Artwork by 14-year old Manchester resident, Jacob Miller. Photo courtesy of the Miller family.

Jacob Miller, a 14 year old illustrator from Manchester, will be exhibiting his art work on Friday, June 2nd, as part of the Ypsilanti’s “First Friday” downtown events. His work will be at the Pearl Street Studio, 108 Pearl Street, Ypsilanti, which will be open from 5 – 8:30 pm. Alden Rohwer, also from Manchester, will be providing background music on his violin. Jacob will be accompanying him at times playing the cello. Jacob, while self-taught, has been studying under the direction of Khadijah Kolleck, owner of MAKE art studio in Ann Arbor, and graduate from Manchester High School.

Jacob has been “seriously” drawing since he was 5 years old. His work primarily involves detailed, fine-lined, penciled illustrations of vehicles, planes, and ships. His father states that Jacob has no fears of venturing into other art media, and that he has consistently received acclaim and awards for his work whenever it is entered into showings. Jacob has displayed and sold work at the annual Ann Arbor Youth Juried Art Fair, part of the Townie Party. Recently he has shown a strong interest in “school paper art” in which he draws on lined notebook paper, sometimes with his schoolwork and notes still on it. His “school paper art” will be highlighted at the exhibit

Jacob, son of Lynn and Kent Miller and brother of Megan, will be entering 9th grade this fall at Manchester High School and is eagerly awaiting the art curriculum that will be available to him. He is also a cellist, having been part of the Cultural Arts Strings (CAS) and Manchester Youth Orchestra Program (MYOP) ever since the founding of both programs. Along with playing the cello, Jacob plays the trombone in Manchester’s school band. He has attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp the last 4 years for both Art and Cello. His other interests include “lots of reading” and working on models, mostly WWII era planes and ships. As with his illustrations, his models are very detailed and accurately scaled. Jason also plays the online games, Minecraft and War Thunder; War Thunder provides some of the inspiration for his work.

MAKE art studio is a maker space for youth and adults.  The mission is to teach the art of creative thinking through making. Visit their website at http://makeitonmainstreet.com.

(Photos of artwork courtesy of Miller family.)

Rev. Dr. David Williams and his family–Irish Setters Bailey (left) and Emmett (right), pictured in the parsonage at Emanuel UCC. Dr. Williams’ last service at Emanuel will be June 25. He and his dogs have become a familiar sight on the streets of Manchester the past three years.

June will be a time of change in Manchester’s ecumenical world. In addition to Rev. Aaron Kesson being reassigned from Manchester United Methodist Church, Emanuel United Church of Christ will soon be seeking a new pastor with the imminent departure of Rev. Dr. David Williams, who has served the church for nearly three years.

Dr. Williams will be moving to Berlin, Pennsylvania at the end of June, after being called to Trinity United Church of Christ, a congregation founded in 1777 with about 500 members.

“It’s roughly twice the size of Emanuel,” Dr. Williams explains. He added that at this point in his ministry, he felt his skills were not suited to the needs of Emanuel’s congregation and he made the decision to seek another parish in which to serve.

During his tenure here in Manchester, Dr. Williams has become known as “the Reverend who walks his red dog(s) all over town,” he says with a chuckle. When he arrived, he was accompanied by Miss Murphy, an Irish Setter who enjoyed meeting folks on the sidewalks and in the businesses in town–especially the ones who offered her treats! After Murphy’s passing a couple of months ago, the pastor immediately contacted an Irish Setter rescue group to locate a new friend. His search was rewarded when he agreed to take on a pair of dogs, Bailey and Emmett, who had been sadly neglected after their previous owner died.

“Both Bailey and Emmett were suffering from malnutrition when they arrived here from Minnesota a month ago,” he explains. But, with care and good feeding, both dogs are already on their road to complete recovery after their year-long ordeal.

Dr. Williams’ love affair with “Red Dogs” started when he was a child. “Irish Setters were very popular in those days due to the Disney movie ‘Big Red,'” he says. “And my dad was a big fan. We acquired a dog named Penny, and I’ve been attached to them ever since. They are not as common as they used to be, and I normally get a lot of questions about what type of dogs they are.”

Dr. Williams’ other claim to fame in the committee has been his extensive involvement in community affairs, both in Manchester and the wider community. He has been part of the Chicken Broil ever since he arrived, and also is the designated “grill master” for the Emanuel UCC Fair booth and its monthly benefit dinners. He’s especially proud to have headed up a fund-raiser for Susie Bachert of the Flower Garden this spring, raising $15,000 in one evening to help support the business after the passing of Mike Helton last winter. He is a member of the Civic Club, sells tickets at football games, and serves on the board of Directors of EHM Senior Solutions in Saline, which is better known as the Evangelical Home, part of the ministry of the United Church of Christ. He also is the sub-dean of the 110-member Ann Arbor chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and sings with the Ann Arbor Cantata Singers, while also serving as its president the past year.

He has been pleased to be the “face” of Emanuel Church in the community over the past few years, and is also honored by the emerging relationships with St. Mary Catholic Church that have been forged during his time here. “Rev. Peter Harris and I both participated in the Stations of the Cross during Lent,” he explains, “and on several occasions I have been the visiting organist for Saturday evening Masses, when their organist was not available. I also was privileged to present the gifts at the altar for Father Bosco’s 25th anniversary of his ordination. I’m greatly warmed by this active engagement between our two neighboring churches.”

Now as he heads to a 240-year-old congregation that also emerged from the Evangelical and Reformed tradition that inspired Emanuel, he is looking forward to a different type of ministry in Berlin. He says that the church has a very strong historic perspective, and he will be charged with developing the discipleship and spiritual grounding of an active volunteer congregation. He is eager to help develop a community-wide youth ministry in conjunction with both the Lutheran and Brethren churches in the area, and will help provide the vision to make this become a reality.

