The Ville - July 2024

Ford Field Facelift

John DesOrmeau

John DesOrmeau

Vita

Vita

John

John

since

Some of his local favorites are Rocky’s, Custard Time, Guernsey’s and the Pizza Cutter.

LOCAL JOURNALISM MATTERS

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Publisher

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

• George Ginger

• Laura & Lew Tillman

KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher

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

CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director

Craig has been in the creative industry for over 30 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 20 years. Craig enjoys chasing his young daughter and providing moral support to his lovely wife.

MICHELE FECHT – Writer

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

WENSDY VON BUSKIRK – Writer

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

BRAD EMONS - Writer

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.

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.

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.

JOHN C. HEIDER – Photographer

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

BRYAN MITCHELL - Photographer

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

A View From The ‘Ville

The logistics of publishing The ‘Ville

When I began this magazine more than six years ago, I knew I was swimming upstream. The print media world wasn’t exactly on the rise. But it was the world I was from, and I knew publishing a community-based magazine had value. I believed in it, took a chance and published our first issue in December of 2017.

Of course, I had no idea what I was doing. Yes, I knew how to write a story, having been in the newspaper business for 20 years, but I really didn’t know much about publishing. So it’s been a bit of an adventure, and there has been quite a learning curve for me.

One of the more unpredictable aspects of the business has been on the printing side of things, and that really became an issue during the covid pandemic when supply chains dried up. That was especially the case in the printing industry as paper became much more expensive and hard to get. As a result, a lot of publications went out of business, and were soon followed by many printing companies that were losing customers.

Our original printer was one of those companies. After several rocky years, the company’s assets were purchased earlier this year and they are no longer in business.

So, we’ve been using a new printer the last couple months, and let’s just say we are still getting used to one another. Last month, it took them several weeks to get our issue turned around and in the mail, which resulted in us not getting our June issue until the first week of July. If you were wondering, that was the reason.

Sometimes there are things beyond our control, and this was one of those times. We’ll continue to work with the new printer to get a quicker turnaround time.

I guess the good news is you get two issues in the month of July.

Seriously, though, I’m glad we are around to report all that is going on in our community right now. We’ve got a lot going on!

In just the last couple weeks, we’ve had an unexpected visit by President Joe Biden (the first time a sitting President has visited Northville since 1992), the main building of Northville Downs has come crumbling down as demolition crews continue their work, and there was an oil spill into the Rouge River as part of that demolition work -- ironic considering one of the supposed benefits of the Downs redevelopment was to help the Rouge River.

Fortunately we have a lot of great people on the team -- seasoned writers and talented designers -- who all have a love for community journalism. We’ll continue to do our best to bring the stories that matter to you to your mailbox every month (even if it’s a few days late).

I just want to say thank you to all the people in the community who have supported us, either through donations (believe me, every penny counts) or by advertising with us. It always makes me so proud when someone tells me they love the publication, and that they read it cover to cover -- including all the advertisements. We could not do this without our advertisers. Please support them if you can, because they are all big supporters of this community.

It’s such a privilege to cover this community and be a part of it. When someone tells me they look forward to getting The ‘Ville every month, it makes me happy that I took that chance nearly seven years ago.

It was the best decision I ever made.

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

ON THE COVER: Laila Rundell (left) and Sofia Mazzitelli, both 10 years old and from Northville, at Ford Field’s Fort Griswold playground. The city is raising money to replace the aging playscape as part of a larger effort to improve the park. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

Your Voice

Not surprised

Am I surprised that motor oil and kerosene were inadvertently dumped into the Rouge River during Downs’ demolition June 21? Am I surprised that we have been assured the spill is contained and there is no danger to the public? Am I surprised that we now have one more negative in a lengthening list concerning redevelopment of this property?

This is sloppy and inexcusable. It speaks volumes about the quality of workmanship by the party prepping the property ahead of developer Hunter Pasteur’s builders. Speed is obviously essential since the developer makes no money until buyers snatch up homes, but along with speed comes carelessness. What good is a daylighted stream if its banks are sullied with oily residue, there are blue and gold slicks visible on its surface, and/ or it stinks like petroleum?

If I were the culprit, I have little doubt I’d be hung out to dry. What will befall the demolition contractor? What consequence will there be for Hunter Pasteur? Will I be asking myself: “Am I surprised that nothing happened - no fines, no citations, no court time?”

Ken Kilpatrick

Consider mobility issues

I totally disagree with the roads being closed in Northville. I have very limited mobility issues. The closings have totally stopped me from coming downtown.  The very few handicapped parking spots just are not working. I cannot walk 1/4 of a block. If you can find one they are not a reasonable distance. Thus, door drop off is the only thing that works for me. But, me and people in my situation are apparently not important.

Deborah Jacks-Kocaj

Put it on the ballot

I would like to see the street closure issue on the ballot. The wording for the ballot question will need to be carefully considered so that the outcome of the voting will provide a reduction in the current controversy.

Jim Bagian

Business owner ‘hates’ closures

I would like to offer some insight into how a business owner feels about the street closures in downtown Northville. We hate them.

We own two businesses on N. Center Street in downtown Northville -Dear Prudence our women’s boutique and Blackbird our gift boutique. We opened in 2016 after we absolutely fell in love with the vibrant, bustling downtown area. We paid a premium rate to be on N. Center Street and had thousands of cars passing by our businesses daily. Now we have zero cars passing by our businesses.

When the streets remained open pending the litigation brought forth by the Lets Open Northville group we were ecstatic. Our sales surged back to pre-covid numbers. Then the judge reversed her decision and they closed again. We were gutted. Sales immediately dropped.

We are a high touch business, we need volume, we need new folks finding us and we need easy access so loyal customers can get to us.

We are not a hobby or niche business that is super specific and must be sought out for a specialized product. We are competing with every other store that carries women’s clothing. We need to be easily accessible so new and old customers remember us and can easily get to us.

Why won’t the city council allow citizens to vote on this issue? Why does it need to be different than what it was? Why won’t they compromise?

Open Center Street and keep Main Street closed. Main Street is where they do all the entertainment. We hate what they have done to what was once a vibrant and thriving downtown. There will be no retail businesses left there when this folly is over.

Prudence Kauffman

Let city voters decide

Thanks for letting us give our opinion on the streets. My husband and I think the residents of the city should be the only people voting on the ballot. We enjoy living in the city and would like to be able to drive through town and visit the stores in our community.

Lynn Paquette

Get a ‘real answer’

I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about the social district and street closures. These are two separate issues. I don’t know anyone who is against the social district but there are lots of residents against the street closures. You can maintain the social district and have the streets open, closing only for special events. Perhaps including this information in future articles would help bring people to agreement.

Inquiring minds would also like to know which council members voted to spend $45,000 of taxpayer money for a study about curbless streets? This seems very premature considering the street closing situation is being contested in court.

If both sides are so sure they represent the citizens of Northville, why not put it on the ballot and get a real answer? Then we can get back to being a cohesive, lovely community.

Joyce Conklin

Natasha Dean, a member of the Michigan Entertainment and Talent Group, performs on a closed Main Street during the Orin Block Party in May. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

Downtown is vibrant

On the street closures, I have to say I have been very impressed with how lively and inviting Northville has become over the last decade, and I have to give the city a lot of credit.

My wife’s family is from the area and has a business downtown, so we had been visiting from out of state for years (we’re both originally Michiganders, but had left). During COVID, we saw how lively the downtown could be once the streets were closed. After living in big cities for more than a decade, we knew we needed suburbs with real vibrancy. The street closures were the clear final influencer to convince us to move back.

Now, after years of coming here, you can see how much more lively downtown is, and how many kids, families, and people are here. My wife and I are clearly not the only ones having the exact same thoughts, and know multiple young families who have moved here from big cities since 2021. This value will show up in the increased price of everyone’s homes, especially those that are closest to downtown (and who experience the traffic).

Today, my almost two year old regularly says “downtown, downtown, downtown”, as he loves the fountain, Rebecca’s, the liveliness and energy, generally running around outside while we have meals, and all the fun activities he’s experienced downtown. This will continue for years as our local network grows and we know more and more people, and it is even more fun to head downtown.

Well done, Northville! We look forward to raising our family in such a vibrant place.

