CORKTOWN, Mich. (FOX 2) – An offshoot of a Corktown-based business will be the newest store to open in Michigan Central Station this week that offers both community programming and local crafts.

Neighbor X Folk will officially open its doors on Nov. 22, pitching itself as not just a store, but a “community space where every product tells a story.”

Associated with the James Beard-nominated café ‘Folk’ that doubles as a wine shop, Neighbor X Folk can be found just minutes away from the brand’s primary location on Trumbull.

In a social media post made last week, the business plans to offer “minority-owned and sustainably minded brands” that vary from home decor and tableware, to books, bodycare, and other good giftable items.

Beyond that, the location will also offer workshops and product samplings. They could be cooking sessions or meet-and-greets with popular chefs behind exciting recipes and food brands.

“From hands-on workshops, book signings and product samplings, our space fosters a welcoming environment where creativity thrives amidst a community of conscious consumers and neighbors,” their Facebook post reads.

After a promising first set, the Michigan volleyball team’s hopes were high.

But those hopes quickly faded away, turning into false hopes.

The Wolverines (16-10 overall, 6-9 Big Ten) ultimately fell to Michigan State (10-16, 3-12) after losing three consecutive sets, 3-1, with Michigan sophomore opposite hitter Valentina Vaulet being the only player able to generate consistent production for the Wolverines.

Each set started relatively toe-to-toe with Michigan and the Spartans constantly alternating leads. In the first set, momentum shifted to the Wolverines’ side, as they secured a 25-20 set win. While the following sets had similar starts, the momentum began to shift out of Michigan’s favor and into the hands of Michigan State, giving the Spartans three consecutive set wins.

“(Michigan State) really put a lot of pressure on us to be able to score.” Michigan coach Erin Virtue said. “In this conference, anyone can win any single night. We have to find a way back into that win column.”

Getting back into that “win column” seemed possible for the Wolverines after a promising first set. However, Michigan’s sole reliance on Vaulet and her consistency gave Michigan State an advantage because of the Spartans’ cohesion and better balance on the court.

“Valentina is somebody that we lean on a lot,” Virtue said. “We certainly leaned a lot on her to score points, especially from the offensive side of things, and we really needed some of her counterparts to step up and be able to have a little more balance.” 

Vaulet’s contributions were crucial throughout the match, as she finished with 20 kills, two aces, one block and the winning point for the first set — she far exceeded her teammates’ production. However, her teammates’ reliance on her ultimately cost the Wolverines the match. Her dominance on the court did not deter Michigan State, as the Spartans kept their feet on the gas once they won their second set. Their continued strength through the third and fourth sets, with 25-18 victories in both sets, emphasized the need for Michigan to work on its stability and execution.

“For us, it’s just stabilizing our past and the scenes that we’re working in there,” Virtue said. “We had to do a little bit of a better job in communication or execution.”

With stability, communication and execution in mind, the Wolverines are looking to get back into the win column amid a six-game losing streak.

The team’s constant leaning on Vaulet was a detriment against Michigan State. The Wolverines know they must work cohesively to succeed. To do so, Michigan will need contributions from more than just Vaulet, contributions it didn’t get against Michigan State.

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