I've made some changes to the look of the blog. Mainly, there's no green anymore which is super. The verdict is still out. I'll probably know in the next few days if I feel good about this template and color scheme.
It's true that it took longer than I originally anticipated to update "The Wire." I took a bit of a hiatus during the holidays. I couldn't help it. Sometimes you just need time to unwind. Plus, I was going through my typical overload that results from this time of year when I have 80 friends in town and I want to see every single one individually, but that's just not possible. We also had some early deadlines the past few weeks for the Enterprise and other Heritage newspapers, so that added to the drama.
But I am back, and I am so strong. I am ready for 2010. Hopefully the year brings with it some good things. Hopefully it also brings some trouble, because that's always fun.
Ok, now it's time for some linkspam. Lots of things going on in the entertainment world these days, but also lots of important news headlines that I think you should be up to date on. Check it out below:
Interest in body scanners return following terrorist attempt on Detroit Northwest Airlines flight
Mark Mardell supplies an outside perspective on US political climate and health care
EW: Does Avatar's so-so story matter? I've read many reviews on the recently released box office smash, and I've seen it. James Cameron is a sap, but he knows pacing and ambiance like no one else... except maybe Peter Jackson on a good day. This is an interesting perspective on the possible permanence of the whole 3D IMax experience, which coincidentally gives me nausea.
James Cameron announces plans for Avatar trilogy? No surprise there. Hollywood loves a good series.
Oscar season approaches, and with that Dave Karger predicts the Oscar nods. I'm sort of disappointed by how few of the top movies I've actually seen this year. I was trying to save money by renting movies instead, but now I'm sort of regretting that decision.
Heartbreakers hits movie theaters Jan. 8. I love a good Ethan Hawke vampire film.
Sex and the City 2 trailer released. As if they haven't gotten enough money out of this. But knowing me and my huge fandom, there will be a pre-movie cocktail and dessert party at my place! P.S. This teaser trailer, true to form, tells nothing of the movie's premise.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Anyone feel like a makeover?
I'm a girl and Daniel is a boy, so that means it's time for MAKEOVER!!! WOOT!
I'm going to change how this blog looks soon.... very soon. No offense to Daniel, but I don't care for green. I don't have anything against it. In fact, I love green in the real world because I have an affinity for trees. But I don't like it on my blogs. It reminds me too much of Spartan country, and THAT my friends we CANNOT have.
Stay tuned to see the end result when I peel back the velvet curtain.
I'm going to change how this blog looks soon.... very soon. No offense to Daniel, but I don't care for green. I don't have anything against it. In fact, I love green in the real world because I have an affinity for trees. But I don't like it on my blogs. It reminds me too much of Spartan country, and THAT my friends we CANNOT have.
Stay tuned to see the end result when I peel back the velvet curtain.
Oh my gosh look it's the coolest girl ever!
Hi I'm Jana. I'm the new one... Daniel's replacement as copy editor as he traipses over there to Chelsea and Dexter.
I wrote a column this week to introduce myself. Head over there if you haven't read it. It will give you all the details.
Basically this is where I will share tidbits and stories and comments that I would not otherwise share with the community. This is where I will be blunt, honest, and post cute pictures of puppies just for the sake of doing so... because that's what blogs are for. I will occasionally use nerd verbiage. That means sometimes I'm going to use words used in the online gaming world (MOAR, lul, lollerskates, obv, imo, etc.), but you'll get used to them. I find they add a certain something. One day I'll post a reference guide.
I encourage you to comment if for no other reason than people rarely do so. Yet, those bloggers over there in Ann Arbor do it every day five times a day and they GET AWAY WITH IT. We can do better. I challenge you to do better.
I'll also try to post lots of community photos up here that might not necessarily make it into the paper. Hopefully then you can all DL the pics and go home happy.
On a side note, I have a weakness for surveys. Those forwarded chain mails that circulate with questions like "If you were a crayon, which color would you be?" (I would be maroon) are one of my favorite pastimes. That means that sometimes they're going to make it onto this blog. I'll spare you usually because there can be too much of a good thing, but I just wanted to warn you. Let's cherish that together as we get to know one another.
I also will share my favorite websites from time to time. My sense of humor isn't the cleanest of the pack, but I can pick a good comedic website like the best of them. I share these for no other reason than to promote being easy going and having a laugh. They're good for you, I hear.
The first one up for sharing is a nice little website called the Doghouse, which can be found at www.thedoghousediaries.com. Look, I even embedded the url into the name in case you're too lazy to reopen a separate window or tab in your browser. Just click that word up there and you'll see. OH... YOU'LL SEE.
I wrote a column this week to introduce myself. Head over there if you haven't read it. It will give you all the details.
Basically this is where I will share tidbits and stories and comments that I would not otherwise share with the community. This is where I will be blunt, honest, and post cute pictures of puppies just for the sake of doing so... because that's what blogs are for. I will occasionally use nerd verbiage. That means sometimes I'm going to use words used in the online gaming world (MOAR, lul, lollerskates, obv, imo, etc.), but you'll get used to them. I find they add a certain something. One day I'll post a reference guide.
I encourage you to comment if for no other reason than people rarely do so. Yet, those bloggers over there in Ann Arbor do it every day five times a day and they GET AWAY WITH IT. We can do better. I challenge you to do better.
I'll also try to post lots of community photos up here that might not necessarily make it into the paper. Hopefully then you can all DL the pics and go home happy.
On a side note, I have a weakness for surveys. Those forwarded chain mails that circulate with questions like "If you were a crayon, which color would you be?" (I would be maroon) are one of my favorite pastimes. That means that sometimes they're going to make it onto this blog. I'll spare you usually because there can be too much of a good thing, but I just wanted to warn you. Let's cherish that together as we get to know one another.
I also will share my favorite websites from time to time. My sense of humor isn't the cleanest of the pack, but I can pick a good comedic website like the best of them. I share these for no other reason than to promote being easy going and having a laugh. They're good for you, I hear.
The first one up for sharing is a nice little website called the Doghouse, which can be found at www.thedoghousediaries.com. Look, I even embedded the url into the name in case you're too lazy to reopen a separate window or tab in your browser. Just click that word up there and you'll see. OH... YOU'LL SEE.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Merry Christmas from AAA
This past week, I was met with an unpleasant surprise in my mailbox. My car insurance company decided now would be a good time to notify me that they cancelled my insurance and that it is illegal to drive without insurance. This isn't for lack of paying. Infact, I always pay on time or before deadline, and I have never had a problem with AAA since I first enrolled two years ago.
I shouldn't say "never." Since everything is automated nowadays, if the computer does not process your check at 12:01 a.m. the day it's due, it automatically sends you a cancellation notice. This is quite irritating. And, because I know I paid my bill, I just ignored it. Big mistake. Sure enough, the incompetent people at AAA cancelled my insurance.
After spending 40 minutes on the phone with a representative, he nor his supervisor could figure out why the system cancelled me. Of course it couldn't be as simple as hitting a button to reinstate my policy. No, the computer apparently won't let you do that unless the customer pays the $17 reinstatement fee.
So, after informing me of the fee, despite being innocent of this whole thing, I was left with no option other than to pay. Of course, I can file a grievance, but those probably go in the "dead mail" pile at the post office along with kids' Santa letters.
Two days later I got a call from a AAA representative informing me that they were correct in billing me $17. Apparently when I moved, the system told them that my car insurance payment should be more, and it took it upon itself to pro-rate the $17 from my last bill. This whole unforunate set of circumstances cost me my insurance for a day and a massive headache.
Though AAA was wrong, somehow I owe them an extra $17 and can look forward to a higher insurance bill in January.
I shouldn't say "never." Since everything is automated nowadays, if the computer does not process your check at 12:01 a.m. the day it's due, it automatically sends you a cancellation notice. This is quite irritating. And, because I know I paid my bill, I just ignored it. Big mistake. Sure enough, the incompetent people at AAA cancelled my insurance.
After spending 40 minutes on the phone with a representative, he nor his supervisor could figure out why the system cancelled me. Of course it couldn't be as simple as hitting a button to reinstate my policy. No, the computer apparently won't let you do that unless the customer pays the $17 reinstatement fee.
So, after informing me of the fee, despite being innocent of this whole thing, I was left with no option other than to pay. Of course, I can file a grievance, but those probably go in the "dead mail" pile at the post office along with kids' Santa letters.
Two days later I got a call from a AAA representative informing me that they were correct in billing me $17. Apparently when I moved, the system told them that my car insurance payment should be more, and it took it upon itself to pro-rate the $17 from my last bill. This whole unforunate set of circumstances cost me my insurance for a day and a massive headache.
Though AAA was wrong, somehow I owe them an extra $17 and can look forward to a higher insurance bill in January.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
As time goes by
One of my favorite passages in the Bible reads, “To everything there is a season…” The verse can be found in Ecclesiastes 3:1. It can also be found in the 1965 song “Turn, Turn, Turn” by The Byrds.
The premise of the passage and the song basically says that there is a time and place for everything, and all good things must eventually come to an end.
Recently I was asked by Heritage Newspapers to consider moving forward with my career and take on the challenge of community point person and copy editor for two newspapers in the Heri-tage Newspapers West cluster –– The Chelsea Standard and Dexter Leader.
My new position will become effective following the release of the Dec. 10 edition of The Manchester Enterprise. After two-and-a-half years serving the Manchester community, I will now begin a new challenge.
However, this column is not written to say goodbye. Though I will be leaving the community in some form, I want to assure our readers that I will continue to attend events, cover stories, visit with friends, and help out the new community reporter anyway I can, as time permits. I also hope that the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce and the Manchester Fair Board will invite my band, Delirious Love, back again next year, to perform at various events in town.
One of my favorite childhood movies, “Masters of the Universe,” says it best: “Don’t say goodbye, say good journey.” I am not packing my bags and hitchhiking out of town down M-52. I will be around. And Heritage Newspapers will continue to have a presence in Manchester.
Many of our readers know our staff writer, Ed Patino. He has been with the newspaper for three years and will continue to report on Manchester sports and other events. He can still be reached at epatino@heritage.com.
Over the course of the last few weeks, I have been diligently filling in my replacement with the ins and outs of local service groups, community contacts for events and news, meeting times and places for township and village government, and keeping her up to speed on the issues facing our communities –– from the financial constraints of the Manchester Community Schools to the Gourley Farm versus Sharon Township lawsuit.
The community reporter assigned to Manchester beginning Dec. 11 will be my colleague Jana Miller. She is currently the sports reporter assigned to the Saline and Milan communities.
Jana is a smart, eager reporter who will have no problem jumping feet first into my position. I am confident that Ed, Jana and myself will make this transition as smooth as possible for Manchester.
In preparation for this transition, I will begin bringing Jana with me to Manchester this week to introduce her to the community. I hope everyone will extend her the support and patience I received when I first took the position as editor for the Manchester Enterprise in 2007.
Also during this transition time, I have offered my assistance to Jana. There is no doubt that it will take some time for her to fully immerse herself in the community. However, where time permits, I will work with her to make sure Manchester events, meetings and activities will receive coverage.
Over the past two-and-a-half years, I have enjoyed my time in Manchester. There are plenty of people to thank who have made working in such a small town a pleasant experience. Next week, in my final editorial column as copy editor for Manchester, I will attempt to wrap up as many loose ends as possible.
God bless.
The premise of the passage and the song basically says that there is a time and place for everything, and all good things must eventually come to an end.
Recently I was asked by Heritage Newspapers to consider moving forward with my career and take on the challenge of community point person and copy editor for two newspapers in the Heri-tage Newspapers West cluster –– The Chelsea Standard and Dexter Leader.
My new position will become effective following the release of the Dec. 10 edition of The Manchester Enterprise. After two-and-a-half years serving the Manchester community, I will now begin a new challenge.
However, this column is not written to say goodbye. Though I will be leaving the community in some form, I want to assure our readers that I will continue to attend events, cover stories, visit with friends, and help out the new community reporter anyway I can, as time permits. I also hope that the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce and the Manchester Fair Board will invite my band, Delirious Love, back again next year, to perform at various events in town.
One of my favorite childhood movies, “Masters of the Universe,” says it best: “Don’t say goodbye, say good journey.” I am not packing my bags and hitchhiking out of town down M-52. I will be around. And Heritage Newspapers will continue to have a presence in Manchester.
Many of our readers know our staff writer, Ed Patino. He has been with the newspaper for three years and will continue to report on Manchester sports and other events. He can still be reached at epatino@heritage.com.
Over the course of the last few weeks, I have been diligently filling in my replacement with the ins and outs of local service groups, community contacts for events and news, meeting times and places for township and village government, and keeping her up to speed on the issues facing our communities –– from the financial constraints of the Manchester Community Schools to the Gourley Farm versus Sharon Township lawsuit.
The community reporter assigned to Manchester beginning Dec. 11 will be my colleague Jana Miller. She is currently the sports reporter assigned to the Saline and Milan communities.
Jana is a smart, eager reporter who will have no problem jumping feet first into my position. I am confident that Ed, Jana and myself will make this transition as smooth as possible for Manchester.
In preparation for this transition, I will begin bringing Jana with me to Manchester this week to introduce her to the community. I hope everyone will extend her the support and patience I received when I first took the position as editor for the Manchester Enterprise in 2007.
Also during this transition time, I have offered my assistance to Jana. There is no doubt that it will take some time for her to fully immerse herself in the community. However, where time permits, I will work with her to make sure Manchester events, meetings and activities will receive coverage.
Over the past two-and-a-half years, I have enjoyed my time in Manchester. There are plenty of people to thank who have made working in such a small town a pleasant experience. Next week, in my final editorial column as copy editor for Manchester, I will attempt to wrap up as many loose ends as possible.
God bless.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Boxes, boxes, boxes!
This past weekend, I moved into a new apartment with my girlfriend. Though I would like to report that we're all moved in and settled, that's not the case. As we speak, dozens of boxes fill the living room and pour over into the adjacent computer room and bedroom. It's like a maze that we set up for the neighborhood kids to come play in. At night, if I get up, I run into not one, but three boxes before reaching the bathroom. On top of that, there is just so much purging we have to do. Between my stuff and her stuff, we could probably fill an entire house!
Each night we have set a goal to get one room finished. Sunday we did the kitchen. Monday we did the dining room. Progress IS being made, but at a slow pace. And that's not saying anything for the rest of my stuff still at my old apartment. I have to clean that out completly by Sunday. She assures me we will be done with the old apartment Wednesday. Somehow I have my doubts. The place still needs to be cleaned.
Tommorow we're meeting the Salvation Army guys to come and get my couch, loveseat, kitchen table and chairs (sadly, they did not make the final list). The Salvation Army said they will pick this stuff up between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. I guess that means while we are waiting around for the truck to show up, we can clean the apartment.
