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LOCAL JOURNALISM MATTERS

Please consider a donation to support The 'Ville. Since we began publishing more than seven years ago, our goal has been to provide our readers with valuable information about the Northville community each and every month. Your support helps that mission survive and grow.

And while The 'Ville is sent to every address in Northville at no cost to readers, it is not free to produce.

LOCAL Matters! is the foundation of this magazine. If you find it of value, please consider supporting it. Every little bit helps! Please send donations to:

Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168

You can also make donations via PayPal to kurtkuban@gmail.com. Thank you in advance.

KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher

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

CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director

Craig has been in the creative industry for over 30 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 20 years. Craig enjoys chasing his young daughter and providing moral support to his lovely wife.

MICHELE FECHT – Writer

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

Publisher

Here is a list of people who contributed to local journalism last month. We appreciate your support!

• Ron Lynch

• Jim & Lonna Petrie

WENSDY VON BUSKIRK – Writer

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

BRYAN MITCHELL - Photographer

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

TIM SMITH - Writer

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

MARIA TAYLOR – Writer

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

BRAD EMONS - Writer

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

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.

One hundred issues in, we’re still focused on our mission

The number 100 has always had a nice ring to it, at least in my mind.

For example, when I was a kid, if you were able to save a hundred bucks, that was a big deal. There was nothing better than holding a crisp $100 bill in your hand with Benjamin Franklin’s stoic gaze looking up at you.

How about when Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single basketball game back in 1962? It’s still the benchmark of the sport, more than 60 years later.

A hundred years marks a century, a hundred yards defines a football field, a hundred pennies equals a dollar and a hundred percent on a test marks perfection.

Heck, is there any bigger age milestone than hitting your 100th birthday? I’ve written many stories about Centenarians over the years, because it’s such an amazing feat.

I guess the point is if you are able to do something a hundred times, it seems you are getting somewhere.

I’m happy to report this issue marks our 100th since we began publishing The ‘Ville. The first issue came out at the end of December 2017, and we’ve published every month since. One hundred months to be exact.

If I’m being honest, if someone had told me back then that we would actually reach our 100th issue, I may not have believed it. I’m a trained journalist. I knew how to report and write a story, but at the time I didn’t know a whole lot about the publishing side of the business, which is a whole different animal.

But when I first met Craig Wheeler, a talented graphic designer I had worked with at another company, at the Lake Street Tavern (owned by Northville resident Mary Poole) about creating a new magazine from scratch, it was an exciting notion for both of us. Over a couple beers, we decided to give it a shot.

It took us a number of months to get our ducks in a row and cobble together the resources (thanks largely to the support and trust of a number of Northville businesses) to publish that first issue.

Craig is still our creative director, and has been a major reason we keep chugging along. In fact, we’ve been blessed to have some very talented people as part of our team over the years. Our writers, photographers and designers really do some great work, and are the reason we’ve been able to stay in business.

Like me, they are all dedicated to producing a publication that people actually want to read, and one that reflects the values of the Northville community. We do our best to cover the stories that matter to our community – from the news about downtown developments to how our high school teams are doing, and all the stories in between.

It’s not always easy. We have a small team and pretty limited resources, which impedes our ability to cover every story that matters. But we try. We care about this community, which is something I hope you as a reader can appreciate. I know many of you do. Likewise, we feel very fortunate to cover – and be part of – such an incredible community.

Thank you to all of our supporters, from our advertising partners to the many readers who have sent incredibly generous donations that have kept us afloat for so long. Well, for a hundred months.

I’m sure glad Craig didn’t try to talk me out of such a crazy idea when we met at Lake Street Tavern. Together we’ve all created something in which I take great pride.

Oh yeah, a special shout out to my wife, Cheryl, who probably wanted to kill me when I told her I was quitting my job to start a new magazine. Instead of divorcing me, though, she has been supportive every step of the way.

Hopefully we’ll make it to our 200th issue. I promise our mission will be the same as it has since the beginning – to publish with integrity and an attention to detail that will keep our readers informed about what’s happening in this community we call home.

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

Your Voice

Lurking in the shadows

Living in Northville is awesome. A great community of neighbors and easy access to a vibrant downtown makes Northville a wonderful place to live.

Living in the historic district, as we do, Northville also offers ghost stories allowing us to imagine people of yesteryear. Ghosts are shrouded in mystery and generally come from the past. . . until now.

Northville has new ghosts. Collectively they call themselves “Let’s Open Northville (LON)”. They are cloaked in secrecy. They lurk in the shadows, refuse to identify themselves, and continue to try to force their will on Northville. They are unknown and unaccountable.

None of the ghosts of LON chose to run for elected office but rather they chose to continue in secrecy and work to impose their will on the rest of us. Our message to LON is that we elect people, not ghosts, to make decisions.

Paul Sklut

and Therese Grossi

A ‘teachable moment’

I’d like to give a little advice to the principal of Northville High School for the next time that students want to walk out of class and “flood the streets” with protesting signs (referenced in a letter last month). Form two debate teams (if you don’t already have a debate club) and have the whole school in the auditorium viewing the debate. Pro ICE and Anti ICE. This could have been a teachable moment.

The students could use a lesson about The Department of Homeland Security and the many branches and components. ICE is only one component of DHS. The students might also be interested to know that nationwide, 30% of ICE employees are Latino. And in the southern USA, that number can be as high as 50%. So, pro ICE people are not racists.

As a taxpayer, I don’t approve of students demonstrating on school property during school hours. I would add that many students will join into a demonstration like this just to get out of class time and fit in with the group. It’s called peer pressure.

Carol Maynard

Students set an example

In the letter titled, “A call to action,” NHS Sophomore Sanchi Shiva writes about students rallying to protest ICE.

Bravo to her and her fellow students, for their understanding of, and commitment to, what is right and humane. Bravo also to her parents and her teachers for their influence on the next generation. They are serving as examples to us all.

Maggie Einhaus

Please submit your letters by emailing Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com. Letters must be 150 words or less. We reserve the right to edit all letters.

Girls deserve more recognition

I was happy to see the article in last month’s issue about the Northville High boys hockey team’s season. They worked hard and deserve recognition. I assumed when I turned the page that I would see a similar article about the girls hockey team, the one that won their state championship game. Instead, I found a seven-sentence blurb about their win in the state championship.

I looked back at the past four issues as I was sure there must have been a bigger article on them recently and maybe this was just a follow up. Perhaps I am mistaken, but I could not find one. I hope you are seeing the problem with the way these two teams are shown in this issue.

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by Bryan Mitchell

BATON BATONPASSING PASSING OF THE

Northville

Township

Fire Department undergoes a changing of the guard

There’s a new “first responder” leading Northville Township’s Fire Department, but the region remains in the best of hands – with some of the most-trained and dedicated professionals in their field.

On March 20, Northville Township Fire Chief Brent Siegel said goodbye to the department that he was an integral part for more than two decades.

The following Monday, Siegel settled into a position with the Wayne County Health Department, providing oversight for Emergency Medical Services agencies in communities from Westland to Taylor.

“I leave Northville Township on Friday and I start the new job on Monday,” said Siegel, discussing his legacy and the future a couple days before his final shift with the township.

At the same time Siegel started a new chapter in his professional life, Jesse Marcotte was embarking on his first full week on the job as Northville Township’s new fire chief.

20 years. He’s extremely passionate about the fire service.

“And he gives everything he can to educate and to build all of those below him and around him. He has probably the best character of anybody I’ve ever met.”

One of Siegel’s final duties was to officially promote Marcotte during a March 20 ceremony at the township’s new Essential Services Complex that Siegel did yeoman’s work to usher into existence.

READY TO ROLL

Marcotte also has nearly a quartercentury of duty with the department, moving up from the deputy fire chief position he was promoted to last spring by Siegel. In turn, Fire Marshal Kyle Lewis becomes the new deputy fire chief.

“It’s definitely a change of pace, learning some new duties and taking on some additional duties,” Marcotte said. “But overall, it’s been a fantastic experience.”

Following in his predecessor’s firefighter boots is a huge deal, Marcotte continued.

But he ultimately fully trusts how he was taught, trained and tested for the top job by his predecessor and other members of the outstanding leadership team.

“Our main focus is to maintain exactly what we’re doing,” noted Marcotte, a township resident. “And to continue moving down the path that he and the other leaders in the organization have set, and then once we have that, once we’re confident in that, then we’ll continue to look for ways to improve.

“Because that is one of our organizational values.”

The Siegel-to-Marcotte baton passing came off seamlessly – emblematic of the ongoing mission and devotion of the Northville Township Fire Department itself.

“Jesse is an absolutely amazing leader,” said Siegel, about his successor. “I could not be more grateful to have him as one of my closest and trusted teammates for the past

Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo touted what Siegel built during his 10 years as fire chief (and another decade-plus with the department). He added that Marcotte is a shining example of the “promote from within” philosophy constructed under Siegel’s leadership.

“All I can say is (Siegel’s) been a great asset to Northville Township,” Abbo said. “He’s helped move the fire department forward, was very involved in the planning and construction of our second fire station and just brought a wealth of professionalism to the department.”

Abbo also had high praise for Siegel for

Photos

New Northville Township Fire Chief Jesse Marcotte (left) shakes hands with retiring Brent Siegel during Marcotte’s promotion ceremony March 20 at the Essential Services Complex.

Northville Township Public Safety Director Scott Hilden holds up a plaque for outgoing chief Brent Siegel honoring his many years of service to the township.

Our main focus is to maintain exactly what we’re doing. And to continue moving down the path that he and the other leaders in the organization have set, and then once we have that, once we’re confident in that, then we’ll continue to look for ways to improve. Because that is one of our organizational values.”

New

the entirety of his Northville Township tenure, for leading the fire department “into an agency recognized nationally as a model of professionalism, performance and preparedness.”

The new station is the latest major accomplishment of Siegel’s career. More than 15 years ago, he was instrumental in the department’s upgrade from basic to advanced life support and developing it into a top EMS agency in Michigan.

