Bicycle Hill: Clean and Green

The annual VEHA Dickie Putnam Park clean-up took place on Saturday, April 21.
(Photos by Juli Saad)

Dickie Putnam Park, often called "Bicycle Hill" (or "Sledding Hill," depending upon the season) is now clean and green. Green, thanks to the annual magic of nature; and clean thanks to the annual efforts of VEHA members who volunteer to rake leaves, bundle brush and bag debris to ready the park for a summer of neighborhood fun.

This year's effort took place on a sunny, but chilly, Saturday (April 21), with volunteers of all ages lending their hands to the cleanup. The bags and bundles at the curb, ready for pickup, are evidence of how hard they worked.

When you visit the park this summer and enjoy the baseball diamond, the swings and - of course - the hill, remember the folks who spent an April afternoon getting it ready for you - and think about joining them next April.

VEHA Block/Yard/Garage Sales

Remember the dates for this year's annual VEHA Block/Yard/Garage Sales - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18, 19 and 20. Turn unwanted items into cash for summer vacation spending and get reacquainted with your neighbors!

Send news and information for VEHA Memo to Dan Saad, VEHA Memo Editor at daniel.saad@djscomm.com

Signs of Spring in the VEHA

The VEHA annual Dickie Putnam Park clean-up is Saturday, April 21, 1 p.m.

In springs past, I've often written with relief about the arrival of the season after a hard winter in the VEHA (see last year's edition archived here for the story and photos about the "Ground Hog Day Blizzard"). This year, while the blossoms and green grass are welcome, they follow a rather mild winter in which I enjoyed several spring-like evenings in the backyard, and relaxing on my patio - and counting the days until the "official" start of the season.

And official it is now - not only because the calendar says so, but because the dates have been announced for our annual VEHA neighborhood events!

'Bicycle Hill' Clean-up

VEHA friends and neighbors will gather at Dickie Putnam Park - popularly known as "Bicycle Hill" (... or "Sledding Hill," depending upon the season!), on Vinsetta Blvd., on Saturday, April 21 at 1 p.m. for the annual park clean-up. Volunteers are needed to rake leaves, pick up branches, trash and debris, and get the park ready for a summer of family fun.

This is a great opportunity to get reacquainted with your neighbors and show your neighborhood pride. Please bring your own rakes and work gloves; bags will be provided. The whole family is welcome to help - the more helpers, the quicker the work!

Garage/Block/Yard Sale in mid-May

Another great way to get reacquainted with friends, and meet new neighbors (and turn unwanted or unused items into summer vacation cash), is the annual VEHA Garage/Block/Yard Sale - this year scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18-20. Sales hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and you can participate on any one, or all of the days. The VEHA will purchase advertising to support the sale, and if you need signs, contact Norma Regenold at 248.585.7021. (Check the archive on this site for photos from previous sales.)

No VEHA Picnic in 2012

Do to a lack of participation and support over that past several years, the annual VEHA Picnic, traditionally held in mid-June at Waterworks Park, has been officially cancelled. If any neighbors are interested in re-launching this annual event, or a similar event, contact Norma Regenold, Events Chair, at 248.585.7021. (For a history of the VEHA Picnic, and photos from past events, browse the VEHA Memo archive on this site.) The picnic was a wonderful tradition, and an opportunity for neighborhood bonds to strengthen.

VEHA Neighborhood News

After 24 years as a secretary with the Royal Oak Schools, Janet Richards (of Potawatomi Blvd.) is happily retired. She and husband Dave enjoyed a trip to England and Scotland in September of 2011 - no more "back to school" for Janet! Dave reports that he will never try driving in the UK again. Congratulations, Janet - and thank you for your years of service!

If you have neighborhood news, post a comment to this site or send an email to Dan Saad, VEHA Memo Editor at daniel.saad@djscomm.com - send photos too!

Your VEHA Leadership

• Kathy Howell, Vice President - 248.288.4806
• Carl Culver, Treasurer - 248.588.1641
• Norma Regenold, Events Chair - 248.585.7021

A Little Christmas (tree) Cheer in the VEHA!

