The Ville - March 2025

NHS spring musical will jazz up Depression-era comedy

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.

Publisher

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

• Lynn Balog

• Jeffrey Beno

• Ed & Kathy Huyck

• Ronald Lynch

• Jim & Martha Nield

• Sue & Bob Taylor

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

KEVIN BROWN – Writer

Kevin was a reporter for The Observer & Eccentric Newspapers for more than a decade. He also has written for The Detroit News, University of Michigan and Ford Motor Co. He is a musician as well, performing with the Ann Arbor-based folk roots band Corndaddy.

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.

BILL BRESLER - Photographer

Bill lied his way onto his high school's yearbook staff in 1971 and has worked as a photographer ever since. He spent 39 years with Hometown Life, a group that covers 11 communities, including Northville. He's received awards and recognition for his work in local journalism. Bill taught photography at Madonna University for 16 years

JOHN C. HEIDER – Photographer

John Heider was the The Northville Record and Novi News photographer from October 1996 until September 2017. He lives in Ann Arbor and enjoys fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, feature writing, woodworking projects and the symphony.

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

Cooperation between city and township worth celebrating

At a time when government seems so dysfunctional, especially at the federal level, the partnership between the City of Northville and Northville Township to purchase 4 acres of prime land on Seven Mile that will be the home of the Farmers’ Market proves big things can happen when governments work together.

The site includes two separate parcels. The township negotiated a deal to purchase 2.6 acres from Northville businessman Jeff Snyder for $1.75 million, while the city finalized a deal with the family and estate of former mayor James Allen to purchase an adjacent 1.6 acres for $800,000.

The city and township have formed a consortium that will own the site and manage its operations. All the costs will be split evenly between the city and township. See our story on Page 30 for more details.

Although some have questioned why the township would want to purchase land in the city, Supervisor Mark Abbo says it makes perfect sense – if the point is to improve the quality of life for township residents.

The site is strategically located to serve a number of purposes.

First of all, it provides a permanent home to the Northville Farmers’ Market, one of the most popular in the state, attracting a couple thousand people each week on Thursdays from May through October. Since the sale of Northville Downs, the market has been on the move. This will be the third site in three years, so the stability moving forward will be a big relief to the Chamber of Commerce, which manages the market.

But this will be so much bigger than just a spot for the Farmers’ Market, which only takes place a couple dozen days the entire year.

There are big plans for what is being dubbed The Commons. The consortium is planning many future improvements, including a $3.5 million building (think Eastern Market sheds) that will be used for the market but also for other community events. It will even be able to generate revenue through rentals. It would be a pretty cool place to have a wedding. The possibilities for the site are really endless.

The site will also include a pathway (one of Snyder’s requirements for the sale) that will link up to a path coming from Legacy Park on the township’s east side, as well as pathways into Hines Park and downtown Northville via the River Walk, which is being constructed on the former Northville Downs property.

This Commons area will also serve as a gateway into downtown Northville. As Abbo pointed out, a healthy downtown is just as important to township residents as it is to city residents. I’m a township resident myself, and I agree with him. I’m in downtown Northville all the time. It is one of the main hubs of our community -- a place to gather for parades or outdoor concerts, have a date night at one of several nice restaurants, or do some shopping at the unique, independent stores.

I’m sure there will be people who are opposed to this, feeling our local governments shouldn’t be spending the money. I get it.

But city and township officials have been pretty creative in finding the money. For example, Northville Township has received a lot of revenue from the sale of property in the Michigan International Technology Corridor along Five Mile, which it is reinvesting into the community. The city is using breakage money it received from the racing at Northville Downs as well as money from the developers of the Downs site, who agreed to help fund a new Farmers’ Market site.

Officials say they will continue to find alternative sources of money – from grants to corporate donations and sponsorships. And they promise taxes won’t be raised to pay for any of it.

I’ve been impressed by how township and city leaders have worked together on what is sure to be a legacy project that will be enjoyed for generations. The site could have turned out to be just another car wash or condo project. Instead, we will have a place to gather as a community, and something that will attract people from outside Northville who will come and spend money here.

Jeff Snyder and the Allen family also deserve some credit, because they saw the value this will have for our community and probably sold their properties for less than they are actually worth.

At the end of the day, the Commons will be a source of pride for our community. I know a lot of people like to complain when government officials get things wrong. But this is a big win for our community, and they deserve some thanks for working together to make it happen.

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

ON THE COVER: Members of the NHS Theatre Program's upcoming production of "Anything Goes" in the school’s theater. They include (front row from left) Salome De Nomazy, Danielle Sandler (in red dress), Auden Bustos, and Grace Markelle Robinson. There are four shows April 24-26. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

Your Voice

Essence of democracy

I would like to equally thank Mr. Bob Gutowski and Ms. Carol Maynard, as well as the other individuals, who recently expressed their political opinions in The ‘Ville. The exchanges in The ‘Ville embody the essence of a democracy, wherein individuals may freely express their heartfelt opinions, without fear of retribution in the form of persecution, prosecution and/or silencing.

Additionally, a heartfelt thanks to Mr. Kurt Kuban, the publisher and editor, who has the fortitude, decency and patriotism to publish the opinions of individuals, whether popular or unpopular, whether harshly spoken or softly murmured, whether he is criticized or praised, and whether the views are akin to his views or in opposition.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to journalistic integrity and the First Amendment.

Barbara L. Jaminski

Dialogue of division

February’s issue of The ‘Ville once again decided that political views should be published. Bob Gutowski’s latest words did nothing but further fuel the fire of those who agree with him. How does that decision in any way help our country move forward in a direction that will unify rather than divide our country further. Spewing hateful words serve no purpose… especially in a community like ours. It would be helpful to all of us if The ‘Ville would focus on the positive happening around us instead of continuing a dialogue of division.

Judi Alessandri

Thanks for the space

I’m writing a long overdue thank you note to you and your team. Since The ‘Ville started popping up in my mailbox oh-so-many years ago, I’ve looked forward to your well-balanced take and space for Northvillians to get local and proud information and not generic wire reporting.

I look forward to reading the various points of view in the Your Voice section, and appreciate seeing strong opinions on all sides to understand all views that make up my community.

Thanks for making this space.

No balance

Kathleen Egan

Your February “View From The Ville” shined a light on the bias that your magazine continues to demonstrate and why I no longer wish to read it.

As you noted Bob Gutkowski’s comments that may be disagreed with by some like Carol Maynard, the subsequent statement you wrote “the rest of Gutkowski’s letter, the reality is what it is” is one many would disagree with and would question what that so called “reality” would be.

Also, the “documentation to support what he writes” is in many cases not only void of reality, but illustrative proof of weaponized media and

narratives with little or no basis in fact. That “reality” is becoming clearer as each day exposes more. And by declaring that “a man with Trump’s flaws was elected president”, again you clearly illustrate this magazine’s editorial bias and offer no balance with the obvious flaws, corruption, deceit, and frankly tyranny of the previous administration.

If you wish to continue to have a balanced view from the community, perhaps balancing yours would be a good start. Until then, you will find my copy in the downtown trash where perhaps others may also wish to place theirs.

Lisa G. Smith

Very balanced

I just read Editor Kurt Kuban’s column about different strokes for different people and I found it very balanced. I totally agree with you. We need folks to try and imagine themselves in the other’s shoes. I may not agree with you, but I will at least try to understand.

I moved to Northville in 2017 and your magazine was and has always been a great help for me to know my town.

Kathy Ihler

We all have differences

I intended to send this letter last month after reading “Your Voice” and your editorial last month reinforced the feeling that this should be said. Thank you for letting people voice their opinions regardless of their point of view on politics, development or street closures. In our increasingly divided society we need to remember that everyone has a right to express their opinion. We are all shaped by our life experiences and these lead us to form our opinions.

The fact that someone voted differently from me only means that their life experiences are different, issues that may not be a problem for me, may be a very big problem for them. Your respectful tone and your willingness to allow everyone to express their view is my favorite part of The ‘Ville

Jacqueline Gauvin

Strengthens our community

A quick note to express appreciation for your column last month, “Different Strokes for Different Folks”, and for continuing the Your Voice section. The Your Voice section is an excellent example of the 1st Amendment rights we often take for granted, freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Sharing various perspectives is more important than ever. Learning about diverse opinions helps us make informed decisions and strengthens our community.

Stacey Repotski

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.

