Spring Has Sprung Issue

FREE

Spring 2011

Bring on

Spring!

Making Sweet Music

Bill Brown and the band Side Kicks find lemons turn sweet!

A Day In The Life

Oakview Elementary talks up its teachers & staff

PLUS: Business Spotlight with PKSA Karate, all of you favorite columnists Gallery Talk and so much more!

See local. Do local. Be local.

www.stjohnslocale.com

6SHFLDOL]HG &DUH 6HUYLFHV LQFOXGLQJ SURJUDPV GHVLJQHG WR FDUH IRU UHVLGHQWV ZLWK YDULRXV OHYHOV RI GHPHQWLD $O]KHLPHU V GLVHDVH 3DUNLQVRQ V GLVHDVH +XQWLQJWRQ V GLVHDVH DV ZHOO DV +RVSLFH &DUH ‡ 6SDFLRXV SULYDWH DSDUWPHQWV VXLWHV ‡ &RPSOHWH DVVLVWDQFH ZLWK GDLO\ OLYLQJ ‡ KRXU D GD\ VWDfILQJ ‡ 0HGLFDWLRQ DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ ‡ 3K\VLFDO RFFXSDWLRQDO DQG VSHHFK WKHUDS\ ‡ 6SHFLDOL]HG PHPRU\ FDUH ZLQJ ‡ 0HDOV DQG VQDFNV LQFOXGHG ‡ +RXVHNHHSLQJ ODXQGU\ ‡ 3HWV ZHOFRPH

Grace Haven assisted living

1507 Glastonbury Dr 6W -RKQV 0, ‡ /HLVXUH /LYLQJ 0DQDJHG &RPPXQLWLHV ‡ ZZZ OHLVXUH OLYLQJ FRP 2XU SXUSRVH LV WR KRQRU *RG E\ SURYLGLQJ KLJK TXDOLW\ VHQLRU OLIHVW\OH VHUYLFHV WKDW SURPRWH WKH YDOXH GLJQLW\ RI HYHU\ SHUVRQ

We

Gentle Dental Care For the entire family!

If you are tired of paying high co-pays because your dentist does not participate come in and try us!! We participate with DELTA DENTAL, MET-LIFE, AND DENTAMAX. New patients and emergencies welcome.

FOHDQLQJV FRVPHWLF GHQWLVWU\ FURZQV EULGJHV H[WUDFWLRQV SDUWLDOV GHQWXUHV URRW FDQDO WKHUDS\

State Street Family Dental

989.227.1858

6 6FRWW 5G 6W -RKQV FRUQHU RI 6FRWW 6WDWH 6W

Kids!

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

Sometimes, it just takes a professional.

Last year, my father offered to me an opportunity. As I explained to dear old dad that I wanted to buy his pickup truck to replace an

drove to the campsite promptly the next morning and took my worries away. Sometimes, it just takes a professional. The good news? I did find the

expired lease, he promptly informed he would gladly sell his truck - as long as I bought his fifth wheel camper. After consulting with my better half, I decided we would buy (Did you catch that? Yes, I think you did). After all, I spent my youth “RV-ing”.

perfect long term spot for my cute little camper, right by the lake, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m convinced if I hadn’t taken it upon myself to take a chance and risk failing - I never would have found such a wonderful little slice of heaven - even if it

How hard could it be? So as the saying goes, what Lola wants, Lola gets.

Dad soon taught me the finer points of sliding hitches, wide turns and black water holding tanks.

Before long, I felt ready to roll. I set off on a sunny

meant getting some help.

Starting any business is a very similar scenario.

There is a plan, and there is a vision. You are convinced you can do anything. However, the wide world of advertising and marketing can leave

afternoon, headed for Pioneer Park near the shore of Lake Michigan. I hitched that baby up myself and away I went with my two kids and two dogs.

Note: my mother thought I was

a business owner with a sense of insecurity, and a big dent in the checkbook. Sometimes you just need to consult a professional. Here at Locale, we don’t simply produce a magazine. We can devise an advertising plan that gets results. Any smart plan

crazy. We arrived as the sun began to set only to find the park was full.

After being directed to a smaller camp just north, we pulled up, in the dark, to a non-pull through site

involves much more than a simple ad. A smart plan will utilize all media outlets, along with consistent messaging; gaining more traffic, more followers and more money in your pocket. You have a business to run - wouldn’t it be nice to have some

with two friendly neighbors, beer in hand, ready to help navigate.

An hour later, I unhitched.

Shockingly, I pulled the stabilizer jack off its block, then broke the

help?

Once again I will be headed over to my little slice of heaven to open up for the new season. My Dad will be waiting to assist me if and when I need.

It feels good to let go and get help when I need it.

door key off in the utility compartment and dented the cab - all by midnight. I then climbed in my cold, cock-eyed camper, exhausted. I grabbed my cell phone and on the

I hope you will think of Locale when you need help with a media plan. I’m confident we can help you feel comfortable and take the worry out of advertising. Sometimes it just takes a professional.

Until next time, ENJOY!

verge of tears, made a call. “Hello, Dad?” He

In this issue:

4

6 Making Sweet Music

10 A Day in the Life

Bill Brown takes life’s lemons and blends

Oakview Elementary’s own Lisa Soros talks

them into beautiful local music.

up teachers and life at school.

