PPalmeralmer WWoodsoods PPostost Quarterly Newsletter of the Palmer Woods Association • www.palmerwoods.org May.~July 2006 P.O. Box 21086 • Detroit, Michigan 48221 Let’s Re-Connect ~ June 24 Block Party... What: An old-fashioned Block Party to welcome Summer, salute all new graduates (kindergarten~college and beyond), meet and greet old and new neighbors, and re-welcome each other to a great neighborhood. When: Saturday, June 24, 11am ~12:30pm (rain or shine). Where: Wellesley between Cumberland and Suffolk. Why the baskets? Your block captain delivered this newsletter in a basket. Re-fill it with your choice of goodies and treasures (see invitation for ideas) and bring it to the Block Party. We’ll exchange “Re-Welcome d l e i f e Baskets” to keep us meeting new people. r a B a r a b Sponsored by 17 neighbors affiliated r a
B How did this event evolve? : s
o with The Detroit Institute of Arts (see page 10), this event also launches t o h
P a new Block Captain system (see page 2). Let’s Re-Commit Solving the blight of abandoned and neglected homes in Palmer Woods Many of you have probably noticed that we have a small number of deteriorating homes in Palmer Woods. Even a small number has alarmed the board of the Palmer Woods Associa- tion (PWA). The board works to preserve and Front and rear of a home on Balmoral. enhance this great neighborhood, but it needs the feedback tee owners, and sever- and involvement of all Palmer Woods al others are listed as neighbors. These vacant homes and sold yet remain vacant. neglected lawns are changing our land- Last year, the board compiled an ini- the owners, banks, and mortgage com- scape, and we need solutions. At least tial list of seven Palmer Woods homes panies of record. At the annual meeting, five homes have been foreclosured, believed to be in foreclosure, and then an initial report was provided to the while two others appear to have absen- obtained title commitments to identify Continued on page 17
Palmer Woods Post 1 May~July 2006 2006 Palmer Woods My View Association Board NANCY GALSTER, President, Palmer Woods Association Nancy Galster, President This spring in Palmer Woods is like none I have ever experi- 891-1090 enced. Oh, sure the crab apple trees and dogwoods have been Robert Perkins, Vice President spectacular and the grass is greening beautifully, but the expecta- Culture Committee 892-7002 tion among most of us is that we look better than ever. Our streets Deborah Copeland, Secretary are paved, our island gardens are restored, our berms support new 369-1327 sod and our trash is picked up. Why, even neighbors are seen cleaning another’s yard every now and then. It’s truly amazing. While we have other issues before us (for exam- Gerald Primak, Treasurer Membership Committee 368-5898 ple, ridding the dead ash trees and replanting a new variety of trees on the berms) we shouldn’t rest until we provide excellent stewardship for our place here in Detroit! Rochelle Lento, Legal Advisor There’s a general feeling from the board of directors (for the first time in many years 891-5662 we have 15 on the board—please see side bar) that we have worked better this past year Pat Brochstein, Preservation Committee as a neighborhood group to support objections and praise and we have become a 893-6967 stronger group of colleagues. It is our thinking that rather than embarrass any home- Fredie Carter-Bonner, Culture Committee owner who has not paid 2006 dues, we should pay special acknowledgment to those 892-2851 in the Association who have provided their personal resources to fund the Association. Brian Johnson, Children’s Committee You will see in this issue a list of Association members’ names. We are grateful to you. 891-6345 And, on our horizon: Helen B. Love, Communications Committee • Maintaining our garden islands. If we experience a dry summer, the board has a 368-0068 plan for watering the new plantings into the fall. Johnny Lunsford, Security Committee • Keeping an eye out for any developments on the many foreclosed homes in our 366-5813 neighborhood. As you may know, the Association has contracted a lawyer to learn what Sandra Powell, 893-7372 can be done about these homes. His activities will, hopefully, result