Have empathy for others

I am not a medical professional, but as a layperson, even I can recognize the vulgarity of the letter last month, titled “What’s so bad about DEI?” Is the author actually suggesting that victims of incest, rape, bullying and other physical and emotional traumas should simply “pull up their socks and carry on silently”? Again, isn’t this “suffer in silence” attitude what leads to suicide, self-harm, low self-esteem, anti-social behavior and dare I say, mass shootings? Isn’t the very essence of being human to care for and include people that may not be the same as us?

If we don’t have empathy for other people, how do we function as a society? And out of all the egregiousness, the author is suggesting we raise a new generation of insensitive people. Are the good old days the author speaks of Nazi Germany? A society where we shun people that we consider different because of their physical limitations, sexual orientation, race, religion, stigmas. Aren’t these the very people that Hitler aimed to eradicate?

Sharon Simkins

What is happening?

The beacon on the hill? Really? What is happening to our country? I am 85 years young, a lifelong Republican, have always voted for who I thought would best serve our nation, no matter the political party. When drafted, I proudly served in the U.S. Army under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The current Republican Party is NOT the party of Lincoln by any stretch of the imagination and doesn’t represent my views anymore. It has been

taken over by Donald Trump, a convicted felon. What he is doing along with what I believe to be a spineless legislature is disgraceful and unAmerican. They are alienating our allies and embracing our enemies. I ask those that voted for Trump, is this what you believe is the right path for our great country? Deep down in my heart, I know you are as shocked as I am. God help the U.S.A.

Bill Carter

Out of touch

Representative Debbie Dingle does not represent the majority of us. In her Jan. 19 Detroit News editorial she stated, “Outgoing President Biden ran on the promise of restoring the soul of America. That is his legacy, and our country is unquestionably better off than we were four years ago.” Seriously, she must live under a rock.

Her recent voting record reveals she is out of touch. She voted no on the following:

HR 28 Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act

HR 30 Preventing Violence Against Women by illegal Aliens Act

HR 27 Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act

HR 35 Raul Gonsales Officer Safety Act

Apparently, she is in favor of not deporting illegals who have committed crimes, transgender males playing in women’s sports, allowing fentanyl in this county, and not protecting our border agents.

She doesn’t represent us, instead, she is only concerned with her standing in the Democratic party.

James Koster

An Unforgettable Night An Unforgettable Night

2025 Grammy win thrills Northville musicians, family and friends

By Kevin Brown

From L.A. to Northville, it was a Sunday to remember.

“We just went crazy,” said Kari Landry.

So did the family and neighbors of musicians Matt Landry and wife Kari, who waited excitedly before their TV screens Feb. 2. Could the married couple from Northville and their collaborators win the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition?

Matt and Kari learned in November that their classical and jazz influenced “Strands” by their band Akropolis Reed Quintet was nominated. So they were in the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for the Grammy Awards Show as entertainer Wayne Brady approached the microphone to announce the winner.

They won!

“It was a moment of pure joy that I’ll never forget,” Kari said. “We had no anticipation that we would actually win, mainly because there were so many

other luminary artists in our category like Andre 3000, Chick Corea and Bela Fleck.”

Matt agreed. “I didn’t expect him to say our album. I don’t think anyone expects to win. My first thought was that we had gotten away with something, and hopefully he wouldn’t realize his mistake.”

Back in Michigan, Matt and Kari’s son Theo, 21 months old, watched with his grandparents.

“We’ve received such an incredible wave of love and support,” Kari said. “We received so many texts, emails and calls from people far and wide who have been a part of our musical journey since all of us were kids. Our whole family couldn’t be more proud and this is a moment we’re going to treasure celebrating together for the rest of our lives.”

The award citation reads: Best Instrumental Composition: Pascal Le Boeuf, composer (Akropolis Reed

Members of Akropolis Reed Quintet accept their Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition on Feb. 2 in Los Angeles. Photos courtesy of Matt and Kari Landry

From left, Christian Euman, Ryan Reynolds, Kari Landry, Andrew Koeppe, Matt Landry, Tim Gocklin and Pascal Le Boeuf pose with their Grammy award.

Quintet, Pascal Le Boeuf & Christian Euman). “Strands” is from the quintets’ sixth album “Are We Dreaming the Same Dream?” It examines what writer Ralph Ellison called “the unity of American experience.” The hybrid ensemble performing the composition is made up of the Akropolis Reed Quintet, pianist-composer Le Boeuf and drummer Euman. Le Boeuf examines the fabric of his American experience by recognizing the strands of his musical DNA – through performers Geri Allen, Dave Brubeck, Charles Mingus and Leonard Bernstein, as stated on the band’s website. Rounding out the Akropolis quintet are Tim Gocklin on oboe, Andrew Koeppe on bass clarinet and Ryan Reynolds, bassoon.

“Brilliant writing, exquisitely performed and ingenuously conceived,” said Jennifer Higdon, Pulitzer Prize and three-time Grammy Award winner, of “Are We Dreaming the Same Dream?”

“A great addition to the wind quintet repertoire with fantastic jazz elements. Brilliant and engaging,” said Elaine Martone, five-time Grammy Award-winning classical and jazz producer, according to the website.

TUNING UP

Matt is the leader of the quintet and executive director of the Akropolis Reed Quintet’s non-profit organization, focused on education. He said music was in his family’s home growing up, via the stereo, piano, singing and dancing. He took piano lessons and began learning other instruments. Later, Matt said he wanted to make music for other people and “show them something

about myself that I’ve always been much more comfortable saying through an instrument than with words.”

Similarly, Kari said music was always in her house growing up in Rockford, Michigan. Her mom was a bassoonist and dad a French hornist. Dad soloed on the recorded opening to “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” by Motown’s Marvin Gaye. “Because of this, I always knew I would play an instrument once I was old enough,” Kari said.

She chose the clarinet because of a clarinet lamp that was on her nightstand as a kid. “I still have the lamp to this day!”

“I liked how music was something I could not only pour all my emotions into, but also my work ethic as well. I loved the actual act of practicing, learning and listening. I craved new pieces and wanted to get better and better.”

Matt earned his bachelor’s degree Summa Cum Laude in Music Education and Saxophone from the University of Michigan. He taught middle school band in 2011-12 in Romulus. While he decided teaching was the wrong career for him, the experience was important to the quintet.

“We did a lot of concerts for kids and other educational workshops because I had a lot of experience in the classroom and was comfortable in front of

large groups of people,” he said.

FIRING UP THE ENGINE

Today, the quintet’s wideranging educational and related efforts are organized through the Akropolis Reed Quintet’s non-profit organization. Matt calls it “the engine behind everything Akropolis does,” raising money and creating a business structure. The nonprofit runs two fundraisers every year and writes grants to foundations locally and nationally to fund its recitals,

local concerts, a residency at Cass and King high schools in Detroit, the Detroit School of Art and more.

Matt was selected by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs as a 2018-19 Rising Leader among arts and cultural organizations in Michigan. He has twice appeared on the Billboard Classical charts, has won seven national chamber music prizes and is one of a handful of classical saxophonists to perform on the University Musical Society series at U-M.

The Akropolis Reed Quintet has performed around the United States and Canada; and in Germany, the Netherlands and United Arab Emirates. For more information on their nonprofit, and quintet recordings, visit akropolisquintet.org.

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Managing Partner

It’s Delightful, Delicious, De-Lovely

Northville High Theatre students ready to breathe new life into ‘Anything Goes’

By Wensdy Von Buskirk | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

The Northville High School Theatre Program is set to dazzle audiences with its production of the classic musical comedy Anything Goes, running April 24-26 at the NHS Theater.

Set aboard a luxury ocean liner sailing from New York to London, the story follows stowaway Billy Crocker, who falls for heiress Hope Harcourt—despite her engagement to another man. With the help of nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy Number 13, Moonface Martin, comedic chaos unfolds in this high-energy production.

Featuring lively dance numbers, sharp wit, and a satirical twist, this modernized rendition breathes new life into the timeless boy-meets-girl tale, complete with plenty of twists and turns. Audiences will enjoy Cole Porter hits like All Through the Night, I Get a Kick Out of You, and the title song, Anything Goes.

A THEATRICAL SPECTACLE

More than 80 student cast and crew members are bringing this production to life, complete with over-the-top talent, elaborate costumes and impressive sets, including a two-tiered ship.

“The themes in Cole Porter’s Broadway classic Anything Goes

remain as relevant today as they were in post-Prohibition 1934, in the midst of the Great

Katie Huprich (left) and other performers rehearse a song for the upcoming musical.

Depression,” says NHS Theatre Marketing Lead Kelly Masters.

“At a time when criminals like John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, and Baby Face Nelson became celebrities, and churchgoers secretly defied Prohibition laws, the lines between sinners and saints were often blurred.”

A YEAR OF THEATER

Northville High School has built a reputation for its ambitious productions, with direction by NHS alumna Lauren Goyer, music direction by Jim Walters, and orchestra direction by Mike Rumbell.

The spring musical marks the final show of the school year for the Northville Theatre Program, which also stages a student-led production each fall, a winter play, and a popular

haunted stage attraction at Halloween. Beyond performances, the club stays active with talent shows and appearances at community events like the Heritage Festival throughout the year.

For senior David Roden, who plays Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, the experience has been especially meaningful.

“Stepping into the shoes of a character that captures the timeless charm of musical theatre perfectly sets the stage for my transition into a lifelong career in this industry,” he says.

Goyer believes the production’s enduring themes

will resonate with audiences now more than ever.

ANYTHING GOES

Who: Northville High School Theatre Program

When: 7 p.m. April 24-26; 2 p.m. April 26

Tickets: $18; $15 for seniors and students

More info: www.NHStheater.ludus.com

“Anything Goes celebrates love, laughter, and individuality—messages that are just as meaningful today as they were in the 1930s,” she says.

Anything Goes will be staged

at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday with an additional Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

Tickets, $18 ($15 for seniors and students), are available now at www.NHStheater.ludus.com.

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Music Director Jim Walters makes a point during rehearsals.

Students Gianna Viola and Eben Heard sing during rehearsals for “Anything Goes.”

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Built on Community Spirit

New Northville Gear shop becoming part of the local fabric

By Tim Smith | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

Northville’s orange-and-black pulse thumps louder than ever thanks to a new downtown business featuring sweatshirts, baseball caps, pajama bottoms, coffee mugs and plenty of community spirit.

That’s music to the ears of Genna Davis, owner of the fledgling Northville Gear, which opened on Feb. 22 in a tiny storefront at 116 E. Main Street. She decided to open the store after several years of selling her line of sports and school apparel right out of her home.

“People were ringing my doorbell all the time,” said Davis, about why she decided to move her operation to a cozy spot (formerly Sugar Lu’s) not far from Genitti’s Hole in the Wall. “They kept coming to my door. I was running pop-up shops out of my garage.

“Finally, my husband (Chris Davis) and I were like, either it needs to get bigger and make it a permanent thing or I need to close it down. I didn’t want to close it down and then this space became available.”

Davis noted the physical store has been open just a short time and seems to be gaining traction.

New customers are discovering the storefront at the same time Davis maintains connection with her older clients – who

now must actually travel to Northville Gear to collect their orders instead of stopping by the Davis family’s front porch or garage.

She designed some 40 different items from which to sell, featuring “Northville” or a block N and ranging in price from $2 stickers to sweatshirts priced at 50 bucks.

“I just do ‘Northville,’ nothing says Mustangs,” she continued, name-checking the high school’s mascot. “It’s just generic. They said I could (use the Mustangs name) but because I work with so many youth organizations I found it was just more versatile if I just did Northville.”

they are needed. All sales are completed via credit card.

HELPING OUT THE CAUSE

The store’s goods are designed by Davis but produced in bulk by a local company as

As with the original on-line only business, which began about 2020 as a fundraiser for Amerman Elementary School, any profits

The Davis family inside their new store. From left are Genna, Reid, Chris and Cole Davis.

Photo by Tim Smith

Northville Gear owner Genna Davis.

are donated to individual school PTAs as well as various youth sports organizations.

“We started it with just youth clothing,” Davis said. “I was trying to figure out ways to raise money for the (Amerman) playground and so I came up with the idea of youth clothing.”

The concept continued to gain traction and after the playground project was taken care of Davis wanted to keep the ball rolling.

“I still had a bunch more apparel and I was deciding what to do,” she added. “Everyone was ‘You got to keep it going, we love this.’”

Davis began taking her wares to various youth sporting events, like Northville Colts football games, and taking whatever money that sales generated and donating it back to the organizations she sold them at.

She also fills “wish lists” requested for classrooms by Northville elementary and middle school teachers and estimated those donations now total nearly $12,000.

“I went to the Victorian Festival to sell, the (Holiday) Greens Market, you name it I was there selling shirts,” said Davis, who parlayed her graphics art background into what could soon become the talk of the town.

Evidence is growing that Davis is on to something good.

“I got a text this morning, from someone who works for Ford,” Davis said. “He was in Paris on a bus and said a German person (also on the bus) saw the sweatshirt. He

worked here for a number of years and knew it was Northville, Michigan.

“And I was in a small bar in Silverthorne, Colorado and was wearing mine. Someone said ‘Is that Northville, Michigan?’ I think it’s a fun thing to see. A sense of pride and community.”

Northville Gear’s storefront window perfectly captures the spirit of what Davis wants the business to do – namely help grow community spirit and camaraderie through colorful apparel.

The store sign is sandwiched between a row of orange-and-black pompons and a large, illuminated block ‘N,’ which is nestled behind a displayed sweatshirt and baseball cap.

Once inside the compact-but-welcoming store, shelves on opposite walls of the narrow space are filled with everything from snow hats to stadium seats. Or from pullovers to hoodies. Flannel pants are proving to be “super popular.”

There seems to be something for everybody.

PERFECT COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Davis is confident that Northville Gear will organically expand the successful business she cultivated both out of her house and through countless outreach efforts.

To the latter, she said she has set up tables to sell items at Amerman, Winchester, Moraine and Thornton Creek elementaries,

Hillside and Meads Mill middle schools as well as at various travel sports events.

And the concept of seeing Northville’s friendly colors worn around the community is a validation of her efforts.

“It’s all the youth stuff,” Davis explained. “It’s fun to go to all the sporting events, like high school football games, and seeing younger kids in orange and black. No one was doing that. … They just love wearing Northville colors – Amerman, Thornton Creek, Moraine, Winchester.

“I was at Moraine’s fun fair and they were all going crazy for it. Any given day at Amerman you can walk in and see all the snow hats, sweatshirts.”

Meanwhile, what she sees in schools and events all over town seemingly is a natural extension of what happens in the Davis household. Sons Cole (seventh grade) and Reid (fourth grade) happily don hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies.

They do so because of how much it makes them feel part of Northville’s special community camaraderie – not necessarily to help build their mom’s business.

Of course, the latter is a nice bonus feature as Genna Davis looks for Northville Gear to – literally – become an integral part of the downtown fabric.

Northville Gear is located at 116 E. Main Street. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. For more information, visit northvillegear.com.

When every moment matters, we’re just minutes away.

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Whether you live in Plymouth or nearby, we’re proud to bring full-service, 24/7 emergency care closer to you. With easy access and an experienced ER team, we’re ready to handle any emergency. And we’re just a few minutes down the road.

Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth Corner of Ann Arbor Road and N. Haggerty |

2025 MUSTANGSNORTHVILLE NORTHVILLE Spring VARSITY Sports

GIRL’S SOFTBALL

4:30

Mon 3/31 St. Mary’s Prep School (Doubleheader) 4:00 PM Wed 4/2 Plymouth HS (Doubleheader) 4:00PM Sat 4/5 Anchor Bay HS (Doubleheader) 10:00 AM

4/9 Salem HS (Doubleheader) 4:00

Thu 4/10 Bedford HS 4:00 PM Sat 4/12 Portage Northern HS (Softball Invite) 9:00 AM

4/16

4/26 Anchor Bay HS (Anchor Bay Invite) 8:00 AM Wed 4/30 *Howell HS (Doubleheader) 4:00

BOY’S GOLF

GIRL’S LACROSSE

GIRL’S TRACK & FIELD

TRACK & FIELD

BOY’S LACROSSE

GIRL’S SOCCER

VOLLEYBALL

COED ROWING

Northville Police Begin Enforcing Timed Parking

City wants downtown parking spaces to be accessible to more customers

By Tim Smith

Parking spaces near Northville’s shops and restaurants continue to be hot spots as more customers flock to our downtown.

But a few motorists and even some business employees perhaps are making it difficult for others who want to park closer and spend some time and money. Which is why the city police department on March 10 began enforcement of timed parking – from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays – to make sure vehicles don’t overstay their three-hour welcome. Vehicles will be electronically marked and monitored to determine violations.

