The Rock - December 2025

DECEMBER 2025 VOL 6 | ISSUE 12

P LY M O U T H ’ S N E W S & L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

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Local Journalism Matters

Please consider a donation to support The Rock. Since we began publishing more than four years ago, our goal has been to provide our readers with valuable information about the Plymouth community each and every month.

Your support is vital if you would like to see us survive and grow. The Rock is sent free to every address in Plymouth, yet is not free to produce.

LOCAL Matters!

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Please send donations to: Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168 You can also make donations via Pay Pal to kurtkuban@gmail.com.

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Publisher Here is the list of readers who supported local journalism this month: TB Karen Jallos

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DECEMBER 2025 | VOL 6 | ISSUE 12 16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734-716-0783 • kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com

K U R T K U B A N – Publisher

Kurt is an award-winning journalist, having served as a reporter and editor for several local newspapers and magazines, including the Plymouth Observer.

He has been a journalist for over two decades. He founded Journeyman Publishing, which also publishes The ‘Ville, in 2017.

S CO T T S P I E L M A N – Editor

Scott graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Journalism. He covered western Wayne County for more than 12 years at several publications before transitioning into corporate communications and media relations. A Canton resident, he has also finished his first novel and is hard at work on his next.

S CO T T B U I E – Advertising Director/Vice President of Sales

Scott has 20+ years creating advertising campaigns for clients in Metro Detroit.

After managing sales for radio stations for 17 years he purchased Street Marketing, where he works closely with a variety of businesses and events. Scott and his family have lived in the Plymouth/Northville area for over 23 years.

J E N N Y P E A R S A L L – Creative Director

Jenny has been in the design and print industry for over twenty years, holding various positions in graphic design, print buying, production and print management. She also owns Bovia Design Group, a company specializing in publications and corporate branding.

M I C H E L E F E C H T – Writer

Michele is an award-winning journalist whose first post-college reporter position was at The Northville Record before moving on to The Detroit News.

She has been a City of Northville resident for nearly 40 years and is an author, researcher and local history enthusiast.

T I M S M I T H – Writer

Tim brings a penchant for telling personal stories that run the gamut from news to sports. During more than 35 years in journalism, mostly with the Observer & Eccentric, he has earned numerous state and national awards.

The Wayne State grad is a published author and rec ice hockey player.

W E N S DY V O N B U S K I R K – 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, including The Rock. -Photo by Kathleen Voss

S U E V OY L E S – Writer

Growing up, Sue always knew she wanted to be a writer. She has written for many publications over her long career in public relations and journalism, and taught English and journalism at Schoolcraft College. In 2022, she received the national Headliner Award from the Association for Women in Communications.

K E N V OY L E S – Writer/Photographer

Ken is an award-winning writer, photographer and designer whose career has spanned nearly five decades in and around metro Detroit. He started his journalism career in Plymouth, working for the Community Crier. He is the author of two books on Detroit history, loves to travel and has finished his first novel.

B I L L B R E S L E R – Photographer

Bill arrived in Plymouth in 1977 to work for the Community Crier. He also worked for the Plymouth Observer for many years. Bill, who taught photography at Madonna University, retired from what was left of the newspaper business in 2019 and now freelances. He’s happy to be back in the Plymouth community.

B R YA N M I T C H E L L – Photographer

Bryan started working as a photographer more than 30 years ago, and was a staff photographer for the Plymouth Observer in the 90s. 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 Rock is a product of Journeyman Publishing, which assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information.

Any form of reproduction of any content in this publication without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Comments are welcome at kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

A bitter taste: Fight over Bode's future heats up Like many others, I was saddened to learn of the impending closure of Bode’s Corned Beef House. Bode’s is like the unofficial ‘Welcome to Plymouth’ sign: quirky old building, railroad tracks and all.

Besides that, Bode’s resurrected the taste of corned beef for me and I will be forever grateful for that. My mother, bless her heart and rest her soul, had many talents—but cooking wasn’t one of them. Corned beef was one of the meals she ruined for me until I was, well, recovering on a Sunday morning and tried the corned beef hash at Bode’s. I quickly learned how a business could stick around for decades serving corned beef as a primary staple.

Not surprisingly, the community came out in support of Bode’s, the staff, and concern over the abrupt nature of the announcement. Everywhere it was posted, dozens, if not hundreds, of comments poured in from the many people who loved the restaurant and its iconic place in Plymouth’s history.

Sherry Cleland, who owns the building and ran the restaurant at one time, sold the property recently and gave Bode’s owner David Mueller a rather abrupt notice. Mueller said he was out hanging Christmas decorations when he was served the eviction notice, effective. Dec. 19, which only gave him about 30 days to vacate. He and his wife, Joanna, were shocked.

“Everybody has a bitter taste in their mouth from the way they’ve done it. It’s just sad,” said Mueller, who had been operating Bode’s as a tenant/lessee since July 1, 2019. He said he had a fairly good business relationship with Cleland. They had discussed purchasing the building, too, on occasion throughout the years, but Meuller didn’t think he could pull off the purchase.

“We’re going to bring it back, one month at a time,” became the mantra for Mueller and his staff after he took control of the restaurant business.

What happens to the business—and the building—now is a bit up in the air. Cleland has responded to several social media posts about the closure, claiming that everything has happened legally, that the new owners plan to refurbish the property and bring it back as Bode’s and that they own not just the building, but the rights to the name.

Mueller isn’t sure about that and has an attorney working on the copyright issue. He hopes to bring the business back, in some form, and is looking at locations around the community.

Ideally, he and Joanna will open a bakery and sandwich shop—with her signature sourdough bread and, of course, corned beef on the menu. He’s also hoping the staff, whom he describes as “as passionate and dedicated as he is,” can keep their jobs under the new ownership.

“I want it to survive,” said Mueller, who is 67. “That’s the only reason I took over this thing. I want it to stay alive in this city. I grew up here, too. There’s a lot of heart and soul in this building.”

Cleland, by the way, did not respond to several attempts to contact her and get clarification on her post.

I guess we’ll see how it will all turn out. I suspect the Beshiri brothers, the new owners, were probably not expecting the community-wide concern their purchase caused. Mueller said he’s talked with them and is interested to see the changes they’ll make—including planned renovations and new equipment.

I wish them well, too, and I hope they survive long enough to make their own Plymouth legacy—because our community thrives not just by squeezing the top dollar out of every property, but by honoring and supporting the quirky little places that give it its identity.

Scott Spielman is the editor of The Rock. He welcomes your feedback or letters to the editor at scottyspielman@gmail.com.

In this issue

8

IT’S A WONDERFUL TOWN DURING THE HOLIDAYS

14

PLYMOUTH’S AXE MAN

22

A HUB OF HIGHLAND DANCE Your Voice: Letters to the Editor

4

New city commission, Mayor Filipczak sworn in

6

Lots taking place behind the scenes at Graye’s Greenhouse site

12

New authority could spark big improvements in Old Village

16

Retired teacher blends art and science into her soap creations

20

PCEP Fall Sports Round-Up: Cobras shine in pool

24

Landfill expansion decision drawing near

28

O N T H E C O V E R : Signs of the holidays are everywhere in downtown Plymouth. Kellogg Park’s Walk of Trees is one of the best places to find a little holiday spirit. It will be up through Jan. 5. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

with vision loss SOUND OFF:

Please submit your letters by emailing Editor Scott Spielman at scottyspielman@ gmail.com. Letters should be no more than 150 words. We reserve the right to edit all letters.

New hope for those with vision loss

Ask theASK Doctor THE DOCTOR QUESTION: QUESTION: Thank you, voters!

Dr. Jacobi, my usual eye doctor said she could no longer improve my vision with regular eyeglasses or surgery, but I still struggle with everything from driving to reading. She told me that my sight wasn’t that bad, but it is hard to function. What could I hope for from a low vision evaluation? — Mabel

Dr. Jacobi, my usual eye doctor said she could no longer improve my vision with regular eyeglasses or surgery, but I still struggle with everything from driving to reading. She told me that my sight ANSWER: wasn’t that bad, but it is hard to Great question!

