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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.
BRAD EMONS – Writer
Over the course of his four decades with the Observer & Eccentric, Brad established himself as one of the preeminent prep sports reporters in the state, winning many journalism awards along the way. His greatest joy is interviewing local athletes and coaches, and reporting on their efforts.
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.
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.
SEAN POWER –
Photographer
Sean is a freelance photographer who is originally from Chicago, where he spent many years in the world of broadcast television. He and his family moved from Chicago to Northville in 2021. He lives with his wife, Angelique (a 2025 Detroit News "Michiganian of the Year"), daughter Sadie, a cat, and an English black lab.
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Here is the list of readers who supported local journalism this month: Mike Thomas
So long, Phil. Thanks for the memories.
Like many in the Plymouth community, I was saddened to learn of the passing of former mayor and city commissioner, Phil Pursell.
Pursell passed away on May 30, surrounded by family and friends. He was only 65.
Pursell was a cool guy, eminently likeable, with an infectious smile and a dry wit that I appreciated during many long city commission meetings (and, in those days, they tended to be a bit long. And feisty).
He was a guy who was dedicated to his community and, I think, he was a good example of the kind of citizen politician that our founding fathers had in mind as they grappled with how best to create a nation based on the idea “of the people, by the people and for the people,” as Abe Lincoln famously said.
Pursell would be the first person to tell you he wasn’t a politician, even though his father, Carl, was one of the most well-respected Michigan congressmen of his day. Phil owned and operated the Main Street Auto Wash from 1997-2017, an active business owner who was frequently found working the line. He provided many Plymouth-area young people with their first job and served as a role model and mentor to them, as well.
He served on the Plymouth City Commission for about a decade, from 20012007 as commissioner and from 2007-2009 as mayor. That was a difficult time for municipalities in Michigan. Like leaders in other cities and townships, the commission was grappling with the Great Recession—when the State of Michigan essentially balanced its budget on the backs of its cities and townships, reducing the amount of state shared revenue every year.
Also, the city was in the midst of a difficult political time. A string of unsuccessful city manager searches left a major leadership void in the town until former manager Paul Sincock was appointed in 2001. The downtown was changing, too, and the commission was debating (as they are now) how best to prepare for the future while maintaining the historic character of the city.
Working with staff, the commission not only weathered those storms, but helped the city prosper. Pursell and his colleagues set the course for the excellence the city experiences today.
Even when he did not have the mayoral chair, his leadership was evident. He had a way of bringing people together, of working with people he may have disagreed with—but was never disagreeable with. He usually did it with a smile, too. I lost count of all the times his fellow commissioners waited for him to speak before they chimed in. I think he inherited that trait from his father, who recognized and taught the values of respect and collaboration, of common-sense solutions to sometimes difficult issues.
He was even recruited to run for Congress, but turned down that offer. He would’ve been just as good in that role as he was on the commission, for many of the same reasons. I suspect he passed on a congressional run because he wanted to stay close to his hometown, his business and the streets he often walked with his wife, Paula. (That, and he was too smart).
I’m glad I had a chance to meet him, to work with him and, now, see the benefits of his service to the city. He was taken too soon, and he’ll be sorely missed by all who knew him.
your feedback or letters to the editor at scottyspielman@gmail.com.
Squeezing out ‘regular folks’
I just wanted to write to thank you for your articles in last month’s issue regarding housing in Plymouth.
While I understand every Plymouth homeowner's desire to maximize the value of their own housing, I am sad at the pace at which smaller, affordable houses in the city are being snatched up by developers and turned into elite-level housing. This trend means that our town is becoming more and more narrow in terms of who can live here.
As a parent of four young adults and aging parents, I mourn the barriers that this means to first-time homeowners, down-sizing elders and just regular folks who also want and deserve to live in a great town like ours. I know with creativity and compassion, we can support socio-economic diversity in a way that adds to the value of our community. Thanks again for keeping the conversation going.
Heather Pacheco
Expect more from board
Your column, A Note from the Editor, in the May 2026 issue of The Rock is spot on. I couldn't have written it any better and wouldn't have changed a thing.
Congratulations to new Plymouth Township Clerk Kim Gaedeke.
As a Plymouth Township resident since 1965, I expect more professional and civil conduct from our township board. Members of the Board of Trustees were elected to serve our residents' best interests and help make for a better community. All one has to do is go to Plymouth Township's home page where it is proclaimed: "People - Our Priority."
Thanks again for a well written column.
We are wealthy beyond words
Mark Childs
Regarding the article "Welcoming Homes," how can we even listen to a group (which may have some valid ideas) when they spin the facts?
I was appalled at their comment that people were heard at a city commission meeting in the park saying "residents of Plymouth want to keep it expensive and that we want to keep it that way.” Please prove to me that was ever said (there are recordings of all meetings). I attended every meeting regarding PUD and the church and after listening to hundreds of very concerned residents, who love their city—no one ever said that, as they would have been booed by all of us.
I have many friends in Plymouth and none are considered wealthy, but are we wealthy beyond words in the fact that we are passionate about preserving our beloved downtown? Absolutely! Are we wealthy in lifestyle because we have our quaint downtown? Our beautiful park? Our neighborhood theatre? Are we wealthy that people sit on porches and wave hello? That moms walk by with strollers? Little kids on bikes? Kids put up lemonade stands? Flags wave? Parades happen? We are wealthy beyond words! Before YIMBY can be taken seriously, they need not to spread inaccuracies!
Karen Patrosso
Focus on infrastructure first
Plymouth is a historic town, not an expansive township like Plymouth or Canton townships. Why not lean into that historic look above ground while also leaning into 21st century infrastructure, the bones of communities?
An historic town that can boast 21st century infrastructure will be a destination for residents, businesses, investment, and visitors. Plymouth's infrastructure may be "okay," but a lot of it is ancient and in need of frequent repair, or unready for what's coming soon.
What Can Go Wrong by putting so much of our attention on aboveground development, YIMBY or otherwise, and not focusing on robust infrastructure that provides our water, conveys our wastewater, provides pathways for vehicles and people, high speed "lanes" for information, infrastructure that can accommodate unpredictable storms? Big Picture Infrastructure.
Where is our master plan for infrastructure that differentiates Plymouth from cities that merely adopt what's new because it's new or popular? The story of how Detroit and other big cities defaulted to combined sewers, and the subsequent plague of combined sewer overflows, is a prominent example of falling short of 20th century infrastructure planning. Let's not repeat this in the 21st century.
We are all "renters" and "borrowers" in that we must eventually give way to those who come after us. Let's bequeath them good bones.
Tom Doran
Residents support thoughtful growth
I appreciated The Rock’s recent article discussing YIMBY Plymouth and housing in our community. I agree Plymouth should remain welcoming and continue supporting housing options for residents in different stages of life. However, the article oversimplified many of the concerns raised by residents regarding recent development proposals.
For example, the article suggested some residents wanted to “keep Plymouth expensive.” I attended many of these discussions and never heard anyone argue that expensive housing was a good thing. Recognizing Plymouth is expensive is not the same as wanting it to stay that way.
Opposition to the Brookside proposal was often characterized as broadly “anti-development.” In reality, many residents specifically stated they would support similar housing in other parts of Plymouth, but believed the scale and location of that particular project, right next to downtown, made it inappropriate for that site. That distinction matters.
