The 'Ville - September 2019

September 2019 | Vol.2 | Issue 9

Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine

Somewhere

in

Time

Heritage Festival celebrates past and present

T H E P R E M I E R L AW F I R M O F W E S T E R N WAY N E CO U N T Y

Unassumingly nestled in a corporate park in Northville is one of the top five law firms in the nation that represents veterans and their dependents in their claims against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for service-connected disability benefits.

Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC, a practice group of Fausone Bohn, LLP, specializes in representing veterans in this niche area of the law and has done so since 1998.

The staff of Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC includes former officers and enlisted personnel, who have personal experience with the VA disability system themselves. It also includes former medical professionals with decades of experience in dealing with disability matters, in addition to employing a network of specialists who are skilled at linking a veteran’s current disabilities back to an event that occurred in service.

A veteran can become service-connected by VA for any disability that is related to an injury or event that occurred in service. This can include injuries that arose during combat, outside of combat, a disease that was diagnosed during service, or even because of exposure to certain chemicals or environmental toxins which caused a disease process to later develop after service.

Few attorneys are experienced in the difficult VA claims process. This is especially true now that the VA has implemented new procedures for handling the disability claims. A unique experience is presented to local residents to have this company in their backyard, assisting veterans on both a local and nationwide scale.

Once service connection is granted by VA, the veteran is then paid monthly compensation benefits based upon the degree of current disability. In some cases, these benefits can also be transferred to the veteran’s family members. Widows and widowers of deceased veterans may also be entitled to payments based upon a disability of their spouse, where a service-connected condition contributed to the death of the veteran or where the veteran was totally disabled because of a service-connected condition for a certain period of time prior to death.

Legal Help for Veterans, PPLC helps veterans become serviceconnected for their disabilities, as well as ensures that the veterans are appropriately rated for all of their symptoms.

Kristina L. Derro, Brig. General Carol Ann Fausone (ret), James G. Fausone, and Christine Rodrigues

FAUSONE BOHN, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW BUSINESS · LITIGATION · FAMILY · TRUST & ESTATE · CRIMINAL DEFENSE VETERAN’S DISABILITY · MUNICIPAL · ENVIRONMENTAL · REAL ESTATE

(800) 693-4800 • 41700 W. Six Mile, Suite 101, Northville, MI 48168 • www.legalhelpforveterans.com

Diamond Spectacular The party of the year is at Orin Jewelers! Enjoy a wonderful selection of hors d’oeuvres from 160 Main while viewing over $1,000,0000 of Forevermark diamond jewelry!

Thursday, September 12th 5:00 – 8:00pm Northville Showroom 101 E Main Street Valet parking ●

248.264.3686 to RSVP What’s a party without a prize?

Roll the dice to see if you can win a

$10,000

Forevermark Shopping Spree!

10% OFF TONIGHT ONLY! * *Some exclusions may apply.

GARDEN CITY

NORTHVILLE

29317 Ford Road at Middlebelt 734.422.7030

101 East Main Street at Center 248.349.6940

www.orinjewelers.com

Support The ‘Ville • If you enjoy getting The ‘Ville each and every month, please consider making a donation.

• Your financial contribution will help us survive and grow.

• Help insure local journalism is here to stay. Send us $10, $20 or any amount you can, and we will list your name in upcoming issues as being a supporter of The ‘Ville -- and local journalism.

LOCAL Matters!

Please send checks, cash or lucky charms to: Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168

Volume 2 Issue 9

SEPTEMBER 2019

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

Kurt Kuban – Editor/Publisher

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

Craig Wheeler – Creative Director

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

Michele Fecht – Writer

Michele Fecht is a longtime journalist whose first post-college reporter position was at The Northville Record before moving on to The Detroit News. A 30-plus year resident of the City of Northville and historic (old) house owner, she is an author, researcher, local history enthusiast, and community activist/advocate.

Brad Emons - Writer

Thank you!

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

Publisher

maria taylor – Writer

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

Phyllis Ely

Suzanne Lynn

W.M. Hopping

Kirt Manecke

Kay Irwin

Deborah Stanifer

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

(734) 716-0783 or

thevillemagazine@gmail.com

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

Lonnie Huhman - Writer

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

Bill Bresler - Photographer

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

Jenny Pearsall – Graphic Designer

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

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

A View From The ‘Ville

Election Season is Upon Us A nd just like that – summer is over. The changeover to fall means school is again in session, the cider mills will be busy, and the election is about to heat up.

Well, actually, there will only be an election in the City of Northville. If you live in the township, like me, you won’t have to go to the polls this November Roth because there is nothing to vote about. Call it the calm before the storm, as next year will probably be one of the most contentious elections in recent memory. With it being a presidential election year, I fear it is going to be ugly with a lot of negative campaigning .

So, to my fellow township residents, enjoy this respite while you can.

For you city dwellers, however, there is an election in November.

And while it has been pretty low key up to now, it is an interesting

one.

There are two council seats up for grabs, and three candidates running to fill them. Incumbent Marilyn Price is in the race, as is local attorney Joe Corriveau, who narrowly lost in his first attempt at council a couple years ago, and Barbara MoroskiBrown, who is running for the first time. All three candidates are engaged locally, a bring a variety of political experience to the table.

Political wisdom tells you that Price will probably be re-elected, but nothing should be taken for granted. Both Corriveau and Moroski-Brown have plenty of supporters. It’ll come down to if they can connect with enough voters, because a couple hundred votes can make a huge difference.

Just ask Corriveau, who lost by about 90 votes last time around.

The headline race is for mayor,

however. The City of Northville has a city manager form of government, which means, in reality, the mayor is essentially the president of the City Council.

The mayor has one vote, just like other members of council.

That being said, the mayor is still a very important position.

He’s the city’s biggest cheerleader and represents the Turnbull city in a number of capacities, sets the tone for meetings and is a major influence in city policymaking.

This year pits two-term incumbent Ken Roth against challenger Brian Turnbull, who has plenty of name recognition but not a lot of political experience. Turnbull has some strong opinions about the current state of affairs for Northville, and has been running an active campaign for months.

Roth has plenty of supporters, who like his steady leadership.

I suspect you’ll be hearing a lot more from both of them in the coming months.

If you are a casual observer and don’t really know either candidate, we will be co-sponsoring with Tipping Point Theatre a candidates forum at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

The forum will be held in the cozy confines of Tipping Point. It is free to attend and open to the public.

Roth and Turnbull will be asked a series of questions submitted by locals beforehand. So, if you have any questions you’d like to ask, email them to me at the email below.

I look forward to hearing what’s important to you – and how the candidates respond.

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

Your Voice: Letters to the Editor 4 Planning Commission on front lines of development 6 Writer roots for old Detroit neighborhood’s revival 10 Past Tense: Pioneer David Clarkson made history 21

2019 Heritage NHS Rowing Club Festival Preview Discovering the Best You 'all in'

14

18

ON THE COVER: Jerusha Taylor walks in the 2018 Victorian Parade. Photo by John Heider

30

City to kick off roadwork this fall 24 Northville Crime Scene 32 On The Road with The ‘Ville 34 Dishin’ With Denise 36 The ‘Ville 3

Your Voice An invitation to parkrun

Livonia parkrun is a free 5K run/walk/jog that occurs every Saturday in Bicentennial Park on 7 Mile Road in Livonia. Several Northville residents participate in our parkrun every week, and we want to extend the invitation to all of your readers to join us.

Livonia parkrun has been offering free timed 5K runs every Saturday since 2012. We are a 100% volunteer run organization, and it is completely free to participate. parkrun (always lower case ‘p’) started in England in 2004 when an injured runner wanted a way to still participate with his running friends.

So he decided to time them in their 5K run around the park. The idea was so popular it has now spread to over 1,500 parkruns every Saturday in 21 different countries around the world.

There are 36 parkruns in different cities around the United States now with many more coming. Livonia and Ann Arbor are the two Michigan parkruns at the present time.

We welcome all ages and abilities, and walkers are very welcome. Family, friends, kids in strollers, dogs on a leash are welcome as well. All you need to do is register once for free at parkrun.us/register then print and bring your barcode. Your personal barcode is what we use to record your time, and after the run/walk you will receive a results email with your time, place, age group, age grade, and other stats. Our course is a mixture of grass, trails, and asphalt, and is very scenic and beautiful.

We run/walk in all types of weather, every Saturday all year long. We start at 8 a.m. now until the end of September when we switch to a 9 a.m. start from October through May. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your first parkrun to hear our special first timers briefing given every week to any new people. If you have any questions at all about parkrun please send an email to Livonia@ parkrun.com and we will be happy to answer them. Hope to see you soon!

Tim Gallagher, Northville

Vital experience

Northville is on the cusp of a time of great transition and change. As a mother of a young family in Northville, I have a vested interest in the outcome of decisions made by our leadership. We need an experienced team who can honor our city’s history and what we love about Northville while also appropriately managing the inevitable growth, development, and change upon us. Accordingly, I support reelection of Marilyn Price for Northville City Council.

Marilyn has been serving the residents of Northville since she was first elected to the Northville Board of Education in 2003. She has served on numerous boards and commissions since that time, including the last four years on Northville City Council. She has the background, experience, and knowledge to play a vital role in managing the challenges and opportunities in the city.

Megan Johnson

SOUND OFF 4 The ‘Ville

A poor first impression

As a proud resident of Northville I think some work needs to be done on one of our gateways to our fine community. I’m referring to the “Welcome to Northville” signage and landscape at the ‘Mile’ roads and Haggerty Road.

The one at 6 Mile is great.

Nice pond, fountains, well-tended landscape and a nicely displayed “Welcome to Northville.” The one at 7 Mile at Haggerty is also well tended and welcoming.

However, 8 Mile at Haggerty, probably the busiest intersection in the township is a disaster. The corner looks like a war zone in a third world country. Weeds, untrimmed shrubs, trash, etc. If this is Meijer’s responsibility, someone should get on their case to hire a competent landscaper to design and maintain a suitable gateway to our community.

With the money generated at this location it should look like the Taj Mahal. If it’s not Meijer’s responsibility perhaps the township or one of the local garden clubs could adopt this as a project.

You can’t always judge a book by its cover, but first impressions are lasting.

Bob Percha

Roth deserves another term

The City of Northville has been my home for the last 43 years. My family and I were drawn here by the city’s quaintness, charm and small-town atmosphere. It has been a great place to raise our family and to get involved in the community. During our time here, I have served on City Council for 12 years and also have served on numerous boards, commissions, study groups and volunteer organizations.

On Nov. 5, there will be a mayoral election in the city. There are two candidates running. I have known both

of them for many years and consider them as friends. One candidate, however, stands out based on his public service and experience within the community. That person is Ken Roth.

Ken has been mayor for the last four years and he has demonstrated leadership in keeping Northville the special and vibrant city that drew me here, while implementing new programs and making sure the city is financially sound. In addition, Ken has extensive experience on the Northville Board of Education and on many boards, commissions and study groups. We served together on several of the study groups and he always provided valuable input as part of the team.

Based on his experience and accomplishments, I readily and enthusiastically endorse Ken Roth for another term as mayor.

Jerry Mittman

Heartened by Turnbull

Admittedly, I don’t know Mayor Ken Roth very well, other than seeing the recent articles and his ad in The ‘Ville.

My interest was prompted by mayoral candidate Brian Turnbull putting his hat in the ring for this year’s election.

An observation: Mayor Roth’s trumpeted “experience” and leadership relative to the Northville Downs project simply missed the mark.

