The 'Ville - September 2022

Vita Vizachero

Vita Vizachero

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.

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.

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

John DesOrmeau

John DesOrmeau

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.

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.

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

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

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

THE OF LOCAL JOURNALISM

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Publisher

Here is a list of We

George Ginger Edward & Kathy Huyck Joelle & George Sarkozy

Linda and Randy Shul James & Dorothy Youmans William & June Weaver

KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher

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

CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director

Craig has been in the creative industry for over 30 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 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.

WENSDY VON BUSKIRK – Writer

Wensdy graduated with a degree in journalism from Wayne State University. Her first job was working as a reporter for The Northville Record. Now, as a freelance writer and editor, she works for a variety of magazines, and is excited to get back to her roots in The ‘Ville. -Photo by Kathleen Voss

MARIA TAYLOR – Writer

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

TIM SMITH - Writer

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

LARRY O'CONNOR – Writer

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

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.

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.

Big Differences Separate School Board Candidates

You’ve probably heard about “Long Covid”, where people suffer from brain fog and other symptoms long after they’ve actually had the virus. It seems like our politics, both locally and nationally, are also suffering from the affliction.

Despite the fact it’s been a while since our schools were impacted by pandemic mitigation measures like required masking, some of the candidates running for the Northville School Board are still making it an issue. Specifically, I’m referring to Kathleen Schafer, Scott Morrell and Andrew Augustine, the three candidates running under the banner of Get Kids Back To School, a political action committee (PAC) started by Matt Wilk.

Wilk, you may remember, is the former Northville School Board president who started a firestorm in 2020 for posting controversial statements about the seriousness of the pandemic. The comments so outraged the community and his fellow board members, they stripped him of his presidency and he didn’t run for re-election.

Since that time, Wilk has been a thorn to the district leadership, with a constant barrage of

criticism, much of it posted on his Get Northville Kids Back To School Facebook page and at school board meetings.

Although Wilk is not running for one of the three seats on the ballot, he recruited Schafer, Morrell and Augustine to run and has given them his wholehearted endorsement.

They are running against Kimberly Campbell-Voytal, who was recently appointed to the school board, and new candidates Carin Meyer and Melissa Stuart. I think it’s fair to call them the establishment candidates, as they’ve all been involved in the schools, including with their local PTAs, and they are supporters of the district leadership.

As voters, I think it’s important for us to determine what makes a good school board member. What qualifications do they have and what do they stand for? What motivates them? (See PAGE 14)

Wilk has made it quite clear what motivates him. He thinks the district’s public health policies were misguided, hurting kids not protecting them. He also wants to neuter teachers unions, and it’s pretty clear Schafer, Morrell and Augustine share those feelings. Augustine even

once wrote (on Get Northville Kids Back To School) teachers unions “are the biggest threat to the country… by far.” I’m not sure why a person who feels that way would want to sit on a board that must work with teachers.

Likewise, Morrell is concerned about "woke" teachers indoctrinating kids with critical race theory, diversity training and social emotional learning.

On Schafer’s website, she says our district “should function without politics.” I’m all about that. I think most parents are.

Yet, just this month, Schafer, Morrell and Augustine were featured guests at a campaign rally also featuring gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon, Cathryn Neracher, who is running for the Michigan House of Representatives, and other prominent Republicans. I’ve got no problem with that. You should campaign with whomever you want, but I’m not sure you can then say you’re not political.

On the other side, CampbellVoytal, Meyer and Stuart have been endorsed by the Northville teachers union, former Superintendents Mary Kay Gallagher and Leonard Rezmierski, and plenty of former school board members.

The establishment is definitely circling the wagons. And for good reason. Our district has benefited from unified leadership for as long as I can remember. It’s led Northville to be one of the premier districts in Michigan. Just this summer, Niche ranked Northville #1 in the state based on academics and other factors.

I have nothing but respect for fellow citizens who care enough to be involved and run for elected office. Serving on the school board is often a thankless job. Members are not paid, and spend a lot of time each month working on district issues. So, I applaud all the candidates in the race, even though I may have serious concerns about their positions.

The ‘Ville has never endorsed political candidates, and I’m not going to change that policy now. But I’ve covered a lot of elections, and I don’t remember any with such stark differences between the candidates. Get out and vote!

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

ON THE Jessica Haveman awaits the start of this year’s Victorian Parade to kick off the 2022 by John Heider

Highly qualified candidates

With three Northville Schools Board of Education seats up for election in November 2022, voters face a decision critical to the future of our children and the success of our school district. As former Northville Public Schools Superintendents, we urge your consideration of three exceptional candidates proven to be strong and open-minded servant-leaders committed to improving learning for all students: Kimberly Campbell-Voytal, Carin Meyer, and Melissa Stuart.

Incumbent Kim Campbell-Voytal has demonstrated her commitment to the governance standards that exemplify effective school boards and is deeply rooted in our community. Carin Meyer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience advocating for students, families, and staff through her work on PTA’s Legislative Action Network. Melissa Stuart brings boots-on-the-ground experience as a parent, PTA leader, and noon aide dedicated to promoting learning for all.

We wholeheartedly endorse Kim Campbell-Voytal, Carin Meyer, and Melissa Stuart as the school board candidates who will best serve the Northville community and build on the district’s long-standing commitment to excellence and opening a world of possibilities for and with each learner. These three highly qualified candidates are passionate about schools being the cornerstone of our community. Mary Kay Gallagher (NPS superintendent 2011-2022) Leonard Rezmierski (NPS superintendent 1991-2011)

Demonstrated commitment

This November, our community has the responsibility to elect three Board of Education members. Our school district is such a deep point of pride and has consistently been one of the top districts in Michigan. Those who serve on the Board have been critical to building that legacy, and remain critical to the ongoing success of Northville students.

As leaders who have engaged in working together to ensure positive outcomes for Northville students, we are proud to endorse Kimberly Campbell-Voytal, Melissa Stuart, and Carin Meyer for school board.

Each of these candidates are proven and positive leaders with a demonstrated commitment to our students, staff, families, and the broader Northville community. Each values collaboration, civility, and the voices of students, staff, and families. We believe that our community will be in great hands through their leadership. Please join us in supporting these candidates and voting for them on November 8. Denise Bryan (former principal of Moraine Elementary) Suzanne Lynn (former school board member) Marilyn Price (former school board member) Ken Roth (former school board member) Libby Smith (former school board member) Joan Wadsworth (former school board member)

No trucks

There’s been a question coming up recently about should we again open Main Street and Center Street to traffic. Half of my friends that I have spoken to say we should open them. The other half says to keep them closed. In my opinion, if we do open them up again, there should be signs prohibiting trucks on both streets. I used to see big semi trucks going through the middle of town. We should only allow cars.

Russ Schiller

Dedicated, reliable, passionate

I am writing to endorse Kathleen Schafer for Northville School Board. Kathleen has been my friend and neighbor for over 19 years. I have watched Kathleen raise her three boys while constantly involving herself in their many activities.

I support Kathleen because she is a “get it done” type of person. When she identifies improvement is needed, Kathleen does not complain but channels her time/energy to implement change.

I support Kathleen because she is dedicated, reliable, capable, and passionate. I have watched Kathleen serve others with a kind heart, generous spirit, and enormous enthusiasm. She has an engineering degree, which helps immeasurably as she navigates different ways to successfully accomplish projects.

Kathleen is an advocate for family values and will collaborate where needed. I think Kathleen is well qualified. I enthusiastically support her as a candidate for Northville School Board.

Vote for Kathleen Schafer on November 8th.

Schafer is prepared

Julie Wright

I am writing to endorse Kathleen Schafer’s candidacy to the Northville School Board. I have known Kathleen for 12 years as a neighbor and fellow Northville parent. I can honestly say that Kathleen is one of the most passionate, enthusiastic and wise people that I know. She cares deeply about our children, our community, and our country.

Kathleen has many personal and professional attributes that prepare her for a position on the Northville school board. Above all is her experience as a mother. She has three sons who possess a variety of gifts, talents and learning styles. She understands that Northville must provide education to meet the various needs of all students.

Kathleen also strives to bring together our community. Kathleen, her husband, and her sons are involved in multiple community groups. They are especially active at St. James Church and Kathleen works with many youth programs as a piano accompanist. She has served on our neighborhood HOA board and works well with diverse groups to serve a common purpose. Her mission that Northville Schools should function without politics fosters a community perspective.

Nikki Van Dis

Thank You!

The community’s overwhelming support for the Northville District Library’s millage renewal on August 2 is a testament to the value residents place on one of Northville’s greatest assets.

Of the 47 libraries across the state that had questions on the August ballot, the Northville District Library had the highest passage rate — a whopping 82 percent (both city and township) — of any library ballot issue in Michigan!

The Committee to Renew the Northville District Library Millage extends its thanks and gratitude to all who supported this critical issue. Your support of the millage renewal preserves the library’s exemplary services for the next decade.

Thank you, Northville!

Michele Fecht and Marjorie Banner Co-Chairpersons

Committee to Renew the Northville District Library Millage

Stop halfway measures

Well before the pandemic forced the somewhat contentious closure of city center streets, Burlington, VT, wholly embraced the concept. It’s Church Street Marketplace, with 100-plus stores and restaurants obviously dwarfing Northville, nevertheless vindicates the idea that business can be enhanced by eliminating traffic.

When a site like this is well planned, there is no need for jury-rigged barricades, makeshift dining platforms, or uncertainty about what to expect. The Marketplace’s boundary is clearly delineated by cast iron pylons and signage. In lieu of street surfaces which clearly belie their original intent, the entire complex is curb-free, level concrete and pavers.