At the same time, I understand the argument driving YIMBY concerns. Housing demand is real, prices have increased across the region, and limiting new supply can contribute to affordability challenges. Those pressures are part of why this conversation matters.
Plymouth does not need to choose between no development and unlimited density. Most residents I hear from support thoughtful growth, redevelopment where appropriate, and housing variety while also expecting careful evaluation of scale, infrastructure impacts, and neighborhood compatibility. These are reasonable planning concerns, not anti-housing positions.
Ron Picard
SOUND OFF: 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.
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Moving DTPForward
Seven-year plan would bring $40 million in changes to downtown Plymouth
By Scott Spielman
After a year-long public engagement process, officials in the City of Plymouth are ready to start prioritizing and planning a major overhaul for the downtown area that would improve pedestrian safety, traffic flow and accessibility, provide more flexible spaces and even add more on-street parking.
The project, called DTPForward, would see construction begin next year.
“Now comes the fun part: trying to get it all built,” said Oliver Kiley, the principal architect at SmithGroup, which has been working with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on the proposal since last year.
The project calls for an estimated $40 million in improvements that would be phased in over the next seven years. There are 17 projects in all, broken down into six different “steps” to address different areas downtown. That will also help spread out the costs over the
proposed seven-year timeline and ensure downtown businesses would not be overly burdened by a single major construction season, said DDA Director Sam Plymale.
“We now know what we want to do,” he said. “We just have to figure out the best way to implement these changes.”
The six steps include: Kellogg Park and the streets around it, including Main Street, Harvey Street, Wing and Deer streets, Ann Arbor Trail and Forest Ave, Fralick and Penniman, and Union and Church streets.
Of all of them, the Kellogg Park area is the most ambitious—and expensive, with about $20 million in potential projects proposed for it, including: reducing the number of traffic lanes on Main, widening sidewalks, adding landscaping and on-street parking and creating curbless festival-friendly spaces with retractable bollards that would improve accessibility for older residents and visitors. The bollards would be installed to close the area during events,
renewal process and both the commission and DDA board’s five-year strategic plan and could piggy-back on other infrastructure projects planned over the next several years.
“We’re starting to think through that process,” said Kiley. What this essentially means is that starting next year, there will be some sections of streets that will be under construction each year for seven years out.”
Funding will also be an issue. Plymale said smaller steps, like Harvey Street—which would see additional trees, wider sidewalks and more on street parking—or Forest Avenue, would probably see construction first. That would allow time for city officials to identify and apply for grants that would help fund the overall project.
making the space more flexible.
“It’s obviously the jewel of the entire project,” said Plymale. It’s also unlikely to be the first phase to see construction, because of the scope and expense of that project.
Other general ideas spread throughout the DTP plan are a general “road diet,” which would reduce the number of lanes in order to widen sidewalks, add more trees, calm traffic and make it easier for people to cross the streets. A multi-node pathway has been proposed for Main Street heading north from downtown, beginning a more viable connection to Old Village, too.
STARTING OUT
The projects would be prioritized based on available funding sources as well as other planned work throughout the downtown. Refreshing the DDA streetscape—last updated about 15 years ago—was a priority identified by the DDA board and the city commission, with potential pieces put in place through the city master plan
“The key is that the local funding you use will likely not be enough to fund all of these projects,” Kiley told the city commission, DDA board and interested residents at the most recent public engagement open house.
“They’re competitive, but you have good momentum,” he added. “Some of those big grants, you can stitch together and it will cover a sizeable portion of the project costs, but it does take time and resources to be successful in getting those grants.”
Most grants require a 20% local match, which could be funded through a municipal bond sale, combined with the DDA budget. The work would not require a tax increase.
Residents were generally in favor of the project, particularly creating safer pedestrian crossings, creating wider sidewalks for outdoor dining and general use, bringing more trees and parking downtown—all while maintaining the historic charm of the city.
Others suggested including a more defined connection with Old Village and re-thinking the bike lanes along Main Street.
Ron Picard said he didn’t want to see a situation where pedestrians, cyclists and drivers created an overly congested situation in the middle of town.
“I think that’s what we’re doing, running this right down main street,” he said. “It makes a lot more sense to use Harvey Street instead of going down Main Street.”
Mark Oppat discussed changes taking place in Old Village, including a project to connect to Hines Drive via Wilcox Road, and suggested the city commission look at a connection to Hines from Plymouth Road—where there are many apartment complexes that would benefit—as well as the connection from downtown.
“I do see some great ideas here, but those are things that we really need to spend some money on,” he said.
RETAINING ‘QUAINTNESS’
City officials said they were pleased with the project so far.
“It really addresses a lot of things that we’ve talked about,
with walkability, with ADA— that’s very important to all of us—and making sure we keep the quaintness of the city,” said Mayor Linda Filipczak.
“In general, I really like the idea of the road diets and reducing traffic lanes and calming traffic and replacing it with wider pedestrian walkways on either side and more space for sidewalk seating and general use,” added Mayor Pro Tem Joe Elliott.
He said the city is also looking into how the DTP project fits
Where Fashion & Art Come Together
including the much-discussed connections to Old Village and the park.
“When we start talking about some of the connectivity between the downtown district and Old Village, obviously that’s something we want to do, but it cannot be part of this DTPForward project,” he said. “We need to be working on that regardless. It’s very important.”
Officials and residents alike praised the engagement process, which saw the DDA solicit feedback through several open
houses throughout the last year, two surveys and through feedback booths at city events.
“We were pleasantly surprised with how much community input DTPForward did,” said Alexendria Lawrence, a city resident. “We were not constantly bombarded, but encouraged to give our feedback. We really appreciate that.”
Commissioner Jennifer Kehoe agreed.
“When we started this project, I had no idea that this was where we would get to,” she said. “I’m so impressed with the entire process. Not everyone can get exactly what they want, but I think, on average, this represents our community’s values, which is amazing. The amount of community interaction has been fantastic.”
SmithGroup will take the feedback from the May 20 open house and incorporate it into the designs, which will be presented to the DDA board this month. Construction will not start until 2027.
Moving On
More than 1,300 PCEP students walk across stage into the future
Photos by Sean Power
Another school year is in the books and it was another banner year for graduates of Plymouth, Canton and Salem high schools.
Seven PCEP students earned prestigious 2026 National Merit Scholarships, the largest number of any single graduating class in the district’s history. The 1,324 high school graduates earned more than $5 million in combined scholarships.
At Plymouth, the 443 graduates earned about $2 million in scholarships. Seventy-two students achieved a GPA of 4.0 or higher, 17 qualified for the National Merit program, with two winners, four finalists and 11 receiving commendations.
At Canton, 430 graduates earned about $1.3 million in scholarships, 77 achieved a GPA of 4.0 or higher, there were nine National Merit finalists, 11 who received National Merit commendations, 85 AP scholars, and 16 who received the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy.
At Salem, 451 graduates earned about $1.8 million in scholarships. Also of note, Salem Senior Harhukam Aulakh became the first to graduate from the district’s Early Middle College program. He leaves the high school with an Associate of Business Administration degree from Schoolcraft College, in addition to his high school diploma.
Congrats and good luck to all!
