New restaurant Milan bluegrass 4-H’ers create opening in former festival coming to chocolate chip Kelly’s building K.C. Campground creations at show See Page 1-B See Page 3-A See Page 8-A
The
Milan News-Leader VOL. 127, NO. 32
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2010 Weave the Web: Make sure to click on www. heritage.com around the clock for in-depth coverage of Washtenaw County. Our “Most Viewed” story this week is “Former Saline athlete Chris King murdered””
17th District Michigan Senate R. Al Bain (R) Randy Richardville (R) Paul Hengy (D) John Spencer (D)
3,437 votes 10,067 votes 1,104 votes 3,533 votes
Check out our videos: ■ Imagining the Arts ■ Sounds and Sights
18th District Michigan Senate John Hochstetler (R) Gary Wellings (R) Pam Byrnes (D) Thomas Partridge (D) Rebekah Warren (D)
■ 4-H Creative Chocolate Chip Contest
6,239 votes 4,107 votes 7,897 votes 422 votes 11,170 votes
■ 4-H Youth Show under way
52nd State House Mark Ouimet (R) Jeff Lee (D) Christine Green (D) Robert Wozniak (D)
unopposed 195 votes 1,761 votes 553 votes
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53rd State House Chase Ingersoll (R) Jeff Irwin (D) Ned Staebler (D)
unopposed 5,035 votes 4,728 votes
Voters have their say
55th State House Frank Chrzanowski (R) Rick Olson (R) Andrew J. Sosnoski (R) Mary Kay Thayer (R) Mike Smith (D)
1,954 votes 3,775 votes 308 votes 1,589 votes unopposed
Campaign signs in Milan line the street near City Hall on Tuesday. While the city of Milan didn’t have any local elections, York Township had a public safety millage on the ballot and there were primary races for Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, state House and state Senate, among other offices.
Washtenaw County Board District 1 Kathy Jane Keinath (R) Rob Turner (R) Eric Borregard (D) Reid McCarthy (D) Adam Zemke (D)
1,552 votes 2,221 votes 282 votes 275 votes 1,310 votes
District 2 Ben H. Colmery III (R) Dan Smith (R) Ken Schwartz (D)
830 votes 2,028 votes unopposed
District 3 Alicia Ping (R)
unopposed
District 4 Robert Van Bemmelen (R) Wesley Prater (D) Rick Roe (D)
291 votes 327 votes unopposed
District 6 David H. Raaflaub (R) Mark Namatevs (D) Ronnie D. Peterson (D)
unopposed 925 votes 1,103 votes
District 7 Sean Gray (R) Kristin F. Judge (D)
unopposed unopposed
*Unofficial election results as of press time. Those names bolded are the winners in each primary and will face off in November.
WHAT’S INSIDE
Community Calendar . . 1-B Commentary . . . . . . . . . . 6-A Deaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-A Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-C
Ordinance requires vendors pay hefty fee to city; City Council to re-evaluate law
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A farmers’ market in Milan appears too cost prohibitive, and the mayor wants to do something about it. Mayor Kym Muckler said she would like to repeal portions of an ordinance that, in part, require anyone selling produce within city limits to pay a hefty fee, get a criminal background check and be fingerprinted. Muckler said the law is only being selectively enforced, and it has forced Original Gravity Brewing Co. owner Brad Sancho to give up on his project of holding a farmers market in Milan this year. Sancho said he started the project on the property of his brewing company in the spring. “We started a market here in May,” Sancho said. “We had a couple of vendors every week –– maybe two or three.” The idea for the market came when Sancho was approached by the owners of Zilke Vegetable Farm about putting one together.
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BRIEFLY... ■ Book Bunch discussion set Monday: Friends of the Milan Public Library will discuss William Faulkner, a Nobel Prize-winning American author, Monday at the Milan Public Library. Faulkner is often cited as one of the most important writers in the history of American literature. The talk, which is open to the public, will be held at 1 p.m. at 151 Wabash St. For more information, call 439-2714 or
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By Steven Howard unopposed 1,110 votes 792 votes
District 5 Daniel K. Benefiel (R) Bill Emmerich (R) Steve L. Lambert (D)
Milan farmers’ market uprooted
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This brewery was the site of the farmers’ market until City Hall found out and began enforcing an ordinance that requires hefty fees. “Just through talking with them, we thought it would be good to start a market,” he said. Sancho said the sellers gathered from 4 to 7 p.m. at the outdoor beer garden portion of his brewery every Thursday before he was notified by the city that he was to stop doing so or get permits. “We got a call on Wednesday and I was on vacation. I told my employee to just pay it, gave PLEASE SEE MARKET/3-A
www.milannews.com visit www.milanlibrary.org. ■ Pancake supper set Aug. 12: Milan Seniors for Healthy Living will hold a pancake supper fundraiser from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Milan Senior and Community Activity Center, 45 Nickel Court. Tickets are $6 or $5 for seniors 60 and older, and for children 5 years and younger. Tickets are available in advance or at the door. The meal includes pancakes, sausage, fruit and beverage. The supper is in advance of the Thursday evening concert at Wilson
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the home page of our Web site or go directly to www. marketplace.micentral.com/ ROP/Categories.aspx.
Someting new: Deals2Click4 is here. Check out www.heritage. com to save on everything from restaurants to roofing.
E-mail: editor@milannews.com Park, featuring Fiddlers ReStrung. For more information, call 503-6229. ■ Local bloggers partner with Heritage Newspapers: Check out contributions from The Milan News-Leader’s community bloggers at www. heritage.com under the “Blogs” section. Among the local blogs are “Education Matters,” “All Politics is Local,” “The Corner Stool,” “Pajama Days,” “April Scarlett Writes,” “Successful Women Weekly” and “The Business Side of IT.”
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Page 2-A
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
s ’ m u i r o p m E t e The P l a u n n 4th A
Ann Arbor & Saline’s Premier Pet Festival
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Show Schedule 11:00 am For Better Independence Service Dog Demonstration 12:00 pm The Creative Conservancy Wildlife Presentation 1:00 pm Equestrian Vaulting Performance By: Sunshine Farm Equestrian Center 2:00 pm Communicating With Your Rescued Pet By: Sunshine Farm Equestrian Center 2:30 pm The Creature Conservancy Wildlife Presentation 3:00 pm Agility Demonstration By Agility Synergy
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Page 3-A
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
Milan Bluegrass Festival set By Steven Howard Heritage Newspapers
The 13th annual Milan Bluegrass Festival will take over the K.C. Campground on Sherman Road Aug. 12 through 14, bringing together 20 worldclass musical acts and an abundance of related fun. Organizer Jim Wilder said his event is unparalleled in the region. “This is the best bluegrass festival in Michigan and the biggest,” he said. “We have as good of talent as anyone.” Nationally known artist Rhonda Vincent will headline the festival. “People would pack the place on a Thursday to see her,” he said. “They would come any day.” Though some performers don’t have the name recognition as Vincent, Wilder said all of the musicians appearing in Milan are top-notch. “I don’t have any bad talent, to be honest with you,” he said. With the quality of the music and sheer number of performers returning, Wilder said people come from far and wide to attend the show.
“It will be crowded,” he said. “They come from everywhere in the country. They even come from Alaska.” Wilder said his festival has even attracted an international following. “I had a group of eight or nine people come from Japan,” he said. “They’ll be a field full of Canadians,” he added. Though the show has a reputation well outside of the immediate area, Wilder said he knows the locals are loyal fans, as well. “Michigan is one of the best sets of bluegrass people in the world,” he said. “They schedule their vacations around it.” Wilder said he took over the Milan bluegrass festival 13 years ago after the event had stopped for a while. “It went for a long time, then it stopped for 11 years,” he said of the time before he revived the festival. Wilder also orchestrates the annual Charlotte Bluegrass Festival and said both are popular because bluegrass music offers listeners something unique.
“It’s just straight forward music,” he said, suggesting the form of the music requires diligent artists. “You can’t cover up the mistakes like you can with, say, country music.” Wilder said the musicians are something else to hear. “They’re some of the finest pickers,” he said. “There are some young people (on the music schedule) who can pick with the best of them.” Though people of various age groups show up for the festival, Wilder said the majority are older folks. “About 75 percent are old-timers,” he said. “Old people who just can’t hardly walk will come because they were raised up on it.” Food will be among the highlights, with a pig roast on Friday. There also will be traditional suppers in the main dining facility. Music by the performers will be available for purchase, as well as some old-time classics. “I’ve got the old Homestead records,” he said. Wilder said the cost of the show is $35 a day, which gets
attendees consistent music from noon to abo9ut 11:15 p.m., except for an hour dinner break. Those who want to attend all three days can pay a discounted fee of $65. The option to camp is also available for those wanting to stay on the premises, with camping fees being $12 a night for Thursday through Saturday, Wilder said. Wilder said as the generation who grew up with bluegrass has gotten older, his attendance numbers have gone down slightly, but he said he still expects between 1,500 and 1,800 people over the course of the weekend. For more information, visit www.wilderbluegrassfestival. com. Steven Howard can be reached at 429-7380 or showard@heritage.com. Follow his blog at http://heritageweststaffblog.blogspot.com.
Heritage Newspapers
The Scrap Box in Ann Arbor is trying something new with a series of five workshops that will combine people ages 7 years and older. “We’re very excited about our new inter-generational workshops,” says Nels Nelson, development director for The Scrap Box. “We expect lively discussions and creative explorations during the workshops, as well as promoting ‘green’ thinking outside of the box,” says Tasha Lebow, field manager for U of M School of Education’s Program for Educational Opportunity. Included are workshops Aug. 7 on wildflower making from plastic bottles, and on Sept. 11 pop-up cards and books made from simple paper cuts and
MARKET FROM PAGE 1-A
him a credit card, but then found out it’s a permit that each employee of each vendor has to pay, not just me,” he said. “Apparently, someone brought it to the attention of someone at City Hall.” Sancho said the cost associated with the permit just seemed nonsensical. “The price for that was not even fair,” he said. To make matters worse, according to Sancho, Zilke used his brewing company as a drop off point for his Community Supported Agriculture program that supplies fresh vegetables to some 150 community members a week. In the wake of the ordinance enforcement, Zilke has had to go elsewhere. “He had to call all of his customers and tell them that this was no longer the pick-up point,” Sancho said. Sancho indicated that when he approached City Council and the mayor about the issue, most were supportive of him and shared his belief the law was hampering a positive thing. “They were very open to getting this thing resolved,” he said. Sancho said he is open to hearing about whatever council comes up with, though he feels a re-reading of the law might be in order. “I think the current ordinance could be fairly interpreted, though it could be a gray area and they have to be fair to everyone, because some people have already paid the fee,” he said. Though Sancho said he also feels he has another legal leg to stand on. “What’s different here is that this is being conducted inside my business, my licensed food establishment business,” he said, pointing out the thousands of dollars he already pays to the city in fees for those reasons. “The health department says what I’m doing here is OK, so why does the city say it isn’t.?” Muckler agrees concerning the prohibitive fees and other requirements. “It’s a really bad law,” she said. “It’s just so antiquated. It’s not serving us well.” The legislation was written two years ago, Muckler said, and the portion that is now hampering produce sales was the result of apparent political maneuvering. “It was 2008 and I was very early in my term,” she said. “We had a different city administrator at that time. There was a dispute between a store owner and a private seller (over
folds. On Oct. 2 will feature mask making and Nov. 13 will be kaleidoscope making. The prices are $5 for children 7 through 13 and $10 for adults ages 14 and older. “The Scrap Box always places a special focus on creative uses for recyclables and, with this new collaboration, our projects will also shed light on the science, technology, engineering and math involved with both the project and the recyclable materials at hand,” Nelson says. The workshops are planned from 10 to 11:30 one Saturday each month from August through December. To pre-register and for more information, visit www.scrapbox.org.
produce sales) and he came up with an amendment where the private vegetable seller has to go through this process.” Muckler said she now thinks the amendment was not in the best interest of local residents, and questions the wisdom of making laws to serve individuals rather than the general public. However, she said she feels there are redeeming aspects to the broader law the amendment was attached to. Council member Martha Churchill asked that the City Council seek to remove the entire law from the books. Churchill said she regrets having a hand in passing the legislation in the first place, calling the law “stupid,” and suggested the city doesn’t have a problem with rogue vegetable sellers, anyway. The portions of the law that Muckler wants to keep address potentially manipulative traveling sales people. “I don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The ordinance was made for people going door-to-door,” she said, indicating it was purposed toward thwarting unscrupulous grifters. “There’s some validity to that.” Others on council have no problem with the law, Muckler said, complicating her and Churchill’s bid to have it altered in some way. “All the council members have very definite opinions on this,” Muckler said. “It may take more time to change than I originally
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thought.” Other solutions council has proposed include issuing a permit to those seeking to hold the farmers’ market on their property, such as Sancho, thus allowing all those participating to be blanketed under the one license. In any event, Sancho said he has decided to halt the farmers’ market activity for the year because by the time policy can be changed, the selling season likely will be over. “If they get it resolved, we might do one or two days in September,” he said. Sancho said it is just a matter of time, however, before the farmers’ market is back in full swing. “The plan is to come back and make it a weekly market next year,” he said. “The bottom line is we did something good here for the community.” “It’s just silly,” Muckler said of the law. “We just have to figure out a way to be fair.” Muckler said council will address the issue at an upcoming meeting. Steven Howard can be reached at 429-7380 or showard@heritage.com. Follow his blog at http://heritageweststaffblog.blogspot.com.
SFarmers’ aline Market
SUMMERFEST HOURS SATURDAY 8:00am-2pm FARMERS MARKET IS RELOCATED for One Day Only during Summerfest to Parking Lot #2 on E. Henry St., 1/2 block East of S. Ann Arbor St.
�Peaches �Melons �Plums �Cherries �Apricots �Blueberries �Nectarines �Apples �Herbs �Radishes �Sweet Corn �Green Beans �Kohlrabi �Leeks �Chard �Kale �Green Onions �Beets �Greens �Carrots �Bok Choy �Tomatoes �Lettuce �Broccoli �Summer Squash �Cauliflower �Cucumbers �Eggplant �Garlic �Potatoes �Spinach �Eggs �Local Cheeses & Butter �Baked Goods �Honey �Cut Flowers �Hanging Baskets �Plants �Crafts and More! Nancy Crisp, Market Manager 734-429-3518
salinefarmersmarket@comcast.net
NEW MIDWEEK Farmers’ Market - Every Tuesday June 1st-Sept. 28th NEW HOURS: 3pm-7pm Saline Library Parking Lot 5555 N. Maple Rd. (1/2 mile North of Michigan Ave.)
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SECOND FRONT PAGE 4-A
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August 5, 2010
Green to face Ouimet in fall election By Daniel Lai
Heritage Newspapers
A crowded field of candidates vying to represent the Democratic Party in the November election for the 52nd state House of Representatives came to an end Tuesday night. Christine Green of Scio Township defeated fellow Democrats Robert Wozniak of Manchester and Jeff Lee of Dexter in the August primary. Green garnered 1,761 votes, or 70 percent, and will go on to challenge Republican Mark Ouimet in November. Wozniak received 553 votes and Lee received 195 votes. “I’m disappointed by the results. I have had great feedback from voters on my push to reform and recreate Michigan. But the election is the beginning of democracy, not the end,” Lee said. “Even with the results, I’m still going to be working to get this state and my fellow Michiganders
back on their feet and back to work.” Wozniak said he was also disappointed in the election results. “It is clear to me that our campaign was too conservative for the Democratic base,” he said. “I wish Christine the best of luck, and I can only hope that Michigan will be in better hands.” Wozniak said come November he would support the candidate who is fiscally conservative and will “bring the economy back in balance.” “I’m not sure right now if that’s Christine,” he said. “I did send her a congratulatory email when the results come in.” Wozniak said he will probably campaign again in the future. “Christine is well-known and I am fairly new to the area,” he said. “I didn’t expect to win outright, but I didn’t expect to get lambasted either. Christine has the name recognition, and
“The thing that separates me from all of the individuals I run against ... is that I am an advocate for issues and I have been for 25 years.” CHRISTINE GREEN that’s what it comes down to sometimes.” Green said she is honored to represent her party in the upcoming election. “The thing that separates me from all of the individuals I run against, and that now includes Mark Ouimet, is that I am an advocate for issues and I have been for 25 years,” she said. If elected in November, Green promises to “hit the ground running.” “I have been studying the issues and how policies are
made,” she said. “I think it’s very important when you have a Legislature with term limits that you hit the ground running. “With the experience I have, I think it will be very helpful to fight for reform in Lansing.” Ouimet, who ran unopposed in the primary, currently serves as the District 1 representative on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. He said he is looking forward to a strong campaign. “I think there is a clear
cut difference between my opponent and I,” Ouimet said. “With Christine Green, there will be more of the same that Michigan has already seen. “We need someone in Lansing who understands job creation and can be successful at creating opportunities for small businesses.” If elected in November, Ouimet said his top priority would be bringing jobs to the district. “We need to put Michigan back to work. In order to do this, we must create a businessfriendly climate by altering the
state’s current tax structure in a manner that will encourage businesses to open their doors in Michigan and to attract new business to the state,” he said. The 52nd District represents Lyndon, Dexter, Webster, Northfield, Sylvan, Lima, Sharon, Freedom, Lodi, Manchester and Bridgewater townships, as well as Manchester Village and parts of Saline, Ann Arbor and Scio townships, and the city of Chelsea. Daniel Lai is a reporter for Heritage Newspapers. He can be reached at 429-7380.
Irwin beats Staebler for 53rd nom By Steven Howard Heritage Newspapers
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Jeff Irwin has won the Democratic bid for the 53rd District state House seat in Tuesday’s primary election, defeating Ned Staebler by a margin of 307 votes, according to unofficial results released late Tuesday. Irwin has been a Washtenaw County Commissioner since 1999. Irwin received a total of 5,035 votes, while Staebler grabbed 4,728. Irwin said he is happy to hear of his apparent victory, but also gives a lot of credit to his challenger for the Democratic nod. “We just came off a really tough campaign,” he said. “We both knocked on an amazing amount of doors.” Irwin said with both he
and Staebler getting out and meeting as many community members as possible every day, he knew it was going to be a tight race. “It came down to just a few votes,” he said. “I’m really proud of him (Staebler). We both ran really clean campaigns.” Irwin said accepting the Democratic nomination is an honor, and that he has specific ideas for the state that he will continue to make known as the general election in November draws near. He said citizens must ask, “How do we invest in Michigan and make this the kind of place we want to live?” Given the current economic condition of the region, Irwin said he wants to “invest the dollars we do have in ways that are smarter.”
He advocated a number of ways to do so throughout his campaign. Irwin ran on a platform of promoting public education, as he indicated in a biographical sketch he submitted to Heritage Newspapers. “Michigan’s economic strategy starts with the best schools and universities,” he wrote. “In order to attract jobs, grow native businesses and improve our communities, we must get back on track with funding education.” He said he believes there are several things that need to be done to accomplish this. “The first step is to pass school budgets on time,” he said. “In order to plan properly at the local level, school districts, educators and our children need to know how much money they are going to
receive per pupil long before the school year starts.” Irwin said the lack of knowledge as to school budget leaves educators at a disadvantage as to how to prepare for coming academic semesters. Irwin said creating great school swill eventually benefit every sector. “Top quality education programs are essential for everybody because they attract and retain employers and buttress the desirability and value of our homes.” Irwin also advocates creating more rigorous protections for the Great Lakes, as well as supporting alternative energy. “I will support clean energy by strengthening the Renewable Portfolio Standard and by providing government financing for energy efficiency and conservation in
our homes.” He supports alternative transportation, suggesting the ramifications of current methods are “dire.” “I will propose measures to make our cities more livable by investing in mass transit, and supporting biking and walking with our transportation investments,” he said. “Connecting people and places with transit will be a great boost to our economy. Perhaps symbolic of the way he ran his campaign, Irwin said Tuesday night, “When you connect people, great things happen.” Steven Howard can be reached at 429-7380 or showard@heritage.com. Follow his blog at http://heritageweststaffblog.blogspot. com.
York voters say yes to public safety By Art Aisner Special Writer
Voters in York Township overwhelmingly approved a public safety millage that should keep police patrols at their current level for at least the next three years, officials said. Unofficial tabulations show the renewal of the nearly 1 mill passed by nearly a 3:1 margin, Township Supervisor Joe Zurawski said Tuesday. The unofficial tally was 1,112 for and 477 against. “It is certainly a statement, no doubt about it,” a relieved Zurawski said shortly after results became clear at about 10:30 p.m. “I want to thank people for their continued support of public safety in this community and it’s good that they appreciate the importance of what the
deputies do.” Zurawski said results were delayed slightly by a malfunction with a tabulator in the second precinct, where ballots had to be counted by hand. The measure passed handily in all three township voting precincts. Unofficial results for Precinct 1 show approval 395 to 156; 405 to 180 in Precinct 2; and 312 to 141 in Precinct 3, Zurawski said. Unlike early returns from across the state showing low voter turnout, well more than 40 percent of the township’s 3,500 registered voters cast ballots Tuesday, Zurawski said. The township currently contracts with the Washtenaw County Sheriff ’s Department for three deputies who regularly patrol township roads and respond to calls. The deputies also work out of a substation located at the Township Hall.
Voters first approved the millage in 2005 to deal with escalating costs for deputy patrols. That cost has continued to increase, while property values and the taxes generated from commercial and residential property owners sharply declined. Roughly 58 percent of voters approved an additional 0.5-mill levy for public safety in 2008. The measure will last through 2013, and will generate roughly $356,730 in the first year. Zurawski said that the impact on current taxpayers would be minimal. The owner of a home with a taxable value of roughly $100,000 in this market would continue to pay about $150 per year for public safety on their tax bill. The millage also impacts fire service for residents, who currently receive fire protection from both
the Saline area and Milan area fire departments. “The Washtenaw County Sheriff ’s Department does a great job in York Township, not only patrolling and responding to incidents, but there is also a positive community presence and confidence that allows the residents to feel safe,” Saline Fire Chief Craig Hoeft said. “Both the Saline area and Milan area fire departments continue to grow and give the community the response it needs.” Had it failed, Zurawski said the township only would be able to pay for one deputy or look toward alternatives, such as contracting with another local police agency, start its own department, or forgo contracting altogether and rely on the Michigan State Police. —Art Aisner is a freelance journalist.
Olson grabs nomination for 55th By Gerald LaVaute Heritage Newspapers
Rick Olson, who was among a crowded Republican slate running for the state House 55th District, appeared at midnight to have been the winner, besting his three rivals with 3,775 votes, or 35 percent of 10,679 votes cast in Monroe and Washtenaw counties, according to unofficial election results. The numbers are as of 2:30 a.m. Wednesday and are unofficial. “It’s still too early to declare victory,” Olson said at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday. “But with the advantage in Monroe County, I expect to win.” “Obviously, I’m happy,” he said, “and relieved.” Olson explained in a primary election, it’s difficult to conduct a poll in advance because one can’t be sure who will actually vote.
Olson is semi-retired, and was a business manager in agriculture and in education. He has a law degree from Stanford University, and is working on a doctorate in education administration. His priorities are to restart the Michigan economy, and to control state spending. “We must get the wage and benefits costs for public sector employees under control, and more in line with those received by comparably talented private sector employees,” he said in a previous statement. The other Republican candidates were Frank Chrzanowski, Mary Kay Thayer and Andrew Sosnoski. According to unofficial results, Chrzanowski received 1,954 votes, for 18 percent of the total. “I’ll let the votes speak for themselves,” he said when asked how he felt about the out-
come of the race. When asked whether he would consider running again for elected office, he said: “I sure would. The most appealing thing for me was meeting great people.” Chrzanowski, a Dundee resident, is vice president of UST Inc., a trucking and transportation company. He attended college, and viewed job creation and legislative responsibility as his top priorities. “Our business environment in Michigan seems to be one that punishes success,” he said. “With the already-struggling economy, we need to repeal the Michigan Business Tax completely and have oversight on tax abatements given for job creation.” Thayer received 1,589 for 14 percent of the total votes cast, and Sosnoski grabbed the balance of308 votes for 2 percent of
the vote. Thayer is the chief executive officer of Thayer Consulting Inc. Engineering Services. She attended Jackson Community College. Her legislative priorities are “jobs, jobs, jobs,” and less government, according to her previously published candidate profile. “We must eliminate red tape to create a user-friendly system, in addition to providing incentives that encourage job providers to locate in our Great Lakes state,” she stated in the profile. All the Republican candidates who responded to Heritage Newspapers’ candidate survey emphasized jobs creation in Michigan as their primary political objective, followed closely by a responsible, fiscally prudent state government. Democratic candidate Mike Smith ran unopposed in the
primary race, so he gets the Dems’ nod to move forward to the general election. Smith is the AFL-CIO Community Services liaison to the United Way of Monroe County, and has an associate’s degree in social sciences from Monroe County Community College. His priorities are to create good-paying jobs for Michigan workers, and protect priorities like education and public safety. Smith said in his profile, “We deserve lawmakers who work together to fight for issues we care about –– jobs, schools, an efficient government and a strong economy. I’m dedicated to creating a state government that works for people like us and our entire community.” Gerald LaVaute is a reporter with Heritage Newspapers. He can be reached at 429-7380 or glavaute@heritage.com.
Page 5-A
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
ANNIVERSARY Coys celebrate 50 years together Ed and Fran Coy of Dexter celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary July 17 at Dexter United Methodist Church. About 150 guests attended the celebration, where the couple renewed their vows. Fran Visel of Saline married Ed Coy of Dexter on March 5, 1960, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Saline.
The couple has three children, John Coy of Dexter, Todd Coy of Saline and Vern Lewis of Vicksburg. They also have nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The Coys have lived in the area for 72 years. Ed is retired, and Fran continues to work at Fran Coy’s Salon and Spa, the business she founded. The Coys enjoys traveling and spending time with their grandchildren.
