December 2025 | Vol.8 | Issue 12
Northville’s News and Lifestyle Magazine
Hometown Holiday Magic
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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 8 ISSUE 12 DECEMBER 2025 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
Publisher Here is a list of people who contributed to local journalism last month. We appreciate your support! • Emily Guo • Tom & Abbie Holden • Arvy Kavaliauskas & Deborah Stanifer • Christine Krumins • Carolyn & Jim Roth
• Shoemaker family • Margaret Zonca • Bob & Margene Buckhave • Chuck & Andrea Murdock
ADVERTISE IN THE VILLE Our locally-owned publication is an affordable way to reach the Northville Market. We direct mail to all 21,000 addresses in the 48167 & 48168 zip codes.
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.
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
KEN VOYLES – Writer/Photographer
Ken is an award-winning writer, photography and designer whose career has spanned nearly five decades in and around metro Detroit. Eons ago he kickstarted his journalism career in Plymouth, working for the Community Crier. He is the author of two books on Detroit history, loves to travel and has finished his first novel.
TIM SMITH - Writer
Tim brings a penchant for telling powerful and personal stories that run the gamut from news to sports. During more than 35 years in journalism, he has earned numerous state and national awards. The Wayne State grad is a published author and rec ice hockey player.
MARIA TAYLOR – Writer
Maria is managing editor at The ACHR NEWS, a B2B publication based in Troy. She has worked as a reporter for the Northville Record, Novi News and Plymouth Observer, and once had her photo on the cover of TIME. She lives in Farmington and, as a self-avowed history nerd, routinely risks her life by standing in the road to photograph old buildings.
BRAD EMONS - Writer
Over the course of his four decades with the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers, Brad established himself as one of the preeminent prep sports reporters in the state, winning many journalism awards along the way. His greatest joy is interviewing local athletes and coaches, and reporting on their efforts.
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.
A View From The ‘Ville
Northville has some unique holiday traditions I
had the honor of helping Dr. Bill Demray and his team light up his unique “Tooth Tree” – a can’t-be-missed sculpture erected at the corner of Main Street and Griswold. It features exactly 1,111 plastic molars, some colorful bulbs and this year is crowned by Snoopy riding in a sleigh led by a flock of Woodstocks. The Dec. 5th lighting ceremony included a group of students from St. Catherine of Sienna Academy singing holiday carols, a new pyrotechnic display and corresponding musical show that will run daily from 6 p.m. until midnight through the holiday season. It’s quite clear that “Doc” Demray (and his team at Preservation Dental) puts a lot of thought, planning and energy into this annual display, which seems to grow in scope every year. Go check it out. For me, it’s just one of many great holiday traditions that make Northville so unique. In this issue, we feature a couple others, including the Holiday Lighted Parade, which kicked off the holiday season on Nov. 21, attracting thousands to our downtown. Our photos can be found on Page 8. Some other great traditions include the annual Northville Community Foundation Holiday Home Tour, Holiday Greens & Winter Market, Rotary’s Goodfellows Newspaper Drive and the Living and Learning Center’s Santa 5K Run/Walk, which is gaining in popularity. On Page 14, you’ll find a story about a new holiday tradition crafted by the Country Garden Club of Northville. Club members have been making what they call Lonely Bouquets, lovely little arrangements they leave around town hoping they will be found by the right person needing a little holiday pep in their step. They are accompanied by cute little notes conveying joyful messages. So, if you are looking for an infusion of holiday spirit, keep your eyes peeled for one of these little treasures. What a great new tradition! Julia Glander, the director at Tipping Point Theatre, was also part of the Tooth Tree ceremony. She told everyone about Tipping Point’s show “A Very Northville Christmas” – a production that, as the name suggests, includes many Northville references, including the Tooth Tree. It got me thinking about all the wonderful things I’m thankful for here in Northville. After the ceremony we walked over to nearby Mill Race Village, where they lit up the Village’s Christmas tree and gazebo. Mill Race is definitely one of those unique Northville jewels we’re so fortunate to have. Walking into those buildings is like entering
a time machine. Thank goodness for the many volunteers who have preserved those relics for future generations to help us stay connected to our past. Of course, I’m thankful for our top-notch schools, which all three of my children went through. I also love the fact that we have so many great parks, like Maybury State Park and Wayne County-owned Hines Park, but also Legacy Park, which, when complete, is going to be one of the nicest municipallyowned parks around. And speaking of municipal parks, we have a series of stories beginning on Page 18 about all the progress being made on the new 10-acre River Park on the former Downs site, as well as improvements to the River Walk, which will connect Ford Field to the new park, Hines Park and beyond. There are some really cool things happening, all of which shows how much our community values nature and recreation. I’m also thankful for all the quirky Northville stuff, too, like the Wagon Wheel, Genitti’s Hole-in-the-Wall, Guernsey’s, the Marquis Theater, Custard Time and so many other landmark businesses around town we all love so much. We are so fortunate to live in a town where we have small business owners who support the community in ways big and small. Many of them can be found in this magazine. Their advertisements are what make everything we do possible. We couldn’t help tell Northville’s story without their support. It’s important to note they are a big part of that story. So, my plea to you, as a reader, is to check out these businesses and support them if you can. I’m so thankful for their commitment to The ‘Ville! Lastly, I’d just like to give a shout out to all the people who are involved, who volunteer, and who are engaged to make our community such a great place to live. Yes, we are undergoing some growing pains, and, yes, there are plenty of differences of opinion out there that often butt up against each other. At the end of the day, though, I think most of us would say we’re pretty lucky to live in Northville. At no time of year is that more evident than during the holidays. Merry Christmas to all our readers, advertisers and supporters. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. Peace and love to you all. Kurt Kuban is the Publisher and Editor of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com.
4 12 20 26 30 32 34 38 42
Your Voice: Letters to the Editor Past Tense: Colorful Christmas cover was front page news in 1907 After much planning, new river park has officials overflowing with pride SEMCOG’s $1.2 million grant will help fill gaps in city’s River Walk High School Confidential: Celebrating diverse holiday traditions Watchdog group says landfill expansion decision drawing near NHS fall sports round-up: Mustangs shine again It’s Your Business: Tiffany & Bosco Dishin’ with Denise
8
Northville’s Hometown Holiday Magic
14
‘Lonely Bouquets’ Looking for Someone to Love
18
It Took Heavy Lifting to Save 1930’s Log Cabin
ON THE COVER: Santa (aka Northville’s Bill Critcher) was joined by students from St. Catherine of Sienna Academy for the official lighting of the Christmas tree and gazebo at Mill Race Village, which is all decked out for holidays. The girls sang carols at the Dec. 5th ceremony, while Santa greeted all the guests and spread some cheer. Photo by Bryan Mitchell
Your Voice Keep library in town
The Northville District Library is considering a possible expansion or a possible branch in Northville Township. In the 1990s the Heller family offered free land at the northeast corner of 6 Mile and Sheldon for a library. I was on the township’s Planning Commission, under Mark Abbo’s leadership, and we voted unanimously to support a new library in the City and turn down the free land offer. We all wanted to support the merchants. There were also discussions regarding moving the Post Office to the township, but we supported leaving it on Wing Street. In 2002 there was a need to construct a new Senior Center. The township’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to construct it in the city, even though 85% of the funding came from township taxpayers because we wanted to support the merchants with patrons also shopping and dining in town. Today, 25 years later, the malls are struggling and Northville will have more merchants to support when the Downs project is completed. All the residents with pink signs or orange signs want to support the merchants regardless if the streets are seasonally opened or closed. Our public library needs to remain in the City of Northville. The library board needs to carefully evaluate their future needs with the accelerating technology information at our fingertips, the future of AI and our real library needs beyond 2029. Jim Nield
Expand at current location
My vote would be to expand the library at the present location. While the park to the east is nice, it is not really utilized that often. The Northville Tree Champions planned, at some point, to put the tree carving on a cement slab, so it could be moved further east if necessary. Janet Nawrocki
Stay put
Please leave the library where it is. There is room for expansion. This is for the city! Lynn Paquette
Thankful for stewardship
I recently had the opportunity to inspect the infrastructure upgrade projects underway in Northville. It is apparent that these are all focused on improving recreation opportunities in the downtown area. Northville, with its varied hills, rivers, and lakes, provides us with great natural beauty, but with the pressures of modern living we have tended to ignore them. City Council, their staff, and other consultants have developed a plan to use these natural features to provide additional recreational spaces in the downtown area. As part of this plan, green spaces, bridges and walking trails are currently being installed. A new children’s play area with toilets and covered areas will be a major attraction for young families.