I realize there are downtown businesses that prefer customers to arrive via vehicle and are losing revenue because of the falloff in traffic. But maybe it’s time we took a hard look at Church Street’s success, stopped taking halfway measures, and actually came up with a solid proposal for downtown.

Ken Kilpatrick

Far from over

Thanks for laying out the process of decision making for the downtown street closures, in the last issue. My wife and I have lived here since 1987, raised our kids, and used the schools. I never had a problem with traffic being on the now closed streets. I find detouring off Center Street aggravating since we often go from 6 Mile north past downtown.

Downtown now looks like a disaster. Everything in the street looks like afterthoughts. No continuity that blends nicely to the eye. While I wouldn’t like to see restaurants close, I don’t think those few places have the right to run the town. I think they did well enough before all this street space was given them.

I doubt they would want to make the necessary expenditures to do the street space in a more permanent or pleasing type of manner.

I hope you are right, that this issue is far from over.

Retain Campbell-Voytal

Don’t spoil our village

We have enjoyed being proud residents of Northville for over 50 years with our children attending school here from K-12 and both are married to Northville graduates. We do not approve or support in any way the radical design of the Downs proposal. There is no rush to approve this. Only the developer wants to ram it through. It will totally spoil our beautiful Victorian village forever.

There is absolutely no reason to approve this horrible Downs plan because of pressure from the developer. Please consider other proposals. There is no good solution to the traffic problem the developers will leave with us. As residents of Northville, we have all worked so hard for many years to preserve this one of a kind unique beautiful village we are so proud of. Take a breath, for today and for future generations.

Jim & Martha Nield

Get the plan right

The difficult task of considering how to best protect the small-town heritage of the City of Northville while balancing developer goals for “The Downs” property continues for our Planning Commission. Throughout this process the overwhelming concern expressed by many city residents has been the density proposed for the project. It’s adverse impact on traffic congestion/safety and small-town charm is being threatened to forever disappear.

The developer has cooperated in making many positive revisions, but much more can and should be done to ensure an outcome agreeable to all. Their proposals from the beginning have consistently called for a total of 450-plus housing units on approximately 48 acres. The most recent plan revision contains 459 units or almost 10 dwellings per acre, which is close to double the density of residences found in surrounding neighborhoods.

What if more modest single-family homes were constructed on the same foundation types as used on the massive number of townhomes proposed for the south end of the development? What if a boulevard with plantings and trees was to be constructed on S. Center Street? The developer’s most recent plan revision depicts an island going north from the roundabout at 7 Mile Road that could be extended the length of S. Center Street. Such a boulevard would provide an impressive roadway to compliment the current revised south gateway into town.

We need to make this development into a desirable addition to the city not only for the present, but for future generations.

Carl Giroux

Eric Peterson

As your readers consider the upcoming school board election, I hope they will join me in voting to retain Kim Campbell-Voytal for Northville Board of Education.

I’ve known Kim for close to 30 years through her involvement in many school and community organizations. Kim has good judgment; she listens and takes time to understand different points of view; and she works hard at everything she does. Kim is a parent, a grandparent, and a former faculty member at Wayne State, and has long involved in public health. She’s served the Northville community, most recently on the Board of Education and the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission.

I’m confident that Kim will continue to work with colleagues and the community to further strengthen our school district.

Keep better hours

Thanks for your “View from The ‘Ville” in the August issue. My husband and I landed here after 30 years in New Mexico and we love it. Our neighborhood and the community have been amazingly welcoming after 30 years in the Southwest.

I wanted to add a fresh eye on the situation. First, we love the closed down streets. It is a cool vibe. We love venturing down the streets exploring the shops and meeting people. The problem that is leading to business tailing off is the hours the downtown restaurants and some stores keep. We have noticed that the area pretty much closes down from 2-5 p.m. That’s prime time for some of us. We’ve been so disappointed with that we’ve stopped frequenting the area as of late.

As a retired college professor who has taught Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Retail Management for 20-plus years, our business owners need a good lesson in all three. Just my two cents.

Joan Wadsworth

Linda Shul

Where Do ?Stand THEY

By Larry O’Connor

Divided downtown business owners sound off on street closures

On Aug. 1 the Northville City Council voted to permanently maintain downtown street closures, reversing course that would have seen Main and Center reopen in November after two years.

The move to shutter Main Street, between Hutton and Center, and Center, from Main to Dunlap, came amid the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020 to help businesses, especially restaurants, stay afloat.

We’ve reported on this numerous times over the last couple years. It is an issue that has divided public opinion.

There have been some added benefits. Crashes have decreased since the closures, according to traffic data cited by city council. In 2019, there were 83 collisions compared to 55 in 2021. There were 43 in 2020, but that was due to fewer people driving during the pandemic.

And most restaurants did survive the pandemic.

Still the street closures

have public opinion split. So we decided to reach out to downtown business owners and residents, who are most impacted by the streets being closed.

Some favor the permanent closures. Others prefer the streets reopen during cold weather months when fewer

ALICIA RACINE Co-owner

people are likely to eat outside. Those against blocking off downtown thoroughfares cite increased traffic on streets like Wing. The city could lose MDOT funding and federal aid for roadway construction if the streets remain permanently closed.

Here is what they have to say:

“From a business perspective, I have heard a lot of businesses say they’ve done better with the street closures. As we know, it is really hard to maintain a business in Northville. Has it created more of a walking presence? I think so.

“For me, I have a restaurant and a studio, people like to park and grab their stuff. It doesn’t affect me, the closure. I just know what the businesses say to me ... and all of them say to me that they have had better business. If it makes the businesses in our downtown thrive, I feel it is a good idea. They are really the backbone of the downtown atmosphere, right?”

“I would say it’s been a huge benefit for us (at Adorn). Across the street at the restaurant, I would say it’s been difficult for us. We’re not getting the visibility because we’ve only been open for a year. We opened last August during the pandemic. We’re not quite getting the visibility there we would if people were driving by. We also got put on the wrong side of street over there. We’re limited to a smaller space than some of the other businesses have. We have a curb in the middle of our dining area. We can’t really have a structure in that spot. We’re limited by the fire trucks having to get by on that side of the road.

“I can see both sides of it. We are sort of committed now that there has been a decision made. We are committed to make this a success. My husband and I are definitely working toward everything we can do to contribute with what is happening outside.”

DR. WILLIAM DEMRAYANGELA JAAFAR

“I think the road closures cater to only a select amount of businesses, and we need to be thoughtful about the businesses on the outskirts and the accessibility to those businesses. I think long term I am concerned about the sustainability of the permanent closures, and I think a more seasonal approach would have been a betterbalanced approach for the big picture of the community and for the entire commercial district of Northville.

“Now that the Covid-mitigation measures are no longer in place as far as eating indoors, I don’t see it being very popular for people to eat outside in January or February in zero-below weather.”

“Aesthetics, it’s ugly. Surely, you don’t expect those temporary shelters to remain long-term. As for entryways, it’s been two years and nothing about the look has changed. ... The new ones need to be purchased and installed at a projected cost of a quarter-million dollars. They are years away. They were not needed and they are not needed.

“I ask myself, how is it with ongoing discussions, task forces, committees, planning, and DDA input on what to do with vacant land on the south side of the fair city to create a new residential area? Why is this major revamp of the city center not deserving of the same treatment that is equal to or better than ... a simple anonymous survey. Closing the main intersection is a bigger issue than the Downs development. It completely changes the landscape and the business core.”

DENNIS ENGERER

ANTOINETTE KRAMAR

“I’m actually excited about it. I’m excited to see what the city does with it because I think there is a lot of potential and a lot of things it can do for the downtown. But I really think it needs to be well thought out and I think the ends of the street — where the ‘streets closed’ signs are, the entrances and exits to the social districts — really need to be planned out and be made welcoming and beautified.

“I was surprised (the closures have been made yearlong). We get a lot of feedback here at the store, but I am glad they made a decision and we are no longer in limbo, and now we can move forward and work with the decision.”

“I think everyone would agree we have a really attractive town. I like bringing people to and showing off Northville. Ever since the road closures, that has been tough to do because we can’t get downtown. You have to park somewhere and walk around, and try and show them by walking around rather than driving through.

“I think road closures served a purpose during Covid. We did that for a long time. I think it is now time to reconsider opening. I know that didn’t happen at the last city council meeting, but I think that really needs to be reconsidered. Wintertime is rapidly approaching and we know what downtown Northville looks like in the wintertime. There is not much going on, it’s not attractive, not to mention what happens to the traffic — not only now but traffic is really a snarl in the surrounding neighborhoods. I think it’s time to reconsider reopening downtown.”

Coldspring Drive resident Owner of multiple downtown buildings (*Spoke before the Northville Planning Commission Sept. 6)

Pictured with her father Orin Mazzoni Vice-president Orin Jewelers, 101 E. Main Owner Preservation Dental, 371 E. Main Street (*He spoke during the City Council meeting Sept. 8)

Co-owner Lava Grille, 133 W. Main Northville school board trustee

KEVIN DEGROOD

WILL HUNDLEY

Attorney 324 E. Main Street

“I call it the ‘streets being open for pedestrians.’ I definitely think it is a great opportunity for Northville to differentiate itself and support the community effect of Northville and strengthen the community effort to support the businesses.

“When we think about it logistically of how you can close them and make that closure better for everything, then the permanent closure makes sense because the issues people have can be fixed. There are solutions for them if you make it a permanent decision.”