Leading a proposal to pack 300-plus apartments, 180-plus townhouses, and 50-plus single-family homes into this area, when the overwhelming majority of city residents seem opposed, is not superior leadership. I realize this development process has a long ways to go, but after hearing the initial proposals and subsequent feedback, Mr. Roth had a chance to “calm the waters” upfront, as mayor.

He didn’t.

I am heartened by Mr. Turnbull’s desire to halt the Northville Downs

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.

development and take time to look at other alternatives. I like his appeal to do better.

Dave Gutman

Most qualified candidate

We’ve lived in the City of Northville for 30 years, and I’ve known Ken Roth for many of them. When we elected Ken as mayor four years ago, we knew he was a dedicated servant of the Northville community. He was president of the Northville School Board, served on numerous commissions, boards, and committees. For all his service, he was awarded with Northville Citizen of the Year in 2014.

Since Ken has been mayor, I’ve watched him completely immerse himself in city business, spending countless hours at City Hall. In addition to City Council, he personally attends numerous board and commission meetings. He has a keen grasp of city business.

With many important issues facing the city, like continued street reconstruction, the Northville Downs project, and financial stability, there is no more qualified and hardworking candidate than Ken Roth. I recommend you vote for Ken Roth as mayor.

Chuck Murdock

Anxiously following Downs

I grew up in Northville and lived here most of my life. I currently live in Plymouth, but I drive through downtown to drop my daughter at daycare in Northville every day. I enjoy the events and restaurants in downtown Northville and still think of it as my home. I have anxiously been following the Northville Downs development and am concerned that more thought, research on infrastructure and leadership has not guided this project.

Brian Turnbull is on record urging Northville to halt the over-development

on this project. He is listening to citizens and pushing for value for all Northvillians. I hope his platform of thoughtful development is shared by all surrounding areas. I hear him talk about increasing green space and decreasing density. This is not a message I’ve heard from the current city leadership and I hope it is highlighted more in your publication and throughout Northville.

Katelyn Drake Plymouth

Turnbull has deep roots

The Brian Turnbull that we have come to know will: consult widely; listen attentively; look backward historically; look forward clearheadedly; reflect thoughtfully; plan collegially; communicate articulately; advocate forcefully; lead passionately; and all the while, care deeply.

Brian has deep roots in our rich Northville soil. We know him, and have yet to see him tackle anything at which he could not excel. Now he’s running for mayor. How lucky does one town get? We have only known Brian a few years, but it feels like he has been a friend forever. We heartily endorse him for mayor.

Bill and Kristine Ritter

growth of our city while maintaining the charm of our city. She definitely has my vote.

Sue Taylor

A voice of reason

Northville is facing the possibility of unprecedented changes in the next few years, and we need experienced leaders who understand the processes and the implications of their decisions.

Marilyn Price is such a person.

As a school board member for eight years, Marilyn served on many subcommittees, including policy and finance, where she learned the fine points of fiscal responsibility and setting fair and reasonable policies.

I worked extensively with Marilyn when I was the director of Northville Youth Assistance (now Northville Youth Network) and she was a member of the NYA commission. She was always a voice of reason who gave thoughtful consideration to all sides of an issue

before recommending an action or decision.

As a four-year veteran of the Northville City Council, Marilyn has had the time to dig into the nuances of municipal policy and decision making and their impact on the community as a whole.

Going forward, as the City Council deliberates a possible Floor Area Ratio (FAR) ordinance to address the issue of Bigfoot houses and considers future development of projects around the entire city, I want Marilyn Price to represent me.

Being a member of the Northville City Council is public service at its finest, and it requires a steady hand to guide the city into the future.

Marilyn Price has the strength of character, the experience and the knowledge to do so. Please join me in voting for her in November.

Sue Campbell

A difference maker

I am so excited to endorse Barbara Moroski-Browne for Northville City Council. She will be a huge asset to this group. Barbara is passionate about Northville, actively promotes and participates in our community’s events, is not afraid to ask the tough questions and thoroughly researches issues so that she can make informed decisions. She loves Northville and cares deeply about the challenges it is facing.

I am confident that Barbara will make a difference in order to balance

The ‘Ville 5

On The Front Lines of Development Downs project proof Planning Commission has difficult task

By Maria Taylor

W

hen it comes to homes and buildings, the city of Northville contains a mix of styles, ranging in age from the 1800s to the ultra-modern new construction homes interspersed throughout the various neighborhoods.

Soon a new development is expected to rise on the site of Northville Downs that will increase the number of both homes and commercial buildings in dramatic fashion.

As most people know by now, City of Northville officials have been negotiating with developer Hunter-Pasteur about its plans for the 50-acre site, which will include hundreds of new homes, townhomes and other buildings.

The people working on behalf of the city include City Manager Pat Sullivan, city-hired planners and engineers, and a group of volunteers who serve on the city’s Planning Commission.

When it comes to new construction, the Planning Commission is largely

6 The ‘Ville

Hunter Pasteur Homes has sold the apartment project to an Indianapolis company.

This was the original rendering of the project, but it will be reduced in scope.

responsible for what makes the cut, what doesn’t, and what needs to be changed before anything is ever built.

VOLUNTEERS The Planning Commission’s nine members are appointed

by City Council for three-year terms. Steve Kirk, a 15-year veteran of the group, is the current chair.

“We have a mixture (of members) -- architects, realtors.

We have somebody who’s a planner in another community,” he said. “It’s mixture of all different characteristics, all residents of Northville with a passion to be a member. With no pay.”

Commission members are assisted by Sally Elmiger of Carlisle/Wortman Associates, a planning firm that serves more than 70 municipal clients.

The commission meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m. at Northville City Hall, to carry out their

charge: “to review multi-family and commercial development; to recommend planning policy; and to review and recommend changes to ordinance,” per the city website.

Some of those items to review fly mostly under the radar: zoning changes, lot splits, site condos, a master plan update.

Then, there are developments like the Downs – huge, headline-grabbing plans that seize the public interest with their potential to transform Northville forever.

ZONING CHANGES In order for redevelopment of any type – be it residential, commercial, industrial, or otherwise – to take place at the Downs, one of the first things that needs to happen is a rezoning.

“It’s (currently) zoned racetrack,” Kirk said. “That’s all they could build, right now.”

Hunter Pasteur Homes had been negotiating with

the city for months for the development to take place under a PUD, or Planned Unit Development. A PUD allows a developer to combine parcels, or to redevelop one large parcel, in a way that is not normally allowed under conventional zoning, Kirk said.

“In other words, there’s some deviations from the regular rules ... in exchange for community benefit,” explained Sullivan.

When considering a PUD, it’s up to the Planning Commission to determine whether the public benefits proposed by the developer truly offset the deviations requested in the plan. For the Downs, those improvements might include creating a roundabout or daylighting the Rouge River that runs through a pipe under the Downs – and the developer, not the City, would foot the bill.

“In this case, you’ve got a river that’s encased in concrete,” Sullivan said.

“According to the applicant, there’s some environmental contamination, there’s traffic issues, so it’s not your normal, square, developable parcel.

The PUD can be used as a tool to say, ‘Look, we can give you a consideration on these three or four items if you correct these issues with the area.’”

A PUD requires one owner, added Kirk.

“You don’t want different owners saying, ‘I’m going to do this, I’m going to do that,’ because then, there’s no unity,” he said. “We’ve never had so much raw land. This is a unique item that we have. We can try to make this as desirable as we can for both the residents that move

water/sewer). Comments from commissioners included how the roundabout would look as the city’s southern gateway; the effect of traffic on surrounding neighborhoods; walkability; and the development’s overall character.

A NEW DIRECTION Just as it appeared plans were moving forward, Hunter Pasteur informed the city on Aug. 13 it was withdrawing its PUD consideration. This means the Downs proposal submitted this spring is now void.

“That was expected, because after the Planning Commission meeting in June, Hunter Pasteur had told us verbally that

Members of the City of Northville Planning Commission are (seated from left) Carol Maise, Steve Kirk, Marc Russell, (standing from left) Anne Smith, Andrew Krenz, Jeff Snyder, Thomas Barry, and Donna Tinberg. Commissioner Jeff Gaines is not pictured.

there and the residents that live here.”

At the Planning Commission’s June 4 meeting, a preliminary PUD and preliminary site plan approval for the Downs were discussed and, by unanimous vote, referred to the applicant to address comments and concerns from commissioners, the public, and city consultants (things like height, setbacks, parking, and

their intention was to put the larger part of the PUD on hold and focus on the apartment building on Cady Street,” said Sullivan.

The apartments, although they were included in the Hunter Pasteur PUD, are a separate proposal by Watermark Residential, to be located on the south side of Cady Street, between Center and Griswold. Hunter Pasteur has optioned the two properties

that make up the Downs, giving the developer first right of refusal to purchase, Sullivan said; Watermark has optioned the Cady Street area from Hunter Pasteur.

The Cady Street area is zoned CBD (Central Business District), not racetrack, and doesn’t need a rezoning.

A conceptual design, submitted last November, shows a mixed-use concept: four-story apartments and commercial space. Sullivan said the developer is planning modifications, including about 100 fewer apartments.

As of Aug. 23, Hunter Pasteur had not yet submitted the new plan.

“There are some criteria that they need to meet to get approval, and I’m sure the Planning Commission will look just as closely at those issues as they did on the PUD,” Sullivan said. “Things like traffic impacts are still going to be looked at.”

There’s no date yet for when the rest of the Downs project will come back to the Planning Commission. As to whether Hunter Pasteur will continue to pursue the project, Sullivan said “we got a definite maybe.”

MASTER PLAN The Downs proposal isn’t the only planning tool in flux right now. At their Aug. 20 meeting, the Planning Commission decided to reopen the master plan for revisions, focusing on the Northville Downs area.

Per recent surveys, done in preparation for redevelopment, Sullivan said “it certainly appears that the floodplain can be drastically reduced from when we first did the master plan, back in 2014. I think the assumption was that like half of that site was going to be

Developer withdraws from PUD Hunter-Pasteur Homes has withdrawn its PUD application to redevelop the Northville Downs property in a move that allows Watermark Residential of Indianapolis to submit a plan for a mixed-use apartment-retail building on Cady Street. Hunter-Pasteur plans to sell the land on Cady to Watermark.

The move brings more uncertainty to what will happen on the majority of the property that is home to the longtime race track.

Hunter-Pasteur Homes had garnered a hard-won PUD eligibility approval with conditions at the Planning Commission’s April 16 meeting. While Hunter-Pasteur isn’t continuing the PUD at this time, the company may do so in the future.

The Northville Downs property extends from 7 Mile midway up S. Center, from 7 Mile and River St. to Griswold and Cady, with several parcels on the west side of S. Center.

restricted by floodplain. That’s not the case.” (Surveys have been submitted to FEMA and are pending final approval.)

“We know more about the traffic constraints,” he continued. “We know that there’s going to be public improvements in that area, and there has to be a plan to finance those. So I think the Planning Commission wants to say, ‘Let’s

Front Lines continued on page 8

The ‘Ville 7

Front Lines Continued from page 7

look at this new information and possibly refine some of our some of our direction and the master plan.’”

As part of the master plan amendment process, the Planning Commission will be sending out notices and setting up public meetings to get input.

For Northville-area residents who want the Planning Commission to consider their point of view, Sullivan suggests either coming to a meeting or sending a letter in advance – especially helpful if there’s data for the Commission to look at.

“They’re all entered into the record, they’re all read by the Planning Commission; sometimes, particular comments are discussed at the

meeting,” he said.

