The Rock - June 2023

Chris Soutar

Scott Daugherty

Chris has lived in the Plymouth / Canton community since 1994. Some his local favorites are: Campari’s on the Park, Basement Burger, Mexican Fiesta II, Pizza Vino, Spoons Place, Central City Dance Center.

Chris has lived in the Plymouth / Canton community since 1994. Some of his local favorites are: Campari’s on the Park, Basement Burger, Mexican Fiesta II, Pizza Vino, Spoons Place, Central City Dance Center.

csoutrar@billbrownford.com

Office:(734) 524-2715

Mobile: (734) 765-8980

Scott has lived in the Plymouth / Canton Community since 2002. Some his local favorites are: Crow’s Nest (Canton), Golf at Pheasant Run Golf Course (Canton), Spoons Place, Palermo Pizza, DCFC Soccer.

Scott has lived in the Plymouth / Canton Community since 2002. Some of his local favorites are: Crow’s Nest (Canton), Golf at Pheasant Run Golf Course (Canton), Spoons Place, Palermo Pizza, DCFC Soccer.

sdaugherty@billbrownford.com

Office:(734) 524-2773

Mobile: (555) 555-1212

Local Matters!

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The Rock. Since we began publishing more than two years ago, our goal has been to provide our readers with valuable information about the Plymouth community each and every month. Your support will help that mission survive and grow. While The Rock is sent free to every address in Plymouth, it is not free to produce.

Local journalism is the foundation of this magazine. If you find it of value, please consider supporting it. Every little bit helps!

Please send donations to: Journeyman Publishing, 16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168

You can also make donations via PayPal to kurtkuban@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance.

16435

JUNE 2023

VOL 4 | ISSUE 6

KURT

KUBAN – Editor & 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 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.

BRAD KADRICH – Writer

Brad is an award-winning journalist who spent more than 20 years covering the Plymouth community for the Plymouth Observer. He also spent 15 years serving his country in the U.S. Air Force.

BRAD EMONS – Writer

Publisher

Here is the list of readers who supported local journalism this month:

- William & Jean Marie Weber

Advertise in The Rock

• Reach 21,000 addresses every month.

• We direct mail to every address in the 48170 zip code.

• Our locally-owned and produced publication is an affordable way for your business to reach the entire Plymouth market.

To secure space in an upcoming issue of The Rock, contact Advertising Director Scott Buie at (313) 399-5231, or via email at scottbuie@therockmagazine.com or advertising@therockmagazine.com.

Over the course of his four decades with the Observer & Eccentric, Brad established himself as one of the preeminent prep sports reporters in the state, winning many journalism awards along the way. His greatest joy is interviewing local athletes and coaches, and reporting on their efforts.

LARRY

O’CONNOR – Writer

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.

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.

MICHELE FECHT – Writer

Michele is a longtime journalist whose first post-college reporter position was at The Northville Record before moving on to The Detroit News. 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, including The Rock. -Photo by Kathleen Voss

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.

Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734-716-0783

Summertime In Plymouth Means Art In The Park and Graduation

As the calendar finally turns to summer (yes!), it means the Plymouth Art In The Park festival is right around the corner.

Now in its 43rd year, Art In The Park will take over downtown Plymouth over a threeday weekend, July 7-9. Although the festival has humble beginnings, it now attracts more than 400 artists from around the nation, who exhibit and sell their paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glasswork, woodwork, photography, folk art and so much more.

Art In The Park is Michigan’s second largest art fair (behind only Ann Arbor’s), and is arguably Plymouth’s signature event of the year. If you don’t believe me, just ask the more than a quarter million people who are expected to descend upon town that weekend, which means plenty of residual business for all our local stores and restaurants.

For the third year in a row, The Rock has partnered with Art In The Park organizers to publish the festival’s official guide, which you will find inside this issue. The guide, which begins on Page 11, is filled with festival highlights, a listing of all the artist’s and a map where they are located, plus profiles on a couple of the artists who will be exhibiting their work.

We hope the guide will make your AITP experience a little less chaotic, and help you pinpoint exactly where to find what you are looking for, not to mention the best way to get to and from the event (hint – take the shuttle from Schoolcraft College, where there is plenty of parking). And remember, even if art isn’t really your thing, the festival will feature plenty of outstanding food, entertainment and some of the best people watching this side of Kellogg Park.

Of course, summer also means the end of another school year and the celebration of another graduating class.

The Class of 2023 includes more than 1,300 students from PCEP, with Salem High leading the way with 461 graduates (followed by Plymouth with 444 and Canton with 440). All three commencement ceremonies took place June 11 at Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation Center.

In this issue you will also find the graduation lists of all three schools (thank you Schoolcraft College for sponsoring!), and lots of wonderful photos compiled by our talented photographers. I promise, the smiles are infectious.

There are few events as celebratory and joyous as a high school graduation ceremony. It is the end of a long journey for our students, and the beginning of a new one, with more than 1,300 students going on more than 1,300 different paths leading away from “The Park.”

The graduation coverage begins on Page 23

If any members of the Class of 2023 get the chance to read this, my advice is to go out and change the world in your own individual ways. Forget the expectations and pressures from others. Work hard, stay focused and just be you. And, remember, no matter where your travels take you or how far from Plymouth you go, The Park will always be a part of you.

Congratulations to you all. We can’t wait to see what you become.

Kurt Kuban is the editor of The Rock. He can be reached at

43RD ANNUAL ART IN THE PARK OFFICIAL GUIDE

TREVOR NOWASKE’S NFL DREAM ALIVE WITH LIONS

PCEP GRADUATES READY FOR NEXT STEP

Ryan Christopher Mahy gives the thumbs up after getting his diploma at the Salem High School commencement ceremony June 11 at Eastern Michigan University. Photo by Bill Bresler

Northville Downs' proposed move will boost Plymouth Township's fortunes and breathe life into a fading sport, backers say.

Detractors paint a less glamorous picture.

They contend a harness racetrack planned for the southwest corner of Five Mile and Ridge roads will only bring traffic headaches, if not a crime spike. A few naysayers assert the development is nothing but a backdoor to open a casino.

Don’t bet on the latter, township attorney Kevin Bennett retorts.

The attorney outlined several reasons why erecting a gambling house on the 128-acre site would be impossible under state law. Bennett spoke during a June 1 planning commission special meeting at Plymouth Township hall.

At the special session, commissioners voted to send the planned unit development site plan to the township board of trustees for final approval. The elected seven-member body will take up the matter sometime this summer.

A half-mile harness race track and three-story grandstand seating 480 spectators is the centerpiece of the proposed Northville Downs at Plymouth Township.

The raceway would open spring 2024 and host live events from May to September, said John Carlo, Northville Downs’ owner and director of operations. Auburn Hills-based PEA Group is representing the track owner during the PUD process.

To torpedo casino scuttlebutt, Bennett recited state gambling laws.

A gaming house would require statewide voter approval and local backing at the polls, Bennett said.

Another state regulation restricts gambling facilities to cities with a population of 800,000 or more. Plymouth Township has 27,938 residents, according to 2020 U.S. Census figures.

"It's a nonissue," Bennett said.

Despite those assurances, some residents refused to let go of the conspiracy theory at the public meeting.

A few suggested a Native American tribe could buy into the project and open a gambling house.

Bennett said Indian-run casinos are limited to federally designated tribal lands. No Native American reservations exist in southeast Michigan, the township attorney added.

"We really need to put this to bed," said Bob Doroshewitz, planning trustee who joined six colleagues in unanimously approving the PUD site plan. "This myth out there about a 56,000-square-foot casino is total nonsense."

Those spreading rumors either don't know the law or have a political agenda, said Kurt Heise, township supervisor.

“I guess I'm just going to have to say it one more time: The casino is virtually impossible under the state constitution,” Heise said.

During the project's unveiling in January, a proposed 53,800-square-foot gaming facility was listed as part of a "future phase." Those plans were later scrapped, Heise said.

Along with the track and grandstand, the Northville Downs proposal includes a 35,500-square-foot horse barn, a 23,000-square-foot racing structure, and a 3,200-square-

foot maintenance building.

“There’s no second phase,” Heise said. “When you are going through the planned unit development process, there are always drafts that are flying back and forth.”

If the track owner makes any site plan revisions, the multistep PUD process would start over, the township supervisor said.

Casinos aside, nearby residents are worried about the project bringing traffic headaches and unsavory visitors.

“It's a nice site plan, it's got a lot of nice features,” said Howard Hamerick, who lives near the proposed horse track. “The question is: How do you get there and how do you get out?”

Another resident recalled being less than impressed with the clientele during a Northville Downs visit a few years ago.

"I'm just going to say it: There were a lot of degenerates that were in that building, " said George Maitland, who lives in the Andover Lakes subdivision. That observation didn't mesh with the township police chief's findings.

During a Feb. 15 planning commission meeting, Police Chief James Knittel said he spoke to Northville law enforcement officials about the raceway whose current 48-acre site is expected to undergo a sweeping $113 million redevelopment.

City of Northville Police Chief Alan Maciag and Capt. Greg Hannewald informed their Plymouth Township counterpart crime is not a problem at the historic racetrack, Knittel said. Northville Downs opened in 1944 and is the state's last harness remaining venue.

Aside from Kentucky Derby day, which attracts a lot of visitors to the Downs, the existing facility doesn't require additional patrols, Knittel added. Northville Downs also hosts off-track betting.