14 The Transformation of Monica

Our new weight loss blogette and columnist talks about doing things just right.

26 Business Spotlight: PKSA Karate Read about how this local business is inspiring families minds, bodies and souls.

COVERSHOT Chief Camping Queen Laurie Oakwood-Bishop Chief Financial Officer Rick Vining Advertising Manager Robert “Bing” Crosby Marketing Manager Cammi Robinson Office Manager Jacqie Vining Graphic Artist Megan Priess Photography Jim Oakwood Brian Bishop

Contributors: Jerry Pociask Mike Meuhlenbeck Ron Huard Sue Caroll Monica Stump-Thayer Barry Bauer Kathy Campbell

Published by Locale Media Company Spring 2011 Photo submitted by Cammi Robinson Just happy to be here - featuring Jayda

Our advertisers make this publication possible. We graciously thank them for their continued support. We know our dedicated readers love Locale.

Please tell our advertisers you saw their ad in Locale Magazine so we may continue to bring you the best, beautiful and heart warming stories of our favorite hometown.

St. Johns Locale Magazine is published by Locale Media Company, LLC © 2009. All rights reserved.

Reproduction, whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.

Contact our office at 517.614.4189 or email us at stjohnslocale@gmail.com.

5

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

FAMILIAR SETTING- Bill Brown is caught by the camera during an appearance of Side Kicks. He has committed to memory over 1,300 songs – enough for a long evening’s entertainment!

Making Sweet Music Written by Ron Huard Photography by Barry Bauer

6

If you’re into adages you know what to do when dealt a lemon. If not, ask Bill Brown. He’s been sipping from a pitcher he blended in 1973 which has turned out to be a most inspirational blend.

When adversity strikes, moving forward with a positive effort may be a daunting task, but Bill is a stirring example of what an optimistic approach can lead to following a dreadful experience.

Over the years, Bill Brown and Harvey Evans, performing as The Side Kicks, have appeared throughout mid-Michigan and in adjoining states.

Bill’s entry into entertainment came about as a result of a personal injury accident which drew him to the use of the guitar as a form of therapy.

Through the years, he has led two bands and the groups have never been reluctant to contribute their time to charity or at fund raisers designed to assist others.

While the original accident inspired Bill to return to music, he later received another setback when his wife, Charlene, was diagnosed with cancer. However, she was, and continues to be, Bill’s strongest supporter.

Despite regular weekly chemo treatments, Charlene has never missed one appearance of The Side Kicks, traveling with the band and even assisting in the set up process.

The positive mindset of the leader of the band is strongly complemented by the leader’s spouse! An admirable duo!

Area residents may know Bill through his many years of appearing with his bands throughout mid-Michigan and venues in nearby states, adding a blend of entertainment, humor and novelty along the way. Almost to the person, however, unknown is the story of how he came to that role even though music has been an attraction since childhood. As a student he

played trombone in the St. Johns High School band under long-time music teacher Walt Cole, who was to become his mentor, providing support and encouragement at a needed time.

Bill’s lemon struck in the form of a dire encounter with a pane of glass that left his right hand virtually useless. Doctors advised that chances were slim the hand would ever function effectively. The loss of mobility and capacity to grasp presented a significant challenge for filling a hollow along life’s path to the future.

Bill returned to music. Not with the trombone, but an instrument that required hand and finger

“It’s part of our make-up,” Bill explained, referring to the Brown-Evans team.

“We’re all in this thing together and we feel that making a contribution is part of our responsibility.”

7

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

dexterity; the guitar. “I thought, with my knowledge of music and the demands of playing a guitar, I could coax the hand into activity,” he said. “That hand wasn’t gonna just hang around!” It was about this time that Cole became an encouraging mentor, Bill explained, lending support and reinforcement to the new undertaking.

And, as they say, the rest is history. In November 1973, about seven months after the unsettling accident, Bill put together a group including Gerald Waldorf, Rick Waldorf and Rory Cooke, dubbed the unit “The Rhythm Riders” and began to take on gigs, all the while developing a style that held together for fourteen years. Then in 1987, following a brief hiatus from the scene, Bill and Harvey Evans teamed up as “Side Kicks.”

The duo continues today.

Side Kicks is not only recognized as an amusingly entertaining and danceable band, but also for their frequent appearances without charge at fund raisers, charitable or non-profit events. “It’s part of our make-up,” Bill explained, referring to the Brown-Evans team. “We’re all in this thing

8

together and we feel that making a contribution is part of our responsibility.”

One of the more recent contributions was the appearance of Side Kicks at the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary’s “Snow Day at the Emerald” this past January. The event is an annual fund raiser for the Auxiliary featuring indoor/outdoor activities along with an evening of food, fun and games. According to Kathie Clock, chair, the band was most willing to participate in the fund raiser without charge. “It was the third year the group responded to our request,” Ms Clock stated, “and their appearance was important to the success of the occasion. We are most grateful.”

Side Kicks not only enhance the spirit of a social gathering, but by its willingness to contribute, leaves an indelible impression on the heart of the community.

This article submitted on behalf of Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary in appreciation to the band Side Kicks for its contributions not only to the Auxiliary but to many community contributions.

