The Rock - June 2022 by Journeyman Publishing

JUNE 2022 VOL 3 | ISSUE 6

PLYMOUTH’S NEWS & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

g n i t a r b e l e C

A C I R E M A

OFFICIAL GUIDE INSIDE!

2022 Art in the Park B R O U G H T T O YO U BY

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PlymoutH If you are visiting our lovely town, welcome! I have enjoyed living here since 1996 and would love to illustrate what Plymouth has to offer: diverse restaurants, local events, excellent schools, shopping, outdoor activities, and much more!

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The Gift of Local Journalism

Please consider a donation to support The Rock. Since we began publishing nearly two years ago, our goal has been to provide our readers with valuable information about the Plymouth community each and every month. Your support will help that mission survive and grow. And while The Rock is sent free to every address in Plymouth, it is not free to produce.

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That 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.

JUNE 2022 VOL 3 | ISSUE 6 16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734-716-0783 • kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com

K U R T K U B A N – Publisher

Kurt is an award-winning journalist, having served as a reporter and editor for several local newspapers and magazines, including the Plymouth Observer. He has been a journalist for over two decades. He founded Journeyman Publishing, which also publishes The ‘Ville, in 2017.

S CO T T B U I E – Advertising Director/Vice President of Sales

Scott has 20+ years creating advertising campaigns for clients in Metro Detroit. After managing sales for radio stations for 17 years he purchased Street Marketing, where he works closely with a variety of businesses and events. Scott and his family have lived in the Plymouth/Northville area for over 23 years.

B R A D K A D R I C H – Editor

Brad is an award-winning journalist who spent more than 20 years covering the Plymouth community for the Plymouth Observer. He also spent 15 years serving his country in the U.S. Air Force.

J E N N Y P E A R S A L L – Creative Director

Jenny has been in the design and print industry for over twenty years, holding various positions in graphic design, print buying, production and print management. She also owns Bovia Design Group, a company specializing in publications and corporate branding.

B R A D E M O N S – Writer

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

Publisher

Advertise in The Rock • Reach 21,000 addresses every month. • We direct mail to every address in the 48170 zip code. • Our locally-owned and produced publication is an affordable way for your business to reach the entire Plymouth market. To secure space in an upcoming issue of The Rock, contact Advertising Director Scott Buie at (313) 399-5231, or via email at scottbuie@therockmagazine.com or advertising@therockmagazine.com.

L A R R Y O ’ CO N N O R – Writer

Larry is a metro Detroit area journalist whose work has appeared in The Detroit News, Jackson Citizen Patriot and the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers. When he’s not meticulously chronicling people or events, he’s avidly rooting for his favorite soccer teams -- Manchester United and Glasgow Celtic.

T I M S M I T H – Writer

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

M I C H E L E F E C H T – Writer

Michele is a longtime journalist whose first post-college reporter position was at The Northville Record before moving on to The Detroit News. She is an author, researcher, local history enthusiast, and community activist/ advocate.

W E N S DY V O N B U S K I R K – 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, including The Rock. -Photo by Kathleen Voss

K E N V OY L E S – Writer/Photographer

Ken is an award-winning writer, photographer and designer whose career has spanned nearly five decades in and around metro Detroit. He started 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.

B I L L B R E S L E R – Photographer

Bill arrived in Plymouth in 1977 to work for the Community Crier. He also worked for the Plymouth Observer for many years. Bill, who taught photography at Madonna University, retired from what was left of the newspaper business in 2019 and now freelances. He’s happy to be back in the Plymouth community.

The Rock is a product of Journeyman Publishing, which assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. Any form of reproduction of any content in this publication without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Comments are welcome at kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com.

W H E N I S E N O U G H , E N O U G H? As you flip through this issue, I hope you take some time to check out all the wonderful photos and stories about our local high school graduates. I just love putting this issue together each year, as it fills me with hope as the graduates move on to the next chapter and out into the world where they will surely do plenty of good. This year it’s even more special for me, as my son graduated. During his commencement ceremony, I watched as each of his classmates made their way across the stage, with some of the biggest smiles you’re ever going to see. And for good reason. There are few milestones as important as graduating high school. As the grads took their turns walking across the stage, however, I could not help but think about the parents in Uvalde, Texas who will never experience this in the future because their children were gunned down at Robb Elementary less than two weeks earlier. It was a sobering feeling. Unfortunately, the Uvalde incident, in which 19 students and two teachers were murdered, is just the latest in a sickening trend of our schools being shot up by people who had no business owning any gun, much less ones that are designed for war and mass killing. The semi-automatic AR-15, which has been used in far too many of these incidents including Uvalde, can fire 45 rounds per minute. Do the math on that, and you realize how long it would take to kill a classroom full of children. The coroner in the wake of the Uvalde massacre said the bodies of the children were literally blown apart, with limbs town off and even beheaded in some cases. Maybe it’s time to start showing people the crime scene photos and the carnage these weapons produce. Of course in this country, it’s incredibly easy to purchase one of these weapons. Far too easy. Hell, if you’re 18, we make it harder to get a beer than an AR-15. We don’t let you drink, but it’s fine if you want to own a weapon made for war. Back in 2018, I attended a student walk out at Northville High School in the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, where 17 people were murdered at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Like at schools all over the country, the Northville students were demanding something be done to curb the violence. I was inspired by their determination. Hopefully their generation will be able to force changes to our gun laws. If anything, however, current lawmakers have made it easier to acquire guns since Parkland, and it’s no surprise that these mass killings are only accelerating. And they can happen anywhere, even here in Plymouth. Just last November, a disgruntled student shot up nearby Oxford High School, murdering four students and maiming seven others. Unfortunately right now our politics are so broken, we have lawmakers who are either unwilling or unable to do what is right. They are afraid to stand up to the irresponsible gun lobby, which only wants to flood our streets with more guns so they make more money. The fact that an 18-year-old kid can walk into a gun shop, and walk out with a mass-killing weapon is insane. Poll after poll shows the majority of Americans support background checks, red flag laws, age restrictions and even bans on assault-style weapons like AR-15’s. I know that is an unpopular stance with some of you reading this. And I’m very familiar with the Second Amendment, particularly the “well regulated” part. I also know the men who wrote the Constitution owned flintlock muskets and pistols, which held one round at a time. I realize this is a morbid topic, especially for an issue in which we are celebrating our graduates. But I got to watch my son walk across the stage. There are too many parents across our country who will never get to know that feeling because of gun violence. And that is devastating to think about if you put yourself in their shoes. If we have the courage, we can change things. But we must demand it. Kurt Kuban is the Publisher of The Rock. He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@ therockmagazine.com.

In this issue

YOUR OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ART IN THE PARK

THE FUTURE BECKONS FOR PCCS GRADS

ARIA HUTCHINSON BRINGS HOME THE CROWN

Your Voice: Letters to the Editor

Track team leads the way for PCEP spring sports teams

New Township Trustee

Art students bring concrete slab to life with mural

4th of July Parade ready to greet America again

O N T H E CO V E R : Plymouth’s Good Morning America 4th of July Parade is back on after a two-year absence. Photo courtesy of the Plymouth Downtown Development Authority

YO U R VO I C E : L E T T ER S TO T H E ED I TO R BE MORE LIKE TONY On May 6, the City of Plymouth lost a valued member of our family, and more importantly, a good and kind person: Tony Bruscato. Tony was the director of Plymouth’s Downtown Development Authority for 12 years, leaving behind a public legacy worth celebrating: overseeing countless festivals, events, infrastructure developments, and the completion of a brand-new fountain in Kellogg Park. But if you asked him, as many did over the years, what his favorite thing was about Plymouth’s downtown, he’d answer simply “The people”. Tony loved people and he cared deeply about connecting people to each other through our downtown. One of the more recent traditions

that many in town look forward to each year is the ceremonial lighting of the tree in Kellogg Park to kick off the holiday season. That event was Tony’s creation, and it perfectly personifies what Tony was all about: bringing

SOUND OFF

people together in the spirit of gratitude and community. Tony was beloved by our City of Plymouth team, but anyone who spent even a passing moment with him knew the Tony we knew. There was no front, no act

portraying a decent man; that really was just Tony. He was free from the chains of spite, malice and regret that prevent too many of us from doing good for others. Instead, he was a calm, reassuring, and patient man, always focused on what he could do to help. Tony battled health challenges in his final years, yet his love for his family, friends, and the City of Plymouth shone through his gentle, smiling eyes. Tony’s legacy will live on in the hearts of many for years to come: be kind to each other, seek understanding, and make your community a better place when you can. In other words, be more like Tony, and we’ll all be a little better for it. Oliver Wolcott Former Mayor, DDA Chair City of Plymouth

Please submit your letters by emailing Editor Brad Kadrich at bkadrich@comcast.com. Letters must be no more than 150 words. We reserve the right to edit all letters.

