Your Preview to the 2025 Ice Festival
Local Journalism Matters
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KURT KUBAN – Publisher
Kurt is an award-winning journalist, having served as a reporter and editor for several local newspapers and magazines, including the Plymouth Observer He has been a journalist for over two decades. He founded Journeyman Publishing, which also publishes The ‘Ville, in 2017.
SCOTT SPIELMAN – Editor
Scott graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Journalism. He covered western Wayne County for more than 12 years at several publications before transitioning into corporate communications and media relations. A Canton resident, he has also finished his first novel and is hard at work on his next.
SCOTT BUIE – Advertising Director/Vice President of Sales
Scott has 20+ years creating advertising campaigns for clients in Metro Detroit. After managing sales for radio stations for 17 years he purchased Street Marketing, where he works closely with a variety of businesses and events. Scott and his family have lived in the Plymouth/Northville area for over 23 years.
JENNY PEARSALL – Creative Director
Jenny has been in the design and print industry for over twenty years, holding various positions in graphic design, print buying, production and print management. She also owns Bovia Design Group, a company specializing in publications and corporate branding.
MICHELE FECHT – Writer
Michele is an award-winning journalist whose first post-college reporter position was at The Northville Record before moving on to The Detroit News She has been a City of Northville resident for nearly 40 years and is an author, researcher and local history enthusiast.
TIM SMITH – Writer
Tim brings a penchant for telling personal stories that run the gamut from news to sports. During more than 35 years in journalism, mostly with the Observer & Eccentric, he has earned numerous state and national awards. The Wayne State grad is a published author and rec ice hockey player.
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, including The Rock. -Photo by Kathleen Voss
SUE VOYLES – Writer
Growing up, Sue always knew she wanted to be a writer. She has written for many publications over her long career in public relations and journalism, and taught English and journalism at Schoolcraft College. In 2022, she received the national Headliner Award from the Association for Women in Communications.
KEN VOYLES – Writer/Photographer
Ken is an award-winning writer, photographer and designer whose career has spanned nearly five decades in and around metro Detroit. He started his journalism career in Plymouth, working for the Community Crier. He is the author of two books on Detroit history, loves to travel and has finished his first novel.
BILL BRESLER – Photographer
Bill arrived in Plymouth in 1977 to work for the Community Crier. He also worked for the Plymouth Observer for many years. Bill, who taught photography at Madonna University, retired from what was left of the newspaper business in 2019 and now freelances. He’s happy to be back in the Plymouth community.
BRYAN MITCHELL – Photographer
Bryan started working as a photographer more than 30 years ago, and was a staff photographer for the Plymouth Observer in the 90s. He has freelanced for The Detroit News, The Guardian, Reuters, and other publications. His photography has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the globe.
any content in this publication without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Comments are welcome at kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com
It’s 2025; do you know what your children are watching?
Friends of our family recently experienced an unimaginable tragedy. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, they unexpectedly lost their child, barely a teenager—every parent’s ultimate nightmare.
I’m going to be intentionally vague about the details because I want to respect their grief and I don’t want anyone playing internet sleuth to try to figure out what happened or who it happened to or what led up to it or anything along those lines, at all. I do want to write about it, however, because I think it’s a result of a growing problem—not just in our community, but across the nation and around the globe. Essentially, this tragedy was the result of an attempt to duplicate an internet stunt gone horribly wrong.
You have probably heard of some of these stunts: they involve anything from trying to choke down a tablespoon of ground cinnamon, snacking on Tide pods, the ‘bird box’ challenge (walking around blindfolded in and out of traffic) and more. Many may seem fun; all are risky and some of them are absolutely dangerous and sick.
There is already a lot of discussion about the dangers of social media—and you will probably hear a lot more this year, too, as officials ponder whether to ban the popular Tik Tok app and more and more studies are released about the negative effects it can have on young people (and adults, too, for that matter).
It can also be a difficult conversation to have with your children. I get it: we all want to be friends with our kids, to be the ‘cool dad’ or ‘cool mom.’ That’s not always our role, though. Sometimes, it’s okay to be intrusive—and it’s always a good habit to find out who your kids are interacting with, what they’re doing, where they’re going and so on. The thing is, this is a virtually impossible problem to solve. Kids will be kids. We all know that; we know that kids are likely to imitate their peers, to seek social acceptance in some form and peer pressure will always be stronger than parental pressure. And, more and more often, that acceptance will take place in the virtual realm.
We all do dumb things as kids—I’m of the generation that rode around without a bike helmet through all kinds of traffic and constructed ramshackle ramps to try to jump over Fellows Creek, Evel Knievel-style. These stunts are inherently more dangerous nowadays because they’re so accessible—you don’t need a bike, a ramp, a creek or anything at all. And parents simply cannot be everywhere at once. This is something that could happen to anyone, at any time, regardless of how you prepare, how well you communicate or the examples you, yourself, set.
So what can be done?
Communication is the first thing. Have those difficult conversations. They may be awkward; they may make you feel like a heel, but the alternative is too grim to bear. Make sure you can have an open dialogue—however uncomfortable—with your kids. Urge them to think things through. Sure, it may look funny seeing someone cough up a cloud of cinnamon or make a funny face while trying to eat chicken boiled in Nyquil, but both can make you really, really sick. As parents, we sometimes have to outline the potential consequences for our kids.
