Letters to the Hometown Life editors
Abby Road owner made a difference
On Aug. 5, 2018, I lost one of my closest and dearest friends, mentor and big brother. Glen Kealy, who once owned a commonly-known arcade in Farmington Hills in the 1970s and 1980s.
Abby Road Amusements wasn’t your normal arcade of those times. Glen and his brothers and other employees made sure it was a safe and fun environment for kids of all ages.
It was a safe zone. Glen knew everyone, especially the regulars who came in. He had the best sense of humor. Even though Glen was diagnosed with spinal cancer in his young adult years, which led him to being in a wheelchair, he never complained or wanted any help for his disability.
He helped so many people stay on the right track in life. I started going to Abby Road when I was 14. He knew I had a rough family life, and always looked out for me.
One friend said it perfectly on the North Farmington High School alumni Facebook page. “Glen ran a top-notch business while providing a safe haven for many of us going through our tumultuous teens. Although he experienced more than his fair issues of painful health issues, he was unfailingly cheerful, generous with hugs and always the voice of reason.”
It was a sad time for many of us when Abby Road closed, but his loss is devastating. Glen wouldn’t want a fuss made, but I think he would like to see anyone he had an impact on, and there were many, to give back, pay it forward.
Anyone can buy a card or flowers, Glen set a standard we need to see more of. I hope this memory will inspire you to do something nice for someone today. That’s what Glen would do!
Rest In peace my friend, you will be greatly missed by so many!
Rebecca Hill
Former Farmington resident
Las Vegas
Support Democrats
In this era of income inequality, I suggest persons in the 1% should be grateful for the Labor Day weekend. This special holiday was created to pay tribute to the achievements of the American workerin the late 19th century by the labor movement. Labor Day was made a federal holiday in 1894.
Today many Republicans accuse Democrats, who try to speak for the 99%, of being socialists. Democrats are seeking justice and equity. Vote for change Nov. 6, 2018.
Hannah Provence Donigan
Commerce
Support James for Senate
Where's Debbie? Debbie Stabenow has spent the last 42 years, an entire career in Michigan politics. She has spent the last 22 years in Washington and the last 18 as our senator. But what have been her accomplishments over the past four decades? Our senior U.S. senator should stand out more than the eponymous character of the children's Where's Waldo books.
Where’s Debbie been while factories closed eviscerating the economies of cities like Lansing, Flint, and Jackson?
Where's Debbie been while our school systems have been failing our young men and women as too many are unprepared to enter the modern work force?
Where's Debbie been on poverty? Our poverty rate has increased almost 50 percent while she's been in Washington.
And where has Debbie been on unnecessary regulations? Regulations have burdened on our free market economy making products more costly and making it difficult for companies to grow and hire more people.
Michigan deserves a leader not a politician who pops up at election time to remind us why we should vote for them. We need a leader like John James who has demonstrated energetic leadership, clarity of vision and a passion for service from the battlefield to the boardroom. He is a proven servant-leader who will represent all Michiganders and help unify Washington.
Matt Dietrich
Northville
Support for Epstein
I’ve been studying all the Congressional issues in preparation for voting on
Nov. 6. After reviewing all the information, I’m totally impressed with Lena Epstein and her passion for an “America First” agenda for 11th District residents in Wayne and Oakland counties.
First, Lena is not a politician. That’s very attractive to me. She’s a smart
suburban-Detroit business women who understands the brutal constraints that Washington D.C. bureaucrats can have on a thriving economy.
I don’t want to experience the heartache of the disastrous policies that hurt our state
last decade.
We’re finally starting to get results in Washington, D.C. We need to keep that momentum going. We’re finally moving forward, and Lena supports that agenda: Reducing unnecessary government regulations; reining in excessive government spending; stopping illegal immigration and fighting to secure our borders; fighting to balance our federal budget; and supporting a safe country with a strong, well-funded military.
We need this type of critical thinking in Washington, D.C. Please join me in supporting Lena Epstein for U.S. Congress at the Nov. 6, general election.
