Linden Frosty Parade grand marshal announced

 Linden Kitchen & Bath has accepted the honor. The owners will ride on the grand marshal float Friday, Dec. 2 during Linden’s holiday festivities. The Lighted Frosty Parade begins at 7 p.m.

 The Robins family, who started and have ran the business for three generations, learned they were chosen in early October when they received letters from the event organizers, Happening in Linden.  

 “I was surprised to the point of tears in my eyes. It means a lot to be acknowledged for all the work my family has done over the years, and I know it is a big accomplishment that the business is 76 years old,” said owner Michelle Robins. “We have always loved Linden. It is such a wonderful community with great people.”

 In past years, they’ve made a float to join the Frosty Parade, but this year, they’ll ride in a featured spot as grand marshals. 

 Robins’ grandfather, Richard Robins grew up in Swartz Creek and her grandmother, Katherine Roddy, grew up in Durand. When her grandfather left the service, he came to Linden for work. This is where they chose to live, and their family has resided in Linden ever since.

 Richard Robins started the business 76 years ago and first called it Linden Sash & Door. He fixed sashes on windows and replaced doors out of a building behind Linden Lumber. 

 Michelle’s parents, Tom and Judy Robins, also worked at the family business. Judy first met Tom when she took a screen into Linden Sash and Door to have it fixed. Tom worked there for 40 years before retiring in 2004, and Judy worked there for 25 years and retired in 2003. 

 Michelle started to work at the family business in 2009 and bought them out in 2014. After that, she changed the name to Linden Kitchen & Bath after someone asked if her last name was “Sash.” 

 Judy said “shock” was her reaction to finding out that Linden Kitchen & Bath was chosen as grand marshal. “I’m flattered that our business is being recognized for being there for so long,” she said. 

 Tom and Judy moved to Durand because her son inherited a house there and sold it to them. They’ve been married 53 years. Judy lived in Fenton her whole life until she moved to Durand. In past parades, Judy has ridden in the truck that pulls the Linden Kitchen & Bath float. She’s looking forward to riding in the grand marshal float and hopes for good weather. 

 The growth in Linden has been “wonderful,” she said.

 “It shows a lot of growth and how they’re getting with the times. I think Michelle has worked really hard on that and deserves a lot of credit,” she said, adding that she doesn’t know how Michelle has time for everything.

 “We’re very proud of Michelle. She has really made that business sing,” Judy said. “She’s brought it a long long way from when we took it over from my father-in-law. We improved it a lot but she has improved it extremely a lot.”

 Judy and Tom had one bookkeeper, and now Michelle has an expanded staff. 

 Along with running one of the most historic businesses in the city, Michelle is constantly active in the city of Linden. She’s on the board for Happening in Linden, on the board for the Linden Downtown Development Authority, and she will be on the board for the Fenton & Linden Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2023.

 “Happening in Linden has chosen Linden Kitchen & Bath this year as grand marshals of the Linden Parade. The Robins family has run this business for over 75 years and are an important part of the Linden Community. Michelle Robins serves on the board of the DDA in Linden. She is also a member of the board of Happening in Linden and is and has been a vital part of events happening in Linden,” said Sue Turpen, secretary of Happening in Linden.