Michael Dimitrov

Hands of the people

You asked about whether a ballot could be added to our fall election as to whether to open or close our city. I absolutely think the streets should be opened except for parades and extraordinary events. The closing of the streets has hurt downtown businesses and is simply not necessary. Putting the decision in the hands of the people is the right thing to do.

Linda Eads

Spruce up the high school

What is going on with the lack of landscape and infrastructure maintenance at Northville High School? The pavement (sidewalks and roads) is deteriorating, weeds/grass growing in the parking lots, and the landscape is neglected and overtaken by weeds to the point it almost looks abandoned. We can and should do better to maintain the schools in our beautiful community.

Jordan Zuk

SOUND

Nightmare is coming

We are residents in St. Lawrence condos, just south from where the Farmers Market used to be. Now we are adjacent to the epicenter of the Downs project. We are so close we can hear the demolition taking place, which will go on for several years. We are not the only neighborhood that is going to be impacted by the increase of over 400 homes and cars injected upon us.

Everyone is micro focusing on the Main and Center controversy with little concern to the traffic problems that are coming after the Downs project finishes in a couple years. We scratch our heads concerning the first roundabout in Wayne County to be installed at 7 Mile and Sheldon. That intersection is so bad as it is now, with a cross walk and traffic lights to give pedestrians and cyclist a chance to cross… it will be a nightmare with a roundabout. Cars coming north down a steep hill with little warning to slow down into a roundabout nobody knows how to use. Once they get through it they will encounter an influx of 400 new residents’ vehicles. If you continue north you have to detour around the street closure, which will dump the additional traffic onto the “neighborhood” streets that already can’t handle the traffic.

We need to take care of our own problems, which are coming with the Downs development before we can cater to outsiders. I am all for letting the 6,000 Northville residents vote on how their taxes are spent and how their streets are managed.

Kathy Konkel

‘Silly battle of egos’

We live in Northville Township. We have watched the street closure arguments with interest. I have never walked the street closure area during any weekdays. I am forced to park at the back entrances to businesses, and therefore enter and exit from the back. The blocked streets resemble a ghost town most of the time. It seems to me that the argument has become a silly battle of egos. The argument about the success of the idea in other cities doesn’t seem relevant to the Northville situation. And I’m pretty sure there are an equal number of cities where the practice has failed. If it takes a ballot vote to bring the city managers out of their power bubble, let it happen.

Jan Henderson

Flag was patriotic

On Friday, July 5th, I was driving down Traditions Drive off of 7 Mile on my way to Trader Joe’s. In the distance I could see the American flag at the top of a crane in the construction area on Haggerty. It was so touching to see this. Thank you to the construction company for flying our flag in honor of July 4th.

Renee Martin

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

Spencer Knickerbocker CFA, CAIA, CFP® Partner, Chief Investment Officer

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Todd

Ford Field Facelift

Multi-year transformation of beloved city park beginning this month

By Tim Smith

Northville’s cherished Ford Field is about to really enter the 21st century. Much is about to change there, and for the better, thanks to an overflowing pipeline of grant money from federal, state and county coffers –augmented by important financial contributions from civic organizations such as the Rotary Club of Northville.

Construction cranes and bulldozers are taking up shop beginning this summer, and it might be another 2-3 years before the finishing touches can be completed on what is estimated to be an overhaul of approximately $5 million dollars.

First up on the agenda will be shoring up the sagging Serenity Point, located in Ford Field Park West and suffering from erosion and a weakening drain culvert.

“The first thing that’s happening this summer is the Serenity Point project and that’s the drain work that’s being done,” Northville City Manager George Lahanas said.

That work will help restore the Rouge River and slow the flow of water which causes erosion.

Next would be the second phase, where there would be construction of a gateway entry and plaza – complete with wrought iron fencing and a handicapped accessible pathway into Ford Field Park. Subsequent projects would center around a new Fort Griswold playscape – which the Rotarians have promised to chip an as-yet-undetermined amount towards – as well as a plaza welcome center and restrooms.

Any short-term pain will be worth the long-term gain,

said Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull.

“There are a lot of grants and opportunities from the state on this,” Turnbull stressed. “We’re pleased, (and) without much from the taxpayers. This will be a great public benefit right on the waterfront. That’s the Rouge River right there, that would be the beginning of our river walk.”

According to Lahanas, getting such grants is something “very essential, it’s paying for a lot of these projects.”

“So, $600,000 is going towards Serenity Point, $900,000 of grant money (will go) to the Gateway Accessibility Project,” Lahanas outlined. “And we are also looking for, we’ve applied for but not yet been granted, up to $500,000 from the DNR (Michigan Department of Natural Resources) for the bathrooms and plaza.”

ROTARY CLUB STEPS UP

As for how the Rotary Club might help the effort to spur the design and construction of a new playscape to replace aging Fort Griswold, Lahanas provided a nudge by making a power point presentation at a May meeting of the civic organization.

“We did a presentation and they have expressed an interest in assisting with new donations and assisting in fundraising for the playground project,” said Lahanas, who noted a new playscape could cost more than $1 million. “We’re also going to the general public and give them an opportunity to participate in the fundraising as well.”

The message was received, quickly and favorably, by the Rotary Club.

On June 25, the nonprofit organization approved supporting the Ford Field playscape project with a pledge for $50,000. Past President Kevin Kelly added that an additional $25,000 will be provided as a matching gift to the community.

“More details (are) to be worked out with the city and our club on the second part,” noted Kelly, in a June 26 e-mail to The ‘Ville. “But it’s safe to say that we’re in for $75K.”

Kelly emphasized that the Rotary Club’s support underscores its over-arching mission.

“It’s important for us to state that this isn’t just about supporting a playground structure,” Kelly said. “A core value in Rotary is supporting projects that focus on maternal and child health. We firmly believe this project supports the mental health and wellbeing for children in Northville and beyond. We’re honored to support a project that will be a fixture in the community just as the Rotary Club of Northville has for the last century.”

According to Kelly, the Rotary Club’s financial commitment to the playscape project is largely due to the generosity of many in the community, through fundraising efforts and donations.

“We’re happy to share the fruits of our labor with a project that supports children and the community,” Kelly added.

Meanwhile, the plan for Ford Field is to create something grand and enticing for Northville residents and others from all over southeastern Michigan -- a place for rest, relaxation and recreational pursuits.

“In the vista you’ll be able

Sofia Mazzitelli and Laila Rundell play on Ford Field’s Fort Griswold playground, which the City of Northville is looking to replace. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

to see the topography, the water, the background, the greenspace,” said Turnbull, about ways the Gateway Project and its overlook plaza will strengthen the emotional and visceral connection between Ford Field and downtown Northville.

But to get to that desired final project, initial construction and restoration efforts which might not be so glamorous need to take place first, Turnbull said.

“We’re waiting for it to dry out on Serenity Point, where the waterfall is, where the Randolph Drain comes in along Randolph Street,” Turnbull explained. “That is part of the Wayne County/Oakland County Drain Authority and the erosion has dropped that river down about eight feet.”

Contractors will install a new, longer culvert to move the water from the drain into the river. Estimated project cost is $1,068,342, including contingencies, and will be funded by a $560,000 Clean Water Grant and the municipalities that will benefit from the project. The city’s portion of the project cost is about $316,000.

“From a visual standpoint

it’s not all wild and exciting to begin with. But we have to do all that so we can do the rest of the things for Ford Field,” Turnbull said.

Once the Randolph Drain infrastructure is bolstered, attention can turn to the Gateway Project.

OUTSIDE SUPPORT

For those initial projects, let alone the new playscape and community plaza/restrooms phases, the influx of grant money is critical.

Just for the latter, city officials are waiting to find out whether a proposal submitted in April to the 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund (a federally funded grant program) will be successful.

Getting those restrooms built will bring in as-of-now reluctant visitors to Ford Field. According to a recent survey, 36.6 percent of survey respondents said the absence of permanent bathrooms is an impediment to their visiting more often. (About 70 percent said the top outdoor improvement they want to see for the park was permanent restroom facilities.)

Turnbull estimated Phase 1 is about $2.2 million, with

Serenity Point

$910,000 from the office of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and $600,000-plus from United States Rep. Haley Stevens’ office.

“And I just confirmed that, I was at the Mackinac Island Policy Conference for the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) entryway,” he added. “That is approved.”

