The Ville - January 2021

January 2021 | Vol.4 | Issue 1

Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine

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e l l i v h rns 5 Nort 0

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LOCAL Matters!

Please send checks, cash or lucky charms to: Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168 Thank you!

Issue 1

JANUARY 2021

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

Kurt Kuban – Editor/Publisher

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

Craig Wheeler – Creative Director

Craig has been in the creative industry for over 28 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 18 years. Craig enjoys chasing his young daughter and providing moral support to his lovely wife.

Michele Fecht – Writer

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

Brad Emons - Writer

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

Jim & Linda Aaron Kathleen & Neale Hoener Terrie & John Karebian Bill & Loretta Keller Judy & Jim Kohl Jim & Virginia Long Joseph Nance

Volume 4

Curt & Gloria Perry Wayne & Mary Kay Pryce Nancy L. Skurka Pat & Steve Sobieski Alan & Judith Somershoe John & Joyce Whelan Clark & Jackie Lawrence

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

maria taylor – Writer

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

tim smith - Writer

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

ALAN LUNDBERG - Writer

Alex got his start in the journalism business in 1992 as a reporter for the Plymouth Community Crier newspaper. Since then he has worked a variety of beats, covering communities all around the Detroit area, from Grosse Ile to Lake Orion.

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

BRYAN MITCHELL - Photographer

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

A View From The ‘Ville

We Can And Must Do Better A

week before Christmas I visited my longtime friend John Goci at his business, U.S. 12 Bar & Grill in Wayne. For many years, John, a Northville resident, has collected toys and money for the Toys for Tots program, and I was dropping off a couple toys.

Normally on the Saturday night before Christmas, U.S. 12 would be bustling with people getting ready for the holidays.

Instead, it was eerily silent and a mountain of donated toys were all that congregated, as the bar has been closed to indoor service because of COVID restrictions.

On what should have been a celebratory evening, John was instead worried about staying in business, putting food on the table for his family, and how his employees would survive the winter. Understandably he was upset, feeling it was unfair businesses like his were forced to close, while big box stores and others have been able to operate.

Northville's John Goci (left), his mom Mona and brother Scott

U.S. 12 is the epitome of a small, family-run business, the kind that our nation was built upon. John’s immigrant parents started the business years ago, and he and his brother Scott are second generation owners, who have invested in the community.

They treat their customers like family and help the community any time possible, including their Toys for Tots efforts.

Now, in the middle of a pandemic the likes we have not seen in our lifetimes, they are worried about staying afloat and

potentially losing a business their family has given so much blood, sweat and toil to.

John, like many other restaurant owners in the state, has toyed with the idea of defying the state by opening up and letting the chips fall where they may. He understands the devastation COVID has caused, but at the same time he is watching his business and livelihood slip away. That’s the position he and so many others are in. Does he open up and potentially expose his customers to a deadly virus (studies have shown dining inside restaurants and bars is among the riskiest activities) or go out of business?

According to the National Restaurant Association, nearly 120,000 restaurants have closed permanently since the beginning of the pandemic, and that figure is expected to rise. How is it that the supposed greatest nation in the world would allow businesses like this to perish because they

are doing their part to stop the spread of a deadly virus that has already killed 360,000 people nationally, including roughly 14,000 here in Michigan?

I’m sure some of you reading this blame Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Democrats, while others blame President Donald Trump and Republicans.

Seriously people? This virus doesn’t have political preferences. Surely, we have the resources to keep businesses afloat until we defeat this thing.

We should be demanding that our state and federal leaders throw them a lifeline.

Business owners like John aren’t looking for handouts, and they shouldn’t be pawns in this political game of chicken our nation is engaged in.

Kurt Kuban is Editor and Publisher of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your feedback at (734) 716-0783 or kurtkuban@ thevillemagazine.com.

Your Voice: Letters to the Editor 4 Restaurants being pummeled by COVID restrictions 6 Achieve New Years resolutions with local help 12 Past Tense: Coasting fever at Buchner Hill 16

Genitti's Turns 50

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26

Fill Up On Inspiration

Dealers Hype New Models

32

Former NHS gridiron standout leaving Gophers 28 Northville Schools grapple with COVID

34

Northville skaters playing big roles for Sun Devils 36 Poole’s proposed expansion includes city land 42

ON THE COVER: The Genitti's clan -- (top row from left) Laura Genitti, Drew Genitti, Sonny Rentz, Leslie Genitti, Andy Genitti, Kirk Rentz, (bottom row from left) Olive Rentz, Aunt Mary Ware, Toni Genitti, Avery Rentz, and Mia Genitti. Photo by Stackwood Studios.

Your Voice ‘Save a business’

During a recent visit to a Northville business, I had an exchange with an employee who was not wearing a mask. It completely caught me off guard that this is still an issue nine months into the pandemic.

Frustrated over my potential COVID exposure, I posted my grievance on the social media app Nextdoor with intentions of sparing like-minded others from enduring the same discomfort. Many commenters supported my concern, one even shared a similar experience at the same business. But to my surprise many were more alarmed with me bringing negative attention to a Northville business than its failure to comply with safety guidelines. What if myself or another patron before or after me was exposed to COVID-19 by this maskless employee? Yet, speaking up made me the villain.

I was shamed for not contacting the business directly but taking to social media instead. Had I contacted the business the same employee would have answered the phone. Besides, isn’t that what these public forums are for? To alert the community and exchange pertinent information more than just garage sales and lost pets? Perhaps my post saved a life. Perhaps it prevented some vulnerable high-risk person from the same potential encounter.

I was depicted as the villain with “nothing better to do” but take shots at a local business just trying to stay afloat during desperate times. Here’s a tip: Follow the government safety guidelines and maybe you will keep more customers.

A commenter stating to be the manager even joined the thread touting the business owner’s local donor list and community involvement in defense of the mask-less employee while also suggesting that perhaps my experience was a fallacy. It concluded with commenters requesting the post be removed because they felt censorship is a better route to keeping Northville businesses afloat than the adherence to a simple guideline known to save lives.

Perhaps if more people did follow guidelines than try to silence those who are not afraid to speak up, we would all have places to go on a Saturday night and not have to resort to social media trolling.

Keep Northville safe. Wear a mask. Save a life. And, I guess more importantly, “save a business.”

Laurie Castillo

Tax money well spent

Thank you to the Northville DPW workers for the fine job on the fall leaf pick up.

We watched through our window on S. Ely Street as the crew put together all of the piles, went back over to gather them up, and then hand raked the court to make sure every last leaf was gone.

Your commitment to completing the job so well has been noticed and appreciated. We feel our tax money is being well spent!

Wayne and Mary Kay Pryce

4 The ‘Ville

Blatant misuse

I was very disappointed in Mark Abbo’s comment, “I don’t know how you can prevent someone from expressing their free speech?”, which was in reference to Steve McGuirk’s use of Northville Soccer Association’s parental emails to get himself (and Abbo) elected in August. This statement does not bode well for our township if the supervisor is blind to the blatant misuse of this organization’s “for soccer use only” information.

Kathy Fox

Easiest access points

Maybe I’m a little bit old school, but the $18,000 that we are trying to raise for a new entrance into Maybury seems excessive. Are we trying to construct some kind of grand entrance with footings in archways and the whole nine yards which might be completely unnecessary.

My family owned Thomson Sand and Gravel right across 7 Mile Road from Maybury. There’s two spots to put in the new entrance. At the corner of 7 Mile and Beck, which is a natural because people can come down any road and enter at the corner. The trail comes right to the corner. The other spot is down at the bottom of the hill near the Stonewater subdivision entrance. When I was a kid a road came out on to 7 Mile at that location and I believe the gates are still there. The road is probably overgrown but there has to be a trace of it still there. So, it’s a natural spot to enter. It used to be an access road that went up into the sanitarium and we used to go up in there on snowmobiles when we were kids.

It seems that everything in Northville has to come with a Northville price tag. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Jim Thomson Thanks for the article in the December issue about gaining access to Maybury Park from the south. The easiest access/cheapest entry point would be at the southeast corner of the park. There is already an emergency access gate on 7 Mile Road (which is locked). The distance from 7 Mile to the existing path in the park is approximately 66 feet.

This would eliminate a biker from town having to ride a longer distance on 7 Mile. Both 7 Mile and Beck Road are treacherous for bikers as there is not a bike path.

Don Paul I think it would be a good idea to add another entrance to Maybury. I also understand why people want to place the entrance in the center of the park off of Seven Mile Road to place it near the most people. It sounds like this might be a costly project with engineering cost alone at $18,000.

An alternative would be to place a new entrance at the corner of Seven Mile and Beck. There is already a gate there and it is very close to paved trails and mountain bike trails. I am certain that this transformation could be done at a very low cost and would not take very long to do. There is also a traffic signal there that would aid pedestrian traffic going to this entrance.

Dave Joseph I praise the relationship between Friends of Maybury and the Maybury State Park staff for listening to the community and working together to build a nonmotorized entrance to Maybury along 7 Mile Road. I encourage Northville Township to build a bike/pedestrian path leading to the new entrance. The path currently provided by the City of Northville that ends abruptly at the township border along 7 Mile Road should be extended to the new Maybury entrance.

Pedestrian and bicycle travel along 7 Mile is unsafe and increased traffic to a new entrance will result in accidents and injury. A path along 7 Mile Road is long overdue as it also provides a means for residents to walk to the city similar to what is provided for residents along 6 Mile and 8 Mile. This is a wake-up call to the township to deliver a path to the new Maybury entrance so both become a reality.

John Kargilis

Time to live together

As a long time resident of the City of Northville, “No-ville” (Novi but Northville schools) and now Salem Township (30+ years), I guess I find it really astounding the traction that the Arbor Hills landfill is getting nowadays. Some 30 years ago when the landfill first opened the Village of Salem existed on the other side of the landfill. I wasn’t in Salem Township then, but I’m sure there was a resistance to establishing the only landfill in Washtenaw county -- not Wayne County.

Where was Northville Township and Wayne County when that happened?

Nowhere in sight. I would also point out that Northville Township had few if any mini-mansions at that time, and was just beginning to grow. As I recall most of Beck Road was not even paved at that time. But the citizens of the Village of Salem were there, at 6 Mile and Chubb since 1860 and lost the fight.

When Ridgewood was built does anyone recall the first proposed site?

6 Mile and Napier Road, directly across from the dump. When all the buyers of the homes west of Beck from 5 Mile to 7 Mile roads bought from the developers, did anyone look to the west? The dump was right there, bigger than life. Do the readers all understand where your garbage goes? Washtenaw County and Salem Township have been able to stop further expansion to the north of 6 Mile, for now. Arbor Hills has 30 more years to operate.

