The Rock - July 2023

Michigan Phil’s Beth Stewart honored for community service

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

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KURT

JULY 2023

VOL 4 | ISSUE 7

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

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.

Taking the All-American Road Trip

Summer is the perfect season to take a holiday. I think everyone should, if at all possible, try to get away at least for a short time.

That could mean traveling abroad to Europe or some other exotic locale around the globe. But it could be anywhere, really. Some of my greatest childhood memories were staying in a cottage on Mullett Lake near Cheboygan in northern Michigan each summer. We live in a beautiful state. Just get away if you can.

I would highly recommend visiting any of our National Parks. Earlier this month, I loaded up my truck with my fishing pole, camping gear and some provisions. Oh yeah, and my family. We pointed west, and hit the gas. Nearly 5,000 miles and two weeks later, we pulled back into the driveway.

In between, we were able to visit some of America’s iconic National Parks, including Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Sequoia and Yosemite. We also visited plenty of national monuments and national forests, camping most nights in beautiful canyons under a blanket of stars.

All I can say is America is an amazing place, filled with natural treasures that attract people from all over the world. I was really surprised by how many foreign visitors were at the parks. It was just another reminder how fortunate we are to live in this country. Standing in the shadow of General Sherman, a massive sequoia that is the largest tree in the world, and looking out over the magnificent Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon, Utah were two of the highlights of our trip, but there were many others including a serene sunset drive through Yosemite Valley. They were experiences you can’t really explain to someone. It’s something you have to do and see on your own, like looking out over (or hiking into) the Grand Canyon.

Our National Parks truly are magical places. If you let them, they will speak to your soul and recharge your batteries. They did for me.

I’d love to hear about your travels, whether it was to a National Park, or anywhere else for that matter. And, if you take along The Rock and snap a photo, we’ll feature it in an upcoming issue. Just email it to me at kurtkuban@therockimagazine.com. Summer isn’t over yet, so you still have some time to hit the road. I highly recommend it.

DELIVERING SMILES TO CANCER WARRIORS

CATCHING THE PICKLEBALL BUG PLYMOUTH’S PATRIOTIC SALUTE

Beth Stewart is the woman behind the curtain at the Jack Wilcox Theater at The PARC, home of the Michigan Philharmonic, which she has led for more than a decade. Photo by Bill Bresler

Kurt Kuban is the editor of The Rock. He can be reached at kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com.

YOUR VOICE: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Always a Chief

I heard the vote to eliminate 50 years of the Canton Chiefs was a win for those who are easily offended.

While I was disappointed in hearing this, what I heard they haven't come up with any replacement suggestions. So, allow me to share a few that popped into my head. Canton Kangaroos, since I heard it was a kangaroo court pushing for this change. How about Canton Rainbow Warriors for the colorful people who wanted to change the name, maybe even the Canton Screaming Eagles, since some of my friends were called racist and other names because they stood up to keep the name as the Canton Chiefs.

I will always be a Canton Chief and I trust that my fellow classmates will continue to leave a legacy as leaders in the community, just like Chiefs.

Paul Major Children outweigh nostalgia

Canton should change the name. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights published statements about this topic in 2013 that included summarizing research that showed that the use of Native American imagery produces a measurable, negative impact on the children in schools using that imagery. If you want to see the statement, visit www.michigan.gov/mdcr/ news/releases/2013/02/08/ indian-mascots.

The health and wellbeing of any child outweighs all nostalgia for a high school mascot, period.

Billy Wright

Keep the name

Redskins is derogatory, of course, but Chiefs? Absolutely a generic term meaning the head honcho. You can have Chief of Operations, or "chief cheese" -- a current slang term meaning a head of anything.

It’s not derogatory at all. Keep the name!

Brenda Krachenberg

Waste of money

I do not think Canton High should change the name. Both my kids graduated as Chiefs, in 2003 and 2007. I worked at Canton for many years. I was saddened at the amount of money that goes into such a wasteful endeavor as a legal name change. So much good and more valuable outcomes could come of this money. We are the Chiefs, not kangaroos or squirrels.

Cindi DeFroy

Changing name is wrong

I responded to a query regarding the proposed mascot change. Honestly, I felt, and still do, my feedback would fall on deaf ears.

I had two Native American uncles, one a Choctaw from Oklahoma and another a Cherokee from West Virginia. Both were sports fans and we had discussions about the use of Native American names in sports and how it impacted them. Both, without reservation, said they weren't offended by any of the names. Furthermore, they insisted Native American's weren't the ones upset, rather, it was nonNative Americans who believed they knew better than them. Frankly, they were offended by them, not the names.

I doubt anyone will consider this because those who "know better" than the Native Americans have already made a decision. And they are wrong.

Richard L. Bantau

Project makes no sense

I was at the recent Plymouth Township Planning Commission meeting and have a couple of thoughts concerning the efforts to rezone the Sparr’s Greenhouse property.

First, the petitioner -- Naji Kahala -- said he could not say what the proposed apartments

would look like, how many units he will have or what he thinks they will rent for. Nothing was said about single family homes other than township planner Laura Haw saying that the current zoning would allow for 50 or so single family homes. I find it hard to believe that an investor would buy up almost five acres of land on the chance that the zoning would change.

Second, Ms. Haw says that this project will lead to a more walkable neighborhood. Where are these new residents going to walk? On Joy Road? On Lilley Road with almost no sidewalks? I do not see parents wanting to walk on the edge of a road with their three or four year old in tow while cars speed by at 40+ miles per hour.

Finally, only a government wonk would say that having 83% of all of the single family homes being owner occupied is bad for the township. I live on Lilley and when I look out my front window I see an apartment complex, so I don’t think it can be said that myself and the others are opposed to apartments, per say.

Robert Budlong

Keep Plymouth progressive

I have lived in the Plymouth community for 80 years. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you of the changes that I’ve seen. Plymouth has always been a progressive community. However, if all new developments are met with disdain from those who are already residing in the area then the community cannot claim to be progressive. I have lived adjacent to commercial and community properties for much of this time with no adverse effects. If done well, it can be harmonious and complementary. This is evidenced in numerous areas throughout the community if you look around.

Jerry Smith

Egregious behavior

As an attorney for more than 30 years, I’m a strong defender of your First Amendment rights. And, as a public official, I also know there are responsibilities that come with that right.

At the June 21 Planning Commission meeting, outsiders opposed to a new Meijer’s market engaged in some of the most egregious behavior this Township has ever seen at a public meeting, with agitators and other ‘ringers’ brought in to disrupt and intimidate the volunteer commissioners who were simply trying to provide due process to the applicant. Cat-calls, cheering, booing, and physical intimidation permeated the meeting, and in my opinion, influenced the outcome.

Meanwhile, a coordinated, professional ‘dark money’ website was created to slander and defame the Meijer company with lies and misinformation. The website was emailed and texted to thousands of Plymouth residents, asking them to get involved AND run for public office in the township. Again, I have no problem with political campaigning, but state law says you need to disclose who’s behind it, and who paid for it. Those responsible for the website broke the law.

But the most egregious violation committed by the dark money smear machine was the intentional ‘doxing’ of the Chairman of our Township Planning Commission. The website gave out his home phone number, leading to phone calls at his house from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. days before the Commission meeting. This created fear and intimidation for him and his family.

If you’ve lived in Plymouth Township for the past few years, you know that politics here can be

rough. I know this all too well, as I’ve been subjected to online smear campaigns surprisingly similar to the dark money website created against Meijer. But when these misinformation campaigns target citizen volunteers, they’ve crossed the line. These kinds of tactics have no place in our community; the noble intent of the First Amendment should not be undermined by lies, intimidation, doxing, and threats.

Kurt Heise

Plymouth Township Supervisor

Majority doesn’t rule

I want to express my concern regarding the changing of the Canton High School mascot. It was 50 years ago, in 1972, when the students of Canton High School voted for their mascot. I was the general office secretary when the school opened. And now the school board voted to have a new mascot. How is that possible? What happened to majority rules?