Juli's Christmas Tree

Juli's Christmas Tree - close-up of her hand-made ornaments

In just a few hours, the VEHA will be lighting up our corner of the world with our annual Christmas Eve luminary display; but my youngest daughter, Juli, got a head start brightening the neighborhood by decorating the little evergreen in our front yard with her hand-made ornaments. She carefully laminated each one to protect it from the weather. It's her personal, living "Christmas card" to our neighbors in the VEHA ... stop and see it, if you're passing our house at 406 Potawatomi - it's saying "Happy Holidays!" to everyone in her own personal style.

Note: This little evergreen started as a cutting we got in exchange for recycling one of our Christmas trees several years ago, as it grows, it will become an even bigger part of our outdoor Christmas celebration every year.

Merry Christmas to everyone in the VEHA!

Dan Saad, VEHA Memo Editor
daniel.saad@djscomm.com

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Except for the Leaves at the Curbs

Our ROPD led the 2011 Royal Oak Holiday Magic Parade

The ROFD added Christmas red to the start of the parade

Borgo School of Dance (Royal Oak) Dance Team

ROHS Marching Band

ROHS Dance Team

Holiday Market sponsored Toys for Tots (and Gina drove the van)

Our neighborhood Northwood Girl Scouts dressed as holiday presents

Thousands of friends and neighbors lined Washington for the parade

Oakland County Sheriff Bouchard

Hello Santa (and Mrs. Claus)!

Mayor Ellison, Santa and Grand Marshal Jim Harper officially start the holiday season in Royal Oak

The Saad family - Doris, Amanda, Juli and Dan (taking the picture) wish the VEHA Happy Holidays!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the VEHA - except for the leaves still piled at our curb sides.! The holiday season officially began here in Royal Oak with the 11th annual Holiday Magic Parade Downtown on Saturday, November 19. Thousands of friends and neighbors lined the parade route to cheer our Royal Oak Police and Fire Departments, the Royal Oak High School Marching Band and Dance Team; and many other special members of the community including Borgo School of Dance (whose Dance Team performed) and Holiday Market (sponsor of this year's Marine Corps "Toys for Tots").

My neighbors are taking advantage of the mild November weather to put up their Christmas lights and set up other outdoor decorations. I admire them. I have a tradition of my own, however. I put up my lights and outdoor decorations the first weekend of December that we record a single-digit wind chill index. Smart? No. But what are the holidays without tradition?

Speaking of tradition - we will soon be "... lighting up our corner of the world" (as Luminary Chairperson Norma Regenold always says) with our traditional VEHA Luminary display on Christmas Eve. Your Block Captains will be delivering order forms before and after Thanksgiving - be sure to take part; the warm, gentle glow on Christmas Eve reflects the spirit of the VEHA and everyone who lives here in our corner of the world.

And when you're out there on Christmas Eve, take a moment to wish your neighbor a "Merry Christmas!"

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Dan Saad, VEHA Editor
daniel.saad@djscomm.com

Send me news and information for January - I'll be posting holiday "afterglow" photos from the VEHA and catching everyone up on the latest in our neighborhood!

Red Alert(s)!

The leaves on my Maple tree are turning red - autumn's here in the VEHA.

It happened even before the first official day of autumn - the leaves on the Maple tree in my backyard began to turn red, signaling the arrival of fall in the VEHA, no matter what the calendar (at the time) said.

But, like I've often written, every season in the VEHA is something to savor. The rich colors that will soon be lining each of our streets, as the leaves turn, will give us all an "up north" experience just by stepping out our doors and strolling along the sidewalk.

We had a wonderful summer. A little warm some days, but even when I had to resort to turning on the air conditioner for up to a week at a time, I kept reminding myself, "... you don't have to shovel heat!" Most of our "signature" VEHA events are behind us for the year - the annual VEHA Yard/Garage Sale was a little soggy, keeping traffic down, and attendance at the summer picnic suffered a little from the heat; but nonetheless the VEHA neighborhood spirit came through.

