JP-TheVille-JUNE26

LOCAL JOURNALISM MATTERS

Please consider a donation to support The 'Ville. Since we began publishing more than seven 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

You can also make donations via PayPal to kurtkuban@gmail.com. Thank you in advance.

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

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

Here is a list of people who contributed to local journalism last month. We appreciate your support!

• Tom & Kay Carlson

• John & Sharyn Duran

• Roy Forbes

• Margie Sievert

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, and is excited to get back to her roots in The ‘Ville. -Photo by Kathleen Voss

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.

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.

SUE VOYLES - Writer

Growing up, Sue Voyles knew she always 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.

BRAD EMONS - Writer

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

SEAN POWER – Photographer

Sean is a freelance photographer who is originally from Chicago, where he spent many years in the world of broadcast television. He and his family moved from Chicago to Northville in 2021. He lives with his wife, Angelique (a 2025 Detroit News "Michiganian of the Year"), daughter Sadie, a cat, and an English black lab.

A View From The ‘Ville

Community support is foundation of new Ford Field playscape

I’ve attended plenty of ribbon cutting ceremonies over the years, marking everything from the opening of new businesses, government buildings, parks and even roads. In fact, we’ve been getting pretty used to them lately here in Northville.

In just the last month or so, community leaders have held ribbon cuttings to open a number of downtown businesses (including AR Workshop, Center Street Pharmacy and The Pregnancy Bar), the roundabout at Seven Mile and Sheldon (Wayne County’s first roundabout), the incredible River Park on the Downs site (featuring the daylighted Rouge River) and the unveiling of the brand spanking new playscape at Ford Field.

Without a doubt, my favorite one so far has to be the June 12 opening up of the new $1.5 million playscape, which replaced the beloved Fort Griswold that was built by community members back in 1997. The new playscape was designed to look like the old Ft. Griswold, but includes many modern safety features and is fully accessible to children with special needs.

With blue skies overhead and the sun shining, it was a beautiful afternoon to open a new playground (is there a bad day?).

A few dozen children were on hand, and anxiously awaited the conclusion of remarks by city leaders, and others who had a hand in the project. Once the proclamations wound down, a ribbon was cut, a gate was thrown open and the children streamed in quickly so they could be the first ones to break in the new playscape.

And, of course, that is what all the fundraising, planning and hard work was about -- children having a safe place to be themselves and let out some energy.

The other reason I love this project is the way the community stepped up to support it. It could not have happened without substantial donations from the Declan Carter Foundation ($130,000) and the Rotary Foundation ($100,000), which is the fundraising arm of the Northville Rotary club. In fact, city officials said there was a total of more than $430,000 in donations.

When you, as a community member, donate to local clubs throughout the year, this is an example of how that donation ultimately impacts the local community. Full disclosure, I’m a proud member

of Northville Rotary. I’m fortunate to see firsthand how hard Rotary members work to support our community, including raising funds for projects just like the new playground. We decided this would be our major project to mark our 100th birthday as a club this year. There were a number of Rotary members at the ribbon cutting, and I saw nothing but smiles on their faces.

Speaking of local clubs that always step up, we are fortunate to have two active garden clubs in Northville. The Northville Garden Club just celebrated its 90th anniversary with a gathering at Genitti’s earlier this month. The Country Garden Club of Northville is a separate group that puts on the Northville Garden Walk every year, which is scheduled for July 8 this year. It will showcase six private gardens and also feature a number of vendors.

When you buy a ticket to the Garden Walk, or support other fundraisers put on by either of these groups, know your donation will help them provide scholarships to local graduates and also continue beautification efforts in Northville. Check out our story on Page 24 that describes all the great things these ladies do for our community.

These clubs are responsible for planting and maintaining many of the flower beds around town, including at City Hall, the library, downtown, Mill Race Village and the Post Office – just to name a few. In just about every case, if there is something blooming in our downtown, you can thank one of these two clubs for it.

Have a great summer, everyone. Remember, take time to stop and smell the flowers (and give thanks we have such great garden clubs). Maybe I’ll see you at a ribbon cutting ceremony.

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

ON THE COVER: Honest Abe would have loved Northville’s 4th of July parade. Abraham Lincoln impersonator Kevin Wood waves to the crowds along Main Street during the 2024 parade.

Photo by Sean Power

Your Voice

Proud of our community

I cannot recall a more inspiring or heartwarming issue of The ‘Ville then this May’s issue filled with past and present stories of passionate and dedicated community volunteers and public officials giving countless hours of their time and energy to reimagine and invigorate Main Street back in 1978; restore and maintain our historic cemeteries; update Ford Field including scenic gateway, accessible entrance, playground, and Serenity Point; daylight the river; plus a genuine history lesson reminder on what Memorial Day represents. Thank you to all you amazing and selfless individuals. We are all better because of you. And thank you to The ‘Ville for sharing these stories so beautifully.

Unfortunately, this positive community vibe issue was tainted by giving editorial space to an unhinged keyboard cowboy who hurled false accusations and vitriol at our City Council. I have no idea who this individual is, but I am willing to bet he’s never rolled up his sleeves to do one positive thing for our community. So, thank you to our City Council for all you do to make Northville a better place for all of us... even the worst of us.

Rick Sharpe

Oakwood looks great

I enjoyed the editorial about Memorial Day in last month’s issue. Recently, I was discussing with my wife various projects going on in Northville. We touched on the Cemetery Renewal Task Force. When walking on Cady Street, the Oakwood Cemetery of the past looked like something from a B-rated horror movie with tombstones discolored and toppled over. Now, it looks clean and uniform. It is impressive. I will need to check out Rural Hill Cemetery. And it was a nice touch to feature Ed Hucyk on the cover and in the story about the restoration work.

Mike Lapinski

It’s their town now

I listened to Judge Charlene Elder’s April 28 hearing on the case brought by the anonymous people behind “Let’s Open Northville.” It was very disappointing. It’s clear that until her unfortunate ruling is reversed, our downtown is under the control, not of elected officials, but of those people. They don’t like outdoor dining (except at Rebecca’s) and don’t like outdoor concerts and festivals, but they are in charge. The city should simply ask them to announce how many 2026 concerts and festivals they will allow and comply with their wishes. It’s their city now, not ours.

Stephen Calkins

Navigating a maze

The City of Northville must have received a windfall of free stop signs since they are placed ubiquitously around town. Some seem warranted, but others, such as the stop sign at Rogers and Thayer, seem pretty pointless. As if it isn’t difficult enough to get around town with all the construction and road closures. It’s like trying to navigate a maze.

Nancy Quirk

Hallowed grounds

I just read Kurt Kuban’s editorial in the May issue of The ‘Ville. I found it very interesting and was pleased to learn of his long involvement in writing annual editorials about the importance of Memorial Day.

I thought the cover and editorial were fantastic. You did a masterful job of mixing facts about our losses over history and more recently with stories like the meaning of the day to local VFW Commander Ed Huyck. I loved how you made this relevant to Northville and also what’s going on in the world today and the fact that we owe a lot to our military and the almost 1,000 buried in the hallowed grounds of Oakwood and Rural Hill cemeteries.

I also very much appreciated Michele Fecht’s article about volunteer efforts at the two cemeteries and the fact that we were able to make an appeal for funds. Members of the community have really stepped up in supporting our efforts. We have raised almost $25,000 and I know the VFW fund for Rural Hill is up to $45,000. At this point we still need more than $20,000 to finish restoring Oakwood Cemetery (excluding replacing missing headstones, which some would like to do).

If anyone is interested in donating, they can mail checks payable to the Northville Historical Society (memo: Cemetery Renewal) 215 Griswold Street, Northville, MI 48167. People can also go online at www. millracenorthville.org, click on “Donate” and select “cemetery renewal.”

David Marold Cemetery Renewal Task Force

VFW Commander Ed Huyck is one of the volunteers leading the efforts to restore the gravesites of veterans at Rural Hill Cemetery. Photo by Sean Power

Pushing a political agenda

After reading the two letters in last month’s issue (“Standing for America” and “Proud of Students”) responding to my previous letter criticizing the recent Northville High School student walkout, I feel that I must clear some things up. I have my education specialist certificate in Secondary Administration from Wayne State University. And I taught high school math and science for 25 years. So, I am very well qualified to speak on this subject. There is a pro and con. Just ask the parents of Sheridan Gorman, Jocelyn Nungaray or Laken Riley. A good debate in the auditorium would have been ideal.

Public schools must stay politically neutral. They cannot push a political agenda which is what happened here or we will slip into fascism. There are parents and taxpayers on both sides of this issue. Political demonstrations on class time and on public school property may not be legal. It could be challenged. The responsibility of public schools is to teach students how to think for themselves, and not what to think. Northville has an excellent school system, I just wish this had been handled differently.

Carol Maynard

A sad goodbye

I am writing today with a heavy heart to share my story—one that spans more than 20 years in the Northville community, and one that is now coming to an unexpected and painful end.

For over two decades, I have proudly operated Hungry Howie’s Pizza at the same location (near Custard Time). This wasn’t just a business to me. It was a second home. It was where I watched families grow, where I got to know customers by name, and where kids who once came in with their parents returned years later bringing in families of their own.

Through good times and hard times—economic downturns, changing seasons, and challenges that face all small businesses—I remained committed. I showed up every day, worked hard, and poured my heart into serving this community. Northville has meant everything to me.