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Lauren Becker and Aaron Bonine
Becker-Bonine Lauren Becker of Commerce Township, daughter of Mike and Pam Becker of Commerce Township, and Aaron Bonine of Dexter, son of Ed and Anne Young of Dexter and Fredric and Shawn Bonine of Howell, are engaged and plan to marry Sept. 18. The couple will marry in the flower gardens at Bonine’s home in Howell, and the Rev. Ken Gilmore of Keystone Community Church in Saline will officiate. The bride-elect is a graduate of Walled Lake Central High School and graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in aviation science and administration. She is a risk analyst with Fultron Corp. The groom-elect is a graduate of Dexter High School and graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He also holds a master’s degree in structural engineering from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield. He is a structural engineer with Northrop Grumman.
Cousino-Himes Amber Cousino of Maybee, daughter of Barb and Paul Logsdon and the late Dale
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Couple announces birth of daughter Daniel and Michelle (Robbins) Heikka of Ypsilanti Township announce the birth of their daughter, Stella Dean Robbins Heikka, Jan. 9. The baby was born in Superior Township weighing 6 pounds, 7 ounces. Grandparents of the child are Dennis and Fonda Heikka of York Township and Milan, Rita Pulice of Ypsilanti and Gary Robbins of Augusta Township. She has two siblings, Zachary, 5, and Virginia “Ginny,” 2 1/2. The baby’s father teaches at Milan High School and is swim coach for the district.
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Cousino of New Boston, and Michael Himes of Maybee, son of Gregory and Teresa Himes of Milan, are engaged and plan to marry Sept. 25. The couple will have a private ceremony at Infinity Wedding Chapel in Ypsilanti, followed by a reception for all family and friends at Immaculate Conception Parish. The bride-elect is a 2005
graduate of Huron High School in New Boston and a 2007 graduate of Ann Arbor Institute of Massage, earning her therapeutic massage certificate. She is an employee of the Ann Arbor Credit Bureau. The groom-elect is a 2003 Graduate of Milan High School. He is a heavy equipment operator with Operating Engineers Local 324.
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Letters may be sent to Michelle Rogers at mrogers@heritage. com.
HERITAGE
Letters to the Editor
www.heritage.com
EDITORIAL PAGE 6-A
ONLINE POLL Question:
In the November election, are you more likely to vote for:
C. Best candidate despite party affiliation
B. Republicans D. I don’t plan to vote
Time to join the Technological Age I’m afraid I’m asleep at the switch Plus, I’m glad that I’ve kept my princess because I’m still asking people to pencil phone so when the power goes out –– as it me in. did last week –– I still have one I don’t have a smartphone nor that works. Remember phone booths? do I have a calendar app. Now everyone and his brother Apparently, there’s an app for has a smartphone and can that, which can be synched. And while I’m still juggling a check e-mail and text, watch reporter’s notebook, pen, video movies and listen to music camera and digital camera –– all while eating a meal in a restaurant. sweating to the oldies, there are I’ve never sent a text mesiPhones and iPads and I-don’tsage, don’t know what half the know-what-else out there in this Brave New World of technologibuttons on my outdated cell cal advances. phone are supposed to do and I still remember watching haven’t turned it on in two weeks. black-and-white television with In fact, I’ve left my callrabbit ears and waiting for film LISA ing card and even recently at 11. But that was before digital TV and flat screens and DVRs remarked: “That’s the $64,000 ALLMENDINGER revolutionized TV watching question.” forever. Now I can watch what You get my point, so I’ll cut I want, when I want and minus the comto the chase. As I take more baby steps into this new mercials. digital age, it seems that I need to learn a I still remember using a rotary phone.
HOME FRONT
It is our policy to run all local letters to the editor that deal with local issues and are not personal attacks.
whole new vocabulary. Apps aren’t appetizers and clouds aren’t those puffy things in the sky. I no longer carbon copy or Xerox and rarely send a fax anymore. Everything’s done by computer and cell phone. It seems like all these new gadgets are the best thing since sliced bread. But, I’ll take a rain check on purchasing all these gizmos until I have a chance to play the field a bit more. In the last few months, I’ve figured out how to upload my video and my copy to the newspaper’s website, but after a trip to the Apple store in Briarwood Mall, it’s plain as day that I’ve I’m already behind the eight ball. And I better get a move on because the Journal Register Co., our parent company, is running full tilt into digital journalism and I don’t want to be hung out to dry. That’s all folks. Lisa Allmendinger can be reached at 1877-995-NEWS (6397) or at lallmendinger@heritage.com.
Citizens must keep an eye on utility companies The old adage that you don’t appreciate things until they’re gone rings too true when it comes to our electricity. Most of us don’t think twice when we turn on the TV set or flip on a room light switch. That is, until we have a power outage. And, so far this summer, we’ve had numerous opportune times to gain and maintain an appreciation for electrical power. In June, we had four major storms that caused extensive outages throughout the Detroit metro area. If you weren’t directly affected, then you had a chance to gain that appreciation for our power by viewing the problems of your neighbors. As Scott Simon, spokesman for DTE Energy notes, “It’s been a crazy summer as far as storms...” noting the metro area was hit several weekends in a row with severe weather. It doesn’t seem like it, but Simon said DTE customers on average experience one electrical outage per year. He notes that the menacing Emerald Ash borer not only has wiped out the state’s ash tree population, but also has set the stage for more frequent power outages. He said the dead trees are more easily blown down during storms and sent crashing into power lines. In fact, tree interference accounts for 65 percent of the outages, which is why DTE has a line clearance program. When it comes to fixing up old equipment, he noted that every year DTE institutes a $500 million program to maintain and enhance its infrastructure with new, state-of-the-art equipment. Simon said the program includes a focus on improvements where customers have consistently had two or three nonstorm outages. We know in Michigan, with its almost constantly changing weather, sometimes it may be hard to determine if an outage was due to a storm or just equipment failure. So we suggest you take DTE up on its offer to focus on your area if you’ve had two or three non-storm related outages in the same year. If you have or if you’re not sure, call them at 1-800-477-4747. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. DTE is basically a monopoly. State regulations dictate that they can lose no more than 10 percent of the customers in their market areas. In other words, they have 90 percent of the households and businesses. The costs of the traditional or carbon-based fuels will continue to rise as their supplies decline. To convert to new forms of energy will take time and also will be costly. There’s not much consumers can do other than try to keep an eye on the utility company and the Michigan Public Service Commission, which oversees it. The utility company needs to acknowledge that it has some extra privileges that other for-profit businesses don’t have. It needs to remember its product is not a luxury –– it’s a necessity in today’s world. The MPSC needs to make sure it isn’t a rubber stamp for the rate increases and other perks that it has bestowed upon our state’s utilities. And it’s up to the customers or citizens to keep an eye on the MPSC and the utilities — to make sure they don’t get too comfortable with each other. ––Courtesy of The Oakland Press
IdeaLab assignment an honor and a challenge editor of The Saline Reporter The first e-mail came in on and The Milan Newsmy BlackBerry July 11, on a Leader, part of the Heritage Sunday afternoon, from a coNewspapers group, worker. It said “conis the only member gratulations,” with of the ideaLab who the subject “ideaLdid not nominate ab.” I had spent the herself. Michelle early afternoon at was selected based the water park and on her daily efforts was not exactly in a at her community work state of mind, weeklies where she but my curiosity is constantly focused was piqued noneon growing her theless. audience and has I knew what the done so by recruitideaLab was, having ing community followed Journal contributors and Register Co. CEO hosting local blogJohn Paton’s ging seminars.” blog and invite to MICHELLE It was indeed all employees to ROGERS me. But why? I apply, but I had asked around and not applied. Don’t didn’t get a concrete answer, misunderstand me. It’s a fanexcept that a number of tastic opportunity, offering 15 people were considered based employees companywide an on their various attributes. opportunity to experiment Hundreds had applied and I with an iPhone, iPad and didn’t feel worthy. So many had Netbook 10 hours a week and receive a $500 monthly stipend. expressed a strong desire and passion to do things I had no But only a year into my new knowledge about, like creatrole as managing editor of ing apps. Create apps? I don’t eight weekly newspapers, I even use apps. I basically use didn’t think I had the time. my BlackBerry to make phone After all, I was working 60 calls and check e-mail, and to 70 hours a week already that’s about it. and putting all of my energy Sure, I have a personal into work. So, my initial reacFacebook account and I’ve tion was that there must be been on Twitter for a year and two employees in the coma half, and I’ve set up Facebook pany with the name Michelle pages and Twitter accounts for Rogers. It’s a big company, our newspapers. I use social after all. I immediately got online and media, including blogs, and I’ve embraced video, producchecked out Paton’s blog. And ing local video for the last there it was — my name on four years, but being given the the list of “idea labbers” with weighty responsibility of helpa description — and there was ing to change the direction of no denying it: an industry utilizing the latest “Michelle Rogers: Michelle,
INSIDE THE NEWSROOM
August 5, 2010
OUR TAKE: Editorial
This week’s question
A. Democrats
Our policy
technology was something I never thought I had the knowhow or inclination to attempt. So, after a freak out on the phone with our online editor, Jason Alley, and a few hours of the news sinking in, I started to embrace it. I took to heart what Jason said. He suggested making it a team effort. After all, several employees of Heritage Newspapers had expressed an interest in the very thing I had been chosen to do. So, why not engage them in the process and invite them to be active participants? That has been exactly my approach. I’ve assembled an advisory group who will help me do the research, experiment with the technology and report back twice a month to me. In turn, I report monthly to corporate. The group is comprised of employees from various departments, from news and advertising to online and IT, as well as experts, including Michael McVey of Saline, a technology instructor at Eastern Michigan University, readers who use the technology already and journalism students learning about it and excited to help change the industry. I immediately set up a local ideaLab Twitter account and blog on WordPress to post my progress and our corporate ideaLab leader, Jon Cooper, vice president of content for JRC, set up a corporate Facebook page for the ideaLab. My blog, which can be accessed through our Blog Center at Heritage.com, will be where I and my Heritage team members will post our agendas, meeting minutes,
findings, ask questions and look for input. It will take a few weeks, I am sure, before the technology arrives. While I wait, I can’t help but think about my late husband, Dave Hardy, the former IT director for Heritage Newspapers. He introduced me to the Internet and e-mail back in the day. He arranged for my first cell phone, through work no less, and he set up our home with Wi-Fi years before I even had a laptop to take advantage of it. He was, as one Rollodex card at work stated and I kept, the resident “tech guru.” Those he mentored in the technology field came to affectionately call him “Doctor Dave.” Dave specialized in computer networking and wrote computer programs to create and customize an interface for the newspaper chain’s computer systems. In addition, he was a Certified Netware Engineer with Novell Inc. and a member of Microsoft Developer Network. Among some of his greatest achievements and accomplishments was helping to develop the Close-Up software, an early competitor to PCAnywhere. He also authored numerous articles about computer technology and networking for national computer magazines as technology was emerging in the 1980s and early 1990s, and was later dubbed a “microcomputer pioneer” by Micro/Systems Journal. In the late 1990s, my husband also worked as a contractor with HelmsTech Corp. writing software, which included voice
recognition systems, for concept cars making their debut at the International Auto Show in Detroit. He also facilitated the building of a mobile office in the Vision II concept car marking American Sunroof Co. Inc.’s 30th anniversary in 1990. In addition, he operated his own Internet business called Detroit Download Central, for over 20 years. This business hosted such websites as the Heidelberg Project and numerous other businesses and nonprofit organizations, even before the Internet caught on commercially. Sadly, Dave died Aug. 14, 2004, of cancer. But every time I get on my computer to report a story, edit copy, design a page, upload Web content, produce a video, send an e-mail, share a link on Facebook or Tweet something, I think of him. Beyond being my husband and the center of my universe, he was my connection to technology. He was the person who made technology not so scary. In fact, he made it exciting and fun because he was so enthusiastic about it and the neverending possibilities it created. As I wait for the arrival of my iPad, iPhone and Netbook, I am a little scared he’s not here to help me with it, but I know his former employees will be there for me if I have any questions. And if the equipment arrives Aug. 14, 2010, on the sixyear anniversary of his death, I might just think he had a little hand in this. Managing Editor Michelle Rogers can be reached at 429-7380 or mrogers@heritage. com.
Results of our recent online polls How do watch newer movies at home: 39 percent: NetFlix or Blockbuster by mail 29 percent: Pay-perview on cable 23 percent: Traditional movie rentals 10 percent: Watch on premium cable channels Do you think summer will be: 63 percent: Hotter than normal 25 percent: End much too soon 12 percent: Quite normal 0 percent: Cooler than normal When mowing the lawn, do you: 78 percent: Do it yourself 11 percent: Get a family member to do it 8 percent: Hire a service 3 percent: Pay a neighbor How do fireworks figure into your Fourth of July celebration: 47 percent: Neither, not into fireworks 32 percent: Go watch professional fireworks show 13 percent: Some of both 8 percent: Do-it-yourself backyard fireworks
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
m Page 7-A
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR City of Milan refining its communication process This is my direct response to the July 27 editorial, “Home Front: Communication will better serve community,” authored by Milan NewsLeader Managing Editor Michelle Rogers. Milan City residents should be assured that public safety, first and foremost, the safety of our children, is of paramount concern to myself, and the entire staff of our Milan Police Department, particularly our police chief. The incidents on both June 4 and June 28 were tragic for the victims and their families, and the residents of Milan. I am proud of the response of the Milan Police Department to these incidents, and their work has generated many promising leads in catching this criminal. I am also concerned that when the information was released to The Milan News Leader July 16, there was a significant delay before the information appeared on The Milan News Leader website July 26. As the current mayor and a former newspaper reporter, I understand that the communication process between the city and newspaper staff is essential to ensure the timely release of information to the residents of Milan. I will work with the city and newspaper staff to determine what issues in this incident caused this delay in printing this information, and will refine the communication process on the city’s end so that these delays can be minimized as much as possible in the future. I expect the newspaper will take the same approach. As with any major incident in the city of Milan, a careful review of the policies and procedures that were followed will help us to improve operations in the future. The editorial by Ms. Rogers questions the period of time between when the second incident occurred, June 28,
and when a detailed written press release was provided to The Milan News Leader July 16. I am working with both the chief of police and the city administrator to put together a timeline of the investigation, and the decisions that were made between the incident and the media release. I have come to understand in my time as mayor that each police case has its own unique set of circumstances, and it’s crucial that all of the facts are considered before any conclusion is made. I can assure you that if it is determined that there was a lapse in judgment that caused this information to be delayed to the public, I will demand that new policies and procedures are implemented to ensure that the safety and welfare of our citizens is considered above all else when determining how and when information is released to the public. Finally, this incident has reinforced my opinion that the city must adapt to newer, direct means of communication to keep our residents informed. My staff has been developing a new city website since the beginning of this year, and I anticipate it will be launched at the end of August. With the launch of the new city website, the city is exploring new means of communicating with our residents, including RSS feeds from our website, and popular social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. I believe the communication process with our residents can only be improved by incorporating these direct lines of communication. I stand by the exceptional work of our Milan Police Department, and their attentive dedication to protecting the families who live in our community, and am working diligently to ensure that any communication issues in this particular incident are reviewed so that the city’s communication process with the public can be improved in the future. Kym Muckler Mayor of Milan
Editor’s Note: As stated in our Home Front column of July 27, the newspaper’s freelance reporter covering police and courts first learned of the two incidents –– the first reported to police June 5 and the second reported to police June 28 –– on July 16 after a phone call from the police chief offering to e-mail the information to him. He did not receive the information from the police chief, however, until July 20 because of what appears to be an e-mail snafu, as he found no record of receiving it and the city insists its records
verify an e-mail was sent. The reporter’s schedule prevented him from writing about it until four days later, when it was published on AnnArbor.com and then submitted to The Milan News-Leader July 25. This newspaper questions why the police department didn’t share information about the June 5 incident in its summary incident reports, which are public records, and why it took 18 days for the police chief to even attempt to publicly share information about the second incident, which involved a man
exposing his genitals to a young girl. We also noted in an e-mail Thursday to the mayor, city administrator and City Council that neighboring police departments, including Pittsfield Township Public Safety, Ann Arbor Police and the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s
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Page 8-A
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
4-H’ers create chocolate chip concoctions Editor’s Note: Reporter Lisa Allmendinger was one of the judges for this contest.
By Lisa Allmendinger and Taryn Meyer Heritage Newspapers
M
arie Martelli, 13, of Dexter says she was trying to think of something creative to enter in the 4-H Creative Chocolate Chip Contest when she came up with a hedgehog. “I decided to do a hedgehog because of the spikes that could be the points of the chocolate chips,” Martelli says. And her cleverness was rewarded by the judges with a “best in show” and “judge’s choice” award. “I loved the hedgehog. It was such a unique shape; very clever,” says Peggy Haines, who has been judging the 4-H food competitions since the start. An admitted “chocolate person,” Haines, a former 4-H member and club leader, says she has been a longtime supporter of the organization. “It’s always fun to participate in the judging,” said Haines of Superior Township. “I have many happy memories from the fair.” Haines also thought Jonathan Clark’s chocolate chip ice cream was a good idea. He won “most unique” entry with his concoction. The cooking contest was a family affair for Francis, Peter, Liam and Seamus –– the four Fifelski brothers of Ann Arbor. And each put a different spin on their creation. They made peanut butter and jelly with chocolate chip sandwiches, chocolate chip pancakes, zucchini bread and a beautifully decorated cake that won the most patriotic award.
Kelsey Edwards of Manchester, a member of the On Target 4-H Club, baked a chocolate chip bundt cake that won “best dessert” and was described as finger-lickin’ good by the judges.
Mackenzi Wagner of Dexter, a member of the Bridlespur 4-H Club, created an all-chocolate bundt cake, which was described by the judges as “heavenly” and “a chocolate delight. He won “best cake” in the Creative Chocolate Chip Contest.
Alexa Newman of Pinckney, a member of the Stars and Stripes 4-H Club, won “best bread” for her pumpkin bread recipe. “The zucchini bread was a wonderful twist on zucchini and a great way to get kids to eat vegetables,” the judges said. Mackenzi Wagner of Dexter created an all-chocolate bundt cake, which was described by the judges as “heavenly” and “a chocolate delight.” Alexa Newman, 7, of Pinckney made pumpkin bread that won “best bread” in the competition. “It’s really good and it’s my favorite,” she says of the special bread. Kelsey Edwards of Manchester baked a chocolate chip bundt cake that won “best dessert” and was described as “finger-lickin’ good” by the judges. Abigail Morris of Dexter
Jonathan Clark of Manchester, a member of On Target 4-H Club, made the “most unique” entry in the contest with his chocolate chip ice cream, which was described as deliPhotos by Lisa Allmendinger cious by the judges. However, Peter Fifelski (left) and Liam Fifelski; in back, Frances Fifelski (left) and Seamus Fifelski, members because of the heat, it began of the Brain Busters 4-H Club, participated in the Creative Chocolate Chip Contest July 28 at the quickly melting, resulting in 4-H Youth Show. the empty bowl. made chocolate truffles, which were awarded a “judge’s favorite” award. There were 16 total entries in the event. Elaine Feldkamp, assistant program director, says next year might be a sandwich making competition. In previous years, there have been ethnic foods, appetizers, sugar cookies and Jiffy Mix contests. Lisa Allmendinger can be reached at 1-877-995-NEWS (6397) or lallmendinger@ heritage.com. Check out her blog at www.A2Journal.com.
Mary K. Barkley, D.D.S.
Excellent orthodontic care for children and adults in a gentle, supportive atmosphere Abigail Morris of Dexter, a member of the Silver Spurs 4H Club, made chocolate truffles that were awarded a “judge’s favorite” award.
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Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
Losses much larger for artists Yourist Studio Gallery sustained damages in storm
it came down.” The artists were able to set up and display their remaining inventory in an open-air scenario the next day at the fair, and Yourist said she is proud of her colleagues’ collective resolve. By Steven Howard “I’m proud of their fortiHeritage Newspapers tude,” she said. “Their fortitude and strength has really shined The rains came down hard through. My 10 community stuenough to destroy the entire dio artists and students worked Yourist Studio Gallery booth at really hard to put on the art the South University Art Fair fair.” two weeks ago, causing a grievIn certain cases, Yourist said ous amount of damage that far she has watched the artists’ exceeds original loss estimates. pottery skills bud from infancy, Gallery owner Kay Yourist making their losses that much said she and her colleagues harder to take. discovered a vast amount of “I have seen some of these breakage to their people start off pottery once not knowing how the pieces were to make a pot,” removed from the she said. “Now, booth wreckage they’re great potand sorted. Photo by Steven Howard ters.” KAY YOURIST “The damage Despite their Kay Yourist, owner of Yourist Studio Gallery, says losses are owner, was so much positive outlook much greater than originally anticipated after a storm during more than we up front, Yourist Yourist Studio Gallery the Ann Arbor Art Fairs. initially thought,” said seeing all of she said. “We the broken pieces have lost over 100 really made the loss sink in for pieces. To be honest, I haven’t some. added up the numbers to see “This was very personal to what it all is worth.” our community,” she said. “It However, Yourist said the was really upsetting to some.” price range on the broken potNow, it is just a matter of tery begins from just a few dolmaking an insurance claim, lars and goes up from there. Yourist said, and figuring out “It was everything from an what to do with all the shards $8 bird piece up to a $300 sculpand remnants. ture,” she said. “I’m talking to State Farm Yourist said nine of the 10 now,” she said. “That’s all artists showing pottery at the unfolding. We’ll have to find art fair ended up losing some of something special to do with all their labor-intensive creations. the pieces.” “One fortunately did not If they do manage to come up lose any and one fortunately with an idea on how to salvage only lost one piece,” she said, the broken pottery, Yourist said indicating one artist’s breakage it will be important that the ended up constituting almost new piece of art reflects all of one-third of the total loss. those who had a hand in the “One unfortunately lost over 30 original work. pieces.” “It’s the combined work of all Yourist said she has been these people,” she said. practicing pottery in Ann Arbor Outside of the unconvenfor decades, and suggested the tional art fair experience this general weather pattern for the year, Yourist said life is going on art fair this year was the worst as usual at the studio and galshe had ever seen. lery, including a full lineup of “The weather was really upcoming fall art classes. challenging, more so than all For more information, call the 32 years I’ve been at the art 662-4914. fair,” she said. “Our tent went Yourist Studio Gallery is down. Everyone tried so hard located at 1133 Broadway St. in to keep everything together, but Ann Arbor.
“We have lost over 100 pieces.”
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Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
Daycroft summer day campers recently took part in the “Chocolate Confections” program. In the front row are Martin McClelland (left), Emily Torrance and Serena David; in the second row, Maya Powell (left), Liza Pritchard, Atticus Dewey and Nicole Persad. In the third row: Kevin Ko (left), Eve Beauchamp, Claire McClelland, Courtney Palkowski, Brooke Fisher, Anson Briegel and Andrew Fisher; and, in the back row, teacher Mandi Tuite and Scott Huckestein of Schakolad Chocolate Factory.
Daycroft day campers become chocolatiers Earlier this month, summer day campers at Daycroft Montessori School of Ann Arbor became chocolatiers for a week, exploring the history, science and uses of chocolate, as well as the food’s many different forms and tastes. A total of 15 children participated in the “Chocolate Confections” program each day from July 12 to 16 at Daycroft’s Elementary Campus on Zeeb Road in Ann Arbor. Mandi Tuite, who teaches third and fourth grades at Daycroft during the regular school year, led the camp program. “My students know how much I love chocolate, and they would often tease me about it,” Tuite said in a news release. “They tended to think of chocolate only as candy. I saw how a program on the topic would not just be fun, but would also help the kids see the historical, cultural and culinary importance of chocolate.” Tuite noted the appreciation of chocolate extends at least as far back as the ancient Greeks, and chocolate is a vital ingredient in many non-confectionary dishes. “The mole sauce of Mexican cuisine is a prime example,” she said. “Plus you’ll find chocolate in a whole range of beverages, salads, marinades and more.” Tuite added that the children were surprised to learn how chocolate can be a healthy food and how working with chocolate can be an art form. “They used raw chocolate, free of sugar, dairy or wheat, to create some truly special treats,” Tuite said. “These were very different from the common candy bars the kids might get from a convenience store.”
Hands-on lessons from a master In the program’s introductory session July 12, the campers explored how the different percentages and forms of cocoa, a well as other varying ingredients, affect the taste and texture of chocolate. “The children sampled everything from high-density cocoa powder to white chocolate based on cocoa butter,” said Tuite. On July 13, Scott Huckestein, the owner and proprietor of Schakolad Chocolate Factory, visited the campers. Schakolad is a shop offering chocolates, truffles and ice cream at 111 E. Washington St. in downtown Ann Arbor. Huckestein showed the children how cocoa beans grow as part of a flower, and he broke open some beans’ husks to reveal the flavorful cocoa nibs inside. He went on to show how to temper chocolate into a confectionary treat by making a molded chocolate basket. Then, with Huckestein’s help, campers made their own molded chocolate suckers. “It was great to see how engaged the kids were in the demonstration,” said Huckestein. “The key was letting the children see and take part in an actual chocolate confection being made. I believe this took the lesson to the next level for the kids. They got more than just a simple review of facts and figures on chocolate. It made the learning real.” Later in the week, campers dabbled in many more applications and treatments of chocolate. They made and tasted chocolate candies, baked chocolate cupcakes, sampled chocolate-dipped pretzels and fruit and even tried chocolatecovered bacon.
Daycroft summer day camper Liza Pritchard helps Scott Huckestein of Schakolad Chocolate Factory make a molded chocolate basket.
Chocolate-dipped strawberries, pretzels and crackers were some of the tasty treats made by Daycroft summer day campers in the “Chocolate Confections” program during the week of July 12 through July 16.
