A note from from Mayor Brian Turnbull...


** NORTHVILLIANS,
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This past weekend, it was great seeing many Northvillians on the streets of our City where the bollards were up for the “See you on the Streets” event. Saturday morning family fun was front and center with face painting, balloons for the children and cotton candy available for all. The music group “Northville Folk” was playing on Main Street in front of the Marquis Theatre for those that strolled the streets, and later on, Steve King and the Dittilies kicked off the night life in downtown Northville. It was truly quite a weekend in the Ville from Kentucky Derby parties to a dedication of the Unity Skate Park at Millennial Park.

Working together we can accomplish so much. The partnership that the City, Township and County has brings dreams to reality. As an example, I believe the Unity Skate Park will become one of the greatest placemaking areas in the area where many generations will gather and enjoy fellowship.

Spring is certainly here, and Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Over the past few weeks, we have celebrated the advent of spring with Arbor Day and Earth Day activities, the Farmers’ Market OPENING DAY along with reviewing local initiatives at our State of the Community address. These are truly transformational times.

MOTHER’S DAY HISTORY
Mother’s Day in general is a special holiday to honor our mothers and is celebrated in countries throughout the world. In its modern form, the holiday originated in the Unites States where it is observed on the second Sunday in May. Some fun facts:
* The first celebration for this holiday occurred in West Virginia, at St. Andrews Methodist Church on May 10^th, 1908, and was organized by Anna Jarvis for her mother.
* In 1910 the West Virginia governor proclaimed Mother’s Day a State Holiday.
* Within five years, virtually every state was observing Mother’s Day, and in 1914, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday.
* In 1962 the magnificent St. Andrews Church built in 1873 and host to the first Mother’s Day celebration was renamed and declared to be the International Mother’s Day Shrine.

Mother’s Day has always been special in Northville, with restaurant brunches, community breakfasts, musical events at churches and other special events hosted by our businesses, charitable organizations, and the City.

BEFORE LOOKING AT NORTHVILLE'S MOTHER'S DAY ACTIVITIES THROUGH THE YEARS, LET'S SEE WHAT'S GOING ON TODAY...
* Maybury Community Bike Ride - 5/8, 6-8PM – Enjoy the trails, enter to win an adult e-bike or kid’s bike and helmet. Link ([link removed])
* Cemetery Renovation (Cemeterians) next meeting will be May 9^th at 7PM at City Hall. See link for material: Link ([link removed])
* Cars and Coffee – Saturday, 5/11, 8-10AM – Join us for the first gathering of the season, behind Old Village School next to the Library (212 W. Cady St.) – Bring a car/bring yourself/bring a friend.
* Michigan Heritage Homes Program at Mill Race Village – 5/22, 7PM – Robert Myers of the Historical Society of Michigan talks about how to research century-old homes and apply for recognition. Link ([link removed])
* Northville for Peace Gathering, 5/19, 2-3:30 - Ford Field (Kite Flying, Drawing, Tie dye shirts) 4-6:30 PM Northville Community Center (Snack & Chat, speakers). Worldwide Peace Day Link ([link removed])
* Convertibles needed to transport dignitaries in our Memorial Day and July 4th Parades - if you have one to share that you can drive in the parade please contact me.

Questions from Citizens

INFO
- Pothole Hotline (Wayne County) – Call 1-888-762-3273.

Projects Around Town
* Ford Field – Phase I beginning (entryway, overview vista, fencing, infrastructure) Link ([link removed])
* Riverwalk – Daylighting of Rouge River & River Park work has begun @ Downs Link ([link removed])
* Northville Downs – Demo work has begun on the 49-acre Mixed Use development (31% greenspace) with a 10.4-acre River Park. Project Info Link ([link removed]) & City info Link ([link removed])
* Questions on purchasing a Downs home – [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
* Farmers’ Market – Thursdays ‘24 location-Highland Lakes Mall, finalizing future site.
* Infrastructure – Crosswalk painting and review of roads underway

LET'S LOOK AT MOTHER'S DAY ACTIVITIES IN NORTHVILLE OVER TIME...
1919 – The Northville Greenhouse ad in The Record for Mother’s Day included this poem:
To Mothers at Home
Flowers Bright,
To Mothers’ Memory
Flowers White

1932 – Rotarians hosted mothers at a Community luncheon. The Record noted:” Tears filled many eyes as Rotarians paid tribute to their mothers.” Also, there was a story about how mothers were honored at the local churches by special musical tributes.

1935 – A special Mother’s Day edition of The Northville Record was published featuring unique Mother’s Day gifts (Including arrays of chocolates, flowers, along with additional gifts and services). Businesses mentioned were Northville Drugs, Spagnuolo’s confectionery, Turnbull’s Electric and others that were open late Mother’s Day Eve for shopping convenience.

1943 – During WWII Michigan Bell advertised in The Northville Record … “Mothers are understanding and patriotic … Mothers know that under the steadily increasing burden of war, long distance telephone equipment is seriously overloaded, so send your love in a letter.”

1964 – The Merchants again this year banded together to make an enjoyable shopping experience for Mother’s Day weekend with bands playing and merchandise giveaways. It was announced that businesses were open late Thursday through Saturday before Mother’s Day.

1979 – The Record dedicated an entire section for folks to Wish Mom a Happy Mother’s Day… all for $3 for 10 words. The pages filled up!

1996 – An article spoke about how Northville’s mothers played a vital role in the development of our Community over time, and highlighted many mothers who were role models to our youth and supported events like musical concerts, including Bob Seger appearances in the 60’s.

2000 – A Northville Record article entitled Panicked over Mother’s Day? Don’t Worry … spoke about how Northville merchants stocked up yet again with an abundance of merchandise & flowers, and they were open late the night before for the convenience of all Northvillians looking for last minute gifts. Many stores that are still in business today were mentioned in the “night-before festivities” article, including Orin Jewelers, Van Dams and Genitti’s.

2009 – A Mother/Son magic show at Genitti’s celebrated Mother’s Day a little early that year with a full stage Show by Jasen Magic.

With the State flower (the trillium) starting to come into full bloom this week, it reminds me that it’s that time of year to slow down and think about those that are special to you on this Mother’s Day weekend. Take in and enjoy all that Spring has to offer in the Ville – stroll by the river, walk down Dunlap or around the Mill Race and enjoy the budding trees, or just relax on a bench around town square. Let’s be sure to thank all our wonderful mothers for all they are and all that they do!

Keep that Northville Mother's Day 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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