The 'Ville - January 2024

January 2024 | Vol.7 | Issue 1

Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine

Winter has come

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LOCAL JOURNALISM MATTERS Please consider a donation to support The 'Ville. Since we began publishing more than five years ago, our goal has been to provide our readers with valuable information about the Northville community each and every month. Your support helps that mission survive and grow.

And while The 'Ville is sent to every address in Northville at no cost to readers, it is not free to produce.

LOCAL Matters! is the foundation of this magazine. If you find it of value, please consider supporting it. Every little bit helps! Please send donations to: Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168

VOLUME 7

ISSUE 1

JANUARY 2024

16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734.716.0783 • TheVilleMagazine@gmail.com

KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher

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

CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director

Craig has been in the creative industry for over 30 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 20 years. Craig enjoys chasing his young daughter and providing moral support to his lovely wife.

MICHELE FECHT – Writer

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

Thank you in advance.

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

Publisher

WENSDY VON BUSKIRK – Writer

Here is a list of people who contributed to local journalism last month.

We appreciate your support!

Carol Schrauben Edward & Kathy Huyck Bill Sivy Mimi Kibbey Heather Stewart Marlene Kunz John & Janet Wiktor Mary Kay Pryce Lisa & Manfred Schon

ADVERTISE IN THE VILLE Our locally-owned publication is an affordable way to reach the Northville Market. We direct mail to all 21,000 addresses in the 48167 & 48168 zip codes.

To secure space in The Ville, contact Scott at (313) 399-5231 or scott@streetmktg.com.

SCOTT BUIE - Advertising Director/VP of Sales

For more than 20 years Scott has worked with clients in Metro Detroit to create advertising campaigns to grow their business. After managing sales for radio stations in the Detroit Market 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 and Northville area for 25 years.

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

MARIA TAYLOR – Writer

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

TIM SMITH - Writer

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

JOHN C. HEIDER – Photographer

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

BRYAN MITCHELL - Photographer

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

A View From The ‘Ville

Let’s start supporting leaders 4 who don’t tear us apart 12 I’m going to violate Larry David’s “three days rule” from the show Curb Your Enthusiasm, and wish all of our readers Happy New Year this late in the month.

We got through another year, and that is something to celebrate. So, goodbye to 2023 and hello 2024.

Of course, that means we are entering a new election year, and this one is going to be a doozy.

Unless you live under a rock, you probably know there is going to be a Presidential election come November.

A certain former president, when not making court appearances, is trying to regain the White House. There is a long way to go until November, and it will be interesting to see if Donald Trump is able to skate through his legal troubles to have the rematch with President Joe Biden, he so desperately wants.

Most Americans are aware of the chaos that has taken place since that election – the mistrust, the lawsuits and the violence. I’m not going to get into any of that, but I just pray we have passed that test and are able to move on to some normalcy. I do have my doubts. It often feels like we are entering unchartered waters.

Believe it or not, this election cycle is about more than just the presidency, though. The November ballot will include a number of important races -- at the federal, state and local levels.

Some of those races include U.S. Senate (with Debbie Stabenow retiring there will be no incumbent), U.S. Representative, State Representative, Wayne County Board of Commissioners, just to name a few. The entire Northville Township Board of Trustees (including Supervisor Mark Abbo, Treasurer Jason Rhines and Clerk Cyndy Jankowski) will be up for re-election.

Yes, there’s a lot at stake this year.

All these levels of government have an impact on our lives, whether we realize it or not. From setting budgets that determine the mundane things like garbage pick up, water rates and road maintenance, to declaring war against other nations or determining who our allies are across the globe. That’s all on the ballot this year.

So, I hope all of the eligible voters out there do their homework and determine who the best leaders are for those positions. We’ll certainly try to provide as much political coverage as we can throughout the year here in The ‘Ville, letting everyone know who’s on the ballot in Northville.

This would be a good year to start electing leaders who don’t tear us apart over political differences. There seems to be way too much of that in recent years, amplified by social media.

Our system of government, created by our Founding Fathers nearly 250 yeas ago, only works because of compromise. And that’s why we have elections.

I know a lot of you reading this do not see eye to eye with me on every political issue, or maybe any issue. That’s ok. I promise, I’m not your enemy. And I know you are not mine, despite what some politicians and so-called political pundits say. At the end of the day, we all want the same things – “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Here in Michigan, it all begins with the Presidential Primary election on March 5, followed by the August 6 primary and November 4 general election. The barrage of campaign ads are coming. So enjoy the calm while you can.

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

Your Voice: Letters to the Editor ‘It’s Time’ – Maybury’s Sincock to retire

26 ‘A Photo A Day’ by Bryan Mitchell 28 Out & About: Community Calendar 30 Racing at Downs nears finish line 32 Ice Festival will be a ‘winter wonderland’ 34 I-275 project will be complete in 2024 36 Community Bulletin Board 42 Dishin’ with Denise

8

Mustang Nation Mourns Loss of Jack Crawford

16

Rebecca's Is A Northville Staple

22

Beautification Commission's Big 2024 Goals

ON THE COVER: Winter has descended upon Maybury Park, which was recently blanketed by fresh snow creating a beautiful landscape. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

Your Voice

Northville sports arena needed

It is time for our community to commit to investing in our parks and recreation facilities. This investment begins with the construction of a community showpiece that includes an ice arena and other indoor sports facilities, such as an indoor track, soccer fields, and pickleball courts.

Currently, many of our residents and their youth athletes have to leave Northville to compete, practice, and enjoy healthy/active lifestyles because Northville lacks the athletic facilities to accommodate them. Instead of keeping people in our community to spend money at local restaurants, gas stations, etc., we send them to other communities due to a lack of facilities and amenities. In addition to sending them elsewhere, we unintentionally divide our community. Without the ability to house our own youth health/wellness and sports, we send them looking for opportunities and teams outside our community, such as Novi, Livonia, and Canton. As a result, athletically, the younger members of our Northville often do not participate on the same youth teams.

I will speak in terms of hockey, as that is the world in which I live. Minnesota is the model for youth hockey in terms of the number of participants, development, and advancement to higher levels. What is the reason that Minnesota has more youth hockey players and more advancement of hockey players to higher levels than any other state? One of the most important, if not the most important reason, is the value they place on their community arenas. These ice arenas are a point of pride in Minnesota that help bring and keep their communities together.

The time is now for us to bring such a community arena and recreation facility to Northville. We already own the land for such a facility, which means that one of the major hurdles has already been passed. The next step is to find an investor or company willing to give back to the community and take the lead in bringing a world-class indoor sports facility to our world-class community.

Ryan Ossenmacher Boys Varsity Hockey Coach Northville High School

Random acts of kindness

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” This iconic quote feels more true now than ever. The world could do with a little bit more kindness.

And perhaps that kindness should begin with me and you. Let’s make 2024 the year of “Random Acts of Kindness”. Give people you meet compliments. Call an old friend out of the blue. Shovel the snow off your neighbor’s sidewalk. Sign up to donate blood. Give a generous tip to a store or restaurant you like. Pay for the next person in line at Starbucks or Joseph’s Coney Island. Volunteer. Take clothes you do not need to a local shelter. There are many ways to show your kindness. Let’s make Northville the ‘kindest’ place in Metro Detroit. It all starts with us. We can make a difference.

Jim Kastely

Keep Ford Field green space

Here is my idea for Ford Field, as city leaders contemplate its future. I think more than ever people are going to need peaceful green space alongside calming water once the mass of humanity of the Downs development is realized. I don’t think a water park is necessary since they are building one off Beck Road. If anything, I think picnic tables and grills would be a nice addition where families can gather to enjoy the green space and nature.

Carol Govier

SOUND OFF 4 The ‘Ville

Pure Northville

Tim Smith’s December article about Mary Gilbert’s log cabin was pure Northville.

Thank you!

Kathy Huyck

Saving the Downs

On New Year’s afternoon a group including myself stood shivering in Northville Square, our commonality a passion for preserving historic and iconic Northville Downs. Organizer Austin Waldo, a Northville native, invited various sympathizers to speak, soliciting a variety of viewpoints on issues including the fact that the Downs has been an integral part of Northville since 1944, that ours is the only town in Michigan with a horse racing venue, and that even the term “Northville Mustangs” harks back to Northville’s longstanding equine past.

I was surprised that the event was not better attended given that once the Downs is erased, regret over its loss will be an exercise in futility. One can only hope that when Mr. Waldo presents the group’s multiple suggestions for keeping the Downs to Mayor Turnbull, the mega-cash dangled by Hunter Pasteur won’t prejudice him against giving serious thought to viable alternate multi-use proposals. The conclusion of the Northville Square meeting was marked by a spontaneous chorus of “Save the Downs! Save the Downs!” We have to ask ourselves, is money, or our small town’s character the final arbiter of this contentious issue?