TONY PICCOLI

RICHARD CORRIVEAU Attorney 324 E. Main Street

“So, I talked about this extensively to other people opposed to it and we agree that maybe there can be some type of compromise that can be reached. I don’t have any problem if they continue to let people stroll with their drinks if that is what they want to do, but not in the street. If they want to close the streets on Friday and Saturday night, let them close it just for that purpose but not on weekends when they are going to have some other activities in the streets, too.

“I don’t know if you know the city is planning on spending approximately $250,000 to build barriers. I don’t think the public realizes that — they are going to be spending $250,000 to build barriers at the end. I think there is fire risk.”

“It’s a pain for customers to come in. They don’t like the streets being closed. I think the DDA’s plan of permanently opening up Center Street and then opening up Main Street for the winter months was a great idea. Have it be seasonal. And, for the city council to make it permanent is totally beyond me. It’s ridiculous, it’s beyond ridiculous. I think they are being very shortsighted on this. They are not looking at long term of what this could mean.

“From what I understand, the residents on Cady and Wing are sick and tired of the regional traffic being rerouted through their neighborhoods. This is not why they moved to Northville. It’s just very difficult.”

Cobbler’s Corner, 104 E. Main Street

“It drives traffic directly to downtown as opposed to passthrough traffic. Our revenues have increased since it was implemented. Even though we are not in the social district, we have seen spillover business due to the street closures.

“I think it has provided a spotlight to the downtown area.”

Managing officer North Center Brewing Company, 410 N. Center

From time to time since the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020, politically charged issues such as whether students ought to be vaccinated, wear face masks in classrooms or learn via Zoom instead of in person have been ramped up during school board meetings. Now they are playing a central role in who will serve on the school board in the next four years.

The Nov. 8 general election will include the race for three, four-year terms on the Northville school board. It is shaping up to be a battle between incumbent Kimberly Campbell-Voytal and new candidates Carin Meyer and Melissa Stuart; and a group of activist parent candidates formally endorsed by the Get Kids Back to School PAC, which is led by former board member Matthew Wilk.

Andrew Augustine, Kathleen Schafer and Scott Morrell are endorsed by the Wilk-directed PAC. Meanwhile, the Michigan Education Association has endorsed Campbell-Voytal, Meyer and Stuart.

Wilk, who served more than eight years on the school board, did not run for re-election in 2020 following a community backlash to comments he made on social media referring to the COVID-19 pandemic as a hoax. He organized Get Kids Back to School as a way for parents

Wilk-endorsed candidates shake up school board race

By Tim Smith

to “get organized and push to replace incumbent school board members who called for these disastrous policies.”

“This group of educational champions has been on the front lines fighting for parental involvement in schools,” said Wilk in a press release announcing the endorsement of Augustine, Schafer, and Morrell. “They will be tireless advocates for transparency, a return to basics, and ultimately, an improvement in their local schools.”

TAKING A STAND

The lone incumbent vying to remain on the school board is Campbell-Voytal, who was appointed in May to serve out the final seven months of Suzanne Lynn’s term. Deciding not to seek re-election are

According to CampbellVoytal, it was made “patently clear” during a recent school board meeting that it will be up to families to decide about whether children should mask Pandemic Looms Large Over Election

up or be vaccinated before attending school.

“The school district is not intending nor planning to in the future mandate anything regarding masks and vaccines,” she emphasized. “That is a family decision and we support that.”

Trustee Roland Hwang and Secretary Angela Jaafar.

“It would be important to say the schools are not in business of mandating vaccinations,” Campbell-Voytal said. “As a matter of fact, the staterequired vaccinations that are required of all students as they come into the school system always have brought along the opportunity for parents to opt out.

“So I don’t think we’re in the business of forcing anybody, any parent to make a decision that they’re not comfortable with around their children’s vaccine status. I would say that loud and clear.”

Northville Public Schools is not expected to have any restrictions pertaining to COVID-19, other than following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirements for students to stay home for five days if they test positive for the disease.

Get Northville Kids Back to School PAC member Schafer acknowledged that “things do appear to be returning to normal,” in terms of COVID-19 policies related to public education. “But I personally want to ensure that parents remain the primary advocates and decision-makers for their children.”

As for Augustine, his candidacy took root out of the feeling that parents’ viewpoints were not being fully heard during school board meetings since July 2020.

“As I attended more and more school board meetings virtually, my feeling was that the concerns of a number of parents were dismissed,” noted Augustine, responding to emailed questions.

Augustine added that he is running with Schafer and Morrell not as a “return to inperson learning” faction, but as part of a slate of concerned parents that disagreed how the board was being run and that “there is a better way.”

“In no way is this about a political mentality of ‘us’ versus

Kathleen Schafer

Scott Morrell

Andrew Augustine

‘them’,” Augustine said. “In my practice as a financial planner, I have to accept the fact that I don’t have a lock on all of the good ideas, and am trained to keep an open mind about decisions that come across my desk.”

with Meyer and Stuart merely because they share viewpoints about educational philosophy and priorities moving forward.

“Our vision and our priorities intersect,” Campbell-Voytal continued. “And in today’s day and age sometimes you can be more effective and efficient in getting your message out, introducing yourself, if you work in a coordinated manner.”

Concurring was Stuart, who has children attending Northville High School and Hillside Middle School, running in her first election to for election.

best for Northville children and their education. One way to help in that regard is ensuring productive and positive discourse between board members, administrators and the public.

Meanwhile, Morrell personally does not foresee any issues “integrating into the existing board in a collaborative manner. I trust that myself and the existing board members will do what’s right for the children and families of Northville by adhering to the existing board of education standards of practice.”

Meyer chimed in that she is looking at the board race as giving voters the opportunity to decide on six individuals –rather than between candidates either endorsed by the Wilk PAC or the MEA.

“I feel like we’re six running for three seats (not opposing slates) so we all have what we believe is in the best interest of the district and the students,” Meyer emphasized. “I’m thinking more forward about my campaign, and how I can best get my message out to the community rather than focus on what their (PAC-supported candidates) message is at this time.”

WORKING TOGETHER

Campbell-Voytal added that she is aligning her candidacy

“We share a priority to keep our schools safe and healthy,” Stuart said. “And that would be anything from the physical safety of our students, teachers and staff up to the mental health of our students. And focusing on our infrastructure, keeping our buildings up to date.”

“I have been considering running for school board for the last several years,” Stuart noted. “But I think watching school board meetings over the last couple years and being concerned that, especially in some of our neighboring districts, watching what has happened at school board levels, wanting to make sure that our school board stays a healthy place for discussion and improvement, that’s really what prompted me to run right now.”

As to her qualifications for running for a full term, Campbell-Voytal pointed to her experience as a career educator and healthcare professional.

“I have enormous understanding for the challenges of being an effective teacher,” Campbell-Voytal said. “I would bring that view and that respect in a way … we discuss issues around teacher excellence and supporting development of our teachers.

Voytal noted. “You can consider that from outside sitting in the audience. And I was there (audience) for multiple years. But when you sit at the table, it’s undeniable the enormity of the decisions that are being made and the implications are quite sobering. You are very respectful and careful about doing the best you can for kids and families.”

Meyer, who cited potential conflict of interest for stepping down from the Northville Council of PTA’s advocacy chair position (she remains in the state PTA as a federal legislative chair), said running with Campbell-Voytal and Stuart makes sense because “we have aligned values and priorities for the district. It just makes sense to pool resources. But we are running our own individual campaigns.”

Stuart added that the focus of her candidacy is to do what’s

“The other attribute I bring is I’m a clinician, primary care, public health is my area. As we know schools are as much health settings as they are educational settings these days.”

She also pointed to having the experience of being behind the board table for several months as opposed to sitting in the audience.

“I think it does change your position when you’re a candidate, because you have a little bit of understanding on just the board, the challenges before the board,” Campbell-

According to Stuart, she has noticed the increasing scrutiny facing school boards in recent years -- generally speaking. Yet, to date, her own campaign has proceeded smoothly.

“I’ve received nothing but support and encouragement,” Stuart added. “Everyone I’ve talked to, all the responses I’ve gotten on social media, on my campaign Facebook page and my personal social media has been nothing but positive and supportive.”

Meyer, who has two children attending Northville High School, said the move to hybrid board meetings during the pandemic showed a new way to communicate with busy families.

“There were downsides to the pandemic, that goes without saying,” Meyer said. “But I do think one of the upsides is we thought of new ways of doing things and having those hybrid school board meetings and being able to listen in was wonderful.”

Kimberly Campbell-Voytal

Carin Meyer

Melissa Stuart

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The Drive For Five

Girls golf team looks to extend dynasty with new coach

By Brad Emons

When it comes to the 2022 girls golf season, the “Drive for Five” is well underway for the four-time defending Division 1 champion Northville High girls golf team.

And if the Mustangs are successful in their quest, which ends Oct. 14-15 at the D1 finals at Battle Creek’s Bedford Valley Golf Course, they could become the first Lower Peninsula team in the history of the Michigan High School Athletic Association to win five straight. They currently go into the season tied with Muskegon Mona Shores, which captured four straight D2 state titles from 2009-12.

The only twist to this new golf episode is that Chris Cronin, the Mustangs’ coach for all four state titles, had to relinquish his duties just prior to the start of tryouts for the 2022 season after House Bill 4345 of 2021 was signed into law and what became on July 25 Public Act 184 of 2022.

After retiring from teaching after 32 years in Northville, Cronin’s coaching position was also affected under the new state law, which requires public school employees to be retired for at least nine consecutive months or face a suspended pension and insurance premium subsidy.

Cronin, who was also Northville’s boys coach, would be eligible to return only as early of April 2023.

