Edition for Week of October 7, 2013

Sunshine and blue skies…what more could you ask for in October? This is Michigan at its finest, particularly as the leaves start to change colors. All around us is a spectacular burst of yellow, red, orange and even purple. Get outside and enjoy these last moments of beauty, as winter will be here before we know it. And of course get your fill of The Buzz simply by clicking the link below. Enjoy!

MB 10-07-2013

Potter Cemetery Full of Local Stories

Continued from The Monroe Buzz, featured the week of October 7, 2013

When you drive past them, cemeteries look like mere plots of land with squatty buildings and wrought iron fences. People visit them in grief, sometimes huddled in their coats or shielded by umbrellas. No matter the weather or time of day, cemeteries are places to bury the dead, nothing more and nothing less.

Right?

But cemeteries contain stories that, without inspection and introspection, become forgotten. Perhaps this doesn’t sound too devastating, but those stories are the chapters of a community’s history. They tell the sagas of great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, parents, and friends.

They tell the sagas of you.

Whether you do or don’t know the person whose last name springs from a bronze grave marker, you own their story because you are a part of the community. That individual might have once held a door for your ancestor or waged battle to preserve your freedom. He or she may have built a road you drive on or plowed the farmland behind your house.

The concept of community stories is a message the Friends of Potter Cemetery Association wants to impart on residents of Monroe. Potter Cemetery is itself full of narratives that, without the efforts of local residents Mark Armbruster and Sue Donovan paired with Dave Carter of Carter’s Cemetery Preservation, would never have been told. But today, restoration efforts have helped identify many of those buried in the village cemetery.

Eighty-four graves are already documented in the more than one-acre cemetery. An additional 35 spots have been marked by cadaver dogs from Michigan Search & Rescue as potential gravesites. In October, ground penetrating radar will hopefully reveal more information.

But for Mark, Sue and Dave, the number of graves is incidental. What matters is repairing and restoring the cemetery’s headstones so individuals and families who are buried there receive the respect they deserve. Mark Armbruster, president of Friends of Potter Cemetery, feels strongly about protecting village cemeteries.

“Families should care about the conditions of little cemeteries, regardless of how old those cemeteries are or how far away the families live. These monuments are the deceased’s last marks of being here on earth. Years ago, mementos were often lost to fire – photos, maps, family records. Families need to get more involved with these cemeteries to learn all they can about ancestors. There are thousands of these little places just in Michigan. They’re important.”

Part of Mark’s vehemence stems from having several of his own relatives buried in Potter Cemetery. Dave Carter shares this vision and, with a team from his preservation company, is taking each of the cemetery’s headstones and going through the painstaking process of leveling bases, cleaning and repairing markers and pulling them upright.

The first monument Dave fixed belonged to the Manor family. Thanks to a bank of research, including 15 years of work undertaken by Sue, we know that Frederick Manor was a soldier in the Civil War. His daughter Hazel died at one year old. And while such information doesn’t impact our day-to-day activities, it helps us to appreciate and understand the way of life that came before our own.

Roswell Flint was the first resident buried in Potter Cemetery in 1847. Thirteen years later, in 1860, Royal Potter – who lived on Swan Creek – and John Flint – whose parents are buried in Potter Cemetery – each deeded ½ acre of farmland to the cemetery. Their foresight and generosity are even today heralded, more than 150 years later, as clean-up efforts continue.

In addition to repairing broken and crumbling headstones, the Friends of Potter Cemetery Association has also cleared more than 80 trees and battled against plant growth and vegetation. The work is made even more cumbersome in inclement weather, and yet the group forges ahead. “We are so grateful to Dave Carter for what he’s done,” Mark says.
Beside physical labor, the task of handing down history has been accomplished. Royal entered the Civil War when he was 42 years old and later died in Libby Prison. He is now buried in a mass grave in Virginia. However, a stone is erected in his memory in Potter Cemetery, and both of his wives, his four children and his parents are all buried there.

But none of this information would be available to us if the Friends of Potter Cemetery Association did not insist on preserving the cemetery and each of its many stories.