Ahead, in December, is our annual Luminary Night - Christmas Eve - when we, as Norma Regenold says, "Light up our corner of the world" and spread some holiday cheer. There will be news of that in a printed newsletter, and an update here, very soon. Before we light up our corner of the world with luminaries, however, we'll be lighting up our corner of the world with jack-o-lanterns on Hallowe'en. The VEHA is a wonderful place for trick-or-treaters and I always enjoy the visits with neighbors as we stand outside that evening handing out treats.

Another 'Red' alert

Many of you recall the filming of the movie "Red Dawn" right here in the VEHA in the late spring of 2009. It was especially exciting for those of us on Vinsetta, where a big chase scene was filmed. Check out the VEHA Memo archive and read the Winter 2009 edition for the full story.

Well, here's an update. More than two years after filming was finished, it seems we may be close to the film being released. The Emagine Theater, right here in Royal Oak, had a promo on its website a week ago announcing a September 23 premier. That date has come and gone, however, and the film in not yet showing. Check back at the Emagine website regularly and see if there's any hint of a new release date. Wouldn't it be great to have a "premier party" at the theater for VEHA neighbors to celebrate the "celebrity" status of our neighborhood in the film? Here's the link to the Emagine Royal Oak theater:
http://www.emagine-entertainment.com/showtimes/visshowtimes.aspx?cinemaid=1006

The stars and crew of the film "Red Dawn" prepare for a take of the chase scene on Vinsetta in 2009

 Watch for a winter 2011 VEHA Memo update soon; and keep reading, posting and enjoying!

Dan Saad, VEHA Memo Editor
daniel.saad@djscomm.com

NO Hibernating!

The VEHA can truly be a winter wonderland. The neighborhood is still calling out to you to enjoy it, only sometimes the snow muffles the call a little bit.

My cross country skis, after three loops of the boulevard on Vinsetta on a snowy January Saturday.

Even on days like the Ground Hog Day Blizzard, there's fun and adventure in the VEHA! After shoveling our walks and driveways, my family (l-r: Juli, Doris, Amanda) and I "hiked" to National Coney Island at 12 Mile and Main, just about a half-mile from our house, for lunch.

The blizzard 1-2 punch that nature delivered to the VEHA first on Ground Hog Day, then again on Saturday (February 5), drove a lot of friends and neighbors deeper into their “burrows,” longing for spring.

If you only experience winter in our neighborhood when you scrape off your car, clear the snow from your walks and driveway, or negotiate the snow-lined streets on your way to-and-from work, you’re missing the best part of winter in the VEHA.

For three Saturday mornings in a row in January, I cut (and re-cut) cross country ski tracks along the boulevard of Vinsetta; for my family and myself, I thought; but on Saturday, January 29, a neighbor from Webster stopped her car along side me as I was renewing the track and said, “Thank you so much for cutting the tracks – my family and I have been using them too, and we wondered who set them!”

I smiled and said, “Well, I’m glad all this work is getting more use than just for my family and myself – have fun!” As she drove away, I was reminded what a great place this is to live year ‘round; it’s just that at some times of the year, you have to look a little harder for the fun and fellowship.

You can always meet neighbors on a snowy weekend at “Bicycle Hill Park” which, at this time of year, becomes “Sledding Hill Park.” Adults gather and catch up on neighborhood news while the kids enjoy the snow-covered hills with sleds, saucers and even snowboards. Sometimes, against their better judgment, the adults give the hill a run too … and it’s seldom pretty!

On “Blizzard 2 – the sequel” Saturday, I decided to strap on my snow shoes, instead of my skis, and as I set out down the center of the boulevard on Vinsetta, what did I see? Snow shoe tracks! Some other neighbor had the same idea but managed to get out just a little earlier than I did.

