Jackson News Briefs July 29, 2022

Southern Michigan Bank & Trust Welcomes New Additions to Jackson Market Team

John Waldron, Jackson Market President of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust (SMBT) recently announced the appointment of Bill Jors, Senior Vice President Commercial Loan Officer; Angela Job, Commercial Lending Specialist; Alison Kreger, Credit Analyst; and Brooke Miles, Commercial Loan Administrative Assistant.

Bill Jors earned a bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor College and brings thirty-plus years of community banking experience in the Jackson area to his new role at Southern. Most recently, Jors was Vice President of Business Development at County National Bank (CNB) before joining Southern as Senior Vice President Commercial Loan Officer. He has also hosted a Jackson Community Banking radio show on WKHM970 am for 22 years sharing his knowledge and experience.

A lifelong resident of the area, Jors was Mayor of the City of Jackson from 2016-2017. He previously served as a board member of the Jackson Area Association of Realtors, Jackson Community Foreclosure Task Force, Jackson Economic Development Corporation, and Jackson Downtown Development Authority. Jors currently sits on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, Ella Sharp Museum, and the Jackson District Library. He has one daughter, Amanda, and is engaged to be married in the fall.

Angela Job is a graduate of Central Michigan University and has worked in the banking industry for 13 years. Previously, she was a Loan Portfolio Manager with CNB before joining Southern as a Commercial Lending Specialist. Job grew up in Hillsdale, MI, and now lives in Jackson with her husband, Tom.

Alison Kreger graduated from Michigan State University and began her banking career in 2010 at Flagstar Bank, where she held the positions of Warehouse Lending Processor and Credit Analyst. In 2017, Kreger transitioned to CNB where she moved into the role of Commercial Analyst and eventually Credit Specialist, before taking on her most recent role with Southern as a Credit Analyst. Kreger has a son named Carter. She actively volunteers for Junior Achievement and the Rotary Club of Jackson.

Brooke Miles is a graduate of Michigan State University. Prior to joining Southern as a Commercial Loan Administrative Assistant, she was a Commercial Loan Processor at CNB. Miles lives in Jackson with her husband, Zach. She is an avid volunteer with the Michigan State National Agri-Marketing Association.

“We are pleased to welcome Bill, Angela, Alison, and Brooke to the team at Southern,” stated Waldron. “I have had the privilege to work with these banking professionals in the past, and we look forward to bringing their extensive experience in the Jackson area to our customers.”

South Central Michigan Virtual School Welcomes Clifton Foster as New Dean of Students

Jackson Public Schools is pleased to announce Mr. Cliff Foster as the new Dean of Students at South Central Michigan Virtual School.

In 2000, Mr. Foster earned his undergraduate degree in Economics and Management from Albion College. After working several years in residential treatment programs, Mr. Foster began his career in education in 2003, serving 13 years as a Behavioral Specialist with Battle Creek Public Schools. In 2007, he received his Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. In 2016, he transitioned to the Lansing School District, where he served two years as a Student Services Specialist and four years as a Elementary/Middle School Principal.

Mr. Foster currently possesses a State of Michigan Administrator Certification for K-12 Principalship and offers over 20 years of experience working with youth.

“Over the last 20 years, I have had the opportunity to sharpen my skills as a leader and develop a deeper understanding of the importance of building relationships and having those relationships serve as a platform for personal development” said Mr. Foster. “ My experience in program development, staff supervision and evaluation, have created environments where people are positioned to do their absolute best to set and achieve goals. I look forward to collaborating my talents, skills and abilities with Jackson Public Schools.”

Jeff Beal, JPS Superintendent said, “I am excited to welcome Clifton Foster to our SCMV Viking family! His experience and expertise will help our program continue to grow as we provide online education to students in grades k-12 and work with our parents and students to make certain that they are successful no matter where they are learning from.”

Cascades Elementary School Announces Crescenda Jones as New Principal

Jackson Public Schools is pleased to announce Crescenda Jones as the new Principal at Cascades Elementary School.