Dennis O’Connor
Novi precinct delegate
More Epstein support
The term "career politician" is widely viewed with distaste because we're all tired of living with the results of their handiwork.
For that reason, as well as several others, I'm pleased that successful business woman Lena Epstein is willing and able to bring her expertise, intelligence, compassion and experience to bear on the good ol' boys clubs in Washington, D.C., as Michigan's representative for all of us in the 11th Congressional District.
Proving to be a successful business woman requires foreseeing the impact of her decisions- both positive and negative, on everyone connected to her business.
As a Congresswoman, her experiences of dealing with what the feds are dishing out gives her a perspective shared by most us of living here in the district, and her strong opposition to the Democrat's spoken goal of rescinding the recent tax reforms is important for our entire country.
It's refreshing to have someone with an admirable career of making instead of taking representing our best interests in our nation's Capitol.
Timothy J. Bos
White Lake
And even more for Epstein
Lena Epstein has my vote. We do not need another Washington, D.C., swamp creature. Career politicians only care about getting reelected. They do not care about our ballooning national debt or our wide open borders.
D.C. insiders got us into this mess, they will never get us out of it. We’ve had enough insiders. It’s time for an outsider. I like Lena Epstein because she has never worked in D.C. or run for office. Lena is the outsider in the 11th District and she has my vote.
Philip Seamon
Birmingham
Concert disappointed
I recently attended my first concert in the park in Plymouth and I feel compelled to say "shame on you Plymouth residents!"
It was nearly impossible to hear the music because the people never stopped talking. When I asked the very loud men behind me to stop talking their response was "We can talk any time we want. " I was floored. They then continued to gab and throw in rude comments about me and my sister -in- law. I was later physically assaulted by another man over a beach ball.
Nowhere was there any security in sight. I always thought Plymouth was an upscale community but I have changed my opinion. We have attended concerts in Redford, Wayne and Livonia all season, enjoying every one. I have attended my very last Plymouth event.
Kudos to Redford, Wayne and Livonia for doing it right!
Linda Trygg
Westland
Vote Democrat in November
He separates children from their parents and locks infants in cages. He demeans war heroes, brags about sexually assaulting women, and praises brutal dictators. He has no concept of the truth, and he attacks those in the free press who challenge him. He ignores the constitutional rights of the people. He encourages racial hatred and violence.
His minions are named Schuette and James and Epstein. They have strenuously supported him no matter what he has said and done. He has endorsed them all as they seek their own powerful positions. He and they are a danger to everyone.
I hope the good forces of Whitmer and Stabenow and Stevens prevail in the forthcoming autumnal battle. Those good people worry about health care for all, better funding for our schools and fixing our awful roads. They have a history of protecting our auto industry, our farms, our great lakes, and helping those in need. We need to vote for Whitmer, Stabenow and Stevens.
John A. Kuenzel
Novi
Support Northville roads
There are a lot of reasons my wife and I so enjoy living in Northville and the one I want to talk about now is how we as a community come together and work together on projects.
Our current project is getting ahead of our road repair; no one is coming to our rescue. We own it, we fix it. Fixing our roads, among other things, increases our home values. I’m sure you have all seen the plan our city officials have put together. I have. I’ve studied it, it’s a good plan. Vote YES to repair our roads.
Doug Bingham
Northville
Northville school board support
Please allow me to introduce Suzanne Lynn as a candidate for the Board of Education of Northville Public Schools. I first met Lynn in her role as the co-facilitator of the Bond Review and Advocacy Committees for the successful passage of the district’s bond in November 2018. I was immediately impressed by her ability to digest the district’s complicated funding sources and succinctly articulate the district’s desire to provide a 21st century learning environment within an aging real estate portfolio.
Suzanne’s professional credentials are impressive. Her life’s work in both the public education and not-for-profit sectors allows her to understand the significant differences in each, yet she knows how they can work together to benefit every student. Case in point, Suzanne served as the Interim Deputy Superintendent of Talent for Detroit Public Schools to create a new vision and direction to staff members during a time when DPS was struggling to establish itself as a financially viable district and coached staff members to accomplish their vision.
