When I moved into Holliday Park five years ago, the only person I knew was my sister, who has lived here and loved it for years. She hounded me until I filled in my application and got on the Waiting List. I’m so glad that I finally did. Since then, I have met so many good friends and neighbors.
I love to walk and so do many others, and when you walk you meet the most interesting people here. There are many kinds of gardens to admire. A good number of “green thumbs” reside here and they plant such wonderful flower beds for everyone to enjoy.
My grandchildren love the green areas where swings await, and sculptures are placed here and there for easy climbing. One of these sculptures has become their favorite, and the children always beg to go to what they lovingly refer to as “Turtle Park”.
My family is very large. I have four sisters and four daughters and Holliday Park has become not only my home, but our family gathering spot. In the summer months, we spend countless hours at the swimming pool. It is large, beautiful, clean and heated. My children and grandchildren visit often and we make good use of this lovely sunny oasis (a must). We always take along a luncheon of the children’s favorite sandwiches, fruit and yogurt, and head to the picnic area where our favorite umbrella –table awaits us. It’s so hard to make the little ones rest after they eat, because they want to get back in the water and have more fun. My daughters, sisters and I take our swimming noodles, paddle to a special spot, then float for an hour and just relax.
The large and nicely appointed clubhouse is open all day long, and provides card clubs, dominoes and on one Saturday night a month, Movie Night, which I find to be a wonderful chance to see the latest movies, with your friends and family, and enjoy hot popcorn and cold drinks for a dollar. This is a shameless plug, because I am the Chairperson of this social club.
Along with these activities, the co-op has many functions such as the “Thank You Dinner” for Volunteers, the July Pool Party, and other celebrations on holidays and to Welcome New Members. The food is always delicious, and everyone has a great time taking part in raffles, games, and well planned entertaining events.
My closest neighbors all look out for each other. In the winter, the young boys next door make sure to shovel my porch and short sidewalk, and other peoples too. Another neighbor offered my sisters and me the use of his patio whenever we wish, and until this year, when I put in one of my own, I would repay him with baked treats and homemade soups. We all swap recipes, and laugh with each other or share news of our loved ones, and these people are now my extended-family.
Once a month is “Sister Weekend”, and it’s often at my place. We usually spend time making a craft project, or baking together while catching up on family news. On an alternate weekend it’s” Daughter’s Weekend”, and my four girls come over, one all the way from Flint, to watch movies, trade recipes, exchange unique little gifts, and just “make memories” or plan trips, and family reunions.
For me, and my large family, Holliday Park is “HOME”. It offers us shelter, comfort, fun, activities, countless opportunities to meet new people, and a warm and wonderful feeling of belonging to a vital community.
At Holliday Park I have found not only a place to be, I have found contentment.
The success of Holliday Park has always centered around our Volunteers, which is why we celebrate them at every opportunity! Without their dedication, enthusiasm, and selfless giving, we would not be able to sustain the quality of living that is offered here, for such an economical sum of money.
Our volunteers consist of 3 basic groups:
1. BOARD MEMBERS – Board Members are voted in by the membership and serve for either a 1 or 2-year period before coming up for re-election. Holliday Park By-Laws preclude any Board Member from being paid. They are ultimately responsible for the financial stability of the Co-op; for Policy making and enforcement; and for hiring a Property Manager to carry on the everyday operations of the Cooperative.
2. COMMITTEES – Members, who volunteer to work on the Committees, do so with the approval of the Board President and under the direction of the Board Liaisons. Committees vary throughout the years as circumstances dictate or the needs of the Co-op change.
The daily operations of the Co-op are provided for by volunteers on the Membership Committee who work in concert with the office staff, and assist applicants who must qualify to join the active Waiting List and become a new member.
The members are kept informed of Board Activities through the quarterly publication of the Status Quo newsletter. This publication is often a compilation of many pages, and also contains changes to any policy or procedure which the Board has voted to amend. These changes are put together in a convenient packet that the member places in their own individual Corporate Documents Handbook, for easy reference at any time.
