Holiday 2011

Favorite ThingsHoliday Sights of the Season

ParadeSJHS Theatre Department begins work for the MIFA competition season

PLUS: Community Spotlight with Dave Hunt, Lisa Soros takes us to Chicago, PLUS: all of your favorite columnists, Gallery Talk and so much more!

FREE

See local. Do local. Be local.www.stjohnslocale.com

Holiday 2011

Sparkleadd some

to your glassChampagne is so yesterday! Try these sparking cocktails

at your next party

HolidayLocale_2011.pdf 1 12/16/11 5:06 PM

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One idle Tuesday, no so long ago, I made a trip downtown. As I walked into Firstbank, there, hanging on the wall, was an old photo stopping

me in my tracks. In the photo was a classic downtown, featuring the original building now beautifully remodeled by Firstbank. But, in the small upper left corner of the photo was something far more personal to me. Included in the shot, was also

the sign of another downtown business rather close to my heart, The E. F. Boron Company. And a flood of memories past came to me. E. F. Boron was a

small flooring business on the second floor in

downtown, and Eddie Boron, its owner, was my Great Grandfather. While he died long before I was born, I am told he was a

friendly and generous man that lived for helping the community to the best of his ability. Great Grandpa eventually

moved the business across the street to the main floor, where Rehmann’s stands now. The business sign

read simply, Boron’s. As

time grew, the business was eventually handed down to my Grandmother, Frances Boron, and her husband Robert Conn. Grandpa Conn then became the new face of Boron’s. Boron’s expanded to include not only flooring, but table

linens, towels and kitchenware. Every spring my cousin and I would get first pick of the new beach towels coming off the delivery truck. We jumped

and played leap-frog over the rolls of linoleum, played with the cash registers and generally drove the staff crazy. Grandpa didn’t care. He walked

home everyday for lunch where he would sit me on his lap and share his peas in warm milk - and no kidding - wiggle his ears. By my accounts, he might as well have been Santa. He suffered a small heart attack in the early 70‘s and was hospitalized at

then, Clinton Memorial Hospital. I wasn’t able to go up and see him because children had germs and weren’t allowed to see patients. No problem for Grandpa. He simply hung out the window of his room, with his lit cigarette, waving to me as I stood

in the parking lot. Grandpa Conn eventually decided it was time to retire and planned a “going out of business sale”, ironically, on the day I know truly to be “Black Friday”. At 9:00 p.m. in 1976, Boron’s closed it doors for the last time. He drove

my grandmother safely home and as he pulled into the garage, he closed his eyes and slumped over the steering wheel. He died from a second heart attack that night, his last night in local business.

As my thoughts came full circle, I realized how much influence those men had on my life. I studied Interior Design, kitchen design to be exact, and now own this small business in downtown. I recently joined the PSD/DDA as a board member to help

serve St. Johns. I have a very long history in this community and that is why I love it so. I try very hard to “walk the walk”, as my Grandparents did.

I want to thank all of the people supporting my family’s businesses over the years. You have no

idea how personal it really is. Peace, prosperity & joy to you in the New year!

Ghosts of Holidays Past.

In this issue:

6Favorite ThingsLocale visits the sights & sounds of the

season around town.

14The Transformation of MonicaOur weight loss blogette and columnist talks about doubt.

28ParadeSJHS Theatre begins

work on the latest production for the 2012 MIFA Competition in February.

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24Seven Hours in ChicagoShopping? No Way! Lisa Soros takes her camera and finds a view to remember this

holiday season.


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COVERSHOT

Published by Locale Media CompanyHoliday 2011

Photography by Lisa SorosSnowday! With Zachary Ulrich

Our advertisers make this publication possible. We graciously thank them for their continued support. We know our dedicated readers choose Locale as

their community support resource. Please tell our advertisers you saw their ad in Locale Magazine so we may continue to bring you the best, beautiful and heart warming stories of our favorite hometown.

Contributors:Sue Carroll Dave Hunt

Carole FieldRon Huard Mike MeuhlenbeckLisa SorosMonica Stump-Thayer

Future GhostLaurie Oakwood-Bishop Advertising ManagerRobert “Bing” Crosby

Marketing Manager Cammi Robinson

Graphic ArtistMegan Priess

Office Assistant Christina Hammond

Photography Jim Oakwood Brian Bishop

Guest PhotographerLisa Soros

St. Johns Locale Magazine is published by Locale Media Company, LLC © 2009. All rights reserved. Reproduction, whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. Contact our office at 517.614.4189 or email us at [email protected].


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Favorite Things a few of our

Photography by Jim Oakwood & Brian Bishop


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Historic Downtown

St. Johns lit up Friday,

December 2, 2011 as

we watched the

Annual

“Santa

Parade of

Lights". Each

entry was beautifully

decorated with

colorful holiday lights

and also featured

SANTA CLAUS! After the Parade, participants enjoyed the

official lighting of the annual St. Johns Christmas Tree and

the presentation of the Key to the City to Santa Claus by St.

Johns Mayor Dana Beaman. This magical key opens every

door in St. Johns, and enables Santa Claus to visit every boy

and girl on Christmas Eve!

Families, neighbors, co-workers, local school groups,

marching bands, civic organizations, church groups, dance

troupes, musical groups and businesses are all welcome to

participate in the parade and add to the pageantry of the

St. Johns Tree Lighting Ceremony. A total of $500 in cash

prizes wad awarded this year for the best decorated entry,

inviting the biggest crowd yet!! This event helps to bring our

community together to celebrate the holidays.

The parade began at the Clinton County Courthouse on

State Street and traveled north down Clinton Avenue to the

Train Depot Lawn. Parade goers gathered on the Depot

Lawn as St. Johns City Major Dana Beaman officially

welcomed Santa to the community and presented him with

a Key to our Mint Festival City. Santa and the mayor then

assisted our own “Little Miss Mint” as she lighted the St.

Johns community Christmas Tree opening the holiday

season.


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Annual

Christmas Festival

Held the 1st Saturday

in December of

Each Year! The Clinton County Chamber of

Commerce invited everyone to

participate in their Annual

Christmas Festival. Included was a

Festival of Trees, Breakfast with

Santa, Craft Show & Children’s

Crafts. The Festival of Trees and

Craft Show ran all day at the

Clinton County RESA Building.

While the Christmas trees were on

display, community members had

the opportunity to vote on their

favorite trees with their donations.

The tree that collected the most

money overall had the opportunity

to decide which charity receives all

the money collected.


9

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!The Arts & Crafts Show boasts over 60

vendors, a cookie walk and

refreshments. Sparrow Clinton Hospital

Auxiliary member, Mary Ann Ellickson (at

left), is overseeing their annual Poinsettia

sale. To be included next year, visit the

CCCC website at:

www.clintoncountychamber.org.

Annet te P ie rce & E la ine Larsen of Fam i l y Tree Jewe l ry d isp lay some of the i r beaut i fu l handmade g lass neck laces (shown above ) for sa le dur ing the CCCC Chr is tmas Fes t iva l . Th is i s jus t a sma l l samp le of the w ide se lec t ion of cra f te rs and ar t i sans w i th works for sa le a t the show.

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He’s 77. She’s 85. He has 6 grandchildren. She

has 4. She also has 8 great-grandchildren. His

nickname is “Mr. B.” Hers is “GG.” Meet Hugh

Banninga and Maxine Kushmaul.

Together they spend nearly every day of the

week at Oakview, volunteering in the classrooms

and helping the students learn and play.

Our dear Mr. B, Mr. Hugh Banninga, started

volunteering at Oakview when his grandchildren

attended. His granddaughter was in Peg Zink’s

first grade class and his grandson in Mike

Muehlenbeck’s second grade class. Both

teachers may have retired several years ago, but

that hasn’t kept Mr. B away. In fact, as he tells the

story, he was working at the gym at Sparrow

Clinton Memorial Rehab when a cute brunette

caught his eye. That was Sara Koenigsknecht

(Mrs. K), who sweetly asked what his plans were

now that Mrs. Zink had retired. They quickly

decided he would be a perfect fit in her

classroom, and the rest is history.

Mr. B also helps out in Krista Lehner’s third

grade class, and when the weather permits, he’s

been known to be a goalie for a fairly rowdy and

energetic group of third grade soccer players. He

is at Oakview every day, and often will only leave

for lunch, returning to help students with math,

reading and writing.

It’s not unusual for Mrs. K’s students to

surround Mr. B and affectionately hug him and

clamor for his attention. During the summer, some

of the kids who live in his neighborhood will knock

at his door and want him to come out and play.

He warmly describes the joys of volunteering:

helping the kids, all of the hugs, and watching

them experience an “aha” moment in math.

“GG”, which stands for “great grandma,” is

really Maxine Kushmaul, and she is in her fourth

year of volunteering at Oakview. It was during a

knitting session with Diane Harte that they

dreamed up the plan to have her volunteer at

the school. GG is here 4 days each week, and

Oakview South Elementary: Day in the Life

For more information about

Oakview South Elementary as

well as photos, check out their

Facebook page!

OAKVIEW FEELS BLESSED BY VOLUNTEERS


11

does puzzles, plays games, and reads with the children.

