battle creek / marshall

FR
E
E
BA
TT VO
LE LUM
CR E 3
EE 3, NU
K MB
/ M ER
AR 1
SH
AL
L
ACCREDITED INSTRUCTORS
•
•
•
•
Puppy Classes • Obedience
Agility • Showmanship
Group or Private Lessons
Behavior Consultations
1329 East
Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek,
New Classes
Starting Soon
Michigan 49017
269-781-7800 |
www.MichiganDog.com
www.bobjanvrinautobody.com
269-962-0401
111 Evergreen Road, Battle Creek
Phone: 269-969-6110 | Fax: 269-969-8748
Carol Kubota: 269-979-8432 / fx 269-979-8434
7 Heritage Oak Lane, Suite 4, Battle Creek, MI 49015
email: [email protected] • www.bclanguageculture.com
English as a Second Language classes for...
Business Communications / Language & Culture Training
ALLEN’S
NEWEST
MALL!
105 Capital Ave., N.E. at North Avenue • 962-5527
Family Friends
Fitness Fun!
• State of the art Health
Enhancement Center
• Multi-Sports Complex
• Aquatic Center
• FREE Child Watch and Y in the
Sky Youth Activity Centers
23,000 SQUARE FEET OF NEW CONSTRUCTION
QUALITY CRAFTS, ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
2
HOURS: 7 DAYS – 10-5
10750 W. CHICAGO ROAD (US 12) • ALLEN, MICHIGAN
1 8 2 C A P I TA L AV E N U E N E , B AT T L E C R E E K , M I 4 9 0 1 7
517-869-2250 • www.hogcreekmall.com
269-963-YMCA • www.ymcabattlecreek.org
2503 Capital Ave. SW
Battle Creek, MI 49015
Tues-Fri 7am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm
269-962-5519
S
A
L
O
N
/
S
P A
ALYSSA DERUITER STYLIST
2545 Capital Ave., SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-565-1134 | fx 269-441-2117
20 GRIFFIN COURT • BATTLE CREEK • MI • 269-968-1269
Gift Certificates, Gift Packages and
AVEDA Products Available
LOCALLY OWNED & MANAGED SINCE 1980
427
427 Booths
Booths || Dealers
Dealers From
From 66 States
States
Outpost
Outpost Grill
Grill &
& Restaurant
Restaurant || Bus
Bus Tours
Tours Welcome
Welcome
265 E. Emmett, Battle Creek, MI 49017 | 269-962-9511
w w w. a r t c e n t e r o f b a t t l e c r e e k . o r g
9011 W. Chicago, Allen, Michigan • 517-869-2788
7 days 10-5 | Take I-69 south to Coldwater exit 13, 10 miles east
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Totally Non-Smoking Establishment Free Banquet Room (up to 80)
MINGES BROOK MALL 269-979-9551
5 7 0 0 B E C K L E Y R O A D , B AT T L E C R E E K , M I 4 9 0 1 5
269-965-7771
3
Bob Hubbard /Owner
Barnes & Noble
Highlights
7275 Tower Road
Battle Creek MI 49014
269-962-1070
24 / 7 Emergency Service
In 1933, Samuel Blanc created a funny-looking sewer
Shows That Motivate
cleaning machine from a 1/6 HP Maytag washing machine
motor, roller skate wheels and 3/8” cable to turn the blades.
The device used a combination of special blades or “knives”
to cut tree roots out of sewer lines. No digging was required.
A year later, Sam's wife Lettie christened the prototype the
“Roto-Rooter.” Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is the largest provider of
plumbing and drain cleaning services in North America.
nineteen-thirties
nineteen-forties
nineteen-sixties
100% Blade-free Lasik
Seminar March 13
LASIK with INTRALASE Method™ and
“Wavefront” could be right for you!
INTRALASE Method™ is an all Laser Technique, which
helps achieve better vision. More patients may now be candidates for laser vision correction due to the unique level of precision. The computer-guided
laser is bladeless and offers greater assurance of a safer procedure and an excellent result.
LASIK “Wavefront” offers customized treatment, which is tailored to very small visual
irregularities that are specific to one’s eyes. Wavefront treatment helps reduce problems
with night vision, glare and contrast sensitivity. “Wavefront” treatment offers the most
technologically advanced way to restore your vision.
Call 979-6383 to schedule a free consultation / Financing Options Available
Brookside Office Park Health Expo – March 13, from 6 to 8 PM – including...
Dr. John B.Morris DDS, New Day Family Medicine and others.
LASIK seminar Thursday, March 13, 6-7pm. Call 979-6383 Ext. 1035 to RSVP.
All seminar attendees will receive a 10% discount on LASIK INTRALASE® procedures. Attendees can
also register to win a FREE, one-eye LASIK INTRALASE® procedure.
Dr. Jeff Colquhoun
combines his 11 years of LASIK
experience to provide the
safest and most precise LASIK
procedure available.
4
3600 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-979-6383 or 1-800-274-6699
www.swmeyecenter.com
by Ronda Grundemann,
Community Relations Manager
Are you a frequent watcher of television shows like Clean Sweep, Design on
a Dime or Curb Appeal? Do they inspire
you to do great things with your home?
I find myself tuning in when I am sitting
on the couch channel surfing. Clean
Sweep makes me start cleaning out
draws and closets. Design on a Dime
makes me look at my bedroom color
scheme differently. Curb Appeal gives
me ideas on how to make my front porch
more than just a porch. If you find yourself stopping at these shows when you
are channel surfing or if you are an avid
fan, Barnes & Noble’s has some books
that might be right up your alley. All the
shows I have mentioned have one or
more companion titles that you will get
lots of ideas and encouragement from to
accomplish your wishes and dreams.
Do you tend to go more toward the
tasty pleasures? Whether you like meals
in 30 minutes, goodies not quite from
scratch or Italian everyday we also have
some books that will test your taste
buds. Adults and kids are fans of
Rachael Ray and her 30-Minute Meals.
She has many titles that can help you
make your own quick and easy meals.
Sandra Lee makes things fast and simple
the Semi-Homemade way. She has many
titles to choose from – you’re sure to
find one or more you love. Are you a fan
of Giada DeLaurentiis? Her Everyday
Italian will make your mouth water and
give you the confidence to make those
dishes that always seemed too complicated to undertake.
There are many titles at Barnes &
Noble that can help you get motivated
and guide you through whatever kind of
project you want or need to undertake.
Whether it is cleaning out and organizing the basement or just making dinner.
Good luck and make it fun!
See our in-store calendar of events
for all our activities.
5701 Beckley Road
Lakeview Square Mall
Battle Creek, MI 49015
Phone: (269) 979-8060
Fax: (269) 979-8445
Contents
VOLUME 33 - NUMBER 1
ARTICLES:
Celebrating The African Descendents Experience ....... Eric E. Smith ........................................................................ 8
Man of TheYear – Erv Brinker .................................. Sherii Sherban .................................................................... 22
History Rests Here – Oakhill Cemetery .................... Debra Stanley ..................................................................... 34
COLUMNS:
FEATURES:
As Scene By ............................. Richard F. DeRuiter ...................... 6
Art & Culture ............................................................................... 39
Business Perspectives .................................................................... 13
Business to Business ...................................................................... 14
Congratulations Erv Brinker ....................................................... 16
Local Interest.......................................................... 28, 30, 32, 42-47
Entertainment Calendar............................................................... 40
Business Listings............................................................................ 51
Advertisers’ Index ......................................................................... 52
Touching The Bases ............... Carl Angelo ................................. 46
STAFF:
Health Scene ........................... Peter Phelps ................................. 26
To Be Drug Free .................... Carol Meyer-Niedzwiecki ........... 27
Fun With Food ....................... Joanna Stelloh Phelps .................. 29
Oaklawn Health ..................... Dan Stulberg ................................ 31
Real Estate Scene ................... John L. Stauffer .......................... 38
COVER:
This month’s cover was created with the digital
magic of Rick DeRuiter, photography by our good friends at
Conway Photography and inspired by Scene Magazine’s
Man of the Year – Erv Brinker.
Publisher ................................................. Frederick (Rick) DeRuiter
Assistant Publisher/Sales...................................... Shirley DeRuiter
Business Manager ........................................................ Shelii Penny
Executive Editor......................................................... Sherii Sherban
Managing Editor .............................................. Gordon Rosberg, Jr.
Publications Coordinator ................................. Frederick DeRuiter
General Manager/ Systems Manager ...................... Keith Sherban
Typesetters ................................ Frederick DeRuiter, Terri DeRuiter
Artists ....................................................... Frederick (Rick) DeRuiter
David Sherban, Matt Travis
Staff Photographer............................... Nate Zanotti, Keith Sherban
Advertising Sales ........................... Shirley DeRuiter, Leslie Hewitt,
Gordon Rosberg, Jr., Sherii Sherban, Julie Staab
Printing ............................................... Millbrook Printing Company
Scene was established in June, 1977, and is published twelve times per year by
W.W. Thayne Advertising, Incorporated. Scene is distributed free through our
advertisers, area professional offices, and key points of interest in the Battle
Creek/Marshall area. Scene is also available by mail subscription, $22 for
twelve issues, $38 for twenty-four issues. Due to bulk rate restrictions, copies
of Scene are not forwarded automatically by the U.S. Post Office to recipients
when they move or are temporarily away. Please contact our office with your
new address before you move so we can update our mail list and provide you
with uninterrupted service. Opinions expressed by writers in Scene are their
own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of Scene or W.W.
Thayne Advertising, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Reproduction without
permission is prohibited.
For advertising and publicity for your event or organization:
Scene Magazine
4642 Capital Avenue Southwest
Battle Creek MI 49015-9350
Our telephone is (269) 979-1410, telefax (269) 979-3474
Or you can e-mail us at: [email protected] / [email protected]
For editorial: [email protected]
For ads, photos or graphics: [email protected]
REMEMBER TO VISIT SCENE’S WEBSITE AT... www.scenepub.com
© 2008 by Scene Magazine, a division of W.W. Thayne Advertising Consultants, Inc.
Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited except by permission. All rights reserved.
5
As Scene By
BY RICHARD F. DERUITER
THE PERFECT CHOICE
Always choices.
It’s about 7:30am and
there are a couple
inches of snow to
shovel, my daily
workout, a broken
wooden duck to
repair, and, of course,
a column to write. I
have many projects
that I could be working on too, but the duck
intrigued me because it was hand made and
had its head broken off in two places and in
unusual shapes that someone had tried to
repair... poorly, I might add. I bought it for
four bucks at a national retail store in Battle
Creek, one wonders why they don’t just
return items that are broken to the main store
or discard it. Maybe it’s because there are
just too many nuts like me that get excited
about restoration of a seemingly unrepairable
item. In any case, they must be right, because
I wanted to see if I could fix it. The problem
with the duck is that the way its neck is
curved, it’s impossible to clamp. My first job
was to clean off the glue someone tried to use
to make the initial repairs. That done, I took
some matching stain and applied it all around
the broken edges. Next, I took one side of
each of the broken parts and applied moisture
to it, except in the centers, because I was
going to use two kinds of glue. I used Gorilla
glue all around the edges and about a quarter
inch inside all the edges. All through the
middle I used “Professional Super Glue” fast
drying because it will be able to hold the two
broken pieces exactly in place acting as a
clamp until the Gorilla glue sets. Gorilla glue
will add the permanence to the repair that the
Professional Super Glue will not. That’s as
much as I’ve done so I can go to the computer and tap out a few words. I will have to stop
periodically and use some acetone on cloth to
wipe the edges as part of the Gorilla glue will
seep out and should be immediately wiped
away. Gorilla glue always expands, and that’s
part of the reason it is one of the best adhesives for a permanent repair for nearly anything. Anyway, that’s as far as I’ve gone. I
will make the other parts of the restoration
later in the day.
I am a little bummed today because I
wanted the New England Patriots to win the
Super Bowl, but how can anyone who lives in
Michigan feel too bad. Even though a former
University of Michigan quarterback lost, a
Michigan State wide receiver caught the winning touchdown.
Erv Brinker is Scene Magazine’s Man of
the Year. His impact on the Mental Health of
our entire community is unequaled. His voice
is respected by all of the leaders of our local
DON’T MISS
YOUR
CHANCE
TO WIN!
health organizations, and he gives of his time
to serve with many organizations that plan
the direction that our community will take to
improve the quality of life for all its citizens.
Even with his involvement in the health care
field, he makes time to run four times a week,
fly an airplane, ride a motorcycle and take
time for one of his favorite hobbies, “Bee
Keeping”. When the subject of who would be
a good choice for Scene’s Man/Woman Of
The Year came up at the office this year, my
daughter, Sherii Sherban, the Publisher of
Senior Times, Managing Editor of Scene and
a Health Care Professional, immediately said
she had “the perfect choice”. As always, the
staff at Scene mentioned the name to former
winners of the award and to other local community leaders for their reaction to our final
choice, and without hesitation, they agreed
that Erv Brinker was a perfect selection.
When we asked Erv’s wife, Jamie, to
describe him in one word, without hesitating
a second she answered “integrity”.
My favorite story about Erv is when he
spent an entire summer in his spare time tearing down an unwanted barn and the next
summer reassembling it without using power
tools on his property. Erv Brinker, truly a
deserving “Scene Magazine Man Of The
Year”. You want contrasting proof... I guess
it’s time for me to check on my duck...
Be a super sleuth...
join the ongoing hunt
for Rick DeRuiter
Pour through the pages of Scene this month and find the
elusive DeRuiter. Warn your friends. Warn your neighbors. He’s in
there somewhere, waiting for the one lucky detective to find him!
LAST MONTH... PAGE 42
LAST MONTH’S WINNER...
HUGH CROCE
Have you found him in this issue?
If yes, then call Scene at 979-1410 ext.
391 to have your name entered in the
drawing to receive Spaghetti Dinner
for two from FAZOLI’S and 4 FREE
Car Washes from Harper Creek Shell.
You must make your discovery by Feb.
29, 2007 and the winner will be
announced in the next issue of Scene!
6
LOOK! - Now you can e-mail your
detective work too! [email protected]
Include your name, daytime phone and
what page you found him. OR on-line
at...www.scenepub.com
HARPER
CREEK SHELL
WIN A VALUABLE PRIZE!
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR
has passed for Scene Magazine, and as always our success is attributed
to those businesses and individuals who advertise in our pages. Without their support we would not be able
to bring this community a publication that not only informs but entertains its readers.
So, to you, our advertisers, please accept this most sincere
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
T H A N K Y O U
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
T H A N K Y O U
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rose Pest Solutions
Russ & Lou Ann Mawby
Salvation Army
Schulers Restaurant
Schweitzer Construction
SealCoating +
Shari Rarick School of
Dance
Shaw Funeral Home
Sheriff Al & Judy Byam
Sherriff-Goslin Company
Sims Electric
SNAP
Southern Michigan Bank
Southwest Michigan Eye
Care
SouthWest Rehabiliation
Spartan Stores
Spencer Funeral Home
Springfield Party Store
Stacy Lott Attorney At
Law
Stanley Lawn & Garden
State Farm - John Chmiel
Stuffniques
Substance Abuse Council
Sunshine Toyota
Swonks Flower Shop
Taking the Lead Dog
Training
Tan Fabulous
TDR (Tony DeRose)
Teresa Durham
The Advocates
The Corona Smoke Shop
The Planning Group
Tibbets Opera House
Tim & Lyn Kool
TLC Eyecare & Laser
Centers
Todd & Nancy Lassen
Tom Harris
Tom’s Body Shop
Toyota Tsusho
Troxel Realty
United Way
Vandervoort & Christ
Velma Laws-Clay
Volunteer Bureau
Wachovia
Walters Dimmick
Walters Plumbing
Washington Heights
Waterfront Restaurant
Waterworks Express
Wilhelm Sturham
WK Kellogg Airport
WK Kellogg Foundation
WMU - Kendall
WMU College of
Aviation
WOLY
Women’s Co-Op
Worgess Insurance
Zemlick Office Products
Zucca’s
T H A N K Y O U
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
T H A N K Y O U
•
•
•
• Marshall Economic
Development
• Marshall Internal
Medicine
• Marshall Library
• Marshall Medical
• Marshall Public Schools
• Marshall Town & Country
• Mary McQuiston
• McKinney Poured Walls
• Medler Insurance
• Mexicali
• Michigan Association Of
Realtors
• Michigan Econmic
• Michigan Heartland
Goodwill
• Michigan Tile & Carpet
• Mike & Sue Rae
• Mike Downing, Remax
Realtor
• Miller College
• Miller Foundation
• Mole Hole
• Monarch Bank
• Mr & Mrs Andrew
Yankama
• Narconon Stone Hawk
• National City
• Neighborhoods Inc
• Net Magic Pros
• New Day Family Medical
• Non Profit Alliance
• Northpointe Woods
• Oak Hill Cemetery
• Oaklawn Hospital
• Omega Castings Inc
• OMNI Family Credit
Union
• Organizational
Development
• Palmer Envelope
• Partners Ins / IHP
• Patterson Plumbing
• Paul & Sharon Ohm
• Pennfield Schools
• Peter & Carolyn Christ
• Phillips Custom Building
• Planned Parenthood
• Post Foods
• Powers Bath
• Prebish Chiropractic
• Pres & Marge Kool
• Prism Pediatrics
• Progressive Printing
• Quality Independent
Communications
• R & M Lock
• Radio Communications
• Ramada Inn
• Rhoades Construction
• Richard Henry Funeral
Home
• RMTC
• Robin Steely
• Robins Nest
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Francois
Franke Center for Arts
Franklin Iron
Gallagher Uniform
Ginny Sue Framing
Girlscouts
Glens Tire Center
Godfrey Jewelrys
Great Harvest Bread
Company
Great Lakes Bone & Joint
Harbinger Real Estate
Harper Creek Optimist
Harper Creek Schools
Harvey’s Nest
Helen Schoder
Heritage Assistant Living
Heritage Chevrolet
Hoffman Brothers
Hog Creek
Holiday Inn
HomeLife
Homer Foundation
Hot Set
Howes Custom Building
Hubbard Plumbing - Roto
Rooter
II Stanley
Image Gallery
ISS Innovative Software
Strategies
Jack & Norma Mawdsley
Janvrin Auto Body
Jessup Group
Jim & Susan Baldwin
Jim Hazel
Jim McHale
John Charles Portraits
John Hallacy
John JH Schwartz MD
Joyce Brown
Junior Achievement
Judy & Art Angood
Jutta Family
Karen Reeves - Edward
Jones
Katz Well Drilling
Kebs Engineering
Kellogg Community
College
Kellogg Community
Federal Credit Union
Kellogg Manor
King Jewelers
Kingman Museum
Korean Martial Arts
Lakeview Schools
Language & Culture
Center
LaSalle Bank
Les Stanford Ford
Lifespan
Little Giant Restaurant
Maplewood of Marshall
Mark & Christine Schauer
Marshall Credit Union
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Brenda Hunt
Buckenberger Insurance
Burnham Brook Center
Burr Engineering
Byrds Landing
Calhoun Area Career
Center
Calhoun Christian School
Calhoun County Medical
Care Facility
Calhoun Intermediate
School District
Carolyn Hoekstra
Carpet Warehouse
Carr & Associates Land
Surveying
Cello-Foil Products
Center Stage Dance Studio
Cereal City Window
Cleaning
Charitable Union
Charlotte Performing Arts
Chas & Sherry Walker
Chemical Bank
Chris & Betty Christ
City Linc
City of Battle Creek
City of Springfield
Claire’s Tux
Colleen Starring - Semco
Comerica Bank
Community Inclusive
Recreation
Conway Photography
Creative Covering Fabric
& Upholstery
CSM Group
CTS Telephone
Dance to Life
Dandy Handyman
Dave & Jackie Steger
Dave Eddy
Davenport University
Denso
Disability Resource
DK Fence
Dom & Sheila Canatti
Drakes Batter Mix
Duncan Aviation
Eagles Ridge Apartments
Ed Rose
Elizabeth Binda
EPI
Evergreen Manor
Falcon Diversified
Family & Children
Services
Family Health Center
Family Vision Services
Family Y Center
Farley Estes Dowdle
Funeral Directors
Felpausch Stores
Foote & Lloyd
Foundation For Behavioral
Resources
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
T H A N K Y O U
•
•
•
•
•
•
• 3MCA - Mid Michigan
Mechanical Contractors
Assoc
• 5th Third Bank
• A.W. Crooks Advertising
• Advance Global Source
• Advanced Special Tools
• AFL-CIO Labor Council
• Al Bobrofsky
• Albion Economic
Development
• Albion Machine
• Allegra Printing
• Allen Antique Barn
• Allen Antique Mall
• All-Tronics
• Alterra
• Alzheimers Association
• American Red Cross
• Arcadia Brewing
Company
• Architecture + Design
• Art Center of Battle Creek
• Arts & Industry Council
• Asmo
• Associated Construction
• A-Z Key Shop
• Bachman Hebble Funeral
Service
• Baker Brothers Cleaning
• Barbara Comai
• Barn Theatre
• Basket Expressions
• Battle Creek Area
Chamber
• Battle Creek Assoc of
Home Builders
• Battle Creek Balloons
• Battle Creek Bombers
• Battle Creek Catholic
• Battle Creek Community
Foundation
• Battle Creek Downtown
Partnership
• Battle Creek Health
System
• Battle Creek Hunt Club
• Battle Creek Hunt Club
• Battle Creek Math &
Science Center
• Battle Creek Public
Schools
• Battle Creek Rotary
• Battle Creek Tile &
Mosaic
• Battle Creek Unlimited
• BC Transit
• Best Western
• Betty Arnquist
• Bickford Cottage
• Bill & Carolyn Ticknor
• Binda Foundation
• Blue Water Asset Mgmt.
