November 2020 | Vol.3 | Issue 11
Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine
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Please send checks, cash or lucky charms to: Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168 Thank you!
16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734.716.0783 • TheVilleMagazine@gmail.com
KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher
Kurt Kuban is an award-winning journalist, having served as a reporter and editor for several local newspapers and magazines, including The Northville Record, over the course of a career spanning more than two decades. Kurt lives in Northville with his wife, Cheryl, and their three children, who all attend Northville Public Schools.
CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director
Craig has been in the creative industry for over 25 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 16 years. Craig enjoys cycling, running, wine tasting, his beloved Boston Terrier and an unhealthy addiction to movies.
MICHELE FECHT – Writer
Michele Fecht is a longtime journalist whose first post-college reporter position was at The Northville Record before moving on to The Detroit News. A 30-plus year resident of the City of Northville and historic (old) house owner, she is an author, researcher, local history enthusiast, and community activist/advocate.
BRAD EMONS - Writer
Publisher Here is a list of people who contributed to local journalism last month. We appreciate your support! Jeffrey Beno Bob & Judy Handley Edward & Kathy Huyck Norman & Elaine Kokko Evan & Laurie Lyall Raymond & Debbie Maloni James & Elizabeth Murtfeldt
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2020
Don & Tammy Nadeau Jerol & Karen Olson The Roebuck family Jane Smiley David & Sue Woodsum Margaret Zonca
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.
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
LONNIE HUHMAN - Writer
Lonnie graduated from EMU with a degree in creative writing. He is a longtime newspaper reporter, including two stints with The Northville Record. He is now a freelance reporter for a number of publications, including The Sun Times News in Dexter, where he lives with his wife and two young children. He is glad to be back covering the Northville community.
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.
BILL BRESLER - Photographer
Bill lied his way onto his high school's yearbook staff in 1971 and has worked as a photographer ever since. He recently retired after 39 years with Hometown Life, a newspaper group that includes the Northville Record. He's won many journalism awards for his work, and taught photography at Madonna University. According to Bill's wife, he's too young to retire, so he's happy to be part of The 'Ville.
The ‘Ville is a product of Journeyman Publishing, which assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. Any form of reproduction of any content in this publication without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Comments are welcome at thevillemagazine@gmail.com.
A View From The ‘Ville
Remembering Those Who Served C
OVID-19 has taken so much American Legion Post 147, I from us as a nation. It has was lucky enough to attend killed far too many of our the ceremony last year at the citizens, crippled our economy, Northville Brookdale senior and created mistrust in our assisted living facility on Six government and, frankly, amongst each other. It's sad to think about all of the things we’ve lost as we try to get this under control. I’m sad to report one more thing that was canceled because of the Gary DeMars recognizes residents at Brookdale assisted pandemic is living on Veterans Day in 2019. the American Legion’s annual Veterans Day Mile. I was so honored to be trip to local assisted living there among the more than facilities to honor the veteran a dozen or so veterans. Most residents who live there. were veterans of WWII and the At the invitation of Gary Korean War, and even a few DeMars, the adjutant at Vietnam vets. DeMars and other
American Legion members gave each of them an American flag and a certificate, and performed a little ceremony thanking them. It was great to hear about some of their exploits from their service years. I think the coolest thing about the annual trip is how appreciative the veterans are of this acknowledgement of their service. It’s a reminder of how important a role they played in our collective American story. It’s a shame they weren’t able to do it this year, because of the risk to infection. That being the case, I just wanted to recognize them, and let them know they are remembered – and appreciated. Thank you for your service. And thank you to the American Legion for doing this every year. It’s important.
to make. In our story about Northville High soccer coach Henry Klimes, we reported that Coach Klimes took over at Farmington Hills Mercy from the late Gene Fogel. Well, I’m happy to report that Mr. Fogel, a Fogel longtime radio personality for WJR, is alive and well, and still resides in Northville. In our story about Hillside Middle School, we reported that demolition work on the old building would begin in June. It will actually begin in January.
CORRECTIONS I have two corrections to make about information that was in our October issue. The first is one I’m very happy
Kurt Kuban is the Publisher and Editor of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine. com.
Your Voice: Letters to the Editor 4 Abbo, other Republicans sweep to victory 6 COVID on minds of new school board members 8 State takes legal action against landfill owner 18 New structures will allow for winter outdoor dining 26
Dogs to the Rescue
12
Three-Peat!
16
Holiday Gift Guide
22
ON THE COVER: Savanna Hamed gets a jump on holiday shopping in downtown Northville. Photo by Bill Bresler
Township’s oldest home bites the dust 28 Past Tense: Phoenix Mill Restoration Takes Shape 32 It’s Your Business: Orin investing in Northville 34 Midshipman Cracraft runs to finish line 38
Your Voice FAR goes too far
My wife and I have lived in our new home on South Wing Street for just over a year. We are delighted to be living in downtown Northville. We had hoped to be able to move into downtown for many years, for all the reasons that makes Northville such a special, charming, and walkable community. We watched and studied the FAR proposal for many months and attended The Courvisier home on S. Wing. several of the planning commission meetings. Architecturally, our new home is designed to look like it was built in the 1800s. We have been asked how long the “renovations” took and people are always shocked when we say it is a new build from the ground up. We have a large lot… 89’X 142’ which is 12,638 square feet. We have an attached garage with a breezeway/mudroom between the garage and the main house. Our home was designed and built well within the ordinances from a footprint, easement, and height standpoint. We, our builder, and our architect were very meticulous in building a home that would comply with the ordinances while consistently maintaining the charm and character that “is” 1880s downtown Northville. We did not support the .36 FAR Proposal. The reasons we do not support the current .36 FAR proposal are: - The .36 FAR will, over time, have a profound negative impact on property values in the downtown area. Plymouth did not see this for a year after they adopted a new .40 FAR. Plymouth homeowners are now seeing a reduction of their property values because of the new FAR. In addition, the new .40 FAR has decreased the tax base in their city. - Including porches and garages in this FAR proposal makes no sense at all since this is not living space. Porches are a design and curb appeal detail that enhances the historical charm of a residence and garages are a utilitarian element to keep cars off lots, streets and driveways while providing additional storage. They also prevent the eyesore of storage sheds from being built in backyards. - An issue this large with the impact it will have on property values should be a ballot box decision, not a City Council decision. This FAR ordinance affects the entire population of Northville. This is especially true since the survey that was taken only covered 12% of the homeowners. A ballot is the only logical way in a democracy to decide this because of the effect it will have on all property owners in the city of Northville. Don and Mary Courvisier
Sowing division
The “Round 2” article by Lonnie Huhman in your October issue sadly shows how some people can’t lose gracefully. Bot Nix’s attacks on Mark Abbo, who has served Northville Township very respectfully in the past, are a slander to a respectable man. Bob Nix, Fred Shadko and Margie Banner have deeply divided the township. Steve Sundberg
SOUND OFF 4 The ‘Ville
Many made event a success
I want to send a big thank you to all of the volunteers and vendors who gave so generously of their time and talents to help the Northville Historical Society (NHS) pull together the wedding extravaganza we called “Married by the Mayor.” We had eight couples get married in the gazebo on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. The intention was to help couples who had plans dashed due to COVID and to help raise funds for the NHS after we canceled contracts and offered refunds to couples. While it was the right thing to do, the loss of income was devastating to the NHS. The event was covered by WXYZ, raising awareness of what the Northville Historical Society is charged with at Mill Race Village. The NHS is a 501c3 responsible for raising all the funds for the care and upkeep of the Village grounds and buildings as well as providing education on the history of Northville and Michigan. The Village is not tax funded, but relies on donations, memberships and rentals to maintain this gem of the Northville community. On the wedding days, the scene was set by NHS Board Secretary Jen Mihalich, who decked out the gazebo with tulle, flowers, a floral chandelier and twinkle lights. The gazebo, made by students at John Glenn High School in 1979 has never looked more elegant. Upon arrival, couples received their bouquet and boutonniere with flowers they chose, made by Alicia Racine and her staff at Adorn Fine Flowers. Mayor Brian Turnbull worked with each couple ahead of time to plan vows and their ceremony as he volunteered as our officiant for both evenings. Pam McCormick Photography, who supports the Village by purchasing a yearly permit to shoot clients at the park, took photos from their walk down the aisle to the happy recessional. Speaking of walking down the aisle, our couples did so with musical accompaniment from one of Northville’s favorite musicians, Shawn Riley. Thank you to our beloved Stone Gang, especially Kirt Holder, Paul Hinz, Jurgen Switalski, Ed Flayer and Mike DeFrancesco, who cleaned, repaired and painted the gazebo just in time for the event. Many thanks to Martha Michalak, Maria Simonte, Andrea Johanson, Lisa Nemitz, Tim Luikart, Rob Mihalich and Jeff Michalak for volunteering to make sure the grounds were kept private during the rentals and for ringing the New School Church Bell when couples were pronounced married. It took a small but mighty army to ensure that each of our couples had a wedding they will never forget. Jennifer Luikart Business Director Northville Historical Society at Mill Race Village
Please submit your letters by emailing Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com. Letters must be 150 words or less. We reserve the right to edit all letters.
