BATTLE CREEK / MARSHALL - Scene Magazine
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BATTLE CREEK / MARSHALL FREE VOLUME 30, NUMBER 11 ... LAYING HIS FINGER ASIDE OF HIS NOSE, WHIILE HIDING FROM READERS IN A FAMILIAR POSE.
Transcript of BATTLE CREEK / MARSHALL - Scene Magazine
BATTL
E CREE
K / MARSHALL
FREE
VOLUME 30, NUMBER
11
... LAYING HIS FINGER ASIDE OF HIS NOSE, WHIILE HIDING FROM READERS IN A FAMILIAR POSE.
SERVICING: Adrian, Battle Creek, Jackson, Lansing,Webberville and all areas in between
A directory of members is available on our website:
www.mid-michiganmca.org700 North Washington Avenue,
Lansing, MI 48906-5133517-485-7990 / fax 517-485-4129
Adrian Mechanical Service Co. • Alchin Plumbing, Inc. • Anderson Air Conditioning • Applegate, Inc. • Archtic Service • Bosch Mechanical Contractors • BRS Associates, Inc.Cascade Refrigeration, Inc. • DSI Constructors, Inc. • Environ-Serv, Inc. • Franzen/Ruckel • Fry Mechanical Inc. • Gilmore & Sons, Inc. • Goyette Mechanical Inc. • Grindall & White Inc.
Gunthorpe Plumbing & Heating, Inc. • Hunter-Prell Company • Integrated C-E Services, Inc. • John E. Green Company • Johnson Controls •Kebler Plumbing & Heating CompanyLakeland Hills Constructon Co. • Lang Plumbing Inc. • Mall City Mechanical • Metro Industrial Piping, Inc. • Michael’s Plumbing Repair, Inc. • Midwest Mechanical, Inc. • Mills Refrigeration
MJR Mechanical • Myers Plumbing & Heating, Inc. • National Piping, LLC • Northern Boiler Processing • Paul E. Bengel Company • Power Process Piping, Inc. • Process/Piping/EquipProfessional Piping • Refrigeration Engineering Inc. • Remer Plumbing & Heating • Scheck Mechanical • Shaw-Winkler, Inc. • Smith-Hammond Piping Co. • Stafford Smith • T. H. Eifert, Inc.
Trane Company - Detroit • Trent Mauk P & H • Tri-Clor • W. Soule & Company • Wheeler Blaney • William E. Walter, Inc.William North Co. • Wyers Plumbing Company, Inc. • York International
ADRIAN MECHANICAL SERVICE CO.Todd Carver / AdrianPh: 517-263-5025 Fx: [email protected]
ANDERSON AIR CONDITIONINGRichard Adams / LansingPh: 517-372-3100 Fx: 517-485-5812
FRY MECHANICAL INC.Rodney Fry / AdrianPh: 517-263-0812 Fx: 517-265-4140 [email protected]
GRINDALL & WHITE INC.Jeff White / JacksonPh: 517-784-7124 Fx: [email protected]
GUNTHORPE PLUMBING & HEATING INC.Larry Gunthorpe / East LansingPh: 517-333-2660 Fx: 517-333-2665 [email protected]
HUNTER-PRELL COMPANYDan Wells / Battle CreekPh: 269-962-7538 Fx: 269-962-7311
JOHN E. GREEN COMPANYCharles J. Osborne / LansingPh: 517-322-4030 Fax: [email protected]
MYERS PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.Kirk Myers / LansingPh: 517-886-2255 Fx: 517-886-7854
PAUL E. BENGEL CO.Jerry Jehnzen / JacksonPh: 517-783-2803 Fx: [email protected]
SCHECK MECHANICALPete Seklins / Battle CreekPh: 269-968-5201 Fx: [email protected]
SHAW-WINKLER, INC.Lynn O. Morgan / East LansingPh: 517-351-5720 Fx: [email protected]
SMITH-HAMMOND PIPING CO.Pete Seklins / Battle CreekPh: 269-968-5201 Fx: 269-968-5242
T. H. EIFERT, INC.Tom Eifert / LansingPh: 517-484-9944 Fx: 517-484-1699 [email protected]
WILLIAM E. WALTER, INC.Douglas Wyrwicki / FlintPh: 810-232-7459 Fx: [email protected]
105 Capital Ave., N.E. at North Avenue • 962-5527
AMERICAN SOCIETY OFPLASTIC SURGEONS
Battle Creek269-979-0900 / 800-321-1165
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269-968-6200145 Columbia Ave. W.Battle Creek, MIwww.dominos.quikorder.com
CALL NOW...Delivery ExpertsAre Standing By
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New ClassesStarting Soon• Puppy Classes• Obedience• Agility• Showmanship• Group or Private
Lessons• Behavior
Consultations
269-781-7800www.MichiganDog.com
New ClassesStarting Soon
269-979-1479 • www.scenepub.com
A NewspaperFor And AboutArea SeniorAdults
Equal Housing Lender. SunTrust Mortgage, Inc., 901 Semmes Avenue, Richmond, VA 23224. ©2005,SunTrust Banks, Inc. SunTrust is a federally registered service mark of SunTrust Banks, Inc. stm 11418-05
291 E. Columbia, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-963-0820Robert VanderWaal, Sales Mgr.
We have lots ofprograms to help
make buying ahome affordable . . .
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Entertainment CalendarEvents For Nov.-Dec. 2005 – ($) = Admission Fee (D) = Disabled Access
December
1-22: Cornwell's TurkeyvillePresents “Holiday Spectacular”Location: Cornwell’s TurkeyvilleContact: (269) 781-4293 or 1-800 228- 4315www.turkeyville.com
1-31: Bowl full of FlakesLocation: Kellogg’s Cereal City USAContact: 962-6230 or 800-970-7020www.kelloggscerealcity.com
1-31: Grandma MosesLocation: Art Center of Battle CreekContact: (269) 962-9511www.unitedartscouncil.org
1-31: International Festival ofLights, Location: Downtown BattleCreek, Contact: Linda Wendt,800-397-2240 or www.battlecreek.org
8: Night Hawks “Singles & CouplesDance”, Location: Burnham BrookCenter, $, Contact: (269) 966-2566
9: Minges Creek Athletic ClubDances, Learn the East Coast Swing,Waltz, Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Rumba andmore, Time: 7-9pm, Location: MingesCreek Athletic Club, Cost: $10/MCACMember, $12/Non-MemberContact: (269) 979-1111
9-11: Holiday Designer ShowcaseLocation: Honolulu House MuseumContact : (800) 877-5163www.marshallhistoricalsociety.org
10: Battle Creek Sweet AdelinesChristmas Holiday ShowLocation: KCC’s Binda TheaterContact: (269) 979-2208
10: Welcome Home Show II(Honoring “ALL” Veterans)Location: Burnham Brook Center Time; 4pm, Open to the public,Admission, Contact: (269) 966-2566www.burnhambrook.com
10-11: 26th Annual ChristmasCandelight Walk, Location: MarshallArea Chamber of CommerceContact: 800-877-5163www.marshallmi.org
10-11: Victorian Christmas/Lantern Tours, Time: 4-7pm, Location:Historic Adventist Village, Contact:Stanley Cottrell, (269) 965-3000www.adventistheritage.org
12: Christmas Tea at the Governor’sMansion, Location: Governor’sMansion, Marshall, Contact:800-877-5163 or www.marshallmi.org
16: Lew Boyd “Swing Band”Dance, Holly Ball, Location:Burnham Brook Center, Time: 7-10pm,Open to the public, Admission,Contact: (269) 966-2566
16-18: Holiday Designer ShowcaseLocation: Honolulu House MuseumContact : 800-877-5163www.marshallhistoricalsociety.org
17: Breakfast with TonyTime: 8:30 AM - RESERVATIONSREQUIRED, Location: Kellogg’sCereal City USA, Contact:(269) 962-6230 or 800-970-7020www.kelloggscerealcity.com,www.bcparks.org
21: Last Day of the SeasonCornwell’s Turkeyville USA(269) 781-4293 or 800-228-4315www.turkeyville.com
22: Day & Hodges “Singles &Couples Dance”,Location: Burnham Brook Center, $Contact: (269) 966-2566
25: “A Children’s Christmas Past”Holiday Family Program, KimballHouse Museum, Time: 11amContact: (269) 966-4157
29: The Collin’s Crew “Singles & Couples Dance”,Location: Burnham Brook Center, $Contact: (269) 966-2566
December 17: Breakfast with Tony atKellogg’s Cereal City USA
EXPERT PLUMBING, SEWER & DRAIN SERVICESEXPERT PLUMBING, SEWER & DRAIN SERVICES
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Contents V O L U M E 3 0 - N U M B E R 1 1
Scene was established in June, 1977, and is published twelve times per year byW.W. Thayne Advertising, Incorporated. Scene is distributed free through ouradvertisers, area professional offices, and key points of interest in the BattleCreek/Marshall area. Scene is also available by mail subscription, $22 fortwelve issues, $38 for twenty-four issues. Due to bulk rate restrictions, copiesof Scene are not forwarded automatically by the U.S. Post Office to recipientswhen they move or are temporarily away. Please contact our office with yournew address before you move so we can update our mail list and provide youwith uninterrupted service. Opinions expressed by writers in Scene are theirown and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of Scene or W.W.Thayne Advertising, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Reproduction withoutpermission is prohibited.
For advertising and publicity for your event or organization:Scene Magazine4642 Capital Avenue SouthwestBattle Creek MI 49015-9350
Our telephone is (269) 979-1410, telefax (269) 979-3474Or you can e-mail us at: [email protected] / [email protected] editorial: [email protected] ads, photos or graphics: [email protected]
REMEMBER TO VISIT SCENE’S WEBSITE AT... www.scenepub.com
ARTICLES:Christmas Story Contest – Honorable Mention .......................... Simon Williams .................................................................. 10
Christmas Story Contest – Honorable Mention .......................... Barry Van Horn .................................................................. 18
Christmas Story Contest – FIRST PLACE .................................. Royce Merrill ..................................................................... 26
Christmas Story Contest – SECOND PLACE ............................. Ashley Welsh ...................................................................... 30
Christmas Story Contest – THIRD PLACE ................................ Dave Beranek ..................................................................... 36
Christmas Story Contest – Publisher’s Choice ............................ Denise Poyer ...................................................................... 44
© 2005 by Scene Magazine, a division of W.W. Thayne Advertising Consultants, Inc.Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited except by permission. All rights reserved.
FEATURES:Entertainment Calendar ...................................................... 4
Business Perspectives ......................................................... 14
Local Interest.................................................... 22, 24, 34, 53
Business Listings................................................................. 51
Advertisers’ Index .............................................................. 52
Business Directory .............................................................. 52
STAFF:Publisher ................................................ Richard F. DeRuiter
Assistant Publisher/Sales........................... Shirley DeRuiter
Office Manager.................................................. Shelii Penny
Calendar Editor................................................. Beth Rubley
Executive Editor ............................................. Sherii Sherban
Managing Editor ................................... Gordon Rosberg, Jr.
Publications Coordinator ...................... Frederick DeRuiter
General Manager/ Systems Manager ........... Keith Sherban
Typesetters ..................... Frederick DeRuiter, Terri DeRuiter
Artists ....................................................... Frederick DeRuiter
Richard F. DeRuiter, Beth Rubley, Matt Travis
Staff Photographer............................................. Nate Zanotti
Advertising Sales ................... Shirley DeRuiter, Leslie Hole,
Gordon Rosberg, Jr., Sherii Sherban, Emily Cowart
Printing .................................... Millbrook Printing Company
COVER:This month’s cover was inspired by the holiday
season – with photography provided by the creative lens of John | Charles Fine Portraiture
COLUMNS:As Scene By ........................ Richard F. DeRuiter ................ 6
Remodeling Scene ............. Linda Holderbaum ................ 13
Your Money Matters ........ Mary Davis ........................... 15
Touching The Bases .......... Carl Angelo ........................... 16
Real Estate Scene .............. John L. Stauffer .................... 21
Healthy Eating .................. Janine Dalman ...................... 40
Health Scene ...................... Peter Phelps ........................... 41
Your Family’s Health ...... Ginger A. Hentz .................... 42
To Be Drug Free ............... Laura Martinez ..................... 43
Yesterday Today................. Mary Butler .......................... 47
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down in another windstorm. It was likesome ghost from Christmas past noticed Iwasn’t suffering enough, and said, “He’staking the loss of those trees too well...Let’sblow a couple more trees down, but thistime, let’s “Super Size” them. It’s getting tothe point where I don’t know where to putthe Holiday lights. You know, and cut mesome slack here, I’m starting to have doubtsabout there being a Santa Claus. Q: Well, maybe you ought to be grateful.For instance, did the tree fall on your head?A: No, it didn’t, but it only missed by abouttwo feet. In fact, it made a dent in my walletthat I can still feel today. One good thing hap-pened though. The roofer showed me somesamples of the shingles that were available,and I picked a color I hoped my wife wouldapprove of. She saw it for the first time as itwas being put on and wondered why I madethat choice. Funny how we know what thatmeans when we hear it put that way. Then, asif fate knew I couldn’t handle any more...Like a ghost from Christmas future, myneighbor, stopped by to tell us he really lovedthe color of the new roof.
Now all I need is a little Christmasmusic, watching a small child on Santa’s lapand seeing one old friend...and you’ll seesome Holiday Magic. NO! I meanChristmas Magic.
As Scene By BY RICHARD F. DERUITER, Publisher
Q: Rich, anotheryear is almost overand Christmas is buta few weeks away.Have you had a goodyear? A: I have had a yearto remember. Wheth-er it’s been good ornot I never think
about. Mostly, each day, I show up and dowhat I have to do...even like it sometimes.I’ve got a good start on my Christmas shop-ping, but I still have to do a little decoratingaround the house. Perhaps this is faultythinking, but I don’t anticipate any prob-lems. I just finished framing all the grand-children’s pictures and will try to have themall put up for the Holidays. It won’t be easybecause they are going in the zoo roomwhich means I will have to move about 50life-size animals out of the way. I don’t haveany choice because it is the only room leftwhere there is enough empty wall space.Q: Speaking of Holidays, what’s your takeon all the political correctness surroundingthe word Holiday being used instead ofChristmas in advertising and in communityevents?A: There are way too many people in thisworld with unproductive time in their crani-
MAGIC
um. I suppose it’s better than using Xmas. Iremember back in the fifties and sixties,much was made of that too. I guess it’s waytoo late to get Burl Ives to dub in “Have AHolly Jolly Holiday”... And I probablywould have a hard time singing “I’mDreaming Of A White Holiday”. Although,admittedly, I’ve changed the words to thattune myself. As I’ve gotten older and thedriveway seems longer, I can frequently beheard singing my version of WhiteChristmas...usually every time I see snowbeginning to fall in December. If you’ll bearwith me, I’ll sing you a few words. “I’mdreaming of a light dusting...Just enough sosalt will do the job.”Q: Rich, I think you haven’t been hit withthe Magic of the Season yet. I’m not seeingthat Christmas sparkle and that holidayglow you usually have this time of year.A: Well, the “Big Tree”, once my favorite,falling on the roof and puncturing a hole init during a windstorm a couple of weeks agodidn’t help. Of course, the insurance paidfor about twenty percent of the new roof. Aslong as the tree guy was there, I had a fewother suspect trees removed at the sametime, reluctantly, but absolutely necessary. Ireplaced the entire roof and settled in for alean and a high heat bill winter, and thenabout a week later, two more trees blew
Be a super sleuth...join the ongoing huntfor Rick DeRuiter
Pour through the pages of Scene this month and find the elusive DeRuiter. Warn your friends. Warn your neighbors. He’s inthere somewhere, waiting for the one lucky detective to find him!
DON’T MISS YOURCHANCETO WIN!
LAST MONTH...PAGE 50LAST MONTH’S WINNER...LEN SIMON
LOOK! - Now you can e-mail yourdetective work too! [email protected] your name, daytime phone and what page you found him. OR on-lineat...www.scenepub.com
Have you found him in this issue? If yes, then call Scene at 979-1410 ext. 391to have your name entered in the drawingto receive a 12-piece Combo from KIEL’SCHICKEN COOP (Columbia Ave) ANDTWO Movie Passes from Lakeview SquareMall. You must make your discovery byDecember 23, 2005 and the winner will beannounced in the next issue of Scene!
WIN A VALUABLE PRIZE!
KIEL’S
When choosing WW Thayne Advertising Consultants for your advertising needs, you’vechosen an agency that not only has the ability to create ideas for your advertising needs, oreven incorporate your own ideas. We have over 40 years of creative experience that gets tothe bottom of the process and makes those ideas WORK. From the early days of pens and artboard to the world of digital advertising, Thayne makes ideas work because we know how ideas work.