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
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Washtenaw County Board primary results Editor’s Note: Because of technical problems at the Washtenaw County Clerk’s Office with reporting election results on Tuesday, there are no results as of press time for the Washtenaw County Board 5th District Republican primary. For updated election results, visit www.heritage.com
District 1 Republican candidate Rob Turner beat Kathy Keinath with 1,723 votes to her 1,117 as of 12:44 a.m. Wednesday. Earlier in the evening, Turner expressed admiration for his primary opponent’s effort, and invited her to help his campaign. Keinath indicated in a separate statement that she would close ranks with Turner. “During the coming months, I will continue to be active in the Republican Party and Rob will have my full support,” she said. Turner said that he will continue to communicate his experience as a Chelsea Board of Education trustee to new voters. In the Democratic Party primary, Adam Zemke won with 1,251 votes. “We’ve been brought home by a lot of people and solidified by people who voted and worked at the polls for us,” Zemke said. “We’re excited
Sean Gray both ran unopposed, earning a nod from their respective political parties. They will face off in November.
with what we’re seeing.” Primary opponent Eric Borregard congratulated Zemke and said he would support his campaign.
District 8
District 2 Political newcomers Ben Colmery III and Dan Smith competed for the Republican nod to face Democratic incumbent Ken Schwartz, who ran unopposed, in November. District 2 represents the townships of Northfield, Superior and Salem. Smith got his Republican ticket punched with 71 percent of the vote, according to 11 out of 14 precincts reporting unofficial results as of press time early Wednesday morning. While Smith received 1,516 votes, Colmery came in with 631 or 29 percent.
District 3 Republican Alicia Ping ran unopposed for the Republican Party’s nod and no one ran in the Democratic primary.
District 4 The old guard faced off against a political novice in the primary’s race for the District 4 Democratic nomination. Washtenaw County political veteran Wes Prater vied against Rick Roe, who ran
for the same seat two years ago when his wife, Ypsilanti Township Clerk Karen LovejoyRoe, vacated her decided not to run for a second term. This race was too close to call as election results continued to trickle in as of press time. With eight out of 18 precincts reporting, Prater had a slight edge of 578 votes, 56 percent, to Roe’s 501. The winner of this race will face resident Robert Van Bemmelen in November. District 4 represents parts of Ypsilanti Township, Augusta and York townships. Prater was unable to be reached for comment.
District 5 In the traditionally Democratic seat of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners’ District 5, two Republicans vied for the nod to face current Board President Rolland Sizemore Jr. in November. Ypsilanti residents and polit-
ical newcomers Daniel Benefiel and Bill Emmerich threw their hats in the race for a seat that has been held by Sizemore for multiple terms. District 5 represents a portion of Ypsilanti Township.
District 6 The District 6’s Democratic primary was also too close to call as of press time, with incumbent Ronnie Peterson holding a slight lead of 931 votes, or 53 percent, to Mark Namatevs’ 840. Peterson has served as the District 6 representative for multiple terms and was one of the founding members of the Eastern Leaders Group. Either Peterson or Namatevs will face Republican David Raaflaub in November. District 6 represents all of the city of Ypsilanti.
District 7
Democratic incumbent Kristin Judge and Republican
Democratic incumbent Barbara Levin-Bergman and Republican Melinda Day both ran unopposed Tuesday and will face off in November for the District 8 seat.
District 9
Democratic incumbent Leah Gunn and Republican Mark Tipping both were unopposed and will compete in November for the District 9 seat.
District 10 The race for the County Board District 10 seat was decided Tuesday as no Republican filed to run in November’s general election. Incumbent Conan Smith defeated Danielle Mack with 67 percent of the vote, 2,563 to Mack’s 1,284. District 10 represents parts of Ann Arbor. Neither candidate could be reached for comment.
District 11 It was a free-for-all in the race to win the Democratic nod for County Board’s 11th District, as current commissioner Jeff Irwin defeated
fellow Ann Arbor resident Ned Staebler for the 53rd State House Democratic nomination. There were five who threw their hats in the ring for 11th District, but political novice Yousef Rabhi came out on top with 42 percent of the vote, edging out Mike Fried by just a single vote –– 998 to 997 –– according to unofficial election results. Rabhi will face Republican Joe Baublis in November. Baublis ran unopposed for his party’s nomination. District 11 represents parts if Ann Arbor. Other results from District 11 included Alice Ralph taking 281 votes and LuAnne Bullington receiving 108 votes. Celebrating at Ann Arbor’s Arbor Brewing Co., along with parties for Irwin and Rebekah Warren, Rabhi was not only thrilled to have won the nomination, but a little euphoric having seemingly won by just one vote. “One vote –– that’s pretty crazy,” Rabhi said. “The whole night was just a rollercoaster for us, completely up and down.” Rabhi, 22, credited his success to his positivism and energy, and also made mention of the student turn-out. “I think it’s also I showed my willingness to serve the people of Washtenaw County,” he said.
Richardville to face Spencer for Senate seat By Daniel Lai
Heritage Newspapers
State Sen. Randy Richardville, R-17th District, managed to defeat fellow Republican R. Al Bain of Monroe in Tuesday’s primary election for the Republican Party’s nomination. According to unofficial election results late Tuesday, Richardville garnered 75 percent of the vote and 10,067 votes to Bain’s 25 percent and 3,437 votes. Bain, an Air Force veteran, said he decided to seek office because he doesn’t believe citi-
zens are being represented in the manner they deserve, and too many legislators, including Richardville, are too cozy with lobbyists and union interests in Lansing. Richardville is seeking his second and final term in the Senate. “If you noticed tonight, the number of votes for the Republican candidates versus the Democratic ones was almost 2:1. That is very exciting for me,” he said. “In general, it shows people want government to get out of the way.” Richardville said he believes
Michigan voters sent a clear message to Lansing that they are tired of the lack of jobs and excessive regulations on small businesses. “Voters don’t want what’s happening in Washington, D.C., to happen in Michigan,” he said. “We need to get excessive regulations out of the way so small businesses can do what they do best.” Richardville said he doesn’t enjoy campaigning against other candidates, but feels he has a strong understanding of the 17th District. “I campaign on ideas people
can support,” he said. Richardville was first elected to the state House in 1999 and served three terms. Before being elected to the Senate in 2006, he worked in the city of Monroe’s economic development office. Richardville now serves as president pro tempore in the Senate, and if re-elected could be in line for majority leader. In the Democratic race, candidate John Spencer defeated candidate Paul Hengy. Spencer garnered 3,533 votes, or 76 percent of the vote, as of press time. He will go on to face
Richardville in the November general election. Hengy received 1,104 votes as of press time. Spencer said he hopes voters can look past party lines when deciding who to send to Lansing. “If elected, my goal will be reinvigorating the manufacturing sector and bringing jobs back to Michigan,” he said. “We need to produce durable goods in Michigan. We have the skills, the workforce and the factories to do it.” Spencer said while campaigning door to door, voters
Warren beats Byrnes for Dems’ nod By Sean Dalton
Heritage Newspapers
Prior to midnight Tuesday, Pam Byrnes was still waiting for numbers to come in, but her tone indicated acceptance of defeat. “We ran a really good race, did everything that we were expected to do –– walked the district three times,” she said. “Based on feedback and phone calls, we thought we did significantly better than the numbers we’re getting here.” Several phone calls and messages to Rebekah Warren were unanswered as of press time, at which point she had a commanding lead with 11,170 votes to Byrnes’ 7,897 with nearly 60 percent of precincts reporting shortly after 1 a.m. in Tuesday’s primary election for the 18th District Senate seat. Special interest group Michigan League of Conservation Voters endorsed Warren for the general election once her victory was clear. “Warren is more than an advocate for Michigan’s natural resources, she is a leader,” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director for Michigan LCV. “Her 100 percent voting record
with LCV, role as a champion on the Great Lakes Compact, and the driving force on wetlands protection makes her the kind of legislator that we are committed to and proud to support.” Thomas Patridge, who garnered 422 votes in the election, says he may run as a write-in Democrat for District 3 Washtenaw County commissioner in the November election. Patridge said that he primarily ran in the race for District 18 because it encompasses Washtenaw County, which is what he has a passion for representing in any capacity that the voters will provide him. “I’m going to continue to fight for affordable housing and expanded public transportation,” he said. John Hochstetler was upbeat early Tuesday evening, saying he planned on going to bed rather than staying up and watching the polls. He ended up winning in his sleep with 6,239 votes to opponent Gary Wellings’ 4,107, according to unofficial elections results. Wellings stayed up with his fiancée at their Whitmore Lake home past midnight refreshing
their Internet browser and taking phone calls. “John and I think very much the same,” Wellings said. “I will absolutely do everything I can to help him win against the Democratic winner.” Wellings said it was thrilling running for office for the first time in his life. He admitted that aiming so high his first time was “eye-opening.” “From the day you register, the questionnaires start coming in and the special interest groups start in on you,” he said. “I answered them honestly and I didn’t get endorsements. “My views are my views. I’m going to do what’s best for the community. I believe that we need more citizen legislators like that.” He also expressed concern about the lower voter turnout. “There shouldn’t have been 30 or 40 votes in some precincts in Ann Arbor … You wonder why special interests control things when the average voter doesn’t get out there and vote.” Sean Dalton is a reporter for Heritage Newspapers. He can be reached at 429-7380 or sdalton@heritage.com.
expressed frustration with Lansing’s current leadership. “People are legitimately concerned and they want to know what is going to be done to fix our economy. “I think people don’t like politicians in general, but I think voters are tired of career politicians and are looking to someone who isn’t a politician, but is willing to give their time in Lansing to better our society.” Daniel Lai is a reporter with Heritage Newspapers. He can be reached at 429-7380 or dlai@heritage.com.
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Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
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Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
President Obama visits GM plant in Detroit By Daniel Lai
Heritage Newspapers
President Obama visited the Chrysler Group LLC’s Jefferon North Assembly Plant in Detroit Friday during a brief stop in Michigan to promote economic growth in the state’s auto industry. Speaking to hundreds of autoworkers at the plant, Obama said the economy continues to improve since he took office, pointing to new economic figues from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, released by the U.S. Department of Commerce earlier this week. “We were in the midst –– when I took office –– of a deep and painful recession that cost our economy about 8 million jobs and took a terrible toll on communities like this one,” Obama said. “Our economy was shrinking about 6 percent per quarter. Now, today, we learned that our economy grew by 2.4 percent in the second quarter of the year, so that means it’s now been growing again for one full year. “Our economy is growing again instead of shrinking. That’s a welcome sign compared to where we were. But we’ve got to keep on increasing that rate of growth and keep adding jobs so we can keep moving forward. And that’s especially important for places like this.” The president’s visit comes as Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that the company’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, which was scheduled to close after 2012, will now remain open. In addition, he announced that the company will add nearly
900 jobs on a second shift of production, scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2011. To support that operation, suppliers will add nearly 500 jobs. Several workers in attendance credited the federal government’s intervention in saving their jobs. “If I was close enough to say thank you to the president, that’s exactly how I’d convey it,” said Wanda Carlisle, 46, who checks studs and sealants and has worked at the plant for 16 years. “I need my job. Thank you so much for saving our plant. We needed this, to keep the city going, the state in general.” John Berna Sr., 52, who also has worked 16 years at the plant, said the federal bailout helped keep the plant open and that Obama wants to bring a lot more manufacturing jobs to Michigan. Teresa McAlpin, who’s worked at the plant for 17 years, said morale improved after the bailout. “We’re working,” she said. Obama said he was pleased to see the company taking its own intiative to create jobs throughout southeast Michigan. “Today, this industry is growing stronger. It’s creating new jobs. It’s manufacturing the fuel-efficient cars and trucks that will carry us toward an energy-independent future,” he said. “Today, for the first time since 2004, all three U.S. automakers are operating at a profit, the first time in six years.” Daniel Lai is a reporter with Heritage Newspapers. He can be reached at 429-7380 or dlai@heritage.com.
Photo courtesy of Ian Kushnir
President Obama addresses crowds of autoworkers at the Chrysler Group LLC’s Jefferon North Assembly Plant in Detroit Friday.
Art fair-goers exchange old luggage for new By Carlina Duan
Heritage Newspapers
American Express and Goodwill hosted a joint giveaway July 22 at the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, where the first 200 visitors could exchange a used carry-on luggage bag for a new designer suitcase. The giveaway was made to highlight the credit card company’s new perks. Skymiles Credit Card members are now able to check in their first luggage bag for free. “We launched a new benefit on our Delta Skymiles Credit Card that said Mona Hamouly, American Express manager. “The benefit basically allows primary card members to check their first bag for free. That’s a really big savings if you think about it.” The benefit was launched June 1. “It was well received by our card members,” Hamouly said. Hamouly said the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair was selected as the prime location of the giveaway because of its popularity. “(The art fair) is well-trafficked. We looked at a lot of different events, but we really felt as though we were going to have a presence there, and we know that it’s kind of a local favorite, so we thought it
would be appropriate.” American Express partnered with Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people across southeast Michigan. Goodwill will be opening its first donation store in 10 years in Canton in October. Used bags donated to the giveaway are to be sold at the store. “We’re into jobs. We’re into putting people into work,” said Mark Lane, director of public relations for Goodwill. “When you purchase something or donate something to one of those stores, that money goes into jobs. “We consider ourselves a social enterprise. There are no jobs out there right now. In this economy, it’s tough. We build businesses to employ people. And we’re going to be employing people at our stores.” The Canton store has already hired 23 new employees. Goodwill Database Coordinator Rose Belzyt, who worked at the event, described the turnout as a positive one. “Overall, we’ve had a good reaction,” she said. “Everyone loved it.” Goodwill and American Express had approximately 60 luggage exchanges at the event, Hamouly said.
Goodwill will be opening its first donation store in 10 years in Canton in October. Used bags donated to the giveaway are to be sold at the store.
American Express employees haul new suitcases to be exchanged for donated ones.
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Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
U-M students wrapping up internships at White House By Art Aisner Special Writer
Several thousand University of Michigan students were thrilled to hear President Obama deliver the keynote speech at this year’s graduation ceremonies at the Big House in May. But for a select few in attendance, their firsthand look of the president and his administration was just beginning. Five U of M students have spent their summer living in Washington, D.C., and working behind the scenes in one of the world’s most famous buildings. Though so much has happened since she first saw the president with her own eyes, April Maas still vividly recalls the monumental day and how it foretold her experiences over the summer. “I was in the Big House that day. It was such a surreal day,” Maas, 22, recalled recently. “I think we all just felt very honored to have President Obama speaking to us and honoring our class’ accomplishments. His speech was meaningful, relevant and memorable.” The same words would describe the 10 weeks she spent applying her English degree and minor in political science during the exclusive public service leadership program. Interns get the unique opportunity to work behind the scenes in one of the 18 departments housed and operated out of the White House. They include the offices of the President’s Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, Vice President Joe Biden and first lady Michelle Obama. Interns more interested in policy-minded pursuits can also serve in several other areas, including the Office of Political Affairs, the Office of Energy and Climate Change or the National Economic Council. “I knew I wanted to be a White House Intern the moment I interviewed,” said Maas, who grew up in Livonia, but now considers Ann Arbor home. She also said there was no long line of family connections or quid-pro quos to land the unique opportunity. “The most common question I get asked about my internship is ‘How did you get that position?’ and my answer is always the same – ‘I applied,’” she said. “The process was very straightforward. I completed the application, interviewed, and was fortunate enough to be offered an amazing position.” Good grades and her long-standing commitment to Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan –– a student-run nonprofit dedicated to supporting the physical and emotional rehabilitation of patients at the C.S. Mott
Children’s Hospital –– didn’t hurt. The White House Office of Media Affairs Officials said the internship program is geared to cultivate young people from around the country by developing their professional skills and sparking their interest in a career devoted to public service. Selections are based on a candidate’s commitment to public service, demonstrated leadership in the community, and a commitment to the Obama Administration’s mission. The University of Michigan was well represented with five interns this term, according to White House officials. Only Harvard, with 11, and the University of Pennsylvania, with six, had more students among the 130 selected from more than two dozen schools around the country. “Above all, I think my time at Michigan made me a wellrounded person,” Maas said. “My coursework was challenging and often pushed me to think in completely new ways.” At 20, Megan Rao was among the youngest tapped to serve this summer. The political science major is entering her junior year and got her taste for politics while working for then-Senator Obama during the presidential campaign in Oakland County. The Novi native she planned to stay home and volunteer with children’s groups had the internship not taken her to the nation’s capital. “I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to intern at the White House. A chance to work in the White House and serve the American people is an enormous privilege,” she said. Rao credited U of M political science professor Greg Markus with sparking her interest in grassroots community organizing, and how it can have an impact on both local and national politics. After working as a field organizer for the Obama campaign, Rao interned with Organizing for America at the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C. She is also a board member with Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote – Michigan, and is a member of the Michigan Indo-American Democratic Caucus. Around Ann Arbor, Rao said she would likely be found lounging around the Starbucks on State Street, or sipping bubble tea at Asian Legend of East William Street. She’ll return shortly as the program ends Aug. 13. Recent graduates Joshua Dickson of Chicago, Brittany Galisdorfer of Detroit and Aditi Hardikar of Bethesda, Md., were also selected for the summer term. They did not respond to repeated interview requests.
Clayton Classic Golf Outing Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton (left) welcomes golfers to his first Clayton Classic golf outing and fundraiser. The event, which was held July 30 at Fox Hills Golf Club in Northville, was to help raise money for Clayton’s upcoming campaign.
Saline firefighers to hold fundraiser By Art Aisner Special Writer
Members of the Saline Area Fire Department will be cooking chicken meals from noon to 6 p.m. during the Saline Summerfest Saturday. The money raised will help fund the purchase of essential equipment for the department, Chief Craig Hoeft said. The department has been saving for a Wildland firefighting/EMS all-terrain vehicle for some time, Hoeft said. The ATV, also known as a brush-fire rig, will contain a
pump and small water supply that will allow firefighters to extinguish hot spots in locations that are difficult to reach with a typical pick-up truck, he said. It also will be equipped with a Stokes basket, which uses a rescue backboard to transport patients at heavily-populated events, such as parades, festivals and fairs. Hoeft said it will have additional uses at off-road emergencies, such as hunting, snowmobile and construction accidents.
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• Former Saline athlete Chris King murdered • Three more arrested in connection with King slaying, family members of suspect charged • U of M transplant surgeons trade scrubs for server aprons (with video) • High wind, rain ravage Saline • Medical marijuana dispensary to open downtown (Ypsilanti)
The department also plans to purchase a new thermalimaging camera to replace the current unit that is 10 years old and outfitted with older technology. Any leftover proceeds will be used for a self-contained breathing apparatus, Hoeft said. “All fire departments are battling to maintain their budgets. Here, in Saline, it’s no different,” he said. “Our firefighters are willing, and
enjoy getting out and putting together this type of event, where the community enjoys our product, everyone has a good time and, in the end, we all benefit from the results.” The Saline Firehouse chickens will be located right behind Benny’s Bakery along the main stage. The dinner includes a half chicken, coleslaw, dinner roll, radishes and potato chips for $8.
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ing economy.” Quick Printing magazine is written for quick printers, small commercial printers, in-plant printers and copy shop owners and managers. The editorial focuses on improving efficiency and increasing sales and profits in the print shop. Allegra Print & Imaging of Saline provides marketing services for area businesses including printing, mailing services, fulfillment, promotional products and graphic design. Allegra has been recognized for its existing environmental commitment by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Great Printer Project and are designated by the Washtenaw County Department of Planning and Environment as a Washtenaw Waste Knot partner.
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Page 15-A
Thursday, August 15, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
Networking the old-fashioned way works, too By Linda Hagan Guest Writer
Although social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn offer great opportunities to connect with friends, colleagues and customers from the past or at a distance, there is something to be said about old-fashioned relationship maintenance. The now thought to be somewhat antiquated forms of communication –– a simple handwritten note, a phone call, or even a face-to-face visit with a handshake –– can be more a powerful way to forge business relationships and show that you care about the other person and his or her business. Those old-fashBIZ ioned ways to MATTERS communicate and conduct business indicate that the relationship with the other person is one of value. Despite the fact that this might sound like a greeting card company promotion, there is truth in this message. When was the last time you received a hand-written note? You probably remember it, and, if you’re like most people, you probably have it tucked away somewhere for your future memoir book. Receiving a hand-written note of thanks, congratulations, or sympathy received via U.S. mail with a few heartfelt words and an actual first-name signature can say that you are significant to that person, and you matter. It signifies that the social or business relationship between you and the sender is important. It also shows the sender has good manners or what my mother used to call “a lot of class.” Another old-fashioned technique: Instead of e-mailing, Twittering or texting someone, try picking up the phone and talking. Even if you leave a voice message saying you are just checking in, it reminds the listener of your relationship in a more personable –– and positive –– manner. An additional approach to net-
working the old-fashioned way is to get out and actually visit with people. In the “old days,” businesspeople actually dined with clients and met on a more social basis, forging bonds, building client networks and making deals that led to business profit. We can blame the economy for the cutback in face-to-face visits, but the ease of technology has almost eliminated any need for personal contact. Some may view this as an advantage rather than having to endure the expense and a 15-hour flight to China to call on a client, for example. Yet, especially in high-context cultures, meeting face-to-face on a more social level actually helps business deals and leads to a positive on the balance sheet rather than an expense. Even for more local visits, which may be across town, to another building, down the hall or around the cubicle, the power of a smile, a favorable nod, or a handshake can create new business or lock in the deal. Although swine flu and other germ-related illnesses will always be a concern (though it seems there is always sterile hand lotion nearby today), there is nothing more powerful in business as that of the handshake. Continue networking using social media and new technologies, but don’t forget how to communicate human-to-human, the old-fashioned way. In today’s over-texted/hyper-technological world, you just might find this a way to distinguish yourself and build stronger relationships in your personal and professional life. Linda Hagan is a professor of business communication and the director of the Doctor of Management in Executive Leadership program at Walsh College. Hagan is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America and a member of the Board of Directors of the PRSA Detroit Chapter. She can be reached at lhagan@walshcollege.edu.
Photo by Steven Howard
Summer Tradition
Cheri Bourdeau and Liz Morrow held a garage sale on West Phillips Street in Milan earlier this summer. Bourdeau said business had been “pretty good” despite warm temperatures. The two women plan to have another more expansive yard sale in September.
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@ www.heritage.com • Saline Library Summer Reading Program • Imagining The Arts at Allen Creek Preschool • 4-H Creative Chocolate Chip Contest • Sounds and Sights Festival • Chocolate Demonstration • 4-H Youth Show under way • Matt Greff from ABC talks about MI craft beer
Remember that Kids should have their FIRST DENTAL VISIT at age 2 1/2 and their FIRST ORTHODONTIC SCREENING at Age 7. GENTLE CARING DENTISTRY for the Entire Family
Call to Schedule Your Appointment! Sheryl Pomerance, D.D.S.
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Page 16-A
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION Sponsored by
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AUTO PAGE 17-A
August 5, 2010
The Jeep Grand Cherokee conquers mountains in comfort.
