Mt Pleasant Mi Is My Home

November is Important

2008-10-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

As you know this is a critical election at the National level, but it is also very important right here in Isabella County and especially in Union Township.

Voters in our township have already indicated with their votes in the primary that they want a change. There are many candidates on the ballot whom favor working together with other local officials to identify areas of cooperation that would benefit our township’s quality of life and the amenities we enjoy.

Take a good look at all of the new candidates who are running with the hope of improving local government in our area. In every case, you will find that they are qualified or more qualified than the incumbents.

This is the first time in 40 years that so many Democrats have stepped forward to run for local offices. They all agree that change is needed. Those candidates are committed to making a difference. Now go vote...declare yourself.

Mt Pleasant MI Area Unified

2008-06-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

There is a growing interest among community leaders in the greater Mt Pleasant MI area to work together for the benefit of all area citizens. Looking at the list of new comers whom will have their names on the upcoming August primary for township, county and city ballots, I believe we have a lot of excitement and change to look forward to.

The excitement will come from the campaign discourse and debates between candidates. The exchange of ideas that results will provide an opportunity for all concerned citizens to take a moment or two to consider the topics and come to a conclusion as to where they stand.

Change will result when the newcomers are elected. The change will be positive, I am sure. We will see a more effective, efficient and responsive government. A more unified community will result.

Keep your eyes and ears open for more on this subject.

Tourism Promotion Dollars - Who Should Pay?

2008-04-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

The Convention and Business Bureau for the Mt Pleasant MI area is being threatened by the possibility that the largest member of the coalition may pull its support out of the organization. Each participating hotel organization levies a two percent tax which is passed on to the convention bureau. Labelle Management is reported to own forty percent of the hotel rooms in the Mount Pleasant market. They may decide to withdraw their participation which would financially cripple the bureau.
Labelle's action may be a move to level the playing field. Recently a major hotel, formerly the Holiday Inn, was purchased by the Soaring Eagle Resort division of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The tribe does not participate in the marketing coalition, thus the bureau lost a big chunk of change when the property changed hands. The other hotels in the area pass the two percent cash along to the bureau. If Labelle pulls out, the Mt Pleasant area will loose their travel and tourism marketing arm.
But will that mean an end to tourism? I doubt it. The Soaring Eagle Resort does a lot marketing. We hear their commercial on radio stations through out the state. Billboards along the highways surrounding Mt Pleasant promote concerts and other events coming to the resort. All of that attracts visitors to Mt Pleasant.
Its time for another change. Time for the bureau to close it doors.
What do you think?

Remembering Days at School Section Lake

2008-02-28T17:33:00.000-08:00

Reading an article on the front page the Morning Sun newspaper about the first African-American settlers in Isabella County made me think about School Section Lake. As a boy our family would travel west of Mt Pleasant thirty five miles or so to the lake. Its a small beautiful lake with a large field stone concession building on the east shore. The building was a house or hotel many, many years ago. However in the 1960's is was a very cool concessions building. Inside they sold Schwann's ice cream treats, popcorn, soda, and candy bars. It was a special occasion to go to the lake, swim for hours, and then enjoy an ice cream sandwich and a soda.

Standing to the south of the concession building was and still is a historical marker. The sign describes the early Black settlers of the area. The text reads that Old Settlers came to the park at School Section Lake each summer for a family reunion.

On one quiet, sunny, summer afternoon I stood facing the lake and closed my eyes. I could hear the voices of the children playing, smell the food cooking on the camp stove, and I could picture the large family gatherings from the early part of the 1900's. I remember that moment like it happened today.

I encourage your to take a journey back in time and visit the oldsettlersreunion.com web site soon. Let me know what you discover on your visit.

New Look, New Direction

2008-02-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

The new look of Mt Pleasant.com has been launched and receiving positive critical acclaim. New opportunities are available for local bloggers to link to Mt Pleasant.com. Other features of note include an updated weather feature, new shopping options, and a great photo gallery. Click on the "Entertainment" menu and scroll down to the photo gallery. We are accepting additional photos, please consider submitting your photos today.

The site was redesigned by TyStatic (http://www.tystatic.com/).

Please let us know what you think of the new site. Thank you.

Mayor JJ - is he joking?

2008-01-29T09:53:00.000-08:00

I thought the fever pitch of complaints and positive comments about the posture Mayor Jon Joslin took regarding the proposed body art palor in downtown Mt Pleasant would fade away, like a cheap tattoo. But the issue has really gotten under the skin of area residents.

Two weeks had past and people were still sounding off in the local newspaper. Now more positive comments were being printed. Which opened my eyes to a more honest view of the situation. This is a small town and a local politician (not public servant) is going to massage the system to benefit his or her personal agenda. Not much different that Breckenridge or Lansing.

However, two years ago the Morning Sun wrote in the January 15, 2006 edition that Joslin said one of the mayor's primary responsibilities is to act as the face of the city to other communities and other governments, particularly the state.

Some think its the face of a joker the mayor is wearing. What do you think?

