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SUPPORT THE ‘VILLE I started The ‘Ville because I felt our community needed a publication focused on … our community.
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2018 16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734.716.0783 • TheVilleMagazine@gmail.com
Unlike traditional magazines, however, we do not charge a subscription fee. We mail directly to every household and business in Northville, because that model offers our advertisers the best bang for their buck. And advertising is ultimately what pays the bills. Building an advertising base takes time and persistence. So, in the meantime, your financial support will help us get over the hump, and insure local journalism is here to stay. Send us $5, $10, $20 or any amount you can, and we will list your name in an upcoming issue as being a supporter of The ‘Ville and local journalism. Because LOCAL matters. Please send checks, cash or lucky charms to: Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168
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.
JOHN HEIDER – Photographer/Writer
John Heider, 53, was the The Northville Record and Novi News photographer from 1996 until 2017. He lives in Ann Arbor and enjoys fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, feature writing, woodworking projects and the symphony. jch24water@yahoo.com
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.
Thank you!
WENSDY VON BUSKIRK – Writer
Publisher
OUR SUPPORTERS
Here is a list of people who contributed to local journalism last month. We appreciate your support! Bill and Marcia Collins
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Judy De Francesco
William and Lynn Paquette
Scott Frush
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Mike and Chris Lysaght Janet J. Heath Morgan
ADVERTISE The ‘Ville is mailed directly to every address in Northville – nearly 21,000 in all. To advertise contact us at:
Wensdy graduated with a degree in journalism from Wayne State University. Her first job was working as a reporter for The Northville Record. Now, as a freelance writer and editor, she works for a variety of magazines, and is excited to get back to her roots in The ‘Ville. -Photo by Kathleen Voss
MARIA TAYLOR – Writer
Maria has edited Michigan History and The Active Learner magazines and reported for The Northville Record, Novi News, and Farmington Observer and (currently) BNP Media. She lives in Farmington and, as a self-avowed history nerd, routinely risks her life by standing in the middle of Grand River to take photos of old buildings.
LONNIE HUHMAN - Writer
Lonnie graduated from EMU with a degree in creative writing. He is a longtime newspaper reporter, including two stints with The Northville Record. He is now a freelance reporter for a number of publications, including The Sun Times News in Dexter, where he lives with his wife and two young children. He is glad to be back covering the Northville community.
JENNY PEARSALL – Graphic Designer
Jenny has been in the design and print industry for more than 20 years, holding various positions in graphic design, large format and trade show graphics, print buying, production and print management. One of her favorite memories is working for Colorquik Graphix in the historic Water Wheel building in downtown Northville.
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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
Tale of Tammy the Turkey
I
f you’ve driven around Northville Road between Six Mile and Seven Mile over the last year or so, you’ve probably seen a lone wild turkey hanging out on the side of the road. This lonely hen, which my kids and I have seen so often we’ve nicknamed it Tammy, is a bit of an oddity. She always looks disheveled, sometimes walks with a limp, and just generally looks like she’s a little lost. I usually see Tammy somewhere in the vicinity of the Northville Road/Six Mile intersection, but I’ve heard reports of it walking between cars near the Good Time Party Store, and even roosting on top of a car near the Chamber office. It’s amazing how many people have told me they’ve seen this turkey. Of course, it wasn’t that long ago when the sight of a turkey in Northville meant it was Thanksgiving Day. Although they are native birds, wild turkeys were considered extirpated from Michigan by the early 1900s. The
Tammy near Northville Road and Six Mile. Photo by Maggie Kuban
Michigan DNR began an aggressive repopulation effort in the 1950s when they purchased 50 turkeys from Pennsylvania. Today, there are more than 200,000 turkeys thriving in Michigan. It is considered one of the great conservation stories in our state. There are big flocks (or “rafters”) of turkeys roaming the west side of
Northville, especially at Maybury State Park and some nearby properties where there is plenty of open land. While I always get a thrill when I see a big group of wild turkeys, they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Maybury has gotten complaints from some nearby property owners that the birds have consumed their landscaping plants. I suppose those are some of the trials and tribulations of living in the country. Then there’s Tammy, who is always alone. On many occasions I’ve seen her out on the shoulder of the road during rush hour. The cars whizzing by, just feet away, never seem to faze her. So, it is not completely surprising that I haven’t seen her for nearly a month now. The fall hunting season for turkeys did just take place throughout the state, but they can’t be hunted in Wayne County, and hunting in general is prohibited in Northville Township. So, if Tammy is no longer among the living, I doubt
she met her end to a hunter. We’ve also got plenty of wild predators living amongst us in the abundant woods around town, so it is possible she ran into the wrong coyote. It’s more likely she met her demise on the front bumper of a SUV, I'm guessing. However, it’s more palatable to think Tammy got lucky and met the perfect Tom, and they’ve flown off to greener pastures to start their own rafter. At least that’s what I told the kids. So, as you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner featuring one of Tammy’s distant cousins, say a little prayer for her. And be thankful that wild turkeys once again are thriving in our state, especially here in Northville where we are lucky to have such beautiful countryside. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Kurt Kuban is editor and publisher of The ‘Ville. As always, he welcomes your feedback at kurtkuban@gmail. com.
Your Voice: Letters to the Editor 4 Township’s oldest home could face demolition 6 Daylighting the Rouge River 14 Past Tense: A nurse serving in Uncle Sam’s Army 16 Local WWII vet ‘proud I served’ 20
State Champs!
10
50 Years at Fighting Our ‘Hidden Poverty’ King’s Mill
18
30
High School Confidential: Drama Club caught in the act 24 Battle of the Books team ‘off to great places’ 32 It’s Your Business: Ajeless 34 Dishin’ with Denise 36
ON THE COVER: With donated food and goods in their hands, Civic Concern volunteers Eileen McFarland (left) and Jan Covert (right) stand side-by-side with director Marlene Kunz. Photo by John Heider
The ‘Ville 3
Your Voice
We don’t need charter school
A lifetime of congestion
Oh, if only wishes would come true. My wish for the Seven Mile-Center Street property (Northville Downs) would be for a beautiful park, possibly a walking-only park, one with fountains throughout. This 48-acre site is much too small for what is currently being proposed. A better location for the developer’s plan would be on 48 acres of the old hospital grounds on Seven Mile. “Growing” pains will evolve into “living” pains when the original plan is completed — a lifetime of congestion, crowded streets all hours of the day, and a feeling of “where did Northville go?” So sad. Marjorie Manns
Making our own sunshine The cold and rain did not dampen “spirits” of the many merrymakers haunting Mill Race Village during our inaugural Halloween Hysteria event on Oct. 28. Volunteers created a village offering a variety of ghoulish delights for our young guests. Ichabod Crane read the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” at Wash Oak School while just down the lane a demented dentist offered to pull any bothersome teeth. A gypsy fortune teller predicted bountiful Halloween rewards as witches adorned the porches of the Yerke’s House and the Weaver’s Cottage with gifts of candy to those who dared approach. The Hirsch Museum displayed an array of historical articles, artifacts, and a variety of items depicting the ways in which Northville residents have celebrated Halloween throughout the years. Beautiful mannequins frozen in the
windows of the JM Mead General Store delighted passersby when they came to life long enough to return a blown kiss. In the Cady Inn fledgling ghosts, goblins, witches, vampires, princesses and pirates devoured dirt cones and donuts with apple cider while their adult companions warmed up with coffee and tea. The Northville Historical Society thanks our partnering organizations -- the Democratic Club, Art House, and the District Library -- for their outstanding contributions to this event. Donations of delicious cider
SOUND OFF 4 The ‘Ville
Regarding the tear-down of Main Street School: Yes, we have to tear it down, as sad as that might seem to everyone. You can thank the Legislature in Lansing. They have done their best to eliminate deed restrictions on unused school buildings. So there is nothing preventing Main Street School from being turned into a charter school. Having a charter school in our community is not advantageous for us taxpayers for several reasons, including not having any taxpayer representation on their boards and less financial support from the state due to fewer students in our excellent public schools. It is to be avoided if possible, and our board did the right thing by voting for a tear down. I suggest that instead of calling to vote the school board members out of office, people get involved with the process. We neighbors of Main Street School have been involved in this process for months now. This is the best outcome, given our current political situation. Denise Nash
Exemplary service from Trader Joe’s and helping hands from members of Northville High’s National Honor Society were also much appreciated. Paul Snyder Archivist/Curator Northville Historical Society
Thank you for featuring Northville City Car Wash in a recent issue. The service is exemplary but for me also a blessing. When my mother’s wheelchair collects evidence of our adventures and needs more than a wipe down, the team at ‘The Hometown Car Wash’ will power wash it for us. I am so appreciative of this service. Applause, gratitude, kudos and blessings to them. Pat Van Bonn
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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The Gibson House, located on Six Mile west of Sheldon, is believed to have been built in 1832.