in placing the Joe Rogowski, 248-302-7051 homes on the market. • Naming block captains to welcome and enhance membership. A new effort is Ruth Stallworth, 892-3848 underway to call upon our residents to help deliver welcoming messages and bring the Jane Strand, Home Tour Committee Palmer Woods Post to your door. 891-1203 • Securing five homes for the 2006 Holiday Home Tour. The Home tour committee Steve Williams, Historian is meeting monthly to put plans into action for the December 3 tour. 613-4178 • Engaging a greater involvement from members of the Association. Plans are under- The Board meets monthly to address neigh- way for a jazz concert this summer on August 19 and, perhaps, a neighborhood night borhood concerns. Annual Association Members’ meetings are held to elect new officers and at the Michigan State Fair. review, with our residents, the status of the previ- ous year’s business. The annual cost to join the association is $495.The money is allocated to the upkeep of the neighborhood, including the main- Introducing tenance of the garden areas, street snow removal and private security, and a subscription to the neighborhood newsletter, The Post. Dues provide Block Captains the means for the Association to sponsor and organize various “get-to-know-your-neighbor” Afton 1 (19200-19320) – Lincolnshire 1 (1440-1580) – TBD events such as the annual Holiday Home Tour, Jazz George Cook Jr., Karoy Brooks Lincolnshire 2 (1585-1676) – and Classical Concerts, and activities for children. Afton 2 (19400-19565) – Dr. Rachel Valerie Dickson-Horton To join,email Brian Johnson or Deborah Copeland: Donaldson-Kimpson with Jade & Joel Lincolnshire 3(1683-1940)–Rochelle Lento [email protected] Argyle Crescent 1 (19415-19515) – TBD Lowell (19460-19511) – TBD KEEP TOUCH Argyle Crescent 2 (19520-19631) – Lucerne (19200-1470) – TBD in Shelly & Terrell Hill Strathcona 1 (1246-1440) – General Info Balmoral 1 (1265-1370) – Jeannette Johnson Nancy Galster: [email protected] Theresa Doss-Wahls & James Wahls Strathcona 2 (1441-1656) – or 313-891-1090 Balmoral 2 (1405-1570) – TBD Tracy-Betina Caldwell Security Info Balmoral 3 (1603-1771) – TBD Strathcona 3 (1670-1800) – TBD [email protected] Balmoral 4 (1830-1995) – Strathcona 4 (1860-1980) – Sandra Powell Deborah Copeland Strathcona 5(19121-19271)–Shauna Morrow Dispatch: 313-874-3576 or Burlington 1 (19100-19301) – Nancy Galster Strathcona 6 (19284-19395) – Main: 800-368-7600 Burlington 2 (19432-19551) – Eva & Robert Dewaelsche Home Tour Info Glenda Price & Luther Keith Suffolk (19320-19550) – Elaine Keyes [email protected] Cumberland Way 1 (19344-19455) – West Seven Mile (1250-2800) – Palmer Woods Post Brian Carnaghi Norm Silk & Dale Morgan Cumberland Way 2 (19460 -19565) – Wellesley 1 (1300-1560) – Barbara Barefield Florise Ewell & daughter Simone Mary Newby, Chris Cardine Editor & Graphic Designer Gloucester (19100-19481) – Wellesley 2 (1630-1955) – Geralda Sellers [email protected] • 313-891-2514 Evelyn Owens Smith, Marjorie Porter Woodston (19100-19429) – Clara Jenkins Call Helen Love to volunteer as a Block Captain: 313-368-0068
Palmer Woods Post 2 May~July 2006 Sprucing up Woodward St. Patrick’s Day was three improve the look of the months ago, but you can now Woodward median strip. see more green on Woodward Under his watch, the Avenue than you remember. grass is cut regularly, ele- Twenty new trees were vated areas where most of planted last fall on the median the plantings were dead strip between 7 and 8 Mile have been leveled to Roads (and another 20 grade and will be replant- between 6 and 7 Mile Roads) ed with grass, remaining by the Michigan Department elevated areas are cleared of Transportation as part of the of debris regularly and reconstruction project that existing trees have been repaved this same stretch of trimmed. Mr. Wells has roadway in summer 2005. been very responsive to Sharon Ferman, M-DOT the concerns of Palmer resource specialist, selected a Woods residents and has variety of trees that are both overseen a sound mainte- attractive and can withstand the rigors of their beauty as we drive along Woodward nance program for the greenspace that placement on a major thoroughfare. Ave. adjacent to our