The petitioner behind a proposed automatic car wash in Vicksburg cleared an initial hurdle last month.
During the village council’s April 15 meeting, municipal officials approved text amendments in support of the proposed development proposed for a site near the southeast corner of Richardson and Vine streets.
Village Manager Jim Mallery said the history of the proposal dates to last summer, when Pat Pearson approached him about the concept. Mallery said he realized the village did not have a zoning classification for a standalone car wash.
He said the proposal required a review of the village’s zoning codes. Mallery concluded Commercial-2 zoning would be the appropriate classification for such a development.
He presented a timeframe for the proposal, indicating potential approval of a special land-use application will appear before the council May 6. That step would be followed by a site plan review by the village Planning Commission May 13.
“If all goes well, the developer would begin turning dirt in June, with anticipation of opening as soon as possible,” Mallery said.
Pearson addressed Planning Commission members during their meeting earlier in the evening. He said he has been in the car wash industry for 30 years.
Pearson said he became aware of the idea for a car wash in Vicksburg after attending one of the ‘Burg Days of Summer weekly events in 2023. Pearson said he sensed a good vibe and later discovered Vicksburg to be a business-friendly community.
“This is a community … willing to help. Hats off to you guys for what you’re doing in this community,” he said, noting he has attempted to keep everything related to the proposed development local. “Our banking, our financing, our builders, electricians, everything we’re trying to do we’re trying to keep it in the area.”
In a separate matter, council members approved construction of a fence along the northern border of the village hall. The 8-foot, white vinyl fence is necessary to provide a visual barrier between the building and residential properties to the north.
Cost is $36,200 and includes five-foot, black fencing to camouflage ground-level HVAC systems by the office. The money will come from the village’s general fund, Mallery said.
Left: Rich and Ronda Modras, winners of the first annual 50/50 Rotary Old Car Fest Drawing in 2022. Right: John and Laurie Brown, 2023 winners.
Help us make more people smile like these lucky winners. And help Rotary Club of Vicksburg (RCV) serve more people in our community!
For the third consecutive year, Rotary Club of Vicksburg is conducting its annual 50/50 drawing. Tickets are on sale now in preparation for the drawing at the June 8 Old Car Festival. Both the original Rotary Club and the new Rotary Impact Club are working hard to sell tickets. They are available at several small businesses in town, including Gilbert and Ivy and Oopsie Daisy. Pre-event tickets can be purchased from any member, and of course, club members will also be on site at the Old Car Fest with tickets for sale. Average winnings have been $4,315, and the prize is expected to increase as people learn that the raffle supports local charitable services in the area.
As you can see from the paid advertising on this page, Rotary currently has two main ways of contributing dollars to the community: First, local fundraisers, like the June 50/50 drawing conducted by club volunteers, and second, by using the spendable from its ever-growing endowment fund at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KCF). Rotary’s scrap metal collection has been in place for almost three years yielding over $36,000. All proceeds from this ongoing collection go directly to KCF to earn interest and keep our spendable account strong. Over $800,000 has been invested in the community since 1954.
During the upcoming year, Rotary Club of Vicksburg is celebrating a century of service to the community with member recruitment and other new community projects. It’s going to be an exciting year! Readers are encouraged to learn more about Rotary and consider joining the traditional club or the Rotary Impact Club to connect with like-minded citizens who care about charitable endeavors and the life of the community! For more information about membership, go to Rotary Club of Vicksburg (www.rotaryclubofvicksburg.org) or contact your favorite Rotarian. You are always welcome at Rotary!
John Long Store – operated at 110 South Main Street 1873-1898. An artist rendering of the updated space is at the right.
By Maggie Snyder, Vicksburg Historical Society
While many of our everyday phrases would sound foreign to our ancestors, one would be quite familiar: “I’m heading into town.” Of course, for our ancestors, the town meant Vicksburg. Shopping, or as the old timers often referred to it, “doing business”, has always provided people with entertainment in addition to the fulfillment of practical needs. From the early days to around 1970 you could find everything you ever needed or wanted right here in Vicksburg – often at multiple locations. Clothing, drug, and grocery stores were especially competitive, and any new offering was met by the public with great anticipation.