When there’s a hot topic on the agenda, it’s not uncommon to have a packed house and a dozen or more speakers at the podium. It’s also not the norm.

“I wish we had more individuals who came forward during the last master plan,” Kirk said. “We worked many, many hours on this master plan, and there was nobody in the Council chambers.”

The master plan – perhaps even more so than proposals submitted by developers – is what guides the face of redevelopment in Northville.

Now, with a master plan redo in the works, it seems that Northville residents with the will to make their voices heard have a second chance to make their mark on the city’s future.

To check what’s coming up

Hunter Pasteur's preliminary site plan for the Downs project has been put on hold -- for now.

on the Planning Commission’s agenda, visit www.ci.northville. mi.us/government/agendas_

and_minutes and select the “Planning Commission”.

Ryan M. Kelly | Partner & Attorney Lifelong Northville Resident Divorce and Family Law Lawyer Super Lawyers Rising Star 9 Times D Business Top Divorce Lawyer 2019 Vice President of the Women Lawyer’s Association of Michigan Main Street League Member OLV Parent and Parishioner Girl Scout Troop Leader

248 348 0496

| www.kellykellylaw.com |

422 East Main Street, Northville, MI 48167

GO MUSTANGS! FROM YOUR HOMETOWN CAR WASH

AUTUMN DETAILING

only

$99!

• MONTHLY PASS Wash your car EVERY day!

• FREE Vacuums & Courtesy Drying Towels • State-of-the-Art Equipment • FUN-raiser Programs for Local Schools & Youth Leagues

Family owned & operated

by Northville residents

470 E. Main St. · In the Heart of Downtown Northville!

(248) 319-0047 · OPEN 7:00 am – 8:00 pm · SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

S RICAN ANGU • 10 0 % A M E ONES NO HOR M TICS NO ANTIBIO

•

TUl) ESDAY Y R E V E E E R F T ult M ea • KIDS EAith hase of an Ad (w th e pu rc

BEST SELECTION OF LIQUOR, BEER & WINE IN NORTHVILLE! Deli & Prepared Foods Custard Time Ice Cream Store BRING YOUR GROWLER Now offering 8 taps of craft beer!

Come in for a sample!

567 Seven Mile Road, at Northville Road | 248.349.1477

LO C AT E D I N N O RT H V I L L E PA R K P L AC E 18801 Traditions Dr, Northville, MI • (248) 308-3532

•

Persistence of Memory Writer roots for old neighborhood’s revival while exploring heyday [ By Matt Jachman ]

M

ore than 40 years after he left it, Joe McCauley retains deep affection for his old Detroit neighborhood. McCauley, a writer and retired mail carrier who lives in Northville Township, grew up near Grand River and Greenfield, a couple of blocks from the three-story Montgomery Ward store that dominated the intersection.

Like many larger families there and then, the McCauleys — Mom, Dad and five kids — made do in a 1,400-squarefoot bungalow, over time finishing attic and basement space to give themselves more room.

The parents eventually moved after their house was burglarized and they were robbed, in separate incidents, at the grocery store. McCauley and his wife also moved, in 1978, after a break-in at their duplex at the neighborhood’s edge.

But now, in his late 60s, McCauley regularly makes the

10 The ‘Ville

trek back to the area, drawn by curiosity, happy memories and the hope that the revival that’s transformed downtown and other parts of Detroit in recent years will find its way there.

McCauley’s latest book, Detroit’s Grand River & Greenfield Neighborhood, is a photo album of a large swath of the city — today’s 48227 ZIP code — that covers everything from its time as farmland to its heyday in the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s to its present fortunes.

The book’s treasures range from newspaper photographs that document people and events of decades ago to family portraits to candid snapshots, some 60 years old or more, that neighborhood folks took with their Kodaks and Polaroids.

BEFORE THE SUBURBS “I wanted to have a record of the neighborhood,” said McCauley during a recent

Children on M

onte Vista Stre

et wash a car,

conversation. It was a good place for lots of kids, he said, though he also admitted that his memories might be “a lot rosier than it really was.”

McCauley’s book is a nostalgia trip for anyone who grew up, went to school, or worked or shopped in the area, as well as a photographic record of a time — before widespread suburbanization — when much of Detroit was still seen as desirable by vast numbers of white, middle-class homeowners.

In 1950, the year before McCauley was born, nearly 1.85 million people, or about 62 percent of the residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, were Detroiters, according to census numbers for that year. By 2017, with the city’s population at 673,104 and the tri-county area’s at nearly 3.9 million, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, that figure was just 17 percent.

“It was like a city unto itself,” said McCauley of his old neighborhood, before reeling off lists of past haunts and landmarks: Cunningham’s Drugs, restaurants like DiMambro’s and the Red Devil, diners like the Palace and Liker’s Crystal Tower, the

probably in th

e 1950s.

Montrose Bar, O’Shea Park and Jack Adams Memorial Arena, the Page and Cox Egg Co. and Greenfield AMC, the busiest American Motors Corp. dealership in the country

Northville’s Joe McCauley with Darius Plump, the manager of the new Forman Mills department store that occupies part of the former Montgomery Ward on Grand River at Greenfield. Photo by Matt Jachman

in the 1970s, according to a 1990 newspaper story about the closing of its successor.

Then there were churches, like Holy Cross Lutheran and Mother of Our Savior, where McCauley attended parochial school before moving on to high school at St. Mary of Redford, for decades an anchor for local Catholics, plus the Detroit Public Library’s Henry Chaney branch, still going strong and

Main entrance at the now closed Cooley High School, considered an architectural gem in the Spanish baroque style. Cooley alumi include Mike Illitch; labor leader James P. Hoffa, and actress S. Epatha Merkerson of television's "Law & Order" fame.

Photo by Matt Jachman

the site of a recent talk by McCauley upon his book’s release.

BACK TO THE PAST Researching the book took McCauley back in time; he talks of buying Beatles LPs ($2 for monophonic, $4 for stereo) at the old Federal Department Store, about delivering the Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News (yes, he flung the papers from his bike), about the waitress who’d been catching a few winks during the wee hours at Liker’s, a 24-hour hamburger joint, and was still in her bunny slippers, and about the sock hops at St. Mary’s old gym.

“I always liked going to the sock hops. That was a major thing,” he said.

The research helped McCauley get acquainted, or reacquainted, with neighborhood personalities, including a woman, now in her 80s, who babysat him in the 1950s. “She hugged me like I’m her long-lost kid,” he said.

It’s “mind-boggling,”

McCauley said, how many major retailers were located at the shopping district that spread out from Grand RiverGreenfield in its prime. Ward’s and Federal’s (colloquially, the names were always possessive) were the anchors, but S.S. Kresge, J.C. Penney, the clothing stores Winkelman’s and Hughes and Hatcher, Mercury Shoes, Meyer Jewelry Co., a Wrigley’s supermarket, a Sander’s (complete with soda fountain) were among many other familiar names. Movie palaces on Grand River bookended the far reaches of the district then — the Great Lakes just west of Hubbell Avenue and the Norwest east of Southfield Road (later a freeway). Both have long since been torn down.

Back in the day, McCauley says, it was the largest commercial area in Detroit outside of downtown.

DECLINING FORTUNES A visit on a gray Friday afternoon, however, offered a bleaker picture. Some

once occupied by Ward’s. Store commercial buildings, like the manager Darius Plump said old Federal’s, are vacant and neighborhood residents seem to others just gone, while still have discovered the store. others remain, in diminished “They’re always in here. We states, as different businesses — stay busy,” said Plump, who mom-and-pop operations along lives nearby. with a few national retailers.

“You get a few more like Residential streets are a mixed that, it’ll start reversing the bag, as neat brick houses with neighborhood,” McCauley said. manicured yards sit alongside Forman Mills sits amid the vacant lots and other homes Tower Center mall — shops and that are unkempt or boarded up. small businesses that replaced Cooley High School, a Ward’s, which closed in the 91-year-old architectural 1980s. Upstairs, Plump said, are gem on Hubbell, is unused artists’ studios, and downstairs and secured with Plexiglas is a dance place, the Tower and plywood, its grounds a Center Ballroom. combination of weeds and After leaving the store, ragged, uncut grass. St. Mary’s McCauley is still optimistic, massive grade school, part of but cautious too. Forman Mills which is a century old, is also is no Montgomery Ward at its closed; the newer high school peak, he admits, but it does building is still in use as the offer a range of goods that public Communication and local people can afford. Crime, Media Arts High School. failing schools and repeated “Most of the people got bars downturns in the automobile on their doors. That’s the way it industry, he said, have taken a is,” McCauley said as he drove toll. his old street, Winthrop, where Detroit’s his childhood neighborhood home no revival, longer stands.

McCauley McCauley, said, is going however, is to work its unfazed as he way out from cruises familiar downtown. streets, “That’s what’s pointing out going to have the stillto happen,” he churning said. neighborhood Detroit’s car wash, the Grand River site of the McCauley at a December book-signing & Greenfield long-gone Big event at the Monaghan Council of the Neighborhood, Boy restaurant, Knights of Columbus. issued by and the Arcadia Publishing, is available parking lot that covers what through online retailers and at was the Mother of Our Savior the Barnes & Noble Booksellers playground. at Six Mile and Haggerty. Joe He sees hope in the arrival McCauley is also the author of Forman Mills, a discount of Ebbets Field: Brooklyn’s retailer that opened in Baseball Shrine.

November in part of the space

The ‘Ville 11

YOUR HOMETOWN BUILDER OUR MISSION NEW HOMES — Building your new home is exciting, especially when you understand how the process works. Mike Miller Building Company will walk you through each step of the construction of your dream home.

RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS — We manage the process of renovating your home in a completely

“From concept to completion, Mike Miller

transparent and organized way. We preserve what

Building Company’s goal is to build an

is good in the existing structure and blend in the

incredible home that its customers will cherish

new work as needed. This way, when complete,

for a lifetime. Whether you’re new to the

the house is exactly what you envisioned.

home buying process or not, we understand that it’s perhaps the single largest financial decision you will make.”

MIKE MILLER FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

P H 24 8.7 97.70 9 6 | FA X 24 8.7 35.1157 M I K E @ M I K E M I L L E R B U I L D I N G .CO M

Owned and operated by Liz and Eric Ladwig • 14-year Northville residents • Community Supporters • Children attend Northville Public Schools • Small Business of the Year winner

Big or Small. We Ship it All.® • Pack & Ship • One Stop Print Shop • Shredding & Notary Services • Brochures & Business Cards

(734) 542-9200 • 37637 Five Mile Rd. (at Newburg) • livonia-mi-3011.theupsstorelocal.com

Experience Matters!

• Northville Mayor (2 terms) • Northville Board of Education (12+ years, President 3 times) • Northville Parks and Recreation Commissioner • Northville DDA Board Member • Northville Youth Assistance Commissioner

A Few Highlights of My First Two Terms:

• Northville City Budget Committee • Northville Downtown Steering Committee • Chairman, Board of Directors 35th District Court • Chairman, Northville Plymouth Fire Advisory Board • Non-Motorized Pathway Committee Member

3 Improved communication &

3 Protected green space by

3 Ensuring resident driven & open

3 Strengthened financial stability.

3 Worked with our community to

3 Protecting neighborhoods.

transparency.

preserving Maplewood Park.

process for Northville Downs proposals.

pass road bond and repair other infrastructure.

Improved pension and healthcare funding.

Implementing plan to reduce big foot houses.