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• 5th 3rd Bank• A & B Quality Cleaning• AAA• AAMCO - Helen Bozatschow• Advanced Pools• Affordable System Installations• Aflac• Al & Ann Bobrofsky• Al & Judy Byam• Albion Chamber• Allegra Printing• Allen Antique Barn• Allen Antique Mall• Alliance of Women
Entrepreneurs• AllState - Carla Reynolds• All-Tronics• Altrusa• AM Bottling Co - Dr
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Service• Bailey Jewelrys
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of Realtors• Battle Creek Association of
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Foundation• Battle Creek Health System• Battle Creek Jaycees• Battle Creek Knights• Battle Creek Lodge 12 Masons• Battle Creek Public Schools• Battle Creek Shopper• Battle Creek Shrine Club• Battle Creek Sweet Adelines• Battle Creek Tile & Mosaic Co• Battle Creek Unlimited• Baymont Inn• Becky & Bernie Squires • Belcher McPherson Auction Co• Best Western• Better Made Chips• Big Brothers / Big Sisters• Bill & Shawn Smith• Binder Park Zoo• Bob & Nadine Gifford• Bob & Patti Miller• Borg Warner• Boy Scouts• Branch County Chamber• Branch Gymnastics• Brenda Hunt• Brookside Surgery• Burkett Signs
• Burnham Brook Café• Burnham Brook Center• Burtrum Furs• Caito Foods• Calhoun Area Tech Center• Calhoun County Animal Shelter• Calhoun County Fair• Calhoun County Health Dept• Calhoun County Med. Care
Facility• Calhoun Intermediate Schools• Capital Florist• Carl & Betty Angelo• Carolyn Nordstrom (In Loving
Memory)• Carpet Warehouse• Case Foster• Cats Cradle• Center Stage Dance Studio• Cereal City Pediatrics• Champion Ford• Chapel Hill Methodist Church• Charitable Union• Chemical Bank• Chicken Coop• Chris Christ• City Linc• City Of Springfield• Civic Theatre• CM Contracting• Coca Cola• Comerica Bank• Community Integrated Rec• Computer Vision• Conagra• Congresman John Schwarz MD• Cornwells• Country Fresh• CRG Directories• CSM Group
• Curves• D. Knight Designs• Dave & Jackie Steger • Davenport• David & Pat Graham• Dept. Of Veteran Affairs• Devil Rays• Dial-A-Ride• Dick & Jan Smith• Digital Highway• Disability Resource Center• DK Fence• Dom & Sheila Cannatti• Dominoes Pizza• Don & Louise Walbridge• Don & Toni Keglovitz• Dorais Chiropractic• Douglas & Assoc• Dr Carl & Donna Powell• Dr Douglas Campbell• Dr Erwin & Susan O’Dell• Dr James Keller• Dr Shaird• Dr. Robin Steely• Drakes Batter Mix• Duncan Aviation• Duncans Hairlines• Eddy Family• Edward Rose• Elizabeth Binda• Embroidery Wizard• Employment Group• Estate Group• Evergreen Manor• Excel Beef - Cargill• Fairfield Inn• Family Health• Family Y Center• Farley-Estes & Dowdle
Funeral Home
For thirty years Scene
has been FREE to its
readers and for thirty
years it is has been the
advertisers in Scene that
make it happen. 2005 was
another successful year for
the Scene family and we
would like to take this
opportunity to say
THANK YOU to all our
advertisers in 2005.
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• Faygo• Felpausch / Zucca’s• Finleys• Flag Force One• Food Bank• Foote & Lloyd CPA• Foundation For Behavioral
Resources• Francois• Fred & Kathy Sawchuk• Fred & Sharon Crandal• Frito-Lay• Gallagher Uniform• GE Stamp Works• Gilmore Car Museum• Ginny Sue Frame & Design• Girlscouts• Godfrey Jewelrys• Goodwill - Michigan Heartland• Grand Prix Barbershoppers• Great Lakes Bone & Joint
Center• Great Lakes Plastics• Greenscape Services• Greenstar Landscaping• Greenstreet Marketing• Habitat for Humanity• Halltree• Harmony Hounds• Harper Creek Schools• Harvey’s Nest• Helen Schoder• Hinman Company• Historic Adventist Village• Historic Northside• Hoffman Brothers• Home Health Professionals• HT Hackney• Hubbard Plumbing - Roto
Rooter• Humane Society• Huron Camera• II Stanley• Independent Bank• Institute for Learning• Invisible Fence• Irish Pub• Isringhausen• Jack & Norma Mawdsley• James & Ilene Woodman • James & Rose Yore • Janvrin Auto Body• Jim & Betsy Swanson• Jim Baum - Remax • Jim Hazel• John & Dotty Bromley• John Charles Fine Portraiture• John Chmiel - State Farm
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he crystal like frost on the windowsill was a clear indicator of the cold outside. That
was just the way Nathan liked it, cold. He loved the way the large, fluffy snowflakes
made their slow journey from heaven to the ground. He loved the clean, white sheet
of snow that covered everything, making it new again. It was like a fresh beginning, a clean slate.
That was something Nathan desperately wanted. He turned to observe the wreckage that was once
his father’s laptop. His parents were on their little “outing” when it happened and still are. He knew
that he wasn’t allowed to play with it; or even go near it, for that matter. But Nathan had never been
good with ignoring temptation. The laptop didn’t fit on his lap while he was on the stool, and it
slipped and crashed to the floor. It was Christmas Eve and Nathan got the feeling that he just ruined
Christmas tomorrow for his family. The crash would have been spectacular if he hadn’t been in so
much trouble.
He suddenly heard the door open and knew that the end was near. Then in act of desperation he
gathered up the pieces and rushed them to his room.
“That should buy me some time,” he thought to himself.
“Nathan, where are you?” his mother called through the house.
“Right here, Mom!” Nathan yelled running out to her. He jumped up and gave her a hug when
he found her.
“Were you crying, Nathan? Your eyes are red,” his mother asked.
...CONTINUED...
T
H O N O R A B L E M E N T I O NSCENE MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS STORY CONTEST
Christmas BreakFICTION BY SIMON WILLIAMS
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“I stubbed my toe,” Nathan liedquickly.
“You ought to be more careful,” hisfather scolded from around the corner.“Hey, has anyone seen my laptop? Icould have sworn that I left it on thekitchen counter.”
“You’re always losing that thing,”Nathan’s mom said, to Nathan’s relief.
“I know, but I really remember itbeing there. Did you touch it Nathan?”His father questioned.
“N-no Dad,” Nathan stuttered“Go wash up for dinner, Nathan,”
said Mom.On his way to the bathroom Nathan
could hear his dad moving papers andother things around in search of his lap-top. When Nathan returned to the dining-room his mind was riddled with what hisdad might do to him if he found out. Hesat down at his assigned seat andgrabbed a roll. Sweat beaded his fore-head as he watched his father eat.
“Look at him like there’s nothingwrong,” Nathan thought to himself. “Iknow him, though. His ‘Dad radar’ isgoing off like crazy but he doesn’t knowwhat it is yet. He’s just going to makeme sweat until I crack, I know him.”
“Nathan, can you pass the…”Nathan’s dad started.
“AHHH… I admit it. I did it! Pleasedon’t kill me!” Nathan shrieked.
“What are you talking about!?”Nathan’s dad asked surprised.
“I broke the laptop, I didn’t mean to!Please don’t kill me!” Nathan cried.
“You broke the laptop!” Nathan’sdad yelled, “Go to your room, rightnow!”
Nathan jumped from his seat and ranto his room. As he ran into his room hestumbled over the broken laptop. Heturned about and stared at the devicethat had sealed his fate with an intensehatred. Thinking of nothing better to dohe ran over to his bed and cried. After ashort time he could hear footsteps out-side the door followed by a knock.
“Can I come in,” came his execution-er’s voice.
“Yes,” Nathan sniffed.Nathan’s dad opened the door slowly
and walked. He looked down after hear-ing a crunch and saw that it was his lap-top. Dad took a deep breath to steadyhimself and picked up the broken laptop.
“You know, I had a lot of importantthings on that laptop,” Nathan’s dadexplained.
“Yeah, I know,” Nathan mumbled.“But it’s not as important to me as
you having a good time tomorrow.”“Aren’t you angry at me?”“No, and I’m sorry I yelled at you.
You know I’d love you no matter what.”“Yeah, I know,” Nathan said as he
gave his dad a big hug. Nathan went tobed that night knowing that everythingwas going to be okay.
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IT’S WORTH TALKINGTO THE EXPERTS
Independent Contractor or Employee: What’s The Difference?
If you are like more home builders,you hire many independent contractors.Unlike wages paid to employees, youdon’t have to withhold payroll taxes(i.e., Social Security, Medicare) orincome taxes on payments made to anindependent contractor
Not surprisingly, the IRS wants thosepayroll taxes. And consequently, itmonitors with a skeptical eye the wayyou classify your workers.Misclassifying an employee as an inde-pendent contractor is no joke. Violatorsare forced to pay back taxes plus penal-ties, and can be assured a full-blownaudit is coming their way.
How can you be sure that the IRSdoesn’t think your subcontractors areemployees? The IRS defines (rathervaguely) an employee as someone whocan be told what to do, and also how todo it. The line between contractor andemployee is somewhat gray. In theIRS’s own words, “the distinctiondepends on the facts in each individualcase.” Those facts fall into three cate-gories: behavioral control, financialcontrol, and the type of relationship.
An explanation of these three types offacts – and some examples of how theycan be applied – can help you determinewhether to classify workers as employ-ees or independent contractors.
• Behavioral Control – evaluateswhether or not you have the right todirect and control the worker.Independent contractors typically:- Are not told how, where and when
to provide their services.- Do not need training to perform
their trade. They have their ownmethods and train their ownemployees.
• Financial Control – evaluateswhether or not you have the right tocontrol the business aspects of theworker’s job. Independent contractorstypically:- Have un-reimbursed business
expenses. This is especially true ofongoing fixed costs that haveincurred whether or not the contractor is currently working.
- Have a significant investment inthe facilities they use to performtheir trade.
Remodeling Scene
- Make their services available to themarket. They have the right to seekout other business opportunities. They advertise and maintain a visible business location.
- Are paid a flat fee for each job. Em-ployees, on the other hand, are guar-anteed an hourly or periodic wage.
- Can realize a profit or loss.• Type of Relationship – This helps
define the worker’s dependence on thebusiness. Independent contractorstypically:- Are not provided with employee-
type benefits (e.g. health insurance,a pension plan, vacation/sick pay, etc.)
- Do not have a permanent relation-ship with the business. They arehired for a specific job, not indefinitely as is usually the case with an employee.
- Do not provide a key aspect of the business’s operations. If a worker’s services are a key to your business,then you will likely assert some direction and control over them.
If you classify a worker as an inde-pendent contractor, you must have a rea-sonable basis for doing so. In mostcases, common sense is all that’srequired. For example, most plumbers
are hired to do all the plumbing in ahouse. They are not told where to puteach pipe; you give them the plans andsay “have at it!” They also have a sig-nificant investment in their business(e.g., a truck, tools, general liabilityinsurance, etc.). Plumbers typically areindependent contractors.
On the other hand, receptionists areemployees. No matter how their pay isstructured or what benefits they receive,the business retains the right to tell themhow to do their job. They typicallyreceive insurance through the business,and if they want to use vacation time,they must ask permission first. Therealso is no professional license for recep-tionists; they receive all the trainingthey need on the job.
Some classification cases fall inbetween these two extremes. If you areconcerned that you don’t have a reason-able basis to classify a worker as an inde-pendent contractor, you can file FormSS-8 with the IRS (it can be found ath t t p : / / w w w . i r s . g o v / p u b / i r s -pdf/fss8.pdf). The form asks questionsregarding behavioral control, financialcontrol, and the type of relationship youhave with the worker. The IRS will thenissue a determination letter on the work-er’s status. For more information, visitthe IR website at http://www.irs.gov.
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13
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14
Business PerspectivesInternational Festival of Lights Events and Activities – December 2005
The Interna-tional Festival ofLights (IFOL) is anannual, beautifuldisplay of holidaylights in downtownBattle Creek. TheFestival kicked offwith the Holiday
Parade Saturday November 19, spon-sored by the Battle Creek Area Chamberof Commerce Foundation, the BattleCreek Downtown Partnership and theHarper Creek Optomists Club. Theparade started in downtown BattleCreek at 6:00 p.m. We enjoyed about100 parade floats. Stunning rooftoplights, brightly lit trees, and outdoorholiday light displays were featured.
IFOL HIGHLIGHTS:• Lights are on nightly from 5:00 p.m. –
midnight, every night from November19-December 31.
• Millions of twinkling lights in ourdowntown parks, on State Street andMichigan Avenue, and linear pathsnear the Battle Creek River. Lightsextend west of downtown.
• Display highlights: 12 days ofChristmas surrounds the KelloggHouse where people can look acrossthe river to see a huge animated dis-play of “Children of the World”.
• Many other holiday animated and stat-ic displays along the river and MillRace Park on Michigan Avenue.
• Downtown businesses and buildingswill be lit up as well.
• The lights can be viewed by car or bywalking along the linear path by theriver.
• McCamly Place is the official warm-ing center for this year’s events.
• Lights began with the Holiday Paradeon November 19 and end onDecember 31st.
There are numerous other eventsaffiliated with the IFOL. This year,we’ll have an ice carving exhibition inMill Race Park, the Holiday BalloonFest, several concerts, open skating atThe Rink, and more.
I would like to stress that the IFOLactivities and events are made possibleby partnerships between the BattleCreek Chamber Foundation, theIBEW, the City of Battle Creek, localbusinesses and corporate partners,other local organizations such as theBattle Creek Downtown Partnershipand the Harper Creek Optimist Club,and literally hundreds of local volun-teers. The IFOL would not occur with-out the contributions of all involved.
This is a community program show-ing civic pride at its best. We at the
Chamber Foundation recognize andthank every single one of our volun-teers, partners, and sponsors.
For information, please call theConvention and Visitor Bureau at962-2240 or visit the IFOL website at:www.bclightfest.com .
We hope to see you all there! It isgoing to be a fabulous event!
December Calendar of Events
• Saturday, November 19-Dec. 31International Festival of Lights,Downtown
• Thursday, December 1, Nuts andBolts of Starting a Business, 11:00am – 1 p.m., Chamber Office, $25 perperson and Open to the Public
• Thursday, December 1, CommercePointe Open House, 4-6 pm,Commerce Pointe
• Friday, December 2, Economic Club,12:00 Noon-1: 30 pm, Battle CreekCountry Club, $20 Chamber mem-bers, $25 non-members
• Friday, December 3, Public PolicyCommittee, 12:00 Noon, ChamberBoardroom
• Tuesday, December 6, MemberServices Committee, 7:45 am,Chamber Boardroom
• Friday, December 9, Silent ObserverCommittee, 8:00 am, ChamberBoardroom
• Tuesday, December 13, Eye OpenerBreakfast and Monthly BusinessExpo, 7-9:00 am, Burnham Brook
• Tuesday, December 13, ChamberMember Orientation, 9:00 am,Burnham Brook
• Thursday, December 15, BusinessAdvisory Committee, 12:00 Noon,Chamber Boardroom
• Thursday, December 15, Nuts andBolts of Starting a Business, 6-8:00pm, Chamber Office, $25 per personand Open to the Public
• Monday, December 19, Coffee WithKathleen, Chamber Office
• Friday, December 23, ChamberOffice Closed
• Monday, December 26, ChamberOffice Closed
• Friday, December 30, ChamberOffice Closed
• Monday, January 2, Chamber OfficeClosed
BY KATHLEEN MECHEM
15
Your Money Matters BY MARY DAVIS
Tips For Holiday Tipping
While you’reshopping for yourloved ones thisholiday season,don’t forget to saythanks to the peo-ple that have pro-vided you andyour family with
exceptional service throughout the year.I know one person to whom I’ll beexpressing my appreciation – my dogsitter. She’s trustworthy, knowledge-able and generous with her time.What’s more, my persnickety pupsadore her.
In general, determining whether andhow much to tip depends on the qualityand frequency of the service, accordingto the Emily Post Institute. Other thingsto consider are your relationship withthe service provider, where you live andyour budget.
Whom should you tip? Start with thepeople to whom you entrust your mostvaluable things – namely, your nanny orbaby sitter, day care provider andhousekeeper. And don’t forget the peo-ple who regularly provide service toyou like your hairdresser, personaltrainer and yard or garden worker.Though, if you’ve regularly tippedthese folks at the time of service, youmay cut back on the amount, or forgothe holiday tip entirely. You may alsoopt to give a small gift.
Deciding how much to tip is a per-sonal decision and should reflect thebenefits you derive from that profes-sional relationship. In other words,you’ll want to give the most to the peo-ple whose services you value the most.In some instances a cash tip is notappropriate. For example, you don’twant to give your child’s teacher cash.Also, some companies prohibit theiremployees from receiving cash gifts. Ifyou’re unsure, check the company’spolicies, or provide a small gift as agesture.
If you’re considering giving yourboss a gift, you may wish to rethink thisgesture. A recent article in ParentingMagazine suggests that gifts shouldonly be given down the corporate struc-ture, rather than up the ladder. In otherwords, no gift for the boss, onlyemployees. Gifts for employees should
be in the range of $10-$25. The Emily Post Institute has placed
some tipping guidelines on their Website at www.emilypost.com. Here’s asampling:• Baby sitter: one evening’s pay plus a
small gift from your child.• Barber: the cost of one haircut plus
possibly a small gift.• Beauty salon staff: $10-$60, giving
most to those who give you the most,plus possibly a small gift.
• Day care providers: $25-$75 eachplus a small gift from your child. Ifthere are only one or two providers,you may wish to consider a largeramount.
• Letter carriers: The U.S.Government permits carriers to acceptgifts worth up to $20 each.
• Nanny: One week’s to one month’ssalary depending on their tenure andcustoms in your area, plus a small giftfrom your child.
• Trash collector: $10-$20. If you’re
unable to meet the truck, place themoney in an envelope with a bow andtape it to the garbage can.
• Yard worker: $20-$50.
If for financial reasons you can’t beas generous as you would like this hol-iday season, even a small gesture – apersonal, handwritten note, movie tick-ets or a bottle of wine – will go a longway in expressing your thanks to thepeople who make your life easier andmore enjoyable.