“I was a part of the team that brought advanced life support to the township,” Siegel said. “We used to provide EMS service at a basic life-support level and in 2010 we upgraded our service to advanced life support.

“And I helped facilitate that service level improvement and continue to refine our program into one of the best pre-hospital care programs in our region.”

A MATTER OF TIME

That second fire station, as part of the new Essential Services Complex on Seven Mile Road (which opened last year), has proven to be a complete game-changer in how quickly fire trucks and ambulances can answer emergency situations in the eastern and northeastern portions of Northville Township.

The ESC’s second fire station has enabled nearly two minutes to be shaved off typical response times to those areas.

“Opening a second fire station was certainly a goal of mine and it was a goal of mine before I was ever fire chief,” Siegel explained. “It was something I recognized, and everybody recognized, was a need of the community. And that is specifically related to response time.”

The two-minute reduction in response time is critical when helping save lives, whether in fires or health emergencies.

“When it comes to medical emergencies, two minutes is a major deal,” Siegel explained. “Especially when you’re dealing with somebody having a stroke, somebody having a cardiac arrest. … The brain starts to die within four minutes of not having oxygen. Two minutes makes a massive difference.

“So, if it takes you eight minutes to get there and (a victim’s) brain starts to die in four you have a serious problem.”

Siegel said the second fire station has also had a major impact in putting out fires before they engulf homes and other structures.

“People have less time to get out of a structure when it’s on fire,” Siegel said. “And buildings collapse at a quicker rate (in many ways due to modern construction practices, where combustible materials are used). If you’re stuck in a burning building, two minutes seem like a very long time if you’re awaiting a rescue.

“Or if your family member’s not breathing and you need emergency intervention, two minutes makes all the difference in the world.”

For as dedicated to saving lives as Siegel has been during his Northville Township career, not to mention confidently steering the department into the 21st century, he made sure that those staying behind will continue to remain true to the quest. It is also why Siegel, and now Marcotte, are

steadfast in making sure every member of the department is razor sharp in mastering today’s always-evolving firefighting tools and technology.

In 2025 alone, employees of the department logged just under 5,600 training hours. Efforts continue to recruit tomorrow’s firefighters and EMS workers, with training academies at Schoolcraft College and other junior colleges.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside Brent,” said Northville Township Manager Glenn Caldwell. “His dedication and professionalism are unmatched. Under his guidance, the Northville Township Fire Department has become arguably the best department in the state.”

That is a high bar for anybody to clear. But new Fire Chief Jesse Marcotte – who tipped his cap to Siegel for helping prepare him for the top job – is more than prepared for the challenge.

“He (Siegel) created a new department vision, (to) build a foundation for the future,” Marcotte emphasized. “And it took a second to understand exactly what that meant.

“Really, what he was describing was just a perpetual state of always making sure we’re ready for the next run.”

Northville Township Fire Chief Jesse Marcotte, who takes over for the retiring Brent Siegel

Jesse Marcotte (left) is the new Northville Township Fire Chief and Kyle Lewis is his deputy.

Jesse Marcotte’s sons Aidan, 6, and Ace, 5, pinned on his new badge during a promotion ceremony at the new fire station.

All Grit, All Girls

By Wensdy Von Buskirk

Inaugural NHS girls flag football season reflects explosive growth of sport

Girls flag football is sweeping the nation, and Northville High School is now part of the movement, taking the field for its inaugural season. More than 30 girls from all four grade levels are representing NHS in four games in the All Grit League this spring.

“This sport has really taken off because of the push from the Detroit Lions and the NFL,” says head coach Chris Manno. “It’s all about inclusion, diversity, and opportunity.”

Flag football emphasizes agility, strategy, and skill over size and strength, with rules prohibiting intentional contact.

“The physical nature of tackle football can limit who feels like they can participate. Flag football removes that barrier,” Manno says. “It’s changing the culture of the sport and making it more adaptable.”

Northville’s club team arose out of a huge push by the NFL, which has partnered with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to establish girls flag football as a varsity

Isabel Allen throws a pass during a recent practice for the NHS girls flag football team.

The inaugural NHS girls flag football team will be coached by Chris Manno (kneeling in white shirt) and several varsity football players.

: Photos by Bryan Mitchell

sport at the collegiate level.

With added funding, including coaching stipends, the sport has expanded quickly in high schools and universities across the country, and is on track to debut in the 2028

have successfully secured nearly 10 local community sponsors.

“There are more start-up costs with flag football than something like a chess or hiking club, especially in our inaugural season,” Manno says. “If people want to get involved, we would gladly and humbly welcome it — our community and local businesses can sponsor a team meal, come to games, or provide financial support.”

Continued on Page 12

“We have girls who have been lifelong athletes and others who have never played a sport before,” Manno says. “Some have never even been to a gym, and they’re thanking us for the opportunity.”

Manno, who has long been involved with the NHS boys football program, stepped up as head coach, joined by Assistant Coach Lester Smith and varsity football student volunteer coaches Max DeFore, Drew Bandilla, Noah Chiaravalle and Chase Gilbertson. Manno credits Athletic Director Brian Samulski and the school’s athletic department for backing the launch and says support from the community has also been strong.

COVERING THE COST

The Detroit Lions have championed the Michigan Girls Flag Football League since 2022 and generously provide organizational support and funding along with game uniforms, footballs, field accessories and flag kits by USA Football.

However, additional equipment is needed to ensure flag football remains safe and competitive. These costs are self-funded — including cleats, gloves, mouthguards and protective headbands — as well as fees for game referees.

To offset these expenses, the Northville girls flag team have relied on grassroots fundraising and

Taylor Chrzanowski (from left), Ny Hande and Izzie DeFore, along with Taylor’s sister Jenna (not pictured), were the primary girls to get the team started.

Northville flag football player Ny Hande snags a ball during a recent practice.

Continued from Page 11

EYES DOWNFIELD

The team has shown promising early chemistry, and Manno believes the founding members will be pioneers in a sport that’s destined to develop at Northville High.

“I’m not a fortune teller, but I’d say it is likely within five years or less girls flag football will be a sanctioned Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) sport,” he says. “There’s just too much interest and excitement to contain.”

For Manno, the most meaningful part is the athletes themselves.

“I feel very fortunate to be part of this,” he says. “But it’s really about the girls. They’re the ones showing courage by stepping into something new. They walk through the halls proudly saying, ‘I’m a girls flag football player.’ They’re putting in the work, and they deserve all the credit.”

For more information or to support the team, follow @nhswomensflagfootball on Instagram & email: northvillegirlsflagfootball@gmail.com

Player Perspectives Player Perspectives

Hear from members of Northville High School’s first girls flag football team:

NYAIRA HANDE - GRADE: 11 - RUNNING BACK

“I came to join the team because I’ve always had a passion for football and wanted to help create more opportunities for girls to be involved in the sport.”

IZZIE DEFORE - GRADE: 9 - SAFETY / RUNNING BACK

“The thing I’m most excited about as the season starts is improving my football skills while being a part of the first girls flag football team at Northville.”

JENNA CHRZANOWSKI - GRADE: 9 - DEFENSE / WIDE RECEIVER

“I wanted to play because I wanted to have fun with my friends, play against friends from other schools, and try something new that I had interest in.”

TAYLOR CHRZANOWSKI - GRADE: 9 - QUARTERBACK

“I am most excited to play in the games and see how my team develops and gets better as the season goes on.”

ISABEL ALLEN - GRADE: 10 - QUARTERBACK

“Flag has helped me grow so many connections with people I never would have met, and I am so lucky I get to be a part of this team.”

BROOKE SCHABEL - GRADE: 11 - WIDE RECEIVER

“I am most excited for game days on the weekends and spending time with my friends and teammates.”

MADDIE CHIRGWIN - GRADE: 11 - DEFENSE

“I joined the girls flag football team because I think it is a really amazing opportunity and it will be a chance to have fun with my friends while learning about football and expanding football to a wider range of people.”

Flying High still

Northville Eagles Club soars toward 80th anniversary

By Michele M. Fecht | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

Chartered a year after the close of World War II, Northville’s Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2504 will celebrate its 80th anniversary on April 24 and 25.

Located at the corner of Mary Alexander Court and South Center Street (tucked behind the Masonic Temple building), the organization will host a private membersonly affair on April 24 and then open its doors to the public on April 25 with a party featuring live music by “The Love Junkies.”

“A lot of people don’t really know we’re here,” said Chris Mulcahy, the organization’s secretary, adding that the

anniversary celebration is an opportunity to open its doors to the public.

The building’s understated exterior makes it easy to overlook the organization’s headquarters. The interior, however, with its full bar, friendly club room and band stand, has a totally different vibe.

Though it maintains a healthy 400-member roster, Mulcahy said the organization continues to seek new members. “We’re hoping to get to 500 members by the end of the year,” he said, noting that there is no barrier to membership, and is open to both men and

women. Approximately 40 to 45 percent of members are female with many serving in leadership roles.

Among those is Suzanne Adamowicz, who joined the organization a little more than four years ago and currently serves as a trustee. She first started coming to the club when her brother was serving as president.

“I came to listen to the bands and found the drinks reasonably priced. I really enjoyed myself and decided I wanted to join,” she said. As one of five trustees, Adamowicz works with the property team and helps oversee operations of the club’s social room.

By definition, the Eagles are primarily a social club. “It’s kind of like Cheers,” said Darrell Harris, a decades-long member of the Northville chapter equating the club to the TV show. “Everybody knows your name.”

Northville’s Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2504 will celebrate its 80th anniversary on April 24-25.

The Northville Eagles Club has been headquartered at 113 S. Center Street since 1953 when it moved into the building (above right) that formerly housed the beer store operation of Charles Altman. A 1976 fire destroyed the building. The club rebuilt the current hall (above) on the same site.

In addition to the bands, music, a certified kitchen (food is served on band nights) and “the most affordable drinks in town,” the club also has a lottery license. The upper level of the two-story structure, called “Cloud Nine: Where Eagles Fly High,” offers 1,500 square feet of rental event space (with renovated restrooms).

