2 resign from Plymouth Township Board of Trustees

Plymouth Township officials will be seeking candidates to fill two unexpired terms following the resignation of  Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz and Trustee Jen Buckley, who officially announced their plans to leave the board during the June 23 meeting. Each of the official resignations leaves leave a partial term vacancy on the board. Both Doroshewitz, who has served on the board since 2003, and Buckley, first named to the board in 2022, said their decisions were not prompted by the recent fractious board meetings during the search to replace former Clerk Jerry Vorva, who retired earlier this year.

Vorva retired last February, citing an ongoing battle with cancer. The board hesitated for more than three months in accepting his resignation, apparently in an effort to avoid an election to fill his position. Public dissention among board members resulted in a lawsuit filed by Vorva against fellow board member John Stewart, alleging a hostile working environment among other claims of misconduct.

Eventually, following unsuccessful bids for the position from both Buckley and Trustee Sandy Groth, Kim Gaedekew was appointed to fill Vorva’s unexpired term as township clerk.

Doroshewitz told his fellow officials during the meeting that he plans to leave his position at the end of the year or early next year, about halfway through his four-year term. The treasurer’s position pays an annual salary of $120,000, plus benefits.. 

“I wanted to let the board know early, and now the public will know,” he said. “That will give us six months to search for the right replacement.  I don't want to say I'm retiring for health reasons because that's the only part of the story,” he said, noting he and his wife plan to travel, spend time at the family home up north and focus on a healthy lifestyle. "It's just time,: he said.

Doroshewitz was first elected to the board as a trustee in 2004 and was appointed treasurer in 2022 to fill a vacancy. He was elected to the treasurer’s position in 2024. He said he hopes to oversee a software transition and preparation of winter tax bills before leaving.

Buckley sent a letter outlining her potential resignation to the board with a caveat that she could rescind her decision. She said her decision was based on a probable family move outside the township but noted she could withdraw her resignation if the purchase of the new home is not completed prior to formal acceptance of her departure by board members. Trustees are paid about $13,200 annually.

She was appointed to the board position in 2022, a decision also marked by public dissention and disagreement during board meetings. Buckley was eventually named to fill the unexpired term of Doroshewitz when he was appointed to fill the treasurer’s position following the resignation of Mark Clinton due to health issues. In her letter, Buckley thanked the board for the “great honor of working for the betterment” of the community. 

Candidates named to the two positions will be required to seek election in 2028 if they wish to remain in the appointed positions.

Join the parade

Local communities celebrate Semi-quincentennial of America

While the annual celebration of the 4^th of July is traditionally marked with hometown parades in the area, this year the events are also marking the 250^th birthday of our country. The Semiquincentennial, will be celebrated in both the Plymouth and Northville communities where annual parades traditionally reflect the history of the nation.

Each community is expecting an even larger audience this year with the special anniversary of the nation.

The historic charm and respect for history of both communities is an example of the enduring American spirit, freedom, and the pioneer drive, parade organizers noted. 

The 4^th of July parade in Plymouth will begin at 9 a.m. and travel down Main Street throughout the downtown area. More than 100 entries will join the celebration of the 250^th anniversary of America. A United States Coast Guard flyover is planned at 9 a.m. along with inflatable balloon figures, patriotic floats, acrobats and circus performers, drill teams and veterans. The famous Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps and the Plymouth High School Marching Band will join several other attractions. Organizers said parking will be available on side streets and at business lots throughout the community.

In Northville, the parade will travel down Main Street, cross to Dunlap and then back to Cady Street. All the traditional attractions which bring more than 10,000 people into the Northville community will again join the celebration of America. Organizers from both communities have encouraged visitors to wear red, white and blue, wave flags and cheer for the performers and veterans who bring the celebrations to life. The 250-year mark of the nation is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on the founding of our country and the continuous evolution of America, officials said.  

Death of former Westland Mayor Charles Pickering mourned

The death last weekend of former Mayor of Westland Charles “Chuck” Pickering, 83, was announced by city officials earlier this week.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete at press time.

Mr. Pickering served as the mayor of Westland from 1982 until 1985. He served more than 19 years on the Westland City Council, including six years as council president.

Through his years in both the mayor's office and on the city council, Pickering was remembered throughout the community as a positive influence who helped shape the trajectory of Westland through his dedication to civic progress.

Before embarking on his extensive career in local politics, Mr. Pickering served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He became a resident of Westland in 1971 and remained deeply involved in the community for the rest of his life while pursuing his career as a Real Estate Broker.

He passed away after a life of dedicated service to his country and his city, leaving behind a lasting impact on Westland and a legacy that continues to be remembered by community leaders and residents, commented several local officials who worked with him.

Throughout his time as mayor and during his subsequent campaigns and tenures on the Westland City Council, Mr. Pickering focused heavily on localized civic improvements, constituent advocacy, and economic development.

Current Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman expressed his sympathies to Mr. Pickering’s family in a social media post.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Westland Mayor Chuck Pickering. He was a great influence on me over the years and I’ll always be grateful to have been a friend. He served our country in the Marines and our city in many ways including on the city council. Westland is better because of him. My deepest sympathy goes to his friends, family and loved ones,” Coleman said.

Wayne County Commissioner Glenn Anderson remembered the generous support Mr. Pickering offered him during his career in public service.

“Chuck Pickering and I had numerous conversations over the years and he was always willing to do good for others. He gave me good advice and always was on the side of our citizens. I will miss him terribly. Thank you Chuck for your friendship and all you did for our city,” Anderson posted on Facebook.

The official statement from the city noted Mr. Pickering’s decades of service to the community and the “lasting impact he made on our city.”

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him,” the official statement noted.

