There aren’t many places Becky Goodman said she would be willing to leave Lake Orion for, but when an opportunity recently presented itself in one of them, she couldn’t resist.
After serving nearly four years as Lake Orion’s first downtown coordinator, Goodman will say goodbye at the end of January as she moves across the state to Petoskey, where she will fill a similar position.
‘I am a member of some list service (on the Internet), and the opening (in Petoskey) was posted,? she said. ‘There were hundreds of applicants. I’m kind of proud of the fact that I got it.?
Goodman will be Petoskey’s coordinator, a full-time position that includes her own staff.
‘I’ll have more responsibilities (than in Lake Orion),? she said. ‘I’ll be in charge of parking management and beautification projects.?
As Lake Orion’s downtown coordinator, Goodman was instrumental in helping Lake Orion become a member of the Main Street Program, something she said Petoskey has not had an opportunity to do yet.
‘It’s something they may consider,? she said. ‘They have about 6,000 people.?
Goodman, a native of Haslett, Michigan (near East Lansing), has called Lake Orion home for nearly 28 years, first in Keatington and then for the past 15 years in the village. She and her husband Randy have three children: Daughters Sarah and Beth, and son BJ who is attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
‘I think Beth will come with us, but Sarah still lives in Lake Orion,? Goodman said. ‘So we’ll be coming back to visit.?
Living in Petoskey will also put the Goodmans four hours closer to BJ’s school.
‘I’m going to miss the Fourth of July in Lake Orion tremendously,? said Goodman. ‘I’ll miss this little downtown. It’s so unique…I’ll miss the reopening of the Sagebrush. I might come back for that.?
Besides being downtown coordinator, Goodman has also served Lake Orion residents as a member of the village council. She said its going to be hard to let go of the coordinator position, something she helped create.
‘We got Main Street a month after I was hired,? she said. ‘Our downtown has changed. There have been several improvements…like The Verwood…and we’ve had constant occupancy in all of the buildings.?
As coordinator, Goodman worked to establish a schedule of downtown events, including the annual Flower Fair, going into its fourth year, and the Halloween Parade.
‘We also have a business neighbors group that meets once a month,? she said. ‘I’m really pleased that we have the facade improvement grant program.?
Goodman said getting the downtown lighted for Christmas has also been a big accomplishment, and that the lights will stay up until the end of February.
‘I also really want to see that gateway feature by the American Legion, and I hope that doesn’t die,? she said.
‘I think we’re getting that core group of volunteers, and I believe that will continue,? Goodman added.
While its hard to say farewell, Goodman is also excited about the future.
‘I’ve vacationed in Petoskey before, and it’s right on Lake Michigan,? she said. ‘It’s like a movie set.
‘After BJ left, I had no more kids at home,? said Goodman. ‘When he left, I didn’t get that empty nest feeling…I felt I could do whatever I wanted to do.?
When Goodman has free time, she enjoys gardening, and she is looking forward to starting one at her new home.
‘I’ll miss my garden here in Lake Orion a lot,? she said.
Goodman doesn’t know who her replacement as Lake Orion downtown coordinator will be.
‘I’m not sure what procedure they will follow,? she said. ‘I’ll be here until the end of January.
‘I have enjoyed this so much. It was a wonderful opportunity,? said Goodman. ‘It can really happen here, and it will…Lake Orion will be a ‘cool? downtown. I’m going to come back and see it.?