On top of all that, after work yesterday all I wanted to do was come home and plop down on the couch and watch TV. That was not to be. A day after the cable and Internet was hooked up, it didn't work. Therefore I have to meet the cable guy again today after work to see what the problem is.
For those poor souls who find moving "fun", I envy you.
Each night we have set a goal to get one room finished. Sunday we did the kitchen. Monday we did the dining room. Progress IS being made, but at a slow pace. And that's not saying anything for the rest of my stuff still at my old apartment. I have to clean that out completly by Sunday. She assures me we will be done with the old apartment Wednesday. Somehow I have my doubts. The place still needs to be cleaned.
Tommorow we're meeting the Salvation Army guys to come and get my couch, loveseat, kitchen table and chairs (sadly, they did not make the final list). The Salvation Army said they will pick this stuff up between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. I guess that means while we are waiting around for the truck to show up, we can clean the apartment.
On top of all that, after work yesterday all I wanted to do was come home and plop down on the couch and watch TV. That was not to be. A day after the cable and Internet was hooked up, it didn't work. Therefore I have to meet the cable guy again today after work to see what the problem is.
For those poor souls who find moving "fun", I envy you.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Handle with care ...
For two weeks I have been trying to pack up my apartment in Belleville. Earlier this year, my girlfriend and I decided to start shopping around for places to live. A lot of people told us that now would be a good time to buy a home. In hindsight, they are probably right. However, we wanted to wait until she graduated from college in February to make any decision like that. My old childhood home in Allen Park is up for sale. It would be nice to buy that house, but I do not think that will happen. Hopefully it will hit the market again when I am shopping around for a house.
For now, we're content moving into a cozy two-bedroom apartment. I have already begun making plans to turn one of the rooms into a joint office. The part that I am quickly losing patience over is packing.
For one, I HATE packing and moving. It's so tedious and annoying. I have spent most of my free evenings packing and sealing boxes in preparation for the big move on Saturday. My girlfriend reassures me that I do not have that much stuff (and that she has a lot more). The fact that I stare at boxes filling my current living room frightens me. How much more could she have? Can we cram it all in one small apartment?
We are purging some stuff and next week I have to meet the Salvation Army guys so they can take my couch, loveseat, chair, kitchen table and coffee table. I apparently lost the battle on whose stuff is going with us to the new apartment. Again, she assures me, her stuff is nicer anyway and in better condition.
I'm not too much at a loss though. Most of my furniture I've used for the past two and a half years was donated to me.
I will be glad when this week and next week are over and I can rest in my new apartment. Then again, if it took me two weeks to pack everything up, how long is it going to take for me to unpack everything? Indeed, I already forgot which box contains what appliance.
That being said, at least we're not trying to move around the holidays. The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year and I do not want anything affecting that.
For now, we're content moving into a cozy two-bedroom apartment. I have already begun making plans to turn one of the rooms into a joint office. The part that I am quickly losing patience over is packing.
For one, I HATE packing and moving. It's so tedious and annoying. I have spent most of my free evenings packing and sealing boxes in preparation for the big move on Saturday. My girlfriend reassures me that I do not have that much stuff (and that she has a lot more). The fact that I stare at boxes filling my current living room frightens me. How much more could she have? Can we cram it all in one small apartment?
We are purging some stuff and next week I have to meet the Salvation Army guys so they can take my couch, loveseat, chair, kitchen table and coffee table. I apparently lost the battle on whose stuff is going with us to the new apartment. Again, she assures me, her stuff is nicer anyway and in better condition.
I'm not too much at a loss though. Most of my furniture I've used for the past two and a half years was donated to me.
I will be glad when this week and next week are over and I can rest in my new apartment. Then again, if it took me two weeks to pack everything up, how long is it going to take for me to unpack everything? Indeed, I already forgot which box contains what appliance.
That being said, at least we're not trying to move around the holidays. The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year and I do not want anything affecting that.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Christmas shopping can add up
Okay, so this week I bit the bullet and decided to start shopping for Christmas. Usually I start shopping toward the end of November, but this year I did it on a whim. Infact, most of it I did last night online waiting for my girlfriend to get home. This afternoon I am going through my reciepts to see just how much I decided to fork over. Already I am over what I allocated to spend this year and I still have three more people to shop for.
Since when did Christmas shopping become so expensive?
I remember the days when my brother, sister and I would shop at the local store a few weeks before Christmas. Because we were too young to have jobs, mom and dad would give us our allowance ($20 for the month), and we would have to figure out how to spend $20 on four people. That was never too hard -- an action figure for my brother, a diary for my sister, a video for mom and dad.
Now, Christmas shopping is a lot like a chore. You are expected to get a gift for everyone and their mom and your list grows expotentially larger every year. And of those on your list, half of them say, "Don't get me anything; I don't need anything this year." All that does is make my job A LOT harder.
This year I decided to do 95 percent of my shopping online. Amazon.com had virtually everything I was looking for (and at a good price). Within 40 minutes I had gifts purchased for seven out of 10 people.
The catch is, I am still shopping for the three HARDEST people in the universe. My mom, grandma and girlfriend must sit around the kitchen table together and plot new ways to make my life more stressful. None of the " Christmas trifector," as I call them, will give me a hint of an idea for Christmas gifts.
Luckly, Bon Jovi is going on tour in March. And since the GF very much enjoys Bon Jovi, her name can be scratched off the list (thank you Ticketmaster).
The rest are probably going to gift cards. Yes its less personable, but for someone who has no patience when it comes to shopping, it's the best option. After walking around Meijer and Target for a combined two and a half hours last night browsing for gifts, I'm done.
At least, as they say, Christmas comes but once a year.
D.L.
Since when did Christmas shopping become so expensive?
I remember the days when my brother, sister and I would shop at the local store a few weeks before Christmas. Because we were too young to have jobs, mom and dad would give us our allowance ($20 for the month), and we would have to figure out how to spend $20 on four people. That was never too hard -- an action figure for my brother, a diary for my sister, a video for mom and dad.
Now, Christmas shopping is a lot like a chore. You are expected to get a gift for everyone and their mom and your list grows expotentially larger every year. And of those on your list, half of them say, "Don't get me anything; I don't need anything this year." All that does is make my job A LOT harder.
This year I decided to do 95 percent of my shopping online. Amazon.com had virtually everything I was looking for (and at a good price). Within 40 minutes I had gifts purchased for seven out of 10 people.
The catch is, I am still shopping for the three HARDEST people in the universe. My mom, grandma and girlfriend must sit around the kitchen table together and plot new ways to make my life more stressful. None of the " Christmas trifector," as I call them, will give me a hint of an idea for Christmas gifts.
Luckly, Bon Jovi is going on tour in March. And since the GF very much enjoys Bon Jovi, her name can be scratched off the list (thank you Ticketmaster).
The rest are probably going to gift cards. Yes its less personable, but for someone who has no patience when it comes to shopping, it's the best option. After walking around Meijer and Target for a combined two and a half hours last night browsing for gifts, I'm done.
At least, as they say, Christmas comes but once a year.
D.L.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thrills and chills await Manchester kids
This weekend the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual downtown Halloween celebration. The event is always a lot of fun because local kids and teenagers come out dressed up in their costumes to get candy from the local downtown merchants.
This year there is going to be some new activities like "Pumpkin Bowling" hosted by the Manchester Lions Club. Children of all ages have a chance of winning some pretty neat prizes for knocking over a set of "bowling pins" with a pumpkin.
For the adults looking for a little fun on Halloween, just a short drive to Ann Arbor, the Quarter Bistro and the Delirious Love band are hosting a "Monster Mash Bash" featuring costume contests, live music, a Halloween-themed dinner menu and more. The top prize, a copy of The Beatles Rock Band for Xbox 360, will be awarded to the best dressed costume.
We hope to see everyone there!
~D.L.
This year there is going to be some new activities like "Pumpkin Bowling" hosted by the Manchester Lions Club. Children of all ages have a chance of winning some pretty neat prizes for knocking over a set of "bowling pins" with a pumpkin.
For the adults looking for a little fun on Halloween, just a short drive to Ann Arbor, the Quarter Bistro and the Delirious Love band are hosting a "Monster Mash Bash" featuring costume contests, live music, a Halloween-themed dinner menu and more. The top prize, a copy of The Beatles Rock Band for Xbox 360, will be awarded to the best dressed costume.
We hope to see everyone there!
~D.L.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
So long, farewell
By Alexandra Sondeen
Guest Writer
It’s times like this when I’m not sure what to say. Well, I’ve never known a time like this in my short 22 years but clichés came about for a reason.
After working with The Manchester Enterprise in one form or another for over a year, I have to say goodbye. I’ve said goodbye before, but it’s a hard farewell this time, as I’m not just going back to college.
I’m leaving Manchester for a job in Jasper, Ind. as a general assignment reporter for The Herald. This is a big step out of what I’ve always known and into the unknown that is life as an adult. And frankly, it’s terrifying.
In uncertain times for print journalism, I’ve managed to land a good job for which I am eternally grateful though I have not yet even laid claim to my desk. And I have The Manchester Enterprise to thank for my success.
It was through our community newspaper that I was able to stretch my legs and get a footing in journalism. I came to the Enterprise just after my junior year of college looking for an internship that would increase my chances of getting a job after graduation. I found far more than that.
I found a family.
I enjoyed working for the paper so much I came back as a freelance writer and photographer after graduating from Eastern Michigan University in April. I’ve had a blast working on local stories for the last seven months and learning what community journalism is all about.
It was The Manchester Enterprise that gave me my first shot at professional journalism. The stories I wrote and spent hours covering led me to my first full-time position in the field and this giant step into real life.
But if there’s one person I must thank above any other, it is Daniel Lai. As the former editor, he let me in the door as an intern. He was my sounding board for ideas and my guidance when writing. Daniel let me pester him to death with questions and e-mails and tag along to production so I could see how everything was put together.
He taught me how to layout the paper using software on the computer and how to dance around sensitive issues when writing. His e-mail was routinely flooded with far too many of my photos for the paper, but never mentioned it. The man is tireless and I see great things for him in the future.
Last but not least, I must also thank the Manchester community. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and learning new things while on the job. They were your stories that I told which led to this life-changing move. Thank you for the privilege of telling them.
From the deepest part of my heart, thank you all. I hope to visit often and will always harbor a vast love for my hometown, its people and The Manchester Enterprise. It’s so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen and goodbye. Goodbye, and I’ll see you around.
Alexandra Sondeen
Manchester
Guest Writer
It’s times like this when I’m not sure what to say. Well, I’ve never known a time like this in my short 22 years but clichés came about for a reason.
After working with The Manchester Enterprise in one form or another for over a year, I have to say goodbye. I’ve said goodbye before, but it’s a hard farewell this time, as I’m not just going back to college.
I’m leaving Manchester for a job in Jasper, Ind. as a general assignment reporter for The Herald. This is a big step out of what I’ve always known and into the unknown that is life as an adult. And frankly, it’s terrifying.
In uncertain times for print journalism, I’ve managed to land a good job for which I am eternally grateful though I have not yet even laid claim to my desk. And I have The Manchester Enterprise to thank for my success.
It was through our community newspaper that I was able to stretch my legs and get a footing in journalism. I came to the Enterprise just after my junior year of college looking for an internship that would increase my chances of getting a job after graduation. I found far more than that.
I found a family.
I enjoyed working for the paper so much I came back as a freelance writer and photographer after graduating from Eastern Michigan University in April. I’ve had a blast working on local stories for the last seven months and learning what community journalism is all about.
It was The Manchester Enterprise that gave me my first shot at professional journalism. The stories I wrote and spent hours covering led me to my first full-time position in the field and this giant step into real life.
But if there’s one person I must thank above any other, it is Daniel Lai. As the former editor, he let me in the door as an intern. He was my sounding board for ideas and my guidance when writing. Daniel let me pester him to death with questions and e-mails and tag along to production so I could see how everything was put together.
He taught me how to layout the paper using software on the computer and how to dance around sensitive issues when writing. His e-mail was routinely flooded with far too many of my photos for the paper, but never mentioned it. The man is tireless and I see great things for him in the future.
Last but not least, I must also thank the Manchester community. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and learning new things while on the job. They were your stories that I told which led to this life-changing move. Thank you for the privilege of telling them.
From the deepest part of my heart, thank you all. I hope to visit often and will always harbor a vast love for my hometown, its people and The Manchester Enterprise. It’s so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen and goodbye. Goodbye, and I’ll see you around.
Alexandra Sondeen
Manchester
Thursday, October 8, 2009
There's the teeth you've been waiting on
Yesterday and today I have been out of commission due to minor oral surgery to extract two wisdom teeth. Of the four teeth, one grew in sideways and had to be taken out. Its partner tooth also had to be taken out. Despite everyone's attempts to calm my nerves (I do not the thought of someone cutting into me), I was nervous well up until the point where the medicine knocked me out. Luckly, everyone was right. Except for this afernoon, nothing seemed to hurt. Now the mouth wounds are starting their routine throbbing. It isn't bad though. I have something wrapped around my head with ice packs. It also gives me a day to catch up on some work and sleep. In two weeks I am due back for a follow up exam. I never thought I would get tired of ice cream and pudding, but I've definitely had my fill for awhile.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Office notes
Since moving from Manchester to the Saline Reporter's office, it has been a nice change of pace to have more collegues and friends around. All of us work extremly hard to put out quality products. Behind the scenes we are all great sources of support for each other and friends. One of my collegues issued a challenge to all of us recently to be more friendly to our neighbors and more optimistic. I think that's a great challenge and I will attempt to embrace that.
I also enjoy the friendships I have forged here. Everyone in the Saline office has a unique personality that brings it to life. To the staff members who read my blog posts, thanks for your feedback.
DL
I also enjoy the friendships I have forged here. Everyone in the Saline office has a unique personality that brings it to life. To the staff members who read my blog posts, thanks for your feedback.
DL
Monday, September 21, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
The diet game
So, I'm trying out a new diet. Maybe some of you know it, it's called the "Flat Belly Diet." Now before someone comes along and robs me of my masculinity, let me back up for a minute. For some time now, my girlfriend has been searching high and low for the right diet. Though I think she is extremly beautiful, she insists that dieting is the way to go.
After she settled on this newest diet, I decided I would provide some encouragement by challenging myself to follow the same routine she has to. That was my first mistake.
I'm only into the end of day one and already I can barely stomach the food substitutions that this diet passes off as food. However, according to the book's author, Liz Vaccariello, I'm supposed to lose anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds in 32 days. (Let's keep our fingers crossed).
Let me give you a breakdown of today's meals. According to the book, you are supposed to eat three meals and one snack. What the book doesn't tell you is that I would hardly call some of this stuff food.
