Advisor & Chronicle

Page 1

December 19, 2015 • Vol. 136 No. 48

514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI · Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 · www.advisor-chronicle.com

In The News:

Albion, Marshall to vote on expanded cooperative agreement; Albion Superintendent Williams-Harper announces resignation As the Dec. 22 deadline approaches for Marshall Public Schools to apply for the 22g grant of $5 million to help assist in possible annexation with Albion, another deadline of sorts is looming: The decision on whether both school districts will expand the current cooperative agreement in place for high school students to also include middle school students in grades 6-8. Both school districts were to vote on the issue last week, but on Dec. 15, the Albion Board of Education decided to table the issue until Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. to get more feedback from parents of Albion’s middle school students. In turn, Marshall’s Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting on Dec. 22 to vote on the matter, assuming Albion has agreed to expand the agreement. Also on Dec. 15, Albion Superintendent Jerri-Lynn Williams-Harper announced her resignation effective June 30. See story on page 2 Jerry and Carol Lehmann presented with annual Preservation Award The winners of the Marshall Historical Society’s 2015 Preservation Award are Jerry and Carol Lehmann, who have restored three old homes in Marshall, including Rose Hill and their current home on Division St. Their efforts have brought these homes back to their original glory, and the homes have been shown on many tours. Perhaps the most significant restoration has been their current home on Division St., which has had to undergo major cleanups of weather damage and interior decay and has been shown in the process of restoration to inspire other restoration fans. See story on page 20 Robert Elizondo is Firefighter of the Year Last week, the Marshall Fire Department named Robert Elizondo of Marshall as this year’s Firefighter of the Year. “It’s definitely not something I expected,” said Elizondo, who has been an on-call firefighter with the department since March 2014. “It’s a big honor, especially with the short time I have been with the Marshall Fire Department. It’s nice to be recognized for putting in the work.” Elizondo was recognized by his peers for his dedication to the Marshall Fire Department. “Rob is always eager to learn and is constantly looking for ways to improve,” said Deputy Fire Chief Greg McComb. “He has taken on the added responsibility of being a mentor to our newest firefighters.” See story on page 13 MACS makes the holidays merry for many There must be scientific proof that helping others creates smiles on the faces of good-deed-doers. Such was the case last week when volunteers gathered to fill holiday baskets for MACS. Through the annual Christmas Program, this year 59 families were adopted by individuals and businesses and 188 were helped through donations from the community. See story on page 43 Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi to celebrate 20th anniversary of federal recognition The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Tribal Council and Members announced last week they will celebrate the 20 year anniversary of being federally recognized by the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs. Tribal members will celebrate the 20th anniversary of being federally-recognized with a day-long private reception on Dec. 19 at FireKeepers Casino Hotel. See story on page 55

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Columns Law that helps people...Investor-owned electric utilities

