The 'Ville - November 2022

Northville’s

Vita Vizachero

Vita Vizachero

Vita has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1989. Some of her local favorites are Table 5, Pooles, Rocky’s, and Cantoro’s on Haggerty.

Vita has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1989. Some of her local favorites are Table 5, Pooles, Rocky’s, and Cantoro’s on Haggerty.

vvizachero@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2711

vvizachero@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2711

John DesOrmeau

John DesOrmeau

John has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1987. Some of his local favorites are Rocky’s, Custard Time, Guernsey’s and the Pizza Cutter.

John has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1987. Some of his local favorites are Rocky’s, Custard Time, Guernsey’s and the Pizza Cutter.

jdesormeau@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2720

jdesormeau@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2720

Livonia, MI

SPARKLING NORTHVILLE SINCE 1976.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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Publisher

Pat Anderson

Diane Calhoun

Kathleen Irwin

KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher

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

CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director

Craig has been in the creative industry for over 30 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 19 years. Craig enjoys chasing his young daughter and providing moral support to his lovely wife.

MICHELE FECHT – Writer

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

WENSDY VON BUSKIRK – Writer

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

MARIA TAYLOR – Writer

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

LARRY

– Writer

JOHN C. HEIDER Photographer

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

BRYAN MITCHELL - Photographer

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

TIM SMITH - Writer

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

O'CONNOR

Larry is a metro Detroit area journalist whose work has appeared in The Detroit News, Jackson Citizen Patriot and the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers. When he’s not meticulously chronicling people or events, he’s avidly rooting for his favorite soccer teams –Manchester United and Glasgow Celtic.

Ming & Ming Louie

Helen & Jack Regan Barbara Straith

One of the reasons I’ve always loved sports is their ability to bring a community together. That was more than evident during the Northville High School football team’s exciting run this fall.

After a couple of down years, in terms of wins and losses, the Mustangs bounced back in a big way this year, finishing with an impressive 7-2 regular season record, which included a heartbreaking loss to Brighton that came down to a blocked field goal in the last minute of play. The team qualified for the state playoffs, and knocked off cross-town rival Novi for the second time in three weeks. Is there anything better than beating your rival twice in the same season?

The Mustangs hosted the district final game against nemesis Catholic Central, which was televised as the Game of the Week on Bally Sports Detroit. That was exciting enough, just being on television, but the players must have been blown away by the crowd that night. At near capacity, Tom Holzer Stadium was electric. The television announcers

raved about the atmosphere, as the Northville community came out in droves to support their team.

Although the Mustangs ultimately fell short against the Shamrocks, 42-17, it was an incredible experience for these kids. The entire season was. The senior class should be commended for changing the culture of a program that had fallen on hard times after many years of success. It’s amazing what you can accomplish with hard work and a positive attitude.

The good news is there are a lot of starters coming back next year, so I have a feeling they might just get their revenge on Catholic Central, which has a number of Northville kids on the roster and had a heck of a season themselves. I’ve got my fingers crossed for a rematch.

The football team’s success

shouldn’t overshadow another incredible fall season of sports across the board at Northville High School.

The boys cross country team was dominant all year and won the state championship (see PAGE 8), its first ever. The boys tennis team, led by state singles champ Sachiv Kuman, came up just short of winning a state title of its own, finishing in second place to Bloomfield (see PAGE 28).

The girls golf team finished in 4th place, which was actually a disappointing ending to the season after they had won four straight state championships.

As I write this, the volleyball

team, hot off its regional championship, is preparing to take on Berkley in the state quarterfinals. The feeling all year is the squad has enough talent to win the state this year. Hopefully by the time you are reading this that will be the case. Either way, they’ve had an incredible two-year run, making the quarterfinals last year.

You’d be hard pressed to find a high school in Michigan that has the same kind of success in its athletic programs. In fact, earlier this year at the conclusion of the 2021-2022, the Mustangs clinched their first Ultimate State Championship by MLive, which developed a point system to track high schools across the state.

I’d say after an incredible fall run, the Mustangs have to be in the mix to repeat that feat. We’ll see come spring.

In the meantime, Go Mustangs! You make us proud.

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

ON

Nicolas Fullerton of Northville Township sure does.

Bryan Mitchell

Nolan Thomson (from left), Angelo Rodriquez, Coach Jon Alandt, Luca Prior, and Max Anderson display the Eight Mile Jug after defeating Novi.

Protect Legacy Park

Northville Township voters approved a millage in 2008 to purchase 332 acres of the former State Psychiatric Hospital for use as open space and future use as a park for recreational purposes. Citizens paid to stop urban sprawl, create green space, and to protect the environment for future generations.

In 2014 most of the stakeholders involved wanted the property to be a passive recreation area.

Now known as Legacy Park, township leaders are now proposing a large, costly, unneeded municipal development on park property to house future headquarters for the Department of Public Works and Public Safety. Both these uses are not compatible with what voters approved. Nor are they compatible next to or within Legacy Park.

Leaders want to spend millions on facilities that already exist and could be upgraded at a lower cost than building out 23 acres of Legacy Park with new site utilities, buildings, and parking lots. All options need to be explored before committing to develop Legacy Park and increasing the tax burden for Northville Township residents.

We need to protect Legacy Park.

Independent analysis needed

Steve Potocki

Thanks for keeping the Rouge River on your editorial priority list (“Improving the Rouge River Starts in Northville,” October issue).

Unfortunately, “popping the lid off” might better describe the most recently proposed Northville Downs site plan for daylighting the Rouge that now sits before Northville City Council. The “daylighting” plan mentioned in your October 2022 editorial may give some the impression all is well. For those who have delved into the site plan it includes extensive excavation to move the Rouge River further east from its current and historical location to flow directly alongside River Street. This design choice appears to accommodate additional residential density that includes a cluster of (11) very large multi-unit 3-1/2 story townhouse structures along 7 Mile Road and Hines Drive.

Plans to move the riverbed, ecologically functional storm retention ponds, and considerations for Johnson Creek should be supported by a third-party environmental impact review that could have been required by the Planning Commission. A provision giving this authority is detailed in the City of Northville –Zoning Ordinance:

SECTION 19.07 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The Planning Commission may require the applicant to prepare and submit an environmental analysis of the potential and probable impacts of the project if established. Said environmental review will include an analysis of the physical, natural, and biological elements that will or may be changed by the project. The review shall be made by persons qualified to conduct such reviews and who have no conflict of interest in the matter. The Planning Commission shall require the applicant to mitigate adverse environmental impacts as part of the development.

It’s a mystery why such due diligence wasn’t secured prior to submission to City Council. Now in their hands, we hope City Council requires an independent environmental analysis before the proposed site plan is permitted to move forward.

Jeff and Terry Snyder

Great football season

Congratulations to Coach Matt Ladach and the Northville Mustangs varsity football team on a great season. Although the season ended last Nov. 4th, the team should be very proud of their achievements this year. Northville's playoff game against Catholic Central was the Bally Sports High School football game of the week and the team and fans did themselves proud. The announcers praised the atmosphere at Tom Holzer Stadium as one of the best they experienced all year. Great job by everyone involved with the football program. Go Mustangs!

Jim Kastely

Listen to all residents

Did you know there are 6,119 residents of the City of Northville? According to the City of Northville website and the U.S. Census it is true. City Council reports that of those 6,119 residents only 1,563 took their survey about the road closers. That is 25%. Of that number, 52% wanted both roads closed (812 people which is only 14% of all City of Northville residents). I have a feeling the 4,556 other residents really do have an opinion, but the City doesn’t seem to care. Now they want to spend $47,700 between the DDA and the City to make the streets more pedestrian friendly. Guess where almost 70% of the city’s General Fund money comes from. If you said taxes, you are right. I find it shady that only 25% of the residents should have their voices heard. Something should be done.

Heather Zabel

Stick to collective bargaining

I noticed in your October issue, on page 28, you have an ad for Kim CampbellVoytal, Carin Meyer, and Melissa Stuart for School Board. It says that they are endorsed by the MEA. Which means they are owned by the teacher’s union and will not be working in the best interest of the taxpayers or the parents and kids of Northville. They will be working for the teachers and teacher’s union. Our School Board should only represent the taxpayers and parents. The teacher’s union needs to stick to collective bargaining and stay out of local school board elections.

Carol Maynard

Thank you

Thank you for publishing the photo and article “Walk To End Alzheimer’s” on the Bulletin Board page in your September issue. I am humbled by the generosity of so many people. The Moose Lodge members contributed $1,266, and that gift was matched by an anonymous donor. Combined with the monies raised by Cedarbrook residents, staff and family members, our total donation to the Alzheimer’s Association was more than $4,000. We love The ‘Ville! Keep up the good work.

Marie Rumbley

Introducing the new Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth. Whether you live in Plymouth or nearby, we’re proud to bring world-class specialty care closer to you, including orthopaedics, cardiology and neurology. Our new facility was built just for you. And it’s just minutes down the road. See a full list of services at henryford.com/plymouth

Corner of Ann Arbor Road and N. Haggerty

We believe all your healthcare solutions should live where you do.

Ryan Berger, M.D. Orthopaedic spine surgeon

By Brad Emons

Taking It In Stride

Favored Boys XC team meets expectations for first state title

Considered the odds-on favorite to win it all coming into the 2022 boys cross country season, Northville never flinched.

The Mustangs, who returned their top four runners from a fourth-place team showing in 2021, completed what can only be considered as “the perfect season” as they captured the MHSAA Division 1 title on Nov. 5 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.

And Northville did it in convincing fashion, scoring 122 points while pulling away from runner-up Traverse City Central (196) and defending champion Brighton (229).

And these Mustangs join select company becoming the first boys team in school history to bring home a state title since 1973 when Northville was the MHSAA Class B-C-D swimming and diving champion.

Northville, which has been a regular at the MHSAA Finals, topped its runner-up cross country finish of 2015 when Rockford edged the Mustangs for the team title by a mere two points, 99-101.