19th CENTURY BEGINNINGS

The Fraternal Order of Eagles traces its roots to 1898 when six theater owners in Seattle, Washington, formed an organization called The Order of Good Things. Selecting the bald eagle as its official emblem led to the name change of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Northville’s Eagles Aerie 2504 is one of 1,500 chapters nation-wide. Membership allows privileges to other aeries across the country. Aerie in nature is a lofty nest of birds of prey including eagles. In the Fraternal Order of Eagles, it is the name of the building where members meet.

In its nearly 130-year history, the organization has included among its members six U.S.

Presidents, two First Ladies (Eleanor Roosevelt and Bess Truman), as well as a slew of athletes, entertainers and notables including Detroiters Gordie Howe and Jimmy Hoffa.

The organization’s motto – or statement of purpose –is “People Helping People.”

Chapter President George Borysko — a 20-year-member serving his 10th year as president — said one of his favorite aspects of the organization is its charity work.

“I really like the charity part of it,” he said, noting that among the projects the club has supported are toy and coat drives as well as fundraising for New Hope Center for Grief Support and a golf tournament each year to benefit Northville’s Living & Learning Enrichment Center.

Many aeries have auxiliaries specific to women in the organization. Northville’s chapter disbanded its auxiliary as more women joined the organization and took on leadership roles. “It was a duplication of effort,” Borysko noted. While auxiliaries continue to play a part in other

chapters, Northville moved to an aerie only club with men and women working together toward the same goals.

RISING FROM THE ASHES

Chartered in 1946, the Northville Eagles originally gathered in the union hall above what was then Gambles Hardware Store on the north side of East Main Street. It moved to its present location in 1953 occupying the building that formerly housed the beer store operation of Charles Altman.

On December 1, 1976, a devastating fire destroyed the Northville Eagles club house. Believed to have started in a

PUBLIC WELCOME

Members of the public who may not be able to attend the April 25 public opening at the Eagles’ 80th anniversary celebration have several opportunities to visit the club this year. Upcoming public openings include the following:

• April 25 (Sat) - Eagles 80th Anniversary Celebration (Love Junkies Band)

• May 2 (Sat) – Kentucky Derby (Free Beer Band)

• August 28 (Fri) – LIV Golf (Kari Holmes Band)

false ceiling in the building, the fire threatened other downtown buildings requiring firefighters to man rooftops to keep the fire from spreading. Plymouth Township was called to send its aerial rig and pumper. Some 23 Northville firefighters and most of Northville’s fire trucks were pressed into service. By early the next morning, only the exterior walls of the building were left standing. Undaunted, Northville’s Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2504 rebuilt its headquarters on the same site. Fifty years later it is celebrating its milestone 80th anniversary. And it’s still flying high.

• September 18 (Fri) – Victorian Festival (Rude Dogs Band)

• October 2 (Fri) – Skeletons Are Alive (TBD Entertainment)

• October 31 (Sat) – Halloween (Atomic Cafe)

• November 20 (Fri) – Holiday / Lighted Parade (Entertainment TBD)

• November 25 (Wed) – Thanksgiving Eve (Plan B Band)

• December 31 (Thu) – New Year’s Eve (TBD Entertainment)

Officer of the Fraternal Order of Eagles include (from left) trustee Katelyn Perch, vice president Larry West, trustee Kris Mulcahy, trustee Kenny Madden, president George Borysko, outside guard Eric Gala, trustee Suzanne Adamowicz, secretary Chris Mulcahy and trustee David Honsinger.

George Borysko, the current president of the Northville Fraternal Order of Eagles, sits in the lounge.

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Northville Athletics Changing Leagues

Mustangs join Novi in bolting to competitive 25-school OAA

By Brad Emons

Following the conclusion of 2026-27 school calendar year, Northville High athletics will be saying good-bye to the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) and hello to the Oakland Activities Association.

The stunning announcement came March 2 as Northville (enrollment 2,434) will be moving into the 25-school OAA for 2027-28 and leaving KLAA, which featured 16 schools and two divisions of eight (East and West) during the current 202526 athletics calendar.

Northville, despite being mostly located in Wayne County, will be making the move to the OAA in concert with longtime rival Novi (enrollment 2,148).

Superintendent of Schools

R.J. Webber, along with Northville principal Tony Koski and athletic director Brian Samulski, signed off on the move along with Novi administration, which included principal Nicole Carter and A.D. Don Watchowski.

After the KLAA members from the Livonia Public Schools (Churchill, Franklin, Stevenson) announced they were leaving to join the Lakes Valley Conference in 202627 along with OAA members Farmington and North Farmington, the wheels were set in motion for conference realignment and reshuffling.

A proposal to form a 28-school, four-division merger between the remaining 14 KLAA members, including new 2026-27 invitee Dearborn

Heights Crestwood (1,304), with the 14-school Southeastern Conference stalled last fall after administrators from the SEC couldn’t obtain a two-thirds majority vote.

“We always explored it together. When the Livonia schools said we are leaving –after that our goal in the KLAA was to stay together,” Samulski said. “And so, we looked at three different options last spring and summer. One was to open it up and bring teams in. Two, we talked about merging or joining SEC, and we talked to the SEC leadership about that. And then three, as a league, we talked with the OAA about the possibility of the entire KLAA merging with or going with the OAA.

“The SEC sort of built speed and got going, and then that got turned down in September. When that SEC thing got turned down in September, at that point individual schools then started looking for what was best for their individual school versus the KLAA as a whole. Once that got turned down in late September and early October, that’s when Northville and Novi started to look at the OAA more intensely and individual schools were looking at other individual places.

“We thought the OAA gave us the most stability so we don’t have to do this again,” Samulski continued. “Another big thing is programming – ninth-grade level, JV level, varsity level – but more importantly the younger levels and the programming they offer so we can make sure our younger level kids get engaged. Sports offerings . . . the new sports they offer girls field hockey, boys volleyball. They offer all those wide range of sports.”

COMPETITIVE BALANCE

Unlike the KLAA, the OAA offers a competitive balance structure. That was another factor in Northville changing conferences.

Not only will Northville have the largest enrollment in the OAA, but it will also bring in state championship caliber programs. The Mustangs’ boys cross country team has captured four straight MHSAA Division 1 titles, while its girls golf team has won four of the last six.

In the fall of 2025, Northville won the D1 girls tennis title, while in 2024, Northville captured both the Division 1 girls volleyball championships (fall) and baseball (spring) crowns.

“Teams that are really, really competitive, they’re going to get the chance compete against the best in that conference,” Samulski said. “The teams that might be struggling a little bit, they’re going to get a chance to compete against like teams and be in competitive games, which should help them grow their program and get kids to continue playing and stay in the sport.”

Based on a past performancebased formula, divisional realignment would occur in football every two years, while the remaining sports could be reshuffled each year.

This past fall, the football OAA Red Division consisted of Clarkston (enrollment 2,115), Oxford (1,717), Rochester Adams (1,489), West Bloomfield (1,708) and Lake Orion (2,140), while the OAA White had Harper Woods (710), Birmingham Groves (1,162), Rochester Stoney Creek (1,686), Rochester (1,765) and Southfield A&T (1,305).

The move to the OAA will not impact the Northville-Novi football rivalry. The teams, even if they end up in different divisions, will still be able to schedule the annual Baseline Jug game, which has gone on for 58 years.

“Based on the size of us, we will be in one of the top two divisions,” Northville third-year football coach Brent Luplow said. “It’s exciting. It will create new teams, always fun to play new teams that you haven’t played before.”

Luplow, who was the offensive coordinator for KLAA member Brighton before taking over the head coaching reins at Northville, called the move “unexpected.”

“It’s a little out of my comfort zone because I’ve been so familiar with the KLAA and the teams that were in it, so we will play a whole new group of teams,” he said. “We’ve played the OAA in the non-league games the last three years. Split with Lake Orion so far and beat Clarkston to open in the year in 2023.

“We know that when we’re at our best we can be competitive,” Luplow continued. “It’s certainly going to be a different type of league, but I feel like our guys will embrace it. We’ve ended up being competitive in a lot of sports here. I’m excited to see how we compete and how we take the challenge to go over there.”

The OAA will leave open season-opening and regular season closing dates to schedule non-conference opponents.

That means if Northville and Novi are not in the same football division, they will still be able to schedule each other and preserve the Baseline Jug rivalry that has gone on for 58 years.

“We’ll always protect that rivalry,” Luplow said. “At least that’s what I heard.”

Samulski said he has received some feedback already from his staff of coaches.

“I think it’s mixed,”

Samulski said. “I think some coaches are concerned about travel. And some coaches are disappointed we are not with the three schools in Livingston County anymore. And change isn’t always easy. Some are excited about the challenge of going to the OAA and doing something different. Everybody understands that change is possible. We’re going to do it and make the best of it. We think it’s best for our kids. I think with Northville and Novi going there it becomes one of better leagues in Michigan and our kids will now have a chance to compete against the best and get them ready for state tournaments.”

Travel concerns will be at the forefront once the reconfigured OAA is set for the 2027-28 athletics calendar. There are also rumors that Grand Blanc (1,691), ironically a former KLAA member, along with fellow Saginaw Valley Conference member Davison (1,694), were both accepted into the OAA just days after the Northville-Novi announcement.

“That’s the one thing we talked about a lot as we were making this choice is travel and time on a bus,” Samulski said. “And it goes for us and it also goes for the Lake Orion people that might have to come here. When we form divisions one of the pillars is competitive balance, but then also we are going to have to be creative in our scheduling right? If we are playing basketball West Bloomfield and Oxford in one week, we would think we’d do West Bloomfield on a Tuesday and Oxford on a Friday – those longer trips during school nights.”

As far as scheduling, Samulski said it will look to the newly

expanded SEC, which includes the 13 remaining KLAA members, as non-conference foes.

“The nice thing is we still have those relationships with the teams in the KLAA,” Samulski said. “So, we will do a lot of non-league stuff with those guys. At that’s another way how I look at it. In the past, in the KLAA with league games and we played a lot of OAA teams as non-league games. My thinking and my philosophy is, we will now sort of flip that. Now we will play OAA teams as league games and non-league will be the closer schools to us.”

