1998-01-07 Vassar Pioneer Times
Transcription
1998-01-07 Vassar Pioneer Times
i4 iY e a r s IW S9LBh 'U t f S S t f A 3 A « N Q ynH M 0 7 3 Aiiyyan cmojnws aw nna 8 6 /3 7 /5 0 Vol. 141 No. 2 Window decoration winners 4*808001 W ednesday. Jan u ary 7, 1998 50 cents RM K Time Repair opens Timepieces get ‘T.L.C: from expert repairman A new downtown business has opened that features a local face. Vassarite Rob Butts recently established his new RMK Time Repair Shop. The busi ness is located inside of C & S Jewelers in downtown Vassar. For the past five years Rob has worked full-time for Newton Plumbing and Heating as a furnace technician, but in December dropped back to parttime in order to pursue what he loves-watch and clock repair. ‘‘I’ve been repairing clocks and watches for about eight years,” said Rob. “Looking back I think I was most influenced when I was very small by my uncle. Don Dietrich, who ran a clock repair shop in Frankenmuth.” Rob said later in years when he had accumulated a few pocket watches of his own that needed repairing he studied and researched how to do the job himself. “Probably another person who influenced me a lot was Suzanne l.ane." added Rob. “She gave me a lot o f her father's and grandfather’s repair tool ing from when they operated Wightman’s Jewelry Store in Vassar where the Pioneer Times office is today. At RMK Rob will repair anything from pocket watches to antique clocks and grandfather clocks. He will be at his business from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. He also will make house calls in the evenings by appointments for grandfather clocks. Rob says he most enjoys working on the very early movements from the 1850's to 1900. “ In those years the mechanical mechanisms utilized were very intriguing,” said Rob. “Most were manufactured by hand and each one was a little bit dif ferent. Sometimes it can be very difficult to resolve w hat’s wrong and that's what makes it fun. It’s just something I enjoy working at and it’s different everyday.” But Rob says not all Matches are worth the cost o f repair. The first thing, is to look at the value of the watch and determine the extent and cost of repair needed. Sometimes it is cost prohibitive. Some parts for the old watches and clocks are available new. but others Rob himself manufactures. Rob says generally the cost to repair a watch or clock runs from $30-5100 and usually takes one to two weeks of time. One of Rob’s prized possessions is a pocket watch he purchased from Auctioneer Herb Albrecht. The silver pocket watch was made between 18871888 and ha* ‘Frank W. Wightman. Vassar. Mich.’ of Wightman Jewelers inscribed on the watch movement itself behind two covers. Rob is also an avid Vassar area antique memorabilia collector. Since 1987 when he found a milk bottle from the Walworth Dairy Rob has been scour ing garage sales and auctions for those finds. Currently Rob is working on the repair o f tire Vassar City town clock which will be replaced on the Chiropractic of Vavsar building at the com er of Huron Avenue and Main Street this spring. One mechanical movement is completed, and Rob is now starting on the second movement. He also will make a new hour hand and face for one side o f the clock. For expert clock or watch repair call Rob at 823-0120. Rob B utts is pictured in his w orkshop putting u cu sto m er's pocket w atch back together a fte r repair. The new business opened in C & S Jew elers in dow ntow n V assar in December. Ballots inside on Pages 6- 7 Votefor the ‘People For the second year running the Vassar Pioneer Times is sponsor ing the People’s Choice Award Contest. The contest features 12 people or group.-* from the Vassar commu nity who were honored by the Times (one per month), throughout the past year. They are people who work in their own special way to make Vassar a better place to live, work and play. There arc always those people in a community w ho do not seek out or receive public recognition for their good deeds; hence, the People’s Choice Award w as bom flie People’s Choice Aw aid is different than other organizational type of awards because it is based not on one organization or club, but simply on what these honorecs have accomplished as individuals. This year, we will again let you the public decide on the overall w inner of the People’s Choice Award. On pages 6-7 you will find bal lots on which you can vote. All votes must be received by the Vassar Pioneer Times by Jan. 14, 1998 and only original ballots will be accepted. Vour vote also enters you in a random drawing to win a $25 gift certificate to the Vassar business of your choice, providing your name, address and phone number are included on your ballot! Anonymous votes will also be accepted. The winner o f the People’s Choice Award will be honored at the Community Awards Banquet on Jan. 24 with a plaque of recog nition. The Com m unity Awards Banquet tickets are now on sale at Vassar City Hall, and at the Vassar Pioneer Times office. Cost is $15 per person. The evening will include a social hour from 5:30-6:30 p.m., a buffet style dinner at 7 p.m., the awards ceremony, and dancing to a live band from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. rhis year the awards portion has been opened up to include a wider range of honorees from throughout the City of Vassar. The Tunes will run the People’s Choice Award honr».xe along with ail the other honorees from the banquet in the Jan. 28 edition. People’s Choice Award ballots can be mailed to the Vassar Pioneer Times at 113 South Main Street. Vassar. Mich. 48768 or dropped off at the office located next door to the Secretary o f State office. There is also a mail slot in the front door for after hours. THE VASSAR PIONEER TIM ES, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7, 1998 PAGE 2 Area Happenings SENIOR CITIZENS TO MEET The Vassar Area Senior Citizens Club will meet on Jan K at Vassar C'ity Mall at 12p.m. Please brine a dish to pass and your own table service. The election of officers w ill held during tins meeting. S IM .E E S DANCE IN CARO A singles dance will be held on Jan 9 in. The Backroom,' of the Brentwood Restaurant in Caro. Music will be provided by I) J. Dave 1 eM aster from 8 30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Appropriate dress is required There is a $5 admission fee. For more information call 517-683-2723. CHRISTM AS COMPOST Tuscola County Recycling will be holding a Christmas Compost Project, for used Christmas trees, on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to I p.m., at the Vassar Industrial Park on Enterprise Drive. For each tree dropped off. a certificate for a free tree seedling will be offered. The seedlings may be picked up at the Tuscola County Soil Conservation District Spring Sale. The trees will be mulched into chips that will be used for various outdoor projects. Anyone interested in retaining the chips is asked to bring a bag or container. HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO MEET The Watrousvillc/Caro Historical Society will meet on Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Caro Municipal Building in Caro. Bill Terbush and Dave O ’Connor will present a program on gun safety. Refreshments will be served follow ing the meeting. The public is invited to attend. VASSAR HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Vassar Historical Society will meet on Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Vassar High School Library. The public is welcome to attend. MOBILE MEDICAL RESPONSE CLASSES The Mobile Medical Response. Inc., will offer medical first responder and basic emergency medical technician classes in Caro on Feb. 2 through June 17 The class will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-10 p.m. at Great Lakes College Campus. Registration deadline is Jan 19. For more information regarding fees or registration contact M MR’s education department at 758-2900, ext. 230. RIGHT TO LIFE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL The Tuscola County Right to Life will hold the annual Candlelight Vigil on Jan 22 at 6 p.m.. at the county courthouse The event will memorialize and remember the unborn children lost to abortion since the Jan. 22. 1973 Roc vs. Wade court decision. Special guests will include Senator Joel Gougeon and State Representative Mike Green. Those participating should being a candle or a flashlight (a limited amount of candles will be available), ro r more information call Vicki at 517-673-5782. CHORE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO SENIORS The Human Development Commission (HDC) is reminding the public that chore services are available to home-bound seniors. CHORE offers assistance to seniors (age 60 or older) who have no one to assist them w ith their homes. Services include major household chores such as window washing, shampooing carpets, tnmming shrubs, washing walls, and other maintenance tasks A donation is requested from the seniors to help defray the cost of the program. For more information contact Carol Wciland at 800-843-6394. Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE TO SENIORS lan Development Commission provides transportation for The Human iscola County. The program provides trips to meuical appointseniors in Tuscola pr ments. the pharmacy ic or hospital. A 48-hour request notice is necessary for scheduling. The service is tree to anyone age oO and older, but a donation er is requeued to help For more information call Carol Ip support the .program _ Wciland at I 800-843-6394, Monday through Friday. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p m BLUE WATER CENTER PROVIDES SERVICES The Blue Water Center for Independent Living is a non-profit, consumer driven agency that provides services to all persons with disabilities in St. Clair, Huron. Tuscola. Lapeer and Sanilac counties. The agency provides counseling and therapy, support groups, independent living training and employment serv ices For more information call 5l7-672-2>04 or write to 1111 W’. Caro. P.O. Box 296. Suite B. Cam. Michigan 48723. HUMANE SOCIETY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS The Humane Society o f Tuscola County is offering free humane educa tional programs for children's groups. They will consist of. ‘story hour.’ type programs, tailored to different situations. For more infomiation con tact iV Susan Hoppe at 517-872-2255. HUMANE SOCIETY SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM The Humane Society of Tuscola County is introducing a program which will provide financial incentive to pet owners to spay/neuter their cats and dogs The group is offering a $25 gift certificate to pet owners to use at their own veterinarians office. To apply for the certificate call Betty Hayward at 517-673-7847 To contnnule. send a check to P.O. Box 6. Vassar. Michigan 49768 Make checks payable to Humane Society of Tuscola County and designate for spay/neuter program. VFW MEETINGS All meetings o f the Mayville/Vassar Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #10884 w ill be conducted "on the second of each month unless iy ot j n d Sunday members of thee post vote otherwise. otnerwise. Meetings M eetings will be held at the American l.cgion Hall. 248 West Main Street. Mayville. BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS Blood pressure clinics will be held at the Human Development Commission Senior Meal Site in Vassar. located in the Ivan Middleton Hall. Vassar Fairgrounds on the second Monday of each month from 10 a m to 12 p.m.. COi LEGE NEWS Hildebrant inducted into national honor society Karen Hildebrant, of Vassar. a senior in Ferris State University's College (FSU) of Arts and Sciences, was recently inducted into the Delta Epsilon chapter of the Lambda Pi Eta (LPE) national communication honor society. Karen Paquette, acting president; Carriann Carlson, charter member; Susan Hector, and Eric Kammer were the installing officers. Other members who assisted with the event included Karen Bryant. Danielle Langford M etzger, and Amy Furst. G uest speakers were William Sederburg, FSU president; and Tom Jacobs, a 1991 FSU graduate and former debater. Sederburg encouraged the new honor society members to view their recognition as a challenge to use their talents to improve the world. Jacobs spoke on how important communication skills have been in his career. To gain recognition in LPE, a stu dent must have earned at least 58 Marketing students attend conference in Milwaukee, Wis. More than 3,000 marketing stu dents attended the Central Region DEC A Leadership Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Among them were nine students from the Tuscola Technology Center. (TTC); Katie Ahrens and Mike Ruppal of Akron-Fairgrove. Chad Anselmi and Sonny Earls of M illington. Terri Hockstad. Tim Hunter and Archie Rodenbo of Kingston, and Tcra Van Vecst and Jennifer Warack of Reese. Group advisor is Shem Diegel. Students chose to attend work shops emphasizing sports and enter tainment. marketing and promotion, and technology development. Some of the companies and organizations presenting w orkshops included Coca Cola, la n d 's End. Milwaukee Bucks. M cD onald's and Oscar Mayer. TTC's DECA students also toured Chicago for two days. They visited 1997 T aurus G.L. 4 Door, Loaded, Last 97, Must Go! ELBERS & SKLBA FORD, INC. 868-4114 9 7 8 3 S a g in a w R eese the Sears Tower. M ercantile Exchange and Marshall Field's department store. The highlight of the trip was dinner at Michael Jordan's restaurant and attending the Beauty and The Beast at the Chicago Theater. DECA is a youth organization which promotes the development of leadership skills in the career areas of marketing and management. CARPET credit hours, an overall GPA of 3.00, 12 credit hours in communication with a GPA in those courses of 3.25 or better, and be a full-time student at the university. Inductions are held twice each year. LPE is the recognized undergrad uate communication honor society sponsored by the National Com m unication Association. In 19%. LPE became a member o f the Association of College Honor Societies, which includes Omicron Delta Kappa The FSU Delta Epsilon Chapter of L.PE was chartered in December of 1995, and installed its charter hon orary members in April of 1996. The chapter advisor is Dr. Sandy Alspach, associate professor. Humanities. Vassar Family Practice D.Duane Martin, D.0. Greg Szyperski, D.0. $ 811 W. Huron Vassar, Michigan 48768 • Stainmaster • W o rry F R E E Office Hours: • Wear Dated • Linoleum Mon., Wed., Fri. - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ATKINS HARDWARE & FURNITURE •GIFTS • FLOORCOVERING Tues., Thurs. • 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (517) 8 2 3 - 8 5 0 5 171 E. Huron, Vassar • 517-823-8543 Two Pizzas! Four Toppings! FREE Movie Rental! Med 13" Large *1749 ® RadioShack. 5 1 7 -8 2 3 -3 9 9 1 5 4 2 S ta te (M -1 5 ) in C o rk P in e Plaza, V assar. M l 4 8 7 6 8 T H E VASSAR P IO N E E R TIM ES, WEDNESDAY, JA N . 7, 1998 PA G E 3 Vassar’s Fair to be revitalized! The Vassar Fair is taking on a new look, with activities sched uled to take place from June 22-28 this year. Several new m em bers have been added to the roster o f the Vassar F air A ssociation bringing with them some new ideas and redefin ing old ideas to enliven the fair. In recent years many changes have been made to the program, and this com ing year is no exception. Look for a possible return of fem ale m ud-w restling, but perhaps with some new variations. M embers are also considering the follow ing possibilities, some of which have not been seen for several years: a Chili Cookoff, or possibly a pastry contest o f some kind; a truck pull to accompany the popular horse-pulling contest; a m iniature horse show and possi bly a full size horse show o f some kind; an ox roast (or at least a pig); 50-50 bingo under the big tent again; an ugly truck contest, and in keeping with the truck pull crow d, possibly a d em olition derby; a tractor pull; an old car show; and last but not least, dancing girls. The program is slow ly being developed at the present time and final announcem ents will follow. A carnival is also expected to be part o f the festivities again after an absence o f several years. M embers are looking into the possibility o f bringing a traveling lo g -ro llin g show to the fa ir g rounds. com p lete w ith canoe jousting and log chopping co n tests. In spite of the fact that there is no body o f w ater on the fa ir grounds, the program is possible because the traveling group brings its own pond. Owners o f food w agons wishing to be part of the revitalized fair for 1998 are asked to contact the V assar F air A ssociation before March to be guaranteed a spot. C om m ercial exhibitors will be offered outdoor space at no charge. Exhibitors are asked to contact Barbara M allak, fair association secretary, at 823-8574. The fair will be offering fewer categories on the perennial, ‘pre m ium ,’ list. F orm erly all fairs offe.cd a wide variety o f cate gories and the agricultural exhibits were an integral part of every fair, the Vassar Fair being no exception. However, by positioning the fair in June many o f those categories will be elim inated. The em phasis will be on har ness-racing as always and plans are under way to add a sunroof to the grandstands so spectators may watch in greater com fort. A new paint job for many o f the facilities at the fairgrounds is also under consideration. Make plans now for the third week in June to attend the new, revised, updated, rejuvenated, and * revitalized Vassar Fair! Poster contest award winners SCD sets annual dinner meeting The 54th Annual Tuscola Soil Conservation District m eeting will be held on Jan. 22 beginning at 7 p.m. in the Caro High School C afeteria. Tom Lounsbury will present a slide presentation on. "H unting Caribou in the Land o f the Inuit." Dinner tickets are $7 and arc available from the Tuscola Soil Conservation District Office at 1075 C leaver Road. Caro or from D irectors Rick Seidler o f Kingston, Judy Long o f M illington. G erald Hicks o f Deford. Henry G ruber o f Reese or Mike Findlay o f Caro. Gerald Hicks and Rick Seidler are com pleting three-year term s as d is trict directors. A nom inating com m ittee has selected Hicks and Barry Sting in Area I and Seidler and Gerald Vandemark in Area II to run for the positions. John Gyomory will be the election chairm an. Richard and Larry Starkey have been named C onservationist o f the Year for 1997 for their accom plishm ents in getting conservation on the land. Curt and Todd Fackler received a G oodyear Award o f Merit for their accom plishm ents in resource conservation. The district also held a poster contest. First place went to Jam es Weber o f M illington for Division One, Jessica Backus o f U nionvillc for Division Two and Ashley Farnum of Caro for D ivision Three. Both Weber and Farnum will com pete in national com petition. During 1997 conservation practices included 20 erosion control struc tures. 