3 Improved city services and efficiency.

• Board of Directors, Northville Educational Foundation

Visit reelectkenroth.com for details.

Paid for by Re-elect Ken Roth, 21222 E. Chigwidden, Northville, MI 48167.

counseling for everyone

14 DAY TEST DRIVE! SIGN UP ON OUR WEBSITE

WWW.BURNBOOTCAMP.COM/NORTHVILLE-MI

COMPLIMENTARY CHILD WATCH UNLIMITED 45 MINUTE CAMPS PERSONAL TRAINING IN A GROUP SETTING PERSONALIZED NUTRITION & EDUCATION A COMMUNITY OF STRONG & EMPOWERED MEN & WOMEN Burn Boot Camp Northville Facebook: Burn Boot Camp Northville 16855 Ridge Road Instagram: @burnbootcampnorthvillemi Northville, MI 48168 Email: northvillemi@burnbootcamp.com 248.491.8380

insurance accepted

night & weekend appointments

Children • Teens • Adults Individuals • Couples • Families 41700 Gardenbrook Rd., Novi Garden Office B • Suite 110

www.glpg.net | (586) 991-3905

A Breakout

By Brad Emons

Program

I

n the iconic early 1970s TV commercial featuring a young Mikey trying to be coaxed by his two older brothers to sample the new Life cereal, he quickly discovered that once he tried it, he’d like it.

That certainly applies to the ever growing and popular Northville High School Rowing Club program, which enters its 10th season for boys and girls this fall with 77 members strong.

Isabella Cirulis and Allison Dunn, senior captains for the girls team, are two examples of sampling a new sport and quickly acquiring a taste for it. The 6-foot Cirulis played volleyball for five years, but had a series of knee surgeries that forced her to quit playing.

“It was either I join rowing or cycling, or stop playing sports altogether,” Cirulis said. “So I went to the rowing meeting and I was really not set on joining, and then I went to the first practice and ever since then I regretted not coming sooner.”

On the opposite end of the height spectrum is the 5-foot-2 Dunn, who has also found her sporting niche.

14 The ‘Ville

NHS Rowing Club ‘all in’ for another banner season

of my time, but I’m dedicated and I’m happy that I’m doing it because I’ve met a lot new people and I love the people I’ve met.”

The Northville High rowers, who previously trained at Ford Lake in Ypsilanti, have found a new training home as they enter their second season at the Shore Fishing Access dock area on Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark.

They are able to store all of Varsity girls team captains Allison Dunn (left) and Isabella their varsity Cirulis are looking forward to their senior rowing season. and novice competition boats there, along went to the high school learnwith ancillary equipment in a to-row camp and I really got shed. into the sport. I tried out and I The club trains six days per stuck with it for my whole high week, normally 4-to-7 p.m. school career. It means a lot to Mondays through Saturdays. me because I’m really dedicated It’s divided into a fall and spring to the sport and row Monday season, along with a threethrough Saturday. It takes a lot “I actually didn’t know about rowing until my eighth-grade year,” she said. “My friend Chloe asked me if I did know what rowing was about, and I said I didn’t,” Dunn said. “I actually

month winter conditioning program.

The NRC’s fall schedule includes Queen City Fall Classic (Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 28-29 in Cincinnati), the Traverse City Invitational (Oct. 19-20) and the Kent Lake Arctic Classic Regatta (Nov. 2).

“It’s a full-time commitment,” Dunn said. “Rowing is hard. It’s tough, but you learn so much and you grow. You experience a lot of new things. I’m grateful for doing it.”

At the helm of it all is thirdyear head coach Nick Bickes, an English and personal finance teacher at the University of Detroit Jesuit High. He competed at the NCAA Division I level as a rower and coxswain at Santa Clara University (Calif.) and was a graduate assistant coach at Oklahoma City University. He also coached for the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation.

His staff includes three other staff assistants, helping maintain a 1:18 coach-tostudent ratio.

The cost per season is around $650 per athlete, according to Bickes. Some additional

The Northville rowing team at last year’s state championships.

costs include hotel and fuel for overnight regatta stays. The NRC also runs a 12-week winter conditioning program for $300 per athlete.

“The parents are really generous with their time,” Bickes said. “They’ll pull the racks and our parents make this all possible. We have a number of parents that serve on our board. We are a non-profit 501C and one of our main jobs for the board is communications.”

in the fall. The school awards high school letters to NRC members.

“Lots of kids are finding it unique and interesting, and have chosen our sport over some sports they’ve played for years,” Bickes said.

During the 2019 spring season, the NRC enjoyed immense success.

Off the water, eight students were inducted into the National Honor Society. The club also

2018 and 11th in 2017.

Among the spring season NRC highlights included: Four State Championship Boats: Men’s Single (Pahul Kahon), Women’s Single (Sara Bennett); Men’s Junior 8+ (Elyssa Daguanno, Drew DiFrancesco, Jimmy King, Luke Lesh, Christian Ozog, Karthik Muruganand, Adam Bis, Thaddeus Felosak and Russell Kobelsky); Women’s Junior 8+ (Gabby Evangalista, Isa Cirulis,

Bickes said. “The program has really been successful in small boats, singles and doubles at the state level. But last year was kind of a breakout year for us.”

Prospects for the new season are extremely bright with virtually all of last year’s squad remaining intact.

“Their biggest goal this year is try and win the team points trophy,” Bickes said. “Kind of their theme this year is to hang a banner from the rafters of the

Lots of kids are finding it unique and interesting, and have chosen our sport over some sports they’ve played for years.

Nick Bickes, NHS Rowing Club Head Coach To help defray some of the costs, the NRC will stage Row-A-Thon fundraiser Friday through Sunday, Sept. 13-15 at the Northville Heritage Festival in downtown Northville. The club will also hold a golf outing fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 6.

The NRC has been able to attract students from other sports such as track, volleyball, basketball, tennis and wrestling.

Some row only in the spring, while others train and compete

went out into the community to collect 2,500 pairs of shoes for Micro-enterprises to be repurposed in developing nations.

On the water, the NRC broke into the top 10 in team points in the Midwest Scholastic Regatta improving from 19th in 2018 to seventh in 2019. Along with breaking into the top ten at Midwest, the team also placed third in team points at the state regatta after taking a seventh in

Lily Oles, Tessa McCarthy, Nina Moyski, Makala Hande, Ava Kehoe, Riley Finn and Kate Encelewski).

Two Midwest Scholastic Championships: Women’s Junior 4x: (Dunn, Nina Moyski, Chloe Sargent and Ava Kehoe); Women’s Varsity 4x: (Bennett, McCarthy, Cirulis and Hande).

“We’ve had a lot of success at the state level and the Midwest, which is regionals, and that qualifies us for nationals,”

school. That is their individual goal and our coaching staff’s goal to get them to that point where they can be successful in their individual goals, as well as team goals.”

Cirulis is certainly glad she gave rowing a try.

“I honestly was set on not doing a college sport because I always felt I put school first and I thought it would take too much of my time,” she said. “But the more time I put into it, I can’t imagine my life without rowing. And even if I don’t do it collegiately, I can see myself on a club team or as a hobby.

Because after only doing it a few years, I can’t see myself having a hobby that ever matches close to this.”

Just like Mikey.

For more information about the Northville High School Rowing Club, visit northvillerowing.sportssignup. com/site.

The ‘Ville 15

BRIAN

Backed with the history of five generations in Northville, Brian Turnbull is an outspoken local leader with the vision and passion to lead.

TURNBULL

FOR

MAYOR

Proven Leadership, Experience & Collaboration • 40 years executive experience in domestic & global businesses • Completed over 100 community development projects, incorporating greenspace growth within commercial & retail properties • Owned and managed Detroit-based Data & Marketing company • Executive positions at Ford Motor Company & Ford Credit • Member & Leader, First United Methodist Church of Northville • Historian & Lecturer, Northville Historical Society • President, Old Timers Historic Group

IT’S TIME TO MOVE FORWARD...TOGETHER

My parents taught me to first learn, then do.

But most importantly, give back. It’s now my time to give back to the town we love.

— Brian Turnbull

turnbullformayor.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Brian Turnbull for Mayor

Make 2019 The Year You Protect Your Family And Assets Many people don’t consider that events prior to their death can affect their family and their assets. According to the American Bar Association, more than half of all Americans die without a will or estate plan in place.

Call us today to learn more at one of our upcoming

FREE workshops.

WE MAKE HOUSE CALLS!

If you can’t come to us, we WILL come to you!

Joseph Corriveau Attorney

WILLS/TRUSTS • FAMILY LAW • ESTATE PLANNING

324 East Main Street, Northville, Michigan 48167

|

248.380.6800

|

www.corriveaulaw.com

A Celebration of Community Heritage Festival will feature plenty of new activities

ow that the calendar has flipped to September, it means one thing here in Northville. It’s festival time!

The 31st Annual Heritage Festival takes place Sept. 1315 in and around downtown Northville. Organized by the Northville Chamber of Commerce, the festival will feature many of the beloved staples of previous years, including the Victorian Parade and Heritage Saloon on Friday evening, and activities at Mill Race Historical Village on Sunday. This year, though, there will be plenty of new wrinkles, including a Nerf Blaster Battle at the Community Center, fitness classes in Town Square, and a family Glow Run Saturday evening.

In previous years, the festival has focused on different eras in Northville’s history, like last year when the 1980s were highlighted. This year, however, the theme will simply be: “A Celebration of Community.”

That’s really what the festival has always been about anyway, according to Chamber Director Jody Humphries.

N

FRIDAY

The best way to look at this year’s festival is to split it up into its three days. Each day – Friday, Saturday and Sunday

18 The ‘Ville

-- offers a unique experience. If you remember the festival from previous years, you’ll be familiar with the Friday lineup.

“Friday is tried and true. We didn’t want to mess with that,” said Humphries.

On Friday morning more than 600 Northville 3rd graders will dress up in historical clothing and join in an interactive Victorian experience – something they’ve been doing for more than 30 years. History will come alive through storytelling, Victorian games, musical performances, historical skits performed by Northville High School students and a tour of Mill Race Village.

“Our entire community comes together to bring history to life for our 3rd graders in a uniquely Northville tradition,” said Northville Schools Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher. “High school students likewise have the opportunity to interpret history, share their talent, and provide a memorable experience for our elementary students, similar to what they experienced as third graders.”

Another Friday staple is the Victorian Parade, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. One of the unique elements of this parade is the fact that all the participants will be dressed in

clothing that would have been familiar to Northville’s residents back in the late 1800s. The parade will feature dozens of organizations, businesses and a number of bands, including the Northville High School Marching Band.

Once the parade ends, most of the action takes place at the Heritage Saloon – otherwise known as the beer tent. The Shawn Riley Band, a local favorite, will be jamming out the tunes late into the night.

The Saloon, which will again be located at Wing and Cady near the library, is open until 11 p.m.

SATURDAY

While Saturday will have plenty that is familiar, including strolling entertainers, carriage rides, non-profit booths and a Kids Zone, there will be lots of

2019 Schedule Northville Parks and Recreation will be playing a bigger role this year. In addition to sponsoring yoga classes and bringing in the DIA Art Booth where kids will design their own art works, Parks and Rec will be hosting a Nerf Blaster Battle and movie party at the Community Center for children ages 7-13 from 6:30-9 p.m.

Pre-registration is required ($8/person). Visit www. northvilleparksandrec.org or call (248) 349-0203. new ways to participate in the festival.

