The 'Ville - September 2021

September 2021 | Vol.4 | Issue 9

Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine

A

Special Place Vision for Legacy Park inching closer to reality

Meet the Local Sales Reps in Your Community.

Vita Vizachero

John DesOrmeau

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

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

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

VOLUME 4

ISSUE 9

SEPTEMBER 2021

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

KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher

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

CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director

Craig has been in the creative industry for over 29 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 19 years. Craig enjoys chasing his young daughter and providing moral support to his lovely wife.

MICHELE FECHT – Writer

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

BRAD EMONS - Writer

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

We appreciate your support!

Anu & Ravi Adiga Elizabeth Clancy Ray & Pat Martin Joseph Nance Joanne Seitz James & Paula Sinkel

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

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

SCOTT BUIE - Advertising Director/VP of Sales

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

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

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.

TIM SMITH - Writer

Tim brings a penchant for telling powerful and personal stories that run the gamut from news to sports. During more than 35 years in journalism, he has earned numerous state and national awards. The Wayne State grad is a published author and rec ice hockey player.

MARIA TAYLOR – Writer

Maria is managing editor at The ACHR NEWS, a B2B publication based in Troy. She has worked as a reporter for the Northville Record, Novi News and Plymouth Observer, and once had her photo on the cover of TIME. She lives in Farmington and, as a self-avowed history nerd, routinely risks her life by standing in the road to photograph old buildings.

BILL BRESLER - Photographer

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

BRYAN MITCHELL - Photographer

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

A View From The ‘Ville

Losing A Northville Icon

W

hen I first got to Northville as editor of the local newspaper, I was told by a number of people about the great work the “two Chucks” had done over at Tipping Point Theatre. One of those “Chucks” was Chuck Gaidica, who, of course, I was familiar with because he was the longtime meteorologist at WDIV. The other “Chuck” I did not know, but it didn’t take me long to learn Chuck Lapham was one of this town’s biggest benefactors. Lapham’s stamp on Northville goes way beyond his efforts with Gaidica to establish Tipping Point as a non-profit, professional theater.

On Sept. 12, Lapham, 87, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family members.

It was not an unsurprising death, as he had been dealing with a degenerative spinal condition, according to his grandson, Brandon Bueter. He’d been in a lot of pain, and his death brought an end to his suffering.

While he’s no longer with us,

Lapham left a lasting impact. He will remembered particularly for his efforts to save and restore many historic buildings. In 1975 he was awarded a certificate of appreciation for refurbishing his clothing store – Lapham’s Men Shop – at 120 E. Main Street, bringing new life to a structure built in 1874 (now the home of Browndog Barlor).

A successful businessman, Lapham formed a foundation, which he used to fund projects near and dear to his heart.

Tipping Point was one – he donated the land and building.

Purchasing the iconic, yet deteriorating Marquis Theatre a couple years ago was another.

Bueter is now leading the restoration of the Marquis.

“He really felt that the Marquis needed to remain a theater, and stay on Main Street,” Bueter said.

Lapham donated the land for the Comerica Walkway and money to help pay for the American flag mural on the

Marquis Theatre. His generosity continued right up to the end of his life, according to his grandson. Lapham’s foundation recently provided funding to get the water wheel at the old Ford Valve Plant functioning again.

“He really wanted to see that water wheel spinning again.

They just completed the project, and he died the next day,” Bueter said.

It is no surprise Lapham loved Northville. He was born and raised here. He graduated from Northville High School.

After his military service, he and his wife Maxine founded the Lapham Development Company, and owned many buildings in town. Lapham also served on the Northville City Council (19681972).

Bueter said his grandfather never looked for notoriety, but those in the know realized how important he’s been over the years. In 2017 the Northville Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year, an honor

Chuck Lapham after receiving the John Genitti Citizen of the Year Award in 2017.

long overdue.

“He loved more than anything his wife (Maxine). His second love was Northville. He was Northville’s biggest cheerleader.

This town was always on his mind,” Bueter said. “He knew Northville made him what he is.

And he never forgot that.”

Lapham’s family will hold a memorial service at 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Northville. The service is open to the public.

Kurt Kuban is the Publisher and Editor of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine. com.

Your Voice: Letters to the Editor 4 School district chooses to mask up 12 Tour de Ville has plenty of pedal power 14 Township issuing bonds for Legacy Park 22

Miss Michigan’s Lofty Goals

8

Harvest’s Bounty

18

New Plans For Downs

26

Mustangs athletics needs a ‘Boost’ 28 Community Bulletin Board 32

ON THE COVER: Northville Township Trustee Mindy Herrmann and Supervisor Mark Abbo stand above a stream that runs through Legacy Park, where they hope to begin implementing the recreation plan created by residents. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

Your Voice Easy solution

There has been quite a few conversations about what color the cows should be painted at Guernsey Farms Dairy on Novi Road.

Thanks to Joe Kinville from Guernsey’s for educating us on the cows in last month’s letters. He said the Guernsey cow is brown which they used in the past for obtaining their milk. Unfortunately, there aren’t many of them around anymore to be able to supply Guernsey’s with the volume of milk they require. The Holstein cows are where they get their milk from now and they are black and white in color.

To make everyone happy, perhaps have both the Guernsey and the Holstein cows painted on the building?

In the meantime, go enjoy some delicious ice cream from Guernsey’s.

Dana Whelan

Choose kindness

Writing recently in The Atlantic, Amanda Mull bemoans the deteriorating state of American geniality, citing the following: “Less than six months into 2021, airlines had reported more unruly passengers to (the FAA) than they had in any full year since it began collecting data in 1995. A Southwest flight attendant lost two teeth after a passenger punched her in the face. (But) flight attendants are merely the tip of the ... iceberg.

“Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, videos of irate anti-maskers screaming, throwing things, and assaulting employees at big-box and grocery stores have become a social media mainstay,” Mull continued. “Eight Trader Joe‘s employees were injured in one such attack in New York, and in Georgia, a grocery store cashier was shot over a mask dispute.”