Ken Kilpatrick

Giving thanks for Karl’s

To begin, we give thanks to Karl and Sophia Poulos and their family “found a cabin” on Gotfredson Road in 1982.

We are thankful they prospered and their family grew with the restaurant and our community.

We are thankful that on Feb. 16, 2023, Karl’s Cabin staff was able to calmly escort a full-house of patrons to safety as a fire began in the back. We are especially grateful that 14 fire departments, and many first responders from Salem and Wayne and Washtenaw counties were so quick on the scene and effective at saving most of the structure from the flames – without any injury.

Thankfully, the mop-up and rebuilding crews got to work; meanwhile our community immediately gathered to help the employees and encourage the Poulos family.

We give thanks that now, months of hard work has brought Karl’s Cabin back from the blazing brink of death.

Thank you to all the builders, the staff, cooks and servers, the purveyors, the inspectors for we are now gathering back in this historic icon. And, finally, we give thanks to the Plymouth-Salem-Canton-Northville community for such a loyal support of the Poulos family’s – and “our” – restaurant and meeting place.

W. Edward Wendover

Please submit your letters by emailing Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

Letters must be 150 words or less. We reserve the right to edit all letters.

Restored Cabin Rendering Northville, Michigan

SAVE THE HISTORIC

MARY GILBERT LOG CABIN

Donate by check: Northville Historical Society 215 Griswold St. Northville, MI 48167 Prefer to donate by card: Go to: gofundme.com/NorthvilleCabin Or scan QR code

St.

Let’s breathe new life into Mary’s Cabin by repurposing it into a cultural asset for the benefit of the community. We must secure $125,000 by March 1st to prevent the cabin’s demolition.

River

Help Transform the Cabin into The Future River Park Welcome Center

Mary Gilbert, 1871-1941

7 Mile Rd. River Park Welcome Center

For More Information: Northville Historical Society (248)-348-1845 Bill Stockhausen wstockha@sbcglobal.net (248)-719-1218

Jack Crawford filled in the past few years as the announcer for the press media during Lions games at Ford Field.

Photos courtesy of Jeff Crawford

Mustang Nation mourning the passing of Jack Crawford

By Brad Emons

S

imply put, Jack Crawford was a fixture for nearly two decades when it came to athletics at both Northville and Novi high schools.

And putting it mildly, he was known as a ‘Jack of All Trades’ serving in a variety of roles where he was described as valuable, always available and someone you could always count on.

Sadly, Crawford unexpectedly passed away on Dec. 12 following complications from a heart attack. He was 74.

“He worked six days a week for us between Novi and Northville, so it just showed his love for sports and kids,” said Bryan Masi, who served as Northville’s A.D. from 2003-19.

“He just loved playing music and announcing games. He was

8 The ‘Ville

so dependable and you could always rely on him being there.

You never had to worry about him. And I just remember his passion for it all.”

You name it and the tax attorney did it working behind the scenes -- whether it was announcing or being the clock operator for football, basketball, baseball-softball, volleyball, hockey, wresting, track and field, cheerleading and even field hockey events.

It all began in 2005 when one of his four children, Ashley, was a member of the Northville girls club hockey team. It was also then when he became involved with the Mustangs’ boys hockey teams as well that same year doing the P.A. and/or keeping the clock.

“I approached him about

personable, friendly and soft doing more things and he spoken with a sense of humor. started doing the volleyball for He could be the funniest guy in us when it was in the fall (2009) the room, but he took his role when the seasons already seriously. changed,” Masi said.

“To me he was a true Novi High Activities professional,” Gordon said.

Coordinator Bill Kelp contacted “Any time I would throw Crawford after learning he had something at him he always worked hockey events for the made it sound better than what Mustangs. And they quickly got I told him to do. He always put him on board doing games for a great personal touch into the Wildcats as well at Novi Ice everything that he did for us, so Arena. that the kids remembered him.

And then it quickly evolved They remember the event that into soccer games at Meadows they were in and their parents Stadium and doing boys and as well. Just an all-around girls basketball games in the amazing individual. Huge loss winter for the Wildcats. And to both Novi and Northville, and usually at his side for both of course his family.” of those sports was his older The son of Jack and Helen brother Jeff. (When Jeff’s (Hennick) Crawford, Jack daughter played soccer at grew up in Novi and attended Novi, Jeff normally ran the clock, while Jack did the announcing.)

That ultimately morphed into Jack doing the P.A. for Friday and Thursday night football games at both Novi and Northville Jack Crawford and his wife Linda were married for 51 years. highs.

Northville High along with his Retired Novi A.D. Brian two older brothers, Hugh (Class Gordon described Crawford as of 1959) and Jeff (Class of 1963).

‘Our ‘A’ team guy.”

Jack graduated from “What didn’t he do?”

Northville High School where Gordon said. “It was just his he ran varsity track competing willingness to go above and as a sprinter, quarter miler and beyond, and to make all of our events . . . very professional and long jumper. to acknowledge the efforts of Jack continued his education coaches and kids, and programs, at Michigan State University every time he took the mic. earning a B.A. in sociology. He He was very unselfish and was then went on to earn a Juris always about what was going on Doctor from the Detroit College either on the court, on the ice, of Law. He worked his entire or on the fields.” career as an attorney over 40 Crawford’s contemporaries years providing tax and legal and family knew him as affable, services to clients for over 40

years. At the time of his passing, Crawford was still employed by Fakhouri, Smith & Associates in Lathrup Village where he had worked the past 19 years.

Crawford was also civic minded, whether it would be working on his brother Hugh’s campaigns during Novi City Council, Oakland County Board of Commissioners or Michigan House elections or being one of the original builders at the Fort Griswold Playscape in Northville.

During his life’s journey, Jack was married to his wife of 51 years Linda (Johnson), who taught middle school in Novi for 45 years. Along the way they raised four children including Jason (Tracie) Crawford, Dana (David) Tuckey, Ashley and Justin. He also had two grandsons, Scott and Nathan

Jack Crawford (middle), seated next to his brother Jeff (right) and sister-in-law Libby, worked numerous sports events for Novi High School, in addition to his work with Northville High.

Crawford.

Jack, of course, was a passionate Detroit sports fan attending Tiger games with his brother Jeff and serving as a fill-in P.A. announcer in the Ford Field press box for media members at Lions games. He also worked the three-day MHSAA boys hockey finals each March at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth serving as the D.J. between games and during the intermissions.

C U S TO M

“Jack was a ’70s guy and the kids didn’t know who Led Zepplin was,” Gordon said.

“But the parents appreciated it. You always knew Jack was in the house because he’d put on Toto’s “Africa,” and it would echo loud and clear on that first Thursday that the state finals had begun.”

Sports announcing was Jack Crawford’s passion, but his brother Jeff conveyed that he loved his family first and

K I TC H E N S

A N D

foremost, whether it would be watching his nephews or grandsons play baseball, or willing to lend a helping hand.

“He had a sense of humor and a willingness to help people,” Jeff said. “He loved his family and loved his wife.”

And for Jack Crawford, being front and center with a mike in his hand is what made him special at those sporting events and brought him great joy.

“He was good at it,” Jeff said.

“Never had a fear to announce.

He was a natural. Always level headed, always willing to help.

And played good music.”

Memorial visitation for Crawford was scheduled from 1-3 p.m. with a celebration of life immediately following on Saturday, Jan. 27 at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville.

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‘It’s Time’

Maybury’s Traci Sincock ready to retire after long career of public service

By Scott Spielman

W

hen Traci Sincock became the DNR Park Supervisor of Maybury State Park more than seven years ago, she felt she could help bring some improvements to the often-overlooked park. With several largescale projects behind her and the state park on an upswing, she said it’s time for her to retire—again.

“There’s not one thing that led to that decision, I just know that it’s time,” she said.

“There are always projects going on, and I would think: well, I’ll just finish this project.

But it’s just time to let the next generation of people keep these relationships going and find new ways to bring people into the park.”

Sincock, a Plymouth resident, is stepping down on Feb. 2, ending a nearly 40-year career in public service in the Plymouth and Northville communities.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Sincock was initially studying to become a physical education teacher, but the curriculum—and her classmates—were primarily athletic-based. She said it didn’t feel like quite the right fit. A conversation with a friend led to her taking a position as a playground supervisor in Lansing, where she grew up, and shifted her toward Parks and Recreation, instead. She changed her

12 The ‘Ville

major in her third year of college.

