The 'Ville - November 2021

November 2021 | Vol.4 | Issue 11

Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine

LASTOF A dying BREED Cobbler’s Corner carries on an old-world trade

Meet the Local Sales Reps in Your Community.

Vita Vizachero

John DesOrmeau

Vita has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1989. Some of her local favorites are Table 5, Pooles, Rocky’s, and Cantoro’s on Haggerty.

John has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1987. Some of his local favorites are Rocky’s, Custard Time, Guernsey’s and the Pizza Cutter.

vvizachero@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2711

jdesormeau@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2720

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Northrop-Sassaman Chapel

Service … a Family Tradition for 75 years

(248) 348-1233 19091 Northville Road · Northville, MI 48168 James R. Steen - Manager

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LOCAL MATTERS! Please send checks, cash or lucky charms to: Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168 or via PayPal at kurtkuban@gmail.com Thank you!

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2021 16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734.716.0783 • TheVilleMagazine@gmail.com

KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher

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

CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director

Craig has been in the creative industry for over 29 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 19 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.

BRAD EMONS - Writer

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

We appreciate your support!

Patrick Brazzil Jeannine M. Meade Ray & Billy Parzych William Sypula William & June Weaver John & Janet Wiktor Russ & Bernice Schiller

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

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

SCOTT BUIE - Advertising Director/VP of Sales

For more than 20 years Scott has worked with clients in Metro Detroit to create advertising campaigns to grow their business. After managing sales for radio station in the Detroit Market for 17 years he purchased Street Marketing where he works closely with a variety of businesses and events. Scott and his family have lived in the Plymouth and Northville Area for 23 over years.

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.

LAURA FAWAZ - Writer

Laura graduated from Oakland University with a degree in broadcast journalism. She also studied studio art photography and Islamic Studies. She's worked in various photojournalism fields and mediums. She lives in Northville, and is currently freelancing for a variety of publications.

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.

LARRY O'CONNOR – Writer

Larry is a metro Detroit area journalist whose work has appeared in The Detroit News, Jackson Citizen Patriot and the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers. When he’s not meticulously chronicling people or events, he’s avidly rooting for his favorite soccer teams – Manchester United and Glasgow Celtic.

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.

BRYAN MITCHELL - Photographer

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

A View From The ‘Ville

Open It or Keep It Closed?

O

ne of our main stories this month is about continued closure of Center and Main streets in Downtown Northville until at least November 2022.

The DDA Board decided to extend the closures, and city officials are going to see how it goes before adopting the closures into 2023 and beyond.

Perhaps even permanently, which is something that has been discussed.

Whether keeping downtown’s streets closed is a good thing or a bad thing really depends on who you ask. Some business owners love it, others not so much. Most agree, however, that it was a great idea back in 2020 when the pandemic was raging and indoor dining was banned. It gave many downtown businesses, and especially restaurants, a shot in the arm when it was needed most.

A year later, though, opinions have begun to change among some longtime business owners, who see the closed streets as

The New Normal

6

an existential threat to the downtown and believe it’s choking many businesses. Yet, we talked to others who are still benefiting from the social district and would like to see it remain in place for years to come.

Most people I spoke to on City Council like it as well. So, it will be interesting to see how it plays out after this winter and through most of 2022.

Be sure to check out our story on Page 6, and let us know how you feel about the issue.

It’s just one of the major issues facing the new City Council, which now includes John Carter and Andrew Krenz, who were both elected to four-year terms earlier this month. You might say the council is getting a shot of new blood, as Carter and Krenz are new to the council (Krenz was appointed to fill a vacant seat back in the summer).

It will be interesting to see how they deal with issues like the downtown closure and the Northville Downs development

A Dying Breed

10

plans. Both men have The downtown social district last winter. Photo by Brian young families Mitchell and some great ideas, which obviously buying from local, independent resonated with voters. Check out merchants and businesses. We’re the story on Page 36. fortunate to have so many great Black Friday is coming up ones here in Northville, with a quickly, which means the holiday wide variety of offerings. So it shopping season is about to kick won’t be hard to find them. into high gear. They say this year Plus, this December the DDA it’s going to be tough because is kicking off its “A Holiday to of supply issues, which means Remember” activities, which prices will be higher and lots of will include strolling live music stuff we’re used to will be limited on Friday evenings, horse and or unavailable. wagon rides on Saturdays, and Personally I’m not sure if on Sundays they are bringing in that’s a bad thing. The COVID reindeer and holiday characters. pandemic has taught us that It should be a lot of fun and just there are more important a little more incentive to shop things in life than finding cheap downtown. laptops or iPhones at Best Buy. The streets are going to be Things like family, community, closed, so we might as well take and taking time to smell the advantage of it while it lasts.

Christmas tree are far more meaningful.

Kurt Kuban is the Publisher So I’ve decided this year I’m and Editor of The ‘Ville. He taking a different approach to the welcomes your comments at holidays. I’m really going to try kurtkuban@thevillemagazine. and support our community by com.

Fore-Peat

14

ON THE COVER: Tony Piccoli in his shop at Cobbler’s Corner, the downtown shoe repair business he owns at 104 E. Main Street in downtown Northville. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

Your Voice: Letters to the Editor 4 Beck Road widening meets resistance 18 Phoenix Mill restoration nears completion 24 Tipping Point ready for Christmas 26 Storybook finish for boys tennis team 32 Council ready for challenges ahead 36 It’s Your Business: Ajeless 38 Community Bulletin Board 42

Your Voice Dairy farmer approves

My wife and I moved to Westridge Downs in 1975. And you can just imagine how many times we’ve used Guernsey Dairy as a guide to tell people where we live. Not exactly, but almost, across from Guernsey Dairy. And the memories of their ice cream comes up.

The Butter Pecan especially for me.

When the remodeling was done, I kept wondering about the pure white cows. Then I saw them appear magically in color one day as I was driving by. Plus, each with a small heart painted on them.

But the black and white Holstein cow, along with the more appropriately colored brown and white Guernsey cow, was a bit of a mystery for me. I grew up on a UP farm and knew cows quite intimately when milking them as a kid. And I also knew (Guernsey’s founder) John McGuire quite well over the years. Loved talking about our common dairy farm experiences.

So, it was so good seeing the cover and your article in The ‘Ville to get it straight. Great article and photos.

And I’m now thinking and praying those hearts are there for John and his wife, Pat. And it makes this old farm kid happier.

Richard Bayerl

Not good for Northville

I have been very upset for quite awhile about the construction that will be going on where Northville Downs is. Northville is too small of a city to handle that kind of building project.

The traffic will be a horrific problem. There’s no place to widen the streets and how are these 400-plus cars going to get around town without causing a major traffic jam especially with two streets closed downtown. The project will disrupt our “historic” image. The builders will be lining their pockets at the expense of the city of Northville’s residents.

The reason I haven’t voiced my opinion sooner is I thought people would come to their senses and realize this is not good for Northville.

Patrick Johns

Adding too many people

I saw your article in The ‘Ville about the plans for Northville Downs. I think that opening up the river on the east end is a great idea as long as the public are allowed to walk along and enjoy it. I like the style of the houses planned, but there should be more green space around the townhomes and houses which would reduce the number of those buildings. As for the apartments, I think that there are way too many in this development plan.

Overall, there are just too many people that would be living in that area with the current plan as described in your article. Thank you for bringing this information to current homeowners in Northville.

Mary McKee

SOUND OFF 4 The ‘Ville

Think outside the box

The exciting new plans provided

by Hunter Pasteur featured in the September issue were a generous step in the right direction. More can and should be done. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get this new development right, not just for the foreseeable future, but for future generations that will move to and appreciate what Northville has to offer.

Daylighting the Rouge River is the right thing to do. It should be connected to Hines Parkway and create a pathway into the city. Providing space for a permanent farmer’s market should be a high priority, including permanent sheltered space for the vendors. It should also include ample access for trucks and vans bringing goods to this space. The farmer’s market area has the potential to be a year round multi-use area. Making it welcoming to the community is something that will benefit all of us.

There is welcome park space. How about adding community garden space?

The local food movement is something that is here to stay. Let’s provide space for native trees and other plants that may help reverse the alarming decline of insects and birds that provide valuable food webs for wildlife.

How about a round-about to direct traffic in a continuous flow around the intersection of Sheldon and 7 Mile? Traffic must be a high priority for planning since families living in the area will be using this intersection even more.

Finally, making this area accessible to walkers and bicyclists would ease traffic congestion. Perhaps parking spaces on the edge of the development would encourage less motorized traffic through the area.

Once in a lifetime is truly once in a lifetime. All of us must be proactive in insisting that the planning be done right for the needs of the 21st century. Let’s think outside the box.

Nancy Grandillo

Don’t forget pickleball

Many of our neighboring communities offer outdoor pickleball courts. I have played in Plymouth, Livonia, South Lyon and Novi. It would be wonderful to have dedicated pickleball courts at Legacy Park. It is a sport that needs no employee to manage, just like tennis.

Just show up with your own equipment and play.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country. Before COVID we had three indoor courts at the Community Center and six at the old Hillside School.

The courts were open at designated times and 20 people or more would show up to play this game. Most of the players started to play outdoors when the indoor courts were shut down. Please add pickleball courts to the list of family activities at Legacy Park.

Sue Woodsum

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.

LITMUS TEST COMING

William Demray, owner of Preservation Dental, feels the downtown street closure has run its course. Photo by Kurt Kuban

The New Normal?

Merits of keeping downtown streets closed depends on who you ask

By Tim Smith

T

he survey says: Boom or bust?

That is the pertinent question to be answered in coming months regarding the ongoing closure of Center and Main streets in historic Northville.

There are two emerging camps about city plans to extend those closures until November 2022. Either the downtown “social district” is the best thing since sliced bread or a slippery slope that could lead to economic peril.

In mid-October, the Downtown Development Authority unanimously approved a motion to recommend to city council that the district be extended nine months from February to November.

“Now it’s not as much of an emergency mode,” said DDA chairman Shawn Riley.

“It’s more of an ‘Okay, what can we do to continue to help our business people and our citizens to be able to enjoy our

6 The ‘Ville

businesses.’ We’re sending it off to council for their approval, for them to chime in.

“And if it’s approved, we’ll start working with our economic development committee.”

All residents, businesses and customers soon will get the opportunity to respond to a detailed and crucial survey about whether the idea should stick or not.

“I think the surveys will be open for months,” Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull emphasized. “I think it will be good to have surveys that start in the fourth quarter and go into the first quarter (of 2022).”