When we had half-day kindergarten, GG would come

twice a day! In the fall and spring, if the weather

cooperates, she will walk here. The students are excited

every day to see her come through the door.

GG worked for several years. As she was about to

turn 80, she was offered the 8-midnight shift. She politely

declined, and decided to retire. I believe the students

keep her young, and she says she loves watching them

grow. At our Halloween parade, she got to see children

of all grades, including those that she had worked with in

kindergarten. She was thrilled to see how many

remembered her. She plans to volunteer at Oakview as

long as her health holds.

Mr. B and GG are just two of many volunteers that

Oakview is blessed with each day. There’s Olga, Mr.

Bertoldi, Mr. and Mrs. Pulliam, Mrs. Howell, Mrs. Willis, Mrs.

K’s Grandma, Grandma Dedyne and more, who regularly

help out in the classrooms and on field trips. We truly

could not do it all without them.

“Children are everybody's responsibility and it is up to

us to make a difference. We all have to be involved.” ~

Wanda Floyd-Fields

Written & Submitted by Lisa Soros


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If the spirit seems to begin slipping away between Christmas and New Years, extend the holiday aura with a visit to the home of Mike Muehlenbeck for a tour through a Christmas wonderland.! The outing will not only delight, but will cap the holiday period with useful images and ideas for years to come.

The holiday theme is present in every room - !in fact every space, from basement to roof! - and festooned with

enchanting signs of the season, including traditional to

surprising, lighted and sparkling, whimsical and curious.

The tour, planned for Thursday Dec. 29 from 1 to 7 p.m., is a fund-raiser for Clinton County Arts Council and all proceeds will be directed to the Council’s operating budget.! “We are constantly seeking new and innovative approaches to augment the budget,” Muehlenbeck explained, “and this home tour is an initial attempt.”!

Gallery TalkHOME TOUR TO BENEFIT ARTS COUNCIL

“A Christmas Wonderland” is the theme of a home tour planned at the home of Mike Muehlenbeck during the week between Christmas and New Years eve. !Mike is shown capping a small tree with the traditional star.


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Winter!"#$%&'' !"#$%&'(

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@.,'5*,'8'5..)'4.,,.$AMuehlenbeck’s home is located at 208 W. Sturgis St. in St. Johns.

To enjoy the walk-thru there is a fee of $20.00.! Each visitor will receive a decorative, hand painted Christmas ornament and all tickets must be purchased in advance.! There will be no tickets available on the day of the tour.

Tickets may be purchased at the Gallery, along with details and information by calling 989 224-2429.

Clinton County Arts Gallery hours are, Tuesday through Friday, 10a to 5:30p and Saturday 10a to 2p.! The Gallery is closed on Monday.!

Additional information on the Gallery or Council operations may be secured by calling 989 224-2429. Michael Muehlenbeck, Director.

St. Johns Locale invites you to support the arts! See our website for pictures and updates from the Clinton County Arts Council.


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Doubts. They always seem to get the

best of me. !I felt like I was ready for all the

changes (physical, emotional, and mental)

but then I began to wonder. !Was I going to

be strong enough? Was I going to have

enough patience and fortitude to deal with

how long it would take me to get to goal? I

am as stubborn as they come but I’m also

human and not invincible.

!!!I have had my share of heartache and

disappointment with this journey of mine. I

am the one who has to have the courage to

walk into the doctor’s office month after

month, not knowing if whatever I did would

be good enough for a loss. I am the one who

has to have the courage to step on that

scales knowing that it might be bad and

how was I going to deal with it. Was I going

to slap a smile on my face and have the

attitude that whatever happens, happens?

Was I going to let it define how my day

went? !Each time that I go there, I have to

put on my big girl pants, so to speak, and

take whatever gets thrown my way, as an

adult. There has been many times that I have

just wanted to crawl up into a ball and cry

my eyes out. But what will that get me?

I have found out that no matter what

that scales says, no matter what anyone says

to me, for that matter, defines me. I know

when I have been bad, I have no one to

blame but myself. I also know that even if I

have had a gain this month, I have tried, !

worked hard and I need to step back at that

moment and have gratitude for all I have

been able to accomplish. !It’s hard to do

these things because my first reaction is to

get mad at myself and push myself even

more than I already do.

That is where having a positive attitude

comes into play. And, take it from me, I’ve

had my share of negativity in all this. !I’ve

had those thoughts a lot. !It’s hard not to! !It

has been a long road and will continue to

be. !Even after I get to goal, it’s a lifetime

change. I will have to keep myself in check. !

I can relax a little more but it will continually

be something that I have to live with.

Lately, the scales have been so up and

down. It has been discouraging. I was 3.4 lbs.

away from the goal. This would be the

second time I have been so close to goal. !

