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KURT KUBAN – 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.
SCOTT SPIELMAN – 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.
SCOTT BUIE – 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.
JENNY PEARSALL – 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.
MICHELE FECHT – 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.
TIM SMITH – 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.
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, including The Rock. -Photo by Kathleen Voss
SUE VOYLES – 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.
KEN VOYLES – 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.
BILL BRESLER – 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.
BRYAN MITCHELL – 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.
are welcome at kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com .
Change is on the horizon in the City of Plymouth
November will be the first full month of the biggest test of the City of Plymouth’s succession plan. Adopted through its strategic planning process in 2017 and re-upped in 2022, the succession plan has been a major goal of the city commission and administration to ensure continuity and progress in the city as long-serving officials retire or move on.
It got off to a bit of a weird start when Chris Porman officially took over the role of city manager. During his first week, he saw news crews come to town to cover what would be a relatively basic municipal procedure in most communities—updating the master plan. This is a document that gets updated every five years and, on its surface, doesn’t really change anything. It looks at development trends and points out potential future land use for the city. And, while it pointed out places where multi-family residential uses could go to help balance out the type of housing in the city, it doesn’t actually change the zoning.
Any developer who would want to bring such a development to, say, the Christian Science Church property on Ann Arbor Trail would still have to meet all the required setbacks and any other stipulations recommended from city planners. (The commission adopted the updated master plan at its Oct. 20 meeting).
About two weeks after that came the election, in which there was a potential for widespread change on the city commission, with Mayor Suzi Deal unable to run again and eight candidates seeking four seats. Two of those seats went to first-time commissioners, Joe Elliott and Karen Sisolak, who came in first and third respectively, while incumbent Commissioner Nick Moroz was voted out of office.
Personally, I was surprised by this. Moroz, a former mayor himself, is always full of ideas, willing to listen to others and was heavily involved in a couple of major progressive actions the city is getting started on -- the Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) in Old Village and the parks sponsorship program. Both of these are geared toward developing dedicated revenue streams to fund projects that, I think, everybody wants to see.
Moroz also provided a steady voice and strong leadership during his tenure on the commission as Plymouth grappled with issues as diverse as navigating the Covid pandemic to outdoor dining to pedestrian safety and the aforementioned strategic plan cycle. He has a lot to be proud of and I hope he’ll stay involved.
With the election (incumbents Jennifer Kehoe and Alanna Maguire were re-elected) and Porman’s appointment, the city is poised to embrace a period of change. The CIA and the DTPForward project in the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) District have the potential to bring major change to both areas, and the Friends of Plymouth Parks and Recreation can make just as strong an impact throughout the city.
I had my first real chance to sit down and talk with Porman in advance of him assuming the city manager role last month and I think the city is in good hands. We talked about a lot of things, including the then-impending election, and he said he looked forward to working with the commission, no matter who was elected. “They might have a different way of doing things,” he said of the non-incumbents at the time, “but we’re all trying to do the same thing.” I also liked his views on consensus vs. compromise: one brings everyone together, while the other leaves some feeling left out.
There may have been some rumblings or concerns about his appointment, but I don’t see it that way. Sure, it can be tempting to test the municipal waters around the state looking for the next up-and-coming municipal leader, but what if that leader is already in place? Besides, you can’t develop a succession plan and then not follow it—it would kill morale, for one thing, and make people question everything else you did, too.
I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next, as Porman and his team navigates what can potentially be a chaotic time for the nation, overall. I hope we can all remember that, in the end, this should be a nation of neighbors helping neighbors move our community forward. The sooner we get back to that, the better.
City Commission Shakeup
Plymouth voters choose two new commissioners
By Scott Spielman
Voters in the City of Plymouth have spoken, and there will be two new city commissioners, not one.
Incumbent Nick Moroz was voted out of office after more than eight years, while newcomers Joe Elliott and Karen Sisolak earned spots on the seven-member board.
After all the votes were counted Nov. 4, Elliott was the top vote-getter with 1,595 votes, followed by Jennifer Kehoe with 1,541, Karen Sisolak with 1,535, Alanna Maguire with 1,434. Jim Mulhern finished in fifth place with 1,367 votes, followed by Ron Picard with 1,351, Nick Moroz with 1,349 and Kristin McHaleJohnson with 561.
Elliott, Kehoe and Sisolak won four-year terms, while incumbent
Total Votes (unofficial)
Candidate Votes
Joe Elliott 1595
Jennifer Kehoe 1541
Karen Sisolak 1535
Alanna Maguire 1434
Jim Mulhern 1367
Ron Picard 1351
Nick Moroz 1349
Kristin McHale
Johnson 561
Write-ins 23
Maguire will serve for two more years.
“I was honestly surprised. This is my first time running a campaign and I had no idea what to expect,” Elliott said. “I felt confident about getting elected but I certainly didn’t expect to be the top vote-getter.”
A total of 3,076 votes were cast, which is about 37.63% of the 8,175 voters in the city.
“All eight candidates were running because they love our city,” Sisolak said. “They want to work to make it better and improve things. We just maybe have different priorities or different approaches. But we were all there trying to do the right thing.”
“I’m grateful for the city residents who supported me and thought I should stay for another two years. It was a tough election,” Maguire said.
“There’s definitely going to be a new dynamic on the commission and I’m looking forward to serving with our newly elected commissioners. I’ve maintained good relationships with both Joe Elliott and Karen Sisolak and I’ve known them through my term as a commissioner and I think they’re going to bring some new ideas to the commission.”
Moroz, the longest-
serving commissioner, said he was disappointed with the outcome, but proud of what he’s accomplished during his two terms in office.
“It’s been an absolute honor to serve the community over these last eight-plus years,” he said. “I wanted to commit myself because the community is worthy of such efforts. The team, particularly the city staff and administration, has spent countless hours supporting the community and its growth with such high standards. It’s been one of the most welcoming and rewarding experiences working with these fine folks.
“I feel really proud that they’re so committed to the city and I wish the future commission well with all their endeavors and I hope they spend a lot of their time and focus on broadening their perspectives as much as possible because the more prospective that can be included in any decisions they make, the better off the community will be.”
Moroz, who was instrumental in getting the Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) established to help fund improvements in Old Village as well as the Parks and Recreation sponsorship program, said he hopes to still stay
involved in some capacity.
“I am undoubtedly going to stay involved, but I have to figure out how to best be involved,” he said.
Sisolak, who also serves on the Old Village Development Authority (OVDA) board, said she hopes to be able to retain that particular hat, as well. She said she was checking with the city attorney to see if she could maintain both roles, noting that the OVDA is not politically active.
“It’s really a community-building group that organizes events, supports businesses and supports beautification projects. I don’t think it should be a conflict,” she said.
Elliott said he wants to focus on an element of his campaign after he gets sworn in.
“I think we need to do a better job of communication between the administration, the elected officials and the general public. We’re not spending enough time talking to each other and trying to see eye-to-eye and building consensus. I think people are frustrated because they don’t feel like their voices are getting heard. I would like to make that my priority.”
The new commissioners will be sworn in on Nov. 17.
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Annie Flavin wasn't about to do any scoreboard watching when she made her way through the final critical holes of the MHSAA Division 1 girls golf finals Oct. 18 at Grand Valley State University's The Meadows.
"I had no idea, I didn't look at the leaderboard, so I didn't know until the last hole," she said. "I actually thought I lost because I didn't have my best day that second day. I was like, 'Oh, alright, I didn't expect anything. Then my parents and coaches came onto the green and they were really excited, so I figured..."
By then, the Plymouth High senior had a pretty good idea of what was happening.
She was tied with an opening round 71 with Macomb Dakota's Marissa Monteith, the eventual runner-up, before learning she was
four shots clear of the 106-player field with a 5-over 77. It was good enough--as she carded a tworound total of 148 to take home individual medalist honors.
Flavin became the third Wildcat in school history to earn individual state medalist honors, joining Grace Boczar (2021) and Kelsey Murphy (2012).
She celebrated afterwards with her coaches, Kevin Niemiec and John Tatti, along with her parents, Barry and Kristy.