I know most of the VEHA neighbors are eagerly looking forward to our signature spring events – the annual Park Clean-up, and our VEHA-wide Yard/Garage Sale, but don’t overlook all the neighborhood has to offer until spring gets here – and even if you’re not up to skiing, show shoeing or sledding, take a walk through the winter wonderland that is the VEHA. No hibernating, friends … the neighborhood is still calling out to you, the snow just muffles it a little bit!

Neighborly Surprise
One of the nicest things to discover after a big snowfall in the VEHA, is to find that a neighbor has gone an extra 50 feet or so with their snow blower and cleared your sidewalk.

For guys like me, who still shovel, it’s a spirit-lifting surprise; especially on those blizzard-like days when it takes two (or more) outings with the shovel to keep the walks and driveways clear. I have two drives to shovel – one on Potawatomi, and the other on the back of my lot on Vinsetta. When I finished the front drive and sidewalk on Saturday, I made my way through my yard to Vinsetta to repeat the chore and found that the walk was already done by my neighbor and friend Dennis Ellison! Dennis and Karen are typical of the kind of caring neighbors who make the VEHA such a wonder place to live.

Just a few weeks until spring, friends; but until then, I’ll see you in the snow!

Dan Saad, VEHA Editor
d1saad@aol.com

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas in the VEHA

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Royal Oak, and in the VEHA. On Saturday, November 20, the ninth annual Holiday Magic Parade on Washington Avenue kicked-off the Holiday Season in Royal with the arrival of Santa Claus.

Here in the VEHA, over the Thanksgiving four-day weekend, I saw neighbors stringing seasonal lights, setting up holiday lawn decorations and trimming doors with holly wreaths.

Soon, Block Captains will be dropping off luminary order forms at homes throughout the VEHA so that we can all join in our annual tradition of lighting up our corner of the world on Christmas Eve. During the week before Christmas, the Block Captains will be delivering the orders, along with instructions for setting up and lighting the luminaries.

To help you get into the holiday spirit, here are some photos from the Holiday Magic Parade. I hope you enjoy them, and I wish all the families in the VEHA a very Happy Holiday Season and a wonderful New Year!

Dan Saad - VEHA Memo Editor
406 Potawatomi Blvd.
d1saad@aol.com
The Book Worm was one of a number of floats from The Parade Company, the organization that sponsors the annual America's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit, to appear in the 2010 Royal Oak Holiday Magic Parade.
Royal Oak's own Borgo School of Dance and Gymnastics Dance Team performed a special seasonal routine in the parade.
The Royal Oak High School Marching Band was a highlight of the Holiday Magic Parade, providing seasonal music all along the parade route.
As a 1972 graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit, I was happy to see the CT Marching Band in the Holiday Magic Parade. The Marching Technicians drew cheers from the crowd when they performed their show band routine, just before the arrival of the most-anticipated parade participant.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in Royal Oak and were greeted by Mayor Ellison with the key to the city. With the arrival of the Jolly Ol' Elf, the Holiday Season officially began in Royal Oak!

A Very VEHA Halloween


We light up our corner of the world every October 31 in the VEHA, too, except it's with jack-o-lanterns instead of luminaries! Halloween 2010 featured a perfect late-Autumn evening and the streets of the association were full of eager trick-or-treaters and their parents.

Above are a few photos I took on Potawatomi Blvd.; in front of our house, as well as on the front porch of neighbors Doug and Diane Price.

VEHA Picnic Returns; So Do Friends and Neighbors

Return of the VEHA Picnic Brings Out Friends and Neighbors
The VEHA Picnic returned on July 17, after a year's absence in 2009. Interested neighbors restored the annual event and friends and neighbors from throughout the neighborhood gathered to share lunch, stories and friendship.

Coming just days after the storm that downed many trees and knocked out power throughout the neighborhood, that was a popular topic of conversation. In addition, though, neighbors caught up on family news, shared updates and rekindled friendships.

The picnic is one of the three signature events of the VEHA, the others being the annual VEHA Yard and Garage Sale in May, and the Christmas Eve Luminary Display.