On paper, Northville was expected to win it in 2022 based on the returning talent from a year ago with five of the top seven back. The team was well aware but ignored the pressure.

“After last year, our kids knew it too and handled it in stride,” Northville coach Tim Dalton said. “We felt a target was on our back all year, and they ran the table. The kids deserve the credit. They were unreal.”

As he had done all season, junior Brendan Herger led the way for Northville by placing third individually. He covered the 5,000-meter MIS course on a windy afternoon in 15 minutes, 34.05 seconds.

Herger was also the regional (15:23.9) and Kensington Lakes Activities Association (15:30.8) champion as well.

“He’s a special kid,” Dalton said. “We

knew obviously he was All-State (top 30) last year as a sophomore, so bringing him back this year I thought realistically he had a chance to be top five. We thought that third spot was a good goal and where he could be and that’s where he finished. And then last spring on the track, the kid runs 4:10 for 1,600 meters. He’s an incredibly talented kid. Besides running, a super nice kid. He’s team first and is all about his teammates. He’s a good person.”

Meanwhile, senior Brady Heron placed 14th (15:56.17), while sophomore Ethan Powell was 28th (16:13.00). Both earned AllState honors.

“I don’t want to single out or highlight one over another, but he (Heron) might have had the race of the day,” Dalton said. “He knew his ability. We knew it. But for him to go out there and finish . . . he was 11th in the team scoring. And he was 14th overall which was super impressive.”

Senior Brock Malaikal, who was 58th (16:31.63), along with junior Nicholas Yaquinto, who took 85th (16:43.45), completed the Mustangs’ scoring.

The Mustangs stand atop the podium after winning their first-ever MHSAA D1 boys cross country title. Photo by Wright Wilson

Brendan Herger led Northville all year and was instrumental in the team’s first state championship.

Brendan Herger. Photo by Wright Wilson

Meanwhile, rounding out the starting state meet lineup were seniors Brandon Latta, who finished 87th (16:44.22), and David Whitaker, who placed 129th (17:04.21).

The team’s two alternates included freshman Ben Hartigan, who ran a 16:31.91 at the Wayne County Championship, and senior alternate Raunak Chattopadhyay.

“We beat everybody’s No. 5 (runner) except two teams,” Dalton said of his team’s state finals effort. “It just shows the depth of our kids. Our seventh runner (Whitaker) would have beaten every team’s fifth besides Pioneer and Brighton.”

During the regular season, Northville

place showing was aided by Heron, sixth (16:11.8); Malaikal, ninth (16:19.7); Powell, 10th (16:20.9); Latta, 17th (16:37.7).

During each big race, there was a strategy to follow. Don’t go out too fast and burn yourself out too early, according to Dalton.

“The way our kids ran – we weren’t winning at the mile at Michigan State. We weren’t winning at the mile mark at Portage,” Tim Dalton said. “And we were third at the state meet at the mile mark. I expected that and felt pretty comfortable when I saw that. As long as we moved up in the second mile – Brady and Ethan Powell had huge jumps in that second mile. We went from a 30-point deficit to roughly leading by 40 points at the two-mile mark.”

The Northville coaching staff, which also includes brother Jack Dalton, Colin Riley

captured the Michigan State, Portage and Loyola Latin Lakefront (Ill.) invitationals. They also brought home the KLAA West Division, conference and regional crowns.

“We tried to rattle them,” Dalton said. “We put them in the Elite race at Michigan State. We took them to Portage. We took them to Chicago for an invitational, and every single time we never really saw them break. We had races that we weren’t our best, but they always got the job done. What makes them unique? I truly believe we tried to sell them all year that they didn’t have to be best friends, but they had to come together as a collective group. And I think they really bought into that and they ran for each other each time.”

At Region 6 meet at the Willow Metropark, Northville scored 35 to hold off runner-up Plymouth (51). In addition to Herger’s first-place finish, the Mustangs also received solid efforts from Heron, fourth (15:45.3); Powell, sixth (15:50.9); Malaikal seventh (15:57.9); and Latta, 17th (16:24.7).

And during the KLAA Championship at Huron Meadows Metropark, Herger’s first-

and Tom Brown, tried to pace themselves throughout the year.

“Knock on wood, we’ve been scary healthy over the last couple of years,” Dalton said. “And I don’t know the exact answer to it. I talked with (coach) Carl Spina at Saline about it a little bit. We truly tried to respect the hard day, the easy day rotation. And our build up over the summer . . . we were pretty smart at our team camp. For years we went up in mileage and why are we doing that? So, we’d keep it like where we’d been, and if anything, keep it a little lower because of the heat so much up there, being on our feet and walking around. But yes, no injuries.”

So, what are the Mustangs’ prospects for 2023?

With All-Staters Herger and Powell, along with Yaquinto and a promising Hartigan returning next season, the Mustangs could well be in the mix again. But they do lose four key seniors.

“I told everybody we’re just focusing on this right now and letting our kids enjoy this. They deserve it,” Dalton said.

Tim Dalton, Northville coach On the team embracing expectations after a 4th place finish last year

After last year, our kids knew it too and handled it in stride. We felt a target was on our back all year, and they ran the table. The kids deserve the credit. They were unreal.”

Brendan Herger, Ethan Powell and Brady Heron are interviewed by local media following the D1 finals at MIS. Photo courtesy of Tim Dalton

Junior Brendan Herger of state champion Northville celebrates as he crosses the finish line following a third-place individual finish in the MHSAA Division 1 boys cross country finals held Nov. 5 at MIS in Brooklyn. Photo courtesy of Tim Dalton

Northville Hit By Blue Wave

Democrats sweep to victory locally and statewide

By Kurt Kuban

The blue wave that swept over Michigan on election night did not avoid the Northville community, as voters in both the township and city supported Democrats over their Republican opponents in nearly every race on the ballot.

In the statewide races for governor, attorney general and secretary of state, the Democrat candidates won by fairly significant margins in Northville. In Northville Township, which has long been a Republican stronghold, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer captured more than 56 percent of the vote over Tudor Dixon; Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson won 59 percent of the vote (over Kristina Karamo); and incumbent Attorney

General Dana Nessel won 56 percent of the vote over Matthew DePerno.

Margins in the City of Northville were pretty similar, just as they were across the state.

Democrats not only won the top three statewide positions, they also won majorities in the state house and state senate, sweeping to power for the first time since the early 1980s.

Among those winning and representing the Northville community are incumbents State Rep. Matt Koleszar, State Rep. Kelly Breen, and State Senator Rosemary Bayer. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who moved into the U.S. House 6th District after the recent redistricting process,

also won and will represent Northville in Washington.

About the only Republican that bucked the trend was Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki, who won reelection in a race where there was no Democrat on the ballot. She defeated Libertarian opponent Daniel Woike, earning more than 80 percent of the vote in Northville.

Turnout in the city was over 72 percent, while the township turnout was more than 67 percent – both really high numbers for a mid-term election.

Perhaps the most important race locally was for the Northville School Board of Education, where there were three seats open. The campaign pitted two slates of three candidates apiece. Not surprising, considering the other results, the three supported by Democrats -- as well as the teachers union and two former Northville superintendents -- won pretty decisively. They are Melissa Stuart (7,298 votes), Kim Campbell-Voytal (6,978 votes) and Carin Meyer (6,713 votes).

Stuart, who finished first with nearly 20 percent of the vote, said the campaign was a positive experience, even though it did get negative at times. This was the first time she has ever run for elective office, and she said it was an eye opener. Along with Meyer and Campbell-Voytal, Stuart said she knocked on a lot of doors and was able to talk to many voters about their expectations for the school district.

NORTHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

Three Four-year terms (Unofficial results)

Melissa Stuart 7,298 19.9%

Kim Campbell-Voytal * 6,978 19.0%

Carin Meyer 6,713 18.3%

Kathleen Schafer 5,446 14.9%

Scott Morrell 5,396 14.7%

Andrew Augustine 4,839 13.2% * Incumbent

“I tried really hard not to get distracted by some of the undercurrents that took place and really shouldn’t be part of a school board race,” said Stuart, who has two children attending Northville schools. “We had a strong group of volunteers that helped us. We covered a lot of neighborhoods knocking on doors. I think we were successful because we focused on what’s important to voters and parents.”

They defeated Kathleen Schafer (5,446 votes), Scott Morrell (5,396 votes) and Andrew Augustine (4,839 votes), who have all been vocal critics of district leadership, especially its pandemic response. At times, there was a lot of sniping between the two camps, both out on the campaign trail and across social media.

Stuart said she is ready to roll up her sleeves and work with new Superintendent RJ Webber. While there are a number of issues that she is concerned about, her biggest priority is school safety. Her hope is to get a resource officer in all the schools.

Northville voters also supported all three successful statewide proposals, including Proposal 3, which provides a constitutional right to abortion. In the township, it passed with 61 percent of the vote. City voters were in favor of Proposal 3 by a margin of 2,370 yes votes to 1,385 no votes.

Carin Meyer (from left), Melissa Stuart and Kim Campbell-Voytal celebrate on election night. All three won seats on the Northville School Board. Photo courtesy of Kelly Masters

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‘Time To Do Something Different’

By Larry O’Connor Pat Sullivan decides to step down as Northvillle city manager

ity of Northville elected officials are dusting off the hiring manual after longtime City Manager Patrick Sullivan announced his retirement last month.

Sullivan, who will step down on Jan. 6, has been the city’s top administrator for 16 years. The news didn’t come as a complete shock. The death of his wife Amy, who passed away Oct. 4 after a nearly two-year battle with pancreatic cancer, played a prominent role in the decision.

“Going through that made me realize that life is short and you need to live it to its fullest, and it’s time for me to do something different,” said Sullivan, 60, who has worked 38 years in municipal government.

“I have enjoyed my city management career. I have much enjoyed Northville, so I am old enough to retire but young enough to do something

different.”

To deal with Sullivan’s impending departure, city council members decided during a special meeting Oct. 25 to take a three-prong approach in replacing Sullivan.