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‘Ready To Get Started’ Abbo team, Republicans cruise to victory in historic election By Kurt Kuban | Photos by Bryan Mitchell
D
espite a lot of drama during the campaign, there wasn’t much on election night. Well, at least when it came to the Northville Board of Trustees race. With a record election turnout in the township, voters elected four new members to the board, including the leadership team. Mark Abbo brushed aside a write-in effort by current Supervisor Bob Nix, earning 11,285 votes, about 81 percent of the total. Abbo defeated Nix by just 39 votes in the August Republican Primary election, but Nix was only able to get a little more than 2,500 people to write in his name for the general election. Similarly, political newcomers Roger Lundberg and Jason Rhines cruised to victory in their races for Clerk
6 The ‘Ville
I’m so honored that people responded to our message and have entrusted us with this responsibility. I think we can get some good things done. Mark Abbo
and Treasurer, respectively, against incumbents Margie Banner and Fred Shadko, who also ran write-in candidacies along with Nix after narrow defeats in the primary. Lundberg took nearly 87 percent of the vote against Banner with 11,542 votes and Rhines captured more than 90 percent with 11,706 votes in his victory over Shadko.
The four Republican Trustee candidates also won. Incumbents Mindy Herrmann (10,990 votes), Scott Frush (10,300 votes) and Chris Roosen (9,945 votes) all won. Cynthia Jankowski, a current Northville School Board member, had a strong showing, coming in second place with 10,755 votes. If there was any surprise at all it was that the two Democrats running for Trustee positions didn’t do too badly in the
traditionally Republican town, particularly Tanya Lundberg, who finished in fifth place with 9,301 votes (16%). M. Aslam rounded out the field with 8,655 votes. Abbo, who served as supervisor from 2000-2012, said he was looking forward to putting the campaign behind him. He said he, Rhines and Lundberg would get to work on implementing their campaign pledges, including eliminating a
1-percent administrative fee the township charges for collecting taxes. “I’m so honored that people responded to our message and have entrusted us with this responsibility,” Abbo said. “I think we can get some good things done.” As for Nix, he doesn’t regret mounting the write-in challenge after his narrow loss in the primary. He said many people who weren’t happy with the primary result encouraged him to run again, and he felt obliged. Not nearly enough of them wrote in his name on Nov. 3. Still, he is proud of his two terms as supervisor. “I think we’ve accomplished a lot, and are leaving the township in better shape than it was eight
Bob Nix stumps for votes for his write-in candidacy on election day. Submitted photo
years ago, especially financially. We were also able to protect our police officers and firefighters, which is so important during this COVID crisis,” Nix said. Jankowski, who had endorsed Nix, called the election “bittersweet” but said she is ready to work with the new board just as she has as a school board member for the last nine years. She said one of her main priorities is to continue working to take action against the Arbor Hills landfill, which has been such a problem for residents living on the west side of town. Overall, she’s just excited to serve the community in this new capacity. “I’ve always been a good financial steward for the school district. I will be a good financial
Gladys Maziarz (purple coat) votes for the first time as her daughter Miranda, 3, looks on at Precinct 5 at Township Hall. Maziarz moved to the U.S. 6 years ago.
steward for the township,” Jankowski said. “I’m ready to get started.” Appeals Court Judge Tom Cameron will swear in all of the winners on Nov. 20th. They will all serve four-year terms. The overall election itself was a doozy. Just shy of 21,000 township voters took part in the election (an 81 percent turnout), with a record number of absentee ballots – 15,951. By comparison, there were roughly 5,000 absentee ballots in 2016, the last presidential election. Clerk Margie Banner said she was “incredibly proud” of the township’s election team, as well as the hundred or so volunteers who worked the election. Complicating the process was the fact that all the write-in ballots had to be hand counted. She said her team finished up around 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning. “We’ve never seen anything like that,” Banner said. “I really want to give thanks to
our election volunteers, who worked the polls during this COVID situation. They are wonderful people who gave their time to contribute to our voting process. You can’t say enough about their efforts.” The City of Northville also had a record turnout on Nov. 3, fueled by the presidential election. Voters in both the city and township favored Joe Biden over Donald Trump. In the city, the total was 2,378 to 1,906, and in the township the difference was 11,001 for Biden and 9,555 for Trump. The other local race worth noting was for Wayne County Commission, where former Northville City Council member Nancy Darga came up short in her bid to knock off incumbent Republican Terry Marecki. Darga earned 34,228 votes (46%) to Marecki’s 39,394 votes (53%). The district encompasses Northville and part of Livonia, where Marecki resides.
The ‘Ville 7
Three New Members Elected To School Board Dealing with COVID on the minds of the incoming board members By Alex Lundberg
N
orthville voters have returned one incumbent and elected three new members of the Northville Schools Board of Education. One of the new members was elected by a onevote margin. Sarah Prescott, the only incumbent in the race, sailed to a first-place finish with 11,377 Sarah Prescott votes. Lisa McIntyre finished in second place with 8,830 votes. After that, things got interesting. Lindsey Wilson came in third place with 7,951 votes. James Mazurek, who previously served on the board, will return, though he beat fifth place finisher Kimberly CampbellVoytal by just one vote -- 7,856 to 7,855. Sherrie Winfield also made a push, coming in sixth place with 7,728 votes. The other runnersup were Blake A. Mathie (5,110), Harihar Kulkarni (3,445) and Douglas Miller (2,911). Wilson, who is an attorney, said the quality of the school
district was one of the big reasons he and his wife chose Northville as a place to raise a family. He is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work. “There’s so much going on right now with COVID-19, schools and closures. This summer when I saw there were going to be four openings on the board, I decided I wanted to compete for one.” He said one of his first priorities would be to insure that the schools weren’t missing any kids as they grew up through the grades. Not every student is going into accelerated learning programs or on other academic or athletic tracks, he Lisa McIntyre said, and the district has to make sure they’re being reached, too. “A lot of kids can get lost in the cracks,” Wilson said. “Kids blossom at their own pace and we have to make sure they all have the same access to district resources so they can have a wonderful and impactful
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experience.” Mazurek, who was on the board from 2010 to 2018, said he ran for the board again at the urging of others, but also out of a concern Lindsey Wilson talked to voters outside of Northville High that with at School on election day. Photo by Bryan Mitchell least three members not running for County voters approved the reelection, there would be a renewal of a six-year, countyloss of experience. He said the wide 2-mill levy for schools. challenges The vote was 68 percent in of the favor overall, 59 percent in pandemic Northville. The millage will are going collect about $90 million in to weigh the first year of effect, 2022, heavily and generate a roughly $350 on the per-student benefit for a cost district and of about $8 per month for the board homeowners. The current James Mazurek needs to millage, first approved in 2016, help as much as it can. will expire in 2021. “As much as Current we want kids board of FINAL VOTE TOTALS back in school education Sarah Prescott 11,377 and feel it’s members Lisa McIntyre 8,830 the best way, Laurie Doner, Lindsey Wilson 7,951 I think we Cynthia James Mazurek 7,856 are going to Jankowski and be online for Matthew Wilk Kimberly Campbell-Voytal 7,855 longer than we did not run for Sherrie Winfield 7,728 all thought,” reelection. The Blake A. Mathie 5,110 Mazurek said. vote count is Harihar Kulkarni 3,445 “We have to based on day improve our after counts hybrid and online learning from Wayne, Washtenaw and procedures. We threw our Oakland Counties and all teachers into this with no results are pending certification warning. We have to help them by county election officals. with tools and training so we The board members-elect can continue to deliver the high will serve four-year terms standards we're used to.” starting in January 2021. Also on the ballot, Wayne
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Dogs to the Rescue
People turning to dogs for companionship during pandemic By Tim Smith
D
uring a crazy, wacky 2020 when nobody really seems to know which end is up when dealing with COVID-19, many folks are turning to canine companionship to get them through it all. Indeed, dogs are being adopted and rescued and brought to their “forever homes” at a dizzying – but heartwarming – pace. Shelters are unable to keep them around for long. Exactly who is rescuing who, though? That is an apt question, since the pandemic definitely has prompted many more people to welcome canines into their families to help them deal with health issues, job uncertainty or just plain loneliness. The dog supply has not always kept up with growing demand. At Premier Pet Supply in Northville, about 300 animals have been adopted right out of the store since it opened six months ago, said coowner Brandon Thorne.
12 The ‘Ville
“A lot of the adoption groups are low on pets because they are adopting them out,” Thorne said. “The (Michigan) Humane Society is low on animals because they’re adopting them out. Breeders are selling them as fast as they have a litter, basically.” A breeder helped Northville resident Kristi Tomasak find Kola, her family’s new Poramarian Bishon puppy. The pandemic definitely played a role in bringing a new dog into their home. “That was one of the main reasons we thought it would be good timing, because we were home so we could train her,” Tomasak noted. “We would be there and wouldn’t have to leave her for hours and hours. “We also thought that once we went back to work it would help with the separation anxiety that our other dog would have with us leaving. They get along fabulous, so it’s worked out great.”