379 acres o f tree planting. 4.600 acres o f soil testing, conservation plans w ritten on 4.956 acres; 43 soil and w ater conservation referrals ser vices; 38.000 acres o f no-lill corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa planted If there arc situations on your farm in need special attention to prevent soil and w ater erosion, contact the SCD office at 517-673-8174. Window contest winners Follow ing the ju d gin g on Nov. 29 for the Vassar Hometown Holidays Business C hristm as Window D ecorating C ontest, Atkins H ardware was awarded the first place plaque. Following close behind was The W eathervane A ntique Emporium in second place, and Newton Plumbing and H eating in third, both receiving framed certificates for their efforts. The Vassar C ham ber o f C om m erce spon sors the event each December, hoping to spread a little Christm as spirit throughout the city. Pictured is Bob and Betty A tkins following the presentation o f the plaque. New ph arm acy Richville’s Pretzel Fest in M illington benefits beautification The community of Richville will host the fifth annual Pretzel Fest Party on Jan. 16 at the Richville Legion Hall on M-46. The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a Happv Hour including beer and set-ups but party attendees must bring their own alcoholic beverages. Hot D ’ Oeuvres will include Tiger Meat. Rocky M ountain O ysters. Shrim p C ocktail. Sum m er Sausage, and Cheese and Crackers Dinner from 6-7:30 p.m. will include fish, chicken. beef, venison, potato, vegetable, coleslaw, bread and butter, relishes, and pie and coffee. The meai is being donated and prepared by Norm's Market and helpers. The evening will also include games, door prizes, bingo, homemade pretzels, beer and popcorn. Tickets are $10 per person and tax deductible dona tions are also being accepted. All proceeds will be put towards the Richville Beautification Project. A new Millington business. Village Pharmacy, located at 8523 State Street, has recently opened in town. The historic location known for past Millington pharmacies, offers ihe yesteryear charm the town is known for. along with modem pharmacy technology. Village Pharmacy is a full service drug store with prescription drugs, over the counter medicines, health care supplies, vitamins and herbal remedies, magazines, and gifts. The owner. Geoffrey Gale. RPh . is an experienced pharmacist with more than 14 years in the pharmacy profession. He and his wife are very excited about offering this service to the community and are planning a grand open ing celebration for early February. Store hours arc from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or. Saturdays. THE VASSAR PIONEER TIMES, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7, I 'M PAGE 4 VIEWPOINT New vote-by-mail system approved The M ichigan House of Representatives has approved a pro posal to make vote-by-mail a reality in M ichigan. House D em ocrats declared that mail-in ballots will im prove voting efficiency by upgrading an arcane system origi nally designed for 19th Century elections. "We can ’t expect a system designed during a time when only men could vote to meet the changing demands of today's families." House Speaker Curtis Hertel (D-Detroit) said. "We must move into the 21st Century with a system which allows more people to participate in our democratic process," “Voters in Oregon are mailing in their ballots, making better informed votes from the com fort o f their homes." said Representative Sharon (iire (D-Clinton Township), sponsor o f the bill. “Michigan voters, too, deserve the highest accessibility to the ballot ." Oregon ran the first statewide mail-only federal election in I 'M . resulting in im pressively high turnout rates. In some areas, voter turnout increased more than 4<K) percent Overall turnout for the elec tion was 66.3 percent “It’s been almost three decades since voter turnout was over 50 per cent in a Michigan gubernatorial election," Gire said. "If you’ve ever had to stand in line more than an hour to vote, you know why.” Under the proposal passed by the House, the Secretary of State, in conjunction with local governments, will conduct six to eight pilot pro jects on the local level between 1999-2003. Beginning in 2004. local governments will be able to hold local mail-in elections, and the Secretary o f State may hold statewide elections by mail. Democrats, wary of concerns over voter fraud, have built a series of protections to help guarantee clean elections: •All ballots will be sent to regis tered voters by non-forwardable mail with a pre-addressed return envelops* and a secrecy envelope, and records will be kept ol any replacement ballots sent or received to guard against, ‘double-voting.’ •Election officials will process a ballot only if: 1) It is returned in the return iden tification envelope. 2) The return identification enve lope is signed by the voter. 3) The signature has been verified against the signature on the voter’s tions by mail found that one o f the likely benefits would be reduced costs per voter. "There is a definite cost benefit to the vote-by-mail system." Gire said. “We can increase the number of voters participating in elections while saving taxpayer dollars.” Democrats contend the changes are a modernization of an arcane registration card. ♦Finally, penalties arc provided for those persons who: 1) Use force or other means to unduly intluence a voter to vote in a particular manner. 2) Attempt to keep a voter from voting in an election my mail. A study in which Secretary of State Candice Miller endorsed elec- system. The vote-by-mail method has been proven effective in Oregon and 16 other states. House Democrats view vote-bymail as the first step toward con structing an elections system for the future which takes into account the hectic lifestyles of modern American families. Reader’s Views Athletic director thanks all who donated food Dcar editor. On behalf of the Vassar Athletic Department and the Vassar Food Pantry. I would like to take this opportunity to (hank all individuals who participated in our I Ith Annual Vassar Athletic Departm ent Christmas Food Drive. On Dec. 19. the Vassar Vulcans Basketball Teams hosted the Reese Rockets. Spectators could see the game for $2 with the donation of two non-perishable foot items, instead of the normal admission price of S3. It is with great pleasure that I announce there were 71 items donat ed at the evening’s competition All donated items were delivered to the Vassar Food Pantry. Again, thank you to all who par ticipated in the Christm as Food Drive, and we look forward to doing it again next year. It is the Vassar Athletic Department’s way of try ing to help some of our local families in need to have a little better holiday season. Yours in Athletics. Dan Johnson Vassar Athletic Director Branson, Mo. is wonderful, but oh, the traffic! “ Been on any trips lately?" a friend asked For more than a year. I've been answering that question with “No." Now I can say "Yes." The first week in December I went to Branson. Mo. So settle back in your rockin' chair, let the snow fall and (he w ind blow, and take an armchair travelogue with the Port Hope Retirees, a group whose title can be misleading. True, many retirees have “snow on the ro o f1and a touch of arthritis here and there. But. although we were tired at day’s end. we still kept movin’! The first day we stopped for a fast-food lunch at noon, so we were ready for the bounteous buffet at the G olden Fork Restaurant at Terre Haute. Ind., our overnight stop The restaurant had all sorts of salads, meats, vegetables and desserts. As I was eying a scrumptious-looking chocolate concoction, a woman standing nearby said. “It looks won derful. but think of the calories.” We divided a square and told ourselves the calories had been removed' The next day we continued on. and arrived in Branson in late after noon Branson has experienced phe nomenal growth since its first coun try music show in 1959. That show was called “The Baldknobbers." and now there is a Baldknobher theater, motel and restaurant. The name "BaldknoWiers" seemed a bit strange until I found the history behind the name In 1885. a group of men organized as the "Law and Order League." w ith members taking a secret oath. They met on a broad hill called "Bald Knob" for the pur pose of restoring law and order in Taney County, in which they lived. Now fast-forw ard to the year I960. An outdoor park, named Silver Dollar City, opened near Branson. It was developed around Marvel Cave, and as the place grew in popularity, visitors to the park wanted evening entertainment. Two families, the Presleys and the Mahes. joined to produce a show with their own families as the enter tainers A dvertising was done by the wives, and it was limited to their standing along the highway, holding signs inviting people to come to the show. Some of the men drove along w ith a loudspeaker on top of the car. but officials ran them out of town. The show ’s fame grew, and in time was moved into Branson where the Presley family had built a metal building for