Photos by Sean Power
CANTON
Photos by Sean Power
Photos by Sean Power The Rock
Seen, Heard and Ready to Soar Starkweather Academy helps students reach the graduation stage
By Sue Voyles | Photos by Ken Voyles
The Senior Breakfast at Starkweather Academy ended with a clap out and lots of smiles.
While it’s farewell for the staff, it’s just the beginning for the 82 graduating students.
“Most students are referred here from Plymouth Canton Educational Park because they are in jeopardy of not graduating on time,” explains Starkweather Principal Kimberly Doman.
Some of the reasons behind the referral include anxiety, mental health challenges, attendance issues, lack of credits, or difficulty finding their footing at the large Plymouth-Canton Educational Park (PCEP) campus.
Indeed, the Park’s three high school complex, with more than 6,000 students, could easily be described as akin to a small
college campus. While some students come to PCEP and find their way easily, there is a small group who find it more difficult.
That’s where Starkweather Academy, part of the PCCS district, comes in, with its committed staff of about 30, small classroom sizes and a dedicated advisor who helps them craft a plan that leads to a diploma.
“Students have a vastly different experience between here and the Park,” says Doman.
Starkweather class sizes are
capped at 22 students but average about 15, which allows them to find community more easily.
“It feels like a community here,” says Kraig Kornegay, 18, adding that his post-graduation plan includes going to trade school.
“This has been the best thing in my life,” says 18-year-old Christina Scharr. “When I started here, I had zero credits.”
Since coming to Starkweather two years ago, Scharr has become an honors student who has been accepted to Eastern Michigan University to study nursing.
Students who attended the Senior Breakfast, which was put on by the Rotary Club of PlymouthAM, were enthusiastic about what’s next. The future careers identified by students include culinary, Emergency Medical Technician, x-ray technician, firefighter, windmill technician, truck driving, cosmetology, real estate and endocrinologist.
Another factor behind Starkweather’s success is the staff.
“Teachers know their students very well. It’s hard for students
to fall through the cracks,” says Doman. “Students tell us in surveys that the main difference between here and the Park is the relationships they have with their teachers. Students here feel seen, heard and feel they belong.”
Starkweather’s smaller school setting with personalized support is complemented by its academic calendar, which allows students to aim for graduation each quarter.
“Some students get bogged down by the pressure of graduating. We tell them, ‘you can do this’ and they get full support from our staff,” says Doman. “When students do graduate, there’s a flood of emotion from both students and staff.”
For the Plymouth Rotarians who served breakfast to the seniors, it’s encouraging to see the next generation succeeding.
This is the third year the Rotary has put on the Senior breakfast, receiving grant funds this year to not only fund the breakfast, but provide t-shirts for each student with the school mascot, the Starkweather Shark.
“For me, it’s always an honor to give back to kids who have faced adversity and come out positively on the other side,” says Plymouth Rotary President Kim Fisher.
“Students come here with a lot of baggage and some of them have experienced really challenging things at a young age,” says Doman. “I am proud of the students being able to finish on their due dates. They are incredible.”
For the 82 students who walked across the stage on June 4, their paths to incredible have just begun.
Mon–Thur • 11 am-11 pm
Fri • 11 am-Midnight
Sat • 10 am-Midnight
Sun • 10 am-10 pm
Saturday & Sunday til 2 pm
Friday 7:30-10:30 pm
2026 OFFICIAL ART IN THE PARK GUIDE
“Are you…ready!?"
There is a running joke about my love/ hate relationship with this question. Everyone seems to ask it leading up to Art In The Park each year, my friends & family included. It makes sense. If the roles were reversed, I'd probably be asking the same question.
BUT in reality, I don't think they really mean, "Are you ready?"
I think they actually want to know what is new and exciting that they can see, do, or eat this year at Art In The Park. I usually laugh and say “we will be,” which is the truth, but the underlying reality is I am spinning plates on all fronts before, during and even after the show ends. Honestly, is anyone really READY?
Maybe not. Some of life's best experiences happen when we decide to do it anyway.
I'm not suggesting being unprepared...put the work in, trust yourself, take pride in what you do, but don't wait for someone to flip a switch and say, "Well that's it, NOW you're ready."
If there's one thing I've learned, it's that waiting until you feel completely ready is a great way to miss out on something wonderful. Every year I meet artists, musicians, makers, and entrepreneurs who are taking a leap. Some are traveling to Michigan for the
first time. Some are unveiling new work. Some are launching a business, food truck, or stepping into an art fair for the very first time. Are they ready?
I am immensely proud of the people who choose to take those leaps. It takes courage to share your work, put yourself out there, and invite the world to experience something you've poured your time, effort, and heart into.
It takes nearly 100 volunteers to bring Art In The Park to life, and there's simply no way we'd be here without them.
From setup to teardown, they're here around the clock helping artists, working our Information booths, delivering snacks, assisting with activities, and jumping in wherever they're needed. Some take vacation time from work just to be here. Others have been volunteering with us for years and return every summer because Art In The Park has become part of their lives, too. We are so fortunate to spend this weekend with a group of people who work incredibly hard and somehow still manage to have fun doing it. Their kindness,
enthusiasm, and willingness to help with whatever needs to be done are a huge part of what makes this event so special.
Whether they're solving problems nobody saw coming or jumping in wherever they're needed, they help keep this crazy thing running.
A heartfelt thank you to my mom, Dianne Quinn, who started this "little" art fair back in 1980. I'm incredibly grateful to still have her by my side, offering advice, lending a helping hand, and cheering us on every step of the way.
And to my dear friend and incredible partner-in-production, Kathy: your energy, precision, and spirit are unmatched. You are a meticulous powerhouse, and
Welcome to Plymouth Art In The Park's 46th year! We sure have some exciting things in store for you. I hope you'll spend the day with us in this uber-special town of Plymouth during the three days each year when it is at its most vibrant. Whether you are a local or drove from far & wide to be here, our team hopes you enjoy the sights and sounds and find a treasure to take with you.
Ready or not, here we come…
Director – Art In The Park
there's no one I'd rather have in the trenches with me. We really do make one hell of a team!
And to our better halves, Joe and Rich, and all of our kids: thank you for embracing the chaos, climbing
aboard, and helping us stay centered through it all.
It takes a special group of people to pull off something like this, and every year I'm reminded just how lucky we are to have them.
From quirky artists and budding entrepreneurs to global flavors and vintage circus fun, Plymouth’s signature summer festival promises lots of new surprises
By Wensdy Von Buskirk
For 46 years, Plymouth Art
Friday, July 10
11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, July 11
10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, July 12
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE
Kellogg Park and downtown Plymouth HIGHLIGHTS
· 400 artists in every medium
· Live reggae music f rom Roots Vibrations
· Unique street performers
· Delicious food vendors
· Living mural
· Interactive kids activities
+ Giant chalk mural
ARTINTHEPARK .COM
In the Park has brought color, food and fun to town. This year, the festivities take place Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12, and organizers are working hard to ensure there are new delights to discover.
Plymouth’s art fair is truly special. It’s Michigan’s secondlargest art fair, drawing talent not only from around the region but from across the country as 400 artists exhibit their creations along the streets surrounding Kellogg Park. Behind it all are mother-daughter duo Dianne Quinn and Raychel Rork.
A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO TRADITION
I’ve gotten to know Dianne and Raychel over literal decades of covering the fair as a reporter for Hometown Communications,
the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers and now, The Rock magazine. I even took the stage at Art In the Park once as bassist for the all-mom band The Mydols, whisked to the performance area on one of the golf carts buzzing around town during the festivities.
interview,” Raychel says. “I’ll call her back.”