For example, Town Square will be the epicenter of a day’s worth of fitness classes and programs, taught by local businesses including Burn Boot Camp, Planet Fitness, Gazelle Sports, Barre Code, Title Boxing, and FIT4MOM Northville, which will work on stroller fitness. The classes will run from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

A fitness class might be just the ticket after attending the Kiwanis Club’s Pancake Breakfast, from 8-11 a.m. in the Festival Saloon. Proceeds from the breakfast help Kiwanis pay for a number of community projects, and this year they are partnering with New Hope Center. Tickets are $7 in advance (visit www. northvillekiwanis.com), or $8 at the door.

Also new this year will be the free Gazelle Sports Heritage Festival 5K Run at 5:30 p.m. beginning at Tipping Point Theatre, followed at 8:30 p.m. by a 1K Family Glow Run where participants will don all things that glow and make their way through downtown. For more information about both, visit www.northville.org/northvilleheritage-festival.

The kids will receive safety goggles, a bandana, once slice of pizza and a drink. Children need to bring their own Nerf guns, but leave their bullets at home (they will be supplied).

“The hope is that adults will drop off their kids with us, and then head out and enjoy the beer tent and all the festival has to offer,” said Recreation Supervisor Shannon Coker.

“We’ll have a great time at the Community Center.”

Did somebody say beer tent?

Yes, this year the Heritage Saloon will be back on Saturday night from 5-9 p.m., and will be operated by the Northville Rotary Club. Entertainment will be provided by Northville Folk.

Festival continued on page 20

Friday, September 13 9 a.m.-Noon

Northville Public Schools 3rd class program (Downtown Northville)

5:30-11 p.m.

Festival Saloon with live entertainment (corner of Cady and Wing)

5-9 p.m.

Street Entertainment Children’s pedal cars (E. Main Street)

5-9 p.m.

Community Non-Profit Booth Activities & Village Craft Vendors (E. Main Street)

5-10 p.m.

Kids Zone with inflatables (W. Main Street)

6:30 p.m.

Victorian Parade

Saturday, September 14 8-11 a.m.

Northville Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast (Corner of Cady and Wing)

8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Beaumont Fitness Stage (Town Square)

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Painting with Paws (Art House)

10 a.m.

History Hike (Maybury State Park)

11-10 p.m.

Kids Zone (W. Main Street)

8 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Beaumont Town Fitness Stage (Town Square)

11 a.m.-6 p.m.

DIA Art Booth (N. Center)

11 a.m. -3:45 p.m.

Entertainment at Varsity Lincoln Stage (Main/Center)

Noon-3 p.m.

Free Horse and Carriage Rides (Corner of W. Main and Wing)

Noon – 5 p.m.

Duck Duck Donkey Petting Farm (N. Center)

Noon

Eclipse Vintage Baseball (Ford Field)

5:30-6 p.m.

Heritage Festival 5K Run

6:30-9 p.m.

Nerf Blaster Battle and Movie (Community Center)

8:30-9 p.m.

Family Glow Run (Downtown Northville)

5-9 p.m.

Heritage Festival Saloon, presented by Northville Rotary

Sunday, September 15 10-11 a.m.

Baptist Church Service (Heritage Saloon)

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Community Non-Profit Booth Activities & Village Craft Vendors

10 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

Entertainment at Varsity Lincoln Stage

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Kids Zone (W. Main)

Noon-3 p.m.

Horse and Carrage Rides (Corner of W. Main and Wing)

Noon-3 p.m.

Duck Duck Donkey Petting Farm (N. Center)

11-3:30 p.m.

Mill Race Village activities

12:30-3 p.m.

Victorian Tea (Mill Race Village)

1 p.m.

Eclipse Vintage Baseball (Ford Field)

1-2 p.m.

Henry & Friends Interactive Presentation (Town Square)

3 p.m.

Duck Race Opening Ceremony & Northville History Month Declaration (Mill Race)

3:30 p.m.

Duck Race (Mill Race Village)

The ‘Ville 19

Front Lines Continued from page 7

“We’re really excited about Saturday night,” said Rotarian Guy Bardsley.

“We’re hoping to get a lot of traffic from the people who run in the 5K and Glow Run events, which both end near the saloon.

We’ll have the perfect place for them to cool down.”

Dan Ferrara, who helped organize many of the events on Saturday, said the hope with all the new activities was to re-energize the festival and create a little buzz.

“I’ve been to nearly every festival for my whole life. I’ve got so many great memories from my childhood,” Ferrara said. “We wanted to add some new activities where our kids will have memorable experiences just like we did.”

SUNDAY

As Sunday dawns, the festival will start up right where it shut down on Saturday night – in the Heritage Saloon. At 10 a.m., Northville’s First Baptist Church will host an oldfashioned service that is open to everyone.

While there will be plenty happening downtown on

20 The ‘Ville

Sunday, the focus of the festival really shifts over to Mill Race Historical Village and nearby Ford Field, where the Northville Eclipse will be playing their traditional brand of baseball with no mitts beginning at 1 p.m.

The Northville Historical Society will have so much going on at the Village from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., according to board member Andrea Johanson. Activities include traditional children’s games and crafts, a Victorian Cream Tea in the Cady Inn, historical re-enactors, live music by The Caroling Belles, and the Treble Makers and BackBeat, both from Northville High School. Mayor Ken Roth will also proclaim September to be “Northville History Month.”

An archivist will be on hand to answer questions about the history of Mill Race, and the buildings will all be open for everyone to explore. There will be plenty of refreshments available, as local girl scouts will be selling lemonade and there will be a food truck on site.

Of course, the main event at Mill Race is the annual Duck Race in the Rouge River.

This year, the NHS was able to get businesses to sponsor

Paint with paws at the art house

T

he Northville Heritage Festival will have activities for the whole family to enjoy, and that includes Fido and Spot. The Northville Art House (215 W. Cady Street) will host an event called “Painting with Paws” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14. Dogs, with help from their owners or course, will be able to paint their own creations.

“I think it’s very obvious that people in Northville love their pets,” said Alexandra Teicher, special events coordinator at the Northville Art House.

Those interested are advised to pre-register for their preferred time slot, either online at www. northvillearthouse.org, over the phone at (248) 344-0497, or in-person at the Art House. The painting process takes about 30 minutes.

“We’re going to have roughly 20 dogs in half an hour; that’s roughly one time slot,” said Teicher.

Owners will put paint on their dog’s paws, press them to colored paper, and take the prints to an artist in the Art House, who will turn them into a piece of artwork. Volunteers will be on hand to assist with the procedure. Two design examples will be available, including a flower (see photo for example), and a mat will be

the event – a first. People can purchase tickets throughout the day to get their duck in the race, which begins at 3 p.m. Bragging rights are on the line, as families line the banks of the Rouge River cheering on their ducks.

Prizes go to the winners, as well as for the duck that comes in last place.

“If you’ve never been to the Duck Race, you are missing

provided so that the photos can be framed.

As artists are finishing the artwork, dog owners can go into the dog park, have a look at the Art House exhibit and store, or visit the booths of Dogtopia – the event sponsor – and Northville Parks and Rec. Organizers are asking for donations of $20 donation per dog.

Proceeds benefit public art education programs at the Art House.

“I hope it’s going to be a big success, so we can continue it and have it for next year and establish it as an annual event during the Heritage Festival,” Teicher said.

out,” said Johanson. “It’s really outrageous, and silly, and so much fun.”

For more information about all the Mill Race events, visit millracenorthville.org.

With the conclusion of the Duck Race, the 2019 Heritage Festival will also come to a close. But not before there are plenty of memories made.

Past Tense

Making History Chamber honors Northville pioneer David Clarkson

By Michele Fecht

P

ioneer David Clarkson who traveled to Northville with the Capt. William Dunlap party in 1831 is the 2019 Northville History Maker, a recognition started last year by the Northville Chamber of Commerce to honor individuals who helped shape our community.

Clarkson joins last year’s inaugural honorees Dr. Mary E. Lapham and Globe Furniture and Manufacturing Company president Francis R. Beal. All three Northville History Makers will be featured on separate downtown banners during this year’s Heritage Festival (September 13-15). Biographies of each are highlighted in the Heritage Festival brochure and on the Northville Chamber of Commerce website (www. northville.org).

Here’s a look at David Clarkson, this year’s distinguished Northville History Maker: David Clarkson [1817 – 1880] David Clarkson was born on March 13, 1817 in Somerset County, New Jersey, but moved at the age of three with his family to Ovid, Seneca County, New York. His mother died on March 12, 1824, just a day before David’s 7th birthday. His father remarried later that year.

David’s father died in 1830, and the following spring, at the age of 14, David left his five

Photo courtesy of Troy Schmidt

siblings and stepmother to journey to Michigan with Capt.

William Dunlap. William and Sarah Dunlap, having adopted David, brought him along to help clear the wilderness. They traveled to Buffalo on the Erie Canal aboard the canal boat Shark and then across Lake Erie on the steamboat New York before arriving in Detroit.

In a series of pioneer sketches published in The Northville Record from 1874 to 1878, Clarkson described the journey to Northville.

“The streets of Detroit were one continual mud hole, and the roads through the country were worse if possible.” The trek from Detroit to the edge of Plymouth Township (which would become Northville) was heavily wooded, muddy marsh.

It would take three days to travel approximately 30 miles.

Clarkson labored at clearing the land, building cabins,

hauling goods by ox team to and from Detroit, and grinding grain at John Miller’s gristmill — Northville’s first gristmill and the catalyst for much of the community’s growth in its early years.

In 1844 Clarkson married Sarah Ann Bradley, the daughter of Northville pioneers Harvey Stone and Maria Rose Bradley. David and Sarah had seven children, all born in Northville.

Clarkson would become one of Northville’s most prominent citizens. He was a founding member of the New School Church (now located in Mill Race Village), and a Northville school board trustee. Clarkson held the title of school director in 1859 when it was decided that the village needed to construct a larger school building than the former New School Church structure which had been converted to a school after the church disbanded in 1849.

After years of preparation and fundraising, the Northville

Union School opened on September 4, 1865 with Clarkson serving as a school board member and treasurer.

In addition to his community service, Clarkson’s pioneer sketches in The Northville Record, a rare first-hand account and invaluable record of Northville’s early history, are perhaps his most lasting contribution.

David Clarkson died on August 20, 1880 at the age of 63. He is buried in Northville’s historic Oakwood Cemetery.

David Clarkson, along with Francis R. Beal and Dr. Mary E. Lapham, are among those recognized with rooms named in their honor at the recently renovated Old Village School.

The named rooms include the David Clarkson Den, the Mary Lapham Lab and The Globe.

All three honorees were staunch education supporters and served as Northville school board trustees at different periods in the district’s history.

“Family Owned for Four Generations”

The Casterline Family providing quality care in the heart of downtown Northville since 1937

122 West Dunlap Street Northville, Michigan 48167

(248) 349-0611

www.casterlinefuneralhome.com casterlinefuneralhome@gmail.com

Courtney Casterline-Ross, Manager Lindsey Casterline-Dogonski, Manager Roxanne M. Atchison-Casterline, Owner Ray J. Casterline II – 1947-2004

SEPTEMBER 24, 2019

NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY

is a national holiday celebrating our democracy

The purpose of National Voter Registration Day is to make sure that every American has the opportunity to vote, that each citizen is aware of the registration deadline, is up-to-date with their registration, and is clear how to register to vote.

2020 ELECTIONS will be held on: March 10 – Presidential Primary August 4 – Michigan Primary November 3 – General Election Voting both at the polls and by absentee ballot has never been easier. Recent changes in election law provides that every Michigan resident can vote by absentee ballot with no reason provided.