Editor’s Corner by John Hendler It was Christmas morning, 1989. I was up way too early - 3:30 a.m., getting ready to go to work. I was also cold. This would be the coldest Christmas morning ever in Miami as the mercury dipped to 30 degrees. (Three days earlier, Marshall recorded its lowest December temperature ever at –18 degrees.) I was the newest hire and low man on the totem pole at the radio station I worked for: a lowly-rated AM station that played motivational tapes. While everyone else got to sleep in and spend their morning opening presents, I would “spread” the Christmas cheer by airing the likes of Zig Ziglar, Leo Buscaglia and Wayne Dyer. As I scraped the ice off my car’s windshield with an S.O.S. pad, cursing my fate, I was thinking to myself that more people would hear my grumbling in the pre-dawn darkness compared to those who would be listening to the Motivation Station that entire morning. In the Arbitron ratings survey for 1989, it was determined that during a typical weekday quarter hour, 21 people could be found listening to my station, aka The Winners News Network. Mission accomplished on the ice removal, I went back inside my apartment to toss the S.O.S. pad when I had another brilliant idea: I would change the message on my answering machine, letting callers (and potential thieves) know that I would not be home all morning and that they could reach me at the radio station number. A kind of poor man’s call forwarding, if you will. Little did I know that my neurosis over missing a phone call would essentially save someone’s life. Shortly after my shift began at 4:30 a.m., I received a phone call from a friend I met in college. I was surprised to hear from her since she was in the middle of driving across the country during her year of “finding” herself. When we last spoke in September, she was in Dallas; now she was in Los Angeles and in trouble. She reminded me of the guy she met in Dallas and how it was love at first sight and how she asked him to join her on her road trip. The had traveled up and down the California coast and were planning to get married in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day. But the lovers’ plans took an unexpected detour - she was pregnant, and upon hearing the news, he decided to take off. It had been a week since she told him the news and she hadn’t heard from him since. She was in some cheap motel in L.A., scared and alone, having been shunned by her family. I told her that I wasn’t sure how I could help, but that I’d stay on the line with her for as long as she wanted. We talked during my entire six-hour shift, taking turns calling each other back to divide the long distance charges. I, being 25, offered what limited advice I could give her, but told her that above all else, things would be O.K. and that she would get through this. Four days later, she called to tell me that she suffered a miscarriage and that she was heading back east to her family, who had finally come to their senses and wanted her home. We eventually lost touch, but she contacted me by e-mail a while back. She wrote that she was married and had three kids and was happier than she had ever been. She also wrote that not a Christmas passes where she doesn’t think of me. She revealed to me in that e-mail that I was her last option; that if she hadn’t reached me that Christmas morning 24 years ago, she was ready to end her life. Me, a lifesaver? All I did was listen and tell her it was going to be O.K. But then again, sometimes just knowing that someone is listening can make all the difference in the world. A joyous and peaceful Christmas to you all, and until next week, may the good news be yours.

Early Deadline Notification: The next two issues of the ad-visor&chronicle, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2, will have early deadlines due to the holidays. • Letters to the Editor and press releases will be acepted until noon Monday, Dec. 21 and Dec. 28. • Display Ads by 5 p.m. • Classifieds will be accepted until noon on Tuesday, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29.

By GEORGE M. STRANDER Ingram County Court Administrator and Probate Register Second in a series. Most of us have an electricity provider, meaning that most of our homes receive electricity through electrical wires ultimately from some electric utility. It is true, some people may receive electric power “off the grid” – that is, through some form of personal electricity production using renewable sources like sunlight (solar power generation from solar cells), the wind (via power-generating windmills) and water (as with micro-hydroelectric setups). In this series, though, I will concentrate on the energy received from utilities. The range of utilities: Electric utilities in Michigan fall into one of three main types – investor-owned electric utilities, cooperative electric utilities and municipal electric utilities. The first type is a business organization, the second is like any other cooperative in having members who have united to meet common needs

and the third is an element of a local government. The first two types are regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission and in this article I will start by reviewing investor-owned electric utilities. Interestingly, in addition to the three utility types above, there are what are called Alternative Electric Suppliers or AESs. These are private companies that have been licensed by the state to sell electricity to consumers. As part of energy deregulation and consumer choice, Michigan allows individuals and businesses to opt out of utility-provided electricity and contract with an AES, with the proviso that no more than 10 percent of an electric utility’s average retail sales may take service from an AES. One’s ability to use an AES is dependent on whether an AES exists in your area, and, if one does, whether the utility present in your area has already met its 10 percent cap. Investor-owned electric utilities: There are eight companies in Michigan that function as investor-owned electric utilities. Each has a generally-defined operating area within the state. By far the largest investor-owned utility in geographical spread and number of customers is Consumers Energy or CE.

CE operates throughout our state’s lower peninsula, save the far southwest, the Detroit metro area up to the “thumb” and a few pockets farther north. CE serves about six million customers in our state. The second largest investor-owned electric utility is DTE Electric (formerly known as Detroit Edison), which serves several Detroit metro area counties as well as those in the “thumb.” DTE provides electricity to about two million people. Other investor-owned electric utilities include Indiana Michigan Power Company (down in the southwest in Berrien and Cass Counties as well as parts of Van Buren, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph Counties), Upper Peninsula Power Company (serving several areas in the central and western portion of the Upper Peninsula), Alpena Power Company (essentially in Alpena County in the northeast portion of the Lower Peninsula), Northern States Power Company (based in Gogebic County at the far western end of the Upper Peninsula), Wisconsin Electric Power Company (mainly in counties bordering or close to Wisconsin in the Upper Peninsula) and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (around Menominee in the Upper Peninsula).

