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Tickets are available pre-sale only. A limited number of tickets is available, so don't delay. The cost is $5 for children, $3 for adults. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

A child's ticket includes breakfast pizza, beverage and applesauce; face painting; art tables (make a snowman to decorate the Christmas tree); games; and holiday story corner. Additional activities include a bake sale, toy raffle and a personalized CD.

Adults are reminded to bring their cameras for those pictures with Santa.

Tickets are available at the following locations: St. Charles Public Library; all offices of St. Charles Community Schools; Bulldog Kids Care; and Sunshine Preschool.

Proceeds benefit the St. Charles Children's Center, Bulldog Kids Care and Sunshine Preschool.

For more information, call (989) 865-2415.

Fire destroys barn

BRADY TWP. - Fire destroyed a three-story barn on West Ridge Road in Brady Township on Wednesday night.

The Chesaning-Brady Fire Department was called out to 16159 West Ridge Road around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Crews from nine other departments responded to the scene to help battle the blaze. Assisting were Elsie, Owosso, Tri-Township, Jonesfield/Lakefield, and Marion, Thomas, Maple Grove, Saginaw and Albee Townships departments.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The barn, filled with straw and equipment, was completely destroyed.

Memorial execs outline hospital's commitment to communities they serve

DEB MILLER

The Tri-County Citizen

Executives from Memorial Healthcare of Owosso outlined Memorial's commitment to serving the healthcare needs of the greater Shiawassee region, including the Chesaning, Oakley, New Lothrop, and St. Charles communities during stakeholder dinners this past Tuesday and Wednesday in Chesaning and New Lothrop.

Tuesday's event was held at the Bonnymill Inn in Chesaning and Wednesday's event was held at Gracie's Country Inn in New Lothrop.

Community members had the opportunity to hear Memorial's top executives, including President and CEO Cheryl Peterson, speak on a variety of topics regarding Memorial's vision to promote health and provide quality healthcare in their community, and also had the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns on issues regarding their own healthcare.

Peterson welcomed the gathering on Wednesday stating "We at Memorial believe it is important to come out into our communities and let you know what we are doing, but more importantly, to listen to you and hear about what you experience with Memorial in order to help us improve what we provide to you."

Peterson outlined Memorial's vision noting "We want to ensure that we provide expert care that it is delivered with warmth and caring, and we strive to be the preferred healthcare provider and leading choice for quality care of all of the members of the communities we serve."

"We value your use of our services, and your input, and we believe the over 1,000 people who are employed through Memorial Healthcare can make a difference in the Shiawassee and surrounding areas."

Peterson noted that Memorial's interest in the well being of its communities goes well beyond the walls of the hospital.

"Our mission is to promote the health, and provide quality, compassionate healthcare to our region through commitment to service excellence, teamwork, and innovation."

Through a PowerPoint presentation Peterson and other top hospital executives outlined the elements of the hospitals commitment through its team centered approach, ever improving resources, commitment to quality, innovation, and access, updated technology, continued growth, and vision for the future.

Memorial works to optimize the overall health and well being of its communities through their team approach and by using a combination of technology, compassion, and clinical expertise, and by investing in the best tools for the benefit of its staff, physicians, and its patients.

Memorial puts a high priority on technology and strives to provide efficient patient care by carefully selecting technology to support the best practices in the hospital and in physician offices.

Some of the technology Memorial has recently instituted includes the new state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging Center and Ambulatory Cancer Care Center, the Electronic Medical Record system, and the Bedside Medication Verification system.

The Bedside Medication Verification system is a quality check nurses use to be sure they are administering the right medication, to the right patient, at the right time, in the right dose.

It is a bar coding system that records patient information on a wristband with a bar code that matches the bar code on the patient's medication.

"This system is very helpful as a double check to prevent medication errors making a difference in safety for our patients," stated Peterson.

The system also alerts caregivers of any issues regarding the interference of medications based on other medications being taken, current vital signs, and other pertinent information.

The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system utilized at Memorial is an important component of many of the hospital's safety initiatives. In addition to its use in procedures such as the Bedside Medication Verification it is used at the patient's bedside by caregivers to directly document patient vital signs and notes, and is used in other departments such as medical records and radiology where reports and images are digitally entered into it. The EMR makes patient data readily available to physicians from their home or office where they can also view CT images, lab reports, and other pertinent records that impact the timeline of care. Access of these records is guarded by secure portal access ensuring patient confidentiality.