I’m not giving up. I just roll up the sleeves a

little more and dig my heels in deeper. !I

know there is a lesson to be learned in all this

and I just take it as it comes. I have to have

that attitude. I wouldn’t be where I am

Just a Small Town GirlTHE TRANSFORMATION OF MONICA


15

today if I’d given up the first time I had a “set

back”. I love the fact I am stubborn. !I love the

fact that as much as I would like to “curl up”

into that ball in the corner, I won’t. !It won’t

break me! !

This attitude got me to participate in

another race but this time, it was a half

marathon. 13.1 miles (Capitol City River Run). !I

didn’t think about it, I didn’t premeditate it, I just

did it. It was one of those moments in my life I

will always remember. !I did something I set out

to do. I had a goal, which was to run the whole

race without stopping, and to possibly improve

my pace time from the last race I ran. !And I did

just that. I ran the race in 2:02:48. My pace per

mile was 9:23.!I placed 42nd!out of 136 in my

age bracket. Overall, I placed 744th!out of

roughly 1628 participates. !My pace for the Mint

City 10 miler was 9:35 per mile. !I shaved off 12

seconds on my time. I had my eyes fixed on the

goal and I did it. I know the same thing is true

with getting to my goal weight. This will take

longer but it will happen. I will make it happen!

I find myself thinking often what it will feel

like when I get to goal. Will it be like the feeling

when I gave birth to my two kids? Will it be a

feeling of accomplishment…the feeling of utter

joy? I try to keep it into perspective. I don’t want

to put my apples before the cart, so to speak. !

I’m just trying to enjoy the journey as it goes and

take in all the lessons to be learned.

Submitted and written by Monica Stump-Thayer

Follow Monica on her blogspot

at stjohnslocale.com.!

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1 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:ST. JOHNS BIG BOY & KIWANIS CLUB COORDINATE ON FOOD DRIVE

Once again, the Big Boy of St. Johns will sponsor Operation Can Do in conjunction with the St. Johns Kiwanis Club.

For over 30 years, Big Boy has conducted the canned food drives in restaurants across the state. Ten years ago, St. Johns Big Boy owner, Dave Hunt – also a member of the St. Johns Kiwanis Club, involved the local club in this endeavor, making it a community service project for the organization. Last year alone, over 2100 items were collected for distribution in Clinton County by members of the Kiwanis Club and Big Boy.

“In light of the ongoing economic and unemployment situation, just because folks were not in need a year or even a month ago, does not necessarily mean that is true now,” said Hunt. Food banks across the state are all in the same predicament – too much empty space on the shelves. Families that never thought they would be seeking assistance with basic necessities, such as food, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene products are now humbly asking for our help.”

Between now and December 31, non-perishable items, canned goods, shampoo, toothpaste, cleaning supplies, and other basic items, can be dropped off in the lobby of the St. Johns Big Boy. Again, all items collected will remain and be distributed in our community by the Basic Needs Ministry.

“For those of us who are so fortunate and blessed, let us dig a little deeper, and reach out a bit further this year, to help those who need our help,” said Hunt.

The St. Johns Big Boy is located at 1408 S. U.S. 27. For further information about Operation Can Do or the St. Johns Kiwanis Club, contact David Hunt at

989.224.6828.

“FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE SO

FORTUNATE AND BLESSED, LET US DIG

A L ITTLE DEEPER, AND REACH OUT A BIT FURTHER THIS

YEAR, TO HELP THOSE WHO NEED

OUR HELP,”

SAID HUNT.


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Merry Christmas!Merry Christmas!Have a

The Downtown St. Johns Principal Shopping

District is a supporter of the 3/50 project.!What is

the 3/50 project?! It is an organization pursuant to

saving the brick and mortar stores our nation was

built on.!Why is it called the “3/50 project”?!First,

think of 3 independently owned businesses you

would miss if they closed.!Next, visit them and

purchase something… your spending is what

keeps those local small businesses operating.!If

50% of the employed population spent $50 in

locally owned independent businesses each

month, it would generate 42.6 billion dollars in

revenue (according to the U.S. Labor

Department 2/6/09 report).!

Just imagine what an impact you could have

on the locally owned businesses here in

Downtown St. Johns owned by your friends and

neighbors!!For every $100 spent in locally owned

independent stores, $68 returns to the community

in the form of taxes, payroll and other

expenditures.!If you spend the same $100 in a big

box store or other national chain, only $43 returns

to the local economy (according to the

Andersonville Study of Retail Economics by Civic

Economics).!If you spend that on an out-of-town

website, nothing returns home! It is clear that

locally-owned businesses generate substantially

more economic benefit to the local economy

than national chains. In other words:! Spend it

here - Get more back!!For a list of downtown

businesses visit www.DowntownStJohns.org!"#"$"%&'()*+,-"989.640.2778


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Serving our customersfor over 20 years!