Furthermore, voters may now register to vote up to and through Election Day at the Clerk’s Office.

As a courtesy and convenience, the Clerk maintains a master list of voters who are interested in automatically receiving an Absentee Voter (AV) application prior to each election. Placement on the permanent AV list does not require that you vote an “absentee ballot”. Placement on the Permanent Absentee List (PAL) assures you that you will receive, by mail, an AV application prior to every election. In order to receive an

absentee ballot, you must complete and return the AV application by the deadline for that election.

If you wish to vote at the polls, you simply do not complete or return the application.

If you are interested in placement on the Permanent Absentee List, complete the postcard insert and return to the Clerk’s Office.

If you have any other questions regarding your voter registration, polling location or PAL response, please contact the Clerk’s Office at: Charter Township of Northville Marjorie F. Banner, Clerk 44405 Six Mile Road, Northville, MI 48168 248-348-5825 • mbanner@twp.northville.mi.us

Interested is the Voting Process?

The Clerk’s Office is seeking registered voters to work the elections (paid positions). If you are interested, please contact the Clerk’s Office or visit our website at www.twp.northville.mi.us.

Marketing & Advertising Experience - 30 years Social Media Expert Average Days on Market - 12.5

Negotiating Skills - Firm but Fair Professional Staging & Photography Represents the Seller or Buyer - Never Both

“Two of Terri’s strengths are her thorough communication methods and her negotiation skills.

Our house sold in two days and we received multiple offers over our listing price...both of which I attribute to her going above and beyond for us. I highly recommend Terri as a talented, personable, compassionate, approachable and quality realtor.” Aaron L. – Novi

M 248 390 9555

O 248 347 3050

© 2018 Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are service marks registered or pending registration owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Richard J. Corriveau, ESQ. Attorney at Law

• Criminal Law • Personal Injury • Business Law (Non-compete Agreements, Trademarks, Plaintiff & Defendant)

• Employment Law (Worker’s Compensation, Age Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Hostile Work Environment, Wrongful Termination, Plaintiff & Defendant)

• Police Brutality Cases

Multi-Million Dollars in Case Resolution 324 East Main Street, Northville, MI 48167

248.380.0023

|

www.richardjcorriveau.com

yet this season if the scope of work was modified and the city allowed an alternate schedule.

After negotiation, Nagle Paving has agreed to complete the following roadwork: Streets included in the $1,031,473 projects are: Lexington Court and Glenhill Drive (mill and fill); Morgan Boulevard (reconstruction), Cady Street (reconstruction of The city has signed a contract with Nagle Paving of Novi to complete a number of road projects this fall.

250 feet and addition of eight parking spaces), Morgan Circle, Morgan Court, MacDonald Drive, Taft Road and Baseline Road (mill and fill).

Cureton said Nagle Paving has an extensive background in asphalt paving and road rehabilitation/reconstruction

By Lonnie Huhman projects throughout metro city’s bidding documents, but Detroit, and company has This wasn’t exactly the plan lthough summer is quickly ultimately did not provide a completed successful projects for the city, but it’s the best fading away, there’s still bid for the proposed work,” in Northville and have thing going forward for a town plenty of road work to be Cureton said. “City staff and its previously worked with city where the voters said they want done this year in the City of engineering staff and their roads fixed.

Northville. After some early consultants the city’s In a report in early July, Loyd setbacks getting the work off 2019 CITY ROAD PROJECTS contacted engineering Cureton, Northville’s Public the ground this summer, there’s Here is the list of streets to see some work as a result of the street plan holders firm Fleis & Works director, explained still much to do before the snow improvement bond: asking why VandenBrink to the city council that the falls.

• Lexington Court (mill and fill) they declined on many city received no bids from Multiple projects covering 1.7 • Glenhill Drive (mill and fill) to bid. The projects. contractors after publicly miles of pavement are getting • Morgan Circle (mill and fill) contractor’s City advertising the city’s 2019 underway as Nagle Paving Co. • Morgan Court (mill and fill) cited various officials said Local Road Reconstruction and of Novi works to repair and • MacDonald Drive (mill and fill) reasons residents on Rehabilitation Program. replace designated streets • Taft Road (mill and fill) for not those streets “Numerous contractors during the 2019 construction • Baseline Road (mill and fill) submitting a will get downloaded and viewed the season.

• Morgan Boulevard (reconstruction) bid, including notifications • Cady Street (250 feet of significant about work reconstruction, 8 parking existing schedules, spaces) workloads, detours and rain delays, parking the loss of key personal, restrictions via fliers, the city’s and difficulty finding website and posts on social subcontractors.” media.

After receiving no bids Cureton said the remaining for the first round of road originally planned work for work after voters approved a the summer of 2019 would be street improvement bond last rebid in December, with work fall, Cureton said staff then expected to be completed in requested a meeting with Nagle the spring during the current Paving of Novi to discuss what budget year, which ends on July Taft Road, near Cooke School, is one of the roads that will be repaired this fall. work might be accomplished 1, 2020.

Better Late Than Never After some delays, City to kick off roadwork this fall

A

24 The ‘Ville

2019 PRICE LIST

Northville’s Law Firm Since 1988 Let our family of lawyers help your family!

BUSINESS • REAL ESTATE • PROBATE WILLS & TRUSTS • ELDER LAW CHILD SUPPORT • CUSTODY PARENTING TIME • DIVORCE

BLACK MULCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26/YD .

2NS SHARP SAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26/YD .

6A GRAVEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28/YD .

TOPSOIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$16/YD .

BOXWOODS 18” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $36 EA .

BOXWOODS 30” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 EA .

HYDRANGEAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 EA .

YEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $36 EA .

ROSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17 EA .

SUMAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 EA .

PICK-UP OR DELIVERY OPTIONS AVAILABLE. FOR BULK ITEMS, DIRECT SHIPS TO SITES, DELIVERY PRICING, OR ITEMS NOT LISTED, INQUIRE BELOW.

PRE & POST-NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS CRIMINAL DEFENSE • EXPUNGEMENT DRUNK DRIVING • PPOS JUVENILE OFFENSES

IMAGINEDESIGNANDBUILD.COM FOR MORE INFO, CALL

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

24 8 -4 4 4-3 3 6 4 19275 GERALD AVENUE, NORTHVILLE, MI 48167

out & about Your Guide to What’s Happening in Northville This Month Maybury History Hike Sept. 14 Before Maybury was a state park, the area was once home to Maybury Sanatorium, operated by the City of Detroit for the treatment of patients with tuberculosis. Most of the buildings are gone, but evidence remains of this past use. Meet at the trailhead building at 10 a.m. Join Maybury staff on this easy 1-mile walk to hear the stories and see photos and building sites. Suitable for all ages; program will last about an hour and a half. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/ maybury or call (248) 349 – 8390.

Veterans’ Health Summit Sept. 18 This 10th annual event takes place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Schoolcraft College’s VisTaTech Center. Topics this year will include: VA Ann Arbor Medical Center Update; State Veterans Update; Veterans Home for Southeast Michigan; Maximizing Veterans Health Care; Disability Benefit Update. Veteran specialists will also be on hand to address special needs and answer questions. Northville’s own Legal Help For Veterans, PLLC is hosting this annual event. The event is free, but you must register by visiting https://cantonfoundation.org or calling Beth at (734) 495-1200.

For more information about Legal Help For Veterans, visit www. legalhelpforveterans.com.

2nd Annual Color Run Sept. 22 Color My World, a student club at Northville High School, will be hosting the second annual 5K Color Run/ Walk from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The event begins and ends at Northville High School. It is open to the community

Spectrum Fest Block Party On Sept. 21 from noon-10 p.m., the Living and Learning Enrichment Center will present this day of family fun, music and food on Main Street in downtown Northville. The day will be filled with music performed by metroarea bands and headlined by Killer Flamingos to close out the night.

There will be an assortment of food, beverages, and spirits along with a variety of vendors and activities for all ages. There will be a bounce house, chair massages, henna tattoos, essential oils, and so much more. All proceeds from the event will benefit Living and Learning, a non-profit that serves teens and young adults with autism.

For more information, visit www. livingandlearningcenter.org. with all proceeds going to teen suicide prevention and mental health awareness at NHS. For more information, visit https:// nhscolormyworld.wixsite.com/ northville or send an email to colormyworldnorthville@gmail.com.

Out of Rushmore’s Shadow Sept. 24 The Northville District Library will host this presentation by Lou Del Bianco, beginning at 7 p.m. When

8-year-old Lou Del Bianco finds out that his Grandpa Luigi was the Chief Carver on Mount Rushmore, his young life is instantly changed.

Follow Lou’s journey as he and his Uncle Caesar make painful and cheerful discoveries about Luigi’s important contribution. Books will be for sale and signing after Del Bianco’s presentation. To register for the event and more information, visit northvillelibrary.org.

Thayer School Open House Sept. 29 Northville Township Historic Fund is hosting its annual open house from 1-3 p.m. at the historic one-room school house, located at Six Mile and Napier. The event is free, though donations will be accepted.

Thayer School, which was built in 1877, is being restored. There will be tours, games, and food. Come commemorate the occasion by ringing the bell of the old school for the first time in decades.

Jake & Johnny Club Golf Outing Sept. 23 Philip J. Goodman of Philip J. Goodman, P.C. and John A. Hubbard of Hubbard Snitchler & Parzianello PLC, founders of The Jake & Johnny Club, will host the group’s 10th annual golf outing at Fox Hills Golf Club in Plymouth. Shotgun start

begins at noon. The Jake & Johnny Club has raised more than $200,000 for organizations working to cure childhood leukemia and juvenile diabetes. For more information, visit www.jakeandjohnnyclub.org.

You can also call (313) 672-7300 or send an email to PJGoodman@ jakeandjohnnyclub.org.

Heroes on Hines Sept. 28 This annual fundraiser for the Wayne County First Responders Memorial in Hines Park will begin at Burroughs, 41100 Plymouth Road in Plymouth.

Featuring a half marathon and 5K, the race will have both male and female winners in multiple age groups. Entry fee includes a technical race shirt for all distances and finisher’s medal for all finishers. First Responder divisions will have the opportunity to create their own teams for camaraderie and competition.

Individuals will be invited to sign-up on their own to increase the crowd support of this event. To register or for more information, visit www. heroesonhines.com.

Handcrafters Fall Fair Oct. 11-12 The annual Hancrafters Fall Fair will take place 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday at the Northville Community Center.

The event features dozens of vendors selling handmade creations, specialty foods, décor, and more. Admission is $3 (children 12 and under are free).

For more information, visit www. hcshows.com.

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

26 The ‘Ville

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

“We need to better engage our community on important issues, promote strategic residential and commercial development, support local businesses, maintain our infrastructure, and make the most of our limited resources.

The Downs development project was our wake-up call to stay informed and get involved. I will find common ground on tough issues, keep us focused on shared goals and make sure we do what’s best for this town we love. I’m asking you to trust me with your vote and with our City.” –BMB • 33 year resident of Northville • 6 year resident of Historic District

• Volunteer/elected leader in local organizations and Northville Public Schools since 1990

• Public Policy Analyst former evaluator, • Strong collaborative voice, U.S. Government Accountability well-informed, listens, and does Office (GAO), public sector her homework consultant - government efficiency and effectiveness, data analyst

FOR NORTHVILLE CITY COUNCIL

734-604-3709 | Northville@voteforbarbara.com Paid for by Elect Barbara Moroski-Browne, 116 High Street, Northville, MI 48167.