A small minority seems to think that I, and many others, never found it to be offensive, and

the phrase “Chiefs Are Leaders” was used with pride for many years. I would like to have the school board strongly consider changing the mascot of Plymouth High School. I think the head of a wildcat with the large fangs is much more alarming than an arrowhead. Every time I see the wildcat head, I think of all of the animals and people a wildcat may have killed and will kill. How can this be a fitting or appropriate mascot for any high school? Wildcats are predators and have no regard for who or what they attack. I am surprised that an animal rights group has not come forward to question the use of a wildcat as a mascot. Why not use the money it is going to cost to replace all of the uniforms, equipment and etc. for something more educational? I would like to think our school board and superintendent was more money conscious and would not succumb to the voice of a small minority who find the Chiefs

to be offensive or derogatory. Go Chiefs!

Orlean Baker Lewelling

Don’t let memory die

I'd like to voice an opinion regarding the nickname of the Canton High School Chiefs. Personally, I believe it is acceptable to either keep or change the nickname. The name "Chiefs" is not insulting, nor is it a bad stereotype in as much as chiefs are proud leaders, usually having positive qualities, possessing great courage and strength.

I agree with many of the recent efforts to change mascots and nicknames for sports teams for their insensitivity, inaccuracy, and irrelevance. For example, the Washington football team was right in dropping the "Redskins" name. It is insulting in the same way "Whiteskins", "Blackskins" or "Yellowskins" would be insulting. It is an insensitive and obsolete term which does not need perpetuating.

Commemorating, honoring and remembering a great people has

Summer Celebration Loan

always been part of naming sports teams. The Spartans, Trojans, Scots, Highlanders, Fighting Irish, Lumberjacks, Pioneers, Volunteers, Mountaineers, Patriots, Cowboys, Swedes, Vikings, Vaqueros, and others were all meant to remember and honor the groups giving the name. I see no reason not to keep that tradition with honorable Native American tribal names. Why not remember the proud history of America before the arrival of Europeans to the North American continent? Are we not educated by nicknames like Chippewas (Ojibwa), Seminoles, Eskimos, Aztecs, Utes, Mohawks, and the like? Why let their memory die with the passage of time?

For Canton High School, I'd be in favor of changing the name to "Chippewas" or, more accurately, the "Ojibwas". The old logo could be used and folks could wear their well-worn jackets and caps all while honoring a native Michigan tribe. Either way, I'm fine.

Jerry Takis

One has to wonder whether the Stewart family found Plymouth purely by accident or whether the community chose them somehow. Thanks to a real car accident that forced them to take a closer look at the community nearly 40 years ago, Beth and John Stewart decided to plant roots in Plymouth. They’ve never looked back.

And today Beth Stewart is looking back on a life of service to her adopted home as this year’s Ruth Huston Whipple Award winner. The honor is presented annually by the City of Plymouth to someone who has given back to the community.

Stewart, who will be honored in August, is a real example of what it means to give, not only in her work but as a volunteer. Sure she has built some of her service in the form of a successful career, but clearly her passion to get to

know people and use her talents on behalf of culture and arts is all driven by something deeper.

Her leadership of several of Plymouth's most significant cultural institutions, including 17 years as executive director of the Plymouth Historical Museum and 15 years as executive director of the Michigan Philharmonic, showcases her commitment to stewarding the community’s vibrant arts culture and preserving its historical legacy.

But there’s more – her community service record is also admirable, as a member and two-time president of the Rotary Club of Plymouth AM, volunteer with Plymouth Salvation Army, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and the Delta Kappa Gamma chapter in Plymouth. She founded the Friends of the Phil and the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce's "Arts in our Community" leadership training

program and was also inducted into Plymouth’s Hall of Fame in 2002.

In other words there’s more to this community steward known as Beth Stewart.

“When I look back on my career I realize that really I love that these places and groups have made an impact on children,” says the 66-year-old Lakepointe subdivision resident. “At the museum we were teaching kids history. That’s what we want, an informed citizenry who appreciates where we came from. And at the orchestra we teach kids to be creative and how to think creatively. Both of those things are so important to share with the next generations. You want to develop good citizens who are creative and I like to think, and I hope in some way, that I’ve played a hand in shaping the next generation.”

ROAD TO PLYMOUTH

Born in West Virginia to Frank

and Virginia Marvin, Stewart’s family came to Michigan in the 1960s, eventually settling in Dearborn. As a minister’s daughter, she grew up in and around her father’s church, Cherry Hill Presbyterian, listening to his passion for opera and singing in the church choir. Later, she met her future husband John in the choir and they married at the church in 1979. She left home to get a degree from Warren Wilson College in North Carolina, later expanding her knowledge with a masters degree in historic preservation from Eastern Michigan University. She began working at Greenfield Village as a curator’s assistant before landing a role at the Plymouth Historical Museum and eventually becoming executive director in 1989.

In 1983 the Stewarts were living in Dearborn, but looking for a future home and location for

John’s law practice. They talked about buying a building and began looking in Grand Rapids.

“We were driving back one day and there was a bad accident that forced us to go along I-275 and we saw the Plymouth sign,” Stewart says. “We both looked at each other and said we had always liked Plymouth. So we went looking.”

John Stewart bought a building on south Main that he remains in to this day and the couple found a home in Lakepointe where they could raise their two daughters.

“Plymouth has so much history and it’s got culture and is ideally located,” says Stewart. “It’s everything that makes a small town a community. People here are devoted to it. It’s not a place you easily leave once you come. We came as a young family and never left.”

Raising their daughters Laura and Sarah, the Stewarts got involved, enjoying events and groups and the things that make Plymouth’s downtown fun and unique. They have also been attending First Presbyterian Church ever since arriving.

“Giving back and being involved is what you do,” she says. “My parents were super involved in everything they did. That set the pattern in our family. And John’s family is the same way. It’s ingrained and I hope we’ve instilled that in our children.”

Today Stewart’s persona reflects through her love of people, working with them and meeting new people in the community. She knows just about everyone, and pretty much everyone knows her. Though not a native of the city, she is as much an example of a Plymouth stalworth as anyone, and like

Whipple even tried politics (though unsuccessfully).

During her time at the museum, she brought the Lincoln collection to the community, which drove a major expansion to the facility and is considered one of her legacies. She left the museum to run for office but lost the election and politics is something she doesn’t want to experience again. However, that experience also led her to her next role with the Michigan Philharmonic.

FROM HISTORY TO MUSIC

In 2008 the Plymouth-based symphony was losing its executive director, one in a line of shortterm directors, and the orchestra was seeking someone who might serve in that capacity for a longer duration. Stewart was approached because of her community involvement and connection with so many people, and at the time she said she would try it for a few years. That was 15 years ago.

“I’ve devoted my career to this community,” she says. “We’ve done some great things at the Phil and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Besides strengthening the symphony’s commitment to the community, Stewart has made a mark when it comes to fundraising and marketing, building up the group’s youth education programs, developing innovative programs like the summer concert series and the “Tiny Tunes” concerts for young people all while expanding the Phil’s reach locally and across the state. She also led the Phil through the pandemic and its 75th anniversary season in 2021 (postponed from 2020).

Along with longtime conductor Nan Washburn and other Phil leaders, Stewart has

tried to create a persona for the symphony that truly reflects the idea of being a regional musical powerhouse that takes a chance and is a musical format leader, all on a small-town budget.

“Often we’ve had to do so much with so little,” she says. “But we make it work every year. We care and we give as much as we can. It takes a great commitment to offer year-round concerts. Our community is committed to us. I see that all the time. And we are committed to giving back through music and education programs and any other way we can.”

Stewart appreciates being honored and doesn’t take her award lightly – she just knows that awards are not the goal, just a nice affirmation. For her,

notices all you do, but that’s not why we do it,” she says. “John and I have always been very involved. I would love to see the growth of our symphony continue and to see someone follow me who can carry on the tradition.”

Though not ready to step down from her role, it frankly has been more on her mind these days as the Phil gets ready for the start of its 78th season this September.