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Art In The Park Ready To Come Alive Again Some things get better and better over time. A fine wine, an artist’s polished technique, true love or a magnificent garden. Some gardens are so spectacular that people go to see them from far away. Lately I have been thinking about Art In The Park as if it were a living thing like a garden that I’m nurturing and tending to daily. Now…the truth is that I myself do not have a green thumb. Not even close. In fact, almost every plant that has been under my care has perished. My efforts instead have gone into growing an art fair. Our team has been cultivating so many new fantastic artists, wow factor entertainers, and creative foods to enjoy for our visitors. Just like a gardener there is so much importance in attention to detail and prepping ahead even planning for any weather. Although I may be envious of all the flawless flower beds heading into town, I couldn’t be prouder that the “garden” I have is in and around Kellogg Park and blossoms fully only once a year. Of course, I don’t live in the park itself…however my mom Dianne did get a letter addressed to her there once. Forty-two years ago in July, she was the one who planted a seed in the center of our quaint and vibrant downtown. With her vision Art In The Park was born and has since grown to be both nationally recognized and wildly popular. Just as some plants take a year to bloom again, we have been waiting for this weekend to come alive. It can be difficult to work on something for an entire year before you get to see it come to life. The absolute best part is to share the fruit of all our labor with you. Let’s celebrate these amazing artists that join us from across the entire country and beyond. May you marvel at others talents, may you find a treasure to take home, and simply enjoy the togetherness.

Raychel Rork Director - Art In The Park

The Rock | 7

We Love Art In The Park Iconic Festival Returns to Downtown Plymouth By Wensdy Von Buskirk

lymouth’s Art In The Park has been going strong for more than 40 years, but there’s always something to discover at the beloved festival. According to organizer Raychel Rork, around a third of this year’s 400-plus exhibitors are new. “We’ve had an overwhelming response from artists applying to come from across the nation,” Rork says. “We have around 140 artists who have never been here. We love to have people’s favorites back, but we love to have people check out something they’ve never seen before.”

8 | The Rock

Rork speculates that pandemic shutdowns encouraged people to

“There’s this huge creative boom of those who started doing passion projects, along with established artists who are back after not doing art fairs for the past two years,” Rork says. Artists from 28 states and Canada will display their work in Kellogg Park and the surrounding streets of downtown Plymouth. Many have heard through word-of-mouth that Art In The Park is the place to be. “Plymouth is a destination for them,” Rork said.

MEET THE MAKERS reflect on the importance of art and gave them time to explore their talents.

Art In The Park is a juried festival. Judges take pains to select the best artists each year

ART IN THE PARK 2022 WHAT: 400 artists, entertainment, food & kid’s activities WHERE: Kellogg Park and surrounding streets in Downtown Plymouth WHEN: July 8, 9 & 10 HOURS: Friday • 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday • 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday • 10 a.m.-5 p.m. VISIT: artinthepark.com

and provide a variety of price points. “Do we have fancy, expensive things? Sure we do, but we want there to be not only something everyone likes but that they can afford,” Rork says. Organizers delight in finding fresh artwork, she says.

wall painting, a small piece of handcrafted jewelry, or the perfect gift for someone special. “Most of the art I have in my home I didn't plan on buying. It was just something that caught my attention,” Rork says. “When you see something that truly lights you up and makes your heart do a little flip, something you personally connect with, that’s what this festival is for.”

“It will be really fun, cool, and multigenerational. There’s something for grandpa, your five-year-old, and everyone in between.” R aychel Rork President, Art in the Park (Pictured with her mother Dianne Quinn)

BEYOND THE BOOTHS While art is the focus, the festival also offers live entertainment, kid’s activities, and great food. A Star Wars theme will be reflected in the festival’s signature Chalk Mural, at the corner of Main and Penniman, and The Living Mural, where models are painted into a 3D scene — both created live during the event. For children, there’s face painting, crafts, a kids mural, and My Adventure Theater, where they’re invited on stage and made part of the show.

“We started reviewing submissions in January. We were so excited about what was coming in that we were literally yelling. I almost jumped out of my chair at one point,” Rork says. “If we get that excited about it on a digital monitor, we’re hoping someone has that reaction walking down the street in person. That’s the goal.”

The festival offers the joy of discovery — whether it’s a large

Entertainment includes fanfavorite Roots Vibrations reggae band, adding an upbeat summer vibe every day of the festival, and Mr. Bill & His Zcats zydeco band on Friday night. There will also be Polynesian dancers, a professional hula

hooper, a human statue and other surprises at every turn. Festival goers can recharge at any number of creative food trucks, from Poverino Southern Italian Street Food to Cousins Maine Lobster, which recently launched its Detroit food truck after winning on TV’s Shark Tank. “We’ll have some really fun new food options for people while they’re shopping,” Rork says. And there will be booths for a cause, including Interlochen Arts Academy, there to answer questions about its programs, and People Love Art, selling T-Shirts that benefit various organizations for disabled artists.

“It will be really fun, cool, and multi-generational. There’s something for grandpa, your five-year-old, and everyone in between,” Rork says. After a couple of tough years due to COVID, Art In The Park is celebrating a new office in Westchester Square in downtown Plymouth and the return of around 100 volunteers who make the festival possible. “There have been so many heavy topics and things going on in Michigan and the world. We’re hoping, at least for three days, we can let some of that stuff go and celebrate the creativity of these makers,” Rork says.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT People come from around the region to attend Art In The Park. Still, at its heart, the festival is an opportunity for Plymouth residents to gather outside, meet with friends and neighbors and have a good time.

For more information on the festival, shuttle service, and a list of participating artists, visit artinthepark.com. The Rock | 9

Artist Spotlights

By Tim Smith

Joy to the (Art) World Plymouth artist goes ‘wild’ with charcoal and old books When Wendy Scarborough feels joyous, she finds a canvas and paint brush and begins to create something. “I like to paint things that bring me joy and I hope will bring other people joy just by looking at them,” said the Canton resident, among more than 400 artists from around the country who will display their work at the 42nd annual Art in the Park in downtown Plymouth. “It’s more of a mood or a feeling that I want to convey.”

Wendy Scarborough She creates in hopes that others will feel the same way after viewing her creations. Scarborough will participate at the Kellogg Park art extravaganza (July 8-10) for the second year in a row and is hopeful those who look at her paintings get as much out of them as she gets out of creating them. If she sells some of the paintings and drawings over the weekend, that would be a bonus to merely getting eyeballs in front of art. They can always go online and visit 10 | The Rock

www.wendyscarborough.com to further view her work and possibly make a purchase. “I hope it brings them a sense of peace and joy, I can’t create when I’m in a bad mood,” said Scarborough with a laugh. “There’s no words to describe how grateful I am to be able to do it. Yes, I’d love to sell art, but just the fact that I get to make it and express myself that way, that’s the thing that matters most to me.” According to Scarborough, her interest in participating in Art in the Park grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was a last-minute addition to the 2021 roster and was able to find a spot because “I’m sure the year after Covid everyone was still kind of leery about applying so they still had slots available.” “It was okay, I sold some smaller pieces,” Scarborough added. “But a lot of people came in and liked my art. So I figured they need to get to know me.” Repeat visitors to her booth will notice upgrades to how she displays and organizes her work. There again will be QR codes that can be scanned to take people to her website, from where they can provide further contact information. “With Covid last year, I wasn’t sure how people would feel about taking a pen and a notebook and writing down their info to go on to the newsletter,” she said. “So that was my way to help make people feel more comfortable.” Visitors will get to see the variety of work Scarborough produces. “My style has been changing because I am still new to developing my art,” said

Scarborough, who is married (Matt) and has four children ages 13-21. “So I’m hoping that this year more people come back from last year and maybe buy more art.” Having first dabbled in hand lettering, her art has veered off into various directions over the past few years. “I do a lot of, just let the art flow from you,” Scarborough said. “I don’t paint from a picture or anything like that. I just paint whatever I feel like. “I moved from abstract to florals to landscapes. It just depends on what I’m in the mood for.” Scarborough, who grew up in Millington, Mich. (near Frankenmuth), said she always

liked to be creative, whether in dance or art. Eventually, however, she opted to go to college for an engineering degree. But she ultimately came full circle to her artistic tendencies, returning to art in an unexpected way. “I have home-schooled my kids (David, 21; Isabella, 18; Gabriella, 14; Jacob, 13),” Scarborough explained. “So being at home with them during the day when they were doing their school work I wanted something to do. So that’s how I got into hand lettering.” Since then, her efforts have become more organic and spontaneous. People have the chance to see for themselves during Art in the Park.