Mary Davis manages public affairsfor the Michigan Credit Union League(MCUL), a statewide trade associationrepresenting Michigan credit unions.Send your financial questions to “YourMoney Matters” c/o the MichiganCredit Union League, P.O. Box 8054,Plymouth, MI 48170-8054, or stop byour Web site (www.mcul.org) to learnmore about smart money management.Comments about this column may be e-mailed to [email protected].
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“To be withoutsome of the thingswe want is anindispensable partof happiness.” Tisthe season to bejolly and kidsremember, youcan’t have every-thing, but you can
have a happy holiday.As we look forward to our annual
Christmas holiday season, New Year’s2006 is just around the corner. We arenow in our annual countdown of howmany shopping days are left beforeChristmas. The yearly holiday takesplace on December 25th, but shouldn’tthis really be a celebration of the world’smost famous icon’s birthday?
The merchandising giants have madeit more of a materialistic marketing fren-zy than what it’s really supposed to beabout. Marketing promotions forChristmas usually start right after thekids stop trick or treating for Halloween.The biggest shopping bonanza for themerchants begins the day afterThanksgiving.
I’m still old fashion and like to givegifts of selection instead of gifts ofchoice. So isn’t that more like the way itwas instead of the way it is today?There are still individuals who exempli-fy the spirit of Christmas past. One suchperson who comes to mind and may verywell be one of jolly old “St. Nick’s” dis-ciples is Casimer Dzwik. His good deedsin our community are well known. Mr.Dzwik somewhat fits the role of themythical man of Christmas. Perhaps, heis the real Kriss Kringle.
Cas, as his friends call him, hailsfrom Elmira, MI, which is near Gaylord.He started grade school in Elmira andcontinued through the eighth grade. Hethen attended St. Mary’s High School inGaylord. While at St. Mary’s high, Casbecame an outstanding athlete in bothbasketball and baseball. He was twiceselected all-city in baseball and was oneof the leading scorers on the basketballteam.
Shortly after his graduation from St.Mary’s in 1957, he migrated to BattleCreek and took a job with the UnionPump Company (UPC). His employ-ment at UPC was very brief as the com-pany had a huge downsizing and he waslaid off. He then took a job with PostGeneral Foods. His employment withPost lasted 40 years until he retired inJune of 1997.
Casimer is a photography buff. Thishobby began at an early age, and he still
Touching The Bases BY CARL ANGELO
Casimer Dzwik Santa Clause for All Seasons
enjoys taking pictures at local highschool and KCC junior college sportingevents. He says two of his favorite hob-bies in retirement are watching athleticevents and taking pictures of them. Atany given time you might see him and histrusty camera at a local hall of fame din-ner, weddings, baptisms, private parties,etc… A couple days after the event he’llshow up to give the interested parties apicture album of their special occasion.
Mr. Dzwik was given a “SpiritAward” by Kellogg Community Collegefor being the school’s number one sportsfan. KCC’s athletic director and baseballcoach Russ Bortell had this to say aboutCas, “he has a great rapport with ourbaseball players. Cas’s generosity withour athletes would be a tough act to fol-low. He doesn’t like recognition for hisgood deeds, but it would be difficult notto acknowledge what he does in ourcommunity.”
Although Dzwik is a “yooper,” henow calls Battle Creek his hometown.
In January 1962 Cas entered thearmed services. He became a patrolsupervisor in a military police attach-ment. Cas obtained the rank of Sergeantand was stationed at San Dia base nearAlbuquerque, NM. After his dischargefrom the military in 1964, he resumedhis employment at Post Cereals. It wasat a Battle Creek Catholic Club dancewhere he met the love of his life AliceQuada. He courted Ms. Quada for twoyears and they were married on June25th, 1966. They have lived in maritalbliss for 39 years. The couple had fivechildren; Gregory, Kristi, Debbie,Douglas, and Mark.
The Dzwik’s sustained the toughestloss in their family history in 1974.Their first born son Gregory was lost inan unavoidable car-deer accident on M-66 near Lake City. This was a tragic anddevastating se back for the family.
It was at their son Gregory’s servicethat Cas observed all of the familiarfaces that were present. He totally appre-ciated the people that took time out forhim and his family on that ill fated dayin 1974. Since that time, Casimer Dzwikhas attended over seventeen hundredfuneral services of friends and their fam-ilies. He has a compassionate considera-tion for his peers and their loved ones.
Each Christmas, Battle Creek’s “Mr.Deeds” performs a ritualistic ceremonywhere if any friends or their families
Grandchildren, Christmas 2002 (left to right):Jordan, Taryn, Wife Alice, Erica, Seth, Cas, and Travis
Santas 2002: (standing left to right) Doug andCas; (seated) Seth, Jordan, Mark & Travis
17
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have a newborn child that is having theirfirst Christmas, his own family includ-ed. Cas has a Christmas tree ornamentengraved with their name, date of birth,year of first Christmas, and signs it“Love from Cas Dzwik.” He feels theseornaments are keepsakes that these chil-dren will have for their rest of their hol-iday seasons. The most unique thingabout this tribute he pays to these chil-dren is Mr. Dzwik then sings the lyricsfrom Connie Francis’s hit Christmassong from the 60’s “Baby’s FirstChristmas.” Cas has been performingthis good deed for twenty plus years.
This year’s group of first yearChristmas babies will include two ofCas and Alice’s new grandsons. Fromdaughter Debbie and husband Douglas,grandbaby Logan Douglas. From sonDr. Mark Dzwik, who is presentlyinterning at Ford Hospital in Detroit,and his wife Niki, grandson LucasCasimer. Grandpa Cas had better get histuning fork out for this monumental hol-iday event and sing in key for his grand-babies.
Mr. Community, as I call him, does-n’t limit his good deeds to the holidayseason. I believe he starts everyday witha new agenda for his good Samaritanwork. Yes, Mr. Deeds certainly goes totown in his never ending quest to makeothers happy. I’d like to wish him andhis loved ones a very special holidayseason 2005. Also, to our readers, a veryMerry Christmas and Happy New Yearfrom all of us at Scene Magazine. I’mCarl Angelo “Touching the Bases forScene.” A special place to be seen.
WHERE ARE THEY NOWA Note: My congratulations to St. PhilipHigh School girl’s volleyball coach VickiGroat. Coach of the Year honors is a veryspecial award. Nobody is more deserv-ing of this honor than Ms. Groat. Goodluck to her and her “Flying Tigers” indefense of their state championship.
Vicki Groat receives Class “D” Coach of theYear Honors from Jean LaClair, President of theMichigan Volleyball Coach’s Association.
utside the wind was blowing hard and the snow was pouring down over the little town
of Bloomingdale, Michigan. Just outside of town, two newlyweds were packing the
car for their one-hour journey to Battle Creek for most possibly the woman’s last Christmas with her
father. As Bob and Vickie loaded up the car, they were trenching their way through snow that was
knee deep. Little did they know that the storm intensified immensely just outside of the wooded area
they lived in on Eagle Lake. They finished loading the car and headed out. At the top of the hill at
the end of their road, they approached the clearing where the wind and snow brought visibility to a
minimum. Bob got out and assessed the situation. In order to gain as much momentum as possible,
he decided to back the car up as far as he could before heading into the foot deep snow ahead.
Bob floored it, and they started through the storm to the other side where the trees would slight-
ly restore visibility and traction. As they neared the trees, they discovered a jeep that had gotten
stuck in the middle of the road. Steering around it took them into even deeper snow, which quick-
ly crept up around the engine and stalled it. They got out of the car and bob popped the hood. He
discovered the problem and started digging snow out from around the engine. Bob explained to
Vickie that he knew the people that lived a few houses down the road.
“You need to go and get help,” he said as he finished explaining.
...CONTINUED...
O
H O N O R A B L E M E N T I O NSCENE MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS STORY CONTEST
Divine InterventionA TRUE STORY BY BARRY VAN HORN
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“Okay,” Vickie answered and starteddown the road. She quickly thoughtover the situation. They were approxi-mately 15 feet away from where thestorm was less intense, had a slim to nochance of getting back to Battle Creekfor her father’s last Christmas, and, tomake matters worse, the fuel gauge wasdancing on empty. How she wished shehad taken the time to get gas on her wayhome from work the day before. Sheturned around after about 10 steps andwent back to her husband and started tocry. “We aren’t going to make it backfor my Dad’s last Christmas, are we?”she whimpered.
“Yes we are. I will get you home,” hesaid calmly and sincerely while huggingher, “but right now you need to go andget help.”
Vickie started back out with a newhope, determined to get help and reachtheir destination. She reached the houseand, to their luck, Ken and Dee, werehome. She rang the doorbell andexplained their predicament. Ken quick-ly dressed for the harsh weather andheaded out with his 4-wheel drive truckto pull the car out. Sensing Vickie’s anx-iousness, Dee gently encouraged her tostay in the warmth of the house. Boband Ken returned with the car shortlythereafter, and Bob and Vickie set outon their journey once more.
The snow was so thick, and so deep,that the road leading into Bloomingdalewas only wide enough for one car topass at a time. Because of the poor visi-bility, neither Bob nor Vickie could tellif there was another car coming until itwas almost too late. They were almostto town when they detected faint head-lights coming straight at them. Luckwas once again on their side as theyturned right and the other car turnedleft, avoiding a collision and anotherdelay from getting to Vickie’s parent’shouse. Their first stop in Bloomingdalewas the gas station to fill up the tank. Ithad taken them almost 90 minutes totravel five miles. They made it toVickie’s parents’ house about an hourand fifteen minutes later without anymore mishaps.
Her family was anxiously anticipat-ing their arrival as the storm reports hadbeen warning against any road travelthat wasn’t absolutely necessary. ToVickie and her father, a trip had neverbeen more necessary. He and the rest ofher family greeted them with relievedsmiles and warm hugs. “I feel like Godwanted us to be here,” Vickie exclaimedas her family greeted them. Their safearrival ensured the celebration of theirlast Christmas with her father.
This is a true story of my parents’first Christmas. It was indeed herfather’s last Christmas with them as hesuccumbed to a brutal battle with cancerthe following March at the very youngage of 45.
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21
As my wife islighting our firstfire in the fireplacefor the holidayseason it is hard tocomprehend wherethis year went. Alot of things hap-pened in the world
of real estate this year including a cou-ple of firsts. One significant event wasthat for the first time ever in our historythe long term interest rates were lowerthan the prime rate! Never thought Iwould ever see that and with interestrates now back on their way up I prob-ably will never see this anomaly again.
Another BIG housing topic this yearthat many of you have read or heardabout is the mysterious “HousingBubble”, not to worry fellowMichiganders, in Southwest Michigan,there is no bubble to burst! If youhaven’t noticed I’ll let you in on a littlesecret. The economy has been SLOWin Southwest Michigan, hence the high-est unemployment rate in the country,and therefore a more difficult market inwhich a seller has to sell a home -which equates to minimal appreciationon our homes and therefore NO HOUS-ING BUBBLE for us. Locally we havebeen experiencing just the opposite ofwhat most of the housing industryacross the country has been enjoying.Much of America is experiencing astrong Sellers Market where there isdouble digit (20 -50%) appreciation peryear. In some markets sellers are expe-riencing the joy of multiple purchaseagreements on their homes with buyersactually competitively bidding over theasking price (isn’t that something youwould like to see under your Christmastree this year? Multiple offers on yourhome, buyers literally fighting overyour property - unfortunately while Ipredict a slight upturn in our local mar-ket you’ll have a better chance this yearof sugar plum fairies dancing in yourdreams than getting multiple offers)!
In the areas where the “HousingBubble” does exist the average saletime for a home on the market is beingrecorded in days, not weeks, or severalmonths (like in our market). No, wedefinitely have a buyers market, butthere is always a silver lining. The poor
Merry Christmas Battle Creek - No “Housing Bubble” in our area!
Real Estate Scene BY JOHN L. STAUFFER, Realtor®
economy in our area has helped keephousing affordable. So even though it ismore difficult to sell your home once itdoes sell you can actually afford to buyanother and you don’t have to worryabout the prices escalating on youweekly as you search for that newhome. There is an underlying crazinesswhen the market gets as hot as it hasbeen on either coast, and people makequick rash decisions. With an averagetime on market in our area being some-thing more than 4 months, buyers havetime to make decisions, and sellers con-sider with great consternation everyoffer that comes along. That makes fora more stable transaction and usually ahappier buyer and seller when it is allsaid and done.
Okay I’ll admit it is tempting todream about going out and sellingproperty in these “Hot markets” makesome quick and easy cash at what I amgood at (buying and selling RealEstate). But: look at what I would haveto leave behind? A city that celebratesevery season of the year with multi-tudes of civic projects, volunteer activi-ties, and a real sense of giving that isnot found in many places throughoutthe country. Neighbors, who know whoI am, and care about me and my family.Battle Creek is a true melting pot and Ilove it here. A couple of months ago Iwas gone for a week’s vacation and thegentleman who covered my businesshad the opportunity to work withKorean, Indian, and Burmese families(all clients of mine) all within about 48hours of each other. When I called toask him how it was going he jokinglywanted to know if I worked with any-
one who spoke English? I had to smilebecause he asked the right question. Hedidn’t ask if I worked with anyAmericans. He knew better, he alsounderstood and appreciated the diversi-ty in Battle Creek, but his joke wasabout the cultural differences and thelanguage barrier, which is an issue thatall people in my profession must learnto deal with. Battle Creek is my kind oftown and for better or worse, much likemy 24 year relationship with my wife,I’m stuck on it - and with it!
This is the season to reflect and rem-inisce about what has happened andwhat will happen. It hasn’t been anexceptional year for Real Estate butthings are moving forward (slowly - butstill moving forward), so my holidaywish for all of you with homes that arefor sale is not to give up hope on yourhome selling, or on your Realtor. Pleasedon’t send him or her a lump of coal fortheir stocking, they are (whether youknow it or not) working very hard to tryto help you get your home sold yet thisyear. My crystal ball for 2006 says weare going to be looking at brighter daysahead for our area. The “HousingBubble” may burst in a few areasaround the country but don’t be put offby that bad press - if it does in fact burstit will have absolutely no impact on usin Southwest Michigan. Enjoy thisBlessed Season, put the selling worriesout of your mind, be in the moment,and share it with families and lovedones - let your Realtor do the worrying(and the work) for you through this hol-iday season. God Bless and MerryChristmas!
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“I feel as ifI’ve been givena true secondchance on life.”
– Justice
The new store has been designedinside and out to bring helpful, conven-ient home improvement service andadvice to consumers of all ages. Thestore stocks more than 13,000 productson-hand and can readily tap into anadditional 35,000 products carried inthe Ace distribution center for theregion. Spanning 9,000 sq. ft., theHighland Avenue Felpausch AceHardware is part of the two million sq.ft. of new retail selling space Ace plansto open this year through branch stores,conversions from other cooperativesand new investors.
“We’ve designed this store with onekey element in mind – our customers,”said Feldpausch. “We wanted to provideour customers the ultimate helpfulshopping experience. With our newstore, we not only will be able to pro-vide that service to them, we’ll actuallyfocus on exceeding their expectationseach time they walk through our doors.”
For maximum customer conven-ience, the Highland Avenue FelpauschAce will be staffed Monday throughSaturday, 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. andSunday and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to6:00 p.m. Although the Ace portion ofFelpausch will not have customer assis-tance after 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., cus-tomers will still be able to shop 6:00a.m. until midnight, the operating hoursof the grocery store. Helping customerswith their do-it-yourself projects andhome repairs are Highland AvenueFelpausch Ace Hardware’s HelpfulHardware team: Dean Hardesty, StoreManager; Laurie Gault, AssistantManager; and an entire team of “helpfulhardware folks” to assist customers inevery way.
This is the first Ace Hardware storefor Felpausch, but the Felpausch com-pany has been in business since 1933and is committed to the community.Felpausch currently owns and operates19 retail grocery stores, 2 Save-A-Lotlimited assortment stores, 9 FelpauschPharmacies, 15 video stores, 2 con-vienence stores with gas, 3 Expressmartstores and now Ace Hardware.
The Highland Avenue Felpausch AceHardware is one of the 4,800 storescomprising Ace Hardware Corp., thelargest retailer-owned hardware cooper-ative in the industry. Ace’s stores in all50 states and 70 countries have annualretail sales that surpass $13 billion. Foradditional information on AceHardware, visit www.acehardware.com.
Felpausch Store Brings Unique HelpfulHome Improvement Service Right to theNeighborhood
Imagine a conveniently sized storewhere you can access all the hardwaresupplies you need to impeccably mani-cure your lawn and repaint your familyroom, as well as find all of your gro-ceries and prescriptions, all in oneplace. The days of wandering fromdepartment to department with aislespacked with unorganized nuts, bolts,pipes and lights are now over. Thanks tothe new Ace Hardware opening withinFelpausch Food Center located at 294Highland Avenue, this home improve-ment dream is now a reality.
Celebrating its grand opening thisweekend, the new Highland Avenue AceHardware is the first Ace store to openby owner Felpausch Food Centers. Thestore has been designed to provideshoppers with solutions to their every-day home improvement needs by hav-ing an extensive array of quality prod-
New Ace Is More Than Just A “Big Toolbox”
Local Interest BY JANINE DALMAN
ucts, coupled with hands-on service,groceries and pharmacy right under thesame roof.