Growing up in Akron, Ohio, the eldest of three sons, Dr. Williams was “a city boy who ended up spending his entire career in rural or small village churches,” with the exception of two years he spent in ministry in St. Louis, Mo. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Church Music from Fort Wayne Bible College, and his MA and MDiv from Ashland (Ohio) Theological Seminary. He received his Doctorate in Worship and Theology from the Graduate School of Theology in Pennsylvania. Just prior to arriving in Manchester, Dr. Williams served First Church in New Knoxville, Ohio for 10 years–a small town church that had an average attendance of almost 1,200 members and has had 117 sons of the church ordained in to the UCC ministry.

Dr. Williams (along with Bailey and Emmett) will miss the many friends they have made, both in the church and in the community, after he preaches his final message to Emanuel Church on June 25. His parting message to Manchester will be to “Celebrate the Past, Live in the Present, and Seek the Future.”

Good advice for us all.

Karen Bunney holding her children’s book, Bunnsville Buzz; The Adventures of Bessie Bunny. Photo courtesy of Carol Westfall.

Submitted by Carol Westfall,
Manchester High School Alumni Association

A graduate of Manchester High School’s Class of 1982, Karen Bunney is the author (and illustrator) of a children’s book, Bunnsville Buzz; The Adventures of Bessie Bunny. She currently resides in Aiken, SC, but Karen’s inspiration for the main character, Bessie Bunny, originates from her own life, starting right here in Manchester.

Like Bessie Bunny, who was born with larger-than-average ears and feet, and different from the other bunnies in Bunnsville, Karen understands what it’s like to be different. Karen was born with cerebral palsy and by high school, she was using a wheelchair. She grew up in a supportive Manchester community and loving family, including her parents, Dolores Budnik Bunney (Class of 1960) and William (Bill) Bunney (Class of 1957 – deceased).

Karen first attended the Manchester schools at age 12 – two classes, half days, in seventh grade. She was still walking at the time and was so excited to be going to school, just like her sister. By eighth grade, she was in school the full day and with the help of some tutoring, teachers, and supportive friends and family, Karen thrived.

She loved Manchester High School (MHS). “Public school was a blessing to me because I needed to be included and involved with kids my age who were not disabled; to be in class with everyone else,” said Karen. She attended football games and post-game dances. She was made an honorary cheerleader and awarded her own cheerleading sweater. School was not easy but she worked hard to achieve academically. Karen is especially grateful to one MHS teacher: Mrs. Hall. She took Typing I three times, so Mrs. Hall could teach Karen to type with one hand, a life skill that Karen still uses daily.

After graduation, Karen lived in Ann Arbor at a University of Michigan affiliated co-op which housed students from around the world. She was the only person there with a disability, and this was an opportunity for her to learn how to live on her own. Everyone was assigned various chores and required to either go to school or work. Karen gained additional confidence by taking computer classes at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) and interacting with a diverse range of people and cultures.

She was ready for her next adventure, which came in 1985 when her father was transferred to a Ford plant in Mexico. They would live in El Paso, TX. Karen still remembers the long drive to Texas where trees and greenery were replaced by miles and miles of sand, desert, tumbleweed, and vast expanses. She didn’t mind. Karen loved new adventures.

“What will I do with my life now?” she thought. Her sister, Melissa Bunney (Class of 1983), had the answer: “Apply to UTEP (University of Texas, El Paso).” Karen passed the entrance exam, toured the campus, and was impressed with the Disabled Student Services Office. On advice from the Texas Rehabilitation  Commission, Karen started with two UTEP classes and was supported with lots of tutoring. She persevered and nine years later, she had a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Karen loved college. She lived in a dorm, then an apartment. She learned how to use the public transit system and became active in several organizations that advocated for the rights of people with disabilities. Karen could be found around El Paso at a wheelchair protest to improve shopping access, or speaking up for the American Disabled for Accessible Public Transit Group, writing about tips on independent living and career training for the disabled, or educating people about the misconceptions of those who are physically challenged. She was interviewed on TV and written about in newspapers. Karen was making a difference for people with disabilities in El Paso.

After college, Karen worked for the Center for Independent Living in El Paso as the Job/Housing Coordinator, helping people with disabilities with employment and housing opportunities. She counseled clients on resume writing and cover letters, interviewing skills, and more. When her parents moved to Aiken, SC, Karen continued living in El Paso another three and a half years.

She then decided to move to South Carolina, and that’s where her Bessie Bunny character was born. Bessie Bunny doesn’t allow disabilities to stand in her way. She finds ways to emphasize her personality – not her disability – and to see each day as a new adventure. Just like Karen Bunney! Karen’s personal experiences are woven throughout the book and her hope is to inspire kids by giving them a good role model in Bessie Bunny and a positive inspiration for what it’s like to be in a wheelchair. Bunnsville Buzz; The Adventures of Bessie Bunny is available to check out at the Manchester Library or it can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book outlets.

Photo courtesy of Carol Westfall.

Karen credits her family with motivating her to be the person she is today, particularly her parents, sister Melissa, and Grandma, Betty Budnik, who was always “there” for the Bunney kids. “They raised me to be an independent person and treated me like everybody else. They expected and encouraged me to make something of myself.”

The MHS Alumni Association is proud of its many alumni – like Karen Bunney – who have had a strong start in Manchester. Our Alumni Association is dedicated to celebrating the MHS alumni history and supporting our future alumni through scholarships and encouragement. For additional information about the Manchester High School Alumni Association, its June 17th Alumni Banquet, or the MHS Scholarship Fund, go to mhsdutchalumni@yahoo.com or call 734-428-0530.

There are “Go Blue” rocks and there are Spartan rocks as well!

This smiling face brightens the day just by looking at you!

This rock may have been inspired by the children’s book,”The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”

A patriotic-themed rock found on Memorial Day.

This tree rock was hidden along the Shared Use Trail, but has now been relocated by a subsequent finder!

In response to the recent influx of negative emotions flooding social media, one Manchester mother has found a simple way to send silent messages of kindness  and joy throughout the community.

Amy Raus, a teacher and mother to a three-year-old, says she has a definite aversion to discussing politics, but in the aftermath of last fall’s presidential election and the occasionally hateful climate on social media, she was still looking for a way to share some positive activity in Manchester. In Dexter, where Amy teaches, there is a group called “Dexter Rocks,” that provides a creative outlet and an opportunity to build community by simply hiding painted rocks around the town.

She determined to bring the idea to Manchester. “In a sense, hiding rocks with friendly messages and general kindness is my way of pushing back,” she explains. “It’s a tiny action, but heartfelt.”

“This is a way to spread joy and brighten people’s day. (It) is a community-building group meant to inspire creativity in all ages and energize people to explore the beautiful area we live in. As a high school teacher, I see daily how the simplest gestures or greetings can change a person’s course for the day … or longer. This project seemed like the perfect way to keep spreading a little kindness and cheer. Not to mention, we have some incredibly talented folks and enthusiastic youth in this town!”

The rules of the game, as published on the local Facebook Page, are simple:

*The goal is to get lots of people all across our community painting so that there are lots of rocks to be found, as well as get people outside and looking at the beautiful world around them. You might find yourself rediscovering parts of our community you haven’t appreciated in a while. Get out and ENJOY yourself!

*Please be careful where you hide your rocks so that they don’t cause any damage to property (i.e. Don’t hide in the grass where it can damage a lawn mower or hurt someone). Don’t take rocks from private property or from someone’s landscaping. Don’t trespass.

*You are encouraged to get together in groups for painting parties to make this even more fun! Girl Scout activity? Birthday party activity? BBQ? Child care activity? Adults and a bottle of wine activity?

*Play nice!

Participants are encouraged to add friends to the group who would be interested in doing this and share the link to the “Manchester Rocks” group on their personal Facebook pages.

The idea is to paint a small rock in a design of your own choosing, hide it somewhere it can be seen by others, and then–find the rocks that others have hidden! Once you have found a rock, re-hiding is suggested, or painting others to “replace” any you feel moved to keep.

As more people are getting involved in the rock-painting projects–Scout troops, day cares, and families–the Facebook page is becoming more active. Photos are posted almost daily of rocks that have been painted and are ready to be hidden, as well as those that are found around town. Kids and adults alike love looking for the rocks and everyone seems to enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

Amy says that while this sort of “scavenger hunt” is not unique to Dexter and Manchester, it’s spreading around the country mostly by word of mouth and social media. And while it should at least be a great diversion for upcoming summer vacation, she’d love to see it continue, into winter and beyond! “As long as people are enjoying it,” she says. “I’d love for people to post pictures of their finds!”

“It’s such a simple thing,” she adds. “Just keep finding and enjoying!”

Sharon Sunday (left) and Kathy Wilkins (right) work en plein air to capture the old Methodist Church steeple.

Tuesday evening, Kathy Wilkins and her instructor, Sharon Sunday, set up easels in Wurster Park and worked quickly to capture the old Methodist Church on paper. The two women from Jackson were driving through on their way home from Dexter and decided to check out Manchester. Sunday explained that the weather was calm and the lighting was good, so they stopped and set up in the park. Plein air painting, or painting outdoors, has been popular since the 1840s.

Sunday, who was using pastels, prefers working at this time of day in the light with shadows but explained that you really only have two hours before the light changes too much. “That is the challenge,” she stated. Wilkins, who has been Sunday’s student for four years, was working in acrylic paint. Working in acrylic has the added challenge of finishing before the paint dries out. Sunday explained that plein air paintings are usually kept small to address these difficulties.

As Wilkins and Sunday were finishing up, Wilkins gasped and drew Sunday’s attention behind them to setting sun gleaming off of the new gold top of Emanuel’s steeple. So, who knows, we may see the Jackson artists back again soon to capture another Manchester church!

Sharon Sunday teaches private lessons, paints murals and sells artwork through her business Creative Endeavors, in Jackson. She can be contacted at (517) 414-5113, by email at sharon@sharonsunday.net. More information is available on her website at www.sharonsunday.net.

The Manchester High School class of 2017 toss their caps high in the air at the end of commencement ceremonies on Sunday afternoon. All photos courtesy of Unforgettable Photos, Manchester.

Manchester High School held its graduation ceremony Sunday, June 11, 2017 in the school gymnasium. Eighty-six students graduated. Congratulations!

Manchester High School 2017 graduates:

Logen William Alexa

Rachel Jane Allen

Madison Nicole Andreone

Braeden Andrew Ballard

Caitlyn Weimer Baskins

Nicole Ashley Beck

Tyler Jesse Bennett

Emily Melissa Bickel

Hannah Lynn Bradshaw

Bradley Robert Bristle

Colten Shawn Brown

Sasha Esperanza Brown

Abigail Leigh Burch

Courtney Renee Campbell

Hunter Robert Carson

Rebecca Dawn Cobleigh

Riley Jane Collins

Chloe Kathleen Cowen

Taylor William Denby

Julia Elizabeth Depp

Leah Catherine Doster

Kelsey Lynn Edwards

Lorna Marie Engel

Jessica Louise Exelby

Rachel Anne Fegan

Angelyse P. Fore

Luis Gonzalez De Canales

Jordan Alan Good

Caleb Michael Goodell

Jared Allen Greenfield

Tyler James Grigonis

Madison Lynn Grinnell

Abbegail Joy Hamilton

Emma Catherine Harris

Ryan Claire Harris

Benjamin Robert-Alick Hassan

Katarina Elisabeth Hasselbach

Amelia Grace Herron

James Marion Holcombe

Kailey Jordan Horvath

Nehemiah Kenneth Ingram

Alivia Sophia Johnson

Natalie Paige Johnson

Selena Keri Kemeter

Grace Elizabeth Krzyzaniak

Jack Mitchell Lacy

Ethan Russell Lobbestael

Carren Marie Matson

Jacob Henry Matson

Garrett Gregg Mayes

Zsamiyah B’Tina Mayes

Matthew Jacob McGee

Erik Alexander Molotky

Alexa Marie Moore

Olivia Grace Mrocko

Aaron Michael Mutchler

Dylan Alexander Novak

Delanie Jean Osborne

Zackary Ray Parcher

McKenzey Kelsey Partin

John Gray Psarouthakis

Cassidy Kristina Rasch

Jeremy Evan Rauch

Matthew Alan Reeves

Allison Nicole Reppert

Augustus Russell Rickelmann

Lauren Emma Riley

Crystal Leigh Rolf

Sean Joseph Sangster

Nickalis Douglas Schmidt

Caitlin Marie Scott

Aliyah Sara Sharifi

Evan Michael Sheats

Jansen Barclay Slade

Victoria Emily St. Charles

Seth Joseph Stoick

Carl Kristian Thompson

Ian Michael Thompson

Nicholas Christopher Tindall

Abigail Mae Vlcek

Shelby Ann Wagner

Grace Pauline West

Loretta Christine Westcott

Ethan William Whitney

Kayanna Marie Williams

Ethan Hunter Woods

Salutatorian Ethan Whitney and Valedictorian Caitlyn Baskins

Graduates processing out of the gymnasium after the ceremony.