“It’s just a matter of (not doing) day-long parking in front of every spot in town,” Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull said. “That was the drift that the businesses asked

enforcement) because they want those spots for their customers to come and park and make it convenient.”

GETTING THE WORD OUT

One major point made at the meetings was for businesses to communicate with their employees about not taking up prime parking spaces if at all possible, instead parking at one of the all-day lots only a short walk from their work location.

“On our website and social media there is a map showing where the timed parking spots and all-day parking spots are,” Maciag said. “We’re trying to get employers to get their employees to park in the all-day spots so they are not subject to a ticket. That’s why we had those meetings, to get the word out.”

Maciag said “I’m seeing a lot of open spots downtown, which I’ve never seen before, like on Main Street. People are already starting to get used to the fact that it (enforcement) is coming. That’s a positive thing.”

The new enforcement policy follows several years of the department not being able to actively do so, following a 2022 United States Supreme Court ruling the chalking or touching of vehicles violated the Fourth Amendment pertaining to unreasonable searches. Timed parking enforcement previously took place beginning in the 1970s.

PLENTY OF OPTIONS

us. We heard them. … I’m sure there will be warning tickets for a little while here.

“We want Northville to be welcoming. We want it to be an easy place to be.”

Turnbull was referring to a pair of February public meetings where downtown businesses discussed parking issues with police chief Alan Maciag.

Although there has been a fair amount of pushback on social media about the matter, Maciag said he thought there was more positive reaction from those at the Feb. 14 and Feb. 26 meetings.

“You see it (opposition) on-line, on our social media page,” Maciag said. “There are some detractors of it, but not very many. I think overall, the business community would like to see it (timed parking

According to Maciag, the timed parking hours are not being expanded, remaining in place during business hours Monday through Friday.

“Once the businesses close and people come in for a restaurant or whatever they don’t have to worry about some sort of timed parking in those areas,” the chief noted.

First-time violators will receive a warning, with a second offense resulting in a $15 fine. The fine fee schedule goes up to $25 and $50 for subsequent citations.

“Obviously, our parking and code officer (a 24-hours-perweek employee) is not going to be able to hit every lot every day,” Maciag said. “He just doesn’t work enough hours to do that. It will be random lots throughout the week.”

Since the public meetings where the new enforcement program was unveiled, enough downtown workers are finding new places to park, enough that

Moreover, Maciag said the formerly utilized chalking method was not cost effective as it forced officers to wait hours to find out if a marked vehicle had stayed in a space beyond the allotted time. Now the process is being done electronically, with license plates photographed and lot locations determined with the assistance of GPS.

“We want timed parking to be turned over,” Maciag said. “The reason for timed parking is to allow for closer spaces for customers or restauranters that want to come and eat or visit downtown Northville.

“What we find a lot of times, the biggest violators of timed parking are employees of businesses downtown. Really, those timed parking spots are for the consumers to come down there and shop or walk around and visit. We’re trying to do a positive thing for the businesses so that those spots are open close to the businesses.”

People just need to observe the parking signs posted around

Most of the on street parking along Center and Main streets has a two-hour limit.

the city, Maciag continued.

Some allow for on-street parking. Others permit parking stays for up to two or up to three hours. Elsewhere, short-term parking (20 or 30 minutes) is available, largely for retail deliveries.

The meetings with Maciag and businesses followed the presentation of a parking study at the Jan. 23 city council meeting. That study was based on two parking counts conducted in August 2024.

“What we found in the parking study,” Maciag emphasized, “was that when they did the parking counts a lot of people parked north of Main Street, behind the Marquis Theater and the lot behind Center Street Grille.

“It made sense, people are going to gravitate to what’s close, wherever they’re going.

But those lots fill up very quickly, which leaves a lot of open parking south of Main Street. You want to spread that out and let the closer timed parking be available for people coming to town, the consumers.”

FREE & AMPLE PARKING

The parking study presentation also focused on how able-bodied pedestrians –including downtown employees – can walk anywhere within downtown Northville in five minutes or less – inferring that parking further away is not

much of an inconvenience.

“Realistically, parking anywhere in town is within that five minutes,” Maciag said. “We have a very accessible downtown no matter where you park.”

Turnbull said there is ample parking in Northville, all of which is free to use. There is no intention of resorting to paid lots or parking meters, like

other regional downtowns use.

“We are not going to paid parking. We are one of the few communities in Michigan, in the metro (area), that do not have paid parking,” Turnbull stressed. “We have 2,200 spots. None of them are great, but we have a lot of spots within walkable distance. We would like more spots in the middle of town.”

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This map shows the various timed parking zones throughout downtown Northville. Courtesy of Northville

Sat 9:00AM - 3:00PM

Mon 9:00AM - 8:00PM

Tue 9:00AM - 6:00PM

Wed 9:00AM - 6:00PM

Thu 9:00AM - 8:00PM

Fri 9:00AM - 6:00PM

Hallowed Grounds

Task force efforts under way to restore city’s historic cemeteries

By Michele M. Fecht | Photos by John Heider

While written records and early photographs are invaluable historical resources, the most public and tangible evidence of a community’s heritage can be found in its cemeteries.

The gravestones in the city’s two historic cemeteries — Oakwood on Cady Street and Rural Hill on Seven Mile Road — tell the story of our community and its past while also providing spaces of memory, solace, and reflection.

With the city’s 2027 Bicentennial on the horizon, Northville City Council approved the formation of a task force last year to begin restoration of the city’s historic cemeteries. Since its initial meeting last August, the Cemetery Renewal Task Force has set an ambitious timeline for restoring those sacred spaces.

“They say you can tell a lot

about a community by the condition of its cemeteries,” said City Councilmember

Andrew Krenz, who is the council’s liaison to the cemetery task force. “We need to restore these spaces and give them the reverence they deserve.”

Both cemeteries are among the oldest in Michigan with Oakwood dating to 1828 and Rural Hill to 1885. Oakwood

for several reasons besides not having enough time or a big enough team to do much planning or take actions,”

Marold said. “We want to learn from Oakwood before we start on Rural Hill.”

Marold pointed out that Rural Hill is an active cemetery and “in much better shape” than Oakwood. He said the task force will begin analyzing needs at Rural Hill with some work taking place later this year.

A walkthrough of Oakwood reveals the effects of time, the elements and lack of maintenance. Many gravestones are broken, tipped, buried, or unmarked with inscriptions barely legible. The oak trees now compete with buckthorn, tree-of-heaven, and other invasive species. Tree roots have pushed over or into gravestones. The urgency for renewal is evident.

FOUNDATIONAL ROOTS

took its official name in 1889.

Task force chairperson

David Marold said the 20-plus member volunteer task force is currently focusing its efforts on Oakwood, the older and smaller of the two cemeteries as well as the one in greatest need of restoration.

“We intentionally decided not to start work on both cemeteries simultaneously

Though no longer an active cemetery (closed for additional burials), Oakwood Cemetery is the final resting place for many of Northville’s earliest settlers. Gravestones that mirror the city’s street names include those of Randolph, Wing, Hutton, Dunlap, Beal, Horton, Pennell, Cady and others. One of the earliest graves is that of Henry Cady, infant son of Daniel and Eliza Cady, who died in 1828.

There are 35 veterans buried at Oakwood ranging from the Revolutionary War to the Spanish American War. The earliest veteran is William Gregory who served in the Revolutionary War from August 24 to December 13, 1781, as a Private in Capt. Botsford’s Co., 5th CT Regiment, as well as in Capt. Comstock’s Co., Col.

Readings on many of the gravestones at Oakwood Cemetery are almost illegible due to dirt and wear.

They say you can tell a lot about a community by the condition of its cemeteries. We need to restore these spaces and give them the reverence they deserve.”

City Councilman Andrew Krenz, a member of the cemetery task force

Sherman’s Regiment. Most of the veterans buried at Oakwood served in the Civil War. There are 24 markers that recognize their service.

The cemetery was designated as a historic site in 2017 by the Michigan State Society of the Daughters of American Colonists. A historical marker was installed near the cemetery’s entrance in recognition of the distinction.

Brighton and other areas to glean information about cemetery restoration and preservation.

Through a generous gift from Stewart Oldford, owner of Northville Lumber whose Yerkes’ family roots date back to Northville’s beginnings, 20 gravestones near the entrance gate were cleaned, leveled and/or repaired in time for last year’s Victorian Festival. Another anonymous donor

FIRST STEPS

With a narrow window of time between its formation in late August of last year and the onset of winter weather, the task force took on the most urgent work of trimming and removing trees before last October’s Cemetery Walk. At the same time, task force volunteers visited more than a dozen historic cemeteries including those in Novi, Farmington, South Lyon,

restored additional gravestones on the east side of the cemetery in October. In addition, Boy Scout Troop 777 picked up more than 20 bags of branches, leaves and weeds last fall.