“The design of this store, along withour highly trained staff, focuses on help-ing consumers solve their homeimprovement challenges,” says JimFeldpausch, president and C.O.O.. “Thisenvironment not only makes shoppingfor hardware supplies a less daunting andintimidating task for do-it-yourselfers,but also creates a unique and helpfulshopping experience by incorporating itwithin our grocery store.”
Feldpausch is confident that con-sumers will be enthusiastic about thenew store. “Our new Ace store’s ‘help-ful hardware folks’ builds perfectly onour ‘people who care’ tradition,” hesays.
The grand opening included an offi-cial ribbon cutting with the GreaterBattle Creek Chamber of Commerceofficials, Felpausch personnel and cus-tomers. Other special activities and spe-cials ran all weekend.
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200 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017 / 269-966-2566 / www.burnhambrook.com
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The holiday season should be ahappy time, so we often devote a col-umn to a very special topic; toy safety.Consumers in the Battle Creek andMarshall area need to consider safety asan important part of their toy buyingdecision. For example:
• Examine the toy box carefully to seewhat ages of children the toy isdesigned for. Younger children can bebored by or injured by gifts “too old”for them.
• Just as importantly, consider the agesof the other children in the home. Toysintended for older children can easilyfind their way into the hands ofyounger brothers or sisters, and this isone of the biggest causes of serioustoy injury.
• Insist on proper storage. Teach chil-dren to store toys when not in use sothat other family members don’t tripover them.
• Toys for children under three shouldbe unbreakable to withstand heavy use(and abuse). They should have nosmall parts that can break off andbecome lodged in a child’s throat.Rattles should not be able to separatewhich could present a choking hazard.
• Children under eight need toys thatdon’t have heating elements, sharppoints or jagged edges. Inspect thetoys periodically to be sure they aren’tbroken, which might expose a sharpedge or point.
• Safety is especially important forinfants and smaller children. Cribgyms need to be removed when thebaby can get up on hands and knees.
• The lids of toy chests must be able tostay open in any position.
• Strings on crib and playpen toysshould not be longer than 12 inches toprevent strangulation.
• Look for the words “nontoxic” and“flame retardant” on toys. Stuffed toysshould be machine washable and havesecurely fastened features. Electricaltoys should have the UL(Underwriters Laboratory) label.
• Important! Promptly discard all plasticwrapping on a toy for small children toprevent suffocation. Plastic wrap isNOT a toy!
• Finally, take the time to read over theinstructions that come with the toysand supervise play to be sure they arebeing operated safely. If you discovera toy that is unsafe, notify the manu-facturer immediately! No one wants aholiday tragedy.
Safety Important PartOf Toy Buying
The BBB of Western Michiganencourages all regional donors toreview the LOCAL CHARITYREVIEW (LCR) information whenconsidering year end donations. TheBetter Business Bureau’s LCR pro-gram was designed to evaluate localcharities against proven charitablestandards in order to provide donorswith the latest of information aboutthe specific organization. In the pastyear and a half, this BBB whichserves the 37 western counties hastripled its database of charities andcontacted virtually every 501 (c)(3)organization in our area.
Ken Vander Meeden, BBBPresident stated: “We have had over3,000 inquiries thus far in 2004 aboutlocal charities and it is the season tocheck them out. West Michigan is avery generous region for donations toall kinds of good causes but some-times we are too trusting and give tothe wrong organizations. Sound-a-like or look-a-like causes create con-
Check Out CharitiesFor Year End Donations
fusion and our best charities can benegatively impacted when we give toa cause or group without someresearch.”
Some of the standards the BBBuses for the Local Charity Review(LCR) Program are:• 65% of expenses (at a minimum)
should go to program services or thecause;
• 35% of expenses (at a MAXIMUM)should go for administration andfund raising;
• all solicitation materials should betruthful;
• an audited financial statement andthe IRS #990 should be reviewed forall organizations soliciting $100,000per year from the public;
• Boards for the charity should meet aminimum of three times per year toreview performance, approve abudget, and establish meaningfulgoals;
• donor lists should not be madeavailable to other charities withoutthe express written permission ofthe donor.
BBB of Western Michigan LCRreports are available on the Internet atwww. battlecreek.bbb.org. Nationalcharitable reports are at www.bbb.org.
that more than 8,000Americans with Diabeteswill lose their sight this year?
• Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of legal blindness among working-age Americans.
• The best defense against DiabeticRetinopathy is early detection and strictglucose control.
Have you had a yearlydilated eye exam?Call Southwest Michigan Eye Center today at 269-979-6383 to schedule your eye exam.
Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition that can only be detected through a medical eyeexam. An Eye M.D. can often diagnose andtreat the condition before the patient isaware of any vision problems.
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interested in making their contributionscount this holiday season.
1. DO A LITTLE “DETECTIVEWORK.” Researching the charitybeforehand can help avoid dollars beingsiphoned off by poorly managed chari-ties in a period of greatest need. Visitgive.org for giving tips and free accessto detailed Alliance reports on nation-al charities that specify which charitiesmeet or do not meet the Alliance’s com-prehensive charity standards. During2003, individuals visited give.org over 2million times to view an Alliancenational charity reports. (For informa-tion on local charities, go towww.grandrapids.bbb.org.)
2. CONSIDER DONATINGTOYS, FOOD OR OTHER ITEMS.Many community charities are seekingdonations of food, toys, clothing orother items during the holiday season.Consider contacting a charity to find outwhat donated items it needs if your cashis tight this time of year. The latest edi-tion of the BBB Wise Giving Guidequarterly magazine features a coverstory on Food Donation Programs andincludes a summary of the latest evalua-tion results of the Alliance’s nationalcharity evaluations in relation to itscomprehensive standards. To receive acomplimentary copy, write to: BBBWise Giving Guide, 4200 Wilson Blvd.,Suite 800, Arlington, VA, 22203.
3. DONATING YOUR CAR,BEFORE THE 2005 TAX RULECHANGES. Upcoming 2005 changesin the tax rules for car donations will, inmany cases, result in lower charitabledeductions for such gifts. As a result,donating a car before the end of 2004may present another alternative givingoption. Be mindful, however, to checkout the charity’s activities and also findout how it will benefit from the donationof your car. In some cases, the charitymay receive a flat amount ($100 pervehicle) or a small percentage of the re-sale of the car. For additional car dona-tion tips go to www.give.org/tips/used-car.asp.
4. VOLUNTEERING YOURTIME. Volunteering your time can bepersonally rewarding and just as impor-tant to the charity as a cash contribution.Nevertheless, it is wise for potential vol-unteers to find out more about the char-ity before making a commitment.Volunteering need not involve directlyassisting those in need (such as ladlingthe soup at the homeless shelter).
Many charities are counting on thegenerosity of the holiday season tobring in a significant portion of theircontributions revenue. If you’re notable to give as much as you would likethis year, you may wish to consider“alternative” giving possibilities. And,you’ll definitely want to ensure that
BBB Wise Giving Alliance Suggests “Alternative” Giving Possibilities
Local Interest
your donation, no matter how big orsmall, does the greatest good. The BBBWise Giving Alliance emphasizes thatwhether donating cash, goods, or serv-ices, donors should check out charitiesbefore they contribute.
The BBB Wise Giving Allianceoffers the following tips for donors
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Assisting the charity with office activi-ties or other needed tasks can be just ashelpful. While the value of your time isnot deductible, some out-of-pocketexpenses directly related to volunteer-ing (such as transportation costs) mightbe deductible.
5. IS THE CHARITY REGIS-TERED TO SOLICIT? Whether thesolicitation is by mail, phone, in-person,or through coin canisters, charities areusually required to file information withgovernment agencies. About 40 statesrequire charities to register with a stategovernment agency (Michigan has theCharitable Trust division of the AG’soffice.) You can contact these agenciesfor available information about thecharity and to verify if the organizationis appropriately registered. Althoughregulations vary from state to state, keepin mind that registration in and of itselfdoes not mean the state “approves” or“endorses” the charity.
6. CAUSE-RELATED PROMO-TIONS. During the holidays you willsee advertisements announcing that thepurchase of certain items in retail storeswill benefit a specified cause. Suchpurchases present another option forhelping charities during the holidays.One of the Alliance’s charity standardsrecommends, however, that you look fora disclosure that indicates the actual orestimated amount of the purchase thatwill go to the specified charity. In mostcases, this will be less than 10% of theprice.
7. DOES THE CHARITY MEETALLIANCE STANDARDS? TheBBB Wise Giving Alliance’s Standardsfor Charity Accountability go beyondwhat the law requires of charities andaddress issues such as charity finances,governance, charity effectiveness, fundraising, and donor privacy. Visitgive.org to learn more about these crite-ria. If the soliciting organization is anational charity that is not already thesubject of an Alliance report, encouragethem to visit give.org and voluntarilyparticipate in the Alliance’s evaluationprocess. The Alliance does not chargecharities for its evaluations and theresultant reports are free to the public.
A final suggestion: if you can’tgive this holiday season, make plans todo so next year. “Honest charities willwelcome your donation next month, nextyear, or whenever you are able to con-tribute,” Vander Meeden advised.
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance was formedthrough the merger of the National CharitiesInformation Bureau and the Council of BetterBusiness Bureaus’ Foundation, which housed thePhilanthropic Advisory Service. The Alliance pro-duces reports on the most-asked-about nationalcharities and specifies if they meet the BBBStandards for Charity Accountability. TheseStandards address, among other things, charityfinancial, governance, and fund raising issues.
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s I descended the stairway and came into the living room, I once again became filled
with excitement at the splendor of all the holiday decorations. The wonderful tree we
had cut down just days ago now stood proud in the corner of the room. My dad, like me, was a
Christmas nut, he brought home the most colorful, and brightest Christmas lights I had ever seen,
probably cost him a small fortune, new this year from the NOMA Company. Mom has several poin-
settias and my kid brother Willie and I made colorful paper chains that hung around the room.
Outside more snow began to fall, we didn’t know it at the time but 1926 would be one of the
snowiest winters in Bangor Michigan.
The living room was strewn with gifts of all sizes, colorful ribbon and wrapping paper littered
the floor. For such tough times we sure received a lot of gifts that year. I looked down on the cof-
fee table at my favorite gift, a book titled, “This Way To Christmas,” by Ruth Sawyer, but the best
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F I R S T P L A C ESCENE MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS STORY CONTEST
The Christmas AngelFICTION BY ROYCE MERRILL
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part was the inscription on the insidecover, that read, “To Ned Hawthorne,may you always keep Christmas in yourheart.” It was signed, St. Nick.
“Merry Christmas Mom,” I say, asshe hurries past into the kitchen, with-out a reply, no doubt to baste the turkey,a look of concern present on her face.
The air was filled with the aroma ofboth turkey and cookies that were prob-ably cooling on the counter.
I smile to myself, filled with the joyof the season, and with satisfaction at allthe great gifts I had received. On thefloor Willie is happily playing with hisnew covered wagon and horse set.
Going over, I peek into the kitchenand see my father sitting at the kitchentable, smoking a cigarette, and readingthe morning paper. I say nothing and goback to the living room to simply enjoythe morning.
I get comfortable on our dark purple,crushed velvet couch. Across the roomthe wall behind the Philco radio is dimlyilluminated by the tubes on the inside.The local Bangor station is playingnothing but Christmas music, as I sittransfixed on our beautiful tree. The col-orful glass ornaments picking up thewonderful new string of lights. I waveaway our cats, Tiger and Fluffy, who areeating the popcorn that we had spenthours stringing up. They stop but don’trun away, they just sit there staring atme and cocking their heads.
The angel atop our tree catches myattention. She has a golden coloreddress and the most beautiful porcelainface. I have never seen it before, it mustbe something new my Dad picked up, ormaybe left behind by that jolly ol’ St.Nick, anyway, there is something haunt-ingly wonderful about her. Raven blackhair, and eyes with such life-like detail,or maybe it’s the way she seems to belooking directly at me.
“Hey Willie, where did the angelcome from? Did Dad put that up there?”
Willie says nothing and just keepsplaying with his horses and coveredwagon, off in his own little work, prob-ably filled with cowboys and Indians, ormaybe pioneer settlers trying to maketheir way across the plains.
I look around at all the gifts wereceived for Christmas. It was odd, but Iwas having a hard time rememberingexactly everything I had gotten.Christmas has a way of overwhelmingthe mind. My new baseball and glovesat near the couch, and our new sledsleaning up by the front door. Suddenly,I am distracted by the Christmas angel,she smiled and winked at me, I couldswear, I caught it out of the corner ofmy eye, it gave me a good jolt, but whenI looked directly at her she was motion-less, atop her tree throne, and lookingover her kingdom that was our livingroom.
A large mirror with a fancy golden
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frame hangs on the wall across from thecouch. I sit there and watch her throughthe mirror, but she won’t be fooled. Herhigh rosy cheek bones and the structureof her jaw-line, such detail, she truly isa gorgeous creature.
“Hey Willie, what about the angel,where did she come from anyway?”
No response, just horse noises comeout of Willie, who is now laying on hisside across Mom’s old rug that she gotfrom Grandma, years ago.
Fluffy and Tiger were now busyredecorating the tree and batting a silverglass ornament across the living room.It stopped rolling by the Philco, Willielooks up at the cats and starts laughing,but I’ve had all I’m going to take fromthose cats, so I reach over and grab mybaseball and toss it at the cats.
A true look of horror comes overWillie’s face, and lets out a high-pitchedscream and runs into the kitchen. “Settledown Will, I didn’t hurt them,” but hekeeps running nevertheless.
There was a huge commotion on thestairway as a ten year old me comesrunning down the stairs and into thekitchen, to see what was going on.
A ten year old me?Bewildered, I look up at the angel on
our tree, she smiles and opens her armsto me. Gently she descends from herthrone, and as she magically grows Irealize that this beautiful creature is ayoung version of my deceased wife,Margaret.
By now Mom and Dad, Willie andthe ten-year-old me are in the livingroom. Willie is pointing at the baseballand trying his hardest to convinceeveryone that yes, it most certainly didfly across the room by itself. Dad tus-sles his hair and tells him it’s only hiswild imagination, probably too muchexcitement and gingerbread cookies.
Looking in the mirror across theroom, I can see my whole family ofmany years ago, remembering one ofthe happiest Christmas’ ever. “Theycan’t see us,” Margaret says, in a sweetloving tone, “I’ve been watching overyou for the last eight years, my love.Yearning to feel your touch again, tofeel your hands lovingly on my face, toonce again after all these years share along, gentle hug.”
Nurse Sutton, of the Winding Hillsretirement home, enters room 1017, thecolorful lights of a small Christmas treedance off the wall by the bed of old NedHawthorne. On the table next to his bedis a photo of Margaret, and a tatteredbook titled, “This Way To Christmas.”She looks down at the big smile on hisface, checks his pulse, and gently pullsthe covers over his head. Outside light-ning flashes, as a July storm is rollingin. She unplugs the lights to the tree andas she leaves the room with a lump inher throat whispers, “Merry ChristmasNed.”
lexandria lay on the couch, her favorite blanket wrapped loosely around her neck,
listening to the constant drone of her nebulizer pushing her medication into her plas-
tic mask held to her face. She sighed heavily breathing in the mist and watching the unused med-
ication escape through the holes in the mask and rise into the air.
“Mom, I’m feeling better now,” Alexandria informed, now that her most recent coughing spasm
had subsided. “Can I help now?” she wheezed as she stared longingly at the Christmas tree her
mother was carefully removing ornaments from.
“Honey, you know you can’t help me, we’ve already talked about this,” her mother said quietly
turning to look at her daughter. The circles under her big blue eyes seemed even darker today. It was
clear that she was physically exhausted from coughing. Her head lay on a large heated water bot-
tle, which was the only way to relieve the pain from her most recent ear infection. “But you can
play with your favorite ornament.” She handed Alexandria her favorite Christmas ornament
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S E C O N D P L A C ESCENE MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS STORY CONTEST
The Perfect ChristmasTreeA TRUE STORY BY ASHLEY WELSH
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hanging on the front of the tree.Alexandria took the homemade orna-
ment from her mother’s hand and care-fully looked it over. The ornament was around orb with a hole in the centerwhere a small bird sat. It was a shinygreen, which glittered and reflected thedim light around the room. Alex smiledas she took the small bird from its nestinside the ornament and began to playwith it.
It was not Christmas yet, but the giftswere no longer under the tree, they werecarefully stacked in the opposite cornerof their living room. Her mother stoodon tip-toes attempting to take the angel
down from the top of the tree. Sheunwound the lights and carefullypacked them away into a box with therest of the ornaments that had alreadybeen removed from their previous homeon the tree. Her mother struggled to getthe very large tree down from the hold-er. As she attempted to drag it throughthe patio door, she reflected on howmuch fun she and Alex had picking itout. The tree had always been one oftheir favorite things about the Christmasseason. Picking it out, setting it up, anddecorating it; the lights, the smell andthe ornaments all brought the holidayspirit into their home. They had always
started the Christmas season with thetree. Her mother would be sad to see itgo.
“Mom, where’s Santa going to putmy presents if we don’t have a tree?”Alexandria quizzed her mother.
“Santa sent out a memo this yearsaying that all presents were goingunder the dining room table for thosewho don’t have a Christmas tree. Won’tthat be fun? The Christmas tree won’tpoke you when you’re reaching for yourpresents, and you won’t step on anypine needles this year,” her motherinformed, minimizing the real reasonwhy they were removing the tree. Shewished she had realized the problemearlier, and then she could have plannedaccordingly. “How much is an artificialtree anyway?” she wondered.
