The Ville - November 2025

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!

• Joyce & Joe Fennell

• Kathy Fox

• Debra Johnson

• Ming & Barbara Louie

• Margie Sievert

• Mary Grace Wilbert

• Sue & David Woodsum

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

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.

SEAN POWER - Photographer

Sean is a freelance photographer who is originally from Chicago, where he spent many years in the world of broadcast television. He and his family moved from Chicago to Northville in 2021. He lives with his wife, Angelique (a 2025 Detroit News “Michiganian of the Year”), daughter Sadie, a cat, and an English black lab.

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

Stepping up to the plate

W

ell, I guess you can say the election for three seats (two council members and mayor) on the Northville City Council came and went with a whimper. Council members John Carter and Andrew Krenz, along with Mayor Brian Turnbull, were all re-elected. There wasn’t much drama, however, as all of them ran unopposed.

Turnbull led the way with 1,000 votes, followed by 975 for Carter and 912 for Krenz. There was some symbolic opposition, I guess, considering there were 73 write-in votes for mayor and 110 write-in votes for council. Although some people may make a big deal about that, it is important to note that the names written in for mayor included Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell, “Someone Else” and Judge Elder (referring, of course, to Circuit Court Judge Charlene Elder, who ordered the city to open up the streets).

Heck, I even received a write-in vote for council – and I don’t even live in the city (I’m a township resident). I’d like to buy a beer for whoever voted for me. Maybe that person can run my campaign if I ever decide to run for dog catcher.

Considering how tumultuous and contentious things have been at City Hall, I was really expecting some challengers to step up. Carter, Krenz and Mayor Turnbull have certainly been subjected to plenty of criticism about their support for keeping the streets closed on a seasonal basis. You would think at least a couple of their critics would have thrown their names into the ring.

The reality is, serving on city council is no picnic. You get paid next to nothing to spend countless hours working on behalf of the community. It’s not a full-time job, but it is a full-time responsibility. And, as I’m sure Carter, Krenz and Turnbull will attest, people can criticize you 24-7.

Speaking of Judge Elder’s ruling, the City of Northville has officially appealed her judgement that closing the streets for anything but a special event (or emergency) was unconstitutional. That appeal, I’m told, is probably at least 8-10 months away before it will get a day in court. The case was brought by the local non-profit, Let’s Open Northville. Both sides are now awaiting a court date.

In the meantime, I’m told many statewide organizations are coming to the defense of the city. Groups like the Michigan Municipal League, SEMCOG and others recognize the ramifications of Judge Elder’s decision on

the rest of the state and perhaps even the nation. Who controls the streets? That is a big question, not only here in Northville but in every other community that has closed down streets for social districts or is thinking about doing it in the future.

As far as I’m concerned, the appellate court can’t get to this quick enough, so we can finally put this issue to rest.

GOODFELLOWS

I’m not sure if this issue will be out in time, but I wanted to mention the annual Goodfellows Newspaper Drive, which will take place on Nov. 22 (from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.).

This is the 50th anniversary of the annual fundraiser organized by the Rotary Club of Northville.

Since 1975, Rotarians have spent a day at intersections around Downtown Northville each year before Christmas, soliciting donations from passersby. All of the donations received by the club are then donated to Northville Civic Concern, the local food pantry that serves an important role in the community providing food and other services to homebound seniors and families who have fallen on hard times.

We have a story about Civic Concern and all the great work they do on Page 12

Since that first year some 50 years ago, the annual newspaper drive has raised around $100,000, including about $9,000 last year. Civic Concern uses the money to purchase Meijer Gift Cards for the people the organization serves. The gift cards are redeemable for not only food, but also toys – ensuring all local children have something to look forward to this Christmas.

With things so crazy in the world, it’s important to remember there are a lot of people out there who could use a helping hand.

A quick confession: I’m a member of the Rotary Club and will be out on a street corner. So please don’t throw anything at me!

If you aren’t around, you can still help out the cause by visiting northvillerotaryevents. org/goodfellows. Any help is appreciated. Your generosity will make the season brighter for a local family.

I hope everyone has a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving.

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

classic neon sign at

Wagon Wheel is Northville’s beacon in the night. Many locals say “The Wheel” is Northville’s dive bar of choice. Photo by Sean Power

Your Voice

Help preserve our history

Northville’s Cemetery Renewal Task Force is tasked with restoring our historic cemeteries, Oakwood and Rural Hill, for the city’s 2027 Bicentennial. We are hoping to ensure the ongoing maintenance of these sacred grounds including the Veteran’s sections and graves at both cemeteries. We are thrilled that we have made remarkable progress in 13 months cleaning and repairing 428 stones: 349 stones at Oakwood and 79 at Rural Hill.

If you can help support our ongoing work, the Northville Historical Society, which is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, is accepting donations for the Cemetery Renewal Task Force. Depending upon what your tax advisor says, you could be eligible for a tax deduction. Donate online at www. millracenorthville.org/donate (select “Cemetery Renewal Taskforce”). Mail checks payable to the “Northville Historical Society” (Memo: “Cemetery Renewal”) to: Northville Historical Society, 215 Griswold St., Northville, MI 48167-1664.

David W. Marold Chair, Northville Cemetery Renewal Task Force

Keep library downtown

Please, do not close our library!

The Northville District Library is a cherished community asset, centrally located for city and township residents. This free, family-friendly downtown venue attracts diners and shoppers, boosting local business. Its high usage justifies keeping the current site.

If size is the issue, then expand it via the vacant green space. Expansion makes more sense than building a costly new library in Northville Township. Our small town has enough civic tension (road closures, sidewalk dining, roundabouts, high-density subdivisions, park restrooms, etc.).

Keeping the library in town is a win for everyone.

Library is community gem

library is a free, quality, family friendly venue in the heart of downtown. It brings business to the city, drawing diners and shoppers to the area before or after a library visit. The fact that the library is so busy and utilized, supports the rationale for maintaining the current location.

Building an addition to the current library as the downtown footprint expands and the township grows makes sense. Using the green space east of the library to do this provides an entrance accessible to more parking and the desired, additional square footage. Benefitting the thousands of people who regularly visit the library at a cost of $20 million dollars verses the $40 million dollar price tag of a new library makes this a win for all of Northville.

Toulla Palazeti

On the right track

I had prepared a letter that was scathing, filled with anger and revenge. A small handful of businesses trying to financially damage other businesses right here in our own town. You, who are as angry as I am, would have loved it. I actually rewrote it several times over several days. It was just what I thought we needed to start a movement against the spite that has found its way into our beautiful little city.

Then I woke up in the middle of the night and realized this is the exact opposite of what we need at this time.

We, who live and work in this amazing little town, are so blessed. Ninety percent of us are overjoyed with the changes that are happening. Our town is suddenly the center of attention, certainly geographically. We are not just the downtown for our city, but also for Northville Township to our south, Livonia to our east, Novi to our north and South Lyon to our west. That’s about 300,000 people who don’t have the downtown we do.

The joy and excitement I witnessed the weekend of the “Skelton Are Alive” launch party with the laughter and smiles warmed my heart. It told me that this little group of business owners who have made it their mission to stop the progress in our city are only important in their own minds.

We may have been slowed down for a short while, but the train of progress has left the station, and it cannot and will not be stopped. Keep on going “COC” (Community Over Cars), you’re on the right track. Bob Buckhave

Looking to history

Karen Martin

The Northville Public Library is a community gem that enriches all of Northville. Centrally located to both city and township residents, the

SOUND OFF

When thinking about the state of affairs under Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, it’s easy to fall into a state of despair. To pull myself out of such negative thoughts, I recall a couple of quotes from history, including this one, often attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “You can fool some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.”

Although the quote wasn’t exactly like that, it’s the way I choose to interpret it. It gives me hope and faith that: “This, too, shall pass.” The turnout for the “No Kings” rallies also gives me hope. It’s not over. God bless the USA!

Bill Carter

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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‘Just A Neighborhood Bar’

The Wagon Wheel remains the

same in an ever-changing Northville

By Wensdy Von Buskirk | Photos by John Heider

When The ‘Ville Publisher Kurt Kuban assigned me to write an article on the Wagon Wheel, I didn’t realize how challenging it would turn out to be. Northville’s “dive bar” has been around a long time, Kurt wrote in an email.

“It would make a great cover story,” he said. “I can see owner Sandy standing under that great sign lit up at night on the cover. Female owner is a great angle too. I know when people come into town for Thanksgiving, many stop in the Wheel.”

In my 20s, I had ended many a night at the Wheel myself, and knew it well — at least what I remembered. The warped floorboards, the pool tables, the cheap beer, the wagon wheel motif.

To get started on the story, I planned a visit one night in late September, only to realize the whole place had closed down so staff could go to the wedding of a regular customer’s daughter. I searched for Sandy’s email address to no avail. My Facebook message went

unanswered. I called.

“Sandy will be in on Wednesday,” I was told. I arranged for photographer

John Heider to meet me there and told him about the cover photo idea under the sign.

“I just want to warn you,

I think Sandy’s going to be a tough one,” I told him. Turns out, I was right.

SOAKING UP THE SCENE

When Wednesday came, I walked into the Wheel and Sandy was the first person I saw, crossing the floor on her way to the kitchen pass-through. I knew it was her by the way she eyed me suspiciously.

“I’m from The ’Ville,” I told her. “I’m supposed to do a story on your place. Are you open to that?”

“No,” she said, and proceeded to pick up a quesadilla for delivery.

“Okay, I’ll just grab a drink then,” I said, and found my way to a table.