“A few years ago I was on a panel with CEOs talking about the next big thing being something we don’t even know what it would be,” Stewart says. “I just kept thinking about the kids who will be the future, and how they’re going to need to be creative and understand how we

an award that honors a woman like Whipple – Plymouth’s first woman mayor – also reminds her of her great-grandmother who was an early college graduate in a time when most women didn’t get the chance to go to college.

“It’s nice when someone

got here. Besides being a healing agent, music makes us happy and it brings out our creative nature.”

For someone who has built part of a career on looking backwards, the future is ever on her mind. What else would you expect from a steward?

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THE RACE IS HEATING UP City commission candidates sound off on parking and pot

By Brad Kadrich

Parking and pot. Those are two of the issues that are likely to rise to the top as the campaign for four seats on the Plymouth City Commission heats up over the summer.

Several of the candidates named paid parking – something the city commission is considering – as an issue that helped them decide to seek a seat on the city’s ruling body.

And a couple of them named the idea of allowing businesses to sell marijuana as an issue they’d like to defeat.

Seven candidates filed petitions to seek the open seats on the city commission. That’s not enough to trigger a primary, so the seven announced candidates will face off in the Nov. 7 general election. The top three vote-getters earn four-year terms; the fourth-place finisher gets a two-year term.

Three incumbents – Suzi Deal, Linda Filipczak and Kelly O’Donnell – filed to run again. A fourth incumbent, Marcus Thomey, decided not to seek re-election.

Four new candidates –Catherine Coburn, Ron

Picard, Brock Minton and Joshua Rimatzki -- are also seeking election.

The Rock caught up with the candidates with a few questions:

The Rock: Why are you seeking election (or, for the incumbents, reelection)?

Linda Filipczak (incumbent): I decided to

working mom in the city, I’m out every day listening to what is really going on, both downtown and in the neighborhoods. I live in Old Village and believe my unique and dynamic neighborhood needs a voice they can trust, as well.

Suzi Deal (incumbent): I think

concern. Some proposals have been so odd that they caused residents to organize in order to voice their concerns. We've had many projects -- redesigning Kellogg Park, development at the Christian Science Church site and replacing the retaining wall along Penniman -- all

of issues that face us alongside newer voices who bring fresh perspectives. Having served on City Commission for more than four years, I feel I can offer voters informed, proven leadership that continues to move Plymouth forward in a strategic direction that capitalizes on the momentum we've built during the last term.

seek re-election because I am honored to serve my community. Staying connected and listening to the citizens and business owners while representing them to the best of my ability is crucial. It is imperative to embrace the historic aspect of our city while affecting change for forward improvement while not losing its ambiance is fundamental.

Catherine Coburn: The city needs commissioners who are going to be engaged in the community and responsive to their concerns. As a small businesswoman and

it is important to have stability on a board that has the potential to change every two years. Being the longestserving commissioner, I offer that. I also enjoy talking with our residents, making sure they have correct information on decisions being made. Often if I overhear people talking, perhaps sharing incorrect information, I have no problem stepping in, introducing myself to offer up correct information and answer any questions.

Ron Picard: Recently some large city projects have been a reason for

caused citizens to get organized because the proposed plans just didn't fit Plymouth. Council members have expressed veiled approval for marijuana dispensaries even though when they poll Plymouth residents most have said they do not want dispensaries in Plymouth.

Kelly O’Donnell (incumbent): City government is complex, and I believe better decisions are made when there's a mix of representatives who have the experience to understand the background and nuances

Brock Minton: I am invested in this city. Since moving here with my wife, Jessica, we have loved the small-town charm, the walkable built environment, and the close-knit community that feels like family. I see this role as an opportunity to serve our community and broaden opportunities for meaningful connection with one another.

Josh Rimatzki: I am running for Plymouth City Commission because I want to give back to our wonderful community. It would be a pleasure to act as a voice for our residents as we work toward shared goals that will ensure our long-term success as a vibrant, unique and welcoming city.

The Rock: What are some of the issues and challenges facing the city?

Kelly O'Donnell Brock Minton

Filipczak: The biggest challenge currently facing the city of Plymouth is parking. The question at hand is, does the city have adequate parking and is paid parking a positive? Paid parking in Plymouth has historically been a discussion for many years. The concerns voiced include that it will be a deterrent for visitors coming to our city as well as for the citizens of Plymouth. Additionally, will paying to park become a deterrent for visitors to come to our downtown restaurants and businesses which could then have a negative financial impact on the establishments? If visitors decide they do not wish to pay for parking it could potentially shift the parking into the surrounding neighborhoods.

Coburn: We have got to put a lid on new taxes. We are heavily taxed compared to our neighboring communities and I’m concerned that our current city commission is setting us up for even more. At least one of our commissioners is pushing for marijuana shops in the city. I believe this would hurt our city’s brand and bring more crime. I’m also opposed

to paid parking. The city has had several missed opportunities over the years to build new parking structures. Paid parking will drive more patrons away from our local restaurants, who are still trying to recover from COVID.

Deal: I think residents are very fortunate to have

Picard: Parking is certainly one of the major issues facing the city, and it has been for quite some time. The paid parking plan currently being worked on for the council's consideration isn't a parking solution, but an attempt to obtain another source of revenue. Development projects that

is a challenge, one that taxpayers (and stewards of our public money like the commission) must face soberly. By fixing our eyes on the goal, I think we can find smart solutions to ensure Plymouth stays financially healthy, continue to provide the level of public services our residents

energy emissions of residents via existing incentive programs.

a strong administration that keeps our city current and up-to-date on day-to-day and state matters. I like to think our challenges are opportunities on how to grow and improve our city. The topic of paid parking is an ongoing discussion. Understanding the need and reasons for paid parking and whether it is right for our city is something that we will be addressing. How can we continue to fund and improve our streets and roads? Again, both challenges, both opportunities to make our city better.

are borderline eyesores are another challenge, as well as balancing new development with historical preservation. Keeping marijuana dispensaries out of the city is also a challenge. I worked in Ann Arbor and when a dispensary would open up the surrounding areas soon became magnets for garbage and crime.

O’Donnell: Plymouth is recognized across the region as a desirable place to live, work and visit. But maintaining those high standards amid competing demands on our limited budget

expect, and keep evolving as a community in a way that makes residents and business owners proud to call our city home.

Minton: The biggest challenges facing the city are infrastructure, community engagement and affordability. Some of my priorities are to ensure that the infrastructure decisions for all parts of the city are pedestrianfriendly and meet the needs of Plymouth residents and businesses, to build community by expanding offerings through the Recreation Department and to drive down energy costs and

Rimatzki: Some of the most important opportunities the city has at the moment center around government transparency, continued work on a pedestrian friendly downtown and investment in reliable infrastructure. Speaking as a resident who greatly appreciates our vibrant downtown, I also want to work on ensuring that the area remains safe for pedestrians and accessible for all to enjoy. Finally, it is crucial that our tax dollars are used as efficiently as possible to support infrastructure investments that will last and enhance the community.

The Rock: Why should the voters choose you?

Filipczak: I have been a resident of Plymouth for 30 years and it has always been my dream to be a part of our phenomenal city since the 1970’s when I used to ride my bicycle to Kellogg Park from Dearborn Heights. As a City Commissioner, I am accountable for assisting our community to grow prudently while doing

Continued on page 12

Suzi Deal Catherine Coburn Ron Picard Josh Rimatzki Linda Filipczak

so efficiently, and strategically while being fiscally responsible. I represent the citizens and business owners of Plymouth. It is my goal to work collaboratively with my fellow commissioners and the administration to ensure that we maintain our city of Plymouth as an affordable vibrant place to live, work and enjoy life.

Coburn: I’m a straight-talker who does her homework and gets answers to questions. A city commissioner should be your eyes and ears at city hall and not something to put on a political resume. People know I’m not afraid to ask tough questions, that I will get results and always look out for them.

