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Mitchell’s Run, picnic, auction this weekend in Rockford
August 13, 2009 · Filed Under Top News Stories · Comment
MOVING—The opening ceremony for Mitchell's Run Thru Rockford begins with Mitchell and his father Steve and a rendition of the National Anthem. photo by Tom Scott
Annual event has raised over half a million for Project Parent MD
by BETH ALTENA
This weekend area residents—and runners from as far away as Israel, Canada and the United Kingdom—have the chance to be part of something big—and have a great time in downtown Rockford.
The eleventh annual Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, August 15. It is a five K run/walk, but those who don’t care to pound the pavement will still find plenty to do. The day’s events also include a kids run at 9:30 a.m.. a silent auction which ends at 10:30 a.m. and a family picnic held on the banks of the Rogue River at Garden Club park. There will be music, vendor booths and a nice opportunity to enjoy Rockford’s inviting downtown.
Eleven years ago Sandy and Steve Peterson, along with a group of friends, organized the first Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford as a way to raise awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Their son, Mitchell, had recently been diagnosed with the disease. At that time he was only three.
READY, RUN—Runners take off last year. photo by Tom Scott
Now in its eleventh year, the five K run/walk, kids run, silent auction and family picnic has surpassed all expectations and become one of Rockford’s most well-attended annual events.
Last year Mitchell’s Run generated an amazing donation of $74,000 for Project Parent MD, an organization that is working to find a cure for Duchenne. The total puts donations in Mitchell’s name at well over a half million dollars for the ten years. As importantly, the Rockford run has been a leader in educating people about the disease.
“From the beginning it has been as much about education as fund raising,” said Sandy Peterson. She said she’d be surprised if there was a person in Rockford who has not heard of the disease, which strikes only boys and worldwide afflicts one in every 3,500. There is no cure for the disease—yet. “I think people are more likely to know, if they see a boy in a wheelchair, that it might be Duchenne,” Sandy said. Here in West Michigan there are 35 to 50 boys with the disease.
TEAMWORK—These volunteers make Mitchell's Run the well-organized event it is, and has been since year one. Pictured are (front, left to right) Mike Chambon, Leslie Green, Sue Randall. Row two: Sandy Peterson, Mary Seifert. Row three: Michelle Billardello, Diane Boatright, Steve Peterson, David Connor, Rich Moe, Ros Moe, Don Peterson. Not pictured are Mimi Wyatt, Kirsten Stein and Liz Margosian.
The Peterson’s attribute the success of the event to the town, the merchants, the volunteers and the community. “We literally take over their streets and turn them into our own road race,” said Steve. Sandy said that volunteers asking for donations for the silent auction rarely receive a no from the business community. This year’s auction, as in the past, is going to be proof of that generosity. There will be a kayak from Powers Outdoors, a Wii Active, cleaning services, golf packages, Michigan State vs. Penn State football tickets, Michigan vs. Michigan State tickets, a Trek bike, teeth whitening packages, a wide variety of other items. Annually the auction brings in about $8,000.
The Peterson’s say they are proud of the reputation and success of the race. “It was a perfect storm for a premiere road race,” Steve said. The downtown location is just right, the course is nice the City and residents have been more than accommodating. He stated, “Running and Rockford go hand in hand.”
Mitchell’s Run has become a classic in road racing and has steadily drawn more competitive runners over the years. Part of the success comes from having a well-run race, the result of dedicated volunteers who return each year to help and are diligent about details. According to City Manager Michael Young, who runs in the race each year, it shows how much Mitchell has touched the lives of others in Rockford and beyond. “Other organizations have a terrible time coming up with volunteers. Mitchell’s Run literally has a waiting list of people who are willing to step up and help. It’s phenomenal.”
Organizer Mary Seifert said even the kids in Mitchell’s neighborhood also step up and help out. “The Thursday before the race the kids in Mitch’s former neighborhood, Rockford Hills Village, stuff all the race bags. That’s their contribution,” she said. Sandy and Steve said Mitch likes to help out, too. “Now that he’s older, he’s become more involved. At 13, Mitchell looks forward to getting the mail and counting the registrations as they come in. He likes to see how many people are signing up for the event. Last year a record 1,500 runners participated. This year, as of Tuesday, August 11, over 1,000 have pre-registered, up about 300 from the same time last year.
People who come down for the race, the auction or the picnic will enjoy the action and activity. They won’t see the hard work put in to make it all come out well. Volunteers arrange for thirty twenty-pound bags of ice to keep things cool. Other items need to be acquired and in the right place at the right time: watermelons, bananas, bagels, water, vitamin drinks, t-shirts, hot dogs, coffee, bands and port-a-potties. “Everything you see is donated,” said Sandy. Wolverine covers the cost of food, Herman’s Boy donates coffee. “We hate to try to list them all and thank them because there are so many, someone will get left out,” Steve said. Rockford High School bands Half in Control and Tribune play for free.
