2 My Williamston Summer 2010
Summer 2010 My Williamston 3
Introduction Covering Williamston and surrounding communities. Summer 2010 Volume 1, No. 1
CONTRIBUTORS Deb Drew Brown Benjamin Eichler Lauren Henderson Jen Hester Janet Kranz Cyndi Lieske Mitch Lutzke Bruce A. Pollock Jack Schaberg Gerard Wilbrink The sun sets over the Red Cedar River on June 14, 2009.
W
elcome to My Williamston magazine, a publication about the many wonderful people and places that comprise the city of Williamston and its surrounding communities. This magazine is a tribute to the place we easily embraced as home. We were first drawn to Williamston’s rich history, beautiful scenery and unique downtown. Living here, we feel the sense of community the people of Williamston so proudly share. Our premiere issue features some of the topics that are close to us, such as the growth of the arts community. Since opening our shop downtown last summer, the building we are in has gone from being nearly empty to now coming alive with art. We have also become familiar with the community’s love of pets. One of our first events here was Dog Days, and the enthusiasm was overwhelming. We realize there are so many other topics to explore, and so many more people to talk with who have stories to share. We know we have barely touched on what makes this quaint and welcoming area a great place to call home. My Williamston is about you and for you. So, if you have ideas for stories or suggestions to enhance this magazine, we encourage you to let us know. Thanks for reading. 4 | My Williamston | Summer 2010
A special thanks to: — Don Bixler and Wendy Shaft of Limner Press in Williamston for coordinating printing. — Advertisers who put faith into a start-up magazine. — Those who contributed their time and efforts to this project.
Find us online at MyWilliamston.com My Williamston is published by Yeetown Designs, a division of Yeetown, LLC. Yeetown is located at 110 E. Grand River Avenue inside historic Keller’s Plaza in downtown Williamston. © Yeetown Designs, a division of Yeetown, LLC
Photo on this page by My Williamston staff.
Summer 2010 My Williamston 5
Contents Art
Let there be art
With a live theater and flourishing arts community, Williamston is no longer known just for antiques.
24 18
34
cover story
Market watch
Christine Miller is confident about the direction of the city's farmers’ market, now in its seventh year and third location.
42 Food
Eatery expands
Gracie’s Place renovates the building next door to add about 60 seats and 20 jobs, and a bar and two kitchens.
Local Dish
columns
in every issue
Theater preview
History of fires
Calendar
Williamston Theatre has six shows lined up for its 2010-2011 season ................ 11 Also: Local illustrator is part of children’s book series ......... 8 Q&A with a longtime business owner . ................................... 8 Church brings fireworks show to Williamston ...................... 9 Chamber creates its own Monopoly game .................. 10 Grilling tips from a local meat expert . ................................. 12 Construction ahead ............. 12
Mitch Lutzke writes about blazes of the past.................. 32 Also: Benjamin Eichler on growing your community .................. 13 Gerard Wilbrink on the area’s runners ............................... 15 Local race directory..... 16 features
Faces and places
Spot your neighbors in our community snapshots .......... 40 Also: Who’s Brian Morden? ......... 36
6 My Williamston Summer 2010
living
Prized pets
Anne Cruce just loves her Shih Tzu, Tashi. She’s one of the many examples of pet lovers in the Williamston area.
Find out what’s happening in the area ................................ 38 Advertiser index . ............... 41 Meeting schedule ............... 41
More online at MyWilliamston.com
Milestone: Nu Concept Salon marks 5th year with a makeover Also: More columnists Community forum Area news Polls Community resources
On the cover
Opening day of the Farmers’ Market Photo by Bruce A. Pollock
Summer 2010 My Williamston 7
Local dish
Compiled by My Williamston staff
Q &A
A word with Rosemary Philip
What was your reaction when you learned you were named the 2010 Chamber Member of the Year? I was surprised and honored to be chosen from the many people who work hard to make the Chamber an active and productive organization.
Courtesy of My Grandma and Me Publishers
One of Craig Pennington’s illustrations from “My Grandpa’s Coaching Third."
Local illustrator puts art to words
Craig Pennington has known what he wanted to be since fourth grade. “I knew I wanted to be an artist,” the Williamston resident said. “I was lucky that I had people who encouraged me. I had a passion for it.” Pennington is the illustrator for the Grandma Janet Mary series of children’s books. Janet Mary Sinke of St. Johns is the author, and Pennington matches the art to the stories. PENNINGTON “I always wanted to do children’s books,” said Pennington, who was introduced to Sinke by the author’s son when the two men attended the same church. “I was doing some murals for the church and he approached me, said his mom had written quite a few stories and needs an illustrator,” said Pennington, who lives in Williamston with his wife Natalie and three sons The two met, hit it off well and have worked together on six books so far, including “My Grandpa’s Coaching Third,” released April 12. “The whole doing-something-withan-incredible-message idea is worth it.” Pennington said. “Any time you can bring families together and impact people, it’s totally worth it.” 8 My Williamston Summer 2010
You’re active in the community, and especially with Chamber events. What has led to your involvement. What do you enjoy most about it? I enjoy being connected with, and a part of, the business community and the area as a whole. I like being involved with local efforts to improve Williamston for its residents and to bring in people from other areas to enjoy the city. It’s perfect to call a small town home while being located so near MSU and Lansing and all they have to offer. What goals have you tried to accomplish for the city with some of the activities you have worked on over the years? The craft show and the antique show and other events have brought familyfriendly entertainment to the community, brought our city and rural residents into the downtown to see what Williamston has to offer, and brought shoppers from other areas to our stores. What changes have you noticed in the Williamston downtown area since first opening Sign of the Pineapple? Many storefronts were empty in 1979, but in the years soon after that time, they were filled with interesting shops and businesses. At times, there were busloads of customers who came into town for the day. The recent poor economy has hurt many small business owners, but the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce has been active in encouraging new development and maintaining a vital community. What are some of your favorite memories of events in Williamston over the years? The days when buses loaded with customers came to town were certainly
Courtesy of Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce
Meet Rosemary Philip Who: 2010 Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year Where you’ve seen her: Rosemary owns Sign of the Pineapple Antiques with her husband Roger. She was a partner when the store opened in 1979 and has remained in the business ever since. The Philips have been married 46 years and have lived in Williamston the last 36 years. Involvement: She has been a member of the Chamber for 12 years. She chairs the Jubilee Craft Show and also serves on the Williamston Depot Museum’s board of directors. exciting. Favorite Williamston events also include the Jubilee’s craft show and parades, the Chamber’s Holiday Light Parade, antique shows held on Putnam Street, Art Fest on the River, Discover Williamston Days, which featured demonstrations of cider making and other events in front of the stores, and the Masonic breakfast. Have an idea for a good Q&A? E-mail us at contact@MyWilliamston.com.
LOCAL DISH
First Baptist Church brings fireworks to city Free show may be annual
Carolyn Smith considers herself one of the least likely people to organize a fireworks show, but the Williamston resident went from not even knowing the word ‘pyrotechnics’ to helping fill a void in the city. “I’ve lived here eight years and there’s never been fireworks,” said Smith, a member of the First Baptist Church of Williamston. “I was asked by the church’s pastor (the Rev. Danny Cavin) to see what I could do about getting a fireworks show. I didn’t know anything about it.” After a long process of searching for a company to produce a fireworks show, Smith eventually partnered with Roger Bonney of Night Magic Displays, the same company that produces fireworks shows in Meridian Township and at Lansing Lugnuts home games. Smith said the church hopes to make fireworks an annual event. The 2010 show
MORE EVENTS
Find out what’s happening in the community. See a listing of upcoming events in the Calendar. Page 38
Courtesy of HAAP Media Ltd.
was set for July 3. Smith received permission from businesses surrounding the church, located one-half mile north of I-96 on Williamston Road, to use their parking lots for
what Smith hopes is an overflow of cars from the church’s own parking lot. Smith said her lack of knowledge about a fireworks show helped her because everyone from Williamston city manager Tim Allard and the City Council to Bonney, Meridian Township officials and then-Williamston police chief Mark Hetfield, went out of their way to assist her. “Our church really wants to be a part of the community,” Smith said. “We’ve done Trunk-or-Treat the last few years, and first there were 300 trick-or-treaters, then last year we counted 5 to 600. We got a lot of great feedback on that, so we wanted to get involved with something else.”