There is a Neighborhood Watch Committee, a Welcoming Group that greets new neighbors, and a Finance Committee which looks for ways to stretch each dollar with cost-cutting measures and also; works in concert with the Property Manager and Board Liaison as a system of checks and balances to ensure accuracy.
The Improvement Committee works with members to assist them with the paperwork necessary to install any improvements to their units. Proper forms are filled out, proper permits may need to be obtained from the City, and a final inspection is done, to make sure that whatever work is done, meets City codes and standards that the Co-op approves.
The Traffic and Safety Committee consists of about 30 people who oversee and control the numbers of vehicles that park in each parking lot. Each member is given Identification Tags to keep in their vehicles, and each Lot has a Representative to support any member who may have a question or concern.
Night Patrol has hundreds of members who go out every night of the year, one pair of partners at a time, to oversee the peace and tranquility of the entire community. Each pair of partners takes 3 turns in a calendar year, no matter what the weather, and this valued service makes the Co-op one of the safest communities in the entire county.
Holliday Park also has a Pet Committee which works hard to ensure the registration, and well-being of all pets. They also make sure that any “pet problems” are handled with diplomacy to the satisfaction of the Co-op policies and procedures, as well as, the members.
The Third and final Group consists of:
3. SOCIAL CLUBS – In addition to having working/policy enforcement committees, Holliday Park is fortunate to have members who volunteer to provide social activities for the enrichment and enjoyment of all residents. A variety of social activities have been planned throughout the years to appeal to the age, needs and interests of our community.
There have been and continue to be children’s functions such as a little Summer Olympics for kids in the large park-like areas and a Halloween Party. There have been Teen clubs, and planned trips to Cedar Point amusement park, along with other age appropriate events. Many adult activities are held at the clubhouse during the day and in the evening, as well. There is always Monday Morning Coffee, and card clubs, golf, bowling, travel, book club, Saturday Night Movie and much more.
These tireless volunteers also give their time and talents to many planned seasonal parties such as the Pool Party, Welcome and Thank You Dinners, and the adult Halloween and Christmas annual festivities.
Because volunteers do not work for any monetary remuneration, their satisfaction comes from knowing that they are doing something worthwhile for the cooperative. This is one of the reasons that Holliday Park is an envied community. Every person who gives of their time, on any one of these three basic groups, promotes a healthy and happy environment. From the Board Member to the Party Planner, all of these dedicated people are owed our most sincere appreciation, and many, many thanks.
Westland is a very pro-active city, no matter what the economic climate is, during any given calendar year. Our city is ambitious and positive, and we constantly plan for the future, rather than being content with how good things are for our citizenry right now.
President Obama’s proposed stimulus plan has given our city officials the incentive to put together a plan which would request that the White House send each city’s share directly to the city, rather than to each State Government, according to an article in the Observer which was written by Darrell Clem, recently.
Many of the mayors from cities all across this country are making a strong “push” to have any stimulus funds that might come to their state be given directly to the local city governments. This way, many new projects could be implemented with some immediacy, and jobs would be created in a timelier manner.
Westland’s Mayor feels that these funds, if allocated directly to each city municipality, would help to counter the unemployment problems that a number of people are facing. His administration understands that the President’s Stimulus Plan focuses on strengthening city infrastructures. Therefore, they have identified and listed the kinds of projects which will improve city roads, sewer systems, and drainage issues; along with project which will refurbish local historical sites, city services and computer systems for the police and fire departments, along with hiring more personnel.
The Mayor and the heads of each city department work well to take a positive approach for keeping this vital community moving forward. With a balanced budget and many programs already in place sustain and improve our currently excellent life style for all of the citizenry. This administration is already looking at:
1. Finding better ways to cut back on energy and fuel usage
2. Implementing a larger and more efficient recycling program for all citizens
3. Generating new concepts to sustain the businesses we already have and help them excel against competition
4. Begin putting in place a 5, 10 and even a 20 year plan to keep fiscally sound and provide capital improvements.
It is encouraging to note that should congress and the President put this stimulus package, which is estimated to be about $41.6 million dollars, together to fund nation-wide projects that improve our cities and employ more people; Westland is ready to receive its fair share of these funds, and implement specific and quick-starting programs that would indeed strengthen our infrastructure, and negate some of the effects of these challenging economic times. However, thanks to the forward thinking of our Mayor and City Administration, we will continue to be prepared for a bright future, even if this stimulus package of federal funds is not forthcoming.