“Generally, the type of clientele that goes to the track are senior citizens,” the police chief said.

The sports facility's addition is also not expected to create nightmare gridlock, a traffic impact study suggested.

An analysis by Detroit-based Fishbeck predicts the raceway will generate 288 additional vehicle trips on weekdays. That figure is about a tenth of the estimated 2,077 trips a manufacturing site would create.

The once-proposed 5 Ridge Corporate Park was expected to house eight businesses.

The former Detroit House of Correction site is designated for industrial use but was expected to be rezoned as technology and research under the township’s 2025 Master Plan. A swath along Johnson’s Creek is classified as public land.

Harness race events are also not expected to coincide with the

4-6 p.m. peak weekday traffic period.

The proposed harness racing venue "will not have a significant impact on current traffic conditions on Ridge Road and Five Mile Road," said Kyle Basset, Spalding DeDecker project manager, in a report to the planning commission.

The track’s arrival will pump more money into the

township. The municipality's share of breakage fees—pennies accumulated from rounding down betting payouts to the nearest dime—could reach $250,000-$300,000 annually, Heise said. That figure doesn't include anticipated tax revenue.

Other perks will be outlined in a yet-negotiated community benefit agreement, which is included in the PUD process.

Soccer fields and pickleball courts highlight the plan’s recreational amenities.

Under a shared services agreement, youth soccer's Plymouth Reign will manage three fields planned within the half-mile track's infield.

Likewise, a community organizer will oversee eight pickleball courts, Carlo said. The courts are part of a "flex space" planned outside the racing building. That area can be easily reconfigured for other events such as 3-on-3 basketball tournaments.

The track's owner assured planning commissioners that township residents will be able to play the increasingly popular paddle sport at the proposed facility.

“I don’t think our goal was to ever exclude anybody from pickleball,” Carlo said, “but have someone control it like the soccer fields.”

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pounds) and explosion categories.

Under the RAS or Relative Athletic Score, which computes potential NFL Draft pick’s measurables condensing them into one analytic number, Nowaske ranked 9.85 on a scale of 10. In the history of RAS testing since 1987, Nowaske ranked 38th all-time out of 2,500 linebackers.

“I wouldn’t have gone through the process if I hadn’t believed in myself,” Nowaske said. “I have a lot of confidence in myself. I knew the odds were stacked against me, but I also know my capabilities and what I’m able to do. It was kind of a shock to a lot of people at my (pro day) and had my numbers, but it wasn’t a shock to me. Like I said, I’m very confident in myself. I know my abilities and I’m just going to continue to prove people wrong.”

Proving People Wrong

Proving People Wrong

All Trevor Nowaske really wanted was to be given a shot to play in the NFL, even if he is considered a long shot.

The Detroit Lions are giving him that shot. And, as the undrafted free agent linebacker from Saginaw Valley State and Salem High School walked off the field following a June 1 organized practice at the team’s training facility in Allen Park, Nowaske’s belief in his own ability has never been stronger.

Although the life expectancy of an NFL player can be tenuous at best, Nowaske was just trying to be a sponge and soak up as much as he could.

“I’m just taking it a day at a time, trying to build good relationships,” he said. “Kind of how I got here was through hard

By Brad Emons

work and dedication and just go day by day, just stacking good habits, and what not. Just trying to take those principles and kind of apply them to where I’m at right now.”

The 2017 Salem grad who was a three-time All-Kensington Lakes and two-time All-Metro West selection, landed as a scholarship player at Saginaw Valley, where he red shirted as a freshman and slowly built up his football portfolio over the next four years for the Cardinals.

As a senior in 2022, Nowaske registered 98 tackles, including 9.5 for loss. He also intercepted four passes to go along with seven break-ups en route to All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference first-team honors after earning honorable mention as a junior.

In 44 career games, he proved to be a tackling machine with 232 total, including 20 for loss with 5.5 sacks (with five INTs). When Nowaske walked off the field in a season-ending 21-20 loss on Nov. 13 at Michigan Tech, he knew his football career was far from over and it could become the start of something big.

TURNING HEADS

Nowaske first caught the eye of NFL scouts during a GLIAC pro day on March 16 at the Legacy Center in Brighton where he ran a pair of 4.50 seconds in the 40yard dash and leaped 10 feet, 2 inches in the standing broad jump. And it was there when Nowaske began to turn heads as his measurables tested off the charts where he graded out as elite in both the speed and agility, as well as in the size (6-3, 237

It was no secret during his time at Saginaw Valley that Nowaske was considered a sure tackler who could easily be productive dropping into coverage while also possessing great ball skills. He also played with a relentless motor.

“Coming out of my senior year definitely wasn’t highly recruited by any teams at all, didn’t really talk to a lot of scouts, but I had my GLIAC pro day where I did pretty well,” Nowaske said. “The

Lions were there. I talked to the Lions after and came to their local day, which I felt like I did

well there, and obviously now I’m here, but I felt that’s what really helped to get me an opportunity.”

He met with the Lions staff and went through some additional drills before being signed as an undrafted free agent on May 12 by his hometown team.

“It was unreal,” said Nowaske, who now wears jersey number 59. “The day of the (NFL) draft, a lot of mixed emotions – high-

special. Really excited for the opportunity and we’ll see what happens.”

Nowaske was among nine rostered linebackers during the Lions’ OTAs. He and first-round pick Jack Campbell (Iowa) were the only rookies among nine during the first stage of camp.

“I played special teams throughout my college career and in high school, and now being an undrafted guy, it really helps if you can kind of play a role on special teams,” Nowaske said. “And that’s something I’ve talked to the special teams coach…and obviously we’ll see if there’s a chance, but it’s something I pride myself on. I just want to make a statement come camp.”

Although he came from an NCAA Division II program, Nowaske hopes to follow a long list of GLIAC players who have made it to the NFL.

Nowaske so far has been learning the mental side of the game where he is constantly delving into the playbook.

“That’s probably been the biggest adjustment,” he said. “I leave the facility at 6 or 7 at night, and after I go home, I’m studying more. That has been the biggest jump, but I feel like I’ve been here for a couple of weeks now I kind of understood what it takes and how to understand the playbook with all the checks and what not. It’s been a little bit of a jump, but I feel like it’s definitely slowing down day by day and that’s all you can ask for.”

‘ALL ABOUT FOOTBALL’

During the pre-draft process, Nowaske would meet with scouts. And one of the questions that popped up concerned what his outside interests or hobbies might be.

Nowaske is trying to become the second Lion to earn a spot on the 2023 roster with local Plymouth-Canton ties. He hopes to join 2022 first-round pick and All-Rookie selection Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan/Dearborn Divine Child).

low – kind of being an undrafted guy. You really didn’t know what to expect. But couldn’t have asked for a better situation being a hometown kid and being a Lions fan all my life. Like I said, being a part of this is unreal. Every day kind of waking up and it’s ‘Oh my gosh, I’m really here.’ Definitely still in awe, still a little star struck, but I’m adapting to it every day.”

THE NEXT LEVEL

While being a fan growing up and now walking around the complex in Allen Park, Nowaske is still pinching himself.

“Every day I see something new,” he said. “I’m still adjusting to everything, figuring out the hallways and what not. But honestly, just coming from a fan to now being a teammate of these guys has been really

“I hang myself on being physical,” he said. “Now a days, it’s all about speed -- and I’m fast as well. But it’s also about physicality at the linebacker position. I’m a very sure tackler. I’m good in space, I’m good in coverage, so I think those attributes will help me succeed at this level.”

Nowaske does have speed going back to his high school days. That became evident during his senior year at Salem where he was a member of the All-State fourth-place 4 x 100-meter relay team at the 2017 MHSAA Division 1 finals.

“The big difference is everyone is good, but you know I’m also a really good athlete,” Nowaske said. “The speed is better, but at the same time I can hang. I know that and I feel like I belong, so I think that’s important – self-confidence.”

The biggest eye opener for

“I told them, ‘I don’t have any and don’t plan on having any for a while,’” Nowaske said. “It’s all about football and that’s how it will continue to be until it’s not.”

Nowaske plans to take the same approach that he took in high school where he started for three years with the Rocks under coach Kurt Britnell before moving on to Saginaw Valley.

“Coach Brit, big props to him,” Nowaske said. “I still keep in touch with him and still have a relationship with him. My years at Salem -- we weren’t super successful I would say…we didn’t accomplish what we wanted to, but we definitely stacked year by year. We continuously got better and did the little things to try and build a culture. I kind of took those principles to Saginaw, and at the same time when I got up there, we weren’t very good and we kind of ended on a pretty good note, being 8-3.”

“It’s kind of funny,” Nowaske said. “We know of each other, but at the same time we didn’t. We also train at the same place, so we always crossed paths but we hadn’t formally been introduced to each other. We’ve talked a couple of times. We know similar people, so kind of a small world with him obviously being from Plymouth. And then I did find out we played on the same little league team, but he’s younger than me, so we both played for OLGC (Our Lady of Good Counsel). Yeah, it’s a small world being on the same team and I’m really excited.”

“I have a lot of confidence in myself. I knew the odds were stacked against me, but I also know my capabilities and what I’m able to do.”

Trevor Nowaske

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Art In The Park is meticulous, measured and ready to go

My family and friends know that around the holidays I go a bit overboard with my Christmas Village. I have been collecting homes, shops, trees, tiny people, park benches and other accessories for decades and spend a lot of time meticulously setting up the perfect quaint and cozy town in my foyer!