Deal: My husband and I raised our boys in Plymouth. I was involved with the schools they attended (Bird, West, Plymouth) and with the sports they participated in through both PCC and P-CEP. I have worked retail within the downtown and with partners created a business which highlighted DTP. I want to help the city stay current and improve upon services being offered along with being part of the discussions and decisions on changes.

Picard: I love historical preservation and I'm probusiness. Most of the time these things all line up. However, when they don't, residents should win. The development at the old Christian Science Church site is an example. We all win when

the businesses in Plymouth do well, but trying to squeeze every dollar out of that project does not benefit the residents of Plymouth. I'm someone who somehow always gets involved. I've served on the boards of churches and community choirs. I've coached youth sports and robotic teams. My talents and skills line up well with being a Plymouth City Commissioner.

O’Donnell: I try to bring a perspective to city decisions that reflects the values and wishes of my constituency, as well as serve as a voice of a segment of voters historically under-represented in local government: women with younger families. It's crucial that the diverse make-up of the Plymouth community is reflected on the city commission dais, and that's part of why I got involved.

Minton: I will be an accessible city commissioner who clearly and honestly communicates fact-supported decisions that will improve the city for its residents while maintaining the character of our cozy, welcoming city.

Rimatzki: I felt a younger voice would be important as large decisions are being made that will have lasting impact. To my knowledge I would be the youngest commission member in Plymouth history, and the first to represent Gen Z. Ultimately, I believe I can utilize my financial skillset and background in community service to effectively get the job done.

About 14 years ago, Plymouth’s Larry Millen decided to give a relatively unknown sport a chance. He joined a fledgling recreational pickleball league out of Hilltop Middle School in Northville, where games featuring mostly retirees filled the gymnasium.

“As far as I can tell that was the first place in the area,” Millen recalled. “That’s where we found it and it was just old, retired guys playing. Now, you can say it’s a big mix with lots of different age groups playing.”

It took a long time for a thenobscure sport with a strange name to gravitate a few miles south to nearby Plymouth, but Millen and his wife Jen are thankful. They make up Team Millen and are part of the very

competitive Monday night pickleball league at Plymouth Cultural Center.

Pickleball no longer is obscure, either.

It is an interesting game to say the least. Players use paddles to swat a Whiffle-like plastic ball back and forth over a net, morphing elements of ping pong and tennis. Pickleball is exploding in popularity as a recreational pursuit and spectator sport with TikTok and ESPN airing contests and major articles about it in the New York Times.

“I don’t know, but the game’s got a silly name and people didn’t take it seriously,” said Millen, who actually broke a foot playing during a recent contest and watched the 2-vs-2 doubles action July 10 wearing a walking boot. “And now it’s on ESPN every day.”

FUN AND GAMES

Mondays feature serious pickleballers, nicknamed “picklers.” But there are lesshigh-octane divisions for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (6:30 to 9 p.m.). Drop-in sessions take place weekdays (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) for beginners or others wanting to give the sport a try.

“They (players in the lower divisions) take a bit longer to play their games,” said program coordinator Caitlin Vince of the city’s recreation department. “They need more time. It’s kind of more social for them, they hang out and talk where these (Monday night competitive division) people just get ‘boom’ into the next game.”

Games and drop-in sessions continue through Thursday, Aug. 4, after which it will be time to

begin re-installing ice for use during the 2023-24 season.

The city’s first official pickleball offering exceeded any expectations, with Plymouth Cultural Center transformed from hockey rink to pickleball paradise for folks living in Plymouth, Plymouth Township and Canton among neighboring communities.

“This was just a home run when they put this indoors here,” Millen said. “It’s the only courts in Plymouth right now (except for a private pickleball club operating inside the PARC). And everybody in here lives in the neighborhood, so it’s awesome. We’ve met so many new neighbors here.”

Patty Green of Plymouth, a player on Pickleball Peeps of the Monday night division, also praised the summer sessions at PCC.

“I love it, I love the idea that it’s (indoors) but I wish we had more ventilation,” said Green, during a 10-minute break between games. “I hope for our city to be on par with a lot of other cities where they have pickleball courts in every park, like Livonia.

“It is a growing sport, I see young people playing it everywhere.”

throughout Plymouth.

“I think partially we haven’t got the funding to get the courts made,” Green continued. “I think it (interest) has always been here. There’s been a crowd that’s been playing it at the PARC (Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex) in the gym. But (pickleball players) have to go outside the city to find courts.”

Brandon Szachta, assistant director for the Plymouth Recreation Department, hinted that this summer’s program won’t be a one-off and that other potential spots for pickleball courts probably will be seriously considered.

“We’ll definitely have it back next year and hopefully for years to come,” Szachta said.

“If the ice is going to be down you might as well utilize the space.”

OH, PICKLES

Green began playing pickleball about four years ago, traveling with friends to other cities’ outdoor courts. The PCC location finally gave her a place closer to home to compete along with the rest of the Pickleball Peeps (which has a dozen or so players).

“We just got the bug and we want to play all the time,” Green said. “We feel, at our age, post-50 and post-60 people, we’re staying in the best shape we can by doing this. It’s been phenomenal.”

“And we’re in the very, very preliminary stages of putting in a pickleball court where the old shuffleboard court is, next to the cultural center on Farmer.”

Szachta added that there are a few locations elsewhere within the city to where future courts might be feasible, but Plymouth “is just 2.2 square miles and it is pretty much 99-percent developed. So finding land is a bit difficult.”

Regardless, build some pickleball courts and they will come. Yet for now, the ice arena will do just fine.

Tonya Barker jokingly said the sport is “like ping pong and tennis had a baby. It’s extremely fun. You can pick up a paddle and get by. But the more you get into it the more you learn about it and then it gets even more fun.”

She emphasized pickleball is as much a social draw as it is one for rec players of all stripes.

“It’s competitive, but it’s friendly,” Tonya Barker added. “We’re having a great experience here, meeting all these people. Everybody’s nice. I just think there’s a lot of opportunity for (the sport’s) growth.”

About bringing pickleball to the hockey arena for this summer, Szachta said ice would have been removed anyway for the months of May through early August.

Meanwhile, growing interest in bringing the sport to town made it a relatively safe and sound decision to tape five pickleball courts onto the cement floor.

What doesn’t make sense is how pickleball got its crazy name in the first place.

“It’s a long story, but back in the ‘60s a couple made up this game to play in their backyard, just to goof around,” Larry Millen said. “Their dog would always run on the court, grab the ball and run away. The dog’s name was

HERE TO STAY?

Millen and Green agree that it would be great for new pickleball courts to begin springing up

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Ted Barker, who plays in the Monday night league with wife Tonya Barker on the TnT squad.

“We’re always getting calls,” Szachta explained. “‘When are you putting in pickleball courts? Why don’t you have pickleball courts? Here’s some land I know about, put some pickleball courts there. Weekly, we’re getting calls. So, obviously, with the pickleball surge in the country it was a no-brainer. We had this empty ice arena, it’s a flat surface, we could put tape down. So yeah, it made sense and here we are.”

Pickles, so it was Pickle’s ball.

“That’s where the name came from and it stuck. But that’s one of the reasons” many people didn’t give it the time of day.

Until they did, that is.

In a 2022 report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, it was estimated there were 4.8 million “picklers” in the United States – proof that participation in and passion for pickleball is growing in equal parts.

Plymouth Cultural Center is located at 525 Farmer.

Email Szachta at bszachta@ plymouthmi.gov or call (734) 455-6620 for more information. Drop-in sessions are $5 per player.

When my family and I attended Plymouth’s Art in the Park, we were among some 300,000 attendees of the longstanding festival.

After strolling the vendors that spanned Kellogg Park and

immediately started planning our next visit.

My daughter mentioned taking a class at Pure Barre, my son wants to check out State of Comics, and my husband and I hope to catch a movie at Penn Theatre followed by dinner at one of Plymouth’s amazing hotspots.

According to Sam Plymale, director of Plymouth’s Downtown Development Authority, that’s the goal of events like Art in the Park.