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SMALL TOYS FOR SMALL ANIMALS Plymouth artist fashions playthings for hamsters Everyone shows their love for dogs and cats. Why not hamsters, too? That basic premise sparked 16-year-old Sara Yamamoto to do something about it, to design and create unique, tiny wood toys for hamsters to enjoy. Yamamoto, a Plymouth resident who recently finished her junior year at Salem High School, is entering her first Art in the Park – where she intends to make available several of the hamster toys she crafted for the annual event in downtown Plymouth. “To me, it would mean I am getting to share ideas, which I’m really grateful for,” Yamamoto said. “And I hope people would care more about small animals. Small animals need more love, too. That’s what my message is.” As for getting a booth in the 42nd annual Art in the Park at Kellogg Park and being one of more than 400 artists from all over the United States, it was something

she’s wanted to do for a while. “Since I moved to Plymouth when I was 5 years old, every year I went to the art festival with family and friends,” Yamamoto said. “And I always wanted to do one but I never got a chance to. This year I finally could. I was really happy about (signing up for the art fair), I was interested in art the whole time.” Her creations are basically about 7-by-5 inches in size, with some combination of wheels, bridges and tiny houses. The idea came about when she went to pet stores looking for toys for her own pet hamster, a furry creature she said is “really fun, really cute.” What she saw was nothing special and she immediately realized her hamster deserved more. “They are made out of plain wood,” she explained. “I drew on a sketchbook, and then I used a software called Inkscape. So I physically draw (toy designs) on a

computer, and then I transported the file to a software called K40Whisperer, specifically for laser cutting.” She supplied data into her family’s laser printer, hit print and she was well on the way to putting together some “pretty cool” hamster toys. The plywood shapes are glued into place, after which wheels are added. According to Yamamoto, there will be seven or eight types of toys she will have at Art in the Park, ranging in price from $7-$40. “I made some kits for little kids who come over (to her booth),” Yamamoto continued. “So they can build a tiny house. I also made some houses of (various dimensions), because a lot of hamsters are different sizes. “And I made a pretty cool wheel toy that can spin around the whole (hamster) house.” For now, Yamamoto does not have a website to further promote her creations. But if everything

Sara yamamoto goes well at Art in the Park, that is something she might consider. Although she has artistic skills and knowledge of computer technology needed to put together her hamster toys, Yamamoto is not planning on pursuing a college degree in engineering. “I used to, but now I have a different goal,” said the daughter of Hiroko and Hideki Yamamoto. “That’s to go to university and study about biology and politics.”

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Entertainment

Abounds at Plymouth Art In The Park Art In The Park has always celebrated entertainers along with visual artists and this year is no different. Watch for fun, quirky, exotic performances all three days. Here’s a look at some of what you’ll see:

JOHN PARK, COMEDY JUGGLING SHOW This uber talented performer gets audiences aroar over clever juggling and visual routines set to music. Spinning plates, flying marshmallows, scarf dancing, a water routine and a unicycle are all involved — as well as the occasional audience volunteer! LOCATION: Kellogg Park

ROOTS VIBRATIONS This musical force provides just the right vibe for the festival with their authentic reggae-style tunes. Made up of members from the exotic islands of the Caribbean and the funky streets of Detroit, they bring positive roots music to Plymouth Art In The Park’s main stage. LOCATION: Corner of Ann Arbor Trail and Forest Ave.

Kristen Dillenbeck Zipp of Portland, Ore. (formerly of Canton) combines her love of body painting and murals to create unique 3-dimensional work. This will be her 11th year at Art In The Park incorporating canvas, paint and live human figures into an amazing piece that’s sure to turn heads all weekend long. LOCATION: Booth #500, Ann Arbor Trail and Main

on guitar, and Steve Mallires playing trumpet. LOCATION: COMPASS (Center of Main Street and Ann Arbor Trail)

MY ADVENTURE THEATRE Kids take center stage with My Adventure Theater — literally! Look for the red tent filled with

MR. BILL & HIS ZCATS

JOHN DAVIS, VIBRAPHONE As you stroll through Art In The Park you’ll likely hear the unique sounds of a vibraphone, and see bubbles drifting through the air. Follow them to VibemanJohn. John Davis has performed for 45 years, playing everything from R&B and Latin to reggae and funk. He’s known for wearing bright colors and letting kids take over the mallets to play along. We’re thrilled to have him back at Plymouth Art In The Park! LOCATION: Booth #255, Main and Wing St.

LIVING MURAL

GEORGE TAIT, LIVING STATUE With all of the action swirling around him, how does George Tait stand still for so long? That’s the question that runs through everyone’s mind as they marvel at this Living Statue. See if you can spot him in his trademark silver paint and stylish suit as he brings his unique brand of performance to Plymouth Art In The Park. LOCATION: COMPASS (Center of Main Street and Ann Arbor Trail)

Mr. Bill & His Zcats came together in 2021 to fuse the bayou rhythms of Zydeco with the party vibe of New Orleans and the grit of the Motor City - creating a signature groove that gets everybody in the Mardi Gras spirit no matter what the calendar says. With Mr. Bill (Harrison) up front on accordion, the band features Perez “Butch” Morris on frottoir (rub board), Curtis Sumter on drums, Chris “The Wonderful One” Rummel on bass guitar, Jimmy Alter

princesses, pirates and knights in shining armor, and you’ll find entertainment, as well as the chance for your child to become a star! This interactive theatre troupe is an Art In The Park favorite, back by popular demand. LOCATION: Kellogg Park

Artist Listing by Media Artist Name

Booth #

ARTWEAR DePaulis, Becky Slack, Kaitlin Keller, Kate Van Tonder, Patti Vinson, Shirleigh Mutkus, Lysette Baum, Michael Coffee, Amy Cumming, Cindy King, Olujimi Adams, Angie Taylor, Sammie Makowski, Linda Bourque, Tammy Soret, Alicia Wilsher, Donnamaria

113 126 234 240 246 408 412 479 573 616 835 960 971 506, 507 526, 527 560, 561

Kang, Aya 537 617 Pendleton, Marla 803 Silva, Carlos 810 Hageman, Jeff Arndt, Michael 834 Huber, Jamie 850 Deon, Paige 975 Village Potters Guild 495-497 Cherry Hill Potters Guild 609-613

DIGITAL ART Kunerth, Jesse Miller, Aaron Roderick, Craig Trexel, Julie

201 341 607 725

DRAWING Jahraus, Jon Martz , Danielle Wittekindt, Owen Burton, Jodi Eakin, Kristin LaPorte, Chris McKelvey, Brian Wennersten, Jay Deighan, Christopher Powers, Linda Sewell, Anita Kwiatkowski, Daniel

217 239 312 501 623 703 710 760 855 867 950 4020

FIBER BATH & BODY Eff, Ryann 242 Brown, Brent 247 Geister, Diane 317 Vukovits, Lisa 345 Tody, Kimberly 538 Crouch, LeAnn 591 Olsen, Dawne 748 Sasinowski, Brooke 972 McKenzie-Wyatt, Dawn 105, 106