Summer 2010 My Williamston 9
LOCAL DISH
Board game promotes city, raises funds When the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce was looking for a way to promote the community and raise funds at the same time, its board looked to the past. The Chamber’s board of directors approved selling spaces on Williamstonopoly, a board game inspired by Parker Brothers’ Monopoly that includes area businesses and organizations on the deed cards. The Chamber SMITH produced a similar board game 25 years ago. “We were seeking something special to offer businesses and residents that would be a lasting tribute to our community,” said Cindy Smith, a local business owner who is on the Chamber’s board of directors. Smith said the board approved producing another game in January and began selling ads at its February luncheon. The game is manufactured by Pride Distributors, Inc. in Farmington Hills and has no affiliation with the original Monopoly games. Williamstonopoly includes familiar Williamston businesses or organizations in place of Boardwalk, Park Place and other traditional points on a Monopoly board. The Chamber sold game spots for prices
‘‘
Photos by Janet Kranz (right) and Brooke Locke
Twenty-five years ago and again this year, the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce produced a board game inspired by Monopoly. The box for the 2010 game, at right, features pictures of area landmarks. The box for the older version is shown on the left. ranging from $25-650, intended to cover the costs of printing and distributing 500 games. Games are sold for $25 each as a fundraiser for the Chamber. Smith said the organization expects to raise $12,000 from Williamstonopoly, with proceeds set aside for the group’s payroll portion of its budget. “We have a good team at the Chamber and we have to make sure we maintain that,” said Whit Moncrief, who, with Smith, owns Nu-U-Nutrition. “The only drawback is we can’t do this every year.” Games include a box and a game board with pictures of area landmarks, game pieces, property cards, dice, and “Chance” and “Fate” cards.
Sales of the game boards were scheduled to kick off with a Williamstonopoly tournament during the Red Cedar Jubilee, the city’s weeklong summer festival. Brooke Locke, another Chamber board member, helped sell spots for the game. “It’s more than a fundraiser. It’s a community development piece, in a sense,” Locke said. “When people play, they will get more familiar with the town. Most of the places on the board are right in the downtown. That helps to promote Williamston and show what the city has to offer. It will make people say, ‘Hey, that’s here?’ and they’ll shop in Williamston.” — Janet Kranz
QUOTEWORTHY
I think people are getting the idea that it is a really cool place to come.” — The Williamston Theatre’s John Lepard on changes he’s seen in Williamston since the theater opened four years ago. Read more about Williamston’s arts on Page 24.
10 My Williamston Summer 2010
LOCAL DISH
Theater season to examine how past, place define and shape us An off-Broadway hit that pokes fun at small-town life, a classic Greek tragedy and a comedy about two laid-off Michiganders with culture shock are just a few of the shows that will be played out during the Williamston Theatre’s 2010-2011 season. The upcoming season, which kicks off Sept. 11 with the theater's annual launch party, is expected to explore how people are defined by history and place, and how people build and shape themselves, their homes and their lives. Following is the lineup of shows: BLUE DOOR, Sept. 23-Oct. 17, 2010 — A tenured professor of mathematics is jolted from the rut of his life when his wife accuses him of denying his heritage. While experiencing a disorienting insomnia, he inadvertently conjures his ancestors. Three generations of men, from slavery through Black Power, challenge him to embark upon a journey combining past and present. Directed by Suzi Regan. GREATER TUNA, Nov. 11-Dec. 19, 2010 — Meet Arles Struvie, Thurston Wheelis, Aunt Pearl, Petey Fisk, Phineas Blye and Rev. Spikes, who are just some of the upstanding citizens of Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas. This off-Broadway hit, a love-letter to small-town mores, qualities and quirks, takes you through a typical day in the life of Tuna. By Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. Directed by Tony Caselli. OEDIPUS, Jan. 27-Feb. 20, 2011 — Oedipus journeys through life, attempting to outrun a foretold prophesy only to land right in the hands of fate in the classic Greek tragedy about providence and destiny. Five actors bring the story to life as the intimate
Williamston Theatre space is theatrically expanded to hold this epic tale of the ages. By Sophocles. Directed by Tony Caselli. WHILE WE WERE BOWLING, March 17-April 17, 2011 — A “typical” 1950s family struggles to hold itself together through teenage marriage, paternal death, the integration of a young black boy into their family and the pressure-filled legacy of bowling. These trials and tribulations force them to redefine what family means. Directed by John Lepard. ELEEMOSYNARY, May 12-June 12, 2011— (Eleemosynary: adj., charitable, the giving of alms). Sensitive and probing, this bittersweet comedy examines the subtle and often perilous relationship between three remarkable women: a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother – a unique family blessed, and cursed, with supreme intelligence and eccentricity. By Lee Blessing. Directed by Lynn Lammers. AND THE CREEK DON’T RISE, July 7-Aug. 14, 2011 — Rob and Maddie, longtime Michiganders and one of the many casualties of economic downsizing, find themselves experiencing a severe case of culture shock after they move to a small town in Georgia for a new job. A friendly next-door neighbor invites Rob to join him in a Civil War reenactment. A simple, and comical, misunderstanding starts a private war between the neighbors and neither embraces the concept of surrender. By Joseph Zettelmaier. Directed by Joseph Albright. For tickets and information, call the theater box office at (517) 655-7469 or go online to williamstontheatre.org. The theater is located at 122 S. Putnam Street in downtown Williamston.
Final show serves up comedy, romance Three actors — playing 15 characters in five restaurants — are on the hunt for one true love in the Williamston Theatre’s last show of the 2009-2010 season, “Five Course Love” (book, music and lyrics by Greg Coffin). The high-energy, screwball, musical comedy — featuring Laura Croff, Matt Gwynn and Aaron Moore, and directed by Tom Woldt — runs July 8-Aug. 15.
IF YOU GO ... Performance times: 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays. Check with the box office for special exceptions to these times and days. Ticket prices: $18 on Thursdays; $24 Friday and Saturday evenings; and $20 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.
Summer 2010 My Williamston 11
LOCAL DISH
Several projects slated for summer
From restaurant construction to street improvements, Williamston is a hotbed for development projects this summer. “We do have some exciting things going on,” Williamston city manager Tim Allard said. “I think it’s fantastic for this community.”
Photo by Janet Kranz
Linn Merindorf, of Merindorf Meats and More in Mason and Williamston, shares tips for grilling meat.
Before you fire up the grill ... Summer and fall offer two of the most popular times for grilling, with summer holidays and fall tailgating. Before you fire up the grill, here’s some tips from Linn Merindorf, who co-owns Merindorf Meats and More with his wife Melinda: Always use indirect heat “It’s the best way to avoid flames flaring up and food that’s uncooked on the inside yet burnt on the outside,” said Merindorf, who suggests using a gas grill and preheating until reaching a temperature between 400 and 500 degrees. Keep it clean Once preheated, the next step is to lightly wipe olive oil on the grill rack, and then clean it with a wire brush. Keep hands, utensils and plates clean when handling raw meats and rewash hands before handling meat after it’s been cooked. Listen for the sizzle Merindorf said the sound of a sizzle is a signal that the juices are setting. When you hear that sound, turn the heat to low and close the grill lid. “Grill four to six minutes per side for rare to medium rare,” he said. “Remember, the more the meat is cooked, the more it loses juiciness and flavor.” 12 My Williamston Summer 2010
palm reading Merindorf said to use your hand when determining how much longer a steak should cook. “People don’t realize this, but they have a built-in cooking guide for doneness right on their body,” he said. Merindorf said putting the thumb and index finger together shows the same firmness of a rare steak. The feeling of the middle finger against the thumb is similar to a steak that is medium rare to medium, the feeling of the fourth finger against the thumb is similar to a medium or medium well steak and the feeling of the pinky finger against the thumb feels like a well-done steak. According to a thermometer, a steak is considered rare to medium rare when the temperature reads 132-135 degrees, medium to medium well at 135-145 and medium well to well at 145-155. The United States Department of Agriculture says to ensure a steak’s internal temperature is at least 145 degrees before consumption. seal the deal After removing a steak from the grill, place the steak on a clean plate, cover it with foil and let it rest for about eight minutes, “to seal the juices,” Merindorf said. — Janet Kranz
Gracie’s Place expansion: Owners Dawn-Marie and Paul Joseph purchased the building next door to expand the restaurant’s inside seating capacity from 24 seats to about 85. Read more on Page 34. 109 building: Williamston builder Steve Eyke is developing the long-vacant building at 109 E. Grand River Ave. with plans to house a Michigan Brewing Company pub on the first floor. I-96 Industrial Park changes: The opening of Centurion Medical Products’ new headquarters highlights the developments in the Park. The 74,000-square-foot building will bring about 140 jobs to Williamston. Centurion, formerly called Tri-State Hospital Supply, moves from Howell. McCormick Park upgrade: The $800,000 project includes a grant that covers half the costs. The park is scheduled to have a fishing pier extending out into the Red Cedar River, a new launch area for canoes and kayaks, a concession building, new pathways, lights, upgraded parking and more. South Putnam StreetScape: The DDA-funded project is expected to be completed this fall and include a similar look on the South Putnam Street area as to what was constructed on Grand River during Phase 1 of the StreetScape plans. The Grand River phase upgraded street lamps, garbage cans and benches. Water upgrades: A damaged water pipe under the Red Cedar River is being replaced this summer. The city is also designating water wellhead protection areas.
