August 2026 | Vol.9 | Issue 8
Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine
A Century of Service
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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.
VOLUME 9
ISSUE 8
AUGUST 2026
16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734.716.0783 • TheVilleMagazine@gmail.com
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.
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
Publisher Here is a list of people who contributed to local journalism last month. We appreciate your support! • John & Dawn Savona
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.
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SUE VOYLES - Writer
To secure space in The Ville, contact Scott at (313) 399-5231 or scott@streetmktg.com. SCOTT BUIE - Advertising Director/VP of Sales
For more than 20 years Scott has worked with clients in Metro Detroit to create advertising campaigns to grow their business. After managing sales for radio stations in the Detroit Market for 17 years he purchased Street Marketing where he works closely with a variety of businesses and events. Scott and his family have lived in the Plymouth and Northville area for 25 years.
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.
Growing up, Sue Voyles knew she always wanted to be a writer. She has written for many publications over her long career in public relations and journalism, and taught English and journalism at Schoolcraft College. In 2022, she received the national Headliner Award from the Association for Women in Communications.
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.
A View From The ‘Ville
I went on an epic road trip – and never even left Michigan N
othing says summer quite like a road trip. Packing up the car with all the essentials, gathering up the family and just heading out in search of some amazing places you’ve never been. I’ve been fortunate to take a few AllAmerican road trips over the years. Some of my favorites were out West, including to Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Redwoods, Yosemite and (my favorite) Zion national parks. And so many other places that have left indelible memories never to be forgotten. My goal for this summer was to head out to Glacier National Park in Montana, but the calendar filled up with weddings, grad parties and other functions that just got in the way. Summer is so dang short. Earlier this month, the calendar freed up a bit and I had about five days to burn, so I took my two sons on a shorter version. We decided to head up to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and more specifically to the Keweenaw Peninsula, which juts out from the top of the UP like a big thumb on a hitchhiker’s uplifted hand. While still in Michigan, the tip of the Keweenaw is about a 10-hour drive from Northville. To put that in perspective, if you went south 10 hours, you’d almost be to Atlanta, Georgia. I’m almost embarrassed to say I had never been to the Keweenaw, even though I’ve spent many days roving through the UP -from The Soo to check out the Locks, to the underappreciated Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore that offers some incredible hikes and kayaking, and driving along the US-2 highway that runs along Lake Michigan’s northern shore, which is surely one of our state’s most beautiful roadways. I was looking forward to discovering a new place in the UP, and, man, I was not disappointed. The Keweenaw is a long way from Metro Detroit in distance, but it seems even further when it comes to the terrain and culture up there. The rugged landscape is crowned with an ancient mountain range that offers breathtaking views of what seems like an endless forest and of course Lake Superior, one of the planet’s largest bodies of fresh water that surrounds the Keweenaw, which stretches out as far as the eye can see. In addition to the amazing nature up there, the Keweenaw is also home to some really cool towns, including Houghton-Hancock (the home of Michigan Tech University), Calumet and Copper Harbor, which literally feels like the end of the world. I think we even saw a
Kurt Kuban near the stunning Manabezho Falls.
sign that read that. We camped along Lake Superior for a couple nights (our tent was just yards from the beach and we listened to constant waves rolling in and crashing, over and over), and were awed by the dark skies and blanket of stars overhead. There’s not much light pollution up there. When I woke up the first morning, I realized we were surrounded by plants covered in giant, red berries that I learned are called thimbleberries and are a Keweenaw delicacy. Think raspberries on steroids. After a couple days we then decided to drive down to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Park for a day. The “Porkies” are home to the famous “Lake of the Clouds” and some really picturesque waterfalls. Me and the boys were able to swim under the stunning Manabezho Falls. Just an amazing experience. Our last night up there we camped at a remote lake in the Ottawa National Forest, not much farther than a stones throw from the Wisconsin border. While we saw no people, we did enjoy listening to the loons serenade us through the night, and we think we may have even heard a wolf or two howl. My point in writing about this is to say we live in a pretty amazing state. We often think about other destinations outside of the Great Lakes State when contemplating an adventure. I know I do. But, I am reminded time and again how fortunate we are to be Michiganders, and this trip certainly proved that. There is just so much to see and do in our state. I pity those who never venture further north than Bay City or west of Ann Arbor. If you haven’t been to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, what are you waiting for? When you go, make sure to get up to the Keweenaw. And when you do, I recommend you find a place to purchase some thimbleberry jam. You can thank me later. Kurt Kuban is the Publisher and Editor of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com.
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Your Voice: Letters to the Editor Voters approve ‘essential’ millage renewals for township and schools Local man hopes his Pureformance puts a jolt into energy drink market Library survey shows community favors expansion at current location Local engineer redefining the listening experience with unique headphones It’s Your Business: Gardner & Gesch Signature Luxury Homes Community Bulletin Board Out & About: Community Calendar
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A Summer Scoop: Northville’s Best Ice Cream Stops
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Northville Rotary Marks A Century of Service
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Mustangs Football 2026 Season Preview
ON THE COVER: Herman (Herm) Moehlman, 92, is the longest-serving member of Northville Rotary with 65 years in the organization. This year marks the 100th anniversary for the Northville club, which has done much for the Northville community over the years. In addition to providing funding for projects like the new Ford Field playscape and Rotary Trail at Legacy Park, the club’s members also do plenty of community service, including maintaining Rotary Well Park next to the Chamber office. Moehlman is standing in the park’s gazebo. Photo by Bryan Mitchell
Your Voice
Safety concerns
Garden Walk a big success
The Country Garden Club of Northville sincerely thanks all who made Northville Garden Walk 2026 a success – especially The ‘Ville for such a wonderful article highlighting this year’s extensive Native Garden featured on the walk and how the Northville area’s four garden clubs support the community. We would also like to thank: our gardeners who diligently worked to have “picture perfect” gardens, patrons who faithfully show up rain or shine, the City and Township of Northville for accommodating Garden Walk signage, Long Kitchen and Bath design for ticket sales, the merchants and greenhouses who displayed posters and postcards, Detroit Free Press Homestyle for a great cover story, and the vendors, volunteers and members who all worked together to pull off a fabulous Garden Walk last month. Proceeds from the event allow our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to support local and national organizations that promote environmental causes. We couldn’t do it without the support. Kathryn Novak Country Garden Club of Northville
Consider safety of pedestrians
Every month we read the complaints about street closures, too many stop signs, and the amount of traffic Northville is experiencing. I’d like to suggest a different mindset…let’s consider the issue of safety for young and old alike. I live on South Wing Street, which is highly traveled by foot, bike (motorized and non-motorized) and vehicles (cars, trucks, and semis) all day, every day. Often, I see vehicles speed past my house, and I worry for the safety of our pedestrians and those on non-motorized vehicles. Our police do the best they can to monitor our streets but, I believe, we citizens hold the responsibility for our actions and choices. Are you willing to consider the safety and well-being of the citizens and visitors to this lovely town rather than how quickly you can reach your destination and how closely you can park to it? Mary Courvisier
SOUND OFF 4 The ‘Ville
I was raised and schooled in the City of Detroit where all of the streets were paved and there were sidewalks on both sides. However, in school, we were taught when walking in the roadway to always walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic, and to ride our bikes with the flow of traffic. The reason for this is that a pedestrian can take evasive action, like pushing your baby carriage out of the way, when they see that an impact with a car is eminent. Furthermore, when a bicyclist is hit from behind the force of the impact is reduced by the difference in speed between the bike and the car and its severity reduced when compared to a head on collision. Sadly, these lessons must not have been taught in suburbia. Two more safety comments: • I would like to thank the persons responsible for recently eliminating the loading zone on the north side of Main Street opposite the clock. Putting a pedestrian crossing where the view of the pedestrian is obscured by a parked vehicle was not a good idea. Now just keep the vegetation and flowers from growing too high. • Parents: e-bikes may kill your children. In my opinion it is the equivalent of giving a newly licensed sixteen-year-old a muscle car for their exclusive use, except in this case the e-bike rider is much younger. Sarunas Mingela
Non-homesteaders should have a say
Taxation Without Representation. Three words that helped create a great experiment in government of, by, and for the people. Yet, despite the American Revolution and 250 years experience with the greatest form of government to date, we still have taxation without representation. No, this is not at the federal level, nor is it done at the state level, but there are cities and towns where people live that taxation without representation is still practiced. Some are privileged to own and pay property tax on two or more domiciles. These are not commercial or rental properties, but are those that are strictly used by the owner as a residence. They could be units in the same state such as a primary unit and a vacation type unit, or units in different states that are used as seasonal units. Property tax is applied to these units, and is often applied at a higher rate for one of the units because it is not considered the primary residence. Shouldn’t the owner have some say in any tax that is applied to any unit that he uses in a non-commercial manner? Just because a person may live part of the year in a non-homesteaded property does not mean that that person would not enjoy a new park, or an addition to a library, and would gladly pay for these. But at the same time, there are local expenditures that apply to a very narrow group of people, and if someone is being asked to pay for that, that person should have some say at the voting booth to cancel that expenditure. Yet, that is not the case in the non-homestead millage proposal for the schools. Everyone with non-commercial property should have a say in any tax that they are being asked to pay, and their opinion should be measured in the election that decides this payment. Richard Bond
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.
Stop sign supported
I was sad to read the comments in the recent issue of The ‘Ville regarding too many stop signs. I moved back to Northville in 2023. I live on Rogers Street. We get a lot of traffic. I love seeing the number of families walking every single day, rain or shine. I, too, like to get out and walk. Crossing Rogers is quite the challenge, as many cars ignored the crosswalk. In the three years I have lived here, I witnessed a car plow through the crosswalk sign placed in the middle of Rogers by the city, cars speeding as if there was no limit, and two accidents involving cars running into homes at Cady and Rogers. Let me say that again. Two cars ran into homes on the corner of Cady and Rogers. The latest incident, my neighbor was outside on the front lawn feet away from a vehicle that ran through her fence landing two feet from her home. A tree stopped the car from plowing into her home. A petition went around our neighborhood to put up a stop sign to slow the traffic down. Besides the two homes that could not be reached, all but one household supported this. This was not a windfall for the city. They listened to our concerns. When previous steps did not resolve the problem, they installed the stop signs. Let’s watch out for our fellow neighbors by accepting the fact that it takes 10 additional seconds to stop at the stop sign to keep everyone safe. Gina Cunningham
Misuse of Flock cameras a threat
Flock ALPRs - an asset for law enforcement; a controversial Fourth Amendment threat for citizens. Consider: Ohioan Brandon Upchurch was pulled over at gunpoint and mauled by a police K-9 after a Flock ALPR misread his truck’s license plate and falsely flagged it as stolen. JC and Carolyn Herron of Tennessee were enroute to a doctor‘s appointment with their 3-year-old granddaughter when police stopped them and ordered them out of their vehicle at gunpoint due to ALPR error. An LAPD analysis showed Flock misread rates of 32.3%, and 71% in Roseville, CA. Over 50 police officers nationwide have been accused of misusing Flock’s network for personal tracking and stalking. Some 85 municipalities across 28 states have cancelled Flock contracts due to rising concerns over mass surveillance, data sharing with federal agencies, and system inaccuracies. Gibbs Mura Law filed a class action suit against Flock for using its ALPRs to track millions of Californians’ daily movements and sharing that information with out-of-state law enforcement agencies, violating CA privacy laws. Westland is removing its 10 Flock ALPRs after its police chief acquiesced to a deeply divided city council and intense public pushback over privacy. And what of Northville’s 15 Flock cameras? Will they remain, be added to, voted out of existence, or suffer the same fate as all eight of the severed ALPRs in Winona, MN? Ken Kilpatrick
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Jennifer Hanold is all smiles after casting support for school and township millage renewals at Winchester Elementary School.
