October 2023 | Vol.6 | Issue 10
Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine
Meet the Local Sales Reps in Your Community. Meet the Local Sales Reps in Your Community.
Vita Vizachero Vita Vizachero
John DesOrmeau John DesOrmeau
vvizachero@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2711 vvizachero@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2711
jdesormeau@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2720 jdesormeau@billbrownford.com Office:(734) 524-2720
Vita has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1989. Some of her local favorites are Table 5, Vita hasRocky’s, lived in the community Pooles, and Northville Cantoro’s /onNovi Haggerty. 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, John hasTime, lived Guernsey’s in the Northville / Novi community Custard and the Pizza Cutter. since 1987. Some of his local favorites are Rocky’s, Custard Time, Guernsey’s and the Pizza Cutter.
Explorer Leases Starting Below $400/month*
Escape Leases Starting Below $300/month*
Explorer Leases Starting Below $400/month*
Escape Leases Starting Below $300/month*
(734) 421-7000 • billbrownford.com • 32222 Plymouth Rd., Livonia, MI (734) 421-7000 • billbrownford.com • 32222 Plymouth Rd., Livonia, MI *All prices include a/z plan with all factory/conquest/renewal/loyalty rebates to dealer. No plan, renewal or loyalty slightly more. plus tax, plates, title and doc fee. Residency restrictions apply. Call dealer for details. *All prices include a/z plan with all factory/conquest/renewal/loyalty rebates to dealer. No plan, renewal or loyalty slightly
CONGRATULATIONS
Orin's Happy Couples Joe & & Craig
Kris
tina
Megan
Trevor & Allie
Aaron
n
& Mega
Oliver & Lin
dsay
Alec & Tatu
m
Downtown Northville 101 East Main Street at Center 248.349.6940
orinjewelers.com
LOCAL JOURNALISM MATTERS Please consider a donation to support The 'Ville. Since we began publishing more than five years ago, our goal has been to provide our readers with valuable information about the Northville community each and every month. Your support helps that mission survive and grow. And while The 'Ville is sent to every address in Northville at no cost to readers, it is not free to produce. LOCAL Matters! is the foundation of this magazine. If you find it of value, please consider supporting it. Every little bit helps! Please send donations to: Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168 You can also make donations via PayPal to kurtkuban@gmail.com. Thank you in advance.
VOLUME 6 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2023 16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734.716.0783 • TheVilleMagazine@gmail.com
KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher
Kurt Kuban is an award-winning journalist, having served as a reporter and editor for several local newspapers and magazines, including The Northville Record, over the course of a career spanning more than two decades. Kurt lives in Northville with his wife, Cheryl, and their three children, all products of Northville Public Schools.
CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director
Craig has been in the creative industry for over 30 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 20 years. Craig enjoys chasing his young daughter and providing moral support to his lovely wife.
MICHELE FECHT – Writer
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.
WENSDY VON BUSKIRK – Writer
Publisher Here is a list of people who contributed to local journalism last month. We appreciate your support! Chanel Yousif
George Ginger William & June Weaver
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.
Wensdy graduated with a degree in journalism from Wayne State University. Her first job was working as a reporter for The Northville Record. Now, as a freelance writer and editor, she works for a variety of magazines, and is excited to get back to her roots in The ‘Ville. -Photo by Kathleen Voss
MARIA TAYLOR – Writer
Maria is managing editor at The ACHR NEWS, a B2B publication based in Troy. She has worked as a reporter for the Northville Record, Novi News and Plymouth Observer, and once had her photo on the cover of TIME. She lives in Farmington and, as a self-avowed history nerd, routinely risks her life by standing in the road to photograph old buildings.
TIM SMITH - Writer
Tim brings a penchant for telling powerful and personal stories that run the gamut from news to sports. During more than 35 years in journalism, he has earned numerous state and national awards. The Wayne State grad is a published author and rec ice hockey player.
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.
JOHN C. HEIDER – Photographer
John is a 25-year veteran of the Northville Record and other Detroitarea newspapers. In addition to his photography, he's an amateur gardener, poet and fly-fisherman. He also claims to have invented the metric system.
SCOTT BUIE - Advertising Director/VP of Sales
For more than 20 years Scott has worked with clients in Metro Detroit to create advertising campaigns to grow their business. After managing sales for radio stations in the Detroit Market for 17 years he purchased Street Marketing where he works closely with a variety of businesses and events. Scott and his family have lived in the Plymouth and Northville area for 25 years.
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
Things Are Moving In Downtown Northville
T
here’s lots of new news to report about downtown Northville. You might say things are on the move. If you’ve been down there in the last few weeks, you’ve certainly seen some activity on Main and Center streets, as construction crews began installing road bollards. The city purchased them to replace the cement barricades and everyone’s favorite “blues brothers” car, which, regardless of where you fall on the open or close the streets divide, I think we can all agree needs to go. The bollards cost about $160,000 with funding coming from both the city and DDA. They are definitely a big improvement over what’s been out there, both aesthetically and functionally, as they will give the city flexibility to close down the streets seasonally or for special events without much effort. Just raise or lower the bollards. Some of the businesses also
Hunting For Ghosts
12
Workers install road bollards at Main and Dutton. Photo by Liz Cezat
began removing their outdoor structures in anticipation of the re-opening of Main/Center streets to traffic for the first time since the city shut them down in the early stages of the covid pandemic. Mayor Brian Turnbull is confident the city will make the Nov. 1 deadline that council set earlier this year. As of now, they are scheduled to close again in the spring.
NHS Hall of Famers
18
Other recent big downtown news is council’s approval of a development agreement with Hunter Pasteur regarding the Downs project. It is one of the final green lights to the mixed use development that will dramatically change the landscape of downtown Northville. Final site plans still need to be approved, but this is a legally binding contract, outlining how public infrastructure will be funded. A couple of the big takeaways concern the timing of daylighting the Rouge River and demolition process of the nearly 50 acre site. The river daylighting and construction of the surrounding River Park will take about two years to complete and should be done by 2025. The demolition of the iconic Downs facility should take six months once Hunter Pasteur closes on the property, according to Seth Herkowitz, who has been the company’s leader on the project. Once the
Our Victorian Roots
34
site is cleared, the daylighting of the river will commence. As part of this deal, there is a performance bond in place that ensures the work will be completed. Herkowitz said construction crews will start north of the soon to be extended Beal Street, where row houses and condominiums should be complete by the end of 2024. Also in 2024, they will begin construction of the apartments and Central Park (to be complete by 2026), and also 22 single-family homes west of Center, which should be complete between July 2025 and the fall of 2026. Yes, things are definitely on the move. Ready or not, Downtown Northville is going to be a busy place the next couple years. Kurt Kuban is the Publisher and Editor of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine. com.
Your Voice: Letters to the Editor 4 City Council candidates sound off on issues 8 Newcomers bring neighbors together 16 Past Tense: Waterford Cemetery’s veterans 24 A Color Run for mental health 28 Father-Son leading Schoolcraft soccer team 30 Community Bulletin Board 36 Dishin’ with Denise 42
ON THE COVER: Northville High School seniors Lily Connors and Brendan Herger were crowned Homecoming Queen and King at halftime of the Sept. 29 football game between the Mustangs and the Salem Rocks. Photo by Rishelle Ross
Your Voice Exemplary record
Best overall plans
I have had the opportunity to collaborate with Marilyn Price during her 8-plus years of service on the Northville Public Schools Board of Education, 12 years of service on Northville Youth Network, 8 years of service on Northville City Council, and as a fellow Rotarian. Marilyn leads with integrity, intelligence and humility. She listens more than she speaks, is thoughtful and deliberative, and puts in the necessary time and effort to be fully prepared for the issues at hand. With an exemplary record of leadership, long-standing service, and a deep commitment to our community, I wholeheartedly encourage you to vote to re-elect Marilyn Price to Northville City Council. Mary Kay Gallagher Retired NPS Superintendent, 2011-2022
Don’t be distracted
It’s election time again. However, this election will be very different from what we have been used to. We have two incumbent city council candidates with proven records running to retain their seats. The things that will make this election different are the emotional and distorted messages coming from a very few very loud voices. These same loud voices would have you believe that our City of Northville needs to be reopened. The truth is Northville has never been closed. Our city just hosted a group of mayors and council members from around our area and many stated they wish they could do to their own cities what we have done in ours. The important thing here is not to be distracted and swayed by the misinformation and the disingenuous messages about our city and our council. The fact is that our current council has been one of the best our city has ever had. To a person they have been thoughtful, data driven and very careful to separate facts from emotion. That is why we encourage you to vote to retain both Barbara Moroski-Browne and Marilyn Price in order to allow them to finish the good work they have started. Margene and Bob Buckhave
Consensus builder
A new perspective
It’s time to think about the election. Northville is facing many challenges that will be largely decided by City Council: The Downs, downtown street closures, location of Farmers’ Market, pedestrian safety, traffic, Ford Field, historic preservation, government communication, tax abatements, etc. We have new City Council candidates -- Library Commissioner Bob Sochacki and local business owner Laura Genitti. Shaking up the makeup of the council may yield a more satisfying direction for Northville. Sochacki is a 30-plus year resident, a Northville District Library Trustee (16-plus years), former Recreation Commissioner, a long-time historic preservationist, former Ford employee, and has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Genitti is a seasoned businesswoman with the financial savvy to run a business in the most adverse of conditions. Laura has her pulse on local business activity and is a lifelong resident. It would be great to have a new perspective on the Council. I encourage you to consider these very qualified candidates. Mary Elwart-Keys
I’d like to take a moment to talk about my neighbor, City Council candidate Bob Sochacki. For more than 20 years, my husband and I have lived across the street from Bob. He’s a good person. He treats neighbors like family — caring for sick and elderly members on our street. I feel so strongly that Bob would be a wonderful addition to our City Council that I am campaigning with him. Bob worked many years in Labor negotiation where listening and consensus building are necessary skills. He supports opening the streets and restoring the luster to our roads and sidewalks. Barb Eckhout
SOUND OFF 4 The ‘Ville
I read with interest your editorial on the Northville City Council race in the September issue. The street closure is just one issue on the minds and in the conversations of most Northville residents and nonresidents. There will never be a 100% consensus on the road issue in downtown, unlike the consensus concerning the repairs of 8 Mile Road. As a new resident of Northville, I enjoy the outdoor dining experience without the sounds of car horns and the smell of exhaust fumes as I eat a meal outside. If I wanted that experience, I could have moved to Plymouth where I’ve experienced those issues while dining on the sidewalks. My friends from Plymouth come to Northville to enjoy the ambience of the Twist area. Hopefully voters in Northville will vote for the candidates with the best overall plans that will benefit all of Northville. H. Slade
Does her homework
We are endorsing the re-election of Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Moroski-Browne for the Northville City Council election. For the past several years, we have personally had the honor of watching Barbara "in action" at City Council meetings, and diligently working within our community being fully engaged in numerous committees and commissions. She is clearly well positioned in so many critical initiatives currently underway throughout our great town. Her vast knowledge, capacity for comprehensive research, willingness to analyze important issues from all perspectives, and success in attaining government support, are truly commendable. To say she "does her homework" is an understatement. We look forward to having her wise decision-making representation benefit Northville residents and local businesses well into our beloved town's very bright future. Tim and Laurie Johnson
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.