In the morning I woke up extra early in order to make breakfast before going to work. Breakfast consisted of a small bowl of plain corn flakes (no sugar), half cup low-fat milk, two tablespoons of unsalted sun flower seeds and something called "sassy water."
From as near as I can tell, "sassy water" is what pond water would taste like if I decided to take a gulp. It consists of chopped cucumbers, lemon and something else I couldn't make out. AND you have to drink a whole pitcher of this crap by the end of the day for FOUR DAYS STRAIGHT!!!
Needless to say after my first glass, I wanted to puke.
For lunch, I had a piece of string cheese, 5 ounces of deli-style roasted turkey breast (no bread, so no sandwich) and 1 pint of cherry tomtatoes. I like tomatoes, but I can't stomach a whole pint of them.
I passed up lunch with the Manchester Chamber of Commerce for a plate of processed deli turkey breast and some tomatoes and another tall glass of "sassy water."
Around 3 p.m. I was supposed to eat my snack, but I decided, since I was working late tonight and wouldn't be home for dinner until bedtime, I decided to forego the snack until later. The snack consisted of frozen blueberries, a half glass of milk and another handful of sunflower seeds. Oh yeah, and another glass of "sassy water."
Wish me luck folks. I sure hope this diet is worth the cost of food and sanity. That double meat cheeseburger someone had for lunch today sure looks good.
After she settled on this newest diet, I decided I would provide some encouragement by challenging myself to follow the same routine she has to. That was my first mistake.
I'm only into the end of day one and already I can barely stomach the food substitutions that this diet passes off as food. However, according to the book's author, Liz Vaccariello, I'm supposed to lose anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds in 32 days. (Let's keep our fingers crossed).
Let me give you a breakdown of today's meals. According to the book, you are supposed to eat three meals and one snack. What the book doesn't tell you is that I would hardly call some of this stuff food.
In the morning I woke up extra early in order to make breakfast before going to work. Breakfast consisted of a small bowl of plain corn flakes (no sugar), half cup low-fat milk, two tablespoons of unsalted sun flower seeds and something called "sassy water."
From as near as I can tell, "sassy water" is what pond water would taste like if I decided to take a gulp. It consists of chopped cucumbers, lemon and something else I couldn't make out. AND you have to drink a whole pitcher of this crap by the end of the day for FOUR DAYS STRAIGHT!!!
Needless to say after my first glass, I wanted to puke.
For lunch, I had a piece of string cheese, 5 ounces of deli-style roasted turkey breast (no bread, so no sandwich) and 1 pint of cherry tomtatoes. I like tomatoes, but I can't stomach a whole pint of them.
I passed up lunch with the Manchester Chamber of Commerce for a plate of processed deli turkey breast and some tomatoes and another tall glass of "sassy water."
Around 3 p.m. I was supposed to eat my snack, but I decided, since I was working late tonight and wouldn't be home for dinner until bedtime, I decided to forego the snack until later. The snack consisted of frozen blueberries, a half glass of milk and another handful of sunflower seeds. Oh yeah, and another glass of "sassy water."
Wish me luck folks. I sure hope this diet is worth the cost of food and sanity. That double meat cheeseburger someone had for lunch today sure looks good.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The health care debate rages on
By Daniel Lai
Four years from now, there's an excellent chance some of us won't have the same health insurance we have (or don't have) right now. That's because members of Congress are gearing up to reform the U.S. health care system, and unlike in 1993 when then-first lady Hillary Clinton tried her hand at changing the medical system, this time the important players –– doctors, insurance companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers –– seem to be on board.
I’ve heard a lot about health care reform this week, and I'll be hearing even more in the months to come. It's an incredibly confusing, complex issue.
There's little debate that health care reform is necessary –– President Obama, Republican and Democratic members of Congress, the American Medical Association and America's Health Insurance Plans, which represents the insurance industry, all have agreed the system needs to be changed, although they disagree on how to do it.
Fewer and fewer Americans have health insurance, and therefore cannot afford good medical care. Nearly 46 million Americans have no insurance, and 25 million more are underinsured. One major reason for this crisis is that many employers have stopped offering insurance to employees because of the high cost. In the United States, total health care spending was $2.4 trillion in 2007 –– or $7,900 per person –– according to an analysis published in the journal Health Affairs. The United States spends 52 percent more per person than the next most costly nation, Norway, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
If we’re in that bad of shape, I would think fixing a broken system would be a good thing. I have to tre lightly here since those that support a change are now conviently being labeled socialists or Nazis.
The fear about health care reform comes mostly from not being able to understand the wording of the bill. After speaking with Congressman Mark Schauer, who represents Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, I took him up on his challenge and read the 1,000-page bill online at the Library of Congress’ Web site.
Unforunately, I only got thru the opening statements befor all the legal jargon left me more confused than ever. I was left with no choice but to find another non-partisan source that could explain it to me.
A central point of the president's plan is to create a government-sponsored health insurance program that would be an option for all Americans, similar to how Medicare is now an option for Americans over age 65. He has also said he'd "like to see" prohibitions against insurers discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions, and incentives for people to use preventive services and wellness plans.
This is a strong selling point for me because I know first-hand that seniors, such as my grandma, are having an extremly hard time affording their medicine and doctor bills. I also know firsthand how much a doctor’s office visit can cost without health insurance (both my brother and sister work part-time and are not offered insurance).
Besides saving thousands of lives by providing health care to the uninsured, health care reform has another huge advantage: it can drastically reduce future federal budget deficits. The vast majority of our government's long-term shortfall is due to exploding health care costs in the private sector. These spill over to the public sector, which currently finances about half the nation's health care costs. The United States spends about twice as much per person on health care as other high-income countries, and yet has worse health outcomes, including life expectancy and infant mortality.
The main economic reason for this colossal failure is that our system of private insurance and powerful monopolies is vastly more wasteful and inefficient than the health care systems of other developed countries.
Insurance companies spend tens of billions trying to insure the healthy, avoid the sick, and deny payment for claims. Pharmaceutical companies take $350 billion of our health care dollars for drugs that cost a small fraction of that sum to produce.
The Obama health care plan won't eliminate most of these perverse incentives and waste –– eventually we will need a truly national, single-payer system like Medicare to accomplish that. But it would be a big step in that direction, creating a nearly universal insurance system and laying the foundation for a sustainable system that can contain costs.
Four years from now, there's an excellent chance some of us won't have the same health insurance we have (or don't have) right now. That's because members of Congress are gearing up to reform the U.S. health care system, and unlike in 1993 when then-first lady Hillary Clinton tried her hand at changing the medical system, this time the important players –– doctors, insurance companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers –– seem to be on board.
I’ve heard a lot about health care reform this week, and I'll be hearing even more in the months to come. It's an incredibly confusing, complex issue.
There's little debate that health care reform is necessary –– President Obama, Republican and Democratic members of Congress, the American Medical Association and America's Health Insurance Plans, which represents the insurance industry, all have agreed the system needs to be changed, although they disagree on how to do it.
Fewer and fewer Americans have health insurance, and therefore cannot afford good medical care. Nearly 46 million Americans have no insurance, and 25 million more are underinsured. One major reason for this crisis is that many employers have stopped offering insurance to employees because of the high cost. In the United States, total health care spending was $2.4 trillion in 2007 –– or $7,900 per person –– according to an analysis published in the journal Health Affairs. The United States spends 52 percent more per person than the next most costly nation, Norway, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
If we’re in that bad of shape, I would think fixing a broken system would be a good thing. I have to tre lightly here since those that support a change are now conviently being labeled socialists or Nazis.
The fear about health care reform comes mostly from not being able to understand the wording of the bill. After speaking with Congressman Mark Schauer, who represents Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, I took him up on his challenge and read the 1,000-page bill online at the Library of Congress’ Web site.
Unforunately, I only got thru the opening statements befor all the legal jargon left me more confused than ever. I was left with no choice but to find another non-partisan source that could explain it to me.
A central point of the president's plan is to create a government-sponsored health insurance program that would be an option for all Americans, similar to how Medicare is now an option for Americans over age 65. He has also said he'd "like to see" prohibitions against insurers discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions, and incentives for people to use preventive services and wellness plans.
This is a strong selling point for me because I know first-hand that seniors, such as my grandma, are having an extremly hard time affording their medicine and doctor bills. I also know firsthand how much a doctor’s office visit can cost without health insurance (both my brother and sister work part-time and are not offered insurance).
Besides saving thousands of lives by providing health care to the uninsured, health care reform has another huge advantage: it can drastically reduce future federal budget deficits. The vast majority of our government's long-term shortfall is due to exploding health care costs in the private sector. These spill over to the public sector, which currently finances about half the nation's health care costs. The United States spends about twice as much per person on health care as other high-income countries, and yet has worse health outcomes, including life expectancy and infant mortality.
The main economic reason for this colossal failure is that our system of private insurance and powerful monopolies is vastly more wasteful and inefficient than the health care systems of other developed countries.
Insurance companies spend tens of billions trying to insure the healthy, avoid the sick, and deny payment for claims. Pharmaceutical companies take $350 billion of our health care dollars for drugs that cost a small fraction of that sum to produce.
The Obama health care plan won't eliminate most of these perverse incentives and waste –– eventually we will need a truly national, single-payer system like Medicare to accomplish that. But it would be a big step in that direction, creating a nearly universal insurance system and laying the foundation for a sustainable system that can contain costs.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
An evening with the Kiwanis Club
Last week, I was approached by the Kiwanis Club of Manchester to be their guest speaker at one of their regular monthly meetings. At first I was a bit hesitant because I wasn't sure what to expect, much less talk about. However, the warm dinner atmosphere and exchange of jokes before the meeting on Wednesday, helped me to better collect my thoughts.
It was nice to see so many people interested in journalism and, more specifically, how some good ol' Texas boy ended up in Manchester two years ago. I look forward to being able to speak to other groups in Manchester and can make myself available for meetings just about any day of the week except Tuesdays.
D.L.
It was nice to see so many people interested in journalism and, more specifically, how some good ol' Texas boy ended up in Manchester two years ago. I look forward to being able to speak to other groups in Manchester and can make myself available for meetings just about any day of the week except Tuesdays.
D.L.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Pollsters weigh in on the issues
The following are results from the online poll at www.heritage.com
Poll question: Which is your favorite sporting event to attend?
Total votes:
96
High school football
38.54%
University of Michigan football
23.96%
Any hockey game, anywhere
22.92%
Tigers, Lions or Pistons
14.58%
Poll question: Which is a bigger budget concern?
Total votes:
94
Funding for police
45.74%
Funding for mental health services
19.15%
Funding for road repairs
30.85%
Funding for parks and recreation
4.26%
Poll question: Which is your favorite sporting event to attend?
Total votes:
96
High school football
38.54%
University of Michigan football
23.96%
Any hockey game, anywhere
22.92%
Tigers, Lions or Pistons
14.58%
Poll question: Which is a bigger budget concern?
Total votes:
94
Funding for police
45.74%
Funding for mental health services
19.15%
Funding for road repairs
30.85%
Funding for parks and recreation
4.26%
Monday, August 17, 2009
Looking for Manchester sports
If you would like to see more blogging about Manchester sports, I encourage you to send your request to Ed Patino at epatino@heritage.com. Sports blogging is just as important as other blogs we post on here.
~D.L.
~D.L.
Health care debate sparks questions
Four years from now, there's an excellent chance some of us won't have the same health insurance we have (or don't have) right now. That's because members of Congress are gearing up to reform the U.S. health care system, and unlike in 1993 when then-first lady Hillary Clinton tried her hand at changing the medical system, this time the important players –– doctors, insurance companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers –– seem to be on board.
I’ve heard a lot about health care reform this week, and I'll be hearing even more in the months to come. It's an incredibly confusing, complex issue.
There's little debate that health care reform is necessary –– President Obama, Republican and Democratic members of Congress, the American Medical Association and America's Health Insurance Plans, which represents the insurance industry, all have agreed the system needs to be changed, although they disagree on how to do it.
Fewer and fewer Americans have health insurance, and therefore cannot afford good medical care. Nearly 46 million Americans have no insurance, and 25 million more are underinsured. One major reason for this crisis is that many employers have stopped offering insurance to employees because of the high cost. In the United States, total health care spending was $2.4 trillion in 2007 –– or $7,900 per person –– according to an analysis published in the journal Health Affairs. The United States spends 52 percent more per person than the next most costly nation, Norway, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
If we’re in that bad of shape, I would think fixing a broken system would be a good thing. I have to tre lightly here since those that support a change are now conviently being labeled socialists or Nazis.
The fear about health care reform comes mostly from not being able to understand the wording of the bill. After speaking with Congressman Mark Schauer, who represents Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, I took him up on his challenge and read the 1,000-page bill online at the Library of Congress’ Web site.
Unforunately, I only got thru the opening statements befor all the legal jargon left me more confused than ever. I was left with no choice but to find another non-partisan source that could explain it to me.
A central point of the president's plan is to create a government-sponsored health insurance program that would be an option for all Americans, similar to how Medicare is now an option for Americans over age 65. He has also said he'd "like to see" prohibitions against insurers discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions, and incentives for people to use preventive services and wellness plans.
This is a strong selling point for me because I know first-hand that seniors, such as my grandma, are having an extremly hard time affording their medicine and doctor bills. I also know firsthand how much a doctor’s office visit can cost without health insurance (both my brother and sister work part-time and are not offered insurance).
Besides saving thousands of lives by providing health care to the uninsured, health care reform has another huge advantage: it can drastically reduce future federal budget deficits. The vast majority of our government's long-term shortfall is due to exploding health care costs in the private sector. These spill over to the public sector, which currently finances about half the nation's health care costs. The United States spends about twice as much per person on health care as other high-income countries, and yet has worse health outcomes, including life expectancy and infant mortality.
The main economic reason for this colossal failure is that our system of private insurance and powerful monopolies is vastly more wasteful and inefficient than the health care systems of other developed countries.
Insurance companies spend tens of billions trying to insure the healthy, avoid the sick, and deny payment for claims. Pharmaceutical companies take $350 billion of our health care dollars for drugs that cost a small fraction of that sum to produce.
The Obama health care plan won't eliminate most of these perverse incentives and waste –– eventually we will need a truly national, single-payer system like Medicare to accomplish that. But it would be a big step in that direction, creating a nearly universal insurance system and laying the foundation for a sustainable system that can contain costs.
I’ve heard a lot about health care reform this week, and I'll be hearing even more in the months to come. It's an incredibly confusing, complex issue.
There's little debate that health care reform is necessary –– President Obama, Republican and Democratic members of Congress, the American Medical Association and America's Health Insurance Plans, which represents the insurance industry, all have agreed the system needs to be changed, although they disagree on how to do it.
