Monthly Archives: December 2014

Sparry Sparks, grandson of Captain William Sparks offered reminiscences of his grandfather and the development of the Cascades.  Captain William and Matilda Sparks built the Cascades Falls, park and golf course as a gift to the city and a group of citizens is working with Jackson County to renovate the falls.  The wall has been removed and the berm will be taken down once the earth freezes in the next couple of weeks.  Other guests:  Leslie Youngdahl, Jackson Young Professionals President;  Dave Vassal, Jackson Area Transportation Authority;  Musical guests The Bickel Family (Phil, Paul and Dan);  Liz Niles and Elli Blonde, American 1 Credit Union;  Luke Varland, Jackson Coffee Co. Drawings of the Month.

"Sipping and Tipping with the Anderson's" host Rick Collett and Steve Anderson, Anderson Distributing provided ideas for the Holiday from their selection of wines and beers.  Anderson Distributing carries beer and wine products from Michigan and around the world with the selection expanding considerably in 2014.  Other guests:  In the Kitchen with Lisa Spaminato;  Greg Walker, Brandon Steward and Chef Megan Vilminot, Bella Notte Ristorante;  Musical guests Emily Gerweck and Rachel Walkowski, students at Jackson Christian High School;  Nathan Mack, Downtown Development Authority;  Sue Lovell, Cascades Humane Society's Pet of the Week.

Blessings on the season from Jackson area Pastors:  Fr. Tim MacDonald, Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Fr. Tim Nelson, St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Fr. Chas Canoy, St. John the Evangelist Parish;  Rev. James Hines, Lily Mission Center with son Joseph Hines;  Musical entertainment from Sophia Hasbrook, Arbor Manor;  JTV"s SoundWave host Victor McDermott and the  Holiday HooBeeWhatEes;  Cindy Hayden, Mojo Phoenix Blues Band with Natalie Riley, Holiday Inn New Year's Eve Party;  BuilderWalk with Andy Woell, General Materials;  Ric Walton, The Walton Insurance Group.

64th District State House Representative Earl Poleski explained the legislation the House and Senate passed on their final day of the 2014 session that will address Michigan's road funding issues.  A ballot proposal slated for May, 2015 will ask Michigan voters to increase the state sales tax from 6% to 7%.  If passed, inequities in fuel taxes will be changed resulting in a net gain of more than $1.2 billion dedicated to road repair.  Other guests:  Musical guests Woodmere Estate (Austin Brown and Brynne Curtis);  Patrick Burtch, Jackson City Manager;  Karyn Clow and Nick VanBogelen, Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists;  Nathan Mack, Downtown Development Authority.

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow was presented with the National Association of Community Health Centers' "Distinguished Community Health Champion Award" for her commitment to community health centers at a ceremony at the Center for Family Health.  The award was presented by the Michigan Primary Care Association during a tour of the downtown campus.  The senator was honored for her commitment to fund community health centers and for leading the effort to bring community health centers to Michigan.  After the ceremony, Senator Stabenow stopped by the show to discuss the award.  Senator Stabenow also explained her position supporting the President on his announcement about transforming relations with Cuba and other issues she is working on.  Other guests:  State Senator Mike Nofs;  Rod Malloy, Dahlem, with Shaina Tinsey, Allegiance Step by Step, "Greater Jackson Walkable Trails";  JSO Community Music School student performance of "Christmastime is Here";  George Webster, P&T Cycling & Fitness;  Dave DeBaker, Jackson College Winter Film Series;  Ric Walton, The Walton Insurance Group and Big Prize Bucker.

Consumers Energy Senior Vice President for Governmental & Public Affairs Dave Mengebier recounted some of the company's highlights in 2014, including the purchase of a generating plant in Jackson, establishing the Anchor Initiative and conducting a record United Way campaign.  Other guests:  Keith Drayton, Exit Realty 1st;  Singer Guitarist Rick Straub, BuilderWalk with Andy Woell, General Materials;  Heather Price, Sandhill Crane Vineyards;  Amy Thomson, Marketing Director, McDonald's.

Jackson County Parks Director Scott Robbins reported on the progress of Phase 1 of the Cascades Falls restoration project.  Crews from Dunigan Brothers, Bailey Excavating, Miller Truck & Storage and Lester Brothers have demolished and removed nearly all of the wall that has been blocking the view of the Cascades for nearly 50 years.  The contractors are donating their services.  A decorative fence and seating will be installed before spring as fundraising continues on the remainder of the multi-million dollar project.  Other guests:  Dave Craft, Executive Vice President, The Craft Agency;  Singer-Guitarist John Voelz;  Robert Ernst, Jackson Coffee Company;  Dave Ziolkowski, Auto-Lab of Jackson;  Pet of the Week with Sue Lovell, Cascades Humane Society.