Groveland Twp.-The times are changing in the township offices.
Two new employees ? building department administrator Susan Nassar and Laura Lawrence, a secretary for Groveland Township Clerk Pamela Mazich ? started with the township in May. Nassar is replacing Gretchen Randall, who retired June 30 from the township after seven years.
As the new building department administrator (a full-time position), Nassar will handle permits and inspections for new commercial and residential buildings. She said she welcomes the change of pace after working as an accountant for 20 years.
‘This is refreshing ? I enjoy working with the residents,? she said.
A graduate of Walsh College, Nassar holds a bachelor’s degree in business management. She has lived in Brandon Township for 12 years with her husband and two sons in an 1847 farmhouse.
Meanwhile, Lawrence is working part-time in the clerk’s office, and will help to coordinate township elections. A resident of Groveland Township for eight years, she and husband Mike have two children, Brad, 16, and Sherri, 14, who attend Brandon High School.
Lawrence was an insurance agent for 12 years and owned a water and air filter system business before moving to Groveland. She has also volunteered in her children’s school and sports programs for 11 years.
In her spare time, Lawrence enjoys watching her children’s sporting activities, as well as attending Michigan State football games, watching football and basketball on television and working in her flower garden and around their home.
Lawrence said she enjoys the rural atmosphere of Groveland Township. ‘It’s a smaller community,? she said. ‘We’re in a subdivision, but still in the country. I see two to three deer a day in our back window.?
The two new employees have known each other since before they were hired by the township.
‘Laura and I have been friends for eight years, ever since she moved to Groveland,? Nassar said. ‘It was a nice surprise that we’re both working here.?
As for Randall, a Brandon Township resident, she said she decided to retire in order to spend more time with her husband.
‘He’s been retired for a couple of years, so I decided it was time for me to retire, too,? she said. ‘We’re going to do some traveling.?
Randall said they will visit Texas and Florida later this summer to visit family.
She said she’ll miss the daily contact with the Groveland community. ‘I enjoyed working with them and meeting the residents,? Randall said.
Groveland Township offices are located at 4695 Grange Hall Road, Holly Mich. (248) 634-4152