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Charlotte

Charlotte

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Charlotte

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Charlotte social district, the first in Eaton County

Posted by Design | December 5, 2024

Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Kelsey Klont/TCJ – Charlotte social district is now open!)

In 2020, the state of Michigan passed bill MCL 436.1551, which allows of the open carry and consumption of adult beverages in a designated space in towns and communities across the state, known to be called a social district. Which by definition is a designated area deemed suitable by the local government where consumers are able to enjoy spirits in designated commons area that is outside of a licensed establishment. Since then, 140 municipalities have adopted this legal acceptance for social interaction purposes, allowing for all adults to enjoy each other’s company with a refreshing adult beverage in a public space.

Social districts, while enjoyable by the masses, take a lot of dedicated work by the CharlotteRising’s Executive Director, city officials, and other reputable organizations behind the scenes in determining and establishing the ground rules, boundaries, and all the necessary details to properly ensure the public a positive experience with a social district.

Charlotte is now home to the first social district within Eaton County, provided from the collaborative efforts of CharlotteRising alongside City Council. CharlotteRising, a Michigan Mainstreet organization that is completely volunteer based, sees the importance of a social district in the aspect that is allows for socialization in a fun and relaxed setting.

This has been a longtime in the making, with the initial work beginning well over a year ago and now the wait is finally over. On Monday, November 25, CharlotteRising held the ribbon cutting of the social district, which allows for open carry of adult beverages only from participating bars and restaurants. Those being Acapulco Mexican Grill, Riedy’s Tavern, T Caps Tavern, and Charlotte Brewing Company.

Since the opening of the social district there has been some voiced questions and concern regarding the function of the social district. Below Annie Williams, CharlotteRising’s Executive Director, has kindly provided those answers and relief below to help provide more information.

What purpose does CharlotteRising see in bringing a social district to downtown Charlotte?

CharlotteRising is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization focused on expanding the economic capacity of Charlotte and its downtown area, and has a mission of cultivating a strong, creative, and diverse economy, while investing in Charlotte’s future. Social districts and municipal downtowns have demonstrated since 2020, that having a social district increases their economy, drawing additional and new patrons to businesses, concerts, festivals, etc. Often events in a social district provide fund raising opportunities to reinvest back into the downtown in forms such as beautification and safety features, that otherwise would come from tax revenues.

How was this idea approved and were potential issues vetted?

Over a period of nearly two years, the social district for Charlotte was discussed and evaluated by city council members representing the Charlotte citizenry. Numerous public meetings as well as council meetings were held, issues were discussed that were brought before the council through interaction by council members and the public they represent. The city’s attorney, familiar with social district law and other municipalities experience, also evaluated the city’s plan. Additional vetting occurred by council members reaching out to several of the 141 communities that have established a social district for insight and guidance to potential issues, and best practices to address these matters. In addition to the city council, Charlotte’s Police Department reviewed the social district plans and contacted law enforcement agencies with social districts for insight. The result is that having a social district has not shown to increase problems, accidents, or DUI’s.

At a higher level, Charlotte’s social district plan and boundaries were reviewed by the State of Michigan before giving the go ahead for Charlotte.

What procedures are in place to ensure orderly conduct and enjoyment within the social district?

Drinks can only be purchased at “approved” and “social district licensed” bars/restaurants. Outside alcohol is not allowed. Drinks must be in designated, clear cups – limited to 16 oz. serving size. Alcohol may only be purchased and consumed within the boundaries of the social district – identified by signage around the boundaries of the district. All laws pertaining to public intoxication, legal drinking age, drinking and driving, etc., apply to the social district. Purchased drinks cannot be taken from bar to bar nor outside of the social district. Downtown businesses within the social district may choose whether or not they participate, meaning they can prohibit social district drinks within their establishment. Signage in either the window or door of a business will indicate if the business allows drinks or not. The hours of the district are limited to Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Olivet

Olivet

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Olivet

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Tim’s Pizza returns under new ownership, thriving with community support

Posted by Design | December 19, 2024

Dan Lalone
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Dan Lalone)

Tim’s Pizza, a local favorite in Olivet, has reopened under new ownership, much to the delight of longtime customers. Kim Haver purchased the restaurant in July 2024 after the retirement of former owner Scott in March. Since reopening on Oct. 27, 2024, the pizzeria has experienced overwhelming community support and a surge in business.