Community connection IN TOUCH
A word from Benjamin Eichler
Shared workload builds community
Benefits of small town far outweigh challenges
I
was raised on a farm in the Thumb area of Michigan, just outside of a village named Pigeon, about half the size of Williamston. As a matter of fact, it was only a 10-minute drive to the ubiquitous Caseville we’ve heard so much about lately. Regardless, the farm was established by my great-great-grandfather in 1887 and passed down generation after generation until the present day where my father now holds sway as “lord of the manor.” It was a fine place to learn a work ethic and a rudimentary appreciation for how various forms of life coexist and even depend on each other for life. At some point, one of my ancestors came to the same realization and, during the last century, the property was given the name of “Whippletree Farms.” For those of you not up on your antique rural terminology, a whippletree turns separate horses into a team, distributes the force of their pulling, and maintains an even balance of the workload.
our anonymity, and even some of our As an adult, I chose to work in privacy on occasion. It often seems that Williamston, rather than East Lansing everyone knows everyone’s business. And, or Lansing, because there is a sense of I’ll not pretend I’ve not heard gossip community. There is an understanding traded about. This frustrated me as a child, that we are all pulling together, whether but, as an adult, I’ve come to as concerned neighbors, What we do see the benefits gained in the members of the Chamber, the city government, the affects others trade-off. EDC, the DDA, the Kiwanis, I shop at stores owned by and what others people I trust — who care Rotary, Lions, etc. do affects us. about quality and their own We realize on a very local reputations. I am a patron of scale, that what we do affects shopkeepers who know they have to look other people and conversely, that what me in the eye for the next 30 years and the others do affects us in return. We are aware that work must be done to service I receive is all the better for it. improve and maintain our home. We know Take a few moments to visit the treasures the local businesses offer before that we must cooperate and all do our you load the family into the Suburban for a individual parts to accomplish anything of trip to the mall. lasting value. Find your place in our community and Some call it “paying it forward” while let us know what we can do to make you others label it “paying it back,” but I would feel at home. like to argue that neither is truly accurate. There is only “paying.” It’s no more grand In Touch will feature different local than vacuuming your own floor if you want leaders in each issue of My Williamston to live in a clean home. There is work to be magazine. If you would like to recommend done and everyone who lives in that home someone to write a column, or you would like needs to chip in. to write a column, please send an e-mail to In a small town, we give up much of contact@MyWilliamston.com.
Benjamin Eichler serves on the boards of the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce and Capital Area Local First, and is president of the Williamston Kiwanis Club. He works in downtown Williamston. Contact Benjamin at communityconnection@MyWilliamston.com.
Summer 2010 My Williamston 13
14 My Williamston Summer 2010
Health WARMING UP
Running with Gerard Wilbrink
Runners abound in Williamston Want to join the pack? Follow a few simple steps
caliber athletes. Runners can enter almost any race in the country without special qualifications. There are some events where qualifying times are required for entry, ou see them in the morning, you but for most, participation is open to all see them at noon, and you see lots runners. of them in the late afternoon and Even children can participate in runs. evening. They could be on the north side of Many races in mid-Michigan include runs town, the east side of town, downtown or with events of about 50 yards for toddlers all around town. to one mile for older children. They are dressed in bright Day-Glo Williamston is known as a running colors, matching color-coordinated outfits, community. The Williamston High or a hodgepodge of mismatched hues in School girls and boys cross country and apparel that has seen better days. track and field teams have been near or They are the runners of Williamston. at the top of the state rankings for many When it comes to exercising, Williamston years. There are also fine feeder programs residents have a healthy history. in the elementary and middle schools. Williamston is home to Generally, 20-25 percent or some of the best runners The Red Cedar more of students enrolled in in the area, with many area 5K was added to Williamston’s middle and residents competing in events high schools participate in the 2010 Jubilee. cross country or track. That nationwide. They participate in events covering as little as The inaugural is more than 200 students in 100 yards to ultra-marathon run honors the the school system. distances of 50 kilometers (31 Williamston runners memory of miles), 50 miles and even 100 may be seen in all seasons miles or more. Ken Whelton. and almost all weather Some take it a step further conditions. Strong wind and enter relays that can cover or freezing temperatures as many as 263 miles, such as The Great do not deter them. With the advances Lakes Relay, where teams of 10 runners in running clothes, it is possible to run traverse some of Michigan’s most rustic comfortably in all weather conditions. and technical trails. The three-day event Contrary to popular belief, it is difficult begins on the shores of Lake Huron near to “freeze your lungs,” even in the coldest Oscoda and crosses the state to finish on weather during a winter in Williamston. the shores of Lake Michigan near Empire. With the proper clothing and And then there are those who not precautions, even a sub-zero run with a only run, but add in a swim and a bit of a stiff breeze can be completed in comfort. bike ride to participate in a triathlon, as if If you are contemplating joining the running alone was not exercise enough. Williamston running community, to Running can be enjoyed by anyone whatever degree is right for you, you would at any level. A recreational runner can be welcomed with open arms. It would compete against, and run with, Olympicnot take much looking to find a running
Y
MapMyRun.com helps runners map out running routes and offers advice.
Helpful running sites
There are many Web sites dedicated to running. These sites are packed with useful information for runners. Online, runners may learn useful tips on how to train for races and what exercises other than running to incorporate into a running routine. They may also find out where races will take place. Many sites list races and other events around the state and country that are open to runners and walkers of all levels. Also, runners can discover places to run, map out running routes and connect with other runners. Playmakers.com: The Okemos store’s Web site includes schedules, race results, tips and other information. RunMichigan.com: This site maintains a collection of schedules and race results with pictures, video and discussion from around the state MapMyRun.com: This site includes a distance calculator that will map out your route, figure your mileage and even tell you how many calories you have burned and what your heart rate is during your run or walk. It also has helpful features such as setting goals, planning workouts and connecting you with running groups in your area.
Gerard Wilbrink is a volunteer track and field coach and the head cross country coach for Williamston Middle School. He has been a runner for nine years and competes in about 50 races a year, running everything from 5Ks to marathons. He has lived in Williamston for 53 years. Contact Gerard at gwilbrink@MyWilliamston.com. Summer 2010 My Williamston 15
health partner to help you get started. Before you start, it is recommended you check with your doctor. One of the best investments you can make is to purchase a good pair of running shoes. Don’t buy a cheap pair of shoes just to save a few dollars. There are many brands and types of shoes and a good running shoe store will fit you with the shoe that is right for your type of foot. Being fitted for the right type of shoe
Find a race
Below are a few area races to get you started. For more information about these races — such as registration deadlines and start times — or to find other races in Michigan, go online to Playmakers.com and RunMichigan.com. Summer: AID Lansing 5K, July 11, Lansing Meridian Plumbing’s Fight Hunger 5K, July 18, Okemos Eaton Rapids Kiwanis Island City 5K, July 18, Eaton Rapids
16 My Williamston Summer 2010
will help prevent injuries such as blisters, black toenails, and ankle, knee and hip problems. When you do start running, start slow. It is easy to want to run farther and faster than your body will allow and that can cause injuries, sore muscles and discouragement. It is perfectly all right to mix in walks with your runs. Many beginners will start by alternating a fastpaced walk with a short, slow run for Ele’s Race 5K for Grieving Children, July 25, Okemos The Legend 5 & 10 Mile Trail Run, July 31, Laingsburg Leslie 5K Run/Walk for Families, July 31, Leslie Bath Trail Run 5K, Aug. 1, Bath Mint City 10-Miler/5K, Aug. 7, St. Johns Board of Water and Light Hometown Power 5K, Aug. 14, Lansing Grand Woods Park Trail 5K, Aug. 21, Lansing Race for Hopes and Dreams 5K, Aug. 22, East Lansing GM Habitat 5K, Aug. 29, Lansing
the first few weeks of their running and eventually build their stamina to where they can run longer distances. The key is to not overdo it as you are building up your body and your mileage. If you’ve been thinking you would like to get out there for a run, but don’t know how to begin, it’s simple: step out the door and put one foot in front of the other. Have a great health topic? Tell us about it in an e-mail to contact@MyWilliamston.com. Fall/Winter Kellie Sebrell Memorial 5K, Sept. 1, DeWitt Playmakers Autumn Classic 8K (4.98-miles), Sept. 19, Okemos Capital City River Run Half-Marathon and 5K, Sept. 26, Lansing Green Space Race (5K), Oct. 10, Mason Halloween 5K for Junior Achievement, Oct. 23, Lansing Run for Christian Education 5K, Nov. 6, Holt Woldumar Nature Center Run-a-Munk 10K/5K, Nov. 13, Lansing Jingle Belle 5K Run/Walk for Women, Dec. 11, Lansing
Summer 2010 My Williamston 17
Cover Story
Story and photos by Bruce A. Pollock 18 My Williamston Summer 2010
The Williamston Farmers’ Market on opening day.
