Westland is the tenth largest municipality in Michigan with a population of more than 84,000 people. It is a growing and thriving community which offers great shopping, fine dining and many special activities for the whole family. The City of Westland offers many cultural events for all residents. The William P. Faust Public Library has outstanding activities including many book clubs. The library recommends a book of choice for each month, featuring outstanding authors such as Wally Lamb who has just written “The Hour I First Believed”, and Toni Morrison’s newest book “A Mercy”.
There are book discussion groups for all ages. The newest is the 20’s/30’s group, and they also offer a Science Fiction Group, and other groups for children. A new year-long book club has just been formed to celebrate “THE SIXTIES”. In this club a new book is read, and a movie is viewed from the 1960’s, and then discussed. There are poetry groups and even an online book club.
Art and Computer classes are being offered all year long at the Library, and you can get one-on-one tutoring to learn the basic procedures of computer literary, such as, how to save a file or format a disk; or more advanced processes like using research data bases, or Microsoft Word and Excel . A Teen Web Site is offered by the library, as well.
Every summer season, the library presents its Summer Concert Series which is held out doors in the pavilion on the library grounds. Many different types of music are offered, weekly, and admission is FREE.
Westland also offers a great Municipal Golf Course on Merriman Road, Miniature Golf, Go-Carts and batting cages on Ford Road, and so much more.
Just like Holliday Park, everything is centrally located around one of the first large indoor shopping malls built in the United States — Westland Mall, on Wayne Road at Warren.
Our own space in this great city, Holliday Park Cooperative, just off Wayne Road, is a thriving and very active community. The members of the co-op participate in many club activities and events planned throughout the year, such as the annual Pool Party, Christmas Celebration, and Walk-About- Yard Sale. Holliday Park Travel Club has been all over the world on trips and cruises. Movie Night social group offers excellent, newly -released film selections to delight, entertain and stimulate the viewers’ intellect on a variety of topics. Our Golf Club enjoys hours of friendly competition on a beautiful course conveniently located just a few miles from our complex.
Please visit Westland, or better yet, consider it when you have a need to relocate. This vital city has so much to offer, and everything is affordable and fun.
We all take our water resources for granted. Nearly ninety seven per cent of the world’s water is salt water, and only about one per cent of our water is drinkable. With global warming a serious issue, we must do more to be water conservators, and we must do it NOW.
At Holliday Park here in Michigan, the Land of Lakes, we are committed to saving every drop of water that we can. According to the www.EPA/gov.safewater, the average American uses 90 gallons of water a day. We can reduce those numbers with simple quick fixes and being proactive.
Here in Westland, our cooperative is made up of caring individuals who want to help save water and energy, as well as, cleaning up our environment. Since we own a share in this corporation at Holliday Park, all that we do that has a positive effect on our planet, also protects our investment. This is why we are all participating in a simple plan to reduce water usage by purchasing the necessary plumbing quick fixes that have a great “mission green” result.
Conventional Shower heads use 3 to 8 gallons of water every minute. We all shower for at least five minutes or longer. It is essential that we all install shower heads that are capable of restricting water flow, and by that simple act, we can save 1,000 gallons of water per person per year. These shower heads are inexpensive and easy to install. We must also cut the time we spend in the shower, for an even greater impact on water reductions.
At Holliday Park we have a great Maintenance Staff, and we can call and report leaks, and get a work order number. If we report the leaky faucets and toilets the minute we notice the problem, we are saving many gallons of water. Holliday Park recently installed easy-to-use levers at the Main Water Value in each unit. In the event of any water related problem, or if a member plans to be away on vacation, it is simple to shut off the value with this flat ergonomically shaped lever. Future conservation plans include installing more “shut-off levers” under the sink, and in the bathrooms, to prevent any loss of water when a problem occurs in these locations.
At Holliday Park Co-op we are allowed to make upgrades and improvements. As long as we fill in the necessary forms and submit them to the Improvements Committee for approval, we can make environmentally friendly and other upgrades, which may allow us to add value to our unit, and stop us from wasting valuable resources at the same time. When we renovate our kitchens and baths, we are encouraged to replace old- fashioned faucets with a new type which is not expensive. These low flow aerator faucets save at least two percent more water than the old styles of faucets.
These simple fixes help Holliday Park residents make a difference in the world. We hope this focus on water conservation and “going green” action is contagious!!
Orientation is defined as an adjustment to a new environment or situation. Here in Westland, Michigan, at our cooperative, Holliday Park Townhouses, a need exists for incoming new members to be made aware of what a co-op is and how best to embrace this new experience.