If you would like to get involved with the Association, please email Sue Donovan at cemeterylady1@comcast.net. You can also participate in the Adopt-a-Stone program for a minimum donation of $25. All monies go into the cemetery fund to continue preservation efforts. You will receive documentation on the person whose stone you adopt and can contribute additional monies at any time. More information on this program and the tasks being undertaken at Potter Cemetery is available at Facebook.com/FriendsofPotterCemeteryAssociation.

Friends of Companion Animals “Critters without Litters” Fundraising Party

Our “Critters without Litters” Pawty will take place at Laroy’s Hall, 12375 South Telegraph Road, LaSalle, Michigan on November 16, 2013.

Friends of Companion Animals are a 501c3 non-profit animal welfare organization. Our mission is to spay and neuter animals in Monroe County! We raise all our monies through our re-sale shop and community events. We are a dedicated group of volunteers, that believe together we can make a difference for the companion animals of Monroe County. We assist pet owners with low cost spaying/neutering for their pets. We provide pet food for low income pet owners, and we also feed, trap, transport, and pay for the sterilization of free roaming cats in apartment complexes, hotels, trailer parks, and other public places where free roamers continuously multiply. Our Vision is to have a community free of homeless, unwanted companion animals. Like us on Facebook to see what we are doing in our community!

As you know financial support is extremely important to Friends of Companion Animals, as we rely on donations to provide services to our community that are greatly needed. We need your support to continue our mission. Would you be willing to donate either merchandise or a gift certificate from your business? 100% of all donations go to the animals in our community!

St. Joseph Catholic School Scrapbooking Day

St. Joseph Catholic School Scrapbooking Day – SAVE THE DATE!
2238 Manhattan St. Erie
November 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

$35 registration fee includes 4-foot table space, lunch, dinner, raffle drawings, and tool demonstrations with tools available for use.

Product consultants will be on hand with products available to purchase.

Registration form available at http://www.stjosepherie.com.

For more information, call 419-266-6700.

Monroe Dog Run Fine Art & Memorabilia Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, October 12

Every dog dreams of running, playing and jumping in an open area. Knowing this, a group of pet lovers gathered more than four years ago and conceptualized a dog run for local citizens. Now your help is needed to make this dream a reality.

“When I was on City Council in 2009, I discussed the idea of a dog run with the late Mayor Mark Worrell,” Mary Conner explains. “I learned city plans dating to 2003 revealed that residents wanted an area where their pets could run leash-free. Mayor Worrell and City Council reviewed my proposal and then offered a parcel of property at Munson Park.”

Once the property was secured, Mary teamed with another dog enthusiast – Chris Burkett – and visited a handful of already-established runs. Their travels allowed them to meet plenty of other people who shared personal stories; a Saline couple happily told of how they met at the local dog run, started dating and then married.

Such positive feedback foretold of the benefits in completing a dog run at Munson Park. Not only is ample parking available, but people can easily access it from a well-traveled road that runs alongside the River Raisin.

Fueled with energy, Mary and Chris returned to Monroe and formed a committee. That group has since expanded and plans to hold its first-ever Fine Art & Memorabilia Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, October 12, in the St. Mary Church Parish Life Center. The auction preview begins at 5:30 pm, followed by the live auction at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $25 each and include heavy hors d’oeuvres and one drink each. A wine, beer and soft drink cash bar is available.

“Our biggest need to continue with the dog run is money,” Mary says. “That’s why this fundraiser is so important. We need a fence, quoted at $35,000, to go around the property. Once the fence is in place, we can continue with the next steps.”

Those steps have already been established by the committee’s members and include the development of waste receptacles and a key fob system. The 1.27-acre plot will then be divided into three sections: one for big dogs, another for small dogs and a third for rotation so the grass stays fresh and healthy. The committee also plans to have benches with an attractive tree line installed on the east section.

“Monroe really does need a dog run. Munson Park is the perfect location because families already go there with kids, they might as well bring their dogs, too,” says Mary.