Limit who you’re interacting with, or who your kids are interacting with. If their friends (or your friends) are continually trying to push them to do risky or unsafe things, reevaluate that relationship.
Make sure you know that they are loved and foster an atmosphere with more personal connections—even if it’s just as simple as keeping phones and tablets away from the dinner table.
Finally, it’s a tough world out there—in our neighborhoods, our schools and particularly on the internet. We all need to make an effort to be kinder, less judgmental and more supportive. Make sure everyone you know and love understands that the world is a better place with them in it.
SOUND OFF:
Please submit your letters by emailing Editor Scott Spielman at scottyspielman@ gmail.com. Letters should be no more than 150 words. We reserve the right to edit all letters.
Park advisory board needed
It seems the city will not be taking new steps toward addressing our neighborhood parks. That’s disappointing. Throughout 2024, residents have offered specific, constructive ideas to gather public opinion regarding Parks and Recreation. Forming a Citizen’s Advisory Board is the obvious first step.
Before the election, “We Can Do Better” signs popped up throughout the city. The voters voted for a better solution, not to give up. There is broad support for some of the items on the city’s priority list. There is not wide support to ignore our neighborhood parks just because the residents didn’t want to fund the city’s entire wish list.
One task an advisory board would take on is to gather more reliable public input. It would also assist the city in pursuing grants, and identifying additional resources. Why do nothing when myself and other residents are eager to help, and this step costs next to nothing?
Ron Picard
Programs for children, seniors needed
I am amazed, confused, and bewildered that the City of Plymouth and Plymouth Township, which both have increased tax revenues due to a dramatic increase in new construction in their communities, have no thought or concern for the children or the elderly in their inability to properly fund senior programs or parks for children.
Even our Wayne County commissioners have decided only Canton Township and Livonia have a need to fund programs such as these, since they have been able to secure funding from the county government.
I know the cost to fund programs such as these has increased just like any other program. It is time to reevaluate where they spend our money so we can decide if this is really a place for children and seniors to live.
Maybe Plymouth and Plymouth Township are not really family or senior friendly. Our residents can always move somewhere else and take their tax dollars with them to a community that cares about all their residents.
Earl Baker
No on church project
I live at 1464 W. Ann Arbor Trail and I am against the Christian Science project. I have lived in my home since 1989, going on 34 years. I have seen a wonderful revitalization of the downtown area. I am in support of the new businesses and restaurants that have moved to our lovely town. With this and the festivals, Plymouth is a destination spot for many. Do I like the traffic created from the festivals? No, but I realize the amount of money they bring into our city and make my plans around them while also visiting them.
Now on to the Christian Science Room property. What is currently proposed there is definitely not in keeping with the current landscape of the area. This is too many buildings for such a small area. I realize everyone wants to make money on this project, but at what cost to the current, as in my case, long-standing citizens of this town? I am not opposed to the church staying there and a “much” smaller development being built. One that will not ruin the aesthetic of the street and the downtown area.
Please, for the sake of our community, do not approve this plan or the plan with just the church removed. I would like to see the property developed, but not to the expense of the beauty and safety of our community.
Julie Nelson
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A New Brand
New Cobras logo unveiled for Canton High School
By Tim Smith
Fast, confident and ready to strike are some of the characteristics attributed to a cobra, Canton High School’s new mascot.
The new Canton Cobras logo, which was designed and recently unveiled by Canton High School alum and graphic designer Zane Birchler – with important input from students – certainly conveys those traits with aplomb.
“There wasn’t any kind of emotion that they were looking to portray when it came to a cobra specifically,” Birchler said. “We were really just looking to set out to create something that was completely new and unique and that will look great for years.”
Last year, the school board approved the change of the mascot name from Chiefs to Cobras, which was a process not without consternation and complaint. Birchler said he met over many months with high school and district officials to find out their thoughts on the process, but that
Everyone that’s talked to me about it really liked it.
“Even people that weren’t fully on board with the name change still believe the logo, the work, is good.”
INSPIRED CHOICE
Also important were suggestions, visually and verbally, from student committee members.
Canton High School Principal David Reed-Nordwall recently weighed in on the new logo, stressing that students did have ideas they wanted to see represented in the logo.
“Canton has a strong tradition of leadership and excellence as well as a storied history,” noted Reed-Nordwall in a recent e-mail. “So it was really important to students and staff that our mascot and symbols reflect that with the transition to a new mascot.
with the Canton red-black-white color scheme.
Birchler recently unveiled three images during a meet-andgreet with students at Canton High School, which had “Chiefs” as its mascot since the school’s inception.
“They were unveiling the new café section in the front of the school that’s got some high-top chairs and bar stools,” Birchler noted. “They got the new logo laser engraved on the back of the stools. It looks fantastic. So it was just a mini-rollout of that and a chance for me to meet a couple of the students that had been involved in the process.”
he was in control of his own work.
There were other mascot names and potential logo designers considered, but ultimately the 2009 Canton grad got the important task. He chuckled when asked if his own personal history might have helped him land the gig.
“I don’t think it hurt, that’s for sure,” Birchler said. “I don’t think that’s necessarily what made them decide to use me one way or another. I think mostly my work was what spoke for that. Certainly being a Canton graduate was something that would have at least helped a little bit.”