John Psarouthakis hugs his mom, school board member Dara Psarouthakis, as he receives his diploma

Amelia Herron examines her honor cords while listening to speeches during graduation.

Valedictorian Caitlyn Baskins

Class President Abbey Burch.

Jared Throneberry directs as the choir sings the American anthem.

Salutatorian, Ethan Whitney

Seniors search for their parents to present flowers.

Middle School Principal Jennifer Mayes gets a hug and a flower from her son

Principal Kevin Mowrer addresses the graduating class.

Mr. & Ms. Dutch: Riley Collins and Nicholas Tindall.

Board member Chris Fegan hugs her daughter, graduate Rachel Fegan, as she receives her diploma.

Class of 2017 listens to speeches.

Turning the tassel is the moment that makes the graduates “official.”

Senior and drum major Gi West directs the band one last time.

Superintendent Cherie Vannatter speaks the the crowd gathered for commencement exercises.

Local couple will also serve as Grand Marshals of the Sesquicentennial Parade

Reno and Nancy Feldkamp were married at Tipton United Church of Christ on June 22, 1947.

It all started with a dance at Wampler’s Lake.

The popular teen destination, owned and operated by Allie Luckhardt, was a great place for kids from all around the area to have fun, hear good music, and dance on summer nights. The venue attracted a lot of great traveling big bands of the day, including Bix Biderbecke and Gene Krupa.

And it was there that Reno Feldkamp and Nancy Every met and started dating. Nancy, a graduate of Tecumseh High School, and then a student at Adrian College, met Reno, a young farmer from Manchester.

“I went to college for one year,” Nancy recalls. “I studied piano and dreamed of being a concert pianist, and then we decided to get married. Reno and I were going together already by that time, and many people of our age were getting married, so we jumped on that bandwagon.”

They married on June 22, 1947, and moved into the farm on Smythe Road, where they still reside, on New Years Day, 1950.

“The house was barely livable,” says their daughter, Kathleen Graddy (MHS, 1969), who now lives with her parents on the farm. “The seller, Phil Cerwinka, said Dad would never be able to farm the place without horses. He and Grandpa, (Anton Feldkamp) used horses a lot, but Dad didn’t need them to succeed on his own.

“We all worked on the farm–a typical farm for that era, with a 12-head herd of dairy cows, pigs, chickens, 200 sheep and one horse. Spring lambing time was delightful for us kids. We also kept busy with studying, church youth group, 4-H, band, piano and Varsity Choir.”

In addition, Reno sold seed corn for Pioneer Hi-Bred International starting in the early 1960s, then became one of the company’s youngest district sales managers, taking care of the eastern half of the state for 26 years.

“We had 36 years experience  there, 26 in sales management,” Reno says. “It is a great company, now part of DuPont. We had many fine trips to sales conferences, including Hawaii, Spain, and other locations; plus association with very good people on Michigan farms.”

Their association with Pioneer helped augment the love of travel that Reno and Nancy share.

“We’ve been fortunate,” Reno says. “We have, at one time or another, visited all 50 states.”

“We loved traveling and seeing different places, especially on the road in our motor home,” Nancy adds. “We traveled to Alaska a few different times, and really enjoyed that long trip. We took various routes each time so we saw a lot of different scenery along the way. We also enjoy looking at the architecture of different areas.”

They’ve passed on their love of travel–and the motor home as well–to another daughter, Beverly Smith (MHS, 1970) and her husband Mike, who live in Cassopolis, Mi.

Another activity that Reno and Nancy have enjoyed together is cross country skiing, which they took up in 1978 (while they were in their 50s). “We had a big blizzard that year, and our neighbor said you’d better get yourself some skis if you want to enjoy these snowstorms,” Nancy recalls. “For that reason, we didn’t think we would ever go to Florida for the winter, because we liked getting our winter exercise here. And even now, we love the looks of winter on the farm; it’s not too hard to enjoy it from inside the house.”

In the summers, Nancy kept a huge garden, and also served for many years as a 4-H leader for The Jolly Farmerettes. She was a designer and seamstress for weddings, taught piano, and is the only remaining Charter Member of the Chelsea Painters, which has given her a myriad of opportunities to showcase her artwork, both locally and nationally, since the early 1970s. She also was the organist at Sharon United Methodist Church for 20+ years, and substituted at other churches as well. Reno, meanwhile, served on the Manchester school board as well as the Sharon Township board, has been active at Sharon United Methodist Church, and helped start the Manchester Area Historical Society. Reno remains a member of the Manchester Civic Club (formerly the Optimist Club) and served in numerous offices and committees over the years. They started planting Christmas trees in the early 1960s and it became a fun business for many years, with children and eventually grandchildren helping out!

“They both have helped out with elections at the Sharon Town Hall, always voted, and often cancelled each other’s votes; however, always respectfully!” Kathleen says.

In addition to Kathleen and Beverly, the family includes Lucy, (MHS , 1967), a retired English teacher and technical writer who lives near Olympia, WA. Mark  (MHS, 1975) lives in South Haven with his partner Tracey, and is active in community theater. The “baby” of the family, Jennifer Decker (MHS, 1982), lives in Omaha with her husband Chris and their two sons. Reno and Nancy have a total of  10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Despite their far-flung family and their love of traveling, the Feldkamps love living in Manchester. “We’ve been quite a few places, and we still think it’s great here,” Reno says. “We’ve both had very good experiences here.”

