Northvillians and friends,
It was great to see many of you at the Tipping Point Theatre’s opening night of “A Very Northville Christmas” and later, I saw some of you dining and enjoying the nightlife in Downtown Northville, a truly “Hallmark Card” setting during the holidays.
Additionally, I had the great opportunity to attend Gov. Whitmer’s Service Award Ceremony at the Fox Theater last week, a tribute for Michiganders on their service to the state. I was truly honored and privileged to witness The Governor’s Lifetime Humanitarian Service Award being given to a Northvillian who has done so much for the community: Roland Hwang.
Roland Hwang is a past president of the School Board and continues to engage in many local committees, including an Environmental Impact Board where we serve together. He, like many Northvillians, has exemplified an unwavering dedication to serving his community, fueled by a belief in justice and equality. Roland’s remarkable service history spans multiple decades and organizations, leaving a lasting mark on Michigan’s civic landscape. Roland has volunteered over 25,000 hours to the International Institute of Metro Detroit, which was founded in 1919 to help immigrants learn English, appreciate freedom and democracy in this country and understand each other’s cultures. Hwang’s service demonstrates his hands-on approach to community-building and shows the lasting impact an individual can make.
Today, building on my comments on gratefulness from last week, I will touch on service activities in Northville.
What’s going on today
• Mill Race Festival of Trees – Stroll through the beautiful Historic Mill Race Village with the whole family to see all the lit trees and get into the holiday spirit.
• Christmas Tree Sale – Scout Troop 755 is selling fresh Fraser firs at the American Legion (100 W. Dunlap) weekends from now until Christmas. See link for details or email
[email protected].
Link
• Magic of Christmas at Maybury Farm – Final weekend, 12/9-10. Holiday Fun and Visits with Santa. See link for info and tickets.
Link
• NHS Holiday Concerts – High School Choirs and Bands perform 12/19 and 12/20 at 7pm. See link for details and tickets.
Link
• Tipping Point Theater – Featuring “A Very Northville Christmas” through 12/23. See link for tickets.
Link
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• Holiday to Remember – Located in downtown Northville 12/9, 12/16, 12/23 from 4-7pm, featuring free Horse & Wagon Rides, Carolers, Bagpiper, Vendors, and More. Santa in Town Square – 12/10 4-6pm, 12/17 1-4pm L
ink.
• Art House’s “There’s Snow Place Like Northville” – 12/16, 10-2pm. Family event with crafts, photo booth, hot cocoa, and Miss Michigan 2023. See
link for tickets.
Service Activities in Northville over time
Community Services – Each day, volunteers on our 27 boards and commissions service the community by sharing their time and talents. Northville has one of the highest percentages of citizen involvement in the state (over 6% of all our citizens are on boards, commissions or task forces). I personally thank all those for dedicating their efforts in all these various groups that benefit our community.
• First Responders – Our accredited police department, our outstanding firefighters and great EMS team provide exemplary protection and service to our community. First responders of the future are being trained through the Explorer Youth program.
• Task Forces – There are many citizens on each task force and others are going to be started in January, including a Bicentennial Committee. We will also launch a Cemeterian group to service our historic cemeteries. Stay tuned for additional information coming next month.
• Service organizations – Since the 1800’s, many service organizations have assisted in initiatives for the Northville area. Organizations like the Masons, Eagles, VFW, American Legion, Rotary, Woman’s Club, Scouts, Lions Club, Kiwanis, and numerous others have committed their time and efforts for the betterment of the community.
• New Hope Center for Grief Support – I recently attended their annual fund-raising gala to support their work of bringing families and youth together, bridging support services.
• Northville Youth Network (NYN) has been serving Northville youth and their families for more than three decades. The organization empowers youth through healthy lifestyle programs and assists to connect individuals to other agencies and businesses.
• PTA & volunteers – I thank those supporting our schools (athletics, bands, choirs, theater, student groups, and fundraising). The outreach of groups such as the Northville Educational Foundation and Northville Community Foundation has been outstanding. I thank parents for all they do for our award-winning school system.
• Civic Concern – As mentioned last week, this group has been providing food assistance and much more all across our community since 1983.
• Other service organizations – We couldn’t do many of the activities in town without support from others such as: Northville Art House, Northville Historical Society, Northville District Library and the Friends of Maybury.
• Beautification and environmental groups – These groups (Garden Clubs, Northville Tree Champions, Beautification Commission, the Sustainability Team and others) keep things growing!
• Special others – I would also like to thank other special groups that serve our community, including the Northville Chamber of Commerce, 100 Women Who Care, Amerman Playground Fund Group, Northville Community Support Fund, Living and Learning, along with many more.
• Churches – I thank the spiritual leaders and congregations for their support of our residents.
• Downtown businesses – I truly believe that we cannot have a strong community without a cohesive vibrant downtown. Thank you for all you do as merchants and shoppers!
We as a community are so very thankful for all of you that share your time, talents and treasures serving this town we love. As far back as the 1800’s, Northville has been called the Hamlet in the Hills and the Switzerland of the County. It is a special place to live not only because of its topography, historic downtown, and educational institutions, but because of each of you.
Keep that Northville Service Faith!
Brian P. Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849