In response to what has become a parallel epidemic of mean-spiritedness, some communities have devised ‘kindness‘ campaigns. In Livonia for example, ubiquitous lawn signs urge passersby to “Be the i in Kind“ -- a movement spearheaded by the Rev. Kellie Whitlock of Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church, who found a receptive audience for the project among city fathers and residents alike. I would welcome a similar effort being launched in surrounding communities including Northville.

Recently, an ice cream vendor plying neighborhood streets pulled alongside me as I walked. I assumed he had designs on making me his next customer. Instead, he intoned, “It’s a hot day. Would you like a water?” Surprised and grateful, I accepted. He tossed me a bottle from his cooler, then drove off. I spent the remainder of the day marveling at his altruism.

Should we not follow his example? Kindness isn’t contingent upon our circumstances. It is a decision we can make daily, and its dividends are lasting and powerful.

Ken Kilpatrick

SOUND OFF 4 The ‘Ville

Fantastic idea

I think the Northville Skatepark Project is a fantastic idea. Millennium Park is a good location. Maybe even the park on Beck Road between 5 Mile and 6 Mile if there is room in the back area.

I hope this comes to fruition.

Meghan Brown

Make it happen

I certainly support the building of a skatepark. I moved to Northville from Lebanon, NH. In Lebanon, the Rotary Club worked with the town to build and maintain the skatepark.

It was a wonderful safe place for the kids to skateboard and was a town treasure. It is a great idea for Northville. The community should get behind this and make it happen.

Gay Landstrom PhD, RN

What’s oldest building in township

The “likely the oldest building remaining in Northville Township” comment in the “Labor of Love” article on the Thayer School renovation in the August issue caught my attention. Yes, 1877 is pretty old, but I was sure one of the houses my wife and I considered purchasing in our first attempt to move to the area back in 2001 had that number beat easily. I pulled out my 3-ring binder of MLS listings of houses we’ve considered over our 27 years and four house searches together to check. Sure enough, just up Napier a bit from Thayer School sits a quaint farmhouse, the 2001 listing for which boasted of its 1850 vintage.

It might make an interesting article to find out who can rightly claim the title of “Oldest Building in Northville Township.”

Jim Nichols

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.

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Northville’s Vivian Zhong, who was crowned Miss Michigan, has had a busy year. She graduated with her Master’s degree from Tulane University (top left), and has attended many functions including charity events and parades (top right). Photos courtesy of Miss Michigan Program.

A True Role Model Crowned Miss Michigan, Northville’s Vivian Zhong has lofty goals

By Maria Taylor

I

f you’re watching Miss America this year, take a second look at Miss Michigan.

Recognize her? This year’s Miss Michigan is none other than Northville native Vivian Zhong.

The NHS Class of 2015 graduate took some time between a parade route and planning for medical school to answer a few questions for The ‘Ville about what it’s really like to wear the crown.

You are the first Miss Michigan in the running to be Miss America since Kirsten Haglund in 2008.

What inspired you to enter your first pageant?

Growing up, I watched the Miss America pageant on TV, and the very first year I watched was actually the year that Kristen Haglund won. I told my mom I wanted to get involved, and I started competing when

8 The ‘Ville

Vivian Zhong (second from left) got the chance recently to hang out with other Miss America contestants.

I was 16 years old, for Miss Michigan Outstanding Teen.

I competed five times for the title of Miss Michigan before I won. I want girls to know that what they put their mind to, they can achieve. And that you can get back up — once or twice or even five times — and that it’s OK,

if you learn about yourself and reflect on how you can improve and be a better individual and a leader and ultimately get to your goal.

What will you be doing in your reign as Miss Michigan?

I’m one of the first state titleholders who will be

concurrently going to medical school. I went to the University of Michigan for my undergrad, and I just graduated with my Master’s in pharmacology from Tulane School of Medicine in New Orleans. I’ll be starting medical school this fall, and I’m also going to be talking about my social impact initiative and encouraging young women to reach for their goals and to pursue further higher education.

I’m going to make it work with school at the same time with virtual interviews. Especially since I am volunteering with pediatric cancer patients and they’re a very vulnerable population right now with a pandemic, a lot of those meetings would be over Zoom anyway.

Your platform and your passion are so intertwined.

My social impact initiative is called Golden Warriors for

Pediatric Cancer. One of my friends that I grew up with had leukemia. She fought for four years, and she ultimately did beat her cancer. But just before her 21st birthday, she died from complications due to the chemotherapy and radiation that she had undergone as a child.

That’s something that really stuck out for me.

The National Institute of Health has an annual budget and unfortunately, only about 4% of that goes to pediatric cancer research — simply because of the number of diagnoses. I’m doing a lot of private fundraising as well as planning on meeting with U.S. Representative Haley Stevens to talk more about what we can do to get more allocation for childhood cancer research, which is super underfunded.

What was going through your head when they announced that you won?

I honestly am not sure — I kind

Miss Michigan 2019 Mallory Rivard crowns Vivian Zhong as the 2021 Miss Michigan.

of blacked out! I wanted to find my mom in the crowd. My mom is my biggest supporter. She’s been through the ups and the downs and every single competition.

But I couldn’t even find her in the audience.

Then the outgoing Miss Michigan, Mallory Rivard, whispered in my ear, ‘You are going to be our 100th anniversary Miss America.” And I think that’s when it really hit. It was just such a surreal moment that I almost didn’t believe it.

What kind of reaction did you get from the Vivian Zhong plans to work in healthcare, and hopes to help people of children with cancer.

Northville

when they found out that you won?

So many people reached out to me saying how proud they were that I was a local. And so many people from the Asian community, too, saying how proud they were that I was a representative and a role model for their young daughters, especially with everything that’s happened within the past year. I think what really hit home for me was being in the Fourth of July parade for Northville. That was a few weeks after I won the title.