SOUND OFF 4 The ‘Ville
When spring 2027 arrives, and the construction equipment is gone, and the trees and grasses are at their best, I think Northville residents will see that the construction has provided significant new recreational opportunities in the downtown area. It will also improve Northville’s image in the surrounding areas. The fact that it is being done solely with state and other grants is amazing. No additional local bonds or city tax increases are involved. Council’s leadership, hard work, and stewardship have to be recognized. Arthur Deane
Adhere to city charter
The recent “On the right track” letter in last month’s issue praised downtown street closures and dismissed opposition as a “small group.” The reality is more complex. Between 2020 and 2024, the City Council authorized temporary, pandemic-related closures, attempted to make some permanent in 2022, and adopted a seasonal compromise in 2023. A Circuit Court judge found that Northville violated both Michigan law and the City Charter. State law governs whether platted public streets can be repurposed, while the City Charter sets local procedural requirements that the Council must follow. Temporary event closures remain permissible, but permanent or recurring street closures must follow this two-step legal process. Residents have a right to question governance, transparency, and long-term planning. Northville deserves decisions that preserve the city’s character, protect residents, and maintain the stability of neighborhoods and local businesses while adhering to State law and City Charter procedures. John Barbosa
Stay vigilant
On the morning of Nov. 14, my daughter was shopping at Kroger’s on Beck Road and Grand River. As she shopped, she was followed by a grey-haired man who followed her down every aisle, spoke to an unknown individual on his phone describing her attire, watching her every move. He followed her to the cashier and stood next to her. Many customers showed alarm and concern. The Kroger staff monitored and were alert to this situation. A male office worker approached my terrified daughter and insisted on walking her to her car while the cashier delayed the man. An unmarked white van had pulled up to the exit door and followed her as she drove away. She managed to lose it in traffic. Kroger management filed a police report, along with my daughter of possible abduction. So please be alert. Sex traffickers are operating in our community. Young women know your surroundings even in a store and don’t hesitate to call the police if another person makes you feel uncomfortable. Thank you Kroger, as I still have my daughter in my life. I’m forever grateful to the alert staff at Kroger. Lesley Ripper
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.
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Hometown Holiday Magic!
reading the to the crowds and sp a knows holiday joy only Sant how to bestow. the Santa was joined in S NH e th parade by Scouts, upes, tro e nc Marching Band, da ses es sin bu sports teams, local ian Br or and officials like May ed ck rs pa re ho es eeks before he Turnbull. There we to ts gif ty of candy his sleigh full of and floats, and plen nd ou ar trip s. get ready for his big thrown to the masse re fo be t nclusion, gh ni co e ’s th de At the para the globe on a ok to s the help au th Cl wi a ll, Christmas, Sant Mayor Turnbu le du he families, sc of sy ty break from his bu of Santa and plen in liday p ho sto t and made a special lit up the magnificen chorus a to Northville. tree in Town Square t me s On Nov. 21, Santa wa of “oohs” and “aahs.” rs at all re mi ad of s nd As he looked around by thousa town ned to the all packed into down the smiles and liste liday at filled the Northville for the Ho Christmas carols th , Santa Lighted Parade. crisp early winter air s ke ma he done. s p tri wa It’s an annual realized his work e th irit was k sp kic to help our town Northville’s holiday h hig to in la r sp y. holiday spirit mete definitely on full di d an gr e treated th He snuck off and re gear, as he serves as st mo d an ere he de marshal of the para to the North Pole wh . rs dM h work honored guest. He an continued his feveris d en il the ta epic Claus rode along at getting ready for his a of ck ba e th y. in ne of the parade Christmas jour ck, waving fire department tru
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8 The ‘Ville
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Past Tense
Colorful Christmas cover was front page news in 1907 By Michele M. Fecht
T
hroughout most of its 156 years, The Northville Record predominantly printed in black and white as the cost of color printing was costprohibitive, particularly for a small weekly newspaper. Nevertheless, in 1907, The Record’s December 20 edition featured a full-page colored Christmas cover featuring Santa on his sleigh pulled by bears (the reindeer are idled in the background). The cover was purchased through a syndicate — most likely Western Newspaper Union — that provided
12 The ‘Ville
newspapers with full-page color wrap-around covers with reverse sides left for local ads or news. The supplement wrap-arounds — or “Christmas Numbers” — featured colored illustrations by prominent artists of the era such as Thomas Nast, Howard Chandler Christy and others. The Record cover illustration was by Frank Ver Beck, a freelance illustrator for magazines including Scribner’s, Ladies Home Journal, and Collier’s. His specialty in making animals — most notably bears — with human attributes earned him accolades in the canon of early 20th century American illustrators. L. Frank Baum chose Ver Beck to
The Northville Historical Society has the Christmas-themed cover of the Dec. 20, 1907 Northville Record in its archives. In those days, it was rare for the weekly newspaper to have a color page.
illustrate some of his Oz books, and he was the first artist to interpret Rudyard Kipling’s Just So stories. The bears in the 1907 Christmas Record cover are an example of Ver Beck’s style. The reverse side of The Record cover featured advertising for local businesses including Strauss Men’s Milliner, Clothier and Furnisher; Northville Milling Company; Northville State Savings Bank; Stark Brothers: The
The coveted space on the back of the colorized cover featured a number of local advertisers. Only the cover had color.
Shoemen and W. H. Cattermole, dealers in harnesses and carriages. While the full-color cover wrap-around would have been a costly addition to the weekly Record, it no doubt paid for itself in additional sales and advertising. The original December 20, 1907, Northville Record Christmas cover is framed under glass and housed in the archives of the Northville Historical Society.
Country Garden Club members (from left) Marcia Mandell, Neyssa Gill, Kathryn Novak, Kathy Clark and Debbie Davis hold some of their Lonely Bouquets, which they are leaving around town.
The bouquets are sweet little arrangements of greens, berries, pinecones, ribbons and ornaments, and even a sprinkle of “Secret Santa Dust.”