My absolute favorite thing about my village is when it is set up the end result is simply to sit back and marvel at it. I encourage people to bend down a bit, to see it at street level as if you could walk into the shops, be beside the people shopping for their loved ones, walking their dog, laughing with friends in our town square.

It wasn’t until recently that it dawned on me...this is actually what I do all year in planning and organizing Art In The Park. Every inch of downtown Plymouth (DTP) is measured and we also meticulously plan what will go where -- food carts, live musicians, electrical cords, buses, and of course the artists who have traveled far and wide to come to our “village.” All of the preparation ahead of time pays off when it’s time to flip the switch. We are open, we are ready, it is done.

Each year we add a new piece, something new to behold or treasure. This year we’re thrilled about all the new fantastic artists, wow factor entertainers, and creative foods to share with our visitors.

It may not be the holidays right now, but I know the weekend will be filled with magic. Art In The Park is when DTP is at its most vibrant. We hope you fully enjoy all the sights and sounds in town. We hope you find the perfect piece you were dreaming of, hug someone you haven’t seen for a while and grab a bag of fresh kettle corn! Over these three days, enjoy the hustle and bustle of our amazing community because this thriving downtown is very real.

Raychel Rork Director - Art In The Park

Volunteers are backbone of AITP

It takes around 100 volunteers to put on Art In The Park, from setup to teardown. They’re here around the clock day and night, from working the information booths to running the kids mural.

Art In The Park is a rigorous labor of love and we are so thankful to enjoy the weekend with this hard working crew!

I would especially like to thank my right hand, Kathy, for helping make Art In The Park so exceptional. You are a meticulous powerhouse and there’s no one else I would rather have with me at the helm. We do make one hell of a team.

Thanks to my Mom for continuing to both weigh in and pitch in with her expertise and a helping hand year round. And ultimately to mine and Kathy’s better halves Joe and Rich and ALL of our kids for embracing the crazy, climbing on board and helping us stay balanced... Thank You

Bold & Beautiful

Art In The Park brings eclectic mix of media to town

By Wensdy Von Buskirk

As Art In The Park gears up for its 43rd year in downtown Plymouth, it remains on the cutting edge of creativity. Organizer Raychel Rork says the festival, which takes over downtown Plymouth July 7-9, features artists exploring media in delightful ways.

“I think what we’re seeing a lot of this year is there’s a lot of artists pushing the boundaries and pushing the limits of what their art is or can be,” Rork says.

That means many surprises as you stroll amongst the 400 artists from across the country who will exhibit in Kellogg Park and surrounding streets.

BOLD ART

You might be stopped in your tracks by a juicy cantaloupe that turns out to be a exact ceramic replica, a life-size mannequin

WHAT: A celebration of creativity, music, and fun

covered in mirrored disco-ball tiles, or a gorgeous high-end shawl imprinted with a photo of the Detroit skyline.

Rork said she and the other jurists were impressed as they combed through submissions for this year’s fair. Today’s artists seem to be pushing limits, mixing media and exploring the limits of what can be done with clay, paint, photography and more.

“It was really fun jurying this year,” Rork says. “From their use of materials to bold, unapologetic creativity, you’re going to see lots of in-your-face, new, different and crazy stuff.”

Instead of making a simple coffee table, an artist will cut a hole in the center and suspend flower petals in resin. Instead of a traditional quilt, another will take a photograph of your cat

WHERE: Kellogg Park and downtown Plymouth

WHEN: July 7-9

HOURS: Fri., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

WHO: 400+ artists along with food vendors, entertainers and visitors from throughout the region

HOW: Park at Schoolcraft College and take an air-conditioned shuttle to the show!

INFO: artinthepark.com

“We have multiple artists who have also participated in ArtPrize on a much bolder, larger scale,” Rork says. “They’ve competed with some of the best artists in our area and beyond.”

Of course, Michigan’s secondoldest art fair also features many familiar faces.

“It’s always exciting when we get something new that we’ve never seen before, but of course we love to get our favorites back,” Rork says.

AFRICAN CUISINE

As striking art takes over the vendor tables, bold flavors will be featured at various food stands. New this year is Fork In Nigeria, featuring African cuisine like Fufu, Puff Puff, and stewed meats over Jollof rice.

Egyptian Flair

This year’s Art In The Park celebrates the art of ancient Egypt. The theme will be reflected throughout the festival.

You’ll see it in the sidewalk chalk mural that takes shape at the corner of Main and Penniman, and the living mural, featuring human models painted into a scene.

It will also crop up in children’s activities, like the DIA’s make-and-take craft based on a traditional Egyptian musical instrument.

and incorporate it into a fabric landscape.

Even portraits of your favorite celebrities have surprising twists. The talent is world-class, Rork says.

You’ll also find a converted bike cart peddling fresh pressed sugarcane juices with lavender and rose petals. Grab-and-go as you browse to the sounds of reggae band Roots Vibration, playing throughout the weekend.

“You’ll feel like you’re in the Caribbean somewhere, sipping your lavender-infused mocktail,” Rork says.

As always, the festival features tons of hands-on children’s activities like sandy candy art, face painting, candlemaking, henna and adventure theater. It also showcases entertainment including comedy juggling, a vibraphone player and a living statue.

Admission is free, and a shuttle from nearby Schoolcraft College makes parking a breeze.

For more information on the festival, visit artinthepark.com.

And just for fun, the Penn Theater will show The Mummy, the 1999 film featuring Brendan Fraser, all weekend long.

Art In The Park organizer Raychel Rork says the theme will also be embodied by a six-and-ahalf foot sarcophagus she purchased from the former owner of Northville’s Marquis Theatre.

“I just had to have it,” says Rork.

As an art history major, Rork says the era offers tons of inspiration.

“We think it’s going to be really fun to honor these awesome cultural traditions in a respectful way,” she says.

“We have multiple artists who have also participated in ArtPrize on a much bolder, larger scale. They’ve competed with some of the best artists in our area and beyond.”

Raychel Rork, Art In the Park organizer

Entertainment

Live at Plymouth Art In The Park

Art In The Park has always celebrated entertainers along with visual artists and this year is no different. Watch for fun, quirky, exotic performances all three days. Here’s a look at some of what you’ll see:

GEORGE TAIT, LIVING STATUE

With the throngs of AITP spectators all around him, somehow George Tait stands still for what seems an eternity. See if you can spot him in his trademark silver paint and stylish suit as he brings his unique brand of performance to Plymouth Art In The Park.

Location: COMPASS (Center of Main & Ann Arbor Trail)

ROOTS VIBRATIONS

Their reggae-style tunes provide just the right vibe for the festival. Their members come from the Caribbean and the funky streets of Detroit, and they’ll be bringing positive roots music to the main stage.

LOCATION : Corner of Ann Arbor Trail & Forest Ave.

JOHN DAVIS, VIBRAPHONE

Davis, who plays the vibraphone, has performed for nearly 50 years, with a repertoire that includes R&B, Latin, reggae and funk. He’s known for wearing bright colors and letting kids take over the mallets to play along.

LOCATION : Kellogg Park

LIVING MURAL

Kristen Dillenbeck Zipp of Portland, Ore. (formerly of Canton) combines her love of body painting and murals to create unique 3-dimensional work.

LOCATION : Booth 500, Ann Arbor Trail & Main

CHALK MURAL

Witness a stunning chalk mural take shape as artists from D&M Studio work on a masterpiece before your eyes! The street art demonstration will be sketched with chalk onto the pavement and will be a work in progress throughout Art In The Park.

LOCATION : Main & Penniman

KYLEE COMETDANCERR

Kylee is the current reigning two-time World Hula Hoop Champion in the Advanced/pro 16+ single hoop category and the group category with her team the Monarch Hoop Troop. Kylee’s style is in the details and her unique vision always creates something never seen before

THE MICHIGAN LEGO USER GROUP

The MichLUG’s primary goal is to share their passion for LEGO. While they specialize in doing large scale LEGO displays and town layouts, they can do just about any kind of display you can imagine. They are one of the most active LUGs in the world!

LOCATION : Kellogg Park

MY ADVENTURE THEATRE

Kids take center stage with My Adventure Theater. This interactive theatre troupe is an Art In The Park favorite, back by popular demand.

LOCATION : Kellogg Park

and impossible to not love. She can teach you flashy fun tricks that fit into any hoop flow.

LOCATION : COMPASS (Center of Main & Ann Arbor Trail)

Artist Spotlights

Devil’s in the Details

Paul King’s incredible illustrations bring celebrity portraits to life

That sound you will hear during the 2023 Art In The Park will be that of collective jaws opening from inside Paul King’s booth of drawings.

King, who lives about 20 minutes outside Traverse City, is bringing some 150 drawings of famous musicians, actors and “other notables” – which to anyone who has ever peered at one of his works look just like photographs.

“When people come into my booth they think they’re photos,”

By Tim Smith

break,” King said. “Those are typically dark. And then that gives me my facial perspective. And I fill it all in with a mid-tone gray and then I start air brushing in the darker scale and then I come back and flow in lighter scales, the whites, highlights.”

He’ll slow the process down considerably to make sure he accurately depicts “all the teeny skin bumps and stuff. Totally, the devil’s in the details.”