Just two days later, Flavin was back working out on the basketball court, where she is entering her fourth season on the Wildcats' varsity basketball team.
"I was very tired after three days, both mentally and physically, kind of rested up the rest of the weekend and rolled right into basketball," Flavin said. "Didn't have too much time to celebrate
but it was definitely a good win and I was super happy because it's something I've been working for since high school and it's always been a goal of mine. To achieve that and end my senior year like that was just so awesome."
Flavin, who lives in Plymouth, had been building towards her signature golf moment since an early age. During her freshman season (2022), Flavin placed 43rd individually at the state finals and sixth at the regionals as the Wildcats took 11th as a team.
During her sophomore season she finished sixth D1 as Plymouth took third in the team standings. She was also regional medalist.
A year ago, Flavin made her third straight trip to the D1 finals placing 26th overall after taking seventh in the regional.
This fall, Flavin was on a mission from the start as she
earned Kensington Lakes Activities Association medalist honors shooting 75 in the preseason tourney and 77 in the postseason event -- both held at Kensington Metropark.
After taking third in the Regional 3 tourney Oct. 7 and qualifying with a 75, Flavin set her sights on the finals.
"It was a really challenging course, so the day before I went and played a practice round, which was really helpful and I had my assistant coach John Tatti out there with me, so we were taking notes and just kind of preparing for the next day," Flavin said. "And then honestly, just taking each hole shot by shot and just not getting too upset over one specific shot and just trying to keep moving forward."
The strategy was playing course management golf.
"I didn't look at the leaderboard, so I didn't know until the last hole. I actually thought I lost because I didn't have my best day that second day. I was like, 'Oh, alright, I didn't expect anything. Then my parents and coaches came onto the green and they were really excited, so I figured..." Plymouth senior Annie Flavin, describing the moment she realized she had won the MHSAA state championship Oct. 18 at Grand Valley State University
"It was mostly to not to pull out a driver right away on every hole, kind of just pick our landing spots and then just really pick away at the course and be very specific of where I wanted to be to put myself in the best position to make a birdie or have an easier par," Flavin said, "just get through those holes really strategically."
This season, Flavin averaged 75.4 strokes per 18 holes and 37.4 per nine.
"My putting had gotten a lot better this year, so knowing that I'm going to make some putts that's really helped my confidence," she said. "Honestly, my mental approach to the game has really helped me out. Also, just looking at a course pretty strategically and picking it apart, really just helps slow the game down for me."
During the offseason, Flavin works with PGA teaching professional Kelly Sivier out of Meadowbrook Country Club in Northville, where her family has a membership.
Niemiec, who has been Plymouth's head coach the past two seasons, knew that Flavin had the game to become a state champion.
"She's been playing golf as long as she can remember," Niemiec said. "The biggest thing between last year and this year - her mental game was spot on. This year was different. She was able to put shots away. For the rare bad shot that she hits, that she had this year, her recoveries were incredible. I don't think she scored over 80 this year. That says you really never had a bad round. But her mental game this year, especially at 'states' with the weather and groupings not being to her advantage and things like that, it was top notch."
Although Plymouth missed the state cut by nine strokes after placing fourth at the regional, Flavin provided leadership along with many other intangibles.
"Annie is a coach's dream," Niemiec said. "She wants to work. She wants to get better. She loves to practice. She doesn't mind practicing by herself. She doesn't
mind playing by herself, but she’ll help anybody. She'll help freshmen, she'll help seniors, anybody on the team to get better. She's the ultimate teammate. She's what you want in a high school athlete."
Flavin not only excels on the golf course, but also on the basketball court, where the 6-footer averaged 10.5 points and 4.6 rebounds as a junior en route to All-KLAA honors as the Wildcats finished 15-6 overall and 8-6 in the KLAA's West Division.
"We pretty much have everyone back," Flavin said. "We've done a lot of work in the off season just to get stronger and just keep doing what I've been doing. Looking forward to a good season there, too. We definitely have high expectations and we are kind of working toward a mutual goal, which is conference champs."
Annie's mother Kristy, a native of Jonesville, played basketball at Albion, while father Barry played football at Salem High.
Barry, a WMU grad who is in investor relations, stands 6-5, while Kristy, who works in real
estate, is 6 feet. Younger sister Molly, who is 5-9, is a freshman on the Wildcats' JV volleyball team.
Annie has played golf her whole life and started playing basketball competitively in the third grade before taking it more seriously in middle school.
And throughout high school she was able to balance both sports and she's open minded what might be next.
"I usually take the winter off (golf) for basketball, depending upon where I'll be playing next year," Flavin said. "But obviously I'll probably play a little more in the winter. The past three years I've taken pretty much all of basketball season off of golf and then in the summer I kind of do both with summer basketball. I'd golf every day and then... just try and balance both in the summer. It's not too bad. Usually, basketball practice in the summer is in the morning and I can golf wherever I want individually. I can kind of work around that."
Carrying a 3.8 grade-point average with an interest in studying business, colleges have shown interest in both sports. She had a golf visit to NCAA Division I Western Michigan University and has also talked to Division II Grand Valley State. Meanwhile, MIAA Division III schools Albion and Adrian have shown interest in basketball.
She’s happy to report, at the end of October, she committed to playing golf at Western Michigan University.
A BOND SHAPED BY WAR
The friendship of poet Walt Whitman and Plymouth soldier Reuben Farwell
By Michele Fecht
When the Civil War broke out in April 1861, the three eldest of Plymouth farmer Leroy Farwell’s seven sons enlisted in the fight. The Farwell family moved to Plymouth Township from Arcadia, New York, in 1856, purchasing the Ann Arbor Trail farmhouse and its adjoining 150 acres from Thomas Gorton. The house still stands today. Eldest son Joseph, 24, enlisted in the 2nd Michigan Infantry, Company F. He was killed in action on June 26, 1864, during the Siege of Petersburg in Virginia. Crawford, 20, enlisted in the 4th Michigan Cavalry, Company D. It was among the regiments that captured Confederate President Jefferson Davis in 1865.
Reuben, 22, enlisted in the 1st Michigan Cavalry, Company H. The regiment would participate in some of the war’s major and bloodiest battles including Second Bull Run, Gettysburg, the Shenandoah Valley Campaigns, and the Appomattox Campaign.
WOUNDED WARRIOR
Reuben Farwell would suffer numerous wounds during his service in the Union Army. A gunshot wound to the left breast and upper right arm during the battle of Second Bull Run landed him in Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown, which served as a temporary hospital for Union soldiers after that battle. He would later be moved to a hospital in Annapolis,
wounded from the Virginia battlefields. President Abraham Lincoln was a frequent visitor along with poet Walt Whitman, who was inspired to volunteer after searching for his brother who had been reported as wounded during the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. His brother’s wound turned out to be minor, but the horrors Whitman witnessed in search of his brother moved him to help. He tended the wounded from 1862-1865.
LITTLE MITCH & UNCLE
Maryland, where he was treated for several months before being released in January 1863. Three months after his release, he was captured while on patrol at Wolf Run Shoals, Virginia, and taken a prisoner of war at Castle Thunder Military Prison in Richmond, Virginia. He was returned to his regiment in June.
By October 1863, the 1st Michigan Cavalry was engaged in the Bristoe Campaign in Virginia. It was during this conflict that Reuben suffered a serious gunshot wound to his left foot that put him in the Armory Square Hospital in Washington, D.C. on October 12. He was assigned Bed Number 33 in Ward A. Built in 1862 on the National Mall, the hospital had 1,000 beds to house the most seriously
A dedicated volunteer at the Armory Square as well as other Washington, D.C. hospitals, Whitman provided comfort and care to soldiers, many facing horrific wounds. He carried a haversack with food, small gifts and writing materials to give to patients. He would read to soldiers, write letters to their families, and often jot down notes in his many notebooks. Those notes would become the inspiration for his later writings. Among the wounded befriended by Whitman was Reuben Farwell or “Little Mitch” as the poet often referred to him. Farwell would call Whitman “Uncle.”
