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Eaton Rapids

Eaton Rapids

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Eaton Rapids

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Stimpson Hospital hosts Parafest event and more as owners renovate

Posted by Design | September 10, 2026

Justin Passick
Contributing Writer

(Justin Passick/FAN – Pamila [pictured] and Chris Sturgill provide plenty of information and history when guests visit the historic Stimpson Hospital building in Eaton Rapids, now a host to Parafest and other ghostly events.)

Many people would be wary of purchasing a haunted house. For Pamila and Chris Sturgill, ghost stories and unexplained phenomena are what make the historic Stimpson Hospital building in Eaton Rapids so charming.

Tales of spirits and strange deaths on the property are well-known enough that the couple is featured in a documentary called “Areas of High Strangeness,” available on multiple streaming services.

The colorful background of the building is key to Pam and Chris’ business model, as they regularly host ghost hunts and historical tours.

“Folks find us through odd means,” Pam said. The couple has hosted tours for people from all over the country. Their biggest event each year is the Blood Moon Parafest, entering its fourth year Oct. 16-18.

Neither Pam nor Chris share any deep connection to the Eaton Rapids area. The couple wasn’t raised in Eaton County, and they currently live in nearby Springport. As Pam tells it, the couple “stumbled” into owning the building.

When they purchased the property in 2017, it was used exclusively as apartments. The couple uses every cent made from events to restore the hospital as a bed and breakfast that embraces its historical value along with the supernatural tales.

“It’s not moving as fast as we’d like, but it’s moving,” Pam said of their slow but steady progress.

The Parafest itself started small but grows a bit more each year, with Pam saying, “last year was our biggest yet,” with more than 200 guests. This year’s festival includes ghost hunters, supernatural podcasters and author Don Atter, who will speak on near-death experiences. There will also be tours and meals as well as a selection of vendors and raffle prizes, with some spaces still open as of press time.

Because the bed and breakfast isn’t ready yet, long-distance attendees will have to stay elsewhere; Pam is looking into a package with nearby hotels. That kind of business connection is part of the festival’s growth, with the event opening to sponsors for the first time.

While much of the income from Parafest goes toward restoring the building, the Sturgills partner with a charity each year to help drive awareness and community engagement. This year that honor goes to Laugh and Learn Autism. The group will receive a share of proceeds and will also be on hand to accept donations and share information about its mission.

For those looking to spend a weekend surrounded by the supernatural, tickets are available at thexlhub.com/events. Prices vary depending on days attended. Vendors, sponsors and anyone willing to donate a raffle prize should look for Stimpson Hospital on Facebook.

The Stimpson Hospital is also hosting two masquerade ghost tours  – Oct. 10 and 23. These are more expensive, small-group affairs conducted with Chicks & Spirits Paranormal Investigations. Information can be found through the Stimpson Hospital Facebook page.

Mason

Mason

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Mason

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Vietnam Veterans Annual Picnic

Posted by Christi Whiting | August 16, 2023

Christi Whiting 

Editor

(Photo Provided)

 

This year’s picnic is planned for August 26 at noon at Bennett Park in Charlotte. All Vietnam vets and their spouses are invited and should bring a dish to pass. Whistlepig BBQ in Charlotte will be furnishing pulled pork for the group, with water and place settings also provided. “As long as you guys meet, I’ll help you out,” Whistlepig BBQ owner Jason Strotheide told Jerry Taylor, one of the organizers of the now-annual event. “The guys appreciate this very much,” Taylor added. The last picnic was held in 2022 with 38 people attending.

Many veterans remember some tough stuff about their experience in the military during the Vietnam war. How they were treated when they returned home is especially painful. There were no parades or welcoming parties. Many were treated disrespectfully due to the war being so unpopular. They learned to hide their veteran status, and many have refused to discuss their experience in Vietnam over the years because of the attitudes that were directed toward them. 

Jerry Taylor, Dave Smith, Fred Meyers, and Darrell Gingrich – all Eaton County Vietnam veterans – decided to do something about it and started this back in 2017. They set out to bring as many Eaton County Vietnam veterans as possible together, as a kind of reunion, to talk, share stories, and reminisce about their mutual experiences. They organized a Vietnam veterans’ picnic and invited everyone that they knew to be a veteran of the conflict. “The stories and the camaraderie are what keep many vets coming back,” Taylor said. Taylor is the last man still alive from his unit, so there’s no chance of a reunion with those with whom he served. “We don’t want to see it end,” said Taylor. “We look forward to it.”