Northville Athletic Direct Brian Samulski, however, didn’t have to scramble long to find a capable replacement when he tabbed Kate Schultz, a counselor in the high school, as its new coach.

And Schultz, a 2003 Northville grad, has an impressive golf pedigree.

The former Kate MacDonald was the 2002 MHSAA Division 1 individual medalist who led the Mustangs to a fourth-place team finish that season. She went on to play four seasons at Grand Valley State appearing in four straight NCAA Division II tournaments highlighted by a runner-up team finish her junior year.

Her high school coach back then was Trish Murray, who was the Mustangs’ girls coach from 1991-2004. An accomplished player herself and a long-standing member of the Golf Association of Michigan, Murray comes full circle returning as Schultz’s assistant this fall.

“Coach Cronin knew I was interested, it’s something I always wanted to do maybe down the line,” Schultz said. “I have a young family, so he did ask me to be an assistant last year, but unfortunately, they didn’t fund the position like they should have. When I was interested, he knew they wanted somebody in the building for girls. He called me on a Monday and on Wednesday I got hired.”

It has been a whirlwind for Schultz, but the early season returns have already been promising despite losing three of the team’s top five state

finals starters from a year ago including Megha Vallabhaneni (third place), Haesol Park (12th), Meghana Lanka (20th).

To start the season, Northville captured four out of its first five invitationals, including the KLAA preseason tourney at Kensington Metropark by four strokes over runner-up Brighton.

“It’s been fast and furious for sure, I got hired five days before tryouts,” Schultz said. “I brought along my coach Trish Murray and told her I needed her expertise. So graciously she was kind enough to step on board with me and it’s going great. They make me look really good.

“It’s definitely going to be a difficult season, but I know we’re fully capable of it. Rochester Adams and Brighton will be our biggest competition, but we’re just going one tournament at a time and putting in the work and knowing it will pay off at ‘states.’”

The Mustangs will rely heavily on five seniors during its “Drive for Five” starting with Samantha Coleman, who was the KLAA preseason tourney individual medalist with a 71. She was 13th individually in the

Senior Samantha Coleman is the team’s top returning player as the Mustangs try for an unprecedented fifth straight MHSAA Division 1 championship. Photo by Deb Stein

New Northville girls golf coach Kate Schultz (right) talks to her team following a practice session on their home course at Salem Hills. Photo by Brad Emons

state finals as a junior and sixth as a sophomore.

“Obviously going into ‘states’ I want to do the best I possibly can,” said Coleman, who averaged 73.4 per 18 between her spring high school season and her junior summer playing schedule. “I know there’s a lot

put in to our great season and supporting us girls.

of great girls in the field, but I know if I play the way I’ve been playing and work hard I know I can win a state title individually . . . that’s obviously what I hope to do but the thing I’m more focused on is the team getting a victory.”

Coleman has been battling a knee issue, but said she can manage the pain.

“I love her, she’s a great leader, great player, love watching her on the golf course,” Schultz said. “It’s been fun getting to know these girls.”

The other state finals starter from a year ago is Avi Gill, who took 28th overall and shot a 79 at the KLAA preseason tourney.

“Our transition to our new coaches has actually been a lot better than I expected,” Gill said. “It’s been great. We really respect our old coach for how much time and effort he

“But our new coaches bring something new to the table. They’re serious golfers themselves, so it’s been really nice to get a new perspective, more guidance when we’re golfing on short game, on shots, even during tournaments or practice. They’re advice is actually really helpful. And them also being women is great because they’ve been easy to relate to. They kind of know where we’re coming from and it’s kind of more of a sisterhood, so it can also be fun, too.”

The other returning seniors include Ally Zuidema, Sanjna Singhal and Amber Phull.

Junior Meera Sankar carded a 78 at the KLAA preseason tourney, while sophomore Sanya Singhal will also compete for one of the top seven spots.

“We have five seniors and they’re all great and taken a leadership role,” Schultz said. “They’re all great and they’re all playing in the top seven. They’re going to give me a hard run for my money to pick the top five for regionals and ‘states,’ that’s for sure.”

Rounding out this year’s squad are juniors Audrey Pelon and Ava Lenox; sophomores Amelia Deren and Joyce Yi; and freshmen Grace Bae, Izzy Goforth and Serena Ku.

“I think that everyone is

working as hard as they can on the course, and especially when we don’t have practice,” Gill said. “Everyone gets together and goes outside so that we can work, especially we’re focusing on short game because obviously we’ve lost a couple of seniors and they were great players and loved having them on our state team. They were always consistent and we could count on them.

“But this year we have been able to count on some of our juniors a little bit more and our sophomores. They’ve been really surprising and really great to play with and great scores that they are posting, so we’re excited to see what happens and what the future holds.”

Saving strokes in-and-around the greens has been the early season focus and will continue throughout the season.

“We’re focused on that this year,” Schultz said. “When we had tryouts, they said they felt they were losing strokes putting and chipping and couldn’t get up and down, so coach Murray and I really feel where we really need to focus and get those strokes back later in the season.”

The D1 title streak started in 2018 when the Mustangs won by 31 shots. In 2019 they won by 32 and in 2020 they won by nine. Last year they won by 12 over KLAA rival Plymouth. And the goal is to accomplish the “Drive for Five.”

“No pressure . . . four straight state championships in a row,” Schultz said in jest. “No pressure, big shoes to fill but I’m looking forward to following those shoes and getting these girls another state championship.”

This year we have been able to count on some of our juniors a little bit more and our sophomores. They’ve been really surprising and really great to play with and great scores that they are posting, so we’re excited to see what happens and what the future holds.”

Avi Gill, senior, NHS girls golf team

Chris Cronin, who was named Division 1 Girls Coach of the Year in 2019, poses with Debbie William-Hoak of the Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association.

Avi Gill, one of five seniors, was a state finals starter from a year ago for the Mustangs.

Photo by Brad Emons

BewitchingRidetoReturnsNorthville

Local ‘witches’ will gather again to raise funds for area families

By Wensdy Von Buskirk

Grab your pointy hat and broom-cycle for one of Northville’s newest Halloween traditions. The Witches Ride will sweep through town on October 9.

Enchantresses will don their gray and black apparel and trick out their bikes for a leisurely pedal to Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill and back. Then, they’ll be treated to brunch at 160 Main.

Everyone is welcome, and registration is open now. The cost, $75 ($125 for a T-shirt and water bottle), benefits Main Street League.

Don’t let the specter of a strenuous ride scare you away, says event organizer Liz Carter.

less than two miles. Even if you’re not an avid cyclist you can get out and enjoy the morning.”

According to MSL Founder Lauren Romeo, the procession cast a magical spell on onlookers when it debuted last year.

“It was a big hit. It was quite the spectacle in town,” Poole says. “People were stopping their cars and waving. There were people on the roof taking pictures of us. A lot of families and kids came out along the route and watched.”

It was such a success that the coven is expected to double in size, with 100 witches taking to the streets.

Poole adds that MSL is timing the ride with all the great things Northville is offering for Halloween.

“We’re just going to add to the fun,” she says.

Awards will be given for best costume and best decorated bicycle, so don’t be a basic witch.

“We had people attaching brooms to their bikes, some had spiders or skulls all over them. It’s really as creative as you can be. The only thing we ask is it doesn’t impede riding your bicycle. It has to be safe.”

October 1-2 • The Great Fall Festival

10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Maybury Farm www.mayburyfarm.org

October 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30

Maybury Farm Corn Maze

5:00 - 9:00 pm Friday, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday, 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Sunday, Maybury Farm www.mayburyfarm.org

October 6, 13, 20, 27 • Northville Farmers’ Market 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, Northville Chamber of Commerce www.northville.org

October 7 • Skeletons are Alive Launch Party

6:00 - 9:00 pm, Downtown Northville Northville DDA, www.downtownnorthville.com

Brought to you by Revir and Mithai & Chai

Registration for the Witches Ride is open now at MainStreetLeague.com. Proceeds will benefit MSL’s Adopt-A-Family efforts this holiday season. in the 'Ville

“This is not a race. It’s a slow roll,” says Carter, a board member for MSL. “It’s

October 7-31 • Skeletons are Alive Daily, Downtown Northville Northville DDA, www.downtownnorthville.com

October 9 • Witches Night Out 5:00 - 9:00 pm, Downtown Northville www.downtownnorthville.com

October 16 • Halloween Hysteria

1:00 - 5:00 pm, Mill Race Village www.millracenorthville.org

October 18 • Tiny Pumpkins

4:00 - 5:00 pm; 5:15 - 6:15 pm, Northville Parks & Rec www.northvilleparksandrec.org

October 22 • Halloween Art Crawl

5:00 - 9:00 pm, Northville Art House www.northvillearthouse.org

October 25 • Halloween Scavenger Hunt

4:00 - 5:00 pm & 5:00 - 6:00 pm, Northville Parks & Rec www.northvilleparksandrec.org

October 29 • Streets of Treats

10:00 - 11:00 am, Northville Chamber of Commerce www.northville.org

October 31 • Halloween & Community Trick or Treating

6:00 - 8:00 pm, City of Northville ci.northville.mi.us

Transported Back in Time

Northville shows off its Victorian heritage at annual festival

Story and Photos by John Heider

The 2022 Northville Victorian Heritage Festival began in earnest on Sept. 16 with a parade that wound through downtown, avoiding the social district, and featured the high school marching band, herds of youngsters and their parents dressed in Victorian-era garb, the Votes for Women parasol drill team, riders of penny-farthing bicycles, members of the Northville Eclipse base ball team, Boy Scouts and many others.

