The kind of neighbors everyone should have

If I were to tell you that my neighbor Larry Lewis is a train enthusiast I could be understating the situation. Larry loves trains.  So much so that for the past several years Larry has worked tirelessly on getting the Clare Depot restored. This past summer he called our house asking if I could take some photos while the roof was being redone. I happily said yes. Not just because the depot is cool, which it is, but because Larry and his wife Betty are good people.

The depot isn't their only passion. They also rescue dogs and I'm a huge dog lover. Anyone who is kind to dogs and takes the unwanted and unloved ones into their home is someone I'm a fan of. These dogs have a great life. They get to go camping, help children with their reading and also serve as therapy dogs. These dogs are loved and true members of the Lewis family.

Their house is always decorated for the season and Larry and Betty spent countless hours in their yard decorating it for everyone to see. As it's Christmas time there are lights on their tree, a string of lighted garland on the fence between our houses and many lighted items in their front yard. At Halloween their yard is filled with frights and candy is generously dispensed to all children who show up there.

It was never odd to find them talking in the yard with a neighbor or someone who stopped by. Sometimes they would come over with a cold drink to share. When Larry's health permitted it wasn't unusual to find him helping my dad blowing the snow out of our driveway or shoveling the pieces that the blower leaves behind. When my mother passed they were among the first on our doorstep to see if there was anything we needed. And while it may seem like a simple thing to do, Larry helped change the wiper blades on my car when I couldn't figure it out.

When I came home from shopping on Monday my father told me that he had bad news. Betty had called and said that Larry had passed away late afternoon on Christmas eve. Putting others ahead of herself, Betty didn't want to ruin Christmas for everyone so she waited until the day after to let us know.

His passing is a loss for our community because he was involved in so many things. It's also a loss for our neighborhood. I'll miss hearing his voice calling a greeting across the yard as we get into our vehicles. I'll miss watching he and my dad stand at the fence solving the problems of the world. I'll miss his stories of their adventures. Thank you for being such a great neighbor Larry. You will be missed.

The Monthly Dinner

I have friends who I have dinner with once a month every month. There were originally four of us but we do have one who is a semi-regular. We've recently added another one to our group. We've known each other since the 80's. Yes, it means we aren't young but we're a long way from being old. We go to a different restaurant every month and we've been doing this for years. I love this time because I enjoy knowing that I will see these friends at least once a month and catching up on each others lives. We've celebrated together, cried together, stuck together and lifted each other up. These are amazing friends. The kind that are tried and true even when the chips are down.

We agreed this year at Christmas that we were doing no presents. Two of us are unemployed and we all know that being together is the biggest gift we can give each other. Yesterday at this dinner one of our friends didn't bring a Christmas gift, but she did bring everyone a thank you for bring supportive and sticking by me when times were bad present.

She got us each a little book. She just didn't find one book and give us each a copy. She took time to pick a book out for each of us. The books had a wide range. There was a book of saints, a book on Libras, a trivia book and a book of bathroom humor. It still makes me smile to think that she took the time to find a book that fit our own personality.

My book is "What Every Woman Should Do Once." She said something like I was the only one that book fit. First I'm so excited she knows me so well. I'm even happier that I am that person. The one who is willing to try everything (legal) ... well most everything ... at least once. I want to live my life experiencing amazing things no matter how large or small they may be.

This little book has some great ideas I want to do. I guess you could say these could be a part of my bucket list. Some of these include

1. Have a three martini lunch and go back to work refreshed. (I'll need to get a job first.)
2. Write your acceptance speech for your "Woman of the Year" award.
3. Rent a convertible and go where the wind blows.

I was pleased to find out that there were several things I have already done and can cross off the list. Just a few of these are

1. Pamper yourself at an all day spa.
2. Make up an alias.
3. Resist saying, "I told you so," even when you're right. (That was a hard one!)

So there are more to add to that second list but some things just don't need to be shared. I'm sure the second list will be added to and I'll make sure to keep you posted – well, at least on most of them.

Well if you don't care, I don't care!

I hope you don't mind, but again I'm talking about my paternal grandmother. As I said in my last post, she was quite the baker. My favorite recipe was her chocolate chip cookies but there were others I was quite fond of as well. Her recipe makes 12 dozen and while all of the ingredients can be cut in half making a half batch they don't taste the same.

My father recently mentioned that when you have five kids 12 dozen cookies didn't last long anyway. Plus when the neighborhood kids learned to answer yes instead of I don't care when my grandma offered them a cookie they were gone quicker yet. It reminded me of one of my favorite stories that was told by my mom.

After my father proposed my mom, who was from Detroit, came to Clare to meet my dad's family. She stayed at their house for a week. My grandmother sold Avon and would be on the road during the day. Upon rising in the morning my mother would go to my aunt and uncle's house down street and help my aunt with her babies. One morning my grandmother didn't have appointments until later in the day so she was at the house when my mother got up.