Haver, the third owner of Tim’s Pizza, is dedicated to preserving the original recipes that have made the restaurant a staple in the area for more than 30 years. Many customers, some who have been dining at Tim’s for decades, are thrilled to enjoy the same pizza and breadsticks they grew up with.

“The community support has been incredible,” Haver said. “It’s amazing to see how much Tim’s Pizza means to people. I’m so grateful for the warm welcome.”

The restaurant has always been known for its signature breadsticks, which are made fresh daily. Local residents still rave about them, with some saying they are a meal in themselves. One regular customer, who drives from Onondaga, Mich., every week, says the breadsticks and pizza are worth the trip.

Employee Hoss, who has worked at Tim’s Pizza for several years, recalls enjoying the same breadsticks 30 years ago while dining in the front room. “They’re still just as good as I remember,” Hoss said.

Since Haver took over, the restaurant has been busiest on weekends, with Thursdays through Saturdays being especially popular. New hours, implemented three weeks ago, now keep Tim’s Pizza open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Haver has also brought in a new staff, including many local high school students. He values the opportunity to provide them with a stepping stone into the workforce.

Customers continue to flood in to enjoy their favorite dishes, especially on weekends. Many return to Tim’s Pizza not just for the food, but for the memories tied to it. For many families, the pizzeria is more than a place to eat—it’s a tradition. And for Haver, continuing that tradition has been the most rewarding part of her new role as owner.

“We’ve had people come in who grew up eating Tim’s Pizza, and it’s clear that this place holds a special place in their hearts,” she said.
Looking to the future, Haver has plans to open the second dining room soon and be available for private parties, providing even more seating for the growing crowd. Later this year, the main dining room will be remodeled to refresh the space while maintaining the restaurant’s cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Haver also plans to introduce online ordering in the near future to make it easier for customers to enjoy their favorite meals. Tim’s Pizza continues to offer delivery, takeout, and dine-in options.

For more information or to place an order, call Tim’s Pizza at (269) 749-3434 or visit the restaurant at 102 S. Main St., Olivet. Haver and his team are excited to continue the tradition of serving the best pizza and breadsticks in the area for many years to come.

“We’re here because of the community’s incredible support, and we can’t wait to continue making memories with everyone,” Haver said.

Bellevue

Bellevue

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Bellevue

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Bellevue 9/11 Memorial Challenge

Posted by Design | September 26, 2024

Renee Sevenski
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Grandma With A Camera)

We all remember exactly where we were and what we were doing at 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2001, when the Twin Towers and the Pentagon were attacked, in addition to the heroic story of United Airlines Flight 93. The attacks killed 2,977 innocent people that day including 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 police officers and 37 port authority police officers.

Stephen Siller, a fireman that had just completed his shift the morning of 9/11 and was off duty when the first tower was hit. He was on his way to the golf course to meet his brothers for a round of golf, something they rarely had the chance to all do together. He heard the call over the radio and turned his vehicle around to head back to his fire station. By the time he arrived back at the station his crew had already left on the call to the Twin Towers. He grabbed his gear from the firehouse and began driving towards the towers. Before Stephen was able to reach the towers, he was caught in a traffic jam caused by the chaos of the morning. Witnesses reported seeing a fireman get out of his truck caught in traffic and proceed to put on all his gear, and then began jogging through the traffic jam. Additional witnesses verified the story as they reported him running through the tunnels leading into Manhattan Island as he attempted to get to the towers to support his station. The tunnel he ran through was almost two miles by itself, and in total Stephen ran almost miles miles in his full gear so that he could help others. Unfortunately, Stephen never made it out of the towers that morning and he is remembered through this incredible organization. “Tunnel to Towers” was created by his brothers to honor his memory. They host an annual run through New York City each year, jogging the exact route Stephen took that fateful morning. With the money they raise each year they help families impacted by the events of 9/11, in addition to military veterans in need.