“The lightbulb went off,” she said. “I thought ‘you can have a career in this?’ I had no idea.”

Her first job was as a senior citizen coordinator for the City of Plymouth, where she met her now-husband, Paul, Plymouth’s longtime City Manager.

After a brief stint in San Antonio, Texas, she returned to Michigan and was hired as a parks and recreation supervisor in Northville in April of 1985. The greater

Northville community was still in its infancy, then—most of the subdivisions of today were fields; Beck Road was not paved.

The department itself was a two-person operation.

Even back then, however, it was an innovative, collaborative service operated through a partnership between the city, township and Northville Public Schools.

“I always believed having this joint program between the city, township and school district was the most effective way

Maybury State Park Supervisor Traci Sincock works with volunteers at the park. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

to deliver recreation services. It was a true community program and not many agencies in Michigan – or probably the country – had anything like that,” she said. “They may not have always gotten along, but they came together for the right purpose. In spite of their differences, they made it work. I always thought it was a really good model.”

In 1985, the department owned only two parks: Fish Hatchery Park off Seven Mile Road and Henningsen Field, off Six Mile.

Ford Field was owned by the Ford Motor Company.

“We used every school field. We used every piece of Maybury that we could. We had to literally go before the township board and convince them that we needed parks in the community.”

Sincock was appointed director of the parks and recreation department in 1991, when development in the township started to take off. The department and its facilities were expanding throughout her tenure, too, with the development of Community Park, Millenium Park, Cold Water Springs, pocket parks in neighborhoods and more. When she retired from that position in 2010, she and her staff had managed the construction of nine parks and the revocation of three community buildings.

“She’s been a wonderful public servant throughout her career,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo. “She’s been in the community for many, many years and has been nothing but a positive influence. She was a significant influence on our culture in a positive way.”

Sincock then moved on to the Northville Chamber of Commerce, where she served as associate director for more than five years.

“It was an easy transition for me. I knew the community, I knew the businesses in the community, I knew the players,” she said. “But I also learned a lot about the nonprofit world and how to gain support and help business members’ development.

I’m really grateful for the time I spent at the Chamber.”

FULL CIRCLE When some administrative changes took place at Maybury State Park, Sincock threw her hat in the ring to become the next supervisor. Already familiar with the

I felt like I could do more. I knew where the needs were. Maybury was tired. It’s a small park in the system. It doesn’t bring in a ton of revenue because it doesn’t have camping. Yet the people that spend the time here absolutely love it. It has so much potential.

Traci Sincock Who took over as supervisor of Maybury State Park seven years ago park and what it offered, she said she knew what was needed there. Opened in 1975, the nearly-thousand acre park had not seen many improvements and remained an unpolished jewel on the west side of the community.

“I felt like I could do more. I knew where the needs were,” she said. “Maybury was tired. It’s a small park in the system. It doesn’t bring in a ton of revenue because it doesn’t have camping. Yet the people that spend the time here absolutely love it. It has so much potential.”

She brought her philosophy of collaboration with her to the new role, working with the Northville Kiwanis and the Northville Township Fire Charity Fund to help fund a $200,000 playground. She also worked with the state to fund a new headquarters, which was constructed in part with money from a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant to

construct the facility as a tornado structure.

“It’s shown a bigger set of stakeholders that collaboration is what gets you where you want to be,” she said.

When it came time to demolish the former park headquarters, she worked with fire agencies across the state to host a controlled burn training exercise—which brought about 70 firefighters from 11 agencies, along with the state fire marshal.

She managed Maybury throughout the Covid pandemic, which caused a huge jump in visits to the park. During the park covid year of 2020, about 1.1 million people visited the park—more than double the previous year. Although that attendance has dropped to about 800,000 visits annually now, Sincock said those visitors are very engaged.

“People are still coming, they’ve rediscovered us. The support we’ve received from those visitors is continuing to grow,” she said. “I was brought here to bring the community into the park and I think we did.

The staff has been amazing.”

WHAT’S NEXT? Sincock said there are many projects and activities coming to the park and Maybury Farm, including some improvements to the mountain bike trail, which is now eight miles along. After trying unsuccessfully to bring a horse-riding vendor to Maybury for two years, she said she is evaluating bids now for vendors to bring that service back.

“I’m hopeful that this park will have a horse-riding operation again this year,” she said. “I think it’s back on the horizon.”

Personally, Sincock said she has no immediate plans. Paul, her husband, has no plans to retire from his position as the city manager in Plymouth. She said she’ll continue to serve in Rotary and be active in the Plymouth and Northville communities, no matter what she does.

“I’m going to spend more time with my family. They’re all over the country and I want to spend more time with them,” she said. “I don’t really have any day-to-day plans. I feel like if it’s supposed to find me, it will.”

Sincock’s last day at Maybury will be Feb. 2. She said the process for selecting a new park supervisor will likely take a while.

The ‘Ville 13

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Rebecca’s employee Jennifer Morgan takes an order from a customer last month.

t c e f r e ‘ The P Spot ’ g n i t e e M

demic n a p s e t a g i v staple e l l Rebecca’s na i v h t r o N a remain challenges to Mitchell otos by Bryan | Ph a Olschanski

By Kassandr

R

ebecca’s, the beloved restaurant in downtown Northville, is one of those hidden gems to the outside world. For many locals, however, the little restaurant located at 134 N. Center Street has become a staple. Not only is it a quaint place to get a great meal or ice cream, but it’s also a great meeting spot.

Its origins began about a quarter century ago when owner Rebecca Good had the dream of opening her own restaurant. Although she had planned on going into the medical field, Good had developed a love of the restaurant business while waiting tables as a kid.

“About 26 years ago I was planning on going into nursing, but I had always kept serving in a little restaurant I worked at as a teenager. My boss at the

16 The ‘Ville

restaurant also owned another restaurant in Northville. He was talking to a friend about how old and run down the restaurant was and he wanted out. After hearing that, I went home and thought ‘I should buy him out.’

I knew nursing wasn’t going to

be for me and I really enjoyed the restaurant business. Even though I didn’t know much, I was willing to learn.”

She took over the restaurant and has been operating it ever since. Of course, as most people in the restaurant business will

tell you, it hasn’t been an easy ride. Success wasn’t a given.

Good has many tales of long days and short nights.

“I remember so many times working all night, sleeping in the basement on top of this old desk, using the linen bags with aprons and towels as pillows, then waking up before we opened and going home to get ready, and coming right back,” Good said. “What’s a secret to my success? I think when you become a business owner you have to have the mindset that you just work until the work is done. There’s no punching out at 5 p.m. when everyone else is leaving.”

While running a successful restaurant is difficult in the best of times, doing it during a global pandemic is a monkey wrench no business owner could have envisioned. Rebecca’s navigated its way through the covid shutdowns, and came out on the other side, something a lot of small restaurants could not do.

“The first day of Covid we were told we had to close down by 3 o’clock and we were not allowed to serve anyone after that. We had a restaurant full

of people and people still trying to come in and eat after 3,” Good said. “It killed us to turn people away, they had just come from the grocery store and said people were panic buying and there was no toilet paper, bread, meat, etc. Some of them asked if we could sell them bread, eggs and toilet paper, which we did.”

Good and her staff decided to meet the pandemic challenges head on.

“The staff and I talked and decided to stay open every day with a skeleton crew of just a few people,” Good said. “We all took turns cooking on the line, doing dishes, running carry outs, etc. We had some challenging experiences, but we made it work.”

One of the ways the restaurant was able to stay in business during the dark days of covid was to sell Rebecca Bonds as a way to get an infusion of cash.

“You buy a bond for $50 of $100, and the longer you wait to redeem it, you could get up to 20% back on your money,” Good said.

Along with the pandemic restrictions and struggles, Rebecca’s also had to adjust to the street closures in downtown Northville. The closing of Main and Center streets has been an ongoing topic of debate, with many people in favor and many people opposed. While she was in favor at first, Good said the closures were also challenging.

“In the beginning, I was very neutral and didn’t mind either way. People were really enjoying the streets being closed,” Good said. “As time went on and covid was over, there was definitely a steady decline in the amount of people coming to town except on beautiful, warm weather days.

Rebecc Restaura’s Family Ice Crea ant & m Parlo Owner: Re r becca Goo d A

ddress: 13 4 Hours: 7:3 N Center St., Northv il 0 a.m.-3 p .m. Sunda le Thursday; y7:30 a.m.8 p.m. Fri. Phone: (2 & Sat. 48) Website: re 348 - 2660 beccasnort hville.com

Rebecca’s employee Carrie Howard takes an order from Tamara Jaros (left), of Canton, and Colleen Kilpatrick, who meet at the restaurant a couple times a month.