• Bob & Nadine Gifford
• Bob & Patty Miller
• Boy Scouts
THANK YOU on behalf of the Scene Magazine staff and its loyal readers.
Siblings,
Doss Foreman
and Freddie Mae Clark
(wife of Chester Clark –
photo right) moved to
Battle Creek from
Arkansas.
In recent times, Americans
nationwide have created the
tradition of celebrating the
history of Americans of African
descent during the month of February.
Yet few Americans, regardless of race,
recognize many of the contributions to American
society that have been made by Black people.
Every American who drives an automobile can
appreciate the safety and structure that traffic
lights provide. American military personnel
appreciate the protection that their gas masks
provide. These are just a couple of examples of
the many inventions created by forgotten Black
inventors that have stood the test of time and
continue to benefit us today.
I am reluctant to use the term Black history
not for fear of not being politically correct, but
rather for desiring to be more accurate in
reference to history. Black history has taken
place worldwide. It has not just occurred in the
United States. It has influenced Africa, South
America, Europe and Asia. Good or bad, if it
took place on American soil, it is American
Top, Right: George and Sussie Hytches (sitting) had 18
children – 15 appear in the photo. The little girl to the left
of George is Cora, who later married Tillman Clark (bottom
photo). The Hytches were cotton farmers originating in
Alabama, and later moving to Oklahoma.
8
B Y
E R I C
E .
S M I T H
History, not Black, Latino or Asian
history. Sometimes to use these terms
seems to continue the divide
between Americans. It would be more
accurate to say American history from an
African, Latino, or Asian descendant
perspective. Again without worrying about
being politically correct, let’s discuss the
experience of the negro, colored,
Afro-American, Black, and AfricanAmerican in the Battle Creek and Calhoun
County area. For all of these generations
still exist among us.
Many Black Americans, while appreciative of the efforts to remember and
celebrate their past, have expressed concern at
the fact that their perspective, contributions, and
rich history is all but ignored until February.
Our history is one of pride and pain. AfricanAmerican history is truly a depiction of the
strength, character and resiliency of the human
spirit. Black American History is more than
just a remembrance of slavery, Jim Crow, and
...continued...
Bottom, Right: George and Millie Clark raised their
eight children growing cotton, while George also worked
as a blacksmith. Three of the Clark children (Howard,
Chester and Bonny) later moved to Battle Creek. Chester
married Freddie Mae (upper left), while Tillman Clark was
married to Cora Hytches (above).
9
Set between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek,
THE CROWS involves locations familiar
to Michigan residents. Described by some as
a psychological cozy, the story includes
wry humor combined with
fast paced events.
MARIS SOULE
has published 25 category
romances, several being
romantic suspense. She is a
Veteran romancer Soule
skillfully combines suspense,
two time RITA finalist, has
won or placed in several
publishing contests.
mystery and romance in a
fast-moving tale.
Kirkus Review, 9/15/2007 issue
MEET MARIS!
February 13th, 7pm at
Fireside Books in Marshall!
Available Now at...
Amazon.com / BarnesandNoble.com / Kazoo Books and Michigan News in Kalamazoo
QUALITY SERVICE FOR
OVER 49 YEARS
FAST EXPERT INSTALLATION | FREE ESTIMATES
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
U.L.A.B.A.
MEMBER
269-962-8779
Located in Urbandale
at 1338 W. Michigan, Battle Creek, MI
Hours: Tue-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm / Mon 8:30am-8:30pm & Sat 8:30am-noon
10
EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY
EMPLOYER
the Civil Rights Movement. Unfortunately for too many children, regardless
of race, this is all they think of in reference to Black history. Also Black history is not meant as a means to make anyone feel guilty, but rather to recognize
the sins of the past and create a more
loving and healthier tomorrow for all.
Furthermore, in recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of such notable
figures as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Sojourner Truth, local leaders and
celebrities, let’s celebrate and recognize
the unique shared history, sacrifices, and
contributions of all of our local families
and fellow citizens that have enriched
our local community.
The Past, Lest We Forget…
”It Ain’t All Bad”
No discussion of Black history in
Battle Creek could be complete without
a mention of Sojourner Truth and the
Underground Railroad. However, so
many others, great and small, have contributed locally to the cause of social
equality, justice, and progress. Battle
Creek and Calhoun County have truly
been blessed by the numerous lives of
Americans of African descent who have
contributed to the United States, Battle
Creek, and Calhoun County in areas
such as the government, law, military,
education, sports, social service, business, and entertainment. Few people
know of Battle Creek’s strong roots
linked to the legendary “Motown” era.
Several recording artists from Motown
either made Battle Creek their home or
frequently came to Battle Creek due to
family and friend residing in the area.
“Back in the day” is an expression
that has been coined by the 55+ age
group. My mother tells me how, even
today, she marvels at the diversity of
sales associates in retail stores now compared to past years. “You could not find
a person of color, male or female, working in stores on the sales floor ‘Back in
the day.’” Now-a-days it is an accepted
fact of life as it should be although there
still is not enough diversity within every
sector of our society as it could be.
“Back in the day” there was also a
division of living areas with names like
“The Bottoms” and “The Heights”
(Washington Heights area today).
Basically, the Bottoms is where most
Black people lived and the Heights was
predominantly White. When my mother
came to Michigan from the South like the
majority of African-American families,
they began to move into the Heights and
as more Blacks moved into the Heights,
there was a white flight in the majority of
the historic neighborhoods. Later starting in the early 1970’s, many newly middle class blue collar Black families
moved to the Orchard Park neighborhoods in Bedford Township. Generations
of youth from the 1950’s through the
1970’s, shared fond memories of their
experiences as youth at the Hamblin
Community Center and Youth Building.
Looking back over her life, my mother mentioned that, she marvels at the
progress that has been made in the
humanity of mankind, and that people
are better recognizing that we are all
God’s children. She marvels at the present generation when she looks at her
grandchildren and the opportunities and
possibilities that lay ahead for them in
being equal AMERICAN citizens. She
thanks God.
I often times listen to my mother,
grandparents, and others from their generations tell stories of the past. The stories are hilarious, inspiring, thought provoking, at times painful, and full of
pride. These stories have helped me as a
person. To all generations I say, keep
telling the stories. Write them down and
do not take for granted that everyone
knows the rich history that you have
experienced firsthand.
My grandmother, on several occasions,
has shared her stories of being a domestic
worker. Like so many other Black
women, she spent as much time “raising”
other people’s children and taking care of
other families as she did her own family.
America was built on the back of our
working class. Like other cultures, the
stories of the average hardworking domestic or blue collar factory worker speaks of
the value of opportunity and hard work.
Their story is just as inspiring and worthy
of praise as any other.
Present History in the Making
Like my mother, I am encouraged by
the progress of the present. I look forward to a time when we no longer have
so many “firsts” such as “the first
African-American” president, coach,
quarterback, etc. Judging people by
their merit and the content of their character helps us to distance ourselves from
past mistakes pertaining to race, gender
discrimination, fear, and ignorance.
I am thankful to witness such ‘first’ as
the appointment of Chief David Headings
(Battle Creek Police Chief) and Dr.
Charles Coleman (Battle Creek Public
School System). I may even be blessed to
see an African-American appointed as
President of the United States. Like previous appointees to their respective positions, Chief Headings, Dr. Coleman, and
Presidential Candidate Barack Obama
represent all of us – together as
Americans. United We Stand…you
know the rest. These gentlemen and others help to break down barriers in the
minds of our youth in terms of what
young children of color can achieve.
They learn that achievement is not just
accomplished in the athletic arena or on
the entertainment stage. Rather, that they
can achieve in a more meaningful manner
that is of service to our local community
and the larger society.
A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
Apartments
Are Now
Available!
Call for more
information
or to schedule
a tour
700 North Avenue, Battle Creek
964-7625
Ext. 105
Friends...
Family...Home...
•
•
•
•
•
•
Independent Apartments
Assisted Living Apartments
Transportation
Activities
Secured Facility
Conveniently located to
hospital and pharmacy
Managed by Life Care Services, LLC
A Not-For-Profit Community-Based Organization
...continued...
11
Women in Business Almost Here!
Call 269-979-1411 for
your opportunity to be a part of
this popular business issue.
HEALTH CARE SOLUTIONS
FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Working with you,
getting what you need
when you need it
Contact Me Today!
Karen M. Rial
1-866-546-8521
TOLL FREE
165 N. Washington Ave., Battle Creek | 269-660-3867 | www.partnersinsagency.com
I have witnessed in working with
youth that it is difficult for all children,
especially children of color, to value the
lessons of history when what they hear is
not inclusive or complete in its accuracy
of all people’s contribution to society
and struggle. Today, youth of all races
play together instead of separately at
Claude Evans Park and the new Boys &
Girls Club. More people of all races are
coming out to celebrate “Family Day”
and the “Juneteenth” celebrations at
Claude Evans Park. It is uplifting to see
that all people are beginning to understand that there are not “Black” holidays, but American holidays that ALL
Americans can and should celebrate.
For example, most Americans participate in St. Patrick’s Day though we are
not all Irish.
Within Battle Creek today, there are
forty-one predominantly AfricanAmerican churches. A few of the
churches have grown to levels where
they have been blessed to build beautiful sanctuaries and grow in their capacity to serve larger numbers of the community.
Reverend Elmer Hess, Sr.
pioneered the WFPM gospel radio station which is a highlight for all people
within Battle Creek and Calhoun
County. The Battle Creek Committee
on Community Affairs, NAACP, and
Urban League are continually working
to achieve “The Dream” that Dr. King
is noted for. Most are not aware that
Battle Creek had two Black male youth
whom attended Harvard University.
Too often, we only hear of the poor
choices some of our youth engage in.
The majority of our youth are doing the
right things.
Every year the Urban League, along
with several school systems, conduct an
African-American Quiz Bowl. Like my
mother, I marvel at the site of seeing
children of all races volunteering to
learn more about the history of those of
African descent. If you have not witnessed this awesome event, you have
truly missed seeing kids hungry for
knowledge and seeing education as
“cool,” while having fun. The Quiz
Bowl is truly what education is all about.
Into the Future
Do not take for granted the knowledge you have accumulated. Share your
knowledge and experiences with the
community. Give youth local examples
of sons and daughters of all races who
have done well. In this way, they too
will know that they can start achieving
their dreams in their backyard.
Finally, let’s all strive in a manner that
future recounted history is more inclusive
of all people’s contributions and actions.
I hope to see the day when we can do
away with history months and have history be more inclusive of people of color.
However for now, it is a necessary evil to
have specific months for history.
12
Business Perspectives
BY KATHLEEN MECHEM
News From The Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce
I am pleased to
provide this Battle
Creek Area Chamber of Commerce
and Chamber Foundation update for
Scene. I appreciate
Scene’s support and
the opportunity to
provide this column.
I am also pleased to congratulate Erv
Brinker, CEO of Summit Pointe as well
as a Director of the Chamber of
Commerce, on his well- deserved recognition and honor as Scene’s 2008 Man of
the Year.
As we begin 2008, businesses and
organizations are planning and strategizing for the future. The Chamber, as we
move forward, begins our new membership campaign- Experience the
Chamber: in Business for Businessemphasizing the top 10 reasons why
Chamber membership is a good business
investment.
Our Chamber is an innovative,
modern, cutting edge business organization that builds and strengthens
business resources for our many members, and builds businesses and leaders for our community’s future. Our
mission is to provide member services,
business advocacy and representation
to produce a positive economic climate. We focus on membership, business advocacy, networking, and workforce development/ quality of life.
New Business Contacts - One of our
most important benefits of membership is
networking. The Chamber provides programs and opportunities such as the
monthly Eye Opener Breakfasts and business expos, monthly mixers, ribbon cuttings, golf outings, special events, an
annual Membership Directory and
Buyer’s Guide and business seminars for
you to network with business representatives who need your products or services.
Insurance - The Chamber offers an
excellent connection to group health
insurance. We also have discount programs for Chamber members on workers’ compensation, commercial auto, liability and business property insurance
and a discount program for members’
employees for home and auto coverage.
Business Education Services – The
Battle Creek Self Employment Program
trains entrepreneurs to start and operate
their own businesses. The Chamber’s
Business Store is available to assist new
and existing firms with services such as
business plan development and general
counseling.
Business Advocacy- The Chamber
advocates on behalf of the business community and keeps members informed of
key legislative issues affecting your
business through Rap with Reps, and the
INSIGHT newsletter, and on our website. We endorse candidates and develop
policy issues.
Publicity and Exposure - Through
the INSIGHT and advertising opportunities, membership directory listings, and
program sponsorships, you will gain
direct exposure to all Chamber member
businesses.
Business Referrals - The Chamber
receives daily inquiries on where to find
products and services in the area. Each
year the Chamber makes hundreds of
referrals to Chamber member businesses
at no cost.
Awards – Annually, we present the
Small Business Small Business of the
Year Award, The Randall Brock
Memorial Award, the Workplace
Wellness Award, and the Nonprofit
Excellence Award. The Harley Simmons
Award is presented annually by the
Silent Observer Committee of the Battle
Creek Chamber Foundation to recognize
an individual who has significantly contributed to the safely and security of our
area..
Information and Assistance - The
Chamber keeps members informed on
local business issues and in touch with
other members through our website,
INSIGHT, daily radio messages, two
monthly TV shows, and the Membership
Directory/Buyers’ Guide. Newcomer
information is also available.
Investment in the Community –
Through the Battle Creek Area Chamber
Foundation businesses can support
activities including the Silent Observer
Program, the Battle Creek Self
Employment Program, Battle Creek
Collective Leadership for Change, the
Battle Creek Economic Club, and the
Business Store.
Discounts – The Chamber has negotiated discounts on telecommunications,
Internet connectivity, employment services, credit card processing, laser vision
correction and more. Many Chamber
members also offer discounts to other
Chamber members for everything from
estate planning to Chiropractic services.
Please contact us at 269.962.4076
or www.battlecreek.org/ chamber.
HANDLE WITH CARE provided a unique
safety net for 2,401 clients in 2007... when there
was no other source to turn
to in our community.
Please help our most vulnerable clients.
Mail your tax deductible gift to:
Family & Children Services
535 E. Emmett, Battle Creek, MI 49017
www.fcsource.org
Ad sponsored by an anonymous donor
13
Business to Business
BCHS COO Accepts
Position In Florida
New Employees At Monarch
Community Bank
Guardian Receives
Urban League Award
Gene Miyamoto, chief operating officer (COO) with Battle Creek Health
System (BCHS) has accepted the COO
position at St. Vincent’s Medical Center
in Jacksonville, Florida. He will report
to his new job in mid February. St.
Vincent’s Medical Center, a member of
Ascension Health, is a Northeast
Florida, faith-based, 528-bed not-forprofit, major tertiary teaching medical
center with $397 million in net revenues
and more than 2,800 associates. It is
recognized as one of the top 100 hospitals for cardiology and one of the top 50
heart hospitals in the nation.
Monarch Community Bank welcomes new employees to its staff in both
the Marshall and Coldwater offices for
Marketing and Business Development.
To round out a full administrative staff at
the banks, Courtney Dirschell will head
up the Marketing efforts and Jason
Kovick will assist the Marshall area as a
Regional Business Development Officer.
Jason’s responsibilities will be to
generate new relationships and retain
current ones in the community. He will
be promoting the bank and its services in
the area, as well as assist the sales staff.
Courtney Dirschell comes to
Monarch from the Community Health
Center of Branch County. Courtney’s
position at the bank will be focused on
increasing public relations and marketing for all the bank branches in southern
Michigan.
Jackie De Haan believes everyone
should have the chance to be financially
self sufficient and build assets, and she is
determined to do something about it.
Her efforts on behalf of the poor and
vulnerable adults were recognized
recently by the Urban League of
Southwestern Michigan. A “Dream
Maker,” she was honored for working to
fulfill the teachings of Martin Luther
King, Jr. The annual Urban League
event was in held in honor of the great
civil rights leader. De Haan is executive
director of Guardian Finance and
Advocacy Services, a nonprofit with
over forty years of service to Calhoun
and Kalamazoo counties.
Miyamoto
Photo: De Haan (left) receives the “Dream
Maker” award from Tracy Miller, CEO of
Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union
and Carl Word, executive director of the
Urban League of Southwestern Michigan.
Randall
Randall Named To
Board of Directors
Chemical Bank is pleased to
announce the appointment of Dr. Donna
M. Randall to its Marshall Community
Board of Directors. Dr. Randall is the
president of Albion College. “We are
extremely proud to add Dr. Randall to
our Community Board,” said Mark
Montross,
Marshall
Community
President for Chemical Bank. “Donna is
an active and influential member of the
Albion Community. Her insights and
advice will further contribute to our
ongoing success as a community bank.”
Omni Community Credit
Union Gives Grant
The Omni Community Credit Union
donated $500 to the Battle Creek Self
Employment Program (BCSEP). The
Program is a micro-enterprise program
developed to assist aspiring entrepreneurs and small business start-ups in the
Calhoun County area. This investment
by Omni will be used to purchase necessary class room materials for use during
the 10-week course. The Battle Creek
Self Employment Program is a program
developed by the Battle Creek Area
Chamber Foundation. For information
call (269) 962-8996 or visit us on the
web at www.battlecreek.org.
14
Kovick
Dirschell
KCC Student Artwork
Recognized
Family YMCA Opens
Wellness Center
Students from Kellogg Community
College’s Photography and Multimedia
Art Program were honored to display
their photographs and artwork at the
Blue Hour Gallery located at 127 West
Michigan Avenue in Marshall. The
exhibit, titled “Kellogg Community
College
Art
Seminar
Student
Exhibition” represents artwork from a
diverse range of student body and thematic points of view. The show culminates four months of student semester
coursework for Art 215 & Art 216, Art
Seminar I & II. Each student developed
a thematic portfolio of artwork that represented their personal interest, media
choice, and point of view.
The Battle Creek Family YMCA
recently celebrated the grand opening of
the new Wellness Center with a ribbon
cutting ceremony. The Battle Creek
Family YMCA’s new Wellness Center
features equipment from the Tone Zone.
State of the art Cybex equipment features 13 strength training stations, as
well as 10 cardio stations, and a set of 5
to 50 pound dumbbells. There are personal TV’s mounted on each cardio station. This is in addition to the equipment
already available in the Health
Enhancement Center. The Battle Creek
Family YMCA also offers water fitness
and rehabilitation classes at no extra
charge to YMCA members.
KCFCU Dunlap Student
Run Credit Union
Monarch Community Bank
Gets Casual for a Cause
Kellogg Community Federal Credit
Union (KCFCU) and Pennfield Dunlap
Elementary School announces the Grand
Opening of the new KCFCU Dunlap
Student Run Credit Union located inside
Pennfield Dunlap Elementary School.
For the last year Kellogg Community
Federal Credit Union has worked with
students to educate them on financial literacy through our Partnership in
Education Program. This is a free program that offers financial education
classes to area schools. In addition to
the education piece, KCFCU partnered
with Pennfield Dunlap Elementary to
offer a Student Run Credit Union to help
students gain real life experience while
giving them the opportunity to start saving money. KCFCU worked with educator, Michele Calloway, and her fourth
and fifth grade advanced math students
to get the program up and running.
In an effort to
help area non-profit organizations,
M o n a r c h
Community Bank
is going the extra
mile during their
Casual for a Cause
Friday’s. Every
Friday bank employees can opt to “dress down” wearing
a bank logo shirt for $1 per employee
per week. This year the majority of the
funds were donated to the Branch Area
Food Pantry and the Union City
Christmas Basket Project. Customers
can also contribute to the cause if they
choose, as containers are available for
additional donations.
Photo: Monarch Community Bank
employee, Martha Frohm contributing.
KCFCU Celebrates
With Ribbon Cutting
Kellogg Community Federal Credit
Union (KCFCU) celebrated the opening
of its sixth branch in Galesburg with a
ribbon cutting ceremony with the Battle
Creek Chamber of Commerce. The new
Galesburg location provides members
with more convenience, featuring four
teller windows, three member service /
loan offices, a drive up teller window
and a drive up ATM. This full service
branch is now open to serve new and
existing members. The Galesburg
branch is conveniently located on 35th
street at exit 85 off 1-94.
Photo: KCFCU hosts Kalamazoo
Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting
ceremony. Dan LaRue, Galesburg
branch manager cutting the ribbon.
KCC Student Art At
Eclectic Gallery
Students from Kellogg Community
College’s Art Programs were honored to
display their photographs and mixed
media artwork at the Eclectic Gallery.
The exhibit, titled “The Eclectic Gallery
Artist Salon Kellogg Community
College Student Exhibition” displayed
photography and mixed media from a
diverse range of KCC students. The
show included students enrolled in art
courses at Kellogg Community College
during the fall 2007 semester.
OMNI Community Credit
Union Hosts Live Chat
OMNI Community Credit Union,
headquartered in Battle Creek,
Michigan, now offers members and
prospects a more convenient and smarter
way to bank with Live Chat on its website. Member Service Representatives
from the credit union’s Member Call
Center are available online from Monday
– Friday, 9am - 5pm and Saturday, 9 am
- 12 noon. “We know that people’s time
is valuable and they may have questions
about some of our products and services
when they visit our website,” said Ted
Parsons, CEO, OMNI Community
Credit Union. “We think of our secure
Live Chat technology as an online
branch, making it easy for visitors to talk
to us, when and where they want.”
Congratulations Erv...
on being named Scene
Magazine Man of the Year!
WE CAN PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE – 1-866-8-POWERS
Photo: Danna Finney, Call Center
Representative of OMNI Community
Credit Union, chats online with OMNI
website visitors.
Beautiful solid
surface acrylic tub
liners, wall surrounds,
and shower systems.
• No messy tearout!
• Easy maintenance
• Long lasting beauty!
• Full bath
remodeling
• Solid surface
vanity tops and
cabinets
• Custom shower
doors
• Safety grab bars
• Anti-Scald valves
• Custom built seats
• Limited lifetime
warranty
CALL TODAY 962-2322 FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE!
Hours: Monday-Wednesday-Friday 9-6 • Tuesday.-Thursday 9-4 • Saturday 9-Noon
Visit our showroom at 8944 Portage Road, Portage, Michigan
RONDA &
BRYON
CROWDER
15
Erv, The community has joined with us in celebrating your accomplishments and your recognition as Scene
Magazine’s Man of the Year. We want to thank you for your
commitment to helping our community understand that
mental health is just part of the larger health care issues
facing our community today. Your leadership example has
affected many individuals, families and organizations in a
positive way, creating footprints that lead from one end of
our county to the other.
Erv Brinker has had a significant impact on the face of
health care in our community. He has been able to consistently pull organizations together to form programs that,
when combined, can serve the better good, in an even better way. Working under a philosophy that, “We are greater
than the sum of our parts,” Erv has been an integral part
of the positive changes for both his organization and our
community.
Congratulations
Erv on Your
Commitment to the
Community
He does not do it alone, however, and is quick to identify many other organizations that have willingly joined with
him to create positive change for local health care options.
Collaboration is one of the organization’s core values.
“Creating and maintaining a healthy and viable community
is accomplished by its people, at every level, working
together,” said Brinker.
John Avery
Hub, International
Judy & Art
Angood
Randy &
Sue Case
16
Battle Creek
Rotary Club
Susan & Jim
Baldwin
John & Dottie
Bromley
Tim & Kathy
Brutsche
Dom & Sheila
Cannatti
Lew & Mary
Bender
Sheriff
Al & Judy
Byam
Ann & Al
Bobrofsky
Tony
DeRose
Sam, Teresa
& Michael
Durham
David M.
Byrens, M.D., P.C.
Jase & Molly
Bolger
Chris &
Betty Christ
Joan & Gus
Anne & Dennis
Peter &
Carolyn Christ
Man Of
The Year...
You’re The
Man Of
Our Life!
Bob & Nita
Cretsinger
Love,
Jamie, Heather,
Jeff, Alex, Isabella
& Sophia
Cretsinger Care Homes, Ltc.
Bruce & Sue
Camburn
Floyd
Gallegos
17
Marshall
Brooks Field
Airport
Bob &
Nadine Gifford
Russ &
Lou Ann Mawby
Goodwill
Industries
Phil & Brenda
McPherson
Anne J.
Hacker
Mary
McQuiston
OCDS, Ph.D., LBSW
Broomtree Hermitage
Congratulations –
Well Deserved!
Jim Haveman
Haveman Group
Larry
Herman
Centerboard Associates
Brenda L.
Hunt
18
Preston &
Marge Kool
Congratulations Erv
Dev Ogle
Tim &
Lyn Kool
Michigan
Association of
Community Mental
Health Boards
Dr. Velma
Laws-Clay
Patty
Miller
Todd & Nancy
Lassen
PHILLIPS
CUSTOM
BUILDING
Substance
Abuse
Council
Substance
Abuse
Prevention
Services
Pollis & Gloria
Robertson
WILLARD LIBRARY
Phil & Tina
Slayton
Sen. Mark
& Christine
Schauer
Helen
Schoder
Don
Teegarden
Octavia
Crawford Turner
Charter Member of
Your Fan Club
John J.H. (Joe)
Schwarz M.D.
Gary &
Sharon Wortz
Dave &
Jackie Steger
Kate
Segal
Streamline
Health Care
Services
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS, INC.
Venture
Behavioral Health
Bradley Casemore
From those in the
community who have
benefited from all you
have done.
19
When choosing WW Thayne Advertising Consultants for your advertising needs, you’ve
chosen an agency that not only has the ability to create ideas for your advertising needs, or
even incorporate your own ideas. We have over 40 years of creative experience that gets to
the bottom of the process and makes those ideas WORK. From the early days of pens and art
board to the world of digital advertising, Thayne makes ideas work because we know how ideas work.
A D V E R T I S I N G
C O N S U L T A N T S ,
I N C .
BROCHURES LOGOS CORPORATE IDENTITIES VIDEOS MARKETING PLANS ANNUAL REPORTS
TRAINING PROGRAMS TELEVISION & RADIO COMMERCIALS PUBLICATIONS PRINT ADVERTISING WEB DESIGN
4642 CAPITAL AVE SW, BATTLE CREEK, MI 49015
269-979-1411
20
21
B
Y
S
H
E
R
I
I
S
H
E
R
B
A
N
a quiet giant . . .
alyst for positive change for both his
wanted less money from the county.
Erv Brinker
organization and community.
Yes, less money from the county. With
For more than 17 years, Erv has
this change in funding sources, he was
served as CEO for Summit Pointe, for-
able use other funds for matching
on our community there has barely
mally known as Calhoun County
grants and operate in a more business-
been a sound. Maybe it’s because of his
Community Mental Health. As Summit
like manner. Now called Summit
view from the clouds that he has been
Pointe CEO and community leader his
Pointe, the organization purchased the
able to see how things work from a dif-
footprints can be seen from one end of
building they are in, removing the debt
ferent perspective. Erv Brinker has
the county to the other, and beyond.
from the county. By generating fee for
been able to consistently pull organiza-
Erv came to this community knowing
service, controlling costs, embracing
tions together to form programs and
he had his work cut out for him. A first
customer service, and acting in a more
services that serve the better good, in
major project included the restructuring
entrepreneurial manner Summit Pointe
an even better way. Erv’s efforts con-
of staff as well as re-examining the
has been able to more effectively serve
sistently reflect a working philosophy
funding streams for the organization.
the residents in the county. As part of
Though he has left great footprints
of, “We are greater than the sum of our
In a bold move, he went to the
this transition he also started a new
parts.” That philosophy and his leader-
Calhoun County Board of
organization called Behavioral Health
ship skills have enabled Erv to be a cat-
Commissioners with a new plan. He
Resources. It is housed on the south
22
side of town. The additional office
space serves patients on the south side
of town and enables more people to
receive services
Collaboration is one of Erv’s core
values. “Creating and maintaining a
healthy and viable community is accomplished by its people, at every level,
working together,” said Brinker. Starting
at the top, Erv is a member of the CEO
partners group which includes leaders
from select area organizations.
This group meets
monthly to discuss community issues and strategize solutions they
...continued...
23
CONGRATULATIONS ERV!
As a community leader
and friend to healthcare and
non-profits alike, the honor
of being named Scene
Magazine Man of the Year
is richly deserved.
393 East Roosevelt
Battle Creek
269-965-3206
www.sw-rehab.org
24
can address collectively. Through the
use of creatively shared resources several new collaborative programs have been
implemented. “Cooperative behavior
engenders community cohesiveness and
a better life for everyone,” added Erv.
Among the several organizations that
have blossomed under this collaborative
environment is the Coordinating Council
(TCC). Housed at Summit Pointe, TCC
has been a catalyst to bring organizations together. It started with a grant
from the Department of Mental Health
and has grown from seven to more than
60 organizations and businesses across
Calhoun County. This collaborative
body has developed methods to gather
data across organizations that, when
combined, give our community a snapshot of critical quality of life and health
indicators. One of the outstanding products of this group is the Community
Report Card. Under the guidance of Anji
Phillips the county-wide organizations,
which make up TCC, gather monthly to
address health-related issues.
The Regional Health Alliance (RHA)
is another one of the successful collaborative efforts in our community. Funded
with a grant by the Battle Creek
Community Foundation, the focus of the
RHA is to improve the health of our
community. The Alliance is made up of
individuals from private and public
organizations with an interest in the
health of our community. Using assessment data, they have established several
action groups to accomplish goals based
on set indicator targets for 2010.
Two organizations developed under
this collaborative structure deal specifically with mature adults. Senior Health
Partners (SHP) is a collaboration
between Burnham Brook Center, Battle
Creek Health System and Summit
Pointe. SHP seeks to address health
issues for area seniors and includes educational opportunities across the county.
A second organization is Senior
Diagnostic Center composed of the partners Battle Creek Health System, Battle
Creek Medical Associates, and Summit
Pointe. The Senior Diagnostic Center
specializes in senior health assessment
and seeks to give seniors, and their families, a complete diagnostic view of their
overall health. Working with experts in
key fields, a complete diagnostic evaluation is developed for the patient. Then,
together with their primary care physician, the patient and his/her family they
can develop the best health care plan.
Another successful program developed under Erv’s guidance is Multi
Systemic Therapy (MST). This program
has successfully pooled funding
between Summit Pointe, Department of
Human Services and Juvenile Court to
refer area youth and allow Medicaid dollars to be used for wraparound services.
“With several organizations working
together this works,” said Erv.
The One Minute Manager, authored
by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson,
has provided a plethora of good insight
for Erv over the years. Of particular
importance is the following quote, “How
on earth can I get results if not through
people? I care about people and results.
They go hand in hand.” Reflecting Erv’s
management and leadership styles he is
quick to give credit to his staff as well as
partnering organizations. Together, they
have taken great steps.
Erv believes in order for each of us
to stay effective, we also need time to
relax our mind, and balance work and
stress with physical and mental rejuvenation. In order to help manage his
stress, Erv looks forward to meeting up
with several friends four mornings a
week at the Family Y Center. Some of
them have been working out together
for over 17 years. It’s a commitment
that has helped him maintain balance
in his life.
Flying is a favorite hobby of Erv’s.
For as long as he can remember he’s
wanted to fly. Finally, 12 years ago, with
his wife’s inspiration, he went through
the training and licensing process. “He’d
been talking about it for years,” said
Jamie, Erv’s wife, “I finally told him to
just do it...”
Erv now flies a Cessna Skylane that is
able to achieve speeds of 145 knots
(about 170 mph for the rest of us). It
seems to get a little better gas mileage
than my car with 4.5 flying hours per
tank of gas. In fact, he can get to San
Antonio in 10 hours. That same drive
has taken me over 20 hours. I think I’d
rather fly too.
Besides the beautiful scenery, experiencing weather patterns can be just as
amazing. “One of the best parts of flying, however, is that you must be singleminded. It forces you to change what
you have been dwelling on all day.
Everyone needs that from time to time,”
added Erv.
As I review the comments from Erv
during our interview I am struck by an
underlying belief that Erv is able to
make a difference because he chooses
to. Napoleon Hill says, “What the mind
of man can conceive and believe, it can
achieve.” Along the same lines Peter
Drucker says that, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Drucker
also reminds us that, “Good intentions
are not enough.” In other words, action
is required to make changes. Erv is a
definite man of action. The stunning part
to me is how quietly he makes an
impression on others and inspires them
to work together.
While talking with Jamie, I asked
how she would describe Erv. She was
quick to respond with, “He’s a man of
integrity.” I would agree.
Congratulations, Erv, on being
named Scene Magazine’s Man of the
Year. It is well deserved.
Erv swings for the
fence while participating
in the Community
Inclusive Recreation
Celebrity Softball Bash.
Erv Brinker’s commitment to
an inclusive community has
improved the quality of life for
ALL citizens.
CIR offers over 119 General
Recreation, Fun-on-the-Run, and CIR
ETC Arts Studio programs annually –
Register online at cirFUN.com
CIR MAIN OFFICES
154 West Street, Suite 2
Battle Creek, MI 49037
Ph. 269-968-8249
Fx. 269-969-6218
CIR ETC ARTS STUDIO
157 Capital Avenue N.E.
Battle Creek, MI 49017
Ph. 269-788-6654
Fx. 269-788-6653
The mission of Community Inclusive Recreation is to create an inclusive community
where people of all abilities can participate, contribute and reach their goals.
D
owntown Battle Creek is proud to
be the home of Summit Pointe and the
“stomping ground” for CEO Erv Brinker.
Under Erv’s guidance and leadership,
Summit Pointe has grown and evolved
to be one of the leading mental and
behavioral health organizations in the
Region. Erv’s steadfast commitment to
the downtown is most recently illustrated
downtownbattlecreek.com
by Summit Pointe’s investment in the
269.968.1622
Riverfront Condominium project.
Congratulations Erv, from the staff and
board of the Downtown Partnership!
25
Health Scene
BY PETER PHELPS
Is it an emergency or will urgent care do?
You are following your New
Year’s resolution
and trying to get
more exercise, but
you slip on the ice
and twist your
ankle. Do you go to
the
emergency
department or your
urgent care? Your spouse feels numb on
one side of his body and is having a hard
time getting words to come out right. Do
you go to the emergency department or
your urgent care?
In the first instance you might consider the urgent care; for the second, your
spouse is displaying symptoms of a
stroke and time is of the essence – get
emergency care now. It is important to
understand the difference: emergency
care is for life-threatening issues; urgent
care can usually handle all of the rest.