It’s time to find a way to live together.

Jay Julow

An inadvertent mistake

President Steve McGuirk of the Northville Soccer Association likely inadvertently made an innocent mistake. Free speech isn’t the issue.

Retaining 501c3 status for the Northville Soccer Association is.

Ming Louie

School board members are dedicated

Northville Public Schools is joining 544 local and 57 intermediate school districts across Michigan to celebrate January as School Board Recognition Month. In a year full of challenges for public education not seen in recent history, our school board members persevered through the adversity of 2020, and have grappled with providing the best possible education for our students given the ongoing challenges of a global health crisis.

Celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one of the ways in which we can express appreciation for these dedicated public servants, who continue to devote hours of time to our district, students, families, staff and community, and who serve without monetary compensation.

School board members represent the views and priorities of their community in the complex system of maintaining and running a district’s public schools. They also reinforce the principle of local control over public education, which is an important, highly valued aspect of education in Michigan. Our Board of Education establishes the district’s vision, mission and goals while developing 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.

As a community, we are fortunate to have an actively involved, deeply committed Board of Education dedicated to leading and supporting Ronald Hwang Sarah Prescott our ongoing quest to open “A World of Possibilities” for and with our students that will prepare them for life and work in a global society. This responsibility requires the time and energy to prepare for and attend countless 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, families, staff and community of Northville Public Schools.

While we make a special effort in January to show appreciation to our Angela Jaafar Suzanne Lynn school board members, we realize their many contributions reflect a yearround commitment.

I encourage you to take a moment to express your gratitude to the Board with a note of thanks at the NPS BOE email account at npsboe@ northvilleschools.org. Take this opportunity to show your year-round appreciation for these servant leaders, who work together with our staff and families to prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders. The individuals serving Northville Public Schools and their years of service are: Lisa McIntyre Lindsey Wilson • Mr. Roland Hwang, six years • Ms. Sarah Prescott, five-and-a-half years • Ms. Angela Jaafar, two years • Ms. Suzanne Lynn, two years • Ms. Lisa McIntyre, recently elected • Mr. Lindsey Wilson, recently elected • Mr. James Mazurek, 2011 -2018, recently elected We also recognize the following individuals who stepped down from the James Mazurek Cinythia L. Jankowski Board of Education at the conclusion of their term on December 30, 2020 for their leadership and service: • Ms. Cynthia L. Jankowski, nine years • Mr. Matthew Wilk, eight-and-a-half years • Ms. Laurie Doner, four years Mary Kay Gallagher Superintendent Northville Public Schools Matthew Wilk

SOUND OFF

Laurie Doner

Please submit your letters by emailing Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

Letters must be 150 words or less. We reserve the right to edit all letters.

The ‘Ville 5

Center Street Grille is surviving at about 20 percent of normal levels.

Northville's Dan Sheehan, owner of Sheehan's on the Green on Five Mile, and his daughter, Kaeleigh. Photo by Kurt Kuban

STRUGgliNg FOR Survival

Photos By Bryan Mitchell

By Tim Smith

Restaurant owners being pummeled by COVID restrictions

T

he COVID-19 crisis is forcing Michigan restaurants and bars to stare at both sides of the same coin – trying to protect human life on one side and livelihood on the other. In Northville, just how good or bad things are – with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services still banning indoor dining into January – depends on who you ask.

6 The ‘Ville

Landon Garrett, co-owner of Center Street Grille in downtown Northville, is keeping things as upbeat as he can. His restaurant is surviving at about 20 percent of normal levels he said, helped by loyal customers who withstand cold weather to sit outside near propane-fueled table heaters and fire pits.

“I think the whole thing is

unfortunate,” Garrett said. “But if these next couple weeks (of an indoor dining ban) is going to keep our state and our people safe, and that’s what it is, let’s do it, get it done and move on.

“I think it’s kind of tough, but they know the numbers better than we do. Yes, I want to be open, but I think in Northville the city is definitely helping us with that so it’s a little easier

blow. But if I didn’t have the outdoor stuff my comments would be a little bit more harsh.”

Restaurants have had a rollercoaster year to say the least.

From June (when the original three-month COVID-19 shutdown ended) until midNovember, restaurants could serve up to 50 percent capacity so long as they maintained

various health and safety guidelines. Then came a surge of coronavirus cases, which prompted a second ban on indoor dining (which took effect on Nov. 18 and subsequently has been extended to Jan. 15).

Restaurants like Center Street Grille have benefitted from the “Heat in the Street” outdoor market setting that has

their businesses to go under. If there’s any negativity, I haven’t heard it. And in the restaurant business, you hear everything.”

Also praising Northville’s unique approach is William Hundley, who owns Tuscan Café. The business will move in early 2021 from 150 N. Center Street to 141 E. Main, where it will unveil an expanded outdoor dining patio.

“Everyone’s taking pride in their community and making sure that we’re all staying afloat by participating with the events downtown, supporting the businesses,” Hundley noted “It’s really a great thing for us to be expanding in a climate like this.

It’s a little nerve-wracking, but when you have the support of the community like we do, it’s just incredible to see and it’s heartwarming.”

A DIFFERENT STORY

turned downtown Northville into a winter hot spot.

“It’s been an eye-opener for the response, from the (Northville) DDA board, city officials, residents,” Garrett said. “Just embracing (the concept) and not wanting

But just a few miles from downtown, the situation for restaurants and bars is a little more dire.

At the family-run Sheehan’s On The Green, on Five Mile near Haggerty, Dan Sheehan is doing a yeoman’s duties to stay open.

Sheehan is overseeing a skeleton crew, handling some of the bar’s chef duties himself and trying to keep morale from tumbling lower than it already

Downtown Northville’s Heat in the Street includes plenty of outdoor eating areas.

has. On cold nights with just a few customers sitting outside, Sheehan worries about the lasting toll of a seemingly neverending assault on Michigan’s restaurants.

He just wants to serve customers and help his employees put some money into their own pockets, a nearly impossible task during the current predicament.

“I’m just really frustrated,” Sheehan said. “I know this (the pandemic) is a bad thing. All I ask is, just let people make their own choices. The problem I’m having with it (state-imposed shutdown), I feel like the bars and restaurants in this state, it’s almost like we’re the scapegoat for all of this.”

Sheehan said “maybe a dozen” of thousands of Michigan eateries – largely based in college towns -- are

responsible for the state’s decision to force businesses to provide only outdoor dining, takeout or delivery.

It is not a blueprint for longterm viability.

“Cut (capacity) down to 25 percent and have a curfew, at least that would have allowed a lot of us to have something to keep us alive,” Sheehan said.

“What they’re doing, it’s just killing us. What people don’t understand is it doesn’t just affect us. We use suppliers, like our beer suppliers, our food suppliers, linen guys. They’ve all laid off a ton of people, too.

If we’re not open, they’re not making any money either.”

Sheehan said his business is down to about 10 percent, with not much immediate help on

Survival continued on page 8

The ‘Ville 7

Survival continued from page 7

the horizon.

“We’re a little small bar, we were never big on carry-out anyway,” he continued. “We’ve been here since 1976, we have a lot of older customers. They’re used to just coming in. We’ve lost all of them.”

GENEROSITY HELPS

George Dimopoulos, owner of George’s Senate Coney Island

on Haggerty Road (north of Five Mile), estimated his business is at about 15 percent of normal.

“Between my building, the gas bills, the electrical bills, the water bills it’s about $24,000 a month,” Dimopoulos said.

“I don’t make even close to that money to pay those bills.

Sometimes, I don’t even have enough money to pay all my people.”

To give his restaurant more of a chance, he has a patio with

A T-shirt supporting restaurant and bar owners is displayed at Sheehan's on the Green. Photo by Kurt Kuban

tables, heaters and a plastic perimeter -- complete with openings to maintain enough ventilation to ensure customers aren’t jeopardizing their health.

But he maintains that county officials and state police have been sticklers.

“They give me a hard time and want me to take the plastic down,” Dimopoulos explained.

“If you take the plastic down then nobody’s going to sit outside.”

Business is down, but customer generosity is bubbling up – enough to give Dimopoulos hope.

“Today I had a couple people who came up and (bought) $500 gift certificates,” he said. “To

help me, that’s all it is. ‘George, we want to help you.’ A guy walked in and gave me $100, … appreciating me being open outside. Another guy gave me $20.

“Everybody is trying to help me because they know me.

Because I’ve done so many good things for Northville, for the schools, everything else.”

Dimopoulos added that he can keep dipping into his own savings to keep George’s Senate up and running, but only for another month or two.

“After that, if we don’t open the restaurant we’ll have a problem,” he said. “A big problem.”

‘Like A Movie Scene’Downtown restaurants benefit from Heat in the Street program

By Tim Smith Thanks to an innovative program called Heat in the Street, along with some very crafty and forwardthinking entrepreneurs, the flame of hope literally is being kept alive for restaurants and businesses in downtown Northville.

The efforts have turned town into a winter hot spot, said Landon Garrett, co-owner of Center Street Grille.

“Northville has never been more of a destination than it is right now,” Garrett said. “People are very excited about it. It’s crazy. I had a customer the other day, it was 30 degrees outside, freezing and windy, and he showed up in his hunting suit – full mask,

8 The ‘Ville

full everything, sitting out there.

“I asked him if he needed anything and he said ‘Yeah, I need a beer to drink.’”

Garrett also said people are tossing beanbags, congregating around the fire, soaking in elements of the Michigan winter and enjoying themselves while also helping businesses and restaurants (in particular) generate essential incomes during a time when indoor dining is prohibited.

“People feel like people are telling them ‘no, no, no I can’t do this,’” Garrett said. “But if you’re standing outside and you have a drink and you’re still playing beanbags in the middle of the street,

or you’re playing Connect 4 or you’re watching somebody sing in the middle of winter when it’s snowing, and you’re hanging out and eating that’s pretty cool.

“That’s what Northville’s done. Honestly, I think they’ve set themselves apart from anybody.”

On this particular Saturday, the entire scene almost felt like a winter carnival.

Where else might one be able to buy a hot beverage and also nab a tray of “cocoa bombs” at Tuscan Café, which manager Jayme Hundley said has been “all the rage” this holiday season.

“We were here last night, it was busy, we saw a

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS

Garrett, who with business partner Don Johnson also operates Plymouth’s Ironwood Grill and Park Place Gastro Pub, agrees with Sheehan that it is apparent a few poorly run businesses are spoiling things for many.