Established leadership
One thing we all know about Northville is that there is no shortage of opinion on the issues that matter most to our community. This is how it should be in a healthy democracy, and I am glad for it. Never has our choice of City Council leadership been more consequential given the opportunities and challenges ahead. We need careful thinkers, people who actively listen and openly consider diverse views and work towards consensus. Marilyn Price’s long history of civic service and her established leadership record during challenging times demonstrates that she has the essential governance skills and disposition to help us meet the future. We need her moderating voice and vision on the City Council. I hope you will join me in voting this November to return Marilyn Price to the City Council. Kim Campbell-Voytal
Preserve ‘timeless’ character
We, in Northville East – outside the Social (alcohol) District -- take offense to the spread of the District’s logo standards extending to the borders of the town. At first, the reinvented Northville was being marketed as “Timeless with a Twist.” Soon, “Timeless” was dropped from most references and signage. We outside the “Twist” will continue to strive to preserve the “Timeless” historic nature of the town at large. It is our most lasting treasure. Mayor Brian Turnbull’s weekly historic message should be, in part, what we live, not just what we remember. I charge the administration to stop the planned painting of the “Twist” visual standard on the newly painted water tower. It does not represent the entire community we love and preserve. A suggestion: those promoting the “Twist” hire a Chubby Checker legacy band and have a dance and hula hoop competition. Google that! Dr. William S. Demray
We’re not Europe
Let’s finally celebrate the reopening for Center and Main in November since Covid shut down Spring of 2020 which benefited only 6 out of 31 eating establishments during good weather in beautiful Victorian Northville. We are the only village in Michigan and probably all of America that closed their only north-south and east-west arteries. We need to elect a mayor and candidates for Council that agree we aren’t a tourist destination or a college town. We need streets open for vehicle traffic, school buses and safe pedestrian walkability. Let’s not try to justify closing them by promoting curb-less streets for 2025 like an ally in Europe. Vote for Bob Sochacki and Laura Genitti on Nov. 7. Martha and Jim Nield
C U S TO M
K I TC H E N S
A N D
M O R E !
W h o l e H o u s e R e m o d e l i n g • A d d i ti o n s/B u m p-o u t s/D o r m e r s O p e n C o n c e pt D e s i g n • A rc h i te c t u ra l D e s i g n • I n te r i o r D e s i g n Str u c t u ra l E n g i n e e r i n g • Pro d u c ti o n M a n a g e m e n t S of t wa re
2 4 8 . 6 9 7. 6 2 1 5 • 1 07 N . C e n te r Stre et, N o r thv i l l e, M I • w w w. e p i p h a n y k i t c h e n s . c o m
ELECTION 2023
IN THEIR OWN WORDS Northville Council candidates sound off on issues facing city
The Nov. 7 election is right around the corner for City of Northville voters. There are four candidates vying for two council openings. The incumbents in the race are Barbara Moroski-Browne and Marilyn Price. They are facing challenges from two longtime Northville residents: Local business owner Laura Genitti and Bob
Sochacki, who has been a member of the Library Board for two decades. We caught up with all four candidates and asked them about the pressing issues facing the city. Here are there answers – in their own words.
Laura Genitti
What are the other issues Northville residents should keep an eye on? GENITTI: Honestly, I would love for residents to get more involved. To all I say, “Keep your eye on what you are passionate about.” For example, let’s have the City Council agenda printed in The ‘Ville or posted online so residents can attend meetings where something that peaks their interest will be talked about. Just like parents raising kids, the more involved they are in what they are doing, the better they become. I encourage all to join in.
AGE: 45 POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None — But Passionate! PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Owner, Genitti’s-HoleIn-The Wall OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICE: Member of the Chamber of Commerce and overall supporter of Northville at large. The closing of Main and Center streets has been a major topic for residents and visitors of downtown Northville. What is your vision for the streets moving into 2024 and beyond? GENITTI: We absolutely need to have a vibrant Social District in our community. People are running businesses and raising families. Simply put, like the arteries in our bodies, we must keep the lifelines through our downtown open and free flowing. Closures during special events and summertime are appropriate, but let’s keep the day-to-day activities of the City “as normal as possible” so the downtown as a whole is supported and flourishes. Are you satisfied with the development agreement the City has in place for the Downs project? If not, what would you change? GENITTI: Since the decision on the $ 300 million Downs Project already has been made, my role on the City Council will be to work with experts, look at the scope of the project, and make sure it gets managed in a way that keeps Northville’s “small-town” feel. I want to make sure the development is done so that our City becomes better, and not just bigger. Part of what we love about Northville is its size. Remember, with the coming closure of the Downs, there will be a construction impact on our downtown that will need to be managed. I am eager to help the City Council handle that challenge.
Barbara Moroski-Browne AGE: 67 POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: 4-years, Northville City Councilmember (currently Mayor Pro Tem). PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Public policy analyst, government performance auditor and risk analyst. Former efficiency and effectiveness evaluator, U.S. Congress, Government Accountability Office (GAO), Certified Government Financial Manager, public sector management consultant. Currently analyst at forensic engineering consulting firm. Bachelor of Public Affairs, Policy Analysis, Wayne State University. OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICE: Since 1990, I’ve served in numerous leadership positions in our community, including president of my Homeowners Association, Northville 2000
8 The ‘Ville
Why are you running for City Council? GENITTI: Northville has given my family so much over the last 50-plus years. Now it is my time to give back. I want to get involved in a way that matters, a way that can make a difference. I have been attending Council meetings for years — I care! And I want to help! If you are elected, what is the first thing you hope to achieve? GENITTI: My strengths are listening, learning and then implementing. In fact, that is what I do each day in my downtown business. There will be much to learn about the inner-workings of City government. By listening and asking questions, quickly I will be an effective member of the Council. I am eager to get started. Why should residents vote for you? GENITTI: I work hard; I listen well; and I am very passionate. Instead of just complaining, I want to jump in and get involved in a way that makes me a “voice of the people.” And… to do that, I need to hear from the residents. This is a “group” thing. I want you all with me in this. Please give me your ideas, your vision, and your hope for our City.
Committee, Northville Public Schools committees, the Legislative Action Network and served on PTA Co-Council. 2010 Parent of the Year. Member of Northville Rotary. The closing of Main and Center streets has been a major topic for residents and visitors of downtown Northville. What is your vision for the streets moving into 2024 and beyond? MOROSKI-BROWNE Over the next few years, I expect several improvements in our Downtown, with a focus on making the area more aesthetically inviting, better for business and customer use of outdoor spaces and improving access for walking and parking. Major improvements will be completed by early November: bollards installed at four primary entryways, for safety and aesthetics, and structures, quickly added in 2020 to get us through the pandemic, will be removed permanently. No more ugly barriers, blues brother cars and obtrusive structures. The bollards are less than $150k installed;
(Barbara Moroski-Browne continued) we should have done that long ago. Gathering business and community input has begun on what next year will look like – for dining and retail use of outdoor spaces. The DDA allocated funds for needed Main Street repairs and is exploring options for making the parking/traffic way areas more accessible all year, when streets are used by vehicles and when they are open to pedestrians only. City Council initiatives continue and more needs to be done, especially for traffic management improvements in adjacent Are you satisfied with the development agreement the City has in place for the Downs project? If not, what would you change? MOROSKI-BROWNE: On Sept. 18, I strongly objected to, and voted against, the Development Agreement and PA210 tax abatement. These documents flowed from our November 2022 meeting where we approved the preliminary PUD Site Plan and Agreement that included financial commitments for infrastructure ‘benefit’ costs that were, in the Developer’s words, “mutually agreed upon terms.” This included assumptions that ‘benefit’ costs were estimates and actual costs would be shared by the Developer and City, with proportionate costs in a detailed spreadsheet. However, the 2023 Agreement included wholly different cost commitments by shifting actual costs, in excess of 2022 estimates, to the City. Further, PA210 was inserted as a ‘poison pill’ to remove Developer obligations to complete the Downs and/or to pay significant financial obligations should the PA210 not happen. The Developer also shed responsibility for Downs-related traffic mitigation in Bealtown and Fairbrook Street, with the City now bearing all costs. As I’ve said since last September, the Developer’s PA210 terms were not fair or equitable; that never changed. I strongly objected to allowing the Developer to ‘help’ fill the City’s $1.6 million funding gap with terms that added about $1 million above a reasonable repayment through abated taxes. I deemed this completely unacceptable. Why are you running for City Council? MOROSKI-BROWNE: I seek reelection to preserve what’s great about Northville while making the best decisions for tomorrow. I find common ground on tough issues, keep us focused on shared goals and always speak up to ensure we do what’s best for our
Marilyn Price AGE: 71 POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: 8 years, Northville City Council; 8-plus years, Northville Board of Education PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Assistant Director and Staff Psychologist, University Counseling Ctr., Binghamton University OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICE: Senior Advisory Commission, Personnel Committee, Beautification Commission, Liquor License Review Board, Boards and Commissions Select Committee, DDA and Chamber of Commerce Executive Committees, Northville Youth Network and Farmers’ Market Task Force The closing of Main and Center streets has been a major topic for residents and visitors of downtown Northville. What is your vision for the streets moving into 2024 and beyond? PRICE: Some of our residents have expressed strong opinions, falling on both sides of the issue of street closures. The Council’s unanimous decision to have the streets open and closed on a seasonal basis takes the strongest points from each position and develops them into a plan that gives us the best of both options. We will be installing
town. I will continue my focus on good governance with a strong strategic community vision, engaging our community on important issues, improving delivery of City services, investing in our aging infrastructure, and supporting residents and local businesses. I have the skills, experience, and leadership style to help make that happen. City Council member involvement is not just two meetings a month. In addition to serving as Mayor Pro Tem, I am a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board, and the DDA Executive Board. I also serve as Council liaison on the Historic District Commission, Riverwalk Taskforce and the Northville Historic Society. I will continue to listen, balance the many perspectives and pros and cons, and work towards the best decisions for this town we love. If you are elected, what is the first thing you hope to achieve? MOROSKI-BROWNE: The first thing I will ‘achieve’ is to keep doing what I have been doing for four years – the most important issue always – practice good governance and stand up for Northville. With that, we can fix what’s amiss, avoid problems and seize opportunities. Near-term major issues include completing what we’ve started: grant-funded Ford Field upgrades, Farmers’ Market location, Downtown improvements. Intersection bollards, for safety and aesthetics, will be installed by November. I opposed the Downs Development Agreement, but that major project is moving forward. For the next 4 years, we must be vigilant to protect City finances and make sure all aspects of the Development are built as planned. I will continue to bring a strong collaborative voice to City Council that finds common ground on tough issues and gets things done. Why should residents vote for you? MOROSKI-BROWNE: My priorities and our accomplishments, as described in these candidate questions, speak to ‘why vote for me’. I love our town and I am passionate about making government work better and get the maximum benefit from our limited resources. I have served faithfully to the promises I made four years ago, and I am heartened by the many residents and businesses that have also been involved and helped our City face challenges and work to build a better Northville—remembering our past while planning for tomorrow. I’m asking voters to trust me, again, with their vote and with our City.