Just north on Business 27in St. Johns

517.224.2900

of the road ahead.A very clear view

}ScoreAt the SJHS Baseball

Team Trivia Night!

Mark your calendar to support the

St. Johns High School Baseball

Program at TRIVIA NIGHT being held

at the St. Johns High School

Cafeteria on Saturday January 11,

2012. The evening includes

beverages and snacks, door prizes,

drawings and lots of fun! The cost is

$20 per person, or $180 per table of

8. Early registration discount is

available for $125 per table if you

register before December 31.

Contact Coach Parker at

parker@sjredwings,org

or Kim Sperry at 517.881.9075

or email [email protected].

Registration can also be mailed to:

SJHS Baseball Fundraiser

C/O 8204 US-27, DeWitt, MI 48820

Make checks payable to St. Johns

High School.

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1"%3=+%?@A@%B13=%2"#1613+7%3+C3%*),%DEF

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HOLIDAY STOCKING STUFFER SPECIALC'""%,#7#4"0#D7<-<<#E+#DF;#G+)2,H

#

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21

Unique

NEW SEASON

NEW

YOU!

Play{ 4th Annual SNOW DAY! At the Emerald with Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary!

Shelley

Gunther, left,

and Kathie

Clock ham it

up with the

karaoke mike

in mock

rehearsal for

the fourth

annual “Snow

Day at the

Emerald.”!

The event,

sponsored by

Sparrow

Clinton

Hospital

Auxiliary, is

slated for

Saturday January 28 and, as in the past, features indoor/

outdoor activities highlighted by a chili cook off, a fun

karaoke event, an outdoor bonfire and table and video

games.! The “Snow Day” event is a fund raiser for the auxiliary

to assist in the purchase of emergency room equipment.

Article and photo submitted by Ron Huard.


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SEVEN HOURS IN CHICAGO

It was a spur of the moment decision. A friend

mentioned a bus trip to Chicago. Leave at 7:30

am, return by 11:30 p.m.! A shopping trip to

Chicago for $60. Ding, ding, ding! Little bells went

off in my head. Was I excited about shopping?

Nope! This would be an amazing photo

opportunity! So within 5 minutes of our discussion I

had secured us two tickets on the bus. Poor

Jackie had no idea what she had just signed up

for.

Saturday, November 12 dawned beautifully.

Not a cloud to be found and unusually warm

temperatures = fantastic photo weather. I was

giddy with excitement. As we pulled out of the

parking lot, one of the organizers of the trip stood

and shouted, “Who’s ready for some shopping in

Chicago!” I yelled back, “I’m taking pictures!”

Cue the crickets……as he glanced down at me,

stunned. “You’re going….to take….PICTURES?” I

nodded and patted my new camera bag loaded

with lenses and my camera, safely ensconced in

my lap for the long ride south.!He simply shook his

head in disbelief and sat back down.

Fast forward four hours and we were slowing

down, making our way toward Michigan Avenue

and the Magnificent Mile. I was overcome with

the urge to bolt from the bus. Look at the train!

The old buildings with ivy! The wrought iron bridge!

And then we came upon our first reminder of

where we were. An elderly man standing by the

side of the road, holding a sign that read

“Homeless and hungry.” I thought of my camera

and three lenses in my lap and was ashamed.

Then our driver did an extraordinary thing. Ignoring

the traffic and drone of taxi cab horns, he moved

into the middle lane, slid open his window,

tapped on the bus horn, and gestured toward the

man. Leaning from his window, he handed him his

lunch. The bus fell silent.

Once we had made our way to the Water

Tower Place shopping plaza, we disembarked. It

was just after 11 a.m., Chicago time. We were due

back at the bus by 6 p.m. I had seven hours to

shoot as many pictures as my camera could hold.

Poor Jackie. I dragged her all over downtown

Chicago, up and down streets, past parks, near

Lake Michigan, across bridges, under train tracks,

down by the river. But she balked at the subway.

She flat out refused to head under the city for

more pictures. We ended our day at the top of

the John Hancock Observatory, where

photographers with smuggled tripods set up for

the perfect evening shot of Chicago.

In the end I came home with two t-shirts for

my kids, over 100 pictures on my!memory stick,

and many more inside my head. And, one piece

of Chicago style deep dish pizza.

Seven hours in Chicago was not nearly

enough. Article & Photos by Lisa Soros.

HOMELESS & HUNGRY


23

“Leaning from his window, he handed him his lunch. The bus fell silent.”


