Bart Hawley Show Guests

Today the annual Police Memorial Ceremony was held at Bucky Harris Park.  The Jackson Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff Department and the Michigan State Police honor those who have given their life in the line of duty.  A few moments from the event on today's show.  Guests include:  Geoff Bontrager, Superintendent of Northwest Community Schools reflects on the historic passage of both bond proposals yesterday;  Jackson City Manager Patrick Burtch;  Grass Lake's Family Worship Center Pastor Andy Scheller with the "We Heart Grass Lake" Day;  AARP Michigan's Open House (Friday, May 10 from 1 to 4 PM at Gene Davis Convention Center) with Gurtie Crater;  Jackson Men's Chorus Spring Concert promo (May 14, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 7PM) with Bill Reid;  DDA Day with Wendy Clifton and Rebecca Rae;  another installment of our trip to Marine Corps Recruiting Station in San Diego.

Boy Scout Timothy Johnson is making progress on his plans to establish memorials at Blackman Park honoring firefighters and police officers who have died in the line of duty.  Johnson is currently a Life Scout with Vandercook Lake Troop 417 and is working on the memorial as his Eagle Scout project.  Police Chief Matt Heins joined him on today's show, along with a reminder of the annual Police Memorial Wednesday at 12 noon at Bucky Harris Park.  Other guests:  Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Dan Evans;  National Train Day with Louis Globensky from the Toy House;  American Red Cross staffers Shelia Drewry, Maureen Sharp and Todd Kulman;  Dewey Graves and his daughter Jennifer Graves, organizing an awareness/fundraising walk for Prader-Willi Syndrome Saturday at Cascades Falls.  Details on the walk, here.  Plus, we continue our trip to Marine Corps Recruiting Station in San Diego.

Fitness Council of Jackson Executive Director Scott TenBrink announced the dates for the various spring events planned by the Fitness Council.  Ride Your Bike To School Day is Wednesday, May 8.  The Jackson Bike Swap is Saturday, May 10 at the Armory Bike Union and the Smart Commute Kick Off is Friday, May 17.  Details on all spring and summer events at www.fitnesscouncil.org.  Other guests today:  Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis;  Scott Ambs, GIS Manager for the County of Jackson;  Jackson District Library Training Coordinator Joyce Betz;  Justin Shuberg from Walt's Health Foods;  Ingrid Croce, owner of Croce's Grill and Jazz Bar in San Diego as we continue our visit to Marine Corps Recruiting Station.

Jackson County Administrator Michael Overton announced the land previously occupied by the Riverwalk Hotel is now available for development.  The county is hopeful for a mixed use development that would include market rate housing.  Interested parties should contact County of Jackson.  Also on today's show:  Our trip to San Diego continues with Marine Corps Drill Instructors;  New staff at the Dahlem Center:  Executive Director Rod Malloy and Nature Preschool Teacher Joy Rogers;  Northwest Community Schools Superintendent Geoff Bontrager;  Movie previews with Dave DeBaker and the Big Prize Bucket with Ric Walton.

Today The Bart Hawley Show begins Marine Week.  Staff Sgt. Daniel Barron and Sgt. Kevin Maynard join Bart as we visit Marine Corp Recruiting Station in San Diego.  Segments continue through next week.  Also today:  Pat Willis and Dan Machnik from Willis & Machnik Financial Services;  Bruce Inosencio with the Family Service and Childrens Aid's Fun Walk and Run this Saturday;  Jackson Youth Symphony Orchestra conductor David Schultz and musicians John Robey and Matt Polson.  The JYSO performs this Sunday at Western Community Arts Center at 3 pm.  There is no admission charge and the concert is open to the public.

Enterprise Group CEO and President Tim Rogers reported Greater Jackson continues to experience job growth through existing employers expanding production.  Tim recently met with site selection representatives to make a pitch for new development.  Other guests:  Hanover-Horton Schools Superintendent John Denney;  JCC Now with Luke Kuboushek and Michael Cain on the spring semester start;  JCC Weatherization classes with Kyle Liechty;  National Day of Prayer Task Force Chairman Dave Phelps inviting the community to attend tomorrow (May 2) at 12 Noon at Bucky Harris Park, downtown Jackson;  Special Olympics athletes with volunteers Bob Johnson and Paige Poling.

Jackson Storyfest is adding a new component during this, the 26th year of the festival.  Students are competing for the chance to join the professional storytellers on stage at the family matinee on Saturday.  On today's show, several of the students gave a preview of their storytelling skills.  Storyfest organizer Sara Tackett accompanied the students:  Ivy Augustine, Kaitlyn Hoover, Gabrielle Miles and Kevin Roberts.  Also in the audience:  teachers Brenda Ortega and Michelle Dubois and students Zach Johnson and Cadence DeGroote.  Viewers can vote for their favorite storyteller online at www.jacksonstoryfest.org.  Other guests today:  Congressman Tim Walberg;  Jackson Area Career Center Instructor Steve Keinath and computer programming students Nathan Lauer, Korey McKinney and Kenton Fogarty.    The Career Center is offering Summer Camps on smart gadgets and game programming.  Information and registration here.  Jackson Symphony Orchestra Maestro Stephen Osmond and guest celebrity Craig Richard Nelson preview Saturday's season=ending concert; Janice Fairley and Vanesha Boyd with SWAPP Parent Workshops.

Mission of Hope Cancer Fund founder Rock Mangus, along with event chairperson Karen Merklinger invited viewers to this Friday's "Pink Ladies Night Out Purse Auction and Dinner" at the Commonwealth Commerce Center.  Doors open at 6 for the Ladies Expo, with the auction starting at 7 PM.  Tickets and information here.   Other guests:  Jackson City Manager Patrick Burtch;  Julie Weisbrod, team leader for the Healthy Store Conversion Coaliton;  SAU Radio General Manager Kaitlyn Tracy;  President and CEO of the Center for Family Health Molly Kaser with Dental Manager Sherry Hardcastle.  The Center was awarded a grant from the Weatherwax Foundation for implementation of electronic dental records (details here).

On May 7, Northwest School District voters will be asked to approve two bond issues.  On today's show, superintendent Geoff Bontrager and committee member Dan Griswold  spelled out the process the district has gone through in preparing the request.  Complete details on the facilities and improvements planned can be found here.  Other guests today:  Marie Taylor, Michigan's Senior Citizen of the Year discusses her work in implementing "No One Dies Alone".  Marie was interviewed at Vista Grande Villa;  Dan Gretzner and Julie Adair from Consumers Energy;  Singer-guitarist Howard Tapley, on the bill tonight at the Jackson Coffee Company;  Katie Fish and Melissa Quisenberry from the Jackson YMCA on Summer Day Camps.

Spring Arbor University Vice President for University Advancement Brent Ellis announced the dedication for the newly renovated Student Life Center will be May 9th.  Held in the Lloyd and Judi Ganton Commons, the dedication will begin at 4:00 PM with a reception and tours to follow.   Guests are welcome and are asked to park at the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church.  Other guests on today's show:  Rich Walicki and Dave Best with the Tony Open golf fundraiser;  Jackson Firefighters Union President Tom Loveberry;  Kevin Brownlow, Jackson County Republican Committee with plans for the annual Lincoln Day fundraiser, May 16 at the Commonwealth Commerce Center;  Amy Thomson from McDonald's;   Jackson Coffee Company drawing of the month.