The first step is to determine how Ron Picard much actual vision useable vision you have. In function. What could I hope for fromor a addition, we need to identify your needs. I find most who M. are struggling with poor vision due to low vision evaluation? — patients Mabel No minor detail

I want to thank everyone in Plymouth who took part in this year’s City Commission election. I didn’t win a seat, which was personally disappointing, but I’m genuinely grateful for every yard sign, every kind word, and every conversation on a porch, in a park, or along a sidewalk. Those talks were honest and real and I learned a lot from them.

I also want to thank the folks who supported other candidates. Plymouth is better when more people show up, ask questions, and speak their minds.

No matter who you voted for, being involved makes our city stronger.

And thank you to the city staff and the election workers who kept everything running smoothly.

It’s easy to take that work for granted, but it matters.

I plan to stay involved, keep listening, and do my part to help Plymouth move forward in a way that actually reflects what residents are saying.

ANSWER: ANSWER:

We read your recent “Note from the Editor” regarding “Change is on the horizon in the City of Plymouth” and we were struck by what was left out.

The piece focused on seemingly biased personal impressions of various former officials, but completely ignored the biggest news of the entire election: a record-breaking voter turnout in an off-year election and the highest number of votes ever received by a Plymouth commissioner — Joe Elliott.

That’s not a minor detail. That should have been “the” story.

When the only item on the ballot pulls in historic participation, and a new commissioner sets an all-time vote record, it deserves more than a passing mention — it deserves to lead the article.

Instead, the column read more like a personal commentary on certain individuals than a clear, neutral recap of one of the most significant civic moments Plymouth has seen in years.

If the intention is opinion, call it opinion. If the intention is news, focus on the actual news. Leaving out the record turnout and record vote totals missed the core of what City of Plymouth voters demonstrated: strong engagement and a decisive mandate.

various eye diseases, still have very useable vision when they are given the right eyewear.

When it comes to identifying your needs, in your case you would need specific devices for driving and reading.

Others may need assistance in other areas such as hobbies, mobility, television and even seeing faces.

Great question! The first step is to determine how much Great question!

The first stepyou is tohave. determine how much actual vision or usable vision In addition, we Having visual goals is important. actual vision or usable vision you have.

In addition, need to identify your needs.In fact, I find most patients whowe one of the first things I ask my patients isare what theyI would like to accomplish with improved sight. need to identify your needs. find most patients who are struggling with poor vision Idue toabout various eye even ask activities they havediseases given up due struggling with poor vision due to various diseases to their visual limitations. Theeye only limitation for the still have very usable visionsolution when they are given the is usually the motivation of the patient. still have very usable vision when they are given the right right eyewear.

Stop struggling with poor vision – call today eyewear. to schedule an appointment.

Mike & Mary Gladchun When it comes to identifying your needs, in your case *Editor’s Note: This letter is in reference to A NOTE FROM THE When it comes identifying your needs, your case EDITOR, which is you an opinionwould column.

ABOUT LOW VISION need to specific devices forBEYOND driving in and reading. you would devices for driving and reading.

For more than 35 years, John P. Others mayneed needspecific assistance in other areas such as Stay vigilant Jacobi, OD, FCOVD, FIALVS has been FOCUS ONas On the morning of Nov. 14, my daughter was shopping at Kroger’s Others may need assistance in other areas such helping partially sighted people hobbies, mobility, and eventheirseeing faces. get on Beck Road and Grand River. As she shopped, she was followedtelevision by a lives back. Dr. Jacobi is a Fellow LOW VISION grey-haired man who followed her down every aisle, spoke to an unknown hobbies, mobility, television and even seeing faces. of the College of Vision Development Having goals is Heimportant. individual on his phone describing hervisual attire, watching her every move. and the International Academy of followed her to the cashier and stood next to her. Manygoals customers showed Having visual is important.

Ask The Doctor Low Vision Specialists, a member alarm and concern. fact, one ofsituation. theA male first things I ask myof the patients what Michigan and is American The Kroger staffIn monitored and were alert to this office worker approached my terrified daughter and insisted on walking Optometric Associations.

In fact, one of the first things I with ask my patients isFCOVD what Dr. John P. Jacobi, OD, her to her car whilethey the cashier delayed the man. like An unmarked van would towhite accomplish improved sight.

I had pulled up to the exit door and followed her as she drove away. She they would like to accomplish with improved sight.

I even managed to lose it in traffic. even ask about activities they have given up due to their Call today 248.731.9393 QUESTION: Kroger management filed a police report , along with my daughter of ask about activities they have given up due toand their visual possible abduction.visual So please be alert.

Sex traffickers are operating in My mother has macular degeneration her vision has is limitations. The only limitation for the solution our community. Young women know your surroundings even in a store continued to worsen. At this point, she can’t drive and The only limitation for the solution is usually and don't hesitate tolimitations. call the police if another person makes you feel struggles to watch television and read. Is there usually the motivation of the patient. uncomfortable. Thank you Kroger, as I still have my daughter in my life. anything to help her function better? motivation of the patient.

I’m forever gratefulthe to the alert staff at Kroger.

Lesley Ripper Stop struggling with poor ANSWER: vision – call today to B vision eyondLowVi ion.com Stop struggling with poor – call today to Depending on her sight, driving may s still be a possibility. schedule an appointment.

Usually bigger goals include tasks like• seeing 4 | The Rock 26850 the Providence Pkwy Suite 150 Novi, faces, MI 48374 schedule an photos appointment. and reading so she doesn’t become isolated and can maintain some independence. Holding magnifiers

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35th District Court Judge Jim Plakas administers the oath of office to commissions Alanna Maguire (left), Karen Sisolak, Jennifer Kehoe and Joe Elliott. Maguire will serve two more years, while Sisolak, Kehoe and Elliott were elected to four-year terms.

I

t’s official: the new Plymouth City Commission has been sworn in and officers selected for the next two years.

The commission—minus Mayor Pro Tem Colleen Pobur and Commission Brock Minton, who were both absent—approved the official November election results and selected a new mayor and mayor pro tem on Dec. 1.

Minton and Pobur were excused; both were out of town on planned vacations that couldn’t be rescheduled, according to outgoing mayor Suzi Deal.

The swearing in and votes for mayor and mayor pro tem had been postponed twice—both unanimously by the previous commission. The city charter calls for those actions within 10 days of the election, but the commission opted to postpone them until Nov. 17, and then Dec. 1 to wait until Wayne County 6 | The Rock

officially certified the results.

Commissioner Linda Filipczak, who has served on the commission for six years, was selected as the next mayor of Plymouth. Joe Elliott, the top-vote getter in the Nov. 4 election, was voted in by the commission as mayor pro tem.

The commission chooses a new mayor and mayor pro tem every two years—the vote requires only a simple majority of the seven-member board. The city charter dictates that the current mayor pro tem receive first consideration, but Pobur, who was appointed to the commission earlier this year, did not receive a single vote from the commission.

Deal, serving three terms, was term-limited out of office.

Incumbent Nick Moroz was unsuccessful in his bid for reelection. Both were lauded by their commission colleagues, as

well as State Rep. Matt Koleszar and County Commissioner Melissa Daub, who both brought resolutions of appreciation for their service.

“Your methodical thinking and your willingness to see a project to the end really made a difference,” Deal told Moroz. “Although you may not have accomplished everything you set out to do, you should be proud of your many accomplishments. Your voice and your vote were vital in making important decisions that helped move the community forward.”

Of accomplishments, there were many, including overseeing development on a long-vacant site along Mill Street, bringing in $6 million from DTE after a transformer fire on Farmer Street, getting a $12 million road millage approved, increased pedestrian access and connections throughout

the city, a thriving downtown, charging stations for electric vehicles, an updated master plan and parks and recreation plan, and initiating a 501C3 to fund park improvements as well as a Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) district to provide dedicated funding for upgrades in Old Village. The commission also helped the city navigate the Covid pandemic and brought upgrades to the cultural center that will improve accessibility and save money.

There were also many small changes that will make a big difference, according to Commissioner Jennifer Kehoe, who gave the pair credit for all the work they did behind the scenes.

“In every conversation and every decision, Suzi put the city first. Serving alongside her has been an honor,” Kehoe said.

“She’s been a positive presence

in our community, listening, showing up, leading with respect.

“Plymouth is on strong footing as we look ahead,” she added. “It’s financially stable, well-planned and grounded in the values that make our city special. Suzi’s leadership has been central to the most meaningful progress we’ve made over the past several years.”