Preservationists Race to Save Gibson House Township’s oldest building hits market, could face demolition By Maria Taylor
J
ust west of Northville Township hall, situated on 1.67 acres of property at Six Mile west of Sheldon, is a modest little white farmhouse. Its white paint is peeling. Overgrown shrubs hide its wide, pillared front porch. Out front by the driveway, a big “for sale” sign swings in the wind. Dating from the early 1800s, it may just be the oldest surviving building in Northville Township. And with the property currently on the market, the Northville Township Historic District Commission (HDC) is looking for a way to make sure the historic home at 44711 Six Mile Road stays standing once the land changes hands. In the city of Northville, the
6 The ‘Ville
streets are lined with history. In the city’s 144-acre historic district, there are more than 300 houses and buildings that meet the historic criteria. But in Northville Township? “The thing is, there’s not much in the township in the way of historic structures,” said Bill Sivy, chair of the HDC. “We made Thayer School and Thayer Cemetery a historic district, and we’re in the process of restoring the schoolhouse. Beyond that, the rest of the township was predominantly farms that are now subdivisions.” By nature, those farmhouses were on large swaths of property, spread out across the township like a patchwork quilt. While their stories may be intertwined, they’re not tightly
knit like the historic district downtown. And there aren’t that many left. IS IT WORTH PRESERVING? The Gibson house, as the property on Six Mile is called, is a prime example. It’s old, it’s on a large piece of property, it’s stand-alone - and it’s not protected by any local ordinance. It’s a scenario that historic preservationists recognize all too well as prime for demolition. So when Sivy and his fellow commissioners heard the Gibson house was up for sale, they sprang to action. “Because of the fact that it may be the oldest house in the township, we went to the
township board of trustees and asked the trustees to approve an interim [historic] designation,” Sivy said. The board approved the request in July 2018, giving the HDC 12 months to do a study and determine whether the Gibson house has enough historic significance to be recommended as a historic district, and ultimately protected by law. Dan Schneider is a senior preservation architect with Neumann Smith architects and does consulting for the HDC. “Basically, the committee needs to find out how historic the house actually is,” he said. One factor is the current condition of the house: whether it’s been modified over time and whether the historic materials
and original features are intact. The Gibson house is a gable front and wing Greek Revival home. “It is in good shape: the windows haven’t been ripped out, the siding hasn’t been replaced, and there’s not a huge addition on the back,” Schneider said. “It’s pretty much intact.” Another factor in determining a building’s historical significance is whether the building tells an important part of the community’s history: whether it played a significant part in the life of somebody important in the community, or a significant part in the community itself. “Was it part of the Underground Railroad, did a previous governor of Michigan live there at one time, or something like that,” Sivy explained. The committee also hopes to pinpoint the exact age of the house, which is yet to be conclusively determined. A title search shows that the
property was obtained from the U.S. government in 1825. However, official records don’t include who made the purchase or when the house was built. According to Gibson family lore, as reported in Northville: The First Hundred Years, the house was built in 1832 by David Phillips. That story is correlated by another settler, Abraham B. Markham, who recounted moving to Northville in 1825 and building a home across the street from Phillips. ‘GIBSON’S CORNER’ Myra Gibson, the last Gibson to live in the house, recalled being told that the first baby born in Northville Township was born in that house. However, a different account mentions that baby being born in the 1820s, and that’s before the house is said to have been built. “It’s entirely possible Philips purchased the property in 1825, built a log cabin, but not a real house till 1832,” Sivy noted.
Myra and Harriet Gibson’s grandfather poses at the side of the Gibson home, which still stands in Northville Township (circa 1910). From Northville Township: From the Beginning.
“It’d be nice to find confirmation from someplace other than the Gibsons themselves that the house was built in 1832,” Schneider added. “If it really was built in 1832, there’s no other building in the township that’s even close to that age.” While the date of origin may not be verified, it’s well documented that the Gibson family was the third owner: the house was sold to David Sackett in 1864, then to George Gibson in 1882. The Gibsons owned the property for 131 years, until 2013 - so long that family lore says Six Mile and Sheldon was once referred to as Gibson’s Corner. When Myra Gibson passed away, the house was sold as part of her estate. Now, the couple who bought it have also passed away, and the property is being sold as part of a trust. It’s listed on realtor.com for $340,000. For the moment, the building is safe from demolition; until next July, any building permits for the property must be approved by the HDC. “It essentially gives the historic district commission time to do the study - and during that time, the current owners can’t demolish the building, or if they ask for a building permit, [the HDC] has to approve that permit,” Sivy explained. Whoever owns the property at the end of the study period
will play a major role in determining whether the house is saved. In Northville Township, historic districts need the approval of at least 50 percent of property owners in the district. “The bottom line is, if we determine it does have historic value and we ask the township board to approve it as a historic district, this would be a single-property district, which basically means whoever the owner is at the time has veto power over whether it actually becomes a historic district or not,” Sivy said. “Regardless of what the study committee comes up with, it’s going to take an owner who believes in saving it. We could find out that, unbeknownst to us, Abraham Lincoln spent a night there, and whether it gets saved or not will still be up to the property owner.” Schneider said he thinks there’s a good chance the house could be found to be historic. “It’s a jewel sitting there all by itself,” he said. “And the right owner would probably love to embrace the history.”
The ‘Ville 7
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The package also won’t be delivered without a signature on the receiving end, to prevent “porch pirates” from stealing unattended The holidays are a busy time for many small businesses. That’s particularly the case at The items left when no one is home. UPS Store, located at Five Mile at Newburgh “We take the guess work out of the process. in the New 5 Plaza. Owners Elizabeth and We’ll let you know when your packages Eric Ladwig know people have a lot on their get delivered, and are safely at their plates during the holidays. That’s why they destination,” Eric Ladwig said. want to be your “one-stop shop” for all your packing and shipping needs when it comes to The UPS Store 3011 your holiday packages. They can even design, 37637 Five Mile Rd., Livonia print and send out your Christmas cards and (734) 542-9200 Holiday letters. “Whether it’s helping you create and send STORE HOURS your greeting cards, packing and shipping MON-FRI 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. your gifts, or having a safe, secure location SAT 9 a.m.-4 p.m. to receive your holiday packages, we’re a convenient one-stop shop that can handle all of your holiday needs,” said Elizabeth Ladwig. Supporting this local business also means supporting the Northville community. The Customers lacking the time, expertise Ladwigs are 14-year Northville residents or proper packaging supplies needed to and are very active in the community prepare their gifts for shipment can bring & their schools & activities where their them to The UPS Store. They offer The children attend. Eric supports the school’s UPS Store Pack & Ship Guarantee, which Dad’s Club, and both help in the PTA and reimburses customers the cost of packaging many other organizations. They are also materials and service, as well as shipping Northville Chamber of Commerce members, costs, if a center-packed item shipped via and Elizabeth is a co-leader with a local Girl UPS®, DHL® or USPS® is somehow lost or Scout troop. damaged. (Visit www.theupsstore.com/ Just because the store is busy during the guarantee for details.) holidays doesn’t mean you will experience Eric Ladwig explains the store takes away long lines or wait times. That’s because the worry when shipping packages. They the Ladwigs will always have plenty of
knowledgeable staff on hand from now till the end of the year. “I overstaff during the holidays. Our customers are not waiting more than five minutes,” Eric Ladwig promised. “We are friendly and we make sure you are in and out. And we have lots of parking making the whole process easier. I want our customers to have a positive, seamless experience. That’s why I’m always here. Your continued patronage insures our success.” The UPS Store is located at 37637 Five Mile Road in Livonia. In addition to domestic and international shipping, The UPS Store offers full-service packaging; digital and online printing; black-and-white and color copies; document finishing (binding, laminating, etc.); printing services (business cards, letterhead, rubber stamps, etc.); notary; custom crating and shipping for large items (furniture, artwork, motorcycles, etc.); mailbox and postal services; office and packaging supplies; and more. For more information, call (734) 542-9200 or visit livonia-mi-3011.theupsstorelocal.com.
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Sophomore Matthew Freeman
STATE CHAMPS! STATE CHAMPS! Sophomore Nicole Whatley
Girls golf team completes ‘dream’ season; boys tennis finishes 4th By Lonnie Huhman
T
he 2018-19 year is off to a fast start for the Northville High School sports teams, proving teamwork and looking out for each other leads to success. There have been many accomplishments this fall, but the season was particularly impressive for two of the programs – the girls golf team and the boys tennis team. Both teams took their respective programs to new heights. Buoyed by lots of hard work, the girls golf team went undefeated and won the MHSAA Division 1 State Championship – the first in the team’s history. The team claimed the championship Oct. 20 after two days of battling windy and rainy conditions at the Bedford Valley Golf Course in Battle Creek. They beat their KLAA rival Plymouth, which placed second,
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by an impressive 31 strokes. In looking at the accomplishment, Coach Chris Cronin said he felt a mix of emotions. “First and foremost, I’m thrilled for the girls,” he said. “This was something they have been working toward since the end of the 2017 season, when
we finished fourth. I also feel honored to coach a team which cares for one another as much as this group does. The girls are great friends on and off the course.” The golfers echoed Coach Cronin’s sentiments. “Ever since the day after states last year, we’ve dreamt
of becoming state champions. That has been our goal all season, just to come back from the fourth place finish,” Nicole Whatley said. “We were really hungry for a victory and that happened to come with an undefeated season. It’s an amazing feeling.” Teammate Sufna Gill recalled the array of emotions that poured over her after the team pulled off the feat. “I was just so proud of my team, proud of the way we played,” Gill said. “We were just so happy to see our teammates as they came off the course. It was an unbelievable experience.” Cronin said this team was a special one for many reasons. “In my opinion, this team really differentiates themselves in the way they compete,” he said. “They never quit on a
round, and they never quit on each other. At the state finals, after the second weather delay, which lasted two hours, the girls returned to the course to finish their final five holes. The temps were in the 40s, wind was blowing and there was a light rain. It was miserable. Somehow, our top four played those final five holes in a collective four over par, seemingly without impact from the weather. “By comparison, second place Plymouth played that stretch in 15 over par. Every girl on this team strives for excellence and moments like that reveal how much they want it,” Cronin added. Cronin attributed the success to each girl having their own strengths while coming together as a team. “Each girl stands out in her own way: Nicole (Whatley) is fearless, Mariella (Simoncini) is the consummate leader, Sufna’s will is immeasurable, Katelyn (Tokarz) brings consistency and Sedona (Shipka) is the glue,” Cronin said. “It was a total team effort. This is a talented group, which was never more evident than at the state finals. Every girl contributed to make this dream a reality.” In preparing the team, Cronin said, “I’ve been coaching for 25 years, and even though the sport changes, the way you try to motivate athletes stays constant. “I’m not a PGA professional or a swing coach. I leave that to experts like Jordan Young at Fox Hills. Young is a swing coach for several of the Mustangs. There will always be constants on the teams that I coach: work hard, play the game with honor, care about your teammates, have fun and
compete.” Team captain Simoncini is the only senior, who plans to sign with Oakland University. “Coach Cronin really prepared us for the state finals by reminding us first to focus
be an All State Golf Banquet hosted by MIGCA in December. Then, Cronin said, “the girls and I will start planning on how we might repeat as Champions!”