As a nationally recognized leader in public education, Suzanne will have the advantage to hit the ground running to successfully implement the District’s goals and vision and provide a fresh perspective for future enhancements to curriculum, the arts, STEAM, athletics, security and student achievement.
Lynn has served on the Northville Educational Foundation board for 3 years, 2 as an executive committee member and is a commissioner for Northville Youth Assistance (NYA), and mentored through NYA for 2 years. Suzanne is ready to take the next step in her commitment to Northville Public Schools. She has our students’ best interests at heart and has the skill-set to evaluate the fluid dynamics of public education. She will be an exceptional advocate for our students and our community.
I encourage you to take a look at her website at www.suzannelynnforschoolboard.com or her Facebook page (Suzanne Lynn For Northville School Board) to learn more about her desire to serve NPS as a trustee of the BoE. I hope you will join me in casting a vote for Suzanne Lynn on November 6, 2018.
Cyndy Jankowski
Northville
Novi readers rock
It’s hard to believe that summer is over, students have spent an unbelievable amount of time reading over the past few months, and we are so proud of them. The Novi Public Library’s 2018 Summer Reading Program was hugely successful, with 3,085 people participating.
As always, the library also offered a number of programs to educate and entertain its patrons. There were story times, crafts, book clubs, and entertainers galore. Those that completed the reading program were invited to special finale parties. An after-hours lock-in party was hosted for the 7th-12th grade students, and the culminating event for all students in grades kindergarten through 6th grade was the chance to go to Paradise Park. Students were able to ride go-karts, play laser tag and mini-golf, and try out the climbing wall and trampoline, after which they could enjoy pizza and a drink, all generously donated by Jeff and Theresa Wainwright, owners of Paradise Park. This was the Library’s seventh year working with such an outstanding Novi business that really cares about our readers!
There are many other members of our community who supported the Summer Reading Program participants in their accomplishments, too. We could not have conducted our program without the help of our Teen Leader Volunteers; Quinna Halim and Aliyah Hirji for overseeing our registration table and our teen volunteers. In addition, our teen volunteers, who helped participants in the reading program register and log their books, assisted with crafts and other programs, and a myriad of other jobs.
We also owe a large debt of gratitude to those who supported and sponsored our efforts. Among them are: The Friends of the Novi Public Library, Paradise Park, Novi Community School District, Town & Country Eyecare, Diversified Members Credit Union, and The Goddard School for Early Childhood Development.
Many thanks go to the Novi Community School District which partnered with us to promote reading over the summer. Also to the Northville and Walled Lake school districts, for kindly distributing our program brochures to their schools. Students were encouraged to read and keep track of the amount of books read, take Accelerated Reading Tests at the library to document their progress, and turn in their reading logs at the beginning of the new school year.
Finally, we want to thank the parents, grandparents, and caregivers who brought their children to the Novi Public Library and encouraged them to read. Without their support our Summer Reading Program would not exist.
Novi Public Library staff
Another great concert season
The success of the 2018 Summer Concert Series at the LaFontaine Family Amphitheater could not have been possible without the help and support of so many. Financial support was provided by the Downtown Development Authority, along with a generous donation from Dr. Sherry Zylka and George Magro, in addition to our budgeted amount from the township, and last but not least all of the concert goers that gave cash donations.
Time and commitment to the concerts came from many sources. Non-profit organizations provided dinner each week for purchase. The Knights of Columbus arrived early to get the grill going so the food would be ready for purchase, and stayed late cleaning up. The Boy Scout Troup #172 provided beverages and collected all the returnables, and Seniors Inc. provided ice cream for sale.
The Milford Historical Society and Heavner Nature Connection joined the Milford Summer Concert Series this year. Linda Dagenhardt and many others dedicated their time and knowledge of the Milford Power Plant by opening the doors to the Milford Power House. The Village Fine Arts Association displayed beautiful art pieces made by local artists.
Al Heavner from Heavner’s Canoe and Kayak Rental provided free shuttle rides to the concerts in addition to having “Paddle to the Milford Concerts in the Park." Many concert goers took advantage of this relaxing drive to the concerts.