Riley said having surveys over an extended period “really gives us a chance to review the street closures and the benefit of it.

Making a survey in the dead of winter you get one response versus (surveying) in late spring or summer.”

Yet what does or doesn’t happen in the coming winter, informing those very survey responses, might be the true litmus test to find out whether downtown Northville can sustain itself as a Europeanflavored pedestrian-only playground for adults.

The district was born out of economic necessity in late 2020 – a response to COVID-19 prohibiting or limiting indoor dining – with Main and Center streets barricaded to through traffic and eateries permitted to serve meals, craft beers and cocktails out on those closed roadways.

There have been stretches over the past year where downtown indeed has bustled with outdoor buzz.

Customers from Northville and surrounding communities walk around holding hot beverages or are relatively comfortable sitting inside heated tents and pods while enjoying meals.

On a recent Saturday afternoon, sidewalks and district streets were somewhat quiet. A restaurant table and set of chairs sat empty on one side of Center while outdoor dining

areas across the street at Center Street Grille were mostly filled with patrons.

“Maybe not today, but it is quite busy down here,” said Ian O’Reilly, manager of Sugar Lu’s (116 E. Main next to Genitti’s).

“Especially, all of summer it was insanely busy.”

But will the restaurants and retailers still draw throngs of folks once the health crisis subsides thanks to relaxed state restrictions on indoor dining and more adults and now children getting COVID-19 vaccines?

It really depends on who you ask.

“Right here in the center of everything it’s perfect because we get so much interest and foot traffic coming by,” said Derek Blair, owner of The Northville Gallery at 123 E. Main Street.

“We get a lot of people starting at 5 o’clock waiting for a table.

They come and walk through.”

Blair envisions a winter fair environment.

“It’s like going to Vail (Colorado),” noted Blair, who backs making the social district a permanent feature of Northville. “You’re outdoors, embracing the winter like we should in Michigan. And that’s

The social district will remain in place this winter. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

another great thing going into the winter, we’ve created this ski town kind of feel.”

According to Diann Shaw, manager at Rebecca’s Family Restaurant (134 N. Center), the street closures have “been very beneficial to all the restaurants to keep us alive.

With the outside dining, it was wonderful. We still do the outside dining, we have people that prefer the outside dining because of Covid, even though it’s slowed down. There are people that don’t want to eat inside.

“We have the heaters, we put a lot of money and effort just

Mayor Brian Turnbull is a proponent of the social district. Photo by Angela Carson Photography

Yet according to dentist William Demray, owner of Preservation Dental located just outside the social district at 371 E. Main, the eyeball test reveals a less-crowded downtown that cannot sustain unless at least the streets are opened up to some degree.

Demray, who said he recently shared his concerns about the continuing social district with

and 46-year business owner.

“And also, her business is not a traditional restaurant, hers is more about special events.”

With no storefront parking or drop-off areas, Demray explained, it is difficult for grandmas and grandpas to get to Genitti’s to attend wedding showers, family celebrations and the like.

“To get those people to the

underscoring its uniqueness as a southeastern Michigan destination spot.

Riley also thinks the social district is a popular concept.

But he added that it will be essential to closely monitor what happens this winter in terms of how many consumers eat and drink outdoors while the pandemic’s grip continues to lessen.

“The dead of winter is the real test,” Riley continued.

“But I know there are a lot of people out there that still aren’t comfortable with going indoors to dine. I think downtown Northville has been viewed by

I don’t think we have a crystal ball that tells us ‘Is this for one year, is this for five years?’

We just have to keep our fingers on the pulse of what’s going on… If all of a sudden outdoor dining is a thing of the past, and it doesn’t make sense to keep the streets closed, we’re going to have to make decisions.”

Shawn Riley, DDA Board Chairman to accommodate the people that want to eat outside,” Shaw added. “Maybe (extend the district) until the end of next year, just to see if life gets back to somewhat normal, because it seems like we’re halfway there.”

Janine Bauchat, manager of Dancing Eye Gallery (101 N. Center), said she would give the thumbs up to the social district not going away anytime soon.

“We are enjoying this very much and so are our customers,” Bauchat noted.

“People feel more comfortable walking around town, they enjoy it more. So if they’re happier then they come in.

They’re excited to be here in Northville and doing this.

“It’s just so positive that we just get more business because everybody feels good.”

TAKE ANOTHER LOOK

Mayor Turnbull, worries about the closed district blocking holiday parades and revelers from enjoying the December season. It doesn’t have to be that way.

“We would like to see the street open at least one way, realizing that the winter use of that area is going to go to less than zero,” Demray stressed.

Demray also wonders how a long-term closure might hinder the future of Genitti’s Hole in the Wall, a landmark Northville business at 108 E. Main which has trouble getting restaurant deliveries to the front door.

“When her (owner Laura Genitti’s) linen delivery comes, it (truck) has to sit diagonally in the intersection of West Main and Center Street and they have to hand cart the material over to her business,” said Demray, a former member of the DDA

front of her business and with those packages is difficult,” he continued. “To drop them off in a traffic lane is one thing. But there’s not even a turnaround.”

Surveys will look to find out if the current set-up works, with both Main and Center streets blocked off, or if perhaps the plan needs to be tweaked.

“On the survey there will be choices,” Turnbull explained.

“Do we keep the social district with the boundaries we have today, Main Street and Center or do we open up Center Street to traffic and keep Main Street shut down?

“A third option is we open all the streets up. I don’t think there is any interest in that.”

Blair said he would be all in on at least another year of the social district as it is currently constituted. Even better would be making it permanent,

a lot of other communities as a community that really did it (the social district) right.

“Obviously, the way our town is laid out allowed us to do some things that you couldn’t do maybe in Plymouth or other areas.”

Demray, however, takes an opposite viewpoint about the neighboring downtowns.

“I’ve asked many, many patients and I’ve had some of them blush when they answer ‘Where are you going to dinner? Where are you going for music in the park?’ They’re going to Plymouth. Plymouth is jammed – all of the time,” Demray emphasized. “But you cannot, cannot sustain a business on Main Street in the city of Northville by running

Normal continued on page 8

The ‘Ville 7

Normal Continued from page 7

it for two or three hours on a Friday or Saturday. That is not sustainability.”

TRAFFIC AN ISSUE

Although Long Mechanical owner Jim Long is supportive of continuing the social district – in some form at least – until November 2022, he is concerned about the traffic

at that time,” he stressed.

As for Long Mechanical, located at 190 East Main, the street closures have increased foot traffic around his business.

And with more people circulating, that usually means good things for businesses, retail outlets and restaurants.

A direct benefit for Blair and Bauchat is that the social district set-up enables their respective galleries to remain open longer – perhaps not

The Shawn Riley Band is just one of the bands that has performed in the social district. Riley (left) also serves on the DDA board, and is in favor of the social district.

buildup outside of downtown due to various detours.

“The traffic that’s been detoured coming north and southbound on Center Street is creating some challenges,” Long stressed. “And I understand that it can be a trade-off. This (social) district was originally established because restaurants were pretty much shut down with Covid. They are wide open now, and I think they’ve gotten creative where they are able to increase their seating capacity.”

But Long said it remains to be seen whether closing streets for businesses that might only be open three or four days a week will continue to work on a longterm basis.

“I don’t know if the tradeoff needs to be continued past November 2022. But that’s not to say I won’t change my mind

8 The ‘Ville

resulting in immediate sales but planting seeds in the minds of downtown patrons.

“For me, right here in the center of everything it’s perfect because we get so much interest and foot traffic coming by,” said Blair, who bought Northville Gallery a couple months before the pandemic originally struck.

“The truth is we don’t make a lot of sales in the evenings. We never used to be open past 6 o’clock. But I’d come down and it’s just packed down here so I had to be open.”

Concurring was Bauchat, who said parking complaints are few and far between these days. Now, Dancing Eye Gallery customers often mill about inside the store and also peruse a small, pre-fab greenhouse out on the street which features decorations and art works.

“It just helps with everybody’s overall mental health,” Bauchat noted. Northville Gallery owner Derek Blair says his business has been helped by the social district.

“They are able to relax more, they’re enjoying a University of California the streets, whole families can master’s student working on a come out and enjoy the streets. thesis paper about the topic and It brings more people in.” the dentist wasn’t warmed by Sugar Lu’s O’Reilly, who lives the discussion. outside the central business “I’ve been talking to him district and commutes to his about certain places, (including) store, chimed in that “it is Fenton, Michigan,” Demray slightly inconvenient with the said. “Twenty years ago Fenton roads closed. But I mean, I think got a federal grant to close as far as the local businesses are their main street and have it a concerned that’s much more pedestrian walkway. If you ask of a benefit than it is me being the people who lived in Fenton slightly inconvenienced.” for all of this time, they’ll tell Still, public opinion could you the downtown died. It took still shift over the next several 20 years to recover and it finally months. The city intends to has. City of Battle Creek, the be ready to move in the best same thing. possible direction concerning “If you look around the the social country, WHAT DO YOU THINK? district’s future. permanent Would you like to see Downtown “I don’t road closures Northville remain closed to traffic think we have for the large through November of 2022, or even a crystal ball part do not permanently? Or would you like to that tells us work longsee the City of Northville open the ‘Is this for one term. They streets back up? Please share your year, is this for destroy opinions with Editor Kurt Kuban at five years?’” businesses.” kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com. the DDA’s Riley Demray said. “We just have to keep our then issued a warning of fingers on the pulse of what’s sorts. Unless Northville going on… If all of a sudden city officials are careful, the outdoor dining is a thing of proposed Northville Downs the past, and it doesn’t make redevelopment could have a sense to keep the streets closed, serious impact on the historic we’re going to have to make downtown district. decisions.”

“If you don’t reopen this town and you do the Northville WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE? Downs project,” Demray But Demray is worried about concluded. “The Northville the potential disaster looming Downs might become the for Northville should it not heed center of Northville.” evidence of other American That thorny possibility might downtowns which shut down be a topic for debate across streets – and eventually, shut those outdoor heated tables down businesses. along Main and Center streets Demray said he contacted this winter.

Residential/Commercial Buying/Selling Call Cynthia at 248 278 0026 for all your real estate needs.

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PAST TENSE

Best Foot Forward

Cobbler’s Corner carries on shoe repair business in the wake of pandemic

By Michele Fecht

W

hen the COVID-19 lockdown took effect in March of last year, Northville’s merchants and restaurant owners were forced to pivot to new business models such as contactless food and beverage pick up, carry-out meals and more robust online offerings just to name a few.

