Traverse City Record-Eagle

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  • Stephanie Beach

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June 25, 2012

Northern Notes: Classmate shares graduation spotlight

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B.J. Walters, of Williamsburg, celebrated his 103rd birthday with a party on June 13 at Hope Village. One of the first residents to move into Hope Village, B.J. has made many friends over the years, with nearly 75 of them helping him celebrate. Family members who attended the party included his son, Chuck Walters, of Williamsburg, daughter, Margie McKee, and his grandchildren.

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West Senior High School senior Kristina Wears was excited about graduation and had practiced her part in the ceremony numerous time. But when it came time to receive her diploma, Kristina, who has autism, froze when her name was called, her grandmother Barb Roach said.

A very sweet girl, Danielle Willingham, was generous enough to share the spotlight. Danielle walked over to Kristina, took her arm and walked with her so Kristina could receive her diploma like all the other graduates.

"Sharing her special moment was a very kind thing for Danielle to do," Barb said. "It was just about as good as anything gets."

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Child and Family Services has a long list of thank-yous that includes:

Photographers Alan Newton, Bill Lancaster, Elizabeth Price, Don Rutt, Karen Youker and Sarah Brown who so beautifully captured many of the adoptive families for a 75th anniversary photo display.

Heather Simpson and all the members of the Traverse City Central and St. Francis High School girls' basketball teams for putting together the Hoops for Hope benefit, which raised $3,800 for athletic shoes for children in foster care and for girls at risk.

Angela Schuler and Diana Milock who judged the children's art contest. Diana also generously provided prizes for the winning artists.

Carol and Lance Vernam and everyone who supported Carol as she danced during SwingShift and the Stars last fall. Carol and her dance partner, Mel Kiogima, raised more than $46,000 for Child and Family Services.

Mike Mahn and everyone at Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings for the "Golden" Evening of Style, Color and Comfort that featured the Celebrity DreamRoom Classic with Mayor Mike Estes, Ron Jolly, Brenda Mahn, Bill Marsh, Terri Ray and Raj Wiener doing the designing with the help of Golden-Fowler staff. Entertainment was provided by the West Senior High School String Quartet. Thanks go to everyone who contributed to the atmosphere and the nearly 200 people who attended the fundraiser.

Doug and Nancy Street, the Bayside Bombshells and everyone at Streeters for facilitating the Masquerade Ball to celebrate Mardi Gras and to everyone who attended the event.

Kristin Levesque and Gordon Waggoner of Timber Ridge Resort for another great Suds & Snow event, which will be remembered for a long time by the 400 or so people who braved the snowstorm of the season to participate. Thanks also to American Waste, WKLT, Lighthouse Insurance, the Copy Shop, Morsels, Mackinaw Brewing, Northern Express, Brick Wheels, Red Mesa, TraVino, Schelde's and Mobile Truck Eatery for their support. Special thanks to Celtic Shuttle for staying on the move and on schedule despite the challenging conditions.

"We are grateful for such an outstanding show of support for all of these events," Child and Family Services wrote. "Thanks to our wonderful community!"

Stephanie Beach can be reached at sbeach@record-eagle.com.

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