bollards, which will give us the flexibility to open and close streets seasonally, will beautify downtown, get rid of the current barricades and old police cars, and will be more easily managed. For example, with the new infrastructure, we can close the streets for the Winter Chili Cook-Off and have them open by the next morning when residents will use them to get to school, work, and to visit local businesses. Are you satisfied with the development agreement the City has in place for the Downs project? If not, what would you change? PRICE: While I recognize that no agreement totally satisfies either side in a negotiation, I support this agreement and believe that Northville will benefit from it. The terms that we reached with the developer guarantee new public greenspaces for all our residents to enjoy. It allows us to address infrastructure concerns which coincide with the influx of new residents and impact existing neighborhoods. Most importantly, it will limit the impact of these changes on our taxpayers. Before construction can begin, all buildings must be demolished by the developer, and the ground must be leveled. With the Brownfield agreement the developer is responsible for the environmental clean-up of the entire site. A performance bond guarantees that the Rouge River will be daylighted and that the River Walk will be completed, regardless of the development project’s success. The City will also be receiving funding from the project to help mitigate the impact of increased traffic in adjacent neighborhoods, again without impact on taxpayers.
The ‘Ville 9
ELECTION 2023 (Marilyn Price continued) What are the other issues Northville residents should keep an eye on? PRICE: As The Downs project commences, we will need to increase our construction code enforcement capabilities, so we are able to provide oversight of the new construction projects. Permit monies will support that need. It is important to continue to make improvements to our aging water infrastructure. We have completed the replacement of some parts of the aging system, like Lake Street, and will address other sections in the future. We also want to continue our focus on tree ordinances and support the work of Northville Tree Champions. We will continue to monitor and engage in the ongoing discussions regarding the potential expansion of Beck Road, which borders the northwest boundary of our community. Why are you running for City Council? PRICE: I am running for another term on City Council so that I can continue to work on the initiatives that began during my tenure. Some of these include: The Downs Development, relocation of the Farmers’ Market, a new entryway into and enhancements to Ford Field, infrastructure upgrades, traffic and pedestrian use studies, and the
Robert (Bob) Sochacki POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Elected to 5 four-year terms on the Northville District Library’s Board of Trustees. Currently Vice-Chairman PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Long career with Ford Motor Company – Human Resources. Bachelor of Arts from the University of Detroit and MBA from Wayne State University OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICE: 18-year Trustee on the Northville District Library Board, past service with Northville Parks and Recreation, and Northville Historical Society The closing of Main and Center streets has been a major topic for residents and visitors of downtown Northville. What is your vision for the streets moving into 2024 and beyond? SOCHACKI: I favor a flexible Main Street and Center Street plan that returns parades, festivals, markets, entertainment offerings, and various other events that include some we all valued during the shutdown. Our great restaurants can still offer outdoor dining experiences. Traffic and pedestrian flow will return to normal when activities are not scheduled. This will bring immediate relief to neighborhood and downtown traffic flow. It will also improve prospects for many businesses that have suffered under the current plan. Are you satisfied with the development agreement the City has in place for the Downs project? If not, what would you change? SOCHACKI: I am very much in favor of smart Downs development. The development agreement is the final, all encompassing, contract between the City and Hunter Pasteur. Unfortunately, the provisions don’t match what most thought was agreed to. My concern is it may pose significant financial risk to City residents for millions of dollars in infrastructure and environmental mitigation costs that were exchanged for compromises to our master plan, TIF’s (subsidies), abatements, and other tax breaks. However, the agreement does require a performance bond to ensure completion if the developer falls short of their obligations. Unfortunately, disputed responsibilities often require litigation to collect from the insurance carrier. Who will be on the hook if there is a shortfall?
10 The ‘Ville
mobility network study. I want to continue to utilize the findings from these studies in the decision-making process that will guide The Downs development. Plans for the relocation of the Farmers’ Market are not yet complete. We need to find both a temporary and then a permanent site for the market going forward. I want to protect and continue the progress we have made on funding employee retirement and health care accounts. When those accounts are fully funded to the state-prescribed level, monies that have gone towards those payments will become available for other initiatives. Why should residents vote for you? PRICE: My previous years of service on Council and the School Board demonstrate my commitment to working hard on issues that impact the Northville community. I will weigh every decision, focusing on the facts presented, and listening to input from members of our community. I will continue to collaborate with my colleagues working on behalf of our residents. Having served on the City Council for the past eight years, I am well versed in the issues facing the City and can continue the forward progress that we have made in improvements to our community.
The most troubling aspect of the Downs agreement (contract) is how it was ramrodded through City Council Sept 18, without due process our residents deserve. It omitted a litany of previously stated conditions promised by the City Council, Hunter Pasteur, and through the planning process. There are a few aspects of the final agreement that would have passed citizen scrutiny if the City Council had provided sensible public notice time and more than two weekend days to review of over 100 pages of data. Unfortunately, the list of shortfalls is discouraging. The contract ignores direct traffic and pedestrian impact to adjacent neighborhoods, and for that matter, all City neighborhoods. Traffic patterns are already strained. Imagine a 15% increase in the number of residents over the next 3-4 years. Now add their vehicles within blocks of Downtown. This intense density does not reflect in any way the density of city neighborhoods or downtown. For example, only 8% of 474 housing options are single family homes. Crazy. What are the other issues Northville residents should keep an eye on? SOCHACKI: A sense from many residents that there is a concerted effort to limit transparency, including last minute public meeting postings, delayed agenda and minutes postings, and ignoring citizen information requests. Why are you running for City Council? SOCHACKI: We moved here 32 years ago because Northville had quiet neighborhoods, a thriving downtown, quality schools for our children, great parks and rec offerings, good city services, and a genuine sense of community. I want to help ensure we maintain these qualities as well as the historical feel of our city that encompasses all of these special attributes. But most of all, to restore confidence in City Hall and our sense of community. If you are elected, what is the first thing you hope to achieve? SOCHACKI: I will prioritize City transparency at all levels, increase communication channels to residents and pay closer attention to fiscal issues. Why should residents vote for you? SOCHACKI: For all the reasons stated above. Plus, it’s time for a fresh perspective.
new construction | renovation | design consultation
themeganrose.com | hello@themeganrose.com | @meganroseinteriors 248.895.2360 | 422 E. Main Street, Northville, MI
Jennifer Bicknell (left) and Stephanie Holmes in their spooky basement where a fire occurred in 1913.
y k o o A Sp n o i t a g i t s e InAvSpooky n o i t a g i t s e v In T
historic t u o e k a t bustersins cidents t s o h g e f i Real l g with creepy mith By Tim S buildin
here’s something “paranormal” going on at The Hair Foundation in downtown Northville. Co-owners Jennifer Bicknell and Stephanie Holmes, fans of ghost-tour events in places like New Orleans and who took over the historic relic at 142 North Center Street in early 2022, decided to find out what kinds of spooky spirits might fill the 230-year-old room. They invited Southwest Detroit Paranormal to do a ghostbusting expedition in September. A team led by Southwest Detroit Paranormal co-founder and lead investigator Roger Potter brought their noise-capturing Etsy boxes, along with thermal cameras, stationary security cameras and more and hooked them up down in the cobblestone basement and elsewhere throughout the property. “One of the strangest things that happened was the amount of equipment failure we were experiencing throughout the night,” Potter said. “And the theory behind that is spirits use the energy to manifest and to
12 The ‘Ville
communicate. “We did hear quite a bit of noise. We do have some of the audio that is captured. We are still going through the findings. It is a lot of information. And it takes a lot of time and energy to really watch and listen to all the footage that we have.”
PARANORMAL WEBSITE
Once their review is finished, photos and videos will be available to see at the business’ newly launched website, www. southwestparanormal.com. “He’s got a lot of things they’ve come across,” Holmes emphasized. “They take the data they’ve collected and do a whole other ‘investigation within the investigation.’ Like, ‘Oh, did we pick this up?’” After all, there have been people apparently complaining about sounds that go bump in the night not to mention unexplained power losses of salon employees’ cell phones and laptops. “We’ve had upstairs residents calling us saying music is playing at all times of the night here, that it’s ‘Jesus Loves the Children’ on repeat,” Bicknell
happened to the investigators,” noted. “That happened for a Bicknell said. “Like all sound week straight. And we’ll have being wiped off something for random things fall off the shelf.” no reason at all. They had one So they decided to take a piece of equipment they weren’t really deep dive. using, but it had stuff on it. Just “It (Etsy box) is channeling weird things.” hundreds of (ham) radio Potter said the salon proved stations,” Bicknell explained. “fantastic” for the event. “It’s very fuzzy, sounds like a “I was concerned with the lot of static. These spirits will building being on such a busy pull words out from these radio street that we may have some channels. noise pollution that would alter “At the very end of the night, our findings,” Potter explained. we were all sitting in the back at “But the structure and how 2 a.m., we’re tired. … The Etsy the building was built, it was box out there (in the patio area) so soundproof… this building was quiet pretty much all night. I couldn’t hear the people Out of nowhere, a man’s voice upstairs walking above me.” came across it really loud and said ‘leave.’ Nobody was by it, it was just sitting there. It was a CONNECTING FOR little creepy.” HALLOWEEN About the investigators’ highThe experience also was frequency equipment, Holmes weirdly enlightening and the said Etsy boxes “are a way these co-owners want to pass the spirits can communicate with fun down to the community, us. So we were asking questions especially during the slate of and the investigators were October events such as Witches blindfolded and had noiseNight Out and Streets of Treats. canceling headphones on.” “The Streets of Treats (10 A cameraman joined the fray a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, and told the hair salon owners Oct. 28) is for the kids from the “he never had seen his battery pack fluctuate as much as it did that night,” Holmes noted. “Roger (Potter) has had multiple other issues with his equipment Bicknell and Holmes recently hosted members of Southwest Detroit Paranormal to investigate the building for ghosts. that he can’t really identify.” businesses, and the skeletons,” Powering up inside the Bicknell said. “We thought it historic structure seems would be fun to do a historical to be a recurring issue. For little walk through with the example, Holmes said The Hair spooks from the ghost hunt Foundation’s square credit card on-line with social media. We’ll readers “will die overnight if we stop dropping some fun photos don’t have power.” from our investigations and “Technological glitches facts about the building.”
