SPftlMGPOftT B 0 1IOAG 4 SONS ' -RV 35^ S' I ..'up Jar, MICH. 112 n i The Lowell I ^dger Volume 36 Issue 50 Serving Lowell Area Readers Since 1893 Wednesday, October 17,2007 Ada boasts biggest tree, Vergennes has most girth by Emma Pa I ova girth, but Ada touting the to promote rural character hile Ada single largest tree. awareness. Township "I think that is "We're educating the boasts W hilarious," said one of the public about the importance the biggest tree located organizers Betty Jo Crosby. of preserving land" said somewhere below the Maybe hilarious, Crosby. "We're always second hill on the Honey but definitely bizarre. looking for projects Creek road, Vergennes has The biggest trees in each to involve the public. the most inches in measured township happen to be Watershed awareness is high girth. willows, one in Fallasburg, on our priority list." The friendly com- the other on Crancreek The townships have petition between the two Drive. recently completed a townships has resulted The contest was photography contest basically in a tie with organized by the Open Space depicting the rural character Vergennes Township beating Preservation Committee of the area. Ada by 1.5 inches in total Annual cook-off features crafty chili concoctions by Emma Pal ova off to an early start in the as their aprons boasted. crisp autumn morning in orels and "Last year we burned round front of Larkin's and the the chili," said Todd. Msteak were Lowell Ledger offices. The Rick Seese made white among the more innovative chili chefs were equipped chili with morels. Most chili ingredients used at the with large pots and cooking entrees sold out, except for annual Larkin's chili cook- devices of all sorts, plus the hot, hot stuff. Beer was off last weekend. all the condiments and flowing at $1 per plastic Although, the traditional cheeses. cup. red fare with chili seasoning John Mika grilled his Some participants and mince prevailed, hot or round steak for a wholesome proudly displayed their mild. Out of 21 entries, Chili delicious chili. "You gotta trophies from previous Dan's red chili grabbed the go lean." he said. years. The annual chili coveted first price with the Guys like Mark Todd, cook-off is a fundraiser to most red tickets received Evert Bek and Mike Trimble benefit local organizations. from gourmand tasters. made Rocky Mountain chili This year, the proceeds will Pictured is one of the bigger trees in Vergennes area decked out for Halloween. The competition got with the taste of Germany, go to the senior center. Community input sought for Wege feasibility study by Emma Pa I ova he community north of Foreman Road if "The land offered will have an the community can come up by the Wege Foundation o p p o r t u n i t y with a plan. T Wege feasibility study, to provide input on the cont'd., pg, 20 recreation needs for the tri- jurisdiction area of Lowell city, Vergennes and Lowell townships on Oct. 25 at 7 n p.m. Lo The meeting is part edge of a series of workshops ultimately leading to a feasibility study. The $35,000 feasibility study will define the community's Winning Ghost Story vision for the use of land that may be donated by ... Page 9 the Wege Foundation. The \ study may also be used to apply for grants. Dog Park & Skating Rink... Page 4 The Wege Foundation has proposed to donate land located on Alden Nash, Soccer Sets Back EGR ... Page 15 Mark Todd, Mike Trimble and Evert Bek made Rocky Mountain chili. to reach out with generous THE LOWELL LEDGER - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2007 PAGE 3 THE LOWELL LEDGER - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17,2007 PAGE 2 BROCKER be held 2 p.m. Saturday, sister, aunt and friend, was and heartfelt acts is a sign Donald W. Brocker, aged 53 October 20 at the American bom in Milwaukee, Wise, "f of God's enduring love. A of Lowell, passed away after Legion in Saranac. on December 22, 1931. She Thebes Players present "Honk! Jr." traditional Latin Mass of the a courageous battle with graduated from Washington Christian Burial was held cancer on Thursday, October DRAIN High School and earned a baccalaureate degree in on Monday at St. Margaret T 11, 2007. He is survived by Joann F. Drain, of Lakeview, nursing from Marquette Mary Catholic Church. his wife of 33 years, Brenda; died peacefully in her home University, where she met Memorial contributions may children, Jennifer (Michael) due to lung cancer on October be made to St. Margaret Mary ALDERINK law, Beverly Overbeck, Allen, Theresa (Jason) 9, 2007. Joann was born on and married Robert E. Church in Mrs. Reagan's Dorothy C. Alderink, 20 grandchildren; 45 great Bialek, Matthew Brocker; September 18th in Lakeview Reagan while they were name. In lieu of flowers, the aged 95, formerly of grandchildren, and 11 grandchildren. Derrick & to John Jr. and Nina 1. Bale. both students. They moved family suggests donations to Elmdale, passed away great-great grandchildren. Cassandra Allen, Nicholas On October 22, 1955, Joann to Lowell in 1953. Carol was a devoted wife and the charity of one's choice in early Friday, October 12, Dorothy enjoyed baking & Ashley Bialek; mother, married Richard L. Drain WITTENBACH / WEGE CENTER mother who showered memory of Carol Reagan. 