Through its commitment to quality Memorial continually participates in national safety and quality improvement programs such as the cross check prescription program and many others.

Memorial's commitment to innovation and actively achieving improvement of services has resulted in 75 percent of all surgeries now being performed on an outpatient basis.

Dedicated to providing convenient access to quality healthcare and making services available through physician practices and urgent care outpatient centers, Memorial recruits the brightest and best doctors and currently offers more than 170 physicians with 34 specialties at 13 locations including the offices of Dr. Roy Small and Dr. Thomas Teal in Chesaning, along with the Chesaning Outpatient Care Center.

Memorial's commitment to community goes well beyond providing healthcare services with nearly 17,000 volunteer hours, employees serving on 30 community and charitable boards, and $77,532 in scholarships and donations, logged in 2006.

Memorial Healthcare is the largest employer in the Shiawassee area supporting the greater Shiawassee area with a $40.4 million payroll each year with $82,548 being paid for purchased services supporting Chesaning and New Lothrop area residents and businesses.

Memorial is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. It has been named to Hospital & Health Networks list of the nation's "Top 100 Most Wired Health Systems" for four years in a row and is the only hospital in Michigan to receive this distinction.

The Memorial Healthcare main hospital is located at 826 W. King Street in Owosso.

Expo event all about women

DEB MILLER

The Tri-County Citizen

NEW LOTHROP - On a night that is traditionally focused on men, with preparations for the next day's opening day of fire arm deer hunting season, New Lothrop resident and Mary Kay consultant Karolyn Sandoval decided that there was a need for something that focused on women.

"I just think the women in this area need something like this and isn't it great fun?," Sandoval stated as she looked around at the crowd gathered in New Lothrop's Community Life Center for her Women's Expo event this past Wednesday.

Bubbling with exuberance, Sandoval said she already has many ideas how to improve the event for next year.

She hopes to make it an annual event and enlist sponsors that will enable her to bring in more offerings targeted at women's health, fashion, and more.

This year's event offered the opportunity to browse products of home-based businesses that usually have to be hosted in the home with over thirty vendors showcasing their products.

The event also gave women attending the opportunity to be pampered with makeovers, hairdos, massages, along with offering health information, and more.

Admission was free, give aways and free samples were also provided, along with door prizes donated by participating vendors.

A raffle was held with all proceeds going to benefit Memorial Healthcare's "Join the Courageous" campaign.

The many offerings during the event included a presentation on the HMR weight management program and breast cancer awareness and detection by Memorial Healthcare, along with displays by Avon, Mary Kay, Partylite, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Tastefully Simple, Uppercase Living, Southern Living at Home, The Body Shop, Longaberger Baskets, The Pampered Chef, Tomboy Tools, Creative Memories, Home Interiors, Jeunique Bras, Stamping Up, Tupperware, and many other home-based businesses run by area residents.

Harmony Massage Therapy of Owosso, Curves of Montrose, Distinctive Dental of Owosso, and Edward Jones Investments also participated in the event.

Highlighting the event were mother/daughter makeovers that included make-up by Mary Kay consultants, hairdos by the Golden Comb of Montrose, and professional before and after photos by ArTech Photography of Perry.

American Legion acknowledges individuals for service

CHESANING - The Chesaning American Legion recognized several individuals for their community and country contributions in an Armed Officers Dinner November 10.

Legion Comander and Gulf War Veteran Bill Lickman said they enjoyed hosting the annual dinner. "We like to pay tribute to either someone from the post or the community," he said.

Both community and legion members were recognized, and issues with veteran programs were discussed.

Two Ladies Auxiliary members, Millie Espiegel (a 45 year member) and Jeanette Haak (a 25 year member), received awards for their years in the organization.

Girls State participants Laura Bates and Emily Fesler and Boys State participant Devin Witt, all seniors at Chesaning, were also recognized. Bates was the only one in attendance and thanked the group for sponsoring her.