In the short term, the council planned to hire an interim city manager to work with Sullivan until Jan. 6 — and beyond if necessary — while a permanent replacement is found. The council also decided to enlist a search firm to help select Sullivan’s successor.

Officials plan to brainstorm and come up with the precise qualities they want in the person who will be shepherding the city through a critical juncture.

In addition to the transformative Downs housingcommercial project on the 49-acre historic harness race track site, the city’s to-do list

is exhaustive. Included are updating the Master Plan, requests for proposals to update the Ford Field site and finding a home for the Farmer’s Market. Also at stake are time-sensitive grant applications.

“I’ve been sitting here thinking, ‘How do we keep the momentum going on these things while we’re trying to fill in leadership?’” asked former council member and North Center Street resident Nancy Darga during the Oct. 25 meeting.

The mayor and council members feel a sense of urgency.

“I talked to (former mayor Christopher) Johnson and others, and they know the most important thing we can do is take our time and find the right city manager,” said Mayor Brian Turnbull during the Oct. 25 special meeting.

“We were very fortunate 16 years ago … (Johnson) said the search was a huge time consumption of the council then and should be for us now because we are looking for the next generation. We’ve had 16 years with Pat, we’re looking toward the next 16 years.”

The job is a plum post, which should attract numerous qualified applicants, said Dan Gilmartin, the CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League, an organization that provides a number of services to its member communities.

“Northville is a great community,” said Gilmartin, who also happens to live on Dubuar Street. “There are a lot of big projects going on, a lot of interesting things happening, a historic downtown, growth and certainly the Downs project ... issues that a professional would want to be a part of.”

Another big lure is the position’s stability.

Sullivan’s predecessor Gary Word stayed for 14 years until resigning in 2005 to accept another position. Word succeeded Steve Walters, who served as city manager since the mid-1970s.

“You compare it to a lot of other communities where you call it the ‘Manager of the Month Club,’ because they go through them so fast the person doesn’t even have time to unpack,” said Johnson, who was Northville mayor from 1987 until 2015. “So we have a really good track record here.”

Council members see an interim city manager as crucial to a smooth transition.

They want that person working with Sullivan and asked the city manager to come up with “bullet points” for

Northville City Manager Pat Sullivan is leaving his post in January. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

qualities he wanted in a surrogate.

Turnbull asked council members Marilyn Price and Andrew Krenz to serve on a subcommittee, working with Sullivan to find candidates for the interim post. The Michigan Municipal League would be a likely source for hopefuls.

A recommendation was expected to be made at a special meeting Nov. 17.

“You’re talking about a generalist, who knows how city government works to get you through to the next manager,” Sullivan said. “You don’t have to make the tough decisions.

“You just have to keep the ball rolling and get the right decisions in front of the council in a timely manner.”

Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Moroski-Browne and councilman John Carter were tasked to recommend a search firm. GovHR, Michigan Municipal League and Walsh Municipal Services were among those suggested.

Sullivan was expected to provide his expertise on that front.

Sullivan burnished a sterling reputation for running steady governmental operations across four decades.

He spent 10 years as superintendent of St. Clair and four years as assistant manager and clerk in the village of Beverly Hills. He was also village manager in New Haven and clerk in Lenox Township.

He served as president of Michigan Municipal Executives in 2018 and is a member of the International City Managers Association and Michigan Municipal League.

He has a master’s in Public Administration from Oakland University and a bachelor’s in Public Affairs from Wayne State University.

Sullivan impressed his former boss, then-mayor Johnson, with a solid grasp of government operations and overall calm.

“He was really the whole package,” said Johnson, who now serves as general counsel for the Michigan Municipal League. “The storm can be raging and he was always a person who kept his cool and came up with good ideas to solve the problem rather than be a part of the problem.”

After Jan. 6, Sullivan said he will take time off and “figure out what to do with the next chapter of my life.”

His late wife retired as city manager in Huntington Woods. The couple had three grown children.

The outgoing city administrator is most proud of the staff he assembled during his 16-year tenure in Northville.

“It was a great staff when I got here,” said Sullivan, “but having been here 16 years I have gotten to hire some great department heads and I feel like I am leaving the city in great hands with them.

“Working with the team here in Northville, some of the great mayors and council members I have worked with, I have just enjoyed that a lot.”

Pat Sullivan has been Northville’s city manager for 16 years. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

Michigan-based veterans disability law firm and one of the bigger ones in the United States,” Fausone said. “We have about 2,000 active clients all over the country. Over time, it grew to a point where it just made sense to have this as a completely separate entity.”

The main role of the firm, of course, is to help veterans wade through tangled bureaucracy and get their claims dealt with from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Serving Those Who Served

law firm helps veterans get what they deserve

By Tim Smith

Legal Help for Veterans today is a multi-faceted, engaging communications juggernaut about everything an American military vet might want to know.

But it began life in 1998 as a simple request from retired Michigan Air National Guard Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone to her attorney husband, Jim Fausone.

“Back then, she had some friends who had trouble getting VA disabilities and she said ‘Can you just help this one guy out?’” recalled Fausone. “And there was a second guy, a third guy. It kind of grew from that. She’s had a career in the military and she knew a lot of folks, like ‘Hey, your husband’s a lawyer, can he help me with this?’”

In 1998, Jim Fausone and attorney Paul Bohn already had their then three-year-old community-focused law firm, Fausone Bohn, successfully

up and running in Northville Township. Back then, and for the next 23 years, Legal Help for Veterans was under the Fausone Bohn umbrella.

But Carol Ann Fausone’s suggestion to provide legal guidance for service men and women has proven to be incredibly prescient and successful helping veterans

collect an estimated $10 million in future or retroactive benefits.

Today, Legal Help for Veterans today is bringing relief and peace of mind to thousands of clients. While Fausone Bohn continues to be a thriving practice, the so-called “spinoff” officially became a firm of its own in 2021.

“We’re certainly the largest

“Ideally, you should never need a lawyer to get your disability benefits,” Fausone stressed. “But as the system has gotten more complicated at the VA, the VA has struggled with the number of claims. And remember, we’ve just concluded 20 years of war (in Iraq and Afghanistan). We’re constantly cranking out veterans out of the military who served their years and got out and then realized, ‘Yeah, I’ve got this problem or that problem.’

“The increasing complexity and needs at the VA has resulted in disability law firms being necessary and quite frankly being fairly successful. Because the VA makes -- often in the complicated cases -- they make a lot of mistakes.”

NEEDING TO BE HEARD

Augmenting that key service are various informational prongs intended to enlighten listeners, as well as to reassure vets and their families.

There is a weekly podcast that Fausone produces from his Northville Township office and which can be heard over VeteransRadio.net. He estimates he has produced about 500 podcasts.

Those audio episodes are therapeutic and cathartic,

Northville

Jim Fausone owns Legal Help for Veterans and also hosts a weekly podcast about veterans rights.

Eric Deters (from left) of the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System with retired Michigan Air National Guard Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone and her husband, Jim Fausone.

allowing seemingly guarded topics to finally be understood and appreciated.

“Hopefully we’re providing a larger service to veterans’ families and friends,” Fausone said. “Maybe their veteran never told them about what going through the Navy Seal BUD/S program (Basic Underwater Demolition) was like.

“But if I can get a Navy Seal guy on who talks about it, then the guy who never went home and talked to his mom, dad, brother or uncle about that learns something from it.”

Fausone recalled doing a podcast about U.S. Navy veteran Craig Grossi, who smuggled his best friend – a dog named Fred – out of Afghanistan.

“I’ve had mothers call me and say, ‘I now understand why my son wanted a dog when he got back from service,’ or what dog therapy was all about,” Fausone said. “I didn’t get it until I heard this other guy (on the podcast).”

One of his recent podcasts was with retired U.S. Navy Capt. Paul J. Ryan, vice chair of the Michigan Military and Veteran Hall of Honor. Ryan delved into stories about several 2022 inductees and talked with Fausone about the Hall and nomination process. The induction takes place Nov. 18 in Lansing.

“(We’re) trying to recognize Michiganders who have done extraordinary things while in military service,” said Fausone, also a board member with the Hall. “But we also introduce into the Hall of Honor veterans who served. And what is really extraordinary is what they did when they got out of service and how they continued to help the community.

“The point of the Hall of

AN IMPORTANT ‘PACT’

Fausone last month welcomed Michigan 8th Congressional House Rep. Elissa Slotkin (who served three tours in Iraq as a CIA Analyst) for a podcast touching on several current topics including the federal PACT Act legislation signed into law in August by President Joe Biden.

The PACT Act will expand VA health care and benefits for Gulf War and post 9/11 veterans exposed to the toxic horrors of burn pits – which have been linked to serious respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

“It’s an extremely positive effort, it certainly builds on the mistakes we made in the past when we didn’t recognize what Agent Orange (exposure) was doing to guys for decades and decades,” Fausone explained. “We just took far too long to recognize that and so this is, by VA standards, or federal government standards, almost lightning speed to get the PACT Act in.

“Certainly, it’s a good

demonstration of how media and social media in particular (were) pointing to this problem and saying you got to do something about it.”

At Legal Help for Veterans, Fausone said there are active claims involving burn pits.

“We’re also going back and reviewing those cases where we put in claims for these kinds of problems, historically, and they were denied because the VA didn’t see the medical causation, or nexus, between the service exposure and the disease,” Fausone said. “But the PACT Act will make that much easier and has given direction to the VA on how to handle it.”

OTHER RESOURCES

Fausone added that other ways Legal Help for Veterans is connecting both with military families and the general public include a popular You Tube channel (with more than 280,000 views to date) and important resources on the website.

Those include a slew of e-books and topical links from which veterans can find inspiration, information, direction or support.

“If you go to the Legal Help for Veterans website, you’ll find we have probably 20 e-books

that you can download,” he continued. “What we found over time is there’s a lot of stuff that we think people know (that) they don’t, from how do I get burial benefits to how do I get my ribbons to what in the heck is tinnitus".