Ulsh, Meredith Persa, Lori Cantrell, Judy Kenny, Diane Laine, Philippe Pun, Patty Stenzel, Kelly Cocco, Carla Sikkila, Asia Dewey, Janice

100 116 119 132 142 219 229 360 361 416

BODY ART Shah, Bani Belisario, Chris Memon, Noor Rasul, Zahabya Diehl, Carol Mccall, Jennifer

89 109 348 467 717 848

CANDLES Washington, Latanya McCallum, Anthony Sakowski, Suzanne Laney, Rodney Beckley, Marie Fleckenstein, Anna Howard , Jocelyn

120 134 344 462 745 866 961

CERAMICS Nelson, David Schmidt, Doug Roy, Richard Bradley, Jeff Lin, Jiaqi 14 | The Rock

112 225 238 436 459

Sturm, Nance Whittenberger, Deborah Burton, Robin Hoover, Debbie McCalvin, Joy Trojan, Cat Watson, Beverly Haney, Debbie Herrera, Patty Konn, Gina Skillin, Kelley

483 488 505 536 563 589 593 743 777 807 861

Wiedmaier, Emily O'Brien, Sandy Fitzgerald, Emily Kohn, Karin Reese, Linda Moore, Lucy Villaclara, Veronica Dioum, Astou Knospe , Cindy Johnson, Landria Hawkins, Leslie Ehrenfeld, Lauren

978 4003 4006 4024 211, 212 305, 306 308, 309 327, 328 598, 599 720, 721 868, 869 875, 876 130 532

FOLK ART Baker, Marian Headrick, Dustin Lewis, Shannon

543 870 814, 815

FURNITURE Davis, James Ryan Stewart, Chad Miller, Paul

104 204, 205 578, 579

GLASS Duszynski, Joy Jones, Gwen DeWitt, Jennie Delaney, Lisa Kehr, Tracy Surowiec, Daedra Harr, Bobby Niner, Rod Harris, Grace Mulrooney, Tessa Fenn, Daniel

118 213 446 592 614 724 769 826 951 958 453, 454

GOURMET KITCHEN Skerratt, Nicolette Jutzi, Timothy Terpstra, Paul Savage, Chris Gardner, Tye Wastcoat, Constance Colaizzi, Sherry Harlin, Matthew Malaney, Julie Mitchell, Dana Katiba, Sirina Vigoa, Miriam Miles, John Rickey, Ryan Eatmon, Katie Meyers, Kimberly Trump, Jennifer Dryja, Viktoria Meyers, Sara Ernst, Dean Zubalik, Samantha Banks, Cheryl Shellhammer, James Frick, Mikayla Kirby, Lori O'Connor, Mary

752, 753 955, 956

JEWELRY

FLORAL Yang, Ray Dawson, Triamjai

Fideli, Lou Moore, Ashley

121 128 227 253 313 334 411 435 444 455 502 544 706 711 831 840 853 860 974 4001 4005 4009 4019 4025 4031 143, 144

Tiburzio, Ryan Jalsa, Ann Albritton, Paul Welti, Angela Ross, Terry Gilbert-Collick, Susan Ruang, Wanpen Borowski, Christine Civitarese, Kelly Perez, Luis Iglesias, Carlos Gollhardt, Karen Ziegler, Bart Bundesen, Charise Hernandez, Humberto Macklin, Scott Brown, Leah Fields, Kathy Lewis, Katherine Manning, Rhonda O'Neal, Helen Stevens, Cheryl Schultz, Rachael Watkins, Catherine Austin, Megan Cooper, Nancy Warner, Ginny Clark, Valerie Brown, Carrie Shuell, Robin Szajnecki, Carly Mitchell, Dana Lacey, Christina McFadden, Ann Sugg-Santoro, Diane Rose Moore, Mary Kay Hanna, Erika Farinango, Jose Swider, Brittany Bizonova, Helena Spry, Sharon Fink, Tina Berton, Sean Tekeli, Emre

101 103 108 131 207 216 221 226 231 236 245 249 252 303 307 311 318 321 330 333 340 346 351 357 359 404 415 426 437 443 447 456 490 494 504 523 533 548 559 567 580 594 605 608

Copeland, Laurie Weinreb, Barbara Ware, Karin Osterhoudt, Linda Phillips, Sally Slaven, Mark Madjar, Shandor Lindholm, Nancy Davis, Dave Miao, QQ Hirt, Jenna Iglesias, Percy Bonardi, Michael Mcgraw, Merlys De Volska, Hanna Wagman, David Macintyre, Brittany Spampinato, Yvonne Stamper, Marianne DiMambro, Nina Campbell, Lauren Bosscher, Brenda Wagner, Kathleen Ebbeling, Amanda Ragan, Brent Voltz, Elisabeth Ragan, Aaron Trisko, Robert Pizzini, Gerri Fox, Sean

702 716 744 756 768 804 806 811 825 833 837 851 872 874 877 952 957 963 973 4002 4007 4016 4032 4035 114, 115 4010, 4011 451, 452 704, 705 818, 819 976, 977

KIDS Erdmann, Warren Spencer, LaSean Kennedy, Karen Johnson, Thad Distel, Anna

102 107 243 316 471, 472

Hornbaker, Scott Rudder, Dillon Vliet Jr., Randy Moeggenberg, Judy

827 836 970 460, 461

MIXED MEDIA Williams, Betsy 203 Sturk, Bob 230 248 Solomon, Steven Cilluffo, Joseph 300 Gilbert, Paul 315 320 Paige, Kelly 322 Wang, Maggie Fager-George, Daniel 400 Wen, Li 425 Barcena, Sergio 439 470 Johnson, David 486 Ravenna, Janet Sumpter, Steven 493 503 Ryan, Marcus Fedor, Gwen 566 595 Thon, Kimberly 596 Small, Ken Hesselgesser, Robin 618 Hilton, Katja 701 Hydock, Diana 805 White, Janet 829 Albrecht, Fred 838 959 DeBastos, Lisa Lynch, Theresa 962 Stephens, Dan 967 Moore, Amy 4000 Rhoades, Roberta 4008 Wolfe, Jeff 4033 Post, Rich 232, 233 Povinelli, Amy 338, 339 Sette, Cheryl 354, 355 Muenala, Inty 4014, 4015 Paris-Owens, Patti 463, 464 Klapper, Melissa 534, 535 726, 727 Cleaver, Kerry Mohr, Karri 740, 741 Keusch, Jason 764, 765 Boase, Ryan 812, 813 Fontenot, Elizabeth 844, 845 Sjoblom, Christy & Lynn 965, 966

MUSIC Mazur, Ken Gorodkin, Valadimir

476 1950

PAINTING LEATHER Malone, Steven Wright, Lainey Daley, Sarah Britt, Dylan Lincoln, Jon Hale, Robert

555 751 865 223, 224 402, 403 728, 729

METAL Cook, James & Sharra Xia, Sompit Heekin, Kevin Abdelnour, Sam Reeser, Jaron Northrop, Alan Ashley, Rachelle

123 251 319 332 358 458 600

Kaulins, Jan Weeter, Mark Kimmet, Tiffany Bosker, Paul McCormick, Pamela Steed, Eric Chumack, John Huyser-Honig, Steven

Antosh, Mark Duan, Zhen Zhong Scarbrough, Wendy Kim, Sang Bridges, Sarah Wylie, Patricia Ingleright-Telgenhoff, Kelly Forman, Timothy O'Neill-Dusome, Kelly Munley, Brandon Sari, Kenan Biton, Moises Hakki, Sema Shipman, Niki Rhoney, Kimberlee Rais, Bernadine Brett, Anita

127 202 228 302 329 362 401 407 413 427 481 517 530 558 576 597 603

700 746 754 761 841 873 419, 420 808, 809

SCULPTURE

Paluh, Jack Garay, Carolyn Sandock, Aaron Lieber, Teesha McGee, Melvin Will, Viniecia McCall, Chris Cook, Brennan Sweeney, Jeff Smith, Debbie Matthews, William Cassidy Wood, Denise Hojnacki, Marge Gorodkin, Valadimir

709 778 832 871 880 954 4017 4018 4023 4030 508, 509 801, 802 842, 843 1950

PAPER Jacobs, Christina Doroshewitz, Tammy Nasibyan, Igor Clem, Mike Ekonen, Jesi