“Main and Center streets were taken off of Google Maps.

We no longer existed on the street and we became flooded with phone calls daily asking where we were located, and people saying they were lost, giving up and leaving,” she continued. “I feel that was a pretty big blow.”

If those weren’t enough challenges to deal with, food costs have risen fairly dramatically in the aftermath of the pandemic. And that has put restaurant owners like Good in a tough spot.

“As a business, we know at some point we have to raise prices to stay on top of costs but the increases that have to be

made to stay profitable are so high it’s hard to do that to your customers,” Good said. “So I’m sure a lot of restaurants make small increases and sacrifice some of the profit so it doesn’t sticker shock the customer, but with no relief in sight on food prices I don’t know how sustainable that will be.”

Rebecca’s recipe of success definitely includes lots of hard work and dedication, but loyal customers have been so important for the restaurant’s longevity.

Take Tamara Jaros and Colleen Kilpatrick, for example.

The two women have been meeting at the restaurant every other Friday for several years

Rebecca’s interior features lots of interesting decorations, including this vintage model airplane.

going back before the pandemic lock down. Both women love its “excellent and varied menu” and it being a convenient spot in downtown Northville.

“It’s the perfect meeting spot,” said Jarol, a Canton resident.

Good said Rebecca’s main reason for success has been the staff, many who have been with her for years.

“The staff really are the ones that have made Rebecca’s what it is -- a comfortable family-friendly place where the staff truly cares about the customers,” she said. “So many of the staff have become really close with the customers. Some of the girls will check up on customers that haven’t been in in a while to make sure they are ok.”

She said there is a real connection between her staff and customers she has known for a generation.

“We have kids that came in for ice cream 25 years ago that are now bringing their kids in for ice cream,” she said.

Regardless of the challenges early on with opening the restaurant and in more recent years with the global pandemic, road closures in downtown Northville, and rising food costs, Rebecca’s has overcome the odds to stay one of the most well-known spots for food and ice cream in all of Northville.

Bryan Mitchell contributed to this story.

The ‘Ville 17

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Northville Beautification Commission volunteers adding flowers to the planters that make downtown Northville sparkle in the summer months. Photos courtesy of the NBC

Beautification Commission Has Big Goals For 2024 Group seeks volunteers to ‘take care of Northville’

By Maria Taylor

G

et out more.

Find a new hobby.

Meet new friends.

Make a difference in your community.

If any of these sound like a New Year’s resolution you made for 2024, then Northville resident Diane Pittaway would say you should join the Northville Beautification Commission.

The Commission, probably best known for its annual citywide beautification awards, has been around for close to 60 years. It’s an all-volunteer group, authorized

by Northville city ordinance, whose charges cover everything from cleanup/ fixup campaigns to city landscaping recommendations to Arbor Day programs.

Pittaway, who’s chair of the Commission, wants everyone to know that the group’s work goes so much deeper than planting flowers and pulling weeds.

“We’re not just going around planting gardens,” said Pittaway. “It’s way more than that. And it’s more than just ‘beautifying’ Northville. It’s looking at the entity of the city, at the environment of it, and how to

22 The ‘Ville

keep it looking welcoming and attractive and environmentally healthy.”

Membership on the Commission is extended to people residing within a 5-mile radius of Northville City Hall or who have a Northville business interest, but anyone can volunteer with the Commission’s programs and events.

“Honestly, if you want to get to know your community, volunteering is a perfect avenue,” said Krista Siefert, Commission co-chair, who joined around 2018 or 2019. “I feel like I know so many people now, which is a nice feeling when you live somewhere small — you want to know not just your neighbors but the people that work in your community and interact here.”

COMMUNITY PROJECTS Before the pandemic, Beautification Commission projects meant an entire army of volunteers, their brightly colored T-shirts dotting the landscape as they fanned out across the city armed with shovels and seedlings.

“Then COVID put the kibosh on

everything, and all our volunteers disappeared,” Pittaway explained, citing a near-universal experience among service groups across the country. “So we’re starting over.”

And the group is kicking off 2024 with some lofty goals of its own.

First, there’s the usual slate of activities. The rain barrels in town square where flowers grow all summer long.

The Commission works with the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) to make that happen every year, ordering the flowers and gathering volunteers to plant them. Of course, there’s the annual awards program, where Mayor Brian Turnbull and the Commission go from house to house and business to business taking pictures with the winners; Pittaway says the competition gets stiffer each year.

Last April for Earth Day, the Commission gave away 600 seedlings. Recently they renovated a garden in a little park called Cabbagetown Park. With the approval of Parks and Rec, which maintains it, they replanted it with Michigan native plants, which are hardy and combat soil erosion and grow strong and tall without the need for watering.

“Parks and Rec and DPW (Department of Public Works) are our two main allies,” said Siefert. “They do so much, and we really appreciate them.”

In 2024, the Beautification Commission is aiming to brighten up Northville for every single person who enters the city limits. The city recently installed new “Welcome to Northville” signs, and the Commission will be working with Mike Domine and Chris Helinski, the DPW director and assistant director, to design landscaping around them — including the sign in the City Hall horseshoe drive off Main Street.

PRIDE OF PLACE Of course, all of this takes volunteer power to accomplish.

The Beautification Commission itself, by charter, has between 9 and 18 members who get interviewed and appointed by the Mayor and City Council. The appointed Commissioners are the ones setting the agenda and deciding what projects to tackle and where to spend money. But folks looking to pitch in don’t need to be an official member to get involved. One of the organization’s goals is providing opportunities for anyone who wants to come out and volunteer in their hometown, even if just for one afternoon.

Next year, the Commission’s calendar of events will include once-a-month beautification days, similar to a project they did at the VFW in 2023.

“Like a gardening cleanup,” Seifert explained. “We want to select different locations every month, invite people from the community … who like gardening, but maybe don’t want to commit fully to being on the Commission. So this is their way to engage with us — and then maybe down the road, when they have time and space, they can join. People are contacting us and asking for our support, so I think there’s a lot of opportunity here.”

To accommodate as many people as possible, the Commission is also updating its work schedule to include both weekday and weekend events.

“We want to be accessible to people who work, people with kids, to teens who need to get volunteer hours,” Siefert said. “Even moms with kids who want to get out and contribute to the community — it’s a perfect opportunity for them.”

“I think what it amounts to is, we want to take care of Northville so that it’s a

Mayor Brian Turnbull shows off the beautification award for the Yerkes House at Mill Race Village with NBC member Liliana Miyahara.

I think what it amounts to is, we want to take care of Northville so that it’s a welcoming community — so it looks cared for and it looks beautiful. And that people can feel proud to be a part of the community. We want to involve as much of the community, individually, as we can.

Diane Pittaway of the Northville Beautification Commission.

welcoming community — so it looks cared for and it looks beautiful,” Pittaway said.

“And that people can feel proud to be a part of the community. We want to involve as

Northville Beautification Commission volunteers worked on the VFW memorial site back in October.

much of the community, individually, as we can.”

Next up is getting the word out so people know about these opportunities. The Commission is on social media at facebook.com/ NorthvilleBeautificationCommission and instagram.com/northvillebeautification.

“You define your service in your community that you walk around and see every day — that’s the pitch, right?” Seifert said. “And then the other thing that we emphasize is sustainability and using native plantings whenever possible. They’re good for the environment and the bees and the ecosystem. So we do try to sprinkle in a little bit of education around that.”

This year, the Commission did a seminar on rain gardens, promoting it to their volunteer listserv and on social media.

“We did actually get people interested in it, and it opened up some dialogue,” Seifert said. “The city online newspaper did a little summary, and somebody emailed in to share the rain garden that they did in their yard. Now we’re talking about where in the city we could put another rain garden. All of these little things we do add up.”

Looking ahead, Seifert hopes the traction continues to the point where the Beautification Commission becomes a household name in Northville. And sometime down the road, she wants to do a seed swap.

“I hope in five years, we’re recognized as a community group — where people see [plantings around Northville’s] signs and know what we do,” she said. “And I hope that we’ve developed a big enough community so that we can assign like, ‘Alright, you guys take care of this part of the park, and you take care of Rural Hill.’ And then we’ll come together for our community gardening activities. And overall people will be so much more engaged on a regular basis, because they are taking ownership of something in the city where we live.

“We pay a lot of money to live here!” she laughed. “Let’s all take care of it.”

To volunteer, email northvillebeautification@gmail.com. For more information, find the Northville Beautification on Facebook or Instagram.

