The 'Ville - May 2019

May 2019 | Vol.2 | Issue 5

Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine

Funky Fielders

Lady kickballers put best foot forward

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LOCAL MATTERS! Please send checks, cash or lucky charms to: Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168 Thank you!

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 5

MAY 2019

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

KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher

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

CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director

Craig has been in the creative industry for over 25 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 16 years. Craig enjoys cycling, running, wine tasting, his beloved Boston Terrier and an unhealthy addiction to movies.

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.

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.

MARIA TAYLOR – Writer

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

• Dale and Deborah Autio • Patrick and Karen Giesa • Chuck and Andrea Murdock • Manfred and Lisa Schon

ADVERTISE The ‘Ville is mailed directly to every address in Northville – nearly 21,000 in all. To advertise contact us at:

(734) 716-0783 or thevillemagazine@gmail.com OUR ADVERTISING TEAM

• Emanuela Caruana emanuelacaruana6@gmail.com • Lisa Meinzinger Abraham meinzinger.abraham@gmail.com

Maria has edited Michigan History and The Active Learner magazines and reported for The Northville Record, Novi News, and Farmington Observer and (currently) BNP Media. She lives in Farmington and, as a self-avowed history nerd, routinely risks her life by standing in the middle of Grand River to take photos of old buildings.

LONNIE HUHMAN - Writer

Lonnie graduated from EMU with a degree in creative writing. He is a longtime newspaper reporter, including two stints with The Northville Record. He is now a freelance reporter for a number of publications, including The Sun Times News in Dexter, where he lives with his wife and two young children. He is glad to be back covering the Northville community.

BILL BRESLER - Photographer

Bill lied his way onto his high school's yearbook staff in 1971 and has worked as a photographer ever since. He recently retired after 39 years with Hometown Life, a newspaper group that includes the Northville Record. He's won many journalism awards for his work, and taught photography at Madonna University. According to Bill's wife, he's too young to retire, so he's happy to be part of The 'Ville.

JENNY PEARSALL – Graphic Designer

Jenny has been in the design and print industry for more than 20 years, holding various positions in graphic design, large format and trade show graphics, print buying, production and print management. One of her favorite memories is working for Colorquik Graphix in the historic Water Wheel building in downtown Northville.

The ‘Ville is a product of Journeyman Publishing, which assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. Any form of reproduction of any content in this publication without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Comments are welcome at thevillemagazine@gmail.com.

A View From The ‘Ville

Let’s Not Lose Our Identity I t’s pretty noticeable that Northville has become a very desirable community. All you have to do is to take a drive around town to see all the construction going on. People don’t build in places nobody wants to be.

In the township, there are new subdivisions and office buildings going up seemingly all over the place. The city is also dealing with development taking place downtown and even in the neighborhoods where every lot – vacant or not -- seems to be ripe for a new home.

While this is a positive trend, because it’s an indicator of our town’s appeal, not to mention it also means higher property values for us. Yes all this development – both current and proposed – threatens the very essence of why people like living and doing business here in the first place.

It was no surprise that much of the discussion at the annual State of the Community luncheon, held April 17 at Schoolcraft College, was focused on the new development.

Northville Township Supervisor Bob Nix touted the various

developments, including the Village of Northville project at the old Scott Prison site that will feature hundreds of residential units and some commercial, the Cooper Standard headquarters at the old psychiatric hospital site, and Hella headquarters at the Northville Technology Park off of Beck Road – to name a few.

There is no doubt Nix sees these projects as feathers in Northville’s cap. But he also went out of his way to address the loss of trees and clearing of the hospital site on Seven Mile.

He said the township worked with Cooper Standard to ensure they save many of the trees and will end up planting more once the building is complete. Nix said it was important to maintain the “natural state” of the site and that he is committed to “preserving the character of the township.”

Likewise, the city is dealing with issues of its own. Mayor Ken Roth addressed concerns about the development proposals for the Northville Downs property.

Homebuilder Hunter Pasteur Homes finally got the PUD (Planned Unit

Development) designation it was looking for, and will now begin submitting site plans for the track property that will include hundreds of new homes, townhouses and apartments, plus some commercial buildings.

Roth and everyone else involved with the city know this project will forever change downtown Northville.

Just up the road, the historic Main Street School is nearly demolished, as heavy equipment operators take it apart chunk by chunk. New homes will be built once it is gone. There has been much discussion whether this is a positive or negative development, but there is no disputing it will alter

the city’s Historic District. Some fear it is a slippery slope of losing our history.

I realize there’s only so much local officials can do when faced with new development proposals, except make sure zoning laws are followed. It’s not an easy position to be in, because on one hand, development is positive.

But is too much not a good thing?

And what’s too much?

“Savor Small Town Charm,” the city’s website proclaims. It just seems our town gets less small every day.

Kurt Kuban is editor and publisher of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your feedback at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

Your Voice: Letters to the Editor 4 Roundabout being considered for Center/Seven Mile 6

It's Orange Barrel Season

Race for mayor heating up 10

8

Retiring Winchester teacher gives honesty lesson 16 Rotary’s Tour de Ville ready to roll 20

The Funky Fielders

14

Mr. Tennis

18

Northville schools getting big upgrades this summer 22 It’s Your Business: Sigma Investment Counselors 28 Business Scene: Chick-fil-A coming to Northville 30 Special playground planned for Maybury Park 32

ON THE COVER: Main Street League members Lauren Romeo (from left), Elizabeth Stevens, Stephanie Smith and Rachel Chandler at Northville’s Ford Field, the site of the June 2nd Womens Kickball Tournament. Photo By Bill Bresler

The ‘Ville 3

Your Voice Stop building homes by landfill

Your article in the April issue regarding the problems with the Arbor Hills landfill was informative in respect to the efforts the landfill is making to control the smells. However, it did not address why Northville Township approved building homes downwind from a landfill.

Despite the constant complaints, homes continue to be built in this area.

The township supervisor (Bob Nix) says they have no authority over the landfill.

However, they could protect Northville Township residents by not approving residential building permits in the area affected by the smells at least until the problem is resolved.

Jackie Gauvin

Recycling questions

I found Kurt Kuban’s recent column about recycling interesting, but it also left me with many questions. He mentioned that a “greasy pizza box” can be reason for a whole bin to then go to the dump.

It would be very nice to have better guidelines to cut-out and save.

1. How greasy is “greasy?”

2. How well do cans need to be cleaned? My cousin in California said they only need to ‘knock out’ the majority of food. Some people I know wash and scrub them, which makes me wonder if it is worth recycling the can vs. all the wasted water. Many countries don’t have clean water.

3. Do the labels need to be removed? Are they burnt off in the melting process, or will it be the same as the ‘greasy pizza box’ - and get thrown out?

4. What about labels on bottles (like a wine bottle) that you can’t soak or barely scrub off? I went to the GFL website and they didn’t specify.

5. I just learned Styrofoam isn’t recyclable. My friend is an avid recycler and she was surprised by this one.

6. What about plain metal such as old rusty shelves? The GFL site only mentions cans and nothing about metal items.

8. No plastic bags. Only grocery bags? Do we make a special trip to stores to recycle? Where do they recycle?

I ended up a bit more mystified than I was before when I thought I was doing quite well. I have also seen the trash guys just grab the recycling bin and dump it into their truck. I found that quite irritating after taking the time to separate recyclables from the standard trash.

Nancy Crenshaw

SOUND OFF

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

4 The ‘Ville

Knowing our past

I enjoyed the April issue and the article by Michele Fecht on “One Vanilla Lane” and Northville Laboratories. I thought it was an outstanding story.

The Langfields were great friends of my parents and my grandparents. The mention that my father donated the bottles and glasses that were used on Conrad Langfield’s boat was a nice touch. Mrs. Langfield (Con’s wife) sponsored us at Meadowbrook when my wife and I got married in 1983, and she was a reference when I started at Ford Motor Company that same year.