Moroz, a former mayor who was instrumental in getting a Friends of Plymouth Parks and

Recreation non-profit set up after the defeat of two millage requests, along with the CIA in Old Village, said he was grateful for his nearly 10 years on the commission.

“It’s been such an honor over the past eight years to represent the city of Plymouth,” he said.

“Thank you to all the residents who entrusted me with this awesome responsibility. If there’s anything I’ve learned—and

there’s been many things that I’ve learned through this role—it’s that the role of commissioner is about doing things with people.

You recognize a good team when you see it.

“More people enjoy Plymouth than ever before,” he added. “We have more people living here.

We’ve turned blighted areas into homes that people love. That’s because there have been so many people who have said ‘yes, we’d

like to do something like this.

We’d like to see something like this happen.’”

Deal agreed, listing the many city staffers, business owners, elected officials and volunteers that came together to help move the city forward during her 10 years on the board.

“I’m beyond grateful for this administration,” she said. “I’m beyond grateful to have been a part of this team.”

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I

Ode to Plymouth at the holidays

t’s only a fleeting time of year but the holidays in Plymouth are always a special time – a postcard town for a postcard kind of season.

The shops and restaurants throughout downtown are bustling with shoppers and diners.

Along the streets, members of the Plymouth Goodfellows as well as the Salvation Army bell ringers are out in force raising money for those in need.

Santa Claus visits with young and old alike in Kellogg Park and at the Plymouth Historical Museum railroad caboose. Beautiful Christmas

trees line the walkways throughout the park, while the historic Penn Theater draws lovers of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” (as well as local artists outside painting the scene).

And just up Main Street, at the Veterans Monument Park in front of PARC, there is a quiet gathering of veterans from the local VFW and American Legion posts remembering Pearl Harbor and our entry into World War Two. Look about, and take it all in - Plymouth is a unique place when cloaked in the season’s warm embrace.

Members of the Plymouth Reign soccer team ring bells for the Salvation Army holiday charity near Kellogg Park.

Keigan Wilhoite and Yvonne Ciborowski wait for customers behind the counter at Kemnitz Fine Candies.

VFW and American Legion veterans gather to remember Pearl Harbor at the Plymouth Veterans Park in front of PARC on Dec. 7.

8 | The Rock

Brian, Riley and Barrie Brown help with the Plymouth Goodfellows paper sale on Dec. 7.

The Calland family from Canton enjoyed visiting Kellogg Park.

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‘Things Are Happening’ Changes taking place behind scenes, underground at Graye’s Greenhouse

By Scott Spielman

I

n a way, the activity at Graye’s Greenhouse in Plymouth Township resembles the land around it: it looks dormant, but plenty is taking place behind the scenes—and under the ground.

Renovations are under way in the greenhouse buildings in anticipation of the busy season to come, part of the first phase of development that will eventually bring a cohesive, mixed-use commercial and residential development to the corner of Lilley and Joy roads, around a shared public open space.

“Things are happening,” said Rachel Nisch, one of four partners who will oversee the project. “It’s real.”

Nisch, along with Plymouth Township residents Kyle Keaffaber and his wife, Kristen Arthurs, and Adam Huttenstine, owner of Michiganense Natives, which operates on the site, pitched the concept to the community and the township board this year. Following a community open house, they sought—and, in September, received—a rezoning request that will allow them to take the next step in what will be a 12 | The Rock

Planned Unit Development that will fully activate the property while maintaining its “up north” charm.

“It feels like we cleared the big hurdle; the intent is there,” said Huttenstine. “They support our intentions, but we have details to work out.”

Their vision is a community gathering place with new buildings constructed on the northern portion of the site and a 1.2-acre park in the middle.

The southern portion of the site will remain as the greenhouse business, and the existing barn will be expanded to include more room for tenants. When the property is fully developed—a process that would take years—it will include about 18,000 square feet of living space, as well. The park would feature winding walking paths.

Since their first “big win,” they’ve been working behind the scenes to formalize their partnership and purchase agreement—both of which they hope to finalize by the end of the year—and working on the easy-to-fix portions of their plan.

Work has already started on one of the greenhouse buildings.

Come spring, the floor in the central building will be replaced and evened out and the boiler pipes bordering it will be moved underground, providing a more efficient way of heating the structure and opening it up into a wide, more usable space.

“We’re keeping the aesthetic, but modernizing it for safety,” said Huttenstine. “One of the main things we heard during our open house is that people had trouble navigating it.”

Huttenstine, whose business not only sells native Michigan plants but offers invasive species removal treatments, is also working on clearing out the invasive trees on the northern portion of the property. He said he’s about 30% complete. The process involves cutting the invasive species and applying a species-specific herbicide that the trees will take down to their root system as they turn their energy inward during the winter.

“It’ll look different next year, but it’ll still be wooded,” he said.

will benefit from the shared campus.

“The benefit of a campus is beyond just proximity,” Nisch said. “There’s a reason this isn’t a strip mall; everyone should be benefitting from the shared spaces and shared customers and shared projects. Hopefully it’ll be more than the sum of the parts of the project.”

There are official steps to take, too. Although the property has been rezoned, it will still require formal site plan approval as different phases come online— and that has been the plan all along.

“We’re boot-strapping it.

We’re normal people, middle class people figuring it out,” Huttenstine said.

“I think the slower pace and the more phased approach fits our goals,” Nisch added. “We want more opportunities for community input. We want to give time for the right tenants to come to us and surface. If we wanted to develop the entire thing now—we

They have also secured their first tenant, Dearborn artist Carl Goines, who plans to have a studio on site as early as January.

“I think he fits the vibe pretty well,” Nisch said. “He embraces the fact that this is a little gritty, a little imperfect and it’s in process and he wants to help it get there.”

Nisch and company are also working on a cohesive marketing and branding plan for the project, so that all the businesses

don’t have those relationships yet.

Already, since we’ve had some publicity and had some time, people are starting to approach us, which is exciting. We’re not chasing anyone. The right people are going to bubble up.”

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Former Wall Street Journal bureau chief builds guitars from reclaimed wood

P

By Kevin Brown | Photos by Bill Bresler

ulitzer Prize-winning journalist Joe White is making news with area guitar heads, building electric guitars of repurposed wood.

But he’s also bound to draw attention for plans to build a collection of guitars from reclaimed ballpark seating.

On a trip to Architectural Salvage Warehouse of Detroit, White found wood seats from a demolished Negro League stadium in Hamtramck. “They have graffiti on them and faded paint that’s very punk. I want to use that wood to build a Stadium Series of guitars and basses,” he said.

White builds his Plymouth Rock Guitars in a garage workshop behind his Plymouth 14 | The Rock

home. He and his customers – mainly friends so far – find beauty in striking wood grain patterns one spots in hewn lumber. They also find character in holes left by iron bolts: “I look for that,” White said. He also

reclamation in his workshop.

“Making a guitar is hands-on work, transforming a block of wood into something that will make music -- and hopefully look beautiful.” White said he’s up for customer suggestions,

finds art in faded peach-colored weathered paint and weathered graffiti splashed in bold letters on grey wood, now stashed for

and a chance to apply his own creativity.

“I love when somebody comes to me with an idea, saying ‘I want

a Telecaster body, but I want to put a Gibson-style Humbucker in the neck (fat sound pickup), and I have this DiMarzio hot Tele pickup (twangy) I want to put in the bridge, and I want the guitar to be hollowed out but I want the top to be solid.’ Can we do this? Sure we can.’” White said Plymouth Rock Guitars customers can get looks and sounds they can’t get in a store.

STEP BY STEP White grew up in Callicoon, a small town in Sullivan County, New York on the Delaware River. The town is about 15 miles from Bethel, the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. His father worked in newspapers and magazines, and for a time was editor of the Sullivan County Democrat, the newspaper in Callicoon. His interest surged while working on his college newspaper.

“I realized I could spend almost 24 hours of a day writing stories, pasting them up on pages, stacking papers as they came off the press – and not feel like I had

spent any time working at all.

Plus, compared to my campus job at the faculty benefits office, the paper seemed way more fun.”

White said that while his generation of journalists were inspired by Woodward and Bernstein, his heroes were Tom Wolfe and Hunter S. Thompson.

“I went to work at the Vineyard Gazette, the weekly newspaper on Martha’s Vineyard, right after I graduated from college,” he said.

2015, he followed a former boss at the Journal, Paul Ingrassia, to Reuters.