Looking for Someone to Love ‘Lonely Bouquets’ growing into Northville’s newest holiday tradition By Maria Taylor | Photos by Bryan Mitchell
O
n a cold December morning, you might spot one on a park bench downtown: a little spray of pine boughs and bright red berries, dusted with frost. Maybe it’s tucked outside a shop door, bright against the gray sidewalk. A small card invites you to lean closer: “Please take me home. I might be able to brighten your day.” The giver is anonymous. The gift is unexpected. And, more often than not, it arrives at just the right moment. This is the magic behind the Country Garden Club of Northville’s Christmas Lonely Bouquets — a new tradition of quiet kindness reminding all of us that we are never alone this holiday season. FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON The idea is simple: Create floral arrangements, leave them in random public places, and trust that the right person will discover them. “We love making bouquets, and we love giving them, and people love receiving them,” said Kathryn Novak, a Northville
14 The ‘Ville
Township resident and member of the garden club. “So what could be better?” The bouquets carry a special intent — they’re designed to be found by someone who needs a lift, whether they know it or not. “It’s like a message in a bottle, except with flowers — a ‘message’ that finds someone and tells them what they need to hear just at the very moment they need it,” said Kristen Bros, another member of the club. This December is the first year the Lonely Bouquets project will be downtown specifically for the holidays, but the club has been doing it for more than five years now. The project began at Arbor Hospice, where club members made fresh floral arrangements for patients. When the hospice relocated, they started going once a month to local senior homes, working with seniors to make arrangements that they could take back to their rooms. Lonely Bouquets started just before COVID. The name and idea came from another garden club; Novak and her friends decided it was
perfect. When in-person visits were limited, leaving bouquets in the community became a way to keep sharing kindness safely. “We do the senior project first, at Oakmont,” Novak explained. “Then we ask the residents if they’d like to stay and do another arrangement that’s going to be Lonely Bouquets that we set out.” The seniors love it. Usually 10 or 11 join in, and for many, it’s become a highlight of the month: creating something beautiful specifically for someone they’ll never meet. Then the bouquets are distributed locally for people to find. MESSAGES OF HOPE The club leaves a little card with each bouquet, explaining what it is and inviting the finder to text them. Not everyone does, but when they do, it is just as meaningful for the givers as finding the bouquet was for the recipients: evidence of joy found, joy given, joy received. One finder texted that at first she thought someone had forgotten their flowers. Then
We want to spread happiness and joy, and maybe make people realize that, hey, people are nice. I think people forget that when things get tough.” Kathryn Novak, Country Garden Club member, on the Lonely Bouquets she saw the card and realized the bouquet she’d come across, on a bench outside a restaurant in downtown Northville, was intended for her. As it turns out, she had just left a doctor visit and was feeling really depressed. “And boy, did that arrangement feel like the biggest, most loving hug I have ever received!” she texted. “I feel blessed beyond anything I can express by your great kindness, and want you all to know you will always be in my prayers.” “It made us cry,” Novak said. “The flowers always seem to make it to the people that need them. It just seems like the bouquet knows where to find a home.” SECRET SANTA DUST This December, the club will make 35 Christmas Lonely Bouquets. Because of the cold, these won’t be traditional flower bouquets: think sweet little arrangements of greens, berries, pinecones, ribbons and ornaments, and even a sprinkle of “Secret Santa Dust.” All the flowers and greens are a donation from Trader Joe’s, the Club’s partner in spreading joy throughout the Northville area. “Christmas is the ‘most wonderful time of the year,’ yet for many it is a sad and lonely time,” Novak said. “They may have lost a loved one, have medical issues, depression, or other misfortune. It’s hard for them to get caught up in the joy of the season.” For these volunteers, that’s exactly why the project matters now. “Lonely Bouquets signify that someone is trying to make the world more human and connected,” said Sheryl Signorelli, another garden club member. Added Novak, “We want to spread happiness and joy, and maybe make people realize that, hey, people are nice. I think people forget that when things get tough.” After the bouquets are made on December 16, garden club members will quietly circulate through Northville and Northville Township and the surrounding area, leaving arrangements on park benches, shop fronts, library steps, and “unusual places, where somebody might just happen across it.”
Marcia Mandell (left) and Neyssa Gill put the finishing touches on a couple of the holiday bouquets.
It’s not meant as a scavenger hunt — the gifts are meant to feel serendipitous. “We don’t want folks to look for the Lonely Bouquets,” Novak said. “The Bouquets will find whoever needs them.”
bouquet, she’ll give it to them right then. It just has warmed her heart, and they really appreciate it.” Whether you stumble upon a festive bundle on Main Street or find a note tucked among pine branches outside a coffee shop, you’ll know it when you see it: a Christmas Lonely Bouquet, waiting to brighten someone’s day. “We’re really excited about this,” Novak said. “I think we’ll be able to brighten a lot of days.” Maybe the bouquet will be for you. Maybe you’ll be moved to gift it to a friend who’s going through a tough time. And maybe, like the club members believe, it will find the person who needs it most. After all, as Novak puts it: “The bouquets themselves will show us where they are needed.” Somewhere in Northville, tucked among the winter shadows, a Lonely Bouquet is waiting. If you notice it, take a moment — someone out there made it just for you.
SPREAD THE JOY A few of them will make a familiar stop: the Assarian Cancer Center in Novi. Bouquets left in medical facilities carry a quiet message, Novak said: “Life can be hard, but here is something beautiful just for you.” One of the club’s members, Debbie Davis, is a breast cancer survivor. Years ago, she underwent treatment at the same center. Now, she regularly Help Restore Northville’s Historic Cemeteries delivers Lonely Mayor Brian Turnbull formed the task force to address the critical need for Bouquets there. restoration or preservation of our city’s historic cemeteries. • Over 400 headstones have been cleaned or repaired. “She says, ‘I • Many stones remain damaged, unreadable or at risk. can tell when a • Professional repairs are essential and not in the city budget. cancer patient is Your donation makes a direct impact. Every contribution directly funds expert restoration of these irreplaceable historic artifacts. Donate today to leaving,’” Novak help secure these sacred grounds: said. “They’ll look Mail checks payable to: –OR– Scan the QR code so glum, and if she’s Northville Historical Society to make a secure walking in with the 215 Griswold St. donation online
The Northville Cemetery Renewal Task Force Needs Your Help!
Northville, MI 48167-1664 (Put “Cemetery Renewal” in the Memo)
through the Northville Historical Society (Cemetery Renewal)
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Some of the main players in preserving and moving Mary Gilbert’s log cabin include (from left) Ken Brock, Mike Miller, Nancy Darga, Bill Stockhausen and Savanna Pace.
HEAVY LIFTING
Many groups came together to rescue 1930’s-era log cabin By Tim Smith | Photos by Bryan Mitchell
M
ary Gilbert’s Northville legacy was largely hidden for decades, her simple 1930s-vintage log cabin only seen by those who knew about its existence Mary Gilbert on the edge of the Northville Downs race track. The 90-year-old cabin now is emerging from the shadows, finally back to where it once belonged – albeit not exactly in the same spot –on the banks of the Rouge River for all to experience and appreciate. Consider the reaction from bystanders during winter 2024-25 and into this spring and summer – when the cabin literally was in limbo, no longer at its original spot but some 800 feet due south while prep work at the final destination near Seven Mile and River Street moved forward. “The strange thing that happened, is being that the cabin was up in the air, up on steel beams probably 10 feet in the air, more people noticed that cabin in its temporary location than anyone ever noticed it in its
18 The ‘Ville
prior location,” said Northville resident and builder Mike Miller, instrumental in safely moving the log-and-stone cabin. “The prior location was covered by heavy trees. You drove by, but you really didn’t know what it was.”
WHAT A RELIEF
uncertain fate. For starters, a community-wide fundraising drive during late 2023 and 2024 netted $125,000 to match the donation of Downs developer Hunter Pasteur. That drive was a collaborative effort between the Northville Historical Society, Northville River Restoration Task Force and Northville Community Support Fund. With that money, along with numerous other grants and financial gifts, Gilbert’s log cabin finally had a chance to receive a second life – back on the river, but approximately 850 feet from where the former teacher originally had it built in 1936 to usher in her retirement years. That second life is about to unfold, probably in autumn 2026, when the cabin will become the welcome center for the still-to-be-completed River Park, a $17.8 million dollar project on the eastern edge of the former race track. “Technically, it’s always been in the park,” explained Bill Stockhausen, president of the Northville Historical Society. “The unfortunate thing is, when the river was redesigned, being daylighted, all of a sudden the cabin was within the new riverbanks. “So we tried to negotiate it to stay at that (original) position, but we didn’t win that one. And so we thought the best place to have it moved was still in the river park, and facing the river as it once was.” The cabin was moved 800 feet in the fall of 2024, where it remained in a literal state of suspension for nearly a year. “And so it was sitting for the winter, waiting for a permanent planting,” Stockhausen added.