Feedback to his work, so far, has mostly been positive.
“There’s obviously a very vocal community that was against it (the change), so they’ve remained vocal, that’s for sure,” said the 33-yearold Birchler, who graduated in 2009 and has a degree from Eastern Michigan University. “But from at least what I’ve experienced it’s been overwhelmingly positive.
“Because we were very intentional and careful to be guided by their input, students and staff have been able to embrace and help usher in the new cobra mascot.”
Birchler had those concepts to help guide him. They also stuck
During that process, according to Reed-Nordwall, there was a general sense that Canton students wanted a unique new look that “wasn’t a replica of something from colleges or professional leagues, and that represented leadership and fearsome strength.”
Moreover, when discussing their hopes for the design, students made sure to pay homage to the history of the high school and Shelby Cobra, a sports car which although
manufactured by British company AC Cars did feature a Ford V8 engine.
“They also pointed out the nod to Detroit with the Shelby Cobra which typifies the fierce independence and innovative prowess of Plymouth-Canton and Metro Detroit,” Reed-Nordwall added. “They have really been excited about how unique and strong the final mascot turned out to be.”
PLANNING THE ROLLOUT
Although the designs have been approved, it might not be until 2025-26 until athletes don uniforms featuring Birchler’s
Cobra logo. He said the logo was displayed on a scoreboard during a recent Canton football game.
“There’s a lot of branding going on right now,” Birchler added.
Prominently featured within Birchler’s design rollout were two versions of a full body, three-quarter side view – one with and one without “Canton Cobras” wordmarks.
A third image is of the cobra head within a circular shape, perhaps a contender for use on a future football helmet, baseball cap or as a hockey jersey shoulder patch.
“What we ended up with, which
seemed to be the majority of the concepts, was a three-quarter profile view,” Birchler said. “So you can really see the action and the dimension of the cobra itself. It’s like, if you’re looking at someone from like a 45-degree angle, it’s not a direct side view or a direct face view.”
According to Birchler, what those students provided was inspirational and important to how he went about crafting his logos – primarily during weekends and evenings at his Livonia home. He has a staff position as a graphic designer at Wixom-based Super Stroke Golf, but also does free-lance work.
“They (the district) had a group of students, maybe 20-plus students, working with them, submitting design inspiration, and with some of them doing their own logos,” he explained. “They passed that material along to me because it was very important to them that outside
of just coming up with a mascot name, they wanted (students) to have some hand in what the final logo would end up looking like.”
From the early response, Birchler’s final designs checked all the boxes. And that’s something sure to enthrall the Canton High School community for generations to come.
“It was one of the smoothest design projects I’ve ever gone through,” Birchler said. “There was a lot of positive feedback going through the entire thing. I’m just really proud of what we were able to make.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Plymouth Canton Schools have unveiled the new Cobras logo for Canton High School. Let us know your thoughts on the design. Email your opinions to Editor Scott Spielman at scottyspielman@gmail.com.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Popular downtown tavern changes hands, will keep neighborhood feel
By Scott Spielman
Apopular downtown Plymouth tavern is changing hands, but customers won't see many changes—for now.
Bob and Dorothy Miller Ostendorf, operators of Stella’s Black Dog Tavern, have officially retired and handed over operations to long-time business partners, Jim “Sully” Sullivan and his wife, Kathy.
“We are excited. It’s time,” said Dorothy. “It wasn’t a tough decision. The plan was always to have the Sullivans take it to the next level—just like Bob did 12 years ago. We’re going to miss people, but we’re still going to see them. We’re going to relax a little bit. We’re going to travel. We’re going to do house projects
that we’ve been putting off.”
Bob Miller purchased the bar 12 years ago as an investment to keep him busy after he retired from a long career as a manufacturing business turn-around expert.
A Navy vet who served in the Vietnam war, he said he wanted to find something that was familyfocused and an important part of the community.
“I think the big contribution was keeping it a neighborhood bar that wasn’t really a bar,” he said. “It was a place you could get together and feel comfortable. Your kids could come in. We just kept the values that we wanted to live.”
He was already familiar with the place, having frequented it with the tavern’s eventual namesake, Stella, a 120-pound
for various charities, visited hospitals and was a goodwill ambassador.
Dorothy got involved with Stella’s when she married Bob about four years ago. With a background in marketing, she didn’t have any direct restaurant experience, either.
“I had never even served a table in my life. I am now a pro dishwasher,” she joked.
“It’s an interesting industry. You certainly get to know a lot of people, sometimes at their best and sometimes at their worst,” she added. “Overall, though, I wouldn’t trade the last few years. I think we were more than just a restaurant. I think we were a place where people knew they were safe; they were comfortable here. It felt like family, when you came in at the end of the day or you brought your family in. We know your name. You’re not just someone sitting at a random seat or at a random table. You were family. That part of it I loved.”
Burmese mountain dog who would sit with him at what was then the front patio, facing Fralick Street. Back then, it wasn’t that common to see a well-behaved dog munching on a cheeseburger next to a restaurant table.
“Stella, I think she broke the barrier when it came to general acceptance of dogs in the community,” Bob Ostendorf said. “In Europe, where I spent a lot of time, it’s not unusual to see well-behaved animals everywhere, but it was here. It kind of set the standard.”
