Anne Stanton
Monday, April 20, 2009
Recycle Ranger: Andy Gale
Features
Recycle Ranger: Andy Gale
Anne Stanton 4/20/09
A skeptical friend of mine strongly suggested that I follow the area recycling trucks back to their plants to see if the bottles, paper and cans were really recycled—or if the trash companies just threw the stuff in the landfill -- ha, ha, and the joke’s on all of us.
She wasn’t going to recycle, she said, until I did an in-depth investigation.
Andy Gale, the owner of Bay Area Recycling for Charities, said that he absolutely guarantees that all the stuff he gets is recycled. And people can actually save money by doing the right thing (meaning I’m off the hook).
Anne Stanton 4/20/09
A skeptical friend of mine strongly suggested that I follow the area recycling trucks back to their plants to see if the bottles, paper and cans were really recycled—or if the trash companies just threw the stuff in the landfill -- ha, ha, and the joke’s on all of us.
She wasn’t going to recycle, she said, until I did an in-depth investigation.
Andy Gale, the owner of Bay Area Recycling for Charities, said that he absolutely guarantees that all the stuff he gets is recycled. And people can actually save money by doing the right thing (meaning I’m off the hook).
Monday, April 20, 2009
Recycle Ranger: Andy Gale
Features
Recycle Ranger: Andy Gale
Anne Stanton 4/20/09
A skeptical friend of mine strongly suggested that I follow the area recycling trucks back to their plants to see if the bottles, paper and cans were really recycled—or if the trash companies just threw the stuff in the landfill -- ha, ha, and the joke’s on all of us.
She wasn’t going to recycle, she said, until I did an in-depth investigation.
Andy Gale, the owner of Bay Area Recycling for Charities, said that he absolutely guarantees that all the stuff he gets is recycled. And people can actually save money by doing the right thing (meaning I’m off the hook).
Anne Stanton 4/20/09
A skeptical friend of mine strongly suggested that I follow the area recycling trucks back to their plants to see if the bottles, paper and cans were really recycled—or if the trash companies just threw the stuff in the landfill -- ha, ha, and the joke’s on all of us.
She wasn’t going to recycle, she said, until I did an in-depth investigation.
Andy Gale, the owner of Bay Area Recycling for Charities, said that he absolutely guarantees that all the stuff he gets is recycled. And people can actually save money by doing the right thing (meaning I’m off the hook).
Monday, April 13, 2009
Economics 101
Features
Economics 101
Anne Stanton 4/13/09
To be honest, Joe Schoonover would prefer not to live frugally, but he has a vision.
It’s called paying off his student loan that he’s now pared down to $65,000. The school loan payment eats up about 60 percent of his monthly take-home pay, which doesn’t leave a whole lot for much else.
That’s why Schoonover, like a lot of college grads, had to ask his grandma for help after graduating a year ago. His grandma lives on Spider Lake and owns one cabin, which she rents out, and another that doesn’t meet rental standards since it lacks a shower. She told Schoonover that he could live in the un-rentable cabin for free in return for doing maintenance and odd jobs on the property.
Anne Stanton 4/13/09
To be honest, Joe Schoonover would prefer not to live frugally, but he has a vision.
It’s called paying off his student loan that he’s now pared down to $65,000. The school loan payment eats up about 60 percent of his monthly take-home pay, which doesn’t leave a whole lot for much else.
That’s why Schoonover, like a lot of college grads, had to ask his grandma for help after graduating a year ago. His grandma lives on Spider Lake and owns one cabin, which she rents out, and another that doesn’t meet rental standards since it lacks a shower. She told Schoonover that he could live in the un-rentable cabin for free in return for doing maintenance and odd jobs on the property.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Most polite... A conversation with Mrs. T
Features
Most Polite
A Conversation with Mrs. T
By Anne Stanton 3/30/09
Our most polite award in this year’s Best of Northern Michigan poll goes to “T” Hanawalt. She actually wasn’t on the ballot, but, quite honestly, she has no competition. Mrs. T, as she goes by, has turned a nook in Building 50 into a picture of gentility—fresh flowers, fine china, and cloth napkins—all in her quest to teach us good manners. As the proprietor of Mrs. T’s Tutorials, her instruction ranges from putting a napkin on your lap to writing a proper thank you note.
Yet Mrs. T (short for a first name she doesn’t care for) isn’t stuffy or judgmental. Instead, she epitomizes the relaxed refinement one can only get from growing up in the South. When she’s not teaching manners, she’s teaching second grade at Pathfinder School, where all of her children wait patiently to be called upon before talking. (Well, most of the time.)