When John Long built his new brick “block” of two buildings in 1872 at 110 and 108 South Main, he must have created quite a buzz. Long came here in 1848 and clerked in a general store on the southwest corner of Main and Prairie. He bought out his boss but stayed there until moving into his new location at 110 South Main, an impressive building tastefully ornamented according to the times with brackets under the eaves, fancy brickwork, and curved-top windows.
Long sold drugs – but of course he wasn’t a druggist as we think of them today. He was an apothecary. Apothecaries of the time diagnosed problems, gave advice, and sold both readily available drugs and patent medicines. They also often compounded their own remedies using herbs, minerals, and a lot of yucky stuff like animal parts. Did he have any formal education? Maybe, but probably not. Was he someone’s apprentice? We don’t know. Most drug laws in the U.S. didn’t come into effect till after 1900, so he was free to sell whatever gave his customers relief. Long hedged his bets by also stocking perfume, paint, confectionary, tobacco, stationery, and the all-encompassing notions. On the second floor and extending into his other building to the north was a large open space known as Long’s Hall. Fraternal groups like the Odd Fellows used the hall for meetings and it was the scene of many plays and performances put on by a variety of groups.
John Long died in 1897 and his business was taken over by another druggist/apothecary until 1901, when it became the first of a long line of grocery stores, all of whom have faded from most people’s memories. However, in 1947 Melvin Harding opened Harding’s Market in the old Long building – his second grocery store in what would eventually grow into a large chain of stores. Harding’s moved south into 112 South Main around 1954. The old building was then occupied by a long list of businesses starting with Ken’s Variety, Quality Furniture Liquidators, and the Sugar Shack, among others. It was purchased in 1971 by the owners of Hill’s Pharmacy who moved in from 108 South Main. Hill’s finally closed its doors for good in 2017, after which Paper City Development LLC soon bought the property and renovated the interior for the Cone Top Brewery Museum.
Today, this beautiful example of mid-1800s architecture with so much history within its walls is being restored back to its original look by Paper City LLC. The Museum will continue there until it moves into The Mill. When that happens, the building will revert to its original use and provide another opportunity for retail to flourish once again in Vicksburg.
Dr. David Schriemer’s retirement after 35 years of practice in Vicksburg marks the end of a very special era of medical care in the community.
David began his education in Grand Rapids Public Schools where his dad was personnel director. In 8th grade, he started at Caledonia schools, at that time a rural system, much like Vicksburg Public Schools where “The school was surrounded by corn fields the FFA had planted.” He excelled in academics, loving both language arts and the sciences. Initially, he considered studying law, but felt the most challenged by math.
He earned his associate degree from Grand Rapids Junior College—now Grand Rapids Community College—and transferred to Hope College in pre-med. From there, he graduated from the University of Michigan’s Medical School.
Why family medicine? David mentions the personal touch that family medicine allows in his application to medical school. “The human interaction is the most attractive aspect of medicine. A prominent family physician indicated to me that often the best medicine is a reassuring arm about a patient’s shoulder, showing that you care.”
David also realized that his faith would be best served by family practice, as he indicates in his application: “Christ commanded us to love one another. I take that command very seriously. One of the best ways that I can demonstrate love for my neighbor is through a competent and caring practice of medicine.”
And his rotation with a family practitioner in Manchester sealed the deal. “He had a great small-town practice. He delivered babies. He admitted to the Chelsea Hospital. He made rounds and did some house calls. I realized this is a great gig and what I wanted to do.”
He met his wife, anesthesiologist Dr. Paula (Boigegrain) Schriemer, during his second year of medical school, and they married before they began residency at University of Virginia Hospitals. Both were exceptional students and leaders, and both were selected chief resident in their respective program.