Fewer and fewer Americans have health insurance, and therefore cannot afford good medical care. Nearly 46 million Americans have no insurance, and 25 million more are underinsured. One major reason for this crisis is that many employers have stopped offering insurance to employees because of the high cost. In the United States, total health care spending was $2.4 trillion in 2007 –– or $7,900 per person –– according to an analysis published in the journal Health Affairs. The United States spends 52 percent more per person than the next most costly nation, Norway, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
If we’re in that bad of shape, I would think fixing a broken system would be a good thing. I have to tre lightly here since those that support a change are now conviently being labeled socialists or Nazis.
The fear about health care reform comes mostly from not being able to understand the wording of the bill. After speaking with Congressman Mark Schauer, who represents Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, I took him up on his challenge and read the 1,000-page bill online at the Library of Congress’ Web site.
Unforunately, I only got thru the opening statements befor all the legal jargon left me more confused than ever. I was left with no choice but to find another non-partisan source that could explain it to me.
A central point of the president's plan is to create a government-sponsored health insurance program that would be an option for all Americans, similar to how Medicare is now an option for Americans over age 65. He has also said he'd "like to see" prohibitions against insurers discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions, and incentives for people to use preventive services and wellness plans.
This is a strong selling point for me because I know first-hand that seniors, such as my grandma, are having an extremly hard time affording their medicine and doctor bills. I also know firsthand how much a doctor’s office visit can cost without health insurance (both my brother and sister work part-time and are not offered insurance).
Besides saving thousands of lives by providing health care to the uninsured, health care reform has another huge advantage: it can drastically reduce future federal budget deficits. The vast majority of our government's long-term shortfall is due to exploding health care costs in the private sector. These spill over to the public sector, which currently finances about half the nation's health care costs. The United States spends about twice as much per person on health care as other high-income countries, and yet has worse health outcomes, including life expectancy and infant mortality.
The main economic reason for this colossal failure is that our system of private insurance and powerful monopolies is vastly more wasteful and inefficient than the health care systems of other developed countries.
Insurance companies spend tens of billions trying to insure the healthy, avoid the sick, and deny payment for claims. Pharmaceutical companies take $350 billion of our health care dollars for drugs that cost a small fraction of that sum to produce.
The Obama health care plan won't eliminate most of these perverse incentives and waste –– eventually we will need a truly national, single-payer system like Medicare to accomplish that. But it would be a big step in that direction, creating a nearly universal insurance system and laying the foundation for a sustainable system that can contain costs.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Harry Potter strangely addicting
Over the course of the past month, my girlfriend has given me a crash course on the wizard world of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter." It all started with her announcement that she wanted to see the newest installment that recently hit theaters, "Harry Potter and thr Half-Blood Prince."
I guess my hesitation got the better of me. After informing her that I had neither read nor seen any of the Harry Potter movies, that's all it took for her to plan our nightly activities.
And thank God she did.
Now, after watching the first five Harry Potter movies, I am hooked. I am waiting for a free evening to go see the new movie with her. How did this happen? I didn't think of myself as much of a Potter fan, but now I can see why Rowling's wizard world is so fascinating.
In addition to watching the movies, I think I will also start reading the series in order to pick up on anything the movies leave out.
Now if only I can get her to go see "The Orphan" with me too.
I guess my hesitation got the better of me. After informing her that I had neither read nor seen any of the Harry Potter movies, that's all it took for her to plan our nightly activities.
And thank God she did.
Now, after watching the first five Harry Potter movies, I am hooked. I am waiting for a free evening to go see the new movie with her. How did this happen? I didn't think of myself as much of a Potter fan, but now I can see why Rowling's wizard world is so fascinating.
In addition to watching the movies, I think I will also start reading the series in order to pick up on anything the movies leave out.
Now if only I can get her to go see "The Orphan" with me too.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Who's on first?
By Dave Helisek
Special Writer
I get so tired of trying to figure out who is on the American manufacturing workers side. In the June 17 edition of the Detroit News, the chief executive of UPS is quoted as saying, "’Buy American’ gave a lousy message to the rest of the world. If other countries decide they want to do this, they can use this as an excuse."
Mr. (Scott) Davis, the chief executive of UPS, is talking about the provision in the stimulus package that urges/mandates “Buy American” features in the program.
In the same days’ newspaper, there is also an article about Republican senators not in favor of the “Cash for Clunkers” provision in another bill that is to help jumpstart the car industry. They say the government has done enough for the car companies.
I've also held onto a clipping from the Feb. 13 Detroit News in which the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ripped the “Buy American” provision of the stimulus bill.
Now, I read the news today but I also needed to do some shopping, so I went to Adrian and bought some clothes. I read the labels when I got home and started thinking about this article. My new shorts were made in Bangladesh. I bought three shirts; one was made in India, one in Pakistan, and one in Vietnam. My new pair of Levi's jeans was made in Lesotho.
When companies say we have to compete in the global market, I really wonder if the CEOs will accept the compensation that CEOs get in Lesotho or Bangladesh. Or do they just mean that workers wages have to compete? I also get completely mystified at the good patriotic wing of the Republican Party when we as Americans are urged to be more like the Chinese or Vietnamese. Aren't they Communist, or is Communism just good for wages but bad for CEO pay? You tell me.
I think that the day of American business making products for the United States and the world is over.
The business of American business is now strictly to sell imports to Americans.
I view the business of manufacturing like this: You have raw materials, you have a manufacturer, you transport your goods to the retailer and the retailer sells the end product. We have now all but eliminated the first two steps of this process in America and these were the steps where the middle class was created.
The “Buy American” language in the stimulus bill just covered the stimulus bill, not any other law or treaty or right of any other business. If we're going to spend a trillion dollars, yours and my tax dollars, to help America, why should those dollars in this single bill go to China or Brazil or Lesotho?
I'll bet that all the other countries in the world are laughing at us for even having this argument. Or, they are licking their own chops waiting for our tax dollars to help their economy.
Dave Helisek is a resident of Manchester and regular contributing columnist for the Manchester Enterprise.
Special Writer
I get so tired of trying to figure out who is on the American manufacturing workers side. In the June 17 edition of the Detroit News, the chief executive of UPS is quoted as saying, "’Buy American’ gave a lousy message to the rest of the world. If other countries decide they want to do this, they can use this as an excuse."
Mr. (Scott) Davis, the chief executive of UPS, is talking about the provision in the stimulus package that urges/mandates “Buy American” features in the program.
In the same days’ newspaper, there is also an article about Republican senators not in favor of the “Cash for Clunkers” provision in another bill that is to help jumpstart the car industry. They say the government has done enough for the car companies.
I've also held onto a clipping from the Feb. 13 Detroit News in which the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ripped the “Buy American” provision of the stimulus bill.
Now, I read the news today but I also needed to do some shopping, so I went to Adrian and bought some clothes. I read the labels when I got home and started thinking about this article. My new shorts were made in Bangladesh. I bought three shirts; one was made in India, one in Pakistan, and one in Vietnam. My new pair of Levi's jeans was made in Lesotho.
When companies say we have to compete in the global market, I really wonder if the CEOs will accept the compensation that CEOs get in Lesotho or Bangladesh. Or do they just mean that workers wages have to compete? I also get completely mystified at the good patriotic wing of the Republican Party when we as Americans are urged to be more like the Chinese or Vietnamese. Aren't they Communist, or is Communism just good for wages but bad for CEO pay? You tell me.
I think that the day of American business making products for the United States and the world is over.
The business of American business is now strictly to sell imports to Americans.
I view the business of manufacturing like this: You have raw materials, you have a manufacturer, you transport your goods to the retailer and the retailer sells the end product. We have now all but eliminated the first two steps of this process in America and these were the steps where the middle class was created.
The “Buy American” language in the stimulus bill just covered the stimulus bill, not any other law or treaty or right of any other business. If we're going to spend a trillion dollars, yours and my tax dollars, to help America, why should those dollars in this single bill go to China or Brazil or Lesotho?
I'll bet that all the other countries in the world are laughing at us for even having this argument. Or, they are licking their own chops waiting for our tax dollars to help their economy.
Dave Helisek is a resident of Manchester and regular contributing columnist for the Manchester Enterprise.
Cyclists turnout for EcoRide
Hundreds of cyclists throughout Michigan came out to support the Ecology Center of Ann Arbor’s annual EcoRide fundraiser June 28 at Hudson Mills Metro Park in Dexter.
The event featured four paths of different lengths, ranging from a 3.5-mile circle around Hudson Mills to a 55-mile trek through Dexter, Chelsea and Manchester. There were also 10-mile and 25-mile routes.
"This is one of our biggest fundraisers each year," Ecology Center events co-ordinator Ken Kozora said in a previous interview. "It's a family event, and the Manchester route is one everyone loves."
The fundraiser provides the Ecology Center with much needed donations to support its efforts toward promoting clean energy, zero waste, toxic-free children and protecting natural areas.
“One of the center’s goals is to make energy companies stop greenwashing and pro-vide renewable sources of energy,” the center said in a press release.
The fundraiser has been a major event for the Ecology Center for over 35 years. Kozora has been involved with the center since 1988 and says that the EcoRide attracts bikers from all over the county.
"We usually get anywhere from 200 to 300 riders, from little kids to serious riders," Kozora said. "A lot of long-time supporters of the Ecology Center participate, and we get people from Detroit and Oakland County who love the event."
Tom Glaser of Ann Arbor said this was his third year participating in the event.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “I want to get the exercise and though the 55-mile trek to Manchester is long, I feel up to it.”
Glaser said he is not an avid cyclist but enjoys being able to participate in an eco-friendly event.
David Schwartz of Saline said he participated in the EcoRide 15 years ago and is excited to participate this year.
“I’ve done it before,” he said. “I like being outdoors and I love riding past the Huron River.”
Schwartz opted for the 25-mile route into north Ann Arbor.
“I didn’t want to do the 10 mile route because that was too short,” he said.
Michael Foerster of Royal Oak said he first heard about the event through a friend.
“I’m excited. This is my first event ride,” he said. “I am biking to Traverse City in two weeks so this is a warm-up for me.”
In the past, riders were required to pay a participation fee for the event. This year, however, participation was free for adults. Cyclists were also encouraged to raise a minimum of $50 for the center.
“I like how we were able to allocate what issue we wanted our money to go toward,” Ypsilanti resident Kevin Bush said.
Bush and his friend, Elizabeth Luther of Ann Arbor, were recruited to participate in the event by fellow friend Douglas Reith.
“We’re all first-timers,” Reith said. “I came across several advertisements for the EcoRide and I thought it would be fun to form a team.”
Luther said the team chose the 55-mile route to Manchester.
“I have never been there before,” she said.
Dewight Plotner of Ann Arbor-based Wheels in Motion, said the company has been working with the EcoRide for several years and provides support for cyclists throughout the day.
“We donate a bicycle to the Ecology Center and we also have about 15 people go out on the routes with their bikes to help out if a biker breaks down or has a flat tire,” he said. “This is a great event and we are just doing our part to help out.”
Ypsilanti resident Peter Curtain said he enjoys working with Plotner and the Wheels in Motion team.
“I wanted to help them out because I think it’s a great cause,” he said.
Curtain, who is originally from Australia, said he is an avid cyclist and is attending the Tour de France this year.
Tom Liston of Whitmore Lake said a friend got him interested in the event.
“I ride quite often,” he said.
Liston chose the Manchester route to ride tandem with his wife.
“This will be the longest route I’ve taken,” he said. “Previously I’ve done up to 51 miles. My goal is to finish in four hours.”
Liston’s friend, Charlie Bateman of Northville, said the 55-mile trek would be his longest route this year.
“I’ve done 20 miles. This will be stretching it,” he said. “I think it’s worth it though. I’ll be fine.”
Other festivities throughout the day included complimentary chair massages and performances by The Po-Boy Cajun Band and Dorkestra. Both groups were courtesy of the Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization.
“This is awesome,” Kozora said. “We have beautiful weather and a great bunch of people coming out to the Ecology Center to support us. It’s exciting to be a part of it.”
Monday, June 22, 2009
Celebrate the 1960s and '70s
Local musician Daniel Lai and the band Delirious Love will perform at the Quarter Bistro & Tavern in Ann Arbor on Saturday. The show is open to the public and starts at 9 p.m.
For more information, visit http://www.thequarterbistro.com/events.php
One of Michigan’s newest rock/pop bands with combined 12 years experience, features the talents of six local musicians bringing the sights and sounds of the 60s, 70s and 80s alive in a stunning and intimate setting. Performance includes the sounds of Chuck Berry and the beginning of Rock & Roll era to the British invasion with The Beatles – as well as classic hits from Motown, Neil Diamond, Tom Petty and beyond.
Entertainment lineup brings fresh faces
The 65th annual Manchester Community Fair evening lineup promises to be a crowd-pleasing selection of music and entertainment variety.
“We tried to get as many new and fresh acts that we could find this year,” entertainment coordinator Ben Wotjas said. “We want to keep rotating the entertainment to keep things new.”
New to the fair this year include a Guitar Hero videogame contest sponsored by Best Buy, a pizza eating contest sponsored by Classic Pizza, as well as performances by local musician Jim Dokurno and Manchester Enterprise Editor Daniel Lai’s band Delirious Love.
“We’re pretty excited about the caliber of entertainment we managed to get for this year’s fair,” Wotjas said.
The Cottonwood Cloggers, a well-known dance group, will kick-off the entertainment at 8:30 p.m. July 7.
Led by Atticus Sumner, the group includes members from across the state of Michigan and performs an eclectic mix of blues, country, rock and roll, and jazz.
“During the show, you will see Atticus’ music in motion Atticus has inspired many people through his dance and audiences too will be able to experience this talent with a nationally recognized musical phenomenon,” the group states on their Web site.
Sumner and the Cottonwood Cloggers have appeared frequently on television, radio and in newspapers throughout the country. The group performed at the Fox Theater in Detroit, opened for the Grand Ole Opry with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, Ricky Skaggs, Holly Dunn, and the Bellamy Brothers.
The Cottonwood Cloggers have also performed at past fairs in Manchester as well as the Manchester Chicken Broil.
The Cloggers will also perform at 6 and 7 p.m. July 9 and 6 p.m. July 10 at the fair.
On July 9, the musical styling of Jim Dokurno will delight audiences beginning at 8 p.m. on the main stage. Based out of Marshall, Dokurno’s musical influences include ’90s grunge rock.
“He’s a super fantastic singer and songwriter and he will be performing a solo set of music,” Wotjas said.
After years of playing with rock bands, Dokurno has finally stepped out on his own to find his place in the music scene, releasing his first solo album in January 2005 (“The Finding My Voice Demos”).
“With music ranging from slow moody rock to ballads of love and anger, Dokurno finds the way to get straight to the point with few blurred lines in between,” Dokurno’s Web site states. “Overly honest lyrics about life and the stories with in it, take his songs to new heights. Thrashing his guitar to bring out the most angered tones and gently massaging it to bring out every ghostly note. Dokurno rounds it all off with a stage presence that is untouchable.”
Dokurno’s influences include: Nirvana, Sound Garden, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Mother Love Bone, The Verve Pipe, Papa Vegas, Sponge, Damien Rice, Foo Fighters, Colic, Jimmy Hendrix, The Beatles, and Led Zepplin.
On July 9, the Longneck Strangler Band takes to the stage at 8 p.m. The band takes a new and innovative approach to some of country music’s great songs. The Detroit-based band has performed at Cheli’s Chili Bar and The Dawghouse.
The band is self-described as Johnny Cash and Hank Williams meets AC/DC.
“If both their love of rock and roll and their being from Detroit may deny Longneck Strangler an invitation from the Grand Ol’ Opry, a quick inspection of Longneck Strangler in performance reveals qualities that rank them with any other country band on the market,” the band states on their Web site. “The singer switches between acoustic guitar and fiddle when he is not demonstrating his impeccable vocal delivery, the guitarist may sling a Gibson Flying V… but he does stop moving to work the steel guitar, the drummer knows when to keep four-on-the-floor (and when not to), and the bassist lays down the most solid two-feel this side of the Mason-Dixon Line while (occasionally) wearing a cowboy hat.
“These four musicians combine diverse but overlapping backgrounds into the Longneck Strangler sound, which, for the sake of simplicity, you could arguably label country.”
Rounding out this year’s musical lineup is Manchester Enterprise Editor Daniel Lai and the band Delirious Love. The band will perform from 5 to 7 p.m. July 11 on the main stage. Based in Taylor, Delirious Love is one of Michigan’s newest rock/pop band’s with a combined 12 years of experience. The band features the talents of six local musicians bringing the sights and sounds of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s alive in a stunning and intimate setting. The band carries audiences back to the sounds of Chuck Berry and the beginning of Rock & Roll era to the British invasion with The Beatles – as well as classic hits from Motown, Neil Diamond, Tom Petty and beyond.
Delirious Love has performed at the Manchester Oktoberfest, the Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization’s “Halloween with a Heart” fundraiser in 2008, The Quarter Bistro & Tavern in Ann Arbor, and other local venues throughout Southwest Michigan.
For a complete listing of this year’s activities and events at the fair, visit www.manchestermi.org/fair/
Daniel Lai can be reached at 428-8173 or dlai@heritage.com.
Monday, June 15, 2009
MHS names valedictorian, salutatorian for Class of 2009
Manchester High School recently announced the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2009. Both students attained over a 4.0 cumulative GPA on the weighted scale.
Samantha Jane Kreklau is the MHS valedictorian with a 4.25 GPA. She is the daughter of Deborah Kreklau and James Kreklau, Jr. She was a member of the track team for four years during which time she was a scholar athlete and received the Cascade All-Conference Academic Athlete award.
As a four-year member of the MHS Student Council, she served as president her senior year, and as a two-year member of the National Honor Society she served as membership secretary.
During her four years in Drama Club she served both as its president and as treasurer. Kreklau’s other activities include: four years in Key Club, serving as treasurer and bulletin editor; four years in Quiz Bowl; and participant in LifeSmarts. She recently received the Kiwanis Club Scholarship and Social Studies Department awards.
Outside of school, Kreklau was a 13-year member of Girl Scout Troop 977 and three-year member of the United Methodist Church Outreach Committee. She has worked for her church as well as Alber’s Apple Orchard and the Manchester District Library. This fall she plans to attend the University of Michigan.
Brian Kemeter is the MHS 2009 salutatorian with a 4.20 GPA.
He is the son of Gene and Sharon Kemeter of Manchester. He played football all four years of high school. He was a two-year member of both National Honor Society and Student Council. Kemeter received the Math Department award for the Class of 2009. He was also a student mentor for two years. He was selected as the Optimist Club’s Student of the Month for March 2008, WXYZ-TV Channel 7’s “Brightest and Best” 2009 student award, and awarded the Second Team Academic All-State for the 2008 football season.
Besides his work at school, he also volunteers in the community, including working as a tester at the Manchester Chicken Broil. This fall Kemeter will attend the University of Michigan to study business.
Kreklau and Kemeter have been outstanding representatives of Manchester High School as well as the Manchester community.
Samantha Jane Kreklau is the MHS valedictorian with a 4.25 GPA. She is the daughter of Deborah Kreklau and James Kreklau, Jr. She was a member of the track team for four years during which time she was a scholar athlete and received the Cascade All-Conference Academic Athlete award.
As a four-year member of the MHS Student Council, she served as president her senior year, and as a two-year member of the National Honor Society she served as membership secretary.
During her four years in Drama Club she served both as its president and as treasurer. Kreklau’s other activities include: four years in Key Club, serving as treasurer and bulletin editor; four years in Quiz Bowl; and participant in LifeSmarts. She recently received the Kiwanis Club Scholarship and Social Studies Department awards.
Outside of school, Kreklau was a 13-year member of Girl Scout Troop 977 and three-year member of the United Methodist Church Outreach Committee. She has worked for her church as well as Alber’s Apple Orchard and the Manchester District Library. This fall she plans to attend the University of Michigan.
Brian Kemeter is the MHS 2009 salutatorian with a 4.20 GPA.
He is the son of Gene and Sharon Kemeter of Manchester. He played football all four years of high school. He was a two-year member of both National Honor Society and Student Council. Kemeter received the Math Department award for the Class of 2009. He was also a student mentor for two years. He was selected as the Optimist Club’s Student of the Month for March 2008, WXYZ-TV Channel 7’s “Brightest and Best” 2009 student award, and awarded the Second Team Academic All-State for the 2008 football season.
Besides his work at school, he also volunteers in the community, including working as a tester at the Manchester Chicken Broil. This fall Kemeter will attend the University of Michigan to study business.
Kreklau and Kemeter have been outstanding representatives of Manchester High School as well as the Manchester community.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Community lends helping hand
By Sarah Pettigew
Guest Writer
To say that the current economic climate is tumultuous would be an understatement. For many of us in Michigan as well as around the nation, layoffs, plant closures and store liquidations are almost so common place that our ears no longer perk up with a jolt of shock when they're mentioned on the news.
When I drive through my once seemingly affluent hometown, the neighborhoods are dotted with auction signs on homes that have weathered foreclosure. The costs of our groceries escalate even as our ability to pay for them diminishes, and many of our neighbors wonder just how they'll keep it all together enough to move one day further.
However, I am exposed to another type of reality. For two years, I have been a part of a free community meal program that serves bi-weekly meals at First Congregational Church in Wyandotte.
As a regular, cook, server, greeter and volunteer coordinator there, I have almost seen it all – young women barely surviving beatings by enraged boyfriends, elderly folks sleeping in cars and traveling from place to place, children with no mittens in winter from homes where there is little to eat, couples who have worked all their lives suddenly faced with joblessness, victims of crime and sufferers of illness.
These are the images people expect to hear about when I tell them I am affiliated with a soup kitchen.
The unanticipated reality that overshadows these bleaker images, however, is a reality of hope.
People often ask me if it depresses me to share meals with those who struggle. In truth, I have been humbled, cheered, and inspired by not only the triumphs of those guests from our community meal program who overcome the adversity of daily existence, but also by the outpouring of generosity and support from local churches, businesses, and individuals that continues to foster our very important work.
When our larder is looking a little worse for the wear, a stranger will ask if we accept donations of canned goods.
Out of silverware? Here comes a woman who saw some on sale and thought we'd need some.
What's at work here is something reminiscent of that never-out-dated story of the loaves and the fishes with a little bit going far enough to reach all who had hunger.
The religious among us might say that this phenomenon we experience when we serve soup is God's hand providing again and again, while others might applaud the same spirit of humanitarianism that still motivates us to look out for one an-other.
What I know for certain is that something wonderful is at work here, in Michigan, where we're all supposed to have given up hope, where we're supposed to be washed up, fed up and given up for dead.
Even when we have little, somehow, our combined efforts are mighty and infallible. From the woman from the library who bakes when she can so that we'll have something to tuck into bagged lunches, to the soup kitchen “guests” who supplied us with produce from their garden to help stretch out a meal, to the mom and pop places that have a surplus they can share.
From the disabled students who scoop beans on a plate with infectious smiles, people who are your neighbors are banding together, usually anonymously, always without hope for recognition or repayment, and making a statement about a different reality here in Michigan.
That reality is one of selflessness and hope, and we've still got second helpings for everyone.
Last night, as I took stock of the few cupboards where we store our food stuffs, I couldn't help but notice the very bare spaces where rows of cans once overflowed, but I smiled to myself as I pulled out the components for an upcoming meal.
There is enough for tomorrow in our pantry, and I hold onto hope that our shelves will continue to bear enough goods to sustain us for the next meal and the next.
I have faith that our community will continue to sustain us.
Thank you, to our community of friends who are tireless in their commitment to compassion.
Sarah Pettigew is the director of a local soup kitchen. Waynewright Community Meals serves a warm meal and bagged lunch from noon to 1 p.m. at 98 Superior in Wyandotte on Wednesdays and Saturdays. To get involved contact,1-734 285-3540 or email teampetti-grew@hotmail.com
Guest Writer
To say that the current economic climate is tumultuous would be an understatement. For many of us in Michigan as well as around the nation, layoffs, plant closures and store liquidations are almost so common place that our ears no longer perk up with a jolt of shock when they're mentioned on the news.
When I drive through my once seemingly affluent hometown, the neighborhoods are dotted with auction signs on homes that have weathered foreclosure. The costs of our groceries escalate even as our ability to pay for them diminishes, and many of our neighbors wonder just how they'll keep it all together enough to move one day further.
However, I am exposed to another type of reality. For two years, I have been a part of a free community meal program that serves bi-weekly meals at First Congregational Church in Wyandotte.
As a regular, cook, server, greeter and volunteer coordinator there, I have almost seen it all – young women barely surviving beatings by enraged boyfriends, elderly folks sleeping in cars and traveling from place to place, children with no mittens in winter from homes where there is little to eat, couples who have worked all their lives suddenly faced with joblessness, victims of crime and sufferers of illness.
These are the images people expect to hear about when I tell them I am affiliated with a soup kitchen.
The unanticipated reality that overshadows these bleaker images, however, is a reality of hope.
People often ask me if it depresses me to share meals with those who struggle. In truth, I have been humbled, cheered, and inspired by not only the triumphs of those guests from our community meal program who overcome the adversity of daily existence, but also by the outpouring of generosity and support from local churches, businesses, and individuals that continues to foster our very important work.
When our larder is looking a little worse for the wear, a stranger will ask if we accept donations of canned goods.
Out of silverware? Here comes a woman who saw some on sale and thought we'd need some.
What's at work here is something reminiscent of that never-out-dated story of the loaves and the fishes with a little bit going far enough to reach all who had hunger.
The religious among us might say that this phenomenon we experience when we serve soup is God's hand providing again and again, while others might applaud the same spirit of humanitarianism that still motivates us to look out for one an-other.
What I know for certain is that something wonderful is at work here, in Michigan, where we're all supposed to have given up hope, where we're supposed to be washed up, fed up and given up for dead.
Even when we have little, somehow, our combined efforts are mighty and infallible. From the woman from the library who bakes when she can so that we'll have something to tuck into bagged lunches, to the soup kitchen “guests” who supplied us with produce from their garden to help stretch out a meal, to the mom and pop places that have a surplus they can share.
From the disabled students who scoop beans on a plate with infectious smiles, people who are your neighbors are banding together, usually anonymously, always without hope for recognition or repayment, and making a statement about a different reality here in Michigan.
That reality is one of selflessness and hope, and we've still got second helpings for everyone.
Last night, as I took stock of the few cupboards where we store our food stuffs, I couldn't help but notice the very bare spaces where rows of cans once overflowed, but I smiled to myself as I pulled out the components for an upcoming meal.
There is enough for tomorrow in our pantry, and I hold onto hope that our shelves will continue to bear enough goods to sustain us for the next meal and the next.
I have faith that our community will continue to sustain us.
Thank you, to our community of friends who are tireless in their commitment to compassion.
Sarah Pettigew is the director of a local soup kitchen. Waynewright Community Meals serves a warm meal and bagged lunch from noon to 1 p.m. at 98 Superior in Wyandotte on Wednesdays and Saturdays. To get involved contact,1-734 285-3540 or email teampetti-grew@hotmail.com
Thursday, May 28, 2009
On the move but staying in touch
My staff and I have been boxing up files, cleaning out desks and taking down awards and photos from the walls as we prepare for the move from our office at 135 E. Main St. in Manchester to our western region headquarters at the Saline Reporter in Saline.
As my girlfriend, mother, and sports writer spent the better half of last week boxing up the office, I couldn’t help but look through some of the old newspapers that were printed before my tenure in Manchester. This small town has certainly seen its fair share of news. From tragedies and scandals to celebrations, festivals and fairs, all of the Manchester community’s history has been recorded in the pages of the Enterprise for generations.
For me, one of the boxes of newspapers was and remains poignant. It contained the first several months issues of May 2007 when I took over as editor. I remember my first few months on the job were a learning experience. In fact, my first call to Jeff Wallace was to ask if he could put me in touch with Manchester’s Economic Development Corporation. His response was kind yet right to the point: “You aren’t from Michigan are you?”
The packing brought up many good and bad memories, a flood of emotion and a little bit of sadness.
But today I remembered those memories will not end.
Though Ed and I continue to educate ourselves about the ins and outs of Manchester two years later, I think our pictures can now go up on the hall of fame of former Enterprise staff members.
I will still work with Village President Pat Vailliencourt and her staff and many other city and school officials in Manchester, along with officials in Bridgewater, Freedom, Manchester and Sharon townships.
Infact, Mrs. Vailliencourt has graciously allowed the Enterprise to leave a drop box at the Coffee Mill Café on Main Street to allow local residents to continue to drop off photos and press releases for publication in the Enterprise. I or a staff member will retrieve the items on Monday mornings. This box is primarily for those who do not use e-mail. For those who have e-mail, electronic .jpeg photos and electronic press releases are still the preferred method of submissions.
This drop box will be in place in the coming weeks and I will include a notice in the Enterprise informing readers when they can begin leaving items at the Coffee Mill for pick-up.
All photos and press releases can still be sent to editor@manchesterenterprise.com. Similarly, all sports information can still be e-mailed to epatino@heritage.com. Readers can still reach us at our Manchester phone number, 428-8173. Mail can also be sent to The Manchester Enterprise, 135 E. Main St., Manchester MI. All mail will be forwarded to our office in Saline.
The Manchester Enterprise, with its news staff intact, will be in Manchester as often as we have in the past to cover the news and put out the best newspaper despite these recent changes. We are working around the clock to make this transition an easy one for everyone and are open to suggestions.