That is why it has been so difficult and heartbreaking to learn that my lease will not be renewed.

After 20 years of loyalty, dedication, and consistency, I am left without answers. Just the reality of having to leave behind something I’ve built and cared for over most of my life.

What hurts the most is not just losing the location, but losing the sense of belonging that came with it. Losing the daily connections, the familiar faces, and the feeling that I was truly a part of this community.

I am sharing my story not out of anger, but out of sadness—and hope. Hope that it brings awareness to how situations like this affect small business owners.

Hungry Howie’s Pizza was never just a place to grab a meal—it was a place where memories were made. I will always be grateful to the Northville community for allowing me to be a part of their lives for the past 20 years.

Thomas Dalsasso

Pastor Scott was an inspiration

Last Fall, my 19-year-old son was invited to a square dance for special needs adults at Ward Church in Northville. I will never forget looking over and seeing Pastor Scott Mckee doing the chicken dance at the event. This was especially poignant because we all knew that Pastor Scott was battling stage 4 cancer. He danced for 2-plus hours! It was amazing. I was so touched that he took time to spend the afternoon with us while facing a very grave battle of his own.

Pastor Scott, age 60, passed away in March. I reflected on his dedication to making Ward church a hub for the community. He loved having Northville High School use our church for all of their testing and many other programs. He also supported and endorsed all of the programs that serve our special needs population and so much more.

A couple of months before he passed away, Pastor Scott said at a sermon, he hoped his obit might state:

“I hope it will not say that I lost. And if battle imagery is going to be used, I would prefer it if it said something like this: ‘After a long battle, cancer was not able to take away Scott’s joy. Cancer put up quite a fight, but it was never able to diminish Scott’s faith. When Scott took his final breath and it looked like cancer had won, against all odds Scott stood up—because the same power that rose Jesus from the dead was at work in him, and now Scott stands victorious: untouchable by cancer, physically incorruptible, healed and whole. Oh death, where is thy sting?’”

We will miss Pastor Scott. He was an encouragement to us all!

Please submit your letters by emailing Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com. Letters must be 150 words or less. We reserve the right to edit all letters.

Laurie Kondek

Pastor Scott Mckee | Photo courtesy of Ward Church

250th Birthday Bash

Parade, Historical Society events at Mill Race to celebrate American independence

By Michele M. Fecht

Fifty-six signatures.

Just 56 signatures on a piece of parchment would seal the document forging American independence in 1776. Now in its 250th year, the nation is celebrating the milestone — its semiquincentennial (say that 10 times in a row) — on July 4th.

The Northville Historical Society is taking the lead on this 250th anniversary with two key events planned on July 4 and July 8 at Mill Race Village.

The July 4th event will begin following Northville’s Independence Day Parade. Themed “America’s 250th Birthday Bash,” the parade, sponsored by the Northville Chamber of Commerce, will feature floats, bands, antique cars and more. Chamber Director Jim Cracraft anticipates similar parade

participation as last year (which had a 33 percent uptick in parade participation from the previous year) if not more with the 250th anniversary as the marquis celebration.

Mill Race Village will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for those wishing to walk the grounds and explore its historic buildings.

The Citizens of the American Colonies Living Historians, a

popular attraction at the Village for several years, will present a program focusing on the Declaration of Independence, said group organizer Ken Giorlando.

Though still in the planning stages, Giorlando said he is considering an interactive program where reenactors representing America’s Founding Fathers such as John

Hancock, John Adams and others and Founding Mothers including Abigail Adams, Betsy Ross and others will plead the case for independence with village visitors taking the role of delegates and voting on whether to approve the Declaration of Independence.

“It will be a very colonial atmosphere,” he said. “I’m hoping to have each of our representatives speak for a few minutes.” And of course, there will be bells ringing and musket firing, he said.

“THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION . . .”

Mill Race Village also will be the site for the Wednesday, July 8, reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Northville Historical Society will be joining communities across the nation and the state of Michigan in a coordinated public reading of the founding document.

Among the featured guest readers will be City Mayor Brian Turnbull, Township Supervisor Mark Abbo, and School Superintendent RJ Webber, who will lend their voices to the historic document as part of the America250 commemoration.

Public readings of the

The Citizens of the American Colonies Living Historians will present a program focusing on the Declaration of Independence.

The Plymouth Fife & Drum Corps will be marching in the 4th of July parade.

Declaration of Independence date back to 1776, when the document was first shared aloud with citizens following its adoption by the Continental Congress on July 4. (See the adjoining timeline).

Both events at Mill Race Village on July 4 and July 8 are free and open to the public. Families, residents, and visitors are encouraged to attend and

take part in the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. For more information contact the Northville Historical Society at (248) 348-1845.

OUR REVOLUTIONARY PATRIOT

Though Northville’s first settlers came decades after the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the close of the Revolutionary War in 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, the city’s Oakwood Cemetery is the final resting place of William Gregory who served in the Revolution from August 24 to December 13, 1781, as a Private in Capt. Botsford’s

Co., 5th CT Regiment, as well as in Capt. Comstock’s Co., Col. Sherman’s Regiment, receiving an annual pension of $20.

Oakwood Cemetery was designated as a historic site by the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists in 2017. In recognition of the distinction, a historical marker was installed at the cemetery on October 8, 2017.

Declaration of Independence Timeline

June 7, 1776

Richard Henry Lee of VA puts forth the resolution for independence.

June 10, 1776

Consideration of the resolution is postponed till July 1 (so moderates could build a coalition)

June 11, 1776

Revolutionaries persuade Congress to appoint a committee to draft a declaration of independence. The committee consisted of John Adams (MA), Benjamin Franklin (PA), Thomas Jefferson (VA), Roger Sherman (CT), and Robert R. Livingston (NY). Jefferson takes the lead on the project. Adams and Franklin make a few edits. Jefferson’s rough draft is in the Library of Congress.

July 1, 1776

Vote on the resolution for independence. Nine colonies vote for it, 2 against it (PA and SC), 1 abstained (NY), and one was deadlocked (DE). Vote to be retaken the next day.

July 2, 1776

12 of the 13 colonies vote for the resolution, with NY abstaining. Congress declares the resolution to be in effect.

July 2-4, 1776

Congress debates the content of the Declaration of Independence.

July 4, 1776

Congress approves the Declaration of Independence and orders it printed. Philadelphia printer John Dunlap prints about 200 copies. Fewer than 30 survive today.

July 6, 1777

The Declaration of Independence appears in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, the first newspaper printing of the newly adopted document.

July 8, 1776

Colonel John Nixon reads the Declaration of Independence to a crowd on the State House Yard (now known as Independence Square). This is the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

July 19, 1776

Congress orders the Declaration engrossed for signatures. Title is changed from “A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America in General Congress Assembled” to “The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America.”

August 2, 1776

Declaration signed by (most likely) 50 of the 56 signers. Five more sign later in 1776. Thomas McKean, the 56th signer, signs sometime after January 1777. There is only one handwritten, signed Declaration of Independence. It is on display in the National Archives in Washington D.C.

January 18, 1777

Congress authorizes the printing of the Declaration with the names of the signers (first time names of signers are printed).

Source: National Park Service

The Mill Race interactive program will include reenactors representing America’s Founding Fathers who will create a “very colonial atmosphere,” according to organizers.

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The Field Has Grown

Northville Concours d’Elegance to celebrate 5th anniversary with most ambitious program yet

If you are a vintage car enthusiast, make sure to visit downtown Northville for the 5th Annual Northville Concours d’Elegance, which begins on Friday, July 10 with a Kickoff Party from 6-9 p.m. That will be the start of a weekend full of opportunities to celebrate some of the finest automobiles ever built.

The event, which promises to be the biggest yet, will feature events over the course of the three-day weekend, from the kickoff party on Friday, to a number of events around town on Saturday and then finally the actual Northville Concours d’Elegance event in and around Mill Race Village from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday.

The kickoff party, presented by Cauley Ferrari and the Detroit Athletic Club Car Club, will take place in downtown Northville, where a number of new Ferrari models will be on display. Charcuterie and signature cocktails will be served at Genitti’s, and the party will continue across the street at Orin Jewelers, with cigars and cocktails. There will also be live music as part of the festivities.

On Saturday, there will be a number of Concours-related events beginning at 8 a.m. with the Exotic Car Connections Cars and Coffee that will be held at ZF’s North American Headquarters (15702 Technology Drive, Northville). In addition to 600 vehicles on display, there will also be pastries and coffee available for attendees. The event ends at 11 a.m.

From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., the activities shift over to Tipping Point Theatre for Conversations At Concours, which will

feature a panel discussion – called Racing Through Time --with racing legend Lyn St. James, Judy Stropus, and special guests Ken and Kristen Lingenfelter, who own a significant collection of muscle cars, Corvettes and exotic European cars.

A second panel discussion will begin at 12:30 p.m. about the history of the Roush Organization, with panelists Jack Roush, Jr., Dennis Corn, Bob Corn, and Tyler Wolfe. That will be followed by a third panel discussion about automobile collecting and long-term wealth planning featuring Dave Adamse, who is the president of Wellsage Wealth Management LLC.

Saturday evening the events shift over to Meadowbrook Country Club, where there will be a 5th anniversary celebration from 6-9 p.m. This special dinner reception will celebrate five years of the Northville Concours d’Elegance and honor the Roush Family, who are being honored as Collectors of the Year. The event is being presented by Aston Martin of Detroit. To RSVP, contact David Kibbey at david@northvilleconcours. com.