According to King, himself a former singer-songwriter and musician, doing a basic portrait takes nearly 24 hours.

“Drawing someone with a guitar takes about 34 hours.” King continued. “And full bands take from 10 days to two weeks.”

On sale will be a bevy of 11x14 and 16x20 portraits -- high-artquality prints of his work.

Practice Makes Perfect

Salem High student continues to grow as a painter and artist

One of the secrets of success is finding a passion and following it as long as possible. For 15-year-old Salem High School sophomore Mariyah Larji, that passion is to create head-turning works of art –colorful landscapes and still lifes suitable to hang on a wall.

And there’s a very cool bonus for Mariyah as she will be one of the youth artists at the annual Art In The Park at Kellogg Park, slated for the weekend of July 7-9. It is the second straight year where she will be selling her acrylic paintings, and she is looking forward to having a booth in the “Kids Section” yet again.

products on sale in her booth.

“I get a lot of, ‘Oh wow, this is so amazing, how old are you? Or ‘How did you learn how to do this, what’s your inspiration?’” Mariyah noted. “Usually I just say it’s a hobby of mine since I was young (age 4-5) and I just keep on practicing. That’s the one thing I can say, keep on practicing.”

The pandemic also played a role in her budding talent. With more time on her hands, she started painting much more often.

said King, set to appear July 7-9 at Kellogg Park. “I have to tell them no, these are all handdrawn and they are not photos. And then their eyes widen.”

He finds photographs on the Internet, such as one from the mid-1950s of a young Elvis Presley performing on Milton Berle’s variety television show.

After locating a potential drawing subject, King does a couple hours of research to make sure he knows every single detail before swinging into action. With a photo on an adjacent computer for a handy reference point, King uses a Wacom interactive drawing tablet to create his artistic magic.

“Typically, I start with the face, the almond shape of the eyes, the two nostrils and the lip

King said he began drawing caricatures around 2018, but found out people preferred more-realistic works and began doing his have-to-see-to-believe portraits. Visit Paul King Artwerks (www.paulkingart. com) to view samples of his work, including everybody from Aerosmith to ZZ Top.

“People say ‘How long does it take you to draw one’ and I said about 35 years,’” said King, with a laugh. “Portraits are kind of a lost art. It just takes time and knowledge. And then doing it, doing it, doing it.”

King is making his first appearance at Art In The Park, deciding to forego his usual go-to show – the single-day Beulah Art Fair taking place on Crystal Lake near his upper Michigan home on the same weekend.

AITP art lovers will be glad he made that choice.

Paul King will be located in booth #326 at Art In The Park.

“My sister (Zainub, 20) is pretty artistic and I like to copy her, you know?” said Mariyah, about who initially inspired her to paint. “She never did Art In The Park, but this is one thing I’m going to do because this is cool. I really like art and I want to be able to show off my art skill to everybody else.”

In 2022, Mariyah sold 41 of 45 paintings, primarily of skylines, oceans, ships, books and candles. Of course, she would like to break her own personal record this time around, but there are other important benefits to participating in Art In The Park.

“This is a really good learning opportunity for me, too,” Mariyah said. “I get to learn a lot more about what I like to do and I learn new techniques and I also meet a lot of other amazing artists.”

Mariyah also likes talking to people at the art show, not only about what prompted her artistic passion but about the finished

She and her mom would buy canvas-on-wood frames at Michael’s and enough acrylic paint and brushes to get to work. Mariyah often was guided by photographs she found on Google and Pinterest.

“One thing I discovered during Covid is that a lot of stuff you can blend out, so I kind of used my fingers to blend out the sky and the ocean just to make it more realistic looking,” she said.

By early June, Mariyah already has completed about 20 new works and figured to paint another 30 in time for Art In The Park.

Regardless of how the early July weekend goes for Mariyah, art will always be a part of her world.

“One thing about painting is that if I ever have so much going on in my life, with school work, I can just sit down, put on a TV show or music, just relax and paint something that’s fun and interesting,” Mariyah explained. “And when you’ve finished it’s a big accomplishment.”

Mariyah Larji will be located in Kellogg Park.

Artist Listing by Media

ARTWEAR

DRAWING

GOURMET FOOD

MIXED MEDIA

MUSIC

PAINTING

Keusch, Jason 502

Kunkle, Maxwell 4025

Muenala, Inty 820-821

Moore, Larry 427

Osgood, Esther 4033

Chapman, Zackery 963

Knapp, Mercedes 3016

PAPER

Clem, Mike 775

Fager-George, Daniel 400

Malasky, Stacey 250

Fackler, Ernest 953

McLendon, Michelle 345

Cutter, Dana 849

Potoff, Lindsey 4003

Jacobs, Christina 206

Herzberg, Todd 348

Kipp, EJ 964

PET

Oberdick, Ryan 141

Hall-Gabriel, Sheila 978

Darcy, Donald 413

Jackson, Lisa 349-350

Lawson, Julie 4001

Terrill, Angela 951

PHOTOGRAPHY

Hince, Tom & Kathi 214

Dietrich, Craig 133-134

Kaulins, Jan 700

Lamers, Michael 508-509

Wilson, Kyle 568

Wright, Suzette & Ron 125

Steed, Eric 873

Chumack, John 419-420

Kiley, David 473

Kimmet, Tiffany 754

Doherty, Christopher 576

McCormick, Pamela 841

Ryan, Marcus 504

Hart, Shannon 531

Schwartzenberger,

SCULPTURE

Headings, Ron 341

Hildenbrandt, Chris 812-813

YARD & GARDEN

TAKING the NEXT STEP

Graduates earn their diplomas as they step into their future

By Brad Kadrich

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools

Board of Education President Shawn Wilson watched as some 1,350 high school seniors accepted their diplomas on June 11th, and felt one over-riding feeling.

Pride.

Members of the class of 2023 from Canton, Salem and Plymouth high schools took the next – biggest – steps in their lives during ceremonies at Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation Center earlier this month, with board members, faculty, parents, friends and family cheering them on.

Those next steps will be in a variety of directions, including four-year colleges, community colleges and into the workforce.

According to statistics provided by the district, nearly 800 graduating seniors are headed to four-year colleges or universities, while nearly 200 more are off to two-year colleges.

Nearly 40 are headed to a trade or technical education, while another 60 plan on taking a “gap” year before making decisions. Another nine planned to join a branch of the military service.

“Being a part of such a momentous occasion for our graduates and their families is humbling,” Wilson said. “Seeing the tears and smiles and hearing the stories of growth, resilience and perseverance is a powerful reminder of why we serve as school board members.

“I am so proud of all of the graduates.”

PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2023 Photos by Bryan Mitchell

Abdallah, Chaza

Abdullah, Maseera

Ahmad, Saad

Ahmad, Uwaeish

Ahmed, Mazin

Ahmed, Sabyena

Ahmed, Waliullah

Akkala, Siddarth

Ali, Munsub

Allen, Lindsay

Allen, Noah

Alomary, Subhi

Amalraj, Nicholas

Amalraj, Trinity

Amoako, Kelvin

Amos, Stephen

Andrews, Easton

Apsley, Kaleb

Carr, Ahni

Carriere-Orsette, Brenden

Carvalho, Clara

Chapital, Nicholas

Chastang, Anton

Chavan, Suhani

Chorbagian, Andrew

Chowdhury, Razeen

Christesen, Carrie

Christianson, Brynn

Cleveland, Julia

Collins, Trinity

Connell, Aiden

Cooke, Andrew

Cooley, Nathan

Cosgrove, Evan

Cox, Ella

Fawaz, Sukayna

Fesko, Scott

Foley, Carson

Frey, Noah

Frohling, Andrew

Fulkerson, Macey

Gacaferi, Endrit

Gailitis, Allison

Gamache, Bradley

Gamache, Nathan

Garbacz, Bryce

Garrison, Lauren

Gaylord, Tyler

Ghantasala, Shravya

Gilbert, Ella

Gill, Sukhmani

Gillick, Monica

Glovatsky, Katherine

Gocaj II, Skender

Gotsis, Alex

Gozdor, Nicholas

Graham, Cameron

Granberry, Anaiah

Greene, Alexander

Gummadavelli, Vibha

Gummidela, Aakash

Gurchak, Nicholas

Hachigian, Ryan

Hafezi, Lili

Hakkani, Ayah

Hamernik, Alexander

Hamilton, Jackson

Harden, Alexis

Harris, Tyler

Hartmaier, Veronica

Harvey, Khalilah

Johnson, Devin Johnson, Emily Johnson, Leanne

Johnson, Taylor Johnson, Zachary Johnson, Zoe Jones, Jayla Julien, Christopher Jurge, Jessica Kabeer, Ehsan Kaldany, Rami Kandarpa, Aravind Kelly, James Keshavamurthy, Kavya Kirkwood, Robert Klimek, Tyler Klotz, Austin Knutsen, Noah Kostrzewa, Andrew Kretschmer, Mallory Krueger, Natalie Kuchka, Jacob Kudalkar, Ruchi Kuehneman, Hannah Kumar, Ishan Kunasegar, Janani Kundargi, Nidhi Laborde, Paige Laesser, Kelsey Laird, Ava Lala, Jayden Lannas-McComas, Ashton