Yet Garrett said he understands why decisions are made by state officials “when they get videos sent to them where there’s 200 people packed into a 100-square-foot place. That’s the problem.”

Keeping his business partially flowing is better than the alternative, Garrett emphasized.

“My thing to other restaurant people is this is not going anywhere,” Garrett stressed. “So make the best of it of what you can and follow the rules to make sure we can stay open and these (state-imposed restrictions) stop happening. “… Do I want to be at 100 percent inside? Yes, but I’ll take the 50 percent open inside (with) having an outdoor patio.

We have over 200 people that work for us and that depend on us, whether it’s a college kid paying their bills or whether it’s a single mom paying for her family.”

Sheehan also gives total props to his customers for hanging in there with his business.

“For the most part the community has been wonderful,” Sheehan said.

“Northville is a wonderful community and the

surrounding (area) we have some really good customers.

People have been very supportive and that’s something that’s been very, very nice to see.

“In this kind of weather, people are sitting out there freezing their (butts) off and they’re just trying to do it to help us out. That’s the one good thing I can say out of this.”

He added that the pandemic has triggered a “nightmare for everyone,” unleashing more

couple get married,” Hundley said. “It’s great to see the businesses pivot and everybody figure out a way to stay in business and keep working and keep the community together.”

“I like it a lot,” said downtown patron Grace Szputman, who with a friend grabbed lunch at Tuscan Café. “With the pandemic it helps a lot with hanging out with people. It makes everyone feel like they’re a part of something.”

Northville Township resident Nancy Hinz and her husband walked along Center Street, checking out the variety of outdoor dining options.

“I think it’s great that we’re trying to support those businesses,” she said, adding that a cup of hot cider might just be the ticket for a Saturday afternoon.

Sitting near a large heater were Center Street Grille customers Rachelle Seguin and Krissy Vanoyen.

Vanoyen noted that the Heat in the Street program –

questions than answers about what happened and how to get things back to normal.

“Everyone’s trying to figure out how to get through it and everyone has different opinions,” Sheehan said. “There is no right or wrong, because you don’t really know.”

But he was adamant about at least one known truth. “Making (people) lose their whole livelihood, I don’t think is the answer.”

launched by the DDA and bolstered by sponsors – is “fabulous, it’s a great way for the businesses to stay in business. People just need to dress warmer, come out and socialize and stay safe.”

Garrett is planning to install three greenhouselike structures out on Center Street to enable his patrons to stay warm while staying safe – and also absorb the snowy best that a January in Northville can generate.

“That’s why I’ve chosen to go with the glass greenhouses,” Garrett said. “There’s nothing prettier than Michigan, especially these downtowns with the lights on, it’s amazing to see.

“But in wintertime, imagine you’re sitting outside in the middle of a road and you’re just in a glass tent watching the snow coming down on top of you, you got heaters inside of it, you’re eating food, you’re looking outside watching kids throw snowballs at each other. … It’s like a movie scene.”

The ‘Ville 9

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YOUR

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A New Year, A New You There are plenty of local resources to help you achieve resolutions

By Wensdy Von Buskirk

F

inally, 2020 is over. The New Year is bound to be better, especially if we focus on what we can change in our lives, instead of all things we can’t control. Here, The ’Ville rounds up a few local resolutions for a great 2021.

Read More The Northville District Library is temporarily closed to the public due to COVID, but you can still reserve books for curbside pickup, or download free ebooks through northvillelibrary.org. Connect with other lit lovers through NDL’s Between the Lines and Books & Brews. Or, join NDL’s Cool Reads Winter Reading Program for kids, teens and adults, with incentives to hit the books.

Balance Your Budget Northville has many financial planners at the ready to assist with wealth management and retirement planning, but baby steps. Northville’s Dan DeLano, of Edward Jones, has a passion for educating people on how they can live financially stressfree. Start small by writing down your expenses. Subtract your expenses from your income and track how much of a surplus or deficit you’re running each month. Doing this consistently will allow you to understand your cash flow, and help you monitor when spending starts to get out of control.

12 The ‘Ville

Cook Smarter COVID has caused us all to dine in more frequently, so why not mix it up in the kitchen?

Chef Jessica of Northville’s Experience Cooking suggests roasting veggies. “Yes, roasting vegetables instead of boiling makes them healthier and tastier,” she says. Toss cut up carrots, broccoli and cauliflower with minced garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at 425 for 20 minutes. For more ideas, sign up for Chef Jessica’s classes on Beef Wellington, Homemade Pasta, Cuban Cuisine, French Macarons, or Basic Baking at experiencecooking.com.

Conquer Your Clutter If tidying has been on your todo list, 2021 is the time to tackle it. Start somewhere small, like a set of drawers, a master closet,

Train Your Dog Want your pooch to behave once the Cady Street Dog Park reopens? Michigan Dog Training can get dogs on the right path to go more places, greet people and other dogs politely, walk nicely on a leash, come when called and greet guests at the door appropriately.

It can be done with help from an expert and follow-up at home. “The great thing is that dogs want to be part of your family,” says owner Michael Burkey. “They can learn good manners and live by people’s expectations.”

or shelves. Purge what you don’t need and put the items you want to keep back on the shelf.

Go section by section. Take photos of things you want to get rid of but remember. Then, analyze what you have left and focus on functional placement.

Put time on the calendar to prioritize cleaning. If you need professional help, Beth Spiroff of Pro Organizing in Northville, aims to “Maximize client wellbeing by minimizing clutter and creating bliss.”

Volunteer Resolve to give your time or money to help a local service organization in the new year.

Northville is home to a wide variety of charities including Northville Civic Concern, Main Street League, Northville Community Foundation, Friends of the Northville District Library, and many more. Visit the Northville Chamber of Commerce website for a list of local non-profits to find a cause that speaks to you, then see how you can help.

Start Meditating Meditation reduces stress and anxiety, helps with mental focus and clarity and even lowers blood pressure, strengthens the immune system and aids in sleep. To begin, Mridu Pasrija of Northville’s Live Life Radiantly suggests you find a comfortable posture and focus on your breath. “Start out small with just a couple of minutes,” Pasrija says. “You can play calming music, light candles and dim the lights.

Choose a convenient time and stay consistent.” If you need some help, find a meditation teacher like Pasrija, who has classes starting this month.

Get Moving Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. Whether you want to lose weight or improve your mood, exercise is the key.

This year, make a pact to move your body each and every day.

See our accompanying story on PAGE 14 for motivation from local experts and a list of local places and people who can help you get in shape.

The ‘Ville 13

WHERE TO TURN

Here’s a list of local experts and businesses that can help you get in shape.

Burn Boot Camp Core conditioning, leg day, speed & agility, upper body, strength & conditioning and cardio 16855 Ridge Road, burnbootcamp.com

Rosemary Buie works with client Amy Van Zee.

Get Fit In The ‘Ville

By Wensdy Von Buskirk

W

hen it comes to New Year’s Resolutions, “getting in shape” is so common it has become cliche. That shouldn’t discourage you from vowing to start a fitness routine now.

According to the CDC, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It helps with weight Rosemary Buie management, improves brain health, strengthens bones and muscles, reduces disease and improves your ability to do everyday tasks.

Northville fitness expert Rosemary Buie says exercise also reduces stress, depression and insomnia.

“When we exercise we reduce our adrenaline and cortisol, some of the body’s stress hormones. In addition, we produce endorphins which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural ‘pain killers’ and help elevate mood,” Buie explains. “This can lead to better hydration, better rest and better overall healthy daily choices meaning we will feel better, experience increased energy and feel happier in general.”

Here, Buie offers tips on how to build a health and fitness program into your 2021: Revamp Your Mindset Make your health and fitness a priority and choose it every day. It doesn’t have to be drastic, Buie says. “Some days it is a great workout, better meal planning, consuming more healthy fats and veggies, other days it’s just making sure you drink 120 ounces of water. Plan in your day, somehow, some way to take care of you,” she says.

Build In Accountability Finding a partner to work out with not only keeps you on track, it’s fun. Buie works out with her neighbor in her private gym a couple times a week. “Most of the mornings we meet, the first thing we say to one another is ‘I would have never gotten out of bed if I hadn’t made this commitment to you’,” Buie says.

Find Your Passion Do whatever you love that helps you move, Buie says. “Try not to see movement or proper eating habits as a chore, but more as a way to take care of your vessel,” she says. “Love yourself enough to move in ways you enjoy, and fuel with foods you enjoy but you know are nutrient dense and provide great resources to your body.”

Keep It Simple Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much info, unattainable goals or overreach on your plan. “While I do believe you can do anything you set your mind to, setting yourself up for failure can also feel defeating and do more harm than good,” Buie says. “Working with a coach or someone to help you set small, attainable, realistic goals is a big key to success.”

Rosemary Buie is a Northville-based Certified Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer and Reformer Pilates Instructor. Email RmBFit05@gmail.com to book a session.

14 The ‘Ville

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Past Tense

Coasting Fever

Northville has long been destination for sledding thrill seekers

By Michele Fecht

T

he hilly terrain that gave the Village of Northville the moniker “The Switzerland of Wayne County” proved a mecca for winter sports.

While winter brought out cutter and sleigh races down Dunlap Street in the 19th century, Photo courtesy of Library of Congress and skating a great place for people seeking on the Mill Pond, it was coasting sightly homes or fresh air that lured throngs of thrill elevations.” seekers and their “bobs” to the Standing 6-foot-4 in height village. and known as “The Giant of Buchner Hill (later known the Hills,” Buchner platted the as Scotten Hill) – the highest hillside from top to bottom. At elevation in Wayne County the summit was his two and a – earned Northville bragging half story mansion with its slate rights as one of the best sledding Mansard roof and observation and tobogganing venues in tower. From the tower, Detroit southeastern Michigan. could be easily seen to the east.

Located above High Street Buchner’s development and south of what is today plans never materialized. A few Hillside Middle School, it homes were built on the two took its name from John C. streets leading to his mansion, Buchner, a wealthy landowner but they never got further and former village marshal than halfway up the hill. W.E. who built a palatial High Street Scotten, nephew of Detroit mansion in the 1870s on the site tobacco mogul Daniel Scotten, now occupied by Allen Terrace. would later occupy Buchner’s According to a February mansion.