How do you write a story about a place that wants nothing to do with it?

I decided to just blend in and look around. The dark wood, the sturdy chairs, the waxy tablecloths, the hodgepodge decor. The TV screens all set to different channels — a cooking show, ESPN, A Nightmare on Elm Street. The seemingly random mix of music over the speakers. The low conversational drone of patrons, filling tables, lining the wraparound bar, sipping drinks, eating food. I took notes.

Sandy eventually came around and sat down.

“I don’t mean to be difficult,” she said. “But the people who want to come here know where to find us. We’re just a neighborhood bar.”

She’s very private, she said. She likes to keep a low profile. She doesn’t want publicity. She got up and walked behind the bar. I followed her.

“Dave, what’s the one thing I never, ever do?” she asked her employee for my benefit.

“Let people call you the owner?” Dave guessed.

“No.”

“Touch you? Hug you?” he tried.

“No. But those are good answers.”

She brought her hands up to her face like she was holding an invisible camera and clicked.

“Oh, get your picture taken,” he said. “Yeah, that’s true.”

Sandy started walking away.

“I’ve gotta work,” she said.

SHUNNING THE SPOTLIGHT

It seemed like everyone employed at the Wheel knew about The ’Ville wanting to do a story, including my waiter, Brandon Borman, who handles the Facebook and purposely didn’t respond to my message there.

He recommended I order the sliders, anything with corned beef, the pizza.

I opted for the Maurice salad.

“You can write about that,” he suggested. “You wouldn’t believe the number of people who come in here specifically because that salad reminds them of the one from Hudson’s downtown.”

Photographer John Heider arrived. He’s an old friend from our newspaper days at the Northville Record.

“I told you this wasn’t going to be easy,” I said.

As John roved around surreptitiously snapping photos, I continued to absorb the atmosphere.

The longer I sat there, the more I understood why Sandy didn’t want to be featured on the cover of our magazine. By nature, bars are sequestered spaces where people come to escape, unwind, and possibly have one too many.

The Wagon Wheel has been

a refuge since 1972 precisely because it stays off the beaten path — out of the limelight, clandestine, safe. As Northville

stayed stubbornly, wonderfully the same, resisting the wheels of change for more than 50 years.

Even the prices on the menu

The Wheel has stayed stubbornly, wonderfully the same, resisting the wheels of change for more than 50 years. Even the prices on the menu seem stuck in time.

has grown from rural farm town to bustling destination, and as original owner Charlie Ronk handed the bar down to his kids, Sandy and Bob, the Wheel has

seem stuck in time.

And so I observed. The bartender was wearing a Halloween wig as she drew drafts from the taps. Patrons

were laughing and talking. I noted the irony that as highprofile businesses in downtown Northville create elaborate displays for Skeletons Are Alive, their version sat on a bar stool, missing a few bones here and there, wearing sunglasses and a tank top emblazoned “Sex, Drugs and The Wagon Wheel.”

SPINNING THE STORY

My Maurice salad was amazing, and after I finished I talked to some employees and patrons.

They all love Sandy.

“Sandy is the absolute best,” says 35-year-old Alana Sadler, who lives across the street and comes to The Wheel to hang out with friends and play bumper pool.

Bri Peruski, the bartender with the wig, agrees.

“It’s only taken me 11 years to get her to crack,” she says. “We’re like family here.”

Bri ticks off how long people have been on staff — 15, 20, 25 years.

“We’ve all been drinking here forever and then got sucked in,” she says. “It’s a black hole.”

Customers seem attracted by the same gravitational pull.

“You’re in Northville, but when you walk in here it’s like you’re Up North. Or at a casino—there’s no windows, but instead of pumping in oxygen we just pump in sarcasm,” she says.

Dave Maasberg is an example of a long-time patron turned employee.

“I met Sandy and I just never left, really,” he said.

The Wheel has a lot of characters, and a lot of continuity, he said. And there

Continued on Page 8

Tim and Colleen Parks enjoy a Wednesday night at the Wagon Wheel Lounge. It’s a special place for them, as it is where they met.

Wagon Wheel bartenders Bri Peruski and Brandon Borman strike a pose behind the bar.

Continued from Page 7

are a lot of stories buried in those walls.

“There’ve been fights, probably sex in the parking lot,” he says. “A lotta people fell in love here, got divorced here, had affairs here. We’ve got the lovers table and the cheaters table.”

For decades, the Wheel catered to people from the Northville Downs.

“Rumor has it they fixed races here when somebody needed to pay rent,” he says. “It’s a crazy business. You never know what’s going to happen. I’ve given up trying to guess.”

The racetrack has closed, and more Northville development looms, but still The Wagon Wheel hangs on.

“Yeah, we haven’t changed yet,” Dave said. “That’s a lie. We just got a computer at the end of May.”

On weekends, the Wheel is jam-packed with young people who come to sing karaoke. The rest of the time it’s a lot of regulars. Among them are Tim and Colleen Parks, who sat at the corner of the bar facing each

of our first kiss here,” Tim said. They come for the vibe, the friends.

“The whole town has turned into a yuppie town, but here it’s totally different,” he said.

The Stuff of Legend

other on their stools, knees touching.

They met at the Wheel, got married, and still make it back about once a week.

“It’s the five-year anniversary

I was feeling nostalgic for the days of getting wild at the Wheel with my friends and future husband decades ago. I could see why Sandy was protective of this place. I also felt her warming up to me. She kept stopping by my table and dropping little gems.

“Joe Louis lived in our basement,” she said. “He worked at the racetrack when there was a fairground there. He

our sign up throughout the whole process because it was grandfathered in.”

Speaking of that weathered neon sign, I had reconciled the fact that we weren’t going to get a photo of Sandy standing under it, but I was okay with that. John had snapped a picture of her while we were talking. He told Kurt not to use it unless we got Sandy’s permission. Without email, text, or any desire for the press, I doubted we would.

When I left, I wanted to give Sandy a hug, but I remembered Dave’s words. I just said thank

did sparring and he also loved horses. He was a groom.”

And later:

“Did you know we had a fire and the whole place burned down?” She walked me over to a collage of framed photographs labeled “Up in Smoke, January 21, 1992.” They showed the building in ruins, then Sandy’s dad helping with its reconstruction. The fire started when one of the boarders in the hotel-turned-apartments upstairs fell asleep with a lit cigarette.

“People asked me if we were going to rebuild with brass and ferns, all fou fou. No,” Sandy said. “I told them I wanted it rebuilt exactly the way it was. We had to leave

you. I knew I had a rich story. And anyways, when it comes to the Wagon Wheel, if you know you know.

The Wagon Wheel Lounge is located at 212 S. Main St, Northville. Call (248) 349-8686 or just visit.

Wagon Wheel bartender Brandon Borman pulls a draft beer. Borman has worked at the lounge for about two years, but has been a regular for more than a decade.

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Finding A Way

upon more than ever to help people deal with job loss, food insecurity and rising inflation.

Bell said helping others is something he doesn’t want to take any credit or praise for. Instead, he brought it all back to Kunz, the tireless senior citizen who directs and orchestrates what must be viewed by many as a twice-a-month miracle.

“She’s a bulldog, she can’t say no to anybody,” said Bell, about Kunz. “She helps, whatever she can do she finds a way. It’s amazing what she can do. And she rounds up the food.

“Right now we are so blessed and we have a good amount of food to last us a while.”

Lakes Shopping Center, located on Seven Mile east of Northville Road, was sold a year ago and Kunz does not yet know what the future holds as 2026 approaches.

She insists the 2025 Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays will not be hindered by any such uncertainty, however.

“I have all the turkeys and everything I need for Thanksgiving,” Kunz said.

And if stock runs low inside the pantry, which she described as a “mini grocery store,” all she has to do is make a couple telephone calls or send some e-mails and texts.

HELP FROM SO MANY

has been providing a helping hand since 1983

By Tim Smith Northville Civic Concern

Northville Civic Concern sits inside a nondescript storefront near the west end of Highland Lakes Shopping Center. To an outsider, it is nothing special to look at.

But once inside the food pantry’s glass door, it is evident just how wrong such a characterization can be.

Marlene Kunz, who since 1983 has guided the non-profit organization currently located at 43275 Seven Mile Road, bubbles with boundless joy and energy ready and eager to find whatever way she can to bring goodwill – and bags of food – to those who desperately need it.

On Friday mornings twice a month, cars line up at curb side where hungry families receive bags and boxes filled with canned goods, milk, cereal, ground beef and produce donated by Maybury Farm, Thayer’s community garden

and Tollgate Farm, among other entities.

It is an exchange that fills hearts as much as stomachs.

And emotions and gratitude flow freely when volunteers help families load groceries on those pick-up days. Avianna Smith, 19, picking up essentials on Oct. 24 for her mom – who recently lost food stamps –received a helpful hand from longtime Northville Civic Concern volunteer Tom Bell to transfer groceries from a rolling cart into Smith’s car.

“When people are struggling a lot of people come here and get what they need,” Smith said. “And this awesome man right here (Bell) and Marlene and all the other people in there really help us a lot.”

That help is greatly needed in late 2025, when food pantries all across the United States increasingly are being called

SHARING THE SPOTLIGHT

That never-say-die approach to helping people recently was acknowledged as Kunz received the 2025 Northville Senior of the Year Award – and a mayoral proclamation to go along with it.

Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull made the September 30 presentation and called Kunz “a gem in the community,” adding that Northville Civic Concern remains “such an institution for decades” because of Kunz’ unwavering commitment and ability to tap into those people and organizations who want to help others who might be down on their luck.