Among the gravestones repaired, reset and cleaned was the “baby crib” or “cradle grave” of Mattie and James Lapham, toddler daughter and son of pioneers Jerod and Martha Lapham. Cradle graves, popular during the Victorian era, were

designed with a headstone, footstone and two low stone walls with an open space in the middle to incorporate a small flower bed.

NEXT STEPS

More oak tree trimming is scheduled this winter at Oakwood while the trees are dormant. On the docket for spring and fall are a myriad of projects ranging from scrub tree removal, cemetery fence replacement on the north and east sides of the cemetery with brush clearance and repair along the remaining fencing.

Goals for next year and beyond include placing an archway with signage at the entrance of the cemetery as well as adding historical signage within the cemetery to better integrate the history of those buried on the site. The task force is exploring the addition of enhanced pathways consisting of brick pavers or pervious concrete as well as benches and other landscaping. Marold said plans for the coffin house, which sits in the southeast corner of the cemetery and was used for storing coffins in the winter months until the ground thawed for burial, have not been decided.

The most urgent project, however, is gravestone cleaning,

up-righting and repair. While professionals will need to tackle the heavy lifting of up-righting, resetting and repair of the gravestones, Marold is hoping that some of the cleaning can be done by volunteers under the instruction of professionals. He said a training session is planned sometime in the spring for volunteers to help clean stones. Playing off the name of Mill Race Village’s all-volunteer maintenance crew, the Stone Gang, Marold has dubbed the cemetery cleaners, the Tombstone Gang.

INVALUABLE RESOURCE

While restoring – and in some cases reclaiming –gravestones in Oakwood is an arduous effort, the Cemetery Renewal Task Force has an invaluable asset in the work done over many decades by the Northville Genealogical Society. The cemetery’s stones were first “read” in 1989 and updated in 2006 with records kept of each gravestone. In 2011, Joe and Jan Brodzik began the Oakwood Cemetery Project by photographing all the gravestones on behalf of the Northville Genealogical Society. Through a contact provided

Continued on Page 26

Task force members Anna Hay, Wyatt Somers and Andrea and Chuck Murdock survey restored gravestones in Oakwood Cemetery.

Some of the gravestones at Oakwood Cemetery have already been restored.

Continued from Page 25

by Tom Gudritz, a former Northville Historical Society board member and now part of the Oakwood renewal task force, the Brodziks were introduced to Kate Hayfield of the Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. of Ohio who recorded coordinates for each gravestone in the cemetery using the company’s GPS unit.

At Hayfield’s recommendation, the Brodziks conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the 421 gravestones in Oakwood Cemetery. By 2015, they had completed an evaluation sheet of every stone in the cemetery including measurements, type of stone, inscription condition and the state of the stone. The evaluation sheets and

photographs of each gravestone are part of the Northville Cemetery Index and are available online through the Northville District Library’s website.

In the 10 years since the Brodziks completed their evaluation, the Oakwood Cemetery has seen continued decline. Their efforts will likely be an invaluable resource for the task force in its renewal efforts.

MAINTENANCE & SUPPORT

Maintenance of the cemetery has been an ongoing issue as the City of Northville does not have a dedicated budget for maintaining Oakwood; lawn mowing and tree trimming comes out of the Department of Public Works budget.

A major component of the

Cemetery Renewal Task Force’s mission is to find a sustainable funding source for maintaining the cemetery. Its current efforts are being largely funded by donations.

Those interested in donating to the cemetery renewal can do so by sending a check made out to the City of Northville with Cemetery in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to City of Northville – Cemetery

Restoration, 215 W. Main Street, Northville, MI 48167.

Those interested in volunteering on the Cemetery Renewal Task Force should contact Dave Marold at dmarold@gmail.com.

With only two years remaining before the city’s Bicentennial, the work of restoring the final resting places of Northville’s pioneers seems a fitting tribute.

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Anna Hay and Wyatt Somers are part of the restoration efforts at Oakwood Cemetery.

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There’s ‘Something Special About Folk Music’

By Kevin Brown | Photos by Bill Bresler

Music, friendship and creativity thrive at the BaseLine Folk Society Folk Music’

On a chilly winter night, it’s warm as a campfire hootenanny inside the Plymouth Community Arts Council building on Sheldon Road.

That’s where the BaseLine Folk Society meets on the third Saturday each month, September through May. Roughly 60-100 folk music lovers consistently attend. Some perform in the open mic portion of the show, playing 10-minute spots. Featured performers play 30-minutes. Attendees hear everything from folk and bluegrass standards to “I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover” or even “Viva Las Vegas,” by an acoustic guitar-based band.

It’s not a secret society. But if it’s a conspiracy you seek, know this one welcomes all to share good feelings.

“I think that is something special about folk music, that it evokes a communal spirit,” said Stephanie Sorenson, a longtime attendee and now BaseLine board

member. She met her husband at a BaseLine meeting. “So many of our patrons are recurring attendees and you’ll see during the pre-show and intermission times that everyone is busy chatting and having a nice conversation with each other.”

BaseLine president Cathy Miller stepped to the microphone to open the meeting. She sings her original song “Welcome to BaseLine”:

an audience to laughter or tears,” she said. Her duties include facilitating BaseLine’s seven-member board meetings, scheduling feature performers, writing and distributing a newsletter, “and assuring that the warm, welcoming atmosphere that we have worked so hard to achieve continues.”

Miller said her most satisfying moments include the times performers return, and say it feels like coming home.

On this night, songs ranged from Woody Guthrie, Joni Mitchell and Gordon Lightfoot numbers to “Unchained Melody” and a rousing acoustic version of the Beatles “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” performed by the three-piece acoustic featured group “Voices of Chaos.” Patrons pay a $7 donation to attend the 7-9:30 p.m. meeting.

WHAT IS FOLK MUSIC?

“Well here at BaseLine there’s one thing for sure If you got troubles well, we’ve got the cure Listen to the music and your cares will wash away And you’ll be happy that you spent another day. Here at BaseLine. We welcome you!”

It’s Miller’s ninth year as president. “I love this music because it has meaning and comes from the heart and can move

“Folk music tells a story of people and times to be remembered,” Miller said -narrative ballads, love songs and hymns, work songs, sea chanties, children’s songs and songs of protest and social change. Most performers are amateurs. But several have performing

Dave Drouillard, Willy Scott and Dan Drouillard – members of Voices of Chaos – perform during a BaseLine Folk Society session. Their eclectic set included numbers by Jimmy Buffet, Elvis and The Beatles.

Sue Laabs sings a song she penned about the Iditarod dog sled race.

experience. They include Marty Kohn, a long-time metro Detroit Free Press journalist and folk musician, and wife Laura Kohn, tuning their guitars in a back room before an open mic spot.

Marty explained he got into folk music during the late 50s-early 60s folk boom days. He was inspired to learn fingerpicking from records of Mississippi John Hurt, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Rev. Gary Davis –who inspired Peter, Paul and Mary.

“All they will call you will be deportee,” the couple sings, covering Guthrie’s “Deportee” about a 1948 plane crash that killed 28 deported Mexican migrant workers. The social commentary echoes today.

Sorenson was introduced to folk music through her father, who played clawhammer banjo. “I was totally captivated by the sound. It was simple and pure. I

later took up playing the fiddle and guitar and I discovered a wonderful community of musicians. It was nice to hear people carrying on the tunes of centuries past, as well as more recent figures like Woody Guthrie, Elizabeth Cotten and Pete Seeger,” she said.

A Complete Unknown, the recent Bob Dylan bio pic – much of it focused on Dylan’s early ‘60s folk music days in New York City’s Greenwich Village – has won a big audience and an extended theatrical run. Which suggests folk music, rooted in tradition, indeed lives in the present.

“Folk music was a part of my life growing up in northern Michigan,” said Sara Thompson, who also serves on the BaseLine board. “My oldest brother Richard played the guitar, and I loved listening to him sing. He introduced me to a baritone ukulele, and pretty soon I was strumming along with him around a campfire. I’ve always loved to sing too. Songs by The Kingston Trio; Peter, Paul and Mary; and many others filled our home with music.”

She learned of BaseLine through Cathy Miller, a coworker.