Danny Brininstool, a Bellevue teacher started the Bellevue 9/11 Memorial Challenge in 2023. He would have his students participate in climbing the bleachers a few times and check their heart rate. Then they would discuss how firefighters in full gear and helping people down flights of stairs would have felt. The students asked last year, “Why don’t we do this for real and climb the level of stairs they would’ve climbed?” Quite an extraordinary question coming from students that 23 years ago did not exist. With the help of the Bellevue Fire Department Danny put the challenge in action. His challenge now is to make The Bellevue 9/11 Memorial Challenge not only community wide, but his hope is that other schools would adopt the memorial in a way to honor and remember all those firefighters, police officers, and emergency service personnel that sacrificed it all on that fateful morning.

The Challenge starts with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. in honor of all fallen heroes from 23 years ago. The students are given the choice of three activities: Climb up and down the entire length of the bleachers-24 laps in total nearly 2,200 steps the equivalent of the 110 stories of the Twin Towers. Option two is to walk four miles on the track. This option is to remember Stephen Siller that ran through the closed NYC tunnels to get to the Towers. The remaining option was to watch a 9/11 remembrance movie and discuss the impact of that day. Each student chose a badge with the name of a fallen first responder to carry that badge to the finish line.

Brininstool will continue this Challenge every year with hopes of growing the donations that go to the Tunnel to Towers Organization and that other schools start their challenge and keep the ongoing reminder to recognize all first responders. “The Kids exceeded our expectations with their participation and the sense of honor that they approached this with, and we couldn’t be more proud of how well they represented the community of Bellevue. It was one of my proudest moments I’ve ever been a part of during my time in education,” shared Brininstool.

Quoted from J. Steele, a Bellevue Firefighter that participated in the 2024 Challenge, “It is Incredible to see the kids push through and give it all they have.”
“it is inspiring to see the impact on the students and how well behaved and respectful each student was,”said M Flood,  Bellevue Firefighter.

Eaton County

Eaton County

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Eaton County

Featured Story

Charlotte social district, the first in Eaton County

Posted by Design | December 5, 2024

Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Kelsey Klont/TCJ – Charlotte social district is now open!)

In 2020, the state of Michigan passed bill MCL 436.1551, which allows of the open carry and consumption of adult beverages in a designated space in towns and communities across the state, known to be called a social district. Which by definition is a designated area deemed suitable by the local government where consumers are able to enjoy spirits in designated commons area that is outside of a licensed establishment. Since then, 140 municipalities have adopted this legal acceptance for social interaction purposes, allowing for all adults to enjoy each other’s company with a refreshing adult beverage in a public space.

Social districts, while enjoyable by the masses, take a lot of dedicated work by the CharlotteRising’s Executive Director, city officials, and other reputable organizations behind the scenes in determining and establishing the ground rules, boundaries, and all the necessary details to properly ensure the public a positive experience with a social district.

Charlotte is now home to the first social district within Eaton County, provided from the collaborative efforts of CharlotteRising alongside City Council. CharlotteRising, a Michigan Mainstreet organization that is completely volunteer based, sees the importance of a social district in the aspect that is allows for socialization in a fun and relaxed setting.

This has been a longtime in the making, with the initial work beginning well over a year ago and now the wait is finally over. On Monday, November 25, CharlotteRising held the ribbon cutting of the social district, which allows for open carry of adult beverages only from participating bars and restaurants. Those being Acapulco Mexican Grill, Riedy’s Tavern, T Caps Tavern, and Charlotte Brewing Company.