In his first letter to Whitman after leaving the Armory Square Hospital on April 18, 1864, Farwell wrote:
“I shall manage to see you before I leave for the front if possible. We are to get our horses in a day or so and then be off to join our regiment. I will write again when at the front & perhaps have something more worth writing about. I will close by expecting to have a better opportunity of writing something else when you hear from me again. My health is good at present. Believe me ever your friend, Reuben Farwell”
BACK HOME TO PLYMOUTH
Farwell would serve his remaining four months of service before being mustered out on August 22, 1864. He returned home to Plymouth and married Ann Knickerbocker of Livonia. The couple’s first and only child, daughter Nettie, was born March 28, 1870.
Ill health plagued Farwell throughout his remaining years. Eventually a debilitating stroke forced him to lease his 35-acre farm to tenants, leaving his family to rely solely on his veteran’s disability pension. His wife Ann noted that Reuben “served three years in the Civil War came home almost a cripple never able to work I took care of him. We got along as best we could.”
The letters between Farwell and Whitman continued throughout 1864 but then abruptly stopped. It would be 10 years before the friends reconnected. In 1875, Whitman was getting ready to publish Memoranda During the War, an unsparing look at the horrors of war culled from the notebooks he kept during his years as a hospital volunteer. Farwell was among the soldiers mentioned in the
October 5, 1884, Whitman wrote:
I knew Reuben Farwell as a first-class soldier (it was in 1863 or '64) of a Michigan Regimenthe was in Ward A, Armory Square Hospital, Dr Bliss Superintendent - I was with him off & on for some months & remember the case perfectly well. He had a very bad foot wound, & I should judge it something that would deteriorate his health & more or less incapacitate him through life afterward-till his death-& even tend toward that event-which as I understand occurred about a year ago. I strongly recommend the granting a pension to his widow Ann E. Farwell.
Very respectfully Walt Whitman Whitman’s letter no doubt helped, but it would take years before Ann Farwell received her pension. A brief in the October 28, 1887 issue of the Plymouth Mail noted that “Mrs. Reuben Farwell has finally received her pension. She has twelve dollars per month, and over four hundred dollars back pension.” Ann died on December 29, 1932, on
what would have been her 68th wedding anniversary. She never remarried.
She is buried beside her husband, Reuben, in Newburgh Cemetery in Livonia. Newburgh Cemetery is also the final resting place of Crawford and Joseph Farwell. All three brothers in arms.
In a time when what we used to call bowling “alleys” are disappearing from the American landscape just as fast as drive-in movie theaters and all-night diners did years earlier, there remains a bright light of bowling and other entertainment thriving along Ann Arbor Road.
Now with over 50 years of history, Plymouth’s very own Plaza Lanes continues to offer that cherished tradition for many of slipping on special shoes, grabbing a weighted ball and tossing it along well-oiled hardwood floors. Sport or not, bowling is beloved by many, and so is Plaza Lanes.
Andrew Jasper, who has been general manager of the 40-lane bowling center since 2023, rose from lane attendant to the front desk and ultimately to his current post in just eight years. His wide range of experience gives him a keen eye for what guests and employees need at any given moment during their bowling, dining, drinking or entertainment experience.
"First and foremost, the Plaza family understands that to be successful in this sport you have
to put a good bowling product out there, " says Jasper. "The environment at Plaza Lanes is very competitive, our staff is awesome and our mechanics are phenomenal.”
As evidence of its bowling prowess, Plaza Lanes has hosted many United States Bowling Congress events and been ranked the highest scoring house in the state many years since they opened in 1973. Over 200 bowlers have recorded 800+ series and 528 bowlers have rolled perfect 300 games. The most notable individual bowling
accomplishment to take place at Plaza Lanes occurred in 2016, when David Sewesky rolled three perfect 300 games for a perfect 900 series, only the 27th time that has happened in recorded bowling history.
Among other honors, Plaza Lanes has also been voted the best bowling center in Michigan for the past two years by WDIV. Annually more than 135,000 games are bowled, including 75,000 league games.
A NEW APPROACH
As important as bowling is to the bottom line, Jasper will tell
you that it’s not enough to keep lanes (“alleys” in the old days) open in a very competitive and diminishing market.
“You also have to provide additional activities and amenities to be successful,” he explains. “By continuing to upgrade and expand many of our entertainment offerings like upgraded food portions, new and fun arcade games, and an expanded arcade room, we are realizing our owners’ (brothers Hayman and Kenny Matti) goal, which is to be the best bowling center, not only in Plymouth, but in the Metro Detroit area."
Part of achieving and retaining that ideal is to hold events that draw in new clientele. For the past two summers, Jasper has organized a car show, which has filled the expansive parking lot with classic cars owned by people who may not have ventured into the bowling center otherwise.
“We’re always looking for new and different ways to attract new customers,” says Jasper, who has a small but dedicated team keeping the center ready to roll.
One activity that is near and dear to the heart of the Matti
brothers, Jasper and the entire staff of Plaza Lanes is their relationship with the Special Olympics. Plaza sponsors the Plymouth-Canton Stars, a local 70-member special needs bowling group. The Stars bowl in tournaments around the state, including an annual tourney at Plaza Lanes that draws over 300 special needs bowlers.
Since being built and opened in 1973 by the owners of Plymouth Bowl, the expansion of bowling in Plymouth was reflective of the growing popularity of the sport at the time. Prior to the existence of these two facilities, the hub for
bowling in Plymouth was at the Parkview Recreation Center on Ann Arbor Trail.
Many longtime Plymouth residents have fond memories of the rec center from as far back as the 1940s when human pinsetters and paper and pencil scoring were the norm. "That older bowling establishment was a great place for family fun growing up, hanging out with friends, teenage date nights and weekly workday bowling leagues," Jerry Norquist recently wrote on the Plymouth Canton Memories Facebook page.
Since those days, bowling in Plymouth has had to adapt with the times. After the bowling lanes were removed from the rec center, Plymouth Bowl became the sole place to bowl in the city, welcoming patrons for three decades (between 1962-1992).
By the time of Plymouth Bowl's closure in 1992, bowling popularity was in decline due to rising costs, reduced number of leagues, increased competition from other entertainment options and maybe most importantly, the land that bowling centers sat on was many times more profitable as a different business when sold.
That's exactly what happened to Plymouth Bowl. After closing in 1992 it was transformed into an ice arena, leaving Plaza Lanes with a captive bowling market in Plymouth.
CUTTING EDGE
From its start in 1973, the bowling center was on the cutting edge of technology as one of the first to use automatic electronic scoring, known as Magic Score, replacing paper and pencil just like human pinsetters were replaced by automatic pinsetters years earlier. Plaza Lanes also dabbled in electronic, dealerless poker tables in the early 2000s, but the advanced technology turned out to be a passing fad, unlike Magic Score which exists to this day.
For nearly 50 years Plaza Lanes has thrived offering a diversified number of food, beverage and entertainment options that complement the traditional bowling experience -a must have in today's extremely competitive market.
It is considered by many the ultimate destination for bowling and entertainment, featuring 40 lanes that cater to both competitive and recreational bowlers of all skill levels, including those bowlers who prefer a nightclub atmosphere on Friday and Saturday nights with glow bowling.
Weekends also include the Kings and Queens mixed doubles league on Saturdays in a battle of the sexes skirmish, which has been filling the house with estrogen and testosterone charged matches for the past twenty five years. Of the 15 fall/ winter leagues that compete annually, the longest active competition belongs to the Saint Collette’s League which has been bowling at Plaza Lanes since the doors opened.
The venue also offers a renovated party room suitable for various events, including kids' parties, adult gatherings, and corporate events, complete with customizable screens for a memorable experience. Bowling enthusiasts can also enhance
their game at the Wiz-Bangs Pro Shop, which provides bowling guidance and a wide selection of bowling gear.
Due to its ever-expanding and evolving menu of bowling, entertainment and dining experiences, Plaza Lanes has a 4.4 out of 5 favorable rating on Google. Reviewers highlight well-maintained lanes, a variety of bowling balls, and a fun arcade, as well as the friendly staff and “the lively atmosphere and great music."
“I went there with my family and we had a great time," says Kecia Milliner. "The lanes are very nice, shoes were pretty comfortable, and the veggie pizza was delicious. We will definitely come back."
