Archive - Sep 30, 2009

Music and art will be the stars of the evening on Sunday, Oct. 4, with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra performance and the celebration of the Community Art Project at Tecumseh Center for the Arts. Broadway and show tunes will highlight the symphony’s program that will coincide with the TCA’s Community Art Project. “We’ve planned a relaxing enjoyable event,” commented TCA Director Johanna Walker, “The TSO is a great orchestra. It’s an honor to have the TSO here as we celebrate our local artists.”
The TCA invited area artists to create flower boxes; the finished creations were displayed all summer in businesses throughout Tecumseh. The collection of art is now displayed in the TCA lobby gallery. The public is invited to stop by to view the 40 unique art pieces that will be auctioned at the conclusion of the Toledo Symphony’s performance on Sunday evening. “We are showcasing the talent of our local artists,” Walker stated, “The TCA is overwhelmed by their talent, support and generosity.”

Sunday’s events begin at 6 p.m. with The Toledo Symphony Orchestra.

The program will feature Broadway music and show tunes under the direction of TSO Resident Conductor Chelsea Tipton, II. In his sixth season with the TSO, Tipton has won over audience and critics alike with his vibrant musicality and versatility. As a sought-after guest conductor, Tipton has appeared with major orchestras across the country, including the Symphony Orchestra’s of Chicago, Pittsburgh, Houston, Detroit, Atlanta and with many other great orchestras.

For the TSO’s selection, A Tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, special guest Keith Hoyt will join the orchestra singing the songs of Frank Sinatra. In addition to the Sinatra show tunes, TSO’s performance will include favorites such as Moon River, music from Broadway shows Guys & Dolls, Carousel and Old Man River.

By CRISTINA TRAPANI-SCOTT
and DEB WUETHRICH

As State of Michigan legislators went into 11th-hour discussions on the
state budget Wednesday, schools throughout the state were bracing for
as much as a $218 cut to per pupil funding, in addition to a proposed
44-percent cut in funds going to Intermediate School Districts and the
elimination of Promise Grants. All three school districts, Tecumseh,
Clinton and Britton-Macon, in the Herald coverage area are sweating out
the final outcome.

“The $218 is going to hurt bad enough, but the 44-percent at the ISD
will also have an effect because we get some funding from them. How
much of an impact? We don’t know,” said Clinton Supt. David Pray.

Clinton Community Schools already is faced with lower than expected
enrollment, even with a record number of Schools of Choice students.
Pray said the school district did anticipate a cut, but only about half
of what the state is proposing. The new figure will mean as much as
$250,000 less revenue for the district. “The bottom line is it’s going
to hurt,” he said. “The thing that hurts most is that it’s a surprise.
The $218 came out of nowhere. We had expected as much as $110, but the
other $108 came out of nowhere. What do we do now when the year is
already one-quarter the way over? Eighty-two percent of our budget is
salary and benefits. We can’t cut people now.”

Britton-Macon Area School could lose up to $135,000, should the cuts be
finalized. “It cuts the heart out of education,” said Supt. Chuck
Pelham. “We are just waiting to see what the numbers are going to be.
Then we’ll examine the impact it will have on our budget and make the
necessary adjustments.”

By CRISTINA TRAPANI-SCOTT

Wilma M. Moore, 76, of Clinton, died Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, in St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born March 23, 1933, in Clinton, the daughter of Clarence and Doris (Socks) Wiedmayer. She was married to James Moore on June 30, 1951, and he survives.

Wilma bowled for many years in the Clinton area and was past president of her league. She enjoyed playing Bunko, sewing, reading, and admiring the beauty of flowers. Wilma was office manager of her sons' horse and livestock businesses. Her greatest joy was her family and grandchildren. She loved babysitting for many families in the area. Wilma was an avid fan of her childrens' and grandchildrens' sporting events.

In addition to her husband, James, Wilma is survived by two sons, Tom Moore of Onsted and Tim Moore of Brooklyn; two daughters, Vicki (Jim) Woodward of Ankeny, Iowa and Lisa (Vic) Brown of Clinton; one sister, Judy (Dan) Semark of Clinton and their daughter, Mindy; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary Margaret and Roger Brooks of Manchester and their sons, Doug and Dale; nine grandchildren, Travis Moore, Reegan Watson, Lindsay Moore, Chelsea Moore, Kristin Neuroth, Shannon Heller, Sadie Brown, Cody Brown, and Paige Moore; and eight great-grandchildren.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents and one sister.
At her request cremation has taken place. A gathering was held on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Clinton Chapel of Handler.  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, at St. James United Church of Christ, on US 12 in Saline, with Pastor David Bucholtz officiating. There will be visitation at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial of her cremated remains will follow in the church cemetery.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.   

Eleanor C. Andrews, 85, of Tecumseh, died Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at Tecumseh Place II.  She was born April 18, 1924, in Bethpage, Tenn., to Hayden and Hallie (Leath) Reed.  On Nov. 8, 1943, in Alabama, she married Robert Andrews and he preceded her in death on March 6, 1989.  Eleanor worked for Ford Motor Company for 25 years at the Rawsonville Plant retiring in 1986.

Eleanor is survived by three sons, Edward (Barbara) Andrews of Saline, Robert (JoAnn) Andrews of Ypsilanti and Michael (Suzann) of Arlington, Wash.; two daughters, Sheila (Joseph) Vasicek of Adrian and Diane (John) Cavill of Belleville; one sister, Sadie Landrum of Woodburn, Ky.; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.  

In addition to her husband, Robert, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; and three sisters.

Funeral services for Eleanor will be held Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, Tecumseh, located at 1448 Short St, with Pastor Brian Jones officiating.  Burial will be in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton, Mich.  
You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomeadriantecumseh.com.  
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee.  Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home, Tecumseh

Paula Jane “Polly” Davidson, 57, of Adrian, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, morning Sept. 27, 2009, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.  She was born to Charles Carr and Flossie Smith on June 30, 1952, at St. Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark.  She married Cleveland Lavern Davidson on July 18, 1975.  
Polly loved going to church at the Salvation Army and reading her Bible.  She also loved going shopping and crocheting.  Polly enjoyed spending time with all of her wonderful family, friends and her precious grandchildren, Krystina, Kaleena, Tavia, Jacob, Gabe, Maddie “Rylee”, Deuce, Haylee and Deacon.  Polly was also a certified Nurses Assistant.

Polly is survived by her husband, Cleve; her children, Hazel “Pebbles” Tribble and Walt Reams of Bono, Ark.,  Christopher and Justine Davidson of Adrian, Mich., Timothy and Kari Davidson of Tipton, and Anthony Davidson of Adrian.  She is also survived by her mother, Flossie Smith; brothers, Eddie, Billy and David; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian with the Reverend Terry Stoddard officiating.  Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9 a.m. until time of funeral service at the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian.

You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomeadriantecumseh.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family or sent to Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian.  Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian.