May 2010 Newsletter

Through the Doors of Tecumseh...
MAy 2010
Volume 12 Issue 2
Promenade Tecumseh Home Tour
Through the Doors of Tecumseh...
S
pring color is blooming as Tecumseh’s historic beauty comes
alive. Please join us on May 15th and 16th as the 34th Annual
Promenade Tecumseh Home Tour welcomes you to enjoy the
rich history and heritage of our beautiful city. A select group of
homeowners have graciously opened their homes to be toured
during this annual weekend event. This year we are pleased to
showcase six Tecumseh homes and two historic buildings.
The Tecumseh Historical Museum will be open as part of
the tour allowing visitors to enjoy a special collection of local
408 West Chicago Blvd.
historic memorabilia. In addition to the home tour an array of other activities are planned for this
special weekend event. You can enjoy a historic downtown walking tour on Saturday at 10 am
and 2 pm, starting at the Carnegie Library. Lost arts demonstrations will be featured throughout
the weekend showcasing talents used by generations past. “The Wheelman” will be there to delight you with their antique bicycles and vintage attire. There will also be a flower sale. The entire
family will enjoy this weekend of activities. While strolling the streets be sure to stop by one of
our fantastic eateries for a special culinary treat or stop at one of our unique specialty shops for a
wonderful shopping experience. Feel free to meander downtown and experience Art Trail Tecumseh’s sculpture exhibit, there’s sure to be something to please everyone’s interest.
The weekend activities and home tours are
open 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Ticket booklets for this fun filled weekend are $12
in advance and $15 during Promenade weekend.
Children 10 and under are free. Ticket booklets
may be purchased in advance at the Tecumseh
Chamber of Commerce and at various merchants
around town and are good for admission either day. Free
128 Brown Street
parking will be available downtown as well as at the homes on the tour.
Please contact the Tecumseh Area Chamber of Commerce at 517-423-3740, Tecumseh
Economic Development at 517-424-6003 or visit www.historictecumseh.org for additional
information.
Inside This Issue
Promenade Tecumseh Home Tour.................................... 1
Lenawee Stamping Corporation Announces
Investment in Tecumseh Plant........................................ 1
City Officials........................................................................ 2
Be a part of The Great Tecumseh
Campout and Annual Fireworks! ...................................... 2
Toe Tapping Tunes Delight Young and Old!...................... 3
Memorial Day Parade 2010................................................ 3
2010 Tecumseh Classic Car Show Series......................... 3
Tecumseh Center for the Arts............................................ 4
Art Trail Tecumseh...
Returns for its Third Year!.............................................. 5
WTOL Features Art Walk During News 11 Your Day......... 5
Tecumseh Business and Technology Campus Ground
Breaking Event Highlights.................................................. 5
Community Garden Plots Are Still Available..................... 5
Tecumseh... Where Parks and Trails Abound.................... 6
Donate Your Gargage Sale “Leftovers”............................. 6
Lenawee Stamping
Corporation Announces
Investment in
Tecumseh Plant
Lenawee Stamping Corporation has announced plans
to create 78 new jobs and
invest an additional $2.5
million in equipment at its
current plant in Tecumseh,
Michigan.
To help enable this investment, Lenawee Stamping
received approval from the
Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA)
Board at its April 20th meeting for a Michigan
Business Tax credit. Additionally, the City of Tecumseh anticipates approval of a 12-year tax abatement to support the project. Lenawee Stamping
has worked closely with the City of Tecumseh, the
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
(MEDC), the Lenawee Economic Development
Corporation (LEDC) and South Central Michigan
Works to create these jobs here in the county.
“We are grateful to Lenawee Stamping
Corporation for its continued investment in our
community. The $2.5 million investment and the
creation of 78 new jobs will have an important
positive impact on Tecumseh, Lenawee County and the surrounding area,” said Tecumseh’s
Mayor, Harvey E. Schmidt. “The MEDC and the
LEDC continue to be vital partners in the development and growth of Tecumseh’s economic base.”