Tickets for the Fine Art Auction can be purchased by calling Chris at (734) 625-1111, Tina at (734) 457-2324, or Mary at (734) 731-1333.

Those interested in attending a meeting of the Monroe Dog Run are invited to the River Park Plaza Community Room the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm. All residents are welcome. To learn more about the committee, please visit monroedogrun.com.

Edition for Week of September 30, 2013

Fall is in the air, and it’s a welcome reprieve after after the uncertain weather of summer. Crisp leaves strewn across the sidewalks, the smell of campfires in the air and trips to the apple orchard. This time of year is full of festivities sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows or sipping warm cider, don’t forget to read The Buzz. We have another issue packed full of local information. Click the link below and enjoy!

MB 09-30-2013

The River Raisin Centre for the Arts presents The Vital Theatre Company in Fancy Nancy: The Musical

The River Raisin Centre for the Arts is excited to welcome The Vital Theatre Company in their production of Fancy Nancy: The Musical. This musical is based on the bestselling book series by Jane O’Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. This performance will take place on Thursday, October 24th, 2013 at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. They are now on sale by stopping by the RRCA at 114 South Monroe Street, calling the box office at (734)-242-7722, or visiting our website at http://www.riverraisincentre.org.

The story of Fancy Nancy: The Musical follows Nancy and her friends Bree, Rhonda, Wanda, and Lionel, who are going to be performing in their very first show, “Deep Sea Dances.” Nancy is positive, that’s fancy for 100 percent sure, that she and Bree will be picked to be mermaids. When another girl wins the coveted role of the mermaid, Nancy is stuck playing a dreary, dull tree. Can Nancy bring fancy flair to her role, even though it isn’t the one she wanted?

The show is geared towards children 2 – 10 years old. Called “a family-friendly production brimming with style and wit” (New York Metro Parents), Fancy Nancy: The Musical has been critically and popularly acclaimed since its opening at Vital Theatre Company in September 2012. The Fancy Nancy Cast Recording won the 2013 Off-Broadway Kids Original Musical CD of the Year.

With book and lyrics by Susan DiLallo, music and lyrics by Danny Abosch, and Direction/Choreography by Sam Viverito, this show is sure to be quite the theatrical experience for youth audiences. The musical adaptation’s creative team includes Scenic Designer Kyle Dixon, Lighting Designer Josh Bradford, Costume Designer Amanda Jenks, and Music Director James Dobinson.

The RRCA strives to provide arts programming for all people in the Monroe community. Our youth are no exception and Fancy Nancy is just the type of show that will inspire and educate.

2013 Custer Week Activities at the Monroe County Historical Museum

During the 15th annual Custer Week held October 7 through 13, 2013 the Monroe County Historical Museum is offering a variety of programs.

In addition to the Monroe County Historical Museum’s regular operating hours (Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays, 12 pm to 5 pm) the museum will be open Monday and Tuesday from 12 pm to 5 pm for visitors to tour the Custer Family Exhibit. For the duration of Custer Week, visitors will be able to take advantage of special discounts on select Custer merchandise in the Monroe County Historical Museum’s gift shop.

On Saturday, October 12 the Friends of the Monroe County Historical Museum are sponsoring two events. At 10 am, local Civil War historian Dave Ingall will conduct a Civil War tour of Woodland Cemetery. The tour is $5 per person and reservations can be made by contacting the museum’s Curator of Collections, Chris Kull, at 734.240.7787. At 2 pm there is a reception followed by “Brother to Brother” a conversation between George Custer reenactor Steve Alexander and Thomas Custer reenactor Gary Stewart.

“We look forward to visitors coming by the Monroe County Historical Museum during Custer Week to see our exhibits. The Friends of the Monroe County Historical Museum, the Monroe County Convention and Tourism Bureau, the Monroe County Historical Society, and Monroe County Library System have once again put together a great slate of programs around the community during Custer Week and we look forward to joining with them in recognizing one of Monroe County’s most notable families,” stated Andrew Clark, Monroe County Historical Museum director.