at the conference and regional tournament,” she said. “He stressed that our scores were important, and that we had to focus and play smart in order to get us used to the pressure. He also made us practice putting a lot, and we spent loads of time on the range and in bunkers.” She added, “He also built a fun team attitude that got us excited for states by making practices fun. Events like our Mustang Cup and Treat Tournament were a blast, and who could forget the podcasts.” What’s next for this team? Cronin said they will celebrate the season through a series of events honoring the girls’ achievements. The school will honor the fall sports teams at a school board meeting, they will also be honored at a basketball game with the championship banner raising and Northville Township will honor the girls, as well as Wayne County. And finally, there will
‘IN EVERY MATCH’ The boys tennis team also ended the season on a very strong note by finishing tied for its highest finish ever in the state tournament at fourth place. The team went 11-2 on the season and won the KLAA West Division for the first time since 2008, won the KLAA Conference tournament for the first time since 2009 and won the regional title for the first time since 1995. Coach Trey Keating said he was very, “happy with my boys. None of our losses were blow outs. We were in every match. I’ve been blessed with a great team.” Keating said the success was due in large part to the team training four hours per day before school started and three hours per day once school started, and they warmed up one and a half to two hours for every quad and tournament.
The team motto was “Where all things are possible to those who Believe.” The team did believe, finishing fourth at the state tournament held Oct. 19-20 in Midland. The team was led by sophomore Matthew Freeman, the top seed, who provided an individual highlight when he captured the No. 4 singles flight with a 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 win in the finals over Cade Burman of Bloomfield Hills. Freeman finished the season with an overall record of 25-1. Other top players included senior Ryan Gallagher, the team’s top singles player, senior Samir Rajani, who made it to the semifinals where he lost to eventual champion Sebastian Burman of Bloomfield Hills, and Arvind Kalyana, who made it to the quarterfinals. In doubles, Northville’s No. 2 team of Daniel Dong and Justin Yang made it to the finals; No. 4 tandem of Illija Jaksic and Ryan Vig made it to the semifinals; and the No. 3 team of Mikhail Boksha and Cameron Mailley lost in the quarterfinals. The No. 1 team of Ani Attaluri and Pranav Doppalapuddi lost in the second round in a tough three set match against Troy. All in all, it was quite a historic showing for the Mustangs. Keating said it was a true team effort. “Everyone has stepped up at one time or another this year,” said Keating, noting the team’s “great comradery.” He said the team was unique in that they had, “no prima donnas,” and were all “hard working.” “They had a good attitude and were unselfish,” he said.
The ‘Ville 11
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The Tipping Point Theatre production of Ken Ludwig's A Comedy of Tenors runs through Dec. 23.(Photo by Steve Fecht)
A Comedy of Tenors launches Tipping Point’s 12th season
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ipping Point Theatre will kick off its 12th season of presenting live professional theatre with Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors, which runs weekends through Dec. 23. The comedy brings back Ludwig’s Tony Award Winning characters from Lend Me A Tenor for another episode of chaos and hi-jinks at the opera. Directed by Angie Kane Ferrante, the production stars professional actors Melynee Saunders Warren, Nick Yocum, Richard Marlatt, Sarab Kamoo, Hope Shangle, Joe Zarrow and Dave Davies. A Comedy of Tenors begins just three hours before the biggest opera concert of the century. High energy capers and mistaken identities leave four singers struggling to rise above the antics. Will they make it to the concert on time, or will their personal issues be the end of their careers? They must remember the age old adage, the show must go on. According to the billing, fans of classic farces like Boeing Boeing will feel right at home while watching the show unfold. For those worried about having not seen the first of the series, Ludwig had this to say in an article written for Breaking Character Magazine, “the new play has turned out to be totally independent of the first, and the theater-goer does not need to know anything at all about Lend Me A Tenor in order to enjoy A Comedy of Tenors. They are their own plays set in their own worlds, and each play stands on its own.” Much like The Purple Rose Theatre Company, Detroit Public Theatre and Williamston Theatre, Tipping Point employs professional artists, designers and actors, delivering quality productions to audiences year-round -- all in an intimate 100-seat setting. It is located in downtown Northville at 361 E. Cady Street. A Comedy of Tenors will be performed Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 23. Tickets start at just $26. For more information, including performance times, or to purchase tickets, visit TippingPointTheatre.com or call the box office at (248) 3470003.
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Memories of a Hidden River Daylighting Rouge will enhance quality of life in downtown Northville By Marie McCormick
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ransplanted from the Southwest at the age of two, my family landed in the quaint, still somewhat countryside of Northville in 1988. I consider myself a native of the ‘Ville insomuch that I have no memory of life before. In 1991 when apartment living no longer suited our growing family, my mother took my sister and I to the front of our now family home and asked: So, is this where you want to live? Some of my fondest memories are of living so close to both Hines Park and downtown Northville. We played along the banks of the Rouge River, on the swings and play equipment as a child and throughout the disc golf course in my later teens. I worked summers as one of very few female umpires in Northville Parks and Recreation softball and baseball in the diamonds along the Rouge; endless winters tobogganing in Bennett
14 The ‘Ville
Arboretum; bike trips to Meads Mill. At the end of our street – Gardner Street – runs River Street. The two streets “T-bone” near the southeast corner of Northville Downs. We walked River Street to downtown – or skirted along the sidewalk-less edges to access Hines Park or get a treat at Custard Time. We sometimes poked our fingers through chain link fence at a random horse stabled for the weekend during a race at the track. We didn’t linger long, though. Children and families don’t play there. It’s a strange property between Hines Park and downtown that currently carries very little connection between the two draws. RIVER STREET IRONY There is a great irony about River Street, considering you can’t actually see the river. It’s hidden from sight. From Beal
Northville native Marie McCormick looks through the fence at Northville Downs. The Rouge River runs under the track property (top left) before coming to the surface in Hines Park near Seven Mile.
Street to Seven Mile, the river flows beneath a thick layer of concrete. This branch of the Rouge is called the Walled Lake Branch. It flows north to south from Oakland County through the cider mill, past Mill Race Village/Ford Field and the historic Water Wheel (formerly one of Henry Ford’s Village Industries), behind the Wagon Wheel bar -- only to disappear at Beal Street for a quarter mile paralleling River Street until it daylights again at the confluence of Johnson Creek near Seven Mile. The Walled Lake Branch of the Rouge River flows through important parts of the City of Northville, hugging the north and east side of downtown. The areas of town that have access to surface water draw high demand for passive recreational access - including biking, walking, fishing, and picnicking. Whispers of future development at the Downs
site have been urban legend for my entire life. Now that a development plan has been proposed, possibilities of resurrecting the Rouge River are on my mind and many other local residents. Daylighting this section of the Rouge River currently covered in concrete will offer Northville multiple benefits to the overall quality of life - something that will not likely be an option again in any of our lifetimes. FULL CIRCLE Coming full circle, the redevelopment of the Downs property sits not only dear to the heart of my childhood, but also the work I do professionally. I had the privilege of returning to my ‘hometown watershed’ two years ago when I was hired as executive director of Friends of the Rouge. This nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization was founded in
1986 to raise awareness about the need to clean up the Rouge River. Our mission: “To restore, protect, and enhance the Rouge River watershed through stewardship, education, and collaboration.” We envision a future where a clean and vibrant Rouge River is the center of our community. Individual and community actions protect and improve the health of the Rouge River, assuring that its natural, economic, and recreational value enhances the quality of life in the Rouge River ecosystem. Our organization is advocating to both the developer and the City of Northville that the river is brought back to the surface and daylighted for all to enjoy. In my experience, the benefits of harnessing the economic, social and environmental draw of a
resource such as a living river – as a celebrated common space – enhances the quality of life for all in a way that no other manmade focal point can provide. A daylighted river enhances property values, encourages an increase in passive and active recreational activities, and provides a connection previously lacking between Hines Park and downtown. Considering strategic planning efforts regionally, this project sets precedence for future developments and nonmotorized connections across the region. With appropriately reestablished meander and habitat restoration efforts, this open river will better handle flooding issues, create places to interact with wildlife, and manage stormwater runoff to improve water quality in the Rouge. This reimagined space
has the potential to create a living draw for visitors and residents to actively engage in all that Northville has to offer in the historic and planned urban developments. My parents still reside in my childhood home. Now that I have children of my own, who spend several days a week in Northville, I envision a future where they can make memories in this reimagined space – flying on a swing, hooking their first trout, hearing the sound of rushing water on rocks, or simply observing a butterfly take refuge on a native flower. These simple pleasures shape the very essence of who we become – and play a vital role in developing our sense of place and identity as a community connected to each other through our water.