As Plaza Lanes rolls on to its 50th anniversary, a commitment to continued diversification and expansion of the bowling center experience is the reason this location will remain the place to eat, drink, be merry and bowl in Plymouth for years to come.
Plaza Lanes is located at 42001 Ann Arbor Road in Plymouth Township. For more information, call (734) 453-4880 or visit www.plazalanesmi.com.
DSO musician loves performing music from the heart
The complex dynamics of human anatomy play a critical role in what makes a gifted violinist like Kim Kaloyanides Kennedy.
As Kennedy likes to explain it – her left hand and her right arm (along the rest of her body) work together to form a beautiful symbiosis, helping her achieve the kind of technical prowess needed to perform a lead role in dozens of concerts each year for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO).
But there’s so much more than just bones, muscles and tendons for this musical artist and associate concertmaster with the DSO, who has also called Plymouth home for 25 years. It’s also about what’s deep in the heart.
More than a violinist, Kennedy is a wife, a mom, an integrated wellness coach and a deeply faithful believer in God. Making
By Ken Voyles
an impact in this world is her heart's calling, along with sharing music and her own personal journey of health and wellness.
Within that amazing combination of hand and arm, along with her intense heart, the 50-year-old township resident is as close to the pinnacle of her career for a classically trained musician, having become associate DSO concertmaster 22 years ago.
“Music makes me feel a certain way. I can’t always explain it. It can be hard to explain,” says Kennedy. “I remember once when I had a conductor who thanked me for my ‘heart’ on stage. It’s not just how we master what we do to play, but how we reach people, how our interpretation impacts someone. There’s a contagious energy with this, and we’re all drawn to what is beautiful.”
What is beautiful is the passion
is making a difference, what we can do with what we’re given or when we pour ourselves into the music and reach someone.”
Kennedy’s musical journey began around age five while growing up in Dayton (OH).
The daughter of a minister of music, by the time she was 10 she was already convinced there was nothing else she was good at except the violin, even though at church she had many chances to perform as organist in front of the congregation.
“I was brought up in the church,” she says. “There it wasn’t just playing but about the why behind playing, expressing ourselves and serving others through that expression. I often think about being an empty vessel for my God and for others.”
Kennedy began her training at Brevard Music Center and Interlochen Arts Camp near Traverse City. She spent years learning through several other “festival” experiences, summers in Aspen as an associate concertmaster and at the Harid
behind this energetic professional, blending her technical skill with an almost mystical spirit.
“I want to be a servant,” she says. “I want to help people feel the music when I am on stage and to use the gifts I have to make a difference. I feel that when I play at church. I still get that with the DSO and with the feedback I receive from others, from the audience.”
Kennedy loves talking about an experience she had at a pops concert a few years back – she is lead concertmaster (first chair violinist) during these pops and special performances that the DSO offers beyond its long tradition of classical masterworks.
“Someone came up to me and said they really felt me on the stage,” she explains. “That I might have touched someone, touched me so much. What matters in life
Conservatory in Florida before landing at University of Michigan.
In 1998, halfway through her senior year at U-M, Kennedy joined the first violin section at the DSO. She has remained there
the people. This is a wholesome place with lots of creativity. There’s a real pull about downtown, the festivals, walking around.”
What better way to connect with Plymouth than to perform as a soloist with the Michigan Philharmonic. Kennedy will be lead soloist at the Phil’s January concert at Saint John’s Resort (Jan. 18), also performing alongside her friend and Phil oboist Chris Wheeler.
“I’m excited,” she says, “because it’s my hometown. I can give something where I’m now planted and belong.”
Kennedy will also perform a second concert in Plymouth in January, joining the DSO team at First United Methodist Church for a “neighborhood” concert on Jan. 23.
group and I’ve done a bunch of half-marathons in Detroit. My health was an issue a few years ago and now Feb. 5 is my health anniversary.”
It happened in 2020 when she was performing a holiday concert with the DSO. All decked out for the season in a long flowing dress and high heels, Kennedy felt miserable and realized “this is not what it’s supposed to be about.”
She has also injured her arm performing and had to work had to get back into the music she loves so much, not just physically, but spiritually as well.
ever since, becoming associate concertmaster in 2003.
At U-M she met her future husband Bryan Kennedy, who was also playing in the DSO horn section and though retired, is “somewhat of a legend” at the orchestra. They married in 2000 and moved to Plymouth that same year, soon raising two children, Ethan and Lauren.
Plymouth originally drew them partially for geography, being halfway between Detroit and Ann Arbor where the Kennedys teach. After a few years in the city they moved to the township.
“It was a perfect location for school and work and my church,” says Kennedy, who loves being part of the Northridge Church community, occasionally performing there. She's been a member since 1998.
Sitting in the downtown Plymouth Starbucks one Saturday afternoon not long before a concert, Kennedy looks around at all the energy in the coffee shop and smiles.
“Plymouth is home now,” she says. “There’s many things about it that are special but mostly it’s
The trajectory of her journey has not always been as smooth and easy as it may seem reading these words. Like many musicians, Kennedy has struggled with health and injury issues even as she works hard with daily practice at home, numerous rehearsals in Detroit and a grinding concert schedule lasts from September through mid-summer.
“The last few years I’ve been focusing on my health,” she says. “I am a part of the Plymouth run
“I kept asking, insisting on knowing,” Kennedy says. “It can be a lot to withstand, performing and still saving something for yourself, but I am capable of both. In my heart I want to lead, to perform, and the technical stuff the body will just figure out.”
Though her health regime is heavily focused on running, Kennedy strives to live a healthy lifestyle much like any athlete must do to survive a sport or a season of brutal competition.
Just two years ago Kennedy ran her first full Detroit marathon but it didn’t go as neatly as planned when she hurt her ankle within the first mile. With a DSO concert later that day she was still able to finish the race.
“I just kept saying ‘the joy of the Lord is my strength.’ It was my mantra and I got through it,” she says.
As associate concertmaster Kennedy calls herself blessed to be part of the DSO “family” and have her voice heard when it comes to the music. She works closely with Robyn Bollinger, the DSO’s concertmaster, and the rest of the symphony’s leadership and fellow musicians.
“The DSO is like family to me,” she says. “We all lean on each other and I become better as a person and a musician because of them. I am so grateful for my DSO family.”
Two years ago Kennedy helped form the Woodward String Quartet which gives her further chances to travel and perform. She is also passionate about Detroit Harmony, a group that secures donated musical instruments for urban students.
Besides cooking and gardening, she likes to coach young people and talk about health and wellness. For fun she annually spends extended time away from music traveling in her camper, sometimes with family, often alone. This year she was in Colorado for nearly a month.
“Life is a gift, a blessing really,” says Kennedy. “I just want to be me, expressing what’s in my heart, channeling my music and serving others. I’m not really into a cookie-cutter life.”
DDA Mulls the Future Look of Downtown Plymouth
Safety, aesthetics and smart land use key factors for possible improvements
By Scott Spielman
When officials in the City of Plymouth set out to update the look of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) district, they said they wanted to get as much community input as possible.
Boy, did they ever.
As the first public engagement phase of DTPForward — the name of the project that could result in anything from a refreshed streetscape to major infrastructure work in the heart of the city — drew to a close, nearly 1,000 residents, visitors and business owners had weighed in on a design survey, according to DDA Director Sam Plymale. About 70 attended the first public meeting on the project, which was designed to provide a high-level overview of the results
so far. The meeting, shown live through the DDA Facebook feed and still available for viewing on its website, has been viewed more than 8,700 times as of this writing.
and got the process under way earlier this year. They hired the Smith Group as consultants, putting community input at the forefront of the project. They
I’m really very pleased with the amount of community input we’ve received. For any project that we do, community input is essential. If we move forward without having adequate community input, we have not done our job.”
Ellen Elliott, a member of the DDA Board
“People are interested and giving a lot of good feedback,” Plymale said. “We’re kind of digesting that first round of feedback right now, and that’s going to take some time.”
DDA officials decided to update the streetscape last year
“I’m really very pleased with the amount of community input we’ve received,” said Ellen Elliott, a member of the DDA Board. “For any project that we do, community input is essential. If we move forward without having adequate community input, we have not done our job.