A challenge to all, for sure, but even more so for service industries such as barbershops, hair salons and in the case of Tony Piccoli, the town cobbler, a fear of losing a business that has been a Main Street mainstay since 1936.

As owner of Cobbler’s Corner, Piccoli said he knew he would need another income source to weather the shop’s closure.

“I immediately went to Kroger on North Center Street,” he said, noting that he continues working with the store’s e-commerce team filling orders for pick up and keeping items on the shelves.

Though the cobbler shop reopened in June of 2020, Piccoli said he stayed on at the market for the close camaraderie with his Kroger colleagues and the proximity to his shop. The paycheck also helps. His brother, Keith, mans the shoe business the four days that Piccoli works at Kroger.

Many of the grocery shoppers are or have been shoe repair customers. “I can be standing in the produce section, and someone will come up and ask me a shoe question” he quipped.

“That’s the beauty of this town.

10 The ‘Ville

exacerbated the problem.

Office attire for remote athome workers is more likely pajama pants and slippers than business wear. Footwear has become far more casual.

“Once upon a time, everyone wore good shoes,” Picolli noted.

“It used to be that tennis shoes were just for the gym.”

Tony Piccoli is the owner of Cobbler’s Corner. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

Everybody knows everybody.”

Piccoli admitted the challenges of being a cobbler — defined by Merriam-Webster as “a mender or maker of shoes and often other leather goods” — were daunting long before the pandemic. An old-world trade requiring skilled craftsmanship,

the necessity for shoe repair has waned as the quality and material of footwear has changed from all-leather goods to artificial leather and plastic.

Cheaper material makes shoes difficult to repair.

COVID and the burgeoning remote workplace has only

Tony Piccoli fixes a boot at Cobbler’s Corner. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

OLD-WORLD CRAFT Piccoli’s shop on Main Street retains the look and feel of his craft. The distinct smell of leather and polish is pervasive when you open the door. From the workroom comes the hum of sanding wheels, polishers and sewing machines.

The shop carries a variety of shoe care products such as shoehorns, shoe trees, laces and an array of polishes, shoe creams, mink oils, balms and saddle soaps.

Though the shop used to carry a variety of shoes, Piccoli said he now sells only one brand — Alden — due to competition from online sales.

“I just can’t compete with that,” he noted. The Alden brand of men’s shoes is made by the Alden Shoe Company of Middleborough, Massachusetts, established in 1884 and known for its exceptional quality and craftmanship. “These shoes can last 20 years,” Piccoli said, making the hefty price tag (in the $600 range) a little more palatable.

“Let’s just say they are cheaper than Christian Louboutins,” he noted of the

women’s high-fashion shoe with its trademark red sole bottom. Piccoli has replaced the worn red sole of Louboutins with a red rubber protective sole for customers who wish to maintain the shoe’s status symbol. Whatever it takes.

It is among the many requests for repair work the shop handles. Others include repairing zippers on boots and handbags, resizing belts, redying leather jackets, and boot and shoe cleaning.

A FAMILY AFFAIR When the shop reopened last year, Piccoli said there was initially a “strong influx of customers but then it just dwindled down from there.” He noted that many new customers come from other suburban areas where shoe repair shops permanently closed during the pandemic.

That cobbler shops today are few and far between is not surprising considering the change in footwear trends and shoe manufacturing. Piccoli noted that in the World War II

years of the 1940s there were 50,000 shoe repair shops in the United States. Today there are less than 7,000.

Piccoli is a third-generation cobbler having learned the business from his father, Andrew Piccoli, who learned the trade from his father, Peter, a native of Genoa, Italy, who owned shops in Detroit and Dearborn. Piccoli said his four uncles were cobblers, and his four brothers also learned the trade.

Andrew Piccoli purchased the Main Street shop in 1971 from Joe Rivitzer, a Hungarian immigrant who opened the store in 1936. That a cobbler shop has been at 104 East Main for 85 years makes it one of downtown Northville’s oldest continuously operating businesses.

A NORTHVILLE LEGACY While Northville gained stature for its manufacturing might in the late 19th century through the production of school furniture, bells, organs, refrigerators and more, it

Cobbler’s Corner is located at 104 E. Main Street in downtown Northville. Photo

by Bryan Mitchell

C.P. Phillips, one of Northville's early cobblers. Northville was a mecca for cobblers in the mid 19th century.

was shoes and boots that put the community on the map in the mid 19th century. The importance of cobblers was captured by Frank S. Harmon, president of the Village of Northville from 1904-1906, in a centennial history of the community printed in the August 26, 1927 edition of The Northville Record.

“Previous to the Civil War, Northville held high rank locally in the manufacture of hand-made boots and shoes. At one time as high as 38 men were employed with peg and awl on the old-fashioned cobbler’s bench to supply the needs of the people covering a wide section in this part of Michigan. The leather scraps were used to pave Main Street where they were dumped and later covered with gravel. When the new grade was established about 37 years ago, leather scraps were uncovered from 6 to 8 inches deep over a distance exceeding 100 feet on East Main Street near Center.”

While the numbers of cobblers in Northville waned as shoes were mass produced, there were at least three cobblers in Northville in 1875 according to the Michigan

Gazetteer: Albert Dibble, George Wilcox and George Rayson. A 1909 Sanborn map shows that Rayson’s shoe shop was located on Main Street on a site now occupied by Joseph’s Coney Island. Rayson Street in Cabbagetown is named for the English shoemaker. Though we know little of C.A. Phillips, a photograph of the cobbler in front of his Northville shop provides evidence that he also toiled in the trade.

LAST OF A KIND While Piccoli has managed to cobble together two jobs to make ends meet, he admits the future is uncertain. Having taken over the shop from his father in 1999, Piccoli has spent decades in the trade, received accolades (a gold cup win) from the Shoe Service Institute of America, and has followed the business ethos that “it is the little details that matter. If you don’t get the fundamentals of the job right, all the work you have done doesn’t mean anything.”

“I want to see this continue,” he said of the cobbler trade.

“Otherwise, I’m the last of my kind.”

The ‘Ville 11

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Avi Gill

Ally Zuidema, Haesol Park, Avi Gill, Samantha Coleman, Megha Vallabhaneni and Meghana Lanka.

Record performance drives Mustangs to 4th straight state title

By Brad Emons | Photos by Debbie Stein

Y Meghana Lanka

14 The ‘Ville

ou could make a case – a strong one in fact – that the 2021 Northville girls golf team is “greatest show on turf” and arguably the best ever in the Michigan High School Athletic Association history.

The Lady Mustangs shot a record-low MHSAA total of 307-308-615 to four-peat in the Division 1 finals held Oct. 15-16 at Grand Valley State’s The Meadows.

The only other program to four-peat in the history of the girls’ state tournament since 1972 was Muskegon Mona Shores in Division 2 (20092012).

Historically, only one other school – Rochester with a 289 – had recorded a lower one-day, 18-hole tournament after the Mustangs posted a 291 followed by a 290 this fall.

It wasn’t easy though.

Northville had to fend off a strong challenge from arguably

the strongest runner-up team in the history of MHSAA in fellow KLAA West Division rival Plymouth, which captured the Regional 2 tourney on Oct. 6 at Washtenaw Golf Club.

Plymouth’s two-day state finals total of 315-312-627 -- in most years -- would have been more than good enough to bring home the state championship trophy. But Northville was able to fend off the entire D1 field of 18 schools.

“With Plymouth so close – at arm’s length essentially in our division, in our conference -- that kept us humble and it also kept us aware of what our responsibility was as a team,” Northville coach Chris Cronin said. “And I think the girls really embraced that, understood that . . . it helped them going into the state finals because they knew exactly what they needed to do.”

A five-stroke setback at the regional may have been sort

Senior Megha Vallabhaneni placed third individually in the state finals.

of a wake-up call, but Cronin said it never derailed the team’s confidence.

“They’re the type of team that can execute and they knew regardless of what had happened at the regional tournament,” Cronin said, “and for them they had to go out and play their best golf to win the state title. And that’s been the conversation all year. We

had to play our best golf to win the conference meet. We had to play our best golf to win the state finals.”

Leading the way for Northville at the state finals was senior Megha Vallabhaneni, who took third individually with a 36-hole total of 75-71-146.

The Western Michigan University commit was only three strokes shy of first and two out of second place as Plymouth’s Boczar twins, Bridget and Grace, finished onetwo, respectively with totals of 143 and 144.

Vallabhaneni’s 72.3 average for 18 holes was a team best. She was the individual medalist in the KLAA with rounds of 72-68140 (4-under) in the combined pre-season and postseason scoring events at Kensington Metropark.

“This year Megha just took it to another level,” Cronin said.

“She never really strayed. She had one round where she shot an 80 at The Meadows early in the season. It was her only hiccup of the year, I thought, in terms of her play. It was that kind of consistency all year. It didn’t surprise me at the state finals. This year she was just locked in and really had her game going.”

Although senior Haesol Park was fourth on the team in scoring average this fall with a 79.9, she placed 12th individually at the state tourney with a 78-75-153.

As a junior in the one-day 2020 D1 tourney due to Covid 19 restrictions, Park finished second individually on the team with a 79 at Michigan State’s Forest Akers West.

“She might go down as one of the best prime time players Northville has ever had,” Cronin said. “That was clutch for us

last year. To put up a 78-75 . . . so focused, so confident that’s a really big-time performance.

Her average was around 80 and for her to go to the state finals in challenging conditions and play at that level speaks so much of her ability as an athlete to turn it on when the pressure is the highest.”

A varsity member since her freshman year, junior Samantha Coleman tied for 13th individually at the state finals with a 76-78-154.

On the 16th hole on the second day at The Meadows, Coleman had to take a drop after her drive strayed into the tall grass. Faced with a 70-foot shot to the green impeded by oak tree, Coleman’s approach landed within 7 feet of the cup and she drained her putt to save par.

“That’s Sam,” Cronin said.

“She’s an absolute warrior on the course. When she gets thrown some challenges, she goes right at it. The girls on the team know Sam is going to grind it out and give the best possible effort and she certainly did that at the finals.”

Coleman was second on the team in scoring average at 73.3 per 18. She tied for fourth in the regional with Vallabhaneni.

“Samantha for us is the engine,” Cronin said. “She is such a focused and driven player. She didn’t have her best game at The Meadows for the finals, but Sam is one of those players that just has tremendous ability. And even though she wasn’t quite putting the best or she wasn’t driving the best, she found a way to get around the course and score. I see her as one of the top three or four players in the state and her score didn’t equate to that, but she’s the engine that drives it.”