neighborhood. runs down the center of Woodward If you look closely, you’ll see Celebra- M-DOT will be responsible for water- between 6 and 8 Mile Roads. tion Maples, Japanese Tree Lilacs, Valley ing the new trees this year and next (2006- Lastly, hats off to Tony Kratofil, deputy Forge Elms, Northern Red Oaks, Flower- 2007) while they establish their root sys- region engineer for M-DOT, and Rita ing Pears, Flowering Crabapples and tems. The Palmer Woods Association will Screws, manager of the Detroit Transporta- Hedge Maples. And look closely you must, be considering several options for a con- tion Service Center, for meeting with rep- because these are small trees and won’t tinuing watering program once M-DOT’s resentatives from Palmer Woods prior to reach their full majesty for many years. responsibility ends. the road construction project last year to We salute M-DOT for thoughtfully We also salute Bernie Wells, mainte- hear our concerns and try, within limited including a “greening” initiative in the nance supervisor at the Detroit Trans- budgets and time, to address them. Woodward road construction project. As portation Service Center (the Detroit office We think they did a terrific job, and our these trees grow, PW residents will enjoy of M-DOT) for his outstanding efforts to community says, “Thank you very much!” A new look for Livernois Livernois between 6 and 7 Mile Roads is a mess. A temporary eyesore, the torn-up medians will be transformed over the sum- mer, along with continued efforts to revi- talize the Avenue of Fashion and the Liver- nois stretch. Expect to see trees, greenery, flowers and renovated storefronts. This project of urban beautification and economic development, directed by the Acres, Western District City of Detroit, is being influenced by the Neighborhood Coalition, University Commons Organization Martin Park Community (UCO). UCO is an umbrella organization Association, Marygrove for area community groups on Livernois College, Pilgrim Village, between 8 Mile and the Lodge (plus any faith-based institutions, other affected areas) that receives financ- Sherwood Forest, Univer- ing from the City of Detroit Mayor’s Office sity District, University of Detroit Mercy, facades. UCO also expects to host semi- of Neighborhood and Commercial Revital- and Livernois Avenue businesses. nars for businesses on Livernois. ization (ONCR). The ONCR money is Currently, UCO continues work on UCO meets regularly at University of matched with funds raised by the organi- projects which range from an annual com- Detroit Mercy. Call Charley Jackson Jr., zation. Palmer Woods is a participant, mitment to the Mayor’s Motor City UDM Government and Community Rela- along with Bagley Community Council, Makeover (city wide cleanup activities) to tions Coordinator, at 313-993-1025 to get Fitzgerald Community Council, Green continuing the work on Livernois Avenue involved.
Palmer Woods Post 3 May~July 2006 Do you have these problems in your home… • Windows are not energy efficient • Continual maintenance • Deteriorating woodwork • Damaged stucco or brick • Eroding copper
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Palmer Woods Post 4 May~July 2006 Neighborhood Service Roster Searching for the right roofer, electrician, painter, plumber, tree trimmer… The following list of vendors has been supplied by Palmer Woods neighbors. The criteria for listing com- panies and individuals is that they have provided good service at fair prices and have a favorable referral from a Palmer Woods resident. An updated list will be published periodically in the Palmer Woods Post. Mem- bers of the Palmer Woods Association Board of Directors and Post take no responsibility for any work per- formed on your behalf by these vendors. Please add your favorites to the next listing by emailing [email protected] Appliance Repair: Dave’s Appliance Repair...... 586-791-8920 Richard Sporer ...... 586-755-5710 Building/Remodeling/Carpentry Pool Maintenance Steve Casson/Dan Davidson ...... 248-526-0315 The Pool Guy (Mike Mandziuk ...... 248-875-1070 Albert D. Thomas, Inc...... 313-882-0628 Gillette Brothers ...... 248-288-0080 Electrical Roofing (including slate & cedar roofs) Real Electric ...... 