The main reason many people move into Holliday Park is the fact that we have an on-site maintenance staff. The maintenance staff cater, not only to the exterior of our townehouses, as is prevalent in condominium complexes, but they also maintain the needed repairs within the four walls of our individual townehouse … providing that we do not change or modify from Co-op standards.
Whether we have a furnace problem, an appliance problem, a plumbing problem, or an electrical problem … down to a doorknob falling off, or a door sticking … our Holliday Park maintenance staff is there to repair or replace it. This is quite a relief off our shoulders.
It is also nice to know, that if the maintenance problem is an emergency, our maintenance staff is on-call 24-hours a day, seven days a week. A non-emergency maintenance item is performed during the normal maintenance hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
During the snowy winter season, maintenance is there to clear the main sidewalks and the parking lots, to allow us to conveniently enter and exit our complex. The member is responsible for keeping the walkway and porch to their unit, snow free for personal safety and mail delivery, of course.
Many people at Holliday Park have no tools, or garden shovels, providing we maintain the Holliday Park outdoor standards. However, some people prefer to do some gardening , to personalize and beautify their townehouse. This is solely up to the individual. Obviously, as we age or become incapacitated, we again revert to Holliday Park standards, and depend upon Holliday Park maintenance to do most indoor and outdoor work for us- with the exception of leaf raking, if we took responsibility for an existing tree, or planted one. We are responsible too for keeping our planting beds, and patios weed-free
Last year, the new roofing of the units was completed; and the new siding program was finished. This year, Holliday Park will be replacing all furnaces, and will paint all the front and back doors. It’s nice to know that all of this is included in our normal monthly carrying charges.
I believe Holliday Park was properly named, as it truly is — “a Holiday From Maintenance Headaches.” We rely upon our good maintenance staff to handle most of these matters for us. This gives us time to do the more pleasant activities that personally appeal to us, as individual members at Holliday Park.
Please come and join us, and experience your “Holiday From Maintenance Headaches.” We believe you will love it.
If we think about the things that belong to us, we may come up with a lengthy, all inclusive list of items — cars, homes, jewelry, HD Televisions, computers, I-Pods, CD players, art work, antiques, books, and much more. However, if we reflect more deeply, we realize that the invisible realities which are constant, such as — time, comfort, emotional support, encouragement, good friendships, concern, and sharing — are more essential and have greater meaning for us than material things provide. These immaterial gifts are the lifeblood, the energy, the sustaining forces in interpersonal relationships, and in community and Co-op living.
Here at Holliday Park Townehouses, we are fortunate in possessing the material, as well as the intangible qualities of life. We are gifted with great generosity, magnanimous care and concern, and unflinching service from numerous members. Starting with the Board of Directors, we have members who serve unselfishly, day in and day out; they care for this community and lead us so that we can sustain and maintain both our material and immaterial possessions.
We also have the numerous committees with their host of members, who assist the Board and the cooperative, and generously give their time, knowledge, support, encouragement and compassion to every process that they undertake, in following the policies and procedures of this community.
Along with all of these volunteers, we are also grateful for the very responsible Property Manager, and our excellent maintenance department. It is such a great comfort to have on-site assistance for any kind of problem, from a dripping faucet to a squeaky door, or a little chirping bird sound, which turns out to be the battery in your smoke detector. These fine people are there for all of us, and they care.
This writing is a testament to everyone here who gives of themselves for the continued well- being of the membership. Let’s keep these numbers growing. Please join these volunteers in whatever way you can, whether it’s being a lot representative, or Night Patrol, or whatever fits your schedule and lifestyle — to share the material and immaterial realities that are a part of human existence, that are part of the great life we have at Holliday Park.