‘Vote of Confidence’ Voters approve ‘essential’ millage renewals for township and schools By Tim Smith
C
all it a pay-very-little-toplay scenario, as Northville citizens came out strong at the Aug. 4 primary election to overwhelmingly approve township and school district tax proposals – geared toward maintaining the high level of services and opportunities they continue to thrive on and expect. “I’m happy to pay for it,” said township resident Dan Krist, after casting his ballot at the Essential Services Complex. “I’ll do my part. If it takes a little bit of tax that’s fine by me.”
8 The ‘Ville
Actually, he and other residents will not pay any more of their tax dollars to keep getting what they have been accustomed to, including award-winning schools and a burgeoning network of walking and biking paths stretching from the new Essential Services Complex to downtown Northville. Northville Township’s ballot proposal for an eight-year millage renewal easily got the green light. With about 40 percent of registered voters either casting absentee ballots
or coming out to the polls, it was approved by an approximate margin of 75.7 to 24.3 percent (7,697 to 2,442). “What we got was a vote of confidence from taxpayers, so I’m pleased,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo, adding that there was no official opposition to the measure. Meanwhile, voters approved Northville Public Schools tax proposal – a replacement of the current rate of 18 mills for non-homestead properties from 2027-2036 – by an estimated margin of 69 to 31 percent (5,781 to 2,616). “This money in the nonhomestead was about $11 million dollars,” district Superintendent RJ Webber said. “While it is not a new tax, … it’s essential. We have the highest return on investment of any school district in Michigan, meaning for the dollars we get our kids, our families, our staff and our community produce the highest results.” Outside the precincts held at Winchester Elementary, voter Jennifer Hanold of Northville Township said she was on board for both the schools’ and township’s proposals. “I supported both of them,” said Hanold, a seven-year resident with children who attend Winchester. “I think it’s great for the community
and obviously I’ve got kids in the school, too. Continuing on with the improvements to the schools is important.” Hanold added that the level of services in Northville are such that she was more than willing to cast her yes votes. “I think we have great support here in the township and the city with our services,” Hanold said. “And we’re supporting our schools as well.” PROTECTING THEIR INVESTMENT The potential loss of $1,662 in per-pupil funding from the state of Michigan in the event the proposal failed was another key reason why Hanold voted for the measure. “That’s a big thing because that’s a lot of money that
goes towards supporting our students,” Hanold noted. Webber said what voters were asked to consider was merely whether they wanted to re-up on the current operating millage rate of 18 mills for 10 years on non-homestead properties (through 2036). Without that approval, the district would stand to lose
about $11.7 million of state funding annually to the NPS district, an estimated 11 percent of the total budget. That money helps fund staffing, textbooks, classroom supplies and to operate district buildings. Non-homestead properties are defined as including commercial and industrial properties, rentals and nonprimary residences. “There’s no increase on anybody’s taxes, this is a continuation of it, and no increase on business taxes, either,” Webber said. “It’s just something we have to do.” Webber emphasized that
between the township, city and school district. And it can work so well because we have a community that is very much supportive of the work that all three entities do.” Told of a voter’s comment that even a small tax is worth it to receive the litany of services in Northville Township, Abbo agreed. “I think that (comment) encapsulates it really well,” said Abbo, about the continuing investment in services that positively impact quality of life. “I think people are generally happy with the type of services. We always say we
“It’s the best that we’ve ever had,” said Slater, about the voting experience inside the complex. “And the turnout is better than we expected. … I just think the voters have been great and it’s wonderful to work with the police officers.” The quality of the facility, which opened in early 2026, underscores exactly why voters came out Aug. 4 and overwhelmingly approved the renewal. “The Essential Services Complex, our fire services, police services, Legacy Park, recreation, youth assistance, seniors, all of it is incorporated
Election worker Bruce Slater, Precinct 9 supervisor, waits for voters at the Northville Township Essential Services Complex.
It’s deep commitment to public education, deep commitment to our kids and the health of this community knowing that one of the wonderful things about Northville is a partnership between the township, city and school district. And it can work so well because we have a community that is very much supportive of the work that all three entities do.” Northville Schools Supt. RJ Webber, after voters approved millages for the township and school district he remains grateful for how strong the community backs the district whenever they are asked to support tax measures. It is the kind of commitment to education he said stretches all the way back to Alice Fields, Northville Public Schools’ first student in 1865. “For all those years it’s a constant thread,” Webber stressed. “Northville has had amazing support of our public schools. We take that very seriously with much gratitude and an absolute obligation to using our resources in a way that benefit each of our kids. “It’s deep commitment to public education, deep commitment to our kids and the health of this community knowing that one of the wonderful things about Northville is a partnership
want Northville Township to be a great place to live, work and play and that’s what we’re trying to do.” The millage renewal enables the continuation of funding levels for numerous community programs and public safety. With the estimated cost of $7.21 per $1,000 of taxable value, based on the 2025 rollback rate of 7.2054 mills, the millage adds about $22 million to the budget annually. BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS Just a couple miles away from township hall is a shining example of the commitment to excellent services and facilities – the Essential Services Complex, where longtime elections worker Bruce Slater served as supervisor of Precinct 9.
in those millages,” Abbo added. “I really do believe we use the money efficiently and effectively. We’re always listening to voters as to what they want.”
Primary Election Results Northville Township 8-year Millage Renewal • Yes: 7,697 • No: 2,442 Northville Schools 10-year NonHomestead Millage Renewal • Yes: 5,781 • No: 2,616
SMART GREEN-LIGHTED A third tax-related question that Northvillians were tasked with voting on was a one-mill levy to expand the
Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART). In total, that Wayne County proposal easily was approved, with an estimated percentage edge of 67-to-33 percent (230,977 to 113,591) countywide. But it was a closer decision in Northville, where a group called Not SMART Wayne led opposition to the proposal. That group pointed to issues such as low ridership, loss of local control over proposed routes and $72 million in unfunded pension obligations, among other factors. City of Northville and Northville Township voters approved the proposal by a 5,273-to-4,694 margin (about 53-to-47 percent).
The ‘Ville 9
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Analiese Topoliski (left) and Rileigh Marnon dish up a soft frozen treat at It’s Custard Time, a Northville staple.
Ammer Su coop S
REBECCA’S FAMILY RESTAURANT & ICE CREAM PARLOR Breakfast and lunch may bring customers through the door, but ice cream is the perfect finale at Rebecca’s (134 N. Center Street). The nostalgic soda shop atmosphere, complete with black-andwhite checkerboard floors, vintage décor and a model train circling overhead, makes every scoop feel like a step back in time. Grab a cone at the counter or find a table for an old-fashioned malt served the classic way: a full glass plus the extra in a frosted metal mixing tumbler. The ‘Ville Pick: Sanders Hot Fudge Cream Puff
ille has v h t r o N f ice plenty o ops to h cream s eat h beat the
eider John H y b s o t o irk | Ph on Busk V y d s n By We
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othing says summer quite like ice cream. Whether you’re stopping by a neighborhood institution, grabbing a scoop after grabbing dinner downtown or treating the kids after a day at the park, Northville has plenty of sweet ways to cool off.
Emilie van der Velde hoists up a spoonful of soft serve ice cream at It’s Custard Time last month. Emilie and her family, who live in North Carolina, were visiting relatives in Northville.
12 The ‘Ville
Here’s where to go and what not to miss, including our favorites. CUSTARD TIME For generations of Northville families, summertime means ‘It’s Custard Time.’ Kelsey van der Velde remembers walking up to the window for frozen treats as a child, and now, whenever she returns home from North Carolina, she brings daughters Emily, 7, and Rylie, 5, to continue the tradition. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, It’s Custard Time (547 W. Seven Mile Road) is busier than ever, serving slushies, shakes, malts and its famous frozen custard. Longtime employee Ryleigh Marnon says flurries — custard blended with everything from candy to cookies — are perennial favorites, but one order never goes out of style. “The chocolate-vanilla twist cone is the favorite,” she says. “It’s a classic.” The ‘Ville Pick: Chocolate and vanilla twist cone
Brown Dog Creamery employee Abby Bobin scoops up some Salty Dog ice cream, a favorite of customers.
BROWNDOG BARLOR RESTAURANT If you’re looking for inventive flavors, Browndog (120 E. Main Street) delivers. Located in the heart of downtown’s social district, the creamery serves small-batch ice cream by the scoop or pint, with playful combinations that go far beyond the basics. Co-owner Brian Scherle loves collaborating with Michigan favorites Faygo and Better Made to produce unique offerings like Motown Chip, vanilla ice
A Sweet Exhibit Guernsey, located at 21300 Novi Road, has been a hometown stop for ice cream for generations.
cream loaded with chocolate-covered Better Made potato chips and caramel swirls. And if you’re enjoying an adults-only evening downtown, Browndog’s boozy shakes are worth the splurge. The ‘Ville Pick: Who Needs a Therapist GUERNSEY FARMS DAIRY Few names are as closely tied to Northville as Guernsey (21300 Novi Road). The third-generation family-owned dairy has been producing award-winning milk and ice cream for more than 80 years, using milk from a single Michigan family farm. Next door to the processing plant, the newly renovated restaurant and Scoop Shop serves generous cones, sundaes and classic comfort food in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. Watch for seasonal specialties, including Howell Melon Ice Cream, created each summer in partnership with the Howell Rotary Club to celebrate Melon Festival while supporting local community causes. The ‘Ville Pick: Detroit Grand Slam KILWINS Kilwins (191 CadyCenter) may be one of downtown Northville’s newer additions, but the brand has been crafting sweet treats since 1947. Best known for hand-paddled fudge and chocolates, the Petoskey-based company also makes rich, small-batch super-premium ice cream. The Northville shop’s signature flavor, Mill Race Mud, combines vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips and caramel swirl.
Created for the Northville Historical Society, it remains one of the store’s best sellers. Looking for something different? The Mango Sorbetto, served with chamoy and a tiny bottle of Tajín, offers a sweet-andspicy twist. The ‘Ville Pick: Mill Race Mud
Ben Hartigan, who operates Kilwins with his mother, puts a scoop of ice cream on a cone.