Lapani, Harshal Lawson, Tyler

May, Terrell

McCarthy, Meghan

McClain, Chloe

McCloud, Jaidan

McHugh, Logan

McKenzie, Anissa

McLellan, Corrine

McVay, Darrielle

Mickey, Joshua

Mikulan, Zayne

Miller, Dakota

Miller-Godinez, Bryan

Modi, Misri

Moline-Freeman, Owen

Moody, Joseph

Moore Jr., Anthony

Moore, Curtis

Moore, Jivon

Montgomery, Krystal

Morden, Olivia

Movva, Pramith

Murdande, Aastha

Murphy, Donovan

Nader, Calvin

Nagali, Suprita

Nair, Reema

Nallani, Anish

Naumowicz, Ryan

Neher, Kaylin

Neme, Lillianna

Neme, Luke

Nieset, Luke

Nimon, Lars

Nissen, Natalie

Noel Jr., Garard

Petty, Daishauna

Phadnis, Rishikesh

Polk, Laker

Posey, Nicholas

Prouty, Sophia

Przybylo, Conor

Quan, Elijah

Quraish, Abdulwahab

Raab, Jeremy

Rahman, Safir

Ramkumar, Siddarth

Randall, William

Rashid, Moon

Razvi, Alina

Reed, Kyle

Rejc, Quinn

Rhein, Matthew

Riley, Brynn

Robertson, Emily

Rosiewicz, Ashley

Ross, Jon

Rubaii, Ahmad

Rudolph, Madison

Ruel, Sibrey

Saiyed, Zaid

Samal, Ronak

Samulski, Lillian

Sandhu, Guneet

Savoie, Joseph

Sayn, Brendan

Scappaticci, Ava

Marie

Schlanser, Adam

Schmidt, Zachary

Seitz, Olivia

Selders, Chelsea

Syed, Alisha

Syed, Fawzan

Syed, Umar

Tandon, Grishm

Thompson, Hannah

Thoms, Hannah

Thorn, Marshall

Timberlake, Gavin

Trombly, Jackson

Tsakoff, Olivia

Tsang, Cecilia

Aqeel, Ammar

Arval, Shreya

Asaro, Joshua

Atriss, Emann

Awad, Mira

Awan, Ritaj

Azzouz, Ava

Bagnasco, Benjamin

Bah, Khady

Battistelli, Peyton

Bazzi, Tamer

Beck, Demarius

Belleza, Paolo

Lorenzo

Belttari, Jonah

Beshears, Aidan

Beydoun, Tarek

Bhatt, Devon

Black, Jazzlynn

Blaies, Emma

Blake, Isabella

Bobak, Alexander

Bonnici, Maria

Boon, Cassidy

Borg, Christopher

Bowles, Gracie

Brandt, Benjamin

Bregu, Angela

Briese, Nicole

Britton, Ellington

Brown, Mitchell

Brown, Nicholas

Brown, Paige

Brown, Trisha

Bryden, Cameron

Buehner, Robert

Bukhari, Noufel

Burger, Robert

Burke, Kayla

Burnham, Jayson

Byrnes, Sean

Byson, Melaina

Cabrera, Colin

Calhoun, Rachel

Callaway, Benjamin

Capobres, Natalie

Cullin, Ty

Curnett, Maxwell

Currie, Cavan

Cusmano, Natalie

Dabade, Ashwin

Daniels, Orlando

Daniels, Paige

Daniels, Startese

Darjee, Aayush

Daugherty, Charlie

Davis, Joseph

Davis, Trayden

Dawson, Drew

Day, Sean

Deckov, Alana

Demarest, Andrew

Demers, Eagan

DeWitt, Nolan

DeYoung, Lauren

Dibbles, Raquel

Dickerson, Brooklyn

Digna, Sofia

Doyle, Connor

Drews, Aryne

Drews, Gavin

Drews, Rachel

Duggan, Allison

Duncan, Amelia

Duncan, Mallory

Eason, Jacob

Ebrahim, Jumana

Eggenberger, Zak

Eichner, Nolan

Eilola, Adrienne

Elkouri, Austin

Elliott, Emily

Elliott, Ryan

El-Sheikh, Yara

El-Sheikh, Yusef

Ezzeddine, Alexandra

Ezzeddine, Julia

Fabien, Natalie

Fakih, Batoul

Fares, Layal

Farmer, London

Fawaz, Mohammed

Hashm, Ali

Haskins, Mallory

Hassan, Mohammed

Haynes, Morgan

Hebel, Bethany

Lazaro, Dezirae

Learned, Ryan

Lehnis, Jackson Lemellari, Rando Leonard, Calvin

North, Alexander

Oberski, Hannah

O'Callaghan, Aidan

O'Farrell, Haley

Omayan, Islam

Onoriobe, Daisy

Ooms, Ariel

O'Quinn, Asia

Oras, Michael

Orris, Cullen

Osgood, Sydney

Oszust, Simon

Pado, Matthew

Pahal, Jaskrit

Palladino, Dominic

Pangborn, Chloe

Pardy, Noah

Parikh, Rohan

Parnell, Gabrielle

Passerman, Brendan

Patel, Diyaben

Patel, Kierin

Sembly, Ashston

Sethi, Sumedha

Seto, Kevin

Shah, Hetu

Shah, Sunny

Sharma, Ambika

Sheppard, Riley

Shi, Mengxiang

Shivalingayya, Nidhi

Sial, Asma

Simmons, Kaylin

Singh, Harmanjot

Singh, Kamreen

Singh, Suraksha

Singh, Taranvir

Skaff, Catherine

Sleiman, Ahmad

Smith, Corey

Smith, Gwendolyn

Smith, Madison

Solomon, Parker

Spray, Nolan

Tucker, Erika

Turl, Kathrine

Turner, Danielle

Turnquist, Hudson

Upadhyay, Shivansh

Vali, Taha

VanDerziel, Hailey

Vassel, Janelle

Vijayakumar, Samyuktha

Vulaj, Mira

Walter, Rachel

Wang, Ally

Wein, Brandon

Weissman, Lainey

Wenah, Ogechi

Wene, J

Wetzler, Megan

Wiener, Hillary

Willey, Maxwell

Williams, Alexandria

Williams, Lewis

Williams, Nolan

Willis, Jacob

Wilson, Evan

Wingrove, Caden

Wonsul, April

Woodward, Jaseon

Wooten, Alan

Wright, Kaidence

Hinojosa, Sebastian

Holmberg, Evan

Hoover, Ella

Horn, April

Horn, Elise

Hornbacher, Ella

Hubbard, Emma

Hudson, Jenna

Huggard, Charlotte

Husain, Isa

Hussein, Kareem

Hussini, Warif

Iacoban, Melany

Ignaczak, Avinash

Ignaczak, Revati

Isaevska, Sara

Izzi, Matthew

Jakubowski, Sophie

Janik, Hailey

Jariwala, Vraj

Javello, Savanna

Jeffrey, Paxton

Jim, Elijah

John, Snehith

Leslie, Christian Lew, Katelyn Li, June

Lin, Nuohan

Lippert, Mia

Lloyd, Ainsley Logan Jr., Antwan Lopez, Javier Lopez, Maricruz

Luchinsky, Sophie Lush, Carly Ma, Mariella Machnik, Shaun Macyda, Alexa Mak, Andy Makins, Brandon Manier, Noah

Marble, Michael Marco, Tate Marquez, Daniel Marur, Vasudha

Masood, Warisha

Massey, Tyler

Mathias, Joseph

Patel, Krish

Patel, Preeya

Patel, Ronit

Patel, Rushi

Patel, Soham

Paul, Johnna

Pavlich, Luke

Peper, Samuel

Perez, Vanessa

Peterson, Arianna

Peterson II, Jerry

Petrucci, Brennan

Spycher, Kaito

Starzyk, Brady

Stelmock III, Robert

Stibel, Sophia

Stoddard, Jacquelyn

Strait, Ashley

Stuebben, Daniel

Sulak, Nathan

Suliman, Yassin

Sullivan, Megan

Suszkiewicz, Nathan

Suszkiewicz, Rebecca

Wu, David

Xie, Andrew

Xie, Jing

Young, Kayla

Yusuf, Thameena

Zarreen

Zahra, Fatima

Zajdel, Brooke

Zerona, Jason

Zhobro, Chris

Zoltowski, Max

Zoschnick, Catherine

CANTON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2023 Photos by Johnny Heider