Room to grow
Director taps into potential of farmers’ market
C
hristine Miller has plenty of incentive to grow the Williamston Farmers’ Market. Miller, who splits her weeks in the summer and fall with four days of farming work and three days of selling at markets, is a vendor, fan and director of Williamston’s market. “It allows me to work with the food industry,” said Miller, who sells poultry from the Fowlerville farm she owns with her husband Brad. “I enjoy it; seeing the people shopping, and I learn from the vendors. It’s fascinating.” MILLER Williamston’s market, which opened May 20, is at its third location in its seven-year history and is still not self-sufficient. Miller hopes a loyal customer base will help the market grow. She doesn’t need to look far for a good example. Miller, who took over the Williamston market last year, is in her third year as the director of the Meridian Township market. That market, in its 35th year, is a consistent stop for its loyal customers and
The Williamston Farmers’ Market is open 2-7 p.m. every Thursday through October. vendors from around the state. Since Miller serves as director for the two markets, she has brought some vendors
from Meridian to Williamston and encouraged others with goods not permitted at the bigger market, such as the dish detergents, to sell in Williamston. “Meridian doesn’t accept crafters, they’re just food and plants,” Miller said. “They’re big enough where they can exclude crafters, unlike this one. It’s more of a homegrown market. Having the crafters, at least in the spring time, helps add to the market to make it look more full.” Troy Copenhaver, the ‘T’ in CJ&T Produce with his grandparents Clarence and Julene, sells at Charlotte, Meridian and Mason markets in addition to Williamston. He’s been selling at the Williamston market since its inception and said its current location — the vacant parking lot next to City Hall — is the best. “When they moved it here, it really picked up,” Copenhaver said. “It’s one of the better ones we go to.” The Williamston market started at the parking lot on Putnam and High streets, then moved to the parking lot at D&W Fresh Market before returning to High Street and finally settling at its current location three years ago.
Season availability Guide — Vegetables Item
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Item
Beans
Mushrooms
Beets
Onions
Broccoli
Parsnips
B. Sprouts
Peppers
Cabbage
Potatoes
Carrots
Pumpkins
Cauliflower
Radishes
Celery
Rutabagas
Corn
Spinach
Cucumbers
Squash
Eggplant
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Turnips
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Guide shows a wide range of availability as seasons vary slightly from year to year and from one area to another. Some items are grown in greenhouses and available at other times than shown above. Information courtesy of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan State University Extension Service.
Summer 2010 My Williamston 19
Cover Story The market features fresh produce, baked goods, plants, homemade dish detergents, crafts and more. “What I’ve found at Meridian,” Miller said, “is the more variety there is, it brings in more people.” Yvette Hugan, who sells clothing with alternative fabrics such as bamboo fiber at the Williamston market, said that product diversity helps all vendors. “The produce brings them in and we “This is nice. keep them here longer,” the Fowlerville I can come by resident said. myself, I can The Williamston market had 14 vendors its first week and Miller said it will have at relax, I can say least 10-15 each Thursday, an increase from hi to people.” last year. — Dan McMaster, As the season continues, Miller expects on the Williamston the market to expand from the half of the Farmers’ Market parking lot it used the first few weeks to the portion near Cedar Street. Copenhaver said he’ll add a third table to his setup as more produce becomes available. Dan McMaster, of Mac’s Farm Market in Laingsburg, was a vendor at the market a few years ago, but left before returning last year. “It’s small, but it’s nice,” said the retired school teacher, who sells live flowers the first few weeks, then vegetables in the later months. “The setup here is nice; not a whole lot of vendors, which is nice. There’s some competition, but it’s not overly competitive.”
20 My Williamston Summer 2010
availability Guide — fruits Item
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Apples Apricots Black berries
Blueberries Cantaloupes Grapes Melons Nectarines Peaches Pears Plums Raspberries Sweet cherries
Tart cherries Guide shows a wide range of availability as seasons vary slightly from year to year and from one area to another. Some items are grown in greenhouses and available at other times than shown above. Information courtesy of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan State University Extension Service.
McMaster is another vendor who also sells at Meridian, where he works with his wife and usually one other person to keep up with demand. “This is nice,” he said. “I can come by myself, I can relax, I can say hi to people. At Meridian, I can not do that.” For many vendors, markets are a main outlet for selling products. Steve Tennes, president of the Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Association, said that’s a beneficial exchange both for farmers and their customers. “When you buy from a local farmer, you’re supporting the state of Michigan. … If you want to maintain local sources of food, you have to support them,” Tennes said. “A farmer operates this year on what you bought from him last year. It’s a partnership that if broken, the farmer will not be there when you want him. Quality food is always needed.” Copenhaver said the farmer-customer interaction leads to other benefits as well. “It’s an easy way to get the produce and goods to the customers,” he said. “You have the customers all in one place and can talk to them about where your stuff comes from and what practices you use. It’s a nice way to give the community fresh produce.”
Farmers’ Market fact According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are nearly 4,800 farmers’ markets operating throughout the nation.
ABOVE: Silk Road vendor Yvette Hugan, left, and Karen Wilson discuss who in Wilson’s family would benefit the most from a pair of bamboo fiber socks that Hugan has for sale. Hugan’s business is based in Fowlerville and this is her first season at the Williamston market. Hugan is a regular at other Michigan markets, including the Michigan Renaissance Festival. LEFT: Dan McMaster waters a basket of petunias during opening day of the market. Being the only vendor there who had live flowers, he had plenty of traffic. McMaster, a Laingsburg resident, is a former high school math teacher at Haslett High School.
Summer 2010 My Williamston 21
22 My Williamston Summer 2010
Summer 2010 My Williamston 23
Painting a new Story by Cyndi Lieske Photos by Jen Hester Summer 2010 My Williamston 24
picture
Once known mostly for antiques, Williamston has become home to a thriving arts community
W
hile many downtowns throughout Michigan are struggling to stay afloat, Williamston’s downtown is open for business due in large part to a thriving and expanding arts community that encompasses theater, dance, music and visual arts such as abstract sculpture, blown glass and paintings. Keller’s Plaza, a downtown mainstay, is a microcosm of the change rippling through the community. In the place Dr. Ralph Keller’s wife Charlotte ran her ice cream parlor, students now practice their plies, jetes and pirouettes at the Living Arts Dance Studio. Just up the stairs, the 7,000-square-foot second floor that once housed dozens of antiques vendors is a home to several artist studios with plenty of room for more. Summer 2010 My Williamston 25
Arts
Keller’s Plaza, once a haven for antiques, now houses five artist studios on its 7,000-square-foot second floor. Shown above are the studios of sculptor Mary Gillis, photographer Deb Drew Brown and painter Dianne Creamer. Below, jewelry maker Katherine Wilcox-Leigh, works in her studio, also located in the building. “The artists that came up here are very enthusiastic,” Dr. Keller said of sculptor Mary Gillis, photographer Deb Drew Brown, jewelry maker Katherine Wilcox-Leigh and painters Anita Saviko and Dianne Creamer. The artists are thrilled with their new surroundings and Dr. Keller’s faith in them. “It gives the artists an opportunity to have a place to work from or display their art that isn’t exorbitant as far as price,” said Brown, a Williamston-based nature photographer. “It is a nice place for us to get started. He could have anything up here and he chose to have artists up there. I think that says a lot for Williamston.” Just a block up the street, 20 artists are calling downtown Williamston their new home at the Artisan’s Circle, which opened in November 2009. “In the last two years, we have really gone from that perspective of a lot of empty storefronts, to new artists like the Artisan’s Circle coming in,” said Brooke Locke, a member of the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce who organizes the city’s annual Art Walk. “They chose Williamston as their 26 My Williamston Summer 2010
storefront and home. They found that Williamston was a better fit for them.” Creating a small gallery, classroom and performance space, the Artisan’s Circle is staffed by the painters, weavers, knitters and potters, to name a few, who each contribute nine hours a month toward running the business.
“It is amazing the things that they do on a monthly basis in the city,” Locke said. “They have done concerts, the artists offer classes. They’ve done a plethora of things.” The established co-operative began looking for a new home base when its lease was up in Lansing’s Old Town last year. “We wanted to be able to teach classes,” said potter Deidre Hunt of the Artisan’s Circle. “There wasn’t anything available in Old Town. The rents were much higher.” With most of their customers coming from Williamston, Okemos and Haslett, a move to the east of Lansing made sense. The storefronts in strip malls they’d been shown lacked originality and charm, Hunt said. She met with members of the chamber of commerce and city staff while scouting a new location for the co-operative. “They were so incredibly helpful and encouraging,” she said. “They were right there with us saying, ‘You can get grants for this and grants for that.’ ” While visiting a potential site in downtown Williamston, she spied a cozy building with brown paper over the windows. Curious, she
Summer 2010 My Williamston 27
Arts decided to investigate. After meeting with the “dream of a landlord,” Hunt was sold. The members were able to paint and make some renovations to the space in exchange for a break on the rent. With the popularity of Williamston’s Art Walk and other events that feature artists, many of the co-operative’s members were comfortable with the new location. HUNT “We were fairly familiar with the fact that people are very interested in art in Williamston,” Hunt said. “Art in the Park certainly used to be one of my best-selling shows.” Hunt said she feels encouraged by the support she’s encountered from other business owners in the community. “That was the sort of thing with Williamston that I liked,” she said. “When you talk to other shop owners, they’ll say things like, ‘I must come and see your gallery.’ You don’t get that anywhere else. Williamston is really keen on itself. It is like a little village. I was very impressed with their enthusiasm toward having an art gallery.”
28 My Williamston Summer 2010
Horse hair pottery is one of the many works of art at the Artisan’s Circle. The co-operative moved from Old Town in Lansing to Williamston last year.
