** NORTHVILLIANS,
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With New Year’s Resolutions on our minds and many of us trying to achieve them, I will first take a look at their historic origins and traditions, and then we’ll move on to what’s happening this coming week
… MLK Day, and review some of its history (local & nationally).

RESOLUTIONS 2026
Some quick facts:
* The ancient Babylonians were the first people to make New Year’s resolutions some 4000+ years ago.
* Julius Caesar tinkered with the calendar and established January 1st as the beginning of the new year (Circa 46 B.C.).
* January was named for the god Janus who looked both forward and backwards.
* For early Christians, the first day of the new year became the occasion for reviewing one’s past and resolving to do better in the future.
* In 1740, the English clergyman John Wesley (founder of Methodism and sort of the “Martin Luther King” of his time) had a renewal service held on New Year’s Eve to make resolutions for the coming year.

Despite some religious roots, New Year’s resolutions are mostly secular ones now. Instead of making promises to the gods, most people make resolutions to focus on self-improvement. According to recent studies, as many as 40% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, many pertaining to: Exercising more (48%) – I have seen at Planet Fitness there is standing room only lately – Saving money (46%), Eating healthier (45%), Spending additional time with Family/Friends (42%), Losing weight 31%, Improving job performance (24%), do more environmentally (24%) & reducing stress (22%).

Last week, I wrote about the Dreams that became reality in 2025 and the trajectory moving into 2026 on our “Way Forward Path.” This week I will also talk about Dr. King’s dreams, along with activities related to MLK Day and its history.

Before looking at MLK Day local and national history, let’s see what's happening in town today:
* Northville’s Centennial History lecture with Mayor Turnbull – 1/28/26, 7pm in the New School Church at Mill Race Village. Highlights from Northville’s first hundred years and its 1927 Centennial Parade & Celebration. Link ([link removed])
* Family Feud Night @ the Community Center - 1/30, 6:00pm. Compete with a team of others ages 50+ in friendly competition. See link to sign up before 1/23. Link ([link removed])
* Northville Historical Society's Valentine Tea – 2/14, 1pm. Mary Salmon, owner of the Lace Museum, shares the fascinating history, artistry, and cultural significance of lace through the ages. 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 – 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 – Work is still progressing at Ford Field to prepare for a “spring sprint” to the finish on: New fencing, the ADA entry way & overhang sunrise Vista, the playscape & bathroom structure, along with finalizing the waterfall placemaking area (Serenity Point).
* RIVERWALK – The riverwalk pathway system is becoming a reality within the “Downs” section and will go North to Ford Field, and eventually to Mackinaw City and South to Ohio. Most importantly, we are connecting City & Township green spaces to County & State parks. Catch a view from our Market area on 7 Mile. Drainage modifications were finalized by the Log cabin/pathway area on River Street last weekend, preceding next year’s infrastructure project: Drainage, curbing & street reconstruction on River St.
* DOWNS INITIATIVE – Roundabout (Sheldon/7 Mile) is open, check it out! Also see the award-winning SEMCOG Northville “Roundabout Wizard” video – Link ([link removed])
* NORTHVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET AREA – Township/City events continue here.
* GRANTS that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives (Over $16.5M) – Link ([link removed])

MLK Day Local and National History:
One of my favorite Martin Luther King quotes is from his famous “I HAVE A DREAM” speech:
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men [and women] are created equally.”
* MLK Day is a national holiday honoring the achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister who advocated the use of nonviolent means to end racial segregation and relentlessly championed unity & equality in this country.
* Ronald Reagan was President when legislation was passed for this national holiday in 1983 which honors Dr. King’s birthday.
* Detroiter John Conyers (longest-serving African American legislator in congressional history) first introduced the legislation for MLK Day in 1968, four days after the passing of Dr. King.
* Today, it is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities, as many Northvillians regularly do.
* Historically we have had local gatherings sponsored by various churches and other religious organizations to honor this day.
* In 2024, we had a full capacity gathering at the Community Center, where hundreds watched the famous “I Have a Dream” speech. After the video, various speakers were featured along with fellowship & refreshments that were enjoyed by all.
* In 2025, it was my privilege to be part of a Northville group that attended “Honoring the Journey,” an event (32nd Annual) which commemorated a special gathering in Gross Pointe where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at the local high school there just weeks before he was taken from us.

Dr. King had a Dream that became reality, and we are better for it in this country today. I thank each of you for assisting the Northville Community in achieving its own Dreams.

Keep that Northville Community 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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