With a final push it was out the doorand she turned to look at her daughter,who was now asleep. The nebulizer wasstill running, although now empty. Shequietly went over and turned off themachine and carefully removed themask from her daughter’s face. This wasthe second Christmas season that herdaughter had spent ill. It had startedagain this year about ten days afterThanksgiving and nine days after thetree went up. Why hadn’t she thoughtabout it before? The tree, the symbol ofthe Christmas season, was also thesource of her daughter’s misery. Insidethe ornaments and the colored lights,that her daughter insisted on, along thebranches and the trunk unseen was thespecial kind of mold that only grew onChristmas trees. This had to be thesource of her daughter’s current earinfection, problems with her asthma, allof which required the need for all addi-tional medication. She would miss thetree but as she looked at her daughter,she realized it really didn’t matter if shedidn’t have a tree, as long as Alex wouldfeel better this Christmas.
Mom picked Alex up off the couchand carried her up to bed, leaving thedecorations, ornaments and presentsscattered around the room to be worriedabout tomorrow. Then she returned tothe room to get the nebulizer, knowingthat they would need it several timesthroughout the long night.
Alexandria woke the next morningwith the sun shining in her eyes, grumpyand coughing again. Her mother walkedin the room with her medicines, whichdidn’t make her any happier. After alengthy discussion, some tears, and lotsof coughing, one more dose of the med-icine was down. Alexandria didn’t feelmuch like walking, she didn’t feel likedoing anything, so her mother carriedher downstairs to the couch to do yetanother nebulizer treatment. Mom toldher that she was staying home fromwork that day, which made her feel a lit-tle happier. The nebulizer treatment was
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buzzing away and Mom put in “TheLittle Mermaid,” maybe it wasn’t goingto be such a bad day.
Two days later, Alexandria was feel-ing much better, even though she stillhad to take her medicine. She was still alittle concerned about Santa knowingwhere to put the presents since they did-n’t have a Christmas tree, but Mom saidit would be all right. She had a doctor’sappointment that day; she was going tosee Dr. Purdy today. She always likedgoing to see Dr. Purdy because healways found bunnies and turtles in herears, which always made her laugh.When they left the doctor’s office, theywent to the store. After walking to thevery back of the store, Alexandria real-ized they were surrounded by Christmastrees. They were all different sizes andshapes, big ones, tall ones, fat ones,skinny ones. The one that caughtAlexandria’s eye was a shiny silver one.
“Mommy, can we have the shinyone?” Alex questioned excitedly.
“Um, well I think that tree is too bigand too expensive for our house,” Momexplained. “What other ones do youlike?”
After much debate, they finallydecided on a fat, short-needled tree,which looked very much like the onethey had thrown out only a few daysbefore.
While Alexandria watched “TheLittle Mermaid” again, and received yetanother nebulizer treatment, her motherstruggled to put the tree together. Momwas looking skeptical. By the time shewas done with her nebulizer treatment,and the inevitable nap, the tree wasready for the ornaments to be put on.Alexandria was very excited, becausethis was the first year she was able todecorate the Christmas tree twice, andshe didn’t have to worry about the din-ing room table anymore. The normaldiscussion occurred regarding the place-ment of each ornament. Finally theywere done, and all that was left to dowas to place the last ornament on thetree.
“Alex, go ahead and put on yourornament, that’s the last one,” her moth-er told her. Alex took the ornament fromthe box and toddled off to place it rightin the front, down low, so she could takeit off to look at it whenever she wanted.
Her mother stood looking at theChristmas tree and thought, “Well, itdoesn’t look too bad.” She turned tolook at Alexandria. Alex’s dark circlesunder her blue eyes had gone away;instead replaced by rosy cheeks and asmile spread across her face. Her moth-er instantly decided that she had alreadygotten the best Christmas present ever.Looking back at their new artificialChristmas tree, Mom decided that it wasdefinitely the best Christmas tree ever.
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swallow test.’ They brought me a giantdecaf Pepsi and I was like a four-year-old at Christmas.”
Jack gained much, but there was onething he never lost, that seems to haveonly gotten stronger: his sense ofhumor. Even in recounting his strokeand long rehabilitation, he is prone tolaughing and telling jokes.
At the presentation ceremonies,Doris Moody, RN, who was on the ther-apy team, remembered Jack’s sense ofhumor. “We loved to take care of him.He made us laugh all the time,” she said.“But he was serious about workinghard. Even when he was lying down andtired, when we came and told him it wastime for therapy, he would say “Let’sgo!’”
Ann Gallagher, a Southwest medicalsocial worker and discharge plannerwho arranged for Jack’s return home,also remembered Jack’s rehabilitation.“Jack, was phenomenal,” she said dur-ing the award ceremony. “He wasincredibly gracious, and I can’t sayenough about how hard he worked.”
Jack was discharged nearly fourweeks after admission to Southwest.He was able to walk with a cane. He hadrecovered almost 90 percent of hisstrength on his right side, and he wasable to swallow. Most of all, he wasable to return to work within 90 days.
“I operate everything from fork liftsand genie booms to golf carts in thatcenter with its 105 semi bays. I made itback to work in less than 90-days,” Jacksaid. “And I do everything I used todo,” Jack says with a wink and a laugh.“Just a little slower, maybe.”
Jack Brubaker chuckles as heremembers what motivated him to getbetter: “I wanted to get back to work inless than 90 days, because after that Iwould’ve had to have been re-certifiedon all the equipment at work, and Iwould have lost my status as a trainer.”
Re-certification and retraining wouldhave been a lot of extra work for Jack, a59-year-old Marshall resident who isemployed at Target DistributionWarehouse in Galesburg. Jack istrained to operate and train others oneighteen different pieces of equipment.
But hard work is something Jack isused to: hard work is what brought himback from a severe stroke last fall. Andhard work is what earned him theSouthwest Regional RehabilitationCenter’s George M. Chamberlin, M.D.,Patient of the Year award for 2004-2005. Presentation ceremonies tookplace during Southwest’s celebration ofNational Rehabilitation AwarenessWeek.
Recognizing outstanding commit-ment and effort made by a patienttoward rehabilitation following illnessor injury, Southwest’s Patient of theYear Award is given only after carefulconsideration by the center’s clinicalteam. Numerous patient candidates arerecommended, but the final selection isbased on firmly-established criteria.These criteria are: a positive attitudetoward recovery; commitment to put-ting forth extra effort to improve; dedi-cation to the rehabilitation process;working continuously to overcomegreat adversities in the face of multiplephysical and/or medical challenges; andcomplete adjustment to disability.
Jack’s challenge began on September24, 2004. Jack, a former marine andVietnam veteran, woke his wife Lindato tell her he didn’t feel well. His legswere weak, and he was having troubleswallowing. Linda took him toOaklawn Hospital in Marshall. The firstindicator of trouble was high bloodpressure. “It was over 240,” said Linda.“They told him he’d had a heart attackand a stroke.” Jack was transferred toBorgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, butonce he arrived there, his conditionworsened.
At Borgess, evidence of a strokebecame more apparent. His conditionworsened as his right side became para-lyzed, and he lost his ability to swallowliquids. After days of tests, it was deter-mined that Jack had suffered a stroke in
Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center Names 2004-2005 Patient of the Year
Local Interest
his brain stem. In addition, physiciansdiscovered massive amounts of fluidhad accumulated around his heart. Thefluid was drained, Jack was stabilized,and on October 3rd, he was dischargedto Southwest for rehabilitation.
“Actually, I didn’t feel too bad at thehospital,” Jack recalled. “But once theytold me it was a stroke and I couldn’tmove my arm, the reality of it started toset in.”
Southwest was an easy choice. Itwas close to home, and Jack’s father hadonce taken rehabilitation there follow-ing hip surgery. At Southwest, Jackbecame part of a therapy team thatincluded medical director, nurses, thera-pists, medical social workers and a casemanager.
“I had five therapies each day,” saidJack. “Twice with speech therapists toget back my ability to swallow, twicewith physical therapists to get mystrength back on my right side, and oncewith an occupational therapist.”
“Everybody was wonderful atSouthwest,” Jack said. “They werekind, but also knew to push me so that Iwould get better. They were demandingup to a point – just right in their attitude.My wife, Linda, was a big part of it, too.She was there every day.”
Jack remembers a key moment whenhe turned the corner. “I was used todrinking a lot of diet Pepsi, all day long.The funny thing about the stroke was, Icould eat solid food, but it took awaymy ability to swallow thin liquids, so Ihadn’t been able to have any Pepsi.Then one night the speech therapistcame in and said: ‘Jack, you passed the
Jack Brubaker (center) accepts Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center’s 2004-2005 Patient of the Year award from Southwest President and CEO, Diane Giannunzio (left), and Medical Director,Zihni Yilmaz, MD (right).
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ine foreman Jack Miller sighed heavily as he put on his helmet and flipped on
the attached light. He stepped into the elevator with eleven of his coworkers,
ready to descend 1500 feet into the bowels of the earth. All of them had a dead, lifeless, deer-
in-the-headlights look in their eyes. They’d been working 18-hour shifts for the entire month
of December. Working 18 hours a day anywhere is bad enough, but working 18 hours a day in
the coal mines of West Virginia is somewhat akin to putting on a blindfold, being beaten with
a tire iron, and burying yourself in your backyard.
And here it was… December 24th. Another 18-hour shift. They had been pushed and pushed
to meet their quota before today… they fell short. They’d been promised Christmas Eve off if
they met their goal of mining two million pounds of coal by the 23rd. Didn’t happen.
...CONTINUED...
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T H I R D P L A C ESCENE MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS STORY CONTEST
Takin’Your LumpsFICTION BY DAVE BERANEK
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So the bosses called them all back inand set them to work.
“Sorry about this, boys,” said EddieCobb, the mine owner, “but we got agoal to meet, and we ain’t met it yet.Our client really, desperately needs this.If we can manage to get the rest of it outby ten or eleven tonight, there’ll beturkey sandwiches and cranberrypunch waitin’ for ya. Maybe a littleeggnog, too!” He gave an exaggeratedwink to the men and a hearty guffaw.“Now off ya go!” With that, he shut thegate to the lift with a resounding clang.
Jack Miller leaned wearily againstthe metal grating as the tiny boxdropped slowly down the shaft. His co-workers were grumbling, albeit half-heartedly. No one had enough energyleft to grumble whole-heartedly any-more.
“I was supposed to be putting’together my kid’s bike tonight,” saidone.
“Uh-huh. Same thing. Playfort formy son,” said another.
“I was gonna marinate my turkey forChristmas dinner… special recipe…takes 24 hours.”
“Wanted to spend Christmas Evewith my wife and daughter. It’s mydaughter’s first Christmas!”
“ ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ is on ateight! Dang it!”
“Guys! Guys! Knock it off!” Jackfinally exploded. “Can’t you see thebigger picture? Can’t you see why it’sour duty to get this job done? To get thiscoal mined? Can’t you see? You shouldall be ashamed!”
The men were silent for a minute.They hung their heads in embarrass-ment, but they didn’t know why. Afteran uncomfortable period of quiet, oneman eventually raised his head.
“Ummmm… is it important becausethe price of fuel oil is goin’ up?”
“NO!” Jack yelled.Another man peered up from under
his helmet. “Is the coal going to the vic-tims of all them hurricanes?”
“DANG IT, NO!”The largest, burliest miner threw his
head up, crossed his arms, and said bel-ligerently, “We ain’t sendin’ this coal toIraq are we?”
“NO!”The rest of them lifted their heads at
this point. They turned to each otherwith confused stares. They looked totheir right. They looked to their left.Suddenly, the elevator came to a stopwith a loud bang. For a moment or two,all was quiet. Then, one miner piped up,“Well, then why the heck is it so dangimportant that we get all the rest of thiscoal mined by tonight? I mean, dang it,it’s Christmas Eve!”
Jack glared at the man with cold,dark eyes. Finally, in a gravelly voice,he said, “It’s 2005. Our client has a verylong naughty list.”
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Directions: Take I-69 south to the Coldwater exit 13,then 10 miles east to fun and excitement.
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We have been collecting for years, and we’re constantlylooking for unique items that we love ourselves and want to share with others. Our booths are 94-95, 83-84 and 43-44at the Allen Antique Mall (new mall next to the dirt road) and36-37 at the Allen Antique Barn (main floor & upstairs).
We offer glassware, brass, furniture, paintings, lunch boxes,tools, sculptures, baskets, dolls, toys, music boxes, jewelry,chess sets, books and much more.
If you’re looking to add to your collection, or just want something beautiful for your home or as a gift, you’re sure to find it among the thousands of items on display.
When you need a break, there is a restaurant right on the grounds.
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Do you want towow your friendsand family withouta lot of effort thisholiday season?Who wouldn’t?But as you know,during the holidaysyour time is limit-
ed, so I have come up with some easyways to throw together last minute horsd’ oeuvres and decorating that is sure toplease. Add a bottle of your favoritewine or beverage and you are set.Almost everything prepared below is forthe seafood connoisseur and utilizespre-prepared crab dip from the grocerystore. We like Simply Superior Crabdips combined with some vegetables,crackers or bread from the bakery. Note:If you are not a big fan of seafood, allrecipes calling for crab spread can besubstituted with ham and onion cheesedip from the deli.
Cucumber Crackers: With veg-
Healthy Eating BY JANINE DALMAN, Felpausch
etable peeler, take a fresh, washedcucumber and alternate peeling and notpeeling lengthwise down the cucumber.This will make the cucumber havestripes. Next take a sharp knife and slicethe cucumber into 1/2 inch slices. Topwith a dollop of crab spread arranged ona festive plate or tray and sprinkle withfresh or dried chopped parsley or freshsliced green onion.
Celery Stuffed with Crab Spread:Rinse and cut celery stalks cross-wiseinto 3 inch pieces. Fill with crab spreadand serve.
Crab Stuffed Mushroom Caps:Take fresh, large, “stuffer” white mush-rooms with stems removed. Clean offdirt. Next fill a pot with salted water.Bring to a boil. Place mushroom caps inthe boiling water and cook for 1 – 2minutes. The mushroom should still befirm. Remove caps with a slotted spoonand place them smooth side up on papertowels. Cool. Once mushrooms are coolenough to pick up, take a Ziploc baggie
filled with Simply Superior CrabSpread. Cut a corner off of the bag anduse the bag to squeeze the spread intothe mushroom caps. You can also use aspoon or melon ball utensil. Place thestuffed caps onto a baking pan. Sprinklewith fresh parmesan cheese and parsleyand bake at 425 degrees for approxi-mately 10 minutes until mushrooms areheated through. Serve.
Note: Boiling will take the excesswater out of the mushroom cap and helpit bake better.
Bruschetta instead of crackers:Slice a loaf of any style crusty breadfrom the Felpausch bakery into 1/2 inchslices. Brush with olive oil and bake at350 degrees until crisp, about 8 minutes.Cut the end off of a fresh garlic cloveand rub onto the toasted bread. Use inplace of crackers with Simply SuperiorCrab spread.
Arrange any of the appetizers abovewith some olives and peppers such as,calamata, jalapeno stuffed olives, garlicstuffed olives, some pickled peppersand you add gourmet appeal to yourtray.
Holiday Center Piece: Take a largewide vase or 1-quart canning jar; tie afestive ribbon or pieces of raffia aroundthe neck. Add fresh cranberries, lemon,orange or lime slices, pine or cinnamonsticks (use your imagination). Fill withenough water to cover items in the con-tainer and to float a floating candle.Place container on the table and add afew pine sprigs or fall leaves around thecontainer on the table. Light the candleand voila!
Cream Cheese and Hot PepperJelly Spread: Take a brick of creamcheese or Brie cheese, place it on a serv-ing platter, pour hot pepper jelly overthe top, arrange crackers around andserve.
These recipes are great whether youchoose to make your fillings fromscratch or use something already pre-pared in the seafood or deli departmentas I did above. But of course, if youdon’t want to go to all of that fuss, youcan always stop into your localFelpausch Food Center or Zucca’s byFelpausch and pick up a variety of veg-etable trays, shrimp rings, specialtyspreads and desserts all ready to serve.
Ideas for the Holidays to Make Entertaining Easy
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Be Vigilant of Food Allergies
Health Scene BY PETER PHELPS
“There is no cure for allergies” saysDr. Dandamudi. “The first line ofdefense is to avoid the offending food.This can be difficult if it is a commonfood such as milk, eggs, nuts, or peanuts– all common ingredients of numerouspre-packaged foods and restaurant fare.”
With the height of the holiday grazingseason upon us, it is particularly impor-tant for those with food allergies to bevigilant. If you are hosting a holidayopen house, mark your buffet items withsigns that list possible ingredients likenuts or peanuts. If you know that one ofyour guests does have an allergic reactionto certain foods, drop those from yourmenu for that event. If you are attendinga holiday party, it is not impolite to askthe host or hostess what special ingredi-ents were used in the food.
Being allergic means having to bealert and assertive about your diet. Readlabels on all purchased foods, ask forinformation in restaurants, or requestspecial meals. The safest strategy forthose with severe allergies is to preparefoods from scratch at home and avoidpackaged foods where possible.
to a specific food that triggers a reactionby the immune system,” says GiriDandamudi, M.D. of the AsthmaAllergies Centers of SouthwestMichigan. “The reaction may be rela-tively mild with symptoms such ashives, stomach cramps, diarrhea, orwheezing. More acute reactions includeswelling of the mouth and airways, diffi-culty breathing, a drop in blood pres-sure, and loss of consciousness. Thevictim can go into anaphylactic shock,and such serious reactions can be fatal,especially if not treated immediately.”