The gallery stays open longer on nights of performances at the Williamston Theatre and Hunt said browsers often come back the following day to finish their shopping. “One lady was in here so long her son came hurtling through the door and said, ‘Four minutes till show time!’ She came
back the next day,” Hunt said. “That is kind of nice, too. They do come back, they really do. We have had a good response.” Many consider the Williamston Theatre a catalyst in the downtown’s ongoing transformation. Its founder, John Lepard, grew up in Haslett and was living in Los Angeles when
he decided to move back to Michigan to raise his family. Inspired by the success he’d seen while working at The Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Lepard and a few colleagues began looking for a place to start their own professional theater company. They realized it might be a stretch to get the community to embrace the idea of a theater in downtown Williamston. Lepard chartered a bus and brought 57 people to Chelsea for a look around.
Many area businesses put a spotlight on art, including the Williamston Theatre, which hosts art exhibits featuring themes that reflect the plays being performed. Above, art from Second Monday Artists Group adorns the walls at local eatery Gracie’s Place. “Starting out, I don’t think people quite knew what to expect from us when we told them we were a professional theater company rather than a community theater,” he said. The first production took place in 2006. Since then, Lepard has seen Dave Porter open his Fireworks glass blowing studio across the street, the River House Inn, Gracie’s Place and the Artisan’s Circle, among others, open up. “We have seen a lot of cool artistic joints
open up since we have been here,” Lepard said. “I think people are getting the idea that it is a really cool place to come. It is a package deal. You can come here and do all kinds of fun things.” Since its opening, audiences have grown by 15 percent each year, Lepard said. The community and surrounding areas have embraced the theater. Partnerships have been formed in the city. The Williamston Downtown Development Authority has paid for advertising in nearby communities to attract theatergoers. “Part of the plan was to help make Williamston a destination for people who wanted to come to a small charming town in the middle of the state,” he said. “The people from our theater all came from The Purple Rose Theatre. Part of our model was to make Williamston become like Chelsea with the art organizations and good restaurants that help attract people downtown again. It seems to be working out pretty well.” While there are still too many vacant storefronts in town, Lepard said, the growth has been steady and he still hopes Williamston’s downtown will rival Chelsea’s within the next 5-10 years. Lepard and others are encouraged by the Michigan Brewing Company’s plans to open a restaurant downtown. “When they get that building up, things will really start filling up,” he said. In addition to the live performances, the theater supports local artists with art exhibitions featuring themes that reflect the plays being performed. The theater isn’t the only place putting a spotlight on local art. Local businesses
“Williamston is really keen on itself. It is like a little village.” — Deidre Hunt, of the Artisan’s Circle
SEE THE ART The Artisan’s Circle — Artist co-op featuring about 20 members selling pottery, hats, paintings and more. 138 W. Grand River, 655-2200 Bloom — Boutique offering home décor items and locally created works of art. 118 W. Grand River, 655-6800 CB’s Bucket Bar & Grille — Restaurant that showcases paintings and photos on its walls from area artists. 132 W. Grand River, 655-1000 Gracie’s Place — Restaurant featuring works from the Second Monday Artists Group on its walls. Featured artists and themes change monthly. 151 S. Putnam, 655-1100 Hayward-Pixley — The insurance office displays and sells photographs by area photographer Don Pixley. 101 W. Grand River, 655-2124 Keller’s Plaza’s second floor — Houses artist studios for sculptor Mary Gillis, photographer Deb Drew Brown, jewelry maker Katherine Wilcox-Leigh, and painters Anita Saviko and Dianne Creamer. 107 S. Putnam Limner Press — The letterpress print shop is home to Wendy Shaft Block Printed Images. 121 High St., 655-4455 Nu Concept Salon — Hair salon displays paintings by area artist Janet HalfmannErickson on its wall. 100 E. Grand River, 655-9095 Williamston Theatre — Displays art created by area residents that match the theme of its current production. 122 S. Putnam, 655-SHOW (7469) Yeetown — Gift shop sells only items created in Michigan, and features work from more than 20 Williamston artists. 110 E. Grand River, Suite 2, 655-TOWN (8696)
Summer 2010 My Williamston 29
30 My Williamston Summer 2010
Arts
A view through the window of painter Dianne Creamer’s studio in the upstairs of Keller’s Plaza. Bloom, the Bucket, Yeetown and Wood & Sons Corn Bin all sell and promote the handiwork of local artists. Yeetown sells only items made in Michigan, including about 20 from Williamston artists such as Saviko and Brown. Another supporter is Gracie’s Place, where patrons can enjoy their meals and browse the work of members of the Second Monday Artists Group, whose members update the display each month. “Williamston was known as the antique capital of Michigan. That has definitely changed in 2010,” said Brian Morden, the head chef at Gracie’s Place who previously lived and worked in Williamston from 2002-2006 before returning three years later. “I have noticed a very significant change in the community, with people being excited about the community. When I came back it was very apparent. It is definitely a very good place to be. Williamston is a progressive place as far as the arts and supporting the arts community.” Longtime residents appreciate the grow-
ing arts community. Mayor Michelle Hyne has experienced the effect the arts have had within her family. Her daughter, Esther,
“Williamston is a progressive place as far as the arts and supporting the arts community.” Gracie’s Place chef Brian Morden studied Russian ballet downtown at the Elizabeth Williams School of Dance. “This not only provided classic instruction in ballet, but a lifelong love of classical music and the arts,” Hyne said. Another daughter, Kate, won a Michigan State University young playwrights award and has been mentored by Lepard.
“I’m very impressed with what he does on his own personal time.” Hyne said. “He pursues grants for education and extends that to students. Not only do they produce and perform plays, they are actively involved with encouraging young people and mentoring.” Hyne called dance studio owner Elizabeth Williams, who studied in New York City with the Joffrey Ballet and the Alvin Ailey dance troupe, one of Williamston’s pioneers in the arts. “We are a microcosm of a metropolitan city,” Hyne said. “We have a professional theater, we have a movie theater, fine dining and family dining. We have all of these things that a metropolitan city would have.” Unlike a larger city, Williamston’s arts community is close-knit, with the lives of many artists overlapping. There is camaraderie and a mutual respect among them. “I think among the artists in the Williamston area, everybody does a really nice job networking with each other and sharing,” Brown said. “They do their best in trying to support each other and show up for things.” Summer 2010 My Williamston 31
History A LOOK BACK
Learning history with Mitch Lutzke
Fires sparked city development Blazes nothing new to the downtown area
B
urn, baby burn! The yells of 1960s protestors? Feminists burning bras or men burning draft cards? Perhaps. But, in this case, it is the sound of Williamston history. Fires were the bane of existence for many towns in the 19th Century. Take Chicago, for example, and Mrs. O’Leary’s cow. One night, her cow got rattled, knocked over the kerosene lamp and the entire town then went up in flames — or so the story goes. During that same time, thousands of acres in Michigan’s Thumb area were hit by raging wildfires, and much of the timber that was left in Michigan was cut and sent to rebuild Chicago. Williamston’s recent fire history has been limited to CB’s Bucket Bar & Grille on Grand River Avenue. The Bucket has been the unlucky target of not one, but two fires over the last four years. Area firefighters scrambled both times to contain the fire, ensuring that large sections of the downtown would not be lost. With the advent of modern firefighting equipment, elaborate paging systems and city water service, the loss from fires has become few and far between. But that wasn’t always the case. Over the years, much of Williamston’s downtown has burned to the ground. The Bucket’s two fires were actually the second and third to hit that block. An 1895 fire burned nearly all of the buildings west of the building currently occupied by Bloom. Along that stretch of Grand River, homes and businesses were destroyed as firefighters attempted to make sure it didn’t
Postcard courtesy of “From the Collection of Cloyce Odell”
The fires ravaged a section of these wooden buildings shown in this 1908 postcard of Grand River Avenue. Notice the current Barrett’s store building is the second from the left. spread to the Andrews Hotel building, which remains today on the corner at Putnam Street. The village’s oldest building, J.B. Taylor’s general store that was built in 1843, was lost in the fire. Wood structures that stood at the southeast corner of Putnam and Grand River, where Keller’s Plaza is today, burned down in 1897. Reports are that following a meeting of old Union Civil War soldiers, someone’s smoking material touched off a blaze. After smoldering into the night, the blaze destroyed several wooden buildings at that site. Many of the wooden buildings west of Barrett’s, across Grand River from Bloom, burned to the ground Dec. 5, 1915. The Lansing State Journal, which at the time was simply called the “State Journal,” led
its coverage of the catastrophe with the headline, “Blaze Destroys Six Williamston Stores; Threatens Village.” The story credited the heroic efforts of the firemen for saving the business district. At first, rumors of an arsonist as the culprit were circulated, but that story was quickly replaced with news of an overheated stove in Charles Edward’s pool room. Initially, the severity of the blaze was noted as the Lansing Fire Department was contacted to assist. However, they were unable to send help, as they were battling a potentially devastating wheel factory fire, which ended up being quite minor. One newspaper account stated the fire “had gained good headway before (it) was discovered.” Hindering the attempts to
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. 32 My Williamston Summer 2010
put it out, was the fact that local telephone operator, Miss Bernice St. John, who apparently discovered the blaze, couldn’t arouse anyone over the phone on the sleepy Sunday morning to fight the fire. The Ingham County News reported the damage was estimated at $25,000 as Goyt’s Meat Market, Frank Andrew’s lunch room, Clarence Harris’s tin shop, Pennock and Porter’s hardware storage building, Leo Van Horn’s bakery and Edward’s pool hall were all destroyed. A Mr. and Mrs. M. Gray and their two grandchildren escaped the blaze, along with three others, as they fled second-story
apartments above the stores. Eventually, just as the town recovered from the other fires, Williamston rebuilt after the 1915 fire and new businesses opened as the town’s development continued. These massive fires weren’t limited to the downtown district. The first and second train depots along the railroad tracks both burned to the ground. The large brick building which served as Williamston’s first high school (and is now a section of the community center) burned down in 1887 and then burned again 15 years later. The F.P. Van Buren Cold Storage building burned
down and was replaced by the current structure just south of the railroad tracks near Putnam and North Railroad Street. One news report on the 1915 blaze said, “the fire started in a row of buildings that for years had constituted the greatest fire menace in town.” Today, with modern fire fighting apparatus, building safety codes, sprinkler systems and other advances, deadly fires are not as common as they once were. But back in the day, it was not “if,” but “when” a fire would sweep through a town and create havoc for its residents.
