Greg and Kathy Padley

   Greg and Kathy Padley (44281 Saturn) have been North Pointe denizens since 2005. The “good neighbors, friendly waving people, and a community that fits” have led Greg and Kathy to “love” their home and surroundings.

   Traveling whether for business or pleasure is the name of the game for our two peripatetic neighbors. Consider the three years Greg was stationed in Tokyo on behalf of General Motors. This included sojourns through China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Korea to round out a culturally fulfilling away from home experience.

   We can also mention oldest son Jason and family who live in Switzerland on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers. This provided the destination of choice for the fall of 2011 trip for our traveling neighbors. Not only did they sample the world’s best chocolate, but there were also the side-trips to Germany, France, and Austria in order to assimilate local cultures. This also resulted in the purchase of an exquisite cuckoo clock courtesy of the Black Forest region that adorns the dining area wall.

   We are glad to report that son Brian and family are living and doing well in Wisconsin, while daughter Katrina and family are close to home in Sterling Heights. Let us also mention the four grandchildren who are the family favorites and are growing strong.

   By the way, next year it’s off to Australia to visit a niece and her husband. In the meantime, Kathy is acquiring information from St. Patrick’s Parish in Ada, Michigan for a possible Holy Land pilgrimage later this year. If all falls in place, this will be a nine day faith experience journey which will include Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Capernaum.

   Oh, somehow Greg and Kathy seem to find the time to provide for their traveling adventures through gainful employment. Kathy has completed ten years in the customer service area with Kohl’s. After thirty-four years with General Motors, Greg discovered that full-time retirement was not his gig and has now completed some additional five years with Magna International as a Purchasing Director.

   Both Greg and Kathy are involved with St. Lawrence Parish in Utica. Greg sings in the choir and is also serves as Chairman of the Board for St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center in Detroit. Kathy is a facilitator for a recurring bible study program at St. Lawrence and also lends her support to the Capuchin Retreat House in Washington, Michigan.

   We send our thanks to Greg for aiding in our association transition process and for serving on our Board of Directors in past years. We all wish Greg and Kathy the best on their thirty-fifth anniversary later this year. And we extend our acknowledgement to neighbors Greg and Kathy.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted below is an example of an adventure story concerning a North Pointe neighbor. Perhaps you have some similar news to share, perhaps a hobby, or a family happening, or a sport, or a trip, or an achievement that you would allow us to describe. Your neighbors are waiting to hear about it. Please contact us at  npneighbor@gmail.com   

A Birthday Party

    It was a picture-perfect surprise party that was a complete and total surprise. This birthday event occurred to Carmela Workun (3879 Galaxy) on her notable birthday achievement. Carmela will not allow us to reveal the actual age involved, so we can only say here that it is similar to having three quarters in your pocket.

   The cover story was a granddaughter requesting Carmela’s help with a roller skating party supposedly organized for a bible class. It was all a fabrication (and granddaughter Jessica now emphatically states that it is the first and last time she will lie to her grandma). Not suspecting Jessica of such a duplicitous act, the birthday celebrant was greeted at the roller rink with some thirty-five well wishers and a tremendous skating party it was.

   We wish Carmela many more returns with or without the surprise factor. Carmela extends an invitation to all North Pointe residents to attend one of the “coffee and cake” sessions held at Skate World in Troy and invites you to see the announcement posted below.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Let’s Go Skating!

You are invited to visit Skate World of Troy at 2825 E. Maple Rd (15 Mile just west of Dequindre) for an adult “coffee and cake” session on any Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 11am to 1pm. The cost per session is $6.00 which includes coffee with donut and skate rental if required. You will meet roller skaters of beginner and intermediate (and occasionally advanced) levels who enjoys the music, comradeship, and exhilaration of skating.

ANNOUNCEMENT

(Posted by John Gielniak / 44351 Constellation)

VOLUNTEERS:

 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

This is an all-volunteer board. If you care about this complex and want to help out, consider running for the Board. Turn in your name to MPM.

 SPRAYING THE WEEDS ON GALAXY

We need volunteers to take a section of Galaxy. Call John Gielniak at 586-803-1222 if you are interested.

 REPLACING LIGHT BULBS AND SENSORS

You don’t have to be an electrician to change a light bulb. If you are interested, call Cathy Yeager at 586-254-1911.

DELIVERING NEWSLETTERS AND DIRECTORIES

We could use a sub in this area. Call John Gielniak at 586-803-1222 if you are interested. MAILING is very costly.

 　

Whether you believe it or not,  just the above volunteers save our North Pointe Association $3,000 to $5,000 a year and this represents costs that your Association Fee does not have to absorb. Consider volunteering by calling your Board, MPM, or the names listed above.