Changes to the newspaper profession are being reflected right across the American newspaper industry as well as other media — radio, TV, Internet, etc.
Consolidations, closings, reductions staffing are the norm.
When the future of GM, Ford and Chrysler are in question, people have to understand what is happening to the rest of American business.
But Manchester is not losing its local newspaper.
Most readers will not notice any change.
If the Manchester area can survive the purchase of the Enterprise by Heritage Newspapers, it can survive the move of the Enterprise office 13 miles east to Saline.
Editor Daniel Lai can be reached at 428-8173 or e-mail dlai@heritage.com.
As my girlfriend, mother, and sports writer spent the better half of last week boxing up the office, I couldn’t help but look through some of the old newspapers that were printed before my tenure in Manchester. This small town has certainly seen its fair share of news. From tragedies and scandals to celebrations, festivals and fairs, all of the Manchester community’s history has been recorded in the pages of the Enterprise for generations.
For me, one of the boxes of newspapers was and remains poignant. It contained the first several months issues of May 2007 when I took over as editor. I remember my first few months on the job were a learning experience. In fact, my first call to Jeff Wallace was to ask if he could put me in touch with Manchester’s Economic Development Corporation. His response was kind yet right to the point: “You aren’t from Michigan are you?”
The packing brought up many good and bad memories, a flood of emotion and a little bit of sadness.
But today I remembered those memories will not end.
Though Ed and I continue to educate ourselves about the ins and outs of Manchester two years later, I think our pictures can now go up on the hall of fame of former Enterprise staff members.
I will still work with Village President Pat Vailliencourt and her staff and many other city and school officials in Manchester, along with officials in Bridgewater, Freedom, Manchester and Sharon townships.
Infact, Mrs. Vailliencourt has graciously allowed the Enterprise to leave a drop box at the Coffee Mill Café on Main Street to allow local residents to continue to drop off photos and press releases for publication in the Enterprise. I or a staff member will retrieve the items on Monday mornings. This box is primarily for those who do not use e-mail. For those who have e-mail, electronic .jpeg photos and electronic press releases are still the preferred method of submissions.
This drop box will be in place in the coming weeks and I will include a notice in the Enterprise informing readers when they can begin leaving items at the Coffee Mill for pick-up.
All photos and press releases can still be sent to editor@manchesterenterprise.com. Similarly, all sports information can still be e-mailed to epatino@heritage.com. Readers can still reach us at our Manchester phone number, 428-8173. Mail can also be sent to The Manchester Enterprise, 135 E. Main St., Manchester MI. All mail will be forwarded to our office in Saline.
The Manchester Enterprise, with its news staff intact, will be in Manchester as often as we have in the past to cover the news and put out the best newspaper despite these recent changes. We are working around the clock to make this transition an easy one for everyone and are open to suggestions.
Changes to the newspaper profession are being reflected right across the American newspaper industry as well as other media — radio, TV, Internet, etc.
Consolidations, closings, reductions staffing are the norm.
When the future of GM, Ford and Chrysler are in question, people have to understand what is happening to the rest of American business.
But Manchester is not losing its local newspaper.
Most readers will not notice any change.
If the Manchester area can survive the purchase of the Enterprise by Heritage Newspapers, it can survive the move of the Enterprise office 13 miles east to Saline.
Editor Daniel Lai can be reached at 428-8173 or e-mail dlai@heritage.com.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Manchester Enterprise to relocate office June 1
Officials of Heritage Newspapers and the Journal Register Co. have announced The Manchester Enterprise office at 135 E. Main St., Suite 202 in Manchester is being closed and relocated.
Beginning June 1, the editorial staff and advertising account executives will be consolidated into the Heritage Newspapers’ Western Region headquarters at The Saline Reporter in Saline.
The move is one of many being taken by the newspapers’ parent company, Journal Register Co. to survive in the current declining economy in Michigan and across the county — which has hit newspapers across the country very hard.
Staff writers, editors, photographers, advertising advisors and circulation route managers will continue to work in Manchester.
The Manchester Enterprise will continue to be delivered to Post Office boxes and sold at stores and from newspaper racks around the community.
The newspaper will continue to be the best and most authoritative source of news about the Manchester community — its school district, local governments, sports teams and the people and activities of Manchester.
The editorial staff will continue to attend meetings, gatherings and events to stay on top of events in Manchester.
Residents will still be able to talk to those people by calling the Enterprise’s cur-rent phone number: (734) 428-8173. Individuals will be available through their e-mail addresses as well.
The carriers who deliver the Manchester Enterprise will continue to work with route managers by mail, phone or in person at the Saline Reporter office at 106 W. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI. 48176.
That office is located 12 miles east of Manchester.
The move comes amid a shake up in the entire industry and Michigan in particular.
Papers across the state have seen reductions in staffing. Regional papers have con-solidated into a smaller number of locations and they have reduced coverage of smaller and outlying communities.
JRC has announced other moves designed to allow it to keep operating. It has closed newspapers in Connecticut and hired a firm to seek buyers for certain properties.
For more information, contact Manchester Enterprise Editor Daniel Lai at dlai@heritage.com or call 428-8173. Additional inquiries can be sent to Karl Ziomek at kziomek@heritage.com.
Beginning June 1, the editorial staff and advertising account executives will be consolidated into the Heritage Newspapers’ Western Region headquarters at The Saline Reporter in Saline.
The move is one of many being taken by the newspapers’ parent company, Journal Register Co. to survive in the current declining economy in Michigan and across the county — which has hit newspapers across the country very hard.
Staff writers, editors, photographers, advertising advisors and circulation route managers will continue to work in Manchester.
The Manchester Enterprise will continue to be delivered to Post Office boxes and sold at stores and from newspaper racks around the community.
The newspaper will continue to be the best and most authoritative source of news about the Manchester community — its school district, local governments, sports teams and the people and activities of Manchester.
The editorial staff will continue to attend meetings, gatherings and events to stay on top of events in Manchester.
Residents will still be able to talk to those people by calling the Enterprise’s cur-rent phone number: (734) 428-8173. Individuals will be available through their e-mail addresses as well.
The carriers who deliver the Manchester Enterprise will continue to work with route managers by mail, phone or in person at the Saline Reporter office at 106 W. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI. 48176.
That office is located 12 miles east of Manchester.
The move comes amid a shake up in the entire industry and Michigan in particular.
Papers across the state have seen reductions in staffing. Regional papers have con-solidated into a smaller number of locations and they have reduced coverage of smaller and outlying communities.
JRC has announced other moves designed to allow it to keep operating. It has closed newspapers in Connecticut and hired a firm to seek buyers for certain properties.
For more information, contact Manchester Enterprise Editor Daniel Lai at dlai@heritage.com or call 428-8173. Additional inquiries can be sent to Karl Ziomek at kziomek@heritage.com.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Swine flu the real deal?
By Sarah Franklin
This swine flu thing: Outbreak, epidemic, pandemic. Has the potential to be all three. And it's very scary.
I remember being at the World Health Organization when Avian flu was the hot button topic in the global health community. There was absolute panic and preparing for the expected outbreak put everything else on the back burner in Geneva.
Avian flu temporarily dwarfed HIV, TB, malaria and a whole slew of other diseases that kill enormous numbers of people. After all the panic and last minute funding and staffing, avian barely made a dent.
Swine flu is different. Whereas Avian flu developed in a centuries-old system of Asian peasants living in close contact with their subsistence livestock, swine flu is the result of large-scale industrial agriculture, a system that has only developed in the last half-century.
Most of the deaths so far have been in Mexico. Why? No one knows, not exactly, and not yet. However, the fact that Mexico's medical care is difficult to access certainly isn't helping the situation.
In addition to being sad, this is infuriating. The company that owns the "host" outbreak site is a U.S.-based company.
Not only American, but typically American - the largest pork producer in the world. We're talking million-hog feedlots. Sickening stench, incredible negative environmental impact (manure reservoirs, for example, and concentrated CO2 emissions), and most relevant, disease passed from pig-to-pig and now pig-to-person.
This is the way America farms now. Our animals and our plants. En masse, only one species per area, “monoculture” is the term in the agriculture world. And what the world is finally being made aware of is how treacherous a path we're paving.
We've messed with ecosystems and their natural protective mechanisms (biodiversity) and now we're paying the price.
But wait, it's not exactly the United States that's paying the price, at least not yet. It's Mexico and Mexicans: quick-moving infection rates and death tolls; travel warnings; talk of closing borders; and the inevitable stigma. As if Mexico didn't have enough on its plate already...
That “Big Ag” in the United States has deemed it appropriate to not only farm this way in the United States (bad for us), but to export these agricultural practices (bad for us and all the folks we inflict our systems upon) to countries where land and labor are cheaper – all facilitated by those “development” policies under the umbrella of the North American Free Trade Agreement – is unforgivable.
To make mistakes on our own land, with our own soil, and our own population is one thing. But that we've inflicted this upon Mexico and as we're fast learning, the world, is entirely another.
In the meantime, the U.S. government and “Big Ag” have gotten us into this mess.
And an apology (if ever we step forward with one) isn't going to solve the problem.
We should be frightened and angry. We've let “Big Ag” dominate our food system for too long, allowing their profit-hungry motives and facade of “efficiency” to shush those concerned with the environmental, health, and yes, even economic impacts of industrial agriculture.
Now, we're in deep, deep trouble. We've been given several warnings – tainted tomatoes, spinach, peanut butter. How many chances did we think we were going to get before things got completely out of control?
Maybe swine flu is our last warning, or maybe we're really in for it this time.
Either way, it's time to open our eyes to the broad impacts of mass food production, processing, and distribution in this country and abroad.
It's a system the United States has created and we are responsible for the consequences.
Sara Franklin is the capacity building coordinator for WHY (World Hunger Year).
This swine flu thing: Outbreak, epidemic, pandemic. Has the potential to be all three. And it's very scary.
I remember being at the World Health Organization when Avian flu was the hot button topic in the global health community. There was absolute panic and preparing for the expected outbreak put everything else on the back burner in Geneva.
Avian flu temporarily dwarfed HIV, TB, malaria and a whole slew of other diseases that kill enormous numbers of people. After all the panic and last minute funding and staffing, avian barely made a dent.
Swine flu is different. Whereas Avian flu developed in a centuries-old system of Asian peasants living in close contact with their subsistence livestock, swine flu is the result of large-scale industrial agriculture, a system that has only developed in the last half-century.
Most of the deaths so far have been in Mexico. Why? No one knows, not exactly, and not yet. However, the fact that Mexico's medical care is difficult to access certainly isn't helping the situation.
In addition to being sad, this is infuriating. The company that owns the "host" outbreak site is a U.S.-based company.
Not only American, but typically American - the largest pork producer in the world. We're talking million-hog feedlots. Sickening stench, incredible negative environmental impact (manure reservoirs, for example, and concentrated CO2 emissions), and most relevant, disease passed from pig-to-pig and now pig-to-person.
This is the way America farms now. Our animals and our plants. En masse, only one species per area, “monoculture” is the term in the agriculture world. And what the world is finally being made aware of is how treacherous a path we're paving.
We've messed with ecosystems and their natural protective mechanisms (biodiversity) and now we're paying the price.
But wait, it's not exactly the United States that's paying the price, at least not yet. It's Mexico and Mexicans: quick-moving infection rates and death tolls; travel warnings; talk of closing borders; and the inevitable stigma. As if Mexico didn't have enough on its plate already...
That “Big Ag” in the United States has deemed it appropriate to not only farm this way in the United States (bad for us), but to export these agricultural practices (bad for us and all the folks we inflict our systems upon) to countries where land and labor are cheaper – all facilitated by those “development” policies under the umbrella of the North American Free Trade Agreement – is unforgivable.
To make mistakes on our own land, with our own soil, and our own population is one thing. But that we've inflicted this upon Mexico and as we're fast learning, the world, is entirely another.
In the meantime, the U.S. government and “Big Ag” have gotten us into this mess.
And an apology (if ever we step forward with one) isn't going to solve the problem.
We should be frightened and angry. We've let “Big Ag” dominate our food system for too long, allowing their profit-hungry motives and facade of “efficiency” to shush those concerned with the environmental, health, and yes, even economic impacts of industrial agriculture.
Now, we're in deep, deep trouble. We've been given several warnings – tainted tomatoes, spinach, peanut butter. How many chances did we think we were going to get before things got completely out of control?
Maybe swine flu is our last warning, or maybe we're really in for it this time.
Either way, it's time to open our eyes to the broad impacts of mass food production, processing, and distribution in this country and abroad.
It's a system the United States has created and we are responsible for the consequences.
Sara Franklin is the capacity building coordinator for WHY (World Hunger Year).
Friday, May 15, 2009
Two years and still going strong
Summer is upon us. Everywhere you look signs of life are returning to our community. The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, green grass has replaced the brown dead grass of winter and farmers are out selling their goods on Adrian Street.
As I perused the plant and vegetable stands at the Farmer’s Market this week stopping to talk with some familiar faces, an overwhelming sense of déjà vu swept over me.
“I have been here before,” I thought to myself.
A quick glance my desk calendar confirmed my suspicions. Last Thursday marked my two year anniversary as editor of The Manchester Enterprise and my time here in Manchester.
“Has it really been two years?” I thought to myself.
As they say, “Time flies when your having fun.”
And it has been fun. I have enjoyed meeting the many individuals and groups in town. Many of whom that has taken the time to share some very unique and inspiring stories with me.
Some of my favorite interviewees have been Don Limpert and his collection of Civil War memorabilia, Barry and Peggy Allen and their quest to start a Lions Club, and MHS Drama teacher Emily Prosser.
Still others have touched me with their personal crusades to bring about education and research (Christie Taylor and the Buddy Walk or Chris Fegan and the Relay for Life).
Of course, the most exciting part of my job is attending the various festivals and events that are put on throughout the year in Manchester. I still remember my very first community event–– The Manchester Men’s Club Blues & Ribs Fest –– and my anxiety of not knowing who Bob Rhees was (after all the members of the club referred my inquiries to him). Two years later, the Enterprise has a great working relationship with Bob, Jack Summers and the rest of the Men’s Club.
If I had to count the number of stories I have written over the years, I’d guess it is over 100. The number of notebooks filled from cover to cover with phone numbers, notes and quotes, can speak for themselves.
Of course, these are not just notes scribbled on a piece of paper. A reporter’s notebooks are filled with stories that serve as a record of who the people were in the communities that the newspaper covers.
Though periodically my office receives calls from readers asking for more local content, I feel my staff writer and I give readers a pretty good sampling of the news in our little nitch of Washtenaw County.
Ed Patino, our sports writer, has done a tremendous job covering the various sports teams in town. Sometimes I think he has a lot harder of a job than I do because everyone wants his or her son or daughter’s record-breaking long jump or touchdown pass mentioned in the paper.