FOCUS ON THE ART
daughters, Shelby and Mercedes.
I also remember arranging a photo shoot of Dianne and Raychel as they celebrated a milestone anniversary before Raychel took over as owner and director when her mother officially retired in 2014.
Today, Raychel runs the show with Assistant Director Kathy Dryja. Make no mistake, though, Dianne remains very much involved. In fact, during my annual check-in with Raychel, her mom called the office on another line.
“Tell her I’m doing an
“They shear the alpacas then wash, dye, spin and weave everything they make, which is just unheard of in 2026,” Rork says.
Despite Art In the Park’s long tradition, Raychel finds ways to keep things fresh while preserving the fan favorites that have kept people coming back year after year.
This year, jurors have chosen some particularly unusual finds.
“We have some quirky artists. Weird, in a good way,” Rork says.
Take Alpaca Bella Fina Ranch in North Carolina, operated by Della Wagnon and her twin
The trio will bring throw blankets, dryer balls, hats, shawls and other wearables and home goods, and they hope to demonstrate their craft on-site.
Artist Annmarie Siegel of Details in Time in Florida reimagines vintage clocks and timepieces into wearable jewelry.
“She finds them, takes them apart, and makes something beautiful from what used to be an old broken watch, and now it’s a gorgeous high-end necklace,” Rork says. “It’s very cool, very unique.”
In addition to artists traveling long distances
to show their work, local creators are represented as well, including Livonia artist Kelly Kayko, who will make her Art In the Park debut. Her oneof-a-kind macabre creations are made from discarded objects such as mannequins, old lamps and whimsical
“Her work is for your hardcore Halloween lover who wants something super unique for a party, display — or maybe year-round,” Rork says. “It’s kind of genius when you see how fun and crazy her stuff is.”
BUDDING TALENT
Another part of Art In the Park that has flourished over the decades is the children’s artist area. Nearly 100 Kids Art Booths will take over Kellogg Park, selling woodworking, jewelry, painting and more.
impressing us with their new ideas. We love having that young blood and entrepreneurship.”
FOOD WORTH THE TRIP
If all that art makes you hungry, you’re in luck.
The fair offers a wide variety of food, including several vendors bringing global flavors to downtown Plymouth. Visitors can enjoy paella and empanadas from Simply Spanish, authentic bratwurst, pretzels and Bavarian cabbage from Der Wurstwagen, and tamales, tostadas, tacos and quesadillas from Norma’s Tamales. Sweet treats include strawberry, banana and Nutella crepes.
“Come hungry for sure,” Rork says.
“We’ll have lots of amazing food. This isn’t your standard carnival fare.”
Guests can stroll and snack or settle into the dining area under The Gathering, next to The Penn, where the farmers market is held throughout the season.
ENTERTAINMENT
AROUND EVERY CORNER
A PLYMOUTH TRADITION
There are plenty of reasons to love Art In the Park, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and relies on approximately 100 volunteers to keep things running smoothly.
“It’s a big undertaking. We’re really lucky that we have an awesome team, and they have fun doing it. They wouldn’t come back year after year if they didn’t love it.”
“Some are so impressive that when we’re jurying their photos, we mistake them for adults,” Rork says. “They’re always
This year’s vintage circus theme will be reflected in the Living Mural by Kristen Zipp, where models are painted into a canvas, and in a chalk mural created live at the intersection of Main Street and Penniman Avenue.
Live music will be provided by reggae band Roots Vibrations throughout the weekend.
Meanwhile, The Compass at Main Street and Ann Arbor Trail will come alive with street performers, including Crazy Craig, whose jawdropping act includes balancing chairs, juggling, unicycling and even fire, and George Tait, the Human Statue.
For kids, there will be a giant LEGO display and interactive activities courtesy of MICHLUG (Michigan LEGO Users Group), along with face painting, henna and more.
“We encourage people to bring their kids,” Rork says.
The Studio Spark area at VITRINE at the Baker House will offer opportunities for visitors to explore their own creativity. Organizations including the Toledo Area Glass Guild, the DIA and Kalota Culinary will present demonstrations and information about classes and activities.
“It’s a super fun, interactive space supporting the arts in a larger umbrella, where they might not fit into the juried aspect of an art fair but focus on collectives and things visitors might have an interest in,” Rork says.
To make getting downtown easier, organizers encourage visitors to take advantage of the convenient shuttle service from Schoolcraft College. Airconditioned, ADA-accessible buses run continuously throughout the weekend, dropping passengers near City Hall at the edge of the festival.
For longtime visitors and first-timers alike, Art In the Park remains one of Michigan’s great summer traditions—and after 46 years, it continues to find new ways to surprise.
Big events, small details spark Iowa artist’s creativity
Growing up on a farm in southern Iowa, Dori Patrick always felt the urge to create things.
She said she inherited the trait from her parents—her mother was an accomplished seamstress and her father showed a creative flair, too, although working the farm left him little time to exercise it.
“We were always encouraged to be creative. I was always messing around with stuff,” said Patrick, who will be featured at Plymouth’s Art in the Park for the first time this year. “As a kid I was always doing all kinds of shenanigans. I remember making paintings as a little, little kid and using the living room as my gallery. Then, when family would come over, I would sell my paintings. I have always kind of known that I wanted to make things and make a living with it.”
It took a little time, but now she is living her dream, creating art in her studio and traveling to various art shows across the country. She was in the Ann Arbor Art Fair two years ago, and just last month she attended a show in Missouri--not bad for someone who never formally studied art.
“The business really evolved into a makeand-take art studio where folks could come in choose from lots of different things to do,” Patrick said. “We had painting supplies, mosaic supplies and paper crafts—all kinds of fun things and blank things that they could take off the shelf and get started on a project.”
Health issues and her desire to create more led her to close the shop in 2016, however.
“I found that my days were spent coming up with things for other people to do and I wasn’t really able to quiet my creative spirit,” she said. “I never had enough time to really sit down and just make what I wanted to make.”
In a way, she returned to her childhood. She transformed her family room into an art gallery and spent time figuring out what kind of art to make. Gradually, as her health improved, she started traveling to art shows and selling her work. Soon, she was able to move back into her own studio—in a
Patrick said she always had an independent, entrepreneurial spirit. For more than a decade, she ran a make-and-take art shop in Marion, Iowa that started out as a store where she sold her own work, as well as pieces from other artists. When someone asked if she would host a birthday party there and lead an art project as part of it, she applied a mantra that she’s used frequently in her work: let’s try it! It was a resounding success, and fun, too.
fabric, paper, and repurposed items. Her work is featured on the official 2026 Art in the Park poster, too.
An avid traveler, she often finds inspiration in the colors, architecture and folk art she finds when she visits new places, like a recent trip to Mexico. But she also feels the creative juices flow when she’s doing something simple, like hanging out on the patio with her two rescued labradors or talking with friends.
converted elementary school in Cedar Rapids that now houses the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy.
As far as what type of art she likes to create, the answer is “almost everything.”