Miller’s company chipped in with countless hours of pro-bono effort to help spearhead the move. “We needed to get that cabin from its prior location, out of harm’s way and eventually onto the foundation it’s on now, where we consider it safe,” Miller said. “It was a big breath of fresh air once the cabin was set down.” But Miller was far from alone as far as contributing incredible effort and expertise to save Mike Miller of Mike Miller Building Company chipped in with countless hours of pro-bono the Mary Gilbert work to help spearhead the move. Log Cabin from an
EXPERTS WERE NEEDED
Before that placement could happen in September 2025, yet another 50 feet south along River Street, a six-foot-deep basement needed to be carved into the ground and due diligence needed to happen to ensure the foundation would be safe and sound. Also, the cabin’s iconic stone chimney needed to be protected. “In terms of moving it, the biggest fear was having to possibly take the stone chimney down,” Stockhausen explained. Those worries evaporated after finding Caseville-based Talaski Building Movers to handle the task. “Those guys really knew what they were doing,” said Stockhausen, about Talaski. “They were able to move that stone chimney and fireplace intact with the rest of the building.” Stockhausen cited the important contributions from Miller’s company as well as others including certified historic architect Dan Schneider, civic engineers from OHM Advisors and Ken Brock – retired from the building-moving business. Meanwhile, Miller, recalling how he felt after joining the project, wondered whether he was needed at all simply because of all that assembled talent. “I remember my first meeting, looking around the room,” Miller said. “I went ‘What am I doing here?’ These people are talented, they know what they’re doing, they don’t need me. “Then I came to realize that my part in this was just making a lot of this stuff move along. And it was a small part of it. The heavy lifting was done by Nancy (Darga, of the task force) and Bill and others. It wouldn’t have happened without them.”
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
The cabin needed to be moved because of the daylighting of the Rouge River on the eastern portion of the sprawling multi-use development on the Downs site. In the 1960s, the race track and surrounding parking lots resulted in the entombing of the river. “The river’s daylighted, you can look out the back window of that sitting room and there it is,” Stockhausen said. “Mary Gilbert only enjoyed it (that view of the Rouge) for four
years before she passed away. And then, of course, a couple decades later the river was submerged so that the Downs had more use of the land. “And for the past 60 years there hasn’t Preservationists were concerned they were going to have to disassemble the stone fireplace, but Talaski Building Movers were able to keep it intact during the 850-foot been any river to move. view. So now that thing people will see as they cross Seven the river has been daylighted, courtesy of Mile,” Stockhausen continued. “So we want Hunter Pasteur and others, then that is the exterior of the building restored, and coming back to its original location and people can have the use of the picnic shelter views.” which we are adding on at the south end of the building.”
PRESERVING HER LEGACY
Bill Stockhausen (left) and Ken Brock show off the interior of the cabin
After this winter concludes, modernization work inside the cabin – without negatively impacting the historic features – will take place. “Originally, it was on a crawl space, which isn’t very convenient,” Stockhausen said. “So, we put it on a basement, although it’s only a six-foot-tall basement. That will allow us for some storage of displays and the utilities can be down in the basement.” Outside of the cabin, volunteers from the Northville Garden Club will plant a bed of flowers that Gilbert herself undoubtedly would have been proud of. Also, because the Mary Gilbert Log Cabin is slated to be the River Park welcome center, a picnic shelter soon will be built that history buffs and nature lovers can enjoy. “Because this is the gateway to the River Park, from people coming up from the Hines Park pathway paths, this will be the first
With the cabin now firmly in place, another important piece of Northville’s history will be preserved. So will the memory and legacy of Mary Gilbert. “Places like the Northville Historical Society, they do a good job of preserving (history) and telling the story for years and years and years,” Miller said. “I’ve been here 25 years and I’m still learning stuff about this community. “When I first got involved, I didn’t know who Mary Gilbert was. I didn’t know the historic significance of the cabin at all. I was brought in ‘Hey, they need a little help to get this cabin moved into a safe space.’ “So I learned about it, and yeah, it’s pretty fascinating. None of us can really imagine 100 years ago, what it would have been like for a female to build this cabin and garden along the Rouge River.” Asked what Gilbert might think about all that has been done to extend the cabin’s shelf life and her legacy for many decades to come, Miller said “she would have never believed that her name would be brought up today. But her name is going to live on for a long time.” Moreover, the entire experience is one that Miller will never forget. “I learned a lot and it’s cool being a part of history,” Miller said. “And it’s cool being part of saving history. “Hopefully it will benefit our community in a way that none of us can realize.”
The ‘Ville 19
Nancy Darga, Northville River Restoration Task Force chair, stands on a walking bridge, with the new River Park in the background. Photo by Bryan Mitchell
g n i ow l e f d r i e r v O ti h P w
Smith By Tim
After much planning, new river park has officials beaming
T
he long-and-winding journey to create a public park along the daylighted Rouge River in Northville is close to completion – after a series of twists and turns befitting of any river. Expected to open next spring is the Downs River Park, a $17.8 million undertaking set to yield more than 10 acres of public greenspace complete with plenty of pedestrian bridges, and places to walk and bike. There’s even the historic Mary Gilbert Log Cabin (see related story), which will bring the 1930s structure back to life as the park’s welcome center. The highlight of the park, of course, is the daylighted Rouge River. The 1,100-foot section is finally freed from a cement culvert which encased it during the early 1960s to accommodate the race track. “It’s been a long time in planning,” said Nancy Darga, chair of the Northville River Restoration Task Force and the city’s former mayor pro-tem. “There were a lot of challenges in the design of it, because as
20 The ‘Ville
the project was progressing we discovered that the roof of the culvert wasn’t the same all the way through. It’s like they enclosed the river two different times.” The money to daylight the Rouge and build the adjacent 10-acre park came from several sources. Topping that list was a $2.5 million American Rescue Plan Grant from Wayne County, along with a $1 million state EGLE Brownfield grant and tax increment financing (TIF). Darga said the river task force researched and wrote the grant to tap into American Rescue Plan dollars, which the city of Northville submitted on the task force’s behalf. “We were very pleased that the county gave the project the funding for it,” Darga said. “I think one of the reasons they did, if you remember that huge storm that took place (in June 2021) … which flooded out all of Detroit, Redford, Dearborn Heights and then FEMA even had to come in. “They had something close to $1 billion dollars’ worth of
damage. We are reducing that storm discharge downriver, therefore our project is not just beneficial to Northville. It’s beneficial to everyone downriver.” STEPPING UP City officials said there was a great deal of community support for the project. “Daylighting the Walled Lake branch (of the Rouge) through Northville Downs never would have happened without the dedicated advocacy of some residents who doggedly pursued their vision of a restored river as part of the coming
development,” said watershed ecologist Sally Petrella, of Friends of the Rouge. “I am really looking forward to this branch of the river being fully connected to the Johnson Creek and Middle Branch (of the Rouge) so that fish and other aquatic life can freely move downstream without being forced into the dark.” Petrella said she is looking forward to “walking along the river and over to my uncle’s (Jim Roth) Custard Time.” The river needed to be uncovered as part of the planned unit development of the former racetrack by Hunter Pasteur Homes and Toll Brothers. “I am pleased with the outcome,” Darga noted. “With the kind of conscientious thought that was put into it by Barr Engineering in terms of the sinuosity, in terms of creating the ripple pools, in terms of putting toe wood around the edges of the river. It’s been very well thought out in terms of creating a natural habitat which was totally destroyed in the 1960s.” The toe wood is a referral to logs and branches placed at the “toe” or base of a riverbank, to ward off erosion, shore up the slope and create habitat for wildlife.