Remember, the invisible things – care, sharing, time – are the things we really keep; that are ours forever.
The message of Dr. Martin Luther King is not just about racial equality and integration; although that is a very important communication that seems to be flowering, in that we will, for the first time, witness the inauguration of an African-American President this month. When justice triumphs in our society, all of us can feel more whole as individuals, citizens and human beings. With such a feeling of wholeness comes also a realization of the value of non-violence, truth and peace. Non-violence is the way of those who stand for justice and equality.
Living together in a community like Holliday Park requires those very values that Martin Luther King passionately espoused, although there is no need to publicly demonstrate as King was required to do in fighting for his cause. Here, we are required to accept each other as neighbors, whatever our differences may be. Those differences may be obvious, as in skin color or physical disability, or they may be unseen differences of religion, personality, political persuasion or philosophy. Whatever our differences are, we are human beings, and we respect each other’s right to be our neighbor, and rejoice in the opportunity to embrace others as a friend.
Being non-violent requires moral people to live together in an environment where verbal and psychological aggression is avoided as well as physical aggression. Living closely together increases situations where animosity and disagreement may flourish; however here at Holliday Park, it also allows many opportunities to practice the kindness that gives justice a constant presence in our cooperative.
Here at Holliday Park we have, individually and together, learned to understand the accent of any of our neighbors and enjoy the cultural celebrations of other ethnic and religious groups. We are all enriched by the stories of immigrants that help us establish a way of gratitude for all of our blessings; these stories also give us an appreciation for the hardships of other community members. All of this sharing establishes a foundation for a community where physical, verbal and psychological violence do not flourish and would not be tolerated.
Dr. Martin Luther King’s message is meant to be and claimed by all of humanity as the way of wholeness for all human beings. We can honor his memory by claiming all kinds of nonviolence and truth, exemplified in kindness and gratitude, as a way of life at Holliday Park.
Board Members at Holliday Park serve as volunteers. This non-profit cooperative has seven official Board Members who are elected by the membership to direct the operations of the cooperative.
Every Board Member has a different experience as he/she adjusts to this position of trust. Most regard sitting on the Board as a daunting task to be approached with a humble, teachable heart. A willingness to work with the team is an imperative, as all important decisions are ones of collaboration. Inevitably, disagreements occur, and these are handled effectively in an atmosphere where mutual trust has been established, as the Board Members share the same purpose: the general good of the cooperative as a whole.
The Board of Directors is entrusted with the task of upholding the By-Laws of the corporation; thus, a new director is faced with the task of first becoming as familiar as possible with the By-Laws and the policies. Directors also require a certain commitment to the corporation by which they forego their own individual or special interest in order to make judgments and decisions that benefit the greater number of members. This includes consideration of legal aspects which sometimes supersede desires of individuals or small groups of members. The history of past legal decisions sometimes helps to inform current issues that need to be settled. Failure to attend to past policies and resolutions results in costly mistakes or repeated blunders. Listening, with a view to appropriate action, is possibly the most important Board skill.
Holliday Park’s Board is served by a President who conducts executive and membership meetings. The President, according to the By-Laws, authorizes all committees, which are formed to support implementation of written policies. Another Board Member assists as the Vice-President, taking the place of a President who may be absent or in need of assistance. The Treasurer has a very important role; at the same time, all of the Board Members share in the financial responsibility to the cooperative. Finally, the Secretary is responsible for the minutes of the Executive and Annual Meetings and for the annual Election. The Board Secretary may invite a paid Recording Secretary to attend the meetings to assist in taking and processing minutes. These officers of the corporation are elected by the Directors themselves, not by the membership.
Each Board of Directors finds its own way of working together, scheduling meetings to suit all of them. Each Board Member makes a significant contribution to the overall effort; those who are new to the Board will hopefully see the group as a place where they can learn and acquire skills. Sometimes a more experienced Board Member will mentor the newcomer. It takes a year or more to become acclimated and secure in contributing talents effectively.