Patrick is officially listed as a mixed media artist for Art In The Park. She works in acrylic, graphite, crayon, collage, found objects, and layered textures—she said her art is known for its layers and colors—and uses a variety of surfaces, including canvas, wood,
“There’s big things like trips that really influence me when I come back home, but it’s also just every day little things, learning to slow down and take the time to notice,” she said. “[Artists] are noticers. We are here to notice things and either interpret them or comment on them or share what is joyful to us about that thing or that person or whatever it is.
“That’s life,” she added. “Life is a mishmash of great big moments, as well as millions of teeny tiny nuggets that are there for the taking—if we just pay attention.”
Patrick’s booth will be on Main Street.
To see more examples of her work, visit www.doripatrickart.com.
Young Ohio artist inspired by traditional Chinese techniques
Dorothy Wang has been a practicing artist for half of her young life.
Just 12 years old, Wang will bring her love of nature and traditional Chinese painting techniques to the children’s section of Art in the Park, demonstrating, displaying and selling her work from the shady pathways of Kellogg Park.
“Her talent is truly remarkable for her age, and we are excited to feature her,” said Raychel Rork, president of Art in the Park Enterprises.
Wang has appreciated different forms of art for nearly as long as she can remember, according to her mother, Bin Jiang. She explored and studied a wide range of artistic mediums and creative forms, including drawing, gouache painting, colored pencil art, sketching, oil painting, clay sculpture, fashion design—even digital art.
It wasn’t until the Covid-19 pandemic that the Ohio resident experimented with traditional Chinese style paintings, her mother said. Jiang credits one of her teachers, Yuemin Xin, for introducing her daughter to a new form of art—as well the natural world that inspires it.
“Because many indoor activities were limited during the pandemic, Xin often took her to parks and other natural settings for outdoor sketching sessions, encouraging her to observe flowers, trees, birds, insects, and the natural world around her, and to incorporate those observations into her artwork,” Jiang said. “Through years of consistent learning and exploration of different artistic mediums, Dorothy has not only improved her artistic skills but also developed a deep appreciation for nature and traditional Chinese art.”
Wang will be demonstrating basic Chinese art techniques, including painting simple subjects inspired by animals and nature with brush and pen on rice paper during the art festival.
“Dorothy especially enjoys creating artwork featuring flowers, birds, pets, and natural scenery,” her mother said. “She strives to capture the beauty of nature and a sense of harmony within her work.”
Her talent was evident early on. In 2022, she participated in an International Cultural and Artistic Exchange Program and was awarded Third Prize. Today, she continues to study both traditional Chinese painting and digital art, exploring the connection between classical techniques and contemporary creativity.
“Dorothy is a wonderful student who is dedicated to mastering what she is being taught,” said Xin, her teacher. “She is an enthusiastic learner and a charismatic, warm person,” she added.
“What I like most about her art is her ability to find self-expression within the confines of the rigid traditional styles she is learning,” said Xin, who is also exhibiting her own work at Art in the Park, just a few blocks away.
When Wang isn’t surrounded by art, she is busy with music and sports. She has studied piano and viola for many years and has participated in soccer training and competition for more than four years.
“She believes that different interests and life experiences can inspire artistic creativity and help her observe and express the world from a richer perspective,” said Jiang.
Check out Dorothy’s display in the children’s section at Kellogg Park during Art in the Park.
TAKE the SHUTTLE
PENNIMANAVENUE
• Park free at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Rd., Livonia
• Shuttles run continuously 30 minutes before and after event.
• Air-conditioned coaches with restrooms, storage for strollers and purchases, ADA accessible.
$9 round trip for adults; kids 12 & under ride free
PROUD SUPPLIER
Everything in the classroom is on wheels, meaning teachers and students can easily transform to adapt to different lesson plans and projects.
“These are folding tables, so that it does not have to look like the standard classroom that we may have envisioned when we were in school, with rows or tables that are set up,” said Monica Merritt, superintendent of the PCCS school district. “We can have opportunities where students could be here doing their projects, (STEM) Capstone projects. It can be an opportunity for bringing others in, to see almost like an experience where you’re showcasing the work you’re doing.
“We could actually have labs going on in here,” she added.
“The best way that I could say it is look around this room and imagine the possibilities.”
Schools, orsa team up to prepare students for the unknown
By Tim Smith
In today’s rapidly-changing world, it can be difficult to know what the work force of the future may look like. Students in the PlymouthCanton Community School District, however, recently got a look at a new facility that will help them prepare for it.
Dubbed the orsa Hub, the new addition to Canton High School is a joint venture between the school district and orsa credit union, formerly Community Financial. The district announced a 25-year, $5 million partnership with the credit union in February and held a ribbon cutting for the facility in May.
“We have no idea what the world is going to look like in 25 years,” said Tansley Stearns, president and CEO of orsa. “A space like this allows students to prepare for that very unknown future with curiosity and
thinking of how we are ensuring the workforce of the future has what they need.”
Located on the south side of the building facing the main parking lot, the Hub reflects a shared commitment from both organizations to invest in the next generation. Programs housed within the hub will also support girls in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program through scholarships and robotics, expand mental health resources, and connect students to local industry pathways. The hub is designed to grow with the district, welcoming students, educators, and community members as a living, evolving resource.
“This just opens up possibilities; we can do different things, we can connect with others,” said John Magoulick,
director of the STEM Academy, which includes students from all three high schools at PlymouthCanton Educational Park.
The 5,600-square-foot addition consists of two main areas: a versatile, changeable classroom and a practice arena for the high school robotics teams.
The hub was planned for and funded through the 2020 Bond Program, costing roughly $2.5 million. School officials were planning for the facility when orsa got involved.
“Post-creation is when our conversation started to engage in what this could look like,” said Merritt, adding that with orsa’s long-range partnership underscores the dedication to helping today’s students prepare for the future – in areas such as coping with artificial intelligence, modern careers and personal finance.
“When we looked at even the
strategic plans and the vision of both boards, they aligned so perfectly,” Merritt said. “Our strategic plan here in the district is we’re about student voice and engagement, community engagement and partnerships.”
And in the handful of subsequent years, with the acceleration of AI, the original idea has changed in the way a single tree root multiplies.
“We were just learning about AI when we started thinking about that (a hub),” Merritt said. “I remember our first conversations. It was (about) virtual reality, and we were starting an E-Sports program here. I think that momentum has increased because things are evolving so rapidly.”
“They identified the problem as being kids that are having a hard time taking liquid medicines through a syringe,” Magoulick explained. “And so they 3D printed a series of almost toys that would adapt to the syringe. And then the (young patient) can fly a butterfly into their mouth… instead of just taking medicine through a plain syringe.”
ROOM FOR EXPLORATION
The Orsa Hub also will be a boon for the robotics program. Prior to its construction, they didn’t have a defined place to test their creations.
“Before this practice field was built, we had to set up in the cafeteria where there was a decent enough space for us to program our robot and test out how it worked,” said Canton Senior Adithya Srivathsa, a member of the Lightning Robotics team. “Somebody else might have these spaces (booked), so we’d have to go to a middle school or someplace else. But having this space allows us to have a space of our own where we can do things without being limited.”
The Hub gives them the opportunity to reclaim all the time spent to set up and break down practices, so that more time can be devoted to furthering their efforts to gear up for competitions.
Tony Roko is going to turn one large, now-blank wall inside the addition into a “futuristic” work of art that will reflect the learning and discovery happening inside the Hub. He said he plans to communicate with students through social media to gather their ideas and incorporate it into the work, which will be unveiled in time for the start of the next school year.