Letters Candlelight Walk highlights Christmas season To the Editor: To the Marshall community: The Marshall Historical Society’s 36th Annual Candlelight Walk was held Dec. 12-13 and even the wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of all who went on the walk. Featured on the walk were the homes of Duane Dupee and Kevin Daus,

Melanie Snodgrass, David and Michelle Swender, and Natalie and Don Rector. Also featured were the apartments above Serendipity, thanks to Taylor and Kristen Koenig Greenwood. Each location was different and decorated beautifully, and we can’t thank these gracious homeowners enough for their willingness

to welcome almost 600 visitors “home for the holidays.” There were also many volunteers who worked as guides, ticket sellers, reception hosts and in other ways. Many of our walkers were from other communities, and they all appreciated this special event that highlights the season.

We have enjoyed bringing this event to Marshall for so many years, and want to thank everyone involved again for their help and support. Finally, we want to wish all of Marshall a happy and healthy holiday season. Ann and Steve Rhodes, Co-Chairs, 2015 Candlelight Walk

Theodore Roosevelt’s ideas still relevant today To the Editor: It is interesting how true Theodore Roosevelt’s ideas on immigrants and being America in the 1900s are still relevant for today. “In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with

everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American…There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but have room for but one language here, and that is the Eng-

lish language…and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.” (From President Theodore Roosevelt in a letter to the American Defense Society in 1919, 10 years after his presidency.) No one listened. Every American citizens needs to read this. Merlin Shaver, Marshall

Thanks to those made sewing/quilting class a success To the Editor: Several students recently finished the sewing quilting class offered at Vision of Life. Instructors Pam Strope, Vera Simpson and Gloria Richards taught the students to sew straight seams, quilt and make a four-block quilting square. Many students went on to start their own

personal four-block quilt. In this class, students made a pillowcase and quilted the end. They will then have the opportunity to go on to make a four block quilt. Each week the students worked diligently on their project. They cut their own pieces after picking out the

coordinating fabrics and went on to sew their very own pillowcase to take home with them. Sewing classes were made possible by funding received from United Education Credit Union in 2010. Thanks to their generous funding and donations of supplies from members of

our community we are able to continue to offer the classes at no cost to students. A heartfelt thanks to our instructors and helpers who so generously give their time and talents. Gwen Tabb, Vision of Life Albion

Broadway Grille makes Thanksgiving special To the Editor: Thank you to Marshall Broadway Grille. Just like I did last year, I went to the Marshall Broadway Grille for Thanksgiving dinner this year. And, like last year, it was awesome. The food was great, the people were great and the atmosphere was great. Actually, it was better there this year than last year; they have made some improvements to the place. There were a lot more people this year, the food was even better and everyone there looked to be hav-

ing a good time. Even the weather was better this year than last year…no snow and/or slush to hinder walking or driving to and from the restaurant. Before leaving the restaurant, after having a tasty dinner, I said thank you to the Broadway Grille people, but I want to put it in writing to bring attention to this place. So, via this letter, I would like to say “thank you” again to the Marshall Broadway Grille owners Scott and Gerri Ladd and to all the people who worked this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, especially to

those who donated time, effort and/or money to the event and to anyone else who helped to make it happen. God bless you all. I hope and pray that the rest of 2015 is perfect for you and that you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very prosperous New Year. You all definitely deserve nothing but good to come to you and yours. And, I hope that you all receive an abundance of it for many years to come. Christine Thompke, Marshall

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families, the advertising and news deadlines will be as follows for the weeks of Christmas and New Years: THE HASTINGS BANNER December 24th Edition:

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out of 15 million early 1 in and o Nearly or regularly rotate Labor nent night shift to the Bureau of night shifts, according Olmstead fits in that Leslie a night shift Statistics. Nurse who has been 2007, spends category. Olmstead, since sinc 2 from e at Oaklawn Hospital nurse at least three nights most weeks working proud to tell someone I’m “I’m 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. “I love this job. I love to take I an RN,� she said. is exactly what Being a nurse care of people. be. to was supposed 6HH VWRU\ RQ SDJH