performances. Some nights they all stood in front and watched for car lights, hoping some folks would stop to see their show. In the 1970s, a few more shows began, and by the end o f the decade traffic along Route 76 was bumper to bumper at show time One theater then — and now there are more than 30 theaters. Where will it end? My first visit to Branson was sev eral years ago, in the month of October. The scenery from our motel was awesome, the valleys a riot of fall colors as the trees seemed to compete with the theaters for a great show of their own That view no longer exists. What was once pn stine forested valleys is now ribbons of roads with motels and hotels, shopping malls, manicured golf courses, and new homes. On my second trip to Branson, urban sprawl was just beginning. On an early morning walk. 1 saw a man sweeping the parking lot next to the Presley the ater. “How do the residents of Branson feel about all the people and cars coming hereV I asked. "We like it just fine," he replied. “We're making money hand over fist." “Don't Branson citizens hate all this traffic?" He shook his head. “The people who live in town keep off the main street. Tourists keep on it There's no problem ” TTiat was a few years ago. I won der if Branson residents are still as relaxed about the new highways, (he urban atmosphere, and the scenic valleys gone forever. Our first night in Branson we went to the Jim Stafford show. A magazine ad said. “ Branson is an ice cream sundae and the nut’s on top." Next to those words was a picture of a sundae with Stafford on the top. Mostly it was a comedy show, with "chicken" dancers, floating flashlights and flying saucers, and balloon animals that flew over the audience. Stafford kept up a steady stream of humor with funny stories and witty remarks. There was a skit about a pie facto ry. and as the pies began to roll along an assembly line, the audience* knew that sooner or later there would be at least one pie thrown. The audience was right, for several pies were thrown at the performers Then Stafford picked up a guitar and began to play. I don’t know about the rest of the audience, but I was amazed, for he played beautiful, classical guitar. When he finished there was thunderous applause, and I wished he would have played longer. He had one more surprise. He took a harmonica from his pocket and proceeded to play a perfect inspirational rendition of “O Holy Night." It was the perfect ending for his show. We had a four-night stay at the Baldknobher motel, with the restau rant as part of the complex. After all of the bus riding and lots o f laughter at the Stafford theater we were real ly ready for a hot shower and then to bed. Next week: The Rockettes. Dino. The Dixie Stampede. Ruby Maschke's column appears each week.. The Vassar Pioneer Times 113 S. Main St. P.O. Box 69 Vassar, MI 48768 Phone (517) 823-8579 FAX (517) 823-8778 E-Mail [email protected] (USPS 686-710) H. Allen Wamsley, Publisher Sandy Walker Manager/Editor Published each Wednesday. Second class postage paid at Vassar. Ml Post Office, postm aster: Send address changes to the Vassar Pioneer Times. Box 69. Vassar. MI 48768. County............................... $12.00 year State................................... $14.00 year Out of slate....................... $16.00 year Single copy................................ 50c Out of state address change................. $ 2.00 THE VASSAR PIONEER TIMES, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7, 1998 PAGE 5 COMMUNITY Military Right to Life annual meeting TH O M J . SPENC ER Air F orce A irm an Thom J. S pencer has graduated from basic m ilitary training at Lackland Air Force Base. San Antonio. Texas. During the six weeks o f train ing. the airm an studied the Air Force m ission, organization, and custom s and receiv ed special training in human relations. In addition, airm en who com plete basic training earn credits tow ard an asso ciate degree through the Com m unity College o f the Air Force. S pencer is the son o f Mary E. and stepson o f Bud Stecnbcrgh of M illington. He is a 1997 g raduate o f M illington High School. L E W IS M arine Pfc. Ronald J. Lewis, son of John Lewis o f M illington, has recently co m p leted basic training at M arine C orps Recruit Depot, San Diego, C alifornia. Lewis successfully com pleted 12 weeks o f training at 5 a.m ., by running three m iles and perform ing calisthenics. In addition to the physical co n d itio n in g program , Lewis spent num erous hours in classroom and field assignm ents which included learning first aid. uniform regulations, com bat w ater survival, m arksm anship, hand-tohand co m b at and asso rted weapons training. They perform ed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training. Lewis and other recruits also received instruction on the M arine C o rp s' core valu eshonor, courage and co m m itm en t, and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct. Lewis and fellow recruits ended the train in g phase w ith. The C ru cib le,’ a 54-hour team effort, problem solving evolution which culm inated with an em otional c e r em ony in which the recruits were p resen ted the M arine C orps Em blem , and were addressed as. ‘M arines.’ for the first time since boot cam p began. Lew is jo in s 4 1 .0 0 0 men and women who will enter the M arine C orps this year from all over the country. Lew is is a 1996 graduate o f M illington High School. On Jan. 15, 1998 the Tuscola County Right to Life, (RTL), will hold their annual meeting for 1998. beginning at 6 p.m. at the Indianfields Public Library (Caro Library), located at 840 West Frank Street, Caro. “This is perhaps the most impor tant meeting of the year for the orga nization. and attendance by mem bers and the interested public is very important in shaping the future of the pro-life movement in Tuscola County," stated Ryan M itchell. Tuscola County RTL secretary and membership director. The agenda for the evening will include the election of officers, adoption of a new budget, and estab lishment of membership dues along with the finalization of the annual dinner plans. Everyone is welcomed to attend and to consider serving on the board. Those wishing to vote during the annual meeting must have main tained membership with the county affiliate during 1997 or must have memberships for 1998. "This will be an exciting year for the pro-life movement,” commented Mitchell, “ But we need people to C O N T IN U ED ON PAGE 10 Caring for Women Women’s Club The Dec. I meeting o f the Millington Women’s Club was held at the home of Luella Saeger. with Carol Kager as co-hostess. The meeting opened with 16 members in attendance, participating in pledges, collect and song. The treasurer's report indicated $2,165.69 in the general fund and $515.70 in the flower fund. The conservation department pro gram featured Sharon Mika, direc tor/coordinator of the Caro Recycling Facility. Mika spoke of the im portance o f recycling and M illington’s efforts to participate. C O M M IT T E E S Scrapbook/Prtssb<n>kDoris Webster is collecting materials. Legislation- Lois Corba read an article from. ‘Action Alert.’ regard ing new EPA rules costing Michigan residents big bucks. Marion Worth passed out typed letters for each member to sign regarding the sup port of CEDAW (the Convention of C O N TIN U ED ON PAGE 10 Reinbold’s; S a le s & Service Corner of M -46 & M-53 I North Of Frankenmuth 517- 755-0612 • Ariens • Ski-Doo • White • Dixon • Kawasaki • Yardman • Poulan-Pro L ittle W o n d e r s Children's 5 e o o n d - h a n d 5ho p Bay Health Systems' experienced team of professionals specializes in care for women of all ages. Women throughout east central Michigan can count on Bay Health Systems for doctors, nurses, and medical services tailored to their specific needs. We offer high-quality obstetric and gynecological services, prenatal care, support groups, training for parents, mammography and breast health, home health visits, and a w om en's resource library. We are also the first in the area to provide birthing apartments for a unique family experience. We're here to help. C all us for m ore inform ation ab o u t o u r services. Buy - S en - T ra d e Women's Services (517) 667-6325 Health Systems Our Experience Makes Your Experience Better TIIK VASSAR PIONEER TIMES, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7, 1998 PAGE 6 T h is p a st year, th e V assar P io n e e r T im es h o n o re d 12 re sid e n ts of our co m m u n ity w ho m ake a positive im p act ev ery d ay th ro u g h th e ir p ro fe ssio n s o r services they p ro v id e. T h ese are p e o p le w ho w ould n o t n o rm ally receive re c o g n itio n for th e ir c a re an d c o m m itm e n t to V assar. O n ce a m o n th th ro u g h V a ssa r’s P ride we b ro u g h t you an individual w ho w e th o u g h t w as d eserv in g of th e h o n o r. At th e co m m u n ity aw ards b a n q u e t this m o n th , w e will h o n o r o n e of th e se individuals w ith th e P e o p le ’s C h o ice A w ard. T h a t will be w h ere you, o u r re a d e rs co m e in. H e le n W is c h m e y e r 9 {g n cy fy g a n s b u r g e r 2 year m em ber of Friends of Children * Volunteer teachers aide at Townsend North Elementary School * Volunteers at Central Elementary Library * Playground Pride Representative Founder and president of the Tuscola County H um ane Society Writes Sunday