The big event, presented by UBS – The Mistry Group, will shift over to Mill Race and Griswold Street on Sunday, where there will be many incredible vehicles on display.

According to Kibbey, one of the founders of the event, “the show field has once again grown,” to more than 140 vehicles. He said the selection process was rigorous and that they’ve assembled “our finest selection of vehicles yet from across North America.”

There will be judges on hand, including youth judges, and there will be Best in Class Awards given out for a number of categories, including:

• Local Automotive

• German Tuner Cars

• Concept Lawn

• American Luxury & Sport of the 1950s and 1960s

• European Sports & GT of the 1950s and 1960s

• SCCA / Trans Am to IMSA

• The Holy Trinity: Past to Present

• Supercar Icons (1966–1979)

• Pre-War American Luxury

• Supercars of the Modern Day

• Fins

• Post-War Foreign - 1966-1979

• Post War Foreign - 1950-1965

• Speed & Luxury of the 1980s and 1990s

• Brass Cars (1900–1915)

• Automobiles as Art

Lyn St. James, famed racing driver and speaker at the Saturday evening celebration, will serve as the Chief Mentor Judge.

“Lyn’s passion for the next generation of automotive enthusiasts is truly inspiring,” Kibbey said.

Tickets for Sunday are $20, while those 18 and under will get free entry.

For more information about the 2026 Northville Concours d’Elegance, purchase tickets, or to sign up as a youth judge, visit www.northvilleconcours.com.

Racing legend Lyn St. James will be part of the Northville Concours d’Elegance activities.

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LOCKED IN

tourneys, including the Regional 2 championship, the Kensington Lakes Activities Association ‘A’ title to go along with the KLAA’s West Division dual match crown with a 7-0 record.

“I’m so proud of this,” Lionas said. “Last year we came up and continued to embrace that goal and that mentality we adopted last season – staying in the present and moving on quickly. And just being downright gritty. That mindset kept us locked in from the very start. I know they’re super proud of that and I’m so proud of that, too.”

Winning three of the four doubles flights proved to be pivotal in repeating their championship conquest at Midland.

TLady Mustangs cap near perfect year with second consecutive state title

wo days after repeating as MHSAA Division 1 girls tennis champions, seventh-year Northville coach Brenda Lionas still had that “cloud nine” feeling. And who could blame her for not walking on air.

“Winning that tourney title was super special because we didn’t take anything for granted,” Lionas said. “We knew that nothing was going to be given to us. Pretty much had the same lineup as we had last year. We made some adjustments right off the bat and that proved to be what won it for us. We just talked about how our past success wouldn’t guarantee anything. They understood that.”

It was only a year ago that the upstart Mustangs out-pointed Utica Eisenhower, 23-22, for the title. This time the Mustangs, the prohibitive favorites gave themselves a little more of a cushion over the two-day tourney held May 29-30 at the Midland Tennis Center winning 27-23.

Rival Novi and Ann Arbor Pioneer tied for third place with 18 each.

It capped a perfect season for the Mustangs, who captured a total of six

Ironically, the two favorites, Northville and Eisenhower, ranked 1-2 all season long, only faced each other twice in the state finals where they split matches.

“We faced them at No. 2 singles in the second round,” Lionas said. “We knocked them out in the semis at No. 4 doubles -- that was clutch, that was key. They had some strong players. We had six of our flights going the second day. They had four. They were just three points behind us (2118) going into that second day, so it was ours to lose.”

Northville’s No. 4 doubles team of senior Michelle Lee and junior Emma Murphy, the

Northville's No. 1 doubles team of Emmi Dober (left) and Makenzie McPhail reached the state semifinals.

The Northville girls tennis team repeated as MHSAA D1 champions May 29-30 at the Midland Tennis Center. Photos courtesy of Brenda Lionas

Sophomore Grace Xu reached the semifinals at No. 3 singles for the Mustangs.

top seeds, capped a 34-0 season with a 7-6, 7-5 victory in the finals over Troy’s Arya Iyer and Vibha Krishna. The were also regional and KLAA champions, while Murphy was part of the No. 4 doubles state champion team from a year ago.

At No. 3 doubles, juniors Lucia Lachappelle and Aadya Pullalarevu, second a year ago and the No. 2 seeds, made an impressive 4-0 tourney run for the Mustangs with 6-1, 6-0 win over Pioneer’s Maryn Etheridge and Ayla Altensel to cap a 33-1 campaign, which also included regional and KLAA crowns.

Not to be outdone was the No. 2 doubles duo of juniors Sravya Doppalapudi and Francine Ong, the top seeds, who rallied to win a three-setter avenging their only season loss in the finals against Novi’s Emily Backus and Sruthi Karthik, 5-7, 6-1, 6-0. The regional champions posted a 34-1 mark on the year. (Doppalapudi and Ong were the No. 3 flight doubles champs in 2025.)

Northville’s No. 1 doubles team of juniors Emmi Dober and freshman Makenzie McPhail, the third seeds, also did their part winning two matches in Midland before being ousted in the semifinals by Troy’s Nianika Jasti and Hannah Wanstreet in a three-set tiebreaker, 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-2). The KLAA and regional champs finished 30-4 overall.

“ Winning that tourney title was super special because we didn’t take anything for granted. We knew that nothing was going to be given to us. Pretty much had the same lineup as we had last year. We made some adjustments right off the bat and that proved to be what won it for us.

Coach Brenda Lionas

Meanwhile, freshman Sophia Shipway served as the Mustangs’ No. 1 singles player throughout the season and finished 27-7 overall including a 2-1 record in the state finals before losing in the quarterfinals. Shipway was both a regional and KLAA champion.

At No. 2 singles, Northville senior Talia Nishanian split her matches in Midland to finish 9-6 on the year. She was runner-up in the regional and KLAA tourneys.

Sophomore Grace Xu, the second seed in Midland, earned a berth in the state semifinals at No. 3 singles before falling to Sydney Shafer of Holland West Ottawa, 6-3, 6-2. It was only her second loss in 30 matches for the KLAA and regional champion.

Another state singles semifinalist for the Mustangs was sophomore Sana Panchal, the fourth seed at No. 4, who fell to eventual champion Jilly Knoester (Rochester), 6-3, 6-4, after winning her two opening rounds. Panchal wound up 30-4 overall highlighted by regional and conference titles.

“We talked about staying humble, focusing on the process, working hard every day and just respecting every opponent,” Lionas said. “I reminded them from that start that, we were the team that was the underdog last year there would be a team like us fighting all the way through to win that title. We needed to stay positive, trust the work we put in and not take anything

for granted. And I think that allowed them to put themselves in position and achieve something pretty possible.”

In the Regional 2 tourney on May 15 at Novi Middle School, Northville repeated as regional champion holding off the host Wildcats, 31-25. They also successfully defended their KLAA crown May 9 at Novi with a team-best 25 points followed by runner-up Novi (20) and third-place Brighton (9).

In that KLAA tourney, Northville’s No. 5 doubles team of junior Sanaaya Dhanasri and sophomore Julia Jones earned a flight title as well.

Meanwhile, the team’s closest call of the season came in only its third meet of the season on April 11 in the Ann Arbor Quad as the Mustangs held on by a point, 19-18, over host Pioneer.

But after that it was only a matter of time that the Mustangs were about to find themselves in rarified air. It was the fourth state girls tennis title in school history as coach Linda Jones guided the Mustangs to D1 championships in 2018 and 2015.

“I didn’t know how hard it would be for two, and we knew that, so that’s why we stayed locked in and took nothing for granted,” Lionas said.

Northville's Aadya Pullalarevu (right) and Lucia Lachappelle went all the way to earn the No. 3 doubles crown.

Michelle Lee (front) and Emma Murphy completed an undefeated season with a 34-0 record as the No. 4 doubles champs in the state.

TMustangs Forever!

Mustangs Forever! Mustangs Forever!

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Celebrating the Class of 2026

he 649 graduates that make up the Northville High School Class of 2026 were feted by the community during a whirlwind last month of school.

First there were the honors ceremonies, the last day clap-out on May 19 and then prom on May 21 at Vibe Credit Union Showplace. The pre-prom photo session at Mill Race Village is one of the great Northville traditions. There was also the Senior Car Parade that went down Six Mile on May 30 when the seniors, driven by parents, were cheered on by loved ones and other members of the community.

Of course, it all culminated May 31 with the graduation commencement ceremony at a packed USA Hockey Arena. The ceremony kicked off with a performance of the national anthem by seniors Julia Hedemark and Ayden Santiago, and featured inspirational speeches by Principal Tony Koski and Superintendent RJ Webber. Students Emma Luo and Class President Diya Abraham

also spoke, followed by the song “Landslide” performed by senior members of the TrebleMakers and BackBeat vocal groups (Andrew Cassin, Lila Filary, Julia Hedemark, Nithya Kannan, Shriya Kannan, Aiden Osterhout, Danny Perez-Garcia, Lenea Richert, Elliott Ryan, Ayden Santiago, Makayla Schade and Kavya Vadrevu).

At the ceremony’s conclusion, the joyous graduates tossed their caps in the air, took photos inside and outside the arena, and then made their way back to Northville High School one last time as students for the Senior All Night Party, a major undertaking featuring games, music and plenty of laughs.