Growing up in Orchards Heights we could always smell the sweet vanilla aroma in the air of the neighborhood. We have to know our past to understand where we want to go in the future. Your team does a great job with that.

Brian Turnbull

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To OR

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Roundabout?

By Maria Taylor

Proposal for 7 Mile/Sheldon would be a first for Wayne County

E

very day, about 22,400 vehicles use the intersection at Seven Mile and Sheldon (or Center Street). Add to that the traffic from 53 single-family homes, 183 townhouses, and 300 apartments proposed for the Northville Downs site, and traffic at that intersection – which is currently rated a “C” – drops to a rating of E or F. That’s a failing grade, and it’s failing the citizens of Northville and those who drive the city’s streets as part of their daily routine.

To help deal with the traffic congestion, Downs developer Hunter Pasteur Homes, at the urging of the City of Northville, is proposing a roundabout at that intersection.

“We had our consultants and Northville’s consultants meet with Wayne County, and Wayne County said they believed this would be the best traffic mitigation measures for this corner,’” said Randy Wertheimer, CEO and president, Hunter Pasteur.

6 The ‘Ville

“Wayne County, Northville, and our traffic consultant – all three of them agree that when the development is complete, the traffic will be better than the way it exists currently today.”

Northville City Manager Pat Sullivan said the roundabout would be paid for by Hunter Pasteur Homes, and put in as part of the construction project.

“It really wasn’t a possibility we were aware of until this project was proposed, and their engineers started analyzing the traffic, and our engineers at OHM suggested the solution,” Sullivan said.

A GOOD SOLUTION Seven Mile Road is owned by Wayne County, which had to first agree. If the Downs redevelopment goes forward in its current iteration, the Northville roundabout would become the first in the Wayne County road system.

“[Wayne County] is ok with the concept; they still want to see the engineered plans ... but they do think this is a good solution,” said Jessica Katers, project manager at OHM, Northville’s consulting engineers for the Downs project. “It really is just a matter of whether or not [county leaders] are open to change. They’ve had some turnover in the county, and they are more willing to look outside the box.”

Oakland County has used roundabouts for 20 years.

Washtenaw has used them for about 10. Roundabouts have four major benefits, Katers said: They cut down on delays, the severity of crashes, fuel consumption, and air pollution.

A quarter of the most severe crashes happen at intersections with a traffic light.

“When you institute a roundabout at an area that was signalized, there’s a 90 percent reduction in serious crashes ... fatalities and debilitating

crashes. You typically see an overall reduction in crashes, in the realm of 30 to 40 percent,” said Katers.

Oakland County has 28 roundabouts in place, and there have never been any fatalities since the first one was installed in 1999, according to the Road Commission for Oakland County.

“If you get in a car accident going through an intersection at 40 or 50 miles an hour, there are fatalities.

If you get in a car accident in a roundabout, you’re typically going 10 or 15 miles an hour and there are fender benders,” Wertheimer said.

Seven Mile and Sheldon doesn’t have a high crash volume, Katers said; it’s the delay that causes more of an issue – as anyone who’s come into Northville through that intersection can attest. When OHM ran a traffic model at this location, adding a roundabout brought the a.m. level of service up to an A (on an A-F scale) and the p.m. level of service up to a B,

even with additional traffic from the Downs redevelopment added in.

“Looking at it with the development added and no change, you are seeing an E and an F,” Katers said. In other words, engineers are forecasting the traffic situation to be better once the development is built and the roundabout is in place, versus what it is today without the development.

Several other traffic mitigation measures have been suggested by traffic consultants, including traffic signal optimization at Center/Cady and Center/Main, and straightening out Cady Street, Wertheimer said.

“Traffic is actually the only part of the development where I’m kind of raising my hand and saying, ‘I’m gonna do what I’m told to do by the experts,’” he said. “The traffic is something [where] we’re saying we want to go along with whatever traffic mitigations the three experts are recommending: Northville, Wayne County, and our traffic consultants. At the end of the day, we must create a development that’s in everyone’s best interest, which

includes the current residents, the future residents, and the city itself.

I told everybody my goal is ... when the development is complete, we can look at the community and say, ‘We helped solve an issue.’”

“Is it going to be perfect? Probably not,” he added, “but is there any perfect situation in a highly desirable place to live?”

MIXED REACTION At their April 16 meeting, the Northville Planning Commission voted that the proposed development met the criteria for a Planned Unit Development, or PUD. Next, the Planning Commission will vote on preliminary site plan approval. If they approve it, the plan goes to city council for their approval.

Sullivan said he’s heard a mixed reaction about the roundabout plans.

“Residents tend to love or hate roundabouts,” he said.

Erik Eichinger, from Novi, drives through Northville after work – typically after rush hour. He’s in support of a roundabout at Seven Mile and Sheldon.

“Generally, I think that roundabouts work,” he said. “They’ve put one in near the house I live in now, and it’s worked well.”

“They need to do something, because all the people turning left really get backed up. So if it’s a big roundabout that has like two lanes going around all sides, it would probably help out that intersection, yes. And I’m glad [Hunter Pasteur is] paying for it,” he said.

Jennifer Luikart lives about three blocks from that intersection.

“In the afternoon, the traffic’s usually backed up – it’s a pretty steady line from Seven Mile back to Six Mile. It’s pretty solid,” she said.

“It takes a long time to get through that light.”

While she said a roundabout would be “a nice improvement” for the intersection, she wondered if it would truly solve the traffic issues or just move them around.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

“A lot of it gets backed up all the way from the lights in downtown.

Main/Center, there’s no left turn lane there – it’s not wide enough to put one in,” she said. “If you’ve got a steady flow of traffic coming in there, I don’t see how that’s going to be so improved. It seems like they should make that wider, and they don’t have the space right now to do it. It’s always a bit of a cluster.”

There will also be a learning curve, especially for folks who are inexperienced with roundabouts.

In fact, Katers said there’s normally a slight increase in crashes right after a roundabout is constructed.

“They’re sideswipes or just a clip of the bumper type,” she said.

But that number drops once people become adjusted.

“Hopefully as we’re seeing more [roundabouts] in the community, people are becoming a little more adjusted to them,” Luikart said.

Do you think a roundabout at the Seven Mile/Sheldon intersection is a good idea? Email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

Work has begun at the intersection of Five Mile and Beck.

Motorists are preparing for a resurfacing project on Haggerty between Five Mile and Six Mile (bottom photo).

It’s Orange Barrel Season Northville will see plenty of road projects this summer

By Lonnie Huhman

T

he road work season is upon us, so it’s now time to see what the Northville community can expect to see in the coming months.

Starting with the Northville Township/Wayne County projects: The big reconstruction project is happening on Haggerty Road,

between Five Mile Road and Six Mile Road. The $630,000 project funded by Wayne County will include new concrete for the roadway. It’s expected to be completed this year.

As part of the SEMCOG 2045 Plan, Wayne County staff said it will request an amendment to the plan to include the reconstruction and widening of Beck Road from Six Mile

8 The ‘Ville

Road to Eight Mile Road as part of the plan this fall.

This is a regional transportation plan for southeast Michigan.

Work that is intended to help aid economic development will see Northville and Plymouth townships continuing their efforts to get Five Mile Road from Beck Road to Napier Road funded for a reconstruction and widening project to serve the MITC (Michigan International Technology Center) Corridor.

Resurfacing projects this summer will include: • Sheldon Road from Six Mile Road to Seven Mile Road will be looked at by Wayne County Roads Division for possible completion this year as a mill and fill project.

• The Northville Road and Six Mile Road intersection will be looked at by the Wayne County Roads Division for possible completion this year as a mill and fill project.

• The Five Mile and Haggerty intersection will be resurfaced

by Wayne County this year.

• The Five Mile and Beck Road Intersection will be widened with new signalization.

• The Six Mile Road and Beck Road intersection will be widened with new signalization beginning this year with completion next year.