School curriculum for M ethodist, Presbyterian and Catholic Publishers. * Name. Address Name Address Phone Phone. I% on - ...... (Pauh Wojno ^ J tte Vassar Chamber of Commerce President * Riverfest Committee * Vassar High School principal * Director of Special Education in Vassar * St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church administrative board member Vassar High School Football Volunteer Received a $ 3 0 0 aw ard /g ran t from C onsum er's Pow er for his volunteer services which he gave to the Football program * Name__ Address Name. Address Phone. Phone. Suzanne Lane & %o6 (Butts D ia n n e J o h n s t o n * Vassar City Clerk for 15 years * Vassar Rotary Club M ember * Com m unity volunteer Compiling, recording and preserving D owntown Vassar history Name— Address Name. Address Phone. Phone. THE VASSAR PIONEER TIMES, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7 , 1W8 PAGE 7 Please take the time to vote for your nomination of the People’s Choice Award, and return your ballot to the Vassar Pioneer Times before January 14.Your name will then be entered in a random drawing for a $25 gift certificate to the Vassar business of your choice. If you chose to vote anonymously that’s fine too! But we need your votes to make the People’s Choice Award truly the People’s Choice! Original ballots only, no photocopies will be accepted. MAIL BALLOTS TO: Vassar Pioneer Times • P.O. Box 6 9 , Vassar, MI 4 8 7 6 8 or simply drop off at the office • 113 S. Main Street, Vassar (Pat(MiddCin S. ‘K f n Szi>artzenc(ru6 er * V assar S c h o o ls V ulcan M usic Instructor S in c e 1 9 7 4 * Involved in A ca d em ic Track * M usic director at V assar First U n ited M eth od ist C hurch * P ast p resid en t an d m em b e r o f Vassar's W o m en 's Club M anages Vassar Ice H ockey Association * M anages a 9 - 12 year old hockey team * Name. Address Name. Address Phone. (D a v e Q r im Phone JftC ■youth Mihsonf Council Eric Zempel, Chad S en ey, Crystal Manchester, Kristy Anderson & Todd Zempel * Umpire-in-Chief for Vassar Little League * Teaches com m unity um pire clinics * Original Youth Committee created to set goals and provide constructive activities for youth. * Activities have included the Riverfest Rollerblade Races and the Rollerblade Hockey Tournament Name. Address Address Phone Phone T/te Qrimshatvs (Dave Johnston Herbert Grimshaw, Mary Grimshaw, C onnie Grimshaw, Edna Wilder & Dan Grimshaw Serves on the Economic Development Commission. Instrumental in M-15 being named a Recreational Route in Michigan * Responsible for condom inium com plex across from C entral School * * Gospel music group that performs to help raise funds for various causes often at little or no charge Address Address Phone Phone T H E VASSAR P IO N E E R T IM E S , WEDNESDAY, JAN . 7, 199# PAGE 8 SPORTS ATTENTION TUSCOLA TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS YOUR COMPLETE AUTO AND TRUCK REPAIR CENTER I '•HooHm ( Cm I m «Trwiatbd«K •ftreta 'T w rips *Enffcie tafiir Happy Volley. Days The V assar H appy Volley Days V o l l e y b a l l T o u rn am en t was played on Dec. 20. The Vulcan Varsity Team finished third in the to u rn ey ag ain st a total o f eight team s. T he V ulcan J u n io r V arsity Team had no co m p e tito rs at the meet. P ictu red above, Jack ie Rondo, #23 of the Vulcan Ju n io r Varsity learn gets a hit in a gam e against Reese. HOURS. Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 Sat. By Appointment Only UFIX-IT, INC. 707 E, Huron Ave., Vassar 823-8951 The regular meeting of the Tuscola Township Board will be changed to Tuesday, January 13,1998, at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 10,1998, at 7:00 P.M. and Tuesday, March 10,1998, at 7:00 P.M. Mary Lou B lasius, Clerk •(omple* Mkwvil lunttryod •Ham I kitchen design •Immd t fogndatioftgrods kjmber •foe* monufornmd by Shrwm Wiltons •(urtxn pole bampackages •Oak packages, moled t ceda BUILDING CENTER, INC. inaw Rd., Vassar, Ml 48768 (517) 823-8513 FREE DELIVERY * 1-800-968-8511 Mon.-Fri. 8-5:30, Set. 8-4 JB U N E Vulcan Sports Schedule JV-VARSITY BA SKETBALL M N wilh Birch Run (•' Vassar; 6 p.m. 1-13- F-JV-V with Mayville C* Vassar; 5 p.m. l-ift- Jv-V- with Millington Millington. 6 p.m. FR ESH M A N BOVS BASKETBALL 1-OH- with Birch Run (*»’ Birch Run; 6 p.m. 1-13- with Muyvillc (triple) <0 Vassar; 5p.m . 1-15- With Millington Vassar; 7 p.m. W R ESTLIN G 1-08- w ith Bridgeport (a' Vassar; 6 pm M O - Vassar Invitational; 9 a.m. 1-15- with M illington <£ Millington; 6 p.m. I - 1/- (P1 Hatchet Invitational; 8:30 a.m. JV-VARSITY G IR L S VOLLEYBALL 1-09F-JV (ft Hatchet Invitational; 3:30 p.m. 1-10- VAR <P> Freeland Invitational; 9 a.m. 1-12- F-JV-VAR with Marlette (# Vassar; 6p.m . 1-14- F-JV-VAR with Caro V Vassar; 6 p.m. G IR L S G Y M N A STICS 1-10- (o Fast I .unsntg Invitational 1-12- with Midland High <(* Midland: 6:30 p.m. 1-17- («' Hartland Invitational; 10 a.m. JU N IO R H IG H ROYS BA SKETBALL 1-12- 7th Grade with Millington (ff Vassar; 4 p .m 1-12- 8th Grade with Millington C O N TIN U ED O N PAGE 9 Featured Athlete O f T Kim Ross: Senior - 18 years old - G.P.A. 3.8 Three Letters In Girls Cross Country C oach: D an Johnson Parents: Lanny & Rose Ross Also Participates In: Track & Field; National Honor Society; Environmental Awareness Club; German Club; Vulcan Varsity Club, Tuscola Countv and Vassar City Youth Advisory Councils. Accomplishments: Tri-Valley Conference (TVC) East Division; 2nd Team, 19% & 1997; All TVC HONORS: 3rd Team, 19%; State Qualified, 19%. Kim Ross Most Memorable Accom plishm ent : Being team captain my senior year and having the opportunity to run a full girls team and having a great coach there all season. Favorite Food: Strawberries Favorite TV Program: Days Of Our Lives Favorite Athlete: Bret Favre Future Plans: Going to Michigan State to become an Equine Veterinarian. Vassar Pioneer Times 113 S. Main Street, P.O. Box 69, V assar • Ph. 517-823 8579 • Fax 823-8778 • E-Mail - [email protected] nect Select #1067 To enjoy stories with an upbeat positive attitude from . . . Mort Crim's Second THOUGHTS CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-2694321 or 269-2345! THE VASSAR PIONEER TIMES, WEDNESDAY. JAN. 7, 1998 PAGE 9 New MRI Center opens in Thumb area A remarkable cooperative effort involving years o f planning and work culminated on Dec. 22. with the opening o f the Thum b MRI Center. The center which is located at 6320 Van Dyke Road (M-53) near Cass City is a state-of-the-art diagnostic center and was a cooperative effort of Thumb area hospitals and the American D iagnostic M edicine (ADM), Inc. The Thumb MRI Center is a major step forward in healthcare and con venience for the 130,000 people who live in the area, said ADM spokesman Chris Richard. “Until now, when your doctor said you needed an MRI, you had to take most o f a day to travel to places like Saginaw. Bay City or even Flint for the procedure." said Richard. “The Thumb MRI Center is cen trally located to better serve sur rounding counties." Richard added that Thumb area doctors and their patients will now have immediate access to the very best technology traditionally found in larger urban facilities. The center also guarantees examination results to referring physicians within 24 hours, while most urban MRI cen ters have patient backlogs o f up to four weeks. Vassar Community Education ENRICHMENT CLASSES WINTER OF 1998 Phone: 823-7505 INDOOR WALKING Use the high school corridors to continue your walking program in comfort and safety. Start any time. It’s good for you! Where: Vassar High School Times: Mornings 6:30 am to 7:30 am Afternoon & Evenings 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm The Thumb MRI Center is staffed by full-time Medical Director and Radiologist Mark Hilbourn, MD. Center Director Lynda Socier and Diane Ruhlman are both registered MR technologists. The center is the first in Michigan to incorporate a Patient Relaxation System. The center is a unique partnership among six Thum b hospitals and American Diagnostic Medicine, Inc. of Elmhurst. Illinois. The hospitals include Caro Community Hospital, Hills and Dales General Hospital, Huron Memorial Hospital. Marlette Com m unity Hospital. M cK enzie M emorial Hospital and Scheurer Hospital. ADM is a privately owned com pa ny that provides comprehensive ser vices in medical diagnostic tech nologies including MRI. Computed Tom ography (CT), N uclear Medicine, Cardia/Angio Cath Lab. Ultrasound and Bone Densitometry. ADM 's programs enable hospitals, free-standing clinics, group prac tices and other providers to deliver top-quality medicine using the latest technologies while keeping health care costs at an absolute minimum. Normal business hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Monday through Friday. LOW IMPACT AEROBICS Here is a good way to get the exercise we all need. Do something great for your body, mind and spirit. What to wear: -Supportive, aerobic shoes -Comfortable clothes such as shorts and a t-shirt or leotard When. Mondays k Thursdays, beginning January 12 for 10 weeks Where: Vassar Townsend North School Multi-Purpose Room Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm Fee: $24 -1 time a week for 10 weeks $40 - 2 times a week for 10 weeks $ 5 - for walk ins Instructor Kim Garnet PAINTING Acrylic k Water Colors (the date is to be determined) Ever thought you would like to leam to paint? Here is a wonderful opportunity. There will be plenty of time to chat while you work, so have a friend also sign up to take this class with you. When: The date is to be determined Where: High School Art Room Tune: 7:00 - 9KX) pm Fee: $30.00 + supplies Instructor Sandra Cobb BEGINNING DOG OBEDIENCE Leam how to teach your dog sim ple obedience skills including walking quietly on a leash, sitting quietly, standing quietly, behaving around other dogs and to come when called. This is for dogs 4 months old and up; each dog should have a 6' leather or fabric leash, a choke collar and treats for the dog. When: Mondays, beginning February 2 for 6 weeks Where: Vassar High School Tune: 730 - 830 pm Fee: $28.00 Instructor: Becky Sagnelli Vulcan Sports Schedule CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 (tf Millington; 4 p.m. 1-14- 7th G rade with North Branch <£ Vassar; 4 p.m. 1-14- 8th Grade with North Branch @ North Branch; 4 p.m. 1-19- 7th Grade with Cramer # Cramer; 4 p.m. 1-19- 8tn Grade with Cramer @ Vassar; 4 p.m. FRESHMAN GIRLS VOLLEYBALL 1-09- (<»' Hatchet Invitational; 3:30 p.m. 1-12- with Marlette @ Vassar; 6 p.m. 1-14- with Caro <£ Vassar; 6 p.m. 1-19- with Reese <P Vassar. 