Aamir, Zaid

Abner, Brooklyn

Adams-Hinch, Madisyn

Ahmed, Ahmed

Ahmed, Sanya

Al-Shaer, Nadeen

Albaugh, Kyra

Aldrich, Luke

Aleem, Hafsa

Alkahwaji, Judy

Alsobrooks, Madison

Alt, Isabella

Anand, Madhumitha

Antonelli, Gabriella

Appert, Addison

Aquilino, Tyler

Araj, Angelina

Archer, Ryan

Arslan, Zain

Austin, Reece

Ayala, Aidan

Ayesh, Ahmed

Azarovitz, Nathan

Badger, Jenna

Bal, Gurjap

Bales, Sera

Baqai, Ammar

Barakat, Ayah

Caloia, Bradley

Capen, Joey

Carpenter, Christian

Carr, Aiden

Carson, Isabella

Carter, Kevin

Cassani, Nicholas

Chapman, Ashlyn

Chastang, William

Chaudhry, Danish

Chemotti, Ava

Choudhry, Ibrahim

Christenson, Julianna

Cialone, Elliott

Claerr, Aidan

Clark Jr., Jeffrey

Clark, John

Clark, Nathan

Cline, Savanna

Coburn, Ireland

Conner, Ava

Conner, Dylan

Conner, Roth

Contreras-Salazar, Miguel

Coon, Nathan

Correa, Antonio

Cover, Savannah

Crova, Benjamin

Fateh, Mariam

Faulkner, Ariana

Favor, Dante

Fedulchak, Paige

Finley, Sasha

Foate, Brianna

Folino, Brennan

Fowler, Miranda

Francis, Margaret

Furgiuele, Emma

Gadon, Karen Gail

Gallagher, Reagan

Genthe, Riley

Gerber, Riley

Gibson, Justin

Gibson, Leala

Gibson, Sophie

Gill, Damandeep

Gilliland, Ryan

Gilmour, David

Gjinaj, Loreta

Gladson, Jordan

Grapp, Robert Graves II, Derrick

Gray, Henry Grayson Jr., Terrence

Grech, Isabella

Gregory, Colin

Grenillo, Joseph

Gurgel, Ryan

Haddad, Christian

Hakim, Amatullah

Hall, Vincent

Hamdan, Lana

Hamilton, Peyton

Hammond, Trevor Hamood, Malik

Haque, Fariya

Haris, Hamza

Haris, Maham

Harris, Elizabeth Hart, Wesley Hartnett, Marissa

Hashem, Hannah

Jackson, Iven Jackson, Jalen Jacobs, Steven Jacobs-Ludwig, Brianna

Jaeger, Arrianna Jariett, Anthony Jaros, Alexis Jemison, Sasha

Jenkins, Aaralyn Jenkins, Garrett

Johnson, Aubrie

Johnson, Autumn

Johnson, Emma Johnston, Audrey Jones, Xavier

Jungkuntz, Josiah Kahanec, Brayden

Kaur, Dilvir

Kaur, Gurleen Kelly, Rachel Kennedy, Bailey

Linden, Eva

Lipman, Rachel

Locke, Andon

Lokhandwala, Ali

Lone, Aaizah

Loveday, Cameron

Low, Sydney

Macek, Brynleigh

Madasamy, Prethika

Maddock, Cameron

Madi, Anton

Maes, Elisabeth

Mahmood, Muneeb

Manenty, Raelin

Mangat, Kushan

Manno, Gabrielle

Marlow, Simon

Marsai, Noah

Marshman, Rowan

Martin, Ava

Marudo, Isabelle

Mazure, Keaton

McCaffrey, Aaliyah

Oynoian, Nina

Pacheco, Martin

Pando, Nikola

Pangburn, Star

Pangburn, Nathaniel

Parks, Kennedy

Parr, Reed

Patel, Aditya

Patel, Heena

Patel, Kajal

Patel, Meet

Patel, Milan

Patel, Samy

Patel, Sia

Patel, Tirth

Patete, Justin

Pathak, Vishesh

Patni, Aisha

Patterson II, Oronde

Pavlik, Trevor

Pawar, Juhi

Persinger, Alexander

Petree, Wesley

Pfeifer, Liam

Philipose, Philip

Piotrowski, Judah

Pirrie, Evan

Pocklington, Ainsley

Poovathingal, Tanya

Popa, Katelyn

Porco, Gabriel

Porter, Braiden

Postler, Emily

Poulos, Sofia

Presley, Christian

Quinn, Brady

Radomski, Maggie

Rahman, Jibraan

Ramesh Sharma,

Suraiya Iris

Ramlawi-Otzman, Adam

Ramos, Taylor

Raven, Marissa

Spieth, Calvin

Stergiou, Christina

Stone, Madeline

Street, Madison

Styron, Elena

Succurro, Giovanni

Suleiman, Omar

Sullivan, Abigail

Sultan, Reyaan

Sutton, Amir

Swint II, Mark

Syed, Nabeel

Tabar, Natalie

Tailor, Sanika

Temple, Madison

Testa, Luciano

Thartori, Klevis

Thibodeau, Mathew

Thigpen, Jaliyah

Thomas, Autumn

Tieu, Vivian

Towne, William

Trantham, James

Traynor, Ian

Ukrainec, Carli

VanSuch, Kaley

VanSuch, Kenna

Variot, Kaitlyn

Velilla, Ezekiel Gio

Veliu, Sami

Vivian, Lola

Vo, Lily

Waldron, Jeremiah

Walker, Gardayee

Walker, Quindlan

Waqar, Maryam

Washington, Douglas

Weaver, Brady

Weber, Jacob

West, Anna

West, Josiah

Whalen, Brett

Barkoot, Sophia

Barlow, Jack

Basch, Brooke

Bazzi, Adham

Beas-Penaloza, Jorge

Beaudoin, Austin

Belau, Luisa

Benedict-Blue, Malek

Bertram, Samantha

Bertsch, Shane

Best, Austin

Best, Gavin

Bhatt, Nyari

Bhullar, Ryba

Bhuma, Mishael

Binder, Ella

Bita, Vanesa

Boal, Grace

Boal, Isaac

Bogosov, Olivia

Bokhari, Sonia

Bolivar, Xavier

Bolstrum, Jacob

Bosanko, Alexis

Bostwick, Alyssa

Bourcier, Nicholas

Brooks, Jack

Brotherton, Madison

Burek, Katelyn

Burns, Brendan

Busch, Kayden

Cahill, Carly

Cahill, Lydia

Caicedo Leal, Santiago

Caliskan, Masis

Culhane, Ashleigh

D'Urso, Sara

Daniels, Nathalie

DaSilva, Nicholas

Davidson, William

Debek, Maya

DeBord, Jeremy

Decina, Luciana

Deleon, Edward

DeMers, Brett

Demianenko, Zachary

Deppong, Cara

Dervishi, Jonathan

Detary, Mary

DiCicco, Amelia

Dickison, Riley

Dobrowolski, Martin

Doci, Olivia

Dossantos, Lucas

Doyle, Darren

Dryja, Alexandra

Dunn, Tara

Dziamski, Anna

Ealem, Haley

Ealovega, Olivia

Edgerton, Claire

Elzaatari, Aya

Emery, Samantha

Emmadi, Sathvik

Endo, Maxfield

Ervans, Jaxon

Faber, Aubrey

Fanelli, Allison

Fanelli, Leah

Farnsworth, Maxfield

Farnum, Sage

Hassan, Rameen Hawk, Kirstin Hayes, Hannah

Haynes, Evan Hensley, Carmen Hilden, Coen Hill, Samuel Hill, Summer Hoehn, Nicole Hoffmeyer, Kayla

Holyszko, Alec Hook, Brayden Hummer, Lauren Huntley, Emory

Ibegbu, Kosi Ilyas, Eshal Ionescu, Alexander

Iqbal, Mazin

Ismaeil, Inji

Ismail, Adam Jaber, Kyle Jablonski, Dylan

Khalil, Effat Khatib, Anya Kim, Natalie Kim, Scott Knutson, Amanda Kocurek, Aidan Konini, Angelina Kovatch, Cooper Kozina, Christian Krishnan, Sashvat Kulas, Claire La Rue, Isabella Laidlaw, Cameron Lakhia, Shalin

LaRocca, Lauren

Larson, Zachary Le, Hannah

LeClair, Sara

Ledesma, Raul

Lee, Brayden

Leinbach, Lindsay

Lenon, Nolan

McClenahan, Alexis

McCollum, Brooke

McGee, Davion

McNutt, Jasmine

Mensing, Case

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Miller, Gareth

Miller, Mallory

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SALEM HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2023

Abdallah, Layann

Adams, Mackenzie

Ahlgren, Connor

Ahlgren, Olivia Ahlgren, Robert

Cakmak, Emre

Canedo, Miguel

Cannon, Benjamin

Cao, Erica

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Carey, Elliot

Carpenter, Carlie

Carson, Samuel

Carter, Alexander

Caruana, Peter

Cela, Dario

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Chang, Alexander

Chaput, Vincent

Charara, Mariam

Chevela, Gabriel

Childers, Sarina Lee

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Chorkey, Kristian

Cipolla, Lynette

Claerhout, Megan

Clayton, Dylan

Codreanu, Thomas

Cordon, Mikaela

Corey, Brayden

Garver, Yamir

Gassman, Andrew

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Glaspie Jr., Nolan

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Gonzalez, Santiago

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Mariam

Halbert, Leah

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Harkins, Logan

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Heathfield, Sydney

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Hodges, Andrew

Holland, Virginia

Photos by Bill Bresler

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Avery, Cooper

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“No more Sciatica down my leg.”

—Brian, Plymouth

“I have full range of motion in my neck now!” —Hal, Plymouth

“I’m back to tossing again!”

—L. Walker

“My arm strength is back—no more pinched nerve in my neck.”

“I’m able to play with my grandchildren!”

“I’m back to doing everything I want now.” —Nancy, Plymouth

“I move better now at 60 than I did at 50!” —Lynn

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY RELIEF IN 5 METRO DETROIT LOCATIONS

“I am on my feet 8-12 hours a day, if not more,” says David Zarek, who works in law enforcement and security. His job keeps him on the move, running up and down stairs, walking across roofs, and climbing ladders.

David’s diabetic peripheral neuropathy and three back surgeries caused nerve damage in his legs and feet, leaving him in considerable pain and thinking it might be time to retire. However, after ultrasound treatments at RealWave Neuropathy Treatment Centers in Southfield, David now plans to work for a few more years.