“Once they’re here they shop and dine in the downtown district and hopefully come back,” Plymale says.

Plymouth is the site of more than 130 special events annually, from Fall Festival to Ice Festival, with lots of concerts, parades and farmers markets in between.

downtown Plymouth,” Plymale says. “Anyone can apply for a special event application.”

The Special Events Application can be found under the “Explore Plymouth” tab on plymouthmi.gov. All fees and regulations are included in the document.

Applications must be submitted at least 21 days prior to events, and are reviewed by city leaders. They are approved as long as they don’t violate any ordinances or rules, Plymale says.

Kellogg Park, with its large shade trees and tranquil fountain centerpiece, is a popular spot and dates book early so Plymale suggests planning ahead.

GET ACTIVE

In addition to the many arts and cultural events held annually in downtown Plymouth, there are also fitness-focused happenings.

• RunDTP meets in Kellogg Park Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. for free 3- to 7-mile runs or walks through the city.

• Sun & Snow hosts Wednesday Night Workouts in Kellogg Park. The last one of the summer, on Aug. 16, features Fit Kids by Downup Yoga at 5:30 p.m. followed by an adult class by My Yoga Room at 6:30 p.m.

• F45 Training of North Livonia will stage Glow Yoga on Sept. 21 in Kellogg Park.

“We have a very healthconscious community and these types of events bring people together in the park to get outside and get active,” says DDA Director Sam Plymale.

Compiled by Wensdy Von Buskirk

DESTINATION DOWNTOWN

Here’s a sampling of events coming up in Plymouth:

Music in the Air Downtown Concerts, 7 p.m. Friday nights through Sept. 1

Wilcox Wednesdays

Music in the Park, Noon through Aug. 23

Plymouth Fall Festival Sept. 8-10

downtown streets, we wrapped up with a delicious brunch at the Omelette & Waffle Cafe and

It’s a common misconception that the city plans all of these festivities, Plymale says, but that’s not the case. They’re hosted by various community entities and businesses.

“We very much encourage organizations to hold events in

Once events are approved, the city helps spread the word on its website and social media, as well as on posters that hang in store windows all over town.

“If you’re holding your event downtown we’re gonna share it and help promote it. We want to get people visiting downtown Plymouth and events are a great way to get people in,” he says.

Ladies Night Out Sept. 14

HOW TO APPLY

To plan a community event in Plymouth, fill out the Special Event Application under the “Explore Plymouth” tab at plymouthmi.gov.

So long to the Chiefs School board axes Canton High mascot despite outcry

By Brad Emons

The Canton High Chiefs’ logo and mascot are facing retirement but don’t expect a going away party.

After accepting Superintendent Monica Merritt’s recommendation, the PlymouthCanton Board of Education voted 6-1 to consign the secondary school's Native American-inspired nickname and iconic arrowhead to the branding graveyard.

Students from Plymouth Canton Educational Park, which includes the district’s three high schools, will select a new moniker and insignia.

The controversial issue was the subject of two board meetings: June 27 when Merritt made her recommendation and July 11 when the board approved her recommendation to change the mascot. Only Trustee Sheryl Pickard voted to keep the Chiefs name.

Despite the outcome, the twoyear debate is likely to continue.

A student-led group raised the issue during the 2020-21 school year, arguing that Indian names and accompanying imagery fuel stereotypes. Those terms amount to cultural appropriation, they added.

Another student contingent took up the cause again in October.

Those against the change maintain Canton High’s warrior label calls attention to the country’s rich Native American tradition, proponents said.

Students chose the nickname when the school opened in 1975. Most people prefer to stick with tradition, a community survey revealed. The advisory panel conducted the poll as part of its six-month study.

The Chiefs’ nickname faces extinction despite 56% of 6,206 people responding in favor of keeping it.

People who responded included 86 people who said they were of Native American descent. Of those, 82 or 95% prefer maintaining the status quo.

“Please consider those numbers,” said Steve Robb, Canton resident and member of the White Earth Tribe of Minnesota Chippewas, before the superintendent addressed the issue at the June 27 meeting.

The Chiefs' name still needs to go, the superintendent said.

Merritt said the move fits with state and federal guidelines urging the elimination of Native American school nicknames.

Several Michigan school districts have followed suit with Manistee and Sandusky rebranding in the past year.

Merritt also cited a 2005 American Psychological Association resolution, which decried the harmful mental health effects on Native Americans.

The superintendent also consulted with the Potawatomi Tribal Representatives Outreach Board, she said.

"They emphasize through this conversation that the findings show the harmful psychological effects on Native children exposed to cultural shaming," Merritt said.

Most board members appear in favor of the logo and mascot retirement.

Said Trustee Patrick Kehoe, a 1984 Canton High graduate, “I am supportive of this change.”

Trustee Sheryl Picard, the only board member to vote against the change, questioned whether the district's tack in addressing perceived slights will cause future hullabaloos.

“I am just concerned this is going to be a rolling (issue),” Picard said. “We have one person upset, we have two people upset and we have to change everything.”

Board President Shawn Wilson inquired if the ad-hoc committee’s findings address Canton High’s nickname origins.

newspaper report.

Along with McCoin, the 14-member Canton High School Logo and Mascot Committee included administrators, teachers, students and alumni.

Cameron Miller and Jodi Ring, who are 1975 Plymouth Canton High grads — served as alumni representatives. Both have been critical of the name change.

The national trend to expunge Indian names and imagery is leading to the genocide of their culture and history, said Eunice Davidson, acting president of the Native American Guardians Association.

The nonprofit promotes education on Indian affairs and heritage, especially in public schools.

School nicknames and mascots “are the only things keeping us relevant in this day and age,” Davidson said in a telephone interview June 29, “and they aren’t hurting anybody.”

The North Dakota outfit’s views are not in line with other indigenous advocacy groups, notably the National Congress of American Indians, which mounted a drive to end Indian mascots.

On the Guardians’ website (www.nagaeducation.org), the group makes a case that even terms “Redman” are not offensive, stating Native Americans have been using those self-identifying terms since the 1800s.

An argument against rebranding was the Chiefs' sobriquet referred to leaders, stretching beyond Native American association.

“Do we have any documentation to show that was truly the intent when this was established?” Wilson asked Trustee Patti McCoin, who served on the advisory panel.

Canton High switched to an arrowhead insignia two decades ago after people complained about the school's chief-inheaddress logo, according to a PCEP Perspective student

“We're proud of our heritage; we're proud of our ancestors," said Davidson, a member of The Dakota tribe. “Our ancestors fought so hard for our survival. They did what they had to.”

Davidson's organization wades into school-naming issues like the one consuming Canton High. Davidson said she emailed P-CSS, offering her organization's perspective but didn’t hear back.

Robb shared similar frustration after the board meeting June 27.

"It seems like they have their agenda to get this done," said Robb, a retired social studies

teacher whose wife is a Canton High graduate.

Like the Guardians, Robb fears the move is part of the overall erosion of Native American culture.

Robb’s mother, Iris, was born and lived on the White Cloud Chippewas reservation in northern Minnesota. He often visits relatives there.

"They live in poverty and don't care about (school names and mascots)," he said. "They think that names like Chiefs and Warriors, and even Redskins, are an honor to them."

Aside from his Native American heritage, Robb encountered the debate for four decades as a hall-of-fame football coach at schools bearing Indian nicknames.

Until last fall, the former three-sport (football, basketball and baseball) standout at Plymouth Salem High served as a Canton High assistant coach for eight years. His coaching career was also highlighted by a 25year tenure at Milan High, which kept its Big Reds name but opted to forgo all Native American iconography in 2012.

In 2015, Robb served as head coach

Are you in favor of changing the Canton High School 'Chiefs' name?

6,188 responses

at Tecumseh High, which drew fire for its ceremonial headdress-wearing mascot and moniker that honors the school's namesake Shawnee Chief. He was also an assistant at New Boston Huron (Chiefs).