Since the opening of the social district there has been some voiced questions and concern regarding the function of the social district. Below Annie Williams, CharlotteRising’s Executive Director, has kindly provided those answers and relief below to help provide more information.

What purpose does CharlotteRising see in bringing a social district to downtown Charlotte?

CharlotteRising is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization focused on expanding the economic capacity of Charlotte and its downtown area, and has a mission of cultivating a strong, creative, and diverse economy, while investing in Charlotte’s future. Social districts and municipal downtowns have demonstrated since 2020, that having a social district increases their economy, drawing additional and new patrons to businesses, concerts, festivals, etc. Often events in a social district provide fund raising opportunities to reinvest back into the downtown in forms such as beautification and safety features, that otherwise would come from tax revenues.

How was this idea approved and were potential issues vetted?

Over a period of nearly two years, the social district for Charlotte was discussed and evaluated by city council members representing the Charlotte citizenry. Numerous public meetings as well as council meetings were held, issues were discussed that were brought before the council through interaction by council members and the public they represent. The city’s attorney, familiar with social district law and other municipalities experience, also evaluated the city’s plan. Additional vetting occurred by council members reaching out to several of the 141 communities that have established a social district for insight and guidance to potential issues, and best practices to address these matters. In addition to the city council, Charlotte’s Police Department reviewed the social district plans and contacted law enforcement agencies with social districts for insight. The result is that having a social district has not shown to increase problems, accidents, or DUI’s.

At a higher level, Charlotte’s social district plan and boundaries were reviewed by the State of Michigan before giving the go ahead for Charlotte.

What procedures are in place to ensure orderly conduct and enjoyment within the social district?

Drinks can only be purchased at “approved” and “social district licensed” bars/restaurants. Outside alcohol is not allowed. Drinks must be in designated, clear cups – limited to 16 oz. serving size. Alcohol may only be purchased and consumed within the boundaries of the social district – identified by signage around the boundaries of the district. All laws pertaining to public intoxication, legal drinking age, drinking and driving, etc., apply to the social district. Purchased drinks cannot be taken from bar to bar nor outside of the social district. Downtown businesses within the social district may choose whether or not they participate, meaning they can prohibit social district drinks within their establishment. Signage in either the window or door of a business will indicate if the business allows drinks or not. The hours of the district are limited to Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Vermontville

Vermontville

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Vermontville

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John McEuen and Stranded Hobos Band to perform in Nashville

Posted by Design | October 17, 2024

Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer

(Photo Provided)

John McEuen, fiddler of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, will be collaborating with local band, Stranded Hobos Band, for a once in a lifetime country-bluegrass concert that you do not want to miss. Come to Nashville on Saturday, November 9, for a great concert with a good cause.

Over the last couple of years, McEuen and the Hobos have performed at a handful of bluegrass shows together including Frankfurt, Shipshewana, and Ann Arbor. They have a song together called “Bluegrass Banjo Boy,” which was a benefit for the Wounded Warrior Project when it was released two years ago. That collaborative work came about when Mike Madill, lead singer of the Stranded Hobos Band, pitched to McEuen, to play banjo on the song, which he accepted.

McEuen, a critically acclaimed banjo player with songs like “Mr. Bojangles”, “Buy for Me the Rain”, “Long Hard Road”, and the infamous “Fishin in The Dark” on his catalog have earned him accolades from Grammy, ACM, IBMA, CMA, Western Heritage. Coming up at the end of the month, McEuen will be honored with the Musician Lifetime Achievement Award at the Josie Awards, for his dedicated work to the music industry.

As a co-founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for 50 years, McEuen was on 35 of the Dirt Band’s albums, which is the coined name of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Then five years ago, set out on his solo career, now having four solo albums, including the release of his latest album: “The Newsman: A Man of Record.”

