My
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BACK TO SCHOOL: Q&A with superintendent Narda Murphy
amston
MY STORIES
MY LIFE
MY COMMUNITY
Growing Role
Williamston Theatre adds cultural touch downtown WITH: Season preview MSU partnership Looking back at the Opera House FALL FUN! Bake some Michigan apple treats Boy Scouts return with annual haunt
Flight 93 project Local company helps construct national site FALL 2011 MyWilliamston.com
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Contents COVER STORY Covering Williamston and surrounding communities. Fall 2011 Volume 2, No. 4
Fall Flavor
Area bakers give us their tastiest apple dessert recipes
CONTRIBUTORS Benjamin Eichler Cyndi Lieske Mitch Lutzke Dave Trumpie
WITH: A guide to Michigan’s apples
— Page 12
Center Stage
Williamston Theatre continues to grow, impress and play an integral part in the city’s downtown — Page 14
LOCAL DISH Q&A: Narda Murphy talks about the coming year.......6 Webberville Spotlight: C&J Pizzeria growing.......7 9/11 memorial: Royal Stone helps honor Flight 93 ....... 8 The boo crew: Scouts ready to serve up scares.............10 COLUMNS Mitch Lutzke looks at entertainment history .....22 Benjamin Eichler thanks our ancestors . .................27 IN EVERY ISSUE Calendar .........................24 Advertiser index .............26 Meeting schedule............26
Look for our holiday edition! Read about the annual Light Parade and other holiday season events
COMING IN NOVEMBER! Advertisers: Wish your customers a happy holiday season. Find out more at MyWilliamston.com/advertise. 4 | My Williamston | Fall 2011
On the Cover
The founders of the Williamston Theatre. From left are Tony Caselli, John Lepard, Emily Sutton-Smith and Chris Purchis. Photo by Dave Trumpie
Find us online at MyWilliamston.com
Past issues online at issuu.com/yeetown For advertising information, email contact@MyWilliamston.com My Williamston is published quarterly by Yeetown Designs, a division of Yeetown, LLC. Yeetown is a gift shop that features only Michigan-made cards, gifts and food. It is located at 110 E. Grand River Ave. inside historic Keller’s Plaza in downtown Williamston. © Yeetown Designs, a division of Yeetown, LLC
Drew is spunky and tal kative and enjoys being cudd led.
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of toes, and is Sara has lots gly little girl. a fun and snug
Minnie is petit e and likes dogs, cats an d people.
Save a life today! Thousands of cats and kittens, like the ones shown in these photos, are brought to shelters each year. Unfortunately, only a small percentage survive. The Kitten Nursery, a Williamston rescue facility, provides these kittens the 24/7 care they need to become healthy, adoptable pets, and gives expectant mothers a safe and special place to have their babies. Adopt, volunteer or make a donation today.
exploring, Giselle enjoys zzling. nu playing and
Roo, a cuddly sweetheart, is handicapped but healthy.
sh Siblings Sassy and Fla ies. dd bu st be le ab lov are
Carson is play ful and full of energy, and lik es to be held.
, is affectionate Raja, a mom, ly. si ea ry ve ts calm and adap
For more information, contact The Kitten Nursery at (517) 862-5931 or chiplovessteve@yahoo.com The Kitten Nursery is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt organization. Fall 2011 | My Williamston | 5
Local dish
Q &A
A word with Narda Murphy
1. What is your favorite time of the school year? The very first day of school is my favorite time of the year. I love the excitement and energy that just fills all the spaces on that day. 2. How does the beginning of a school year compare to the end of a school year? It is anticipation versus celebration. Both are a wonder to experience. 3. Last year was your first after being promoted from assistant superintendent to superintendent and you also had two new principals in the district. How much of a difference does a year make? I have been in education since 1965, my first year of teaching, and every year has left me with indelible memories. This past year, my first as a superintendent, brought new challenges with downsizing and budget cuts. As a district, we discovered ways to keep us moving forward while dealing with the realities of the economic crisis. It takes a team effort and Williamston Community Schools has the best team around. I won’t speak for our new administrators, but I am sure they
Rosemarie and Cisco Office managers Keller’s Plaza, Suite 3 110 E. Grand River Ave. Downtown Williamston
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Compiled by My Williamston staff
MEET NARDA MURPHY Who: Superintendent, Williamston Community Schools Background: Narda has been a teacher and administrator in Williamston since 1979. She served as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction before being promoted to superintendent for the 2010-11 school year. She grew up in Iowa and graduated from echo my feelings that for a “first year,” this was a great one. 4. Despite the slow economy, are you pleased overall with where the district is financially? I am pleased with where we are in this space and time. It was not the best of times — reducing staff and cutting programs. But, as I said, the uniqueness of our WCS family is that we see ourselves as a team and we problem solve together. Our priority is providing quality experiences for our students. We work effortlessly to make sure that the priority is met.
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Parsons College there before earning her Master’s degree at Michigan State. Service: Narda is the current Past President of the Michigan Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. She is also a member of the Williamston Rotary and serves on the Williamston DDA board. Family: Narda married Patrick Murphy, who is now deceased, and has two sons, Kevin and Michael, and five grandchildren. 5. What goals do you have for the district moving forward? Our district’s school improvement goals focus on improving student achievement in reading, writing and math by developing individual student plans of success, strengthening intervention programming and strengthening our instructional delivery system. To do that, we need to continue to seek solutions to the economic realities that are facing us. My goal as superintendent is to create a fiscally responsible support system that will allow for the school improvement goals to be a reality. That sounds so big, but simply
put, we need to get better and better while resources become fewer and fewer. We can do it. 6. Did you have any major hirings leading into this year? A major contract that we made over the summer was with Haslett Public Schools for technology services. This brought Jeff Cassin as our district technology leader. Jeff has already made some significant changes to our technology infrastructure and we look forward to a year of progress with his leadership. 7. You’re pretty involved with the community, both with and outside of school activities. Why is being a part of the community so important to you? My family moved here in 1979 when the boys were in second and fourth grade. This is our hometown. I started working for the district that same year as an adult/alternative education teacher. So my personal and professional life is very connected to the community and that is why it is so important to me to participate. I have found that the school-community connections are strengthened as well and that is a good thing.
LOCAL DISH
C&J Family Pizzeria a popular food destination
Most customers at C&J Family Pizzeria in Webberville live in the village. So when a group showed up with their own warming bag, owner Jim Sommer couldn’t help but ask if they lived out of the area. The man told him they travel from Bancroft, about 25 minutes northeast of Webberville. Sommer, who opened the pizzeria in May 2009, said he now sees regulars from Williamston, Perry, Fowlerville and Gregory in addition to Webberville. “I’m very thankful for the customer base I have,” said Sommer, a 1976 Fowlerville High School graduate who later lived in Grand Rapids and Jackson. “I’ve reacquainted with some friends and met a lot of new friends. That’s how I look at customers. I know them by name and they know me by name.” Sommer said he enjoys being back in the area and loves being involved with community events. That involvement has helped his pizzeria earn the Webberville Downtown Development Authority’s Business Recognition Award. The Village Drug Shop was
presented the inaugural honor last fall. “He goes out of his way to make sure your experience at the pizza parlor is a happy one,” Webberville resident Darlene Curtis told the DDA in her support of the pizzeria’s nomination. Even when Sommer lived out of the area, he remained a fan, returning from Jackson to attend Fireman Field Days. Last year, he worked the festival as a judge in the pie contest. “Jim has been very involved in our community and that is why I am so happy to see him win this award,” said Liz Goble, a board member on the DDA. “He actively participates in the Fall Festival, provides pizza for school events, participates in Relay for Life, sponsors Kiddie Tractor Pulls during the Fireman Field Days, has hosted fundraisers for local youth groups and so much more.”