After graduation, Paula looked for a position first, deciding Kalamazoo Anesthesiology was a good fit for her. Then David started looking. He visited two large area practices which didn’t appeal to him. His recruiter took him to meet Dr. Lloyd Appell whom David shadowed for an afternoon. David was impressed by Lloyd’s “understanding of his patients” and his willingness to learn and consider another opinion. “He was really on top of things and was so comfortable in his own skin.”
David stresses how Lloyd helped him build credibility in the practice. “He was careful to support my plans and medical decisions.”
Lloyd says they were “a perfect match. He and I were lucky. We have the same values and approach to patients. One of the best things I ever did was bringing David to Vicksburg. He was made for family medicine.”
During David’s 35 years, he built deep and lasting relationships with generations of families and was “uniquely positioned to make a difference.” These years and connections allowed him to encourage during difficult times.
Pam Stuck Rhoades LPN, who worked beside David for 22 years, says “Dr. Schriemer always made time for every patient, he never had his hand on the door, always sat and listened. Patients were not only patients but friend and family.” That’s part of the joy and sometimes the sorrow of small town family practice. Pam says, “I have watched him break not so good news to a patient and family. He is always respectful and compassionate. He takes the time and answers all the questions. At least in that moment, it was not the end. You felt like you had someone fighting for you.”
Four generations of Andrea Littlefield’s family have been David’s patients since he joined the practice. Andrea and her extended family provided David with many unique cases, including her husband’s diagnosis of leukemia. “I will never forget the phone call from him telling me that my husband’s blood tests results were back and that I needed to get him to the hospital that evening. He was calm, he had a plan and he helped us to navigate a really difficult situation. When my husband was at the University of Michigan Hospital for 87 days having a stem cell transplant, Dr. Schriemer answered all my worried emails and phone calls. He comforted me, reassured me, and gave me hope. I have always felt that if Dr. Schriemer didn’t have the answer he would search until he found it. I can only imagine how many hours he spent researching answers for his patients.”
Many patients and community members have similar sentiments.
The practice changed over the last 35 years. When David began, he and Lloyd were on call every other weekend and several nights during the week. They made rounds at Bronson Vicksburg Hospital and admitted patients. Eventually, the hospital closed, Lloyd retired, and other physicians joined the team. And in 2017, Bronson bought the practice which allowed services to continue in the area because of Bronson’s ability to attract and hire physicians.
As the interview closed, David marveled at the uniqueness of his career and life in this small town where he has not only practiced but lived for 35 years. He recognized the richness of his life and “how wonderfully it all worked out.”
He also appreciates and acknowledges the importance of his marriage to Paula. “Paula has been integral to the Vicksburg practice. She’s always been very supportive and valued what I do locally. She’s also made me a better physician. I endeared myself to the hospital staff in Vicksburg when I had an elderly patient who was not thinking straight, and I was worried about meningitis. I wanted to get a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). I attempted to get it and was unable because of her arthritis. I told the staff that I needed to go home and watch the kids so that Dr. Schriemer could come and attempt a lumbar puncture. Dr. Paula Schriemer did come to the hospital and did successfully get the lumbar puncture.”
In his retirement, David and Paula plan to travel more to see their children who are all pursuing advanced degrees and their granddaughter. He also will continue serving on the Vicksburg Community School Board and The Vicksburg Foundation. “I will miss my interactions with patients,” David says, “but I look forward to the next part of my life journey.”
His patients will miss him, too, but know he will continue to find ways to “love thy neighbor” as a familiar, beloved member of the community.
His family is holding an open house in his honor at R & R, 343 West Prairie Street, Vicksburg, Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 2-5 p.m. with remarks at 3 p.m. No gifts, please, but bring your most memorable written story about Dr. Schriemer’s time in Vicksburg to add to his memory book.