Display/Advertising - Monday, Dec. 21st at Noon Classifieds - Tuesday, Dec. 22nd at 3 p.m. December 31st Edition: News - Monday, Dec. 28th at Noon Display/Advertising - Monday, Dec. 28th at Noon Classifieds - Tuesday, Dec. 29th at 3 p.m. Editions E d will be on the stands Wednesday of both weeks kss

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Park, 116 On July 13, Enbridge at Ceresco Green ceremonyy for nity open house a rededication ceremo monument Marshall St., and I Memorial. “This the World War corner for more than 90 mem memhas been on this to many communityplace years, but accordinga prope respectful proper,, resp Manage berss it did not have Enbridge Project on this site,� said the Kalamazoo River of and President Foundation David of Ceresco Community Recreational with the creation Bareham. “Today a respectful place.� Green, it now has 6HH VWRU\ RQ SDJH

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of July Tendercare of owne p As own under new ownership. Ave., will be center, is now 879 E. Michigan “We are very 1, the facility at of Marshall. familyy now, known as Medilodgethe Medilodge fa of proud to be part Marty Rosenfeld. sanctuary for said Interim Administrator and sa of safety an need the “We offer a place community who and members of the we can provide since 1968 medical care services this continually have been doing under various names.� 6HH VWRU\ RQ SDJH

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raffle ttickThe Exchange that Dream Dollars any have announced available from availa and a ts are now on salethe following locations: ets at club member or Development Marshall Area Economic ber Welcome Center,Family Alliance/Cham Store, Marshall Hemmingsen Drug The Green Scene, Fare, Mack Accounting,Solutions, and Warman's Benefit Vantage Point raffle tickets wil more than 500 Eleven Party Store. No of $100 per ticket. be sold at the cost be drawn with the grand will winning tickets purchased before purcha $15,000 Tickets drawing. prize being $15,000. Ea Bird' for 'Early qualify 15 Aug. 6HH VWRU\ RQ SDJH

400 effort, more than at Relay for Life 17-18) years of the area’sgather this weekend (July for the fight will o celebrate 19 1,100 walkers ds to help raise money achieving survivors and County Fairgrounof volunteers working toward captain of the Calhoun team Among the dozens Michelle Holland, granddaughagainst cancer.cancer are Purple Fairy W Wade and Diana’s a victory over Family and Friends Diana H Spartan \ RQ SDJ Albion’ss Spart Albion Abby Ellis. 6HH VWRU ters Zoe and

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1001 E. Columbia Phone (269) Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49014 965-3955 • FAX www.TheBat tleCr tleCreekSho 968-8586 pper.com shopper@j-a p dgraphics.co m Thursday, May

21, 2015 Published (269) 945-9554Pu by J-Ad Graphics • 1351 N. M-43 Inc Highway • Hastings, MI

THE HASTINGS REMINDER, SUN AND NEWS, LAKEWOOD NEWS AND MAPLE VALLEY NEWS December 26th Edition: News - Monday, Dec. 21st at Noon Display/Advertising - Tuesday, Dec. 22nd at 5 p.m. Classifieds - Wednesday, Dec. 23rd at Noon January 2nd Edition: News - Monday, Dec. 28th at Noon Display/Advertising - Tuesday, Dec. 29th at 5 p.m. Classifieds - Wednesday, Dec. 30th at Noon Editions will be delivered on Thursday or Saturday of both weeks

BATTLE CREEK SHOPPER

December 24th Edition: News - Thursday, Dec. 17th at Noon Display/Advertising - Friday, Dec. 18th at 5 p.m. Classifieds - Monday, Dec. 21st at Noon December 31st Edition: News - Thursday, Dec. 24th at Noon Display/Advertising - Thursday, Dec. 24th at Noon Classifieds - Monday, Dec. 28th at Noon Editions will be delivered on Tuesday of both weeks E