In addition to the annual picnic at Bennett Park, a group of Vietnam veterans also meets at the Charlotte Big Boy restaurant about 8 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. They have breakfast, and sit and talk about a little of everything, Taylor said, and they welcome others to join them.

They also utilize the services of Thomas Lewis, Veterans Service Officer for Eaton County. Lewis provides services for veterans and their spouses. “He’s great at helping folks out,” explained Taylor, “whether it’s death benefits, housing, education, insurance, pensions, or medical care, he’s there for us.”

For additional information about the veterans’ events contact Jerry Taylor at 517-242-3048.

DIMONDALE

Dimondale

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Dimondale

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Dimondale’s Barber Rick hands over the reins after 35 years in the business

Posted by Design | July 23, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Photo provided – Barber Rick Hicks [left] received a proclamation from Dimondale for his many years of community support. Presenting the honor was Dimondale Village President Ralph Reznick [right].)

“I have a confession to make.”

In our culture, there are, stereotypically, three types of folks who hear this phrase: therapists, bartenders and barbers.

With more than 35 years in the barber business, recently retired Richard “Rick” Hicks has found this to be true.

“You get into people’s lives,” Hicks said. “You know them…that’s going to be the hardest part,” said Hicks of his farewell to Rick’s Family Barber Shop, right in the heart of Bridge Street in Dimondale.

“It is my window on the world,” he said of the shop, painted red and hosting the familiar barber’s pole.

Another barber will soon occupy the space. That makes Hicks happy.

A sign on the building reads, in part, “Lyle King opened a barber shop in the 1960s. Rick has served Dimondale since 1990.”

Fresh from a family and friends retirement party, Hicks recalls his history in the village.

He had been laid off from a job. He had always “dabbled” in hair, and his sister suggested he go to a barber school. Lansing Barber School was his next stop.

As he pondered the future, he checked out King’s shop in Dimondale, but he could not bring himself to broach the subject.

Instead, later that night, King called him and asked Hicks if he was interested in buying the business. The rest is history, which tends to repeat itself.

Hicks said feeling “tired,” he began seriously thinking about retirement, but “I didn’t want to walk away and leave it empty.”

Enter Cole Davis, who started a barber business in Potterville in 2024. He was looking to expand, and called Hicks, wondering what his plans were.

Davis and stylist Jacob Tamasek have set a July 23 opening date for Dimondale, according to their website for Cole Cutsss Barbershop.

Hicks is still getting used to the “retired” part of his life. “It’s been a long run,” he said. He has seen the business change. His mission was a nice haircut at a low price and fast, 10 to 15 minutes service time. “The business has changed,” Hicks said, with tapers and bald-fades, which he was not interested in offering.

Instead, he recalls a customer who came in, faithfully, every Wednesday for a cut for 30 years.

Hicks’ tools of the trade will still be used, occasionally. He does offer services to a shut-in client. And, he said, he has plenty to do, some of it unplanned.

Away for the July 4 holiday, Hicks and husband Denis Prisk came home to storm damage claiming beloved trees on their property, which has been in Hicks’ family for generations.

A vintage camper will also see more use, Hicks said. 

Cole Davis was born and raised in Potterville and is happy to be contributing to the community. He opened his barber shop in 2024 and six months later, hired another barber. Now, he will have two locations, and he will work part-time at both. He is hoping to add another barber soon.

“It felt good,” said Davis about his decision to open Cole Cutsss Barbershop Dimondale. Find information and appointment scheduling at colecutsss.com.

Davis said he has listened to a lot of folks “who have had a good impact on his life” as he has made his business moves. “I have always looked up to people who have made an impact,” Davis said.

People like Hicks.

Eaton County

Eaton County

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Eaton County

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Support, education and acceptance help those who have Alopecia

Posted by Design | September 10, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Renee Sevenski/TCJ – The joy of friendship and understanding surround Steve Sevenski [left] and Mallory Crowner who both have Alopecia Areata and work to education others about it.)

