Bart Hawley Show Guests

Midtown Association board members Cassandra Spicer and Jim Stovall announced the Taste of Jackson will have a new home at the Michigan Theatre with an expanded roster of participating restaurants.  The event begins at 6pm on Thursday, August 15.  Admission, which includes 10 tasting tickets, is $10.  Other guests:  Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Dan Evans;  Jackson Community Foundation President Monica Moser;  Bart visits the Fair;  Steve Shotwell, Miller Shoes;  Janice Fairley and Christine Peterson, Freedom Fest Jackson.

Western School District Superintendent Michael Smajda updated viewers on the bond construction projects underway at the school's middle and high school campus.  The parking lots, commons and classrooms are expected to be completed within 4 weeks and the entire project is due to wrap by January 2014.  A new traffic flow will be implemented for the start of the school year and a video demonstrates the changes on the district's website.  Other guests:  Nostalgia Ink owner Leonard Litteral;  Janice Blixt, Michigan Shakespeare Festival's Artistic Director;  Amy Thomson, Marketing Director, McDonald's;  Lynn Brown, founder of Cellblock Creations.

Larry Martin, producer of the World War II History series, "In Their Own Words",  presents Army Veteran Lee Zimmerman in the return of the popular first person recollection program with the Jackson District Library.  The programs are presented at the First United Methodist Church on select Saturdays throughout the summer and fall.  Lee Zimmerman will be featured on Saturday, August 3 at 10am. Other programs are September 7, 14, October 5 and November 2.   Other guests include:  antique expert Tim Bos;  Jane Robinson, Executive Director of Reading Writing Connection;  Nick Molony, The Pointe Bar and Grill;  Entertainment Correspondent Dave DeBaker;  Paddleboarding and kayaking with Ric Walton.

The Ella Sharp Museum is inviting you to put on your walking shoes  as they visit historic Mount Evergreen Cemetery and  the graves of some of Jackson’s notable Civil War heroes as portrayed by actors and Civil War re-enactors. The walk will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2013 with tours beginning at 3 p.m. Attendees should dress for the weather and be prepared to be on their feet for about an hour and a half, walking up and down several hills. Cost of tickets is $10 for members and $12 for non-members.  Executive Director Amy Reimann and Donna Riley also invited viewers to the weekly Patio Party on Thursday night.  Other guests:  Jackson County Sheriff Steve Rand;  Michelle Moore, owner of Not So Shabby Oh! So Chic on location;  Relay for Life volunteers Carla Davis, Linda Cossel and Monica Hommerding;  Pat Willis, Dan Machnik and Amanda Goldsmith from Willis & Machnik Financial Services; Pet of the Week with Kathy Brafford, Cascades Humane Society.

Jackson County Fair Manager Denise Owens is putting last minute touches on this year's fair which begins Sunday.  Tickets are still available for all grandstand acts and are available at the fair office and online.  New food vendors, an expanded Birthing Barn and expanded entertainment are part of the week long exposition.  Other guests:  Jackson College EMS Program Director Clark Imus;  Elizabeth Deiterich, Michigan Shakespeare Festival's Dramaturg;  Mary Walsh and Dawson Ansely, Sitting Tall Therapeutic Riding Program;  1st Ward Council debate promoter Teddy Boyd.

Brian Surgener awarded his monthly coffee prizes to viewers on today's show.  Brian will be hosting singer Dani Jamerson on Friday night for a free concert from 7 to 10pm at the downtown location.  Other guests today:  State Senator Mike Nofs;  BuilderWalk with Andy Woell;  Chris Sayles, Prominent Design & Build with the Jackson Commercial Contractors Association monthly report;  Michigan Shakespeare Festival's "King John" Director John Neville Andrews;  Taylor Flood, American 1 Teen Idol Fan Favorite winner.  Thursday's show will re-air on Friday.

The 2013 American Cancer Society Relay for Life is returning once again this year to the Cascades Falls Park on August 3 and 4th.  Event co-chair Sue Stevens and team captain Lindsey Edwards provided an update of the weekend's planned activities.  Survivors are encouraged to sign up for the Survivors Lap on the afternoon of August 3rd at 4pm at the Relay.  Other guests:  Stephen Osmond and David Schultz, Jackson Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops;  Robert Ernst, Jackson Coffee Co. with "Coffee Talk";  Jennifer Howard, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association;  Lynda Waldron and Paige Poling, Rose Pageant's "Queen for a Day";  Pet of the Week with Kathy Brafford, Cascades Humane Society.

Jackson Mayor Martin Griffin announced plans for upgrades to Austin Blair Park in downtown Jackson.  A meeting is scheduled tonight for 6pm at City Hall to present some ideas to be included in the renovation.  New fencing, seating and a playscape are in the works.  Other guests:  Sarah Hartzler, President of South Central Michigan Works!;  Mark Reed, Hurst Planetarium Director;  American 1 Teen Idol competitor Kiley Ladwig;  Lynda Waldron, Shelia Drewry and Di'Juarie Jordan and with the American Red Cross blood drives;  Catina Lowe, American Cancer Society Relay for Life. UPDATE:  This episode will also air on Monday, July 29th.

The Lloyd Ganton Roadside Classic Car Show celebrates its tenth year this Sunday, July 28th at 2100 Springport Road from noon to 3:30pm.  Lloyd Ganton and Rick Klibenski, event organizers are presenting this free event, with prizes, entertainment and a hot dog lunch.  All donations received during the event will benefit the Alzheimer's Association.  Other guests:  64th District State Representative Earl Poleski;  Larry Shaffer and Mark Stanton, EcoBlaster;  Grass Lake Traffic Jam-In' preview with Joe DeBoe, Rick Mead and Jennifer Keener;  Consumers Energy's Tour de Cafe Relay for Life fundraiser winners Dale Lundberg, PJ Harworth, Steve Walke and Ryan Sistek.

Staff from the first annual JaxJam Music Camp, Victor McDermott and Mahalia Greenway, invited viewers to enroll their 3rd thru 8th graders at the upcoming 3 day camp experience to be held at Westwinds Community Church.   The camp runs from July 29 thru 31 and openings are still available at jaxjam.org.  Other guests:  Dahlem Conservancy Executive Director Rod Malloy;  Executive Director Connie Poisson and board member Jack Jordan from Junior Achievement;  Movies with Dave DeBaker;  Quiet World Sports kayaking lessons from Kat Kulchinski with Bart and Ric Walton.