(continued on page 2)
City of Tecumseh Upcoming Events................................. 6
Garlic Mustard Weeds Need Removal ............................. 6
Meet Me At The Market...................................................... 7
Tecumseh Market Days &
Patriotic Theme Pet Parade............................................... 7
Bravo Tecumseh................................................................. 7
The Carnegie Library... Help Preserve
Tecumseh’s History ..................................................... 8
History of the Tecumseh Carnegie
Library Building.................................................................. 8
City of Tecumseh
2
City Officials
City Council
Harvey E. Schmidt, Mayor................................ schmidt@tecumseh.mi.us
Dick Johnson, Mayor Pro Tem........................ djohnson@tecumseh.mi.us
Jack Baker.......................................................... jbaker@tecumseh.mi.us
Patricia Housekeeper . ............................. housekeeper@tecumseh.mi.us
Gary Naugle..................................................... gnaugle@tecumseh.mi.us
Laurence VanAlstine, Jr.................................. vanalstine@tecumseh.mi.us
Troy Wright......................................................... twright@tecumseh.mi.us
Management Team
Kevin Welch, City Manager........................................................424-6555
Sue Sellers, Asst. to the City Manager.......................................424-6544
Mary Feight, City Clerk...............................................................424-6541
Mack Haun, Chief of Police........................................................423-7494
Dianne Burnett, City Treasurer...................................................424-6549
Amanda Lacelle, City Assessor..................................................424-6543
Dan Righter, Cemetery Superintendent......................................423-3632
Laura Schaedler, City Attorney...................................................263-0101
Joe Tuckey, Emergency Services Chief......................................423-4545
Todd Amstutz, Utilities Superintendent.......................................423-0402
Shelley Lim, Parks and Recreation Director................................423-5602
Duaine Wells, Public Works Superintendent...............................423-1443
Paula Holtz, Economic Development Director............................424-6003
Brad Raymond, Development Services Director.........................424-6548
Johanna Walker, Tecumseh Center for the Arts Director.............423-6617
Tecumseh’s May 2010 City Newsletter
Articles and information for this issue have
been submitted by:
Shelley Lim, Michelle Johnson, Paula Holtz,
Joe Tuckey and Linda Hewlett
Special Trash Collection Notice
A friendly reminder…
Trash pickup will be delayed one day, as we take time
to honor Memorial Day. Allied Waste Services will
collect trash and recycling on Thursday, June 3, 2010.
City of Tecumseh GIS is now
available for public viewing!
Please visit the link below for GIS viewing
of the City of Tecumseh. The site includes information
regarding property boundaries and aerial photographs!
You may go to the GIS information directly using the link below:
http://www.lrpmaps.com/CXViewer.aspx?SiteCode=24
or visit mytecumseh.org and click on link on
the City Assessors page.
May 2010
Lenawee Stamping Corporation
(continued from page 1)
This growth comes on the heels of another MEGA award
Lenawee Stamping received in April of 2009 for a $6.6 million investment
to expand local plant operations that created over 81 new jobs at the
Tecumseh facility. The MEGA tax credit is a performance based tax credit
for eligible projects creating at least 50 jobs that are new to Michigan.
“Lenawee Stamping Corporation’s commitment to invest $2.5
million and create 78 new jobs over the next five years is a testament
to Tecumseh’s competitive business climate and outstanding workforce,”
said LEDC President and CEO, Jim Gartin. “The LEDC is proud to have
partnered with the City of Tecumseh to retain and grow these jobs in
Lenawee County.”
Be a part of The Great Tecumseh
Campout and Annual Fireworks!
Attention Campers! Reserve your campsite now and be part of the
action at The Great Tecumseh Campout and Fireworks on June 26 and 27,
2010. Your friendly neighborhood Parks
and Recreation Department is busy making plans as we temporarily turn Cal Zorn
Recreation Center into “Camp Tecumseh”
for the day!
Everyone is invited and here’s how it
will work: Call the Parks and Recreation
Department to participate. If you are planning on pitching a tent, you can purchase a
family pass which includes a 20 ft x 20 ft
campsite. Your family pass also provides
access to the Camp Tecumseh Craft Station. The Craft Station will be overseen by camp counselors and you can
create exciting camp themed crafts to take back home with you. The price
for your campsite and family pass is $20 and that’s just the beginning!
Want to participate and bring your camper instead of a tent? No problem,
we have a limited amount of RV sites available at the cost of $35, which
also includes a family pass.
During the day, you can take a dip in the Splash Pad, cool off
at the Misting Center or enter our pie eating contest. Put a team
together for the Bucket Brigade challenge, run a three legged race, help
us color and paint our Monster Mural and have some fun at Tecumseh’s
own giant Pachinko game. Visit the Camp Provisions outpost where you
will find limited edition souvenirs commemorating the Great Tecumseh
Campout and Fireworks. Busch’s will set up a Camp Cantina, featuring hotdogs, chips and beverages. All proceeds generated from the
food they sell will be donated to next year’s Campout. Once evening
approaches, everyone will have a great view of the annual fireworks display,
compliments of the City of Tecumseh! After the fireworks, the Great
Tecumseh Campfire will be the ideal spot to gather. Join us for a camp
song sing along, plenty of stories…and what’s a campfire without s’mores!