Stella passed two years ago just shy of her 12th birthday—a ripe old age for her breed—but she developed quite a fan base along the way. She also helped the Ostendorf’s raise money
They also loved the quiet good they were able to do in the community. She estimated that they’ve given about $120,000 back in support of charitable organizations like the Humane Society of Huron Valley, the Salvation Army, the local VFW Post and more.
“(Bob) did a lot of things over the years that nobody knew about. That’s how he wanted it,” said Dorothy. “He didn’t want a whole lot of accolades; he just wanted to do the right thing.”
There were challenges, too, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic. Ostendorf had also purchased the former Station 885 in Old Village, but had to sell it during the pandemic because it wasn’t feasible to operate two restaurants. But the changes necessitated by Covid also turned into opportunities—the back patio was enclosed and heated and became a space that hosted events—everything from bridal showers to family reunions to stand-up comedy—year round.
Now the Ostendorfs are ready to move on, to focus on spending more time together and ongoing health issues, said Dorothy, a twotime cancer survivor.
“We’re excited to see what (the Sullivans) do,” she said. “A
transition like this brings change, but it brings good change. All the things that everybody expects from Stella’s are not changing anytime soon. They’re not going to redo the whole thing immediately. I think it’s going to be a slow change and I think it’s going to be a change that’s appropriate for 2025.”
The Sullivans have been partners in the tavern since Ostendorf purchased it. Jim, a CPA by trade, has experience along ‘restaurant row’ on Penniman Ave as former owner of the Penniman Deli, now the Penniman Grill.
With only a few weeks in charge under his belt, Jim said he’s still mulling what changes—if any— to make. The only differences patrons may notice right away are upgraded televisions and the return of some old menu favorites.
“We have a great restaurant and a great brand,” he said. “We’re a great little hometown tavern. We like to welcome everyone. We like it that way.”
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“A transition like this brings change, but it brings good change. All the things that everybody expects from Stella’s are not changing anytime soon. They’re not going to redo the whole thing immediately. I think it’s going to be a slow change and I think it’s going to be a change that’s appropriate for 2025.”
Dorothy Miller Ostendorf, who along with her husband Bob have sold Stella’s Black Dog Tavern
Darren R. LaLonde Ingrid Runnion
The winter magic is returning to downtown Plymouth at the end of this month.
The annual Plymouth Ice Festival will once again transform Kellogg Park and the streets of downtown Plymouth into a glittering winter wonderland featuring carvings, events and entertainment for all ages.
“It’s really a huge deal for us,” said Sam Plymale, director of the Plymouth Downtown Development Authority (DDA). “It’s really a boost for the downtown businesses during a slower period of time. It’s our signature winter event. It draws people from all over metro Detroit.”
The event takes place Jan. 31 through Feb. 2.
Founded in 1982 by Plymouth resident Scott Lorenz, the ice festival has evolved over the years and has taken place at different times during the first two months of the year.
“There’s been pressure to have it at different times because of the weather,” said festival
director James Gietzen of JAG Entertainment. There have been plenty of events throughout the past four decades when it’s either been too warm, too cold or too sunny—bright sunlight tends to crack the carvings, no matter what the temperature may be.
“It’s Michigan; we can’t really tell what the weather is going to be and what it’s going to do,” said Gietzen.
The focus, said Gietzen, has always been the same: to springboard off of the Detroit International Auto Show and
bring people to downtown Plymouth during a particularly slow time of year. That was also the reason it moved from early January to later in the month or early February.
“The businesses get all this holiday influx of business and then the rest of the winter they starve,” he said. It was moved back to the end of January to avoid a conflict with Super Bowl weekend—prior to the Detroit Lions’ current magical run that may get them there, at last.
This year, visitors can expect
more than 100 ice carvings spread throughout the park and downtown streets. Each starts out as a 350-pound block of ice that artists meticulously transform into a variety of carvings.
Festival organizers will also bring back the popular tubing run, a 100-foot ice slide made of synthesized ice similar to that used by Olympic trainers. It’s guaranteed to hold up, no matter what the temperature will be.
“It really doesn’t matter what the weather is for it. We can handle it,” Gietzen said.
The stage will also return, with the Crazy Craig Family Comedy Juggling Variety Show performing 45-minute sets throughout the weekend. Each performance features a variety juggling, unicycle tricks, balancing acts, magic, comedy, and more.
Ice Festival Bingo, which grew out of changes made during the Covid-19 pandemic, will be back, too. Visitors will receive a bingo card to collect stickers from participating businesses; completed cards can be turned in
to win a chance at prizes provided by downtown merchants. Gietzen said that feature was positive with patrons and merchants alike.
“There’s a lot of good stuff that came from Covid for the Ice Festival,” said Gietzen, who has been involved with the festival since 2010. “When you look at what this event was intended to do, which was bring people downtown Plymouth during a slow time of year, Covid forced us
to think about how we can bring people to downtown and how can we spread them out.
“A lot of times before, people were coming to Kellogg Park and that’s all it was,” he added. “Now we have businesses that used to close for the weekend of the festival that are now staying open for the whole weekend and recording record sales. They’re reaching out to us and saying thank you for having this and thank you for doing it this way. Covid forced us to reimagine it a little bit and how we could help the business community as much as we could. We really try to partner with the businesses in the downtown area instead of being the problem that comes to downtown once a year.”