Northville Township subdivision slab replacement projects are being considered in Lakes of Northville, Northville Colony Estates and Whisperwood subdivisions.

Township officials said the Wayne County-hired contractor will complete this work as part of this year’s $375,000 program offered to the township by Wayne County.

In the City of Northville, the major repairs will be: • Baseline from Center Street to Novi Street where a two-inch mill and overlay will occur.

• On Taft from Eight Mile Road to the city limits, south of Morgan, there will also be a two-inch mill and overlay project.

• Full reconstructions are expected to happen on North Rogers from Main to

Potomac; Potomac from North Rogers to Lexington, Morgan Boulevard, Allen Drive with a full reconstruction at Novi Street and Novi Road and on Stanstead.

Many other city streets could also see some milling and overlaying.

And according to Wayne County, work will begin on the four Hines Drive bridges that have been closed, utilizing the proceeds from the sale of the Phoenix Mill that will help supplement project costs.

Also, Wayne County Parks will collaborate with the Motor City Mountain Biking Association (MCMBA) to implement two mountain bike trails at Lakeview and Riverview in Hines Park.

Township officials emphasized although they are sure that some of the township projects will be underway, they have no guarantee that they all will be completed this year. City officials said its list is subject to change based on construction unknowns, and emergencies elsewhere.

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It’s On! Turnbull vs. Roth should make for interesting mayoral race

By Lonnie Huhman

I

t’s an election year in the city of Northville with three seats up for grabs. On Nov. 5, city voters will go to the polls to select two city council members to serve four-year terms, and a person to serve as mayor for a two-year term.

It’s still months away and there is no primary, but the election has already produced some buzz largely due to the race for mayor, which already has two interesting candidates who have announced they are running. There’s two-term

incumbent Ken Roth facing off “He (Johnson) was running against political novice, but longtime against Dewey Gardner (recently resident Brian Turnbull, who has a deceased) – the owner of IV Seasons family pedigree with deep Northville Flower Shop – and a respected roots. member of the old guard. I was The race is drawing interest due young and thought you can’t beat the largely to the fact that there haven’t ‘establishment’…Steve Fecht (owner been many mayoral races in the of Steve Fecht Photography) bet me past three decades that were very dinner at Giovanni’s Ristorante, one competitive. This race offers two of Detroit’s best Italian restaurants, unique candidates. It could be a fight that Chris Johnson would win. He – or a debate -- to the finish. did and it cost me a dinner. Once he William was elected, Demray, Johnson did a longtime owner good job.

The City of Northville has three seats up for grabs in November: a two-year of Preservation “Since term for mayor and two four-year Dental in then there term city council spots. The deadline downtown was no real to file is 4 p.m. Friday, July 26. For Northville, said competition. more information, stop by City Hall, the campaign It was mostly visit the Clerk’s website at https:// should be city council www.ci.northville.mi.us/services/ exciting, races that were city_clerk or call (248) 349-1300. especially competitive.” when thinking Johnson about the recent history of mayoral ran for mayor 14 times, and only races in the city. In fact, he said three times was opposed by another it could potentially be the most candidate. His three competitive competitive race since 1987, the races were against former Mayor first time longtime former mayor Pro-Tem Dewey Gardner in ‘87 and Chris Johnson ran for the position. then challenges came from former Johnson served as mayor from 1987 City Councilman Paul Folino in 1995 to 2015. and former City Councilman Chuck “When Chris was elected, Keys in 1997.

Northville was ready for someone Johnson said these were tough younger -- new blood. On a personal contests, but they were classically note, I bet against him,” said Demray, Northville in that it was a healthy who has been in business for more discourse and debate -- where issues than 40 years and is an active mattered more than divisiveness. member in the community.

He said he doesn’t expect this

GET ON THE BALLOT

Longtime resident Brian Turnbull addresses supporters at his campaign kick-off April 29 at Genitti's.

10 The ‘Ville

“So far, the two candidates in the 2019 race are two very qualified candidates. They both have spent a significant amount of time serving the Northville community.”

Bill Demray, Local businessman commenting on the race for mayor

year’s race to be any different because the city has two good candidates. His only advice to them, which he thinks they probably already know, is to stick to the issues and do what’s best for Northville.

Demray agreed, saying it’s a good thing to have a competitive race with competing ideas.

“So far, the two candidates in the 2019 race are two very qualified candidates,” he said. “They both have spent a significant amount of time serving the Northville community.”

His advice is similar to Johnson’s: “Keep it clean…put what’s best for the whole community first.”

Both candidates bring their own strengths, experiences and views on the issues facing the community.

Roth is seeking a third term for many reasons. However, one that stands out a bit may be his desire to continue to help lead the community down the important path that he believes it is on.

“We are at an important juncture for Northville,” said Roth, who was first elected as mayor in 2015. “We face the critical tasks of addressing the potential Downs (race track) development and simultaneously dealing with complex financial challenges. Retiree pensions and healthcare, infrastructure, and efficient deployment of resources are just a few. That’s why I’ve worked with council and administration over the last three and a half years to

develop plans to address all of these issues.”

He said experience translates into leadership, and believes that’s what he brings to the table.

“I believe I’ve shown my ability to lead the city in all these areas, and to fight for the city when necessary,” Roth said. “One of my strengths is objectively analyzing issues. I’ve used this skill to work with residents, council, and administration to act in the city’s interest.”

Turnbull’s family goes back a ways in Northville. His grandparents were downtown store owners in the early 1900s -- right on Main Street. His father, Bruce Turnbull, played the role of “Town Historian” for most of his 100 years and was engaged civically on almost every committee in town while his mother, Rita Turnbull, was also involved in many Northville organizations, volunteered regularly and “always pushed for me and my siblings to give back,” Turnbull said.

“I’ve watched my family engage with the community my whole life and this has given me a solid foundation for a future vision of Northville. With five generations in the area, my dream is to be part of moving this town forward, together,” said Turnbull, who held a campaign kick-off party on April 29 that was attended by about 200 people.

He’s also running for mayor for many reasons -- one also being his

Mayor Ken Roth is running for his third term. One of his big accomplishments was addressing the city's deteriorating roads by leading a successful roads millage campaign.

view of the present as impacting the future. Citing his background in Northville, and in business, Turnbull said he thinks he can help make a positive difference working collaboratively with other stakeholders.

“I would love for all to be involved in Northville’s future direction and movement through thoughtful development, bolstering our strengths and shared community services,” said Turnbull.

STILL TIME TO RUN This is just a quick look at the two candidates. The ‘Ville will explore both and the election more in-depth in coming issues, but for now this snapshot of them presents an interesting choice for voters in the fall.

As of press time for this issue, the city’s unofficial candidate list just had Roth and Turnbull listed as candidates for mayor, with no city council members filing yet. The

deadline to file is no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, while the Price withdrawal deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, July 26.

The city council seats up for election are currently held by Nancy Darga and Marilyn Price. The council is made up of five members, Darga including the mayor, who serves as council chair.

There’s still time to get in the race.

Those interested can contact or visit the Northville City Clerk’s office for more information. The jobs don’t exactly pay well (annually, $600 for the mayor and $500 for Council), but that’s not what it's about for those serving.

The ‘Ville 11

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The ‘Ville In Focus

Funky Fielders Lady kickballers looking for some competition

I

f you want a lesson in intensity, head out to Northville’s Ford Field on Sunday, June 2 when it will play host to the 7th Annual Womens Kickball Tournament.

Colorfully clad teams made up of 10-12 ladies from the Northville community will be laying it all on the line in the double elimination kickball tournament, organized by the Main Street League.

While the tournament is a MSL fundraiser, it has become quite competitive as the various teams vie for a year’s worth of bragging rights.

Of course, it’s all in good fun – and more importantly for a great cause. The event raises a lot of money for Main Street WHEN: 11 a.m., Sunday, June 2 League, which it uses to support WHERE: Ford Field, Downtown charitable organizations and Northville local families in need.