206 410 417 776 4004

Riley, Michael Ozark, Andrew Goddard, Joseph Bramblett, Carol Anderson, Troy Headings, Ron Barkley, Robert Fessenbecker, Kevin Hildenbrandt, Chris Aksamitova, Tess

218 301 363 478 581 755 830 862 816, 817 863, 864

WOOD Anderson, Keith Monroe, Michael Finerman, Dan Kara, John Whittaker, Jennifer Linn, Robert Ward, Joseph McGowan, Lucas Brunson, Lee Wojnar, Christopher Wilkinson, John Lambert, Robert Johnson, Bobby Dayvault, Laurie Schafer, Robert Moughler, Carolyn

117 215 222 237 445 469 480 482 521 539 542 557 562 715 742 749

PET Oberdick, Ryan Moser, Steve Grabowski, Trish Kurfis, Erica Jackson, Lisa Lawson, Julie

141 250 405 590 349, 350 491, 492

PHOTOGRAPHY Wright, Suzette and Ron Bravo, Christopher Murahari, Priyadarshini Keuvelaar, John Kiley, David Rickman, Cathy Hart, Shannon Tanner, Deborah Wilson, Kyle Schwartzenberger, Chad

125 133 214 241 473 519 531 564 574 604

Clevenger, Dave 828 Tomlinson, Steven 849 852 Small, Oliver Minard, Ian 854 Wojtowicz, Kassaundra 953 Stevenson, Chad 964 208, 209, 210 Archer, Misty 4012, 4013 Till, Ashley 441, 442 Peterson, Donald Milarch, Mike 448-450 Szabo, Zsolt 587, 588 Lewis, David 601, 602

YARD & GARDEN Ruangnapaporn, Pornthep Rapaich, Diane Cantrell, Dale Povinelli, Alfred Brown, Tiffany

220 244 440 556 722

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2 02 2

859

185 9 859 858 857 856 855 854 853 852 851 850 849 848

846 845 844 843 842 841 840 839 838 837 836 835 834 833 832 831 830

Art In The Park A R T I S T

967 968 969 970 971 972 973 974

- 97

950

975 976 977 978

90 90 1 0 91 91 2 91 1 90 0 92 90 9 92 6 9 8 0 92 7 9 7 0 92 8 9 6 0 93 9 9 5 0 93 0 90 4 93 1 90 3 2 93 2 93 3 93 4 93 5 6

100

91 9 8 1 91 9 7 1 92 9 91 6 92 0 9 5 1 92 1 91 4 3 92 2 92 3 92 4 5

600

124

124 123 122 125 121 126 120 127 119 128 118 129 117 130 116 131 115 132 114 113 112 133 111 134 110 135 109 136 108 137 107 138 106 139 105 140 104 141 103 142 102 143 101 144 100

581

144

260

363

300 200 301 201 302 202 303 203 304 204 305 205 306 206 307 207 308 208 309 209 310 210 311 211 312 212 313 213 314 214 315 215 316 216 317 217 318 218 319 219 320 220 321 221 322 222 323 324 325 223 326 224 327 225 328 226 329 227 330 228 331 229 332 230 333 231 334 232 335 233 336 234 337 235 338 236 339 237 340 238 341 239 342 240 343 241 344 242 345 243 346 244 347 348 349 245 350 246 351 247 352 248 353 249 354 250 355 251 356 252 357 253 358 254 359 255 360 256 361 257 362 258 363 259 260

200

300

447

431 432 433 434 435 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447

566

400

448

487 486 485 484 483 482 481 480 479 478 477 476 475 474 473 472 471 470 469 468 467 466 465 464 463 462 461 460 459 458 457 456 455 454 453 452 451 450 449 448

400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 1429 430

615

616

604 605 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 613 614 615

581 580 579 578 577 576 575 574 573 572 571 570 569 568 567 566 565

4025 4024 4023

4020 4019 4018

4030 4031 4032 4033 4034 4035 4036 4037

4000 - 4037

497 496 495 494 493 492 491 490 489 488

4000 4001 4002 4003 4004 4005 4006 4007 4008 4009

4013 4012 4011 4010

497

4014 4015 4016 4017

594 595 596 597 598 599

600 601 602 603

500 501 502 502 503 504 505 506 507 508 509

510 511 512 513 514 515

564 563 562 561 560 559 558 557 556 555 554 553 552 551 550 549 548 547 546 545 544 543 542

564

593 592 591 590 589 588 587

630 629 628 627

626 625 624 623 622 621 620 619 618 617 616

500

516 517 518 519 520 521 522 523 524 525 526 527 528 529 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 541

542 587599

800

630

MAP 540

800

182 824 860 823 861 822 862 821 863 820 864 819 865 818 866 817 867 816 868 815 869 814 870 813 871 812 872 873 874 875 811 876 810 877 809 878 808 879 807 880 806 881 805 883 804 803 802 801

881

964 963 962 961 960 959 958 957 956 955 954 953 952 951 950

829 828 827 826 825

860

96 5 7 00 96 7 6 0 70 1 77 70 2 77 8 3 77 7 77 6 77 5 77 4 77 3 70 77 2 70 4 77 1 5 76 0 70 76 9 70 5 76 8 70 6 76 7 7 70 76 6 8 76 5 70 76 4 71 9 76 3 71 0 76 2 71 1 76 1 71 2 75 0 71 3 75 9 71 4 75 8 71 5 75 7 71 6 75 6 7 7 1 75 5 7 8 1 75 4 7 9 2 75 3 7 0 2 75 2 72 1 75 1 72 2 74 0 72 3 74 9 72 4 74 8 72 5 74 7 72 6 74 6 72 7 74 5 72 8 74 4 73 9 74 3 73 0 74 2 73 1 74 1 7 2 3 0 73 3 73 4 73 73 5 7 6

125

It Takes a Team Effort

It takes around 100 volunteers to put on the event, from setup to teardown. They are here around the clock day and night. From working the information booths to running the kids mural this is a rigorous labor of love and we are so thankful to enjoy the weekend with this hard working crew! I would especially like to thank my right hand, Kathy Dryja, for helping make Art In The Park so exceptional. You are a meticulous powerhouse and there’s no one else I would rather have with me at the helm. We do make one hell of a team. Thanks to my Mom for continuing to both weigh in and pitch in with her expertise and a helping hand year round. And ultimately to my better half and my teens for embracing the crazy, climbing on board and helping me stay balanced. — Raychel Rork

Thank You 2022 Art in the Park Sponsors:

236,000 S PIN A L A DJ US TM ENTS AND COUNTING! P R O V I D I N G P LY M O U T H C H I R O P R A C T I C CARE FOR OVER 20 Y E ARS!

A chiropractic visit can help heal your body naturally and could help you avoid taking medications or having surgery. We are excited to offer the next level of natural healing, from spinal decompression to laser therapy to nutritional advice. We can offer you choices to getting better, naturally. Call 734-354-0020 to schedule an appointment today!

Dr. Adam Mashike Chiropractor, Functional Medicine Practitioner

BEFORE

AFTER

MRI scan before & after

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

851 South Main Street, Suite #3, Plymouth, MI • mashikechiropractic.com • 734-354-0020

G N I R S I E R IGH H

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WANT TO TRANSFER TO A FOUR-YEAR SCHOOL?