Imagine downtown Northville candy hunters getting a history lesson along with their chocolates. “This building is so old, we love the history of it,” Bicknell continued. “And when we came in we did a total remodel of the place, pulled paneling off these old brick walls. We tried to enhance the glory of old Northville and the history of it. So we’re really trying to promote the history and this old building.” My oh my, the history. The original building was built around 1880 and by 1893 it was a grocery store. Or was it a “drunk tank” or brothel within earshot of the opera house? Inquiring, whistling-in-the-dark minds want to know. “So when we were downstairs
Explore the shops and restaurants and stay for the fun this fall in Downtown Northville.
downtownnorthville.com
The building at 142 N. Center Street was built around 1880, and has been the home to many businesses.
I asked ‘confirm or deny if it was a brothel,’” joked Holmes. “And we heard knocking.” During their remodel of the property they found evidence of a historic basement fire in 1913. Bicknell and Holmes dug deeper and found old newspaper stories about the fire. The basement is like a mini time capsule with charred cobblestone walls and wooden beams. Potter also acknowledged how he and his crew could
soak in the historical ambience merely by walking through the salon and then climbing down a narrow, steep staircase into the basement. “The building itself was absolutely phenomenal,” Potter said. Spurring them on to look into the building’s backstory was the Northville Historical Society, which Bicknell said reached out to help do an archive. Some of the previous businesses in the building
include Ely Ice & Coal Company in the 1930s, a beer warehouse in the 1940s, a diner called Harry’s Lunch and Clifford’s Barber Shop in the 1950s, among others. In 1980 the first story was divided into two storefronts and the building itself named in honor of original owner Fred Oldenberg, a grocer who came to Detroit from Germany in 1872 and ran the business in the first decades of the 1900s before the fire ultimately resulted in him selling the property in 1917. Go to www. HairFoundationSalon.com for more about the Northville business. To learn more about Southwest Detroit Paranormal, visit www. southwestdetroitparanormal. com.
A S S O R T M E N T, A C C E S S I B L E , AT T E N T I V E , & A F F O R D A B L E When it comes to creativity, outstanding credentials and a history of excellent client services, Las Vegas Stone has set the bar high. Working with us, you can count on a qualified team for not only planning and design of any project, but also material distribution and installation. The exquisite products we offer in all of our showrooms allows us to empower and work with our clients to make their dream design a reality. Our goal is to provide first-class quality craftsmanship in a cost-efficient manner, achieving 100% client satisfaction.
tile | stone | granite | quartz | porcelain | mosaics | hardwood | LVT | carpet | countertop fabrication
M AT E R I A L S U P P LY & L A B O R I N S TA L L AT I O N 3 S TAT E - O F -T H E - A R T S H O W R O O M S C A R R Y I N G O V E R 2 7, 0 0 0 S E L E C T I O N S 43003 W. Seven Mile Rd. Nor thville, MI 48167
11343 Schaefer Hwy. Detroit, MI 48227
6755 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 300 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
734.399.4400
313.855.6300
248.702.7070
W W W. L A S V E G A S S T O N E . C O M
Your Local Full Service Plumbing, Sewer & Drain Experts. TRENCHLESS TRENCHLESS REPAIR REPAIR Don’t Dig it, Epoxy Line It!
$99
10% OFF
$100 OFF
FREE 10% OFF
DRAIN INSPECTION
BACKUP SUMP PUMP
WATER HEATER
PIPE PATCH or CAMERA SEWER LINING INSPECTION
Z Plumberz is amazing. Diagnosed an issue that others couldn’t. At the house same day we called. Explained the issue in terms I could understand. One company wanted to charge us $50,000 for a brand new sewer line. Pete and team went over the new sewer lining technology they have and it was only going to cost a fraction of the others. The job is now done and we won’t have issues for a century. They are total pros!
BEFORE BEFORE BEFORE
All Professional. Zero Hassle. A to Z.™
AFTER AFTER AFTER
Must mention coupon upon service request. Restrictions may apply.
833.STOP.WATER 833.STOP.WATER Services we offer: 734.619.0880
• Emergency Plumbing Services Heaters: • Water Filtration • Emergency Plumbing Services• Water Tankless & Standard • Drain Cleaning & Maintenance • System Upgrades • Drain Cleaning & Maintenance • Sump Pumps • Pipe Cleaning & Lining & More! Water Backup • Pipe Coating & Lining
VISIT US ONLINE
Northville Newcomer president Jann Cantelon (left) and board member Karen Roedding.
Northville Newcomers member Maryann Cotterill was named the Heritage Award winner at the club’s recent annual meeting.
Once a Stranger, Forever a Friend Newcomers have been bringing the Northville
community together for more than a half century By Wensdy Von Buskirk
W
hether you’re new in town or a long-time resident, and regardless if you live in the city or not, you’re welcome to join Northville Newcomers and Neighbors. The social group connects people through a wide array of interests and activities, from bunco, bowling and book clubs to movies, golf, and special events. “You name it, we have it,” says Barbara Fortune, who joined NNN six years ago when she relocated to Northville from the East Side. “I had lived there for 60 years and when I moved here I didn’t know a single person,” Fortune recalls. She found the group through a Google search, attended a membership kickoff event, and has been involved ever since. “It’s a really wonderful organization,” Fortune says. LOOKING BACK NNN might be marking its
16 The ‘Ville
55th anniversary this year. Then again, it may be even older. Not even the group’s leadership knows exactly when it began. Members went on a mission to unearth NNN’s archives in preparation for their most recent membership drive. They combed through old copies of the Northville Record and other newspapers for information. “The earliest article we found was 1968. We may have been in existence earlier than that, but the records are not intact,” says NNN President Janice Cantelon. What is known is that Northville Newcomers formed in an effort to welcome new residents to town. Membership was originally limited to those who had moved to Northville within the past three years. Now, members can stay as long as they want, and the group’s footprint has expanded beyond Northville’s borders. NNN currently boasts around
170 members throughout Northville, Plymouth, Novi, and the surrounding area. MOVING FORWARD NNN welcomed new faces and celebrated its history during its recent membership drive, held on Sept. 6 at Phoenix Mill in Plymouth. The “Americana’’ theme was reflected in red, white and blue decor and members were encouraged to wear patriotic colors. A historic American Girl doll from Fortune’s collection served as the centerpiece of each table. Guests were served a box lunch and classic sodas. During the program, members reminisced about past events including road rallies, fashion shows and barn dances, and NNN bestowed its first-ever Heritage Award to long-time member Maryann Cotterill. Since joining the group in May 1995, Cotterill has served as newsletter publisher, interest group chair and board
president. She has coordinated many events and currently leads NNN’s longest-running book review. As NNN reflects on its heritage it looks toward the future, reaching newcomers and neighbors alike through its website, e-newsletter and Facebook group. In addition to hosting frequent Mahjongg, partners pinochle and euchre games, as well as walking clubs and luncheons, they’ve added downhill skiing and pickleball to their social calendar. They also recently launched the volunteer group NNN in Action to help others in need. “Our goal is to build an
Northville Newcomers and Neighbors Upcoming Events Jasen Magic – Oct. 27 Enjoy a fun night of dining followed by a magic show at Genitti’s Holein-the-Wall. Holiday Pops – Dec. 9 See the Michigan Philharmonic at First United Methodist Church then dine at LaBistecca Italian Grille. Wild Lights – Dec. 28 Tour the Detroit Zoo decked out for the holidays followed by a meal.
atmosphere of friends through the activities we offer,” Cantelon says. “All we’re really trying to do is enhance that journey for people looking for a community, people looking to have fun doing activities. We’re busy people and there’s always something to do.” Membership in Northville Newcomers and Neighbors is $35 per year. To learn more, visit northvillenewcomers.com.
Doc Mandell
Brandon Langston
Emily Carbott
Legendary Mustangs NHS inducts third class of sports hall of famers By Brad Emons
C
ontinuing to create more awareness and pride, Northville High School recently honored its third class of distinguished inductees into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 7. The latest group – recognized at the school’s homecoming football game followed by a dinner and ceremony the next day -- includes six highly
As a senior, Chloe Abbott won three state titles in track.
18 The ‘Ville
decorated student-athletes, a state championship coach, state championship team and lifetime achievement award recipient. Among those Mustangs saluted for making both a positive athletic and community impact for their school include:
STUDENT-ATHLETES
Chloe Abbott, track and field (2013-16): As a senior, Abbott completed a MHSAA Division 1 state finals triple by winning the 200- and 400-meter individual races, as well as being a member of the first-place 4 x 400 relay. The four-time state qualifier earned All-State (top eight) honors 10 times and helped the Mustangs to a runner-up finish D1 team finish in 2014. She also set a state record in the 400 in 2013. Abbott helped the Mustangs to four straight KLAA and regional team titles and was a conference record holder in two individual and two relay events.
She currently owns the school records in the 100, 200, 400, 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 relays. She went on to have a distinguished NCAA AllAmerican career at Purdue University and the University of Kentucky, while also competing in the U.S. Olympic Trials. Emily Carbott, basketball/ soccer (1998-2001): In soccer, Carbott was voted team MVP three years in a row while earning first-team All-State, All-Region and All-District (in both 2000 and 2001). Carbott was All-Conference three straight seasons and was Hometown Newspapers Player of the Year in 2001 after earning All-Area honors the previous two seasons. In basketball, Carbott was voted team MVP by her teammates three straight times while earning first-team All-Area honors twice and second-team twice, as well as All-Western Lakes honors once (1999). Carbott went on to play
soccer at Michigan State. Brandon Langston, football/ basketball/track (19982001): In 2001, Langston was named Hometown Newspapers and Northville High Athlete of the Year. As a football player, Langston earned three varsity letters making All-State and AllConference (2000), All-Area (1999, 2000) and All-Metro West (2000). He was also a member of the Mustangs’ district championship football team (one of only two in school history). In track and field, Langston was a four-year letter winner earning All-State in 2001. He was All-Conference twice (2000, 2001) and was a regional champion in the 100 and 400 (both in 2001). Langston was a two-year varsity letterman in basketball and was named All-Area honorable mention in 2001. He also coached three different sports at Northville
including football (2006, 201116), basketball (2008-14) and track and field (2012-16, 2020), while earning Northville’s Community Service Award (2013-14). Langston was voted Grand Valley State University Male Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2005. He caught the gamewinning touchdown in the 2005 NCAA Division II National Championship game for the 13-0 Lakers in a 21-17 win over Northwest Missouri State. Jim Porterfield, football/ track and field/wrestling (1970-74): An accomplished three-sport athlete, Porterfield earned three letters in football as a defensive tackle. Porterfield was voted Sliger Newspapers All-Area and Co-Player of the Year as well as All-Western Six League. He was also named to Hometown Newspapers/Northville Record’s All-Century team as a defensive lineman. In track and field, Porterfield set the school record in the shot put (52 feet, 9 inches) while winning a Western Six title and earning Class A regional runner-up finish. Porterfield
Jim Porterfield was NHS Athlete of the Year in 1973-1974.