What Do You Think?
Now that you know our favorite local stops for ice cream, do you think we missed any? What are your favorites when you are craving a cone or scoop? Email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com.
Northville – and America -- has a long love affair with ice cream and sweets, and the Northville Historical Society is sharing the details. As part of the open house Sundays at Mill Race Village, which run from 1-4 p.m. every Sunday through Oct. 18, the historical society is presenting a special exhibit called “250 Years of Toys and Treats” that is set up in the Hirsch Museum. Sponsored by Kilwins Northville, the exhibit celebrates America’s 250th anniversary by exploring the evolution of childhood play and sweet treats from 1776 through 2026. Visitors will enjoy viewing a private collection of vintage toys representing generations of American childhood, along with a fascinating display of candy-related artifacts and memorabilia provided by the exhibit sponsor. The exhibit offers a nostalgic journey through two and a half centuries of toys, confectionery traditions, and popular culture. Open House Sundays and the Hirsch Museum exhibit are free and open to the public. Families, residents, history enthusiasts, and visitors of all ages are encouraged to attend and discover Northville’s history while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Mill Race Village is a living history museum operated by the Northville Historical Society. The village preserves and interprets Northville’s heritage through its collection of restored historic buildings, educational programs, exhibits, and community events. During Open House Sundays, knowledgeable volunteer docents will be stationed throughout the village to share the stories of the historic structures, the development of Mill Race Village, and the rich history of the Northville community. For more information, visit www. millracenorthville.org.
The ‘Ville 13
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Members of Northville Rotary gathered at a centennial celebration earlier this year at Schoolcraft College’s Vis-Ta-Tech Center.
A Centuryof Service F
rom its care of Rotary Well Park at the South Main Street curve to its global outreach in helping eradicate polio, the Rotary Club of Northville more than lives up to its mission of impactful service. This year the organization is celebrating 100 years of service to the Northville community as well as others beyond its hometown border. Receiving its official charter on January 11, 1926, by Rotary International, the organization has maintained a healthy membership roster — there currently are 63 active Northville Rotarians — while also supporting an impressive list of projects. Rotary International’s motto of Service Above Self is what drives the Northville club and its members.
18 The ‘Ville
Rotary Club of Northville marks its 100-year milestone
The establishment of the Northville Rotary Foundation as a 501(c)(3) public charity in 1970 added another giving dimension to the organization. Since 2016, the Northville Rotary Foundation, Rotary Club of Northville, and its members have donated more than $235,000 in local grant awards and scholarships. Signature fundraisers like the annual Golf de Ville Charity Classic take in upwards of $43,000.
A substantial portion of this year’s golf event proceeds went to the Living and Learning Enrichment Center. One of the organization’s most substantial and heartfelt gifts was a $100,000 donation made last year for the newly opened inclusive playground at Ford Field. STORIED HISTORY Northville Rotary is among only a few Northville
By Michele M. Fecht
organizations today to reach centennial status and continue to maintain an active and engaged membership. A few highlights of its early years are worth noting. Northville Rotary was presented its charter on February 15, 1926 at a meeting in the high school gymnasium. Its early meetings were held at the Park House Hotel, built in 1858, and located at the corner of Main and Center Streets. The newly formed organization’s first community activity was its participation in Northville’s 1927 Centennial Parade. The club’s entry was a Hudson car covered with gladioli. In 1928, the club gave an honorary membership (the first) to aviator Eddie Stinson who had located his custom aircraft manufacturing plant
Northville Rotarians Derek Smith, German Reyes-Villanueva, Mary Kay Gallagher, Guy Bardsley, Don and Marilyn Price, and Patrick Giesa stand on the new Rotary Trail at Legacy Park. The club is giving Northville Parks and Recreation $10,000 annually through 2030 for the naming rights. In addition, the club will pay for park benches, trail signage and trees along the trail.
in Northville and purchased an airfield at Six Mile and Beck. While weathering the Depression years of the 1930s, the club took ownership of one of its most noteworthy projects, the spring well on the property of the then C & O Railway (now CSX). The care of the well and its small park has become the club’s longstanding signature endeavor. During the WWII years, two club members, R.E. Allen and J.E. Seliady, were called to duty. Seliady served just one week as Northville Rotary president before entering the service. In 1952, the club initiated an international student exchange program with four students from Germany spending a year with Northville families and attending Northville High School. The program continues today as Rotary Youth Exchange. GLOBAL OUTREACH & MISSION Traci Sincock, who has served in multiple Northville leadership roles as the former Northville Parks and Recreation Director, Supervisor of Maybury State Park and currently as Executive Director of the Northville Historical Society, has been a member of Northville Rotary since 1990 and is one of only two Northville club members to serve as a district governor. Russell Amerman, former longtime Northville Public Schools Superintendent, was elected a district governor in 1966. Sincock outlined Northville Rotary’s areas of focus which include peace building and
Rotary’s latest investment reinforces its ‘environmental legacy’ By Tim Smith | Photos by Bryan Mitchell
O
h sure, a vast network of new trails at Legacy Park in Northville Township boasts plenty of challenging berms and jumps for accomplished mountain bikers to test out. But thanks to a fruitful partnership between the Northville Rotary Club – which in 2026 is celebrating its 100th year – and the Northville Parks and Recreation Department, open and ready for exploration is what promises to be a cherry on top of the region’s trails transformation. The Northville Township Board of Trustees is expected this month to give its approval to naming one of the main trails at Legacy Park as the Northville Rotary Trail, with a nearby story board in place to inform park visitors about the Rotary club’s centennial project. “We can put a storyboard near the kiosk that explains the story of the donation for the centennial (of Rotary Club of Northville) and that way we’re not trying to cram it on every park sign, right?,” said Derek Smith, supervisor of Northville Parks and Recreation, who also happens to be a Rotary member. “It gives them a little bit more face time for park users, too. We’re growing the story of that park, they wanted to be a part of it and I think it’s important that story gets told.” Smith said a memo of understanding between the township and Rotary Club of Northville is all but finalized. It is likely that naming rights for the trail would extend for between 20-30 years. The club will provide Parks and Rec $10,000 annually from 2027 through 2030 for the naming rights. In addition, the club will pay for four park benches, including installation and plaques at the cost of $14,000 total ($3,500 per bench), and will donate and plant 50 trees along the trail. Northville Parks and Recreation will match the tree donation. The trail is a circular, one-mile walking and hiking path incorporating sunken flat stones and gravel, and it will perfectly complement the miles of exorbitant biking trails elsewhere within the park. Estimated cost for the project itself is around $300,000, Smith said.
It is centrally located within Legacy Park, with it beginning about 100 yards from parking areas at the new Essential Services Complex. “We built a signature hiking trail with compacted stone, which is a little bit more accessible than most of the hiking trails for people with disabilities,” Smith explained. “It turned out more incredible than I’d have imagined when we got into the project.” The signage, park benches and trees will be installed over the next five years to further beautify and reforest the area adjacent to the hiking path. “It really is a nice design,” said Mike Blough, a Rotary Club member and point person for the project. “They are doing a great job not putting asphalt out there, so it’s a really nice, soft walking environment. “We are beautifying it and putting in these benches with signage in cooperation with them (the parks and rec department). We’re really enthused about the cooperation.” Blough said getting the naming rights will help educate visitors about the Rotary’s mission and also provide visibility for future generations. Over the next five years, Rotarians will take part in projects where they will help plant the trees in and around the trail. “Part of our goal here is environmental legacy,” Blough explained. “Two hundred-plus trees will be planted and that habitat will be restored to create a lasting environmental contribution to the community.” An important aspect of the project, he continued, is to help raise awareness of what the Rotary Club is all about – particularly as it enjoys its centennial celebration all year. “The opportunity here is recognition, so people understand what Rotary is about. They might get involved. They might become members. We’ve got a 100-year tradition of working in Northville,” said Blough, who noted the trail project is the latest example of the club’s investment in recreation for the community, which also includes a major grant for Fort Griswold, the new children’s playscape at the refurbished Ford Field.
Continued on Page 20
The ‘Ville 19
Continued from Page 19 conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and the environment. All align with the club’s motto, Rooted in Service, Growing in Impact. Eradication of polio has been the global mission of Rotary International since it launched its PolioPlus program in 1985. Working alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary International has helped reduce the worldwide poliovirus cases by 99.9 percent and keep cases isolated to just Afghanistan and Pakistan. Northville Rotary members also expand the club’s global reach by opening their homes to host students from across the globe through Rotary Youth Exchange. In just the first three weeks in July, the Rotary Club, its members and the foundation raised $5,000 to help the people of Venezuela, partnering with Shelter Box, to deliver emergency relief to families facing devastating conditions. In addition to its stewardship of Rotary Well Park and six Little Free Libraries located throughout the community, the organization also has taken over the Goodfellows Newspaper Drive. Other events include a Community Pancake Breakfast at the American Legion during the Victorian Festival, preparing and serving meals at Crossroads of Michigan in Detroit and packing hygiene
20 The ‘Ville
kits and school lunches, just to name a few. GENDER EQUITY For the first 61 years of Northville Rotary’s centurylong history, the organization was closed to women as were all Rotary chapters throughout the United States. That would change on May 4, 1987, when the U.S. Supreme Court, in the landmark case Rotary International v. Rotary Club of Duarte, ruled in a unanimous 7-0 vote that Rotary clubs cannot exclude women from membership on the basis of gender. Rotary International updated its rules, and the 1989 Council on Legislation officially removed the maleonly requirement from its constitutional documents. Save for a few members, Northville Rotary was little fazed by the gender ruling. Longtime Northville attorney Herman (Herm) Moehlman, who at 92 is the longestserving member of Northville Rotary with 65 years in the organization, told The
Rotarians Derek Smith, Northville Parks and Rec director, and German Reyes-Villanueva, current president of Northville Rotary, stand on the Northville Rotary Trail at Legacy Park. The club is purchasing benches and signage that will be added to the trail in the future. Photo by Bryan Mitchell
Northville Record at the time of the ruling that he favored admitting women to the club. “It’s kind of interesting as we approach the 21st century that Rotary is coming into the 20th,” Moehlman said. “Since 50 percent of the business and industry people in the community are women, it can only strengthen the club to bring women members in.” Philip Ogilvie, a former longtime Northville city attorney concurred with Moehlman, telling The Record that he “sees nothing but good things coming from admitting women.” That “nothing but good things” has included nine women serving as presidents of the Northville organization since the 1985 high court ruling. All have been accomplished with many bringing civic leadership to the role. This past year, Marilyn Price, a former Northville City Council and Herman (Herm) Moehlman, 92, is the longest-serving member Northville of Northville Rotary with 65 years in the organization that is Board of celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. He is sitting in Rotary Well Park, which club members maintain throughout the year. Education Photo by Bryan Mitchell member,
shared presidential duties with Mary Kay Gallagher, former Superintendent of Northville Public Schools. As Northville Rotary enters its next century, newly installed president German ReyesVillanueva said future projects include continued collaboration with Northville Parks and Recreation on the planned bee and butterfly pollinator garden at Legacy Park which also will include companion pathway tree plantings and custom park benches. Reyes-Villanueva said he would also like to link with his native state, Michoacan, in Mexico. He said the state’s name is pronounced like Michigan and means “place of the lakes” in the native language. A UNESCO World Heritage site the city is known for its Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Reyes-Villanueva said he would like to see the Northville club link with the Rotary Club in Ontario, Canada (they are in the same Rotary district) to track the migration of monarch butterflies from Michigan through Canada and then onto the biosphere reserve in Mexico. A true Rotary International effort. For more information about Northville Rotary, including how you can become a member, visit https://northvillerotary.org.