“Paul and I shared a Pulitzer Prize for our coverage of a financial crisis at GM in 1992, and later co-authored a book about the auto industry in the 1990s called ‘Comeback, the Fall and Rise of the American Auto Industry.’” White worked there until 2024, as the global auto industry editor.

TAKING THE WHEEL

He soon graduated to larger papers. In 1987 he applied on a friend’s suggestion for a job at the Wall Street Journal’s Detroit bureau, covering the auto industry. He was hired, moved to Plymouth and started a family with wife, Laurie. The couple raised two children, and White rose to become the Journal’s Detroit bureau chief. Then in

White said much of his work as a journalist was done sitting at a computer, making sense of financial reports or interview notes about the business of making cars. Building guitars, he said, stretched different muscles.

So did playing them.

White, who learned guitar in college, performs some mean Keith Richards riffs in public performances by the metro Detroit-based Exhaust Tones.

He joined the band around 2001, made up of others with roots in the auto public relations industry.

“Playing in a band was also a way to let the work-oriented side of my brain take a rest while the creative side took the wheel,” he said.

White describes his musical taste as later Boomer, turned on

by The Who and Led Zeppelin.

He got interested in making guitars after reading an article in Guitar Player magazine. It described how to assemble a Fender style guitar from parts you could buy on the internet.

“The piece demystified the process, and I thought, ‘I can do that.’” White said he had enough

tools on hand from various home repair projects to get started.

“The Internet of course was the essential resource. I downloaded blueprints, watched YouTube instructionals and read what other people had posted about their experiences trying to build.”

ON HIS WAY After a couple or rough early attempts, White to date has built 15 guitars. He takes classic designs – Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Gibson Les Paul Jr., Fender Precision bass – and puts a twist on them.

“I don’t build the necks yet.

That’s the next level I aspire to, along with winding my own pickups. I bought a box of necks on eBay from China; 10 of them maybe, a few years ago. They play really well. I build the bodies and buy the other hardware.”

It takes a week or so to finish a guitar – longer if work on the finish requires multiple coats, separated by a day or more of drying.

White said he doesn’t plan to sell them in stores. “I’m relying on word of mouth and people who get interested when they see the guitars when I play.”

Cost depends on how much customization a customer seeks, and how much hardware a customer might supply for the project. “One of my guitars will cost about $500 if I supply the pickups and other hardware. The key is that you get the guitar you want. A Tele with a P90 and a Humbucker and lightning bolt instead of an F-hole is my kind of project.”

Interested customers can access the Plymouth Rock Instagram page @plymouthrockguitar and email White at plymouthrockguitar@yahoo.com.

The Rock | 15

statute.”

At the public open house, residents, business owners and city staff talked about the broad

from a streetscape, improved connections to Hine Park, enhanced pedestrian connections and more. The overall goal, Buzuvis said, is to encourage and improve the long-term economic viability of Old Village.

Some examples provided include façade grants, public art programs, park improvements, pathway extensions and improvements, bicycle racks and maintenance stations, decorative street lighting and more.

“These are examples of some of the proposed projects,” he said. “It doesn’t mean these will be the projects in particular; it’s just an idea. Plans are written to be specific enough to give decent direction, but the projects aren’t specific detailed as to location or what exactly they’re going to be because that allows flexibility and adaptability as the process moves forward.”

The next step would be formalizing the plan and presenting it to the city commission for approval.

Buzuvis said that the plan could be finalized this month and presented to the commission for a second public hearing in

concepts outlined in the plan: everything from small, immediate projects like improved branding and marketing to larger concepts

January, possibly at the second city commission meeting scheduled for Jan. 20.

“We don’t anticipate drastic

Distinctive District Corridor Improvement Authority could spark big improvements in Old Village

By Scott Spielman

I

f all goes according to plan, a dedicated revenue stream to fund improvements in Plymouth’s Old Village neighborhood will be in place next summer.

Members of the newly appointed Old Village Corridor Improvement Authority (OVCIA) board hosted an open house recently to discuss a proposed plan that would ultimately dictate future upgrades in Plymouth’s “other downtown” and provide a way to pay for them.

“I am excited about this project.

I feel like we’re at the precipice here in Old Village,” said Mark Waller, a resident of Old Village and vice-chair of the board. “We have a lot of momentum, and it’ll be a challenge to build on that momentum and keep the unique atmosphere of our neighborhood.”

The project dates back to 2022, according to Jon Buzivis, economic development director for the city, when the city commission identified finding a

16 | The Rock

funding mechanism to reinvest in Old Village as a strategic goal. Because the city already has a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and only one is allowed per municipality by state law, the CIA was identified as an alternative. It functions essentially the same way as a DDA does, by capturing increases in property tax values and funneling them in to the district. The funding mechanism does not increase taxes, but redirects the funds as property values increase.

The city commission approved the concept last October, and held its first public hearing in June.

In August, the CIA board was created and members appointed.

They first met in September, then twice in October as they developed the framework for the 25-year plan.

“It’s quite a long process. It’s driven by state statute,” said Buzuvis. “It’s pretty cumbersome and it’s very detailed and technical because you have to abide by state

FIGURE 1. CIA Development / TIF Area and CIA Authority Boundary

changes, but at the same time we’re really interested to hear what thoughts are, what questions are and what, maybe, we didn’t think about,” Buzuvis said.

The second public hearing would precipitate another 60-day waiting period before the city commission can formally approve the plan, which could happen in late March or April.

“Ultimately the city commission is the one that reviews and approves the plan.

The CIA board is a recommending body,” Buzuvis said.

If the city is able to meet that timeline, the CIA could begin its tax capture in July when the next fiscal year starts. The initial estimates, he said, are about $30,000 in dedicated funding for 2026, an amount that would grow in each subsequent year as property values increase. The CIA would capture more than $1 million in its 25th year, and about $12 million throughout its initial 25-year period. The CIA plan can

but the follow-through has been spotty—and even $30,000 can go a long way, if used properly.

“I think this is a great thing for Old Village,” said City Commissioner Karen Sisolak, who had been active with the Old Village Development Authority Board prior to her election to the commission last month. “It’ll take years to accumulate money, but there are things they can do easily and cheaply at first that would make a big impact.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

be renewed after that.

CIA Development & TIF Plan “It is an incremental process,” Buzuvis said. “The money doesn’t come immediately and the projects don’t get done immediately.”

Even so, residents and business owners alike were happy to see11a dedicated effort from the city to fund improvements in the eclectic neighborhood. Investment in Old Village has been long discussed,

The newly formed Old Village Corridor Improvement Authority (OVCIA) board is now in place and planning the future of Plymouth’s “other downtown.”

What changes or improvements would you like the board to concentrate on as it maps out a future roadmap? Email your opinions to Editor Scott Spielman at scottyspielman@ gmail.com.

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PLYMOUTH PULSE

Latest News and Community Updates

January 2026: HEADLINE EDITION Full Digital Edition with expanded news coverage available January on website: plymouthmi.gov

City Commissioners select new Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem

Linda Filipczak, recently selected by her fellow Commissioners to serve as Mayor of the City of Plymouth, says she is both honored and humbled by the opportunity. “It’s an honor that my fellow Commissioners have the trust and confidence in me, but it’s really not about me,” Filipczak says. “We are a body of seven, and we’re together as a team.

Communications and collaboration are the keys to moving in a positive direction. That’s important to me.”

Joe Elliott, newly appointed Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Plymouth, stepped into his role at his first City Commission meeting on December 1. Elliott, who finished first in November’s eight-candidate General Election, says he is enthusiastic and optimistic about the work ahead.

With the election season behind them, Elliott also emphasizes the importance of clear communication and steady leadership. “I’m feeling very optimistic about moving forward,” Elliott shared. “I’m really excited to work with Linda Filipczak Joe Elliot, Plymouth’s City Manager Chris Porman. We trust each other.”

Plymouth’s new Mayor

City Commissioners Deal & Moroz recognized for years of service Commissioners Suzi Deal and Nick Moroz were recognized for their years of service at the December 1 Plymouth City Commission meeting.

Deal, who served as Mayor in 20242025, completed three terms and 10 years of service to the Plymouth Community. Moroz served on the City Commission for two terms (eight years). In fact, Deal was on the City Commission during all eight years of Moroz’s tenure.

Commissioner Jennifer Kehoe praised Deal for her accomplishments.