For the two years I have been in Manchester, the newspaper has had the privilege of covering some of our athletes’ greatest achievements. From the Manchester High School wrestling team’s successful seasons to the equestrian, cheerleading and football team’s many successes. Our sports pages are lit up every week with achievements from Manchester’s youth and teens.
As newspapers across the country continue to face the challenges of decreasing readership, low advertising and subscriptions and smaller staffs, I am optimistic that my staff and I will continue to bring hometown news to the people of Manchester.
I also encourage readers to support their local newspaper –– whether it’s the Enterprise, Saline Reporter, Detroit Free Press or Ann Arbor News. The writers, editors, advertising consultants, managers and clerks that make up a newspaper’s staff are all good people who are dedicated and work hard at what they do. And they take pride in what they do.
The Pultizer Prize winning author Richard Kluger once said, “Every time a newspaper dies, even a bad one, the country moves a little closer to authoritarianism; when a great one goes, history itself is denied a devoted witness.”
I hope, as newspapers press forward, I will continue to be the voice of the Manchester community. Thank you for sharing your stories with me.
As I perused the plant and vegetable stands at the Farmer’s Market this week stopping to talk with some familiar faces, an overwhelming sense of déjà vu swept over me.
“I have been here before,” I thought to myself.
A quick glance my desk calendar confirmed my suspicions. Last Thursday marked my two year anniversary as editor of The Manchester Enterprise and my time here in Manchester.
“Has it really been two years?” I thought to myself.
As they say, “Time flies when your having fun.”
And it has been fun. I have enjoyed meeting the many individuals and groups in town. Many of whom that has taken the time to share some very unique and inspiring stories with me.
Some of my favorite interviewees have been Don Limpert and his collection of Civil War memorabilia, Barry and Peggy Allen and their quest to start a Lions Club, and MHS Drama teacher Emily Prosser.
Still others have touched me with their personal crusades to bring about education and research (Christie Taylor and the Buddy Walk or Chris Fegan and the Relay for Life).
Of course, the most exciting part of my job is attending the various festivals and events that are put on throughout the year in Manchester. I still remember my very first community event–– The Manchester Men’s Club Blues & Ribs Fest –– and my anxiety of not knowing who Bob Rhees was (after all the members of the club referred my inquiries to him). Two years later, the Enterprise has a great working relationship with Bob, Jack Summers and the rest of the Men’s Club.
If I had to count the number of stories I have written over the years, I’d guess it is over 100. The number of notebooks filled from cover to cover with phone numbers, notes and quotes, can speak for themselves.
Of course, these are not just notes scribbled on a piece of paper. A reporter’s notebooks are filled with stories that serve as a record of who the people were in the communities that the newspaper covers.
Though periodically my office receives calls from readers asking for more local content, I feel my staff writer and I give readers a pretty good sampling of the news in our little nitch of Washtenaw County.
Ed Patino, our sports writer, has done a tremendous job covering the various sports teams in town. Sometimes I think he has a lot harder of a job than I do because everyone wants his or her son or daughter’s record-breaking long jump or touchdown pass mentioned in the paper.
For the two years I have been in Manchester, the newspaper has had the privilege of covering some of our athletes’ greatest achievements. From the Manchester High School wrestling team’s successful seasons to the equestrian, cheerleading and football team’s many successes. Our sports pages are lit up every week with achievements from Manchester’s youth and teens.
As newspapers across the country continue to face the challenges of decreasing readership, low advertising and subscriptions and smaller staffs, I am optimistic that my staff and I will continue to bring hometown news to the people of Manchester.
I also encourage readers to support their local newspaper –– whether it’s the Enterprise, Saline Reporter, Detroit Free Press or Ann Arbor News. The writers, editors, advertising consultants, managers and clerks that make up a newspaper’s staff are all good people who are dedicated and work hard at what they do. And they take pride in what they do.
The Pultizer Prize winning author Richard Kluger once said, “Every time a newspaper dies, even a bad one, the country moves a little closer to authoritarianism; when a great one goes, history itself is denied a devoted witness.”
I hope, as newspapers press forward, I will continue to be the voice of the Manchester community. Thank you for sharing your stories with me.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Guest column: Shopping local pays off
By Rep. Pam Byrnes
As the weather warms, our farmers are busy working toward another successful harvest. Amid all the negative economic news, there lies an opportunity to make a difference in both the local economy and in our own personal lifestyles. This summer I encourage more people to buy their produce and groceries from the array of farmers markets in our area. Spending money on locally-grown food boosts the economy and helps our neighbors stay employed. This sort of agri-tourism keeps money in our community while providing us fresh fruits and vegetables, which are vital to maintaining healthy diets and lifestyles.
While purchasing a bag of vegetables and fruits may seem like a relatively minor thing, buying locally has the potential to help our economy immensely. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, if every Michigan household spent just $10 per week on Michigan-produced food, it would keep nearly $40 million every week working right here in our state.
As communities, we need to continue to embrace this growing sector of agri-tourism as farmers markets have proliferated across the state and country. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers markets listed in the national directory grew to 4,685 – a nearly 7 percent increase from 2006 to mid-2008. While this growth is good, continued success for the agri-tourism industry and farmers markets will rest, in part, on consumers spending their money in this industry.
In addition to the economic benefits for vendors and farmers, patrons of farmers markets also stand to benefit from supporting local agri-tourism, as shopping locally can reduce grocery costs. Many farmers are willing to sell the exact quantities you need; meaning you don't walk away with an entire bag of food when only one or two items were needed. This also leads to less unused food going to waste. Also, prices are generally lowest when produce is in season. Buying locally eliminates many of the transportation costs associated with moving the food from production site to your kitchen table.
The benefits of shopping locally at farmers markets extend well beyond simply cutting your grocery bill. A diet with significant portions of fruits and vegetables provides valuable vitamins and nutrients essential to long-term health. These types of foods also are naturally low in fat and calories. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. With soaring health care costs nationwide, taking a preventative approach to medicine is one way to potentially reduce health care costs.
So as we all embark on another great Michigan summer, let's make an effort to support our local agri-tourism, while at the same time making healthy lifestyle choices. Improving both the economy and our health are important to the overall quality of life in Michigan. I hope to see you at a farmers market in the upcoming months.
House Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes can be contacted by phone at 1-517-373-0828 or toll-free at 1-800-645-1581. Her e-mail address is pambyrnes@house.mi.gov and her Web site is byrnes.housedems.com.
Celebrity Server fundraiser benefits MCS
The Manchester Community Schools Foundation will host its annual “Celebrity Server” fundraiser from 4:30 to 8 p.m. May 12.
Throughout the evening, teachers at Manchester Community Schools will serve as waiters and pizza delivery carriers at Frank’s Place and Classic Pizza in downtown Manchester.
“Come on out and have your favorite teacher serve your dinner or stay in the com-fort of your own home and they can deliver your dinner right to your door,” the Foundation said in a press release.
The Celebrity Server Nights are an annual event for the foundation and provide an opportunity for students to see their teachers in a different role. Teachers wait tables at local restaurants and make deliveries for local pizzerias, while the tips received are donated to the Foundation to help further its mission.
Other Foundation fundraisers include the annual crab races, Manchesteropoly board game sales and the sale of trees at the high school.
For more information, call 428-9711.
Throughout the evening, teachers at Manchester Community Schools will serve as waiters and pizza delivery carriers at Frank’s Place and Classic Pizza in downtown Manchester.
“Come on out and have your favorite teacher serve your dinner or stay in the com-fort of your own home and they can deliver your dinner right to your door,” the Foundation said in a press release.
The Celebrity Server Nights are an annual event for the foundation and provide an opportunity for students to see their teachers in a different role. Teachers wait tables at local restaurants and make deliveries for local pizzerias, while the tips received are donated to the Foundation to help further its mission.
Other Foundation fundraisers include the annual crab races, Manchesteropoly board game sales and the sale of trees at the high school.
For more information, call 428-9711.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Cancer survivor enjoying life
By Dave Helisek
Special Writer
It's been 10 years since I began writing for The Manchester Enterprise, 10 years and a lot of life lived. Ten years ago the owner/editor of the newspaper was Theresa Benedict and I asked her if she wanted to take a chance on a guy writing a column about his personal fight with cancer, while it was happening. Theresa said to go with it and that was the start of my relationship with our hometown news.
I guess I write today to celebrate the fact that 10 years ago you would not have bet that I would be alive today to write this. At the time of my leaukemia, the prognosis for survival without a bone marrow transplant was five years. The prognosis with a transplant was not all that great but, if successful, more than five years.
I took the leap for a transplant and now that all seems so far away in time and yet it comes back at times to seem like it was just yesterday. I am thankfull that I had the support at the time of my family and of many community members who kept in contact thru e-mails and cards.
Members of St. Mary's church like Liz Wallace,Marja Warne and Emily and Betty Cummings kept humorous and inspirational thoughts coming my way. Father Charlie, who was pastor at the time, always had a minute to talk. I guess that time in my life shaped how I feel about the need for everyone in town to feel that they are part of a bigger picture -- bigger than just the nuclear family, and yes a part of a group bigger than just your usual comfortable meetings group.
Many of you remember that I got divorced in the middle of my recovery which added a whole other set of ponderings to my daily life. It was hard to keep the focus but focus we did. First to health then back to work, then where to live. Here we are 10 years later.
I must add that something in our little town must be good for the mind and body because two other transplanters from my time are still around from this area -- Dale Hegewood and Jake K.
It's a small club and the fact is that no one that I knew from outside our area and was involved in a bonemarrow transplant is still around today. We must count our blessings each day. So today I thank every and anyone who has reached out in a hand of friendship into my little space on this planet.Thank you all and thank God for these years. The Lord willing and the creek don't rise we'll have many more.
Special Writer
It's been 10 years since I began writing for The Manchester Enterprise, 10 years and a lot of life lived. Ten years ago the owner/editor of the newspaper was Theresa Benedict and I asked her if she wanted to take a chance on a guy writing a column about his personal fight with cancer, while it was happening. Theresa said to go with it and that was the start of my relationship with our hometown news.
I guess I write today to celebrate the fact that 10 years ago you would not have bet that I would be alive today to write this. At the time of my leaukemia, the prognosis for survival without a bone marrow transplant was five years. The prognosis with a transplant was not all that great but, if successful, more than five years.
I took the leap for a transplant and now that all seems so far away in time and yet it comes back at times to seem like it was just yesterday. I am thankfull that I had the support at the time of my family and of many community members who kept in contact thru e-mails and cards.
Members of St. Mary's church like Liz Wallace,Marja Warne and Emily and Betty Cummings kept humorous and inspirational thoughts coming my way. Father Charlie, who was pastor at the time, always had a minute to talk. I guess that time in my life shaped how I feel about the need for everyone in town to feel that they are part of a bigger picture -- bigger than just the nuclear family, and yes a part of a group bigger than just your usual comfortable meetings group.
Many of you remember that I got divorced in the middle of my recovery which added a whole other set of ponderings to my daily life. It was hard to keep the focus but focus we did. First to health then back to work, then where to live. Here we are 10 years later.
I must add that something in our little town must be good for the mind and body because two other transplanters from my time are still around from this area -- Dale Hegewood and Jake K.
It's a small club and the fact is that no one that I knew from outside our area and was involved in a bonemarrow transplant is still around today. We must count our blessings each day. So today I thank every and anyone who has reached out in a hand of friendship into my little space on this planet.Thank you all and thank God for these years. The Lord willing and the creek don't rise we'll have many more.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Finding comfort in sad news
By Andrew Dubyckyj
Special Writer
One of the toughest things for a writer is to try to make sense of the sensless; and yet coming up with the right words can be as daunting of a task even if as a journalist you are called to either report or analyze the event when a tragefy hits close to home, it can affect minds that are taught to be objective.
On Good Friday in the afternoon the Halls of a building where I once sang songs with friends and heard the beautiful sounds of music, had been silenced by a senseless act of violence when a promising actress' life was cut short by a murder-suicide by the hands of her own classmate during an acting class in Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn.
I can not imagine what thoughts ran to the minds of my former teachers and the students that witnessed this horrific tragedy. As a journalist tragedy is something that one often encounters; and this week we have seen the horrific destructiion of nature in Italy, a drunk driver killing three people in L.A. including Nick Adenhart, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels whose promising career was cut short, and now another campus tragedy.
No matter how objective one is trained to be, it still affects the person covering the story, especially if a story hits close to home like it has for this writer today. Such stories reminds us of this fragile package called life and to let our loved ones know how much they mean to us eachday as families and friends morn lives that have gone too soon.
Andrew Dubyckyj is a journalism student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and former student at Henry Ford Community College
Special Writer
One of the toughest things for a writer is to try to make sense of the sensless; and yet coming up with the right words can be as daunting of a task even if as a journalist you are called to either report or analyze the event when a tragefy hits close to home, it can affect minds that are taught to be objective.
On Good Friday in the afternoon the Halls of a building where I once sang songs with friends and heard the beautiful sounds of music, had been silenced by a senseless act of violence when a promising actress' life was cut short by a murder-suicide by the hands of her own classmate during an acting class in Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn.
I can not imagine what thoughts ran to the minds of my former teachers and the students that witnessed this horrific tragedy. As a journalist tragedy is something that one often encounters; and this week we have seen the horrific destructiion of nature in Italy, a drunk driver killing three people in L.A. including Nick Adenhart, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels whose promising career was cut short, and now another campus tragedy.
No matter how objective one is trained to be, it still affects the person covering the story, especially if a story hits close to home like it has for this writer today. Such stories reminds us of this fragile package called life and to let our loved ones know how much they mean to us eachday as families and friends morn lives that have gone too soon.
Andrew Dubyckyj is a journalism student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and former student at Henry Ford Community College
Monday, April 6, 2009
Superintendent's Corner
By Shawn Lewis-Lakin
Supreintendent of Manchester Community Schools
As a discrete subject that is taught in the school day, reading typically vanishes in the fifth or sixth grade. Yet, it is in the late elementary and middle school grades when the reading demands in subject area classes (mathematics, science, social studies) increase.
Recognizing the need to respond to this situation, many secondary-level teachers in the Manchester Community School District are now working to improve their ability to assist students to become better readers through participation in a program called Reading Apprenticeship.
Reading Apprenticeship is an approach to reading instruction that helps students develop the knowledge, strategies and dispositions they need to become more powerful readers. It is at heart a partnership of expertise, drawing on what teachers know and do as discipline-based readers, and on students’ unique and often underestimated strengths as learners.
Reading Apprenticeship helps students become better readers by: engaging students in more reading —for recreation as well as for subject-area learning and self-challenge; making the teacher’s discipline-based reading processes and knowledge visible to students; making students’ reading processes, motivations, strategies, knowledge and understandings visible to the teacher and to one another; helping students gain insight into their own reading processes; and helping students develop a repertoire of problem-solving strategies for overcoming obstacles and deepening comprehension of texts from various academic disciplines.