LEARN MORE
Marie McCormack recommends the following about ‘daylighting’ waterways: • Huron River Watershed Council, “A Summary of the Economic Impact of the Huron River,” summarizes the economic value generated by creating meaningful access to rivers. • American Rivers, “Daylighting Streams: Breathing Life into Urban Streams and Communities,” details benefits of day lighting smaller streams in the community. Marie McCormick is executive director for Friends of the Rouge, with seven years in non-profit leadership positions.
PAST TENSE
A Red Cross Nurse in Uncle Sam’s Army Northville’s Ruth Knapp among those who served in WWI By Michele Fecht
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his month’s commemoration of the end of World War I at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, concludes the official centennial of the Great War. Reflections of the conflict are a stark reminder of the sacrifice made by those who served “over there.” Of the 4.7 million Americans who served in World War I, there were 116,500 deaths and 320,00 sick and wounded. A statistic less known is that among those tending to the sick and wounded were 22,000 professionally trained nurses recruited by the Red Cross who served in the U.S. Army between 1917-1919. Of those, more than 10,000 served near the Western Front. Additionally, 1,500 nurses served in the U.S. Navy. All served without rank or commission. Recognition would not come until later. Answering the call was a young student fresh out of the Farrand Training School for Nurses at Detroit’s Harper Hospital. Ruth Margaret Knapp, a Hillsdale native and Class of 1916 Farrand School graduate, signed on for active duty with United States Base Hospital #17, which was to be a Harper Hospital unit. Members of the unit were told to pack supplies for two years. Knapp, who spent most of her post-war life in Northville
16 The ‘Ville
and was the Northville Public Schools’ nurse for nearly two decades, chronicled her war experience in, “A Red Cross Nurse in Uncle Sam’s Army:
Northville High School Nurse Ruth Knapp scanned from the 1957 Northville High School Palladium.
Reminiscence of a World War Nurse, June 1917 – May 1918.” Her service began on June 29, 1917 — less than four months after the U.S. declared war on Germany — when nurses with the Harper Hospital unit set off from Michigan Central Depot in Detroit to Ellis Island. OFF TO EUROPE On July 13, the nurses boarded the Mongolia, a refitted fruit freighter converted into war service. Joining the other members of their unit on ship, the Mongolia left the New York harbor to the sounds of “Goodbye, Good Luck, God Bless You” played by the deck steward.
From New York, the Mongolia traveled to Plymouth, England, where the unit boarded a train to South Hampton and then set sail on the English hospital ship, Warilda, to the Isle of Wight and then across the channel to Le Havre, France. Knapp wrote that it was in LeHavre, that the unit first saw the effects of war. “There were long covered sheds with many, many soldiers lying on stretchers, soldiers on crutches, heads tied up, arms and legs tied up. As they were taken up the gang plank, the diagnoses were read from a history card fastened to the chest.” The nurses of U.S. Base Hospital #17 stayed in LeHarve for a week before boarding a train for a French Hospital in Dijon. Though still occupied by the French, it was to be U.S. Base Hospital #17. The Harper Hospital unit members were the first Americans to arrive in Dijon. The first convoy to arrive at the base followed a request by General Headquarters to care for a “few British wounded.” The first 473 arrived in the evening with as many more the following morning. “You can imagine our surprise at having nearly one thousand patients arrive at once; cots were placed in the halls, coffee, bread and jam were served as soon as they were in bed. Some of these soldiers
were in blankets, hospital gowns, pajamas and bathrobes, or almost nothing. Many were rushed to the operating room at once.” Except for the first English convoy, the base hospital’s patients were Americans, save for occasional German prisoners of war accompanied by guards. The base hospital was located far enough back of the firing line to keep soldiers until they were able to go back to the front or return home. The first week after a convoy arrived, nurses and staff worked 12-hour shifts or longer with the four-table operatory rarely unoccupied. After the Battle of Chateau Thierry in July 1918, Knapp was assigned as an operating room nurse, where she remained until December. The hospital staff would have only a few days to rest and get supplies ready before another convoy arrived. SICK LEAVE Knapp wrote that no one was allowed a vacation until after the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. Nevertheless, the rampant sickness, constant cold, long hours and physical and emotional strain took its toll. In March 1918, on the cusp of pneumonia, Knapp was sent to Cannes on the French Riviera for a month of sick leave. An even deadlier scourge came at the end of the war with
the onset of the worldwide flu epidemic. The epidemic was responsible for the majority of deaths involving nurses during the war. One of Knapp’s Farrand School classmates and two of the young men in the hospital unit died from the flu. The severity of wounds posed the greatest challenge for nurses and physicians. Physical wounds, trench fever, infections and mustard gas burns required constant treatment. Nurses and corpsmen were constantly changing dressings to stave off infections and irrigating wounds with Dakin solution, an antiseptic of boric acid and sodium hypochlorite. Nurses also faced soldiers suffering emotional wounds, such as shell shock. To that end, the nurses in Base Hospital #17 made every effort to lift spirits. “While at our hospital, many wounded had birthdays which were always celebrated as best they could be, perhaps by saving sugar and making candy,” stated Knapp. “This meant going without sugar in coffee and on cereal for several days, or the nurse might make a pie or cake.” As the war neared its end, Knapp wrote: “Some of the heaviest bombarding took place the morning of November 11 and right up to eleven o’clock when all firing ceased. After that, the rush started at our hospital. Some of the first aid dressings removed at our barracks were covered with maggots. Some soldiers lived only a short time suffering untold agony but they were glad to be so near home. Just think how many worthwhile men died such a short time before peace was to be declared!”
RELIEVED FROM DUTY Knapp took her first vacation on December 15, 1918, traveling to Paris. She returned to the base hospital on Christmas Eve. “On the second of January we were relieved from active duty by a base hospital from Texas, and the nurses in groups of ten were loaded into trucks to visit the front. We visited trenches that were like deep ditches; eight men could stand in a place. “Barbed wire entanglements looked like berry bushes that had not been trimmed in years, roads covered with camouflaged netting, under bridges the rivers had been dammed, floors had been placed and iron beds were used. Boxes upon boxes of unused shells, hand grenades, potato mashers were left by the roadside. “We went back by the way of Dead Man’s Hill where so many American boys lost their lives.”
On March 17, 1919 Knapp and her unit left France and returned to Detroit. She was discharged on April 28, 1919. At the conclusion of her war reflections, Knapp wrote: “Now as I hear the taps sounded and the volley of shot fired on Armistice Day and Memorial Day, I can see again those rough boxes draped in the Stars and Stripes on a gun carriage with the honorary pallbearers marching down the road and winding over the hill, and I wish everyone would be more reverent, but of course we all do not understand.” Knapp died in 1977 at the age of 84. She is buried in the Veterans Memorial Section of Northville’s Rural Hill Cemetery. POSTSCRIPT The Northville Public Schools honored Ruth Knapp, the district’s longtime former
Image of a WW I nurse recruiting poster from the Library of Congress.
school nurse, by naming a room in Old Village School in her honor. The Ruth Knapp Nest is located on the newly renovated 1917 building’s third floor. In addition to her work as the school district’s nurse from 1941-1957, Knapp was active in numerous Northville organizations including the Northville Woman’s Club, Northville Business and Professional Women, Northville Town Hall, Daughters of the American Revolution and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a charter member of the Northville Historical Society, serving as the organization’s first treasurer. She was historian of the Lloyd H. Green Post of the Northville American Legion for more than 15 years.
The ‘Ville 17
Civic Concern volunteer Joy Bloxam unpacks a box of donated food.
Civic Concern's Marlene Kunz gets a smooch from guest Mary Vaso.