The folks at First Federal Bank are setting up a S’mores Station, free for
all of our campers. On Sunday morning, the Kiwanis Club is planning an
all you can eat pancake breakfast! The Kiwanis organization constantly
gives back to the community and all proceeds generated from the pancake
breakfast will be used to support their programs.
So what are you waiting for? Visit Camp Tecumseh Headquarters,
located at the Parks and Recreation Department to sign up for your campsite or find out how you can participate in this family friendly, community
event. You can also call 517-423-5602 for additional information.
MAY 2010
City of Tecumseh
Toe Tapping Tunes Delight Young and Old!
Each month from June to September on the 3rd Thursday of the month
you’ll see local residents gathering at Adams Park* for a special musical
event! Families both young and old bring blankets and lawn chairs at 6:00
pm to Adams Park... What is this event that draws both young and old? It’s
Music in the Park - a free concert series featuring the talents of a great
assortment of musicians who, for two hours, play toe tapping tunes and sing
songs from assorted musical genre.
Jazz, Blues and Classical Music are just a few of the arrangements that
have been featured during past evenings of great musical entertainment.
Children dance, adults bob their heads and tap their toes to the music, as the
musicians play their special brand of tunes for all to enjoy. Bring a picnic...
it’s a great time to meet up with friends and family for an evening of music
that is sure to make you smile.
Downtown Tecumseh’s Light Up the Night shopping with extending hours will also be held in conjunction with Music in the Park. Many downtown
shops and eateries will be open late for you to stop
by and shop during the evening. Eateries and merchants invite you stop by for a bite to eat and shop for
that special gift or clothing item. Tecumseh’s unique
shopping experience is one you won’t want to miss.
This year as an extra added treat will be the
addition of a Classic Car Show (see article below)
with cars on display at the United Bank and Trust
parking lot.
The Parks and Recreation Department takes pride in selecting a great
group of bands to perform for your listening pleasure. This year’s schedule
will include these talented groups of bands providing entertainment:
June 17.................. Nervous But Excited - An Indie Folk Duo
July 15*................ Bull Halsey - Dress Sharp, Play the Blues
Special location (July Only) on Ottawa Street*
August 19............. Laith Al Saadi - Soulful Rock and Blues
September 16........ Fat Mouth Charlie and the Biscuit Rollers Blues…the American Music
We extend a special thank you to United Bank and Trust for generously
underwriting the Music in the Park free concert series.
Please call the Parks and Recreation Department for further information at 517-423-5602.
Memorial Day Parade 2010
3
Memorial Day is a day to honor
those who have served in the armed
forces to protect our country and
assure the freedoms we so dearly
cherish. In salute to this special holiday, Tecumseh presents its Memorial
Day Parade at 10:00 am on Monday,
May 31st. If you have never attended
this parade then mark your calendar,
you are in for a real treat!
This parade is not just old cars
and fire trucks. There will be horses,
antique cars, vintage tractors, floats, motorcycles and marching bands,
including the Tecumseh High School Shooting Stars, as well as bands
from surrounding area high schools. Soldiers from all branches of
the service will be honored and represented from the Civil War to the
current conflicts abroad.
As the parade proceeds you’ll hear airplanes above - as you look
to the sky you’ll see WWII war birds fly overhead in formation.
Red, white and blue smoke streaming in patterns behind the planes
accent the patriotic feel of the event. It’s especially moving to see the
military flyover in the missing man formation, an honorable tribute, in
memory of fallen pilots.
Parade Marshal and Councilman Gary Naugle and the Memorial Day
Parade Committee have taken pride in planning and watching Tecumseh’s
parade grow larger each year. Many volunteers come forward to help with
this event, as well as local merchants who donate flags for onlookers. The
parade travels from City Hall west down Chicago Boulevard and up
North Union Street to Brookside Cemetery, culminating in a ceremony
honoring veterans of all wars with special musicial tributes and speeches
by various local dignitaries.
Grab your flag, bring your lawn chairs and blankets and line the
streets for this fantastic patriotic event. There is something for every
generation to enjoy at Tecumseh’s Memorial Day Parade. It is truly an
event you won’t want to miss!
Call City Hall for further information at 517-423-2107.