Funeral arrangements were expected to be posted when complete on the city website.

Canton Township fireworks display ‘Ignites the Night’

Canton Ignites the Night, a special America 250 community celebration is planned from 6:30 until 10:30 next Thursday, July 9 in Heritage Park, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road.

The special event which includes a fireworks show is sponsored by Advanced Orthodontics, Jacob Matthew Jewlers, and Schoolcraft College. Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham Hudak will welcome the audience, and the winners of the America 250 poster contest will be announced. Organizers said food choices from area restaurants and food trucks will be available, as well as live music, kids’ activities, and other entertainment, all leading up to the fireworks extravaganza that is scheduled to begin after dusk. In addition, Washtenaw Community College will be onsite with a mobile classroom, featuring a free liberty-themed family-friendly activity.

“We’re hoping all ages will join us to commemorate America’s 250^th in Heritage Park, where they’ll be able to experience an unforgettable night of live music, delicious local food and drinks, as well as a spectacular fireworks finale,” said Laura Mortier, Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services deputy director. “Canton has a well-respected tradition for its fireworks, so we hope that area residents will celebrate this special milestone in American history together that culminates with some of the best fireworks around.” 

Featured entertainment will include performances by the Detroit Drive Band at the Amphitheater starting at 7 p.m., as well as an 8 p.m. performance of  DJ Zaneta on the Canton LIVE Stage, which is located on the north side of Heritage Park.

Spectators are also encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enhance their experience during this outdoor community celebration. There is no admission fee for this outdoor event, and parking is free. For more information about Canton Ignites the Night, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.

Canton Township Deputy Clerk honored by state association

The Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC) has named Canton Township Deputy Clerk Katie Baker as the organization’s 2026 Deputy Clerk of the Year.

Katherine “Katie” Baker entered public service in 2020, just weeks before one of the most demanding election cycles in modern history. What began as a challenging introduction quickly became the foundation of her passion for the clerk’s profession, noted a prepared release announcing the award.

“She immersed herself in every aspect of the office — elections administration, records management, statutory compliance, and resident services — earning the confidence of her colleagues and leadership through professionalism, adaptability, and an exceptional work ethic. Her rapid mastery of operations led to her promotion to Deputy Clerk and Electi
ons Manager in 2022,” officials said.

Baker has worked tirelessly to transform service delivery in Canton Township noted township officials.  She led the migration of all clerk’s office applications, permits, and licenses to digital platforms – reducing paper usage, improving efficiency, and expanding accessibility for residents. She further developed Quick Reference Guides that have become essential tools for staff and election workers, ensuring consistency and “futureproofing” the clerk’s office for anyone to step into any role or responsibility with confidence, they added.

Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist described Baker as a “trusted leader, a mentor, and a steady presence in moments of pressure and uncertainty,” noting that “she has earned the respect of community leaders, fellow clerks, our staff, and most importantly the residents we serve. Our office is stronger, more professional, and more compassionate because of her leadership.”

In addition to her technical and operational achievements, Baker mentors high school students and participates in the MastHERmind program, where she introduces young women to careers in public service and municipal leadership.

Baker is an active member of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks, the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), and the Association of Wayne County Clerks. She serves on the Wayne County Clerk Working Group and has participated in statewide initiatives, including the Proposal 2 Implementation Committee with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Her contributions have helped shape best practices adopted by the Bureau of Elections.

Baker earned her Bachelor of Science in English from Central Michigan University and holds both the Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk (MiPMC) and Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designations. She is actively pursuing her Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) certification.

“Knowledge alone is valuable. However, knowledge shared in a way that others can understand and use – that is what truly elevates performance,” Baker said.

“Baker’s contributions to the profession are exemplary and her efforts have not gone unnoticed, and the MAMC wants to thank her for her years of service to her community and to the association,” a spokesperson noted.

The MAMC is a professional organization that exists to promote, enhance, and encourage the professional development and standing of municipal clerks through cooperation, communication,

education and training by utilizing seminars, institutes and meetings; to promote and encourage improvement of methods and procedures of duties performed by clerks; and to address legislative matters relating to the municipal clerk’s responsibilities.

Of the eight states that administer elections on the local level, Michigan is one of the largest with approximately 280 city clerks and 1,240 township clerks. Michigan’s elections system is administered by more than 1,603 county and local election officials, making it one of the most decentralized in the nation. Additionally, there are more than 250 village clerks in Michigan, who are also represented by the MAMC.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Canton Ignites the Night set

A special America 250 celebration is planned in Canton Township from 6:30 until 10:30 p.m. July 9 in Heritage Park, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road in Canton.

Organizers said festive food choices from area restaurants and food trucks will be available, as well as live music, kids’ activities, – leading up to the big fireworks extravaganza that is scheduled to begin after dusk. 

For more information about Canton Ignites the Night, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.

 

School Supply Drive set by United Way

The annual Plymouth Community United Way School Supply Drive will continue from July 1 through July 31. The goal this year is to collect supplies to fill 200 student backpacks. Information regarding donations is available on the United Way website and social pages.

 

Duck Race tickets on sale

The Annual Lucky Ducky Rubber Duck Race sponsored by the Belleville Rotary Club is set for 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 on Belleville Lake at Horizon Park. Tickets, limited to 1,100, are now available from any Rotary member.

For more information, visit the Belleville Rotary Club Facebook page.

 

Art in the Park set for weekend of July 10-12

Nearly 3,000 visitors are expected to fill Kellogg Park and the downtown streets in Plymouth during the annual Art in the Park event set for July 10-12.

To alleviate crowded city parking, a $9 shuttle service will run from Schoolcraft College, offering free parking and transportation to the center of the downtown event. Children 12 and younger ride free.