No matter how big the race gets, the Petersons don’t plan on taking their show elsewhere. “It’s been so good because of the town. We never want to leave downtown Rockford,” said Steve. “We’ll stay until they kick us out.”
The Petersons have no intention of giving up the event any time in the near future. They love that Mitchell feels that Rockford throws a party in his honor each year on the day of the run. Mitchell is excited to see his name in the banner over Ten Mile Road each year. He loves to attend and every year he and his father are side-by-side during the opening ceremonies National Anthem. If he feels up to it, he participates in the race in his wheelchair. “Even if we wanted to give it up, Mitch wouldn’t let us,” said Steve. “He loves it.” To find out more about Mitchell’s Run, visit Mitchellsrun.org.
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Alcohol, speed contributed to early morning crash
August 13, 2009 · Filed Under Top News Stories · Comment
Investigators say alcohol was a factor in a one-car crash that happened just after 2 a.m. the morning of Friday, August 7.
The Kent County Sheriff Department is investigating the accident that occurred on Kies Street west of Myers Lake Avenue. They say a 2006 Chevy Cobalt was traveling eastbound on Kies when it left the roadway and struck a tree.
The driver was Kody Bleich, 21, of Wayland. Bleich was ejected from the vehicle and transported to Spectrum Butterworth by Rockford Ambulance.
The passenger was Devin Vandenheuval, 21, of Rockford. He was pinned in the vehicle and later listed in critical condition at Spectrum Butterworth.
Aeromed was called to the scene but did not transport the either accident victim.
Officer Graham enlisted the assistance of Officer Robinson and Officer Bradley who took several larceny complaints from residents in the Highlands sub-division. The Officers interviewed the six offenders, and were able to solve over twenty car larcenies and one garage breaking and entering. All of the property reported missing was recovered. “The Officers quick action allowed them to clear the cases before some of the victims were aware that their cars had been entered” Chief Jones said.
Five of the youths are juveniles, and will be referred to the Family Court for charges. The other youth, an 18 year old, will be arraigned on the charges on a date yet to be determined. Charges will be Breaking and Entering, Larceny from an Auto and Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property.
Chief Jones asks that everyone be reminded to lock their cars and garage doors at night. “These types of crimes are crimes of opportunity. If we take the opportunity away the thieves will go somewhere else,” Jones said. If you notice something missing from your car, please call the Rockford Police Department. Several recovered items have not yet been reported stolen.
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Six youths arrested in overnight thefts
August 13, 2009 · Filed Under Top News Stories · CommentOfficer tricks suspects with cell phone
Rockford Police Chief Dave Jones reports that officers from the department arrested six youths ranging in ages from 15 to 18 years old for their part in twenty thefts from parked vehicles in the Rockford Highlands subdivision early Thursday morning, August 6, 2009.
Knowing that the City and surrounding townships had experienced car larcenies over the past several days, Officer Graham alertly observed and approached a young man sitting alone in a car parked on Gibraltar Street at about 4:30 a.m. Thursday. Officer Graham questioned the youth as to why he was out so late and the youth told Officer Graham that he was waiting for friends that were out walking. Suspicious that the other youths were breaking into cars, Officer Graham took a creative approach to the investigation and used the young man’s cell phone to call the friends and set up a meeting place. When five other youths arrived at the meeting place, Officer Graham was there to apprehend them.
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Convenience to customers a priority
Salon celebrates 23 years this monthSamuel Grimes, president of Samuel’s Family Haircare, operates his business from his home at 7305 Young Avenue as a convenience to his customers. Many stop by on their way home from work for their hair care needs. Grimes studied marketing and retail and earned a Bachelor of Science in those fields as well as his license in cosmetology. He opened Samuel’s in August of 1986 because he wanted to be his own boss. In 1991 the company was incorporated from a partnership but retained the business name.
With many loyal customers returning over the past 23 years, Grimes also looks forward to new clients discovering his talent and the savings and products Samuel’s offers. More than just a salon, Grimes is able to put his other talents to use for clients. He also offers services such as painting, decorating, refinishing and restoration. The atmosphere of the business is fun and friendly and Grimes enjoys the friendships and relationships built over the years. “It’s been a wonderful experience,” he said of his unique career.
The exclusive Paul Mitchell dealer notes that he refills most products, which can be a substantial savings to customers who rely on quality products to look their best. Samuel’s customers appreciate the personable and upbeat care they receive as well as the convenient location. In 1986 Grimes recognized that his location was growing rapidly and the success of the business over the years proves he was right.
Samuel’s is located at 7305 Young Avenue, in Rockford. The hours are Monday 1 to 7 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The telephone number is (616) 874-9387.
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Scout earns badge
GOOD CITIZEN—Jordyn Thompson, 11, a soon-to-be fifth-grade student at Chandler Woods Charter Academy is pictured with Rockford Fire Chief Mike Reus. Thompson attended the regular Rockford City Council meeting on Monday, August 10, as part of his requirements to earn a Boy Scout merit badge for citizenship. Reus was showing Thompson the City’s newest fire truck, which had been delivered that day and will be in service this week. Print This Story
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