--- John Gielniak

ANNOUNCEMENT

(Posted by John Gielniak / 44351 Constellation)

A little North Pointe Board History:

　Prior to the installation of an official N.P. Board, meetings were held that included interested residents.　 This dates back to 2005 and 2006.　 Meetings were held between Joe D'Angelo (the builder) and the following　residents:

John Gielniak, Dennis Kelsey, Ed Albright, Greg Padley, Toni Tarczy, Ulrick Vorpahl, and Ken Yeager.

　This group understood that once the transition took place from the builder to the Association, we would need to have a Management Co.　under contract.　 Therefore, this group was involved in interviewing three management companies.　 It was decided to recommend MPM to the 1st Association Board.

　
TRANSITION:
　　

The transition of the Association's responsibilities from the builder (Joe D'Angelo) to the 1st Board of Directors elected by the owner/residents took place on December 7th 2007.　 The law firm of Wagner and Associates handled this. The elected 1st Board consisted of:

President:  　　 　　　 　　　John Gielniak
Vice-President:  　　 　　　 Dennis Kelsey
Treasurer:　　　  　　 　　　 Victor Opipari
Member-at-large:　　　　　 Gregory Padley
Member-at-large: 　　　　　Gary Balakier

CONTINUING BOARD HISTORY:
　

The terms of Gregory Padley and Gary Balakier expired in 2009. At the annual meeting held on May 12, 2009.  Frank Langenstein and Jerry Biernacki were elected to replace the two outgoing officers.

Effective May 12, 2010, the term of three of the officers (John Gielniak, Dennis Kelsey and Victor Opipari) expired. At the annual meeting of May 12, 2010, elected were Jim Schumacher, Beverly Marrocco and Lisa Elliot. Officer positions are:

President:                             Frank Langenstein
Vice-President:                   Jerry Biernacki
Treasurer:                            Jim Schumacher
Member-at-large:                Beverly Marrocco
Member-at-large:                Lisa Elliot

Effective May 4, 2011, the terms of Jerry Biernacki and Frank Langenstein expired. Due to the lack of volunteers to run, Jerry Biernacki agreed to run again. Charles Powell replaced Frank Langenstein on the Board. Officer positions are:

President:                             Jerry Biernacki
Vice-President:                    Lisa Elliot
Treasurer/Secretary:         Jim Schumacher
Member-at-large:                Beverly Marrocco
Member-at-large:                Charles Powell

The next meeting and election is scheduled for May 2, 2012.  Consider running for the Board.  It would be good to get some new ideas. The terms of Beverly Marrocco, Jim Schmacher and Lisa Elliot will expire.

--- John Gielniak

Ken and Cathy Yeager

     Ken and Cathy Yeager (44273 Saturn) have been counted among our neighbors since 2005, and have been and remain extremely pleased with their home and neighborhood.

     These are among the more “quiet” years for Ken and Cathy but it has not always been so. Initially, Cathy’s medical training led her into a career as a pulmonary specialist, but a recurring condition with her vision diverted her from this vocation path. Through her profession Cathy became acquainted with the plight of babies born with drug addiction through pregnancy of the mother.

     This led to fifteen years of providing foster care to drug addicted infants. With the help of Ken (while engaged in his own profession), Cathy took into their home and fostered such drug addicted infants until they were medically prepared to enter into the regular state adoption program.

     This foster program could at times last until early childhood and there were times when Cathy and Ken would have up to four foster children within their home. Over fifteen years this led to some sixty infants being prepared for regular adoption through the state of Michigan adoption program. Although one can only guess at the endeavor that Cathy undertook, it also was not unusual for Ken to lend a helping hand or rock an infant to sleep (as well as sometimes himself) in the late hours of the night.

    Ken and Cathy are proud of daughters Michele and Starr, and their two grandchildren. Michele owns and operates a horse farm and also works in (this is correct) heavy duty construction, while Starr is doing and living well in Caseville. Starr, in fact, was their first foster child and since that time is their legally adopted daughter.

     Well, those are the days gone by. Now Ken and Cathy have time for their cycling adventures like East Tawas to Petoskey and rides in the thumb area that can average 50 to 75 miles a day. Also, there is kayaking on the Au Sable and white water rafting in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

    Ken stays active in several motorcycle clubs which includes dirt biking, is a member of the NRA, and is affiliated with the Macomb County Sheriff Citizen program. All this while he helps maintain the family owned business of RAM Leather Care which is our state’s largest fine leather cleaning service of specialty items such as wedding gowns, uggs, and furniture.

