Almost seven years ago, I made the decision to purchase a membership at Holliday Park. Having had a long and detail-oriented career of budget juggling and number crunching, I’m a no-nonsense, bottom line type person, who expects to get my money’s worth for each dollar I spend.

One of the first things I did after settling in to my unit, was to find just the right spot for my BIG map of the World. I bought colorful push pins, and signed up with the Holliday Park Travel Club, for a trip to South America. On that trip I met and mingled with people from all over the country, as well as around the world. Other HP Travel Club Members were very congenial, and I soon discovered that they, like me, had a fascination for other cultures, cuisines, and experiencing the history of places, and wonders which I had only read about in books or seen on the History, and Travel Channel.

Life was taking on a new dimension, and there was now a whole new reason to crawl out of bed….the Amazon, Galapagos Archipelago, Buenos Aires, Chile, Rio,Cape Horn, Brazil… does it get much better than this?

The following year, a traveler I’d met casually on the South America trip,was picking up new sign -up forms and information for an HP Caribbean Cruise, at the same time that I did. We decided to go on-line together to register for side trips. Over a glass of wine, on a Sunday afternoon, we planned our shore excursions on my living room floor, laughed and discovered that we had many similar interests.

In order to get to port, we had to fly to Fort Lauderdale, and then take a bus to the ship. We’d packed lightly, but smartly, we thought. Then, just as the bus was about to leave, my travel buddy remembered that she should have brought a hat to protect her hair and skin from the sun. I, too, thought of sun protection. Without a word, we ran across the street to the local K-Mart, with about five minutes to shop.

Her head is big (according to her), and mine is small……….so we ransacked the hats and tried on everything from wide-brimmed to visors… and in haste, not wishing to be left behind, we both grabbed the same, made in China, PAPER hats. She got the tan with white. I got the white with tan. As we ran to the bus, our fellow travelers called out in grumpy tones, all kinds of interesting salutations…about being left at the dock, etc…

The trip was fantastic!!! When we were at sea, I lived at the Black Jack tables, while she did arts & crafts, went swimming, enjoyed the view from the deck, went to the spa and played a wild game of Bingo with other HP friends and others. On the last day of Bingo I finally joined in and won the entire Jack Pot of $200..…..much to the good-hearted grumbling of the daily players

When the ship docked at St. Thomas, the rain came down, and the wind began to howl. This did not stop us!! While other HP members watched from the dry safety of the ship, my travel partner and I ran out into the weather, dressed in capes that we’d purchased from the dollar store in Martinique. Did we enjoy our outing? YOU BETCHA!!!

That trip is a beautiful memory now, and since then we’ve gone to the Greek Islands, and to closer destinations, casino trips, bus trips, and you name it. Often, we find ourselves down at the HP Olympic size swimming pool…PAPER HATS in place (trying not to get them wet, of course); and we still receive admiring inquiries as to where we got them.

More importantly, you might ask, “Have I gotten my money’s worth at Holliday Park?” I reply emphatically, YES I HAVE, and much more!!! What I have learned for myself, over time, is that living at Holliday Park offers economical living, travel opportunities, and camaraderie, along with something unexpected ……..I’ve found True Friendship, and it is priceless.

Saint Thomas Aquinas said “ friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious.”

Holliday Park is a non-profit, private corporation. As such, we are subject to the laws and practices governing corporations. At its inception, this cooperative put forth a set of by-laws, spelling out for its members how the corporation is to be run. These by-laws were subject to legal scrutiny when the cooperative began. An attorney also gave direction when HUD relinquished the mortgage that was given over to a local bank by the Board of Directors in 2003. That same year, the members voted to accept the by-laws as revised by the attorney for Holliday Park.

Our by-laws spell out the acceptable methods of voting in an election for the Board of Directors or for any other issue that may be brought to the ballot. Since we are a corporation, we have all the options to vote that are proper to corporations as opposed to a municipality, state or national election. We can vote in person on the date of the annual meeting by being present at the clubhouse during the time of the in-person election.