There is a current blog that includes information about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and its impact on veterans’ nightmares. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, about 60 percent of vets suffer from trauma-related nightmares.

Other features of the website are client testimonials, free claim evaluations and allimportant Frequently Asked Questions.

Efforts from his firm notwithstanding, Fausone insists much more still needs to be done to help veterans find answers to nagging questions about disability benefits let alone COVID-19-acerbated mental health issues or PTSD.

And Fausone would like the “thank you for your service” sentiment to be prevalent not just on Veterans Day or displayed during major sporting events.

“Veterans Day is an important day where we recognize all those who have served,” Fausone emphasized. “And going out of your way to say thanks is not a waste of time. And it certainly should be a message passed on to our youth, about why do we recognize veterans.”

Legal Help for Veterans is located at 41700 West Six Mile Road in Northville Township. For more information, call (800) 693-4800 or visit www. legalhelpforveterans.com.

Honor is to tell those stories and educate the public about what folks have done and again hopefully inspire the next generation of military service members.”

Medal of Honor recipient Jim McCloughan (left) with Jim Fausone at an event in 2019.

Northville man spreads awareness of under-the-radar testicular cancer

By Tim Smith | Photos by John Heider

Most “twentysomething” men merely disregard some lower back pain or a small lump on the neck as nothing to worry about.

Some might explain those away as being the aches and pains of playing sports or being physically active. Others of that age group, thinking they are invincible, might just disregard such symptoms altogether.

Daniel Baldwin, a 24-year-old Northville resident, did just that for a few months in 2021 – having discovered his symptoms in March of that year. He figured doctors might tell him to go into a stretching regimen or have the lump on his neck removed.

So he put off seeing a doctor. But finally, with parental prodding from Sue and Scott Baldwin, he had his medical concerns checked out. The diagnosis, rendered the day before Thanksgiving, came back as stage 3A of testicular cancer.

“That (the diagnosis) was kind of an eyeopening moment for sure,” Baldwin noted. “I was not expecting anything serious and that really shook me quite a bit. I didn’t exactly know how to deal with it, but luckily my mom was with me in the doctor’s office and was there to … let me know everything was going to be okay.”

Nearly a year after learning about his illness and now in full remission, Baldwin has launched Cherish Your Package, an awareness-building non-profit organization designed to educate and empower young men to monitor their health.

The news could have been worse for Baldwin had he waited much longer. Although stage 3A is serious, it is not as daunting as stage 3B or 3C (the most severe stage).

“Doctors described to me that it starts in the testicles and the lymph nodes and goes up through your back, to your neck and then down to your chest,” he said. “That’s the route that it takes. I had two enlarged lymph nodes on my back and one up in my neck and they classified it as stage 3A. When it goes up to 3C, that’s when it gets really bad.”

HOLIDAY BLESSINGS

Because the outwardly healthy looking 2015 Northville High School graduate and multi-sport varsity athlete then was spared the gut punch of a stage 3B or 3C diagnosis, and given that the next day was Thanksgiving, he opted to count his blessings.

And good fortune came calling, too. It had

only been a few weeks since Daniel moved out of his Detroit apartment and back home with his parents.

“There’s no such thing as perfect timing, obviously, with this kind of diagnosis,” he said, managing a slight chuckle. “But it all worked out well where my lease had ended. If I wasn’t living at home, I probably would have just put it off for a little while longer saying ‘Hey, this is just something I can punt down the road.’”

According to Sue Baldwin, “he said ‘I’m going to make lemonade out of lemons,’ from the very get-go.”

Within a week or two, Baldwin began his chemotherapy treatment, comprised of three seven-day cycles, all at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. Surgery would soon follow.

Nearly a year later, he and his 501c3 are going strong. In January, he launched his website (www.cherishyourpackage.org), augmenting that with an active social media presence and a sprinkling of fundraising/ awareness-building events.

Baldwin now has completed chemo. His hair is back and so are the 25 pounds he lost after surgery.

But he sports a scar from his chest down

Daniel Baldwin, founder of Cherish Your Package, and his mother Sue.

to below his belly button, a permanent reminder of the six-hour surgery he underwent to remove an impacted testicle and tumors from his abdomen.

“That’s another thing, if I would have caught it earlier it would have just been a quick outpatient surgery,” said Baldwin, underscoring why it is crucial for young men to not put off medical attention if they suspect something might be wrong.

“It (testicular cancer) is not something that’s top of mind, you think that everything is temporary and it will fix itself. But that’s not always the case.”

Helping advance the vision and mission of Cherish Your Package was a first-annual golf outing at Northville Hills Golf Club on Aug. 5, which drew 27 foursomes and netted more than $10,000 for the organization’s coffers.

The bulk of that money was funneled back into University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, recognized as a top treatment and research organization pertaining to testicular cancer. Baldwin’s oncologist, Dr. David C. Smith, is on the Rogel staff.

Some of the golf outing proceeds were sent to Imerman Angels, a global nonprofit which brings together cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. The organization provides a common platform to share

experiences and lend encouragement.

Also a hit was a recent wristband challenge. Baldwin displayed a purple wrist band (the color for testicular cancer awareness) with the organization slogan “No One Fights Alone” and Baldwin’s initials (DCB) on the outside and the Cherish Your Package website address on the inside.

The wristband is a conversation starter, something that prompts questions from strangers. “Once they ask the question you can open it up a little bit more.”

LET’S DISCUSS

Another characteristic concerning testicular cancer that Daniel Baldwin wanted people to rid themselves of through his organization was the stigma linked with the disease, namely reluctance or refusal to even bring up the topic.

Hence, he decided to call his organization Cherish Your Package – a crafty, wink-anda-nod phrase that tends to lighten moods and encourage frank discussion.

“Knowing it starts in high school, even younger, you got to find something that will really attract and make it something you feel comfortable talking about,” Sue Baldwin emphasized. “I can also share that family members were like ‘How do you feel (about) your son using that as a name?’ I said if you look at the target audience and look at trying to make it a comfortable conversation, what would be better?”

Approximately one in 250 men between ages 16-34 are identified with testicular cancer. But chances of dying from it remain low (less than 5%), so long as it is discovered in its early stages. Thus far in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 9,900 new cases of testicular cancer have been diagnosed with approximately 460 deaths reported.

“That’s one

of the benefits of having a clever, fun name,” chimed in Daniel Baldwin. “It was something I was uncomfortable talking about at first. Now, I’ve kind of opened myself up to ‘Hey, this is something that happened and it’s common.’ There’s no reason to be shy about it if it’s something that can really impact your life.”

Sue Baldwin stressed that through efforts such as Cherish Your Package, the topic won’t be a painful one for many to breach.

“I think that if he (Daniel) could wave a magic wand, he would want for the conversations about TC to be as comfortable (for men) as the conversations about self-exams and breast cancer are (for women),” she said. “I think when we first started thinking about self-exams it was kind of a taboo subject. And now, it’s no big deal.”

Response to the Cherish Your Package initiative has been heartwarming and at times comes from unexpected places.

“I had the mom of one of Daniel’s high school lacrosse teammates come up to me and say ‘My son heard about Daniel, he had a concern, and I just wanted you to know he went in to the doctor to get checked,’” Sue Baldwin recalled. “I thought, that’s the perfect example of you never know where the message will go.”

However that message is delivered, breaking barriers of communication about an under-the-radar disease is exactly what Daniel Baldwin hopes to accomplish with Cherish Your Package.

For more information about Cherish Your Package, visit www.cherishyourpackage.org.

Daniel Baldwin founded Cherish Your Package to raise awareness about testicular cancer.

Daniel Baldwin learned he had testicular cancer after prodding from his mother, Sue, to go see a doctor after experiencing lower back pain.

2022-23

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL

Tues 11/29/22

Lakeland High School 7:00 PM

Tues 12/6/22 Skyline HS 5:30 PM

Fri 12/9/22 Grosse Ile HS/MS 7:00 PM

Fri 12/16/22 Mercy High School 6:00 PM

Tues 12/20/22 Franklin High School 7:00 PM

Thur 12/22/22 Canton High School 7:00 PM

Wed 12/28/22 OPEN (Northville Holiday Showcase) TBA

Tues 1/3/23 Ann Arbor Huron HS 7:00 PM

Fri 1/6/23 Hartland High School 7:00 PM

Tues 1/10/23 Novi High School 6:00 PM

Fri 1/13/23 Brighton High School 7:00 PM

Tues 1/17/23 Salem High School 7:00 PM

Fri 1/20/23 Howell High School 7:00 PM

Tues 1/24/23 Plymouth High School 7:00 PM

Fri 1/27/23 Canton High School 7:00 PM

Tues 1/31/23 Hartland High School 7:00 PM

Fri 2/3/23 Novi High School 6:00 PM

Tues 2/7/23 Brighton High School 7:00 PM

Fri 2/10/23 Salem High School 7:00 PM

Tues 2/14/23 Howell High School 7:00 PM

Fri 2/17/23 Plymouth High School 7:00 PM

Tues 2/21/23 OPEN KLAA Crossover (2 vs 2, 3 vs 3, 4 vs 4, etc.)

BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL

Tues 12/6/22 Skyline HS 7:00 PM

Mon 12/12/22 Lakeland High School 7:00 PM

Fri 12/16/22 Detroit Catholic Central High School 7:30 PM

Sat 12/17/22 Northville Boys Basketball Showcase TBA

Tues 12/20/22 Franklin High School 7:00 PM

Wed 12/28/22 OPEN (Northville Holiday Showcase) TBA

Fri 12/30/22 OPEN (North Farmington Shootout vs. AA Huron) 2:00 PM

Fri 1/6/23 Hartland High School 7:00 PM

Tues 1/10/23 Novi High School 7:30 PM

Fri 1/13/23 Brighton High School 7:00 PM

Tues 1/17/23 Salem High School 7:00 PM

Fri 1/20/23 Howell High School 7:00 PM

Tues 1/24/23 Plymouth High School 7:00 PM

Fri 1/27/23 Canton High School 7:00 PM

Tues 1/31/23 Hartland High School 7:00 PM

Fri 2/3/23 Novi High School 7:30 PM

Tues 2/7/23 Brighton High School 7:00 PM

Fri 2/10/23 Salem High School 7:00 PM

Tues 2/14/23 Howell High School 7:00 PM

Fri 2/17/23 Plymouth High School 7:00 PM

Fri 2/24/23 Canton High School 7:00 PM

Tues 2/28/23 OPEN KLAA Crossover (2 vs 2, 3 vs 3, 4 vs 4, etc.) 7:00 PM

Thur 3/2/23 OPEN KLAA Championship 7:00 PM

BOYS VARSITY ICE HOCKEY

(vs. St. Ignatius @ VIC) 8:00 PM

Sat 11/19/22 Heritage High School 6:00 PM

Tues 11/22/22 Novi High School 6:15 PM

Fri 11/25/22 Traverse City Central HS 6:00 PM

Sat 11/26/22 Traverse City West HS 1:00 PM

Wed 11/30/22 Livonia Stevenson HS 6:00 PM

Thur 12/1/22 Brighton High School 7:15 PM

Thur 12/8/22 Livonia Churchill HS 7:15 PM

Sat 12/10/22 U of D Jesuit 12:00 PM

Thur 12/15/22 Howell High School 7:15 PM

Sat 12/17/22 Canton High School 6:45 PM

Wed 12/21/22 OPEN (vs. St. FrancisOhio @ Novi) TBA

Wed 1/4/23 Hartland High School 6:00 PM

Fri 1/6/23 Calumet High School 7:00 PM

Sat 1/7/23 Hancock Central HS 1:00 PM

Thur 1/12/23 Salem High School 6:00 PM

Wed 1/18/23 Franklin High School 6:00 PM

Thur 1/19/23 Plymouth High School 7:15 PM

Wed 1/25/23 Howell High School 6:00 PM

Fri 1/27/23 OPEN (Chelsea Showcase - 26/27/28) TBA

Thur 2/9/23 OPEN (KLAA Crossover) 7:15 PM

Sat 2/11/23 Forest Hills Central HS 3:00 PM

Thur 2/16/23 Novi High School 7:15 PM

Sat 2/18/23 Milford High School 7:00 PM

Visit northvilleathletics.org for complete up-to-date NHS schedules.

BOYS VARSITY SWIMMING

Tues 12/6/22 OPEN (Black & Orange Meet) 6:00 PM

Tues 12/13/22

Stevenson HS

BOYS VARSITY WRESTLING

Wed 12/7/22 Chelsea HS (Quad) 5:00 PM

Sat 12/10/22 OPEN (Todd Schoenheide Invite) 8:00 AM

Sat 12/17/22 OPEN (Wayne County Invite) TBA

Wed 12/21/22 Division Quad #1 6:00 PM

Wed 1/4/23 OPEN (Battle on Six Mile @ Stevenson) TBA

Sat 1/7/23 OPEN (West Bloomfield) TBA

Wed 1/11/23 Division Quad #2 @ Novi 6:00 PM

Sat 1/14/23 OPEN (Orange and Blue Classic) TBA

Wed 1/18/23 Division Quad #3 @ Hartland 6:00 PM

Wed 1/25/23 Novi High School 6:00 PM

Sat 1/28/23 OPEN (Observerland Invitational) TBA

Tues 1/24/23 OPEN (Slalom Race @ Mt. Brighton) 4:50 PM

Tues

Wed 2/1/23 OPEN (KLAA Quad) 6:00 PM

Sat 2/4/23 OPEN (Individual Tournament @ Howell) 8:00 AM

Wed 2/8/23 OPEN (MHSAA Team Districts) TBA

Sat 2/11/23 OPEN (MHSAA Individual Districts) TBA

Thur 1/26/23 OPEN (Giant Slalom @ Mt. Brighton) 4:50 PM

Tues 1/31/23 OPEN (Slalom Race @ Mt. Brighton) 4:50 PM

Thur 2/2/23 OPEN (Giant Slalom @ Mt. Brighton) 4:50 PM

Fri 2/3/23 OPEN (MBHSAA JV Championship) TBA

Thur 2/9/23 OPEN (MBHSAA Division Championship @ Mt. Brighton) TBA

Mon 2/13/23 OPEN (KLAA Championship @ Mt. Brighton) 4:00 PM

Thur 2/16/23 OPEN (Region 3 @ Mt. Brighton) TBA

GIRLS VARSITY COMPETITIVE CHEER

Sat

Tues 2/21/23 OPEN (SEMSL Championship) TBA

Mon 2/27/23 OPEN (MHSAA Division 1 State Final) TBA

Genitti’s is a family-owned Italian dinner theater & the perfect venue for your next event!

Tennis Team Is State Runner-Up

By Brad Emons State champ Kumar leads Mustangs to best finish in school history

With Sachiv Kumar showing the way once again, Northville boys tennis reached unprecedented heights this fall.

The Mustangs recorded their top finish in school history by taking runner-up honors to Bloomfield Hills in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 finals held Oct. 14-15 in Holland.

The previous best finishes for Northville were third in 2021 and 1967. Bloomfield had a team-best 35 points to earn the team championship, while Northville was second with 25 as the Mustangs reached the semifinals in six of the eight singles and doubles flights.

Kumar, a nationally ranked junior, repeated as No. 1 singles champion capping a 34-1 season by avenging his lone loss of the season to Rochester’s Clayton Anderson, 7-6, 4-6, 6-1, in a

rematch of the 2021 final.

To start the season, the two played a 3-hour match with Anderson prevailing in a thirdset super-breaker (first to 10 points), 10-6.

But Kumar was determined to avenge his only defeat of the season in Holland.

“I kind of like knew I could do it again,” Kumar said. “I did it last year. I play him a lot in practice, just kind of know his game. It was just having the confidence knowing I could do it again because I already done it before . . . that was kind of it.”

Kumar broke the string on his racket while leading Anderson 4-3 in the second set, but then lost the next three games forcing a third and deciding set.

“The guy (Anderson) he was playing against has a very strong forehand and consistent backhand, but Sachiv was able to use it to his advantage,”

his way to the finals. He played outstanding. This year he’s got the entire package, can hit all shots, knows when to use them. And you can tell he’s worked really hard at what he’s been doing.”

Kumar is ranked No. 96 nationally in the Boys 16s, No. 9 in the Midwest Section and No. 1 in the Southeastern Michigan Tennis Association. He travels to Saginaw once a month to get a private lesson from coach Dennis Royal. He practices daily at the Franklin Athletic Club in Southfield.

During the off season and going into the high school season, Kumar worked to improve his all-around game.

“Last year I kind of had this physical issue,” Kumar said. “I was getting tired too quickly in matches and stuff. I kind of withdrew from some matches because of the heat, but this year I kind of worked on that, worked on the conditioning and the physical aspect and I kind of improved that part of the game.

Northville coach Robert Young said. “He was so consistent. He finally broke the kid mentally and actually was able to pull

The Mustangs recorded their best boys tennis finish in school history taking runner-up honors to Bloomfield Hills in the MHSAA Division 1 finals in Holland. Photos by Patrick Wong

Northville junior Sachiv Kumar finished the year 34-1 overall while capturing his second straight MHSAA Division 1 singles title.

I didn’t have to withdraw at all this year.”

Consistency is also a key to Kumar’s game.

“The only thing with Sachiv this year is that he’s better than he was last year, which is hard to believe,” Young said. “He has all the shots. He hits forehands, backhands, serve, net . . . had the entire package this year.”

Kumar, who carries a 3.95 grade-point average, wants to play collegiately at the next level. He’s gotten interest from mid-Major programs such as Western Michigan and Cleveland State, along with Army and Navy. He plans to study economics.

Meanwhile, it was also a season full of highlights for the rest of the Mustangs’ starting state finals lineup.

The No. 4 doubles team of Varun Varre, a senior, and Brian Zhang, a sophomore, lost in the finals to top seeds Kiereth Lingham and Dominic Pascarella of Bloomfield Hills, 7-6, 6-1.

The Mustangs’ No. 1 doubles team of Deepak Laungani, a senior, and Kyle Brown, a junior, reached the semifinals along with the No. 2 team of senior Charlie Green and sophomore Nick Song. Meanwhile, the No. 3 tandem of senior Oscar Waong and junior Nathan Waller were quarterfinalists.

In singles, senior Abhi Attaluri (No. 2) and sophomore Josh Kim (No. 4) both made it to the semifinals, while junior Jacob Li (No. 3) fell in the quarterfinals.

Northville finished the season with a 16-1 dual match record, while winning five of seven tournaments. They also captured both the West Division (7-0) and Kensington Lakes Activities Association crowns

(where the Mustangs swept all 27 matches played).

Northville qualified for the state team finals by winning the Novi regional with 21 points as Kumar and Kim earned individual singles titles, while the tandems of LaunganiBrown, Green-Song and Varre-Zhang collected doubles crowns.

All in all, the Mustangs exceeded expectations this season according to Young.

“One of the things I did this year is go out and schedule every one of the top ten teams from last year,” the secondyear coach said. “One of the things I wanted to make sure of was when we got to the state tournament there was really no new ground to cover, and everyone we were going to play we had played. It made for a very hard schedule for the team. The difficult part for them was every match mattered. Every match, every point, every game that they played mattered.”

Northville will lose half of its regional and state finals lineup to graduation, but the cupboard is not completely bare heading into the 2023 season.

“I’ve got four guys in mind

that are going to fill in nicely,” Young said. “My expectation at least for next year is to meet the first three goals – division, conference and regionals – I still think we can win those. I think next year if we get more kids to the finals we’ll really be

competing for that top spot. But it’s going to be hard because Troy is still going to be solid and Bloomfield is still going to be solid. We’re definitely in that No. 3 spot looking to keep going and fight for No. 2 and No. 1.”

