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Wishing you a heartwarming winter
Last year ended on a sad note for my family and me with the passing of my brother David. He was 66. He loved his family and his work. He will be missed, particularly by his wife, Maggie; children, David Jr., Susan and Courtney; and grandchildren, Melanie, Joey and Porter.
Dave lived his life to the fullest. A daredevil from the start, he loved anything with a motor on wheels. He was the only one I know expelled from elementary school for surreptitiously driving a motorcycle to school, hiding it in woods nearby during classes. It worked out well until he found a police officer waiting for him one day after school.
As a grown-up, he competed in demolition derbies, customized three Chevy Camaros and lovingly maintained a vintage 1970 Harley Davidson Electra Glide. When not motoring, he took his family on many fabulous Disney World vacations and was all-around handyman and contractor for his children.
He was taken from us far too soon.
We also lost a great-nephew, Matthew Jr., son of my youngest brother, Matthew Sr. Junior was 39. So sad. Our hearts go out to Matthew Sr. and his family.
Out of eight siblings, two are gone. I find myself now the oldest. My older brother, Mark, died 10 years ago alone in a motel room while away on a per diem job. He was 61.
Life goes on. We have many adorable nieces and nephews with more arriving yearly. Terry and I never had kids of our own, so we take our paternal love out on them.
On a happier note, observant readers will notice something on the front cover of this issue of Pointe Magazine — a postal indicia. In order to ensure more timely delivery, we are giving the U.S. Postal Service a shot. It is more expensive than a private hand-delivery company, but it makes sense now that the pandemic is well behind us and mail delivery is more reliable and punctual.
Don’t be fooled, Pointe Magazine is the only magazine delivered to every home in the Pointes, and we’ve been doing so for 15 years. We are looking forward to our 15th anniversary issue in May-June. Stay tuned!
As always, be sure to patronize our many loyal businesses and advertisers, without whom Pointe Magazine would not be possible. Happy New Year and see you around the Pointe!
John Minnis
Publsiher
If retail businesses were the theme of the November-December issue, then nonprofit organizations are the focus of January-February. At the most recent meeting of Connecting the Pointes, a group founded nearly 23 years ago by Diane Strickler, representatives from nonprofits across the Pointes gathered to share news, collaborate and socialize. Before everyone spoke, Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce’s Abigail Turnbull asked each member to start with something they were grateful for. Time and again, the answer was “this.” This community. This camaraderie. This support. It was just before Christmas and my heart swelled, scanning the room and seeing countless friendly faces I’ve known for well over a decade, all gathered to share. So many of these nonprofits appear in this issue: Grosse Pointe Public Library, Grosse Pointe Library Foundation, The War Memorial, Grosse Pointe Theatre, The Helm, The Family Center, Grosse Pointe Artists Association and more.
This issue kicks off with The Helm, which is celebrating the passage of a senior services millage. Discover what The Helm is about and all the ways it helps our aging community experience a social, active winter on page 12.
On page 14, read about The Grosse Pointe Community Game Meet Up at Central Library. At the November meet up, tables were laden with board games, boisterous laughter and easy conversation. Founders Steven and Ruth Ann Yamada have created something special and I can’t recommend this free monthly meet up enough.
The War Memorial is a place where all are welcome. CEO and President Maria Miller likened it to a community center, where visitors should feel comfortable and inspired. I recently attended the monthly Silent Book Club, where I enjoyed reading beside a roaring fire in the library of the Alger House – for free! Explore the organization’s robust calendar in Live Inspired on page 35.
On page 48, read about Grosse Pointe Theatre’s upcoming The Lion in Winter and plan for a perfect winter evening spent watching live theater.
Then there is of course The Family Center (TFC). At Central Library, TFC will host its Community Book Club discussion on Jan. 29. There is also Community Yoga, Preschool Playtime and the Health For Her series. TFC is building happier, healthier families at every stage of life and through every possible avenue.
During these cold, and sometimes isolating, months, I hope you get the opportunity to explore the offerings of these stellar nonprofits. Here is to a winter spent surrounded by community.
Lauren McGregor
Editor