Eight foods are responsible for 90percent of allergic reactions, peanuts,tree nuts (including walnuts, pecans,almonds, cashews, pistachios), fish,shellfish (crab, crayfish, shrimp, lob-ster), eggs, milk, soy, and wheat. Milk,eggs, wheat, and soy are often the causeof allergies in children. Many childrenoutgrow these allergies as their immunesystems develop. Parents can work withtheir physicians to determine when itmight be safe to test a child to see if it ispossible to reintroduce a food that had tobe avoided in the early years.
Greg alwaysknew he had asevere allergy topeanuts. His moth-er had been carefulabout food pre-pared at home, andhe knew to avoidpeanuts when hewas out. But he
never truly realized the seriousness ofthe situation until he ate a sundae thathad a small piece of nut on it. His mouthand throat swelled within minutes, andhe was rushed to the emergency depart-ment where he was treated and held forobservation.
Greg, along with a little over one per-cent of adult Americans, has a true foodallergy. Food allergies are more com-mon in children, affecting about threepercent of those under age three. Manychildren outgrow their allergies, howev-er. Surveys reveal that 25 percent ofAmericans ‘think’ they are allergic tocertain foods, but most have only foodintolerance.
“A food allergy is a hypersensitivity
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Your Family’s Health BY GINGER A. HENTZ
In the Spirit of the Holidays: the Gift of Hope and Health
care for vulnerable folks. The NCBC receives core financial
support from the Bureau of PrimaryHealth Care. The balance of support forthe Clinic comes from the City of BattleCreek (Community Development BlockGrant), corporations and businesses,foundations, service clubs, churches,and notably, private individuals.
The real resources of the Clinic arereflected in the faces of the 16 physi-cians who volunteer at the Clinic and theother 50 volunteer doctors, specialists,and dentists who will see in their officespatients referred by NCBC.
While volunteers are its heart andsoul, the Nursing Clinic depends uponcommunity support to continue its work.Financial gifts in any amount are wel-come. The Clinic annually receivesmany generous gifts from individualswho understand the importance of itswork.
To make a contribution to NCBC:The person you name with your contri-bution will receive a holiday card fromthe Clinic indicating that you made adonation in her/his name. For donationsof $75 or more, a swell lapel “PeoplePin” (each one unique) will be sent toyou or the person you designate (youchoose). This is a great way to give agift that lasts longer than all the gar-lands, candles, and mistletoe combined.Plus it gets Christmas and holiday shop-ping over swiftly and painlessly withoutever having to leave your house.
Call (269) 969-6468 or [email protected] to findout more about giving the Gift of Hopeand Health. Or simply send a check to:Nursing Clinic of Battle Creekc/o Suite 100A, 190 E. Michigan AvenueBattle Creek, MI 49014.
Your spirit will feel at least as good asit did after the first snowfall.
That festivetime of year hasrolled around oncemore: The Holi-daze.
It is early winter,so the first snowfall is a welcomeboost to one’s spir-it. People seem
happier and lighter (than they will beafter overeating for five weeks straight).Colorful lights of red, green and whiteremind people of Mexico and Italy.Colorful language can be heard eachmorning as icy car windshields arescraped. Traditions flourish as fir treesgrowing in glory for 10 or 20 years meetLady Destiny when their trunks face the18-inch bar of a Husqvarna. And in thecrisp, cold air, one can pick up the faintand familiar smell of money exchanginghands at the mall.
It is a time to remember and remi-nisce. For instance, remembering thatyou forgot to put away the garden hoseand reminiscing about what it was like to
wear anything less than 25 pounds ofouter garments every time you leave thehouse.
And if you are like most people, youare rapt in awe and anticipation, secretlywondering what the Mega Millions jack-pot will be worth next Friday.
While holding onto that dollar for thebig win, imagine there are people inlesser circumstances, living right underour noses, and who may not have twodimes to rub together. And if they did, itwouldn’t buy a bottle of aspirin.
That brings to mind a holiday giftidea if you need the perfect gift for thatspecial “someone who has everything.”How about a gift that will help someonewho has nothing?
Consider giving the “Gift of Hopeand Health” by making a financial con-tribution to the Nursing Clinic of BattleCreek (NCBC) in lieu of buying a pres-ent for a friend or family member. Yourdonation will honor the person you des-ignate and helps the Franklin neighbor-hood-based Nursing Clinic to provideprimary, preventive, and mental health
Nursing Clinic of Battle Creek34 West Green Street • Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-969-6468 (for donations)
WONDERING WHAT TO GIVE SOMEONE WHO HAS EVERYTHING?
Honor your friends and family...instead of buying them gifts... make a contribution in their name.*
CELEBRATING 17 YEARS OF SERVICE
Health Care For The Homeless And Uninsured
*A holiday card sent to the person named will acknowledge your donation.For a donation of $75 or more, receive a unique lapel “People Pin.”
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Most families today are in a warzone. Parents everywhere are fightingfor the hearts and minds of their pre-cious children. The battle becomesespecially intense during the pre-teenand early teen years. Sometimes theenemy is easy to spot – drugs, gangs,and school problems. Other times it issneaky and more difficult to recognize –busyness, loss of respect, and lack ofcommunication.
For more than three years, theSubstance Abuse Council of GreaterBattle Creek has been working to equiparea families as they strive to raisestrong, healthy kids. Through theStrengthening Families Program, chil-dren ages 10 to 14 and their parents orguardians learn important skills to helpthem battle their family’s foes.
This two-hour, seven-session pro-gram offers helpful tools and neededsupport for today’s families. The firsthour is spent with youth and parents inseparate sessions. Parents work on skillsto set healthy limits for their childrenwhile still showing love and respect.They discuss the developmental needs oftheir kids and healthy ways parents canmeet those needs. Meanwhile, theyoung people learn how to deal withpeer pressure without losing theirfriends and they discover what it takes tomake their dreams come true.
The second hour of the programbrings youth and parents together forfamily activities that encourage commu-nication and fun. Family strengtheningskills such as active listening and jointproblem solving are learned and prac-ticed. But this is no typical classroom asgames and high energy activities makeevery new skill fun to learn.
Some families come to the programvia the court system. These familieshave already experienced some seriousbattles that have threatened their fami-ly’s happiness and their children’s wellbeing. Other families come through thecommunity-based program. These fam-ilies also feel the pressure of the dailybattle for their family’s health and hap-piness.
As a facilitator for the StrengtheningFamilies Program for the last threeyears, I have seen first-hand how muchfamilies enjoy the program. Often at theend of the seven weeks families expressa desire to keep going. Parents haveexpressed to me that it is nice just toknow they are not the only ones dealingwith “these things.” I have seen youngpeople show pride and confidence in
To Be Drug FreeFighting for Strong Families
their new skills to resist peer pressure.Others have expressed a desire to makebetter decisions for their future.
We are so excited that grants underwrit-ing this program have again been fundedand will allow this valuable program tocontinue to be offered in our community.In addition, an eighth session has beenadded to the program to specifically helpparents address the growing problem of
meth-amphetamines.Seen or unseen, the enemies that come
against our families are real. But we donot need to stand helplessly by as our kidsare assaulted and devoured. Parents cantake a proactive approach to building theirchildren into strong and healthy individu-als. Young people can attain the skills theyneed to make good choices and ensurehappy, fulfilled lives.
BY LAURA MARTINEZ, SFP Facilitator, Facilitator Trainer
269-968-6101 W • 269-963-2433 H269-968-3930 WFX • 269-963-0221 HFX269-967-6315 Cell Phonewww.battlecreek-homes.come-mail: [email protected]
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ld man winter tightened his icy grip on the city, and as I walked back to my car, a
cold, gray mist wrapped itself around my body and worked its way past my wool
coat into my bones. The pristine snow of Thursday had succumbed to two days of
salt-flinging trucks and temperatures that hovered around 38 degrees turning the joy of the season
to gray. “I don’t even know how he weaseled his way into our house — our family. He just
showed up unexpectedly, and for some reason, I — or Tom must have let him in, because he was
there. Nobody asked him to stay on, but he did anyway,” I muttered to myself as I sloshed through
the greasy slush on my way to the car. All I knew for sure was that he needed to go. I did not want
him there for Christmas.
In my world, the Christmas season actually begins at 9:00 p.m. on Halloween, when I blow out
the candle in the pumpkin and turn off the porch light. I restrain myself all the way through
November, and then as a matter of ritual, we put up what we call “the artificial forest” the weekend
after Thanksgiving, a task my husband now splits into a two day process, because hauling it all up
the stairs, erecting, lighting, and decorating on the same day colors his language. It’s no small feat,
since it involves three full-sized trees and two smaller ones. His part of the decorating is to carry
the boxes I empty back to storage until December 26, when we take the whole extravaganza down.
One week later, we throw a party for 25 of our friends. It’s a festive, boozy affair with lots of fun,
food, and laughter. For some reason, it reminds me of the 1960’s--maybe it’s the silver tree with
the color wheel in our 1957 basement, but anyway, it’s a nice way to kick off the season.
I spent the two days after Thanksgiving with the rest of the nuts in America power-shopping my
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P U B L I S H E R ’ S C H O I C ESCENE MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS STORY CONTEST
House GuestA TRUE STORY BY DENISE POYER
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way across three counties. By powershopping, I mean that on Saturday, mysister and I shopped for 15 hours – it’snot for sissies. I was already well on byway to being done, and that weekend, Imanaged to finish up with every one ofthe multitudes that we give presents toexcept for my husband and a few peoplewho show up like a collection agency onChristmas morning. I think that was theweekend “The Guest That Wouldn’tLeave” showed up. My patience was ona short fuse for some reason, so whenTom told me he didn’t want anythingand didn’t need anything for Christmas,I clamped my jaw shut and punishedhim with silence. I knew good and wellthat he DID want some things, becauseas a semi-professional shopper, I listento him all year and make mental notesof things he would like but would or didnot buy himself. He was being a poop.The visitor just observed in silence andhis conspiratorial smirk made me fidget.I was not hospitable to him and hoped ifI ignored him, he would just go away.
I needed to do something to get me outof my purple funk. I love Christmasmovies and make time to watch every oneof the dozens I have and as many televisedones as I can. I’m not sure if I have afavorite, but I do have an insatiable needfor nostalgia, and I cling to their senti-ment. Truth be told, most of them sharesimilarities, and Scrooge is certainly oneof the leading themes. Ghostly visitors!
Could that really happen? If it did, would-n’t THAT freak me out? Ah, I still love it,so I shoved it in the VCR. Instead of help-ing my mood, it prompted an unnecessary“How many times have you watched thatthis year?” That guy was really getting onmy nerves.
Finally, the time was at hand to finishup the shopping. My husband still ral-lied for no gifts. He said, “We haveenough stuff. We don’t need more, andI don’t need more clothes. I don’t evenknow what to buy you.” What anannoying blow to my feelings that was,since I had already created a growingtreasure trove of things I thought hewould like “And let’s not do a big break-fast either,” he rattled on. “Without mydad this year, we should keep it lowkey.” His dad had died eight monthsbefore, and Michigan’s economy tookits toll, and he had lost his job about thatsame time. He finally found newemployment and was still riding thelearning curve. We were all left to dealwith one of the world’s most trouble-some realities…things change. I left theroom in what my dad would call “ahuff.” What a curmudgeon he hadbecome. And, you know, I almost cavedin. I almost said “Okay. Let’s don’t buypresents. Let’s don’t make a nice fami-ly breakfast for everyone. I won’t both-er with the frosted sugar cookies,because you see them as an inconven-ience and something we don’t need.
Let’s just forget it and not invite familyover for Christmas Eve either. Youwin.” But I didn’t. I shoved the tearsoff my cheek and went back into theden. I glared an him and said, “No.”“No?” he asked. “No. You are notright, and your buddy has to go. Packhis bags and get him out of here. I willnot sell myself out. I love you. I alsolove Christmas, and even though wedon’t have kids, I am not giving up ourtraditions. So, you need to send TheGhost of Christmas Apathy right out thedoor. He’s been here waaaayyyy toolong now, and I want him out. We’regoing to keep Christmas as we should.Nope, it won’t be the same, but it does-n’t stop being Christmas just becausewe’ve lost people and employment andendured some huge loss in the past fewyears. God’s gift to the world stillarrived, and we still need to celebratethat. Furthermore, I don’t buy giftsbecause of need, and I buy thembecause I want to. I cannot believe Ialmost fell for that. I almost sold outChristmas.” He simply said “Okay.” Ipushed my anger aside and grinned athim, and then I bet him a dollar he didwant something, and on Christmasmorning, when he opened his NASCARscanner, we found out to the delight ofmyself and probably most the world,that I WAS RIGHT! HA! Never messwith a professional-shopping-Christmasjunkie – you’ll lose every time.
Yesterday TodayChristmas in Battle Creek
BY MARY BUTLER, Heritage Battle Creek
The Christmas season means differ-ent things to different people. For someit is shopping, for some it is sharing theseason with friends at a party, for othersit is the special music which fills the air,for many it is the observance of the reli-gious meaning of the holiday.
Over the years residents of BattleCreek have celebrated the season inmany ways. One special image whichcomes alive for me is the description ofthe “Christmas opening” of Robinson’sdepartment store downtown over a cen-tury ago.
According to the newspaper of 1896,shoppers were magically transported toa vision of Venice, Italy as “The finestopening ever held in the city occurredlast evening at L. W. Robinson’s. At anearly hour the crowd began to congre-gate and their attention was at onceattracted by the handsome display.
“It had been fitted up to portray astreet scene in Venice. In the back-ground was a Venetian palace, withquaint turrets and gables, from the manywindows of which bright lightsgleamed. Looking through one of these,one could discern a lovely lady restingon a couch and all about were strewnpretty novelties, while ladies arrayed indainty costumes stood here and there.
“The little gondolier was there, oar inhand, and seated in front of him in thepretty gondola was a beautiful lady rich-ly gowned.
“When the doors were thrown openand the throng surged in, their eyes rest-ed on a scene of splendor. Beside thefine display of beautiful fabrics, therewere introduced many little designswhich proved a pleasing addition to thedisplay.
“Wreaths of holly and mistletoe weresuspended from the ceiling by gay rib-bons; in the center in a golden chariotdrawn by three large white swans stooda beautiful maiden gowned in whitewith golden curls, holding multi-col-ored ribbon reins.
“There was a Christmas tree allaglow with tapers and laden with littlegifts, a spinning wheel that dear oldgrandmother used in days long gone by,and a real old-fashioned fireplace withkettle suspended over the embers andstockings of all sizes hanging from themantle ready to be filled by Santa,whose round, red, bearded face was just
emerging from the fireplace. Nearbystood a dame with a large basket on herarm, who had probably come with theintention of helping Kris Kringle.
“In the rear of the store was a littlebooth filled with cushions, and in analcove above on the first landing of thestaircase was stationed the Germaniaorchestra who rendered selections intheir usual masterly manner throughoutthe evening.”
Step Back to a Christmas Past. Theannual Christmas Celebration atKimball House Museum, “A Child’sChristmas Past,” will be held onSaturday, December 17 form 6 – 9:00p.m. and on Sunday, December 18 from1 – 4 p.m. The Victorian house museumwill be dressed in all its seasonal splen-dor, with garlands, holly and glitteringornaments everywhere.
Seasonal treats, including the tradi-tional wassail and plum pudding, willbe served. Carols will fill the air, playedon the antique Porter music box and the
parlor pump organ. Members of ArsVoce, the a cappella ensemble of theMusic Center of SouthwesternMichigan, will perform on Saturdayevening. Other live music will be fea-tured on Sunday afternoon.
Children of all ages will be able tomake Victorian Christmas decorationsto take home to adorn their own trees.
A unique Victorian Santa will also beon hand to hear last minute gift wishesand to tell traditional Christmas stories.
Battle Creek Book Signing. A spe-cial feature of the program on Sundayafternoon, December 18, will be a jointbook signing by Kurt Thornton andMartin Ashley. Their new book,“Battle Creek Then and Now,” has justbeen published and makes a perfectgift for the holidays. This rich collec-tion of images of the city, as it oncewas and as it is now, will awaken mem-ories in long-time residents and helpnewcomers appreciate the history oftheir community.