BULLETIN BOARD C

O

M

M

U

N

I

T

Y

Fire Department to host open house The Northville Township Fire

Mod Market to open Mod Market, located at

Department will host its annual Open House on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The familyfriendly event will highlight fire prevention and safety measures.

Participants will also be able to tour the fire station, meet township firefighters, and explore fire engines, ladder trucks and ambulances. There will be a variety of activities to entertain and educate people of all ages.

The event is free and open to the public.

150 Mary Alexander Court in downtown Northville, will open Sept. 21 during Living and Learning Center’s SpectrumFest.

The artisan market will offer unique foods, local art, art classes and more.

Mod Market will provide job skills for individuals with autism and related challenges and a place to sell products they’ve produced at Living and Learning.

It will also provide job experience that these individuals can put on their resume, helping build their experience to find future employment.

It will also provide employment for some individuals with special needs, helping them gain independence and live as independently as possible.

Artists will include Nick Bair (pictured). For more information, visit www.livingandlearningcenter.org/mod-market-2 or call (248) 3083592.

Woman’s Club kicks off 127th year Northville Woman’s Club begins its 127th year with a special Oct. 11 luncheon at Meadowbrook Country Club. Guest speaker will be Joan Puffer Kotcher, author of Donut Dolly: An American Red Cross Girl’s War in Vietnam. Kotcher, one of the first women allowed in a combat zone, will discuss her experiences as one of 627 women who served in the American Red Cross program dubbed Donut Dollies. Their service included setting up recreation centers, supplying books and snacks, visiting wounded soldiers in evacuation hospitals and offering a touch of home to American troops serving in Vietnam.

Other programs for the 2019-20 club year include The Parade Company presented by Dr. John White; The Faygo Story with author Joe Grimm; Through Her Eyes: Women Photographers in the Detroit Institute of Arts Collection with presenter Connie Corrigan; Ecclesiastical Stained Glass in Detroit and Europe with Barbara Krueger; and What Hatred Can Do, presented by Holocaust survivor and author Irene Miller.

Topics with a Northville slant include Stinson Aircraft Corporation presented by historian Joe Oldenberg; Your Library with Northville District Library Director Laura Mancini; Maybury Park — Yesterday and Today with Park Supervisor Traci Sincock; and Memories of Northville Downs presented by Bill and Judy Prain. Your Aging Brain will be presented by Thad Polk, and musician Ken Puterbaugh will perform classical guitar.

The club meets at 1:30 p.m. the first and third Friday of the month (unless noted) October through March at the First United Methodist Church in Northville. For more information, contact Carol Zinser at (248) 348-7017.

28 The ‘Ville

Maybury Corn Maze returning The popular 10-acre Maybury Farm Corn Maze opens Sept. 27. It will feature a nine-acre full maze, which should take about an hour to complete. New this year will be a one-acre Kids Maze, designed specifically for the little ones.

The maze, which runs through Nov. 3, will be open on Fridays from 5-10 p.m., Saturdays from noon-10 p.m. and Sundays from noon-7 p.m.

The Maybury Farm General Store will be selling Parmenter’s cider and donuts, and other treats.

Admission to the Maybury Farm corn maze is $9 per person and includes farm admission and a tractordrawn wagon ride to and from the maze. Children under 2 are free.

Maybury Farm is operated by the Northville Community Foundation; the funds raised from the corn maze are used to help support the work of the Farm, and its mission of connecting the community to animals and agriculture.

For more information, please visit www.mayburyfarm.org or www. facebook.com/mayburyfarm.

EXPERIENCE DOWNTOWN NORTHVILLE To Northville CITY COUNCIL Vote November 5Th

“I have the qualifications and experience to guide Northville toward positive solutions to the unique challenges we face as a community.”

Spend the day in Downtown Northville where you’ll find AMAZING dining, UNIQUE shops, and EXCITING entertainment. You’ll never want to leave! downtownnorthville.com

Visit www.marilynfornorthville.com for more info.

*Styles pictured may vary at locations due to availability/inventory.

Pictured left to right: Browndog Barlor & Restaurant; Rock On Main

It’s Your Business iSauna

iSauna staff includes (from left) Asia Yandan, Alaina Baldwin, Alexis Sobeski (owner) and Nicolette Orlando.

Discover the best you at iSauna W

hen you visit iSauna for the first time, you will be amazed at all of the state-of-the-art equipment, including a sleek infrared sauna, body pods that resemble human cocoons, and the TheraLight™ 360 Light Pod, which looks like it was removed from the Star Trek Enterprise.

After a couple sessions, however, you will have discovered something else -- a whole new you. That’s according to owner Alexis Sobeski, a Northville resident, who bills iSauna as “The Ultimate Body Bar.” The new health spa, located at Six Mile and Haggerty, opened July 19.

It offers a number of services to enhance beauty, health, and an overall sense of well-being.

“We help our clients find a better version of themselves – healthy, fit and energized,” said Sobeski.

30 The ‘Ville

After doing much research, Sobeski, who studied health science in college, began creating iSauna.

“The ’i’ stand for you, and sauna means body and spirit.

We’re not just taking care of your body, but also your spirit,” Sobeski said.

With five employees, iSauna offers a number of services, including infrared sauna treatments, cryotherapy, BEMER vascular therapy, polychromatic light therapy, and the TheraLight 360. Each is designed to enhance health and a sense of well-being.

For example, the infrared sauna, heats the body’s core, rather than warming the air around a person. It penetrates human tissue, which in turn produces a host of anti-aging health benefits, according to Sobeski.

Cryotherapy, which rejuvenates the skin, uses cold nitrogen to tighten skin. It activates collagen to produce more cells, reduces pore size

The idea of iSauna came to Sobeski a couple years ago when a beloved aunt was diagnosed with liver cancer, which devastated the family and made Owner: Alexis Sobeski her realize

iSauna

Address: 7915 Haggerty Road, how fleeting Northville health can be.

“I wanted Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. TuesdayWednesday, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. to create a Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 place people a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.could get 4 p.m. Sunday pathogens Phone/e-mail: (248) 679-4555; out of their Lex@isauna.com system,” Website: www.isauna.com she said. “I want people to start taking control of their and eliminates puffiness. own health and being their The BEMER vascular therapy own advocates. The average is designed to improve blood American takes five to eight circulation. “When our body’s pills a day. That’s not healthy. cells, tissues and organs are We need to treat our health on adequately nourished and the front end. What we offer can metabolic waste products are change your life dramatically.” removed, our bodies become

healthy and function properly,” Sobeski said. “Not only does it give us an energy boost, but also lets you get better sleep.”

POLY, short for polychromatic light therapy system, utilizes multiple wavelengths of light to provide a wide variety of aesthetic and wellness treatment options.

The last service Sobeski calls her “holy grail” – the TheraLight 360. She owns only the 22nd ever produced, she said. Like most of her equipment, it utilizes infrared light, delivering it from all angles for full-body absorption.

“The light gets inside your body, and awakens cells,” she said. “It reverses aging, and helps with pain relief. A lot of the people use it for quicker recovery after working out. I can tell you, from experience, it just makes you feel really good.” iSauna offers a number of membership packages tailored to meet each individual’s needs and budget. They also welcome walk-ins.

If you are searching for a more active and healthy you, Sobeski said you should give iSauna a try.

“Don’t you want to live a long life?

And I’m not talking about just being alive. Actually living and feeling healthy,” Sobeski said. “I want to still be doing yoga and be active when I’m 90. What we have to offer will help you achieve that.

You have to experience it to understand it.”

PRIMARY CARE THAT MAKES YOU PRIMARY

Unhurried visits

Same/next-day appointments

24/7 physician reachability

Members in Dr. Sheremeta’s and Dr. Kerner’s Livonia practices benefit from a comprehensive wellness program. Because they have smaller practices, they also have more time for patients and can offer conveniences not typically available in other practices.

GENISE E. KERNER, MD

Call 734.726.4563 to learn how their approach to healthcare can benefit you. Together, they have more than 70 years practicing medicine in Metro Detroit!

ADRIAN SHEREMETA, MD

37675 Pembroke Avenue • Livonia, MI 48152 • 734.726.4563

WE FIX COMPUTERS! • iPhone/iPad/Samsung • Game System Repairs • TV Repairs • Water Damage & Data Transfer • WE BUY & SELL PHONES!

The NV Square in Downtown Northville

“A Lifestyle Mall – Shop. Eat. Live…”

BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! $15 ANY 25% OFF SCREEN OFF

REPAIR

ACCESSORIES

Veteran-Owned (mention our ad in THE ‘VILLE) ONLY LIMITED LIFETIME VETERAN DISCOUNTS WARRANTY IN THE BUSINESS OFFERED!

Call (248) 347-3900 for leasing details.

w w w. n o r t h v i l l e s m i l e s .c o m

43290 W. 11 Mile Rd., Novi

248-344-4900

•

(3 doors down from Bonefish Grill)

www.cpr-novi.com

IRON JOURNEY FITNESS with Amanda Blau

Dr. Charles Choueiry

Cosmetic & Family Dentistry We care for your smile.

• • • • • •

Completely private, one-on-one attention Structural balancing Strength and conditioning Injury management and prevention Weight management Nutrition counseling

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Diploma in Fitness & Health Promotion Pn1 Certified Nutrition Coach

418 N. Center St., Northville, MI 48167

CALL FOR A FREE MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT & NUTRITION CONSULTATION

info@northvillesmiles.com

734-664-3527 • ironjourneyfitness.com

Ph: 248-349-3636 • Fax: 248-349-7014

police blotter

Crime Scene

O

n my recent visits to the Northville city and township police departments, a quick look through the binders containing police reports set aside for the media, one cannot help but notice that no matter what the view of a community one has -- whether it’s good, bad or indifferent -- there’s always crime.

And it comes in different forms.

I will be taking a look each month at the crimes from both community departments to give readers a glimpse at what local law enforcement sees on any given day. Hopefully you find it informational and useful – and even a bit entertaining.

Ford Flex Stolen In Northville Township, sometime overnight on Aug. 5-6, a Ford Flex was stolen from a driveway in the Woodridge Court neighborhood. The owner had his vehicle parked at home when it was taken.

He reported that there were three sets of keys for the vehicle, kept in a small bag, and one was missing. It was also reported some family passports were in the stolen vehicle.

His daughter’s car, parked in the same driveway during the same time period, also reportedly looked as if someone had disturbed it or gone through it. Around $25 was stolen from her car, which she said in the report was typically locked. Police reported seeing no signs of forced entry.

As of the reviewing of this report, this auto theft case was still open.

32 The ‘Ville

Video Game Heist Also in August, the Haggerty Road Meijer store’s asset protection team reported to the township police department a person, reportedly known at different Meijer locations in the region, was using a magnet tool or product protection key to allegedly take video games. The store reported the suspect took 10 games without paying.

This case was also still open, but a suspect was identified as a 23-year-old man, who also reportedly had a history of pawn dealings at locations selling video games.

Too Many Miller Lites And finally in the township, on Aug. 13, a 66-year-old Redford man, who reportedly said he was driving home to the Cedar Lakes apartments, was stopped by township police after it was observed his vehicle’s license plate was so faded it could not be read. Police reported smelling intoxicants while speaking with the driver and said the man was slurring his speech.

He told police he had a couple of Miller Lites, but his breathalyzer results revealed a .127 percent blood-alcohol content. During the field sobriety tests, the man was asked to pick a number between 19 and 21. Police reported he choose 21.