"It's wonderful to see the picnic return," said Norma Reginold, a long-time resident and VEHA Luminary Chairperson. "Bringing the neighbors together for a social event like this strengthens the bonds of the neighborhood and makes this a better place to live!"

Keeping the VEHA Beautiful
A note from Barb Johnson: Did you notice how nice the "islands" are looking? I (and some helpers I paid for) pulled weeds and dug most of the trenches. If these trenches are maintained, grass roots and some weeds will not enter those islands and the job of upkeep is much easier. Volunteers are needed to help!

I suggest four people per island, making it about a 30-minute job each spring and fall. Will you donate some time? If so, please give me a call at 248-589-2286.

SEND YOUR NEWS and neighborhood information to Dan Saad, VEHA Memo Editor, at d1saad@aol.com; and watch this site for regular VEHA updates!

Summer Storms Changing Our Landscape

The summer storm that hit the VEHA the week of July 14 (complete with a brief power outage)
changed our Vinsetta landscape, downing one of the last Willow trees that remained on our median. This old tree, across from Bicycle Hill Park, was one that my daughters and I visited frequently throughout the years. As tots, they would climb up between its tri-trunks and jump down into my arms. In later years, it was a regular stop on our walks where we'd pause for a drink and to just enjoy the beauty of our neighborhood.

Nature changes constantly - old trees fall, and new ones sprout. While it was sad to see this old friend fall, it reminded me that it's important to enjoy each step on our journey through the landscape around us and appreciate all the beauty our neighborhood offers us all!

Happy summer!

Dan Saad, VEHA Memo Editor

Neighborhood Updates
Rabid skunks have been confirmed, in two cases, in Royal Oak this season. A family dog, not vaccinated against rabies, contracted the disease from a skunk bite. Several other skunks, witnessed acting abnormally, were destroyed and their remains sent for testing. If you observe any animals acting abnormally this summer, call the Royal Oak Police at 248-246-3500 and report it.

For more information on rabies, call Oakland County Health and Human Services at 248-858-1406, or toll-free at 1-800-848-5533. For information on animal testing, call the Oakland County Health Division - Communicable Disease Unit at 248-858-1286 or toll-free at 1-888-350-0900, ext. 8-1286.

Raccoons, including a mother with four young, have been sighted on Pinehurst climbing trees and rummaging through garbage cans. Several years ago, raccoons took up residence in some Pinehurst attics and chimneys. The City of Royal Oak has no services to trap and relocate raccoons. Residents with raccoon problems must contact a private pest control company.

If you have an e-mail address and wish to get regular e-mail updates from the City of Royal Oak, including Police Updates, go to www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us/portal/content/e-mail-notification and sign up.

VEHA Picnic - On Again in 2010
Our neighborhood picnic will be held at Waterworks Park (Beechwood and Magnolia) on Saturday, July 17 (rain date, Sunday, July 18) at noon. Instead of bringing your own lunch, just bring a dish to pass for 8-10 neighbors and your own (non-alcoholic) beverages. The Parks Department will put out picnic tables for us, so you don't have to bring your own tables and chairs. Paper goods and flatware will be provided by the VEHA. This is a wonderful way to get re-acquainted with old friends and to meet new neighbors - we hope to see you there!

A Perfect Weekend for Sale-ing

The Eberhardt family, of 411 Potawatomi, held a yard sale to benefit A New Leash on Life; an animal rescue and education organization that depends entirely on volunteers and donations.

The weekend of May 14-16 was ideal for the annual VEHA Yard/Garage Sale event. Hundreds of bargain-hunting visitors shopped throughout the association over three days of sunshine and moderate temperatures.

Two families on Potawatomi used their yard sales to raise fund for local charitable organizations. The Eberhardt family, of 411 Potawatomi, raised funds for A New Leash on Life - an animal rescue and education organization that depends entirely upon volunteers and donations to carry on its work.

"Volunteers from the organization donated all the items we have for sale," said Debbie Eberhardt, " and all the money goes directly to support adoptions, feeding, fostering and other related activities." Debbie noted that A New Leash on Life is always in need of donations of pet foods, bedding, litter; and in need of foster families to support the program.

For more in formation, visit: https://anewleashonliferescue.org, or e-mail to: anewleashonlife@hotmail.com.

Doris, Juli and Amanda Saad, of 406 Potawatomi, sold bright pink tents for the Komen for the Cure 3-Day that was held in 2006. After that event, the tents were donated to their Girl Scout Troop. The tents were still in like-new condition, even after several Scout camping trips, so the girls decided to sell them to raise money for this year's 3-Day.

"It's like recycling," Juli and Amanda said, "we're selling the tents to people who will put them to good use, and the money goes back to the Susan G. Komen foundation to fight cancer."

For more information about the Susan G. Komen Foundation, visit: www.The3Day.org.

VEHA Picnic is Coming! The annual VEHA neighborhood picnic has returned, after its cancellation in 2009, thanks to renewed interest. This year's picnic is set for Saturday, July 17 (with a rain date of Sunday, July 18). Plan to bring a picnic lunch and a dish to pass for your neighbors. Paper goods and plasticware will be provided by the VEHA. Plan to bring along tables and chairs, too.

Send your news and comments about the VEHA to Dan Saad, VEHA Memo Editor, at d1saad@aol.com, or post them here at VEHA Memo. See you at the picnic in July!

Spring Fever has arrived in the VEHA!

It's springtime in the VEHA. The grass is greening, there are buds on the trees and everything in the neighborhood is new again - including the VEHA Memo.

Many of you are reading this online version for the first time - Welcome! VEHA Memo online debuted (quietly) last fall, with the goal of becoming our community bulletin board, idea exchange and online meeting place for everyone who lives with the Vinsetta East Homeowners Association.

Please look through the posts from fall and winter - you'll see neighborhood news updates, photos from the filming of "Red Dawn" last September, our Luminary Display last December, and even photos of last year's garage/block/yard sale.

Thank you to Ann Ford, of Orchard View, and to Christine Keragis of W. Webster for the comments you've made already - thanks for reading, and spread the word!

Spring 2010 Update

'Bicycle Hill' Clean-up - The annual clean-up of Dickie Putnam Park (or Bicycle Hill Park, or Sledding Hill Park, depending on the season) is on Sunday, April 25 at 2 p.m. Volunteers are needed to rake leaves and pick up debris, and get the park ready for summer family fun. Please bring your own rakes and work gloves; VEHA will provide bags. The whole family is welcome!

Garage/Block/Yard Sale - This year's annual event is May 14-16, with sale hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. VEHA will place newspaper ads and you can contact Norma Regenold at 248-585-7021 for signs if you need them. Join the fun - it's a great way to get reacquainted with your neighbors and make a few dollars.

VEHA Picnic is on again! - The annual picnic has been revived, after its cancellation in 2009, thanks to renewed interest. The 2010 picnic is set for Saturday, July 17, with a rain date of Sunday, July 18. Plan to bring a picnic lunch and a dish to pass with your neighbors. Paper goods and plasticware will be provided by the VEHA. Plan to bring along portable tables and chairs, budget cuts in Royal Oak may prevent us from having any picnic tables in the park.

Neighborhood News

One of my friends and neighbors, David Hertzberg, of Vinsetta Blvd., sent along this photo he took in September 2009 during filming of the movie "Red Dawn" on our street. Thanks, David! I you have photos or stories about your experience with the "Red Dawn" cast and crew, share them with your VEHA neighbors - post them here or e-mail them and I'll upload them. Our family got into the movie business - sort of - during the filming last year. Wolverine Productions rented our garage (on Vinsetta) for two days, for equipment storage and access to an electrical outlet. Not glamorous, but show biz nonetheless!

- Dan Saad, VEHA Memo Editor
d1saad@aol.com (406 Potawatomi Blvd.)

Happy New Year! VEHA is a Neighborhood for All Seasons

We again "lit our corner of the world," on Christmas Eve throughout the VEHA with our annual luminary display. Thank you to everyone who participated and added warmth to the holiday season!

