Monthly Archives: June 2013

Dani Meier, founder of the Real Men Project discusses the growth of the organization and the impact on the community.  Meier is also the new Director at Jackson College's Center for Student Success and is planning an event on the campus this Thursday.  The film, "The Invisible War" will be screened at 7 pm at McDevitt Hall followed by a discussion.  The film deals with the topic of sexual assault in the military and has received several awards.  Other guests today:  Village of Brooklyn Manager Jennifer Coe;  Jackie Merritt, branch manager of the Springport and Parma branches of the Jackson District Library;  Phil Fischmeister, manager of the Cascades Golf Course;  Public Art Kick-off from our visit to St. Joseph, MI.

The Michigan House voted to expand Medicaid to 400,000 state residents Thursday.  65th District State Representative Mike Shirkey said the legislation will make residents healthier and save the state money.  Rep. Shirkey chaired the committee that moved the bill through the House, said he switched from a "hard no" to a "difficult yes" in supporting the bill, changing his mind after extensive study.  Other guests today:  Lily Missions Center Pastor Rev. James Hines;  "BuilderWalk" with Andy Woell;  Singer-Guitarist Sam Pepper;  Movies with Dave DeBaker;  Father's Day with Ric Walton;  Our trip to St. Joseph's downtown district;  The Kiwanis Flagpole Dedication Ceremony.

The Ladies Legacy Golf Outing still has openings for teams and individuals for this year's event benefiting the Jackson Legacy Scholarship Program.  Organizers Cathy Sykes and Kathy Swihart are hosting lady golfers at three courses for breakfast and golf, followed by a luncheon at Cascades Manor House.  To register, call Cathy at 783-3963.  Other guests:  Ishwar Laxminarayan, Director of the Jackson District Library;  Master Gardeners Kathryn Ring and Laurie Eberts-Carson with the Master Gardeners Tour, June 22.  Tickets available at Eye Services, 800 South Brown Street;  Jeff Kruse, RSVP Putt Putt Tournament fundraiser;  our visit to St. Joseph continues with Don Alsbro of "Lest We Forget".

A partnership between the city of Jackson and the University of Michigan School of Information aims to develop information tools such as mobile apps and social media sites designed to help citizens interact with their local government in new ways.  City Manager Patrick Burtch explained the three year project, Citizen Interaction Design, takes lessons learned in the business sector—namely that social media and technology can help people communicate and work together effectively—and applies them to local civic life.  Other guests:  Jackson County Undersheriff Chris Kuhl;  Carrie Stadelman, Freeland Photography;  Kim Conant, Director of Development for the Salvation Army;  Pet of the Week with Kathy Brafford.  Our visit to St. Joseph continues with the St. Joseph River Yacht Club's 100th anniversary.

The Jackson Community College Board of Trustees voted unanimously at last night's meeting to change the name of Jackson Community College to Jackson College.  Today, President Dr. Dan Phelan explained some of reasons for the board's decision.  They include the college's ability to offer four year degrees and becoming more attractive to international students.  Other guests today:  Jeff Noel, Vice President of Whirlpool Corporation as we continue our road trip to St. Joseph, MI;  Vacuum Cleaner Hospital's Rex Hall;  Freedom Fest Jackson 2013 with Ed Peterson, Christine Peterson, Farris Coppage and Leonard Saxton.  Among the events on the festival schedule:  Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday at the Riverwalk Amphitheatre at 6:30 pm.  The complete schedule online here.

Center Stage Jackson presents "Hairspray the Musical" this weekend and next at the Baughman Theatre at Jackson Community College.  Today, Sam Hickson (in character as "Edna") along with choreographer Mahalia Greenway promoted the show.  Performances are June 14-16 and June 21-23, Friday and Saturday shows at 8 pm, Sundays at 3 pm.  Tickets available online at centerstagejackson.org.  Other guests:  Jackson Public Schools Food Services Director Brant Russell;  Michael Bannasch on his Highpointing experiences;  Kelly Burroughs, National Scoliosis Month;  Andrew Sargeant, Jackson Recreation Department.  We continue our visit to St. Joseph, MI and Harbor Shores Golf Course and Community.