Junior Samantha Coleman posted the team’s second highest scoring average and took 13th at the state finals.

Senior Meghana Lanka, meanwhile, earned a 20th-place showing at The Meadows with a 78-84-162 and was Northville’s fourth scorer.

“She really came on this year,” said of Lanka, who averaged 80.2 for the season.

“She was always a pretty consistent golfer and wasn’t a state scorer (in 2020), but this year she added to her game the ability to shoot in the 70s. On that first day she gave us a huge boost when she posted a 78. Just having that fourth score in the 70s for us on Day 1 really put us in position where we had a decent lead going into Day 2.

Credit Meghana for making that contribution to the team. She did that all year for us. When we played our best golf, it was usually Meghana contributing a 70s score for us and put us over the top.”

Junior Avi Gill, who averaged 79.0 for the season, was 28th individually at the state finals with an 83-84-167. She tied for ninth at the regional with Lanka.

“She had a pulled muscle on Day 2 and I think that affected her play,” Cronin said, “but all year she had been giving us good scores and really good numbers and wasn’t 100 % for the finals and that showed up. But she battled and had such a great attitude. And as a collective

group she fit in nicely with that group from the standpoint that she’s going to work hard and she’s going to give you her best effort. I know her teammates really appreciate that.”

The team’s sixth varsity playing member was Ally Zuidema, who averaged 81.4.

Rounding out the Northville roster for 2021 were seniors Emily Hofner and Brynn Reed, juniors Amber Phull and Sanjna Singhal, sophomores Meera Sankar, Audrey Pelon and Ava Lenox, and freshman Amelia Deren and Sanya Singhal.

“There were a few bumps in the road, but this year was an easier year because it felt a little bit more like what we had played the last couple of years,” Cronin said. “The ‘state’ was going to be a two-day tournament. Last year, having a one-day tournament, everybody went to Lansing because you had all the Covid restrictions there. It was closer to what we experienced before the lockdown and Covid because you didn’t know if there was going to be a state finals.”

Next season, Northville will be looking to win an unprecedented fifth straight state title. But for now, the fourth was something to savor.

“It’s exciting to be in the MHSAA record books,” the Northville coach said.

The ‘Ville 15

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The Road More Traveled Regional plans to widen Beck Road meet resistance in Northville Traffic backups are common these days on Beck Road between Six Mile and Eight Mile road. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

T

hey are talking about the same road but two different worlds.

North of Eight Mile (or Baseline), Beck Road is a heavily traveled thoroughfare rife with commercial development that is teeming with economic potential.

South of Baseline, Beck shifts into a scenic residential stroll with homes and subdivisions lining the two-lane beltway, which runs adjacent to Maybury State Park and features rolling hills.

And residents say they want to keep it that way.

“Please do not destroy Northville Township’s character,” said Autumn Ridge Drive resident Don Paul, whose letter was read during a Northville Township special meeting Nov. 8 on the proposed widening of Beck Road.

Wixom and Novi city officials are lobbying for the 8.1-mile

18 The ‘Ville

stretch to be increased to five lanes.

They’ve even adopted a marketing campaign, Beck to the Future, to champion the project, which has yet to be approved for funding and is not slated to begin until 2025 -- at the earliest.

A portion of the plan includes widening Beck Road from 11 Mile to Eight Mile in Novi, including a section shared with the city of Northville.

Northville Township residents who live along the Beck corridor between Six Mile and Eight Mile appear to favor a less-intrusive option, which would expand the county road to three lanes from its current two.

“I understand Wixom has a problem, I understand Novi has a problem,” said Larry Utter, who lives on Beck Road, between Six and Seven Mile. “As far as Northville Township is

By Larry O’Connor concerned, I’m not sure we have a problem.”

The proposed road widening speaks to a larger issue for Northville residents, who see the far-off down the road project work as another fight to maintain the area’s bucolic splendor amid rampant growth encroaching from all directions.

During the special meeting, they complained about traffic congestion, speeders and constant truck noise on the two-mile stretch of Beck Road, which eventually feeds into M-14 to the south.

Jerry Morris, a 47-year resident, described the harrowing left turns he has to make off Beck to reach his Maplebrook home due to impatient motorists flying up on his rear.

“They expect us to take that turn on two wheels,” Morris said.

The situation is no less distressing for pedestrians, said Rick O’Donnell, who lives on Curtis Road and likes to take walks with his wife. “We take our lives into our own hands when we step onto Beck Road,” O’Donnell said.

The incessant winding noise from semi-trailer diesel engines is also disrupting residents’ lives. Some say truck traffic is heard as early as 3 a.m.

“These trucks that ramble down the street are loaded and they are obnoxious,” said Wayne Seiler, who lives on Creekside Court but whose property fronts a portion of Beck Road.

“It keeps you awake at night when they’re rambling down 45-50 miles an hour and all.

“When talking about widening … you’re putting these speeding trucks closer to the bike paths where our children are.”

OTHER OPTIONS

Recommendations from residents included enforcing the posted 45 mph speed limit and truck axle mandates as well as doing a comprehensive traffic study before putting a shovel into the ground.

Calls to pave Napier or Ridge roads and open another exit on M-14 drew the loudest applause in the packed township auditorium.

Township Supervisor Mark Abbo called the meeting to dispel rumors about the road proposal and seek resident input. Blue Heron, Stonewater and Fox Hollow subdivisions were among those represented.

The widening project is part of SEMCOG’s regional transportation plan and is estimated to start between 2025-34.

“We want to hear what our residents feel about that, but we hope that Wayne County will follow through on the plans to construct a three-lane corridor between Six and Eight Mile Road,” Abbo said before the meeting. “We would encourage Wayne County to do that. They control the roads.”

Another crucial factor in keeping the Northville-side of Beck Road to three lanes is the amount of available right of way.

About 66 feet of right of way — 33 feet on each side — is accessible, said Phil McGuire, project manager with Michael Baker International, an engineering consultant hired by the township to come with a conceptual design.

To expand further, the county would have to acquire property, which would be an expensive

An aerial photo shows Beck Road between Six Mile and Eight Mile, where it is surrounded by woods and residential properties. Photo by Fred Shadko

Wayne County, which owns the stretch of Beck Road between Six and Eight Mile, is also calling for a three-lane reconstruction with a centerleft turn lane. The bridge over Johnson Drain would also be replaced.

The township wants to add a non-motorized path as part of the $500,000 it has earmarked for such trails.

and time-consuming process, up to 25 years, Abbo estimated.

“It’s a county road, the only thing that would make it different would lie with the county,” McGuire said. “It’s their road. To turn it into anything more than a threelane road, you need right of way.

“You have to purchase that and if people don’t want to sell it you have to go through

condemnation (eminent domain).”

Maybury State Park, which is on the west side of Beck, between Seven and Eight Mile, would be a big hurdle in acquiring additional right of way for a four- or five-lane road.

“I’d hate to think how many years that would take,” McGuire said.

and improve public safety, Northville Township Fire Chief Brent Siegel.

Beck Road, between Five and Eight Mile, averages 100 traffic crashes a year, 59% of those rear-end collisions that often happen while vehicles are waiting to make a left turn.

A center lane would reduce rear-end crashes by 80% for motorists making left-hand SERIOUS ACCIDENTS turns while cutting headBeck Road’s expansion to five on collisions by 50%, said lanes would enhance traffic flow McGuire, citing MDOT crash and safety, said modification Drew Benson, factors.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Wixom The Do you think Beck Road should be assistant city township fire widened to three lanes, five lanes manager. department or not at all? Please email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at Benson was also uses kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com. joined by Beck Road to Wixom’s transport an Department of Public Works average of 487 people a year to director Tim Simka in touting Ascension Providence Novi at the project at the special Beck and Grand River. meeting.

“We have extended transport The Beck Road Corridor — times due to traffic congestion from Pontiac Trail to Six Mile on Beck and we are also — had 1,598 crashes between impacted by the traffic while 2015-2019, resulting in two returning to the township,” deaths and 12 serious injuries.

Siegel said, “which keeps our Traffic volumes are only emergency resources out of expected to increase, Simka the community for a prolonged said. period of time.”

On the stretch between Six The two-lane road and and Seven Mile, 21,534 vehicles narrow shoulder increases daily traveled on Beck Road in response times and causes the 2019, according to Michigan road to be completely shut since Department of Transportation there is no way to pass, Siegel figures. That is expected to said. increase by 5% to 24,031 in 20 The number of crashes is years. double toward Seven Mile and A Lane Call Analysis triple near Eight Mile compared recommends roads with to south of Six Mile, which is daily traffic volumes between wider, the fire chief said.

16,200-35,499 vehicles should Catherine Czajkowski, who be at least four lanes, according lives on Beck, just south of to figures on the Beck to the Eight Mile, offered empirical Future website. evidence.

Any efforts — namely adding “I know that because they a center turn lane between end up in my driveway,” Six and Eight Mile — would Czajkowski said. alleviate traffic bottlenecks

The ‘Ville 19

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Howell HS (Novi Bowl)

3:00 PM

Sat

Jan 29

Saline Tournament

9:00 AM

Tues

Dec 14

Canton HS (Super Bowl)

3:00 PM

Sat

Feb 5

KLAA Individual Conference

10:00 AM

Mon

Jan 3

Brighton HS (Novi Bowl)

3:00 PM

Tues

Jan 4

Plymouth HS (Super Bowl)

3:00 PM

Mon

Jan 10

Hartland HS (Novi Bowl)

3:00 PM

Thur

Dec 2

Canton HS

6:30 PM

Tues

Jan 11

Salem HS

3:00 PM

Wed

Dec 15

Plymouth HS

6:30 PM

Mon

Jan 17

Howell HS

3:00 PM

Sat

Dec 18

Walled Lake Invite

TBA

Tues

Jan 18

Novi HS (Novi Bowl)

3:00 PM

Tues

Jan 11

Salem HS

6:30 PM

Mon

Jan 24

Canton HS (Novi Bowl)

3:00 PM

Sat

Jan 15

Hartland HS

11:00 AM

Tues

Jan 25

Plymouth HS

3:00 PM

Tues

Jan 18

Livonia Churchill HS

6:30 PM

Tues

Feb 1

Brighton HS (Brighton Bowl)

3:00 PM

Sat

Jan 22

Brighton HS

4:00 PM

Thur

Feb 3

Hartland HS (Striking Lanes)

