Kosta and Marcy Makris, owners of Northfield Village Pizza have generously been supporters of the Drug Free Partnership’s GO! (Guys Only) Program. For over 8 months, the Makris’ have contributed their delicious pizzas to a group of up to 20 boys and 8 volunteers each Wednesday night. Kosta and Marcy agree that helping youth in a community that has welcomed and embraced them over the past two years, is a worthwhile cause. The GO! Program is an asset building program for young men grades 6-10, to connect with positive male role models and to develop healthy behaviors while challenging themselves in a variety of activities. We base the program on the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. The Assets spread across 8 broad areas of human development. Each category is further broken down to provide positive things all young people need to grow up healthy and responsible. Part of the weekly program includes an evening meal where youth and their mentors can sit together to discuss healthy choices and positive decision making. Changes to the Drug- Free Partnership’s grant, no longer allowed those meals to be possible. When approached by Norwich University’s Adam Van Vught, a GO! Program faculty advisor, the Makris’ quickly stepped in and agreed to help. Their support provides local youth the opportunity to continue these positive and supportive traditions. Previously known as the Red Kettle Restaurant, the Makris’ and Northfield Village Pizza have earned their place in the Northfield landscape. In unison, Kosta and Marcy emphasize their goal of creating a family environment where the old and young alike feel right at home! Whether you are a “regular” or newly visiting Northfield Village Pizza you will find that Marcy and Kosta practice what they preach as their two daughters, 3 year old Effie and 1 year old Alenna, are frequent visitors to their family’s restaurant. Northfield Village Pizza is located at 165 Route 12 South. Just look for the line of people at their Creemee window beginning Sunday, April 28. Though they inherited the nightmare of creemee machines, this year they have purchased a new machine and have remodeled the creemee room. Open weekdays from 4pm to closing (though you can make your way inside and order from noon on), Saturday’s from noon to close and Sunday’s from noon to 8pm, the creemee window will offer much more than your favorite tasty frozen treat! You can order fried foods such as burgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings and the like. While the Makris’ remind us they are here to stay, they wish to thank the community for welcoming them and being patient while they have adapted the restaurant to be the friendly homestyle place they have always dreamed of. And, the Drug Free Partnership sends a greater thank you to Kosta and Marcy Makris for supporting our local youth with their generous, weekly donation!
Kosta & Marcy Makris, owners of Norhfield Village Pizza are supporting youth programs in town. Photo courtesy GNCC