     Cathy is in charge of our association’s “light brigade” for our porch and garage light program and coordinates replacement and repair as needed. She reminds us that residents should contact her rather than replacing lights on their own.

    Our thanks to Ken for his service on the Transition Board several years ago as we began the process of assuming administration of the association. We extend our acknowledgement to neighbors Ken and Cathy for being a part of our community

A Royal Wedding at North Pointe

     Well, it was a jolly good show. At least that seems to be the report from Judy Parmann (44303 Nova) regarding the royal celebration that was viewed by a boisterous bunch of our North Pointe neighbors back on April 29 of 2011. At 5:30 A.M. on the appointed day our neighbors gathered at the home of Dave and Judy Parmann to watch the live broadcast of the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine (Kate) Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London.

     The viewing room had already been decorated beforehand which included some displays provided by Joyce Matczak’s cousin in England. Some attendees declared they would attend in pj’s (they didn’t) but at least Barb Gielniak was properly attired with formal hat and gloves. Space does not permit us to name all the neighbors shown above but we do acknowledge that they were part of the estimated 300 million global audience for the wedding. The festivities also included a welcome early morning breakfast provided by Judy.

     It is our understanding that Judy’s husband Dave did not attend the proceedings. Apparently, he had other things to do. Below we present an official royal photograph which cannot be used for commercial gain.

April 29, 2011

ANNOUNCEMENT

We need a few brave neighbors to step forward as volunteers for articles for North Pointe Neighbors. It is not required that you be newsworthy, if you are a neighbor we will make you newsworthy. It will take about ten minutes of your time and we will do the writing. And we and all of your neighbors will admire you for your courage. Please contact us at

npneighbor@gmail.com

Joyce Matczak

     It is another “pioneer day” for North Pointe as Joyce Matczak (3870 Galaxy) was “second” on the North Pointe buy-in list back in January of 2004. It was a time of dust blown fields, rumbling trucks, hills of dirt, and noise. Even though it took some patience in those early days, Joyce has always been pleased with her home and neighborhood.

     Some of us may recall Stacey (LoFrano Harrison) who was the sales representative in the model at that time. Joyce and Stacey struck up an acquaintanceship and part of that was based on Joyce’s sewing and interior design abilities. It was not long before Stacey was referring new residents to Joyce for suggestions and help on window treatments when these questions were raised to Stacey by the new buyers. It became an avocation that Joyce enjoys until this day.

     For those who are not aware, we regret to report that husband Michael (a fine man) passed away in October of last year due to pancreatic cancer. It was a sorrowful time and though there are still difficult days in this new year, Joyce remains thankful for and acknowledges her “wonderful neighbors” who continue to check in on her and help her with home-owning tasks.

     Joyce is appreciative to report that two sons and daughter and five grandchildren are doing well, and that grandson Ryan and family is expecting her first great grandchild(son) in June. This has involved Joyce in designing and crafting the bedding, bumper pads, and ruffles for the new arrival. Joyce is also pleased with the company provided by her Pekinese “Scooby” (which is a grandchild suggested name) and cat “Oreo.”

     Preparation for the expectant arrival and the need to move on has inspired Joyce to return to her sewing avocation as she once again contracts with neighbors in our community to provide their window treatments and other interior design needs. She especially enjoys when requested to provide neighbors with information regarding design options and materials that are available.

     Due to her polite and positive nature, Joyce is acquainted with more than a few residents throughout our neighborhood. She continues to meet monthly with eight other neighbors for cards that often involves a game called “left right center.”

     We are pleased to wish Joyce peace in the new year and thank her as well as all others for contributions made to our neighborhood.

Jim and Joanne Schumacher

     It was a forty-five degree February afternoon when we visited with Jim and Joanne Schumacher (44257 Saturn). Jim and Joanne are originally from Pennsylvania and moved to Michigan when Jim entered military service. After some forty-plus years in Royal Oak, our neighbors became part of our North Pointe community in May of 2005.

     Jim and Joanne are counting the days to the celebration of their golden jubilee anniversary on July 4 of next year. In anticipation, we congratulate them and their growing family in advance of this memorable event. The family includes (as of this writing) two sons Jim and Dave, a daughter (Carol), six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

     Jim is a dedicated bowler and currently bowls in the senior league at 5 Star Lanes in Sterling Heights. And although still listed on the roster, Jim has in former days been a very active member of the Royal Oak American Legion where he held the post of Financial Officer for four years.

     Joanne often enjoys a good walk or stroll through our North Pointe neighborhood and is always appreciative of the friendly neighbors she encounters on her forays. Another popular foray for Joanne is shopping for home furnishings and flowers.