"Happy New Year!"

I can still say that because, as I write this, it's still January and there are many, many of you neighbors whom I haven't seen since the first of the year.

Although we're experiencing our annual January thaw, with the first snowfall after the holidays, my kids and I have already been sledding on Bicycle Hill and skiing along the Vinsetta Blvd. median. Oh, and they built a snow fort, too.

This all reminds me that our VEHA neighborhood is truly one for all seasons - with sights and activities for everyone, year 'round. While it's difficult to head off to work in the early, cold, dark hours of our winter mornings, the weekends offer a winter playground just beyond our doorsteps!

It's natural to long for spring's warmth and lengthening days - I'm looking forward to them myself - but in the meantime, enjoy the seasonal gifts we have. Snow, when it falls; cold, clear days when the sun shines; and caring friends and neighbors to whom we can wave and say hello!

Spring Calendar: Coming along with the warmer weather will be our annual clean-up of Bicycle Hill Park and our annual VEHA Garage/Yard Sale - watch for e-mail and blog updates as the events get closer!

Savoring the Seasons in the VEHA

Feeling Festive!
I’m feeling festive, even though the days are getting shorter and the sun’s getting a little scarce, because the holidays are nearly here! I can tell because the VEHA Luminary order forms have been distributed and soon – on Christmas Eve – it will be our chance to, in the words of Norma Regenold, the long-time Chairperson of the Luminary Event, “… Light up our corner of the world!”

One of our family traditions is to drive through the neighborhood after Mass on Christmas Eve to see the thousands of candles flickering with a glow that warms the neighborhood and our hearts.

Another Royal Oak tradition, the “Holiday Magic Parade” marched through downtown on Saturday, November 21 welcoming both Santa Claus and the holiday season to our town. My daughter Juli and I were on Washington Blvd., along with thousands of other Royal Oak residents, to see the Royal Oak High School Marching Band, the Borgo School of Dance and Gymnastics, hundreds of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, representatives of the Royal Oak Optimists and Kiwanis Clubs, and the Cass Technical High School Marching Band (my alma mater!) welcome Santa. After the parade, Juli and I stopped for a cup of hot chocolate on Washington and talked with many friends and neighbors. It was a wonderful reminder of what a special place our town, and our neighborhood, is to live!

Spring Garage/Block/Yard Sale was a Chance to Shop
and Say ‘Hello!’
The annual VEHA Garage/Block/Yard Sale, held May 15-17 this year, was a great way to get reacquainted with neighbors after last year’s long winter, and to turn unwanted or unused items into cash. The VEHA placed newspaper ads and posted signs to publicize the event and the weather cooperated and gave us three beautiful days for shopping and socializing. This Christmas, put aside those unwanted gifts and instead of “re-gifting,” sell them at the 2010 VEHA Garage/Block/Yard Sale!

VEHA Picnic was Cancelled for 2009
Due to dwindling participation and support over the past several years, the annual VEHA Picnic, usually held in mid-June at Waterworks Park, was been cancelled this year. Oakridge Market, for years, donated hot dogs, hamburgers, buns and condiments; and neighbors would bring side dishes and desserts to pass. If anyone is interested in helping me to revive this event for summer 2010, send me a note, or post a comment here – we will meet in the spring to make plans.

Summertime and Hollywood Came to the VEHA
Hollywood came to the VEHA neighborhood in September when much of Vinsetta Blvd., a portion of Main St., and part of Detroit Street Park were used as sets for the Wolverine Productions filming of “Red Dawn,” a remake of the 1984 movie that starred Patrick Swayze.

In the original, Soviet paratroopers attack, round up townspeople and begin a full-scale military invasion. A group of high school students, who call themselves Wolverines after their school mascot, resists with guerilla warfare. The remake features a new generation of invaders for the students to resist – Chinese soldiers.