Photo by Donald Sexton
Jim Sommer opened C&J Family Pizzeria in May 2009 and is very active in the Webberville community.
Fall 2011 | My Williamston | 7
LOCAL DISH
A worker at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa., washes a portion of the wall that was created in Williamston by Royal Stone. The angle of the wall is similar to the flap of an airplane wing. — Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Flight 93 memorial has local touch Royal Stone plays key role at Pennsylvania site
H
igh-profile projects are nothing new for Williamston’s Royal Stone. As a supplier of architectural cast stone for construction projects, the local business has worked on everything from signs for small businesses to the headquarters for the Michigan State Police and even a popular memorial for television icon Mr. Rogers. But its latest work did produce a unique sense of pride. The 11-year-old company worked on the memorial in Shanksville, Pa., dedicated to the victims of the flight that crashed in the field as part of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. “It was an incredible honor to be involved in something like that,” said Jim Palazeti, the president of Royal Stone who served as the company’s project coordinator with his son, Jamey Palazeti. “Just being at the crash site a 8 | My Williamston | Fall 2011
number of times, you see the respect of the American public and the workforce.” Royal Stone was involved with the project for about a year, including nearly four months of production work. The crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in a field 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh is now a national park site. The site design was chosen from more than 1,000 submissions in 2005 and construction began in late 2009 with the first of the project’s three phases to be completed in time for the 10-year anniversary this year. Palazeti’s company had previously worked with Cost Company, a Pittsburgh company that worked on the Fred Rogers project and contracted Royal Stone for a portion of the Flight 93 job. The Los Angeles-based firm Paul Murdoch Architects designed the memorial, called “Circle of Embrace,” and Cost Company was hired for brick masonry work. Royal Stone created its portion and Cost Company installed the pieces. Forty people, not including four hijackers who died, were killed in the crash. Each
FLIGHT 93 MEMORIAL \
WHAT
The memorial in Shanksville, Pa., honors passengers on the flight that crashed as part of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
BACKGROUND The site became the nation’s 386th national park after being approved by Congress in 2002.
DEDICATION The first phase of the memorial was scheduled to open to the public this month, the 10-year anniversary of 9/11.
ONLINE nps.gov/flni
‘‘
Just being at the crash site a number of times, you see the respect of the American people and the workforce.” — Jim Palazeti, president of Royal Stone
victim is represented with a 2-foot wide by 8-foot high marble slab with their name on it, resulting in two 20-foot wide freestanding walls. Visitors walk on a black walkway that follows the approximate path of the flight before its crash. That’s lined with a moat wall, which sits at a 45-degree angle, giving it the appearance of a flap of an airplane wing. “The architect wanted this to be as black as humanly possible,” Palazeti said. “We used different techniques to come up with the finish, an exposed aggregate. We had to do that on all of the units except the marble wall.” Royal Stone created those parts of the project with granite from a Canadian supplier and marble from Vermont. The pieces were constructed in Williamston and delivered to the memorial site by Webberville’s Hitchcock Trucking. The shipping itself was another project. The wall along the walkway consists of two stretches 1,200 lineal feet long. That required 60 pieces, each 20 feet long and 6
ABOUT ROYAL STONE What: A Williamston company that supplies architectural cast stone. Who: Jim Palazeti and associates formed Royal Stone in 2000. Palazeti is president of the company and his son, Jamey, serves as general manager. Online: royalstoneinc.com feet high. The walkway path is made of the same material. Royal Stone began production work Feb. 2, but had started creating preliminary drawings and samples six months prior. Its contribution was complete by the end of July, but the company was still finishing a sign for the project in August. The half-million-dollar project took work from the entire Royal Stone team. Chad Dunckel, the plant manager, led a crew of Greg Buhl and Brad Brunger. Greg Hitchcock served as carpenter and Chris Reeder worked
on the staining and patch work for the black color. Mike Funk was the lead draftsmen who drew the company’s portion of the memorial. “Overall, it consumed a staff of about 10 people for four months,” Palazeti said. Eventually, the memorial will include a massive display at the entrance called “The Tower of Voices.” It will feature 40 large wind chimes that rise 93 feet into the sky. The completed park will consist of about 2,200 acres, but certain areas, such as the actual crash site, will not be open to the public. Three Royal Stone employees and their wives were planning to attend the memorial’s dedication, but Palazeti said even when there was only the temporary setup, visitors knew they were at a special location. “They had a viewing area from the contractor area where you could view the site and it was like looking at the Vietnam Memorial, the reverence and all. Even children behave and know they’re at a special spot. You know, whether you’re a child or an adult, you’re at hallowed grounds.”
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LOCAL DISH
Troop’s haunted house a longtime tradition The basement of the Williamston Community Center will transform into a spooky attraction again this October, thanks to Boy Scout Troop 63. Now in its 16th year, the Troop’s haunted house has become a Halloween tradition in Williamston, despite changing locations. Following 12 years at the historic Ice House and two years in the old firehouse, the attraction returns for its second year at the Community Center. “It’s a great location,” said Linda Siciliano, who’s been involved with the event since its start because both of her sons were members of the Troop. “It’s spooky, but safe to walk through.” This year’s haunted house will take place Oct. 20-22 and Oct. 28-31. Tickets cost $4 and Siciliano said plenty of scares await visitors. “It can be very scary, but it can be toned down for kids, too,” said Siciliano, adding that only small groups are allowed at a time so workers can adjust the level of scares depending on the current group.
Photo courtesy of Linda Siciliano
Vicki Worth sells tickets at Troop 63’s haunted house when it was held at the historic Ice House. This year’s haunted house will feature about eight to 10 rooms. Each patrol — a group of scouts from the same grade — is given one room to decorate in a theme. “Each patrol of boys comes up with their own ideas,” Siciliano said. “The ideas from the kids have been incredibly successful.” Past themes have ranged from a construction zone disaster to typical Halloween
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themes. Traditions visitors look for include a witches’ room and a giant spider, hidden somewhere through the maze adventure, which is constructed of plywood walls. About 40 scouts construct and work the house with help from parents and Troop 63 alumni. “The boys run the rooms, but the adults are in costume to supervise and help make sure younger children aren’t too afraid or need a little help to get out,” Siciliano said. Siciliano said the haunted house has drawn fewer people than it did in earlier years, likely due to competition from the growing number of haunted houses nearby. When it first started, about 300 visitors went through each night. Average attendance in recent years has been closer to 100 per night. The attraction, which serves as a fundraiser for the Troop, developed from an idea by Dave Worth. Retired Scoutmaster Ralph Schuck and his wife Gerry helped organize the first haunted house and remain active helpers with the event.
WILLIAMSTON THEATRE The Dead Guy by Eric Coble
September 29 - October 30, 2011 A wicked satire skewering reality TV shows. Find out what happens when the unluckiest guy in the world gets his one shot at fame!
This Wonderful Life by Steve Murray
November 25 - December 23, 2011 John Lepard returns to the Williamston stage in his award-winning role as a man in love with the movie It’s A Wonderful Life.