     Recent activities of our two neighbors involve them in attending sporting events at Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Hills that feature youngest grandson Evan. Whether it is football , baseball, or bowling, whether it is raining or snowing, you can count on our two neighbors to be off to another game or tournament.

     Jim is also adept at woodworking and crafts. In fact, Jim and son passed on the builder’s offer as they instead finished the entire basement on their own. It is a luxuriously furnished open-ended space and denotes attention to detail and craftsmanship.

     Jim is the Treasurer of the North Pointe Board of Directors and we thank him for his diligence as well as all on the Board in maintaining our costs. Although Jim is glad to help out some of our more elderly residents who now live alone, he also points out that it would be helpful if all residents would acquaint themselves with our by-laws that differentiate between common area and owner responsibilities. He also urges others to help by serving on the Board and helping to maintain the quality of our neighborhood.

     A note of thanks to our neighbors Jim and Joanne.

Joe and Lisa Elliott

     Joe and Lisa Elliott (44159 Astro) have been North Pointe residents for six years. After first viewing the model some six years ago, our two neighbors quickly decided that this was the day for which they had been saving over the years. They completed the purchase of their new home and have been very pleased with their decision ever since.

     Joe’s creative endeavors have led him to a career in film-making, photography, and graphic design, and he has an avocation for consulting in these fields. Lisa has an affinity for understanding the concerns of the elderly, and is involved with these matters in a professional and volunteer basis at North Pointe Village as well as local hospitals and nursing homes. She finds the seniors are always grateful when she brings them coffee or leaves a banana outside their door when they miss breakfast.

     Lisa is also a professional organizer (like offices, file cabinets, and closets) and also is a locator of difficult to find items. She describes how she once located a very rare and very expensive bottle of wine for a very discerning client. Hobbies for our two neighbors include reading, movies, and ….. Red Wing hockey!! Lisa collects miniature perfume bottles and other fine crystal miniatures.

     Joe and Lisa are proud of the two sons in the family Jason and Josh, and especially of (it goes without saying) grandson David. It would be remiss not to mention another family favorite, that is, “Mademoiselle”, or “Maddie” for short, their four year old Teddy Bear.

     We would also like to extend a note of acknowledgement to Lisa who serves as our Vice-President on the Board of Directors. Lisa’s priority is with the landscaping of the trees and greens, and we thank her for the vigilant upkeep of our scenic and pastoral common areas. Lisa would like to extend an invitation to the community to get involved in serving for or on the Board, and points out there is room on the Board for those who are low-key and gentle as well as those who are of a more boisterous and bolder disposition.

     Our thanks to neighbors Joe and Lisa.

Chuck and Karen Powell

     Chuck and Karen Powell (44141 Astro) have been part of our North Pointe community for some six years. They have always been pleased with their home and serene surroundings.

     Chuck retired from the Detroit Police Department after 28 years of being among Detroit’s “finest.” Karen retired from the Detroit Public Schools after 40! years of teaching in Detroit high schools. Our congratulation to both for combining their careers with such outstanding community service.

     Their first phase of retirement involved three years of carefree traveling, first by motor home and then by condo rental in many parts of the country. They still enjoy traveling and it remains one of their favorite pastimes to this day. Add in their golfing endeavors which they both enjoy, and you would conclude that their retirement road was set for good. Not so, --- Chuck eventually “flunked” retirement.

     Chuck has always maintained contact with his fraternity over the years, and one day a fraternity brother sought his help in administering a charter school. Chuck agreed to give it a try, found it to his liking, and now after three years he is Dean of Students at Western Preparatory Academy. It is a task he enjoys with full fervor. And, in order to complete a listing of his activities, Chuck is also a trustee for St. Stephen AME.

     Chuck and Karen speak with pride of one son and two daughters, and five lovely grandchildren. As our two neighbors describe it, their son and two daughters do not tire of relating how it was an uphill climb for them as children since they were constantly under the watch of the “cop” and the “teacher.”

     We would also like to congratulate Chuck for serving as Member at Large on the North Pointe Board of Directors. He has taken on the task of overseeing our lawns, sprinkler systems, and snow removal. Chuck points out that there is only so much that can be done in the high heat and humidity of summer while maintaining a dollar range within a cost containment basis. We thank him for his attention to a daunting challenge.

     We extend our best to neighbors Chuck and Karen.

Pete and Beverly Marrocco

     Back in 2004, Pete and Beverly Marrocco (44247 Nova) were “fourth” on the North Pointe buy-in list. So a note of congratulations to our pioneers who led the way for the rest of us.