The ‘Ville 23

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH 1-4 PM, DOWNTOWN NORTHVILLE

Downtown

Timeless with a twist

The City & Township Fire Departments along with several restaurants return to face off in a HEATED chili competition in downtown Northville. During the event check out the dragons, fairies, and unicorns in our fantasy-themed ice sculptures.

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HAPPY HOUR

Rain drops cling to the trees at Maybury creating a glittery scene when backlit.

Snow covers the cat tails along the pond at Maybury.

A Photo A Day

Local photographer Bryan Mitchell, a key contributor to The ‘Ville Magazine, has embarked on a year-long creative odyssey. Challenging himself to capture at least one landscape or nature photo every day, Mitchell’s venture aims to break free from creative stagnation.

While juggling assignments for The ‘Ville and catering to clients with portraits of local individuals and pets, Mitchell finds solace and passion in the realm of landscape photography. Venturing to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a regular pilgrimage for him, but this year, he felt the need to inject new life into his creative pursuits.

Confronting occasional creative lulls, Mitchell decided to defy the rut by committing to daily photography. Reflecting on this commitment, he said, “I needed to shoot every day to stay sharp on my creative vision, especially during lulls between assignments when inspiration isn’t readily apparent, prompting me to search diligently for the perfect shot.”

Will Mitchell conquer the challenge of 365 consecutive days of photography?

The answer unfolds on his Instagram feed @ishootmi, where followers can witness his daily visual journey. Updates also grace his Facebook page, Bryan Mitchell Photography or @ishootmi, and his website, bryanmitchellphotography. com. Join the adventure and discover the beauty he uncovers each day.

Bare trees cast a reflection on the ice covering at Maybury.

A single leaf and a log stuck in the ice on the Maybury pond.

26 The ‘Ville

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN 2023 FROM THE NORTHVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AT MILL RACE VILLAGE Northville Lumber The Knickerbocker Group Feldman Automotive Group Elk Rapids Hydro R & D Land Development Matthew Martin CFO Group Precision Endodontics Corriveau Law Kelly & Kelly Law MG Building Presley Architecture Casterline Funeral Home Celebrity Pets Perennial Northville Home Depot – 7 Mile Hunter Pasteur Robert Anthony Munther & Beth Ajlouni Art & Barbara Bakewell Scott & Sue Baldwin & Family Blicharz Family Earl & Judy Baxxtresser Ron & Marilyn Breuhan Margaret Brace Diane Butkowski Richard Brown J. Paul & Susan Conway

DAR – Sarah Cochran Chapter

Living and Learning Enrichment Center

Arthur Murray Dance Studio

KB Jewelers

Andrew Boyd/Edward Jones

Authentic Hair Design Bailey & Shamoun Interiors of Northville Brinkel, Kapolnek, & Mulville

Carol Schrauben/Patti Mullen Realtor Group Country Garden Club of Northville Epiphany Kitchens

Good Time Party Store

Great Lakes Estate Sales Guernsey Farms Dairy

Jane Caruana Elizabeth Clancy John & Marci Colling Grace Colter Judith Culler Joseph & Mary Sue Duffy Gail Dunlap Joe & Ellen Elliott Sally & Ed Flayer Pat & Craig Fishbeck Debbie GrantKelterborn Barbara Hartnagel Paula Hebert Paul & Nancy Hinz

Long Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Magnolia Laine Bridal Main Dental

Navigant Oak New 2 You

Northville Art House

Northville District Library Northville Gallery

Northville Garden Club

Northville Nail Boutique Northville High School – Class of 1985

Northville Walkers Northville Tree Champions Orin Jewelers Rotary Club of Northville Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago Scott Lowery CPA Vision Computer Solutions The Wagon Wheel Mike Miller Building Inch Memorial Miller Team ReMax Realtors L.J. Griffin Funeral Home Genitti’s Hole-in-the-Wall Nancy Hackett Real Estate

Northville Public Schools – Early Childhood Education

Kirt & Anne Holder Michele Hogebre Jessie & Dan Hurd Drs. Jeffrey and Stephanie Jaghab Lori Jermont Katie Johnson Hugh Jordan III Estelle Kalakailo John Kargilis John Keenan Mimi Kibbey Suemarie Klimek Jim & Carol Koster David & Kristi Lawrence

Sheree Lowery Orin Mazzoni Tom & Joann McClure William Moses Tom Murphy Timothy O’Callaghan Florence Pangborn John Roby George & Joelle Sarkozy Karen & Bill Schaumann Paul & Carolyn Seymour Paul Slatin

Robert & LeAnne Stevens Bill & Carole Jean Stockhausen Jack Spitza Sean Spitza Linda Wantin Beverly & Brian Wheeler & Family Dave & Sue Woodsum Andrea Valkanos Richard & Karen Zyczynski

Thanks also to our steadfast volunteers without whom we could not function: The Stone Gang, Docents, Blacksmiths, and Archive Volunteers.

WE INVITE YOU TO GROW WITH US IN 2024!

out & about YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE THIS MONTH SEND IT IN To get your items listed in Out & About, email editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

Art History Lecture Jan. 27 The Northville Art House will host the program “Breaking the Canvas Ceiling” at 1 p.m. Join Art House Executive Director Shannon Karol for this celebration of women artists throughout history.

Presented alongside artwork by the Birmingham Society of Women Painters, this gallery talk will provide an overview of 10 women artists who broke boundaries in the art world. They include Mary Cassatt, Helen Frankenthaler, Artemisia Gentileschi, Frida Kahlo, Lee Krasner, and more. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, visit northvillearthouse.org.

Identity Theft Protection Jan. 29 The Northville District Library will host John Hogan from Comerica Bank in Northville from 7-8:30 p.m.

Hogan will discuss identity theft and how to take precautions to prevent it. Registration opens Dec. 29 by visiting the NDL website at northvillelibrary.org.

Mardi Gras Mixing Feb. 7 The Northville District Library will host this event at 7 p.m. The program will explore the history of New Orleans cocktails, and participants will sample cocktails from the 1800s. Recipes will also be emailed to those in attendance so they can make the drinks at home. Registration opens Jan. 7 by visiting the NDL website at northvillelibrary.org.

Stroh’s Story Feb. 8 Join Jeremy Dimick, of the Detroit Historical Society, as he presents Stroh’s Story: A Detroit Brewing Legacy. The program, which will be presented via Zoom beginning at 7 p.m., is sponsored by the Friends of the Northville District Library. Dimick will explain the fascinating story of the iconic Detroit brewer and its 150-year history of German style brews. To get the Zoom link, visit the library’s website at northvillelibrary.org and click on the calendar.

28 The ‘Ville

Chili 'in The Ville Downtown Northville is going to heat up with the 3rd Annual Chili ‘in The Ville event, which will take place from 1-4 p.m., Feb. 24. During this city wide chili cookoff event, downtown will be adorned with fantasy themed ice sculptures that are now open for sponsorship. There are also two live carving opportunities to support during the event.

As for the main event, the city and township fire departments along with several restaurants return to face off in a heated chili competition. During the event visitors can also check out the dragons, fairies, and unicorns in the fantasy-themed ice sculptures. For more information, including how you can sponsor an ice sculpture, contact Stacy Pearson of the Northville DDA at spearson@ ci.northville.mi.us.

Community Awards Dinner Feb. 8 The Northville Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual Northville Community Awards Dinner beginning at 5 p.m., Feb. 8 at Genitti’s and the Marquis Theatre. Awards will be presented recognizing a variety of accomplishments, including business excellence, volunteers of the year, and the John Genitti Citizen of the Year Award. Dinner and cocktails are planned at Genitti’s and the awards presentation will take place at the Marquis. There will be photo opportunities and a gift basket raffle.

Tickets cost $75 for chamber members, $85 for nonmembers, or $700 to sponsor a table of eight. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. northville.org.

Valentine’s Day Tunes Feb. 11 Harpist Chanah Ambuter will perform romantic music from 3-4 p.m. at the New School Church in Mill Race Village. The program is being sponsored by the Northville District Library. Registration opens on Jan. 11. To register, visit the NDL website at northvillelibrary.org.

Nerf Blaster Battle Feb. 16 Grab your Nerf guns and some friends and prepare for an afternoon of battle at the Northville Community Center. There are two sessions: 1:30-3 p.m. and 3:30-5 p.m. Northville Parks & Recreation will supply the darts, protective eye wear, bandanas and snacks (pizza and drink). For ages 7-13. Cost is $16. To register visit www.northvilleparksandrec. org or call (248) 349-0203. Registration deadline is Feb. 13.