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Drink It In Local man hopes his Pureformance puts a jolt into energy drink market By Ben Bolstrum
W
hat started as a high school project evolved into a passion and career for Michigan State University student Jake Coats. He is the owner of Pureformance, an energy drink company dedicated to providing athletes a unique take on hydration. As an athlete himself, his goal was to create a drink that was healthier than the alternatives currently on the market. An aspiring business major and food science minor, he decided to put his knowledge to the test As a student at Northville High School, Coats created the first version of Pureformance for a sports science class. The initial mix was a fusion of electrolytes from already produced products; enough to succeed in the class, but Coats wanted more. The dream became a reality in the Venture Kitchen Program, a kitchen located at the MSU Union, where students use culinary resources to establish projects like Pureformance. The program launched as a collaboration between the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment and Land Grand Goods to support enterprising students. “I always had a passion for sports fitness,” Coats said. “I played soccer locally
22 The ‘Ville
Jake Coats, a Northville High graduate, developed his Pureformance energy drink brand as a student at Michigan State University. Photo by Ben Bolstrum
with the Wolves, I played my senior year at Northville High School. When I got to Michigan State, I signed up for this program, and it could grant students free access to the kitchen, and through the kitchen, I spent about a year refining and working out my formula.” Coats then discovered the Venture Creation Program, another initiative launched by the Burgess Institute to assist students with launching a business by providing mentorship, resources, exposure and funding. Through this program, he gained the confidence and guidance to formulate a business plan. “There were many times where I thought this might not be it, this is too out of reach,” Coats said. “For me, when people tell me I can’t get in there, I kind of think of how I can do it... My roommate would say, ‘Is it time to give up?’ And it just kind of gives me that motivation to keep going.” This perseverance extended to the ingredients of Pureformance. The final product was a result of researching safe ingredients, feedback data from athletes and experimentation. Coats landed on the final formula a year into the venture. Eventually, he committed to a yuzu and
lemon hybrid for his first flavor. “We want to create something unique,” Coats said. “There are 5,000 drinks that launch annually. Ten percent of those will make it past the second year, and the reason a lot of these drinks don’t last is you get a lot of drinks using white labels, which means that they’re just taking basically an alreadymade formula that is very traditional to what’s on the market right now, and then just trying to promote it and market it in a different way.” Coats attributes the factor that makes Pureformance different from other energy drinks to theobromine: a compound extracted from a South American plant called Yerba Mate. Where caffeine stimulates the nervous system and provides a burst of energy, theobromine offers a milder and longer-lasting function to boost alertness, making it a common tool for athletes looking for a pre-game energizer. “The reason these mate drinks are very popular is that you won’t feel that jitter and crash, but the taste also isn’t there,” Coats said. “So instead of putting mate in the drink, we extracted the compound theobromine, extracted caffeine, which is natural. We use natural green tea caffeine as well, so not your synthesized caffeine.” Coats realized that for this project to work, he would have to learn every skill it takes to run the business himself. When he wasn’t in the kitchen, he was researching the intricacies of graphic design to create the Pureformance logo or leveraging his food science education to learn more about refining his recipe. “I started figuring new things out through research, like with sweetening and that kind of thing, the preservatives that you need to go into the drink,” Coats said. “And eventually, we got it tested; it had to go through about three rounds of testing, because we didn’t get it right the first time, and then the second time was much better, but wasn’t right where we wanted it. So the third time, actually, was the charm.” In April 2026 Coats partnered with Pilot Packaging, a contract packager that specializes in helping enterprising businesses with beverage production in smaller quantities than other name brands to produce the first batch of Pureforemance.
We want to create something unique. There are 5,000 drinks that launch annually. Ten percent of those will make it past the second year. Jake Coats, founder of the energy drink company Pureformance
Then he struck a deal with Northville’s Good Time Party Store to stock his drink, and he saw his efforts begin to pay off. “I went in the door, and I saw them coming off the line,” Coats said. “I saw the artwork I’d done, the drink going in. It was just a surreal feeling; I was mesmerized. I literally ran out of space on my SD card in like an hour. I couldn’t
stop filming.” Seeing the physical manifestation of his years of effort was a defining moment in the journey for Coats and solidified his confidence in Pureformance. He always hoped that his journey would help others, and he soon found out it did. “I was shopping with my mom, and I saw a lady at the checkout with my can,” Coats said. “I was in shock. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing with my eyes. I just wanted to see someone walking around and holding something I created and knowing it actually is going to help them. It was just amazing to see someone actually have it. It was really fulfilling.” Today, the drink can be found at Good Time Party Store, 567 W. Seven Mile Road. Coats plans to launch Pureformance’s next flavor this summer and hopes to expand into regional markets with a larger team. He has no plans of quitting, and hopes to continue growing what started as a high school project into his full-time career. To find out more, visit https:// drinkpureformance.com. You can also find Pureformance on Instagram and Tik Tok.
You can find Pureformance energy drink exclusively at Good Time Party Store in Northville.
The ‘Ville 23
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2026 NORTHVILLE MUSTANGS FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SWAN SONG Mustangs favored to win division in final KLAA season By Brad Emons | Photos by Bryan Mitchell
D
uring Kensington Lakes Activities Association football media day held Aug. 6 at Hillside Middle School, fourth-year Northville coach Brent Luplow spelled out his philosophy for the upcoming season simply stating: “1-0 each week. Trust the process and stay focused.” The Mustangs started last season with four straight wins before finishing second with a 5-2 record behind co-champs Howell and Brighton in the West Division of the KLAA. Northville would finish up 7-3 overall, losing to eventual state runner-up Detroit Cass Tech in the Division 1 pre-district opener, 43-6. This will be Northville’s final
28 The ‘Ville
season in the KLAA and the Mustangs would like nothing other than to win the Black Division, which has been reconfigured this fall before they leave to join the Oakland Activities Association for the 2027-28 school year. The preseason coaches’ poll selected them to finish first in the Black ahead of state powerhouse Belleville, and the rest of the division that includes Dearborn Fordson, Plymouth, Novi, Salem and Canton. The KLAA Gold preseason poll selected Howell ahead of Brighton, Hartland, Dearborn, Westland John Glenn, Wayne Memorial and conference newcomer Dearborn Heights Crestwood. (Howell was also
voted the overall preseason champ.) Meanwhile, Northville will be getting a fresh coat of paint on the defensive side of the ball as former Hartland head coach Thomas Stevenson has been installed as Luplow’s defensive coordinator. “He’s done a good job this summer, a good job in the spring installing what we will be doing,” said Luplow, who is 23-9 in three seasons. “Our expectation is to be fast, fly around and make plays. It’s
Linebacker Mason Moffa, a team captain, will lead the defense this year.
Our expectation is to be fast, fly around and make plays.” Northville Head Coach Brent Luplow
been a very good start and we’ll see when we get in helmets and pads where we go. We will be different over there and I think it will be better for us with the changes that are being made. We’ve got some leaders on that side of the ball and had some guys step up that played last year, along with some guys that are young and inexperienced as well.” Key losses to graduation on the defensive side of the ball included All-KLAA picks Robbie Kehoe (linebacker) and Austin McGarrow (secondary). Inside linebacker Mason Moffa, a captain who returns, said there will be an adjustment period leading up to Northville’s season opener Thursday, Aug. 27 at home against Lake Orion. “It’s always going to be different when you get a new defensive coordinator,” said the 5-foot-10, 195-pound senior. “All 11 of us on defense got to learn a new scheme. It’s especially
different from what we had last year. We had a three-front last year and now we have a fourfront and there’s a bunch of new things to learn.” Other key returnees on defense include senior down linemen Parker Laney (63, 290) and Tristen Salvas (6-1, 205), senior free safety Nick Nathan (6-0, 195) and junior inside linebacker Drew Meussner (5-11, 205). Junior outside linebacker Nick Spaude (6-2, 190) is another promising newcomer. Anchoring that line will be Laney, who started off in the program as a 5-11, 180-pound freshman with no football experience after growing up playing soccer. “I’ve been putting in a lot of work with outside trainers to hone my skills,” Laney said. “I’ve been working a lot with my strength trainer to get way stronger. I put on 35 pounds since last season.” In just four years Laney has transformed into a Division I talent where he has been
Junior Braylon Brown (above) is battling for the starting quarterback position with senior Greyson Harris. Both are expected to get playing time.
Northville fourth-year head coach Brent Luplow gives some instructions to the team on the first day of practice on Aug. 10.
offered by Western Michigan Montgomery (6-0, 185). University. Newcomer Cole Boring (5-10, “He’s Power Four legit and 185), a junior, also lends depth a great surprise for us on the at wide receiver and running defensive line,” Luplow said. back. Although the offensive line “We run multiple stuff and lost All-KLAA players Anthony Testani and Nolan Toomey to graduation, the cupboard is far Continued on Page 30 from bare. Anchoring that line will be Laney and senior captain Noah Stump (6-3, 280), a Michigan Tech commit who spent the spring competing in the discus and shot-put events in track. Another promising newcomer on that line is senior Mason Irving (6-3, 240). “Four of our starters are going to be seniors and we will have one junior, he was on that group that was a 9-0 (JV) team,” Stump said. “He’s pretty good and he’ll blend in well with us all.” Other key returnees on offense include Meussner, an honorable mention All-KLAA running back, senior Senior Parker Laney, at 6-3, running back 290 pounds, will anchor the Danny O’Neil defensive line. He is getting looks from Division I collegiate (5-11, 200) and programs and has already junior wide been offered by Western receiver Michigan University. Cassius
The ‘Ville 29
Continued from Page 29
that’s been our strength,” Laney said. “That’s the biggest part of our offense.” The biggest question mark heading into preseason camp is the quarterback position as last year’s starter Cooper Derkach graduated and back-up Brayden Tuiasosopo, who also had significant reps as a junior last season, moved to Texas. In the hunt for the starting job is senior Greyson Harris (6-2, 185) and junior Braylon Brown (6-0, 185). Both provide unique skill sets. “It’s a two-headed battle,” Luplow said. “Both guys are inexperienced as far as varsity goes. Both haven’t taken a ton of reps. Harris has had a great development for four years. He’s gotten a lot better and
Parker Laney (79), Coach Brent Luplow, Mason Moffa (11) and Noah Stump (78) at the KLAA media day held Aug. 6 at Hillside Middle School. Photo by Brad Emons
worked as hard as anybody. Really proud of him and his development. He does some good things. “Brown is very athletic and does a lot of things well. Dynamic playmaker. It will play out throughout the scrimmage and we will see who gives us the best chance. I think they’ll
both play, but it’s going to be determined to see who starts throughout the year.” Whether it’s Harris or Brown, Luplow is confident the offense will continue to hum. “I think both do enough for us to not change too much,” the Northville coach said. “We are still going to be under
center and in the gun with some different things. Pretty multiple, pretty flexible in our package and things like that. I think they both bring strengths to the table that will play out, but still a lot to be figured out. I think you’ll see different things but it won’t be much different.” Another key weapon for the Mustangs will be junior kicker/ punter Alex Baird, who made All-KLAA as a sophomore. And as far as the 2026 season goes, the sky is the limit with lofty goals and expectations. “I think it’s probably to win every game, go undefeated win a state championship . . . and I know every team says that, but that’s definitely our goal,” Stump said. “Be better as a team in general from last year. We had a few mistakes that we need to clean up.”