Serving Northville's
'Hidden Poverty' A passion to help others drives Civic Concern’s leader, volunteers
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n November many turn their attention to the upcoming giving season of the holidays. At Northville Civic Concern, the giving and receiving season is year round in that the community that can, gives, and the community that is in need receives. The concept for a food bank to serve Northville began in the 1980s when Northville Rotarian Charles “Pipi” Smith saw a need for food aid even in a town as relatively prosperous as Northville. Smith began distributing food donated by local individuals and churches from his garage. Marlene Kunz, Civic Concern’s director since 1985, helped Smith out in those early days and has tried to maintain his mission since his passing. “We were trying to find help and resources for the needy. Charlie’s dying wish was that I take over Civic Concern - he
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Story and photos by John Heider would help anyone and it seems helping people became second nature for me, too,” Kunz said. Marlene drew a lot of inspiration for her dedication to Civic Concern from growing up in Ironwood in the western U.P. where her neighbors became her extended family and she connected with them and learned about the area’s history through them. Kunz took over the organization after Smith passed away and worked out of a cramped one-room slot in what was then the Northville Senior Center on Cady (currently the Northville Art House) for almost two decades. Excess food was stored up at Northville High - then on North Center. In 2004 they moved to their current location at 43275 W. Seven Mile Road in the Highland Lakes Shopping Center - a space donated to Civic Concern by landlord David Karolyn, which
boasts dozens of shelves for canned food and a freezer for frozen goods. LOVE AND CONCERN Kunz, 73, who has lived in Northville since 1965, makes the charitable organization and its “guests” her passion. “I’ve prided myself on 30 years of managing this. My feet hit the floor every morning ready to serve,” she said and added: “If I could dissect my heart it’d show the daily need to show love and concern for others.” More important than just creating a distribution center for food and other needed items for its clients, Kunz said Civic Concern serves as a place to bring the community together to help those who are hurting. It also assists its many volunteers, giving them something to commit to. “It’s not an entitlement to come here - it’s an honor to be
part of Civic Concern. I don’t want people to talk about Civic Concern, I want them to be here to help out and see what good it does the community,” said Kunz. Upset by the current friction between people in the country who don’t agree politically or socially, Marlene gets emotional and nearly tears up as she says: “I don’t need a pat on the back - I want less drama and more time spent as the community figures out how we can come together to help each other.” Kunz believes that no one should be so separated from another that they might not agree with - that they cannot at least wish them a blessed day. A GROWING NEED In 1985 Civic Concern cared for 19 households in the area. Today it looks after the food and personal care needs, clothing and bedding, diapers and
over-the-counter medicines for 172 households in Northville and Northville Township. Kunz counts on about 20-25 regular volunteers for the biweekly food distribution days, organizing of donations, and delivery to home-bound people. They’re integral to the success of the organization. During its Oct. 26 distribution day, John Holden, a six-year Civic Concern volunteer, noted one of the charity’s blessings: “It’s a way of helping a lot of people comfortably and easily. They’re accepted and they’re welcomed and we try to help whomever’s in need,” he said. Standing nearby, guest Beverly Downey added: “It means that I can come here and get some food and they show love to me and all of us. They care.” Kunz reflected on Northville’s
reputation as being a town of only the well-off, which she said just isn’t the case. “There are so many hidden niches in Northville where there is need. There is hidden poverty.” And while an individual or small group might not think that they can alter a needy family’s life by donating a few canned goods a month, Kunz reminds us: “It’s important to know that everyone can do something.” Marlene and her volunteers know and interact almost daily with a wide variety of resources within the community. An only partial list would include working with the local police, churches, spiritual leaders, apartment management companies, doctors, lawyers, principals, school children, the Rotary club, and other philanthropic organizations. Civic Concern also gets donations and volunteers from the National Honor Society, local churches, elementary schools, Great Harvest, Genitti’s, Parmenter’s Cider Mill, Costco, Panera, Our Lady of Victory School, Starbucks, and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
Teen volunteer Jade Tobias helps to haul out some donated Christmas gifts to a client’s car during the Civic Concern’s Christmas Party last December. This year's party will take place Dec. 8.
GIANT SPIRIT Former WDIV weatherman
Civic Concern holds bi-weekly distribution days for its clients. It serves 175 households in Northville.
and local good guy Chuck every two weeks. About 30 Gaidica, who stopped by on Oct. other clients of Civic Concern 26 to drop off some infant toys who have medical issues or and bedding, talked about how transportation problems, he values Civic Concern. have their food delivered by “The true heart of this volunteers. organization Kunz is that they’re hopes that filled with a members of the Director: Marlene Kunz giant spirit of community will giving. But also not just donate Address: 43275 W. Seven with that giant food and goods Mile Road (in Highland Lakes heart is its through Civic Shopping Center) ability to give Concern but Phone: (248) 344-1033 suggestions, also reach out Distribution Days: 2nd and 4th to gently give in their own Fridays of the month suggestions neighborhoods, on course businesses and Items Needed: Canned goods, corrections churches to vegetables, fruit, meat etc., to its clients connect with soup, cereal, baby products, - to help those who paper products, and household them make might need cleaners and laundry detergent. their own help - people Donating: If Civic Concern lives better,” that are in their is closed, donated food and Gaidica said. lives already. personal items can be left with In order Dedicated nearby Cassel’s restaurant or at to make sure volunteer Northville City Hall. that aid goes Margaret Christmas Party: Civic to those who Zonca summed Concern’s annual Christmas need it most, up what the party will be at the Church of Civic Concern charity means the Nazarene (21260 Haggerty) has its guests to her: “Civic on Dec. 8 starting at 9 a.m. The present Concern is the public’s welcome to attend. documented opportunity for need for food assistance the Northville community to through pay-stubs and bank help others. People often don’t statements. Individuals and realize that there are people families can only earn so much who need help right here. It’s to qualify for assistance. Each one part of the community family or individual usually helping the other.” goes home with about $150 in groceries on distribution days
Northville Civic Concern
The ‘Ville 19
LOCAL HEROES
Tom Holmes holds a photo of himself, in which he posed for after his battlefield commission during World War II.
‘I’m Proud I Served’ Local 100-year-old WWII vet played a key role in defeating Nazis By Lonnie Huhman
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he memories of World War II have not faded for Thomas Holmes, who celebrated his 100th birthday in July. In many ways those days and nights fighting the German army during some important battles in the thick of the war have defined his life. From his unit playing a key role during the Battle of the Bulge to suffering a head wound from enemy bullets, Holmes remembers doing his duty during some difficult times. Originally from Detroit, Holmes has lived with his daughter in Northville for an extended period of time. He was honored this past summer by the Northville Applebee’s as a Home Town Hero for his
20 The ‘Ville
service. With Veterans Day this month, The ‘Ville sat down with him to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed for the United States by recalling his service. It was late in 1942 when he entered the U.S. Army. He was eventually assigned to an Intelligence-Reconnaissance Platoon in 1943 with the 3rd Army, 10th Armored Division. He would go onto receive a battlefield commission after leading the unit through battles from Bastogne into Germany at Garmisch. “I’m proud I served,” Holmes said looking at photos from that time. One of his defining moments happened when his unit arrived in Bastogne, which was a
critical battle because it saw the two bronze medals, a Combat German army on the counterInfantryman’s badge, Medal offensive attempting to take of Metz, Distinguished Unit control of that Belgian town, Citation and a Purple Heart. which because of the roads His nephew, William Holmes entering and exiting it made Jr. of Northville, said he’s it an important place for the always seen his uncle as a true movement of either army and a American hero. place where the tide of the war “I am in awe of his bravery was at stake. and accomplishments as In Bastogne, Holmes an officer leading forward remembers being ordered reconnaissance changing the by his commanding officer, course of the Battle of the Bulge. Lt. Col. James O’Hara, to His team of just six men found reconnoiter eastward to locate an entire column of Germans the enemy. Holmes and his unit backed up ready to invade reached Wiltz, Belgium, as did Belgium. Three of the team the Germans. His unit then were dispatched to the rear established a road block near with the information and three Bras and shot up the front of an stayed to fight. Consequently, enemy column that caused the the information led to the German attack to be delayed destruction of that column and and gave time for the American Hitler was forced to change his forces to form its line of defense plans,” his said. for Bastogne. Holmes’ head wounds left He also recalls the moment he him in pretty bad shape with was nearly killed in battle. It was months to recover and at one April 1945 and he was platoon point his doctors told him he sergeant, when he was in a jeep could no longer pursue his that took enemy fire. He and former career as a tool maker. the driver were shot at and He said he then decided to go to Holmes took two bullets to the Wayne State University, where head, and the he went jeep crashed, onto earn ejecting his master’s Holmes as it degree in did. education. He would His path recover and became that remain in of a teacher, the service then a into 1946, principal in and served the Dearborn in the Pacific school system theater as for 28 years. well. He In light would later of Veterans go onto have Day, he looks Tom Holmes and his wife Shirley. surgery and back at that have a metal time and plate inserted in his skull. remembers his fellow soldiers. For his bravery and sacrifice, “I looked out for my guys and he received various honors they looked out for me,” he said. including two silver stars, “I loved them.”
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HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL
Alyssa Chechak and Giovanna Reyes-Pardo
Junior Emily Kim sews a costume.
Sophomore Austin Chmiel (front)
Caught in the Act NHS Drama Club prepares for fall production of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ Story by senior Quinna Halim • Photos by junior Khushi Kapoor
EDITOR’S NOTE High School Confidential is produced by journalism students at Northville High School under the direction of English teacher Amy Baditoi.
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he sound of mooing cows and baaing sheep fills the room. This is no petting zoo, though. It’s the actors from the Northville High School Drama Club playing farm animals in their latest stage production of “Charlotte’s Web.” From November 15-17, the Drama Club marks its long-awaited return, kicking off the season with their fall production. “Charlotte’s Web” will serve as a unique addition to the club’s repertoire, which has traditionally included more adult-oriented shows such as “Bullets Over Broadway” and “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” Both cast and crew are readily embracing the opportunity to diversify their skill sets and showcase their versatility. Senior Ben Blondy is no stranger to the stage or to playing an animal part, having played a snail in the Drama Club’s production of “The Little Mermaid” during his freshman year. For Blondy, it isn’t
24 The ‘Ville
enough to simply read lines from a script; he wants to understand the role he’s playing for each show, and “Charlotte’s Web” is no exception. “I like that this show is really highly adaptable,” said Blondy, who plays the character of the lamb. “I always prep by researching the shows I’m in, and for this one, I actually found an animated movie version from the 70s that I didn’t even know existed, since I grew up with the live-action version.” Lighting designer sophomore Nick Lennex said he thought the adaptation of the popular children’s book would be a hit with all ages and hoped that the show would capture the imaginations of younger members of the audience. “I really like how good it is for kids, and I really like how the show is interactive with the audience,” Lennex said. As the stage manager, senior Olivia MacDonald has a few years of experience under her belt coordinating different pieces on stage and behind the scenes in order to bring the stories to life. MacDonald explained that because the show catered to a younger audience it presented unique
challenges to the actors and production staff. “‘Charlotte’s Web’ is a very storybook like show. We have narrators on stage telling the story as it goes on. It’s very interesting to see because I’ve never done something like that. It’s a different perspective on theater. It’s a little challenging in some ways because we need it to be as clear as possible while still having some of the more complex technical things that we like to include in our shows,” MacDonald said. For wardrobe manager Hadley Bugar, the challenge has been in striking a balance between showing the fictitious nature of the animal characters, while still designing realistic outfits. “Our goal for the costumes is to get across the point that these characters are animals without letting them become too cartoonish. Sure, we might have some design elements like ears and whatnot, but we’re not throwing Wilbur out there in a pig onesie,” Bugar said. For more information about the NHS Drama Club, including how to purchase tickets for their shows, visit www. nhstheatre.com.