To attend, please RSVP to Paula at schriemerpaula@gmail.com by April 20.
Alyvia Bailey, 2023 graduate and valedictorian at Vicksburg High School, is interning this college semester at the U.S. House of Representatives for Congressman John James from Michigan’s 10th district.
Alyvia’s South County roots run deep; her father and extended family are farmers in the Schoolcraft and Vicksburg area. She participated in sports and clubs during her time in Vicksburg schools. “I can’t thank my family enough for all their support and for always pushing me to set my goals high and work hard to achieve them.”
She also recognizes the impact of Amanda Szczesny, her AP research teacher. “Mrs. Szczesny knew my goals, she pushed me to achieve them, and she believed in me; I will never forget when I showed her my acceptance letter to Georgetown, and we both cried. It felt like a shared success.”
Alyvia is in her second semester at Georgetown University. At Georgetown, she studies political economy, science of history and international politics.
Alyvia has worked hard for her accomplishments and chose Georgetown because she “wanted to be able to witness the processes of the government firsthand.” This internship excites her, and she is surprised by the extent of the experience. “What I didn’t realize was that within my first six months in the nation’s capital I would have the opportunity to be fully immersed in the law-making process on Capitol Hill.
“Working in Representative James’ office has allowed me to see what the lawmaking process is like on a day-to-day basis, which is something that I hope to continue to do throughout my four years here in D.C.”
The Vicksburg District Library has brought back Library Hop for 2024! Stop by the library all month to pick up your passport booklet. Visit the libraries listed in the booklet and have your passport stamped for a chance to win a grand prize basket. The booklet lists programs, events, special collections, and day trips from 10 libraries and library systems in southwestern Michigan.
Adult Events
Book Club for Adults – April 4, May 7 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Discuss a book with the group. Check with the library for this month’s book.
Writers’ Motivational Group – April 25 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Report progress, set goals, share resources and advice, and troubleshoot or brainstorm your projects with other writers.
Movie Club: Featuring the Classics – April 22 from 1-3:30 p.m. Watch a 1958 Hitchcock thriller. Hot drinks provided.
Penny Briscoe Presents “The Purple Martin Story” – April 3 from 6-7 p.m. Penny Briscoe, purple martin landlord for 38 years, teaches what you can do to attract purple martins to your home and effectively manage a colony.
Bonnie Jo Campbell Author Visit – April 30 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join us for an evening with celebrated, local author Bonnie Jo Campbell as we discuss her new release, “The Waters”. Advance registration is required for this no-cost event.
Bridge Club – Join us for our weekly friendly game. Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m.-noon.
Tai Chi Class – Weekly class. The community is welcome. Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. and Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Ladies Library Auxiliary Meeting – April 5, May 3 from 1-3 p.m. in our Lower Level space.
Youth Events
Family Storytime – April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 10-10:45 a.m. Read, sing, and play. Ages 4 and below.
Mugs and Hugs – April 3 and 17 from 10-11 a.m. Stories, rhymes, peer interaction. Ages 4 and below.
STEAM – April 15 from 11 a.m.-noon and April 11 from 6-7 p.m. Ages 5–11+. Engage in hands-on activities inspiring creativity and problem-solving skills.
Lego Club – April 16 from 1-2 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Ages 5–11+. Events have suggested themes, but individual creativity is the goal.
Bulldog Break Time and Teen Break – April 11 and 25 from 2:45-5:45 p.m. Grades 6-12. A safe space for teens and tweens to get together and have fun. Crafts, games, social activities, and tasty treats are for people under 18!
All Ages
View the Eclipse – Come to the Vicksburg District Library and View the 2024 eclipse live! Monday, April 8, 1:45-4:30 p.m. Bring your eclipse glasses and view the eclipse that promises to be the most viewed in history. We will also have a live broadcast in the path of totality inside the library. The next total solar eclipse visible from the continental United States will not occur until 2044, so join us and get ready to stand in the shadow of the moon!