Kellogg Park will, of course, remain a focal point. In addition to the nearby stage, there will
be a petting zoo, along with the return of Saturday ice carving competitions. Gietzen said several community colleges will take part as they rebuild their culinary programs in the wake of the pandemic.
The event will also feature an ice throne for family pictures and two warming stations, one in The Gathering, called ‘The Hot Spot’ and sponsored by Ehlers Heating & Air Conditioning that will include product demonstrations and local vendors and another behind E.G. Nick’s, which will also feature an ice bar and nightly entertainment: Ava James and The Rumors on Friday night and Power Play Detroit on Saturday.
“The DDA has worked directly with the Ice Festival organizers for many years on expanding the event and helping the business
community get involved in the event. It’s really a team effort,” said Plymale. “It gets people inside the businesses. It spreads the event. It’s not just in Kellogg Park and it’s all throughout the downtown business district.”
For more information visit PlymouthIceFestival.com.
Peek Inside Your Health: Full Body MRI Screenings Unveil Silent Issues Before Symptoms Arise
(SOUTHFIELD, MI) Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. Thanks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully.
As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only cover
occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the genitals and can detect it very early.
For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive flights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a clinic opened in Southfield, making these scans available to Metro Detroit residents.
“Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If
and groin aneurysms,” stated the founder of the Southfield clinic called Bionicc Body Screening. The primary focus of Bionicc Body Screening is to deliver peace of mind, offering a comprehensive and detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures. The ultimate hope is for excellent health. However, in the event that something is detected, the advanced screening aims to catch any potential issues at their earliest stages. This approach offers the best opportunity for successful treatment outcomes, should the need arise.
kidney tumor that had been missed by a recent CT scan. I cannot recommend this service more.”
Take the first step to learn more about full body scans by visiting www.BioniccBodyScreening. com and request a free, no obligation Information Kit. Request it today and you’re also guaranteed a copy of their FREE Catching Cancer Before It’s Too Late! (This is a limited time offer.) Schedule today at
By George!
Beloved Plymouth personality celebrates his wonderful life
Story and photos by Ken
Voyles
You may not know George Harvell by name, but chances are you’ve seen him; you’ve passed him by on the street or sat near him in one of Plymouth’s restaurants or nodded to him in Kellogg Park.
It might be too easy to call Harvell Plymouth’s own George Bailey, but it still seems appropriate, even if our George never ran a big savings and loan, never married or had children and never led the community through the Great Depression or war, like the beloved character in It’s a Wonderful Life.
But what he has done—and continues to do—is simply bring a smile to others who experience his warm presence. That’s one reason why more than 100 people gathered to celebrate Harvell as he was feted with a surprise 80th birthday party at the Plymouth Historical Museum this month.
“I think everybody knows me,” said Harvell as he was preparing for a Christmas party in December at Tonquish Creek Manor, the senior community where he lives. “I’m Plymouth Hollywood. I want to write about Plymouth. They treat me good and there’s lots of things to do.”
It was 30 years ago this year that our George first stepped foot in Plymouth, having been moved here by his family from Coldwater after his father’s death.
Patty Zafarana, his sister, had been living in Plymouth for a few years and most of George’s other siblings weren’t far away, either, so they brought him to the community.
“He wasn’t being treated right there,” said Zafarana of his life before Plymouth. “George has had a lot of hardship and struggle in his life, but one thing about him is he doesn’t seem to hold on to any of it.”
HAVING A GOOD TIME
Harvell was born in Newport, the second oldest of nine children born to George and Marian Harvell. He spent most of his youth in Carleton on the family farm, even attending a one-room schoolhouse for a while. George was born disabled and has never learned to read or write, but he likes to draw, dance and walk and, over the years, he has held a few jobs, including at a factory in Coldwater. When he came to Plymouth he worked at Kroger for many years. That’s where many people first got to know
him. He’s lived at Tonquish Manor for more than 20 years.
On the day of the Tonquish holiday party Harvell is at his most excited, showing off his beautifully decorated table and dressed to the nines with his traditional top hat and red suspenders, along with a holiday tie and spotless spats (overshoes). He deftly handles his holiday cane, decked out like a candy cane and smiles as he talks.
“Why do you want to talk with me?” he wonders when asked to spend time with a newcomer. But it doesn’t take long for him to warm up and talk as he moves around his table settings. “I like to meet people,” he quickly says. “I go all over town and walk and dance. I like just people.”
Mostly known as the guy in front of the stage each summer in Kellogg Park where he dances
and struts as the community band or local philharmonic performs, Harvell is the proud owner of a dozen or more canes and just as many hats showcased in his apartment. The top hat is his holiday head gear, but in the summer he often dons a straw hat. He sometimes carries a kind of self-made microphone so he can sing in to it, if he wants.
He's also known all over town, thanks to his daily walks and eating out on a regular basis at one of Plymouth’s numerous restaurants. He especially loves Bode’s, handing out handmade business cards featuring his picture along with his friend, the owner.
As a man of faith, Harvell is deeply committed to his church, Van Born Baptist Church. He loves to sing hymns and enjoys
swing music and what he calls old-time rock-and-roll. He also loves to design his own greeting cards with his drawings on them that he gives to family and friends. His sister Patty has collected more than 100 over the years.
“I like to serve God and families,” says Harvell. “I like to get together and have a good time. That’s all.”