Having Kumar at the top of the lineup going for an MHSAA three-peat is a good start. By repeating, he is already in elite company surpassing recent Northville one-time No. 1 singles champions Connor Johnston (2015) and Tyler Gardiner (2011), both of whom played at Michigan.

“We’re losing quite a bit of guys,” Kumar said. “Just to stay in the top three (next year) would be really nice, or even get second again would be really nice because we lose a couple of seniors. It’s kind of a hit losing those seniors. We did really well this season.”

Sachiv Kumar, the Mustangs’ top singles player, is getting interest from mid-Major programs following a highly successful junior year.

SECOND CLASS

Year two of NHS HOF includes plenty of legendary Mustangs

By Brad Emons

The second class of inductees into the Northville High Athletics Hall of Fame can only be described as “distinguished.”

This most recent group of honorees – recognized at a dinner and ceremony on Oct. 15 at the Italian American Club of Livonia – featured not only athletes, but also coaches, administrators and teams who made an impact on the Northville community while earning success on and off the field and serving as role models for today’s student-athletes.

Northville athletic director Brian Samulski put together a selection committee. Here’s a capsule look at the 2022 inductees.

KAREN BAIRD

An accomplished threesport athlete, Baird was named basketball MVP (1988) and softball MVP (1989) for the Mustangs.

In softball, she helped Northville to its first WLAA Western Division title in school history (1988) and was named

All-Conference. In basketball she helped the Mustangs to the first district crown in school history (1986) and was named All-Western Division. She also played soccer for the Mustangs (1986-87).

In college, she was a threetime All-MIAA selection and league MVP at Albion College.

Baird is currently the head softball coach at Lawrence Tech after being the head coach 10 seasons at Eastern Michigan and six at Albion College.

CLARK COUYOUMJIAN

An accomplished runner, Couyoumjian set the 1,600-meter school track record in 1982 with a time of 4:17 to earn All-State honors after finishing runner-up in the Class A finals. He also held the Cass Benton cross country course 5-kilometer mark of 16:01 set in 1981.

Couyoumjian earned AllWestern Six, All-Regional and All-State with top 10 cross country finishes in 1980 and 1981, while in track he was All-

League and All-Regional in 1981 and 1982.

A member of the track and cross country teams, Couyoumjian graduated from Central Michigan University in 1986. His son Nick is a senior middle distance runner at Indiana University and former Northville All-Stater.

WES GATES

Gates earned four varsity letters in golf and three in hockey for the Mustangs from 2006-2009, while being named the Mustangs Athlete of the Year in 2009.

In 2009, he was the MHSAA Division 1 golf finals individual medalist while earning AllState Dream Team honors that season. He was also a first-team All-Stater in 2008 and was a four-time All-KLAA and twotime All-Region selection.

In hockey, Gates was named to the 2009 All-State Dream team and was a two-time AllKLAA selection. He helped Northville to No. 1 rankings in both the 2008 and 2009

seasons, while leading the Mustangs to an upset 5-4 win over Novi Detroit Catholic Central in the Division 1 preregional.

Gates went on to have a standout college career at Bowling Green State and played on the professional mini tours in Canada and Florida. He is currently a territory sales rep for Adidas Golf in Philadelphia.

FRED HOLDSWORTH

A standout in both baseball and football, the class valedictorian turned down college scholarship offers in both sports after being drafted in the 21st round by the Detroit Tigers on June 4, 1970.

As a right-handed pitcher for the Mustangs, Holdsworth still holds school records for most wins (13), lowest ERA (0.20) and most strikeouts (186) in a season. He also is only one of three pitchers to throw a nohitter for Northville.

As a three-time WayneOakland League selection, Holdsworth led Northville to two outright and one league co-championship. He was also All-League and All-Area in football as well.

When he made his debut with the Tigers on July 27, 1972, he was the youngest player in the American League. He went on to pitch for the Baltimore Orioles, Montreal Expos and Milwaukee Brewers (where he retired in 1980). In 72 MLB appearances, Holdsworth had a 7-10 overall record and a 4.40 ERA in 182 innings pitched.

JERRY IMSLAND

After earning a total of eight letters, including three in football, three in basketball and two in baseball, Imsland went on to play football at

Members of the NHS Athletics Hall of Fame’s second class were honored at an Oct. 15 ceremony. Photo courtesy NHS Athletics

the University of Michigan where he lettered as a split end in 1968-69 following a oneyear stint at the University of Kentucky.

During his prep football career at Northville, Imsland was named All-League, AllSuburban and made several All-State teams, while setting receiving records for most receptions (15), yards (231) and TD catches (2) in a game. He had the most yards receiving in a career (1,129) and most TDs by the end of his career.

A member of the Class of ’66, Imsland was also prolific in basketball scoring 812 points in 57 career games, including a single-game high of 35. He was a three-time All-League and AllSuburban West selection.

Imsland, who worked as a union rough carpenter, passed away on Oct. 20, 2021 at the age of 73.

LAUREN METAJ

Wearing No. 33, Metaj was a standout for the Mustangs in four different sports including volleyball (1995-97), track (1995-96) and soccer (1994), but is best remembered for her prowess in basketball (199497) where she was a four-year varsity starter.

In 1997, Metaj earned firstteam All-State and Detroit Free Press All-Metro honors in basketball. She was honorable mention All-State (1995 and 1996) and a three-time AllWestern Lakes selection as well. As a freshman she was named All-Division.

Metaj went on to play hoops at Northwood University (19982001) where she still holds the school record for career points (1,465) and steals in a game (10).

RALPH REDMOND

Wearing a variety of hats at NHS, Redmond spent 10 years as the school’s athletic director, 32 years as a track and cross country coach, and 15 years as a JV and assistant varsity football coach. He also served as an assistant principal.

He earned his most success as a coach in track and field guiding the Mustangs to three regional and two league titles. He also guided the Mustangs to a 9-0 JV football record.

MALLORY WEBER

The 2012 Northville High Female Athlete of the Year made her mark in soccer where she was a four-year varsity letter winner, three-time team MVP and captain her junior and senior years.

Weber, a two-time All-Stater and three-time All-KLAA selection, scored a total of 64 goals and added 28 assists, and was a Miss Soccer and Gatorade Player of the Year finalist.

She also played 2½ seasons for the Mustangs basketball team.

After accepting a scholarship to Penn State, Weber was a fouryear starter who helped the Nittany Lions to the 2015 NCAA Division I championship where she was named to the College Cup All-Tournament team. That same year she earned All-Big Ten first-team honors and was a finalist for the Soccer News Net College Boot Award.

During her PSU career, she scored 100 career points (36 goals, 28 assists) and helped her team to three Big Ten titles. She was also first-team All-Big Ten in 2013.

She currently is a member of the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after being

drafted in the second round by the New York Flash in 2016. She has made 85 NWSL appearances including stints with the Portland Thorns and Utah Royals.

Weber has also played professionally for Adelaide United Football Club of the W-League in Australia and has also been a member of the U.S. Under-20 and U-23 national teams.

PETE WRIGHT

The 1978 Male Athlete of the Year earned a total of seven letters in football, basketball and baseball. In football, Wright was named All-Western Six and All-Area in 1977 and was also All-League and All-Area in baseball where he was team captain in 1978.

Wright also distinguished himself in the coaching ranks where he was the Northville varsity girls basketball coach from 1995-2008 after serving as a JV and varsity assistant from 1984-91.

He guided the Mustangs to Western Lakes divisional titles in 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. Northville also won WLAA conference playoff titles in 1996 and 2000.

Wright, who graduated from Michigan Tech and was an engineer in the automotive industry before retiring, currently still serves as the Northville varsity assistant girls basketball coach under Todd Gudith.

1984 GIRLS SOCCER TEAM

Under the direction of coach Stan Smalec, the Mustangs captured the coveted MHSAA Open Class championship with dramatic 5-4 shootout victory over Livonia Stevenson in a match decided by eight penalty

kicks on June 2, 1984 at Flint’s Atwood Stadium.

The 17-4-1 Mustangs advanced to the finals with a 5-1 semifinal victory over Kalamazoo Loy Norrix after winning both the district and regional titles.

Members of that 23-member roster included Julie Anger, Jill Berner, Sue Borthwick, Lisa Cahill, Kelly Coutts, Dianne Dragon, Tricia Ducker, Kim Flading, Jill Gallagher, Nicki Grasley, Jill Jensen, Jill Kilner, Kathy Korowin, Jenny Kuffner, Sue LaChance, Kerry Lenaghan, Amy Nieuwkoop, Julie Nowka, Kim Pettit, Roxanne Seraian, Cheryl Spaman, Linda Townsend and Gaynelle Wagner. Doug Lyon also served as an assistant coach.

BILL MCLAUGHLIN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

A longtime supporter and fan of Northville athletics, McLaughlin was the longtime voice of the Mustangs as their public address announcer as well as team statistician.

McLaughlin was a longtime Northville resident who was involved in Republican Party politics serving as state chairman (1969-79). He was credited with bringing the Republican National Convention to Detroit in 1980 where delegates nominated Ronald Reagan to the first of his two terms as President.

McLaughlin also served thenGov. William Milliken as state commerce director from 197981 and also was president of the Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau from 1981-1995.

Nominations for the fall 2023 class are now open by using the link: https/forms.gle/ u2EiJS3mCNiuFKYi19.

BigTree Challenge

Fledgling group looking for both members and legacy trees

To put a twist on legendary Michigan coach Bo Schembechler’s adage: Those who admire the leaves will be Northville Tree Champions.

“We went through several names: ‘Tree Stewards, Tree Friends,’” said Dave Gutman, who is a charter member of the new advocacy group. “We thought Northville Tree Champions put strength into it.”

The sapling of an outfit is looking to branch out and snag new members. Gutman (pronounced “Gootman”) has enlisted fellow Northville Sustainability Team member Jim Porterfield along with Planning Commissioners AnnaMaryLee Vollick and Thom Barry.