Northern Express asked Mrs. T’s advice on how to soften a bit of our rough edges here in the great white North.
A Conversation with Mrs. T
By Anne Stanton 3/30/09
Our most polite award in this year’s Best of Northern Michigan poll goes to “T” Hanawalt. She actually wasn’t on the ballot, but, quite honestly, she has no competition. Mrs. T, as she goes by, has turned a nook in Building 50 into a picture of gentility—fresh flowers, fine china, and cloth napkins—all in her quest to teach us good manners. As the proprietor of Mrs. T’s Tutorials, her instruction ranges from putting a napkin on your lap to writing a proper thank you note.
Yet Mrs. T (short for a first name she doesn’t care for) isn’t stuffy or judgmental. Instead, she epitomizes the relaxed refinement one can only get from growing up in the South. When she’s not teaching manners, she’s teaching second grade at Pathfinder School, where all of her children wait patiently to be called upon before talking. (Well, most of the time.)
Northern Express asked Mrs. T’s advice on how to soften a bit of our rough edges here in the great white North.
Monday, March 30, 2009
How‘s he doing? President Obama‘s 60-day report card
Features
How’s He Doing?
President Obama’s 60-Day Report Card
By Anne Stanton 3/30/09
Northern Express readers voted President Barack Obama their top choice for “Best Person Who Made a Difference in 2008.” And, let’s be honest, if he can save our country from its deep financial abyss, what word could better describe him than a hero? So how’s he doing after 60 days in office? We called people and asked others on the street to grade the president for his efforts so far.
Here’s what they said.
Grade A
Diana Ketola
Chair of Grand Traverse Democratic Party
I give him 100 percent - he’s trying to follow through on his campaign promises. He has a vision for the United States that includes everyone, not just the elite. I think it’s the right time to address the issue of health care and bring it to a discussion at the national level; it’s a burden for all working families. Bush wouldn’t touch it with a 20-foot pole. Obama isn’t afraid to touch these subjects.
President Obama’s 60-Day Report Card
By Anne Stanton 3/30/09
Northern Express readers voted President Barack Obama their top choice for “Best Person Who Made a Difference in 2008.” And, let’s be honest, if he can save our country from its deep financial abyss, what word could better describe him than a hero? So how’s he doing after 60 days in office? We called people and asked others on the street to grade the president for his efforts so far.
Here’s what they said.
Grade A
Diana Ketola
Chair of Grand Traverse Democratic Party
I give him 100 percent - he’s trying to follow through on his campaign promises. He has a vision for the United States that includes everyone, not just the elite. I think it’s the right time to address the issue of health care and bring it to a discussion at the national level; it’s a burden for all working families. Bush wouldn’t touch it with a 20-foot pole. Obama isn’t afraid to touch these subjects.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Branded for life
Features
Branded for Life
Anne Stanton 3/23/09
This is the last in a series of articles on sex offenders. This week, the Express focuses on the sex offender registry, which publicly lists convicted sex offenders on the Internet.
--------------------------------------------------
Jim is not proud of the fact that five years ago he inappropriately touched his cousin on the outside of her underwear. He had just turned 10 and his cousin was 11. He then threatened to kill her if she told anyone.
His cousin was deeply upset by the experience and still refuses to talk to him. He doesn’t blame her.
Yet Jim, 15, -- whose name has been changed for this article -- has decided to talk publicly about the crime because he was in the fourth grade when it happened. When he turns 18, his name will appear on the public sex offender registry for the rest of his life. The sex offender registry does not reflect when a sex crime was committed. “So anyone looking at this when I’m an adult will think I was a pervert adult having sex with an 11-year-old,” he said.
His case is extreme, but here is the reality for all juveniles: if a youth is convicted or pleads to criminal sexual assault in the first or second degree, he or she will end up on the public sex offender registry list for 25 years, or even for life — long after the youth has completed probation or served his or her sentence.
Anne Stanton 3/23/09
This is the last in a series of articles on sex offenders. This week, the Express focuses on the sex offender registry, which publicly lists convicted sex offenders on the Internet.
--------------------------------------------------
Jim is not proud of the fact that five years ago he inappropriately touched his cousin on the outside of her underwear. He had just turned 10 and his cousin was 11. He then threatened to kill her if she told anyone.
His cousin was deeply upset by the experience and still refuses to talk to him. He doesn’t blame her.