Fifty year Legion member Steve Polash and 60 year member and Pearl Harbor survivor Ward Anderson received acknowledgement for their years of dedication to the group.

Adam Shaffer, who played the bugle at The Saginaw County Fair, was thanked for his volunteered time at the fair.

Amanda Mikulka, who was unable to attend, was recognized for her service in Iraq, which left her wounded, with the 144 PP Company out of Owosso. A parade was held Sunday in her honor.

Elwood Spiegel received an Appreciation Award for his work with the Legion, as he has served in almost every position at the legion.

The Gulf War veterans were also recognized for their service to the country.

Lickman spoke about the Gulf War Syndrome and how some soldiers coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan exhibited the same symptoms.

He also addressed concern for veterans programs, explaining a need to increase politician's awareness of benefits veterans need, "instead of arguing back and forth about whose plans are better." It should be the American way, he said, not the Democratic way or Republican way.

Lickman said that the event had a good turn out and that those who attended seemed to enjoy the program.

The American Legion is looking forward to partnering with the CARE center this holiday season in Toys For Kids.

Second Grade Representative

Local student participates in statewide mock law program

Hillary Darling

The Tri-County Citizen

CHESANING - Second grader Brendan Greenfelder was introduced to his class as "Representative Greenfelder" by State Representative Ken Horn last Monday.

Greenfelder visited the state capitol with his parents Joe and Lisa Greenfelder October 23 as a Representative For A Day, a program that he entered through the Chesaning Library's Summer Reading Program. The Lansing event attracted around 38 children from across Michigan.

The Our Lady student was able to tour the capitol building and participate in creating a mock law on the issue of school uniforms. He said there should be no uniforms, because he didn't like the way they look.

Horn explained to Ann Stasa's first and second grade class how one person could take an idea and develop it, then, by talking to a representative, initiate the law making process.

The mock law in Lansing decided that uniforms would continue to be required. The class also discussed reasons for and against the policy. Students came up with having uniforms for reasons from safety to preventing discrimination for those who couldn't afford expensive clothes.

Horn agreed with the idea of uniforms, citing reasons of safety and minimizing distractions during school.

Horn also told the students about the importance of reading. Reading, he said, should be fun. He explained that seventy percent of those in jail uniforms never received a high school diploma.

Greenfelder said he enjoys reading interesting books, and enjoyed the capital tour the most from his trip.

A day to the veterans

Students learn about military life in presentation to celebrate Veteran's Day

Hillary Darling

The Tri-County Citizen

CHESANING - For six years, veteran Douglas Alcorn has continued to serve the country-in the local schools.

Alcorn and his family shared his military experiences once again this past Monday, celebrating Veteran's Day with a presentation to Lori Mort and Lynda Bell's sixth grade classes at Chesaning Middle School.

Alcorn, a resident of Chesaning, served in the army from 1981 to 1985 in the Invasion of Grenada, where he was wounded in the service.

The Veteran's Day tradition began when Bell asked Alcorn to come talk to her class when she was teaching third grade.

Alcorn presented different aspects of military life and war. "America is the way it is today because of veterans," he told the students.

Alcorn explained different types of military equipment, and how it has changed over the years. Students were able to examine different types of helmets, a World War Two entrenching tool, Alice Packs to a Vietnam era canteen and the bladder bags that are now in use.

The old steel pot helmets, he said, could be used for more than just protection-they were used for diging, bathing and cooking as well.

He also explained different types of military rations. The ten-year-old Meal Ready to Eat (MRE) he brought to the presentation was still good, he told the students. The owner of the biggest collection of old military trays, he displayed one and explained why the military now uses MREs instead.

He ended his presentation with discussing several celebrities who had served in the military, answered any questions and then gave away pencils, shirts and Frisbees to students.

Both classes prepared for the presentation in their curriculum. Bell's classroom discussed the holiday, watched a movie about an Oakley World War Two veteran Clay Reeves, journaled about how the day is related to them, and after the presentation completed another journal entry.

Mort's classroom also watched a video and had a discussion as well as writing letters to veterans. The letters thanked veterans, commented on their bravery, and explored thoughts about being a veteran. Mort said the letters turned out to be really thoughtful, and is planning on passing them along to Alcorn for him to give to veterans.