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December 26th Edition: Letters & News - Monday, Dec. 21st at Noon Display/Advertising - Monday, Dec. 21st at 5 p.m. Classifieds - Tuesday, Dec. 22nd at Noon January 2nd Edition: Letters & News - Monday, Dec. 28th at Noon Desplay/Advertising - Monday, Dec. 28th at 5 p.m. Classified - Tuesday, Dec. 29th at Noon Editions will be delivered on Thursday or Saturday of both weeks

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Redhawks get first win in 5 OT thriller By JOHN HENDLER Editor Down by four points midway through the fifth overtime versus Portland Dec. 15 and with four starters fouled out and a fifth on the bench with muscle cramps, the odds of the Marshall High School boys varsity basketball team earning its first win of the season seemed slim. Down 94-90, the Redhawks off the bench scored five straight points to briefly take the lead 95-94 before Portland tied it up with 90 seconds to play. Just like they had done the previous four overtimes (as well as the end of the fourth quarter), Marshall held the ball as the clock ticked down, setting up for the final shot. There would be no sixth overtime, thanks to Mitch Avery’s field goal with 13 seconds left to give Marshall a 97-95 lead and Marcus Waters’ free throw with five seconds left to make it a three point game. Portland’s desperation three-pointer was way off the mark and Marshall came away with a memorable 98-95 win as the stu-

dent section stormed the court to celebrate the victory with the players. “I have never experienced anything like that as either a player or coach,” said Marshall coach Nick Dent. “I've been a part of multiple double overtime games but nothing like Tuesday night. I'm most proud of our resilience. We obviously had to go deep into our bench as the fouls piled up. It was pretty special that in the end, bench guys were the ones to finally clinch the victory for us. It was truly a team effort. It was a pretty special moment and one that I'm sure the guys and I will never forget.” A fifth overtime may not have been possible if not for Jaylin Alexander’s three-pointer which tied the game at 88 with 18 seconds to play in the fourth overtime. Jacob Brubaker led the Redhawks with 32 points. Teammate Tyler Torrey had 28 points. Marshall played at Pennfield Dec. 18 and will next play on Dec. 29 at home versus Otsego at 7:30 p.m.

Jaylin Alexander’s three-pointer with 18 seconds left in the fourth overtime tied the game at 88-88. (Photo by John Hendler)

Tiebreaker: MItch Avery’s basket with 13 seconds left gave Marshall a 97-95 lead in the fifth overtime versus Portland on Dec. 15. (Photo by John Hendler)

Role reversal: Marshall starters from left, Tyler Torrey, Jacob Brubaker, reserve Ryan Westrick and starters Forrest Jackson, Drew DeVIne and T.J. Rocco watch Marcus Waters’ free throw which gave Marshall a 98-95 lead with five seconds remaining in the fifth overtime. (Photo by John Hendler)

Jacob Brubaker led Marshall with 32 points versus Portland Dec. 15.

Marshall students mob Mitch Avery after the final buzzer following Marshall’s 98-95 victory in five overtimes.

Marshall girls varsity wins third straight

The Marshall High School girls varsity basketball team won its third straight game on Dec. 15 following a 46-37 win at Portland. Nikki Tucker led Marshall with 22 points as the team improved its record to 3-1. Above, from left, Abbie Hershock, Natalie Tucker and Olivia Hancock versus Coldwater on Dec. 11 which MArshall won 46-23. (Photos by John Hendler)

Marshall Middle School 8th graders combine to win 48 straight

Both Marshall MIddle School’s eighth grade boys basketball teams completed their seasons with 12-0 records following victories over Charlotte on Dec. 14. Last season, as seventh graders, the A and B teams each went 12-0, resulting in a 48-0 record the past two seasons. From left: B team player Joseph Saari, A team player Jack Cull and A team player Codey Shellenberger. (Photos by John Hendler)

The MMS 8th grade A team. Front, from left: Thailon Taylor, Brett Swaton, Hunter Copas, Ben Lee, Nate Weatherall and Jack Cull. Back row: Codey Shellenberger, Ethan Austin, Daniel Delmotte, Coach Doug Riegel, Harrison Hautau, Cole Graeber and Matt Flynn.

