April 2017 Vol. 21 The Connection 1 FREE! Mendon High School Class of 2017 Academic Top Ten Announced Front row: Angela Smith, Hannah Frye, Taylor Schmidt, and Lara Speece. Back row (L to R): Mary Leighton, Garre Russell, Cassie Plummer, Alex Heckman, Nicole Elkins, and Julia Suer. NON PROFIT U.S.POSTAGE PAID LAKE MICHIGAN MAILERS, INC. ***ECRWSS*** POSTAL CUSTOMER PLAY BALL! Hannah Duchene and Juliana Hagenbuch move in for a catch. See more soſtball and baseball acon on pages 12-13 1 FREE! A High School Musical with a Twist The Cast, Crew, and Orchestra for the 2017 Mendon Drama Department's Spring Musical, Into the Woods by Bryan Balasa The Mendon Drama Department performed their annual musical to respectable crowds at the Mendon Performing Arts Center on March 24-26. The producon was directed by Ethan Waldron, with music under the direcon of Kaitlin Black. This year’s producon, Into the Woods, provided some unusual twists and turns involving several well-known fairy tales, including Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Lile Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel. Characters from all of these tales found themselves in the woods, where their stories all overlapped and became twisted together in one unlikely scenario aſter another. With many problems to overcome, the characters learned to help each other and all of the main characters found themselves living “happily ever aſter” by the end of Act 1. Unfortunately for them, as Act 2 revealed, “happily ever aſter” somemes does not last very long. As disaster struck through the foot of a vengeful giant, many moral lessons were learned about choices made and the consequences they can bring. connued on page 8
Transcript
April 2017 Vol. 21
The Connection1
FREE!
Mendon High School Class of 2017 Academic Top Ten Announced Front row: Angela Smith, Hannah Frye, Taylor Schmidt, and Lara Speece. Backrow(LtoR):MaryLeighton,GarrettRussell,CassiePlummer,AlexHeckman,NicoleElkins,andJuliaSutter.
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E PAID
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ILERS, IN
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***ECRW
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PLAY BALL!HannahDucheneandJuliana
Hagenbuchmoveinforacatch.See more softball and baseball action
on pages 12-13
1
FREE!
A High School Musical with a Twist
TheCast,Crew,andOrchestraforthe2017MendonDramaDepartment'sSpringMusical,Into the Woods by Bryan Balasa
The Mendon Drama Department performedtheirannualmusicaltorespectablecrowdsattheMendonPerformingArtsCenteronMarch24-26.TheproductionwasdirectedbyEthanWaldron,withmusicunderthedirectionofKaitlin Black.Thisyear’sproduction,Into the
Woods,providedsomeunusualtwistsandturnsinvolvingseveralwell-knownfairytales,includingJack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel.Charactersfromallofthesetalesfoundthemselvesinthewoods,wheretheirstoriesalloverlappedandbecame
everafter”sometimesdoesnotlastverylong.Asdisasterstruckthroughthefootofavengefulgiant,manymorallessonswerelearnedaboutchoicesmadeandtheconsequencestheycanbring. continued on page 8
From The Village by Bryan Balasa
TheMarchmeetingoftheMendonDowntownDevelopmentAuthoritybeganwithpubliccommentsonnon-agendaitems.PastorBryanBalasabroughtanupdateontheprogressbeingmadeonthenewafter-schooltutoringprogramCrossroadsMissionaryChurchisworkingtobring to Mendon. He reported that therehavebeenacoupleofsetbacksthatarebeyondthecontrolofthechurch,butwashopefultheywouldberesolvedintheverynearfuture.(Update:Asofthispublication,theissueshavebeenresolvedandplansaremovingforward.)Healsoreportedthattheyhavemetasnagobtaininghighspeedinternetforthebuilding;somethingveryimportantforstudyandresearchbythestudents.HestatedthatFrontierhasadvisedthechurchthatitiscappingallnewcustomersataveryslowspeedbecauseFrontier’scircuitsservingMendon are already at capacity. He expressedconcernthattheinabilitytosecurehighspeedinternetcommunicationswillnotonlyhurttheprogramthechurchistryingtopilot,butitcouldalsokeepotherbusinessesorindividualsfrommovingtoourcommunity.Heislookingintootherpossibleoptionsforinternetservice.TheboardwasalsoaddressedbyCarolHiggins,whobroughtnewsofanewbio-charprocesssheisgettinginvolvedwith,whichmaybeofbenefittoMendonanditscitizens.AttherequestoftheDDA,anumberofrepresentativesfromtheMendonFarmers’MarketwereonhandtodiscussthepossibilityofmovingthemarketfromtheparkintoanewlyproposeddowntownpavilionbeingconsideredforconstructionbetweentheparkinglotswestoftheVillageHall.SpeakingonbehalfoftheFarmers’Marketorganization,oneofthefoundersofthemarket,SarahStewart,respondedthattherehavebeenextensivediscussionswiththe
vendorsandtheywouldprefertonotmovefromtheircurrentlocationinthepark.“Iamspeakingonbehalfoffivetimesthenumberofpeoplewhohavegatheredheretonightinsupportofthismarket,”shesaid.“Wearethebestfarmers’marketinthecounty.Wehavegreatbeautyintheparkanddon’twanttoleaveit.”Afewothersalsospoke,expressingtheirdesiretoremaininthepark,awayfromthenoiseandtraffictheywouldhavetocontendwithinadowntownlocation.ItseemedtobegenerallyagreeduponthatmostofthemisunderstandingwhichhasoccurredbetweentheDDAandtheFarmers’Marketgroupintherecentpasthascomeasaresultofalackofregularcommunication.ItishopedthatfuturecommunicationwillbecomemorefrequentandthatthemarketcancontinuetoflourishwiththeblessingoftheDDA.Ingeneral,therewassomeconcernexpressedoverthecostofthenewlyproposedpavilion.Questionswereraisedastohowmuchitwouldbeusedifthefarmers’marketwasnotmovedthere.Inresponse,itwaspointedoutthatthereareotheractivitieswhichwouldusethepavilioninhopesofbringingpeopletothecommunity,suchasothermarketsandotherspecialevents.OnesucheventisadrivethroughandstopplannedbyagroupofantiquecarenthusiastswhowillberepresentingtheGilmoreCarMuseumwithcarsmanufacturedfrom1896to1942.ThisstopisscheduledtotakeplaceonMay19atnoon,whentheywillbefillingtheparkinglotseastofthevillagehallwhiletheystopforlunchinMendon.Inotherbusiness,theDDAwasapproached by a property owner toseeifitwouldbeinterestedinbuyingherdowntownpropertyonspeculationofbringingfuturebusinesstothecommunity.Withno
prospectscurrentlyonthehorizon,itwasdecidedtoforgothisopportunityatthistime.Finally,authorizationwasgiventoproceedwithpurchasingflowersforthedowntownplanters. Mendon Village Council-April MeetingMichiganStateRepresentative,AaronMiller,broughtgreetingstotheMendonVillageCouncilattheirAprilmeeting.HegaveashortupdateonsomeoftheworkbeingdoneattheStatehouseandexpressedconcernthatlocalcommunitieshavebeenreceivinglessinrevenuesharingforthepastfourteenyears;somethingwhichhehasbeenlookingforwaystochange.HeansweredquestionsregardingthesituationwiththeFlintwatersituation,andsharedthatrepairswerealmostcompleted.Rep.MillerandVillageManager,JohnHyden,hadashortexchangeconcerningallofthemisinformationwhichhasbeencirculatedabouttheentireFlintsituation,withbothmenagreeingthatithasbeenaproblem.Innewbusinessbeforetheboard,roadrepairprojectswereapprovedforNorthNottawaStreetandafewsidestreets,aspartofarotationalplantokeepMendon’sstreetsingoodrepair.ItwasalsonotedthatthecountywouldsoonbereplacingthedeckontheSouthNottawaStreetBridge,whichwillresultinthetotalclosureofthebridgeforanestimatedsixweeks.Whilethiswillbearealinconvenienceformanyinourcommunity,thecurrentdeckisbadlydeterioratingbeyondthepointofcontinuedrepair.Inafollow-updiscussionregardingquestionsraisedatlastmonth’smeetingconcerningtheMendonFarmers’Marketandpossibleliabilityconcernsforthevillage,itwassuggestedthatresearchshouldbedoneastohowotherareacommunitiesworkwiththeirmarketsinhopesofbeingabletoestablishamoreformalarrangementbetweenthepartiesinvolved.Finally,the
Many Rally in Support of Local High School Senior with Epilepsy
by Bryan Balasa
RandyandMichelleLangemovedtoMendoninthesummerof2015withtheirdaughter,Alexia,whosuffersfromepilepsy.Alexiahadherfirstepilepticseizurewhenshewasoneyearold.Michelle,findingherblue,unresponsive,andbarelybreathing,rushedhertothehospital.Forty-fiveminuteslater,doctorswerefinallyabletostoptheseizure.Overthenextyearsheenduredhundredsofseizures.WhenAlexiaturnedtwo,shebecamesickandturnedyellow.Randy and Michelle learned the medicationshewastakingfortheseizureswasdestroyingherliver.Shewentintoliverfailureandsufferedfifty-fourseizuresinonehour.Doctorsplacedheronlifesupport.Alexiaslippedintoacoma.Thedoctorswarnedherparentsshewouldprobablyneverwakeup.Threedayslater,Alexiadidwakeup,butshewasparalyzedonherrightside.Ittooktwoyearstoregainmovement,butshewasalive!Overthenexteightyears,thefamilydealtwithmonthsofhospitalizationsandmissedholidaysandbirthdays.Alexiadiedfourtimes,butwasbroughtbackeachtime.Unfortunately,thereisstillmuchtobelearnedaboutthecausesandtreatmentofepilepsy.Alexia’sillnessdidnotfitstandardpatternsforthediseaseandmanydoctorsthroughtheyearshavebelievedthatAlexiawasfakingherseizures.Sometimestheystillrunintodoctorswhoaccuseherofthis.Fortunately,thefamilywasabletotakeAlexiatoseeaneurologistinLouisville,KYwhospecializesinseizures.Histestingrevealedthatthesourceofherseizureswasdeepinherbrain,wherestandardtestingcannotshow.Additionally,herhighdosagesofmedicationmaskedthesourceoftheseizures,requiringhertobeoffmedicationforsometimebeforetestingcouldbeeffective.
WhenAlexiawasten,shebegangettingverysick.Shewasunabletoattendschool,wasbarelyabletoeat,andsleptallthetime.Herdoctorstriedtreatingherwithatotalofeighteendifferentmedicationswhichhadterriblesideeffects.Thefamilywaslosinghope.Thedoctorsgavehertwomonthstoliveifsomethingdrasticwasnotdone.Theonlyoptionremainingwasariskybrainsurgery.Becauseofthedepththesurgerywouldhavetopenetrateherbrain,Alexiahadonlya20%chanceofsurvival.Furthermore,herparentsweretoldthatifshedidsurvive,shewouldmostlikelylosesomeofhermemoryandwouldhavetorelearnmanybasicskills,andevenworse,thesurgerymay not work at all. InJulyof2007,AlexiawasadmittedtoVanderbiltChildren’sHospital.Thenightbeforethe
finallyabletobeginlivinganormallife,freeofillnessand horrible medications.Shewasevenable to get her driver’slicenseandgooutwithfriends;shehadbecomeatypicalteenager!Unfortunately,thatwasnottheendofthestory.AtChristmastimein2015,Alexiasufferedagrandmalseizure.ShewasputonlifesupportandairliftedtoAnnArbor.
differentlocationdeep within her brain. Medicationsarenolonger working and additionalsurgeryisnotcurrentlyanoption.EverydayisastruggleforAlexiaandherfamily,bothphysicallyandemotionally.Thecumulativeeffectsofseizures,powerfulmedicines,andbrainsurgeryhavetakenaheavytollonher,resultinginissuesofmemoryloss,difficultyinlearningandunderstandingnewthings,anddepression.Still,Alexiaandherfamilyhavenotgivenuphope.TheirfaithinChristisstrongandthey know He can stillhealher,ifHesochooses.Alexia
Max’straining.TheeventwasheldonSunday,March26,withnearly70artisans,farmers,crafters,andproductrepresentativesfillingthetwomainhallways,thecafeteria,andtheentryareasofthehighschool.Thevendors’boothfees,donationscollectedduringtheevent,andfundsraisedthroughasilentauctiontotaled$1903.37fortheday,whichisabighelptothefamily.“MyfamilyandIaresogratefulforalloftheprayersandforsuchaturnoutatthecraftfair,”saidMichelle.“Everyone’sgenerosityandthoughtfulnessis,andforeverwillbe,overwhelmingforus.Wecanneverrepaywhathasbeengiven,butsurelyknowwearesothankful.MayGodblessyoufromus.”IfyouwouldliketomakeadonationtohelpAlexiaandherfamilywiththeongoingdogtraining,medical,andtravelcosts,youmaydosoattheSouthernMichiganBankandTrustinMendon.(Atthetimeofthiswriting,AlexiaisagaininLouisville,KYbeingseenbyspecialists.)Afewfactsaboutepilepsy:Didyouknow…ThreemillionpeopleintheU.S.sufferfromepilepsy,affectingnearly95,000people in Michigan? More people livewithepilepsythanAutism,Parkinson’sDisease,M.S.,andCerebralPalsyCOMBINED?Thereare150,000newcasesofepilepsydiagnosedeveryyear?One-thirdofpeoplewithepilepsylivewithuncontrollableseizuresbecausenoknowntreatmentworksforthem?Epilepsyisoneoftheworld’soldestknownmedicalconditionsandyetisstillpoorlyunderstood,whichsometimesleadstofear,discrimination,andsocialisolation?Pleaseprayforacuretoendthisterribledisease.Youcanlearnmoreaboutepilepsyatwww.epilepsy.com.
NormanRoyswasborninMassachusettsonFebruary22,1807.HelefthishometotryhisfortuneintheWestinMayof1832.Hetraveledbystage,railandboattoarriveinFlorenceTownshipamonthlater.Thesametripwouldtakehimonlytwenty-fourhourslaterinhislife.HewasdomiciledwithDeaconHoward and went to work on the land he had entered, suceedinginbreakingupfifteenacresinthefirstmonthofhissettlement;thefollowingfallhesoweditwithwheat.Hefirstentered125acres,notpossessingthenecessaryfundstotakethequarter-section.Undaunted,hetraveledtoGrandRapidsandhiredontoassistintheerectionofadamandsawmillbeingconstructedonBuckCreek.Insodoing,heearnedenoughtopurchasetheentire160acres.OnMarch16,1837,hemarriedCaroline,daughterofJohnPeek,whohadcomeintothetownshiptwoyearsprior.Theunionwasblessedwiththreechildren:GeorgeE.,whomarriedSophiaHull;AnnieE.,whomarriedFrederickA.Austin;andFrank,whomarriedAliceEnnes.Fortwenty-sixyears,Mr.Roysfaithfullyservedhistownshipassupervisor.Thisisarecordoflongcontinuedfidelitytotheinterestsofthepeopleofhistownship,notsurpassedinthestate.Fortwotermshealsoservedasajusticeofthepeace,andfouryearsasschoolinspector.Byhisindustryandeconomy,he
John Lang, a longtime resident of Mendon, is an avid history buff. Born in Charleston/Menden City, Michigan, he moved to Mendon in the fall of 1959. There he met Helen, his wife of 52 years, at Hickmont Mercantile in downtown Mendon. John is sharing the history he has gleaned from a book received many years ago from Helen's aunt and uncle, History of St. Joseph County: 1827-1877.
History of St. Joseph CountyThe Townships: Florence, part 3
next to Wise Motors Donations may be dropped off on
Thursdays. Helping those in need.
Mendon 4:4 and More FREE Community Meal
Thursdays 4:30-6 PM
Hosted at the Mendon United Methodist Church
320 W. Main, Mendon
Mendon Alumni Reunion
Saturday9.9.17Mark your calendars and watch for
more information.
Barb's Helpful Hintsby Barb Martus
Laundry Hints Homemade liquid fabric softener In a one gallon container, mix 6 cups of water, 3 cups of white vinegar and 2 cups of hair conditioner. Stir gently-don't shake. Use this mixture as you would any commercial liquid fabric softener.Credit: Mary Hunt/Everyday Cheapskate
To make your own dryer sheets, cut some squares of fabric out of your material scraps or old dish towels. Use pinking shears or hem, serge, or zig-zag the edges. Mix ½ cup vinegar and 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Pour this mixture into a re-sealable container;
add your fabric squares and let them absorb the mixture. Wring out a couple of squares and put them into your dryer with the clothes. You may need to use 4-6 fabric squares for a large load. When the load is dry, put the used fabric squares back into the re-sealable container to be used again. Vinegar is a natural softener and a natural static reducer and using it will not make your clothes smell of vinegar. These dryer sheets are free of the toxic chemicals that are found in commercial dryer sheets, eco-friendly, and cost effective. They are also a great way to re-purpose unused material and they allow you to create your own personal scent.
Credit: View from the Fridge
Community Calendar
April 201720MendonFoodPantry10am-Noon20Community4:4Meal,4:30-6pm @ MendonUnitedMethodistChurch
June 20171MendonFoodPantry10am-Noon1Community4:4Meal,4:30-6pm2-43rdAnnualM60garagesale3CrossroadsCraftDay9am-4pm4MendonGraduation-2pm8MendonFoodPantry10am-Noon8Community4:4Meal,4:30-6pm @ MendonUnitedMethodistChurch
A Doll Named PugThisisataleofalittlegirl,agoodimagination,afaultymemory,akindmother,andafruitfulending.IwasfiveyearsoldwhenmymombroughthomealargeHubbardsquashfromOlson’sGrocerymarket.Mymaternalinstinctswerequitestrongforafive-year-old.Myimaginationwasevenstronger.IdecidedtomakethatsquashmybabyandnamedhimPug,ofallthings.Thedarkbronze-greenskinfascinatedme.Itwascoveredwithcuriousknobbybumps,andweighedsevenoreightpounds,givinghimtheheftofarealbaby.PugandItookstrollerridesaroundtheblockinmydollbuggy.Dressedinafrillybabybonnet and wrapped in ablanket,hecouldhavepassedforadoll,untilpeoplegotacloserlook.CuriousneighborsraisedeyebrowsasIshowedoffwhatafinelumpy-skinnedspecimenmyPugwas.Atfive,itwasallfunandgames.Pugsatnexttomeatthedinner
Written by Pinky Cass, an ordinary St. Joseph County wife, mother, and co-
worker who chooses to laugh.
Only a Mother by Bryan Balasa WhenwelookattheministryofJesusonearth,wearesometimessooverwhelmedbyallthatHedidandallthatHetaughtthatwecaneasilymisslittledetailswhichcantellussomuch.TodayIwouldlikeustolookatoneofthoselittledetails-thehumbleprayerofamother-andtheturningpointitmarkedinHisministry.Untilthistime,JesusonlyministeredtoJews,butwiththisincidentHebegantoministertonon-Jewsaswell.WefindthisstoryrecordedinMatthew15:21-28asfollows:
Leavingthatplace,JesuswithdrewtotheregionofTyreandSidon.ACanaanitewomanfromthatvicinitycametohim,cryingout,"Lord,SonofDavid,havemercyonme!Mydaughterissufferingterriblyfromdemon-possession."Jesusdidnotansweraword.Sohisdisciplescametohimandurgedhim,"Sendheraway,forshekeepscryingoutafterus."Heanswered,"IwassentonlytothelostsheepofIsrael." The woman came and knelt beforehim."Lord,helpme!"shesaid.Hereplied,"Itisnotrighttotakethechildren'sbreadandtossittotheirdogs.""Yes,Lord,"shesaid,"buteventhedogseatthecrumbsthatfallfromtheirmasters'table."ThenJesusanswered,"Woman,youhavegreatfaith!Yourrequestisgranted."Andherdaughterwashealedfromthatveryhour.(NIV)
Imaginehowthisexchangemighthavebeendifferentifthiswereafatherinsteadofamother.Thismother had only one thing on her mind:toseeherdaughterhealed,andshewaswillingtodoanything…tosubmittoanythingwhichmightproveherfaithgenuine…toseeherprayeranswered.Consider,wouldamanhavebeenwillingtolowerhimselftosuchhumilitybeforetheLord?ManyofthethingsJesusandHisdisciplessaidwouldhaveprobablybeentaken
on your lips and faithful instruction on your tongue.
May your children arise and call you blessed;
your husband also, and may he praise you.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
May you receive the reward you have earned,
and may your works of love and mercy bring you praise-
from your children, your husband-
and your father in heaven.
Amen
Spring Fling 2017
A day of Spring shopping with local independent consultants,
artisans, and services
Mendon United Methodist Church
320 W. Main St., Mendon, MI
Saturday, April 22, 2017
10 AM - 2 PMLunch served from
11 AM - 1 PMBrittni's Boutique featuring LuLaRoe, Tastefully Simple,
Pampered Chef, Raven Hill Studio, Mary Kay, Merchandise for Conrad Schock & The Noise, Avon, Mendon Women's Club, It Works!, Scentsy, Hand-Crafted Items, Baked Goods
Stop by for a unique day of shopping before Mother's Day, Graduation, Father's Day, Summer Weddings,
or as a special treat just for you.This event and luncheon are held to raise money for education in Pister, Haiti, a small village in
which the majority of children do not attend school due to the price of tuition.
5
The Connection6
March20176COMMUNITY
Comission On AgingCheck the Calendar by Ruth MancinaEachmonthwe,asacountry,celebratedifferentholidaysandrecognizedifferentorganizationsordiseasestobringawarenesstothemsowecantakebettercareofourselves,withNationalDiabetesMonthandNationalHeartMonthbeinggreatexamples.ThesemonthsbringusgreatjoyattheCommissiononAgingbecausetheyhighlighttwothingsthatarenearanddeartoourhearts.InSeptember,wewillhavealotoffuncelebratingNationalSeniorCenterMonth.Wewillplanseveralfunactivitiesandwillgiveawaytreatsandprizesallmonthlongbecauseweloveourseniors.WefeelsofortunatetohavetwowonderfulseniorcentersinSt.JosephCountythatprovideourseniorswithaplacetogo,notonlytohaveahot,nutritiousmeal,butalsotointeractwithotherseniorsandtoparticipateinclassesandactivitiesthatkeep them healthy and engaged.AprilisNationalVolunteerMonthandwelovecelebratingittoo,becausetheCOAhassomanypeoplewhoaresogenerouswiththeirtimeandskills.Wewouldnotbeabletoprovidealloftheprogrammingandserviceswedowithoutourvolunteers.Forexample,therearegenerousandtalentedpeopleinthiscommunitywhohelpmakeminorrepairstoseniors’homes.TheseTuesdayToolmenaresuchabighelptoourseniors.Therearealsovolunteerswhodriveourseniorsonspecialoutingsandhelpchaperonethemontheirtrips.Volunteershelpservefoodeverydaytoourseniorsinthecenters.Othersvolunteershelpwithdecoratingourseniorcenters.Volunteersalsoorganizemanyofouractivities.TheCOAissogratefultohavethishelp.Weliveinaverygenerouscommunityand,whilewearethankfuleverydayforthevolunteerswehave,AprilisagreattimetogivespecialthankstotheseindividualsfortheirsupportoftheCOAanditsmission.Toshowourappreciation,theCOAishavingaVolunteerAppreciationDinneronWednesday,April26,atA Place in Time inThreeRivers.AnybodywhohasvolunteeredwiththeCOAinthepastyearwillreceiveaninvitation.IfyouareinterestedinlearningmoreabouthowyoucanvolunteerattheCOA,pleasecontactourMarketingManager,RuthMancina,at269-279-8083,oremailheratrmancina@sjccoa.com.Wearealwayslookingforhelpinavarietyofdifferentareas.TheCOAiscurrentlylookingforsomeonewhomightbewillingtoofferaclassonhowtousesocialmedia.Ifyouknowofanyonewhomightbewillingtodothis,pleasegiveRuthacall.TheSt.JosephCountyCommissiononAgingisavailabletohelpareaseniors.Visittheirwebsiteatwww.sjccoa.comorcall269-279-8083tolearnmore.
Kim Foghino, head librarianMendonTownshipLibrary314WestMainStreetMendonMI49072269-496-4865michlibrary.org
www.mendontownshiplibrary.
New BooksMississippi BloodbyGregIlesVicious CirclebyC.J.BoxIf Not For You by Debbie MacomberThe Cutthroat byCliveCusslerandJustinScottThe Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane byLisaSeeDangerous Games by Danielle SteelThe Devil's Triangle byCatherineCoulterHOURSSunday CLOSEDMonday CLOSEDTuesday 10AM-5PMWednesday 10AM-5PM Thursday NOON -7PMFriday 10AM-5PMSaturday 10AM-2PM
April20176COMMUNITY
Dr. Michael Carl DDSby Bryan Balasa
Apersonchoosestheirprofessionformanydifferentreasons.Sometimesitisbecausesomeoneinthatprofessionmadeapositiveimpressiononthemwhentheywereyoung.ThatisthebeginningofthestoryofDr.MichaelCarl,DDS,Mendon’sonlydentist.Dr.Carlrecallshavingagooddentistasachild.Hisdentistmadeapositiveimpressiononhimbythewayhecaredforandhelpedhispatients.Thatdentisteventuallytookthisyoungpatientunderhiswingandtrainedhimtobecomehisassistant.AsMichaelCarllearnedtheprofession,hefoundhelping people with their dental healthtobeveryrewardinganddecidedtomakeithiscareer.Dr.CarlgrewupinSaginaw,MI.HeattendedAlbionCollegeandwentontograduatefromtheUniversityofDetroitDentalSchool.UpongraduationhesettledintoanexistingpracticeinGrandRapids.Throughafriend,he learned that thedentistinMendonwaslookingforanadditionaldentisttofillinforhimhalfadayperweek.Itwasalongdrive,butDr.Carlfigureditwouldbeanicedriveandwouldgivehimalittleextraspendingmoneyforoneofhisfavoritehobbies,flyfishing.Thatwasthirty-oneyearsago.Eventuallyhisworkincreasedtoafulldayperweek, and then two, and then three.
hisloveofflyfishing,whichhestilldoeswhen he can get awayforalittletimetohimself,butforthepastthirty-oneyears,hehasfoundthe Mendon area a great place in which to come home. Dr.MichaelCarlDDSiscurrentlyacceptingnewpatients.His
Help Keep The Connection an Important Part of the Mendon Community WehavebeengreatlyencouragedbyallthepositivecommentsweregularlyreceivefromthereadersofTheConnectionfromallacrosstheMendonarea.WehavebeengreatlymovedtoknowthatourmonthlypublicationhasbecomesuchanimportantpartoftheMendonCommunity.We Need Help! TheConnectionhasbecomeamuchbiggerendeavorthanweevercouldhaveimagined.InordertokeepTheConnectioncoming,weneedhelpintheareasofinterviewingandwritingstories,editing,photography,andadvertisingsales.Tovolunteer,orlearnmoreaboutbecomingamemberofTheConnectionteam,pleasecalloremailBryanat269-496-4305,[email protected].
continued from page one...ThecastofMendonstudentsdeliveredsomeexcellentperformanceswhichfeaturedlotsofsinging,comedy, and drama.Props,sets,costumes,musicfromthepitorchestra,andlightingallprovidedavisualandmusicaldrawformembersoftheaudienceandmadeforamemorableevening.Theonlyrealnegativeissueoftheproduction,whichcouldnotbehelpedby
thoseworking with it, butwascertainly noticedby all, came fromtheaging soundsystemand some
everyoneand to allow ourdramadepartment to become a draw to other studentsinourregionwho are interestedintheperformingarts.Thisyear’scastincludedJustinBaldwinastheNarrator,ChrisJacksonasthe
MendonElementaryStudentsplacedsecondintheClue Me Incompetition,finishingbehindSturgisbyonly6points.Backrow-ColtonAnglemyer,LindseyRiethmiller,MakennahMullin,
Doyouneedsomespringandsummerclothesbutyou’restrugglingtobuythem?Goodnews!ThePass It Forward Shop,aministryofFactoryvilleBibleChurch,willbehostingfiveSaturday“SpringandSummerClothingGive-Away”daysfrom9:00AM-2:00PMon
Saturdays,April22nd,29th,May6th,13th,and20th.Therewillbeclothingforchildrenandadults,aswellastoys,purses,books,andhouseholditems.Theshopisa“freestore”tohelpindividualsandfamilieswhoarestrugglingtomakeendsmeetinthesefinanciallydifficulttimes.Anyoneneedingtheseitemsiswelcomeandallarefreeofchargetofamiliesinthecommunity.ThisistheninthyearthatthePass It Forward Shop hasbeenopen.Thestoreislocatedonthechurch
ReadingMonth”activities.Shealsoreportedthatanewlawhasbeenpassedrequiringallstudentstobereadingatalevelnotmorethanoneyear behind their academic grade levelorfacemandatoryretention.Thelawwillgointoeffectforthe2019-2020schoolyear.Mrs.Frisbiereportsthattherearemanyquestionsyetunansweredaboutthenewreadinglevellawandthereremainsmuchtoworkthroughbeforeittakeseffect.Insports,reportsweregivenregardingourwinterathletes’standingattheendoftheseason.Thegirls’basketballteamclaimedadistrictchampionship,withseniorMary Leighton being named to the BCSAll-LeaguefirstteamandplayersJuliaSutterandHayleyKramerreceivinghonorablementions.Ourboys’basketballteamwasdefeatedinthefinalgameofthedistrictchampionship,withKeatonCrotserbeingnamedtotheBCSAll-LeaguefirstteamandLukasCrotserreceivinganhonorablemention.Thewrestlingteamfinishedtheseasonwitha17-6recordand,forthethirdtimeinschoolhistory,theBCSLeagueChampionship.WrestlerSkylerCrespowrestledtoa52-1seasonandwon
March/April Mendon Elementary Students of the MonthFront row, left to right-MaKenzieRooney,BryceZagon,EmmaWilliams,AvalynJohnson,LandonVrobel,KeithBatten,JacksonBraysher,GregoryBerndt,SophiaStuart,RowanAllen,KyleeVanWormer,KellyClark,JaxonWiseBack row, left to right-BradBaumgardner,HannahLux,LeahRoberts,CiennaNightingale,ZakIobe,KeeganSmith,DylanCupp,AllieDuchene,AbbyButler,ZackMcClish,GioGangloff,JerryBattenNot pictured-KaylaWenzel,StevenMiller,RachaelEberstein,PennyStandish,KamrynHuff
photoprovided
The Connection12
12SPORTSm e n d o n V a r s i t y s o f t b a l l by Bryan Balasa
m e n d o n V a r s i t y B a s e b a l l by Bryan Balasa
The Connection14
April201714COMMUNITY
Grant Benefits Mendon Sophomores by Bonnie Outman
AsaresultofthesuccessfulTeacher’sRequestListFundraiser,hostedbytheMendonSchoolsFoundation,StephenWickey’s10thgradeEnglishclasswasabletopurchase35copiesofThe Hobbit byJRRTolkien.The Hobbitisastoryaboutsteppingoutofyourcomfortzoneandreallyliving.Mr.Wickeycommentedthat,“BookslikeThe Hobbit can helpbuildaloveforreading.”TheTeacherRequestListGrantwasfundedbyI.A.C.MendoninhonorofNickRussell.
photoprovided
A GRAVE MistakeIhavenoticedthroughtheyearsthateventhemostseasonedChristianwillmakeonefatalmistakewhenitcomestohisorherfaith.Thepersoncanbeaprayerwarrior,butstillmakethisonecriticalmistake.Heorsheisconvincedthattherearethingsinhisorherlifethataretoosmallforotherstoworryabout,ortooprivateforotherstoknowabout.Myfriends,thisisaGRAVEmistake.Forstarters,ifyoufeelthatyourneedistoosmallforotherstocareabout,thenyouneedtobemoreinvolvedinyourfellowshipwithothers. Maybe youdon’tevendothat.Hangoutwithothers,Imean.Ifyouaregoingtochurch,saying“hello”toyour“friends”andthenyoudon’tseeanyofthemagainuntilnextSunday,thenyouaren’tevenapartofthefellowship.God'sWord,theBible,tellsusto“notforsakethegatheringofthefellowship,”Thatdoesn’tjustmeanwearenottoskipoutonchurch.Itmeanswearetomakefriendshipswiththepeople that are there. Get to know them.Learnaboutthem. Spend timeoutsideofchurchwiththem. Gobowling,fishing,swimming,haveacookout,something. Whenyougettoknowpeople,youbegintobuildpowerfullastingrelationships.Itishardtonotcareaboutthepeoplewithwhichyouhavedevelopedacloserelationship.Youwillfindyourselfwantingtoknowiftheyareokandifyoucandoanythingforthem.Now,whatisthereasonChristsayswearetobuildtheserelationships?Lookataprideoflions.Haveyoueverseenthem
Mendon Student Honored at Ceremonyby Julie Baratta
Mary Leighton,daughterofDavidandSharonLeighton,wasrecentlyhonoredattheannualDaughtersofAmericanRevolutionGoodCitizenceremony.ShewasselectedtorepresentMendonHighSchool.Eachhonoreereceivedan
Eickhoff Funeral Home 1947 311 West Main Mendon, Michigan
Eickhoff Funeral Home 2017 311 West Main Mendon, Michigan
The Eickhoff Boys
And Harry and Margaret
Eickhoff established a
Funeral Home in Mendon.
Air Force Captain,Chuck Yeager flew his X-1 rocket plane faster than
the speed of sound.
To celebrate our 70 years in Mendon, we will be giving away 70 Oak Tree seedlings on Saturday April 29th. Swing into the parking lot from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on the 29th for your free seedlings and refreshments.
1 9 4 7 - 2 0 1 7
Thank you Mendon and all of St. Joseph County, for being a wonderful place to live, to work, and to worship.Thank you for coming together and for volunteering in times of need.Thank you for supporting our schools and for encouraging our children.Thank you for making us proud to be your neighbor and privileged to be your friends since 1947.
In 1947 ..... The U.S. President was Harry Truman.
Automobiles began full production following World War II.
Edwin Land demonstrated the first instant camera, the Polaroid-Land Camera.
The Tennessee Williams play, "A Streetcar Named Desire" opened on Broadway.
Margaret & Harry Eickhoff
Vicki & Dale Eickhoff
The Eickhoff Family
Eickhoff Funeral Home 1947 311 West Main Mendon, Michigan
Eickhoff Funeral Home 2017 311 West Main Mendon, Michigan
1947-2017
The Eickhoff Boys
Jackie Robinson signed a contract with the
Brooklyn Dodgers to become Major League Baseball's first African-
American player.
Howard Hughes flew the largest fixed wooden
aircraft ever built, dubbed "The Spruce Goose".
World Series games were broadcast
on television for the first
time.
The Chicago Cardinals were the NFL Champions.
The Connection16
April201716FAITH
What Do You Really Want?
by Pastor Bryan Balasa WhatwouldyourequestfromGodifHeappearedtoyouandsaid,“Askmeforwhateveryouwantmetogiveyou.”Whatwouldyouaskfor?ThatisexactlywhathappenedtoyoungKingSolomonshortlyafterhewascrowned.WefindthisrecordedintheOldTestamentbookof2ChronicleswherewelearnthatSolomon’sanswertothisveryquestionfromGodwas,“Givemewisdomandknowledge,thatImayleadthispeople,forwhoisabletogovernthisgreatpeopleofyours?”Godwaspleasedwiththisrequest.HetoldSolomonthatsincehisrequestwasnotforwealthorrichesorhonorforhimself,butforthatwhichwouldhonorGod,HewouldgiveSolomonthewisdomheaskedforPLUSallofthoseotherthingsaswell.Indeed,thepassagestatesthatSolomon’swealthbecamesogreat,andthepeopleweresoblessed,thatsilverandgoldwereascommoninJerusalemasstones.Wow!SolomonaskedforsomethingwhichhonoredGod,andGodwaspleasedtogranthimhisrequest.Notonlythat,butGodwassopleasedthatHeblessedSolomonfarbeyondwhathehadasked.Lookingatthistruth,wecanlearnfromJames,thehalf-brotherofJesusandleaderoftheearlychurch.Jamessaid,“Youdonothave,becauseyoudonotaskGod.Whenyouask,youdonotreceive,becauseyouaskwithwrongmotives,thatyoumayspendwhatyougetonyourpleasures.”(James 4:2-3 NIV)WetendtoprayforwhatWEwant,withouteverthinkingthroughwhatcouldhappenifGodweretogiveusthatforwhichweasked.Iknowinmyownlife,Godhasoftenusedthosetimes-theoneswhenIhavenotseentheanswersIwaslookingfor-toteach me, grow me, and make meintothemanIamtoday,ortoaccomplishsomethingevengreaterthanmyperceivedneeds.TodayIwouldlikeustolookcloselyatwhatweprayforandconsidertheconsequencesifGodanswered“Yes.”IntheGospelofLuke,wereadtheaccountofablindmanwhocriedouttoJesusashewaspassingby.Thecrowdstriedtosilencehim,buthecriedoutallthemoreuntilJesusstoppedandaskedhim,“Whatdoyouwantmetodoforyou?”Theanswermayseemobvious,butstillJesuswantedthemantosayit.“Lord,”themanreplied,“Iwanttosee.”Jesusbasicallysaid,“Okay.YourfaithisstrongsoIwillhealyou.”And He did.Wow!Thatsoundslikeagreat“Helivedhappilyeverafter”story,doesn’tit?Butconsiderhowthischangedthisman’slife:Hewouldhavelostthepityofmany;hewouldhavenolongerbeenabletoreceivemoneybybegging,butwouldhavebeenrequiredtogetajob,whichwouldprobablyrequirelonghoursandhardwork.Itmighthavemeantthathelosthiscircleoffriends-otherblindordisabledpeoplehehungaroundwithandbeggedalongside.Yes,hegainedmuch,buthealsolostmuch.Helostalmosteverythingwhich,untilthatpoint,definedhim.Andthissamerealitywouldhaveappliedto
manyofthepeopleJesushealed.Yes,theygotwhattheywanted,buttheyalsohadtopayapricebyleavingwhattheyhadbehind.Jesussaid,"Askanditwillbegiventoyou;seekandyouwillfind;knockandthedoorwillbeopenedtoyou.Foreveryonewhoasksreceives;hewhoseeksfinds;andtohimwhoknocks,thedoorwillbeopened.”(Matthew 7:7-8 NIV)Thequestion,then,is:Dowereallywantwhat’sontheothersideofthedoor?Dowewantitbadlyenoughtostepthroughthedoorfromwherewehavebeen,towheretheanswertoourprayerwilltakeus?OvertheyearsIhaveseenpeopleprayforhealingordeliverance,butcontinuetoholdonto that which hurtsthem.Theyaredeliveredfromanabusiverelationship,onlytorunbackintoanother one. They try toloseweight,butkeepfindingexcusesto cheat on their diet.TheyprayforGodtodeliverthem
alreadyknowitisprobablybesttojustnotaskforit.So,ifJesusweretoaskyouwhatyouwantHimtodoforyou,areyouwillingtopaythepriceifHedoes?Areyouwillingtoletgoofwhatyouknowandarecomfortablewith,soyoucan gain the greater thing Godhastogiveyou?WhatdoyouREALLYwanttheLordtodoforyou?SeekGodwithALLyourheart–allin,foralltherightreasons.Embracealloftheconsequences.Embraceallofthechange,knowingthatGod’sanswersareoftenwiserthanourprayers.
What is a church?ThelocalchurchisaconduitthroughwhichGodministerstopeopleandthroughwhichpeopleserveandworshipGodwithfellowbelievers.ItisaplatformfromwhichbelieversreachouttoaworldinneedofasaviorwhocanforgivetheirsinsandbringthemintoameaningfulrelationshipwithGod.Itisaschoolwherebelievers,bothnewandmature,growinfaithand
knowledgeoftheLord.Itisahospital,wherehurtingpeoplefindhopeandhealingfromalovingGod.Itisagym,wherepeoplearestrengthenedandbuiltuptodotheministrytheywerepreparedbyGodandcalledtodo.Itisarestaurant,wherepeoplefellowshipandarefedfromtheWordofGod.Itisaplaceofsanctuary,wherepeoplefindpeaceinatroubledworld.Anditisamilitaryacademy,wherepeoplearetrainedtodobattleagainstapowerfulunseenspiritualfoe.Thelocalchurchisallthesethingsandmore–asChristbuildsHischurchintowhatHewantsustobe.Thisshouldbetrueofeverychurch,regardlessofthenameofthecongregation.Thisiswho we are all called to be. There are many good churches,butthroughourmembershipintheMissionaryChurchDenomination,wearepartofagroupofnearlytwomillionpeoplewhoworshipandserveGodinmorethan20,000congregationsin100countriesaroundtheworld.Therearecurrentlyover500ofthesecongregationsmeetingintheUnitedStates(andgrowing!),withourdenominationalofficesinFortWayne,Indiana.Formally,weareanevangelicaldenominationcommittedtochurchplantingandworldmissions.WeareknownforourcommitmenttotheBibleandtoJesusChristasourLordandSavior.Wearealsowellknownforoursocialprograms,meetingtheneedsofpeopleofallagesandinallsituations,seeingneedsinthecommunitieswherewearelocated,andmeetingthoseneeds.Weareknownforourdesiretoworkwithotherchurchestoaccomplishwhatweareallcalledtodo.Wesendmissionariestoworkalongsidemissionariesfromotherdenominations.Wehavetrainedchurchplantersfromover110otherdenominationsandmissionsagencies,andweworkwellwithotherchurches.WestrivetokeepouremphasisoffofusandonGodandtheworkHeisdoingthroughusandtheotherchurchesinourcommunities.
So,youdecidetovisitachurch.Whatshouldyouexpect?AsIsaidearlier,therearemanydifferentchurcheswhichworshipandserveGodindifferentways.Someareveryformalandtraditional,someareverymodernandfree-flowing,andalotofusaresomewherein-between.WhenImetsomeonewhoislookingforachurch,Iusuallysuggesttheyvisitasmanychurchesastheycanuntiltheyfindtheonewhichjustseemsrightto them. (Keeping in mind there will neverbea“perfect”church.)When
theyfindthatrightchurch,digin,getinvolved,andbecomeapartofwhattheirnewchurchisdoing.Ifitwillhelpany,IcantellyouthatifyouvisitCrossroadsyouwillbegreetedatthedoorbyfriendlypeople who will try
orpointedoutasavisitor?”Answer:Absolutelynot!Wedonotseenewpeopleinourchurchatvisitors,butasguests.Wewouldneverdoanythingtoembarrassaguest.Question#3:“HowamIsupposedtoact?”Answer:Howdoyounormallyact?Wewantyoutobeyourself.Ifyoufeelalittleintimidatedbynewsurroundingsandsomepeopleyoumaynotyetknow,justfollowalongwithwhatyouseesomeoneelsedoing.Youwillquicklylearnthatthereisnoonewayyouareexpectedtoact.Forexample,somepeopleliketostandwhensinging,someliketoremainsetting.Itisreallyuptoyou.Question#4:“Thatbringsupanotherconcern.Imaynotknowanyofthemusicyousing,sowhatamIsupposedtodoifIdon’tknowanyofthewords?”Answer:AtCrossroadsweputthewordstooursongsonscreenssoeveryonecanseethem.Ourmusicstyleisblended,meaningwestillsingsomeofthegreatoldhymnsoftheChristianfaith,andwealsosingmoremodernworshipsongs.Thetruthis,weregularlyintroducenewmusictoourcongregation,soitisnotunusualtosingasongalmostnooneknows.AftersingingitafewSundaysweallgettoknowit,andthenwecanallsingalong.Untilthen,justfeelfreetolistentothewords,orjustfollowalonguntilyoucanjoinin.Icouldkeepguessingquestionsandgivinganswers,butIcouldnevercoverthemall,sofeelfreetocallorstopbythechurchofficeandaskanyquestionsyoumayhave.Iwilldomybesttoanswer.(Somepeopleevenarrangetotourthechurchbuildingsotheyfeelmorecomfortablethefirsttimetheycometovisit!)Churchshouldneverbeaplacetofearorbeuncomfortable.Thepeoplewhoattendareyourfriends,neighbors,andco-workers.Somegrewupgoingtochurch,andsomeofusdidnot.Wecomefromalotofdifferentbackgrounds,butwehaveallchosentoworshipandserveGodtogetherinthisuniqueplacewecallCrossroadsMissionaryChurch.Therearealotofuniqueplaceslikethistochoosefrom.Iencourageyoutofindagoodchurch,getconnectedwithpeoplewholoveGod and each other, and become a partofsomethingamazing!
The Connection17
March201717THROUGH THE LENS
Rediscover Church… or Maybe Discover It for the First Time
John Joseph Stafinski, age 92 ofVicksburg,diedFriday,March17,2017at Kairo's Dwelling in Kalamazoo. Hewasborn inVicksburgonFebruary1,1925, the youngest son of John andCatherine (Grubka) Stafinski and wasa lifetimeresidentofVicksburg.AftergraduatingfromVicksburgHighSchool,JohnenlistedintheArmyAirForceinJuneof1943.HeservedintheAsiatic-PacificTheater,earning2BronzeBattleStars.Followinghismilitarydischargein1946,JohnattendedGeneralMotorsInstitute.HeusedhismechanicalskillsattheUpjohnCompanyinKalamazoofor34yearsuntilhisretirement.Johnenjoyedplayinggolf,bowling,fishing,and enjoyed watching all sports ontelevision.JohnwasmarriedtoBarbaraHookonOctober21,1962inSt.JosephCatholicChurch in Kalamazoo. She survivesalongwithmanyniecesandnephews.He was preceded in death by hisparents; five brothers, Louis, Frank,Ed,Joe,andCarlStafinski;andbythreesisters,HarrietPultorak,VioletSmith,andRoseGordnier.A memorial mass will be heldWednesday, April 19, 2017 at 10:30AM in St. Martin of Tours CatholicChurch in Vicksburg with MonsignorThomas Martin officiating. Intermentand military rites will be conductedat 1:30 PM in Fort Custer NationalCemetery.Memorialsmaybedirectedto Kairo's Dwelling, 2945 Gull Road,Kalamazoo,MI49048.
Richard C. Woods (November17,1953-March23,2017)Richard Clayton "Rick" Woods,age 62 of rural Three Rivers, diedThursday,March23,2017athishomefollowingalongillness.HewasborninVicksburg,MIonNovember17,1953,the sonof FrederickH. andElizabeth(Dokey)Woodsandhasbeenalifetimeresident of the area. Rick graduatedfrom Mendon High School in 1972andthenjoinedtheU.S.Navy.HehadbeenemployedatNagel'sGladFarminThreeRivers,GrayBrothers Stampingin White Pigeon, and Milburn PeatCompanyofThreeRivers.Rick is survived by a daughter, Amy(Shane) Mikel of Mendon; fivegrandchildren; two sisters, Linda(Jay) Crabtree of Three Rivers andDeb (Frank) Cerny of Leonidas; twobrothers,JosephWoodsofThreeRiversandBill(Shirley)WoodsofCentreville;several nieces and nephews. He wasprecededindeathbyhisparents;twosisters,SandraDentlerandPamDare;andabrother,FrederickA.Woods.Noservicesareplannedatthistime.
Donald Earl McClain(May31,1926-April10,2017)
DonaldEarl"Donny"McClain,age90,of Mendon, died Monday, April 10,2017atHeartlandHealthcareCenterinThreeRivers.HewasborninMendononMay31,1926,thesonofRobertJ.andMarthaL.(Rench)McClainandhasbeen a lifetime resident of Mendon.DonnieattendedtheMichiganSchoolfor the Deaf in Flint in his youngerdays. He engaged in general farmingand worked for Fernwood Heatingin Mendon. He enjoyed gardening and tending his fruit trees, and thendonating the harvest to friends,neighbors,andfellowmembersattheMendonUnitedMethodistChurch.He
also enjoyed making furniture, andWintersinTexasforover20years.Donny is survived by two sisters,Martha L. McClain and Mary M.Spealman, both of Mendon; and bymany nieces and nephews. He waspreceded in death by a sister, AnnaA. Oldenburg; and by five brothers,CharlesM.McClain,G.HenryMcClain,RobertM.McClain,StanleyL.McClain,andErnestL.McClain.Funeral services were held Friday,April14,2017at theMendonUnitedMethodistChurchwithPastorThoreauMayofficiating.BurialwasinMendonCemetery.Memorialsmaybedirectedtothechurch.
William Thomas Fries (June21,1942-March26,2017)
William Thomas "Bill" Fries, age 74of Vicksburg, died Sunday,March 26,2017athishome.Hewasborn inFt.Wayne, INon June21,1942, the sonof Thomas Adolph and Betty Marie(Brennen) Fries. The familymoved toSouthwestMichiganwhenhewasveryyoungandheattended schools here.Bill hadworked at Clarage FanCo. inKalamazoo, Ronningen Research andDevelopmentinVicksburg,TheFondaGroupinThreeRivers,andretiredfromStewartSutherlandPaperCompanyinVicksburg. He enjoyed woodworking,andbuildingandfixingcomputersforhisfamily.Bill was married to Geraldine R.Copenhafer on April 28, 1959 inKalamazoo. She survives along withthree daughters, Vicki Sue Sherenand Cindy Arnett Kellogg, both ofSchoolcraft, and Sheri Marie "Bug"Rushmore (Daniel) of Kalamazoo;three grandchildren, Cassandra Lynn(Jeremy)Nash,MorganLeighKellogg,and Mandy Lynn (Nick Burhans)Rushmore; six great-grandchildren,Carson Rylee James Nash, RaelynnEmma Leigh Nash, Bryson DavidThomas Nash, Adriannah LeeBeacham,TaylorAnnMarieBeacham;and Mason Robert Burhans; threesisters, Sharon (James) Linnemeier ofFt.Wayne, Fay Lynn Fries andDonnaDeanBlincoebothofKalamazoo.In keeping with his wishes, Bill wasan organ donor andwill improve thequality of life for others. Memorialdonations may be directed to thefamily.AmemorialpotluckwillbeheldSaturday,April22,2017,from2:00to4:30 p.m. at the Schrier Park indoorpavilion locatedat850W.Osterhout,Portage,MI49024
Clarence W. "Willy" Birch
(December20,1922-April3,2017)ClarenceWillis"Willy"Birch,age94,ofLeonidas, diedMonday,April 3, 2017at Medi-Lodge of Portage. He wasborninLeonidas,MIonDecember20,1922,thesonofKarlandEthel(Taylor)Birch and was a lifetime resident ofLeonidas.HegraduatedfromMendonHigh School with the class of 1941.He served in theU.S.ArmyAirCorpsin England and France during WWII,earningEAMERibbonswith4bronzebattle stars. Willy operated theRedwoodBarinUnionCityfrom1955to1959.Hethenworkedat theHaasCorporation inMendon for ten yearsbefore joining his brothers at BEREnterprises,operatingColonialVillageLaundries in Mendon, Schoolcraft,Colon,andThreeRiversandlaterwithBuster's Pizza in Mendon. Willy wasa member of the Leonidas BaptistChurch, the Leonidas JCs, and theN.R.A. He enjoyed playing golf andreadingWesternnovels.WillywasmarriedtoElizabeth"Betty"Avery onMay 1, 1971 at the CenterParkE.U.B.Church.Shesurvivesalongwith a daughter, Lisa (Mike) Shugarsof Three Rivers; three grandchildren,Shelby Curley, Amanda Osborn, andDusty (Amy) Shugars; four greatgrandchildren, AubreyMarie Osborn,LucasWayneOsborn,ElizabethRogers,and McKenzie Shugars; a brother,Edward (Janice) Birch of Kalamazoo;and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by threebrothers, Clifford, Raymond, and KarlBirch; a sister, Mattie Birch; and bygrandson,JacobCurley.A memorial service took placeSaturday,April8,2017attheLeonidasBaptist Church with Pastor DavidStevens officiating, followed bymilitaryhonorsatthechurch.Aprivateinterment of ashes will take place inLeonidas Cemetery. It is suggestedthat memorial donations be directedtotheLeonidasBaptistChurch,26491M-60,Leonidas,MI49066.
Medford Garth RichardNovember5,1927-March28,2017
Medford Garth Richard, of ThreeRivers,Michigan,age89,passedawayat his home on March 28, 2017. Hewas born on November 5, 1927, inHolt,MI,thesonofMedfordLewisandCarlotta(Secord)Richard.On October 3, 1954, he marriedJanet Gladstone and she precededhimindeathonSeptember19,2002.Surviving are two children, RobinRoweofThreeRiversandJim(Pamela)RichardofVicksburg;sixgrandchildrenand nine great-grandchildren; twostepsisters, Helene (Jim) Reck ofLansingandPatGlidwellofKentucky;one sister-in-law, Vicki Gladstone ofGregory; and many beloved niecesand nephews. He was also precededin death by his step-mother, HelenRichard;onesister,Georgene(William)Brockway; twobrothers-in-law, Roger"Joe" Gladstone and Bob (Rowena)Gladstone;andtwosisters-in-law,Faye(Russell) Roberts and Donna (Mel)Williams.GarthwasaveteranoftheU.S.Army,45th ArmoredMedical Battalion, 3rdArmored Division during the KoreanWar. He worked for a short time forOldsmobile before proudly becomingamotorcarrierofficerfortheMichiganState Police for 31 years, retiring in1981. After retirement he moved toNaples, Florida for a period of timebefore returning to Michigan andsettlingintotheretirementcommunityatKline'sResort.Garth enjoyed Tiger Baseball andgolfing, Jeopardy and Wheel ofFortune,anddoingcrosswordpuzzles.Garth had a brilliant mind, which stayedsharprighttotheendofhislife.Garthhadaloveofmusic,andwouldoften break out into spontaneoussong or start singing a song becausehe thought the words would helpmake his point about something. Ofcourse,onecouldneverbesureifthesonghewassingingwasarealsongherememberedfromsomewherebackinhis life,or ifhewas justmaking itupashewentalong.Heenjoyedspendingtime with his family and helping hisneighbors.Garth was a man of great ChristianFaith, hewas led throughprayer andteaching from his mother-in-law intoapersonal faithwith JesusChrist.Heandhiswife,JanetwerebothbaptizedatSycamoreBaptistChurchinJackson.Together, they dedicated their livesto serving Christ and raising theirchildren to know Christ and to be inchurchwheretheycould learnto livefor Him. Garth drove the church busforyearsandwasveryactiveinthelifeofthechurch.Hewasalsoamemberof the Crossroads Missionary ChurchinMendon,MI.A Memorial Service was held onWednesday, April 5, 2017, at theCaskey-Mitchell Funeral Home,Stockbridge,withPastorBryanBalasaofficiating. Interment followed atPlainfield Cemetery, Unadilla Twp.Expressionsofsympathymaybemadeto Crossroads Missionary ChurchBenevolentFundinMendon,MI.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Ron Roth, a St. Joseph County resident, has a passion for food and enjoys cooking as a hobby. Ron, a former restaurateur, current food columnist and food blogger, claims he is not a “gourmet” cook, but just a guy that enjoys eating and preparing good food. The foods he prepares contain ingredients most people have on hand in their pantry, and most recipes can be completed in less than an hour. Check out Ron’s food blog at oldguyscancook-ron-blogspot.com. If you have any recipe requests, or food questions, feel free to email Ron at [email protected].
The Connection19
The Connection20
Help Keep The Connection an Important Part of the Mendon Community WehavebeengreatlyencouragedbyallthepositivecommentsweregularlyreceivefromthereadersofTheConnectionfromallacrosstheMendonarea.WehavebeengreatlymovedtoknowthatourmonthlypublicationhasbecomesuchanimportantpartoftheMendonCommunity.We Need Help! TheConnectionhasbecomeamuchbiggerendeavorthanweevercouldhaveimagined.InordertokeepTheConnectioncoming,weneedhelpintheareasofinterviewingandwritingstories,editing,photography,andadvertisingsales.Tovolunteer,orlearnmoreaboutbecomingamemberofTheConnectionteam,pleasecalloremailBryanBalasaat269-496-4305,[email protected].
KeepingMendonConnected
Work On After School Tutoring Center Shifts Into High Gear!
