My Williamston (Mich.) magazine, Spring 2011 by Yeetown

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MY STORIES

MY LIFE

MY COMMUNITY

Final fight Veterans seek honor for all

PLUS: Art, flamingos kick off growing festival season

Spring blooms!

Garden club’s work keeps city pretty

SPRING 2011 MyWilliamston.com

Contents Covering Williamston and surrounding communities. Spring 2011 Volume 2, No. 2

CONTRIBUTORS Benjamin Eichler Jack Helder Laura Moser Holly Thompson

LOCAL DISH

Get ready for market season

Find out where to get fresh fruits and veggies, and learn about some benefits of buying local — page 8 AWARENESS

Honor for all

Vietnam veterans aim to put invisible wounds on the map — page 10

COVER STORY

Green thumbs

Garden club a longtime community staple — page 14

LOCAL DISH Q&A: Meet the director of Ingham Habitat . ..............4 Hey, Parrotheads! Flamingo Fest returns in June . .........7 Art tour: Williamstown Township event highlights studios...............................6 Also: Artists collaborate for new monthly event . .................5 Bocce ball tournament a fundraiser for charity.........6 Library Foundation to host Taste of World...........6 Guest columnist: Laura Moser on local markets.....8 With: A snapshot of Michigan agriculture . .......................8 Reasons to buy local .......9 Williamston market just around the corner..............9 Find a farmers’ market . ..9

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Find us online at MyWilliamston.com

COLUMN Benjamin Eichler makes spring resolutions ............ 27

IN EVERY ISSUE Calendar .........................21 Faces and Places .............20 Advertiser index .............24 For advertising information, email contact@MyWilliamston.com

On the Cover

Flowers at the gazebo on North Putnam. Photo by Holly Thompson

My Williamston is published quarterly by Yeetown Designs, a division of Yeetown, LLC. Yeetown is a gift shop that features only Michigan-made cards, gifts and food. It is located at 110 E. Grand River Ave. inside historic Keller’s Plaza in downtown Williamston. © Yeetown Designs, a division of Yeetown, LLC Farmers’ market photo on this page courtesy of City of Williamston.

We Carry The Full Line Of REDKEN Haircare Products

Spring 2011 | My Williamston | 3

Local dish

Q &A

1. What makes the spring such a busy time for Habitat for Humanity? Is it mainly the building that keeps the group busy or is there an increase in traffic at the ReStore also? Spring is a time of increased energy at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Ingham County with major build projects starting up. The winter didn’t prevent our dedicated volunteers from completing a wheelchair ramp, hacking through the frost to do it, but we really get things going in the good weather. 2. Does the increased activity carry over to the ReStore as well? The ReStore absolutely gets a boost in traffic and donations as people start home renovations and spring-cleaning. 3. How many volunteers work with the Williamston chapter of Habitat and what opportunities are there for people? Literally hundreds of people will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity over the course of a year. We typically have 25-40 regular volunteers who take ownership of duties in various parts of the organization. People can volunteer wherever they feel a passion — from the build site to the boardroom, from the ReStore to meetings with partner families. The volunteers make Habitat for Humanity possible. 4. How many houses has Habitat built in the Williamston area and how are those projects chosen? Habitat has built two houses in the city of Williamston and 10 total in the rural areas of the county. Habitat carefully chooses projects based upon budget, land availability, neighborhood need, etc. We constantly seek the most effective way to leverage our donors’ dollars and volunteers’ hours to create community change and empowerment. 5. Other than building houses, what are some other contributions Habitat makes to the area? The organization has built three

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Compiled by My Williamston staff

A word with Todd Pierce-Ryan wheelchair ramps in the Williamston area and performed two home repair projects. Also, the purpose of the ReStore is to raise funds for our organization, but it is a great community resource in its own right. The ReStore provides a means for donors to dispose of unneeded materials in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible way, and for customers to find a bargain on unique and affordable items. 6. When tragedies such as the Japan earthquake and its aftermath occur, Habitat pledges help. Does that include help and resources from the local groups? Habitat for Humanity is an international organization with extensive disaster relief efforts. To support recovery efforts, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Ingham County publicizes the dramatic need and work being done in response to tragic events. Habitat is still working in the Gulf area in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and is helping 50,000 families affected by the Haiti earthquake. Habitat International is mobilizing local volunteers and international resources to help with initial clean up and relief efforts in Japan. 7. What goals do you hope the group can achieve in the next few years? Are there any long-term projects in the works? Habitat for Humanity of Greater Ingham County will extend our community impact through the expansion of the scope of our services. The renovations, home repairs and wheelchair ramps are in response to community needs. Through neighbors helping neighbors, we will expand the services we offer and help more people attain safe, healthy and affordable housing. 8. What drew you to work with Habitat? I began with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Ingham County as an AmeriCorps national service member to serve my country and better my community. Habitat for Humanity is a natural fit with my construction and leadership skill sets and my desire to be an agent of change.

MEET TODD PIERCE-RYAN

Who: The executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Ingham County since 2008. Background: Todd graduated from Perry Schools and the University of Michigan. After paying his way through college by working construction, he later owned his own seasonal construction business until serving two years with AmeriCorps as a construction liaison with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Ingham County before becoming executive director. Personal: Todd enjoys staying active and trying new things. He ran his first 5K last summer at the Red Cedar Jubilee and recently started playing indoor soccer. He also takes taekwondo and guitar lessons.

The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity is part of the national organization that was founded in 1976. The local group operates ReStores in Mason and Williamston. Office contact: (517) 655-1872 Online: InghamHabitat.org Email: director@inghamhabitat.org

WILLIAMSTON RESTORE 1500 W. Grand River, Suite B, (517) 655-3404

Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday-Monday: closed 9. How rewarding is the work? What do you most enjoy about the job? The work is incredibly rewarding. I get up in the morning and go to work to make the world a better place. Meeting people in the community and working with partner families, staff and volunteers are the most enjoyable parts of my job. It is my honor to work alongside wonderful people to improve our community. Join us.

LOCAL DISH

View local artwork during downtown strolls Local artists are the spotlight of a new monthly event in Williamston. Art strolls, set for the first Saturday of each month, showcase a variety of artwork on display at downtown businesses. The public is invited to walk the town, viewing art at various shops and restaurants, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The idea for the art strolls started with the artists who rent studio space in upstairs Keller’s Plaza. With a shared interest to show their work, they agreed to stay open the first Saturday of each month starting in April. “We need to be open, because you can’t sell if you’re not open,” said Anita Saviko, a watercolor artist and instructor who is one of the six artists in Keller’s Plaza. “It’s getting to be warmer weather and people like to have something to do on Saturday afternoons. Everybody except us is already open, so it kind of just makes sense.” Saviko approached the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce about includ-

IF YOU GO WHAT: Saturday Art Strolls WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the first Saturday of each month WHERE: Businesses throughout downtown Williamston. HOW: Just come downtown and visit various shops and restaurants that have art on display. The event is free and open to the public. ing the many art venues in Williamston to make that first Saturday a citywide day of art. The group of artists in upstairs Keller’s Plaza became chamber members, and the chamber, which holds events on the first Friday of each month, agreed to help promote the Saturday strolls. The strolls include many downtown businesses, such as Nu Concept Salon, which features paintings by Janet Halfmann-Erickson,

and Six String Place, where student musicians perform in the music store’s front room. The event coincides with the monthly Second Monday Artists’ reception from 2-4 p.m. at Gracie’s Place. Brooke Locke, a local business owner and Chamber president, said there is a lot of local interest in monthly art strolls and that the event falls in stride with a growing trend in the community. “I think it’s a great step for the arts community to continue moving forward in a direction that the city has already moved forward with,” he said. “It just fits with the mold of what the community is starting to become.” This summer, Williamston will host a variety of art events, including the Art Walk in May and the Riverfront Festival of the Arts in August. “I think there’s a lot of art opportunities in Williamston right now and you can feel the magic,” Saviko said. “It’s building.”