Secondly, we can ask a friend, neighbor or relative at Holliday Park to act as our proxy and vote for us, if we cannot be present in person. Thirdly, we have the option of sending our vote by U.S. Mail, by filling out a mail ballot that is sent to us.

Like many corporations, such as AAA or other corporations where you may hold stock, the mail ballot requires a signature on the ballot. If you read the Holliday Park By-Laws, the mail ballot is explained thus: “Each mail ballot shall clearly state the name of the member and his or her unit number and must be signed by the member.”

On the day of the election, all mail ballots are opened in such a way that only the identifying information (name of member and unit number) is visible to those who are appointed as election inspectors. When it is time for the inspectors to count the votes, the ballots are turned over to the other side, as a whole stack, and the votes are counted.

Each person counting votes is observed by two challengers and fellow election inspectors. No one is allowed to take time to note how a particular person may have voted. All inspectors and challengers pledge confidentiality before they engage in this process. Inspectors are chosen for their willingness to honor confidentiality and to respect the careful instructions regarding the voting process.

Our method of voting is legal according to laws governing corporations. An attorney has written our by-laws regarding the election process. Our members can vote with confidence and trust that their vote is meaningful in effecting the choices they wish to make in any election.

On the day of our annual meeting, members gather at the clubhouse in the evening. The candidates for the Board are named, although they are already usually known to the membership. The two challengers are also introduced. In a matter of two to three hours, the election is over. The votes sent by mail ballot and those who voted in person are counted. Then the candidates who are elected to the Board are announced. At Holliday Park, all Board positions are unpaid, volunteer-service positions.

As a member of Holliday Park, you may choose one of the named methods of voting to cast your vote. All members should be sure to express their preferences by taking part in the voting process. This process has worked well for the cooperative for decades. Wise voting choices result in the election of a good team of intelligent volunteers to Board Member positions. Our history reflects that these dedicated people have led the corporation well and we are now mortgage-free and solvent.

If you are interested enough in the important matters of the Co-op, as the majority of our members are, maybe you will volunteer to be on this Board! Any member in good standing is eligible for this important position. Do consider it!

Our location in Westland, is a tremendous asset to Holliday Park members because we are so close to the metro areas major highways, the airport , down town events, and many vital and thriving communities which offer unique shopping opportunities . There is so much to do, for all ages, and one particularly popular destination is Edward Hines Park.

Edward Hines, the man for whom this park is named, along with Henry Ford, and others, was a member of the Wayne County Roads Commission when it was formed in 1906. History records that he was one of the first to plan the construction of durable cement roads, developed an efficient system of roadways, and began the practice of continuing beautification for all roads.

Mr. Hines was an avid bicyclist, and had a vision for turning the Rouge and Huron River Valley into a parkland-like recreational area where people could enjoy every kind of outdoor activity, as well as nature.

Today, the aptly named Hines Parks 19^th Century beauty continues, as it winds for 17 miles of wooded acres and rolling hills along the tributaries of the Rouge River, from Dearborn Heights through Westland and on to the lovely little towns of Plymouth, Northville and Northville Township. The Park encompasses an area of about 20 miles or 2,225 acres of natural scenic beauty.

Along with the numerous bike trails, there are baseball diamonds, picnic areas, hiking trails, designated fishing docks, play-scapes for kids, cross country skiing, ice skating ponds, sledding and tobogganing at Cass Benton Park, tennis courts, nature trails, and wide open spaces to fly kites, play soccer or just do nothing but enjoy the fresh air, and greenery. At the holiday season, a light show adorns the greenery of the park, and is put in place for residents to drive through a wonderland of visual splendor, thanks to many dedicated volunteers.

There are historic Mills to visit along the parkway. Some of these Mills were used by Henry Ford to build car parts in the early manufacturing days of Detroit’s history. Nankin Mills, built in 1842, still stands, today, and retains it’s original hard wood, tong-in-grove flooring and wooden beams with pegs from “back in the day” when it was changed from a grist mill into a car parts maker. The Mill is now open for tourism and offers information about those early days, and the culture of our community.

