NORTHVILLIANS,
Congratulations! We’ve made it to 2021 … that’s not a futuristic year anymore. As you’ve heard me often say, we truly have to know where we’ve been to plan our future. And never is it more true than when we look back at 2020. I appreciate how so many citizens engaged in various civic undertakings, good causes and charitable local activities. I encourage you to continue sharing your time and talents with those around you in community.
It’s that time of year to look at New Year’s resolutions. The following tips have been shared with me to help make those resolutions STICK: Tell friends your resolutions; Don’t give up on them; Create visual cues; Set yourself up for success; Limit the number you make; Take advantage of technology; and Celebrate your achievements. This year, we see the glimmer of light that is the end of this pandemic tunnel. So, GO BIG on those Resolutions!
In this week’s letter, I’ll highlight another historic gateway from our past and touch on a Golden Anniversary of a present-day iconic business in the Ville. But first, let’s look at the LATEST NEWS:
- The AstraZeneca vaccine, the third to be rolled out (after Pfizer’s & Moderna) has been approved in the UK, clearing the path for a reasonable easy-to-store shot that much of the world will rely on to fight the Pandemic. (New York Times)
- The IRS tells us the second stimulus payments are officially on their way to Americans. (MLive)
- Logistics for scheduling COVID-19 vaccines across Michigan are diligently being studied & firmed up. (WayneCounty.com). Thank you in advance for scheduling your vaccination when it’s your time.
- Flags in Michigan were at half-staff last week honoring Benny Napoleon, who passed from COVID-19. As many of you know, Benny was an attorney, politician and Sheriff of Wayne County. (Detroitnews.com)
- The winter version of the Downtown Northville Social District, “HEAT IN THE STREET”, is in full swing and ready for you to experience in a masked-up, socially-distanced open-air environment. It has everything you need to stay outside and keep warm – dining pods, vendor stands, restaurants with heated covered outdoor areas and lots of warm drinks. (downtownnorthville.com)
FOR THE RECORD, NOTABLE EVENTS OF THE 2020 PANDEMIC:
| 3/10 – Michigan confirms 1st case of COVID-19 |
6/1 – “Stay at Home” order lifted |
| 3/13 – Schools closed |
6/8 – Restaurants reopen, 6/25-Pro Sports return |
| 3/16 – Restaurants shut down |
7/1 – Indoor bar service shuts down |
| 3/18 – Big 3 automakers idle |
12/12 – Pfizer vaccine authorized |
| 3/18 – National Guard called in |
12/14 – Pfizer begins vaccine distribution via UPS & FedEx from Kalamazoo |
| 3/21 – Canadian border closes |
12/19 – Moderna vaccine approved |
| 3/23 – “Stay at Home” order starts |
12/22 – Hints of resumption of indoor dining |
| 4/1 – Michigan “State of disaster” declared |
Week of 1/4 – AstraZeneca vaccine evaluated |
- The Northville community was saddened this week with news of the tragic plane crash that killed City of Northville residents David Compo, his wife Michele and their son Dawson (a recent CC grad and Eagle Scout). Our thoughts & prayers are with the family and those close to them.
- COVID 19 CONFIRMED CASES: Northville has had 151 cases/7 fatalities, Township 1302/44, Michigan 547K/13.6K, Nation 21.1M/357K, Global 86M/1.9M. (CDC)
|
|
Now let’s transition to another Historic Gateway into our community:
This place was known as the Northville Exchange. Back in time, exchanges were essentially large taverns where people met to conduct business and access services, which included banking, legal assistance, lodging, recreation, entertainment & libations. An entrepreneur named Mr. Kator was the original owner of this establishment (located at Main & Hutton) where he created a multi-use, multi-service shared space that catered to business folks. It became a center post for the community early on.
From the mid 1800’s far into the 1900’s, as you traveled up Main St. from Plymouth, the Northville Exchange was the first major business in the downtown area that caught your attention (where Poole’s Tavern is today). Beyond serving as a tavern & gathering place, it also housed a general store with a boarding house upstairs. Over the years this facility was also home to the Northville Record, a Cheese Factory in 1892 and a tailor shop in 1897. The whole structure was known as the Kator building. It’s a feat of historic continuity that this same location continues to be a community gathering post, now doing business as Poole’s Tavern.
We have another long-time iconic business celebrating their Golden Anniversary this week. For over 50 years, Genitti’s Hole-in-the-Wall has been part of the fabric of Northville’s downtown along with being a touchpoint of the community. Genitti’s is a venue for events such as weddings, showers, family gatherings, theater activities and other happenings where friendships and camaraderie come together. John & Toni Genitti started their business as a meat & grocery market. All members of the family, including their aunt Mary, daughters Tina & Laura, son Andy and other kinsfolk have been part of their legendary success. Today, the business continues to thrive under the leadership of Laura Genitti. Most notably, the Northville Citizen of the Year award (COTY) is now in the name and memory of John Genitti, honoring all that he did for the town we love.
I encourage you to frequent both these meeting places, along with Northville’s other fine eateries and retail establishments when experiencing the downtown Social District.
Again, as we started this letter… I would like to conclude by asking everyone – when you make your New Year’s resolutions, keep the community we love close in your heart & stay connected to all in the Ville.
Let’s get ready for an amazing 2021 and Keep that Northville Faith while masking up, practicing social distancing and being Safe!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