The MMS 8th grade B team. From left: Jazeriah Short, Joseph Saari, Haydon Chapman, Steven Lewis, Spencer Rupp, Perry Robson, Coach Jerry Underhill, Noah Green, Luke Sturgill, Jake Lyon, Tyler Tucker, Nate Fulmer and Thomas Andalon.

Marshall swimmers victorious at home invitational

The Marshall High School boys swimming and diving team placed first at the Marshall Invitational Dec. 12. Marshall’s score of 374 topped the six-team field that included Battle Creek Central, Harper Creek, Sturgis, Charlotte and Portage Northern. O’Shea Swinton posted Marshall’s only first place of the day in the diving competition. Above left: Camden Gardner, at the start of the 200-yard medley relay. Above right: Eron Hill, doing the butterfly in the medley relay. (Photos by John Hendler)

Marshall wrestlers fall at home to Coldwater 60-18

The Marshall High School wrestling team hosted its first meet of the season Dec. 16, falling to Coldwater 60-18. Today, Dec. 19, Marshall competes at the Coldwater Invitational. The wrestling team is next home on Jan. 20, hosting the Marshall Quad which will include Charlotte, Western and Coldwater. Above left: Wink McDonald has the upper hand versus Coldwater’s Ezra Lewis. Above right: Brendan Hankey avoids being pinned by Coldwater’s Jesse Miller. (Photos by John Hendler)

Junior/Adult Bowling Tournament Jan. 3 The Smith-Dannenberg Junior/Adult Tournament is set for Sunday, Jan. 3 at Marshall Lanes. The event features one youth (age 20 and under) and one adult in a two or three game format. Squad times are 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.The cost is $25 per team for the three games, non-bumper, format and $20 for the two games, with bumper, format. Prizes will be awarded in male and female categories based on age group. All prizes will be trophies or medals. Proceeds from the tournament help to fund the Smith-Dannenberg Youth Scholarship, two of which are awarded each spring to Marshall High School bowling team members. In addition, the event is also a National Organ

Donor Registry event. “This is a fun and very important event on our calendar,” said Sue Hutchings of Marshall Lanes. “Jan Smith, whom the tournament is named after, was my first coaching mentor and Jacob Dannenberg was a youth that loved activity, including bowling.” On separate occasions, both Smith and Dannenberg passed away suddenly and were organ donors. Entries are available at Marshall Lanes, or by email at mlanes@wowway.biz with a deadline of Saturday, Jan. 2. Call Sue Hutchings at 269-781-3125 with any questions.

Marshall High School bowling team Note: Last week’s issue did not include all members of the Marshall High School bowling teams.

Austin Hazel

Case Miller

Jacob Trumbull

Coach Sue Hutchings

Melissa Arnold

Coach Brad Morgan

Skylar Streeter

Coach Jody Parks

Ben Woodworth

Coach Emily Parks

ad-visor&chronicle – December 19, 2015 – Page 42

State and local leaders tour Calhoun Area Career Center By DOUG ALLEN J-Ad Graphics News Service

Spearheaded by Gov. Rick Snyder, state and local officials toured the Calhoun Area Career Center or CACC Wednesday, Dec. 2. The goal of the tour is to connect with students, parents and educators to address perceptions and create more awareness of skilled trade careers. The CACC is located at

475 E. Roosevelt Ave., near the campus of Kellogg Community College campus. Area students had the opportunity to educate officials on the programs and careers they are pursuing as part of a skilled trades tour. Two of the visitors included Steve Arwood, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Stephanie Comai, director of the Michigan Talent Investment Agency.

The tour gave them, as well as several others, an opportunity to see the projects being worked on by students and instructors in program pathways including computer networking, construction technology, food science, computer aided design, collision repair technology and healthcare. At a news conference following the tour, they were joined by Steve Pignataro, CACC alumni, founder and State and local officials meet with students at the Calhoun Area Career Center early this month. (Photo by Doug Allen)

Bailey Huff is a Pennfield student and currently enrolled in the health care program at the Calhoun Area Career Center. (Photo by Doug Allen)