TOUGH TO FIND Jennifer Bicknell, who owns Salon 204 on Main Street in Northville, and her daughters wanted to add a new puppy to the family mix after COVID-19 forced her to shut down her business in March. They had also just lost Boo, their beloved 14-year-old Chihuahua, in January. One March day they brought home Mochi, a Shih Tzu Yorkie mix. “I think it was definitely a result of the pandemic,” Bicknell said. “It was great to spend quality time with a puppy and train it, since we were all at home. In fact, our dog was a little sad when we all kind of went back to work and all of a sudden she was at home alone.” Finding Mochi wasn’t without trials and tribulations. The Bicknells first checked out shelters but there were no dogs to be found. They looked and looked before finally finding Mochi. “My daughter found it on a
Premier Pet Supply in Northville is a great place to adopt a dog.
website on Facebook, (which) connects people with breeders,” said Bicknell, who lives in Southgate. “We did a little research, drove out (to Clinton Township) and picked her up. What was different was, when we had to go get her, everyone had masks and gloves on.” Bicknell is now back running the salon while Mochi regularly visits a doggie day care to socialize with other animals during business hours. But when she is home, the little pup is “sassy” and exponentially
raising the level of positivity for everybody. “It’s really kept everyone busy and interacting,” Bicknell said. “I think puppies, dogs in general, bring so much joy and love into a home. It was definitely needed during all of that (the pandemic shutdown). All of us are just enjoying her tremendously.” Northville resident Sarah Werk is a canine foster parent for Bark Bark Wag (www. barkbarkwag.org) who usually takes in dogs from owner surrenders or Detroit Animal Control – and then waits until rescue organizations can locate forever homes. Werk said her most recent foster (an Aussie Labrador mix, Lulu) was just adopted out. “Most people are working from home now. So they want a companion, because no one can go out,” Werk said. “I just think animals – not even just dogs but cats too – are really good companions and they are really helping people with their depression.” More people also are fostering the animals, in Werk’s case for 501 (c)(3) non-profit Bark Bark Wag – an organization that checks every possible box when vetting prospective new pet owners. “They do everything the right way,” Werk said. “They do vet checks, they do home visits. … They microchip (dogs) to make sure they are completely up to date on shots, and they’re spayed and neutered.” Bark Bark Wag founder Sherry Skinner oversees six foster parent homes in southeast Michigan (including Werk). Because of how the pandemic has kept many people isolated from others, more are wanting to bring dogs into their
lives. Her group does all it can to make that happen. “We’re hearing from people a lot more this year,” Skinner said. “That they’re home more and the reason they are choosing now to adopt is they’re working from home or not working (at all) due to COVID. So it’s a wonderful time to open up their hearts and homes to welcome a dog who is in need.”
Plymouth resident Sarah Mollner and daughter Anakah Blocton on a recent visit to Marv Gans Community Dog Park with their rescued “mutt” Newt.
Not quite experiencing the same level of interest during the pandemic is Northvillebased Waggin’ Tails Dog Rescue, described by volunteer Jodi Von Wihl as being in a “lull overall” since March. The only in-person adoption event was in September and home visits aren’t taking place because more people are nervous about such events while the coronavirus is still a major health threat. “Without the initial meetand-greet that an in-person event offers,” Von Wihl explained, “allowing a potential adopter to connect with a particular dog, people are reluctant to move forward to a home visit.”
In recent months, some were willing to host pets on a temporary basis until being called back to work. But Von Wihl added Addisen Tomasak with her dogs that such a scenario “could potentially dog park registrations are leave us with an influx of dogs available for residents ($40) without a safe place to stay since and non-residents ($80) which we do not own a shelter.” enable owners to use both the Marv Gans and downtown CANINE THERAPY Cady Street dog parks. Since Like a lot of parks, September alone, 77 dog park Northville’s dog parks have licenses have been issued, seen a steady number of visitors helping make up for the Marchduring the pandemic. through-May period when the We caught up with Plymouth facilities were closed due to resident Sarah Mollner and coronavirus. daughter Anakah Blocton on “Our fall session runs until a recent visit to Marv Gans December, so if that trend Community Dog Park on Five continues then that number Mile west of Beck Road. They would be pretty good for us,” had brought along Newt, a Lesmeister said. “We got “mutt” they rescued in 2019 three calls just last week from from the Huron Valley Humane Plymouth residents looking to Society. use our parks.” Mollner said the dog park is a The booming interest in perfect place for Newt to get rid adopting or rescuing dogs of any pent-up energy. And the also means businesses such as dog park has also been a good Premier Pet Supply are called experience for her and other upon to help educate new humans, as well, especially owners on everything from safe during a time when nerves are toys to nutritious food and tips frayed about everything from for helping the animals socially wearing masks to maintaining adjust to new surroundings. proper social distancing. “We’re really about educating “He (Newt) gets me out here and helping to teach customers to the park, where I socialize about pets, whether it’s dogs, safely, at a distance, with most cats, or small animals,” said of the other people who come Thorne, whose store is located here,” said Mollner, who found on Haggerty Road south of out about the Northville Parks Eight Mile. “Especially with and Recreation DepartmentCOVID. A lot of people are run facility through doing basic home and … they have the time. research. But they also want to make David Lesmeister, of sure they (animals) get the Northville Parks and socialization, it’s really crucial Recreation, said annual for them.”
The ‘Ville 13
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(Left) Sophomore Avi Gill came through with a 79 in the state finals to finish 14th individually. (Middle) Haesol Park tied for 14th individually at the state finals with a 79. (Right) Senior captain Katelyn Tokarz averaged 78.9 and placed 14th in the D1 finals with a 79.
Extra Special Finish NHS girls golf team claims third straight state title By Brad Emons | Photos By Deb Stein
T
alk about saving their best for last. without any bogeys to pull out the victory. Although they suffered some hiccups “The way this team finished was really along the way during an altered impressive,” Northville coach Chris Cronin COVID-19 fall season, the Northville said. “They were using the iWanamaker app girls golf team hoisted their third consecutive MHSAA Division 1 championship trophy on Oct. 16 at Michigan State’s Forest Akers East Course. Instead of the traditional two-day tournament, the MHSAA scaled it back to a one-day shootout and the Mustangs were up to the task as they Junior Megha Vallabhaneni was Northville’s second best scorer during the overhauled runnerseason with a 76.9 average. up Rochester Adams down the stretch to win by nine for the first time, so the kids were able to strokes, 313-322. get and see pretty much real time scoring With just four holes to play, Northville updates. So, they knew exactly where they was trailing Adams by two shots, but all were standing with their scores.” five players collectively shot under-par and
16 The ‘Ville
A GROUP EFFORT All five Northville players earned a top 20 finish led by sophomore Samantha Coleman, who tied for sixth individually with a 75. Also scoring were sophomore Avi Gill and junior Haesol Park, each whom tied for 14th with 79 each, while senior Katelyn Tokarz placed 18th with an 80. Junior Megha Vallabhaneni, the team’s No. 2 golfer all season, finished 19th with an 81. “We still could have won the tournament had we not taken our top score,” Cronin said. “What separates this team from a lot of other teams is the depth that we have.” Coleman was able to overcome a twostroke penalty to earn a top 10 individual finish. “It was tough because she was playing really, really good golf,” Cronin said. “It took a lot for her to mentally refocus. We spent some time talking between (holes) nine and 10. I credit her and she was able to get herself right. She has skills beyond the ability to swing a golf club.” Average-wise, Coleman led the Mustangs all season long with a 75.2 for 18-hole
tourneys, including eight top 10 finishes. She was a medalist at the Highest Honors Invitational. “The one thing I appreciate about Sam is just her competitive nature and her drive,” Cronin said. “She plays in the summer all the time. Her goal is to get to the state finals and win it. She’s a wonderful teammate and is all about team golf. I can’t tell you how I appreciate that. She’s a great person to coach.” Gill, who averaged 83 for 18 during the season, did not play in the regional but capitalized on her opportunity at the state finals against the backdrop of an elongated 5,700-yard MSU East Course. “I credit her because she kept herself ready and when the time came, she stepped up,” Cronin said. “And she stepped up in a big way.” Park’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. Over the final four holes she shot 3-under par. She was the team’s No. 4 scorer during the season. She averaged 79.8 with eight top 10s. “She was having a decent round, but really flipped it,” Cronin said. “What a difference maker that was. I think what was incredible is that we had -of the four girls who scored for us – four birdied their last hole. They knew what they needed to do and just went out and did it. Special players do that.” Tokarz, who carried the team’s No. 3 average this season with a 78.9, including seven top 10s, finished off her own personal hat trick. She played on four consecutive state finals teams for the Mustangs while winning three. “Consistency really defines her career,” Cronin said. “She
The Mustangs state championship team of (from left) Haesol Park, Avi Gill, Katelyn Tokarz, Megha Vallabhaneni and Samantha Coleman.
has been a rock-solid performer for us. That consistency comes from hard work and dedication.” Although her score didn’t count in the state finals, Vallabhaneni improved her scoring average this fall by two strokes with a 76.9. She took medalist honors at the Sander Memorial Invitational with an even-par 72 and posted five top five finishes in the 10 tournaments. “Megha took the next step this season,” Cronin said. “Megha’s greatest improvement came in her mental game. In 2019, she started the season playing incredible golf, but she struggled to find scoring opportunities at the end of the season. This year Megha was able to persevere through the rough patches and be a key contributor for us down the stretch.” A DIFFERENT PATH Unlike the previous two state championships seasons when
the Mustangs went undefeated in all tournaments and dual matches, this fall had a different feel to it despite winning nine tournaments. Northville encountered stiff competition within its own West Division of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association. Plymouth, which finished fourth in the state finals, edged the Mustangs at the Lake Forest Golf Club regional, 326-330. They also won the West Division with a 7-0 record after defeating the Mustangs in a dual match. Plymouth also seized the KLAA postseason tourney to gain a co-share of the KLAA crown after Northville had captured the preseason conference tournament. Meanwhile, Brighton (tied for sixth) and Hartland (ninth), both members of the KLAA West, earned top 10 finishes at the D1 finals in East Lansing. “This was a different year,” Cronin said. “I would chalk that up to there was a lot of talent at the D1 level. It was really
impressive how talented the field was. Obviously winning the first one is hard because we’d never done it as a program, but I think this one is extra special because it wasn’t easy getting there and we weren’t perfect the whole way. The girls absolutely executed when they had to.” Four of the team’s eight players return next season, so the future remains bright for the orange and black. Seniors Lauren McGowan (captain), Victoria Boisineau and Sara Shinotsuka, however, will be missed off the Mustangs’ ‘A’ team as they graduate in 2021. Among the other returning juniors include Meghana Lanker, who averaged 83 for the season and appeared at the regional, along with Emily Hofner and Brynn Reed. Other varsity returnees include sophomores Amber Phull, Allyson Zuidema and Sanjna Singhal, and freshmen Meera Sankar and Aubrey Pelon. But before handicapping the 2021 season and a possible four-peat, the year 2020 will be something to savor down the road in Cronin’s eyes. “There were things at the end where we got some luck and we played really well,” he said. “Once we knew what the format was going to be, we started talking about it. We knew where the tournament was going to be. We knew what kind of score it would take to win. Our mantra was we just needed to play our best golf at the end of the season. The girls’ confidence was high and I could tell going they really believed that was the kind of performance they were going to put out there on Friday, and they did.”