It is one of those conditions that you would rather not deal with, let alone learn how to pronounce

Alopecia – al-o-pea-cha. Alopecia Areata (a-ree-sha) actually. It is an autoimmune disease that can affect anyone at any age. It causes sudden, patchy hair loss on parts of the body. It is thought to be genetic and can appear and disappear at any time.

According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) it affects 6.7 million people in the U.S. and 2% of people across the world.

That’s why September is National Alopecia Areata Awareness Month.

And that’s why – in September 2009, Mallory Crowner inspired almost 50 people to shave their heads to help raise money for alopecia awareness and research efforts.

Crowner said her parents, husband, grandmother, sisters and so many other family members joined in, including her in-laws, as well as “even strangers whom I did not know.”

Many more people know Crowner than she might realize. She is hard to forget. A taller, fit, bald female is uncommon, especially in places such as Eaton County.

Yes, she gets stares, and comments, and compliments, once people know her story.

In the beginning, high school of all places, it was often devastating, met by bullying and the like. “You really find out who your friends are,” she said.

Then, weeks before her marriage to husband Mike, her hair started falling out again.

“It strips you of your confidence,” Crowner said.

These days, Crowner is comfortable in her skin. Being bald is her choice.

There are treatments, some painful, ointments, elixirs and more, and of course, there are hats and wigs.

Crowner has never found wigs comfortable. When she ripped one off during a night out with friends, Mike was fine with it. “That was that with the wigs,” she said.

Today, Crowner continues to champion Alopecia causes and people with the disease.

She has been at work in IT at Michigan State for more than 25 years and has run into a colleague there who has it. Others seek her out to share stories. There are area support groups as well.

Her early support came from her family. They did whatever it took to support Crowner. Her mom even wrote a college paper about her daughter’s difficulty.

While the disease is not fatal, she wrote, “it is, however a life altering disease, and can be devastating for those afflicted,” as well as for their loved ones.

Crowner and crew decided to be bold and open. The fundraisers ended after a couple of years, but the advocacy continues. During the month of September, Crowner daily posts alopecia awareness information.

In person support groups are few and far between in this area, but Caitlin R. in Grand Ledge offers telephone support – 517-897-1993. She is listed on the NAAF pages.

One reason for the lack of groups? Crowner believes the world has become a more accepting, open place to talk about health, mental and physical issues.

Steve Sevenski has had alopecia practically since birth. His mother, Dawn, said he has been “bald since kindergarten.” She said she would rather that than put him through the risks of treatments and any possible side effects.

“It was always a joke in our house, we’d say, ‘Would you just brush your hair,’” Dawn said.

September is also National Suicide Prevention Month. Both awareness efforts can be easily found online or through local resources. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 9-8-8.

Onondaga

Onondaga

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Onondaga

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Hamlin Fire Truck, Car Show funds cancer awareness

Posted by Design | June 12, 2026

Dan LaLone
Contributing Writer

(Photo provided – The first annual Hamlin Fire truck and car show raised funds for Neighbors United #WalkForThe Red, which advocates for firefighters affected by cancer and the risk to firefighters from toxic exposure.)

The Hamlin Township Firefighters Association partnered with the Hamlin Township Fire Department and Neighbors United #WalkForTheRed to host its inaugural Fire Truck and Car Show, raising funds and awareness for firefighters battling occupational cancer.

The event raised $250 for Neighbors United, in addition to donations made directly to the organization by attendees.

Neighbors United #WalkForTheRed advocates for firefighters affected by cancer and raises awareness about the risks firefighters face from exposure to carcinogens and toxic substances encountered during fires and hazardous materials incidents.

Several fire departments from Eaton and Ingham counties participated in the event, including Eaton Rapids, Olivet, Windsor Township, Charlotte, Onondaga and Leslie. Eaton Rapids firefighters raised a large American flag over the show grounds.

The event also featured a variety of classic and specialty vehicles. Among them were a 1941 Dodge COE, a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, several Chevrolet Camaros and a 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R.

Awards were presented in both the classic car and fire truck divisions.

David Wood received the Best in Show award in the classic car division for his 1931 Chevrolet Coupe. Steve DeKett of the Leslie Fire Department earned Best in Show honors in the fire truck division with a 1949 International fire engine.

Organizers said they collected feedback from participants and spectators throughout the day and are already considering improvements for next year’s event.