Turnbull said the policy conference was a perfect vehicle to discuss Northville’s projects and the importance of getting grants to see those through.

“A lot of the players in the state and nationally were there,” Turnbull said. “We couldn’t do what we’re doing in Northville without their support. Grants and DNR opportunities for farmers market and pieces of the river walk; we have about $28 million dollars of things we’re doing in Northville and we’ve funded about $18 million right now.

“So we’re looking at

different opportunities with the governor, with (US Rep.) Debbie Dingell, with the counties. I feel very good, it was a very productive meeting for Northville.”

Another example how networking can pay dividends, Turnbull said he met with Northville resident Jerry Norcia (chairman of DTE) about what could be done to help remove or conceal power lines at Ford Field.

“We have this big vista, which is great, but they have all these wires and poles,” Turnbull added. “They (DTE) are going to bury all the power lines, so that will cost them about $1.4 million. That’s a corporatemunicipal partnership that they are helping us with.”

Stay tuned for more information about the city’s fundraising efforts for a new playscape to replace Fort Griswold.

Ford Field West. Image courtesy of City of Northville

The first phase of Ford Field work will take place at Serenity Point, where the Randolph Drain enters the park before dumping into the Rouge River. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

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Northville Shows Off Its American Pride

TPhotos by Bryan Mitchell

he Northville community has been celebrating American independence with an annual parade on the 4th of July for almost 150 years. This joyous tradition continued this month with lots of floats, bands and personalities walking in the parade on a beautiful day in downtown Northville.

The parade route included Main, Center and Dunlap streets and ended on Cady. It featured lots of staples, including youth groups, local businesses and the Northville High School marching band led by Mike Rumbell, who has walked in his share of Independence Day Parades. Local organizations like Northville Rotary and Maybury Farm also participated, as well as local police and firefighters.

Organized by the Northville Chamber of Commerce, the parade this year was sponsored by Maybury Farm, Mayflower Towing, Henry Ford Health and Center Street Wealth Strategies.

Everywhere you looked there were lots of smiles, which proved the old adage: “Everybody loves a parade!” Especially here in Northville.

Mayor Bryan Turnbull, with his granddaughters, waves to the crowd along Main Street.

Mike Rumbell leads the Northville High School band during the parade, something he has been doing for decades.

Northville Citizen of the Year Traci Sincock.

Atreyu and Ariana Kramar ride along in a car sponsored by Orin Jewelers.

By Brad Emons

Following another banner sports season, they’ll have to make a lot more room on the walls of the main concourse at Northville High for all the accomplishments turned in once again by its All-State spring student-athletes.

Of course, the spring sports season was highlighted by the Mustangs’ run to its first-ever MHSAA Division 1 baseball state championship. (See June issue).

Here is a look back at the notable team and individual achievements of each spring sports program.

BASEBALL

The Mustangs (32-7), who defeated Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (44-2) for its firstever state title, 2-1, on June 15 at MSU’s McLane Stadium, earned several postseason accolades led by senior center fielder Dante Nori.

The Mississippi State signee was named Mr. Baseball by the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association and earned

Oh, What A Season!

Baseball state champs led the way for Mustang Nation

Dream Team and Division 1 first-team honors along with senior pitcher Caden Besco, a Lansing Community College commit.

Meanwhile, first-year coach Dan Cimini was named Division 1 Coach of the Year by the MHSBCA.

The KLAA Association and West Division champions also had five players named to the All-Conference team including senior pitcher and Michigan signee Justin Brown, senior outfielder Carter Jurcisin, senior infielder-pitcher Evan Deak, Besco and Nori. Brown and Nori were also selected to the MHSBCA East All-Star team for the game held June 25 at Comerica Park.

The Mustangs had two players selected in the MLB Draft: Nori was selected in the first round (27th pick overall) by the Philadelphia Phillies, while lefthanded pitcher Joey Broughton was taken in the 13th round (395th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers.

SOFTBALL

What a season it was for coach Scott DeBoer’s Lady Mustangs (34-8), who established five individual and 16 team records while earning a No. 10 ranking in Division 1.

Northville won the KLAA West Division (12-2) for the first time since 2017 and the KLAA title, its first since 2011. They also captured invitational titles at Grand Rapids and Bay City.

The Lady Mustangs won the Division 1-District 13 title at home following victories over Canton, 1-0 (12 innings) and Salem, 3-0, ending a 13year drought.

Northville defeated Ypsilanti Lincoln in the Regional 4 semifinals, 10-2, before falling to South Lyon in the regional finals, 11-3.

Sophomore ace pitcher Mary Gugula led the way earning

Division 1 honorable mention All-State honors from the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association. She finished 27-5 with a 1.36 earned run average to go along with 241 strikeouts – all school records –in 189 innings.

She also batted a team-best .471, including five triples.

Senior Grace Foley batted .468 with 47 RBI, while setting a school record for hits (65),

including 24 extra base hits with 15 doubles.

Senior Olivia Green, who will play softball at Cornell University, broke the school record with eight homers.

The Northville girls softball team captured trophies for the KLAA West with a 12-2 record and defeated East Division champion Livonia Stevenson for the overall KLAA Association crown. Photo courtesy of NHS Athletics

Northville sophomore pitcher Mary Gugula went 27-5 and made honorable mention All-State for the 34-8 Mustangs.

The baseball team won the program’s first ever state championship. Photo courtesy of Tammy Besco

Brendan Herger was the MHSAA D1 champion in the 800-meter run and was also a member of the first-place 4 x 800 relay. Photo courtesy of Peter Draugalis

Freshman Kendall Adams broke the school record for stolen bases (20).

Junior Ella Tomlinson, Gugala, Green, and Foley earned All-KLAA honors, while seniors Lauren Marnocha and Lily Barringer, along with Foley, Green, Gugala, Adams made All-District.

Adams and Gugala also earned All-Region accolades.

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Senior Brendan Herger, a University of Michigan signee, was the star as Northville earned a top five finish at the Division 1 finals held June 1 at East Kentwood.

Kalamazoo Central captured the team title with 41 points followed by Chippewa Valley (39), Belleville (38), Walled Lake Central (31.45) and Northville (31).

Herger captured the 800-meter run in 1:50.08 and also teamed up with junior Rece Grezak, sophomore Ben Hartigan and junior Ethan Powell to repeat as 4 x 800 relay champions (7:44.52).

The Mustangs’ 4 x 400 relay of Grezak, junior Reece Mooradian, Powell and Herger added a seventh (3:22.65) to also earn All-State (top eight) honors.

Also making All-State included senior Robbie Schuckel, who took fourth in the discus (169 feet, 3 inches) and Powell in the 3,200 run (9:10.04).

Meanwhile, Herger figured in four firsts in the Regional 6 meet held May 17 at Livonia Stevenson as the Mustangs repeated as team champs with 150 points with Canton (111.5) and Plymouth (84) taking second and third, respectively. Herger swept the 800- and

1,600 runs in 1:52.47 and 4:12.86, respectively. He also teamed up with Grezak, Mooradian and Powell for a first in the 1,600 relay (3:24.69), as well as a first in the 3,200 relay (7:51.66) with Grezak, Hartigan and Powell.

Powell added a first in the 3,200 run (9:25.20), while the 4 x 200 relay team of senior Jared Lutz, junior Alex McCallum, junior Haithem Al-Zoubi and junior Colin Charles (1:28.77) were also victorious.

Meanwhile, Northville scored 101.5 points to fend off Canton (82) and Belleville (77) to repeat as KLAA team champions in a meet held May 11 at Howell.

(45.55).

At the Stevenson regional, Seiler was the star as she won the 100 (12.77), 200 (25.79) and 400 (58.40), while also being a member of the victorious 4 x 400 relay along with Christensen, Watkins and Krahe (3:57.67).

Krahe won the 300 hurdles (44.83), while the foursome of sophomore Molly Kate Coates, Watkins, freshman Colette Lozo

Division 1 district tourney by eventual winner Livonia Stevenson, 2-1.

Earning All-State honors from the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association were senior midfielder Natalia Leavens (second team) and senior defender Caroline Meloche (third team).

All-KLAA selections included senior defender Avery Peters, senior midfielder Kate Gonzalez, senior midfielder Helena McLellan, sophomore forward Juliana Bohlen, Meloche and Leavens.