During the 1980s and early 1990s,
many families got into the habit of using
the emergency department for relatively
routine matters such as a child’s earache,
26
runny nose, and minor sprains. Some
insurance plans paid for these ‘ED’ visits without questions. But over the past
decade, the health care system reversed
those decisions, and today, you are likely to have to get prior approval before
using emergency services unless it is a
true emergency.
“It is estimated that nearly half of the
90 million visits to the emergency department every year are not true emergencies,”
says Steve Marzolf, director of Battle
Creek Health System emergency services.
“That means that over 40 million people
not only paid more for routine care than
they would have at a physician’s office or
urgent care center, but they also probably
wasted a lot of time because emergency
departments are not set up to care for routine illnesses or injuries.
Because of this trend, Battle Creek
Health System recently opened the
Beckley Road Urgent Care located just
off I-94 in the former Pilgrim House furniture store, the same building where the
‘open’ MRI is located.
The new facility provides high quali-
ty, convenient, time-efficient medical
care for all non life- or limb-threatening
injuries and illnesses. The hours are
Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8
p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Board certified physicians and nurses
staff the clinic with certifications in
internal medicine, pediatrics, and family
medicine. The center has six examination rooms, X-ray capabilities, and a laboratory for testing.
“Our goal is to provide exceptional
service through the highest quality care in
a professional, friendly, and efficient manner,” says Gerrie Baarson, executive director of outpatient and ancillary services at
Battle Creek Health System “We are here
when your primary care provider’s office
is closed, when you are not able to schedule a convenient appointment, or when
you just can’t wait to feel better.”
So, when life brings you a few
bumps, bruises, and sprains, you can
visit the new Beckley Road Urgent Care.
If it is life-threatening, go to the nearest
emergency department.
To Be Drug Free
BY CAROL MEYER-NIEDZWIECKI, Substance Abuse Council
Proper Disposal Information
Prescription drug abuse is of increasing
concern as national surveys report overall
downward trends in all drugs except for
prescription and over the counter medications. The Calhoun County Medicine
Abuse Prevention Task Force seeks to prevent local problems by raising public
awareness with tips about safe storage and
proper disposal of medicines.
Federal guidelines advise:
• Take unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs out of their original
containers and throw them in the trash.
• Mix prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee
grounds or kitty litter, and put them in
impermeable, non-descript containers,
such as empty cans or sealable bags.
This can help to further ensure the
drugs are not diverted for other use.
• Flush prescription drugs down the toilet
only if the label or accompanying patient
information specifically states that you
can do so. The FDA advises that the following drugs be flushed down the toilet
instead of thrown in the trash: Actiq (fentanyl citrate), Daytrana Transdermal
Patch (methylphenidate),
Duragesic
Transdermal System (fentanyl), OxyContin Tablets (oxycodone), Avinza
Capsules (morphine sulfate), Baraclude
Tablets (entecavir), Reyataz Capsules
(atazanavir sulfate), Tequin Tablets (gatifloxacin), Zerit for Oral Solution (stavudine), Meperidine HCl Tablets, Percocet
(Oxycodone and Acetaminophen),
Xyrem (Sodium Oxybate), Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablet).
• Patients should always refer to printed
material included with prescriptions
where disposal tips may be given.
• Take advantage of community pharmaceutical take-back programs that allow
the public to bring unused drugs to a
central location for proper disposal.
Burnham Brook has occasionally hosted such education programs and
encouraged older adults to bring their
medications in.
• The Calhoun County Health Department
Environmental Health Division conduct
hazardous waste collections where one
can bring in many unused, unwanted
meds for proper disposal.
Education of our youth, role modeling
appropriate use, securing (especially)
prescription medications by locking them
up or keeping them out of the reach of
children are all practices which can help
deter problems from developing for individuals, families, and our communities.
Adults 45+ can enjoy
health and wellness, arts & crafts,
billiards, dances, trips and
socializing with friends.
RELAX. RENEW. REGENERATE. 269-966-2566 ext. 320 or www.burnhambrook.com
27
Local Interest
Nest Boxes, Bluebirds and More!
Tracey Kast and Pat Stovall, longtime
conservationists and nest box monitors,
will present Nest Boxes, Bluebirds and
More! on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 at 1pm
at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary near
Augusta, MI. The program will include
what makes a good nest box and where
it should be placed to attract bluebirds.
Bill and Pat Stovall own Stovall
Products of Delton, Michigan and specialize in building nest boxes and feeders designed to attract a variety of bird
species. They have been in business
since 1989, and their boxes are found
everywhere, including backyards, golf
courses, corporation grounds, and
Why Michigan
Tile & Carpet?
We’re Your Local Mohawk Floorscapes Dealer
VALUE – As your local Mohawk Floorscapes dealer we’re able to offer
incredible flooring values by working directly with the Mohawk factories. We
have the perfect floor for anyone’s budget.
SELECTION – By being a Mohawk Floorscapes dealer we have access to
all Mohawk products, giving us a wide selection of carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, ceramic and much, much more.
SERVICE – Our friendly professional employees will make you comfortable and secure in making your next flooring purchase.
GREAT WARRANTIES – As a local Mohawk Floorscapes dealer we have
the largest flooring manufacturer in the world standing behind our floors.
MICHIGAN TILE &CARPET
99 E. Columbia Ave., Battle Creek
269-962-6227 | www.michtile.com
Hours: Mon 9am-8pm / Tue-Fri 9am-6pm / Sat 9am-3pm
HANS & ALICIA STARK
*No payments and no interest if paid by February 2009. Minimum purchase of $2000. Based on approved credit.
Offer applies to qualified customers and is subject to terms and conditions. Locate a participating store for complete
finance details at 800-821-0451 or www.mohawk-flooring.com.
28
research sites. Stovall’s nest boxes are
popular because they are locally made,
well built, and well designed.
“This program provides good information for homeowners or anyone interested in providing habitat for bluebirds
and who enjoy watching birds,” said
Sarah Carroll of the Kellogg Bird
Sanctuary. “Families also enjoy the program because they work together to
build a box and are excited to take the
box home. Monitoring the box becomes
a family event.”
Program cost is $4 for Sanctuary
members and $6 for non-members.
Children ages 2 to 12 years are $2. The
Stovalls will have nest box kits available
for $15.50. Participants can purchase
and assemble a nest box after the presentation. Tools will be provided; pre-registration and pre-ordered nest box kits are
recommended. Assembled nest boxes
and mounting materials are available for
purchase in the Sanctuary’s Resource
Center Gift Shop.
The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary will
present a second nest box program on
Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 1pm. This
program will provide information on the
various birds that use nest boxes, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and more.
Participants in this program will walk
the Sanctuary’s nest box trail to learn
how to monitor nest boxes and what they
can do with the information they collect.
To register and for more information
about these programs and upcoming
events at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary,
call (269) 671-2510, e-mail [email protected] or visit the web site at
www.kbs.msu.edu/birdsanctuary
The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is a non-profit organization and part of MSU’s Kellogg
Biological Station, which is dedicated to
developing an understanding of the interdependence of natural and managed ecosystems and the conservation of natural
resources through the development of
research, education and extension programs.
Fun With Food
BY JOANNA STELLOH PHELPS
In Honor of Honey
Dale Carnegie
once said, “if
you’re going to
collect honey, don’t
kick over the beehive.” Our Scene
“Man of the Year’,
Erv Brinker knows
that approach all to
well, both as a bee keeper and as a community leader. In honor of this award, I
am including recipes that use honey in
their ingredients. Congratulations Erv!
This is a well-deserved honor.
• 1-1/2 cup honey
• 1-1/2 cup cider or balsamic vinegar (or
combination of both)
• 1 cup salad oil
Instructions: In blender, mix marinade
ingredients until creamy. In 9 x 13 Pyrex
pan, place six boneless, skinless chicken
breasts. Pour marinade over chicken,
cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate
for four hours or over night. Remove
chicken from marinade and discard
marinade. Cook chicken on grill or bake
in oven until thoroughly cooked and no
longer pink.
Gourmet Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
• 16-oz. package of tri-color rotini pasta.
cooked and drained
• One jar sliced pepperoncini peppers
• 1/2 pound salami, cut into small pieces
• 1 package pepperoni, cut into small
pieces
• 1 can sliced black olives
• 1 small jar sliced green olives
• 3/4 cup red, orange, or yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 3/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 pound Provolone or Monterey Jack
cheese, cubed
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 tablespoon basil
• 3-4 drops hot pepper sauce
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
Dressing:
• One package of Good Seasons Italian
Dressing
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3-4 tablespoons honey
Instructions: Cook pasta and drain. In
large bowl, mix remaining salad ingredients and add pasta; set aside. In small
bowl, combine dressing ingredients and
pour over salad ingredients. Refrigerate
until ready to serve or over night. It will
keep for several days in the refrigerator.
Knapp’s Marinated Chicken
Marinade Ingredients:
• 1-1/2 cup apple juice
• 1-1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
• 6 teaspoons minced or chopped garlic
• 1 cup soy sauce
29
Local Interest
Why We Need Not-for-profit Organizations
Many times not-for-profit organizations are seen as the way we help those
in need who are not very much like ourselves. That is, we help the homeless,
the violated, the poor, the recovering
substance user, those who cannot make
it on their own. We do not see ourselves
among those groups.
The truth is that not-for-profits are an
essential part of our community and of
each of our lives.
Not-for-profits express on our behalf
our compassion for others.
They
demonstrate the humanity of a community. They embody the core values of
our community. They enrich the entire
30
community by assisting those who cannot help themselves to the full life of our
community.
Of equal, and not very often recognized, importance to our community is
that many of the not-for-profit organizations are central to a comprehensive economic development strategy. These
organizations deal with illiteracy, with
under-trained job seekers, with returning
felons who need a hand for that new
start, with young parents who have poor
parenting skills due to their own growing up problems, with financial illiteracy, with attitude and behavioral barriers
to employment and community living.
All of these programs are aimed at
bringing as many people who are outside
the mainstream of our community into
the mainstream and a life of self-sufficiency and independence. Not an easy
task but one that, with proper support
from our community, is achievable.
When achieved, all of us prosper.
The Charitable Union, while serving
as a good charity for over 121 years,
contributes directly to the strength of our
economic life. Besides all of the things
we do that most people recognize, we
provide a range of services that supports
those who are trying to move into a more
independent and self-sufficient life.
The Charitable Union provides career
wear for those entering the job market.
In 2007 we distributed, at no cost, over
18,000 items of career wear. We supply
steel toed boots for workers employed at
the fort. We carry out the mission of the
original founding women in 1887 – we
provide clothing to kids so that they
might go to school without fear of teasing about their appearance. We believe,
as was believed so long ago, that in
school these kids can get an education
and through education the chains of
poverty can be broken.
The reduction of poverty does not
just need jobs; it needs to have many
barriers removed. The removal of those
barriers remains the central tasks of the
not-for-profits in our community.
The way to support the Charitable
Union in 2008 is to join the 1887 Society
of Caring. For $120 a year - $10 a
month – you can join your neighbors in
ensuring that the Clothes for Kids program at the Charitable Union continues
to make the lives better for over 4,000
kids. Time to step up and be counted.
Oaklawn Health
BY DAN STULBERG
Oaklawn Hospital’s Birth Center Delivers First in 2008
Amy and Austin
Weller, of Battle
Creek, checked into
Oaklawn Hospital’s
Birth Center a little
before 7pm, New
Year’s Eve, and for
a while it was hard
to tell if little
Amyah was going
The Wellers proudly
to be Calhoun
show-off their
daughter Amyah.
County’s last birth
of 2007 or its first
of 2008. “Austin was kind of hoping for
a New Year’s Eve delivery so we’d qualify for the 2007 tax deduction,” the new
mother said with a smile, “but we were
just as tickled to have her come in as the
County’s first of 2008. She’s healthy
and beautiful, and that’s all that matters.”
The Wellers live on the east side of
Battle Creek, yet they’ve had all 3 of
their children delivered at Oaklawn. “I
was working at Marshall Manor when I
first became pregnant,” Amy began,
when asked how it was she chose
Oaklawn, “and I really wanted a hospital
that would provide a family atmosphere
type of approach to my delivery. When
I asked some co-workers about Oaklawn
I heard several nice comments, so I
decided to try a Marshall obstetrician
and I’ve been very happy with our experiences. My older sister was with me for
my first delivery and she ended up having her second child over here.”
Oaklawn’s annual birth figures ranged
from 250-350 during the 1950s-70’s, but
in the 80’s they jumped to almost 400
births a year, and then shot up to over 500
per year in the 90’s. Now, just seven
years into a new decade, Oaklawn’s Birth
Center annual number of deliveries is
over 620. In a recent independent survey
conducted by Lansing’s EPIC MRA,
when people were asked what they
thought Oaklawn Hospital was best
known for, “the Birthing Center” was the
leading response.
“I don’t think any hospital in our area
has nicer birthing rooms than we do,” said
Sara Birch, Oaklawn’s Clinical Nurse
Director, “but I think our fine reputation is
based far more on the exceptional treat-
ment that the mothers and fathers receive
in our Birth Center, and I attribute that to
our outstanding doctors and nursing staff.
There are 13 different physicians currently delivering babies at Oaklawn,” Birch
stated, “and there isn’t one I wouldn’t
highly recommend. Our Birth Center
nurses are fantastic, and I don’t think
there’s a better team of obstetric nurses in
the whole state. We aren’t just co-workers
working the same job. We’re all friends
who love what we do, and it shows in the
way we care for each of our patients.”
Perhaps that’s why mothers have
traveled more than 40 miles to have their
babies delivered at Oaklawn. Recent
records show that Marshall residents
account for less than 25% of Oaklawn
births, and roughly 50% of the obstetrics
patients live 10 or more miles away.
Birch sums up her feelings about her
staff with this story. “The other day, one
of our nurses came back to the desk and
said her patient had told her, ‘I can tell
you really love what you’re doing. It’s
not just a job to you.’ I think that could
be said about everyone of our nurses.”
31
Local Interest
BY PETER PHELPS
News From Battle Creek Health System
BCHS adds surgical robotics
to its healing arsenal
Less than 20 years ago, surgical
robotics was an idea on paper; 10 years
later it was a little more than a curiosity.
Today, it is considered ‘cutting-edge’
treatment for surgery departments committed to giving their patients the latest
options in health care technology.
Battle Creek Health System, in its
long-standing effort of bringing hightech choices to its physicians and
patients, is installing the most advanced
version of the da Vinci® ‘S’ with HD™
surgical system. The unit is named after
Leonardo da Vinci, the inventor of the
FACTS About UV
The disinfection of medical equipment using UV has been a common
and reliable practice.
UV disinfection has been determined to be adequate for inactivating
bacteria and viruses.
The germicidal effects of UV light
cause photochemical damage to DNA
and RNA within microorganisms.
OUTSTANDING WARRANTY PROTECTION
All functional parts are covered by a
5-Year Limited Warranty.
“...ultraviolet radiation, properly
integrated with heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning systems, shows
the most promise as a widely
applicable means of air disinfection.”
Richard Riley, M.D.
HUMIDIFIERS - Did You KNOW ?
• Humidifiers can help relieve the symptoms of dry skin, cracked lips, itchy
eyes, sore throat and sinus headaches, which could be caused by dry air.
• Dry air can be uncomfortable to breathe, and can damage wood products
like flooring, pianos, picture frames and cabinetry.
• During winter it’s especially important to add moisture to the air, since dry
winter air can drive down the relative humidity level in your home to as low
as 15% which is drier than most deserts!
Sims Electric Knoll’s knows how to effectively achieve perfect humidity levels in your
home throughout the year. Give us a call so we can help you choose the correct solution
for your needs and complete a professional installation.
Calhoun County’s ONLY
Authorized Armstrong
Dealer
THE YELLOW
TRUCK PEOPLE
269-963-7910 • 466 Main St. Battle Creek, MI
[email protected] • www.simselectricinc.com
32
robot, and the person who is considered
the first to use three-dimensional
anatomical accuracy in his detailed masterpieces.
The da Vinci ‘S’ HD surgical system
similarly provides physicians with such
enhanced detail and precision that it can
simulate an open surgical environment
while allowing operation through tiny
incisions.
The da Vinci ‘S’ HD is
designed to translate the surgeon’s skilled
hand movements into more precise
motions through the use of microscopes,
surgical tools, and video cameras.
The da Vinci ‘S’ HD surgical system
integrates a three-dimensional, high definition endoscopy and state-of-the-art
robotic technology to virtually extend
the surgeon’s eyes and hands into the
surgical field. Battle Creek Health
System is the first to offer da Vinci S HD
in clinical service in the Southcentral
Michigan region. The da Vinci S HD
surgical system offers unparalleled 3D
HD visualization, with panoramic 16:9
aspect ratios.
Compared to the standard da Vinci,
the da Vinci S HD provides surgeons
greater than twice the viewing resolution
and 20% more viewing area. This
means improved clarity and detail of tissue planes and anatomy – critical when
performing delicate dissection or in
reconstructive procedures.
The da Vinci ‘S’ HD improves upon
conventional laparoscopic procedures
where the surgeon stands next to the
patient using hand-held, long-shafted
instruments.
Using this operating
method, the surgeon must look up and
away from the patient to view a nearby
two-dimensional video monitor to see
the instruments at the targeted anatomy.
In contrast, the da Vinci ‘S’ HD system
allows the surgeon, after making several
dime-sized incisions as entry points, to
operate from a comfortable, seated position with eyes and hands positioned in
line with the instruments.
“This new technology provides surgeons with superior 3-D visualization,
enhanced dexterity, and greater precision making it possible for them to perform minimally invasive procedures
involving complex reconstruction,” says
Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell, vice president of
medical affairs and chief medical officer
at Battle Creek Health System. “The
improved and magnified images will
enable our surgeons to handle delicate
tissues with added precision, especially
in confined spaces in the body.”
For the patient, all of this means a
surgery that is less painful, and has less
blood loss, which in turn means less
need for blood transfusions. In other
words, patients have smaller incisions,
which often heal faster after surgery. All
of that translates into potentially shorter
hospital stays, quicker recoveries, and
faster returns to normal daily activities.
The da Vinci ‘S’ HD technology can
be used in cardiothoracic, colorectal,
gynecological, and urological surgeries.
Completion of the robotics implementation program at Battle Creek Health
System is scheduled for the first quarter
of 2008.
BCHS receives gift of standup
wheelchair
A standing wheelchair sounds like an
oxymoron, a combination of contradictory words. But, for a person confined
to a wheelchair, the opposite is true.