80 YEARS YOUNG
Harvell says he has no regrets, and he certainly doesn’t think about his age much.
“I don’t feel old, but sometimes I feel like it’s coming,” he laughs. “I’ve never been happier than in Plymouth. There’s a whole bunch of stuff. The businesses, the restaurants, the people, the things they have in the park.”
While the winter makes it harder for Harvell to leave his apartment and get out in the community he loves, he still enjoys walking around the Plymouth ice festival.
A few things Harvell doesn’t
say much about include his short time being married and the days when he used to smoke. For him the past isn’t as important as it is for many people.
“He likes to fancy himself as a businessman,” says his sister. “He’s a character. He dresses up and walks around with his cane and hats and if there’s an event in Plymouth, you’ll probably see him there.”
As for his dancing in Kellogg
Park, Zafarana says her brother just thinks of himself as a famous star.
“His dancing thing just evolved over the years I’d say,” she adds. “I once thought it was kind of goofy and I know some people don’t care for him, but everyone knows him and loves him. He tries to steal the show.”
Harvell is so well-known in the community that when his sister passed out party invitations
to many of the merchants downtown she was touched by the many stories about her brother, and “the genuine love that many of them have for him.”
So yes, there’s plenty of way to appreciate a man like George Harvell. At his party it was a classic “this is your life” story that was told. And while he’s not George Bailey, one thing seems pretty clear – Plymouth wouldn’t be quite the same without him.
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Keeping the Spirit of the Revolution Alive
Plymouth’s Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter embrace service and preservation
By Sue Voyles
welcome. Members undertake a number of community initiatives, from replacing the flag at the Hoisington marker every few years to marching in the July 4th parade, laying a wreath at Plymouth Memorial Park, to awarding scholarships and recognizing historic preservation efforts.
One of the most recent recognitions happened last November when the chapter honored local businessman Dennis Engerer for his renovation of the circa 1873 Gold Cure building, at 342 East Main Street in Northville.
HELPING ACROSS MICHIGAN
Serving veterans and students is a priority for local DAR members.
One cause close to members’ hearts is the Ann Arbor Fisher House, near the Ann Arbor VA Hospital. Created by the Fisher House Foundation, the program provides a home where military and veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital.
Members sign up to make and serve meals for veterans and their families, make lap blankets for patients and deliver snacks to nurses. Wells says they are looking forward to supporting the new Fisher House at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, which was dedicated last November.
You’ll also find Cochrane chapter members providing snacks for the Freedom Center at Detroit Metro Airport, where traveling military members, veterans and their families enjoy complimentary food and beverages and a respite during their travels.
Helping families in need is another way the chapter makes a difference. One organization it has partnered with is Cass Community Social Services in Detroit, providing birthday boxes last year with all the ingredients for families to make and present a cake to their children.
With 50-plus DAR chapters in Michigan alone – stretching from Sault Sainte Marie to
Battle Creek to Monroe and beyond – the Cochrane chapter makes its impact felt beyond the borders of Wayne County.
“This past Christmas we connected with the DAR chapter in Traverse City, which serves members from seven counties,” says Wells. “They work with schools to provide winter coats for needy families and our chapter donated to that to help them buy coats from Costco which offered a 50% discount. I just couldn’t fathom a child in northern Michigan with an ill-fitting coat or none at all.”
The Plymouth chapter also participates in the Good Citizens Award and Scholarship contest for high school seniors, created at the national level in 1934, usually awarding a total of $750. At the elementary school level, the chapter’s literacy group provides every kindergarten student at Eriksson Elementary School in Canton with a new book to take home, as well as giving teachers books about
Sarah Ann Cochrane, born in 1832 to Rev. Sylvester and Hannah Cochrane, was among Michigan's early settlers, arriving from Vermont in 1837 with her family, including her brother Lyman, a future Detroit judge. In later life, Sarah recounted her memories of the journey for the Detroit Library’s Burton Historical Collections:
"For days we walked more miles than we rode, my mother carrying me on her hip with one arm while with a long pole in the other hand she tested the depth of the mud before each step. The poor horses frightened by the unstable footing, plunged and floundered and at times sank one or more legs between loose logs, their extrication proving to be a serious problem if no fence rail or other means of leverage was at hand.... Was it strange that my poor mother, never infatuated with the scheme of emigration, and whose heart was sore under her recent
the American Revolution.
Members also connect with children and young people up to age 22 who are members of the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution (CAR), hosting a special joint meeting each January.
“Last year, we had members bring strips of fleece and we showed the DAR and CAR members how to make dog toys and then delivered them to a service dog training center in Howell that trains dogs who help veterans,” explains Wells.
With the 250th birthday of the United States coming up in 2026 (the same year the Cochrane chapter turns 100), and April 18, 2025 being the 250th year since Paul Revere’s famous ride in 1775, the Plymouth and Northville communities are sure to hear more from the local daughters of patriots. It would no doubt make Titus Vespatian Hoisington proud.
bereavement of her mother and her baby boy, was it strange that in her sheer weariness, she would find relief in tears and sobs, while we children would pity though we could not understand."
In 1843, the family moved to Northville, where her father became pastor of the town's new church. Sarah taught at “The Academy,” founded by her father in 1845, and later worked at the Detroit Public Library, playing a key role in implementing the Dewey Decimal System.