313-554-3000 Glynn McDaniel ...... 313-295-4145 G & G Electric ...... 313-345-4246 Renaissance Restorations ...... 313-585-7892 Floors Roofing Andy’s Hardwood Floors ...... 248-668-9300 or 734-222-8200 Rob Lollie Roofing...... 586-206-0063 Garage Doors: B & M Garage Doors ...... 313-861-8000 Butcher & Baecker ...... 248-852-2323 Gutters: Royal Enterprises, Ray King ...... 586-726-2117 Security Doors: Empire Doors & Windows...... 313-592-0300 Heating and Cooling Sewer Work: Wright Way Sewer Cleaners...... 313-831-0590 Applied Comfort (furnace, boilers)...... 313-304-5224 Sprinkler Systems Soltman Heating & Cooling ...... 248-543-0441 B S Lawn Sprinklers Systems.248-356-1060 or 810-560-0250 Hearthside Heating...... 248-585-5452 Williams Sprinklers ...... 248-541-4203 Air Touch Mechanical, Inc...... 313-861-7778 Nance Sprinklers...... 313-835-3311 Liberty Total Comfort...... 313-225-9080 Tree Trimming/Arborists Richard Sporer ...... 586-755-5710 Wade’s Tree Service...... 313-671-0017 Home Improvement/Maintenance Woodsman Services...... 989-588-4295 Thomas Valente ...... 248-755-2460 Mike’s Tree Surgeons ...... 248-588-0202 C.M Gregory Developers ...... 313-874-5123 Window (new, replacement or repair) Adaptech (barrier-free construction & modifications for Renewal by Andersen ...... 888-537-3639 physically challenged)...... 248-689-6212 H&R Window Repair (repairs leaded glass, Tri-County (general contractor–outside work)...810-459-6316 replaces handles, fixes & re-hangs)...... 248-544-8282 Interior Design Window Cleaning Wanda Brown Design...... 313-690-0791 Metro Window Cleaning ...... 248-541-0278 Brian Ashburn ...... 313-368-5851 Best Window Cleaning ...... 313-209-5678 Landscaping Four Seasons Garden Center ...... 248-543-4400 Misc. favorites from Norman Silk & Dale Morgan Flora-Flora (plus pond installation)...... 313-867-0324 Architect: Jeff Pederson...... 313-202-7850 Schuman (landscape lighting) ...... 248-761-9377 Art Home, Alex (granite fabrication)...... 248-546-2777 Lawn Maintenance Asbestos removal, Juan ...... 313-475-7690 AW Lawn Maintenance...... 313-863-0679 Audio Video Alternatives (plasma, sound systems, Chanel Landscaping, Stacey Coates...... 313-623-5901 doorbell, alarm) ...... 248.549.3100 Locksmith Best Chimney (cleaning, repair, dampers)...... 248-549-8311 Hogo Solomon & Son ...... 313-342-6775 Calico Corners (upholstery, drapery, cushions)..248-332-9163 Big D (lock city)...... 248.398.2030 Custom carpentry, John Bruno..313-863-1470 or 313-303-1254 Painting Deweys Welding, Scott (welding on site, repairs)..586-756-8457 Humphrey Contracting Services...... 877-57PAINT Dillman and Upton, Rick Bozinski (design and installations) John LoGiudice ...... 248-446-8534 or 586-612-4023 (kitchen, bath and closet cabinets)...... 248-651-9411 Beth L. Carnaghi (decorative/artistic) ...... 248-755-2460 Disenos (iron repair/design, gates, railings, etc.)...313-961-6966 Plaster Dwyer Marble and Stone ...... 248-476-4944 Plaster Art (decorative)...... 313-863-6319 Great Lakes Electric (lighting, Linda Bjarnesen)...248-370-0107 Dave Smith (decorative) ...... 248.235.1333 or 810.599.4117 Home Beautiful Upholstery...... 248-547-1169 Joseph Hobbs (plaster & drywall) ...... 313-418-7143 Howie Glass, Bruce (glass replacement, mirror).....248-541-3484 Plumbing J&L, Lynn, (strip, refinish metal cabinets) ...... 248-544-8500 Larry D Plumbing...... 248-544-0918 Lampcraft (repair, restoration, parts)...... 248-549-1399 Tenny Plumbing ...... 248-542-3800 Masonic Building Restoration, Leon Douglas Dan Wood Plumbing & Heating ...... 313-841-5190 (stone repair, sidewalks, cement) ...... 248-506-6653 Larry’s Plumbing...... 248-542-4660 San Marino Iron (railings, gates, fences etc.)...... 313-526-9255 Cross Plumbing...... 313-836-2110
Palmer Woods Post 5 May~July 2006 Serving all your insurance and financial needs…
