The Rock_12_2024

Financial goals aren’t achieved overnight.

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Contact us today to start creating a financial strategy tailored to your specific needs.

John A Birchler CFP®

Financial Advisor

1176 South Main Street Ste A Plymouth, MI 48170 734-454-4653

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Local Journalism Matters

Please consider a donation to support The Rock. Since we began publishing more than three years ago, our goal has been to provide our readers with valuable information about the Plymouth community each and every month. Your support is vital if you would like to see us survive and grow. The Rock is sent free to every address in Plymouth, yet is not free to produce.

LOCAL Matters!

That is the foundation of this magazine. If you find it of value, please consider supporting it. We need your support.

Please send donations to:

Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168

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

Thanks in advance,

Publisher

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

Advertise in The Rock

• Reach 21,000 addresses every month.

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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.

KURT KUBAN – Publisher

Kurt is an award-winning journalist, having served as a reporter and editor for several local newspapers and magazines, including the Plymouth Observer He has been a journalist for over two decades. He founded Journeyman Publishing, which also publishes The ‘Ville, in 2017.

SCOTT SPIELMAN – Editor

Scott graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Journalism. He covered western Wayne County for more than 12 years at several publications before transitioning into corporate communications and media relations. A Canton resident, he has also finished his first novel and is hard at work on his next.

SCOTT BUIE – Advertising Director/Vice President of Sales

Scott has 20+ years creating advertising campaigns for clients in Metro Detroit. After managing sales for radio stations for 17 years he purchased Street Marketing, where he works closely with a variety of businesses and events. Scott and his family have lived in the Plymouth/Northville area for over 23 years.

JENNY PEARSALL – Creative Director

Jenny has been in the design and print industry for over twenty years, holding various positions in graphic design, print buying, production and print management. She also owns Bovia Design Group, a company specializing in publications and corporate branding.

MICHELE FECHT – Writer

Michele is an award-winning journalist whose first post-college reporter position was at The Northville Record before moving on to The Detroit News She has been a City of Northville resident for nearly 40 years and is an author, researcher and local history enthusiast.

TIM SMITH – Writer

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

WENSDY VON BUSKIRK – Writer

Wensdy graduated with a degree in journalism from Wayne State University. Her first job was working as a reporter for The Northville Record. Now, as a freelance writer and editor, she works for a variety of magazines, including The Rock. -Photo by Kathleen Voss

SUE VOYLES – Writer

Growing up, Sue always knew she wanted to be a writer. She has written for many publications over her long career in public relations and journalism, and taught English and journalism at Schoolcraft College. In 2022, she received the national Headliner Award from the Association for Women in Communications.

KEN VOYLES – Writer/Photographer

Ken is an award-winning writer, photographer and designer whose career has spanned nearly five decades in and around metro Detroit. He started his journalism career in Plymouth, working for the Community Crier. He is the author of two books on Detroit history, loves to travel and has finished his first novel.

BILL BRESLER – Photographer

Bill arrived in Plymouth in 1977 to work for the Community Crier. He also worked for the Plymouth Observer for many years. Bill, who taught photography at Madonna University, retired from what was left of the newspaper business in 2019 and now freelances. He’s happy to be back in the Plymouth community.

BRYAN MITCHELL – Photographer

Bryan started working as a photographer more than 30 years ago, and was a staff photographer for the Plymouth Observer in the 90s. He has freelanced for The Detroit News, The Guardian, Reuters, and other publications. His photography has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the globe.

kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com

What a year it’s been

“And now,” as Frank Sinatra once sang, “the end is near, as [2024] has reached its final curtain…”

And what a year it’s been in the Plymouth (and Northville and Canton) community. Not only did 2024 seemingly fly by in the blink of the proverbial eye, but it was packed with news that will impact our community for a long time to come.

In some cases, the top stories of 2024 were carry-overs from 2023. We saw the continued controversy of the proposed move of Northville Downs to Plymouth Township, which was ultimately rejected by the township board and which sparked a lawsuit that is currently pending. The township, under the direction of former Supervisor Kurt Heise, filed a motion to dismiss and is waiting for a ruling—or at least the next steps—on that.

The waste water permit application in Salem Township is also in bureaucracy limbo; the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) hosted a public hearing on the issue last year. If approved, it would open the door to a major development in Salem Township and open—nearly literally—the floodgates of potential water/sewer runoffs for western Wayne County (and Plymouth Township in particular).

Another story with potential large impact on the community is the failure of the parks millage in the City of Plymouth. Also a carryover from 2023, the city commission decided to ask voters to approve a scaled-back version of the 2023 proposal to provide a dedicated funding stream to improve parks and apply for grant funding to help spread tax dollars in the future.

And, to top it all off, the 2024 election brought change to the township board, when long-time trustee Chuck Curmi ousted incumbent Supervisor Heise.

What does it all mean? It means there will be plenty in store for our community next year, too. I would look for some kind of resolution on the Salem Spring issue (which was technically due in September.) In this, I fear the unintended consequences of decisions made last year. Heise did an admirable job of working behind the scenes to stall the development, tweaking the approval process at the Western Township Utilities Association (WTUA), which oversees storm and waste water runoff infrastructure in Plymouth, Canton and Northville. The unintended consequence is that it may force the decision into the hands of the state—and then it’s strictly a numbers game. The locals won’t have much say.

I would expect some kind of resolution on the racetrack lawsuit, as well. It’s hard to believe it will be in any way successful, but time will tell.

As a tangent to that, it will be interesting to see how the western portion of the township continues to develop next year. Michigan International Technology Center (MITC), along the Five Mile corridor from Beck to Napier in both Plymouth and Northville Townships is evolving, with projects like a new Meijer store and the recently relocated Northville Lumber taking root. Will it continue to develop into a more commercial area, a high-tech/industrial zone, or a combination of both?

In the city, we will see some work begin through the recently approved Downtown Development Authority (DDA) master plan, as well as a re-imagined approach to park maintenance and improvement. Voters have rejected a dedicated millage for it twice, and I have a hard time believing the city commission will ask them again any time soon.

We’ll be following those stories and bringing you plenty of features about the people and businesses that make this such a unique, thriving community, too.

As always, I thank you for reading and welcome your thoughts about any of the above issues or any others that we may have missed.

I wish you all happy holidays and a prosperous New Year!

Scott

SANTA BRINGS SEASONS GREETING

THE ROCK IN FOCUS WITH BRYAN MITCHELL

When Vitrine owner Susan Rogal found out that Plymouth’s historic Baker House was for sale, she knew right away it would make the perfect spot for her boutique.

With the holidays approaching, she invites shoppers to stop by and make themselves at home as they browse trendy clothing, accessories and gifts.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Rogal has had a long journey in retail. She launched Vitrine in Berkley, Mich. in 2017, and added a second Vitrine location in Plymouth (772 S. Main St.) about five years later. Her brand of upscale merchandise at competitive prices was extremely well received, and she fell in love

with Plymouth’s quaint downtown.

When the historic Baker House became available, Rogal decided to make the move.

Located at 233 S. Main Street, the regal Italianate house was built in 1875 by Henry W. Baker, co-founder of the Daisy Rifle Company, which manufactured the Red Ryder BB gun seen in the beloved movie A Christmas Story.

“It’s a bit of Plymouth’s celebrated history,” Rogal says. “It was one of the largest employers in the region and that company is famous, especially this time of year.”

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the brick home is a landmark in Plymouth because of its storybook design and towering chimney.

Rogal sees the move as more than just a business expansion — it's a heartfelt nod to her love of history. "I’ve done walking tours with Preservation Detroit for years, so to move into a place like this, it felt like fate," she says. “I can’t even believe we’re here. It’s such a treasure.”

The sale closed in February, 2024 and Rogal spent seven months carefully restoring the property and preserving its integrity while installing an elevator, deck and flooring throughout. One thing she didn’t touch was the fireplace, made of beautiful black granite and handmade tiles.

“The fireplace is reason enough to come here, whether you want to shop or not,” she says.

“In the late 1800s that was just something that was so signature

to your home. You always had a stained glass window and a phenomenal fireplace.”

ALL IN A NAME

Vitrine’s name comes from the first piece of furniture Rogal purchased for her original store.

“It was a vintage hutch and I

thought it might be cute to have a sketch of it as our logo,” she explains.

When she searched the internet for inspiration, the first thing that popped up was a cabinet in the Louis XIV style called a “vitrine” and defined as “a glass object with treasures inside.”

“I thought ‘oh, that’s what we are,” she says.

Although the hutch is long gone, the treasures remain. Shoppers are invited to grab a sample of Harney & Sons teas and tour the rooms, each styled with a unique blend of decor and merchandise.