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2026
FALL Varsity Sports
M U S TA N G S MUSTANGS BOY’S TENNIS Tue Wed
BOY’S SOCCER GIRL’S FIELD HOCKEY Thu Sat
Aug 27 Grosse Pointe North HS Aug 29 Academy of the Sacred Heart
Mon Tue Tue
Aug 31 West Bloomfield HS Sep 1 Sep 8
Novi HS
5:00 PM 10:30 AM 6:30 PM 7:30 PM
Mercy HS
7:00 PM
Wed
Sep 9
Brighton HS
7:00 PM
Mon
Sep 14 Hartland HS
7:00 PM
Wed
Sep 16 Canton HS
7:00 PM
Mon
Sep 21 Dearborn HS
7:00 PM
Wed
Sep 23 Novi HS
7:00 PM
Thu
Sep 24 Pinckney Community HS
TBD
Mon
Sep 28 Brighton HS
7:00 PM
Wed
Sep 30 Hartland HS
7:00 PM
Thu
Oct 1
West Bloomfield HS
6:30 PM
Mon
Oct 5
Canton HS
7:00 PM
Mon
Oct 5
Greenhills School
7:00 PM
Wed
Oct 7
Dearborn HS
7:00 PM
Double Dual with Okemos and Clarkston Double Dual with Aug 19 Bloomfield/Skyline Aug 18
Aug 20 Double Dual with CC/Rochester 9:00 AM
7:00 PM
Sat
Triple Dual Aug 22 Hudsonville/Rockford/ Holland West Ottawa
9:00 AM
Aug 27 Belleville HS
7:00 PM
Thu
Aug 27 Double Dual - Troy/Greenhills
1:00 PM
Aug 29 Ann Arbor Pioneer HS
1:00 PM
Wed
Sep 2
Plymouth HS
4:00 PM
Tue
Sep 1
Brighton HS
7:00 PM
Thu
Sep 3
Salem HS
4:00 PM
Thu
Sep 3
John Glenn HS
7:00 PM
Tue
Sep 8
Brighton HS
4:00 PM
Tue
Sep 8
Detroit Catholic Central HS
7:00 PM
Thu
Sep 10 Novi HS
4:00 PM
Thu
Sep 10 Plymouth HS
7:00 PM
Tue
Sep 15 Canton HS
4:00 PM
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Sep 12 Novi HS
1:00 PM
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Sep 17 Brighton HS
4:00 PM
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Sep 15 Fordson HS
7:00 PM
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4:00 PM
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Sep 17 Crestwood HS
7:00 PM
Quad - Pioneer/Saline/ Sep 19 Rochester
Sat
Sep 19 Skyline HS
1:00 PM
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Sep 24 Athens HS
4:00 PM
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Sep 23 KLAA X-Over
7:00 PM
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Sep 29 KLAA Crossover
4:00 PM
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Sep 25 Edsel Ford HS
7:00 PM
Thu
Oct 1
Brother Rice HS
4:00 PM
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Sep 26 Adlai E. Stevenson HS
2:00 PM
Sat
Oct 3
KLAA Conference Tournament TBD
Mon
Sep 28 KLAA X-Over
7:00 PM
Fri
Oct 9
MHSAA Regionals
Wed
Sep 30 KLAA X-Over
7:00 PM
Wed
Oct 14 MHSAA States
Mon
Oct 12 Salem HS
7:00 PM
Aug 20 Athens HS
7:15 PM
Tue
Aug 25 Canton HS
Thu Sat
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Visit northvilleathletics.org for complete up-to-date NHS schedules.
8:00 AM TBD
GIRL’S VOLLEYBALL GIRL’S CROSS COUNTRY FOOTBALL Thu
Aug 20 Heritage HS
11:00 AM
Thu
Aug 27 Lake Orion Community HS
7:00 PM
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Sep 3
Canton HS
7:00 PM
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Sep 11 Brighton HS
7:00 PM
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Sep 18 Novi HS
7:00 PM
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Sep 25 Plymouth HS
7:00 PM
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Oct 2
Fordson HS
7:00 PM
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Oct 9
Belleville HS
7:00 PM
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Oct 16 Salem HS
7:00 PM
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Oct 23 KLAA X-Over
7:00 PM
GIRL’S GOLF
Wed
Aug 19 Adlai E. Stevenson HS
TBD
11:00 PM
Thu
Sep 3
Clarkston HS
6:30 PM
Thu
Aug 27 Mustang Invite
10:00 AM
Wed
Sep 9
Hartland HS
6:30 PM
Fri
Sep 11 MSU Invite
12:00 PM
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Sep 15 Salem HS
6:30 PM
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Sep 15 KLAA #1 vs Plymouth/Howell
4:15 PM
Thu
Sep 17 Novi HS
6:30 PM
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Sep 22 KLAA #2 vs Salem/Brighton
4:15 PM
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Sep 19 East vs West at Legacy
11:00 AM
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Oct 6
KLAA #3 vs Canton/Hartland
4:15 PM
Tue
Sep 22 Brighton HS
6:30 PM
Sat
Oct 10 Portage XC Invite
TBD
Sat
Sep 26 Power Series
TBD
Sat
Oct 10 Wayne County Invite
TBD
Tue
Sep 29 Howell HS
6:30 PM
Tue
Oct 13 KLAA #4 vs Novi
4:15 PM
Tue
Oct 6
Plymouth HS
6:30 PM
Thu
Oct 1
Bob Brown Invite (JV athletes) 3:45 PM
Thu
Oct 8
SL East/Mercy
TBD
Thu
Oct 22 Bloomer Frosh/Soph Invite
TBD
Sat
Oct 10 Power Series
TBD
Thu
KLAA Conference Oct 22 Championship
TBD
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Oct 13 Canton HS
6:30 PM
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Oct 31 MHSAA Regionals
TBD
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Oct 17 Beast of East
8:00 AM
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Oct 20 KLAA X-Over
6:30 PM
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Oct 22 Novi HS
6:30 PM
Sat
Oct 24 KLAA Tournament
TBD
8:00 AM
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Aug 25 KLAA Preseason Tournament
3:00 PM
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Aug 27 Plymouth HS
3:00 PM
Mon
Aug 31 Westborn Market Invite
8:00 AM
Thu
Aug 13
Chris Cronin Under the Lights/Meet the Team
7:45 PM
Tue
Sep 1
Hartland HS
3:00 PM
Fri
Aug 21 The Lamplighter Invite
11:00 PM
Fri
Sep 4
Next Tee
8:30 AM
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Aug 27 Mustang Invite
10:00 AM
Thu
Sep 10 Canton HS
3:00 PM
Fri
Sep 11 MSU Invite
12:00 PM
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Sep 15 Brighton HS
3:00 PM
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Sep 15 KLAA #1 vs Plymouth/Howell
4:15 PM
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Sep 17 Howell HS
3:00 PM
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Sep 22 KLAA #2 vs Salem/Brighton
4:15 PM
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Sep 22 Schwartz & Co
8:30 AM
Tue
Oct 6
4:15 PM
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Sep 23 Novi HS
3:00 PM
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Oct 10 Portage XC Invite
TBD
Thu
Sep 24 Salem HS
3:00 PM
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Oct 10 Wayne County Invite
TBD
Mon
Sep 28 “Capt. Sally” Golf Invite
11:00 AM
Tue
Oct 13 KLAA #4 vs Novi
4:15 PM
Thu
Bob Brown Invite Oct 15 (JV Athletes)
3:45 PM
Thu
Oct 22 Bloomer Frosh/Soph Invite
TBD
Thu
KLAA Conference Oct 22 Championship
TBD
Sat
Oct 31 MHSAA Regionals
TBD
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Nov 7
TBD
Oct 1
KLAA Postseason Tournament 3:00 PM
Oct 6
MHSAA Regional
Fri
Oct 16 MHSAA State Finals
TBD TBD
10:00 AM
Aug 21 The Lamplighter Invite
Aug 17 Sentech Services
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Aug 15 Marian HS
Fri
Mon
Thu
Sat
Sat
Nov 7
MHSAA State Finals
TBD
BOY’S CROSS COUNTRY
KLAA #3 vs Canton/Hartland
MHSAA State Finals
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GIRL’S SWIMMING Thu
Sep 10 Plymouth HS
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Thu
Sep 17 Brighton HS
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Thu
Sep 24 Howell HS
6:30 PM
Thu
Oct 1
Hartland HS
6:30 PM
Thu
Oct 8
Canton HS
6:30 PM
Thu
Oct 15 Novi HS
Tue
Oct 20 Ann Arbor Pioneer HS
6:00 PM
Thu
Oct 22 Salem HS
6:30 PM
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When sprains: is a headNavigating injury Ankle the twists cause for concern? and turns of this common injury Q&A with Dr. Jason Vieder, Vice Chairman of Emergency Medicine at Brandon Henry Ford Health Dr. King, Orthopedic Surgeon at Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth
If you’ve had a misstep or wrong turn result in a sprained ankle, you know how painful this injury can be. Here’s what to know – and do.
When to see a foot and ankle specialist
Ankle sprains 101
RICE treatment at home may not work for everyone or every ankle injury. A swollen ankle is typical if you have experienced a sprain. However, seek medical attention if you have:
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They’re common: In fact, they’re among the most frequent injuries in the United States, with up to 25,000 people per day spraining their ankles.
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Severe ankle swelling
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Extreme pain
They injure ligaments: An ankle sprain occurs when the ankle suddenly and forcefully twists or rolls past a point that the ankle ligaments can tolerate. These ligaments will stretch or tear, either partially or completely.