6 p.m COMPUTER ENRICHMENT This is the class you have been waiting for. During this 6 week course, you will leam on IBM computers. Students will be introduced to Basic Dos and Windows 3.1 plus other applications. When: Wednesdays, beginning January 7 for 6 weeks Where: Vassar High School Room #97 Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm Fee: $45.00 Instructor Rick Cadd I .III W.l\ |l|s | I•IIIII 4 «»|I|MM» Ml Drl R o p o r Tow el 2/ ay rim *tnw ■• • m|r I .III M.IV lltM Mil III 1 iiU|MtM 220 Athletic St. GYMNASTICS Join the gymnastics program that is safe, fun, progressive and confidence building. When: Saturdays, beginning March 28, April 4, 25, May 2, 9, and 16 Where: Vassar's new Central School gymnasium Time: Beginners 9 -1 0 am (ages 4 k older) k Advanced 10 - Noon Fee: $20 for beginners and $25 for advanced Instructor Walt Purigroski Eaimau mSTORES co m OPEN 7 DAYS Hours: 4:30 • 9:00 pm FUN FOR 3's, 4's & 5 YEAR OLDs Here is an excellent opportunity for your child to experience a pre-school atmosphere. They will leam social skills with other children. It is an excellent way to get your child ready for their years of up-coming schooling. When: Mondays, Tuesdays k Thursdays beginning anytime after the first of the year. This pre sent session ends on February 27,1998. The next ses sion will start on March 2,1998 and run for 10 weeks. Where: Vassar Townsend North Pre-School Room Time: 4:00 - 6:00 pm Fee:$40 for 1 day a week for the 10 week session $80 for 2 days a week for the 10 week session $120 for 3 days a week for the 10 week session Instructor: Julie Bender k Theresa Greenwood SIGN LANGUAGE FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED Have you ever wanted to communicate with the hearing impaired - but couldn't? Here is an excellent way to leam. Students will leam the alphabet plus many other interesting skills and drills. When: Thursday, beginning January 15 for 7 weeks Where: Vassar High School Home Economics Room Time: 7:00 - 900 pm Fee: $40.00 Instructor Carla Spoon INTERMEDIATE SIGN LANGUAGE FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED Intermediate class is for students who already have knowledge of the fundamentals of signing. This, plus the graduated beginners from last term are urged to sign up, When: Wednesday, beginning January 14 for 7 weeks Where: Vassar High School Home Economics Room Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm Fee: $40.00 plus cost of book Instructor: Carla Spoon CRAFTS k BASKETRY Sounds simple? Yes it is, but elegant when complete. Let Janet show you how to make beautiful lamp baskets. c. Pie Stamp Painting on cloth/wood/plastic, etc. Please bring an item to paint on. When: Thursdays, beginning January 14th for 6 weeks Where: Vassar High School Art Room Time: 6:30 - 830 pm Fee: $15 + materials Instructor Janet Henry STAINED GLASS Here is an opportunity for you to leam the tech niques of cutting, wrapping and soldering as you leam to make decorative and useful items from stained glass. This class is geared for beginning k intermediate students. When: Tuesdays, beginning January 12 for 6 weeks Where: Vassar High School Art Room Time: 6:30 8:30 pm Fee: $30 + materials Instructor: Janet Henry M ission Statem ent: It is our purpose to provide as many educational services as possible to residents of the school district who are not a part of the K-12 pop ulation, and to offer enrichment opportunities for those with leisure time. If you have a request, or if there is a class or activity you would like to teach, please contact us. Thank you for supporting our pro grams through your participation. David Eldredge, Director Registration: Please register in advance or come to the office during the hours of 4:30-9:00 PM. Use the registration form below. Fees: Make checks payable to Vassar Community Education when registering. Participation is not limited to residents of our school district. Refunds: We guarantee your satisfaction! Refunds are automatic if class is filled or canceled. .rREGiSTRATION FOR C O ^M U N lfY EDUCATION C l ASSES'1 I fcLASS___________ PHONE pJAME___________ lAGE______________ GRADE I ADDRESS________ B o t h T im m u o Hours: 9 am - 9 pm, Sunday 10 am - 6 pm 823-2311 1071 West Sagin aw Rd., Vassar L jAmount C l o s e d : $ ^ Ml ZIP CITY Check or Cash I Bring to office (3:00 - 8:00 pm) or mail to: VASSAR COM M UNITY EDUCATION 220 ATHLETIC ST., VASSAR, Ml 48768 THE VASSAR PIONEER TIM ES, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7, 1998 PAGE 10 Women’s Club C O N T IN L 'E D F R O M PAG E 5 the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women) to send to State Senators Carl Lewis and Spencer Abraham. Suk/F low ers- M embers were urged to contact Jerry Hentschell or Sandy Lince if other members are ill. or loved ones die. Carol K ager’s mother passed away and the club gave a $10 donation to the Community Center Project in her memory. Barb Kaiser fell and injured her back and Ruth Mary Wilds was released from the hospital the day before Thanksgiving. H istory <C Resource- Doris Right to Life meeting C O N T IN U E D F R O M PAG E 5 become involved in any way they can m order to make this new year a success." Membership dues are $8 for senior citizens/students. $12 for regular membership. $15 for a family mem bership (includes all members of a household), and a free family mem bership for all donations $25 or above Benefits of a Tuscola County RTI. m em bership include voting privileges, discounts on the annual dinner, a monthly newsletter from the county affiliate, a newsletter from Michigan Right to l.ife. a membership card, and advanced notice of all RTL events, activities, and legislative action. Dues may be paid in advance or at the annual meeting. "The benefits for members arc nice, but the most important part of being a member is that you arc con tributing to the cause... protecting and preserving the sanctity o f life." Mitchell concluded. Senior Menus Suggested Donation: $1.75 1-07* Sw iss Steak, dilled potatoes, buttered com. Italian bread, and Blueberry Cheesecake. 1-08- Meal site closed on Thursdays. I -09- Buffet ham. baked beans, broccoli & cukes w/sour cream, a hot roll, and lemon pie squares. 1-12- Oven fried chicken, roasted potatoes, baked squash. French bread, and pineapple tidbits. 1-13- Roast beef, mashed pota toes/gravy. Harvard beets, variety bread, and apple pie. 1 -1 4 - Pork Steak, baked potatoes, sauerkraut, tossed salad, a roll, and nee pudding. *Menus •~<bject to change. PENNZOIL Q U IC K Webster reported that the new GKWC history and other GFWC artifacts will be displayed at the Historical Museum during January of 1998. D EPAR TM E N TS Community Improvement- Club members had a good time working at the Bridgeport Knights of Columbus Bingo on Nov. 25 and made $370 for the community center project. The quilting club has made a quilt to be donated for the com muni ty center project, and will be raffled as soon as the GFWC receives a raf fle license. Consenation- Mary Ann Anger reported the flower. 'M ,' box. north of the village, needs repair if the club is going to continue using it. O ld Business- Diane Bess report ed on ‘Libraries 20(H).’ Marlene McCurdy said a sticker will be placed on the inside front cover of all the books purchased for the pub lic library by the Women's Club. A total of $300 in new books is needed every year as a stipulation for the $10,000 grant the M illington Library received. A motion was passed to earmark $300 for this. ‘Libraries 2(HH).