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!

!"""#$%&'()*+,#-%.

!

!!

Perhaps you’ve driven by and marveled

at the new Habitat home in Ovid. Perhaps

you’ve wondered how you can become

involved with Habitat for Humanity of Clinton

County, since power tools and construction

skills just aren’t your thing. Perhaps you’re

seeking a way to encourage your neighbors

to recycle, reuse, and repurpose without

becoming known as the neighborhood

curmudgeon. Perhaps you’ve had enough

of TV reruns and are looking for an

opportunity to interact with a variety of real

people. Then perhaps you should consider

volunteering at the Habitat ReStore in St.

Johns.

The ReStore receives donations of new

and used household and building materials

and sells these items at deeply discounted

prices, with the proceeds supporting the

mission of Habitat for Humanity of Clinton

Volunteer OpportunitiesAT THE HABITAT RESTORE


23

County in providing decent, affordable

homes to those living in inadequate housing.

There is always an ongoing need for

volunteers, with partial or full day shifts

available Tuesday through Saturday.

The ReStore especially needs cashiers to

work 4-1/2 hour shifts one or more times

each week. If you are people-oriented,

flexible, enthusiastic, friendly and polite, can

follow established procedures for

completing customer sales, and are willing

to advocate the mission of Habitat for

Humanity of Clinton County, please consider

volunteering a few hours a week as a

cashier.

If you choose to volunteer at the

ReStore, you’ll meet special people, have

lots of fun, get the first glance at all the

marvelous merchandise, and leave at the

end of the day knowing you have made a

meaningful contribution to your community

and to Habitat for Humanity of Clinton

County.

Submitted by Sue Carroll, Executive

Director for Habitat for Humanity of Clinton

County.

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1 We Are Here For You!We Are Here For You!We Are Here For You!

open 9-6 daily during the holiday season

!"!"#$%#&'(#")*#########$+%#,-./$########01234(%567#Grown. Made. Harvested. Locale.Grown. Made. Harvested. Locale.

Holiday Wreaths plain or custom:

we’ll decorate while you shop

Grave Blankets & Pillows

plain or custom

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees 3’-14’ - many varieties

FREE delivery & set-up

Scratch Bakery

& MORE!

The celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in

ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon

(actually the first visible crescent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).

The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. After all, it is the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and of

blossoming. January 1, on the other hand, has no astronomical nor agricultural

significance. It is purely arbitrary.The Babylonian new year celebration

lasted for eleven days. Each day had its

own particular mode of celebration, but it is safe to say that modern New Year's Eve

festivities pale in comparison.The Romans continued to observe the

new year in late March, but their calendar

was continually tampered with by various emperors so that the calendar soon

became out of synchronization with the sun.

In order to set the calendar right, the

Roman senate, in 153 BC, declared January 1 to be the beginning of the new year. But

tampering continued until Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established what has come to be known as the Julian Calendar. It again

established January 1 as the new year. But in order to synchronize the calendar with

the sun, Caesar had to let the previous year drag on for 445 days. Although in the first centuries AD the

Romans continued celebrating the new year, the early Catholic Church

condemned the festivities as paganism. But as Christianity became more widespread, the early church began having its own

religious observances concurrently. From Wilstar.com

A History of New Year’s

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Stylists: Tina, Sue & KellyHours:

Mon: 8 am by appt. Tues-Fri: 9-8 pm

Sat: 9-2 pm or by appt.

Salon Fiji On-The-Go for after hours

appt. available on weekends.

517.420.8799


27

Sparkleadd some

No holiday could be complete

without a great sparkling cocktail.

Sparking wines, such as prosecco

and specialty champagnes

are all the rage this season.

We have 2 not-to-miss easy

cocktails sure to help you

celebrate the season!

Prosecco SangriaA great party punch bowl recipe you can

make in large quantity to enjoy with friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 peach

• 1 nectarine

• 3 apricots

• 5 ounces peach brandy

• 1 bottle (750 mL) chilled Prosecco,

(Italian sparkling wine)

• 1 cup peach nectar

• Superfine sugar (optional)

Directions: In a pitcher, combine peach,

nectarine, and apricots, all pitted and cut

into wedges. Stir in peach brandy; let sit at

least 1 hour. Stir in Prosecco and peach

nectar. Add superfine sugar, if desired.

Serve chilled.

Menning MimosaThis fabulous recipe for a Menning

Mimosa is a perfect cocktail to serve

at any celebration.