Secret Service Presentation Feb. 19 For this President’s Day Program at the Northville District Library that begins at 7 p.m., former Secret Service Agent Radford Jones will provide a brief history of the U. S. Secret Service and his experiences while protecting six presidents, including his time on the Kennedy White House Detail. He will discuss events that occurred during his assignments.

Archived photographs will be shown during his PowerPoint presentation. Sponsored by the Friends of the Northville District Library. To register, visit northvillelibrary.org.

Friends Of The Opera of Michigan proudly presents:

A memorial in concert style with “Sacred Music” by Pietro Mascagni in the memory of Virginio “Gino” Persicone and his wife Angelina Persicone.

This event is sponsored by their daughter Rita Persicone Hench.

The memorial will be held at the Italian American Club of Livonia located at 39200 Five Mile Rd, MI 48154 at 4:00pm on February 4, 2024.

Soprano Angela Hench will perform “Regina Coeli” from Cavalleria Rusticana Tenor Cameron Barrett Johnson and Baritone Quinto Milito will perform “Messa di Gloria”.

The Brazael Dennard Chorale, Violinist Bobbi Adams and Pianist Accompanist Krystal Thomas will join the soloists in both renditions under the baton of Conductor Maestra Alice McAllister Tillman.

Dr. George Shirley will introduce the memorial.

Everyone is welcomed to attend

Downs Nears Finish Line

New track on Five Mile in Plymouth hits snag

By Kurt Kuban

A

famous phrase in horse racing is “down the stretch they come.” That phrase is applicable to the 80-year history of racing at Northville Downs, which is nearing its end.

As of now, the final weekend of harness racing planned at the facility is scheduled for Feb. 2-3. After that the demolition process of the facility will begin, as early as March, according to Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull. The mayor said the Carlo family, which owns the track, and developer Hunter Pasteur Homes have been working on demolition plans.

“Everything will be down by the end of the first quarter of this year,” Turnbull said.

The massive $350 million mixed-use project is expected to begin this year on the 49-acre Downs site. About 35% of the site will be preserved green space, including the 14-acre river walk park on the east side of the site. That’s where the Rouge River is currently underground and will be daylighted. Turnbull said that project will begin as early as April.

The project will also include Wayne County’s first roundabout, planned for the

30 The ‘Ville

Sheldon (Center)/Seven Mile intersection. The $5 million project could begin as early as spring of 2025, Turnbull said.

Turnbull said the project is a game changer for Northville.

“This is going to be a transformational project with lots of public benefits, including all the public green space, the daylighting of the Rouge River, and a trail system that is going to connect to the county and state park systems,” he said.

For more information on the project, visit northvilledowns. info.

PROPOSAL STALLS Meanwhile, the Carlo family’s efforts to build a new track on Five Mile near Ridge in neighboring Plymouth Township has hit a snag.

Mike Cox, the former Michigan attorney general now representing the Carlos, is threatening legal action against Plymouth Township if they don’t vote on their plan to build the new track on a 128-acre parcel the Carlos purchased for $9 million from the township last summer.

In a letter Cox distributed to members of the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees,

he accused township officials engaging in bad faith bargaining over the Community Benefits Agreement attached to the Planned Unit Development (PUD), which was recommended for approval by the Plymouth Township planning commission last year.

Cox sent a letter to the township recently to encourage a vote for final approval on the project prior to the Feb. 28 expiration of the PUD agreement. In it, he claimed some of the township demands in the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) violate the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act as well as the state constitution.

The CBA has been one of the stumbling blocks for the proposed project that includes a 35,500-square-foot horse barn, a 23,000-square-foot racing structure, and a 3,200-squarefoot maintenance building on the 128-acre site on the south side of Five Mile near Ridge.

In his letter, Cox said the township wants as part of the CBA soccer fields, a place for community events, and “direct cash payments equaling $5 million.”

The Plymouth Township Board of Trustees was expected

to take up the matter at their Jan. 23 meeting.

The horse track remains unpopular with Plymouth Township residents, who voiced their opposition at the Jan. 9 board of trustees meeting.

Anthony Costa said opposition to the track has brought the community together: right, left, young and old alike.

“We all think it’s a terrible idea,” he said.

MEIJER GETS GREEN LIGHT ON FIVE MILE After hearing the recommendation of mediator Michael Talbot, the former Michigan District Court of Appeals judge, the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees approved a deal that will allow Meijer to build a store on Five Mile, west of Beck Road (and east of the proposed track site).

Developers of the 21-acre project sued the township after the planning commission rejected it last year.

Attorneys for Meijer and the township worked with Talbot to come up with a compromise.

His recommendations included a smaller, mediumsized Meijer, security personnel on site, and a third entrance/ exit for the store. Trustee John Stewart said the deal “is in the best interests of our residents.”

“We would have spent a lot more money in litigation if we didn’t agree to this deal,” Stewart said. “This was a good compromise.”

The revised store plans will still have to go through the planning process, but the board approval gives the project the green light to move forward.

Scott Spielman contributed to this story.

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udrey Wagner of Livonia has established a tradition of visiting the Plymouth Ice Festival with her kids, taking advantage of a wintertime lull in activities to get in some quality time with her kids, JJ, Ethan and Natalie.

“There’s a lot of skill that goes into (carving) and the detail is just astounding,” Wagner said while attending the 2023 festival. “It’s a fun family activity to do in the winter.”

That’s one of the benefits organizers say is the key to the festival’s long history of success. And festival goers get their chance to take advantage of the activities when the Plymouth Ice Festival returns to downtown Plymouth Feb. 2-4. The festival will transform downtown Plymouth into a breathtaking winter wonderland, celebrating the artistry and beauty of ice sculptures.

“I think people are looking for something to do during the winter months ... People get cooped up inside and they want to do something,” said James Gietzen of JAG Entertainment, who organizes the festival.

“If you live in western Wayne County, you go to the Ice Festival.

“People have great memories,” he added.

“People who have children, when they came down their parents brought them, and now they bring their children. It’s a generational thing.”

32 The ‘Ville

The festival runs Friday, Feb. 2 from 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Some of the event highlights include: • Spectacular Ice Sculptures – Spectators will be able to marvel at the skill and creativity of talented ice sculptors. The festival will feature a wide array of sculptures, ranging from small ice carvings in front of store fronts to large displays in Kellogg Park.

The sculptures will be available for viewing 24 hours a day and will remain standing after the event – weather permitting.

• Ice Throne – This unique ice carving is the perfect setting for pictures with the family. Festival guests will feel like “Ice Festival Royalty” as they take a seat atop the Ice Throne. This activity has been a tradition for many families, as they return for that picture every year.

• Hot Spot – The Hot Spot, heated by Ehlers Heating and Cooling, will be located under The Gathering directly across from Kellogg Park. The Hot Spot features local vendors, businesses, product demonstrations, and a sitting area. The Hot Spot is open during all of the official open hours of the festival.

• Petting Farm – Presented by Michigan First Credit Union, the folks from Carousel Acres will be offering a hands-on experience with horses, donkeys, goats. sheep, alpaca and even a baby calf. This year’s Petting Farm will also feature pony rides. It will be open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Tubing Run – The Plymouth Ice Festival tubing run features more than 100 feet of tubing excitement and fun for the whole family. The tubing run will be open Friday from 6-9 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Party Lot and Ice Bar – Located at E.G. Nicks, the party lot will feature nightly entertainment. The lot will feature music and dancing from Ava James and the Rumors on Friday, and from Power Play Detroit on Saturday.

• Festival Food – The Plymouth Ice Festival features fun festival foods, like fresh roasted almonds, elephant ears and mini donuts. The event also features a polish food booth inside the Hotspot warming station.

• DDA Bingo – Visitors can stop in at participating businesses and collect enough stickers to get a bingo. The Plymouth Downtown Development Authority will provide bingo prizes.

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The orange barrels and concrete barriers are a thing of the past for the I-275 project. Courtesy of Revive275.org

Approaching the Finish Line I-275 project will be done later this year

By Tim Smith

F

or several years, motorists trying to navigate I-275’s shifting lane closures and on-again, off-again ramp access might have thought they were engaged in a frustrating version of whack-a-mole.

But finally, 2024 looks like the year when the construction madness along I-275 in western Wayne County will reach the finish line.

Sometime between summer and the end of 2024, the $281 million project between Five Mile and Northline roads will conclude – with only relatively minor work such as sprucing up landscaping and enhancing lane markings yet to be attended to.

It was announced on Dec. 22 by the Michigan Department of Transportation that all lanes of I-275 between Five Mile and Sibley roads had been re-opened.