WHAT: Teams of 10-12 compete in According to Organizer double elimination play.

Lauren Romeo, each team has a WHY: To raise funds for community sponsor who pays the $250 entry members in need. fee and provides uniforms, while MORE INFO: Call (248) 982-2564, each player is responsible for email mainstreetleague@gmail.com raising at least $125. or visit www.mainstreetleague.com.

“Last year we raised over $15,000,” Romeo said.

Northville Civic Concern, the Ronald McDonald House, Project Night Night and the local VFW are just some of the organizations that MSL has supported with funding. They also provide emergency relief for local families experiencing difficult circumstances, as well as fund scholarships in the community.

If you think you and your girlfriends have what it takes to compete – and have some fun with a great group of communityminded ladies – it’s not too late to sponsor a team. For more information, send an email to mainstreetleague@gmail.com or call (248) 982-2564.

You don’t have to play to enjoy the event, which is very much family friendly. It attracts many families, who come out to watch the ladies compete. There will be a DJ, face painting, lemonade stand and ice cream cart.

For more information about Main Street League, visit the group’s website at www.mainstreetleague.com.

MSL WOMENS KICKBALL TOURNAMENT

14 The ‘Ville

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The Integrity Jar Retiring 2nd grade teacher gives a lesson about honesty

By Toulla Palazeti

E

very afternoon, when my second grade students returned from lunch recess, I was bombarded with tattle tales. Between the accusations and denials, the truth was lost, leaving everyone frustrated – including me.

After attempting to unravel a scuffle with too many versions, I called a class meeting. I wrote “INTEGRITY” across the top of a piece of chart paper.

“What’s integrity,” the students asked.

I passed out dictionaries. They discovered integrity is a noun, an intangible ‘thing’ like love that means “complete honesty and sincerity.”

“If that’s what integrity is, then what does integrity look like?” I prodded. “How does a person with integrity act?”

My second graders bounced ideas off each other while I took notes on chart paper: • People with integrity tell the truth.

• They make good choices for themselves.

• They model good choices for others.

• They are responsible, respectful and kind.

• When they make a mistake, they admit it, apologize and try to fix it.

• They are dependable.

I wanted integrity to become part of our classroom culture, a virtue embedded within the character of each student, but how?

I knew that a little public recognition went a long way towards

16 The ‘Ville

developing positive and sustainable inner qualities, so I made a poster of an empty jar. I cut ‘golden coins’ out of construction paper. When a student used a behavior associated with integrity, they could write their name on a paper coin and tape it onto the poster. I explained that each individual act of integrity made a deposit into the well being of our classroom. As we ‘filled’ the jar, our classroom would become a happier, more peaceful place.

That morning, everyone was on his or her best behavior. “Good answer!” “I’m sorry I bumped you!”

“May I help you?” sang throughout the room. I noted their honesty and kindness enthusiastically.

After lunch, the bell signaled the end of recess.

I took a deep breath. Could our rookie integrity mindset positively affect playground tattles? Spotting me, a swarm of seven year olds shouted over each other, eager to be the first to report an offense.

“Josh wouldn’t let Mia climb the slide. He kept pushing her away from the ladder,” the witnesses informed me as Mia scrunched up her face to cry.

Josh pulled on my arm. “She kept sliding down backwards. You aren’t supposed to slide down backwards.”

Toulla Palazeti's second grade class at Winchester Elementary.

I handed Mia a tissue to wipe her tears. “What happened?”

“Josh kept pushing me off the ladder. He wouldn’t let me climb up!”

“You were sliding down backwards and that’s against the rules,” he shouted “I did not slide down backwards.

You’re lying, Josh,” she said.

Josh turned to me, his voice rising, “She’s LYING!” “Mia,” I coaxed, “I’m trusting you

to have integrity,” I said to her.

Mia’s eyes darted away from mine.

“It was an accident.”

“An accident? Remember, having integrity means admitting when we make poor choices.”

“I wasn’t going backwards fast. I was being safe.”

“What’s the rule?”

“Feet first ONLY,” Josh butted in.

Mia looked down. “I’m sorry I broke the rule.”

“I accept your apology,” said Josh, sheepishly adding, “And I’m sorry I pushed you and yelled in your face.”

Mia looked up and smiled. “Thank you for having integrity, Josh.”

I wasn’t surprised that my second graders grasped the meaning of integrity. What impressed me, though, was how quickly they embraced the behaviors associated with it. Squabbles continued, on the playground and in the classroom, but before long, even the most blatant liar admitted mistakes, sincerely apologized, and tried to make amends. Uproar was replaced with empathy and, as the jar became filled with coins, our classroom truly did become a happier, more peaceful place.

As my students move on and grow up, I am hopeful they will make deposits into the world’s integrity bank, creating a kinder, gentler, more truthful planet -- one 2nd grader at a time.

Toulla Palazeti is a second grade teacher at Winchester Elementary School. She will be retiring at the end of the school year. She is a writer of several published picture books. Her work has also appeared in magazines and newspapers.

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Mr. Tennis Former Northville High standout finding his game at U-M

By Brad Emons

F

or Connor Johnston, it’s always been about the team.

And those roots date back to his days at Northville High School for Johnston, now a starter in both singles and doubles for the University of Michigan men’s tennis team, ranked in the top 20 nationally.

“I think playing high school tennis really helped me for college because our whole philosophy here at Michigan is like playing for something greater than yourself,” Johnson said. “I kind of did that in high school and played for Northville, so I think that prepared me well.

Looking back on my tennis career high school tennis was one of the best moments of my life.”

Johnston, who graduated from Northville High in 2016, arrived at Michigan with impressive credentials following a stellar USTA Junior and prep career.

He was the 2015 Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 singles champion after finishing

18 The ‘Ville

runner-up both as a junior and sophomore to Novi’s Tim Wang (now a senior at Columbia University).

Johnston, a five-star recruit, was ranked the No. 23 senior by TennisRecruiting.Net after going 29-0 and being named Mr. Tennis by the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association.

When he got to Michigan, however, he had to bide his time.

During his first two years he concentrated primarily on doubles going 34-20 overall while posting a 14-3 overall mark in singles.

During his freshman year Johnston burst on the scene as he and partner Jathan Malik (London, England) became the first U-M doubles team to reach the NCAA Individual Championships since 2011. As the 29th seed, Johnston and Malik lost in the round of 32 in a three-set tiebreaker to a 25th-seeded team from TCU. Johnston finished 19-9 overall at No. 1 doubles and 3-0 at No. 3

doubles as a freshman.

This season he made another leap and was able to crack the singles lineup where he has played both in the No. 3 and 4 slots.

“When we recruited him I always told him ‘we recruited you to play singles and doubles because we believed in your ability,’” U-M coach Adam Steinberg said. “We’ve had really good teams, so it’s been hard for anybody the last two years to get in the lineup, but he’s there now and it’s fun to watch him play out there.

His energy is contagious and it’s great to have in both singles and doubles for sure.”

It’s been an adjustment, however, for Johnston, who has taken on more responsibility and feels the weight of winning for his team on two different courts during each dual match.

“It’s definitely a lot more tennis playing singles,” Johnston said. “The first two years I was just playing doubles. I’m just trying to hit the ball deeper and harder. And that’s kind

of what you’ve got to do in singles. In doubles is just placement and being in the right spot, but in singles you’ve got to have more ‘oomph’ on your shots.”

During the 2019 regular season and heading into the NCAA Regional, it was a steep learning curve for Johnston in singles as he posted a 13-13 record to go along with a 14-10 mark in doubles as Michigan finished 17-8 overall and fourth in the Big Ten at 7-4.

“In college tennis everyone hits bigger,” Johnston said, “so I’ve definitely tried to get my serve and forehand bigger, and just overall more depth on the shots because if you leave the ball short in college tennis you’re going to start running around the court and probably going lose.