Westland also has 18 parks, a concrete skating park, Mike Mondano Ice Arena, 2 large golf courses, a water park, soccer fields, 4 walley ball courts and the 30,000 square foot Bailey Recreation Center. At the Bailey Center you can sign up to take trips to many destinations, or learn karate, gymnastics, or take water aerobics or swimming lessons, just to list a few activities.

The William P. Holliday Forest and Wildlife Preserve, surrounds us here at the co-op. This 500 acre preserve is lush with every type of vegetation you can imagine. It has hiking trails and picnic areas which are maintained by many volunteers, and it is very accessible for all ages.

When you consider Holliday Park Town Houses Cooperative as your new home, it’s important to note that all of these varied activities are close to the co-op. The nature center is within walking distance and the other amenities are just a few miles away.

Every age group can find free or low cost activities, practically in our backyard. If you add to this list, classes at the two community colleges and the Continuing Education Centers in Livonia and Westland, you get an abundance of class offerings on subjects for every individual’s interest, hobby, or need.

This is truly a fulfilling lifestyle at a cost-effective price for your Holliday Park membership AND your amenities!

Simply put, when you decide on a neighborhood to live in, you are choosing a place which is “more than a house with a door, walls and window panes” as Rolfe Humphries wrote in his poem Coming Home; you are choosing a location in which to thrive!

Many visitors to Holliday Park come with discerning questions, seeking answers about cooperative living. They want to fully understand the co-op concept, and how it is that our community continues to thrive and be sustainable year after year.

For decades, Holliday Park has been blessed to have as its elected directors, people with not only extraordinary talents, life experience from the work place, enormous generosity for sharing time and working as a team; but also the kind of “humble” ego, which allows for the elimination of “self-interest” as they serve the corporation…(which is of course, every member), equally.

What we want our visitors, applicants, and new members to know is that Fiscal Responsibility has been the Key to Keeping Costs Down!

One Man in particular, has for 33 years, helped to impart his unique insights, and talents for balancing budgets, investing funds, and “paying as you go” rather than incurring debt, whenever possible. He has been, and is today, the rock and foundation of our success. He has led: by example, strength of character, honesty, a single minded love of his community,and an uncanny insight for predicting future economic trends.

To Quote, in part, from a recent tribute in the official newsletter from the Board of Directors, the Status Quo, in homage to this man, and written by the current Board:

“At least once a month, but more likely several times a week, for thirty-three years, Gene Suchy drove his Chevrolet (sometimes it was a Ford) to the Holliday Park clubhouse, enjoying the privilege of parking his car in the space reserved for the Board of Directors. This parking space was the only perk that came from the years of serious and conscientious volunteering in which he had engaged. Four to six hours later (on the once-a-month visits) he emerged to drive home to his Dover town house, having shared his carefully composed motions and proposals with the rest of the Board Members at their regular meeting. (This does not mention all the extra scheduled Work Shops, and other meetings which were necessary to gather information and brain-storm).

We don’t have experience with his full track record at Holliday Park, we know that in the past six years, he may have missed one Board Meeting. He attended 98-99% of the scheduled Board Meetings during these 33 years. Heart surgery in 2007 was scheduled at a time that would most closely synchronize with the normally held meetings. Who can claim such a record? Attendance and regularity would be not at all remarkable if noteworthy accomplishments were not a part of Gene’s service record. Those who resided here in the early days of Holliday Park’s existence overwhelmingly credit Gene with being hardworking, knowledgeable and honest.

In 1977, when he took over as Treasurer, he turned this cooperative around from its position of near-bankruptcy; this fact is corroborated by early members and is written in the Holliday Park history. Those who live here today unknowingly benefit from Gene’s financial habits that have resulted in what may be the lowest carrying charges of any place in the country.

Gene’s marketing vision, which emerged before anyone saw trouble on the horizon, has helped us through the recent tough spots. Now, in spite of negative economic factors…because of Gene’s leadership, we are in sound financial shape” (and Mortgage-Free!)