A standing wheelchair is a device that
allows people confined to a sitting position, to be mechanically elevated to their
feet while still being supported. This
assistive technology is relatively new to
the industry, but through a gift from the
Ruth Trubey family, the hospital now
has one to help staff more easily create a
positive standing therapy for patients
who are otherwise confined to a traditional wheelchair.
Ruth Trubey, a life-long resident of
Battle Creek was confined to a wheelchair due to complications from osteoporosis. In March 2004 her son Ken
purchased a standing wheelchair for her.
The chair gave her a more ‘normal’ perspective on the world in spite of her
handicap. According to her son, she
loved that chair and often spoke about
how she wished others might have the
same opportunities it provided her.
When she died, her son decided to honor
his mother by donating the chair to
Battle Creek Health System’s outpatient
rehabilitation services department.
The Standing Wheelchair Company,
the organization that built the wheelchair
for the Trubeys, modified the chair to
accommodate a variety of BCHS wheelchair patients.
Representatives from the Standing
Wheelchair Company were on-hand
recently to train the BCHS therapy staff
on the specialized wheelchair’s use. (LR) Konstantinos Sevastopoulos, PTA at
BCHS; Raymond Maczik, vice president of The Standing Company; and
Kenneth Trubey put the standing wheelchair through its paces.
The BCHS rehab department develops and delivers individual rehabilitation
programs to meet patients’ personal and
medical needs – helping the patients
regain and maximize their individual
levels of independence. The staff works
with the patient to establish rehabilitation goals, address current needs, and
plan for the future.
Your Trusted Financial Partner
The Marshall Branch of Monarch Community Bank...
was built in 1841 by Judge Abner Pratt (the first owner of the Honolulu House), as a wedding
gift to his daughter, Bellona, and her husband Isaac Crary. Later residents included Charles
T. Gorham, founder of the First National Bank of Marshall in 1865. Marshall Savings and
Loan began renovations in 1960 and held their Grand Opening in 1962.
Left to Right: Monarch Associates, Jason Kovick, Kim Furton, Tracy Engelsma,
Tammy Malatok, Cindy Benson, Kirk Schwarz, and Jennifer Rupp of the Marshall Historical Society
We’re your hometown bank, we’re your Monarch Community Bank
Coldwater 517-278-4566 | Hillsdale 517-439-1790 | Union City 517-741-3567
Marshall 269-781-5103 | Toll-Free 800-882-2911
www.monarchcb.com
33
B Y
Oak Hill Cemetery was estab-
S T A N L E Y
Arbor and spent his internship at
lished when four men, Moses Hall,
Bellevue Hospital in New York. He
Almon Whitcomb, T.W. Hall, and
returned to Battle Creek in 1876, to
Edward Packer with the help of oth-
take over the reins of the Battle
ers purchased
Creek
10 acres “on a
Sanitarium
gentle slope
Hospital and
south of the
its 15 patients.
city” for $12
Dr. John
an acre.
Harvey
In May of
Kellogg was
1844, Esther
ahead of his
Cox, wife of
Resting place of J.H. Kellogg
Dr. Edward
time. Years
ago, he was
Cox was the first person to be
telling everyone not to smoke, don’t
buried in the cemetery. Over the
eat meat, don’t use sugar and get
years, many of our famous forefa-
plenty of exercise. Dr. Kellogg
thers were buried here.
lived by his beliefs. Only natural,
Among them is Dr. John Harvey
healthy food should be eaten and
Kellogg. He came to Battle Creek
his inventions of exercise equipment
in 1856 with his parents. John
made the formation of the Battle
attended medical school in Ann
Creek Equipment Company a
Resting place of Esther Cox
34
D E B R A
SIDE BAR
Oak Hill Cemetery is the final resting place for the family of
Albert L. & Louise B. Miller. Al Miller was summoned by C.W.
Post after he had purchased the newspaper, to fill the position of
editor at the Morning Enquirer. He left saying thanks but not
accepting the position on the basis that he would be interested if
conditions improved.
Al Miller
In 1910, he accepted the new contract in which he would share
the profit and ownership. Albert L., Louise and Robert B Miller, Sr., at age 4
relocated to Battle Creek from Kansas. Al Miller worked 16-18 hours a day
through the First World War days with a very small staff. By the war’s end the
morning Enquirer was dropped and the paper remained as the Enquirer & News
publishing evening and Sunday’s paper.
necessity. Dr. Kellogg lectured on
good health all over the world. He
authored 50 books, and founded
several Battle Creek Schools,
including
Al Miller passed away in 1958 at the age of 83. His son, Robert B. Miller, Sr.
became publisher. His marker is at Oak Hill Cemetery.
In 1963, Louise B. Miller, widow of the late
Albert L. Miller who died April 25, 1958,
informed her son, Robert B. Miller, Sr., of
the provisions of her will. She made provisions in her estate to leave $250,000 toward
a memorial for her deceased husband in the
shape of a swimming pool or gymnasium to
benefit youth. She left the exact details of
her gift to her executors, the late Roger
Turner and her son Robert B. Miller, Sr.
Battle Creek
College.
Dr. John
Harvey
Kellogg was
one of 16
Robert B.
Miller, Sr.
Robert B. Miller, Sr. discussed the terms of the will with his
sons Al & Bob, Jr. who shared in equal
thirds of the balance of the estate.
children,
born into a
poor family,
Al Miller’s interests were not confined to publishing the best newspaper.
He was a supporter and leader of many causes to help improve the growth of
the community. In 1928, he established Federated Publications, Inc of which
he was president. This was a group of 3 newspapers.
Resting place of W.K. Kellogg
who with his strength of will and
his phenomenal mind, rose above
all obstacles to become one of the
most famous men in Battle Creek’s
history and surely, one man of
whom every citizen can be justly
proud.
...continued...
All three agreed to waive
their proposed inheritance to
establish the foundation in the names of Bob, Sr.’s
parents.
The Foundation was established on March 22,
1963 as the Albert L. & Lousie B. Miller
Foundation. Plans for the Miller physical education
building at Kellogg Community College were drawn
and construction began in 1964.
Mrs. Miller did not live to see the completion of the
building, dying on March 15, 1965. She is buried here at
Oak Hill Cemetery.
Bob Miller, Jr.
35
It takes a team to build a
thriving community.
ADRIAN MECHANICAL SERVICE CO.
HUNTER-PRELL COMPANY
Todd Carver / Adrian
Ph: 517-263-5025 Fx: 517-263-1430
[email protected]
Dan Wells / Battle Creek
Ph: 269-962-7538 Fx: 269-962-7311
[email protected]
ANDERSON AIR CONDITIONING
MYERS PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.
Richard Adams / Lansing
Ph: 517-372-3100 Fx: 517-485-5812
[email protected]
APPLEGATE, INC.
Garry Applegate/Jackson
Ph: 517-783-2646 Fx: 517-783-1219
[email protected]
FRY MECHANICAL INC.
Rodney Fry / Adrian
Ph: 517-263-0812 Fx: 517-265-4140
[email protected]
GRINDALL & WHITE INC.
Jeff White / Jackson
Ph: 517-784-7124 Fx: 517-784-2239
[email protected]
GUNTHORPE PLUMBING
& HEATING INC.
Kirk Myers / Lansing
Ph: 517-886-2255 Fx: 517-886-7854
[email protected]
PAUL E. BENGEL CO.
Jerry Jehnzen / Jackson
Ph: 517-783-2803 Fx: 517-783-2153
[email protected]
SCHECK MECHANICAL
Pete Seklins / Battle Creek
Ph: 269-968-5201 Fx: 269-968-5242
[email protected]
SHAW-WINKLER, INC.
Lynn O. Morgan / East Lansing
Ph: 517-351-5720 Fx: 517-351-5131
[email protected]
T. H. EIFERT, INC.
Larry Gunthorpe / East Lansing
Ph: 517-333-2660 Fx: 517-333-2665
[email protected]
Tom Eifert / Lansing
Ph: 517-484-9944 Fx: 517-484-1699
[email protected]
JOHN E. GREEN COMPANY
WILLIAM E. WALTER, INC.
Charles J. Osborne / Lansing
Ph: 517-322-4030 Fax: 517-322-9030
[email protected]
Douglas Wyrwicki / Flint
Ph: 810-232-7459 Fx: 810-232-8698
[email protected]
MID- MICHIGAN MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS:
A/C MECHANICAL SYSTEMS • ADRIAN MECHANICAL
ANDERSON AIR CONDITIONING • APPLEGATE • APCOM • BAM HEATING
BOSCH MECHANICAL • CASCADE REFRIGERATION • DAN ALLOR P & H
EIFERT, T.H. • FHC • FM SYLVAN • FRY MECHANICAL • GOYETTE MECHANICAL
GREEN, JOHN E. • GRINDALL & WHITE • GUNTHORPE PLBG & HTG
H2O COMPLIANCE • HUNTER PRELL • JOHNSON CONTROLS
KEBLER PLBG & HTG • LANG PLUMBING • MALL CITY MECHANICAL
MAPLE CITY PLBG & HTG • MICHAEL MCNAMARA • MLF ENTERPRISES
METRO IDUSTRIAL PIPING • MJR • MORGAN MECHANICAL
MYERS PLBG & HTG • NATIONAL PIPING • N B PROCESSING, INC.
NELSON TRANE • PAUL BENGEL CO. • PHOENIX REFRIGERATION
POWER PROCESS PIPING • PRIME MECHANICAL • PRO SERVICES
REFRIGERATION ENGINEER • SCHECK MECHANICAL • SHAW-WINKLER
SIEMENS BUILDING • SHAMBAUGH & SONS • STAFFORD-SMITH, INC.
SUMMIT CONTRACTORS • UNIVERSAL PIPING • WESTSIDE MECHANICAL
W. SOULE CO. • WHITE REFRIGERATION • WILLIAM E WALTER
WYERS PLUMBING • YORK INTERNATIONAL
SERVICING: Adrian, Battle Creek, Jackson, Lansing, Webber ville and all areas in between
A director y of members is available on our website: www.mid-michiganmca.org
700 North Washington Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906-5133 / 517-485-7990 / fax 517-485-4129
Also buried here is W. K. Kellogg.
Born in April of 1860, W. K. went to
work for his older brother. Dr. John H.
Kellogg in 1880. He worked for his
brother as assistant, business manager
and man of all jobs, for 25 years. He
worked long hours helping create formulas for new breakfast cereals. In
1896, the first successful flaked cereal
was made from wheat and in 1899, came
the first corn flaked cereal. In 1902, a
fire completely destroyed Dr. Kellogg’s
Sanitarium. It was then that W. K.
bought the rights to the new corn flake
cereal. He was 46 years old.
W.K. and his friend, Charles Brolin,
opened the Battle Creek Corn Flake
Company in 1906 with $35,000. The
company was to grow to have factories
on four continents and earn enormous
profits of millions of dollars.
This great man, who made a fortune
and gave it away for the betterment of
his community, and was quoted as saying that he “had not earned his money
through hard work”, passed away at
Leila Hospital at the age of 91. Many of
the contributions W.K. Kellogg made to
our community are still evident in every
aspect of life in Battle Creek today.
Every citizen in Battle Creek has benefited from the benevolence of W.K.
Kellogg, who loved his hometown and
its people.
The Battle Creek Division of Kraft
Foods Corporation, one of the largest,
most important companies in the world,
began with $68.76, hope, determination,
and the long hours C.W. Post spent in
experimentation in an attempt to produce a cereal-based hot drink to substitute for coffee.
C.W. Post arrived in Battle Creek in
February of 1891. Determined to perfect his hot breakfast drink, he bought a
second-hand gas burner stove, a handoperated peanut roaster, coffee grinder,
wheat bran and molasses, and began his
experiments. In 1895 the first batch of
Postum was processed. Eventually
called Post Cereals, the company was on
its way to becoming one of the major
producers of breakfast cereals.
C.W. Post introduced Grape-Nuts
Cereal in 1899 and Post Toasties in
1904. By 1901, C.W. was in a position
to help his adopted city and so, he built
the Post Tavern. People came from
around the world to stay in the sumptuously furnished rooms. In addition to
helping our city, Mr. Post wanted to help
the people who worked in his factory.
He built hundreds of homes in the vicinity of the plant, and sold them to the
workers at the plant, in order that they
have the security of providing decent
housing for their families. He also built
the Carton and Container Division of his
cereal plant.
A $250,000 gift from Marjorie Post
enabled our Battle Creek Public school
system to build a 25-acre physical edu-
cation facility. Leila Hospital and Leila
Arboretum were also gifts from the
Posts.
The Post Mausoleum on the grounds
of Oak Hill Cemetery is the final resting
place of C.W. and Leila Post
Montgomery.
In 1979, Robert B. Miller, Jr. returned
to Battle Creek to run the Battle Creek
Enquirer following his grandfather,
Albert Miller and father, Robert B.
Miller, Sr.
Robert Miller, Jr. was involved in
many organizations such Big Brother
Big Sisters, American Red Cross, March
of Dimes, Binder Park Zoo, United Way,
Y-Center, Art Center of Battle Creek,
Battle Creek Community Foundation,
Music Center of Battle Creek, Junior
Achievement, and Up With People. The
fitness center at the Battle Creek YMCA
is named for Robert Miller, Jr.
He was instrumental in bringing ice
hockey to Battle Creek and helped build
the Kellogg Arena which originally was
an ice hockey venue. Mr. Miller brought
one of the first U.S.-Russian and Red
Chinese hockey tournaments to Battle
Creek and the United States.
Mr. Miller continued the works of his
family in the Battle Creek area through
the Albert L. and Louise B. Miller
Foundation. The first project of the
foundation was the Miller Gymnasium
and pool at Kellogg Community
College. The Miller Foundation has
been one of the driving forces behind
many of Battle Creek’s developments
over the years and in 2005 Miller
College was established.
Mr. Miller was a very responsible
newspaper man and also a very visible
community leader. He believed that it
was the duty of a newspaper to responsibly inform the readers and to set meaningful goals for its community.
Robert B. Miller, Jr. has left behind
on the pages of the Battle Creek
Enquirer the imprimatur of a professional Newspaperman.
Robert B. Miller, Jr. passed away on
March 5, 2007 at the age of 71.
Each person buried here has left an
imprint on the history of our city. Oak
Hill remains, steeped in the history of
the city and people it serves. It continues to this day providing a resting
place for the dead and solace for the
living. Oak Hill, a combination of the
new and the old, is common ground
shared by persons of all races, religions, and political persuasions. Oak
Hill Cemetery consists of about 75
acres, 53 of it is in use with about
28,000 burials. Contrary to some
beliefs, we are not full and have room
for another 8 to 9 thousand burials on
the developed grounds, and the undeveloped area could be landscaped and
platted without much difficulty. If we
can serve your future needs, please
contact us at (269)964-7321.
SINCE 1844
• Complete Cemetery Service
• Many Family Plots Available
• Modern Crematory
2 5 5 S O U T H AV E . , B AT T L E C R E E K , M I 4 9 0 1 4 | 2 6 9 - 9 6 4 - 7 3 2 1
MICHAEL E. DOWNING REALTOR
• ASSOCIATE BROKER • HALL OF FAME AWARD WINNER
• 32 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE • OVER 2,200 CLOSED TRANSACTIONS
• RECIPIENT OF THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
• MEMBER OF THE RE/MAX 100% CLUB FROM 1983 thru 2006
8 TIME
PLATINUM
AWARD
WINNER
269-968-6101 W • 269-963-2433 H
269-968-3930 WFX • 269-963-0221 HFX
269-967-6315 Cell Phone
www.battlecreek-homes.com
e-mail: [email protected]
RE/MAX Perrett Assoc.Inc.,
121 Capital Ave., NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017
37
Real Estate Scene
BY JOHN L. STAUFFER, Realtor®
Look for the “Silver Lining” in Real Estate - It is a littler easier to see than usual.
“Housing market declines for 6th
straight quarter”,
“Michigan in a one
state recession”, “3
out of 4 homes selling in local area are
Corp. or bank
owned for last
quarter 2007”, These types of statements
are prevalent in the nightly TV news,
daily on the radio and in the printed
paper. Everywhere you look it sounds
like real estate is on the downside of a
roller coaster ride with no bottom in
sight.
Two very important factors I would
like you to remember when considering
the current Real Estate market.
1.) Real Estate is a local phenomenon
(I wrote an article a couple of months
back about this). But the simple truth is
well there are national factors that
impact the local economy, like interest
rates, and types of loan programs available. Most of what goes into the decision
making process for home buying is
local. The neighborhood, the schools,
the local economic picture, (is the area
growing, stagnant, or declining.) With
the building of the Casino (at 11 mile
and I-94) that is now scheduled to be
open in the first quarter of 2009 our local
economy will look pretty promising.
Casino aside, other elements are busy
in Battle Creek to see additional jobs and
attractions coming to our community
which should bode well for our near
future local economy. (I know that
sounds a little nebulous – but I can only
report facts and some of what I am speaking of here is still on the drawing board
and is not yet concrete - but it should be
enough just to know that there are people
who believe in this community and are
working hard to make it better.)
2.) Factor two is what I like to call
“The Silver Lining”. Yes, prices have
dropped over 10% in value in most of
our price ranges. Yes, the market has
been down for over two years locally,
yes, many homes have set on the market
for over a year. None of this can be refuted. No one is saying this is a great time
to sell a home but if you do sell, or if you
chose to be creative and lease, rent, or
land contract your current home it certainly is a GREAT TIME TO BUY a
home right now.
It is a tough market to sell a home in
but many people who currently have
their home on the market don’t have to
sell, they simply want to. Whether it is to
move up to a bigger home, downsize to
Dreaming
about Retirement?
Nice. Now do
something about it.
As a local independent agent, we
can help you design a progam just
right for you. Make your retirement
dreams a reality with Auto-Owners
Life Insurance Company.
Homeowners
SINCE 1921
5 5 N . M C C A M LY • 2 6 9 - 9 6 5 - 3 2 2 1
“ L E T
38
W O R G E S S
D O
Y O U R
W O R R Y I N G . ”
a smaller one, or move to another school
district, or closer to work, the choice is
yours - for most in our market it is still a
move of convenience not necessity.
So what is the “Silver Lining”? Obviously (and therefore in the title why
it is easier to see than usual), it is the current value of the home you want to buy. It
has dropped substantially since you first
decided to put your home on the market a
year ago. If you truly want to move and
take advantage of great values on homes
in our local market, maybe selling your
home isn’t the right approach. From an
investment stand point it is at best a wash.