My grandmother had a tray of her famous homemade cookies on the counter. She picked it up and took it over to my mother and asked if she would like a cookie. My mother was bashful and didn't want to seem greedy so she responded with I don't care. Well, before my mother's hand could reach a cookie my grandmother spun around, tray in hand, and said Well if you don't care, I don't care. My mother never did get a cookie that day but she never answered I don't care again. It was always yes please and it was rarely no thank you (especially about the cookies!)


Lesson learned, if you want something --- care about it enough to say YES when if's offered to you. You never know if it will be offered again.

Learning to Bake

Growing up my paternal grandparents lived across the street from us.

Their kitchen was different than ours, but I didn't really think of it being different other people's kitchens. It wasn't hugely different but it had a couple cool features that our kitchen didn't have.

One favorite was a breakfast "nook" in the kitchen. It was cool because I could sit out in the kitchen while Grandma was baking. I did that a lot as a little girl. I loved sitting there watching grandma measure ingredients, roll out pie crusts, scoop cookies onto the sheet. The kitchen smelled so yummy. And, if I was lucky, when the baking was done, I might get to sample a cookie or two.

The other thing I really liked in their kitchen was the sugar and flour bins. The bins each held a 50 lb. bag. Cookies and pies were her specialty. If someone was sick, needed thanking, moved to the neighborhood, had a new baby, to celebrate a holiday, or just because, it was not surprising to see a tray of cookies or a pie get delivered from Grandma and Grandpa.

At the age of eight my Grandma started teaching me how to bake. When I say that my grandmother baked a lot, family members would say I am underestimating it. Her cookie list included Chinese chews, honey cookies, sugar cookies, dream bars and more. Sometimes she would make more than one batch at a time. And boy were they yummy! The pies she made at least 10-12 at a time. Pumpkin and cherry were her specialties.

My favorite of all of Grandma's treats? Her chocolate chip cookies. There was just something about them that had a different flavor than ours. I asked once about her recipe and she told me that it was just the recipe off the package. At this point I was getting older and wiser. There was something different – I just didn't know what. I came home and told my mom. She said we could make some chocolate chip cookies to compare them. Nope, they weren't the same.

It wasn't until years later that I found out the truth. Grandpa had passed and Grandma's health was starting to fail. It was too much for her to stay at home by herself. No matter how much time my dad spent over there and no matter how many meals my mom made for her, it was time, Grandma decided, to go to the nursing home. She also decided that it was time to sell the house and have an auction.
Before the auction we could go through the house and see if there was anything we wanted. Standing in the kitchen with my aunts and my mom, one of my aunts asked if there was something I might like from the house. Living across the street, I had spent much more time at my grandparents house than my cousins had in recent years and had helped to take care of Grandma.

Right behind one of my aunts was something in a drawer I wanted more than anything ... Grandma's recipes. Before my other aunt could protest, my aunt that was closest to the drawer spun around, opened the drawer and shoved them into my hands. My mother looked horrified. "How much?" she asked. The aunt who had handed me my treasures replied with "Well, they're books and the other books are 50¢ each so that sounds right to me." It was done. One aunt was thrilled I had them, while my other aunt was still trying to wrap her mind around what had happened and I was holding my breath.

Before anyone could say anything else, my mother said it was fine and that I could have them. She also knew the other aunt wouldn't be happy and suggested that maybe I wanted to take them home and get out of the way since we were almost done. All that was left was for my dad and uncles to move some boxes before we all went to dinner. Before leaving I told my aunts I would type all of Grandma's recipes out and all of the families – aunts, uncles and cousins – would all get a copy. This seemed to please everyone – especially Grandma.

I spent weeks typing those recipes. Partly because there were so many but also because there were, sometimes, more than one version of each recipe. Each one seemed to have another ingredient that the first one didn't seem to have. It was there, in the middle of typing, I found out the truth about the chocolate chip cookie recipe. There, in the middle of a page, was a recipe named "My Own Toll House Cookie Recipe" that made 12 dozen cookies. First thing the next morning, I hopped in my car and drove over to the nursing home with the page in question.

"You couldn't expect me to give you all my secrets," she said with a smile. "Besides, you wouldn't have liked mine best."

Later that day I told my mom what I had found. Everything became clear to her. It explained why the recipes Grandma had given her never really turned out quite right. No they weren't bad, they just didn't taste quite like what Grandma made. Eventually all the pieces were put together and everyone got copies of the recipes. There were still a few "tweaks" that needed to be made, and Grandma's recipes live on today.

The Depot

For more years than I can begin to count someone has been talking about restoring the railroad depot in Clare, MI. When train buff Larry Lewis and his wife Betty moved in I knew there was someone willing to save such a great piece of my hometown's history. For the past several years Larry has worked tirelessly on getting the Clare Depot restored. Even then sometimes, no matter how many people were working on the project, it seemed like it would never happen.

Then in 2010 The Clare Depot Committee formed –  a partnership between the City of Clare, Mid Michigan Community Action, Clare Depot Preservation, Clare County Arts Council, Clare Area Chamber of Commerce, Clare Downtown Development Authority, Clare Main Street Board, Great Lakes Central Railroad and the Michigan Department of Transportation. It finally looked like the restoration was going to take place.

A few weeks ago Larry came over. He had been in the hospital and they were finally starting to work on the roof of the depot. Larry and Betty have taken pictures right along and now it was going to be too hard for him to go down and shoot some photos of the roof being restored. Would I be willing to shoot some photos for them? You bet! For the last couple of weeks or so I've driven down every couple days to take some photos to show the progression. So far I haven't let Rotator Cuff surgery stop me!

No it isn't finished yet, but I couldn't wait to share. Eventually the depot will be moved to a lot on Fourth Street near Clare Castle and the Clare City Park. The former buildings there have already been demolished. There will be more pics to come as work progresses.

If you want to donate to the restoration you can sponsor a personalized walkway brick for $100 (4"x8") or $200 (8"x8"). For more information or to make a donation in any amount, visit Clare City Hall or online at mmcaa.org. Historic information is also available at mmcaa.org.

Making mid Michigan a better place to live

Wednesday night ran into Jeff Poet, one of my childhood friends and president of Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare, at the annual BB/BS Art Auction at the Doherty in Clare. We grew up in the same neighborhood playing game such as Statues, Hide and Seek and Tag with other neighborhood kids about our age in the lot next to my house. As happens when we start school we make new friends and hang out with old friends less and less. Even though we don't spend as much time with them, it doesn't make them any less important to who we are.

Many years ago I worked as a marketing consultant and called on Jeff's dad, Jay, every week. At this time Jay's was on Fifth Street in Clare. Jay always took the time to not only tell me what he wanted and he took the time to explain why. I learned a lot from Jay and it helped shaped my career and who I am today.

Jay died in the late 80's and Jeff's wife, Kathy, eventually took over marketing. Several years back I designed some print work for them and worked closely with Kathy for almost two years. We shared marketing ideas mixed in with an occasional silly girl story. Eventually one of the younger Poets graduated from college with a degree in Graphic Design and took on the job of designing their print pieces. While I didn't see Kathy regularly we did run into each other at the movies or business events. We always did our best to take a few minutes to catch up on each other's lives.

I remember seeing Kathy and Jeff at the Business Expo in Mt. Pleasant a few years back. Kathy had cancer and had recently gotten done with a round of treatment. We hadn't seen each other in quite awhile and I hadn't seen her since she had lost her hair. It took a lot of her strength but she was happy to be out. Jeff wandered a short distance leaving Kathy and I to catch up. We didn't chat long. I could tell she was getting tired. But I sure was happy to see her.

Jay's was a sponsor when the Broadway Theatre in Mt. Pleasant did "Escanaba in da Moonlight." I was producing the show and excited to learn that they planned to attend our opening night fundraiser. Unfortunately, Kathy didn't have the strength that day and they didn't attend.

Several months later we ran into each other waiting for a movie to start. We had both gotten there thinking the movie we were going to see started earlier than it did. It was the last time we got to spend  time catching up.

This past October Kathy lost her battle with cancer. I happened to be on Facebook that day and a mutual friend posted the news. I was instantly moved to tears. The next day a mutual friend told me that Kathy had wondered to a cousin if anyone would attend her funeral.

At first I was shocked. What was she thinking? Of course people would attend. Look at everything she's done for the community.

Kathy was extremely active in the community serving on the board at Clare schools and United Way. She was active in her church, Clare Sports Boosters and 4-H. In addition, A Northern Tradition, MMCC's annual fundraiser, is held at Jay's Sporting Goods which is no easy feat for anyone involved. Kathy knew so many people and touched so many lives.

I quickly realized that Kathy, who cheerfully gave herself to her family, friends and community, believed everyone lived life as she did. She donated her time, talents and treasures to make the world around her a better place. She expected nothing in return. It was just who Kathy was.

Her visitation and funeral were filled with people who loved and admired her. A standing-room only crowd came to pay tribute to her life and to say good-bye.

I recently found myself thinking about Kathy. I wanted to go out to the store and sit across the desk from her and chat. Instead I took a walk and spent time thinking about how she lived her life and about how honored I was to call her my friend. Today, I'm doing my best to be more selfless – just like Kathy.

I miss you my friend. Thank you for making mid Michigan a better place to live.

The inspirational egg

One of my inspirations.

I'm currently taking a photography class that involves using film. Yes, it still exists. We're shooting in black and white, developing our own film and printing our own photos. No digital photos in this class. Before spring break we were given an assignment. To take a picture of an egg with various directions of light. Since no one else was interested in them, our instructor, Bob Guiliani, gave me the three farm eggs he brought to class. Those eggs have inspired me. I was fascinated by their different shades of brown. Life comes out of those eggs. Well, not these eggs. They're hard boiled. I'm most fascinated by their texture and how the light changes their shape. I'm looking forward to examining them more.

Snow Day with Dad

On February 2, 2011 we had a snow storm. The biggest of the season here in our little corner of the mitten. Before leaving the night before my co-worker and I looked at our workload and found it to be a somewhat quiet day. Due to the storm, some people had gotten their projects in early. Others knew they either had to move up their deadline or face getting their project back late.

Between the two of us and our supervisor, we decided that I should plan on not working that day. Who knew when I would be able to get out of the driveway anyway.

The next morning found my dad and myself out dealing with the snow. Dad ran the snow blower. I handled clean up work with the shovel. Less than 2 hours later we were sitting back inside. Our double driveway was clean, the porch had been cleaned off for the mailman and the sidewalk in front of our house had been blown open before the city crew arrived. At one point I looked up and found my dad at our neighbor's yard. He knew that they had suffered some health issues in the past year and wanted to help them out.

My first reaction was "Dad – you're 87 years old. You can't help everyone." Then after shaking my head, I beamed with pride. I am so proud to be my father's daughter. I am proud that even though he isn't in the best of health, he goes out of his way to help others.

A short time later our neighbor came out of her house. She had taken her husband to a doctor's appointment in Ann Arbor the day before and they admitted him to the hospital. She had driven home in the blizzard the night before to take care of their dogs. Exhausted from a night of restless sleep, she was relieved to look out and see that she could get out of her driveway if her husband needed her.

I know if the tables were turned and they were able, our neighbors would be there to help us out.

And then, it was time to go inside and rest a bit.

Before I knew it Dad was back outside.

This time it was for the squirrels and birds. He had made a path to their feeding area in our backyard when we were out earlier. Even though they had filled up the day before – it was time to feed them. He knew that they would have a hard time finding any food for the day.

After he came in it didn't take long for the squirrels and birds to start showing up. He even went out later in the day and refilled it for those who hadn't had their fill. After all, it could be a long night if they didn't have a full tummy.

Yup. I'm proud to be my father's daughter. I hope I grow up to be just like him someday.

An Ordinary Day

I wrote the following in the days following Mary Babb's murder. For those of you who don't know, Mary was murdered by her estranged husband, Tom, in the parking lot of the newspaper where she worked. She left behind a young son, Sam, who she loved more than life itself. I will remember you always Mary and I pray for peace for your family and friends.


Mary Babb's passing made me look back realize how odd it is – the things you remember about a day, an event, an incident. But the most important thing we can all remember is the people.

January 9, 2007 started no different than any other day.

For January the weather is especially warm. I'm running a couple minutes late and hurry to get to work. Nancy VO and I go to the break room to get our morning beverages. I notice on the calendar today is Jillian's birthday and make note to "Happy Birthday!" her when she comes in.

At lunchtime I have a nail apppointment but Danielle and Christine want to eat Chinese buffet for lunch. Even though I may be a little late getting back, I join them. Friends are important. I can stay late tonight to make up my time.

Late in the afternoon I pass Angel in the hallway outside IT. She looks so uncomfortable. I talk to the baby in her belly. "Baby, I think Mamma would like you to come out now. She's awful uncomfortable and I can't wait to see you." She laughs and agrees and is on her way out the door. Shortly after I hear a noise that sounds like someone dropping a box of books next to the far end filing cabinet in editorial – the department next to mine. I now know that was Tom ramming Mary's SUV.

Angel runs back in the building and past my desk. My first thought is the baby. "Is everything okay?" "No, no it's not." Right after her is Nancy Shack. She replies to the questioning look on my face. "Mary Babb's husband just shot her twice in the parking lot."

I grab Maureen who is standing only a cubicle away. On our way to the front office I tell her what happened. I hear a lady at the circulation counter says "I have his license plate number."

We gather in the entryway. The faces of my coworkers, the police, witnesses and, what seemed like at the time, never-ending tears and prayers are a blur. We watch as Don and Donna crouch down leaning inside Mary's overturned SUV. I thank God that Mary isn't alone out there.

I go to my desk to get my cell phone and see I have a voicemail. Michelle's panicked voice is on the other end. "I heard there was a shooting at the Sun. You have to call and tell me you're okay!" her voice cracks. All I can say to my dad is "Daddy, it's gonna come on the news that something happened at work. You need to know that I'm okay." More calls to family and friends. They shouldn't have to wonder when they hear.

The ambulance drives away and there is no siren. I know in my heart Mary is gone – but how do you tell that to someone?

I stand in the lobby looking outside at Mary's overturned SUV. I watch it for awhile not wanting to leave it cold and alone.

I need copy from Mindy and a photo from Dick to finish a promotional ad. Renee comes to my desk and starts talking. I'm not able to comprehend what she was says. It takes too much to focus on her voice. Jim stepped in behind her. His voice is strong and I hear him say "Janet, you need to move your car. And, if you can, you need to go home."

I'm sitting in my car in the far parking lot talking on the phone with my friend Laura when suddenly she stops talking and then "Janet, I'm so sorry. It just came on the news she died." It hardly seems fair. Mary's family isn't here yet. They should know first.

The phone calls, messages and emails don't stop – family, friends, co-workers, business associates – one right after another. We are blessed by the outpouring of compassion we receive during the days that follow.

It is important to me to remember everything about that entire day. Because no matter how "ordinary" someone's day may begin, we – as family, friends, associates and even as community members – we may make a difference in the way their day ends.

Thank you all for making a difference in my life – that day and every day.

Happy 2011

Happy New Year everyone! 2011 is starting out with a bright sunshiny day. Hopefully it is the sign of things to come in 2011. Every new year people start asking each other "What is your resolution this year?" Everyone answers things like stop smoking, lose weight, work out, etc.

Every year I answer the same thing. I don't make resolutions. But this year is different. This year I am making a resolution. No, it's not lose weight although I do fit in the category of those who could stand to lose some pounds but that really only is about me. I want my resolution to be about those around me. So ... my resolution is: I am going to live by life by doing what I can to make the world around me a better place to live. And I am going to challenge you to do the same.

Some people may be able to donate funds to their favorite charity to see their good deeds get done. Some people may roll up their sleeves and do for others what they can't do for themselves. Some may help their neighbors or friends along the way. Some may help complete strangers.

What do you plan to do?

December Fog

Old US-27 south of Clare

Usually December means cold blustery days. It's still somewhat cool today, but the temp is well above normal. When warm meets cold we get fog and it's really foggy out there. Many people would say dreary but I say ... as long as you've can find one thing to be happy about, no matter how large or small, it's a good day. Now get out there and find something good about your day! :)

Downtown Clare, MI • December 30, 2010

Old US-27 south of Clare, MI • December 30, 2010

Walking dog in the fog • December 30, 2010

Merry Christmas lights!

Mid Michigan Medical Center - Clare

I love Christmas lights! One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season is drive around and look at lights and decorations. In fact, as far as I'm concerned, you can leave them up all year round! Then again, maybe just all winter. They brighten up a time of year that can be drab and dreary. Many people don't like the snow and cold and I'm one of them. Yes, I love the four seasons, but I'd be happier if I could spend all winter inside nice and warm!

Clare, MI Lightpost

Luckily my drive home from work includes lots of cool lights and at this time of year, getting out of work at 5 or 6 it's already dark out and there's still lots of time to look at lights before going to bed.

I hope you enjoy Christmas lights as much as I do. Take some time this winter to drive around and check out the lights around your hometown. In case you don't get a chance to make it ... here are a few pictures for you to enjoy.

Doherty Hotel in Clare, MI

Cops & Doughnuts front window • Clare, MI

Looking back at history

I recently decided to go back to school and get my Associates Degree in Entrepreneurship at MMCC. Yes, I already have an Associates Degree but it is older than the hills. Somehow, I never had to take a humanities class – until now.

Before I go any further let me say that I think everyone should be required to take at least a couple of these and yes, I do have another one I need to take. Why? I think knowing something about another culture or another time is part of what makes us interesting and well-rounded individuals.


I wasn't really interested in the "usual" humanities classes, but one history class really caught my eye – "Exploration of the Mafia" taught by J. Bond. I had no idea who the instructor was, but growing up I heard lots of mafia stories about The Purple Gang. One local story was of them coming to Leebove's house in Clare to "cool off" when things were "hot" in Detroit. Another story is  about how Livingston
shot Leebove. Leebove was an associate (not a made member) of The Purple Gang, Livingston and Leebove had some business differences and Livingston thought Leebove was going to have The Purple Gang kill him. A case of kill or be killed. Livingston got off by pleading "temporary insanity." My father, about 13 or 14 at the time, was working across the street from the Doherty Hotel when it happened. He was an usher at the theatre and saw Leebove's body wheeled across the street. Of course it was covered with a sheet.


I once asked my mother who was born in Detroit in the mid 1920's how they got their name. She had heard that during the Cleaner and Dyers War in Detroit they would throw purple dye in a company's machines if they didn't pay them for "protection." During class we were broken into crews for a presentation. Our crew chose The Purple Gang and we found that there were at least 9 different legends as to how they got their name (including my mom's story.)


During the course of taking this class the Morning Sun did a story on "unusual" college classes and this class was one of those featured. For anyone who thinks this is an "easy" class, let me assure you it isn't. There was a lot of reading, studying, class participation, writing and even a group research/presentation project.


Recently a friend told me she decided against taking this class. I was very sorry to hear that she had changed her mind. Her reason was that she found something she thought would be more "useful." The only thing I have to say about what she said is that I found this class to be extremely useful.


Jeremy Bond, the instructor, has designed this class in such a way that it makes you come up with your own decision as to what really happened. While many people think history is learning facts about past events, there will always be questions left unanswered. Was there a conspiracy to shoot JFK? Was organized crime behind it? Did the mafia pay Lee Harvey Oswald to kill him? What really happened to Jimmy Hoffa? Where is his body burried? Was he a good president of the Teamsters? Some questions we'll never really know the answers to. But it sure is fun to figure out all the options.


Hats off to you JB – you are a great instructor. Thanks for all the good times. I wish you and future crews the very best in the future.

A stroll through Clare

Last spring I received an email from Kim Gray. Kim is what I might call a bit of a shirt-tail relative. Her husband’s niece, Gloria, is married to my cousin Don. Basically it means we’re not related to each other, but I still think of Kim and her husband, Loren, as family.  I’m always glad to hear from Kim but this email intrigued me. Truth is … I’d been waiting for it.

Keeping track of auction bids.

In 2009 the Pere Marquette District Library in Clare had some extra chairs that were taking up space in their basement. The library teamed up with the Clare County Arts Council and announced a “Spare Chair Fair.” The chairs were distributed to local artists of all ages who turned the simple chairs into wonderful works of art. The chairs were displayed in local businesses for several weeks and were then auctioned off in late September. The proceeds were split between the two organizations ~ it was a win-win situation for everyone.

Window by Michelle Bain

Having talked with Kim earlier in the year, I knew what this year’s “Spare Fair” item was and I had an idea. This year the “spare item” was the old windows from the 4-H Camp in Isabella County. Quite a while back they replaced the windows and the old ones had been taking up room in storage. Now it was time for them to have a new home. (I found out the night of the auction that they had been offered to another organization and luckily they turned them down!)

Window by Darb Bain

During the past 12 months I have taken a drawing class and a photography class. Surely I could come up with something to do with one of those windows. My inner creative juices started flowing. I guess actually you could say they started overflowing. I came up with idea after idea after idea. Finally I decided on a photo that I had taken while at a workshop downstate. The photo is of lush green grass and beautiful green trees along a relaxing pathway.

Then, when it got down to start working on the project …  I knew it wasn’t the right fit for the window. I really wanted to do something “close to home.” I love my small little town where even if you don’t know someone personally, you know who they are, a member of their family or at the very least you know someone they know.

Tracey's new Spare Window

Then I realized what I wanted to do ~ I wanted to take photos from around town. So off I went one evening after work. I shot photo after photo … the water tower, a street sign near my house, the Pioneer Mother, the Doherty Hotel, the Post Office, Cops & Doughnuts, the library, the rail-trail tunnel that goes under the expressway, the 4-mile marker southeast of town, the depot and the Welcome Sign at Big Boy. Since there were only 6 panes in the window, I had to decide which photos I wanted to use. No, I didn’t pick the 6 that I thought were the best. I ended up picking the 6 that I thought fit best together.

A Stroll Through Clare

My dad helped me work on the frame. We stripped it and I repainted it with a metal paint ~ yes on a wood frame. I got the prints made, mounted them and placed them in the frame. I got a backing for it and finally, it was time to return the frame to the library. I even remembered to sign it. What I didn’t think of was a name for it. When I dropped it off Kim fell in love with it. She mentioned that it reminded her of a “stroll through Clare.” Well that was it … the perfect name for my window!

After the windows were placed in the businesses my dad and I went down to see them. We walked downtown looking in the windows. Disagreeing on the ones that we liked. We knew mine was at the Chamber office, but we took our time walking around. I was really proud of my project when I was finished and it was really exciting to see it on display.

Two of my best friends, Tracey Brooks and Laura Strait, went with me to the auction. Another close friend and co-worker and her husband, Michelle and Darb Bain, also went. They both did windows too. While none of us won a prize, we did have a great night! The auction is after the Chamber’s Business After Hours at the Doherty and we went early to enjoy the food plus it’s a great chance to catch up with old friends.

Norman Yoder

At the auction A.J. and Sandy Doherty bought my window. I was especially glad because I know they love Clare as much as I do! Tracey ended up buying a beautiful window that will hang in her house someday soon.

I have worked on similar events and I know how much hard work goes into a project like this so I have to say “hats off” to Kim Gray and Jane Sartor who both worked tirelessly. Thanks also to Norm Yoder who donated his services as auctioneer for the evening. Mid Michigan is full of inspiring artists of all ages. Now I just can’t wait until next year … maybe you’ll decide to get your own creative juices flowing!

Back at it ...

Someone recently mentioned to me that I hadn’t been blogging lately and they’re right. I have photos and things I want to write about, but work and school have been my priority. It did make me stop and think. I really like blogging. A lot. So I’m promising myself and you my readers to do more. My goal is to write at least once a week. Starting now...

Backyard Hunting

Most years we have an unwanted guest or two at our house. They get between the floor of the attic and the ceiling of our house. From what I understand, they can do quite a bit of destruction in a very short time. The culprit? The elusive Red Squirrel.

Most years my dad live-traps them and take them to a new home by the dam about a mile or so from our house.

I learned something this year ... they can really travel. A co-worker informed me they can find their way back if they don't get taken at least 10 miles away. Really? That seems like an awful long way for such a little animal. I asked around and yup ... he's right. Those little suckers can move!

This year there were two of them spending time in our house. One of them got trapped fairly quickly and is now living out by the dam with us hoping he doesn't return. His little friend hasn't been so cooperative. I think he saw what happened to his little buddy and since he doesn't know there's a nice place by the dam to live, he hasn't gotten near the trap.

Oh Dad's caught lots and lots of squirrels this summer. Some of them are quite friendly. The reason we know this is one of the black squirrels got in the trap and another squirrel came to help him escape. They never did get it figured out, but eventually I opened up the trap, let the black squirrel out and reset the trap. But these two have come back ... over and over again. And worse yet ... they're telling their friends!

 Dad used to put nuts out as bait leading up to where the trap gets sprung. He's stopped putting bait up now. Why??? There is one black squirrel who figured out that as long as he doesn't step on the pan, he won't get caught. There was nothing stopping him from coming and eating all the bait. Consequently, there was no point in just feeding him so there is no more bait ... except for on the pan.

For the most part now the trap sits empty ... sad and alone. The red squirrel comes down on the roof of our house over the kitchen and bathroom and chatters at me some mornings. Other mornings I see him in the black walnut tree in our front yard. I think it's his way of laughing at us.

(NOTE: the pics were taken while Dad was still putting out bait.)

Dedicated

Looking in the dictionary under the word dedicated you will find: "wholly committed to something, as to an ideal, political cause, or personal goal."

I think that along side this definition should be a picture of today. Over 30 motorcyclists came from all over Michigan for the annual Ride4Sam which brings awareness to the problem of domestic violence. The ride is named after Sam Babb. His mother Mary was murderd by her estranged husband in the parking lot of the Morning Sun in Mt. Pleasant, MI.

I refer to these riders as some of the most dedicated people that I have ever met for two reasons. First, year after year we see new faces, but more importantly we see many of the same faces over and over. Second, it rained today. And I don't mean a little sprinkle or light rain. When I arrived to help with registration ( the ride leaves from the Morning Sun) it was pouring rain. And the radar didn't look good. These riders wouldn't be wet at the end of this ride – they would be soaked.

Usually by the time I arrive (1/2 hour before registration) the parking lot has several bikes already there. This year ... no one. We all wondered how many would there be. Would anyone show up? And then within 5 minutes one lonely biker arrived. He was drenched, but ready to registered so he could continue his ride. The next bike that arrived was that of Shel Fox, Mary's godfather, and the founder of this event. He works with Beth Mills of Mary's Dream: Living Without Fear to help pull this event off. He is from the U.P. and brings several Grey Dragons down with him every year. He and the Dragons work tirelessly throughout the year on this event. They are wet, but ready to get the show on the road. Right behind them ... three more bikes pull in. Yup ... it was gonna happen ... and it was gonna be good. Our numbers were down quite a bit from years past, but these dedicated individuals wouldn't dream of letting us down. Before registration was over the rain had lightened up to an occasional sprinkle but there was more rain to come.

Danielle Brennan, along with her husband Alan and kids Deryn and Tim, were the lead vehicle. Danielle worked with us at the Morning Sun when Mary was killed. Carrie (Mills) Eaton and her husband Aaron and their son Brayden were in last vehicle. I am proud that both of these women involve their families in helping with this event. Raising your children to know that domestic violence is wrong is a good thing.

This year the route took a short spin through Mt. Pleasant before heading north throuth Clare, out to Jay's, across Surrey Road and over US10 to Evart. I left right behind them so I could be in Clare when they arrived. Since they were going through my hometown, I wanted to be able to be there when they passed through. Coming up old US-27 I was pleased to see the Clare City Police waiting a mile south of town to escort the ride through Clare. I wasn't sure I'd find the right spot to get some pictures from, but right in front of the Doherty the first parking spot was open – no cars would be blocking my view. As I settled into my spot I looked up I saw the sign at the Doherty Hotel welcoming the riders as they passed through. Just one more reason I love the town I live in. People here stand up for what is right in the world.

While I was sitting there I noticed a few people coming out from business and looking up the street. They were waiting for the ride go by too. Just as I saw the ride coming down the hill at the south end of Clare it started to rain lightly. One police officer went by on his bike to get ahead of the ride while another blocked traffic with his vehicle and got out to clear traffic out of the way.

I hate that this ride happens every year but I can't imagine not being there. I would much rather us plan a ride to celebrate that domestic violence no longer happens. That abuse has stopped. That would also be Mary's dream.

If you don't ride or can't, please know that you can still be involved. Stop by the Morning Sun and watch the riders leave, show your support along the route, volunteer your time helping to get donations and prizes for the raffles or stop down and make a donation.

Proceeds to go to area organizations that help domestic violence victims. They do the work that so many of us aren't capable of doing.

 If you lucky enough to have a bike, or know someone who you can hitch a ride with, put next year's Ride4Sam on your calendar now. I look forward to meeting you on Saturday, July 30, 2011. I'll be waiting for you at the registration tent. And hopefully the rain will stay away. And even if it doesn't, please join this group of people who are "wholly committed to something, as to an ideal, political cause, or personal goal." 

Memorial site at the Morning Sun where Mary Babb is remembered every day.

Wedding weekend three --- Lisa and Drew

It was the middle of May and I was driving back to work after having lunch with my friend Christy when my phone rang. It was my co-worker Drew. I was sure it would be work related, but since I was on my way back to the office I decided to pick it up. I figured it wouldn't take long to say "I'm on my way back to the office. See you in a minute." Boy, was I wrong. Drew was calling to see if I was willing to take some photos of himself and Lisa to send to T.J. Maxx --- and they needed them done asap. Sure, why not? The three of us spent about an hour or so together at Island Park on a beautiful spring day. One of my favorite photos is Drew smooching on Lisa's cheek. T.J. Maxx must have liked it too because it was everywhere including a big sign on the store's window, gift card holder, congratulations board, etc.

Drew and their minister, Jeremy Selvidge, waiting patiently at the end of the size 8 shoe aisle for Lisa to make her grand entrance. The end of the aisle was an archway that was decorated with red and white roses --- since they had met at work (the Morning Sun newspaper in Mt. Pleasant, MI) their colors were ... black and white and red ... or should that be read?

 Lisa beamed and her tears flowed when she turned down the aisle to see Drew (and their guests) waiting at the end of the size 8s.

Staying true to her colors, the bride wore a stunning white dress and veil with long black gloves and a bouquet of red roses with white tiny flowers dotted in.

When she finally arrived by Drew's side they took hand and stared into each others eyes. It was only then we could see Drew's reaction --- tears of happiness.

Of course when you get married somewhere unique, people are bound to find out and be interested ... next up ... NBC's Today Show. And it didn't stop there. I admit my camera was out, but I was glad I had brought my little point-and-shoot. It got really noisy with lots of clicking when the cameras started going off – their wedding photographer, T.J. Maxx's local store, T.J. Maxx's national headquarters, the Morning Sun, more media, and many family members and friends. In addition there were at least three videographers (a very classy woman from the Today Show and two from AP ... at least I think that's what they said – it got hard to keep track.)

If you get the chance, check out the Today Show this week. From what I understand their wedding will be on-air Thursday or Friday (July 29/30.)

It not only include their wedding ceremony, but they were in town the day before and were there for Lisa and Drew's final boot camp workout before becoming a married couple.

Since they met at the newspaper and that was the theme of their wedding, we all found a wedding version of the Satayut-Ellis Herald Time-News at our seats at the reception. If you aren't aware, Lisa proposed to Drew in a column when she worked at the Morning Sun. Their reception paper told they met, how their parents had met along with stories of the matron of honor and best man and their adorable flower girl plus the menu for the day.

Their wedding was by far the most unusual location I've ever attended which says a lot since I attended one wedding held on the stage the couple met while working backstage and two weddings held on the beach (one in Traverse City and one in Clare.) It was also wedding that was most covered by the media.

I did tell fellow Morning Sun employee photographer Lisa Yanick-Jonaitis to remind me of this next time Drew complained about having to have his photo taken for newspaper promotions. There is nothing we will ever do will compare to the media that was at his wedding.

Congrats Lisa and Drew --- wishing you both have a happy forever after!