BOYS LACROSSE

Coach Connor Kehoe’s squad finished 9-7-1 overall and 5-5 in the KLAA. The season ended with a 14-6 regional semifinal loss to South Lyon East.

Herger swept the 800- and 1,600 runs in 1:54.09 and 4:16.24, respectively, while also anchoring the first place 3,200 relay team with Grezak, Hartigan and Powell. Schuckel contributed a first in the discus (161-8).

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

The Lady Mustangs repeated as both KLAA and Regional 6 team champions, while earning a 21st-place showing at the Division 1 finals with 10 points.

Northville’s 4 x 400 relay team of senior Ella Christensen, freshman Lauren Watkins, sophomore Callie Seiler and senior Ashley Krahe placed fourth (3:58.60) to earn AllState honors.

Individually, Christensen took fifth in the 1,600 run (4:52.28), while Krahe placed eighth in the 300 hurdles

and Christensen captured the 3,200 relay (9:29.60).

Northville captured first in the team standings at the regional with 141 points followed by Salem (94) and Novi (86).

In the KLAA meet, Northville led the way with 122 points to secure first followed by Salem (82) and Brighton (80.5). Krahe was an individual winner in the 300 hurdles (45.96), while the quartet of senior Saanvi Reddy, sophomore Danielle Krikor, freshman Sophia Canelopoulos and freshman Alison Ernst captured the 4 x 100 relay (51.08).

GIRLS SOCCER

Coach Jeanine Reddy’s squad wound up 11-6-3 overall and finished 8-4-2 in the KLAA’s tough West Division placing third place with 26 points. The Lady Mustangs were eliminated in the opening round of the

The Mustangs, who defeated rival Novi twice, were led by pair of seniors in second-team All-State midfielder Kai Hayami and third-team goalie Chris Burlingame.

Attacker Thomas Hinshaw and defender Jack Ranka, both seniors, earned All-State honorable mention. Senior Ally Jaafar, junior Alex Pearson and junior Austin Alexander were selected to the All-KLAA squad.

GIRLS LACROSSE

The Lady Mustangs (13-5) turned in a successful season under coach Kayley Dahring while finishing 7-2 in the KLAA. Northville’s season ended in the Regional 2 final losing to eventual Division 1 champion Brighton, 19-11.

Three players earned AllState recognition led by senior goalie Madison Gugala (second

Continued on Page 16

The Mustangs’ 4 x 800-meter relay team of (from left) Brendan Herger, Ethan Powell, Ben Hartigan and Rece Grezak captured the Division 1 title. Photo courtesy of Tim Dalton

Continued from Page 15

team), sophomore attacker Addison Gubing (second team) and sophomore midfielder Molly Wierengo (third team). Wierengo, Gubing and Gugala were selected All-KLAA.

BOYS GOLF

After winning the Division 1 state title in 2023, Northville wound up 14th in the 2024 Division I finals held June 7-8 at Battle Creek’s Bedford Valley G.C. with a two-day total of 321326-647. Novi Detroit Catholic Central captured the team title with two-day total of 305-292597 followed by Ann Arbor Skyline (605) and Rochester Adams (611).

Three Northville golfers shot 162 totals to tie for 57th individually including senior J.J. Rickard (86-76), along with juniors Cameron McVittie (80-82) and Dominic Gaudino (76-86).

Junior Giovanni Savone (81-83-164) was 68th and senior Nick Tokarz (85-85-169) rounded out the Mustangs’ state lineup.

At the Regional 5 tourney held May 29 at Pine View in Ypsilanti, Northville qualified by finishing third, behind Skyline and South Lyon. Tokarz and McVittie tied for fifth individually with 76 each followed by Gaudino (17th, 79), Rickard (28th, 83) and Savone (57th, 89).

Brighton won the combined KLAA team title with a 588 total followed by Howell (597), Novi (601), Hartland (605) and Northville (611). Rickard finished in the top 10 individually with a two-round total of 149 to finish tied for seventh.

GIRLS TENNIS

Coach Brenda Lionas’ squad earned their 21st straight trip to the state finals and wound up tied for 10th overall with eight points in the Division 1 finals held May 31-June 1 at Midland. Clarkston captured the team title with 28 points, while Utica Eisenhower and Ann Arbor Pioneer finished second and third, respectively, with 22 and 19.

Northville’s state finals singles lineup included sophomore Sophia DiPilla (No. 1), sophomore Talia Nishanian (No. 2), freshman Emmi Dober (No. 3) and sophomore Michelle Lee (No. 4).

DiPilla and Lee each finished 1-1.

The Lady Mustangs’ doubles lineup included senior Sona Manoukian and freshman Aadya Pullalarevu (No. 1); junior Jordan Murphy and Victoria Thompson (No. 2); freshman Sravya Doppalapudi and senior Aesha Patel (No. 3); senior Anda Brie and junior Megan Makie (No. 4).

Dopalapudi and Patel finished 2-1 in tourney play reaching the semifinals before being eliminated by the eventual state champs from Bloomfield Hills, 6-3, 6-2. The duos of Manoukian-Pullalarevu and Murphy-Thompson each finished 1-1.

DiPilla, who finished 17-10 overall on the season, was named honorable mention All-State. Nishanian finished 12-15 overall, while Dober

and Lee went 22-5 and 23-5, respectively.

Pullalarevu and Manoukian (17-10) also made honorable mention All-State. Other doubles records included Murphy-Thompson (15-12), Patel-Doppalapudi (15-12) and Brie-Makie (20-7).

At the Regional 2 tourney May 17 at Novi Middle School, Novi edged Northville for the team title, 27-23, while Canton took third with 14. Dober was regional champ at No. 3 singles, while Lee was runner-up at No. 4. All four Northville doubles teams were runner-up to Novi.

At the KLAA tourney, Novi

ROWING

The Women’s Varsity 4+ team of Allison Phillips, Megan Gibbons, Megan Lauster and Maude Grobben captured both the Midwest Scholastic Rowing (May 11) and Scholastic Rowing Association of Michigan championships.

The same quartet also qualified for the Scholastic Regatta Association of America Championships on May 25 in Pensauken, N.J. where they placed fifth and added a fifth again at the US Rowing Youth Nationals Championships held June 9 in Sarasota, Fla.

The Men’s Varsity 4 team of Joe Siddall, Ryan Kretschmer, Danny DeAlmeida and Marc Boissinot also captured state and Midwest titles, while taking a fourth at the Nationals.

Other state champions included Austin Difrancesco and Alex Binkert (Men’s V2),

edged Northville for the title, 23-21.

KLAA individual champions included DiPilla (No. 1) and Dober (No. 3), while Nishanian (No. 2) and Lee (No. 4) placed runner-up. Meanwhile, the Mustangs’ top four doubles teams placed runner-up, but the No. 5 flight of freshman Emma Murphy and junior Sophie Ogg won the title.

along with Colin El-Behairy, Austin Difrancesco, Alex Bunker, Max Montgomery, Siddall, Krestchmer, Almeida, Boissonot and Avery Difrancesco (Men’s V8+).

Northville finished second in the men’s team standings and were third overall behind Ann Arbor Skyline and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep in the combined standings.

The Northville girls tennis team earned a top 10 finish at the MHSAA Division 1 finals after finishing runner-up in the KLAA and regional tourneys. Photo courtesy of Brenda Lionas

The Northville men’s rowing team finished runner-up in the Michigan State Championships team standings. Photo courtesy of Northville Rowing

Enroll at Schoolcraft College today. Registration for the Fall semester is now open. Apply for admission at schoolcraft.edu/apply. Your Journey Starts Here.

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‘Everybody Loved Him’

Motown alum and metro Detroit music star Bobby Lewis dies at 84

By Kevin Brown

Bobby Lewis was a top area club and concert performer, a singer-guitarist and allaround entertainer. He worked for Motown Records in its heyday and hit the big time as a local legend.

Lewis was the stage name for Norman Warner, 84, of Northville. He died June 22 after a four-year battle with cancer.

Daughter Gia Warner said people often recognized her dad in public. “We’d be in Home Depot and someone would come up and ask, ‘Are you Bobby Lewis?’”

“The music was important. But the people, the audiences, were as important to him,” said Warner, an entertainer like her dad. “He loved his fans and his fans became his friends. The audience was part of all his shows.”

Motown founder Berry Gordy chose Lewis and his 1960s band The Headliners to join his Motown VIP label. Lewis called working for Motown a career highlight.