TEAM
In five seasons as girls golf coach, Chris Cronin (left) guided the Mustangs to four straight state titles.
also was a varsity letter winner four years in wrestling. He graduated from MSU and is a professional actor who is president of Porterfield Tree Consulting. John Stuyvenberg, track and field (1968-71): During his junior and senior spring seasons, Stuyvenberg captured back-to-back Class B state championships in the long jump with leaps of 22-11 and 22-3½, respectively. He still owns the longest standing school record in the long jump with a mark of 23-0 set in 1970. Stuyvenberg made All-League three straight years in the 100, 200 and long jump. Danielle Toney, soccer/ basketball (2004-07): The four-time soccer letter winner and captain made first-team All-State four straight times, including Dream Team honors as a sophomore, junior and senior. Toney was the Mustangs all-time leading goal scorer (86) during her four seasons. She was a four-time high school All-American. She was honored among the Detroit Free Press Top 50 and Parade America’s soccer athletes. In basketball, Toney lettered three times while being selected Team MVP as a sophomore and junior. Toney went on to have a distinguished soccer career at Penn State University where she scored 38 goals and added 20 assists in 99 matches making All-Big Ten twice.
COACH
Chris Cronin, golf/cross country/track: In five seasons as girls golf coach, Cronin guided the Mustangs to four consecutive Division 1 championships (2018 through 2021), as well as a fourthplace finish in 2017. The Lady Mustangs added three Kensington Lakes Activities Association crowns (2019-21), as well as back-to-back D1 regional titles (2018-19). In 2018 and 2020, Cronin was named the Michigan High School Golf Coaches Association Coach of the Year. He was also a National Coach of the Year nominee. He was twice named Regional Coach of the Year (2017 and 2021). In his seven seasons in boys golf, Cronin directed the Mustangs to three KLAA crowns (2018, 2021, 2022) and three D1 finals berths including a fourth-place finish in 2018. Cronin was the boys cross country coach for 18 seasons (1999-2016) taking the Mustangs to six state finals highlighted by a D1 runner-up finish in 2015, while also posting four other top 10 finishes. They won two regional and eight conference titles under Cronin. In 1994, Cronin began his coaching career at Northville taking the girls cross country helm from 1994-98. He also spent two seasons as the Mustangs’ head girls track coach (1998-99).
Girls cross country (2013): Coached by Nancy Smith, the Lady Mustangs completed their dream season as Division 1 state champions (first in school history). Northville went undefeated in dual meets, while also capturing the KLAA and regional titles. Four runners earned AllState honors (top 30) at the Division 1 finals, while five placed as All-Region. All seven Northville competitors made All-KLAA. Among those runners included Lexa Barrott (Indiana University), Rachel Coleman (Michigan), Cayla Eckenroth (Ball State/SMU), Emma Herrmann (Williams College), Nicole Mosteller (MSU Running Club), Taleen Sharigian (Michigan), Alison Robinson (University of Windsor) and Erin Zimmer (MSU Running Club).
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Robert "Doc" Mandell: A staple on the football sidelines for over three decades, Mandell served as the Mustangs’ team physician during the 1970s, ’80s and into the ’90s. Mandell was named as an honorary member of the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (1986). He was also a member of the Northville School Board (1975-77) and selected as the Northville Jaycee’s Man of the Year for community service. “Doc Mandell was someone who we could always count on,” said former Northville football and basketball head coach Darrel Schumacher. “He really cared about our kids.”
The ‘Ville 19
When every moment matters, we’re just minutes away.
Introducing ER services at the new Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth. Whether you live in Plymouth or nearby, we’re proud to bring full-service, 24/7 emergency care closer to you. With easy access and an experienced ER team, we’re ready to handle any emergency. And we’re just a few minutes down the road.
See a full list of services at henryford.com/plymouth
Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer, M.D. Emergency medicine physician
Corner of Ann Arbor Road and N. Haggerty
MARTY BROWN | MANAGING BROKER
MARK BROWN | MANAGING BROKER
616.259.2374
248.515.0275
REAL ESTATE REDEFINED THE ART + SCIENCE OF PRICING What is your home worth? We are in the best position to answer that question accurately thanks to our local expertise and @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s game-changing technology – specifically our Digital Comparative Market Analysis. The surest way to get the highest selling price for your home is to be priced right out of the gate. We use real-time MLS data as well as detailed market trends, to zero in on the most relevant, comparable priced properties. Contact us to maximize your opportunity.
248.515.0275
•
sellwithbrownbrothers.com
170 E MAIN ST., NORTHVILLE, MI 48167 THIS OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
Northrop-SassamanChapel
Service … a Family Tradition for 75 years
(248) 348-1233 19091 Northville Road · Northville, MI 48168 Matthew Giles - Manager
Past Tense
Fighting for the Cause Waterford Cemetery is final resting place for US Colored Troops’ veterans By Michele M. Fecht
A
itself during engagements mong the headstones bearing at Honey Hill, Tillifany and the names of early area Deveaux Neck as part of settlers such as Simmons, William T. Sherman’s March Mead and Swift in Northville to the Sea. The regiment also Township’s historic Waterford launched several expeditions Cemetery are the graves of into Confederate territory, three Civil War veterans of destroying railroads and notable distinction. breastworks. Located in the southern back By 1864, more than 1,400 section of the cemetery are men enlisted in the 102nd the final resting places of Peter McCoy, Henry Williams and William Harris, all of whom served with the 102nd United States Colored Troops (USCT). The three veterans were part of what was originally the First Michigan Colored Infantry Regiment. The regiment Unidentified African American soldier in Union uniform and would Company B, 103rd Regiment forage cap with bayonet and become scabbard. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division federalized when the War USCT regiment. Of those, it is Department created the Bureau estimated that 1,000 were born of Colored Troops in May in slave states. At least 70 were 1863 thus designating all black living as free men in Canada. regiments as United States Among those was Peter Colored Troops (USCT). The McCoy. Born in Pennsylvania USCT included three branches: around 1847, McCoy came infantry, cavalry and artillery. to Detroit from Buxton, The 102nd would distinguish
24 The ‘Ville
Ontario, also known as the Elgin Settlement, according to research by local historian and archivist Joe Oldenburg. The Elgin Settlement was the largest of four black settlements established in southwestern Ontario between 1829 and 1851 by blacks formerly enslaved in the United States or whites helping runaway slaves. Established in 1849, the Elgin Settlement was among the last stops on the Underground Railroad. Slavery was abolished in Canada and the throughout the British Empire in 1834. Conversely, in 1850, the United States passed the Fugitive Slave Act that empowered local officials and citizens to seize runaway slaves and return them to bondage. McCoy, 18, enlisted in Detroit as a private in Company K of the 102nd USCT under the name Peter Scipio on August 22, 1864. He joined the regiment at Beaufort, South Carolina, on September 24, 1864. The regiment was mustered out on September 30, 1865, in Charleston, South Carolina.
According to Oldenburg’s research, McCoy (Scipio) would assume his real name after the war. He married Clarissa Harrison in 1867 and is listed in the Plymouth Township 1870 Census as a farm laborer. He died on April 9, 1877, in Plymouth Township. He was survived by his wife, Clarissa, and their four children. Henry Williams, 22, enlisted in Company I of the 102nd on August 26, 1864, at Jackson, Michigan, as a substitute for John Lawson of Springport, a village in Jackson County. No longer able to recruit enough volunteers, in March 1863, the U.S. Congress passed the Enrollment Act authorizing a national draft. Drafted or
National A rchives an
d Records
Administr
ation (NAR
A)
enrolled men of means could hire substitutes to serve in their stead. Many substitutes were blacks fleeing slavery or seeking a source of income and citizenship. Williams joined his regiment at Beaufort, South Carolina, on September 26, 1864. He was discharged for disability at Beaufort on June 18, 1865. Little is known about Williams’ life before or after the war. He was born in 1842, birthplace unknown. According to Oldenburg, the installer record card for Williams’ headstone states his date of death as January 30, 1884, though no official death record has been found.
Also, the headstone states Williams served in Company J. However, the Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers 18611865 lists him in Company I. The headstone installer record card also lists Company I. Equally elusive is William Harris. The 102nd United States Colored Troops regiment roster lists four soldiers named William Harris. Each served in a different company. Oldenburg’s research revealed that two William Harris headstones — one in the Waterford Cemetery, the other in Chain Lake Cemetery in Cass County,
Michigan — are engraved with Company K. Only one William Harris of the four in the regiment served in Company K. Adding to the confusion, the headstone installer record notes that a William Harris in Company K, 102nd USCT is buried in Oakwood Cemetery on Cady Street. There is no William Harris buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Regardless of which Willam Harris is buried in Waterford, it remains the final resting place of a soldier whose service helped heal a broken nation.
In 1879, Congress extended the privilege of government provided headstones to soldiers buried in private cemeteries. Contracts were let to private companies to produce and install the headstones. Records of burials were kept on 3-inch by 4-inch cards arranged alphabetically by surname. Records of the 166,000 cards of headstone contracts of deceased Union veterans are at the National Archives. The cards indicate that the headstones for Peter McCoy and William Harris were produced by Sheldon & Sons of West Rutland, Vermont; William Harris’ headstone was produced by W.H. Gross of Lee, Massachusetts. FREE BUT NOT EQUAL McCoy, Harris and Williams were three of the more than nearly 180,000 black men — 10 percent of the Union Army — who served as soldiers in the
LASTING TRIBUTE Shortly after the Civil War, the Office of the Quartermaster General established a Cemetery There are graves of three Civil War ‘Colored’ veterans at Branch to Northville Township’s historic Waterford Cemetery. maintain Civil War; another 19,000 served and improve national military in the Navy. cemeteries as the last resting Black soldiers were initially place of the war dead. In 1873 paid $10 per month with $3 Congress granted burial rights deducted for clothing. They in national military cemeteries received one ration per day. to all honorably discharged White soldiers received $13 veterans of the Civil War.
per month with no clothing allowance. In June 1864 Congress granted equal pay to the U.S. Colored Troops and made the action retroactive. Black soldiers received the same rations and supplies as well as comparable medical care. Units remained segregated with black enlisted men typically commanded by white officers and black noncommissioned officers. For Black troops, the risk of capture by the Confederate Army posed an even greater threat than to their white counterparts. In 1863 the Confederate Congress threatened to severely punish officers of black troops and to enslave black soldiers. THE LAST FULL MEASURE Nearly 40,000 black soldiers died over the course of the war. Of those, 30,000 died from infection or disease. Though they made up 10 percent of the Union Army, approximately 20 percent of black soldiers lost their lives in the Civil War. The mortality rate among the United States Colored Troops was 35 percent greater than that of white troops, notwithstanding that black troops were not in the fight for the first 18 months of the war. Though we know little of the post-war lives of 102nd USCT veterans Peter McCoy, Henry Williams and William Harris, we honor their service and that of all others who serve or have served. Author’s note: Historic research is not for sissies. It can be a thrill of discovery or (often) an infuriating trail of dead-ends. Much gratitude goes to historian and archivist Joe Oldenburg for his expertise and dogged pursuit in helping tell this story.