“The 275 project will be done (summer 2024) and the work that is remaining includes removing all of the signs and barrels, all the barrier walls,” said Michigan Department of Transportation spokeswoman Diane Cross.

Other than some temporary lane closures as M-DOT crews pick up signs, orange barrels and cones – and with some finishing touches required for any crossovers that

34 The ‘Ville

extended across the median – major construction headaches for Plymouth and Northville commuters are about to go away.

“There is still work to be done but we will no longer be closing lanes down for months and years at a time as we’ve had to do on this very large project,” Cross added.

“There’s still going to be some bridge work. There’s going to be additional work to some of the medians and easements. Right now, they’re just pausing for the winter.

Obviously, the worst is over.”

Concurring that better days are ahead was Mark Abbo, supervisor for Northville Township.

“I’m glad we’re through it,” Abbo said.

“It’s always good to have infrastructure improvements made to our roadways. It was a long time that’s been under construction (since 2021). But I’m glad that traffic through and around Northville will be able to move more freely now.”

Abbo added that Northville-area residents are about to be rewarded for their patience once all work along the stretch of I-275 is concluded.

“I think residents are really pragmatic and understand short-term pain, longterm gain,” Abbo noted. “So they’ve been patient.”

According to Heise, “everybody will be really pleased when it’s finally done and we’ll have a smoother, safer ride for everybody.”

Heise said the completion of the busy stretch of I-275 will alleviate the immediate traffic burden for regional corridors such as Haggerty, Sheldon and Beck, as well as Ann Arbor Road.

There is still work to be done but we will no longer be closing lanes down for months and years at a time as we’ve had to do on this very large project.”

Diane Cross, Michigan Department of Transportation spokeswoman

Although motorists will continue to see crews toiling in the next few months, more and more will begin to feel comfortable enough with the traffic flow to not have to revert to using roads such as Haggerty and Ann Arbor roads to go about their daily tasks.

“Because we’re entering into the winter months it’s obviously more difficult for them to do major roadwork,” Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise said. “But M-DOT has also said the overall project will not be done completely, I don’t think, until the end of this year.

But improving those roads for the long haul is something that Heise underscored as a future goal worth soon pursuing.

“Once the project finally comes to an end, we would like to work with Wayne County on rebuilding Haggerty (a county thoroughfare) because that road is in very poor condition and nobody’s wanted to address that yet,” Heise said. “Because obviously, with all the traffic off of 275 we can’t choke off traffic completely.”

For ongoing updates concerning 1-275 from M-DOT, visit the website revive275. org.

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BULLETIN BOARD Lifetime Humanitarian Award

Northville’s Roland Hwang was one of 42 Michiganders to be honored with a 2023 Governor’s Service Award on Nov. 28 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit.

Hwang, a longtime Northville School Board member and current board member of the Northville Educational Foundation, received the Lifetime Humanitarian Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding civic and charitable responsibility to communities and organizations, including board service, volunteer engagement, and philanthropic efforts.

The Governor’s Service Awards, attended this year by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, is an annual statewide recognition event that acknowledges the contributions made through volunteerism, service, and philanthropy.

Owens is pictured here with Mayor Turnbull on her birthday.

‘Billie’ Owens Celebrates 100th Birthday Fire Department Promotions Longtime Northville resident Billodean ‘Billie’ Owens celebrated her 100th birthday on Jan. 10. The day included a visit by Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull, who declared, via mayoral proclamation, Jan. 10, 2024 to be “Billodean ‘Billie’ Owens Day” in the City of Northville.

Owens was born in 1924 in Detroit, and graduated from Plymouth High School. In 1943, she married Allen Owens (also a Plymouth High grad). Their first date was a show at the Marquis Theatre in downtown Northville. Her first child, Patricia, was born at Sessions Hospital in Northville in 1945 as were most local babies because Plymouth did not have a hospital at that time. They also had a son, Mike.

After she was widowed in her late 60s, Billie reconnected with Doug Lorenz, former owner and pharmacist of Lorenz Drugs in downtown Northville. The two had dated in high school. They stayed together for more than 20 years, until Doug’s passing in 2009. Billie and Betty Allen (wife of former Northville Mayor Mike Allen) were very close friends until Betty’s passing in July of 2022.

On January 10th, her two children and their spouses gathered at her home on Clement in Northville to celebrate the big day, and followed it up with dinner at Rocky’s in Northville. The family also celebrated with a “Young at Heart” 100th birthday celebration on Jan. 13 at the Detroit Marriott in Livonia. More than 50 guests attended.

36 The ‘Ville

The Northville Township Fire Department made some promotions in its ranks last month. Fire Marshal Tom Hughes was promoted to deputy chief. Kyle Lewis, formerly captain, was promoted to fire marshal. Lieutenant David Micallef was promoted to captain, and firefighter Rob McAllister promoted to lieutenant.

Pictured (from left) are Lewis, Hughes, Fire Chief Brent Siegel, McAllister, and Micallef.

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HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL

Juniors Calista Ye and Isabella Kawaguti ice skating in downtown Detroit wearing oversized sweaters, leggings, and legwarmers. Photo by Julia Chen

William Weyburne and Alex Binkert goof around during seminar that was featured in Almost Friday. Photo by Adeline Snook

Junior Kendall Leutheuser and friends wearing Birkenstocks clogs. Photo by Allyson Leutheuser

The Hottest Trends of2023 The pop culture that shaped the past year for NHS students

W

ith 2023 coming to a close, Northville High School students looked back on the hottest trends of the year. Some said the novelties manifested best in the release of long-anticipated movies, albums, and music tours. Others argued that it was the rise of new social media pages and fashion styles.

Whichever one that students believed to have made the most impact on pop culture, each trend offered unique and personal highlights that proved memorable to all students.

Thanks to the presence and growing popularity of social media platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, the hot trends of 2023 have much more quickly gained momentum and spread rapidly across the globe. As freshman Niki Patel put it: “Typically, when I see new trends, they just kind of take over my ‘for you’ page on YouTube or TikTok.” Several TikTok trends also served as forms of amusement.

“Barstool and Almost Friday have become super popular among the students,” sophomore Talia Applebaum said. “Every Thursday, the account posts funny pictures with the caption ‘Almost Friday’. I like this trend because it keeps me going through the week, and I’m always excited to get to Thursday, and then Friday.”

38 The ‘Ville

"Shatter Me" is a popular book series recommended by the BookTok community. Photo by Adeline Snook

More recently, a new community of TikTok has opened an entire new realm for exploration, discussion, and connection: BookTok, where users offer recommendations of recent book reads.

Freshman Evelin Rood was one of those who hopped on the BookTok trend and checked out the Fourth Wing and Shatter Me novels: “Both Fourth Wing books were so good but made me cry,” she said.

“I finished the first book in a day, and the second in two. For Shatter Me, I didn’t think

I was going to like it, but I really fell in love with the characters and the strong female protagonist.”

In addition to books, 2023 also meant a new era in music and the ability to develop stronger connections with favorite artists via newly announced world tours. “It was like no concert I’ve ever been to,” freshman Katie Huprich said passionately of the longawaited Taylor Swift Eras Tour. “The energy in the crowd was on another level and the amount of excitement all of us had was so incredible to witness in person.

“We got to explore 17 years of [Taylor’s] music and see a show that did not disappoint with a host who deeply cares about her fans,” Huprich continued.

Indeed, the Swiftie craze swept social media channels as people live streamed or documented their Eras Tour experiences and gushed about new releases, including several re-recorded “Taylor’s version” songs.

The year also saw other pop artists embark on world tours drawing millions of viewers, like Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour and BLACKPINK’s Born Pink Tour. Beyond pop music, fans of hard metal and rock

EDITOR'S NOTE: Brian Zhang, Adeline Snook, Diya Kannappan, Pranavi Oruganty, Sneha Hegde, Stella Maue, Chloe Rommeck, Marjolaine Encabo, Isabella Mach, Sneha Aradhya, Jiaxuan (Jackson) Gong, and Keira Gallagher.

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Managed HPC clusters and cloud flocked to the Metallica concerts in Detroit, while hip hop zealots anticipated the drop of Drake’s “For All the Dogs” album and Central Cee’s “Split Decision” extended play. As students looked back on their Spotify Wrapped playlists, the consensus was that 2023 brought on a truly diverse and prolific music scene.

In other forms of entertainment, students eagerly looked back on several

Freshman Katie Huprich attending Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour on June 10. Courtesy of Katie Huprich

movie releases, including The Super Mario Bros, Oppenheimer, The Hunger Games: the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and, most notably, Barbie. This last film took the entire movie industry and country by storm with its modern remake of a favorite childhood toy in the context of larger and socially relevant themes, such as feminism, self-esteem, and existentialism.