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᳚ᳶPalmer Woods Post 6 May~July 2006 ᳚ An Educated Consumer Advice for saving money on car insurance Insurance is a protection that should consider: house, ask about a “good student” dis- not be left to chance. Knowing your • Investigate the auto insurance rate count. options for the best protection for your before you purchase a vehicle—the insur- Once you have decided on your car and needs can save you money and heartache ance monthly rate may be higher than the auto insurance coverage, here are potential when you need to access your insurance car monthly note. discounts that may lower your rates: coverage. • Before shopping for auto insurance • Air bags There are various insurance coverages get a copy of your driver’s license record • Auto seat belts and options that one can choose, including —there may be errors which could raise • Anti-theft/alarm whether to take a risk or to self-insure. your rate. • ABS brakes Some aspects of auto insurance are manda- • Good student tory, but others can vary. Asking your insur- Many insurance companies run credit • Safe driver ance agent questions (or shopping around • Multi-car and comparing) will help you evaluate your checks—which may affect your insur- • Multi-policies comfort level with the different options ance costs. Check your credit rating • Group affiliations, such as AARP available and to be better informed. to make sure there are no mistakes. • Long term policyholder There are options available to reduce • Claims free costs when insuring your automobile. If • Know your auto claim history to see • No lapse in coverage you cannot afford to insure for the full if accidents are noted ‘at fault’ or ‘not at • No accidents value, then decide how much you want to fault.’ Make sure it is accurate. • No tickets take on yourself and insure for the value • Know that many insurance compa- In closing, remember the insurance you can pay for. This can include choosing nies run credit checks—which may affect coverage you need is based on various fac- a high deductible on your car insurance your insurance costs. Check your credit tors and sometimes comparing “apples to coverage—namely, collision and compre- rating to make sure there are no mistakes. apples” may not meet your expectations hensive. • Know that most insurance companies and needs. Whether you are shopping for a new rate all drivers in the household; as result, Next issue of the Post: homeowner vehicle or changing the insurance on your make sure the quote includes a youthful insurance. current vehicle, here are some factors to driver. If you do have a young driver in the Lolita McGlory
If you want to live in an historic home, in an historic neighborhood… You deserve an historian to service your real estate needs. Coldwell Banker Schweitzer takes great pleasure in recommending Stephen Williams to service your real estate needs. Stephen's passion for historic real estate and his academic training in history create a rare blend of appreciation and expertise. For several years Stephen has worked on researching, archiving, preserv- ing, and celebrating historical property. When you add up all of his qualifications, you have a very special real estate professional for your historic home. Paul Schweitzer President, Coldwell Banker Schweitzer Stephen Williams, Ph.D Your Historic Property Resource (248) 988-2255 office Member: National Trust for Historic Preservation (313) 613-4178 voice mail Coalition for Historic Neighborhoods (Board) [email protected] Preservation Wayne Call me, I’m your neighbor and Palmer Woods History Bureau (Chair) I want to be your realtor.
Palmer Woods Post 7 May~July 2006 hhhhhhhhhhh
Sale Sen. Henry Stallings, Half off Curator-general manager on all custom framinggggggggggggg gggggggggggg gggggggggggg gggggggggggg gggggggggggg A Fine Art Gallery on the “Avenue of Fashion”
Art on the Ave features an extensive line of African, African American and European Art. We feature original works of art, giclees, limited and open edition prints, sculptures, gifts and other art media.
Art on the Ave builds bridges Art Appraisals between artists and art buyers. Custom On-Site Framing Bridal Registry For the past ten years, Digital Printing through its website and Gallery Rental Detroit gallery space, Art on the Ave has provided 19132 Livernois Ave. art lovers & collectors, Detroit, MI 48221 vital connections to more than 200 prominent & emerging artists from around the world. 313-863-4ART (278) www.artontheave.com
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