26, 1910 article in The Detroit News, Buchner “conceived an idea that the big hill, then THE RECKLESS & TIMID covered with shrubbery and Cleared of trees and trees which he owned, would be shrubbery for the homes that

16 The ‘Ville

were never built, the bare hillside became the ultimate “coasting” run attracting adventure seekers both near and far. In 1910, The Detroit News highlighted Northville’s half-mile steep coasting hill noting that “a full half-mile ride can be had in just 20 seconds, although the lighter loads usually consume 10 seconds more in the downward trip.”

The article went on to note “often as many as a hundred youngsters will be in the game at one time.” It further stated that “recently a damper was put on the sport for a few days and one road was closed up because of accidents resulting in the breaking of legs. Not many accidents occur, however, considering; but going at the terrific rate of speed they do, the only wonder is that when something does go wrong,

someone isn’t killed.”

In February 1915, under the headline “Coasting Fever Catches ‘Em All,” The Northville Record reported that “Rogers and Buchner hills are in fine shape for coasting and are thronged with parties of both young and old every evening.

Last Saturday one could go from the top of Buchner’s Hill clear down to the racetrack on South Center.”

The newspaper further noted “Wednesday evening was the biggest night on Rogers’ hill there being over a hundred persons there at one and the same time . . . most bobs carried from 10-14 passengers. The fence on the back lot of the Lawrence Farm on the Fishery Road was reached several times making the route over a mile long. Some walk back!

Northville is certainly the ideal coasting place, furnishing hills for the big and little folks, the reckless and the timid.”

SAFETY FIRST

Broken bones did little to deter coasters from taking on Northville’s coasting hills, but local officials were mindful of the dangers to “life and limb.”

In December 1915, the village council “in an endeavor to give the boys and girls the limit of fun and excitement pursued a ‘Safety First’ initiative.”

The Safety First effort involved stationing traffic officers on duty at the Randolph Street crossing — and other streets where necessary —all

day Saturday and all other days from 3 to 9 p.m. At other times, coasters were advised to “take their own precautions.”

The same article noted, “The long distance record last The former Buchner mansion after its conversion as Eastlawn Sanatorium. Northville Historical Society year for the big hill was with full forces and proceeded way down on South Center at the foot of Scotten hill about to the Ross residence where Street beyond Mill Street.” Mill seven o’clock Monday night we donned skating togs and Street today is Fairbrook; the while a merry company of downed popcorn balls then next street south of Fairbrook is young people were coasting.” rushed to the big hill – with Seven Mile Road.

Sidney Ware, 12, youngest heavy snow the night before Locals were not the only ones son of Tom and Ina Ware, died and a little material aid in the taking to the hills. Coasting from injuries sustained in a shape of a firehose – had been enthusiasts outside the village coasting accident. The Record converted into an excellent limits made excursions to noted “Sidney was coasting slide. Six or seven bobs were in Northville for dinner and down the hill and because of readiness and for several hours sledding. the steep descent the speed of bob after bob went whizzing A March 1920 issue of his sled was terrific and as he down the hill with laughing Pere Marquette Magazine approached the bridge at the shrieking humans piled and highlighted such an excursion foot of the hill he collided with stuck on wherever there was an made in January by a group of one of the larger and heavier inch of space.”

Pere Marquette employees. The sleds used by a company of trip made for colorful copy. young men.

“Scotten’s Hill at Northville “The unfortunate boy was TRAGEDY STRIKES creaked under the weight struck in the abdomen by one In its January 30, 1920 of forty-eight huskie Pere of the runners of the larger sled edition, The Northville Record Marquette employees who and was rendered unconscious.” reported what many had had assembled for a coasting Dr. Tom Henry was summoned long feared. “A fatal and most party. We arrived in Northville and Sidney was taken to Harper distressing accident occurred

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The Record noted that Sidney “was a general favorite of his classmates and companions and his sad and sudden death cast a deep gloom over the whole community.”

Sidney’s mother, Ina Ware, owned one of Northville’s most popular restaurants, The Bean Pot. Sidney and his younger brother, Don, were nicknamed “Big Bean” and “Little Bean.”

Don Ware, a lifelong Northville resident and civic leader, shared the story of his brother’s fatal accident in an oral history conducted in September 1988.

The interview is available on the Northville District Library’s website at http://www. northvillehistory.org/ oralhistory.html Postscript: The Buchner mansion eventually was sold to Dr. A.B. Wickham, a specialist in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Wickham remodeled the house and it served both as his home and the TB sanatorium he founded known as Eastlawn. It remained a sanatorium until 1955, when it was turned into a convalescent home. It was razed in 1976 to make way for Allen Terrace.

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James Mazurek was sworn in for school board on Dec. 31.

School Board’s Wilk, Doner and Jankowski Bid Adieu Mazurek returns to board after recount confirms election tie

By Alex Lundberg

T

he Northville Board of Education bid farewell to three members as Trustees Matthew Wilk and Cyndy Jankowski and Secretary Laurie Doner attended their final meeting in December. None of the three ran in the recent board of education election.

All three were honored by the board and given engraved plaques for their service to the community.

Doner had been on the board for four years, serving as secretary as well as a member of the human resources/ policy subcommittee. She was formerly a teacher and has been a parent in the district as well.

She was the board’s liaison to the Wayne County Association of School Boards and the Michigan Association of School Boards.

Trustee Angela Jaafar said she had come to enjoy her conversations with Doner

20 The ‘Ville

about family and admired her drive for coming straight from her regular teaching job to do the work of the board. She said she didn’t talk a lot, but that made her voice all the more important. Jaafar said she spoke with “a voice of reason.”

“Less is more,” Jaafar said.

“She wasn’t as vocal but when she speaks, we all listen.”

Other board members also said her perspective as a teacher was important, but also commented on her common sense, practicality, her thoughtfulness and her passion.

Doner thanked the board and the community for electing her to the office. She said people think service as a trustee is a Tuesday night job only, but they don’t know that many hours a week are required to do the job right. Anything worth doing, she said, requires a lot of time and effort.

She said she wishes the

incoming trustees the best in what will continue to be trying times. Keeping one principle in mind will help them as they go forward.

“If I can leave you with any advice to hold and take with you,” Doner said, “it’s that as long as you’re making decisions with your heart based on what’s in the best interests of the children and staff, there’s no way you can go wrong.”

Jankowski served for nine years in every officer capacity (three terms as president, one term as vice-president, two as secretary and one as treasurer) during that time. She was active in bond and sinking fund committees as well as the Conrad Langfield Memorial Fund and the Northville Education Foundation. She was elected to the Northvillle Township Board of Trustees in November.

Board President Roland Hwang had nothing but praise.

“Cyndy has been a wonderful visionary, leader and mentor,” he said. “I’m gratified to caucus with her on what it takes to lead the school board.”

Wilk said Jankowski was his example of leadership qualities both personal and professional and said she was known for the amount of preparation she did before attending meetings.

Jankowski thanked the central office leadership, the building staffs, the PTAs and clubs and the community for its resilience, flexibility and patience.

“The community stepped up every time there was a millage renewal or bond issue to move this district forward,” she said.

“Thank you for all you have done to support these schools.”

Earlier in the year, the board voted to remove Wilk

as president after he made comments on social media that called the COVID-19 pandemic a hoax. While outcry over the posts drove residents to launch a petition drive to have him resign, there was no mention of it at the meeting.

Wilk was lauded for his years of service as the board’s treasurer and chairmanship of the finance committee, his work as a liaison to the parks and recreation system, the Downtown Development Authority and his financial acumen.

He said it had been an interesting experience, one he didn’t expect to have. He said he put his name forward for an open, appointed board seat with seven other candidates and he was surprised the board chose him.

“Eight years and two elections later, I look back on what the board has accomplished,” Wilk said. “It’s not the facts and the math, it’s the lessons I’ve learned along the way.”

He said he has learned the importance of the process — that you set up a plan, execute it and celebrate the results. He said exposure to a diversity of ideas different than his own have enriched his thinking and that’s very important in the age of the social media echochamber.

He also said he learned that schoolyard dynamics extend well beyond one’s years in school.

“The bullies you encounter in the hallway or classroom rear their ugly heads as adults too, you have to be prepared for that,” Wilk said. “Stand your ground. Fight back. Ignore them if necessary, but stick to your guns.”

NEW MEMBERS SWORN IN The November election saw incumbent Sarah Prescott re-elected, as well as three nonincumbents – Lisa McIntyre, Lindsey Wilson and former board member James Mazurek.

There was plenty of drama, however.

On the morning after the election, Mazurek thought he had beaten fifth place finisher Kimberly Campbell-Voytal by one vote. However, when the official election results were tallied, the two actually tied. After Mazurek won a tie-breaking draw on Nov. 25, Campbell-Voytal requested a recount.

More than 35,000 ballots were manually counted, and the result was a tie again, though both candidates did pick up

Mazurek's certificate of election

five votes apiece, which was a result of people not filling out the ballots properly (either not filling in the oval darkly enough or using an “x” instead of coloring in the oval).

Because the result was still

a tie, the Wayne County Board of Canvassers determined the Nov. 25 draw stands and took no further action, making Mazurek the winner. He was sworn in on Dec. 31.

“I’m clearly glad it is over

and I very much look forward to representing our entire community on the Board. We have a lot of work to do with improving learning for all our students as well as managing what I suspect will be some significant budget issues in ensuing years,” Mazurek said.

Campbell-Voytal, however, believes there should be another coin flip. She took to social media on Jan. 1, saying she would continue the fight and “will be seeking a legal remedy through the courts to determine the official winner.”

“I pursue this legal remedy without malice. I am committed to achieving a legal resolution to this challenging situation. I do this out of deep respect for our community,” she wrote on Facebook.

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John Genitti in the 1970s.

The Genitti clan today.

Toni Genitti was 18 when she started.

Where Everybody Knows Their Name Genitti’s – everyone’s favorite ‘Hole-In-The-Wall’ – turns 50

By Kurt Kuban

I

t was in 1970 when John Genitti came to town after serving his country in the Vietnam War, trying to figure out what he was going to do with his life. He was looking for a job, when an opportunity to purchase the EMB Meat Market came his way. He bought the business and historic building

Andy Genitti as a baby.

on Main Street in downtown Northville, and on New Year’s Day 1971 he opened John’s EMB Meat Market.

Fifty years and many changes later, the business has become a Northville institution we now

22 The ‘Ville

know as Genitti’s Hole-In-TheWall.

The fact that John Genitti ended up in Northville was a bit of a fluke. He grew up on the east side of Detroit, but had come to know Northville during visits to see his beloved Uncle Don and Aunt Mary Ware, who lived in town. At the time Northville was a sleepy little town, but he thought it would be a good place to work and raise a family.