NORTHVILLE ROOTS

The BaseLine group formed in the mid2000s as an open mic at the Northville Art House by Mike Mullen, then grew so popular that a larger location was needed a few years later. Mullen said some of the performers then still perform at BaseLine now.

“Folk music is really about blending traditional acoustic sounds with storytelling from the perspective of the common man and woman,” Sorenson said. “Despite folk music’s often simple composure, it expresses a rich wisdom about life’s trials and joys that gives listeners reason for pause and reflection.”

The BaseLine Folk Society hosts monthly open-mic nights at 7 p.m. on the third Saturdays of the month, September-May, at the Plymouth Arts Council building, 774 N. Sheldon Road in Plymouth. Admission is $7 admission, and memberships are available. For more information, find them on Facebook or send an email to bfspresident4u@gmail. com.

Laura and Marty Kohn perform a set.

Willy Scott, of Voices of Chaos, does his best to channel Elvis.

BaseLine Folk Society President Cathy Miller opens with a song of welcome.

Terry Collins performs at the BaseLine Folk Society’s recent open mic night.

Farmers’ Market Lands New Home

By Kurt Kuban

The popular Northville Farmers’ Market, which dates back to the 1920s, officially has a new home.

On Feb. 27, Northville Township officials closed on a deal to purchase the vacant 2.6 acres on Seven Mile Road across from Custard Time, which was formally the site of the McDonald Ford dealership.

The $1.75 million deal with local businessman Jeff Snyder means the famers’ market, which is operated by the Northville Chamber of Commerce, now has a permanent site for generations to come.

In addition, the City of Northville is in the final stages of closing on a deal with the family of former Northville Mayor James Allen to purchase the adjoining 1.6 acres behind Inch Memorials. Mayor Brian Turnbull said that deal for $800,000 was scheduled to be finalized the week of March 17th.

COMMONS CONSORTIUM

The two parcels will then be legally joined together and be called the Northville Commons Area or the Northville Farmers’ Commons – city and township officials are still working on a name for the area which they say will be a hub of activity and be far more than just a home to the Farmers’ Market.

“It’s more than a Farmers’ Market. The Farmers’ Market will be Thursdays, May to October, but every other day it will be activated by parks and recreation. We will have festivals, we will have staging for parades, we’ll have car shows, and perhaps even carnivals,” Turnbull said.

“The county is interested in doing things there, too. The township and city will do things together. Eventually we’ll have a building out there that we can rent out for functions. It could even be a wedding venue. It will be a very functional area,” Turnbull added.

contribution for a new Farmers’ market site; breakage money that Northville Downs contributed to city coffers during its race betting that came to an end in February of 2024; and from the city’s general fund surplus.

In addition, the consortium agreed to spend about $100,000 to prep the site for the Farmers’ market, which begins May 1 and runs Thursdays through October.

“No taxes are being raised to make this happen,” Turnbull said.

A ROLE TO PLAY

The township and city have created a consortium called the Northville Commons Farmer’s Market, Inc., which will own the site and be in charge of operations. There are four consortium managers, made up of the mayor and township supervisor, and each will also appoint a member. Right now, the managers are Turnbull, his appointee City Manager George Lahanas, Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo, and his appointee Cynthia Jankowski, who is the current township clerk.

According to Abbo, the consortium is a 50/50 arrangement. That means the combined price tag of $2.5 million for the two parcels will be evenly split between both parties.

Abbo said the township is using money from its general fund surplus. The city’s portion of the money will come from three sources: Downs developer Toll Brothers made a $225,000

While some have questioned why Northville Township would purchase land in the city, Abbo said it makes perfect sense and is a quality of life issue for local residents. In addition to being home to the popular Farmers’ Market, it will preserve one of the last vacant parcels of land around downtown Northville.

“A healthy, thriving downtown Northville is very important to Northville Township. We have a role to play in its success. A central focus of this project will be to improve the downtown landscape,” said Abbo, noting the boundary between the city and township is at the south end of the site. “You can actually have one foot in the township and one foot in the city on that property.”

Negotiations between Jeff Snyder and first city officials and then township officials were a multi-year process that ran hot and cold.

For Snyder, it wasn’t always about the money. He pressed to have several conditions as part of the deal, including a 50-foot riparian buffer zone along 400 feet of the Rouge River on the

Former McDonald Ford site will be a hub of community activity

This artistic rendering shows what the Northville Commons site could look like in the future if plans come to fruition. Photo courtesy of City of Northville

western side of the property and inclusion of a 500 foot-long, 10 foot-wide public pathway that will soon connect Legacy Park to downtown Northville.

Snyder, who lives with his wife Terry in the historic Beal Town neighborhood just 300 feet from the site, also required the city to change the zoning of the property from commercial to R1B, a residential zoning he says will help ensure the property is preserved for the foreseeable future.

Snyder said he has turned down a lot of offers for the land over the years, which he didn’t feel were right for the parcel.

“The post office was looking at the site. We’ve had people who wanted to build a car wash or town houses. I think we turned away 12 different

proposals,” Snyder said. “For us, it’s been about the community benefit. That’s been our highest priority.

“We have three main focuses – community, industry and the environment. We feel this falls under all three,” Jeff Snyder added.

While the consortium’s main priority is getting the site prepped for this year’s Farmers’ Market, they are looking to make major improvements

in the future including constructing a large shed-like building to house vendors and could be rented out and used for other events. They are also looking to put in parking, entrance drive, lighting and signage. Plus, the site needs some environmental clean-up from its car dealership past.

The estimated total cost of the project, including the purchase price, is more than $7 million. The consortium will

be looking to get grants – both public and private -- and other sources of revenue to pay for future development of the site.

Abbo is convinced the project could end up generating revenue for the community.

“At the end of the day, this is going to be cashflow positive for the consortium. There are going to be rentals and events. We’ve got a lot of great ideas,” he said.

Snyder said he is most excited that the site will be home to the Farmers’ Market. He and Terry have been regulars for years, and they are looking forward to bringing their grandkids over on Thursdays this summer.

“We are really excited. Terry never misses the Farmers’ Market. We’ll be able to walk across the street. This will be a great location for it,” he said.

There will be a 50-foot riparian buffer zone along the Rouge River, which is on the western side of the property.

Peek Inside Your Health: Full Body MRI Screenings Unveil Silent Issues Before Symptoms Arise

(SOUTHFIELD, MI) Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. Thanks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully.

As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only cover about 29% of cancers with 71%

occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the genitals and can detect it very early.

For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive flights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a clinic opened in Southfield, making these scans available to Metro Detroit residents.

“Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with difficult treatments. We can also identify conditions such as brain, abdominal, chest,

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THE FUTURE IS NOW

NHS STEM clubs shape tomorrow’s scientists and engineers

When the 2:20 p.m. dismissal bell rings at Northville High School, the day is far from over for many student STEM enthusiasts. They stay behind—not to head home, but to build rockets, write Python code, and spotlight rare diseases.

NHS’ student-led STEM clubs foster engagement, connections, and a strong foundation for future careers. Spanning science, technology, engineering, and math, these clubs showcase an impressive range of activities.

HOSA, the school’s largest medical club, prepares future health professionals through multimodal learning, peer support, and leadership.

Members develop skills through practical exams, presentations, and regional and state conferences.

“I have seen HOSA students grow more confident in their abilities and public speaking,” says club advisor Ryan Sieg.

“Their time management and responsibility [also] improve as they balance HOSA with their demanding coursework.”

Beyond standard events,

HOSA’s new Doctor’s Dialogue program connects members with physicians and medical students who share insights from their journeys in medicine.

Science Olympiad takes a handson approach to STEM, allowing members

to compete in both scientific theory and experimentation. Students engage with lasers, wind power, and more than 23 specialized events, encouraging curiosity and passion for science beyond the classroom. Science Olympiad not only builds collaboration skills essential for STEM careers but also teaches students

to problem-solve and think on their feet in unfamiliar situations, preparing them for both competition and the real world.

“Impactful advancements in STEM come from collective effort,” says senior and team captain Andrew Wu, highlighting the club’s emphasis on leadership and teamwork.

Subject-focused clubs provide valuable lab opportunities that enrich classroom learning. Chemistry Club, for example, expands on AP and Honors Chemistry by focusing on the experimental aspect of the field. “We currently conduct a variety of experiments, such as creating silver mirrors and elephant toothpaste,” says senior and club president Alissa Xue. These hands-on activities cater to individual interests, making learning both engaging and fun beyond the curriculum. Similarly, the Quantumplaters Physics Club takes an interactive approach, with experiments such as rubber band cars and plasma globes to reinforce concepts taught in AP and Honors Physics.