The weekend-long festival featured a ton of activities in the downtown and Mill Race Village area including many events paused in recent years due to the pandemic.

“I think that people are looking forward to the duck race at Mill Race Village - that’s a huge draw. People are also coming because it’s just a long-standing tradition and it’s good to be out and about,” said Olivia Moses, helping out at the Northville Chamber of Commerce information tent.

After the parade finished around 8 p.m. crowds moved to the downtown area to check out vendors’ offerings, non-profit booths, and also had their opportunities at the Victorian Saloon tent on the grounds of the Northville District Library where the Shawn Riley Band kicked things off with a thundering beat.

When asked what he’s looking forward to most at this year’s festival, after spending an afternoon with kids enjoying Victorian-era fun and games downtown, new Northville Schools Superintendent R.J. Webber said: “The easy answer is the smiles on the kids’ faces. You’re encouraged to play and you’re transported back to a different time.”

New Northville Schools Superintendent RJ Webber snaps a photo of the marching band during the parade.

Students from Amerman Elementary School march in the parade.

Cathy Grech (left) and her mother Louise Branham dressed up to watch the parade on Friday.

Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull waves during the parade

The Northville High School marching band entertains the crowd during the parade.

Kim Santeiu uses her phone to take some photos before the parade.

The Shawn Riley Band performs in the Victorian Saloon on Friday evening.

‘Harsh Reality’

Downs plan moves forward despite opposition

By Larry O’Connor

The controversial Downs development proposed for the 48-acre horse track reached a major milestone, seeing the site plan move onto Northville City Council for final consideration.

City planning commissioners delivered it with a sigh, if not a yawn.

The city’s planning commission signed off on the mixed-use proposal with a 7-2 vote after a marathon seven-hour meeting on Sept. 7 at the Northville Community Center. Vice chairman Steve Kirk and commissioner Jeff Gaines dissented.

The Downs calls for 443 residential units, 18,580 square feet of commercial space, and 1,515 parking spots, offset by 15 acres of open space.

Many residents say the planned unit development (PUD) is too intense and will add traffic congestion along Seven Mile Road and Center Street. The Downs also includes Cady Street to the north and River Street to the east.

Developer Hunter Pasteur Homes requested 599 units in 2018, but that was scaled back during PUD negotiations.

Northville Downs is zoned for use as a race track. Instead of rezoning the parcel, the Farmington Hills-based builder opted to negotiate for a mixed-land usage under a more flexible PUD.

The developer’s PUD meets city ordinance and the 2018 Master Plan, including for density and floor-ratio requirements, said Carol Tinberg, planning commission chairwoman.

“There are a lot of different opinions about this preliminary site plan and, trust me, we know we’re never going to make everybody happy,” said Tinberg, whose commission met 18 times over the Downs’ proposal. “That’s a harsh reality because we know some friends and neighbors are likely to be very angry with us.”

While commissioners contend the plan meets city regulations, the project doesn’t fit in with Northville’s quaint environment, said detractors, who spoke during three hours of public comment.

The planning commission gathering also marked the 30th city meeting on the Downs.

Northville Historic District Commission has met three times while the Downs Project Advisory Committee and Downtown Development Authority each have gathered twice on the topic. Also, there have been six community engagement meetings.

The Hunter Pasteur-devised proposal includes 15 acres of open space, including two public parks and daylighting the Middle Rouge River. A new south gateway and contribution toward the historic log cabin’s restoration and relocation are other public benefits.

Those perks are not enough to mollify Jim Long, who termed the Downs project as a “radical community altering development.”

“The comment came to me the other day, ‘Well, you know, seven months, almost 30 meetings, all the time they’ve spent, cut them slack, let’s approve this thing,’” Long said. “My comment was ‘there are no entitlements.’

“If someone has to spend that much time

to try and tell the citizens of Northville that this is going to be good for them, well, that ought to throw up some flags, too.”

The Fairbrook Court resident joined a chorus who complained about the attempt to shoehorn nearly 450 residential units into an area plagued by congestion.

“What I see are units too close to one another,” said Mike Lapinski, who lives on Cabbagetown’s Rayson Street. “It kind of looks like a circuit board with chips as homes and a little street running through it as circuits connecting them.

“The size and the density are not in harmony with the adjoining districts. It does not capture the small-town charm.”

Carpenter Street resident Greg Swanson called for a comprehensive traffic study, noting developments in neighboring Northville Township and Plymouth Township.

Others questioned whether people could afford to live in the Downs where homes are expected to start at $525,000. Apartments, condominiums, carriage homes, townhomes and row houses are among styles proposed.

Construction is estimated to start in spring or summer 2023.

“We know the development has a good amount of commercial space, but where will those workers live?” asked Randolph Street resident Lenore Lewandowski. “Will Northville’s police officers or even teachers afford a Downs home?

“Most single-family households can’t afford a mortgage of $500,000.”

Critics have a laundry list of other concerns, too.

West Dunlap Street resident Denise Nash quibbled with the housing styles, namely 94 potential townhouses that she feels will become dated.

“It’s going to look cheap,” said Nash, a 38-year resident, “it’s going to look thrown together, and it’s not going to be the quality that we’ve seen in the rest of Northville.”

The Farmers’ Market remains a sore point.

As a condition for PUD eligibility, the developer was asked to consider adding a farmer’s market site as a public benefit.

The City’s Farmer’s Market Task Force later deemed the residential-commercial site would not be a long-term solution.

Carol Tinberg Northville Planning Commission

However, the developer offered to host the market temporarily from Fall 2023 until 2025.

On Sept. 8, city council approved a purchase agreement for the city to buy the former MacDonald Ford site for $1 million to build a new farmers’ market.

“When it comes to the farmer’s market, I feel like we’ve moved the goal posts,” said Billy Burns, a Fairbrook Court resident. “You say there’s not appropriate space for it on the Downs. There is plenty of space for it, they are just not providing for it.”

Perhaps detractors are not looking at the bigger picture, one resident said.

An aging horse-race track sits at the site. A commercial-housing development would be a visual upgrade.

“We need to move on this,” said Ryan McKindles, Wing Court resident. “This has not been hastily decided, it has been given a lot of consideration by a lot of smart people, intelligent people who are well meaning.

“I think everyone in this room, no matter what side you are on, are doing this for the

right reasons.”

Amid the discussion, though, Elie Chidiac wants to make sure the opposition isn’t just dialed into one demographic.

“I see a lot of people who have been here 30 years, 40 years, 70 years,” said Chidiac, a Linden Court resident who was among those who phoned his comments in via Zoom. “I don’t see younger people and I don’t see younger people, like me, who have moved here in the last five years or eight years.

“I’d like to hear from younger couples with young babies. They are also stakeholders in this city.”

Citizens for Northville, a group opposed to the Downs project, countered with a proposed development for the Northville harness race track. Depicted is a lush green space with plazas, pavilions and multiple gateways. The City Park rendering has been circulated on social media.

A chart providing a 25-point comparison with the current Downs plan accompanies the park rendering.

Planning Commission chair Tinberg referenced the City Park suggestion ahead of the public hearing.

“The people who created that drawing may have great ideas, but the plain fact is they don’t own the Downs property any more than the city does,” Tinberg said. “What’s not to like: It’s a huge, lovely park.”

City council members will grapple with the project’s costs, funding sources, revenue estimates, brownfield estimates and specific components related to the PUD agreement, Tinberg said. Council was expected to do a first reading of the plan at its Sept. 19 meeting, and then potentially vote on it two weeks later.

“I’d like to encourage fellow residents for Northville to immediately to start to take this battle to city council where our elected representatives can hear our objections,” Center Street resident Richard Probst said.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The Northville City Council will decide the fate of the Downs project after it was approved by the Planning Commission. How do you feel about the project moving forward? Please email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@ thevillemagazine.com.

“There are a lot of different opinions about this preliminary site plan and, trust me, we know we’re never going to make everybody happy. That’s a harsh reality because we know some friends and neighbors are likely to be very angry with us.”

Preservation Perseverance

Story by Michele Fecht Photos by Bryan Mitchell

Historic restoration moves ahead for three E. Main Street buildings

For the owners of three separate historic buildings on Northville’s East Main Street, the restoration process has been a lesson in patience and fortitude . . . at the very least.

The new office of Guidobono Building Company at 341 East Main Street has opened its doors after a more than five-year odyssey from purchase to completion.

Across the street at 342 East Main, the former Copy-Boy Printing building owned by Ron Bodnar is currently a dumpster mecca as new owner Dennis Engerer has taken on the herculean task of clearing out the structure in his effort to restore the building to its 1897 glory days as the home of the Yarnall Gold Cure Institute. Eight dumpsters have carted away the contents of the first floor; the second floor and basement — the most challenging — remain to be emptied.

And down the street, at the center of town, plans are afoot for the interior of Northville’s historic Marquis Theatre under the direction of Brandon Bueter, grandson of former owner Chuck Lapham. An extensive façade restoration was completed in January (featured in the March 2022 issue of The ‘Ville) with attention now turned toward the inside of the former 1926 movie house.

The three buildings — all within Northville’s Historic District — are at different phases of the restoration process

(one is complete). They all are contributing structures in accordance with the city’s Historic District Survey criteria meaning that all have historic qualities, histories or architecture deemed significant.

The enormous challenges in maintaining the historical integrity of 19th and early 20th century buildings while adhering to building codes and modern upgrades often is daunting. Nevertheless, the owners of these three structures have persevered in the name of preservation.