“Marlene’s dedication, zest for service for seniors, and her willingness to do little unexpected things sets her apart,” read a portion of Turnbull’s proclamation.

But Marlene Kunz is not about the bright lights of public adoration. She is about doing anything possible to keep the lights on during an uncertain economic time. The Highland

In early September, the shelves were depleted, but now they are well-stocked and ready for the next round of curbside pickups (not to mention deliveries to homebound clients every other Thursday).

“A month and a half ago we had nothing, and now I put the tentacles out,” Kunz explained. “In simple terms it’s hard for them, it’s hard to be needy and yet that door is so important to me. It means if you walk in here and that phone was to ring…”

It often does, and she always responds.

A couple minutes at the desk with Kunz provides a glimpse into how well-connected she is. She reads an e-mail, answers a telephone call and checks out a couple texts. Those all from people asking how they can do their part.

For example, a local middle school principal texted to find out whether a food drive or clothing drive could be done to help Civic Concern’s current “clients” as Kunz calls them – namely a roster of approximately 150 families.

Civic Concern director Marlene Kunz inside the food pantry located at the Highland Lakes Shopping Plaza. Photo by Tim Smith

“Look over there,” says Kunz, pointing toward a solitary cardboard box resting on a table. “A woman just brought that in, it’s a brand-new walker.”

On a recent Saturday, Kunz was contacted that Boy Scout Troop 903 (based out of Winchester Elementary School) had food and household items to bring to the pantry. She quickly met members of the troop and received those donations.

Recalling countless efforts of community giving almost brings a tear to her eye.

She recalled a conversation with Monica Dressler, the franchise owner of Northville’s Burn Boot Camp on Ridge Road. The gym has some 300 members, who will be collaborating to fill “love mugs”

Public Schools hold regular food drives and deliver boxes of fruits and vegetables, which often are neatly wrapped into designer baggies by helpers from Northville’s Living and Learning Enrichment Center.

One of Northville Civic Concern’s biggest supporters is the Meijer on Eight Mile near Haggerty, where a Simply Give program helps restock the food bank.

Customers’ Simply Give donations are turned into food-only cards that are sent to Northville Civic Concern. From there, her volunteers go back to Meijer and buy groceries specifically for the food bank.

According to Kunz, those groceries generated thanks to the Simply Give program were a big reason why recently empty

with gift cards, candy and fun little items to lift holiday spirits. Wait, there’s more. Every other Friday, donations from Forgotten Harvest are brought to the food pantry by volunteers from Ward Church.

“Last week we got 200 red peppers (from Forgotten Harvest),” Kunz explained. “So we make sure we call all our people and ask if they want red peppers.”

Students in Northville

a 75-year-old Northville woman stopped by. But not to pick up food. Instead, she gave Kunz a small but beautiful organic mint plant as a thank you gesture for helping get the woman on low-income housing, reducing her monthly rent by $400.

shelves at Northville Civic Concern did not stay that way for long.

“We spent thousands and thousands of those dollars,” Kunz said. “The cards come to us, they cannot go to a client. So we had $18,000 in cards that came from Simply Give. And so we went out and went shopping.”

But it’s not always about food at Northville Civic Concern. During the Oct. 24 pick-up date,

PAYING IT FORWARD

Anybody who spends time with Kunz undoubtedly comes away with an unquenchable thirst to be charitable and willing to give from the heart.

“It’s just like when they came from Ward, when (teacher) Amy (Story) came over and she just said ‘Tell me what more you want?’” Kunz noted. “And I don’t have to tell them that there’s anything special. They know. They know we feed the folk, right?”

And so many others follow suit.

“She calls all the churches and schools -- the schools all have a food drive for her,” volunteer Tom Bell said. “And it’s just word of mouth. We put a little red wagon in front of our house, we live in St. Lawrence Estates, and our neighbors will put food in there which we bring over here.”

Kunz herself said the seeds of her lifelong altruism were planted during her childhood, thanks to her father’s example of generosity and goodwill. She said he would travel throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, trying to make a difference in people’s lives.

“He was an attorney,” she said. “But we got paid in eggs and chickens and we didn’t have a lot of food. But I learned early on, when daddy would never charge anybody.

“Then he said ‘How can I, as an attorney, ask them to pay when they don’t have anything?’ It was very important to me, when I came down here, to take that lesson and bring it forward.”

Kunz learned that lesson extraordinarily well and preaches it to just about anybody whom she encounters at Northville Civic Concern.

That’s because it is a job that will always need to be done and she can’t do it by herself.

“It (the food pantry) belongs to Northville,” Marlene Kunz stressed. “It’s a vested interest that they keep those shelves full.

“And when they were empty, the one thing I said was ‘Okay, I might call you and you might say ‘Why are you asking?’ And I say ‘Why not?’”

Northville Civic Concern is located at 43275 7 Mile Road, in the Highland Lakes Shopping Center. For more information, including how you can help the organization, call (248) 344-1033 or visit northvillevolunteer.wixsite. com/civicconcern.

Civic Concern volunteers sort donated food from the Northville school district. Photo by Tim Smith

Avianna Smith loads groceries into her car during a pick up day at Civic Concern. Photo by Tim Smith

DYNASTY!

Lady Mustangs wrap up dream season with sixth state title in eight years

By Brad Emons

It’s a safe bet to say that the Northville girls golf program has become a dynasty.

The Lady Mustangs earned their sixth MHSAA Division 1 title in eight seasons on Oct. 17-18 Grand Valley State University’s The Meadows with a resounding victory to repeat as champions.

Northville, which led by 10 strokes after the opening round over Okemos, ran away with the team title on with an aggregate two-round total of 322-321-643 to beat runner-up Macomb Dakota (333-339-672) by 29 strokes.

Featuring three underclassmen and two seniors in its starting lineup, Northville completed another dream season under coach Kate Schultz.

Expectations were high to say the least entering the 2025 season as Northville returned four of its top five players losing only Sanya Singhal to graduation.

And the Lady Mustangs delivered by capturing all but one tournament.

“I don’t give too much to rankings because everyone doesn’t play their top

players against us in all the tournaments, so it’s hard to go by rankings,” Schultz said. “But we were ranked No. 1 all season.”

Junior Naaz Gill led the way with a 77-77-154 total to place fourth individually, while two others made the top 10 including sophomores McKenzie Stevens (80-78-158) and Cam Baker (78-80-158), who tied for seventh.

Senior Serena Ku was the Mustangs’ fourth scorer, finishing in 36th place with an 87-86-173 and fellow senior Grace Bae was 67th with a 9696-192.

“I think both years it was just the depth we had,” Schultz said. “A lot of teams have maybe one, or two players that are really solid, but we have three, four and sometimes five . . . so it’s

just the depth of the team, the consistency that sets us apart and made us able to win.”

Northville also completed the West Division dual-match season at 7-0 while repeating as Kensington Lakes Activities Association champion by winning both the preseason and postseason events, Aug. 26 and Sept. 30, at Kensington Metropark Golf Course.

The Mustangs scored an aggregate 324-316-640 over the two days to place ahead of runner-up Brighton (692), Hartland (736) and Salem (741).

Six Northville players earned All-Conference honors by finishing in the top 16 with Baker leading the way with a second individually with a two-round total of 75-80-155 followed by Stevens (82-76-158), Gill (79-79-158), Bae (89-81170), freshman Stella Merko (88-85-173) and Ku (93-91-184).

At the Regional 3 tourney Oct. 7 at Salem Hills G.C., Northville won by 35 strokes with a 302 total with Brighton and Salem placing second and third with 337 and 363, respectively.

Junior Naaz Gill was the Mustangs' top individual finisher at the state finals taking fourth after placing at fourth at the regional. Photo courtesy of Judy Bae

Senior Grace Bae earned All-KLAA honors and was seventh at the regional. Photo courtesy of Judy Bae

Members of the Northville MHSAA D1 championship girls golf team, with the last two state trophies, included (from left) McKenzie Stevens, Stella Merko, Naaz Gill, Grace Bae, Cam Baker and Serena Ku. Photo courtesy of Judy Bae

Stevens earned outright medalist honors with a 71, followed by Baker, second (73); Gill, fourth (76); Bae, seventh (82); and Ku, ninth (83).

For the season, Stevens boasted the team’s best 18-hole stroke average at 75.7 followed by Baker (76.9), Gill (78.1); Ku (86.4), Bae (87.5) and Merko (89.8).

“The future looks pretty bright,” said Schultz, a former individual state medalist herself for the Mustangs in 2002.

“We’re losing Grace and Serena this year, but my top three are staying.”

Bae and Ku provided not only good golf, but plenty of intangibles with their enthusiasm and passion for the game.

“This was my first full rotation, so this was fully my team from the beginning since they started as freshmen because it’s my fourth year of coaching,” said Schultz, who

was ably assisted by again this fall by Trish Murray. “It was a really special and emotional senior night for us because they have been with us since the beginning. And they came on as freshmen when I came on in my first year, got it just four days before the season – crazy – definitely going to miss them, their leadership, and dedication for golf.”

Sophomore McKenzie Stevens was Northville's stroke average leader this season and took runner-up honors at the regional. Photo courtesy of Judy Bae

Bringing home the 2025 D1 girls golf championship trophy from Grand Valley State is the Northville contingent of assistant coach Trish Murray, Stella Merko, Serena Ku, McKenzie Stevens, Grace Bae, Cam Baker, Naaz Gill and head coach Kate Schultz. Photo courtesy of the MHSAA

FOUR-PEAT!