For years, the lines were so long to get on a Waiting List at Holliday Park, that when people attended an Orientation meeting with the Board of Directors and Committee chair people, it was often years before they would actually be called to look at different units which had become available.When they finally purchased their share in a specific unit style at Holliday Park and did their closing, they did not always know what to expect when interacting with this community of 694 units on fifty -five acres of property.
Therefore, a specific group of people who volunteer in the cooperative for the purpose of welcoming new members and aiding in their adjustment, the Membership Committee, took on the task of deciding how to make the process of orienting a new neighbor and potential friend into this vital and constantly evolving community.
Lengthy discussions between long -time residents and new- comers, with only a few years involvement to draw from, led to the formation of the WELCOME GROUP. Two co-chairpersons, who are known for their hospitable personalities, were chosen to work with a Board Member and the Membership Committee leader, to choose twenty seven representatives, one from each section of the cooperative. These volunteers were chosen for their warm-hearted, friendly philosophy, and their ability to make others aware of the potential for an extraordinary and unique lifestyle herein.
When an applicant becomes a member now, they are greeted by someone who lives in close proximity to their unit. This way, the orientation is one-on-one; and questions are answered with specific and individual needs addressed. A Welcome Dinner is held in honor of new members after they have lived in Holliday Park for over six months or longer. This second part of the Orientation process places the new member in a room filled with peers they can speak to about their experiences and expectations. They find the right fit for how they wish to interact and volunteer, because the Board Members and Welcomers speak about planned activities, clubs, social events, and how volunteering at Holliday Park affords us all the ability to live very well, for very low fees.
In no time at all, new members become a valued part of this vital community.
Residents of Holliday Park find few excuses for not voting, as the precinct for those who live here is located in their very own clubhouse. Many residents walk only a short distance to cast their vote. Some of the members of Holliday Park serve as election workers at their very own precinct.
Other residents, who are retired or have a day off from work on Election Day, also become election inspectors for the City of Westland Election Commission. After taking a training class, those who have a desire, can become appointed election workers through the City Clerk’s Office. Many Holliday Park members are excited by such a challenge, and become increasingly involved in the political process after such an introduction to the precinct rules. This is also a way to become actively aware of the Michigan Election laws and the efforts that people make to exercise their right to vote.
As an election inspector for the City of Westland, one can be assigned to any of the Westland precincts, usually within a reasonable distance of Holliday Park. There are approximately forty-two precincts in Westland. A smaller number of interested workers spend the day counting votes of absentees, at City Hall. A stipend of about $155 is paid for attending an instruction class and for working on Election Day. Although it is sometimes a long day of work, most election workers find the performance of this needed service a worthwhile involvement that gives them informative contact and civic purpose. Some people have formed strong friendships after working together in a precinct. Others find themselves expressing more firm political principles from having raised their own awareness in working on the election process.
Involvement in the election process by serving as an election worker is an enriching experience that furthers one’s knowledge of the workings of the nation, the state, and the city. From such involvement comes an active citizen and community member. Holliday Park is made of many such interested citizens. Now, more than ever, in these turbulent economic times, people have realized that they must vote and become more involved than ever before in the election process. The members of Holliday Park, who assist in this process, have noted that more people are turning out to vote than ever before. This is a very hopeful sign, and is the reason that Holliday Park offered its clubhouse as a convenient place in the Westland Community to exercise your right and privilege to vote.
Holliday Park Towne Houses Cooperative is located within the Livonia School District. This is a real plus for the Co-op, because this school system has always maintained programs that have implemented the latest educational research with a tried and true basic educational format. This is expressed in the Livonia Public Schools Core Curriculum, a document which details the achievements and attitudes that all students are expected to attain.
In seventh grade, all students, with help of educators, spell out an educational development plan, which helps them to make schedule choices from that time on. Specialized programs are offered for those who need them, with testing to determine the appropriateness of the student for special education or an academically-talented program.
Parents assist in their child’s education by expecting the child to achieve and succeed, and working with the child, teachers, and administrators, to guarantee that success. The Livonia Public Schools place great emphasis on parental information, involvement and communication.
Recent notable educational achievements include a first place (for the sixth time in the last ten years) by Stevenson High School in the Model United Nations Conference for Mid-America; a state award for artistic attainment by a group of students; a placement by a high-school student (one of two from Michigan) which affords three hours of college credit at a Congressional Academy summer program. Many classes are offered in Math, Science and Computer Skills, that are four year programs, beginning in ninth grade, which are accelerated to give students an in-depth knowledge of these areas, and a chance to gain early college credits for those who wish to pursue these fields.