341 EAST MAIN

The structure, dating to as early as 1865, has had quite the journey since its purchase in December 2016 by Guidobono Building Company to house its headquarters. Discovery of a compromised foundation and dilapidated framework led the company to request an application for demolition from the Historic District Commission. Public outcry against the

demolition and a comprehensive history of the building’s provenance led the HDC to deny the request in June 2018.

Undaunted — and with little ability to sell the structure for the $400,000-plus purchase price the company paid in 2016— owner Eric Guidobono said they pushed ahead with restoration. Among the biggest issues was the dry stack stone foundation. With no mortar between the stones, water seepage left the foundation unstable. The company subsequently poured a new finished basement with a walk-out. The 2,400-square-foot building has three levels with the basement and first floor

The Guidobono Building Company has restored the building at 341 East Main Street, dating back to 1865. It will serve as the company’s headquarters. East Main Street East East

occupied by Reset Brain and Body and Eric Guidobono’s office on the second level.

In 2020, expansion of the parking lot required moving the building 14 feet to adhere to the city’s parking ordinance, a delicate undertaking for the structure that originally served as a respite home for returning Civil War veterans. By the 1890s it was a boarding house that accommodated overflow patients of the Yarnall Gold Cure Clinic across the street.

The structure was eventually purchased by Ford Motor Company, likely to house workers at the Ford Valve Plant at 235 East Main. In May 1932, Ford Motor Company gifted the former boarding house to the Northville American Legion and Legion Auxiliary for its headquarters. During World War II, the American Legion sponsored the Northville Chapter of the Red Cross, which operated in the Legion’s facility until the end of the war.

The building was purchased from Bill McGuire who operated McGuire’s Fine Art Gallery from 1984 to 2016.

Remains of the original 1865 structure include the studs, framing and floor joists. “All the things you don’t see,” Guidobono noted. He estimated the cost of renovation — including the purchase price — has been more than a million dollars. “We’ve spent a good chunk of money,” he said.

“Ultimately, we’re very pleased to have renovated it. I love having my office in downtown Northville.”

342 EAST MAIN

The goal was to begin assessing the interior of 342 East Main in March. Six months out and only the first level has been cleared.

“We’ve already gone through eight 30-

yard dumpsters,” said Dennis Engerer, new owner of the 1873-built structure. “We still have two more levels to go.” The agreement according to Engerer, was that former owner Ron Bodnar would clear

out not only the junk piles on the driveway, but also the interior contents — a much more daunting task.

“I was left with all this,” said Engerer, noting that he also was left footing the bill for the removal work. He said he is hoping that the remaining two levels can be cleared out within the next month or two.

Greg Presley, architect for the project, said despite a six-month setback, they are now able to at least get into the building to begin assessing its structural integrity.

Built by Northville pioneer L.W. Hutton, the structure was purchased in 1897 by Dr. William Yarnall to house his Yarnall Gold Cure Institute, a treatment center for alcoholism and other addictions.

It is that era of the building’s history, with its expansive front porch (no longer on the structure) that Engerer would like to replicate.

“I’ve had a lot of people ask me if I have abandoned the project,” Engerer said, noting that he is more than anxious to get started. “My intent is to restore it to its original design. I’m hoping it is structurally sound but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to bring it back.” Engerer purchased the building for $500,000 and estimated he will spend about $20,000 in removal costs.

No stranger to historic building restoration, Engerer’s projects have included the Tuscan Cafe’ building on East

Main, the HANGAR on Cady Street and 332 East Main, the commercial building next to his newest acquisition.

135 EAST MAIN

Since the completion late last year of the extensive façade renovation of the 1926 Marquis Theatre — new reinforcing steel supports, 4,500 replacement bricks and custom-made limestone sills — the building has taken a needed rest.

Now entering the second phase of the restoration, the focus has turned to the interior designs. “Securing the front façade to make it structurally sound was a necessary first phase,” said architect Daniel Schneider, adding that the interior plans will offer a more multi-faceted space for concerts, live stage productions, receptions, and yes, films. They are keeping the screen. The flexibility of the space is intended to make it feel more like a gathering place.

The theatre’s lobby area offers an opportunity for a two-sided bar to serve both patrons watching a show or concert on one side and walk-ins on the other. Aside from the main seating area, high top tables are being considered for a section of the main theatre space. Less exciting but essential is reconfiguring space for restrooms on both the upper and lower levels and the positioning of an elevator. And then there is the basement and HVAC among other considerations.

Schneider said they are meeting with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as well as the Michigan State Historical Preservation Office for resource assistance on the project.

The new owner of the 1873-built structure at 342 East Main Street has removed nearly 10 dumpsters of debris and will restore the structure, which was once the Yarnall Gold Cure Institute, a treatment center for alcoholism and other addictions.

The Marquis Theatre, at 135 East Main Street, is entering phase two of its restoration, after the owners fixed the front façade.

Rekindling A Passion For Writing

New author’s interest in writing first bloomed at Amerman Elementary

By Maria Taylor

I

t’s a big deal for an author to publish a book. Northville native Nancy Tandon knows that. This year, she published two books and is considered a new author. Although one could technically argue her name first graced the pages of a novel in the halls of Amerman Elementary.

It was a fifth-grade creative writing program run by Mrs.

Westnick. The kids wrote stories, then took them down to the library where a parent would type them up, leaving space for pictures.

“They bound it between pieces of remnant wallpaper, and then someone else from your class would be the illustrator,” Tandon recalled.

Nancy (then Merriefield) titled her book “The Toasted

Bagels of Melted Butter Lake.” It was the first time she saw her name in print, and she was thrilled.

“There was an author page at the back, and it absolutely ignited this fire in me like, I want to do this someday,” she said. “And then finally, my life organized itself so that ‘someday’ actually became today.”

Her first book, The Way I Say It, is a book about a boy with speech difficulties navigating middle school. It came out in January. The Ghost of Spruce Point, a mystery set in Connecticut, was released in

August. Both are geared toward fourth- through sixth-graders, and the cover of the mystery novel glows in the dark.

LONG ROAD TO A DREAM

Tandon got a degree from the University of Michigan in education and psychology, briefly taught elementary education, then moved to New England when her parents retired to Maine. After grad school, she switched to speech and language pathology at a level 1 trauma center.

“I worked with lots of people whose lives had just been turned upside down by a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury,” she said. “It was very rewarding and very stressful.”

She took a year off when her kids were young and the family had just moved to Connecticut, and while she was home, decided to revisit her passion for writing.

“What ended up happening is I really rekindled the passion,

Author Nancy Tandon

Northville native Nancy Tandon discovered her love of writing in fifth grade at Amerman Elementary (above left), where she wrote her first book, bound by pieces of remnant wallpaper (at right).

and had some heart-to-hearts with my husband about, I think this is what I’d like to actually focus on,” she said.

Tandon’s first book, about a boy named Rory who struggles with a speech impediment, drew heavily on her clinical experiences.

“When I was working as an SLP, I kept coming across kids who couldn’t say their own name,” she said. “For example, a little girl named Camille, and she couldn’t say that sound, so people would say, ‘What’s your name?’ and it would come out ‘Muhmeel.’ And it just was creating a lot of stress for her and for the family.”

She kept thinking about that the psychology around the importance of one’s own name.

“And when I went sat down to write this story, I knew I was wanting a main character who had some kind of speech problem,” she said. “I thought to myself, ‘What would be the very worst name you could have, if you couldn’t say a certain sound?’ That’s how I came up with Rory.”

She had fun writing the speech pathologist’s character, too. She made him “kind of the cool guy.”

“That was sort of what I wish I could have been as a speech pathologist,” she said. “I think I was a little bit more buttoned up.”

The book took about four years to write. The second book took two, because she’d learned more about how to structure the beginning, the middle, the end.

“Not like eight-hour days, seven days a week,” she added.

Sometimes those days weren’t actual writing at all.

“Giving ourselves permission to daydream feels very weird, especially when you’re pre-published,” she said. “Somebody would ask, ‘What did you do all day?’ Well, I went kayaking and I stared at the water. But that is part of the process: taking those days where you’re like, I’m just going to go for a long walk or look out the window, and letting things come to you.”

THE ROUTE TO PRINT

Getting that first book published was a journey in itself. Being new to the process, Tandon had yet to realize the importance of having an agent. She signed a contract in 2016 with an independent publisher that got bought out. The new owners delayed her timeline, then scrapped the deal.

“That was such a hard thing. I had to essentially gamble on myself and say, ‘If I sold this once, I can probably sell this again,’” she said.

Luckily,

that is what happened. Her first book was published with Charlesbridge and the second with Aladdin, both after about six months of editing and rewriting.

“I like to tell kids, when I’m visiting schools, that caring about the spelling and the apostrophe and the comma – that is the very last thing,” she said. “The first thing you have to do is tell the story in a compelling way that is going to keep a reader turning pages.”

Her advice for wannabe writers?

“Begin to think about yourself as a writer as soon as you can, and don’t be shy about telling people.” That adds accountability. (After all, it took her 12 years from having that inkling to having a book published.)

And read. A lot.

“I remember someone telling me, ‘If you want to write a middle grade novel, you need to read at least 100 middle grade novels,’” she said. “Same thing would go for sci-fi or fantasy or romance. You have to get into it, because there is a formula, in a sense, that makes a story successful.”

A NORTHVILLE NOD

While neither of Tandon’s books are set in Northville, a couple local references have made their way in. Tandon grew up on Welch Road, and across the street lived her friend Melanie Williams.

“We were the kids with the shenanigans making up our own stories and riding around on our bikes,” said Tandon, a 1988 Northville High School graduate. “And when it came time to name one of the characters in the first book, I’m sitting there at my computer, blank screen in front of me, and she just popped into my head.”