In the accessory room, guests will find a floor-to-ceiling array of jewelry, wallets, and fragrances. Many items have a mission, from Mend on the Move’s jewelry made

by survivors of abuse to fair-trade bag charms and cosmetic pouches.

The home goods room is stocked with serveware, including holiday-themed charcuterie

boards and decor, while the spa area includes pampering products by favorites like Lollia, Muse and Rinse.

Vitrine’s tea room is lined with Michigan-made treats, from Traverse City jams to local hot sauces and honey, while the fireplace room boasts a wide range of sophisticated clothing, including top brands like Liverpool, that transitions from day to night.

THE SECOND STORY

Heading upstairs, shoppers enter the denim room, filled with a curated selection of jeans and athleisure, while the glam room dazzles with its stunning ceiling mural and sequin jackets, silk skirts, and blinged-out pieces perfect for holiday parties.

“It’s everyone’s favorite room,” Rogal shares, adding, “You’ll find something special for dressy

events and even a little sparkle for everyday wear.”

The second floor is the site of cozy gloves, hats, scarves, slippers and “Made in Michigan” products perfect for gifting. Vitrine also showcases regional artists in special gallery shows and pop up shops each weekend.

As the space is decked out for the holidays, Rogal hopes her curated inventory along with her unique space and especially her team, add to the charm of Plymouth.

“This town is very special and

that’s just the truth,” she says.

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Transformative Plymouth nonprofit helps troubled kids find their voice, purpose

Mike Ball was getting ready for a performance at The Ark in Ann Arbor when he stepped outside and heard a familiar voice call his name.

It turns out, the voice belonged to a young man Ball had met in a juvenile detention facility years earlier. Now free, cleaned up and ready for the future, the young man represented one of the many success stories for Ball’s nonprofit, Lost Voices.

“It was amazing to see him,” said Ball, a Plymouth resident whose non-profit is based in the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex (PARC) near downtown. “He has overcome so much. He’s a survivor.”

Lost Voices dates back to 2006 when Ball, a writer, humorist and singer/songwriter, was invited to the WJ Maxey Boys Training

By Scott Spielman

School in Whitmore Lake for a career day. He was asked to talk to the kids, all of whom had been convicted of serious crimes, about writing.

“It was the first time I ever saw kids who were really in severe trouble. I realized that these were our kids; these are children, just like my own. They were just on a different path,” said Ball.

“Different things happened to them. It was also clear, just from talking with these kids, that they weren’t born thieves and murderers and rapists—they were children. They had just been in a world that took them places that children shouldn’t go.”

Not a trained therapist, Ball still wanted to help. He applied for and received a grant to do a documentary on one of the young people—the man he later met outside the Ark. The National Endowment for the

Lost Voices grew out of that initial concept. Through the program, Ball takes a team of talented singers and song-writers into juvenile detention centers and other facilities for a weeklong songwriting program.

On the first day, he and his team introduce themselves through folk and blues music. Then they work with the youths, both individually and as a group, to write songs about their experiences as a way to come to terms with their past and process their sense of self. Sometimes the songs are intense and personal, about their experiences or thoughts about leaving the facility and again facing the real world. Other times, they’re just about pizza. The young people know, however, that at 4 p.m. the following Friday, they are scheduled to perform their work.

Arts (NEA) got wind of it and approached him to do a program to help troubled youths. They essentially asked him what kind of program to run and his thoughts turned to songwriting.

“I knew the healing power of music,” he said. “I had absolutely no plan on how we were going to do it, but I just knew that somehow I had to figure out a way to write songs with these kids.”

“It’s basically four days to write and rehearse a whole show,” Ball said. “It’s really intense. Believe it or not, they do it every time. They have the courage to walk on stage in front of strangers and their peers—and I think performing in front of their peers is scarier for them—and pour their hearts out. They get a tremendous round of applause for what they’ve done in front of their peers, in front of strangers and they think: what I feel counts. What I think counts. A lot of these kids have never experienced that.”

Lost Voices visits those kinds of facilities and others around the state as many as 14 times

surviving as best they can.

“They’ve got to sort out their lives. All of these children, their self-perception is so warped that it’s really difficult for them to rebuild it,” he said. “This process is fairly simple for them to do, but it’s phenomenally effective in helping them rethink, reconsider and recalibrate who they are. It’s transformative.”

long program has achieved in the young people they work with.

each year. They work with young offenders, survivors of sex trafficking, immigrant children who have been separated from

the families during the Trump administration and more. In each facility, Ball said he sees similar themes: troubled young people,

It may be simple, he added, but it’s effective. He said he’s been approached by psychiatrists and social workers after performances who have expressed amazement at the kind of breakthrough his week-

“It doesn’t sound like much— it’s song writing. It’s not a lot in and of itself,” Ball said. “We’re not the most important thing in their lives, but we’re there at a critical time, doing a critical thing. We’re proving complete, non-judgmental acceptance of who they are and even a celebration of who they are— sometimes, you have to celebrate surviving what they’ve gone

Continued on page 10

The days of smoky bar rooms, regional concert venues and auditoriums may be mostly behind him now, but that suits Arlen Viecelli just fine.

The lead singer and founder of Salem Witchcraft has traded in his guitars and microphones and near-constant touring for a 60-acre farm outside of Ann Arbor – for the most part.

The group reunited recently for a successful charity concert Nov. 23 at the Marquis Theater in downtown Northville, raising money for the group Lost Voices, which transforms the lives of at-risk youth.

“I’ve been doing everything for charity for about 20 years,” said Viecelli, now in his 70s. “I had so many people helping me throughout my career, so many angels standing over me I thought: ‘I’ve gotta give back.’ There are kids and families out there that are in the same boat that I was in.”

Viecelli said he grew up singing and played in several bands while he was in high school. His big break came when he hooked up with

a couple of friends for a battle of the bands and, after winning, was approached to play his first playing gig: opening up for Kenny Rogers at Cobo Hall.

“I said ‘Great.’ I didn’t know who Kenny Rogers was and I didn’t know what Cobo Hall was. I was just a kid then, not even out of high school yet,” he said. “When we got down there, I was looking around and I was just awestruck. That’s what got me—like a hook in a mouth. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to see what music could do for me, coming out of nothing.”

His family struggled during his early years and there were times, as a teen, that he didn’t have a home—he slept in unlocked Volkswagens on a car lot. He played with several bands throughout the 1960s and hooked up with Moe O’Shaughnessy, a drummer, and Kurt Schreitmueller, a keyboardist, in Salem Witchcraft in the 1970s. They played extensively in the area, high schools, bars, places like The Token Lounge and the Studio Lounge and started to make a name for themselves.

“It was quite a ride. We went from nothing to five records. We had a five-man road crew and a full lightshow, a giant truck,” he said. “We bought a house for the roadies to live in in Garden City. We had a two-and-a half car garage to practice in; It was like a snowball rolling.”

Along the way Salem Witchcraft opened for national acts: musicians like Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon, Bob Seger, Styx and Journey. They played together until 1979, then Viecelli toured on, doing USO shows around the world. Eventually, it got to be too much and he decided to settle down.

“Touring was burning me out. I had just had it,” he said. “I’d been around the world a couple of times, playing in these bands—I was so lucky, but it wears on you. I needed a change.”

He came out of semi-retirement in 2004, when he put together a Christmas CD for his family and friends. Somehow—he said he isn’t exactly sure what happened—it found its way to the local radio stations and soon, Pam Rossi was playing it on her Over Easy show

on the weekends. Other stations followed.

One thing led to another and soon he, O’Shaughnessy and Schreitmueller were playing again as Salem Witchcraft, taking on a variety of causes to help those in need. The shows are a mix of their original songs as well as popular classics from the bands they toured with and, in between, stories about what the music meant at the time it was written and performed.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Viecelli said. “To be blessed enough to be able to sing and still hit notes that are required for the songs we’re doing— I’m feeling really, really blessed.”

You

Continued from page 9

through—and that’s really important.”

At the end of each session, Ball, a former creative director at an advertising agency, burns a CD of their performance, packages it up and delivers it to the participants. Locally, he works with organizations like New Hope in Northville, Growth Works in Plymouth and the Building Leaders Out of Canton's Kids (BLOCK) in Canton.

Lost Voices only has two full-time employees—Ball and his associate director, Gretchen Pleuss. Pleuss is an accomplished songwriter and performer, as well, who worked on Ball’s team going into the facilities before she hired on full-time.

“It’s always been a part of what I’ve done. It was the perfect fit, with my passion for music and for working with children,” she said. Her first experience with the

organization was working with the young people at Vista Maria. “I knew what kinds of reactions that music, especially when talking about your feelings, can provoke. I think what surprised me was seeing how quickly the kids bought into it, how much they wanted to do it. Within two hours, because the way our process works is letting them direct it and guide it, they knew they weren’t being told what to do. It was what they wanted it to be. Seeing the

intense, emotional work they did was, to me, very powerful.”