This highly anticipated concert came to fruition when Madill had asked McEuen about doing a concert together because of their friendship over the years that has formed from their collaboration with “Bluegrass Banjo Boy.” McEuen’s response, “absolutely let’s do it, closest to where you are.” Partnering with FoxView in Nashville, Stranded Hobos Band found a venue for the upcoming concert. McEuen, as a musician living in Nashville, Tennessee, said that he is looking forward to visiting another Nashville. “This situation is rare and one of a kind, but I am really looking forward to it. Anything to help veterans is a good thing.” McEuen tells me.

Stranded Hobos Band is a four-member band, three of which have sacrificially served our great country in the armed forces, are also very excited for the upcoming concert with McEuen. Based out of Delton, Madill started Stranded Hobos Band five years ago soon after having met the drummer, Sean Koglin, who also served in the Air Force like Madill, at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center; and lead guitar player, Tim Fields, while serving together in the Army. Being veterans themselves the Stranded Hobos Band know the importance of giving back to organizations that help veterans, so every concert that they do part of the proceeds go to the VFW. The collaborative concert with McEuen is a benefit for the VFW National Home, located in Eaton Rapids.

McEuen will kick things off at the concert on November 9, starting at 7 p.m., with a solo performance singing songs off Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle be Unbroken” album with songs from country iconic legends like “Mother” Maybelle Carter, Roy Acuff, and Merle Travis and storytelling, as heard on his new album. Also telling me, “Make sure you come with questions. I always ask the crowds what questions they have because this is their time to ask what they have always wanted to know.”

Stranded Hobos Band will be on after performing some songs off their 17-track album. Then McEuen and the Stranded Hobos band will perform together, including their song “Bluegrass Banjo Boy.”

Before the concert, at 6 p.m. there will be a dinner provided at FoxView, for an additional cost. This concert with the incredible John McEuen and the Stranded Hobos Band, with their deep military roots, is something that you do not want to miss. Get your tickets today by contacting FoxView today.

Potterville

Potterville

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Potterville

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Potterville football staying busy this summer

Posted by Christi Whiting | June 27, 2024

Ben Murphy
Contributing Writer

The official start of the high school football season isn’t until August, but that hasn’t stopped the Potterville football team from working hard this summer, preparing for things to come. The Vikings have been busy with summer workouts and are training hard for an upcoming camp and of course their first live action in August.

“It’s going good,” head coach Jason Baker said. “What we do is hard, we put them through a lot, we expect a lot out of them, and we have a lot of potential there this season to be competitive in a lot of games that Potterville hasn’t been competitive in historically. We have a pretty unique opportunity to change that this year. We aren’t going to win every game, but there’s games we will win that the school hasn’t won the last 14-to-15 years.”

The Vikings played a mix of varsity and junior varsity games last fall due to their youthful roster. Jump ahead to this season and the team plans to play a full varsity schedule; with a complete slate of Central Michigan Athletic Conference games.

“Aside from beating Saranac in 2020, that was the last real CMAC win that they had, but I feel like we can change that this year if the boys continue to work hard and we develop as a team like we did last year,” Baker said. “There’s a lot of excitement with what we were able to do and we just have to build on that and keep moving forward.”

Potterville opens the season with three straight home games: opening with Maple Valley and then taking on Dansville and then Bath.
Maple Valley has a new head coach and is also making a transition back from 8-player to 11-player football this fall.

“They will be a challenging match-up for us, we don’t know what their offense will look like or their defense,” Baker said of their week one foes. “It will be interesting, but we will do our best to scout and we will see what we can find out about them.”

Their week three home match-up against Bath will double as their military appreciation night. They’ll have special uniforms and paint markings on the field; but that’s just scratching the surface for what they have planned.

“We are trying to get as many active duty and retired military members there as possible, so we can say thank you,” Baker said. “We have a lot of things that we are doing to try and show our appreciation for the military. There’s a lot of excitement for that this year.”

Baker is also hoping to have his hand in more than just football at Potterville. With three open spots on the school board, he is throwing his hat in for that role too.