Mustangs boys cross country team wins unprecedented fourth straight state title

By Brad Emons

After his team secured its fourth straight state boys cross country championship

Nov. 1 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, head coach Tim Dalton may have summed things up best.

“Winning is hard, you have to have a lot go your way,” he said. “You never know if you’ll get back to that point.”

The Mustangs got back to that point again and became the first boys team to secure four consecutive championships in the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s largest classification since Kalamazoo Central won four in a row in the open division and Class A from 1925-28.

Previously, only four other teams had ever captured three titles in a row in Class A or Division 1.

“Each one (championship) is very different,” Dalton said. “I don’t want to use the word easy – but last year was pretty flawless. We were healthy all year and didn’t have any sickness, didn’t have any setbacks

whereas this year there was some adversity with obviously the Portage (Invitational) race and some struggles, but ultimately at the end those guys were able to put it together at the state meet and get the job done.”

Despite being a slight underdog, No. 2-ranked Northville brought home the championship trophy with 125 points over No. 1 Ann Arbor Pioneer (134) and No. 3 Kalamazoo (176).

Junior Brandon Cloud ran a terrific 5,000-meter race placing runner-up individually with a clocking of 14 minutes, 52.8 seconds to Pioneer’s Kamari Ronfeldt, who recorded the fifth fastest time (14:50.5) ever to claim first overall at the MIS finals.

Two other Mustangs finished in the top 10 including seniors Ben Hartigan (eighth, 15:12.8) and Ryan Stojov (10th, 15:17.6).

Senior Ethan Hertza (61st, 16:00.7) and sophomore Emmanuel Coates (103rd, 16:18.7) completed the team’s scoring

aggregate while the non-scorers included senior Colton Blackburn (108th, 16:20.3) and sophomore Lucas Mullan (153rd, 16:38.5).

Afterwards, the runners, parents and coaches celebrated at the Hertza household with food while watching Game 7 of the World Series.

“To be honest, I viewed it as Pioneer was the team, but knew we had a shot,” Dalton said. “I put us in the top four. I thought there were four teams or so that legitimately had a chance. I viewed Pioneer as the favorite, but depending on the ranking you looked at from the coaches (association) ranking, or the MIXC speed

Ann Arbor Pioneer's Kamari Ronfeldt (left) holds off Northville's runner-up Brandon Cloud for individual D1 honors at Michigan International Speedway. Photo courtesy of the MHSAA

Among the Mustangs earning All-State (top 30) honors included (from left) Ryan Stojov, Ben Hartigan and Brandon Cloud. Photo courtesy of Tammie Stojov

ratings, those are ratings out there that a couple of people do. Some of them had us first.”

Cloud and senior Ben Hartigan have been part of Northville’s last three championships. Hartigan came to MIS as an alternate, but didn’t run as a freshman.

“First of all, they’re very talented athletically,” Dalton said of his top two placers. “They’ve both been in the top 10 the past two years. They’re special, special kids . . . with great work ethic. Both are super competitive and certainly important to note Ben Hartigan is a phenomenal young man in all walks of life from how he goes about his daily business to his maturity level and respect – he’s top-notch.”

Stojov was also on the D1 championship team a year ago, but as a non-scorer after placing 165th overall in 16:48.3.

During the 2025 spring outdoor track season, Stojov burst onto the scene placing fifth in the 1,600 (4:19.31) and eighth in the D1 finals in the 800 (1:56.97) giving himself a boost of confidence heading into the fall cross country season.

10th in the state.

I think about the top 10 in the state and two of them are your teammates, so there were only seven other guys in the state of Michigan that beat you in D1.”

On Oct. 4 at the Portage Invite, one of the most prestigious in the state, Northville looked like anything but a state title contending team as Pioneer (99) ran away with the title followed by Midland (157) and the Mustangs (164).

Cloud was fifth followed by Hartigan, seventh; Hertza, 27th; Blackburn, 60th; Stojov, 67th, Coates, 74th; and junior Jack Lewis, 103rd.

“He’s starting to get interest from colleges, but he hadn’t put down a sub-16:00 time yet in cross and so this fall that was his goal,” Dalton said. “Mid-season he dealt with a lower back issue so we shut him down for a little bit and then he came on the last three to four weeks and went sub-16:00 in our conference meet, the regional meet and then was absolutely unreal at the state meet, a 20-plus second P.R. and finishes

and Novi Detroit Catholic Central (98).

The first four included Cloud (15:24.6), Hartigan (15:38.8), Stojov (15:53.9) and Hertza (16:00.4), while Coates placed 11th (16:24.2). The non-scorers included Blackburn in 15th (16:36.0) and Lewis in 31st (17:15.5).

“Not our best day and we were dealing with a couple injuries and sickness at that point of the season,” Dalton said. “And then it was a crazy, hot day. I know everyone runs in the same conditions, but not our day for a couple of different factors.”

By the time the Kensington Lakes Activities Association meet rolled around on Oct. 16 at Manley Bennett Park in Hamburg, the Mustangs began to show their championship form placing first with 43 points followed by runner-up Brighton (82) and third-place Salem (92).

Hartigan led the way in third (15:29.2) followed by Cloud, fourth (15:36.7); Stojov, eighth (15:45.6); Hertza, 12th (15:52.1); Coates, 16th (16:17.4); Blackburn, 18th (16:19.3).

At the Regional 7 Royal Oak meet on Oct. 25, Northville dominated by taking the first four individual places and scoring 21 points to outdistance White Lake Lakeland (91)

With 90 plus boys in the program this year, Dalton had to lean on his four assistant coaches to keep things organized led by brother Jack Dalton, along with Chris Inch, Lauren Peck and Adam Gharba.

Jack Dalton has been with his brother every step of the way, while Peck, a math teacher in the building, is in her third year. Gharba is a Northville alum and varsity sprint coach, while Inch, in his first season, is a former University of Illinois distance runner who served as head coach previously at Walled Lake Western and Livonia Stevenson.

“Chris truly brought a wealth of knowledge and respect level from the kids,” Tim Dalton said. “They were super happy to have him.”

On the way back home from MIS, Dalton said the coaching staff has a ritual of talking about recapping the day on the first half of the ride followed by discussing the future on the second half.

Which begs the question: Can the Mustangs get back to that point again and five-peat in 2026?

“I think coming back we are a top 10 team, but we lose a ton,” Dalton said. “There are four seniors in that top seven and that two-three-four spot, especially. Those are huge holes. But with the three back we should be a top 10 team.”

The Mustangs pose with their state championship trophy after the state meet at Michigan International Speedway. Photo courtesy of Tim Dalton

Northville junior Brandon Cloud (middle) stays near the front of the pack at the MHSAA D1 boys cross country finals in Brooklyn. Photo courtesy of Kim Cloud

Past Tense

Taking Flight

NHS student paused studies to join the Red Tails in WWII

By Michele M. Fecht

Tamenund James Dickerson could not wait to answer the call. An underclassman at Northville High School when America entered World War II, Dickerson made the decision to put his education on hold and enlist.

That decision would land him in one of the war’s most revered aviation groups — the Tuskegee Airmen. His story went largely unnoticed for decades until his grave was discovered last year in the Wixom Cemetery. “It really surprised us,” said Laure Dorchak, president of the Wixom Historical Society. The “FLT 099 Fighter SQ AAF” etched on Dickerson’s headstone was not recognizable to the untrained eye. The 099 Fighter SQ was the abbreviation for the 99th Fighter Squadron, the first unit formed by the Tuskegee graduates.

At about the same time as the grave marker discovery, Wixom’s City Manager Steve Brown attended an event where he learned of the Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial and its Michigan WW II Historic Trail. The historic trail initiative commemorates WWII stories and heroes throughout Michigan with bronze plaques describing the unique WWII stories specific to the community. The first plaque was placed in the City of Farmington in 2024.

Impressed with the project, Brown reached out to Dorchak to ask if Wixom had

a WWII story to share. “It was serendipity,” Dorchak said. Wixom native and Tuskegee Airman Tamenund Dickerson would become Wixom’s WWII story.

Nevertheless, he also remains Northville’s story in as much as he spent his formative years both pre and post war in the community.

WHY NORTHVILLE HIGH?

Geography played a large part in Dickerson’s enrollment in Northville High School. The Dickerson family moved from Wixom to Salem Township in 1933 when Tamenund was just 8 years old. Salem Township did not have a high school until 1943. Prior to that time, high school students in Salem Township attended either Northville or Plymouth high schools. Tamenund entered high school in 1941. His sister Edwina followed a year later in 1942.

Both Tamenund and Edwina are pictured in the 1942 and 1943 NHS Palladium yearbooks. Tamenund, wearing a distinctive leather aviator’s cap, is featured in the in 1945 Palladium with other NHS students serving in the armed forces.

Dickerson registered for the draft on September 3, 1943. On September 18, he reported

Tuskegee Airman Tamenund Dickerson (Photo courtesy of Craig Huntley, Tuskegee Airmen Inc. / Los Angeles Chapter)

for duty in the United States Army Air Force (AAF). He was one of only 51 Michiganders who qualified to train to become a Tuskegee Airman Flight Officer.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps who flew in World War II. The nickname Red Tails came from the red-painted tails of the P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt fighter planes. The Tuskegee Airmen flew more than 15,000 sorties and completed more than 1,500 combat missions, escorting American bombers over Europe and North Africa.

On November 20, 1944, Dickerson graduated from the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama as a single engine pilot, earning the rank of Flight Officer. He was then assigned to Walterboro AAB in South Carolina for Fighter Transition and Gunnery Training.