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Basket Expressions – Gift Baskets For All Occasions
by Bob GammonsLooked around forever trying to find
that special gift? Basket Expressions hasall that you need to delight your family,friends, and corporate accounts. Saveshopping time by visiting BasketExpressions’ showroom and creating &personalizing a basket or gift that will fityour personal and corporate needs. Ourshowroom offers a huge variety ofcandy, healthy snacks, gourmet foods,fine coffees, teas and more. We offerMichigan made products. They are the
Heart Rate Fitness – Give The Gift Of Health And Life
For the holidays give the “gift” ofhealth and life! Did you know that thenumber one cause of death is heartattacks? The ladies gym, Heart RateFitness is located in the Minges CreekPlaza off of Beckley Road. Come andcheck out the state-of-the-art exerciseequipment. Heart Rate Fitness has freeweights, a hanging punching bag,pilaties balls, workout machines and etc.Regardless of your fitness level and size,there is staff available that can show youhow to get started. Are you an earlybird? Heart Rate Fitness is openMonday-Thursday 6AM-8PM; Friday6AM-6PM and Saturday 8AM-12 noon.Purchase your Heart Rate Fitness GiftCertificate at 5424 Beckley Rd. (next toWeight Watchers). Call to make yourappointment (269) 979-8063 or if youdon’t know what your schedule is like,walk-ins are welcome. Please look forupcoming specials at Heart Rate Fitness!
best – cherries, blueberries, pickledasparagus, nuts and Midwest Michiganroasted coffees. Basket Expressionsalso has spa and body products, uniquecandleholders, candles, personalized sta-tionary and albums, sports, and infant tograndparent gifts. Corporate image andidentity are crucial in today’s competi-tive environment. Stand out above yourcompetitors by including your corporatename and logo with a beautiful arrange-ment of gourmet food and snacks.Whether large or small, your corporateimage deserves the best. Military snackboxes are ready to be shipped to ourTroops to show our love and support.Goodies will include soft baked cookies,small fruit pie, mints, candy and othersweet and salty product. To show oursupport, Basket Expressions will pay thefreight, complete custom papers anddeliver to the post office. Order and shipearly! Our traditional Christmas sleigh isfilled to the brim with all sorts of deli-cious holiday treats for all ages and evenSanta can be onboard. Sleigh can bekept and reused year after year. Need apet lover’s gift? The ultimate gift forboth the owner and their favorite furryfriend. Basket Expression carries acomplete line of John Paul body prod-ucts and toys for dogs and cats.Purrfectly woofable! Whatever yourneeds are, Basket Expressions createsdistinctive gift baskets for all occasions.BASKET EXPRESSIONS; 544 WaWeeNork Drive; Battle Creek, MI 49015;Phone: 269-973-9079; FAX: 269-963-5025; www.basketexpressionsmi.com
Mole Hole – Gifts That Grow Into Family Treasures
A trip through Mole Hole inMarshall…and you’re in the mood forChristmas…I guarantee it. The store ischuck full of exciting gifts that anyone
would be proud to own. Mole Hole isproud of their assortment of baby dollsby Adora that you’ll want to keep foryourself. Angels, a popular gift for theholidays, come in various styles andsizes. Journey of Grace by artist, NancyCarter is new on the shelves thisChristmas, along with popular angelseach year, Willowtree Angels. Yourloved one will cherish a gift from theirassortment of Fenton glass, Moorcraftpottery, Lenox Classics and Franz porce-lain. You can never go wrong with jew-elry for women, especially jewelry byHolly Yashi, Jody Coyote and amberavailable in various colors like green,white, lemon, cognac and of courseamber, all set in sterling silver. TheMole Hole wouldn’t shout Christmaswithout their assortment of carolers,especially Jacqueline Kent Carolers,funny and charming characters.Department 56 Villages, Snow Babiesand Krinkles by Patience Brewster arevery popular among Mole Hole regulars.Purses, totes and purse accessories byVera Bradley are always a hit withwomen. No one can leave Mole Holewithout taking in the awesome sight oftheir Heirloom Nativity sets byFontanini, made in Italy. And, if it’sChristmas decorating you’re after, youare in for a treat when you see their OldWorld Christmas Glass Ornaments andSanta’s. If you have someone on yourlist that is a die-hard Michigan,Michigan State or Wizard of Oz collec-tor, Mole Hole is the place to shop. Ifyou’re after unique, look over theirassortment of Russian Santa’s, LacquerBoxes, Birch Bark Boxes andMatrioshkas. Mole Hole offers extend-ed Christmas hours through December24th. Take a walk through the wonder-land of Mole Hole, located in Marshallat 150 West Michigan. Call 781-5923for more information.
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Seeyle-Wright Kia of Battle Creek – Yes We Can!
Who can you count on for the bestdeals and customer service on your vehi-cle regardless of the make and model?Seeyle-Wright Kia of Battle Creek isyour “full service” dealership regardlessof the make and model. Compare &save! Seeyle-Wright Kia of Battle Creekis the newest dealership on the MotorMile with competitive prices and bestcustomer service. Do you need toreplace a transmission? Upgrade yourstereo system? Newer & flasher rims?Replace your engine? How about gettinga basic oil change for $9.99?* Yes thatis right... I said any oil change for $9.99on any make and model vehicle. Seeingas the holidays are right around the cor-ner why not save a little for that gift forsomeone special. Seeyle-Wright Kia cangive you gift certificates for oil changesor any other service for your vehicle.Don’t pay a high price for an oilchanges! Come to Seeyle-Wright Kia ofBattle Creek for the same great customerservice and save money on your vehiclemaintence! YES WE CAN!
*Excluding diesel vehicles
The UPS Store – Making The Holidays Easier
By Julie Hopkins“The UPS store” is ready to help you
box and package your holiday gifts andsafely send them to loved ones aroundthe country and the world. We offer avariety of domestic and internationalshipping options to meet everyone’sshipping needs including UPS andpostal products. The holiday season, aswell as during the year, we box and packall APO and FPO shipments for free.Other specials include $10.00 off all newmailbox rentals where you get a realstreet address, 20% off all of our docu-ment services including black and whitedigital printing, color laser copies, lami-nating, and binding. In addition we offerfax services and there is a notary publicon duty during all of our business hours.If you find yourself moving this holidayseason we offer a large variety of instock moving boxes and supplies. Saveup to 30% on moving boxes when youbuy 15 or more. Other items includedeveryday are holiday greeting cards,decorative boxes, novelty pens andoffice supplies.
This holiday season “The UPS Store”is a proud sponsor of the “Toys for Tots”drive. We are selling paper ornamentdonations for $1 each as well as collect-ing unwrapped toys. If you would liketo donate and aren’t sure what to pur-chase please give us a call (269) 979-3388. Located at 5420 Beckley Rd.(directly across the street from BobEvans) Holiday hours: 11-27 – 12/23;Sunday 11am-4pm; Monday-Friday8am-8pm; Saturday 8am-5pm; 12/248am-12 noon; 12/26 9am-3pm.
Sal’s Scoop Shop – The Holiday Place To Go
“I scream, you scream, where do wego for ice cream? Sal’s Scoop Shop ofcourse!” Sal’s Scoop Shop is BattleCreek’s newest ice cream and sandwich shop, open year around. Opened inSeptember of 2004, Sal’s Scoop Shop is owned by Sally and Ed Slayton. Sal’s islocated 2 miles south of Beckley Rd. onCapital Ave. S.W. next to Minges CreekAuto Body, Urology Associates, andacross from Minges Creek Spa andSalon.
This best kept secret of Battle Creekoffers products exclusively from theGreat Lakes States. Beans from theLeelanau Coffee Roasting Companyground fresh, assure your coffee andespresso beverages will warm you deli-ciously. Get a $1 off of any 16oz CaféLatte.*
Browse the gift shop showcasing thehandcrafted works of 25 area artists and crafters. Many one of a kind and unusu-al gift and decor items are displayed forsale. For a snack or light lunch or dinnerenjoy the hearty Chili dogs and HotDogs, delicious Panini sandwiches, or asteaming bowl of homemade Chili orSoup. FREE cup of soup with any sand-wich and beverage purchase.*
Sal’s serves Sherman’s Finest IceCream from South Haven, MI. with over20 flavors of ice cream for your favoriteice cream treats. Choose from aShipwreck (Banana Split), Great LakesSundae (Huron, Ontario, Michigan,Superior, and Erie), Pond Sundae, cone,malt, or a creamy shake. To satisfy yourchocolate craving, Sal’s Scoop Shopserves their Original Mucky MuckSundae, which is a chocolate lover’s
dream. It includes 3 flavors of chocolate ice cream on a bed of sliced bananascovered with hot fudge, topped withwhipped cream, chopped mixed nuts,and a cherry. It’s sure to make you come back again. Sal’s is adding Soft ServeIce Cream beginning in the spring of2006.
Open year around, Sal’s Scoop Shopis located at 4359 Capital Ave. SW,Battle Creek, MI. Winter hours areMonday thru Saturday, 11am to 8pm;Sunday, 1pm to 8pm. So remember,“Even though there’s ice and snow, Sal’sScoop Shop is the place to go!”
*Special is valid till December 24, 2005
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2 0 0 5 - 2 0 0 6 C A M P A I G N
Board of Directors
Craig H. Lubben, President
James B. Falahee, Jr., Vice Pres.
Barbara L. James, Treasurer
Sidney Adams, Jr.
Edward P. Bauman
Janice G. Burdick
Dianna J. Carey
Dave Everhart
Robin Ferenc
James A. Fisher
Patricia A. Harter
Teresa M. McKay
Larry E. Neil
Florence U. Orosz
Ann V. Parfet
Peter R. Seaver
Gregg E. Stover
Anne E. Thompson
Matthew Tropman
Earlie M. Washington, Ph.D.
Douglas G. Worgess
CEO Emeritus
Donald Vander Kooy, ACSW
Life Members
Robert E. Boughner
Ross E. Chapman
John P. Flynn
Barbara L. James
Barbara J. Kreis
Mary E. McLean
James A. Shamp
Gregg E. Stover
Elaine Van Leeuwen
Donald Vander Kooy
Larry J. Wilson
Community Members
Fiona Denny
John P. Flynn, Ph.D.
David G. Furgason
Colette A. Gushurst, M.D.
Lynne M. Haley
Alan J. Hovestadt, Ed.D.
Robert L. Jansen
Michele C. Marquardt
Jerry Meinzinger
James R. Mosby, Jr.
Gary John O’Hara
Chris Rieser
Richard G. Tomlinson
Andrew J. Vorbrich
Larry J. Wilson
Alan E. Brown, ACSW
Chief Executive Officer
Rosemary Gardiner
Director of Development
December, 2005 – Dear Friends,
Family & Children Services’ annual fund, HANDLEWITH CARE, has provided a unique safety net for ourclients... when there is no other source to turn to in ourcommunity. Last year, nearly 800 donors contributed tomeet the most basic needs of our clients.
It is a partnership between donors and clients thathelps to ensure a strong community for everyone. Witha goal of $220,000, we invite you to join us in support-ing our 2005-2006 campaign to help each child, eachindividual and each family that looks to us in despera-tion for a source of hope.
Last year, Family & Children Services served morethan 8,500 clients and 4,500 were children. Our oper-ating funds pay for the wide array of mental health serv-ices that bring our clients through our doors but operat-ing funds cannot pay for those critical human needsthat breed in poverty... needs which drain humanpotential with abuse, neglect, depression and suicide.We read and hear every day about the economic cli-mate of our state and community. It doesn’t get betterfor the poor... it just gets more extreme every year.
Poverty is often a defining moment in the lives ofour clients. It creates wounds that don’t bleed. It rips araw seam of life wide open. It unravels the strongestfamilies. It breeds abuse and neglect. And, it is ofteninvisible unless you know where to look for it.
Take a moment to think about the mother of threewhose new baby has daily seizures, is developmentallydelayed and requires constant medical care includingtube feeding because the father, in a drug induced rage,violently shook the baby at three months. Evicted fromher apartment after her husband was sent to prison, shefound refuge with her children in an abandoned garagefor three months. Even though she loves them dearly,she knows she will lose her children if she can’t providefor them. What can she do to keep hope alive? Does any-one know what kind of life this is for this family?
Or, the mentally impaired eighteen-year-old whowas removed from home at age eight and placed in ajuvenile residence because of abusive behavior. Nowreleased into our community, he has no support system,no income, no friends, no skills, and no physical belong-ings but has to learn to function independently. Would itjust be easier to commit a crime to return to the safety ofjail? Does anyone care? Will anyone help?
Or, the developmentally delayed mother of a ten-year-old boy with a seizure disorder who suffered a trau-matic brain injury from riding his bike into a tree whilehaving a seizure. She desperately wants to take care ofher child but knows she needs help to cope with hissevere neural disabilities. She wishes for a bed with a netto keep him from falling on the floor – just one placewhere he will be safe so that she can turn her back justfor a moment. She is so tired from his twenty-four houra day care. And, so afraid she will be considered a badparent. Will it always be this hard?
Or, the homeless mother with eight children underage 14, three of her own and five of her sister’s, theyoungest of whom was born without legs. With her hus-band and sister in prison, she was evicted from her threebedroom home because she could not pay the rent.
Homeless and without a car, she can barely buy food tofeed the young ones. And the baby needs a safe place toroll on the floor – such a simple thing. She knows theyall need her support and love but she suffers from severedepression. It would be so easy to just stop living.
Poverty... abuse... neglect. They destroy self-respectand hope. They destroy the human soul. They are likea thick fog which never stops rolling in... silent... bil-lowing around you.
HANDLE WITH CARE can relieve the horrendouspressures of poverty and meet the basic human needsof our clients. It is the source of hope that relieves theimmediate crisis so that the healing can begin.
$800 will pay for five new beds for two parents andtheir four young children. The parents took two mat-tresses out of a dumpster for their children while theyhave slept on the floor for the last six months. Another$100 will buy sheets and blankets, a necessity they can-not afford. And $25 will buy each little one a teddy bearto snuggle, a luxury they have never had.
$280 will pay for a weighted blanket for a child withADHD, mental retardation, depressive disorder and sen-sory integration difficulties to help him control hisimpulsive behavior. Another $10 will buy a door alarmso his mother will know when he gets up in the night.
$195 will pay for pest control for a family living insubstandard housing. With roaches so bad they crawl onthe two toddlers who play on the floor, the family can-not afford to move. Another $200 will buy cribs, mat-tresses, sheets and blankets for the children who current-ly sleep in cardboard boxes.
$16 will purchase a fishing license for a boy whosemother is desperate for a fun, healthy summer activityfor her son who lives with her in a drug infested neigh-borhood. Another $5 will give him lures for the entiresummer.
$250 will turn on the water for a grandmother neareighty who finds herself behind in her bills because sheis suddenly the sole responsible person for her son’s fourchildren. Another $20 will help her buy desperatelyneeded diapers for the baby and $30 will buy underwearfor the other three children who currently have nothingbut jeans and shirts to wear.
$500 will pay the first month’s rent for a homelessfamily of six. While they can afford the deposit, theydon’t have the money for the rent. Another $100 willpurchase a table and chairs so they can eat together and$40 will buy a set of dishes and glasses so they canthrow away their used fast food paper cups and plates.
Poverty waits to jump all over you. HANDLE WITHCARE is a source of hope. It changes lives one by one.We can’t do this without the generous support of peo-ple like you.
Please make your gift or pledge today. Help is need-ed now. To our clients, tomorrow seems like forever.
Sincerely, Craig H. Lubben, President andAlan E. Brown, ACSW, CEO
P.S. Your gift will become the catalyst for change.For each child, each person, each family... time isurgent.
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ALLEN ANTIQUE BARN9247 W. Chicago Rd., Allen, MI 49227517-869-2888 www.allenantiquebarn.com
ALLEN ANTIQUE MALL9011 W. Chicago, Allen, MI 49227517-869-2788
BATTLE CREEK ASSN. OF HOMEBUILDERS159 S. Woodrow, Battle Creek, MI 49015269-962-2844 fx: 269-962-2844
BATTLE CREEK CARDIOLOGY363 Fremont St., Ste 108, Battle Creek, MI 49017269-965-3521 fx: 269-965-8715
BATTLE CREEK HEALTH SYSTEM300 North Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49016269-966-8000 www.bchealth.com
BATTLE CREEK HUNT CLUB, THE544 W. Columbia Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017269-962-0800 www.battlecreekhuntclub.com
BATTLE CREEK LANGUAGE & CULTURE CTR.7 Heritage Oak Lane #4, Battle Creek, MI 49015269-979-8432 www.bclanguageculture.com
BATTLE CREEK TILE & MOSAIC CO.1338 W. Michigan, Battle Creek, MI 49017269-962-8779 fx: 269-962-0620
BOB JANVRIN AUTO BODY & FRAME1329 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017269--962-0401 www.bobjanvrinautobody.com
BURNHAM BROOK200 West Michigan, Battle Creek, MI 49017269-966-2566 www.burnhambrook.com
CAL. CO. MEDICAL CARE FACILITY1150 E. Mich. Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49014269-962-5458 www.ccmcf.com
CARPET WAREHOUSE20 Griffin Ct., Battle Creek, MI 49015269-968-1269 www.cwcarpetwarehouse.com
COMPUTER VISION NETWORKS, INC.1204 N. Eaton, Albion, MI 49224269-288-0415 fx: 269-288-0418
CSM GROUP INC.13800 E. Michigan Ave., Galesburg, MI 49053269-746-5600 www.csmgroup.com
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MED. CTR.5500 Armstrong Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015269-966-5600 fx: 269-966-5433
DOMINO’S PIZZA145 W. Columbia, Battle Creek, MI 49015269-968-6200 www.dominos.quikorder.com
EDWARD ROSE & SONS115 Pine Knoll Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49014269-962-0222 www.edwardrose.com
FAMILY Y CENTER182 Capital Ave., NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017269-963-9622 www.ymcabattlecreek.org
FARLEY ESTES & DOWDLE FUNERAL DIRS.105 Capital Ave., NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017269-962-5527 www.farleyestesdowdle.com
FELPAUSCH SUPPORT OFFICE127 S. Michigan, Hastings, MI 49058269-945-3485 www.felpausch.com
FOUNDATION FOR BEHAVIORAL RESOURCES600 South Lincoln, Augusta, MI 49012269-731-5775 fx: 269-731-5346
FRANCOIS’116 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007269-381-4958 www.francoiskazoo.com
GINNY SUE’S FRAME & DESIGNBy Appointment269-781-2564
GREAT LAKES PLASTIC & HAND SURGERY3600 Capital Ave., SW, Ste. 205, Battle Creek, MI 49015269-979-0900 www.glplasticandhandsurgery.com
HUBBARD PLUMBING & DRAIN INC. (DBA Roto-Rooter)7275 Tower Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49014269-962-1070 www.rotorooter.com
HURON CAMERA & VIDEO10 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017269-965-7285 www.huroncamera.com
JIM HAZEL CITGO/AUTO PARTS STORE14301 Beadle Lake Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49014269-966-9153 fx: 269-968-1142
KAMBLY LIVING CENTER1003 North Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017269-965-5539
MICH. HEARTLAND GOODWILL INDUSTRIES4820 Wayne Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015269-964-9455 www.mihgoodwill.org
MICHIGAN TILE & CARPET99 E. Columbia Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49015269-962-6227 www.michtile.com
MONARCH COMMUNITY BANK107 North Park Ave., Marshall, MI 49068269-781-5103 www.MonarchCB.com
NARCONON STONE HAWK216 St. Mary’s Lake Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49017269-969-9773 www.narcononstonehawk.com
OAKLAWN HOSPITAL200 North Madison, Marshall, MI 49068269-781-4271 www.oaklawnhospital.org
OMNI FAMILY CREDIT UNION3141 Capital Ave., SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015269-441-1400 www.omnifamilycu.org
PROGRESSIVE PRINTING & GRAPHICS148 E. Columbia, Battle Creek, MI 49015269-965-8909 www.progressiveprinting.net
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS, INC.176 Meachem, Battle Creek, MI 49015269-963-4171 fx: 269-963-2426
RE/MAX Perrett Assoc., Inc./MIKE DOWNING121 Capital Ave., NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017269-968-6101 www.battlecreek-homes.com
SCHWEITZER9807 Bellevue Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49016269-963-1579 www.schweitzer-inc.com
SIMS/KNOLL’S ELECTRIC466 Main, Battle Creek, MI 49014269-963-7910 fx: 269-962-7276
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN EYE CENTER3600 Capital Ave. SW #203, Battle Creek, MI 49015269-979-6383 www.swmec.yourmd.com
SOUTHWEST REG. REHABILITATION CTR.393 E. Roosevelt, Battle Creek, MI 49017269-965-3206 www.sw-rehab.org
STUFFNIQUES9011 W. Chicago, Allen, MI 49227517-869-2788 269-979-1411 ext. 103
SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC.291 E. Columbia, Battle Creek, MI 49015269-963-0820 www.suntrustmortgage.com
TAKING THE LEAD DOG TRAINING2050 17 Mile Rd., Marshall, MI 49068269-781-7800 www.MichiganDog.com
TLC EYECARE & LASER CENTERS363 Fremont, Suite 301, Battle Creek, MI 49017269-964-3018 www.tlceyecare.com
UROLOGY ASSOCIATES, PC363 Fremont Ste. 100, Battle Creek, MI 49017269-969-6196 www.urologyassociatesbc.com
WESTERN MICH UNIV. - KENDALL CENTER50 W. Jackson St., Battle Creek, MI 49017269-965-5380 www.bc.wmich.edu
WOLY AM 150015074 6-1/2 Mile Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49017269-965-1515 fx: 269-965-1315
WORGESS INSURANCE AGENCY55 N. McCamly, Battle Creek, MI 49017269-965-3221 fx: 269-965-8853
WW THAYNE ADVERTISING4642 Capital Ave., SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015269-979-1411 fx: 269-979-3474
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BUSINESS TOAPPEAR IN SCENE’S BUSINESS LISTINGS?