THE ORSA PATH FORWARD
Meanwhile, Stearns said the connection with PCCS is such a strong and natural fit that both the district and credit union have room to explore, grow and succeed.
Students from all of the district’s schools will begin to use the hub in 2026-27, following a summer-long mapping out of curriculum. But some have already begun to test it out during the final weeks of this school year, including members of the P-CEP robotics and STEM programs.
Magoulick said STEM students from the biomedical, engineering and computer branches of the program had previously used the hub to show other students some of their work – which revolved around determining how to design potential solutions to realworld issues. One of those was entitled MEDIPALS.
When students return from summer break, the hub will already have a different look.
This summer, Plymouth Artist
“I have been chewing on some ideas and I’m very excited about the concept,” Roko said. “I’m just looking to create something that the students connect with. For me, it’s all about connection, right? Something inclusive, something they can see themselves in. I think that’s a starting point. I want the kids to be able to identify with it and be something kind of timeless.”
“I hope it sparks new ideas about what career looks like in the future,” Stearns stressed. “Maybe the experience of being here ignites a dream in someone about something that they may have never thought was possible.”
One of Orsa Credit Union’s key goals in having 50 studentrun credit union branches across Michigan is equipping young people with a solid understanding how they can save, build and protect wealth – in an era where getting into heavy credit card debt is a few clicks of the smartphone away.
The district already worked with the credit union on the area of financial literacy, but the Orsa Hub further accelerates that relationship.
“The importance is in what’s going to happen here, and the connections that are going to be made (and) the specific financial literacy that’s going to be important,” said Plymouth junior Lucas Greiner. “We don’t have that much that really teaches us that in the normal public-school curriculum, so I think that’s going to be very beneficial.”
A Call to Celebrate –250 years and more
Summer celebrations of all kinds kicked off this year in Plymouth when the Plymouth Historical Museum hosted a fun and informative “America at 250” party along Church Street in June.
The event honored the momentous events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It included Colonial reenactors (even some British), historic crafts and great music from the renowned Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps.
The museum also launched an exhibit to share more about Plymouth’s history in connection with the 250th anniversary.
There’s still plenty more to celebrate this summer. The Plymouth Library held a grand reopening in June for all of the year-long renovations inside and out of the building and grounds and the Wilcox Amphitheater between the library and city halls.
By Ken Voyles
All summer Kellogg Park will host plenty of great music in park including patriotic tunes from the community’s fabled Michigan Philharmonic (June 27). There’s Art in Park in July, Fall Festival in September and Pumpkin Palooza in October.
And kicking it off - the community’s July 4 parade. The annual “Good Morning USA Parade” will step out along Main Street beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 4.
Organizers expect this year’s 250th birthday parade to be a dynamic celebration with historic groups, vintage vehicles, plenty of America’s veterans representing many years of service and conflicts across the globe, lots of music, display floats, balloons and a major focus on celebrating all those things that are an important part of this country’s history and heritage.
Devon Meeks leads the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps down Church Street during the America at 250 party.
George Crooker talks about life as a Minute Man to crowds at the Plymouth Museum.
Steve and Sandy Marulis represented Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty at the Plymouth Museum event.
The museum event provided an opportunity for many to dress up in period clothing.
Alessandra Mautone of the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps.
Members of the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps perform patriotic songs at the museum event.
John Wilson reads the Declaration of Independence.
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Plymouth Pulse
July 2026: City Highlights Edition
SPRINKLER SEASON SPRINKLER SEASON
Track your water use and follow restriction hours! Track your water use and follow restriction hours!
To help residents better understand and manage their water usage during sprinkler season, the City of Plymouth Department of Municipal Services (DMS) partners with AquaHawk to offer a free online water monitoring service for municipal water customers.
The AquaHawk web portal plymmi.aquahawk.us/login is a free service for municipal water customers to track their water usage in real time, set thresholds and receive alerts and ultimately control water bills. Simply click the green “Register” button on the home login page, enter your contact information and select alert preferences (text, email, phone call).
HERE!
Monitor water usage & control water bills
Track & understand water consumption trends
Enable “threshhold alerts” to track unusual usage
As warmer weather arrives, the City of Plymouth encourages residents to plan water use carefully during lawn irrigation and pool-filling season (May - Sept). To help reduce the potential for low water pressure and control future water rate increases, residents are asked to avoid high water usage during the city's voluntary water usage restriction hours of 5-10 a.m. and 5-10 p.m. Consider scheduling sprinkler systems and using delay-start features on dishwashers and washing machines to operate outside of these peak demand periods.
RESTRICTION HOURS
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
2026 Summer Tax Bills arrive via mail in July
Payable without penalty at the City of Plymouth’s Treasurer’s Office through Monday, August 10, 2026.
Payable to: City of Plymouth
Important: Use separate checks for tax and water bills.
How to Pay: In-Person/Mail: City Hall, 201 S. Main St. (M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
Drop Boxes: City Hall vestibule or the Plymouth District Library drive-thru. Do not put cash in drop boxes.
For more info, check out: tinyurl.com/City-of-PlymouthTaxes
City Offices Closure: July 3
City offices will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of July 4th
Offices will reopen on Monday, July 6 at 8:00 a.m.
Drop box in the Church Street vestibule can be used for all payments and correspondence.
Block Party Applications
Plymouth encourages neighborhood block parties as part of its 5-year strategic plan to build a vibrant, connected community.
To apply:
Get majority neighbor approval, submit an online application at least two weeks in advance (tinyurl.com/BlockPartyApplication). Once approved, City departments are notified and DMS provides barricades.
Block parties are typically limited to one nonthrough street and must end by 10 p.m.
Good Morning USA July 4 Parade th
The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. at the railroad crossing on Main Street, proceeding south to Hartsough, and concludes around 11:00 a.m.
Upcoming Board & Commission Meetings
July 1: Historic District Commission Meeting
July 2: Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
July 6: City Commission Meeting
June 7: Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting
July 13: Downtown Development Authority Meeting
July 15: Planning Commission Meeting
July 15: Housing Commission Regular Meeting
July 20: City Commission Meeting
July 20: Northville-Plymouth Fire Advisory Board
Community Education Forum
Tuesday, June 30
5:00–7:00 p.m. Plymouth Cultural Center
525 Farmer Street, Plymouth
Join the City of Plymouth for a community forum focused on rodent prevention, awareness, and best practices for reducing rodent activity in neighborhoods. Learn from a Public Health Pest Specialist with the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) about rodent biology, behavior, common attractants, and practical prevention strategies that residents and property owners can implement.
All residents, property owners, and business owners are welcome to attend. Together, education and prevention can help create a cleaner, healthier community.
Local garden clubs nurture a legacy of beautification, conservation and community service
By Wensdy Von Buskirk
For 100 years, the Michigan Division of the Women's National Farm & Garden Association has helped Michigan communities bloom through conservation projects, scholarships, educational programs and countless volunteer hours.
That legacy is especially visible here locally in Plymouth and Northville, where four separate garden clubs thrive – there are two in each community.
This year marks milestone anniversaries for these local clubs. The Plymouth Garden Club and Northville Garden Club are each celebrating 90 years, while Plymouth’s Trailwood Garden Club marks its 50th anniversary. The Country Garden Club of Northville, founded in 1977, will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.