Start your path to a bachelor’s degree at Schoolcraft College. Earn credits here, then transfer them to a four-year college. Some advantages include: • Much lower cost per class • Faculty invested in you • Academic guidance • Balance work, classes Registration for Fall 2022 classes is now open. Classes start Monday, August 29. schoolcraft.edu

CRAFT YOUR FUTURE

™

“Terri was absolutely amazing to work with. She sold our condo and helped us purchase our new home. We were very nervous given how hot the market has been and we were very particular with what we wanted and where we wanted to be (near downtown Plymouth). That made it difficult of course, but Terri was able to work magic for us - literally the only term I can think of. She found us our new home and worked masterfully to sell our condo which went way above asking price. We could not have thought of a better person to work with. Truly a great experience.” — Patrick & Kristen S., Plymouth

248.390.9555

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THE ROCK IN FOCUS

W I T H B RYA N M I TCH EL L & B I L L B R E SL ER

THE FUTURE BECKONS! PCCS grads overcame unprecedented challenges to forge life’s next steps

By Brad Kadrich

hey overcame the usual obstacles: Grade-point averages, scheduling snafus, curriculum choices, the social awkwardness of simply growing up. But as the Class of 2022 from PlymouthCanton Community Schools approached their graduation ceremonies earlier this month, it became clear they’d done much more than that. Unlike any of their predecessors, the Class of 2022 also had to overcome a global pandemic that stretched into a third year, causing unprecedented challenges to academic success: Recurring COVID-19 outbreaks, virtual learning, home-schooling, masks, PPE and a variety of other pandemicrelated issues unlike anything anyone in recent memory had faced. 20

The Rock

And on Sunday, June 12, some 1,400 graduates were rewarded during commencement ceremonies held at the Convocation Center at Eastern Michigan University. It was a return to normal for the district, which hadn’t hosted its commencements at EMU since 2019. “It was like coming home,” Superintendent Monica Merritt said of the return to EMU. According to statistics provided by the district, Canton High School’s graduating class included 484 students, while Salem High School had 478 and Plymouth High School had 473. Starkweather Academy’s graduating class included 72 students.

CANTON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2022 GRADUATION Photos by Bryan Mitchell

The Rock

PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2022 GRADUATION Photos by Bryan Mitchell

The Rock

SALEM HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2022 GRADUATION Photos by Bill Bresler

The Rock

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

PCEP SPRING SPORTS ROUNDUP Track teams lead the way, as Levine jumps his way to state title By Brad Emons

here were plenty of 2022 Kodak-type spring sports moments for the PlymouthCanton Educational Park’s three high schools–Canton, Plymouth and Salem. Here are several noteworthy snapshots taken during the just completed season along with a series of highlights.

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

After a sixth-place finish at the 2021 KLAA meet, Plymouth reigned supreme in 2022 winning the title outright at Novi with 112 points, while Salem and Canton placed fifth and 11th place, respectively, with 53 and 25, respectively. Senior Lauren Kiley figured in three firsts while sweeping the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs in 5:01.78 and 10:57.43, respectively. She also teamed up with senior Laila Reed, freshman Shea Douglass and senior Sarah Coyne for a victory in the 4x400 relay (4:03.81). 4 24| |The TheRock Rock

Other conference winners for the Wildcats included Coyne (800, 2:17.35) and senior Courtney Jordan in the long jump (17 feet, 4.5 inches). Meanwhile, KLAA individual champs for Salem included sophomore Madison Morson (high jump, 5-4.5) and sophomore Kate Stewart (pole vault, 11-6). At the MHSAA Division 1 regional at Novi, Northville

edged Plymouth for the title, 146-143.5, while Salem took third (85.5) and Canton sixth (37). Plymouth junior Shravya Ghantasala swept the 100- and 300 hurdles in 16.14 and 47.7, respectively. Other individual winners for the Wildcats included sophomore Alex Cinzori, pole vault (10-9); Reed, 400 (1:00.5); and Coyne, 800 (2:17.01). The Wildcats, coached by Rick Styes, also swept three of four relay races led by Jordan, Douglass, junior Mira Vulaj and Reed in the 4x100 (49.65) and 4x200 (1:44.77). The foursome of Reed, Douglass, Kiley and Coyne also won the 4x400 (4:06.778). Morson, meanwhile, placed runner-up in the D1 state finals in the high jump (5-8) after capturing the regional (5-6). Jordan was the D1 runner-up in the long jump (17-9.5), while Coyne took fourth in the 800 (2:13.81) as both joined Morson as All-Staters (top eight).

Canton sophomore Nathan Levine enjoyed a banner season becoming the Division 1 high jump champion with a leap of 6-8 at Rockford. He also was the regional (6-3) and KLAA champion (6-6). Plymouth junior Sean Byrnes also earned All-State honors with an eighth in the D1 finals in the 3,200 (9:12.58). He was also Novi regional champion in the 3,200 (9:35.07). Canton placed third in the regional with 72.5 followed by Plymouth and Salem in fourth and sixth with 53 and 42, respectively. Other P-CEP individual regional champions included Canton senior Myles Huntley in the 110- and 300 hurdles in 15.4 and 40.99, respectively; Salem senior Michael Letasz, shot put, 47-0; and Canton freshman Quincy Isaac, long jump, 20-5. At the KLAA meet, Canton finished fifth with 41 points followed by Salem in sixth (38) and Plymouth in eighth (36).

BASEBALL

Under first-year coach Jacob Pacholski, Plymouth (30-9, 7-9 KLAA) reached the Division 1-District 15 final before losing to eventual regional champion Northville, 11-6. The Wildcats placed three players on the All-KLAA West team including seniors Will Holmes and Tanner Coffey, along with freshman Josh Taylor. Canton (24-11, 13-8 KLAA),

under coach Mark Blomshield, earned a No. 20 ranking in the final Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Division 1 poll. The Chiefs, ousted by Plymouth 11-6 in the district opener, were led by All-KLAA picks Barrett Barker (senior), Jack Will (junior) and Marcus Vince (sophomore). Meanwhile, Salem (6-13, 3-11 KLAA) lost in the district semifinals to Plymouth, 7-2. The Rocks landed seniors Dylan Fleming, Luke Skaisgir and Garret Southern, along with junior Ben Cannon on the All-KLAA squad.

losing to third-seed Nicole Fu of Rochester Adams, 6-4, 6-4. Teammate Annamarie Raftu, meanwhile, was also a regional champion at No. 2 singles. Both Plymouth (4-3 KLAA West) and Salem (1-4 KLAA West) tied for seventh in the Novi regional with seven points apiece.

SOFTBALL

Canton, under coach Al White, finished 13-0 to win the KLAA West Division crown and wound up No. 10 in the final Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association Division 1 poll before being ousted by Novi in the district semifinals, 7-5. The Chiefs landed five players on the All-KLAA team led by seniors Jenna Caruso, Faith Cramton and Kelsey Nader, along with junior Camille Oyer and sophomore Emma Grau. Plymouth, which finished 8-5 in the KLAA West, reached the regional final after victories over Northville (5-1) and Salem (5-2). The Wildcats to Novi, 4-2, in the final. Four Wildcats earned AllKLAA honors including senior Riley Canfield, junior Ashley Rosiewicz, sophomore Jenna Kuzara and freshman Hannah Simko. Salem, meanwhile, lost to D1 quarterfinalist South Lyon in the district opener, 18-0. Earning All-Conference honors for the Rocks included senior shortstop Sydney Muntean, senior utility player Hana Priester and junior third baseman Megan Claerhout.

GIRLS SOCCER

Under coach Kyle Karns, Salem (11-5-4, 8-2-4 KLAA West) finished the regular season with a No. 14 ranking in the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association Division 1 poll. The Rocks were ousted in the district final by host and state runner-up Northville, 1-0, after defeating Canton (3-2 in OT) and Livonia Churchill (2-0). All-KLAA picks for Salem included senior defender Ashlon Gilmore, senior midfielder Emma Dennison, sophomore midfielder Lauren Driscoll, junior forward Olivia Schuck, sophomore forward Elaine Rama and senior goalkeeper Ava Holloway. Plymouth (7-6-4, 6-5-3 KLAA West) was led by All-KLAA defenders Brynn White (senior), Riley Sheppard (junior), Isabella Blake (junior), along with GIRLS TENNIS midfielder Megan Wu (senior) Led by No. 1 singles player and goalkeeper Isabella Elkins Jenna Redmile, Salem (4-2 (senior). The Wildcats captured KLAA West) took third in the their district opener against D1 regional at Novi with 12 Livonia Franklin (4-0) before points. Redmile was the regional falling to Northville (4-0). champion and reached the semifinals at No. 1 in the Division Canton (6-12-2, 3-10-1 KLAA 1 finals as the second seed before West) won its district opener

against Westland John Glenn, 8-0, before falling to rival Salem in OT. The Chiefs put senior midfielder Emily Woods and senior forward Avery Coykendall on the All-KLAA team.