The ‘Ville 17
‘The Problem Must Stop’ Local leaders applaud state’s legal action against landfill owner By Alex Lundbe
A
fter years of complaints from Northville residents, the state’s top prosecutor is moving forward with plans to take the owners of the Arbor Hills landfill to court to get them to clean up their act. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Oct. 23 that her office is taking legal action against Advanced Disposal Services, the owner of the landfill. At a press conference at Marv Gans Park, the AG said she filed lawsuit to correct air pollution and waste management violations at the Arbor Hills landfill in the Ingham County Circuit Court on behalf of the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). Nessel said the landfill’s operators had failed to maintain systems designed to keep decomposition gases and leachate (rainwater that drains through garbage) out of contact with the air and groundwater. She said the failure to properly manage the gas and leachate was a violation of state and federal environmental standards.
18 The ‘Ville
Nessel said residents were being afflicted by the stench coming off the landfill, a situation that has to end. “The violations have contributed to nuisance odors that have plagued nearby communities for far too long,” Nessel said. “People in the area have had to endure the stench emanating from the landfill for years, leaving them to suffer from nausea, headaches and sore throats. Those problems must stop.” Nessel said the action would fix the problem, ensure a comprehensive solution that protects the environment and public health in a timely, enforceable schedule that holds the company accountable with “significant civil fines.” Monya Ibrahim is the parent of a second grader at nearby Ridgewood Elementary. She said she and other parents were concerned about the smell wafting past the schoolyard and decided to do something about it. “I live near it, I can smell it at home,” she
said. “We asked the (Northville) schools why there were no chemical detectors at the elementary and they said it was a political issue and they didn’t want to get involved.” Taking them at their word, she and other parents launched a petition drive to get chemical detectors at the school and got more than 500 residents signed on. She said the announcement from the attorney general was welcome, but she said it was not a pat-them-on-the-back situation. “I’m happy something will be done and I hope the township will prevent the landfill from expanding,” Ibrahim said. “I would hope they would do this without residents pushing them from behind. I feel that our elected officials took too long to take action.” Northville Township Supervisor Robert Nix, noting the landfill is located in nearby Salem Township, said the smell from the landfill has been growing over the past five years and its parent company has been deaf to residents’ complaints. “In that period, EGLE has written 30 violations for repairs,” he said. “These are all nuisance odors; people can’t go into their own backyards.” Nix said the township contacted EGLE at the end of 2018 and asked the agency to pursue accelerated enforcement actions against Arbor Hills. A month later, EGLE sent a letter to the company announcing their intention to take enforcement action. In July, the township went the extra step of asking the AG to help out. Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt
You have to comply with the law. We have compliance or you’re shut down, end of story. If you can’t operate safely, you shouldn’t operate at all.
Dana Nessel Michigan Attorney General
Heise was also at the press conference. He said thousands of people in the northwestern corner of Plymouth Township were getting some of the landfill’s breeze and he wanted to weigh in for Plymouth residents. He said it wasn’t just about the smell, either. “It’s about the truck traffic and the damage to Five Mile Road,” Heise said. “If you run into congestion at Beck and M-14, it’s probably a stalled garbage hauler.” State Rep. Matt Koleszar was among several state officials to attend the press conference. He said he heard a lot of complaints about smells coming from the landfill when he was campaigning doorto-door in 2018. About a year later, when he participated in a joint public meeting
with Northville Township leaders and EGLE, almost 350 residents joined in the discussion. The problem, he said, is that there aren’t effective mechanisms to keep polluters in line. He said he and State Sen. Dayna Polehanki (also at the announcement) introduced legislation in the state house and senate, respectively, to increase the fines and penalties for polluters by a factor of 10. He hopes that raising the cost of the violation will constitute a real deterrent to polluters in the future. Polehanki said meaningful consequences are necessary, and that means they have to affect a violator’s bottom line to work. “Running a landfill is a lucrative endeavor,” Polehanki said. “A $5,000 fine is
not going to touch you. If the penalties are increased as I outlined in my bill, it will put a dent in them.” Nessel said Advanced Disposal could be looking at serious fines. “If we’re not able to come up with a satisfactory plan, there can be significant financial repercussions, as each violation has a fine attached and there are multiple violations alleged,” Nessel said. “You have to comply with the law. We have compliance or you’re shut down, end of story. If you can’t operate safely, you shouldn’t operate at all.” Representatives of Advanced Disposal Services did not return multiple calls for comment on this story.
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Shop Local
Now more than ever
Downtown businesses offer unique gifts for a holiday season like no other By Wensdy Von Buskirk
Pear-Aphernalia in downtown Northville is known for decking its halls for the holidays. Owners Jenny Grochowski and her mom, Peggy Stowe, close their home decor boutique for a long weekend in order to transform it into a winter wonderland. Normally, they reopen with a big party to kick off their busiest shopping week of the year. With COVID, it’s different, Grochowski says. People are shopping earlier, so they moved their seasonal revamp up a few weeks. Instead of a launch party, they staged a quiet open house to ring in the season. Still, they expect a good amount of customers since home is the focal point of 2020 holiday festivities.
22 The ‘Ville
Growchowski said the trend for trees is to adorn them with flowers, picks, leaves, branches and oversized ornaments. PearAphernalia features examples in cabernet and gold, “elegant lodge,” and hopeless romantic — a girly confection of black and pink on a white flocked tree that
embodies the saying “‘Tis the season to sparkle.” Growchowski says people seem to realize now more than ever the importance of shopping local, especially when it comes to home decor. “You really need to see it in person, and be able to touch and
feel it,” she says. “People come into Pear-Aphernalia to find something special and unique.” Especially popular this year, Growchowski says, are nativity scenes of all styles and sizes, and Sid Dickens Memory Blocks ($107), hand-painted wall hangings with messages written on the back. “They’re decorative and sentimental and make beautiful gifts,” she says. In the spirit of shopping local, The ’Ville dug up some ideas from local merchants. Use these as your inspiration to shop all the stores and services Northville offers in its beautiful downtown.
are welcome in the store, and owner Rosemarie Misiolek says they love the toy room she sets up every Christmas. “It’s a huge hit,” she says.
DANCING EYE GALLERY This Northville shop at the corner of Main and Center is a wonderful place to pick up fun, inexpensive gifts for friends or family members who are hard to buy for. It’s impossible not to find something here. Owner Theresa Shierloh recommends unique ornaments by artist Amy Flesher featuring Godzilla or Robert Smith from The Cure; a Michigan mug by Midwest Supply; or Northville Nites candles (all $20). ORIN JEWELERS This classic Northville business has everything you need, from diamond and gemstone classics to the latest trends. Just in time for the holidays, Orin is unveiling London-based jewelry brand Ania Haie. All pieces — like a mother of pearl drop disc necklace ($75) or sparkle cascade huggie hoops ($79) — are crafted in 925 sterling silver, plated with rhodium or 14kt gold. Orin is open 7 days a week throughout December. CELEBRITY PETS CO. You can’t forget Fido during the holidays, and Celebrity Pets has A-list gifts for the furry friends in your life. Stuff your doggie’s stocking with best-selling No Hides chews ($4.99-$11.99); holiday cookies (starting at $1.59 each or $20 for gift boxes); or an adorable knit sweater (starting at $30), all handmade in Michigan. Pets
NORTHVILLE ART HOUSE The Northville Art House Gift Shop is open all year round stocked with handmade treasures, but this season, a special exhibit will make finding the perfect gift even easier. “Small Works” features more than 150 pint-sized pieces by 67 artists, including “Foxy Teapot” by Northville’s own Janice Wilkiemeyer. Shop drawings, paintings, photography, ceramics, fused glass, metalwork and textiles through Dec. 12 at the Art House, as well as a Small Works Pop-Up Market at Northville’s Marquis Theatre, open select hours. For more information visit www. northvillearthouse.org. ADORN Who doesn’t love fresh flowers or greenery to brighten up their holiday home? Stop by Adorn’s outdoor holiday greens market in front of the shop for pre-made wreaths, swags, garland, birch poles and more. Inside, discover decorated potted Christmas trees ($25 and up), holiday themed grab-andgo bouquets, custom designed centerpieces and uber unique ornaments.