We are grateful for the legacy of a cooperative that has distinguished itself by creating consistent policies which maintain peaceful coexistence, and for a financially solvent corporation that has a sound financial and legal foundation. We sincerely thank Gene Suchy, along with his wife, Jan, for their dedication and the large role they have played in creating, maintaining, and passing on this valuable legacy!”….”

Let everyone who wishes to know how Holliday Park continues to be a vital cooperative community, understand that this place has been blessed to have the kind of stellar leadership which has produced the integral policies and procedures by which the corporation is successfully run. Our foundation is solid, and we continue to focus on the future with deep respect and knowledge from the past, and for the man who taught us all how to squeeze a penny for a priceless result for all!

It has now been six months since the formation of Saturday Greeters. The residents who volunteer their time and expertise in this initiative, have found that the people who stop by on Saturday, are not only interested in becoming applicants, but bring with them enthusiasm, good questions, and great expectations for the many possibilities of a co-op lifestyle.

Young professionals, singles and couples, a sister and brother (each wanting a different unit style), families, and seniors who are single, married, or who wish to move in with a grown child, have come to the Clubhouse to find about this “park-like community” on Wayne Road; and they frequently remark, before they even inquire about the application process, “what a well maintained, and beautifully landscaped place to live!”

Often, people who come in to support someone who wants to learn about cooperative life, find themselves being drawn to this good place, as well. Recently, two people came with their adult son, because they had driven by Holliday Park so often, and had heard from neighbors,friends, and even at their workplace, that the cooperative offered a unique life style, with great economic and also social benefits. They heard about the social life here, with trips, parties, clubs, a large swimming pool , clubhouse, and even a neighborhood yard sale.

The initial first question is almost always “what is a cooperative”? The answer is: a cooperative is a not-for-profit corporation in which you purchase one share from the out-going member. At the closing of the sale, you receive your share or Membership Certificate which entitles you to live in the unit style of your choice, and to have one vote in the annual elections which are held in May of each fiscal year. At that time a Board of Directors is elected by and from the members. The Directors set policy, establish rules and determine how the money is to be spent.

The second most frequently asked question is two-fold, “ what kinds of units are available and how long will we have to wait to move in? The Greeter’s invite guests to come to the cheery Florida Room to get more comfortable and view the DVD of Holliday Park’s Seven Unit Styles, and grounds. Mostly, prospective new neighbors bring with them a wish-list of amenities, such as number of bedrooms, square footage, full basements and covered parking. Of course, all of this information, as well as a ‘ball park” figure of the cost of each unit style, and monthly carrying charges for each specific style is given, along with a brochure which includes floor plans and much more. Finding out that several unit styles are often available in as little as 6 to eight weeks, is always a celebratory moment for applicants.

Once our visitors begin to understand the value and opportunities which cooperative living at Holliday Park can provide, and find out that not only are we MORTGAGE FREE, but that HEAT IS INCLUDED in their low monthly carrying charges; well this is when the they truly begin to imagine their new life here.

Questions begin to flow, as they reveal their needs and hopes for a better housing choice. Real life experiences are shared: whether it’s the need to move from a changing neighborhood, a desire to down-size, the need to stop throwing away more money with ever-increasing rental fees, the loss of a family member making high taxes and big mortgage payments impossible, and so much more. Recently, a young couple wanted to have the benefit of the excellent Livonia School system, without paying a dreaded mortgage.

What actually happens at Saturday Greeters is a lot like witnessing moments of great clarity. People come in with hopes, dreams and expectations, and find that not only can they satisfy their visceral needs for safe, secure and affordable housing; they can become part of a community where they will be valued for their participation, and will also become part of the Holliday Park family. This is accomplished because during the course of conversations, Greeters’ and Applicants share something of their personal lives. Greeters speak of the longevity of their time at Holliday Park, and tell of their own hopes which have been realized at the co-op. Some greeters tell about the work of their committees, or how their neighbors have become close personal friends. On other days, a greeter will tell of a trip to Spain, cruises, and even day trips that were made affordable by the Travel Club. Others share stories of how they love their unit, and how it fits their specific needs and those of their family.

