Photo by Joe Yekulis. Jack Klovski was awarded Knight of the Year.
(Chelsea Update would like to thank Joe Yekulis for the information in this story as well as the photos.)
On Saturday Dec. 1, Chelsea Knights of Columbus Council #3092 held its annual Grand Knight’s Christmas Party and Awards Night following participation in the Chelsea Christmas Parade in support of the St. Mary Parish “Away in the Manger” float.
Grand Knight Ken Klovski handed out service awards to members celebrating membership anniversaries in 2018, and then gave out the highest awards for Knight of the Year and Family of the Year.
Knight of the Year was awarded to his son, Jack Klovski for the many projects he participated in during the year and the amount of support he provided to the council.
The Family of the Year Award was then given to the family of Eric and Julie Swager and their five children: Zebedee, Leo, Karl, Hoyt, and Marie. Not only are they actively involved in the parish, but whenever someone is needed to clean-up after an event from Lenten Fish Fries to parish breakfasts; the Swager family is always there to help.
Photo by Joe Yekulis. The Swager Family was named Knights of Columbus’ Family of the Year.
According to Grand Knight Ken Klovski, “Both Jack and the Eric Swager Family exemplify what is great about the Knights of Columbus. They are men and their families who unselfishly put their faith in action for the benefit of others.”
The Knights of Columbus are a men’s Catholic family fraternal organization founded in 1882 for the purpose of serving people in need and their families.
By Julia Strimer
In 2018, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will celebrate its 70th anniversary.
After World War II, a committee headed by Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a special document, which “declares” the rights that everyone in the world should have—the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The UN adopted the declaration on Dec. 10, 1948.
Since then, December has become known as Universal Human Rights Month and Dec. 10 is Human Rights Day.
The declaration holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s most translated document, in over 500 languages.
The UN has launched a website that gives access to information about the UDHR and actions and events at the click of a mouse. The website features a closer look at each of the 30 articles of the Declaration, as well as a section where you can download UDHR related materials – such as posters, the special commemorative logo and banners.
There are also suggestions for how you can join us to make a difference for stronger respect, greater freedom, and more compassion.
You can “Take Action” to promote, engage and reflect on the UDHR. Article 1 states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/UDHR70.aspx
Courtesy photo. Michigan Classics 12U softball ‘Adopt a Family’ for Christmas.
(Chelsea Update would like to thank Laura Ouellette for the information and photos in this story.)
Michigan Classics 12U softball recently teamed up with the Magic of Xmas program to help local families in need.
The team sponsors children annually by “Adopting a Family.”
This year, the players raised the money needed by washing car windows and opening doors for customers at the local Chelsea Speedway. They raised enough money for all the gifts listed on the children’s wish list. The gifts were then purchased with the generous donations raised from the community.
The team got together again at Stronger Together Country Spirit CrossFit that volunteered a free team workout and the space to wrap the presents together to get them on their way before Christmas.
Michigan Classics softball and the gifts they wrapped for their ‘Adopt a Family.’
The team wants to thank all who supported this effort.
The Michigan Classics softball travel club has five teams ranging from 10U through 16U age groups and is comprised of mostly Chelsea girls and others from nearby towns.
Michigan Classics wishes a safe and happy holiday to all.
(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bob Milbrodt for the information in this story.)
Chelsea Kiwanis will be celebrating the holidays for the next few weeks and will resume its normal Monday evening meetings on Jan. 7.
Among the activities planned are: the club’s Christmas party and a celebration with members of the Chelsea High School Key Club.
Normally, the club meeting begins each Monday at 6:15 p.m. in the St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital cafeteria, and the speakers begin at about 6:45 p.m. Everyone is invited to the club’s meetings to enjoy our speakers and learn about Kiwanis.
Go to www.kiwanisclubofchelsea.org for more information.
Tags: Chelsea Kiwanis Club
(Publisher’s note: I realize that this isn’t taking place in Chelsea but this topic is of interest to a lot of local folks.)
The Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC), the Washtenaw County Health Department, and the City of Ann Arbor will co-host a community information session on PFAS and the health of the Huron River on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7-9 p.m. in the Towsley Auditorium, Morris J Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College.
The session is free and open to everyone. A panel of state, county, city and Huron Watershed Council staff will present information followed by time for audience questions and answers.
PFAS are toxic, synthetic chemicals used to manufacture many common household products. PFAS is an acronym that represents a family of more than 3000 similar contaminants. PFAS have been found throughout Michigan and in the Huron River watershed. PFAS are associated with a number of health risks when they accumulate in the human body over time and when they are highly concentrated in food and water.
Learn more at www.HRWC.org/PFAS and at www.washtenaw.org/pfas.
Tags: Huron River Watershed Council, Washtenaw County Health Department
Courtesy photo. Some of the Craig Highland Dancers.
Courtesy photo. Jennifer Craig Lopez, owner of Craig Highland Dancers.
By Lisa Carolin
Highland dancing is a unique and athletic form of dance that celebrates the Scottish culture. It is Jennifer (Craig) Lopez’s goal to share her passion for highland dancing with the Chelsea area.
That’s why she opened her studio called Craig Highland Dancers in September. It’s located at the Washington Street Education Center in room 404.
“Highland dance is different from most types of dance, and I want everyone to have an opportunity to experience this unique form,” said Craig. “I have found many students who enjoy highland over other traditional styles of dance due to its athletic nature because it requires both strength and stamina.”
Her students have the opportunity to travel all over the world.
“Highland dances are performed individually and were originally performed by the Scottish military as training exercises,” said Craig. “It teaches many valuable life lessons including self-discipline, hard work, and goal setting.”
You don’t need a Scottish background or any particular dance experience to learn Highland dance. Craig welcomes all skill levels and ages.
“Currently, I teach dancers ranging from 4-13 years, but we have new classes starting in January for dancers under 4 (along with a parent), and I encourage all ages through adult to participate in the new beginner classes as well,” she said.
Craig lived most of her life in Chelsea though she recently moved to Rochester, Michigan.
Courtesy photo. Students from Craig Highland Dancers at a competition.
She says Chelsea is a great area for Scottish dance.
“The community also offers many events that our more recreational dancers are able to perform while still being centrally located for the competitive dancers to travel to competitions,” said Craig.
She has been dancing for more than 10 years and is a competitive dancer who has won numerous titles and awards.
To learn more about Craig Highland Dancers, go to https://craighighlanddancers.com.
Tags: dance
By Lisa Carolin
Preparing a presentation for Chelsea City Council was the focus of the Human Rights Commission’s Dec. 5 meeting.
The presentation to City Council will include the breakdown of ages of the 690 people who took the human rights survey. It will also include the geographical makeup of the participants – those from the City of Chelsea as well as those from adjacent and other townships.
The HRC will share some of the top human rights concerns in its presentation as well as what things participants felt Chelsea does well.
The HRC hopes to make its presentation to City Council on Jan. 21.
The HRC meets on the first Wednesday of every month but because there won’t be a quorum on Jan. 2, the HRC will cancel that meeting and hold a work session on Jan. 9. Its next meeting will be on Feb. 6.
There is currently an opening on the HRC, and two of the members of the HRC have terms expiring Feb. 1, 2019.
Anyone interested in applying for a seat on the HRC can learn more at the website http://city-chelsea.org/boards-committees-commissions.
Tags: Human Rights Commission