BOYS GOLF

Plymouth (4-3 KLAA West) took third in the conference pre-tourney and 10th in the post tourney – both played at Kensington Metropark -- before taking eighth at the Salem Hills Division 1 regional with a fourplayer total of 320. The Wildcats were led by KLAA pre-tourney medalist Brayden Niemiec, who carded a 7-2. The senior took eighth in the regional with a 73. Canton (2-4 KLAA West) took sixth in the conference posttournament and eighth in the pretournament. The Chiefs added a fifth at the regional with a 310 total as Alex Mei placed seventh individually with a 72. The senior was KLAA post-season tourney medalist with a 70. Salem (0-6 KLAA West) wound up ninth in the conference post-season tourney and 10th in the pre-tourney. The Rocks took 12th at the regional with a 336 total as Noah Kaminski was 38th overall with an 82.

BOYS LACROSSE

Canton (15-5, 4-0 KLAA East) came through with a division title under coach Dean Hall before being ousted in the regional semifinals by South Lyon Unified, 18-6. The Chiefs were led by AllKLAA picks Parker Salowich (senior attack), Connor Hands (senior defender), Nathan Azarovitz (junior FOGO/ midfielder), Dallas Newman (junior goalie) and Benjamin Crova (junior attack). Junior defender/long stick midfielder Nathan Azarovitz made honorable mention. Plymouth (8-9, 3-1 KLAA East), under coach Josh Abruzzo defeated Novi, 10-4, before losing to Novi Detroit Catholic Central in the second round of the D1 regional, 14-1. The Wildcats’ long stick senior

midfielder Alex Ammar earned third-team All-State honors and senior goalie Reid Caswell was honorable mention by the Michigan High School Lacrosse Coaches Association. Both were All-KLAA, while junior attack Gavin Timberlake was honorable mention. Salem (2-13, 1-3 KLAA East) was eliminated by South Lyon in the regional opener, 18-0. Senior midfielder Benjamin Rama and sophomore attack Jonathan Seeke earned All-KLAA honors for the Rocks, while sophomore midfielder Ben Gramer was honorable mention.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Plymouth (9-7) edged Saline, 9-8, in the D1 pre-regional before falling to eventual state champion Brighton, 25-4. The Wildcats’ Maggie Kime, a sophomore midfielder; Hannah Oberski, a junior attack, and Ava Lemon, a sophomore attack, all earned All-KLAA honors. Salem (7-7), ousted by Northville in the pre-regional, 18-11, landed four players on the All-KLAA squad including sophomore midfielder Mileena Cotter, senior midfielder Brooke Stephenson, senior defender Danielle Cranston and freshman goalie Audrey Poat. Canton (5-10) was eliminated in the regional by Ann Arbor Pioneer, 16-4, as junior midfielder Morgan Waligora and sophomore goalie Emily Coyne earned All-KLAA accolades. Coyne, a midfielder, and Waligora, a goalie, along with midfielders Cotter and Kime, all earned honorable mention AllState by the Michigan Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association. The Rock

t took two meetings and more than half-a-dozen votes, but the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees finally filled the board seat left vacant after former Treasurer Mark Clinton resigned for health reasons. Jennifer Buckley, a former U.S. Air Force weather specialist and a Gold Star widow of a U.S. Army captain killed in Iraq, earned four votes in a hotly debated and politically charged discussion at a special meeting June 21 at Plymouth Township Hall. She outlasted Gail Grieger, the executive director of the Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex, and Daniel Callahan, also a Marine combat veteran and longtime Ford employee who finished fifth among Republican

26 | The Rock

candidates for the board in the 2020 election. They were the only three of six candidates (a seventh candidate withdrew) to garner any support. Buckley, who is an eighthgrade history educator at Christ the King Co-Op and who has homeschooled her eight children for 10 years, said she’s ready to get to work (which was good, since she was sworn in and seated at the same meeting). “I feel very confident getting this job,” said Buckley, who owns a small photography business and has lived in the township since 2016. “I’m here to work, to make the township a better place.” She almost didn’t get the chance – at least not yet. The board had to go through five votes – and a great deal of

political machination – to reach the consensus. On the first vote at the June 21 meeting, Buckley had the support of Supervisor Kurt Heise, Clerk Jerry Vorva and trustee Audrey Monaghan, while Grieger drew votes from Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz and John Stewart. Trustee Charles Curmi was the lone vote for Callahan. With no quorum, subsequent votes were taken. On one of them, Vorva switched his vote to Grieger, but Curmi stayed with Callahan. Monaghan, who had backed Callahan at the previous board meeting June 14, joined Heise in support of Buckley. The meeting got heated, as both Stewart and Doroshewitz objected to Buckley’s appointment. “I just don’t think

she’s the right fit,” Doroshewitz said at one point -- questioned Buckley’s support of public schools. Heise, meanwhile, questioned Curmi’s motives for sticking with Callahan. Had the board not come to a decision, the seat would have been up for election in the November mid-terms, and the Republican nominee would have been chosen by the Wayne County 11th District Republican Committee, on whose executive board Curmi sits. That committee earlier in the week passed a resolution naming only Buckley and Callahan as viable Republicans. That decision was apparently reached despite the fact, as James Hooper, a Livonia resident who chairs the Wayne 11th, admitted, the committee did not interview the nine candidates. “We have a fiduciary responsibility to the Republican party in that area – (the Wayne 11th covers Plymouth, Canton, Northville and part of Livonia),” Hooper told the board. “I’m disappointed in the banter going on with this board. We would choose a candidate we believe has the best interest of Republicans in Plymouth Township. Our job is to make sure we have a qualified Republican candidate on the ballot.” Heise pointed out the responsibility for filling the board seat rested with the board, not with the county Republicans. “This is our job,” Heise said. “We can’t pass this on to political parties.” In the end, Curmi relented, backing Buckley on the final vote. But the ugliness of the process didn’t go unnoticed by the new trustee. “I’m a little disappointed at what I saw up here,” she acknowledged.

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Coming Full Circle Aria Hutchinson Brings Home Miss Michigan USA Crown By Wensdy Von Buskirk

hen Plymouth’s own Aria Hutchinson won Miss Michigan USA last month, it made headlines across the country. She was crowned the same week her younger brother, Aidan, a fan favorite at the University of

28 | The Rock

Michigan, was drafted #2 overall by the Detroit Lions. Aria’s state pageant win was elevated to national news by association, but the 23-yearold’s story was sometimes overshadowed by her brother’s. The Rock set out to focus on Aria, but we quickly realized there is a reason the press lumps the siblings together and goes on to talk about their parents, Chris and Melissa, and sister, Mia. The Hutchinsons’ achievements are so intertwined that it’s hard to talk about one without the others.

dress-up with the tiara and sash her mom won at age 15 as Miss Michigan Teen USA. “I was the girl who always wanted to be a princess,” Aria said. Inspired by her mom, she entered Miss Michigan Teen USA three years in a row, scoring first runner-up in 2016 and third runner-up in 2017. “I was always kind of ‘close but no cigar,’” she said. With her mom’s encouragement, she took a break from pageants to regroup. Aria graduated high PAGEANT REIMAGINED school from Our Lady of The Hutchinsons moved Divine Child in Dearborn and to Plymouth when Aria was pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in in kindergarten. She grew up walking to Our Lady of Good Neuroscience at U-of-M. Counsel, riding her bike through “I turned more into a tomboy downtown Plymouth with friends, as I got older,” Aria said. “I and doing dance competitions snowboard. I love science. But with Aidan. She also played this was an unfinished book

that was still open. I never had closure. There was a part of me that really wanted to win this.” When Miss USA launched “Pageantry Reimagined” with a new emphasis on authenticity and community engagement, Aria decided it was time to get back in the game. She emerged from four months of seclusion, studying for the

rigorous MCAT exam, and entered Miss Michigan USA 2021 on a whim. She made the top 15, and with Wayne State University Medical School starting the following July, she

thought that would be her last stab at the crown. “I was going to close the book on that chapter of my life,” she said. Yet, unexpectedly, Miss Michigan USA bumped its 2022 pageant up to May, making it possible for Aria to compete before buckling down for med school. “It was divine timing. I’ve never really trained hard for these, but I decided to throw myself into it and give myself the best shot, do everything I have to do,” she said. She participated in mock interviews, practiced the pageant walk, changed her diet, and even launched her own non-profit. Her hard work paid off.