Rick Neal, RN
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, 2015 At Schoolcraft College, you’ll learn more than just the material. You’ll discover your talents, identify your true passions, and finetune your skills. You’ll see just how much you’re capable of. And we’ll support you with the resources you need to go out and prove it to the world—like successful Schoolcraft graduates do every day. Web site: www.schoolcraft.edu Answer Center: 734-462-4426
out & about YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE THIS MONTH AAUWNN Fundraiser Nov. 25 A special performance of A Comedy of Tenors will take place at 2 p.m. at the Tipping Point Theater, 361 East Cady Street in downtown Northville. The doors open at 12:45 p.m. with a reception that includes food and beverages. Tickets are $45. Proceeds will benefit the American Association of University Women – Northville Novi, a non-profit that promotes equity and education for women and girls. Get your tickets online at www.aauwnn. org, or contact Darlene Ursel at (248) 349-7849 or darleneursel@att.net.
Warren Miller’s Face of Winter Nov. 30 A special showing of Warren Miller’s Face of Winter will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Marquis Theatre in downtown Northville. To purchase tickets, visit warrenmiller.com/events/ marquis-theatre or call the Warren Miller Group Ticket Office at (800) 523-7117.
High Flying Fun The world-famous Harlem Wizards will visit Northville High School on Nov. 27 for an evening of basketball entertainment. The Wizards will play a game against a team of Northville principals, gym teachers, and coaches, and the officials for the game will be Northville High School’s own Coach Matt Ladach, Coach John Kostrzewa and Coach Tim Dalton. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Northville Mustang Boosters Club. The evening will feature a variety of fun, interactive extras to complement the Wizards’ dazzling show of hoops artistry. Tickets are on sale online now at www.harlemwizards.com/schedule-tickets. You can also buy them at sports games, conferences, etc. until they are all gone. General admission tickets are $10, reserved seats are $20, and courtside tickets, which include a meet-and-greet with the Wizards before the game, are $30. suffering from grief after the loss of a loved one. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www. newhopecenter.net or call (248) 348-0115.
New Hope for the New Year Dec. 1 The New Hope Center for Grief Support will host this annual fundraiser from 7-10 p.m. at the Northville Community Center. The public is welcome. Tickets are $50 per person. There will be horsd’oeuvres, drinks, entertainment, dancing, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, wine cork pull, and memorial bulbs available. All funds raised at the event will go towards New Hope programs, which help people
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No Room at the Inn Dec. 1-2 Our Lady of Victory Church will host this inspirational viewing of the “Christmas Story” illustrated by an exhibit of traditional Nativity scenes. Public viewing times are 3-7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 2. All proceeds from the event (free will offerings) will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at OLV,
which is located at 133 Orchard Drive. For more information, call (248) 349-2622 or email stvincent@ olvnorthville.net.
Pancakes & Pajamas Dec. 1 Northville Parks and Recreation hosts this holly, jolly event at the Northville Community Center that will include a picture with Santa, breakfast, crafts, sing-alongs, and goodies. All ages welcome. There will be two sessions: from 9-10 a.m. and 10-11 a.m. Tickets are $10 per person (children 2 and under are free). Pre-registration is required. For more information, visit northvilleparksandrec.org.
Owl Prowl Dec. 1 Maybury State Park will host this event from 6-8 p.m. Come learn about owls and take a guided hike
in the park to see if the owls will respond to calls. To participate, you must pre-register through Friends of Maybury by visiting www. friendsofmaybury.org. The event is free.
First Friday Experience Dec. 7 This popular event provides guests a unique evening filled with art, shopping and dining as they stroll along the streets of downtown Northville. Hosted by the locallyowned galleries and shops, the First Friday Experience runs from 5-9 p.m. with many of the establishments along the walk offering complimentary hors d’ oeuvres and beverages for their guests as they browse or shop. For more information, visit www.downtownnorthville.com.
Tinsel and Treasures Dec. 7-9 The Northville Community Center is the site of this 39th annual Handcrafters show. Hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 8, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 9. Shop holiday decor, fashion and accessories, artisan foods and more. Admission is $4 (12 and under are free). For more information, visit www.mercantilefairs.com/tinseltreasures.
SANTA’S FROSTY FOLLIES SHOW Join Santa, Mrs Claus and all their Frosty Friends in a LIVE musical kids show. First enjoy lunch including garlic bread, our famous soup, baked chicken, mostaccioli, salad, lemonade and dessert! Then join us in the theater for the show. Bring your camera for pictures with Santa after the show.
KIDS LUNCH THEATER $20 PER PERSON INCLUSIVE December 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 & 23 at 12 noon
Brew HA HA
It’s a festive time at the coffee shop and to celebrate they are hosting one of their anything-goes open mic shows and someone will win the big prize. Will it be the writer, Mark, who sits there everyday using the free wifi and not writing, the musician with dreams of becoming a rock star, the gal who uses the coffee shop to meet her online dates, Taylor, the dim-witted barista that can’t seem to get any order right, Glen, the frustrated owner, who may have to close up shop, or you? Everyone has a chance at becoming a star in this hilarious interactive comedy!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Dinner is served family-style starting with Italian wedding soup and garlic bread, antipasto salad, pasta in a white sauce, Italian sausage with green peppers and onions, baked chicken with vegetable, Italian steak with potato, and cannoli for dessert! After dinner, head into the theater to see the show.
DINNER THEATER $59 7-course dinner and show! Includes tax & gratuity.
LUNCH THEATER $42 7-course lunch and show! Includes tax & gratuity.
MANY DATES & TIMES AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW FOR EITHER SHOW!
108 East Main Street · Northville, MI ·
248.349.0522
· www.genittis.com
SHARE IT The Community Bulletin Board Page is just what it says. If you have events, photos or accomplishments you’d like to share with the community, please email Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD Keeping Northville beautiful
Read all about it!
The annual Northville Rotary Goodfellows Newspaper Drive will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 at locations throughout Northville, including in several intersections downtown. All donations will benefit Northville Civic Concern, a non-profit that provides food and other necessities to many local families. Last year, the drive raised more than $9,000 to purchase Meijer gift cards for the families to make their holidays a little brighter. So, if you see the Rotarians and other volunteers out on the streets, please donate.
A special visit Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater visited Northville’s Cooke School on Oct. 2, making a dream come true for a student there. Prater was there to see Will McRae, 9, who suffers from a seizure disorder. Make-A-Wish Michigan granted Will’s wish to meet his favorite football player. According to teacher Ashlee Latour, the highlight of Prater’s visit was when Will, aided by his father and an Upsee, kicked a football held upright by Prater. “Afterward, Matt signed autographs and posed for photos for our class and a few other students in the building. It was a truly amazing experience for the students, as well as for Matt. And it was a life-changing experience for Will,” Latour said.
Every year the Northville city and township beautification commissions recognize the businesses and organizations that go above and beyond when it comes to Northville’s Deadwood Bar and Grill was named Best In maintaining and Township. (Photo by John Heider) beautifying their properties. The winners this year include: Township: 2 Your Door Dry Cleaners, Aisin World Corp. of America, Applebee’s Restaurant, Beacon Square, C. W. Bearing, Cedarbrook of Northville, Community Choice Credit Union, Exxon Mobile Gas, George’s Senate Restaurant, Graphic Visions, Inc., Haggerty Dental, Harbour Village Apartments, Hidden Spring Veterinary Clinic, L. J. Griffin Funeral Home, Masonpro, Inc., Meadowbrook Country Club, Mr. C’s Plaza, Noah Properties, Northville Moose Lodge, Northville Township Hall, Northville Woods Apartments, Oakmont of Northville, P. F. Chang’s Restaurant, Park Place Apartments, Patio Plus, Rocky’s Restaurant, and ZF Technology Group. Deadwood Bar and Grill was named Best in Township. City: Allen Terrace Senior Housing, Casterline Funeral Home, Corriveau Law, Elizabeth’s Bridal Manor, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, Gardenviews, Good Time Party Store, Jerome Law, Kelly and Kelly, PC, Main-Seven, LLC/Cross Fit & 540 S. Main, Marathon Judeh Corporation, Northville Academy, Northville City Hall, Northville Garden Club Park, Northville Town Square, Our Lady of Victory Church & School, Pizza Cutter, Red Dot Coffee Company, Rotary Park, Singh Development Company, Starbucks, and Tipping Point Theatre. Angela Carson Photography was named Best in Town, while the Yerkes House Gardens was named The Pride of Northville.
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28 The ‘Ville
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Original tenants Happy Westmeier and Michael Nader stand in front of the Kings Mill clubhouse.