“If you have a project where you listen and people feel like they’ve been heard, things go much smoother,” she added.
The initial feedback focused on six key themes for the district: enhance the pedestrian experience, focusing on safety and connection neighborhoods; encourage vibrancy through good design and land use; emphasize design quality; leverage community events to support economic vitality; balance parking with accessibility; and reinforcing Kellogg Park as the downtown anchor.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Plymale said. “You do get some naysayers; some people don’t want anything to change, but certain things have to change. We’re not just going to sit on our hands and do nothing.”
The downtown streetscape was first designed in 1990 and last refreshed in 2010. Since then, it’s become dated and is in need of some repairs — cosmetic as well as structural. The DTPForward project is designed to address those concerns in a way that the community supports. That could mean minor improvements or full-scale infrastructure projects. Plymale said some of the more cautious feedback came from people who were concerned that the entire look of the downtown would change.
solicited input through the survey and through stations at events like the Plymouth Fall Festival to cast as wide a net as possible.
The public open house about the input phase, held Oct. 15, was the first of three scheduled before any plans are decided and work started.
“It’s not necessarily the case. It’s going to be communitydriven,” he said. “We may end up doing a lot of things or just a handful of minor, needed things. It may not be a huge change, it may be more subtle — widening the sidewalks, walk area, things like that — or we could end up
doing some more significant projects. It’s really going to be driven by the community.”
Likewise, a budget hasn’t been set, either. That will be decided closer toward the middle of next year. Any major projects suggested would be phased out, with construction taking place over the course of several years, he added. Improvements in Downtown Development Districts are funded through an increase in property values within the district. Residents won’t have to foot the bill.
“We’ve been pretty conservative with our budget over the last couple of years; so we will have a chunk of money to potentially use as a down payment on a bond,” Plymale said. “It’s going to depend on the scope of the project. The community is going to drive the direction.
“It’s going to be a phased-out project, so if we get certain things designed, it doesn’t necessarily mean we have to move forward
with those designs — it’s just going to be a recommendation and it’ll be based on what kind of funds we can come up with,” he added.
DDA officials and the Smith Group are going through the process of evaluating all the community input and will put together some preliminary suggestions early next year.
Plymale said he anticipated another opportunity to solicit feedback — most likely during the Plymouth Ice Festival — as
well as another communitywide survey and two additional public open houses to discuss the proposals, identify and prioritize any projects.
“With this project, we have an opportunity to address our needs and wants while being respectful to the historic nature of the downtown,” he said. “I think our process is going to lend itself to having a very successful project. It’s been very deliberate from the beginning.”
Elliott concurred.
“We all need to come together and talk about what makes sense,” she said. “We still have some more community engagement that needs to happen. Nobody is going to get 100 percent of what they want and we know that. But if we can prioritize what we’ve been hearing and make sure it’s what the community wants, I think we’ll end up with a really solid design that will be well-received. I’m confident that we’ll get to a plan that will make people happy.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
As the DDA progresses with its DTPForward project, city leaders are soliciting public opinion about the direction the plan will take. We’d love to hear from our readers about what changes, if any, they would like to see take place in Downtown Plymouth. What are your recommendations for city leaders? Please email your opinions to Editor Scott Spielman at scottyspielman@ gmail.com.
PLYMOUTH PULSE
Latest News and Community Updates December 2025: HEADLINE EDITION
November General Election City Commission Results
Two newcomers and two incumbents have been elected to the Plymouth City Commission, according to unofficial General Election results reported late Tuesday night, November 4. Joe Elliott (first place:1,595 votes) and Karen Sisolak (third place:1,535) will be new members of the 7-person Commission when they take the oath of office in mid-November. Incumbent Jennifer Kehoe (second place:1,541) will return to the Commission, along with incumbent Alanna Maguire (fourth place:1,434).
City of Plymouth voters elected four candidates from an 8-person field to the Plymouth City Commission. Elliott, Kehoe and Sisolak will serve 4-year terms on the Commission, while Maguire will return with a 2-year term.
Jim Mulhern (fifth place:1,367), Ronald Picard (sixth place:1,351) and incumbent Nick Moroz (seventh place: 1,349) all finished within 18 votes of each other, but behind the top four elected officials. Voter turnout represented 37.6% of the electorate, as 3,076 of 8,175 registered voters cast their ballots. The unofficial election results can be found on our website: tinyurl.com/CityofPlymouthElectionResults.
The 2025 General Election marks the end of Plymouth Mayor Suzi Deal’s tenure on the City Commission. Deal could not run for re-election because of term limits. Mayor Pro-Tem Colleen Pobur and Commissioners Linda Filipczak and Brock Minton remain on the Commission. Their respective terms expire in November 2027. The new City Commission will select a new Mayor at its next regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, November 17 at City Hall. According to the Plymouth City Charter, the seven Commissioners will deliberate and select a new Mayor to serve a 2-year term (2026-2027). It takes four votes to approve a Mayoral candidate. The Mayor, who presides over the commission meetings, still only has one of seven votes on the City Commission.
Santa’s Parade to visit all 10 City parks the day after Thanksgiving
The annual City of Plymouth’s Santa Parade takes place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 28, one day after Thanksgiving What has now become a popular tradition, the parade route now stops at all 10 City parks and playgrounds before heading to Kellogg Park for the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in the downtown area. Holiday fun in Kellogg Park starts at 6:30 p.m. Santa is expected to arrive at Kellogg Park around 7:30 p.m. To see the Santa parade route, please visit: https://www.downtownplymouth.org/340/Santas-City-ofPlymouth-Parade.
Upcoming CITY HALL Holiday Office Hours
DATE
Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving)
Friday, November 28
Friday, December 19 (Employee Training)
Monday, December 22
Tuesday, December 23
Open/Close
CLOSED
CLOSED
OPEN AT 9:00 AM
OPEN
OPEN
Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) & Thursday, December 25 (Christmas) CLOSED
Friday, December 26 OPEN
Monday, December 29 OPEN
Tuesday, December 30 OPEN
Wednesday, Dec. 31 (New Year's Eve) & Thursday, January 1 (New Year's Day)
Friday, January 2
Numerous volunteers needed for Board and Commission openings
As the year draws to a close, the City continues to seek volunteers interested in serving on various boards or commissions. Plymouth City Commissioners appoint board seats. For more details on available positions, please visit this link on the City’s website: https://www.plymouthmi.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=15670393
If someone applies to serve on a board, then the application remains active for 2 years, after which the person may re-apply.
All applications are submitted to the Plymouth City Clerk's office for review before they are forwarded to the City Commission. Applicants must be City of Plymouth residents. Citizens may apply by completing an online application by clicking this link, online application You also may print the application and mail it to the Plymouth City Clerk's office at City Hall, 201 S. Main St., or submit your application via email to cityclerk@plymouthmi.gov; or fax your application to 734-455-1892.
Support local businesses at annual Holiday Greens Market on Nov. 29
Plymouth’s Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual Holiday Greens Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 29 in The Gathering, next to the Penn Theatre near Kellogg Park. The one-day event features fresh holiday greens, such as wreaths, garlands, and trees, plus other holiday decorations, baked goods, gifts, and food. It’s a great way to support local small businesses in downtown Plymouth.
Please don’t make your vehicle an easy target!
Plymouth Police have seen a recent increase in vehicle break-ins over the past month. These are often crimes of opportunity, but residents can help prevent them. Don't make your car an easy target. Please adopt these two habits immediately:
1. LOCK YOUR DOORS: Every single time you leave your car – in your driveway, at the park, or in the store parking lot.
2. REMOVE ALL VALUABLES: If thieves can see it, then they will try to take it. This includes phones, bags, wallets, shopping, and even loose change.
Please protect your vehicles. It only takes five seconds to lock it up and clear it out. Report all suspicious activity to non-emergency dispatch at 734-354-3232.
It’s Already Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Volunteers, organizers and sponsors gear up for popular holiday event
By Scott Spielman
Christmas may be more than a month away, but preparations are already under way to merge the popular holiday with the small town ambiance of downtown Plymouth.