Our present Board of Directors has developed a very effective working relationship as a team of equals. We have nurtured that working relationship by incorporating social occasions in our schedule; thus, we find a true respect and concern for each other that allows us to recognize the talents offered by each colleague. These social occasions help us to know which Director is good at baking brownies (No, that is not always the female-director!) or which one has the best jokes, …and these are sometimes very helpful qualities!
We find that we can accomplish what is needed by moving forward together with a professional regard for the abilities and responsibilities of all. When outside help of professional or expert stature is required, we confer with the resources available to us. The rewards for this demanding unpaid position are hard to name. Most Directors do the best they can, with a spirit that is full of good will and a desire to assist the cooperative. We are particularly concerned that new members in our community feel welcome and comfortable. Please consider joining us!
The earth is nourished by the precipitation which gently falls in the form of rain, snow or sleet. When there is no such nourishment, the earth suffers. Like the earth, people need nourishment to flourish and grow. If kindness came down from heaven just as the precipitation does, we would all constantly, without hesitation, be truly at our best, daily.
Perhaps, kindness does come down from heaven, at times, and passes through us, the people who live here in this cooperative community of Holliday Park. It becomes our job, then, to shower this kindness upon the others who share this place with us. When we “dry up” and fail to pour out this type of precipitation, a community suffers, and a kind of malnutrition of spirit occurs. This causes unwarranted complaining, selfishness, and an interest in pushing for “what I want” begins to spread, choking out the need to have great regard for the wellness and happiness of the whole community.
Most of us know people who are kind, here at Holliday Park, and we have been the recipient of acts of kindness, time and again. For instance:
1. What a wonderful experience it is to have someone stop to help you load or unload something heavy from your car.
2. Anyone who is greeted by the Holliday Park residents, comes away impressed by their gracious receptivity.
3. We never forget the person who picks us up at the airport, in the wee small hours of the morning, to make sure we get safely home.
4. Haven’t you received a call from someone, here and there, asking how you are, and if you need anything from the market, or hardware store?
5. What about the person who takes the time to help us insert our car key into an iced-over lock.
6. A newcomer is always warmly welcomed by a close neighbor who has volunteered to make sure that new members are shown special consideration.
7. Every new member is welcomed by all who attend Monday Morning coffee gatherings, and are invited to come again soon.
8. Someone shovels the sidewalk and porch for you when you are ill.
9. A whole building or “neighborhood” pitches in to participate in the raking up of leaves in the fall.
Volunteers and employees continually infuse our cooperative with the important element of kindness, by being helpful, considerate and having a positive attitude.
Kindness is unmistakable, healing, and often is life-changing in a positive way, much like an affirmation of the wellness of our human spirit. Kindness is not available in “pill bottles”, but it may be far more effective and have a long-lasting positive result. It is said that the giver of kindness experiences as much of an emotional lift as the receiver of the kind act. Kindness is its own reward!
In addition, one who merely observes a kind act, also experiences a release of that wonderful anti-depressant possessed by all of us, called Serotonin. Maybe a dose of kindness can and has cured many ills that could have otherwise caused a sad attitude to be present, herein.
What we know for a fact is that people come to live at Holliday Park, and they stay here!! The most predominant feeling in the air, no matter what the weather, is a kind of happy energy. We all volunteer in large numbers, and not just to keep costs down, although volunteering accomplishes that goal, of course. We do whatever we can, here, to share the fun, and the responsibility for the success we now enjoy. We celebrate our community ownership of a Mortgage-Free Corporation. We feel the security of our very strong friendships and camaraderie.
Kindness is the thread that runs through this cooperative, and it is as palpable as a gentle rain falling on the earth beneath. The results are purposeful and positive, and they are visible wherever you look. If you’d like to see for yourself, please stop by. If you haven’t tried the kindness “pill” as a cure-all, we hope you might begin. Not only is it a good thing, it spreads and becomes real enough to embrace.