“We received a lot of great ideas and suggestions,” organizers said. “We hope to continue building on this year’s success and make the event even bigger next year.”

The association also thanked the Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society for loaning former Hamlin Township Fire Department Engine 3 for display during the event. Organizers said they hope the historic apparatus can continue to participate in future community events and parades.

The Hamlin Township Firefighters Association extended a special thank you to everyone who attended the event, entered vehicles, purchased raffle tickets, made donations and supported the cause. Organizers also expressed their appreciation to the firefighters association members, fire department personnel and volunteers whose efforts helped make the event possible.

“The support from the community exceeded our expectations,” organizers said. “We are grateful to everyone who helped make our first car show a success.”

Those interested in providing feedback or suggestions for future events can submit them through the contact form at HamlinFireRescue.com.

Anyone interested in supporting the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association or Neighbors United can visit HamlinFireRescue.com or follow the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association on Facebook for upcoming events and opportunities. Association members are also planning to participate in the Eaton Rapids Community Market on June 20, where they will offer homemade breads, soaps, jams, jellies, supporter apparel and other traditional farmers market items.

Organizers described the event as a successful first-year show that brought together firefighters, classic car enthusiasts and community members in support of an important cause. 

They hope it becomes an annual tradition that continues to grow in the years ahead.

Editor’s Note: Dan LaLone is a part-time volunteer member of the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association.

Charlotte

Charlotte

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Charlotte

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New fall concert series begins Sept. 19 at Evelyn Bay

Posted by Design | September 10, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Courtesy photo – The first performers for the new Evelyn Bay Concert series bring a real coffeehouse feel with their music. Keys & Frets features guitar, keyboards and vocals.)

Evelyn Bay Coffee in Charlotte has announced a new, free concert series starting Sept. 19 and going forward with live performances Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 12, featuring a wide variety of music. Each Saturday show will run for two hours and will start at 2 p.m.

The series features Country, Americana, Great American Songbook, folk, blues, swing, gospel, and Celtic music.

Keys & Frets performs Americana that keeps guests in their seats and coming back for more to hear keyboardist Leanna Wilson and guitarist Jeff McRae on Sept. 19.

The duo features music educators who have been performers for decades. Wilson is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she and McRae formed the group after knowing each other for years. McRae and his wife are retired English teachers who now live in Albion. Wilson has a doctorate in music education and is an accomplished classical performer.

They feature various forms of music in their performances, from jazz to folk and rock, and they sing as well. “We are gigging most every weekend,” Wilson said.

She and McRae enjoy seeing the variety of ages in their audiences. Wilson began playing the violin at age 4 and took on the piano later on as well. For more information on the duo, see their Facebook page or online at keysandfrets.net.

Acoustic Liberty, one of Charlotte’s coffee house favorites, features Ron McKeever, and Valerie Clark, playing a unique blend of Americana, folk, blues, soft rock and Celtic & Reggie. Fiddler Pete Knupfer and Diane Pfost on cajon will round out their engaging sound on Oct. 17.

The Rat Pack features the sounds of Sinatra, Motown & more with guitarist Don Sovey, vocalist Kat Jones, Doug Gluckin on sax, and Spencer Ralph playing double bass. The performance is Nov. 21.

And on Dec. 12, Fresh Pict & Irish Dancers presents an afternoon of Celtic tunes, singalong holiday favorites, and Irish dancing. The group features Pat DeWitt on penny whistle, guitarist Maria Davis, fiddler Mark Boughner, and Kurt Young on bass.

“I am excited to host this new festival in Charlotte, making it our community’s 28th festival. This festival will continue to make downtown Charlotte vibrant and a destination for residents and visitors,” said Evelyn Bay Owner Erica Limas. The Charlotte festivals and events take place every month of the year and feature 80 live performances.

“All of the fall series groups include favorite entertainers who have performed in Charlotte over the years. Audiences love the music these talented musicians perform. I love to hear each and every group on the schedule this fall,” said music coordinator Don Sovey.

Evelyn Bay is located at 134 S. Cochran Ave. The coffee shop is family owned and serves Michigan roasted coffee beans by Evelyn Bay Coffee Company.

For information, call Evelyn Bay at (517) 543-9770.

Potterville

Potterville

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Olivet

Olivet

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Vermontville

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