On July 23, 1945, he was assigned to the

famed 99th Fighter Squadron (Tuskegee Airmen) stationed at Godman Field in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

With the war waning — V-E Day was May 8, 1945, and Japan’s formal surrender came on September 2, 1945 — Dickerson did not get the opportunity to fly overseas. He was discharged on March 19, 1946, honorably serving 2 years, 6 months and 1 day.

Despite their success, the Tuskegee Airman faced significant discrimination

on the home front. Their accomplishments, however, would eventually pave the way for the desegregation of the armed forces by President Harry Truman in 1948.

GRADUATION, WORK & TRAGEDY

After his discharge from the service, Dickerson returned to Northville High School in 1946, and graduated with the Class of 1948. The May 21, 1948, Northville Record announced in a front- page story that 78 seniors would be receiving diplomas that year. “Included in the class are five veterans who returned to school to complete their studies and are now qualified for graduation,” the article noted. “They are Joe Bongiovanni, William Croll, Charles and Harold Dayton and Tamenund Dickerson.”

In the same year he graduated, Dickerson purchased a single-engine Taylorcraft Grasshopper, which he flew regularly. He also enrolled in aero-mechanics school, becoming a certified air mechanic. He was employed by Sentas Skyway Service at Detroit City Airport.

On January 18, 1953, while ice boating with two friends on White Lake, Dickerson fell through the ice and drowned. A flashlight still lit in his pocket enabled Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies to find his body in the water. Dickerson was 27. He was laid to rest with military honors in the Dickerson family plot in Wixom Cemetery.

A HERO HONORED

After a year of research and a groundswell of support from sources both locally and across the country, Wixom’s historic trail plaque was unveiled on

July 26 honoring Tamenund Dickerson and his role as a Tuskegee Airman. Placed on a large rock in front of Wixom City Hall, the plaque is titled “Wixom Wages War on Fascism Abroad and Racism at Home.”

Dorchak credited Pamala Young, Adjutant / Quartermaster of VFW Post 2269 (Wixom / Walled Lake) for her extensive research assistance. The post also paid for the $5,000 bronze plaque. Other research resources included numerous Tuskegee Airmen chapters locally and across the country, the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum in Detroit and surviving Dickerson descendants. Among those was Margo Eubank of West Bloomfield, Dickerson’s niece. “We don’t have a big family,” she said. “There are only about 16 of us.” Many of those family members attended the plaque unveiling.

Eubank noted that

Dickerson’s mother, Clara Bell Dickerson, was the family matriarch and an inspiration to her children and generations that followed. The daughter of emancipated slaves, Clara died in 2005 at the age of 108. She had been an active member of the Salem community since 1932 and spent the last years of her life in Star Manor on Main Street in downtown Northville.

She would outlive her son by 52 years. “She would have been so proud,” Eubank said of the recognition.

Discover how your community can become part of The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial. The Trail will run from the Memorial in Royal

Oak throughout the state. The bronze plaques will keep the legacy and stories of WWII alive, handing on the legacy of self-sacrifice, patriotism, and courage that formed Michigan’s Greatest Generation.

A plaque in front of Wixom City Hall honors Tamenund Dickerson. Photo courtesy of Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial

Tamenund Dickerson in dress uniform (Photo courtesy of Dickerson family)

GIRL’S ICE HOCKEY

BOY’S ICE HOCKEY

12/10 Walled Lake

HS4:30

12/13 Troy HS 6:45 PM Sun 12/14 Plymouth HS 5:00 PM Tues 12/16 St. Mary’s Preparatory School 4:30 PM Wed 12/17 Troy HS 4:30 PM

Sat 1/10 OPEN (Fraser Showcase) TBA Sun 1/11 OPEN (vs SCS) 5:00 PM Wed 1/14 Academy of the Sacred Heart 4:30 PM Sun 1/18 Mercy HS 5:00 PM Tues 1/20 Plymouth HS 5:00 PM

Sat 1/24 Ann Arbor Pioneer HS 7:00 PM

Wed 1/28 OPEN (vs SCS) 4:30 PM

Thurs 1/29 Regina HS 5:00 PM

Sat 1/31 OPEN (vs Washtenaw) 4:30 PM

Sun 2/1 Mercy HS (Senior Night)5:00 PM

Wed 2/11 Academy of the Sacred Heart4:30 PM

Sun 2/15 OPEN (vs Livingston) 5:00 PM

Wed 2/18 St. Mary’s Preparatory School 4:30 PM

Fri 2/20 Grosse Pointe North HS 7:30 PM

BOY’S BASKETBALL

GIRL’S BASKETBALL

GIRL’S GYMNASTICS

Tues 12/2 Livonia Churchill HS 6:30 PM Sat 12/6 Hartland HS (Hartland Gym Academy)

12/15 Novi HS 6:30

12/20 Walled Lake Central HS (Walled Lake Invite)

1/20 Canton HS 6:30 PM

1/24 OPEN (Jeanee Caruss Memorial Meet)

1/30 *Brighton HS (Brighton/Howell) 6:30 PM Sat 2/7 Canton HS (Canton Invite) TBA

Mon 2/9 vs Livonia Stevenson HS (@ Churchill) 6:30 PM

Sat 2/14 OPEN (KLAA Conferences) TBA Sat 2/28

(MHSAA Regionals) TBA Fri3/6 OPEN (MHSAA State Finals Weekend)

BOY’S SWIMMING

BOY’S WRESTLING

COED ALPINE SKIING

(WLN Invite)

1/24

1/31

2/4

2/7

(Observerland Varsity)

Park HS (Bob Loyd Memorial Tournament)

(KLAA Crossover at East)

GIRL’S COMPETITIVE CHEER

Dreaming Big

Library officials hope for improvements to current facility, services

By Tim Smith

What is the future of Northville’s public library?

That is the question members of the Northville District Library Board of Trustees are asking the public. The board and library leadership have held a couple community forums, the first of which took place on Oct. 14 and another on Nov. 10. They are also planning on conducting a community survey in early 2026.

Members of the board see this as a big opportunity for residents of the city and township – which comprises the Northville District Library – to possibly enhance, expand, and illuminate what the facility can represent in decades to come.

The current library was built in 1996 at 212 W. Cady Street in downtown Northville. At the time, nobody could have

foreseen the enormity of today’s digital world.

Board members say the community has outgrown the current facility, and that it lags behind the services provided at other area libraries, such as Plymouth, Novi and Farmington, to name a few.

“I like to dream big, and

there’s absolutely no reason why Northville District Library can’t be the best public library in the state of Michigan,” said Jennifer Gustafson, elected in November 2024 to the board. “So dream big. It’s an exciting opportunity for the community to come together and work together.”

At the October forum, attended by about 100 city and township residents at the nearby Northville Community Center – the library itself does not have adequate space for such a turnout – library director Laura Mancini presented a series of slides pertaining to current space challenges of the Cady Street building as well as several options to consider.

Three of those options include expanding the existing library, despite little available property to build on; establishing an additional branch, somewhere in the township; building a new district library (which would cost at least $30 million, according to Mancini) and requiring the Cady Street building and property to revert back to the ownership of Northville Public Schools.

The fourth option, of course, is to simply do nothing.

“The ideal solution is a 40,000 square-foot building downtown with 100 parking spaces just for the library,” Mancini explained. “But there’s no land that meets (the required) criteria.

“We risk losing users to surrounding communities’ libraries which are larger.”

WANTS AND NEEDS

Some burning questions and pointed observations during the forum included those as far-ranging as would the need

Northville District Library Director Laura Mancini speaks at an Oct. 10 community forum about the library’s future. Photo by Tim Smith

for a book return drive-through really be a deal breaker?

What is the relevance or need for having a so-called Library of Things – such as having board games or fishing poles available to lend to patrons – being put on the table?

Would city residents comfortable with having a library near their neighborhood actually be okay with needing to drive to a new one should it be built in the township? The points of view varied, as one might expect, between city and township residents.

“We have an organic downtown, and we need to keep it and we need to keep the main services for the entire community in that downtown,” said Anne Mannisto, a longtime city resident, during the public comment segment of the meeting. “There’s got to be a way, it may not be perfect and we may never have enough parking

“I just feel very strongly about the centralization of our community. It serves the township as well as the city, and it’s one of the reasons why

I like to dream big, and there’s absolutely no reason why Northville District Library can’t be the best public library in the state of Michigan.

Jennifer Gustafson, member of the Northville District Library Board of Trustees

property values are what they are in Northville.”

Dave Sturtz, a township resident, mentioned his frustration in going “around and around” the block trying to find a parking space – one of the main problems with the existing library.

“Wait a minute, the people from downtown don’t have to do that, do they?” Sturtz asked. “They can walk. But we can’t, the biggest population that this community, that the library serves, is in the township.

“But the Northville (city) people I hear everybody said ‘We get to walk and I want to walk.’ Well, the township people, we can’t do that.”

IN THIS TOGETHER

But Jill Anton, a township resident, noted that she doesn’t view the situation as “city versus township. I do feel we are all Northville. I do like the location. I also have never seen the library over-run with patrons when I’m there. It’s always seemed right-sized.”

More direct about what was presented was city resident Tammy Sortor.

“I don’t understand why we feel so competitive with all these other communities,”

Sorton said. “Northville is such a great community and people are just trying to move into our community. So I don’t understand that argument.”

Mancini’s presentation – much of it based on a real estate study by Plante Moran Realpoint and library architecture firm Quinn Evans – touched upon what libraries of surrounding communities offer.