As the party concluded and a new morning dawned, the graduates left the comfortable confines of NHS and began making their way into an unknown future filled with incredible possibilities.

Congratulations to all the amazing graduates (and their families) for achieving such an important milestone. Now go out and make our community proud. Carpe Diem!

Roen Ash was all smiles at the graduation ceremony.

Katelyn Smith waves to the crowd after getting her diploma.

Skylar Marteen hugs Principal Tony Koski.

Letters to My Freshman Self

NHS Class of 2026 reflects on their high school experiences

By Keira Gallagher

Every year, a wave of nostalgia washes over seniors in their last days of school. As their last bell rings, rays of May sunlight stream through the window, marking both the end of their high school journey and the start of bright futures ahead. The sounds of bittersweet tears and soft laughter echo through the halls as they walk them one last time.

Before the Class of 2026 threw their caps into the air, we asked seniors to reflect on their experiences and share what they would tell their freshman

self if they could go back in time.

Here’s what they said. Many students wish they could go back to tell their younger selves not to worry so much about forming new relationships. Especially with the Class of 2026 emerging from the COVID pandemic in their freshman year, many students struggled to get a grasp on who to surround themselves with after spending over a year online. Looking back at their time in high school, students reflected on these struggles.

Will Li, who will be attending Michigan State in the fall, mentioned how he “struggled with meeting new people as a freshman.” In retrospect, though, Will believes that “these struggles taught [him] perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone in order to grow.” High school relationships will always leave a mark, but being able to find “your people” is a lifelong journey that continues far beyond the walls of NHS, he said.

Throughout high school, many felt greater pressure than ever before to perform— academically, socially, and physically. This year’s seniors may be celebrating their success in finishing their high school journeys, but many recall the sacrifices and roads not taken. Soon-to-be US Naval Academy Midshipman Emma Luo admits, “I essentially let myself drive myself crazy for what could’ve happened instead of focusing on what actually happened.” However, she looks towards the future,

Alyssa Brown shakes hands with Principal Tony Koski as she walks across the stage.

Qays Merrick listens to the national anthem at the beginning of graduation.

understanding the importance of these experiences. “I believe that everything happened for a reason and there will always be ups and downs, [...] it would be unnatural for life to be perfect,” she said.

Many seniors took their time in high school as a chance to discover a passion. Kevin Xu, who will be pursuing biology and music at the University of Michigan, realized that even as he changed and grew over the last four years, his passion for music remained constant. Kevin found himself playing in the NHS Symphony Orchestra,

serving on the Tri-M Music Honor Society board, and composing original music, along with many other musicrelated activities. He stresses the importance of all the experiences that have gotten him to this point.

“My freshman self definitely wouldn’t be able to tell you anything about what he planned to do with his life, or even what he was really passionate about,” he said. “My experiences in high school have given me answers to those questions.”

Some experiences, however, are important to reflect upon,

but then move on from.

That’s the case for Molly Coates, who will be attending Michigan State in the fall. She said it’s important to remember the time spent in high school, but not the little details and small letdowns that tend to hold people back in the present.

“In 20 years, when I’m out there living my life, I’m never going to look back on that particular day where one small thing happened. We need to keep moving forward and stay positive, because eventually, it’ll end, just like my high school days are ending for me,” she

said.

As we bid farewell to the Class of 2026, we thank them for all the reflections and advice they shared with us. Not just high school advice – like don’t take AP Physics unless you really like physics –  but advice for anyone. Don’t worry too much about the little things. Take time to find passions that motivate you. Surround yourself with those who will help you grow.

Here’s to the Class of 2026 — we wish you all the best!

Keira Gallagher is a graduating senior at Northville High School, and a member of the Stringers Journalism Club, which produces our regular feature, High School Confidential. She will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall. Other members of the club include Ian Lee, Sarah Khalid, Aoi Ono, Stella Maue, Saamaja Krishnan, Keertana Venkatesh, Mary Sulollari, Jiahn Kim, Advitha Manimaran, Evayla Georgieva, Priyanka Ray, Irene Liu, Samara Augustine, and Evelyn Puttock. Graduating seniors are bolded.

Class President Diya Abraham walks across the stage.

AinCentury Bloom

Local garden clubs nurture a legacy of beautification and public service

By Wensdy Von Buskirk

For 100 years, the Michigan Division of the Women’s National Farm & Garden Association has helped Michigan communities bloom through conservation projects, scholarships, educational programs and countless volunteer hours.

That legacy is especially visible here locally in Plymouth and Northville, where four separate garden clubs thrive –two in each community.

This year marks milestone anniversaries for these local clubs. The Plymouth Garden Club and Northville Garden

from scholarship programs and public gardens to private landscapes.

One such example is the Northville home of Lisa and Manfred Schon, one of six properties featured on the Country Garden Club of Northville’s 32nd annual Garden Walk on July 8.

A Garden with Purpose

The Schon garden is a carefully designed ecosystem built around the principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

When the couple moved into their 1921 Northville home in 2015, they had little gardening experience. As they settled into the property, however,

Club are each celebrating 90 years, while Plymouth’s Trailwood Garden Club marks its 50th anniversary. The Country Garden Club of Northville, founded in 1977, will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

Though each club has its own personality and projects, all share a common mission to encourage an appreciation for gardening while promoting conservation, education and community beautification.

The impact of that mission can be seen throughout Plymouth and Northville,

they began questioning the traditional suburban lawn and its environmental costs.

After attending a workshop on native plants at the Northville District Library, they learned how turf grass requires water, fertilizer and pesticides while providing little support for pollinators and wildlife.

“Throughout the year we kept chipping away little pieces of lawn,” Lisa Schon said.

Today, much of that lawn has been replaced by winding permeable pathways, native perennials, grasses and sedges selected to thrive in local conditions while supporting birds, bees and butterflies.

Inspired by the work of renowned Dutch garden

Northville Garden Walk

The Country Garden Club of Northville will host its 32nd Annual Garden Walk on July 8. Here are the details:

WHEN: July 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

FEATURES: Six private gardens and garden vendors

TICKETS: $15 in advance at Eventbrite.com and at Long Kitchen and Bath Design starting June 8; $20 day of event in the Green Space behind Northville District Library (corner of Wing and Cady)

MORE INFO: Visit cgcnv.org or call (734) 788-9935

Members of the Country Garden Club maintain the flower beds around Northville. Left, Kathryn Novak works at the Post Office, while Kathy Clark, Barb Sturtz and Neyssa Gill work near the entrance for the Northville District Library (above). Photos courtesy of the Country Garden Club of Northville

designer Piet Oudolf, the Schons developed a long-term master plan centered on a guiding philosophy: “respect and renew.”

They preserved the property’s century-old sugar maple, maintained the historic privet hedge surrounding the home and restored a wisteria-covered trellis originally planted by a previous homeowner. Around those historic features, they created a landscape featuring 12 varieties of grasses and sedges and more than 35 perennial species.

Visitors often assume the garden requires constant maintenance, but Schon says the opposite is true.

“I’m a lazy gardener. I want plants that can take care of themselves,” she said.

The same philosophy extends beyond the garden. The Schons have incorporated solar and geothermal energy systems into their Arts and Crafts-style home and installed bird-friendly glass to reduce bird strikes.

By opening their garden to visitors during the Northville Garden Walk, they hope to inspire others to think

differently about landscaping and the role gardens can play in supporting the environment.

Growing Communities

The Schon garden may be unique, but its underlying philosophy is familiar to members of local garden clubs throughout Plymouth and Northville.

For decades, volunteers have organized educational programs, awarded scholarships, maintained community projects and encouraged residents to think more intentionally about the spaces they cultivate. Garden walks, workshops and guest speakers provide opportunities for experienced gardeners and newcomers alike to learn from one another while supporting environmental stewardship.

As the Michigan Division of the Women’s National Farm & Garden Association celebrates its centennial year, those local branches remain rooted in the same ideals that inspired their founders a century ago: improving communities one garden at a time.

4Clubs,1Mission

NORTHVILLE GARDEN CLUB

Northville Garden Club is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The organization promotes conservation of natural resources, community beautification, gardening education and environmental stewardship while supporting scholarships for local students.

Known for its annual spring Plant and Bake Sale, the club also maintains a traditional kitchen garden every summer, donating produce to Northville Civic Concern. Members also tend flower gardens at the Hunter House at Mill Race Village and the Garden Park next to the Northville District Library. The club meets at noon on the second Monday of each month, September through June, at Cady Inn in Mill Race Village.

COUNTRY GARDEN CLUB OF NORTHVILLE

Founded in 1977, Country Garden Club of Northville is a nonprofit organization dedicated to community improvement through service, conservation and education. The club supports scholarships, horticultural organizations and environmental initiatives through fundraising efforts including its annual Garden Walk.

Members meet the first Wednesday of each month at First United Methodist Church in Plymouth. Meetings include guest speakers on horticultural topics, discussions about local environmental issues, occasional field trips, a brief business meeting and social time with refreshments.

PLYMOUTH GARDEN CLUB

Celebrating 90 years, Plymouth Garden Club has served the community since 1936. The club contributes more than 80 percent of proceeds from its fundraisers to local, state and national environmental and horticultural organizations. Members also award annual scholarships to Plymouth-Canton students.

The club meets at noon on the second Monday of each month (except January and February) at Plymouth District Library. Programs feature guest speakers on gardening and horticultural topics and are open to visitors interested in learning more about gardening and community service.