You sell your home for 10-15% less than
it is worth and go buy another one for 1015% less than it is worth. Instead why not
consider leasing your home for one to
two years (give the market an opportunity to correct itself) and go buy that house
that you have had your eye on for the last
six months that has just been sitting like
yours (you can possibly get an even better deal - because they might be one of
those that have to sell not just want to
sell.) This way you save $22,500 when
you purchase your home (150,000 x 15% for current market conditions), you
have a tenant making your current house
payment, when you sell it one to two
years from now you owe a little less on it
cause the tenant has been helping you
pay down the mortgage, you now sell it
but now for fair market price (15% higher than you would have gotten in today’s
market), and when it is all said and done
you have $25,000 more in your pocket
because you waited for the market to stabilize, and you have a house payment
$150 a month less than you would have
had if you had waited to buy until your
home sold because the price of the home
you wanted probably would have adjusted back upwards along with the market
trends.
Being just a little creative it becomes
a win-win for you. You’ll save on the
monthly payment because you bought
when the market was down. And you’ll
maximize your capital gains on the sale
of your home (which you pay no taxes
on if you lived in the home three of the
last five years) and be able to reinvest
that revenue into other investments to
make yourself even more money.
Art & Culture
Welcome to Art & Culture!
Welcome to art and culture! This is
the start of a new column featuring the
arts and cultural activities in our community. This community has a long,
rich history with its art and culture
institutions, unlike many other communities, and something that we are very
proud.
The art and cultural organizations
included here are non-profit, 501 C-3
groups that offer a large variety of
activities for the public including exhibitions, performances-both musical and
theatrical, special events, lectures and
seminars, a wide variety of educational
opportunities and more. By taking a
look at the longevity of some of these
groups, you will realize the amount of
support the community has given to the
art and culture sector over the years.
With any non-profit, it does take community support to sustain itself and the
organizations thank the community for
their past and continued support.
The Art Center of Battle Creek,
which came into existence in the 1940s,
moved from building to building in the
downtown area until it took up its current residence at 265 E. Emmett Street
in 1964. The original building was a
church which, with community support
over the years, has seen two additions
to the building, allowing for more
exhibit and class room space.
Kingman Museum was incorporated
in February of 2003. Its earliest start,
however, was in 1871 as part of the
Battle Creek Public Schools, occupying
its current building in Leila Arboretum
in 1934.
Heritage Battle Creek became an
umbrella in 1999 for the Historical
Society of Battle Creek, Kimball House
Museum, the Research Center and
Community Archives, the Heritage
Tourism Program and the Sojourner
Truth Institute.
The Music Center of South Central
Michigan saw a merger in 2000 of several musical groups. Currently the
organization includes the Battle Creek
Symphony (celebrating its 109th season), the Community Music School
(started in 1996 in Battle Creek), the
Battle Creek Boychoir (in operating
since 1980), the Battle Creek Girls’
Chorus, the Battle Creek Community
Chorus and Ars Voce.
Other long standing organizations
include the Battle Creek Civic Theatre,
Leila Arboretum and the Battle Creek
Youth Orchestra.
Many of these organizations sponsor
annual events that have a long history in
the area as well. The Art Center has
produced an annual art fair and holiday
sale (Holly Mart) since the 1960s. The
Strawberry Festival at Kimball House
has been in existence for many years
(these two organizations are now partnering with their events being held on
the same weekend).
The Leila
Arboretum Society’s Garden Tour has
been in existence for many years as
well. There are many other activities as
well with long histories.
The Battle Creek community
believed that the art and culture sector
was important and their support provided a solid basis for institutions that have
endured a great deal of economic and
social change. To continue to survive,
community support is needed continuously. Consider a donation, give a class
or admission ticket as a gift to someone, participate in a fund raiser by one
of these organizations.
BY
BY APPOINTMENT
APPOINTMENT
269-781-2564
39
Entertainment Calendar
Events For February – March, 2008
February
10-11: The Victorian Valentine
Display, The Honolulu House Museum
provides the perfect setting with its
beautiful paint on plaster wall and ceiling paintings and authentic furnishings
to host an antique Valentine display.
Valentines from private collections are
featured throughout the rooms of the
Honolulu House, Marshall, 12-5pm,
www.marshallhistoricalsociety.org/
special_events.asp.
12: Chocolate Tea at W.K. Kellogg
Manor House, 3pm, located on Gull
Lake in Hickory Corners. Guests may
choose to tour the Manor House following the tea. Cost is $20 for adults and
$12 for children (5-12 years) Pre-paid
reservations are requested. (269) 6712400 or email [email protected].
13-16: “A Rockin’ Roll
Murder Mystery” at Cornwell’s
Turkeyville USA, Cornwell's
Turkeyville USA, 18935 15 1/2 Mile
Rd, 1-800-877-5163 or (269) 781-5163,
www.turkeyville.com.
13-17: Grand Rapids Boat Show
at DeVos Place. $9 for adults, $4 for
children 6-14. 800-328-6550,
wwwGRBoatShow.com.
15-17: Cereal City Classics
Gymnastics Meet, Kellogg Arena,
(269) 963-4800 or (269) 965-3308,
www.kelloggarena.com.
16: CMU Percussion Ensemble at
the Franke, A memorable night of
sounds, Franke Center for the Arts, 214
E Mansion St, Marshall, 8pm,
1-800-877-5163 or (269) 781-5163,
www.frankecenterforthearts.org.
17: KJSS presents “American
Rhapsody” at Chenery Auditorium,
4pm, featuring pianist Rich Ridenour.
(269) 349-7557, www.kjso.org.
21-April 19: “Old Rugged
Cross” at Cornwell’s, Cornwell's
Turkeyville USA, 18935 15 1/2 Mile
Rd, Please see web site for times,
1-800-877-5163 or (269) 781-5163,
www.turkeyville.com.
22: The Peking Acrobats, Miller
Auditorium, Kalamazoo, (269) 3872300 or 1-800-228-9858,
www.MILLERAUDITORIUM.com.
22-24: West Michigan Golf Show
at DeVos Place, Grand Rapids. Fri 49pm, Sat 10am – 7pm, Sun 10am –
5pm, $9 for adults, $4 children 6-14.
1-800-328-6550.
www.westmichigangolfshow.com.
23: Community Action Agency
(CAA) of South Central Michigan’s
Walk for Warmth at United Methodist
Church. Families, church groups,
schools and individuals set out on a one
or three mile walk to raise funds for
families in need. Walk registration
begins at 9am; snacks and beverages
will be served during registration.
1-877-422-2726, www.CAASCM.org.
23: Bill and Pat Stovall presenting
Nest Boxes, Bluebirds and More!
1pm at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary near
Augusta. Cost is $4 for Sanctuary
members and $6 for non-members.
Children ages 2 to 12 years are $2. Preregistration and pre-ordered nest box
kits are recommended. To register call
(269) 671-2510, e-mail [email protected] or visit the web site
at www.kbs.msu.edu/birdsanctuary.
23: Bud Light Presents Dierks
Bentley, Kellogg Arena,
(269) 963-4800 or (269) 965-3308,
www.kelloggarena.com.
23: IMC Artists presents
Canadian Brass, Miller Auditorium,
Kalamazoo, (269) 387-2300 or
1-800-228-9858,
www.MILLERAUDITORIUM.com.
24: Bridal Show Tea at the W.K.
Kellogg Manor House, 1-5pm. Tea will
be served at 2:30pm, featuring delicious
delicacies prepared by the on-site catering staff and a fashion show that will
showcase today's hottest bridal trends.
The cost is $22 per person and reservations are required (269) 671-2400 or
email [email protected].
26-2: MAMMA MIA!,
Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo,
(269) 387-2300 or 1-800-228-9858,
www.MILLERAUDITORIUM.com.
27: Shrine Circus, Kellogg Arena,
269-963-4800 or (269) 965-3308,
www.kelloggarena.com.
29-1: MHSAA Wrestling,
Ring of Fire, The Music of Johnny Cash – March 29
40
Kellogg Arena, (269) 963-4800 or
(269) 965-3308,
www.kelloggarena.com.
March
8: The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary will
present a nest box program at 1pm.
Participants will also walk the
Sanctuary’s nest box trail. To register
call (269) 671-2510, e-mail [email protected] or visit the web site
at www.kbs.msu.edu/birdsanctuary.
Erv Brinker on being
named Scene Magazine
Man of the Year
8: Brass Band of Battle Creek at
WK Kellogg Auditorium at 8pm.
Enjoy an evening of movie scores by
renowned director, John Williams, as
well as signature BBBC jazz, classical,
and blues. Maurice Murphy, retired
principal trumpet player for the London
Symphony orchestra, will be a guest.
(269) 963-5900, www.bbbc.net.
SPECIALIZING IN SENIOR HEALTH ASSESSMENT
LOCATED IN THE CEDAR GLEN CENTRE
3630 Capital Ave. SW | Battle Creek, MI 49015 | 269-441-1136
South of Beckley Rd in the Brickyard Creek Medical Office Park
13: “What’s Brewing, Marshall?”
Chamber Breakfast, Showcasing
businesses, events, organizations, and
current community topics, Hampton
Inn, 17256 Sam Hill Dr, 7:30-9am,
1-800-877-5163 or (269) 781-5163,
www.marshallmi.org/events.taf.
14-16, 21-23: High Society presented by the Marshall Civic Players,
A musical remake of the classic film
“the Philadelphia Story,” Franke Center
of the Arts, 214 Mansion St.,
1-800-877-5163 or (269) 781-5163,
www.marshallcivicplayers.org.
2 6 9 . 5 6 5 . 2 1 9 0
|
w w w. n o n p r o f i t a l l i a n c e . o r g
15-16: 33rd Annual Living
History Show at Kalamazoo
County Expo Center, Kalamazoo
Fair Grounds, Indoor – Heated.
Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 9am – 4pm.
www.KalamazooShow.com.
19: Peter Pan, performed by the
Grand Rapids Ballet Company,
Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo,
(269) 387-2300 or 1-800-228-9858,
www.MILLERAUDITORIUM.com.
22: Community Bazaar at
Cornwell’s, Cornwell’s Turkeyville,
USA, 18935 15-1/2 Mile Road,
Marshall, 1-800-877-5163 or (269)
781-5163, http://www.turkeyville.com.
23: Easter Dinner- Family Style at
Cornwell’s Turkeyville, Cornwell’s
Turkeyville, USA, 18935 15-1/2 Mile
Road, 1-800-877-5163 or (269) 7815163, www.turkeyville.com.
29: Ring of Fire, The Music of
Johnny Cash, Miller Auditorium,
Kalamazoo, 8pm, (269) 387-2300 or
1-800-228-9858,
www.MILLERAUDITORIUM.com.
29-30: Stitches in Time- A
community Quilt Show, A wonderful
quilt show, Marshall Middle School,
100 E Green St., Marshall, Saturday
9am – 4pm, Sunday 12pm- 4pm,
1-800-877-5163 or (269) 781-5163,
www.marshallmi.org/events.taf.
41
Local Interest
BY PETER INGALLS
Sing Better By Easter At The Community Music School
Dixie Hamlin
Singing is such a wonderful part of
going to church. Why not do it well?
Adults and youth age 13 or older can
improve their singing ability, confidence
and enjoyment by taking private voice
lessons at the Community Music School.
Now through May 1, new voice stu-
dents who mention their church choir at
registration will receive a 10% discount
on tuition. Financial aid is also available,
based on household size and income.
Younger students can develop their
vocal skills with the touring choirs,
the Battle Creek Boychoir and the
Battle Creek Girls’ Chorus, and with
the gospel-based Sojourner Truth
Choir. Lessons in piano and other
instruments at the Community Music
School enhance singing ability by
developing the ear and increasing
musical knowledge.
The Community Music School and
the choirs are located at the Music
Center on the Kellogg Community
College campus at Fremont Street. The
school also operates branches in Albion,
Hastings and Marshall.
The Community Music School features two vocal music specialists with
extensive teaching and performance
experience in both sacred and secular
music.
Jr. Achievement Needs Volunteers For Students
Brad Kaufmann – Would you like
to help educate and inspire the next
CEO, small business owner, or outstanding employee? How about the
next mayor, governor, or president?
Junior Achievement (JA) of
Southwest Michigan is seeking classroom volunteers to teach JA’s educational programs to students in kindergarten through grade 12 in local
schools. Junior Achievement’s mission is to inspire and prepare young
people to succeed in a global economy. JA’s programs educate young
people in three key areas: entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy.
JA volunteers come from a variety
of backgrounds and careers, and anyone is welcome to volunteer for JA.
From stay-at-home parents and businesspeople, to factory workers,
CEOs, and retirees, JA volunteers use
hands-on experiences to help young
people understand the “economics of
life.” Volunteering for JA involves
about an hour per classroom session
for five to eight sessions, depending
42
on the particular JA program. No
teaching experience is necessary and
the teacher remains in the classroom
while the volunteer is delivering the
JA program to help with facilitation.
While the time commitment is minimal, the impact on a child lasts a lifetime.
“JA’s volunteers are at the core of
what we do,” said Brad Kaufmann,
president of Junior Achievement of
Southwest Michigan. “We rely on
our volunteers to share their own
unique experiences with students as
they teach the JA programs. In order
for JA to continue to reach more students each year, we need volunteers
to fill the ever-increasing demand
from schools.”
JA volunteers can be matched with
a grade level or school that best fits
their interests and situation, and
classroom visits are coordinated with
the teacher to accommodate everyone’s schedule.
For more information please visit
http://swmichigan.ja.org or call 269968-9188 or 269-343-0860.
Mark Wells
Dixie Hamlin holds a Bachelor’s
degree in music education and a
Master’s degree in vocal performance
from Western Michigan University.
Founder and past director of the Battle
Creek Girl’s Chorus, she has also
taught voice at Kellogg Community
College. An active soloist, she presents sacred concerts throughout the
Midwest.
Mark Wells holds a doctoral degree
in music from Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music. Active as a
conductor, tenor soloist, organist, and
pianist, Dr. Wells currently directs the
noted a cappella choir Ars Voce, and
serves as Music Associate for the
Battle Creek Boychoir, the Battle
Creek Girls’ Chorus, and St. Philip
Catholic Church. His numerous performance credits include solo appearances in operas and oratorios with the
Battle Creek Symphony.
Since 1996, the Community Music
School has provided quality lessons
and classes for all ages, abilities and
incomes. Private lessons are offered
most band and orchestra instruments,
piano, voice, and guitar. Music First
classes develop musical skills and
enjoyment for young children from
infants to age 7.
For information about lessons or classes, call CMSBC Coordinator Carol Adler
at (269) 963-1911, ext. 2585 or e-mail her
at [email protected].
Information is available on the web at
www.musiccenterscmi.com.
The Community Music School is a
program of the Music Center of South
Central Michigan, funded in part by the
Battle Creek Community Foundation.
Local Interest
United Educational Credit Union Offers Free Tax Preparation Service
United Educational Credit Union
recently launched an innovative webbased program to provide low-to-moderate income individuals and families
with free access to file for state and
federal income tax credits and refunds.
These include the federal Earned
Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can
be as high as $4,716. Dubbed “Just
File It! We’ll Help: Free Tax
Preparation Resources for Those
Who Need It Most,” the program is
available at United Educational’s website, www.unitedecu.org. All that is
needed to utilize the program is
Internet access and a printer.
“More than $200 million in federal
tax refunds went unclaimed in Michigan
for the 2006 tax year by the people who
need it most – low income families and
individuals,” said Fran Godfrey,
President/CEO of United Educational
Credit Union. “Further, many low
income filers use tax preparation services and assume refund anticipation loans
(RALs) to access income tax refunds.
These services often charge excessive
fees and onerous interest rates at the
expense of those who can least afford it,”
Godfrey said.
The technology backbone of the program was developed by the Legal Aid
Society of Orange County, Calif. The
Michigan Credit Union League
(MCUL), a statewide credit union trade
association, underwrote the cost of
developing the state income tax software
in conjunction with the Legal Aid
Society of Orange County, California,
and the University of Michigan’s
Michigan Poverty Law Program.
There are a variety of federal and
state tax credits in addition to the EITC
that can benefit low-to-moderate income
individuals. Additional federal tax credits include the Child Tax Credit and the
Federal Child and Dependent Care
Credit. Michigan tax credits include the
Home Heating Tax Credit, the
Homestead Property Tax Credit, and the
Child Deduction. These credits are
available to those who file income tax
returns and those who are exempt from
filing requirements. Additional information is available on the credit union’s
website.
“It’s money that families can use to
put food on the table, move into better
housing, invest in education, or save for
the future,” Godfrey said. “Helping
lower income individuals file their taxes
and obtain any refunds due them is one
way we continue to fulfill our social
mission which is to be the bridge that
gives people hope that tomorrow can be
better than today,” she noted.
Representing $82 million in assets,
United Educational is a state-chartered,
federally insured credit union open to
anyone affiliated with education including staff, students, alumni and volunteers in Calhoun and Branch Counties,
the Climax-Scotts School District in
Kalamazoo County, and the Bellevue
School District in Eaton County, as well
as anyone who lives or works within 25
miles of branch offices in Albion or
Coldwater. Also included are family
members of existing members.
Financial Stress Buster For Seniors
“Mr. Stress Buster,” that’s what
they should call Bob Williams. Every
month he meets with dozens of people to review their bills, help balance
their checkbooks and help fill out any
paperwork.
These people sleep better at night
because of Bob.
“Too many seniors get into deep
financial trouble because they can’t
keep their paperwork straight,” says
Williams. “It can be scary for them
and their families.” Williams is an
employee of the nonprofit Guardian
Finance and Advocacy Services. He
is a retired accountant and financial
controller.
Ms. Linda Burton is one of Bob’s
fans. A few years ago she suffered a
mild stroke and has had problems
with short term memory ever since.
She and her family were worried that
someone would take advantage of
her. Further she worried if she was
forgetting something, like an important bill.
“It gives me peace of mind knowing someone trustworthy will come in
and get this done,” said Burton. She
has a lot of medical bills that are difficult to keep organized. “Now, with
Bob’s help, I don’t have to worry
about messing up,” she said with a
smile.
Guardian established this program
a few years ago. They were looking
for a way to help seniors in this situation. They help seniors make the
best of their assets, protect them from
being exploited by others and make
sure their bills are paid promptly and
accurately.
Named the Money
Management Assistance Program,
this service is partly funded by
United Way.
Their approach is to provide a
“coach.” Williams does not sign
checks, he only provides advice. He
also looks for other sources of help in
the community, if needed. For example, if a home is in bad need of repair
he may offer advice on how to find
help.
For more information about the
program contact Guardian at (866)
963-3253, extension 463 or 425.
43
Local Interest
BY SABRINA CORBIN, Director
Helping Children With Integrity, Understanding and Faith
10 years and
counting.
Starr
Commonwealth’s
headquarters are
just 25 miles away
in Albion, which
means the community
often
is
unaware of or forgets about the very important work we
do with children and families in Battle
Creek.