It was like a homecoming for me — seeing old friends, teachers, and friendly faces, just cheering me on and so happy for me.

What does it mean to be in such a prominent position in a time when we sadly have seen racism and even violence against Asian American people during the pandemic?

When I first found out about the violence and racism that was going on, the first thing I thought of was I wanted to talk to my mom and my grandparents, because I was more worried

about them. You can’t help, when you watch those videos, but think “What if that was my mom?” or “What if that was my grandma?”

Being an Asian leader in this time is so important, because we’re basically showing everyone that we are people, we are kind, we are leaders, and we are American citizens.

It’s so important that we get representation out there, and I’m very proud to be that face and that representation during these hard times.

Do you have any favorite people or memories of Northville that you’d like to share?

I went to Moraine Elementary and every single year, throughout the five years when I had a local title, my first grade teacher Ms. Beck would always invite me into her class to speak about leadership. She emailed me right after I won! Teachers like her have really truly supported me throughout this entire journey, not just with the Miss America organization, but helping me become the student that I am today.

What’s next after medical school?

I love working with children.

I want to become a pediatric oncologist. That’s my ultimate goal. I hope to eventually settle down in Michigan and start my own practice or work in a hospital in Michigan. I always want to be a Michigander.

The Miss America 2022 competition will be held Dec. 16 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, when the Miss America Organization will celebrate its 100th anniversary. For details and more information about the Miss American organization, visit www.missamerica.org.

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School Board follows county in hopes of keeping kids in classroom

NHS senior Quinn Cassar masked up in class.

By Larry O’Connor

N

orthville Public Schools Board of Education merged onto the chaotic highway of COVID mask mandates, approving one that requires universal indoor face coverings for staff and students when transmission of the deadly virus is at moderate, substantial or high levels this academic year.

The board’s action coincides with an Oakland County Health Department emergency order, mandating masks for children pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. That directive affects the district’s Oakland Countybased Amerman Elementary, Cooke School, Hillside Middle School and Thornton Creek Elementary.

A day after the Northville board passed its measure in a 5-1 vote Aug. 24 with trustee James Mazurek dissenting amid one abstention, Wayne County Health Department followed suit. The bottom line is, whether it is the county or school board’s

12 The ‘Ville

directive, students and staff will be masking up for the health of it.

“Since the health departments in our local counties have now given guidance and mandates, I would say I would like all folks to embrace it so we can work towards an exit strategy,”

said Angela Jaafar, Northville board vice-president, who abstained because she “wasn’t comfortable with lumping everything” into one motion.

“Nobody wants to wear masks, but if it is what’s going to keep our kids in school, my number one top priority as a board member is to keep our

Students walk through the halls of Northville High School.

kids safely in school and keep quarantines down. So our students are getting the level of instruction, and exceptional education that they deserve. To me, that takes precedent and is most important.”

The board’s move was a bold step, especially against the backdrop of anti-mask protests nationally. The divisive issue has taken a foothold in Michigan where there is no statewide order, leaving the hotbutton topic for county health departments and local districts to wrestle with.

That has led to some peculiar optics.

In Oakland County, more than 100 people turned out to the county board of commissioners meeting Sept.

2 to angrily protest the school mask mandate, according to media reports. Meanwhile, neighboring Macomb County has seen parents pleading with county and school officials to

implement a mandatory mask simulations on the elementary Nobody wants to wear masks, but if it is what's policy there. level as a positive COVID test Though not everyone agreed going to keep our kids in school, my number one turned up two days before the with Northville’s action, the end of the summer program, top priority as a board member is to keep our kids resulting in a quarantine, district avoided the unsavory spectacles that have become safely in school and keep quarantines down. So our Gallagher said. fodder for cable news.

A majority of community students are getting the level of instruction, and “People came out in favor members — including a host of exceptional education that they deserve. To me, and people came out against medical professionals — spoke — before and after,” said Sarah in favor of universal masking that takes precedent and is most important.

Prescott, Northville board at the meeting. Those opposed president. “There are parents cited the inconvenience of Angela Jaafar, School Board Vice President who said it didn’t go nearly wearing masks, including the far enough and then there are inability to hear teachers. parents who have said you lowers the number of students exposed to Former school board member shouldn’t have had masks at all. the virus and limits quarantines.

Matt Wilk predicted dire consequences.

“There were these big stories nationally In one scenario involving a grade 7-12 “If you are saying mask mandates and the about these people who are suicidal … who classroom, trustees were shown an example privates (schools) and academies are not, were threatened with violence and attacked. of how 30-35 students would be affected if a you have the potential of losing those kids Fortunately, that is something we haven’t COVID-19 positive classmate was present.

— not just for now but forever — because had to deal with,” Prescott continued. “At The radius for close contact tracing is their parents may opt to never return,” Wilk the meeting, I actually said how grateful six feet where masking is only strongly said. “That’s 200-ish kids and that’s 20 or and proud I was of the community. We recommended opposed to being required. so teachers you’d have to get rid of just to had sharply disagreed in many ways, That circle for potential exposure is get back to a balanced level before, which but then there was so much class and reduced to three feet when a face covering is wasn’t a balanced level. … And until what, reasonableness.” mandated, according to CDC. until 5 and 11 year olds get the vaccine?”

In crafting a policy, the district relied on As a result, the grade 7-12 classroom Mazurek, who cast the lone opposition Centers for Disease Control and American would see eight close contact quarantines vote, believed the Michigan Department Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. where masks are compulsory compared of Health and Human Services should be The AAP urges all staff and students ages to 20 without. Numbers are similar on the making such directives.

2 and older wear masks unless medical or PreK-Grade 6 level where pupils are not “We as a board should be focusing on developmental conditions prohibit their eligible for vaccinations. education, doing whatever we can to use.

“If both parties wearing a mask and there provide the best education for our kids,” he “There were hundreds and hundreds are not symptoms, and they are three feet or said. “I don’t think it is our responsibility to of pages of study in which we received,” more away you don’t have to quarantine,” be determining actions for kids that parents Prescott said.

Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher said. should be making.”

The mask mandate comes as COVID “So there’s a relationship between universal Universal mask wearing is one part of a transmission numbers continued to spike in masking and fewer quarantines as long as multi-layered mitigation strategy to deal the Northville area during the summer. there are no symptoms present. What that with COVID-19, especially the virulent In early June, 5.75 cases per 100,000 means is kids staying in school.”

Delta variant. This includes home selfwere reported, which is considered in the The district didn’t have to resort to monitoring, physical distancing and hand low transmission range (0-9 sanitizing. cases per 100,000). By Aug. 24, “Our primary goal, one I 106.42 cases per 100,000 were believe our entire community recorded, eclipsing the high can support, is for teaching and transmission category (more learning to occur in the best We as a board should be focusing on education, than 100 cases per 100,000). environment possible, with Moderate transmission is mitigation measures that keep doing whatever we can to provide the best 10-49 cases per 100,000 and our students and staff in school education for our kids. I don’t think it is our substantial transmission is 50to the greatest extent possible responsibility to be determining actions for kids 100 cases. throughout the year,” Gallagher Rebecca Pek, who leads the said. “It will take all of us, that parents should be making. district’s COVID response team, working together, to give us the Jim Mazurek, School Board Member explained to board members best possible chance of making how universal mask wearing this happen.”

The ‘Ville 13

Northville Rotary member Guy Bardsley in downtown Northville.

Pedal Power Tour de Ville bike ride raises important funds for local, international causes

By Tim Smith

S

ome community service groups like to raise money by hosting golf outings. Others serve up chicken dinners. The Northville Rotary Club likes to get on their bikes and ride.

The non-profit organization’s eighth Tour de Ville will take place Saturday, Oct. 2 at a new location – the recently renovated Living and Learning Enrichment Center. This year is the first in-person event since 2019, with the 2020 Tour de Ville done virtually due to COVID-19.

“We’re going to use it (Living

and Learning) as our base,” said Rotarian Derek Blair.

“Everybody starts there. There’s a beer tent, there’s music, there’s water and food provided, people do the bike ride, either a 10K (10 kilometers, or 6.2 miles), 25K (15.5 miles) or 70K (43.5 miles) for the serious bikers.”

All routes start and end at the Living and Learning Center, 801 Griswold Street.

Blair emphasized that the Tour de Ville not only is a go-to event for Northville residents and bike enthusiasts,

it’s Northville Rotary’s largest Drive, a 54-mile ride for more annual fundraiser. seasoned riders that travels “Community service and through Dixboro and Whitmore service above self is the motto Lake, and even at scenic gravel of Rotary,” Blair said. “That’s route that winds along several what we’re always trying to back-country roads west of do. And it’s a lot of business Northville. people, retirees and community Registration begins at 7 a.m. members just trying to make on Oct. 2, with coffee and water the community and the world provided. To register for the a little better place. And have event or for more information, some fun doing it along the visit tourdeville.org. way.”

For those who are concerned Over the previous seven about COVID and would rather Tour de Ville events, more than avoid the crowds, but still 2,300 riders would like to have taken participate, part with an there is a WHAT: Northville Rotary’s 8th annual estimated virtual ride bike ride fundraiser $120,000 option, where WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 2 generated the riders get WHERE: Living & Learning for charities to arrange the Enrichment Center (801 Griswold and causes day, route, Street) including and length, MORE INFO: Visit www. the Rotary then sign up northvillerotary.org or tourdeville.org International through the Foundation, registration Kids Against Hunger, student form to make your donation of exchange programs and local $30. food banks, among others, The Northville Living and according to the Northville Learning Center also will host Rotary Club website. an open house of the mansion Blair described the event as and campus on Sept. 24-25. “a family-oriented event and Hours are 4-7 p.m. Sept. 24 and not a race.” There are several 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 25. The routes to choose from, so it nonprofit’s mission is to train can accommodate all levels young people with autism to of riders, ranging from family become contributing members ride (10-30 miles) that travels of society, its website notes. exclusively along Edward Hines

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Harvest’s Bounty Farmers Market is place to get homegrown produce -- and a lot more

I

f you haven’t noticed, the days are getting shorter and summer is beginning to wane. And that means another season of the Northville Farmers Market is drawing to a close.

The popular market, which takes place Thursdays from May through October at the corner of 7 Mile Road and Center Street, is one of the best places around to get Michigan-grown produce from local farmers. It’s also a great place to people watch, as the weekly market draws folks in from around the area.

One of the great things about the Farmers Market, which is organized by Northville Chamber of Commerce, is that it changes from week to week. Yes, many of the vendors remain the same throughout the year, but as the weeks pass they bring with them the items most recently harvested, starting with flowers in spring, then strawberries in early summer and now a bounty of produce as we are entering the prime harvest weeks. Without question, this is the time of year to visit the Famers Market.

Our photographer Bryan Mitchell has been a frequent visitor (and bargain hunter) at the Famers Market, chronicling all the sights and sounds. We hope his photos inspire you to get out to the market before it’s too late.

Fortunately, there are still several weeks to get out to the market, as it runs Thursdays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. through Oct. 28. For more information, visit www.northville.org/farmers-market-vendors.

18 The ‘Ville

Travis Fusilier of Fusilier Farms loads up a customer’s basket with fresh produce.

Flowers were everywhere early in the season. Chelsea Carter from Donahee Farms stacks ripe tomatoes (below left).

Sirina Kativa sells French baked goods at the Cannelle by Matt Knio booth, which almost always sells out before closing.

Ibis Aragones, an avid gardner, looks for just the right flowers.

The ‘Ville 19

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Creating A Special Place

Township issuing bonds to level remaining buildings at Legacy Park

By Lonnie Huhman & Kurt Kuban | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

T

here’s still much work to do out along Seven Mile Road if Legacy Park is to become what many in the Northville community hope it to be.

