Mr. Fan's Story

Vincent Pinti
Jan 28
3 min read

Updated: Feb 17

Mr. Changming Fan immigrated to the United States from China in pursuit of his dreams. Back in the 1970s during the Carter administration, Mr. Fan wished to excel in his studies in technology and software design. He chose to become an American citizen and establish himself as an advocate for his community. His passion has always been celebrating the beauty of Michigan's nature and landscape.

Mr. Fan pushing his walker as he talks to a friend and passes through his garden.

Mill Pond Manor

In 2013, Mr. Fan moved into Mill Pond Manor at age 63. He was a retiree, and he wanted to live amongst people like him who wished to age and be connected to nature. Mill Pond Manor draws people from all across southeast Michigan who wish to live in a place filled with outdoor recreational activities. The community prides itself in offering outdoor events, gardening clubs, and of course, access to the scenic Mill Pond. Mr. Fan adores gardening.

What is Mill Pond Manor?

Mill Pond Manor is owned by Retirement Housing Foundation, a nonprofit organization operating in 28 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is cosponsored by Evangelical Homes of Michigan. They promote access to "beautiful flower and salad garden[s]." Their goal is to enhance the quality of life of their residents, and a commitment to service and excellence. Despite these claims, Mr. Fan has suffered greatly from Mill Pond Manor's restrictions to his gardening and recreational activities. Without your help, they will bulldoze the majority of his garden that brings an improved quality of life to many of their residents for more than 10 years.

"Gardening is not a hobby, it is more than that..."

Picture above is a series of box planters.

When Mr. Fan was interviewed, he could not speak more highly of the residents of Mill Pond Manor.

"I donate my time [here]. I take very good care of the garden. Most people [at Mill Pond Manor] are in very bad health and very old age. Some residents are over one hundred years old. The purpose [of Mill Pond Manor] is to create a safe and healthy space for them. That is what I do. [The garden] is not my hobby. It is more than that. The residents really really like the flowers. Some of these are very hard to grow. They put the flowers in the room. Some wear them. That is the purpose." -- Mr. Fan.

Simply put, it makes them happy. And happiness can be difficult to come by for people of poor health.

Mr. Fan walking through the pathway to his garden with two friends. He is overlooking a pattern of stones he put in place, a few ferns, and more milkweed plants.

The Law Cannot Save Mr. Fan's Garden, But You Can:

Mr. Fan believes he has a human right to garden and grow beautiful trees, plants, and bushes for himself, his friends, and neighbors.
Under Mr. Fan's present lease, he has no legal right to preserve or protect his garden.
He agreed to abandon the vast majority of his garden in order to avoid getting evicted from his home.
The law cannot help Mr. Fan save his garden, but your voice just might!!
Mr. Fan has peacefully lived at Mill Pond Manor for 10 years, and he wants to spend the rest of his life supporting his garden. Help him do that.
Mr. Fan and his friends need as much help and support from the public as possible to have any chance of keeping his prized garden intact.
Join the movement to protect the Mill Pond Manor Garden today!