Starr Commonwealth Battle Creek
offers home- and community-based
services to hundreds of clients in
greater Calhoun County through its
Day Treatment, Mental Health,
Treatment Foster Care and Supervised
Independent Living programs. We’ve
been part of the community since 1997
and operate from offices on Garfield
Avenue in the Irma Bradley Center, formerly known as the Battle Creek Child
Guidance Center.
It’s easy to say that children are the
future of our community. But for too
many children and families in the area,
getting through the day and week comes
before worrying about tomorrow.
Starr Commonwealth is a private
nonprofit organization that has been
serving children, families and professionals for nearly 100 years and for at
least 10 years in the Cereal City.
Children come to Starr with problems
stemming from abandonment, truancy,
delinquency, family conflicts, physical
and sexual abuse, substance abuse,
depression and attempted suicide.
Through strength-based practices
that recognize the self-worth in children, we are able to address their issues
with integrity, understanding and faith.
Day Treatment. We work with the
Calhoun County Juvenile Court to treat
youth with delinquent and criminal
behaviors. Our main goal is to prevent
repeat offenses and help participants
become contributing members of the
community. Supervision is provided
Congratulates...
ERV BRINKER on being Man of the Year! We thank you for
being a loyal friend and supporter of Starr Commonwealth
Battle Creek as we partner to
help local families. You are a
true believer in Starr’s core values
of honesty, compassion, respect,
responsibility and fairness.
155 Garfield Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49037 | 269-968-9287 or 800-837-5591
44
during after-school hours, seven days a
week. Children learn new values and
behaviors through group meetings and
interacting in positive peer-centered
environments. Our program evaluation
shows that 75 percent of participants
report being better off after treatment
and 80 percent maintained passing
grades in school.
Mental Health. Children and families in crisis are referred to Starr
through Summit Pointe, the mental
health agency of Calhoun County.
Abuse, family issues, school problems
and traumatic experiences can make it
difficult for children to cope. We see
children ages 5 to 17 and use therapeutic ways of addressing their psychological issues with the priority being on
reducing the number of children in outof-home placements.
Treatment Foster Care. Reuniting
families is the ultimate goal, but when
changes are needed we work to place
children within stable and supportive
homes with foster parents. After placement, we continue to work with the
children and families to change values
and repair the damages of abuse and
neglect.
Supervised Independent Living
(SIL). This program helps young adults
gain independence through guidance in
responsible housing, education and
employment. With the help of community resources, schools, recreation centers and employers, a network of support helps youth lead productive lives
and experience the satisfaction of
responsibly living on their own.
These services are all offered and
administered by the talented and dedicated team at Starr Commonwealth
Battle Creek. Unfortunately, we often
hear that the community isn’t aware of
Starr’s presence in the Cereal City and
it’s often falsely assumed that we have a
residential facility here like in Albion.
Our programs positively impact hundreds of lives in Battle Creek and
beyond but it isn’t without the help of
generous supporters who, like our
founder Floyd Starr, believe there is no
such thing as a bad child.
For more information about Starr
Commonwealth, including how to
make a charitable donation, visit
www.starr.org or call 800-837-5591.
Local Interest
BY JENNIFER RUP, Marshall Historical Society
Promoting our Past to preserve our Future
Historical Societies have been
thought to be organizations that are slow
to change, resistant to development and
uncomfortable with anything “new”.
That could not be further from the truth.
In today’s environment the responsibility of the Historical Society is to be
very familiar with technology, be ready
to embrace change and work with development to foster communities that can
be economically vibrant while still
maintaining the historic integrity we
have worked so hard to preserve for so
many years. We have so much to learn
from our past. And while that may sound
cliche, it is so very true.
Everyday in my line of work I am
looking to the past to find the path to our
future. I am promoting structures that
were built over 100 years ago, opening
their doors, telling their stories and
maintaining their foundations so that
generations after me can still be fascinated with what these treasures have to
offer. I am contributing to the community as not only a steward of historic
preservation, but to an important industry as well, tourism.
As fast as life goes today, there is a
place in each of us that longs for a slower way of life. A retreat from the
demands of our everyday lives. This
renewal can be found by stepping back
in time, even if just for an afternoon to
walk the tree lined streets of a historic
district, shop a historic downtown, or
visiting a museum. When we look to
take family vacations are we looking to
travel to far off places? Not always.
Sometimes just visiting a community
that is close to home, yet unexplored,
can be even more exciting.
Did you know that there are six
museums in Marshall? Did you know
that over 850 structures are located within Marshall’s National Historic
Landmark District? Did you know that
there are 127 historic sites in Calhoun
County listed on the State Register?
More than Kalamazoo and Kent County,
two very viable cultural centers. So how
can we foster our cultural destinations?
How can we promote all that we have to
offer? It is easy really.
We need to support our local historical societies and art organizations.
Support means so much more than
money. Your support can be volunteering
to be a host at an event or benefit. You
can show your support by showcasing
your home on a historic home tour,
offering to lend a collection of items for
a special exhibit, and of course visiting
these historic sites and sharing them
with your children. Shop locally in your
historic downtown and keep your money
within your community, preserving it for
the future.
The more pride we show in our own
communities the more desirable we
become. The more other communities
will want to model their efforts after
ours. Take pride in what you have. Look
around you and see what a rich cultural
center we live in. Support it, promote it,
and help preserve it.
The Marshall
Historical Society
is a non-profit
organization whose
purpose is to
preserve, protect and
promote an
awareness of
Marshall's heritage.
It owns three
museums; the
Honolulu House, the
Grand Army of the
Republic Hall and
Capitol Hill School.
www.marshallhistoricalsociety.org
1 0 7 N . K a l a m a z o o Av e . , M a r s h a l l , M I 4 9 0 6 8 | 2 6 9 . 7 8 1 . 8 5 4 4
45
Local Interest
BY ANN CRABB, PH.D.
Foundation for Behavioral Health (Sr. Home Support/Home Health Support)
Depression is not a normal part of
aging; but, unfortunately, it is very common in the elderly. Late-life depression
affects about 6 million Americans age 65
and older, but only 10 percent receive
treatment. Depression in the elderly is
often overlooked partly because of
ageism: people, including doctors and
old people themselves expect the elderly
to feel down and do not consider this as
a treatable illness.
Older adults are often faced with a
series of losses. This can be a loss of
independence, mobility, health, careers
or the people that they love.
Experiencing loss is painful and it is
normal to grieve, however when normal
grieving turns to depression the individual may require help.
What distinguishes a “healthy”
grief from depression?
Grieving is a normal response to loss.
The person who is grieving may experi-
While there is no timetable for grief, it
will generally abate in one to two years
depending upon the loss.
Depression has many of the same
symptoms of grief but also has some distinct characteristics. An individual
experiencing depression may express
feelings of hopelessness, helplessness
and guilt. They may voice negative, self
critical statements about themselves,
indicating a loss of self-worth.
Disturbances in sleep, appetite, and
increased alcohol/drug use may also
indicate the person is experiencing
depression.
What can you do to help?
ence both good and bad days. They may
cry frequently, withdraw socially and be
less active. Grief will gradually subsides, the good days become more frequent than the bad days. The person
begins interacting more socially and
slowly come to terms with their losses.
Senior
Home Support
269-731-5787
Initial Assessment by Social Worker or Nurse
Services Include: Personal/Respite Care, 24-Hour Care,
Shopping, Cooking, Cleaning, Laundry, Transportation,
and Handyman Services
Home
Health Support
269-731-5775 ext. 137
Medicare Certified Agency
Services Include: Intermittent Skilled Nursing, Home
Health Aides, Physical & Occupational Therapy, and Medical
Social Work Services as ordered by your Physician
Senior Home Support &
Home Health Support are
Divisions of the Foundation
for Behavioral Resources
6 0 0 S . L I N C O L N S T R E E T • A U G U S TA , M I 4 9 0 1 2 • 2 6 9 - 7 3 1 - 5 7 7 5
46
Encourage the person to make an
appointment with their Doctor or a
Licensed Therapist to be evaluated. It is
important to get a professional opinion;
there are a number of physical ailments,
such as thyroid problems, that may
cause depression and needs to be ruled
out. It is especially important for seniors
to be evaluated and treated for depression if it is occurring; older adults are
disproportionately likely to die by suicide. Although they comprise only 12
percent of the U.S. population, people
age 65 and older accounted for 16 percent of suicide deaths in 2004.
Depression treatment is just as effective for elderly adults as it is for younger
people. Therapy, support groups and
medication can all help relieve symptoms. While anti-depressant mediation
can ease the depression, older adults are
more sensitive to drug side effects and
vulnerable to interactions with other
medicines they’re taking.. Recent studies have found that medications such as
Prozac, can cause rapid bone loss and
place the elderly at a higher risk for fractures and falls. Because of these safety
concerns, elderly adults on antidepressant should be carefully monitored.
If a senior citizen you care about is
depressed, you can make a difference by
offering emotional support. Invite the
person out and encourage them to stay
socially connected. Participating in
activities they have enjoyed in the past,
volunteering, and taking care of pets are
all ways to help the older person overcome depression.
Local Interest
Art Center of Battle Creek – Providing High Quality Visual Arts
The Art Center of Battle Creek is a
non profit with the mission of providing
high quality programs in the visual arts
to the greater Battle Creek area and
beyond. In existence since the 1940s, it
has been in its current location at 265 E.
Emmett Street, just east of Battle Creek
Health System, since the 1960s.
The Art Center has been very fortunate over the years to have a great deal
of community support. In November of
2007 the Art Center received a donation of $ 102,000 from local supporters
Robert and Eleanor DeVries. They
were pleased to see the programs
offered by the Art Center and acknowledged the Art Center’s efforts with this
large donation.
What programs and efforts does
the Art Center provide that gained
that support?
• Exhibitions at the Art Center change
eleven months during the year. The
three galleries may be showing all one
exhibit or may have several exhibits.
An example is the current exhibit,
which includes a traveling exhibition
from the Statewide Print Competition
from Alma College as well as
Treasured Collections featuring collectibles from five different collectors
and Heritage Battle Creek.
• Four semesters of classes are offered
for all age levels, with everything from
ceramics to painting, stained glass to
knitting, pastels to digital photography.
• One of the many outreach programs
sees art instructors going to local adult
day care centers to offer classes in a
wide variety of media.
• The Art-A-Fact program provides culturally based curriculum programs free
of charge to area educators for use in
their classrooms.
• The gift and gallery shop areas sell and
promote the work of our local and
Michigan artists to the public and have
been increasing in sales. The annual
Holly Mart Holiday sale in November
and December of 2007 made record
goals this year for sales.
• The Art Center completed a comprehensive business plan in early 2007
which has been a great help with focusing goals and planning for the future.
• The Art Center has as one of its goals
to collaborate with other organizations,
both art and culture and other groups,
in the community. The partnering and
cross-marketing helps everyone.
A membership based organization,
the Art Center earns its revenue from its
memberships, fees for classes, its percentage of sales from the gift shop and
Holly Mart, special events and fund raisers, and grants.
The ART CENTER’S GIFT SHOP and
GALLERY offers that unique gift for any
occasion; jewelry, scarves, pottery,
glass work, books and more...
all created by Michigan artists.
Tue-Fri 10am-5pm & Sat 11am-3pm
www.artcenterofbattlecreek.org
269-962-9511
265 E. Emmett St., Battle Creek, MI 49017
47
Touching The Bases
BY CARL ANGELO
Where Friends Gathered, Now Buddy Meets
It’s been said
that
“No
one
knows their true
character until they
have run out of gas,
purchased something on the installment plan, or
raised an adolescent – character is a
victory, not a gift!”
Howard Hargis has a gift – it’s character! He has great empathy for others
and to his friends he is known as
“Buddy”. Howard was born in Battle
Creek on October 15, 1949. He attended
McKinley and Fremont grade schools in
the Battle Creek school system through
fifth grade. Then his parents, Benton and
Nadine Hargis, moved to Pennfield
Township where Buddy attended the
Pennfield school system until he graduated in 1969. He wrestled and played
tennis for the Panthers. He said, “I was
no ball of fire in either sport but I was
competitive.”
In the summer months, after his sophomore year, he worked for Misner
Brothers supermarket in Verona. After
his junior year he worked the summer
for Charlie Zeeman at the Nordia
Restaurant and Lounge as a cook’s
apprentice. Zeeman was a well-known
entrepreneur who also owned and managed the Gull Harbor Inn, one of the
most famous eateries of that era. The
Nordia is now the Eagles Lodge across
from the M-66 Bowl. Buddy was a
very enterprising young
man. He liked staying
busy and having his own
money.
After graduation in
1969, Hargis worked
briefly for Shier Gillette in
Marshall. They made walkin cooler systems for
restaurants, grocery stores
and convenience stores, etc.
The U.S. Army beckoned
and then it was off to
Vietnam for the next few
years. Buddy served as a
transportation specialist with the Third
Transportation Group. They transported
food, supplies and ammunition to the
troops.
The Vietnam conflict, circa the late
fifties, started as a police action.
Although we had troops there many
years prior, our part in the war didn’t
officially begin until March of 1965. A
48
Buddy at the bar with son Kevin
and wife Jalaine.
cease-fire was ordered on January 27,
1973, resulting in the U.S. withdrawing
our troops. The North Vietnamese
ignored the cease-fire and conquered
South Vietnam in early
1975. On July 2, 1976, North and South
Vietnam were united as a communist
state. The situation was similar to the
Korean conflict. Three million
Americans served, an estimated two million lives were lost, and we spent $120
billion on the war effort which left the
U.S. with a huge federal budget deficit
in another no-win situation. Like most
veterans, Buddy doesn’t like to talk
about the war, but he added, “When we
returned home, it was like we did something wrong and there was no way to
atone for it.”
Hargis was discharged on Armistice
Day 1971. In early 1972, he took a job in
production control and data processing
at the Battle Creek Federal Center.
While at the Federal Center, he met the
love of his life, Jalaine Aukeman. On
April 24 they will celebrate 30 years of
marital bliss. Just recently, Ms. Hargis
retired from the Hart-Doyle-Inouye
Federal Center where she was a computer programming analyst. Buddy preceded her in retirement from the Federal
Center in June of 1989. Howard was not
accustomed to idle time or retirement so
he took a job with Interkal in
Kalamazoo, a company that manufac-
tured stadium seats for customers such
as The MGM Grand, Madison Square
Garden, The San Antonio Dome and
Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. He
remained with Interkal until 1995. He
then took a job with the James River
Paper Company in Kalamazoo where he
worked until 2003. Following his tenure
at James River, he was a casual employee with Kellogg’s before accepting a
position at Ralston Foods Inc. where he
remained through 2007.
This story begins at Ralston’s where
Buddy was reunited with an old school
chum, Robert Gault Jr., AKA the
“Doctor.” They hadn’t seen each other
since Cub Scouts in the fifth grade, and
their friendship picked up right where it
left off.
Buddy began talking to Doc (as
everyone refers to him) about a project
he wanted to undertake. His idea was to
convert his barn into a recreation room
and replicate either Speeds Coffee Shop
or Carl Angelo’s Fine Foods Inc. After
some lengthy discussions with Gault,
and a dichotomy of opinions, Hargis
decided on Angelo’s because of its baseball history. Gault suggested he talk to
me about his ideas for the remodeling.
Mr. Hargis called in late October
2006 to ask me if I would meet with him
to discuss his idea. I said, “Howard,
there isn’t much left of the interior that
would indicate it was ever an Angelo’s
except the outside of the building.” The
inside of the place looks
like the remnant of an abandoned
warehouse that was
vandalized
beyond comprehension.
You
would not recognize it as a former
sports bar and
restaurant that was
a home-away-fromhome for so many. It
was a meeting place
for amateur and professional
athletes
alike throughout the
state of Michigan, and
visiting teams from all
over the United States
and abroad. It was
known as a place where
friends gathered to enjoy
quality food and beverage at
reasonable prices; an establishment with a friendly
atmosphere where people
felt comfortable alone or
with family and friends.
Being a former customer,
Buddy was familiar with
the history of Angelo’s.
He said his brother-inlaw, Daryl Aukeman, who is a general
contractor from Hudsonville, Michigan,
was going to help him remodel his barn.
I met with these two gentlemen on a
Sunday in early November for a walkthrough. They were amazed at the condition of the place and the damage that
was done. I told them it had just been
returned to me in a land contract forfeiture. I quipped it was no longer a turnkey operation, but that’s another story.
Buddy, knowing what Angelo’s used to
look like, asked me for copies of pictures I have so he could replicate his
interior to look like what was formerly
my bar and lounge. Because there was a
difference in square footage, he had to
take measurements to scale down the
blueprint to fit his room. Hargis was resolute on getting the details right. I had
some damaged booths that I priced get-
ting repaired with Gary Roberts at
Dugan’s Auto Trim. Mr. Roberts said,
“Carl, they’re not worth fixing. You can
buy new booths a lot cheaper than I can
repair these.” Buddy said “I’ll take them
for my project. I can restore them.”
Buddy asked me what happened to
the Babe Ruth mural that had adorned
the south wall of the dining room. I had
to tell him it was destroyed. The mural
of the “Babe” was done in 1958 shortly
after I opened on July 16th. The artist,
Louie Yoder, was one of my high school
classmates. The scene
was Babe
incorrect about this mural?” First –
Yankee Stadium; second – home-game
uniform; and third – left-handed catcher.
Very few ever answered all three correctly. Hargis said, “Why in the world would
anyone want to destroy such a priceless
work of art? Ruth’s called shot was one
of the most monumental moments in
baseball history.” I didn’t have an
answer to his question.
Buddy’s brother-in-law, Daryl, couldn’t take the time away from his business
to help with the project so Buddy
decided to tackle it alone. I gave him
the pictures and he blueprinted the
lounge to fit the dimensions of his
th
The Ru side
barn. He tackled this mission with
in
mural ”
relentless determination. He is a
ld
o
“
e
th
rant.
u
stickler for detail and originality,
ta
s
re
and very diligent about workmanship. A real perfectionist! It’s
been a year since this undertaking began and, from the pictures
he just sent me, it’s a work of
art. I am truly honored that
Buddy would choose to commemorate my family’s business history in Battle Creek.
If you haven’t already surmised, Buddy Hargis is a
workaholic. Since his retirement from the Federal
Center, he has made
more
retirement
work-related comebacks than former
World heavyweight
boxing champion,
Evander Holyfield.
But, with his latest
endeavor, he would
like to acknowledge
the following people
for their generosity in
making his barn venture a reality. John
Former Bost
on Celtic, Bill
VanDorsten
of Custom
Russell with
the late BCCH
S
Upholstery,
for donatCharles “Chu basketball Coach,
ck” Turner an
d Carl Angelo
ing material and helping
.
repair the booths; Avon
Selby, for donating baseRuth’s “called shot” in the 1932
ball memorabilia and
World Series at Wrigley Field against
other articles for the décor; Bev Taylor,
the Chicago Cubs. The story goes: the
from Dowling Monument & Markers
Cub players were heckling the Babe
who sandblasted baseballs, bats, and
while he was at bat. The Babe took the
Carl Angelo’s signature in granite;
first two pitches for strikes and then
Caroline and Dave Campbell from A
pointed to centerfield. He hit the next
Place in Time Antique Shop, who gave
pitch into the centerfield bleachers for a
an antique cash register and a reasonhome run and, as he rounded the bases,
ably-priced popcorn machine; Rod
he returned the heckling.