David credits his podiatrist for referring him to RealWave Neuropathy Treatment Centers.

“She started talking about this wonderful new company,” he says, but more importantly, she told me, “...my insurance also covers it.”

RealWave uses a specially tuned ultrasound machine to deliver focused energy to the affected area and treats the nerves involved to reestablish consistent electrical conductivity and normalize sensation.

At his first appointment, the nurse practitioner administered diagnostic tests to assess the nerve conductivity and blood circulation in his legs and feet. His treatment plan included RealWave ultrasound treatments and RealPulse treatments, a form of low-wave mechanical energy that increases blood flow and amplifies the positive impact of the ultrasound treatment.

After his second session of RealWave ultrasound, David says, “I started to notice a little bit of a difference. I noticed that parts of my feet weren’t hurting as bad. And, then it was getting progressively better as the weeks went by.”

“It has been nothing but phenomenal,” says David. “I go roughly two times a week…just because it makes me feel really good having the treatments.” When speaking about the RealPulse treatment, David says, “I love it. It kind of wakes your feet up, and then the RealWave [ultrasound] starts to soothe them.” RealPulse is especially beneficial for patients experiencing ongoing numbness, poor circulation, and non-healing wounds.

David says, “I’ve just been finding myself to be able to be capable of doing things that I couldn’t do a long time ago. And it has been refreshing. It’s been wonderful. It gives me a new lease on life.“

Dr. Adam Mashike Chiropractor, Functional Medicine Practitioner

David Zarek , RealWave patient

Asmall army of volunteers showed up at Wilcox Lake on May 20 for “Rouge Rescue” armed with hacksaws, chainsaws, loppers and pruners and ready to make an environmental difference.

With Wilcox Road west of Edward N. Hines Drive closed off and a Wayne County Parks wood chipper on hand, the crew of roughly 40 men and women had cleared out enough of the invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle bushes, which make it difficult for

native plants and trees like oak and maple to prosper.

Over the course of four hours, volunteers whittled and whacked branches, yanked them out onto the street and pulled them toward the chipper in continuous, assembly-line fashion. Estimates were given that more than 100 cubic yards of buckthorn and honeysuckle were removed –giving Old Village residents a fresh view of Wilcox Lake.

“We’ve probably cleared more than a football field worth

of understory in the forest here around Wilcox Lake,” said Marie McCormick, an Old Village resident, executive director of Plymouth-based Friends of the Rouge and member of Plymouth Pollinators. “It’s pretty remarkable, just the visual change is astounding. If you live in this neighborhood, or you’ve driven by the area, you’ll just be blown away by how much open it looks.”

And for anyone deciding to drive along the lake’s southern edge, they will see waist-high stumps as far as the eye can see. In October, the stumps will be cut down to ground level, treated with environmentally-safe herbicide AquaNeat and hit with a Bingo stamper to clearly identify which weeds literally are good to go – and hopefully not re-grow.

Wilcox Lake, adjacent to Old Village, is actually an impoundment of the Middle Rouge River.

“The Middle Rouge is the most dammed of any of the tributaries, because (famed industrialist and business magnate) Henry Ford

used the Middle Rouge. He was interested in harnessing hydroelectric power to fuel his (small) manufacturing facilities around southeast Michigan,” McCormick said.

SNUFFING OUT INVASIVES

Getting back to the work area during autumn to treat the stumps probably is the most important job yet to do, said Sam Davis, an education and monitoring assistant with Friends of the Rouge.

“Invasive species are really good at re-sprouting from stumps,” Davis said. “Even something that looks completely dead, you can come back in a couple months and it will have new growth on it.”

About the many shapes and sizes of the invasive woody plants which were physically jettisoned by Wilcox Lake cleanup participants, Davis added some perspective.

“These outcompete all of the other trees that are native to southeast Michigan. We’re just

giving the native trees a better chance to survive and grow,” Davis said.

The work to clear out invasive plants and weeds won’t just benefit other trees and native species on the land around Wilcox Lake, however.

If invasives are unchecked,

ultimately spreading into the lake, water quality would be hindered in several ways. Those include slowing water flow,

will be turned into mulch to enrich area parks.

According to Jan Waller of Old Village Association, with crew members wrapping up in early afternoon and soon heading over to nearby Bearded Lamb Brewing Company for discounted cold beverages, the response and result overwhelmed her.

more appealing place to come to, give a much better view of the lake,” Prinz noted. “It’s not going to be a bunch of overgrown weeds. You’re actually going to see more wildlife. There’s no disadvantage to doing this really.”

impeding the movement of lifesustaining nutrients to aquatic life and plants, and escalating runoff and erosion.

Carly Cirilli of Plymouth Pollinators said native plants are important for insects and other wildlife.

“It (the removal) provides more space for native plants to grow, which is important for pollinators (such as bees) because pollinators use those native plants for pollen,” Cirilli said. “Or, for butterflies and moths for laying their eggs on them. The more we can get these invasive species out, and the natives come back, we’ll have more pollinator habitat.”

Perhaps a spinoff benefit to the day’s work is that the several truckloads of wood chips were to be transported to a mill facility down the road near Phoenix Lake. From there, the wood chips

“I am just really thankful and really blown away by the amount of people that came out to do this,” Waller said. “Last year on our first day we had about 20 people and I got really emotional about that. Today is just phenomenal. If people show up it’s amazing what you can achieve in a few hours.

“For me, it’s a real sign of people power. It’s not about money, it’s about donating energy to something.”

LAKE IMPROVEMENTS

Steven Prinz, a member of Plymouth Rock Lodge No. 47, a Mason’s lodge located within Old Village, was among the volunteers doing gonzo work.

“It’s what Masons do -- we help build our communities and make them better places and that’s what the OVA (Old Village Association) is doing in this area,” said Prinz, during a short work break.

Prinz said the cutting, pulling and disposal of branches and limbs (some as thick as full-grown trees) proved to be therapeutic and a healthy way to give back to the community.

“It’s just going to make it a

Prinz, the liaison between Plymouth Rock Lodge No. 47 and the OVA, added that he and his fellow Masons always do whatever they can to assist the neighborhood.

For Prinz and other volunteers, their day of community service began with a short introduction by McCormick and Waller at Point Park (near N. Holbrook and Wilcox). Small branches of buckthorn and honeysuckle were presented to help guide workers as they made their way into the thick brush across the street.

Meanwhile, beginning this summer, a major environmental project is slated for Wilcox Lake. On the agenda will be dredging and installing fish habitat.

The Rouge River Area of Concert project remains out for bid. Federal EPA grants have been approved for that work.

“One of the things they’re going to be doing is digging down deeper in part of Wilcox Lake,” Waller said. “Over time, this is going to encourage more native (fish) species to use this as their habitat, because they will be able to go down deeper in the water in winter and survive.”

Environmental improvements

from Wilcox Lake projects also could help Waller realize her personal dream of a safe walking path encircling the lake, thus making Old Village more of a destination. The potential of such walkability enamored Waller enough to move her family from the United Kingdom to

Plymouth. “We chose to live here and one of the things I loved about Plymouth is its walkability. It reminded me of England.”

For more information about the Old Village Association, visit oldvillageplymouth.com. For more information about Friends of the Rouge, visit therouge.org.

Schoolcraft Ready to Swing

Free Michigan Jazz Festival returns

July 16 with 35 acts on six stages

The free 28th Michigan Jazz Festival returns from noon-9 p.m. Sunday, July 16 to Schoolcraft College with 35 acts performing on six stages. It is the triumphant centerpiece of the festival board of directors’ year-round mission to promote jazz education in schools.

"The only thing better than music is LIVE music,” says WRCJ 90.9 FM on-air host Maxine Michaels, adding she’s honored to play a part in the festival.

“There’s always a high level of musicianship and diversity, plus the joy of sharing the day with a crowd that appreciates and supports the art form known as jazz,” said Michaels, who will serve as MC at the Bill Bolle Stage.

The MJF board works yearround to keep the jazz tradition alive by presenting youth education programs and by organizing the festival.

"Jazz, an American art form, uses complex harmonies, creative melodies and improvisation which allows the performer to spontaneously create a melody which reflects

Michigan Jazz ScheduleFestival

Leven Open Air Stage, The Big Tent

Noon Bill Meyer’s SONEO

1:30 p.m. Sky Covington Featuring Club Crescendo

3 p.m. Aguanko

4 p.m. Kimmie Horne & Friends

6 p.m. Dave Bennett Quartet

7 p.m. Zen Zadravec

Bill Bolle Presentation Stage, Kehrl Auditorium

12:30 p.m. Terry Lower Trio with Edye Evans Hyde

2 p.m. Charles Greene Trio

3:30 p.m. Jonathan Blanchette’s Time-Jump

5 p.m. Ramona Collins

6:30 p.m. Signal Quartet

8 p.m. Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet, with Elden Kelly

By Kevin Brown

the performer's own musical ideas," said Craig Strain, MJF board president and music educator.

Sally Pinchock is on the MJF board and marketing committee. “We pay over 180 musicians to play, all from public donations," she said. The board acts as a 501 C-3 nonprofit to raise money to provide the free annual festival.

In a modification of the performer selection process, this year applicants were asked to submit a video of their group. The selection committee picked performers on criteria including talent, diversity, youth and the applicant's past performances at MJF. This season, more than 150 applications applied for 35 spots.