Yet Jim, 15, -- whose name has been changed for this article -- has decided to talk publicly about the crime because he was in the fourth grade when it happened. When he turns 18, his name will appear on the public sex offender registry for the rest of his life. The sex offender registry does not reflect when a sex crime was committed. “So anyone looking at this when I’m an adult will think I was a pervert adult having sex with an 11-year-old,” he said.
His case is extreme, but here is the reality for all juveniles: if a youth is convicted or pleads to criminal sexual assault in the first or second degree, he or she will end up on the public sex offender registry list for 25 years, or even for life — long after the youth has completed probation or served his or her sentence.
Monday, March 16, 2009
From homeless to hopefull...Thomas Humphrey
Features
From homeless to hopefull...Thomas Humphrey
Anne Stanton 3/16/09
Nine years ago, Thomas Humphrey’s luck began to turn south.
First, a relative was sexually assaulted twice by a star football player from a wealthy Traverse City family. The teen was convicted, but received less than a year of jail time.
Humphrey, a roofer in the area for decades, said the assault sent him into a downward spiritual spiral. He lost faith in the judicial system and became despondent.
Then he took on a substantial mortgage -- which he was unable to pay -- and had to foreclose on his home. He declared bankruptcy and was living on the edge when a traumatic head injury clinched his place among the homeless in Traverse City.
“You look around at how pretty this place is and what a nice town it is. People like me are in between all those pretty scenes,” he said.
Humphrey, 48, is no longer homeless. Today he feels strong enough to talk about his ongoing journey from the economic dregs of the city. He is a tall, lanky man with craggy features and reddish hair; he has a rich baritone voice, but often draws a blank when trying to remember something. “I used to be young, but now I’m ancient,” he said, laughing.
Humphrey said he has regained his dignity and self respect, but he’ll never get his memory back. (The dates and details of this article are largely based on the daily journal of his dad, Wade Humphrey.) But at least he has an advocate in Marley Navin, who has also lost her life savings due to the effects of multiple sclerosis.
Anne Stanton 3/16/09
Nine years ago, Thomas Humphrey’s luck began to turn south.
First, a relative was sexually assaulted twice by a star football player from a wealthy Traverse City family. The teen was convicted, but received less than a year of jail time.
Humphrey, a roofer in the area for decades, said the assault sent him into a downward spiritual spiral. He lost faith in the judicial system and became despondent.
Then he took on a substantial mortgage -- which he was unable to pay -- and had to foreclose on his home. He declared bankruptcy and was living on the edge when a traumatic head injury clinched his place among the homeless in Traverse City.
“You look around at how pretty this place is and what a nice town it is. People like me are in between all those pretty scenes,” he said.
Humphrey, 48, is no longer homeless. Today he feels strong enough to talk about his ongoing journey from the economic dregs of the city. He is a tall, lanky man with craggy features and reddish hair; he has a rich baritone voice, but often draws a blank when trying to remember something. “I used to be young, but now I’m ancient,” he said, laughing.
Humphrey said he has regained his dignity and self respect, but he’ll never get his memory back. (The dates and details of this article are largely based on the daily journal of his dad, Wade Humphrey.) But at least he has an advocate in Marley Navin, who has also lost her life savings due to the effects of multiple sclerosis.
Monday, March 9, 2009
How a pedophile slipped through the cracks
Features
How a pedophile slipped through the cracks
Anne Stanton 3/9/09
Last week, Northern Express reported on how a respite worker for the Northwest Child Guidance Center had sexually assaulted a number of boys before he was finally caught and convicted. Yet this guy was trouble—the police knew, the courts knew, and Child Protective Services knew. So how did he get hired? This article explores the answer.
What are the chances that another serial pedophile like Robert Becker could get a job with the local school district or a nonprofit in town?
Actually, pretty good.
That’s because a lot of schools and nonprofits still rely on the same kind of background check that failed in the case of Robert Becker, a serial pedophile who is now in prison for sexually assaulting a young teen boy six years ago and nearly killing a police officer. [See the complete story in last week’s issue: www.northernexpress.com.]
Anne Stanton 3/9/09
Last week, Northern Express reported on how a respite worker for the Northwest Child Guidance Center had sexually assaulted a number of boys before he was finally caught and convicted. Yet this guy was trouble—the police knew, the courts knew, and Child Protective Services knew. So how did he get hired? This article explores the answer.
What are the chances that another serial pedophile like Robert Becker could get a job with the local school district or a nonprofit in town?
Actually, pretty good.