The ‘Ville 25
NOR T H V IL L E’S F INE S T
LUXURY LISTERS
“ T HE T E A M YOU GE T F ROM S TA R T T O F INI SH” • Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Million Dollar Elite Guild Members • Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Specialists • Hour Real Estate All Stars • 2022 Best of Northville Award Recipients R A F FA EL E M A L I Z I A
BR A D M C G U IR E
(313) 715 - 4 5 5 5
( 2 4 8) 767-96 6 3
F E AT URED L I S T ING - P RE S T IGIOUS M AY BURY PA RK E S TAT E S
2 0 7 96 RICHMOND DRI V E RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A RANCH STYLE HOME IN MAYBURY PARK ESTATES WITH A FABULOUS FINISHED WALKOUT BASEMENT, 4 CAR ATTACHED GARAGE WITH SEPARATE CLIMATECONTROLLED STALL, SPECTACULAR SALT WATER POOL AND PRIVATE WOODED VIEWS!
17 0 E . M A IN S T R E E T, S U I T E # 3 01 N O R T H V IL L E , M I 4 8167
P R OP E R-RE A L E S TAT E .C OM
Look Ajeless. Feel Ajeless. Be Ajeless. COSM E TIC PROCEDUR ES
• Diet and exercise not giving you the look you want? • Appearance doesn't match the way you feel? • Look ajeless with botox/fillers, skin rejuvenation, body sculpting and more!
HOR MONE OP TIMIZ ATION
• Regain your lost energy. • Improve muscle strength, mental focus, sexual performance and more! • Age healthier and live happier with safe, proven, and effective methods.
W EIG HT LOSS
• Medically supervised clean-start weight loss solution. • Attain and maintain your weight loss goals. • Improve your overall health and speed up your metabolism.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
248-465-8000
118 MainCentre, Northville, MI 48167
www.ajeless.com
A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW
Come enjoy some of your favorite food & beverages with us on the rooftop patio!
Happy Hal loween! HAPPY HOUR 2-5 pm Monday–Friday
24 8 .3 49.1715 • E XC H A N GE B A RGRIL L .C O M
Best Selection of Liquor, Beer & Wine in Northville!
BOGLE PHANTOM RED WINE
reg. $19.99
HALLOWEEN SPECIAL!
$14.97
Open 10 am-9 pm, Mon-Sat | 12-6 pm, Sun 567 Seven Mile Rd., at Northville Rd. | 248.349.1477
Running For A Cause Annual Color Run raises awareness of teen suicide
T
here are a lot of student clubs at Northville High School, dedicated to some amazing causes. That can definitely be said about Color My World, a suicide prevention and mental health awareness club. On Sept. 24, the club held the Color Run, its signature event and main fundraiser. More than 120 people from Northville and surrounding communities participated in the event, which featured a 5K walk/run on the NHS track and surrounding neighborhood. There was music, raffle prizes, games, snacks, and plenty of color, as participants were hit with colorful powder. Among those in attendance were Northville Schools Superintendent RJ Webber and Annie Heitmier, the NHS grad who founded the club a couple years ago. “The hope with events like this is to get the message of the importance of taking care of your mental health to as many people in our own community as possible,” said club president Zahra Kagal. “Everyday Color My World tries to spread positivity and support for everyone in Northville.” They host the annual Color Run every September during Suicide Prevention Month. The club uses the money raised from the event for outreach events, mental health discussions, meditation workshops and more. “The mission of the club is to launch and sustain initiatives that can make NHS and the overall community the best place it can be for students and teachers,” Zahra said.
Your Home, Organized. Your Life, Simplified.
Your life is busy, but it shouldn’t mean compromising on a tidy home. Elevate the look, feel, and functionality of your home with organizing services from TidySmart.
248-277-3505 | TidySmart.com
HOME ORGANIZATION | REAL ESTATE LISTING PREPARATION HOME STAGING | MOVING CONCIERGE SERVICES | PACKING/UNPACKING SERVICES
(248) 444-9418 WE UPDATE ALL SPACES
painting • wallpaper • trim carpentry • plumbing fixtures • lighting smart home • window treatments • handyman maintenance • tile
T R A N S PA R E N T. C O N S I S T E N T. D I R E C T. Let’s Chat About Our Town
I’m asking you to trust me, again, with our City and with your VOTE. I will continue to focus on good governance by engaging our community, supporting residents and local businesses, and improving delivery of City services. I find common ground on tough issues, keep us focused on shared goals and always speak up to ensure we do what’s best for this town we love. –BMB
734-604-3709 | electbmb@gmail.com Paid for by Elect Barbara Moroski-Browne, 116 High Street, Northville, MI 48167
Serving the City of Northville as:
• Mayor Pro Tem • Northville Parks and Recreation Commissioner • Brownfield Redevelopment Authority member • DDA Executive Board member
• Historic District Commission liaison • Riverwalk Task Force liaison • Northville Historic Society liaison • Board and Commission Selection Committee member
37-year resident of Northville community / 10-year resident of Historic District Public policy analyst. Former efficiency and effectiveness evaluator, US Government Accountability Office. Current data analyst, forensic engineering consulting firm
Together We:
• Balanced City budgets with a declining • Helped residents, businesses, and neighborhoods navigate red tape & tax rate • Significantly paid down pension liability, deal with problems in our City passed a long-term financial stress test • Challenged the status quo in our review and management of City • Championed an aggressive approach contracts and outside consultants to getting State and Federal grants (Over $7 million awarded to-date, RE-ELECT $3.3 million pending) • Secured capital improvements for our roads and critical infrastructure • Increased partnerships and shared services with Northville Township
Kellen and Rick Larson pose in front of the Schoolcraft College athletic building with the statue of the Ocelot. Photo by Brad Emons
‘Just Meant To Be’
Father-Son tandem leading Schoolcraft soccer team to new heights By Brad Emons
H
aving been around the Schoolcraft College men’s soccer program his entire life, it was only natural that Kellen Larson would someday become an Ocelot. It was an easy recruiting pitch for the Northville resident and 2023 Detroit Catholic Central High grad who earned third-team All-State honors as a senior midfielder last fall with the Shamrocks. That’s because his father Rick has been Schoolcraft’s head men’s coach for the past 19 years. “It was just meant to be,” Kellen said. “I always got to see super exciting games, and ever since I was younger, I wanted to play in those games. I know I was coming here for my first two years. People would think it would be weird having your dad as a coach at this level . . . it’s just normal for me at this point.” The 6-foot-1, 160-pound Kellen has transitioned nicely during his inaugural season for the Ocelots, ranked No. 5 in the National Junior College
30 The ‘Ville
Athletic Association Division II poll through its first 14 matches while compiling a record of 122, including a 7-1 mark in the Michigan Community College Athletic Kellen Larson (front) has been around the Schoolcraft College men’s Association. soccer program since he was a youth. Photo courtesy of Rick Larson Through “I don’t know, I just had a his first 12 games, Kellen posted good day, just played great,” eight goals and 15 assists. He Kellen said. missed two games due to injury. As a two-year school, During his first three years of Schoolcraft has traditionally high school, Kellen played club been a stepping stone for soccer before joining the CC players to transition over to the squad his senior year. NAIA and NCAA Division I, II In the Michigan High School and III ranks. And for Kellen, Soccer Coaches Association going the JUCO route made a All-Star weekend last June in lot of sense. East Lansing, Kellen gave a “As he was starting to emerge glimpse of his college potential as a good high school player and by earning MVP honors after things like that, I think he was notching two goals and an assist kind of like, ‘Yep, I’m committed in the first game.
to go to Schoolcraft,’” Rick said. “Two of his other club teammates are here from the (U-19) Nationals (Soccer Club), some of his former teammates are here from A.C. Milan and Livonia City Soccer Club, so it was kind of an easy choice for him.” And being around the Ocelots’ program for so long, it became like osmosis for Kellen. “He really likes it at Schoolcraft and since I’ve been here the whole lifespan with both my kids that he was very interested in coming here, and he’s been around the practices and the games,” Rick said. “He’s taken a few trips to regionals. He went to Nationals one time when he was too young to remember. I think he really likes the team. The freshman recruiting class is fantastic and they want to get some things done in their career here before they leave. All the things Schoolcraft has to offer is fantastic for kids to get under their belt during the two years that they are here.” IMPRESSIVE RESUME With a 40-member roster to manage, Rick Larson has plenty of experience not only at the club level, but also at the high school and collegiate levels. He has an impressive coaching resumè winning over 250 matches with the Ocelots including 11 MCCAA, eight NCJAA Region and six trips to the NJCAA Nationals (Division I, II and III). The 1987 Livonia Clarenceville High grad, an athlete himself, found success early in his coaching career after graduating from Central Michigan University. During his time at Madison Heights Bishop Foley (1995-
Schoolcraft College freshman Kellen Larson has become a starter for the nationally-ranked Ocelots’ men’s soccer team. Photo by Rena Laverty
2001), Larson guided the Ventures to seven Catholic League and five Michigan High School Athletic Association girls championships. He also coached at Bloomfield Hills Lahser taking the Knights to the 2006 MHSAA finals. Larson spent six years at Madonna University, including a stint as the men’s assistant coach while starting the women’s program in 1998 where he led the Lady Crusaders to NAIA’s Final Four in 2000, their only semifinal appearance in school history. He was also an associate head coach at Oakland University from 2001-03 as a recruiting coordinator where the Golden Grizzlies earned back-to-back
also is Schoolcraft’s head golf coach. “The platform is always a platform of calm nature. If things ever get heated between us – they don’t. Kellen is such a mild-mannered kid and he’s so smart about soccer, and he’s so really skillful and insightful, that he just needs to be told the things he needs to improve upon and where maybe he can make a change and tries to make those things happen. There’s no reluctancy or animosity. We can exist in the same household. It’s not an issue.” To say the Larson family eats, drinks and sleeps soccer is an understatement. Rick’s daughter Summer, a sophomore at Northville High, plays for the Nationals Academy
Northville resident Rick Larson has spent the past 19 seasons as the Schoolcraft College men’s soccer coach. Photo courtesy of Rick Larson
NCAA tourney appearances. He took over the Schoolcraft men’s program in 2006 and has not looked back. Having a son on a college team can be tricky, but for Rick there’s always been a constant. Be consistent and treat the players as they treat you. “The dynamic for me is that I always take the role as educator,” said Rick, who
team. His wife Kari, who works for Nike/Converse, earned 12 letters at Clarenceville playing volleyball, basketball and softball. TWO-YEAR COMMITMENT For Rick, coaching never stops whether he’s sharing things with Kellen on YouTube -- watching clips of the best long shots in soccer of all-
time to inspire him or his teammates -- or discussing the Champions League games at the kitchen table. “If I need to change something he lets me know,” Kellen said. “The first thing that comes to mind is to be skillful, play hard and be smart, I think. He’s very intellectual, I think. He incorporates soccer things into soccer in a good way.” Many of Schoolcraft’s players will stay only one season and move on to four-year programs, but with the transfer portal and things changing in collegiate sports, there’s never a given. But for Kellen, he’s pretty much made a two-year commitment to his father and the Ocelots. “Tactically and technically he’s way ahead,” Rick said. “But physically he needs to develop a little more and I think that’s where Schoolcraft provides a nice niche for some of these guys who are late physical developers, but are really good soccer players and super skillful because we have a handful of them that are that way. It’s really going to benefit Kellen to get these college games under his belt. Then they’ll start watching him and a bunch of other guys.” For Kellen, however, it’s not all soccer. His academic interests include math and science. He also has a hobby. He dabbles with his guitar, playing classic rock even though his teammates may not be able to relate. His favorites include Led Zepplin and Van Halen. But once soccer season started, the guitar takes a break
and soccer takes center stage in the fall. And Rick Larson is more than happy to have Kellen on his side. It was meant to be. “In all reality, he’s a dream kid to coach,” Rick said. “He’s such a sponge. He soaks everything up. He tries to do well. I really try not to overcoach Kellen just because he’s my kid. I’ve done a lot of observing of coaches who have kids on teams . . . it just becomes a really inflamed scenario and it can take on a life of its own. I’ve really tried to stay away from that and I spend most of my time criticizing the players in private, so Kellen isn’t treated any different than any of the other guys.