{

Shout Out

Kiwanis Openlander Scholarship makes a difference.

In a continuing memorial to Dr. Stuart Openlander, St. Johns Kiwanis has announced the awarding of three $1,500 scholarships. It is the 20th consecutive year the club has awarded the Openlander grants. The scholarships, designed for a select group of students attending St. Johns High School and home school programs, was named in honor of Dr. Openlander for his particular interest in scholars who exerted special efforts to achieve. Over the years, 53 students have been granted this special recognition.

According to Kiwanian Laura Mullaney, scholarship chair, applicants are asked to complete a short essay on how community service has been an inspiring endeavor and how that experience will be used in the future.

The awarding process involves a select committee of St. Johns Kiwanis members which reviews all applications. Recipients are determined through the review procedure and the names of those selected will be announced in late May and notified by school officials.

Dr. Openlander was a long-time educator and founder of the St. Johns Kiwanis club. His interest in students who overcame academic challenges was inspirational to the origin of the scholarship. The merit of that attention provided stimulus for the St. Johns Kiwanis Club to honor his memory with this unique form of student recognition.

9

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

Oakview Elementary: Day in the Life

A new continuing series from Lisa Soros.

Public schools. They’re very much in the news today. And it’s not good news, either.

“Michigan school districts are scrambling to develop budget plans in response to [Governor Rick] Snyder’s proposal, which cuts about $1 billion in K-12 funding.” (Kalamazoo Gazette)

Teachers. Support staff. Counselors.

Secretaries. Speech therapists. Parent and grandparent volunteers. Custodians.

Principals. We all play a role in your child’s day.

Join me each issue of Locale as we spend a “Day in the Life” of a school employee.

But I am not going to tackle the issues of Learn what really goes on behind closed funding cuts, class sizes, health insurance doors. Get an inside look at one elementary and pensions. Those issues are better left to school in particular: Oakview South. Read those more qualified. about our fitness and gardening clubs. Our school-wide positive behavior No, this space is meant to be uplifting. extravaganzas held throughout the year.

Enlightening. And pardon my choice of Fifth graders who raised over $600 for words, but educational.

Capital Area Humane Society in lieu of a Christmas party. Third graders who annually What do you really know about your perform in their very own “Nutcracker” play. child’s school? Do you know what was You will also meet Mr. B, GG, Mr. Bertoldi, served for lunch today? Or what was taught Olga, and many more of our incredible about history? What book is your son’s volunteers, who bring their own special teacher reading in class? Did your zing to the classroom.

daughter practice Public education. enunciating in speech this morning? What songs are We are all ”Often, when I students singing in music members of the am reading a class? Which artist are they same team. And learning to appreciate? it’s a great team good book, I to be on. stop and thank

my teacher.”

- Anonymous

For more information about Oakview South Elementary as well as photos, check out our Facebook page!

10

E

Back dge tanning  and  hair  salon 6RXWKSRLQW 0DOO ‡ 6W -RKQV 0L ‡ Call  today  for  your  appointment!

Mother’s Day

Specials

going on now at Back Edge!

Â&#x2039; <USPTP[LK 9LK 3PNO[ ;OLYHW` 6UL 4VU[O 653@ Â&#x2039; >L TH[JO JVTWL[P[VYZ WYPJLZ Â&#x2039; 5,> 3L]LS :[HUK <WZ Â&#x2039; )PY[OKH` :WLJPHSZ

New Faster BULBS!

11

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

The Wizard of Oz: the twentieth century favorite.

Since its publication in September 1900, L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has become America's greatest and best-loved homegrown fairytale. The first totally American fantasy for children, it is one of the mostread children's books. It has also engendered a long series of sequels, stage plays and musicals, movies and television shows, biographies of Baum, scholarly studies of the significance of the book and film, advertisements, and toys, games, and other Ozrelated products.

The Oz story has become a classic because it blends elements of traditional magic, such as witches, with ones from early twentieth-century American reality, such as a Kansas cyclone, a scarecrow, and a man made of tin. And, despite its many particularly American attributes, including a wizard from Omaha, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has universal appeal, demonstrated by numerous non-American translations and dramatizations.

Although the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film is the best-known dramatization of the Wizard of Oz, it was not the first production. In June 1902, an extravagantly mounted stage version opened in Chicago to great critical acclaim. The 1903 New York production became one of the greatest successes in Broadway history at that time and continued as a road-show for another decade.

Joe Dershem (Cowardly Lion) and Nick Stahl (Tinman) take a moment to ham it up for the Locale camera before the SJMS production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wizard of Ozâ&#x20AC;?

The first commercial films were four one-reel silent films produced in 1910 by the Selig Polyscope Company and based on the Wizard and some other Oz books.

In 1914, Baum founded a Hollywood film company. Its five silent features and a few short subjects based on Baum's stories were not successful, and the studio closed in 1915. In 1925, Chadwick Pictures released a silent version of the Wizard,, which took great liberties with the book's plot and was also a box-office failure.

Next came the 1939 version, a rare instance in which a great book became a great film. Because of its many television showings between 1956 and 1974, it has been seen by more viewers than any other movie. In a recent People Magazine poll, it was chosen as the favorite movie of the twentieth century.

Later Oz-related dramatizations include The Wiz (1975 and 1978), the Royal Shakespeare Company's 1987 stage production, an animated Japanese version (1982), Disney's Return to Oz (1985), and David Lynch's Wild at Heart (1990).

From Library of Congress website

12

Type to enter text

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S S J M S !

13

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

Not too fast and not too slow Second entry in the series: The Transformation of Monica.

The journey of a lifetime was set in motion. So it began, my love/hate relationship with the treadmill. I was surprised at how good I felt after those 20 minutes of walking. It felt amazing! How could exercise feel so good? I was literally excited for the next time I could workout. I continued walking for 20 minutes every morning for about another week, and still had the desire and drive to do more. I decided I was going to start running on the treadmill. I ran Cross Country in high school, so I knew I had it “in me” to do this. It’s been 24 years since then. I also knew that I had to take it easy at first. I had to remember that I was 40 years old now and not 15 anymore.

I was thoroughly enjoying the feeling running was giving me. Running gave me a sense of accomplishment. It gave me more energy than I’ve experienced in a long time. It gave balance to my life. I will be the first to admit running, at first, wasn’t something I enjoyed as much in High School.

I started out slow. I ran minutes at first; and as time wore on, I found myself running miles. Who knew at that moment how many actual miles I could run. That would come later. I ran a set time or distance I had determined in my head prior to starting. My mind has become one of my driving factors, but also my worst enemy depending on the perspective. Ha! Ha! What I found in myself is a strong drive and

14

determination to do my entire weight loss journey - and I kept with it! I guess it could be I’ve always been a little stubborn. Weight loss had to be on my own terms and not determined by any other person in my life. I tried a weight loss group, but it just didn’t work for me. I suppose I was not in the right frame of mind for results. I was in denial.

And, I was still waiting for that miracle pill…

I even explored the possibly of seeing someone to discuss gastric bypass surgery. However, I found that I did not meet the criteria of health related issues from obesity. I had a high BMI (body mass index) and borderline high cholesterol, but other related criteria and factors did not exist in my case. I decided gastric bypass was not the best alternative for my situation.

By this point, in my quest to get healthy, I discussed with my family doctor “the infamous number” that I was going to get to… my goal weight. I was looking to lose around 95 pounds to get to my goal. I asked my doctor’s staff if I could use their scales to weigh-in monthly. You see, I didn’t own a scale, but I needed to have accountability. I kept track of everything for myself. I was trying to make it as “stress free” as possible on me!

At last, I was starting to lose weight - and it was coming off at the right pace! Not too slow and not too fast. Just right. I really wanted this to work more than anything. Failure was NOT an option.

Some people knew, and at this point, I didn’t want to fail in front of them, either. My goal was to become healthier and to feel better about myself emotionally and physically. However, I didn’t realize how different things would be during the whole process. More on that next time.

Stay tuned.

Submitted and written by Monica Stump-Thayer Follow Monica on her blogspot! http://monica-justasmalltowngirl.blogspot.com/

5 Great Digital Ways To Be Habit Healthy Building healthy habits can be tough work. Here are some tools to enable you to GET MOTIVATED, make developing habits SIMPLE TO DO, and give you the proper TRIGGERS to help you remember to do them every day.

1. trackyourhappiness.org The site allows you to sign up for a service that randomly prompts you to reflect and answer a quick SMS or email survey about your happiness level at that moment.

After about 50 evaluations, you are given a personal report of various factors affecting your happiness. The report/self reflection can motivate you figure out what stressful aspects of your life you might want to change.

Happy is healthy. Habit: self reflection.

2. The Proactive Sleep App. Sleep is your best friend. And, drowsiness is RED ALERT! Fortunately, for those people who want to get the most out of what little sleep they can get, there is Proactive Sleep. This is an application that gives you personalized information on your sleep habits and is designed to promote behaviors related to getting a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep. This app works because it continuously assesses and facilitates your desired sleep behavior with appropriate triggers (e.g. timed alarms, vigilance game upon waking to assess drowsiness, sleep diary, etc) Habit: healthy sleep.

Feel the Love!

QH JQOGOGCFG IQQFPGUU

Daily Lunch 5RGEKCNU

Call ahead HQT VCMGQWVU

Shirley Henning Owner

only at the

G POST HITCHIN 0QTVJ 75 CV (TGPEJ 4F Â&#x2020; 5V ,QJPU

'BTU FBTZ DPOWFOJFOU

Send your packages TODAY! 614 t 'FE &Y t 6414

3. Get Viral. Go RSS. Laughter is the best medicine. It helps relieve stress and boosts your immune system. Getting an automatic feed of funny viral videos is the perfect signal trigger since you are already motivated (to procrastinate by watching hilarious stuff) and the behavior is simple to do with the click of a button. Habit: laughing every day.

4. Share on Facebook.

Checking Facebook has become THE ultimate habit for many of us. Fortunately, sharing your healthy habit forming progress often brings in lots of positive social support. You can get all kinds of support from friends and family by: forming/joining a group, creating/ attending events, updating your status and getting comments/likes, etc. Sharing with others about your goals forces you to hold yourself more accountable and provides you with positive reinforcement. In addition, tying in aspects of a new habit (e.g. logging running activity) with an existing habit helps you trigger the new habit. Habit: healthy support.