Dead Man’s Shoes by Joseph Zettelmaier
January 26 - February 26, 2012 Two unlikely outlaws set out to right a terrible wrong in this hilarious new comedy about life, friendship and vengeance.
The Usual: A Musical Love Story
Book and Lyrics Alan Gordon
Music by Mark Sutton-Smith
March 22 - April 22, 2012 Mix one lonely guy, a shot of lonely girl and dash of spunky bartender for a funny, musical love story that will keep you coming back for more.
The Understudy by Theresa Rebeck
May 22 - June 22, 2012 Take a trip behind the scenes as a trio of theatre professionals struggle to balance ego, art and commerce in this biting comedy .
Red, White And Tuna by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, Ed Howard July 12 - August 19, 2012 The hilarious team of Aral Gribble and Wayne David Parker take us back to Tuna, Texas for the 4th of July Tuna High School Class Reunion!
Williamston Theatre 122 S. Putnam Street, Williamston 517-655-SHOW(7469) www.williamstontheatre.org
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LOCAL DISH
APPLE GOODNESS MICHIGAN’S MANY APPLES
CORTLAND — A hint of tartness makes this a great baking variety, used frequently in desserts. Known for its white flesh and excellent flavor. EMPIRE — An excellent lunchbox apple or crunch snack. Sweet and tart at the same time. Use for fresh-cut slices, candy and caramel apples. Also used in baking. FUJI — Fantastic sweet and tart flavor, with a low acid content. Stays crisp for weeks. GALA — Crisp snappy bite over a mellow sweetness. Michigan’s third most popular apple for fresh eating or cooking. GINGER GOLD — Sweet-spicy apple with a succulent texture and rich taste. This early-season variety is best served fresh. GOLDEN DELICIOUS — A gingery-smooth, sweet taste treat lies under a thin skin. The most popular yellow apple, Goldens may be eaten fresh or cut up in salads. Professional’s choice for applesauce, cider and desserts. HONEYCRISP — Combines unusual color and excellent sweet flavor with a great bite. Use it for fresh eating, fresh-cut slices or cut up in salads. IDA RED — Suits your every use. Eat fresh or use for cooking. Taste is both tangy and tart. Flesh is white, crisp and juicy. Favored for sauces, pies and desserts. Texture holds up well when baked. JONAGOLD — Superbly crisp and juicy with shades of tart and sweet in each apple. Usually large and aromatic. Highly ranked by apple connoisseurs. JONATHAN — Both pretty and popular. Used for fresh eating and cooking. Juicy flavor has a spicy tang that blends well with other apples. MCINTOSH — Classic large, round apple for eating out of hand. Ultrajuicy white flesh, lightly tart flavor and great fresh apple aroma. Excellent in applesauce and cider. Also used in pies. NORTHERN SPY — A professional baker’s dream. An antique apple still popular because of tart, acidic properties that cook up well in applesauce, pie and other dishes. Stores well. PAULA RED — Don’t miss this late summer apple. Pleasingly tart flavor and good aroma. Great in backto-school lunches or early season baking. RED DELICIOUS — America’s most popular apple. Best for fresh eating and snacks. Full-flavored sweet taste, yellowish flesh and crisp texture. ROME — A big, round apple right out of storybooks. Romes have mild, sweet flavor. Most popular for baking because it holds flavor and shape well. WINESAP — Tart, tangy and juicy, this extra firm apple not only tastes great, it looks great, too. Used often in store displays and at home in wreaths and fruit bowls.
12 | My Williamston | Fall 2011
RECIPES TO PUT THOSE PICKED APPLES TO WORK
Recipe Provided by Carol Churchill
Bakery Manager at D&W in Williamston
APPLE WALNUT PIE SQUARES 2 cups flour 2 cups brown sugar firmly packed 1/2 cup room temperature butter 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 egg 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups peeled and chopped tart apples Grease 9x13 baking dish. Combine flour, sugar and butter in medium bowl. Mix until crumbled. Stir in nuts. Press 2 cups of mixture into bottom of dish. Add cinnamon, baking soda and salt to remainder of mixture. Beat in egg, sour cream and vanilla. Gently stir in apples. Spoon evenly over crust. Bake at 350 degrees until pie begins to pull away from sides of dish and tester comes out clean, about 30-35 minutes. Let cool in pan. Cut into squares.
Recipe Provided by Diana Tennes
Vendor at the Williamston, Meridian and East Lansing farmers’ markets for The Country Mill Orchard of Charlotte (www.TheCountryMill.com)
PRIZE WINNING APPLE CAKE 1 1/2 cups of sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 3 large eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 cups chopped tart apples 1 cup coarsely chopped nuts (optional) Cream cheese frosting Heat oven to 350. Grease bottom and sides of rectangular pan (13x9x2) with shortening, lightly flour. Beat sugar, oil and eggs in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed about 30 seconds or until blended. Add remaining ingredients except apples, nuts and frosting; beat on low speed 1 minute. Stir in apples and nuts. Bake 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cool about 1 hour. Frost with cream cheese frosting.
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Positive Direction
14 | My Williamston | Fall 2011
Founders lead Theatre into sixth season with rave reviews
Emily Sutton-Smith greets the audience before a recent production of “And the Creek Don’t Rise” at the Williamston Theatre.
Fall 2011 | My Williamston | 15
Since its first production in 2006, Williamston Theatre has been a draw for downtown Williamston. 16 | My Williamston | Fall 2011
T
he four friends sit clustered together on an old sectional sofa inside 122 S. Putnam St. reminiscing about how far they’ve come, where they’d like to go and the secret to keeping a non-profit business afloat in a sour economy. Founders John Lepard, Tony Caselli, Christine Purchis and Emily Sutton-Smith talk with enthusiasm, sometimes over each other, about their shared passion, the Williamston Theatre. Anyone who’s seen one of its productions or walked downtown before or after a performance senses the cultural spark the theater’s ignited in Williamston. A renewed sense of community also came to town when the Williamston Theatre set up shop in 2006. “They’re just so enthusiastic, they’re in this 100 percent, 150 percent, 200 percent,” said Barb Vanden Berg, who owns Williamston True Value Hardware with her husband Jim and is chair of Williamston’s Downtown Development Authority. “They give their blood, sweat and tears to this just like any business owner would. They enjoy what they’re doing and it shows. It shows in the plays, it shows in their community awareness. They give back wherever they can.” The theater recently ended its fifth anniversary season on a high note, hosting “And the Creek Don’t Rise,” a production that earned a four-star review from the Detroit Free Press and resulted in a string of sold-out shows. In addition, “While We Were Bowling” won a Pulsar Award from Lansing’s City Pulse, the Lansing State Journal recognized the theatre for “Blue Door” and “Oedipus” won a Wilde Award from Encore Michigan, a web-based publication, for best drama. “That’s three out of six of our shows in three different areas that are up for awards — that’s kind of cool,” said Lepard, the theater’s executive director. — John Lepard Despite tough economic times, the theater has not only survived since opening, presenting its first play in June 2006, but has thrived by building a loyal following with its high quality and thought-provoking entertainment. It’s also brought work and new life downtown. “We’re creating jobs in Michigan, for people in Michigan, and everybody’s paid,” said Purchis, the theater’s managing director, adding, “In six weeks, we brought in over 2,400 people.” Expanding with each season by including comedic and comfortable plays, along with those that are edgy and innovative, the group has discovered a formula that works. “I would love also to see us artistically keep doing what we’re doing, but pushing it and trying new things,” said Caselli, the creative director. “This season we had a couple of experiments. We did ‘Oedipus’ and people didn’t run screaming. They actually came, and so that was a good sign. “The thing that was the most gratifying for me of the whole season, was not just that we broke box office records and attendance, but that the numbers still went up from last year. Even though we took those risks, people went with us. You just sort of jump in with both feet and hope that that happens — that people go with you. And, so far, knock wood, they’re coming.” Offering table readings in the community prior to choosing a play, the organizers learn what to offer. “We started out by saying our theater is your theater,” Lepard said. “We like people to feel an ownership to be part of what we do. So they have a voice. We get a really good idea of what our audience wants. I think that’s what’s helped build us between 10 and 15 percent every year since we’ve been open.”