‘I Just Love This Community’ Kings Mill Co-Op still a great place to live after 50 years By Lonnie Huhman
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his year is a big one for the Kings Mill residential community. The Co-Op community neatly tucked away on 39 acres between Northville Road and Hines Park south of Seven Mile first opened in October 1968 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Construction of Kings Mill began in 1967, as a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) project. Today, more than 1,000 people live in the complex of 455 row house-style one to three bedroom units. “Kings Mill is a family community, and has residents in their 90s and families with small children,” said Pamela Rabus, Kings Mill property manager. Incredibly, there are still seven original members residing in Kings Mill including Happy Westmeier, who still calls it a great place to live. She said the fact that there are people who have stayed for five decades says a lot about its appeal, success and place in local history.
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“I just love this community,” Westmeier said. The fact that its location is near downtown Northville, as well as freeways/highways, great schools and parks really appeals to its residents, but Westmeier said its affordability, amenities and variety of housing options are just as important. Michael Nader, another original resident, agreed with all that Westmeier said, but he also noted that it’s a tight-knit, well-kept community. “The people are terrific here and it’s just a nice looking place,” Nader said. To live in Kings Mill, one must first become a member. Rabus said all sales at Kings Mill are cash and one must be approved for membership before they can make an offer on a membership. Kings Mill does a credit check, background check, and requires proof of income and assets, to pay cash for the membership. “Kings Mill has changed somewhat over the years, though the basic ideals are still
in place. It is a cooperative and everyone needs to work toward the common goal,” Rabus said. Member costs include a monthly carrying charge that covers insurance on the building, plumbing, electrical, ground maintenance, the furnace, stove, refrigerator, hot water tank and garbage disposal. Rabus said if there is something wrong in a unit, like a toilet or sink back up, or any other maintenance issue, the member calls in a work order and the maintenance department takes care of it. There are plenty of amenities, including a clubhouse featuring a pool and library. The community is also surrounded on three sides by Hines Park, with its walking trails, bike paths, wildlife and mature forests. The Rouge River runs through the property, and there are plenty of common areas with interesting sculptures and views of the meandering river. Kings Mill’s home styles take their names from local wellknown people from Northville’s past. The two-bedroom unit,
for example, is called The B.A. Parmenter and the one bedroom unit is The William Dunlap. Both Nader and Westmeier said Kings Mill fit with what they wanted in a residential setting. For Westmeier, she said you could not beat the cost, while also seeing maintenance taken care of. Nader said he raised a family in his threebedroom home, but is now living alone. He has the space for his kids and grandkids to come over, however. Westmeier said Kings Mill has always appealed to a variety of people, from families to a single person wanting a onebedroom unit. They all come together in the common areas, and especially at the clubhouse, where there is plenty of programming for residents. She said it’s a good mix, and you can tell there is a lot of pride in Kings Mill. “It’s a real friendly place,” she said.
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LIVE PROFESSIONAL THEATRE IN DOWNTOWN NORTHVILLE Every day, we hear someone say, “I’ve heard about Tipping Point, but I’ve never been there.” What are you waiting for!?
KEN LUDWIG’S A COMEDY OF TENORS
by Ken Ludwig | Nov. 15 - Dec. 23 | Tickets on sale now
NEW YEAR’S MUSICAL Dec. 28, 29, & 31 | Tickets on sale now
THE LAST FIVE YEARS by Jason Robert Brown | Jan. 24 - March 3 Tickets on sale Dec. 19, 2018
POPCORN FALLS by James Hindman | March 28 - May 5 Tickets on sale Feb. 20, 2019
FUNNYMAN by Bruce Graham | May 30 - June 30 Tickets on sale Apr. 24, 2019
ANATOMY OF A HUG by Kat Ramsburg | July 25 - Aug. 25 Tickets on sale June 19, 2019
Tipping Point Theatre has brought high quality professional theatre to Northville for the past 12 years, and we’re growing bigger and better than ever. Grab dinner in town and head to a show at the theatre for a great casual night out. Our shows are perfect for a date night or a group outing, and we even offer discounts for senior citizens and groups of 15 or more. Our shows tend to sell out, so please call our box office at (248) 347-0003 or visit TippingPointTheatre.com to buy your tickets in advance.
Performances
Wed. 3pm and Thurs. 8pm $31 | Fri. and Sat. at 8pm $38 | Sat. at 3pm and Sun. at 2pm $34
Tickets
(248) 347-0003 | TippingPointTheatre.com | 361 East Cady Street, Northville, MI 48167
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Children • Teens • Adults Individuals • Couples • Families 41700 Gardenbrook Rd., Novi Garden Office B • Suite 110
www.glpg.net | (586) 991-3905
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248.449.6677
P7
540 S. Main St. Northville, MI, 48167
s s u S e S to quad f f ‘O
Great Places!’
f th Battle o e Books par r e ticip m ants For
I
t’s not every middle schooler who’d say their favorite afterschool event was dressing up in Dr. Seuss costumes and spending an evening in the Northville High School cafeteria, locked in a trivia battle against other teams. It’s also not every kid who gets into Harvard or Yale. Or who lands an internship with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. But that’s exactly what kids from one Northville Battle of the Books teams have gone on to achieve. Organized by the Northville District Library, Battle of the Books is an annual reading event for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who live in Northville or attend Northville schools. Part trivia night, part costume party,
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By Maria Taylor
succe ed in college and beyond
part reading marathon, it’s the ultimate bash for the bookish bunch. The competition started in 2007, so this fall marks its 13th season. Each year draws about 150 kids, who form teams, then work together to memorize as much as they can for the trivia “battle” in March, when they compete to answer dozens of questions the librarians put together about assigned books. “After a question, we announce the answer, and the kids are either cheering ‘we got it’ or ‘ohhh,’” said Karen Fehl, assistant director at Northville District Library. The whole point behind the competition, of course, is to instill a passion for reading and learning. Most teams
succeed, but some take it to a whole different level. One team, which first competed in 2008, saw all of its members go on to graduate from college, including some prestigious institutions. The ‘Ville caught up with five of the six former members of the Suess Squad to see where their college and career paths have taken them, and how they were influenced by Battle of the Books. THE TEAM For team member Heather Brevard, who moved to Northville in sixth grade, Battle
of the Books was a way to meet new friends. And she met some great ones. She explained the team chose its name after the Dr. Suess book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. She dressed up as Cindy Lou Hoo. Brevard attended the University of Wisconsin Madison, graduating with a double major in computer science and economics. Today, she works at Microsoft. “In engineering, it is so important to pay attention to detail,” she said. “That’s one of the things that makes you successful in a competition like Battle of the Books: reading the same things over and over again and getting more out of them each time. That’s definitely one of the things I took away, long-term.”
Adam Crittenden remembers Battle of the Books as a great hangout for the nerdy crowd. “Honestly, reading with everyone... it was a really great time. We’d meet and read books, and we’d play Dance Dance Revolution after.”
someone not on a sports team or robotics.” Herrmann remembers study sessions being intense. “We split it up so that each of the books had a primary reader; it was that person’s job to be the No. 1 resource for that book. They
Herrmann is currently taking a gap year and working at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Massachusetts before attending medical school to become a clinical doctor. Max Paul – he was Sam I Am in The Seuss Squad – is heading to France this fall as a Fulbright
of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors. He graduated with a dual major in biochemistry and French, and he’s working at NSF International, a microbiology lab that does product testing, while taking a gap year prior to grad school. Not to be cliché, he said, but Battle of the Books taught him that studying is as much fun as you make it. “It’s the concept of gamification. You’re going to read a book several times; you’re going to get sick of those books in the middle,” he said. “But the
t you read, the m a h t e r o . “The mhe more that you learn, tore thing w o he m s you will kn .” T o t! ore p g l l laces you’ s Shu - Dr. Se ye Crittenden and most of the team continued together at Northville High School. His senior year and the year after, he attended the United World Colleges program, a boarding school in Hong Kong, with students from 90 different countries. Back in the U.S., he went to Northwestern University for neuroscience and Asian studies, and did an internship at CancerIQ, a healthcare tech startup. He plans to work at a Miami hospital for two years, then attend medical school. “I’m really fortunate we had that program back when I was in middle school,” he said. “I think really digging into what you’re reading... being able to critically read a book, interpret it, pick it apart, in a quick and sometimes stressful amount of time, is one of the most important skills in life.” Annelie Herrmann just graduated magna cum laude from Harvard. Ten years back, in Battle of the Books, she dressed up as the Grinch. “It's fun to be on a team, for
would read it two to four times,” she explained. Another kid would read it as backup. Then, it was time to record facts. “We wrote tons of questions: a couple hundred per book,” Annelie Herrmann said. And it paid off with a personal victory the night of the contest. The question went something like: What year were Ernest Shackleton and his men rescued from Antarctica? It was 1916: the date was in the afterward, and she knew it right away. That book, Shackleton’s Stowaway, was one of her favorites in that year. “At that time, I wasn’t into historical fiction at all, and it sort of introduced me to it,” she said. “It exposed me to a lot of books I wouldn’t have otherwise read.” That’s one of the program’s goals, said Fehl. “The teen and youth librarians work to pick out seven books, different genres, that will appeal to boys and girls: sports, maybe a romance, realistic fiction, nonfiction. It’s a big secret until Dec. 1, when we release the titles.”
uss, I Can Read With My E
scholar, after graduating magna cum laude from Amherst College. At NHS, he was a U.S. Presidential scholar candidate and a National Merit finalist. Paul grew up around science: his mom was a scientist, he did robotics and Science Olympiad, and he’s planning to study biochemistry at Yale. So the analytical skills gained from Battle of the Books have come in handy. “It definitely helped with doing close reading: remembering the details, the overall themes.” He still recalls his favorite book of the battle: Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. Jacob Taylor attended Michigan State University, where he did two fellowships: one studying viruses, and the other transcribing oral histories
adrenaline rush you get in the battle is super fun -- that, and the weird, wacky costumes.” The sixth member of the team, Andrea Meister, went to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
13th Annual Battle of the Books Registration for this year’s battle will begin Dec. 1, and forms will be available at school media centers and at NDL. For more information, visit the Northville District Library’s website at northvillelibrary.org.