Jeep Grand Cherokee keeps classic ute alive By David Schmidt
Journal Register News Service
The latest generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is still a family vehicle that’ll climb mountains, with or without a road. While still maintaining Jeep’s classic capability, Chrysler’s designers have focused on making the car appealing to more people looking for a large sport ute. The new Grand Cherokee will be familiar to its fans. It looks good. Slightly bigger than the previous generation, this model lets everyone know this isn’t a compromise crossover vehicle that looks like a sports ute, but is really a car. It has all the capability that Jeep owners seek, whether they actually use those capabilities or not. So if you feel like climbing a mountain without a road, this is the ute for you. The large sports ute market is eight percent of overall sales in the U.S., and Jeep’s happy to take a share of that market -a large share, thank you. Yet the car won’t cost more than the previous model, with the Laredo base car starting at $30,995 for the rear-drive base version. The popular Limited will begin at $39,995 and the new top-of-the-line nameplate, the Overland, begins at $42,995. Add about two grand for 4-wheel drive, as all models are available in both rear- and 4-wheel drive. This generation is longer, wider, and taller. Not by much, but enough to make it a more usable and comfortable vehicle. The 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3-inches longer, and four of those inches are in the rear seats, which makes for more available legroom. The wheels are pushed out towards the corners to reduce overhang, as the overall length of the Grand Cherokee is only 1.8inches longer. The vehicle is three inches wider-a fair amount of growth-and it’s quickly noticeable when you get into the car. It also gives it a more planted look, and adds stability on the road. Off road, you’ll get a bit of argument, as lots of offroaders don’t want additional width on the narrow trails they delight in driving. The car has 19 percent more cargo space behind the seat. Jeep stiffened up the unibody of the Grand Cherokee significantly, and you can tell. The suspension is more responsive because everything else is holding still and allowing the suspension to do its thing. Both the front and rear suspensions are independent. Jeep officials say the body is
In the curvy bits along the California coast south of San Francisco, the Grand Cherokee delighted in being flung around corners. The brakes are solid, and even when pushed a bit hard, stay foursquare, evenly loading the four corners. 146 percent stiffer, and you can feel it as soon as you begin driving. This stiffness is good, and hasn’t anything to do if whether the ride feels stiff. That’s the suspension’s job, and the stiffer the platform, the better the suspension engineers can set the ride and handling parameters, considering the increased stiffness. In the curvy bits along the California coast south of San Francisco, the Grand Cherokee delighted in being flung around corners. The brakes are solid, and even when pushed a bit hard, stay four-square, evenly loading the four corners. There’s some nosedive there, but for a vehicle of this type and size, it’s minimal. The suspension stays flat in corners, and the accelerator response when you’re coming out of a corner is smooth, unless you’re right at a shift point. The steering is precise and positive, and does a good job of aiming the car where you’re pointing. This standard powerplant for the car is a new V6 that seemed quite good; it had plenty of power. Your alternative is the V8 Hemi, and there’s nothing wrong with that engine, especially if you’re going to be towing. But the new 6-cylinder has more than enough power for 99 percent of the tasks that 90 percent of the people who want a Grand Cherokee will be doing. This V6 is smooth, powerful and quite different from the previous V6-powered Grand Cherokee. This is to be the standard powerplant of this generation’s Grand Cherokee. For that reason, the power’s up almost 40 percent over the previous engine. This is the first application of what will be Chrysler’s flexible-fuel 3.6-liter V6 family of engines. In the Jeep Grand Cherokee,
it will generate 290 hp. and 260 lbs-ft of torque. The engine uses variable-valve technology and is cast-aluminum with double-overhead camshaft design. This engine has a fair bit of fancy new technologies, but Chrysler decided that the incremental advantage to power and mileage from making this a direct gasoline engine wasn’t worth the price. It can come later, but with it comes additional complexity and some extra noise. For those who must have more power, they can move up to the Hemi V8. Both engines are available in all trim levels. With the Hemi, you can tow up to 7400 lbs., thanks to the 360 hp. and 390 lbs-ft of torque. Those are good numbers, particularly off-road, where you have a bracing amount of power. On road as well, when you put your foot down to pass, you, well, pass. If you’re satisfied only towing 5000 lbs, then the V6 will do the trick and save you bunches of bucks over the years, but also let you show your friends and neighbors that you’re willing to downsize for the good of the enviro-gascarbon-global-water crisis. You don’t have to tell them that you’re not going to miss the V8 power except in very limited conditions. The transmission is a carry-over 5-speed, but the car doesn’t suffer from that. There are three different 4-wheel drive systems, beginning with the Quadra-Trac I, which is an automatic full-time system. Quadra-Trac II uses a 2-speed transfer cast to send the power to the axle that can use it best. The heavy-duty system is the Quadra Drive II, which uses an electronic limited slip differential to put the power -even all of it- to the wheels that have traction, even if there’s only one. It also uses the various electronic processes and sensors to help determine what it ought to be doing. Then there’s Jeeps air suspension, called QuadraLift. With 4.1- inches of play, the system lets you raise the vehicle up, giving it 11-inch clearance for off-roading, then lower it to the normal setting. The Grand Cherokee will automatically lower the car a bit when you get to highway speeds to improve aerodynamics, thereby improving fuel efficiency. You can also make the car crouch, all the way at the bottom of its range, for easier entry and exit. This is standard on the top model and optional on the Limited and PLEASE SEE JEEP/18-A
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Page 18-A
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
Versa sedan provides competent transportation By Russ Heaps
Journal Register News Service
When shopping compact economy cars, the 2011 Nissan Versa should be on every short list. Its easy-going demeanor and bargain-basement price make Versa a popular choice for the truly budget-minded. It remains faithful to the original low-cost, a car-in-every-driveway mission of Japanese imports. As the least expensive car in America, the entry-level Versa sedan provides competent transportation and solid fuel economy, but regrettably little in the way of creature comforts. In describing Versa, the bulk of superlatives were expended in the opening paragraph. It provides decent value, but won’t get anyone overly excited. Its pricing/trim-level structure targets buyers for whom every penny counts. Most upgrades are priced as options or as option packages. At $9,990 (before the $750 delivery charge) in its strippeddown, bare-bones sedan form, Versa is low-cost transportation. Because it uses a 107-hp. 1.6-liter 4-cylinder to turn the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission, the Versa Base delivers a very respectable EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. However, other than six airbags and a tilt steering wheel, the Base edition is void of noteworthy amenities. Adding air conditioning requires moving up to the Versa 1.6 and an additional outlay of $1,250, while upgrading to a 4-speed automatic transmission tacks another $1,000 on top of that. Ascending the trim-level food chain finds a more powerful Versa available in both sedan and 4-door hatchback configurations. My test Versa was the $13,520 1.8 S hatchback with 6-speed manual transmission. The sedan 1.8 S costs $50 more. Trading the 5-speed manual for the 4-speed automatic increases the bottom line by another $1,000. The priciest Versa is the $16,900 1.8 SL hatchback, which gets a con-
At $9,990 (before the $750 delivery charge) in its stripped-down, bare-bones sedan form, Versa is low-cost transportation. stantly variable transmission (CVT) to hustle the output of the 122-hp. 4-cylinder 1.8-liter to the wheels. There’s also a $16,470 1.8 SL sedan with a 4speed automatic. Fuel economy isn’t hugely affected by opting for the larger 1.8-liter four. The EPA pegs the numbers at 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway when using the 5-speed manual. With the 4-speed automatic, those numbers change to 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Delivering the best mileage of the 1.8-liter tranny choices is the CVT, at 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. With an emphasis on ride quality, the suspension targets road imperfections rather than cornering. The front suspension is independent featuring
MacPherson struts. A torsion beam with a stabilizer bar comprises the rear suspension setup. The ride is remarkably pliant. Only models with the 1.8liter engine get ABS. It isn’t even offered as an option on the 1.6-liter versions. Braking is achieved with discs in front and drums in the rear. Neither stability nor traction control is available on any Versa; however, the 1.8 S and 1.8 SL come with emergency braking assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. The most basic Versa has front side-mounted airbags, as well as front-rear head curtain airbags. Also standard on every Versa is a front-seat head restraint whiplash protection system.
Interior space is greater than the exterior might lead you to expect. Furnished for five, Versa’s backseat is better suited for two rather than a very squashed three. Legroom is fairly generous front and rear. Sedans have roughly 14 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback has about 18 cubic feet. The hatchback also has a 60/40 split-folding rear seat back that, although it doesn’t fold completely flat, still ups the cargo room to 50 cubic feet when folded down. Don’t expect to be dazzled by the interior. Consider the price point. There isn’t much in the way of bells and whistles. In spite of Versa’s low price, however, the quality of construction is very good. All of the
controls are logically placed and easy to operate. The seats, particularly the front buckets, are comfortable and fairly supportive. Besides replacing the 14-inch steel wheels found on the Versa 1.6 with 15-inch ones, the two key standard features the 1.8 S adds are the power outboard mirrors and a 4-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. For the typical power accessories most consumers want, buyers of the 1.8 S must pony up another $980 for the Power Plus Package. It includes power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry and cruise control. SL versions feature all the goodies on the S, as well as the equipment included in the Power Plus Package. Other SL
standard gear includes alloy wheels, better seat fabric, rear-seat center armrest, and a 6-speaker audio system with iPod interface. Truth be told, you probably won’t impress anyone but your banker with your Versa purchase. It won’t turn heads on the street or create a buzz in your neighborhood when it suddenly appears in your driveway. But it does what it’s supposed to do economically and with a fair degree of efficiency and comfort. If you can live without air conditioning and a radio, you won’t find a new car less expensive the entry-level Versa. When price is what matters most, it’s good to know that inexpensive doesn’t have to mean cheap.
JEEP
FROM PAGE 17-A
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the Laredo. SelecTerrain is Jeep’s system to adjust various systems to meet a set of four driving conditions. Sports Mode sends more power to the rear, delays shifts a bit and the stability control system allows more slip. In the Snow mode, the Grand Cherokee starts off in second gear and sets the standard power division at 50/50 between the front and rear axles. Again, the stability control gets more slip to help deal with the lack of traction. Sand and Mud mode again makes the standard power distribution 50/50, raises the suspension an inch and lets the wheels spin even more, since that is a necessity on many off-road situations. The Rock mode automatically ups the ante for serious off-roading, putting the vehicle into an off-road 2 setup, raising the vehicle, implementing hill-descent and engages the low range of the transfer case for go-anywhere capability. We spent a bit of time doing some serious off-roading in a state park dedicated to it. This was delightful, as Jeep program developers are very good at finding difficult, serious trails to fit the vehicle they’re demonstrating. We spent some time coming down a 60-degree hill that was awash in dust and loose dirt. Without hill descent, this would’ve been almost impossible to get down without sliding on your locked wheels ‘til gravity decided it was time to stop. Luckily, this feature comes standard in the top model and is an option in the Laredo and Limited. So there’s plenty for everyone who might consider this rather iconic sports ute. It’s a bit more efficient and much quieter, with high-quality interior looks and feel. If you have any questions, comments or ideas, send them via e-mail to comment@AutoWritersInk. com.
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COMMUNITY PAGE 1-B
August 5, 2010
CALENDAR SALINE
Through August ■ Two Twelve Arts Center and My Favorite Café will host Art at the Café. Students from Two Twelve Arts Center will display their work of watercolor, pastel, pencil drawing, clay wall art and fiber art. My Favorite Café is located at 101 S. Ann Arbor St. in downtown Saline. For more information, call 9444054. Monday, Aug. 9 ■ Morning youth tennis lessons will be offered by Saline Parks and Recreation for youth ages 7 through 9, 10 through 12 and 13 through 17. Lessons take place Monday through Thursday mornings. The session runs for two weeks and costs $59. For more information, call 429-3502. Monday Aug. 9 through Friday Aug. 13 ■ Saline Summer Kids Camp will be held at the Saline Recreation Center for youth ages 5 through 12. The theme for the week is “Michigan Adventures.” Activities include daily swimming, games, crafts, sports and a field trip on Wednesday to Rolling Hills Water Park. Register by the week or by the day. For more information, call 429-3502 or email salinekidscamp@cityofsalin e.org. ■ “Learn to Study and Take Tests” will be offered through Saline Community Education for children in sixth through 12th grades. Learn various study and test taking strategies that will help you prepare for upcoming tests and quizzes. Classes will be held Monday through Friday at Liberty School Room 20. The fee is $199. For more information, visit www.salineonline.org or call the Saline Community Education Office at 429-8020. ■ A musical theater intensive will be offered through Saline Community Education. The class is designed for students in ninth through 12th grades and will concentrate on choosing and preparing monologues and preparing a musical theater piece for auditions. The classes will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the High School Drama Lab. A final presentation for family and friends will take place Aug. 13, also in the high school’s drama laboratory. The fee is $100. For more information, visit www.salineonline.org or call the Saline Community Education Office at 429-8020. ■ “One on One Sports – Soccer Skills Camp” will be offered through Saline Community Education. Coaches will help improve participants’ ball control, shooting and passing techniques, as well as defensive skills. T-shirts will be given to all campers. The class is for pupils in kindergarten through sixth grade, and will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday at the old varsity soccer field. The fee is $145. For more information, visit www.salineonline.org or call the Saline Community Education Office at 429-8020. ■ “Abrakadoodle’s Beach Party Art Camp” will be offered through Saline Community Education. There will be spray bottle painting, sand and shell designs and lots of other cool beach-themed projects. The class is for kids in first through fourth grades, and runs from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Liberty School Room 6. The fee is $65. For more information, visit www.salineonline.org or call the Saline Community Education Office at 429-8020. Friday, Aug. 13 ■ A Children’s Art Show will be held at Two Twelve Arts Center, 212 W. Michigan Ave., with an artists’ reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Free. For more information, visit www.twotwelvearts. org. Monday, Aug. 16 through Friday, Aug. 20 ■ Saline Summer Kids Camp will be held at the Saline Recreation Center for youth ages 5 through 12. The theme for this week is “Space Camp.” Activities include daily swimming, games, crafts, sports and a field trip on Thursday to the Jump City. Register by the week or by the day. For more information, call 429-3502 or e-mail s alinekidscamp@cityofsaline.org.
Monday, Aug. 16 through Thursday, Aug. 26 ■ The Summer Sandbox Preschool Program will be offered by Saline Community Education. The preschool program is for children ages 3 1/2 through 5. Children will enjoy fun summer activities and learning projects through hands-on experience, based on different themes each session. Activities include storytelling, movement and music, games, art projects, dramatic play and more. The fee is $170 per session. Registration packets are available for walk-in or phone-in registration at Saline Community Education, 200 N. Ann Arbor St., Saline, 429-8020. Tuesday, Aug. 17 through Thursday, Aug. 19 ■ Driver’s Education Part II will be offered through Saline Community Education. Students must be 15 years and 9 months old before the first day of class. For more information, visit www. salineonline.org or call the Saline Community Education Office at 429-8020. Friday, Aug. 20 ■ A free movie in the park will be hosted at Mill Pond Park. Saline Parks and Recreation will be celebrating more than 10 years of the movie festival by showing its first movie presentation: “A Bug’s Life.” Starting at 6:30 p.m., there will be games, concessions and more. Gym America Gymnastics will be on hand to help celebrate with demonstrations and activities. The movie will start at sundown. Bring chairs and sunscreen.
MILAN
Through Thursday, Aug. 5 ■ Game Days will be offered at Milan Public Library for children in third through fifth grades. The sessions are from 1 to 4 p.m. Children can play Wii games and board games at the library. Registration is requested. ■ Story time at Milan Public Library is held at 10:15 a.m. for toddlers 2 and 3 years old, and at 11:15 a.m. for children 3 through 5 years old accompanied by an adult. Call 439-1240 or stop by the library to register or for more information. Through Friday, Aug. 6 ■ Story time at Milan Public Library is held at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. for children 3 through 5 years old accompanied by an adult. Call 439-1240 or stop by the library to register or for more information. Thursday, Aug. 5 ■ BackStreet Cruizers will meet 6 p.m. in Wilson Park every Thursday evening through Aug. 26, weather permitting. Friday, Aug. 6 ■ Hack House will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Fridays through Oct. 29. Other times are available for tours by appointment. Call 439-4007. Wednesday, Aug. 11 and Thursday, Aug. 12 ■ A “Create A Bookmark” contest will be held by Milan Public Library from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday. Design a bookmark to celebrate Milan’s 125 years and enter it in the bookmark contest. Also, use a variety of art supplies to make a creative bookmark for yourself. Thursday, Aug. 12 ■ BackStreet Cruizers will meet 6 p.m. in Wilson Park every Thursday evening through Aug. 26, weather permitting. ■ The sixth annual Pancake Supper Fundraiser will be held at the Milan Senior Center, 45 Nickel Court from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 or $5 for seniors 60 and over and for children 5 years and under. Tickets are available in advance or at the door. The meal includes pancakes, sausage, fruit and beverage. The supper is in advance of the Thursday evening concert at Wilson Park, featuring the Fiddler’s Restrung. For further information, call the Milan Senior Center 503-6229.
Photo by Steven Howard
Pete and Lori Toarmina show off some of the items diners can expect to see when they eat dinner at their new restaurant, Mangiamo, in the former Kelly’s on Michigan Avenue.
Work Progress A
in
New restaurant to open soon By Steven Howard
A
Heritage Newspapers
lthough he doesn’t have a date yet for the opening of his new restaurant and bar complex that occupies the former Saline Café and Kelly’s buildings, Pete Toarmina said progress is being made he and his coowners have decided on names for what will be two separate storefronts. Both the restaurant and bar will be called Mangiamo, which means ‘let’s eat’ in Italian, Toarmina said. They also have decided on Mickey’s Downtown as the name of the ice cream parlor that will be a slightly different extension of his current operation, Mickey’s Dairy Twist. As he walked through the building last week, Toarmina said he has been extremely busy. “I’m usually doing five things at once,” he said. The bar area that once featured dozens of Victorian and hunting-themed paintings and prints is now more minimalist, looking more indicative of the sportstype bar it soon will become. Though made to look older, the hardwood flooring is all new.
“It’s dark wood with a satin finish,” Toarmina said. “It looks like it’s 100 years old. It has been down about a week and my wife and sister did it.” The bar itself has been replaced, but some of the existing details have been integrated into the new scheme, including the moveable dinning trays that are supported by a ridge in the wood. “The quartz countertops are all new,” he said. “We took the first layer off and we found three layers of bar tops under it.” Less visible to customers, but every bit as important to a quality dining experience are the walk-in coolers that Toarmina said he has totally renovated. He said it was a lengthy process to moisture-proof them. “We took off two layers of flooring and then the structural support under it,” Toarmina said of the renovation. “It will end up being a first-class walk-in.” Toarmina said the kitchen area required substantial work, as well. “The kitchen is 100 percent new ceiling and 100 percent new lighting,” he said. While deciding where to put the pizza oven, Toarmina and the other owners agreed that it is too pretty to keep in the kitchen. “This is the pizza bar area,” he said, pointing to the spot where customers will
be able to watch as their pie bakes. “It’s the old-style pizza oven, which always makes better pizza than the conveyors.” Other choices have been a bit harder to make, Toarmina said, such as which variety of silverware, plates and related furnishings. “The women and I have spent countless hours trying to determine table cloths and china,” he said. Toarmina said the most surprising aspect of doing the renovation has been the sheer scale of the project. “It’s just the amount of demolition,” he said. ‘It’s layers of demo.” Benefiting from all of the work has been a local junk hauler, Toarmina said. “We have got a local scrap guy and I call him every few days,” Toarmina said. “It keeps it local makes him happy.” As work progresses, Toarmina said he has from four to eight people working on the restaurant complex, but he doesn’t yet know when the doors will be ready to open. Still pending, as well, is the state liquor license for the establishment, but Toarmina doesn’t expect any problems. Steven Howard can be reached at 4297380 or showard@heritage.com. Follow his blog at http://heritageweststaffblog. blogspot.com.
Food Gatherers grows ‘super carrots’ By Lisa Allmendinger Heritage Newspapers
Patti Ramos planted about 5,000 Mokum nectar, yellow sun and purple haze “super carrots” in eight raised beds at Food Gatherers earlier this summer. The first carrot harvest took place July 29, and once the orange, purple and yellow carrots were pulled from the ground, they were tied in bunches with orange and green ribbon. Also added was a special tag explaining that the multicolored vegetables are a super Friday, Aug. 13 source of nutrition and are ■ The Milan Area Chamber of Commerce will host a guest grown at the Food Gatherers’ speaker at a breakfast at the Gathering Farm. Milan Senior and Community “Carrots are very versatile Activity Center, 45 Neckel Court. and they’re fun,” Ramos says. Reservations are due before “I feel like they are my chilAug. 11 by e-mailing dren,” says Ramos, the super info@milanchamber.org or callcarrot project coordinator and PLEASE SEE CALENDAR/5-B an intern from the University
of Michigan School of Public Health, says of the carrots. She spent a week planting them, watched them sprout and grow, and was selling them for the first time July 29. “Carrots are a delicious way to get a super source of vitamin A, fiber and antioxidants,” according to the tag that went home with each bunch purchased at the super carrot booth at the Thursday Westside Farmers’ Market in Ann Arbor. The carrot is the unofficial mascot of Food Gatherers, which is also located at 1 Carrot Way in Ann Arbor, Ramos says. The first crop of carrots is the result of Food Gatherers’ Community Kitchen Job Training Program. They are grown in raised beds, harvested the morning of the market, and sold by interns through Sept.30. PLEASE SEE CARROTS/7-B
Photos by Lisa Allmendinger
Three colors of “super carrots” grown at Food Gatherers and sold for $3 a bunch at the Thursday Westside Farmers’ Market in Ann Arbor.
HERITAGE
ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 2-B
www.heritage.com
August 5, 2010
Ann Arbor’s Blackbird Theatre finds new home
After a yearlong property search, the Blackbird Theatre will settle into its new home in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown district. The company will share its new home with the \sh\-aut Gallery at 325 Braun Court. The intimate venue is located near Kerrytown Shops and the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market. After a recent run of “Patty Hearst: The New Musical” in the space in June, the Blackbird negotiated a deal to create a permanent residence there. Owners Keith Orr and Martin Contreras also operate the Aut Bar and Common Language Bookstore, located directly across the courtyard. After a seven-year residence at The Children’s Creative Center on Ann Arbor’s West Side, the Blackbird Theatre began searching for a new home in a more convenient location. The Blackbird suspended its 2009-10 season to make this transition. “It was a long, hard search, and it’s a huge relief,” said founding artistic director Barton Bund in a news release.
“We love the new venue, and the atmosphere and culture of Kerrytown. It’s a real locals’ hangout, and the new venue opens us up for a lot of new possibilities. “The last few years have been the most creative in our company’s history, and the new venue gives us better access to the Ann Arbor community as a whole. This is a chance to share what we do with more people, in a comfortable new location.” Co-founder and Managing Director Dana Sutton said she couldn’t be more pleased that the theater group now has a new home base. “We have done a lot of events at the \sh\-aut over the years, which helped us to develop a real vision for the space. We have already been pushing the boundaries; after doing a full musical like Patty Hearst in that space, we know we can do just about anything.” The theater company plans to continue its mission to produce new and innovative works for the stage. “The new space means we can take different risks,” said Bund.
“The work is more intimate, more immediate, more total-environmental. You’re close to the action, and it’s a wonderful experience for the actors and the audience. “We’re ready to take on new challenges, and try some things we’ve never done. And we’ll stick to what we do best, too. This venue will be great for new plays, for classics, for concerts — all kinds of things.” The Blackbird Theatre Academy for teens will continue its free drama programs, and the company plans to teach acting classes for all ages. Other plans include outdoor performances in and around the area, development of new plays and community events. “This company has always reflected the flavor and the free spirit of Ann Arbor,” Bund said. “The new Blackbird is going to be very Ann Arbor. For us, that means theater that is fun, smart, edgy and fearless. This next year is going to be huge for us and great for the community around us too.”
“The last few years have been the most creative in our company’s history, and the new venue gives us better access to the Ann Arbor community as a whole. This is a chance to share what we do with more people, in a comfortable new location.” FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BARTON BUND
‘Not Just for Kids’ series returns to Michigan Theater
The Michigan Theater will host the return of the “Not Just For Kids” series this fall and winter, with entertainment suitable for kids and families. The “Not Just For Kids” series begins Oct. 17 with “Amber Brown is Not a Crayon” and wraps up with “Stuart Little” on May 1, 2011. Standard series subscriptions include a choice of five or six performances. The premium series includes two additional family performances by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. The “Not Just For Kids” schedule includes: •Oct. 17, 1:30 p.m.: ‘Amber Brown Is Not A Crayon.’ Laugh
and cry with Amber as she learns some valuable lessons about the virtues of patience and the meaning of friendship. •Dec. 12, 1:30 p.m.: “Duck For President, Fancy Nancy And Other Story Books.” This is an all-new musical revue featuring mini-musicals based on best-selling children’s books. •Jan. 23, 1:30 p.m.: “Rob The Drummer.” This unique program uses music as a motivator to inspire children to become active in the arts and sports. •Feb. 6, 1:30 p.m.: ‘Junie B. Jones.’ Grab your top-secret personal beeswax journal and join Junie in this colorful, funny, fast-paced musical, which takes the audience into
The “Not Just For Kids” series begins Oct. 17 with “Amber Brown is Not a Crayon” and wraps up with “Stuart Little” on May 1, 2011. the life of the heroine of the same name. •March 20, 1:30 p.m.: “Jigsaw Jones: The Case Of The Class Clown.” Someone in Ms. Gleason’s class is playing practical jokes. It’s up to Theodore “Jigsaw” Jones to investigate the sliming and track down the
class clown. •May 1, 1:30 p.m.: “Stuart Little.” When Stuart’s dear friend Margolo the bird is frightened away, he sets out on an adventure to find her. The story is based on E.B. White’s classic children’s tale. Ann Arbor Symphony
Orchestra concerts included in the premium season package are: •Nov. 14, 4 p.m.: “Peter & the Wolf/Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.” •March 13, 4:00 p.m.: “Sea to Shining Sea.” Subscriptions offer both the best seating and savings over the single show prices. Subscriptions prices start at $9 per show for a five-show package to $10 per show for an eightshow package. All seats are reserved. Series tickets are on sale now through Oct. 14 by mail to 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, or obtain tickets by phone at 6688397 ext. 27 or by fax at 668-7136.
The six-show “Not Just For Kids” series can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. An order form can be downloaded at http://michtheater. org/series_njfk.php. Single show tickets are not yet on sale but will become available at 10 a.m. Sept. 3. Single show tickets are $14 and $12 for Michigan Theater members, available online at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call 1800-345-3000. Save on groups of 10 or more by calling 668-8397, ext. 27. For more information, visit the Michigan Theater Web site at http://michtheater.org.
10 a.m. Tuesday: All invited to tour vegetable and flower gardens at Trachett farm, 7905 Lindemann. Free. 944-9131.
younger, free). 657-2337.
THINGS TO DO: REGIONAL CALENDAR CHELSEA
Chelsea Ride 6 p.m. Thursdays, 9 a.m. Mondays: Meet at Aberdeen Bike, 1175 S. Main St. Free. 1517-285-6830. Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday: Music and entertainment in downtown Chelsea. Free (fee for carriage ride). 475-1145. “Extend Your Growing Season” 7 p.m. Thursday: Free. Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Free. Pre-register at 475-8732. “Boeing-Boeing” 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays ending Aug. 28: Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St. 4337673.
St. Free admission. 475-6402. Chelsea Teddy Bear Co. 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday: 400 N. Main St. Free. 433-5499. Chelsea Chess Club 3 p.m. Saturdays: Wendy’s, 1640 Commerce Park. Free. 475-1583. “Weed & Sing” 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday: Community Farm of Ann Arbor, 1525 S. Fletcher Road. Free. 433-0261. Mystery Book Club 7:30 p.m. Monday: Breakaway Restaurant, Arctic Coliseum, 501 Coliseum Drive. Free. 475-7035. Baby Time 10:30 a.m. Tuesday: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St., Chelsea. Free. 475-8732.
11 a.m. Friday: Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St. Free. 426-4477
graph. Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Road. Free. Pre-register at 429-5450.
Youth Activities 2 p.m. Saturday: Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St. Free. 426-4477.
Thursday Night Contra 7 p.m. Thursday: 4531 Concourse Drive. $7 (students, $4).
Summer Concert Series 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays: Flying Latini Brothers. Monument Park gazebo. Free. 426-0887.
