March-in’ Orders

It’s funny, but when you get to March – the lightbulb goes off. It marks the start of Daylight Saving. Shamrocks and the luck of the Irish blooms for St. Patrick’s Day. It’s always Lent, so Easter is in short order. March is indeed the month “hibernation” ends and it brings along marching orders. Grab your calendars.

First, Lent means the season of fish & chips

I have my top three ‘Best Of’ Northville restaurant recommendations, in no particular order, all the traditional style from when I grew up -battered and fried, but not necessarily “to go” in cardboard plates stapled together wrapped in newspaper – and very long lines. (If you know what I’m talking about, I know how old you are.)

• Rocky’s – always the right amount of crunch – and the fish is flaky, never greasy, or soggy. The fries are sometimes replaced with the yummiest roasted potatoes since my grandmother was alive.

• The Early Bird is the best kept secret for carry out lunch on Friday. If you want cole slaw, you should probably ask. The fish & chips are a perfect lunch portion –very tasty and affordable.

• Rusty Bucket is also a good choice. It’s always available – Lent or not, and it’s always good. I plan on traveling to the old neighborhood in Detroit to Scotty’s before Easter and I’m going to try for a church, a K of C or the

Livonia Italian American Club for one Friday. If you have a suggestion, send me a note. On another Lenten note - I gave up ice cream. Ugh… If you haven’t seen the jeweler in the window at Orin’s on the Center Street side of the building…you must check it out. It is good window watching…or shopping. Worth the walk. I, for one, am fascinated. If there was an engagement ring in your life last month, this month you may be looking for a venue for the big event. There are some great Northville locations.

Mill Race Historical Village offers charming alternatives –including an 1845 church or a Victorian gazebo. The Living & Learning Enrichment Center has a beautiful 12-acre campus with endless possibilities – all it takes is a vision. Genitti’s Hole-in-the-Wall is the perfect all-in-one venue. Wedding on stage, followed by a five-course dinner. They even handle the decorating for you – drop off your “stuff” and Team Laura does the job – with every detail done to perfection. I have firsthand experience. Trust me, they’re good.

Genna Davis set up shop in front of Genitti’s during the recent chili event in downtown. I stopped by to meet her and see her “Northville Gear” booth. All (100%) of her fundraising efforts are donated back to the community. Davis raised $250,000 for the Amerman playground -- one hat, scarf, or other wearable at a time. Genna told me: “I’d like everyone in town wearing orange and black!” Her online store can be found at northvillegear.com.

Ready with your calendar? April 19 is the State of the Community luncheon at the VisTaTech Center (Schoolcraft College). Details are available at the Northville Chamber of Commerce – your host for the event. The luncheon is your chance to learn what is happening in and around our community. Mayor Brian Turnbull, Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo and new Northville School Superintendent RJ Weber will all make presentations.

Goodbye to the staff at the local First Merchants Bank on the corner of Main and Dunlap.

The banking center will close on May 9. In-person banking will be available at the 20550 Haggerty Road location. I will miss the cookies in the lobby.

It’s Maple Syrup season at Maybury Farm on Eight Mile, west of Beck. Enjoy a wagon ride out to Sugar Bush to see how the trees are tapped, the sap collected and taken to the Sugar Shack for processing. Eggstravaganza is Saturday, April 15, also at Maybury Farm. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Cost per car is $5. The annual event offers egg hunts, face painting, new farm animals and a visit with the Tooth Fairy.

And if you are looking for a birthday party venue – party animals celebrate at the farm. Book early, as they host two parties each Saturday and Sunday from mid-April thru the end of October. For more information, visit www. mayburyfarm.org or call (248) 374-0200.

You have met and followed the life and times of my grandchildren. Thank you. Well, it seems unbelievable to me, but Parker turns 18 this month. Happy birthday to my favorite grandson. Where does the time go?