3:00 PM

Tues

Feb 8

Salem HS (Super Bowl)

3:00 PM

Mon

Jan 31

Livonia Stevenson HS @ Churchill

6:30 PM

Thur

Feb 10

Novi HS (Novi Bowl)

3:00 PM

Sat

Feb 5

Canton Invite

10:00 AM

Mon

Jan 17

Howell HS

3:00 PM

Tues

Jan 18

Novi HS (Novi Bowl)

3:00 PM

Mon

Jan 24

Canton HS (Novi Bowl)

3:00 PM

Tues

Jan 25

Plymouth HS

3:00 PM

Tues

Feb 1

Brighton HS (Brighton Bowl)

3:00 PM

Thur

Feb 3

Hartland HS (Striking Lanes)

3:00 PM

Tues

Feb 8

Salem HS (Super Bowl)

3:00 PM

Thur

Feb 10

Novi HS (Novi Bowl)

3:00 PM

VARSITY GIRL’S GYMNASTICS

VARSITY BOY’S SWIMMING

VARSITY GIRL’S COMPETITIVE CHEER

Tues

Dec 14

Livonia Stevenson HS

6:30 PM

Fri

Dec 10

OPEN (CCCAM Invite)

TBA

Thur

Dec 16

Novi HS

6:30 PM

Sat

Dec 11

OPEN (CCCAM Invite)

TBA

Thur

Jan 6

Salem HS

6:30 PM

Jan 12

Plymouth HS (@ Salem)

6:30 PM

Sat

Jan 8

Brighton’s Best

TBA

Wed

Wed

Jan 19

Division Meet @ Northville

5:00 PM

Thur

Jan 20

Brighton HS

6:30 PM

Wed

Jan 26

Division Meet @ Brighton

5:00 PM

Thur

Jan 27

Howell HS

6:30 PM

TBA

Thur

Feb 3

Hartland HS

6:30 PM

Thur

Feb 10

Canton HS

6:30 PM

Thur

Feb 24

Division Meet @ Brighton

5:00 PM

Fri

Feb 25

KLAA Diving

6:30 PM

Sat

Feb 26

KLAA Conference Meet

12:00 PM

Thur

Mar 3

Diving Regionals

TBA

Fri

Mar 11

MHSAA State Finals Weekend

TBA

Sat

Jan 29 Feb 5

Pinckney Invite KLAA Championships @ Hartland

10:00 AM

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Restoration of historic Phoenix Mill nears completion

The refurbished Phoenix Mill includes original radiators from the former Ford factory.

By Michele Fecht | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

W

hen we last caught up with Rick Cox and Greg Donofrio, co-principals of Critical Mass LLC and owners of the Phoenix Mill on Northville Road, renovation of the 1922 Henry Ford village industry factory — or the Henry Project — was well under way.

In the year since our last look, the renovation is nearly complete with a new tenant — award-winning architectural

firm Grissim Metz Andriese Associates — occupying the upper level, and the ground level event space primed for bookings through Phoenix Mill Events. A new entryway (soon to feature a 1922 Model T), refurbished restrooms, an elevator, 100-vehicle paved parking lot and a brick plaza facing Hines Park have all been completed.

The Henry Project is about to make its public debut.

As if this multi-year restoration (during COVID, no less) was not enough to tackle, the two coprincipals recently The 1922 structure pre-renovation. Photo courtesy of purchased Richard Cox the Wilcox

24 The ‘Ville

Critical Mass principal Greg Donofrio points out original interior masonry.

Mill in Plymouth from Wayne County -- after the county’s original agreement with Plymouth artist Tony Roko fell through. Still working out details of that acquisition along with their earlier purchase of the Newburgh Mill in Livonia, Donofrio said the partners are continuing due diligence on both of those properties with the hope of moving forward in the first quarter of 2022.

If the details can be hammered out, Critical Mass will own all three of the historic mills originally put up for sale as part of Wayne County’s Mill Run Placemaking Project.

Cox and his wife Diane own Northville’s Water Wheel Centre, the former 72,000 square foot Ford Valve Plant, also a Henry Ford village industry factory. The Albert Kahn-designed plant – now an

award-winning commercial site — has been a catalyst for Cox and Donofrio to pursue their shared passion for adaptive reuse.

“We both fix things,” Donofrio said of his partnership with Cox. Both are mechanical engineers as well as “car guys” and have collaborated on projects for more than two decades. Aside from the Phoenix Mill, their most recent restoration was the 1940s Studebaker building in Northville (home of the Stitching Post).

They both share an unbridled enthusiasm for historic preservation and are sticklers for maintaining the character and historical integrity of a structure. That is evident throughout the Phoenix Mill.

HISTORIC DETAILS Among the building’s most striking features are the windows. Donofrio said that the original steel sash frames were preserved with repairs made where needed. The replacement of the nearly 1,500 glass panes with new, Low-E double-paned glass took a year to complete.

Other historic elements include terra cotta camelback tile coping pieces on the roofline that were replicated by a Chicago manufacturer to match the originals. Using historic images of the factory, Donofrio said a limestone sill removed from the mill’s distinctive generator tower facing Northville Road was made to match the original.

The signature element on the building’s exterior is a Bethlehem Steel-made rail and trolley system near the roofline that supported the bomb blast / blackout curtain used during the World War II years. The

Original white maple flooring and conference room in the offices of Grissim Metz Andriese Associates (right).

plant was turned over to war a perfect fit for Grissim Metz production in 1941, and its Andriese Associates who had all-female work force produced been exploring new office defense parts that included options when the space became Pratt & Whitney components, available. instrument panels and Though the firm enjoyed 20 automatic pilot “awesome” and junction years at its boxes for the downtown B-24 bombers Northville produced at location, the Willow president Run plant.

Randy Metz Donofrio said a chance said the unique to move into history of the the centuryThe restored rail and trolley plant with its old industrial system from the WWII years when all-female staff the factory was converted to war plant was too production. and its role good to pass as part of the up.

Arsenal of Democracy is the “This building was designed intriguing backstory that speaks

by Albert Kahn,” said Metz. beyond the structure’s brick and “It’s just incredible space.” mortar.

The firm’s 13 architects and The same details on the staff moved into the building exterior of the building can last month, repurposing office be found inside. Original wall furniture from its Northville colors were found underneath location. It gained conference layers of paint and used in room space and a spectacular different areas throughout the view of Hines Park. “We came building. “Every color in the here at the right time,” said building is an original color Metz. that Ford used,” said Donofrio.

The firm is not the first to set The nearly century-old white up shop in a village industry maple flooring on the street factory designed by Kahn, grade upper level was left intact Detroit’s famed industrial — imperfections and all – so as architect. The Detroit office not to lose its character. of HKS Architects is housed in Northville’s Water Wheel NEW TENANT Centre.

The upper level was originally designed to house a restaurant, PARK GATEWAY but the challenges faced during The first impression when COVID proved a game changer entering the Phoenix Mill site for any new restaurant venture. is its open access. Sitting on The space, nevertheless, proved 5.1 acres, the site had been

closed to the public for nearly 70 years, Donofrio noted.

The plant closed in 1948 when Ford Motor Company transferred ownership of the mill to the Wayne County Road Commission that initially used the facility for its sign shop and later as headquarters for its bridge division. The Wayne County Department of Public Services vacated the property in 2007.

“Our vision from the beginning has been to create a space that is open to the public,” Donofrio said.

The removal of the fabricated metal sheds previously used for vehicle and equipment storage opened up the site.

Donofrio said 30,000 square feet of hardscape was removed to make room for green space that will be integrated into the park. “We’ll be planting wild grasses to fit in with the park,” he noted. “There will be very little manicured lawn.”

The next couple of weeks will be dedicated to site work clean-up. Directional signage also is being fabricated. A website for Phoenix Mill Events (phoenixmillevents.com) is up and running. Donofrio credits Shannon Moegling and his wife, Kristin, with their efforts in that venture. He said they hope to be able to start hosting events by late November.

Completion of the Henry Project comes just in time as next year marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Phoenix Mill.

The ‘Ville 25

Not Something to Bah Humbug About Even Scrooge is happy about Tipping Point’s reopening

By Larry O’Connor

A

fter a 19-month layoff, Northville’s Tipping Point Theatre prepared a reopening for the ages.

In an anticipation of its Season 14 premiere of “A Christmas Carol” Nov. 18, the nonprofit theater company gussied up its venue at the corner of Cady and Griswold with $65,000 in renovations, including new banks of seating with 4-6 inches in wider rows and better sightlines for patrons.

The group also used the more than a year-and-a-half layoff to forge a diversity, equality and inclusion policy as well as develop a new mission statement.

Those accomplishments were merely defibrillator jolts to maintain a pulse, though. The life blood in all theater circles — audience reaction — only comes from performing before individuals.

Tipping Point producing artistic director James Kuhl

26 The ‘Ville

Tipping Point Theatre has undergone $65,000 in renovations.

“One of the things I am most excited about is just literally being able to be in the same room as other people,” said James Kuhl, Tipping Point Theatre’s producing artistic director. “Our entire industry, as all of our programs, is based on the fundamental need for people to gather and experience things together.

“That was the fundamental thing that was taken away from us almost two years ago for us now. I think we as artists feel very, very strongly and I can’t wait to be in the same room with other people and express our art together.”

It’s coincidence a Charles Dickens’ work should herald Tipping Point’s triumphant return as a gloomy fog of uncertainty shrouded the 16-year-old theater company after its abrupt closure March 8, 2020.

Tipping Point halted during production of “The 39 Steps” (whose playwright Patrick Barlow is also behind the retelling of the latest “A Christmas Carol” on the Northville stage). Eight of 10 theater staff were laid off or left, leaving Kuhl and company manager Natalie LaCroix-Tann to helm the dormant venue.

“We shut down like every other theater and everything was very up in the air,” said LaCroix-Tann, who started with Tipping Point in 2017 as an apprentice. “We weren’t sure what the situation was going to become. When it became clear we were going to be down for a while, we said, ‘We should renovate the theater.’”

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs supplied a $7,500 capital improvement program endowment to go along with a $15,000

operational grant to help offset the cost of the refurbishments.

In October, the council awarded Tipping Point a $16,500 operational grant for 2022.

Tipping Point also relies heavily on private donations, launching a “We’re still here” campaign during the hiatus.

Contributors were offered early ticket purchases, discounts and name recognition in the program or lobby.