The group’s mission is to educate people on the value of trees, and how to care for and protect them. Members want more trees in the city.

Overall, trees help reduce noise, absorb stormwater runoff, increase property values, and improve mental and

physical health, Gutman says.

Within the past year-anda-half, advocates have planted 150 new trees in the city, thanks to DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grants, a program administered by the state Department of Natural Resources Forest Resources Division.

Trees and their voluminous canopies are the jewels in Northville’s idyllic setting, which is immediately noticeable while taking a stroll through one of its tranquil neighborhoods.

“I think it is part and parcel

Story and Photos

By Larry O'Connor

to our small-town charm, our Victorian DNA,” Gutman said.

To coincide with the Tree Champions’ launch, the Planning Commission set up a two-member panel within its ranks — Steven Kirk and Vollick — to pore over the city’s ordinances to see if those need enhancing for tree preservation. Such comprehensive efforts are drawing notice. Northville has earned Tree City USA recognition for 17 years, including 2020 and ’21.

To be considered, the Arbor Day Foundation program requires communities to have a city department or tree board, maintain a public tree care

ordinance, budget at least $2 per capita for tree care and celebrate Arbor Day.

Northville’s vigilance for all things trunked and leafy perhaps explains what is fueling the outcry over the proposed 49-acre Downs development, which calls for 459 new housing units and 16,000-17,000 square feet of commercial space at the harness race track site.

Developer Hunter Pasteur pledged to make the project fit Northville’s historic character.

“The Downs proposals as it stands today, of those 49 acres, 34% of that will be greenspace,” Gutman said. “This will be either in terms of a river park or the central park area that is being planned, and all that obviously will be adorned with trees up and down as they develop that whole property into a green area.”

The Tree Champions want to be involved with tree selection for the Downs project, so they match in terms of size and are resilient.

“We don’t want the Downs and the rest of Northville to seem like two different countries. We want it to be one joint community.”

Meanwhile, Gutman’s cohort

Jim Porterfield of the Northville Tree Champions is looking for legacy trees in the City of Northville, including this sycamore (above) and a giant silver maple on Eaton Street (top right).

Porterfield is interested in introducing the masses to Northville’s legacy trees. There are quite a few.

The 55-year resident kicked off an informal tour with a 115foot behemoth that stands near the Northville Public Library on northwest Cady and Wing streets.

The prominent Augustine Ascending Elm has a circumference of 149 inches. Porterfield speculates the hybrid was planted during the early 1920s.

Porterfield pointed to an area on the trunk that’s being treated for Dutch elm disease, a malady that first appeared in the 1950s and peaked in the ’70s. The plague is one of three to ravage the U.S. tree population during the last century or so, the other being the American chestnut blight at the onset of 1900 and the Emerald Ash Borer amid the early 2000s.

“Someday this will succumb,” said Porterfield of Northville’s rare Augustine Ascending Elm, which may be the largest of its kind in the state. “Let’s hope it is a long time from now.”

From there, the retired arborist showed off a dawn redwood on West Street. The species was thought to have

been extinct for 20 million years before being rediscovered during the mid-1940s in southcentral China.

The dawn redwood is second only to the panda as a conservation icon in China, according to the Save the Redwoods website.

From the tallest, Porterfield steered his tree pilgrimage to the pudgiest. To tie a yellow ribbon around a silver maple on Eaton Street would require a relay team. The tree’s width measures a hefty 187 inches.

On Rogers Street, the branches on a black walnut appear sturdy enough to hold a three-story Colonial, never mind a treehouse. The circumference is 183 inches and Porterfield estimates the tree is more than 100 feet tall.

“This tree is really the biggest tree in Northville, all things considered,” he said.

Porterfield issued a stark warning: All big trees carry an element of risk. Gazers should be on the lookout for falling branches and limbs.

Through Porterfield’s knowledgeable eye, one appreciates the history of trees and the need for their preservation.

He sought out two otherwise

non-descript Ginko trees outside of the Northville Community Center on West Main Street. The species is one of the oldest surviving around, known as a “living fossil.”

The Ginko’s existence dates to before the time dinosaurs roamed the earth 245 to 66 million years ago.

Porterfield’s voluminous knowledge is matched by rugged hands-on experience.

A pair of looming Norway spruces give an Orchard Drive house a distinct Scandinavian flavor. “I’ve actually climbed those trees,” he said, noting the rigorous feat required ropes and pulleys.

The second-generation specialist (Porterfield’s father Owen was a tree surgeon) worked with the family’s AAA Tree Service for 20 years before he started a consulting business Porterfield Tree Care in 1996.

The 1974 Northville High

graduate was a two-way tackle on the football team, wrestled as a heavyweight, and holds the school shot put record (52-9). He earned his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University.

He embraces the “tree hugger” sobriquet, which critics tend to utter in derision at environmental types.

“Like (Dr. Seuss’) the Lorax, somebody has got to speak for the trees because they have no tongue,” said Porterfield, 66. “It’s got to be people-oriented, too, because safety is an issue. Property values and practicality are also involved because people are trying to build here.

“At least for what I am trying to do, people and trees are part of the equation.”

People interested in joining Northville Tree Champions may contact Jim Porterfield at jimportertree@gmail.com

A sign marks a dawn redwood tree on West Street. The species was thought to have been extinct for 20 million years before being rediscovered during the mid-1940s in southcentral China.

The Northville Tree Champions also promote the planting of new trees, like these ginkos along Main Street.

50th Anniversary Trip On the Road With

Linda and Robert Eads, who are 39-year residents of Northville, traveled to England in September for their 50th anniversary trip, which included stops in Norwich, Portsmouth (and the Isle of Wight), Lands End and London. Here Bob is pictured at Lands End, England.

“You’ll note the Atlantic Ocean in the background and as the sign indicates, the U.S. is quite a distance. Northville and Lands End are actually 3,580 miles apart,” Linda said. “Our wonderful daughters, Sara and Jenna (both NHS grads), bought our airline tickets, bless their hearts. Bob (top photo) is giving a big shout out to his favorite watering hole, the Wagon Wheel.” Congratulations to 50 years!

California Dreamin’

Northville’s Timothy Moore brought his copy of The ‘Ville along on his recent trip to a number of national parks in California. Specifically he visited Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. Moore and his brother flew to Las Vegas, rented a car and drove up to California, where they spent a day each at Sequoia and Kings Canyon and then two days at Yosemite. They did a lot of moderate hikes and did as many overlooks as they could. Here (bottom right photo) he is pictured in Yosemite.

“I think we both thought Sequoia National Park was our favorite,” Moore said. “The sequoia trees there are just incredible and it has a nice variety of trails with different difficulties. Being in front of these absolutely massive organisms that could be as much as 3,000 years old is pretty awesome".

Travels Through Europe

MaryGrace and Tom York, Northville residents since 1989 (original owners in St. Lawrence Estates), headed over to Europe in October and took along The ‘Ville. The trip included a five-day stay in the Netherlands, and then a week’s cruise on the Seine with stops in Paris, Roen, Normandy beaches and more. Here they are (bottom left photo) pictured at the CDG airport in Paris. “Fabulous sites, delicious food and summer weather,” MaryGrace said about the trip, their first overseas since COVID.

A Chance Meeting

John Zannis, Stuart McCutcheon, Dan Smith and Todd Knickerbocker, all Northville residents, recently traveled down to Florida for some golf and sunshine. During a trip to the beach they ran into fellow Northville residents Greg and Lois Presley. Here they all are (second from top) on Rosemary Beach, Florida.

“We ran into Greg and Lois on the beach and thought it was perfect time for The ‘Ville photo shoot,” said Dan Smith.

The next time you head out of town, take along a copy of The ‘Ville, snap a photo, and let us know where your travels take you. Our readers would love to know! Please email the photos to kurtkuban@gmail.com. We’ll feature the photos in an upcoming issue.

Golden Days at Maybury

There’s no doubt that we are lucky to live in a community that is home to Maybury State Park. How many places can say they have their very own state park?

At nearly 1,000 acres, Maybury is an evolving treasure that changes with the seasons. Perhaps the most beautiful of those seasons is fall when the place is just bursting with color.

Our photographer, Bryan Mitchell, who is a longtime Northville resident, says Maybury is one of his favorite places, especially during the autumn. This fall he spent plenty of time there looking for the perfect shots. Here are some of his best this year. Enjoy!

For more of his work, check out Bryan’s website at www.bryanmitchellphotography.com.

Students VS. Stigma

Northville High School confronts the dangers of ignoring mental health

exaggerated jokes about serious illnesses such as OCD or use phrases like ‘I’m going to kill myself’ when things don’t go their way. While it’s important to be open to discussion about mental health-related things, the conversation needs to be serious and respectful.”

Everyone vs. Stigma week proved to be a huge step in the right direction for the school.

“Making students aware of what mental health stigma is and how mental health can present itself is so important,” math teacher Lindsay Foldesi said.

parents, and staff.”

Similarly, regarding mental illness as an obstacle to be overcome through conversation and emotional balance is the best form of combat, according to Mr. Koski. “We know that Northville High School has a culture of high expectation from students, parents, staff, and our community. We need to continue to work on finding the ‘balance’ with these expectations.”

“W

ith all the stuff that goes on, in our teenage years, anywhere from fifteen to twenty-one really, we are actually built to experiment, we are built to push boundaries to try and figure out who we are,” Eric Hipple, former Detroit Lions quarterback, explained to the vigilant crowd of high schoolers, urging them to accept themselves.

Indeed, the adolescent years can be difficult for many and often become a sort of juggling act. Attempting to balance academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and social life both in and out of school often leads to mental exhaustion and deterioration. To make matters worse, there is often societal pressure against speaking about mental health.

During the week of September 26th, Northville High School worked to destigmatize mental illness for its students through lunchroom activities, therapy dogs, and

presentations on Friday, including one by Hipple.

NHS students and staff have since begun to speak up about the importance of mental health and the priority that destigmatization must take.