Construction workers place one of the walking bridges in the new River Park. Photo courtesy of the Northville River Restoration Task Force
ATTENTION TO DETAIL Another highlight of the park are its pathways, which will be part of the city’s River Walk. Those are being developed into next spring, when a ribbon cutting is expected to take place, said Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull. Those segments will enable pedestrians and bicyclists to trek from Ford Field in downtown, to the Hines parkway and 1-275 Metro Trail. Most of the work at the park is complete, Turnbull said. “Bridges are in, 1,400 trees are in, the river is flowing,” Turnbull said. “They have walkways down to the river, and they are just finalizing the pathway systems.” Darga said the portions of the river walk are “not all going to come together at one time. There’s different factors, like
Construction crews diverted the Rouge River from this underground culvert into the new River Park. Photo courtesy of the Northville River Restoration Task Force
environmental cleanup on Foundry Flask.” That progress continues to push forward, albeit more slowly than some might have wanted, is comforting to Petrella. “I would rather they move slowly and do it right than do a rush job,” Petrella stressed. “While I assume the project was designed to keep the river within its banks, the river will no longer be confined in
a concrete tunnel and could choose to try to move and erode banks. “It also will flood when we get enough rain. Daylighting projects are rare and rivers are not always predictable.” What Northville and surrounding communities can bank on is the project’s importance on the environment, recreation and even the business of tourism. “It’s transformational for
all of southeastern Michigan,” Turnbull emphasized. “It’s not only Northville and Northville Township, but it’s a connector for the entire state. Going north all the way to Mackinaw City and going south to Ohio. That is one of the reasons we were able to get financial support.” Petrella is optimistic that the River Park will pay dividends for a long time to come. “This is a great example of a community embracing its river, taking it from an underground conveyor of racetrack waste to a beautiful meandering living river,” Petrella said. “I think Northville will be rightfully proud of a successful daylighting project and people will flock there from throughout the region to see it and learn from it. Most people had no idea there was a river under there.”
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SEMCOG officials Amy O’Leary and Gwen Markham present a $1.2 million check to Mayor Brian Turnbull and other city officials. The presentation was also attended by state and county officials. Photo courtesy of the City of Northville
‘Addressing A Crucial Connection’ SEMCOG grant will help fill gaps in River Walk By Tim Smith
J
ust like a healthy river system relies on tributaries feeding into it, the continuing transformation of Northville in the post-Downs era requires a variety of reliable funding streams. And on Dec. 1, a healthy chunk of money – $1.2 million to be exact – was presented by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments to the Northville City Council to expand the regional trail system. Presenting the check to Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull were Amy O’Leary, executive director of SEMCOG, and Gwen Markham, SEMCOG chair and an Oakland County commissioner. “It’s incredibly significant to address a crucial connection from downtown Northville to the Downs River Park and onto the Hines Park regional trail and Seven Mile Road pathway,” said O’Leary to the council. “What’s really impressive about this project is its focus not just on mobility but on pedestrian safety, which is a priority for
26 The ‘Ville
this organization.” Markham was a member of SEMCOG’s regional review committee, which evaluated a number of community projects for consideration to receive a piece of the
Transportation Alternatives Program – which distributes about $10 million in federal funding to local transportation projects each fiscal year. The $1.2 million awarded to Northville was from the TAP and those funds are earmarked primarily to build the Ford Field East river trail, the first of several segments of what will be the much-anticipated River Walk. “We have a very healthy debate about where this (money) should go,” Markham told council members. “We’re talking big chunks of money -- $1.2 million is a lot of money and it’s an honor to be able to serve on that committee and help make these decisions. We know that these decisions are going to have an impact for 30-40 years going forward.” Markham then added a comment that brought smiles to the faces of the city officials, particularly Turnbull. “Can’t wait until summer, when we can really walk that pathway all the way down to the Farmers Market,” Markham mused. “It’s really inviting.” O’Leary noted how important it is for the TAP money to ensure safe use of the trails. “Ensuring that pathways are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible, safe for cyclists and pedestrians to cross the road and (that) there’s connections to destinations that people need is really why we are bringing you this $1.2 million grant,” O’Leary said. “You guys
This section of Ford Field East will be updated with paved trails, pedestrian bridges and other improvements.
are doing amazing work here. The things that we have seen happen in such a short amount of time is overwhelming, in a very positive way.” Turnbull, who before the meeting escorted O’Leary, Markham and other officials to see for themselves some of the work being done in and around the footprint of the former Northville Downs race track (the Rouge River itself has finally been daylighted there, just for starters), followed up those comments by presenting a mayoral proclamation to the organization. “With SEMCOG, we’re building a connected and thriving region that serves all residents, today and into the future,” said Turnbull, reading the proclamation to the audience on hand and watching via streaming. During an earlier telephone interview, Turnbull reiterated the importance of Northville winning such an important grant as well as the healthy working relationship the city and region have with SEMCOG – which serves almost 5 million people among
Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull stands near the spot where a pedestrian bridge will cross the Rouge River as part of the River Walk.
186 local governments. Of about $15 million of grants received by the city, Turnbull said about a third of that has come from SEMCOG. The rest have been procured from federal, state and county grants. “SEMCOG has been one of the greatest
partners on the transformation of our downtown river walk activities, all our greenspace and our two roundabouts (one under construction, the other planned for the future),” Turnbull said. “Tonight (the check presentation) is for the Ford Field East river trail, that’s the first section of the river walk. We’ll have two bridges that go across that (Rouge River).” In a press release issued by SEMCOG, the Northville project was approved “based on its promotion of safe, holistic and significant outcomes to transportation safety, and pedestrian mobility.” Among highlights detailed in the press release, the project also creates 1,200-foot pathways, two bridges and two pedestrian crossings; connects local developments such as Northville Downs (the massive, multi-use undertaking which is continuing in the space where horses used to race), and Foundry Flask to downtown Northville; and boosts the local economy through these connections by bringing more people to the city.
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HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL
Boots are filled with goodies to celebrate Nikolausabend (left); NHS senior Kevin Xu's family hangs “fai chun” (traditional decorations) to celebrate Lunar New Year (middle); Ms. Mazurek's classroom door is decorated with themes from many different cultures (right).