That’s because a lot of schools and nonprofits still rely on the same kind of background check that failed in the case of Robert Becker, a serial pedophile who is now in prison for sexually assaulting a young teen boy six years ago and nearly killing a police officer. [See the complete story in last week’s issue: www.northernexpress.com.]
Monday, March 9, 2009
Religion...no thanks. The first Humanist group forms in Northern Michigan
Features
Religion...no thanks. The first Humanist group forms in Northern Michigan
Anne Stanton 3/9/09
If you don’t believe in God or a supernatural power, can you still live an ethical life?
Members of a relatively new group called the Grand Traverse Humanists think so.
“Some people have the misconception that if you don’t believe in a higher power, you don’t have a moral compass. I don’t have an experience of God or divinity, but I want to do the right thing. I’m just not dependent on a supernatural power to tell me what is right or wrong,” said Heather Kingham, a teacher who recently moved to Traverse City from Portland, Oregon.
“Humanism holds humans responsible for the Earth’s destiny and our destiny. We’re not waiting for God to make it better. It’s up to us to make the world a better place,” Kingham said.
Kingham was wearing a Humanist t-shirt to an interview in the basement of Horizon Books to talk about the new group and its philosophy, which asserts that humans have the ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity—without supernaturalism.
Along with Kingham were Bill Mudget, president of the group, and Joyce Braeuninger. All three say you don’t need religion to live an honest, useful and compassionate life—which they strive to do.
Anne Stanton 3/9/09
If you don’t believe in God or a supernatural power, can you still live an ethical life?
Members of a relatively new group called the Grand Traverse Humanists think so.
“Some people have the misconception that if you don’t believe in a higher power, you don’t have a moral compass. I don’t have an experience of God or divinity, but I want to do the right thing. I’m just not dependent on a supernatural power to tell me what is right or wrong,” said Heather Kingham, a teacher who recently moved to Traverse City from Portland, Oregon.
“Humanism holds humans responsible for the Earth’s destiny and our destiny. We’re not waiting for God to make it better. It’s up to us to make the world a better place,” Kingham said.
Kingham was wearing a Humanist t-shirt to an interview in the basement of Horizon Books to talk about the new group and its philosophy, which asserts that humans have the ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity—without supernaturalism.
Along with Kingham were Bill Mudget, president of the group, and Joyce Braeuninger. All three say you don’t need religion to live an honest, useful and compassionate life—which they strive to do.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Picture This...new tutoring center in TC uses mind maps
Features
Picture This...new tutoring center in TC uses mind maps
Anne Stanton 3/2/09
The mind is a wondrous thing, and even more wondrous when it can picture or visualize a new concept.
That’s the philosophy of Brian Lynch, director of the gleaming icon Learning tutoring center above Cuppa Joe’s in Traverse City’s warehouse district. (Note: the business intentionally spells its name, “icon,” in the lower case.)
The tutoring center opened in January, but a dozen educators across the country have been working for years on developing this new visual learning system. The education team believes that students should be taught the big picture of a particular subject before getting to the details. That way the brain develops an organized matrix of the topic and can fit in events and facts where they make sense and connect to other facts.
Anne Stanton 3/2/09
The mind is a wondrous thing, and even more wondrous when it can picture or visualize a new concept.
That’s the philosophy of Brian Lynch, director of the gleaming icon Learning tutoring center above Cuppa Joe’s in Traverse City’s warehouse district. (Note: the business intentionally spells its name, “icon,” in the lower case.)
The tutoring center opened in January, but a dozen educators across the country have been working for years on developing this new visual learning system. The education team believes that students should be taught the big picture of a particular subject before getting to the details. That way the brain develops an organized matrix of the topic and can fit in events and facts where they make sense and connect to other facts.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Maternity Massage
Features
Maternity Massage
Anne Stanton 3/2/09
Some women love being pregnant—others aren’t so crazy about it. After all, hormones can make you hot and crabby. Your joints get sloppy, your belly gets tight, your feet swell, and the baby throws off your center of gravity, putting pressure on your back, neck and belly muscles.
Anne Stanton 3/2/09
Some women love being pregnant—others aren’t so crazy about it. After all, hormones can make you hot and crabby. Your joints get sloppy, your belly gets tight, your feet swell, and the baby throws off your center of gravity, putting pressure on your back, neck and belly muscles.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Michael‘s Law
Features
Michael‘s Law
Anne Stanton 3/2/09
A handful of dogs were yapping as Michael Garcia opened the door of a shoebox house with a big smile.
Looking at him, you’d never know this slight young man—a happy teen in an oversized orange sweatshirt and camo pants—had suffered so much in his short 19 years.