Get your motor running and head on down the highway to the 2010 Tecumseh Classic Car Show Series. Yes, that’s right, this
year on the third Thursday of May, June, July and August the City of Tecumseh, ididit, United Bank and Trust and the Downtown
Businesses will be sponsoring Tecumseh’s Classic Car Show. This event will be an additional highlight on the third Thursday of
the month, held in conjunction with Music in the Park, and the Tecumseh Central Business Association’s “Light Up The Night”
Downtown Shopping.
The classic cars will be displayed in the United Bank & Trust Hickman Financial Center parking lot located at 205 E. Chicago
Blvd. from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for all to enjoy. Special recognition awards will be given each month as follows:
May 20, 2010.......................................................... Mayor’s Choice Award
June 17, 2010........................................... Business Owners’ Choice Award
July 15, 2010...............................................Guest Celebrity Choice Award
August 19, 2010............................. Chamber of Commerce Choice Award
If you’d like to bring your classic car to display at the car show please register in
advance by calling Kevin Welch at 517-424-6555 or email kwelch@tecumseh.mi.us.
No registration fee will be charged to participate, plaques will be given to the first 200
cars that are registered. Check-in will be at Gregory’s Barber Shop, 201 E. Chicago
Blvd. between 5:30 and 7 pm.
This event will run rain or shine. So grab your camera and come enjoy a fun filled
evening of shopping, eating, music and classic cars!!! This FREE event is sure to be a
great time for the whole family!
2010 Tecumseh Classic
Car Show Series
Tecumseh
Center
for the Arts
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Special Touring Events
M a d e p o s s i b l e w i t h s u p p o r t f r o m U n i t e d B a n k & Tr u s t & E l i z a b e t h R u t h r u f f W i l s o n F o u n d a t i o n
Church Basement Ladies
Sunday
May 9 at 7pm (Mother’s Day)
This hilarious musical comedy is a celebration of the
ladies who tirelesssly volunteer in church basement
kitchens everywhere. The script is dead-on, the music is
toe tapping and the cast includes some of the funniest
people ever assembled on our stage.
• $26 adult / $23 youth & senior
Dinner at the Tecumseh Country Club and the Show for $35
Group Discounts available
Homegrown Events
Made possible with support from the Sage Foundation and The Weatherwax Foundation
Tecumseh Pops Orchestra &
Community Chorus
Sunday May 2 at 4pm
This annual spring concert is always
a lively collection of popular tunes
performed by a talented group of
musicians and singers.
This year’s offering is a concert
performance of Pirates of Penzance by
Gilbert & Sullivan
• $10 adult / $7 student & senior
TCA Big Band &
the VocalAires
Sunday
May 23
at 4pm
This annual spring concert offers
a fabulous finish to the TCA
Homegrown Season. This 21 piece
big band features musicians from
the community. In this program
are Secret Love, A Tiskit A Taskit,
Sunny Side of the Street.
• $5 all seats
Watch for the 2010-11 Touring Season Announcement
MAy 2010
Art Trail Tecumseh...
Returns for its Third Year!
Tecumseh is very proud to once again be the
showplace for fifteen art sculptures that will be
on display throughout the city for the upcoming
year. This project is sponsored by the Downtown
Development Authority, the Midwest Sculpture
Initiative and various anonymous donors. The
Art Trail selection committee has chosen a wonderful assortment of new artwork for your enjoyment. This year’s sculptures include works of art
from artists in Michigan and surrounding states.
The sculptures range from metal works to marble/
soapstone creations.
The sculptures
will be placed
around the downtown area as well
as the Community
Center, City Hall
and the Tecumseh
District
Library,
with an additional
location this year
at the Carnegie
Library.
Maps
will be available
to assist you in your self-guided art trail tour.
This sculpture project is an exciting example of
what makes Tecumseh innovative and inviting for
visitors and residents as well.
For additional information please call the
Tecumseh Economic Development office at
517-424-6003.
WTOL Features Art Walk
During News 11 Your Day
Tecumseh’s 3rd Annual Art Walk was featured
on News 11 Your Day in a live broadcast downtown in front of the Depot on Friday, April 30th.
The Art Walk was hosted by twenty-two downtown merchants who partnered with the Community Arts of Tecumseh to coordinate this event.
The evening featured over thirty guest artists
who gave demonstrations of their artistic talents to
local residents and visitors enjoying the event.
Pictured left to right: Local artists Sue Harris, Melissa
Squires, Economic Development Director, Paula Holtz,
and artist liaison Gregg Perez, were interviewed by WTOL
News Reporter Chris Vickers (second from right) during
the live remote.