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CEO of corePHP, and Mark Crawford, vice president of Community Health Services, Bronson Battle Creek, where they spoke with students about how the in-demand skills they are learning now, can lead to successful, well-paying careers. “You are really lucky,” said Arwood, the first speaker at the press conference. “You’re lucky that you have this facility because this is a wonderful place. You’re also smart because you’re here and you’re planning a career. “And I know for a fact, in the work that I do, the number one issue that we have in this state is talent,” he continued. “We encourage you to pursue a career path, learn a trade, learn a skill, get an associates degree, go on to college, but you’re very smart young people, do what you’re doing right now.” The future of the state of Michigan depends on the education and preparation that young students are getting right now, Arwood said. He said he hears from companies all the time that want to know where are they going to get their talent. “We want to keep our bright, young people here, and that’s you,” he said. “And what you’re doing here is not only important to us, but it’s important to you. I think our future in Michigan is looking good, thanks to smart, young people like you.” Comai grew up in Battle Creek and was excited to speak with local students, she said. “I want to congratulate you as well for doing the right things,” she said. “You’ve selected a career path that will let you pursue your passions and expand your horizons. The skilled trades are a career path that will let you grow, and continue to learn.” Comai mentioned that one of their challenges is that a lot of people don’t understand what skilled trades and technical careers are. “In today’s world is more about your brains than your brawn,” she said. “It’s more about math as opposed to muscle. So some people don’t know to come into the careers that you have chosen. These are versatile and cutting edge careers. They give you a great way to make

Stephanie Comai, director of the Michigan Talent Investment Agency. (Photo by Doug Allen) a living.” She said that in the state of Michigan, in the next few years, there will be a huge demand for people in the skilled trades. “This includes healthcare, software development, manufacturing, construction, electricians, pipe fitters and all the things you’re doing here will be in high demand,” she said. “In fact, they’re in high demand right now. We’re predicting that in Michigan there will be 6,700 jobs a year open in the fields that you’re studying. So when you walk out of here you will be well prepared to

pursue additional educational opportunities, or walk straight into your career.” Kris Jenkins, assistant superintendent of Regional Career and Technical Education at the Calhoun Intermediate School District, served as moderator for the event, and was one of the speakers. “Having a skill and a degree guarantees a more successful future for young adults,” she said. “By providing training in the skilled trades that are key to the success of our county and state, we hope to retain these talented students in our community.”

Steve Arwood, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. (Photo by Doug Allen)

MACS Christmas program creates miles of smiles By Mary Tinsley Young Lifestyle Editor

There must be scientific proof that helping others creates smiles on the faces of good deed-doers. Such was the case this week when volunteers gathered to fill Marshall Area Community Services or MACS Christmas baskets. Trinity Episcopal Church was filled with community donations, as was the hallway of the Fountain Clinic and the upper level of Marshall House Apartments. An endeavor that began more than a dozen years ago with gifts filling four long tables has expanded into a project where three sites are needed to hold the largess. This year, 247 families applied for assistance and 59 were adopted by individuals and businesses, leaving 188 to rely on the program to provide a Merry Christmas. These requests translated into 186 children and 223 adults asking for assistance from the people of Marshall - who responded with gifts and smiles.

The Caserez family has been part of the MACS Christmas effort almost since its inception. This year, three generations volunteered: from left, Mario, Mike, Emma Ortiz, Ramona, Phil, back, Cody Beals and Macey Caserez.

According to program organizers, Bruce Arnold is a valued volunteer.

Every December, Vera Hazel is all MACS Christmas giving would not be comsmiles as she volunteers for MACS. plete without Bessie Ivey and her smile.

Above: MACS Christmas program co-chair stands with her ‘adopted’ son Joseph Marah. Joseph, a native of Sierra Leone, has been staying with Bruce and Debbie Arnold of Marshall as he earned three associate degrees from Kellogg Community College. Left: Jane Marengo and other cooks made sure that MACS volunteers were well fed. Right: Alexis Barroso sorts one of her favorite things - books.

Photos by Mary Tinsley Young John Hamlin made sure that everyone who needed one had a cozy blanket for Christmas.

Students and teachers from Kinderhaus Montessori Preschool were on hand to learn about Volunteering can provide quality family time as shown here by Kate, Nathan the fun and importance of helping others. (Photo by Connie Bosserd) and Joe Fedewa who are sorting socks for MACS baskets.

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