Saline’s Summerfest 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday: Live bands, car show, art and crafts, entertainment, fishing contest, volleyball tournament, trolley tours, and more. Downtown Saline. Free admission. 429-7429.
Volunteer Stewardship Workday 9 a.m. to noon Saturday: Dolph Nature Area (parking lot on east side of Wagner between Liberty and Jackson). Free. 9963266. Great Lakes Discraft Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday: Ann Arbor Area Disc Induced Sports Club. Professional and amateur disc golfers compete in three 24hole rounds in this annual tournament. Cash prizes. Final round on Sunday is big spectator attraction. Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial Road, Dexter. $55 entry fee; free to spectators. $5 vehicle fee. A3disc.org.
Waterloo Area Farm Museum 1 to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday: 9998 Waterloo-Munith Road, Chelsea. $4 (age 62 up, $3; ages 5-17, $2; ages 4 and younger, and members, free). 1517-596-2254.
Summer Story Time 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Free. Pre-register at 475-8732.
Animanga Club 1 p.m. Friday: Age 12 and up invited to watch anime and swap and talk about manga (Japanese comics). Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Free. 475-8732.
Story Times 11 a.m. Thursday and Monday; and 1 p.m. Monday: Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St., Dexter. Free. 4264477.
Bird Hike 7:30 a.m. Saturday: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial Road, Dexter. $2. Preregister at 426-8211. $5 vehicle fee.
Great Books at the Senior Center 1 p.m. Friday: Chelsea Senior Center, 512 Washington St., Chelsea. Free. Pre-register at 475-8732.
Ice Cream Social 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday: Free ice cream, and food for sale. St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ, 7610 Dexter-Ann Arbor Road, Dexter. Free. 426-8610.
Draw Doubles Disc Golf Noon Saturdays: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial Road. $5 vehicle fee. 449-4300.
Jackson Street Jam 7 p.m. Friday: Preservation Chelsea, Chelsea Connection Team. Dr. Dwayne & the Bad Boys from Spain and The Poor House. Free concert, plus hot dogs, beverages, chips, ice cream available to purchase. 110 Jackson St. 475-5753.
“The Sound of Music” 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday, Sunday: Encore, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. $28 (seniors and students, $25; groups of 10 or more, $22) at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. 268-6200.
Chelsea Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays: Park
DEXTER
Summer Reading Program Wrap-Up Party
National Active and Retired Federal Employees meeting 11:30 a.m. Monday: Classic Cup Cafe, 4389 Jackson Ave. Call 662-1734.
SALINE
“Readers’ Bee” 7 p.m. Thursday: Fourththrough sixth-graders invited to participate in a competition to identify books from one para-
Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays: South Ann Arbor Street in downtown Saline, and 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Saline Library, 555 N. Maple Road. Call 429-3518. Rentschler Farm 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays: 1265 E. Michigan Ave. Enter through the shopping center and park within the farm complex. Call 944-0442. Saline Railroad Depot Museum 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays: 402 N. Ann Arbor St. Call 9440442. Drum 4 Wellness Circle 7:30 p.m. Saturday: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth, 704 Airport Blvd. $5 suggested donation. 480-1219. First Saturday Contra 8 p.m. Saturday: Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Road. $9 (members, $8; students, $5). 769-1052. Special Needs Family Movie 1:15 p.m. Sunday: Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple. Free. Pre-register at 429-5450. Line Dancing 6:30 p.m. Tuesday: Saline American Legion, 320 W. Michigan, Saline. $6. 429-4840. Good Thyme Garden Club
New Horizons Band: Saline Senior Center 7 p.m. Tuesday, 1 p.m. Thursday: Bring an instrument and music stand. Instruction for novices on Tuesdays. Liberty School band room, 7265 SalineAnn Arbor Road. Free. 4291742. “Magic Funny Side Up” 7 p.m. Wednesday: Family performance by magician Jason Abbott. Bring a blanket to sit on. Saline District Library lawn, 555 N. Maple Road. Free. 429-5450. Cruise Night 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday: American Legion Hall, 320 W. Michigan, Saline. Free. 429-7310. Saline Ride 6 p.m. Wednesday: Municipal parking lot, Ann Arbor-Saline Road, south of Michigan Ave. Free. 645-5840.
YPSILANTI
Crossroads Summer Festival 7 p.m. Friday: Bugs Beddow Band. Washington Street at Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti Free. 717-7305. Michigan Roots Jamboree 3 p.m. to midnight Friday: Riverside Park, Depot Town, Ypsilanti. $15 ($50 weekend pass) per day in advance at rootsjamboree.com, $20 per day ($60 weekend pass at the gate. Weekend pass includes camping. 846-5933. Washtenaw Classic Auto Show 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays: 3362-3402 Washtenaw Ave. service drive. Free admission. 369-3012. Children’s Puppet Shows 3:30 p.m. Sundays: Dreamland Theater, 26 N. Washington St. $5 (age 3 and
Free Movie Mondays 6 p.m. Monday: All movies are free and open to the public. Student Center auditorium. Depot Town Crafters Market 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday: Market Plaza in Depot Town. 481-0092. “All You Want to Know About Service/Therapy/Rescue Dogs” 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: Ypsilanti Public Schools safe schools program coordinator Rod Wiedbusch, accompanied by his service dog Storm. Kids activities. Refreshments. University Living, 2865 S. Main St. Free. Reservations required. 769-3030, ext. 233. “Rick Ferrell, Knuckleball Catcher” 7 p.m. Wednesday: Writer Kerrie Ferrell discusses her biography of her father, late pro baseball catcher Rick Ferrell. Ypsilanti District Library. Free. 973-7225. Free Boating Safety Training 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday: The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office offers the Michigan Department of Natural Resources “Boat Michigan” course for ages 12 and older. Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor. Free and all materials provided. Pre-register at 973-4713.
MANCHESTER
Summer Gazebo Concerts 7:30 p.m. Thursday: Trent Wagler & the Steel Wheels. Free. Manchester gazebo, Wurster Park, Main Street west of M-52. Rain location is Emanuel Church hall, 324 W. Main St. Free, but donations appreciated. 428-0159. Riverfolk Music & Arts Festival 10 a.m., to midnight Saturday: Carr Park. $12 in advance at riverfolkfestival.org, $15 at the gate. 428-7716.
Page 3-B
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
STEADY DATES Editor’s Note: The Steady Dates calendar is published the first Thursday of the month.
SALINE MISCELLANEOUS ■ File of Life is offered for free by the Saline Area Senior Center and Saline Fire Department. The file is a minimedical history that’s placed in a red plastic folder and secured to your refrigerator with a magnet. Emergency responders are trained to look for it. ■ WomenSinging, a choral group in Saline, offers a varied repertoire. Call 429-7323 or 904-6289 for more information. ■ The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program has new class offerings in Saline. For more information about locations, schedules and fees, call the Arthritis Foundation. Michigan Chapter at 1-800-9683030 or visit www.arthritis.org. ■ Saline Farmers’ Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Oct. 31 in downtown Saline, City Parking Lot 4, south on Ann Arbor Street. For more information, call Nancy Crisp, market manager, at 429-3518 or e-mail sali nefarmersmarket@comcast.net.
Monday ■ Kiwanis Club of Saline meets 5:45 p.m. the first and third Monday at Brecon Village, 200 Brecon Drive, in Saline. The meetings are open to the public. For more information, call Jennie Haigh at 944-2301. ■ Meals on Wheels is available Monday through Friday in the Saline area. For more information, call 429-9274. ■ Saline Area Youth Baseball and Softball Board of Directors meets 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month in the Saline Community Education boardroom at Union School, 200 N. Ann Arbor St. ■ Saline Booster Club meets 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Saline High School media center, 1300 Campus Parkway. ■ Saline City Council meets 7:30 p.m. the first and third Monday each month at Council Chambers, 100 N. Harris Ave. ■ Saline Stone and Thistle Garden Club meets 7:30 p.m. the third Monday of the month September through April, usually at the UAW Hall, 601 Woodland Drive, in Saline. For information, call 944-7934. Tuesday ■ Mid-Week Farmers’ Market at Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Road meets 3 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday June 1 through Sept. 28. For more information, call Market Manager Nancy Crisp, 4293518. Free parking available at Saline Middle School. ■ Saline New Horizons Band rehearsals are held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays at Liberty School, 7265 SalineAnn Arbor Road, south entrance. Beginning Band classes for adults are held Tuesdays from 6 to 7 pm. For information about the band, call Joe Labuta at 429-1742. ■ Pittsfield Charter Township Board meets 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Township Hall, 6201 W. Michigan Ave., at the corner of Platt Road and Michigan Avenue. ■ The York Township Environmental Committee is actively seeking York Township residents to join its committee. Meetings are held 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at York Township Hall. Projects include a wide variety of environmentally focused efforts, including Earth Day events, recycling, land preservation and resource conservation. Interested York Township residents should contact Environmental Committee Chair Aimee Kay at 1-734-709-7333 Wednesday ■ First Steps WashtenawSaline has year-round playgroups for parents with children up to 5 years old. These age-
specific groups provide families with opportunities to meet and learn more about child development in a developmentally appropriate environment with trained parent educators. Call Denise Southwell at 429-8000, ext. 4569, for more information or visit www.salinecommunityed.com. ■ Middle School TeacherParent Council meetings are held from 7 to 9 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at the Saline Middle School media center. ■ American Legion Bingo is held 6:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month at the Saline American Legion, 320 W. Michigan Ave. The public is welcome. Thursday ■ Al-Anon meets 7:30 p.m. every Thursday at St. Joseph Mercy Saline Hospital Community Room, 400 Russell St. in Saline. ■ Alcoholics Anonymous meets 7:30 p.m. every Thursday at UAW Local 892, 601 Woodland Drive in Saline. For more information, call 4825700, a 24-hour hotline. ■ American Legion Post 322 meets 7:30 p.m. the last Thursday of every month; the Ladies Auxiliary meets 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday; Sons of the American Legion meets 6 p.m. the first Tuesday; Home Board meets 7 p.m. the second Monday. A sauerkraut supper is held the second Thursday of every month. The American Legion Post 322 is at 320 W. Michigan Ave. in Saline. For hall reservations and information, call 429-7310. ■ Bridgewater Township Board meets at 7 p.m. at the Township Hall. ■ Heritage Parent-Teacher Organization meets 9 a.m. the first Thursday of every month at Heritage School auditorium, 290 Woodland Drive in Saline. For more information, call 9446046. ■ Saline Lions Club meets 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thursday of the month at Mac’s restaurant on Michigan Avenue in downtown Saline. For more information, call Don Hes at 395-1235. ■ Saline Newcomers meets the fourth Thursday of most months at various Saline homes at 7 p.m. Newcomers is a nondenominational, nonprofit group. For more information on times and locations, call Judy Neeb at 944-3733. Saline Rotary meets from noon to 1 p.m. at Travis Pointe Country Club, 2829 Travis Pointe Road in Saline. New visitors are welcome. For details, call Christine Johnson at 3687775. ■ Meditation for Beginners is held from 7 to 8 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month at Saline Public Library. This is an ongoing, free class and is open to anyone with little or no meditation experience. Attendance is on a drop-in basis. Call 470-0170 for more information. Saturday ■ Saline Farmers’ Market is held from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday from May through October in downtown Saline. The Grower’s Only Market is located 1/2 block south of Michigan Avenue on South Ann Arbor Street. Master Gardeners are there to answer gardening questions. Free parking. For more information, call Market Manager Nancy Crisp at 4293518. Sunday
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■ Women’s Meditation Circle is an ongoing group of women who meet together for meditation and discussion on the first and third Sunday evening of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. No experience needed. The group is free and attendance is on a drop-in basis. Call 470-0170 for location. ■ American Legion Country Breakfast is held from 8:30 a.m. to noon the second Sunday as a fundraiser. It includes eggs to order, French toast, pancakes, sausage, biscuits and sausage, gravy and muffins, as well as beverages. Cost is $6 for all you can eat.
meeting location. For more information, call 1-734-5295330. ■ Pi-Yo adult fitness classes will be held, offering a strengthening and stretching program for all levels, from 6 to 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays at Dance Explosions. Call 6456849 or e-mail hdarling@bignet. net to register. ■ Health Awareness and Action, launched by the Milan Area Chamber of Commerce, meets 7:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Aid in Milan, 89 W. Main St. Anyone interested in health education and helping Milan-area residents to a better style of healthy living is encouraged to attend. For more information, e-mail simon@thebraincode.com.
MILAN Monday ■ Alcoholics Anonymous meets from 8 to 10 p.m. every Monday. The group meets at 50 Neckel Court in Milan. For more information, call 439-1549. ■ Milan Senior Lunch and Activities will be held at 11:45 a.m. Milan senior citizens enjoy lunch and activities every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at the senior center, 45 Neckel Court in Milan. Call 439-4310 for more information. ■ Milan Book Bunch meets 1 p.m. the second Monday of every month at the Milan Public Library, 151 Wabash St. The gathering includes book reviews and discussions. Newcomers are welcome. For more information, call Marilyn Alexander at 439-2714. ■ “Lifetime Fitness” is a low-impact aerobics class, suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Heidi Cutler leads the class from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Milan Senior and Community Activities Center, 45 Neckel Court. ■ Milan City Council meetings are held 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month. Meetings are held at 147 Wabash St. Call 439-1501 for more information.
Wednesday ■ First Steps Washtenaw offers Milan play groups for families with children up to 5 years old. Play groups are held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through the 2009-2010 school year. Playgroups are held at Paddock Elementary School in rooms 14 and 15. For more information, visit www.milanareaschools.org/~pecc or call 4395151. ■ Tai chi classes will be held at 5 p,m. at the Milan Community House on Neckel Court in Milan. ■ “Lifetime Fitness” is a low-impact aerobics class, suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Heidi Cutler leads the class from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Milan Senior and Community Activities Center, 45 Neckel Court. ■ Milan Senior Lunch and Activities will be held at 11:45 a.m. Milan senior citizens enjoy lunch and activities every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at the senior center, 45 Neckel Court in Milan. Call 439-4310 for more information. ■ Line dancing is held at 9:30 a.m. at the Milan Senior and Community Activities Center, 45 Neckel Court in Milan. ■ Walk aerobics is held 10:45 a.m. at the Milan Senior and Community Activities Center, 45 Neckel Court in Milan. ■ Open Mic Music Night is held 6:30 p.m. at the Lighthouse Coffee Co., 9 W. Main St. in Milan. Interested in participating, e-mail Rod Hill at rodhill@umich.edu. ■ An all-you-can-eat chicken dinner will be held the third Wednesday of the month at the Knights of ColumbusImmaculate Conception Church, Father Joe Family Center, at Ann and North streets in Milan. Carryout orders are available. ■ The Milan Garden Club meets 6:45 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month late fall and early spring at Marble Memorial United Methodist Church and May and throughout the summer at Hack House Museum. Call 439-7727
Tuesday ■ First Steps Washtenaw offers Milan play groups for families with children up to 5 years old. Play groups are held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through the 2009-2010 school year. Playgroups are held at Paddock Elementary School in rooms 14 and 15. For more information, visit www.milanareaschools.org/~pecc or call 4395151. ■ Milan Woman’s Club meets at noon the second Tuesday of each month, September through May, at the Milan Senior and Community Activity Center, 45 Neckel Court. Call 439-7386. ■ The Milan Booster Wrestling Club practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Milan High School wrestling room. Practice times and registration fees vary for age groups. Call Milan Parks and Recreation for details at 439-1549. ■ Milan Rotary meets at noon at the Milan Senior and Community Activity Center. Call 439-5050. ■ Milan Area Art Association meets the second Tuesday of each month. Contact Joan Keilman for the
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Thursday ■ First Steps Washtenaw offers Milan play groups for families with children up to 5 years old. Play groups are held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays,
Friday ■ Milan Area Chamber of Commerce meets regularly at 8 a.m. in the senior center, 45 Neckel Court. Call 439-7932 or e-mail info@milanchamber.org. ■ Pi-Yo adult fitness classes will be held, offering a strengthening and stretching program for all levels, from 6 to 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays
at Dance Explosions. Call 5878706 or e-mail hdarling@bignet. net to register. ■ Story time at Milan Public Library is held at 10:45 a.m. for children 3 to 5 years old accompanied by an adult. Call 439-1240 or stop by the library to register or for more information.
Saturday ■ Boot Camp classes offered from 8 to 9 a.m. at Dance Explosion. Call 645-6849 for more information.
WASHTENAW COUNTY MISCELLANEOUS ■ Women’s Eating Disorders Group for women ages 16 to 24 is starting in Ann Arbor at Life’s Way Family Counseling and Education. The group works with young women to change how they feel about themselves and take back control of their lives. Call Julie Polmerville Steiner at 761-8118 for more information. Life’s Way Family Counseling and Education is located at 2311 E. Stadium Blvd., Suite 5 in Ann Arbor. ■ The Washtenaw County Public Health Department offers free pregnancy testing to women who are Washtenaw County residents, regardless of income, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday. No appointment is necessary. Women also may be eligible for free family planningrelated services. Call 544-6700 or visit the website www.publichealth.ewashtenaw.org for more details. ■ The University of Michigan Center for the Child and the Family offers social skills groups for elementary and middle school youth who have difficulty making or sustaining friendships. Groups meet for 11 weekly sessions from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Social skill groups are designed to help children learn skills that are important in establishing relationships and maintaining positive social interactions with peers. Groups will be held at 530 Church St., U of M East Hall, Suite 1465. Visit the Web site www.ucccf.org for more information or call 7649466 to register. ■ La Leche League is a mother-to-mother breastfeeding support group available to all pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in the area. It offers information and support both individually and in monthly group meetings that meet at various times and locations in the Ann Arbor area and Lenawee County. For more information, call 332-9080 or visit the website www.hvcn.org/ info/LLL.
MONROE COUNTY Wednesdays ■ Support for survivors of rape and incest is offered through Caring Alternatives, 2092 S. Custer Road in Monroe. Call 242-8711 or 847-4986.
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© Puzzles by Pappocom
3 8 3 5
7 4 1
6 7 2 3
8 5 9
6
5 1 7
1 2 4 3 3
4 6 8
4 7
1 6
MEDIUM
KIDS SUMMER MOVIES $1 ALL SEATS Mon - Fri at 10:00 am 8/9- 8/13 HAPPY FEET (PG) DCI 2010: BIG, LOUD & LIVE 7 THUR. 8/12 6:30pm NP 3D STEP UP 3D (PG-13) $2.50 PREMIUM PER 3D TICKET 11:35, 2:00, 4:30, 7:05, 9:25 FRI/SAT LS 11:50
NP THE OTHER GUYS (PG-13) 11:00, 11:45, 1:30, 2:30, 4:00, 4:55, 6:35, 7:35, 9:00, 10:00 FRI/SAT LS 11:25
NP 3D CATS & DOGS: REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE (PG) $2.50 PREMIUM PER 3D TICKET 11:00, 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 FRI/SAT LS 11:00
NP CATS & DOGS: REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE (PG) 11:15, 12:15, 1:45, 2:45, 4:15, 5:15, 6:45, 7:45, 9:15, 10:15 FRI/SAT LS 11:40
6
NP CHARLIE ST. CLOUD (PG-13)
5 9 4 8 8 3 9 7 5 2
1 6 6
4 8
9 1
5 7 # 99
Solutions published in this newspaper, or check “JRC Publications” on the Solutions page of www.sudoku.com
NP STEP UP-DIGITAL 3D - (PG13) 11:05a 12:05p 1:45p 2:45p 4:20p 5:20p 7:05p 8:05p 9:40p FRI/SAT 10:40p
NP THE OTHER GUYS-DIGITAL - (PG13) 12:25p 3:00p 4:05p 5:35p 7:00p 8:30p 9:35p FRI/SAT 11:05p
NP THE OTHER GUYS - (PG13) 11:25a 2:00p 4:50p 7:45p 10:20p
NP CATS & DOGS 2-DIGITAL 3D - (PG) 11:45a 2:05p 4:45p 6:55p 9:10p FRI/SAT 11:20p NP CATS & DOGS 2-RWC - (PG) 1:05p
NP DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS - (PG13) 11:10a 12:10p 1:50p 2:50p 4:30p 5:30p 7:10p 8:10p 9:55p FRI/SAT 11:00p
NP CHARLIE ST. CLOUD-DIGITAL - (PG13) 12:00p 2:25p 4:55p 7:25p 9:50p
NP KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT - (R) 11:50a 2:35p 5:05p 7:40p 10:10p
NP WINTER’S BONE-DIGITAL - (R) 1:30p SALT-RWC - (PG13)
11:55, 2:20, 4:45, 7:10, 9:40 FRI/SAT LS 12:00
3:15p 5:40p 8:45p FRI/SAT 11:15p SALT - (PG13) 11:40a 2:15p 4:40p 7:20p 9:45p RAMONA AND BEEZUS - (G) 11:35a 2:10p 5:00p
NP SALT (PG-13)
INCEPTION-IMAX - (PG13)
11:30, 1:50, 4:10, 6:30, 8:50 FRI/SAT LS 11:10
12:15p 3:30p 6:45p 10:00p
RAMONA AND BEEZUS (G)
INCEPTION - (PG13)
11:40, 2:10, 4:35, 6:50, 9:10 FRI/SAT LS 11:30
INCEPTION (PG-13)
11:15a 1:00p 2:30p 4:15p 5:45p 7:30p 9:00p FRI/SAT 10:45p
12:05, 3:10, 6:15, 9:20
SORCERER’S APPRENTICE - (PG)
THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE (PG)
5:25p 8:15p FRI/SAT 11:10p
11:05, 1:25, 3:55, 6:20, 8:45 FRI/SAT LS 11:20
DESPICABLE ME-DIGITAL 3D - (PG)
DESPICABLE ME (PG) 11:25, 1:40, 4:00, 6:10, 8:30 FRI/SAT LS 11:00
11:20a 1:40p 4:00p 6:40p 9:05p FRI/SAT 11:25p DESPICABLE ME - (PG) 12:20p 2:40p
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE (PG-13)
PREDATORS - (R)
FRI-WED 11:50, 9:50 TH 11:50
7:35p 10:15p
GROWN UPS (PG-13)
TWILIGHT: ECLIPSE - (PG13)
FRI-WED 2:40, 5:05, 7:25 TH 2:40
11:30a 2:20p 5:10p 8:00p FRI/SAT 10:50p
TOY STORY 3 (G)
TOY STORY 3 - (G)
11:20, 1:35, 4:05, 6:25, 8:40 FRI/SAT LS 11:00
11:00a 1:35p 4:10p 6:50p 9:25p
12:25, 2:35, 4:50, 7:15, 9:35 FRI/SAT LS 11:50
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.
7
SHOWCASE 4100 Carpenter Rd., 734-973-8380
NP DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS (PG-13)
# 99
2 8
QUALITY 16 Jackson Rd. at Wagner Rd., 734-623-7469
11:30, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30, 9:30 FRI/SAT LS 11:30
EASY
3 8
Wednesdays and Thursdays through the 2009-2010 school year. Playgroups are held at Paddock Elementary School in rooms 14 and 15. For more information, visit www.milanareaschools.org/~pecc or call 4395151. ■ Milan Senior Lunch and Activities will be held at 11:45 a.m. Milan senior citizens enjoy lunch and activities every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at the senior center, 45 Neckel Court in Milan. Call 439-4310 for more information. ■ Your Spot is a youth group composed of all Milan young people in sixth through 12th grades. The group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Family Center on Tolan Street in Milan. There are activities for children, as well as movies, music, crafts and a snack bar. ■ Milan Kiwanis meets 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Campfire restaurant. The meetings are open to the public. For more information, call 4392023. ■ Milan and Area Home Based Business Coalition meets 6:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month. For more information, call 439-2904 or e-mail christine. man@proforma.com ■ Milan’s Organization for Regional Excellence, a group of residents, along with city and township officials, meets 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month. Call 439-7932 or visit the Web site www.milanchamber.org for more information. ■ York Charter Township Historical Committee meets 7:30 p.m. the last Thursday of the month at the Township Hall, 11560 Stony Creek in York Township. The meetings are open to the public. For more information, call 429-7768. ■ Milan Garden Club meets 6:45 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at the Hack House Museum, 775 County St. in Milan. Meetings are open to the public. ■ Chair exercise classes will be held 10:30 a.m. at the Milan Senior Center, 45 Neckel Court in Milan. ■ The Milan Booster Wrestling Club practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Milan High School wrestling room. Practice times and registration fees vary for age groups. Call Milan Parks and Recreation for details at 439-1549. ■ Story time at the Milan Public Library is held at 10:15 a.m. for toddlers, and at 11:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for children 3 to 5 years old accompanied by an adult. Call 439-1240 or stop by the library to register or for more information.