“You’ve just got to be consistent because if you lose you lose your level, lose focus for like three minutes . . . you can get broke and it can cost you and like your whole

Connor is low maintenance. He’s a great kid. He brings great energy. He practices 100 percent every day. You’re always going to know what you’re going to get from him, which is a great thing for a coach. He loves Michigan. The guys all love Connor.”

Adam Steinberg, U-M coach team the match. It’s way more intensity and way more focus.”

Steinberg said Johnston’s maturation as a singles player will evolve in time.

“He’s an aggressive guy, so he’s got to really hit the ball with good depth and create those short balls, and attack,” the U-M coach said.

“He’s an attacking player. He needs to be brave in the important moments. But it all comes around with his serve. That’s the number one thing that has to improve.”

Johnston played both soccer and hockey as a youth before concentrating on tennis. He honed his tennis game against his two older sisters including Chelsea, who played for Grand Valley State, and Haley, who played Connor Johnston was the 2015 MHSAA Division 1 singles club tennis at champion and was named Mr. Tennis by the Michigan High Michigan State.

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Last June in Buffalo, N.Y., Johnston got a taste of the professional circuit when he reached the main doubles draw of 16 in the International Tennis Federation’s USA F14 Futures tournament with U-M teammate Myles Schalet, a senior from Montville, N.J. After fighting through the qualifying rounds, the U-M pair fell in the first round of the main draw to a tandem from Brazil and Argentina.

“We’ll see where my tennis goes because it would be cool to take it to the next level,” Johnston said.

“I really love tennis so I want to stay in the tennis world as much as possible.”

But there is still plenty of unfinished business left at Michigan before all is said and done. In the Big Ten semifinals on April 27 in Ann Arbor, Michigan took No. 1-ranked and eventual Big Ten champion Ohio State to the limit before falling, 4-2.

A conference championship is what Johnston wants most before his career ends at U-M. “I want to get a Big Ten title, I want to get that ring, and then make

it to the (NCAA) Sweet 16,” Johnston said. “Once you get to the Sweet 16 anything can happen, so just get there and see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Johnston’s busy tennis schedule doesn’t allow for much free time or hobbies.

“I like to play video games and mostly just go to class, go to practice, study, and hang out with the guys on my team,” Johnston said.

Needless to say, Johnston epitomizes the term “team player.”

It’s not uncommon to see him cheering on his teammates while they’re playing on adjoining courts during his own singles and doubles matches.

“Connor is low maintenance,” Steinberg said. “He’s a great kid, loves being on a team. He brings great energy. He practices 100 percent every day. You’re always going to know what you’re going to get from him, which is a great thing for a coach. He loves Michigan. The guys all love Connor and it’s been a great couple of years.”

Ready toRoll!

Holzer Ford will provide support vehicles called SAG (support and gear) Wagons, which will be out on all the routes if participants encounter any mechanical or medical issues.

Organizers emphasize the event is not a competition, and should appeal to the serious riders who can treat it as a training exercise or the casual folks who would rather do the slow roll. from Lifetime Fitness, dinner theater “This is not a race,” said Rotarian tickets from Genitti’s and two prizes Carol Schrauben, co-chair of the from Thule), and free neck/shoulder event. “You can race your buddies if massages. you want, but there won’t be anybody Rider tracking you on registration our end.” begins at 7 a.m.

Instead, the and ends at 9 hope is people a.m. TDV offers use the event as WHEN: Saturday, June 15 three different a family outing.

WHERE: Village Workshop, 455 E. routes: It does, after Cady Street 10 mile loop all, take place COST: Pre-registration is $40 for in Hines Park Father’s Day adults, $25 for students under 21, 10-30 mile weekend. and $10 for children under 12. Cost loop along The biggest is $50 the day of event.

Hines Drive (as addition to this MORE INFO: Visit www.tourdeville. far as Dearborn year’s TDV is org or find Tour de Ville on Facebook and back) the free Family 54 mile route Fun Zone, which that passes through Whitmore Lake will include a bounce house, face and Ann Arbor painting, glitter tattoos, and some All the courses will be clearly fun science activities. marked. Aid stations with volunteers “We really want this to be a familywill be staged along each route oriented event. We’re hoping to get offering support and answering any more people from the community questions riders might have. Tom involved. Community service is

Rotary’s Tour de Ville revolves around community

R

otary’s logo includes a wheel, so it only seems appropriate that wheels play such an important role in our local Rotary club’s biggest event of the year.

Northville Rotary’s 6th Annual Tour de Ville Benefit Bike Ride, which takes place Saturday, June 15, is the club’s most important fundraiser. Proceeds support a number of local, regional and even international causes. Most of the funds stay local, however, supporting Kids Against Hunger, local scholarships, student exchange programs, Little Free Libraries, Shelter Box, Life Remodeled and local food banks.

TDV begins and ends at the Village Workshop (455 E. Cady Street). In addition to three different bicycle routes, the event will also include breakfast and lunch, live music by the band Northville Folk, a beer and wine tent, drawings for several prizes (D&D Bike Vouchers, a sports bag

20 The ‘Ville

2019 TOUR DE VILLE BENEFIT BIKE RIDE

what Rotary is all about,” Schrauben said. “What better way to spend Father’s Day weekend than riding with dad and spending time with the family? And you get to support the community in the process.”

Rotary is introducing a new wrinkle this year. There will be three “group starts” for those riders who would like to ride with others, though some participants prefer to ride by themselves or in their own groups.

Group start times will be 7:30 a.m. for the 54-mile, 8:30 a.m. for the 10-30 mile ride and 9:30 a.m. for the 10-mile ride.

Everyone will return to the Village Workshop, where lunch will be served from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Northville Folk will perform from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

More than 2,000 riders have participated in past Tour de Villes, helping raise more than $90,000 for Rotary’s various causes. TDV wouldn’t be possible without many local businesses and individuals who sponsor it. This year’s main sponsor is Cooper Standard.

The cost to participate is $40 if you sign up in advance. Students under 21 pay $25, while children 12 and under will pay $10. Everyone will get a TDV T-shirt. People who don’t want to ride, can pay $12 for lunch, entertainment and the Family Fun Zone.

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Bond Improvements Taking Shape Several Northville schools getting big upgrades this summer

By Lonnie Huhman

I

f you haven’t already noticed, there will be lots of construction going on at various Northville schools this spring and summer, as Northville Public Schools has begun the next round of community-supported improvements at its facilities.

With the modernization of Old Village School completed, construction projects are now kicking off at Northville High School, Amerman Elementary School and Hillside Middle School.

These improvements are the result of the $104.85 million multiyear bond that was approved by voters in 2017. NPS officials said the bond proposal was generously approved by voters with the goal of upgrading the district’s aging facilities, enhancing existing building security, and providing modern learning environments and furniture across the district.

Among the work coming this year will be the renovation and addition at Hillside Middle School. NPS officials said this is probably the most significant of the Bond 2017 projects, with a large portion of the existing building being demolished after the

22 The ‘Ville

construction of new academic wings.

The result will be a nearly new, modern school building.

At the high school, NPS plans for a new fitness center, expanded dining and multi-purpose space, renovation of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) labs, upgrades to athletic fields, and multi-purpose turf for physical

education, athletics, band and community use.

At Amerman, plans call for upgrades to the media center, plumbing and mechanical/electrical infrastructure, remodeling the main entrance for improved security, removing outdated portable buildings, and replacing existing corridor cubbies with new lockers.

Some windows and doors will also be replaced.

These are among many other projects.

NPS officials are grateful for the community’s support to upgrade school facilities to meet today’s standards. Board of Education President Cyndy Jankowski said the district is taking this responsibility very seriously.

“The board is grateful for the support of the community, and as we begin to review and approve bid results on upcoming work, the board will continue to do its due diligence in ensuring the community’s continued trust,” Jankowski said.