“
We like people to feel an ownership to be part of what we do. So they have a voice.”
Story by Cyndi Lieske Photos by Dave Trumpie
MEET THE FOUNDERS JOHN LEPARD, executive director — John has starred, directed and worked behind the scenes on Williamston Theatre productions. As an actor, his credits range from film and television to live theater all around the country. He has appeared in more than one dozen plays at the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, dating back to 1993. His movie roles include “Conviction,” “Scream 4” and “Whip It” and his television roles include parts in “Detroit 1-8-7” and “General Hospital.” John lives in Williamston with his wife, Emily Sutton-Smith, and two children. TONY CASELLI, artistic director — Tony has directed nearly 40 productions at places ranging from Williamston to the Purple Rose Theatre, the Performance Network Theatre in Ann Arbor and the Gem Theatre in Detroit. This past summer, he directed the world-premiere production of “Ernie,” Mitch Albom’s play about Ernie Harwell, at the City Theatre in Detroit. He served as associate artistic director for 12 years at the Purple Rose Theatre before helping start the Williamston Theatre. Tony lives in Chelsea with his wife and two children. CHRISTINE PURCHIS, managing director — Christine’s theater experience ranges from acting to serving as stage manager, crew and house manager. She was the company manager at the Purple Rose Theatre before Williamston. She has also worked as a theater administrator for the Chelsea Area Players, Cherry County Playhouse, Big Pickle Productions and the Greenhouse Theatre Company. She lives in Dexter with her husband and stepson. EMILY SUTTON-SMITH, development director — Emily has appeared in productions all over Michigan, including at Williamston, at the Purple Rose Theatre and at the BoarsHead Theatre, in addition to working on the administration and production side. Her movie roles include parts in “High School” and “Gifted Hands.” Outside of acting, she holds a Grande Diploma in Pastry Arts from the French Culinary Institute. Emily lives in Williamston with her husband John Lepard, his daughter Clara, and their son, Milo. Fall 2011 | My Williamston | 17
COVER STORY
2011-12 WILLIAMSTON THEATRE SEASON The Dead Guy, Sept. 29-Oct. 30, 2011 — A wicked satire that skewers reality television and our national obsession with it. The Pitch: You get one million dollars to spend over the next seven days. A camera crew follows your every move and broadcasts your adventures on national television. The Hook: At the end of the week ... you die. The Best Part: The viewing audience gets to vote on the method of your death! For hard-luck Eldon Phelps, the deal is irresistible. A co-production with the Michigan State University Department of Theatre. Directed by Tony Caselli. This Wonderful Life, Nov. 25-Dec. 23, 2011— Back by popular demand. John Lepard returns to the Williamston stage in his award-winning role as George Bailey, Mr. Potter and the entire population of Bedford Falls in this theatrical re-telling of the classic holiday film “It’s A Wonderful Life.” This oneman tour de force reminds us of the power of perspective, friendship and faith. By Steve Murray. Directed by Tony Caselli. Dead Man’s Shoes, Jan. 26-Feb. 26, 2012 — The year is 1883. The notorious outlaw Bill Picote has escaped from prison, along with a hard-luck drunk named Froggy. The unlikely partners endure bizarre misadventures as they set out to right a terrible wrong in this comedy about life, friendship and vengeance in the Wild West. As Bill’s past catches up with him, and Froggy helps him discover his long-ignored conscience, a question arises: Is the hope of a better life stronger than the need to avenge the death of a friend? A co-production with Performance Network Theatre. By Joseph Zettelmaier. The Usual: A Musical Love Story, March 22-April 22, 2012 — Take one lonely guy, add a shot of lonely girl and a dash of spunky bartender, blend and serve! Two strangers, each unhappy with their love lives, have a chance encounter in a bar where “the usual” isn’t usual at all. Join Kip, Valerie and Sam as they navigate the treacherous waters of dating, romance and relationships. Book and lyrics by Alan Gordon and music by Mark Sutton-Smith. Directed by Tony Caselli. The Understudy, May 17-June 17, 2012 — Jake is a mid-level action film star seeking legitimacy by acting in a Broadway play. Harry is a middle-aged journeyman actor who may or may not be just a little bitter about understudying a mid-level action film star in a Broadway play. Roxanne just wants to run the rehearsal without anyone killing anyone else. Take a trip behind the scenes as a trio of theater professionals struggle to
18 | My Williamston | Fall 2011
John Lepard performs a scene in “This Wonderful Life.” Lepard will reprise his roles for the one-man show this holiday season. balance ego, art and commerce. By Theresa Rebeck. Directed by Rob Roznowski Red, White and Tuna, July 12-Aug. 19, 2012 — Reprising their roles from our smash-hit production of Greater Tuna, the hilarious team of Aral Gribble and Wayne David Parker return for the summertime sequel, once again portraying the entire population of the town. The 4th of July in Tuna, Texas, means it’s time for the Tuna High School class reunion, and the return of some of your favorite Tuna residents as well as some outlandish newcomers! By Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. Directed by John Lepard.
