A fine Farmington Sunday

There’s a lot of activity in the small space next to the Corner Barbershop. A new hairstylist is setting up shop, complete with a redecorated front entrance.

A new business has opened on the first floor of the Cook Building. What was once a bridal shop is now Mike Greer Photography, which has a cool web site, and some pretty nifty posters in the window. Also looks like the new Burger Basement Bar is working on outdoor seating, which would be a great addition. We’ve already taken advantage of the new outdoor seating at John Cowley & Sons. No idea why, but eating dinner outside makes the food taste even better.

Beautiful irises are in bloom along Grand River, and the front of the JAM Building on the north side of Grand River is bursting with spring color.

This community worked hard for the streetscape, the Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion and Riley Park. Take every opportunity to enjoy Downtown Farmington this spring and summer. Your first will be Art on the Grand, right on Grand Avenue June 5 and 6. Details are available on the City of Farmington Hills web site.

My annual tribute video to the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market

Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market 2010 video and photographs were taken with a Kin 1 camera I’ll be reviewing on the website that has been taking up most of my time: MichiganWomensForum.com

Unfortunately, WordPress.com doesn’t seem to want me to embed the file, so you’ll have to follow the link.

Obituary: Lawrence R. Hyslop, II

Born May 7, 1943, Lawrence R. Hyslop II of East Lansing died April 15, 2010 at the age of 66.

Larry graduated from Farmington High School in 1961 and attended Wayne State University. He was a master guitarist, especially flamenco, classical, and jazz, as well as a composer, arranger, and teacher of guitar. With a personal library of thousands of volumes, his life was immersed in books and love of knowledge, especially physics, math, and philosophy. He enjoyed the life of the mind, lively conversation, discussions about theories of how things are, and exchanging puns with friends. His life was enriched by his love of family cats. He was proud of his Scottish and Cherokee heritage.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence R. Hyslop and Betty H. Hyslop Istratoff, and his beloved grandmothers Phebe Hyslop and Mae Bogan. He is survived by his loving wife, Colleen; sister Claudia (Philip) Zamora of California; brother Frederick of California; sister-in-law Anne Bednar of Ann Arbor; and nieces Colleen Bednar and Emily Bednar of Ann Arbor, whom he dearly loved.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, April 19, 2010 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hyslop Endowment for the MSU Libraries, Michigan State University, 100 Library W223, East Lansing, MI 48824; St. Vincent Home for Children, Inc., 2800 W. Willow St., Lansing, MI 48917; or Ele’s Place, 1145 W. Oakland Ave., Lansing, MI 48915 in memory of Lawrence R. Hyslop, II.

Online condolences may be made at www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com

Gala is Gone, but Jeff Condit’s back to what he does best, cooking

The website of Gala, A New American Bistro says the restaurant will be close until September 9, a member of the Gala staff has said that the keys have been taken away and that Gala is closed for good.  The restaurant was under new ownership. 

Gala was opened by Jeffrey (Jeff) Condit and James Williams in lower level of The Cook Building in 2005.  The restaurant was known for great food but seemed to struggle with service, as noted by some restaurant reviews on the web.

Yesterday while I was in Northville I was excited to see Jeff Condit standing in front of Wine Sync.  Jeff is adding a food menu to the Northville wine shop.  He expects to be up and running in about two weeks.

 Wine Sync is located at: 122 W Main Street, Northville, MI 48167

D. Judge

Enterprise Staff

Walker’s Tavern aka The Beer Tent

This year the DDA took a flat fee from Walker’s Tavern. The fee was said to be about $10,000 which is estimated to be less than 10% of gross sales. When you consider the DDA owns the event you have to wonder who negotiated the terms.

The Farmington/Farmington Hills Chamber made the lion’s share of the money and they did a great job. The money that the DDA let pass to the Chamber has led to some talk about the DDA taking over the entire “Beer Tent” event. The DDA needs to keep in mind the size of its volunteer base for such an event and that the problem appears to be poorly negotiated terms not who operates the event.

Enterprise Staff