A laundry list of patrons’ asks also was detailed, including: access to more ‘Library of Things’ items such as a lawn mower for citizens to borrow free of charge; a drive-through for book returns; additional space for children to play in; additional programs, such as story times; and having more parking availability.

She emphasized that the modern library needs to not only provide enough space and opportunity for youth programs, tutoring sessions, book clubs and a myriad of community needs but also the importance of physical books, DVDs, compact discs and other media during the age of streaming and downloading.

In 2024, just less than 300,000 physical books were checked out from Northville District Library. That exceeded the estimated 120,000 and 75,000 audio-visual and e-books used by residents.

“Decades ago, people talked about how the days of touching actual books were over,” continued Mancini, underscoring how recent statistics show that prediction is off the mark.

Meanwhile, one interesting visual she showed to the

Continued on Page 32

One option library officials are looking at is expanding the library into the park behind the current building. You can see stakes and lines indicating where that expansion could take place.

Continued from Page 7

gathering was a vintage photo featuring a card catalog with stacks of alphabetized drawers. Last year alone, township and city residents had 11,063 and 3,236 library cards, respectively. The average number of visitors per month was 13,509.

“That’s a lot of visitors,” Mancini said.

Also shown on the screen, next to the card catalog slide, was the vision of a modern, open, library gathering place.

The latter is not always the case at the Northville District Library – which has three meeting rooms, not to mention a single elevator ushering patrons between two floors. As a result, it can be challenging for people to gather and make their way around the facility,

according to Mancini.

“The library has become a community meeting spot, not just a place to check out books,” she said. “We’ll need flexible space.”

IT’S THERE FOR THE KIDS

Whatever solution ultimately is determined for the next iteration of Northville District Library, several forum members who spoke emphasized the need to make sure future generations can be better served and nurtured to learn and prosper.

“I just graduated two high school students over the last couple years, and I will tell you, students are the future of our community,” said township resident Anne Holder. “We have a responsibility to provide them services that allow them to grow, develop and build roots

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Officials are soliciting opinions from the community about the library’s future. Some of the ideas include expanding at the current site, adding an additional branch, or possibly moving to the township. Or leaving it the way it is. Do you agree with any of those? And what would you like the future library to offer? Email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com.

here. Those kids have the greatest ideas and the creativity about how to solve our problems … we should definitely engage them.”

Holder said she’s had “an amazing experience with this library” and loves the idea of it getting better.

“We are a best-in-class community and we should have a best-in-class library experience,” she said.

Boiling it down to its essence, perhaps, was parent and regular patron Laura Cogan.

“I really enjoyed the presentation,” Cogan said. “We love the library. We were there several times a week. I

have to say it’s a treat because I have twin sons, they are in elementary school, and they get to go get their books and I get to go get mine. It’s a win-win for all of us.

“… We love the library just the way it is now, but I can see the benefit of what you’re sharing. And in listening to this, it’s so important to keep it a central library.”

For more information about the plan, visit northvillelibrary. org or call (248) 349-3020.

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Where happy hour meets game time.

44045 Five Mile Road (located in Saint John’s Resort) | Happy Hour: M-TH, 3-6 pm

HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL

The Season of Giving

NHS clubs spread holiday joy through service

The holiday season is a special time of year for students.

While many students look forward to school breaks, celebratory feasts, and presents under the tree, many work hard to keep those who aren’t as fortunate in their hearts through acts of service and gratitude.

Northville High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS), a national organization dedicated to volunteer service and leadership, gives these students an opportunity to serve local communities through the organization’s annual canned food drive. Over the course of the Thanksgiving season, more than 450 NHS members work to gather between $10,000 and $15,000 worth of food items and monetary donations to support local families in need.

NHS faculty advisor Kary Couchman explains the purpose of the drive: “So often, people look at Northville and just assume people have everything they need, and that’s not

to children at Trinity Health and Mott Children’s Hospital. This personal, creative act of kindness brings warmth and joy to children facing difficult circumstances.

Michelle shares her motivation behind this initiative, recounting the first time she had traveled to downtown Detroit to hand out presents for children: “I saw how these kids’ eyes lit up in bundles of joy. And that really moved my heart.”

homemade cookie or a soft blanket can mean the world to a family going through a tough time.

For many students, giving back extends beyond selffulfillment. NHS officer Anita Barbosa discussed the deeper purpose of volunteering.

true. We have families within Northville who need help, and we are here to help those families.”

Through efforts like the food drive, students gain awareness of others’ struggles, realizing that they have the power to create a positive impact in their own communities.

The American Red Cross Club, led by senior Michelle Lee, teaches students generosity in a creative way. Around this time of year, members handcraft holiday cards and send them

EDITOR’S

Meanwhile, the Ronald McDonald House Charities Club takes its mission offcampus. Every year, members travel to Ann Arbor to bake treats and make holiday blankets for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, a non-profit organization that provides housing for families with children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Club President Elizabeth Wilk reflects on the importance of her club’s efforts during this time of year: “For the ‘Season of Giving’, I think it is a [time] to give back to the community and show love through acts of kindness.

“It is important that we share what we’ve got and give back in our own way,” she continued.

For Wilk and her peers, these acts bring holiday cheer for those who might be unable to step out of the hospital. Something as simple as a

“Volunteering brings people together. Even small efforts can lift someone’s spirit. It also changes us—we become more aware, grateful, and connected,” said Barbosa, who believes every time students step up to help, they see the world a little differently. They begin to notice the causes that matter to them and the ways they can make a difference collaboratively.

Northville educators see service as an invaluable form of learning beyond the classroom.

“Being selfless is a skill that will let [students] be fulfilled for the rest of their lives,” said Northville High English teacher Kary Couchman. “The lessons they learn through giving often outlast anything taught in a textbook.”

Her message highlights how service helps students grow in ways traditional coursework cannot. Grades come and go, but learning to care, lead, and make a difference leaves a lasting mark.

As students gather canned goods, they help families in need put food on their dinner table. When students decorate cards, they bring cheer to children going through unimaginable times. During the season of giving, these students remind everyone to pause and recognize that some may need a little help to experience the joy of the holidays.

NOTE: High School Confidential is a collaborative effort by the Stringers Journalism Club made up of NHS students Ian Lee, Keira Gallagher, Aoi Ono, Keertana Ventatesh, Saamaja Krishnan, Sarah Khalid, Stella Maue, Mary Sullolari, and Jiahn Kim.

National Honors Society members Kyle, Lauren, Amber, Hiba, Ethan, and Ayan pack the Northville Civic Concern truck with donated food and other items. Photo submitted by Nancy Tolkacz

UNICEF volunteer Thanvika Rayapaneni poses at a charity event in downtown Northville. Photo courtesy of Thanvika Rayapaneni

A sign for the Ronald McDonald House Charity Club at the annual NHS club fair.

Photo by Elizabeth Wilk

Lung cancer survivor

Sherry’s back on stage thanks to a lung screening that detected her cancer early.

Sherry’s history of smoking prompted her to get a lung screening. It caught her cancer early, and now she’s back to doing what she loves. Early detection is the key to catching lung cancer when it’s more treatable. Current or former smokers ages 50 to 77 years old may be eligible for a lung screening.

Sherry

On the Road With

Anniversary Celebration in Mauritius

Viji and Muthu Velayutham traveled to Mauritius over the summer to celebrate their 25th anniversary. During their visit, they stayed in a chalet with a backdrop of Le Morne Mountain near the Indian Ocean. “It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important symbol of freedom and survival,” said Viji, who works at the Northville District Library. Here they are pictured, holding their copy of The ‘Ville, with the mountain and Indian Ocean in the background.

Biking Through Alaska

Mike and Karol Ostrowski of Northville Township travelled with their family and The ‘Ville to Alaska on a Holland America cruise departing from Vancouver, BC in May 2025.  They visited Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park and Ketchikan. They saw several glaciers and plenty of wildlife including bald eagles, orcas, gray whales, a mountain goat and bear.  The adventurous group sea kayaked within 100 yards of whales while in Ketchikan. In Skagway, they took the White Pass Rail train 20 miles North into Canada and rode bicycles on the Klondike Highway back to Skagway. This photo was taken while biking the Klondike Highway with Pitchfork Falls in the background. In the photo from left to right, are Eric Ostrowski, Mike Ostrowski, Karol Ostrowski, Jennifer Ostrowski, Michael Grisa, Kathy Smith and Claire Ostrowski.

Backpacking In Northern Italy

Bill and Barb Reichard of Northville stuck their copy of The ‘Ville into their backpacks while hiking in northern Italy’s lake district.  Here they are (bottom right), recovering after a precipitous hike along one of the terraced trails on the shores of beautiful Lake Orta.

Exploring Historic Edinburgh

Sue and Ken Voyles, who are part of the editorial team for The ‘Ville and sister publication The Rock, traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland in late August to take part in the annual Royal Military Tattoo, a world-famous celebration of music, dance and military precision, at Edinburgh Castle.

“Edinburgh is a beautiful city full of unique hideaways, endless old stairs and steps, quaint pubs and lots of history,” Ken said. “It is also home of beloved writers Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson and Walter Scott.” Arthur Conan Doyle was born there and was known to stay at the same charming hotel where the Voyles’ also stayed. Here they are pictured holding copies of both magazines with Edinburgh Castle in the distance.

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.

Out with the Old

Out with the Old

Development will bring new life to timeworn Northville Plaza site

By Scott Spielman

Along-stagnant site on the east side of Northville Township will soon see new life.

The Northville Township Brownfield Authority approved a Brownfield Redevelopment Plan recently that will bring new housing and retail uses to t Northville Plaza, on Seven Mile Road east of Northville Road. The site will be developed as Northville Acres under a Planned Unit Development (PUD) rezoning approved by the Board of Trustees in August.