TRAILWOOD GARDEN CLUB

Founded in 1976 by residents of Plymouth’s Trailwood subdivision, Trailwood Garden Club became the 100th branch of the Michigan Division of the Women’s National Farm & Garden Association. The club was established with a mission of community service and continues that tradition through educational programming, gardening projects and its annual Garden Walk.

Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the club has approximately 25 members and welcomes new participants throughout the year. It meets the third Tuesday of each month at Plymouth Township Hall.

A recent photo of the members of the Northville Garden Club at Mill Race Village, where they maintain many of the gardens. Photo courtesy of the Northville Garden Club

Michigan Doctor Diagnosed with Late-Stage Cancer After Experiencing Just One Symptom

It’s the call no one wants to get. But for one local doctor, it became a mission to save others from the “Blind Spot” in modern medicine.

(Southfield, MI)

You feel fine. You have no aches.

A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Mission: Full Body MRI Scans Without a Doctor’s Referral

You pass your annual physical with flying colors.

endured brutal treatments and cruel side effects. Tragically, the cancer later returned as a brain tumor.

your insides. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, this machine emits NO radiation and is completely non-invasive.

(South eld, MI) e late Dr. Warren Ringold knew rsthand the devastating impact of late-stage cancer diagnoses. As a respected family physician, he witnessed countless patients battling illnesses that could have been detected earlier. His own grueling battle with late-stage cancer ignited a passion, leading him to create Michigan’s rst MRI full body screening center called Bionicc Body Screening.

You think you’re safe.

But before he passed, Dr. Ringold left behind a legacy—and a warning—for the rest of us.

Full Body MRI Scans Without a Doctor’s Order

But what if something sinister is silently growing inside you right now, waiting to strike? That is the terrifying reality Dr. Warren Ringold faced. As a respected family physician for 40 years, he knew the rules of medicine better than anyone. He felt perfectly fine until a sudden onset of shortness of breath sent him to the ER. The diagnosis was a shockwave: Stage 4 cancer.

The “Dirty Little Secret” of modern medicine: Here is the hard truth your insurance company won’t tell you: The current healthcare system is reactive, not proactive.

Raising Awareness Today, his son Ryan carries on this mission. ough not a medical professional himself, Ryan’s dedication to his father’s legacy drives him to raising awareness of this service for families of Michigan.

“Every week I learn of another person who felt perfectly ne, only to wake up with an unexplained symptom and discover they have stage four cancer. Once symptoms manifest cancer is usually advanced,” says his son Ryan. “My father never wanted another family to su er the emotional and physical hardships that our family and he endured. He wanted to save lives.”

Softball Size Tumors Silently Grew Dr. Ringold discovered he had stage four cancer with tumors as large as softballs silently growing inside his body after experiencing shortness of breath. His treatment was brutal. He su ered cruel side e ects. After his cancer went into remission, it returned a year later as a brain tumor. Dr. Ringold believed there had to be a better way. He envisioned a future where individuals could take control of their health and detect potential problems before they escalated. In his nal days, Dr. Ringold passionately advocated for MRI full body screenings, a proactive approach he believed could empower individuals to take control of their health.

Standard medical screenings (like mammograms and colonoscopies) only catch 29% of cancers. That means 71% of tumors grow undetected in areas doctors aren’t even looking at. By the time you feel a lump or pain, it is often Stage 3 or 4. As Dr. Ringold warned, “Once you have symptoms, cancer is usually advanced.”

Bionicc Body Screening o ers elective, full-body MRI screenings that provide a comprehensive picture of your internal health, going beyond what traditional checkups often reveal. State-of-the-art technology can detect tumors as small as a pea, aneurysms, risk of stroke and a multitude of other conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Screenings include scans of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, hips, shoulders and spine.

A Life Saved

Mark B. and his younger brother decided to visit Bionicc Body Screening last spring for a proactive screening because cancer ran in their family. Mark was skeptical until his results returned a 3-centimeter mass on his lung, which tested positive for cancer. He had three-fourths of his lung removed. He credits the scan for saving his life. Meanwhile, his brother’s results were clean.

It scans the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and spine, looking for tumors as small as a pencil eraser. It can also detect silent killers like aneurysms and stroke risks before they become lifethreatening emergencies.

Take Control: No Doctor’s Order

Scans are safe, non-invasive, emit no radiation and are available without a doctor’s referral.

Required The traditional medical system makes you jump through hoops.

At Bionicc Body Screening, there is no red tape.

Scans are safe, non-invasive, emit no radiation and are available without a doctor’s referral. Scans can detect tumors, aneurysms, stroke risk and other conditions.

While he felt healthy on the outside, tumors the size of softballs had been silently growing on the inside. He

The Technology That Sees What Doctors Miss: Determined to stop this tragedy from happening to other families, Dr. Ringold founded Bionicc Body Screening in Southfield, Michigan’s first MRI full-body screening center.

Using advanced MRI technology, Bionicc provides a “high-definition movie” of

• No Doctor’s Referral Needed: You are in charge of your own health.

$200 savings offer. Book an appointment by calling 1-833-BIONICC. (833-246-6422)

• No Insurance Hassles: This is an out of pocket, elective service for those who prioritize peace of mind and proactive care.

• Immediate Answers: Don’t wait for a crisis to find out what’s going on inside your body.

Do not wait until you feel a symptom. A small tumor today could be a major problem tomorrow. The only difference between a tragedy and a survival story is early detection.

Michigan’s first MRI Full Body Screening Center –Located in Southfield

The late Dr. Ringold founded Bionicc Body Screening in 2022 after battling cancer twice. He believed MRI full body screenings could empower individuals to take control of their health.

Dr. Laila Abdallah, Primary Care Physician at Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth

When you’re healthy, it’s easy to let that annual doctor visit slip off your radar. After all, do you really need to see your healthcare provider when you don’t need healthcare? Actually, you do. You should book that checkup even when you’re feeling fine.

Disease risk factors

Seeing your provider isn’t just about addressing your current health concerns. A big part of regular healthcare involves preventing medical conditions from developing in the future. Many people feel perfectly healthy but have risk factors for certain conditions and don’t know it. A risk factor doesn’t mean you will get the disease, but it does mean you have a higher chance. Knowing about these risk factors allows us to take steps to avoid health problems before they start.

You may not know about your risk factors until you get routine tests and preventive screenings during your checkup, such as blood tests, blood pressure check and a physical exam. These can also identify signs of infections or other issues.

The importance of cancer screenings

Cancer screenings look for signs of cancers and pre-cancers before you have symptoms. So it makes sense to have these tests done when you’re healthy. Your provider can also help you decide which cancer screenings will benefit you based on your unique risk factors.

When we catch cancers early, treatment is usually easier and more successful. Normal results on your cancer screenings can also help give you peace of mind.

Family health history provides clues

Another part of disease prevention is knowing your family medical history of health issues. Your provider will ask you about health issues that have affected your immediate family members. But don’t assume you can skip your checkup if your family history is perfect. Many people mistakenly think they don’t need to worry about chronic conditions that don’t run in the family. But many diseases happen without a family history. It’s one piece of the puzzle but not the whole story.

Shots can save lives

Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Adults benefit from vaccines that prevent diseases such as the flu, shingles and whooping cough. Every year, thousands of adults end up in the hospital or even die from vaccinepreventable diseases. During your checkup, we can review which vaccines you need and keep you updated so you’re always protected.

Spotting sneaky symptoms

You might overlook seemingly minor health issues if you’re busy with everyday life. Having trouble sleeping, but you just pour the coffee and keep moving? Getting regular headaches, but you pop some pain reliever and forget it? These ‘minor’ health problems might point to a condition that needs treatment, and your provider can help.

Mental health matters

Seeing your provider isn’t just about your physical health. Good mental health is also essential, and your provider can help you achieve it. Mental illness can affect anyone, at any age, and many people aren’t getting the care they deserve. Two-thirds of all cases of depression are undiagnosed and untreated. And fewer than half of people with anxiety are receiving treatment for this disease.

There’s also the topic of substance use. If you’re struggling with alcohol or substances, your provider is the best person to talk to. We are here to listen, not judge. Addiction is a medical condition, and we can help you get the treatment you need.

Get social support

Everyday needs such as housing, transportation and food are key to your well-being. And if you need help getting any of these things, your provider has resources to help.

Healthcare providers work closely with case managers and social workers. These professionals advocate for patients and help them access community services and support. Many people don’t know how to access these services, but healthcare providers do it every day. To learn more about primary care services we offer at Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth, visit henryford.com/plymouth-pc.

A Life in Full Color A Life in Full Color

Art House exhibit will honor Ronnie Wright’s inspiring and creative spirit

By Wensdy Von Buskirk

This July, the walls of the Northville Art House will tell the story of a woman who spent a lifetime helping others see beauty more clearly.

“Legacy: A Retrospective of the Life and Art of Ronnie Wright,” opening July 11, celebrates the life and artwork of Veronica “Ronnie” Wright, an artist, teacher, mother, neighbor and longtime Northville resident whose creative spirit quietly inspired generations within the community.

For Ronnie’s daughters, Stephanie and Katie Wright, the exhibit is more than an art show. It is a portrait of a woman whose identity was inseparable from Northville itself.

“Northville was always her anchor,” Stephanie said. “She

traveled the world, but she always came back here. This was home.”