Summer 2010 My Williamston 33
Food
Recipe for success Story by Jack Schaberg Photos by Deb Drew Brown
34 My Williamston Summer 2010
Gracie’s Place expansion to include bar, two kitchens
I
The future Gracie’s Place restaurant during the early phase of construction.
n 2005, Dawn-Marie and Paul Joseph’s son Pat Donnelly opened a small Williamston deli called LowCarb Living. When he decided to expand so that diners would have a place to sit and enjoy their meal, complications arose that resulted in the deli closing. His bigger establishment would not open, but the new name he had chosen, after his daughter Gracie, did stick. When the building at 151 S. Putnam St. was put on the market in 2007, the Josephs purchased it, renovated it and soon introduced Gracie’s Place. The restaurant opened in Spring 2008 and has become a popular eatery, especially when there’s a play at the Williamston Theatre across the street. “We have people out the door,” Dawn-Marie Joseph said. “If you don’t have a reservation when a play’s on, you probably won’t get a seat.” Renovations before opening grew from planning to only replace one spot on the floor to instead redoing every part of the “floor, wall, electrical wire, the plumbing … everything right down to the brick walls,” said Dawn-Marie, adding they also removed an old garage and built a patio in its place that seats an additional 35. Now the Josephs are renovating again. After purchasing the adjoining building, the restaurant is going from about 24 indoor seats to about 85, fulfilling a dream, Dawn-Marie said, to turn their coffee shop and lunch place into a “place that would serve dinners at a fair price, with fresh vegetables and meats.” The expanded portion allows for two kitchens: a chef ’s kitchen that is an open space located directly across from a bar, where diners can watch chefs prepare meals; and a commercial kitchen, which will allow for catering services. “(We) also do special events, such as bridal showers and baby showers,” Dawn-Marie said. “We’re closed Sunday, so we’ll do them
Summer 2010 My Williamston 35
Food
Side dish Long road to Gracie’s for chef Brian Morden
After growing up in Lansing and attending Sexton and Haslett high schools, Brian Morden left the area and worked with a “great chef ” on Mackinac Island. He later returned to the area for the first of two stints in Williamston, both beginning at the Red Cedar Grill. Between the stints, he attended the Western Culinary Institute in Portland. In his first stop at Red Cedar Grill, he began as MORDEN a prep cook in 2002 and was kitchen manager by the time he left in 2006. In the years after culinary school, he worked in various food service places. “I helped open a sports bar, worked in a very fine dining restaurant and at the oldest restaurant in Portland,” he said. After several years away, family and friends beckoned him home. “I came back with aspirations to open my own catering business, which I did,” Morden said. “And I also came back to Red Cedar and became the chef there. So I was doing both, and that was just wearing me out. Once I was finished at Red Cedar, I was told that (Gracie’s Place) was moving from being a coffee shop to a bistro, so I thought I would come talk to them and see what was available.” The timing worked out, as Gracie’s Place was in the earliest stages of its expansion plans. Morden joined Gracie’s Place on Nov. 13, 2009.
36 My Williamston Summer 2010
The new Gracie’s Place will expand to the building next door, a former candy shop on South Putnam. on a Sunday, or a Saturday afternoon on the patio. Those have been a lot of fun.” While the menu will expand, too, its overall taste will stay the same. Chef Brian Morden, who described his cooking as “a rustic Mediterranean style,” has been looking forward to the restaurant expanding since he started working there in November 2009. “We’ll probably have at most 25 items on our menu, which will have three sections: an appetizers-type section, a section that is more for sharing, tapas-style, so there will be kind of entrée-composed dishes that are meant to share between two or three people, and then we’ll have a classic entrée section on the menu as well,” Morden said. Morden said the smaller location of Gracie’s Place had a limited dinner menu that changed every month. “It (was) kind of a trial
run for menu items,” he said of trying recipes that will be served at the bigger restaurant. The restaurant depends on local vegetables, leading to many vegetarian-type items and fresh meals prepared on-site from scratch, Morden said. “We want everything to be homemade,” Dawn-Marie said. “There’s only one salad dressing that we purchase. Everything else we make here.” Morden said he likes to have organic options, especially as the menu expands. “As of right now, we use Gordon Food Service,” Morden said. “I have been working with Giving Tree Farms in DeWitt, and then we’ll also be using an organic farm in Onondaga, and Cook’s Farm in Okemos. “Right now, we use Merindorf ’s Meat for a lot of our chicken and beef. There’s a com-
pany in DeWitt called Earthy Delights, and they work with a beef farmer in Eagle, they do all grass-fed, organic Piedmontese beef, which is an Italian cow strain. So hopefully, we’ll be using local, organic beef.” Dawn-Marie said the expanded restaurant will be a nice place to enjoy dinner, with a bottle of wine or beer, and ambiance, such as live music Fridays on the patio. The patio will also remain dog-friendly. “The expansion The increased seating capacity means certainly is additional staff. Dawna wonderful Marie said the restautestimony to rant will add about 20 a long-term employees to its current commitment to count of eight. Morden the downtown is the executive chef and general manager, area.” and Ben Joseph, one — Tim Allard of Dawn-Marie and City Manager Paul Joseph’s sons who has worked at the restaurant since its opening, remains as a chef, preparing meals and all of the eatery’s pastries. Morden expects to spend half his time at the restaurant marketing and planning special events, and splitting the rest of his time between kitchen work and mingling with guests.
While renovating the new section of Gracie’s Place, the Josephs found a fire-ravaged ceiling that needed repaired. He also hopes to have “throwdowns,” inspired by The Food Network’s Bobby Flay, pitting chefs from the area in culinary winner-take-all cook-offs. “If we have quite a few, we’ll probably do it tournament style,” he said, with the winner going on to the next round. “It will be interesting. The pressure will be on — I can’t lose on my own turf.” Dawn-Marie and Paul Joseph said they also plan to host supper clubs on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights, when the restaurant is closed to the public. This and other marketing efforts are designed to ex-
pand their customer base, which already includes diners from as far away as Brighton, Jackson, Grand Rapids and St. Johns. Morden said the bigger restaurant will also mean more baked goods and a full bar. He said Ben Joseph will likely maintain a bakery within the restaurant, meaning “we can take Artisanal breads to the farmers’ market.” The bar means, “We’ll have a cocktail menu that will rival our dinner menu. We want to do very chef-driven cocktails, including infused Vodkas — with basil, ginger and stuff like that. We want to make it — every aspect — more unique than anywhere else around.” While most of the renovation work has been limited to the inside of the building, Dawn-Marie said she is hoping to obtain a grant for the exterior work to be done this summer. The grant would be the only one for the Josephs’ project. “The expansion certainly is a wonderful testimony to a long-term commitment to the downtown area,” said Tim Allard, Williamston’s city manager. “We want it to be a special place where people can come and have fun,” DawnMarie said. “It’s like opening our home to them.”