CALL 269-979-1410
IF YOU’RE ON THE LIST...THEN YOU’RE ON THE WEB...
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Advertiser’s Index3MCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Allen Antique Barn . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Allen Antique Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52ASMO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38, 54Avanti Medical Aesthetic
Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Basket Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Battle Creek Association of
Home Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Battle Creek Cardiology . . . . . . . . . .43Battle Creek Health System . . . . . . .41Battle Creek Language and
Culture Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53Battle Creek Tile
& Mosaic Company . . . . . . .43, 54
Bob Janvrin Auto Body . . . . . . . . . .53Burnham Brook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Burtrum Furs & Leathers . . . . . . . . .25Carpet Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Charitable Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Chemical Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Computer Vision Networks . . . . . . .52CSM Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Center . . . . . . . .33Domino’s Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3edwardrose.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Family & Children Services . . . . . . .50Family Y Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Farley Estes & DowdleFuneral Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Felpausch / Zucca’s . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Foundation for Behavioral
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Ginny Sue’s Frame & Design . . . . .17Great Lakes Plastic
& Hand Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Heart Rate Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Hoffman Bros. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Hubbard’s Plumbing
Roto Rooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Jim Hazel / CITGO . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Kambly Living Center . . . . . . . . . . .53Katz Well Drilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Lisa’s Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Macaroni Factory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Michigan Heartland
Goodwill Industries . . . . . . . . . . .15Michigan Tile & Carpet . . . . . . . . . .12Mole Hole of Marshall, The . . . . . . .55Monarch Community Bank . . . . . . .14Narconon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Nursing Clinic of
Battle Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42Oaklawn Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Omni Family Credit Union . . . .25, 54Progressive Printing &
Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47Radio Communications . . . . . . . . . .52RE/MAX Perrett Assoc., Inc.
Michael E. Downing Realtor . . .43Sal’s Scoop Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Scene Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Schweitzer Contracting . . . . . . . . . .20Seelye-Wright Kia
of Battle Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Senior Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3, 54Sim’s Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Southwest Michigan Eye Center . . .23Southwest Regional
Rehabilitation Center . . . . . . . . .29Springfield, City of . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54State Farm Insurance
John J. Chmiel, Agent . . . . . . . . .54Stuffniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39SunTrust Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Take the Lead Dog Training . . . . . . . .3TLC Eyecare &
Laser Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28UPS Store, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Urology Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Western Michigan University . . . . . . .3Willowtree Apartments . . . . . . . . . . .39WOLY Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Worgess Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13WW Thayne Advertising . . . . . . . . . .7
Would You Like To Be Part Of Scene’s Business Directory?Call 979-1410 For This Valuable Advertising Opportunity!
Business Directory
ANTIQUES�
� COMMUNICATIONSAUTOMOTIVE �
auto parts store14299 Beadle Lake Rd.
I-94 exit 100968-1150
CITGO14301 Beadle Lake Rd.
I-94 exit 100966-9153
• Fax: 968-1142 •
BUILDERS�
P. O. Box 2197 • Battle Creek, MI962-2844
RadioCommunications, Inc.
176 MeachemBattle Creek, MI 49015963-4171 • Fax:963-2426
Doug Hartough, Sales Manager Authorized Two-WayRadio Dealer
427 BoothsDealers From 6 States
Grill & Restaurant on GroundsBus Tours Welcome
9011 W. Chicago, Allen, Michigan • 517-869-27887 days 10-5
Take I-69 south to Coldwater exit 13, 10 miles east
COMPUTERS�
PROVIDING QUALITYNETWORKING SOLUTIONSCall Toll Free: 1-866-897-8896
ph 269-288-0415 / fx 269-288-0418FREE ESTIMATES / PROPOSALS
www.computervisions.net
BOUTIQUE/CONSIGNMENT�
Monday-Friday 10-5 / Saturday 10-3
1552 E. Columbia Ave., Battle Creek269-788-9303
Women’s • Men’s • Children’sAccessories • Home Decor • Toys
Holiday Dresses!
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544 W. Columbia Ave. • 269-962-0800M-Sat 11am-2am, Sun Noon-2am
Check Our Website For Our Monthly Specials www.battlecreekhuntclub.com
Carol Kubota: 269-979-8432 / fx 269-979-84347 Heritage Oak Lane, Suite 4, Battle Creek, MI 49015email: [email protected] • www.bclanguageculture.com
English as a Second Language classes for...Business Communications / Language & Culture Training
Quality AssistedLiving for the
DevelopmentallyDisabled
1003 NORTH AVENUE, BATTLE CREEK, MI 49017 | 269-965-5539
A non-profit corporation.Established 1949.
Quality AssistedLiving for the
DevelopmentallyDisabled
1329 East
Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek,
Michigan 49017
269-962-0401www.bobjanvrinautobody.com
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excessive amount for late and over-the-limit fees?
If you are one of the fortunate fewwho has their financial house in order,are already at their target weight, haveconquered the issue of creating a work-life balance, and feel that your portfoliois right on track for your early retire-ment, let us share a few interesting tid-bits that just may have gotten past you.Don’t let 2005 bring you a surprise thatyou might not be ready for.
Billing address – Credit card com-panies sometimes change their paymentP.O. Box. If you send your payment tothe wrong one, it is almost guaranteedto take awhile to get to the “right” place.
...continued...
Nothing feels better than a freshstart, and nothing heralds that like theNew Year. January is a blockbustermonth for popular resolution mainstayssuch as fitness gyms, diet plans, educa-tional resources, and yes – financialplanning gurus. Are these good ideas?Of course - anything you can do to helpmanage your life and overall well beingshould be undertaken with enthusiasm.But what about an area you feel youalready have a handle on?
If what we hear is true, then almosteveryone over the age of 18, and manywho aren’t, has or is using a credit card.While we won’t debate the value of hav-ing and using plastic on a regular basis,it is fast becoming common knowledgethat the credit companies may not be as
Your Plastic Could Surprise You in 2005
Local Interest BY MELISSA SKOGAN
benevolent as we might have originallybelieved in their rush to make sure thatevery American has at least three cardsin their wallet.
While I think most of us are familiarwith the rudimentary features of havinga credit card and the hazards that areinherent in their use, it doesn’t hurt toask the following:• Is your awesome “fixed” rate out the
window if you make one late payment- even if it is to another creditor?
• How long is your phenomenally lowAPR good for?
• What does your APR change to afterthe introductory period?
• What kind of grace period does thecard allow?
• Do you feel that $35 to $45 is an
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That means you're responsible for thelate fee and your interest rate could beraised. To avoid this, always use theenvelope provided in your statement.
Write neatly! Credit card compa-nies are legally allowed to hold for fivedays and re-route all "illegible" pay-ments to another department, makingyour payment "late" before it’s posted.
Cash advance fees and rates –Basically don't take cash out of yourcredit card. Aside from paying a highrate on the cash you take out, you'regoing to pay a fee, usually 2 percent to4 percent of the amount advanced. Inaddition to interest if you fail to pay
your balance in full (which by the way,starts to accrue immediately), or if theamount puts you over the limit.
Credit card theft insurance – Pass.You don't need theft insurance for yourcredit card. If it's stolen, you are onlyliable for $50, at most.
Balance-transfer fees – beforetransferring a balance ask if there is afee and ask how long the low rate lasts.Most rates are good for six months. Ifyou are late on one payment, the lowrate is immediately replaced with amuch higher rate. Be careful that thetransfer doesn’t put you over your cred-it limit, again – another fee situation.
Inactivity charges – Credit cardcompanies don't make money if youdon't use your cards. Some companiescharge as much as $15 if you haven'tswiped your card in six months.
Mandatory arbitration – In manycases you have agreed to this if youhave the card. This means that if there'sa dispute, you may have given up yourright to your day in a court of law. If youhave an issue, be sure to document!
Charging abroad – In addition tothe 1 percent currency exchange fee onVisa and MasterCard, some majorbanks are charging a 2 percent fee oncredit card and debit card purchases
A Gift To The Community...Scene Magazine and all of our elves join together to wish you a Merry Christmas. This is the time of year when
our hearts and minds go toward helping others, so in this spirit, a portion of the revenue from each elf appearing on this
page will be donated to a non-profit organization. The organization chosen by our elves is indicated in their ads.
ASMO MANUFACTURING, INC.500 Fritz-Keiper Boulevard
Battle Creek, Michigan
Portion Donated To: Goodwill
A NewspaperFor And About Area
Senior Adults269-979-1479www.scenepub.com
Portion Donated To: Goodwill
Portion Donated To: American Cancer Society
STATE FARMINSURANCEAgent: John J. Chmiel
Off: 965-4556Res: 965-0301409 W. ColumbiaBattle Creek
Portion Donated To: Food Bank
1338 W. Michigan, Battle Creek, MI962-8779
—Quality Service For Over 40 Years —U.L.A.B.A.MEMBER
8574 Verona RoadBattle Creek, MI
965-1207
EXCAVATING CONTRACTORAn Equal Opportunity Employer
Portion Donated To: American Cancer Society
MEMBER F.D.I.C./EQUAL HOUSING,EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER
115 West Drive, Marshall (269) 781-6880200 W.Cass St., Albion (517) 629-3995
Portion Donated to: Habitat For Humanity
We Think You’ll Like The Chemistry
1479 E. Michigan, Battle Creek
Family Owned & Operated Since 1930
964–9170
Portion Donated To: American Cancer Society
269-441-1400220 E. Roosevelt Ave.3141 Capital Ave. S.W.
465 Avenue C.
Portion Donated To: Food Bank
85 Calhoun Street, Battle Creek
269-964-7234www.charitableunion.org
Portion Donated To: Food Bank
James D. Jenkins, City ManagerCity Hall, 601 Ave. A, Springfield, MI 49015
269-965-2354www.springfieldmich.com
Portion Donated To: United Way
Portion Donated to: Altrusa Int’l. of Battle Creek
The power to amaze yourself.™
Pennfield – 269-962-7886Battle Creek – 269-565-4412
Albion – 517-629-3609Galesburg – 269-484-1100
www.curvesinternational.com
AVANTI SKIN CENTERSOF BATTLE CREEK
STOP WISHING FOR YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN391 South Shore Dr., Ste. 214
269-963-9490 / 866-963-9490www.avanticenters.com
Portion Donated to: Altrusa Int’l. of Battle Creek
150 W. Michigan Ave., Marshall, MI
269-781-5923www.MoleHoleofMarshall.com
Extended Christmas Hours Through December 24
(Permanent Display Year ’Round)791 DICKMAN RD.,BATTLE CREEK
269-441-8800www.seelyewright.com
• State of the Art Exercise Equipment• Hanging Punch Bag• Trainers to Help You at
Whatever Fitness Level• Kid’s Korner5424 Beckley Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015M-Th 6am-8-m / Fri 6am-6pm / Sat 8am-12noon
269-979-8063
G I V E T H E G I F T O F H E A LT H & L I F E
GIFTCERTIFICATES
AVAILABLE
• CORPORATE GIFTSWITH YOUR LOGO
• BASKETS FOR ALL OCCASIONS• CUSTOMIZE / PERSONALIZE YOUR BASKET
544 WaWee Nork Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-963-9079www.basketexpressionsmi.com
HOLDAY GIFTSHOLDAY GIFTS
OPEN ALL YEAR ’ROUND!4359 Capital Avenue SW
2 miles south of Beckley Road
269-979-5542
• Michigan Products
• Sherman Ice Cream
• Great Lakes Sundaes
• Pond Sundaes• Coffee Drinks• Soup & Chili• Panini
Sandwiches• Handcrafted
Gifts From Area Artists
� 20% OFF ALL document service� $10 OFF all NEW Mailbox rentals� ALL APO & FPO shipments boxed and
packaged for FREE� 30% OFF moving boxes when
you buy 15 or more5420 Beckley Rd / [email protected] / www.theupsstore.comHoliday Hours (11/27-12/23):Sun 11am-4pm / M-F 8am-8pm / Sat 8am-5pm12/24: 8am-12 – 12/26: 9am-3pm
COLOR LASER COPIES | LAMINATING | BINDING
55
made outside the United States. Thiscertainly adds to the vacation budget.
Online statement requirements –Only recently have banks and creditorsstarted to roll out this policy. While itunquestionably lowers their customerservice costs, the verdict is still out onhow consumers really feel about beingcharged anywhere from $2-15 permonth for their paper statement.
Gift cards – fees and expirationdates are a definite detraction from whatmany see as the perfect solution to giv-ing money. Some cards expire altogeth-er or entail processing fees after 6months or a year, not to mention ATM
fees or store usage fees. Plastic Payroll cards – While very
cutting edge, the word is that these arefast becoming the “paycheck” of choicefor many employers. Like gift or debitcards, make sure you are aware of thelimitations and fees involved before youjump on the bandwagon. It shouldn’tcost you to access your hard earned cash.
About Take Charge America.Founded in 1987, Take Charge America,Inc. (TCA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3)charitable organization, is committed tohelping consumers gain control of theirfinances and offers a variety of servicesincluding education, budget and finan-
cial counseling, and when necessary,debt management.
TCA also serves as an effectiveresource for the business community.We help financially distressed con-sumers re-organize their finances andreturn hundreds of millions of dollarsannually to financial institutions, pro-fessional service providers, and busi-nesses of all sizes and descriptions thatmay otherwise have been lost to theeconomy in bankruptcy. TCA’s diversi-fied programs are utilized by tens ofthousands of families and single menand women throughout the UnitedStates each year.
Scene Magazine 4642 Capital Ave., SWBattle Creek, MI 49015-9350CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
E V E RYO N E H E R E AT T H E
S C E N E FA M I LY H O P E S T H AT
T H I S H O L I DAY S E A S O N I S F I L L E D
W I T H M E MO R I E S T H AT L A ST A
L I F ET I M E A N D T H AT E AC H O F O U R
R E A D E R S A N D A DV E RT I S E R S F I N D T H E . . .
E V E RYO N E H E R E AT T H E
S C E N E FA M I LY H O P E S T H AT
T H I S H O L I DAY S E A S O N I S F I L L E D
W I T H M E MO R I E S T H AT L A ST A
L I F ET I M E A N D T H AT E AC H O F O U R
R E A D E R S A N D A DV E RT I S E R S F I N D T H E . . .
D I D YO U F I N D R I C K T H I S
MO N T H ? W E L L H E ’ S H I D I N G
B E H I N D T H OS E W H I S K E R S O N
T H E COV E R —
M E R RY C H R I STM A S !