‘ project. New Business- The slate contribu tion to the Nursing Scholarship was due Dec. 31. The club usually donates $50. Kathy Kerr reported on a huge renovation projeqt at Interlochen. Shirley Lichtenvvald asked that $20 be given to CARE. Doris Webster made a motion to donate $50 to the Nursing Scholarship. $20 to CARE, and $50 to the Arts Interlochen upkeep pro ject Kay Hamlin seconded. The motion was approved. The January meeting was held on the 5th. at the home of Beverly Rodabaugh. Meeting minutes will be published at a later date. COOK GM SU PER STORE V A S S A R ----------------- iv "'iim* i.v igi First Baptist Churrh of Vassar 5880 W. Frankenmufh Rood 823-8133 AWANA Oubs run from 6:30 to 8:00 pm Sunday School 9:45 AM Sunday Morning Worship 11 a m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bibie Study and Ptoyet Meeting of 7 p.m Postoc Rev. Oouglos Stockwei Greater Ephesians Churrh of God in Christ SS S N. Water S i, Vassar Church Phone 517 823 2251 Rev. Harold W. Jones 810 232 9756 Sunday School IQ a.m. Sunday Worship 11 o.m. Wednesdcy Evemng 8<ble Study 7 p.m Chapel Hill Assembly of God 800 S. State Rd. Vassar 517 823*8504 * Pmlor Pete Inmon Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 o.m. Evening Worship 6 p m. Wednesday Family Night Youth Service 7 pm. Youth Pastor Jason Borta Business Professional THE DRUG SHOP PHARMACY 8 M o tilc d Equipm ent C antor Hours: M-F 9-7; Sat. 9-1. Free city-wide delivery 517-823-9200 201 W. Huron Ave., Vassor (Heritage Medical Plaza) STATEMENT I h.xl stifpcd i?>ing to funerals, even for rela tives, anil said I want ed no eulogies or any one trying for me. One (.lay I took my will exit ik the safe deposit Kix .ind told my husband I w;is going to nut down in Natk .ind white my wishes that I he cremated quickly with no funeral notices or anything. He listened and sud quietly, "Then who will ciwne ix» hen* to comfort me.’ Will I haw to hear my s v r xv all alone ” This altered my point (k view, and he’s convinced me maybe there is a place for funerals REPLY: You're right, We may not care for f u n e r a l s , hut i n some way these services and rituals help ease the grief anil sorrow o f those who survive. It would he selfish to deprive loved ones who may need the presence o f others to lighten the grief. CLARK CHAPEL ToU Free: 8 8 8 -6 8 6 -2 2 1 0 FAIRGROVE McLunev St. 693-6611 VASSAR M-15 top of the 823-8621 First United Methodist Churrh 139 N. Main, Vassar S 2 3 - S 8 I1 Rev Rkhc.d W. Sheppard Sundoy School at 9.30 tun. Sunday Worship Serviti IlG O tJ i. The Reorganized Church ofJesus of Latter Day Saints, Juniata Congregation 2881 W Snover Rood Elder Oliver Beebe, 8434445 Sundoy Schedule: Worship 11a.m. Church School 9:45a.m. Communion: Fast Sundoy Eoch Month First Wednesday Evening of Eoch Month Service 7 p.m. 517143-5011. Michoel H. Deeb, Ed. D. NOTARY BONDS 517-823-8451 502 N. Franklin, Frankenmuth 4823 W. Main St. Millington 652-2605 Hours: Monday thru Sunday 10:00 o.m.-IO 00 p.m FAMILY VISION & EYE CARE Dr. Charles Gay Dr. James Hilligan Dr. Steven Kotks Monday Friday 9:00 - 5:00 295 N. Main, Vassor 5 1 7 -8 2 3 -8 5 5 9 VASSAR FAMILY PRACTICE D. D. MARTIN, D O. & Gregory Szyperski, D O • Call lor appointment • Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5 00 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday 9.00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 5 1 7 -8 2 3 -8 5 0 5 811 W. Huron Ave., Vassar A C FERREIRA M.D. - (Internal Medicine) Fe. Quines, M.D. • (Family Practice), Elie Sodik M.D. (Internal Medicine & Fomily Proctke) PS Kumor, M.D. • (Pediatrician) (Cod for on oppointment) 128 S Moin St., Vassor 823 -23 61 206 Montague, Coro 6 7 3 -2 1 0 2 DOUGLAS F. NEGYI D.O. Board Certified Ear, Nose, Throat, Plastic Surgery, Mole & Skin Corner Coro 705 E. Fronk St. 5 1 7 -6 7 3 -1 6 7 0 Lapeer 951 S. Mom 8 1 0 -6 6 4 -7 6 4 0 517-871 - 4591 Jerry Hanlin, Director JOHN BISHOP, Attorney at Law 656 Stole Rd., Vassor 517-823-8577 - General Practice Specializing in: leal Estate, Wills, Probata/Trust ond Estate Planning ond Administration, MedKore/Medkoid Planning, Corporations, ond (rimmol Defense. OPTI-CARE VISION CENTERS Complete Vision Exams Availoble Two locations to serve youl 193 W. Huron, Heritage Moll, Vassar 5 1 7 -8 2 3 -8 6 6 6 1544 W. Coro Rd., Ames Plaza, Coro •5 1 7 -6 7 3 -3 3 3 2 ORTHODONTIST NORMAN POKliY D.M.D. P.C 146 W. Sherman St., Caro 673-8414 Mon. - Thurs. 8 am - 4:30 pm Now accepting new patients VASSAR PIONEER TIMES Save $14.00 off the Newsstand price. Subscription Ratess12. Tuscola,Saginaw, & Bay counties S14 “ In-State S16.00 Out-of-State Subscribe today! Gift Certificates Available 113 S. Main St. •Vassar 00 FAMILY RESOURCE COUNSELING A LEARNING CENTER, INC. 1-888-799-HOPE Amutoed Outpoturt Mental Heohh One Fnly R euuru Cutter *444 Morris St Berth Medkd Arts BeMmg. 169 N. Cawv4» Id. 8956 Church St. Tuscola Mol btummm Acriptad • Offin Keen ByCppeeMmt Worskp H o rn . Evening Worship 6 p m Voyogen, Wednesday Night 6:45 p.m Wednesdoy Eveiong Youdi Group ond Prayer Meehng ot 7 pm Pastor BJ ENno Interpreter For The Deaf 104 N. Main, Vassar HANLIN FUNERAL NOME Tuscola Community Church Rosier M m Eras 871*3798 VASSAR TAX A BOOKKEEPING CENTER M ID EXPRESS CARO FAMILY PHYSICIANS LU BE O ther brands of oil also available. Mott vehicles only $ 21.95 Fast, dependable service on all m akes and models. You never have to leave your vehicle, no appoint ment necessary. Monday thru Friday 8 to 6 and Saturday 8 to 4. K? *<;: vi w S.; J>.-. •A'yw *<«"\' y vM, -V, ? Marietta, Mi • SI 7-63S-240G Ptgw.. Ml • 517-453-3723 HANLIN CHAPEL FOR FUNERALS 149 N. Moin Si. Vassar 5 1 7 -8 2 3 -7 0 3 1 Data Hanlin, Director 517-823-8579 list your business in this directory for only ‘4 50 weekly! THE VASSAR PIONEER TIMES, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7, 1W8 PACiE 11 L 517-823-8579 or FAX-823-8778 M ic h - C A N S t a t e w id e A d N e tw o rk M ic h - C A N S t a t e w id e A d N e tw o rk 4868. H O M E O W N E R S! Need Money? Free Debt Con sultation By Phone! "TIS THE S E A S O N TO BE D EBT F R E E !' No equity Needed. Poor Credit OK. Call SA M B O Y FINANCIAL; 1-800-568-8142. GOVERNMENT JO BS. Now hiring. $16,000 $68,000. Call 1-800-8830819, ext. J-400 for cur rent Federal, County & state lists. C A SH NOW!!! We pur chase mortgages, annui ties, and business notes. ?Q Q -< A 4 4 4 BANKRUPTCY $79*-. Since 1984 highest prices E-Z File system stops paid. Free estimates, creditors/garnishm ents. prompt professional serv Guaranteed valid. Ends ice. Colonial Financial 1debt/credit card slavery. 800-969-1200 extension Divorce $99+. Fast, cour 57. teous service. FreshStart DO YOU HAVE D IA America 1-888-395-8030 B E T E S ? Receive your glucose monitor & sup toll free. SALES & S E R V IC E plies at no cost to you! Call REP. Like automobiles, Rainbow Foundation toll like working with your free 24 hours 1-800-226hands? Local territory. Pro 5913, ext. 116. DUE tected accounts $40,000 $$$OVER B IL L S ? Credit problems? base + bonus + benefits. Call M.A.R.S. 1-800-331- Consolidate your debt, cut monthly payments up to 7221. H IR IN G E X P E R I 50%!! Same day approval!! E N C E D & IN E X P E R I No application fee! 1-800EN C E D Drivers! Training 863-9006, Ext. 111. $3795. & Trainee Pay Available. SA W M ILL Saw s logs into boards, Regional, OTR, Dedicated Runs. Excellent Pay and planks, beams. Large ca Benefits. Assigned Equip pacity. Best sawmill value ment. Swift Transportation anywhere. Free informa 1-800-331-7221. (eoe m/f) tion. Norwood Sawmills, 90 R E F IN A N C E & SAVE Curtwright Drive. #3, Am $100S E A C H MONTH. herst, NY 14221. 1-800With Today's Low Mort 578-1363. gage Rates. Consolidate N EED M O N E Y ? Home debt, improve your home owners, We have the right or get needed cash with a loan for you!!! Speedy first mortgage* from Fair- service ‘Quick closings. bank Mortgage. *24-hour Slow credit OK. Take cash pre-approvals; &Quick out for AN Y worthwhile Closings; ‘Competitive purpose. Call Mortgage Rates; ‘First Mortgages America today! 1-800-334For Every Need; *Good & 7038. problem credit; 'N o -In P L A C E YOUR STATE come Verification; ‘Self- W IDE AD HERE! $239 employed; ‘Bankruptcy; * buys a 25-word classified 1 2 5 % Equity Financing. ad offering over 1.4 million FA IR BA N K M ORTGAGE. circulation. Contact this 1-300 346-5626 ext. 641. newspaper for details. ‘Fairbank provides first mortgages only. CLASSIFIED H A M M T R O P IC A L O CEA N PA R A D ISE at 1/2 price. All classified and disp'ay Former Michigan residents ads must be submitted to wants you to enjoy their the Vassar Pioneer Times new Hunt's Castle Ocean no later than 12 p.m. on Resort. Luxury Suites each Thursday for the fol 3850/month or $44/mght. lowing Wednesday edi Kitchenettes $595/montn tion. Call 823-8579 to or $29/night. 1-888-345- place your ad. LIQUID C O L LO ID A L M IN ER A LS with Or. Wal laces Signature and war ranty. $17.00 per 32 ox. Bottle. Free Wholesale Catalog. Distributorships available. Call today 1-800805-8741. LEGAL S E R V IC E S LOW C O ST Bankruptcy (Stop creditor harassment immediately; eliminate debts); Also; Affordable Divorce, Criminal and Per sonal Injury. R E E V E S & FRIED, Statewide Attorney Network. Toll Free 1-888- Deadline: Thursday 12 p.m. 15 words or less $2.50 10c each additional word Consecutive weeks discounted (STATE SALES EMH0YMEKT FICK-UFS 1 VARS 8995 W." Caro Road ’ Reese, Michigan Southeast corner of M-81 & Quanicassee Rd. Dealers welcome. Antiques, furniture, tools, two lawn & garden tractors & snow removable attachments, clothing, dishes. January 10-11 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Custodian/House keeper for Martin Funeral HomeClark Chapel-Fairgrove 1 day per week and after funerals. Send resume with references. P.O. Box 343 Falrgrove, Ml 48733 or stop by Thursdays from 9-4. v 1995 Chevrolet VanBelview; loaded, rear air and heater, 350 V-8, heavy duty trailer package, three seats, 40,000 miles, $15,300. 