Monthly Archives: October 2014

Paul Buchholz, President and CFO of Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers was recognized with the Business Administration Leadership Award by Spring Arbor University.  The award is given to alumni who have demonstrated success in leading a small to medium business while applying biblical principles and values.  Paul talked about the importance of the guiding principles instilled in him while a student at SAU and the growth of the company under his leadership.  Other guests:  Jackson City Manager Patrick Burtch;  Ken Toll, President and CEO, United Way of Jackson County with Kate Lambert Lee, Community Action Agency;  Angela Machnik, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce;  Melissa Woodhurst, Executive Director, Jackson Friendly Home;  Kim Conant, Salvation Army.

St. Mary's Catholic Church Pastor, the Rev. Tim Nelson and St. Mary's School Principal Matt Berkemeier detailed plans to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the school.  A dinner is planned for Friday, October 24 at the Commonwealth Commerce Center that includes an auction and a program of the school's history.  St. Mary's is one of the oldest continuously-operated grade school in the same building in the United States.  Other guests:  Rod Malloy, Executive Director, Dahlem;  Whitney Skeans, Customer Assistance Coordinator, Consumers Energy;  Linda Cypret and Doug Nowlin, Land of Falling Waters Traditional Pow Wow;  Diane Cerquiera, Friends of the Animals' 43rd Annual Craft-O-Rama, Sunday October 19 at American 1 Events Center.

Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville will be retiring from 14 years in the Michigan House and Senate at the end of the year, a victim of term limits.  After leaving office, he plans on exploring a constitutional amendment to lengthen term limits for both chambers.  In his last weeks of office, Richardville is campaigning on behalf of Republican candidates and making joint campaign appearances.  Other guests:  Phil Wrzesinski, The Toy House;  Heather Price, Sandhill Crane Vineyards;  Marc Stanley and Leighanne Rappaport, AWARE's "Lights, Camera, Auction" event October 23;  a visit to The Hobbit Place.

Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Beal announced a new monthly program to honor and recognize JPS staff members for accomplishments in improving the district and educational outcomes.  Hunt Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher Erin Matthews was introduced as a teacher who has instituted several initiatives to improve literacy and parent participation.  Hunt Principal Mary Jo Raczkowski-Shannon noted Erin has been an outstanding teacher who cares greatly for all of her students, with particular attention on keeping students from falling behind.  Erin was one of about ten employees recognized this month.  Other guests:  Andy Woell, General Materials' Builder Walk;  Rev. Chas Canoy, Pastor, St. John's Catholic Church;  Lesia Pikaart, Executive Director, disAbility Connections;  Laura Schlete, Thinking Real Estate; a visit to Laughlin's Slice of Spice.