SUGAR LU You can’t go wrong with candy. This old-fashioned but completely modern sweet shop has tons of great stocking stuffers and teacher gifts, plus mixed chocolate platters with beautiful handmade truffles in unique flavors (starting at $25). Just visiting this cute little shop is a treat in itself. BROWNDOG CREAMERY Browndog is widely known for its small-batch craft ice cream and unique spiked drinks, but for those in-theknow, it’s also famous for its Yule Log ($34.99). This scratch-made chocolate cake is stuffed with salted caramel filling, covered in chocolate buttercream, and decorated with a festive flourish. Order online at BrowndogBarlor. com starting the day after Thanksgiving. They sell out fast! SPICE & TEA MERCHANTS With minimizing and downsizing now in vogue, consumable gifts are always appreciated. Visit Spice Merchants for gifts of tea, exotic spices and olive oils packaged to please the most discerning palate. DEAR PRUDENCE, BLACKBIRD & SGT. PEPPERS Aimy Young manages three
boutique concepts in downtown Northville — all with a rockin’ selection of gifts for women and teens. At Dear Prudence, women are scooping up blouses and sweaters to look pretty up top for work-from-home Zoom calls. At Sgt. Pepper, a pop-up inside Dear Prudence, teens are loving casual clothes for virtual learning. “Anything soft,” Young says. “Joggers, sweatshirts, graphic tees, anything with patterns and fun.” And next door at Blackbird there’s a trove of gift picks and stocking stuffers that will make any gal smile. MOD MARKET It always feels good to find gifts that support a great cause, and that’s exactly what MOD Market offers. An enterprise of Living and Learning Enrichment Center, this inclusive artisan market, gift shop and coffee bar provides job training and employment
Shop continued on page 24
The ‘Ville 23
Shop continued from page 23
opportunities for individuals with disabilities right in the heart of downtown Northville. Stop in for handmade items like Jack’s crayons, which come with a complimentary coloring page created by artist Nick Bair, or a custom drawing of your loved one’s Northville home by Logan G. (starting at $90, order in advance). STUDIO 170 A ticket to pampering is always well-received, especially during these stressful and uncertain times. Studio 170 offers gift cards in any denomination that can be spent on services like a deep tissue aromatherapy massage, as well as merchandise in the spa’s fashion and beauty-focused
boutique. Splurge on enough to cover a year’s worth of mani/ pedis, or an anti-maskne facial for the front line worker in your life.
local and Michigan artists. In addition, they have a full range of fun gifts and boutique items. And they currently have cool mini balloon dog banks and sculptures starting at just $37.50. Visit www. northvillegallery.com.
GARDENVIEWS AT HOME A walk through this longstanding Northville gift shop offers inspiration at every turn. Trending now are starbursts with 125 warm white or multi color lights ($57). Also popular are collectable Mark Robert elves and fairies ranging ($81$169). So cute!
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 28 Launched in 2010, this annual shopping event occurs the last Saturday of November. Here are three reasons to shop local in Northville this holiday season: Small businesses generate $68 of local economic return for every $100 spent with them, as compared to an estimated $14 for big box stores. More than $9.3 billion would be directly returned to our economy if every U.S. family spent just $10 a month at a local business.
THE NORTHVILLE GALLERY Everyone knows The Gallery is a great place to get a photo or piece of art framed, but they also offer plenty of original artwork and limited edition prints by wonderful
Small businesses donate 250 percent more than large businesses to community causes. Source: Fundera
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Heat in the Streets
Downtown structures will allow for outdoor dining through winter By Wensdy Von Buskirk
N
orthville’s Social District has been such a hit, officials are working on a way to make it last all winter long. Since June, the Social District has closed Main and Center streets in the heart of downtown, allowing restaurants affected by COVID capacity restrictions to offer outdoor dining. The effort has drawn crowds, and city officials don’t want chilly weather to curtail the fun. That’s why they’re backing Heat in the Streets. The effort calls for modular structures to be built and installed throughout the Social District, allowing local restaurants to sell food and beverages on the streets, and diners to gather in heated shelters to enjoy them. “We started thinking this fall about what was going to happen to the downtown once the weather changed and it would be too cold to sit in our extended patio areas,” said Northville DDA Director Lori Ward. “We want to create an environment that will allow restaurants to thrive.”
26 The ‘Ville
For the foreseeable future, restaurants throughout the state are limited to 50 percent capacity to prevent the spread of COVID. Many Northville restaurants are planning their own outdoor structures, from igloos to greenhouses, to supplement seating. The city aims to add a public option with Heat in the Streets. Four food stands in and around Town Square will allow restaurants to sell warm, seasonal dishes from soups, stews and chili to roasted chestnuts, latkes and grilled sausages; along with beverages like mulled wine, Irish coffee, cocoa and hot toddies. Priority will be given to restaurants that don’t have direct access to the social district, such as Garage Grill and Fuel Bar, Northville Sports Den and North Center Brewing Company. The stands will be complemented by up to 16 modular pods that can be arranged individually or in groups, with tables running down the center where people can gather to eat and drink food they purchase from the stands,
or from the many restaurants in the Social District that offer carry-out. The modern, attractive structures, designed by OX Studio of Ann Arbor, will be heated and lit, with wood deck flooring, steel framing and clear vinyl roll-up walls. “Other communities were looking at hard enclosures, but we wanted to take a different approach,” Ward says. “Instead of shutting ourselves in, we want to embrace winter and be an outdoor experience.” The DDA put up seed money for the project, and is seeking sponsorships to cover the rest of the estimated $250,000 total cost. Up2Go International, a software business with its headquarters on Main Street, kicked off the business-based sponsorships by funding the architectural work and fabrication of the first two pods. According to Lori Ward, Up2Go CEO Manfred Schon wanted to help businesses that were more affected by the pandemic than his own. “There are some businesses in the downtown that have not
been harmed by COVID-19 financially. Some business types have been spared from the financial hit some other businesses have taken,” Ward says. “The goal is to give back to the community and share the expense of some of these improvements so they can continue to recover. We’ve heard that from donors who have given so far. They’re in a good spot with their business and want to help others.” The pods will be built and installed as the money is raised, with the first going up by the end of November. According to Ward, only about 12 cities in Michigan have established Social Districts. Northville streets will remain closed through at least March 1, and live music, sidewalk sales, and special events will continue. Eight local restaurants authorized to sell liquor-to-go are working to extend their special licenses as well. For more information on Heat in the Streets sponsorship, contact Ward at lward@ ci.northville.mi.us or (248) 349-0345.
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The old Gibson house, which was located on Six Mile near Sheldon, has been demolished. Gibson family lore says it was built in 1832.
‘A Sad Day For Our Community’ Oldest building in Northville Township demolished By Maria Taylor
A
piece of Northville Township history bit the dust last month. The old Gibson house, located just west of Northville Township Hall at Six Mile and Sheldon, has been demolished. Dating from the 1800s — Gibson family lore says 1832 — it was quite possibly the oldest surviving building in the Township, according to members of the Northville Township Historic District Commission. Until this October. The little white farmhouse at 44711 Six Mile Road had been on the “endangered” list, as far as historic buildings go, for several years. It was put on the market in 2018 as part of a trust. Situated on 1.67 acres of property, it was a prime target
28 The ‘Ville
Myra and Harriet Gibson’s grandfather visited the home circa 1910.
for redevelopment. The Historic District Commission tried to convince the owner to save it and even won a temporary stay of demolition. But in
the end, property owners’ rights outweighed historic preservation, reported Fred Shadko, Northville Township trustee and a member of the HDC.
The house sold for $260,000 this June and, by early October, had been covered in orange spray paint and then torn down. Northville Township does not have a centralized historic district the way the City of Northville does because the Township was predominantly farmland, dotted with farmhouses built by the early settlers. Now there is one less. “This is a historic property, and demolition of the home was a sad day for our community,” Shadko said. The new owner has not indicated to the township what will be built on the property. It is zoned for one residential home, but the property can be split.
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Goodfellows Newspaper Drive to take place during Greens Market
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or years, the annual traditional farmers market Goodfellows Newspaper vendors. Drive has taken place on the Rotary will be one of several second Saturday in December, local organizations with a booth when you would find Northville on site, where they will solicit Rotarians on downtown street donations for Civic Concern. corners with buckets in hand Members will also be located soliciting donations from at several downtown locations the public. All of the money where traffic is permitted collected is then donated to during Greens Market hours. Northville Civic Concern, a For at least three decades, local non-profit that provides Rotary’s Goodfellows food and other living necessities to hundreds of households right here in our community. Like most everything else in 2020, the Goodfellows Northville Rotary members Alan Somershoe (left) and Mike drive this Vetter present an $8,000 check to Northville Civic Concern's year will be Marlene Kunz after last year's Goodfellows Newspaper Drive. different. Since much of downtown is closed to Newspaper Drive has helped vehicle traffic, Northville Rotary make the holidays a little will be collecting donations in brighter for families who need it conjunction with the annual the most. Last year, for example, Greens & Winter Market, which the effort raised $8,000. itself is on the move this year. The funds are vital to Civic The event takes place 9 a.m.-1 Concern’s “No Child Without p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21 and 9 A Christmas” campaign. This a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 22 at year’s Goodfellows campaign a new location, the corner of 7 has a theme: Northville Feeds Mile and Center Streets (across Northville. from the Northville Downs) The Northville Township – the home of the popular Firefighters Charity Fund, Northville Farmers Market. which has been partnering Organized by the Northville with Rotary in this endeavor Chamber of Commerce, the for several years, has also aided Greens Market will feature the effort as local firefighters lots of vendors selling holiday collected donations on their items like wreaths, roping, and own time near Kroger’s at Six décor, as well as many of the Mile and Haggerty. Because
30 The ‘Ville
of COVID-19, it is uncertain whether the firefighters will be soliciting donations this year. If you are interested in donating this year, but will not be around during the Greens Market, several downtown businesses will have Goodfellows collection jars out on three days (Nov. 25, 27-28). The businesses include: Poole’s Tavern, Table 5, Lucy & The Wolf, Gardenviews at Home, The Northville Gallery, Spice & Tea Merchants, Studio
170, Joseph’s Coney Island, Tirami Su, Early Bird, and Le George. Lastly, you can use your smart phone to scan the included QR code, open the link and donate. For more information about Northville Rotary, visit www. northvillerotary.org. For more information, about the Greens and Winter Market, visit www. northville.org/holidaygreens-market. For more information about Northville Civic Concern, visit northvillevolunteer. wixsite.com/civicconcern.