It was in 2009 when Northville Township sold bonds to purchase the 332 acres of property formerly known as the State of Michigan Regional Psychiatric Hospital for a price tag of $23.5 million. The main purpose of this was to preserve open space and create future recreation amenities.

However, the site presented (and continues to present) various challenges, most notably the remaining vacant buildings that were part of the hospital complex. While the main, nine-story hospital building was razed in 2018 (at a price tag of $9 million), there remains a number of vacant structures that pose a hazard to residents and roadblock to fulfilling the goals for the park.

22 The ‘Ville

There are a total of 11 remaining buildings.

The challenge to removing them, of course, is having enough money to pay for their demolition.

For many Northville Township officials, including Supervisor Mark Abbo, it’s obvious this land and its future is a priority. And it starts with eliminating the vacant buildings. They are working on a plan.

“We propose to fund that work through the issuance of $12 million of bonded debt,” said Abbo. “Interest rates are extremely low right now, so it’s an ideal time.”

TIF MONEY Abbo said township officials believe they have the opportunity to do something positive on the property and feel comfortable issuing debt and then use TIF money (Tax

There are still 11 vacant buildings and plenty of remnants of the old psychiatric hospital that need to be eliminated.

Increment Financing) as the pledge to repay. He said they can borrow $12 million and remove the 11 buildings and then bring the land to a more natural state so it can then be utilized by residents.

Although the buildings are in the process of being evaluated

for demolition work, Abbo believes $12 million will be enough to pay for the work.

“I’m really confident we can do it with the $12 million. It will be close, but we’ll get it done,” Abbo said.

Once all the buildings are investigated, a demolition plan

will be developed and the work will be put out to bid, which should happen sometime this year. Abbo envisions demolition work to begin next year, and possibly this winter.

Abbo said the bond will be repaid not from taxes or from the general fund, but from monies captured through the Brownfield TIF on the existing adjacent commercial development. The TIF money comes from an agreement established when the township purchased the property from developer Schostak Brothers & Company, which had purchased it from the State of Michigan.

Schostak and partner REI Investment Group, Inc. maintained ownership of the 82 acres at the southwest corner of Haggerty and Seven Mile, and includes the Northville Park Place development and the U-M medical facility.

The TIF revenue comes from a percentage of the increase in taxes captured by Northville Township as a result of the development. As the development increases in value, the tax capture increases. Under

Goldenrod blooming at Legacy Park.

the agreement, the brownfield tax capture will continue until 2042.

According to Wendy Hillman, the township’s finance manager, the township is anticipating capturing more than $20 million beginning with the 2021 tax year and running through 2042. For example, the township will collect about $600,000 for the 2021 tax year, and it continues to go up.

Abbo also noted much of Schostak’s land (about 30 acres) is still undeveloped, which means once it is developed, the tax capture will increase because the property’s value will increase.

TAKING ANOTHER LOOK Another part of the process going forward will be taking a new look at the master plan for the property. In 2012, a citizens advisory committee was formed to develop the current master plan. According to Northville Township Treasurer Jason Rhines, more than 3,000 citizens participated in various ways to the development of the plan.

Northville Township Trustee Mindy Herrmann and Supervisor Mark Abbo at Legacy Park. They are proponents of increasing recreational opportunities at the park.

Rhines said the plan was understands the community always intended to be a living, does have some priorities for dynamic document. the land, most notably passive “We are beginning the recreation including pathways process of evaluating the plan and connectivity. to determine the viability of its “In our desire to create nonrecommendations, and whether motorized mobility within the it reflects the current needs township, we are reviewing and desires opportunities of township to prioritize WHAT DO YOU THINK? residents,” resources and Northville Township officials are in said Rhines, develop plans the process of looking at the master who is to enhance plan for Legacy Park (the former helping lead the pathway Michigan Psychiatric Hospital property). What would you like to see a committee systems at the park? What priorities should aiming within the township officials have after they to better township,” get the remaining vacant buildings understand Herrmann demolished and start implementing the current said. “Our recreation plans? Please share your public plans include opinions with Editor Kurt Kuban at sentiments. connectivity kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com.

Township to, and Trustee development Mindy of pathways within Legacy Hermann is Park. We look to accomplish another voice those plans after the remaining on a citizen building demolitions are committee completed.” seeking to Both Abbo and Herrmann make sure the said the name of the park community’s (Legacy Park) is important and desires are appropriate. They said it will heard. She keep growing into a place for said when the the community to enjoy. master plan “I think the community has was created wanted this for a long time and it set a basis I just want them to know its for potential high on our priority list and development. we are going to take care of However, it,” Abbo said of the remaining she said the demolition and getting the township land to a place where it can be then and now utilized by the community.

The ‘Ville 23

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New Plans Hunter Pasteur back for round two on Downs development

By Kurt Kuban

F

armington Hills-based developer Hunter Pasteur Homes was back before the Northville Planning Commission to take another crack with what they believe to be improved plans for the Northville Downs property.

The much-anticipated meeting took place via Zoom on Aug. 30. More than 230 people joined the meeting virtually, as Hunter Pasteur’s Randy Wertheimer and a new team that includes Forbes Company, Toll Brothers, and Oboran, presented their latest plans for the 48 acres bounded roughly

by Seven Mile, Center Street, River Street, Griswold and Cady.

It’s been a couple years since the Hunter-Pasteur team appeared before the Planning Commission at a fairly

26 The ‘Ville

A rendering of Central Park, looking south from Cady Street.

raucous meeting at Hillside Middle School, where the plan was panned by many of the hundreds in attendance. So, the developer went back to the

drawing board, and attempted to address many of the concerns laid out by both planning commissioners and residents.

The new plan certainly has

plenty of ‘wow’ factor, with incredible renderings. However, it was not an official site plan review, as Wertheimer and his team were looking more for feedback and the planning commission’s reaction.