Spring 2011 | My Williamston | 5

LOCAL DISH

Tournament raises funds for charity, builds fellowship

Marge Clay is one of about 15 artists who will open their studios to the public for Williamstown Township’s second annual Fine Art Sale & Studio Tour. Clay’s sons converted an old barn into what is now her two-level studio. Photo courtesy of Marge Clay

For the Rev. Ron Byrd, the second

Artists open doors to public When Marge Clay retired as an elementary school principal, she turned more attention to her art. Her sons converted an old barn on her property to a studio complete with two levels and windows that feature some of her work. It’s a studio worth showing off. Clay will welcome visitors May 6-7 during Williamstown Township’s second Fine Art Sale & Studio Tour. “It’s kind of neat to show off where you work,” said Clay, a painter who also participated in last year’s event. “People get a feel for how the artists do their work.” The event features about 15 artists spread out at six locations. Visitors pay $5 and get a map to the studios. Proceeds benefit a fund to purchase playground equipment at Williamstown Township Hall. Gretchen Fielek, who opened her studio

for the tour last year, will be a guest at Clay’s studio this year. “We have a community that is rich in skilled and talented artists,” said Fielek, a watercolorist. “There hasn’t been a good way for those artists to be known even to each other in a sense, so it’s great to let everyone know who is out there.” The tour officially runs from 4-9 p.m. May 6 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 7, but it kicks off with a pre-tour caravan a day earlier. “When you’re doing something like this, you don’t want to leave your studio,” Fielek said, “so we do a caravan for family and friends from one studio to the next.” Last year’s event was hit with severe weather, but Clay said she still had a few hundred visitors. Fielek said, despite the rain, she was pleased with the positive response to the inaugural event.

Greek cuisine theme of library fundraiser The Williamston Community Library Foundation hosts its sixth annual Taste of the World fundraiser dinner June 16 at the vacant property next to the RiverHouse Inn. This year’s dinner theme features a Greek cuisine prepared by Nick Gravrilides, the chef and owner of Lansing’s Soup Spoon Café. The property is owned by the group, which hopes to build a new library on the spot. There will be a large tent on the property, 6 | My Williamston | Spring 2011

which is set aside as a location for a new library the group is raising money to build. The dinner usually coincides with the week of the Red Cedar Jubilee, but was changed to instead lead into the week. Tickets cost $35, with a portion reserved to defray food costs and the rest to the building funds. Tickets will be sold at the current library. For more information, call Jack Helder at (517) 655-1173 or visit www.wclf.info.

season of bocce ball tournaments at St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church is more than just an opportunity for his team to improve on its standing from last season. “Parishioners Tom and Jeannie West came up with this idea as a way to bring the community together and build fellowship, but at the same time raise money for our outreach programs,” said Byrd, the senior pastor at the Meridian Road church. The tournament season consists of a seven-week schedule where teams of four compete in two matches each Tuesday, with a league bye the week of Independence Day. Competition begins June 14. Byrd said the competitions are fun, no matter what the final score is, but he still hopes to enjoy a few more wins this season. “My team is called the Holy Rollers and we were at the bottom of the heap last year, but I think we can win it all this year,” Byrd said. The Holy Rollers will have more competition this year. Byrd said about 40 people competed last year, but the church is expecting an additional five teams for the second year. The church sells refreshments during the games, which are open to the public, with all proceeds benefiting the St. Katherine’s Outreach program. The program’s mission, Byrd said, is to help provide for the disadvantaged both locally and globally. Last year, the program helped a female refugee from Kenya become an American citizen, paying fees and attorney costs. Byrd said that example is one way his parishioners hope to reach out. “We also really want to reach out particularly in the Williamston area,” he said. “We were in the Holiday Light Parade last year, we were a sponsor of the National Night Out and we’re a member of the local chamber. We’re really into our local community. “We’re also hosting a free Easter brunch this year that’s open to the community and we’d love to see people there.”

LOCAL DISH

Get out your flip flops and Hawaiian shirts Parrotheads event returns

Pink flamingos and classic cars will adorn the streets of downtown Williamston again this year on the first Friday in June. Flamingo Fest/Cool Car Night returns to the city June 3. Event organizers are looking to build on the 2010 Jimmy Buffet-inspired festival, which they felt was a success. “People really seemed to enjoy it,” said Don Warren, who with his wife, Paula Warren, is part of a committee that organizes the event. “Paula and I were dancing in the street. We got a lot of people in town who were not the regular people you see in town. We saw a lot of people from the Lansing area.” The Jimmy Buffet tribute band Parrots of the Caribbean will return to the bandshell in McCormick Park as the headline act for the 2011 festival. At the 2010 event, the band performed only three songs before bad weather struck, putting an abrupt end to the concert and other festivities. “The first thing we are going to order (this year) is no tornadoes,” Don said. Don said Six String Place, the music store he co-owns with Paula, will also bring back Chicago steel drummer Kent Arnsbarger. Arnsbarger played on the sidewalk in front

‘‘

MUSIC IN THE PARK A variety of concerts are planned for Thursday evenings at the bandshell in McCormick Park, starting in June. Acts include the Meridian Community Band, Grand Rapids Guitar Quartet and the Bel-Airs, a doo-wop band.

of the business last year, providing a tropical soundtrack for festival-goers. Other details of the 2011 Flamingo Fest/ Cool Car Night, which is a collaboration of the City and Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce, are in the planning stages. Don and Paula said the committee is looking to add street vendors who would sell food and other items that fit the Flamingo Fest theme. The cost to vendors would be $25. The committee also is considering adding a parade, an idea that came from the annual Cheeseburger in Caseville festival, which the Warrens attended last year. “We went up last year to see their parade and there’s nothing like it unless you’ve gone to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City,” Don said. “It’s a two-hour parade. Two hours, 165 Floats. You think a two-hour parade, you’d never think it’s so great, but we’re going to

Photo courtesy of Six String Place Steel drummer Kent Arnsbarger performs outside Six String Place during the 2010 Flamingo Fest/Cool Car Night.

go again this year if we can.” Paula said Flamingo Fest/Cool Car Night and other similar events make Williamston attractive to potential residents and increase business revenue. “We’re still in our infancy stage with the Flamingo Fest and everything, but (it’s been shown) that cities that have festivals and music and art are what brings people in.”

QUOTEWORTHY

I keep seeing these young kids. They return from war and they’re killing themselves.” — Dawn-Marie Joseph, on soldiers with invisible wounds. Read more on Page 10.

Spring 2011 | My Williamston | 7

LOCAL DISH

Farmers’ markets – the farm to family link GUEST COLUMNIST Laura Moser is an agricultural writer based in Dansville. Until recently, Michigan’s agriculture industry has lived in the shadow of the automobile and manufacturing industry of this state. But the increasing popularity of local farmers’ markets gives farmers a chance to showcase the diversity of Michigan’s agriculture, which is second only to California, producing 200 different commodities. Local markets also give people the opportunity to buy fresh, local produce and other items from their neighbors. Traveling through local communities in the summertime, you can see farmers’ markets pop up along side streets, parking lots and vacant buildings. The colorful displays, variety of items and clusters of

friends and neighbors is a draw for many in the community. For the farmers and other vendors, it is a chance to connect with their customers and build business opportunities. In 2010, there were nearly 250 established farmers’ markets throughout Michigan, up from only 90 in 2001. Locally, weekly farmers’ markets are held in Williamston, Dansville, Holt and Meridian Township. Each market has its own personality reflecting the vendors and the type of products offered. The Meridian market is a long-standing market that draws hundreds of people each week. Products offered range from shrimp and fish to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The Williamston and Dansville markets are operated on a smaller scale, featuring local growers and crafters. Regardless of the size, the local markets help to bridge the gap between the farmers who produce the food and the consumers

who purchase it. Building these relationships helps the farmers understand their customers and it helps the customers understand the work that goes into producing a safe and wholesome food supply. Often times, the farmers will share recipes or serving suggestions to help people try new products. “Our market enjoys sampling local foods and provides many tasting opportunities for customers using recipes made using locally grown fresh produce and agricultural products,” said Linda Schnabelrauch, manager of the Dansville Farmers’ Market. “Our monthly ‘Vendor Spotlight’ day provides an opportunity to showcase individual vendors and their products as a special feature at the market. The vendor spotlight not only creates interest in some of Michigan’s unique agricultural products, but it also gives the community a chance to get to know each vendor personally and helps foster relationships between growers and consumers at the local level.”