Melanie in the book is a friend of the main character, and while her personality is totally different, “it’s fun, as an author, just to have the power to do that.”

While “The Ghost of Spruce Point” is set in Connecticut, where Tandon lives, she wrote it with Northville in mind.

“In my head, when the kids are riding their bikes around, they are riding around the streets where I grew up,” she said. “Especially Maplewood Street, behind Welch Road, where we had to go up that big hill to get to Amerman Elementary. I have the kids riding their bikes up and down a big hill, and in my head, that is absolutely Maplewood. There’s some things that stick with you in life, and the streets you played on as a kid are just burned in there.”

A third novel is in the works; it’s set in Cleveland, where Tandon lived briefly after grad school.

For more information about Nancy Tandon, including how to purchase her books, visit nancytandon.com.

EVERYBODY STIGMA

EVERYBODY VS. STIGMA

Winningthebattleagainstmentalillness startswithwiderawareness

ByTimSmith

When an athlete injures a knee, the roadmap to getting medical treatment is understood. But what if the “injury” is mental illness, from the neck up?

For too much of society, the thought of having a mental illness – let alone trying to reach out to family members or friends for help and understanding – is a crippling catastrophe in the making. Left untreated, growing burden on the mind can lead to suicidal thoughts and deadly actions.

Lions quarterback Eric Hipple and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Michigan executive director Kevin Fischer.

Each lost a son to suicide and want to help families become more comfortable talking about mental illness the way they would any other illness.

“We’re here saying that we can win the battle against stigma,” Hipple said. “We can make this an everyday subject, an everyday conversation. So it’s not just when things go wrong, it’s actually discussed every day in a positive way – our mental health.”

Fischer, a Plymouth Township resident, has dedicated his life to helping others know how to avoid or get out of the darkness. He said he’s going to speak frankly about his personal loss to the 2,400 students (half of whom will attend one of two 75-minute talks in the auditorium while the other half participates in small, breakout sessions).

TALK ABOUT IT

The overriding theme will be for them to raise self-awareness enough to know “if you see something, you’ll say something.”

listens.

“I explain statistics to them like 50 percent of all lifetime cases of mental illness onsets by the age of 14 and 75 percent by the age of 24. That hits home, because they’re the demographic I’m talking to and concerned about. I say that I’m not a fearmonger, not here to scare you. I’m here to make you aware.”

Concurring was Hipple, who works with several foundations including BeNICE.org in western Michigan (an acronym which stands for Notice, Invite, Challenge and Empower).

“One of my hopes, and my mission, is to get to every single individual the idea of their own mental health,” Hipple stressed, “that it’s not something that we have to wait until something goes wrong to address it.”

Hipple does talk about his son Jeff’s suicide, but “not for shock value, not for ‘Look at this terrible thing that happened to me.’ It’s not about me, … but the things I’ve learned (following the tragedy), it really would have been helpful to learn that ahead of time.”

The driving force behind “Everybody vs. Stigma Week” is Elizabeth Santer, executive director of special services for Northville Public Schools and co-chair of Northville CARES for Youth Advisory Council.

Santer had a light-bulb moment early one morning when trying to figure out how to support National Suicide Prevention Month in September. She had met both Fischer and Hipple over the summer and wanted to join forces.

“I won a NAMI Award in April, and Kevin Fischer got up and spoke about how he lost his son to suicide,” Santer recalled. “Kevin speaks very well, he’s kind of like a preacher. He draws you in. And I just looked at him and thought ‘You know what, NAMI would be a great partner with Northville CARES.

But Northville High School is proactively taking up the subject during the “Everybody vs. Stigma Week” which is scheduled from Monday, Sept. 26 through Friday, Sept. 30.

An array of activities and discussions are slated for the week, including a “parent night” presentation on Sept. 28 and a culminating school-wide program featuring heartfelt testimonials from former Detroit

“One of the things that I’ll do, I found it really important to tell a little bit of my story at a high level and talk about Dominique (his late son), because it gets people’s attention,” Fischer emphasized. “You know how it is in high schools, there are kids doing sidebar conversations. But as soon as I say I lost my son to suicide it’s like we’re in church. Everybody gets quiet and

“Then, I volunteered at the New Hope Center for Grief support camp in July and Eric Hipple spoke.”

FOR PARENTS, TOO

Yet another opportunity arose for Santer to listen to Fischer and she found out about the “Everybody vs. Stigma” brand that Kevin and wife Sonya Fischer recently launched.

Everybody Vs. Stigma founder Kevin Fischer

Santer immediately thought the Fischers’ slogan and concept would catch on with high schoolers and woke up in the middle of the morning with the realization that “Why don’t we do an Everybody vs. Stigma week at Northville High School for suicide prevention month?”

Parents will be invited to a Wednesday evening program where representatives from several Northville CARES agencies will discuss the burning question of “when is anxiety normal, typical high school anxiety versus when it is time to get help. And, what do their agencies do, what are the available resources,” Santer noted.

A primary goal of “Everybody vs. Stigma Week” is to raise awareness, eliminate the shame and spark honest and open discussions wherever they might occur.

“I want everyone to be able to walk away not only having learned something, but being more comfortable talking about it,”

media and what we hear in the news today, everything is really negative and bad. The brain has the tendency to focus on negative things. We really need to make an effort to be on the positive side and see the things we are doing that are really good.”

Getting parents in on the conversation could be transformative, according to Fischer.

“Parents are more the perpetuators of stigma than kids are,” he said. “These students are very open. I’ve been in many schools, and (after) 20 minutes kids are telling me ‘Yes, I’ve attempted suicide before’ or ‘Yes, I’m cutting’ or ‘Yes, I have a therapist, I’m on medication.’”

Yet he says youngsters oftentimes face silence or indifference at home instead of

“If students need a mental health break from class, they could calm down, collect themselves inside the Zen Room in the counselor’s office,” said Color My World president Uchenna Monplaisir, 17, beginning her fourth year with the club. She said money to keep the Zen Room fully stocked with resources is generated by “peer-to-peer mental health outreach

Fischer said. “I’ve had young people who are terrified to talk about mental illness or suicide and they end up losing a friend. Everybody says ‘Why didn’t anybody say anything?’ ‘I didn’t know what to say.’

“I hope parents go home and have a proactive conversation with their children, whether it’s over dinner or sitting on the couch. But have the conversation. We need to normalize this conversation about mental health.”

Hipple said it’s essential for people to get the green light to assess a situation and not be afraid to seek out professional help if it’s needed.

“It’s about talking on a daily basis about well-being, about decision making, about our own self-esteem in a positive way,” Hipple continued.

“Especially with the influences of social

getting concrete, useful guidance (which Everybody vs. Stigma Week will look to provide).

“They tell me, ‘Stop giving us 800 numbers to call’ and ‘We want to know what resources are available to us in our community,’” Fischer continued. “And, one that I’m really concerned about is, how do we get our parents to talk about this?”

ZEN ROOM

Community outreach organizations and NHS student groups also are stepping up to help with the week-long proceedings.

One of the more unique efforts is by the Color My World suicide-prevention health club, which offers chocolate smoothies or a quiet place to chill and get some “zen” during the middle of a stress-filled school day.

events and activities” during the year as well as its 5K fundraising walk held Sept. 22 at NHS.

“It is really fulfilling to see the good things that we do at our meetings come to fruition across the school,” Monplaisir said. “You can literally see the effect you’re having on people around you and that’s just so cool.”

Northville High School principal Tony Koski these activities are important because mental illness doesn’t just happen to other people. It can hit anybody at any time.

“It touches us all and we need to talk about it more openly,” Koski said. “Our hope is that our ‘break the stigma’ week will help us better understand mental health and help us take the fear out of talking about mental illness.”

We’re here saying that we can win the battle against stigma. We can make this an everyday subject, an everyday conversation. So it’s not just when things go wrong, it’s actually discussed every day in a positive way – our mental health.”

Eric Hipple, who will discuss his son’s suicide with NHS students

Northville High students participate in the Color Run, put on by the club Color My World, which promotes suicide-prevention efforts.

BULLETIN BOARDBULLETIN BOARD

WWII Naval Pilot Ray Owen Dies at 100

Longtime Northville resident and decorated World War II naval pilot Ray Henderson Owen died on September 15 at the age of 100. The ‘Ville featured Lieutenant Owen in its May 2022 issue.

Owen’s daughter Mary Owen Streeter said he died peacefully in his sleep at his home. “I think he was ready having had 100 wonderful years on this earth,” she said, noting that he is now with his beloved wife, Isabel. They were married 65 years when Isabel died in 2010.

“They are dancing in heaven,” Streeter said.

Owen was part of Fighting Squadron VF-81, known as the Freelancers, who flew the Grumman F6F Hellcat. The squadron was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Wasp in November 1944 and executed major strikes in the Philippines, China and Japan. Owen was released from active duty in November 1945.

Owen was an electrician before retiring in 1990. He was an active member of the VFW and in April was enshrined in the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame in Kalamazoo. Funeral services were held Sept. 21 at Casterline Funeral Home, and he was laid to rest in Northville’s Rural Hill Cemetery.

Landfill Watchdogs

The Conservancy Initiative, a group focused on the environmental compliance of the Arbor Hills Landfill and its effects on our community, wants to deepen its volunteer ranks with passionate individuals and fresh ideas.

The group is establishing a community group that will periodically meet with landfill management and possibly representatives from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and communicate current findings back to the community.

One venue to do that is at Northville Township Board of Trustee meetings at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at Township Hall. The group compiles a landfill report on a regular basis and is an agenda item for the board. The goal is to report any Arbor Hills’ violations or progress.