“I was always proud of the fact we were using Native American mascots and logos,” he said. “I think that a majority of Native American people are proud of that.”

School board members say Canton High students will select the replacement. District officials say they are figuring out the process and will have updates as they become available.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Now that the Plymouth-Canton School Board has voted to change the Canton High mascot to something other than Chiefs, we’d love to hear what you think a good replacement name should be.

Please email your suggestions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@ therockmagazine.com.

Five Mile Proposals Sparking Heated Debate

Plymouth officials shoot down Meijer and Downs plans

By Larry O'Connor

Apair of controversial Plymouth Township developments have proponents and foes locked in a fierce debate over their overall footprint and whether they fit within the fiveyear-old Michigan International Technology Center.

At stake is the township’s heart and soul, residents say.

A proposed Meijer supercenter and Northville Downs harness raceway’s planned move to Five Mile and Ridge resulted in tense Plymouth Township planning commission sessions in the past month. The MITC corridor runs from Beck to Napier roads along Five Mile.

Meijer’s adversaries won Round 1.

The planning commission denied a special land use permit needed to build the 159,000-square-foot supermarket and gas station. The panel cited potential traffic congestion for rejecting the application at a meeting June 21.

The township Board of Trustees will consider final approval for the racetrack’s site plan and community benefit agreement.

The Downs project was not on the board’s July 11 meeting agenda but residents voiced their opposition. Both projects will decimate the township's tranquil setting, one detractor said.

“I live in a lovely community; it's being threatened by all these proposals,” said Laura Auwers during public comments. “Do not destroy my sanctuary. I live so humbly, peacefully and gratefully in Plymouth Township.”

The Northville Downs at Plymouth Township project features a half-mile track and a three-story 480-seat grandstand. The racecourse would open in spring 2024.

Residents worry a casinolike operation is in the race track’s long-term plans, despite assurances from Downs owner John Carlo and township officials who cite a state law that limit gaming establishments to the three existing ones in Detroit.

Critics remain wary, noting efforts to amend the state’s horse racing law so tracks can add up to 1,500 terminals for parimutuel betting.

An MITC consultant also refuted claims the 45-acre race track site is contaminated, a prospect raised by residents during the June 27 meeting. The Downs’ plan includes public soccer fields and pickleball courts.

The confusion stems from a 2018 environmental assessment, which was performed when the track property was combined with a separate 3-acre parcel, said MITC Brownfield Operations consultant James Harless in a July 5 report.

Contamination — including arsenic, cadmium, copper and mercury — is confined within the smaller lot owned by Hillside Ridge Holdings West, Harless’ report said. Northville Downs bought the larger parcel from Hillside in October.

“There is no reason to believe that the environmental conditions (on the 3 acres) are in any way connected,” Harless said.

Trustee Chuck Curmi is concerned about the proposed racecourse’s “real kicker,” a community development agreement being negotiated between Downs owners and the township. Curmi opposed granting the PUD option for the project, which the Board Trustees approved in a 6-1 vote on Feb. 28.

“There is some mixing of government and business covenants, which I find alarming,” said Curmi recently, “and residents should also.”

Critics further argue a retail outlet and betting track are businesses that will bring crime and not produce the high-paying jobs promised when 800-acre MITC corridor was set up in 2018.

A fluctuating real estate market caused planners to shift strategy, said Heise, who also serves as MITC Redevelopment Authority chairman.

Office space is going unfilled with more people working at home. As a result, planners

cast their net beyond high-tech, engineering and bio-science firms. “And that includes retail,” he added.

Northville Lumber is investing $21.5 million to move operations on the northeast corner of Five Mile and Napier. The business is expected to open later this year. A hotel and retail are also in the works on Northville Township’s side.

Misleading information and questionable tactics have marred discussion on both of the Plymouth Township proposals, Heise said.

Anti-Meijer forces revealed Planning Commission chairman Dennis Cebulski’s home phone number in a blanket text sent days before the meeting. The chairman said his phone rang nonstop from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m.

"I started not to answer the phone after a while," said Cebulski, who was accused of "doing dirty backroom deals" by some callers.

Intimidation methods discourage volunteers from serving on township boards and commissions, the township supervisor said.

“That's where it got very political and very personal, and resulted in the doxing of an official,” Heise said, “which the last time I checked is a violation of federal law.”

The telephonic deluge did not sway his decision, said Cebulski, who cast the dissenting ballot in a 5-1 vote to shoot down the special use request. The permit would have allowed the Meijer center to be built on property zoned for light industrial use.

Commissioner James Berry was absent.

With the commission’s denial, the supermarket chain must wait a year before reapplying.

Cebulski said he favored allowing developer Southfield-based Redico to withdraw the proposal.

Redico president and CEO Dale Watchowski declined to speculate on when — or if — the Walker, Mich.-based retailer will resubmit the project.

Watchowski was puzzled about why recently approved $10 million in state aid to expand Five Mile didn't factor in the commission's decision.

The grant should cover construction costs from Beck

to Ridge roads on the Wayne County-owned thoroughfare, Heise said.

MITC officials are working with Wayne County commissioners to secure more grant money to extend the Five Mile rebuild to Napier, the township supervisor said.

The developer disputed residents’ claims taxpayers are on the hook for $15 million to clean the contaminated site. Redico is paying for environmental remediation and will be reimbursed through the Brownfield Authority’s tax increment financing plan, Watchowski said.

“There was a lot of misinformation and, seeing it unfold, we said, 'let's just pull the application, and we’ll get back to you in a matter of weeks,’” Watchowski said.

An attorney representing Ned Jarwich, who owns a Shell Station at Five Mile and Beck, applauded the commission’s

denial. Jarwich retained Joseph Xuereb in a fight to stop the supermarket chain’s expansion.

Xuereb said he was involved when in a similar effort in 2016 Meijer tried to build on the northwest corner of Five Mile and Beck. Despite fierce opposition, Northville Township trustees approved the project, which was scrapped when Redico swapped the land to build homes on the site.

The Livonia-based attorney said the text message was part of a marketing campaign, which was necessary to blunt the township supervisor’s attempt “to slide this in without the residents knowing.”

“This idea that we doxed or bullied the planning commission is so stupid,” Xuereb added.

retail

and

horse racing track. Are

in favor of the proposals or would you like to see something else for the Five Mile corridor? Please email your

to Editor Kurt Kuban at

With the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s 2022-23 season concluding, it’s time to take one look back on some of the highlights from the Plymouth Canton Educational Park’s spring sports campaign.

There were several memorable highlights, both team-wise and individually for the studentathletes at Canton, Plymouth and Salem high schools.

Here’s a capsule look as the three schools will now turn the calendar and embark on the new 2023-24 MHSAA school year starting with the fall season.

BASEBALL

Salem (18-18, 4-10 KLAA West) took sixth in the division led by All-KLAA selections Robert Ahlgren and Ben Cannon, both seniors, along with junior Aaron Pryce. The Rocks lost to Northville in the second round of the Division 1-District 15 playoffs, 4-3.

Ahlgren was also named to play for the East squad in the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Classic played June 28 at Jimmy John’s Park in Utica. Salem’s John Wright was also named to the coaching staff.

Canton (14-21, 3-11 KLAA West) took seventh place and fell to Livonia Churchill in the second round of the district, 1-0. Earning All-KLAA honors for the Chiefs included senior Jack Will, along with juniors Caleb Williams and

Marcus Vince.

Longtime Canton head coach Mark Blomshield was also inducted into the MHSBCA Hall of Fame.

Plymouth (21-16, 2-12 KLAA West) finished eighth in the division and lost to Churchill in the first round of the district, 4-3. Seniors Drew Dawson and Joey Davis, along with junior Michael Nicholas, earned All-KLAA honors for the Wildcats.

SOFTBALL

Despite a losing record, Canton (14-17-1, 6-8 KLAA West) got hot at the right time and made a run all the way to the Division 1 quarterfinals before losing to eventual state runnerup Woodhaven, 5-1, at Albion College.