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons freshly

squeezed orange juice

• 2 tablespoons freshly

squeezed lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons orange flavored

liqueur, such as Grand Marnier

or Prosecco, chilled

• Fresh mint leaf

Directions: In a Champagne flute, mix

together orange juice, lemon juice,

and liqueur. Fill with Prosecco. Garnish

with mint leaf and serve immediately.

to your glass!


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St. Johns High School Theatre Department Presents:2011-2012 MIFA Competition Theatre

Leo Frank, a Jewish factory owner,

is put on trial for the murder of 13-

year-old Mary Phagan. Desperate

for someone to blame, the people

of Atlanta convict him, but his wife

stands by his side through it all,

sure of his innocence.

Community NightWednesday, February 15, 2012SJHS Auditorium

Parade is a musical with a book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. The musical was first produced on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on December 17, 1998. The production was directed by Harold Prince. 1999 Tony Awards

Include, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Musical Score.


29

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Act I: We are in Marietta, Georgia, in the time of the American Civil War The sounds of drums herald the appearance of a young Confederate soldier, bidding

farewell to his sweetheart as he goes to fight for his homeland. The years pass and suddenly it is 1913. The young soldier has become an old one-legged veteran who is preparing to march in the annual Confederate Memorial Day parade ("The Old Red Hills of Home"). As

the Parade begins ("The Dream of Atlanta"), Leo Frank, a Yankee Jew from Brooklyn, NYC, is deeply uncomfortable in the town in which he works and lives, feeling out of place due to his Judaism and his college education ("How Can I Call This Home?"). His discomfort

is present even in his relationship with his wife, Lucille, who has planned an outdoor meal spoiled by Leo’s decision to go into work on a holiday. Meanwhile, two local teens, Frankie Epps and Mary Phagan, ride a trolley car and flirt. Frankie wants Mary to go to the

picture show with him, but Mary playfully resists, insisting her mother will not let her ("The Picture Show"). Mary leaves to collect her pay from the pencil factory managed by Frank.

While Frank is at work, Lucille bemoans the state of

their marriage, believing herself unappreciated by a man so wrapped up in himself. She reflects on her unfulfilled life and wonders whether or not Leo was the right match for her ("Leo at Work/What Am I Waiting For?"). Mary Phagan arrives in Leo's office to collect her

paycheck. That night, two policeman, Detective Starnes and Officer Ivey, rouse Frank from his sleep, and without telling him why, demand he accompany them to the factory, where the body of Mary Phagan has been found raped and murdered in the basement. The police

immediately suspect Newt Lee, the African-American

night watchman who discovered the body ("Interrogation"). Throughout his interrogation, he maintains his innocence, but inadvertently directs the

suspicion of the police upon Frank, who did not answer his telephone when Lee called him to report the incident. Frank is arrested, but not charged, and Mrs. Phagan, Mary's mother, and her younger daughter, Lizzie, become aware of Mary's death.

Across town, a reporter named Britt Craig is thrown out of a bar and drunkenly bemoans the lack of a worthwhile story to report in the slow-moving town of Atlanta ("Big News!"). Once he hears about Mary's murder, he sobers up and sees the possibility of a career-

making story.In the meantime, Governor Slaton pressures the

local prosecutor Hugh Dorsey to get to the bottom of the whole affair. Dorsey, an ambitious politician with a "lousy conviction record", resolves to find the murderer.

At Mary's funeral, the townspeople of Marietta are angry, mournful, and baffled by the tragedy that has so unexpectedly shattered the community. ("There is a Fountain/It Don't Make Sense"). Frankie Epps swears revenge on Mary's killer, as does Tom Watson, a writer for

The Jeffersonian, an extremist right-wing newspaper.Later on, Dorsey, along with Starnes and Ivey

interrogate Newt Lee, but they get no information. Dorsey releases Newt, reasoning that "hanging another Nigra ain't enough this time. We gotta do better." He

then attaches the blame to Leo Frank, and sends Starnes and Ivey out to find eyewitnesses ("Something Ain’t Right"). Craig exalts in his opportunity to cover a "real" story and begins an effective campaign vilifying Leo Frank. ("Real Big News"). con’t


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We then meet Luther Z. Rosser, Leo’s lawyer, who vows to “win this case, and send him home”. Meanwhile, Dorsey makes a deal with factory janitor and ex-convict

Jim Conley to testify against Frank in exchange for immunity for a previous escape from Prison. Lucille, hounded by reporters, collapses from the strain and privately rebukes Craig when he attempts to get an interview ("You Don't Know This Man"). She tells her

husband that she cannot bear to see his trial, but he begs her to stay in the courtroom, as her not appearing would make him look guilty.

