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Normal Park holds 1st celebration using luminaries

Monday, December 13, 2004

BY TAMONIE COLEMAN
News special writer

The Normal Park Neighborhood was aglow Dec. 4, with neighborly conversation, carolers and candles in paper bags.

It was all part of the neighborhood association's first Night of Lights celebration -and included more than 2,000 luminaries lining the sidewalks and yards of residents from Cross Street to Woods Road.

Throughout the neighborhood, there were cider stops, eight of them, where people could go to enjoy complimentary beverages and other treats after viewing the luminaries and other holiday decorations.

Heather Benoit, the association's vice president, said the idea for the Night of Lights came about while brainstorming ways to get people out into the neighborhood.
"I got the original idea from when I lived in North Carolina; the neighborhood I lived in did something similar," said Benoit, who has lived in Normal Park for two years and has been a member of the association for a year. "We thought this first year it would be good to do something in the winter because with the Michigan winters, people don't get to know their neighbors until spring, and we wanted to get them out into the community."

With about 75 of the roughly 700 homes in the Normal Park and Woods Road Neighborhoods participating, residents were given a map to help them navigate the area. The neighborhood association sold the luminary kits to residents. Each kit contained 10 bags and 10 candles for $4, or $10 for three kits. Proceeds from the sales will be used for neighborhood projects or charities, association members said.

On Grant Street, there were about nine homes with luminaries lining their walks, but one home in particular had quite a bit of activity. The home of Dolly and Joaquin Tittle at 1212 Grant St. had a very popular cider stop - although no cider was being served. Instead, the Tittles' and their neighbors were serving up laughs, conversations and other refreshments.

"It's hard to find the time to meet people or to chat with the people you do know," Joaquin Tittle said. "The best part about tonight is getting ready for the holidays, getting the lights up out front, and seeing our neighbors."

During the first half hour their kid-friendly stop provided mint hot chocolate, punch, cookies, popcorn and donuts to about 19 neighbors, including families with children of all ages.

"We've lived here 10 years and we really enjoy living here. We have nice neighbors, it's a close-knit community, we go to church up the street, and we are close to everything," he said.

Kelly and George Goddard, owners of The Little Red Store, 908 Congress St., said they decided to host a cider stop at their shop because they feel it is important to participate in neighborhood events.

"We're new to the area; the store has been open under our management since July and we want to get to know the community," Kelly Goddard said. "We feel our role in the community is to provide a warm, safe and convenient store where you can come and get anything you need."

Benoit said lots of people wanted to do cider stops for the event, and the association was surprised and excited about the participation.

"We offered to help with the price of the beverages, but most of the people wanted to pay and put the money back into the neighborhood," she said. "The beverages are complimentary and people were happy to open their homes."

The Ypsilanti High School Chamber Singers caroled around the neighborhood throughout the night, stopping at cider stops and just about anywhere they saw luminaries or neighbors congregating.

Ypsilanti High School choir teacher Nichole Brenna said, "It was a nice event and it put the kids in a good mood. Some of the kids have even commented that they wish their neighborhoods would do something like this."

Melody Rye and Jim Johnson, who own The Ugly Mug coffee shop at 317 W. Cross St., have lived at 303 N. Wallace Blvd. for 17 years. Rye said they love the area because the neighbors look out for each other and all the homes have different characteristics, unlike many subdivisions.

"We know our neighbors and they are not just neighbors, they're really good friends," Rye said.

© 2004 Ann Arbor News. Used with permission