We’d like to thank the Village of Milford for the use of Central Park, and the DPS for always having the park ready for show time, and making sure that all of the parking supplies were on hand. Thank you to The Milford Fire Department and Milford Police Department for being present at the concerts to ensure the safety of attendees. A big thank you to Jim Mussat and Dennis Finkbeiner, Milford’s Ordinance Officers, for their time and dedication in keeping the parking lots safe and orderly
Finally, we’d like to thank the Lafontaine family and the DDA for the LaFontaine Family Amphitheater. The Amphitheater was once again a great hit with the Bands and concert goers.
We are already busy planning for the 2019 Summer Season and we hope to see everyone next summer! For information on upcoming events, ‘like’ us on FB, at Milford Township Parks and Recreation or send comments about the Summer Concert Series to concerts@milfordtownship.com.
Milford Summer Concert Committee
Milford Township Parks & Recreation
Program benefited many
The African saying “It takes a village to raise a child” has almost become a cliché in recent years, but it remains the best way to describe a special annual effort by local churches, volunteers and businesses.
Again this summer, children in three of South Lyon/Lyon Township’s economically challenged neighborhoods had nutritious, free lunches twice weekly. In 2018, a decade after its modest debut, more than 2,500 meals were served thanks to the time and resources given from within our community – no government funds.
While we are blessed to live in an area in which many are affluent, some of our neighbors remain in need. About 15 percent of children in the school district qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. When school is out for the summer, food security may be an issue for these families.
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning for 11 weeks throughout the summer, volunteers gathered at the First United Methodist Church kitchen in South Lyon to assemble 110-140 lunches. The overwhelming majority were served to kids, plus a few senior citizens and parents. The Milford YMCA also offered swimming instruction on lunch days at the Kensington Place mobile home community.
This project could not have succeeded without the hands of the volunteers. Some were able to come once or twice; others served faithfully every Tuesday and Thursday. They assembled lunches of fresh veggies, fruit, a cookie, and a sandwich or pizza, or occasionally a hot dog or taco. Helpers included teachers; parishioners and youth of the local United Methodist, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran and Evangelical Presbyterian congregations; retirees; South Lyon East and South Lyon High students; and even junior high and elementary school children and a youth baseball team.
Special thanks go to: The employees’ benevolent committee of Kem Krest (Brighton), for a very generous donation. Hungry Howies/South Lyon, which donated eight pizzas weekly. The St. Joseph Catholic Church Altar Society for its donation, and St. Joe parishioners who baked an average of 22 dozen cookies and brownies every week, throughout the summer. And the church’s 6th, 7th and 8th-grade confirmation classes, for $1,000 in grocery gift cards, plus paper goods, fruit cups, peanut butter and jelly. The Lovell family, providers of yummy submarine sandwiches every week. The First United Methodist Church, for opening its kitchen and financially supporting the program.
Any business, civic organization, church congregation or individual with a heart for children and an interest in supporting this community-wide effort for 2019, as a benefactor or volunteer, is welcome to contact me.
Joanna Firestone
summer lunch program coordinator
First United Methodist Church
Golf outing thanks
On Aug. 19 there was a Knights of Columbus Bishop Fulton Sheen #7444 golf outing.
Not just a Sunday get together with the guys for a fun day, but a special golf outing for some special children battling all kinds of cancer (some of which are life threatening). The weather was as great as the golfers who came out to this fundraiser. Also great were the merchants who donated some very nice items for the raffle. Please thank them any time you visit their businesses.
The list of businesses include Acorn Farms, Baker’s of Milford & Comeback Inn, Coratti’s on Main, Club Pet, Czapski’s, Charlie’s Jewelers, Clothing Cove, Duke’s of Highland, Dimitri’s Coney Island, For Feet’s Sake, Hartland Glen Golf Course, Hartland Smilemakers, Highland House, Holden’s Party Store, Heavner Canoe Rental, Kensington Dairy Queen, Milford House Bar & Grill, Milford Mane Care, Pet Supply Plus of Milford, Palate, River’s Edge Brewing, Smoke Street BBQ, Salon Del Sol, Schwartz’s Delicatessen, Sweet Retreats, Village Pizza & BBQ, Village Toy Shoppe and Burger Joint.