Lost Voices operates entirely on donations and what grants they receive. A recent fundraiser at the Marquis Theater in downtown Northville brought in several thousand dollars. Featuring the reunion of local legendary rock band Salem Witchcraft, the event packed the theater.

“I was thrilled,” said Arlen Viecelli, co-founder and lead singer of the band. Viecelli has known Ball for years and performed several benefit concerts for the organization. “I would’ve been happy with 250 people, but we had nearly 400. It was such a blessing; Lost Voices is truly an amazing organization.”

For Ball, it’s all about helping these troubled young people come to terms with who they are, what they’ve done and what they are still capable of.

“I get choked up, not out of the sadness out of it, but because the kids are so cool,” he said.

“They’re resilient. They fight hard. They have to suck it up and deal with it—and they do. And they’re grateful when you give them something back.

For more information about Lost Voices, including how to donate to the group, visit www.lostvoices.org.

Open House

Preschool and Elementary

Please join us Monday, January 27

6:00 - 8:00pm

PreK - 12 Education

Biblical Worldview

Leadership Opportunities

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Accelerated Learning, Intervention

Weekly Worship in Chapel Community Service

Accredited by ACSI, Cognia Highly Qualified Teachers School-Wide Events

Weekly STEM, Art, Gym, World Language, and Music

Band and Choir starting in 5th Grade After School Sports Teams After School STEM Club

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No pre-registration required. Children are welcome to attend. We look forward to meeting you!

Window Dressing

By Scott Spielman

Murals by local artists dress up PARC exterior

The exterior of the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex (PARC) has a new look, thanks to some local artists and an idea sparked in downtown Chelsea.

An outdoor art display, called ‘Windows into PARC,’ has now replaced some of the sealed-up windows at the former middle

school. The scenes, created by local artists, depict everything from a young swim team to ballerinas to a variety of artisticrelated activities.

“We hope the art makes visitors smile and provides a

reminder of PARC’s communityfocused Mission: ‘To enrich lives through quality arts, education, and recreation programs for all ages’,” said Mark Malcolm, who purchased the 107-year-old building with his wife, Patty.

Through the course of renovating the historic structure, many of the windows that were sealed or filled in in 1980 to conserve energy were re-opened and replaced with energy efficient windows. Because of the many construction and renovation projects that took place at the former school over the years, however, that process was not feasible on all the windows.

The idea to cover those with art came when Patty Malcolm visited downtown Chelsea and saw a mural over a filled in window there. Thinking it was a perfect solution, the Malcolms partnered with Joan Witte and Molly Bell from the Plymouth Artist Collective, which is housed at the PARC, and Erin Harvey of FARO Imaging.

They solicited works from local artists for the exhibit and received 80 potential pieces. The initial plan, according to Mark Malcolm, was to install six works on the outside wall. They were so impressed by what they received, however, that they expanded it to

18 works of various sizes that are now displayed on three walls at the back of the facility, which is at Main and Church streets.

Local artists include: Linda Bedard, Molly Bell, Lindsay Bower, Cheryl Chidester, Amy Fell, Victoria Fritz, James Guy, Michaele Kadell, Thomas

Rosenbaum, Christine Walters, Sharlene Walton, Joan Witte, and Denise Cassidy Wood. On the large wall facing the back lot, three of the murals are interspersed between an artistic rendering of the PARC acronym, with letters by Janisse Larsson.

There’s room for more, too, according to Mark Malcolm. He said they would solicit additional art for the second phase in the project in the spring of 2025.

“Windows into PARC is both a symbolic and real transition of the exterior of the historic building from its first hundred years as a school to its next hundred years as an Arts & Recreation Complex,” he said.

For more information about the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex, visit www.plymouthparc.com.

Peek Inside Your Health: Full Body MRI Screenings Unveil Silent Issues Before Symptoms Arise

(SOUTHFIELD, MI) Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. Thanks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully.

As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only cover about 29% of cancers with 71%

occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the genitals and can detect it very early.

For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive flights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a clinic opened in Southfield, making these scans available to Metro Detroit residents.

“Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with difficult treatments. We can also identify conditions such as brain, abdominal, chest,

and groin aneurysms,” stated the founder of the Southfield clinic called Bionicc Body Screening. The primary focus of Bionicc Body Screening is to deliver peace of mind, offering a comprehensive and detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures. The ultimate hope is for excellent health. However, in the event that something is detected, the advanced screening aims to catch any potential issues at their earliest stages. This approach offers the best opportunity for successful treatment outcomes, should the need arise.

Robert B., age 50, opted for a full body scan from Bionicc Body Screening and a very small tumor was detected. He said, “It saved my life. Their MRI found a

kidney tumor that had been missed by a recent CT scan. I cannot recommend this service more.”

Take the first step to learn more about full body scans by visiting www.BioniccBodyScreening. com and request a free, no obligation Information Kit. Request it today and you’re also guaranteed a copy of their FREE eBook, Catching Cancer Before It’s Too Late! (This is a limited time offer.) Schedule today at 1-833-BIONICC

RAPTOR REHABILITATOR

Plymouth vet helps rescue, release birds of prey

Story and photos by Ken Voyles

When a young, majestic red-tailed hawk, tightly grasping your arm, looks you in the eye at almost point blank range there’s not much you can do but hold still and wonder if for a moment you somehow connected with one of nature’s wondrous birds of prey.

In that instant there’s really only you, a beautiful, nameless bird, and the call of the wild. Frankly, there’s simply nothing quite like it.

Standing close by is local veterinarian Kevin Smyth, who has a wide grin on his face, likely remembering how he’s enjoyed this exact kind of experience so often it’s almost become routine. Over a period of 13 years Smyth has personally helped save thousands of hawks, owls, falcons and eagles, often releasing them back into the wild from his Plymouth Township home.

It's often an intimate relationship connecting the 62-year-old and his creatures, though Smyth rarely goes so far as to give names to birds in his care – that’s just too personal for what is clearly a passionate pursuit of rescuing, rehabbing and releasing them back into nature.

“I don’t really give them names,” says Smyth, who has lived in Plymouth Township for nearly 35 years. “You connect with them through the food and training you do together. You get to learn to read a bird just like a dog or cat so you come to feel what the bird will tolerate and what it won’t.”

Not long after my late October visit to Smyth’s home and the homemade flight pen he uses to house creatures during their rehab, it was time to release the red-tailed hawk. He had come to the vet after being found nearly dead and was labeled as “failure to thrive.”

The release went smoothly, says Smyth, who tries not to worry about the birds he releases since they often have to rediscover not only flight but how to hunt, carve out a territory and deal with other competitors. For the redtailed hawk things seemed to go well, though it quickly faced an aggressive female whose territory he was released in.

Still Smyth remained optimistic. His goal is to give all of the birds their best chance of success, making sure they are well

“It’s okay, I just do it because I care so much,” he says. “I love these birds and want to help. It can be sad to see them go but it’s also the best part, you know, getting them back into the wild. In the end that’s why I do this. It brings me a smile to see them fly off.”

CALL OF THE WILD

Raised in Dearborn, Smyth has been a vet for nearly 40 years, owning Morrison Animal

fed in case they struggle to find food and completely healed when injured. Ultimately, though, he rarely sees the success of his work once the animal is gone.

Hospital in Garden City with his partner Michele Arkens. While in high school he worked in the animal hospital at the Detroit Zoo, later graduating from Michigan

State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. Now semi-retired, Smyth practices in small animal, equine and emergency medicine with a special interest in internal medicine cases, ferret medicine, laser surgery, birds of prey rehabilitation and working with falconers.

“I’ve always been attracted to birds of prey and fascinated by them,” says Smyth, who decided in 2011 to find out what it took to become a licensed raptor rehabilitator with the Michigan DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Without knowing much, but being a vet, Smyth jumped right in that year and with the help of his mentor David Hogan, quickly learned what it took to actually help the birds.

“Being a vet I knew the medical part,” he says. “Besides David, my first bird with a broken wing was my best teacher.”

As a vet, the process to become a raptor rescuer was relatively simple and included working with other people already helping the birds. For a non-vet a person can be licensed but must go

“I love these birds and want to help. It can be sad to see them go but it’s also the best part, you know, getting them back into the wild. In the end that’s why I do this. It brings me a smile to see them fly off.” — Kevin Smyth

through several hundred hours of federally approved courses.

Today Smyth is the only licensed raptor rehabber in Wayne County and one of just a dozen or so in the entire state. He is often assisted by his wife Colleen. Besides four grown children the couple have a dog, two cats and a brood of chickens.