“I’m happy that it’s being developed,” said Township Supervisor Mark Abbo. “It’ll generate taxes for us. I think it’s a good move for the township to clean up that area.”

Originally constructed in 1974, the 108,425-square-foot strip mall was once one of the main retail sectors of the

the existing structure and redevelop the 10.73 acre parcel into a mixture of housing units and retail space. The preliminary plan calls for 70 for-sale townhomes and an apartment building containing 55 units. The plan includes two retail buildings, too, totaling about 13,000 square feet. Rental units would begin at about $1,900 per month. There will be 2.2 acres of open space on the property, some of which will be used for a detention pond. For a community benefit, the developer has agreed to construct four or five pickleball courts at Legacy Park.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) would help fund the estimated $7.6 million to acquire the property, demolish the structure and get it ready for development. All in all, the project represents an estimated $70 million investment in the

Seven Mile Road. Abbo said that would be addressed through site plan review—the final plan has not been submitted to the township—but he doesn’t think it is an insurmountable issue.

“That used to be a more active retail center and it’s not anymore. And everybody forgets that there used to be a psychiatric hospital on Seven Mile Road that had 2,000 patents,” Abbo said. “I’m very comfortable that Seven Mile can handle the additional traffic. I know some people had some concerns about traffic, but I think as soon as we see the traffic study those concerns will be alleviated.”

With other planned work, the Seven Mile corridor will see a major facelift next year. Developer Schostak will most likely develop the 27 remaining acres near the University of Michigan health center near

township, housing a variety of businesses, including a Farmer Jack’s grocery store. It has been mostly vacant for nearly 20 years as retail, commercial and residential uses have sprouted up elsewhere in the township. That is partially because it’s a complicated site, with different elevations and a small creek that runs under a portion of the parking lot, and partially because the owner didn’t want to sell.

According to the approved Brownfield plan, Northville MF Ventures will demolish

community, once all demolition and construction is factored in. The plan calls for the creation of about 150 temporary construction jobs and as many as 40 permanent ones. Abbo said he expects the project will get under way next year.

Nearby residents and officials voiced some concern about the traffic impact the new development would have on

Haggerty Road. In addition, a grant-funded pathway will connect the I-275 bike path with Northville Road along Seven Mile.

“The whole area along Seven Mile, we’re starting to make improvements there and we’re starting to focus on recreation more than we have before,” Abbos said. “I’m excited about it. It’s all good.”

Constructed in 1974, Northville Plaza was once a main retail sector, housing a variety of businesses, including a Farmer Jack’s grocery store. It has been mostly vacant for nearly 20 years.

This artistic rendering depicts preliminary plans for the mixed-use Northville Acres. The plan is expected to evolve with the planning process. Courtesy of Northville Township

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We all know someone who awoke one day with an unexplained symptom, only to be told they have stage four cancer. The pancreas, liver, brain and all other major organs get evaluated during a full body MRI screening. Tumors can be detected

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Visit www.BioniccBodyScreening.com and request a Free Welcome Information Kit. Plus, you’ll receive a $200 Savings Offer by email. Don’t wait for a health crisis to strike. Discover the power of prevention today. Schedule today by calling 1-833-BIONICC (833-246-6422).

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November is Healthy Skin Awareness Month

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it deserves care and attention every day — not just when a concern arises. Maintaining healthy skin helps protect you from infection, supports your immune system, and keeps you looking and feeling your best.

Healthy skin habits everyone should practice:

• Moisturize daily to strengthen your skin barrier and prevent dryness.

• Use sunscreen year-round, even on cloudy days.

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants.

• Stay hydrated to support skin elasticity and glow.

• See a dermatology professional annually.

As the weather turns colder, your skin needs a little extra care to stay balanced and hydrated. Winter is an ideal time to focus on treatments that refresh and restore your glow — and we’re here to help you feel your best all season long.

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First-time clients enjoy 10% off their first esthetician service — the perfect way to restore your glow and revive dry, winter skin.

The Gift of Radiant Skin

This holiday season, give the gift of confidence and care with an MI Skin Center gift certificate — a beautiful way to treat someone special.

Grateful for You This Season

To our amazing patients — thank you for trusting us with your skin health and confidence. Your loyalty and support inspire us every day, and we’re honored to help you look and feel your best all year long.

Tuesday late hours available until 7:00 pm Saturday hours

BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

Coaching Legend Smith Named to Hall of Fame

The Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association (MITCA) announced longtime Northville High School track and cross country coach Nancy Smith would be inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame, as well as its 2025 Kermit Ambrose Award recipient.

Smith coached for more than 33 years, 22 as the girls cross country head coach at Northville High School. Her cross country teams have combined for a 133-11 record, including 14 undefeated seasons, and in the process winning 11 conference championships (never finishing worse than 3rd place), 15 regional championships and 11 Top 10 finishes at the state meet. Northville won the 2013 state title under Smith, and was runner up in 2015.

Smith was nominated for MITCA Coach of the Year 10 times, and won the award in 2014. She also served on the MITCA board for five years, including as its president in 2023.

Nancy’s coaching philosophy can be summed up by one of her favorite quotes: “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”

The MITCA Hall of Fame banquet took place Nov. 7.

Nield Honored with 70 Over Seventy Award

Former Northville School Board President Martha Nield was honored at the Hannan Center’s annual 70 Over Seventy Awards Brunch Nov. 1 at the Atheneum Suite Hotel in Detroit.

Nield, a longtime Northville resident, was recognized for “making extraordinary contributions” for civic and community leadership in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

The Hannan Center’s mission is to “preserve the dignity and enhance the quality of life of older adults 55+ in Michigan.”

Noting Nield is a University of Michigan graduate, the Hannan Center recognized her service with the school board, as well as serving a number of roles including on the Brain Injury Association of Michigan’s Board of Directors, chair of the Board of Directors for Presbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM), and as the chair of several system-wide Committees, including Audit and Operations. In addition, Nield’s a very active member of her church, First Presbyterian Church of Northville, and of the Northville Historical Society and U-M Commerce Club. Nield, who was the Northville Citizen of the Year in 2001, was recognized for remaining active in her 70s (she is still the corporate secretary for the PVM board), and continuing to advocate for matters related to public education, brain injuries, as well as older adult services and programs.

“Martha Nield brings a vast array of community service and leadership skills which will guide PVM well into the future,” said Roshunda Price, PVM board chair.

For more information about the Hannan Center awards, visit hannan. org/70overSeventy.

Beware Porch Pirates

The Northville Township Police Department is once again helping you keep “porch pirates” at bay this holiday season with Operation Max’s Vault — named after the department’s therapy dog, Max (pictured).

From now through Jan. 1, Northville Township residents can have their packages shipped directly to NTPD for safe keeping rather than have them delivered to their home when porch pirates can strike.

Have them sent to:

[Recipient Name]

c/o Max’s Vault 40911 Seven Mile Road Northville, MI 48167

Pick up your packages within five days of delivery and enjoy peace of mind knowing Max and the police department has your back. For more information, contact the Northville Township Police Department at (248) 348-5800.

Nancy Smith with the 2015 NHS cross country team.

Art Prize Winner

Performance artist Renee Dempsey, who graduated from Northville High School in 2015, participated in Art Prize this year with a Time-Based entry that she performed four times over the course of the 17-day annual event in Grand Rapids.

Dempsey’s efforts were judged with dozens of other entries by artists from around the nation and globe, and she won the $10,000 Time-Based Juried Award, which was presented to her at the Oct. 3rd awards ceremony.

According to Dempsey, her performance – called “Women’s Work” -- was “related to womanhood and consisted of the making of a cornstarch paste in which I lathered a lace tablecloth. I then adorned myself with that cornstarch and water-soaked tablecloth in order to let it dry as I held a position for multiple hours.”

She said the performance drew a lot of attention and “sparked a lot of conversation.”

Nikhil Melnechuk, director at Mystic Entertainment in New York City, was the juror for the Time-Based category, and lauded Dempsey’s performance.

“Dempsey’s artist-is-present is modest, her feminism apolitical, and her resulting forms ghostly, solemn, and—with an errant splash of water—may be returned to the quotidian they dignify,” Melnechuk wrote.

For more information about this year’s Art Prize winners, visit www.artprize. org/2025-winners.

For more information about Dempsey, who now lives in Detroit, and her work, visit her website at www.reneedempsey.com or find her on Instagram at @ RLD_Artworks.

Do

•

out & about out & about out & about

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE THIS MONTH

Holiday Greens & Winter Market

Nov. 21-22

This annual sale will take place from 3-9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday along Main and Center streets in Downtown Northville. Come to the Holiday Greens Market to find what you need to get your home or business ready for the holiday season! There will be crafters, decorations, décor, live entertainment, and of course, holiday greens! Shop to decorate or find that special gift to give.

Holiday Home Tour

Nov. 21-22

The annual event takes place 10 a.m.4 p.m. at five different homes around the Northville community, which will be decorated for the holidays. Home range from a historical home renovated in downtown Northville, a 1930 English Tudor Revival, an English Cottage style home, and two lovely homes in Northville Township. There will also be a refreshment stop at the Tipping Point Theater. Tickets for the tour are just $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the event. To purchase tickets in advance, visit Stampeddler or Preservation Dental, or contact the Northville Community Foundation at (248) 374-0200.