IF YOU GO ... PERFORMANCE TIMES: 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays (except the first week); and 2 p.m. Sundays. Check with the box office for special exceptions to these times and days, including additional performances of “This Wonderful Life.” TICKET PRICES: $20 on Thursdays; $25 Friday and Saturday evenings; and $22 for Saturday and Sunday matinees. Preview performances are $15. The first preview performance for each show is a “pay what you can” performance. Student, senior and group discounts are available. CONTACT: WilliamstonTheatre.org or (517) 655-SHOW. — Courtesy of Williamston Theatre
Purchis added the company has earned the trust and admiration of patrons, who may occasionally balk at an intense play like “Oedipus,” but appreciate the skill with which it is performed. “They may say, ‘it made me uncomfortable’ or ‘I didn’t really like the subject matter, but it was another great one, you did another great one’ or ‘Good, as always,’ ” she said of the comments she hears from patrons. That quality has earned them new fans year after year. Susan Parcheta is one such supporter. The Gregory resident attended her first play three years ago and has returned for numerous productions since. This year, she made it her mission to fill more seats by bringing friends along. She and her husband attended “And the Creek Don’t Rise” with a couple of close friends. “They’re hooked,” she said. In addition, her hair stylist heard Parcheta gush so many times about the plays, that she attended “And the Creek Don’t Rise” and brought along her four sisters. Parcheta, who blogs for the online publication Livingtontalk.com, recently wrote, “Yes — it’s great to know the spirit of creativity is alive and well in mid-Michigan; and it’s great to know there is a place where all creativity can come alive, inspire and possibly — probably no doubt about it — change lives.” Whether it’s presenting life-changing performances or simply providing entertainment during difficult times, the four friends set out to create something new in Williamston in 2005. Lepard had recently returned to Michigan after 15 years of acting in Los Angeles and other cities, and wanted to create a home base for actors in mid-Michigan. The success in Chelsea of the Purple Rose Theatre, where Lepard, Caselli and Purchis worked, inspired him. “That got me to thinking that maybe we could start a theater here,” he said. “It just happened that Tony was open to be the artistic director here. Also, Chris was available. Emily was at the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor. We all got together in Dexter and said ‘let’s figure it out.’ ” They talked to city leaders; they staged table readings and met with residents. They even took a busload of Williamston community leaders to Chelsea to show them what they had in mind. Vanden Berg was present when the four made their winning pitch to the DDA. “As a DDA, we’ve always tried to figure out what can we bring into our community that will make it a go-to community,” she explained. “Where people would come and be
Posters and pictures from past shows fill a wall in the lobby of the Williamston Theatre, located at 122 S. Putnam St. in downtown Williamston. able to find something unique and different. We talk about Chelsea. Chelsea has the Purple Rose and all of their storefronts are full.” At times, there may be a brief vacancy in one or two storefronts, but Vanden Berg said the majority of Chelsea’s downtown is full. “We’ve talked to the folks in Chelsea and they said that many times they have people on a waiting list wanting to open up a business,” she said. “Well, that’s unheard of. Maybe we’ll be able to be like Chelsea with a thriving economy.” At a breakfast with Steve Zynda, owner of the Williamston business Cardinal Fabricating, the four founders figured out one critical piece of the puzzle. “He said, ‘If you find a building downtown, I’ll buy it for you and let you use it for five years,’ ” recalled Lepard. “We choked on our food a little bit and said, ‘Sure, OK. We’ll find something.’ ” They chose a former antiques store. Zynda purchased it and allows the theater to lease it for $1. The theater covers the building expenses and taxes. Zynda said he’s happy to provide the use of the building indefinitely. “It happens to be that I was fortunate enough to be in a position to help them out,” the longtime Williamston businessman said. “I think it’s really been good for the community. It’s good for the arts community as well and the
ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY Long before the Williamston Theatre, the Williamston Opera House was the area’s entertainment spot. From about 1880 until a 1928 fire, the Opera House hosted plays, movies and celebrations.
— Read Mitch Lutzke, Page 22 city of Williamston. It’s a win-win situation all around and their productions are excellent.” Since the theater opened, several restaurants, galleries and businesses have come to town. Gracie’s Place, a popular place for dinner before and after the show, opened and has expanded since the theater’s arrival. “It’s terrific,” said Dawn-Marie Joseph, a DDA member who owns Gracie’s Place with her husband Paul. “It’s so much fun. People come in and say this is like Chicago, this is like New York. They compare it to big cities and it’s really neat that our small little town can offer this kind of culture.” When the theater began, there were donations and grants to provide a new facade and complete interior remodeling, including building a black box stage. Recently, the original 88-seat house has expanded to 125 seats,
bathrooms have been made handicapped accessible and the lobby has been painted. In the future, they hope to provide an electrical upgrade and a fourth stage entrance. “We want to keep improving the experience every time you come,” Lepard said. “We try to make the place a little bit better every season.” With a limited advertising budget, the theater relies on postcard mailings, social media and word-of-mouth for all of its activities. They try to keep ticket prices affordable, and strike a balance between funding sources and ticket prices to sustain the theater. “We’re essentially painting a Picasso every night, but we can’t charge a Picasso’s price every night,” said Sutton-Smith, the theater’s development director. “We have to keep it accessible to people. People can afford to pay $20-25 a ticket and do it more frequently than just once a year for the big Broadway show. They can come to a show six times a year and have all that entertainment and enrichment. The flip side of that is that we have to raise the money to come up with the other half of our operating costs.” From businesses that put up posters for upcoming shows, to restaurants that offer deals to patrons with ticket stubs, to the schoolchildren who come for tours and matinees, the theater is part of the fabric of the community now. Most of the patrons are Fall 2011 | My Williamston | 19
COVER STORY from Ingham and Livingston counties, with Williamston, Okemos, East Lansing, Haslett and Lansing making up a majority of the patrons, as well as Brighton and Howell. “But then we have a good chunk of people who come up from Ann Arbor, Chelsea and Dexter and Ypsilanti,” Sutton-Smith said. “We do have a developing audience in the Detroit area that is willing to come all the way out here because they’re seeing more and more of our shows and they’re happy with the product and the experience.” Lepard and Sutton-Smith, who are married, discovered just how much a part of the community they are when their son Milo was born in mid-April this year. They found an entire community thrilled about the new arrival. Well-wishers dropped off blankets, clothing and books to welcome him. “It made me realize how tuned in people are to us, how supportive and generous they are, and how they feel like they’re part of our lives, just as we’re part of their lives with the work that we do,” Sutton-Smith said. “It was really a lovely experience and a reminder how much of a small town it is and what a sweet thing that is.”
MICHIGAN STATE CONNECTION
MSU, theater partnership beneficial The Williamston Theatre’s proximity to East Lansing and John Lepard being a Michigan State University alum made a relationship with the university a natural fit. The two have built a partnership that means an annual collaboration on one production and Lepard and Tony Caselli teaching classes in the university’s theater department. Emily Sutton-Smith also will be teaching a class this year. ‘‘ ‘While We Were Bowling’ had four kids and we got to cast all four of the kids out of Michigan State,” Lepard said. “They did wonderful work.” Last year, Caselli directed “The American Clock” at MSU and, this fall, two students from that production will be appearing at the Williamston Theatre in “The Dead Guy.” The fall play will be a collaboration between the two, with MSU theater students handling the design. “We both benefit,” Lepard said. “They
were just accepted into the University/ Resident Theatre Association (URTA) which is a huge thing for them. It’s a great tool for recruiting and we were a big part of that.” Kirk Domer, acting chair and head of design for MSU’s department, agreed there are numerous benefits. “Our students have exposure to a professional theater,” he said. “The Williamston group is as professional as you get. They’ve been connected with everyone across the state.” When the representatives from URTA met with Lepard and his colleagues, they were impressed with what they found. “I have to say it’s because of those four Williamston people that helped sell that,” Domer said. “It was their talk about what we’re doing together that made a world of difference. I can’t speak highly enough for our relationship together.”
