Klaire Pillot. Photo by Stephanie Blentlinger, Lingering Memories Photography.
By Mark Blentlinger
The Schoolcraft High School gym was the stage for a battle between the Golden Eagles and Holland Black River Rats. After the freshman and junior varsity played, the two nets were removed, and one net was erected center court for varsity competition. Black River came in with a record of 1-6, beating Bangor. The Eagles entered with a 2-6 record, with wins against Allegan and Gobles.
The first game started slowly, with neither team jumping out to a major lead. Black River liked to play fast, and it took the Eagles a little while to slow the pace and start putting points on the board. Although Black River was able to come back a bit, the Eagles topped them at 25-16. During the second game it looked like the Eagles were firing on all cylinders, being up 15-6. At one point in the game, the Golden Eagles went up 18-7 before Black River made a comeback. The Eagles committed some unforced errors, giving Black River 9 unanswered points and eventually the win for game 2, 25-22.
In game 3 it looked and felt like the advantage was for Black River. The Eagles just could not put a string of points together. Black River ended up taking game 3, 25-17. During game 4, the Eagles were able to take a deep breath and score points, downing Black River and winning game 4, 25-16, forcing a tiebreaker. In a tiebreaker, the first team to 15 wins. After all was over, the visitors from Black River topped the Eagles 15-13 and left with the win.
Varsity Football Front row (left to right): TJ Luteyn, Cody Priest, Brayden Boyes, Evan Feller, Jake Bailey, Landon DeVries, Jaden Reiber Middle row: Gavin Knowlton, Brody Epple, Liam Haines, Gavin Hart, Jack DeVries, Dane Ostlund, Cooper Howard Back row: Coach Ferency, Drew Enright, Tyzjgi Henderson, Cooper Johnson, Nick Tuesley, Ethan Goddard, Jacob Taylor, Coach Arrasmith
JV Football Front row: Carter Bolles, Kris Vargas, Langston Richardson, Kaleb Nishizawa, Leeland Perry Second row: Garett Randall, Ethan Walters, Bishop Hotrum, Tristin VanCleave, Brennan Weaver, Ethan Crider Back row: Coach Dan Devries, Beckett Boyes, Logan Priest, Darian Jacobs, JD Perrin, Saxton Abfall, Coach Brian Devries
Last fall, the Dr. Nathan Thomas House, a historic landmark in Schoolcraft, started a fundraising campaign aimed at preserving its structure. This house, which played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, needed substantial repairs to keep its historical integrity and continue serving as a museum.
The fundraising has neared its goal.
Built in 1835, the house was home to Dr. Thomas, his wife Pamela, and his family, who were active participants in the Underground Railroad. Over a span of 20 years, the house provided shelter, food, and medical aid to over a thousand escaping slaves. The house is now a museum operated by the Schoolcraft Historical Society, offering visitors a glimpse into this pivotal period in American history as well as into the lives of the Thomas family.
The Schoolcraft Historical Society launched the fundraising campaign to address several issues with the house, including the need for roof repair, replacement fencing, energy-efficient window replacements, new weatherproof siding along with minor updates to the interior. The foundation of the house also needed significant attention.
The Society set a goal to raise $95,000 to cover major maintenance and repairs to the house. It’s raised more than $90,000.
The Society thanked the following contributors: the Consumers Energy Foundation, Village of Schoolcraft, Schoolcraft Township, Schoolcraft Schools student fundraising efforts – which raised $2,100, Harding’s Fresh Xpress, Kalamazoo County State Bank, Veterinary Clinic of Schoolcraft, the Kalamazoo Quakers Society of Friends, The Dome and the Brian Devries law office. The Society is grateful to all the individual contributors from across the country who contributed via the campaign’s Go Fund Me site or mailed in their donations.