Ronnie and her husband, Andy Wright, spent more than five decades building a life in Northville, including 51 years in Highland Lakes, where they were among the neighborhood’s earliest residents. Andy, a craftsman and builder who helped renovate the Art House, shared Ronnie’s belief in creativity and community engagement.

At one point, while Ronnie was away visiting family, Andy transformed a spare bedroom into a fully functioning art studio as a surprise for her. When she returned home, she found what became her sanctuary: a light-filled creative

space where canvases lined the walls, brushes filled jars and students gathered for lessons that often became something deeper.

“She created there. She taught there. It became her safe haven,” Stephanie said.

BEYOND THE CANVASS

Ronnie was a lifelong artist, participating in local craft shows and community art fairs for decades.

Teaching remained central to her career throughout her life. She earned a bachelor’s in art education from Michigan State University and put her degree to use teaching in school systems in her younger years and at Schoolcraft College in the early 2000s.

Later, in her 60s, while shopping at an art store, she struck up a conversation with a mother whose daughter loved art. That conversation led to her first private student and, eventually, more than a decade of one-on-one lessons for young people across the community.

“Art was a space where she found her voice,” Katie said. “And then she taught all of us — her students, her daughters, her grandkids — that art could be a place where you find your own voice too.”

Former students continued visiting Ronnie long after graduation. Some pursued careers in fashion, illustration and design. Others simply carried forward the encouragement she offered during formative years. Ronnie saved their letters and cards in a carefully preserved keepsake box, one of many meaningful treasures her daughters discovered after her passing.

“She left this beautiful green box filled with everything

about herself,” Katie said. “All the tender bits of her life were inside.”

TREASURES LEFT BEHIND

That box became central to understanding the full depth of Ronnie’s life.

Filled with poems, journals, artwork, family photographs and decades of notes from students, the collection revealed a deeply reflective woman constantly exploring meaning, emotion and growth through creativity.

Among its contents were handwritten pages Ronnie revisited every few years — lists describing who she believed herself to be, adding new reflections over time without erasing old ones. The box also contained evidence of her evolving artistic process: books with passages underlined, margins filled with notes and journals packed with words and synonyms she used to inspire paintings exploring themes like humanity, freedom and connection.

The box itself reflected Ronnie’s artistic eye. On top was an image of a snowy winter scene she had painted, a peaceful landscape inspired by the quiet Michigan winters she loved so deeply. After her death, Stephanie and Katie discovered stacks of holiday cards beside it featuring the same artwork, already addressed in Ronnie’s handwriting to be mailed to family and friends.

“We shared some of them, and one of her neighbors framed the card and put it up in their home as a little piece of artwork to remember her,” Katie said.

Over the years, Ronnie worked across nearly every medium imaginable. She

painted in acrylics and oils, experimented with pottery, mastered pen-and-ink illustration and later embraced collage work. One of her bestknown community traditions involved painting custom portraits of Northville homes on wood cutouts crafted by Andy.

“She understood the meaning of home,” Stephanie said.

“People would ask her to paint the outside of their houses because she captured not just the building, but the feeling attached to it.”

HONORING RONNIE’S LEGACY

Her daughters say the Art House exhibit will showcase the full arc of Ronnie’s creative life, from childhood drawings to pieces completed just weeks

before her unexpected passing in October 2025.

Visitors will see deeply personal abstract works inspired by words, emotions and life transitions, alongside illustrations from Ronnie’s unfinished children’s book centered on wisdom, aging and renewal through nature and animal characters. Her daughters will be completing it and publishing it posthumously for her.

“She always believed there was beauty in every stage of life,” Stephanie said.

That philosophy extended beyond art and into the way Ronnie lived. Even after losing Andy in 2014, she remained deeply engaged with the Northville community she loved. She frequented

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local businesses, attended gatherings, maintained lifelong friendships and cherished her grandchildren, Cora, Andrew and Ayla, whom she called her “grand wonders.”

And she continued creating daily in the Highland Lakes home.

Three days before Ronnie was hospitalized unexpectedly, the family spent a full day together in downtown Northville visiting favorite spots, including Rebecca’s, Dancing Eye Gallery, and other local shops she cherished.

The family is also working with the Art House to establish a scholarship fund supporting children and adults who cannot afford art classes, a continuation of Ronnie’s lifelong belief that creativity should be accessible

LEGACY: A Retrospective of the Life and Art of Ronnie Wright WHEN: July 11-31

WHERE: Northville Art House, 215 W. Cady Street A ‘Celebration of Life’ will open the exhibition on July 11 from 2:30-5 p.m.

MORE INFO: Visit northvillearthouse.org.

to everyone.

“She lived artfully,” Katie said. “She found purpose in every season of life, and she helped other people do the same.”

talk

PROUD SUPPLIER OF

Once A Dragon, Always A Dragon

Winchester community comes together to celebrate school’s 50th birthday

By Tim Smith | Photos by Sean Power

The more things change, the more they stay the same at Winchester Elementary School, even after 50 years.

On June 5, the end-of-theyear “Peace, Love, Dragons” block party reprised the fun, family vibe that always has been a treasured staple the past five decades. The event, which went off swimmingly despite gloomy skies and eventual rain showers, capped off Winchester’s golden anniversary of its 1975-76 genesis.

There were about 1,300 guests, many who walked or rode their bikes through the Northville Township subdivision to reach the party – which combined the

sensibilities of a family reunion with a traditional school fun fair.

“It hasn’t changed that much.

The trees are bigger, but the kids are still here with their families, they’re still riding in the streets, walking their dogs.

Things are pretty much the same,” said Rose Kucharski, a former Winchester secretary from the 1970s.

Standing near a welcoming, multi-colored balloon arch assembled by current students and staff, Kucharski and several faculty alums from the early years reminisced while reconnecting with themselves as well as with the now-middleaged kids they once taught.

“It’s just nice to reminisce about when you were a teacher here, seeing some of your students that are grown up now,” said Lynda Hojnacki, who taught second graders for 18 years beginning in 1985. “They’re looking good.”

Dad's Club President Bill Tuckfield introduces the new Winchester time capsule, to be opened in 2051. Extensive efforts to locate the original proved unsuccessful.

Winchester moms Jessica Axelsson and Maria Fox were two of the parent volunteers who contributed to the successful party.

Sisters Vena and Leona Rothschild show off their face paint and ice cream while helping sell food for Cub Scout Pack 903.

Part of the small group with Hojnacki were Mary Najarian, a gym teacher in 1975-76, and Carol Van Soest, the school’s kindergarten teacher that year.

“I have not run into any (of her) kindergartners yet, they would be 55 today,” Van Soest said. “So it’s a little hard to recognize them. I ran into a couple parents, though, which was very nice.”

Although Karen Hill wasn’t at Winchester during its debut year, she did teach second grade there between 1989-99.

provided cover for the elements as people brought plates of food and beverages (all provided free by sponsors).

Inside the school, folks navigated crowded halls to check out silent auction items and gift baskets put together by classes for a raffle. Inside the media center was a traditional cake walk, where youngsters skipped from numbered circle to numbered circle waiting for the music to stop.

The refurbished gymnasium was another hot spot to catch

“The school is bigger, I didn’t even know my way around going inside,” said Hill, chuckling. “It was very nice, lots of friendly people, coming up to me saying ‘Oh, I remember my child had you in second grade.’”

Around the perimeter and grounds of the school were countless activities. There was a dunk tank, shaved ice truck, inflatables, a kickball game, corn hole stations and more. Tables of community partners greeted guests as they walked into the party, including Northville CoEd Troop 903, Scooters Coffee and Corewell Urgent Care.

A massive white tent

Getschman, who is a student at Oakland University, said being back at Winchester was a blast from the past.

“It’s really cool that the school survived 50 years,” Getschman said. “And it’s awesome to get the chance to come and walk the halls, walk the playground, see what’s changed.”

Perhaps the highlight of the evening was the dedication of a new time capsule, which will be safely placed somewhere inside the school and opened in 2051. Items from each of the grades were included, such as a list of Top-25 music hits chosen by fifth graders.

Efforts were unsuccessful by the Winchester Dad’s Club to find and reveal contents of the original time capsule, said to have been planted in 1976. Club member Bill Tuckfield formally dedicated the new time capsule and read a letter detailing why the old one could not be found for the block party. He said the school has undergone several renovations over the years, which may have unearthed the time capsule and it has disappeared.

But what never was lost was Winchester Elementary’s community mojo, as evident today as it was in 1976.

up and look back for 2012 classmates Abbey Armstrong and Marissa Getschman, now 23 and 24, respectively. They observed the rope and pullup bar were located where they were 14 years ago, but that the floors, basketball hoops and padding were all brand new.

“We have a lot of fond memories when we went here, we’re ‘always a Dragon,’” said Armstrong, now a teacher herself at Novi Middle School.

“One thing that’s pretty special for me is just coming back and seeing that things have changed but stayed the same at the same time.”

Winchester kindergartner Jack Nuechterlein winds up for a big kick during a kickball game.

Principal Kelly Lindsay reads the Congressional Record proclamation from U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, celebrating Winchester and its 50th anniversary.

First grader Emmett Perkins and little brother Oliver were clearly fans of the free ice cream.

BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

DIA Brings Masterpieces to Northville

You may have noticed art pieces popping up around town. It’s all part of the Detroit Institute of Arts Inside|Out program, which brings replicas of well-known masterpieces to communities throughout Metro Detroit.

