Those of us who call Northville home know that this city has long valued cultivating a lively arts culture, which goes hand-in-hand with its historical awareness. The Northville Art House, First Fridays, various galleries and art shops, and Tipping Point Theatre have always played a part in promoting artistic expression around town.

According to Creative State Michigan, for every $1 that’s invested in arts and culture in Michigan, $51 comes back into the state’s economy. (More information here.) Communities have been shown time and time again to benefit from public arts initiatives and creative projects. Engagement with the arts allows community members to communicate with one another in ways they may not be able to normally, and art itself can be an effective medium for addressing local or national issues and starting conversations. Most importantly, the forming of and participation in arts programs shows community members invested in their home town, its economic success, and the quality of life of those who live there.

The Northville Art House makes many well-loved programs possible in Northville, including the Victorian Festival, summer concerts downtown, First Fridays, and various classes and lectures. The Art House also hosts its own gallery openings and events. Art programs keep students and professionals alike engaged and active in the community.

If you want to contribute to this positive force in our community, there are many ways to do so. Visit one of Northville’s many art galleries–like Starring ‘The Gallery’ downtown, the Dancing Eye Gallery, The Northville Gallery, McGuires Fine Art Gallery, and many more. Attend the First Friday events (there’s one tonight!), where you can experience art demos, featured artists, and galleries open to the public, some even with refreshments.

Everyone knows that Michigan residents love their football, and Northville is no exception. Whether you watch for the game or the ads, or just watch the Puppybowl, joining in on the Super Bowl weekend festivities is a beloved tradition. So what kinds of Superbowl events do Northville locals have to look forward to next weekend?

The Super 5K Road Race in nearby Novi is a great way to get a workout before the serious Super Bowl snacking begins. Participants must register beforehand and the first 1500 finishers will receive a free pint glass. More info here: http://www.runsuperbowl.com/

Northville Masons are invited to the Superbowl viewing party at the Northville Masonic Temple on February 5th. More info here: http://northvillemasonic.com/?ai1ec_event=super-bowl-party&instance_id=

Brick’s of Northville is having its first ever, annual Super Bowl party: http://brickscalendar.com/calendar/view/238

A Super Bowl party is a great way to break in a new home, build rapport with your neighbors, or get to know your new community as a patron of its local restaurants and bars. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, the chance to hang out, eat a lot of food, and enjoy the company of others is a good enough reason to celebrate. What are your Super Bowl plans? Do you know of any other events happening in Northville this weekend?

(image credit: vigilantsports.com )

Those of us lucky enough to have the flexibility to head to warmer climates during Michigan’s colder months are mobilizing right about now, as ice and snow make their late entrance this winter. Some leave before Christmas, bypassing any possibility of cold weather, but since the end of 2011 was unseasonably warm, the need to flee was not as pressing this past year.

As the unpleasant part of winter moves in, thoughts of spring break and Floridian timeshares are in the air. But don’t forget to take care of things at home before you take off, or you could receive a very unpleasant homecoming.

Before you leave, there are a couple of steps you can take to make sure your home is secure no matter what kind of weather rolls through while you’re out of town:

A common problem is frozen pipes, which can lead to pipes cracking or bursting. The best way to protect your pipes is to have them insulated, which you can either do yourself or hire a professional to do for you. According to Family Home Security, another precaution to take is shutting off the valve to any outdoor faucets you have.

Designate a neighbor or trusted friend in the area to whom you can give a house key, so they can check up on your home regularly while you’re gone. This person can water your plants, run your faucets regularly to help prevent pipe damage, check windows and doors to make sure they’re locked and sealed securely, turn on the lights periodically to dissuade thieves from trying to take advantage of an empty home, and check on your security system for you, if you have one.

Another detail to attend to is the state of your external windows and doors. You’ll want to make sure you don’t have any cracks or improperly-applied sealant that can lead to drafts. And you’ll want to make sure everything locks securely–you don’t want to leave your home vulnerable to thieves or small animals.