Though each club has its own personality and projects, all share a common mission to encourage an appreciation for gardening while promoting conservation,
education and community beautification.
The impact of that mission can be seen throughout Plymouth and Northville, from scholarship programs and public gardens to private landscapes.
One such example is the Northville home of Lisa and Manfred Schon, one of six properties featured on the Country Garden Club of Northville's 32nd annual Garden Walk on July 8.
A GARDEN WITH PURPOSE
The Schon garden is a carefully designed ecosystem built around the principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
When the couple moved into their 1921 Northville home in 2015, they had little gardening experience. As they settled into the property, however, they began questioning the traditional suburban lawn and its environmental costs.
After attending a workshop on
native plants at the Northville District Library, they learned how turf grass requires water, fertilizer and pesticides while providing little support for pollinators and wildlife.
"Throughout the year we kept chipping away little pieces of lawn," Lisa Schon said.
Today, much of that lawn has been replaced by winding permeable pathways, native perennials, grasses and sedges selected to thrive in local conditions while supporting birds, bees and butterflies.
Inspired by the work of renowned Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, the Schons developed a long-term master plan centered on a guiding philosophy: "respect and renew."
They preserved the property's century-old sugar maple, maintained the historic privet
PLYMOUTH GARDEN CLUB
Celebrating 90 years, the Plymouth Garden Club has served the community since 1936. The club contributes more than 80 percent of proceeds from its fundraisers to local, state and national environmental and horticultural organizations. Members also award annual scholarships to PlymouthCanton students.
hedge surrounding the home and restored a wisteria-covered trellis originally planted by a previous homeowner. Around those historic features, they created a landscape featuring 12 varieties of grasses and sedges and more than 35 perennial species.
Visitors often assume the garden requires constant maintenance, but Schon says the opposite is true.
"I'm a lazy gardener. I want plants that can take care of themselves," she said.
The same philosophy extends beyond the garden. The Schons have incorporated solar and geothermal energy systems into their arts-and-crafts-style home and installed bird-friendly glass
to reduce bird strikes.
By opening their garden to visitors during the Northville Garden Walk, they hope to inspire others to think differently about landscaping and the role gardens can play in supporting the environment.
GROWING COMMUNITIES
The Schon garden may be unique, but its underlying philosophy is familiar to members of local garden clubs throughout Plymouth and Northville.
For decades, volunteers have organized educational programs, awarded scholarships, maintained community projects and encouraged residents to think more intentionally about the spaces they cultivate. Garden walks, workshops and guest speakers provide opportunities for experienced gardeners and newcomers alike to learn from one another while supporting environmental stewardship.
As the Michigan Division of the Women's National Farm & Garden Association celebrates its centennial year, those local branches remain rooted in the same ideals that inspired their founders a century ago: improving communities one garden at a time.
The club meets at noon on the second Monday of each month (except January and February) at the Plymouth District Library. Programs feature guest speakers on gardening and horticultural topics and are open to visitors interested in learning more about gardening and community service.
TRAILWOOD GARDEN CLUB
Founded in 1976 by residents of Plymouth's Trailwood subdivision, the Trailwood Garden Club became the 100th branch of the Michigan Division of the Women's National Farm & Garden Association. The club was established with a mission of community service and continues that tradition through educational programming, gardening projects and its annual Garden Walk.
Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the club has about 25 members and welcomes new participants throughout the year. It meets the third Tuesday of each month at Plymouth Township Hall.
NORTHVILLE GARDEN CLUB
Northville Garden Club is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The organization promotes conservation of natural resources, community beautification, gardening education and environmental stewardship while supporting scholarships for local students.
Known for its annual spring Plant and Bake Sale, the club
also maintains a traditional kitchen garden every summer, donating produce to Northville Civic Concern. Members also tend flower gardens at the Hunter House at Mill Race Village and the Garden Park next to the Northville District Library. The club meets at noon on the second Monday of each month, September through June, at Cady Inn in Mill Race Village.
COUNTRY GARDEN CLUB OF NORTHVILLE
Founded in 1977, Country Garden Club of Northville is a nonprofit organization dedicated to community improvement through service, conservation and education. The club supports scholarships, horticultural organizations and environmental initiatives through fundraising efforts including its annual Garden Walk.
Members meet the first Wednesday of each month at First United Methodist Church in Plymouth. Meetings include guest speakers on horticultural topics, discussions about local environmental issues, occasional field trips, a brief business meeting and social time with refreshments.
NORTHVILLE GARDEN WALK
The Country Garden Club of Northville will host its 32nd Annual Garden Walk on July 8. Here are the details:
WHEN : July 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
FEATURES: Six private gardens and garden vendors
TICKETS: $15 in advance at Eventbrite.com and at Long Kitchen and Bath Design starting June 8; $20 day of event in the Green Space behind Northville District Library (corner of Wing and Cady)
MORE INFO: visit cgcnv.org or call (734) 788-9935
Rock
Michigan Doctor Diagnosed with Late-Stage Cancer After Experiencing Just
One Symptom
It’s the call no one wants to get. But for one local doctor, it became a mission to save others from the “Blind Spot” in modern medicine.
(Southfield, MI)
Softball Size Tumors Silently Grew
You feel fine. You have no aches.
endured brutal treatments and cruel side effects. Tragically, the cancer later returned as a brain tumor.
A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Mission: Full Body MRI Scans Without a Doctor’s Referral
your insides. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, this machine emits NO radiation and is completely non-invasive.
You pass your annual physical with flying colors. You think you’re safe. But what if something sinister is silently growing inside you right now, waiting to strike? That is the terrifying reality Dr. Warren Ringold faced. As a respected family physician for 40 years, he knew the rules of medicine better than anyone. He felt perfectly fine until a sudden onset of shortness of breath sent him to the ER. The diagnosis was a shockwave: Stage 4 cancer.
(South eld, MI) e late Dr. Warren Ringold knew rsthand the devastating impact of late-stage cancer diagnoses. As a respected family physician, he witnessed countless patients battling illnesses that could have been detected earlier. His own grueling battle with late-stage cancer ignited a passion, leading him to create Michigan’s rst MRI full body screening center called Bionicc Body Screening.
Raising Awareness
But before he passed, Dr. Ringold left behind a legacy—and a warning—for the rest of us.
Full Body MRI Scans Without a Doctor’s Order
The “Dirty Little Secret” of modern medicine: Here is the hard truth your insurance company won’t tell you: The current healthcare system is reactive, not proactive.
Today, his son Ryan carries on this mission. ough not a medical professional himself, Ryan’s dedication to his father’s legacy drives him to raising awareness of this service for families of Michigan.
“Every week I learn of another person who felt perfectly ne, only to wake up with an unexplained symptom and discover they have stage four cancer. Once symptoms manifest cancer is usually advanced,” says his son Ryan. “My father never wanted another family to su er the emotional and physical hardships that our family and he endured. He wanted to save lives.”
Dr. Ringold discovered he had stage four cancer with tumors as large as softballs silently growing inside his body after experiencing shortness of breath. His treatment was brutal. He su ered cruel side e ects. After his cancer went into remission, it returned a year later as a brain tumor. Dr. Ringold believed there had to be a better way. He envisioned a future where individuals could take control of their health and detect potential problems before they escalated. In his nal days, Dr. Ringold passionately advocated for MRI full body screenings, a proactive approach he believed could empower individuals to take control of their health.