“You always made the long-term health of the community a priority over short term pressure,” Kehoe said. “We are stronger because of your leadership.”

new Mayor Pro Tem

Please get involved!

Multiple boards need your service City Commissioners are looking for City of Plymouth residents who are truly engaged in their community and want to make a difference in local government by serving on various boards or commissions.

The following boards have openings: Cemetery, Downtown Development Authority, Historic District Commission, Housing Commission, Economic Development/Brownfield, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Citizens who reside in the City of Plymouth may apply for a position by completing an application at tinyurl.com/BoardsCommissionsApplication All applications are submitted to the Plymouth City Clerk's office. The Appointments Committee, chaired by Mayor Filipczak, reviews and acknowledges each submission. The applications are then forwarded to the City Commission for final approval. The City Clerk's office keeps applications on file for up to two years.

You may print the application and mail it to the Plymouth City Clerk's office at City Hall, 201 S. Main St., or submit via email to cityclerk@plymouthmi.gov, or fax to 734-455-1892. For more details, please visit our website: plymouthmi.gov

Headline Edition of the PLYMOUTH PULSE Newsletter is a supplement to THE ROCK. Created by City of Plymouth ● 201 South Main Street, Plymouth, MI 48170 ● www.plymouthmi.gov ● Content paid for by City of Plymouth

Santa Claus visits all 10 Plymouth parks to launch holiday season Suzi Deal performed her last official Mayoral function when she welcomed Santa to the downtown area after an eventful parade on Friday night after Thanksgiving.

Santa’s sleigh visited all 10 city parks during his parade route which started at the Department of Municipal Services (DMS) offices and ended at Kellogg Park.

Are you ready to experience a Rockin’ Night of Mystery?

Back by popular demand, the Plymouth Recreation Department, working in partnership with The Murder Mystery Co., is hosting another exciting night of dinner and interactive mystery clues. This year’s event is called “I Love The 80's To Death - A Rockin' Radical Night of Mystery,” which takes place on Saturday, January 24, at the Plymouth Cultural Center, 525 Farmer Street.

Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by a buffet-style dinner until 7 p.m.

Then, the murder mystery show begins, giving guests two hours of thrills, challenging clues, and surprise endings.

Registration is open now through January 3, or when the event is filled. Register online at: tinyurl.com/CityofPlymouthRecreation.

You must be 18 years old or older to attend. Price is $65 per person, which includes a buffet dinner and show. Alcohol is available for purchase for anyone 21 years and older. If you have any questions or need to create an account to register, please email recreation@plymouthmi.gov or call 734-455-6620.

New videos teach residents how to monitor water usage City of Plymouth Administrators have released new “how to” videos to help residents learn how to monitor their water usage and control their water bills. This FREE service is offered by AquaHawk, which is partnering with the Department of Municipal Services (DMS) to help residents view their water consumption. To access the videos, see this link: tinyurl.com/AquaHawkHow-toVideos These videos are another example of the City’s commitment to Community Connectivity, as outlined in the five-year strategic planning document. Residents may monitor water usage on the AquaHawk web portal plymmi.aquahawk.us/login. It’s a great way to track your water consumption in real time, set thresholds, receive alerts, and ultimately compare water consumption.

Headline Edition of the PLYMOUTH PULSE Newsletter is a supplement to THE ROCK. Created by City of Plymouth ● 201 South Main Street, Plymouth, MI 48170 ● www.plymouthmi.gov ● Content paid for by City of Plymouth

Retired Plymouth teacher reinvents herself with whimsical soap creations

By Sue Voyles | Photos by Ken Voyles

S

tormy Leather, Goats in the Garden, Lasso the Moon, Espresso Yourself.

These aren’t terms you would expect to hear from a science teacher. They sound more like song titles.

In truth, these catchy words are the synergy between creativity and science that has led Deb Stephens into her next life chapter – making handmade soap with imaginative names.

It all started about five years ago. After experiencing three major surgeries between 2020 and 2023, the middle school science teacher was feeling down and out while on medical leave.

“I was trying to keep my creative juices flowing,” says Stephens, who has lived in Plymouth for more than 30 years.

“I started with melting wax to create candles, but I needed more science.”

With the help of Google and YouTube, she found more science in making cold-processed soap.

20 | The Rock

“It was like an episode of ‘Breaking Bad,’ where I was mixing lye water in the backyard and I had to explain to my neighbor what I was doing,” she says with a laugh. “With soap-making, it’s like artistry and science. You can get super creative.”

By fall 2023, she was making soap for family, friends and co-workers. Then came local markets, like Plymouth’s Farmers Market, Dixboro Christmas Market, Gateway Farm and more.

“Then my husband Mike said, ‘Somehow you will need to support your obsession,” says Stephens, who taught science at Central Middle School until its closure, then moved over to Liberty Middle School and later became an instructional coach in the PCCS school district.

That’s how DAS Soap Haus was born.

“Coming up with the name for the company was difficult,” says Stephens. Ultimately, she landed

on a combination of her initials and a nod to her German heritage (her mother is from Germany).

Her logo of a house with hearts coming out of the chimney signifies self-care.

“It’s been fun. I am a people person,” says Stephens. “Going out and doing my vending is a very personal thing for me.”

She continues: “I had a guy show up at a recent holiday market.

I call him my Stormy Leather guy, and he bought up all my Stormy Leather soap because he loves it.

For me, I am all about the science, creativity, and the people.”

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Her creative obsession has taken over her home at times, as well as tapping into the talents and input of her family.

“For a while I was making soap in the kitchen or the living room. When I would have a show, it would take over the whole house,” says Stephens, adding that she’s finally found her workspace by converting her

middle son Andrew’s bedroom.

Her daughter Danielle created a spreadsheet to track inventory.

She also helps out at local markets when needed.

Stephens’ mother, who is in her 80s, crochets soap pouches that people purchase to put their soaps in.

Mike, her husband of 35 years, who works in sales at Home Depot, helps Stephens think about profit margin.

“He is also my muscle. Soap is heavy and he helps me set things up and makes it easier on me,” explains Stephens, who notes that both Danielle and Mike often serve as muses for her creative ideas.

Their three children went to Plymouth-Canton Schools, including Central Middle School while Stephens was a teacher there. Today, Adam is an Ypsilanti firefighter, and Andrew is a Detroit police officer.

Danielle followed in mom’s footsteps and teaches science at Liberty Middle School.

“We are all serving the community together,” Stephens says proudly.

SECOND ACT

Having retired from the school district this June after the birth of her second grandchild, Stephens is fully moving into her second act. It has been an adjustment.

“I miss teaching, the classroom and one-on-one with kids, but I am finding I can set my clock and the speed at which I work.

I am fueling myself with the creativity,” says Stephens. “I get up at 7 a.m. to start making soap.

My husband will come home, and I will say ‘smell this.’”

Thanks to her daughter, Stephens is getting an opportunity to reconnect with middle school students.

“Danielle’s students are learning the chemistry unit and are making soap as part of that.

She wants to complement the unit and do videos of making soap and asking me about science.

That is fun for me,” she says.

The soap names have also been an important creative outlet for Stephens, who often taps her Facebook group for input.

“I will put up a picture of soap or a scent profile and ask people for ideas, or even do a poll.”

The result has been whimsical, using plays on words and even throwbacks to old movies and songs.

For instance, Lasso the Moon is inspired by Jimmy Stewart’s line “I’ll give you the moon” to his wife Mary from the beloved movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out is a nod to the holiday movie, “A Christmas Story,” whose main character Ralphie Parker wants nothing more than a Red Ryder Ranger Model Air Rifle for Christmas.

And that popular Stormy Leather? It’s inspired by the 1933 song “Stormy Weather,” first sung by Ethel Waters at the Cotton Club and later made popular by Lena Horne in the film by the same name.

Stephens has also tapped into the passion of sports fans with her Detroit Lions soap line, which includes a soap named Grid Iron

Glory. She’s also expanded her products to include lip balm, beard balm, bath salts, cuticle oil and whipped body butter.

“Without a doubt, soap is the top seller,” she says.

With her teaching background it’s no surprise she also lets nothing go to waste from her soapy adventures.

“If a soap isn’t quite perfect, I use that and all my soap shavings for what I call confetti soaps, where they have bits and pieces of other soaps inside them,” says Stephens, adding that she’s on her third notebook of ideas and notes for soap.