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Williamston Theatre opened as an 88-seat house but has since expanded to seat 125. Fall 2011 | My Williamston | 21
History A LOOK BACK
Learning history with Mitch Lutzke
Opera House was town’s entertainment hub
Once-popular landmark destroyed in 1928 fire
I
n a land known for sheep, horses, pigs, wheat, corn, coal and clay stands an Opera House? For nearly half a century, the Williamston Opera House graced Grand River Avenue. The large white building was the center for much of the town’s entertainment. However, many current residents from the area have no recollection of it, as it left the Williamston scenery more than 80 years ago. Situated on the north side of East Grand River Avenue, it stood on land now used as the large parking lot at City Hall. The wooden A-frame structure ran north and south on the lot and had wide double doors facing Grand River Avenue, flanked by two long first-floor windows. The second level had two smaller, shuttered windows above the first floor’s windows along with a third, double window above the doors. Only a small step was needed to enter the front door from the street and reportedly between 500 and 600 could cram into the building. The exact year of its construction is unknown, but it probably dated from the 1870s or early 1880s. The national publication, “Harry Miner’s 1884 People’s Theatre” directory doesn’t mention the Opera House in Williamston, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t standing at the time. Definitive evidence of its existence is found in the Sept. 8, 1886, edition of the Williamston Enterprise, which reported “Professor Owen holds forth at the Opera House five nights this week.” Throughout the years, the Williamston community planned a litany of events at the Opera House. In February 1889, there was a village celebration of President George Washington’s Birthday; in 1890, a “colored concert” at the Opera House played to not so
Photos courtesy of the Williamston Depot Museum The Williamston Opera House, located on Grand River for half a century, was the center for much of the town’s entertainment, including live theater shows. At top, actors for one of the shows stand on the stage area of the Opera House. At bottom left, people gather outside the Opera House. At bottom right is a handbill from 1913.
good reviews; in April 1891, local men Eli P. and James Loranger held a “Select Dancing Party” and later the duo rented the building for a play that September. In June 1892, the building hosted Williamston High School’s graduation ceremonies. The following June, Washington Gardner, a famed Congress-
man and future Grand Army of the Republic National President, addressed the Class of 1893. When the original St. Mary Catholic Church burned, services were held at the Opera House for a time in 1894. The town also held a “4th of July” celebration that year in the Opera House.
Mitch Lutzke is a history and video production teacher at Williamston High School. He is a local historian and member of the Williamston Depot Museum's board of directors. He lives in Williamston with his wife and children. Contact Mitch at mlutzke@MyWilliamston.com. 22 | My Williamston | Fall 2011
Professional troupes performed “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” inside, traveling medicine shows stopped there as a place to sell their famous cures, and for many years, children would roller skate inside. By 1899, the Opera House managed to make an appearance in the national publication, “Julius Cahn’s Official Theatrical Guide.” The town-by-town census of opera houses, stages and theaters provided details for traveling performers on each community’s entertainment venues. In this edition, the Opera House’s interior is described as 36-feet wide from wall to wall, with a 20-foot wide stage and a depth of 18 feet from “footlights to back wall.” The stage floor to ceiling was 12 feet and the floor was equipped with one trap door “located back and left of center,” which led to a 3-foot-6-inch crawl space under the stage. Suggested performance rates were 25 to 35 cents. Among the local residents over the next few years who were employed there were E.N. “Ned” Crossman (manager), Harry Meador and Eli P. Loranger (orchestra leaders), Otis Karker and Earl Vanneter (stage carpenters) and Charles Goit and Charles Nichols (prop men). In addition to live performances, the first motion picture show in Williamston was shown at the Opera House. Ironically, the
MODERN ERA When the Williamston Opera House burned down in 1928, the community replaced it with a stage at the school, the current Williamston Community Center. More recently, the school added the McGoff Performing Arts Center and the Williamston Theatre converted a retail building into a house of live professional theater.
— Read about Williamston Theatre, Page 14 final event was a movie. The Opera House was owned by a pair of brothers from Mason, Roy and Ralph Adams. At the time, the Williamston Opera House was called the “Pastime Theatre” and shared the same name with the “Pastime Theatre” in Mason, which the Adams brothers also owned. The front page of the Sept. 6, 1928, Ingham County News detailed the fire that destroyed the business earlier that morning. Ralph Adams had shown a movie Wednesday evening and closed around 11:30 that night. According to the paper, a passing motorist saw flames coming from the building a few hours later, at about 2 a.m., and notified authorities. The paper stated, “The efforts of the Williamston fire depart-
ment to save the building were futile and the old landmark, built nearly fifty years ago and maintained for many years as a skating rink, burned to the ground. The town hall and other buildings adjacent to the theater were slightly damaged by the flames, but were saved by the work of the firemen.” The brothers claimed a loss of $6,500, which included a new electric piano inside, and stated some of the damage would be covered by insurance. The Lansing State Journal from that same day had a slightly different version, noting the fire was discovered at 1:30 a.m. by a passing truck driver. However, it added that a nearby barn owned by Edward Link and another barn and garage, owned by W.E. Glaser were “totally destroyed.” The Journal’s version also confirmed the age of the former Opera House by saying “The Pastime Theatre was about 50 years old and was one of the oldest landmarks of this vicinity.” The Opera House was never rebuilt. The following year, in 1929, the community built a brand new gymnasium and stage at the school site, which helped to replace the Opera House. The Opera House was indeed a part of the city’s past, but the “Pastime Theatre” was, at one time, very current in meeting the entertainment needs of our community.
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Calendar
To submit an event, e-mail contact@MyWilliamston.com Dance students dress up for the 2010 Halloween Spooktacular at Living Arts Dance Studio. The second annual show will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 and 22 at the studio. Tickets are $8. Call (517) 819-9361 for more information.
WILLIAMSTON SEPTEMBER 22 — Williamston Chamber business networking lunch, 11:30 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. (517) 655-1549. 26 — Williamston Senior Benefit Fund 16th annual meeting, Williamston Senior Center, 1 p.m. (517) 655-5173. 24 — Moonlight Madness Sale at Antiques Market of Williamston, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (517) 655-1350. OCTOBER 1 — Chamber Fall Fest. (517) 655-1549. 6 — Williamston Senior Center potluck dinner, 4-6:30 p.m. (517) 655-5173. 5 — Cooking under pressure, 11 a.m. Williamston library. All ages. (517) 655-1191. 5 — Williamston Senior Center potluck, 4:30 p.m. (517) 655-5173. 7 — Homecoming parade before 7 p.m. football game against Corunna. 11 — Williamston Senior Center hosts Old Movie Day, 1 p.m. (517) 655-5173. 13 — Learn to use Google, 9:30 a.m. Williamston library. (517) 655-1191. 13 — Williamston Senior Center board of directors meeting, 1 p.m. (517) 655-5173. 18 — Williamston Senior Center flu clinic, 9 a.m.-noon. (517) 521-3227. 20 — Grossology, 4 p.m. Gross facts, snacks and stories for children. Williamston library. (517) 655-1191. 21-22 — Halloween Spooktacular, 7 p.m. each night. Living Arts Dance Studio. Tickets: $8. (517) 819-9361. 25 — Halloween Magic Show with Jason Hudy, 6:30 p.m. Williamston library. (517) 655-1191. 27 — Williamston Chamber business networking lunch, 11:30 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. (517) 655-1549.
Photo courtesy of Susan Byrd
27 — Basic Coupon Class with Makayla Smith, 6 p.m. Williamston library. Registration required. (517) 655-1191. 29 — Trick-or-Treating at downtown Williamston businesses, 1-3 p.m. (517) 655-1549. 31 — Trunk-or-Treat, First Baptist Church. 31 — Citywide Trick-or-Treating NOVEMBER 1 — Williamston Community Schools conferences. No classes. 7 — Williamston Community Schools. No classes. 10 — Learn the basics of Facebook, 9:30 a.m. Williamston library. (517) 655-1191. 15 — Fourth Annual Williamston Buck Pole, 3-9 p.m. Merindorf Meats. 17 — Williamston Chamber business networking lunch, 11:30 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. (517) 655-1549. 19 — Crossroads United Methodist Church fall craft show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (517) 655-1466. 20 — Fourth Annual Williamston Buck Pole, 3-9 p.m. Merindorf Meats. (517) 655-1549.
