 35

Dishin’ With Denise

Denise Jenkins serves on the board of directors for 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.

Choose Hope As We Enter New Decade

I

t’s not just a new year. It’s a new decade. And so it seems, time for a fresh start. On January 1st each year I choose a word or phrase to live by for the following year. Last year I truly learned “patience is a virtue.”

For many reasons, this year my word is hope. It is one of the actual three virtues found in the Bible. It is associated with a million inspirational quotes and at least one presidential campaign. There are cities, schools and hospitals named Hope. It’s a noun. It’s a verb. But it was a quote from Christopher Reeves that tipped the scale for me. “Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.”

Lt. Matthew Samhat and his wife Annie.

Just ask Lt. Matthew Samhat. Since 2012 he has chosen to dedicate his time and talent as an on-call firefighter and EMT for the City of Northville, while at the same time raising a young family and managing his own construction/property management business. Hoping to make a difference paid off when he was awarded

36 The ‘Ville

the honor of being named 2019 Northville City Fire Department Firefighter of the Year. Congratulations to Matt, and his family.

Believe it or not, we just marked the 20 year anniversary of Y2K. It was one of those life moments you can’t help but remember. What were you doing at the stroke of midnight when 1999 passed to 2000? I was hosting a “Big Chill” party at my house with friends. One of them made a CD that was a true soundtrack of our lives – at midnight Billy Joel’s song “I Love These Days” played right on cue.

So many people I’ve spoken to have such vivid memories of that night. Kurt Kuban, publisher of The ‘Ville, was with his wife Cheryl, cooking on the grill and listening to the fireworks booming all over the area.

Michael Kara from Northville Township was newly wed. He filled up the tanks of both cars, stocked up with water and took $200 cash out of the bank, just in case. Lori Driver of Northville wasn’t worried at all. She had a two-year-old little boy and was hopeful for a second child, maybe a little girl, in the new year.

Aimy Young, area manager of downtown Northville’s Dear Prudence, has a great memory.

“Coffee, Tea, or Y2K…In 1999 I was a San Francisco-based flight attendant with United Airlines,” she said. “The anxiety over computer systems rolling over increased as the year progressed. Because aviation

Aimy Young circa 1999.

follows GMT, or Zulu, the system would actually enter the new year five hours before midnight in the eastern US with thousands of planes in the air.

Predictions ran the gamut. The night of the December shuttle launch conversations about the world ending and astronauts being left to repopulate earth entertained us. Flying was very different then.”

Carol Charboneau from Northville Township shared with me her story: Dancing at a hall party in Farmington Hills with family and friends to Prince’s “1999” while also catching the score of the annual Red Wings home game. I forgot about Prince’s song…and 20 years later there was still a Red Wing home game on New Year’s Eve, at the new Little Caesar’s Arena, instead of Joe Louis and Steve Yzerman is the General Manager now – then he was team captain. The moral of this story: Lori got it right, and she got her little girl, Cate. Hope wins.

For more than four decades the Marquis Theatre has brought joy to audiences of all ages under the watchful eye of the Zayti family. The

baton is being passed with hopes the historical theatre will remain a landmark in downtown Northville. I am proud to call her a friend and to recognize the efforts of Christina Zayti. She has done a remarkable job honoring her mother, “Miss Inge”, working tirelessly to keep up the maintenance of a grand old fortress all while teaching so many of our children to love the performing arts. She deserves a round of applause…maybe even a standing ovation! I invite you to join me on Sunday, Jan.

The Jan. 26th performance of Beauty and the Beast will mark the end of an era for the Marquis Theatre.

26 at 2:30 p.m. for the final performance of Beauty and the Beast. It’s a great show – and I’m not saying that simply because my granddaughter is in it. It will also mark the end of an era.

For sure much has changed over those 40 years. Twenty years seems like yesterday. Ten years went by in the blink of an eye. Hang on for the next 10…20…30. I hope it’s a great ride.

Happy New Year FROM THE PREMIER LAW FIRM OF WESTERN WAYNE COUNTY

FAUSONE BOHN, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW

James G. Fausone

Paul F. Bohn

Mark J. Mandell

Christopher S. Frescoln

Michael M. McNamara

Kristina L. Derro

Andrea Hayden

Katherine A. Krysak

Fausone Bohn, LLP would like to wish everyone in our community a prosperous 2020!

trusted legal advisor and we will continue to fill that role for our community.

We look forward to continuing to serve the legal needs of our community throughout the vast areas of practice that we offer. We are your neighbors, we attend your places of worship, and coach your children. We understand the importance of having a

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