NP THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT (R)
MICHIGAN THEATER
STATE THEATRE
603 E. Liberty, 734-688-TIME
233 State St. at Liberty, 734-761-8667
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT (R) FRI 4:30, 7:00 & 9:30
CYRUS (R)
SAT 4:15, 6:45 & 9:15 SUN 1:45, 4:00, 6:30 & 9:00 MON/TUE 4:30, 7:15 & 9:30 WED 4:15, 6:45 & 9:15 I AM LOVE (R) FRI 4:45, 7:15 & 9:45 SAT 4:30, 7:00 & 9:30 SUN 3:45, 6:15 & 8:45 MON/TUE 4:15 & 9:15 WED 4:30, 7:00 & 9:30
FRI 7:15 SAT 9:45 SUN 8:45 MON 9:45 TUE 7:15 WED 9:45
SUMMER CLASSICS: ON THE WATERFRONT (NR)
THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE (NR)
SUN 1:30 TUE 7:00
FRI/MON/TUE/WED 7:00 & 9:30 SAT 4:30, 7:00 & 9:30 SUN 3:30, 6:00 & 8:30
SUMMER DOCS: THE COVE (PG13) MON 7:00
WINTER’S BONE (R) FRI 9:45 SAT 4:45 & 7:15 SUN 3:45 & 6:15 MON 7:15 TUE 9:45 WED 7:15
Page 4-B
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
New bike shop quietly attracts loyal crowd were currently in. However, when they found the former auto shop on Broadway and decided to rent it, Firn said the space just seemed to organically grow into something more “It was just sort of dictated to us that our business would become a repair shop,” he said, indicating people began coming by and asking about mending their bicycles. From there, Firn said he and Bollinger built the operation piece by piece, slowly learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship as they went along. “A certain amount of patience is involved,” he said, noting both he and Bollinger have maintained their previous jobs in addition to working at the bike shop. Firn said business gets busy at times because word of mouth is spreading about what they do there. “It really fluctuates,” he said. “Some days we’ll take in six or eight bikes, and some days none at all.” In addition to personal repairs, Firn said he and Bollinger repair and restore vintage bikes to be sold, but admits it has yet to catch on as well as his basic fix-it operation. “Bike sales are a bit more fickle,” he said, but indicated he is willing to find and repair the right bike for the right person if he or she is willing to exercise patience. “We’re really trying to bridge the gap between the bike you would get anywhere, like a garage sale, and a brand-new bike.” Firn said he hopes the practice of restoring vintage bikes catches on because cycles from what he calls the golden era were built solidly. “We really try to source bikes of original quality, from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s,” he said. “Bikes from France, England, Italy, Japan,” he said, “these bikes were really made to last.” Firn said even bikes of this era that have been treated somewhat poorly can be made good as new with a little bit of effort because they are so durable. “If they’re cared for, they can last a lifetime,” he said. “And with a little work, another lifetime.” Firn said he enjoys the fact that his shop resides in what was once an auto detailing business, and said he thinks of the change as something of a metaphor for the way people are beginning to understand bikes as a viable form
By Steven Howard Heritage Newspapers
new bicycle repair and restoration business in Ann Arbor has remained fairly low key after opening last year, and co-owner Michael Firn said he likes it that way. Located on Broadway Street near Plymouth Road, Sic Transit Cycles is just east of the Amtrak station. The storefront occupies what used to be an auto detailing shop and is only open a few hours a day, said Firn, but the business has managed to carve out a loyal following of customers, especially those residing in the neighborhood just north of the shop. Firn said the idea for the storefront came out of he and business partner Joe Bollinger simply wrenching on bikes as a hobby in their spare time. “I moved into a house on the Old West Side,” he said, “Joe had part of a three-bay garage as a workshop there.” Firn said Bollinger gave him an old bike and helped him to repair it after learning his friend had a lengthy commute and no car to get to his serving and bartending job downtown at Pacific Rim. “He knew I was working about 4 1/2 miles away and taking the bus,” Firn said. Later, Bollinger went to check out a vintage road bike he had seen on Craigslist.org, and after establishing it was too small for him, decided to give it to Firn as a gift. “He said, ‘Here you go, happy birthday, merry Christmas, whatever.’ It was the first bike I really took ownership of,” Firn said. F irn said the gift ignited his passion for vintage road cycles. “It was a 1985 lugged-steel bike,” he said. “It was made old style at the end of what I consider the golden era of cycling.” Firn said that is when he started collecting bikes of a similar style and age. “I’ve always been attracted to things of a vintage era,” Firn said. “I just sort of got passionate about steel road bikes.” Initially, Firn said he and Bollinger simply started to look for a larger work space when it became impossible to continue to occupy the garage their bikes and tools
A
Photo by Steven Howard
Michael Firn stands in Sic Transit Cycles, a new bicycle repair and restoration shop in Ann Arbor. Firn owns the business along with Joe Bollinger. of transportation, though he knows cars will never totally go away. “It’s really just good timing,” he said of opening the shop. “It’s just in time for a new wave of cycling to come about.” Firn said he has seen people buy a bike and come to feel as though it changed their life completely. “It gets under your skin a little bit,” he said. “It’s a different way to see the
world.” Sic Transit Cycles is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, as well as Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday and is closed on Tuesday. Firn said the shop closes for the year around Dec. 1, and reopens again around April 1, though potentially earlier, weather permitting. “This year, we opened the last week
of March,” he said. For more information, call the shop at 327-6900 or e-mail sic.transit. a2@gamial.com. Sic Transit Cycles is located at 1033 Broadway in Ann Arbor. Steven Howard can be reached at 734-429-7380 or showard@heritage. com. Follow his blog at http://heritageweststaffblog.blogspot.com.
SALINE FARMERS’ MARKET PROFILE
Milan-based Nemeth Greenhouse and Farms has deep roots owner Jeff Nemeth. “My great-grandpa came here from Hungary in the ’30s and bought the farm.” Nemeth Greenhouse and Farms sells produce such as corn, potatoes, zucchini, apples, pickles and tomatoes, among other products. Nemeth’s business has been a regular at the Saline Farmers’ Market for the past six years. “It’s how we make a living,” he said.
By Randi Shaffer Heritage Newspapers
Among many of the produce vendors featured at the Saline Farmers’ Market is Milan-based Nemeth Greenhouse and Farms. Nemeth Greenhouse and Farms was first opened in the 1930s. “My dad did it before me, and my grandpa did it before him and my great-grandpa did it before him,” said farm
Nemeth Greenhouse and Farms also vends at the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market, in addition to selling straight from the business location, seven days a week. Doughnuts are offered at the farm in the fall. Nemeth Greenhouse and Farms always has been a family-run business. “It’s just the family that works there, “Nemeth said. “We just do it all ourselves.” Nemeth usually brings his
wife and cousin for help at the Saline Farmers’ Market, and his daughters for company, as well.
Randi Shaffer is an intern at Heritage Newspapers. She can be reached at 429-7380 or via
Managing Editor Michelle Rogers at mrogers@heritage. com.
4$55&#6'$55'readers! 7,'#,,8'9"3)'.,5: Heritage Newspapers will provide our local schools with FREE newspapers to help teachers promote reading skills with current events. Readershe–lp with
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Jeff Nemeth holds daughters Laila Nemeth (left) and Jill Nemeth at Nemeth Greenhouse and Farms’ booth at the Saline Farmers’ Market July 17. Laila and Jill are the fifth generation of farmers for the family-run business.
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1 6 4 3 5 9 2 8 7
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MEDIUM #99
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Page 5-B
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
‘Winters Bone’ a tense, quietly terrifying film MOVIES IN REVIEW
RYAN MICHAELS
Hey, I’m Ryan Michaels, a 13year-old writing movie reviews for Heritage Newspapers. I’ve been doing it for two years, and enjoy it a lot. Here’s my review of “Winters Bone.” “Winters Bone” is an independent film that has received a load of accolades in the past few months, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It stars Jennifer Lawrence as Ree Dolly, a 17-year-old girl who lives with and basically cares for her mentally ill mother and two younger
siblings in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. One day, the town sheriff shows up and tells them that her meth-cooking father has posted their house for bail, and then disappeared. To keep her house, Ree must find her father within a week, and in her investigation both exposes a web of local corruption among her townsfolk, and realizes strength and will she never thought she had. Lawrence as Ree gives one of the most compelling female performances in recent memory. Lawrence, simply put,
makes the film. She’s alternately fierce, terrified, battered and determined, and absolutely fascinating to watch. She elevates this film from mere thriller to fascinating coming-of-age-story. The production values are admittedly low –– remember this film was made for $2 million –– but it doesn’t detract from the film’s quality, and honestly you don’t notice the lack of polish. The dialogue is spot-on perfect, although once again, the film has such a natural flow that one doesn’t notice such
things. “Winters Bone” deserves every bit of praise that critics have been giving it. Not since “Frozen River” or perhaps “No Country for Old Men” have I seen such a tense, involving thriller. The thing that makes “Winters Bone” so tense and quietly terrifying is that the villains or, for that matter, the characters, don’t feel like traditional “movie” characters, but real, genuine characters whose lives we are given a brief insight to their complexities. That’s the sheer genius of
“Winters Bone,” in that as the film progresses, it slowlybut-unrelentingly grips us in ways few recent films have –– a small-scale, but undeniable masterpiece. I give it four out of four stars. Film critic Ryan Michaels, a student at Emerson School in Ann Arbor and two-time winner of the Michigan Press Association Better Newspaper Contest for his reviews, can be reached through mrogers@heritage.com.
‘Woman Before a Glass’ comes to area theater
Broadway performer Naz Edwards as the eccentric heiress and avid art lover Peggy Guggenheim in this one-woman show.
Performance Network Theatre will produce the comedy “Woman Before a Glass” by Lanie Robertson starting Aug. 5 and running through Sept. 5. The one-woman show stars actress Naz Edwards as the eccentric heiress and avid art lover Peggy Guggenheim. Malcolm Tulip directs. Set, costume and properties design are by Monika Essen, lighting design is by Mary Cole, and sound design is by Suzi Regan. The outspoken, conventionflaunting Peggy Gugenheim collected modern art and modern artists. In this comedy, Peggy tells it all, from her father’s death on the Titanic to saving art from the Nazi invasion of Paris to her history of famous lovers, including Miro, Dali and Picasso. Naz Edwards is a Broadway performer now living in Ann Arbor. She starred on Broadway opposite Anthony Quinn in “Zorba” (as The Leader) and continued with Quinn on the “Zorba” national tour, for which her work won critical acclaim. Edwards’ Broadway credits also include the role of Dunyasha in the musical adaptation of “Anna Karenina” at Circle in the Square. She has taken the stages of many theaters across the U.S. and Canada.
Here in Michigan, Edwards was seen at the JET Theatre in “Side by Side by Sondheim,” “Coming of Age” and this season’s “The Blank Page.” She has appeared at Performance Network in “Man of la Mancha,” “She Loves Me,” “The Clean House,” “Souvenir” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Along with her passion for the theater, Edwards said she loves voice animation. One of her favorite characters is the wicked Queen Beryl from the cult cartoon “Sailor Moon.” You can hear Naz’s solo CD “... if the waiting takes years” on her Web site, www.nazedwards. com. Malcolm Tulip is an actor, director, playwright and teacher. At Performance Network he has directed “Amadeus,” “Retreat From Moscow,” “Mrs. Shakespeare: The Complete Works,” “Humble Boy,” “The Threepenny Opera,” “Man of La Mancha” and many more. He also directed “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at the Michigan Shakespeare
Festival. Tulip has also written, produced and performed in eight original plays under the name of Prospero Theatre Co., including the award-winning “Down the Plughole.” He is an assistant professor and head of the directing concentration in the Department of Theatre and Drama at the University of Michigan, where he teaches physical theater, acting, clown and directing and where he has directed a number of shows. As an actor, he has toured extensively in Europe and the U.S. More recently, in the U.S. he has performed at Performance Network, The Purple Rose and the New Jersey and Michigan Shakespeare Festivals. Tulip studied Dance and Art at Goldsmiths’ College, University of London and is a graduate of L’École Jacques Lecoq, Paris. He is also a member of American Actors Equity. Weekly performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and
If you go
Weekly performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, with additional 3 p.m. matinees Aug. 21 and Sept. 4. Tickets are $22 to $41.
Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, with additional 3 p.m. matinees on Aug. 21 and Sept. 4. Tickets to “Woman Before a Glass” can be ordered at the Performance Network Box Office at 663-0681, online at www.performancenetwork. org or by coming to the Performance Network Theatre at 120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday or one hour before a performance. Tickets are $22 to $41, with discounts available for seniors, members, students and groups. Thursday, Aug. 5 is the paywhat-you-can performance with a suggested donation of $10.
Ribbon-cutting set at theater To celebrate the grand opening of the new Blackbird Theatre, the public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 10. Cocktails will begin at 6 p.m. on the Aut Bar’s patio, with a 7 p.m. ribbon cutting and tour of the facility. Founding Artistic Director Barton Bund will also announce the upcoming season. Ann Arbor’s Blackbird Theatre began in 1998, creating new plays and innovative productions of the classics. In 2003 the Blackbird took up residence at Ann Arbor’s Children’s Creative Center. Now, after more than 40 productions, the Blackbird has found a new home in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown District. The new venue has been the Blackbird’s second home for
years. Owners Keith Orr and Martin Contreras have hosted the world premiere of “Patty Hearst: The Musical,” “If Only in My Dreams,” “The Raw Weekend,” “The Santaland Diaries” and other events. The Blackbird will share the space with the \sh\-aut Gallery, which will continue to host various events throughout the year. Blackbird Theatre members will produce a year-round season of plays and will teach acting classes and workshops. The space will also be the home of the Blackbird Theatre Academy, a free theater program for students in middle school and high school. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is meant to be a chance for the community to see the Blackbird’s new facility and get
CALENDAR
Thursday, Aug. 19 ■ BackStreet Cruizers will meet 6 p.m. in Wilson Park every Thursday evening through Aug. 26, weather permitting. ■ An ice cream party will be held as Milan Public Library’s final teen program of the summer at 1 p.m. for pupils in sixth through eighth grades, and at 3 p.m. for students in ninth through 12th grades. Call 4391240 or stop by the library to register.
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Saturday, Aug. 28 ■ A Microsoft Publisher class will be held at Milan Public Library. The program will help participants make signs, brochures, banners, cards and more. The class is for people who already know computer basics, such as using a mouse and keyboard. Classes start at 9 a.m. and last one hour. A refundable $10 deposit is required to reserve a spot in a class. Registration is necessary and can be completed at the circulation desk or by calling 439-1240.
TEST DRIVE THE NEW 2011 TODAY !
FROM PAGE 1-B
ing 439-7932. The breakfast is $12 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. ■ The Hack House will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Fridays through Oct. 29. Other times are available for tours by appointment. Call 439-4007. Tuesday, Aug. 17 ■ “SURFari Juggling Show” and an end of summer picnic will be sponsored by the Milan Public Library at 3 p.m. at Milan Senior and Community Activity Center, 45 Neckel Court. Joel Tacey will offer an interactive show that features juggling and a whirlwind of new tricks. The picnic will include hot dogs, chips and drinks provided by the Lighthouse Coffee Co. Registration is required for the picnic. Call 439-1240 or stop by the library to register by July 31.
to know the company. The \sh\-aut Gallery and the new Blackbird Theatre home are located at 325 Braun Court in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown district. Braun Court is located off of Fourth Avenue, near the corner of Fourth Avenue and Catherine Street.
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Page 6-B
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
BLOG CENTRAL
What got me today: Flying fish grounded Editor’s Note: Below is a post from Saline resident April Scarlett’s blog, “April Scarlett Writes,” which can be accessed from our Blog Center on our website at www.heritage.com.
By April Scarlett Guest Writer
Saline District Library has got to be one of the most welcoming gathering places for families in our city. It has a warm community feel paired with separate areas for everyone, all of which boast every resource imaginable to meet the needs of each individual visitor. The staff and overall services to the library are so considerate of their patrons, so genuinely interested in those who enter, and so attentive to the needs of
thing from a fishy library wall in the juvenile readers section and SCUBA Night presentations to Under the Sea Puppet Shows and story times with swimming. The most noticeable activity, however, and perhaps the perfect visual of the summer theme, is the Windsock Art Installation visible all around town in shops and businesses for a Fish Finder treasure hunt, as well as for sheer decoration, whimsy and enjoyment. In honor of the event, and as the true representative of “Make A Splash Saline,” the library chose to hang its windsock high and proud on its flagpole, temporarily replacing the American flag. Unfortunately, this upset some members of the community. In true form
each and every book lover, computer user, class taker, student studier, card holder, young and old. This being said, you can imagine my surprise when I learned a recent art installment, created by young library patrons and other community art groups, had upset some members of the community. Let me explain. This summer, the Saline District Library, along with Saline Parks and Recreation, Two Twelve Arts Center, SDMA (Saline Downtown Merchants’ Association) and the city of Saline have implemented a program called “Make a Splash Saline.” The idea is to engage residents in the creative spirit of fun in the sun and water-theme based activities, which include every-
St. Paul’s Lutheran
MILAN BAPTIST CHURCH
Missouri Synod
(734) 439-8180 Pastor Doug Strader
Sunday Worship – 10:15am Sunday School – 9:00am Adult Bible Class – 9:00am
106 Dexter St, Milan 734-439-2806 Stony Creek Freewill Baptist Church Pastor Wayne Jacobs
8735 Stonycreek Rd. Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197 734-484-0077
Sunday School Morning Worship Evening Service Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer
10:00 am 11:00 am 6:00 pm 6:30 pm
Marble Memorial United Methodist Church 8 Park Street, Milan
Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Green, Pastor
Education for all ages 9:00 a.m. Spirited Faithful Worship 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:00 a.m.
Milan Free Methodist Church
950 Arkona Road
(734) 439-2414 Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.
31 Ferman Street
Sunday School for All Ages - 9:30 am Worship Service - 10:45 am Awana Youth Club - Wed, 6:30 pm YOUR SPOT for MS & HS Youth Thursdays 6:30–8:30 pm Prayer Meeting - Thu. 7:00 pm
milanbaptist.org
email: kmahony @heritage.com
ST. JAMES UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Sunday School will resume in the fall
Pastor Wallace Tatara
email: kmahony @heritage.com
11005 W. Michigan Ave., Saline 734-429-9761
We have an exciting Children’s Ministry (infant 5th grade) and Student Ministry (6th - 12th grade).
Listen and Learn Listen Here
Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer 10 am & 7:00 pm
Advertise Your Church In This Spot For Only
8
$
39
Worship Times: • Sunday – 9:30am • Thursday – 7:30pm
Call Kim at 429-7380. Fax to 429-3621 or email: kmahony @heritage.com
Activities: • Vacation Bible School • Teens & Tweens • Social Gatherings Pastors William Natsis & Mark Smith (WELS)
God’s Word... Learn It, Live It, Share It!
Fellowship Baptist Church
Advertise Your Church In This Spot For Only
$
“Good News and Good Friends!”
1045 Bemis, (at Moon) Saline Bert Spann, Pastor
email: kmahony @heritage.com
Church of Christ Minister, Dennis Swindle
424 Hurd Street
825 Church Street Milan, MI 48160
(inside Vineyard Church of Milan)
734-439-7318
Come and Worship with us! Sunday Afternoon Service – 3pm Wednesday Bible Class – 7pm-8pm
www.milanchurchofchrist.com SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. BIBLE STUDY / Classes for all ages 9:30 a.m. Sunday 7:00 p.m. Wednesday FREE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSES AVAILABLE
1-877-8-AGAPE-8 Elder R.M. Freeman 1-877-824-2738 Pastor www.agapeapostolic.org
Love: It’s Contagious
Weidmayer, Schneider, Raham and Bennett, CPA’s 635 S. Maple, Ann Arbor 662-2522
Advertise Your Church In This Spot For Only
$
839
per week
Call Kim at 429-7380. Fax to 429-3621 or email: kmahony @heritage.com
839
St. Paul
United Church of Christ 122 W Michigan Ave Saline
734-429-7716
Sunday Worship 9:30am Children will be dismissed for Sunday School following the Children’s Sermon.
The Rev. Dr. Patricia Kenney Nursery is available
www.uccstpaul.org
per week
Call Kim at 429-7380. Fax to 429-3621 or email: kmahony @heritage.com 439.2400
424 Hurd Street
per week
Call Kim at 429-7380. Fax to 429-3621 or
429-7196
The following businesses, individuals, and churches sponsor this directory as a community service.
839
Advertise Your Church In This Spot For Only
$
Bible Studies: • Adult • Women’s • Men’s
per week
Agape´ Apostolic Church
Call Kim at 429-7380. Fax to 429-3621 or
per week
Sun. School 9:00 am Morning Worship 10:00 am Evening Service 6:00 pm
Advertise Your Church In This Spot For Only per week
April Scarlett is a blogging partner with Heritage Newspapers.
Sunday Worship 9:30 am
Call Kim at 429-7380. Fax to 429-3621 or
11220 Stony Creek Road corner of Platt Rd. Milan, MI 48160 (734) 439-7440 Rev. David J. Grinnell
Morning Worship at 11 a.m.
839
8
39
windsock to see their work from the library’s highest point, visible far and wide. It was a temporary substitution to give a visual to the community and citywide summer celebration. If ever there was a time to temporarily substitute the American flag, with due respect, this was it. Of course, this is just me in a shark-infested rant and, no, my kid wasn’t one of the windsock creators. I was just rubbed a little the wrong way by the idea there were some out there who actually thought the library was acting a bit short of duty. Nothing could be further than the truth.
York Baptist Church
Bible Study for all ages 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Affiliated with S.B.C.) “Come and Grow with Us!”
$
Advertise Your Church In This Spot For Only
$
get my head around the idea that someone must have thought the library was being, I don’t know, unpatriotic? Insensitive? Biased even? By showcasing the art created by the community’s children? As far as I’m concerned, the SDL is the absolute one place in our city that is none of the above. It is the most politically correct venue I have observed. It is the epitome of community, where all are respected and all are free to gather without prejudice. There is no doubt, if you look within their walls and their programming, their commitment to community, family and country is evident. They fly the American flag every single day, and thought it might be special for the kids who created the
for the library, which strives to consider the feelings of everyone in the community, a note for the library director stated: “We certainly would never mean to create hard feelings in the community. We have moved the windsock to an alternate location and raised the flag back on the flagpole. We always appreciate hearing from our patrons and friends and strive to create a local resource where all members feel valued.” That is our library for you, so considerate, so genuinely interested and so attentive. I would expect nothing less. Certainly, they felt this was the right move and I applaud their ability to correct any discomfort. So why is this “What Got To Me Today”? I just can’t
10 a.m.
sunday celebrations children’s & youth ministry contemporary worship casual dress www.milanvineyard.org
sample sermons, worship music, and more
Worshiping Christ... Welcoming All!
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SALINE 1200 N.Ann Arbor St. at Woodland Dr. • 429-4730 8:04am Right Start Service with Continental Breakfast 9:30am Sanctuary Service
Nursery for infants & toddlers We are handicapped accessible.
www.fumc-saline.org
Advertise Your Church In This Spot For Only
839
$
per week
Call Kim at 429-7380. Fax to 429-3621 or email: kmahony @heritage.com
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
Page 7-B
Planning for a child’s private school education Financial aid grants for priSending your child to private school is an expensive proposivate elementary and secondary tion. For most people, it’s made a schools are awarded on the basis of demonstrated need, just like little tougher by the fact that it’s necessary to save for a child’s college. According to NAIS, the avercollege education at the same age endowment per student time. during 2009-10 was $19,122. This Some have the income that is why it is important makes this easier, but for the rest, it’s necescheck the size of the FINANCIAL to sary to create a pay-asendowment fund at any MATTERS school you consider you-go system that will somehow make it all – that’s money that the school keeps in reserve work. to invest so it can extend aid to The parents who make it work tend to plan from the time families in need. the child is very young. They Know the application keep abreast of every possible process. Most schools use the resource for scholarships, disParents’ Financial Statement counts, loan programs and other from the School and Student Service for Financial Aid. This forms of financial aid. It makes sense to find a finanis a service owned by NAIS that cial advisor such as a financial helps schools determine how planning professional who can much a family can afford to pay link a child’s pre-college educafor school tuition and other edution planning to the financial cational expenses. planning necessary for college, If the school you are congrad school and beyond. Here sidering does not use SSS, be sure to ask what steps you need are some things to know about to follow in order to apply for the process: Start with cost. The assistance. The form considers National Association of how many children you’re payIndependent Schools, a national ing tuition for in kindergarten organization representing prithrough 12th grade or college vate pre-schools, elementary and and how high the cost of living secondary schools, estimates is in your area. that the median annual tuition Don’t forget your retirement. Despite the huge chalin 2009-10 for all grades of private day schools was $17,880. lenge of paying for your child’s For boarding school, the average education, you have to pay annual tuition was $34,900. yourself first. Talk to a financial Is aid available? Definitely, planner to see how much you’ll and that’s why it’s important to need in retirement and how keep your ear to the ground as much you’ll need to save weekly part of your overall planning to make that goal. strategy. Just remember that Keep in mind that your greatgrants and scholarships are est potential for a successful retirement comes from starting the best form of financial aid savings early and you can’t forbecause they don’t have to be feit that in favor of your child’s paid back.
education. Consider a Coverdell account. While the best solution will differ by family, one useful savings vehicle might be a Coverdell Education Savings Account. Coverdells are trusts created to save money for a child’s primary, secondary or college education. Contributions are relatively small — $2,000 per beneficiary from all sources during the year. Yet since Coverdells are considered the asset of the account owner, you may want to keep it in your name since an account in the student’s name could adversely affect financial aid eligibility. Enlist the grandparents. If your child’s grandparents can afford to help, they have several options to help you save for your child’s education without triggering their gift tax obligation. First, each grandparent can give up to $13,000 tax-free to each child. Also, they can give up to $2,000 annually to a Coverdell account you’ve set up for the child. Don’t use debt as a bandage. Avoid the trap of being forced to use debt while trying to “do it all.” Stay within your means. If you find yourself close to using your debt options, enlist the help of a financial planner to talk through ways to adjust your spending or find student aid. This article is provided by Yeo & Yeo, CPAs & Business Consultants. For more information, contact Alan Lapczynski at Yeo & Yeo’s Ann Arbor office, 769-1331.