Of course, there are interests beyond soap now that she’s retired.

“Once a week I babysit my grandson. That is quality time,” says Stephens. “Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to do that.”

The Stephens also have property up north, where they built a small cabin from the ground up.

“That is our Shangri La,” she says. “When my soap is curing, we go up north.”

When she looks back on these last few years of her soap journey, Stephens is a bit philosophical.

“I’d say to other people who are considering their next chapter, to not wait if you’re looking for the perfect time to make things happen,” she says. “If you have something that fills your bucket, fill it now. I honestly think there is a reason for what happened to me. It was the universe telling me to slow down and pay attention to things that matter like family.”

Still, she takes excitement in digging into something new every day, remembering to keep fun and curiosity at the forefront.

“The minute this becomes work, I am out,” she concludes.

For more information about DAS Soap Haus, contact Deb Stephens at (734) 765-7533 or DASsoaphaus1@gmail.com.

The Rock | 21

corner, so the fact that we’re all in Plymouth is pretty miraculous,” Gruenhagen said. “We call it the ‘Highland Cul-de-Sac.’” Word of mouth about the dance form and about Kopenski’s school ultimately helped bring friends and neighbors such as Ava Duerr, 18, and M.E. Baumgardner, 12, into the fold.

“I had no idea what Scottish dance was, I didn’t even know it existed,” said Lis Baumgardner, M.E.’s mom and a regular Kopenski lesson visitor.

ARTISTIC TIES THAT BIND

W

ith equal parts ballet, musical expression and physical endurance, competing in the world of Scottish Highland Dance is challenging, to say the least. For good measure, the dancers also need the technical bonafides and enough athletic skill to high step around four points of two crossed swords.

It’s all part of the program over at the Kopenski School of Highland Dance, a Plymouth studio where this competitive form of traditional Scottish dance comes alive.

Consider 21-year-old Emilia Gruenhagen, who has honed her craft at Cindy Kopenski's 22 | The Rock

basement studio near Ann Arbor Road and Canton Center Drive for more than 15 years. She inherited her interest and love for Scottish dance after attending the St. Andrews Highland Games with her mom.

“I think the story goes that bagpiping was upstairs and dancing was downstairs,” said Gruenhagen, then just four years old. “I loved it. It was very colorful. I remember being very transfixed by it and immediately trying to copy what I was seeing.”

Gruenhagen quit ballet soon thereafter and joined up with Kopenski at age five. In the years since, Gruenhagen has qualified six times for the prestigious United States Inter-

Regional Highland Dance (USIR) Championships.

Now a college student at Wayne State University, Gruenhagen recalls competing in many sports while growing up and through Lutheran Westland High School. Yet, she has stuck with Highland dance.

She admits part of the reason is living in the vicinity of other dancers, as well as Kopenski’s studio. Two other Kopenski studio dancers live in the same Plymouth subdivision as Gruenhagen – all walking distance from the Kopenski residence. All three girls are in the premier category, which is required to qualify for USIR competition.

“Highland dance is not on every

Before too long, Baumgardner registered her young daughter with Kopenski. Seven years later she is going strong and loving it more than ever.

“I like going to competitions, seeing my friends that are out of state that I don’t see every day,” said M.E., a threetime USIR regional qualifier.

“And it’s also fun doing different steps at competitions, just being together.”

The fact the Kopenski studio is close to home is another major plus for the dancers staying dedicated to the craft.

“I think it’s really helpful because we get to see Miss Cindy every week or every two weeks,” said M.E., a student at West Middle School. “If you don’t understand something she always goes over it multiple times.”

Concurring was Duerr, now a senior at Plymouth High School, who also began Highland dance at age five. During her 12 years as a Kopenski student, she has reached the USIR championships five times.

“I have friends I see at other competitions and they’ll have to drive two hours to their studio just for one lesson on Sunday,” Duerr noted. “It helps to be able to have lessons in person because it’s easier to learn versus if you’re doing it on-line.”

Like Emilia Gruenhagen, family ties were instrumental in Duerr deciding to get involved in Highland dance.

“My mom did Highland dance and she got into it because her aunt played the bagpipes,” Duerr recalled, admitting she didn’t know what it was at the time. It didn’t take too long before she was hooked herself.

and winning a few awards in the process.

“I like the feeling you get when you compete,” Duerr said.

“And then when you finish a dance, if you do it good, there’s the feeling you get after and also the awards rewarding you for the hard work that you put in.”

DIFFERENT THAN IRISH DANCE

According to Duerr, she needs to sometimes educate friends about what Highland dance actually is – and isn’t.

“A lot of people automatically assume it’s Irish dance and then you have to tell them the difference,” Duerr said. “Like, I wear a kilt, I use my arms and dance to bagpipes. And we don’t wear wigs, stuff like that.”

The use of arms is one of the biggest differences, according to Kopenski.

“Irish dancers don’t use their arms and they also dance with their feet forward,” said Kopenski, inducted earlier this year into the Highland Scot Dance USA Hall of Fame. “Highland dancers use their arms and they dance more like ballet dancers, with a 45-degree turn out from the line of direction.

“So they’re turned out like a ballet dancer. In fact, a lot of kids will do ballet to enhance their Highland dance for upper body technique and different things like that.”

Standing aloft on the tips of

NO NEED TO STOP

their toes during a practice session of the Scottish sword dance, the dancers spring side to side, front to back as they skillfully maneuver around crossed swords – as if dotting each quadrant with their padded feet.

“It is very precise,” said Lis Baumgardner. “It’s very regimented. We’re discovering there (are) some artistic pieces to it, but you need to subtly get in there to make yourself more competitive at the top tier.”

Owner Cindy Kopenski, who herself is a longtime Highland dancer who not only teaches at her school but also judges competitions all over North America, said the sword dance – dubbed the Ghillie Callum – is very challenging.

“You want to use a little bit of power, maintaining your elevation,” Kopenski said. “The first step of the sword is the most rigorous in Highland dancing.”

In order to get to where they need to be, on time and on target, cross-training actually is encouraged for Highland dancers. Doing so gives them the opportunity to develop other muscle groups and build their physical and mental endurance.

“They have all done crosstraining,” Kopenski said. “Ava has been in competitive cheer.

M.E. has done soccer and is now doing flag football. Emilia, I can’t even tell you how many sports she’s played. When she was in high school every season she had a sport coming on.

“And one of my other students

(Elizabeth O’Neil, 14, also of Plymouth) just started at Gabriel Richard in Ann Arbor. She’s on their swim team now. I’m sort of competing with the swim coach for lesson time because they want her for her endurance in swimming, but I want her to keep dancing.”

Kopenski said there are about 20 students currently taking lessons from her, with others including siblings Gianna Miller and Nina Miller of Plymouth (ages 15 and 13, respectively) and Elizabeth O’Neil’s 8-year-old sister Natalie (who attends St. Edith).

Those students also began at an early age. Kopenski said it is best for dancers to begin as young as possible and insert Highland dance into their daily routine – as much a part of the day as brushing their teeth, for example.

“Five years old is a great time to start because you’re in a category called primary,” Kopenski explained. “You learn a lot of the basic movements and a lot of the basic dances.”

From there, they progress into the more complicated and physically challenging dances.

Gruenhagen, Duerr and Baumgardner have all moved up the USIR ladder. Following primary (the entry point), the subsequent rungs are beginner, novice, intermediate and premier.

Even now firmly in the top category, they have no interest in stopping now.

For Duerr, it’s all about the adrenaline rush of competing –

The oldest of the “Highland Cul-de-Sac” friends, Gruenhagen now is finishing college. Duerr is soon ready to begin her higher education journey.

But Kopenski said it is important for them to realize their dance careers do not need to end just because they are moving into new chapters in life.

“They’ve now broadened their category of competition where it doesn’t stop at 18,” she said.

“They have categories that are for 25-and-over dancers, so they want people to dance longer. And when kids go to college things shift a lot and they don’t have time to practice like they were at the competitive level. I don’t want to say they wane off those four years they are in college, but maybe they are not as sharp on some things.”

She then clapped her hands, to emphasize that any interruptions seemingly are not permanent.

“But then they come back,” Kopenski said, smiling. “And they want to dance again.”

For more information, e-mail Cindy Kopenski at clkopens@ gmail.com, or visit the Kopenski School of Highland Dance Facebook page.