They are especially pleased to be named Grand Marshals for the Sesquicentennial Parade to be held on Friday, August 4. “It should be a pretty easy job,” Reno chuckles. “Ride along, smile, and wave.”

“We feel very fortunate.”

The Feldkamp family invites the community to attend a 70th anniversary Open House for Reno and Nancy, which will be held at the Sharon United Methodist Fellowship Hall this Sunday, June 18th, 2 – 5 pm. Cake and ice cream will be served. No gifts, please! Everyone is invited to come help celebrate; Reno and Nancy and all five kids (and some of the grandchildren, too) will be glad to see classmates, family, and friends of all categories!

The family today; Sharon UMC remains an important part of Reno and Nancy’s lives. From left, Kathleen Feldkamp Graddy, Jennifer Feldkamp Decker, Reno and Nancy Feldkamp, Beverly Feldkamp Smith, Lucy Feldkamp, and Michael Feldkamp.

Bonnie Mae Hertler (1946 – 2017)

Bonnie Mae Hertler, age 71, born on January 5, 1946, the only child of Francis and Lois (Ahrens) Heckaman, died June 17, 2017.

On August 30, 1969 she married Delmar Andrew Hertler, whom she met while they were both employed at Double A Products in Manchester, and preceded her in death on August 24, 2014.

After raising her children, Bonnie returned to work for Johnson Controls in accounting. After her career she volunteered for the Clinton Fall Festival, Kiwanis Club of Manchester and most recently served as the president of the Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council.

Bonnie loved her family the very most. Whether it was attending her granddaughter’s sporting events, babysitting, taking them on shopping sprees or picking them up on Friday night and keeping them until church on Sunday, spoiling them was all that mattered. Everyone will, but her granddaughters will especially miss her unequivocal love for them.

Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Teresa (Gary) Bross and son Andrew (Amy) Hertler. Grandaughters; Gillian and Delaney Bross and Allie and Alivia Hertler, Stepmother, Margret Heckaman, along with sisters-in-law; Dolores Church, Mary (Francis) Tirb and Kathy (Don) Brown.

Also preceding her in death were her father, Francis Heckaman, just eight weeks ago, her mother, Lois, and in-laws Harold and Viola Hertler.

Visitation will be held at St. James United Church of Christ, Saline, MI on Tuesday, June 20th from 2:00 – 8:00 pm and again on Wednesday, June 21st at 10:00 am. A memorial service will be held with Reverends John Deuble and David Bucholtz officiating at 11:00 am. Burial will take place immediately following at St. James United Church of Christ cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor or St. James United Church of Christ. Please sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com or leave a message of comfort for her family by calling 877-231-7900.

submitted by Manchester Middle School

Manchester Middle School honored over 200 students at their Honors Night Program on Monday, June 12. Students were honored in multiple categories including High Honors, Honors, Exceptional Attendance and for being selected as a Student of the Month during the year. Recognition for High Honors highlights those students that have received all A’s for three out of four marking periods and Honors recognizes those students that received all A’s and B’s in three out of four marking periods. Students were also recognized for their involvement with the Middle School Student Council, Builders Club, and for representing Manchester Middle School at the SEMMLA Spelling Bee and Quiz Bowl activities.

As an eighth grader, students are eligible to be recognized for earning all As for three out of the four quarters for all four years at Manchester Middle School. Students achieving this milestone are awarded a four-year trophy. Earning a four-year trophy at this year’s Honors Night were eighth grade students Christina Adams, Katelyn Blumenauer, John Keast, Carli Kerns, Ryan Mann, Jacob Messman, Jessica Phillips, Kayla Ridenour, Madison Vogel, Phoenix Waters, Victoria Woods, and Mykaela Zink.

Irene Barnard was awarded Manchester Middle School teacher of the year by the 8th grade students.

Manchester Middle School English Language Arts teacher, Irene Barnard, was recognized as the Manchester Middle School Teacher of the Year. The current eighth grade class were asked to vote on the teacher that had the greatest impact on them during their years at Manchester Middle School. The current eighth grade students had Mrs. Barnard in both 5th and 8th grade.

Jacob Mann and Phoenix Waters, recipients of the principal’s award. Photo courtesy of Connie Waters.

The final award of the night was the MEMSPA (Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association) Principal Award. Each year, Michigan middle school principals recognize eighth grade students that go above and beyond academically, in addition to being active in organizations within their school and community. They are role models to the other students within their middle school. This year’s Manchester Middle School recipients were Jacob Mann and Phoenix Waters.

High Honors

12th Grade

Allen, Rachel J
Baskins, Caitlyn W
Beck, Nicole A
Bradshaw, Hannah L
Burch, Abigail L
Campbell, Courtney R
Collins, Riley J
Engel, Lorna M
Goodell, Caleb M
Harris, Emma C
Hassan, Benjamin R
Herron, Amelia G
Ingram, Nehemiah K
Johnson, Natalie P
Matson, Carren M
Matson, Jacob H
Moore, Alexa M
Mrocko, Olivia G
Mutchler, Aaron M
Reppert, Allison N
Sharifi, Aliyah S
St. Charles, Victoria E
Thompson, Ian M
Vlcek, Abigail M
Wagner, Shelby A
West, Grace P
Westcott, Loretta C
Whitney, Ethan W
Woods, Ethan H
Andreone, Madison N

11th grade 

Asplund, Stefan F
Bargardi, Dominic D
Brickley, Derek R
Brower, Sirona B
Clark, Alexander M
Davila, Alyssa J
Derheim, Paul W
Grebe, Joseph A
Kominars, Samantha R
Penberthy, Emily A
Pierce, Claudia G
Riske, Jason M
Rowader, Meaghan M
Schook, Hope E
Schriber, Lauren E
Smith, Zachary R
Sprau, Lauren M
St. Charles, Lillian J
Walz, Claudia R
Zimmer, William C
Zink, Skylyr E