“Over the last two years, we kind of stepped back and listened to what residents had to say,” said Wertheimer, noting they had taken the “best ideas” from residents and incorporated them into the plan. They’ve also visited with neighbors to gain input for the plan.

There were definitely some changes to the original plan, including a reduction in the density that was a major concern after the meeting in 2019. Total units have been reduced from 599 to 478. The

number of apartments have been reduced from 300 to 174 and townhomes from 184 to 170. Single family homes have been increased from 50 to 56.

There will still be commercial buildings along Cady – about 17,000 square feet of space.

As for the single family homes, they are proposing five different housing types – plans based on homes currently in Northville, according to Northville architect Greg Presley, who has also joined the team.

“They have the authentic look and feel of downtown Northville,” Presley said.

Some of the highlights of the plan include: • Daylighting the Rouge River, which currently runs underground through a pipe under the Downs property.

• About 30% of the land (16 acres) will be green space, including a 10-acre park straddling the daylighted river, and a 1.2 acre Central Park surrounded by luxury condos that Wertheimer noted will be larger than Plymouth’s popular Kellogg Park.

improved,” though she, too, feels there should only be commercial space on Center.

When the meeting was opened up to public comment, it was apparent the Hunter Pasteur team has more work to do to win over many residents.

Nancy Riegner, who lives on Center Street, said she was “appalled by the number of residents packed” into such a small area, and her husband The proposed mixed-use development includes a total of 478 units, and about 16 Bryan was concerned about acres of green space. increased traffic on Center • 174 unit luxury apartments concerns about density.

Street. Other residents, • 56 single family homes Commissioner Marc Russell especially those in the adjacent (with detached garages) had questions about safety on Beal Town neighborhood, and 170 row townhomes Hutton Street, feeling it would voiced similar worries.

A couple elements that have become a cut through. Several However, resident Michelle been eliminated from the plan commissioners mentioned they Aniol, who has a background in are a permanent space for the would like only commercial planning, said there is sufficient Northville Farmers Market and uses on Center Street, rather land for the plan and if it was the proposed roundabout for than single up to her, the Seven Mile/Center Street family homes. she would WHAT DO YOU THINK? intersection. In fact, the plan Thomas approve it.

What’s your reaction to the latest doesn’t include much in the way Barry was “The plans for the Northville Downs site? of traffic plans as Wertheimer concerned density that What would you like to see, or not said they will defer to the city about the is being see? Please email your comments to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@ and county on those plans. “lack of proposed … thevillemagazine.com.

Although they didn’t have retail space” we can handle anything to vote on, planning in the plan, it,” Aniol said. commissioners had plenty of especially with so many new “We will survive. Look at the comments at the conclusion families moving in. benefits it will bring. Let’s move of the presentation. Most Donna Tinberg, chair of the forward with this.” mentioned they still had planning commission, was most Wertheimer said best case concerned about the size of the scenario it would be two years single family homes, especially before they can begin work. in light of the city’s recent FAR They’ve yet to submit a formal ordinance that limits the sizes site plan for review, so the ball is of homes based on the size of in their court for now. Planning the lot. She is worried they commissioners agreed, will be seeking variances to get expressing confidence the plan around the ordinance. can be fine tuned to meet the Still, the commissioners were needs of the community. clearly impressed with elements “There’s a lot of work to be of the plan. Both Russell and done before bulldozers arrive Steve Kirk commented on the in town. There’s time to get this diversity of housing. right,” Tinberg said. “We really “It’s refreshing to see the need input along this journey.” diversity of styles, sizes and The 'Ville will continue to elevation,” Kirk said. update our readers on this The proposed single family homes include five different styles, based on existing Commissioner Carol important story as it develops. homes in Northville.

Maise called the plan “greatly

The ‘Ville 27

GIVE ‘EM A BOOST Facing COVID shortfalls Mustang Booster Club more important than ever

By Brad Emons

N

orthville High athletics is literally looking for a “Boost” after COVID-19 put an economic squeeze on the 2020 and 2021 sports seasons.

The Northville Mustang Booster Club is trying to play catch-up with a fundraising initiative while continuing to provide a supplemental income stream to the school’s athletic teams and clubs, along with its athletic department.

“In a nutshell, we lost all of our income last year,” Mustang Booster Club treasurer Kate McCullough said. “A majority of our money comes from (season) sports passes. Obviously, we sold zero of those during COVID because we didn’t have sports.”

The Mustang Booster Club continued to fund requests to teams and the athletic department during COVID, paying out $42,000 during the ‘20-21 school year.

“We’re asking for public support – the alumni, the people in the neighborhoods that love to see the kids going back to playing sports,”

28 The ‘Ville

The Northville Booster Club pays for team trips (top) and all the new trophies displayed at Northville High School.

McCullough said. “In general, we’re asking for help to rebuild our bank because we want to be able to give money to the teams for the things that are above and beyond.”

The Mustang Booster Club paid for a variety of projects, but without the ability to fundraise in 2020 and parts of 2021 through its normal fundraising channels, the balance is currently too low to fund any requests for the current school year.

Some of the things the Mustang Booster Club has paid for include summer team training in the fitness center, Mustang Leadership Council and training, student-athlete

awards and award cases at the high school.

They’ve also provided uniforms and warmups, off-site training facilities for gymnastics, bowling, hockey and baseball, along with indoor location rental to accommodate spring sports tryouts.

Among the recurring funding provided toward the Northville High Athletic Department include: athletic awards and varsity patches ($4,500), student leadership council ($3,000), summer strength and conditioning trainers ($3,600-plus), Hudl subscription ($3,500), indoor exercise locations for spring sports tryouts ($8,000), coaches

retreats and state meet travel expenses ($2,000-plus).

“Each year there’s a fundamental amount of things we fund for the athletic department...so these are some of the things we give out annually no matter what and that adds up to over $30,000,” McCullough said. “We can hand out anything from $70,000 to $100,00 every year depending on how much we use and how much need there is that year.