There are six high-quality reproductions located around downtown Northville, including the famous “The Wedding Dance” by artist Pieter Bruegel, which is located in front of Lucy and the Wolf at 102. E. Main Street.

A couple of the works have been placed along the new River Park adjacent to the Downs development, including “In the Garden” by Mary Cassatt, which is located near the log cabin.

“Working with the DIA, we have curated an ‘art trail’ connecting with the adjacent installation at Wayne County Parks. Their last painting, located at the Hines Parkway trailhead at the Northville Farmers Market, is visible from our starting point in the new River Park,” said Kate Knight, executive director of the Northville DDA. “Our six pieces will draw visitors up through this new greenspace, historic Mill Race Village, and into our walkable downtown. This year’s installation is a celebration of old and new.”

The art will be up through October. For a map and information about the six reproductions, visit https://dia.org/insideout#northville.

Maybury Dedicates New NonMotorized Entrance on 7 Mile

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joined state and local officials, local volunteers and Maybury State Park employees at the May 8 ribbon cutting for Maybury’s new Seven Mile non-motorized entrance.

“This is the day we’ve been waiting for,” said Kale Leftwich, Maybury Park Supervisor.

Leftwich noted the new entrance was the culmination of a lot of collaboration, community support and a shared commitment to improving access to this treasured 1,000-acre park.

Also in attendance were Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo and Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull, who both touted the partnerships that led to the new entrance, which residents on that side of town have wanted for some time.

Friends of Maybury State Park, a volunteer-based group that supports the park in a number of ways, led fundraising efforts to get the new entrance built. The process began more than six years ago, and the group donated the initial $18,000 for a feasibility study.

The project includes a Hawk Crossing traffic signal, as well as a new bench and dedication plaques.

Filmmakers Seeking Old Motion Pictures

Local filmmakers Michael and Demetri Zervos are seeking any old film or video of the city of Northville and its people for a documentary they are producing in collaboration with the Northville Historical Society to coincide with the city’s bicentennial celebration next year. The older the better. Also, if you have any undeveloped motion picture film, they will develop it for free and return it to you with digital copies. For more information, contact them at northvilledocumentary@gmail.com.

"Girl and Laurel" by Winslow Homer is located near the Rouge River bridge at Mill Race.

Art In thePark

46thYear Returns for its

ByWensdyVonBuskirk

Signaturesummerfestival promiseslotsofnewsurprises

or 46 years, Art In the Park has brought color, food and fun to downtown Plymouth. This year, the festivities take place Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12, and organizers are working hard to ensure there are new delights to discover.

Art in the Park is Michigan’s second-largest art fair, drawing talent not only from around the region but from across the country as 400 artists exhibit their creations along the streets surrounding Kellogg Park. Behind it all are motherdaughter duo Dianne Quinn and Raychel Rork.

Raychel took over as owner and director when her mother officially retired in 2014. She runs the show with Assistant Director Kathy Dryja. Make no mistake, though, Dianne remains very much involved.

artists. Weird, in a good way,” Rork says.

FOCUS ON THE ART

Despite Art In the Park’s long tradition, Raychel finds ways to keep things fresh while preserving the fan favorites that have kept people coming back year after year.

This year, jurors have chosen some particularly unusual finds.

“We have some quirky

Take Alpaca Bella Fina Ranch in North Carolina, operated by Della Wagnon and her twin daughters, Shelby and Mercedes.

“They shear the alpacas then wash, dye, spin and weave everything they make, which is just unheard of in 2026,” Rork says.

The trio will bring throw blankets, dryer balls, hats, shawls and other wearables and home goods, and they hope to demonstrate their craft on-site.

Artist Annmarie Siegel of Details in Time in Florida reimagines vintage clocks and timepieces into wearable jewelry.

“She finds them, takes them apart, and makes something beautiful from what used to be an old broken watch, and

Take the Shuttle

Park free at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Rd., Livonia Shuttles run continuously 30 minutes before and after event hours.

Air-conditioned coaches with restrooms, stroller and purchase storage, ADA accessible.

$9 round trip for adults; kids 12 & under ride free

Schedule:

July 10, 11 & 12, 2026

• Fri.: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

• Sat.: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

• Sun.: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Highlights:

• 400 artists in every medium

• Live reggae music from Roots Vibrations

• Unique street performers

• Delicious food vendors

• Living mural

• Interactive chalk mural

• Kids activities

• + More!

The Living Mural by Kristen Zipp, where models are painted into a canvas, will have a vintage circus theme this year.

now it’s a gorgeous high-end necklace,” Rork says. “It’s very cool, very unique.”

Another part of Art In the Park that has flourished over the decades is the children’s artist area. Nearly 100 Kids Art Booths will take over Kellogg Park, selling woodworking, jewelry, painting and more.

“Some are so impressive that when we’re jurying their photos, we mistake them for adults,” Rork says. “They’re always impressing us with their new ideas. We love having that young blood and entrepreneurship.”

FOOD WORTH THE TRIP

If all that art makes you hungry, you’re in luck.

The fair offers a wide variety of food, including several vendors bringing global flavors to the festival. Visitors can enjoy paella and empanadas from Simply Spanish, authentic bratwurst, pretzels and Bavarian cabbage from Der Wurstwagen, and tamales, tostadas, tacos and quesadillas from Norma’s Tamales. Sweet treats include strawberry, banana and Nutella crepes.

“Come hungry for sure,” Rork says. “We’ll have lots of amazing food. This isn’t your standard carnival fare.”

Guests can stroll and snack or settle into the dining area under The Gathering, next to The Penn, where the farmers market is held throughout the season.

ENTERTAINMENT AROUND EVERY CORNER

This year’s vintage circus theme will be reflected in the Living Mural by Kristen Zipp, where models are painted into a canvas, and in a chalk mural created live at the intersection of Main Street and Penniman Avenue.

Live music will be provided by reggae band Roots Vibrations throughout the weekend. Meanwhile, The Compass at Main Street and Ann Arbor Trail will come alive with street performers, including Crazy Craig, whose jaw-dropping act includes balancing chairs, juggling, unicycling and even fire, and George Tait, the Human Statue.

For kids, there will be a giant LEGO display and interactive activities courtesy of MICHLUG (Michigan LEGO Users Group), along with face painting, henna and more.

“We encourage people to bring their kids,” Rork says.

The Studio Spark area at VITRINE at the Baker House

will offer opportunities for visitors to explore their own creativity. Organizations including the Toledo Area Glass Guild, the DIA and Kalota Culinary will present demonstrations and information about classes and activities.

“It’s a super fun, interactive space supporting the arts in a larger umbrella, where they might not fit into the juried aspect of an art fair but focus on collectives and things visitors might have an interest in,” Rork says.

To make getting into downtown Plymouth easier, organizers encourage visitors to take advantage of the convenient shuttle service from Schoolcraft College. Airconditioned, ADA-accessible buses run continuously throughout the weekend, dropping passengers near City Hall at the edge of the festival. For longtime visitors and first-timers alike, Art In the Park remains one of Michigan’s great summer traditions—and after 46 years, it continues to find new ways to surprise.

The reggae band Roots Vibrations will perform throughout the weekend.

out & about out & about 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.

Celebrating 250

June

27

The Salem Area Historical Society will host an America 250 Celebration beginning at 3 p.m. at the Jarvis Stone School Historic District (7991 N. Territorial Road). They will be celebrating the Semiquincentennial of America. The event starts with our national anthem and a partial reading of the Declaration of Independence. It will also include performances by the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps, the Dodworth Saxhorn Band (6 p.m.) and Bluesdad with Doug Larsen. There will be Colonial period actors on site, along with an exhibit of America’s founding documents, made possible with a grant from America250MI. Food trucks will also be on site. For more information, visit www.SAHShistory.org.

Lunch & Learn

June 30

The Northville Chamber of Commerce is hosting this event beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Northville District Library in the Carlo Room. The presentation, Building Wealth & Protecting What Matters, will feature guest speakers Derek DuBois of Center Street Wealth Strategies and Anthony Jabbour of Jabbour Law. They’ll explore the fundamentals of longterm wealth creation, including an overview of common retirement accounts and investment strategies and how to determine which options make

the most sense for your personal or professional situation. For more information or to register online, visit www.northville.org.

4th of July Parade

July 4

The theme of this year’s parade, which kicks off at 10 a.m., is “America’s 250th Birthday Bash”. The parade will feature hundreds of participants. There will be bands, floats, antique cars and more. For more information, visit www. northville.org/4th-of-july-parade.

'Declaration' Reading

July 8

The Northville Historical Society, using a grant from America250MI, will be hosting this reading of the Declaration of Independence, American’s founding document, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. For more information, visit millracenorthville.org, or send an email to bookings@millracenorthville. org.

Movie in the Park

July 9

Northville Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Oakland County Parks, will be showing the film, Encanto (2021). The event will be held at the Recreation Center at Hillside and begin at dusk (between 8:30-9 p.m.). Activities for the entire family will begin at 6:30 p.m. For weather cancellation, call (248) 4499951 or visit the Facebook page @ NorthvilleParksandRec. This is a free event. Registration is not required.

Summer Puzzle Swap

July 11

The Northville District Library will host a puzzle swap on Saturday, July 11 from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Carlo Meeting Room. Drop off up to five new or gently used puzzles to the Derek

Information Desk from July 3 until July 10 in exchange for tickets (limit five). Return on July 11 from 10-11 a.m. to exchange tickets for puzzles. From 11-11:30 a.m. no tickets will be required to “shop” for new-toyou puzzles. Leftover puzzles will be donated. For more information, visit northvillelibrary.org.