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24 | My Williamston | Fall 2011
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23-25 — Williamston Community Schools. No classes. 24 — Williamston Senior Center Thanksgiving dinner. Reservations required. (517) 655-5173. 27 — Fourth Annual Williamston Buck Pole, 3-9 p.m. Merindorf Meats. (517) 655-1549. DECEMBER 3 — Williamston Holiday Light Parade, 6-9 p.m. 6 — Williamston Senior Center potluck dinner, 4-6:30 p.m. (517) 655-5173. 15 — Williamston Chamber business networking lunch, 11:30 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. (517) 655-1549. 19 — Williamston Community Schools, holiday vacation begins. 22 — Williamston Senior Center Christmas party. (517) 655-5173. 29 — Williamston Senior Center New Year’s Eve party. (517) 655-5173. ONGOING Williamston Farmers’ Market, 2-6 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 13. City Hall Parking Lot. (517) 719-6193.
St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church Williamston, Michigan The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Pastor www.stkatherines.org (517) 349-4120 Join us for Sunday worship 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist - Rite One (no music) Bible Study (also offered Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.) Nursery Care Children’s Worship Center Holy Eucharist - Rite Two (with music)
Chapel and Meeting Space available for rent.
CALENDAR The Williamston Theatre presents “The Dead Guy,” Sept. 29-Oct. 30. Shows Thursday through Sunday. (517) 655-SHOW. The Williamston Theatre presents “This Wonderful Life,” Nov. 25-Dec. 23. Shows Thursday through Sunday. (517) 655-SHOW. Boy Scout Troop 63 Haunted House, Oct. 20-22 and Oct. 28-31. Williamston Community Center basement. For all ages. Tickets $4. Lego Club, 4 p.m. second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Ages 6-14. Williamston library. (517) 655-1191. Williamstown Township recycling, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Second Saturday of each month at Township Hall. (517) 655-3193. Williamston United Methodist Church hosts Open Table Meal, 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Free dinner for anyone in the Church’s Fellowship Hall. (517) 655-2430. Williamston Senior Center coffee social and lunch. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (lunch at noon) Tuesdays-Thursdays. Williamston Community Center. Tuesday reservations: (517) 521-3227; Wednesday and Thursday reservations: (517) 655-5173. Tai chi at Williamston United Methodist Church. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. (517) 6552430. WilliamstonUMC.org.
DANSVILLE Dansville Farmers Market, 4-8 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 29. Southwest corner of M-36 and Dakin Street. (517) 676-1791. Author Sarah Miller discusses her latest book, “The Lost Crown,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18. Dansville library. (517) 623-6511. National Gaming Day family events, 10 a.m. Nov. 12. Dansville library. (517) 623-6511.
EAST LANSING Jersey Boys, Sept. 28-Oct. 16. Wharton Center. (800) WHARTON. East Lansing Farmers’ Market, 10 a.m.2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 30. Valley Court Park. (517) 319-6823. East Lansing Farmers’ Market, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays July 10-Oct. 30. 400 Hillsdale Ct. CityofEastLansing.com/farmersmarket, (517) 319-6888. Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22. Wharton Center. Tickets start at $25. (800) WHARTON. National Acrobats of The People’s Republic of China, Oct. 27. Wharton Center. Tickets: $15-35. (800) WHARTON. Great Pumpkin Walk, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 27. Trick-or-Treating at downtown East Lansing businesses. (517) 319-6877. Tony Bennett, Oct. 28. Tickets: $37-77. Wharton Center. (800) WHARTON. Vienna Symphony Orchestra with The Eroica Trio, Nov. 6. Tickets: $25-78. Wharton Center. (800) WHARTON. West Side Story, Nov. 8. Wharton Center. (800) WHARTON. 14th Annual East Lansing Film Festival, Nov. 9-17. (517) 980-5802. Wonderland of Lights, ThursdaysSaturdays 5-8 p.m. Nov. 25-Dec. 23. Potter Park Zoo. (517) 342-2710. Empire Brass Presents the Sound of Christmas, Dec. 1. Wharton Center. Tickets: $15-30. (800) WHARTON. 48th Annual MSU Arts and Crafts Holiday Show, Dec. 3-4. (517) 355-3354.
FOWLERVILLE Fowlerville Farmers Market, 2-7 Wednesdays through October. Parking lot next to True Value. (517) 375-5132.
American Car Heritage weekly car show, 5-8:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 29. St. Agnes Church. achcsusa.com, (517) 376-2069. Ohana Family Self Defense, 6-8 p.m. Sept. 29. Fowlerville library. (517) 223-9089.
HASLETT Halloween magic show with Jason Hudy, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20. Haslett library. (517) 339-2324. Intermediate coupon class with Makayla Smith, 11 a.m. Nov. 5. Haslett library. Registration required. (517) 339-2324. Gingerbread house decorating, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Haslett library. (517) 339-2324. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Education Series class, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Meets second Tuesday of each month. Wynwood of Meridian. (517) 381-8700.
HOLT Holt Farmers’ Market, 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 24. 2015 Cedar St. (517) 268-0024. Lou Gehrig’s disease support group, 6:30-8 p.m. Third Tuesday each month. Holt United Methodist Church. (517) 646-6850. Children’s monster mash Halloween party, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 24. Holt library. Registration required. (517) 694-9351, ext. 3.
LANSING Allen Street Farmers Market, 2:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 26. Corner of Allen, Kalamazoo streets. (517) 367-2468. First Sunday Gallery Walk, noon-5 p.m. first Sunday of each month. (517) 483-4283. Paintings Old Town Oktoberfest, Oct. 7-8. Photography (517) 485-4283.
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(517) 655-2200 theartisanscircle.com
138 W. Grand River in downtown Williamston Fall 2011 | My Williamston | 25
CALENDAR Apple Butter Festival, Oct. 15-16. Fenner Nature Center. (517) 483-4224. Boo at the Zoo, noon-4 p.m. Oct. 22-23. Potter Park Zoo. (517) 342-2710. Halloween Family Dance, 7-9 p.m. Oct. 26. Lexington-Lansing. (517) 323-8555. Run-A-Munk 5K Run & Walk, 8:30 a.m. Nov. 12. Woldumar Center. (517) 322-0030. Ladies Weekend Expo, Nov. 18-20. Lansing Center. (517) 466-4451. Silver Bells in the City, 5-9 p.m. Downtown Lansing. (517) 487-3322. Pickin’ in the Park, 6-9 p.m. First, third Tuesday September, October. Old Town.
MASON Mason Area Farm Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 1. Halloween magic with Jason Hudy, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 17. Mason library. (517) 676-9088. Coupon class with Makayla Smith, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24. Mason library. (517) 676-9088. Tween Halloween Party, 4 p.m. Oct. 26. Grades 4-6. Mason library. (517) 676-9088.
OKEMOS Meridian Township Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through October. (517) 853-4600. Meridian Crafters’ Market Place, 8 a.m.2 p.m. Sept. 24. (517) 853-4600. Tailgating and holiday catering with Merindorf Meats. 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Okemos library. (517) 347-2021.
