The 60th annual Wood Road Neighborhood Picnic was held on September 8, 2002 at 2PM. The day was warm (90 plus degrees) and sunny with a slight breeze. A total of 62 people attended which included 11 former members.

After signing in and mingling with fellow neighbors, the group sat down to enjoy everyone’s potluck items at approximately 2:45pm.

The business meeting was called to order at 3:45pm and was lead by Steve Gross, the Picnic Chair. Steve welcomed everyone to the picnic and took a moment to remember   Mike Ellinger who recently passed away. Mike and Sandy have lived at 915 Pleasant Drive since 1977. Mike passed away suddenly and will be missed by many in the neighborhood. In his honor, Theresa Davis will be purchasing and delivering a rose bush from the neighborhood to Sandy.

Theresa Davis read the minutes and financial report from 2001.  It was accepted and will remain on file.

Balance from last year:        $359.00
Income from this year:         $176.00
This years expenses:         - $117.66
New balance for the year:   $417.34

Steve introduced special guests Mayor Cheryl Farmer and Ward 1 Councilwoman, Lois Richardson. Cheryl presented the Neighborhood a Proclamation declaring the day “The 60th Woods Rd Neighborhood Picnic Day.” Cheryl shared that our picnic is the “world’s longest running picnic in Ypsilanti” and shared that fact with the newly formed Prospect Park Neighborhood Picnic. Cheryl brought ice cream for the celebration.

Former residents were introduced and they included: Jeanette Wallace Hopkins, Nancy and Robert Taylor, Tom Durant, Gary and Becky Stauffer, Dave Robinson, Joanne Hertler, and Tad and Wanda Wysor. Former resident Skip Ungrodt was not present because he is in the hospital. A get-well card was circulated for all to sign and Jeanette Hopkins will deliver it. Tom Durant videotaped the picnic so that it could be shared with Skip.

Paul Schreiber read parts of an article about Captain C. Robert Arvin who grew up at 907 Pleasant Dr. VFW post 2408 on Michigan Ave has been renamed the C. Robert Arvin Post 2408. Tom Durant spoke about growing up with “Bob” and his fond memories. Mr. Arvin’s parents are alive and living in Florida.

Officers elected unanimously for another year were:
Picnic Chair:             Steve Gross
Secretary/Treasurer: Theresa Davis

Matt Talbot and Andy Gillman organized the games this year that followed the business meeting.
 

Respectfully Submitted on 9/11/2002,
Theresa Davis
117 Linden Ct.