A snapshot of Michigan’s food and agriculture industry  The agri-food industry in Michigan

contributes $71.3 billion annually to the state’s economy, making it the state’s second-largest economic driver. Production agriculture, food processing and related businesses employ more than 1 million Michigan residents.  Michigan’s agricultural economy expanded at a rate of more than five times faster than the rate of the general economy between 2006 and 2007, making agriculture a cornerstone to diversifying Michigan’s economy in the future.  Michigan produces more than 200 commodities on a commercial basis, making the state second only to California in agricultural diversity.  The state leads the nation in the production of 19 commodities, including tart cherries, blueberries, 11 floriculture products and cucumbers for pickles. Michigan also ranks in the top 10

8 | My Williamston | Spring 2011

for 30 other commodities.  Field crops (such as corn, soybeans and wheat) are the largest segment of Michigan agriculture, with production valued at more than $1.7 billion annually. They are followed by the dairy industry at $1.3 billion annually and the floriculture and nursery industry at about $609 million annually.  Michigan exports about one-third of its agricultural commodities each year. Agricultural exports account for approximately 25 percent of the value of Michigan farm receipts. Michigan ranks fifth and eighth, respectively, for national exports of fruits and vegetables.  Michigan has about 10 million acres of farmland, and the state is home to 56,014 farms averaging 179 acres each. More than 90 percent of Michigan farmland is owned by families. More than 35 percent of the

state’s total farmland is in some form of preservation agreement.  The majority of principal operators of Michigan farms are male; however, 8,275 Michigan farms have female principal operators. The average age of principal operators of Michigan farms is 56.3 years.  Nearly 55 percent of Michigan farmers name farming as their primary occupation. The remaining 45 percent lists non-farming occupations as their primary source of income.  In the late 1800s, almost half of Michigan’s population lived on farms. Today, that number is only two percent.  In 1930, one farmer produced enough food to feed mainly just his family, or about 10 people. Today, one farm supports about 130 people. — Information courtesy of Laura Moser

WHY BUY LOCAL? According to the Michigan Food and Farming Systems Buy products grown and made in Michigan — they’re thousands of miles fresher Local food is fresher, tastes better and comes from farmland near you. Local Michigan farmers can offer produce varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than how well they package and travel. Many fruits and vegetables can lose up to 50 percent of their nutrients in just five days time. Buying Michigan locally grown food is a healthier choice. Why buy food that is better traveled than you are? The best tasting foods ripen right close to your home. When food travels an average of 1,500 miles from farm to table and accounts for 50 percent of the trucks on our interstate system, buying Michigan locally grown food is a fresher choice. Plant your dollars close to home and watch your community grow Family farms are an endangered American tradition. Buying locally benefits and strengthens our communities by boosting the local economy and preserving farmland. Buying Michigan keeps your food dollars circulating in our communities and keeps farm families on the land. Know your farmer and where your food comes from When you buy locally, you can meet the people who grow your food and learn how it was grown. They care about their product and care about their consumers. Visit one of Michigan’s more than 220 farmers markets to meet some of Michigan’s growers and buy local in your community. Growers Support Michigan’s Economy With each local Michigan food purchase, you ensure that more of your money spent on food goes directly to our growers. Growers provide beautiful and productive open spaces and habitat, generate revenue for local, county and state governments, and employ local labor in communities where they farm. They’re concerned about our communities because they also live and raise their families here. What Can You Do To Help? If every Michigan family would buy just $10 a week of local Michigan fruits and vegetables it would keep approximately $40 million new dollars each week working for you right here at home. Buy locally grown fresh and processed Michigan food and agriculture products at a farm market, farmers market or retail grocery store near you. If local products are not available, ask for them.

Photo by Bruce Pollock Fresh produce is shown above at the 2010 Williamston Farmers’ Market. This year’s market is from 2-6 p.m. every Thursday in the City Hall parking lot and runs May 19 to Oct. 13.

Williamston market begins May 19

The Williamston Farmers’ Market returns this year on May 19 to the City Hall parking lot. The market is from 2-6 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 13. Christine Miller, director of both the Williamston and Meridian Township markets, said she expects about 15 to 20 vendors per market day. She said the market will include a mix of food and crafts, such as fresh produce, plants and flowers, eggs, caramel corn, cookies and breads, jams and jellies, and handmade items. “I think it appeals to more customers being able to provide a larger variety of items,” she said. In 2010, Miller brought some vendors

from the Meridian market to Williamston and expects to do the same this year. She said Country Mill in Charlotte has expressed interest in coming to the Williamston market and she hopes other vendors will follow suit. Miller said she also has been contacted by new farmers who want to be vendors, which would bring new items, such as gluten-free baked goods, to the 2011 market. In addition to food and crafts, Miller hopes to bring back live music and add more free children’s activities. The 2010 market featured singer/songwriter Tania Hayward and Donny and the Dorsals of Six String Place.

FIND A FARMERS’ MARKET Farmers’ market season is almost here. Below are a few markets in the area from the Michigan Farmers Market Association. A full list of markets is available at mifma.org.  Dansville Farmers’ Market, 4-8 p.m. Thursdays, June 16- Sept. 29, in front of the Dansville Elementary School, just off M-36.  East Lansing Farmers’ Market, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, July 10-Oct. 30, 400 Hillsdale Ct.  Holt Farmers’ Market, 4-7 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, May 12-Nov. 24, 2015 Cedar St.  Mason Area Farm Market, 8 a.m.noon Saturdays, July 2-Oct. 1, 100 block East Maple at Jefferson (in street).

 Meridian Township Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, May 4-Nov. 23, 5151 Marsh Road, Okemos.  Old Town Fresh Market, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, June 5-Oct. 2, 1232 Turner Street, Lansing.  Williamston Farmers’ Market, 2-6 p.m. Thursdays, May 19-Oct. 13, 161 E. Grand River Ave. (city hall parking lot). To receive more information on Michigan farmers and recipes using Michigan-grown foods subscribe to MI Foodie News at mfb.informz.net/mfb/ profile.asp?fid=1416. You can also follow local farmers on the Farm Fresh Food Blog hosted at www.MLive.com. Spring 2011 | My Williamston | 9

AWARENESS

One final mission Vietnam veterans work to educate the public about war’s invisible wounds

Vietnam veteran says he has thoughts of hurting his family. Despite talking with him and trying to help, he ends up killing himself and people call him a coward. This situation was real life for Doug Price and the childhood friend he lost. “They didn’t understand that he was no coward. He killed himself to save his children,” the Williamston resident said. “He didn’t know what else to do.” Price, a retired real estate developer in charge of projects such as the Plymouth Landing neighborhood in Williamston, said his friend had lingering problems from his days in the military. “PTSD and TBI are invisible wounds,” Price said, referring to post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The experience of a close friend committing suicide and his own battles with PTSD, which the American Psychiatric Association calls an anxiety disorder that follows exposure to terrifying events, have inspired Price to help raise awareness of the cause. Price said effective help is available but often overlooked. Price joined the Stop the Loss Foundation, an organization started by fellow Vietnam veteran Tom Mahany that has the ongoing goals of pushing for proper treatment and recognition for anyone affected by invisible wounds. The recognition part falls under the group’s Honor

for All movement. “I got the idea for Honor for All and Stop the Loss from being at the Wall,” said Mahany, an artist and stonemason who lives in Royal Oak. “At the Wall, there’s KIA and MIA, but no SIA. The ‘S’ would be for suicide.