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Phoenix Mill Restoration Takes Shape Ford-built historic structure readies for 2021 opening By Michele Fecht
I
n the two years since its “For two to three months we purchase, Phoenix Mill, could not have any contractors the former 1922 Henry on our site (due to COVID),” Ford village industry factory said Greg Donofrio, co-principal on Northville Road in with Rick Cox of Critical Mass, Plymouth Township, has been LLC, which purchased the painstakingly transformed to Albert Kahn-designed structure closely resemble the original in 2018. “And for awhile we historic structure. couldn’t get contractors. Now Gone are the boards that for decades covered the windows and limestone relief on the generator tower. Likewise, original steel doors found in a rubbish heap have Much of the exterior renovation work has been completed. been restored and hung, and some 1,300 windows have been it’s really coming along,” he said, replaced. adding that they are hoping to And that’s just the short list. open the building in April 2021. It is an impressive Donofrio and Cox have undertaking at a time of collaborated for more than 20 extraordinary uncertainty. The years with projects including project was originally targeted the restoration of the former for completion this year but 1940s Studebaker building in like most everything else it was Northville. Their most recent stalled for many months due to acquisition is the Newburgh COVID. Mill purchased last December. Phoenix is one of three Ford Yes, they now have two of the village industry structures — three Mill Run project historic the others are Newburgh in plants in their portfolio. Due to Livonia and Wilcox in Plymouth COVID and the due diligence — that were placed on the period, the partners are market in 2018 as part of Wayne still working through a time County’s Mill Run Placemaking schedule for the Newburgh Project, a plan to redevelop the plant but hope to start the three historic sites along the project next summer. Middle Rouge River. Of course, Cox is no stranger
32 The ‘Ville
to renovating historic Ford factories. He and his wife, Diane, reshaped Northville’s historic Ford Valve Plant (now the Water Wheel Centre) — another of Henry Ford’s village industry factories — into an award winning commercial site.
‘GOOD BONES’
Despite years of neglect (the building sat vacant for more than a decade), the Phoenix Mill’s “good bones” and Albert Kahn design were evident in the mass of rubble, broken windows, leaky roof and discarded furniture when Donofrio and Cox purchased the building. Undaunted by the challenges — to say nothing of the cost — the partners have meticulously restored the structure, taking pains to find contractors who can replicate original details. Among the first projects was replacing the leaky roof and drains. Over the years, rain had seeped into the structure damaging the original white maple flooring on the first level.
They now are in the process of restoring the floors. It took a year to replace the 1,300 glass panes with new, Low-E, double-paned glass fitted into the original steel sash frames. Damaged frames had to be stripped to the bare metal and / or restored in areas with missing or broken pieces. The plant’s original steel doors were removed in the 1950s and fortunately found in the building’s rubble. Donofrio noted it cost $20,000 to restore the doors. In addition, other entry doors to the building were custom made to match the original steel doors — a cost three to four times more than normal commercial doors. On the back of the building (the west side), terra cotta camelback tile coping pieces were found on the roofline. A company in Chicago replicated the original pieces to replace those that were missing. Again, a more expensive option to modern copings. Below the glass on the generator tower that faces
The ground level will be used as event space with the upper level designed for a restaurant.
Northville Road (east side), the limestone panel was restored using historic photos of the original piece to replicate the design work. “I don’t think the limestone has been seen since the 1920s,” Donofrio said. Among the most intriguing elements on the structure’s exterior is a rail and trolley system near the roofline. The system supported the blast / black out curtain used during the defense production years of World War II. Donofrio noted that the system was constructed of U.S.–made Bethlehem Steel and was “painstakingly” cleaned, detailed and restored “at height” which made the work more challenging. Additional steps were taken to inspect and improve the security of the rail on the building.
NEXT PHASE
Interior work is now under way on the elevator shaft with plans to install a new elevator that allows access to both the ground and first levels but does not impact the historical look of the building. Under the umbrella of Phoenix Mill Events, the ground level will be used as event space with the upper level designed for a restaurant. When
The plant opened in 1922 with an all-female work force more adept at assembling delicate automotive parts.
the building was purchased, Mishelle and John Lussier, owners of the Table 5 and Lucy & The Wolf restaurants in downtown Northville, expressed interest in the project. Donofrio said COVID has presented extraordinary challenges for restaurants and that he and Cox are keeping the Lussiers engaged but are respectful of the pandemic’s impact. The Lussiers could not be reached for comment. In addition to the ongoing interior renovation, work on the five-acre site includes continued options for parking and improved connectivity between the mill’s green space and Hines Park with the addition of bicycle parking, flower beds, improved access to the river and the opening of the viewshed to Phoenix Lake.
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“Our goal from the beginning was to provide a park-like experience for the community,” Donofrio explained. “We want to seamlessly integrate our property into the surrounding Hines Park area. Our goal will be to remove existing hard surface while still providing adequate parking for our tenants.” Donofrio continues to work on parking issues addressed earlier by the Plymouth Township Planning Commission.
HOMAGE TO HENRY
Since their purchase of the Phoenix Mill, Donofrio and Cox — both mechanical engineers with a passion for the automotive industry and an obvious keen interest in factory redevelopment — have referred
to the plant restoration as the Henry Project. “We know that Henry Ford loved to visit and drive by the village industry buildings which were his pet projects,” Donofrio explained. The plant opened in 1922 with an all-female work force more adept at assembling delicate automotive parts such as carburetor cutouts, stoplight switches and voltage regulators. At its peak of production in 1940, the Phoenix plant had 280 employees and produced 3,200 voltage regulators a day. When war was declared in 1941, the plant was turned over to war production as part of the Arsenal of Democracy. Defense parts produced included instrument panels, Pratt & Whitney components and by 1944, production of the automatic pilot and junction boxes for the B-24 bomber produced at the Willow Run plant. The plant closed in 1948 when Ford Motor Company deeded the property to the Wayne County Road Commission. Donofrio said the Henry Project is designed to bring people through the building and grounds not only for hospitality and recreation but also to gain an understanding of the industrial history.
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It’s Your Business Orin Jewelers
Antoinette Kramar (right) is taking over for her dad, Orin Jeweler’s President and CEO Orin Mazzoni, Jr. (left).
Room to Grow Orin Jewelers moving all operations to Northville location By Alex Lundberg
O
rin Jewelers, a fixture of downtown Northville for nearly 40 years, will be getting a little bigger in the coming year as it centralizes its business operations from two locations into one. The other location, on Ford Road in Garden City, closed last month after 68 years. Antoinette Kramar of Northville, daughter of Orin Jeweler’s President and CEO Orin Mazzoni, Jr., is taking over the operation. She said the family has run their store in downtown Northville since 1981, but only in half of the building. The other half they rented out to The Spice
34 The ‘Ville
Orin and Mary Mazzoni at the original Orin Jewelers in Garden City.
Merchant, who got the news last year that they were going to have to move. “They wanted to extend their lease, but we told them what
we wanted to do and gave them until 2021 to find a new place,” she said. “They were able to find something sooner.” The Spice Merchant has
since moved to the former space of Rock on Main. Kramar said the owner of the clothing store retired and The Spice Merchant, so it worked out perfectly. Now, Orin will use the extra space for its repair operation and the offices that used to be in the Garden City location. Kramar said the decision to move from a place they’d done business in for almost 70 years was personal. “My dad and I talked about the future,” Kramar said. “He turns 74 this year and I’ve got three kids at home.” Simply put, maintaining two stores in two cities was not going to work for her. She said the Northville store was closer to her and had the necessary room to house the full operation and there was room to grow. She said her father is not retiring from the business. ‘’Business is good,” she said. “People come to us because we’ve been here for a long time. Even if they haven’t been through the door they know who we are and because of our age, they can trust us.” Orin said the family’s history in the business stretches back to the 1920s when his own father used to stare through the window of a watchmaker’s shop on the way home from school. An apprenticeship arrangement was made and he left school to start work. He had only completed the sixth grade, but back then having a trade was seen as more important than going to school. “He opened his first store in West Virginia at age 18,” Mazzoni said. “He opened a couple of others before the early 40s when he went to join the army.” He said his father made the
benefitted from his years in the missing out on a silver fashion business, and they know they line and other items that run in can go there to get specialized the $100 to $200 range. “My dad work done. While Orin does not tried to find a balance. We have have its own line of jewelry, they everything, the full spectrum.” can produce their customers’ The expanded jewelry designs. Kramar said they work store in Northville, which was from pictures or sketches to renovated in 2017, is not going create custom designs. to look very different inside or “We made a necklace for a out. woman out of “There’s her husband’s a large diamond load-bearing ADDRESS: 101 E. Main Street, band,” Kramar wall and a Northville said. “If fireplace,” PHONE: (248) 349-6940 people want Kramar said. WEBSITE: www.orinjewelers.com something new “We’re just or unique, we going to join can do that.” the two areas with a walkway. It While they deal in gold, was just renovated in 2017.” gemstones and diamonds, it’s The original plan was to have not all high-dollar items. She the expanded Northville store said that people who might shy up and running by Christmas. away from the store because Kramar said it’s now more likely they weren’t considering to be sometime during the first diamonds and jewels are quarter of 2021.