Ms. Crescenda Jones is a Flint Northwestern High School graduate Class of 1988. She attended Eastern Michigan University to attain her Bachelor’s Degree in Children’s Literature & Communications and completed a Teacher Certification Program. Ms.

Jones finished her Master’s Degree in 2005 from Marygrove College with a focus in the Art of Teaching and obtained her second Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2013.

Crescenda brings over 20 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and educational consultant to our community. She has a track record of success and brings strong student & parent engagement skills, systems thinking, teacher development and coaching, and data-driven leadership.

Ms. Jones is married to Randy Gibson. They have been married for four years and blended their families. Together they have 4 children, Aspen (24), Timothy (16), Jessica (26), and Deanna (24). Crescenda enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies (Leah and Wynton).

“I am truly honored to become a part of the Cascades and JPS community, which has already given me such a warm welcome! In just a few interactions with JPS staff, it is abundantly clear that JPS is a unique and special place to work,” said Ms. Jones. “ I am eager and excited to begin what promises to be a GREAT year at Cascades Elementary as we work to provide an academic experience for our students that is rigorous, relevant and builds relationships. As your principal, it is important to me that everyone who steps through our doors, staff, students, and parents, are excited to be here!”

JPS Superintendent Jeff Beal said, “Jackson Public Schools is very excited to bring a talented educator and proven leader to Cascades Elementary School. I believe our families, staff and students will be in good hands as we welcome Crescenda Jones to our Viking family. Her experience working with staff and students is sure to make the 2022-2023 school year a great time to be a Viking!”

Jackson Symphony Orchestra Receives Consumers Energy Foundation Grant

The show will go on thanks in part to the Consumers Energy Foundation, which recently awarded the Jackson Symphony Orchestra with grant funding that is integral to the success of the JSO’s Signature Series.

The Consumers Energy Foundation awarded the Jackson Symphony Orchestra a $35,000 grant, which is a $5,000 increase over previous years. The grant will support the JSO’s Signature Series, which consists of five concerts held at the Potter Center on the campus of Jackson College and at Weatherwax Hall in downtown Jackson. The Consumers Energy Foundation will remain the principal partner and main sponsor of the Signature Series.

“We know that arts and culture are vital to the health of Michigan communities, and the JSO is an example of how an arts organization can enrich our own hometown,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “We are excited to provide this support to the JSO and help extend their rich musical heritage.

“The Consumers Energy Foundation’s ongoing support helps make what we do possible,” said Steve Trosin, the JSO’s Executive Director. “We honestly couldn’t ask for a better community partner. We’re extremely grateful for what they’ve done for us and what they continue to do for us. Their sponsorship as a principal partner helps underwrite the entire Signature Series. It’s able to happen because of their support.”

This year’s Signature Series celebrates the many organizations and people in the Jackson community. The Jackson Symphony Orchestra will collaborate with Conductor Laureate Stephen Osmond and showcase the Jackson Youth Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Chelsea, Jackson-native speed painter Evan Struck and the Jackson Chorale. The music chosen for this season has been written by composers from a variety of backgrounds, including familiar names like Shostakovich, Sibelius and Mahler as well as works by Ravel and Mussorgsky.

None of that would be possible without community support, including this most recent grant.

“The Consumers Energy Foundation offers support to the community and is a great example of good corporate citizenship,” said Belle Coty, the JSO’s Director of Fund and Audience Development. “The foundation invests so much money in the hometown of Consumers Energy and helps the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and so many other organizations to do what they do and improve life in the community.”

The Signature Series, part of the JSO’s 73rd concert season, will kick off with “The Maestro Returns” on Oct. 1 at the Potter Center and will wrap up with “Epic Mahler” on April 22. Season tickets are available at jacksonsymphony.org. First-time subscribers get 50 percent off the cost of season tickets. Single-event tickets go on sale Sept. 1.