Rejoicing Together
NHS community celebrates diverse holiday traditions
A
midst the winter holiday season, Northville High School becomes a hub of celebration, where traditions from around the world come together to create a festive atmosphere. Students reflect on their family holiday traditions, sharing the stories behind them and how they strengthen the school community. Winter brings various celebrations rooted in compassion. St. Martin’s Day, celebrated in Germany, recounts the moment a man gave his cloak to warm a freezing beggar, an act that guides people centuries later. Many families honor St. Martin’s Day through acts of generosity. “His generosity is now something that Germans still look up to,” said NHS freshman Linda Kubitza. “We celebrate sharing and showing kindness, just like St. Martin did to that poor man.” Today, observers bake Martinsbrezeln, a sweet pastry, and share it among neighbors. Children collect food or warm clothing to donate, and participate in lantern parades,
30 The ‘Ville
singing songs about warmth and helping others. Similarly, the German holiday Nikolaustag, celebrated on Dec. 6, echoes the spirit of generosity through the tale of a bishop who secretly gave his inheritance to a struggling family, dropping bags of gold through their chimney so the daughters could afford to marry. This story gave rise to the tradition of children placing polished boots outside their homes for gifts. Freshman Anna Suda said when children wake up “they grab their boot, and usually it’s filled with little mandarin oranges and chocolate coins.” Winter holidays often carry stories about new beginnings and luck. Take Lunar New Year, for example, which is celebrated between late January and mid-February in various Asian cultures. It tells the story of renewal and prosperity, expressed through food and family celebrations. One popular tale tells of the mythical beast Nian, who would
terrorize villagers at the start of each year. People discovered that the beast feared loud noises, bright lights, and the color red. So they began lighting fireworks and putting up red decorations, called Fai chun, to protect themselves. Over time, these practices evolved into modern traditions celebrating good fortune. During Lunar New Year meals, families hide small treats like dates or walnuts inside dumplings. Senior Kevin Xu explains that “whoever eats the one with the filling in it, it’s supposed to bring good luck,” making the meal a unique way to celebrate hope for the new year ahead. Some winter holidays revolve around community, using stories to bring people together. Las Posadas, a Latin American holiday celebrated in late December, tells the journey of biblical figures Mary and Joseph searching for shelter before the birth of Jesus. This narrative is reenacted by families and
neighbors walking from house to house, singing songs and celebrating together. “Las Posadas is about celebrating with friends and family,” freshman Emma Alanis said. “I celebrate it with my neighbors and wear costumes… We break a piñata and eat tamales and pozole together.” By weaving the story into song, procession, and feasting, Las Posadas turns a centuriesold journey into a fun, shared experience. Both NHS students and staff learn about each other’s cultures and traditions during this time of year. “We have so many different religions and backgrounds at Northville, so I feel like I’ve learned a lot from my students just from talking about the holidays or celebrating,” said French teacher Sabrina LaRocca. Assistant Principal Emily Aluia expresses a similar sentiment: “whether it’s through classroom discussions, student-led groups, … or families celebrating diverse festivals, our student body beautifully demonstrates a mutual respect and curiosity for the many ways people mark this special season.” NHS is a small representation of the world, into which students carry the diverse stories, traditions, and celebrations from their cultures. Recognizing these holidays connects our community, reminding us that understanding and respect are essential to make the season truly bright for everyone.
EDITOR’S NOTE: High School Confidential is a collaborative effort by the Stringers Journalism Club made up of NHS students Ian Lee, Keira Gallagher, Keertana Ventatesh, Aoi Ono, Saamaja Krishnan, Sarah Khalid, Stella Maue, Mary Sulollari, Jiahn Kim, Advitha Manimaran, Evayla Georgieva, Priyanka Ray, Samara Augustine, and Evelyn Puttock.
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in Washtenaw County with a committee that will ultimately make a recommendation to the county commissioners whether they need a new landfill or not. “I just don’t think that (message) is getting out to the public, that’s why we want to have a town hall to make sure everyone is up to speed that they are reaching the end of their meetings and they’ll be voting on a plan on how the county is going to handle its trash for the next 10 years.”
Landfill Expansion Decision Draws Near Watchdog group raising awareness as crucial meeting approaches By Tim Smith
D
ecision time is drawing near for whether a second landfill is something Northville and Northville Township residents will need to contend with for years to come. On Monday, Jan. 12, the Northville High School auditorium will be the venue for a “Stop Arbor Hills” community town hall meeting, hosted by The Conservancy Initiative environmental watchdog group. The time of the meeting has not yet been finalized, but it will take place during the early evening hours according to a recent press release. “We want to make sure the community is aware that the decision on a new landfill in Salem Township is approaching,” said David Drinan, vice president of The Conservancy Initiative. “We think the decision is probably going to be made in the next six months, certainly in the next year. And it’s going to impact
32 The ‘Ville
our community for the next 50plus years if it goes the wrong way.” Drinan said the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners will decide whether to grant Green for Life (owners of the Arbor Hills landfill) approval for a new landfill. The existing dump — just across the border from Northville Township – is nearing capacity and likely would need to be shuttered within a few years, he added. “It’s hard to say when it will have to close, because they can always slow down how much material is coming into it and stretch it out,” Drinan noted. “But the last numbers I saw was, about three years from now it will be done and they’ll have to permanently close it.” The Jan. 12 town hall will give Northvillians an opportunity to be heard and determine what steps they could take to help the Washtenaw
commissioners rule against the Green for Life proposal. Concerned citizens can go to the conservancyinitiative.org website to learn more about the meeting as the date approaches. Drinan, who lives in a subdivision not far from the existing, 50-year-old landfill near Six Mile and Napier, cited strong odor wafting into the air above Northville Township homes as only one reason residents need to remain engaged. Other negative impacts of the “Mount Trashmore,” the term Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull used during a December 2024 public meeting, include noise and heavy semitruck traffic hauling garbage along roads such as Beck, Sheldon and Five Mile. “I think there’s a whole bunch of concern from the people that live in the shadow of the landfill,” Drinan said. “There are meetings going on monthly
DEBATE LINGERS During a recent commissioners meeting, Drinan’s presentation on behalf of The Conservancy Initiative received a mixed response. Drinan said only four of nine members commented – two were in favor of the new landfill and two were opposed. Drinan said “what I think we have going for us” is that Washtenaw County is progressive in implementing environmental programs, more than other counties. “What we have going against us is the landfill generates a lot of revenue both for Salem Township and (Washtenaw) county,” he explained. Meanwhile, another negative ramification is runoff traced to Arbor Hills, with harmful P-FAS chemicals trickling into Johnson Creek – which Turnbull said is detrimental to the creek and Rouge River, coldwaters where brown trout are known to live. “I want monitors all the way down the river, to see the P-FAS from the dump all the way to where Johnson Creek goes into the Rouge River,” Turnbull said.. “Everybody’s concerned about odors and stuff from
We want to make sure the community is aware that the decision on a new landfill in Salem Township is approaching. We think the decision is probably going to be made in the next six months, certainly in the next year. And it’s going to impact our community for the next 50-plus years if it goes the wrong way.” David Drinan, vice president of The Conservancy Initiative the dump. I am primarily concerned about the pure water, because that’s why they had the first national fish hatchery (in Northville), … with 52 different springs that feed into that.” According to Drinan, it is hoped that the people who attend the town hall will get fired up about the issue and write or otherwise contact Washtenaw County commissioners or those officials who serve Northville and Northville Township.
Drinan expects several elected officials to be on hand for the Jan. 12 meeting. Those include Turnbull, Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo, state Reps Jason Morgan (23rd District) and Matt Koleszar (22nd District) and state Senator Rosemary Bayer (13th District).
UNTIMELY PROBLEM The pollution of Johnson Creek, and by extension the
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Rouge River, is problematic and potentially a public relations nightmare for downtown Northville, where the creation of a $17.8 million River Park is expected to be concluded in mid-to-late 2026 and where the bicentennial celebrations are set for 2027. “They’ve got a problem where PFAS is getting into Johnson Creek, which runs right through Northville Township and into downtown Northville,” Drinan emphasized. “So, as downtown
Northville is building a river walk to show off the creek and the river, the landfill is polluting it. “We still go down to that creek three, four, five times a year and take a sample. Every time we’ve sampled it, it has PFAS in it.” For more information about the upcoming “Stop Arbor Hills” town hall meeting on Jan. 12 at Northville High School can visit conservancyinitiative.org.
NHS FALL SPORTS ROUND-UP
You Can’t Keep the Mustangs Down NHS teams stand out again at conference and state levels By Brad Emons
I
t was another signature and highly productive fall athletics season at Northville High. On the heels of winning two more state championships – boys cross country for the fourth year in a row and girls golf for the sixth time in eight years (see our November issue) – the remaining fall sports teams also made their mark both in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association action and during Michigan High School Athletic Association postseason play. Here is a summary of the remaining fall sports teams highlighting individual postseason honors as well.
Senior Paige Lingenfelter was the Mustangs' top individual performer at the D1 finals with a third place in 1-meter diving. Photo courtesy of Cheryl Phillips
34 The ‘Ville
scoring a team-high 919 points on Nov. 7-8 at Brighton. Individual KLAA champions for Northville included King, 50 freestyle (24.32); Elle Anderson, diving (347.95); and Mowers, 100 breaststroke (1:06.53).