10th grade 

Boote, Jocelyn R
Bortmas, Quenton W
Bourland, Paige E
Cole, Autumn J
Collins, Avery L
DeWolfe, Ashley L
Edwards, Rayna K
Ernst, Mitchell K
Foltz, Hannah C
Geldner, Mikayla A
Good, McKenna L
Haist, Ellyn L
Herron, Elijah N
Humphrey, Jayden L
Kurasz, Kaitlin R
Lacy, Jessica M
Lebert, Isabelle J
Lobbestael, Eli P
McPhail, Paige M
O’Hotzke, Elizabeth N
Pietrzyk, Mackenzie L
Pohs, Kate A
Pringle, Anna C
Rolak, Kennedy A
Rovenko, Nikolai J
Spitler, River D
Thompson, Erin F
Tinsley, Kaitlyn E
Walkowe, Ellen E
Wallace, Aubrey N
Westcott, Luther M
Whitney, Owen R

9th grade

Ball, Mikayla A
Bargardi, Natalie F
Baron, Annelise M
Blumenauer, Hayley E
Blumenauer, Lee D
Bourland, Quinn S
Bradshaw, Mary M
Caszatt, Braeden W
Darr, Alyssa L
Engel, Kayla M
Fether, Taryn L
Gebhardt, Drew A
Harris, Madelyn K
Hayslip, Cameron G
Latimer, Molly E
Mann, Megan M
Mrocko, Elizabeth A
Nitchie, Lauren E
Pope, Gibson A
Reames, Jensen E
Reppert, Megan E
Riske, Jordan L
Rogowski, Joseph A
Rogowski, Owen R
Rowader, Jacob G
Smith, Alyssa L
Spitler, Rylee S
Stace, Matthew T
Toner, Katelyn M
Tracy, Bernice L
Vlcek, Caitlin M
West, Miles R
Wozniak, Jennifer R

Honors

12th grade

Ballard, Braeden A
Brown, Colten S
Carson, Hunter R
Cowen, Chloe K
Denby, Taylor W
Depp, Julia E
Doster, Leah C
Edwards, Kelsey L
Fegan, Rachel A
Good, Jordan A
Grigonis, Tyler J
Hamilton, Abbegail J
Harris, Ryan C
Hasselbach, Katarina E
Lacy, Jack M
Mayes, Garrett G
McGee, Matthew J
Osborne, Delanie J
Reeves, Matthew A
Rickelmann, Augustus R
Rolf, Crystal L
Sangster, Sean J
Schmidt, Nickalis D
Thompson, Carl K
Tindall, Nicholas C

11th grade

Beck, Jamie A
Blumenauer, Kurtis R
Cecconie, Cozette J
Cole, Rylee A
Copley, Rachel M
Crouch, Cooper D
Denby, Cameron E
Depp, Charles P
Ebersberger, Taylor A
Elliott, Tyler J
Fields, Ryan M
Finley, Lauryn E
Fulps, Madison A
McKenzie, Bria G
Radcliff, Noah G
Scully, Brandon M
Sharrow-Ducsay, Ava E
Spangler, Brandon M
Spangler, Kaylee D
Steele, Noah L
Tindall, Alyssa M
Zigila, John D

10th grade

Andreone, Vada J
Armstrong, Cullen C
Beck, Samuel J
Bross, Gillian R
Chandler, Zachary M
Creffield, Sophie V
Daniels, Calvin S
Dobis, Johnathon A
Dresch, Reese L
Eberle, Aletha C
Edwards, Ashley L
Engel, Cody T
Farmer, Alik D
Fierro Vazquez, Lenin A
Frey, Timothy L
Fryt, Jaydin G
Haglund, Tyler T
Hayes, Brayden J
Horsfield, Katelyn S
Huff, Logan E
Kelly, Devon R
Langbehn, Brooke L
Lowery, Chance M
McNett-Tremblay, Thomas J
Messman, Stephanie T
Morse Koch, Allen M
Mrocko, Emma L
Ostrom, Zoe P
Palmeter, Jorren P
Ridenour, Carson D
Sangster, Austin J
Schmitt, Eli J
Sharifi, Samira M
Shrewsbury, Gale E
Vershum, Jacob H
Villarreal, Ricardo K
Vogel, Kayla M
Wagner, Maxwell A
Walz, Anna E
Withrow, Travis A
Woods, Hannah A

9th grade

Alexa, Payton L
Belue, Randall A
Bonner, Kathryn E
Bristle, Marcy M
Bross, Delaney J
Campbell, Jordan M
Cox, Brenna L
Dalton, Olivia M
Diuble, Lillian G
Drake, Aana N
Gaydosh, Caitlin A
Hahne, Konrad O
Hartley, Emma L
Hiller, Liam A
Horky, Tyler M
Klepi, Suzzanna R
Koch, Brandon P
Kurgin, Jacob K
McCaffrey, Collin D
McGuigan, Riley M
Phillips, Nicholas C
Pierce, Owen T
Psarouthakis, Taylor G
Radcliff, Gabriella M
Romej, Hanna L
Sowers, Isabella A
Stewart, Michael S
White, Aiden S
Wilson, Sarah E

Marilyn Minick-Hunt (1944 – 2017)

Marilyn Minick-Hunt, age 72, passed away, June 18, 2017, after a long battle with lymphoma. Marilyn was born in Ann Arbor, MI on July 6, 1944 to Erwin and Geraldine (VanMeer) Huber. She married David J. Minick on September 7, 1963 in Manchester; he passed away in 2002. She married Bruce Hunt on January 24, 2015 in Honolulu, Hawaii at Hickman Air Force Base. Marilyn was a graduate of Manchester High School, class of 1962. She was a very active member of Emanuel United Church of Christ; a volunteer for the Manchester Fair and was on the Oak Grove Cemetery board; but her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Bruce; children, Erik (Christine) Minick, Manchester, MI; Heidi (Casey) Salkauskas, Watsonville, CA; Scott (Jennifer) Hunt, Geneva, NY; Khristina (James) Orbock, Mountain View, CA; Andrew (Hallie Kolcy) Hunt; 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; and brother, Terry (Marilyn) Huber. She is preceded in death by her parents and David J. Minick in 2002.