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An ankle that looks odd in appearance
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Limited ankle mobility
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Difficulty walking more than a few steps
They can happen to anyone: An ankle can twist, turn or roll during a fall, jump or change of direction, while walking on uneven ground and more. Although often associated with sports, ankle sprains can also result from tripping over curbs, stepping in holes in a yard or simply walking.
A specialist can diagnose your injury and begin treatment to decrease pain and swelling, while protecting the ligaments from further injury. Ankle treatments may include:
A weak ankle is vulnerable: Many sprained ankles heal without long-term issues. In some cases, however, ligaments may not fully heal, resulting in a weak or unstable ankle – making you more susceptible to repeated ankle sprains. Some people have a higher risk of injury: This includes people who have high arches or ‘loose joints.’ People at risk for ankle sprains should take extra precautions when playing sports or performing other activities.
Treat minor sprains with the RICE method •
Rest by avoiding use of the injured ankle.
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Ice the ankle (without touching the skin) for no more than 20 minutes every three to four hours.
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Compress your ankle with an elastic bandage.
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Elevate it above your heart.
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Immobilization: Wearing an ankle brace, walking boot or cast.
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Physical therapy: To strengthen the ankle and maintain range of motion after the ligaments have started to heal.
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Imaging: An X-ray to assess bones and joints and an MRI to evaluate ankle ligaments.
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Surgical options: More severe injuries may require surgery. A fractured ankle may need to be realigned and stabilized, while an Achilles tendon rupture may require tendon repair. For ankle instability related to high arches, an osteotomy may be performed to realign the foot and improve stability.
Ice, compress and elevate your ankle for the first few days. Rest and refrain from sports until ankle pain and swelling have subsided.
To learn more about orthopedic services we offer at Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth, visit henryford.com/plymouth
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. endured brutal treatments and cruel your insides. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, (Southfield, MI) A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Mission: Body this machine emits NO radiation and is effects. Tragically, the cancer later Full You feel fine. You side returned as a brain tumor. completely non-invasive. haveMRI no aches.Scans Without a Doctor’s Referral before he passed, Ringold You pass your It scans the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, (Southfield, MI) The late Dr.But Warren Ringold knew firsthand the Dr. devastating impact ofleft late-stage Scans are safe, non-invasive, emit no cancer diagnoses. As a respected family physician, he witnessed countless patients battling illnesses behind a legacy—and a warning—for annual physical pelvis, and spine, looking for tumors that could have been detected earlier. His own grueling battle with late-stage cancer ignited a passion, radiation and are available without him colors. to create Michigan’s MRI of full body with leading flying thefirstrest us. screening center called Bionicc Body Screening. as small as a pencil eraser. It can also a doctor’s referral. Scans can detect health and detect potentialThe problems before Little Full Body MRI Scansof Without “Dirty Secret” modern You think you’re detect silent killers like aneurysms and tumors, aneurysms, stroke risk and they escalated. In his final days, Dr. Ringold a Doctor’s Order is theBody hard truthoffyour safe. passionately advocated formedicine: stroke risks before they become lifeScreening ers elective, MRI full bodyHereBionicc other conditions. full-body MRI screenings that provide screenings, he believedcompany But what if a proactive approach insurance won’t tell you: The a threatening emergencies. could empower individuals to take control comprehensive picture of your internal health, system is reactive, not Take Control: No Doctor’s Order something sinister current healthcare The late Dr. Ringold founded going beyond what traditional checkups often of their health. Scans are safe, non-invasive, emit no Bionicc Body Screening in 2022 LIMITED TIME OFFER State-of-the-art technology can detect proactive. reveal. is silently Required traditional medical radiation and areThe available Raising growing Awareness after battling cancer twice. He tumors as small as a pea, aneurysms, risk of without a doctor’s referral. believed MRI full body screenings Today,right his son RyanStandard carries on this stroke and a multitude of other conditions inside you medical screenings (like system makes you jump through hoops. SCAN THE QR CODE could empower individuals to take mission. Though not a medical professional that might otherwise go unnoticed. Screenings LIMITED TIME OFFER - Learn more control of their health. andscans colonoscopies) only now, himself, waiting todedicationmammograms At Visit Bionicc Body Screening, there is no TO DOWNLOAD A Ryan’s to his father’s include of the head, neck, chest, now. BioniccBodyScreening.com legacy drives Softball Size Tumors Silently Grew strike? pelvis,That hips, shoulders and71% spine. 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By Oncethe symptoms treatment was brutal. He suffered cruel in their family. Mark was skeptical until his manifest cancer is usuallyisadvanced,” says results side effects. After his cancer went a into 3-centimeter mass on his often Stage 3 orreturned 4. Asa Dr. Ringold respected family of pocket, elective service for those remission, it returned a year later as a brain his son Ryan. “My father never wanted lung, which tested positive for cancer. He had warned, you have symptoms, physician who prioritize peace of mind and family40 to suffer the emotional “Once and three-fourths tumor. Dr. Ringold believed there had to be another for of his lung removed. He credits hardships that our family and he the scan a better way. He envisioned a future where for saving his life. Meanwhile, his cancer is usually advanced.” years,physical he knew proactive care. Located in Southfield individuals could take control of their endured. He wanted to save lives.” brother’s results were clean. the rules of medicine better than anyone. The Technology That Sees What • Immediate Answers: Don’t wait for He felt perfectly fine until a sudden onset Doctors Miss: Determined to stop a crisis to find out what’s going on Michigan’s first MRI of shortness of breath sent him to the ER. this tragedy from happening to other inside your body. Full Body Screening Center – The diagnosis was a shockwave: Stage families, Dr. Ringold founded Bionicc Do not wait until you feel a symptom. Located in Southfield 4 cancer. Body Screening in Southfield, Michigan’s A small tumor today could be a major While he felt healthy on the outside, first MRI full-body screening center. problem tomorrow. The only difference SCHEDULE YOUR SCAN TODAY tumors the size of softballs had been Using advanced MRI technology, Bionicc between a tragedy and a survival story is Call 1-833-Bionicc (833-246-6422) or silently growing on the inside. 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Staying Put Library survey shows community favors expansion at current downtown location By Michele M. Fecht | Photos by Bryan Mitchell
EXPANSION & FINANCIAL SUPPORT Among the most critical questions on the survey was satisfaction with the current building and expansion of the current facility over relocating or developing a new facility elsewhere in the community. The majority of respondents — 78.5 percent — indicated they were satisfied with the current facility with few respondents — 6.9 percent — expressing dissatisfaction. The public showed the strongest support for expanding the current building (71 percent somewhat support or support) compared with 30.4 percent favoring adding a new branch. A notably lower percentage of respondents — 17.2 percent — favored relocating to a new facility. The survey showed that both city and township residents show the greatest willingness to financially support expanding the current building or maintaining the current location, although support was consistently stronger among city residents. Responses to those two critical questions — expansion of the current facility and financial support of an expansion — came as an unexpected but delightful surprise to Northville District Library Director Laura Mancini.
N
orthville loves its library. This opening sentence of the Northville District Library’s Community Survey on Space Planning conducted by the Ivy Group consultants and released in May was a summation of the community’s overwhelming support of its library. The objective of the 10-question survey was to gain community feedback in several key areas including how residents use the library, barriers that may prevent public library services, satisfaction with the current building, levels of support for options to address space concerns and the likelihood to vote for increased public funding to support space options. A total of 2,283 residents completed the survey from both the City of Northville and Northville Township. The survey revealed that overall satisfaction with the current library is high across demographic groups. Areas of improvement included parking, access, study space and meeting room availability.
36 The ‘Ville
Northville District Library Director Laura Mancini (left) and Library Board President Carol Doyle inside the library.
“We obviously expected folks in the city would like the library to remain in the city. What surprised me was how uniform that thought was across the city and the township. The response we got was so clear cut across the board. That was a good surprise,” she said. Mancini said she also was extremely pleased with the survey returns. “The number of respondents exceeded what the consultant thought we would have by far. It was really nice to see that kind of interest,” she said. Carol Doyle, Chair of the Northville District Library Board of Trustees, credits the limited but pertinent questions to the high response from the community. “The response was above and beyond what we expected. I was so pleased with the community. There were 900 comments that people took the time to share. That feedback was really valuable,” she said. NEXT STEPS Release of the survey results has provided invaluable intel for further discussion with the city regarding expansion of the library in the city-owned park, which is clearly what residents want. Council members Andrew Krenz and John Carter, along with Northville City Manager George Lahanas have been reviewing the library’s plans and looking at next steps in the process. Plans are only in the discussion stage at this point. “The survey results were as clear as any survey results I’ve ever seen,” Krenz said. “To have that kind of alignment between two municipalities is astounding and critical to the future of the library.” A chalk line of 10,000 square feet was staked out in the spring in the city park that adjoins the city hall property and the library. “It gave us a visual of how much park space would be utilized,” Krenz said. Krenz said that while he believes the park is largely underutilized, a possible future expansion of city hall (and no, that is not currently on the table) also needs to be considered when looking at the library’s plan. Both Mancini and Krenz addressed the issue of parking, one of the most noted
We obviously expected folks in the city would like the library to remain in the city. What surprised me was how uniform that thought was across the city and the township. The response we got was so clear cut across the board. That was a good surprise. Northville District Library Director Laura Mancini, on the survey results
complaints in the library survey. One consideration with an expansion is the potential for locating an entrance on the library’s lower level closest to Cady Street. It would allow for easier access to the large municipal lot across from Northville Square (catty-corner to the park). That access
would provide library patrons challenged by the exterior stairs on Cady to reach the library’s front entrance. There would also be greater potential to utilize the park space for indoor / outdoor programming. “This ultimately is their decision,” Krenz said, “but we can help facilitate that. I tip my hat to Laura and the library board. There is great potential in expanding the
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you feel like the survey got it correct concerning the future expansion of the Northville District Library? Did it miss anything? Email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@ thevillemagazine.com. current library and it’s a fraction of the cost of building a new facility.” The Community Survey on Space Planning Results Report is available on the Northville District Library’s website at northvillelibrary.org. Other library studies and assessments are also available on the site.
A chalk line of 10,000 square feet was staked out in the spring in the city park that adjoins the city hall property, where library officials are eyeing the desired expansion.
The ‘Ville 37
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A New Kind of Headphones Local engineer redefining the listening experience – and making it safer By Ben Bolstrum
W
hen it comes to classic headphones, Kiran Kumar doesn’t want to hear it. The Northville engineer and entrepreneur, founded Yapello, a Michigan-based startup with a unique take on headphones. He says the new headphones do three things: reduce sound pressure at the ear (hearing health); preserve environmental awareness (situational safety); and create a more natural listening experience. Where other brands combine the speaker and ear pad, Yapello’s patented design treats them as two separate components. The speaker is placed 1-2 inches away from the headphone pad, which reduces stress to the eardrum and increases situational awareness by allowing users to enjoy their listening experience while being aware of surrounding background noise.