Daylight slowly began to bleed back into the operation as Kuhl and LaCroix-Tann plotted a reopening. The company hired an associate artist, Nyah Pierson, a recent University of Michigan graduate who also cohosts a podcast Rant Much???

“So, we’re hoping to hire for more of those associate artist positions where they are a little more involved in the selection of the plays and have a little more equity in the theater,” LaCroix-Tann said. “Right now, we have been hiring a lot of people for the box office, because luckily, we’ve been getting a lot of patrons coming back.”

Due to ongoing Covid fears, Tipping Point is requiring all theater goers to wear masks and provide proof of vaccinations.

The cozy 100-seat venue is also operating at two-thirds capacity to maintain social-distancing, LaCroix-Tann said.

About 16,000 patrons a year visit Tipping Point, but projections have been readjusted downward. “We’re planning things on the side of the worst-case scenario,” Lacroix-Tann said.

Kaplan’s “Tracy Jones,” which runs from June 30-July 22. The play focuses on a professional woman who faces a major life crisis and decides to throw a party for all females named Tracy Jones.

Season passes start at $120 A GREAT SCHEDULE while those under age 30 can With the scuttled Season 13 see five shows for $55. long in the rear-view mirror, “As far as our programming Season 14 beckons with goes, we have a lot of things promise. coming up here in the season Aside from the retelling of the that everyone can find Dickens classic, which closes something that interests Dec. 19, Tipping Point is the first them,” Kuhl said. “Per usual, regional theater in the area to we do a lot of it with a quirky host the highly touted “The Play sense of humor and I know our That Goes Wrong.” audiences love comedy.

The comedy by Jonathan “The things that we do that Sayer, Henry Shield and Henry are more drama based are The cast of “A Christmas Carol” includes (clockwise from top left) Ryan Bernier, Lewis opens Feb. 3 and runs always done with a great deal of John Seibert, Katie Tye and Alexis Primus. through March 6. Tickets go on humor.” sale to the public Dec. 22. insane,” LaCroix-Tann said. a narrative of family and selfKuhl sought laughs, if not The 2015 Laurence Olivier “The stage falls apart, basically, discovery. reassurance, from a loose Award winner for Best New throughout the show. It’s super Katori Hall’s “The Mountain network of regional theater Comedy recently reopened exciting for us to bring it into Top” follows May 18-June 18. operators who faced dire on Broadway and was just our space.”

The drama-comedy, which situations during the lockdown. licensed to regional theaters for Another eagerly anticipated received the They production. production is Kim Carney’s 2010 Olivier communicate “That one is going to be “The Baxter Sisters,” which Award for on Facebook. runs March 31-April 24. The Best Play, “It’s very “A Christmas Carol” family drama has Michigan centers on the supportive and Nov. 18-Dec. 19 ties as Carney — a Wayne State compelling understanding “The Play That Goes Wrong” graduate — recounts the lives conversation because we’re Feb. 3-March 6 of four sisters from Ionia in between all going “The Baxter Sisters” the late 1930s who become a newly through the March 31-April 24 traveling tap dancers. employed exact same “The Mountaintop” The story is inspired by the housekeeper thing to get May 19-June 18 author’s mother and aunt, The and the everything “Tracy Jones” Butler Sisters, who lived in Rev. Martin back up and June 30-July 24 Lansing and Luther King running,” he competed the night said, “and Tipping Point is located at 361 E. Cady St., Northville. For ticket in tap before the make the information, call (248) 347-0003 or competitions civil rights changes that visit www.tippingpointtheatre.com. around midleader was we want to Michigan assassinated be better before outside his hotel room in prepared for something like starting Memphis, Tenn. Samuel L. this again in the future because a dance Jackson and Angela Bassett none of us want to shut down. academy. starred in the 2011 Broadway “We want to open and stay “The Baxter production. open, but in order to do that Moníka Essen, a nationally recognized artist and designer, Sisters” then Season 14 closes with another we have to be very safe about sketched out her design for the set of “A Christmas Carol”. peels off into drama-comedy, Stephen things.”

TIPPING POINT THEATRE SEASON 14

The ‘Ville 27

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HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL

Senior Chaand Chaudhary (from left), sophomore Maddie Solomon and junior Bhakti Trivedi in Yearbook class.

Lessons Learned NHS students, staff reflect on overcoming pandemic challenges

T

hings look a little different at Northville High School this fall. All the new staff members, furniture, and renovations only scratch the surface. The past two years have been full of constant twists and turns, making every day a new adventure. And, as we continue to inch closer to normalcy, time should be dedicated to looking back at the good that has come during these uncertain times.

While most NHS students are starting the school year normally, freshmen entering the school have an entirely new experience to adjust to. Jacob Degner, who said he was “a little nervous” beginning the new school year, summed up how many of his fellow incoming freshmen feel. Others, like Elliot Hanish, see this new adventure as an opportunity to “personally improve myself.”

With the return of in-person instruction, Many NHS teachers are also adjusting to the new school year, and, with having in-person instruction from the opening

30 The ‘Ville

bell this year, are enjoying the peer-to-peer interactions with their students, an experience that was hindered over the past year-plus.

“I was most excited to get back in-person to be able to gauge people’s emotions,” foreign language teacher Mrs. Shui Cheng said. “When teachers are teaching, they have to oversee the dynamics in class. The interactions and students’ reactions are important for teachers to modify their teaching strategies and approaches.”

And, in fact, teachers have already noticed positive changes in student behavior in just the first couple months of school. “I think the fact that we instructors had to organize, update and revise our curriculum for online learning has made it more robust in some ways,” physics teacher Kim Garber said. “[Everything is] more accessible [and]

organized [with] easier-tofeel as lonely as the average follow learning goals, embedded person during the pandemic.” multimedia, virtual labs, Feeling a deeper appreciation everything in one place.” for the company of others is The inability to interact a beneficial outcome of the with others, even extended pandemic for many. family members, could be This time period also left us draining over the course of the with lots of spare time, during pandemic. During that time, which many students developed some students developed a new talents. further appreciation for family “I learned how to skateboard, members. “I’m definitely ... how to make ice cream, grateful for my family, and I and how to do a backflip into spent a lot more quality time a swimming pool,” said NHS with them,” senior Sudeepti Rao freshman Sam Cassin shares. “I said. feel like I was able to learn these Foreign language teacher things and practice them better Sabrina LaRocca said the because of the time I had on my pandemic has forced many of us hands.” to see more clearly the value in Senior Randa Khanafer also the people who are in our daily tried out a new hobby during lives. this time, saying, “I randomly “[The pandemic] made us decided to take up embroidery really appreciate the time we during lockdown, and found do have with that I really people, think of enjoyed it. I’ve our friendships never been as more too interested important, in art, but and not take embroidery advantage was more of them,” fun than I LaRocca said. imagined it to Both be.” students and Though the staff here at school looks Northville very different value time from its preNHS freshman Sam Cassin learned spent COVID-19 how to skateboard during the connecting state, some pandemic. with one aspects remain another in-person. the same.

Connecting with others was “The addition of masks and not always easy during the vaccinations may seem like pandemic. Hanish admits he a huge change, but in reality relied on the virtual world. interpersonal relationships “I am grateful that I was function in similar ways,” pushed to make connections junior Eli Jackson says. “We with people,” he said. “I gained as a community were able a presence on social media with to organize in the throes of others, and that led me to not COVID-19.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: High School Confidential is a collaborative effort by the Stringers Journalism Club made up of Northville High School students Audrey Zhang, Lauren Sprow, Navya Meka, Maria Cowden, Tamsin Boyd, Wesley Paradowski, Alyssa Bachert, and Brian Zhang.

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Storybook Northville’s No. 1 doubles team of Aditya Pundhir (left) and Quinn Cassar brought home a Division 1 state title.

Finish

here were plenty of YouTube type moments this fall for the Northville boys tennis program. Among the highlights was sophomore Sachiv Kumar surprising the field by capturing the No. 1 singles flight at the MHSAA Division 1 finals held Oct. 15-16 in Kalamazoo.

Another was the No. 1 doubles team of seniors Quinn Cassar and Aditya Pundhir winning a title, while the Mustangs as a team, under first-year coach Robert Young, recorded their best finish in school history by placing third with 23 points only behind Division 1 champion Troy (30) and runner-up Bloomfield Hills (26).

“For us to accomplish that was huge,” said Young, whose squad was ranked No. 8 in Division 1 going into the two-day tourney. “A lot of it was attributed to the first two rounds where we earned 15 of a possible 16 points. So, we couldn’t have done any better and that’s what got us started.

Then we won another eight

32 The ‘Ville

By Brad Emons

State titles highlight tennis team’s best ever showing matches on Day 2, including two finals.”

Kumar’s storybook finish was remarkable in more ways than one.

Although a nationally-ranked junior player where he is rated a 4-star by TennisRecruiting. com in the Boys 16s, Kumar was seeded only fifth heading into the finals hosted by Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University.

“In the tournament himself he was amazing,” Young said.

“He had several matches that he had to fight through and managed to do it all.”

After a 6-3, 6-0 first-round victory over Alex Buzdugan of Sterling Heights Stevenson, Kumar upended No. 4 seed Isaac Herrenkohl of Ann Arbor Pioneer, 6-2, 7-5, followed by a three-set victory in the semifinals against top seed Noah Roslin of Bloomfield Hills, 6-7 (6-8), 6-0, 7-5.

In the finals, Kumar went to a third-set tiebreaker before

upending friend and hitting partner Clayton Anderson of Rochester, who ironically was unseeded, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5).

“I was pretty excited that I actually won,” said Kumar, who went 24-7 on the year. “I was super tired and I couldn’t believe I beat the kids that I lost to during the season. I had never beaten them before . . . to do it at the state tournament was pretty good for me. I was moving my feet. I just had real high energy on the court even though I played for so many hours that day, but somehow, I had the energy to keep going.”

As a freshman, Kumar played No. 2 singles behind Matthew Freeman during the abbreviated 2020 COVID-19 MHSAA season. The 5-foot-10, 135-pound Kumar worked on his game during the offseason by staying aggressive and improving his serve.

“It just started getting better for me after last year’s season,” said Kumar, who also won

KLAA and regional individual singles titles this fall. “After last season I feel I made a big jump from my freshman year to sophomore year.”

A right-hander who hits from the baseline, Kumar started playing tennis at the age of six. He has two older sisters, Reeshma and Shanoli, who were tennis standouts at Northville.

Kumar plays out of three different facilities during the off season including the Franklin Racquet Club, the U-M Tennis Center and the Sports Club of West Bloomfield where he is coached by Dennis Royal of Saginaw.