The idea that mental health is trivial is still a theme today, and it leads those with mental illnesses to feel as though they are weaker than their peers. Prisha Patel, a NHS senior, elaborated on this idea and how people may see mental illness as attention-seeking rather than a true cry for help.

“I have had many interactions in which people believe that a person is simply faking having a mental illness in order to gain benefits,” Patel said.

NHS junior Jovan Gill explained how detrimental joking about mental health can be. “Many people make

When asked about what resources are available to students at NHS, both teachers and staff pointed to the counselors, who are always available to schedule meetings or even for spontaneous talks with students. However, counselors are not the only adults willing to listen to their students.

“I think any teacher would be willing to sit down and talk to a student that was struggling and help them figure out what’s going on,” science teacher Karin Nelson said.

Students agree that having someone simply listen to them talk without judgment is relieving, and it is often intimidating to do so with their peers.

Principal Tony Koski shared his hopes that no student will feel too ashamed to converse with an adult in the building about their troubles: “As a school community, we need to continue to promote and make these resources easily accessible for our students,

Faculty are not the only resource available to NHS students. Color My World, a student organization founded in 2017, is “devoted to promoting mental health awareness at Northville High School,” according to junior Jovan Gill, the group’s public relations director. Throughout the years, Color My World has developed care packages, hosted events, and held annual 5-K runs in honor of suicide prevention month.

Color My World also maintains the Zen Den, a haven for students to take a break during the school day. “Taking care of ourselves mentally allows us to thrive in every aspect of our life and find happiness in our daily activities,” Gill explains.

Coming to the realization that there will be difficulties in life is essential to learning and growing. Hipple who lost a son to suicide, said without challenges, it is impossible to thrive and innovate. “If I live in a no-consequence world, I will never learn anything. So, that means my self-esteem will never really grow and I won’t have anything to overcome.”

NHS student Adeline Snook flanked by Eric Hipple (left) and Kevin Fischer. Courtesy of Adeline Snook

EDITOR'S NOTE: High School Confidential is a collaborative effort by the Stringers Journalism Club made up of Northville High School students Brian Zhang, Chive Paradowski, Alyssa Bachert, Diya Kannappan, Adeline Snook, Lucas Yessayan, Sneha Hedge, Tamsin Boyd, and Pranavi Oruganty.

out & about out & about out & about

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE

Huffin’ for the Stuffin’ 5k November 24

The Sixth Annual Huffin for the Stuffin will take place from 9-11 a.m. Thanksgiving morning at Maybury State Park. It features a fun 5k and turkey leg loop (1.2 miles). All of the proceeds will help benefit local Blessings in a Backpack chapters, an organization that helps feed children on the weekends during the school year. This event is rain, snow or shine. There are no refunds. All sales are final. To sign up or for more information, visit https:// runsignup.com/Race/MI/Northville/ huffinforthestuffinmi.

Merry Little Christmas Party December 2

Northville Square Mall will host this fundraiser for New Hope Center for Grief Support. The event, which runs from 6:30-9:30 p.m., will feature DJ and dancing, pictures with Santa, 50/50 raffles, appetizers and cash bar, and other family-friendly activities. Holiday memorial bulbs can also be purchased and will be displayed on the New Hope’s Angel Tree at the event and available for you to keep after the event. Tickets are $40 for adults and $15 for children. For more information, visit https://newhopecenter.net or call (248) 348-0115.

Christmas in the Village

December 2-3

Northville’s historic Mill Race Village will be decked out for the holiday season from 5-8 p.m. both days. Come see the candy cottage, the lights and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. This is a timed and ticketed event. For more information, including how to purchase tickets, visit the Northville Historical Society website at millracenorthville.org.

HOLIDAY FUN AT THE FARM

Maybury Farm will be hosting its annual holiday festivities during the weekends of Dec. 3-4 and 10-11 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy holiday music and decorations, crafts, farm animals and shopping in the General Store. Visit with Santa in his antique sleigh in the century-old barn where Santa’s Elf will be on hand to help you snap a family photo. Drop your letter to Santa in the North Pole Mailbox. And don’t forget to warm up at the bonfire. Cost is $9 per person. Everyone entering the farm unless under two needs to purchase a ticket. This is a fundraiser for the farm. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit mayburyfarm.org.

Christmas Children’s Workshop December 3

The Northville Historical Society’s popular holiday workshop for children 1st through 6th grade will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The children will make ornaments and gifts to take home. For more details, including how to purchase tickets, visit www. millracenorthville.org.

Maybury Owl Prowl

December 3

Join the Friends of Maybury from 8-10 p.m. at Maybury State Park as they take a night hike and try to entice resident owls to respond to an artificial call. The program is free and suitable for all ages. Hot chocolate and treats will be provided. Dress for the weather as the events takes place outside for approximately 40

minutes. Meet at the Maybury State Park Trailhead Building. Use the Eight Mile Road entrance to the park. Space is limited, and preregistration will start in November. Visit Friends of Maybury online at www. friendsofmaybury.org for further information.

THIS MONTH

Pancakes & Pajamas

December 3

Northville Parks and Recreation hosts its annual Pancakes & PJ’s event at the Northville Community Center beginning at 9 a.m. Welcome Santa to town with a rise and shine pancake breakfast. The event will include Pictures with Santa, breakfast, crafts, sing-alongs and goodies. Advanced tickets, which are sold by specific event time, are $10 per person (children 2 and under are free). All people, including parents, must be registered. To register or for more information, visit www. northvilleparksandrec.org.

Holiday Concert

December 10

Come celebrate the holiday season with a performance by City Lights Chorus, Northville’s men’s acapella chorus. “Our Favorite Time of Year” will begin at 3:30 p.m. at to Hilltop Church (21260 Haggerty Road, Northville). Joining the show will be chapter quartets, CHONK, Silver Edition, Soup to Nuts, Whale I’ll Be, and the choruses of the Guardians of Harmony and the Livingston Lamplighters. Tickets are $ 15 and available at www.citylightschorus. com or at the door.

SEND IT IN To get your items listed in Out & About, email editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

Dishin’ With Denise

Thanks For Giving

giving season is upon us… remember you’re never too young, or too old, for a trendy new pair of earrings -- or a pendant, or a birthstone ring, or any piece of

spread the word about many of the unsung heroes of local grass roots organizations.

And did I mention 100% of donations go directly to the charity?

Vista Maria and Starfish Family Services. They hope to grow and have the ability to add many other charity partners.

Iwas sad last month when Antoinette Kramar at Orin Jewelers asked me to judge their Witches Night Out contest and I was going to be out of town. I love to see the characters they attract at the different special events they host. It’s a simple way to give back to my community. I was pleased to offer up a sub, Dr. Rachel Crittenden, who showed me up by showing up in costume herself. It was a huge success. Which witches won? Scariest was Stacey Hinkle, Prettiest was Shannon Jones and Most Creative was Teri Fogliatti. Congratulations ladies – you are all boo-tiful.

On another note, Orin Jewelers has more than you can imagine. Just ask centenarian “Aunt” Mary Ware who decided she needed a pierced ear lift. Orin’s longtime staffer Carol came to the rescue. I can remember my first pair of hoops. They were 18K gold and they were heavy. Times have changed and now two holes are better than one, and the hoops are thinner and lighter. Gift

jewelry for that matter.

In last month’s column, I promised a story about 100 Women Who Care. Honestly, I have more than a story. It was a WOW experience. When I first met with Lisa Wiseley, Suha Costy and Amy Walsh, I heard all the particulars of the group.

The group met in early November at Genitti’s, which gives back by lending space for the meetings. I asked you all to wait to hear more – and some of you did more than wait. You came to the meeting. Wow! There were suggestions put in the bucket. Three were chosen for presentation. The presenters answered questions and we voted. The winner was Lace Up Detroit, presented by Molly Griffin.

A little about the charity: In 2015, five women embraced the opportunity to engage the community and translate their love for shoes and giving back. The goal was to provide new shoes to underserved children and women…from school shoes, winter boots, athletic shoes, work shoes and even slippers. (We take some very simple things for granted.) Among other things, the group maintains shoe closets for

The kicker…my mom was a shoe sales lady all her life. She loved shoes. I love shoes. Every year I bought her a shoes calendar. The day she died I flipped the page of the calendar and there was a gorgeous stiletto heel shoe (which she would have worn) with a leather upper that spelled out “Peace”. I have that page framed and hanging on a wall in my home. It was a God-wink. I wrote my check (right to the Lace Up Detroit organization) and look forward to the next 100 Women Who Care meeting Feb. 6 at Genitti’s. The meeting lasted just under one hour. For more information, visit www.100womenwhocare northville.weebly.com. If you love shoes, it’s not too late to support their efforts. Just ask.

This is the season of giving. I ring the Salvation Army bell with my grandkids every year. The Corriveau Law firm (324 E. Main Street) collects Toys-ForTots. Northville Civic Concern helps your neighbors in need… holiday dinner meal baskets are a blessing for many. It’s not hard to find a way to give back with your time, talent or treasure. Simply take a look around. Happy Thanks-Giving!

It’s a national organization and these ladies organized the Northville chapter. They said so many women wonder how they can impact anything with just $100. But if 100 women each put in $100, they would have $10,000. Wow, that indeed could make a significant difference. If these 100 each had the opportunity to suggest a charity special to them, they could

Denise Jenkins is a member of the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Tipping Point Theatre. An avid writer and proponent of the arts, she is also plugged into what’s happening in Northville. Contact her at denisemjenkins@aol.com.

Dr. Rachel Crittenden (from left), Teri Fogliatti, Mayor Brian Turnbull, Shannon Jones, Stacey Hinkle, Tessadora Kramar, Orin Mazzoni, and Antoinette Mazzoni Kramar.

“Aunt” Mary Ware with Carol, the earpiercing guru.

The 100 Women Who Care meeting at Genitti's.

As they say, there are three ways to “give back” – with your time, your talent or your treasure.

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