At the age of 13, Michael was repeatedly blindfolded, tied up and sexually assaulted by Robert Becker, a lonely middle aged man who was employed as a respite worker by the Northwest Michigan Child Guidance Center.
The Child Guidance Center—which was later sold to new owners—did a background check on Becker with the Michigan State Police in Lansing, but failed to check his history with local courts or police.
For that reason, Garcia sued and was awarded last fall an undisclosed sum of money that will pay for his college and therapy, putting some closure to an early and brutal chapter to his childhood.
Anne Stanton 3/2/09
A handful of dogs were yapping as Michael Garcia opened the door of a shoebox house with a big smile.
Looking at him, you’d never know this slight young man—a happy teen in an oversized orange sweatshirt and camo pants—had suffered so much in his short 19 years.
At the age of 13, Michael was repeatedly blindfolded, tied up and sexually assaulted by Robert Becker, a lonely middle aged man who was employed as a respite worker by the Northwest Michigan Child Guidance Center.
The Child Guidance Center—which was later sold to new owners—did a background check on Becker with the Michigan State Police in Lansing, but failed to check his history with local courts or police.
For that reason, Garcia sued and was awarded last fall an undisclosed sum of money that will pay for his college and therapy, putting some closure to an early and brutal chapter to his childhood.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Zumba
Features
Zumba
Anne Stanton 3/2/09
WORK IT…Martha (pronounced Marta) Hubbell was born in Colombia where Zumba all began. A salsa dance champ, Martha now lives in Honor and teaches Zumba, salsa, and fitness dancing in Traverse City and Frankfort. Find her dance schedule at marthadancezumba.com or call her at 231-631-4358.
Anne Stanton 3/2/09
WORK IT…Martha (pronounced Marta) Hubbell was born in Colombia where Zumba all began. A salsa dance champ, Martha now lives in Honor and teaches Zumba, salsa, and fitness dancing in Traverse City and Frankfort. Find her dance schedule at marthadancezumba.com or call her at 231-631-4358.
Monday, February 16, 2009
The cougar controversy
Features
The cougar controversy
Anne Stanton 2/16/09
At 4 a.m. on January 31, Dan Kaizer was at the tail-end of his newspaper route, driving his Chevy Silverado on South Betsie Road near Bendon in Benzie County.
About 100 yards down the road, he saw something walking slowly across the road. He was doing 45 mph, so he gained on the creature quickly. As he slowed down a bit, he figured it was some kind of cat.
“When I got up to about 50, 60 yards away in my high beams, I could see it as plain as day. It was a cougar with a long black tail, jet black, it was crouched down in a prey position, slowly walking. I guarantee he was stalking some deer.
Anne Stanton 2/16/09
At 4 a.m. on January 31, Dan Kaizer was at the tail-end of his newspaper route, driving his Chevy Silverado on South Betsie Road near Bendon in Benzie County.
About 100 yards down the road, he saw something walking slowly across the road. He was doing 45 mph, so he gained on the creature quickly. As he slowed down a bit, he figured it was some kind of cat.
“When I got up to about 50, 60 yards away in my high beams, I could see it as plain as day. It was a cougar with a long black tail, jet black, it was crouched down in a prey position, slowly walking. I guarantee he was stalking some deer.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Computer Cop
Features
Computer Cop
Anne Stanton 2/9/09
Todd Heller doesn’t seem like a scary guy when you first meet him, but this affable detective with a Colombo-style of speaking softly, carries a powerful stick. It’s called software.
Detective Heller is a computer cop and the bane of child pornographers, white collar criminals, e-Bay cheats, credit card thieves—pretty much anyone who commits a crime and has left bytes of evidence on their computer.
Heller is the only full-time computer cop—or what’s technically known as a computer forensics specialist—in Northern Michigan. On the job since 2003, he painstakingly collects evidence from hard drives and passes it onto Noelle Moeggenberg to prosecute.
Anne Stanton 2/9/09
Todd Heller doesn’t seem like a scary guy when you first meet him, but this affable detective with a Colombo-style of speaking softly, carries a powerful stick. It’s called software.
Detective Heller is a computer cop and the bane of child pornographers, white collar criminals, e-Bay cheats, credit card thieves—pretty much anyone who commits a crime and has left bytes of evidence on their computer.
Heller is the only full-time computer cop—or what’s technically known as a computer forensics specialist—in Northern Michigan. On the job since 2003, he painstakingly collects evidence from hard drives and passes it onto Noelle Moeggenberg to prosecute.
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