December 20, 2004

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI) Dinner is served: Managers of manufactured home community make holiday special

By Sherri Cauthon

The Christmas spirit is spreading among residents of the English Meadows Manufactured Home Community. Upon accepting positions five years ago as co-managers of the community on Parnall Road, Louise and Jimmy Stewart began organizing an annual holiday dinner party for residents. This year’s Christmas celeration took place Saturday in the park’s brightly decorated clubhouse.

The Stewart family handcrafted nearly 300 Christmas cards for their neighbors. Each contained an invitation to the annual event.

Prior to festivities, Louise Stewart and volunteer Charlotte “Chucky” Granger spent long hours infusing the clubhouse rooms with a “Christmas Wonderland” theme.

“Louise loves Christmas and puts herself all out hosting this party for our little community,” Granger said. “She collects all these Christmas trees, picking them up at garage sales or from residents who leave or pass away, and each year we have more and more decorated trees to admire.” This holiday season, the clubhouse sports 27 trees that are theme-decorated and arranged in small groups. With help from her daughter-in-law, Naomi Laszlo, Louise Stewart’s exhibit includes a three-tree tribute to military personnel. One tree is adorned with 36 photos and information on soldiers from Michigan who have lost their lives in Iraq.

“We really wanted to show our patriotism for our troops this year, so we decorated a gold tree with yellow ribbons; a red, white and blue tree, and a tree for fallen soldiers from Michigan.” Louise Stewart said.

The managers opened their clubhouse doors to the public Friday and offered caroling and refreshments. They also collected unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots program.

Brookside Communities in Birmingham, owners of the manufactured home park, provides funds for its managers to host the annual parties. However, the Stewarts also dig into their own pockets every year to continue Louise Stewart’s tradition of having a Christmas present for each person who attends the party.

“Bless her heart, Louise has her hands full with her own family, but she makes sure that every person who walks through the front door gets a neat little gift,” and Granger who lends a hand with wrapping presents.

Louise Stewart also is the mother of five sons. Three of the Stewarts’ children still reside at home, and their youngest son is handicapped and requires special attention. But despite her commitments, Louise Stewart finds time to handcraft many of the presents and spends personal time shopping for hundreds of other small gifts. Jimmy Stewart takes care of cooking a plentiful meal for the parties. This year he whipped up a buffet of chicken breasts and ham with all the trimmings.

“There’s nothing chintzy about this beautiful dinner party,” Granger said. “We’re very lucky because Louise is a sweetheart and a super, super lady who treats everyone just like family – and not just at Christmastime.”

If you have a “good turn” to report, contact Sherri Cauthon at 214 S. Jackson St., Jackson, MI 49201-2282; call her at 768 – 4907; or e-mail her at scauthon@citpat.com. Include your name and daytime telephone number.

Lucky Macomb County woman wins the 'Ultimate' holiday gift from HomeFirst™

New Haven, Michigan - On December 11, 2004, Charlene Myers unlocked the door to her brand new home. Myers was one of six finalists, selected December 3rd, in the HomeFirst™ Certified Communities Home Free Giveaway. Myers donated $5 to the American Diabetes Association Research Foundation and entered for a chance to win a brand new, 1,393-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a top-of-the-line stainless steel “Ultimate Kitchen!”.

On a sunny but snowy Saturday afternoon, a crowd of 50 friends, family and HomeFirst™ staff gathered outside the home at Ridgewood in Milford to share the excitement and watch the finalists try their keys in the home’s front door. Anticipation grew as each finalist attempted to turn her key. After the first four tried unsuccessfully to unlock the door. Myers walked up the porch steps to try her key. The crowd clapped for the visibly nervous Myers, but erupted in cheers when the key turned and Myers stepped inside her new home. Her eyes filled with tears of joy, as she stood speechless in her new home’s foyer.