City of Tecumseh
5
Tecumseh Business and Technology Campus
Ground Breaking Event Highlights
The Tecumseh Business and Technology Campus groundbreaking ceremony on March 8, 2010 was
attended by over 150 residents, city officials and local dignitaries. The ceremony, held on a
picture perfect day, marks the beginning of an exciting future for the Tecumseh community.
Below are a few photo highlights of the event.
Mayor Harvey Schmidt
welcomes those in
attendance and
Groundbreaking shovels and hardhats
applauds the TCA
on display add a colorful accent at
Big Band for its
the entrance to the tent.
performance.
David Stimpson
speaks on
behalf of
Chairman
James Van
Doren, Lenawee
County Board of
Commissioners.
Congressman Mark
Schauer Michigan
7th District addresses
the crowd.
Nancy Jenkins
speaks on
behalf of
Senator
Cameron
Brown,
Michigan
16th District.
State Representative Dudley
Spade, Michigan’s 57th
District, expresses the
positive impact the TBTC
will make on the economy
in the surrounding area.
“The Mission of the Tecumseh
Business and Technology Campus
is to serve Tecumseh and Lenawee
County as the gateway into an
economically diverse and inspiring
place to live.”
The blue sky
made a perfect backdrop
as fifteen dignitaries broke
ground at the
Tecumseh
Business and
Technology
Campus on
March 8th.
Community Garden Plots Are Still Available
A few plots in the Tecumseh Community Garden located on the northeast corner of Maumee
Street and Chicago Boulevard are still available. They measure 10’ x 15’ and have water access
and cost $10 for residents and $15 to non residents. A few larger plots are also available in the
Tecumseh Industrial Park located off of Russell Road. They measure 20’ x 25’ and cost $15 for
residents and $20 non residents.
We wish to extend our thanks to ACO Hardware for the donation of hoses and other gardening
supplies for use at the gardens. All the donated items will be greatly appreciated by the gardeners as the growing season begins to sprout.
If you are interested in utilizing one of the remaining plots in Tecumseh’s Community
Garden or would like further information please contact Denine Wells at 517-424-6003 or via
email at dwells@tecumseh.mi.us. Happy Gardening!
City of Tecumseh
6
Tecumseh... Where Parks and Trails Abound
Have you ever taken the time to go adventuring along the many trails and walking paths
in Tecumseh? Have you enjoyed the over 300 acres of parks within Tecumseh?
Walking Trails
Tecumseh is fortunate to have approximately ten miles of trails for your enjoyment. Whether you are a
cyclist, a jogger or just enjoy a leisure walk, Tecumseh’s many walking paths are a pleasant way to relax
and relieve the stress of the day and enjoy a quiet stroll with family and friends. Take a walk along Indian Crossing Trails, which starts at the Community Center, this one mile trail
meanders along the Mill Pond and by the Raisin River. As you walk, take time to enjoy the song birds and
the peaceful surroundings. The trail also has a few shorter loops that trails off the main path which range
from 3/8 - 5/8 mile.
North Evans Trail, a walking trail and bike path that runs along North Evans Street, is a favorite with
joggers and bikers out for a stroll. Young children learning to ride their new two-wheel bike enjoy the safety of the trail, the smooth paved surface provides a great area to practice with those new training wheels!
Residents both young and old enjoy leisurely walks along this path.
Evans Creek Trail, which starts at the south end of Kiwanis Memorial Park, offers a quiet trail along
this peaceful creek. If your lucky, you might even see an occasional deer or heron enjoying the serene surroundings.
Parks & Recreational Facilities
Tecumseh’s many parks are well manicured and offer a great place to relax, enjoy time with family and
friends, and watch natures wildlife. Swing sets, slides and climbing toys are a great time for the little ones
to enjoy the outdoors and get plenty of exercise. Adams Park is located at 309 E. Chicago Boulevard. A small, yet, beautifully landscaped park with
a working water fountain gives Adams Park its own unique character. It has WiFi accessabilities and is a
great place to enjoy your lunch and surf the web. Adams Park plays host to Music In The Park during the
summer months.
Aden Mead Park, located at 211 S. Occidental Road, includes three soccer fields, one baseball diamond, playground equipment, restrooms and picnic shelter.
Cal Zorn Recreation Center, located at 300 W. Russell Road, is the center point for many of the youth
recreational programs. Of course, you won’t want to miss the Splash Pad at Cal Zorn Park on a hot summer
afternoon. It’s a great place to sit under the pavilion and watch the kids as they refresh themselves in the
cool water. Cal Zorn has playground equipment, restrooms, picnic shelter and plenty of parking.