Summer 2010 My Williamston 37
Calendar WILLIAMSTON July 1 — Free blood pressure clinic, noon-2 p.m., Williamston Area Senior Center. (517) 655-5173. 2 — Picnic in the Park First Friday Event. 3 — First Baptist Church fireworks show, Williamston Road, near I-96. 7 — Turtle Mania, 10:30 a.m., Williamston library. Open to all ages. Registration required. (517) 655-1191. 8 — Williamston Area Senior Center birthday bash. (517) 655-5173. 10-11 — Oakshire two-man golf tournament. First day at Oak Lane Golf Course (Webberville), second day at Brookshire Inn & Golf Club (Williamston). (517) 521-3900 or (517) 655-4694. 12-22 — Swim Camp at Williamston Community Pool for children ages 6-12, 11:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. $80 per child; $70 for additional children in same household. (517) 655-7510. 13-22 — Capital City Scuba Camp, 4-6 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ages 12-14. $35. (517) 655-7510. 14 — Remember the 1930s day, Williamston Senior Center. (517) 655-5173. 14 — Balloon Meister shares stories and makes balloon animals, 10:30 a.m., Williamston library. (517) 655-1191. 16 — Williamston Area Senior Center picnic at Kensington Park. (517) 655-5173. 17 — Family Fun and Movie Night, 7-8:30 p.m., Williamston Community Pool. $3 per swimmer. (517) 655-7510. 21 — Patches the Pirate presents Pirate Sails and Crocodile Tales,10:30 a.m.,
38 My Williamston Summer 2010
To submit an event, e-mail contact@MyWilliamston.com Williamston library. Registration required. (517) 655-1191. 27 — Williamston Area Senior Center birthday bash and bingo. (517) 655-5173. 29 — Williamston Area Senior Center bingo. (517) 655-5173. 28 — Paula Doak shares stories and music,10:30 a.m., Williamston library. Registration required. (517) 655-1191. 31 — Annual Williamston Police and Kids Golf Outing, 8 a.m., Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. (517) 655-3831 August 4 — Rick Kelley beach party, 10:30 a.m., Williamston library. Singalongs and limbo contests. Registration required. (517) 655-1191. 6-7 — Dog Days First Friday Event. Includes pet parade and pet costume contest. 6-7 — Summer horse dressage event, Copper Creek Farms. (517) 862-8913, dressagesecretary.com. 21 — Family Fun and Movie Night, 7-8:30 p.m., Williamston Community Pool. $3 per swimmer. (517) 655-7510. September 3 — Western Days First Friday Event. Includes square dancing in the street. 11 — The Williamston Theatre annual season launch party, 5:30 p.m. October 1 — Octoberfest/Pumpkin Festival First Friday Event. November 15 — Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce third annual Williamston Buck Pole. (517) 655-1549. 11 — Veterans Day at Williamston Area Senior Center. (517) 655-5173. 24 — Thanksgiving dinner with worship service, 6:30 p.m., St. Katherine’s Episcopal
Church. (517) 349-4120, stkatherines.org. December 12 — Concert by Barbara Bailey Hutchinson, 2 p.m., St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church. (517) 349-4120, stkatherines.org. 22 — Christmas caroling, 7 p.m., St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church. (517) 349-4120, stkatherines.org. 23 — Williamston Area Senior Center Christmas party. (517) 655-5173. 31 — Williamston Area Senior Center New Year’s buffet lunch at Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. (517) 655-5173. ONGOING Williamston Farmers’ Market, 2-7 p.m., every Thursday through Oct. 14 in the parking lot next to City Hall. Fresh produce, baked goods, arts and crafts, and garden items available. (517) 655-2774. Five Course Love, Thursdays through Sundays, July 8-Aug. 15. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. (517) 655-SHOW, williamstontheatre.com. Bocce Ball Tournaments, 6 p.m. Thursdays, July 13, 20, 27, St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church. (517) 349-4120. Swimming, Open/lap swimming, aqua aerobics, aqua fitness, arthritis exercise, evening swims, wave and dive club and private swim lessons. Programs run through Aug. 26. Call (517) 655-7510 for dates and times.
EAST LANSING Pete and the Parrot Heads, 7-9 p.m. July 9 at Fountain Square. Play in the Park, 7-9 p.m. July 13 at Valley Court Park. Mary Jane Heppner presents
an interactive children’s entertainment series. (517) 319-6823. Great Lakes Folk Festival, Aug. 13-15, Michigan State University Museum. (517) 432-GLFF, greatlakesfolkfest.net.
FOWLERVILLE American Car Heritage car shows, Thursdays through Oct. 9. Weekly shows at St. Agnes Church with themes from Red, White and Blue night to 50s night. (517) 376-2069, achcsusa.org.
GRAND LEDGE 37th annual Island Art Fair, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday Aug. 7, Island Park in downtown. (517) 627-9843, ledgecraftlane.com.
LANSING Festival of the Sun, June 26, festivalofthesun.com. Common Ground music festival, July 12-18, downtown Lansing. (517) 267-1502, commongroundfest.com. Lansing JazzFest, Aug. 6-7, in the
streets of Old Town. (517) 371-4600, jazzlansing.com. Renegade Theatre Festival, Aug. 20-22, at locations throughout Old Town. renegadetheatrefestival.org. Caribbean Festival, noon-11:45 p.m., Aug. 28, Lansing Community College’s Outdoor Amphitheater. (517) 483-1285. Old Town BluesFest, Sept. 17-18, in the streets of Old Town. (517) 371-4600, oldtownbluesfest.com. American Heritage Festival, Sept. 25-26, Woldumar Nature Center. (517) 322-0030, woldumar.org. Oktoberfest, noon, Oct. 2, in Old Town. (517) 485-4283, oldtownoktoberfest.com. Silver Bells in the City, 5-9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 19, downtown Lansing. (517) 372-4636, Ext. 6, silverbellsinthecity.org. Potter Park Zoo Wonderland of Lights, Nov. 27-Dec. 27, Potter Park Zoo on Pennsylvania Ave. (517) 342-2715, potterparkzoo.org.
OKEMOS Nonprofit seminar, July 29, Aug. 25, Sept. 30, Oct. 28. (517) 241-6470. $50 per person. Registration required.
Framers Edge Members Show, Oct. 5-Nov. 7, at Shiawassee Arts Center.
PERRY Scholarship Golf Scramble, July 30, Glenbrier Golf Course. (517) 625-3800. Perryfest, Sept. 17-19. (517) 625-6155, Ext. 235, or (517) 625-7753 after business hours.
ST. JOHNS St. Johns Mint Festival, noon-6 p.m., Aug. 13-15, at St. Johns City Park. clintoncountychamber.org/mint.php
WEBBERVILLE Oakshire two-man golf tournament, July 10-11. First day at Oak Lane Golf Course (Webberville), second day at Brookshire Inn & Golf Club (Williamston). (517) 521-3900 or (517) 655-4694.
Have an event to add? Submit it to contact@MyWilliamston.com. Also, add events online at MyWilliamston. com/calendar.
Summer 2010 My Williamston 39
Faces & Places St. Mary School Girl Scouts line up for the homecoming parade in September 2009. Pictured, from left to right, are: Lila Lundgren, Anja Guenther, Bella Spagnuolo, Lennon Williams and Zoe Turner. Photo by Jennifer Guenther
Amy Miller and her 8-year-old daughter, Angela, show their spirit during Williamston’s homecoming festivities in September 2009. Photo by Steve Brannan
Scott Van Allsburg stands behind the community art piece created during the May Art Walk. Van Allsburg led the community effort at Wood & Sons Corn Bin. Photo by Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce
Outgoing Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce members Rosemary Philip, left, and Dawn-Marie Joseph, right — shown with board member Benjamin Eichler — were honored for their service at the December 2009 Chamber luncheon at the Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. Photo by Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce
Dorothy Shaft shows off an Easter gift basket she had made at the gift shop Yeetown in April 2010. Photo by Yeetown
Cindy Pinckney, Julie Dyer, Pat Pixley and Cindy Pixley enjoy the festivities during the 2009 Holiday Light Parade. Photo by Kristy Robinson Two-year-old Eli Kluemper becomes an icy Eskimo during the Williamston Ice Festival in January 2009. Photo by Heather Kluemper
See yourself here! Submit photos of your family and friends at local events to contact@MyWilliamston.com.
