Community Corner

'What Matters is People Helping People', Longtime Farmington Resident Says

John Anhut celebrates his 90th birthday Friday with friends, families and a lifetime of memories.

Farmington Hills city council officially proclaimed Monday "John Walsh Anhut Day" in the city, honoring the long-time chair of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) on his 90th birthday. 

The Farmington resident celebrated Friday with friends and family who filled a converted warehouse space at EJH Construction in Farmington Hills to pay tribute to a man described as the best friend two cities ever had. In a short speech, Anhut shared stories about business relationships that contributed to his success.

"What matters is people helping people," he said. 

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Anhut also recounted memories from his days as owner of the Botsford Inn and recalled the difficulties in getting approval to build Botsford Hospital on property that surrounded the historic building. Botsford started with a few hundred employees and today has more than 3,000, he said. 

Speakers included Mayor Tom Buck of Farmington and Mayor Barry Brickner of Farmington Hills, Botsford Hospital board chair Steve Barnaby and 37th District State Rep. Vicki Barnett, among others. Emcees were Farmington Hills city manager Steve Brock and youth and family services director Todd Lipa. 

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