Pittsfield Twp. to partner with U of M On July 27, Pittsfield Township Supervisor Mandy Grewal announced a quality assurance project being undertaken this fall in partnership with the University of Michigan. “As a part of its commitment to township residents to do more with less, Pittsfield Township is engaged in a variation of the process known in the private sector as ‘Six Sigma,’ ” Grewal said. “Six Sigma has been applied in the private sector to maximize customer satisfaction, improve process efficiencies and increase performance accountability.” In the past few years, the concept has gained some momentum in the public sector. Pittsfield Township staff will work with Prakash Sathe and his students at the
University of Michigan’s Industrial and Operations Engineering department to map the flow of information; identify and evaluate input, output and resources consumed; and establish performance measures. “We are fortunate to have been approached by Dr. Sathe to work with his students,” Grewal said. “The exercise will improve customer service at no cost to township residents in exchange for our participation as mentors. “This initiative makes Pittsfield part of a select few public entities undertaking the Six Sigma exercise. The Six Sigma framework gives Pittsfield Township an organized and measurable approach to examining the way we do business. “Pittsfield Township is
committed to evaluating how we do business as a means to provide the best service to our residents while maximizing taxpayer dollars.” Six Sigma is a business management and engineering strategy developed originally by Motorola USA in 1981. Conceived as a way to streamline manufacturing processes, improve quality and minimize waste due to errors or imperfections, the principles have been widely applied in the private sector. “Customer service is the top priority at Pittsfield Township,” Grewal said. “Pursuit of excellence and a commitment to setting the gold standard in public service describes our fundamental belief that residents deserve our best effort every day, every time about every concern, no matter how big or small.”
Photo by Lisa Allmendinger
Patti Ramos, a graduate student from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, and Juatyena Lyons, a student in the Community Kitchen Job Training Program, sell the first crop of “super carrots” grown in raised beds at Food Gatherers at the Thursday Westside Farmers’ Market in Ann Arbor.
CARROTS FROM PAGE 1-B
Juatyena Lyons is an intern in the job training program for students who are at-risk youth, ages 17 through 21 years. She says students receive six weeks or 120 hours of instruction in the culinary arts and food safety. Lyons says the students learn knife skills, proper food and kitchen equipment handling, as well as cooking skills. They also prepare and serve hot meals at the Food Gatherers’ Community Kitchen. In addition, students go on weekly field trips to local restaurants to gain hands-on experience in restaurant kitchens, she says. Lyons says students take a test to receive a safe serve certification, which will allow them to work in any food establishment. “It’s a big deal,” she says of the certification. Lyons says she loves to cook, but her goal is to work in the mental health field.
“Food Gatherers goes out in the community and takes in young people (for this program); it’s amazing how many young people’s lives have been saved by this (program),” she says. Graduates of the program obtain marketable skills and experience to help them secure gainful employment in the food industry, says Mary Schlitt, Food Gatherers’ director of development. It’s part of the organization’s overall effort to not merely alleviate hunger, but also to end hunger, she says. As of August 2009, almost 75 students have graduated from the program. “Currently, 89 percent of our graduates are either employed or enrolled in school,” Schlitt says. This year, students selected for Food Gatherers internships also participated in the raisedbed pilot project, where they learned valuable skills related to growing, marketing and selling their own food, Schlitt says. The profits from the carrot sales will go back into the job training program. Food Gatherers works to
entire organization and has also invested in cost-effective improvements to its buildings around the world. These include a variety of simple changes, such as swapping out old computers and appliances for Energy Starrated replacements, installing reduced wattage light bulbs and setting thermostats to more moderate comfort heating/cooling set points. Efforts also include implementation of sophisticated new lighting and building control systems that automatically find and implement power efficiencies. Further, the development of the company’s large Ann Arbor Data Center followed “green” guidelines that significantly reduced its carbon footprint. For example, the center’s heating/cooling systems take advantage of Michigan’s cold temperatures by using outside air, rather than compressors, to cool the refrigerants. The “Free Cooling” saves upward of 50,000 kilowatt hours of energy per month during winter months. “Improving the energy efficiency of our nation’s buildings is critical to protecting our environment, “ said Jean Lupinacci, chief of the Energy Star Commercial and Industrial branch.
“From the boiler room to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their buildings more efficient and earning EPA’s Energy Star.” Energy Star was introduced by the EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, products and buildings that have earned the Energy Star designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government.
Washtenaw County Legal Notice: Washtenaw County Purchasing Division is issuing a Request for Proposal for Janitorial Supplies for Various County Buildings. Detailed specifications may be obtained at the Washtenaw County Finance/Purchasing Department located at 220 North Main Street, Room B-35, Lower Level, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. RFP 6558 is Due: Thursday, August 19, 2010 by 4:00pm local time. For more information, please call (734) 222-6760 or logon to our website at http:// bids.ewashtenaw.org and click on “open bids”. Publish August 5, 2010
Washtenaw County Legal Notice: Washtenaw County Purchasing Division is issuing a Request for Proposal for Rolling Hills County Park Phase 1 Master Plan Improvements. There is a MANDATORY Pre-Bid meeting scheduled for 1:30pm on Monday, August 16, 2010 at 7660 Stony Creek Road, Ypsilanti Township (Adjacent to project site work). Detailed specifications may be obtained at the Washtenaw County Finance/Purchasing Department located at 220 North Main Street, Room B-35, Lower Level, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. RFP 6560 Due: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by 2:00pm local time. For more information, please call (734) 222-6760 or logon to our website at http:// bids.ewashtenaw.org and click on “open bids”. Publish August 5, 2010
NOTICE PUBLICATION BY POSTING YORK CHARTER TOWNSHIP
ProQuest earns Energy Star rating ProQuest, an information technology firm supporting global research, was awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star rating for its Ann Arbor headquarters building. Commercial real estate leader Transwestern manages the building at 789 Eisenhower Parkway. Energy Star, the national symbol for energy efficiency, signifies that the building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency. “Transwestern and ProQuest have worked very hard to reduce our impact on the environment, and we’re delighted to have these efforts recognized by the EPA,” said ProQuest CEO Marty Kahn in a news release. “This is an important milestone in an ongoing journey for us. Being a good environmental citizen means always being vigilant to ways we can be more efficient and more respectful of the Earth.” Commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star designation use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. To improve its energy performance, ProQuest manages energy strategically across the
alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in the community by reducing food waste through the rescue and distribution of perishable and non-perishable food. In addition, it coordinates with other hunger relief providers, educating the public about hunger, and developing new food resources, Schlitt says. Food Gatherers is Washtenaw County’s only food bank and food rescue program. It distributed more than 4.5 million pounds of food annually to 150 nonprofit programs and provides emergency food resources to those in need. For more information, go to www.foodgatherers.org. Lisa Allmendinger can be reached at 1-877-995-NEWS (6397) or at lallmendinger@heritage.com. Check out her daily blog at www.A2Journal.com.
August 5, 2010
SALINE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that a Public Hearing will be held before the Saline City Planning Commission on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 100 N. Harris Street, Saline, MI for the purpose of hearing all objections to, and support of, ORDINANCE NO. 730 – AN ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF LOT 18, ASSESSOR’S PLAT NO. 2 OF THE CITY OF SALINE, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, FROM R-1-C, SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL TO, C-2, CENTRAL BUSINESS. A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk during regular working hours. Written comments on the above ordinance will be received at the office of the Saline City Clerk prior to the closing of said public hearing. The City of Saline will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities upon two (2) business days notice to the City of Saline. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the City of Saline, by writing or calling the following: Saline City Clerk, City of Saline, 100 N. Harris Street, Saline, MI 48176 (734) 429-4907, extension 2209, TDD (734) 429-7911. This notice is given in accordance with the provisions of the Saline City Zoning Ordinance.
SALINE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION Jacquelyn Lindimore, CMC Deputy City Clerk Publish August 5, 2010
CURRENT AND FORMER WORKERS OF JP MORGAN CHASE and COMPANY Division of Treasury and Securities Services Automated Clearing House Operations, Belleville, Michigan In accordance with section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, (“Act”), 19 U.S.C. § 2273, the Department of Labor issued a Notice of Certification on June 16, 2010 regarding eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance. All workers of JP MORGAN CHASE and COMPANY Division of Treasury and Securities Services Automated Clearing House Operations, Belleville, Michigan (TAW 72,487), who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after October 1, 2008 through two years from the date of certification, and all workers in the group threatened with total or partial separation from employment on the date of certification through two years from the date of certification, are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under Chapter 2 of Title II of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. Workers wishing to apply for benefits within the designated time limits should report to their local Michigan Works! Agency. Call: 1-800-285-Works to determine the Michigan Works! Agency nearest to your home. Equal Opportunity Employer & Programs. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to Individuals with Disabilities. TTY 1-800-649-3777. Funded in part by the Michigan Department of Energy Labor and Economic Growth through SEMCA. Publish August 1, 2010
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 122, THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF YORK, BY ADDING A PROVISION TO SPECIALLY ASSESS PROPERTIES IN THE TOWNSHIP FOR COSTS AND EXPENSES INCURRED BY THE TOWNSHIP TO REMOVE WEEDS AND PLANT GROWTH ALLOWED TO GROW ON PROPERTIES IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 302.4 OF THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE; AND TO REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 131. At a regular meeting of the Charter Township of York Board of Trustees held on July 13, 2010, the abovementioned Ordinance was introduced & presented for first reading and such first reading was approved at said meeting. Consideration for adoption of this Ordinance will be part of the agenda at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the York Township Board. Publication of the proposed Ordinance was made by posting, and a copy of the proposed Ordinance may be reviewed and inspected, in the Office of the York Township Clerk, 11560 Stony Creek Road, Milan, MI 48160, and on the Township’s website at www.twp-york.org pursuant to Section 8 of the Charter Township Act, being MCL 42.8,3(b).
Helen Neill, Clerk Charter Township of York Publish August 5, 2010
Page 8-B m
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
Family touched by Alzheimer’s disease, raising money for research By Michael Armitage Guest Writer
“I’m fine, I just have a lot on my plate,” Sharon Simecek would tell her family when her organized personality started showing signs of forgetfulness and disorganization. Her daughter, Kim Simecek, along with other family members, could see that Sharon’s days were becoming a struggle, so they decided that it was time for an “intervention.” Sharon recalls knowing that “things weren’t working,” but she blamed it on those around her. She finally was convinced by her family to talk to her doctor, who originally did not disclose what they were looking for as he sent her for an MRI and PET scan. The news was hard to hear for a vibrant woman still young in her 60s. It was Alzheimer’s
disease. Sharon moved to Milan in 1964 from Phoenix, and married Keith Simicek of Milan in 1966. Family is very important to Sharon, who was a stay-at-home mom until their kids were in college. She worked as a travel agent in Ann Arbor before joining Air Transport International, where she worked for nine years as the director of In-Flight Services. Community service is also an important aspect of her life as she served on the Milan school board for 12 years, is active at Peoples Presbyterian Church in Milan and served on the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation board for four years. Unlike other forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease gets worse over time, and is always terminal. It’s caused by changes in proteins and chemicals in the brain, although the cause of
these changes is still unknown. The rate at which a patient deteriorates varies between individuals, and there are products on the market to slow the rate of deterioration such as Aricept for early stage patients and Namenda for moderate to severe cases. Early signs of the disease include memory loss, which is usually first recognized by those around them. As the disease progresses, many have trouble making decisions, keeping track of and managing time, learning and remembering new things, completing tasks such as cooking, and are sometimes at a loss for words. “It’s going to be a long and hard journey for the whole family,” noted Sharon, who said she has been grateful to those around her for being supportive. She becomes very emotional when thinking of the future, and
the possibility of some day not recognizing who her husband, kids or grandkids. “It’s a terrifying way to end life. I’m not going to remember how I lived my life; there is nothing I can do about it.” Sharon said she is able to recognize the person, but is not always able to place who they are. She has had to make several changes in her life already, including increased supervision of day-to-day activities. Some tasks such as answering the phone, cooking, and using electronics have become difficult. She has also stepped down from the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation board. “I continually feel like I’m losing my mother,” said her daughter, Kim. She reminds herself, especially when times get frustrating, that the frustration needs to be focused on the disease, and not
her mother. Kim moved back to Michigan nearly two years ago to help with the needs of her mother. Once back in Michigan, she became a partner in Leaf, Barley & Vine, which is located in downtown Brighton. “I’m an image of my mom when she was 20 years younger,” Kim said, comparing their style, organization, motivation and energy. The thought of being in her mom’s shoes in 20 years is a scary one. The statistics are just as scary. In 2005, there were 4.5 million cases. That number is expected to rise to 16 million by 2050. Some predications indicate that by 2025, one in four people will suffer from Alzheimer’s in their lifetime. Sharon wants to bring attention to this disease that has no known forms of prevention,
cause, or cure. She wants people to be able to not only be comfortable talking about the disease, but also to those suffering from the disease. She also wants to build a network of those with the disease to be able to talk about their experiences. Even through the tough emotions caused by the struggles of the disease, Sharon still has a sense of humor. She says that there is no sense in denying the prognosis or dwelling on it, she instead wants to stay busy with the things she can still handle. Kim and her business partner, Greg Strouse, teamed up to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease and multiple myeloma, a terminal disease that took the life of his wife, Bonnie Strouse, with “Passport to a Cure. The event was held Sunday at their business, Leaf, Barley & Vine in Brighton.
Local Girl Scouts enjoyed Milan Public Library in the 1950s the Milan Village The Girl Scouts office. The library enjoyed spending shared the space. time at the Milan Today, the library in the 1950s. library is located This fact was capin a brick addition tured on film, perhaps just west of the by a professional “power plant.” photographer, with On the left, the industrious young Brenda Anderson ladies working hard is shown in full to shine up the glass Girl Scout unidisplay case. A can of Gold Seal form, including “Glass Wax” sits on MARTHA CHURCHILL the barrette, as she works hard to keep top of the display case, while the memthe glass clean. bers of the troop, dressed in full Behind her, a sign indicates this uniform, rub the spots out of is the right place to find mysterthe glass. The “glass wax” has a ies. The next person is an attracprice tag of 59 cents, clearly visible when I use the zoom feature tive woman wearing a lovely on my computer. hat. She is the Scout leader, In about 1950, the library was Marvel Jones. In about 1950, no longer located in the Old women and girls often wore Fire Barn at Main and County hats, usually for special occastreets. The library was located sions. Setting up a Girl Scout display at the library was just in the present-day Milan City such an occasion. Hall building, the one with the smoke stack, built by Henry Shirley Yeager is dressed up in her Girl Scout uniform, a Ford as a power plant for his white shirt with the “trefoil” industrial complex. After Henry Ford finished his pin and badge. The “trefoil” is still used today by Girl Scouts industrial activities in Milan, and looks just as good as ever. his former power plant became
PAST TENSE
The girl on the right is Patty Jones, daughter of the Scout leader. Patty’s uniform looks impeccable. The number 9 appears on her sleeve. Even her socks are part of the uniform, with the trefoil design on the anklets. She looks like she is working hard to clean the glass, but I suspect she put down her cleaning supplies as soon as the photographer was finished taking this shot. A note on the back of the photo says it was donated to the Milan Area Historical Society by Ann Jones, daughter-in-law of Marvel Jones. I don’t know when she donated the photo, but it is extremely charming, and a treasure for
local history lovers. The historical society has other pictures of Milan-area Girl Scouts at various times, in parades, camping and hiking. Most of them don’t identify the individuals. This one is a real treat because everyone is named. Anyone with pictures of Girl Scouts, or anything else, please write the names on the back, along with the date. Don’t do it for yourself. Do it for your grandkids. Do it for your community. Just do it, please.
Anyone with pictures of Girl Scouts, or anything else, please write the names on the back, along with the date. Don’t do it for yourself. Do it for your grandkids. Do it for your community.
Martha Churchill is a freelance writer. She can be reached at milanhistory@yahoo.com.
Girl Scouts tidy up the glass showcase in the Milan Public Library in about 1950. Brenda Anderson (left) is pictured with Scout leader Marvel Jones, Shirley Yeager and Patty Jones.
Call ‘Safe Dig’ before starting excavation projects Homeowners, farmers and contractors can avoid most excavation-related utility accidents by calling “8-1-1” at least three full working days before digging. This call allows utility operators to mark the location of their underground utility assets, which can include oil and gas pipelines, electric lines and telecommunications cables. Third party damage to pipelinesdue to excavation-related activities is one
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State parks playing ball the old-fashioned way. Page 2C
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August 5, 2010
Milan Mayhem players Dillion Pickard (left), Mitch Hotz, Beau Hotz, Tyler Ervin and Brendon Ferenczy display the T-shirts they won during last month’s USSSA World Series in Sterling Heights.
History-makers
Milan team plays in World Series The Milan Mayhem U-12 travel baseball team competed in the USSSA World Series last month in Sterling Heights. The local squad showed itself well at the state-level tournament. This year’s Mayhem team is the first ever from Milan to advance to the World Series. Against the state’s best, Milan finished ninth overall out of 12 teams. The Mayhem were able to win one game by mercy rule. Each of Milan’s games were close, with most contests going into the final
inning with the outcome still in doubt. In the tournament’s skill competition, the local kids shined brightly. Milan’s Beau Hotz captured the tournament’s Home Run Derby title. Hotz MAYHEM COACH JAMIE KRAMER belted four overthe-fence home and Hotz finished first in the runs in eight attempts. Around the Horn championMilan’s Dillion Pickard, Tyler Ervin, Brendon Ferenczy ship. The group’s time was 7.59 seconds on an 80-foot baseline.
“Without the generous support of Milan businesses and individuals, the opportunity for the boys wouldn’t have been possible.”
The local players earned Tshirts for their title-winning efforts. Pickard also was third in the Home Run Derby. During tournament play, Ervin, who started at shortstop for Milan, led the Mayhem offensively with a .565 batting average and an on-base percentage of .614. “Without the generous support of Milan businesses and individuals, the opportunity for the boys wouldn’t have been possible,” said Milan Mayhem coach Jamie Kramer.
Milan’s Box receives scholarship By Don Richter
Heritage Newspapers
The awards and honors keep piling up for recently graduated Milan senior Thom Box. The All-State Big Red football player last month received a Calvin Johnson Foundation Scholarship helping Box as he continues his gridiron career this fall at Wayne State University in Detroit. Calvin Johnson, an AllPro-caliber receiver with the Detroit Lions, provided scholarships this past year to six Division 2 athletes. Box applied for the scholarship last May. He was informed July 11 that he was selected as one of the six recipients of the scholarship. On July 16, Box, along with the other five scholarship award winners, was honored at a dinner at downtown Detroit’s Westin Hotel. Box (6-foot-2, 265 pounds) was a first-team All-Heritage Newspapers-West selection as an offensive lineman this past season. He also was named AllState first team in Division 2. Last month, Box played in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association 30th annual East-West All-
Milan’s Lindsey Lammers reached the semifinals of last week’s Michigan Women’s Amateur at the St. Clair River Country Club.
Lammers reaches tourney semifinals By Don Richter
Heritage Newspapers
Milan’s Lindsey Lammers had an impressive showing at the 94th annual Michigan Women’s Amateur at the St. Clair River Country Club last week. The recent Milan High School graduate began the tournament July 26 competing in the event’s two-day stroke play match. On Day 1, Lammers tied for 18th overall shooting a 79. Eighty-two players participated in the tournament. Topping the field during the first day was defending champion Britney Hamilton of Lake Orion, who carded a 68. On Day 2 of the tournament, Lammers remained consistent placing tied for 18th once again with a two-day total of 157 (79-78). Her score qualified her for the match play portion of the tournament July 28 through 30. Earning medalist honors during stroke play was DeWitt’s Liz Nagel, who ended up shooting a 139 (70-69). Saline’s Sarah Hoffman also qualified for match play recording a two-day total of 160 (84-76). In match play, Lammers defeated Stephanie Koske in the first round. She followed that win with a victory over defending champion Hamilton in the second round. In the quarterfinals, Lammers defeated Maddi Massa. In the tournament semifinals, she lost to Natalie
Lindsey Lammers defeated defending champion Britney Hamilton in a second round match play dual during last week’s Michigan Women’s Amateur. Brehm. Hoffman defeated Nagel in her first round match-up by one stroke, ousting the medalist champion. In the second round, she beat Melissa Beurmann. In the tournament quarterfinals, Hoffman lost to Christine Meier. St. Clair River Country Club was originally designed by Donald Ross, with the addition of several new holes designed by Jerry Mathews in recent years.
Livesay records the perfect shot Milan’s Thom Box recently received a Calvin Johnson Foundation Scholarship. Box, an All-State offensive lineman for the Big Reds, is shown here lining up during last month’s Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Star Game. He will continue his gridiron career at Wayne State University this fall. Star Game at Michigan State University’s Spartan Stadium. He started at offensive guard for the East squad. In other local football news, former Milan standout
John Hart is playing semiprofessional football with the Capital City Stealth. The Stealth play their home games at Okemos High School. Okemos is located near
Lansing. Besides Hart, other local players on the Capital City roster include Saline’s Steve Bell and Ann Arbor Pioneer’s Danny Dresselhouse.
By Don Richter
Heritage Newspapers
Bob Livesay had a shot to remember last month as he recorded a hole-in-one July 14 at Rustic Glen Golf Course. It was Livesay’s second holein-one ever. The Manchester resident used a 7-iron on the 146-yard, Hole No. 2. Witnesses to the perfect shot
were Mike and Peg Pogliona and Livesay’s wife Sandy. In other area golf news, the Michigan State Alumni Club of Washtenaw County will be holding an outing at Lake Forest Golf Club 1:30 p.m. Aug. 14. Cost to participate is $95. There will be a shotgun start. The event includes lunch and dinner.
Page 2-C
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
State parks feature vintage ‘base ball’ games
T
o those of us who are around today, baseball has been America’s pastime almost forever. But, the fact is, it was an important part of community life generations ago — so important that three of Michigan’s state parks sponsor teams that play the game the way it was played in the 1860s. The Hartwick Pines Swampers, the Fort Mackinac Never Sweats and the Walker Tavern Wheels are all dedicated to vintage base ball, a far different game than the sport we know today. “The original idea behind base ball — and it’s two words: base ball, not baseball — was to get on base,” explains Craig “Splinter” Kasmer, the interpreter at Hartwick Pines and a member of the Swampers. “That was the fun part. “The single biggest way that it was different then than now is that you pitched underhand. You wanted the guy to hit it.” Joel Zumaya would have had little value to an 1860’s base ball club, Kasmer said. “The pitcher would ideally say, ‘Where would you like it, sir?’” Kasmer explained, “The idea wasn’t to throw fastballs by them. You’d lob it in there. There were no called strikes. If you didn’t swing and it was a good pitch, that’s OK. Throw another one. “If you struck (swung) and missed three times, you’d be out, but there were no called strike outs and no bases on balls.” Vintage base ball is played based on a rulebook that was published for a world championship tournament in 1867. There are no gloves; fielders play bare-handed and the striker (what we’d call the bat-
Photo courtesy of the DNRE
ter) is out not only if the fielder catches the ball in the air, but also if he catches it on the first bounce. The ball is constructed of an inner core, wrapped with wool yarn, and covered by a single piece of leather, Kasmer said. “Nowadays a ball’s two pieces of leather sewn together,” Kasmer explained. “Ours is softer than a softball, but the size of a hardball. It’s one piece of leather wrapped around with one long stitch going through it.” Kasmer plays “behind” (what we’d call a catcher). He receives the
ball from the “hurler.” The infielders, instead of being called “basemen,” are called “sacks.” Fact is, just about every aspect of the game has terminology that differs from baseball as we know it today. Julie Metea, who helps publicize the Walker Tavern Wheels, is a “crank” (fan). “It’s family friendly, great entertainment,” says Metea, a public relations professional by trade. “It is so much fun. There are a lot of history buffs that show up — you can have a great conversation about
the civil war — and a lot of folks show up in character. “I’ve met Mary Todd Lincoln, Mark Twain . . . you can just have a great time.” Carl “Doc” Szumlanski, who said he hadn’t played ball for 20 years but now plays for the Wheels, got involved through a friend “I was skeptical about the whole not-wearing-a-glove thing,” said Szumlanski, who lives in Inkster and sells environmental health care services. “It’s competitive, but not over the top. This has got a really good vibe. It’s one of the best teams I’ve ever been on.”