It is the mission of the Livonia Public Schools to work with parents and other members of the community to offer a well rounded education that includes the study of language, social studies, computer technology, foreign languages, the arts, business,and health; along with math, and science classes that are tailored to meet the student’s ability to achieve. Even in these challenging economic times, this school system strives to prepare every child to excel and to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
Livonia is a very caring community, and the Livonia School Systems recognize that every child is unique. Therefore, all children from preschool through high school are afforded an excellent education in a safe environment where learning is fun. Teachers stress that communication, trust and respect for each other, gives every person the tools for a productive and happy life. Students are encouraged to reach goals that represent their best efforts.
Not only are the school buildings well maintained, they all have cutting-edge technology and the latest text books and equipment. School age child care, before and after school, is a way of supporting family and parental needs.
Counselors are available to guide each student and their parents, through any challenges which may occur, to insure that each child has the opportunity to excel and gain self-esteem and confidence.
With each new school year in Livonia, the educators commit themselves to providing the kind of excellence that their reputation is built upon. Each new school year is an opportunity to carry out an ongoing plan for continued growth in achievements of each student, as they work to become educated; and for every teacher to become more skilled in their areas of expertise, so that each child learns in an environment of acceptance and understanding, to gain the tools for a successful and happy life.
When you consider Holliday Park for you new home, please note that not only does the community offer the Livonia school system; the school buses come to pick up and drop off the children, every week day.
Many U.S. Presidents have encouraged their citizens to donate some of their time to volunteering. Doing something for others, without asking for pay, can be comforting to the giver, helpful to the one being served, and creates camaraderie with all involved.
At Holliday Park, our members are encouraged to volunteer some of their time in helping with the operation of their own housing complex. Volunteerism is alive and well at Holliday Park. There are currently about 318 volunteers who work on Committees. Committees are established to help enforce the policies established by the Board of Directors, in order to protect the peaceful co-existence of our members. Having volunteers do some of the work also saves Holliday Park lots of money that would otherwise be needed to pay for the work to be hired out. Working together creates camaraderie among neighbors, while at the same time doing some good for the community at Holliday Park.
What are some of these committees? To mention just some of them —- there is the Traffic & Safety Committee, Pet Committee, Improvement Committee, Neighborhood Watch Committee, Status Quo Committee, and Membership Committee.
In addition to Committees, Holliday Park also has a variety of Social Clubs that are organized by volunteers. Social Clubs can be as varied as there are leaders willing to come forward to organize an event. Past and current social activities vary with the make-up of the community. Some of them are mentioned below:
For Children: Kid’s movies; Visits from Santa Claus; Easter Egg Hunt; Halloween Party; Family Fun Day, and Children’s Olympics. For Teens: Dances; Pool parties; Going to concerts and to Cedar Point; Christmas caroling for the “shut-ins” at Holliday Park; Conducting paper drives and pancake breakfasts for the community; and of course, enjoying their own Teen’s Club room. For Adults: Weekly Koffee Klutch; Cards — Euchre, Pinochle, and Texas Hold ‘em; Travel Club; Book of the Month Club; Busy Fingers; Dominoes; Movie Night; Pool Party; Parties for Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, and St. Paddy’s Day.
Working on Committees and on Social Activities, brings Holliday Park members together to share a great camaraderie.
Once a year, the Board of Directors sponsors a Committee Dinner for all active Committee members. This is always a very good catered dinner, served in the clubhouse which is decorated nicely for the event. This is one small way of saying, “Thank You.” But, more than the dinner, the reward of volunteering is in the peace of mind and heart of the person who gives.
It has been written that CO-OPS ARE PEOPLE. Members of housing co-operatives are people who wish to create something excellent by pooling their human and monetary resources in an effort to live together in more comfortable and acceptable housing than is otherwise obtained for the time and money each member has available for this purpose. What does this mean? It means that all the members of our co-operative share in the expense and experience of living together. It means too, that we must be unselfish and have a willingness to be bound by the wishes of the majority. It also means sharing the responsibility for running the corporation, in many different ways, so that living with others will be pleasing to everyone.
This does not mean that each member of a co-operative can have everything that he or she wants; but it does mean that he or she can make his or her wants known. If enough fellow occupants want the same things, and are willing to pay for them, then these things can be obtained and enjoyed.
There are of course, limitations to the number of individual desires that can be satisfied. This is inherent in every cooperative effort. It is important that all pertinent information be made available to each individual inquiring about a cooperative or being asked to consider participating in this kind of housing choice.
There are some things which the by-laws of the housing cooperative and its occupancy agreement permit the member to do and some specific things which are expressly prohibited. Each member has the same rights and privileges; in return for which they must assume the same duties and obligations. It is considered to be a “folly” to inform a member ONLY of his or her rights and privileges and SKIP OVER the concurrent duties and responsibilities.
This article appeared in our Quarterly newsletter, The Status Quo, in 1993, here at Holliday Park Towne Houses Cooperative, and in several issues since that time. It is as true today, as it was then. The source was a speech given by Wm. A. Schmidt, Deputy Director of the Cooperative Housing Division of FHA, 1968, reprinted above.