Shortly after John took over the meat market, he convinced his soon-to-be-wife Toni to join him in the effort. She was just 18 at the time. In fact, the place might still be a meat market/ grocery store if it wasn’t for Toni.

During the Main Street ’78 project in 1978, when downtown Northville underwent a major reconstruction, there were a lot of construction crews in town.

Many of the workers needed a place to eat.

“One of the guys came in

and asked if I could make food for 20 guys. I asked him what they wanted to eat, and he said whatever I wanted to cook,” Toni Genitti said. “So I cooked

Laura Genitti now manages the business.

our traditional Italian food – the same food we make today.

These guys came in and left me $300, which is more money than I saw in six months.”

So, they shifted their business model to Genitti’s, and became a restaurant. As fate would have it, not long after, Detroit

Free Press food critic Molly Abraham stopped in, loved the food and wrote a glowing piece in the newspaper. And from there, their customer base grew quickly.

And they began expanding their footprint, first buying a TV repair shop next door and the floor above them. Then, in the early 1990s, the Genittis, now with three children, decided to purchase an adjacent dry cleaning business, so they could build their dinner theater, which opened in 1993. It gave their eldest daughter, Laura, an opportunity to do some acting, which had become a passion for her.

All the different expansions also gave them their moniker, Hole-In-The-Wall.

“Every time we grew, we had to knock a hole in the wall to make space,” said Laura Genitti.

“Some people think the name is just because we’re ‘a hole in the wall’ or because of the theater, but that’s not the case.”

Tradition is everything at Genitti’s. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

All three of the Genitti children – Andy, Laura and Tina – basically grew up at Genitti’s, and worked there, doing many tasks along the way. And they weren’t the only ones. Many of their friends also landed jobs at Genitti’s, which by the 1980s and 1990s had become what Genitti’s is today.

“We’ve hired a lot of teens over the years. A lot of kids had their first jobs here,” Toni said.

This has fostered a family atmosphere that the Genittis say has been the main recipe for their success over the years.

“Our employees are so loyal.

They are family. They treat this place like it is their own business. That’s why we’ve been successful and have lasted so long. They are the whole reason we are still here,” said Laura, 42, who manages the business these days.

Jenny Beyer, who has worked for Genitti’s for 30 years, says it’s just a fun atmosphere to be in.

“I’m a little bit insane, so I fit right in here,” she joked.

“Seriously, though, I couldn’t work for a better family.”

Greg Stefl, a 20-year employee, agreed.

“They treat me like family

here. We yell at each other like family, but we also care about each other like family,” he said.

“I can definitely see myself working here another 20 years.”

Today, Genitti’s has three main sources of revenue: hosting special events, fullservice catering and their dinner theater programming seven days a week.

If you’ve attended an event at Genitti’s or have had them cater an event, you probably know they still serve the same Italianstyle dishes that Toni whipped up for the construction workers more than 40 years ago. Why change a good thing, right?

The dinner theater is also a fun night out. Sometimes, Genitti’s brings in outside entertainment including Jasen Magic, but most of the time they have their own cast of actors, including Mark Holden, who not only acts but also writes original, hour-long productions, which he calls interactive comedy. They typically bring people up on stage, and get plenty of laughs during the course of a show.

“The whole point is just to create a fun night out for our audience. Our goal is to make people happy, and that’s what

we try to do,” Holden said.

Genitti’s suffered a huge blow six years ago when John passed away Genitti’s has been a gathering spot for 50 years. after suffering believe it’s been five decades a massive heart attack. It was since John courted her and also a major loss for Northville, convinced her to leave Detroit as he was very involved in the to come to a little town where community, especially at the “there were still horses on local VFW post. the streets.” Yet, she said fate It’s safe to say, though, that was very good to them and he left quite a legacy for the their family, and she couldn’t Northville community, and the be happier they settled on Genitti family.

Northville to build their lives Laura says she and her and their beloved business. siblings had “some big shoes to “This town has been great to fill” as the second generation us,” Toni said. took over. But she said her It’s fair to say that Genitti’s dad’s lessons have helped her has been great to Northville, as continue to run a successful well. business.

For more information about “I learned everything from Genitti’s Hole-In-The-Wall, my parents. How to treat which is located at 108 E. Main people. How to work hard,” Street, call (248) 349-0522 or she said. “Some people say I’m visit genittis.com. here too much, and that I work too hard. But this is where my people are. This is my home. I wouldn’t do it any other way.”

John’s legacy now includes a third generation.

He and Toni have five grandchildren – Drew, Mia, Avery, Olive, and Sonny – and all have worked at Genitti’s, just like their parents did.

Looking back, Toni Laura, Toni and Andy Genitti. By Stackwood Studios said she can’t

The ‘Ville 23

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Maciag Leading Law Enforcement Associations City of Northville Police Chief Alan Maciag has been elected president of two regional law enforcement organizations for 2021 -- the Wayne County Chief Alan Maciag Association of Chiefs of Police and the Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

Maciag, who served as first vice president of the SMACP in 2020, will be sworn in on Jan. 21 for his one-year term as president.

Among other objectives, the SMACP seeks to improve law enforcement through the cooperation of public and private agencies focused on protecting lives and property; encourage professional recruitment, selection

and training of qualified law enforcement personnel; promote and adhere to high law enforcement standards of conduct; stimulate citizen interest in law enforcement through good public relations; and aid in the adoption of statutes, good police practices and the general welfare and safety of the public.

Among his duties as president, Maciag will preside over all meetings of the executive board and association, serve as association spokesperson to the press and public, appoint committees and designate chairs of those committees.

Maciag was also vice president the Wayne County Association of Chiefs of Police in 2020. As president, he represents member police chiefs, directors and executive-level law enforcement professionals across Wayne County during a one-year term, which began

on Nov. 17.

During his two years as chief in Northville, Maciag has implemented body worn cameras for officers and is currently ramping up crisis intervention training for officers to effectively respond to individuals who have a mental health disorder or addiction.

Maciag started his police career at the Wayne Police Dept. nearly 23 years ago and rose to become police chief. During that time, he held many positions and was Wayne’s Police Officer of the Year in 2001.

Of small-town policing, he said he likes to “be hands-on and get out there with the officers, and become integrated with the community as much as possible.”

“Having a great line of communication with the community helps solve problems and combats crime,” he said.

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Fill Up On Inspiration Northville doctor creates mug to show her appreciation for her fellow healthcare heroes

By Maria Taylor

L

ike many of us, Zoë Smith has an intimate relationship with coffee.

It’s no surprise. The Northville resident has been hard at work at Wayne State medical school, where she graduated in the spring — right in the middle of the pandemic.

For Smith, an exhausting day at medical school was inspiration for a gift to inspire.

“I was looking down at my coffee one day and waiting for it to kick in, and just feeling uninspired,” she related. “I said, ‘I wish there was something that could inspire me.

I wish there was a medicine mug’ — and I started to think, ‘Oh, that’s kind of a cool idea.’”

She started sketching and ended up with a white mug with a golden Rod of Asclepius — the classic symbol of medicine — as the handle, then made it her New Year’s resolution to bring the idea to life as a gift for health care professionals.

That was two years ago. Since then, Smith has added small business owner to her resume, selling the Medicine Mug online while finishing her degree.

A Detroit native, Smith moved to

26 The ‘Ville

Northville on June 1, just a few days before she and her fiancé graduated from WSU and held a tiny grad party at their new apartment. Both are resident physicians. He works at University of Michigan Hospital.

She is at Detroit Medical Center SinaiGrace Hospital, where she works with some of Detroit’s most vulnerable patient populations. Next year, she will be training in dermatology.

Smith knows that burnout is a real issue for medical professionals. The pandemic has only made it harder.

“In medicine, whether you’re a nurse or a doctor, we really give everything that we have — all of our energy and our time, and at the sacrifice of ourselves — to our patients and their families,” Smith said. “I’ve been guilty of burnout, too. You give and you give, and you’re running yourself into the ground.”

That’s where she hopes the Medicine Mug can serve as a reminder.

“My whole philosophy is you can’t pour from an empty cup,” she said. “You can’t pour from an empty medicine mug. It’s important to fill up your cup first.

“No one comes into medicine without a true sense of calling,” she continued. “So my message is, take a moment to reflect on that calling — on how much this was a dream for all of us. Take time for yourself, whether that’s while you sip your favorite coffee or tea, and just get back to yourself, if only for a moment.”

Sales of the Medicine Mug (available at https://themedicinemug.com) started slowly but surely, and through Instagram and social media, they’ve really taken off.

“I just got orders from Brazil, Paris, and Luxembourg, which is really exciting,” Smith said. A medical school even purchased mugs as a gift for the entire graduating class.

“It’s nice to know that a little idea I had is now spread all over the world,” Smith said. “I hope the Medicine Mug ends up in the hands of our health care heroes. Our patients and our own family members are so proud of us … and I like to think the Medicine Mugs are little piece of joy and a reminder for self-reflection, self-care, but also a way to show appreciation to our healthcare heroes — now more than ever.”

To purchase a Medicine Mug or for more information, visit https://themedicinemug. com.

Zoë Smith shows off her Medicine Mugs.

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During 2020, Trenton Guthrie earned a spot on the special teams unit for the Gophers.

Photos courtesy of University of Minnesota

Trenton Guthrie wore jersey No. 5 both at Minnesota and Northville High.

y Career Is Over Former NHS gridiron standout moving on from Golden Gophers

By Brad Emons renton Guthrie is walking away from his college football career at the University of Minnesota with his head held high.

The 2017 Northville High grad put in four years with the Golden Gophers, but his circumstances changed amid the abbreviated 2020 fall Big Ten season due to delays and cancelation of games over concerns with the novel coronavirus.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound outside linebacker, who followed coach P.J. Fleck to Minnesota just before National Letter of Intent signing day after he left Western Michigan, earned his first action as a member of the 3-4 Gophers this

T

28 The ‘Ville

season on special teams.

Although he tested positive for COVID-19 in August along with suffering a torn meniscus during the preseason, that did not factor in Guthrie’s final decision to walk away.

“I’ve been there for four years now and I’ve already gotten my degree, started on my Masters so I decided with coach (Fleck) that I was going to wrap it up and start on with the rest of my life and look for a job,” Guthrie said. “My career is over.”

Guthrie said there’s no temptation to play elsewhere despite two years of eligibility remaining. On the academic side, Guthrie earned his undergraduate degree in Business Marketing with a

minor in Management while carrying a 3.6 grade-point average.