Having not raised any funds, we’re trying to rebuild our bank.

We are literally out of money.”

In addition, money was also earmarked for equipment for teams and club sports, including recent examples of: • Scoring technology for the wrestling program (including IPads and software); • Recovery tools for cross country; • Golf bags for the boys and girls teams; • Pitching machine for baseball; • Goalie equipment for lacrosse.

“One of the last things we raised were kickboards for the swim team,” McCullough said.

“They got one of the last things we gave out. We kind of give them that little extra boost.

We’re hearing that baseball wants to put in a new bubble in their batting cage. But we can’t fund that. Right now, we don’t have the money to fund that.”

Each year the Mustang Booster Club also awards four $1,000 scholarships in the name of Lisa Christensen with the most recent recipients being Hayden Notario, Ryan Miklus, Katelyn O’Brien and Kaiya Lawing.

The Mustang Booster Club’s revenue comes from a variety of sources with a major chunk

coming from season sports passes. For either $55 (per individual) or $130 (per family), a season sports pass covers all Northville high school and middle school home events.

“We run spirit wear, which is basically your sweat shirts and T-shirts that all of the school can come and buy during open

the bank, or whatever is made that night. And that’s what we use to buy the Cokes. And we have sponsors like Busch’s and Meijer who also assist in and supply the $1,500 in gift cards and Busch’s gives us hot dogs.

It’s a great advantage, but we barely break even. So, we’re restocking everything.”

With the fall season already underway, the Boost fundraising initiative is up and running and McCullough is trying to get the word out as quickly as

Booster club member Mark Titof, along with Laura Genitti, part of the family owned Genitti’s Hole-in-the-Wall in downtown Northville, said the Mustang Booster Club has taken a similar approach to what colleges take, which is to hold a fundraising drive.

Their role was to create a frequently asked question (FAQ) document for its website about what the Mustang Booster Club is all about, what it does and why it needs the money.

“We’re saying to people, ‘This is an important initiative.

It’s an important thing for our community,’” Titof said. “It’s for basic, fundamental items that it takes to run first class athletic operation. If you’re

each of the coaches of every level – freshman, JV and varsity – to put the document on their teams’ social media platforms such Instagram, Facebook, TikTok while reaching out to the community, its alumni and parents.

“I think we can raise $100,000. I really do even though I know it’s tough in this environment to do that,” Titof said. “If it goes long enough and we can get the word out, we can raise $100,000, which will put the booster club in the best financial position it has ever been.”

The Mustang Booster Club is registered as a 501-3C and donations are tax deductible.

You can donate online at www. gonorthvillemustangs.org.

We’re asking for public support – the alumni, the people in the neighborhoods that love to see the kids going back to playing sports. In general, we’re asking for help to rebuild our bank because we want to be able to give money to the teams for the things that are above and beyond.”

Kate McCullough, Mustang Booster Club Treasurer

houses and stuff,” McCullough said. “It’s a way for us to make money. Right now, we’re in the process of re-stocking the concessions. Any profits – it goes to the teams that run the concessions, so we don’t make money. We barely break even. We take a portion of the proceeds that we sell and that’s what we use to fund to stock the concessions.”

The Mustang Booster Club does however, count on local businesses to chip in and lend a helping hand. Among those sponsors include Tom Holzer Ford, Meijer, Busch’s, Spillane and Reynolds Orthodontics and the Patti Mullen Group.

“It’s basically a 45-55 split,” McCullough said of the concessions. “We take 45% of

possible.

McCullough said she has a vested interest in the Boost initiative. Her daughter, Katie, is a Northville grad who went on to swim at Rutgers, while her son Kyle is a senior swim standout for the Mustangs.

“My family, my children haven gotten so much out of NHS sports,” the group’s treasurer said. “Right now, we can cover annual grants. But above and beyond that . . . we’re not in the position to do that.

“My hope is the money that we raise in sports passes we can definitely cover our annual costs which covers every group.

But these individual assisted grants that we give out are going to dry up until we can build up finances.”

putting $200 towards this, you’re putting it toward a good cause that spends the money extremely wisely.”

Titof created the FAQ sheet that appears on the athletic department’s Twitter page, while sending out a letter to

You can use the QR code on the website to donate online, or you can write a check to: NMBC and address it to: Northville Mustang Booster Club, Northville High School Athletics Dept., 45700 Six Mile Road, Northville, MI 48168.

The ‘Ville 29

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Aerospace Club Places At TARC The Northville High School Aerospace Club participated recently in the American Rocketry Competition (TARC), placing 13th overall nationally in the main competition, while also taking first place in the presentation portion of the competition.

At this year’s competition in Dayton, Ohio, the challenge was to launch a rocket with a payload of one raw egg to an altitude of 800 feet (measured by an on-board altimeter), and the total time the rocket takes from launch to landing is between 40 and 43 seconds. Teams earned one point for every foot above or below 800 feet the rocket traveled.

According to team member Jason Brown, the club had been preparing for TARC throughout the 2020-2021 school year, which proved difficult because of COVID. They ended up being the only team from Michigan to compete at the nationals. Pictured are team members Brown, Yui Matsumoto, and Jack Gordon.

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Candidates Forum The public is invited to attend a forum featuring the three candidates for Northville City Council: Patrick Giesa, Andrew Krenz and John Carter. It will take place at 7 p.m., October 7 at Northville Township Hall (Six Mile and Sheldon).

Each candidate will be given time for opening and closing statements. They Giesa will also get to answer the same six questions posed by Mayor Brian Turnbull, who will serve as moderator.

If you have questions you would like the candidates to answer, please email them to Editor Krenz Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@ thevillemagazine.com. Kuban and Mayor Turnbull will choose the six questions from those submitted by readers.

Arrangements are being made to stream the forum on social media, including on The ‘Ville’s Facebook page.