“He had quite a few different stories that touched on a fact that they were really a big family,” Warner said. “They had to perform on the Motown Christmas show every year at the Fox Theater on Woodward. Dad said it didn’t matter where you appeared on the totem pole in record sales and popularity. They all came together as a big family and played the show.”

Born and raised in New Jersey, Warner joined the Navy in 1957 just before turning 18.

“It was important to him that he served his country,” Warner said

Upon leaving the Navy in 1962, he settled for a time in Florida where he joined The

Flying Tornadoes. Lewis and the band were out to entertain to the max.

“My dad talked about swinging from a trapeze or riding unicycles. People were like what is this? He was hilarious; he always had a great sense of humor,” Warner said.

During a stint in Las Vegas, “My dad would remember passing Frank Sinatra in the hall or having lunch with Liberace. Their shows were always packed full of celebrities,”

That band evolved into a Las Vegas-style show band called The Headliners. They were playing at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami when Berry Gordy and Diana Ross came to see them, Warner said. Gordy

was expanding the Motown label to include a diversity of acts on a new label called VIP. He signed The Headliners to a recording contract.

As part of the Motown family, The Headliners played shows around the United States and the hottest clubs in Miami, Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, Bermuda and the Bahamas, Warner said. The Headliners did not attain the fame of top Motown legends. “He didn’t have that kind of success. But he could draw thousands of people. It’s crazy the following he had. My dad felt like he had success,” Warner said.

After joining Motown, Lewis and wife Janet moved to Michigan. They settled first in New Boston, before choosing Northville, where they lived for the next 50 years. “It was very much about the school system. It’s beautiful. Plus, there was an A&W,” Warner said.

Lewis in the 1970s performed in the power trio Stix and Stoned. They had a local hit with “Rouge Plant Blues.” It played in heavy rotation on WABX-FM. Lewis also did commercials, including the “No jobs too big” voice in the Father and Son commercials. Lewis then set out on another careerdefining adventure – forming Bobby Lewis

Northville musician Bobby Lewis' career spanned more than 50 years, highlighted by his time in the band The Headliners, who signed with the Motown VIP label in the 1960s.

Photos courtesy of Gia Warner

In the latter part of his career, Bobby Lewis often played duo gigs with his daughter, Gia Warner.

and the Crackerjack Band. For 25 years they were a fixture at Your Mustache Lounge on Ford Road in Dearborn. “The band members were always the cream of the crop with their talent, arrangements and funny stage banter,” Warner said.

During a 1981 show at Your Mustache, Lewis could be spotted on stage shining a flashlight into the audience to locate folks shouting out requests. He injected “Classical Gas” with bits of “Rawhide” and the “Wild, Wild West” TV theme. Lewis gestured wildly after playing a hot guitar solo and people laughed out loud at his sometimes outrageous jokes. They applauded as wildly for his original songs as they did for Beatles songs the band covered. “He has a sense of humor and is a good musician. They can play

anything,” patron Jim Miller said, looking on that evening.

The band opened at Pine Knob for national touring acts. Upon retiring from the band in the early 2000’s, Lewis joined the Jimmy Buffett Tribute band Air Margaritaville for 10 years. He then formed a popular duo with daughter Gia, performing in Northville and around metro Detroit.

In 2019 at the Motown Museum, Lewis received a Motown Founders Medallion along with other members of The Headliners. In 2020, at 81, he retired from the music business.

Warner recalled getting her dad onstage to join her own performances. “I would bring him out and everybody loved him.”

Outside of the spotlight,

Lewis loved white water rafting, cave diving, paint ball games, parachute jumping, racing motorcycles, and traveling with his family.

When he began hospice care last month, he told his family he had lived a full life.

“I have no regrets and no bucket list left unchecked. I have lived an exciting and long life that has been full of adventures with an amazing career, a loving wife and family, and incredible friends,” Lewis told his family, according to his daughter.

Survivors include Lewis’ wife of 62 years Janet Warner; daughters Gia and Wendy Warner; granddaughters Brittney Starling, Nicole Griffin and Lauren Roberts; sisters Patti Perrone and Georgine Savittieri; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family thanked Angela Hospice in Livonia and the team at Karmanos Cancer Institute of Farmington Hills.

Bobby Lewis received a Motown Founders Medallion along with other members of The Headliners in 2019 for the famous record label’s 60th anniversary.

Northville real estate broker Mike Tripoli has a business motto -- “Life Is Short, Make A Move.”

For Tripoli, it’s not just a catchy slogan. It’s the credo he’s lived by. A resident of Northville for over two decades, “Trip” (as he’s known by his friends) has had an interesting path to opening his own brokerage at 1033 Novi Road, just north of Eight Mile.

OPUL REALTY

OWNER/BROKER: Mike Tripoli

ADDRESS: 1033 Novi Rd, Northville

PHONE: (248) 255-3259

WEBSITE: opulrealty.com

Raised in an entrepreneurial family, Tripoli’s first introduction to the real estate business was working for his dad, who owned a home remodeling business, where he learned the ins and outs of the construction world.

After a short, but successful music career, which included playing gigs at fabled venues like St. Andrews Hall and the State Theater (now the Fillmore), Tripoli’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked in again, when he had the opportunity to purchase three Little Caesars pizza locations, including the one on Seven Mile in Northville.

Although he loved working for himself and being a business owner, the pizza business proved to be tough with long hours. He was looking for a change, and the real estate world came calling. He liked what he saw, and wasn’t afraid to make the move, selling the franchises and getting his real estate license.

“I decided the pizza business wasn’t for me. It’s really that simple. I wanted another challenge, so I tried the real estate business out. That was 10 years ago,” Tripoli said.

After serving as an agent for another local broker and learning the business, Tripoli got his broker’s license and started Opul Realty in 2022.

When it came time to pick a location, there really wasn’t much doubt that he wanted to do it in the Northville community. It’s where he’s lived and where he raised his kids, who grew up playing football and cheering for the Stallions before moving on to Northville High.

“Northville is home. I wouldn’t want my first office to be anywhere else. I love Northville,” Tripoli said.

With the help of his dad, Vince, Tripoli completely remodeled the office, which is across the street from Guernsey’s.

After months of work, they held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on June 10, which was attended by a few hundred family members, friends, business clients and local officials including Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull and Douglas Wallace from the Northville Chamber of Commerce. The event featured live music by Matt Kysia and drinks served by Matt “Wheels” Wells, a well-known Northville-based bartender.

“The grand opening was a big hit,” Tripoli said. “I really felt the community support, and it just confirmed I’m doing this in the right place.”

The new office is a good home base for his small stable of agents, who he selectively recruited. They all bring a wealth of experience to Opul, something that is very important to Tripoli.

“I really wanted to create a brokerage that feels like a family, and I hired agents who fit what

I’m looking for and they fit with me,” Tripoli said. “The word Opul is short for Opulent. My goal is to give opulent service to everyone we deal with. And my agents feel the same way. We’re building a family.”

He sees his role as being a resource for his agents, someone they can turn to at any point throughout a deal, whether on the selling or buying end of the equation.

“I’m there for my agents. They know I have their back. I’m really trying to be the broker I always wanted to work for, almost like a player’s coach,” he said.

As for clients who are looking to sell or buy a home, Tripoli said you can count on him to be an active participant throughout a deal.

“I pride myself on being there through the whole deal versus passing off clients to new, inexperienced agents,” he said.

In the end, it’s all about building relationships for Tripoli, something he has been doing for the last decade -- both on the business side of things (like his partnerships with Josh Hudson and Jason Bobby of Movement Mortgage in Northville and with Charlie and Andy Sergison of First Centennial Title) and in the community. He’s a chamber member and a regular sponsor of local teams (you will see his banner at the Northville football games) and organizations like Main Street League.

And if you want to know what he’s all about, look no further than his nickname, Trip.

“I deliver Trust, Reliability, Integrity and Professionalism (T.R.I.P),” he said.

That sounds like a recipe for success.

Face-off Face-offSpecialist Specialist

Northville’s Stathakis goes from Final Four to the pro ranks

As a member of the University of Denver men’s lacrosse team, it’s a safe bet to say Northville native Alec Stathakis left an indelible mark and ranks among the best ever to come out of the Pioneers’ program.

