A note from from Mayor Brian Turnbull...


** NORTHVILLIANS,
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Over the past few weeks, we have celebrated the greenspace around Northville, the water getaways and the splendor of the season. This week we will continue the summer theme by talking about garden activities, as we are just coming off the Northville Garden Walk held earlier this month, sponsored by the Country Garden Club of Northville.

Notably, the Beautification Commission’s annual awards were just delivered this week. Also, the Mill Race’s Garden Party fundraiser is just around the corner (August 5^th.) I highly encourage you to support their garden event by sharing your time, talents, or treasures. This is their major fundraiser of the year and has lots of festivities on the beautiful grounds.

Garden Club activities have been part of our DNA since our beginnings, and this week we will explore some of these past events.

Before looking at our Garden Activities & Beautification Commission efforts, let's see what's happening today:

8/5 – Northville Historical Society's Garden Party Fundraiser, 4:00-7:00 PM (Mill Race Village). Enjoy food, beer, wine, live music, a silent auction, tour historic buildings and check out the Award-Winning Gardens! Link ([link removed])

8/12 – Steps Against Suicide: This 5K walk & event for the whole family at Ford Field will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Link ([link removed])

Mill Race Historical Village Sundays - Through the summer on most Sundays, 1-4 PM. Docents in Mill Race buildings share Northville’s history.

MUSIC IN TOWN
* MONDAYS – Music at Maybury – 7PM, through August 21^st. Link ([link removed])

* TUESDAYS – Tunes on Tuesdays – Town Square Family Fun 10:30 AM. Link ([link removed])

* WEDNESDAY – Dancing in the Ville @ Town Square, 6:30PM - 8:00PM. Arthur Murray teachers provide lessons in a variety of dance genres (all levels). Sponsored by MJ Diamonds. Link ([link removed])

* Northville Winery nightly music & food trucks (630 Baseline Rd). Link ([link removed])

* Summer Concerts, Friday & Saturday at 7:00 PM – Downtown. Link ([link removed])
Additional live Music can be heard at various locations around town.

Now let's transition to historic Garden Clubs & Beautification efforts in town...
I grew up in one of Northville’s first Better Homes & Gardens houses, which was the old Eaton estate in Orchard Heights. I’m still on that street today, with the largest tree in the City in front of our home. Back in those days, I would plant close to 500 dahlias yearly, along with keeping up the fruit trees and the vegetable gardens around my folks’ home.

The Northville Historical Society's Garden Party Fundraiser (8/5) – Your support of this event enables the Society to continue to care for Northville's history, maintain the Village's buildings, grounds, and gardens along with offering popular community events. I encourage you to be part of the Mill Race festivities at the Garden Party ([link removed]) or become a member ([link removed]) .

Northville Garden Club
1936 – As mentioned in previous notes, the Northville Garden Club Branch of the Michigan National Farm & Garden Association first met in town in 1936 at the New School Church (in Mill Race Village today).
* The Northville branch was sponsored by the National President Mrs. Henry Ford (Clara Bryant). The National Women’s Farm & Garden Club originated in 1914.
* In the 1880’s, Henry and Clara spent their honeymoon here and later brought their friends to town including the Vagabonds group (Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, John Burroughs), to show off its gardens.
* In 1998, the branch name was changed to Northville Garden Club. They are approaching their 90^th anniversary in 2026.

Country Garden Club of Northville
* The Northville Country Garden branch of the Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association was established in 1977.
* Each summer they host an annual Garden Walk (held earlier this month).
* Members maintain beautiful gardens in many public spaces of the Community.

Beautification Commission
* The Northville Beautification Commission ([link removed]) was established in 1967, and they have just finished presenting their 2023 Beautification Awards (look for signs around town).
* The Commission encourages the planting and preservation of trees, flowers, and shrubbery to improve the appearance of Northville.

Our Trees Are Part of our Beauty, Too …
This past week, a decaying legacy Elm Tree behind city hall was unfortunately brought down… but the 20-foot base which was still strong was saved “as is” and will hopefully be carved into an art piece, with gardens around it. Other BIG TREE News:

Northville Tree Champions Are Hard at Work:
* Northville Tree Champions (NTC) is a non-profit, citizen-led advocacy organization that promotes tree appreciation, protection, preservation and new tree planting (40+ members). Thanks in part to their efforts, the City of Northville is a Tree City USA.
* The team recently launched the Majestic Tree Tour ([link removed]) . This online walking guide shows you where to take a stroll around Northville and discover some of the towering giants that make our community special. You can also download the mobile app (see link above) to take this self-guided tour on your GPS-enabled mobile device.
* NTC has established a Facebook Page, too! Find it at [link removed] ([link removed]) .
* The Northville Tree Champions meet monthly to discuss their projects and make plans to help our trees. Their next meeting will be held at NOON, July 29^th, at the Northville District Library.

You can see with our topography of hills, water, and greenspaces, we have a deep appreciation for our natural surroundings. The flowers, vegetation, and sustainability of this community over the years has been a high priority. Our Garden Club groups, along with our Beautification Commission have long played a big part in supporting Northville’s natural splendor.

As our Bicentennial approaches, let’s keep our community engaged in beautification activities for both today and for the tomorrows to come. Again, I highly encourage you to support the Mill Race’s Garden Party event to keep this gardening legacy alive.

Keep that “Hamlet in the Hills” or “Switzerland of the County” Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849

(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)

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