To learn more about The Conservancy Initiative’s latest findings, visit conservancyinitiative.org. To volunteer, send an email to info@ theconservancyinitiative.org.

Turning The Town Teal

You may have noticed all the teal ribbons around downtown Northville this month. They were put up by a group of volunteers trying to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. Symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, or urinary symptoms. The group of volunteers included Northville residents and ovarian cancer survivors Terrie Karebian (far left) and Molly Goodman (third from left), as well as Glen Van Gorder (second from left), who lost his wife to ovarian cancer. For more information about ovarian cancer, visit the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance website at www.mioca.org.

Helping Find A Cure

Two local entities, the Northville Moose Lodge and Cedarbrook Senior Living of Northville, teamed up to raise more than $1,200 from their members to support The Walk to End Alzheimer’s to be held Oct. 29 at the Detroit Zoo. Presenting the check are (front row from left) Beth Selbee, Kelly Craft, (back row from left) Erin Ottenbreit, Colleen Irvin, Barb Crawford, Marie Rumbley, and Claudia Maxfield. The event is the major fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, which provides care and support to patients and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure. For more information, visit www.act.alz.org.

out & aboutout & aboutout & about

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE THIS MONTH

Hockey, Hearts & Heroes Sept. 29

The Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association will be taking on the Frontline Workers & First Responders team in a charity hockey game at USA Hockey Arena. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Northville’s Living & Learning Enrichment Center, a non-profit that supports individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Former Red Wings players will do battle with local police officers and firefighters in this family-friendly game. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by visiting usahockeyarena.com. Tickets for children aged 6-11 are $15 (5 and under are free). The Sergei Fedorov Foundation is the sponsor and Karen Newman will sing the national anthem.

Tour de Ville Bike Ride Oct. 1

The Rotary Club of Northville will host the 9th Annual Tour de Ville Benefit Bike Ride beginning at 7 a.m. at the Living and Learning Enrichment Center. The event, Rotary’s most important fundraiser of the year, features multiple bike routes including a 10-mile family ride and variable length (10-37 miles) ride that travel exclusively along Edward Hines Drive. There’s also a 54-mile route (for the seasoned rider) that leads to Dixboro and Whitmore Lake, and a scenic gravel route that winds along several back-country roads west of Northville. Northville Folk will be performing from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and lunch will be provided by The Little Salumi. There will also be a beer tent. Tickets are $45 in advance by visiting tourdeville.org, or $55 the day of the event.

Woman’s Club kicks off 130th year

Historian Joe Oldenburg will present “Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Little House Books” as the keynote speaker at the opening luncheon of the Northville Woman’s Club’s 130th year on Friday, Oct. 7, at Walnut Creek Country Club.

Organized in 1892, the Northville Woman’s Club has been an integral part of the Northville community since its inception, maintaining the best of its traditions with a focus on contemporary issues of interest to women today.

The club meets the first and third Friday of each month October through March presenting a variety of programs. This year’s program highlights include “Van Gogh in America,” an overview of the blockbuster exhibit opening in October at the Detroit Institute of Arts; “Bold Boys in Michigan History” by author/historian Patricia Majher; “All About Maybury Farm” with Executive Director Diana Wallace; and a closing luncheon at the restored Henry Ford village industry factory Phoenix Mill with owner Greg Donofrio as guest speaker.

In addition to its programs, the club also supports civic outreach projects in the community and awards scholarships each year to Northville High School seniors. This year the club awarded $1,000 scholarships to the following NHS Class of 2022 students: Riley Finn (Oberlin College); Ved Muyhusamy (Northwestern University); and Sambhav Gupta (Stanford University).

For more information about the Northville Woman’s Club, please reach out to NorthvilleWomansClub@gmail.com

Great Fall Festival Oct. 1-2

Maybury Farm’s annual fall festival will feature live music, activities, games, demonstrations and a tractor drawn wagon ride to its famous corn maze. Food trucks will be on site. Parmenter’s cider and donuts will be available for purchase, as well as other food. Games and activities include pumpkin decorating and slime making. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost is $10 per person, or $16 per person including corn maze and wagon ride. Kids under 2 are free. Last wagon ride leaves at 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit mayburyfarm.org.

Skeletons Come Alive Oct. 7

Downtown Northville’s 11th Annual Skeletons are Alive Launch Party takes place 6–9 p.m. The free, family-friendly event features live entertainment, face painting, food trucks, food vendors and more. The event kicks off a month long installation of more than 120 lifesized skeletons on display throughout downtown Northville.

Halloween Hysteria Oct. 16

This annual Halloween-themed event takes place from 1-5 p.m. at Mill Race Village. The Village buildings

and grounds will be decorated for a Halloween walk through. Enjoy entertainment, games, crafts and more. This is a timed, ticketed event. Visit www.millracenorthville.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Tiny Pumpkins Oct. 18

Northville Parks & Recreation hosts this not-so-spooky Halloween event from 4-6:15 p.m. at the Northville Community Center. Children 5 years old and younger will enjoy pumpkin decorating, dancing, coloring, Halloween stations and a costume contest for the tiny pumpkins. Parents and grandparents welcome at no charge. No candy will be given out at this event. Register with Northville Parks & Recreation at www. northvilleparksandrec.org.

NHS Fall Concert

Oct. 19

Northville High School Choirs will perform their fall concert, “Let Freedom Ring”, at 7 p.m. in the NHS Auditorium. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information, email richerbe@northvilleschools.org. The public is encouraged to attend.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Oct. 25

Thayer’s Corner will be the site of this family-friendly event, where participants of all ages will walk along the trail to find hunt items. Other features include pick a pumpkin, cider and donuts, story time and other entertainment. There are two sessions: 4-5 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. For more information and to register, please visit Northville Parks & Recreation online or call (248) 349-0203.

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

Dishin’ With Denise

Here Comes Fall, Ready Or Not

order the chicken add on – to create my own dish.

Somehow, we’re wearing shorts and t-shirts and sweating, with air conditioners running like crazy – and then one morning you wake up and it’s crisp, and cool and kids are going back to school. I know it happens every year. But it still takes me by surprise. Maybe because fall is my favorite season – so I wait all summer and the first morning I feel it, I get so excited.

With autumn comes pumpkins and donuts and cider to fill in the blank pages of our calendars. Get ready to enjoy the Great Fall Festival at Maybury Farm, which runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Oct. 1-2. They will have Parmenter’s cider and donuts, food trucks, face painting, music, games, and all the farm animals. There’s also an amazing corn maze.

It’s something to accommodate the schedules of a bunch of high schoolers in sports and band, plus homework and housework. I know the Nelson family is committed to the Northville community. They teach our children and grandchildren valuable life lessons and responsibility. I want them to know how much I, for one, appreciate all they do. I’m sure I’m not alone. The Cider Mill is open now until Nov. 20. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

2. Genitti’s Hole-In-The-Wall –Nothing better than a family party with the full-on chicken dinner (it’s so crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside) – just like Grandma’s house –without dishes to wash.

3. Joseph’s Coney Island (on W. Main in downtown Northville) – Grilled Chicken sandwich – even plain it’s very tasty!

4. Rocky’s of Northville – I love the Grilled Pecan Chicken salad – minus the salad, plus noodles. (Recently Rocky reminded me his menu is not a list of ingredients…I love his humor)

It’s time for Northville Rotary’s 9th annual Tour de Ville Benefit Bike Ride on Oct. 1 starting and ending on the grounds of Living and Learning Enrichment Center (Griswold at 8 Mile). For information contact the Northville Rotary Club via email: info@tourdeville.org – or – visit the website www. tourdeville.org to register. Emily Kowalski and her family rode for the first-time last year: “It is a great event for the whole family. My son and I did the longer ride (54 miles) while my two youngest did 33 miles with their dad,” she said. “It was very well marked and the after party was great.”

Speaking of Parmenter’s – the cider mill will be celebrating 150 years in 2023. They deserve a round of applause for not only the upcoming milestone or cider and donuts (and cider slush, donut chips, apple butter, pumpkin butter and so much more), but also for offering young people of Northville job opportunities in a familyfriendly business atmosphere. They put out a call for workers early in the summer and they employ about a million (I may be embellishing a bit) of the Northville teens. Most come in as a freshman in high school and leave when they go off to college.

I’m kind of a picky eater. That’s the funniest part about this page being called “Dishin’ with Denise”. I am my father’s daughter – a meat and potato girl – apples are the only fruit I eat and there’s nothing better than a fresh, sweet ear of corn –but nothing green. I like chicken so I did a taste test last month around town – based on food or service. This is my Top Five, Plus One Chicken “Dish” (in alphabetical order): 1. 160 Main – I pick a pasta and

5. Tirami Su Ristorante on Center Street – Chicken Cremosi – skip the side of pasta and put the chicken with the lemon cream sauce right on top a bed of pasta. My favorite… oops, I wasn’t going to say that.

On my list of chicken-tocheck-out is Toria - Chicken & Prosciutto…but I’m going to order minus the prosciutto and hope I don’t offend. I never mean to insult the chef, but I know what I like – and more importantly I know what I don’t like. I blame it all on my Grammy – she cooked all day, every day and she made everyone’s meal to their liking. Maybe I was spoiled, but I do the same for every guest I have for dinner – even my grandkids. My specialty chicken “dish”? Ritz Cracker chicken – served with rice pilaf – the leftovers are even better.

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.

The Nelson family: (from left) Rob Sr., Carina, Rob Jr. and Cheryl.

Fall Festival at Maybury Farm

“All at once, summer collapsed into fall.”

— Oscar Wilde —

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