Love and Wonder Make the World Go Round

The world is a really big place, but smaller than you think. When I decided to be a little curious this year, I didn’t expect the stars to line up and the world to play along. Since we last “dished”, I had the chance of a lifetime to go on an adventure to learn about my roots. My grandmother came to this country in the early 1900s, a young teenage girl from a town in Italy called Turrivalignani. She came without parents, only her little brother in tow, and others from her village –including my grandfather.

opened their home and their hearts to me – a stranger from a small town in Mee-ch-again. I found a little piece of me in Concetta, and maybe even Rosetta, but most importantly I learned when opportunity knocks – open the door, the world is waiting.

I lived with my “Grammy” growing up and asked repeatedly: “Please take me to see your village.” She said no. If I had a bucket list – this would have been on it. In a village with only 300 families, on what I would call a mountain, I met cousins – saw the land my grandmother’s family owned and visited the graves of my great grandparents complete with their photos. Mayor Giovanni Placido and his lovely wife, Margherita graciously

Closer to home, I have spent a lot of time at Northville City Council meetings watching as our little world is changing Just when you think it’s all changing, something happens that is familiar and brings a smile to your face. Last month I was reminded of my days as a den mother when I saw the 5th grade Boy Scouts out of Winchester Elementary march up to lead the crowd attending in the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag. It doesn’t get better than that. Pack number 903 has young boys from Winchester and Amerman elementary schools. Keep up your good works future mayors and city council representatives. We need you!

Did you know there is an all-male a cappella barbershop chorus based in Northville? I did not learn about them until late last year. They’re called City Lights Chorus. Recently they raised funds for new risers and are awaiting the arrival – donations are still being accepted, and they are appreciated. The group was founded in 2017 and they are dedicated to the highest standards of living and performing. They will be holding a spring concert on Saturday, May 20 at Hilltop Church (in Northville). Find out more by visiting the website: citylightschorus.com or follow them on Facebook.

I want to thank Tony at the Cobbler’s Corner for the lickety-split repair to my granddaughter’s backpack. In this big old world, it’s a pretty small town when you take a trusted possession to the local guy who can actually fix it for you, while you wait. Sure, it was a simple fix…we were prepared to wait a week or two…but it took less time than writing up a slip. Makes sense, right? I’ve taken boots that are nicely broke in, but needed a new zipper…that took some time, but I’m still wearing them. I could write a whole article about repairing shoes and purses – buy good, repair and recycle, save money…yah dah yah dah yah dah. If it’s old school, I’m in. And I know an 11-year-old who is mighty happy with her stitched up backpack. Save the date and buy your tickets early. The 2nd Annual Hopes & Dreams Gala to benefit the Living & Learning Enrichment Center will be held Friday, June 2nd from 7–11 p.m. The 12-acre campus at 801 Griswold will be open for an evening of wonderment. The first was by far one of the best fundraisers I’ve attended – the setting spectacular, the food stations by local restaurants were well done, wine tastings and music by FiftyAmpFuse was perfect for dancing under the stars. You can see for yourself what makes this worthy organization a labor of love. Tickets go on sale March 3rd. Visit their website for details at livingandlearningcener.org. (PS – I hear they may be open to booking your next event there… be curious.)