     Pete is the terminal manager for the Estes Express trucking concern out by Metropolitan Airport, and has been involved with the industry for over thirty years. There was also a prior time when Pete taught school and coached school sports.

     Beverly is a graduate of Indiana University and was employed at Parke-Davis as a research microbiologist (how exotic is that) for twelve years. She then moved to a more ar-that-time lucrative position in pharmaceutical sales.

     Pete and Beverly always look forward to an enjoyable round of golf and that suits them just fine when they visit their vacation condo in the Ft. Myers area of Florida. They are glad to report that daughter Christine (social worker) and son Matt (graphic designer in Chicago) are doing well.

     Beverly stays active in her church community at Big Beaver UMC. Her membership on the “helping hands committee” involves her in baking, processing mail lists, and at times she sings in the church choir. She also takes an active role in those issues that are important to her by being an elected precinct delegate for our area of Sterling Heights.

     We can also report that Pete enjoys any and all card games and especially enjoys a good hand of poker with his informal card group. It is also our understanding that he is an informed follower of professional sports.

     Beverly is also Secretary of the North Pointe Board of Directors. We acknowledge and thank her for her service as well as all those who serve our community at the Board and volunteer level with those tasks that provide us with a comfortable place to live.

     Our thanks to neighbors Pete and Beverly.

ANNOUNCEMENT

     We would like to publish some “adventure” stories. Perhaps you have taken part in an activity or accomplishment, we would like to publish an account of several paragraphs describing your adventure. Let us know at npneighbor@gmail.com and we will write the article.

     The Board of Directors announces the launching of a new website on the internet called North Pointe Neighbors. This website is intended to share news concerning North Pointe residents and serve as a means of fostering acquaintanceship among residents and building a sense of community at North Pointe Condominiums. There is no financial cost in producing or maintaining this website and all work will be completed by a volunteer resident staff.

     Articles that appear on North Pointe Neighbors will contain personal news about our residents and will be written by volunteer resident staff. Topics can include descriptions of vacation trips or hobbies, awards or other accomplishments, family wedding plans, children or grandchildren announcements of any type including service to our country, and any other happenings or news items that residents wish to share. We will also publish articles welcoming new residents to our community.

    

     We will be looking to you and your neighbors to provide leads for stories. In order to have a successful website, we need leads. Stories do not have to be earth-shaking events. The idea is to share some personal news about ourselves and let our volunteer editors write the story and take a photo for publication in North Pointe Neighbors. Then one day, you may be outside or look from your window and say, “Hey, that’s my neighbor who bowled a 270. or a 170. or a 70.” But in order to be successful, we need leads.

     When we receive a lead, we will contact the resident and ask to meet for about ten minutes which is usually enough time to write the notes and take a photo. Then the editor will return home to write up and publish the story. We are open to any and all personal news topics (no editorials, please). If you wish to suggest a lead, either for yourself or a neighbor, please contact us. The acting editor and designer of the website is Dave Workun (3879 Galaxy) at npneighbor@gmail.com.  In order for North Pointe Neighbors to be a successful adventure, we need the leads, so please do not hesitate to contact us.  We prefer e-mail contact but phone contact is ok at 586-991-0190. 

     We can also post short announcements (no editorials, please) of a couple sentences on the website without a photo. Perhaps you would like to announce the birth of a grandchild or some other family event, or the results of an operation or a diagnosis, or the return or reassignment of a family member in service to our country, or any other short information you would like to share. We encourage you to send your announcement to us at npneighbor@gmail.com.

     Comments by residents can be published for all articles and announcements appearing in North Pointe Neighbors. We encourage your comments and look forward to publishing them. Just click the “comment” button below any article or announcement and follow the directions on the comment pop-up box. Your comment will automatically be forwarded to the editor for publishing. Inappropriate comments will not be published. We request that you type your name and address at the end of your comment. Our software does not allow us to edit comments or make corrections for spelling or grammar, so please be sure you are satisfied with your comment as submitted.

     We cannot expect North Pointe Neighbors to be a daily newspaper. We will start small and try to have new articles posted on the first of each month. If we can generate the interest and leads, then we will go for a bi-weekly or a weekly edition. But that will depend on residents taking part in providing leads. If you would like to become part of the volunteer staff and take on a more official role in gathering leads and/or writing articles, we would appreciate your help. Please contact npneighbor@gmail.com.

North Pointe Neighbors is for all of us. We hope that you will take part by suggesting leads for yourself or a neighbor, or by forwarding announcements for publication. Our goal is to foster some acquaintanceship among residents and perhaps provide some fun in the process.