(In response to Township eyes options for fire department, The Citizen, Dec. 14, page 1)
GTFD-NOCFA mistake
Dear Editor,
I learned, with a bit of consternation, that Mr. DePalma is once again trying to get the GTFD (Groveland Twp. Fire Dept.) involved with NOCFA (NorthOakland County Fire Authority). That would be a huge mistake.
Doesn’t the township already have a Mutual Aid agreement with the surrounding communities? If so, then why would it be beneficial for the township to expend it’s resources on daily (routine) calls for service outside the township by joining NOCFA?
I was a volunteer fire fighter for 18 years (nearby community) so I believe I can speak with some experience by saying forget about NOCFA, keep our resources and personnel home!
If Mr. DePalma wants to do something proactive and beneficial for us then look at renovating our fire stations and giving our guys/ladies a much deserved raise. If that means higher taxes then we, as a community, should reward all the hard work by our firefighters and accept that as the cost of maintaining our fire department.
By the way, I seem to recall that the last time Mr. DePalma tried pulling this stunt wasn’t a recall petition passed around to fire him and he came close to losing his job?
Fire up the copy machine Mrs. Taylor, he’s at it again!!!
Paul S. Lucas
Happy Holidays
Dear Editor,
Warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, family and friends.
I hope that during this time of hustle and bustle, we all take the time to enjoy neighborhood decorations, new and improved village decor, unique local shops to finish our shopping lists, and the traditional luminaries downtown on Christmas Eve.
Enjoy time with those close to you, meet new people, and check on those who are alone this season. May 2020 bring our community all that we hope for!
Tonja Brice
Village President

An angel gets wings
Dear Editor,
I know, there are angels here in Ortonville. This year my daughter (Emily Ann Snitgen, DeWitt) received her wings, and leaves behind a husband (James) two children Madeline and Alexander – Snitgen. It has been a very rough year trying to go on with normal life, but now at Christmas emotions run high and low.
We have received so much help from friends and family with a call or text at the right times saying we are still here for you and understand, encouragements to stay active are greatly appreciated.
A special thanks to another Ortonville Angel. The Dena Bancroft (wings 2001) Underprivileged Children’s Fund (nonprofit) sponsored Madeline and Alexanders Christmas and even to their college fund. Madeline and Alex are adjusting to the changes, but Christmas will be brighter with the aid from Dena Bancroft Fund. I think it is great when local friend and neighbors offer help through troubling times.
Twenty-five years ago when we moved to Ortonville I knew this was the town, the school, the church and the people, I wanted my children to call home.
I’m proud to be from Ortonville, thank you friends.
Keith DeWitt
(In response to “Council OKs but still divided on preservation park ordinance,” The Citizen, Dec. 21, page 5).
Disappointed but not suprised
Dear Editor,
Unfortunately, we were unable to attend the Dec. 16 meeting of the Ortonville Village Council.
We are greatly disappointed, but not surprised, about the short sightedness of some council members in preventing development of the Preservation Park. Please know we will be working to replace those Village council members who supported the ordinance. You do not represent the citizens.
Kim and Don Noble

Dena Bancroft Underprivileged Childrens Foundation
I would like to remind the members of the community about the Dena Bancroft Underprivileged Childrens Foundation. The foundation was created after Dean and Luann Bancroft lost their daughter, Dena in 2001. The foundation helps provide Christmas for underprivileged children right here in our community.
This year I was shocked to learn that my children were recipients. It was a huge blessing and I couldn’t be more appreciative. As a single mom it feels amazing to put a few gifts under the tree that make childhood dreams come true.
I can’t say thank you enough. And I can’t wait to watch their faces light up Christmas morning.
If your looking for a way to donate and help children in your community feel the magic of Christmas, this is the perfect way. Donations can be made at The Oxford Bank 345 S. Ortonville Rd.
A Blessed Mom