Marilyn’s family and friends gathered on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Emanuel United Church of Christ, 324 W. Main St., Manchester, beginning at 11am, until the time of her Community Farewell at noon. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of your choice.

Laurie Brewis Esq.

Do you have a will or an end of life/disability plan? While Manchester resident Laurie Brewis, Esq. knows it isn’t always a fun thing to do, she also believes everyone needs one and the peace of mind that comes with it. In fact, she is moving her law practice to Manchester and hopes to use her specialized focus to help local residents with end of life pre-planning.

Brewis received her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in December of 2000 and has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan since May of 2001. She designs estate and legacy plans for individuals and couples and provides litigation assistance when someone has passed either with or without a plan in place. Her practice focuses on Probate, Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning, including disability planning, cottage law and Elder Law. And although she primarily practices in Washtenaw County, she has worked in Jackson County, Wayne County and Genesee County courts.

She eventually plans to open an office location in Manchester but because of her focus she prefers to practice “planning in place”. This allows her to go to her clients’ homes and meet with them where they are comfortable. “Talking about death, disability and end of life planning can be sensitive,” Brewis stated, “I find it works best when the people I work with get to be in the place they call home.”

Brewis started practicing law in the fields of Labor and Employment Law and has worked as in-house labor and employment Counsel for McLaren Health Care out of Flint. She has also worked as a Vice President of Human Resources for both McLaren and a home health and Great Lakes Caring, a hospice company out of Jackson . She found that working in health care was an exceptional education but that what she really wanted to do was work with people and learn their stories, then create unique plans for them. “It is almost like a life interview when meeting with a client for the first time,” she added, “Hearing about their family and seeing how comfortable they become with me, the amount of trust they have in me, is an honor.”

Brewis decided to leave the corporate world and move her practice to Manchester to be closer to home, take time to increase her knowledge, and to spend more time with her kids. “I have two children in Manchester Public Schools,” she stated, “and as teens, they really need me more now than ever.” In addition, relocasting her practice has allowed her to devote more time to her community involvement. Brewis is a Board member and the Assistant Treasurer for the Manchester Area Historical Society, a member of the Manchester Ladies Society, and the Vice President of the Manchester Band Boosters. She was selected by the Ladies Society to be a judge at Manchester’s upcoming Sesquicentennial Facial Hair Competition! She also is a member of Manchester’s Planning Commission and Parks Commission. She continued, “I have met so many great people who are interested and involved in improving our village, it has just increased my commitment to Manchester!”

Estate planning is a political issue. How estate taxes are treated at both the federal and state levels, end of life decisions, and disability decisions are tied to the current legal atmosphere. Brewis stressed that attorneys working with Elder Law and disabled clients, need to keep constantly up to date. One example she gave is the emerging issue of electronic assets and how to plan for their transfer. For example, all those pictures on Facebook or the online banking information. “There are new ways to handle all of this. Clients need attoneys who speacialize in this field, not ‘general practioners’,” she explained. She has undergone intensive training and is certified in the areas of probate and estate planning by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Elder Law Section, Probate and Estate Planning Section and serves as Secretary of the Law Practice Management and Legal Administrator Sections of the State Bar of Michigan. In addition, she is also an accredited attorney for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for veterans’ benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Brewis wants everyone to realize how much time, money and grief can be saved by pre-planning. Many people she has met have had a horror story about siblings fighting over their mother’s diamond earrings or something similar. Creating a plan with a specialized practitioner like Brewis prevents that type of stress on top of grief. “In general,” she stated, “ it seems people think about “getting their affairs in order” when there is an immediate need. I would encourage anyone to think about planning now and get it checked off your “to do” list! Whether your situation has a family business, a summer cottage, minor children, or a disabled family member, it is never too late to plan, until it’s too late. I really believe that everyone needs some sort of end of life/disability plan. Everyone!”

Laurie Brewis Esq. is taking on new clients. She can be reached at brewisl@tgqlaw.com or 734-408-1354.

In addition to working out her home office, Brewis also works in partnership with a small group of Estate Planning attorneys based in Ann Arbor, The TGQ Law Firm. Their law firm is located at 2245 S. State Street, right across from the new U of M sports facility. Join her and the rest of the TGQ Law Firm’s team of attorneys online as they present a free, quick and informative webinar “Will or Trust”-What do I need?” on Thursday, July 20, 2017 from 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Have you ever wondered, “What will really happen to my assets when I die? Who will care for my children?” or “Who would make decisions for me if I became incompetent, and what would they decide?” The answers to these questions and more will be discussed during this webinar. Click the following link to sign up. You will be able to log in and watch right from the comfort of your own home!

She encourages people to please follow and like her professional Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/brewislaw. She posts helpful information for every type of situation.

Over the Edge Sports Bar features a great beverage selection, numerous large screen TVs, and a menu that’s always being updated.

While it’s been well over two years since he first envisioned creating a sports bar and pizzeria combo at the corner of Main Street and M-52, Chris Moyle is happy that his 20+ months of planning and hard work is finally paying off.

“It was way more work than I thought I was getting into,” he confesses. “We knew from the start that there was lots of work to be done, and then we had the back of the building collapse. We discovered the floor in that building was dirt, then asphalt, then cement, then more dirt and cement flooring. There was not a day that something didn’t come up. When we decided to put the door in the side of the building, we learned that there was another serious structural problem; we are lucky we found it when we did.”

From the seeds of the idea to completion, Moyle says his dream was close to two years in the making. Ollie’s Pizza moved into the west half of the building in November and Over the Edge Sports Bar opened on the east side in early December. And Moyle has been busy working and planning ever since.

Even after 23 years in business here in Manchester, there is always something new on the horizon for Moyle with his ventures. After a trial period in June where the restaurant served prime rib on Sunday afternoons, they will go “live” with the idea as a Friday night staple, starting this Friday, July 7. Their Sunday brunches went well throughout the spring and while things have slowed for the summer and will change to a buffet-style lunch for a while, Moyle expects to go back to brunch in the fall.

“You need volume for a brunch,” he explains. “Summer, especially this time between when school lets out and all of the July events get started, is a slower time. So we have to adapt.”