Lighted Parade/Tree Lighting

Nov. 21

Northville’s 2025 Holiday Lighted Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place in downtown Northville. Join the thousands of parade-goers as the holiday season officially kicks off. Bands, dancers, floats, and of course, Santa, make this annual favorite a great family tradition. The parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Cady and Wing streets. It will make its way west on Main Street to Linden Street, where the

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

Living and Learning Enrichment Center will have its “Sensory Zone” section for guests who are more sensitive to flashing lights and loud noises (like horns and sirens), and then along Dunlap to Hutton and ending at Main Street. After the parade, the official tree lighting will take place in Town Square.

Santa 5K Run/Walk

Nov.

22

Living and Learning Enrichment Center will host its 3rd annual Santa 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Jingle Run/Walk beginning at 10 a.m. The race will take place at the Northville Farmers Market and run along the path on Hines Drive. The course is out and back totaling 3.1 miles. The 1 mile will follow the same route, but shorter. The event will feature food and refreshments, holiday music, vendors for some holiday shopping and a visit from Santa. All participants will receive a T-shirt, medals for finishers and a swag bag (while supplies last). To sign up or for more information, visit livingandlearningcenter.org.

Blood Drive

Nov.

26

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Northville District Library in the Carlo Meeting Room. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and/ or platelets. Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come

from volunteer donors. One donation can help save more than one life. To schedule an appointment, visit www. redcrossblood.org or call the library at (248) 349-3020.

Holly Jolly Celebration

Dec 5

New Hope Center for Grief Support will host this annual fundraiser from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on the bottom floor of the Northville Square Mall, outside of the New Hope office. The event will take place throughout the mall on both floors and in Suite 160. The event will feature strolling appetizers/cash bar, dancing, games, prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and holiday memorial bulbs. Tickets are $45 for adults. Attendees are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy or household items to help families in need through the Yatooma’s Foundation Extreme Christmas Makeover. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (248) 348-0115 or visit www.newhopecenter.net.

Pancakes & PJs

Dec. 6

Come welcome Santa to town with a rise-and-shine pancake breakfast hosted by Northville Parks and Recreation at the Northville Community Center beginning at 9 a.m. The event will include breakfast, crafts and goodies, and photos with Santa. There are two time slots. Session 2 begins at 10:30 a.m. Advanced tickets, which are $16 for Northville residents and $19 for non-residents (children 2 and younger are free) can be purchased by visiting www.northvilleparksandrec.org (under “special events”) or by calling (248) 349-0203.

Northville Chorale Holiday Concert

Dec. 6

Join the Northville Chorale for their

Holiday Wishes Concert from 4-6 p.m. at the Marquis Theater in downtown Northville. The theme of the show this year is “Comfort and Joy.” The show is open to all ages and is familyfriendly. Tickets purchased online ahead of time will be discounted to $10; tickets purchased at the door will be $15 each. Children 10 and younger are free. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www. northvillechorale.com.

Memorial Candlelight Ceremony

Dec. 8

New Hope Center for Grief Support will host this event from 7-8 p.m. at Ward Church (40000 Six Mile Road). Holidays and special days can be difficult after a loved one dies, even years later. Come light a candle in memory of a loved ones, which symbolizes grief, courage, memories, love, and hope for the future. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.newhopecenter. net.

Northville Family Day

Dec. 13

The Northville Art House’s 3rd annual There’s Snow Place Like Northville Family Day, inside the decorated Art House, is highlighted by a holiday craft workshop, a winter wonderland photo room, a hot cocoa and cookie bar, caroling, family games, a small artwork exhibition, and a young artist pop-up gallery. This is a great place for parents, grandparents, kids, families, and friends to have fun, create art, and shop for gifts. The event runs from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There are two time slots: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Tickets are $10 per child (age 3+). Adults and children under 3 are free. For more information, visit northvillearthouse.org, or call (248) 344-0497.

DECEMBER 2025

Events

For event details visit www.downtownnorthville.com

Festival of Trees Lighting Celebration

December 2 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Northville Community Center

Registration required www.northvilleparksandrec.org

Blood Drive

December 4 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Northville Community Center Registration required www.northvilleparksandrec.org

A Country Christmas Down on the Farm

Lunch Theater

Dec 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21 Times Vary

Dinner Theater

December 4, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 Times Vary

Genitti’s Hole-In-The-Wall www.genittis.com

Northville Chorale Holiday Concert

December 6 | 4:00 p.m.

Marquis Theater www.northvillemarquis.com

Pancakes and Pajamas

December 6

9:00 – 10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Northville Community Center

Registration required www.northvilleparkandrec.org

Philharmonic Holiday Pops

December 12 | 7:00 p.m.

Marquis Theater www.northvillemarquis.com

There’s Snow Place Like Northville Family Day

December 13 | 11:0 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Northville Art House www.northvillearthouse.org

A Very Merry Story Time

December 14 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Northville www.fpcnorthville.org

Songs of the Season with City Lights Chorus

December 15 | 7:00 p.m.

Northville District Library www.northvillelibrary.org

Winter Extravaganza

December 16 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Northville District Library www.northvillelibrary.org

Santa will be coming to Northville weekends throughout December. Visit www.downtownnorthville.com for dates and times.

CULLEN'S CLASH

CULLEN'S CLASH

APhotos by Sean Power

Robostangs host major tournament to support cancer-stricken mentor

nyone who has ever attended a high school robotics competition knows the participants are all business. That was especially the case during the Oct. 25-26 competition at Northville High School where two dozen teams from across Michigan and Ohio came together to not only put their robot creations to the test, but to support Amanda Cullens, who is a mentor for the Robostangs, the NHS robotics team. Cullen was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 26. All of the proceeds from the off-season competition, called Cullen’s Cancer Clash, were donated to the Young Survivors Coalition, an organization that supports young cancer patients like Cullens.

“Our robotics kids worked so hard to organize this wonderful and giving event to support one of our own,” said Heather Szalay, another mentor with the Robostangs. For more information about the tournament, visit C3robots.org.

Breast cancer survivor Amanda Cullen, for whom the event was named, poses with the 1st place trophy.

Northville students in the pit area work to fix a mechanical issue on their Kronos robot.

NHS sophomores and Robostangs teammates Akhil Vallabhaneni and Julia Wei.

More than two dozen teams from across Michigan and Ohio competed.

Real estate needs more honesty, fewer filters, and agents who care more about your inspection report than their headshot. I’ll skip the billboards & bragging. Just real advice, real results using honesty, hard work & heart.

IDishin’ With Denise

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

A Joyful, ‘Great’-ful Season

t’s that time of the year we think about giving thanks. I try to count my blessings every day. I know many of you do, too. When I sat down to write this, I thought about the word grateful – it should really be spelled “great”-ful.

2-6 p.m. The historical buildings will have treasures, stories will be told, the sounds of the season will fill the air, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand – and it will all be a beautiful backdrop for the perfect family Christmas card! A $5 suggested donation is your ticket and a nonperishable food item for Civic Concern will be appreciated.

Fir Christmas trees (my favorite). The scouts harvest the trees themselves. They will be on the corner of Dunlap and Center every weekend from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. until Dec. 14. The scouts will trim the tree and load it in your car. And, for a fee, they offer porch delivery in Northville. Now that’s something to be thankful for.

The Northville Historical Society held the annual meeting at Genitti’s Hole in the Wall recently...thanks to Laura and her staff for a delightful brunch. Thanks to Stonebrook Private, who sponsored the event. The 2025 Year in Review told the story of how Mill Race Village came to be and where it’s heading. Two new board members were elected -- Paul Young and Jeffrey Ghannam -- and the Gold Key Award was presented to Sally and Ed Flayer for their volunteer efforts that contribute significantly to the overall success and more importantly, the day-to-day success of the Village. Thanks Sally and Ed!

On Dec. 5, Preservation Dental will light the Tree of Teeth (on the corner of Griswold and Main) – in case you didn’t know… it is world famous and now recognized by AI. This year there will be uniquely hand-painted ornamolars adorning the 16-ft. tall installment. The artistry of the Baseline Studio at Living and Learning Enrichment Center will be featured in the garland trimming the landscape. Santa and a group of carolers will lead the way through the luminaries over to Mill Race Village where the Festival of Trees will be lit, as well as the gazebo tree. And the evening wouldn’t be complete without cookies (from Toni’s Cannolis) and cocoa –compliments of Sweet Brew. (News flash – Sweet Brew has a second location at the Northville Pickleball Club on Six Mile.)

The Festival of Trees are decorated by many of our local businesses. They light the way for Christmas in the Village, which happens on Dec. 14 from

The celebrity of the season of course is Santa Claus! He is busy, busy, busy all-around town. Thank goodness for Maybury Farm to offer him a home-away-from home. He will greet visitors Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations are recommended. For more details, visit mayburyfarm.org. There will be crafts, a bonfire, hot chocolate and farm animals – including the new calf, Jasper. Rudolph, move over – Maybury is much closer than the North Pole!

The celebrity scouts from Troop 755 are once again teaming up with the veterans at American Legion Post 147 to sell fresh, Fraser

My final “thank you” this month is a shout out to John Hogan, the former bank manager at Comerica. John was responsible for helping many businesses survive during Covid – more than that he has been a source for information about cyber-security, college tuition assistance and retirement advice…everything you need to navigate today’s world of finance. He is moving on and will be missed. I, and others, wish him a “great”-filled future.

I read a quote recently: “Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” This is a good time to see the joy in others and to be “great”-ful.

William Stockhausen presents award to Sally and Ed Flayer Maybury Farm's new calf Jasper.

John Hogan

Noah Oleksinski and Troop 755 will be selling Christmas trees again.

Recent Client Review