Alcorn worked in artillery during his service, and decided to enlist because of his family's military history. He can trace the family in military activity as far back as 1063, and recalled playing "war" with his seven siblings, two of which also served.

Chesaning's Great Grown-up Spelling Bee to benefit school libraries

CHESANING -- The community is buzzing about an upcoming fundraiser that aims to spell s-u-p-p-o-r-t for Chesaning's school libraries.

In Chesaning's Great Grown-up Spelling Bee, teams will enter a friendly war of words in an attempt to out spell their competitors until one team remains. Proceeds from the February 22 contest will be split between the libraries at Chesaning High School, Chesaning Middle School, Albee Elementary School, Big Rock Elementary School and Brady Elementary School.

Using traditional spelling bee rules and words from the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Word List, a moderator will ask four-person teams to spell words after they have been pronounced and used in a sentence.

The last remaining team, after spelling the final word correctly, will be proclaimed the winner and will be awarded the first ever Great Grown-up Spelling Bee Trophy. Trophies will also be presented to teams showing the most team spirit and creative spelling skills.

Organizers hope the event will not only raise funds for the school libraries, but provide a fun evening of community fellowship and friendly competition. They are recruiting teams from the school district, businesses, civic organizations, churches, families, and other groups and individuals. Adults and current high school students are invited to participate.

"We'd love to see a team of retirees facing off against a group of cheerleaders or the school librarians challenging the teachers," said Carol Somers, planning committee member. "You don't even have to be a great speller to participate. Getting a word wrong won't sting as much, because you'll be collaborating with three other people. And it's all for a good cause."

Starting at 7 p.m. in the Chesaning Middle School auditorium on Friday, Feb. 22, the bee will include 20 four-person teams who have paid a $50 entrance fee to compete. Teams are encouraged to seek sponsorships from area businesses and civic organizations to cover the entrance fee.

Registration forms are available at Chesaning High School, Chesaning Public Library and the Chesaning Chamber of Commerce office. Checks may be made payable to Chesaning Union Schools (denote Great Grown-up Spelling Bee on check). Registration deadline is February 1.

The event is also in need of business sponsors and volunteers. To support the Great Grown-up Spelling Bee or for more information, contact Carol Somers at (989) 661-2365 or carol.somers@gmail.com.

NL VFW Auxiliary hosts annual Veteran's Day dinner

NEW LOTHROP -- On Sunday, Nov. 11, the Ladies Auxiliary of New Lothrop VFW Post 6579 held their annual Veteran's Day dinner. Over 250 veterans and their families were served a delicious dinner of boneless barbequed ribs (sometimes know as country styled ribs) scalloped potatoes, turkey rolls, baked beans,sauerkraut with polish sausage, cole slaw, rolls and a large variety of cakes, pies, cookies and a fruit salad made and donated by Auxiliary members.

The cooks were first timers Theresa Raleigh (auxiliary treasurer) and Mitch French.

Colonel Victor Kuchar of the U. S. Air Force, stationed at the Pentagon, and a veteran of at least 800 days serving in the Afghanstan and Iraq areas, was the special speaker. Colonel Kuchar had slides and gave an interesting inside look at the Afghanistan people. He pointed out that these people have an entirely different outlook on life than Americans do.

Many of the Afghani tribes have litle or no contact with one another due to the rugged terrain and difficulty of traveling across the country. The people, who live outside the cities, for the most part, are very poor, do not have electricity, proper homes or facilities. Their fuel for heating and cooking consists mainly of animal dung.The country is mountainous through the middle and devoid of vegetation such as grass and trees.

Other guests were the Department of Michigan Commander Sherwood Pea, the Department 1st Vice President of Michigan, Gloria Phelps and her husband, District 9 Senior Vice President James Huver, District 9 Carley Raleigh, (representing the Auxiliary President), Auxiliary President Susan Jacobs of VFW Post 6579, New Lothrop School Superintendent, John Stryker and last but not least, Bill Adams, liasion officer for State Senator Roger Kahn.

Helping in the kitchen and serving were Jeanette Clark (Auxiliary member), Terry Lyn Holden ( husband in Iraq), Corey Delacore, Erica Kies, Geoff Childs, Nicole and Loren Beatty. Many thanks to these young people for their help.