What we do know from our own excellent experiences in living at a cooperative is this: The possibilities for peace and tranquility, for friendship and camaraderie, travel and sociability, safety and involvement, and all of this for a moderate amount of money, add up to be a great investment from any perspective.
Neighborhood Watch has become a very important part of living in our society today. It is not uncommon to drive into neighborhoods, and see a sign which was put up by the City, saying “A Neighborhood Watch Community.” This sign implies that all the neighbors in the area have committed to helping keep their neighborhood safe.
Holliday Park is no exception. Our members started a Neighborhood Watch in the early 80’s. We understand that our role as a community is to concern ourselves with helping to keep our cooperative a safe place to live. Holliday Park does not provide security, as that is the job of the Westland Police Department. However, we do consider ours to be the “eyes and ears” of the Police Department. We’ve often heard the expression that no one takes care of yourself as much as the people who live around you. We truly believe that. When our members observe anything they deem suspicious, or observe someone in need of police help, they call the Police Department.
Holliday Park Neighborhood Watch went a step further by asking our Coop for the use of one of their smaller maintenance trucks to use during the evening hours. The Coop even allowed us the privilege of having a sign placed on the vehicle, stating “Holliday Park Neighborhood Watch.” Observing, and deterring thieves from coming into our complex, is our job. This has worked very well the past l4 years here, with over 260 people being on Neighborhood Watch Night Patrol. We consider Neighborhood Watch to be a 24-hour responsibility. Our Westland Police Department has stated on several occasions that Holliday Park has one of the best organized Neighborhood Watch Programs in the City of Westland.
Because our members take Neighborhood Watch very seriously, we know the normal patterns of the behavior in our parking lots and surrounding environment. This kind of active participation and our “eyes wide-open” technique, send a strong message to any intruder that this community does not tolerate crime. Therefore, we can proudly say that Holliday Park is a very safe place to live.
Many priceless memories are made when YOU become an active participant in the varied and often unique activities that are available to you, as a member of Holliday Park Cooperative, in Westland, Michigan. For example, you can get involved in the Travel Club. To quote the Travel Club Coordinator, “We have taken about 164 trips and we’ve SEEN THE WORLD”!!
When you travel as a group, as we do here at Holliday Park, you get great group rates. You may bring your family members and guests, and we travel by land, air, and on wonderful cruises. One of the most priceless fringe benefits of these journeys is the memories that are made while traveling to the Mexican Rivera, and all of the Caribbean Islands.
Perhaps you would prefer Europe, with stays in France, Italy, Portugal, England, and the list goes on. We went to South America and visited Argentina, Uruguay, and sailed around Cape Horn and the Straits of Magellan. Some of the most exotic and unusual countries we visited were China, Thailand, Morocco, Russia, Poland and the Scandinavian countries These were magical times, and the “camaraderie” that was felt by all the members of our cooperative and their families endures today!! We are a community of friendly, involved, generous and caring human beings. This is one of the reasons that living cooperatively is a gift that keeps giving.
Don’t think that we haven’t seen this great country of ours, when traveling. Over the years we have traveled to at least 36 states including Washington, D.C., Vermont, Texas, California, Boston, Hawaii, New York and even Alaska.
We have seen at least nineteen stage plays and Musicals offered in our area, such as Purple Rose Theatre, Detroit Music Hall, and the well known Fisher Theatre. We have seen these productions at Radio City Music Hall, and as far away as the Myrtle Beach Theatre
Casinos and a little gambling are near by our community in Westland. We can easily go to Canadian establishments such as Windsor and Sarnia. We’ve been to the Four Winds, Leelanau Sands, Little River, Soaring Eagle and Turtle Creek, right here in our own great state of Michigan. Bus trips were always a lot of fun, with entertainment being provided to make the time pass more quickly. We enjoyed horse-racing games, puzzles, sing-a-longs, joke telling and movies. Often, these shared moments were the beginnings of life-long new friendships, and many ideas were conjured up for other excursions.
Recently, our Holliday Park travelers returned from a cruise to Greece and the Mediterranean. Their stories about the beautiful weather, magnificent sites, and “wonders” that they saw; such as, the ruins of Pompeii, the Greek Isles and the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt will linger forever in their memories.
These kinds of experiences are made possible to us as a group, within our cooperative, because living here, and taking an active part in these opportunities, at group rates, let’s us all be able to comfortably afford to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Coming trips include an 11-day cruise to the Caribbean and a Mississippi Cruise adventure.
Thank you Jan our Travel Club Coordinator, for 21 years of extraordinary experiences…..and more to come… with Rena and Dick. Bless our community too!!!