The ‘Ville 31
BRINGING OUT THE BRILLIANCE in every single kid since 1968.
The world needs one-of-a-kind thinkers, doers, and dreamers. That’s where Greenhills School comes in — a school wholeheartedly dedicated to teaching students the art of thinking imaginatively, ingeniously, and inventively. Here, classes are playgrounds for the curious, where passionate teachers are given time to focus on their students, to get to know them, and to draw out the genius within.
GET-TO-KNOW GREENHILLS INFO SESSION Sunday, November 12 at 1:00pm Learn more and register at greenhillsschool.org/infosession
Getting Back to Our
Victorian Roots Annual festival celebrates 36th year by bringing back its old name Photos By Bryan Mitchell
N
orthville’s strong connections to 1800s history and architecture proved instrumental in the city’s 36th annual September festival reverting back to its former name, the Victorian Festival. The three-day event, which ran Sept. 22-24, had many of the staples that people have come to expect, including the Friday evening parade (featuring third graders from Northville Public Schools dressed in period clothing), live music from Shawn Riley Band, theatrical performances, Victorian re-enactors, craft vendors and the Sunday afternoon historical activities and duck race at Mill Race Village. The Northville Chamber of Commerce has organized the annual festival for many years. Executive Director Douglas Wallace, in just his second year on the post, said he got a lot of positive feedback during the festival and definitely has some ideas about how to improve it in the future. “We were able to talk to so many people that wanted to help and volunteer. They offered us names and contact information for people that had participated in the past,” Wallace said. “We were able to provide a lot more entertainment than we had in the last few years. We also were able to help a lot more of our downtown businesses. Because of the social district, people were able to walk around and enjoy shopping and dining. And many of our vendors said they did well and look forward to us growing this in the future.” Northville’s love of our Victorian heritage was especially on display during the annual parade, which kicked off the festival on Friday evening. Our photographer, Bryan Mitchell, was there to capture these images of the fun.
34 The ‘Ville
Bob
Sochacki for CITY COUNCIL A Fresh Approach Neighborhoods FIRST!
Address traffic, pedestrian safety, accessibility and tranquility • Smart Downtown and Downs solutions to best serve residents and business alike • Attention to sidewalks, street repairs, parks, tax spending and city transparency
you r b e s t l i fe s t a r t s now We offer the highest quality of therapy services for you and your family. Let us help you improve your relationships, relieve anxiety, set life goals and achieve them! Whatever it is you have in mind for your mental health, we can help. Get the life you have always wanted!
Don’t just live,
Reema Beri, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Services offered: Individual, child, family and couples therapy Anxiety Depression Grief and loss Relationship issues Parenting help Substance abuse Serving Novi/Northville and surrounding areas Recently expanded and accepting new clients, with little to no wait
· · · · · · · · ·
SOCHACK I N ove m b e r 7, 2 0 2 3
Call for a FREE 15 minute consultation!
810 . 8 8 2 .14 8 7
21800 HAGGERT Y RD, STE. 207 · NORTHVILLE, MI INFO@FLOURISHPSYCHOLOGYANDWELLNESS.COM
WWW.FLOURISHPSYCHOLOGYANDWELLNESS.COM
www.VoteSochacki.com
BULLETIN BOARD Mrs. Worldwide Pageant Runner-Up
Maybury Farm Lands State Grant
Maybury Farm received $80,000 grant funding from the state of Michigan to expand their operations. The farm currently operates educational tours for elementary school aged children as well as camps during the summer that teach children about the care and function of animals and about the cycle of planting, growing and harvesting. The non-profit Northville Community Foundation, which operates the farm, will use the money for operations. State Rep. Matt Koleszar visited the farm on Sept. 30. He took a tour of the farm, met with staff and discussed the state funding. Here Koleszar is pictured shaking hands with Connie Groth, an administrative assistant and tour coordinator for Maybury Farm. Maybury Farm covers 85 acres of farmland and forest. It is home to more than 100 farm animals, gardens and the Maybury General Store. They are currently hosting their popular corn maze through Oct. 29. For more information, visit www.mayburyfarm.org.
Roses Are Red…
Northville High School senior Lily Connors holds up a red rose is surprise, signifying she is this year’s Homecoming Queen. She was crowned, along with Homecoming King Brendan Herger, during halftime of the Sept. 29 football game between the Mustangs and the Salem Rocks, which Northville won 49-0. The Homecoming Court included Abby Byers, Aubrey McCurdy, Giselle Khalife, Connors, Sydney Pedrosi, Herger, Carter Jurcisin, Colin Prior, Evan Deak, and Zach Bailey. Photo by Ellen Clauson
36 The ‘Ville
Northville’s Mila Pershyna placed second runner-up at the Mrs. Worldwide Pageant held in Omaha, Nebraska earlier this summer. Pershyna, who recently moved to Northville with her husband and two sons, was the reigning Mrs. USA (2022). Pershyna is a fashion designer and educator with a passion for nurturing talent. She currently runs an online fashion school and a physical school located in Waterford. She founded MP Global Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching children of all ages with essential life skills. “These skills are instrumental in nurturing them into talented and capable adults, poised for success in their journey through life,” she said. Pershyna is partnering with the Fleece & Thank You organization on a fundraiser for her organization from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Nov. 16 at a Northville location that is still to be determined. Participants will be making fleece blankets for children facing hospital treatments. It is for all ages. For more information, visit mpglobalfoundation.org.
Northville’s Most Colorful Trees
Now that the autumn season is officially here, Northville Tree Champions (NTC) is searching for the most outstanding colorful trees in our community. This citizen-led group is asking people in the Northville community to take a photo of their favorite autumn tree and submit it to NTC either via email at northvilletreechampions@gmail.com or on the group’s Facebook page (NorthvilleTreeChampions). The deadline for submissions is Nov. 15. The group will showcase the most outstanding tree entries on social media and other ways.
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Marilyn Price - 21485 Silchester Ct., Northville, MI 48167
re-elect
Marilyn Price City Council
Decades of Leadership Experience
Northville’s Law Firm Since 1988 Let our family of lawyers help your family! WILLS • TRUSTS • PROBATE DIVORCE • CUSTODY DISPUTES CRIMINAL DEFENSE • SCHOOL LAW BUSINESS • REAL ESTATE PARENTING TIME CHILD SUPPORT • FAMILY LAW DRUNK DRIVING • JUVENILE OFFENSES
248 348 0496 | www.kellykellylaw.com 248 348 0496 | www.kellykellylaw.com 422 East Main Street, Northville, MI 48167 422 East Main Street, Northville, MI 48167
REALTORS BOB AND MIKE
ARE BACK IN THE VILLE
hese two eaders in Real Estate Marketing and Innovation have been busy since you ast saw them
!
Did y o ur neighbo r hood make o ur li st Check o ut s ome o o rt h v ille s be st allo w een di s la ys ?
’
!
Finding new ways to promote a business can be a cha enge but not for this dynamic duo. Bob Green aw and Mike aczmarczyk of the G ea state eam are a ways switching it up and seeing what works much ike innovation as techno ogies advance so do Bob and Mike ,
;
-
!
,
410 enter t. orthvi e M 4 1 ea torsBobandMike.com ,
CUSTOM MADE CABINET SOLUTIONS CUSTOM MADE CABINET SOLUTIONS LOCAL FACTORY DIRECT PRICING! CUSTOM MADE CABINET SOLUTIONS CUSTOM MADE CABINET SOLUTIONS CUSTOM MADE CABINET SOLUTIONS CUSTOM MADE CABINET SOLUTIONS LOCAL FACTORY DIRECT PRICING!
LOCAL FACTORY DIRECT PRICING! LOCAL FACTORY DIRECT PRICING! LOCAL FACTORY DIRECT PRICING!
TURNING THE ORDINARY INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY TURNING THE ORDINARY INTOTHE THE EXTRAORDINARY TURNING THE ORDINARY INTO INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY TURNING THE ORDINARY INTO EXTRAORDINARY TURNING THE ORDINARY THE EXTRAORDINARY TURNING THE ORDINARY INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY
Home Offices • Libraries • Book Shelves • Built-in/Free Standing Fireplace Walls Entertainment Window••Seats • Mud Rooms Home Offi ces Book•Shelves Shelves Built-in/Free Standing Home Offi ces ••• Libraries LibrariesCenters Shelves Built-in/Free Standing Home Offi ces Libraries •• Book • Built-in/Free Standing Fireplace Walls Centers Window Seats•••Mud MudRooms Rooms Fireplace Walls Entertainment Entertainment Centers Centers Window Seats Mud Rooms Call OFFER ENDS SOON, CHOOSE FROM Fireplace Walls Entertainment •••Window Seats
TodayOffi for a ces • Libraries • Book Shelves • Built-in/Free Standing Home $ ENDS SOON, CHOOSE FROM FREE Design Up toOFFER Call Call Call OFFER ENDS SOON, CHOOSE FROM Consultation FireplaceToday Walls Seats • Mud Rooms Today foraaaEntertainment Centers • Window for Today for
FREEDesign Design FREE FREE Design Consultation Consultation Consultation Call
500 OFF $ or - 500 Up to $ OFF OFF 18 MONTHS 500 INTEREST FREE - or Up to to Up
* OFFER ENDS SOON, CHOOSE FROM Fine Custom Cabinets... Expires 10/31/23 Today for a *For qualify buyers. $5000 minimum order required. Some restrictions apply. at Prices You Won’t Believe! - or10/31/23. Not valid with any other offer. Expires $ FREE Design * Fine Custom Cabinets... Cabinets... Up to Fine Custom 18 MONTHS INTEREST FREE Fine Custom Cabinets... * 18 MONTHS INTEREST FREE Consultation *For qualify $5000 minimum required. Some restrictions apply. atPrices Prices You You Won’t Won’t Believe! Believe! *For buyers. qualified buyers. $5000order minimum order required. at Believe! at Prices You Not valid with any other offer.with Expires furnitureprofi les.com Some restrictions apply. Not valid any10/31/23. other offer. 0997-0823DT
500 OFF or
at Prices You Won’t Believe!