ORIN JEWELERS
Orin Jewelers is located at the corner of Main and Center.
decision to move to Michigan after bringing his wife and kids here to visit family. At the time, he said Garden City looked a lot like Northville does now. They rented a storefront with a flat above it and opened the first Orin Jewelers, living above it for the next 10 years. Later, when Garden City municipal offices moved from
a converted bank on Ford Road to their current location in 1963, his father moved the business there. Mazzoni said it was a big gamble, but his father considered a place on a corner was better than a place in the middle of a block and they had been there ever since. The people who have shopped at his stores have
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BASKETBALL
VARSITY BOYS
VARSITY GIRLS
Fri Thurs
Dec 11 Dec 17
Ann Arbor Skyline Lake Orion
7:30 7:00
Fri
Dec 4
Woodhaven
7:00
Fri
Dec 11
Skyline
6:00
Mon
Dec 28
Tourn vs. Allen Park Cabrini
7:00
Thurs
Dec 17
Hartland
7:00
Tues
Dec 29
Tourn vs. South Lyon or MI Coll.
3:00 or 7:00
Mon
Dec 28
Northville Holiday Tournament
TBA
Tues Fri Tues Fri Tues Fri Tues Tues Fri Tues Fri Tues Fri Tues Fri Tues
Jan 5 Jan 8 Jan 12 Jan 15 Jan 19 Jan 22 Jan 26 Feb 2 Feb 5 Feb 9 Feb 12 Feb 16 Feb 19 Feb 23 Feb 26 Mar 2
Plymouth Brighton Canton Salem Howell Novi Hartland Plymouth Brighton Canton Salem Howell Novi Hartland KLAA Tournament KLAA Tournament
7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00
Tues
Dec 29
Northville Holiday Tournament
TBA
Tues
Jan 5
Plymouth
7:00
Fri
Jan 8
Brighton
7:00
Tues
Jan 12
Canton
7:00
Fri
Jan 15
Salem
7:00
Tues
Jan 19
Howell
7:00
Fri
Jan 22
Novi
5:30
Tues
Jan 26
Hartland
7:00
Tues
Feb 2
Plymouth
7:00
Fri
Feb 5
Brighton
7:00
Tues
Feb 9
Canton
7:00
Fri
Feb 12
Salem
7:00
Tues
Feb 16
Howell
7:00
Fri
Feb 19
Novi
6:00
Mon
Feb 22
(KLAA Cross-Over)
7:00
Mon
Mar 8
MHSAA Districts
TBD
Thurs
Feb 25
(KLAA Cross-Over)
7:00
*Home Games are in Orange. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be limited capacity at games. Fans will be able to view games at: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/northville-high-school-northville-mi
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Ben Cracraft runs for the Midshipman during a cross country meet. Cracraft juggles a varsity sport while being a squad leader at the Naval Academy.
BY LAND, SEA OR AIR Midshipman Cracraft runs to finish line By Brad Emons | Photos by Alex Lumb/Naval Academy
B
y land, Ben Cracraft is an accomplished cross country and track athlete. And as a senior at the Naval Academy, the 2017 Northville High grad follows the school’s motto: Ex Scientia Tridens, “Through Knowledge, Sea Power.” But by the time he leaves Annapolis in 2021, Cracraft has his sights set on becoming a Navy pilot. Majoring in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Cracraft put in his preference this month after missing out on a summer of valuable training due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. “I was supposed to learn how to solo a plane,” Cracraft said. “I was supposed fly an aircraft and that validates the first part of flight school. But that was canceled, too.” Yard Patrol boat training and Fleet Week in New York City were scrapped this summer as well for the Midshipmen.
38 The ‘Ville
Naval Academy cadets must fulfill a fiveyear commitment following graduation, but flight school requires additional time paid back, which could end up being eight-tonine years for a Navy pilot, according to Cracraft. But whatever happens in the future, Cracraft is glad he became a Midshipman with the opportunity to pursue a varsity sport. “My favorite part about the Academy has definitely been the people, the friends I’ve made along the way, my teammates, my company mates, definitely how they made coming here worthwhile,” Cracraft said.
SQUAD LEADER Being a senior, Cracraft has taken on additional duties this semester at the Academy. “There’s a lot of commitments between
schoolwork and running,” he said. “I’m a squad leader this semester, so I’m in charge of 12 other Midshipmen and making sure they’re meeting their responsibilities.” Cracraft certainly had the attributes and credentials, both in the classroom and as an athlete, to get into the Naval Academy. He accrued 11 varsity letters at Northville High School including four in cross country, four in track and three in swimming. In 2015, Cracraft earned All-State honors in cross country with a 14th place finish (15:42.1 in the 5K) at the MHSAA Division 1 finals where the Mustangs lost by a whisker to Rockford, 99-101, for the team title. He also placed fifth in the regional that year and also qualified for the second year in a row in the 3,200 run in the Division 1 state track finals during the spring of 2016. He was elected as team captain for his cross country and track teams as a senior.
He was also a member of the National Honor Society, as well as student congress. He helped Northville’s jazz band win the state championship four times from 2014 through 2017, in addition to the Michigan Symphonic State Championship (2016 and 2017). During the summer heading into his junior year at Northville, and with the support of family friends Mindy and Fred Herrmann (both Naval Academy grads), Cracraft attended a summer seminar in Annapolis. “It gives you a look about what Academy life is like. It’s a week long summer camp. And that’s how I knew after that to come to Navy,” Cracraft said. After going through an interview process and receiving a nomination to the Academy through former U.S. Congressman David Trott, Cracraft was accepted in February of his senior year. “What attracted me to the Academy is that everybody focused on a similar goal,” Cracraft said. “All your friends are going to graduate in four years and there weren’t many distractions. The campus is beautiful, so that definitely stood out. The academics are what Navy is really known for, too. So, that really stuck out as well.” Cracraft arrived in Maryland on June 21, 2017 to begin orientation and training, also known as Plebe Summer. “It’s a lot of discipline coming in to the Academy,” he said. “You do a plebe summer when you first report. You’re waking up every morning at 5:30 and then going to workouts. You do a lot of stuff throughout the day. You go to the rifle range, do an obstacle course a bunch of times. A lot of push-ups, sit-ups and planks that you do. You have to learn information about the Navy and then you have to spit out the information verbatim, so that was pretty intense.”
A GOOD RUN Competing as a freshman in cross country, Cracraft took a fourth in the Salisbury Classic (25:47.2 in the 8K) and won the Navy JV Invitational. During his sophomore year he placed fifth in the Navy Invitational (26:09.86 in the 8K) and 41st in the Patriot League Championship. As a
because we’re away pretty often.” Cracraft, however, got reacquainted with his drums and continued to run during the quarantine period while back in Northville. “I played the drums a lot when I was home,” he said. “It was harder without having anybody to run with, but later on in the summer I ran with Nick Couyoumjian (Indiana), Joost Plaetinck (Michigan) and Colin Riley (Northville High assistant coach). I went up north once.”
LIMITED SCHEDULE
Ben Cracraft, a 2017 Northville High grad, plans to become a Navy pilot.
junior he placed sixth in the Harry Lang Invite (20:07.03 for 6.4K) and was 45th in the league meet. “I’d say it’s been pretty good,” Cracraft said of his cross country career. “That coaching has been great. Our coach (Aaron Lanzel) went here so he kind of knows what we go through every day and our other commitments. He’s really knowledgeable about cross country. I would say it’s been a great time running here being an athlete.” Meanwhile, Cracraft’s personal track bests at Navy include an 8:42.7 (3K), 15:15.05 (5K) and 32.02.0 (10K). But the 2020 spring outdoor track season was scrapped because of COVID-19 and during spring break, Cracraft was in New Orleans when he got the news. “The Wednesday into spring break they told us we wouldn’t come back to the Academy and then they deferred the decision if we’d be back for the second semester for another two weeks,” he said. Cracraft eventually returned home for the remainder of the semester while finishing up his academic work online. “Obviously it was disappointing that I didn’t get to do the summer training,” Ben said, “but I really enjoyed being at home with family, spending time with my parents (Jim and Holly), younger sister and older brother because we don’t get a lot of time with them when we’re at the Academy
Cracraft returned to school on Aug. 1, but there was restriction of movement. “We could still run, but we couldn’t run off the yard, our campus,” he said. “It’s was limited contact. You could only run with your roommate. We got tested when we first got there and we have to test negative for COVID when we come out of ROM.” The cross country schedule was limited this fall to only three meets, a dual against Pittsburgh, another dual vs. rival Army and a tri-meet between the three academies (Army, Navy and Air Force). “I’m still super thankful that we’re able to compete in the fall even though with COVID,” Cracraft said. “A lot of schools just canceled their seasons altogether, but they’ve done a really good job of testing us and allowing us to compete.” Time management is of the essence while being a Midshipman, but the Academy does a good job, according to Cracraft, of budgeting time for its varsity athletes. “There’s a thing called sports period,” Cracraft said. “It’s this time set aside every day on everyone’s schedule from 3:30 to 7 o’clock at night – and that’s when we have practice. But there’s no other commitments during that time, so it really makes it a good balance with schoolwork and practice. I’d say the balance has been pretty good.” Even with a voided 2020 spring track season, Cracraft will not be receiving a red shirt or fifth year of eligibility. He will be done in four years. But there’s one meet he doesn’t want to miss before he pursues the life of a Navy pilot. And spoken like a true Midshipman, Cracraft said. “I’m pretty confident we’re going to have a track season, even if it’s just against Army.”