Sources: Sarah Ann Cochrane Chapter website and FindAGrave.com
Kiley Wins National Championship
Local cross country star overcomes injury just in time for Div. II nationals
By Brad Emons
Plymouth High grad
Lauren Kiley’s improbable national title run at the NCAA Division II Women’s Cross Country National Championship Nov. 23 in California almost didn’t happen.
After severely spraining her ankle during a preseason workout last August, Kiley feared her promising 2024 cross country season at Grand Valley State was over before it even started.
“I remember being on a run
confident, which made the fall that much worse.
“I couldn't even walk back normally on it because of how bad it hurt, and I was choking back tears because I thought I had just ruined my entire junior season,” she said. “It was all shot down so quickly.”
Despite having to take four weeks off from practice, Kiley was determined to make up for lost time doing both biking and swimming.
“Coach (Alan) Peterson – our assistant, who oversees her training – did a great job of just progressing her along,” GVSU head coach Jerry Baltes said. “We wanted to get her going sooner, but we also wanted to make sure not to rush it and set her back with another injury.”
Kiley was nervous about being on a strict cross-training plan because she had never done anything like that before.
“In high school, if you told me to ride a bike or get on an elliptical as a method of cross-country training, I would have thought it was absurd,” she said. “I was pretty determined to keep my fitness because I swore, I was never fitter in my life than that summer, so I trained hard. I worked on those machines so hard to the point that there was no doubt in my mind that I was maintaining my fitness.”
All-Conference, as well.
And in the NCAA Division II regional Nov. 9 in Romeoville, Ill. – just her second race of the fall season – Kiley did it again with a first-place time of 20:57.78 as six of the seven Laker runners placed in the top 10 while also earning the team title.
The Canton native and 2022 Plymouth High grad then accomplished the unthinkable: she completed her own natural hat trick on Nov. 23 at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, Calif. where she took command of the race at the 2K mark and fought through the mud and the rain to win in 20:28.5.
Kendall Kramer of AlaskaFairbanks was runner-up in 20:30.7.
“During Nationals, I remember the night before asking my coach, Alan Peterson (AKA Petey), what the plan was, and I told him that I had a good feeling because I felt so calm,” Kiley said. “Normally, the nerves would hit me in the pre-
just a week before camp, thinking about my teammate, Natalie Graber, who had taken a fall during a steeple practice and was injured the rest of the outdoor (track) season,” said the GVSU junior. “I remember thinking that it only took one second for something catastrophic to happen. When I fell, that was my first thought -- was this that one second?”
Going into camp, Kiley said she was incredibly fit and feeling
Brimming with that confidence, Kiley made her season debut at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference Championships Oct. 26 at Ferris State in Big Rapids. Incredibly in her first race of the season, she led wire-to-wire in a 6-kilometer time of 20 minutes, 46.2 seconds, capturing the conference title and helping the Lakers earn the GLIAC women’s team title.
For her effort, Kiley was named the 2024 GLIAC Women's Runner of the Year and earned first-team
race meeting, but for some reason, I had a lot of confidence to go up against all these girls I hadn't raced in a very long time. He told
me to stay calm and wait until someone makes a move because someone will make a move at some point in the race, and I had to do my best to match it or slowly close the gap between us.”
Kiley not only earned AllAmerican honors for the third time, but was also named the 2024 NCAA DII Women's Cross Country National Athlete of the Year by U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
“It was such a weird day for me, honestly, because it was like I was a completely different runner,” Kiley said. “I was calm to the line, and I couldn't stop smiling at the start line. I just felt like I had it.”
She stuck to the race plan and took an early lead.
“At 4k, I still felt strong, so I decided if no one else would make a move, I should try it. If some girls went with me, then those would be the ones I would have to battle it out with in the end, but no one did, and I was able to create an 8-second gap for a large chunk
A year ago, Kiley was runner-up at the GLIAC Indoor Championships with a 3k time of 9:27.79 and added a personalbest 9:27.58 to take seventh at the NCAA DII Indoors.
“I want to place high in both the 5k and the 3k (Indoor) as well as the 5k and 10k (outdoor),” Kiley said. “I am a lot better at cross country than I am at track, but with Petey and Jerry's guidance the training plan they come up with for me should take me there pretty easily.”
After being red-shirted during the 2024 outdoor track season, Kiley will also enjoy an extra season of outdoor track eligibility as a fifth-year senior in 2026.
of that last 2K,” she said. “When I crossed that finish line, I was so pumped full of adrenaline that barely knew what had happened and when people were crowding me telling me that I won, it was just an amazing feeling. A longtime goal, finally accomplished.”
Baltes said Kiley, who was 14th individually in 2023 and seventh in 2022 at the NCAA DII Nationals, had a legitimate shot of winning the individual title despite the preseason setback.
“Again, we felt going in she was one of the three to five women that would be in contention for the title,” he said. “When the gun goes off, she goes out and competes, doesn’t worry about any of the other things going on. She puts one foot in front of the other and competes at a high level, and takes care of herself, and performs at a high level.”
The former Plymouth High All-Stater now embarks on the 2025 indoor and outdoor track seasons where she’ll concentrate on the 3k, 5k and 10k events.
Kiley, who has no illusions of entering the NCAA transfer portal and entertaining thoughts of going to a Division I program despite her impressive times, plans to stay at Grand Valley State where she is majoring in Food and Nutrition with a business minor.