Indian Crossing Trails Park, is located at 703 E. Chicago Boulevard at the Community Center. This
130 acres of beautiful scenery features picturesque views
of the River Raisin. This park also includes several walking paths; the main path which offers benches for resting
follows the Globe Mill raceway and is one mile long.
Douglas Bird Kiwanis Memorial Park, is situated
on the corner of North Maumee Street at Herrick Park
Drive. Evans Creek flows directly through this park
giving Kiwanis Memorial Park its unique setting. Playground equipment adds to the enjoyment for small children at this park.
Hotrum Promenade Park is located at 100 W.
Shawnee. This peaceful park is located on the corner of
Douglas Bird Kiwanis Memorial Park
Shawnee and Evans Street. The beautiful landscaping,
park benches, lights and the gazebo provide a very peaceful and unique park setting.
John W. Smith Park is located at 804 N. Evans. This 25 acre park is under development and is located
on the northeast side of Tecumseh. The house is available for rental for small group meetings/events.
Satterthwaite Park, 703 E. Chicago Boulevard, is located next to the Tecumseh Community
Center on East Chicago Boulevard. This park has three lighted tennis courts, an inline skating rink, two
picnic shelters and the Globe Mill Pond.
Tecumseh Park, the “Pit” is located at 403 Adrian Street. The rolling hillside, swimming and large open
green space afford many recreational opportunities. Family picnicking, playground structure, sand beach
volleyball, and fishing are just a few of the many opportunities the Tecumseh Park has to offer.
Above we have listed a few of the larger parks within the city limits. For additional information
on parks and pavilion rentals please call Tecumseh Parks and Recreation at 517-423-5602 or visit us
at mytecumseh.org.
Bring the kids... and the sunscreen and check out the many parks and miles of walking trails
available right here in Tecumseh.
May 2010
Donate Your Garage
Sale “Leftovers”
Easter Seals has contacted the City
of Tecumseh and has asked that residents with ‘leftovers’ from the Citywide
Garage Sales please contact them, they
will be happy to pick up any items that
you would like to donate. Please call
1-800-708-2716 with your address
and list of the items you have for
donation. Thank you for your donations!
City of Tecumseh Upcoming Events:
Third Thursday Each Month
Light up the Night Shopping
Extended shopping hours at
Downtown Merchants
Third Thursday May - August
Tecumseh Classic Car Show
United Bank & Trust Parking Lot
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Third Thursday June - September
Music In the Park
June, August and September
at Adams Park
July at the corner of S. Ottawa St.
6:00 to 8:00 pm
May 15-16
Promenade Tecumseh Home Tour
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday, May 22 - October 23
“Meet Me at the Market”
Tecumseh’s Farmers’ Market
Downtown Tecumseh 9:00 am - Noon
Sunday, May 23
TCA Big Band & the VocalAires
Tecumseh Center for the Arts 4:00 pm
June 26
Great Tecumseh
Campout & Fireworks
Cal Zorn Park
August 6-7
Market Days & Pet Parade
Call the Economic Development Office at
517-424-6003 for further information.
Or visit us at www.downtowntecumseh.com
Invasive Garlic Mustard Weeds Need Removal
The City of Tecumseh has received information that
garlic mustard plants are growing around the Freedom
Trail (Indian Crossings) behind the Community Center.
Garlic mustard is a very invasive weed that threatens
many other species, and is a real threat to the diversity
of the forest. If you would be interested in assisting in its
removal, please read the article at the website link below.
The next time you go for a walk along the trail, please pull
any garlic mustard plants you see. This will be a big help
in successfully keeping it under control.
A group of concerned citizens will be meeting on
Sunday, May 9th, to remove the plants around the trail.
If you’d like to help, please meet behind the Community
Center at 9 am. Everyone is welcome...ages 5 to 95. Your
assistance in removal of this invasive weed would be
appreciated. Please bring large garbage bags with you.
The website is:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/invasives/fact/garlic.htm.
May 2010
Burn Permits
As the summer season approaches we’d
like to refresh everyone’s memory on the city
ordinances for burning within the city limits.
Persons with questions about the ordinances
or wishing to aquire a burning permit should
contact the Fire Department at 423-4545.
 Burning permits are required anytime a fire
is started on the open ground for the purpose of brush disposal and for a campfire
and bonfire.
 Residents shall only burn rapidly combustible materials. There shall be no burning
of stumps, construction or demolition
materials, or items that can be placed at
the curb for recycling such as cardboard,
newspaper or plastic containers.