“I talked with coach (Fleck) and decided the only place I would play is there,” Guthrie said. “It’s my home and they made it that. I really enjoyed my time, but with me graduated already, I kind of just wanted to start moving on and getting ready for the real world.”

Guthrie spent the recent fall semester working toward a Masters in Human Resource Development.

OVERCOMING SETBACKS After redshirting his freshman year (2017) and not seeing any action in 2018 and 2019, Guthrie entered the 2020

season with high hopes of getting on the field.

But he had two setbacks, the first starting with COVID-19.

“My whole house got it,” Guthrie said. “I live together with five guys. We were just kind of in the house, our parents would send us food, we’d study film and kind of hang out, play some video games, board games, just hang out. It was really weird. Talked to the family a lot, just isolated at home for like 17 days at that time. I had some symptoms - it was basically like having a cold with a little bit of a sore throat.”

Guthrie missed the season opening 49-24 loss to Michigan on Oct. 24 while trying to bounce back from a knee injury.

In that game, Minnesota was missing several key players due to positive COVID-19 tests.

“I ended up tearing my MCL in fall camp this year, which I tore the same MCL in high school,” Guthrie said. “It was a real bummer because I was starting to get a bunch of reps and looking at playing, and then I tore my MCL, and I thought I might be out for the season, which was tough – but they took a look at it and it was just a partial tear and I could play on it. So, I had a brace and was able to contribute on special teams

and had a ton of fun with the guys. I just ended up missing the first game of the season.”

Minnesota finished the season 3-4 overall and 3-3 in the Big Ten’s West Division.

Back-to-back games against Wisconsin (Nov. 28) and Northwestern (Dec. 5) were called because of COVID-19 issues.

On Dec. 13, Minnesota returned to the field and earned a 24-17 win at Nebraska despite 30 players being out.

“We were like one D-lineman away from not being able to play

Trenton Guthrie lines up for a kickoff for Minnesota.

Trenton Guthrie (far left) formed a special bond with his Minnesota teammates during his four seasons with the Gophers.

that game, which was crazy,” Guthrie said. “And we were all super excited we got to play it. It was a really fun experience. It’s one of those games you dream about playing as a kid, so I was really glad to be able to go out there – we all were – and play that game.”

The season ended with a 2017 overtime defeat at Wisconsin on Dec. 19.

“We missed Wisconsin, which ended up being rescheduled to the end of the season, which was really awesome because we really wanted to play that rivalry game,” Guthrie said. “I definitely wanted to play that, especially with A.J. Abbott (Wisconsin wide receiver) being on the other team as well. He played with me at Northville.

So that was a lot of fun to play against them.”

Despite talk that the Gophers might accept a postseason bowl bid had they won their regular season finale, the season ended abruptly.

“We had decided we weren’t going to play a bowl regardless,” Guthrie said. “I’m not 100 percent sure, but if we had beaten Wisconsin, we wouldn’t

have gone anyway . . . it was a long year and guys need rest and to go home to their families.

They hadn’t been home since June.”

Despite all the required Big Ten testing protocols and safeguards that had been put into place, Guthrie believes there’s no bullet proof system to battle COVID when there are 95 players, 20 or so coaches and many other support staff people all in one facility.

“I think it’s avoidable for other people, but with us playing teams and you’re on a football field with no mask on, you’re going to get COVID,” Guthrie said. “Playing sports, it’s really unavoidable. I do believe it affects some people more than others. I just think it’s your risk to understand and everyone’s risk around you, and really just take the protocols that are necessary.”

A SPECIAL CULTURE Coming out of Northville where he wore No. 5 for coach Matt Ladach, Guthrie was a

Guthrie continued on page 30

The ‘Ville 29

Guthrie continued from page 29

The bonds Guthrie formed will be long lasting with friendships and relationships hybrid rush linebacker and he built with his teammates, or defensive end for the Mustangs. as he calls them his “brothers,’ As a senior, he totaled 26 tackles along with the coaches. with 11 sacks as Northville “I love those guys, the campus finished 7-3 overall. is phenomenal,” he said. “With ESPN ranked him the No. COVID this year, it kind of shut 24 player in Michigan and the down and ‘Dinkytown’ wasn’t No. 90 recruit nationally at his as lively as it is, but campus is position, while 247 Sports had incredible, the people there are him rated No. 55 overall in the phenomenal. The experience state. overall was really great.”

Despite the lack of playing Guthrie said he is opentime during his four years with minded about his next the Gophers, Guthrie has no destination in regrets. life.

“I think “I’d like I’ve really to stay in developed as the area, or a person in Minneapolis, Coach Fleck’s but I’m open culture and in and excited his program,” for what Guthrie said, comes next,” “and I’m he said. really glad I Guthrie decided to returned go with him Trenton Guthrie, a 2017 Northville home for even though High grad, migrated to Minnesota Christmas it really didn’t from Western Michigan after P.J. Fleck was named coach of the break for the work out Gophers. first time in terms of since September when he flew playing as much as I dreamed of back-and-forth all in one day playing, or wanted to play. to attend his sister Gabrielle’s “His culture is really special wedding. But now he is back in that he focuses on not just temporarily at his Northville athletics, but academics, home with his father Michael, socially, spiritually, all four mother Alicia and two brothers, areas of your life. And I think Preston and Austin, and sister.

I really grew as a person. He And he leaves the Minnesota always talks about growing and football program and the school there’s a difference between with no regrets. failure and failing. And failure “I’m definitely satisfied with is when you quit and stop. And the career I had,” Guthrie said. failing is when you fail over, “I really developed as a person and over again, but grow from in college and was really glad the opportunity. Through my to get on the field this year experiences at Minnesota, I and play all our games besides never quit, I always pushed Michigan. It’s something all the through, and because of him I coaches were excited to see and ended up playing my last year the team was as well.” and having a ton of fun with my brothers.”

30 The ‘Ville

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A new 2021 Corvette at LaRiche Chevrolet.

Shaking Off the Rust Despite COVID, auto dealers excited to unveil new models Story by Alex Lundberg | Photos by Bill Bresler

A

lot of businesses took big hits over the last nine months, but area auto dealers seem to have pulled through nicely and are optimistic about what the market will look like in 2021.

Along with the pandemic, auto dealerships had to deal with strikes and factory shutdowns that reduced new car inventories to a minimum.

With a vaccine on the way and people feeling optimistic that the new year has to be better than 2020, the people who run the showrooms are readying for a better 2021, especially as they unveil their hot new models.

Lou LaRiche Chevrolet VicePresident Scott LaRiche said the last year has been tricky for the dealership, located at 40875 Plymouth Road in Plymouth.

The showroom was shut down, per the statewide Stay Home/ Stay Safe order, on March 28 and stayed closed until they

32 The ‘Ville

Northville’s Scott LaRiche says the new Blazer will be a big seller.

reopened the service lane on May 4. They had appointmentonly outdoor sales on May 11 followed by appointment-only in-showroom sales May 18.

“We put up cough and sneeze guards, and six foot tables on the floor,” said LaRiche, who

is a Northville resident. “We moved all of the cars out of the showroom to make enough room for our customers to social distance.”

The COVID-19 shutdowns exacerbated an already difficult situation. Last year, inventories at dealerships across the GM spectrum were depleted by a strike. The inventory took further hits as factories were shut down because of the pandemic. He said the company has vowed to make things right.

“We were behind the eight ball,” he said. “GM has committed to the dealerships to build more vehicles and they rebuilt inventory.”

He said the company is also determined to keep the Equinox cornering the small SUV market, and LaRiche also expects the Silverado to continue to be a hot seller in 2021.

Matt Garchow, general sales manager at Bill Brown Ford (32222 Plymouth Road in Livonia) said the sales team is within striking distance of being the number-one Ford dealership in the country. For as rough as 2020 was on everyone, it was a good year for sales, especially trucks and SUVs. “The F-150 is still our main seller, but we’ve also had good sales with the Edge and Escape,” Garchow said. “We have a few Fusions left on the lot, but we’re not making any more of those.”

He said the Ford Motor Co. will be an all SUV and truck manufacturer, with the exception of the Mustang. The sales numbers for cars of all kinds has been dropping over the last several years.

“SUVs are now reasonably priced, some of the smaller ones are just as affordable as a car,” Garchow said. “They’ve got hatches; they’ve got storage…it’s what people are looking for.”

He is also expecting a good sales year in 2021 and has no question about which model will be the belle of the ball. He said the buzz around the new Bronco is bigger than anything he’s experienced in nearly 30 years in auto sales.

“We’ve got the smaller ones in now,” Garchow said. “There’s a sport two-door, a full two-door and a full four-door that will be out in the spring. I think Ford will have a hard time keeping up with demand.”

The 2021 model year will include a bottom-up redesign of the bestselling F-150. Garchow said drivers will notice a noticeably different ride and interior from previous models.

As the year goes on, he said customers will be able to choose a hybrid version of the F-150 (700 miles per tank) and he

The redesigned Cadillac Escalade at Suburban Cadillac.

The new Bronco at Bill Brown Ford.

expects every line on the lot to have a hybrid option within a few years.

The beginning of 2021 was expected to be a time of change for the auto business as the decision to move the North American International Auto Show from January to June was supposed to start this year. In the early fall, NAIAS organizers announced the show will be moved to the end of September 2021.

Mark Naszradi, executive manager at Suburban Cadillac of Plymouth (40475 Ann Arbor) said the decision to move the Auto Show from winter to spring won’t be a big deal for auto dealers.

“It’s not going to affect the business as much as 2020 did,” said Naszradi, a Northville resident. “The Auto Show is fun, people love to go there, but it doesn’t drive auto sales.”

He said the show really only helped shoppers make a decision about what they want, not whether or not they wanted a new car. Still, he said a summer Auto Show will draw

the middle child of the SUV portfolio, and 60 percent of their overall business.

Jim Schebil, owner of Fox Hills Chrysler Jeep (111 Ann Arbor Road) in Plymouth, said sales of Jeep, which he called the most recognized brand in the world, got a little cramped this past year.

“Inventory was an issue for a while,” he said. “The plants shut down and we missed production for about nine weeks.”

That situation has changed, the factories are now working to turn out the 2021 models and sales have been fairly good considering everything that’s happened. He said he expects the Jeep Compass to do well in

the coming year.

“It’s always a favorite,” Schebil said. “It’s nicelyequipped, it has the bells and whistles people want, it gets good fuel economy and the payments are attractive for a lease.”

He said the 2021 Pacifica crossover is being offered in four-wheel drive as an option as well as adaptive cruise control.

The Gladiator pickup truck will offer a diesel option, and hybrid versions of both the Pacifica and the Wrangler will be available.