Kiley will graduate from GVSU in 2027. And if she doesn’t embark on a professional running career, she plans to take some time off to travel around the world and make time for other hobbies or interests outside of running.
“She’s a great teammate, she’s a person that cares immensely about everything and wants to do very, very well,” Baltes said. “Her academics have been superb, she’s a great teammate, supports one another…but at the end of the day she’s focused on taking care of business and getting stuff done on her side of things.”
When Baltes recruited Kiley out of Plymouth High, he saw a diamond in the rough with the four-time All-Stater.
As a junior for the Wildcats, Kiley placed fourth overall in the MHSAA Division 1 cross country finals in the 5k (18:03.92). She was
“When I crossed that finish line, I was so pumped full of adrenaline that I barely knew what had happened. And when people were crowding me telling me that I won it was just an amazing feeling. A longtime goal, finally accomplished.”
Lauren Kiley, recalling her national championship race
11th as a sophomore (18:14.8), 20th as a freshman (18:32.1) and 23rd as a senior (18:29.92).
As a senior in track, Kiley was ninth overall in the 3,200 (10:41.44).
“Every student-athlete you recruit you hope they have this potential, but you don’t know,” the GVSU coach said. “But certainly, we knew she was talented and still had some great upside potential. We recruit a lot of our athletes probably on potential – feeling, hoping, thinking that they have a lot of room to grow. And with our training and surrounding them with other great teammates and they work hard at it, they’ll have a great upside. So yes, we felt she had great potential, but you never know.”
Rock
ESPORTS TEAM FINISHES RUNNER-UP
IN STATE FINALS
Video games are not just for leisure time anymore. Designers—and, sometimes, players—can make a lucrative living in the industry and learn important life skills along the way.
The Esports team at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park (PCEP) took their skills to the state level in December, where they finished as runners-up in the finals of the Michigan High School Esports League (MHSEL) in the Super Smash Brothers Ultimate competition. The statewide competition took place on Dec. 7.
Luke Meier, a junior at Plymouth High School, was also honored as one of 50 all-state players.
“Esports allows students who may not be involved in traditional athletics to be part of a team while developing important skills that engage science, technology, engineering and math,” said School Superintendent Monica Merritt.
The competition featured 32 high school teams playing four game titles: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Rocket League, Super Smash Brothers Ultimate and VALORANT. In addition to playing games, teams must also analyze data, review strategies and understand computer hardware and software. Five P-CCS juniors and sophomores competed in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate at the statewide event.
More than 2,600 students on 740 teams at 165 high schools participate in Esports competitions. Many colleges and universities in Michigan now offer scholarships and degrees in Esports, including Michigan State University, Central Michigan University and others.
“Our Esports players are passionate about the games they play, and they also enjoy seeing how their skills fare against other great players in the state,” said Eddie Lee, a Plymouth High School teacher and P-CCS Esports advisor. “Esports can provide so many opportunities for students, including teamwork and leadership.”
THE RECORD SHOW RETURNS
Thousands of vinyl records, CD’s, import only releases, T-shirts, posters, and other collectibles will be on display with the return of the 16th annual 88.1 Record Show from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 15 in the Salem High School Cafeteria. The event will feature special giveaways, door prizes and variety of vendors. 88.1 the Park hopes to build on the success of last year’s show, which attracted more than 650 people. Much of the success of the show can be tied to the resurgence of interest in vinyl records.
“We strive to make the record show an experience for music fans of all ages to enjoy. No matter how long you’ve been collecting vinyl, you can support your local radio station while finding the perfect item to add to your collection,” said Jonah Kibin, program director for 88.1 the Park.
Admission, during normal show hours, is $5. Collectors looking to get an early start to their shopping can gain early admission between 9-10 a.m. for $10. Admission is free for Canton, Plymouth and Salem students with a student ID. Red Ryder Lounge in Plymouth is the show sponsor. For more information, visit www.881ThePark.com.
TOASTMASTERS CELEBRATE 70TH ANNIVERSARY
Motor City Speak Easy Toastmasters in November celebrated seven decades of helping Plymouth and Northville people to, according to a proclamation from Plymouth Mayor Suzi Deal, “unlock their potential and master the art of communication.”
The 70th anniversary was celebrated on Nov. 18 at the Plymouth District Library, where members delivered brief speeches and testimonials about how being in the club has impacted their lives.
According to the group, Motor City Speak Easy Toastmasters has helped approximately 1,000 people to improve their public speaking and leadership capabilities while also “making a positive impact in the community and in our professions.”
Also celebrated was 100 years of the parent organization, Toastmasters International.
Mayor Deal did not attend the celebration, but did issue a proclamation.
“Whereas since its inception in 1954, the Motor City Speak Easy Club has been transforming lives by empowering its members to achieve their personal and professional communication goals,” the proclamation stated. “With a mission to foster a supportive and inspiring environment, this club has made a profound impact on the lives, careers, and communities of its members, helping them grow in ways they never imagined.”
Motor City Speak Easy Toastmasters, which includes members from Plymouth, Northville, Novi, Canton and Livonia, meets 6:45 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the Plymouth District Library, 223 S. Main Street. For more information, visit mcspeakeasy.toastmastersclubs.org.
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