Monthly Archives: November 2013

Jackson County Board of Commissioners Chairman Steve Shotwell and Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Chairman Art Kale reported on the progress the counties have made with the shared services agreement with the two road departments.  At the one year anniversary last week, both counties have experienced savings and improved service.  Other guests:  Consumers Energy Vice President Garrick Rochow;  Gretchen Dula and Karen Jo White, Jackson District Library;  Jerry Hatton, Community Action Agency VITA tax assistance program;  Gary Beck and Duane Roepcke, North Jackson Lions Club.

The Polish Falcons have scheduled a farewell party for Randy Wrozek and the Hy-Notes on Saturday, November 23.  After 44 1/2 years, the Hy-Notes will no longer be making public performances.  At the party, 2013 Junior Miss United State Polka Association Queen Anya Hedrich, a 6th grade student at R.W. Kidder Middle School, will make an appearance.  The event is sold out.  Other guests:  Northwest Schools Superintendent Geoff Bontrager;  Melanie Duquesnel, CEO, Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan;  Mary Kramer, Publisher of Crain's Detroit Business;  Ric Walton, Walton Agency Big Prize Bucket.

The Craft Agency's Dave Craft announced a partnership with HOME.fm to support the community through various holiday activities including a food drive.  The Craft Agency is a collection location for the Thanksgiving Food Drive.  It will continue through November 20th with a live broadcasting event from 4 to 6pm.  The Craft Agency is also a collection location for the Toys for Tots campaign.   Other guests:  Jeff Matzen, Matzen Financial with "Money Matters";  Toys of the Month with Phil Wrzesinski, The Toy House;  Matt Neitzel and Kevin Neitzel, Neitzel Technologies;  Executive Director of the Fitness Council Nic Pangborn with Scott TenBrink, Community Program Manager for Citizen Interaction Design Project, UM School of Information.

Jackson City Manager Patrick Burtch unveiled design plans for the property formerly occupied by the Consumers Energy headquarters at 212 West Michigan Avenue.  The city council last night approved the hiring of an architectural and planning firm to design a new "Central Park"-like space which would complement future development of the Hayes building.  Burtch indicated there are two developers with strong interest considering the Hayes property.  Other guests:  Jackson Symphony Orchestra conductor Steven Osmond and organist Jackie Livesay;  In the Kitchen with personal chef Lisa Spampinato;  Singer-songwriter Dan Hazelett;  Salvation Army Development Director Kim Conant;  Pet of the Week with Sue Lovell, Cascades Humane Society.

Jackson native Tony Dungy and Comcast Executive Vice President David Cohen visited the Middle School at Parkside to introduce "Internet Essentials".    Internet Essentials is the nation's largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program designed to expand internet access among low-income households.  Comcast and Tony Dungy shared success stories of several Michigan families that have benefited from the program,  and gave away notebook computers to several deserving Parkside students.  Dungy also announced a Comcast Foundation gift of $25,000 to upgrade the Dungy Media Lounge at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center.  Guests on today's show:  United Way Executive Director Ken Toll with Energizing Education's Kriss Giannetti and donor Bernard Levy;  "Respect the Flags" presentation at Townsend Elementary School;  Hayes State Park Manager Jim O'Brien and Walker Tavern historian Laurie Perkins;  Coffee Talk with Robert Ernst;  Harriet A. Myer BPW's Therese Hesslau and Kate Keersmaekers.

Jackson businessman Phil Willis was named the winner of the Entrepreneurial Vision Award for 2013.  Willis is the founder of several Jackson companies and has mentored and invested in several others.  His community involvements include the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and the Enterprise Group.  He will be presented with the award at the Chamber of Commerce annual meeting in January.  Other guests:  U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg;  Jackson County Veterans Affairs Director Dave Welihan with Army Veteran Michael Heskett;  Don Trapp and Art Kale, Optimist Red Wings Alumni Game (November 16th);  Jeanette Barnes, Paragon Charter Academy. PROGRAM NOTE:  Today's show replays on Monday, November 11.