9-03-2020 1:14am

VIDEO: Larry Osterling Talks to Joy Ely of Saline's Pineapple House

Larry Osterling is pictured with Pineapple House Owner Joy Ely and Jackie Hardy of the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce.

Larry Osterling, former executive director of the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, sat down with Joy Ely Tuesday to discuss Ely's longtime business, Pineapple House, and her decision to retire.

Ely announced several months ago her plans to close the store and retire - though she plans to keep some aspects of the business alive.

Osterling and Jackie Hardy, the new executive director at the chamber, presented an award of appreciation to Ely Tuesday afternoon.

Osterling and his wife, Carol, and Wally and Cindy MacNeil, of Mac's Acadian Seafood Shack, also presented Ely with a gift card.

Ely and her mother, Janet Swope, founded Pineapple House on North Ann Arbor Street almost 40 years ago. Almost 30 years ago, Joy and her husband Ron bought the building on the northeast corner of the main intersection in town. Since then, Ely and her store have been fixtures in the community. Ely's volunteerism through the chamber, the Saline Downtown Merchants Association, Saline Main Street and other organizations has been honored over the years. She was awarded the Saline Salutes Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Pineapple House was also known for its Christmas sales and seasonal displays.

Check Pineapple House's Facebook Page for hours.

Below is a video of Osterling's conversation with Joy.