When it comes to the irony of ironies, the SEC and the KLAA decided to finally merge just a day before Northville and Novi elected to accept the OAA’s invitation.

The new structure in the SEC will look like this for 2027-28:

Blue Division: Canton (2,102), Howell (2,091), Brighton (1,954), Salem (1,901), Plymouth (1,865) and Hartland (1,690).

Red Divison: Ann Arbor Huron (1,940), Ann Arbor Pioneer (1,904), Saline (1,612), Ann Arbor Skyline (1,476), Temperance Bedford (1,372), Dexter (1,075).

Silver Division: Dearborn Fordson (2,159), Dearborn (1,821), Monroe (1,768), Belleville (1,683), Westland John Glenn (1,665), Wayne

Memorial (1,423) and newcomer Dearborn Heights Crestwood (1,304).

White Division: Ypsilanti Lincoln (1,052), Ypsilanti (979), Jackson (996), Jackson Northwest (931), Adrian (800), Chelsea (764), Tecumseh (730), Pinckney (602).

Jackson Northwest is new to the fold from the Interstate 8 Athletic Conference, while the SEC could look toward another school to join to make it 28 school total.

“For the longest time I thought it would pass,” Luplow said of the original SEC-KLAA merger proposal last fall. “It made the most amount of sense in my mind. Geographically, you figure it’s doable, but it’s a lot different (the OAA) for us. It’s going to be a piece that you’re going to have to get used to. It didn’t matter to me. I’d like to be in both leagues. We have a new home and it’s something we have to get comfortable with. Excited for the challenge.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Northville High School is leaving the KLAA conference, and joining the 25team Oakland Activities Association (OAA), which includes Clarkston, West Bloomfield and Lake Orion. Do you think it’s a good move for the Mustangs? Email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@ thevillemagazine.com.

One of the attractions to joining the OAA is the league offers girls field hockey (above), boys volleyball and a wide range of sports other leagues did not offer, according to NHS AD Brian Samulski.

Northville Leaders Hope to Expand Farmers’ Market Site

City applies for DNR grant to acquire current Inch Memorial location

By Tim Smith

Any great vision for the future takes plenty of patience to see it come to fruition.

That could be a description for the slow-but-steady march toward there someday being a fully realized “Northville Commons Park” or “Northville Farmers Commons” – a couple of unofficial monikers being tested for a multi-parcel community resource where the Farmers’ Market is gearing up for another May-to-October season.

Already in place along Seven Mile Road are two multi-acre parcels of property stitched together, part of a unique citytownship land consortium. Those parcels include one currently owned by Northville

Township where McDonald Ford was formerly located – used for Farmers’ Market parking. Behind that property is a parcel owned by the city of Northville, largely where farmers, vendors and food trucks are located every week during the Farmers Market.

Officials with the city of Northville are hoping to expand the site.

Northville city council members on March 16 approved applying for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant that would clear the way for a third parcel to join the other two. That property, estimated at 1.6 acres, is owned by the family of former Mayor James Allen and is currently leased

to Inch Memorials along Northville Road.

It could take up to six months for the DNR to approve the city’s grant application. But even if that happens on schedule, the city will have to wait until Inch’s current 5-year lease expires in the next year or so before officially closing on the land, Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull said.

“The township owns the front, we own the back and we’re putting them in one land consortium,” Turnbull said. “We’re doing it as one piece of land, but we’re still working through the legal ramifications for one piece of land. … We just want to make it one land together. The third piece will be part of this.”

Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull at the property currently occupied by Inch Memorial on Northville Road, which the city is looking to purchase to add it to the current Farmers’ Market site. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

The basic consortium already is in place: the township now owns the title for the 2.6-acre ex-McDonald Ford parcel (closest to Custard Time on Seven Mile) which was purchased in 2025 from Northville businessman Jeff Snyder; the city is in possession of the title for a 2-acre plot behind that piece – property bought from the Allen family several years ago.

But what attorneys for the city and township are close to finalizing is paperwork that would streamline the consortium by giving both municipalities an equal share of titles for current and future pieces of property there.

“The front bucket (property) is the township bucket, they own that,” Turnbull added. “And the back bucket is the city, we own that. But both buckets are under the consortium. Eventually, there’ll be three parcels of land (in the consortium), all the same legal entity. Right now, there’s two legal entities.”

Successfully obtaining the DNR grant is another important part of the puzzle.

“We have to get the grant, but we are looking to close at the end of the time where the lease runs out,” Turnbull said. “We have the first right after that lease runs out.

“The Allen family has been outstanding working with us, and patient, on the back piece. And on this piece we will work with them whatever they want to do in the future.”

I think it will be very worthwhile if we ultimately did acquire it and I’m optimistic about it. …There are lots of good opportunities for us.

Mark Abbo, Northville Township Supervisor

TEAMING UP

In the event the third parcel can be bought and added to the mix, it too would automatically be covered by the 50-50 consortium, Turnbull continued.

“We just want to manage it legally under one title,” said Turnbull, co-chairman of the consortium (Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo is the co-chair).

“We’re working it out. It’s just a matter of everybody agreeing.”

Abbo said the township is fully on board and will be “supportive” and participate in however the city moves forward on the matter.

“If that (third) piece is acquired it will add to the opportunities for programming for that property and it just enhances it,” Abbo said. “I think it will be very worthwhile if we ultimately did acquire it and I’m optimistic about it. …There are lots of good opportunities for us.”

Whenever the DNR grant comes through, according to Turnbull, the Inch Monuments structure would be demolished.

There also would be state money designated for access roads from Northville Road and Seven Mile into the property.

“We would take the (Inch) building down, that whole corner would be activated,” Turnbull explained. “… We would look at another grant for a permanent structure in the middle of that property.

“If we had all of that, then you can really see where we need to put a building, if you have access on both sides.”

COMING INTO FOCUS

Turnbull echoed Abbo in his enthusiasm for what a three-parcel Northville Commons could bring to the city, township and surrounding communities.

“We’re looking forward to expanding the usage of that land to do more things there and have more opportunities for the citizens,” Turnbull said.

Although the former McDonald Ford land is primarily now used for parking, the potential for the larger footprint to yield a variety of programming options abounds.

“We’ve used it for the Farmers’ Market, we’ve had car shows there,” Turnbull said. “We’ve had movies in the park, we’ve had 5K runs. Utopia is we use (the property) all the time for different things every day.”

Another voice of optimism for the future belongs to Jim Cracraft, executive director of the Northville Chamber of Commerce, which manages the Farmers’ Market.

“That space just has tremendous opportunity for the community and the city and the township as its developed,” Cracraft said. “We really see it as a focus for folks to come together, whether that’s for the Farmers’ Market or for other communityrelated events.”

Northville leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Farmers’ Market site last May. They say this year’s market will be bigger and better than ever. Photo by Kurt Kuban

Farmers’ Market gearing up for new ’bigger and better’ season

By Tim Smith

With apologies to the Detroit Tigers, the real opening day is Thursday, May 7 – at least around Northville, that is.

That morning, in the “Commons Area” across from Custard Time near Seven Mile and Center Street, what is promised to be a bigger and better season of the Northville Farmers’ Market kicks it off.

Hours for one of only two Thursday markets in metropolitan Detroit are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with weekly sessions continuing until October 29.

“We’re not only excited, we’re looking forward to launching it and having a great Farmers’ Market season,” said Jim Cracraft, executive director of the Northville Chamber of Commerce (which manages the Farmers’ Market for the city and township). “It’s just another example of what’s good about our community, some of the great opportunities for folks to get together, gather, do some shopping, have some fellowship, grab a coffee or a snack.

“It’s really become a premier Northville gathering spot.”

Certain to be a hit with customers will be the Good Sense Coffee mobile truck, where folks can grab hot cups of java or buy some beans if they wish.

“That’s very popular,” Cracraft noted. “The popcorn man will be back. We’ll be featuring Polish food and that’s very popular.”

To go along with coffee, Cannelle (a recent addition to downtown Northville) will sell baked goods.

There also will be food trucks such as The Little Salumi, where made-to-order sandwiches are certain to be selling briskly.

“We’re going to have some different ones (food trucks) in and out each week,” Cracraft said.

With the expanded Northville Farmers’ Market now being established, Cracraft said there will be an estimated 25 percent more vendors on hand to greet the hundreds of visitors from all over southeast Michigan.

And those customers will notice easier access to the vicinity – with a free-flowing brand new roundabout and plenty of expanded parking –along with a greater variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and handmade crafts from which to choose from.

EXCLUSIVE AND CONVENIENT

It is the second season located at what is unofficially dubbed the Northville Commons, on the former McDonald Ford property.

“These are exciting times to be in Northville,” Cracraft said. “With the connectivity that’s being provided and the (walking) paths, we feel like we’ll see an uptick in attendance.”

The tradition of being open on Thursdays also keeps customers coming back, giving them an option from other nearby markets which do business on Saturdays (such as Plymouth and Farmington).

“Where we are, we have that exclusive Thursday time,” Cracraft said. “What a great time of the week, because folks are picking up produce for the weekend. Whether they’re sticking around and cooking out or going Up North, this has always been a destination.

“‘Hey, I’ve got to swing by the Farmers’ Market to pick up some things.’”

The Farmers’ Market also is ready for a long period of stability, following a period when the market was temporarily located in a shopping center parking lot near Seven Mile and Northville Road.

Those moves were prompted

by the massive Downs Redevelopment project, which displaced the Farmers’ Market to move from its longtime location – near the former Northville Downs racetrack from 1988 until 2023.

In 2024, the seasonal destination moved to the parking lot of Highland Lakes Shopping Center.

Northville Mayor Bryan Turnbull is enthusiastic about the coming season.

“We’re going to do some paving down there, we’re going to move our chalet’s over to one area,” Turnbull explained. “We’re working on best practices of what the chamber would like.

“… I think it will be bigger and better, with easier access and more paving.”

For more information about the 2026 Northville Farmers’ Market, visit northville.org.

The Northville Farmers’ Market will open for the season on Thursday, May 7.