517-6843119,.......................... C ^hQ N LY 8USIHESS SERVICES -Clear CopiesReduce and Enlarge Plastic laminating Atkins Hardware & Furniture Vassar - 823-8543 Spencer's Construction Quality cement finishing for driveways, pole bams, garages, basement floors, sidewalks, residential and commercial. Free estimates. 823-7386. RECYCLIHC SERVICES " The" City of Vassar recycles every first and third Wednesday of the month. Items recycled are clear, brown and green glass bottles, newspapers, magazines and computer paper, #1 and #2 plastic jugs, aluminum and tin cans. EHH0YHEHT Part Time Registered Nurse wanted to work in the Maternal/Infant Sup port Services Program. Home and clinic visits. Min imum requirements of AD in nursing with two years of community health, pedia tric and/or maternal/infant nursing experience. Salary range: $12.65/hr. to $16.00/hr. Submit Resume to: Human Resource Officer Tuscola County Health Department 1309 Cleaver Road, Caro, Ml 48723 (517) 673-8114 ext. 119 Deadline: Monday, January iry 12,1998 EOE Find out tonight'* winning lottery numbers fast! After 8 : 1 5 p.m. Dial 269-2345 enter selection #1016 Direct Connect EMFL0YHEMT RN's & LPN's- Part-time available; possibly full-time. 1st & 2nd shift. Call Fisch er Conveiesant Home @ 517-843-6185, ask for Edwina or Lisa. HELD WASTED Seeking” qualified 'persons for companionship, friend ship and mentoring. Must be able to spare a few hours a week and love children. We have over 80 positions available throughout Tuscola Coun ty. Call Big Brothers/ Big Sisters at 6736996 to yolunt_eer_tod_ay. _ WERCHARRIRSE FOR SALE BIKES TORT SALE Women's Murray; 1 yr. old, blue. Men s Huffy; Red. Both in excellent condition. $75 each or best offer. 517-823-8579 (days) or 517-673-4265 (evenings) Oak Finish TV Stand on Wheels; $15.00 Microwave, $25.00 Or Best Offer Call 823-8579 (days) or 673-4265 (evenings), For Sale Ratchet Type adjust able Travel Trailer Exten sion Mirrors.Will attach to any type vehicle, $50. Trailer Mirrors to fit Dodge pick-up. $15. Call 823-8579 (days) or 673-4265 (evenings) Royal Dirt Devil Hand held Vacuum Cleaner with attachments and wall mount. $10.00, excel lent condition. 823-8579 (8:30 a m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday). AFARTMERTS FOR REST "6ui’lf in" 1994’ ............ SUGAR C REEK APARTMENTS M-81 & Romain Rd., Caro (across from TSC Tractor Supply Co.) Open Monday through Friday 4:30-6:30 p.m. Security Deposit Payment Plan Available. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES. 24 hour answering service. 517-673-0515. N IS I MARKET PKHKEtt'SPRCHAKP Fresh sweet cider, variety of apples, cider donuts, too. Honey, popcorn, apple peelers, candy, etc. 8355 Oak Road Millington 517-871-3031 SFECIALS Vassar Eagle's B s iL fr y First and third Fridays. 5-7 p.m. Take-outs available. 823-8819 Grant’s cleaning system s RICHVILULAREA One bedroom, carpeted, laundry, storage, appliances. Pay electricity, deposit. $290.00/monthly 1-517-684-3119 AUT0W0RIIES 146 S. Main Frankenmuth . 517-652-9421 o r / K „ 1-800-968-9420 - f - . iV E Q R S A L E ............ 1989 Buick Riviera Navy blue, leather interior, electric sun/moon roof, loaded. $5,000 or best. Call 823-8579 days or 823-8153 after 3:30 p.m. Do you like to write? We are seeking a creative and outgoing individual who would enjoy a part-time feature writing position. Please contact Sandy Walker at the Vassar Pioneer Times office or call 823-8579 to set up an interview or for more information. VASSAR PIONEER TIMES 113 S. Main St. ' Vassar ’K . T H E VASSAR PIO N EE R TIM ES, WEDNESDAY. JAN . 7, 1998 PAGE 12 Engler praises ‘97 as record year Governor John Engler delivered an announcement last week that a lecord transportation program was delivered in 1997. The 1997 con struction season in Central. South Central and M ichigan’s Thumb Area included 234 projects that improved 459 miles of roads and 30 bridges. These projects included the widening of M-20, repairs on 1-496, reconstruction o f the Cedar Street bridge in Lansing, and completion of M-24 near Caro. “ We’re focusing on preserving and maintaining our current infra structure, attacking the worst roads first, keeping good roads good, fix ing more bridges than ever, and addressing a modest need for increased capacity. We’re delivering on 20 year old promises and keeping our economy moving by building a better Michigan," said Engler. Statewide, the 1997 construction season totaled $621 million, includ ed 741 projects, improved 1,873 miles o f M ichigan’s roads and 114 bridges. In addition, $261 million was invested in railways, airports and public transportation. Initially, the 1997 transportation program investment of $530 million programmed improvements for over 930 miles of Michigan roads and 86 bridges. The passage of Build Michigan II in late July added $91 million. 392 miles of road improvements and 25 bridges to the M ichigan D epartm ents of Transportation’s 1997 program The majority of these projects have been completed, are well underway or will be completed in 1998. A total of 702 miles of improvements funded by economic development fund grants or safety programs were also completed this year. In addition, 200 miles of road improvements and three bridge pro jects that were announced in previ ous years were completed or open to traffic during the 1997 construction season. The 1998 construction program, due to the passage o f Build Michigan II, will be even more aggressive and far reaching. Details about projects int he 1998 construc tion season are being released each month. TUSCOLA COUNTY 1997 ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ♦Restore and rehabilitate one mile of Seeger Street from 7th to Hillcrest in Cass City. ♦Install flashing light signals and half roadway gates at the crossing of Van Buren and the Saginaw Valley Railroad. ♦Reconstruct crossing and modernize signal system at the crossing of M138 and Huron and Eastern Railway in Fairgrove. ♦Install modem crossbuck signs at 107 railroad crossings. ♦Seal cracks on 12.7 miles o f M-25 from the Bay County line to Unionville. ♦Seal cracks on 4.4 miles of M-81 from Cass City to M-53. ♦Resurface 1.3 miles on M-53 from north of Marlette to south of Marlette. ♦Construct 8.4 miles new roadway on M-24 from M -138 to M-24. ♦Resurface seven miles of M-81 from Vassar to Walk roads. ♦Resurface six miles of M-81 from Green to Doerr roads. ♦Replace bridge on M-81 over Coleman Drain. Motorists can now request a ir bag switches Motorists wanting government permission to have air bag on-off switches installed can find application forms and educational mater ial at AAA Michigan offices. "The on-off switch preserves the safety value of air bags while offering protection for the few people at risk from air-bag deploy m ent,” said AAA M ichigan Com m unity Safety Services Manager Jeny Basch. “The decision to have switches installed should only be made after careful consideration of the facts." GROCERY I BEER, WINE & LIQUOR In November, the federal governm ent announced that motorists “fitting certain risk profiles" would be allowed to have switches installed. Motorists must apply for and receive authorization from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The govern ment began processing applications on Dec. 18, 1997. Jan. 19 is the first day switches can be installed. To get government approval for switch installation, motorists must pledge at least one ♦Cannot avoid placing rear-facing infant seats in the front passenger seat. ♦Have a medical condition that places them at specific risk. ♦Cannot adjust their position to keep back approximately 10 inches from the air bag. ♦Cannot avoid situations, such as a car pool, that requires a child 12 or under to ride in the front seat. Air bags are credited with saving 2.600 lives. They also have been implicated in 87 of the following: dadis, in most of the rrlmnl faialifin ihf COUPON Our jj ^ Sugar C t H Quirt thief 0 Sugar Limit One ^Expires January 11. 1998 f f . CARPET CLEANER 9 4 6 W. HURON AVENUE 517*823'7223 “We Are Hometown Proud To Be Serving Vassar!” Ad Good January 7 1998 through January 11, 1998 In '98 C oupon B onanza!! Rim COUPON COUPON P COUPON COUPON Hy*Ration Shurfine Pieces & Stems Gravy Style Dog Food Mushrooms 41b. £•-' Northern 4 oz. 2/ PHOTO SERVICE COUPON Faygo 2 Liter, All Varieties t i2 / 98 98* Limit Two L im it T w o Expires January 11, 1998 I Expires January 11. 1998 Expires January 11. 1998 Expires January 11, 1998 Limit Two COPIES 98 2W 250 count Limit Two T 7< Triple coupons. See store for details OPEN DAILY 7 AM to 11 PM SUNDAY 7 AM TO 10 PM Hi-Dri Towels Napkins Regular 4 lb. 98 J LOTTO S TO R E H O U RS: Big Chief, Northern Sugar ! Dinner 4. VIDEO RENTAL PHARMACY We offer double coupons. No minimum purchase. MONEY ORDERS POSTAGE STAMPS MEAT I DELI I PRODUCE I BAKERY | KKWDUtt PARCEL SERVICE person killed was improperly restrained or positioned too close to the air bags. AAA reminds motorists the safest place for children to ride is in the back seat, even in vehicles not equipped with air bags. “For children, the key to air bag safety is to be restrained properly in the back seat," Basch said. “For adults, the key is to be restrained properly with a safety zone of at least 10 inch es between their chest and the air bag." i S h u rfin e , I SShurfine h u rfin e |I J fry,.,, RSESS? P lu s d e p o s i t L im it T w o S 8 S Expires January 11. 1998