The ‘Ville 33
It’s Your Business Ajeless Health & Medical Spa
Dr. Aylmer Evangelista works with a patient at Ajeless, located at 118 MainCentre.
‘Changing People’s Lives’ Ajeless finds success with unique hormone therapy
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his month marks the second anniversary of Ajeless Health and Medical Spa opening its doors in downtown Northville, and owner Dr. Aylmer Evangelista couldn’t be happier with the success of the business. In fact, Ajeless has been so successful, Evangelista, an internal medicine physician on staff at several local hospitals, has found himself spending more and more time at the office. “When we started this, I had no plans to be here six days a week,” Evangelista jokes. “We’re doing very, very well.” The reason for the success is the unique hormone therapy Evangelista offers his patients. He said the treatment “slows down the aging process.” It fights age-related diseases, osteoporosis, depression, PTSD, and generally “makes you feel better on the inside.” But it also has an impact on the “outside” of a person. It increases metabolism, which in turn makes people more active, sleep better, have better
34 The ‘Ville
sex drives, and, coupled with said. “And I feel I’m a master of some of the other services my craft.” Evangelista provides like Don’t take his word for it, non-invasive Micro Cannula however. Evangelista points injections, simply look better to all the online reviews on -- and younger. He said the Google and other sites written unique by previous therapy and current AJELESS HEALTH AND MEDICAL SPA really does patients. OWNERS: Aylmer and Jennifer rejuvenate “Dr. Evangelista his patients. Evangelista ADDRESS: 118 MainCentre, The other and his staff Northville, MI 48167 advantage made me feel PHONE: (248) 465-8000 is the noncomfortable WEBSITE: ajeless.com invasive from the nature of moment I the treatment, which means entered the spa. The clean, patients are in and out in one beautifully decorated facility day, and there is very little to provides an atmosphere of no down time. There is also professionalism, while putting an emphasis on wellness, the client at ease,” Julie meaning Evangelista educates Stedem wrote in her review. his patients how to maintain “Dr. Evangelista answered all better health, including of my questions and worked developing a plan for them to with me to create a specific get there – and stay there. treatment plan. The services Evangelista, who operates are reasonably priced and the business with his wife, Dr. performed by highly trained Jennifer Evangelista, considers personnel.” himself as much an artist as a Word has gotten around, doctor. which is why Evangelista has “I’m one of the only people been so busy. There seems to doing this in Michigan,” he be no shortage of people who
want to look and feel younger. He notes his patients come from all over Michigan, and he has even been doing some marketing in Canada, where this hormone therapy isn’t offered, Evangelista said. Of course, Evangelista’s success has also been good for Northville. “It’s bringing in lots of new people to town. Many of my patients have never been to Northville before, and they always say how much they love it. They end up getting something to eat at one of the restaurants or doing some shopping. I love to hear that,” Evangelista said. The best part of the job for Evangelista is seeing his patients transform – in body and spirit – right before his eyes. “This is truly changing people’s lives,” he said. “It feels so great to be able to help my patients. We only get to live once, it’s important to have a great quality of life. We’re helping people achieve that,” he said.
Uplifting Our Community From Within Main Street League is an organization of women dedicated to making a difference to those in need in the local community through the contribution of time, talents, and financial resources.
Join us! www.mainstreetleague.com “Gerry helped us purchase our first home and closed within 30 days. He provided the knowledge we needed to make a good choice and save some money. Would highly recommend him!!” Carl C. Royal Oak
As a full-service lender, we manage every aspect of home financing in-house and local. We have numerous loan programs that fit most people’s needs. • Conventional • Doctor Loan • Fannie Mae Day 1 Certainty • FHA / VA • Financial Planning, Legal, & Tax Assistance Contacts • Great Rates • Jumbo • Relocation Assistance Gerry Burke has over 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry and has been a long time Northville resident. He and his wife, Janet, have raised 3 kids in Northville, and Janet works in the outstanding Northville school district. Gerry will be a huge asset to the Northville Community and represents everything Towne Mortgage has to offer. Here are some comments from some recent clients of Gerry’s:
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Dishin’ With Denise
Denise Jenkins serves on the board of directors for the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Tipping Point Theatre. An avid writer and proponent of the arts, she is also plugged into what’s happening in Northville. Contact her at denisemjenkins@aol.com.
Veterans a reason to give thanks in November T
hanksgiving is coming up and that brings to mind the art of simply saying “thanks.” The thank you note will never go out of style and personally saying “thank you” is always treasured. In November we honor and thank Veterans. Banners once again line the streets of downtown Northville. It is an awesome sight. If you haven’t taken the time to drive through town, I recommend you do. Maybe, bring a tissue. The number of banners more than doubled since this project was introduced in May.
Winston Williams (left) and Robert Mosley in Washington DC
Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created to honor America’s veterans. They transport veterans to Washington, D.C. for a memorable experience. Northville residents Robert Mosley and Winston Williams were recently treated to an Honor Flight with the help of William Bollin and Patrick Henahan. Mr. Mosley is a WWII vet and Mr. William’s military record spans three wars – WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam. The Allen Terrace residents were escorted to the Grand Aire Hangar in Toledo to travel
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with the Flag City Honor Flight out of Findlay, Ohio. The program has not been offered in SE Michigan for more than 10 years. Once in the nation’s capital, the men were escorted, each with a personal companion, to the WWII/ Lincoln/Korean War/Vietnam memorials, the Pentagon, the Air Force Museum and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the lowering of the Flag. Robert and Winston were honored by the kind gesture of William Bolin, himself an Air Force veteran from the Vietnam War. Mr. Bolin has been connecting vets with Honor Flights for several years. “Pat (Henahan) and I are trying to do everything possible to reestablish a chapter of Honor Network here in southeast Michigan. There are so many veterans in our neighborhoods who deserve to be honored.” If you would like to reach out to William Bolin let me know.
Mission BBQ Grand Opening
Mission BBQ has opened for business on Haggerty Road, just south of Eight Mile. A little background - they opened their first restaurant in Glen Burnie, Maryland on September 11, 2011 – the 10-year anniversary of the fateful day that changed the world. The Northville location is the second in Michigan.Grand
opening celebrations began with a VIP reception for first responders to say thanks for their service to the community followed by a day for veterans, who can receive a VIP Club card in thanks for their service to our country. Finally, they opened to the public with pomp and circumstance. Army recruiter Garrett Bell sang the national anthem. The guest of honor that day was another Northville WWII veteran, Ray Owen. The restaurant serves more than good food at reasonable prices – it serves first and foremost as a reminder of service to country and community.
Corriveau Toys for Tots Train
Corriveau Law will once again partner with the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve collecting Toys for Tots. The iconic train will appear in the Holiday Lighted Parade and reside in the parking lot of the historic law office building in downtown Northville until December 18th. This is the 6th year they have reached out to friends and neighbors to help fill it up. Simply buy a toy and drop it off. Please, no stuffed animals or used toys. Gifts for 9-14 year olds are especially needed. Craft or hobby kits are a good idea. The office is located at 324 E. Main Street.
Northville Mayor Ken Roth, Chuck Murdock, and Northville Township Supervisor Bob Nix
Congratulations to Chuck Murdock, named the John Genitti Citizen of the Year at the Northville Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. He currently serves as president of the Friends of Maybury. But there is a very long list of Chuck’s community service, including volunteer efforts at the library with the summer reading program and delivering books to homebound residents; assisting senior citizens with tax preparation; mentoring with the Northville Youth Assistance; and serving on the Historic District Commission. Chuck and his wife Andrea have lived in the city of Northville for 29 years. Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family, friends, a little football and a lot of food. In the words of Erma Bombeck: “Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare. They are consumed in 12 minutes. Halftimes take 12 minutes. This is not coincidence.” As always, thank YOU for sharing your stories, your kind words and supporting The ‘Ville.
THE PREMIER LAW FIRM OF WESTERN WAYNE COUNTY
FAUSONE BOHN, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Introducing our Family Law Team of Katherine Krysak, Mark Mandell, and Ashley Harper
We are here for all your family law needs, whether it be divorce, custody, child support, adoption, guardianship, pre-divorce planning, prenuptial and post nuptial agreements, and post judgment matters. We live and work in the community. We are your neighbors, attend community events and your places of worship, and coach your children right here in Northville. Fausone Bohn, LLP has gained the reputation as one of the leading family law firms in Michigan. Our family law team has been recognized for their hard work, dedication, and successful results, including former associates and partners of Fausone Bohn, LLP being elected and appointed to the judiciary.
We practice throughout Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Livingston and Washtenaw Counties. We apply our years of experience to guide our clients through difficult and unexpected life events involving all aspects of family law. When you hire Fausone Bohn, LLP you get the entire family law team working on your case to manage all of your individual needs and to work toward the outcome that you deserve. Please contact Fausone Bohn, LLP to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss any of your family law matters. In addition to regular business hours, evening and weekend appointments are available upon request.
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