The Stop the Loss Foundation promotes visible recognition and treatment for all past and present service members, particularly those afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder and minor traumatic brain injury.  ONLINE: HonorForAll.org  EMAIL: eldonstone@wowway.com “The number of suicides has taken over the number of KIA and no one’s honoring them. They’re swept under the rug and no one’s honoring the family. To stop that, we have to stop the stigma of post-traumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injury. If it’s an invisible wound, it’s still a wound. It’s not a weakness, it’s a wound.” According to the National Viet-

nam Veterans’ Readjustment Study, conducted between 1986-88, 15 percent of Vietnam veterans struggled with PTSD symptoms at the time and 30 percent had at one point in life. Earlier this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs commissioned another study on the subject that will contact as many of the original 2,348 veterans interviewed as possible. The study is expected to take three years and show important information that relates to veterans from Vietnam as well as current conflicts. “Fellow veterans of mine and Doug’s are reaching retirement age and those demons are starting to come back out of the box they were put in 20, 30, 40 years ago because now these people have idle time on their hands,” Mahany said. Members in the foundation, including Price, Mahany and another Williamston veteran, Kent Hall, are working to establish the fourth Saturday of each June as a national day of awareness for these invisible wounds to help veterans and current soldiers from any time period. This year they’ll do so with a rally June 25 in Washington, D.C., that commemorates the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Senate declaring June 27, 2010, as National PostTraumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day. That honor was prompted to honor a North Dakota soldier who killed himself after returning from a second tour of service in Iraq. The Honor for All effort calls on states to make the day an annual

Story by Jack helder 10 | My Williamston | Spring 2011

Names added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 2010. The number of U.S. men and women who were killed or remain missing is now listed at 58,267, according to the U.S. Military.

The percent of Vietnam veterans who had struggled with PTSD symptoms at one point in life, according to the National Vietnam Veterans’ Readjustment Study from 1986-1988.

The percent of Iraq veterans who sought psychological counseling within a year of coming home, according to a study by the Department of Defense in 2007.

Tom Mahany, Kent Hall and Doug Price stand in front of the war memorial at McCormick Park in Williamston. Photo by My Williamston staff

“They are losing their lives because they fought for their country. It’s after the war, but it’s because of the war.” — Tom Mahany honor. Price started with a request that was granted by the Williamston City Council when it passed a resolution last November in support of the cause. Price, Mahany and Kent have each felt problems from PTSD and known people who committed suicide following service in Vietnam. An annual day would only be ceremonial, but Mahany said that’s enough to educate the public and help to treat the suffering. “We want that day to be set aside to teach about invisible wounds and also to honor those who have committed suicide because of those invisible wounds,” Mahany said. “They

are losing their lives because they fought for their country. It’s after the war, but it’s because of the war.” Hall said problems he has experienced in life have resulted from fighting in Vietnam, but he only recently realized the connection. He joined Stop the Loss after meeting Price and now wants to introduce the information that has helped him to other veterans. “I almost didn’t make it to this day,” Hall said. “Like so many others, depression, suicidal thoughts, all those things. For whatever reason, human spirit, this will to survive seems to overcome all these other things. I have a cause that maybe in

NATIONAL RALLY What: The Visible Honor for Invisible Wounds rally commemorates the one-year anniversary of National PTSD Awareness Day and promotes establishing an annual day that calls attention to the need for treatment of PTSD in past and present service members. When: June 25 (begins at noon) Where: Upper Senate Park, west side of the Russell Senate Office Building on the U.S. Capitol Grounds in Washington, D.C. VIP section: Any combat veteran with a visible or invisible wound from military service is eligible to receive a voucher for two VIP passes to this event. Passes will entitle the veteran and guest access to special seating reserved for VIPs. To reserve a voucher, contact Karen Ann Grey at k.a.grey@iup.edu. Spring 2011 | My Williamston | 11

AWARENESS my own mind can justify why I had to go through all that other stuff and maybe can now reach some others.” One person Price turned to for general help with the foundation is Dawn-Marie Joseph, who with her husband Paul owns Gracie’s Place, Vivee’s Floral Garden and Café and other Williamston businesses. “Especially since I’ve bought the flower shop, I’ve been looking at the obituaries and I keep seeing these young kids,” Joseph said.

“They return from war and they’re killing themselves. It’s terrible that these kids are coming home and killing themselves. It really breaks my heart.” Joseph said she is working to organize a series of about three fundraisers she hopes will allow the group to reach more in need of help. Mahany has a long history of activism on issues involving current and past service members. He first went on a hunger strike in Washington shortly after four student pro-

testers were killed by National Guard troops at Kent State University and did a similar strike in 2009 when he went door to door trying to meet with Senate staffers in Washington about the military’s stop loss program. Today, Mahany hopes that with Price, Hall and others in the foundation, veterans and returning soldiers will learn about PTSD and different treatment options. “We want to take PTSD out of the glossary and put it on the front page,” Mahany said.

St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church Williamston, Michigan The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Pastor www.stkatherines.org (517) 349-4120 We are a medium size church located on 10 1/2 acres of gardens and woods in the midst of a residential area west of Williamston. Come join us for worship or any of the special events we offer.

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We offer a unique and charming setting surrounded by serene beauty and peace. Our historic chapel offers a wonderful location for your intimate wedding. Our parish hall and grounds are available for your reception, baby or bridal shower, family reunion, or any special occasion. We also have meeting space and office space available.

Shop Michigan at Yeetown Visit us in downtown Williamston for unique gifts and gourmet foods all made in the Great Lakes state

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COVER STORY

Rooted in the community Williamston garden club adds beauty to city for more than 85 years

14 | My Williamston | Spring 2011

uring spring and summer, it’s easy to see the work of the Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club. Decorative gardens filled with colorful blooms can be spotted at the gazebo on Putnam Street, in front of the Depot Museum and at other high-traffic spots in town.

But what these Williamston residents do extends beyond well-maintained flower gardens. Club members take their gardening passion into other areas of the community, such as nursing homes and elementary schools, and into the classroom where they pride themselves on their continuing education. They also build and nurture friendships based on these shared interests. “I’ve only lived here 10 years or so and I’m just so proud of Williamston,” said Ann Campbell, a life member and garden club president from 2005-2008. “I think it’s a great community and I personally want to do what I can to help keep it up.”

C Most would agree the garden club does its part in contributing to the beauty of the city. In addition to the gazebo and museum, members are responsible for flower gardens at Old Mill Park, the public restrooms and war memorial at McCormick Park and at the Williamston Community Center. They also take care of the planter in front of Carriage Travel, one of six planters at the four corners downtown. Campbell said the group assists with some of the other planters, but is not in charge of them. “We take a lot of pride in (our gardens),” Campbell said. “It’s a lot of work. It takes time. You can’t just put them in the ground and expect them to thrive without care.” The club buys the plants and flowers for the civic gardens with money raised from selling wreaths in the fall and geraniums in the spring. Some funds also go to various organizations, such as the Michigan Nature Association for scholarships to students who are majoring in horticulture. Planting of the civic gardens is generally done by Memorial Day after the annual spring cleanup of winter debris. Another cleanup takes place in the fall before the first freeze. In between is the important task of regular maintenance.

“Like any garden, (the civic gardens) need to be cared for, weeded and watered and tended to in a timely manner,” said Tammy Voss, second vice president of the current garden club along with Joan Wright, who is first vice president. Voss said one of the club’s newer projects, a butterfly garden in Old Mill Park, is in the works. “We did our first planting in the fall, so that’s really going to be coming into shape this spring,” she said.

C With spring also comes the group’s Arbor Day event, an effort to promote junior gardeners. Barb Donahue, a longtime member who was president of the club from 1992-1994, is in charge of the annual event. She said the group orders 2,000 tree seedlings that they then separate and package in plastic bags to sell to Williamston elementary students for 50 cents. “We don’t make money on that,” she said, “but it’s because we want the children to know how to plant a tree.” Elementary school students also take part in the garden club’s Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl poster contest in November. Winning posters are sent to compete on the state and national levels. Two Williamston students have won the state competition. During the holiday season, the garden club reaches out to the community in another way when they fill mugs with greens and deliver them to local shut-ins and nursing homes. The activity is one of many workshops the group has throughout the year. Campbell said they make anywhere from 75 to 100 mugs. In 2010, the group gathered at Betty Eigenauer’s house to prepare the mugs they collected throughout the year. “It’s just wonderful,” said Eigenauer, who joined the club in 1974. “We really enjoy it and people are just flabbergasted when they get one of those.”