The Christmas in Plymouth event will bring cheer, activities and, hopefully, a lot of people to the downtown area from Dec. 12-14.
“What was once a one-day event is now a three-day holiday celebration that takes over the whole downtown,” said Heidi Parent, co-owner of Sun & Snow Sports at the corner of Main Street and Ann Arbor Trail. “Each year we try to make it bigger and better. You try to bring different ideas and concepts or things you might see into it.”
The Christmas in Plymouth event started about 13 years ago, when a group of downtown retailers got together to plan a shopping night in advance of the holidays. The one-day event was a success, but even so interest in coordinating the event the following year waned. Heidi
and her husband, Rob, have led the event since then, with help from downtown businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and, of course, a host of volunteers.
Last year, the event expanded to three days and this year will see another slight shift: from Thursday, Friday and Saturday to a full weekend event that takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“We’re hoping that can draw more families out,” Heidi Parent said. “Overall that means we’ll have more entertainment to take up more hours. We’ll have other activities to engage in, too.”
As it has in previous years, the event is designed to transform the downtown area into a winter wonderland, complete with Christmas lights, music, shopping, carriage rides, train rides and even more family fun. Featured events include:
• The Mistletoe Market in The Gathering, where local artists showcase handmade seasonal items.
• The Candy Cane Corner on
said. “It’s still in the works, but that’s the overall goal, to incorporate more and more for people to spread out and see what we have to offer here in Plymouth.”
The horse and carriage rides will return, too—tickets for those must be purchased in advance at ChristmasInPlymouth.com.
The event also doubles as a donation drive, as well, with a Community Giving Tree set up to benefit Foster Closet of Michigan, a non-profit that provides clothing, toys, shoes and other items to children in the foster care system. A list of needs is available on the event website.
Forest Avenue, a heated tent where children can write letters to Santa, decorate cookies, prepare reindeer food, and create holiday crafts.
• The Tinsel Town Light Tunnel and train rides in Kellogg Park, along with the Walk of Trees.
• Gingerbread houses on display inside Sun & Snow.
• The Plymouth Community Arts Council will offer gingerbread house-making workshops.
• Live music throughout downtown from local school choirs, bands, Pom and church groups, along with dance troupes performing at the Dashing Dancers Stage on Penniman.
Free trolley rides will be available from the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex (PARC), where the Tinsel & Treasures market will take place on Friday and Saturday. One day, the trolley route may expand into Old Village, too, but Parent said she’s not sure if that will happen this year.
“Our goal is to have it expand into the Old Village area,” she
Sponsorships are still available and volunteers are needed too, Parent said. The Candy Cane Corner alone requires more than 40 volunteers throughout the event and she said sponsorship money goes right back into the event to provide more entertainment and activities.
Sam Plymale, director of the Plymouth Downtown Development Authority (DDA), said the Parents deserve a lot of credit for helping the event grow over the years.
“They’ve done such a great job with it,” he said. “It’s really a great thing for the downtown. We’re always happy to help out in any way we can.”
Parent said the event shines a spotlight on the city, its businesses—and its people.
“It’s a great activity to get out for the holidays and get into the festive spirit,” Heidi Parent said. “Overall, it’s important for downtown. It brings thousands of people to town who otherwise wouldn’t be here. They get to discover new things and new restaurants that they might not otherwise check out. In the long term, it’s building loyalty to the community, and it shows who we are. That’s what I like about it.”
For a full list of activities, to volunteer or sponsor an event, visit ChristmasinPlymouth.com.
Suder Leaves Mark On and Off Volleyball Court
Defensive specialist inducted into Madonna Hall of Fame
With plenty of experience to draw from, Amanda Suder continues to share her life’s lessons while serving as an assistant volleyball coach at her alma mater Salem High School.
Suder (now Nies), a 2000 Rocks’ grad who was recently inducted into the Madonna University Athletics Hall of Fame, made her mark at the collegiate level as one of the school’s most decorated defensive specialists.
The four-year standout with the Crusaders earned AllWolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference honors three straight years, including first-team selections in 2002 and 2003.
Her senior season was historic, as she became the rare defensive player to be named both WHAC
Suder was a two-time All-State standout as a six-rotation player for the Rocks before becoming a defensive specialist in college.
“For one, Salem was always known as a very good volleyball program…competitive, and I was lucky enough in my whole career – and I don’t know how many people that can say this – from start to finish, I had the best coaches,” she said. “I started with Lee Cagle in club volleyball, who was one of the best coaches around to (Allie) Suffety and (Brian) Gilles at Salem, and then finishing my career with Tom Teeters. I mean, how lucky is that? All of them instilled those qualities in me and they all had different strengths, which helped my team, and not only that, but my personality and taught me many different lessons. It’s actually pretty lucky when I look back and reflect on it.”
By Brad Emons
Player of the Year and Libero of the Year, while earning National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics honorable mention AllAmerica honors.
As a senior at Madonna, Suder played a pivotal role on the 2002 Crusaders’ team that advanced to the NAIA Final Four. She was also part of three NAIA national tourney appearances, two conference tourney and four regular season titles.
She finished her MU career second all-time in digs (2,492) and sixth in digs per set (3.99), while earning a Cal Ripken-like distinction of playing in 625 consecutive sets. She also had a school record 39 digs in a match against Cornerstone her senior year. She was also a two-time AllWHAC Academic honoree.
In her time at Madonna, Suder
embarked on her prep coaching career, first with the Crusader Juniors Volleyball Club before returning to her alma mater Salem at age 23 as its head coach from 2005-18.
She took a brief sabbatical to start a family along with her husband Adam, who works for Rocket Mortgage. They have two children, Evan, 13, and Ava, 10. She then spent two seasons as Plymouth’s JV coach before moving back over to Salem as an assistant to coach the Rocks under Nancy Blaylock.
Suder, who majored in Elementary Education and English, earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Marygrove College. She is currently in her fourth year as a teacher with the Oxford Virtual Academy.
Pre-college, each one of those coaches had a profound impact on how she approached the game and how it impacted her own coaching style.
“They all had a similar goal in mind, which was how do we win and play together to the best of our ability, and that just kind of shaped me to who I am just in life in general. How I work with others, how I speak to others, how I respect others – all my coaches in the beginning before Madonna helped shape that and prepared me for higher level volleyball that was Madonna University.”
Suder played high school volleyball when it was a winter sport and when her final season at Salem ended, she had a recruiting decision to make.
“I remember my high school coach Tom coming up to me and saying, ‘Hey, I’ve got coaches who are asking about you. Are you interested?’” Suder recalled. “And I was, but at the end of the day the best decision I ever made was to play for my uncle at Madonna.”
Suder ended up close to playing
for her uncle, Jerry Abraham, one of the NAIA’s winningest volleyball coaches with a career record of 1,256-242.
“My family got to see me all the time, come to every single game,” Suder said. “And quite honestly, we were one of the best programs around small schools to big schools in the area. So, I knew it was a good choice. But when you’re a high school kid at first you’re kind of…not saying that you’re stupid, but you kind of think big all the time. You want to dream big and you want to go to all these (schools), but you realized that Madonna was a gem in our backyard and lucky enough that it was my uncle that coached there.”
During her four-year career at MU, Suder was driven to become the best.
“I knew I had a lot more to prove because I didn’t want to be known just as the niece,” Suder said. “So, I knew I had to show up there and show I knew how to play the game. Nothing was
handed to me.”
Suder had a sixth sense in being at the right spot at the right time, while driving opposing coaches crazy.
“As a player, she was very intense, competitive and had magnificent court sense, a feeling on the court to read hitters and be in spots defensively to make passes,” Abraham said.
“As a defensive player, she was looked upon as one of the best in the country, nationally and statistics-wise, but it was due to her having just great court sense and a reaction of what’s going to happen before it actually happens. She just was a great athlete, great server, great defensive player and just very intense and competitive volleyball athlete that just played every single point to win.”
The niece-uncle dynamic might have seemed a bit awkward, but it worked to perfection.