He has also started Raptor Rescue of Michigan, a non-profit dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of birds of prey in Michigan. Using education and community outreach, Smyth hopes to raise awareness about raptor conservation and promote responsible stewardship of the environment.

From a practical standpoint, he would also like to improve his outdoor pens where most of the birds are housed while in rehab. He wants to create two smaller flight pens with money he raises and ensure the rehab habitat leads to more success.

“I want other people to understand this,” Smyth says. “I love to educate but the law doesn’t allow me to use live birds of prey so it can be harder.”

OUT OF HIS HANDS

Sadly for Smyth, not all of the birds he cares for can be saved. Some have to be euthanized and a few have survived by being placed at the Detroit Zoo, but most are able to fly away and have at least a chance to make it back in the wild.

“This takes a lot of personal investment in time and money and energy, but the reward is helping an injured bird and that outweighs any negatives,” says Smyth. “I just do this in part because you can get really close to the bird.”

Sometimes that leads to

emotional responses when a bird doesn’t make it. Smyth talked about a very old red-tailed hawk with a fractured wing that would not heal after being shot. He compared it to how older people may struggle to heal after a hip replacement or break. Two surgeries later and no chance for the bird left Smyth shedding a tear for the creature in his care.

Other birds can be more trouble to rehab. The only bird Smyth ever named he dubbed “Lucifer” because the great horned owl was “not a nice bird.” Another great memory is taking care of seven baby screech owls at one time. Even his wife smiles over that one.

Sometimes the birds released will return to the area, says Smyth, like a female redtailed hawk he had a few years ago who came back for a couple of months. Usually, though, what happens to the animals is out of his hands.

“Sometimes it’s the younger birds who hang around,” he says. “I have fed a few after their release while they get used to hunting in the fields and woods around here.”

Another memorable bird was a young peregrine a few years back who had flown through the exhaust flames of a steel plant along the Detroit River. Its flight feathers were completely singed and the bird needed a lot help so Smyth turned to others like himself for help.

Smyth says he is blessed by the support of other rescuers, his team at the animal hospital, his family and his neighbors, several of whom have very large yards

with no trees that allows him to train with a flight line.

Some people might have the image of a falconer about now. People who practice the centuries-old sport are similar, says Smyth, showing off a hood that goes over the red-tailed hawk's head and the thick leather glove he uses while carrying the bird on his arm outside.

“I’ve worked with falconers a few times,” he says, “especially for a young bird that needs to learn to hunt.”

The red-tailed hawk Smyth released in November was only six month old. It was found on the ground in Dexter by the Huron Valley Humane Society, another group Smyth often

works with. It’s training done, all that remained was for it to rediscover the wide wide world of the wild.

Standing quiet and watching, careful to hide any emotions, is one very dedicated raptor rescuer. The man may or may not have watched with misty eyes –even if he wouldn’t admit it – as his nameless charge flew up and away to an unknown future.

For Smyth just making sure that red-tailed hawk had a chance for some kind of future was thanks enough, leaving the casual observer still in awe from his close encounter.

For more information about Raptor Rescue of Michigan, visit raptorrescueofmichigan.org.

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‘IT’S PART OF WHO I AM’

Plymouth teacher honored as ‘Most Patriotic’ in state by VFW

By Scott Spielman

Many people may drive through downtown Plymouth and not notice the veteran’s memorial at the corner of Church and Main streets, in front of what is now the Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex (PARC).

Pam Morgan, a teacher at Bird Elementary School, said she wasn’t familiar with it until her friend Jodi Ring told her about it. As soon as Morgan knew about it, she realized something else: she had to get her students involved.

“I just think it’s important that kids realize that we live in the greatest country,” she said. “I want my students to love America.”

That was about 10 years ago. Every year since, Morgan has brought

her class down to the park around veteran’s holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day, not just to experience the ceremonies, but to interact with the participants and veterans there.

“The thing that was so touching was that veterans were like: ‘why don’t more people come here? Why don’t more classes come here?’” said Morgan, who currently teaches kindergarten at Bird. She’s been with the district since 1986, teaching K-8 as well as adult education classes.

“It was so amazing to see the interaction with the veterans and the kids and the parents and grandparents. I invited the rest of my grade level to start coming.”

For that and other activities, Morgan was recently recognized

as the most patriotic elementary school teacher in Michigan. The award dates back to the 1920s.

“It promotes patriotism and that’s important,” said Joe Tebor, director of Community Service, Department of Michigan for the VFW. “That’s something that’s lacking in schools today. It’s sad.”

Morgan and Bird Elementary were recognized at the Dec. 10 school board meeting. Morgan learned about it during a statewide convention earlier this year, though.

“I just felt like it was one of the greatest honors that I’ve ever received,” she said. “It’s so important to me to instill a sense of national pride and promoting America’s history and democratic values to

who I am and what’s in my classroom.”

Although she currently teaches kindergarten and not first grade like she has for much of her career, she said she still intends to bring the students down to the memorial during celebrations. She also wants to set up different stations, so the students can move around and interact with more people.

“There’s so much history there. It’s a place you can visit over and over and learn more and more. These are places that we can take our students to and it doesn’t cost anything,” she said.

students and to be awarded for that for the state was just really exciting and amazing to me. It’s part of

“It’s like a history lesson there—all the monuments represent how many people perished in each of the wars. The flags, the cannons—the kids are just mesmerized by it.”

The patriotic teacher award is just one of the recognitions given out by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Young people are also encouraged to take part in the Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen contests, each of which can bring in scholarship money for the winners.

The Voice of Democracy is an audio essay contest that originated in 1947. Open to students in the ninth through twelfth grades, it attracts about 25,000 student each year to speak to a pre-determined theme. The top prize is a $35,000 scholarship.

The Patriot’s Pen Award is open to students in the sixth through eighth grades. Similar to the Voice of Democracy, the contest invites students to write a 300-400 word essay on the annual theme. The national winner receives a $5,000 scholarship.

To learn more about the competitions, visit www.vfw.org/community.

Downtown Gets Its Story Back

Former librarian fulfills dream by opening Elephant Ear Books store

By Sue Voyles | Photos by Ken Voyles

If you haven’t heard, there’s a bookstore back in downtown Plymouth. For long-time residents who fondly remember the Little Professor Book Center on Main Street, it’s welcome news.

For Melissa Schabel, owner of Elephant Ear Books, it’s been a warm welcome since its opening.

“The response has been fabulous,” says Schabel, 53. “So many people have come in and are so happy to have a bookstore in town again. Many of them mention the Little Professor.”

Located at 449 S. Harvey Street, Elephant Ear Books opened last month with a ribbon-cutting sponsored by the Plymouth Chamber. It’s the culmination of a years-long dream for Schabel, a former librarian who has always loved books.

“We lived in Texas about 10 years ago and I looked at opening a store in the small town where we lived. Then we moved for jobs,” says Schabel, who lives in Saline

with her husband of 25 years Mike and sons Justin, 21, and Carter, 15. “I stayed at home with my boys as they were growing. Over the past year, I thought if I don’t do this, I will regret it.”

In the spring of this year, she began to investigate starting her business. Finding a 650-square-foot space near the Harris Conservatory of Music and across the street from the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools board of education building, she dove right in.

Quitting her part-time librarian job with the Saline District Library in August, she launched the business in what some may consider record time.

“From absolutely deciding to open and the opening in November, I did it in three months. I just put my head down and worked through my to-do list,” says Schabel. “Luckily my space didn’t need a lot of renovation so we were able to move in quickly.”

QUITE TRAVELED

From the East Cost to the Midwest -- and many points in between, Schabel has always been around books.

Growing up in New Hampshire, Schabel was an avid reader. Her first job was working in a bookstore. She went to Northeastern University in Boston and earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature. During her studies there, she worked in the library at Harvard. From there, her career continued to develop, as she moved around the country and took positions at academic libraries, special libraries and public libraries.

She left Boston to earn a master’s degree in library science at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where she worked in the school’s science library.

While out West, she worked for CARF International, a company that accredits rehabilitation facilities. The research director wanted to

develop a library and tapped Schabel for the job to organize journals and other materials to create a research library.

Schabel spent several years working as a public librarian in New Jersey at the Rahway Public Library and Piscataway Public Library, where she started a virtual book group five years ago that still meets today, a source of pride for Schabel. Called Book Chat, the group meets monthly to talk about what members have been reading individually.

What all these experiences bring together for Schabel is the opportunity to engage with other book lovers.

“At the public libraries, I loved interacting with people and sharing the love of reading,” she says. “You have regular users of the library and you start to know them and their families and you find out what they like to read and make recommendations.”

Schabel and her family were living in New Jersey when the pandemic hit and an opportunity opened to come to Michigan when the home next door to a best friend came up for sale.

