Archive - May 2012

To the Editor,

With another Memorial Day parade and ceremony having been observed in Tecumseh, I have a few reflections that I would like to share.

As Mayor of this great city, I often talk with people about what sets us apart from other towns. My response always starts with the ‘sense of community’ that is prevalent in Tecumseh. Strangely enough, long-time residents often cannot understand what I mean by this, they assume it’s this way everywhere.

I drove in the parade with Rev. Mark Alan Miller from the Tecumseh United Methodist Church as my passenger. Along the route we shared our observations, one of which struck a familiar, proud chord with me. Rev. Miller mentioned the ‘sense of community’ that exists in the Tecumseh area. He mentioned the bonding that seemingly takes place with our residents, the way that everyone seems to work together toward a common goal. We commented on the growth in the number of people lining the parade route. It seems like every year there are more people watching the parade and at the cemetery. I am amazed at the crowd, appreciating every part of the ceremony and listening intently to each speaker and each musical performance.

The day before Memorial Day, I was at a housewarming party when the talk turned to Tecumseh’s downtown and again, the ‘sense of community.’ Specifically, it was how business owners try to help each other, even competitors. The thought was that it is much better for all if every business does well than merely a handful being successful.

To the Editor,

This morning I was invited to attend a presentation by the Class of 2012. They chose to give back to their community as they prepare to leave high school and begin the next phase of their lives.

Tecumseh District Library was one of twelve area organizations to receive a generous donation. It was explained to us that the students wanted to honor groups who support youth in our community.

In a world that often laments that this generation is full of entitlement, I want to hold up this philanthropic example to all. The generosity and selfless thinking displayed by the Class of 2012 is inspiring. Not only is their future bright, but as our next leaders, perhaps our future is brighter than we think.

On behalf of all of us at Tecumseh District Library, thank you, Class of 2012, for your kind donation and your recognition of our efforts on behalf of area youth.

Gayle Hazelbaker, Director, Tecumseh District Library

To the Editor,

Many people have asked, “Why did the Tecumseh Farmers Market move?” A better question would be “Why didn’t the market stay downtown?” There were several reasons why the market relocated.

1) Bathroom: A phone message on Friday, the day before market in October 2011, saying the Chamber had changed the locks and vendors were no longer allowed to use the bathroom. No explanation was given.

2) Safety: A vendor fell on a broken curb, hitting his face, nose, and breaking his glasses. When I shared this with Kevin Welch, asking to paint and fix the curb, he said it was not his problem.

3) Parking: Often times, there is no parking along the boulevard to unload in the morning or pack up in the afternoon. The ability to park next to your space is convenient and great for set up.

4) Many people didn’t like the “length” of the market saying it was spread out and too far to walk.

5) Others were frustrated when the sidewalks were blocked due to limited space, which also meant no room for the market to grow.

This is why the Tecumseh Farmers Market did not stay downtown. Relocating the market was not easy. There were no other downtown locations available. This was not done to upset or frustrate anyone. This was done in the best interest of the vendors and customers.

Stacey Tilton
Tecumseh Farmers Market Coordinator

Editor’s note: The Herald contacted the city in regards to the farmers market. City Manager Kevin Welch responded, saying “The Farmer's Market is a nice draw for this community. The City and the Chamber, as always, would be happy to work with the market's organizers at its present location or to bring the Farmer's Market back downtown and make it better."

To the Editor,

Love your town! Love its history! I have enjoyed your restaurants, lovely furniture store, the great consignment store, and more, all while shopping at one of the best, and reasonably priced, farmers market. Just went online to see if it was open yet only to find the location has changed and is no longer in town. Too bad as that was part of the charm and ambience. Lost this customer. Big mistake!

Judy Stolmar
Ann Arbor

To the Editor,

Hi, my name is Hayden. I want to give you, the people of Tecumseh, an idea. My church, Word and Worship, recently had a garage sale to raise money for orphans. We raised over $800 to give to poor orphans so they can eat and have clothes to wear.

We had a bake sale and a jump house. The people from our church all helped. They donated clothes, toys, kitchen utensils, books, housewares, shoes, tools, baby items and video game systems. They also donated their time and help. I got to help sort clothes, set up tables, and sort more clothes! I also helped run the bake sale and the jump house. My friend and I went to the corner of Cairns and M-50 and held up a sign to tell people we were having a sale; that was fun!
Even though that sounds like a lot of hard work (and it was!), it was worth it! If you decide to have a yard sale and donate the money to orphans, you too would be helping children all over the world! You would help them to have clothes, food, and shelter! I feel great and feel like I really helped! Also, I feel like everyone who helped feels great in their heart, too!

So, I would like to ask you if you would consider having your own garage sale for orphans.You could get together with your church, neighborhood, friends, or a club you’re involved in. You could share the work and know when you’re at home eating dinner you have helped some little kids who would otherwise be looking through garbage and living on the street to have clothes and food too! All you have to do is go to the website www.garagesale4orphans.org and follow the instructions. It’s easy!

Hayden Sawyer
Tecumseh, 10 years old

To the Editor,

The Ladies Auxiliary from Underwood-Orr Tecumseh Post #34 would like to thank you for all your support during our Poppy Sales. Each and every donation helps our Vets or their families. Our volunteers did a great job this year. Also a special thanks to Busch’s, Lev’s, Perky Pantry, Jerry’s Market and TLC.

Mary Bolton
Chairperson