NORTHVILLIANS,

• Veterans Day Service – 11/11 at 11AM (438 S. Main) at VFW outdoor memorial area
• Parmenter’s Cider Mill (Established in 1873) … Enjoy the last few weeks till November 23 which is the end of season at this award-winning placemaking area Link
• Tipping Point Theatre – “A Very Northville Christmas”– 11/19 - 12/21 Link
• CVS Immunization Clinic at Community Center – 11/20 from 10AM-2PM. Link
• Northville Community Foundation Holiday Home Tour – 11/21 and 11/22, 10AM – 4PM. Link
• Rotary Goodfellows Newspaper Sale – 11/22 from 9AM-1PM. Rotary would like Northvillians to consider a $50 pledge for their 50^th year supporting Civic Concern Link
• 3^rd Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal – 11/27 from 12-1:30PM at First United Methodist Church, 777 Baseline, hosted by First Presbyterian, Our Lady of Victory, and First UMC churches. Food, fellowship and the Lions game! Link
• Santa Visits Maybury Farm – 12/6, 12/7, 12/13 and 12/14. Link
• Northville Chorale Concert at Marquis Theatre – 12/6 at 4PM
• Northville High School Holiday Concert – 12/16 and 12/17 at 7PM
• Roundabout driving instruction video (1^st one in Wayne County 7/Sheldon, activated by 12/1).  See video from SEMCOG. Link
• Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Chamber/DDA Link, Marquis Link, Northville Winery Link, NOMI Link, Genitti’s Link

• Bicentennial Task Force Mtg– 12/3, 7:00 PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe - Chair)
• Cemetery Restoration Task Force– 12/8, 7:00 PM City Hall  (David Marold - Chair) See Link

• FORD FIELD – The Sunrise Vista overlook & ADA entry are waiting for materials so they can be completed soon. Fort Griswold playscape work is continuing to be ready for a spring ribbon cutting, with a new bathroom building scheduled for ’26.  Additionally, with grant funding, a connected Ford Field East Park & South Main Park will be engineered in Spring.
• RIVERWALK - The “Downs” River Park will be dedicated in Spring, the walking bridges over the stream have been positioned, 1400 trees placed & walkways poured. Catch a view at 7 Mile & River St. (Custard Time). Overall, 5 sections of the Riverwalk are planned.
• DOWNS INITIATIVE – Roundabout (Sheldon/7 Mile) complete by 12/1 … SEMCOG Link
• FARMERS’ MARKET – Events at Market Area (Township/City owned) will continue.
• GRANTS that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives – Ford Field East added. Link

Let's look at some Historic Veterans Day activities in the Ville...

This week, I want to talk about memories in the Ville for Veterans Day. Ceremonies will be held at the VFW Hall, American Legion, and various Senior areas, with which I have the honor and privilege to be involved. We will pay homage to our Veterans from the Revolutionary & Civil War, the War of 1812, the Spanish American War, WWI, WWII & the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan – and all those who served in the military, both in wartime and peacetime.

In our two final resting places in town (Oakwood & Rural Hill), we have Veterans from all these conflicts. Our Cemetery Restoration Team is leading the effort to restore them and bring these two hallowed grounds back to their original glory. If you want to be part of these renovations, contact David Marold (Chairperson) or myself … Link  

Veterans Day History – Before we look at Veterans Days in Northville, I wanted to offer a backdrop on the beginnings of this special day (originally known as Armistice Day until 1954). It is a federal holiday observed annually on November 11th to honor military veterans.

This day marks the anniversary of the truce signed at the end of WWI, which formally ended the Great War (“The War to end all Wars”) on November 11^th, 1918.

Traditions – This day was extremely important in our home because Armistice Day (11/11/1918) was the actual day my mother was born. The front page of The Detroit News was prominently displayed and framed under glass at our home.

Banner Program –The Chamber of Commerce honors Veterans in November & May through their Northville Military Veterans Banner Program, which features close to 250 of our veteran heroes. My father (WWII Marine) and brother (Vietnam), like many other local veterans, have been remembered through this program.

This Military Banner Program captures our patriotic spirit and highlights local heroes. (I grew up with stories from both my WWII Marine father and my mother who was a “Rosie the Riveter” at the Willow Run B24 Liberator plant).

Arsenal of Democracy – Northville was an immense contributor to the national war efforts over the years. During WWI Northville was ranked 2^nd economically in the State and in WWII was part of the “Arsenal of Democracy”.

VFW & American Legion – We in the community are indebted to everyone at the VFW & American Legion for their patriotism and for all they do in our community. Truly, Northvillians owe our veterans a great debt for their commitment and sacrifice to protect our freedoms. 

• VFW historically sponsors the annual Memorial Day parade (recently, with assistance from the Legion). They also maintain the Veterans portion of the Rural Hill Cemetery, which includes placing flags on all our fallen heroes’ gravesites each year with the assistance of the Scouts. It is truly our Arlington-like memorial area.
• American Legion has been serving veterans in our community for over a century. Personally, I will always be grateful for their sponsorship of “Boys State” in which I participated in 1978, an experience which ignited my future inspiration to become your servant mayor (going on 50 years later!).

Wall of Honor – During World War II, there was a giant map of the world downtown with the names and locations of local solders posted for all to see.

This month let’s slow down and thank those in uniform as well as their family & friends who have supported those who have served to keep the freedoms we enjoy today. Make the time to stroll through town and see the banners of our heroes that defended our liberties and ideals. We must ensure they are never forgotten.

Keep that Northville Community Faith!