Schabel left her part-time job at the Piscataway Public Library and settled in with her family in Saline. After a short career hiatus, she started working part-time at the Chelsea District Library and then accepted a position at the Saline library.

Turning 50 a few years ago and experiencing her father’s death last year prompted Schabel to follow her dream.

“His passing solidified that I wanted to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.”

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

As the owner – and sole employee (although husband Mike helps out occasionally) -- of an independent bookstore, Schabel relishes the opportunity to create a shop where she carries

“a little bit of everything.”

Elephant Ear Books carries fiction and non-fiction for all ages, along with book-themed puzzles. Visitors to the store will also find a collection of handmade, all-occasion cards which Schabel crafts herself (often while listening to audio books).

“I have board books up to middle grade books and some teen fiction. I am very heavy on adult fiction titles, along with some cookbooks and current affairs,” says Schabel, noting that she’s still developing the mystery and science fiction collections.

Driving it all is her desire to carry what local readers want to read, which is determined by simply talking to customers when they come in. She also draws on the expertise of other independent shop owners

experience,” she says. And as one might expect of a librarian, Schabel took advantage of the Association’s online discussion boards to post questions and receive answers from other booksellers.

In a time when a few clicks will send a book to your home within days, Schabel relishes human connections made around books.

“Being a bookstore owner I get to pick all the parts of the job that I loved as a public librarian and do them. Talking with people about what they love to read, what I love to read and interacting with the community of readers,” she says, noting that so far, she’s read 45 of the 70 books on her Goodreads list.

Those connections are easily made since the store is open every day. Hours are Monday through

through her membership in the American Booksellers Association, a national trade association that supports and advocates for independent owners like Schabel, and the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association, which represents more than 350 stores in six states.

“It’s a learn-as-you go business, but the bookseller community is more than willing to share their

Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Schabel adds that she may adjust hours after the busy holiday season based on foot traffic.

While in-person sales are a big key to her success, she understands the importance of an e-commerce presence. That led her to develop an affiliate relationship with bookshop.org, which connects readers with independent booksellers globally. Customers

can order books online and bookshop.org handles everything from payment to shipping, while Schabel receives the proceeds.

She also can place special orders, a part of the business that has already gained traction, with customers placing about 30 orders at Elephant Ear Books within the first two weeks of opening.

Schabel with a smile. “Elephant ear sounded fun.”

As for the logo, it turns out that the Michigan best friend and now neighbor played a key part.

There are also plans for the future, says Schabel, who looks forward to meeting local book groups (some of which have already asked about hosting their group at the store) and connecting with the Plymouth District Library to see how she might support children’s reading programs.

“I also know there are a lot of local authors,” adds Schabel, who says that book signings and readings are on the “one-to-twoyear planning list.”

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

So where did the name Elephant Ear Books come from?

“When I was coming up with the name, I didn’t want it to be a generic name like ‘bookshop on the corner.’ When I brainstormed, I said ‘what do I love?’ And I love elephants,” says

“My friend’s 15-year-old daughter designed it for me,” explains Schabel.

Although she readily shares her favorite book of all time – The Great Gatsby (she reads it every few years) –Schabel says her favorite author changes over time.

So the next time you stop into Elephant Ear Books be sure to ask the owner and she’ll be glad to talk about her favorites – and yours, too.

ELEPHANT EAR BOOKS

OWNER: Melissa Schabel

HOURS: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon-Sat; and Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday

ADDRESS: 449 S. Harvey Street, Plymouth

PHONE: (734) 228-5314

WEBSITE: ElephantEarBooks.com

Canton swim, soccer teams lead the way this fall

By Brad Emons

The 2024 fall high school sports season at Plymouth Canton Educational Park featured plenty of noteworthy highlights for Canton, Salem and Plymouth.

Here is a snapshot of some of the team and individual highlights for the Cobras, Rocks and Wildcats.

SWIMMING

Canton, led by junior Hannah Gurgel, earned a top 10 finish at the MHSAA Division 1 finals on Nov. 22-23 at the Holland Aquatics Center.

Ann Arbor Pioneer captured the team title with 386 points with Jenison (222) and Northville (165) rounding out the top three.

The Cobras placed sixth with 133 led by Gurgel, who earned qualifying times in eight individual events while earning All-State honors (top eight) in four events.

Individually, Gurgel was runner-up in the 200-yard freestyle (1:50.07) and 100 backstroke (56.80). She also teamed up with sophomore Mina Kennedy, freshman Amelia Pan and senior Tayla Smith for a second-place finish in the 400 freestyle relay (3:30.32).

The foursome of Gurgel, Kennedy, Pan and Smith also added a sixth in the 200 freestyle relay (1:37.63).

Gurgel owns school records in three individual events -- 200 IM, 100 butterfly, 100 backstroke -- as well as being a part of three team relay records.

“Hannah is a hard worker that

doesn't make excuses,” Canton coach Ed Weber said. “She knows her goals and strives to make them.”

Meanwhile, Smith also earned All-State in the 50 freestyle with a seventh place finish (24.25).

Other state placers for the Cobras included Pan, ninth, 200 freestyle (1:54.92); 11th, 100 backstroke (59.40); Kennedy, 13th, 500 freestyle (5:13.3); 15th, 200 freestyle (1:57.44); junior Ximena Murillo, 13th, 100 butterfly (59.93); and Smith, 15th, 100 freestyle (54.48).

Plymouth was led by sophomore Daniela Yuk, who placed 11th in the 100 breaststroke (1:07.46) and 12th in the 200 IM (2:11.23).

At the KLAA meet, Northville finished first with 1,110 points, while Novi was second with 698. Canton placed fourth with 602 as Gurgel captured the 100 butterfly (57.45) and 100 backstroke (57.97).

Salem placed fifth (384) and Plymouth took eighth (307).

In the KLAA West dual meet standings, Northville placed first (7-0) followed by Brighton (6-1), Canton (5-2), Novi (4-3), Salem (3-4), Plymouth (2-5), Hartland (1-6) and Howell (1-7).

SOCCER

Canton (11-11-1, 4-9-1 KLAA West) earned the Division 1-District 11 championship with a 1-0 shootout win over Salem after defeating Plymouth (12-3-5, 8-24) in the district semifinals, 2-0.

Monroe then ousted the Cobras in the Regional 3 semifinals, 2-1.

Earning D1 All-State honors by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association for

Canton was senior forward Bruno Delgado (second team).

Sophomore goalkeeper Evan Gaylord and senior midfielder J.R. Maitland earned All-State honorable mention for Plymouth as did senior forwards Bryan Baker and Nathan Gilmour for Salem (11-10-2, 6-6-2).

All-KLAA performers for Salem included senior defenders Dylan Fletcher and Isaac Bomgaars, senior midfielder Luke Whittrock, along with Marcel Jackson and Baker, both senior forwards.

Plymouth’s All-KLAA picks included senior defenders Spencer Prouty and James Steffen; senior midfielders Wil Dani, Kavi Behrend, Brennan Elliott and Maitland; and senior forward Garrett Bazick.

Delgado and Gilmour also made All-KLAA for the Cobras.

FOOTBALL

Plymouth (2-5, 3-6 KLAA West) emerged as the Park champions followed by Salem (2-7, 1-6) and Canton (2-7, 0-7).

All-KLAA selections for the Wildcats included quarterback Logan Pheiffer, tight end Camden Short and linebacker Joe Portman – all seniors.

Meanwhile, Plymouth senior offensive lineman Lucas Barnes, who missed the first six games due to an MCL injury, signed an NCAA Division I letter-of-intent with Miami of Ohio.

Salem’s All-KLAA selections included senior running back Aiden Moore and junior defensive lineman Nye Turner, while Canton senior wide receiver Alex Gaudagni also

earned All-Conference.

Plymouth honorable mention picks included tight end Jimmy Cleveland, kicker-punter Daniel Vigo, running back Nick Dekiere and offensive lineman Sage Hixson.

Salem’s honorable mention choices included linebacker Landon Garrett III, quarterback Luke Creighton, defensive lineman Curtis Crittenden and wide receiver Drew Eisenbeis. Canton’s honorees included linebacker Theisen Besco, linebacker Lemuel Pettway, quarterback Devvin Calhoun and wide receiver Nick Parrish.

TENNIS

In the Division 1-Regional 2 tournament at Ann Arbor Pioneer, the three Ann Arbor schools swept the state team qualifying spots led by Huron (24), Pioneer (22) and Skyline (21). They were followed by Plymouth (11), Salem (7) and Canton (6).

Salem sophomore Aarav Shah defeated Plymouth senior Ben Fernandez for the regional title at No. 1 singles, 6-1, 6-2. Both players earned a trip for the D1 finals held at Byron Center and Grand Rapids South Christian high schools.