The Chiefs, coached by Al White, defeated Salem (3-2) and Plymouth (5-0) for the District 13 title and then won the Region 4 crown at Northville with a 3-0 victory over defending state champion Allen Park after eliminating Garden City earlier in the day, 5-1.

Earning All-KLAA honors for Canton included senior Camille Oyer, juniors Emma Grau and Ella Fournier, along with sophomore Ryley Frank. Grau, a pitcher, earned D1 honorable mention AllState honors.

Meanwhile, Plymouth tied with Canton for fourth in the KLAA West at 6-8 and had four players

make All-KLAA including seniors Ashley Rosiewicz and Erika Tucker, along with sophomores Hannah Simko and Natalie McCall.

Rosiewicz, a shortstop, and Simko, a second baseman, both earned Division 1 first-team All-State honors by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association.

Salem, which finished seventh in the KLAA West at 4-10, put three players on the All-Conference team including senior Megan Claerhout, junior Sydney Taylor and freshman Shannon McAuliffe.

GIRLS SOCCER

Canton (11-5-5, 8-2-5 KLAA) took second in the West Division and captured the D1-District 11 championship with a 3-0 win over Salem after ousting Plymouth in the semifinals, 2-1.

In Region 3, the Chiefs defeated Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 1-0, before falling to Saline in the finals, 1-0 (overtime).

Senior forward Tara Dunn earned second-team All-State by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association. Senior forward Caril Urkainec earned third-team, while sophomore goalkeeper Campbell Appert and sophomore defender Scarlett Nuechterlein were named honorable mention.

The foursome earned All-KLAA honors along with junior defender Sydney Bohn, junior midfielder

Alexis Pickerel, junior midfielder Nora Schley and junior defender Chloe Hendricks.

Salem (10-8-3, 6-6-3 KLAA) took fifth in the West Division led by second-team All-Stater Olivia Schuck, a senior forward, while senior midfielder Emerson Lukomski was named third-team. Both earned All-KLAA honors along with senior midfielder Elyse Wiacek and senior defender Olivia Ahlgren.

Plymouth (5-10-3, 4-9-3 KLAA) finished seventh in the West and was led by honorable mention AllStater Allison Duggan, a senior forward. She earned All-KLAA honors for the Wildcats along with senior forward Brynn Riley and senior defender Haley Offerall.

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Canton sophomore Quincy Isaac captured first place in the long jump (22 feet, 11 inches). In the Division 1 finals held June 3 at Rockford as the Chiefs tied for 13th in the team standings with 18 points.

Canton junior Nathan Levine was runner-up in the high jump with a leap of 6’-6”.

Plymouth tied for 15th in the team standings with 15 points led by senior Sean Byrnes, who was runner-up in the 3,200-meter run with a time of 9:12.65. He also teamed up with junior Anirudh Krishnan, senior Max Zoltowski and senior Alex Bobak for a fourth in the 4 x 800 relay (7:48.44). The

Wildcats’ Idrys Cotton, a junior, took fifth in the shot put (52-0.5).

Meanwhile, Salem’s 4 x 800-meter relay team of senior Adam Andrews, junior Paul Quint, senior Elliot Carey and junior Mitchell Robillard placed sixth (7:55.27) and scored three points.

In the Region 6 meet May 19 at Livonia Stevenson, Northville came away with the team title with 143.5 points followed by runner-up Plymouth (91.5) and third place Canton (63.5). Salem was ninth with 22.

Individual PCEP regional champions included Cotton, shot put (71.7.5) discus (143-4); Levine, high jump (6-6); Isaac, long jump (22-2); Byrnes, 3,200 (9:20.1); and Canton senior Derrick Graves II, 110 hurdles (15.29).

of 5-10, while senior Kate Stewart took third in the pole vault after clearing 11-9.

In the Region 6 meet, Northville captured the team title with 124 points while Salem was runnerup with 115. Plymouth and Canton finished fourth and fifth, respectively, with 62 and 56 points.

First-place finishers for the Rocks included Morson, high jump (5-8); Kate Stewart, pole vault (12-6); and senior Emma Stewart, long jump (16-6.5). Salem’s 4 x 100 relay team of Emma Stewart, sophomores Gracyn Ray and Maeve Skinner, along with Morson, took first in 50.39.

Newman swept the 1,600 and 3,200 with times of 4:59.45 and 10:54.3, respectively.

Plymouth’s two individual champs included senior Mira Vulaj (200, 26.0) and senior Shravya Ghantasala (100 hurdles, 15.25).

Cosgrove, Cleveland and Timberlake also earned Division 1 honorable mention All-State honors by the Michigan High School Lacrosse Coaches Association.

Canton (6-12, 2-2 KLAA East) went 4-5 overall in the conference as seniors Dallas Newman (goalie), Gabe Porco (defender) and Ben Crova (midfielder) made AllKLAA.

Salem (4-14, 1-3) finished 1-8 overall in the conference and were led by All-KLAA picks Aaron Smith (defender) and Ben Gramer (midfielder), both juniors. Junior attacker Ryan Peters made honorable mention All-State.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Plymouth (5-8, 1-2 KLAA East) finished 2-5 overall in the conference while claiming PCEP honors with victories over Canton and Salem.

Canton and Plymouth tied for 10th with 331 as senior Luke Aldrich led Canton with a 77 (20th) and senior Aiden Newman added a 78 (24th). Plymouth senior Easton Andrews was 38th with an 81.

The top three team finishers included Novi Detroit Catholic Central (288), Brighton (296) and eventual state champion Northville (300).

In the KLAA postseason tourney May 31 at Kensington Metropark, Canton (319) took fourth led by Newman’s 73 (fifth individually). Aldrich added a 74 to place seventh.

In the KLAA preseason event, April 20 at Kensington, Newman and Aldrich tied for 19th individual with an 80 each.

In the final KLAA West Division standings, Canton was fifth (2-5); Salem, sixth (2-4) and Plymouth, eighth (0-5).

GIRLS TENNIS

Novi (7-0) captured the KLAA West Division followed by Northville (6-1), while Canton (4-3) took fourth. Plymouth (3-4) and Salem (2-6) finished fifth and sixth, respectively.

In the D1-Regional 2 tourney at Novi, the host Wildcats took the team title followed by Northville (26) and Canton (15). Plymouth was seventh with three points, while Salem took ninth with one.

On May 13 at Howell, Northville captured the KLAA meet with 121 points followed up runner-up Belleville (70). They were followed by Plymouth (fourth, 61); Canton (sixth, 51); and Salem, 13th (21).

Isaac captured the long jump (22-2.75) and Levine took the high jump (6-6).

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

In the D1 finals at Rockford, Canton senior Cara Newman earned All-State (top eight) in two individual events while scoring all five of the Chiefs’ points placing sixth in the 1,600 (4:52.95) and seventh in the 3,200 (10:50.18).

Salem junior Madison Morson was runner-up in the high jump for the second straight year with a leap

Northville scored 114 to win the KLAA meet with Salem finishing second with 91. Plymouth and Canton took seventh and eighth, respectively, with 44 and 37.

Individual champions include Newman, 1,600 (5:01.16); 3,200 (10:57.89); Ghantasala, 100 hurdles (15.36); 300 hurdles (46.66); Morson, high jump (5-4); and Emma Stewart, pole vault (12-0).

BOYS LACROSSE

Plymouth (8-9, 3-1) finished one game out of first behind Livonia United in the KLAA East Division, while going 5-4 overall in the conference.

Junior midfielder Evan Cosgrove, sophomore long stick midfielder Jimmy Cleveland, senior attacker Gavin Timberlake and senior goalie Griffin Amos garnered All-KLAA honors.

Earning All-KLAA honors for the Wildcats included Maggie Kime, Hannah Oberski, Ava Lemon and Danielle Turner.

Salem (5-8, 1-2) finished 2-5 in the conference and were led by All-KLAA picks Mileena Cotter, junior midfielder; Eric Cao, senior defender; and Kaitlyn Courtney, junior attack-midfielder.