The ‘Ville 39
HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL
‘Stepping Up’ Student athletes happy to play amid uncertainties of pandemic
I
true leadership. Seniors hold a beloved place on all Northville teams. On the volleyball team, Imbuzeiro illustrates the joys of the past season, claiming that “the seniors were such great leaders and everyone got along so well.” David Ying, a senior on the tennis team that was Top 5 in the state, recalls his appreciation for seeing the team work so hard each practice. Junior Bekah Weiskopf’s favorite memory of the pom season is watching the journey of the seniors, affirming “they
n Northville, unprecedented schedules. fall sports Senior and swim team captain at the high Elena Sharnowski holds an school are assuring approach, proclaiming wrapping up it “all worked out in the end.” with our teams This unique season still experiencing offered plenty of new bonding lots of success. experiences for athletes. On Volleyball, boys tennis, sophomore Varun tennis, girls Varre describes the fun drills swimming, and games incorporated into Northville varsity pom team after performing during halftime pom, boys tennis practices as well as the at a soccer game. Submitted by Maria Cowden soccer, girls connections formed over the golf, cross country, and football cancel the first game due to an booming virtual game “Among all commenced in early August outbreak on the team. Similarly, Us.” on a journey of ups and downs the varsity pom team chose Similarly, Sharnowski said over the past few months, but to sit out of the annual “High her teammates have “been the season did offer a reassuring Kick” competition but plans on there for each other through semblance of normalcy for a strong return for the winter the whole situation” despite the student athletes and coaches season. Initially, girls swim difficulties. Camaraderie also navigating through a pandemic. and dive was only permitted to finds a prominent place on the Northville athletes burst soccer team, into the season with optimism, with Xiong Junior Levi Miller during a game embracing the peculiar depicting the against Howell. Submitted by Coach circumstances and celebrating team dinners Henry Klime the triumphs. players With varsity volleyball have on the have grown into such incredible getting a late start, senior bleachers athletes and people that I will Laryssa Imbuzeiro took pride after practice always look up to.” in the team for “stepping that promote With an abundance of up” as each player prepared further positives, this fall sports season The volleyball team was led by seniors (from left) Sydney individually to ultimately bonding. successfully concludes. Not Reed, Mia Genitti, Larissa Imbuzeiro, Livvy Setla, Jenna reunite in a rewarding season. Additionally, only are Northville’s athletes Boksha, Lexi Tithof, and Jaden Rice. Photo by Ted Setla The varsity pom team also soccer player strong at their game, but their reports a prosperous season, practice outside with the team Yuto Agu remembers when impeccable persistence and finding cherished performance divided into three groups. a senior scored in the last 45 appreciation for sport and each opportunities during soccer and As a whole, student athletes seconds and the entire team other creates the powerful football games that build skills persevered through health unanimously “went crazy.” sports community that many for future competitions. guidelines and donning a For senior athletes, this final students and alumni know and Embarking on a constantly mask at all times, despite such fall season showcased their love today. changing season, many athletes EDITOR'S NOTE: High School Confidential is a collaborative effort by the Stringers Journalism Club made up of Northville initially faced uncertainties. In High School students Maria Cowden, Maggie Kuban, Chethan Magnan, Navya Meka, Lauren Sprow, and Audrey Zhang. soccer, junior Andrew Xiong reveals how the team had to
40 The ‘Ville
New, exciting hub of activity opens on campus St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center serves community with college program, youth sports and more Schoolcraft College’s commitment to add new programs and new facilities to better serve its students and the community is exemplified by the beautiful new St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center (ESC), now open on the east side of the campus. Sports, training and fitness all are part of this stateof-the-art 75,000-square foot showcase, which will be the site of Schoolcraft’s Movement Science program. Students study how the human body moves and how it is affected by disease, age and exercise. With this education, they can pursue careers in medicine, pharmacy, public health or physical and occupational therapy. In addition to serving Schoolcraft College students, the ESC will be the home to the Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy. With eight courts, the ESC is expected to be the site of local, regional and national tournaments. The Michigan Wolves Soccer Club will have a presence as well.
Michigan Elite Volleyball
Michigan Wolves Soccer
A walking track surrounds the volleyball courts. Schoolcraft College Fitness Center members can use it during the day when the courts are not in use.
For more information, go to sjsportscomplex.org/sportscenter.
Indoor Walking Track
18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI 48152 | schoolcraft.edu
BULLETIN BOARD C
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Doodling for Google
Mask-erade
Northville’s Natalie Yee, a student at Hillside Middle School, was chosen as Michigan’s winner in Google’s 12th annual Doodle for Google competition, a contest open to K-12 students across the United States. The students had to design a Google “Doodle” inspired by the theme “I show kindness by...” Natalie won in the 6-7 Grade Group, and is one of the 54 state and territory winners across the country. Her doodle was selected from thousands of entries received this year. “The theme of the contest was about kindness. I thought of drawing myself helping my friend Sophia when she broke her ankle in 5th grade. It felt really good to help my friend. In the painting, I used pencils, water paint, and acrylic paint,” Natalie said.
Northville High School seniors Mina McCorry and Russell Kobelsky were crowned Homecoming Queen and King during halftime of the school’s football game against Howell on Oct. 23. It was a great night for the Mustangs, who knocked off the Highlanders, 41-26, at Tom Holzer Ford Stadium. Attendance at the game was limited because of the pandemic, but it did offer some normalcy for the students.
Photo by Debbie Stein
Officer of the Year Melissa Vernon was named the 2019 Police Officer of the Year, a recognition that was presented at the Sept. 21 Northville City Council meeting. While the meeting was held online, Chief Alan Maciag presented a plaque to Officer Vernon in person at City Council chambers. The recipient A N G US • N A is chosen IC R E M A • 10 0 % annually by NES N O H O R MO fellow officers. TICS Vernon stood NO ANTIBIO out for her work in bringing two RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) training sessions to the city and instructing women in self-defense along with fellow officer Matt Duggins. She is also the field training officer and taser instructor for the department. “She’s a hard worker, does a great job and is an exceptional police officer,” said Maciag, shown presenting the award to Vernon. 42 The ‘Ville
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Dishin’ With Denise
Denise Jenkins is a member of the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Tipping Point Theatre. An avid writer and proponent of the arts, she is also plugged into what’s happening in Northville. Contact her at denisemjenkins@ aol.com.
November And Giving Thanks Go Together T
hanks and November go but Patti is a well-respected together like hugs and kisses. fixture in our community. I This year I am thankful the know she will continue to be year is almost over. As for hugs – a proud, active supporter of I can’t wait until we can openly everything Northville, including enjoy them again. sponsorship of the Farmer’s I want to say thanks to Jody Market, Main Street League’s Humphries of the Northville Farm-To-Table dinner and Chamber of Commerce. During several other annual events. the past year Jody has done an “I have lived and worked incredible job of keeping the in Northville for 25 years and membership informed of each some of the most fun has been and every opportunity available getting involved in community to our business community projects,” she said. during this pandemic. As a I couldn’t’ agree more! manager of one of Northville’s There are familiar faces small businesses, I can honestly who have joined the board. say she kept me in the loop and Congratulations to Cali shared details of grants and Crawford (Schoolcraft College), loans and legislative activity Laura Genitti (Genitti’s Holethat impacted all of us. in-the-Wall) and David Cole When they say we are in this together – it’s true. The information out there is overwhelming and Jody kept it on target. It paid off more than once. If it sounds like Patti Mullen (left), and her associate Megan, at the Main I’m selling Street League Farm-to-Table dinner event. Chamber membership – I am! This year (Great Harvest). The three many of the Chamber activities were elected at the recent were “suspended” (I refuse to annual meeting, which was use the term canceled). held virtually. Meanwhile, the This year marks the end announcement of the John of my term on the Chamber Genitti Citizen of the Year Board of Directors. I want to recipient was postponed – recognize one of the people I tentatively until the State of the served with on the board, who Community event in the spring is also leaving. When you hear of 2021. Contact the Chamber the name Patti Mullen you for more information. probably think of real estate One of the events we lost (Remerica Hometown One), this year is the annual Holiday
44 The ‘Ville
Preservation Dental's Tree of Teeth is a work in progress. From left are Steve Sanchez, Alan Wixson, Zac Ellis and Dr. Bill Demray
Lighted Parade, which would have taken place Nov. 20. I’m proud to say our crew at Preservation Dental has assembled something to fill the void. On Nov. 20 from 6-8 p.m. our VW reindeer that are normally in the parade will be parked out front of our office (at Griswold and Main), and hopefully bring some attention to our “Tree of Teeth” that we will be lighting up that night. We hope it will inject some holiday spirit into the season. And right down the street, within walking distance, the Corriveau Law offices are also keeping the spirit alive with a Toys for Tots kickoff event at the same time. Everyone is asked to wear a mask, exercise social distancing and bring a donation in original packaging. Sorry, no stuffed animals will be accepted. Finally, I am thankful I’m able to connect with people reading this column. Northville’s Linda Liedel reached out to me recently with a concern about how to let
people know about the death of someone who was active in the community. I thought about obituaries and death notices and how many traditions have gone by the wayside in part, due to social media and electronic communication. So, I’d like to take a moment and send condolences to the family of Robert Mosley. You may remember him from an earlier “dish”. He was one of two local men who did an honor flight about a year ago. But two years ago, in his 90s, he
married the “girl next door” at Allen Terrace, Lois Clark, after a two-year courtship. He will be missed at Civic Concern and Ascension Providence Hospital where he volunteered. He always had a kind greeting for those he met. The legacy of a life well lived: You’re never too old to learn, to love, to make a difference. Be thankful.
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