The Mustangs ran away with the KLAA conference title once again. Photo courtesy of Cheryl Phillips
GIRLS SWIMMING For the second straight year, the Mustangs, coached by Rich Bennetts, earned a third-place finish in the Division 1 finals held Nov. 20-21 at Oakland University. Ann Arbor Pioneer captured its sixth straight title with 404 points with Jenison and Northville placing second and third with 249 and 193, respectively. There were a total of 10 AllState individual performers, along with all three relays placing in the ‘A’ heat finals for Northville. Among the Mustangs finishing in the top eight included senior Paige Lingenfelter, 1-meter diving, third (375.25 points); sophomore Maya Hawkins, fourth, 200-yard individual medley (2:06.52); sixth, 100 breaststroke (1:06.23); junior Rachel Mowers, fifth, 100 backstroke (1:05.95); junior
Rachel King, sixth, 50 freestyle (23.94); senior Finley Cadwell, eighth, 200 IM (2:12.30); sophomore Veronica Lindberg, eighth, 50 freestyle (24.62). The 200 medley relay team of Cadwell, Mowers, Hawkins and King placed third (1:47.75) as did the 200 freestyle relay quartet of Lindberg, Cadwell, sophomore Kathryn Lauster and King (1:37.01). Meanwhile, the 400 freestyle relay team of Cadwell, Lindberg, Lauster and King added a fifth place finish (3:33.61). Other Northville individual point producers from the ‘B’ heat finals included Lauster, 12th, 500 freestyle (5:16.53); Lindberg, 15th, 200 freestyle (1:57.49); 16th, 100 freestyle (54.40); Mowers, 16th, 200 IM (2:12.19). The Lady Mustang also repeated as KLAA West Division champions with a 7-0 dual meet record while also capturing the conference meet
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Coached by Colin Riley and led by freshman standout Alexandra Scappaticci, the Lady Mustangs placed fourth in the Division 1 finals held Nov. 1 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Ann Arbor Pioneer (96) captured the team title followed by Romeo (103), Brighton (225) and Northville (227). Scappaticci earned All-State (top 30) honors with a seventh-
Freshman cross country standout Alexandra Scappaticci had a breakout season earning All-State, while also being KLAA and regional champ. Photo courtesy of Colin Riley
The Northville girls cross country team earned its 13th regional title in school history and placed fourth in the D1 finals at MIS in Brooklyn. Photo courtesy of Melissa Mooradian
place finish individually with a 5,000-meter time of 17:30.9, which ranks as both a school record and a state-finals best in Northville history. Rounding out Northville’s scoring was junior Colette Lozo, 44th (18:37.5); senior Annabelle Beloiu, 72nd (18:55.4); freshman Brynn Somers, 82nd (19:00.4); and freshman Ella Corby, 11th (19:07.5). The team’s non-scorers included junior Lucia Lachapelle (125th, 19:30.9) and sophomore Tatum Mooradian (192nd, 2:20.6). Northville earned a spot in the state finals by winning the Regional 7 meet on Oct. 25 at Royal Oak’s Memorial Park scoring 30 points with Novi and White Lake Lakeland taking second and third with 87 and 120, respectively. It was the Mustangs’ 13th regional title in school history. Scappaticci took individual first-place honors with a time of 18:21.6 followed by Lachapelle, third (18:39.9); Lozo, seventh (18:57.3); Beloiu, eighth (19:00.8); and Somers, 11th (19:05.2). In the KLAA meet held Oct. 25 at Manly Bennett Park in Hamburg, Brighton captured the team title (32) with Northville (61) taking runnerup honors. Scappaticci was conference champ in 17:54.4 followed by Lachapelle, seventh (18:53.8);
Beloiu, 12th (19:13.9); Corby, 20th (19:38.6); and Lozo, 21st (19:39.9). Northville finished with a 6-1 dual-meet record (second place) behind Brighton (7-0) in the KLAA’s West Division. BOYS TENNIS The Mustangs, coached by Robert Young, finished runnerup in the KLAA tourney and took third in the Regional 4 on Oct. 10 at Novi before going on to an eighth-place showing in the D1 finals held Oct. 17-18 at the Midland Tennis Center.
Mavatoor (No. 2) contributed a runner-up finish. In doubles, seniors Rohit Maddali and Michael Rogala (No. 1), along with senior Siddarth Ram and junior Nathan Sarma (No. 2), both finished runner-up. At the state finals, Troy captured the team crown with a team-high 32 points, while Bloomfield Hills was runner-up with 22. Northville tallied a total of nine points as Johnston (No. 1), Mavatoor (No. 2) and junior Sagar Nandwana (No. 4) each finished 1-1 on the day, while Laungani (No. 3) lost his opening-round match. In doubles, the duos for Maddali-Rogala (No. 1), senior Anikait Pundhir and sophomore Pranhu Gandhe (No. 2) and Ram-Sarma (No. 3) all finished 1-1. Senior Kevin Xu and junior Xuncheng Meng (No. 4) lost their tourney opener.
Ram and Sarma, who received a first-round bye, fell in the semifinals to eventual champions Nate Wanstreet and Jackson Kraus of Troy, 6-0, 7-6 (7-2 tiebreaker).
(7-3, 5-2 KLAA West) reached the postseason playoffs for the 17th time in school history and fourth straight berth in Division 1. The season ended with a 46-3 first-round District 11 semifinal setback to state runner-up and 2024 D1 champion Detroit Cass Tech. Northville fell to rival Novi in the Baseline Jug game, 19-16, ending a three-game winning streak, but still leads the alltime series, 32-26. Six Northville players earned All-KLAA honors including seniors Max DeFore (running back), Kamden Brown (receiver), Nolan Toomey (offensive line), Austin McGarrow (defensive back) and Robbie Kehoe (linebacker), along with sophomore Alex Baird (kicker). Junior Parker Laney (offensive line), Kehoe, McGarrow and Baird earned D1-Region 3 honors by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association.
FOOTBALL Under third-year coach Brent Luplow, the Mustangs
Continued on Page 36
The boys tennis team finished in 8th place at the state tournament. Photo courtesy of Northville Athletics
Host Novi, the KLAA champ, also captured the regional with 26 points to edge runner-up Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (23) and the Mustangs (22). Individual regional singles champs for Northville include freshman Zach Johnston (No. 1) and senior Dhruv Laungani (No. 3), while senior Amogh
Linebacker Robbie Kehoe makes a tackle against Plymouth. He was one of six all KLAA players for the Mustangs. Photo courtesy of Northville Athletics
The ‘Ville 35
NHS FALL SPORTS ROUND-UP
Continued from Page 35 VOLLEYBALL The defending D1 state champion Mustangs, coached by Sarah Schmitt, finished the year 20-16 overall and 6-1 (second place) behind rival Novi in the KLAA’s West Division. In D1-District 23 play, Northville defeated Canton, 3-0, before falling the semifinals to South Lyon East, 3-1.
All-KLAA selections for Northville included seniors Giselle Burlingame (libero), Elle Chenoweth (outside hitter) and Kaylyn Tuck (outside hitter). BOYS SOCCER After a 16-1-3 season in 2024, the Mustangs slipped to 8-9-2 overall under veteran coach Henry Klimes. But they did reach the KLAA
The Mustangs finished in second place in the KLAA West Division. Photo courtesy of Northville Athletics
championship match before falling to Livonia Stevenson, 2-1, in a shootout. Northville’s season ended in the opening round of the D1-District 8 playoffs with 2-1 overtime setback to rival Novi. Two Northville seniors – defender Thomas Slater and midfielder Luka Tanaskoski – earned Division 1 AllState honorable mention as recognized by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association. Northville placed second with a 4-2-1 record in the formidable KLAA West and had seven players earn allconference honors led by Slater and Tanaskoski; seniors Jack Esman (defender) and Daniel Shen (goalkeeper); juniors Gavin Rivera (defender), Rian Dauti (midfielder) and Connor Rayburn (goalkeeper).