But he’s always looking forward to the next big thing, and new ways to attract patrons. Trivia Nights from 7:30 to 9:30 pm on Wednesdays are always busy; he’s planning “Rock and Roll Bingo” to follow, starting the second week in July. He’s also hired a series of acoustic bands to play on Thursday nights this summer; the bands will start at 9 pm so those who have enjoyed a Gazebo Concert can head down to Over The Edge for a beverage and more musical entertainment as the evening winds down.

The biggest thing in the works will be the Sesquicentennial celebration, which is taking place right in his front yard.

“We are planning a bar Olympics in the parking lot,” he enthuses. “Giant Jenga, Pong skills, Flip Cup, a quarter bounce, Flip Football, a giant Connect 4, Corn Hole and a Bounce Battle. There will be outdoor service and a DJ, with a band indoors after hours until 2 am.”

He’s also mulling over the idea of having a “Bicycle Night” (as opposed to Bike Night) on Mondays this summer, where families are welcome to ride their bikes to the restaurant, park them out front, and enjoy dinner specials together.

“Now THAT will be a Bike Night!” he says. “Whatever I do, I will try to to make it fun, and family oriented.”

Now that he’s got six months under his belt, Moyle can chuckle a bit when he thinks back over the long months of construction and even the setbacks he encountered.

“I should’ve written a book,” he says. “The number of residents, especially long-time residents, who came in and reminisced with me about the days when this was the grocery store … and then when they decided to feature me in the Historical Society calendar. I was really surprised when I saw that there used to be two-story buildings here, and even one where my parking lot is now. There were so many stories.”

It sounds like there will also be a long list of stories to be told as Over the Edge Sports Bar becomes a new Manchester legend.

Chris Moyle has been in business in Manchester for 23 years.

The exterior of Over The Edge and Ollie’s Pizza, at the corner of M-52 and Main Street, has been completely remodeled.

Virginia Fielder. Photo courtesy of Debbie Beach Fielder.

Virginia Fielder will celebrate her 90th birthday this month! Her family is announcing an open house birthday celebration in honor of her 90th Birthday on July 30 at Manchester Emanuel United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, located at 324 West Main Street, from 11 am to 2 pm.

Clayton and Ruth (Stollsteimer) Ernst. Photo courtesy of Amy Ernst.

Clayton and Ruth (Stollsteimer) Ernst will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on July 6th, 2017. They are both Saline High School graduates, class of 1944 & 1945, and members of St. Thomas Lutheran Church.  Clayton and Ruth’s wedding took place in Ruth’s childhood home at which they still reside. Clayton farmed the family farm and retired from Chrysler Proving Grounds. Ruth enjoyed tending a bountiful garden and raising their 4 children, Carol Manny of Dexter, Gary Ernst of Howell, Alvin Ernst of Ann Arbor, and Kevin Ernst of Manchester. They also share 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Lilly and Abby Diuble. Courtesy of Diuble family.

Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the 49 winners of the 2017 Governor’s Service Awards. Manchester’s Abigail & Lillian Diuble were two of the 7 children recognized as 2017 Youth Volunteers of the Year!

“These individuals and organizations are role models for other people to follow. The impact they have on other people’s lives is incredible,” Snyder said. “They show us how to overcome obstacles and do good things for other people. They demonstrate tremendous spirit and we are thrilled to recognize them.”

Abby and Lilly Diuble have been an inspiration to their friends and community from a very young age. Lilly has both hearing and visual impairments, but she has not let this define her and has chosen to make a difference. She has helped raised over $150,000 to support research through the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Lilly’s younger sister, Abby, has also demonstrated a passion to make a difference. In 2015, a tornado struck the Diuble family’s home in the middle of the night. Lilly was difficult to wake and barely made it to safety. Abby realized that people like her sister are very vulnerable in emergency situations and that more should be done to keep them safe. After extensive research, Abby chose to spread awareness of a bed shaking alarm that could wake a person with hearing impairments in the event of severe weather, fire or carbon monoxide. To help fund the project, Abby, with the help of her family, created the nonprofit, Diuble Family Vision. She has raised over $11,000. “In my 26 years of public service, I have never encountered individuals who, at such a young age, had the dedication for volunteering and willingness to serve for the betterment and protection of others,” said Madison Township Fire Chief Ryan Rank.

The Diubles along with the other Governor’s Service Awards winners will be honored during a special ceremony hosted by the Michigan Community Service Commission on Monday, Aug. 21, at the Detroit Opera House. The event will also commemorate the Michigan Community Service Commission’s 25th anniversary.

Congratulations, Lilly and Abby!

Abby Diuble

Lilly Diuble

This spring, East Tennessee State University conferred nearly 1,900 degrees in two commencement ceremonies, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, on May 6, 2017. The list of graduates included Manchester’s Jennifer Lynn Stautz, who received her Master of Arts.

UPI – Manchester facility

Manchester’s Dan Schaible was re-elected to the board of directors for United Producers Inc. effective June 21. As a director, he will represent the members of District 8, southeast Michigan, for a three-year term on the board of directors. Elected during UPI’s district delegate meeting, he will help govern one of the largest livestock marketing cooperative in the United States.

“We are pleased that Dan is continuing his role as a director with UPI,” said Mike Bumgarner, President and CEO of United Producers Inc. “As a co-op, our organization is focused on serving our farmer-members – and having representation from dedicated farmers who are passionate about their work is critical to ensuring the future success of our organization.”

Along with serving as a UPI delegate, Schaible also serves on the UPI board’s credentials committee. Additionally, he is in his third term as a Freedom Township Trustee and serves as the township Planning Commissions secretary. He is active in the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau and St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Schaible raises lambs in partnership with his brother, Mike, and also raises corn, soybeans, wheat, oats and hay. He and his wife Julie reside in Manchester.

United Producers, Inc. is one of the largest farmer-owned livestock marketing cooperatives in the United States. In addition to livestock marketing, United Producers provides credit and risk management solutions and serves more than 30,000 livestock producers in the Midwest United States. United Producers was formed in 1934 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information about becoming a UPI member, visit www.uproducers.com.