In looking back at the bond proposal, she said the unsung heroes in the 2017 bond passage “were the hundreds of volunteers, the majority of whom were parents in the district, and knew first-hand how this bond would enhance the learning environments of not only their children, but those of future generations.

“Without this grassroots initiative, the results could have been very different,” Jankowski said.

In 2013-2014, the school board commissioned TMP Architecture

An artist’s renderings of the Hillside Middle School project, including what the new main entrance will look like (above) and the entry by the back drop off (top).

and the George W. Auch Co. to complete a comprehensive facility assessment to determine the district’s most critical facility needs, and develop a timeline for addressing those needs.

“While acknowledging that our district buildings have been well maintained, our consultants indicated that our aging infrastructure (averaging 40 years old) had multiple building systems nearing the end of their useful life,” Jankowski said. “The magnitude of cost to replace these systems was concerning to the board, and without an appropriate funding source, such as a bond, the operating budget could not sustain the expense of these upgrades.”

The first big project was the $10 million renovation and restoration of Old Village School, which was completed last fall, and is a good indicator of the quality work expected at each school building

moving forward.

“Not only repurposing a 100-year-old building to house an Early Childhood Program, but to combine new Construction work has already begun at Northville High School. and improved office space for our board office In light of this fact, Jankowski personnel was a transformation said the board and every community that I am particularly proud of being stakeholder have worked together involved in,” Jankowski said. to provide the best possible learning The bond approval was environments. particularly important considering She cited some statistics from the state funding has remained stagnant.

NHS 2018 graduating class listed in The per-pupil foundation allowance the NHS School Profile: Highest SAT NPS receives from the state is its score (1212) among peer districts; 91 primary funding source to operate percent passing grade on AP tests; its schools. Currently, the NPS 98 percent graduation rate of NHS foundation allowance is $8,409 per seniors; 90 percent college bound pupil, which is $129 per pupil less students, (which she cited from an than what the district received 10 MLive article dated March 5, 2019) years ago. was the highest in the state of full-

line high schools and 8th in the state after magnet and charter schools; 58 Merit Scholars; 220 National Honor Society members and 243 President’s Award for Educational Excellence.

“Our district continues to do more with less,” Jankowski said. “And the board of education is committed to ensuring that every penny is not only spent wisely, but with every learner level in mind.”

For more information about the bond projects, visit the district’s website at www.northvilleschools. org.

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out & about YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE THIS MONTH Salute to Freedom

‘Bathtub Gin & Rum’

May 22 Vietnam Veteran Allen Bialek will share lessons of freedom and gratitude through his Emmy Award-winning program that will run from 7-9 p.m. at the Northville District Library. Bialek, a Novi resident, served in the U.S. Navy from January 1966 to October 1969.

His presentation is a reminder what a veteran is and what they sacrificed for our country’s freedom. For more information, visit northvillelibrary.org or call (248) 349-3020.

May 29 Local historian, librarian and archivist Joseph Oldenburg will present “Bathtub Gin & Rum: Running in Detroit - Prohibition in Detroit and Michigan” from 7-8:30 p.m. at Mill Race Village. Oldenburg will discuss how Michigan and Detroit dealt with Prohibition. There is no admission, but reservations are appreciated so accommodations can be made. The presentation is part of the Northville Historical Society’s lecture series. Afterwards there will be a members only afterglow featuring gin and rum drinks from the Prohibition era. For more information and to register, visit www. millracenorthville.org or call (248) 348-1845.

Spring Flower Sale May 24-25 The Northville Chamber of Commerce’s annual flower sale will take place from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday in downtown Northville. Many vendors, including local growers, will be lining downtown’s streets selling ornamental plants, perennials, herbs, annuals, roses, shrubs, exotic plants, and trees. For more information, visit www.northville.org.

Memorial Day Parade May 27 Northville’s Memorial Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Griswold Street, winds its way through downtown and ends at Rural Hill Ceremony, where local veterans organize a solemn ceremony honoring our veterans.

The parade is organized by VFW Post 4012. For more information, call the VFW at (248) 348-1490.

Party in the Ville June 1 The 2nd Annual Party in the Ville will take place from 1-9 p.m. on Main Street near Town Square. Organized

by North Center Brewing Company, the Chamber of Commerce and Northville DDA, the event will feature food vendors, beer/wine vendors, and live music -- all from Northville.

Come out and celebrate “all things Northville.” Admission is free.

Farm Fest June 1 Maybury Farm will host their big spring festival from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy games and activities for the kids, baby farm animals, sheep shearing, live music, demonstrations, food, story time, and more. Admission is $7 per person (children under 2 are free). The rain date is June 2. For more information, visit www.mayburyfarm.org.

Unplugged Wednesdays The Northville Unplugged Acoustic Music Series returns for the 2nd season this summer in Downtown Northville, kicking off May 29 with the duo Nick & Keelan. Hosted by the Northville Downtown Development Authority, the series will feature acoustic performances from some of the best local musicians performing every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. in Town Square through Aug. 28. Here’s the schedule: • May 29-Nick & Keelan • June 5-Nick Fugedi • June 12-Grace Rembinski • June 19-Ryan Racine • June 26-Weekend Comeback Band • July 10-Jill Jack • July 17-The Johnnies • July 24-Alex Mendenall • July 31-Matt Gabriel • Aug. 7-San Van Wagner • Aug. 14-Kris Kurzawa Duo • Aug. 21-Shawn Riley Duo • Aug. 28-Steve Taylor For more information, visit www. downtownnorthville.com.

Historical Society Garage Sale June 2-June 7 This annual garage sale will take place 9 a.m.-9 p.m each day and is located at 218 W. Dunlap Street. The sale benefits the Northville Historical Society and the Girl Scouts.

Wines of the World June 13 The event, hosted by the Detroit Wine Organization and Northville Historical Society, will take place from 6-9 p.m.

at Mill Race Village. It will feature 200 wines to sample from around the world and food tastings from local restaurants. There will also be a wine wall and silent auction. Some of the proceeds will benefit the Northville Historical Society and Northville Civic Concern. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com/e/wines-of-theworld-2019-tickets-60229843082.

Arts & Acts June 21-23 This annual arts festival organized by the Northville Art House returns to downtown Northville and will run 3-8 p.m. June 21; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 22; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

June 23. Organizers say it will be bigger than ever, and feature more than 130 artisans and vendors.

Scheduled events include: Art in the Sun Juried Fine Art Fair, Makers Mart of Northville, Young Artist Juried Art Fair, Northville Art House Chalk Festival, Short on Words Literary Contest presented by Preservation Dental, children’s art activities, and musical entertainment. The event is free. For more information, visit www.northvillearthouse.org or call (248) 344-0497.

Jackson Prison Excursion June 6 The Salem Area historical Society is organizing this excursion to Jackson Prison – Cell Block 7. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Jarvis Stone School Historic District (7991 N. Territorial Road). See what it’s like to spend some time on the inside. An optional lunch is planned. Cost is $10 for seniors; $15 for adults (lunch extra).

For more information Salem_Area_ HS@yahoo.com for reservations.

SEND IT IN To get your items listed in Out & About, email editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

24 The ‘Ville

BULLETIN BOARD C

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Pictured (from left) are Akshaya Kannikeswaran, Michael Loftus, Ashna Khetan, Claudia Phillips, Timon Lwo, Bhavya Kadiri, Disha Satapathy, Tim Wu, Coach Jin Yu, Adrien Jund, Arthur Zhao, Ankith Alluri, Rohith Kesamneni, Jeffrey Zhang, Pranav Rakkapan, and Mason Niu.

Science Olympiad Team Tops Again City Lights Shine The City Lights Chorus, based out of Northville’s Ward Church, competed at the April 27 Pioneer District Convention held at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, and came away with the 2019 Pioneer District Chorus Championship. The Pioneer District is one of 17 districts of the Barbershop Harmony Society and it includes chapters from all over Michigan and southern Ontario. City Lights Chorus competed against eight other choruses, winning with a score of 81.8.