All in all, there’s definitely plenty of excitement that 2021 will be a great year for area auto dealers.

more people and be a bigger event, which is a good thing all by itself.

For Suburban, 2021 is going to be a continuation of a trend all automakers have been seeing for the last several years.

“The trend is fewer sedans and more SUVs and crossovers,” Naszradi said. “They’re 80 percent of our business and growing.”

It used to be that Cadillac offered four sedans and two SUVs, a trend which has reversed itself completely.

Next year’s big offering will be the redesigned Escalade, which has not been totally overhauled since 2015.

Currently, he said their big seller Lou LaRiche Chevrolet has put in place cough and sneeze guards and other COVID safety measures. is the XT5,

The ‘Ville 33

Northville Schools Grapple with COVID Cooke School a particular concern as in person teaching to resume

By Alex Lundberg

A

t their Dec. 8 meeting, the Northville School District’s Board of Education voted unanimously to re-confirm its extended learning plan for teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the plan, teaching at all levels will be virtual-only from Jan. 4 through Jan. 8 with a return to hybrid learning starting Jan. 11 through the end of the month.

Supt. Mary Kay Gallagher explained that the district had revisited its plan, as it is required to do every month, to see if it was providing instruction in a safe fashion in accordance with the Wayne County Public Health and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

She said the idea was to provide for students’ needs while mitigating the impact of COVID-19.

“We cannot say that we have zero transmissions at school, we never could,” Gallagher said.

“What we could say earlier on is that each new positive case can be traced back to a confirmed positive case outside of school.

That’s not true 100 percent of

34 The ‘Ville

the time, we do have connected cases at Thornton Creek.”

She said there were positive cases at Moraine, Ridgewood and at Cooke, where two classrooms were quarantined

entirely. Overall, the district saw positive tests going down in the week ending Nov. 29 and then up again in the week ending Dec. 8. In those instances, the positive reports

were connected to siblings or staff members exposed outside of school.

Several teachers from Cooke Elementary (the district’s special education school dedicated to students with cognitive and other impairments) addressed the board that night and all of them offered versions of the same plea: Hold off on returning for in-person classes until midJanuary.

“In three weeks’ time we’ve had nine positive cases, resulting in four classrooms quarantined,” said Kelly Johnson. “That seems small, but it’s 20 percent of our total classrooms. If you lost 20 percent at NHS that would be 22 classrooms. We know there is spread at Cooke from student to staff and vice-versa. We fear for our students’ health; we fear for our own health.”

Dan Solomon echoed the concerns for the safety of students and staff, partially because the majority of students at the school do not wear masks. They leave school and ride a bus with students who are not wearing masks and

return to families who don’t wear them inside their own homes.

“I understand and agree that students at our school benefit most from in-person instruction,” he said. “At this moment, students and staff are not safe at Cooke. I would ask why we don’t prioritize health and safety over personal instruction?”

Cooke teacher Caitlin Conklin said she was one of the positive COVID-19 tests at the school and that has a lot to do with dealing with children who can’t wear masks or do any number of other personal tasks that require teachers to be in physical contact with them day after day.

Fellow teacher Michelle Conn said she followed all rules relating to PPE and handwashing and still contracted the virus. She said the students at Cooke can’t afford to be exposed at all.

“The students are too medically fragile for us to take risks with them,” she said. “We will do everyone a disservice by forcing them into an unsafe environment.”

During the meeting, Board President Sarah Prescott said she wanted the representatives from the elementary to know they’ve been heard.

“Cooke School is on my mind.

It’s your lives, I get that. To hear any one of our teachers or staff are suffering is incredibly difficult for me,” Prescott said.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you agree with the Northville Schools Board of Education decision to resume hybrid, in-person learning for Northville students and teachers?

Why or why not? Share your opinions by emailing Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com.

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t r e s De sis OaOn Ice s Emon d a r

By B

ying a l p s ater k s e l l vi North

P

laying hockey in the desert might sound like an oxymoron, but for Michael Mancinelli and Benji Eckerle it has made a lot of sense.

The transplants from Northville are freshman teammates and contributors for the NCAA Division I Arizona State men’s hockey program. It has proven to be a hockey oasis for the pair, who both came to Tempe after stints in the United States Hockey League, the top junior Tier I circuit in the country.

Mancinelli, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound forward, turned 19 in June and was one of ASU’s youngest recruits for coach Greg Powers. He arrived in Tempe logging a total of 158 total games in the USHL, including stints in Des Moines (2019-20) where he finished with 16 goals and 10 assists, Fargo (N.D.) and Madison (Wis.) where had recorded back-toback 30-point seasons.

Meanwhile, the 5-9,

36 The ‘Ville

Northville native Michael Mancinelli (10) gets tangled up with Michigan State’s Mitchell Mattson in an early season game. Photo courtesy of MSU Athletics

ASU r o f les big ro

175-pound Eckerle, who turned 21 in September, took a similar route out of the USHL having played the last two seasons in Kearney, Neb. with the Tri-City Storm where he had 20 career goals and 30 assists in 89 games.

The prior season he played for the Janesville (Wis.) Jets of the North American Hockey League where he tallied seven goals and 15 assists in 50 games.

Eckerle committed to ASU during his first season with TriCity and from his perspective it was a no-brainer.

“When I committed to Arizona State, part of the whole deal is that you’re going to go back and play another year (in the USHL) and I was perfectly O.K. with that,” Eckerle said.

“It’s an opportunity to go back and play a bigger role and play at lot more. And I’m definitely glad I did. I don’t think I’d be playing my freshman year unless I’d gone back.”

When he made his official visit in February of 2019,

Michael Mancinelli played for three different teams in the USHL including the Des Moines Buccaneers before landing at Arizona State. Photo courtesy of Des Moines Buccaneers

Eckerle left a snowstorm in Nebraska for 65 degrees and sunny when his plane landed in Phoenix. And he was signed, sealed and delivered.

“I just kind of knew right away and it was actually the first visit I took,” Eckerle said, “and I went back to Nebraska after just taking that visit, and I was just in awe basically and I said, ‘This is the place for me.’ And I told my coaches there (Tri-City) and they were kind of laughing because it was so immediate, so quick, but it just fit.”

FRESHMAN CLASS Mancinelli and Eckerle are among the six incoming freshman for ASU coach Greg Powers, who is in his sixth season since the Sun Devils made the leap from a club program to NCAA Division I status.

“Benji does it all,” said Powers at the time of Mancinelli’s signing. “He can play any position up front and can really skate. He is responsible in his own end and has really developed a really good offensive game throughout his career. He’s also an incredibly high-character kid and will really add value to our culture inside the room.”

As for Mancinelli, he caught the eye of college scouts at an early age. He played for Team USA at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and during his rookie USHL season in Madison (201718) he ranked sixth in the league in scoring among rookies with 35 points.

“Michael is a complete 200foot center,” said Powers, who is in his 13th year overall at ASU. “He can score, win draws and can play in his own end.”

Mancinelli, however, originally committed to North Dakota as a 14-year-old, but had a change of heart before signing his National Letter of Intent with ASU. “I committed when I was really young and I had a lot of years of growing there – four years – and things changed,” Mancinelli said. “It just didn’t work out as planned is the best way I can put it. The offer was still there. I just chose to go somewhere else.”

Mancinelli’s ASU recruiting experience sounded a lot like Eckerle’s.

“When I was on my visit it was mid-December and freezing back home, and I come down here and it was just beautiful weather,” said Mancinelli, who was ranked a 4.25 star by Neutralzone.net. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is nice weather.’ And I just walked around campus ... it’s just an unreal spot to live.

From there, the guys on the team were really welcoming and I just thought it was a perfect fit from the city, the weather, the area, the team, the coaches, everything.”

ASU’s 2020-2021 season – impacted like many other NCAA sports because of the novel coronavirus – has been unique to say the least. The Sun Devils are playing all 28 regular season games on the road against opponents all from the Big Ten, which includes two separate stops each to Michigan and Michigan State.

Arizona State began the the season on back-to-back weekends in Ann Arbor and East Lansing in mid-November

going 0-3-1. Spectators were not allowed at MSU, but both Eckerle’s and Mancinelli’s families got to see them play at U-M. After sitting out the first night, Eckerle appeared in his first collegiate game at Yost Arena against the No. 12 Wolverines in a 3-0 loss, with his family in the stands. His family includes parents Kevin and Karyl, along with a younger brother Noah.

“That was awesome,” Eckerle said. “I grew up going to Michigan games, so that was my first college game and it was absolutely mind-boggling.

That was really cool to have the family in the stands watch.”

Arizona State entered the holiday break with a respectable 4-6-2 record while posting some positive results highlighted by a backto-back sweep at No. 15 Wisconsin.

After collecting his first collegiate point with an assist in a 6-3 win over No. 13 Notre Dame, Mancinelli tallied his first two goals in a 4-4 deadlock against No. 18 Ohio State on Dec. 17.

“Feeling more confident, believing you can play as a freshman against these older guys,” Mancinelli said. “It’s just all about getting comfortable and getting confidence . . . Ohio State was a good tipping point for me.”

Mancinelli admitted there were some patches at the start, but he believes he’s been able to make the transition to NCAA Division I caliber hockey.

“There’s a lot more structure than juniors, so it took a bit to get used to,” he said.

Eckerle,

meanwhile, recorded a goal and assist in 8-5 win during Thanksgiving weekend at Wisconsin.

“That was really cool,” Eckerle said. “That was my first goal, first points. That was just awesome. It was kind of a little bit of a relief and it came pretty quick. It felt really cool to get it off my chest.

“We’ve done pretty well.

We started off a little slow playing and it’s tough playing on the road all the time, but we’re finding our feet for sure. For me, it was good

because I kind of locked down a spot on the fourth line, which is nice. Just being in the lineup was my goal going into the season, so I get to play a lot and help the team. As a freshman it’s where I want to be. I can’t complain about anything.”

Hockey continued on page 38

Benji Eckerle graduated from Northville High School and played for USHL’s Tri-City Storm before signing with Arizona State. Photo courtesy of ASU Athletics

The ‘Ville 37

Hockey continued from page 37

NORTHVILLE ROOTS Eckerle was active in various sports growing up participating in lacrosse, baseball and roller hockey, but hockey was always his first love. He says his most exciting moment in sports was playing on the U-18 State Championship in 2017.

After graduating from Northville High, Eckerle made his way to the NAHL and then the USHL, which helped prepare him for the collegiate ranks. The biggest sacrifice was being away from his family.