Frank Horning Was A Great Man

2008-01-16T17:37:00.000-08:00

Serving his family and his community was Frank Horning's first goal in life. He wanted to help who ever, when ever and where ever he could. Frank was the number one volunteer at the Broadway Theatre in downtown Mt Pleasant. He could fix the air conditions, sweep the floor, run to the store to get bags of ice for the concesion stand, shovel snow off the front walk, and stuff programs with inserts.

Frank loved his wife, his grand kids, and his church. God took Frank home Monday, January 14, 2008.

He was too young to go home. At only 66 Frank could have contributed so much more to our community. I will remember Frank's good deeds and do all Ican to be as good of a man as Frank Horning.

Another year, a diffferent sort of winter

2008-01-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

"The insects are buzzing back and fourth on the south side of my house." Those were some of the words I used in a December 2006 blog describing the weather out side my house near Mt Pleasant MI. Today, this January day 2008 its a lot different. We have had more snow so far this winter, and the temperatures have not been very pleasing to flying insects. Of course the weather changes often. Today its foggy and the air temperature is above freezing, but not warm enough for the bugs to come back to life.

Dreary weather makes me anticipate the summer. We are going to bring back the ticket give away for Mt Country Music and Mt Rock Music festivals. Full details will be made public in April 2008.

Something new is coming to Mt Pleasant.com. We have been working on a new design for our web site. If all goes well, it will be launched by mid-February. Please return soon see the site. Your comments are always welcome and appreciated.

Still Third Planet From The Sun

2007-11-21T07:20:00.000-08:00

No matter how often I surf the net or physically travel the surface of the earth, I come home to Mt Pleasant to realize this is a great place to live.

I feel safer being "on top of the mountain" in Mt Pleasant MI. The UN continues to publish messages of the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The polar ice cap's seemingly irreplaceable stock of frozen tundra melt more each season. The coastal areas of the planet can expect to see water levels rise as much as four feet. Storm prone areas experience more severe and destructive tempests.

In Mt Pleasant MI i am safer but not fully removed from the probable effects of global warming. We may have less severe changes in weather patterns that impact our daily lives, however we will not escape all the implications of the trapped greenhouse gases. The way each citizen of the planet experiences climate change is a matter of degrees. Michigan, particularly central Michigan will be a better place to live.

Borden Building Mt Pleasant MI

2007-11-11T17:14:00.000-08:00

The Borden Building in downtown Mt Pleasant is being renovated. And its a good thing for the area. Reading the local newspaper editorial pages, I know some people are against the project. But based on the honest interest of a sixteen year old boy, the project is going to be a success.

Each day my son and I drive past the Borden Building renovation site we see the progress being made. He sees the strong one hundred year old roof trusses exposed to 2007 eyes and is amazed the resouces of yesterday's century are today becoming the basis of tommorrow's downtown.

We are looking forward to the day the building reopens.

Community Based Web Resource

2007-08-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

The excitement is growing and the clicks are increasing.

Mt Pleasant.com has crossed the 40k hits per month mark. Hurray!

As a result we are implementing a welcome campaign, attracting political writers, bloggers, video makers, and podcast creators to join our team.

Here is how to get ahold of us: info@mtpleasant.com or mtpleasant.com@hotmail.com
Also visit myspace/mtpleasantmi

See a unique moment in my half million mile travels at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-854257889949349528

Regards, Mike

The Grass is Greener

2007-07-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a secret - The Chartered Township of Union is my real home. Mt Pleasant is my mailing address. Mt Pleasant is the essense of our world here in the near middle of Michigan. Living outside the city limits of Mt Pleasant MI in Union township is wonderful. There is a great sense of freedom. But at the same time, we experience some limitiations. This year residents of Union Township Michigan are under an outside water use ration program.

I was glad to read the notice in early June. What a crazy ritual it is to water the lawn daily so it grows lush and green, then spend hours of time mowing the lawn, gallons of gas powering the mower; pumping pounds of air pollution into the air at the same time. Hold it a minute. I think God wants the grass to be green in the spring and the fall. Its not like the lawn is dead, its dormant. Each summer I have seen the lawn turn yellow and come back green as Ireland in the fall. Its actually a beautiful chain of events.

About thirty percent of the residents in this subdivision don't water their lawns so I am not alone. But in my immediate block, my lawn stands out. But to me its a badge of environmental honor. I want to contact the other non-waterers and have a get together. We could celebrate the earth, the water we are saving the the pollution we are keeping out of the air. We certainly have time to get together. Not like our watering neighbors whom have to spend an hour every couple days mowing the lawn...and one guy has to rake the windrows of grass after he mows. Holy cow.

The grass is greener on the other side of my property line, but I don't care. I celebrate the fact. Join me and reduce your water use. Its one way to make the planet a better place to live.

I have reduced my use of water for lawn care. Here is another secret: I do water my lawn. But not every day. Once a week is about as often as I to it. The main reason water the lawn less frequently is that I want to use less water and protect the planet. Another reason is thatI must drag the sprinkler around. Thank goodness the original owner of this house did not install the underground sprinkler system. I would rather stay away from the tempatation of convenience when it comes to watering the lawn.

What do you think?