For more information about the group, visit www.citylightschorus.com or follow them on Facebook.

Hit The Links ‘Fore’ Education

The Northville Educational Foundation’s Play Fore Education Golf Classic will take place June 17 at Meadowbrook Country Club.

The event begins with a buffet lunch and open bar at 11:30 a.m., then a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start for a four person scramble, and ends with a post-play reception and awards dinner.

The golfing package includes driving range and locker room privileges, 18 holes of golf plus cart, lunch, dinner, open bar, contests, and snacks on the course. It is a great day of golf on a fabulous course with friends, clients or colleagues, for a great cause: the students and educators of all 10 Northville Public Schools.

For more information about the event, including golf and sponsorship opportunities, visit https://SupportNEF.org.

26 The ‘Ville

For the fifth year in a row, Northville High School won the State Science Olympiad Tournament held at April 27 at Michigan State University.

Science Olympiad is a nationally recognized program where students compete in 23 events, featuring a diverse range of topics in STEM fields, such as Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics.

The students worked hard for the past seven months with the goal of winning the state tournament and improve on their placement at the national tournament. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jin Yu Hong and Assistant Coaches Sudhakar Kesamneni and Lakshmi Rudraju, all their hard work paid off.

More than 100 high school and middle school teams competed in hopes of winning a bid to the national tournament to be held this summer at Cornell University. As the awards ceremony progressed, Northville, Pioneer and Troy high schools appeared to be in a tight race for the top two spots. Northville placed first with a comfortable lead over Pioneer High School and both earned a spot to compete at the National Tournament.

Medals were awarded to the top eight competitors in each event.

Every member of the NHS team earned at least one medal.

Some of NHS’s top finishers included: FIRST PLACE • Codebusters - Rohith Kesamneni, Arthur Zhao, Jeffery Zhang • Dynamic Planet - Ashna Khetan, Adrien Jund • Fossils - Bhavya Kadiri, Michael Loftus • Mousetrap Vehicle - Pranav Rakkapan, Mason Niu • Protein Modeling - Timon Lwo, Claudia Phillips, Ashna Khetan • Thermodynamics - Tim Wu, Timon Lwo SECOND PLACE • Anatomy and Physiology – Ankith Alluri, Akshaya Kannikeswaran • Experimental Design - Tim Wu, Rohith Kesamneni, Akshaya Kannikeswaran THIRD PLACE • Circuit Lab - Tim Wu, Bhavya Kadiri

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It’s Your Business Sigma Investment Counselors Financial Analysts (CFA) and of things that hit our windshield five Certified Financial Planners every day, and we have to make (CFP) -- designations that come sense of that for our clients. with advanced financial training.

That’s where our training comes “We take pride in knowing into play.” that we have a solid team of The Bilkies know the decision knowledgeable and experienced to hire an investment advisor professionals,” is not taken she said. “We lightly, just take the time like when to understand one chooses a CEO: Bob Bilkie your specific doctor. People investment need to have PRESIDENT: Shari Bilkie goals, attitude confidence ADDRESS: 186 E. Main Street, towards risk in your Northville, MI 48167 and unique qualifications PHONE: (248) 223-0122 needs in order and trust your WEBSITE: sigmainvestments.com to develop and abilities to help maintain a them meet customized financial plan.” their financial goals. And they Taking the time also believe they have a track record means maintaining regular of success that people can trust communication with clients, and count on. according to Bob Bilkie.

“We have a formula that It’s important, he said, to works. Our focus is very cerebral communicate not only the and it really separates us from latest market trends, but also others who have a lack of changes to the tax codes and intellectual rigor. You have to rules that govern financial assets understand the science and deep and investing. That’s why they math of financial planning. But monitor just how much their you also have to understand advisors are in contact with their people,” Bob Bilkie said. “We clients. have the ability to make order “If you are absent from your out of chaos. As a result, we client – what we call a ghost tend to keep our clients out of – you won’t be advising them trouble.” long,” Bilkie said. “There’s a lot

SIGMA INVESTMENT COUNSELORS

The Sigma team includes (from left) President Shari Bilkie, Christopher Frayne, Amanda Lehnert, Paul Warholak, Wenma Gorman, Daniel Robinson, and CEO Bob Bilkie.

W

hen Bob and Shari Bilkie decided to move their financial planning firm Sigma Investment Counselors to downtown Northville back in September, it made perfect sense on many levels.

For one thing, the couple has lived in Northville since 2006.

They raised their children here (their oldest daughter Amanda is part of the firm), and have been very active members of the community, including being major sponsors of the Miracle League.

In addition, many of Sigma’s clients already lived in the community, and considering they only service “high worth individuals” and Northville ranks near the top of the highest per capita communities in the state, it just felt like a natural place for them to be. You want to be where your current customers -- and potential customers -- are located.

28 The ‘Ville

“We love being in Northville.

We live here. We play here. We work here,” said Bob Bilkie, who serves as Sigma’s CEO. Sigma was founded in 1973 and was first based in Grosse Pointe. Bob Bilkie joined the firm in 1984, and took over after the original founder died a year later.

Sigma then moved to Southfield in the mid-1980s where it had been located until the move last fall to downtown Northville at 186 E. Main Street. They also have an office in the Orlando area and one in Cleveland, which service their clients in those markets.

Shari Bilkie, who serves as president and chief compliance officer, said Sigma has provided “thoughtful investing” for more than 40 years. That’s why they have more than 600 clients.

She said they have a total of 16 employees, most of whom work out of the Northville office. The team includes seven Chartered

Bob and Shari Bilkie at their downtown Northville office.

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BUSINESS SCENE N

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Chick-fil-A eyeing Northville location The popular eatery Chick-fil-A has received approval from the Northville Township Planning Commission to build a new restaurant at 20155 Haggerty Road -- in front of the Kohl’s store.

At its April 30 meeting, the planning commission recommended the Atlanta, Ga.based company’s plans for a stand alone building. The plans now move to the township board of trustees for final approval – likely this summer.

This will be the third Chick-fil-A in the market. They already have locations at Detroit Metro Airport and in Troy at Somerset Collection. They are also planning other locations in the region, including in Novi near Twelve Oaks Mall.

“Chick-fil-A is always looking for new locations to continue serving our guests, and we’re happy to share that we are pursuing expansion into Northville,” a company statement said, noting they were still early in the process.

“We are excited to join the community and hope to have the opportunity to serve everyone our signature food with genuine hospitality.”

The chain is well known in the southern part of the country. It is famous for its “Eat Mor Chikin” marketing campaign and being closed on Sundays, something started by its founder, Truett Cathy, who opened the first store in 1946 in Hapeville, Ga.

The Orin Jewelers team.

Orin Rocks set for May 25

Orin Jewelers will sponsor Orin Rocks, its 2nd annual block party on the streets of downtown Northville, from 6 p.m.-midnight on Saturday, May 25. The party will feature live entertainment by The Love Junkies. There will also be food and prizes at this family-friendly event.

The block party is free and open to the public.

Orin Jewelers, which is located at 101 E Main Street, sponsors the event. For more information, call (248) 264-3080.

Demray honored for community service Northville dentist William Demray received the Detroit District Dental Society’s (DDDS) 2019 Dentist Citizen of the Year award. The award is given to a DDDS member who has displayed outstanding community service and commitment to the health and welfare of their patients and their community.

The announcement was made during the DDDS All Branch Meeting and dinner March 27 at the University of Michigan, Fairlane Center.

DDDS President and Northville resident Rachel Stockhausen (pictured with Demray) presented the award.

30 The ‘Ville

The Retreat cuts ribbon

A new assisted living facility has opened in Northville. The Retreat, located at 47260 7 Mile Road, is a six-room facility on two acres of land. The historic home has been completely renovated into an upscale adult foster care facility, according to owners. Pictured (from left) are Jessica Pepoy (community liaison), and co-owners Jason Laing, Michael Laing, and Donna Laing.

