Friends of Maybury State Park
Friends in the News
Shoe Years Hike
The New Year was greeted by 50+ folks who enjoyed a 3 mile hike led by Friends member Tom Griebe. Two lucky hikers won $50 gift certificates donated by Running Fit of Northville. Snacks and hot beverages were enjoyed by all after the hike.
Firewood Preperation
Friends members Bill Watson, Tom Griebe, Chuck Murdock, and George McCarthy along with Ranger Nina of the park staff recently spent a Saturday morning splitting and stacking firewood for the fireplace in the concession building. We are know to have roaring fiers at our winter events held at the park. Approximatly 4 face cords were cut and split in the pictures below. For thoes not in the know a face cord is 4' x 8' x 16".
The Friends have been actively trying to control an invasion of phragmites grass. If left unchecked in the pond area this non-native invasive would result in a monoculture as shown in the slide show below. Friends members and volunteers, Tom Griebe, George McCarthy and son, Mark, are shown treating the infested area in the hope of keeping this pest in check.
Friends host Wynwood Seniors
With thanks to the Northville Patch and Nancy Kelsey editor for the artical.
A picnic sponsored by the Friends of Maybury, The Northville Senior Center, Maybury State Park and Wynwood senior living facility was held on August 11th 2011. This was an opportunity to get the seniors out and active.
Organizer Jerry Mittman, who is both on the senior advisory committee and a Friends of Maybury member, said the outing is aimed at getting seniors outdoors.
It’s worth it, he said, to “see how happy they are.”
He added, “Someday we’ll all be there.”
Some of the seniors have limited mobility. Some pushed walkers, others walked with canes, and some were pushed in their wheelchairs by volunteers.
Wynwood’s life enrichment coordinator, Virginia Leonard, said that such trips improve her residents’ quality of life.
“This really hit the spot for them,” she said of the 11 participants. “It was something I knew they’d enjoy.”
In the future, the partnership to hold such outings for seniors is likely to continue, said senior center director Suzie Johnson.
She has a special sympathy and passion for keeping seniors active.
“My mother is in a memory care facility,” she said. “I know how important it is for seniors to get outdoors.”
Giving the senior citizens an opportunity to socialize and appreciate Northville's parks in the summer weather was an important reason for the event, Johnson said.
Harold Tench can remember coming to Maybury State Park with his family decades ago. Credit: Nancy Kelsey
Eleven participants from Wynwood of Northville, a senior retirement facility, and nine volunteers from the Northville Senior Center, Friends of Maybury State Park and Maybury State Park strolled down the trail. Credit: Nancy Kelsey
Some of the senior citizens, like Lois Foltz, got a ride from a Maybury State Park staffer to complete the trail. Credit: Nancy Kelsey
Wynwood residents and volunteers share a laugh during introductions by Jerry Mittman. Credit: Nancy Kelsey
A Friends of Maybury volunteer Sue Grifor sits with Joyce Morrow and Alane Jones.
Wynwood staff were also on hand to visit with the seniors at Maybury Park.