“Ultimately, I just want what is best for the school,” he said. “I’ve invested a lot of time and resources into improving the school and I want to make sure that the district is in the best situation moving forward. There has been a lot of negative press on the school board recently, and I want to get rid of that… We don’t have to agree on every topic but we have to be rational with things and do what is best for the district and not having our personal agendas in there. Ultimately the education of the students is what is most important.”

As for the football season, they’ll take some time off in early July and then it is all systems go.

“We take a week off for the Fourth of July and then we go back to our three day a week schedule with weightlifting and conditioning,” Baker said. “We are excited, but conditioning wise we have to be ready to go, we have to be ready to play a full game of football.”

Eaton Rapids

Eaton Rapids

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Eaton Rapids

Featured Story

Stronger Together: Heart and Hands Food Pantry

Posted by Design | December 19, 2024

Jose A. Lopez
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Jose A. Lopez  – From left to right: Donna Perry, Cathy Howell, Kat Ballard, Becky Ridler (Director of Heart and Hands), and Ida Raymond.)

For many, food is a love language—and Heart and Hands has spoken it fluently since 1981, serving as a lifeline for Eaton Rapids families in need.

“Our main goal is to serve the Eaton Rapids community, but we also serve the greater Lansing area,” said Becky Ridler, the pantry’s director. “Anybody who shows up to our food pantry receives food.”

While appointments are encouraged, Ridler ensures no one is turned away. At Heart and Hands, everyone is considered a friend and neighbor.

A Community Together

Heart and Hands sources food from the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Meijer, and local donors. Recent contributions include 1,200 pounds of food from ER Medical Center’s Harvest Gathering, weekly purchases from Moo-ville Creamery, and 140 turkeys donated by the Cartwright Foundation, in addition to the Rotary Club and ERHS Interact Club’s fundraising events, and several other local businesses — the community has come together to play a pivotal role.

“We try to help them out, and they also help us,” Ridler said. “Our monetary donations are from churches in the area, and just individuals in the community.” She added that while “any donations are great,” monetary donations stretch further. “We can purchase food for 9 cents a pound on most USDA stuff … on any of the products that we get at Greater Lansing Food Bank.” Still, she acknowledged that “any non-perishable stuff is wonderful.”

Beyond food, Heart and Hands fosters a strong sense of community. “People donate cards, so if we know someone is going through something, one of our families will do a card from the ladies at the pantry, and everybody signs it.” She shared a recent story: “There’s someone coming in tonight that has a birthday, so we went through and found cake and icing so they can make a cake.”

Meeting Every Need

In addition to food, the pantry distributes feminine hygiene supplies (through a partnership with Lansing-based Helping Women Period), and handcrafted knitted hats and blankets donated by the community.

Some families hesitate to seek help, but Ridler offers encouragement. “I’m really not that much in need, someone else probably needs it more,” some people say. Ridler reassures them: “We have the resources. If you’re hungry, come get food. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about—we’ve all been there.”

“We want our neighbors to feel comfortable,” she emphasized.

The Future Ahead

As demand increases, Heart and Hands is seeking a new location to better serve families, aiming for a space that’s more accessible and discreet to ensure families feel comfortable coming for assistance.

“So hopefully we’ll have our own space, with that stipulation,” Ridler said.

While the pantry is always in need of donations, Ridler stressed the importance of thoughtful giving. Monetary donations go further, as they allow the pantry to buy discounted food through partnerships like the Greater Lansing Food Bank. However, all contributions—monetary, non-perishable items, or other supplies—are appreciated.

How to Support and Be Supported

Heart and Hands Food Pantry remains a pillar of hope and compassion in Eaton Rapids, made possible by the generosity of the community to support their neighbors in need. They are located at 9220 Kinneville Rd. (separate rear entrance of First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids) and are open three days a week—Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m., and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. To learn more about donating, volunteering, or receiving help from your friends at Heart and Hands, visit heartandhandser.org or call (517) 663-7104.

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