Interview: Melissa Gilbert on how she’s helping Howell
The cauliflower au gratin wasn’t in season, so Melissa Gilbert ordered two of her other favorites Tuesday at a hometown restaurant she and husband Tim Busfield frequent.
“I have everything I could ever need,” she tells the server as her Brussels sprouts and mac and cheese are served.
The Daily Press & Argus sat down Tuesday with Gilbert at Diamonds Steak and Seafood in Howell. It was moments before she would film a segment to air next week on WDIV in which she and executive chef Adam Merkel would prepare “Melissa Gilbert’s Biscuits and Gravy.”
The item will start appearing on the restaurant’s menu when it begins offering Sunday brunch Oct. 19.
“You could have knocked me over with a feather when Chef Adam asked if they could put my biscuits and gravy on the menu,” she said.
It’s no secret she and Busfield have put their hearts into the community — and telling others about it — since moving to Howell in 2013. Their goal, however, is to ultimately boost Michigan’s economy by establishing a resident equity theater company at The Opera House in Howell.
“There are so many opportunities for things we could do here,” Gilbert said. “It seems limitless.
“We’re having a number of conversations right now about where to start, how to start, when to start.”
Those plans, however, she said, are dependent on whether Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer is elected in November. Gilbert said she and Busfield filmed a public service segment for the Schauer campaign, and she has plans to attend a United Auto Workers rally in Flint this week to support the Howell native.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to get back to our film and television tax incentive package,” she said, not wanting to get too political.
A stronger Michigan film industry would create thousands of jobs, with a “ripple effect” for local businesses in the area, from hotels to dry cleaners, Gilbert said.
Gilbert is currently filming the new show “Secrets & Lies,” for which Busfield is director/executive producer and plays a role. She has also been on “Dancing With the Stars.” She is also an author and has recently released “My Prairie Cookbook.” In addition, Gilbert is a spokeswoman for The Partnership at Drug Free.org.
Busfield, a Lansing-area native, has an honorary doctorate from Michigan State University in addition to other accolades from his entertainment career.
The couple will appear Nov. 28 in Howell’s Fantasy of Lights Parade as grand marshals. Two days later, Gilbert will sign copies of “My Prairie Cookbook” at Carriage House Designs, 119 N. Michigan Ave. in Howell. Shop owner Kim Wilson said it will be the second book signing she’s partnered with the celebrity to host.
“Last time, it brought nearly 1,000 people in town,” Wilson said.
It’s a “happy accident” the couple will make their visibility known in Howell on such a prominent shopping weekend, Gilbert said. Nov. 28 marks Black Friday, and the book signing follows Small Business Saturday.
“My life is a series of little happy accidents,” Gilbert said.
Pat Convery, president of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, said the couple’s community involvement, like their commitment as grand marshals and promotion of downtown businesses, is helping to get the word out about Howell to the rest of the state.
“It really shows their heart is in the community,” she said.
In tune with the WDIV segment, Merkel ran a promotion on the business’ Facebook page in which two lucky winners were able to meet Gilbert and receive a copy of her cookbook Tuesday.
“They’ve been great for Howell,” he said of the celebrity couple.
Fantasy of Lights float applications are available through Nov. 3 at http://www.howell.org.
Those looking to participate in Gilbert’s Nov. 30 book signing will be given a number for their place in line after purchasing the book. To buy “My Prairie Cookbook,” visit Carriage House Designs or call the store at 517-545-3130.
Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Amanda Whitesell at 517-552-2847 or at awhitesell@gannett.com. Follow her @MandyWhitesell on Twitter.