Bionicc Body Screening o ers elective, full-body MRI screenings that provide a comprehensive picture of your internal health, going beyond what traditional checkups often reveal. State-of-the-art technology can detect tumors as small as a pea, aneurysms, risk of stroke and a multitude of other conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Screenings include scans of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, hips, shoulders and spine.
A Life Saved
Standard medical screenings (like mammograms and colonoscopies) only catch 29% of cancers. That means 71% of tumors grow undetected in areas doctors aren’t even looking at.
By the time you feel a lump or pain, it is often Stage 3 or 4. As Dr. Ringold warned, “Once you have symptoms, cancer is usually advanced.”
Mark B. and his younger brother decided to visit Bionicc Body Screening last spring for a proactive screening because cancer ran in their family. Mark was skeptical until his results returned a 3-centimeter mass on his lung, which tested positive for cancer. He had three-fourths of his lung removed. He credits the scan for saving his life. Meanwhile, his brother’s results were clean.
It scans the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and spine, looking for tumors as small as a pencil eraser. It can also detect silent killers like aneurysms and stroke risks before they become life-threatening emergencies.
Take Control: No Doctor’s Order Required The traditional medical system makes you jump through hoops. At Bionicc Body Screening, there is no red tape.
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.
While he felt healthy on the outside, tumors the size of softballs had been silently growing on the inside. He
The Technology That Sees What Doctors Miss: Determined to stop this tragedy from happening to other families, Dr. Ringold founded Bionicc Body Screening in Southfield, Michigan’s first MRI full-body screening center. Using advanced MRI technology, Bionicc provides a “high-definition movie” of
$200 savings offer. Book an appointment by calling 1-833-BIONICC. (833-246-6422) Scans
• No Doctor’s Referral Needed: You are in charge of your own health.
• No Insurance Hassles: This is an out of pocket, elective service for those who prioritize peace of mind and proactive care.
• Immediate Answers: Don’t wait for a crisis to find out what’s going on inside your body.
Do not wait until you feel a symptom. A small tumor today could be a major problem tomorrow. The only difference between a tragedy and a survival story is early detection.
Michigan’s first MRI Full Body Screening Center –Located in Southfield
The late Dr. Ringold founded Bionicc Body Screening in 2022 after battling cancer twice. He believed MRI full body screenings could empower individuals to take control of their health.
A newcomer, Dubai chocolate, which went viral on TikTok in 2023, has also joined the list of best sellers. The premium confection is quite an undertaking to make, according to Collick.
“The first time, it took me two hours to make eight bars. It’s a learning curve,” explains Lori. “Now I make 100 bars in four hours.”
Collick added the Dubai bar to the store’s selection at the urging of her children. Now she views it as akin to the popularity of pumpkin spice 15 years ago.
“Because this generation never had pistachios, I think it’s a novelty to them. Every Monday we try to make 100 bars,” she says. “We always sell out.”
The Collick family guiding Kemnitz Fine Candies into its 75th year
By Sue Voyles | Photos by Ken Voyles
There’s something delightfully ironic about a dental assistant going into the chocolate business. After all, dentists have spent decades warning us about the effects of too many sweets.
Yet after 30 years as a dental assistant, Lori Collick, 60, has embarked on a second career as a chocolatier, leading Kemnitz Fine Candies, now in its 75th year.
Lori and husband Randy, 65, who make their home in Plymouth, purchased the downtown confectionary in April 2022. Their daughter Rachel Collick is the manager, making it a true family venture.
“This is my fun retirement. I have been doing it for four years and it’s still fun. I haven’t worked a day yet,” says Lori with a smile.
Anyone familiar with Plymouth knows Kemnitz Fine
Candies, located on Ann Arbor Trail. The downtown institution has been attracting chocolate lovers for decades.
“I had been buying chocolate from the previous owners Cindy and Everett Smith for 20 years and when I saw it for sale I wanted to try it. I said to my husband: 'What do you think?' and he said: 'Go for it," explains Lori, adding that Randy, who worked for 30 years in the Plymouth area doing property maintenance, completed the buildout and interior work in the store.
All the chocolates are made in the store’s original Old Village kitchen. That includes top-selling coconut clusters, cherry cordials and homemade caramels. Also in high demand are confections containing peanut butter, which are so popular, the Collicks can barely keep them in stock.
The Collicks are carefully expanding their business. Since they do not have the equipment to make ice cream on site, they partnered with the Ice Box Brand out of Muskegon to purchase a co-branded ice cream cart, selling treats at Friday summer concerts in Kellogg Park.
“The city said they needed more vendors for the concerts. People know this brand of handmade ice cream bars from up north. They are excited to see it here,” explains Collick.
Besides adding Dubai chocolate and ice cream, the Collicks are keeping up with dietary needs of customers by making dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free treats.
“I think having these products makes us different from other places in town,” Lori says.
While Lori says her goal when she and Randy bought Kemnitz Fine Candies was not to change anything, but “just make candy,” they have also come to appreciate the feeling of community that pervades Plymouth.
“I love interacting with the customers. I enjoy hearing their stories, especially the ones who have been coming a long time,” says Lori.
That community vibe figured prominently when Kemnitz and other businesses downtown were flooded last April due to heavy rainfall and forced to close for several weeks. It was especially devastating to Kemnitz since it was just weeks before the busy Easter holiday.
“When we reopened, dozens of people came in and cried because we were open again,” Lori said.
One question the Collicks hear a lot from customers is that they’d like to buy “one of everything.” Just for fun, they priced it out and determined that for $250, you can purchase one of everything in the store.
That’s a lot of hankering for chocolate, but just make sure you don’t tell your dentist.
Kemnitz Fine Candies is located at 896 W. Ann Arbor Trail. For more info, call (734) 453-0480 or visit Kemnitzfinecandies.com.
ASK THE DOCTOR
QI had a stroke a year and a half ago and lost my side vision on both of my eyes. I continuously bump into things on my left side, Also, it is so difficult for me to read because I keep losing my place. My eye doctor says I can see, but I find it very confusing. He said that my side vision won’t miraculously return and there is nothing else that can be done. Is there any way you can help me from getting constantly bruised on my left side?
AFirst, it is important to understand that it is almost impossible to have a brain injury without impacting one’s vision. Most people don’t realize that our eyes are part of our brain. As a result, brain injuries can result in a variety of vision problems, including dry eyes, difficulty moving one’s eyes such as for reading and difficulty judging distances and spaces. In addition, people can lose up to half of their visual field, similar to what you are experiencing.
In order to help you to stop constantly getting bruised on the left side, you need to enter into a unique area of treatment. There are 3 different approaches we can explore to determine which will help you to function better. As a low vision specialist, I provide solutions for patients who have experienced side vision loss to help them navigate their world, feel more oriented and stop accidentally hurting themselves.
The good news is that you do not have to accept your current situation! The first step is an evaluation where we can determine the approach will work the best for you.
ABOUT BEYOND LOW VISION
For more than 35 years, John P. Jacobi, OD, FCOVD, FIALVS has been helping partially sighted people get their lives back. Dr. Jacobi is a Fellow of the College of Vision Development and the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, a member of the Michigan and American Optometric Associations.
Dr. Laila Abdallah Primary care physician