If you have a home security system, check in with the security company to let them know when you’ll be gone, for how long, and whether or not you’ll have someone checking up on your home for you. Also make sure that they have up-to-date contact information, so if they need to contact you while you’re out of town, they can do so.

If you have a chimney, make sure the flue is securely closed, and installing a cover on the top of your chimney is also a good move if you have time.

These are only a handful of the things you should be considering when planning to leave your home unoccupied in the winter, so be sure you do a little more research (and give yourself plenty of time to get everything done before you skip town.) Here are a few places where you can start:
Bob Vila
The Daily Green–19 Easy Home Winterization Projects
Better Homes And Gardens–Winterizing Houses For Extended Absences

Recent news about the state of our state has had a couple of silver linings: most notably, that those moving into Michigan were balancing out the numbers of people leaving for other states in 2011. Though the sentiment is widespread that Michigan is one of the states struggling the hardest to come back from the economic recession, Lizzy Alfs at AnnArbor.com writes that “Along with Iowa and South Dakota, Michigan is also only one of three Midwestern states classified as balanced.”

Indeed, Michigan has its fair share of obstacles to overcome, but things are looking up. This year is the first in many where Michigan has revenue growth to work with for next year’s budget, according to this article from the Detroit Free Press. Experts quoted in the article note that unemployment is set to decrease, and economic recovery to continue at a slow but steady pace. Other news shows us that agricultural property values are also increasing statewide, and that home prices are set to stabilize overall this year. Three Michigan cities have also made a list of cities in the nation where new home building numbers are rebounding. So it’s fair to say that Michiganders can be cautiously optimistic about 2012.

Those of us who have lived here for any significant amount of time know that Michigan is a great place to call home, unpredictable weather aside. Cities like Northville, safe and culturally-rich, can be found all over the state, each unique in its own way. The balancing of those leaving our state and those coming in is a good indicator that Michigan is getting back on its feet with plenty to offer those who live here.

What’s the biggest indicator of progress you’ve seen in your Michigan community?

It’s no secret that Northville prides itself on both its history and its success at preserving it. Northville’s historic Mill Race Village district has no lack of visitors, and is one of the city’s points of pride and centers for cultural events.

Image courtesy of northville.patch.com

You may have seen the Patch.com article from earlier this week, about the publication titled Northville: The Ideal Suburban Village. The pamphlet, printed by the Eagle Steam Printing & Engraving Company, features detailed illustrations of life in Northville in the 1890’s. It’s interesting to see how the city has changed and developed since then, and how our perspectives of that change have changed, as well.

Restored Victorian homes dot Northville’s residential areas, and one glance at the downtown area (iron lamp posts, brick roads and sidewalks, and historic storefronts) tells you that Northville is a town that knows its past. This past year, many Michigan cities concentrated on building their downtown images, hoping to convey the town’s character through their preserved history, unique shops, and community activities. As time goes on, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see towns putting much more effort into preserving what makes them unique and different from other areas, both to attract tourism and to preserve their heritage.

Fortunately, Northville has never had any difficulty in either of those areas. Northville community members have always shown a vested interest in keeping the past alive, and the town welcomes many visitors each year. Once in a while, it’s nice to see new reminders of the past, and learn more about where we’ve come from.

Whether you see the New Year as a time to start fresh on new endeavors or not, you can take advantage of the momentum of your holiday hustle and bustle to get started on some projects around the home.