LASER

HAIR

LASER

It's Your Business Insurish

Built Different — Right Down to the Mascot

What does an alpaca have to do with insurance?

At first glance, not much. But at a local insurance agency, the answer is simple: it represents a different way of doing business.

That’s where Alfred, an alpaca character with green spots and friendly smile comes in. You see, it’s been adopted as the mascot for Insurish™, an independent insurance agency in Northville.

INSURISH

carefully plan and execute their vision, Wagner and Williams formally put out the Insurish shingle on Main Street in 2023. Today, they are rapidly growing, with a staff of 15 and are licensed to sell property and casualty, as well as life and health insurance policies.

More Choices, More Flexibility

The two co-founders and managing partners work with 45-plus carriers, including many well-known brands, to provide multiple types of insurance coverage, such as home, boat, renters, auto, jewelry, life, collectibles, pets, health and business. By partnering with multiple

In addition to traditional insurance products, Insurish also works in the Excess and Surplus (E&S) market, which is an insurance sector for high-risk, unique or complex businesses.

Founders/Managing Partners: Northville residents Steve Wagner and Randy Williams

Address: 133 W. Main St., Suite 101, Northville, MI 48167

Phone: (248) 458-HELP (4357) Website: www.insurish.com

Under the E&S umbrella, the agency has quoted coverage for a high-risk business that handles hazardous materials, as well as a high-rise apartment building, mixed use commercial property and luxury homes.

“We truly have a product for everybody, whether it is a traditional homeowner with a couple of vehicles, a high net worth couple or a business owner,” says Williams.

The agency’s approach of diverse insurance products, customer education, community focus and

The Insurish team at their Northville office on Main Street.

independence also guides the team as they hire people into the agency.

“We are not built like a traditional insurance agency. We provide staff with the products and services that let them sell where they sell best. By offering many insurance carriers and the ability to work both remotely and in-office, we let the staff be unique, like our brand,” says Williams, adding

that they sell in Northville, Novi, Farmington Hills and have agents throughout the metro area. The agency is also in the early stages of opening an office in Florida.

Still, Northville will always be home for Insurish. Besides proximity for the co-founders, the recent redevelopment of Northville Downs combined with continued development in the area has generated the

kind of opportunity that fits an expanding business.

The agency also stays rooted in the community, whether through membership in the Northville Chamber of Commerce, working with the local library, volunteering for local schools or supporting high school sports teams.

Mascot Matches the Mission

“What also drew us to Northville was the uniqueness of the city and that it is a special place is to live and do business,” says Williams.

And that’s where Alfred the alpaca comes in.

“An alpaca is a unique animal, and they have them at the Living and Learning Enrichment Center in Northville,” explains Williams. “There is a lot of distinctiveness

about the alpaca, and we thought it would be a good mascot for us.”

And in case you’re wondering, an alpaca is a domesticated species of a South American camelid (and is not to be confused with a llama).

Randy Williams

Steve Wagner

NHS WINTER SPORTS ROUND-UP

By Brad Emons

Excellence A Season Of

Brady Stenson leads in the pool while girls shine on ice

Northville High School, again, fielded some excellent teams – whether in the pool, along the floor or on the ice and hardwoods -- during the winter sports season.

In multiple sports, the Mustangs were among the top teams in the state, led by the state championship efforts of swimmer Brady Stenson and the girls hockey team. The boys swimming and hockey teams came oh so close, with both finishing as state runnersup. All in all, it was another season of fantastic finishes and all-around excellence from the Mustangs.

BOYS SWIMMING

Riding the strong performance of senior Brady Stenson, Northville earned a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Division 1 boys swimming and diving finals held March 13-14 at Oakland University.

Ann Arbor Pioneer captured its fifth state title in six years by edging the Mustangs, 283-254, who last earned a runner-up finish in 2022.

Stenson accounted for 55.5 of Northville’s total points as he successfully defended his title in the 200-yard freestyle (1:36.79), an All-American Automatic time, to go along with a second in the 500 freestyle (4:30.45), which was

All-American Consideration.

He also teamed up with sophomore Justin Okopny, senior Ace Spicer and senior Benjamin Hu for a first in the 200 medley relay (1:31.84) and a second along with Okopny, Hu and senior Jayden Setyabudi in the 400 freestyle relay (3:02.84). Both relays were AllAmerican Automatic clockings.

Other individual All-State performers (top eight) for the

Mustangs included Okopny, third, 500 freestyle (4:31.48 AA-C); sixth, 200 freestyle (1:39.88); Hu, fourth, 200 individual medley (1:51.63); 100 butterfly (50.07); Spicer, sixth, 200 IM (1:52.57); senior Reed Anderson, sixth, 1-meter diving (377.05 points).

The Mustangs’ 200 freestyle relay team of Setyabudi, sophomore Quinn Guthrie, senior Arthur White and Spicer also earned All-State with a fourth-place showing (1:26.06).

“Very proud of all the boys this year,” Northville coach Rich Bennetts said. “We had an incredible senior class, led by Brady, who defended his 200 free state title and was a huge part of two All-American relays. We came up a little short of our ultimate goal, but I am extremely proud of the hard work that all of these boys put into this season.”

Other Northville swimmers

Senior Brady Stenson was All-State in four events including a repeat championship in the 200-yard freestyle at the MHSAA Division 1 finals March 14 at Oakland University. Photo courtesy of Rich Bennetts

The boys swim and dive team posted their first Division 1 runner-up finish since 2022 in the MHSAA finals held March 14 at Oakland University. Photo courtesy of Rich Bennetts

Madison Zurawski made All-State and All-Academic for the Mustangs. Photo courtesy of Jerry Thomas

earning points at the state meet included Spicer, ninth, 100 breaststroke (58.19); Setyabudi, 12th, 200 IM (1:56.03); senior Matthew Dertouzos, 13th, 200 IM (1:56.56); 15th, 100 breaststroke (59.47); White, 13th, 50 freestyle (21.98); Guthrie, 14th, 100 freestyle (47.65); 16th, 200 freestyle (1:43.95).

Northville also finished 7-0 in KLAA West Division dual meets and repeated as KLAA ‘A’ meet champions scoring 1,056.5 points over runner-up Plymouth (621.5).

The Mustangs captured all three relays including the 200 medley (1:33.77), 200 freestyle (1:27.38) and 400 freestyle (3:06.46).

Double individual winners included Hu, 200 (1:52.9) and 500 freestyle (4:36.36); Stenson, 50 freestyle (21.77) and 100 butterfly (50.90); and Okopny, 100 freestyle (46.78) and 100 backstroke (51.68). Spicer added a first in the 100 breaststroke (59.37).

GIRLS HOCKEY

Northville United, coached by J. Lee, earned the Michigan Girls High School Hockey League Division 3 regular season and state playoff titles en route to a 20-6-1 overall record.

The Lady Mustangs finished 10-0 in division play and captured the D3 playoffs – the first in program history -- with a 5-2 victory on March 4 over Ann Arbor Huron-Skyline, 5-2, followed by a 9-1 win on March 7 over St. Clair Shores, 9-1 (Both games were played at Fraser’s Big Boy Arena.)

Defensemen Katerina Vrahnos and Zoe Repotski, along with forward Avery Clark, each scored three goals during the playoffs, while Autumn

Clark was in goal for both victories.

The team’s leading scorers for the season included Vrahnos (26 goals, 12 assists), Avery Clark (20 goals, 10 assists), Repotski (15 goals, 13 assists), defenseman Madison Zurawski (13 goals, 12 assists) and forward Ariana Agazzi (6 goals, 17 assists).

Autumn Clark posted a 19-5-1 record in goal with a 1.05 goalsagainst average, an 0.94 save percentage and 11 shutouts.

Other team members include Charley Cohen, Elise Mavrinac, Mya Chapman, Erin Rayburn, Mia Garza, Rebecca Nordbeck, Hannah Broglin, Katie Martin, all forwards; Akia Jozaki and Madison Zurawski, both defensemen.

Assistant coaches include Paul Candela, Ben Hoyt and Jenna Carpenter.

All-State honorees were Betz, Zurawski and Vrahnos, while Betz, Repotski and Autumn Clark were named to the AllFreshman team.

The team sported a cumulative 3.44 grade-point average with Autumn Clark, Rayburn, Chapman, Betz, Zurawski, Agazzi, Martin, Mavrinac and Vrahnos named All-Academic.

BOYS HOCKEY

Posting a 23-9 overall record and its first-ever runner-up finish in the MHSAA Division 1 finals (see March issue), Northville had five players recognized for postseason honors by the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association.

Earning first-team All-State honors were senior forwards Ethan Egelski and Tommy

Marinoff, along with senior defenseman Graham Ryba.

Junior forward Lucas Goerke and senior goalie Andrea Castiglioni both made honorable mention.

Marinoff and Egelski also earned All-KLAA honors.

GYMNASTICS

The Mustangs, coached by Victoria Clay, finished eighth in the MHSAA gymnastics finals with 138.40 points on March 6 at Milford High School.

Northville’s Michelle Walker placed fifth in the Division 1 allaround (35.85) while earning individual All-State (top 10) honors in the balance beam (fourth, 9.35) and floor exercise (tied for ninth, 9.3).

Other D1 All-Staters for the Mustangs included Reagan Jacobi, who placed seventh on beam (9.25), and Melina Tsourapas, who took eighth in the vault (9.025).

Northville earned a spot in the team finals by winning the Regional 3 meet on Feb. 28 at Canton scoring 141.575 points.

Walker was the D1 all-around champion with a score of 35.55, including firsts on vault (9.3) and floor exercise (9.5). Teammate Olivia Schneider captured the D2 floor (9.25).

Rounding out the state meet team for the Mustangs was Andrea Diaz (D2) and Alex Kent (D2).

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Under first-year coach Jim Reddy, the Lady Mustangs (13-11, 8-6 KLAA West) reached the Division 1-District 14 championship game with a 5245 win over South Lyon before falling to host South Lyon East,

Continued on Page 34

The Lady Mustangs finished 10-0 in division play and captured the D3 playoffs – the first in program history – with a 9-1 win on March 7 over St. Clair Shores.