The Trial of Leo Frank begins, presided over by Judge Roan. A hysterical crowd gathers outside the courtroom

("People of Atlanta"), and Hugh Dorsey begins the case for the prosecution ("Twenty Miles from Marietta"). The prosecution produces a series of witnesses, most of whom give trumped evidence which was clearly fed to them by Dorsey. Frankie Epps testifies, falsely, that Mary mentioned

that Frank "looks at her funny" when they last spoke, a sentiment echoed verbatim by three of Mary’s teenage co-workers, Iola, Essie, and Monteen ("The Factory Girls"). In a fantasy sequence, Frank becomes the lecherous seducer of their testimony ("Come Up to My Office").

Testimony is heard from Mary's mother ("My Child Will Forgive Me") and Newt Lee before the prosecution's star witness, Jim Conley, takes the stand, claiming that he helped Frank cover up the crime (“That's What He Said”).

The courtroom is filled with cries of "hang him!" Leo is

desperate, but Rosser insists he stay silent, assuring him that he has a plan. As prosecutor Hugh Dorsey whips the observers and jurors at the trial into a frenzy, Rosser is given the opportunity for his client to deliver a statement. Leo offers a heartfelt speech, pleading to be believed

("It's Hard To Speak My Heart"), but it is not enough - despite Rosser insisting that he wasn't coached or rehearsed. He is found guilty and sentenced to hang. The crowd breaks out into a jubilant cakewalk as Lucille and Leo embrace, terrified ("Summation and Cakewalk").

During Act 2, Leo has begun his process of appeal. The trial has been noted by the press in the north, and the reaction is strongly disapproving of the way in which it was conducted, but Newt Lee, Jim Conley, and two

African-American domestics wonder if the reaction would have been as strong if the victim had been black ("A Rumblin' and a Rollin'"). Lucille tries to help Leo with his appeal, but reveals crucial information to Craig, provoking a fight between Leo and Lucille ("Do It Alone").

Lucille then finds Governor Slaton at a party ("Pretty Music") and attempts to advocate for Leo.

The governor, upon receiving a letter from the now-retired Judge Roan asking him to reevaluate the evidence as he lies on his deathbed, ("Letter to the

Governor"), reopens the case. Leo and Lucille rejoice ("This Is Not Over Yet"). Slaton visits the factory girls, who admit to their exaggeration, and Newt Lee, who claims

that Dorsey did not let him finish his testimony. Slaton also visits Jim Conley, who is back in jail as an accessory to the murder, who refuses to change his story despite the noticeable inconsistencies with the evidence, and along with his Chain Gang, does not give any information,

much to the chagrin of Slaton ("Feel the Rain Fall").After much consideration, he agrees to commute

Frank's sentence to life in prison in Milledgeville, Georgia, a move that effectively ends his political career. The citizens of Marietta, led by Dorsey and Watson, are

enraged ("Where Will You Stand When the Flood Comes?"). Leo realizes his deep love for his wife and how much he has underestimated her ("All the Wasted Time"). After Lucille departs from the prison, a party of masked men (Starnes, Ivey, Frankie Epps, and the Old

Confederate Soldier) arrives and kidnaps Leo. They take him to Marietta and string him from an oak tree ("Sh'ma").

Lucille is crushed by her loss but she takes comfort in believing that Leo is with God and free from his ordeal, as the Confederate Memorial Day Parade begins again

("Finale").

The Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association (MIFA) promotes Speech Activities in middle and high schools in the state of Michigan by offering training,

mentoring, and educational materials to coaches and teachers; as well as coordinating and administering district, regional, and state level competitions and festivals for students in the areas of Debate, Discussion, Theatre and Individual Events.! We strive to be the primary

resource for Speech Activities in the state of Michigan and aspire to bring speech activities to every school in the state of Michigan so that all students can effectively participate in a democratic society.

MIFA sponsors the largest theatre festival in Michigan.

Secondary schools participate in a tri-level theatre series that highlights traveling shows. A maximum of seven schools participate per site, which gives participants the opportunity to present their productions and see a variety of other shows. Themes alternate annually between

humorous and serious. For 2011-2012, the theme is tragedy. The constraints of a 45-minute traveling production focus the evaluation of each show on its acting and special technique considerations. MIFA recognizes outstanding productions in three school

classifications at the State Final Festival. SJHS Theater experience is a combination of learning, artistic growth and fun. The production staff’s goal is to guide students to produce a piece of excellent, high quality theatre.


31

Do you need to ask people to repeat themselves? Do you turn up the TV louder than others to hear it?

Do you have to strain to understand conversations?

See our websitefor our hearing aid

surveys,videos, articles, hearing info,

maps & MORE!

www.AdvancedAudiologyDewitt.com

Hearing Starts Here.

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Holiday 2011

Documents

Transcript of Holiday 2011