Ice Cream Social

July 17

Northville Senior Services will host its annual Ice Cream Social from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Community Center. It will feature Browndog Creamery ice cream and entertainment by Beyond Belief Senior Chorus. The cost is $3 for Northville residents and $4 for non-residents. Call Northville Senior Services for more information at (248) 305-2851.

Coffee with Council

July

30

Come join members of Northville City Council and management team during this informal session from 10-11:30 a.m. at Sweet Brew Café inside the Northville Square mall. Learn about some of the latest news and developments in the city, and also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Detroit’s French Era

July 30

The Northville District Library will host the program “The French Era of Detroit 1701-1840” from 7-8 p.m. in the Carlo Meeting Room. It will feature Charlie Bird, author of The Straits of Detroit and Cadillac’s Detroit, who will discuss French colonial Detroit’s unique history. There will be a book signing afterward. To register for the program, beginning June 30, visit northvillelibrary.org.

Dancin’ the Wednesday Nights Away

Dancin’ in the Ville returns to Town Square from 7-9 p.m. on July 1, and marks the first installment of the Wednesday evening dancing sessions sponsored by MJ Diamonds and Arthur Murray Northville Studio. Dancing instructors from Arthur Murray will be giving free dance lessons each Wednesday from 7-8 p.m., followed by open social dancing from 8-9 p.m. A variety of dance genres will be covered at the different sessions, including Salsa on July 1. All skill levels are welcome. Here’s the rest of the schedule:

July 8: Popular Line Dancing

July 15: Swing

July 22: Mid Eastern Dabke

July 29: Bachata

Aug. 5: Aloha Hawaiian Island

Aug. 12: Merengue & Semba

Aug. 19: Bhangra

Aug. 26: Salsa

DuBois

2026 Concert Lineup

TUNES ON TUESDAY DANCIN’ IN THE VILLE

6/16 Kevin Devine

6/23 Janet Marie & m’Archibald

7/7 McKayla Prew

7/14 Earth Angels

7/21 Gemini

7/28 Steve & Trish’s Family Fun

8/4 Rick & Dayna’s Playground

8/11 Guy Louis

TO THE WEEKEND JAZZ SERIES

6/27 Steve Pichan & The David Roof Band 7/11 Northville Folk 7/18 Premier Big Band 7/25 The Remedee Band 8/1 Jerry Mack and the Terraplanes 8/8 Randy Brock Group 8/22 SongSmith Band 8/29 Sound Alternative 9/5 Power Play Detroit 9/12 Shawn Riley Band 9/26 Zang 10:30-11:30 a.m.

7/1 Salsa

7/8 Popular Line Dancing

7/15 Swing

7/22 Mid Eastern Dabke

7/29 Bachata

8/5 Aloha Hawaiin Island

8/12 Merengue + Semba

8/19 Bhangra

8/26 Salsa

7/9 John Arnold & Company

7/16 Jimmy Smith w/ Sarah Price

7/23 Thom Monks Band

7/130 Matt LoRusso Trio

8/6 John Arnold & Company

8/13 Sam Harris Quartet

8/20 Jimmy Smith instrumental

8/27 Thom Monks Band

9/3 Paxton Spangler Band

9/10 Jimmy Smith w/ Beth Stalker

9/17 Paxton Spangler Band

5/29 NHS Jazz Band 6/5 Lily Bowen 6/12 Steve Pichan 6/26 Ryan Racine 7/10 Shawn Riley 7/17 Al Carmichale 7/24 Shela Landis 7/31 Billy and Elaine 8/7 Theo Gridiron 8/14 Jordan Duff 8/21 Duane Allen Harlic 8/28 Keelan Hogan 9/4 DL Turnner 9/11 The Soulshiners 9/25 Lewie Austin

6/6 Lost West 6/13 Sound Station

9/24 John Arnold presents the 32nd Annual

July 8, 2026 9 am - 4 pm (rain or shine)

Tickets in advance ($15) beginning June 8th available at: Long Kitchen and Bath Design, 190 E. Main St., Northville or online at www.Eventbrite.com

Tickets on the day of the Garden Walk ($20) available at: Green Space, 199 S. Wing St., Northville (behind Northville Public Library) & Eventbrite www.eventbrite.com/e/1989726587786 For more information visit www.cgcnv.org or call (734) 788-9935

Dishin’ With Denise

Denise Jenkins, who is a board member with the Northville Historical Society, is an avid writer and proponent of the arts. She is also plugged into what’s happening in Northville. Contact her at denisemjenkins@aol.com.

Hot Rods, Hydrangeas and Hopes and Dreams

“How do you feel?”

“With my hands.” That was my dad’s favorite joke. He also turned 39 years old each year for about 30 years. In June we honor dads – living, dead, uncles who serve as dads, “men”tors and more. Stop for a moment to think (and thank) the guy who played the part in your life. My dad taught me to use a drill, and he’s the guy who celebrated every special occasion life offered. I am a daddy’s girl and proud of it.

If you know me, you know my intention with Dishin’ is to be Northville’s “Page Six” – which is the go-to page in the New York Post. The Living and Learning Enrichment Center (LLEC) “Hopes and Dreams” Gala was a Page Six dream come true. More than 600 people and the glam was fab. Celebrity sightings included – David McKnight from Emerald City Designs – who had a handprint on some of the evening’s ambiance; Marilyn and Don Price – behind-thescenes heroes appropriately recognized with the Humble

Heart Award; former city of Northville DDA Director Lori Ward – retirement looks good on her; Traci and Paul Sincock – stunning dress, Traci; city of Novi dignitaries – recognized for the spirit of collaboration; Susan and Taylor Young – a mother-to-daughter birthday gift – great idea and Anthony -- he had on a fun shirt with his suit. I told him it was a good move because what’s a fancy gala without some fun.

Every year LLEC has a talent show in the spring and a few of the performers are showcased at the gala. WOW! From "Purple Haze" to "Can’t Hurry Love" to some great Michael Jackson moves, the very best sunshine T-shirt and you gotta love a guy with a guitar. My favorite was a young man with an infectious smile singing “You’ve Got A Friend”. Perhaps, because it was my class song when I graduated from Bishop Borgess High School in 1972, and it brought back some fond memories.

It’s time to congratulate the new graduates. In my household, granddaughter Emaline graduated from St. Catherine of Siena Academy. Actual graduation is just one of the many celebrations of pomp and circumstance. I attended the Catholic High School League 2026 Scholar Athlete Leader Awards Banquet. They were established in 1926. “Emmy” was honored for her efforts in lacrosse. The motto: “More than good sports, good

people.” Good life advice, don’t you agree? I am proud of my granddaughter and trust she is good people… like most in the Class of 2026.

My dad was a gardener, but I did not inherit his green thumb. I cry when I weed and although I love a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers, which I can arrange nicely, I am failing miserably at hydrangeas. They look so pretty in everyone else’s yard. If you want to meet some people who do have that green thumb, plan on attending the annual Northville Garden Walk -- a popular event in town for more than 30 years. This year it takes place on Wednesday, July 8 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more details check out the Country Garden Club of Northville’s website at www. cgcnv.org. I’m hoping to get a little advice that will help out my hydrangeas.

I will have my next Page Six story July 10-12 when the Northville Concours d’Elegance comes to town.

There will be a Friday night welcome event at Genitti’s, followed on Saturday by a new element – a panel discussion at Tipping Point Theatre with the Jack Roush family and the likes of Lyn St. James. I will be moderating, and it is open to the public. The main event is on Sunday at Mill Race Village – with the most unique line up of cars yet. This is the 5th anniversary milestone. My heartfelt congratulations to the young men who produce this prestigious event…and their incredible families. My dad would have LOVED this event. Visitors to our community –welcome and thanks for sharing your beautiful automobiles. Next month I’m going to tell you about the real stars of the show – the youth judges and their incredible mentors. First, I must meet them.

Northville CHSL 2026 Scholar Athletes Emaline Kara and Jillian Gibbs.

Sisters enjoying the Northville Garden Walk last year (back row from left are Alice DeLand, Janet Brant, Barb DeGrande; front row Mary Hypio and Julie Stefanek).

There were some incredible performances at the Hopes and Dreams Gala.

THE GARDNER GESCH GROUP

Presents

MODERN PRAIRIE LIVING

A one-of-a-kind custom modern ranch set on 1.5 private acres along Novi’s Natural Beauty corridor. Designed by Luxe Homes Design + Build, VanBrouck & Associates, and Ellwood Interiors, this award-winning residence offers 7,582 finished square feet of luxury living, exceptional craftsmanship, and seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining.

HIGHLIGHTS

∙ 7,582 finished square feet of luxury living space

∙ 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms on 1.5 private acres

∙ Covered outdoor living room with fireplace

∙ Custom walnut millwork throughout

∙ Quartzite countertops and walk-in pantry

∙ Steam shower and soaking tub

∙ Full lower-level bar and lounge

∙ Fitness room and game area

∙ Heated garage bay

∙ Fenced dog run with dedicated dog shower

$3,350,000

22635 Evergreen Ct, Novi, MI

THE GARDNER GESCH GROUP Bill Gardner (248) 249-8341 | Whitney Gesch (248) 533-4925 gardnergesch.com