Meanwhile, the Research Club empowers students to explore their interests, dive deeper in a chosen area, and carve their own paths in STEM.

“In our club activities, we make sure that our members pick a topic that they enjoy [to] encourage us to stay true to ourselves [and] get a learning experience from it,” says sophomore and secretary Advitha Manimaran. This flexibility allows students to align their research with their educational and personal goals

EDITOR’S NOTE: High School Confidential is a collaborative effort by the Stringers Journalism Club made up of NHS students Aoi Ono, Brian Zhang, Diane Zhao, Ian Lee, Isabella Mach, Jackson Gong, Keertana Venkatesh, Keira Gallagher, Pranavi Oruganty, Saamaja Krishnan, Sarah Khalid, Sneha Hegde, and Stella Maue.

Physics Club senior Jonas Yan experiments with a plasma ball at a club meeting. Photo by Brian Zhang

Chemistry Club juniors Sarah Khalid and Yana Panchal create elephant toothpaste. Photo courtesy of Alissa Xue

NHS Aerospace Club members with their rocket for the NASA Student Launch Initiative Program. Photo courtesy of Reyan Ahmad

while collaborating with peers and faculty.

Technology and engineering clubs are another popular sector at NHS. The Computer Science Honors Society, dedicated to spreading computer science skills, engages students through its “Tech Tip of the Week” video in the NHS morning announcements, which shares useful technology “hacks” with the NHS community. The club even extends its impact beyond NHS by hosting six-week programs at Meads Mill and Hillside Middle Schools to teach middle schoolers the basics of coding languages like Python.

Recognition for NHS’s Aerospace Club has recently skyrocketed, with the group planning to compete in the coveted invitational NASA Student Launch Initiative

program. Senior and copresident Reyan Ahmad explains the competition as a “nine-month long engineering process where we, from scratch, need to design our airframe and payload.”

Despite the challenge, participants find the competition fascinating and

rewarding as “it provides us high schoolers with design review experience in almost the same process real NASA engineers go through in their projects,” senior and copresident Naoki Matsumoto notes.

NHS STEM clubs extend beyond traditional classroom

learning, empowering students to explore niche interests and embrace their role in today’s world. As they innovate, collaborate, and push the boundaries of knowledge, the future shines bright for NHS’s aspiring scientists and engineers.

Junior Yu-Je Lee and sophomore Ananyaa Rakkappan participate in the Science Olympiad Air Trajectory event at Solon High School Invitational on Feb. 1. Photo submitted by Andrew Wu

Sophomores Jerry Niu and Richard Zhang participate in the Science Olympiad Electric Vehicle event at Solon High School Invitational on Feb. 1. Photo submitted by Andrew Wu

Rise & Write Northville

of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month celebrates poets’ integral role in our culture. According to the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month is now the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and poets marking poetry’s important place in our lives.

He decided to share the practice with anyone and everyone who wanted to participate. With the blessing of Kim Stafford, son of William Stafford and executor of his father’s literary estate, Rohr was permitted to use Stafford’s likeness and name for the project.

The inaugural Stafford Challenge kicked off in 2024 with more than 1,100 people from 28 countries and 49 U.S. states participating, including 22 from Michigan. Among them was Haifleigh.

City Sustainability Team initiative seeks area wordsmiths and poets

By Michele M. Fecht | Photos by John Heider

The often-underrepresented genre of poetry is the driving force behind the city’s newest sustainability initiative, Rise & Write Northville. Launching next month — appropriately during April’s National Poetry Month — it is designed to bring together writers of all ages and writing genres throughout the community and surrounding areas.

“Northville’s sustainability plan recognizes that a community should balance not only its environmental and economic aspirations, but also its social needs to maintain and grow our city’s vibrancy,” said Kathy Spillane, chair of the city’s Sustainability Team. “Arts and culture play a vital role in this.”

The Poetry Project is designed to promote writing and literature within the community. Though poetry is the headliner, the project welcomes other forms of writing such as short stories,

Haifleigh has taken the lead in the Rise & Write Northville effort with support from community entities including the Northville Art House, Northville District Library, the schools and other community groups.

essays, memoirs, and the like.

“The project provides writers with a means to showcase their work in community spaces,” Spillane said. “Also, celebrating and supporting writing can be done across all age groups. Some, but not all community activities can boast that.”

Sustainability member Susan Haifleigh brought the idea to the team through her own experience.

“Having spent my career as an architectural designer, I never thought I would find myself writing poetry,” said Haifleigh, who ventured into poetry writing in 2020 during the COVID shutdown.

Since that time, her work has been published in several poetry anthologies. She currently is editing her first poetry collection.

That Rise & Write Northville’s official debut occurs during National Poetry Month is a fitting timeframe. Officially launched by the Academy

Among the ideas being considered are the designation of a local poet laureate and junior poet laureate and a Stafford Challenge.

The idea for The Stafford Challenge originated in fall 2023 when poet and storyteller Brian Rohr was considering how to up his writing game. Inspired by the practice of the late Poet Laureate William Stafford who was famous for his discipline of writing daily, Rohr committed to writing a poem a day for a year.

Haifleigh said she challenged herself to sit and write every morning for a full year – to rise and write. She is working with Rohr to design a mini-Stafford Challenge for Northville as part of Rise & Write Northville.

The discipline of writing every day — even when the creative juices aren’t flowing — can be challenging. Nevertheless, Haifleigh noted that an added benefit of that every day exercise — even when it’s not your best effort – is being able to put emotions into words. That’s cathartic for both adults and young people.

NEXT STEPS

For all those interested in the Rise & Write Northville project, a kick-off gathering is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at Genitti’s. Those interested in attending can reach out to Haifleigh at riseandwritenorthville@yahoo. com.

Rise & Write Northville is also hosting a drop-in workshop for teens and adults from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26 at the Northville Art House. Watch for further information about both events.

Rise & Write Northville lead Susan Haifleigh with Art House Executive Director Shannon Karol and Creative Director Ryan Kaltenbach.

Poet Susan Haifleigh is coordinating the April 16 kick-off of the Rise & Write Northville initiative.

out & about out & about out & about

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE THIS MONTH

A Ride Through Northville History

March 26

Local historians Ellen Elliott and Hugh Jordan, who recently completed a three-year long project to author a new book on Northville history, will present findings of their work. They will detail Northville’s architecture and prominent people during the 1950s through the 1980s. Their presentation will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. in the New School Church in Mill Race Village. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.millracenorthville.org.

Tigers Home Opener Lunch

April 4

Join Northville Senior Services at the Northville Community Center for a watch party and lunch for the Detroit Tigers home opener from 12:303:30 p.m. Let them “take you to the ballgame” without leaving Northville, and enjoy watching our Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox. Enjoy a hot dog lunch, drinks and snacks provided. Cost is $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents. Register by March 31 by calling (248) 305-2851.

Lee Iacocca Presentation

April 7

The Northville District Library will host author and historian Barry Levine, who will present “Automotive Icon Lee Iacocca” at 7 p.m. in the Carlo Meeting Room. Iacocca had key roles in automotive ventures such as the Ford Mustang, LeMans auto racing, and salvaging Chrysler from financial ruin. For more information or to register for the program, visit northvillelibrary.org.

State of the Community

April 11

The Northville Chamber of Commerce will host its annual State of the Community Luncheon, from 11 a.m.-

Wines of the World Returns

The 6th annual Wines of the World wine tasting event will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, April 4 at Northville Square (133 W. Main Street).

Hosted by the Detroit Wine Organization, the event will raise funds for the Miracle League of Plymouth and The Kids' Table, a Northvillebased nonprofit dedicated to providing children and families in southeast Michigan with community-based resources to overcome the developmental, social, and emotional issues caused by food insecurity.

Organizers say this will be a premier wine tasting event, and will be their biggest and best ever. It will feature more than 100 wines for sampling, as well as spirits and cocktails. Last year's very popular Boozy Coffee Bar will be back this year, with an assortment of international coffees. There will be food samplings from returning favorites - Fleming's, Genitti's, Benihana - as well as some new restaurants and caterers. There will also be a silent auction and musical entertainment.

Tickets, which are $125 (or $225 for two), can be purchased at www. thekidstablemi.org/wines-of-the-world-2025.