5. Vivecoach.com Vive coach is a free online service that lets you make â&#x20AC;&#x153;game plansâ&#x20AC;? and set your own SMS or email reminders.

This works because it makes it easy for you to develop plans, track progress, and set your own triggers!

From habits.standford.edu

15

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

WORDFIND ALMOND BANANA BLUEBERRY BUTTER PECAN CHERRY CHOCOLATE CINNAMON COOKIE DOUGH HAZELNUT LICORICE MAPLE WALNUT NEAPOLITAN PEACH PISTACHIO PUMPKIN ROCKY ROAD STRAWBERRY VANILLA

Shaggie’s for healthy choices? You bet!

Shaggie’s is on the bandwagon with health conscious choices. We feature Frace', a soft serve ice cream substitute product that has only 40 calories per serving, and zero fat! It is suitable for weight watching people, diabetics, and those that are lactose intolerant! Of course, we have always offered 5 delightful salads, such as our most popular Michigan salad, with lettuce, dried cherries, sun flower seeds, apples and other tasty ingredients. We suggest Kens Raspberry fat free dressing, or Sweet Vadalia Onion Lite fat free dressing.

This puzzle page is sponsored by Shaggie’s! Home of the 16

$4 LUNCH!

SUDOKUMAZE

Studies have shown the sort of exercise which the brain gets from logic puzzles can help to stop memory decline, make you smarter and perhaps even halt the progress of Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease so grab your pen or pencil and GO FOR IT! The object of Sudoku is to fill the other empty cells with numbers between 1 and 9 (1 number only in each cell) according to the following guidelines: numbers can appear only once on each row, numbers can appear only once on each column, and numbers can appear only once on each region.

Mad Gabs!

Mad Gabs/Whatcha Sayin? are fun for a group game or ice breaker - or just fun to figure out on your own. They are a group of words, that at first glance and first saying don't make sense... but say them SLOWLY and LISTEN to what you hear to figure out what the phrase is. Example: Common Firm Their Rain = Come In From The Rain

1. Dawn Bees Hose Hilly 2. Dawn Bill Eight 3. Dawn Buried Hick Yule Us 4. Dawn Jury Member 5. Dawn Tall Quit Chore Mile Full

Mad Gab Answers: 1. Don't Be So Silly 2. Don't Be Late 3. Don't Be Ridiculous 4. Don't You Remember 5. Don't Talk with Your Mouth Full

17

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

WORK OUT AT THE HABITAT RESTORE AND SAVE THAT GYM MEMBERSHIP ! Get a great work out, work with great people, and do something great for your community. Support Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County in its mission of providing decent, affordable homes to those living in inadequate housing while encouraging your neighbors to recycle, reuse, and repurpose.

The Habitat ReStore in St. Johns receives donations of new and used household and building materials and sells these items at deeply discounted prices, with the proceeds supporting the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County. The ReStore has an ongoing

18

need for volunteers to assist in Habitat’s mission by providing customer service, cleaning and organizing merchandise, answering phones, placing merchandise onto the sales floor, helping run the cash register, assisting with the pick up of donations and delivery of sold merchandise, and much more! Partial or full day shifts are available Tuesday through Saturday for as little as 4 hours per shift. ReStore volunteers may commit to once a week, once every two weeks, or once a month.

If you’re done with the winter doldrums and are looking for an exciting, revitalizing, and rewarding change of pace, if you have a desire to get to know your community better, if you’re seeking an opportunity to give back and pay it forward, you can begin to “restore” yourself by volunteering at the ReStore.

Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends.

From Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County

15

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

With a little help from my friends.

I operate under a specific premise as a “life coach” where I believe EVERYONE contains GREATNESS. By seeing that greatness we achieve and overcome anything we wish in our lives. My reward is the smile on a person’s face or that “aha” moment they get when they understand.

My least reward is my own frustration. When I cannot help another understand how incredibly wonderful and powerful they are, it frustrates me to no end.

I should have exemplified, they demonstrated the compassion I should have demonstrated, and taught me another lesson. Again, a thanks to another dear friend.

Yet, as the saying goes, “when the student is ready the teacher appears.” These past few weeks I have been the student and a few people in my life appeared as my teachers. They demonstrated love and compassion and their own willingness to give me space and time to “see.”

Let’s go back to what I said at the beginning, I believe EVERYONE contains GREATNESS. What Coelho is saying is we must see ourselves as great then lovingly nurture ourselves; to grow and be who we are. Try to see it this way. In the Law of Physics or in the study of creation, we accept certain laws as irrefutable. We accept natural principles and never question outcomes. We plant a kernel of corn knowing if watered and nurtured, it will grow into a beautiful and wondrous stalk, supplying hundreds of more kernels.

My first lesson was simple. “Let go and let God.” Perhaps five of the most powerful words I could have heard. For those who know me, they understand…for those of you who don’t, letting go of any sort of control and not making things happen is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks for me to learn. Last month I wrote about living in an easy world; I get that. Life is supposed to be easy, but “getting it” and living it are two different things.