The gymnastics team, coached by Victoria Clay, finished eighth at the MHSAA finals on March 6 at Milford High School.

NHS WINTER SPORTS ROUND-UP

Continued from Page 33

23-18, on March 6.

Junior guard Sophia Fraas made the All-Conference West Division Select Team, while junior guard Payton Sivier earned All-Conference. Senior guard-forward Harper Lee made honorable mention.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Coach Sean Turner’s Mustangs (7-17, 3-11 KLAA West) defeated rival Novi in the Division 1-District 14 opener, 59-40, before falling to host Novi Detroit Catholic Central, 70-37, in the semifinals.

Senior forward Brody Grezak made the All-Conference team, while senior guard Nate Isiah Imbuzerio earned honorable mention.

WRESTLING

The host Mustangs, coached by Derek Aluia, captured the Division 1-District 120-team tourney on Feb. 11 with victories over Plymouth (66-16) and Salem (73-6).

In Regional 105, Northville edged Livonia Stevenson (41-39) before falling on Feb. 18 to eventual four-time state champion and host Novi Detroit Catholic Central (83-0).

In the D1 individual finals March 5-6 at Detroit’s Ford Field, Northville freshman

Mason Aluia (113 pounds) made All-State (top eight) by going 1-3 and placing eighth. Aluia finished 43-11 on the season highlighted by a second at the district and third at the regional.

Northville had two other state qualifiers led by freshman Jacob Feldman (106), who finished 49-9 overall including 1-2 at the state finals. Feldman was third in both the regional and district and was runner-up in the KLAA tournament.

Meanwhile, Junior Daniel Dunne (138) lost both his state finals matches and finished 42-19 on the season. He was

third at the district, fourth at the regional and fourth in the KLAA.

At the KLAA tourney, other Northville podium finishers included Basho Muhlbauer (175), third; Brandon Perrine (165), fourth; and Michael Mandjack (126), fifth.

Northville’s Svara Karanam (130) added a third in the KLAA girls division.

BOYS BOWLING

Northville earned a fifthplace finish at the Division 1-Region 7 tourney on Feb. 20 at Canton’s Super Bowl Lanes.

Dearborn (3,664) and Salem (3,517) earned team qualifying spots, while the Mustangs had 3,313 including Baker game best of 224.

Northville senior Drew

Bandilla earned the seventh and final qualifying spot in the individual state finals by placing seventh at the regional with a six-game total of 1,268, including high games of 227227.

Teammate Brian Roth was eighth with a 1,249, including a high game of 268. Other top finishers for the Mustangs included senior Connor Wilson (12th, 1,224), senior Robbie Kehoe (17th, 1,117) and senior Ryker Gorman (24th, 1,142).

In the qualifying block at the D1 finals held March 1 at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, Bandilla finished 34th with an 1,153 total highlighted by a 225.

GIRLS BOWLING

In the D1-Region tourney on Feb. 20 at Super Bowl, champion Livonia Churchill (3,110) and runner-up Westland John Glenn (2,916) captured the team qualifying berths, while Northville placed seventh with a 2,535 highlighted by a 744 in Game 2.

The Lady Mustangs top individual finisher was senior Kaitlyn Dreyer, who finished ninth with a six-game total of 1,003 highlighted by a 201 game.

Senior Lauren Hengstebeck (23rd, 920), junior Marissa Hocking (32nd, 846), sophomore Madelyn Hocking (45th, 743) and sophomore Jazmine Zaas (46th, 737) rounded out Northville’s top five.

BOYS ALPINE SKIING

The Mustangs earned a spot in the MHSAA finals by finishing third in the Regional 3 meet on Feb. 11 at Alpine Valley.

Catholic Central (64), Brighton (98) and the Mustangs (148) advanced to the D1 finals

The boys and girls ski teams both qualified for the state finals.

held Feb. 23 at Boyne Mountain.

Traverse City West (1623-39) earned the state title followed by runner-up Marquette (21-26-47) and third-place Traverse City Central (62-47-109).

Northville, coached by Kyle Moir, finished eighth with 130139-269.

In the slalom, Northville’s top finisher was Wesley Shoemaker (24th, 71.83 seconds) followed by Adrian Brown (40th, 82.60).

In the giant slalom, Brown and Ryan Douglas placed 54th and 55th with times of 88.84 and 88.86, respectively.

Other state finals team members for the Mustangs included Luca Viola, Josh Banchero and Luke Gibbons.

GIRLS ALPINE SKIING

In Regional 3, Brighton (37), Northville (107) and Farmington Hills Mercy (135) earned the three state finals qualifying spots.

Marquette captured the state title Feb. 23 at Boyne Mountain with 24-32-56 followed by Traverse City Central (32-3062) and Traverse City West (36-40-76).

Northville finished seventh overall with a 125-130-255 total.

Madeleine Richard took 25th in the slalom (82.52) and 27th in the GS (79.42), while teammate Charlotte Bysouth placed 40th in the slalom (88.54) and 32nd in the GS (80.34).

Other state team members included Julia Patterson, Kate Weiland, Alyssa Brown and Anna Frauenheim.

Northville senior Drew Bandilla (with Coach Bob Young) earned a qualifying spot in the individual state finals.

NHS senior basketball players Kamden Brown, Andrew Payne, Brayden Burns, Cameron Brown, Nate Isiah Imbuzeiro and Brody Grezak.

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)

You feel fine. You have no aches.

A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Mission: Full Body MRI Scans Without a Doctor’s Referral

You pass your annual physical with flying colors.

endured brutal treatments and cruel side effects. Tragically, the cancer later returned as a brain tumor.

your insides. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, this machine emits NO radiation and is completely non-invasive.

(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.

You think you’re safe.

Softball Size Tumors Silently Grew 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

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.

But before he passed, Dr. Ringold left behind a legacy—and a warning—for the rest of us.

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.

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.

Raising Awareness 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.”

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.”

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

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 lifethreatening emergencies.

Take Control: No Doctor’s Order

Scans are safe, non-invasive, emit no radiation and are available without a doctor’s referral.

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

• No Doctor’s Referral Needed: You are in charge of your own health.

$200 savings offer. Book an appointment by calling 1-833-BIONICC. (833-246-6422)

• 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.

On the Road With

No Problems in Puerto Vallarta

Two couples from Northville traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in early March.

Paul and Barbara Widzinski and LeAnne and Rob Stevens, longtime friends, were growing worried as the trip approached when they saw news reports of the Mexican cartels committing violent acts in the city. The images of the burning buses, taxi cabs and a Costco store were giving them pause, but they decided to go ahead with the planned trip. Fortunately, they did not see any evidence of any problems while they were there.

“Our trip was simply to enjoy our friendship and spend some time together in a warm climate,” said Paul Widzinksi, who noted the two couples both live in downtown Northville and are avid readers of The ‘Ville. “We are all retired and enjoying these opportunities while we are still healthy.”

Here, from left, Paul and Barbara, LeAnne and Rob are pictured in Puerto Vallarta with their copy of The ‘Ville.

The Ancient Ruins of Turkey

Northville’s Pat Van Bonn recently visited Turkey to see the House of Mary where the Ephesians sheltered the mother of Jesus. Archaeologists have been working at the site and the ancient ruins are being unearthed and restored carefully. Pat said the facade of the inspiring Library of Celsus can be visited as can the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Pat said she was “full of awe and gratitude” to her two daughters, who paid for the trip as a gift to her. Here she is with her copy of The ‘Ville at the Temple of Artemis.

The next time you head out of town, take along a copy of The ‘Ville, snap a photo, and let us know where your travels take you. Our readers would love to know! Please email the photos to kurtkuban@ gmail.com. We’ll feature the photos in an upcoming issue.

Cricket’s growing popularity has local youth club dreaming big Making A Pitch

Story | Photos by Tim Smith

The world’s oldest bat-and-ball sport –cricket, believed to have originated in late 16th century England – is played everywhere from Australia to Zimbabwe.

But now, thanks to young friends who dared to dream, it’s starting to happen in Northville, too.

The light bulb went off for Ridge Wood Elementary School student Sai Shah while watching the USA national cricket team compete in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

“Why don’t we have a cricket team for kids here?” Sai, then just nine years old, asked his parents.

It didn’t take long before Sai connected with his best friend, Kabir Hosanagar, and batted around the idea of a neighborhood cricket team taking root. After convincing his father to coach the team, the word got out.

“People around us heard about this and they started joining,” Sai said.

Led by Sai and Kabir, a handful of buddies coalesced during the spring and summer of 2024, playing on the baseball diamond behind Ridge Wood – located near Six Mile and Ridge roads.

PLANTING THE SEED

More than a year later, what is unofficially called the North Ridge Cricket Club boasts a roster of nine to 12 players and is starting to garner more attention.

“I feel great about it (the team),” Sai said. “Because I have a lot of friends interested and I love it.”

Will their dream get even bigger into 2026 and beyond? The group of teammates between ages 8-12 want cricket to grow across Northville as they enter their middle school years, perhaps becoming an athletic option for kids of all backgrounds and from schools across the school district.

It is said that fortune favors the bold, so why not?

“My son felt very inspired to have his own team, looking at that (the 2024 tourney),” said Sai’s mom, Sushama Shah. “He basically started with ‘Let’s get some players to play.’ I feel it’s a team that can sustain, that can grow. It could become an important part of our community.”

It helps that cricket appears to be growing in the United States, Michigan and suburban Detroit. There are more than 100 teams in the Michigan Cricket Association and fields are being built all over including here in Northville at Millennium Park.

The club now is coached by Pavan Katira. Sai and Kabir are joined by teammates Aiden Freudigman, Arian Ranganath, Arjun Kancharla, Viaan Kothireddy, Jordan Thekkel, Siddarsh Kamarapu and Yudhish Kancharla.

“Sai and Kabir are my friends and they told me about it, I thought it would be fun to join,” said Aiden Fruedigman, a student at Amerman Elementary School.

Will names like Wilson, Jones and Brown ever join the team’s mostly Indian roster? That’s part of the dream.