Each person who comes through the clubhouse doors on Saturday Mornings between 11 and 1 p.m., is welcomed with heart-felt words, and has their questions answered, and their worries shared, by members who are happily living the co-op life.

Recently, a young couple who are both working to give service to others, the first is training to be a Police Officer, and the other is working to get a degree in nursing, said to the Greeters’ as they started to leave (applications in hand) ”we have never been so well received, or felt so welcome at any other place we’ve visited to find out about occupancy!”

The Saturday Greeters Group offers caring and sharing, and it says to those who come in to see us, you are welcome, and we will do all that we can to assist you in joining us.

In these challenging economic times it is important to note that Holliday Park’s central location, in Westland, Michigan, a well run, environmentally aware,  financially sound, and resident friendly city, is a very beneficial “perk” for us all.  With State and local revenues declining, it is  the forward thinking of the Mayor and City Council, as well as the Downtown Development Authority, businesses, civic groups, and concerned citizens, all of whom work very hard to help this city grow, with a balanced budget, and a continually improving infrastructure.

In the recent “State of the City” address, Mayor William Wild expounded on the many strengths of our city, as well as, the current challenges which Westland faces.  According to the Mayor, “105 new businesses have been established this year, creating 500 new jobs.  Kroger’s supermarket has invested nearly 6 million dollars to expand their store across from City Hall.  They are also funding the renovation of their other three locations in our city, and are building a large fuel center in the heart of the city, while remodeling the existing fuel center at another location.  Kroger employs over 500 people and their re-investment here, verifies their faith in this great city!”

Verizon  has just invested 16 million to expand their switching station and has opened a large store in Westland Mall.  Meijers too has re-invested in it’s location, here in Westland, and they employ 322 people.  This kind of activity shows that the retail sector is staying strong, and even expanding.

Westland has also been chosen to be the new home of Nanosec, an innovative technology company.  Cintas, chose to renovate and enlarge their warehouse here, at a cost of 6 million dollars, rather than relocate toCleveland. This renovation created 55 more new jobs for residents.  Also, Ford Motor Company’s commitment  to invest in a battery-electric version of the Ford Focus, at the Michigan Assembly plant in Wayne (close by), by 2011, will help to generate jobs and stimulate the economy for years to come.  This is GOOD NEWS for Westland, and the entire state.

In order to continue being fiscally responsible and financially solvent, the city has had to make some tough choices.  Slowly, over time, for the past two years, the city has had to reduce the number of it’s employees .  As people retire, their work has been redistributed to others, and hiring has been slowed.  Since revenues trickle in, the city must stretch each dollar and reduce their overhead by paying less into benefit programs for employees.  By working with the unions, and educating the work force about a five year plan to gradually make reductions in pensions; the city is keeping itself sustainable without creating an unexpected hardship for anyone.

To reduce our carbon footprint and be environmentally responsible, the curbside recycling program has been put in place with outstanding results.  Citizens brought this idea forward, and the mayor and city council did there part to make it happen.  Everyone who participates, not only reduces the land fill and saves the city money, they can earn up to $500 in discounts with city merchants.  An amazing 550 tons of trash has been recycled so far, according to the mayor; and since coupons are being used at local businesses, this project is working as our own personal Stimulus Package.  As phase 2 of recycling begins in the near future, positive results will continue to multiply for residents and the planet.

When people learn about the cooperative lifestyle, with all of it’s numerous amenities, and of course, most importantly, its AFFORDABILITY; location is a big factor too.  With wise planning and forward thinking our elected officials are doing all they can to keep Westland, “the place to be”.  With more new applicants every month, interest in the co-op is remaining strong, and being a part of this viable city is certainly a plus!!

Even as an adult, going home is special. No matter how old or small or cramped it is, the house you grew up in can take you back in time to your favorite memories, and give you a sense of belonging like nowhere else can.