 Any limbs or trees larger than 4” in
diameter may not be burned within
1,400 feet of the city limits.
 State law prohibits burning of leaves
and grass within the city limits
of Tecumseh.
 Burn permits can be obtained at the
Fire Station during the hours of
7:00 am and 7:00 pm.
 Permits can only be issued to private
citizens at single-family residential
properties. Permits cannot be issued to
commercial or multi-family properties.
 All fires must be attended by an adult
and control of the fire must be maintained
at all times.
 Open burning is allowed from 7:00 am to
8:00 pm. Campfires and bonfires are
allowed from 7:00 am to midnight.
 Permits are good for only four
consecutive days.
 Fires that are a nuisance in the area must
be extinguished.
 Failure to follow the City of Tecumseh
Open Burning Ordinance can result in loss
of burning privileges and fines.
 On any day that the temperature is at or
may reach 90º F or an Ozone Action Day
has been declared, all open burning shall
be prohibited. This includes citizens that
have a valid permit in their possession.
City of Tecumseh
7
Meet Me At The Market...
Fruit, vegetables, flowers and honey are just a few things that await you at Tecumseh’s Farmers’
Market. The market is set to begin on Saturday, May 22nd and will run throughout the summer
and fall until October 16th. Saturday’s market includes fresh,
high quality fruit and vegetables from area growers as well as
herbs, honey, flowers and bedding plants, handmade crafts and
gift items. The market will be located in Downtown Tecumseh
on Chicago Blvd. between Evans and Pearl Street on Saturday
from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Be sure to stop by to stock your
kitchen with delicious fresh local produce and check out the
other special items on sale.
Visit us at http://www.tecumsehsfarmersmarket.webs.com/
for the latest produce updates. If you’d like to participate
as a vendor at the market or have any questions please call
Stacey at 517-403-5851 or staceytilton@msn.com for Saturday
morning market details. See you at the market!
Tecumseh Market Days & Patriotic Theme Pet Parade
August 6th & 7th, 2010 • Downtown Tecumseh
During Tecumseh’s Annual Market Days merchants will be offering great deals during their
annual sidewalk sales on August 6th and 7th. From lawn furniture to shoes, and women’s wear to
home decor, there are special sale items that are sure to delight the avid shopper.
Tecumseh’s Annual Pet Parade will be held on Saturday morning during Market Days at 10:00
am. Once again you will have the opportunity to show off your special pet during this fun-filled
event. Dress your pet in a patriotic theme costume and join us for the parade. This event showcases the charm of our downtown and Tecumseh’s community spirit. Pets and owners alike enjoy
parading down Chicago Boulevard, ending at Adams Park, located adjacent to City Hall. Once
at the park, judges will choose winners and award prizes to three winners in different categories.
Winners receive awards, but all children will leave with a special prize. Call 517-424-6003 for
more information or visit us at www.downtowntecumseh.com.
Bravo Tecumseh…
Well manicured lawns and beautiful streetscapes are just a few of the attributes that make the
spring through fall in Tecumseh so beautiful. We appreciate all the effort that homeowners make in
assuring their lawns are mowed and trimmed and to help keep our city attractive for all to enjoy.
As the grass begins to grow we have a special reminder from the Department of Development
Services and the DPW: A note regarding noxious weeds. This includes anything in your lawn,
including your grass, that has reached a height of six inches or higher. Once the green vegetation
in your lawn has reached a height of six inches or more, it is officially a public nuisance. If this
happens, the City will issue written notice to the property owner that the vegetation needs to be cut,
removed or destroyed. Once the property owner has been notified, they have ten days to rectify the
situation. If nothing is done, the City will make arrangements to mow the yard as needed. If the
property owner has to be notified a second and third time within a twelve-month period, the City
will give five days notice and then make arrangements, at the property owner’s expense, to take
care of the situation. Property owners can be charged for the cutting, removal or destruction of the
green matter and can be issued a citation as well.
Once your lawn has been mowed and the trimming is completed, what is the proper step to
take for removal of the clippings? Remember the City of Tecumseh has ordinances that prohibits
disposing the clippings and debris into the street. Clippings that are deposited into the street can
clog drains and create a slippery situation for pedestrians and vehicles as well. They also dry up
and look unsightly in front of your beautifully kept lawn.
Why not use your grass clippings as mulch in flower beds? They also compose nicely in
your compost pile for future use in flower beds and vegetable gardens adding rich humus to the
soil. If you prefer, put them in yard waste containers and place them on the curb on trash day for
pick-up by Waste Management. Please be sure to label the container as “yard waste” to eliminate
confusion during the disposal collection.