After the finals, Kumar received a congratulatory text from Northville’s former Mr. Tennis Connor Johnston, the 2015 Division 1 singles champ who went on to play at Michigan.

Kumar, rated No. 124 nationally, No. 8 in the Great Lakes and No. 2 in Michigan for his age bracket by

Photos courtesy of Robert Young/Patrick Wong/Lory Testasecca

T

Celebrating at the MHSAA finals were assistant coaches Darby O’Reilly and Brenda Lionas, singles champ Sachiv Kumar, head coach Robert Young; (back row, from left) doubles champs Aditya Pundhir and Quinn Cassar.

“I was super tired and I couldn’t believe I beat the kids that I lost to during the season. I had never beaten them before . . . to do it at the state tournament was pretty good for me. I was moving my feet. I just had real high energy on the court even though I played for so many hours that day, but somehow, I had the energy to keep going.”

Sachiv Kumar, NHS sophomore, after capturing the No. 1 singles flight at the MHSAA Division 1 finals held Oct. 15-16 in Kalamazoo

TennisRecruiting.net, brings a lot of intangibles to the table.

He carries at 3.9 grade-point average where his favorite subject is economics. He would also play like to play collegiately and major in business. (His favorite pro player is Roger Federer.)

“He’s a very quiet guy, doesn’t say a whole lot, doesn’t show a lot of emotion when he plays,” Young said. “But he’s a very good player. Great ground strokes, big serve . . . he’s actually capable of what he accomplished. His season record didn’t necessarily show it. Early on he had some issues with fatigue (cramping) in longer matches, which contributed to him not being a higher seed than that. He’s certainly capable of playing at that top level. He just goes about his business. Works hard every

day.”

Meanwhile, Northville’s top doubles tandem of Cassar and Pundhir lived up to expectations, and then some, as they finished 26-3 overall, winning their final 19 matches of the season, which also included a triumph at the Novi regional.

As the No. 2 seeds, they breezed through their first three matches in straight sets before upending the top seeded team from Troy, Andrew Wang and Nikhil Tatineni, in a third-set tiebreaker, 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3).

“They’re both seniors, a lot of experience,” Young said.

“Adi actually could have played singles. He decided he wanted to play doubles because he felt comfortable playing with Quinn.

serve-and-volley style to earn the championship while avenging two of their three season setbacks against Troy.

“They get to the net,” Young said. “A lot of points were won at the state tournament with all four guys at the net just slugging away at each other.”

In doubles, Northville’s No. 4 doubles team of senior Bruce Gold and Nathan Waller were seeded third and reached the semifinals where they were ousted by Novi’s Rohit Saripelle and Nikhil Daniel, 6-4, 6-4. Gold and Waller were also regional champs.

Northville’s No. 2 doubles team of Kyle Brown, a sophomore, and Varun Varre, a junior, fell in the quarterfinals

Northville earned its highest finish in the MHSAA Division 1 boys tennis finals with a third in Kalamazoo.

As a doubles team they jelled very well together. They picked each other up when they were down. They had some close matches before the tournament, but they were able to come back in three sets.”

Cassar and Pundhir implemented an aggressive

after finishing runner-up of the regional.

The Mustangs’ No. 3 duo of junior Charlie Green and freshman Nick Song also reached the quarters.

At No. 2 singles, Northville junior Abhi Attaluri was seeded fifth and earned a spot in the

semifinal before being ousted by eventual champ and top seed Daniel Stojanov of Bloomfield Hills, 6-3, 6-3. Attaluri was a regional runner-up.

At No. 3, junior Deepak Laungani of Northville fell in the quarters to Pierce Shay of Bloomfield Hills, the No. 1 seed and eventual champ, 6-1, 6-4.

Northville senior Nilan Nandish (No. 4 singles) was a regional champion and reached the quarters in Kalamazoo before falling to Haresh Anand of Troy, 6-0, 6-3.

Meanwhile, the future appears bright for the Mustangs, who dueled it out with KLAA West Division arch-rival Novi throughout the season.

Novi finished with a 7-0 dual mark to take first in the West while Northville was 6-1. The Mustangs took the conference tourney, while Novi won the regional by a mere point, 19-18.

During the 2020 season when the MHSAA changed its team state tourney dual format due to COVID-19 restrictions, Northville began to show signs in moving up the D1 ladder. In a quarterfinal match, Troy and the Mustangs tied, 4-4, but the Colts advanced on a tiebreaker based on total games won.

“The first year we were pretty bummed out we lost really a close match to Troy last year,” Kumar said. “This year to actually get our best finish ever was really good and our team is pretty young, so we’re looking to do better next season and the season after that.”

The ‘Ville 33

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The new Northville City Council includes (from left) Andrew Krenz, Marilyn Price, Mayor Brian Turnbull, John Carter and Barbara Moroski-Browne.

‘Prepared To Engage’ Council winners Carter & Krenz ready for challenges ahead

By Tim Smith

I

f the future is not now in the Turnbull, who ran unopposed, City of Northville, it soon earned a second term with 1,364 will be with major issues on votes. the table including deciding “The end was abrupt, but whether to go forward with I’m not disappointed with the redevelopment of the Northville results,” said Giesa, 72, who Downs property and mapping fell short in his bid for a second out a potentially thrilling term. “I’m happy to have had walkable downtown complete the experience of sitting on with a river walk.

Northville’s city council. I stand With those issues likely a by my contributions and I have huge part of the no regrets. city agenda in “John and ELECTION RESULTS the coming years, Andy are highly CITY COUNCIL voters cast their lot qualified and behind two younger John Carter – 1,087 votes already well versed.

Andrew Krenz – 973 votes candidates – John We all had very Carter and Andrew Patrick Giesa – 645 votes. similar campaign Krenz, who won the MAYOR (UNOPPOSED) platforms. They pair of four-year have Northville Brian Turnbull – 1,364 votes council terms which in their hearts. *Winners in bold were decided on Both men will be Nov. 2. tremendous assets Carter and Krenz led the to our city.” way with 1,087 and 973 votes, Carter prevailed in his first respectively. Finishing third council bid. Boosting his profile was incumbent Patrick Giesa, during the campaign were with 645 votes. Mayor Brian his efforts on the Downtown

36 The ‘Ville

Development Authority (DDA) and task forces for sustainability and economic development.

“From the start we wanted to run a campaign focused on the significant opportunities and potential challenges Northville will face in the coming years,” Carter said. “I was so impressed at the knowledge and level

of engagement of Northville citizens.

“I found myself listening far more than I was talking, while incorporating so many great ideas into our platform.”

The 41-year-old Carter said he is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work. And there is plenty to do.

“As I come into office I plan to proactively work with our task force leaders to prioritize the key aspects of our plans for Ford Field, the Riverwalk and the Farmers Market so we can begin the process of developing implementation plans including cost estimates and potential funding sources,” Carter stressed.

According to Krenz, 46, elected to his first full term after having served since his June appointment to close out Sam Ekong’s council term, residents liked his track record on the planning commission as well as how he handled the past five months on council.

In an e-mail, Krenz noted that he thought residents elected him “because they had a chance to form their opinions from watching my work on council, as chair of the Farmers Market Task Force and over the

35th District Court Judge Ron Lowe swears in Mayor Brian Turnbull for his second term, as his wife Ann looks on.

“The end was abrupt, but I’m not disappointed with the results. I’m happy to have had the experience of sitting on Northville’s city council. I stand by my contributions and I have no regrets. John and Andy are highly qualified and already well versed. We all had very similar campaign platforms. They have Northville in their hearts. Both men will be tremendous assets to our city.”

Patrick Giesa, who fell short in his bid for a second term

last three years on the Planning Commission deliberating over major issues like The Downs, Floor Area Ratio and rewriting the Master Plan – all of which required study and research to be prepared to engage.”

Krenz added that he and his colleagues on council know there is complicated sledding ahead. But he is confident they can figure it all out.

“In the near term, council has several significant opportunities we need to address strategically,” Krenz stressed. “Council must coordinate, prioritize, establish

funding and implement these visions if we are to maximize our scarce resources.”

Giesa said his term came

and went quickly, and that the experience was a rewarding one.

“It was a fast four years that have already become a new

Council newcomer John Carter is sworn in by Judge Ron Lowe. Carter’s wife Liz and daughter were there to support him.

fold in the fabric of Northville’s history,” he noted. “I learned about city politics and procedures and made a lot of new friends.”

Now that he is set to embark on life away from council activity, Giesa spun a realistic light on his defeat at the polls.

“Thinking about it, I’d be 76 years old at the end of the next term,” Giesa said. “I decided I’d rather be spending more time with friends, family and getting outdoors.

“Now I can do those things that I have yet to do.”

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hen Dr. Aylmer Evangelista It’s been so successful he’s decided to open Ajeless stepped away from the hospital Health and Medical Spa gigs to devote his full time five years ago this month, he to Ajeless, had to hire more was a working physician at employees (there are seven several local now) and has hospitals, pretty much where he outgrown his often treated space at 118 people on MainCentre the wrong in the heart side of many of downtown bad health Northville. decisions over So the model the course of developed by a lifetime.

Evangelista Dr. Aylmer Evangelista He wanted and his wife, to do something that could help Dr. Jennifer Evangelista, who people improve their health also treats patients at Ajeless, before they got to that point, has worked on a professional and he had faith he was going to level beyond his expectations. be able to make people feel and Looking back, however, what look better. The practice has he wasn’t prepared for was the grown significantly since then, personal connections he’s made according to Evangelista, and as he has helped his patients that’s because of one reason: transform themselves, both on “results.” the outside and the inside.

38 The ‘Ville

Evangelista’s bread and not just patients, but friends. butter is regenerative medicine It’s just so great seeing them and hormone optimization. transform and become happier Through a variety of nonpeople,” he said. invasive, regenerative Like most people, one thing treatments, he is able to relieve Evangelista wasn’t counting pain and restore function lost on was a pandemic that has due to age, injury, disease, or threatened the existence of damage. Basically turning back so many businesses. But, as it the hands of time. turns out, in a way the COVID “We sell quality of life. We pandemic has helped Ajeless, can make you as people look younger have begun and feel focusing on younger,” said themselves Evangelista. more than in Some of the past. the services “COVID Ajeless offers made people include facial wake up, rejuvenation, and made which reduces them aware Dr. Jennifer Evangelista signs of aging of what’s like wrinkles around the eyes important,” Evangelista said. and mouth, body sculpting “People want to invest in their using the newest, non-surgical health. It’s not about material body contouring treatment on things anymore. It’s about the market, and a medically health and wellness. I’m really supervised weight loss program seeing that, and I’m able to help that gets results. Evangelista people with that,” he said. also provides sexual disfunction With five years in the and enhancement therapies, rearview mirror, Evangelista which he couldn’t be said can be happier about AJELESS HEALTH AND life-altering, where the MEDICAL SPA especially for business is OWNERS: Aylmer and Jennifer aging clients and where Evangelista who have lost it’s going.