“It’s funny, I didn’t treat her any different and I was kind of hard on her,” Abraham said. “I pushed
her like everybody else, probably a little bit more, but that was never a problem at Madonna because we looked at it as a player-coach, like anybody else on the team.”
And that relationship started at an early age.
“I watched her through high school, I helped her through high school a little bit through with some of our skill camps, so it was a comfortable situation
once she played her four years at Madonna because she was kind of anticipating playing at Madonna, had other opportunities – Eastern Michigan was one of them – but she felt comfortable at Madonna,” Abraham said. “And I think being her uncle – plus having a great team – she knew a lot of the local kids that played club with her. It was kind of a recruiting process that worked out in my favor.”
Tom Chaney was in a bookstore in Traverse City when a novel caught his eye: Devolution from Max Brooks, whose previous work, World War Z, had been developed into a major motion picture.
The novel, about a community’s encounter with Bigfoot in the Pacific Northwest, gave the Plymouth resident and life-long film maker an idea.
“I’ve always been interested in Bigfoot and all that lore,” he said. ““I thought: This is going mainstream. Maybe it’s time to take on a Bigfoot movie. It was a roller coaster from there.”
That “roller coaster” led to the film Squatch, which debuted locally at the Penn Theatre on Oct. 30, capping off the movie house’s annual ‘Shocktober’ weekend film series.
“It’s by far the best thing I’ve done,” said Chaney, who also co-owns Jacobsen Industries, a small manufacturing firm based in Livonia. “It’s a great story; the three leads are amazing. It’s a movie like Jaws, where you make a movie about people so when you
care about the people and then go on the adventure with them, you really experience the adventure with them.”
One of those leads is his son, Jack, a Canton High School graduate who is also active in the film industry. He plays Nick Peters, the main character who inherits a cabin in northern Michigan from his estranged father. He initially refuses it, but eventually decides to visit the cabin with his mother, Kate (Cassandra Schomer) and his girlfriend, Cassie (Page Weishuhn, of Saginaw). They take a trip to the secluded cabin, where they encounter the legendary monster.
Once Chaney had the idea for the film, things came together relatively quickly. He got to work with his script-writing partner, Bill Conger, and hashed out the basic storyline. Investors started to line up. So did some surprising talent. David Greathouse, an Ohio-based make up artist who has worked on the most recent Superman movie, along with Return of the Living Dead and The Usual Suspects, heard about the film and signed on to design the creature. They
us to be able to feature the local talent on the big screen—there’s no other place to do it. It’s really an honor.”
Chaney has been involved in independent filmmaking his entire life, but Squatch is just his third film with directorial credits. He released the first, originally titled Wendigo, right out of college back in 1995. It was picked up by TROMA Entertainment (the folks who brought The Toxic Avenger to life), who retitled it as Frostbiter: Wrath of the Wendigo. It now has a life of its own—a life that surprised him, too.
hired professional wrestler Jacob Southwick—all six-feet, eightinches of him—to play Squatch.
Jim Sherman, a Michigan-based researcher from the Bigfoot Field Research Organization (BFRO)— and a regular on the television series “Finding Bigfoot”—makes an appearance in the film, too. The sounds he recorded throughout his many trips in search of the elusive creature are used throughout the film.
The film has been playing elsewhere throughout the summer, including the Cherry Bowl in Traverse City. Ellen Elliott, executive director of the Friends of The Penn, said it was a natural decision to host a local screening in Chaney’s hometown. One of his previous films, Wind Talker, debuted there in 2019.
“It fits totally with our ‘Shocktober’ series. It was a great fit,” she said. “We were happy to bring back another local filmmaker. It’s just a feel-good thing to bring it to the community.
“So many small towns are losing their movie houses and for us, we’re not,” she added. “For
“At the time I thought it was probably the worst film in motion picture history, but [TROMA} loved it,” Chaney said. So did a lot of other people. In fact, he received an email in 2019 from someone claiming to represent the Frostbiter Film Festival in Iceland. They wanted him to attend as a guest artist. Chaney was skeptical.
“I thought it was a joke,” he said. “I just couldn’t believe it, but sure enough, there’s this film festival out in Iceland. They run it every year. I got to spend the week in Iceland. It was a hoot.”
Chaney said he’s hoping the momentum from his previous work as well as the response he’s received from Squatch will lead to bigger and better things. He said he’s already got deals in place to release the film on several streaming services next year. After that, he said he will most likely work on a sequel.
“Every time we show it, it’s just amazing to me the outreach we get,” he said. “People just love Bigfoot. I think once this thing hits, I think there will be a want for a sequel.”
For more information about the film, visit www.squatchthemovie. com.
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Zwilling, Messermeister, Cangshan, and Victorinox Cutlery
Zwilling, Messermeister, Cangshan, and Victorinox Cutlery
Ankarsrum Mixer, Fellow Coffee, Vitamix Electrics
Ankarsrum Mixer, Fellow Coffee, Vitamix Electrics
Culinary Workshops
Culinary Workshops
Members-Only Cookbook Club
Members-Only Cookbook Club
SHOP
Elevate your business with our tailored commercial lending solutions. At Huron Valley State Bank we understand the unique financial needs of businesses in the community.
Whether you’re looking to expand operations, invest in new equipment, or seize growth opportunities, we are here to provide financing to make it happen.
Darren R. LaLondeIngrid Runnion
GAMEDAY MEN’S
Game On
Men, there’s a new game in town. And no, it’s not the increasingly popular Banana Ball that is coming to Detroit next fall.
This game is about men and their health.
Gameday Men’s Health Plymouth opened its doors this summer, with a focus on helping men feel good and improve their performance across all areas of life.
As a licensed physical therapist and former owner of Probility Health, which was sold to Trinity Health, Gameday owner Brandon Lorenz recognized the lack of health solutions in the market specifically for men.
which opened a year ago. “We are trying to make our experience more inviting to guys. Our clinics don’t feel like a doctor’s office. Guys really seem to enjoy the aesthetics.”
But that’s not to say that health and medicine are not at the forefront. Each clinic is staffed with a physician who acts as the lead clinician, working alongside nurses and an office manager. There’s also an onsite lab that provides results within 15 minutes.
With a focus on optimizing men’s health, Gameday makes it easy for men to get started.
“We believe in educating guys on testosterone and PSA levels, which we also test for. Our first consult is 100% complimentary,” says Lorenz. “Our clients get an hour with a medical provider and go over results of their exam. It’s a huge value.”
“ED affects men’s confidence and their relationships and can make them feel depressed. These procedures have been lifechanging and these guys are getting great results,” says Lorenz.
Gameday clients access services through a monthly membership, which includes all medications and supplies that are prescribed, along with ongoing medical oversight, care and follow-up labs.
“It is what differentiates us from online services, which don’t have good oversight, and they may not know where their medication is from,” explains Lorenz, adding that all patient medication comes from FDA-approved compounding pharmacies where doses are customized for the patient.
Men of all ages, mostly ranging from 30 to 70, come to Gameday says Lorenz.
With a guy-friendly vibe, Gameday Men’s Health focuses on real results GAMEDAY MEN’S HEALTH PLYMOUTH
“A lot of guys don’t get into doctor’s offices. They often don’t like to share what they are feeling,” explains Lorenz, who also holds certifications in physical fitness and nutrition. “They are told that low energy, brain fog, loss of libido, sleep issues and a lot of other symptoms are typical of low testosterone and
that it’s part of getting older and is normal. This is not a belief system that we have.”
That’s why Gameday helps men feel more comfortable coming to the 2,500 square-foot clinic located at 40500 Ann Arbor Road, just east of Haggerty Road. In fact, it’s a key difference in Gameday’s approach.
MORE THAN A DOCTOR’S OFFICE
This is not your typical doctor’s office, with plain chairs in a waiting room, white walls, and perhaps a few magazines scattered around or an LCD screen playing health-related messages. Gameday Men’s Health takes a completely different approach – one that appeals directly to men.
What do men find when they walk into a clinic? A dark, modern interior with a flat screen TV playing sports, a coffee bar, couches and comfortable chairs.
“The vibe is important and what makes us different,” says Lorenz, who also owns the Gameday franchise in Brighton,
Another important aspect of the clinic is the personal care that each client receives.
