** NORTHVILLIANS,
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Over these pre-holiday weeks, I will continue to write about the work done by the Task Forces. This week I will touch on the Cemetery Restoration Team, who assisted in bringing to town this past weekend the
Wreaths Across America program, which places holiday wreaths on the veterans’ final resting spots in Rural Hill Cemetery.

Wreaths Across America started at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 and has expanded since then. This past Saturday, more than two million volunteers at 5200 selected locations globally (Land & Sea) placed wreaths simultaneously at noon, as we did at Rural Hill. It was quite memorable for those in attendance. I would like to thank Major Lynn LeAnnais and 2^nd Lieutenant Laurie Selik both with the Civil Air Patrol for assisting in bringing this activity to Northville, along with special appreciation to Commander Ed Huyck and his entire 4012 VFW TEAM, and the Scouts that assisted.

Another activity this past weekend was at Mill Race Village where Christmas in the Village took place harking back to our Victorian roots as we ready for the holidays. The event was well attended, and I highly recommend you put it on your calendar for next year ... know that you can still stroll through the Village over the holidays and admire the decorated Christmas trees.

Before looking at activities of the Wreaths Across America program, let’s see what's happening in town today:
* Northville High School Holiday Concert – 12/16 and 12/17 at 7PM Link ([link removed])
* Tipping Point Theatre – “A Very Northville Christmas” Till 12/21 Link ([link removed])
* Kilwins is open for business at 181 CadyCenter Link ([link removed])
* Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Marquis Link ([link removed]) , NOMI Link ([link removed]) , Genitti’s Link ([link removed])

INFO FOR CITIZENS...
TASK FORCE MEETINGS
* Bicentennial Task Force Mtg - 2/12/26, 7PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
* Cemetery Renewal Task Force - 3/23/26, 7PM City Hall (Dave Marold – Chair) See Link ([link removed]) for information or Link ([link removed]) to donate/support

PROJECTS AROUND TOWN
* FORD FIELD – Despite cold weather, work continued at Ford Field’s Vista overlook and the new fencing next to the ADA entryway on Hutton St. was completed Monday. The Fort Griswold playscape work also continued (the Declan Carter Foundation assisted by donating $130K towards the project Monday at the City Council Meeting).
* RIVERWALK – The “Downs” Public River Park just received notification from the State of Michigan that we are the recipient of the M-Parks award for 2025. This was awarded for work on our parks system at the River Park and the other greenspaces connecting city & township parks to County & State Greenspaces. Catch a view of the River Park from 7 Mile & River St.
* DOWNS INITIATIVE – Roundabout (Sheldon/7 Mile) should be open by 12/21.
* NORTHVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET AREA – The Conference of Western Wayne (CWW) toured this joint venture (Township/City) location 12/12. Events continue there.
* GRANTS that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives (Over $16M) – Link ([link removed])

Wreaths Across America and Cemetery Team Update:
* Wreaths Across America, 2025 – It was truly my honor & pleasure to be asked to assist in laying the wreaths for veterans Saturday among 100 or so other Northvillians that were part of the ceremonies. We are fortunate that the Community was chosen for this program.
* It was appropriate that this event took place at our Arlington-like memorial area at Rural Hill Cemetery bringing a powerful and meaningful holiday tribute to Northville.
* Where Veterans Day salutes and gives homage to all Vets in this country, and Memorial Day is set aside to remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice, The Wreaths Across America program remembers the fallen, honors those who served and teaches the next generation the value of freedom.
* In Rural Hill we have close to 700+ Veterans dating back from the War of 1812 to the modern era – in Oakwood there are Vets dating back to the Revolutionary War.
* My dad would spend time at the Veterans Memorial area at Rural Hill reminiscing about his friends that weren’t as lucky as he was to return to the Ville after the wars. Many of the names on the markers were close family friends. This is truly a special place for many in the community – he would have been proud to place wreaths there this past weekend.
* The Theme this year for Wreaths Across America was Keep Moving Forward … we are trying to do that in this community as we know we are all on the shoulders of those who came before us. Additionally, the Cemetery Renewal Task Force led by Dave Marold, along with Councilperson Andrew Krenz is working to restore the grounds, repair & refurbish the monuments and give respect to those at Rural Hill and Oakwood. For more info or to assist: Link ([link removed])
* I appreciate each of you who attended the ceremonies and those who assisted in placing wreaths in the bitter cold, respectfully reading each name. It’s our responsibility to keep the stories & memories alive in our hearts of those we honored this past weekend. I encourage you during this holiday season to slow down and thank a veteran for the freedoms that we take for granted in this country today!

Rural Hill Cemetery History – circa 1880
Rural Hill was designed in the 1880’s as a rural garden cemetery, featuring a park-like setting emphasizing its natural beauty and topography. There were fountains and waterscapes within the grounds at one time. Early on, The Record noted that the grounds were a beautiful and peaceful place to picnic.

Historic Oakwood Cemetery – Dating back to the 1820’s.
There are veterans dating back to the Revolutionary War and Civil War – the daughters of the American Revolution had these hallowed grounds designated as a national historical site.

The Cemetery Renewal Task Force Mission:
The Northville Cemetery Renewal Task Force is dedicated to restoring and preserving our cemeteries as sacred spaces that honor our ancestors, safeguard history, and connect our community to its heritage through sustainable care and thoughtful improvement.

2025 Team Accomplishments
* Dozens of volunteers participated in grounds activities and tombstone cleaning
* 316 tombstones cleaned, 129 repaired (445 monuments thus far)

As the Holidays approach, from the bottom of my heart, I again thank all of those who attended the ceremonies to honor our vets this past weekend. Additionally, I am grateful for the Wreaths Across America Team who give respect & homage to those that have served. Finally and very importantly, I thank our veterans and especially their families for all they do for this community. It is up to all of us to remember in our thoughts and hearts those who have fought for our freedoms.

Keep that Northville 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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