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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.

History of Thayer School Nov. 23 Local historian Joe Oldenburg will discuss the history of Thayer School at 7 p.m. at Northville Township Hall.

Built in 1877 on land purchased from Rufus Thayer, the first settler at 6 Mile and Napier roads, Thayer School is the oldest one-room schoolhouse on its original site in Northville Township. It was a school until 1952. This program is presented in partnership with the Northville Township Historic District Commission.

Huffin for the Stuffin Nov. 25 This fifth annual 5K walk/run begins at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning at Maybury State Park. All proceeds will benefit local Blessing in a Backpack chapters that help feed children on the weekends during the school year.

For those who can’t attend, there is a virtual option. Check in begins at 8 a.m. Prizes will go to the top virtual, male, female and under 12 boy and girl. All finishers will receive a participant medal and other swag.

For more information, including how to register, volunteer or become a sponsor, email info@wildly-fit.com.

History of NFD Nov. 30 Local historian and firefighter Hugh Jordan will present The History of Northville’s Fire Department beginning at 7 p.m. at the Northville District Library. He will discuss the first motorized fire truck in the Village of Northville, a 1926 Ahrens-Fox fire engine, and how long it served the community and the admiration the community felt for the truck.

Registration required. Masks are recommended at this in-person event. For more information, visit

40 The ‘Ville

Christmas in the Village The Northville Historical Society organizes the annual Christmas in the Village at Mill Race Village. Hours are 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 4. The historic buildings in the village will be decorated for the season at the family event, which will feature carolers, elves, Christmas trees, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Christmas Market, and more. Timed tickets, which cost $12 ($10 for NHS members), can be purchased online by visiting www.millracenorthville.org. northvillelibrary.org or call (248) 349-3020.

Merry Little Christmas Party Dec. 3 New Hope Center for Grief Support will host this fundraiser from 7-10 p.m. at 133 W. Main Street, Suite 113, in downtown Northville. The event will feature dancing, pictures with Santa, memorial bulbs, children’s activities, a 50/50 raffle and light snacks. A cash bar will be available through the Sports Den on the lower level of the Northville Square Mall. Tickets are $35. Please RSVP by calling the New Hope office at (248) 348-0115, emailing programoffice@newhopecenter.net, or visiting https://bit.ly/3azJOAj.

Pancakes & Pajamas Dec. 4 Northville Parks and Recreation will host this pancake breakfast at the Northville Community Center. Event will include pictures with Santa, breakfast, crafts, sing-alongs and goodies.

There are two sessions: 9-10 a.m.

and 10-11 a.m. Cost is $10 per person. Registration deadline is Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m. Register by calling (248) 349-0203 or visiting northvilleparksandrec.org.

Children’s Christmas Workshop Dec. 4 This craft workshop for children (1st through 6th grade) will take place from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Mill Race Village. The children will make seven old-fashioned, hand-made gifts for the special people on their Christmas list. The intent of the workshop is to surprise family members with the gifts that the children have made themselves. Parents are not permitted in the buildings while the children are making their gifts, and are asked not to peek at what the kids are making. There are two sessions: 9:30 a.m.-noon and 1-3:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per child. To register, call (248) 349-2833.

Owl Prowl Dec. 4 Join the Friends of Maybury from 6-8 p.m. at Maybury State Park as they take a night hike and try to entice resident owls to respond to an artificial call. The program is free and suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather as the group will be outside for approximately 40 minutes. Meet at the Maybury Trailhead Building.

Use the Eight Mile Road entrance to the park. Space is limited, and registration will start in November.

Pre-registration will be required for this event and attendance will be limited. For more information, visit www.friendsofmaybury.org or call (248) 349-8390.

Candlelight Ceremony Dec. 13 New Hope Center for Grief Support is organizing this remembrance event from 7-8 p.m. at Ward Church, 40000 Six Mile Road in Northville. The holidays are hard after a loved one dies – even years later. Attendees will light a candle in memory or in honor of deceased loved ones. The event will take place in the sanctuary. To register visit: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/ newhopecandlelight.

Shopping & Art Workshop Dec. 18 The Northville Art House will host the Kids Holiday Shopping Day & Art Workshop from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kids can stop by the Art House for free cookies and hot coco, shop for art gifts (prices all under $15) and make a free gift to take with them. Gift wrapping stations will be available with any art purchase. For more information, call (248) 344-0497 or visit northvillearthouse.org.

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The DELANO Breaks Ground Happy Cranksgiving!

The R3 Cycling Club, based out of the Plymouth and Northville communities, and the D&D Bike shop held their 5th Annual D&D/R3 Cranksgiving Fall Harvest Ride on Oct. 24. The annual fundraiser for the Gleaners Food Bank brought in $3,400 -- enough money to provide more than 10,000 meals to those less fortunate. The cyclists headed out on two routes. The first group (pictured) headed to Obstaum Orchards Cider Mill (about 18 miles round trip), and the second route took riders to Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor and then on to Plymouth Orchards before returning to D&D in Northville (about 47 miles). For more information, visit www.facebook.com/groups/R3CClub.

Although it’s been in the planning for some time, The DELANO project broke ground on Nov. 5. Located on Cady Street, just east of Center, the high-end development will include six luxury residences ranging in size from 3,384 to 3,642 square feet.

According to the partners involved, the building is a blend of classic and modern design, and the ranch residences include wide open living spaces, soaring 10-foot ceilings, expansive windows that capture light and views, west facing private balconies, and a heated parking garage.

Pictured at the groundbreaking (from left) are co-developers Alex T. de Parry of Ann Arbor Builders, Inc. and Robert Ajlouny, along with general contractor Mark Hiser of Phoenix Company. For more information about the project, visit www.DELANONorthville.com.

Christmas On The Farm Maybury Farm will host holiday festivities during weekends in December (Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 11-12).

Enjoy holiday decorations, farm animals, photos with Santa in an antique sleigh inside the historic barn, shopping at the general store, holiday music and a bonfire. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. However, reservations are required to visit Santa, as space is limited due to COVID). The cost is $7 per person (children 2 and under are free). To make reservations, visit www.mayburyfarm.org. This is a fundraising event for Maybury Farm.

42 The ‘Ville

An Eagles Thanksgiving The Northville Eagles #2504 will be hosting a special Thanksgiving Day dinner for members of the community. They will be serving a turkey dinner for those in need. Dinner will be served beginning at 1 p.m. and will continue until they run out of food. The Eagles club is located at 113 S. Center Street in downtown Northville. The food is compliments of the Eagles club and members of the community who donated to the cause. They are still in need of donations to meet the demand, as they are expecting between 80-100 people to attend. For more information, call or text (248) 390-3125 and leave a message for “Wheels”.

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Dishin’ With Denise

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

It's A Banner Month Y

ou know I love the military banners in downtown Northville. It’s incredible how many more there are year after year. I see the names of friends and neighbors, brave men and women who served our country, and it still gives me a goose bump. The patriotic symbolism lives on in our hearts and minds throughout the months of November and May thanks to the Northville Chamber of Commerce and the presenting sponsor Masco. I am so proud to be a member of this community! Hats off to those who support the program, and those who hang proudly.

Streets of Treats was a great day in downtown Northville. There were treats galore. Characters everywhere.

And a surprise performance by dancers from Performers Edge Dance Company. Traditionally, this event happens the Saturday before Halloween. I think there were “thousands” of kids this year.

Congratulations to Salon Unity, on Six Mile and Haggerty. They recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. I understand from a few of their loyal customers

44 The ‘Ville

the salon is very popular with Northville residents. I’m touched how they reached out to me to sing the praises of John Takacs, the owner. They attribute the continued success in these unprecedented times to a love for the clients, and dedicated community service.

I will be ringing the bell for Salvation Army at the Northville Post Office on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m.

If you stop by and make a “paper money” donation my grandchildren and I will sing a holiday tune for you. This is our 10th year.

The Corriveau Law Office is collecting Toys for Tots once again. The iconic train sits in their parking lot on E. Main Street just west of Griswold (this section of the street is open). You can drop off unwrapped toys for kids of all ages. For specific details call (248) 380-6800.

The Tree of Teeth is back on the corner of Griswold and Main. They light up nightly, and if you’re lucky you might catch a bit of a light show which happens two to three times each evening. The tree is 16 feet tall. It is made

up of 1,111 - 8” blow-molded plastic molars. There are more than 1,000 twinkle lights, 96 strobes all controlled by a DMX computerized program.

The plastic teeth were made in Michigan for an art installation a few years ago.

One year ago the world needed “something” to smile about. Who wouldn’t find a Tree of Teeth worth laughing about? A new tradition was born and this year there’s more to it. You gotta see it to believe it. Special thanks to Performers Edge Dance Company for their performance at the tree lighting. More thanks to Music Director Stephen Cross and the singers from St. Catherine of Siena and Our Lady of Victory.

Awesome job!

Tradition goes hand in hand with the holiday season.

A few years ago in my household we started exchanging “something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read.”

This simple tradition makes giving and receiving simple and so much fun. It really makes shopping a lot easier. Small business Saturday is November 26. It’s a great day to support

our local merchants. I try to be creative with my list of wants and needs. I can’t give away the gifts I’ve already purchased but - “something my grandkids need” is a paper, flexible, earth friendly drinking tool at PearAphernalia, that costs only $9.

There are also cute gloves there “to wear.” I love the Sid Dickens collection, just for gift giving in general.

Will the real Peter Denk please stand up? My apologies to the Denk family. It was my family pictured with your name last month. My grandson Parker also went to the Catholic Central homecoming. Funny thing is my daughter’s name is Jill, so there was a lot of teasing going on in our circle of family and friends.

If you have a holiday tradition to share I’d love to hear from you. You can send a note, with or without a photo to: denisemjenkins@aol.com.

In the subject line let me know it’s A HOLIDAY TRADITION, I’ll keep an eye out for it. In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving - I laugh at the thought we cook all day and it’s “gobbled” up so quickly.

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