Several years ago, after the last chick finally left the nest, my mom sold our family home and moved into Holliday Park. I’m talking about the house we moved into when this 52 year-old was only 12. Roots planted that long ago, don’t die easily. Yes, I thought, it’s the right thing to do. Mom doesn’t need all that space or upkeep; maintenance will be so much easier, and financially it makes good sense. However, I kept wondering what would it be like coming back to visit? Would I feel like I was at a hotel in a strange place? Only one way to find out.

On my first trip back to Michigan, my immediate thought was: I’m much closer to the airport. BIG plus. Then, upon turning into the main drive, I was struck by the sight of sidewalks, private entrances, and well kept yards. In other words, it looked like a neighborhood. This wasn’t anything like I’d been picturing. The grounds were beautifully maintained, and many yards had carefully tended gardens which added to the overall appeal.

Once I got inside my mom’s unit, I received another pleasant surprise. Just like Goldilocks looking for the right bed to nap in, mom had found a place that was just the right size. Small enough so she wasn’t spending all her time cleaning, but large enough so that even when with my brother and I were staying there, we weren’t tripping over each other.

The floor plan is laid out in just the right way, with no wasted space and all the rooms fit together just right. Mom has a yard with a patio that looks out over another back yard. There’s even a basement! (As a veteran apartment dweller, that’s one thing I would kill for.)

Mom has really enjoyed living at Holliday Park. She’s gotten to know many of her neighbors and has become involved in organizations and activities. I was even fortunate enough to go along with her, on a two-week Baltic cruise that was organized by Holliday Park’s Travel Club. Now my mom and I share memories of fifteen days on a beautiful Celebrity ship visiting Scandinavia, Russia and Germany. While on this trip, we were greeted by a large brass band, dressed in white uniforms with shining gold buttons, as we entered St. Petersburg. In Stockholm, all of our sight-seeing was done by small boats, making this experience memorable and more personal than the usual walking or bus tours. We even spent a day in Estonia. When would I have ever imagined having a chance to see that? I never would have been able to afford it without the great deal which the travel group for Holliday Park members, their friends and families.

So yes, I’ll always have the memories of the house in which I grew up, but with Mom living in Holliday Park, when people ask me where I’m going for Christmas, I’m still able to truthfully say, “I’m going home!”

Although Holliday Park has been a thriving cooperative community in Westland, Michigan, for over 30 years, it has always been something of a secret place. It is one of most economical housing options that you can find, and people wishing to become a member have  often found the waiting list has been closed. This was largely due to a long standing and  heavily populated Waiting List of eager applicants who were already signed up . Often, people waited for as many as five years for one of the seven unit styles to become available for occupancy.

As you drive by on Wayne Road near Joy Road, you see the large brick clubhouse and huge Olympic size swimming pool, the lush and lovely surrounding nature center, the well-maintained units, and the many active members, walking, jogging, biking or taking part in some activity such as the Yard Sale, Pool Party, or a gathering for the weekly Monday morning Coffee.

Recently, the downturn in the economy has made selling a home difficult, and people are looking for opportunities to “stretch their dollars”, avoid higher taxes, and leave home maintenance costs and responsibilities behind. A number of the people on Holliday Park’s Active Waiting List have not been able to sell their homes or condominiums, and the list has, for the first time in many years, become small enough to allow for some units to be almost immediately available.

Two of this communities active volunteers felt that it might be time for this cooperative to tell its story to a large number of area residents, so that they might come and see what a co-op is, and what this life-style has to offer. They contacted a respected staff writer for the local Observer Newspaper, Sue Mason, who was intrigued by this moderate- income cooperative concept, and agreed to interview the Saturday Greeters’ Group, along with other members of Holliday Park, to get a history and overview of this thriving and mortgage free community, while sharing the secret of happy, economical, cooperative living, which is now more available than ever.