This time I had no choice. Letting go and letting God was handed to me on a silver platter. No way could I ignore the advice. Thank a dear friend of mine for being my teacher that day, My second lesson came with an exchange of words where I fell back into old ways and argued vehemently to be right. Now, being naturally an “alpha male” I have faced many lessons. Yet once in awhile I easily slip back into the role of “alpha” and decide I am right. Once again, I was wrong. My perceptions, my wishes dreams and goals I was attempting to impose on another were mine; not theirs, but mine. I never even had the courtesy, let alone the common sense to shut up and listen, so hell-bent I was on my being right.

As I continued to rant, this person sat quietly listening, smiling and nodding until I exhausted any possibility. However, they exemplified the courtesy

20

Lesson number three comes out of this quote by Paulo Coelho, “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”

Isn’t it true? Haven’t you done this in some way shape or form; i.e. accepted outcomes based on belief and faith? Have you not put any seed in the ground knowing with some sun and water you will have incredible results? So why do you not see yourself in this way? Who told you that a kernel of corn has more value, more ability, more beauty and even more love than you? The answer: YOU DID! Now let me plant a seed in your mind to love and nurture, water and till, to watch grow in wonder and amazement until you see it’s greatness… it is the seed of humankind. The seed of greatness in all you do. There is nothing about you that isn’t wonderful and great. No matter what you do, you do with passions unsurpassed by anyone else… and the outcome is yours. Yours alone.

Jerry Pociask is a professional Life Coach and writer. If you have any questions regarding personal problems, relationships, employment or health, please send your confidential questions to Jerry@LifeManagementLL.com . Any questions published by the St. Johns Locale will NOT include any original names and strictest confidentiality will be adhered to.

See Local. Do Local. Be Local. Tell them you saw their ad in the only truly local publication - Locale.

Fast & Dependable Collision Repair

we work with your insurance

loaners available 989.224.7066

224-2311 www.ryansroadhouse.com

50c wings!

All day ! Every day!

Wednesday Night

Happy Hour Daily All day Specials!

We deliver!

Sunday!

989.224.2550

TRIVIA! 7:30 - 9:30pm

Proud sponsor of Habitat for Humanity Blessing of the Bikes Â&#x152; 5W\b +W]V\a 8IZS

21

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

Score

Kiwanians support Little League

}

Play Ball!- The St. Johns Kiwanis Club scored a double recently by donating $500 to sponsor two teams in the St. Johns Youth Baseball Association Little League. Mistie McKane, below right, accepted the grant from Rhoda Hacker, co-chair of Kiwanis Youth Services Committee. In comments to Kiwanians, Ms McKane explained that the number of teams participating in this year’s schedule should be in the 45-50 range. Last year, the league operated a 48 team schedule. The grant represents ongoing support the club has shown for this community program.

22

{Learn

Briggs Library Foundation sponsors info on MSU’s Cyclotron

You’ve read about it, seen pictures published on its operation, but do you really know what the Michigan State University’s cyclotron does?

Or what role it plays in the mid-Michigan economy? The sixth annual “Honors and Authors Night,” sponsored by Briggs Library Foundation, took a turn into a new area when the featured speaker, Mike Youngs, an MSU graduate student, discussed the purpose and regional impact of the fascinating cyclotron. The special evening was held at the Emerald golf course. “Interest in the cyclotron prompted us to add it to our list of topics for the Honors and Authors Night schedule,” explained John Sirrine, Foundation president.

Information on new upcoming events may be obtained from any Foundation member or contacting Sirrine at 224-2853.

23

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

GALLERY TALK ARTS COUNCIL NEWS Works in Forged Steel Featured at Art Gallery

The weather may not be cooperating, but spring is in the air at Clinton County Arts Council’s Gallery and events and activities at the location reflect the new season.

The customary first Sunday of the month event for May is not only the first Sunday but also the first day of the new month and a particularly interesting attraction will be featured. Douglas Thayer, an artist who works with

These and the many other activities of the Arts

forged steel, will

Council are made possible through a cooperative

display some of his

funding base involving membership dues, local

works along with

contributions and support from the partnership of

discussions of how

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and

they were

the National Endowment for the Arts.

created. The intricate and

REFRESHMENT TRAYS- Linda Ruehle, seated, was

interesting items

the featured artist during the Clinton County Arts

include

Council’s Gallery open house Sunday April 3. Ms

candlesticks and

Ruehle’s pieces in pottery have been displayed

napkin rings on a

at the Gallery on numerous occasions, but her

smaller scale,

work during the Sunday event had special

while larger

significance. She created a number of trays that

examples include

will be used to serve refreshments during future

tables, vessels,

events held at the Gallery. Assisting with

boxes and

imprinting designs in the new pieces are Susan

fireplace sets.

McGuire, left, and Sue Newcom. The Sunday

Thayer’s visit is

open house was sponsored by Sirrine and

sponsored by Dr. Robert and Jan Myers and will

Associates locally. Additional support for all

run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. May 1. Refreshments will

Council activities comes from various grants from

be served.

the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs,

a partner agency of the National Endowment for

Meanwhile, residents of Clinton Commons were

the Arts.

treated to a recent visit by Mary Ellen Darnell who discussed the delicate art of Ukranian egg decorating. Ms Darnell has shown her creations

to 5:30p and Saturday 10a to 2p. The Gallery is

at the Gallery and samples of her works will be on

closed on Monday.

display during the first Sunday event.