Shah, who earned AllState honors by the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association, defeated sixth-seed Sucher Nagisetty of Okemos, 6-2, 6-4, in the opening round before falling to Chad Anderson of Rockford in the quarterfinals, 6-3, 6-1.

Shah finished with a 19-2 overall record, while avenging one of his

two losses during the season to Fernandez in the regional final. He was the KLAA ‘B’ tourney No. 1 singles champ.

Fernandez, meanwhile, fell in his first-round state tourney match to Troy’s Neel Nagappala, 6-3, 6-0.

During the regular season, Plymouth took fourth in the KLAA West dual meet season at 4-3 followed by Salem (fifth, 3-4) and Canton (sixth, 2-5).

GOLF

Plymouth junior Annie Flavin and Salem freshman Brooke Resovsky both shot 84 to earn individual state finals qualifying spots following the Division 1-Regional 2 tourney held Oct. 8 at the Polo Field Golf & CC in Ann Arbor.

Team-wise, Northville (319), Ann Arbor Huron (358) and Brighton (367) earned the state finals qualifying berths. Plymouth was sixth with a 404, while Salem was eighth with a 426.

Flavin shot 87-86-173 to take 26th individually in the D1 tournament held Oct. 18-19 at Ferris State University’s Katke Golf Course, while, Resovsky wound up 41st overall with an 87-94-181.

In KLAA play, which featured a pre-season and postseason

tourneys held at Kensington Metropark, Northville shot a combined team total of 614 to earn first place followed by runner-up Brighton (678) and third-place Novi (757).

Top teams from the Park included Plymouth (fourth, 763), Salem (ninth, 888) and Canton (10th, 972).

Both Flavin (82-80-162) and Resovsky (83-84-167) finished sixth and ninth, respectively, to earn top 10 All-KLAA honors.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Plymouth, coached by Jon Mikosz, earned a top-10 finish at the Division 1 finals on Nov. 2 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn scoring 311 points to place 10th overall.

The Wildcats were led by junior Adrian Clarke, 39th (15:53.4), senior Jack Chadwick (42nd, 15:54.9), senior Ben Mussen (90th, 16:17.9), junior Lucas LaPointe (97th, 16:21.4); and junior Daniel Niehaus, 159th (16:46.0). Their non-scorers included senior Diego Islas-Montantes (202nd, 17:08.6) and junior Sami Anwar (206th, 17:11.8).

Canton had four individual state qualifiers led by junior Aiden Pengelly (see November issue), who took runner-up honors in 15:01.0 for 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).

Seniors Adam Dicken (51st, 16:03.0), junior Steven Dusseau (81st, 16:13.0) and Ben Clark (106th, 16:23.9) also made the field along with Salem sophomore Austin Mercado (127th, 16:31.2).

Northville three-peated as D1 team champion with 99 points with Saline (169) and Brighton (193) taking second and third, respectively.

At the Region 6 meet held Oct. 21 at Willow Metropark in New Boston, Northville earned the team title with 26 points followed by state team qualifiers Livonia Churchill (6-7) and Plymouth (75). Canton and Salem placed fourth and fifth, respectively, with 79 and 131 points.

Pengelly was regional champion

in 15:17.6, while Clarke and Chadwick took ninth and 10th, respectively, in 16:05.0 and 16:05.4, respectively, for the Wildcats. Plymouth’s other three top finishers included Mussen (13th, 16:17.2), LaPointe (16th, 16:20.2) and Daniel Niehaus (27th, 16:52.8).

Canton’s other state qualifiers included Dusseau (14th, 16:18.0), Dicken (15th, 16:19.0) and Clark (21st, 16:42.6). Mercado also added at 17th (16:18.0) for the Rocks.

In the KLAA meet Oct. 17 at Manly Bennett Park in Hamburg, Northville came away with the team title followed by Brighton (68), Churchill (93), Plymouth (103) and Canton (130). Salem was seventh with 148.

Pengelly won the individual title in 15:13.0, while Plymouth’s top finishers included Mussen (11th, 16:03.1), LaPointe (13th, 16:05.5), Chadwick (18th, 16:11.7) and Clarke (19th, 16:12.7).

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

In the D1 finals at MIS, Salem junior AnnaBeth Hazelwood just missed All-State honors (top 30) with a 36th-place finish in 18:35.7.

Meanwhile, teammate Becca Jud, a junior, was 75th (19:07.2), while Plymouth junior Mackenzie Dicken took 82nd individually in 19:12.5.

Romeo seized the team title with 61 points, while Saline and Holland West Ottawa placed second and third with 143 and 144, respectively.

At the Region 6 meet, Northville (54), Ann Arbor Huron (90) and Farmington (93) garnered the three Division 1 state finals team qualifying berths, while Plymouth (167) placed sixth followed by Salem (seventh, 180) and Canton (ninth, 198).

Hazelwood was third overall in 18:41.8), while Dicken took sixth in 19:14.9. Jud took 10th in 19:30.6.

In the KLAA meet, Brighton (43), Northville (81) and Novi (114) finished in the top three team positions followed by Salem (seventh, 181), Plymouth (eighth, 194) and Canton (ninth, 219).

Hazelwood led Salem with an 11th (19:11.3), while teammates Samantha Bartell, a sophomore, and Jud, took 17th and 18th, respectively, in 19:41.0 and 19:44.1.

Dicken led Plymouth (15th, 19:24.1).

VOLLEYBALL

Northville (41-2), the KLAA West Division and Association ‘A’ tourney champion, went on to win the Division 1 state title with a 3-1 win over Rockford on Nov. 23 at Battle Creek’s Kellogg Arena.

All-KLAA selections for Salem (4-4, 3-4) included senior outside hitter Ashriya Sunkara and sophomore outside hitter Elizabeth Nordstrom.

Canton (3-5, 2-5) was represented by senior libero Alyssa Jasman and sophomore setter Lily Swan, while senior outside hitter Tara Creekmore also made All-Conference for Plymouth (2-6, 1-6).

Honorable mention selections for Salem included senior setter Presley Escote and junior libero Delaney Fillman.

Senior outside hitter Ava Churnesky and junior outside hitter Abigail Valenzuela were honorable mention for Canton, as were Plymouth senior setter Veronica Loboda and sophomore middle hitter Dakota Parnell.

In D1-District 21 play, Novi defeated Salem, 3-0, while Canton ousted Plymouth, 3-1. South Lyon East then eliminated Canton, 3-0, in the district semifinal.

much a flat area. We don’t want the second Mount Trashmore.”

GETTING INVOLVED

The town hall was intended to be an informational catalyst for concerned residents of the region to find out about the issues and learn what they can do to help fight GFL in what promises to be a 2-3 year endeavor. According to some reports, Arbor Hills has less than five years remaining before it cannot hold any more garbage.

“We want accountability. One of the more important parts of this meeting is what all of you can do to be successful in stopping that landfill,” Abbo told the crowd.

Green For Life’s fledgling plan to build a new landfill in Salem Township near the soon-to-be-at-capacity Arbor Hills landfill got trashed Dec. 9 by a large group of community leaders and residents of several adjacent communities at Northville Township Hall.

An estimated 200 citizens attended the two-hour meeting, hosted by citizenled environmental watchdog The Conservancy Initiative. Most seem to be all-in for what promises to be a long battle.

There was not only overwhelming opposition to GFL’s concept to construct a second dumping ground across Six Mile from the existing facility, but also lots of support to close the current site located on the northeast corner of Washtenaw County.

“We’re supportive of closing the dump and not letting it expand any further,” said

Salem Township resident Larry Petroskey, who lives about a mile from Arbor Hills. “We need to find a way to put a permanent solution in place so there’s no more expansion.”

One of the residents who spoke during the meeting, Northville Township’s Deb Brown, succinctly summed up the general tone of the audience.

“That dump needs to be shut down,” said Brown, putting emphasis on the final two words.

Those residents weren’t alone in their stance. They were joined by elected officials from multiple communities.

“We’re against it. If Salem Township wants a landfill so badly let them move it west,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo. “I don’t care how far west, let them move it west and not (build it) at our border. Because they generate the revenue but we’re the ones that suffer the anguish for it.”

Northville Mayor Brian

Turnbull emphasized the need to protect air and water for future generations and that building a second landfill would not advance that quest.

“The air has no boundaries, it goes from Salem to Northville Township and into (the city of) Northville,” Turnbull said. “It’s not only the air and the particulates and the smells. Johnson Creek, the holy waters of southeastern Michigan, go right through it. It is our Au Sable River.”

Johnson Creek, which is the community’s only cold-water stream, supports trout and other sensitive aquatic life. The Conservative Initiative, which has been monitoring the creek and its tributaries near the landfill, say they have detected dangerous PFAS chemicals that originate from water runoff from Arbor Hills.