Construction Site Thefts For the city department, there’s also a variety of crimes being investigated, including

By Lonnie Huhman

several larceny cases.

The condo development construction site at 320 N. Center Street was hit by these in late July. In one report on July 31, an independent contractor told city police that two of his work trailers had been broken into and two air compressors were taken. It was reported the trailers’ locks were cut off.

That case was still open as police followed leads to identify a suspect.

In a similar case, reported the day before, two other trailers, belonging to another independent contractor at the same site, were pried open.

In that case, a number of tools were stolen.

A different type of larceny occurred at the Planet Fitness in town. A man’s jacket with personal items inside, including his wallet, was reported stolen from the locker room. Police were running down a few leads and reviewing security camera footage to identify a suspect (or suspects).

New Police Cameras The City of Northville Police Department is always looking for new ways to protect and serve. With the approval of the Northville City Council, the department is purchasing new

equipment that will aim to enhance transparency and security.

The city said the items include six in-car camera systems and 13 individual cameras to be worn by officers.

The state-of-the-art system provides four camera views, wireless downloading and an internal on-site server video storage. The city said the purchase price of $64,233 was obtained through the Oakland County bid process while the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Association (MMRMA) will pay $1,000 per in-car camera, with potential additional MMRMA grants for the body-worn cameras and servers.

Reporter Lonnie Huhman will be keeping our readers informed about the crimes occurring in our community.

WE ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY

RECYCLE RIGHT

Caring for the community is a huge part of who we are. We help create a clean, safe, healthy, and beautiful place to live. We embrace causes valued by our customers and employees such as new playgrounds and park improvements, local sports teams, historical societies, and other non-profits dedicated to improving the lives of others. We partner with dozens of local organizations and regularly give tours of our facilities to help future generations learn about the important role recycling plays in our everyday lives. We are Advanced Disposal.

Acceptable Items:

Unacceptable Items:

•

Cardboard

•

Paper

• •

Any Plastic Bags Tanglers

•

Aluminum Cans, Metal Containers

•

Food Waste or Liquids

•

Batteries

•

Safe Sharps

(Yes, all those Prime boxes!)

(Office paper, brown paper bags, mail, etc.)

(After being quickly rinsed)

•

Plastic Bottles, Jars, Jugs, & Containers

(After being quickly rinsed)

•

(No wires, holiday light strings, hoses, cords, etc.)

(Organic material)

(All types, especially lithium) (Any needle, syringe, blade, etc.)

Glass Containers

(After being quickly rinsed)

MichiganCustomerCare@advanceddisposal.com (888) 443-1717 • AdvancedDisposal.com •

Renovate your Home

Kitc h en s, Bath s Basemen ts, Ro o fin g Additio ns and Mo r e!

eurocraftbuilders.com

248.207.45 45

beyond Specializing in Creating Timeless Spaces

design

INTERIORS

n Great Rates

GERRY BURKE

n Customized Loans to $3M

Vice President Retail Sales

n Jumbo Loans

NMLS 757500 192 E. Main Street Northville, MI 48167 P: (248) 330-2464 E: GBurke@emmloans.com

n Bank Statement Loans n Relocation Assistance

Residential Remodeling Room Reconfiguration Design Consultation Home Staging and more

n First Time Buyer Programs Gerry Burke has over 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry.

313 .5 5 0 .2 6 9 4 beyond-design@hotmail.com

GERRY BURKE

beyonddesignmi.com

On The Road With

N

orthville’s Jack Burke (right) took his copy of The ‘Ville to the very cradle of democracy. The 2017 graduate of Northville High School recently got back from a five-week study abroad program in Greece through Michigan State University’s Business School, according to his dad, Gerry. Here he is pictured in Athens. Jack is on schedule to graduate from MSU in 2021 with a degree in finance and supply chain management.

Longtime Northville residents Chris and Mike Lysaght took a trip out West this summer. They visited a number of sites in South Dakota in June. Here Chris (second from top) is pictured with her copy of The ‘Ville at Badlands National Park. “The Badlands were like exploring the moon’s surface,” Mike said.

Janet Bernardino of Salem Township (bottom right) kicked off her summer by visiting Scotland, including some of its many islands.

Here she is pictured with The ‘Ville while waiting for the ferry to the Isle of Ilay, which she explains is home to Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Arbeg. “We did distilleries and castles on a 10-day private driver/guide excursion,” Janet said.

You might say the Kara family from Northville (below) had a “sweet” road trip this summer. One of their stops was in Hershey, Pa. – world famous for its chocolate. Here are (from left) Madeline, Emaline, and Parker Kara at Hershey’s Chocolate World where you can learn about the famed candy company and even make your own candy bar.

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

We’ll feature the photos every month.

Presented By

DAVID JEROME & DANI EL MCLEAN Law Offices Downtown Northville across from Kroger (248) 348-4433

34 The ‘Ville

Thoughtful Investing. Intentional Living.

At Sigma, thoughtful investing begins with listening. We want to understand where each client is today and where they want to be tomorrow. This allows us to find creative solutions that meet their unique financial objectives, while giving them the freedom to embrace the experiences and moments that define their life’s story.

186 E. Main St., Suite 200, Northville, MI 48167 | (248) 223-0122 | fax: (248) 223-0144 | www.sigmainvestments.com

Rejuvenation. Relief. Recovery. Repair.

Infrared Saunas

Theralight Therapy

Wellness PODs

Local Cryotherapy

Bemer Therapy

Red-Light Therapy

iSauna is Metro-Detroit’s newest destination for wellness. We offer a variety of services to enhance beauty, health, and an overall sense of well-being. From age-reversal to in depth cellular repair, we have something for everyone.

E A SILY BO OK A PPOINTM ENT S BY C A LLING OR USING VAGARO A PP! 17915 Haggerty Road, Northville, Michigan

Dishin’ With Denise

Denise Jenkins serves on the board of directors for 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.

Plenty on tap as autumn arrives “It is the summer’s great last heat, it is the fall’s first chill: They meet.”

-Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt

D

on’t you just love the above quote. I find it somewhat romantic. Who is Sarah?

She’s an American poet who died nearly 100 years ago, but her poetry is still relevant today.

If you’ve been reading The ‘Ville for the past couple years you know there is a fine art to embracing change and holding on to the tried and true.

This month we celebrate the Heritage Festival, which brings out the best in all we have to offer.

If you haven’t visited Maybury Farm, located at 50165 Eight Mile Road, you are missing out on a true gem. If you can’t make the BBQ, there is another clever event coming up on the Farm’s social calendar.

They are “Celebrating the New Fence” on Monday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. There will be cupcakes during a special ribbon cutting ceremony to cheer the farm’s new, muchneeded fencing.

A couple residents of Maybury Farm like the new fencing.

Mary and Sammy Spencer at Northville Demo Class

The autumnal equinox equals out the days and nights.

It arrives on Sept. 23. Moving from that point forward, the nights outlast the days. In preparation, Maybury Farm celebrates with its BBQ Under the Stars on Friday, Sept. 20.

Guests will have a chance to stroll the grounds of the farm, and enjoy live music by Social Bones. There will be a bonfire and wagon rides. Remember the good old days when a bonfire and hayride under the stars were romantic? The fundraising event supports Maybury Farm’s mission to educate kids and maintain the history of the farm for the community.

Mary Spencer of Taste, who will serve up the BBQ under the stars at the Maybury Farm fundraiser, offers some traditional and clever, hands-on cooking classes at The Omelette and Waffle Café on Northville Road. Everything from Polish cuisine – Pierogi and Golombkito the upcoming Meatless Monday Fall Harvest (Sept.

23) with Tuscan Stone Fruit, Tomato and Burrata Panzanella Salad, Stuffed Zucchini and Whipped Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake. While your mouth is still watering contact her for more details at cookbookie8@ yahoo.com or call her at (248) 880-9749.

36 The ‘Ville

There’s a plan for more tastings on tap at the Village Workshop. The beautifully restored historic building, like the autumn leaves, is changing colors. The creative team of owners are working to change the facility into a shared work environment – something innovative and new to our area, but increasingly popular in cities across the country like in Chicago and New York City…and in our own backyard in Ann Arbor, Ferndale and Detroit. In addition to the co-working space, there are plans for a microbrewery, tasting room and restaurant at the Village Workshop. Stay tuned for more as the east side of the Northville’s downtown continues to be developed.

Tipping Point Theatre kicks off Season 13 this month with “A Doll’s House, Part 2.” No need to know what happened in Ibsen’s classic “A Doll’s House,” which questioned the role of men and women in the 19th century and ended with

a slamming door. This story is written 140-years later and when the door re-opens deals with what remains relevant today. When it premiered on Broadway a couple years ago, critics called it a “brisk and brainy” sequel.

Football season has also kicked off and the cider mill is open, so get out the comfy sweatshirts (mine is green and white and has a Spartan logo on it) and warm, woolen sweaters to enjoy the crisp, cool weather.

I checked The Old Farmer’s Almanac and predictions call for sunny, warm conditions with temperatures on average 2-degrees below average and rainfall 1-inch below average.

And finally, speaking of romance and the upcoming 20-year anniversary of Y2K…I hope you will indulge me the joy of wishing Jill and Michael Kara (of Northville) – my daughter and son-in-law, a very happy 20th wedding anniversary. I’m delighted they think what I think is still relevant!

Jill and Michael Kara

IN S W O H S L 2 A 3 N 1 O I $ S int S S o A E P F g W O in le!

O R p b L P a p l i i S T X I A lle’s price ava i v h SEE S VILLE FOR t Nor e best n w H T o t th nt a w t NOR o n me th D

r wi ntertain e d l ss ho of live e a P ason full year e S me a enjoy a o c e B to e le r t u a d e h e T

o Seas

n

1 3 E , PA R T 2 S ch

by

s Hn a c u L

at h

ain.

ag door

!) ?

SOME arols N c E s H a T US It’s time O (AND . Alvarez the Christm H D S L ’ L | TO John K see ALL R E V A DO. L19 - Oct. 20 E Y rald, and en you can R O T t p S Se AS im FitzGe as Carol wh M T S I HR rleton, J e A Christm C Y .

R irred t s EVE ichael Ca 2 | Why se t no aken h n S a .

by M - Dec. 2 y Buch ry. Comed 14 . n v h o o J e N by Myst .

S r e P TE 8 | Murd S 9 rney 3 a h C E c r T H 30 - Ma y Kim first. b S . s Ja n TER come en to op

the

IS ly always S R E i | Fam BAXT

y. easil e m o s L u c a ’t a l w a y s c g i a r n

by C after does orse not to.

H ever t s y l i a F g Happ issa far by tryin r a L ILLE by V too s H e T o tg NOR .com y tha N a l p W e re NTO heat 0 | Th

THE il 2 - May 3 Apr ISS K A O E T 28 | D U L E P R 2 8 - J u ne AY L P y G a M IN V I G S ANKg. 23, 202 DOW ngPointT H T N I E TH 23 - Au TRE 7 | Tippi HEA 6 AL T I 481 N M O I , FESS orthville O R P ,N , LIVE Cady St. E. 361 5 OFF

J u ly

D

OW? N K U I D YO

$ O E! T R P O U M ET R G O 5 N 1 A on, 347-0003 .com i t a YOU C GROUP OF m e infor e at 248- ntTheatr e r A o i li For mact Nata ippingPo WITH @T ont c atalie N r o

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID RAVENNA, MI PERMIT NO. 320

*****************ECRWSS**** POSTAL CUSTOMER