GHS senior tops in health competition

By Meredith Mayberry Staff Writer Ben VanSlyke is happy about winning first place at the state-wide Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competition through the Genesee Area Skill Center. But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be happier if he won at nationals. VanSlyke, a 17-year-old senior at Goodrich High School, is currently enrolled in forensic […]

Memorial Day observance to feature fly-over, dedication

By Meredith Mayberry Staff Writer Lt. Col. David St. Aubin will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Memorial Day observance in Ortonville. ‘I want to concentrate on what Memorial Day is actually about,? St. Aubin, principal of Goodrich High School, said. ‘Most of the time, people spend the day with family and friends, but […]

Counselor’s impact on school,students not forgotten

Geraldine (Geri) Hammill spent her life preparing students for theirs. After 37 years working in public school systems, thousands of lives owe their successes to her persistence. ‘She always had an emphasis on the kids,? said her husband, DuWayne Hammill. ‘They were what she was there for, and she enjoyed what she was there for.? […]

Keeping cool under pressure

The Ortonville Sewing Club is taking the heat for U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. Taking the heat away from them, that is. The club, which meets at the Edna Burton Senior Center, is currently working on an order of 550 neck coolers for soldiers. ‘We’ve been working since last Tuesday and we’ve got 400 made right […]

Ready to grow at Meadow Brook

Gardening is already considered ‘green.? Laura Kwiatkowski took it a step further. The 21-year-old Brandon High School graduate joined Oakland University’s Summer Student Campus Corps this season. The senior is in charge of Meadow Brook Hall’s landscape sustainability project. ‘I’ve tried to grow organically in my home garden, using no pesticides or artificial fertilizer, but […]

Byte-by-byte

Dust is Dan Miller’s enemy. He fights it every day. And he always wins. Miller cleans and repairs donated computers at the Edna Burton Senior Center. ‘This one’s dusty,? he says, cleaning the inside of a 2001 tower. ‘I can fix that.? The center, located at 345 Ball St., accepts donated computers from the public. […]

Seniors stay fit for life

Staying in shape is not only good for beach bodies. The older a person becomes, the more important it is to stay physically active. At least, that’s what Martha Tooley, program developer at the Edna Burton Senior Center, believes. ‘It’s very important for seniors to exercise,? Tooley said. ‘You can’t just diet, you have to […]

Ocwieja Siena Heights bound

Braelyn Ocwieja has been kicking the idea of collegiate soccer around for as long as she can remember. Siena Heights University has given her a shot. She’s ready to score. The 18-year-old Brandon High School graduate has played soccer since she was four-years-old. When she was seven, she began her travel career with the Vardar […]

American pastime slipping away, kicking and swinging

As far as Max Millard is concerned, everything about soccer is better than baseball. But one thrill on the field overshadows the rest. ‘I like scoring goals,? the 5-year-old Goodrich resident said. ‘I’m good at it.? Millard has played soccer in a church league for the last two years. Baseball has never made it into […]