2007 at Fountain View of pies, sewing, camping Joyce Brocker; 5 brothers, 5 of Edmore. Joann, a life- Hog roast/FFA auction on Sat., Oct. 20, 2 to 6 her unconditional love on Lowell. Dorothy was born in Florida, and camping sisters and many nieces and long resident of Lakeview, p.m. Pork sandwich dinner $5 with auction at 5 p.m. her family, guided by her December 17, 1911 in with the "TTCM", "Hitch nephews. Memorial funeral loved her friends, family SMITH Mammals, tracking, and their behavior hike on Sat., unmatched and devout love Kathleen Shaun "Kitty" Campbell Twp. to Clayton & Go", and the "Golden service were held Monday members, and especially, Oct. 27 and Sun., Oct. 28 from 2 to 3 p.m. with Ranger for God. Her entire adult Smith, aged 67, of Alto, and Bertha (Schwennesen) Agers" travel trailer clubs at the Roth-Gerst Chapel. her three children, who will Steve. Bat Enrich our World Program with Lori Martin life centered on her Catholic passed away on Sunday, Schwab. Dorothy was in Michigan. Dorothy was Memorial contributions may forever love and miss their k on Sat., Oct. 27 at 7 p.m., followed by night hike at 8 faith and her family. Among J preceded in death by her a life-time member of the be made to the American mom. Joann is preceded October 7, 2007, following p.m. at 11715 Vergennes. Questions call 987-1002. many other interests, she J parents; husbands, Wayne Eastern Star, and attended Cancer Society or Hospice in death by her husband, a courageous battle with enjoyed all kinds of music. Weeks and Harold Alderink; the Elmdale Church of the of Michigan. Richard Lee, on December cancer. She was preceded CHRISTMAS She was a member of choirs • sister, Mildred Kloosterman Nazarene. Many thanks to 14,1984; her father, John Jr., in death by her father. Jack THROUGH LOWELL in school and each Catholic Bellows; brothers, Charley the staff at Fountain View BURHANS on September 27, 1970; and F. Smith, Sr. Surviving are Visit Lowell for a unique shopping experience and Joe Schwab; son, church parish of which she her husband of 44 years, for their loving faithfulness Geraldine Marie Burhans her mother, Nina, on August on Nov. 16, 17 & 18. Visit the web site at www. Donald Weeks; stepson, was a member. She enjoyed Owen J. "Jim" Smith; her in caring for Dorothy; Dr. of Lowell, formerly of 4, 1990. Joanne is survived christmasthrough lowell.org. Bruce Alderink; three Mogor for always being by her brothers, David Bale reading to her children and children, Gregory (Sarah) Portland, age 83, passed The Thebes Players will present Honk! Jr at Lowell High School Performing Arts Center (Lowell High School), grandchildren; one great- available; Pastor Freed; of Holland and John Darwin grandchildren and singing in Smith, Jamie (Frank) away on Thursday, October 11700 Vergennes St, SE, Lowell. Honk! Jr is the musical that beat The Lion King out of the Olivier Award, the British TRICK OR TREAT grandchild; and special and Faith Hospice. The Bale of Grand Rapids; her thecaroralong with the radio. Brenner, Eric (Jeanna Wood) 11, 2007. She was born equivalent to the Tony Award. Honk! Jr is a contemporary retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, "The Halloween Trick or Treating in the City of Lowell friend, William Lachniet. funeral was held Tuesday daughter, Jacquelyn Jo Mrs. Reagan was also active Smith; her grandchildren, on December 4, 1923 in Ugly Duckling." Dates of the production are: Friday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 21 will be on Wed., Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Households She is survived by her at the Saranac Community DeJonge of Grand Rapids; in various Catholic church, Allison and Tyler Brenner, Portland, Ml the daughter at 2:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2:30 p.m. Advanced Tickets: General admission is wishing to participate with treats should leave the sister, Beatrice Van Dyke; Church. In lieu of (lowers, son-in law, Thomas; and community, professional Bailey and Alex Smith, of Rudolf and Margaret $8, LAAC members, seniors, and students are $6.