The two-time captain and All-American face-off specialist certainly played his part during Denver’s run to the NCAA Championship Final Four

weekend at the end of May in Philadelphia where the 13-4 Pioneers were ultimately ousted by eventual national champion Notre Dame, 13-6.

After spending the previous four years of high school at Culver Military Academy (Ind.), the sturdy built 5-foot-11, 220-pound Stathakis proved to be a good soldier and leader for the Pioneers.

“We got him to campus and this guy was just a machine for us from Day One and he’s been honestly one of the best players and people that I’ve coached and been around,” Denver firstyear head coach Matt Brown said.

Nominated for the Tewaaraton Award – the lacrosse equivalent of the Heisman Trophy – Stathakis made his fifth and final year of eligibility a memorable one as the Pioneers captured the Big East regular season title while also earning an at-large NCAA Division 1 tourney bid as the fifth seed.

In the playoffs, Denver knocked off Michigan (16-11) in the first round and Syracuse (10-8) in the quarterfinals enroute to its first Final Four trip since 2017.

“It was amazing and I’m so glad I made the decision to come back to Denver,” Stathakis said. “We had a group of eight or 10 fifth-year guys from my class who came back. A lot of those guys could have played wherever they wanted and

BY BRAD EMONS

leave, but we liked what we were doing at Denver. Coach ‘T’ (Bill Tierney) always said, ‘Do you want to leave the cupboard full?’ I think we wanted to leave something in the cupboard, or at least leave some sort of legacy.”

Granted an extra fifth year of eligibility due to the shortened COVID-19 season in 2020 when he arrived as a freshman, Stathakis made the most of his final season with the Pioneers. He started in all 17 games winning 235-of-405 total faceoff attempts, while picking up 127 ground balls and forcing seven turnovers. Stathakis had multiple face-off wins in 16 of 17 games. He had 15 plus wins in six games and a season-best 22 in Denver’s 17-16 upset win over No. 6 Cornell.

He ranked 15th in the country in face-off winning percentage (.580) and 11th in ground balls per game (7.47).

Among his postseason honors included USA Lacrosse Second Team All-America, as well as USILA and Inside Lacrosse Third-Team All-

Strong and sturdy at 5-feet-11, 220 pounds, Alec Stathakis (right) was tough to beat in the face-off circle for the Denver University Pioneers. Photos courtesy of NCAA Photos

America. He was also Big East Specialist of the Year and firstteam All-Big East.

But despite all the individual accolades, it was more about the team and working toward a common goal for Stathakis.

becomes, so once I got to seventh- and eighth-grade you had to pick do you want to be a midfielder or a face-off guy? And I think I was better at facing off, so that’s why I picked it.”

matches only. But by the time he was a junior he earned a spot on the prep team which played a national schedule.

“This year is filled with upsand-downs, but ultimately I was so proud of the team that we put together on the field,” he said. “It’s not a team of a bunch of names. It’s more of a team of whoever can step up . . . we don’t always get the big names or big recruits at Denver, but what we do get is buy-in from everybody on the team.”

The son of Chris and Debbie Stathakis, Alec’s path to Culver Military Academy was paved by an older brother Adam, who graduated from there. His sister Allison, now a nurse, is also a Culver grad and played Division III college hockey. Meanwhile, another brother, Aaron, attended Eaton Academy in

Stathakis, who attended Silver Springs Elementary School and Meads Mill Middle School, got his start playing lacrosse in a local Northville rec league.

“The whole reason I started was because I was getting bored with baseball,” he said. “I had a few years’ experience before, but nothing at a high level. I played club in the summer. The team needed a face-off man, but I stayed on the field as a midfielder.

“I think the older you get the more specialized the position

Birmingham and is now serving in the military.

“I think Culver is a really special place and it’s a school that uses a military program to kind of teach leadership to the people that go there,” Stathakis said. “And obviously they have a really good lacrosse team.”

Culver featured three different levels of lacrosse teams including a JV, club and prep. During his four years there he also played football as a running back and linebacker.

Alec participated his first two seasons on the Culver club team, which played in-state

During his senior year, Stathakis won 85% of his face-offs and was invited to play in the Under Armour AllAmerican game.

“It was definitely a grind,” Stathakis said. “My senior year we won a national championship, which was awesome. And we played 27 games that year, which looking back is crazy because now I play 15 a year. And it’s hard, but I think the lacrosse program there and the school in general prepared me for college. I feel you grow up a little bit faster there. You don’t have your parents around all the time. You have to be a little more selfsufficient. I really grew a lot at Culver once I got there.”

UNDER THE RADAR

Stathakis wasn’t highly recruited at first and didn’t know if he even wanted to play college lacrosse.

“As I started to play for the national team, the prep team, that’s when I started getting a little more recognition, more schools started calling and I ended up at Denver,” he said.

Stathakis was recruited to Denver by Bill Tierney, who is now the head coach of the Premier Lacrosse League’s Philadelphia Waterdogs, along with Brown, who at the time was his top assistant.

at Culver as well as lacrosse. He did not go to Culver to play lacrosse. He picked it up when he was there.”

In his freshman season (2020), Denver improved to 4-2 overall with a victory against Notre Dame, but shortly after the entire season was suddenly shelved due to COVID-19 restrictions.

But it was during his freshman campaign where Stathakis distinguished himself and won the face-off position outright.

During Stathakis’ sophomore season (2021) the Pioneers went 12-5 and went to the NCAA Tourney followed by 9-6 and 10-5 seasons. During the 2023 season he earned All-American and Big East recognition.

Stathakis started all 70 games during his five-year collegiate career going 966-for-1,622 on face-offs to go along with picking up 540 ground balls, while forcing 13 turnovers. He also scored a career-best three goals each in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

His 540 career ground balls and 966 face-off wins both rank second in Denver’s D1 history.

“We had a little bit of a pipeline for years with Culver . . . so we got to know Alec,” he said. “We heard great things about him and the biggest thing was – and this is what makes him so special – just how much of a competitor he was. He was a big boy. He played football Continued on Page 28

“When he first came to Denver, he was just kind of clamp the ball, big guy, get over the top that wants to muscle

In June, Alec Stathakis signed with the professional Philadelphia Waterdogs.

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Waterdogs

Continued from Page 27

you,” Brown said. “Now, when you look at him, he’s the total complete player. He can play offense. He can play defense. He can pick up a (long stick) pole and play it if he needed to. So, that’s really it in a nutshell.”

PRO DEAL

Nicknamed “The Rhino,” Stathakis said there are a few keys to being an effective faceoff specialist?

“Growing up I played a lot of sports – hockey, my beginning years, then football, lacrosse,” he said. “I just think being a good, fundamentally sound athlete. If you’re a good athlete you can match up pretty much with anybody at the face-off dot. And the other thing is just being relentless. I don’t want to

sound cheesy, but just having a grit to it because it’s not really the sexiest position. You’re not the goal scorer, you’re not doing the cool behind-the-back. It’s picking up the ground ball and giving it to your goal scorer. I think if you can buy into that role you can be a pretty good face-off.”

Following his final collegiate match during Memorial Day weekend in Philly, Stathakis drove to Albany, N.Y. to participate three days in a PLL professional training camp.

He was a candidate for a spot on the Waterdogs’ roster -- now coached by his former Denver coach Tierney -- but was not extended a pro contract immediately.

But once he finished his Master’s degree program in accounting at the end of June in

Denver, Stathakis was picked up by the Waterdogs and reunited with his old coach where he appeared in his first two pro matches (June 29 and July 6) winning 21 of 42 face-offs with 11 groundballs.

Brown called Stathakis an “amazing” lacrosse player and person.

“His personality is that he’s an extremely driven individual,” Brown said. “And when I say competitive, I mean that he doesn’t want to lose to you in

anything. You need to have that type of mentality for that position. He’s one who is very emotional and one of his biggest accomplishments in his career is being able to manage his emotions. He’s somebody who you want in your locker room . . . not only does he lead by example, but he just leads by his intensity and he sets the standard for the program, not only at his position but everything across the board extremely high.”

Nicknamed ‘The Rhino,’ Alec Stathakis became one of the NCAA’s premier face-off specialists for the Denver University Pioneers.

Darren R. LaLondeIngrid Runnion

Peek Inside Your Health: Full Body MRI Screenings Unveil Silent Issues Before Symptoms Arise

(SOUTHFIELD, MI) Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. Thanks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully.