“This year our performers will include 19 acts that have not performed on our stages previously, with more youth, more diversity and a wider geographic footprint,” Strain said.

In addition to the six festival stages, there are two education clinics where students work with professional jazz musicians.

The festival is operated by the all-volunteer board of directors. It was created in 1991 to promote Michigan jazz musicians. The first festival was presented at Freedom Hill. In 1996 it moved to the Botsford Inn, and in 1999 to Schoolcraft College.

"We're so excited to welcome this great festival back to campus and invite the community to enjoy this free event,” said Glenn Cerny, Schoolcraft College president. “The Michigan Jazz Festival is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the area’s best jazz music."

Beyond the festival, the MJF board presents fundraising events year round to pay performers and teachers at education initiatives presented in person and on the web. There is free parking and festival merchandise will be available. Schoolcraft’s Culinary Program will provide a variety of lunch and dinner fare. Beer and wine are also available.

For more information on the festival, visit michiganjazzfestival.org.

Cotton Club Rathskellar Stage, Lower Waterman

12:15 p.m. Playing with the Pros

1:45 p.m. Detroit Office of Civil Defense

3:15 p.m. Ingrid Racine Quintet

4:45 p.m. Aston Neighborhood Pleasure Club

6:15 p.m. Andrew Rathbun Quartet

7:45 p.m. Kathy Kosins

Vosgerchian Solo Piano Room, Rennolds Room

12:15 p.m. Duncan McMillan

1:30 p.m. William Marshall Bennett

3 p.m. Matthew Fries

4:15 p.m. Rick Roe

5:30 p.m. Brendon Davis

6:45 p.m. Michael Jellick

Salden Big Band Stage, Diponio Room

12:15 p.m. Dr. Prof. Leonard King Orchestra

2 p.m. MJF All-Star H.S. Jazz Band

3:45 p.m. Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra

5:30 p.m. CSO

7:15 p.m. Jeff Trudell Big Band

Sally Bolle Cabaret Stage, Henry’s Cafe

Noon Barbara Ware & Cliff Monear

1:15 p.m. Sandra Bomar & Don Bartkowiak

2:30 p.m. Marvin Jones & Jay Valle

3:45 p.m. Emma Aboukasm & Scott Gwinnell

5 p.m. Sunny Wilkinson & Ron Newman

6:15 p.m. Ellie Martin & Mike Harrison

Focusing On Ser vice

Z Plumberz offer comprehensive plumbing solutions

It’s as simple as A to Z.

For the hard working team at Z Plumberz offering the most comprehensive plumbing solutions anyone could need, whether for a home owner or business entrepreneur, is at the core of who they are.

Simply put the local company is all about helping people find the right fixes for all types of perplexing plumbing problems.

Led by a dedicated team of plumbers

knowing their business from front to back, and up and down, is a critical aspect of what makes them so valued in the community.

“Training is a huge part of who we are,” says Tony Borrelli, another one of the company’s leaders. “We focus on learning, testing and all forms of education. We do a lot of training ourselves, with classroom work and ongoing instruction for all of our apprentices and any team members who are on the frontlines of the business. This is essential, especially with all of the technology changes happening every day it seems.”

Z Plumberz prides itself on being able to handle any type of work in a house, from the basement to the top floor, and considers itself a truly one-call shop when it comes to potential plumbing issues. Most of its general business is in the residential sector, working on everything, including the kitchen sink, so to speak.

“We have a large and very capable team and the capability of handling anything,” says Grybas. “That’s why people call us.”

master plumber with more than 20 years of experience.

“I like being able to help people out,” he says. “When we go into people’s homes most times we’re there on their worst day, and if we can make it better for them that’s pretty satisfying. When we take care of a problem it’s a good feeling for sure.”

and managers the company is an integral part of the family of companies operated by BELFOR Restoration, a nationally known property restoration firm.

“We don’t just sell stuff, we focus on

service,” says Peter Grybas, one of the franchise’s leaders. “We do it right from a to z, and we make sure our service work is done correctly and solves problems for people in need.”

Z Plumberz employs 22 staff, including master and journeymen plumbers, and

Operating since 2019, Z Plumberz has helped thousands of clients including residential customers, with plenty of repeat business. The company has also been involved in larger scale work, helping build out schools in Detroit, working on remodels for businesses like Starbucks and plenty of industrial jobs as well. Grybas, who went to school in Plymouth

Besides working on new plumbing systems for build outs, Z Plumberz focuses on service work, sewer repair and replacements, and technology challenges. Technology is a critical part of the company’s solutions and they can be found doing anything from adding smart home devices that handle automatic water shutoffs to touch-free faucets, heated toilets, showers with touch screens and anything else connected to the world of “smart house” systems.

More traditional plumbing services include water heater repair, toilet repair, drain cleaning and unclogging, faucet repair, shower and tub repair, dishwasher repair, hydro jetting, and trenchless pipe repair.

Considered by many as one of the best local plumbing outfits in Detroit, Westland, Canton, Plymouth, Novi, and surrounding areas, Z Plumberz takes pride in the trust it has built with its customers. A 24/7 in-house call center ensures homeowners can always talk to a live person on the phone and get a service scheduled right away.

and has lived in the community for nearly 50 years, owned the Penn Deli on Penniman Avenue at one time. His main role at Z Plumberz is focused on sales, marketing, administration, HR and, as he says, whatever needs the most attention.

Borrelli, who also lives in Plymouth, is a

“I love this business,” says Grybas. “I’m in the community and it’s important to me to make sure what we do is done right and helps solve the plumbing challenges we all seem to face at one time or another.”

For more information about Z Plumberz, visit www.zplumberz.com or call (734) 619-0880.

“I like being able to help people out. When we go into people’s homes most times we’re there on their worst day, and if we can make it better for them that’s pretty satisfying.

When we take care of a problem it’s a good feeling for sure.”

Plymouth resident Tony Borrelli, a team leader at Z Plumberz

Many people may not realize it, but Michigan’s top regional symphony doesn’t shut down for the summer. In fact, it’s the perfect time for the Michigan Philharmonic to go on the road and share its brand of classical and summer-style pops music.

emphasizes patriotic and Americana themes as well as movie music and other popular pops compositions.

“Summer is one of our favorites to showcase who we are,” says Beth Stewart, executive director of the Philharmonic. “We truly enjoy performing outside and seeing so many faces in the various communities we visit.”

Led by longtime Music Director and Conductor Nan Washburn, who will be entering her 25th season leading the group this year, the concerts are planned throughout July and August.

First up is the Phil’s annual home town concert in Plymouth’s Kellogg Park. Set for Saturday, July 1, the annual “An American Salute” patriotic concert begins at 7 p.m. and includes a special guest conductor. The concert will be presented through the support of the Plymouth Community Arts Council and the Wilcox Foundation.

with an “Armed Series Salute,” the “1812 Overture” and “Stars and Stripes Forever” among many other pieces.

A week later, on Wednesday, July 12 the Philharmonic returns again to downtown Detroit and the Campus Martius Park along Woodward Avenue for another “Superheroes & Beyond” concert. This event is a celebration of movie themes with numbers from “Superman” to “The Incredibles,” as well as “The Sound of Music.” The free concert begins at 5:30 p.m.

Three days later music lovers can join the Philharmonic as it travels to Kensington Metropark for its annual performance along Maple Beach. The Saturday, July 15 concert features “Movie Icons & Superheroes.” The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and there is a fee to enter the park.

Michigan Phil travels again to the historic Eleanor and Edsel Ford Estate in Grosse Point, featuring another movie-themed performance. There is an event cost for the 6:30 p.m. concert; visit www.fordhouse.org for details.

“It’s a busy time for us,” says Stewart. “Not only are we deep into planning our next season but we offer many opportunities to enjoy music throughout the summer.”

A fundraising event for the Philharmonic is also being planned at the historic Wilcox House in downtown Plymouth this summer and another one in October to support the organization’s numerous educational programs for community youths.

This fall sees the beginning of the Philharmonic’s 78th season. With a goal to remind everyone that “All We Need is Music,” it will include a series of eight concerts from September through the spring of 2024.

With concerts in Plymouth, Milford, downtown Detroit, Grosse Pointe and Port Austin, the Phil’s free outdoor series

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets and take over Kellogg Park for what Stewart says will be a fun evening for young and old alike while also honoring veterans

Then in August the Phil makes its second trip to Michigan’s thumb area for “Movie Icons & Superheroes.” The Saturday, Aug, 19 concert will be performed at Gallup Park in Port Austin located along Lake Huron. The free show begins at 4 p.m.

On Saturday, Aug. 25 the

New for the season will be two concerts in Northville as well as traditional favorites like Halloween, holiday pops and the “minis masterpieces” series at St. John’s. Full details about the concert lineup and themes will be released to the public in July.

For information on any of the Philharmonic’s summer or fall concerts go to michiganphil.org or call (734) 451-2112.

Introducing ER services at the new Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth.

Whether you live in Plymouth or nearby, we’re proud to bring full-service, 24/7 emergency care closer to you. With easy access and an experienced ER team, we’re ready to handle any emergency. And we’re just a few minutes down the road.

See a full list of services at henryford.com/plymouth

Corner of Ann Arbor Road and N. Haggerty

When every moment matters, we’re just minutes away.

Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer, M.D. Emergency medicine physician