Dear Good Neighbors,

I write this letter with both sorrow and pride in my heart.

First, I have to share my deep condolences and grief at the loss of a legend in our neighborhood, Jomo King. Jomo served on the Board of GCA, was a Board Member for GRDC and an Art Fair Chair for many years. His daughter, Isis King, was a two-time Grandmont Scholarship recipient. He was incredibly generous, affable, kind and honest.  I knew he was beloved in our neighborhood and knew how to bring the best vibes and mood anywhere he went (if you didn’t know, he was also a great DJ) but I am learning with his passing just how many folks in Detroit knew him and loved him. We are hoping to do something to honor him soon. We are also including the arrangements for his memorial in this newsletter. Please keep his family lifted in prayer during this time. 

I still have pride in Grandmont and the successful events we’ve had to wrap up summer and bring on fall. Thank you to Susan Hood and Emily Gagnon for spearheading two successful events in 1 week! The Movie Night for National Good Neighbor Day and the Beats and Bingo Fundraising Event and Miss Eva’s brought out crowds that fellowshipped together. 

Finally on Saturday, October 3, we held our Grandmont Community Meeting at Redford Branch of the Detroit Public Library. This event has happened for the past couple of years and we offer it to be a Town Hall style event and try to bring in community partners and leaders to answer questions. We had a smaller showing this year, but we are grateful for the neighbors who came out! We shared donuts and cider (thank you Justin and Jenise for providing the refreshments!) and got updates from the 8th Precinct of the Detroit Police Department, Detroit 300 2.0,  the Redford Branch of the Library and Councilman Tate’s Office. 

We hope you’ll continue to come out even as the days get shorter and the temperatures drop. It isn’t too late to pay your dues or get involved. I won’t drop my bar of wanting to see 300 dues paid in the year. We can do it! Let’s connect, get ready to “Light Up Grandmont,” have a Ball together and Spread the Warmth!

In service, 

Samantha