Since recent years have brought widespread financial pressure, it makes sense that many homeowners will be focusing on saving money and getting their finances order this year. Utilities—especially in the wintertime in Michigan—make up a formidable chunk of the budget. So it makes sense that many homeowners will be re-evaluating their energy usage this year: how efficient are your appliances? How much electricity do you use each month, and how much do you really need? Are you wasting power (and money) due to drafts? There are a few ways you can answer these questions:

• Some homeowners are investing in getting energy audits or smart meters to monitor and moderate their energy usage.
• Others are trading in old, energy-sucking appliances for newer efficient models. A recent Harris Interactive survey cited in this article found that 49% of responders said they would spend more money on a new, energy-efficient appliance if its use meant they could save money over time.
• Check your windows and doors to make sure they are properly sealed. If you have cracks, you’re probably losing heat, driving up your bills. Poorly-installed insulation could also be a culprit.

Homeowners trying to cut costs aren’t the only ones making resolutions. Home buyers are also gearing up for their new year, organizing their financial affairs to prepare for a streamlined buying process, getting pre-approvals for loans, laying out the year’s budget and navigating a real estate environment where sellers may be reluctant to negotiate amid falling home prices. In turn, home sellers may find themselves reinvigorated, putting in the time it takes to spruce up their homes so they’re in top selling shape.

As a homeowner, buyer, or seller, what are your biggest real estate goals this year?

At a time when many other kids might’ve spent the day watching TV or playing video games, some Northville High School students spent the first day of their holiday break at Phoenix Elementary School in Detroit, doing what they could to spread a little holiday cheer to the elementary students.

In her article on Patch.com, writer Nancy Kelsey described how the NHS students gave out warm-weather clothing—such as hats, gloves, scarves—and painted the elementary students’ faces. It was an incredibly rewarding experience for all involved, and one NHS student remarked how great it felt to see the elementary students get so excited. “I love the kids,” he said, in Kelsey’s article.

The NHS students and the Phoenix Elementary Students were brought together by Bridgepointe, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting suburban students with urban ones. The organization was founded by Diane Powers and Sue Simcox in 1998, and has grown from just a handful of people to countless students and faculty at 38 schools, all in the last ten years.

Powers and the NHS students are just continuing a legacy of volunteerism and generosity that is part of the essence that makes Northville, well, Northville. In a different Patch.com article, Michele Fecht describes Northville’s history as one of service. According to Fecht, Northville High School raised $100 in 1932, which was then donated to welfare. This was no mean feat at the height of the Great Depression, and it demonstrates the sense of care and sacrifice that is a cornerstone of the Northville community.

“Northville has staying Power,” wrote Fecht in her article. “We are a community that looks out for its own. We celebrate each other’s successes, and hold each other up in a crisis.” This, for Fecht and for the other people who call Northville home, is what makes Northville the only place they want to live: it is, simply put, a city that comes together and cares for all.

The electric, enthusiastic atmosphere in Northville public schools is almost tangible following the introduction of the International Baccalaureate program into three of the schools’ curriculum. A recent article on Hometownlife.com describes the faculty’s general sense of optimism after having completed their training last month. Northville High School Principal Robert Watson even went so far as to say that the program will elevate “the level of instruction [and]… the learning for the kids.”

The International Baccalaureate Program is an international non-profit organization dedicated to building a generation of lifelong learners who are actively engaged in the ever-changing world around them. To this end, they offer a curriculum and support for thousands of schools across the world, all in an effort to help students become independent, confident learners with a broad knowledge base. The concentrations and evaluation criteria designed to help students appreciate and navigate the complex issues found on a world-wide scale—not just national.

Northville Public Schools will be implementing the “Middle Years Programme,” an educational plan tailored to students between the ages of 11 and 16. This will affect Hillside and Meads Mill middle schools, as well as ninth and tenth graders at Northville High School. Although the changes have yet to take an active role in the classroom, teachers involved in the training are incredibly enthusiastic about IB. “It will bring students out of their bubbles,” said Meads Mill instructor Jeff Balagna, who went on to say that it will make them aware of the world beyond Northville.

For families already living in Northville, the introduction of the IB program is a welcome addition to an already-vibrant educational system. To those looking to make a home in Northville, the option of an IB program—and possibly an IB diploma in high school—can only be seen as a wonderful thing; a city is only as conscientious and successful as its citizens, and strong educational systems build strong, engaged citizens.