1:30 p.m. at Schoolcraft College’s Vistatech Center. The event is a great opportunity to learn about the key issues and new developments impacting the Northville community. Featured speakers are Mayor Brian Turnbull, Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo, and Northville Schools Supt. RJ Webber. This networking opportunity will feature a buffet lunch. The cost is $47.50 for Chamber members and $52.50 for non-members. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.

northville.org or call the Chamber at (248) 349-7640.

Eggstravaganza

April 12

The Northville Parks Partnership Committee will celebrate the arrival of spring at Maybury Farm with this popular annual event that features egg hunts, live music, face painting, seed planting, arts and crafts, coloring activities, fun costumed characters, food trucks and the Maybury Farm animals. There are three different

hunts for different age groups.

– Ages 2-3 – 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Hunt runs throughout the event.

– Ages 4-6 – 11 a.m.

– Ages 7-10 – 11:45 a.m. Prize bags filled with candy and treats will be limited to the first 700 children with paid entry wristbands. The farm opens at 10 a.m. The cost is $5 per person. Children under 2 are free. The rain date is April 13.

Chamber Coffee Connection

April 16

Join the Northville Chamber of Commerce for this networking opportunity for local business owners from 8-9 a.m. at Seen Vision Care, 117 N. Wing Street in downtown Northville. The event is free for Chamber members and $10 for non-members. Warm beverages will be served. To register, contact Maddy Wise at (248) 349-7640 or Maddy@northville.org. For more information, visit www.northville.org.

Michigan Central Station’s Rebirth

April 22

The Northville District Library will host Angela Wyrembelski’s presentation, “Michigan Central Station Remodel: Saving the Depot” from 7-8 p.m. in the Carlo Meeting Room. Wyrembelski, a senior associate with Quinn Evans, will discuss the historic structure, from when the last Amtrack train departed in 1988 to Ford Motor Company’s purchase and redevelopment. Learn about the redesign, how it incorporates preservation and placemaking strategies to create an inclusive and inspiring setting, and how adaptive reuse of the historic station connects Detroit’s pioneering past to a promising future.

To register, visit the library’s website at northvillelibrary.org.

On the Road With

Caribbean Sunshine

Northville Township residents and friends Bill and Maureen VanHulle and Chris and Jim Castellano spent time away from the cold and snow by visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands this past January. One highlight was exploring the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John’s Island.  They took their copy of The ‘Ville with them to Trunk Beach, rated one of the top ten beaches in the world.  They also stayed on St. Thomas and visited Magen’s Bay Beach.  There they had the thrill of snorkeling with sea turtles.

Hiking in Southeast Asia

Ken and Patty Martin spent three “fantastic” weeks hiking in Southeast Asia with a group called Backroads. They spent Lunar New Year in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, and visited several world heritage sites including Halong Bay in Vietnam and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Highlights of the trip included meeting bomb sniffing rats in Siem Reap and eating bugs. “We ended our trip in bustling Bangkok,” Patty said. Here they are pictured with their copy of The ‘Ville during their visit to Ankor in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Asian Food Extravaganza

In December, Northville Township resident Matt Billingsley traveled to Singapore, Malaysia and China for work. According to Matt, a couple highlights of the trip were trying the famous Singapore Satay street food, a Michelin star restaurant in Kuala Lumpur alongside the Petronas Towers, and trying some food in China “that I have no clue what it was -- some were great and some were disgusting.”

“Can you tell what my hobby is,” joked Matt, who is pictured with his copy of The ‘Ville in the lobby of the Hotel Fairmont Singapore.

Getting Settled in Maui

Jon and Cindy Wilkes traveled to Maui to help their daughter Tori get settled into her new home. Tori spent her entire life growing up in Northville, but took a job in Maui at Hope Chapel North Shore after visiting Maui on three different mission trips. While settling in they took a trip on the road to Hanna and the Hanna Beach Park where Jon and Tori are pictured with their copy of The ‘Ville.

Volunteering in Guatemala

In February, Northville’s Bill Moylan traveled to Guatemala to volunteer on a home construction project coordinated by the Dreams and Hopes organization. The Rotary Club of Northville funded the construction of the two-room home, which included a vented efficient cook stove [VECS] and clean water kit, in the village of San Juan la Laguna. Bill was one of eight American volunteers, who labored alongside local Guatemalan skilled masons and the beneficiary family.

Bill (blue hat in back row) is pictured during a Feb. 21 dedication ceremony with the Vasquez family, the local masons and American volunteers. In addition to holding up The ‘Ville, the group is also displaying the Northville Rotary Club banner.

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.

FDishin’ 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.

Here’s to ‘New’ Beginnings … and Big Milestones

inally, it’s March! Since I’ve promised to focus on “new” this year – and traditionally March signifies new beginnings – I have been looking and finding new stuff everywhere I go. Also, I’ve been waiting for the perfect time to write about my own new beginnings for years now. A 30-year-old business gave me the opportunity (not that Carol Lee needs my advice…LOL). Read on.

The new spirit store in town Northville Gear is open for business. I wrote about the owner, Genna, a while back when she was selling her stuff from a table outside Genitti’s. I like her and sincerely wish her well. Also, as the sign says “Pouring” soon, the new Twisted Cork Winery is coming to Main Street. And on Center Street, we welcome MK Cannelle’s Northville – a casual French bakery and café. Ooh la la…I went to the Farmington location to check it out and bought so many treats to bring home – just before Lent began.

My home is fondly called The Compound. After the death of my husband, I wondered what to do with a big house on a couple acres. I just couldn’t sell it – you know what they say –wait until a year passes before you make any big decisions. My daughter and her family lived a mile up the road and in need of a bigger kitchen. We made the decision to blend our households – just like my parents and grandma did – and it’s been incredible.

When I (or my son-in-law)

tell the story, it is amazing how many light bulbs go off over the heads of people facing similar situations. Trust me when I say, it can work really well…for both sides. And again, it’s an old idea, new again, and an alternative for buyers and sellers.

Carol Lee owns Golden Key Realty in downtown Northville. She is celebrating her 30th year in business. After moving to Northville (from Livonia) with her family, she decided this could be THE place for her very own unique office setting. It sure was. There are 6,000 plus realtors in Wayne County, and she is in the “Top 300”. According to her staff, she always says “Do the right thing.” I would guess that’s in part why she’s at the top.

Carol often tells the story of a young family in need of a rental home years ago. She took the time to find a place, learned a lesson in leasing and accomplished the task with minimal commission. Over the years, that young family has been the source of a lot of business. She says: “Hard

work and treating each and every client with the same importance is the foundation of my business.” Congratulations Carol…at this time, in this climate 30 years is a real accomplishment!

When my family moved in…so did Trixie, a little Rat Terrier who thinks I am only on this earth to provide “treats”. For years I walked by the charming shop, Celebrity Pets. Shauna Parzuchawski and her husband, John, took ownership in 2021. They were customers first – when the previous owners wanted to retire, they hoped a local family would take the “leash”. John was raised here, and now sixyear-old Dylan is being raised here. A dream come true for all, including the dogs and cats of Northville. They pop in often for a treat.

Celebrity Pets carries dog and cat supplies – the traditional

brands and some local treats, wearables and many Michiganmade products, including a Detroit Lions bandana. They give back to the community and Trevor, the young man who sold me treats for Trixie – told me he likes his job. I couldn’t help but smile when, during my talk with Shauna, a man with his dog came in and without skipping a beat, she pulled out a treat, said “Hi Gunther” and continued our discussion. Trixie is gonna love that I found this new place, that’s been there for a long time. Before I sign off…my apologies to Ed Huyck and Lyle Avery – in the February edition I switched one for the other in the photo caption. And the Mill Race Village website is actually millracenorthville.org. It’s reading month – as always, thank you for reading The ‘Ville! Finally, congratulations to the 100 plus young people who were confirmed at OLV last month. It brought me hope. Now about French pastries and Lent….

Golden Key Realty owner Carol Lee.

Tahoe and Shauna

Golden Key team members are Jenna Wozny, Sandy Brincat, Carol Lee, Lisa Jackman, and Shannon Miskelley (not pictured: Sandy Allard and Samantha Villemonte).

“Jamey and his associate Diana provided an excellent real estate experience. It was 21 years since we sold a home and the changes in the process were many. Jamey provided a clear perspective on the market and our position in it. Diana kept us well informed and up to date on all aspects of the marketing process, sale and closing. We highly recommend Jamey Kramer and his staff at RE/Max Classic.”