Thanks to funds already raised, the Dr. Nathan Thomas House has begun the much-needed repairs and is seeking to use locally based services such as Musselman Home Improvements whenever possible. The repairs will not only maintain the structural integrity of the house but also reduce annual maintenance and energy costs. To date, the foundation issues have been addressed, interior painting has begun, replacement windows are being installed, and the new siding is scheduled to be installed this Fall. Fund raising activities continue to complete remaining renovations. You may help bring this campaign to a successful conclusion by mailing a contribution to The Schoolcraft Historical Society, PO Box 451, Schoolcraft, Michigan 49087, or you may access their GoFundMe page here.
The on-going success of this fundraising campaign highlights the community’s commitment to ensuring that later generations are aware of the structure’s role in American history.
My granddaughter, Angel, drove into my drive I was drinking tea at my kitchen table, As always, she said, “Are you ready?” I shouted, “Yes!” thankful I’m still able.
“We’re going to the beach,” she said It’s our favorite destination Though the sky was gloomy and gray We had no procrastination.
The usual route was detoured So the scenic drive was new, Farms, animals and gardens were lovely We reached the beach, but the sky wasn’t blue.
Most sun-bathers had packed up and left So it was easy to park, There was a boardwalk over the sand Raindrops were starting from a cloud, so dark.
Angel said cheerfully, “I have an umbrella!” As we huddled under that protection, A guy walked by with his stuff And she made an instant connection.
“Would you take our picture, please?” The man laughed and replied, “Okay,” They turned out pretty good We were “Singin’ in the Rain” that day.
Then we headed for Clementine’s Shared a club sandwich, we’re a good team, Huddling under that small cover We crossed the street for ice cream.
We browsed in a few gift shops Then happily went on our way, She bought me a bracelet, I won’t forget It was a great, memorable day!
I’m ready for adventure, I confess Never say, “NO,” when it’s easy to say “YES!”
Wednesday, September 4, 6-7 p.m. – Michigan Notable author Susie Finkbeiner. We are excited to welcome Susie Finkbeiner to our library to discuss her book The All American. Please contact the library to register for this event. 679-5959
Wednesday, September 11, 6:30-7:15 p.m. – Friends Meeting
Tuesday, September 17, 9:30-10 a.m. – Tot Time will resume with Miss Roxanne. Ages 18-36 months, with a caregiver. Please register by Sep 14.
Tuesday September 17, 11-11:30 a.m. – Story Time with Miss Roxanne for ages 3-6. Must be potty trained or a parent must attend. The program includes stories, action rhymes, and a take and make craft! Please register by Sep. 14.
Wednesday, September 25 6 p.m. – Board of Trustees Meeting
Anne Marie Clark (left photo) and lead teacher, Amy Desmond (right photo) helped kids learn during summer school.
By Alyssa McMillan
Schoolcraft school trustees discussed a successful summer school program at an August meeting, but were told the district must find new sources of cash to keep it going.
The seven-week program is open to qualifying children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Thanks to a partnership with the Dome, the program has become a unique opportunity for students to spend part of the day learning and growing academically and another part for the children to participate in summer camp activities with others not enrolled in the school part of the program.
One of the few summer school programs with a waiting list, Schoolcraft’s summer school program presents an opportunity for all eligible students—including those who would otherwise be unable to afford a summer camp experience.
For four years, the program has been paid for by money from relief dollars to the school through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the school had to use funds from the state to continue the program in the most recent year. It costs approximately $50,000 to cover costs of transportation, staff, snacks, and spots in summer camps for 25-35 students a week. The district intends to seek new grants or build another section into its budget to keep the summer school program, which is said to have gone “very well” by the program’s lead teacher, Amy Desmond.
Also at the school board meeting, members of the board agreed to allow Schoolcraft ‘s teachers to partner with other nearby districts – Comstock, Galesburg-Augusta, Mattawan, Parchment and Gull Lake – to form a healthcare consortium. The larger group will provide better rates for the districts.
The meeting ended with words of optimism for new hires and heartfelt farewells for Schoolcraft’s outgoing finance director, Kendra Drewyor.