C The Red Cedar Garden Club has a long history of maintaining civic gardens and performing other good

Flowers at the gazebo. Photo by Holly Thompson

Spring 2011 | My Williamston | 15

COVER STORY

Photo courtesy of Tammy Voss Members of the Red Cedar Garden Club get together in 2010 at McCormick Park for their annual spring cleanup. In front, from left to right, are Tammy Voss, Louise Omar, Diane Goodling, Betty Eigenauer, Marilyn Poland and Monica Bauer. In back, from left to right, are Cindy Brown, Dorothy Pollock, Arla Weaver, Jan Litchfield, Cindy Kaufman, Lynda Foster and Joan Wright.

deeds. The club dates back to 1925 and is the second oldest volunteer service organization in Williamston. It is a member of both the Michigan Garden Clubs (MCG), founded in 1931, and the National Garden Clubs, founded in 1929. A list of past presidents begins with the late Clara Hathaway in 1937. Miriam Petrides, who served as president from 19611962, and Marge McGoff, the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president from 1975-1977, went on to serve as

state club presidents and remain honorary members. Petrides was state president from 1975-1977 and McGoff served from 1991-1993. Petrides, now 97, still lives in Williamston with her husband George and follows news relating to the club. Campbell said Petrides hosted garden clubs for tours of her garden up until a few years ago. Each year, the Michigan Garden Club presents a Miriam Petrides Gardening

Friday, May 6 4-9 p.m. Saturday, May 7 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $5 each and are available at Burgdorf Winery, Willamstown Township Hall and from participating artists. williamstowntownship.com 517-655-3193

Ticket proceeds go to the purchase of playground equipment at the Township Hall.

16 | My Williamston | Spring 2011

Award to the member with the most outstanding garden in a home landscape. One of Petrides memorable accomplishments during her long tenure with the garden club was creating the four gardening study courses that are implemented statewide today. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because she was very active in the state garden club, she instituted all of these classes, which allowed ordinary people to take landscape, architecture, floral design

(and environment).” Voss said. “Some pretty impressive classes for minimal costs.”

C Today, Voss said the Red Cedar Garden Club has about 40 members and generally attracts women of retirement age. “We’ve tried to get some younger members and we’d love to get some younger members, but I know personally how difficult it is when you’re trying to hold a full-time job and raise children,” said Voss, who was in the garden club for two years in the early 1990s and then rejoined about four years ago when she had more free time after retiring. Monthly garden club meetings are held in the evenings to accommodate those who do work. “The club met in the daytime before, but started evening meetings a few years ago,” said Gloria VanDusen, who joined the club in 1970 and served as president from 1977-1978. “We wanted to keep the club as large as we could so we tried to involve more working ladies.” VanDusen said she originally joined to interact with more people in the city and now considers it an important part of her life. The garden club meetings are open to the public and feature speakers who discuss

DID YOU KNOW? The Red Cedar Garden Club joins a long list of garden clubs around the country. There are 189 clubs with 7,141 members in the state. The National Garden Clubs is composed of 50 state garden clubs, 6,218 member garden clubs and 198,595 members. — Information from Michigan Garden Clubs and National Garden Clubs

various gardening topics. Campbell said the hope is that people become club members after a meeting or two. She recalls joining the group instantly. “A neighbor called and asked if I’d be interested in going to the garden club. I said yeah. It sounded like fun,” Campbell said.“The first meeting I was hooked.” New members aren’t required to have a

gardening resume. “It doesn’t take experience,” Voss said. “Just a desire to keep things tidy, to pull weeds.” Donahue, a life member can attest to that. She said she didn’t know anything about gardening when she joined in 1975. “I didn’t even know how to do daffodils, but I’ve learned a whole lot being a garden club member,” she said. “The first year, I planted all my daffodils and it was wonderful in the spring when they came up. It was awful hard putting them into the ground, but when they came up in the spring, I couldn’t believe it.” Experience aside, Campbell said the club does require a certain amount of effort from its members. “We are a working club, so we do try to emphasize that if anybody’s going to join, we want them to pitch in,” she said. Members generally have a sincere interest in gardening and take their duties seriously. Most have personal gardens of their own and/or other garden projects outside the club, and many have earned titles based on their volunteer hours and continuing education. The current club has six master gardeners, three advanced master gardeners, two MGC flower show judges and three MGC garden consultants.

WILLIAMSTON THEATRE May 12 June 12, 2011

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Spring 2011 | My Williamston | 17

COVER STORY PAST PRESIDENTS

Photo courtesy of Tammy Voss The Red Cedar Garden Club won its district competition for floral design at the Lansing Home and Garden Show in March. The theme of the show was the movie “Somewhere in Time.”

Terry McKenney Person Attorney At LAw

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18 | My Williamston | Spring 2011

Clara Hathaway, 1937-38 Caroline Frey, 1939-40 Nora Fisher, 1941-43 Ruth Allen, 1943-45 Marian Lechler, 1945-46, 1954 Nina Ketchum, 1946-47 Rose Squires, 1947-48, 1956 Virginia Kitchen, 1949 Mignon Welch, 1950-51 Geneva Youngs, 1952-53 Alice Dolph, 1955 Suzanne Baugh, 1957-58 Lucy Ainger, 1959-60 Miriam Petrides, 1961-62 Erma Johnson, 1963 Grace Dunckel, 1964 Pat Tankersley, 1965-66 Elaine Straub, 1967 Evelyn Benner, 1967 Eleanor McKenna, 1968-69, 1971-72 Ila Irish, 1970 Pat Huxtable, 1972-73 Nancy Goodman, 1973-74 Rose Brown, 1974-75 Marge McGoff, 1975-77 Gloria VanDusen, 1977-78 Diana Leipprandt, 1978-80, 1994-96 Joan King, 1980-82 Bela Lovas, 1982-84 Fran Schaffert, 1984-86 Sue Smith, 1986-88, 1990-91 Ruth Simmons, 1988-90 Lynda Foster, 1991-92, 2008-10 Barb Donahue, 1992-94 Helen Reed, 1996-98 Micki McCormick, 1998-2002 Jan Morris, 2000-02, 2003-05 Vicki Buell, 2002-03 Roberta Jacobowitz, 2005-06 Ann Campbell, 2005-08

Over the years the garden club has won several awards, including the Gold Seal of Distinction for 2007-2008, an award based on points earned through various levels of community involvement. Most recently, the club won its district competition for floral design, held in March at the Lansing Home and Garden Show. With the overall theme following the movie “Somewhere in Time,” most entries decorated a room setting along the lines of the movie, which took place at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. “When the judges came out and saw ours, they all stopped and said, ‘Whoa, this is different,’ ” Campbell said. “Ours was so different,” she added. “We called ours ‘The time is now.’ To take care of the Earth, the environment.” A shared sense of purpose among members often lends itself to a positive social element. “It is very gratifying and it’s fun,” Voss said. “It’s pleasant to meet people who have similar interests. “The friendships are very, very important,” she added. “I know it is for me. That’s part of my social life. Sometimes when you get out of the work-a-day world, it gets more and more difficult to socialize. This is a wonderful way to socialize with people who enjoy doing similar kinds of things.”

Photo courtesy of Tammy Voss Jan Litchfield, right, decorates a Christmas mug with greens that the Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club prepared for shut-ins and residents of nursing homes last year. The club makes 75-100 of the mugs each holiday season.