The Northville Chamber of Commerce organized an April 10 ribbon cutting ceremony for the owners. For more information about The Retreat, call (248) 954-4393.

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Coming Together

Special playground at Maybury Park a true community endeavor

By Lonnie Huhman

W

hen a new playground springs up this summer at Maybury State Park it will be the culmination of several years of planning by various community groups that pooled their resources together for a project that will be accessible to all children.

The Northville Kiwanis Club came up with the idea for the playground,

Maybury Farm, accessible from the Eight Mile Road entrance to the park.

The goal is to have the playground built and ready for an early summer ribbon cutting and grand opening.

For many community families, it will be a special day when the playground opens, especially the Berman family.

Michael Berman said he got involved with the playground project after seeing the firefighters charity fund was working on it and talking with his friend Tom Hughes, of the Northville Township Fire Department.

Berman said Hughes came to him and asked (From left) Northville Township firefighters Dan Dipple, Mike Obermiller, and Tommy Hughes, if he wanted to supporters Michael Berman and Justin Berman, Kiwanis member Dan Ferrara, and Maybury State Park help with the representatives Traci Sincock and Mike Cutsinger near the location of the all-accessible playground to be built this summer. project.

32 The ‘Ville

and they were soon joined by the Northville Township Firefighters Charity Fund, who have helped with logistics and fundraising. Kiwanis spokesman Dan Ferrara said the playground will have components that will allow all kids to play together, with many inclusive elements. It will be located between the Park Trailhead building and

“I said I was in without even thinking about it,” Berman said.

The playground idea made Berman think about his wife, Sherrill Berman, who at 49 years old died from a heart attack at Maybury in 2006. He said she would have loved the playground project and seeing the community come together to make it happen.

Noting his wife worked with and was an advocate of kids with special needs, Berman said she loved kids and he “couldn’t think of a better way to remember her.”

The project is estimated to cost nearly $140,000. Ferrara said it has been made possible due to generous donations by the Berman family, the Northville Township Firefighters Charity Fund, MASCO Corporation, Northville Kiwanis Club, The Friends of Maybury and many other local businesses and residents.

Ferrara said the idea for the park came about when park supervisor Traci Sincock went to a Northville Kiwanis meeting to present information about Maybury. Ferrara

said the club asked how they could be more involved with the park.

“This led to the Kiwanis Club running the annual Maybury Fishing Derby in June and a conversation about creating a playground,” Ferrara said.

family, Kiwanis and Firefighters Charity Fund intend to add new elements to the playground every couple of years to make sure that it continues to be a fun, inclusive place for kids to play.

“This will be a cool thing,” Berman

Many other members of both the charity fund and Kiwanis formed a committee along with members of the Berman family and have been working for two years to raise Michael Berman money.”

Hughes, representing the Firefighters Charity Fund, and Ferrara with Kiwanis began talking about how the organizations might be able to work together to make an inclusive playground a reality.

Both Hughes and Ferrara are 2001 graduates of Northville High School who live in the community with their wives and children.

“Many other members of both the charity fund and Kiwanis formed a committee along with members of the Berman family and have been working for two years to raise money, plan the elements of the playground and work on the overall logistics,” Ferrara said. “The support of the Michigan DNR, Maybury Park staff and others has been greatly appreciated as well.”

Project organizers are still accepting donations and any more community involvement would be greatly appreciated. People can donate by making a contribution on the Firefighters Charity Fund website at www.ntffcharityfund.com.

Once the playground build is completed, Ferrara said it will be donated to Maybury Park for ongoing maintenance. He said the Berman

said thinking about the day the playground opens.

For those interested, the Northville Kiwanis Club meets at Cassel’s Restaurant on Seven Mile Road the first and third Wednesday of every month at noon. Guests are always welcome. The club works on a number of charitable projects throughout the year. Projects have included a clothing drive benefitting Vista Maria, the Maybury Fishing Derby, and a sporting equipment drive for Academy of the Americas in Detroit, assisting the Methodist Children’s Home Society, and more.

For more information, contact Ferrara at dan@tippingpointtheatre. com.

The Northville Township Firefighter’s Charity Fund contributes tens of thousands of dollars to our community, as well as their time and resources. Their impact is felt by many local nonprofit and charitable organizations.

More information about their efforts can be found at www.ntffcharityfund. com.

To donate or help out with the Maybury playground project, contact Ferrara at dan@tippingpointtheatre. com.

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On The Road With

J

ack Piasentin, a Northville High School freshman, took along his copy of The ‘Ville to the Grand Canyon in Arizona over spring break. Piasentin (right) traveled with his family to the natural wonder located in Arizona on April 4-5.

“We walked around the rim and we also hiked inside the canyon to Ooh Aah Point. It was a great trip,” said Piasentin, 15.

In April, Karen Eckhardt Giesa (left) traveled to the Pacific Northwest when she visited Gig Harbor, Washington. Here she is showing off her copy of The ‘Ville next to the Fisherman’s Memorial at Gig Harbor.

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

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Grab a reservation for dinner in town and make it to the theatre for an 8pm show or an afternoon matinee on Saturday and Sunday.

There’s not a bad seat in the house and Tipping Point is great for a date, an evening with friends, or to get all the neighborhood couples together for a casual night out in Northville.

Stop in, call or visit our website today to buy tickets for our next show.

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Mother May I? G

rowing up we played a game called “Mother May I?” It was simple. It required no board, no tokens, no dice, no timer, no electronics, no Internet or Wi-Fi service. One person was the leader (it could be mom) and they stood facing away from the contestants. The leader calls out a direction to one of the contestants – either at random, or by name or in order by position.

“Joey take two steps forward.” Joey must reply: “Mother may I?” And the leader replies: “Yes, you may.” And Joey moves forward. If Joey just takes two steps without asking, he goes back to the starting line. The first one to reach the leader wins.

I thought about the game as I sat down to write. Now that it’s May, I was thinking about my mom and moving forward.

Let’s start with a Northville tradition. Get ready for the Mother-Of-AllGarage Sales. Carole Jean and Bill Stockhausen will soon be putting up the big white canopy that wraps around the big old house on the corner of Dunlap

Joanie Walker at the garage sale.

and High streets. The Northville couple has been doing this for 21 years. It’s happening Monday, June 3 through Friday, June 7 (9 a.m.-9 p.m. each day) and benefits three great causes – The Mackinac Island Honor Girl Scouts, the Dr. Karl Stockhausen Medical Scholarship fund and the Northville Historical Society.

If you are doing a little spring-cleaning and have items to donate you can drop them off anytime the weekend before the sale or early in the week of the sale. You can contact the Stockhausen’s at (248) 3492833.

The biggest “dish” in town is a serving of Chick-fil-A… coming soon to a location on Haggerty Road just south of Eight Mile. When I heard

the news I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to take my grandkids all the way to Somerset in Troy, where they would gladly wait in line 30 minutes for a chicken sandwich.

I am reminded that “patience” is my word of the year – and perhaps waiting for the grand opening will help me to teach the value of this lost virtue.

The Northville Farmers Market is open! It is still located at the corner of Seven Mile and Center Street. With all the talk of the Downs development, rest assured the Chamber of Commerce is working with the parties involved to keep the market a key part of any and all plans. As always, it’s open every Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Jenn Langan, who passed away after a prolonged illness on March 29, will be sadly missed by so many in our community. She was a wife and a mom first, but shared her time, her talents and her energy with everyone she came in contact with. Jenn was a founding board member of Main Street League, a board member of Community Financial Credit Union, and an active member of the Our Lady of Victory PTO. Everyone smiles when they think of her running around town in her Pilates gear. My heartfelt sympathy to all her family, and everyone she touched in her way too short 45 years.

Thank God for our moms.

If you still can, call her. If you can’t, think of her and smile.

Mother, may I? Yes, you may.

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