For many of us, this time of year signals home decor centered around the ubiquitous pine tree. Whether it’s just a spray of cedar boughs artfully arranged in a table centerpiece or a full-blown 12-foot-tall Christmas tree in the foyer, live trees are a great way to add some winter coziness to your home.

First things first. If you want a real Christmas tree, get accurate measurements on the spot in your home where you want to put the tree up. Because you don’t know what the tree will look like yet, write down some notes about the spot: how high can the tree be? How wide? It can help to have a “just in case” corner picked out in the event that you end up with a tree that may not look perfect all the way around, so that you can hide the imperfection from the room. Do some research on different types of Christmas trees, and decide ahead of time what type of tree will look best with the rest of your holiday decorations. And make sure you have a clear plan of action for getting the tree into your home–laying down a ‘path’ of plastic sheeting or newspaper ahead of time can help you minimize snow, dirt, and needles spreading on the tree’s trip from car to living room.

Secondly, avoid purchasing trees from urban lots. These trees tend to be dried out, and will be more difficult to install. They also won’t keep as long as fresh trees, so, whenever possible, always cut the tree yourself. Fortunately, Three Cedars Farm is a great local business where you can buy one fresh, so Northvillers won’t have to go too far to find their perfect tree. If you do buy a fresh tree, do your home and family a favor by having it thoroughly shaken before you strap it onto your car, to rid it of any dead needles, insects or critters. When you finally get your tree home, try not to keep it out of the tree stand too long; the cut may dry out, and you won’t be able to keep the tree alive. Get the tree in the stand ASAP, and make sure there’s enough water around the base to keep the cut from sealing (as a general rule, try to use one quart of water per inch of the tree trunk’s diameter).

If you’re only interested in using pine elements, like boughs and pine cones, in your decorations, you still need to be careful about thoroughly shaking them out to avoid unwanted guests in your home. You also have to be careful with sap–pine sap is sticky and difficult to remove, so I recommend using gardening gloves (which will also protect you from needle pricks) and putting a covering down in your work area when handling the pine. And here are some tips for how to handle pine cones for use in crafts and decor.

It might seem intimidating, but using live trees in your winter decorations can be a lot of fun—and it’s a great activity to share with your loved ones.

How will you ring in the New Year? With your loved ones? With friends? With champagne, and a TV tuned in to watch the ball drop in Times Square? Will you be sharing good memories, or announcing resolutions? How about laughing at the misfortunes of another person’s love life?

No, that last part wasn’t a mistake—it’s exactly what you could be doing if you find yourself anywhere near the Tipping Point Theatre at the end of this month.

In a recent article on Hometownlife.com, Northville’s Tipping Point Theatre announced that they will host a fundraiser from Dec. 29 until New Year’s Eve. Their main attraction? An appropriately-named comedy titled “Months on End,” which will showcase the Theatre’s brightest and wittiest to celebrate the coming year.

The play depicts the struggles of fiancés Phoebe and Ben and the friends and family which surround them, all over the course of a year. Equal parts hilarity and heartbreak, the play explores the unexpected and quirky elements that make up our relationships. It’s a great show to commemorate the occasion, and the money will support a great cause in the Northville community.

The Tipping Point Theatre is a nonprofit organization which is completely dedicated to bringing the arts to the larger Northville community, and offering an opportunity for any who are interested to explore the opportunities that theatre can offer. Their name comes from the Malcolm Gladwell novel of the same name, referring to those turning points in which a life or meaning is radically changed. According to the theatre’s website, such moments happen often on stage, and theatre is a celebration of this natural phenomenon in that it highlights it, reveling in the change that occurs naturally alongside experience.

So, at a time when change—for the better—is at the forefront everyone’s mind, the Tipping Point Theatre offers you an opportunity to celebrate with humor, supporting artistic expression in the city of Northville at the same time.