In a Reading Apprenticeship classroom, the curriculum expands to include how we read and why we read in the ways we do, as well as what we read in subject area classes.
The Manchester Community School District has powerful evidence for the impact this strategy is having in classrooms. The Degrees of Reading Power is one device used to measure reading growth. The reading ability of students as measured with the DRP typically grows two DRP units per instructional year (this is the norm or average growth in a year for a national sample of students).
In the Manchester classrooms where teachers are engaged in ongoing Reading Apprenticeship training and support, we are seeing reading growth of seven to 11 DRP units in an instructional year, and increase of 3.5 to 5.5 times the national norm for growth.
Another measure of the success being experienced with this program is found in the senior exit survey data collected from graduating seniors at the high school. Between 2007 and 2008 the number of students who responded positively to questions regarding their experiences of receiving instruction and support in content area reading increased 20 percent.
Students are not only reading better, but are recognizing and appreciating that something significant is changing in what is happening in their classrooms.
Finding new ways to support growth in reading proficiency at the secondary level is but one example of our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of instruction we provide to all students. As we wrestle with budgets and necessary financial restructuring, it is my hope that we not lose sight of our core vision, which is one of providing educational excellence in a caring community. It is both that which we now do and that for which we will continually strive.
Shawn Lewis-Lakin is the superintendent at Manchester Community Schools. He can be reached at slewis-lakin@mcs.k12.mi.us
Supreintendent of Manchester Community Schools
As a discrete subject that is taught in the school day, reading typically vanishes in the fifth or sixth grade. Yet, it is in the late elementary and middle school grades when the reading demands in subject area classes (mathematics, science, social studies) increase.
Recognizing the need to respond to this situation, many secondary-level teachers in the Manchester Community School District are now working to improve their ability to assist students to become better readers through participation in a program called Reading Apprenticeship.
Reading Apprenticeship is an approach to reading instruction that helps students develop the knowledge, strategies and dispositions they need to become more powerful readers. It is at heart a partnership of expertise, drawing on what teachers know and do as discipline-based readers, and on students’ unique and often underestimated strengths as learners.
Reading Apprenticeship helps students become better readers by: engaging students in more reading —for recreation as well as for subject-area learning and self-challenge; making the teacher’s discipline-based reading processes and knowledge visible to students; making students’ reading processes, motivations, strategies, knowledge and understandings visible to the teacher and to one another; helping students gain insight into their own reading processes; and helping students develop a repertoire of problem-solving strategies for overcoming obstacles and deepening comprehension of texts from various academic disciplines.
In a Reading Apprenticeship classroom, the curriculum expands to include how we read and why we read in the ways we do, as well as what we read in subject area classes.
The Manchester Community School District has powerful evidence for the impact this strategy is having in classrooms. The Degrees of Reading Power is one device used to measure reading growth. The reading ability of students as measured with the DRP typically grows two DRP units per instructional year (this is the norm or average growth in a year for a national sample of students).
In the Manchester classrooms where teachers are engaged in ongoing Reading Apprenticeship training and support, we are seeing reading growth of seven to 11 DRP units in an instructional year, and increase of 3.5 to 5.5 times the national norm for growth.
Another measure of the success being experienced with this program is found in the senior exit survey data collected from graduating seniors at the high school. Between 2007 and 2008 the number of students who responded positively to questions regarding their experiences of receiving instruction and support in content area reading increased 20 percent.
Students are not only reading better, but are recognizing and appreciating that something significant is changing in what is happening in their classrooms.
Finding new ways to support growth in reading proficiency at the secondary level is but one example of our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of instruction we provide to all students. As we wrestle with budgets and necessary financial restructuring, it is my hope that we not lose sight of our core vision, which is one of providing educational excellence in a caring community. It is both that which we now do and that for which we will continually strive.
Shawn Lewis-Lakin is the superintendent at Manchester Community Schools. He can be reached at slewis-lakin@mcs.k12.mi.us
Easter Egg hunt a go for Saturday
Though today's snowstorm may have put some people in doubt as to whether the Men's Club will hold their annual Easter Egg Hunt, don't fret. The Easter Egg Hunt will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday at Carr Park.
Last year, because Easter fell so early in the calendar year, the event was snowed out and the Men's Club members were left standing in the parking lot of Carr Park passing out hundreds and hundreds of colorful eggs. This year, the eggs will be hidden throughout the park for little kids to come and find.
For those planning on making the trek out on Saturday, Men's Club members are reminding families to come early. Once the hunt starts, it goes quickly.
Last year, because Easter fell so early in the calendar year, the event was snowed out and the Men's Club members were left standing in the parking lot of Carr Park passing out hundreds and hundreds of colorful eggs. This year, the eggs will be hidden throughout the park for little kids to come and find.
For those planning on making the trek out on Saturday, Men's Club members are reminding families to come early. Once the hunt starts, it goes quickly.
Monday, March 30, 2009
In times of economic stress, community bands together
By Dave Helisek
Contributing writer
Community is a nice term to describe a group of people living in proximity and under the same laws. I always think of community in broader terms, as in a group of people looking out for the best interests of the surrounding area. Community to me also means the same group of people trying to do the best for their area and neighbors.
With times as rough as they are now we have chances to help our community in small but meaningful ways nearly every week in our little town. Mainly I'm speaking about the fundraiser dinners that occur frequently in our town. Emmanuel Church has its monthly dinners going on now; the food is always good. The Boy Scouts also have their monthly chili dog fundraiser at Manchester United Methodist Church; good dogs and nachos at a good price. St. Mary's has just ended their unique potato and fixings meal on Wednesdays during Lent.
This week will be the last fish fry held at the American Legion for this year. After a rough first week,the fry has come together very nicely. The Manchester Area Friends group and Stockwell’s Dinner & Catering Tonight have banded together with other community groups to continue a community of Manchester tradition.
The fish fry has been around for 30 years; it was held on Main Street at Emmanuel Church for a few years and was sponsored by the Manchester Knights of Columbus for many years, and most recently by St. Mary's Parish. It always has been good to break the winter blahs and see the members of our community come together at this event.
This year the Manchester Area Friends invited other groups to come in and help with the dinner. So far the after prom committee, the Manchester High School Class of 2011, the Manchester Community Schools Foundation and the Manchester Knights of Columbus responded. The profits from the fry go back into our community, so lets have a great turnout this Friday.
Also coming up this week will be the annual tootsie roll drive sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. It is a statewide event that raises monies for the care of the mentally impaired citizens of our communities who must be institutionalized. It is a great cause for those that can't help themselves.Finally, in our little town there will be solicitations occurring to help support the annual Community Resource Center/ Chamber of Commerce golf tournament. This money goes back into our town and other articles will cover it in more depth. It is tough times, but if we help each other and support our town, we all benefit in the end.
Contributing writer
Community is a nice term to describe a group of people living in proximity and under the same laws. I always think of community in broader terms, as in a group of people looking out for the best interests of the surrounding area. Community to me also means the same group of people trying to do the best for their area and neighbors.
With times as rough as they are now we have chances to help our community in small but meaningful ways nearly every week in our little town. Mainly I'm speaking about the fundraiser dinners that occur frequently in our town. Emmanuel Church has its monthly dinners going on now; the food is always good. The Boy Scouts also have their monthly chili dog fundraiser at Manchester United Methodist Church; good dogs and nachos at a good price. St. Mary's has just ended their unique potato and fixings meal on Wednesdays during Lent.
This week will be the last fish fry held at the American Legion for this year. After a rough first week,the fry has come together very nicely. The Manchester Area Friends group and Stockwell’s Dinner & Catering Tonight have banded together with other community groups to continue a community of Manchester tradition.
The fish fry has been around for 30 years; it was held on Main Street at Emmanuel Church for a few years and was sponsored by the Manchester Knights of Columbus for many years, and most recently by St. Mary's Parish. It always has been good to break the winter blahs and see the members of our community come together at this event.
This year the Manchester Area Friends invited other groups to come in and help with the dinner. So far the after prom committee, the Manchester High School Class of 2011, the Manchester Community Schools Foundation and the Manchester Knights of Columbus responded. The profits from the fry go back into our community, so lets have a great turnout this Friday.
Also coming up this week will be the annual tootsie roll drive sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. It is a statewide event that raises monies for the care of the mentally impaired citizens of our communities who must be institutionalized. It is a great cause for those that can't help themselves.Finally, in our little town there will be solicitations occurring to help support the annual Community Resource Center/ Chamber of Commerce golf tournament. This money goes back into our town and other articles will cover it in more depth. It is tough times, but if we help each other and support our town, we all benefit in the end.
The future is uncertain
On Friday, as the five-0-clock hour approached, I was eagerly anticipating a weekend of relaxation and rest with my friends and girlfriend. However, those plans were quickly interupted with constant bombardment of gloom and doom news concerning the future of newspapers. Everywhere I went, friends and family kept asking me about my job and questions like, "Have you heard The Ann Arbor News" is closing? These comments, coupled by comments here locally about how the pressure is on us now to get more local news in the Enterprise, has created an interesting combination of stress and insomnia.
Yes, I am aware of what is going on in the world of journalism today. Yes, I am aware that newspapers are closing and journalists continue to lose their jobs. Is there anything I can do about it? I thought about this question as I laid awake in my bed last night, tossing and turning and trying to fall asleep.
I, as well as my collegues in Heritage Newspapers, work tirelessly to bring news to our readers as often as we can. With layoffs, more responsibilities are loaded onto the laps of editors, making our jobs tougher. What do we face in the future? My guess is as good as anyone else's.
I am certain, eventually this economic downturn will turn around and newspapers will see better days, I just hope its soon.
I will be the first to say, fear of the unkown is a scary thought. Hopefully, it won't continue to keep me up at night.
Yes, I am aware of what is going on in the world of journalism today. Yes, I am aware that newspapers are closing and journalists continue to lose their jobs. Is there anything I can do about it? I thought about this question as I laid awake in my bed last night, tossing and turning and trying to fall asleep.
I, as well as my collegues in Heritage Newspapers, work tirelessly to bring news to our readers as often as we can. With layoffs, more responsibilities are loaded onto the laps of editors, making our jobs tougher. What do we face in the future? My guess is as good as anyone else's.
I am certain, eventually this economic downturn will turn around and newspapers will see better days, I just hope its soon.
I will be the first to say, fear of the unkown is a scary thought. Hopefully, it won't continue to keep me up at night.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Pictures to purchase
Alot of people have been asking for over a year now on how to purchase pictures published in The Enterprise. First, I must apologize that it took us this long to begin uploading pictures for purchase. There were several factors hindering our ability to upload photos to the Micapture on our Web site. Beginning this week, photos featured in the news, community and sports sections will be available for purchase at www.manchesterenterprise.com
For questions on photo purchases, e-mail editor@manchesterenterprise.com
Thanks
~D.L.
For questions on photo purchases, e-mail editor@manchesterenterprise.com
Thanks
~D.L.
Culinary student wins gold medal
The art of cooking has become a competitive sport for local resident Carl Provey. He describes his recent gold medal win at the Skills USA Team Banquet at Schoolcraft College in terms of a two-hour race, complete with heart-palpitating moments.
“When the two hours started, we put things in the refrigerator so we didn’t break violations. We didn’t start cooking until the last hour and 15 minutes. I baked the chicken and poached the shrimp, and when it came down to the last three minutes, my heart was pounding because I had one shrimp cocktail prepared, and had to make three more,” he said.
The Skills USA Team Banquet was held March 6. Provey said it felt good to win a medal.
“We went in as underdogs. I didn’t feel prepared. When we found out, our whole team was in shock,” he said.
Provey attends a culinary arts program in Saline for three hours as part of a co-op class at Manchester High School.
During the competition, he belonged to a five-member team that also consisted of students from Milan and Dexter. Each member of the team consisted of a waiter, head chef, utility cook, pastry chef and sous chef. They divided up the menu as to which dish they would each prepare.
All cooking supplies, utensils and pots and pans were the responsibility of the students to provide, while the college provided the ovens.
The menu included shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, lemon pepper chicken, green beans with almonds, rice pilaf and chocolate-vanilla cream pie.
Two teams competed in the event, and the teams were allowed to choose their own menu.
“In the beginning, two hours seemed like a lot of time,” Provey said. “I didn’t get nervous until the last three minutes.”
He said that he had competed in events in the past, but this was his first year for a gold medal. Another of his competitions allowed no electrical equipment to be used to make the recipes, and they group had made seafood stew.
Provey said that he is planning to continue his education. He wants to become a master chef, though he added that there are very few culinary students in the world who hold such a prestigious title.
“I’m striving to have my own restaurant, and to be a certified master chef. I am not sure how many years that will take,” he said.
His favorite dishes contain pork, and he said he likes to prepare them for his family during special occasions.
Provey is considering Washtenaw Community College, Schoolcraft and Baker College after he graduates, and he is planning to enter more culinary contests in the future.
“When the two hours started, we put things in the refrigerator so we didn’t break violations. We didn’t start cooking until the last hour and 15 minutes. I baked the chicken and poached the shrimp, and when it came down to the last three minutes, my heart was pounding because I had one shrimp cocktail prepared, and had to make three more,” he said.
The Skills USA Team Banquet was held March 6. Provey said it felt good to win a medal.
“We went in as underdogs. I didn’t feel prepared. When we found out, our whole team was in shock,” he said.
Provey attends a culinary arts program in Saline for three hours as part of a co-op class at Manchester High School.
During the competition, he belonged to a five-member team that also consisted of students from Milan and Dexter. Each member of the team consisted of a waiter, head chef, utility cook, pastry chef and sous chef. They divided up the menu as to which dish they would each prepare.
All cooking supplies, utensils and pots and pans were the responsibility of the students to provide, while the college provided the ovens.
The menu included shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, lemon pepper chicken, green beans with almonds, rice pilaf and chocolate-vanilla cream pie.
Two teams competed in the event, and the teams were allowed to choose their own menu.
“In the beginning, two hours seemed like a lot of time,” Provey said. “I didn’t get nervous until the last three minutes.”
He said that he had competed in events in the past, but this was his first year for a gold medal. Another of his competitions allowed no electrical equipment to be used to make the recipes, and they group had made seafood stew.
Provey said that he is planning to continue his education. He wants to become a master chef, though he added that there are very few culinary students in the world who hold such a prestigious title.
“I’m striving to have my own restaurant, and to be a certified master chef. I am not sure how many years that will take,” he said.
His favorite dishes contain pork, and he said he likes to prepare them for his family during special occasions.
Provey is considering Washtenaw Community College, Schoolcraft and Baker College after he graduates, and he is planning to enter more culinary contests in the future.
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