“Diversity is the strength of America,” Sushama Shah emphasized. “My son, who is a second-generation Indian ethnicity, has seen cricket when he visits India. But now that he sees the USA playing, he feels like … it’s connected for him.”

Very much in agreement is Yudhish Kancharla, 12, who started liking cricket watching matches with his dad and jumped at the chance to sign on to North Ridge Cricket.

“I started it for a few weeks and I just started liking it,” Yudhish said.

To that end, coach Katira sees the way more people are learning and becoming attached to cricket.

With Team USA men’s and women’s cricket scheduled for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, now would seem

North Ridge Cricket coach Pavan Katira (left) with his 2025 team, comprised of (from left) Aiden Freudigman, Arian Ranganath, Kabir Hosanagar, Arjun Reddy Kancharla, Viaan Kothireddy, Jordan Thekkel, Sai Shah, Siddarsh Kamarapu and Yudhish Reddy Kancharla.

Kabir Hosanagar (left) and Sai Shah during a practice cricket match at Ridge Wood Elementary. Both were instrumental in getting North Ridge Cricket Club up and running.

to be a good time for the sport to gain momentum.

“It’s very important to get started at this particular age (8-to-12) because they normally learn the skills and also … the enthusiasm that they can take going from elementary to middle school to high school that’s going to inspire other classmates and their friends,” Katira explained. “That also builds the communities and families around the people that are associated with the sport.”

A CLOSER LOOK

Just like neighborhood kids of past decades gathered for sandlot baseball games, spontaneity is always a key component whenever there are matches or even informal practice sessions at Ridge Wood. (The team’s members only compete against each other for now, because there are no other actual teams to face just yet.)

And although both cricket and baseball involve a ball that either is thrown or “bowled” (the latter the term used in cricket) and a bat (in cricket, hitters wield a large paddle with a flat surface), the similarities dwindle from there.

“It’s pretty close to baseball,” Katira said. “The only thing for a newcomer to learn would be what the rules are and how it is being played. But I think once you understand the rules it’s very similar to baseball.”

Still, longtime fans of America’s pastime would need to check out a couple YouTube videos or read a Wikipedia entry to get the hang of the sport’s ins and outs.

For newbies, the bowler gets a series of six “overs” or legal deliveries, which he tries to sneak past the batsman. If any of the overs is missed, or if the ball hits the wickets located behind the hitter – a similar situation to a baseball pitcher throwing to a catcher – that batsman is out.

Should contact be made, and the ball can be driven anywhere, the hitter and a teammate standing at the opposite end of a rectangular “pitch” run back and forth as many times as they can before a fielder retrieves the ball and throws it at the wickets.

Batsmen also are automatically out if the ball is caught in the air by an opposing player.

“I like bowling and I also like batting,” Kabir said. “Bowling you have to aim for the wickets and if you hit it you get to celebrate. If you miss you still have a lot of tries (overs) left.”

Pitches with an intense spin rate that fool batters are called yorkers, Kabir continued.

A game ends when all batters on both sides get a chance to take their cuts, with the side with the most points carrying the day.

“It’s just competitive,” Yudhish said. “And you can learn different strategies, like how to throw the ball, how to hit the ball. There’s different ways to spin it, different ways to throw it or hit it.”

According to Sushama Shah, more people certainly would learn all the intricacies of cricket the longer it is part of the American sports scene.

“I do see there’s a better recognition of it in the U.S.,” Shah said. “Because the U.S. traditionally has had a lot of different sports compared to the rest of the world – like (British) football, which is soccer here, and the (American) football which my son is a big fan of.”

In fact, Sai Shah plays linebacker in the North American version of football, for the Northville Broncos youth program.

But his biggest smile these days seems to be reserved for when he and his pals can get together for another cricket match. Every time is like a “pinch me” moment that what began as a dream finally is reality.

For more information about the North Ridge Cricket Club, contact Sushama Shah at sushama.mithapally@gmail.com.

Yushish Kancharla (foreground) bowls the ball from one end of the pitch. Waiting at the other end is batsman Kabir Hosanagar.

Kabir Hosanagar gets ready to take a swing at the ball.

The Road, Reimagined

Wolff Premier Transportation delivers seamless, door-to-door journeys near and far

Stress-free road trips – to destinations near and far –have arrived in Northville.

Thanks to Chris Young, owner and operator of Wolff Premier Transportation, business and leisure travelers in Northville, Novi, Plymouth and beyond can travel by car in style, safety, ease and comfort.

With more than two decades of professional driving experience, the Northville resident knows a thing or two about life behind the wheel.

For 18 years, Young served as a professional driver for the Consulate General of Canada based in Detroit. Passengers included Canadian diplomatic staff, members of the Canadian Parliament, various Canadian Ambassadors to the United States, and distinguished guests of the Consulate.

But his driving experience goes back even further.

Born and raised in Westland, Young joined the U.S. Army, serving abroad and at home, including during Operation Desert Storm. The decorated veteran had a number of assignments, including security and transporting military personnel.

A self-admitted “driving geek,” Young was interested in executive transportation as a career after his discharge. He pursued training but found the industry was difficult to break into at the time.

Young returned home to Michigan and spent about a decade working on the assembly line at Ford Motor Company.

Then, opportunity in the transportation field came again.

Trusted at the highest levels

After taking a buyout from Ford in 2007, Young saw a job posting for “an executive driver for a well-known

miles in all sorts of weather, without a single ticket or incident,” says Young.

A bonus, he says, was how much he learned along the way.

“I had the opportunity to meet the governors of all four states, and to learn more about my home state of Michigan and surrounding region,” says Young. “I never realized how interconnected we are with Canada.”

Young also found himself taking on extended travel planning.

“I planned many weeklong trips, including securing accommodations and selecting where we dined,” explains Young. “This is a service I can offer with my business. For example, I can drive people ‘Up North’ for a golf vacation, wine tours, fishing trips and more. They don’t worry about drinking and driving or losing their way on unfamiliar roads.”

Professional driving is truly a passion for Young. Over the years, he has completed hundreds of hours of training in protective and evasive driving, surveillance detection, and executive protection. He holds certifications from Vehicle Dynamics Institute, Bridgestone Winter Driving School, BSR, and Executive Security International.

“Driving is a very underrated profession and skill. If you don’t do it all the time, you don’t stay sharp with it,” says Young, who has an Enhanced Michigan Chauffeur License.

After recently retiring from the Consulate, Young found an investor – and a meaningful name -- for his business.

“My mom is my one and only investor and her maiden name is Wolff,” he says. “She raised three boys by herself, and I wanted to honor that.”

More than just a ride

Today, Wolff Premier Transportation brings a highlevel driving service to residents and businesses in Metro Detroit, featuring the comfort of a 2025 AWD Lincoln Nautilus Reserve Hybrid.

In addition to generous legroom and award-winning safety features, the vehicle has heated seats, vista roof, complementary snacks and drinks, and other premium amenities.

Services are available by the hour for day trips such as concerts, sports events, meetings and special occasions.

Travelers located within one hour of Detroit Metro Airport can simplify their trip by booking Wolff for airport transfers.

For business travelers who find flying cumbersome for regional meetings, Wolff offers transportation to destinations within 500 miles of the Detroit area –including Canada. Instead of spending time in TSA lines and hauling luggage through a terminal, passengers can sit back, relax, answer email via secure WiFi or just enjoy the ride.

Long-distance service also includes one hour of complimentary drive time for rest stops and meals along the way.

That may be especially appealing, given Young’s extensive experience navigating the Midwest.

“I can tell you all the good places to eat throughout the Midwest,” says Young with a smile.

A great road trip paired with great food – now that’s an experience worth the journey.

For more information about Wolff Premier Transportation, including how to book the service,

LaLondeIngrid Runnion

Future-Ready

NHS course offerings prepare students for success and life beyond high school

If you had a nickel for every time someone complained that high school doesn’t teach you how to do taxes, you might have enough to … well, pay your taxes. But at NHS, students learn to do exactly that, and much more.

Through a unique variety of course offerings, NHS prepares students for not only academic success, but also for success in their personal lives and future careers.

NHS math teacher Laura Stratton teaches the Financial Literacy course, where students learn to balance checkbooks, use credit cards wisely, and navigate the world of personal finance.

“Getting exposure to different aspects of your financial life and thinking about insurance and retirement plans ahead of time is very important,” said Stratton, who structures class activities by running scenarios like loan acquisition and credit

score simulations. Particular scenarios, such as ones related to student loans and carownership, connect particularly well with students, helping them feel more confident stepping into adulthood.

teacher Angeline Mazurek, helps to solve that exact problem. In the class, students analyze labor statistics, career growth projections, and job descriptions to find their fit. The curriculum also dives into self-discovery, having students take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to identify career matches that align with their personalities. They also research colleges, practice for job interviews, and create LinkedIn profiles to help pave a pathway into the workforce.

For students unsure of what they want to do in the future, the course Beyond High School, taught by NHS business

For those looking to develop skills outside the workplace, NHS offers two cooking classes taught by family and consumer science teacher Kelly Godbey: Food for Thought and Celebrations. In these classes, students learn to master kitchen safety, nutrition labels, and meal prep.

“Students leave the class confident in their kitchen skills from measuring to cooking to baking,” said Godbey. They walk away equipped and ready to cook on their own, all while making healthier choices.

Senior Alaina Chon took a special course called Retail Store Operations at NHS, where students practice business management skills by running the school store, better known as the N-Den. By working in the N-Den, she “learn[s] what goes into running a business.”

Chon also loved a similar course, Entrepreneurship, because it showed her that starting a business doesn’t have to be daunting. In the class, students design their own product or service while also creating a corresponding website and pricing guidelines.

“It was really cool to see everything come together in the end and [...] it makes me more confident to start my own business in the future,” explains Chon.

Some course offerings grant students hands-on experience outside of the classroom.

