NORTHVILLIAN 3/03/2026
Today, I will talk about local volunteers in our community who share their unique time and talents for the betterment of our locality. We as Northvillians celebrated their accomplishments recently at the Northville Chamber Community Awards annual event, which included dinner at Genitti’s and presentations at the Presby Church Facilities.
Background & History on the Chamber’s Award Gathering:
For 50 years, since 1976, the Northville Chamber of Commerce has celebrated the dedication and commitment of community members who give their time and energy to make the Northville area a special place to live, work and recreate. Each year, one citizen has been recognized with the “Citizen of the Year” award. In recent years, additional awards have been given to those who volunteer their time to various organizations across the community.
In 2014, this top honor was designated the “John Genitti Citizen of the Year Award”, in memory of our beloved resident and businessman John Genitti.
Before reviewing Northvillian award recipients … let’s see what’s happening in town today:
TASK FORCE MEETINGS
- Bicentennial Task Force Mtg – 3/18/26, 7PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
- Cemetery Renewal Task Force – 3/23/26, 7PM City Hall (Dave Marold – Chair)
Let’s look at the Chamber’s 2025 Award Winners
City of Northville Volunteer of the Year Award – David Marold
- Mr. Marold has shared his time and talents as the Chair & leader of the Cemetery Restoration Task Force, and before that he was an active member of the Farmers’ Market Task Force & the BZA board.
- David, acting as the Chair of the Cemetery Restoration Task force, coordinates the efforts to repair and restore monuments & the grounds at the historic Oakwood & Rural Hill cemeteries, readying them for our bicentennial in 2027.
Northville Township Volunteer of the Year Award – Diana Wallace
- Diana Wallace is the Executive Director of the Northville Community Foundation which operates Maybury Farm to improve the quality of life in the Northville Community.
- Ms. Wallace has spearheaded the involvement of her Foundation to be actively involved with local parades (6 of them), special events and the holiday home tours among other activities. Diana has dedicated her time and talents to the community for decades.
Northville Public Schools Educator of the Year – Michael Rumbell
- Rumbell has taught music in Northville for 53 years, and I had the great honor to gain his insights as a student in both middle school, where I was for his first day, and later on at NHS.
- He has been guiding generations of instrumental music students for decades as our community Band Director at NHS, building one of the largest and most enviable high school band programs both in the state and the country.
Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year – Stacy Pearson
- An organization like the Chamber of Commerce depends heavily on the support of volunteers. In 2025, the Chamber hosted 9 large-scale community events which assisted in attracting close to a half a million folks into our downtown … it would have been impossible for this to happen without the assistance of Stacy Pearson.
- Stacy is a person the Chamber worked closely with in a professional capacity, who shared countless hours outside of work (DDA) to support the Chamber. Ms. Pearson selflessly gives her time for the greater community using her immense talents for the benefit of the Ville.
Library Volunteer of the Year – Doris Olrewrsdorf
- For decades, Doris Olrewsdorf has been a member of the Friends of the Northville District Library and has tirelessly dedicated her time and talents to the Library.
- She is responsible for the operation known as the Friends of the Library, who run the used bookstore. Doris leads more than 40 volunteers to keep this fundraising avenue active all 52 weeks of the year.
Chamber Small Business of the Year Award – Orin Jewelers
- Community has always been at the heart of Orin Jewelers & the Orin Mazzoni Family. Through leadership built on three generations –Orin Sr., Orin Jr. (Chairmen) and now daughter Antoinette Mazzoni Kramar (President) – the store plays an active role in bringing people together and supporting what makes Northville special.
- Antoinette serves as Treasurer of the Northville Central Business Association, helping shape and support many of the city’s signature events, including Witches Night Out, Derby Days, and Chili in the Ville. She also serves on the board of the Michigan Retailers Association. Orin Jewelers proudly hosts, organizes, and funds the annual Orin Rocks Memorial Day Block Party and regularly supports Downtown, Chamber, and Art House events, amongst other sponsorships.
Large Business of the Year Award – The Davey “Tree Expert” Company
- The Davey Tree Company has demonstrated a strong and consistent commitment to community involvement through education, volunteerism, sponsorships, and active participation in local events.
- The Team is a vital part of our Northville’s DNA and supports community, school, civic and regional events for the benefit of all Northvillians. Additionally, Davey Tree has sponsored school info seminars and STEAM events for the betterment of all students.
Additional Servant Leadership Awards
James Gietzen, Timothy Gilbert, Michael King, Jennifer Schembri
- Browndog continues to deepen its roots in the Northville community and has become known as a true Northvillian business, with the TEAM giving back generously of their time & talents.
- Browndog was involved in a wide variety of community events last year, including Chili in the Ville, Derby Days, the Declan Carter 5K, Victorian Festival, Skeletons Are Alive, Hometown Holiday Weekend, an Ice Cream Social for Seniors, and the Ford Field Playground Fundraiser, among others. They also hosted special regional events here with partners including “Better Made” & “Faygo.”
John Genitti Citizen of the Year: Nancy Darga
- Nancy Darga has faithfully served the City in many capacities as a volunteer, an elected official and Task Force leader, all resulting in positive, meaningful and transformational change.
- Nancy is a founding member of the Friends of the River Rouge and Motor City National Heritage Area, and a long-time supporter of the Mill Race Village. She served as a Northville City Councilmember for 12 years and Parks & Recreation for over 20 years.
- Ms. Darga serves as Chairperson of the River Restoration Task Force, restoring the health of Northville’s waterways, establishing walking trails, and guiding plans for our historic log cabin, the River Park, the Farmers’ Market, Ford Field restorations, along with chairing the Mobility Network Team.
- Mrs. Darga has shared with our community a wealth of knowledge about history, advocacy for protection of natural resources, thoughtful leadership, and tireless hard work in support of these causes; and because of that she was awarded a “Day in the City” in her name and was the recipient of the John Genitti Citizen of the Year award.
Northvillians, I challenge you to get involved, just as those we recognized at the Awards ceremony this year. With your help, we will move forward … Together!
Keep that Northville Faith in Sharing your Time and Talents!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849