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Faces and places SEEN AND HEARD: Music filled the downtown businesses during March Musical Madness in Williamston. During the two-day event, visitors strolled through town, listening to many kinds of music inside various shops and restaurants. TOP LEFT: Celtic singer Kate Van Allsburg plays at Tuesday Books. TOP RIGHT: Sean Barrett, left, and Drew Machak jam at Six String Place. The music store had a grand opening for its new studio during the event. MIDDLE LEFT: Paul Risberg, left, and Emmitt Omar of the band Vocal Point perform at Tina Brookhouse Fitness Studio. MIDDLE RIGHT: Curtis Remmington sings and plays guitar at Bloom. BOTTOM LEFT: Pete Porciello smiles as he plays piano at Gracieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place. BOTTOM RIGHT: From left to right, Nick May, Kathy Hayes, Holly Erb and Casey Brockway perform at Six String Place. Photos by Don Bixler and My Williamston staff

20 | My Williamston | Spring 2011

Calendar

To submit an event, e-mail contact@MyWilliamston.com

WILLIAMSTON APRIL 15 — Fish Fry Fridays for charity at Gracie’s Place, 5:30-9 p.m. $2 from every fish fry dinner benefits Williamston Police and Kids. (517) 655-1100. 16 — Children’s program on Egyptian mummies, 11 a.m. Williamston library. (517) 655-1191. 16 — Tot Closet at Williamston Free Methodist Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Clothing drop-off is 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. MondaysThursdays. (517) 242-1477. 16 — Quilted Table Runner Class, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Williamston Free Methodist Church. Bring materials. Cost: $3.50 (includes Olive Garden salad and breadsticks for lunch). Registration required. (517) 6553668, info@WilliamstonFMC.org. 16 — Mom 2 Mom sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Rowley Wesleyan Church. (517) 930-3798, rwcmom2momsale@hotmail.com. 19 — Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. 19 — Kiwanis Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. Williamston UMC. 19 — Lions Club meeting, 7 p.m. St. Mary’s Annex. 19 — Williamston Downtown Development Authority meeting, 7 p.m. City Hall. 21 — Williamston Community Schools band solo recital concert, 6 p.m. McGoff Performing Arts Center. (517) 655-2142. 21 — Read to a therapy dog. 4 p.m. Williamston library. Registration required. (517) 655-1191. 22 — Fish Fry Fridays for charity at Gracie’s Place, 5:30-9 p.m. $2 from every fish fry dinner benefits Williamston Habitat for Humanity. (517) 655-1100. 23 — Community Easter Egg Hunt. Begins at 10 a.m. McCormick Park. 25 — Williamston City Council meeting, 7 p.m. City Hall. 25 — Quilting and Crafts, 6-9 p.m. Williamston Free Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (basement). (517) 655-3668, info@WilliamstonFMC.org. 26 — Lego club, 4 p.m. Williamston library. Ages 6-14. Registration required. (517) 655-1191. 26 — Williamston Area Senior Center bingo. (517) 655-5173. 26 — Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. 26 — Kiwanis Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. Williamston UMC.

Photo courtesy of the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce From left to right, Jo Zeller, artist Valerie Hoffman and Tina Benington, owner of Sequels Consignment Boutique, pose with some art at the boutique during the 2010 Art Walk in Williamston. This year’s Art Walk is May 6 and 7.

28 — Williamston Area Senior Center bingo. (517) 655-5173. 28 — Williamston Chamber business networking lunch, 11:30 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. (517) 655-1549. 30 — Habitat for Humanity Arbor Day Tree Planting Day. (517) 655-1872. 30 — MSU Stars annual Green and White Golf Classic for Make-a-Wish. 8 a.m. registration. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. Cost: $70. (248) 563-5564, hopperal@msu. edu, BrookshireGolfClub.com. MAY 3 — Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. 3 — Kiwanis Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. Williamston UMC. 3 — Lions Club meeting, 7 p.m. St. Mary’s Annex. 6-7 — Art Walk, 4-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.2 p.m. Saturday. (517) 655-1549. 6-7 — Williamstown Township Fine Art Sale and Gallery Tour, 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $5, available at Township Hall, Burgdorf’s Winery and participating artists. (517) 655-3193, WilliamstownTownship.com. 7 — 29th annual Williamston Schools Foundation Golf Outing. 8 a.m. registration. Cost: $100 per person. Brookshire Inn and Golf Club. (517) 655-7513, wsf@gowcs.net.

9 — Quilting and Crafts, 6-9 p.m. Williamston Free Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (basement). (517) 655-3668, info@WilliamstonFMC.org. 10 — Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. 10 — Kiwanis Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. Williamston UMC. 10 — Lego club, 4 p.m. Williamston library. Ages 6-14. Registration required. (517) 655-1191. 12 — Internet basics, 9:30 a.m. Williamston library. Registration required. (517) 655-1191. 14 — Newspaper drive, organized by Venture Crew 363, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Williamston City Hall. (517) 655-2774. 14 — Williamstown Township Yard Sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Township Hall. Call to reserve free table. (517) 655-9828. 17 — Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. 17 — Kiwanis Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. Williamston UMC. 17 — Lions Club meeting, 7 p.m. St. Mary’s Annex. 19 — Read to a therapy dog, 4 p.m. Williamston library. Registration required. (517) 655-1191. 19 — Williamston Farmers’ Market begins. Runs through Oct. 13. Spring 2011 | My Williamston | 21

CALENDAR 22 — Michigan Pride Golf Outing. Wheatfield Valley Golf Course. (517) 6556999, MichiganPride.org. 23 — Quilting and Crafts, 6-9 p.m. Williamston Free Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (basement). (517) 655-3668, info@WilliamstonFMC.org. 24 — Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. 24 — Kiwanis Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. Williamston UMC. 25 — Quilting and Crafts, 6-9 p.m. Williamston Free Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (basement). (517) 655-3668, info@WilliamstonFMC.org. 24 — Lego club, 4 p.m. Williamston library. Ages 6-14. Registration required. (517) 655-1191. 31 — Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. 31 — Kiwanis Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. Williamston UMC. JUNE 3 — Cool Car Night/Flamingo Fest. (517) 655-1549. 7 — Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. 7 — Kiwanis Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. Williamston UMC. 7 — Lions Club meeting, 7 p.m. St. Mary’s Annex. 11 — Newspaper drive, organized by Venture Crew 363. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Williamston City Hall. (517) 655-2774. 11 — Williamstown Township Yard Sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Township Hall. Call to reserve free table. (517) 655-9828. 13 — Quilting and Crafts, 6-9 p.m. Williamston Free Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (basement). (517) 655-3668, info@WilliamstonFMC.org. 14 — Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club.

14 — Kiwanis Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. Williamston UMC. 20 — 40th Red Cedar Jubilee week begins with Citizens of the Year dinner. 21 — Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. 21 — Kiwanis Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. Williamston UMC. 21 — Lions Club meeting, 7 p.m. St. Mary’s Annex. 24-25 — Jubilee Craft Show, presented by Williamston chamber, 3-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. (517) 655-1549. 25 — Second annual Red Cedar 5K run/ walk. 25 — Red Cedar Jubilee Grand Parade, 12:30 p.m. 27 — Quilting and Crafts, 6-9 p.m. Williamston Free Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (basement). Experienced quilters available to help. (517) 655-3668, info@ WilliamstonFMC.org. 28 — Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club. 28 — Kiwanis Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. Williamston UMC. ONGOING Williamston Senior Center coffee social and lunch, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (lunch at noon) Tuesdays-Thursdays. Williamston Community Center. (517) 655-5173. Tai chi at Williamston United Methodist Church, 7:30-8:30 p.m. April 26, May 3, 24, 31, June 21, 28. (517) 655-2430. WilliamstonUMC.org. Fibromyalgia support group, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Free. Williamston Free Methodist Church. (517) 655-3668. info@WilliamstonFMC.org. While We Were Bowling, Thursdays through Sundays. Final performance: April 17. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Saturdays and

2 p.m. Sundays. (517) 655-SHOW, WilliamstonTheatre.com. Eleemosynary, Thursdays through Sundays. May 12-June 12. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. (517) 655-SHOW, WilliamstonTheatre.com. And The Creek Don’t Rise, Thursdays through Sundays. July 7-Aug. 14. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. (517) 655-SHOW, WilliamstonTheatre.com. Men’s breakfast group, 8 a.m. every Wednesday. Sunnyside Café. (517) 6553668. info@WilliamstonFMC.org.

DANSVILLE Run For CHUM (Children and Horses United in Movement) Half Marathon and 5K, 8-11 a.m. June 12. Dansville High School. (517) 204-0974, runpepper@ yahoo.com, chumtherapy.net. Dansville Farmers Market, 4-8 p.m. Thursdays June 16-Sept. 29. Southwest corner of M-36 and Dakin Street. (517) 676-1791.