40 The ‘Ville
“You could be okay until one day you’re not,” Kumar said. “Why take the risk? In this case, it is a very subtle risk because in a car, the absence of a seatbelt is clearly felt. The risk is very obvious. Cars around you, speeding, turning, weird people driving around. Whereas, with this, it’s not so obvious. It’s not so in your face, but the risk accumulates over time.” All of his prototypes were designed and created by himself at the Northville District Library, which offers 3D printing, laser engraving, sublimation printing and vinyl cutting. In a process that entailed designing each individual component, printing and assembling them, testing, and refining the design for a year before he landed on the current iteration. Kumar has created wired and wireless versions, as well as one where the speaker’s position is
adjustable. “We have been accustomed to these kinds of headphones, the conventional headphones,” Kumar said. “People get adapted to these kinds of discomforts, but, do we have to have that trade-off? Do we have to have the trade-off between personal audio and isolating us from our surroundings? Is that trade-off necessary, or is it because we haven’t been shown another way?” Prior to this venture, Kumar was an independent sales and business development consultant with an educational background in mechanical engineering. He created Yapello in March 2025 after his last consulting job ended, but Kumar considers this an almost 20-year endeavor. Not because he’s been actively working on the design for that long, but because his discomfort regarding classic headphones is a near two-decade rivalry.
one day to the next. Over a period of time, the eardrum slowly becomes weaker and weaker due to excessive sound pressure and you can wear your normal headphones and go about your work until one day you discover that you’ve got this problem.” Another source of inspiration for this project is his son, who he watched use headphones more and more as he grew up. They became more common not just in his household, but society as a whole. Furthermore, he is the source of the company’s name. When Kumar gave him a list of names to choose from, he chose Yapello. “I thought now it would be a really good time for me to jump in and start designing the stuff that I’ve been thinking about for over 20 years,” Kumar said. “I really had him in mind to create something safe for him, you know? And the irony of it
Kiran Kumar used a bike helmet to prototype his early speaker design (left). His prototype went through a variety of designs before Kumar landed on the current iteration (right).
“I’ve been listening to music for 15 years,” Kumar said. “I have the hearing of a 55 year old, you know? And that’s exactly where these kinds of headphones come in, because hearing loss is a cumulative thing. It doesn’t happen from
is that I asked him, ‘would you wear this?’ He says, ‘Well, if my friends wear it, I’ll wear it’… teenagers.” As a Northville native, Kumar takes pride in Yapello being local. He raised his son in the area, and immersed himself in
We have been accustomed to these kinds of headphones, the conventional headphones. People get adapted to these kinds of discomforts, but, do we have to have that trade-off? Do we have to have the trade-off between personal audio and isolating us from our surroundings? Is that trade-off necessary, or is it because we haven’t been shown another way?”
Kiran Kumar
the engineering culture found throughout the region. Newlab, TechTown Detroit and Ann Arbor SPARK are some of the circles he frequents. He doesn’t see Yapello as a one-man operation forever, and when that changes, he has Michigan workers front of mind. “Look at the history and the heritage of Michigan manufacturing, right?” Kumar said. “This was the center of manufacturing for such a long time until it all went away, but now it’s coming back. And I think Michiganders are proud
of that, of the fact that they have this heritage. And there’s a lot of energy in Detroit. So, why not here? Why should we go out somewhere else, right?” Kumar intends to launch a Kickstarter funding campaign to make Yapello a reality. This would fund 300 units to gauge community interest. While he is passionate about staying in Michigan, he hopes to extend the company’s reach regionally with more employees in the future. For more information, visit https://www.yapello.com/
Kiran Kumar has made running Yapello his full time job as he seeks to turn his dream into a reality.
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It's Your Business Gardner & Gesch Signature Luxury Homes
Whitney Gesch and Bill Gardner
Building A Brand Gardner & Gesch redefine what a modern real estate brand looks like
I
n an industry where many agents blend together, Gardner & Gesch Signature Luxury Homes has become difficult to forget. Whether it’s their cinematic listing videos, genuine personalities, or reputation for delivering exceptional results, Bill Gardner and Whitney Gesch have built one of Northville’s most recognizable luxury real estate brands by doing something surprisingly simple—they’ve stayed true to themselves. “We’ve never tried to be anyone else,” says Gesch. “What people see is exactly who we are. We love what we do, we love working together, and we genuinely enjoy helping our clients.” That authenticity has become the foundation of Gardner & Gesch. Since forming the partnership, the team has closed more than $200 million in combined career sales and nearly $50 million in sales
42 The ‘Ville
during 2025. The partnership began shortly after @properties REMI Christie’s International Real Estate opened its Northville office. Both Gardner and Gesch were among the first agents selected to join the new brokerage. When the opportunity came to collaborate on a luxury listing, they discovered something neither had expected—they worked remarkably well together. “I had a client looking for something different,” recalls Gesch. “Bill was already helping with the listing, and we decided to create a cinematic listing video together. We had so much fun making it that we realized we shared the same vision for what we wanted this business to become.” That first collaboration became the beginning of Gardner & Gesch Signature Luxury Homes. “We both wanted to build something bigger than
ourselves,” Gardner says. “Not just another real estate team, but a brand people immediately associate with professionalism, creativity, trust, and results.” The pair laughs when people assume they play opposite roles. “Everyone thinks one of us must be the serious one,” Gesch says with a smile. “The truth is, we’re actually a lot alike. We both have big personalities, we’re both competitive, and we both care deeply about our clients.” “Our clients see the fun side of us,” Gardner adds, “but they also know that when it’s time to negotiate or solve a problem, we’re fully committed to getting them the best possible outcome.” Known throughout the community for their cinematic listing videos, Gardner & Gesch have developed a unique marketing style. “We love creating them,” Gesch adds. “If people are smiling while they’re watching, that’s a pretty good indication we’re being ourselves.” While their personalities often make the first impression, it’s their commitment to clients that has earned their reputation. “We want every client to feel like they’re our only client,” says Gardner. “Whether someone is buying their first home or selling a luxury estate, they deserve our full attention and complete commitment.” Before entering real estate, both built careers centered around serving clients. Gesch spent years as a cosmetologist and educator for the Aveda network, where she developed a passion for creativity, communication, and helping people feel
confident. Gardner previously co-owned both a property and casualty insurance agency and a mortgage franchise, providing him with years of experience helping families navigate the financial side of homeownership before transitioning into real estate. Those experiences continue to shape the way they approach every transaction today. Beyond their careers, both have strong ties to the Northville community. Gardner is a Northville native and Northville High School graduate. Today, his children attend Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, where his family has built lasting relationships and remains closely connected to the OLV community. Gesch is a Northville Hills Golf Club resident and serves as vice president of its HOA, while also volunteering with the Meadowbrook Country Club Ladies Invitational Committee, where she is a member. Together, Gardner & Gesch proudly support local schools, charitable organizations, and community events because they believe investing in the community goes hand in hand with serving it. As Gardner & Gesch continue to grow, their focus remains unchanged: provide exceptional representation, build lasting relationships, and continue raising the standard for what clients should expect from their real estate experience. Because while anyone can help someone buy or sell a home, Gardner & Gesch set out to build something much bigger. They built a brand people remember.
On the Road With Crab Fishing in Alaska
The Galasso family of Northville had quite the adventure this summer when they traveled to Alaska in July. The trip started in Fairbanks and then to Denali, before they took a glass dome train to Whittier to board a cruise ship. They sailed south through Alaska’s inner passage, including Glacier Bay, with stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. They panned for gold and saw several glaciers and lots of wildlife, including moose, sea otters, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, and bald eagles feasting on herring. “We visited sled dog mushing camps and heard first-hand accounts from those who have competed in the Iditarod,” said Susan Galasso. “We learned all about crab fishing while aboard the Aleutian Ballad, a crab fishing vessel featured on season 2 of Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. We also learned from several locals what it’s like to live in Alaska. And the seafood lovers among us enjoyed the fresh salmon and the king and snow crab.” Pictured with their copy of The ‘Ville are Steve, Susan and Levi Galasso aboard the Aleutian Ballad.
High Above the Grand Canyon
The Bohdan family took along their copy of The ‘Ville on a trip to Arizona and the Grand Canyon. After spending a couple days in the picturesque Sedona, the family enjoyed a Pink Jeep tour, then headed to Flagstaff and took the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for the day. “We also drove to Antelope Canyon one day and had to be evacuated due to a flood warning after a large storm rolled through,” said Laurie Bohdan. “We really enjoyed driving around Arizona and seeing the wide variety of landscapes.” Here are Molly, Laurie and Joshua Bohdan (dad Matt took the photo) at the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park, holding their copy of The ‘Ville.
New York Dreamin’
Rishi Chowdhury, a member of Northville High School Class of 2026, recently visited New York City and brought the 100th issue of The ‘Ville with him on his travels. He visited legendary Carnegie Hall where he played in the winner’s recital for earning First prize in the Golden Classical Music Awards International Music Competition in Piano. In addition, Rishi visited the United Nations World Headquarters after receiving the United Nations Global Ambassador Award for volunteerism throughout high school. “It was a memorable experience and journey with The ‘Ville,” said Rishi, pictured here inside the United Nations World Headquarters.
Discovering Portugal
Two Northville couples -- Kyle and Jeri Johnson, and Sue and Paul Anker – recently traveled to Portugal, where they enjoyed five nights in Lisbon, and then visited the countryside. “We did day trips to Sintra and CasCais, and then travelled to Porto for an additional five nights,” said Jeri Johnson. “We took a tour of the Duoro Valley. The vineyards were breathtaking, but the Port Wine was still too sweet for me.” Pictured from left are Kyle, Jeri, Sue and Paul near the colorful castle, Pena Palace, in Sintra.
44 The ‘Ville
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.
BULLETIN BOARD Class of ’76 To Celebrate Golden Anniversary
Rising Softball Star
46 The ‘Ville
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Northville’s Alexah Grossman and her Beverly Bandits team won three of the largest 2026 11u events in the country this year - Premier Girls Fastpitch 11u Super Select Championships in Alabama, Premier Girls Fastpitch Diamond Legacy Red/White/Blue Championships in Arkansas, and USSSA 11uA Midwest National Championships in Iowa. Each Northville’s Alexah Grossman traveled of the tournaments attracted some of to Oklahoma City after being selected the top teams from around the nation. to participate in the USA Softball AllGrossman, who will soon be a 7th American Games. grader at Hillside Middle School, has compiled some eye-popping statistics this summer, both at the plate and on the mound. With 412 at bats, she posted a .580 batting average, which included 52 doubles and 23 triples. She also walked 86 times, while only striking out 13 times. As a pitcher, she recorded 353 strikeouts. Over the past two seasons, Grossman has helped the Beverly Bandits earn more than 250 victories and 25 tournament championships. As a result of her efforts, Grossman has been selected to the Extra Innings Rising Star Watchlist and Extra Innings 2026 Summer Future Premier Rising Star, and was also named the 2026 USSSA Nationals Most Outstanding Pitcher. Most recently, Grossman traveled to Oklahoma City after being selected to participate in the USA Softball All-American Games, where she represented Region 6, which includes Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. The experience gave Grossman the opportunity to compete at Devon Park, known as the Softball Capital of the World. While in Oklahoma City, she also watched the USA National Team compete against Japan and bring home the Gold Medal in the International Cup.