EDITOR’S NOTE: High School Confidential is a collaborative effort by the Stringers Journalism Club made up of NHS students Ian Lee, Keira Gallagher, Sarah Khalid, Aoi Ono, Saamaja Krishnan, Keertana Venkatesh, Mary Sulollari, Jiahn Kim, Advitha Manimaran, Evayla Georgieva, Priyanka Ray, Irene Liu, Samara Augustine, and Evelyn Puttock.

Senior Colin Cline works the register in the N-Den. Photo by Keira Gallagher

Senior Megan Heaton (left) and her classmate during a peer-to-peer activity. Photo courtesy of Megan Heaton

Students created college research banners that hang in Ms. Mazurek's Beyond High School class. Photo courtesy of Angeline Mazurek

Notably, NHS allows students to take courses at the William D. Ford Career-Technical Center for high school credit.

Senior Lauren Phillips takes Construction Technology, where she helps with the construction and designing processes of houses around the community.

Whether or not she ultimately pursues the trade, she values the tangible results.

applicable to the real world.”

“Being at the worksite and physically seeing what you are doing makes a difference,” Phillips said. “Being useful [on the site] makes it feel more

Beyond the hard skills, NHS also prioritizes equipping students with the emotional and social skills necessary to serve their communities. The Peer-to-Peer Links class pairs students, or “links” them, with other students who are a part of special education programs, allowing them to bond through activities ranging from baking to drawing during the school day.

Senior Megan Heaton, a student in the Peer-to-Peer course, finds it heartwarming

“to step back and think about others and what help you can offer to classmates.” She notes the supportive environment the class fosters and how it teaches students to have an open mind and become strong mentors who understand the challenges special-needs students face.

By the time graduation

caps are tossed, students have learned far more than the quadratic formula or the function of a mitochondrion. At NHS, students do indeed learn how to pay their taxes, along with many other skills that will allow them to lead healthy, happy, and successful lives beyond their high school years.

Senior Grace Elling with the apple turnovers she made in Celebrations class. Photo by Amber Liu

Sophomore Adam Pawlowski and senior Summer Larson working in the N-Den. Photo by Keira Gallagher

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out & about out & about out & about

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE THIS MONTH

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

Founding of America

April 22

The Salem Area Historical Society will host historian Todd Brighton, who will present “Patriots: Everyday Citizens and the Founding of America” at 7 p.m. at the Salem Stone School, 7991 N. Territorial Road in Salem Township. Brighton, a dedicated antiques collector and historical reenactor, will give an overview of the various factions involved in the Revolutionary War, and will highlight the stories of five citizen-soldiers who served alongside George Washington. Attendees will have the opportunity to view items from his collection, which features American, British, and French military gear, original portraits, manuscripts, and early Americana. The program is free for SAHS members and $2 for nonmembers. For more information, visit sahshistory.org.

A Night for the Arts

April 23

Join the Northville Art House from 6-9 p.m. for a Night for the Arts at Genitti’s. This adult-only event will feature live painting demos by Denise Cassidy, Brant MacLean, and Stacy Pearson; a musical performance by Anne Domini; and a magic show by Jasen Magic. Paintings by all three artists will be available for purchase, and there will be a variety of gift baskets available via silent auction. Tickets are now available online (northvillearthouse.org), and each ticket includes a signature Genitti’s Italian dinner. All proceeds from this event will support the Art House’s mission of inspiring a creative community through engagement with the arts.

State of the Community

April 24

The Northville Chamber of Commerce

Patriots’ Day at Mill Race

Patriot’s Day will come alive in dramatic fashion from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 25 at Mill Race Village, which will be transported back to the earliest days of the American Revolution during a full-day of historical re-enactments.

Citizens of the American Colonies Living Historians will present this immersive event for all ages that will include pivotal moments that shaped our nation’s founding. Throughout the day, guests will encounter iconic figures such as Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin, British Redcoats, and the Massachusetts Militia Minutemen. Through live demonstrations and personal storytelling, historical interpreters will share their perspectives on the events that ignited the American Revolution.

Highlights kick off with the arrival of Paul Revere at 11 a.m. and conclude with a speech by Benjamin Franklin at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.millracenorthville.org.

will host the 2026 State of the Community Luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. at Schoolcraft College’s Vistatech Center. The three featured speakers – Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull, Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo and Northville Schools Supt. RJ Webber – will provide community updates, key initiatives, and what’s on the horizon for our community. Cost to attend the event, which includes a buffet lunch, is $48 for Chamber members and $53 for non-members. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.northville. org or call the Northville Chamber of Commerce at (248) 349-7640.

Cinco de Mayo Luncheon

May 1

Northville Senior Services will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a festive luncheon

from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Northville Community Center. It’s an opportunity to gather with friends, make new connections, and enjoy a little fiesta. Cost is $15 for Northville residents and $18 for non-residents. Register by April 24 by calling (248) 305-2851 or visiting www. northvilleparksandrec.org.

NCBA Derby Night

May 7

Parade your finest Kentucky Derby styles from 6-10 p.m. in Downtown Northville for the Northville Central Business Association’s annual Derby Night event. Participating shops and restaurants will be open and many will have specials. It’s also a chance to check out places you haven’t visited before. End the night with the hat contest and drawings for gifts baskets

from local businesses.

Kids Fashion Summit

May

9

The MP Global Foundation will host the 5th Annual SEW WHAT?! Kids Fashion Summit, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Northville Art House. The event offers a fun and engaging opportunity for youth ages 7-16 to learn about eco-fashion, sustainability, and upcycling while exploring the fashion creation process. The event encourages creativity, innovation, and environmental awareness while helping young people build confidence and practical skills. For more information or to register, visit www.mpglobalfoundation.org.

Young Artist Art Fair

May

9

The 2026 Young Artist Art Fair will be held 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Northville. The fair showcases young artists selling their artwork and handmade crafts. Visitors shop for unique gifts, chat with the artists, and enjoy musical performances and exhibits. Admission is a $5 suggested donation (12 and under free). The young artists, who learn about presenting, pricing, and selling their artwork to the public at the Northville Art House, keep 100% of their sales. Admission proceeds benefit next year’s program. For more information, visit www. northvillearthouse.org/yaaf.

Orin Block Party

May

23

Orin Jewelers will host their annual Block Party along Main Street in the Downtown Social District from 6-10 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature food trucks, activities, prizes and live music by The Love Junkies. Admission is free.

ADishin’ With Denise

Denise Jenkins, who is a board member with the Northville Historical Society, is an avid writer and proponent of the arts. She is also plugged into what’s happening in Northville. Contact her at denisemjenkins@aol.com.

A Penny For Your Thoughts

pril is known for foolish pranks – like getting rid of pennies. Whoever heard of such a thing? I recently learned in 1943 the U.S. Mint started making pennies of zinc-coated steel to save copper for the war effort. Rumor has it 40 copper alloy coins got manufactured by accident. Sounds like an April fool prank if I ever heard one. I have visions of my dad searching for a 1943-vintage coin as he rolled pennies in sleeves of 50 to hide for the Easter egg hunt. (You may think my age is showing, but my grown-up grandchildren STILL look forward to the annual event….and there are still pennies in the eggs.)

The Easter basket has changed over the years. This year my gift baskets were filled with:

…Treats from Kilwins! As promised, I stopped by the new downtown Northville shop for a visit. Let me tell you it is bright and cheery and spic and span. Mary Poppins would approve. Joshua was behind the counter taking care of customers when I arrived. He connected with me immediately. I felt special from the get-go. I don’t even think the door was closed when he said: “Welcome to Kilwins. I’ll

be right with you.”

More customers arrived and each time Joshua recognized them with the greeting that resonated a smile. (He and his mom, Keleigh own the place. May I return the sentiment – a very warm Northville welcome to both of you!) I spent time looking at all the seasonal treats – from Peanut Butter/ Chocolate Charley the Frog to homemade marshmallows. I brought my selections to the counter as Rosita (from Northville), with two boys thoroughly enjoying their ice cream cones, was making one more selection to take home (to Grandma, I believe…).

Joshua asked if he could ring me up and she cheerfully gave him the go ahead. There is so much “hurry up and wait” and lack of situational awareness in our every-day existence, this trip to the candy store – to me – was magical. Thanks to Joshua, Rosita, Dorian (age 12) and Ben (age 12) for making my day a little brighter and lot more hopeful. And…I loved how you loved the ice cream. I did, too.

…Work out shorts from Gazelle Sports on Main Street. One day I stopped to

do a little business in town and parked in front of the store. I had never been inside. I did a pop-in. What a fun place.

(Obviously, it’s a shoe store.) I spoke with sales floor leaders, JJ and Joey. They were so enthusiastic…sharing stories about community engagement. For example - team nights for

local schools, packet pickups for local marathons like the Turkey Trot (the Corktown Racers were picking up during my visit) and free run clubs on Wednesdays.

“It’s fun to be around young, local athletes for team nights working toward positive movements,” JJ told me.

Gazelle started out in Kalamazoo in 1985. This is year eleven here in Northville. It’s always nice to see a small Michigan-based business grow. (They now have seven stores in total.) I believe shoes are primary, but the clothing is equally as impressive. Sloth

shorts for one granddaughter, rubber ducks for the other.

Congratulation to the Northville High School Aerospace Club… for them it is rocket science (pun intended). They recently won the overall NASA Student Launch Initiative Judges Choice Award – plus Award for the Best Use of 3D Printing, 2nd Place in STEM Engagement, and 3rd Place in Altitude Award and Payload Design. Student teams from across the country design, build, test, and launch a high-powered rocket carrying a scientific or engineering payload.

Although the club is primarily oriented around rocketry, they also provide students with the opportunity to construct and fly drones and model airplanes. Northville resident coach Andy Brown was named Mentor of the Year. Coach…you are out of this world!

No foolin’ - the U.S. penny is being phased out. Production ends early this year (possibly as you read this). They are still legal tender. It’s estimated the cost to produce each penny is $3.69. However, a 1943 copperalloy penny could be worth over $330,000 today. Get the copper cleaner out!

Josh working the counter at Kilwins.

Ben, Dorian and Rosita enjoy a treat at Kilwins.

The NHS Aerospace Club

JJ (left) and Joey at Gazelle Sports.