As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only cover about 29% of cancers with 71%

occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the genitals and can detect it very early.

For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive flights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a clinic opened in Southfield, making these scans available to Metro Detroit residents.

“Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with difficult treatments. We can

also identify conditions such as brain, abdominal, chest, and groin aneurysms,” stated the founder of the Southfield clinic called Bionicc Body Screening.

The primary focus of Bionicc Body Screening is to deliver peace of mind, offering a comprehensive and detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures. The ultimate hope is for excellent health. However, in the event

was detected. He said, “It saved my life. Their MRI found a kidney tumor that had been missed by a recent CT scan. I cannot recommend this service more.”

Take the first step to learn more

When car enthusiast Jim and his wife moved to the Motor City, it felt like a natural fit. His nose, however, did not love the shift. Following an injury in high school, Jim had suffered from nasal and sinus issues for decades, but Michigan’s weather kicked these issues into overdrive. While he had sought treatment in other states, it wasn’t until he came to the Plymouth Medical Center that he found the right specialists, the right surgery—and relief. I

Female Judge Candidate Off the Ballot

Two advance to November election after Ruggirello disqualified on technicality

By Scott Spielman

For Plymouth, Canton and Northville voters in the August 6 Primary election, there will be one less race to consider: there is no longer a primary for the race to replace retiring Judge Ron Lowe at the 35th District Court.

The State Board of Canvassers ruled that Northville’s Maria Ruggirello, one of three candidates who sought to replace Lowe, who is retiring at the end of this year, did not have enough valid signatures to be placed on the primary ballot. Ruggirello sued Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Jonathan Brater, the state’s Director of Elections and the Board of Canvassers to reverse the decision, but it was upheld by the state Court of Claims on June 11.

In his ruling, Judge Christopher P. Yates cited the “Byzantine rules” that govern the process of judicial nominating petitions.

“The rules for gaining ballot access as a judicial candidate are complicated, especially when an incumbent judge does not timely declare to run as an incumbent,” he wrote. “The Byzantine rules governing such

situations can be weaponized to exclude judicial candidates from the ballot. This case reveals the hidden traps for a candidate who embarks upon a run for a judicial office not knowing whether the incumbent judge will pursue reelection.”

Judicial candidates are required to submit 600—but not more than 1,000—valid signatures to be placed on the ballot. Because her signatures were not certified, the other two candidates—Joe Barone of Plymouth and Michael Woodyard of Canton—will move on to the November general election.

Here’s what happened: When Ruggirello started collecting the required 600 signatures, Lowe was still eligible to run as an incumbent. Therefore, her petitions properly identified her

as a candidate for an incumbent position. However, when the March 25, 2024 deadline for an incumbent to file for reelection came and went and Lowe did not file for reelection, the race became a non-incumbent judicial position. Benson notified candidates that petitions would have to identify the office as a non-incumbent position, but Ruggirello did not change hers.

Also, Ruggirello turned in 1,168 signatures on her sheets. The Bureau of Elections, however, could only consider 1,000 of those. They sorted through the first thousand signatures in two ways: first, by counting the petition sheets in ascending order from the fewest signatures on the sheet to the most signatures, and second by counting the petition sheets in chronological order from the earliest sheets to the latest— each time, they found just under 600 valid signatures.

“I can see how it happens,” Barone sympathized. “There probably needs to be some changes.”

In addition to the internal review, two people filed challenges to her petitions— Woodyard and Jessica Mistak. Without a primary, Woodyard and Barone are focused on November.

“It’s one step forward and we’ll see what happens,” said Woodyard, 57, a practicing

attorney since 2002. “Things are moving along.” He was an assistant prosecuting attorney in Wayne County for 15 years before opening his private practice in 2017.

He said he knows Barone has more name recognition in the community, but thinks his history in the community and

in courts around the state have prepared him for the role.

“It’s a good launching point. One of the things that’s really interesting about this race is that there isn’t much turnover on the 35th District Court. This represents an opportunity— perhaps, with my candidacy—to maybe move the court in a different direction.”

Barone, 52, ran for 35th District Judge in 2008; he was appointed to the Wayne County Commission in 2015 and reelected in 2016 and now runs a private practice in downtown Plymouth. He said he would continue to focus on the community and his service to it.

“If it was a two-person race or a three-person race, I wasn’t changing my strategy in any way, whatsoever: highlight what I’ve done—I’ve run before, I’ve served the community before— those are the things you have to stick with.”

For more information on the candidates, visit IlikeMike.law or baroneforjudge.com.

Maria Ruggirello

Joe Barone

Michael Woodyard

August 6, 2024

Casting your primary ballot:

Absent Voter Ballot

Applications and ballots are available now.

Early Voting

July 27-August 4, 8 am-4 pm

Voting site: Township Hall

Election Day

Polls open 7 am-8 pm

All precinct locations are open

When you vote in the primary election August 6, you must confine your votes to a single-party column.

Splitting your ticket will invalidate your ballot for the August election.

M-F, 8 am-4:30 pm

Special election hours: Saturday, August 3 7 am-3 pm

DROP BOX LOCATIONS

Drop Boxes are for Election purposes only

Township Hall Drive-Thru Box 24/7 access

Township Hall Lobby M-F, 8 am-4:30 pm

Township Police Station 24/7 access

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It's Your Business Zayti Junk Removal

More Than Just Junk

Young Northville entrepreneurs take worry out of junk removal

For the two young Northville entrepreneurs who co-own Zayti Junk Removal their lives are intertwined in such a way that they work, play and dream together, and have done so since they were friends in sixth grade.

Auston Zayti and Connor Wysocki, who both recently turned 24, have been all about focusing on work since they graduated from Northville High School a few years ago, all while expanding their growing junk removal business by leaps and bounds.

Based in Northville, Zayti Junk Removal prides itself on fast and friendly service as the team – with its two trucks and Auston and Connor at the helm – offers competitive pricing, a deep commitment to doing the best job possible and an efficient approach to clearing away

you’re going to find on the job,” he added. “We can go from picking up stray garbage to stuff that might be brand new or worth thousands of dollars.”

Most the Zayti clients are residential homeowners in western Wayne and Oakland counties, but they also work for commercial businesses and have been called out to factories to haul stuff away. At the same time Zayti is contracted to help Northville’s Highland Lakes condo community for bulk item removal, something they have mastered over the past few years.

them and the home owner.

“We saw a need in this community,” says Wysocki, “and we thought we could fill a void in the market. Owning a business is really about everything, from building relationships to paying bills to making your system work effectively. We love handling things for people.”

ZAYTI JUNK REMOVAL

OWNERS: Auston Zayti and Connor Wysocki

HOURS: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. MondaySunday

PHONE: (248) 962-8079

WEBSITE: zaytijunk.com

junk that may have piled up in local homes and businesses throughout the area.

Started in 2019, the company came to life when the friends decided they wanted to work for themselves, having already started to learn the junk hauling business while working for a company based out of Dearborn.

“We’ve always dreamed about working for ourselves,” says Zayti, whose family is well known in the Northville community through his grandfather’s trucking business (J.J. Zayti Trucking) and the Marquis Theater, once owned by his grandparents, Julius “Jay” and Inge Zayti. “It’s interesting work because no job is the same and we get to connect with our clients and develop the business.

“You never really know what

Having opened in late 2019 the small team struggled through the pandemic, but Auston Zayti said it was an “interesting” time to start a business.

“There was only one way to go and that was up,” he noted. “We have had some interesting experiences in homes real estate agents are trying to flip, or in homes of someone who has passed away and not been cleaned out in years.”

Having said that Zayti especially enjoys helping senior citizens in the community who may not know what to do with the stuff that has piled up in their home or condo.

Besides hauling materials away, the pair also try to recycle and donate as much as they can. For them it’s a huge part of giving back – they don’t buy stuff from people and they are not a cleaning service but they certainly work with each client in a way that works for both

Besides junk removal, the Zayti company offers rollaway dumpster rentals for clients in need, whether it be homeowners or a contractor working on a job site. There are straight up rental fees for six, 10, 15 and 20 foot rollup dumpsters at a fixed cost that Zayti’s will then haul away.

As the summer progresses, they are often sought after to remove hot tubs and other single item pickup, do garage, basement and whole house cleanouts, and more.