The Class of 1976 had about 365 graduates, and Folino said event organizers have been trying to contact as many as possible. He’s been happy with the efforts, but would like to add to the number of expected attendees. “Based on the little bit of numbercrunching I did, I think at least half the (classmates) have a Facebook NHS Class of 1976 President Thom Folino page and then we’ve been encouraging (left) and Vice President Ed Erdos. word of mouth,” he said. Matching names and social media posts to actual faces is something Folino is looking forward to. “It will be nice to put names and faces with people that you’re friends with on Facebook.” The cost is $37 per person, with dinner featuring antipasto salad, mostaccioli with meat sauce, baked chicken, Italian sausage, oven roasted potatoes and much more. There will be a cash bar. To ensure a seat at the table, Folino said all interested revelers need to do is give Genitti’s a call at (248) 349-0522. Of course, the sooner they RSVP, the better. -- By Tim Smith
Sca
In 1976, Northville High School was perched on a hill on Eight Mile Road at Center Street. And the country was celebrating its 200th birthday. NHS students such as 1976 class president Thom Folino recall a lot of redwhite-and-blue sentiment to celebrate the USA Bicentennial, not to mention a homecoming parade in downtown Northville featuring a Mustangs’ football version of Uncle Sam. “I remember the high school homecoming float was the Statue of Liberty with a football under the arm and a football helmet on the head,” said Folino, adding with a laugh “and the head fell off.” That memory is just one of many that Folino and classmates from that notable year will rekindle at the class’s 50-year reunion slated for 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 at Genitti’s Hole In The Wall. “I think it’s really, really exciting,” said Folino, still close friends with class vice president and college fraternity brother Ed Erdos. “There’s some friendships that are still active since we graduated high school and it’d be good to see some people who haven’t kept in contact.”
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Fashion and the Automobile Aug. 25 Mill Race Village will host this lecture from 7-8:30 p.m. Take a journey down memory lane and see how fashion was influenced by function, environment, lifestyle, and world events with Victoria Mobley, Lynn Anderson, and Elaine Vermeersch. This live show includes fashions from the Victorian Era through the 1970s. This program is funded by a DTE Foundation Grant. To register or for more information, visit www. millracenorthville.org.
Chamber After Hours Event Aug. 26 The Northville Chamber of Commerce will hold an After Business Hours at Tipping Point Theatre from 5-7 p.m. Connect with local businesses leaders, get to know Tipping Point, and hear the latest updates from the Chamber and City/Township officials. Register online at www.northville.org/networkingevents or RSVP to maddy@northville. org. Event is free for Chamber members and $15 for non-members. For more information, call Maddy Wise at (248) 349-7640.
Ice Cream Social Aug. 28 Northville Senior Services will host its Luau Luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Northville Community Center. Enjoy good food, great company and live entertainment by the Hoaloha Polynesian Dance Group. Wear your favorite floral shirt or lei and get ready to say “Aloha” to friendship, laughter, and summer fun. Cost is $15 for Northville residents and $18 for non-residents. To register or for more information, call Northville Senior Services at (248) 305-2851.
Victorian Clothing Sale Sept. 3-4
48 The ‘Ville
NHS Drama Club to ‘Bring Down the House’ The Northville High School Drama Club will perform “Bringing Down the House” next month. There will be three performances – at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25 an Sept. 26, as well as a 2 p.m. matinee on the 26th. This “show within a show” takes the audience behind the curtain to experience the frivolity and foibles of life in the theater. Written by awardwinning playwright Todd Wallinger, this musical comedy features a team of young musical hopefuls who book a creaky old theater to stage their show in six weeks for big Broadway investors—only to discover the building is scheduled for demolition the next day. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. For more information, visit nvilledramaclub.weebly.com. Mill Race Village will host this annual sale for folks to get ready for the Victorian Festival starting at noon on Sept. 3, and ending at 5 p.m. on Sept. 4. Shop for Victorian-era clothing and accessories from various vendors. Admission is a $2 donation. For more information, email sklimek@ millracenorthville.org.
Great Salem Train Wreck Sept. 8 The Northville District Library will host this event from 7-8:30 p.m. at Northville Township Hall. Local historian Joe Oldenburg of the Historic District Commission will present “Great Salem Train Wreck of 1907: Michigan’s Worst Train Wreck”. On Saturday July 20, 1907, 800 employees and friends of the Pere Marquette Railroad in Ionia boarded a train for their annual picnic in Detroit at Belle Isle Park. On a bend in the tracks just east of Napier Road, the train ran into a freight train going west, killing 34 people and making it the worst train wreck in Michigan history. To register or for more information, visit northvillelibrary.org.
Chamber Coffee Connection Sept. 9 The Northville Chamber of Commerce will host its regular Coffee Connection from 8-9 a.m. at First Merchants Bank (20550 Haggerty Road). Connect with local businesses, and hear the latest updates from the Chamber and City/ Township officials. The event is free for Chamber members and $10 for nonmembers. For more information, visit www.northville.org or RSVP by emailing maddy@northville.org.
Inspired by Sargent Reception Sept. 11 The Northville Art House (215 W. Cady Street) will host this free reception from 5-8 p.m. for its Inspired by Sargent Exhibition, which runs during the month of September. Inspired by the portraits and artistic sensibilities of renowned American painter John Singer Sargent, 16 local artists present works painted from life that celebrate observation, light, and expressive brushwork. The exhibit runs through the month of September. Learn more at northvillearthouse.org/inspired-bysargent.
Eclipse Base Ball Sept. 13 The Eclipse Base Ball Club of Northville, a group of baseball and history enthusiasts who play other “vintage” teams by the rules and gentlemanly conduct of the 1860s, will play the Wahoos of Royal Oak at 2 p.m. at Northville’s Fish Hatchery Park. They will also play at 1 p.m. on Sept. 19 against the Early Risers of Detroit and at 1 p.m. on Sept. 20 against the Village Lah-de-Dahs. Those games are also at Fish Hatchery Park. For more information, visit www.eclipsebbc.com/ northville-historical-society.
Bicentennial Lecture Sept. 17 Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull will give a lecture on Northville’s upcoming Bicentennial at 11 a.m. in the Northville City Council Chambers. He will reflect on 200 years of Northville’s history, growth and community spirit. Through stories, milestones, and insights into Northville’s future, this presentation celebrates the people, events, and achievements that have shaped our community over two centuries. This is a free program hosted by Northville Parks and Recreation. Registration is preferred by Sept. 14 and can be completed at northvilleparksandrec.org.
Painting with Paws Sept. 19 Unleash your pet’s inner “Paw-casso” as artists from the Northville Art House will transform your pet’s paw print into a one-of-a-kind keepsake artwork. This is a Northville Art House fundraiser, and runs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Art House. The cost is $25-30. For more information, visit northvillearthouse. org/paintingwithpaws.
Dishin’ 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.
The Art of Giving
L
ast month was America’s birthday. In August I celebrate my birthday, and not just for the day - it’s a month-long celebration. Webster defines a birthday as: “The day of a person’s birth; a day of origin; an anniversary of a birth.” AI says: “The Bible generally treats the gift of human life as a reason for joy and gratitude.” What? Apparently, AI has an emotional side. Who knew? Of course, birthdays = birthday gifts. There is an art to gift giving. How about gifting from a local small business to help them grow - with purchase power and recognition. And, if the receiver can’t use it and they re-gift it…. Well, it keeps on giving. I have a couple of suggestions.
Members of Living and Learning Enrichment Center’s Product Workshop.
Where, oh where did the Mod Market art projects go? These are perfect gifts for the person who has everything. And they are made with more than love. If you are looking for something a little special and want to support the artisans from Living and Learning Enrichment Center, you can find them at Dancing Eye Gallery (at the corner of Center and Main).
50 The ‘Ville
“What did you like about today?” is the question each member of LLEC is asked at the end of hands-on Product Workshops (conducted by Mill Race Village volunteers). The answers vary from sanding, painting, staining or drilling. Product choices include games, ornaments, marshmallow sticks, wood products like flowerpot holders, train cars, and airplanes. The workshops aim to grow skills and confidence, using hands and tools. It took a village to coordinate a collaboration and partnership to satisfy the needs and wants of many. Kudos to all! While in Dancing Eye Gallery check out the new Ondi Renée display. Andrea is the owner - she has nearly 20 years of experience in fashion buying, visual merchandising and retail strategy. She is a single mom of two, with a Master of Fine Arts in Color and Materials Design from the College for Creative Studies. Rather than chasing fast-moving trends, Andrea believes great style begins with understanding yourself. She keeps ‘outfit building’ in mind, helping women mix new pieces with what they already own. She hopes to offer more as she grows - color analysis, style events and intentional “living” style for the home. Love shopping online? Have you heard about National Goods? The home page says it all: “This Is An American Department Store.” They launched on July 4th of this year - America’s 250th
anniversary. They are an independent company, not owned by any of the brands they carry. According to Paul Young (yes, the former Northville Swim Club coach and more): “We are in soft launch and getting ready for original products coming in the fall.” In my humble opinion - the site is clean and easy to navigate. I learned about the Chaos Grain Butcher Board - each one-of-akind - from our local Colors of Wood. It’s on my short list for a ‘welcome to Northville’ gift I hopefully need in the very near future. For more information, visit www.nationalgoods.com.
Celebrity Chef Lidia Bastianich
Recently, I had the privilege to attend a dinner event in Kansas City with Lidia Bastianich -restaurateur, Emmy Awardwinning celebrity chef, bestselling author and “Nonna” to a Michigan Wolverine. Wow! What a cool woman – and Lidia’s is such a cool restaurant. We spent a little time chatting things up and I invited her to come to Northville to raise funds for her charity-of-choice Smile Train (the leading global charity supporting cleft lip and palate care). She is
planning to be here for a special event on Oct. 29 (more details later). Fingers crossed she can make it.
Northville's Martin family: (from left) Matt, Karen, Eve and Grace.
I take “Dishin” serious -- whether it’s a restaurant review - Lidia’s had chicken livers just like my Grammy used to make! – or features local “Page Six” celebrities. A good story is a good story. In that vein, congrats to the Martin family. I have watched them from the sidelines for more than 20 years. Eve Martin is just starting dental school, and her sister Grace is starting her job at Ernst & Young. (Big brother Matthew is also doing well, working hard and little sister Meredith is entering her first year of college: sorry they didn’t make the picture.) Dad Matt is a longtime Northville business owner. And mom Karen has been here most of her life - volunteering at OLV and now Maybury Farm. Northville has always been a great place to do business and raise a family. And the Martins are certainly proof of that.
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Lakes of Northville
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