Carter

Northville Stands With Detroit A contingent of Northville residents will once again partner with Detroit’s Life Remodeled project, which takes place over the course of six days (Oct. 4-9). Northville Stands With Detroit has been volunteering as a group since 2016.

Organizers are seeking Northville volunteers to join the group this year for one day of work on beautification/blight removal projects in Detroit. The exact date is still being determined. They are also encouraging teens to join them on Saturday, Oct. 9.

“This is a great opportunity to work alongside your peers and friends

32 The ‘Ville

and help others at the same time. Certificates of volunteer hours will be provided to teens upon request,” said organizer Marianne Barry.

Safety is a high priority, and all State of Michigan COVID-19 orders and requirements will be in place. All work will take place outside.

Volunteers will drive their own vehicles directly to the project site and park in front of vacant properties. No lunch will be served, and volunteers will be asked to work a half day shift from 1-5 p.m.

To volunteer or for more information, contact Marianne Barry at mgbarry1020@gmail.com.

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Drive-By Baby Shower

50 Year Reunion

More than $6,000 in baby items were collected last month by the Sarah Ann Cochrane Chapter, NSDAR, (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution) for women veterans serviced by the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit. The “driveby baby shower,” organized by the local chapter’s Service for Veterans Committee, was held Aug. 30 with items dropped off in the parking lot at Knightsbridge Antiques Mall on Seven Mile in Northville.

Chapter Regent Linda Brandis said items ranging from new clothing to diapers, formula and other essentials, were collected over a twoweek period with some items purchased and delivered prior to the event kick-off.

“It really was a most successful event,” Brandis said.

The Sarah Ann Cochrane Chapter, NSDAR, was organized in Plymouth in 1926 and chartered in 1928 with members from Plymouth and Northville. It is named for Sarah Ann Cochrane, daughter of a pioneering Michigan family with Northville roots. The chapter today boasts 120 members from Plymouth, Northville, Canton, Novi and other areas.

For more information, visit www.cochrane.michdar.net.

The Northville High School Class of 1971 celebrated its 50-year reunion Aug. 14 at a classmate’s farm in Fowlerville. About 75 class members attended from as far away as New York and California for the weekend celebration that began with a Friday night get together at Genitti’s. Prizes were given to classmates who came the furthest, had the most kids and were longest retired. A memorial tree was also decorated with the photos and names of the classmates who have passed.

“The evening ended with a spectacular bonfire. It was so nice to see so many after so many years,” said classmate David Zima. “Much thanks to committee members for their tireless work.”

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Dishin’ With Denise

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

Signed, Sealed, September D

id you know the price to mail a first class letter went up at the end of last month?

Beginning Sept. 1 stamps cost 58-cents. It’s a 6.9% increase, but in my humble opinion, still a real bargain. I know it’s been a slow go lately for what we fondly call snail mail, but think about it…for less than $1 you can send a letter, an extra large greeting card or a payment across town, state lines or even the country and it arrives in one to three days – almost always within the week.

Yes, we can do it online, but pay dearly if we are hacked. If you think the USPS is passé, think again. This magazine was likely delivered in your mailbox.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

So many memories from so many people. I found one of the most interesting observations in a brief discussion on a walk through downtown Northville one afternoon a few weeks ago.

In the hours after the attack the whole country came together – despite all our differences. It was and still is possible.

The Northville Library has an exhibit all month with archival photographs and artifacts from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum’s permanent collection. I have been to the memorial in NYC and was incredibly moved by the solemnity of the hallowed ground. I also saw our Pentagon within two weeks of the attack.

There was a real sense of “safe” that came upon me when I

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realized a giant aircraft took out a whole wing of the building that is paramount to our security and you could barely see the wreckage or feel any fear. Indeed, remarkable.

“The Day the World Came to Town” is the story of strangers stuck in Gander, Newfoundland in the aftermath of the crisis.

It is such a great story. I highly recommend it. By the way September is library card sign up month at the Northville library.

Speaking of good people, Aisla Blunk is one to watch.

She’s been in town for nearly 30 years, retired from Northville Public Schools and was on the committee responsible for the Northville Dog Park. Recently Aisla was integral in creating the ARK (Animals Receiving Kindness) at First Step’s Wayne location. The connection between domestic violence and pet abuse is very real. Concern

If you find yourself walking through town in the next couple weeks keep an eye out for some new and some familiar creatures returning to Northville. The Skeletons Are Alive launch event will take place in Town Square 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 1.

Sam at Design Du Jour

On another walk though town I found a new store called Design Du Jour. There was something in the window that caught my eye. I went in and met Sam. I told him I’d be back (with my wallet) to purchase a one-of-a-kind home accessory. It wasn’t really one-of-a-kind, but it did require a special order. Of course, I got distracted and it was about a week later that I returned. Sam remembered me and said someone had come in and bought one of the pieces in the collection and was going to come back. He had hoped I’d show up before. I’m sorry whoever missed out on the stack of books, but Sam can get another. Give him a chance. He’s a good guy.

Aisla Blunk at the ARK shelter

for a pet’s safety often prevents survivors from leaving an abusive environment. The ARK is a spacious, heated building with an indoor and outdoor play area, providing a safe haven for pets. Aisla is leading the auction committee for First Steps’ You Are The Light Gala (Sept. 24th).

Donations are always welcome and the gala is just one way to get involved. Find out more at firststep-mi.org. Kudos to Aisla, and all those who are part of the solution.

Also, if you are still lamenting over losing the middle school spelling bee and you are now over 21 – you can try again Tuesday, Sept. 28 at Genitti’s Hole-in-the-Wall. Call (248) 349-0522 for reservations.

I love words and books and letters in the mail. I opt for a little plaque on a shelf in the library, instead of a tombstone.

If you are looking for a way to honor or memorialize someone you can make a donation to the Northville library. Visit northvillelibrary.org. If you’re looking to bring a smile, send a card.

The ‘Ville 37

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