“We really try to make our environment much more conducive, warm and inviting and provide a high level of care by having a skilled expert personally provide care to men,” says Lorenz.
PROVEN RESULTS
Gameday focuses on four core areas: hormone optimization, medical weight loss, peptide and vitamin therapies, and erectile dysfunction treatments.
“Basically, this is everything that helps a guy become optimized,” says Lorenz, adding that peptide therapy is something he’s “very excited about.”
“Peptides are a great tool for improving wellness, age reversal, improving libido, with many peptides that can be used depending on medical goals,” he adds.
Approximately 300 million men worldwide are projected to have some sort of ED issue in 2025. Gameday has both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical approaches for treatment.
“The typical client is a guy who has just lost his drive and knows something is not right. He is often struggling with some sort of symptom like brain fog, low energy or moodiness,” he says. “We also see men who are feeling well and physically fit and want to level up their wellness.”
For Lorenz and his team, it’s about more than just the lab results— it’s about helping men feel their best so they can fully show up in their lives. From the gym to the office to time spent with family, Gameday Men’s Health Plymouth is giving local men the tools and confidence to get back in the game — and stay there.
“It’s been gratifying to see that,” says Lorenz.
ADDRESS: 40500 Ann Arbor Road, Suite 102, Plymouth, MI
PHONE: (734) 927-1718
SMS: (734) 526-1213
WEBSITE: gamedaymenshealth.com/ plymouth-mi/
Stars come out for Chamber Gala
More than 500 of the community’s business leaders enjoyed a spectacular night “Under the Stars” during the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce Gala on Friday, Nov. 7 at Laurel Manor in Livonia.
The annual event is now in its 35th year and is the most important fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce. But it’s also a night to see and be seen as everyone dresses to the nines and samples food and drink. There was also an array of silent and
live auctions along with dancing and a chance to celebrate another great year in the Plymouth community.
The theme this year was An Evening Under the Stars. Congrats to the Chamber for another successful event.
The Ultimate Health Check-Up: Full Body MRI Screenings Catch Silent Issues Early
(Southield, MI) The Silent Killer Within. You feel fine. No aches, no pains. But what if something sinister lurks beneath the surface, silently growing, waiting to strike? The truth is, traditional checkups often miss the early warning signs. Cancer. Aneurysms. Blocked carotid arteries. These silent killers can progress undetected for years, only revealing themselves when it’s too late.
THE FULL-BODY MRI REVOLUTION
That’s where the full-body MRI comes in. Screenings evaluate the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, shoulders, hips and spine. It’s like a high-definition movie of your insides, revealing hidden threats that other tests miss. A full body MRI catches them early, before symptoms and when they’re easiest to treat.
We all know someone who awoke one day with an unexplained symptom, only to be told they have stage four cancer. The pancreas, liver, brain and all other major organs get evaluated during a full body MRI screening. Tumors can be detected
in stage one – before symptoms develop. Early detection can be the difference between life and death.
BIONICC BODY SCREENING: YOUR EARLY WARNING SYSTEM
Bionicc Body Screening in Southfield is Michigan’s first MRI full body screening center. We’re not just scanning your body; we’re safeguarding your future. Our stateof-the-art facility and expert team provide a comfortable, reassuring experience. Our advanced MRI technology can detect tumors as small as a pencil eraser. Screenings can also detect aneurysms, risk of stroke and hundreds of conditions that could be lurking undetected.
LIMITED TIME OFFER
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you’re serious about your health, if you want the ultimate peace of mind, then YES, a full-body MRI could be the most important decision you make this year. It’s not just for the privileged few; it’s a health resource available to those willing to make a proactive investment in their wellbeing, offering peace of mind and early detection opportunities.
Mark B., 67, knew cancer ran in his family, so last spring he underwent a full body MRI at Bionicc Body Screening in Southfield. He had no symptoms and felt fine. However, his MRI uncovered a 3 cm lung mass that turned out to be cancer. He has since
Visit www.BioniccBodyScreening.com and request a Free Welcome Information Kit. Plus, you’ll receive a $200 Savings Offer by email. Don’t wait for a health crisis to strike. Discover the power of prevention today. Schedule today by calling 1-833-BIONICC (833-246-6422)
Scans are safe, non-invasive, emit no radiation and are available without a doctor’s referral. Scans can detect tumors, aneurysms, stroke risk and other conditions.
had three fourths of his lung removed and credits Bionicc Body Screening for saving his life.
DON’T GAMBLE WITH YOUR HEALTH Every day you wait is a risk. A small tumor today could be a major problem tomorrow. Take control. Get the screening. Get the answers.
Photos by Ken Voyles
OUT& ABOUT
WALK OF TREES
The Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce is once again bringing the Walk of Trees to Kellogg Park. The event runs from Nov. 28-through Jan. 5. Chamber members will decorate Christmas trees for the holiday, transforming Kellogg Park into a festive environment for visitors. Tree decorating will begin Nov. 21 and conclude at the kick-off event on Nov. 28. For more information, visit the Plymouth chamber website, www.plymouthmich.org
SENIOR HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
The Plymouth Community Council on Aging will host its annual holiday luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Friendship Station, 42375 Schoolcraft Road. Catered by Choice Catering, the luncheon is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. For more information, visit www.plymouthtwp.org
SANTA’S PARADE
Santa will make his annual arrival in downtown Plymouth on Nov. 28. The annual Santa’s Plymouth Parade gets under way at 5:32 p.m. at Kiwanis Park and follows a meandering route through the city before St. Nick arrives at Kellogg Park at 7:30 p.m. Holiday fun in Kellogg Park begins at 6:30 p.m.
Other stops include New England Village at 5:44 p.m.; Starkweather Park at 6:02 p.m.; Hough Park at 6:26 p.m.; Rotary Park at 6:35 p.m.; Garden Club Park at 6:47 p.m.; Jack Wilcox Park at 6:59 p.m.; Lions Club Park at 7:11 p.m.; and Fairground Park at 7:20 p.m.
For more information and the complete route, visit www. downtownplymouth.org.
Center (PARC) from Dec. 1214, featuring carriage rides, a downtown trolley, local arts and crafts vendors, activities for children, entertainment and much. (See related story, Page 20) Tickets for the carriage rides will be on sale
STROLLING CAROLERS
The Plymouth Canton Educational Park choirs will perform on the streets of Downtown Plymouth on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 28 through Dec. 20. Look for them from 5-7 p.m. on Fridays and 1-3 p.m. on Saturdays.
CHRISTMAS IN PLYMOUTH
The annual Christmas in Plymouth event returns to downtown Plymouth and the Plymouth Arts and Recreation
soon. A Community Giving Tree has been established to solicit donations to support The Foster Closet of Michigan. For more information or to purchase carriage ride tickets, visit www. christmasinplymouth.com.
TINSEL & TREASURES MARKET
The premier holiday craft market moves to the Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex (PARC) this year. The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 6
p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The market features handcrafted holiday decor, unique gifts, winter fashion, and gourmet treats created by Midwest artisans. Also, check out the Rising Stars Marketplace, showcasing creative young people. Trolleys will be available to shuttle people to the downtown area. Admission is $4 (good for both days).
OLD VILLAGE SANTA MEET & GREET
Santa will return to Old Village from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 14. Family-friendly treats and activities are planned in Starkweather Park, off Farmer Street between Starkweather and N. Mill streets. Santa will be available for visits and photos in the gazebo.
CHRISTMAS PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Plymouth Community Council on Aging will host its annual senior Christmas pancake breakfast at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 18. Sponsored by Schrader-Howell Funeral Home and the Kiwanis Club, the event also features an ugly sweater contest. Tickets are $10 for members and $12 for non-members. For more information, visit www. plymouthtwp.org
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Lung cancer survivor
Sherry’s back on stage thanks to a lung screening that detected her cancer early.
Sherry’s history of smoking prompted her to get a lung screening. It caught her cancer early, and now she’s back to doing what she loves. Early detection is the key to catching lung cancer when it’s more treatable. Current or former smokers ages 50 to 77 years old may be eligible for a lung screening.
