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Thursday, July 1, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
Regional Report
Local Red Cross holds 33rd annual swimming fund-raiser The Washtenaw County Red Cross’s 33rd annual Swim-A-Cross Plus kicked off the season with events at Georgetown Country Club (GTCC), Barton Hills Country Club (BHCC), Chelsea Aquatics Club (CAC), and Saline Swim Team (SST) last week. The program is a series of fundraisers hosted at pools and golf courses across the county through the middle of August. All proceeds will support local disaster relief efforts in Washtenaw County. The first Swim-A-Cross event of the week was held at GTCC, on June 22, where both participation and pledges increased. “Red Cross was thrilled to see their numbers increase over 50 percent and the families at GTCC took pride in setting the bar high by for this fundraiser,” Swim-ACross Plus Coordinator Mary Kumbier said. The event featured a guest appearance by three-time Olympian and gold medalist Klete Keller, who like many of participants, has been swimming from a young age. Keller was there to encourage and inspire the participants, and to autograph t-shirts that the participants who collected $40 earned. “The participants were proud to have their efforts acknowledged by Klete. His
presence added another level of excitement to the event. It also helped to inspire several athletes to collect additional pledges,” Kumbier said. The event also featured complimentary Jimmy John’s sandwiches available for all participants. GTCC also featured the first Golf-A-Cross on June 21. On June 23, the BHCC coaches Meghan and Maura Donahue, jumped into the pool with their team ready to improve on last year’s numbers. Despite a thunderstorm rolling in during the last 15 minutes of the event, the team was still able to raise 57 percent more than last season, with two participants raising over $400 for local disaster relief. Keller also appeared for a meet and great with the participants to help inspire them to swim as many lengths as they could. Barry Bagels provided breakfast for the hard working swimmers as well as the Red Cross volunteers. “The coaches participation in the event inspired the swimmers to greater lengths and added another dimension of fun for BHCC,” Kumbier said. “They challenged the swimmers to swim a portion of their workout and promised a prize for those to did it.” CAC opened its pool doors at 8 a.m. on June 24 ready
partake in their first SwimA-Cross. “It was our first time participating in the SwimA-Cross. We had a descent turn out and the kids who came raised lots of money. It was such a great experience that we are already planning on setting the bar higher for next year,” CAC coach Andrew Thomson said. Most of the participants were able to swim over 100 lengths, and with Dexter Bakery donuts keeping them energized. On June 25, SST held their Swim-A-Cross, and increased their pledges above last year. Many of the participants were excited about the event and are still collecting more pledges to add to the team’s total. “Participants at SST enjoyed the open practice, snacks from Dexter Bakery, beverages from Fuze, meeting and talking with Klete and trying on his gold medal.” Kumbier said. “It was a great first week with a variety of local sponsors and teams all working together for the same goal. Folks in Washtenaw County have recently seen first hand the need for local disaster relief and were very generous.” For more Swim-ACross Plus details, visit the American Red Cross – Washtenaw County Web site at www.wc-redcross.org.
With hard work and dedication, the Saline 12U Volleyball Club placed 3rd at States this past June. Many skills and goals were accomplished over the season, and I am very proud of them all - Coach Jenna Top (left to right): Sarah L., Lou F., Hannah T., Jordan G., Micki C. Bottom (left to right): Emily K., Laila H., Elizabeth S., Taelor Y., Charlotte T., Missing: Lizzie K.
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY IOTT INSURANCE
Kristina Zalewski
Mark Sheridan
Saline’s Kristina Zalewski had a breakout year for the Hornets’ softball program this season. The freshman phenom was a tower of power from the circle this year for Saline. The ace of the Hornet staff, Zalewski was a force in her first varsity season finishing with an impressive 1.92 earned run average and 233 strikeouts. At the plate, she batted .303.
Saline’s Mark Sheridan had a season to remember on the diamond for the Hornets’ baseball team. The senior catcher was a steady presence behind the plate this year for the Hornets. A rugged performer, Sheridan was the field general for Saline proving a strong player on both defense and offense for Saline. Behind Sheridan’s leadership, the Hornets finished as Division 1 state runner-up this season.
SPOTLIGHT on Saline Directory Businesses
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debbiesellshomes.net 1020 E. Michigan Ave., Saline
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• Betsy’s Photography • Metzger’s Restaurant • Herkimer Radio • Carroll-Ochs Jewelers • Sleep Inn & Suites • Comfort Inn & Suites • EXO Salon
EBY ENTERPRISES PAINTING (734)
529-9066
Interior Painting • Drywall Repair • Texturing High Window & Ceiling Cleaning