Northville cross country/track coach Tim Dalton and girls tennis coach Brenda Lionas were named Michigan High School Coaches Association Coaches of the Year at a recent ceremony.
FIELD HOCKEY In the inaugural season of the MHSAA postseason playoffs, Northville (5-9-3) won its Regional 2 playoff opener against Wixom St. Catherine, 2-1 (overtime), before falling to Ann Arbor Skyline in the second round. Coached by Kayley Dahring, Northville finished in fifth place in the KLAA with a 3-4-3 record as Novi captured the title with a 9-0 mark.
It's Your Business Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. roots here.” Both Avry and Isaac recently graduated from Northville High School. Isaac is playing hockey in a fraternity league at Michigan State, where he’s a freshman, while Avry is playing volleyball at Eckerd College in Florida.
Northville attorney Kevin Nelson
Planting Roots Attorney Kevin Nelson says Northville has been perfect fit for his firm – and family
H
e may be from what he calls “the frontier,” but Kevin Nelson has settled nicely into Northville and is a fan of the Great Lakes State. An attorney and shareholder with the firm Tiffany & Bosco in downtown Northville, the native Arizonian moved his family to Michigan in late 2019 – thanks to his son’s proficiency in hockey. “In 2019 my son Isaac was 12 and my daughter Avry was in junior high,” says Nelson, who has practiced law for 20-plus years. “My son was excelling in hockey. We made some connections in Spring hockey and flew him here for a tryout and the coach called me about 15 minutes later and said, ‘if you are serious, we are interested.’ I spoke with my daughter and
38 The ‘Ville
gave her full veto rights, and she was fully supportive. I met with the law firm partner who was supervising me and he asked, ‘what can we do to help you?’” The thumbs-up from his family and the law firm led Nelson to open a practice in Michigan and move the entire family to Northville, where Isaac played with Little Caesars Triple A hockey. As it turns out, this part of the country has been a great fit for the family. “My wife Brittney and I always say that if we had known about Northville, we would have moved here sooner,” says Nelson. “It’s a great place to raise a family. Moving from a ‘frontier state’ to a place with a deep sense of community has been fantastic. We are planting
LEGAL EXPERTISE After moving here in late 2019 and getting a license to practice law in Michigan, Nelson set up a virtual office during the pandemic. He opened a physical office at 115 N. Center Street about four years ago. While his experience as a commercial attorney is rich and broad-based, Nelson almost didn’t pursue a career in law. He originally intended to go into finance, earning an accounting degree from Arizona State University. “I was in my junior year of college and decided I never wanted to be an accountant. I looked at the LSAT and pivoted to law,” says Nelson, who readily acknowledges that the accounting degree has helped him quite a bit in his career. After working on construction contract negotiations in the education sector, Nelson joined Tiffany & Bosco’s main Phoenix office in 2007 and became a shareholder in 2011. Through the years, he’s grown and expanded his legal expertise into areas such as civil litigation, real estate, corporate and business, insurance and banking, to name a few. He’s also seen a lot of growth in the firm over the years, which now has offices in multiple states and approximately 100 attorneys. “On a daily basis, I am
representing everyone from entrepreneurs to large companies and institutions,” says Nelson. “On any given day, I may touch upon real estate, construction, employment, and non-compete issues.” Nelson’s depth of experience across multiple practice areas allows him to advise clients on a broader aspect of issues than clients usually see. “I can be that counselor to help clients, especially small and medium sized businesses, navigate through a variety of issues,” adds Nelson. “On the litigation side I can act in an advisory role.” While he doesn’t handle TIFFANY & BOSCO, P.A. Address: 115 N. Center Street, Suite 204, Northville, MI 48167 Website: www.tblaw.com Phone: (248) 924-3349 security and exchange issues, family law, estate planning or criminal cases, he has the entire firm’s resources at his disposal to make a solid referral. “I know my limitations and if there is a specialist in the firm that will be better for the client, I will help them find that specialist,” he adds. Although they have found Northville to their liking over the past six years, it’s no surprise that Kevin and Brittany, who both grew up in Arizona, aren’t necessarily big fans of the deep winter in Michigan. “I will say I don’t like February too much,” says Nelson with a smile. “I think we will end up getting a small condo in Arizona so we can enjoy the sun.”
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Get On Board and Enjoy the Ride I
t’s the time of the year we think about a baby in a manger and the “reason for the season.” It’s also the time to reflect on the past year and look forward to a new year. If you haven’t heard the Cody Johnson song – “Till You Can’t” -- you can still probably figure out what it’s about. We all think we have all the time in the world. And we all have remorse about what we shoulda, coulda done…if we only knew God’s plan.
giant portfolio to keep. He told me it belonged with the house. What a gift…from the heart! It’s no wonder he was honored with the Northville Old Timer Senior of the Year Award in 2022. I grew to love this guy and promised him he could come for coffee and see the place, which has been updated – but the bones are still there and solid as ever. George passed away at the end of October, it was rather sudden. And I can only hope maybe his son George will come for coffee one day. He’ll be missed by many.
especially meaningful. “These two turkeys came to us in late April, and we raised them throughout the summer,” she added, “They’ve been well cared for, and they’ve been talked to and loved.” On another Community Foundation note – this year’s Holiday Home Tour was spectacular. Some thought it was “the best” ever. I talked to many who want “on” next year. That is good news.
George H. Miller
Several years back, I was “at work” when a gentleman I didn’t know walked in. His aura was bigger than life, and although he wanted to sound gruff, he had the sweetest smile of all time. No ‘hello, how are you’ pleasantry. He got straight to the point. “I understand you live at …” and he proceeded to deliver my full-on address. I was puzzled…maybe a little worried. Then in less than 10 seconds he announced, with that beautiful smile now alive in his voice: “Well, my dad built that house and I helped.” I introduced myself and he told me his name – George H. Miller. He was so excited to share photos and plans and his-tory. And he gave me the
42 The ‘Ville
Kate Knight, the new director of the DDA. Photo by Stackwood Studios
Maybury Farm turkeys Faygo and Vernors were pardoned by Governor Whitmer.
It was a very good year for Maybury Farm and a couple of turkeys that were housed there. Governor Whitmer looked around the whole state to find the most deserving turkeys to pardon before the Thanksgiving holiday. She found them right here in Northville. Diana Wallace, executive director of the Northville Community Foundation and Maybury Farm, said raising the birds – named Faygo and Vernors -- from their earliest days made the honor
Looking back at 2025, we said good-bye to former DDA director Lori Ward and the Fort Griswold playscape at Ford Field. We said hello to Kate Knight (new director for the DDA) and Jim Cracraft
(new director of the Chamber of Commerce). We welcomed to the neighborhood a number of new businesses, including Peace, Love and Little Donuts, VillaNorte Cocina Mexicana and MK Cannelle, to name a few. Several businesses and non-profits in town celebrated big milestones…cheers to hard work and loyalty. And there was a lot of construction! We all learned the art of the detour. Moving forward, Kilwin’s is coming to town. I remember learning that the folks in Mackinac called the tourists “fudgies” - because everyone who came to the island left with fudge. Will that happen in our hidden hamlet? The first model homes are ready at The Downs development…let the sales begin. Change is inevitable. Patience is a virtue. There’s an old saying: “The train has left the station…” I’m thinking the catch phrase for 2026 should be “Get on board!” It promises to be a wild ride. From my house I wish you Merry Christmas. To those who celebrate other special days at this time of year … Happy Holidays to you and yours. To all … blessings.
Peace, Love and Donuts owners Kathy and Frank Isgro. Photo by Bryan Mitchell
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