24

Gallery hours are, Tuesday through Friday, 10a

STUDENT ARTWORKS The monthly First Sunday Open House at Clinton County Arts Council’s Gallery March 5th featured the works of students from around Clinton County. This group of St. Johns High School students shared attention during the event while displaying their works, including crafts and paintings. From left, Mackenzie Graff, Caitlyn Theis, Emily Fedewa,

Additional information on the Gallery or

Kaitlyn Bashore, Elani Sample, Margo

Council operations may be secured by calling

Thelen and Trisha Cheeney.

989 224-2429. Michael Muehlenbeck, Director.

25

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: PKSA Karate encourages families to get healthy and fit together!

Who is PKSA? Eric and Susan Swanson own and operate the PKSA – St Johns school under Master Richard Collins, the President and Founder of PKSA, a 6th degree black belt with over 40 years of Martial Arts training. Eric is the head instructor for the school and Susan manages the school.

They are passionate about their students and their training. “We strive to be positive role models and give our students a positive outlook on life.”

What do they teach? Traditional Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan, the core curriculum consists of Forms, Self Defense, Stranger Awareness, and Sparring. PKSA teaches their students the skills necessary to not only defend themselves and their loved ones, but those that are often lost to today’s society, like discipline and respect. PKSA Karate has classes where the whole family can come and train together. They also offer programs in Cardio Kickboxing and morning Strength Training. Their students, youth and adult alike, gain self confidence through their training in Tang Soo Do. They develop the strengths necessary to better themselves at school, work, home, and in the community. They are warriors and yet they are servants.

What is PKSA? Professional Karate Schools of America (PKSA) in downtown St. Johns, is a part of a large organization, over 24 schools in Michigan alone. They are the largest Martial Arts organization in the state. Sometimes referred to as the “Harvard of Martial Arts training”, PKSA is dedicated to providing the very best in traditional Tang Soo Do. PKSA Karate was established many years ago with a mission to put the organization at the top of the industry.

With the systematic and professional approach, they can ensure the quality of the students and remain flexible so the art is current and up-to-date in this ever changing

26

society. Just read about these great family experiences!

From The Welch Family: “Our family has been involved with PKSA Karate since June of 2010. Although it seems like a short period of time, it has changed our lives.

Our children are much more confident in themselves, it has challenged them to try new things. We love that we can be involved as a family. We have met other great families that we now consider friends. We are so thankful to have this wonderful organization in St. Johns.”

From The Garcia Family: “My husband & I decided to join as a family, because what else can you do with your kids like this? You can't get out on the soccer field with them, you can't get out on the basketball court with them? But you can get out on the mat & learn Karate with them!! It is an amazing family experience! We have truly enjoyed doing this as a family. And with not only spending more time together has a family, we have gained our "Karate Family". We have met so many amazing people & families that we would have never met, which of course includes our amazing instructor, Mr. Swanson. I could not ask for a more patient, positive, influential person. In this day & age that we live in - where it seems like everything and everyone is negative & impatient - it is very nice to go someplace where you walk in the door, you know that the stress of the day will leave you not only by the are of what you are going to learn but by the new family you have gained.”

PKSA Masters are all internationally certified and are held at the highest of standards. They must all continue to train and re-certify to ensure they can bring the very best to students.

They also offer: • Women’s Self Defense (Barracuda) – A tiered self defense program for women 14 and up that focuses on simple defenses to help you get out.

• Defense and Tactics – Geared toward law enforcement, military and security persons, this program deals with a multitude of defense scenarios.

• Executive Protection/Security At PKSA Karate, they believe that all of their students should be involved in school and community organization. This will help them to make new like-minded friends. As parents, we know how crucial it is for children to be involved

in positive, nurturing activities with people who can put a positive impression on their life.

From Liz Pearson: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where can you go in St Johns as a family and participate with your children for such a low cost? PKSA Karate is where my family spends our evenings. My son has been a student since June 2010. At this time he is a green belt and on the Demo Team. He has gained so much self confidence, self-control, self esteem and great friendships through karate. I joined in September of 2010 and now am an orange belt. Karate is a great stress reliever and great exercise. I have gained a lot of self confidence as well and enjoy going to karate to visit with our Karate Family.â&#x20AC;?

Your journey to Black Belt begins hereâ&#x20AC;Ś PKSA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St. Johns.

Hearing Starts Here.

Do you need to ask people to repeat themselves?

Do you turn up the TV louder than others to hear it?

Do you have to strain to understand conversations?

See our website for our hearing aid surveys,videos, articles, hearing info, maps & MORE!

www.AdvancedAudiologyDewitt.com

Dr. Linda K. Wright AuD., CCC-­A

(VFDQDED 'ULYH 6XLWH Â&#x2021; 'H:LWW 0,

27

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011 Superintendentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message: St Johns Public Schools continues on with an inspiring legacy of excellence. It has been a long winter this year but it was hot in the gymnasiums, auditoriums and swimming pools of midMichigan. Our athletes and performers have done us proud once again. The strength of the Redwing tradition lives on with more state and district champions to mark this school year once again. We go into the Spring athletic season and academic competitions with the same energy that has carried us through this winter. Our students continue to move the bar higher in all respects.