The Rock

| 23

PCEP FALL SPORTS ROUND - UP

Cobras shine in the pool, while Rocks make headway on gridiron

W

By Brad Emons

ith the fall of 2025 Michigan High School Athletic Association season in the books, there’s a scrapbook of memories that were made at the three schools at Plymouth Canton Educational Park.

For Canton, Plymouth and Salem, it’s now on to the winter MHSAA sports season—but not without recognizing some of the signature performances recorded by teams and individuals this past fall. Here are some final takeaways from the Cobras, Wildcats and Rocks.

SWIMMING Canton, coached by Ed Weber, made an impressive showing at the Division 1 state finals on Nov. 2021 at Oakland University, placing fifth overall. Senior Hannah Gurgel, who earned All-State honors (top eight) in four events, led the way with 109 points.

Gurgel was runner-up in the 200-yard individual medley (56.78) and 100 butterfly (56.78), while also teaming up with sophomore Amelia Pan, sophomore Abigail McAskin and junior Mia Kennedy for a sixthplace finish in the 400 freestyle relay (3:34.70) and seventh place in the 200 freestyle relay (1:38.65).

Pan was also All-State in four events, as she took sixth in the 100 backstroke (58.47) and seventh in the 200 freestyle (1:54.18).

Plymouth, 35th in the team standings, scored seven points, thanks to a twelfth-place finish by senior Victoria Setyabudny 24 | The Rock

in the 100 breaststroke (1:07.17) and a 15th in the 100 freestyle by junior Daniela Yuk (54.27).

Salem (37th) scored six points, thanks to senior Bryn Petrosky’s 11th in the 1-meter diving (312.90 points).

In the KLAA West meet on Nov. 7-8 at Brighton, Northville ran away with the team title with 919 points, followed by Canton (fourth, 587), Plymouth (fifth, 440) and Salem (eighth, 72).

Gurgel captured the 200 freestyle (1:53.92) and Pan took the 100 freestyle (52.95). They also teamed up with McAskin and Kennedy to finish first in the 400 freestyle relay (3:33.72).

In the final KLAA dual-meet standings, Northville placed first with a 7-0 record followed by Canton (fourth, 4-3), Plymouth (fifth, 3-4) and Salem (seventh, 1-6).

SOCCER Canton (11-9-2, 3-3-1), coached

by Mike Presley, earned the Division 1-District 11 title with a 3-0 triumph over Dearborn Heights Crestwood after wins over Plymouth, 3-2 (overtime), and Livonia Churchill, 4-0.

The Cobras’ season ended with a 3-0 Regional 3 semifinal loss to Dearborn Edsel Ford.

Canton senior defender Joey Hayes earned second-team D1 All-State honors by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association. Honorable mention went to senior goalkeeper Cameron Downs and junior midfielder Lucas Maiolatesi.

Representing Canton on the All-KLAA team were junior defenders Jacob Rasoletti and Quinn Collins, senior midfielder Andrew Covino and junior midfielder Benjamin Tenglin.

Plymouth (11-9, 4-3 KLAA West) was represented on the All-State team by junior forward Henry Maitland, who was named third-team.

All-KLAA selections for the Wildcats included senior defenders Alex Vega and Mariano Serapiglia, senior midfielder Brendan Burkett, junior midfielder M.J. Roberts and senior forward Simon Sherman.

Salem (10-10-2, 3-3-1 KLAA West) defeated Livonia Franklin, 5-0, in the district opener before falling to Crestwood, 2-1.

Salem junior forward Tyler Veresh earned third-team Division 1 All-State honors while senior defender Nick Seale and junior forward Sachin Kumar made honorable mention by the MHSSCA. Veresh and Seale made All-KLAA along, with senior defenders Jacob Rider and Shom Mann, senior midfielder Anthony Falsetta and junior goalkeeper Peter Demetter.

FOOTBALL For the first time since 2017— and only the fourth time in school history—Salem (5-5, 3-4 KLAA West) qualified for the MHSAA playoffs.

Saline ended the Rocks’ season in the Division 1-District 9 semifinals, 43-13.

Earning All-KLAA honors for Salem included senior quarterback Luke Creighton, senior linebacker Landon Garrett III, junior wide receiver Caleb Chinyazda and senior linebacker Nye Turner.

Creighton, committed to Northwood University, along

with Garrett, were selected to the D1-Region 3 team by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association.

Salem head coach Landon Garrett earned Division 1-Region 3 Coach of the Year honors from the MHSFCA. Senior linebacker Max Hornbacher and senior offensive lineman Brady Lorenzetti made All-Conference for Plymouth (3-6, 1-6), while junior linebacker Elliot Patten earned honors for Canton (1-8, 0-7).

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Both Salem (15th, 375 points) and Plymouth (17th, 399) earned trips to the Division 1 finals held Nov. 1 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.

Meanwhile, Canton senior Aiden Pengelly, a Michigan State signee, earned All-State (top 30) honors for the third straight year with a seventh individually with a 5,000-meter time of 15:07.9.

Rounding out Salem’s scoring contingent included junior Austin Mercado, 40th (15:05.7); junior Jack Hanner, 68th

(16:04.8); junior Samuel Batt, 107th (16:20.0); senior Jaden Ding, 152nd (16:38.4) and senior Sahib Cheema, 174th (16:48.1).

The Rocks’ non-scorers included junior Owen Dalebout (182nd, 16:51.0) and senior Parker Symczak (218th, 17:14.5).

Plymouth’s scorers included senior Adrian Clarke, 33rd (15:46.8); junior Dylan Kosik, 116h (16:21.9); senior Lucas LaPointe, 117th (16:22.2); senior Daniel Niehaus, 138th (16:29.0); and sophomore Landen Martell, 178th (16:50.4).

The Wildcats’ non-scorers included freshman Jack Caveney (187th, 16:52.6) and senior Sami Anwar (209th, 17:08.4).

Meanwhile, Canton junior Kamden O’Donnell was also an individual state qualifier (217th, 17:13.5).

In the Regional 6 meet on Oct. 25 at Willow Metropark in New Boston, Plymouth came away with the victory with 36 points, followed by runner-up Salem (53).

Canton placed fifth with 136 as Pengelly was individual regional champion in 15:27.5.

Plymouth runners in the top 10 included Clarke (second, 15:46.8); LaPointe, fourth (15:56.5) Kosik, seventh (16:33.4) and Niehaus, 10th (16:37.0), while

Martell was 13th (16:46.1).

Wildcats coach Jon Mikosz was named Regional Coach of the Year in D1 by the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association.

Salem was led by Mercado (third, 15:50.4) and Hanner (sixth, 16:30.4).

At the KLAA meet held Oct. 16 at Manley Bennett Park in Hamburg, Division 1 fourth-peat champion Northville took first with 43 points and host Brighton was runner-up with 82.

Salem took third with 92 led

by Mercado, who was ninth in 15:46.1. Plymouth placed fourth with 104 as Clarke took seventh (15:44.4) and LaPointe added a tenth place finish (15:49.4).

Howell’s Jack MacGregor (15:04.1) edged Pengelly (15:05.3) for individual honors.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY In the Division 1 girls state finals on Nov. 1 at MIS, Ann Arbor Pioneer (96) captured the team title over Romeo (103), while Salem qualified and finished 26th with 614 points.

Salem senior Becca Jud was 77th individually (18:57.1), followed by freshman Ella Hanner, 155th (19:49.9); junior Samantha Bartell, 156th (19:50.2); senior Margo Kaledas, 224th (21:03.1); junior

Addie Jones, 225th (21:06.2).

The Rocks’ non-scorers included senior Sarah Gumber (241st, 22:01.9) and sophomore Madelynne Stamp (242nd, 22:08.8).

Plymouth boasted two individual qualifiers in senior Mackenzie Dicken (89th, 19:04.0) and junior Isabelle Rushlow (223rd, 21:00.4).

Meanwhile, Canton sophomore Clare Davidson (184th, 20:13.4) and senior Mia Fernandez (196th, 20:25.7) also made it to MIS. In the Regional 6 meet at Willow Metropark, Livonia Churchill (38) captured the title followed by host Ann Arbor Huron (53) and Salem (71).

Salem’s top finishers included Hanner, seventh (20:07.4), Bartell, eighth (20:07.7); Jud, 14th (20:39.4); and Jones, 16th (20:49.8).