“Out there we had a really good team and really good coaches,” he said. “I learned a ton just from them and playing with high-end players, and the USHL is the best junior league in the U.S. It’s kind of humbling at first to get there and you see how good everybody is. And once you learn it’s just a huge confidence booster.”

Mancinelli comes from a highly talented athletic family.

His older brother Dominic was standout golfer at Detroit Catholic Central High and Grand Valley State. He was the Michigan Amateur runner-up in 2017 and plays currently on the Latin American and minitours in Florida.

Another brother, JoJo, attends Michigan State and was an All-State hockey player at CC. His sister Malayna is a senior standout swimmer at Northville headed to the University of Indianapolis on a scholarship.

Mancinelli, who reported to the ASU campus back in July, does miss his parents Joe and Yvonne, along with the comforts of home.

And COVID-19 has only complicated things with virtual

38 The ‘Ville

learning, protocol testing and social distancing on a large campus.

“It’s been really different, I didn’t really know what to expect coming into it,” said Mancinelli, who plans to major in communications. “I was just kind of going with the flow.

It’s been hard because you’re isolated from a lot of people.

But other than that, it’s been pretty good just being with the boys every day, practicing every day, working out every day . . . just kind of all hockey and school right now. Not many distractions, which has been good.”

“There wasn’t much to do other than skate and work out.

A couple of us would go golfing at least once a week, which was nice. Back home I live off Meadowbrook Country Club, so I’m used to golfing a lot there, so I was happy to bring the sticks down and play.”

Getting things back to normal – which will include fans in the stands – is the goal. But for now, the Sun Devils are playing in empty arenas away from home.

“It kind of brings you back to AAA hockey when you were younger, just like parents in the crowd,” Mancinelli said.

“It’s just weird, but you try and create energy on the bench, keep the guys up.”

For Eckerle, a psychology major who would like to work with sports teams one day, spends his spare time – when he’s not studying, of course -- playing video games and his guitar.

“We’ve got to keep ourselves entertained,” he said.

But at least there’s a hockey season, which has proven to be an oasis in the Valley of the Sun for the Northville connection.

Arizona State’s Benji Eckerle (left) and Michael Mancinelli finish after a recent practice at Notre Dame University. Photo courtesy of Benji Eckerle

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At Every Stage For more than 50 years, Schoolcraft College has served the community as a premier destination for education opportunities. It also serves as a hub for personal enrichment as well as cultural, entertainment and dining options.

Those education opportunities start at a young age with the popular Kids on Campus, a summer enrichment program for children pre-school age through grade 12.

High school students can dual enroll to earn college credits while students at four-year institutions can enroll as guest students to complete courses to transfer to their home school.

Opportunities for Schoolcraft College students include certificates to get a job quickly, skills for occupational trades, earning credits to complete a bachelor’s degree and training for a range of careers at the Public Safety Training Complex.

Schoolcraft College also supports those already in the workforce or looking for a change through the Business Development Center, Career Services and boot camps for industries and businesses. Continuing Education and Professional Development offers non-credit courses for those wishing to pursue hobbies or enrichment possibilities.

Although paused due to the pandemic, the College has a long history of offering theater and music performances as well as dining options from its world-class Culinary Arts department.

New to campus is the Livonia Medical Center, coming online this spring to offer a range of services. Finally, the Fitness Center and new St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center offer an array of fitness and wellness options.

It’s clear that Schoolcraft College provides much to the community, from young child through mature adulthood. Building on that foundation is a priority for Dr. Glenn Cerny, who became the College’s fifth president last August.

“We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to serve our community – it’s at the heart of our mission,” Dr. Cerny said.

“In the future, this might include, for example, an on-campus community that’s already near healthcare facilities, fitness facilities, and dining and cultural options - all in a safe and secure environment.”

Poole’s Proposes Expansion Purchase of city property part of the plan

By Tim Smith

P

oole’s Tavern owners are looking to buy city property to make their Northville downtown district hot spot bigger and better. A preliminary proposal – to expand the E. Main Street business into a two-

outdoor dining.

Poole’s proposed renovations include adding outdoor and rooftop seating while fully remodeling the existing kitchen. Poole’s “would agree to maintain and repair the

important to determine “how much land they want, what they’re going to build, when they’re going to build it. Those are all details that we need to get.”

Also at the top of items to delve into is to what extent will any expansion or renovation impact Poole’s business neighbors.

“We almost always look at what economic impact will that project have,” Sullivan said, “and how is the development consistent with our master plan, with our downtown strategic plan, how does it fit into the overall development plan of the city.”

During the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, in which the state of Michigan has prohibited indoor dining, some restaurants have struggled to pay bills and

Northville officials did not initiate negotiations with Poole’s as a means of generating revenue.

Rather, Sullivan said Poole’s approached the city about buying property.

“In the scope of the city’s budget, whatever money we would get from a sale, obviously we want it to be a fair price,” Sullivan said. “But the money that we get from the transaction, it’s usually not a consideration that’s at the top of the list when we decide whether or not to sell something, it’s what impact it will have on the city.”

He emphasized it was imperative to form a subcommittee to study the issue.

“Normally, I can package the information together and

We almost always look at what economic impact will that project have and how is the development consistent with our master plan, with our downtown strategic plan, how Pat Sullivan does it fit into the overall development plan of the city.

Northville City Manager story facility with an enlarged outdoor seating area – is being studied by a subcommittee appointed last month by the city council.

The council formed the subcommittee on Dec. 7 upon receiving a letter of interest from developer Robert Baidas of Northville, representing Poole’s.

Poole’s is looking to buy 2,161 square feet (for approximately $75,000) or 3,215 square feet (for about $111,000) of city land to upgrade and enlarge the restaurant/bar located at the northwest corner of E. Main and Hutton streets. Poole’s currently leases the property from the city, and uses it for

42 The ‘Ville

existing park consistent with current practices and standards,” according to the plan introduced in December.

Northville City Manager Patrick Sullivan, who is on the subcommittee along with city council members Barbara Moroski-Browne and Marilyn Price, said the Poole’s renovation and expansion “certainly could be a good thing” for downtown.

“But we need to work out the details and that’s what the subcommittee is formed to do,” Sullivan stressed. “It’s to get all the information (to the full council) so we can consider those details.”

Sullivan also said it will be

give it to council and make a stay afloat. Poole’s Tavern at 157 recommendation,” Sullivan E. Main Street appears to not explained. “But we so rarely sell be among those, with a crowd of property that I really needed a customers congregating outside couple council members to tell during a recent Saturday. me, ‘Okay, what information Poole’s and other downtown are we looking restaurants for here, what have been do you need participating Do you think the City of Northville to make the in the “Heat should sell land to Poole’s Tavern, decision?’” in the Street” so the business can expand?

Sullivan initiative, Share your opinions by emailing anticipates the designed to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@ thevillemagazine.com. full council encourage beginning patrons to discussions either the first or continue eating and shopping third Monday of January. in the district during the state’s Poole’s management did not pause on indoor dining. respond to several inquiries for Although Michigan cities comment. and townships also are hurting financially due to the pandemic,

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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.

Let’s Choose To Celebrate In 2021 I

n my lifetime I cannot remember a New Year’s celebration quite like this year. People were crazy about shutting the door on 2020 as if when we woke up on January 1st there would be some kind of magical transformation. I admit I did think about burning the calendar.

Then I was reminded of the classic song by Kool & The Gang called, “Celebration”. It always tickles my funny bone when I realize just how cyclical life can be. The refrain lyrics of that song from the 80s say: “It’s time to come together…It’s up to you, what’s your pleasure…Everyone around the world, come on”.

The emphasis on each word might be a little different today.

But, you must admit, it speaks volumes.

Looking back it seems like we didn’t have a lot to celebrate during the pandemic. But if you turn off the bad and look for the good, you might be surprised. Families were separated, yet never closer together. Restaurants continue to struggle, but people of all ages learned to cook and share meals. Churches were empty, but everyone is counting on their faith to survive. And the weather? I think 2020 was fantastic. Spring was rainy – flowers bloomed. Summer was hot. The fall color tour on a drive up north was spectacular.

Waking up to a white Christmas – it was a classic scene from a movie.

My tradition of choosing a word each year, instead making a resolution, continues.

44 The ‘Ville

This year I choose the word “celebrate” in honor of my Dad, who taught me to celebrate every milestone life offers. I choose to celebrate what was, and what is ahead.

Everyone’s “Aunt Mary” – Mary Ware of Northville – celebrated the 99-year milestone this month. I could not miss this opportunity to tell her – she’s my idol. I want to grow up to be just like her. Once in awhile the phone rings at my office and it’s “Aunt Mary” calling from the parking lot with a special treat for the staff.

Usually it’s mini-cupcakes with the best buttercream frosting ever.

And yes, she drives them over in her compact SUV. She makes her own homemade pasta. It’s always fun to talk about the history of Northville with her. She has great stories to tell over breakfast at the Early Bird or Cassel’s Family Restaurant. (I

can’t wait for the restaurants to re-open!). Personally, I think we should celebrate her all year long.

I don’t usually celebrate getting my gas bill. But I do want to thank Consumer’s Energy for taking an initiative to support the local small businesses that are hoping to survive in the new year. The “Our Town” Consumers Energy matching gift card promotion was a BOGO free program handled by the Northville Chamber of Commerce.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the communities we serve, and every community has seen those businesses feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience.

The promotional gift checks were sold out in nearly a day.

But it’s never too late to buy a gift check. The Northville Chamber of Commerce Gift Check Program is one of the most popular ways to support our local merchants.

Checks come in the amount of $5, $10, and $25. This year when you need a gift for that hard to buy for person, or you need a little something to say “thanks” make a resolution to keep the gift check in mind.

They are available for purchase at the Chamber office. Look for the “SEE IT, SUPPORT

IT” logo while shopping, or eating in town. They will accept a check. The complete list of participants is available on line at northville.org.

Have you noticed some woodland creatures hanging around town? They’re “gnoming around Northville” guarding our treasures and inviting folks to come visit our hidden hamlet. It’s just one part of the “Heat in the Streets” celebration in downtown Northville. The Northville DDA and Northville Art House have teamed up with outside activities, safe for the whole family, that include a scavenger hunt that is going on through January 31st.

There are 15 clues and 23 gnomes stationed around town. Complete the hunt and enter to win a $100 Northville Chamber Gift Check drawing.

Details are available at northvillearthouse.org. You can post selfies throughout your journey by using the hashtag: #GnomeAround Northville.

I hope you’ll join me in finding things to celebrate in 2021.

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