On a very rainy summer afternoon, Sue met and interviewed a lively mix of “newbie” members, along with others whose residency had endured for many years. Stories of the Travel Group’s trip to France, Italy, China and the Baltic Sea regions, as well as many other destinations; and of the co-ops many events, from long waiting lines of would-be applicants who camped out over-night for a chance to join us; to the current All Thumbs Garden Contest Winners, and the creation of our updated Web Site and blog, were discussed at length.

Sue genuinely responded to the shared enthusiasm of the members, and felt that the whole concept of this affordable lifestyle, and low carrying charges should be told! She too, felt that the “availability” of units for new members, with what is now a much shorter wait time, needed to be revealed.

As she left us that day, with her brochure, dvd, pages of notes, web site address, and copies of our most popular blogs, she promised to write a column that would be informative and welcoming, just like the people who reside within the complex. Sue sent an excellent photographer, Bill Bresler, to put “faces” with her text, and within a week, a great article appeared on the front page of the Westland Observer, with a second part on Page 2.

Those of us who found a home, friendships for a lifetime, volunteerism, activities, trips, and an opportunity to live frugally and well, no matter what the economic climate of the times dictates, are grateful to Sue Mason and the Westland Observer Newspaper, along with www.hometownlife.com (Westland Section) for featuring our Cooperative, and telling our story for the benefit of everyone who wishes to come and find out about the many benefits of purchasing a membership for $23,000 to $45,000, depending on the chosen unit style; and then having only a low monthly carrying charge of from $241-$353 (including heat).

You can put a price tag on the membership, it’s true, but the amenities and experiences you have here are absolutely priceless.

The City of Westland’s William P. Faust Public Library, just like our vital community at Holliday Park, is doing all it can to help our citizens face the challenges of these trying economic times. The library is offering a Job Seeker’s Lab and “hands-on” computer classes for the purpose of helping everyone who needs an updated resume, to learn the “how-to” creation process, by learning to use the Microsoft Word program. Day and night instructive classes are offered right now, to meet the growing needs of many who have had to re-train to meet the demands of our changing business and manufacturing sectors. Skilled librarians teach job seekers how to write and update their resume to eloquently describe their talents, job experience, and goals for the future. The presentation of your job history, great references, and an impressive list of your skills and talents can help you find the right job for a bright future.

The second part of the library’s program offers people the chance to learn to use the computer in basic ways which let you interact with the Internet Explorer browser, find job opportunities, and make contacts with many employers through such places as Monster.com job search site, as well as so many others. These sites compare salaries for different careers, and list the kinds of training you would need to qualify for whatever work you find that interests you. With careful instruction and the use of a computer, every one can learn the basics of Internet interaction by “hands-on-doing”, googling, researching and finding opportunities everywhere.

Not only can you learn word processing skills and to print and save text, format discs, and to send important information and documents to a file; you can also be taught to navigate to different web sites for the purpose of such important tasks as filing for unemployment benefits, finding job opportunities, and even sign up for on-line continuing education classes. Better yet, you can be taught how to upload your newly designed resume to the Michigan Talent Bank, and numerous other employment sites in our area, and all across the country. The skilled librarians at William P. Faust Public Library are offering this special program called “The Job Seekers Lab” right now. Call the library for more information at ( 734) 326-6123, and take advantage of the skill building tools which are offered by your community of caring citizens here in Westland.

The Saturday Greeters’ at Holliday Park care too, and have the ardent desire to let people from all over our state, know that we offer the the best economic choice anyone could be looking for in these recessionary times, or really, at any time. Our volunteer Greeters’ have rescheduled the Saturday availability time to meet the demands of those who work many hours, or several jobs, and cannot come into the office during regular weekday business hours.

Saturday Greeters’ began a few months ago, and due to the success of our efforts, we have now changed our hours to 11 a.m – 1 p.m., and these hours will be on-going for the foreseeable future. The people who come to the clubhouse as future applicants, are astounded at what we have to offer.   One by one they are finding out that we are one of the best housing alternatives in the area. Holliday Park is a #1 place to live because you purchase the outgoing member’s equity in a unit, but do not have to rent, or own and pay high taxes. Cooperative living is a great investment. Since the monthly carrying charges are so low, and include heat, many who come in to get an application, or download one from our web site, but want more information, tell us that they wish they had stopped in long ago, and joined us.

Making the application and information process available to everyone who wants to join us, on Saturdays, or during the week, is our way of letting people know that they do have a choice to be part of this caring and beautiful community, for a price that is attainable, and often without having to wait more that a few months, if that long, to be called and to pick the unit of their choice.

Westland’s Library Job Programs, and Holliday Park’s Saturday Greeters’ are two examples of our community’s willingness to assist anyone in these difficult times by making help available for their convenience. Now more than ever, it takes a village to be able to work and live well and happily. In Westland, the happiness of our residents is the responsibility of each of us, working together for progress and sustainable contentment.

Once again, co-op life is thriving. The All Thumbs Gardening Contest has stirred members to take up the challenge of creating colorful little sanctuaries, or bursts of interesting textures and combination’s of flowers and foliage around their homes.

Using seeds to grow nasturtiums, calendula, black-eyed susan or cosmos, potted plants filled with petunias, geraniums and impatiens, or just sprucing up last year’s perennials such as foxglove, hydrangeas, peonies, and roses; members are getting creative and enjoying the challenge of making their own personal statement in their outdoor spaces.

One neighbor stacked two different sized terra-cotta pots, one-inside-the other and filled them with marigolds, aztec white verbena, and yellow zinnias. Her neighbor showed her children how to plant an herb garden from seed packets, and they’ve designed their own markers to identify chives, parsley, and mint, as these plantings grow and become future amendments for salads, and tea.

Any kind of planting is eligible to be considered for this years on-going gardening event. Designing a garden is more than just the act of choosing pretty plants. Well maintained shrubs, topiary trees and roses, trellis vines, or rock gardens, hanging potted plants, green and leafy foliage like hostas, ferns, or even succulents such as cactus and silver spikegrass; every type of garden is a potential winner.

The motivating elements for this contest have been in place for many years here at Holliday Park. Most of us love to socialize, and after many cold weather months, it is so much fun to be out and about with our families and neighbors, sharing in activities that challenge us; and so many members garden, in such a multitude of ways, that the idea for this contest just naturally evolved.

The park-like setting that encompasses Holliday Park, affords adequate sun and shade, and rainfall is often very plant-sustaining. These elements assist our gardeners in making low-maintenance arenas for self-expression and beauty, while keeping the “work of these spaces” minimal.

Several members who live in the shadiest area near the tennis courts, are good-naturedly trying to “outdo each other” by growing the tallest dahlias, or longest blooming daisies. Other neighbors have added wind chimes, water features, and elements that move, such as colorful rainbow spinners in every shape you can imagine. Still others are fertilizing climbing clematis and wisteria on trellises, for a big impact of color and vine.

It is often said that a person’s garden is a reflection of their own personal identity. Each of us is unique and it doesn’t matter if we plant a lot or a little, colorful or varying shades and textures in just one hue, or even an “all green” and growing manicured lawn. As long as tender loving care has been taken in an effort to add just a bit of yourself to this amazing space which we affectionately call our home, then you are a gardener! Perhaps your kids and grandkids have joined you to make an expression of your entire family.

Everything we do to enhance our environment, is a gift we give to each other and future generations. It is well known that since the co-op is near the nature preserve, we are all hosts to the ducks, and numerous species of birds, rabbits, frogs, toads, dragonflies, butterflies and more. Our gardening endeavors make a great habitat for these guests and for ourselves.

With so much greenery and color, whether its edible, such as fruits, veggies or berries, or a delight for the eye to behold; everyone wins when gardens abound.

Here at Holliday Park, caring and sharing is everywhere, and now the beauty of the season is being enhanced; not for personal gain, but for self-expression, respect for our homes here, the environs, and to shout out “WELCOME” to new neighbors and visitors, everyday.