Also thanks to Ken Snook for a donation of bananas & a gift basket, Jake Thome for apples, Kroger bakery to start our day with doughnuts, coffee cakes & rolls and Village Florist for again this year, donating roses for every lady golfer to make their day better. Did you know that a rose makes you forget a bad day of golf? Special “Thanks” to Phil Wiepert for the golf clubs, balls, tees and the donation of his winnings of the Putt-Putt competition. Remember the old saying “There Oughta Be a Law!”? Jack & Dave Law and their foursome make special donations every year. Thanks also to all who bought 50/50 raffle tickets and other tickets for the prizes. Thanks to Trent Smith, Kathy Patterson, Chef Joe Curtis & Richardo Bowring and the staff at Mystic Creek for all their help and service. Thanks to the Milford Times, Oakland Press and the Detroit Free Press for advertising the golf outing.
And last, but not least, thanks to these great helpers – Don “Pops” Sheridan, Paul Castiglione, Bob B. Sobczak, Gene Sypniewski, Don Green, Bob Bozyk, Anthony Barbone Sr. and Tony “Texas Ranger” Barbone Jr. for all their help that day.
And thanks to all the golfers who played and donated to the children at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They include Tom & Bryan Powers, Steve & Cam O’Connell, Harlon & Doris Thome, Skip & Betty Landini, Pete & Diane Thome, Dave & Deanne Law, Jack & Jeri Law, John & Carolyn Cigna, Jerry & Martha Klemmer, Paul & Nick Klemmer, Doug & Mike Sordyl, Bob & Cheryl Repasky, Dennis & Barb Nunnold, Rob & Shannon Cook, Garrett Steele, Jim Oeme, Brad & Mark Smith, Pauline Smart, Karen Maynard, Jackie Hark, Donna Trapp, Ginny Foley, Nancy Kay, Cheryl Youd, Angie Breneman, Deb Nowak, Deb Morefield, Sue Krase, Kathy Depp, Gary Beasley, Jeff Rimalzki, Frank Fogarty, Phil Weipert, Bill Ciurzenski, Bob Surma, Darrell Woodard, Barry Wolf, Wally Wolfe, Tony Wolfe, Mike Gulbernat, Kenny, Walt Wyniemko, Wally Wyniemko, Bredy Wyniemko, Sophie Wyniemko and Bob Kiefiuk.
In our 12 years of hosting a golf outing for the children at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, who all have some kind of cancer. This was the smallest group of golfers – only 15 foursomes (60 golfers) to support 77 children in the hospital fighting for their young lives.
Danny Thomas, founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital said two things make me help these children. Danny said “Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplished for yourself – it’s what you do for others”. And his other saying was “No child should die in the dawn of his/her life”. Think about that with your children – hope they are healthy.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. This is because of people like you, who donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
We are still accepting donations until Sept. 22, 2018. If you want to be included, make a checks out to St. Jude. Please mail the checks to John Rogers – 3101 Sands Ct., Milford, MI 48380. Thank you and God bless.
John Rogers
Milford
Many cleaned river
The Friends of the Huron-Oakland would like to thank all the volunteers who showed up this year to help clean the Huron River.
This was our 32nd annual clean-up. We had great weather, and more than95 dedicated volunteers participate this year! These folks removed several hundred pounds of garbage from the river including bottles, cans, several pairs of flip-flops, and a large garbage can!
We would like to thank all our sponsors for their generous support and donations. Thanks go to: Heavner Canoe Rental, Village Canoe Rental, Kensington Park, Camp Dearborn, Don Green, Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce, Colasanti's, Duke's, Holden's, Jimmy Johns, Milford Baking Co., Bakers of Milford, Americus Coney Island, Village BBQ, Awesome Burger, Sparky’s, Village of Milford, Charter Township of Milford, and the Zonta Club.
Friends of the Huron-Oakland