CROWNING GLORY With her family in the audience at McMorran Entertainment Center in Port Huron, Mich., Hutchinson beat out 77 candidates to win Miss Michigan USA. “Apparently, God wanted me to win this year,” she said. Aria will represent Michigan in the Miss USA pageant in November. In the meantime, she will use her platform to promote Project InPower, the non-profit she launched with her best friend, Ashley Mark. Aria is a certified yoga teacher (she is on the schedule at White Buffalo

in Plymouth), and Ashley is a black-belt tae kwon do instructor. The two team up to provide selfdefense, yoga, and meditation classes to victims of human trafficking. “We really want to give them the tools they need to feel in control of their lives again,” Aria said. It’s a mission influenced by her mom. After winning her own crown, Melissa traveled extensively as a model but became disillusioned with the industry. “Even though I had success at modeling, I knew I could never depend on it. I knew it was fleeting, and I knew I needed much more substance in my career,” she said. Melissa earned a degree in communications from U-of-M and took to the other side of the camera, taking fine art photographs and building a business based primarily on empowering girls and young women by bringing out their unique beauty. “I helped them with their confidence, taking the mystery out of the model and everything they see on Instagram,” she said. She has since passed her clients onto her eldest daughter Mia, supporting her as she builds a business of her own. “The theme of my whole life

in photography and now Mia is giving people their power back,” Melissa said.

TEAM HUTCHINSON The entire Hutchinson family —parents and three siblings— graduated from U-of-M. Mia earned a degree in creative writing and photography. Now, along with shooting Aria for her pageant career, she photographs Aidan and serves as his social media manager and content creator. Just as Aria and Mia followed in their mother’s footsteps, Aidan has inherited his father’s talent for football. Chris Hutchinson was a standout player for the Wolverines and graduated to become a free agent. Health issues during training camp with the Cleveland Browns made him decide to leave the gridiron to

become a doctor. In a twist of fate, when Chris got deathly ill from a tetanus shot 10 years later, he realized that an allergy to the shots was at the root of the health scare that made him hang up his cleats. “It was a godsend,” Melissa said. “He is such an incredible

physician in the emergency room. You see your calling in life as the years go by. It was an absolute blessing.” These days, despite being busy with patients and the demands of his career, he never misses a game, pageant, or family event. As Aria embarks on a medical career of her own, regardless of how she fares in Miss USA this fall, it’s all coming full circle for the Hutchinsons. “We have a lot of moving parts, but we’re one heartbeat,” Melissa said. The Rock | 29

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BRINGING CONCRETE TO LIFE Students turn ugly slab at Township Park into interactive mural Story by Brad Kadrich | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

t’s pretty simple for Salem High School senior Allison Traylor: She just likes fish. So when Traylor got a chance to design a mural for a previously blank slab of concrete in Plymouth Township Park Traylor – who said she’s worked “at a bunch” of pet stores -- naturally turned to what she knows best. Taking advantage of a mural design contest sponsored by the Plymouth Township Environmental Commission and under the direction of Salem High School art teacher Craig Linderman, Traylor drew the winning design featuring her favorite fish: the koi. “I just really like fish in general…so that’s what I chose,” Traylor said. “I was surprised and very excited (her design was chosen). I’ve never gotten an opportunity like this so it was 32 | The Rock

nice to get the chance.” Linderman saw the slab a year ago and wondered why it had to be so gray. So the idea for the mural was born. Linderman charged art students at his school, and Catherine Williams, the arts coordinator for the Plymouth-Canton district, spread the wealth to other students. In all, some 20 designs were submitted from high school, middle school and elementary students. Williams said people automatically assumed the winning design would come from a high-schooler, but she said there were a number of great designs submitted. “People say, ‘it’s going to be the high school kids you’re going to pick,’” Williams said. “But we had an elementary school design among the finalists.

“It was really difficult to pick the (winner),” she added. “There were a lot of good ideas.” Williams said Traylor’s design was chosen in part because of the number of design elements in it, and the opportunity to get more kids involved. “For us, it was an element of design,” Williams said. “Thinking about how it could lay out on the cement and engage a lot of kids. We felt this one captured the quality for kids and the (ability) to get more kids engaged.” That’s what Environmental Commission representative Joanne Lamar likes about it, too. The mural, on a slab of concrete adjacent to the park’s splash pad, is an interactive design that will allow kids to play games and be more active. “Families sit around the picnic tables…and kids want something

to do,” Lamar said. “Now the whole area is a kids area.” Linderman said he wanted to get the size right, so he plugged Traylor’s 8-1/2” by 11” design into the computer in order to create the scale he needed for the 12-foot-by-15-foot mural. The Plymouth Township Home Depot store donated all the primer and paint, and the kids went to work. “It wasn’t difficult,” he said. “I put it into the computer and enlarged it to the size we needed. We didn’t want to come out to do it by hand.” The whole idea was to teach collaboration and the ability to work together, especially now with pandemic restrictions finally easing a bit. “After being closed off for two years, it’s good to bring that community back together,” she said.

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Patriotic Pride Plymouth Fourth of July parade returns after pandemic-induced absence

fter a three-year absence, the Kiwanis Club of Colonial Plymouth’s hallmark Fourth of July parade is returning to Main Street – with hundreds and even thousands of folks set to celebrate the holiday free of the pandemic’s stubborn protocols and stipulations. The 2022 holiday parade is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on July 4, near Bode’s Corned Beef House at Main and Theodore streets. It will proceed south to Hartsough Street, in the vicinity of the Colonial Veterinary Clinic. According to Kiwanis Club of Colonial Plymouth spokesman Scott Kappler, there is a lot of excitement building and even a sigh of relief that – after COVID-19 restrictions forced the 2020 and 2021 parades to

The Rock

By Tim Smith be canceled – the historic town again will be able to honor the nation’s birth with a flourish of sights and sounds. “I tell you what, when I took my special events application to the city, everyone I interacted with was very happy,” Kappler said. “Plymouth residents and people I know around town are very positive about the parade being back. I’m excited to be involved in it again.” Kappler aptly described the parade as a “variety show in motion,” noting some of the groups which are longtime crowd favorites. Chief among those faves is the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park marching band. He also is looking forward to witnessing a combined high school pompom group featuring members from each of the three

high schools (Canton, Plymouth and Salem). “I’m expecting somewhere between 40 and 70 kids in that group,” Kappler noted. “That should be pretty entertaining. And we’ve got a couple other musical groups, one of which is Steve King and the Dittilies, they are always a crowd favorite. “There’s another musical instrumental group, it’s like a drum line, that will be in the parade. I think the crowd will really like that.” Parade watchers will get to watch classic cars, not to mention an honor guard representing the City of Plymouth Police Department. “It will be nice to have them in the parade, that will be their first time in the parade,” he added. “And just some other hopefully

entertaining groups. That’s what this parade is, it’s a variety show in motion and that’s what we try to get all of our parade participants to get on board with.” And he teased there will be other surprises included in the parade lineup. To ensure safety for all concerned, parade participants will be prohibited from tossing candy and small toys into the audience standing and sitting along both sides of Main Street. “And likewise, we don’t want audience members running into the street during the parade,” Kappler continued. “But the bigger the audience, the better.” Kappler said the fun doesn’t have to end when the parade stops. An ice cream social in Kellogg Park (run by the city) will be on tap. Also expected to serve up cold, tasty treats will be the Dairy GoRound and Dairy King, the latter located near city hall. “Starbucks is typically open on the morning because there’s just people everywhere,” Kappler said. “And it’s a great morning, it’s a great event for Plymouth. It only lasts two or three hours and then people can get on with the rest of their July Fourth festivities.” According to Kappler, the whole thing couldn’t be possible without the generosity of area sponsors both large and small. “The parade certainly costs money.” Those sponsors include the following: Plymouth Physical Therapy Specialists, Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce, Caviston Insurance Agency, Community Financial Credit Union, Herriman & Associates, The Wilcox Foundation, Horton Plumbing & Remodeling, Plymouth Dental Associates, Bank of Ann Arbor, Morse Dental Group, Great Clips of Plymouth and The Post Local Bistro.

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