Even though they are not a moving service, the company is fully insured and bonded and prides itself on safety as well as efficiency.

So what began as far back as sixth grade when Zayti and Wysocki were school locker neighbors, has since become a career and a passion that extends even beyond just work.

“We like cars and trucks and anything with an engine,” says Zayti, “as well as outdoor sports like dirt bikes and even golfing.”

If you’re looking for someone to haul away your junk, look no further than to Zayti and Wysocki. They not only work together, they play together and they dream big together.

Zayti Junk Removal owners Auston Zayti and Connor Wysocki. Photo courtesy of Zayti Junk Removal

BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

Down Goes the Downs

The final vestiges of Northville Downs began to come down on July 1, when demolition of the main Downs building and grandstand began. The demolition work was contracted out to Renascent, which has been removing debris from both the north and south sides of the Downs building, putting it into dumpsters and hauling it away to a landfill.

Contractors have been spraying water on the site to keep dust and other particles down, and a stone tracking mat was installed at the construction entrance to reduce the amount of mud being tracked from the site onto Center Street.

City officials said the demolition of the main overhang was slated for July 13, and work was expected to be done in the coming weeks.

The project did hit a snag on June 21, when workers taking down the restaurant portion of the Downs caused an oil spill that made its way through storm drains into the Rouge River. Federal, state and county emergency workers flooded to the site to contain the spill.

Any observations or concerns about the project activities can be directed to the city at info@ci.northville.mi.us. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

‘Mr. Baseball’ Nori Drafted by Phillies

Dante Nori has had one heck of a month. On June 15, he led the Northville Mustangs to their first ever state championship. A couple days later he was then named Michigan’s Mr. Baseball, an award that goes to the top player in the state, capping off an incredible senior year.

And, if it couldn’t get any better, on July 14, the Philadelphia Phillies selected Nori in the first round of the MLB Draft. Former Tigers GM, now with the Phillies, selected the Northville outfielder with the 27th overall pick.

Nori is committed to play ball at Mississippi State University.

President Biden Visits Northville

It’s not every day that the President of the United States comes to town, but that’s just what happened on the afternoon of July 12 when President Joe Biden’s motorcade came rolling into town. Biden made a brief campaign stop at the Garage restaurant in downtown Northville, one of a couple stops in the Detroit area that day.

A number of local officials and elected Democrats attended the event. Northville City Councilman John Carter attended with his children, who handed the President handmade cards with a drawing of their favorite ice cream from Browndog Creamery. President Biden is known to enjoy an ice cream from time to time.

Mayor Brian Turnbull had a chance to speak to the President, thanking him for coming to town. According to city officials, the last time a sitting President came to the Northville community was in 1992 when George H.W. Bush stopped during that campaign.

In his remarks, Biden said one of his main goals when he first campaigned four years ago remains today and that is to “bring the country together.”

“We’re the most diverse country in the world,” he said. “We’re the most unique country in the world — every other country is organized based on either ethnicity, geography, religion. But we’re the only country based on an idea — not a joke, an idea. Only country in history.”

Carter said it was “a great day for our town” and thanked the Garage for making it such “wonderful” event.

“I was so proud watching many of my friends and neighbors, Republicans and Democrats alike, come out to watch the motorcade,” Carter wrote on social media.

Miss Teen India Michigan

Sonali Sharma, a Northville High School senior, was crowned Miss Teen India Michigan last month. The pageant was held virtually on June 24. Sonali, a member of the NHS tennis and Robotics teams, has a passion for Bollywood, dance and piano. She served as a mentor for the Blue Goggles robotics team and as a dental assistant at Northville Dental Associates. Beyond her academic and extracurricular achievements, Sonali plans to deepen her impact as a student teacher at a Hindu school starting this fall, reflecting her commitment to education and community service. She is planning a future career in dentistry. Sonali will compete at the national pageant in New Jersey this December.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell introduces President Joe Biden at the Garage. Photo by Brian Turnbull

WAYNE COUNTY

Trusted Leadership for a Safe Wayne County.

• Sheriff Washington is devoted to Wayne County with a proven record of dedicated law enforcement experience spanning 40 years.

• Sheriff Washington is proud to have the endorsements of Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull and Undersheriff Mike Jaafar, a Northville resident and business owner.

ENDORSEMENTS INCLUDE:

Mike Jaafar, Undersheriff

Angela Jaafar, Schoolcraft College Trustee

Brian Turnbulll, Mayor of Northville

Maureen Brosnan, Mayor of Livonia

Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecutor

Terry Marecki, Wayne County Commissioner

Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit

MDishin’ With Denise

Denise Jenkins, who is a board member of the Northville Chamber of Commerce, is an avid writer and proponent of the arts. She is also plugged into what’s happening in Northville. Contact her at denisemjenkins@aol.com.

Henry Ford’s Influence on Northville

y grandpa, Luigi D’Angelo, came to America through Ellis Island (in New York). If you’ve never been on the tour, I highly recommend it. I got goose bumps as I stood in the place where they determined whether you would stay or not after the incredibly long journey across the ocean. Luigi wasn’t well and was almost turned away. Family that had come earlier vowed to care for him so he could stay. Luigi came to Michigan to work for a controversial figure named, Henry Ford. This many years later his granddaughter lives here in Ford Country.

Henry Ford liked our hometown. It was more than 100 years ago he honeymooned here in Northville and shortly thereafter bought his second property – a grist mill now known as the Water Wheel Centre. It has a rich history – an Albert Kahn building, manufacturing brought jobs, and there was a scenic area we know as Ford Field for workers to enjoy gardens and waterfowl. It became a popular tourist attraction. Kudos to Diane and Rick Cox for staying true to the Kahn design after they began repurposing the space for a contemporary work environment. They have been recognized on the State and National Register of Historic Places. They also donated nine surrounding acres to the City of Northville for parks and recreation. Recent efforts to clean up continue and will spread to the west side of Griswold soon.

The 4th of July Parade had a new presenting sponsor this year – Henry Ford Health Systems. Many docs and staffers call Northville home. More importantly they bookend our community with an ER just south off I-275 at Ann Arbor Road. The chemotherapy fusion center (and more) is north of us at 12 Mile and Haggerty (Columbus Center) …the community hospital in West Bloomfield is nearby. The main hospital is a quick trip on the freeway. It’s nice to know they have us covered and are reaching beyond medicine to support our overall quality of life. They are proud to also be sponsoring our military banner program – beginning in November. Healthy living takes a village. Join me with a warm welcome. Henry would be proud.

If you’re wondering what’s going on with Mill Race Village – here’s the scoop. They are shut down – now throughout August. They are “paving the lane” with commemorative bricks. You

can purchase and personalize a brick for yourself – as a gift – in memory of or in honor of someone special or to recognize a milestone birthday or anniversary. The cost ranges from $250 to $500, depending on placement. Order forms are available at the Village or on the website: millracenorthville.org. The lane is scheduled to open Friday, Sept. 6.

I understand brides are happy to be “going to the chapel…going to get married” without a dirt cloud following behind. In my humble opinion, it’s nice to know new and improved will still preserve the charm. Get your brick before they are gone – there’s a lot bricks, but if you want it there when it opens – tick, tock.

September 7th is Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day. Communities across the country have joined the effort to clean up their public spaces. It inspires an awareness of the age-old idea “don’t be a litterbug.” The Keep America Beautiful campaign started in 1953 and continues today. You may think – there’s not much litter in town. On Griswold alone you’d be surprised how many French fries go uneaten and how many fancy drinks “Emma B” buys from Starbucks. Join me, and Snoopy, Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9-11 a.m. (the Michigan football game starts at noon) to Keep Northville Beautiful. A group of volunteers will meet in Ford Field at 8:30 a.m. and will be sent to designated areas of the city to pick up the public spaces. We have pickers and grabbers, gloves and plenty of garbage bags. Snoopy made a guest appearance in the 4th of July parade, as the Pick-of-theLitter, inviting everyone to lend a hand.

For the record, at 18 years old I drove a Ford Falcon, my first car. It took me 40-plus years to go back to a Ford. Now I’m a lifer. Thanks Henry.

A commemorative brick at Mill Race Village.

Snoopy is the Pick-of-the-Litter

The Henry Ford Health team walked in the 4th of July Parade.

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