Neighborly Fences

2007-06-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

Living near the Mountain…
My house is thirty seven feet from the west side of Mount Pleasant. The back yard fence is on the Union Township/City line. On the surface you would think that circumstance would not be note worthy. And perhaps it is not, but the attitude between some City people and township people are interesting.
Hi my name is Phil and I am a township resident. However I lived in the City limits for eight years before moving to the township.
Of course I had read in the newspaper for years about the tension between the Township and City leaders. It was not until my neighbors’ dogs barked too much that I had a chance to meet the neighbor and experience the “them and us” attitude first hand.
The firs time I met the neighbor to politely express my disapproval of the vocal quality of his dear pets, he was quite taken aback. “I have lived in this house over twenty years. Where your house is used to be a corn field and we did not have any trouble until you people moved in!” You people!
I have only lived in this nine year old house one month. Maybe the previous owners of the house left because of his dogs that were barking, barking, barking when ever both the neighbor’s dogs and the home owner were each in their own back yards.
My explanation that I recently moved into the house did not seem to matter to him. When we did not come to an agreement about the acceptability of the dog that was barking, barking, barking in his back yard, my “friendly” city neighbor said, “You just call your township people and I will contact my City people and have them work something out.” Little did he know I know people on both sides of the fence?
My spouse contacted City hall for me. My first expectation was that the City people would be unable to help, because we live in the Township. Surprise! The City code enforcement person was understanding and contacted our City neighbor about the nuisance, pursuant to the City Code. In a less than a month, a tall privacy fence was built along the fence line. The dogs don’t see us. The dogs don’t bark. I don’t talk to my neighbor anymore.

March in Like a Lion

2007-02-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

My February is fast becoming my March. And my March is going to roar like a lion. One of my bigget projects of 2007, www.mtpleasant.com is going to come alive. I have new partners developing, and new content on the horizon. Visit www.mtpleasant.com often to witness the changes. Please comment at any time.

Regards.

An Odd and Even Day

2007-01-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

The days in Mt Pleasant Mi lately have been odd and even days. I say that because when you look odd & even are numbers, numbers aren't based on reality, but based on themselves; concepts & representations of things.

So, odd & even are a step further in representing a representation of a thing...Great things are happening at the Broadway Theatre - the volunteers have repainted the main floor and the side walls of the house. Se some great pics at www.friendsofthebroadway.org.

Back to odd and even numbers - Consider the number 1 - it's a place holder, for a single quantity of "something"...similar with 2, which is a placeholder for two quantities of the same thing. However, the problem is that you can't have two items that are exactly the same, according to the laws of physics, because they're made up of different sets of atoms. Thus the two objects which make up the "pair" of objects, while close, are not exactly the same.

It takes more than one person to make the Broadway work. It takes dozens and dozens of volunteers. Two volunteers are not the same, they may be similar and have similar interests, but certainly, no two Broadway volunteers are the same.

Volunteers are always welcome. Come join us at the Broadway Theatre in Mt. Pleasant.

More than once is enough

2006-12-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

The winter weather in MtPleasant is not very winter like. Perhaps that is the case where you are. Here in Mt. Pleasant the temperature is warm, the sky is mostly sunny.

I find the weather inviting and perfect for a walk around the sub division. The family dog, we will today call her "C" to protect her identify, enjoys the walk more than I.

The insects are buzzing back and fourth on the south side of my house. If I were a bug, an insect coming alive in December, on the north side of a house in the Mt Pleasant MI area of the planet, my life would be a lot shorter than science would project. Thank God I am a human, walking the earth, preparing the inside of our house for Christmas.

The nativity scene set up on the sofa table in the family room is insect free. Not a true depiction of the birth of Christ, but we love the image of baby Jesus in a stable with wise men, parents, a shepherd and his flock.

Merry Christmas!

Chapter Two Point Five

2006-12-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

I am back from my meal. Granted it was several days ago when I left to go eat dinner, but I am glad to be back. Did you miss me?

Since Chapter One, the publishing committee at MtPleasant.com issued a statement notifying the public of the opportunity to submit creative material. So far the response has been minimal, but its only been a few days. And how many creative-type people are visiting MtPleasant.com anyway?

That is a good question. We know that in November 50 visits a day were logged on our webstats. Not bad for the second full month of operation. In October 2006, the average daily number of visits to MtPleasant.com was just over 30. We are excited about the anticipation for continued growth in the coming months.

What does all that mean for you. I think you can connect the dots.

Contact us Mike Phillips today at MtPleasant.com and join our growing community.

Chapter Two

2006-11-29T18:37:00.001-08:00

Chapter One

2006-11-29T18:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Mt. Pleasant Michigan and welcome to MtPleasant.com. Its not every day that I consider how lucky I am to be living in Mt. Pleasant MI. Some of the obvious reasons that come to mind of course is my family. Numero Uno.

The town has so much that keeps me here. The Broadway Theatre tops this list. I have had so many excelerating experiences at the Broadway in the past three years. The historic stage is one of the most powerful spaces I have ever experienced. Standing on the stage, looking out over the four hundred plus seats, I can almost see the faces of the audiences from a century ago.

Whoa. Its dinner time. Gotta go. I'll be back.