Active Motivation bringing service, projects to Hazel Park

 

By Alicia Dorset

C & G Staff Writer

     A group of Hazel Park residents are making an effort to bring citizens together throughout the city to make a difference on both personal and municipal levels.

     Led by resident Roger Templeman, Active Motivation formed in late 2004 to stress the importance of community service and the positive outcomes it can bring. While not the main focus of the group, members have also taken on the challenge of bringing the proposed skate and bike park to Hazel Park.

     The idea came to Templeman after watching a presentation by high school student Matt Nuyttens to the Hazel Park City Council on his wish to build a bike/skate park for the city. Having previous experience working with community service groups in Detroit, Templeman jumped at the chance to bring a similar idea to Hazel Park.

     “I’d like an organization in Hazel Park providing community service for citizens,” said Templeman.

Templeman met with Nuyttens with the idea of working on the bike/skate park project and also providing community service and soon brought in other teens interested in the idea, in addition to adding parents as well.

     Nuyttens welcomed the experience from Templeman.

     “He’s a good guy to have in our group,” said Nuyttens. “He has real knowledge about what we’re trying to do.”

     To get the word out about the group and start helping the city, Active Motivation took on a “senior snow blitz” right before the holidays as snowstorms hit the Detroit area. Group members made themselves available to shovel driveways and sidewalks for Hazel Park senior citizens free of charge.

     “It was for anyone who needed their snow shoveled or things like that,” said Nuyttens.

     Templeman liked the idea because it not only showed the younger members were willing to help the community, but assisted the city with a service it might not normally provide. Motivation came as a result of the city stopping leaf pick-up services due to recent budget constraints.

     “We want to help the city with some services,” said Templeman. “We’re going to help the city provide the services to residents without the costs.”

     The first shoveling project was a success for the group with several calls coming for assistance. While the shoveling was free to older residents who needed it, the group received a donation from one house after their hard work.

     “It gave the kids a chance to see what they’re in for,” said Templeman. “We kind of broke them in since it’s (group) in its infancy.”

     While the purpose of the organization is to help the city, Templeman sees another benefit arising for members as teens work with adults on achieving defined goals, such as the bike/skate park.

     “This group is providing networks and bonds,” said Templeman. “Kids and adults are working together. When they (teens) step into adulthood, they’ll be stepping into the right direction.”

     Rita Hutton, who serves on the group with son Ryan, is happy to work with the varied ages and hopes that attitude spreads throughout the city. Hutton has been supportive of her son’s wish to bring the bike/skate park to the city.

     “I hope we can get more of the community together and get more parents involved with what their kids are doing, especially with riding and skating,” said Hutton.

     Templeman also sees the benefit of bringing more parent support to the group.

     “Parents have a grip on what’s going on with their kids’ lives,” said Templeman. “I see this going to big proportions.”

     With the holidays out of the way, Active Motivation hopes to start regular meetings soon and continue both community service projects and further research on the park.

     “Everyone knows the challenge ahead of us, but we’re aware and ready to take the bull by the horn,” said Templeman. “I really see this organization galvanizing the relationship with the city.”

Group members will continue taking requests for snow shoveling, but are investigating new projects as well.

     “We’re moving along,” said Hutton. “We’re taking it slow so we do it right.”

     Nuyttens has been pleased with the reaction he’s received from city officials as work continues on the park.

     “Whatever we need, if they can help, they help,” said Nuyttens. “They’re totally on the ball with us.”

     Templeman receives the greatest satisfaction not from recognition but from the satisfaction of helping others.

     “This community needs an infusion of community service and kindness. We want to be there for the community,” said Templeman. “How incredible is it to be on something where you’re not getting paid but totally happy with?”

     To learn more about Active Motivation, e-mail the group at activemotivation@comcast.net.

     You can reach Alicia Dorset at adorset@candgnews.com