40 My Williamston Summer 2010
Advertiser index Alliance Obstetrics & Gynecology 484-3000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Hayward-Pixley Insurance 655-2124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
My Williamston magazine 655-TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Topliff’s Tara Bed & Breakfast 655-8860 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Bloom 655-6800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Heritage GMAC Real Estate 672-3811 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Nu Concept Salon 655-9095 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Williamston Library Foundation 655-WCLF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
CarQuest 655-4323 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Heritage Real Estate, Sheryl Brownlee 810-599-3249 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Nu-U-Nutrition 204-5783 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Williamston Depot Museum 230-9030 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
City of Williamston 655-2774 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Heritage Real Estate, Katie Ambrose 517-861-6897 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Paton Garage Doors 546-4257 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Williamston DDA 655-2774 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
D&W Fresh Market 655-2230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
JCarlynn Photography 517-333-3375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Red Cedar Auto Sales 655-6090 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Williamston Inn 655-3773 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Deb Drew Photography 655-3677 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Junk Tub Dumpster Rentals 877-JUNK-TUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Sequels Consignment Boutique 507-4808 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 38
Williamston Primary Care 655-3515 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Edward Jones Investments 655-2427 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Kozy at Home PetSitting 655-3468 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Six String Place 282-3266 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Wood & Sons Corn Bin 655-2998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Erickson Learning Center 347-0122 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Lakota Electric 655-9333 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Smeak Real Estate 655-1316 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Yeetown 655-TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 41
Fireworks Glass Studio 655-4000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Limner Press 655-4455 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 45
Smile FM (888) 887-7139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Gerard’s Construction 655-3563 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Living Arts Dance Studio 819-9361 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Soldan’s Feeds & Pet Supplies (866) 765-3267 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
GLS Heating & Cooling 655-1981 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Locke Wellness Group 214-4857 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
State of Fitness 708-8828 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Graff Collision Center 349-8300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
MI Entertainment, Inc. 455-7919 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
State Representative Barb Byrum 373-0587 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Greg Crockett for Judge 930-3954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Michigan Brewing Company 521-3600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church 349-4120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Join the list For information about advertising in future editions of the magazine or on our Web site, visit us online at MyWilliamston.com or send an e-mail to contact@MyWilliamston.com
Monthly meetings in Williamston COMMUNITY Kiwanis Club — Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Williamston UMC Lions Club — First and third Tuesdays, 7 p.m., St. Mary Church Senior Center — First Monday (Aug., Oct., Dec.), 3:30 p.m., Community Center
CITY City Council —Second and 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 Chamber Directors Third Thursday, 9 a.m. Chamber Ambassadors Second Thursday, 9 a.m. · All Chamber meetings at Williamston Depot Museum
EDUCATION Board of Education First and third Mondays, 7:30 p.m., Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
Join the conversation. Visit MyWilliamston.com/talk. Summer 2010 My Williamston 41
LIVING
Pet Perfect
From trick-or-treating to spa sessions, Williamston has everything its furry family members could want
T
ashi isn’t your average Shih Tzu. Beside being spoiled daily with rawhide treats and watching TV or taking trips with her owners, the Williamston dog is pampered monthly with visits to the salon. “Since our children have grown and moved out, she’s the only little girl I have left,” said Tashi’s owner, Meridian Township resident Anne Cruce. “She’s really a part of the family, and she deserves a little pampering.” The beloved pooch speaks to a theme in Williamston when it comes to pets. Locally, these furry family members have an annual event just for them, called Dog Days, their own Halloween trick-or-treating, and their pick of grooming boutiques. “Tashi means lucky in Chinese,” Cruce said. And lucky the little dog is. Every four weeks, Tashi visits Lucy’s Pampered Pets in Williamston for traditional grooming. Every couple of months, she is treated to an ultimate spa session, which consists of a bath in fragrant shampoo followed by a nourishrich conditioner, a facial scrub, nail filing, paw cleansing massage and fresh cologne. “She’s always excited about going in,” Cruce said of Tashi, who turned 6 in June, “so I think she really enjoys it.” Cruce said appointments take about one-and-ahalf to two hours and that she spends on average about $50 per month on Tashi. tory by Nationally, pet owners auren spent $45.5 enderson billion on animal care in 2009, according to the
S L H
42 My Williamston Summer 2010
by the
NUMBERS
45.5
In billions, the amount of dollars Americans spent on their pets in 2009.
17
In billions, the amount of dollars Americans spent on their pets in 1994. Photo by My Williamston staff Justyne Liverances, an employee at Lucy’s Pampered Pets, gives Tashi a bath during the Shih Tzu’s regular appointment at the shop. American Pet Products Association. That figure includes costs of $3.36 billion for grooming and boarding to $17.56 billion for food. In addition to ultimate spa sessions, Lucy’s offers hot oil treatments to condition dry skin, blueberry facial masks to remove tear stains and Dead Sea mineral mud baths to keep coats clean and smooth. Dogs can also get their nails painted at the pet-friendly shop. Lucy Molina, owner of Lucy’s and a professional groomer, said she matches the nail color to the dog’s hair bows or bandana. Molina said her shop averages about six dogs a day, but has had as many as 12. That number doesn’t include her numerous pets, many of which she brings to work with her. Molina’s cats can be seen sleeping and lounging in the waiting room area, and her dogs hang out with her and the other dogs waiting to be groomed in the back service area. Divine K-9 Spa and Dog Wash is another Williamston business devoted to pampering
62
Percentage of U.S. households that owned a pet in 2009, which equates to 71.4 million homes.
GO FIGURE 45.6 million households have dogs and 38.2 million have cats. But, there’s 93.6 million pet cats and just 77.5 million pet dogs. Pet fish outnumber both with 182.9 million owned by only 14 million households. According to American Pet Products Association
Photos by My Williamston staff
Lucy Molina, owner of Lucy’s Pampered Pets, gives Tashi a trim at the Williamston pet boutique. Tashi gets groomed about once a month. pets. The spa offers aroma therapy sessions throughout the year. and aroma therapy shampoos. “There’s all sorts of things to do with your “The therapy products help condition dog in town,” said Teresa Wood, Dog Days dogs’ skin,” owner Stasi Oliver said. “They organizer and owner of Wood & Sons Corn all contain UV protection, which is great for Bin. “It’s dog mayhem.” dogs in the summer since some are prone to Dog Days is not just for the dogs, sunburn.” however. Last year, owners Spa visits aren’t the only and their cats took place in Fat Cat Fact time dogs get star treatment the first Fat Cat Contest. in Williamston. The city The winner of Dogs Days’ The winner weighed in at a rolls out the red carpet inaugural Fat Cat Contest hefty 28 pounds. weighed 28 pounds. several times a year for its Area businesses often pet population. participate in the annual Perhaps the most popular is Dog Days, a event by putting water bowls outside and Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce offering dog treats and activities. Last year, First Friday event that takes place every owners took dance lessons with their dogs year in August. A pet parade, pet costume at Elizabeth Williams School of Dance and contest, psychic readings for dogs, an ugly Gracie’s Place offered homemade “pupcakes” dog contest and an agility course were on the restaurant’s pet-friendly patio. planned for this year's event, Aug. 6 and 7. Many residents also get involved. Each year, the mayor honors a dog as the Holly Thompson, Williamston’s city clerk, town’s Deputy Dog. A panel of judges selects organized a donation tent for the Ingham the dog from a group of canines entered by County Animal Shelter during the 2009 their owners. The chosen dog leads the pet event to raise funds for the care of rescued parade and marches in other city parades and surrendered dogs.
Dog Days organizer and local business owner Teresa Wood poses with her dog Lucy during the 2009 Ice Sculpture event in downtown Williamston. Summer 2010 My Williamston 43
LIVING
A dog-gone good time
Many Williamston area pets took part in 2009’s Dog Days event, which featured a pet parade, pet costume contest and psychic readings for dogs. Photos courtesy of the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce
44 My Williamston Summer 2010
Summer 2010 My Williamston 45
LIVING “It’s important to help those animals at other downtown events and for shopping trips is usually found in the front area getting in the pound,” Thompson said. “Those dogs at downtown stores. And cats may be seen Pinckney’s way by sitting on her keyboard or need our love, too.” napping in the windows of local businesses, receiving attention from customers. Hound, a 2-year-old basset hound, including Hayward-Pixley Insurance and In addition to free scratches and lots was Thompson’s inspiration for the tent. Legends Jewelry. of comfy chairs to sleep in, Lulabell has Thompson found Hound beat up and “Most people are surprised when they first discovered other perks to being at the office. neglected near the Grand River “If I don’t get whipped cream in Lansing and welcomed him with my coffee, she doesn’t like into her family. It was while that,” Pinckney said. “When I nursing Hound back to health get coffee at Gracie’s Place, I get that she became aware of the a separate lid with some whip on many costs associated with it so she has her own.” rescuing an abused animal. Servers preparing her coffee Thompson has three other for the first time usually give her dogs: Bridget, a 14-year-old an awkward look, but Pinckney boxer; Dotty, a 6-year-old red said explaining the extra lid is heeler; and Dash, a 2-year-old for a cat answers any questions. German wirehaired pointer. Pinckney said she makes sure “It’s like having four kids,” to vacuum frequently in case Thompson said of her clan. someone allergic to cats visits. “They’re each unique with “We’ve only run into two their own personalities.” people who were allergic so far,” Not long after Dog Days she said. “And they didn’t mind.” comes Dog Trick-or-Treating, Many area businesses cater Photo by My Williamston staff which takes place each year the to pets on their own. Joey’s Pet Saturday before Halloween. Outfitters, a store featuring all During the event, dogs — and pet products, teams up with the some owners, too — dress up Kitten Nursery, a Williamston in costumes and collect treats rescue facility, for monthly cat from local businesses. Owners adoption days. Derek Drushel, purchase tickets to participate general manager at Joey’s, said and all funds go to For Better about three to four cats are — Cindy Pinckney, of Hayward-Pixley, jokes about Lulabell, above Independence Assistance Dogs, adopted each month. which trains rescue dogs to help Wood, who regularly walks people with hearing loss and other disabilities. see her, but they walk over and give her the love her dog Lucy, a 1-year-old blue heeler “It’s a great way for people to have fun she obviously doesn’t feel she gets from us at Boston Terrier mix, around town, said with their dogs and raise money for a good the office,” Cindy Pinckney, the administrative Williamston is an extremely pet-friendly cause,” said Beth Spanski, event organizer assistant at Hayward-Pixley, said about place. She said people are more likely to say and a trainer with For Better Independence customers’ reactions to their cat, Lulabell. hi if you’re out walking your dog. Assistance Dogs. Pinckney said she believes Lulabell was “They love dogs,” Wood said of When citywide pet events aren’t taking abused before being adopted by the office. Williamston residents and business owners. “If place, animals are still abound in Williamston. The cat hid in the back room for much of you’re walking with your dog, people want to Owners often bring their dogs out for the first year, but in the four years since, she stop and chat.”
“Most people are surprised when they first see her, but they walk over and give her the love she obviously doesn’t feel she gets from us at the office.”
46 My Williamston Summer 2010
Summer 2010 My Williamston 47