EAST LANSING Lansing Symphony presents MasterWorks 6: Exploring Gershwin & Rave, 8 p.m. April 16. Wharton Center. Tickets: $12-45. Student discounts available. (517) 487-5001. LansingSymphony.org. Michigan Opera Theatre presents The Magic Flute, 7:30 p.m. April 21. Wharton Center. Tickets: $25-78. (517) 432-2000, WhartonCenter.com. Clusters of Galaxies: Leviathans of Paintings Deep Space, 7:30 p.m. April 21. Abrams Photography Planetarium. Free. (517) 355-4676.

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138 W. Grand River in downtown Williamston 22 | My Williamston | Spring 2011

East Lansing Arts Festival, May 21 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and May 22 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.). Downtown East Lansing. (517) 319-6804, elartfest.com. MSU Spring Arts and Craft Show, May 21-22. MSU Farms and Pavilion. Free. (517) 355-3354. Chicago, May 12-15. Wharton Center. Tickets: $25-55. (517) 432-2000, WhartonCenter.com.

mies, 1 p.m. April 16. Haslett library. All ages. (517) 339-2324. Computer basics, 10 a.m. April 18. Haslett library. Registration required. (517) 339-2324. Internet basics, 10 a.m. May 2. Haslett library. Registration required. (517) 339-2324. Email basics, 10 a.m. May 9. Haslett library. Registration required. (517) 339-2324. Microsoft Word basics, 10 a.m. May 16. Haslett library. Registration required. (517) 339-2324.

FOWLERVILLE Fowlerville Farmers Market, 2-7 p.m. Wednesdays May-October. Parking lot next to Fowlerville True Value Hardware. (517) 202-0025. American Car Heritage weekly car show, 5-8:30 p.m. Thursdays May 5-Sept. 29. St. Agnes Church. (517) 376-2069. achcsusa.com.

HASLETT Alzheimer’s and Dementia Education Series class, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wynwood of Meridian. Meets second Tuesday of each month. (517) 381-8700. Children’s program on Egyptian mum-

required. (517) 694-9351, ext. 3. Recycled CD art, 4:30 p.m. May 19. Holt library. Ages 12-18. Registration required. (517) 694-9351, ext. 3. Microsoft Word basics, 10 a.m. May 23. Holt library. Registration required. (517) 694-9351, ext. 3.

LANSING Exhibit grand opening: Plowshares into swords, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 16. Michigan Historical Museum. (517) 373-3559. michigan.gov/museum. Sweet & Sassy Sound Sampler! 3-11:40 p.m. April 17. Perspective 2 Studio. Tickets: $25 (reserved seating), $20 general admission, $15 (students and seniors ordering early). (517) 853-5880, Perspective2Studio.com. Pickin’ in the Park, 6-9 p.m. Jam session held first and third Tuesday of every month. Old Town. IloveOldTown.org. Party for the Planet, noon-4 p.m. April 23. Potter Park Zoo. (517) 483-4222, PotterParkZoo.org. Capital City Film Festival, April 14-17. Downtown. CapitalCityFilmFest.com. Wine & Stein, 6-9 p.m. May 19. Potter

HOLT Facebook basics, 10 a.m. April 25. Holt library. Registration required. (517) 694-9351, ext. 3. Teddy Bear picnic, 4:30 p.m. April 25. Holt library. Ages 3-8. Registration required. (517) 694-9351, ext. 3. Computer basics, 10 a.m. May 9. Holt library. Registration required. (517) 6949351, ext. 3. Read to a therapy dog, 4:30 p.m. May 9. Holt library. Registration required. (517) 694-9351, ext. 3. Made in the Mitten: Promote Michigan presents Michigan agricultural traditions, 6:30 p.m. May 12. Holt library. Registration

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CALENDAR Park Zoo. Cost: $20 (add $5 for nonmembers). 21 and older. (517) 483-4222, PotterParkZoo.org. Teddy Bear Tea, 3 p.m. May 21. TurnerDodge House. Cost: $8. (517) 483-4220. Wild 1-Mile & Kids’ Fest, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 18. Potter Park Zoo. (517) 483-4222, PotterParkZoo.org. Children’s Fairy Time, 10 a.m.-noon. June 18. Turner-Dodge House. Cost: $8. (517) 483-4220. Victorian Tea, 3-4:30 p.m. June 18. Turner-Dodge House. (517) 483-4220. Michigan Pride Festival and Parade, June 10-12. Old Town and downtown Lansing. MichiganPride.org. Summer Solstice Jazz Festival, June 17-18. Downtown Lansing. (517) 319-6927.

MASON Easter Egg Hunt, 2-4 p.m. Mason Community Church. Ages 2-grade 5. (517) 676-5322, merilyn@masoncommunitychurch.net. Easter Bunny Expo: Learn about rabbits and different breeds, 4 p.m. April 18. Mason library. Registration required. (517) 676-9088. Intermediate Microsoft Word, 6 p.m. April 19. Mason library. Adults. Registration required. (517) 676-9088. How to find a summer job: Tips for teens, 1 p.m. April 30. Mason library. Reg-

istration required. (517) 676-9088. Make-it, take-it crafts for Mother’s Day, 6 p.m. May 2. Mason library. Grades K-3. Registration required. (517) 676-9088. Read to therapy dogs, 4:30 p.m. May 4. Mason library. Registration required. (517) 676-9088. Spring Fling 5K, craft show and more, May 5-8. Downtown Mason. (517) 6761046. MasonChamber.org. Organization with scrapbooks, threering binders, 6 p.m. May 16. Mason library. Registration required. (517) 676-9088. Beyond Google: Using databases for search, 6 p.m. May 17. Mason library. Registration required. (517) 676-9088. International potluck for homeschool families, noon. May 18. Mason library. Registration required. (517) 676-9088. Concerts on the Courthouse Lawn: The Mason Orchestral Society, 6 p.m. June 9. MasonChamber.org. Mason Relay for Life, June 17-18. Mason courthouse. (517) 664-1422, megan. barrett@cancer.org. Concerts on the Courthouse Lawn: The Sea Cruisers, 6 p.m. June 23. MasonChamber.org.

OKEMOS Howl at the Moon, 7 p.m. April 15, May

20. $3 per person. Harris Nature Center. (517) 349-3866, harriscenter@sbcglobal.net. Family Adventure Campfire, 7 p.m. April 16. Harris Nature Center. $3 per person, $7 per family. (517) 349-3866, harriscenter@sbcglobal.net. Sustainable Vegetable Gardening methods, 7 p.m. April 19. Okemos library. (517) 349-0250. Weekday Wildflower Walk,10:30 a.m. each Tuesday. Harris Nature Center. (517) 349-3866, harriscenter@sbcglobal.net. Movie: Helena from the Wedding, 6:30 p.m. April 21. Okemos library. Adults and mature teens. (517) 349-0250. Chipmunk Story Time, 10 a.m. April 21, May 19, June 9. Harris Nature Center. Preschool and elementary children. $3 per child. Registration required. (517) 349-3866, harriscenter@sbcglobal.net. Chipmunk Story Time: Jump Frog Jump,10 a.m. May 19. Harris Nature center. Preschool and elementary children. $3 per child. Registration required. (517) 349-3866, harriscenter@sbcglobal.net. Learn Microsoft Publisher, 10 a.m. April 22. Okemos library. (517) 347-2023. Herb Gardening, practical tips, 7 p.m. April 25. Okemos library. (517) 347-2023. Internet basics, 6:30 p.m. April 26; 10 a.m. May 20. Okemos library. For adults. Registration required. (517) 347-2023.

Advertiser index Attorney Terry McKenney Person 351-0280 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Kozy at Home PetSitting 655-3468 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Vivee’s Floral Garden and Café 655-2191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Caraway Kennels 655-4178 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Limner Press 655-4455 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Want My Web (Web design, hosting) wantmyweb.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Dansville Farmers’ Market dansville.farmers.market@gmail.com . . . . . . . . 16

Mark Buzzitta Productions 882-9768 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

West Locke Wesleyan Church 655-2202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Edward Jones Investments 655-2427 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Nu Concept Salon 655-9095 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Williamston Fitness Center & Pool 655-7510 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Estate Planning & Preservation, Kodet 655-7879 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Six String Place 282-3266 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Williamston Inn 655-3773 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Estate Planning & Preservation, Pecic 655-7879 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Smeak’s Lea Estes, Denise Diederich 655-1316 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Williamston Theatre 655-SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Fireworks Glass Studios 655-4000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Snyder’s Landscape Design 349-4343 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Wood & Sons Corn Bin 655-2998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

GLS Heating & Cooling 655-1981 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church 349-4120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Yeetown 655-TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Gracie’s Place 655-1100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

The Artisan’s Circle 655-2200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Hayward-Pixley Insurance Agency 655-2124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Topliff’s Tara Bed & Breakfast 655-8860 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

James Avenue Catering 655-4532 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Township Fine Art Sale & Studio Tour 655-3193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

24 | My Williamston | Spring 2011

For information about advertising in future editions of the magazine or on our website, send an email to contact@MyWilliamston.com.

Learn Microsoft PowerPoint, 10 a.m. April 29, May 10. Okemos library. (517) 347-2023. Smart Start Saturday: Science Everywhere, noon-3 p.m. April 30. Entire family. 1st Sunday Gallery Walk art exhibit: Becky Stafford, 1-4 p.m. May 1. Okemos library. (517) 349-0250. Citizenship and English reading group for speakers of other languages, noon. May 4, 11, 18, 25. Okemos library. (517) 349-0250. Microsoft Excel basics, 10 a.m. May 6; 6:30 p.m. May 24. Okemos library. Registration required. (517) 347-2023. Mother’s Day Dance Party, 2 p.m. May 7. Okemos library. (517) 347-2023. Microsoft Word basics, 10 a.m. May 13. Okemos library. Registration required. (517) 347-2023. Drop-in computer help (downloading and other tips), noon, May 13. Okemos library. (517) 347-2023. Movie: If I want to whistle, I whistle (Romania), 6:30 p.m. May 19. Okemos library. Adults and mature teens. (517) 349-0250.

PERRY Weekly car show, Wednesdays. Turks Mini Storage. 5-8 p.m. (517) 675-6908.

STOCKBRIDGE Free concert: Premier Big Band, 3 p.m. April 16. Historic Stockbridge Township Hall. Presented by Stockbridge Area Arts Council. saacouncil90@gmail.com. Seniors outreach, noon. May 6. Stockbridge library will make books available for checkout to seniors at the Town Hall. (517) 851-7810. A Day in the Village (17th year), June 17-18. Downtown Stockbridge. Includes craft show: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Friday) and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Saturday). (517) 851-7435, info@vil.stockbridge.mi.us. Stockbridge Area Genealogical/Historical Society monthly meetings, 7 p.m. Fourth Tuesday of each month. Stockbridge library. stockbridgeareaghs@hotmail.com.

WEBBERVILLE Reading with therapy dogs, 11 a.m. April 16. Webberville library. (517) 521-3643. Stitchin’ Time drop-in for beginner to expert stitchers at the Library, 6 p.m. April 19, May 3, 17, June 7, 21. Webberville library. (517) 521-3643. Do-it-yourself spa treatments, 3:15 p.m. April 20. Webberville library. Grades 6-12.

Learn to make soaps and other bath products. Registration required. (517) 521-3643. Lego club (Legos provided), 3-4 p.m. April 21, May 5, 19, June 2, 16. Webberville library. Elementary children. (517) 521-3643. Drop-in Easter crafts, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 23. Webberville library. (517) 521-3643. Easter at Northfork Outback, 2 p.m. April 23. Cost: $7. Reservations required. (517) 881-9142, NorthforkOutback.com. Made in the Mitten: Promote Michigan presents Michigan agricultural traditions, 6 p.m. April 27. Webberville library. (517) 521-3643. Scrabble club, 6:30 p.m. April 28, May 12, May 26, June 9, 23. Webberville library. Adults. (517) 521-3643. Williamston/Webberville Relay For Life, 10 a.m. June 4. Runs 24 hours. 309 E. Grand River, Webberville. (517) 694-6479, relayforlife.org/williamstonwebbervillemi. Webberville Community Picnic. June 17. Downtown Webberville. VillageOfWebberville.com. Fifth Annual 5K Beer Run, 6 p.m. June 18. Michigan Brewing Company. Cost: $25 before race day, $30 on race day. Group rates available. Proceeds benefit men’s health through Sparrow Foundation. Online at MichiganBrewing.com and Playmakers.com.

Looking to protect your family? Call Robert Pecic today. Your concerns are his concerns. Rob can show you how your family can continue financially if you were to pass. Life insurance can lift the financial burden of a death of a loved one. Rob has helped people of every age. Don’t be one of those people who fail to plan. Call Rob today.

Robert Pecic

Licensed Insurance Producer

Request a free consultation today. www.estateplanningandpreservation.com Spring 2011 | My Williamston | 25

Photo courtesy of Kent Hall

People posed with umbrellas in McCormick Park during the 2011 Umbrellas in April event.

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Community connection IN TOUCH

A word from Benjamin Eichler

The final word on new spring resolutions For those of you who didn’t notice, there’s been an unidentified, frying object in the sky for the past couple weeks. Don’t panic! It’s just the sun. It’s back after its winter vacation and it means you no harm. It’s a nourishing source of vitamin D and it’s here to bring joy and life back to the Midwest. This is a special time in our community. We see the rain coming and we’ve begun tuning up our lawn tractors. The farmers are preparing to plant. We’re reminded of the start of life as we see crocuses popping out of the ground and the green all around beginning to return. I think the new year should start with Spring. Why does it have to start in January? It’s hard to make a resolution last when you’re surrounded by so much gray. I feel silly promising to make any changes. I know exactly how little that promise is worth. When it’s sub-zero and dark, I want chocolate. I want to wrap up in a blanket and eat potato chips while the flashing images on television entertain me. And, it’s not for lack of need. Spend enough time with me and you are guar-

anteed to find aspects of my life that leave room for improvement. (Though, surprisingly, I’m not very open to suggestion). Yet, in January, I do very little. How far did you get before breaking your resolutions? A day? A week? Were you a total trooper and last a whole month? I say that this is now the beginning of the year. By the power not vested in me, I declare the time for renewal and rebirth is upon us. Since spring is here, I now actually want to get outside and be active. How about you? And, what resolutions do you want to pursue? I’m going to open the windows and give my home some air. I beat the dust out of every rug and carpet I can find. I resolve to exercise more and eat better. Fresh strawberries will be ready soon and they’re not going to pick themselves. Asparagus and rhubarb will be available, too. I will walk and play in the park with my kids. I will camp, canoe, bicycle and even jog ... when I’m late for something. I’m going to go through the cupboards and boxes and reorganize. I’m going to throw out, recycle and donate the things

I will never again use. I will convince myself that I truly won’t use those things again. I will not cry when the garbage truck drives away. I will then clean ... everything. I will scrub until my elbow grease has been used up. Maybe then I will be a better person. So I started it three months later than everyone else. Does it really matter? Isn’t the goal to ultimately resolve to be better for yourself, your family and your community? And, doesn’t it mean even more if it lasts longer than a week or two? Isn’t longevity the vital key to calling a resolution a success? Who’s ready to join me and start the new year today? If you need suggestions, think of all the stored up, winter calories you’ll burn by helping with Adopt-AHighway, dragging a pen across your checkbook to fund the food bank or volunteering at the local school. Resolve to help make this small town the best city to live and work. Find your place in our community and let us know what we can do to make you feel at home.

Benjamin Eichler serves on the boards of the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce and Capital Area Local First, and is a member of the Williamston Kiwanis Club. He works in downtown Williamston. Contact Benjamin at communityconnection@MyWilliamston.com.

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Enjoy upscale dining in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere

Located in downtown Williamston 151 S. Putnam  (517) 655‐1100 JOIN US FOR BRUNCH!  Easter Brunch, Sunday April 24, 11 a.m.‐3 p.m.  Mother’s Day Brunch, Sunday May 8, 11 a.m.‐3 p.m.

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