Smith of U.S. Lumber for his generosiAlthough the game was played at
ty in making materials affordable and
Chicago’s Wrigley Field, I had the artist
for his suggestions on how to build the
put the Yankee Stadium facade in the
bar; Linda Merrick, Harper Creek
background and Ruth wearing Yankee
Special Ed teacher and a member of the
pinstripes, their home uniform. He made
Lakeview High School Sports Hall of
the Cub catcher Gabby Hartnett leftFame, whose gift was an under bar
handed although there were, of course,
refrigerator; Kenneth and Annette
no left-handed catchers in baseball. This
England, antique dealers who sold me
became a sports trivia question. I would
sports mirrors and memorabilia at cost;
...continued...
ask customers, “What three things are
49
Surveying & Engineering Your Future
Servicing
the Mid-Michigan
Area Since 1973
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
3-D Laser Scanning
Boundary & Topographic Surveying
Civil Engineering
House & Construction Staking
Subdivision & Condominium
Planning
Wetland & Tree Surveying
Soils & Materials Testing
Landscape Architecture
Site Plans
Construction Testing
Marshall 269-781-9800 | Haslett 517-339-1014 | Lansing (soils & wetlands) 517-721-0106
www.kebs.com | email: [email protected]
ANOTHER GREAT
DAY AT WOLY...
Enjoy your
mornings with
Julie Hall
Photo Courtesy
of Beautiful Moments Photography
www.beautifulmoments.com
And your
afternoons with
Dave Ramsey
15074 6-1/2 Mile Road, Battle Creek , MI
269-965-1515
EMAIL: [email protected]
50
and Keith Hoag, Jim Miller, and Charlie
Grodavent, who contributed mirrors.
Buddy said “Their help and generosity
made this a team effort. Last, but not
least, to my wife Jalaiene and son Kevin,
for their support, help and encouragement, my heartfelt appreciation.” Kevin
is a senior at Harper Creek and plays
tennis for the Beavers. Upon graduation,
he will attend Grace College, a pre-pharmacy school in Warsaw, Indiana.
In a recent telephone conversation I
had with Buddy, we talked about some
of the sports personalities that had visited my establishment in the past. I began
reminiscing as I recalled some of the
names. From football, Howard
“Hopalong” Cassady, Ohio State All
American, 1955 Heisman Trophy winner and former Detroit Lion; Ron
Kramer, Darris McCord, Wayne Walker,
and Sammy Williams, all former college
All Americans and Detroit Lions. From
basketball, Boston Celtics great, Bill
Russell, Dave DeBusschere from the
Pistons and New York Knicks, both
NBA Hall of Famers; and Johnny Cox,
Kentucky two-time All American, and
former Chicago Zephyr. From baseball,
Cooperstown Hall of Famers Hal
Newhouser, Detroit Tigers and Phil
Niekro , New York Yankees; other Tiger
greats Norm Cash, Phil Regan and
Mickey Stanley. The list of local college
and professional greats goes on and on
and reads like a “Who’s Who in Sports”.
Buddy asked me if I could remember
the names of my first and last customer.
Without hesitation I said, “It was Frank
Venaice, on July 16, 1958, at 11:30 AM,
and my last was Robert Gault Jr., on
August 31, 2001 at 2:00 AM. Our customers, over the years, were as colorful
as some of the characters out of author
Damon Runyon’s books. I could go on
and on about the history of Angelo’s
which would include some of our city
and country’s finest. But then, this article would turn into a book! I’d like to
commend Buddy on his work of art. I’m
looking forward to seeing it with great
anticipation. Maybe we could celebrate
his and Jalaine’s 30th wedding anniversary on April 24th with an open house
and at the same time inaugurate Buddy’s
new rec room in style.
In closing, yesterday and tomorrow
are the past, the present and the future.
They all unite to become history. My
family and I would like to thank Buddy
and his family for taking us on this nostalgic journey back to many fond memories from our past . . . I’m Carl Angelo,
Touching the Bases for Scene Magazine
from Tellico Village, Tennessee 37774.
NOTE: Congratulations to Erv
Brinker, Scene Magazine’s “Person of
the Year”!
IF YOU’RE ON THE LIST...THEN YOU’RE ON THE WEB...
FELPAUSCH / SPARTAN STORES
850 76th Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49518
616-878-2000
www.spartanstores.com
PHILLIPS CUSTOM BUILDING
18227 9-1/2 Mile Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49014
269-965-7051
fx: 269-965-7051
ALLEN ANTIQUE BARN
9247 W. Chicago Rd., Allen, MI 49227
517-869-2888
www.allenantiquebarn.com
FOUNDATION FOR BEHAVIORAL RESOURCES
600 South Lincoln, Augusta, MI 49012
269-731-5775
fx: 269-731-5346
PROGRESSIVE PRINTING & GRAPHICS
148 E. Columbia, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-965-8909
www.progressiveprinting.net
ALLEN ANTIQUE MALL
9011 W. Chicago, Allen, MI 49227
517-869-2788
FRANCOIS’ CORNER BISTRO/TORTILLA FLATS
116 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
269-381-4958
www.francoiskazoo.com
RE/MAX Perrett Assoc., Inc./MIKE DOWNING
121 Capital Ave., NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-968-6101
www.battlecreek-homes.com
ART CENTER OF BATTLE CREEK
265 E. Emmett, Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-962-9511 www.artcenterofbattlecreek.org
GINNY SUE’S FRAME & DESIGN
By Appointment
269-781-2564
ROTO ROOTER PLUMBING & DRAIN SERVICE
7275 Tower Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49014
269-962-1070
www.rotorooter.com
BATTLE CREEK DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP
115 West Michigan, Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-968-1622 www.downtownbattlecreek.com
GREAT HARVEST BREAD COMPANY
2503 Capital Ave., SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-962-5519
S-T
BATTLE CREEK HEALTH SYSTEM
300 North Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49016
269-966-8000
www.bchealth.com
H-M
SIMS/KNOLL’S ELECTRIC
466 Main, Battle Creek, MI 49014
269-963-7910
fx: 269-962-7276
BATTLE CREEK LANGUAGE & CULTURE CTR.
7 Heritage Oak Lane #4, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-979-8432
www.bclanguageculture.com
HOG CREEK CRAFT & ANTIQUE MALL
10750 W. Chicago Rd. (U.S. 12), Allen, MI 49227
517-490-4131
www.hogcreekmall.com
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN EYE CENTER
3600 Capital Ave. SW #203, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-979-6383
www.swmeyecenter.com
BATTLE CREEK TILE & MOSAIC CO.
1338 W. Michigan, Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-962-8779
fx: 269-962-0620
INTEGRATED HEALTH PARTNERS
165 N. Washington, Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-660-3850
fx: 269-660-3859
SOUTHWEST REG. REHABILITATION CTR.
393 E. Roosevelt, Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-965-3206
www.sw-rehab.org
BOB JANVRIN AUTO BODY & FRAME
1329 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017
269--962-0401 www.bobjanvrinautobody.com
KEB’S INC. ENGINEERING - SURVEYING
13432 Preston Dr., Marshall, MI 49068
269-781-9800
www.kebs.com
STUFFNIQUES
9011 W. Chicago, Allen, MI 49227
517-869-2788
269-979-1411 ext. 103
BURNHAM BROOK
200 West Michigan, Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-966-2566
www.burnhambrook.com
LAKEVIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT
15 Arbor Street, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-565-2411
www.lakeviewspartans.org
TAKING THE LEAD DOG TRAINING
2050 17 Mile Rd., Marshall, MI 49068
269-781-7800
www.MichiganDog.com
CARPET WAREHOUSE
20 Griffin Ct., Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-968-1269 www.cwcarpetwarehouse.com
LES STANFORD FORD
295 W. Dickman Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-965-7771
www.lesstanfordford.com
TLC EYECARE & LASER CENTERS
363 Fremont, Suite 301, Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-964-3018
www.tlceyecare.com
CSM GROUP INC.
13800 E. Michigan Ave., Galesburg, MI 49053
269-746-5600
www.csmgroup.com
MICHIGAN TILE & CARPET
99 E. Columbia Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-962-6227
www.michtile.com
TROXEL REALTY COMPANY, LLC
506 Riverside Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-968-9293
www.troxelrealty.com
MONARCH COMMUNITY BANK
107 N. Park & 15975 W. Michigan, Marshall
269-781-5103 & 269-781-6000 www.monarchcb.com
W-Z
EDWARD ROSE & SONS
115 Pine Knoll Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49014
269-962-0222
www.edwardrose.com
O-R
WOLY AM 1500
15074 6-1/2 Mile Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-965-1515
fx: 269-965-1315
EVERGREEN SENIOR CARE & REHAB CTR.
111 Evergreen Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-969-6110
fx: 269-969-8748
OAKLAWN HOSPITAL
200 North Madison, Marshall, MI 49068
269-781-4271
www.oaklawnhospital.org
WORGESS INSURANCE AGENCY
55 N. McCamly, Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-965-3221
fx: 269-965-8853
FAMILY Y CENTER
182 Capital Ave., NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-963-9622
www.ymcabattlecreek.org
OLD COUNTRY BUFFET
5700 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-979-9551
www.buffet.com
WW THAYNE ADVERTISING
4642 Capital Ave., SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-979-1411
fx: 269-979-3474
FARLEY ESTES & DOWDLE FUNERAL DIRS.
105 Capital Ave., NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-962-5527
www.farleyestesdowdle.com
PARTNERS INSURANCE AGENCY OF SW MI
165 N. Washington, Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-660-3867
fx: 269-660-3862
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BUSINESS TO
APPEAR IN SCENE’S BUSINESS LISTINGS?
A-D
F-G
CALL 269-979-1410
51
Advertiser’s Index
3MCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Allen Antique Barn . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Allen Antique Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Art Center of Battle Creek . . . . . .3, 47
Battle Creek Downtown
Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25, 27
Battle Creek Family YMCA . . . . . . . .2
Battle Creek Health System . . . . . . .26
Battle Creek Language and
•
•
•
•
•
Culture Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Battle Creek Tile & Mosaic . . . . . . .10
Battle Creek Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . .24
Behavioral Health Resources . . . . . .21
Bob Janvrin Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . .2
Burnham Brook Community
Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Carpet Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Charitable Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Over 300 Booths on Two Floors
Stairs and Elevator to Second Floor
Limited Dealer Space Available
Brown’s Clock Repair
Furniture Reconditioning Supplies
9247 West Chicago Road, Allen, Michigan
517-869-2888 / [email protected]
www.allenantiquebarn.com
Hours: 10:00-5:00 – 7 Days
OWNERS: DEREK & EILEEN SCHROEDER
Robin’s Nest Banquet Facilities
250 CAPACITY
SOUND SYSTEM
AVAILABLE
KITCHEN
DANCE FLOOR
NON-SMOKING
16181 10 MILE ROAD, BATTLE CREEK, MI 49014 • 269-966-9930
THANKS
DAVE!
Joined by his wife, Sue, colleagues and friends, Dave Eddy stepped down
from his duty as Battle Creek’s “Morning Mayor” and host of the weekday morning show
on WBCK 95.3 FM on Jan. 18. Eddy first came to work at the radio station in Aug. 1961.
(Photo by Art Frith/Battle Creek Radio)
52
Circa VI
Alyssa DeRuiter, Stylist . . . . . . . .3
Community Inclusive Recreation . . .25
Conway Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
CSM Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
edwardrose.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Evergreen Senior Care &
Rehab Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Family & Children Services . . . . . . .13
Farley Estes & Dowdle
Funeral Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Foundation for Behavioral
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Ginny Sue’s Frame & Design . . . . .39
Great Harvest Bread Co. . . . . . . . . . .3
Hog Creek Craft & Antique Mall . . . .2
Kebs, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Lakeview School District . . . . . . . . .11
Les Stanford Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Lifespan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Marshall Historical Society . . . . . . .45
Michigan Tile & Carpet . . . . . . . . . .28
Monarch Community Bank . . . . . . .33
Nonprofit Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
NorthPointe Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Oak Hill Cemetery . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Oaklawn Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Old Country Buffet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Partners Insurange Agency . . . . . . . .12
Powers Bath Systems . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Progressive Printing & Graphics . . .12
RE/MAX Perrett Assoc., Inc.
Michael E. Downing, Realtor . . .37
Robin’s Nest Banquet Facilities . . . .52
Roto-Rooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Scene Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Senior Diagnostic Center of
Southcentral Michigan . . . . . . . .41
Senior Health Partners . . . . . . . . . . .15
Sims Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Soule, Maris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Southwest Michigan Eye Center . . . .4
Southwest Regional Rehabilitation
Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Spartan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Starr Commonwealth . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Stuffniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Taking The Lead Dog Training . . . . .2
TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers . . . . .53
Troxel Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Urban League of Battle Creek . . . . .54
W.K. Kellogg Foundation . . . . . . . . .56
WOLY Radio AM 1500 . . . . . . . . . .50
Worgess Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
WW Thayne Advertising . . . . . . . . .20
Going Once, Going
Twice, SOLD!
Community Inclusive Recreation
(CIR) Annual Auction sponsored by the
Battle Creek Rotary Club is set for
March 17, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30
p.m. at the new Battle Creek Holiday
Inn. Buffet lunch with beverage will be
available for purchase. The event is
FREE and OPEN to the Public.
Items include a variety of packages
such as vacation getaways, sporting
events, dinner and entertainment, arts
and culture, signed sport memorabilia,
and much more… This event features
both silent and live auction activity with
a raffle drawing worth over $500!
All major credit cards are accepted as
well as cash and checks. Proceeds benefit the inclusive programs of
Community Inclusive Recreation, which
is a 501© 3 organization. Items will be
listed and updated on CIR’s website
beginning at www.cir-inc.org. If you
want to donate items, contact Diane
Thompson at 964-3542 or contact Cathy
Winer, at (269) 968-8249 ext 14.
If you are unable to attend and still
want to place your bid, no problem – call
CIR and we’ll make it easy for you, ask
for LaTaynia Hendershot or Cathy
Winer.
The Battle Creek Holiday Inn has
plenty of parking and accommodations
are accessible for everyone.
See Our Experts
TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers
Welcomes Raphael
Addiego, M.D.
Dr. Addiego joins the TLC physician
team with experience in treating
medical and surgical treatment of the
retina. And over 20 years of
experience in treating Diabetic
Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration,
Retinal Detachments and Intraocular
Infections.
For more information about Dr.
Addiego and TLC Eyecare & Laser
Centers complete list of services
please visit us at...
877.TLC.TIME
| www.tlceyecare.com
363 Fremont Ave., Battle Creek
#2 provider in the nation using ReSTOR technology and the 1st
surgeons in Michigan to use a 20% smaller incision during surgery.
“Comedy for Charity”
Helps Charitable Union
“Comedy for Charity” Featuring Kevin
“Naked” McPeek proceeds to benefit
Charitable Union of Battle Creek and
sponsored in part by Miller College.
At thirty-two
years of age, and
weighing in at 320
pounds, comedian
Kevin
McPeek
proudly claims that
“I’ve been gaining
ten pounds a year
since the day I was
born.” The math
may be fuzzy, but McPeek’s gargantuosity is the heart and soul of his act. Kevin
McPeek returns to Michigan to perform
at Gary Fields Comedy Club in support
of Charitable Union’s “Comedy for
Charity” night March 30th at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are a $20 donation in advance
and can be obtained by visiting the
Charitable Union at 85 Calhoun St.
Phone 964-7234 or Gary Fields Comedy
Club at 965-HOHO.
53
WE INVITE EVERYONE TO VISIT OUR
ANTIQUE AND COLLECTIBLE BOOTHS FOR
SOMETHING UNIQUE AND FUN!
NOW IN THREE ANTIQUE MALLS
IN ALLEN, MICHIGAN...
On W. Chicago Road, US 12 - All within one mile
HOG CREEK CRAFT & ANTIQUE MALL
517-490-4131 | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | 10AM-5PM
ALLEN ANTIQUE BARN
517-869-2888 | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | 10AM-5PM
ALLEN ANTIQUE MALL
517-869-2788 | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | 10AM-5PM
FEATURING Furniture, Glassware, Brass, Paintings,Tools,
Sculptures, Dolls,Toys, Jewelry, Chess Sets, Books and More.
TAKE I-69 south to Coldwater exit 13, then 10 miles east
to fun and excitement. Stop at the front desk of each location
for directions to our booths.
Change!
“ The Brothers Against Violence
Leadership Academy has opened
many doors for me that would not
have been opened. I personally have
found ways to stay out of trouble.
I just want to say thank you to the
Urban League. They believed in
us through our ups and downs.
”
Damon West
Restoration/BAVLA
Participant
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED in helping the Urban League of Battle Creek, change a life one person,
one family, one neighborhood at a time – Please contact Tiffany Woodson to further discuss your
philanthropic options at 269-962-5553 OR VIA EMAIL AT [email protected].
54
C O U N T R Y
E L E G A N C E ,
C I T Y
C O N V E N I E N C E
Benefits of The Ridge –
a great room with vaulted ceiling and
With 1-plus acre lots beginning at
arched windows, master suite whirl-
$64,900, and located within the
pool, ceramic tile bathroom floors
Lakeview School District, The Ridge at
and walk-in shower. Walkout base-
Cedar Creek brings you nature’s beau-
ments and sanctioned outbuildings
ty and the benefits of city living. A
are accommodated. A mainte-
background of woods adjacent to the
nance free exterior deck over-
Cedar Creek golf course gives these 27
looking the glory of nature’s
custom home sites an ambience of
changing seasons and wildlife
relaxed elegance. Gently curving tree lined streets create
is also available.
a welcome park-like setting. A common gathering area is
An added benefit of a Ridge
GREEN
building practices,
complete with pavilion, barbeque grills, play area, and
built home is the use of
putting green.
including renewable building materials and an emphasis
Superior quality throughout spacious living space
on low-impact land development. And your Ridge home
includes available amenities such as genuine wood
save’s money too – as the area’s highest energy efficient
floors, slate stone hearth fireplace, granite countertops,
development.
TROXEL REALTY COMPANY
269.968.9293
OR TOLL FREE 1.866.TROXEL.1
www.troxelrealty.com
SITE HOURS – SUNDAY 1 TO 4 PM Stone Jug Rd. between Gethings & Watkins
Scene Magazine
4642 Capital Ave., SW
Battle Creek, MI 49015-9350
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED