In the year 1912, more than three thousand flowering cherry trees were sent from Tokyo, Japan to Washington D.C., as a symbol of the friendship between the United States and Japan. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Gift of Trees and as part of a nationwide 2012 Centennial Celebration,

twenty young cherry trees (sakura) will be planted around the city.

This nationwide initiative is being led by various organizations, including the Embassy of Japan, Japanese Consulates, non-profit organizations and corporate sponsors.

For more information, visit cityofnovi.org or call the Community Relations office at 248.735.5628.In the case of inclement weather, events will be held indoors. Call 248.347.0473 for weather updates

for Novi!

Community Art Project–Hundred Year Wishing Trees

Tree Planting Ceremony & Japanese Yoga

Tree Planting Ceremony & Student Art Unveiling

Creating Japanese Crafts & Haiku

Celebrate the Centennial Gift of Trees & Japanese Culture

Community Art Project–Hundred Year Wishing TreesTo celebrate the centennial gift of trees, community members are invited to share their wishes for the next 100 years. Cherry blossom shaped wish cards will be available at each of the events below and the Novi Civic Center, May 12-18. The wish cards will be used to decorate wishing trees inside the Novi Civic Center.

Tree Planting Ceremony & Japanese YogaSaturday, May 12 • 10:30-11:30am* • All Ages

Join fellow community members at Providence Park Hospital for a planting ceremony, light refreshments, and a Japanese-language Yoga class. Location: Providence Park Hospital, Beck Road & Grand River Avenue, near the Assarian Cancer Center* Following the conclusion of the Emergency Run 5K race

Tree Planting Ceremony & Student Art UnveilingSaturday, May 12 • 3-4pm • All Ages

Novi Meadows and Japanese School of Detroit students will share their collaborative art project with the community. Light refreshments will follow a tree planting ceremony. Location: Novi Meadows Elementary – 25345 Taft Road between Ten & Eleven Mile Roads.

Creating Japanese Crafts & HaikuThursday, May 17 • 4-8pm • All Ages

You’re invited to experience Japanese culture by learning to compose beautiful Haiku poetry and constructing Japanese-themed crafts at this open, drop-in program.Location: Novi Public Library, 45255 West Ten Mile Road between Novi & Taft Roads

Celebrate the Centennial Gift of Trees & Japanese Culture

Saturday, May 19 • 3:30-5pm • All AgesView the New Blooms for Novi community art project and enjoy entertainment including the White Pine Glee Club, Trillium Women’s Choir, and Raion Taiko drumming. Location: Novi Civic Center, 45175 West Ten Mile Road between Novi & Taft Roads.