Plymouth, which placed fourth with 108 points, was led Dicken, who took first overall in 18:56.5), while Canton, fifth in the team standings with 117, got a ninth from Davidson (20:12.4).

In the KLAA meet on Oct. 16 at Bennett Park, Brighton (32) and Northville (61) finished onetwo, followed by Salem (seventh,

Continued on page 26

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| 25

Continued from page 25 184), Plymouth (eighth, 217) and Canton (ninth, 235).

Dicken placed eighth overall (19:07.3) for the Wildcats. Hanner (24th, 19:46.4) led Salem, while Fernandez (43rd, 21:08.7) was the top finisher for the Cobras.

VOLLEYBALL Salem (13-12, 4-3 KLAA West) featured two players on the All-KLAA squad led by junior outside hitters Elizabeth Nordstrom and C.J. Kiffner.

The Rocks were eliminated in the D1-District 23 semifinals at Northville by eventual winner

South Lyon, 3-0, after defeating Plymouth in the district opener, 3-0.

Canton (7-19, 3-4 KLAA West) fell in the opening round of the district to Northville, 3-0.

Junior libero Aarohi Patel and sophomore middle hitter Mya Turner made All-KLAA. Senior setter Giana Jourdonnais and junior outside hitter Leah McCully made AllConference for Plymouth (8-27, 0-7 KLAA West).

26 | The Rock

TENNIS Salem posted a fifth-place finish with 10 points at the Division 1-Regional 2 tourney on Oct. 9 at Ann Arbor Pioneer as Ann Arbor Skyline (25 points), the host Pioneers (23) and Ann Arbor Huron (20) all qualified for the state finals Oct. 17-18 at the Midland Tennis Center.

Plymouth was sixth with seven points, while Canton tied for eighth with 1.

Salem junior Aarav Shah reached the regional semifinals at No. 1 singles, as did Plymouth sophomore Prathum Merugu at No. 3.

In doubles, Salem had two teams make the semifinals including senior Vedanth Kondur and junior Darsh Shah (No. 1) along with juniors Jonathan Preston and Kapish Rajan (No. 3).

Plymouth’s No. 4 doubles team of senior Garret Swatosh and freshman Brennan Downey also reached the semifinals.

In the KLAA West Division standings, Novi (7-0) and Northville (6-1) finished onetwo, followed by Salem, fourth (4-3); Plymouth, fifth (3-4); and Canton, sixth (2-5).

GIRLS GOLF Plymouth senior Annie Flavin (see our November issue) became the third Wildcat in school history to earn individual medalist honors at the Division

1 finals held Oct. 17-18 at Grand Valley State University’s The Meadows.

Flavin, a Western Michigan University signee, shot 71-77-148 to earn first place honors.

Salem also qualified for the finals, taking 18th in the 18-team field with a two-day total of 367402-789.

Scoring for the Rocks was sophomore Brooke Resovsky, 26th (83-8-163); senior Amelia Olson, 64th (97-93-190); freshman Allison Mayer, 88th (102-110-212); and senior MacKenzie MacKinder, 94th, 108-110-218. Salem’s non scorer

was sophomore Claudia Fisher (104th, 128-118-246).

At the Regional 3 tourney Oct. 7 at Salem Hills, Northville (302), Brighton (337) and Salem (363) earned the state-qualifying team berths.

Salem’s scorers included Resovsky, fifth (77); Olson, 10th (86); Mayer, 24th (99); and Fisher, 25th (101).

Plymouth took fourth, led by Flavin, who shot 75 to earn third place. She was followed by senior Mady McCarthy, 18th (95); junior Alyssa Steinhauer, 22nd (98); and senior Maria Capaldi, 33rd (104).

Canton, 11th in the team standings, was led by junior Charlotte Abbott, who took 26th (102).

In the combined KLAA preseason and postseason tourneys, Northville (324-316640) finished first followed by Brighton (692), Hartland (736) and Salem (741).

Plymouth placed sixth (802) and Canton was ninth (939).

FIELD HOCKEY In its inaugural MHSAA playoff season, the unified squad of Plymouth-Canton-Salem (3-93) lost in the Regional 2 tourney opener to Ann Arbor Greenhills, 2-0.

Novi (9-0) captured the KLAA title with Plymouth-CantonSalem, coached by Zahraa Zahr, finishing 3-3-3.

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Landfill Expansion Decision Draws Near

Watchdog group raising awareness as crucial meeting approaches

D

By Tim Smith

ecision time is drawing near for whether a second landfill is something Northville and Plymouth residents will need to contend with for years to come.

On Monday, Jan. 12, the Northville High School auditorium will be the venue for a “Stop Arbor Hills” community town hall meeting, hosted by The Conservancy Initiative environmental watchdog group.

The time of the meeting has not yet been finalized, but it will take place during the early evening hours according to a recent press release.

“We want to make sure the community is aware that the decision on a new landfill in Salem Township is approaching,” said David Drinan, vice president of The Conservancy Initiative.

“We think the decision is probably going to be made in the next six months, certainly in the next year. And it’s going to impact our community for the next 50-plus years if it goes the wrong way.”

Drinan said the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners will decide whether to grant 28 | The Rock

Green for Life (owners of the Arbor Hills landfill) approval for a new landfill. The existing dump — just across the border from both Northville Township and Plymouth Township – is nearing capacity and likely would need to be shuttered within a few years, he added.

“It’s hard to say when it will have to close, because they can

the Washtenaw commissioners rule against the Green for Life proposal. Concerned citizens can go to the conservancyinitiative.org website to learn more about the meeting as the date approaches.

Drinan, who lives in a subdivision not far from the existing, 50-year-old landfill between Five Mile and Six Mile along Napier, cited strong odor wafting into local homes as only one reason residents need to remain engaged.

Other negative impacts of the “Mount Trashmore,” the term Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull used during a December 2024 public meeting, include noise and heavy semi-truck traffic hauling garbage along roads such as Beck, Sheldon and Five Mile.

“I think there’s a whole bunch of concern from the people that live in the shadow of the landfill,” Drinan said. “There are meetings going on monthly in Washtenaw County with a committee that will ultimately make a recommendation to the county commissioners whether they need a new landfill or not.

“I just don’t think that (message) is getting out to the public, that’s why we want to have a town hall to make sure everyone is up to speed that they are reaching the end of their meetings and they’ll be voting on a plan on

Drinan said “what I think we have going for us” is that Washtenaw County is progressive in implementing environmental programs, more than other counties.

“What we have going against us is the landfill generates a lot of revenue both for Salem Township and (Washtenaw) county,” he explained.

Meanwhile, another negative ramification is runoff traced to Arbor Hills, with harmful P-FAS chemicals trickling into Johnson Creek – which Turnbull said is detrimental to the creek and Rouge River, cold-waters where

brown trout is known to live.

“I want monitors all the way down the river, to see the P-FAS from the dump all the way to where Johnson Creek goes into the Rouge River,” Turnbull said.

According to Drinan, it is hoped that the people who attend “We want to make sure the community is aware that the the town hall will get fired up decision on a new landfill in Salem Township is approaching. We about the issue and write or think the decision is probably going to be made in the next six otherwise contact Washtenaw County commissioners or those months, certainly in the next year. And it’s going to impact our officials who serve Northville and community for the next 50-plus years if it goes the wrong way.” Plymouth.

Drinan expects several elected David Drinan, vice president of The Conservancy Initiative officials to be on hand for the Jan. 12 meeting. Those include Turnbull, Northville Township how the county is going to handle always slow down how much Supervisor Mark Abbo, state its trash for the next 10 years.” material is coming into it and Reps Jason Morgan (23rd stretch it out,” Drinan noted.

DEBATE LINGERS District) and Matt Koleszar “But the last numbers I saw was, During a recent commissioners (22nd District) and state Senator about three years from now it meeting, Drinan’s presentation Rosemary Bayer (13th District). will be done and they’ll have to on behalf of The Conservancy For more information about permanently close it.”

Initiative received a mixed the upcoming “Stop Arbor Hills” The Jan. 12 town hall will give response. Drinan said only four town hall meeting on Jan. 12 at local residents an opportunity of nine members commented Northville High School can visit to be heard and determine what – two were in favor of the new conservancyinitiative.org. steps they could take to help landfill and two were opposed.

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