Canton (2-16, 0-3) went 0-7 in conference action and were led by All-KLAA selections Abby Sullivan, a senior defender, along with Jordan Wetmore, a junior midfielder.

BOYS GOLF

Salem placed eighth in the Division 1-Regional 3 tourney May 31 at Salem Hill with a four-player team score of 324 as sophomore Dominic Chaput took 24th individually with 78.

Canton sophomore Saee Pawar, second seed at No. 2 singles, finished runner-up to Northville’s Sophia DePilla, 6-2, 6-1.

When Jim O’Farrell and some buddies stood around about three years ago at an Ypsilanti Township pole barn – aka The Shed – talking about doing something to help others in need, little did the small group of men realize what they were about to unleash.

“A group of us guys would hang out at what is called ‘The Shed,’ but actually it’s a guy’s pole barn,” O’Farrell reminisced. “And we would refer to each other as Shednecks.”

Discussions turned to what they could do to make the world a better place.

Plymouth resident O’Farrell soon pinned down who he and his fellow “Shednecks” wanted to help, namely teenagers and young adults battling various forms of cancer who fell between the cracks of efforts such as the Make-a-Wish Foundation – which primarily focuses on infants and children.

During his research efforts in autumn 2020, O’Farrell contacted the director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at Ann Arbor’s C.S. Mott’s Children’s Hospital. The AYA was partially funded by Teen Cancer America.

“Her response was ‘This is absolutely fantastic, we don’t have anyone like you,’” O’Farrell continued. “She asked me what we wanted to do. We wanted to deliver some smiles.”

Not long afterward, the 501 (c)3 Shedneck Foundation was officially formed and O’Farrell became it’s CEO. Today, he along with board members Vince Kretschmer, Todd Saunders and Mike Sheppard are overseeing an endeavor that keeps on building in scope and impact.

Helping grant wishes for current cancer patients, known as the Shedneck “Warriors,” the foundation relies on the generosity of area businesses

and philanthropic-minded community members.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

“There is no other organization that I’m aware of that is constructed, built like us, other than the Make-a-Wish Foundation,” O’Farrell said. “And we do not aspire to be anything like them other than the delivery of a wish. They are a global organization, … this (Shedneck Foundation) is all volunteer work, every single cent including tickets purchased goes to delivering these wishes for these warriors.”

The tickets he was referring to are for the upcoming, third annual Shedneck Foundation Hoe Down, set for 5-10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 19 (at 676 W. Ann Arbor Trail near the historic Wilcox House in downtown Plymouth). Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in advance through www. shedneckfoundation.org.

This year’s fundraiser will help bring smiles and thrills to the current roster of warriors, a growing “Circle of Friends” now extending from the PlymouthCanton area to Belleville, Brighton and Livonia.

“We’ll have six warriors there (Aug. 19),” O’Farrell added.

Boosting the expanded circle is the organization’s new connection with Beaumont Hospital to help young people from the northern suburbs to augment the C.S. Mott network.

“That network, since having that first pole-barn meeting at The Shed has grown from one pole barn to several communities in southeast Michigan,” O’Farrell said. “We’ve (increased event attendance) from 100 to 300 and are hoping to get 400 at the Hoe Down. If we have to move to a bigger site, get a bigger tent, it’s a good problem to have.”

What is getting bigger and better had relatively modest beginnings during 2020-21.

The very first “Warrior” who the organization turned its attention to was then-Plymouth High School senior Zoe Weber, a friend of the O’Farrell family who was suffering from stage

2 Hodgkins Lymphoma. The illness, followed by rounds of chemotherapy, forced her to miss nearly her entire senior season on the Wildcats’ varsity girls’ lacrosse team.

Now age 20, Weber has recovered enough to return to play varsity women’s lacrosse at Adrian College. Meanwhile, patrons to the Ironwood Grille on Ann Arbor Trail near Main Street can glimpse her framed, high school No. 21 jersey on a restaurant wall.

HELPING WITH PERSPECTIVE

“It’s pretty cool, I felt really honored that they did that,” said Weber, who is an ambassador for the Shedneck Foundation. She

The goal was to collect enough money to help Weber celebrate her senior prom.

“We went to Ironwood (Grill) for dinner and for my prom we went to (downtown) Detroit, got pictures, just hung out around there and spent the night at one of my friend’s house,” Weber recalled.

As magical as that night was, Weber said she is “a little jealous” at how the Shedneck Foundation is able to help 2023 Warriors with their own senior celebrations.

For example, the organization has grown enough to be able to send a Brighton teen and three other family members on a weekend excursion to the Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands along the coast of North Carolina. But after a chuckle, Weber quickly asserted how great it is to make others’ dreams become reality.

want us to be one and done. So we changed how we approach creating this VIP wish. We meet with the family prior, we invite them to things we are doing. Each warrior, including Zoe, we have gotten to know their family.”

And as those relationships have developed, other warriors and their families also stay connected.

“It has turned out to be a mental healing with the families,” O’Farrell said.

According to Weber, it is important for former warriors to be there for new ones joining the Circle of Friends, too. The 2023 Hoe Down will be attended by Weber, Alex Blue (Belleville), Lane Kleinglass (Canton), Peyton Mann (Brighton), Andy Kelly (Livonia) and Madison Odum (Brighton).

and have them see first-hand what they are donating for or to.”

Those several hundred who don cowboy hats, boots and other Western-themed garb for the third annual Hoe Down are certain to come away from the Wilcox House even more committed than ever to helping deliver smiles.

intends to always be available to talk to new warriors about her experience and what they might expect.

“I’m doing good,” Weber noted. “July will be two years in remission and I feel good, I’m getting stronger, I’m getting my athleticism back.”

The second warrior was Autumn Waack, of Brighton, who passed away from her cancer in October 2022. O’Farrell said the foundation later this year will be doing a toy drive in Autumn’s memory for C.S. Mott’s Christmas store.

Looking back at the organization’s beginnings, O’Farrell said the Shedneck Foundation’s first fundraiser was a small-scale one in April 2021 attended by a handful of couples.

“I think the growth (of the Shedneck Foundation) is great, I’m glad we’re getting new warriors,” Weber said. “But I wish we didn’t have to get these warriors, I wish they didn’t have to go through all this. But it’s nice to help them out and give them a nice day out, or a nice trip and everything.

NOT ‘ONE AND DONE’

O’Farrell said the original concept was to provide warriors with their wish and move on to others in need.

“We would be ‘one and done,’ we’re going to deliver a wish and we’ll be done,” O’Farrell emphasized. “We’ll move on to the next one.”

But Weber and the Shednecks mutually wanted to not end their relationship anytime soon. That idea is becoming the rule rather than the exception.

“The challenge we faced with Zoe is, we loved her so much and she wanted to remain in contact,” O’Farrell explained. “She didn’t

“I think it’s really beneficial,” Weber stressed. “Because you don’t know what their situation is and everything. It might be hard at home, or they’re having a hard time with treatment… So it’s nice to have someone that’s been through it and able to talk to you about it.”

Weber also applauds the Shedneck Foundation for how it fills the void of attention and steps up for a demographic that might have unwittingly been overlooked by established charitable groups.

O’Farrell said the Hoe Down’s purpose goes beyond celebrating with the Warriors and their families. He underscored how important it is for those who have given to the foundation to see for themselves how their money or time is continuing to pay dividends.

“The reason we have the Hoe Down is to celebrate our warriors,” O’Farrell said. “But as we celebrate them, to take the people who have donated during the year, or by buying a ticket,

A Show of Patriotism

Scenes from Plymouth’s 4th of July Parade

Plymouth residents were in a patriotic mood for the Good Morning USA 4th of July Parade this year, as a big crowd came out for the annual parade on Independence Day.

There were plenty of flags and floats, patriotic music and American-themed costumes on full display as the parade made its way through downtown Plymouth.

Photographer Bill Bresler, who’s attended more parades than he can remember, was on hand with his camera, capturing Plymouth’s salute to America.

Sachin Parikh, M.D. Cardiologist

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