Complementing all of this student activity, our community and staff have worked hard this year with the planning process for our high school renovation. There are endless meetings, reports and evaluations that must occur before the first shovel can go into the ground. Yes, there is a middle school roof component and we will never downplay the quality of life expected with our rural elementary parking areas, but the excitement over the high school renovation eclipses all else. It is unfortunate that so much preparation has to go into a major project

A very clear view of the road ahead.

517.224.2900

Just north on Business 27 in St. Johns

Serving our customers for over 20 years!

28

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011 like this as everyone wants to see the project underway.

Phase One demolition and site preparation starts on July 1.

There has also been a lot of not-easily-visible work going on inside and underground with cabling and technology.

This renovation will also add a new competition gymnasium to house tomorrow’s Redwings and also provide a new competition swimming pool. The academic wing will contain seven new science labs with state of the art technology throughout every classroom. This same technology will be installed in every other classroom in St Johns schools as early as this summer.

The St Johns community has placed their confidence in us to build an excellent facility for their children. We are good stewards of public money and we are well on our way to doing it right. It has been a great school year so far. I look forward to another strong ending as we now move into those long, beautiful Michigan spring days.

Go Redwings! - Ken Ladouceur, Superintendent Excert pages taken from the SJHS March Edition of Spotlight Download the full version this month at www.stjohnslocale.com

“Something different.”

“Something different.”

29

LOCALEMAGAZINE SPRING 2011

TAKE IT FROM THE TOP

A series of Interactive Musical Theatre Workshops.

TAKE IT FROM THE TOP, a series of interactive workshops offered through the MSU Federal Credit Union INSTITUTE FOR ARTS AND CREATIVITY at Wharton Center, gives participants – from Pre-Teens to Young Adults and beyond – an opportunity to experience what it is like to be on Broadway.

The workshops are taught by Paul Canaan and a talented team of Broadway professionals from New York City, with connections to such shows as Legally Blonde: The Musical, Adams Family Musical, Wicked, Next To Norma, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, La Cage Aux Follies, Miss Saigon and Thoroughly Modern Millie to name just a few.

TAKE IT FROM THE TOP was developed by (2007) Tony Award nominee and Legally Blonde star Laura Bell Bundy and Broadway star Paul Canaan. “I saw a need to reach out to these aspiring performers and give them a leg up.” Canaan says, "I've always been passionate about musical theatre.

Teaching is an opportunity for me to give back and have a blast doing it.”

Participants learn the craft of musical theatre with basic to advanced skills, industry history and practical content in an exciting, fast-moving, interactive setting.

TAKE IT FROM THE TOP offers participants a chance to experience Broadway with the pros. Learn, work and sharpen your skills in a creative, fun and supportive environment. If you ever wanted to be on a Broadway stage, now is your chance to perform and pick the brains of the people who are doing it!

30

MUSIC / DANCE / THEATRE (MDT) WORKSHOPS: Five day workshop • PRE-TEEN: Ages 10-13 • TEEN: Ages 14-18 • ADVANCED: Ages 15-22 • Monday, July 25 – Thursday, July 28, 2011 ♦ PRE-TEEN ● 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ♦ TEEN ● 2:00 to 5:30 p.m.

• Friday, July 29, 2011 ♦ PRE-TEEN and TEEN ● Noon to 5:30 p.m. rehearsal ♦ 7:00 p.m. recital • Monday, July 25 – Friday, July 29, 2011 ♦ ADVANCED ● 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (lunch 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.)

• Friday, July 29, 2011 ♦ 7:00 p.m. ● recital The workshop will feature an exploration of Broadway music, dance and theatre training culminating in a recital on the final night for family and friends. There will be ample time for questions and discussion throughout the workshop. All workshops are held at Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

Workshop Theatre tickets $295.00. Space is limited; to register, log onto www.whartoncenter.com/takeitfromthetop or call 1-800-WHARTON. For more information call Dana Brazil at Wharton Center: 517-884-3166 or brazilda@msu.edu

31

Right  here.  Right  now.

Right  where  you  need  us.

Great  care  at  Sparrow  Clinton  Hospital.

24  Hours  a  Day, Sparrow  Clinton  Hospital doctors  and  nurses deliver  quality, compassionate  care

We  make  it  easy  to  choose  the  right  emergency  facility: Â&#x2021; %RDUG &HUWLILHG GRFWRUV VSHFLDOO\ WUDLQHG LQ (PHUJHQF\ 0HGLFLQH Â&#x2021; 3URIHVVLRQDO KLJKO\ VNLOOHG FOLQLFDO VWDII Â&#x2021; &RQVLVWHQWO\ KLJK SDWLHQW VDWLVIDFWLRQ UDWLQJV Â&#x2021; $FFHVV WR DOO 6SDUURZ +RVSLWDO UHVRXUFHV LQFOXGLQJ DFFHSWDQFH RI WKH VDPH LQVXUDQFH SODQV

to  every  patient visiting  our Emergency  Department 3UHVV *DQH\ 3DWLHQW VDWLVIDFWLRQ 6XUYH\V

Â&#x2021; 63$552: www.clintonmemorial.org 6 2DNODQG 6W Â&#x2021; 6W -RKQV 0,