“I think Barbie had a big influence on pop culture – more than any other movie,” junior Kendall Leutheuser said. Senior Miranda Fraeyman agreed: “I think [Barbie] shined light on girlhood […] and what women face in society today, [as well as] how men don’t experience the same thing and don’t witness the same things as us.”

And, finally, with fashion always evolving, 2023 saw the resurgence of clothing pieces and accessories that were popular in previous decades. From Ugg boots and baggy jeans to flared leggings and maxi skirts, the fashion scene spelled out a revival period of renewed appreciation for what was once considered “out of vogue”.

To Sponsor High School Confidential in the future, please contact kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com or (734) 716-0783.

For NHS students, 2023 truly was a year of vibrancy and novelty with its unique pop culture trends that offered a respite from the busy school life. Many look forward to what 2024 will bring!

Senior Delaney Henderson prepares to see the Barbie movie in style. Courtesy of Delaney Henderson

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On the Road With French Wine Tour

Northville Township neighbors Keith and Kathy Langham and Ron and Kathy Barnum took a 10-day French river cruise for wine lovers in October, sailing up the Rhone River through Provence and Burgundy. Stops included Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Lyon, Tournus, and Beaune, followed by two days in Paris. Here they are pictured with The ‘Ville at Chateau de Pierreclos in Burgundy, enjoying one of the trip’s many wine tastings.

Cultural Highlights of Japan

Longtime Northville residents Lonna and Jim Petrie recently traveled on a Road Scholar Trip which was titled The Cultural Highlights of Japan. Their 16-day Japanese adventure included six locations, including stops in Tokyo, Kyoto and Matsumoto. Here they are pictured holding The ‘Ville with a Japanese Ninja in front of the Matsumoto Castle. This five-tiered castle built in the 16th century was just one of Japan’s many interesting historic sites.

European Cruise

Michelle and Chris Manross went on a Viking River Cruise on the Danube River for their 30th wedding anniversary. The cruise took them to Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and The Czech Republic. Michelle is pictured here with her copy of The ‘Ville in the village of Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic.

Portugal and Spain Adventure

Northville residents David and Claudia Snyder, Donald and Dorisel Boggs, and Gary and Linda Zaddach, along with Dr. Robert and Carolyn Crisp of Winter Garden, Florida embarked upon a fantastic trip to Lisbon, Portugal prior to boarding the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship. They visited Porto, Portugal, where they sampled Calem port wine, rode the cable car to view the Rock of Gibraltar and the Barbary Apes, visited Granada to see the Moorish influences and numerous cities in Spain before disembarking in Barcelona where they spent two luxurious nights in the grand old iconic hotel, The Casa Fuster. Here the group is pictured with their copy of The ‘Ville overlooking Lisbon from the top of Sao Vicente.

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

40 The ‘Ville

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THE DUDE March 6th, 2024

4:00 - 10:00 pm

Join us in taking it easy in downtown Northville, MI Presented by:

Since we were founded in 2009, the Day of the Dude has been a corporate holiday at Up2Go. With our 15th anniversary we thought it is time to invite you to join the celebration of this special day.

Continuous, free screening of The Big Lebowski at the Garage Grill & Fuel Bar “We recovered the Creedence” Live music at Genitti’s Hole-in-the-Wall Support the

“Little Urban Achievers” Exchange US$ for Clams at the Exchange Bar & Grill Participating restaurants throughout town will accept Clams as an additional currency.

Up2Go will add 15% to the total Clams proceeds and donate that amount to the renovation of the downtown playground at Ford Field Park.

Join us in style - the Dude abides For questions about the event please contact the.dudes@up2go.com

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Dishin’ With Denise

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

Take A Look, See I

t’s a new year and time for me to “pick-a-word”.

The first time I ditched resolutions and replaced them with a word to live by was 2014.

My first word, “JOY”. That was a lifetime ago. Now 2024 is upon us, and as always, I stopped to really think about a word. My yoga instructor has taught me a valuable life lesson – no judging, just observing. I try.

So, this year I’ve chosen the word “observe”, which suggested the adage “looksee”. The internet is quick to define the old school catch phrase: “If you are talking about something that your eyes simply observe, you can use see.

If you are directing your eyes at something, use look.” They spell it out as look-see. I use a reference book about the use of commas – for the fun of it (yes, I am a word play geek) – I replaced the dash with a comma. Think about it.

Rebecca at the Stitching Post

I have had the pleasure of working with the folks at Stitching Post a lot since last August. The whole town and beyond goes in and out

42 The ‘Ville

of those doors for everything from hats to scarves to jerseys to letter jackets and sweaters, from Northville schools and others in the area. I’ve been buying banners, a few hats, and some sweatshirts. They are dependable, easy to work with, helpful and all those other things you want when spending your hard-earned dollars.

They go the extra mile – opening the doors when they are “closed” for vacation or delivering oddly shaped packages. Maybe all the “team” work and spirit the products represent spreads throughout that jam-packed building… whatever makes it work…kudos to all, especially Rebecca and Craig.

There is another iconic building/business along S. Main Street (which locals call Northville Road). It was formerly known as Elizabeth’s Bridal. It has a new name (Magnolia Laine Bridal), a new sign, new owners – but trust me – our dear friend Elizabeth is still singing the praises of her clients and her successors.

What a wonderful transition from what was to what is. It could restore one’s hope for humanity. Welcome Magnolia Laine to town.

Magnolia Laine Bridal is part of The White Magnolia family (established in 2010) with a history in the South – Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Palm Beach and more. When I went by on opening day, Bree, with the sweetest darn Southern accent, couldn’t have been more accommodating, and

From left, Magnolia manager Kelsey Grover and stylist Olivia Hawkins

proud to introduce the manager Kelsey Grover and stylist Olivia Hawkins.

The store is a bridal boutique offering affordable styles with exceptional customer service. The calling card says it all, “Every bride deserves her dream wedding dress.” In days gone by, I know many a bride that would tell you that is exactly what they received.

Many thanks to Elizabeth – and – best wishes to the new team in town for many more years of making dreams come true.

Paul Snyder, the executive director of Mill Race Village recently shared news of a new book in the works.

According to Paul, “It is specific to Northville with hundreds of photos of Northville homes spanning several decades.” The person in part responsible for the book is Dr. Steven Quay. He was raised in Northville and went on to study medicine. He founded a medical research firm based in Seattle and is currently working in Taiwan. Dr. Quay has received awards from the

University of Michigan Medical School, Western Michigan University, Ernst & Young – to name just a few.

All things considered, his fondness for Northville never left him. While catching up on the “Growing Up in Northville” Facebook page he grew nostalgic looking at the landscape that reminded him of his youth. Quay says, “It made me feel like I was 10 years old… riding my bike through town with friends, exploring the Mill Pond…I was four when my family came to town so my father could take a position at Northville High...and my mother could teach third grade at Amerman…I’ve lived all around the world but Northville is the only place I call home.”

Dr. Steven Quay

It was about three years ago he connected the Northville historical folks with professionals in the publishing world to create a coffee table style book. It will span three decades of our history (1950s to the 1980s). Keep an eye out for a May-June release. I, for one, will take a look-see for my home or office.

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248 348 0496 | www.kellykellylaw.com 248 348 0496 | www.kellykellylaw.com 422 East Main Street, Northville, MI 48167 422 East Main Street, Northville, MI 48167

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Jamey Kramer

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Jamey Kramer Real Estate

248.348.7200

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Montcaret Of Northville Sold @ 91% Of List Price

Hills Of Crestwood Sold @ 96% Of List Price

Hills Of Crestwood Sold in 2 Days @ 114% Of List Price

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Downtown Northville Sold In 14 Days @ 93% Of List Price

JameyKramer.com 248-348-7200

For Top Dollar, Quick Results, Great Service And A FREE Market Analysis Call Jamey

On 1.5 Acres Sold In 36 Days @ 92% Of List Price

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Northville Hills Golf Club Sold In 3 Days @ 108% Of List Price

Woodlands South Sold In 3 Days @ 114% Of List Price

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Woodlands North Sold In 14 Days @ 97% Of List Price

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In 2023 We Sold These & More! Ready To Sell Yours In 2024!

Woodlands South Sold In 3 Days @ 100% Of List

Putting You First ... Put Me First • Top 1% USA - Realtrends • Top 50 Agents RE/MAX USA • #1 Northville/Novi Homeseller • Hour Magazine Best of the Best • #1 Agent RE/MAX Classic, All Offices • #1 Agent RE/MAX State Of Michigan 2022