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.