Turnbull added that when he was young “there was no mountain out there, it was pretty

The approval process will be a long and winding one, with Washtenaw County’s Material Management Planning committee recently beginning its work. That committee will ultimately make a recommendation to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for approval or rejection.

Residents at the town hall might have been buoyed by the comments of Northville Township Board of Trustees member Scott Frush, who also is a non-voting member of the MMP committee.

“I am 100 percent in favor of not supporting the new landfill,” Frush said. “I will do whatever it takes on the landfill committee to ensure that doesn’t happen. Because it doesn’t need to happen. We have a lot of different, really good options (to build a landfill) and why it needs to happen there I’m not really sure.”

As for what people can do to move the process along, making official odor complaints on the website of The Conservancy Initiative (conservancyinitiative. org) was strongly urged by David Drinan of the 501(c)(3) non-profit group – which is fully run by volunteers.

“Never make an odor

complaint if there’s not an odor,” Drinan stressed. “But odor complaints are our most effective tool. If you find a stink in your backyard that makes you go back inside, make a complaint.”

Other suggestions included writing letters, making telephone calls and attending coffee klatches with elected officials. Several attended the town hall, including State Reps Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) and Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth); State Senators Rosemary Bayer (D-Novi) and Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township), and Washtenaw County Commissioner Crystal Lyte.

Morgan, Koleszar, Bayer and Shink left the town hall midway through the proceedings, meanwhile, to attend a state legislative “lame duck” session that could have an impact on the landfill situation.

One of the issues discussed during the meeting was how

rates at 36 cents a ton, far below the average of $5.30 a ton in other Midwestern states. Much of the trash that goes to Arbor Hills originates in Canada and nearby states including Ohio.

“Michigan has more trash than anywhere else in the country,” Bayer said. “We have 73 tons per person (of trash) and it’s mostly because the cost we charge for people to bring trash to us is the lowest.”

Morgan and Koleszar said they’d approve such a measure should it come to the floor.

Former Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise, speaking as a resident, added that the impact of landfills on the region’s roadways and businesses make the Arbor Hills situation as much of a state matter as anything else.

He pointed to the rebuilding of the Michigan International Technology Center corridor (Five Mile between Beck and Napier) which cost Michigan $10 million in grant money.

“And Plymouth Township has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars. We’ve received federal grants and state grants and so much of that is in jeopardy,”

Heise said. “I think that gives the state some legal leverage to say hey, we’re investing money into this region, we want to create jobs and economic development along the Five Mile corridor.

“And we all know these trash trucks, that’s their primary route. They’re going to be barreling down Five Mile, they’re going to be clogging up M-14 and Beck like they do right now.”

NOT IN OUR BACK YARD

including the release of PFAS into Johnson Creek.

Drinan noted that up to 800 semi-tractor trucks of trash move to and from the facility every day.

Moreover, various issues between the landfill and Northville Township concerning environmental compliance also were detailed.

state legislators might spur a bill this month that would require companies to pay more in landfill tipping fees to dump their trash.

Bayer outlined that Michigan charges one of the lowest tipping

During the townhall, Drinan presented a series of informational slides about GFL’s existing facility, the impact on surrounding communities and how a second landfill would exacerbate existing environmental problems,

Various agencies including the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Michigan Attorney General’s office, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice have reached settlement of enforcement actions since 2016. Arbor Hills agreed to make more than $27 million in capital improvements to the landfill. So far, no action has been taken to comply with a previous negotiation, namely a consent order to remediate PFAS impacts.

The Conservation Initiative members say they will continue to fight GFL, but they are volunteers. The group relies on donations to help offset costs such as getting yard signs made and brochures printed, and other activities.

For more information or to donate to The Conservancy Initiative, visit conservancyinitiative.org.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Green For Life is proposing to build a new landfill across from Arbor Hills in Salem Township. Do you think a second landfill is warranted at that location? Why? Email your responses to Editor Scott Spielman at scottyspielman@ gmail.com.

“The poor environmental compliance record at the Arbor Hills landfill should disqualify it from further operation,” Drinan noted.

A Friend Like Lucy

Local authors collaborate on childrens’ book about friendship and inclusion

By Tim Smith

For many children, the first day of a new school year brings worries of fitting in and finding friendship to get them through that burgeoning adventure.

Complicating that mission for some is how to deal with negative reactions and perceptions – some of which are unfairly linked to children with disabilities, who find themselves in potential uncomfortable school situations in the classroom and on the playground.

That’s where a new children’s book, A Friend Like Lucy, written by Michigan teacher-mom Lindsay Filcik and illustrated by Plymouth resident Hadley Bugar can help.

The book, published in midDecember by Washington D.C. publishing house Stirred Stories, is about a shy girl (Rose) who is apprehensive about that first day of school – until she meets Lucy, a happy and outgoing younger girl who happens to

have Down syndrome.

Although the concept of inclusivity is one of the concepts Filcik wanted A Friend Like Lucy to present to readers, Bugar said there was much more to its message.

“Labeling it as a book that is about inclusion is not necessarily the trajectory of the book,” said Bugar, 21, a 2021 Northville High School graduate who is now taking art classes at Schoolcraft College. “The book is about friendship. It is an inclusive book, but the story follows Rose on her first day at a new school. She is frightened and intimidated going in. When she meets Lucy, whose personality is bright and open, she feels so excited to have somebody who is like an instant best friend.

“It’s really about not caring that your new friend is different, acknowledging that they’re different from you, but first being excited that you have a new friend.”

CREATIVE SPRINGBOARD

The project took about a year to complete, with Filcik (who has a young daughter with special needs), Bugar and Kelsea Johnson, publisher and cofounder of Stirred Stories bouncing ideas off each other through regular e-mails and conference calls.

Meanwhile, Bugar’s illustrations grew in color, scope and meaning as she brought characters Rose and Lucy to life.

“Really, the big catalyst for her (Filcik) was having her own child and then realizing that she was not being inclusive enough or focusing on showcasing a diverse range of stories to her students,” Bugar said.

Bugar then opened a copy of the book to a page that she said resonated deeply with young Ivy Filcik, who uses hearing aids and AFOs (ankle foot orthosis).

“She (Ivy) self-identifies with this page,” Bugar noted. “She is still very, very young. She’ll go

‘Glasses, like me!’ ‘Hearing aids, like me!’ That is something that is so exciting because there’s seldom representation of these assistive devices, being portrayed as something as typical as brushing your teeth in the morning.”

Keeping the theme going, Bugar’s nearby drawing of a wide-eyed and jubilant Lucy eating breakfast is accompanied by the author’s text, “Lucy shoved oatmeal in her mouth as her mom put in her hearing aids and strapped on her ankle braces. As soon as her shoes were zipped, Lucy ran to get her backpack. She couldn’t wait to get to school.”

MAKING IT REAL

A major force behind the creation of A Friend Like Lucy was the desire to change public perception of children with special needs.

“Disability is not a dirty word,” Bugar emphasized. “It is important to be able to use it plainly, instead of tip-toeing around the idea of disability like it’s something that’s scary or something we can’t touch.”

Books published by Johnson’s company endeavor to “elevate marginalized voices, while including those marginalized people groups in the writing and illustrating process,” according to Bugar.

And it was a natural fit for Filcik to jump into the project, given her unique perspective as an elementary school teacher and mother of a disabled daughter.

“The only books she (Filcik) could find with disabled characters (to share with students) were meant to educate non-disabled children about disability,” Bugar said. “There scarcely were any literature where a disabled child just gets to be themselves in a story that’s about friendship, or about their everyday life.

“So that was a big goal for Lindsay and a big inspiration to help fill that gap. That’s why Stirred Stories was such a great house for this story to happen.”

Once Filcik was in the fold, not only did she begin the creative

process about telling the story of Rose and Lucy, she made sure to do her own homework – namely, wanting to consult and discuss the subject of Down syndrome with families who live with the genetic disability and ensure what she depicted was accurate and empathetic to reality.

“We also have a disabled editor for the text, whose sister has Down syndrome,” Bugar said. “She (the editor) was in contact with her sister a lot to make sure that everything was being portrayed in a way that felt authentic and did not feel like a caricature of somebody with Down syndrome. Particularly with Lucy’s character, we went through a large round of revisions on her expressions.”

READY TO BE DISCOVERED

The book is available at StirredStories.com and at retailers like Barnes and Noble. Bugar is optimistic and enthusiastic it will reach its target audience and get across its main message.

“With children it will resonate because I think the fear of starting something new resonates with a lot of young kids,” Bugar added. “Especially like, I’m somebody who has transferred schools and has had that first day where ‘I don’t know anybody here. It’s unfamiliar. It’s scary – and the thought of having that friend on your first day that you meet, I think the overall narrative of friendship will be something that resonates with kids.”