A chase scene was filmed on Vinsetta, with the teens, escaping in a pickup truck, pursued by Chinese troops. The chase took place east on Vinsetta, culminating with a crash across Main St., into Detroit Street Park.For several days, the area was filled with production vehicles, and cast and crew members. Neighbors in the area went off to school and work passing and waving to vehicles full of Chinese soldiers waiting for their queues to begin filming.

Everyone from the production was friendly and patient, and the neighbors were helpful and supportive. For several days we all had something to talk about other than who most recently lost their job and how bad the real estate market is around here.

A few neighbors even got in on the “action” – as extras or, in our case, as crew support. We rented our garage to the production crew for two days, for equipment storage and access to an electrical outlet to recharge cameras.Last year, Royal Oak also was part of the Hollywood scene when the crew of "Prayers for Bobby" starring Sigourney Weaver filmed a parade scene downtown on Washington Ave, using 600 local extras. The city also had a role last year in “Gran Torino,” the film by actor/director Clint Eastwood who shot some key scenes in the barber shop on 11 Mile Rd., just east of Washington.

The new “Red Dawn” is scheduled to be released in September 2010 – plan to see it, and watch for the scenes “starring” the VEHA neighborhood!

As the sign above, taped to the street sign, says - Vinsetta became a movie set for a few days in September.

Neighborhood News
West Webster Update
Betsy Kalec, on W. Webster has this news to share with neighbors.
"Last spring, some of the W. Webster neighbors had a Common Hackberry tree planted at Bicycle Hill in memory of two of the nicest neighbor ever, Glen and Barbara Thornton. As you may recall, we had a nice wet spring followed by a summer of heat, sun, and hardly any rain. Our little tree hadn’t gotten established well enough and did not survive – summer drought, winter kill – I am not certain why the Hackberry died, but we chose it because one Web site called it 'one tough tree.'

I contacted a very nice gentleman at the city who agreed to re-plant the memorial tree. The new tree was planted within five days of my telephone conversation with him. It stands at the top of the hill, right in line with Webster. There is a lovely memorial plaque at the base of the tree in honor of our wonderful neighbors, Glen and Barbara Thornton."

New “Additions” on Orchard View
Randal A. Szarek sends news of some family additions on Orchard View over the past few months.
John and Heather Svoboda welcomed their second son, Andrew, born in March. Big brother Jack is as happy and proud as mom and dad!

Derrick and Carrie Ray announced the birth of their son, Robert Kenneth (they’re calling him Beau) in October. Congratulations to both families!

A Reflection on the Kindness of Neighbors
Megan and Camille Khoury, of Vinsetta write:
“Thank you for the lovely VEHA Spring Memo. I wanted to share one of our VEHA experiences.

One day last winter we let our dog Rocky outside, as we do every morning. We had become accustomed to her staying in the yard so we did not always watch her every move. On that Saturday, she took an awfully long time to come to the back door. When we went to look for her, she was nowhere to be found. I went out into the yard and called for her but she did not come. After 15 minutes we were worried. After a half-hour of waiting, we were scared.
I bundled up my son and drove around the neighborhood searching for Rocky.

Thanks to the VEHA residential directory, our lovely neighbors – the Ellison family, whom we had never met before – tracked us down and called my husband. Rocky had a stroke in their yard and was unable to get up. Thanks to our neighbor's kindness and ingenuity (not to mention the VEHA directory!) we were able to find Rocky and say goodbye to her before we had to put her to sleep.”

Send your neighborhood news and your VEHA stories!
As I read about the “new arrivals” in our neighborhood, and touching stories like the support the Ellison family gave to the Khoury family, I’m lifted by the realization of what a wonderful place the VEHA is to live and to raise our families. Thank you all for sharing, and please continue to do so.

And become a “Follower” of this blog – by registering, you’ll be automatically notified by e-mail when there are new posts, or when a neighbor comments on a current post.

If you have news or photos to share with your neighbors in the VEHA, post a comment here, send an e-mail to me, Dan Saad at d1saad@aol.com, or drop it off at 406 Potawatomi Blvd., for the next edition of VEHA Memo.

– Dan Saad, Editor
d1saad@aol.com