First Sunday Gallery Walk Reception, 2 p.m. First Sunday of each month. Okemos library. (517) 347-2021. 40th Annual Art Show and Sale, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5. Okemos library. (517) 347-2021. The Lincoln Assassination, 2 p.m. Nov. 13. Okemos library. Author Michael Deeb discusses his latest book. (517) 347-2021.
PERRY Weekly car show, 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Turk’s Mini Storage. (517) 675-6908. Christmas Lighted Parade, Dec. 10. Downtown Perry. (517) 625-6155, ext. 235.
STOCKBRIDGE Stockbridge history club, 7 p.m. Fourth Tuesday monthly. Stockbridge library. Lions Bingo, 6:30 p.m. Mondays at American Legion. (517) 851-4376. Stockbridge library’s Seniors Outreach, noon Oct. 7, Nov. 4 at Stockbridge Town Hall. (517) 851-7810. Halloween stories, 11 a.m. Oct. 31. Stockbridge library. (517) 851-7810. National Gaming Day, 1 p.m. Nov. 12. Stockbridge library. (517) 851-7810.
WEBBERVILLE Relay for Life paper drive, Sept. 24. Applegate Insulation. (517) 294-4304. Fall at the Farm, 2-6 p.m. Oct. 8, 15, 22. Northfork Outback Farm. (517) 881-9142.
Webberville Fall Festival, Oct. 22. Includes annual Chili Cook-Off, craft show, car show, kids’ games. (517) 521-3984. Village of Webberville Halloween costume contest, Oct. 31. (517) 521-3984. Holiday card making, 6 p.m. Nov. 29. Webberville library. (517) 521-3643. Christmas at Northfork, Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10. Northfork Outback Farm. (517) 881-9142. Scrabble Club, 6:30 p.m. Second and fourth Thursday of each month. Webberville library. (517) 521-3643. Halloween drop-in crafts, 2 p.m. Oct. 31. Webberville library. (517) 521-3643.
MONTHLY WILLIAMSTON MEETINGS COMMUNITY CLUBS Kiwanis — Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Williamston UMC Lions — First & third Tuesdays, 7 p.m., St. Mary Rotary — 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Brookshire Inn CITY City Council — Second & fourth Mondays, 7 p.m. Parks and Rec — Second Wednesday, 7 p.m. Williamston DDA —Third Tuesday, 7 p.m. — All city meetings at City Hall CHAMBER Directors — Third Thursday, 9 a.m. Ambassadors — Second Thursday, 9 a.m. — All Chamber meetings at Depot Museum EDUCATION Board of Education — First & third Mondays, 7:30 p.m., Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
Advertiser index Attorney Terry McKenney Person 351-0280 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Kozy at Home PetSitting 655-3468 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Vivee’s Floral Garden and Café 655-2191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Best Maze Corn Maze bestmaze.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Limner Press 655-4455 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
West Locke Wesleyan Church 655-2202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Ellie’s Country Kitchen 655-3842 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Living Arts Dance Studio 819-9361 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Williamston Fitness Center & Pool 655-7510 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Estate Planning & Preservation, Kodet 655-7879 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Nu Concept Salon 655-9095 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Williamston Inn 655-3773 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Estate Planning & Preservation, Pecic 655-7879 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church 349-4120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Williamston Theatre 655-SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fireworks Glass Studios 655-4000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Six String Place 282-3266 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Williamston True Value Hardware 655-1622 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
GLS Heating & Cooling 655-1981 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Smeak’s Lea Estes, Denise Diederich 655-1316 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Wood & Sons Corn Bin 655-2998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Gracie’s Place 655-1100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The Artisan’s Circle 655-2200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Yeetown 655-TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
H&R Block 655-8485 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The Kitten Nursery 862-5931 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Hayward-Pixley Insurance Agency 655-2124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Topliff’s Tara Bed & Breakfast 655-8860 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
26 | My Williamston | Fall 2011
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The final word IN TOUCH
A word from Benjamin Eichler
Life is better thanks to where we’ve been
S
o much has changed in just the last few centuries. Because of this, I’m unable to comprehend how greatly the world has advanced in the combined thousands of years of our written history. And yet, what has really changed? Our ancestors knew love ... and passion. They wrote eloquent plays and songs in an attempt to share these emotions. Now we do so by creating movies, with technology they couldn’t have imagined. We still write songs ... and share them with digital media (both legally and otherwise). The goal is still the same — to pass on our joys, sorrows and everything else that comprise the human experience. Knowing this, I’m thankful for the older people in my life, who have taken their time to share some of their life experience with me. It’s so much easier — and less painful — to learn from others’ mistakes than it is to learn from my own. A little bit of conversation will quickly teach you that you’re not the first to find frustration, face failure, or appreciate the beauty of an autumn sunrise. My family has taught me that a meal is better shared. The younger generations take
great pride in learning the “old country” recipes from their grandparents. True, oven technology has advanced profoundly, but the conversations around the table haven’t changed at all. “How was your day?” is fitting after mammoth hunts and corporate takeovers alike. And, since so much stays the same throughout the years, there’s value in recording our history. Think of how different life would be if you had to figure out all your own recipes. The work of a small, dedicated few benefits so many more of us. God bless the fine people at Nestle Toll House who allow me to benefit from their own laborious experimentation one gooey spoonful at a time! History is a powerful force; a powerful personal force. It takes on even greater power when you know who you are. It’s the culmination of a lifetime of experiences where you’ve learned your talents, and areas where you could use improvement. This history gives you a solid place to begin as you continue your journey forward. Even the best map is useless if you don’t know your starting point. It also guides you as you go. Yet, sometimes, despite our maps and in-
tuition, we get lost along the journey. We feel alone. But, we’re never truly alone. There are several organizations in our small town with a lengthy history that can guide you on your path to wisdom and enlightenment. Imagine what you could learn by participating in traditions created before you were. The Williamston Masonic Lodge was originally chartered during the Civil War and is fast approaching its sesquicentennial. Kiwanis, which was founded in Detroit by some well-meaning businessmen nearly 100 years ago, is now a worldwide charity for kids. Our local club was founded over 80 years ago. Rotary International lays claim to being the world’s first service club organization. The Williamston Depot Museum provides the definitive source for our town’s history, cataloging and housing artifacts from before the city was named. It’s not difficult to learn where and when these organizations meet ... or how they can help you develop your true potential. You only have to be willing to make a few new friends. Find your place in our community, your place in our future history, and let us know what we can do to make you feel at home.
Benjamin Eichler serves on the board of the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce, is past president of Williamston Kiwanis and is a co-founder of Capital Area Local First. He lives and works in downtown Williamston. Contact Benjamin at communityconnection@MyWilliamston.com.
Hayward-Pixley Insurance Agency, Inc.
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Bus: (517) 655-2124• Fax: (517) 655-8454 101 West Grand River, P.O. Box 160 Williamston, Mi 48895-0160
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National Brands with Hometown Service In operation for more than 100 years
Williamston True Value Helping to build our community We know how important it is to shop local and support community efforts. This helps grow our economy and create a strong foundation. Join us in our effort to build our wonderful community.
Visit us in downtown Williamston! We offer: •Custom Paint Mixing •Appliance Dolly Rentals •Screen/Window Glass Repair •Chainsaw/Mower Blade Sharpening •Key Cutting •Hunt/Fishing Licenses •Pipe Cutting & Threading
139 S. Putnam • (517) 655-1622 • Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.