According to Bugar, who cut her artistic teeth in the International Baccalaureate program at Northville High School and had works shown at the Northville Art House as part of an exhibition, she would like to continue down the creative path.

“It is really exciting to see this labor of love of so many people come together,” she added. “I really did love working with the folks at Stirred Stories. They were thoughtful and understanding. I feel the process, as an artist, I was a true collaborator.”

Getting Some Peace of Mind

Bionicc Body Screening helps detect health issues before symptoms arise

By Larry O’Connor

Mark Brock and younger brother Greg knew cancer ran in their family. Their father died of lung cancer in 1973. And both brothers have dealt with cancer issues themselves -- Mark (basal cell on tongue and nose) and Greg (bladder).

So last spring, Greg decided to visit Bionicc Body Screening to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging full-body scan just to be sure all was good. And he convinced his brother to join him, despite the fact Mark’s cancer had been in remission for more than a decade and his hesitation to pay the nearly $3,000 cost.

However, Mark’s mindset switched from austerity to panic once the results came back. The whole-body CT screen revealed a 3.1-centimeter mass on Brock’s left lung, which tested positive for cancer. Meanwhile, his brother’s results came back clean.

Mark, 67, who is undergoing immunotherapy after threefourths of his left lung was removed in August, has since returned to work as a financial advisor.

The Brock brothers’ experience serves as a marquee-worthy testimonial for early cancer detection.

The Southfield-based Bionicc Body Screening caters to those who are asymptomatic and wish to remain so. Or as company chief marketing officer Ryan

Ringold put it in less medical terms: “(They) want to make sure their insides are as healthy as they feel on the outside.”

Clients are prompted to visit the Northwestern Highway facility for two reasons: Either their families — like the Brocks — have a cancer history or they’re witnessing loved ones and peers succumb to illnesses where the outcome would have been different if detected earlier.

“There are some people that have the fear of getting bad news,” Ringold said. “They say, "‘Oh, I would not want to know.’

“I understand that people feel that way, but the truth of the matter is, especially when it comes to cancer, they're going to find out

cancer treatment specialists, are not sold on the full-body scan’s effectiveness. Some oncologists believe they can produce false positives, resulting in unnecessary tests and patient anxiety, Ringold said.

one way or the other. You can find out before it spreads throughout your body, and get treatments, which often are going to be easier when you catch it early.”

Medical experts, including

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t recommend whole body scans, citing lack of evidence to their usefulness and patients’ increased exposure to radiation.

Advanced MRI technology is not a replacement for routine preventative screenings such as colonoscopies and mammograms, Bionicc’s owner said.

Others in the medical community are on board, though. According to Ringold, an oncologist brought his mother to the Southfield facility recently for a scan. The cancer specialist shared with Bionicc staff that he was alarmed by rising cancer diagnoses, especially for people in their 20s and 30s.

Besides cancer, a full-body inventory also uncovers aneurysms, fatty livers, cysts, early signs for multiple sclerosis, kidney stones, and spinal cord abnormalities, according to Bionicc’s website.

Cost and lack of insurance coverage detract from the elective procedure’s luster. A full-body screening runs $2,950 while torso ($1,950) and head and neck

($1,299) scans are less expensive. Financing is available. A boardcertified radiologist reviews the digital scans.

One selling point is the 70-minute procedure is less confining than a typical MRI scan. That’s due to the Southfield firm’s Siemen’s Magnetom Aera 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, which has a bore width of 27 ½ inches compared to 23.5 inches in a typical MRI unit. People are less likely to feel claustrophobic, Ringold said.

His late father, Dr. Walter Ringold, started Bionicc after retiring from his Dearborn family practice in 2017. (The son speculates the additional “c” in the company’s name was due to filling out a vanity phone number’s last digit).

His passion for pioneering MRI technology accelerated after doctors discovered the Ringold patriarch’s chest and abdomen riddled with tumors, some the

size of softballs, the son said.

After being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, the retired physician outlasted a grueling treatment regimen and debilitating side effects. He went into remission only to see the cancer return as a brain tumor a year later.

After being told he had two months to live, Ringold joined a National Institute Health trial where breakthrough treatment shrunk the brain tumor. He then spent four years in remission until 2023 when he was hospitalized with pneumonia and died a few days later. The 74-yearold was survived by his wife of 53 years Nancy and six children.

During his medical ordeal, Ringold learned about companies in California and Canada that were successful in identifying early cancers and other maladies through advanced MRI. Had his clinic possessed a similar machine, Ringold surmised his illness would have been detected

sooner “when tumors were the size of peas instead of softballs,” his son said.

After his dad’s death, Ryan Ringold didn’t want Bionicc’s mission to wither. So, despite having no medical background, he picked up the reins. The Michigan State graduate has a bachelor’s in marketing and has operated internet-based Ringold Nutritional Systems for nearly 20 years.

The Brocks can relate to cancer’s physical and emotional toll. The brothers endured exhaustive radiation and debilitating chemotherapy treatments. Their father’s death from lung cancer haunts them five decades later. Mark was 15 at the time; Greg was of preschool age when Donald Brock died.

“He's always been very close to me,” Mark said about brother Greg, 63. “So that was his reason (to undergo a full-body screening), he said, ‘because I don’t want to lose you.’”

BIONICC BODY SCREENING

ADDRESS: 26550 Northwestern Highway, Southfield

PHONE: 1-(833)-Bionicc

WEBSITE:

A Not So Happy Holidays

This is a difficult time for families struggling with probation or substance abuse

By Nick Griswold

For many people, the holidays are an opportunity to celebrate with loved ones. Gift giving, holiday parties and time spent with family fill this time of year. But what happens when the holidays aren’t the happiest time of year?

This holiday season, there will be many families dealing with the challenges of a child in the juvenile justice system or a family member struggling with addiction. At Growth Works, we are working to support these families throughout the year, and we know the holidays come with added struggles. Despite these challenges, these families are just like yours and mine, and we should practice empathy and seek new ways to support those around us who may be struggling this holiday season.

EMOTIONAL TOLL OF PROBATION

For families with a child in the juvenile justice system, the holidays can be a complicated time. Rules and restrictions can limit the ability to gather freely or travel, causing a sense of isolation. The stigma that often accompanies being on probation can amplify these feelings, especially during a time when society’s expectations

for family unity and happiness are at their peak.

Probation can bring financial strain, further complicating holiday celebrations. Families with a child on probation may be required to pay fines, expenses that can take away from family needs, including buying gifts, providing special meals, or even paying for basic utilities.

At Growth Works, our team of dedicated staff is doing their best to meet the individual needs of each one of the youths that is in our care. Instead of making assumptions, we aim to be curious and ask them what will be most helpful and bringing joy to their celebrations.

SHADOW OF SUBSTANCE USE

For families struggling with addiction, the holidays can intensify the feelings of shame, guilt, and fear that often accompany substance use. The cycle of addiction doesn’t take a break for the holidays; in fact, for many people, it can become more intense as stressful situations and expectations grow. The tension between the desire to celebrate and their current situation can leave people feeling emotionally drained.

it takes a village, and we are here to support them in whatever ways we can. This season, we will be fostering a sense of community in partnership with local police departments and community groups, providing basic needs, food, gifts and community service opportunities for our clients and community members.

At Growth Works, we have been working with youth and adults who are struggling with addiction for more than 50 years. Every holiday season presents new challenges, but it is the compassionate dedication of our staff members and their own personal experiences that makes them ready to meet those who are struggling where they are at with hope. We show up in a variety of ways like helping individuals get into treatment, finding healthy ways to celebrate the holidays, and being a shoulder to lean on when times get tough.

COMPASSION AND UNDERSTANDING

The message for families facing these struggles should be one of hope. These children and families need empathy and for all of us to remember that at its heart, this is the season of giving. Giving of our time, our talents, our wallets and our hearts, to not just those in our home, but those in our community who need it most. The shame and stigma these families face is often isolating, and during the holidays, this isolation can feel even more acute. At Growth Works, we want our families to know that they are not alone, that

While the holiday season will always be a reminder of what some families are enduring, it can also be an opportunity to foster hope and healing. By living out our mission of Restoring Hope, Supporting Change, and Improving the Lives of all we serve, Growth Works will be shining a light this holidays season. The season doesn’t have to be defined by perfection, but rather by connection and compassion. With support from community members, service organizations, and even a broader societal shift toward empathy, these families can move through the season with the understanding that while their struggles are real, they are not defined by them. Ultimately, the holidays are about hope, healing, and finding ways to navigate the difficulties life throws our way—together.

Nick Griswold is the CEO of Growth Works, which is headquartered in downtown Plymouth. Founded in 1971, Growth Works provides youth and family support and addiction counseling in Wayne County. For more information, visit gwcares.org.

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