The City appreciates the care each of you take in making your home attractive and keeping the
neighborhoods looking top notch. Bravo Tecumseh, Bravo!
City of Tecumseh
8
The Carnegie Library...
Help Preserve
Tecumseh’s
History
A committee of dedicated
individuals has hatched a plan
to purchase and renovate the
Tecumseh Carnegie Library
building. The first step in this
process was completed on
April 6, 2010, when the group
entered into a land contract agreement to purchase the building. This was made possible
through a grant from the Lenawee Community Foundation.
Plans call for the building to be used as a welcome center for the Tecumseh Area.
This proposed center would consolidate like services for visitors, residents, and business
prospects, while providing a long-term sustainable source of income for operating the
Carnegie Center.
Fundraising for this project is currently underway and has been separated into five
phases. Work proposed includes the following:
Phase One: Secure Building: Completed
Phase Two: Complete purchase of Carnegie Library building.
Estimated amount: $100,000
Phase Three: Exterior work to restore and stabilize the building shell
and prevent further deterioration.
Estimated amount: $96,907
Phase Four: Balance of exterior work.
Estimated amount: $244,569
Phase Five: Interior work to accommodate tenants, restore architectural
details and provide barrier free access.
Estimated amount: $259,771
Plans are underway for the Carnegie Library building to be included as a stop on
Promenade Tecumseh’s Annual Home Tour the weekend of May 15th and 16th. This will
give residents and visitors the opportunity to see photographs of the Carnegie interior
prior to restoration.
If you are interested in helping preserve Tecumseh’s history and want to make a
donation to the Carnegie project, please make payments to the Lenawee Community
Foundation to benefit the Carnegie Preservation League and mail to:
Tecumseh Carnegie Preservation League
P.O. Box 8 • Tecumseh, MI 49286
The Carnegie Preservation League is a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Anyone interested in additional information can contact:
Dick Johnson at 517-403-0113 or
email: djohnson@evansstreetstation.com.
MAy 2010
History of the Tecumseh
Carnegie Library Building
The old Carnegie Library building is one of the most
recognizable buildings in Tecumseh. Its stately presence has
been felt on Chicago Boulevard (M-50) since it was dedicated
on February 10th, 1905 as Tecumseh’s first public library.
Prior to the Carnegie, there existed the Tecumseh
Lyceum, which was supported by private citizens who
established a collection of classical books for use by its
members. The Tecumseh Lyceum was followed by the
chartering of a Private Library Association in April of
1883, consisting of a semi-private library where borrowing
privileges were available by subscription. In 1895, this
private corporation ran out of funds and merged its assets with
the Tecumseh School Library. This began the long-standing
and cherished tradition of free access to books and information for all the Tecumseh community.
In 1903, the Tecumseh Board of Education applied
for and received funding from the Carnegie Foundation
for a new building to be located on Chicago Boulevard
(M-50). Carnegie libraries were built with money donated by Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Carnegie), Andrew
Carnegie. In the early 20th century, a Carnegie Library
was often the most imposing structure in hundreds of small
American communities across the country. Most were
unique, displaying a number of (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Architecture) architectural styles, chosen by the community.
Tecumseh’s Carnegie building is a handsome Neo-Classical
style, located within a district dominated by many of the
most architecturally and historically significant homes in
Tecumseh. The district was listed on the National Register of
Historic Places in September of 1984.
The Carnegie served as the community’s public library
building until 1960, when the Tecumseh Community Fund
Foundation identified a new public library building as a
priority. Two years later, the Lenawee Board of Supervisors granted the City of Tecumseh a quit claim deed to any
county interest in Military Park, which is now the site of the
present Tecumseh District Library. When the library moved
its operations to their new location, the School Board opted to
utilize the Carnegie Library building for its school administration building. The Carnegie was used in this fashion until
2002 when it was sold to a private entity. Since that time,
the Carnegie has stood virtually empty and has fallen
into disrepair.
A group of interested citizens sat down early in 2009
to discuss the future of Tecumseh’s Carnegie Library.
This group formally became the “Tecumseh Carnegie
Preservation League” in mid 2009, a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization under the Lenawee Community Fund. In early
2010, an agreement was reached with the Carnegie’s owner for a land contract purchase of the building. A donation
from the Lenawee Community Fund assisted the Tecumseh Carnegie Preservation League in securing the building.
Now the real work begins to obtain the funding necessary to
renovate and restore the building to return it to public service.