0997-0823DT
248.284.4448 - Fine Custom Cabinets... 248.284.4448 furnitureprofi les.com 18 MONTHS INTEREST FREE 248.399.2311 furnitureprofiles.com 248.284.4448 furnitureprofi les.com *For qualify buyers. $5000 minimum order required. Some restrictions apply. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 10/31/23.
*
On the Road With In the Footsteps of Jesus
Northville’s Delbert Shoopman recently traveled to Israel and took along his copy of The ‘Ville. Delbert, a TV/film producer and CEO of The Natural Studios, was in Israel making a docuseries about the life of Jesus. He moved to Northville two years ago from Los Angeles with his wife and young children. Here he is pictured outside of the Tower of David located near the entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. “My producing partner and I always wanted to make a docuseries about following in the footsteps of Jesus. We got the project off the ground and my wife made sure I packed a copy of The ‘Ville in my backpack,” Delbert said.
Scandinavian Summer
Rick and Nan Sharpe of Northville recently traveled on a Viking Homelands cruise, spending about two weeks seeing the sites in Scandinavia. Here, Rick is enjoying “Norwegian sunshine” in the beautiful village of Eidfjord, located on the shore of the Eid Fjord, surrounded by steep cliffs and waterfalls.
Circling Lake Superior
Northville’s Michael Yurgalite and friend Jane Oneil decided to drive around Lake Superior after reading an old book called the “The Late Great Lakes” looking into history, art and the environment. “And because we had never done it,” Michael said. “The drive from the Sault is some of the most beautiful that I have seen.” Here they are pictured in front of one of three large goose statues in Wawa, Ontario. “The term Wawa is apparently native American for goose,” he said.
Blast Off!
The Graff family of Northville recently went on a camping trip through Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia. Along the way they stopped and visited the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Here the Graff children (Timothy, Tessa, Clara and Peter) are pictured in front of the Saturn I rocket with their copy of The ‘Ville.
Canyon Land Adventure
Jim and Michele Quinn took along their copy of The ‘Ville on their recent three-day adventure in Utah. “On day one, we won a lottery for a permit to hike Angels Landing in Zion National Park. After we successfully completed that hike, we headed to Bryce Canyon the following day,” Jim wrote. “In Bryce, we hiked the Sunrise, Sunset, Navajo and Queen’s Garden trails. On Day three, we headed back to Zion where we hiked The Narrows for a few miles. The scenery was so beautiful, between the two of us, we took over 600 pictures.” Here they are pictured at Queen’s Garden Trail at Bryce Canyon. The next time you head out of town, take along a copy of The ‘Ville, snap a photo, and let us know where your travels take you. Our readers would love to know! Please email the photos to kurtkuban@gmail.com. We’ll feature the photos in an upcoming issue.
40 The ‘Ville
Better
Business Banking
New Loan Center Conveniently Located In Plymouth For over 18 years we’ve been there when our customers need us with products and solutions designed to grow as your business grows. With over 65 years of combined experience, Ingrid and Darren are local, trusted and ready to go to work for you. Ingrid Runnion
Darren R. LaLonde
Customer Focused, Community Based
706 S. Main Street, Suite B • Plymouth • 248.387.6083 hvsb.com
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.
Weird Doesn’t Follow Rules I
t’s October. Weird is in the air with skeletons alive, leaves changing, the days getting shorter, and preparations underway for one holiday after another after another leading to the end of yet another year. Life happens in the blink of an eye. I say, embrace every moment, every change, every milestone. It was incredible to read last month about the Nelson family and the 150th anniversary of the Cider Mill. From my family to theirs – warm-hearted congratulations. The Orin Jewelers family celebrated 90 years at the end of September. I shopped in the Garden City store when I was in high school. My son and Orin III went to high school together. Tina Mazzoni and I were on the Mother’s Club at Catholic Central and now our granddaughters go to OLV together. Family is something we treasure as much as a beautiful diamond. When I arrived at the open house to see Orin and Tina with their three adult children on hand – it made me smile, and maybe a little tear…of joy for all
of them. Again, from my family to theirs – congratulations from the bottom of our hearts. And keeping with anniversary celebrations Dr. Stopa is celebrating 20 years in Northville. Best wishes for many more.
Rudolph will be at the Winter CARnival.
Don Thomson (and son, Jimmy)
Tipping Point Theatre presents “Driving Miss Daisy” through the end of the month.
Tipping Point Theatre is celebrating Season 16 with the opening show “Driving Miss Daisy”. The show explores a season of change as Hoke and Miss Daisy navigate a new era of life in the South. It runs through Oct. 29 and then tickets go on sale for “A Very Northville Christmas” on Nov. 1. It is a hilarious spoof for every Hallmark movie lover…written by Michigan playwright, Robert Hawlmark! No kidding. According to Producing Artistic Director Julia Glanders: “With the change of seasons, we bring a season of change.” The Mazzoni family from Orin Jewelers (from left) Orin III, Tina, New this year Orin II, Antoinette Kramar, and Gina. are changes
42 The ‘Ville
to the Season Pass Program and the Saturday evening performance time(s). Glanders is happy to let patrons know, “We listened.”
A round of applause for Don Thomson, named Senior of the Year at the Annual Old Timers Luncheon. Mr. Thomson was Township Supervisor from 1978-1980, he took over the reins at Thomson Sand & Gravel from his dad and has passed the baton of Choo Choo Car Wash to his sons. He came from Grand Rapids, with his mom and dad back in 1948. There was no running water in their first home, his mother had to bring the water from the well. Don graduated from Northville High School in 1952. The stories he can tell – from Stinson Aircraft to the Underground Railroad to the development of Beck Road – the main route, “because there’s no town to stop it.” Interesting. I would like to invite you to the 1st Annual Winter CARnival on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 3-7 p.m. at Mill Race Historical Village. Preservation Dental is hosting several colleagues, the community, neighboring businesses, as well as local and
national charities for a magical afternoon. There will be Christmas photo opportunities galore. Rudolph and his eight tiny reindeer VWs will be on hand with Hermey, Santa, Performers Edge dancers, carolers, NHS musicians and more. Storytelling in English and Spanish. The Northville Community Foundation will assist Mrs. Claus with cookies – you can help with a simple donation. There is no charge to enter, but we would appreciate a “Toy For Tots” gift. The Corriveau law office will be collecting new, unwrapped toys (no stuffed animals, please) for the Marine Corps Annual drive. Look for the invitation (ad) in this edition of The Ville. Many will be dressed in period costumes and children are encouraged to come dressed like one of Santa’s elves. Weird to be talking about Santa…and then reminding you Streets of Treats is Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in downtown Northville – check out details at the Chamber of Commerce website. It’s always oodles of fun. But as I said, weird doesn’t follow rules – the ‘I’ doesn’t come before ‘e’.
CELEBRATING YEARS
90
Cheers to 90 years! The VAHAN Jewelry team proudly congratulates our beloved partner, Orin Jewelers, on nine decades of providing their community with stunning products and outstanding service. We wish them many more spectacular years of continuing their family’s beautiful legacy.
Orin Jewelers • 101 East Main Street, Northville • 248-349-6940
Happy Hour 3-7 PM
Monday - Thursday Upcoming Events TRIVIA NIGHT
FOOD. SPORTS. SPIRITS.
EVERY WEDNESDAY, 7-9 pm (RESERVATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED)
OUR HOURS
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11AM-2AM KITCHEN OPEN ‘TIL MIDNIGHT
SUNDAY-THURSDAY 11AM-MIDNIGHT
KITCHEN OPEN ‘TIL 10PM
20% OFF
ANY PURCHASE APPLIES TO ALL FOOD & BEVERAGE. GOOD ANY TIME. DINE IN OR CARRY OUT. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER.
133 W. M A IN S TR EE T, NOR TH V IL L E • (24 8) 347- 59 93 • W W W.N O R TH V IL L E SP O R TSDEN.COM
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST JOSEPH, MI PERMIT NO. 335
Jamey Kramer Putting You First
Associate Broker ABR, CNE, CPS, CRS, GRI
*****************ECRWSS**** POSTAL CUSTOMER
248.348.7200
248.348.7200
A
SO
LD
CT IV E
Jamey Kramer Real Estate
Island Lake Of Novi 25976 Island Lake Drive •
Stunning Waterfront Condo With Resort Style Amenities
•
Loaded With Custom Finishes
• • • • • •
Formal Dining & Living Rooms
Incredible Lakeviews And Natural Lighting Family Room With Fireplace
LD
•
3 Bedrooms / 3.1 Baths / 2,476 Sq. Ft.
SO
•
Northville Township 1.5 Acres On Seven Mile
Updated Granite Kitchen With SS Appliances, Gas Cooktop, Cherry Cabinets & Breakfast Bar
Spacious Master Suite With Luxurius Bath Featuring Quartz Counters, Heated Floor & Euro Shower
Finished Walk-out Lower Level Includes Kitchen, Gas Fireplace, Rec Area, Full Bath & Tool & Storage Room Award Winning Novi Schools
Putting You First ... Put Me First • Top 1% USA - Realtrends • #1 Northville/Novi Homeseller • #1 Agent RE/MAX Classic, All Offices • #1 Agent RE/MAX Southeast Michigan • Hour Magazine Best of the Best • Voted Best Agent - Peoples Choice Awards
JameyKramer.com
Carriage Trace Of South Lyon Sold In 3 Days @ 98% Of List Price
Recent Client Review “Jamey and Diana are top notch to work with. From the initial meeting explaining their process and investment they make to help market and sell your home, this was by far our best experience with a real estate team! Not only is their knowledge of the local market excellent, but they also have first class photos taken and other print and e-literature pieces are impressive to market your home. Top it off with their communication and follow up, presentation of offers, etc; the process was impressive in all aspects. You simply won’t regret working with them!” Emily & Luke Muszynski
For Top Dollar, Quick Results, Great Service And A FREE Market Analysis Call Jamey 248-348-7200