Although the players want to win, they say they’re trying to be faithful to the history of the game, much the same way as Civil War re-enactors play their roles in mock battles. The goal is to be true to the manners and mores of the period, and are very different than in today’s baseball. “It was gentlemanly sport,” Kasmer said. “You start out shaking hands and you end up shaking hands. You always wore your shirt buttoned up to the collar and your sleeves rolled down with cuffs buttoned. If it was really hot,
you’d have to ask the ladies if they minded if you rolled up your sleeves. You didn’t want to offend anyone by showing too much skin.” Other rules reflect the time. There’s no spitting, no swearing and no sliding. In fact, leaving your feet is verboten, too, as “it would be unsportsmanlike,” Kasmer said. Every player has a nickname. Kasmer’s is “Splinter,” he says, because, it’s in keeping with the logging-era image of the Hartwick Pines team. (A swamper, for instance, is someone who clears out an area so the loggers can get their equipment in.) Kasmer is small in stature — a splinter off a log. Although he did not play a lot of organized baseball growing up, Kasmer had a connection to vintage baseball as his father played for the Rochester Grangers when Kasmer was younger. The Grangers still play today. “You don’t have to be the best at pitching or fielding,” Kasmer said. “The point is to get on base and tally aces (score runs).” Each team has its own home field rules. At Hartwick Pines, there’s no over-running first base, for instance, and, because there are trees within the playing area, the trees are in play. If a guy hits ball that bounces off a tree or through the limbs, he’s out if the fielder can catch it on the fly (or even the first bounce). The Swampers have home games scheduled Aug. 8 and 15 and Sept. 5. The Wheels have home games scheduled for Aug. 21 and 28 and Sept 12. To learn more about vintage baseball at state parks, visit the Department of Natural Resources and Environment website at www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Ann Arbor’s Trombley, Belleville’s Gautner win BY DAVID DOIG THE NEWS-HERALD
Lee Trombley has overcome a lot of hardship to get to this point in his mixed martial arts career. He sacrifices time between a sport he loves, his day job and his loving wife Stephanie. He travels over 60 miles round trip to train with his teammates at 360 MMA in Toledo, Ohio, from his home in Ann Arbor three to four times a week. Trombley also overcame a broken hand suffered in his last bout against the hard-hitting Jon Green. On July 24, it all came together for Trombley as he knocked out Kalamazoo’s Matt Stringham in the first round of their light-heavyweight title bout. Trombley dominated the fight with a strong kickboxing attack and finished the fight after a hard right cross put Stringham down for good. In a scene similar to a “Rocky” film, Stephanie Trombley leaped into her husband’s arms after his victory. Trombley and Green are expected to meet again at an Aug. 28 WXC event in Monroe. The Fight of the Night went to two outstanding competitors — Belleville’s Mike Gautner and Eddie Tamez of Portage. Gautner got the better of the action and was
Fight Night Awards Submission of the Night: Jared Pieknic Knockout of the Night No. 1: Tray Suthers Knockout of the Night No. 2: Lee Trombley Fight of the Night: Mike Guatner vs. Eddie Tamez
Martial Arts able to secure TKO victory due to strikes at 2:50 of the second round. He also won the WXC flyweight title. The Yack Arena crowd in Wyandotte also witnessed the first Tap Team MMA bout in WXC history. It was a frantic bout that left all four fighters and the crowd hanging on to hear the final result. Team Tubbs (Darryl Childs and Eric Burress) defeated Team Demolition (Tyler Pittock and Ben Mason) after three rounds. The first round saw Burress get the better of Pittock, earning Team Tubbs 10 points. The second round saw Mason submit to Childs’ guillotine choke, giving Team Tubbs two extra points. Pittock then entered the cage against Childs to finish out the round and the score stood at 22-18. The third frame started with a bang as Burress finished Mason with punches and got the
TKO stoppage in less than a minute. Enter Pittock, who put Burress on his back and went for a ground-andpound attack. Pittock got the stoppage and earned his team two points but it was not enough as Childs lasted the rest of the round. Team Tubbs of Detroit won the first event of its kind in the WXC, 35 to 29. Tray Suthers of Team Tubbs gave notice to the rest of the lightweight division that he is here to stay after knocking out Nate Ellison in the second round of a hotly contest affair. Suthers was able to use a strong wrestling base and solid submission defense to keep a game Ellison at bay. During a scramble in round two, Suthers connected with a solid overhand right with Ellison in guard position. Suthers could possibly fight Woodford in the future with another win or two. The next MXC is Saturday at Michigan Elite MMA in Dearborn Heights.
August in Waterloo The Waterloo Recreation Area, Eddy Discovery Center is located at 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea. Programs are universally accessible. A motor vehicle permit is required for entry, $6 for the day or $24 for an annual permit. The programs are free. To register for programs, call (734) 475-3170. NOCTURNAL ANIMALS: Friday, Aug. 6, 11 a.m. Some animals work the night shift. Learn about their special characteristics. SALAMANDERS: Saturday, Aug. 7, 11 a.m. These amphibians are extremely important in keeping the forest and wetlands healthy. BIRDING BASICS: Wednesday, Aug. 11, 11 a.m. The Waterloo Recreation Area is a great place to see birds. We will be looking for both woodland and water birds. FOREST DISCOVERY HIKE: Thursday, Aug. 12, 11 a.m. What’s in the forest from the canopy to the forest floor? Let’s take a look. BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS: Friday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. The butterflies and moths are out and about at the Discovery Center. Join us to learn about these amazing insects. MICHIGAN MAMMALS, Saturday, Aug. 14, 11 a.m. Mammal fur, scat and tracks…these are just some of the things we will see as we learn about Michigan’s magnificent mammals.
Heritage Newspapers, in partnership with Yahoo! HotJobs, is thrilled to help you put your major to use. And with an abundant amount of grad-friendly gigs, it’ll be a no-brainer for you to find one that fits. VISIT JOBS.HERITAGE.COM. in partnership with Subscribe Today! • 734-246-0110 • www.Heritage.com
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
HS sports coming soon The 2010-11 fall sports season begins next week for more than 110,000 students in eight sports at member schools of the Michigan High School Athletic Association with official practices. Practice sessions begins on Monday, Aug. 9 in football, followed by all other sports on Wednesday, Aug. 11. Practice in football must begin on Aug. 9 for all schools wishing to begin regular-season games the weekend of Aug. 26-29. Schools must have 12 days of preseason practice at all levels before their first game, which may not occur before 16 calendar days. All football schools must also conduct at least three conditioning days of practice before beginning contact, and the conditioning sessions may not include any pads. In golf and tennis, competition may commence no earlier than after three separate days of team practice, and not before seven calendar days. The first day competition may take place in golf and tennis is Aug. 18. In all other fall sports, contests can take place after seven days of
Dates to remember Cross Country
Regionals - Oct. 29 or 30 Finals - Nov. 6
Semifinals – Nov. 3 Finals - Nov. 6
Football
Girls Swimming & Diving
Diving Qualifying - Nov. 16 Swimming/Diving Finals Nov. 19-20
Selection Sunday - Oct. 24 Pre-Districts – Oct. 29 or 30 District Finals - Nov. 5 or 6 Regional Finals - Nov. 12 or 13 Semifinals - Nov. 20 Finals - Nov. 26-27
Regionals - Oct. 7 or 8 or 9 Finals - Oct. 15-16
Girls Golf
Volleyball
Regionals - Oct. 7 or 8 or 9 Finals - Oct. 15-16
Boys Soccer
Districts - Oct. 18-23 Regionals – Oct. 26-30 practice for the team and not before nine calendar days. The first day competition may take place in cross country, tennis soccer, swimming and diving, and volleyball in the fall is Aug. 20. This year, two football dates precede Labor Day, and Thursday varsity games will take place both weeks. Sub-var-
High Schools
Tennis
DeDoes to play in a different kind of way FGR grad to put on farewell jazz concert Friday By Mike Larson A2 Journal
Baseball fans from around the area are used to seeing Gabriel Richard’s Mattie DeDoes blow fastballs by opposing batters, but on Friday, they will get a chance to see him blow into his saxophone. sity competition may begin on DeDoes, who graduated from Wednesday, Aug. 25. Gabriel Richard in the spring, In Week 1, 54 games will be is getting ready to go off to played on Thursday, 254 conOberlin College, and the former tests will be played on Friday, Irish baseball player, who is also and 20 games will be played on an accomplished saxophone Saturday. The following weekplayer, is treating music fans to end, 255 games will be played a free going away concert. on Thursday, 73 games will be “We’ve done a few things like played on Friday, and 2 games this before,” DeDoes said. “And will be played on Saturday. since I’m going away to college, I wanted to kind of go out with a bang. I wanted to put on a show and give some people the chance to hear some good music before I go.” The concert, which is dubbed “Once More ‘Around The Horn’ in Ann Arbor” will feature several jazz and contemporary year will be a modification selections by DeDoes. where the clock only stops for He said that he chose the set injury time outs once the point list after taking into account all differential meets or exceeds of his former gigs, and trying to 50 points. pick out the songs that got the Other gridiron rules chang- best reactions from the audies include the following: any ences. play resulting in a touchdown “We’ve played a lot of fundduring which team commits an raisers,” DeDoes said. “So when unsportsmanlike or nonplayer we were putting together the foul will allow the offended set list for this show, we tried team to have its choice of the to take some of our most crowd penalty being forced on the subsequent extra point or kickoff; horse-collar penalties can be called even if the act is completed after the ball becomes dead or the runner loses possession; if an official and a coach unintentionally collide in the restricted area in front of the team bench during a play, a 15-yard penalty will ack in 2005, while be called and a second penalty working for a newsfor the same infraction will paper in Colorado, I result in the ejection of the wrote a column that, head coach; and if a player, at that point, defined my career coach or nonplayer is in the as a sports writer. restricted zone while the ball It was part social commenis live but no contact with an tary and part well-thought official occurs, the progresargument (at least that’s what I sion will be a warning on the thought, anyway). first offense, a 5-yard penalty And it did what most good the second time, and the third columns are supposed to do. It offense resulting in a 15-yard garnered a lot of attention. penalty and the ejection of the Some people loved it, while head coach. others despised it. This column, which drew both support and ire from its Other rule changes readers, was about whether or not cheerleading should be conThe most visible rules sidered a sport. change in girls volleyball is In the column I said no, at the addition of a blue-grayleast in regards to sideline white ball to the game for cheering. regular-season competition. Competitive cheering seemed For MHSAA Tournaments, more appropriate to be considhowever, the solid white ball ered sport because there was will be the only ball allowed. actually a winner that came Schools conducting “Pink Out” from it. contests to raise money for My argument was good, and Volley For The Cure may utiI have yet to be convinced of lize a pink ball. anyone that sideline cheering is In soccer, the overtime proor should be considered a sport, cedures have been modified despite lots of angry emails for MHSAA Tournaments. from cheerleaders and their Beginning this year, the two 10- parents. minute overtime periods will The column ran, I got a lot of be played to completion, rather feedback for a couple of days, than the game concluding with and then people forgot about it. the first goal scored. After the I pretty much forgot about it two overtime periods, penalty too. kicks will be used to determine Then recently, something a winner at all levels of the made me remember that piece Tournament. of writing. Last month a judge from Connecticut ruled that cheerleading could not be considered a college sport. The ruling came after the brass at Quinnipiac University decided to eliminate the school’s (7 a.m.), 18 holes with a cart volleyball program and replace (8 a.m.), snack on the course, it with a competitive cheer beverages, buffet lunch, squad. contests and auctions. All for The school cited budgetary only $100. concerns. In short, it was just Guests who don’t want to cheaper to maintain a cheer proplay golf are invited to the gram than it was to maintain a luncheon and auction. This volleyball program. includes a buffet lunch (1 This led to outrage by the p.m.), contests, silent auction volleyball team, which resulted and live auction. The cost is in several of the players, along just $25 per person. with their coach, suing the uniFor more information, call versity. Priscilla Schwarze at 1-734Their suit claimed that 323-3563. cheerleading wasn’t a sport, and There are more than 100 if Quinnipiac started a cheer auction items including consquad, the school would not be dos in northern Michigan in compliance with Title IX, the and Florida, golf packages, 1972 federal law that mandates tickets to EMU, MSU and equal opportunities for men U-M football, jewelry, signed and women in education and sports memorabilia and athletics. much more. Long story short, U.S. District Districts – Nov. 1-3 & Nov. 4 or 5 or 6 Regionals – Nov. 9 & 11 Quarterfinals – Nov. 16 Semifinals – Nov. 18-19 Finals – Nov. 20
New rules designed for safety One of the biggest rules changes ever affecting the health of all interscholastic athletic activity participants takes effect this upcoming season. Keeping safety at the forefront of school sports, the MHSAA Representative Council approved a five-step protocol to be followed during the course of contests when an athlete sustains an apparent concussion, which will be utilized in all sports at all levels beginning with the 2010-11 school year. The National Federation of State High School Associations had previously adopted language to appear in all rules books beginning this fall calling for the removal from a contest of a athlete exhibiting the signs of a potential concussion, leaving the mechanics – including the clearing of a young person to return to play – to be decided by each state association. Here is a summary of the protocols for all regular-season and MHSAA post-season tournament contents to be applied: Officials will have no role in determining if an athlete has sustained a concussion, but will only point out to the head coach that the player has been apparently injured and should be examined by a health care provider. If the school’s designated heath care profession at the event confirms a concussion did not occur, the athlete may reenter the contest. In the event the game continues and the athlete is withheld for an apparent concussion, the athlete may not return to play that day and may only return at a future date after a written clearance is issued by an MD or a DO. The game official will file a report with the MHSAA and the removed player’s school. For MHSAA post-season tournaments where an MHSAAassigned physician is present, that individual will make the determination regarding same day return to play. At its June meeting, the MHSAA Executive Committee
followed-up on the Council action by approving sanctions for non-compliance with the concussion management policy. A student-athlete who returns to competition in a subsequent meet or contest without the written authorization of an MD or DO after being removed from play for exhibiting concussion-like symptoms and not being cleared by the school’s designated medical authority to return to that contest is considered to be an ineligible player, and any competition in which the student-athlete participates without the proper authorization is forfeited. The school will be place in probation in that sport through the end of that sports season of the following year. A second offense in that sport during probation will result in the extension of the probation for an additional year, and the school will be prohibited from participating in the MHSAA post-season tournament in that sport during the original and extended probation period. The detailed language can be found on the Health & Safety page of the MHSAA Web site. In addition, the MHSAA will be working in cooperation with the Brian Injury Association of Michigan to develop a variety of methods to promote public awareness of the issue of concussions in youth sports and the new MHSAA concussion protocols.
Football rule changes The major football rules change in Michigan this season is a modification to the point differential rule, which provides for a running clock beginning with the second half of a game where a team has a lead of 35 points or more. The original rule provides for the clock to stop after scoring plays, for called time outs, for penalty enforcement and for injury time outs. New this
Golf outing tees off for local family Most states, including Michigan, do not require insurance companies to cover treatments and services for autism, a neurological disorder affecting one in 100 children in the U.S. and characterized by severe delays in communication and social interaction and difficulties with behaviors. In order to help a Chelsea family defer these ever rising costs, friends and family have organized a golf outing to benefit Grant Bareis and his friends at the Autism Collaborative Center at Eastern Michigan University. And talk about a hole-inone, Thrivent Financial is matching all auction proceeds up to $5,000. The money raised will be
used by the Bareis family for increased therapy and services for Grant. In the absence of coverage, families pay upwards of $10,000 to $50,000 per year for vital treatment. According to autism experts, early intervention is critical. This outing will help Grant and other children who attend the ACC to afford the therapy and services they desperately need. The golf outing/luncheon/ silent auction to benefit Grant Bareis and his friends at the Autism Collaborative Center at EMU is Saturday, Aug. 7 at Reddeman Farms Golf Club. There are still openings for golfers and the event will include a continental breakfast, driving range
m Page 3-C
Photo by Todd Sexton/A2 JOURNAL
Mattie DeDoes plays his saxophone during a previous concert. On Friday he will play a free concert in Ann Arbor. pleasing selections.” The set list will include tunes from the likes of Jimi Hendrix and John Coltrane. “We really wanted to do a show for the people of Ann Arbor,” DeDoes said. “It’s going to be a nice way for me to start my college career.” DeDoes, who plays the alto sax, will be joined on stage by his father Steve on the piano and keyboards, friend and Western Michigan sophomore Mark Pickel on bass and Huron senior Don Gozzard on drums. “We have a really good dynamic of young talent and experience,” DeDoes said. “We just all really enjoy playing music.” The recent graduate has been playing saxophone since middle school and says his dad is one of his biggest influences. “My dad is a professional
musician, so I have been exposed to music my whole life,” DeDoes said. “But I started playing the saxophone in fifth grade, and that’s when I really fell in love with it. He said that once he got the chance to start playing the kind of music he wanted and found the freedom to experiment with his horn, his passion for music really took off. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and will be held at the Ann Arbor Free Methodist Church. Admission is free, and DeDoes said he expects a good crowd. “We’ve played at this venue before,” he said. “And I think it was pretty close to a full house last time.” For more information on the concert, visit www. Dedoesmusic.com.
Guest Column
Cheering needs to be safer
B
GENERAL ADMISSION
MIKE LARSON Judge Stefan Underhill agreed with the volleyball team, citing that, “Competitive cheer may, sometime in the future, qualify as a sport under Title IX. Today, however, the activity is still too underdeveloped and disorganized to be treated as offering genuine varsity athletic participation opportunities for students.” So there it was in black and white. A judge agreed with me. Cheerleading isn’t a sport. After all the hate mail I received all those years ago I had been vindicated. I should be happy, right? No. Not really. I don’t feel like I won. I don’t feel like I was right. I feel like competitive cheerleading should be a sport. I feel like some competitive cheerleaders are some of the most amazing athletes you can watch. But a judge says what they do shouldn’t be considered a sport. That seems kind of sad to me. But I also think it is the right decision. This is a necessary setback for the cheerleading community. Now organizers, coaches and enthusiasts can start doing the ground work that will make cheerleading the sport it can be. And one of the most important things the cheering community needs to address is safety. According to a 2008 study by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research, High school cheerleading accounted for 65.1 percent of all catastrophic sports injuries among high school females over a 25 year span. In college, it accounted for 66.7 percent of all catastrophic female sports injuries. The report also cited that
between 1982 and 2007, of 103 fatal, disabling or serious injuries that occurred to female high school athletes, 67 of them occurred in cheerleading. The next most dangerous sports were gymnastics with nine such injuries and track with seven. So when you see one of those fancy, yet pointless human pyramids, realize the people who are making it don’t just have another person’s foot in their palm. They also might have that person’s life in their hands. Do you trust anyone that much? Should your high school daughter be forced to? But it doesn’t have to be so dangerous. As competitive cheerleading works to become a sport under Title IX, it will no doubt be given more attention and funding. And those are two of the main components necessary to make it safer. Padded training facilities, expert coaches and strict oversight by some kind of governing body are things that cheering is missing right now, but are all things that could be within reach as the sport continues to evolve. Football players used to compete in leather helmets. But at some point a governing body made the ingenious decision to have the players wear helmets that might actually protect their heads. I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but I imagine the number of head injuries went way down… The same thing will happen with cheerleading. Maybe the participants won’t be wearing protective gear, but there will certainly be more rules involved to keep the participants safe. It has to happen. Those involved with the cheering scene might take issue with the fact that I don’t think sideline cheering is a sport. That’s OK. But I think we can all agree that for the safety of the people participating, cheerleading needs an overhaul. Sport or no sport, the injury rate is just too high. More oversight and regulation will not only get cheering over the Title IX hump, but it also just might save some lives. Mike Larson can be reached by email at Mlarson@A2Journal.
Page 4-C
Thursday, August 5, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
Eagles hit the links
EMU basketball program holds golf outing in Ypsi
Photo by Jonathan Knight/A2 JOURNAL
The Eastern Michigan University basketball team poses for a photo Monday before their golf outing (above), while players register for the event (bottom left) and EMU head coach Charles Ramsey greets golfers (bottom right).
SEVEN-DAY FORECAST FOR WASHTENAW COUNTY Thursday
Thu. night
A morning thunderstorm
Friday
Clear
Saturday
Sunday
Mostly sunny; less Mostly sunny and humid pleasant
to 86° 86° to 92° 52° to 58° 80° 53° to 59°
Monday
Thunderstorms possible
81° to 87° 55° to 61°
84° to 90° 58° to 64°
ALMANAC Temperatures: High/low for the week .................................. 90°/56° Normal high/low ........................................... 83°/62° Average temperature ......................................... 71.3° Normal average temperature .......................... 73.0° Precipitation: Total for the week .............................................. 0.46” Total for the month ........................................... 0.00” Total for the year .............................................. 23.12” Normal for the month ...................................... 0.22” Normal for the year ......................................... 20.15”
PAST WEEK’S TEMPS Temperatures
High
82° to 88° 60° to 66°
A strong p.m. t-storm
87° to 93° 61° to 67°
Flint 86/59
Durand 84/59 Lansing 85/59
Mason 85/60
Pontiac 87/62
Howell 85/60 Dexter 88/57
Low
Chelsea 88/56 Manchester 89/57
Tecumseh 90/57
Ann Arbor 89/55 Ypsilanti 89/57 SALINE 89/55 Belleville 90/59 Milan 90/57 Dundee 89/59
Monroe 89/61
Hillsdale 87/59
Detroit 88/64
Athens Berlin Buenos Aires Cairo Sterling Heights Calgary 90/66 Hong Kong Jerusalem Johannesburg London Windsor Mexico City 90/66
Sat.
Sun. Mon.
THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONS Weekly UV Index and RealFeel Temperature®
7
92
7
84
7
88
7
90
7
90
7
93
7
102
Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index™ number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. 0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very High; 11+ Extreme. The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highs for the day.
SUN AND MOON The Sun Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Rise 6:32 a.m. 6:33 a.m. 6:34 a.m. 6:35 a.m. 6:36 a.m. 6:37 a.m. 6:38 a.m.
Set 8:50 p.m. 8:48 p.m. 8:47 p.m. 8:46 p.m. 8:45 p.m. 8:43 p.m. 8:42 p.m.
The Moon Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Rise 1:21 a.m. 2:16 a.m. 3:22 a.m. 4:36 a.m. 5:55 a.m. 7:15 a.m. 8:35 a.m.
Set 5:13 p.m. 6:10 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:43 p.m. 8:19 p.m. 8:50 p.m. 9:19 p.m.
New
Shown is Thursday’s weather. Temperatures are Thursday’s highs and Thursday night’s lows.
RIVER LEVELS As of 7 a.m. Monday
Aug 9 First Aug 16 Full Aug 24 Last Sep 1
89/59/t 89/55/t 88/60/t 87/59/t 88/64/t 86/59/t 88/62/t 89/62/t 85/59/t 89/65/t
Fri. Hi/Lo/W
85/61/s 83/56/s 83/63/s 80/59/s 84/63/s 81/58/s 83/63/s 83/63/s 82/61/s 82/64/s
Sat. Hi/Lo/W
85/64/s 84/58/s 85/65/s 81/63/s 85/67/s 83/62/s 84/66/s 86/65/s 83/64/s 85/68/s
City
Thu. Hi/Lo/W
Fri. Hi/Lo/W
Sat. Hi/Lo/W
Manistee 80/58/pc Midland 87/59/t Muskegon 83/62/pc Pontiac 87/62/t Port Huron 83/59/t Saginaw 84/59/t Sault Ste. Marie 79/54/t Sturgis 86/60/t Traverse City 82/61/pc Warren 90/66/t
76/54/s 80/59/s 79/63/s 82/62/s 78/57/s 80/59/s 73/52/s 81/62/s 78/58/s 83/66/s
80/60/s 81/63/s 82/66/s 83/65/s 80/61/s 81/63/s 77/58/s 84/65/s 82/62/s 85/69/s
Flood Current stage stage Ecorse Creek Dearborn Heights ........................... -- .......... 2.28 ft Huron River Ann Arbor ................................... 16 ft ........ 12.45 ft Mallets Creek Ann Arbor ........................................ -- .......... 3.43 ft Mill Creek Dexter .......................................... 12 ft .......... 6.22 ft River Raisin Manchester ...................................... -- .......... 3.47 ft
Thu. Hi/Lo/W
Fri. Hi/Lo/W
Sat. Hi/Lo/W
City
Montreal Moscow Paris Rio de Janeiro Rome Seoul Singapore Sydney Tokyo Warsaw
Thu. Hi/Lo/W
83/63/t 97/69/pc 74/53/sh 67/62/r 81/61/s 91/72/sh 90/80/s 61/40/pc 87/75/pc 82/64/t
Fri. Hi/Lo/W
73/58/pc 92/69/s 76/58/s 70/61/r 85/67/s 86/75/sh 89/79/t 60/41/s 88/73/pc 72/59/t
Sat. Hi/Lo/W
94/76/s 76/63/pc 54/37/s 104/78/s 71/49/pc 94/84/pc 89/67/s 68/42/s 72/54/pc 79/57/t
71/63/s 90/70/pc 79/59/s 71/63/s 88/67/s 85/74/sh 89/79/pc 59/38/s 88/75/s 74/55/t
Sat. Hi/Lo/W
City
Thu. Hi/Lo/W
Fri. Hi/Lo/W
Sat. Hi/Lo/W
95/76/s 66/56/r 57/41/s 105/78/s 79/52/pc 90/82/t 91/68/s 72/43/s 73/59/sh 77/54/t
96/78/s 73/63/s 59/43/pc 104/77/s 78/50/s 90/81/s 90/70/s 70/44/s 70/57/r 77/54/t
NATIONAL CITIES City
Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2010 Fri.
Adrian Ann Arbor Battle Creek Bay City Detroit Flint Grand Rapids Kalamazoo Lansing Livonia
Thu. Hi/Lo/W
WORLD CITIES
57 63 60 56 62 61 59 Tue. Wed. Thu.
City
City
Jackson 86/57
83 90 80 83 76 82 86
Wednesday
Showers possible Partly sunny and warm
85° to 91° 59° to 65°
Statistics for the week ending Monday, August 2
Tuesday
REGIONAL CITIES
Atlanta Boston Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Dallas Denver Honolulu Houston Kansas City Las Vegas Los Angeles
Thu. Hi/Lo/W
95/76/t 88/71/t 87/65/pc 92/69/t 89/66/t 104/82/s 88/59/t 90/74/s 98/78/s 90/70/pc 106/81/s 77/60/pc
Fri. Hi/Lo/W
93/76/t 88/67/pc 86/67/s 90/63/s 81/64/s 103/81/s 95/61/t 90/76/s 98/78/s 89/71/pc 104/79/s 74/60/pc
93/76/t 82/67/s 86/70/s 91/66/s 83/66/s 104/81/s 94/62/pc 90/76/pc 96/76/pc 94/74/pc 103/78/s 74/60/pc
Miami Minneapolis New Orleans New York City Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh St. Louis San Francisco Seattle Wash., DC
92/81/pc 84/64/pc 93/78/t 92/76/t 94/75/t 92/72/t 110/85/s 88/64/t 94/74/t 61/52/pc 83/58/pc 96/74/t
92/80/pc 87/69/pc 92/79/pc 85/73/s 95/76/pc 88/70/s 104/83/pc 83/62/s 93/75/s 66/54/pc 71/56/c 90/72/s
Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.
NATIONAL OUTLOOK Temperatures 8/5 - 8/11
Precipitation 8/5 - 8/11
LAKE LEVELS Lake Normal Current Lake Erie ............................. 580.11 ft ...... 571.46 ft Lake St. Clair ........................... 575 ft ...... 574.44 ft
91/79/pc 84/68/pc 92/79/pc 90/74/pc 95/76/t 90/70/pc 106/84/s 81/62/s 92/71/s 63/52/pc 76/57/pc 92/73/pc
NEAR BELOW ABOVE NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL
NEAR BELOW ABOVE NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL