Monthly Archives: April 2013

Jackson Storyfest is adding a new component during this, the 26th year of the festival.  Students are competing for the chance to join the professional storytellers on stage at the family matinee on Saturday.  On today's show, several of the students gave a preview of their storytelling skills.  Storyfest organizer Sara Tackett accompanied the students:  Ivy Augustine, Kaitlyn Hoover, Gabrielle Miles and Kevin Roberts.  Also in the audience:  teachers Brenda Ortega and Michelle Dubois and students Zach Johnson and Cadence DeGroote.  Viewers can vote for their favorite storyteller online at www.jacksonstoryfest.org.  Other guests today:  Congressman Tim Walberg;  Jackson Area Career Center Instructor Steve Keinath and computer programming students Nathan Lauer, Korey McKinney and Kenton Fogarty.    The Career Center is offering Summer Camps on smart gadgets and game programming.  Information and registration here.  Jackson Symphony Orchestra Maestro Stephen Osmond and guest celebrity Craig Richard Nelson preview Saturday's season=ending concert; Janice Fairley and Vanesha Boyd with SWAPP Parent Workshops.

Mission of Hope Cancer Fund founder Rock Mangus, along with event chairperson Karen Merklinger invited viewers to this Friday's "Pink Ladies Night Out Purse Auction and Dinner" at the Commonwealth Commerce Center.  Doors open at 6 for the Ladies Expo, with the auction starting at 7 PM.  Tickets and information here.   Other guests:  Jackson City Manager Patrick Burtch;  Julie Weisbrod, team leader for the Healthy Store Conversion Coaliton;  SAU Radio General Manager Kaitlyn Tracy;  President and CEO of the Center for Family Health Molly Kaser with Dental Manager Sherry Hardcastle.  The Center was awarded a grant from the Weatherwax Foundation for implementation of electronic dental records (details here).

On May 7, Northwest School District voters will be asked to approve two bond issues.  On today's show, superintendent Geoff Bontrager and committee member Dan Griswold  spelled out the process the district has gone through in preparing the request.  Complete details on the facilities and improvements planned can be found here.  Other guests today:  Marie Taylor, Michigan's Senior Citizen of the Year discusses her work in implementing "No One Dies Alone".  Marie was interviewed at Vista Grande Villa;  Dan Gretzner and Julie Adair from Consumers Energy;  Singer-guitarist Howard Tapley, on the bill tonight at the Jackson Coffee Company;  Katie Fish and Melissa Quisenberry from the Jackson YMCA on Summer Day Camps.

Spring Arbor University Vice President for University Advancement Brent Ellis announced the dedication for the newly renovated Student Life Center will be May 9th.  Held in the Lloyd and Judi Ganton Commons, the dedication will begin at 4:00 PM with a reception and tours to follow.   Guests are welcome and are asked to park at the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church.  Other guests on today's show:  Rich Walicki and Dave Best with the Tony Open golf fundraiser;  Jackson Firefighters Union President Tom Loveberry;  Kevin Brownlow, Jackson County Republican Committee with plans for the annual Lincoln Day fundraiser, May 16 at the Commonwealth Commerce Center;  Amy Thomson from McDonald's;   Jackson Coffee Company drawing of the month.

On Tuesday's show, JTV Sports personality Jim Francis fills in for Bart.  Jim is also the President and CEO of Jackson Community Federal Credit Union and a Rose Festival board member.  Jim's guests include:  Bob Garypie, Director of Communications, University of Michigan, for Transplant Month;  Michael Smajda,  Superintendent of Western Schools;  Donna Thomas, JPS French Back to Back Program;  Lynda Waldron, Angela Machnik & Elizabeth Koepfgen, Jackson County Rose Festival, Pageant & Parade.  Tuesday's show will replay on Wednesday.

Today's guests include State Representative Earl Poleski discussing the changes to the state budget for the next fiscal year;  President of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Mindy Bradish-Orta;  Noah Nagy with the Thought 1 Scholarship fundraiser;  International Clothing Drive with Tom Grimsley;  the March of Dimes March for Babies fundraiser with A'Lynne Robinson and Carolyn Bloodworth;  Jackson High "Singin' in the Rain" actors Sam Francey, Alyce Guenther, Lauren Genthner and Carly Jacobs.

The Jackson Area Association of Realtors is participating in "Open House Weekend", offering more than 50 open houses on Saturday and Sunday.  Production Realty's Ben Latocki invited viewers to visit www.jacksonmihomes.com for addresses and hours.  Other guests today include:  Lumen Christi Director of Development Pat Kalahar;  Brooklyn Chiropractor Dr. Troy Burk;  Jim Knox from Jim Knox Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Hillsdale;  Marnie Hade from Northwest Schools' College Night April 24 at 5:30 pm;  Entertainment news with Dave DeBaker.