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Ritzenhein takes sixth in World 10,000-meter race
August 27, 2009 · Filed Under Top News Stories · Comment
ROCKFORD STAR—Dathan Ritzenhein in the 2004 Olympic Trials. The Rockford native just placed sixth in the world in a World Championships race and looks forward to his next shot at the Olympics. It will be his third time as an Olympic athlete.
by BETH ALTENA
Former Rockford runner and two-time Olympic athlete Dathan Ritzenhein placed sixth in the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany, in the 10,000-meter race on Monday, August 17.
It is an amazing accomplishment: the fourth-fastest time ever run by an American in the event, the second-fastest ever by a native-born American.
Ritzenhein said after the race he was very happy, and this event is somewhat of a milestone.
“It was tough, but I felt very good and was able to hang in there and run very well. I feel like it was sort of a breakthrough race for me,” he stated.
“What got me so excited is that I closed the gap and made the thought of winning medals at the Olympics and World Championships seem a real possibility. The advance I made over this summer has been dramatic and I am so excited about just being competitive again. I recall in Osaka in ‘07, I was ninth, but I got lapped and was way out of contention. This time I was able to stay in contact, and really hung in there. The race was difficult because we started at a modest pace, but the middle was incredibly fast. I think I averaged 64-second laps for a couple miles.”
Ritzenhein began running at age ten, his father Jerry Ritzenhein said. “He wasn’t very fast at first. He had to work hard and keep working hard. Pretty soon he came into his own.”
Ritzenhein married his high school sweetheart and another Rockford running star, Kalin Toedebusch. They now have a daughter, Addison and reside in Oregon.
Ritzenhein’s father said distance runners peak in their mid-thirties, so Dathan has plenty of career ahead of him. He is hopeful his son will compete again as an Olympic athlete. “This is his life career. He has a long career ahead of him and has an Olympics or two in his future. That’s his hope.”
He also said part of Dathan’s success was the great start he had in Rockford athletics. “He had a great time here in Rockford.”
“The life of a professional distance runner is not always easy,” Ritzenhein commented. “There is a lot of hard work and pressure to perform, it can be monotonous, and there are many setbacks and disappointments. I think I have experienced them all; but the rewards make it all worthwhile.”
Some of Ritzenhein’s achievements in speed throughout his life include the following:
1500m-3:42.99 (2002)
3000m-7:39.03 (2007)
2 mile-8:11.74 (2007)
5000m-13:16.06 (2007)
10,000m-27:35.65 (2006)
Half-Marathon-non-aided: 1:01:35 (2009) aided: 1:01:26 (2006)
Marathon-2:10:00 (2009)
Some of Ritzenhein’s career highlights include:
2009: Runner-up at USA Outdoors in the 10,000m (27:58.59)
Eleventh place at the London Marathon (2:10:00)
2008: Ninth place in the marathon at the Olympic Games (2:11:59)
Third place in the 10,000m at the USA Outdoor Championships (28:31.88)
USA XC Champion
2007: Qualified for Olympics as runner-up in the marathon at the Olympic trials (2:11:06)
Third place at the US XC Championships
Ninth place in the 10,000m at the IAAF World Championships (28:28.59)
2006: Third place in 5000m at the US Outdoor Championship (13:16.61)
Second place in 10,000m at the Stanford Invitational (27:35.65)
Fourth place at the Edinburgh XC
Eleventh place, debut, at the New York City Marathon (2:14:01)
2005: USA 12K XC champion
Sixty-second place at the IAAF World XC Championships
Winner of the Belfast International XC Race
2004: Qualified for Olympics by placing 22nd (injured) at the Olympic Trials (31:13.91)
University of Colorado (2001-2004)
Collegiate PRs:
1500m-3:42.99
3000m-7:50.39
5000m-13:27.77
10,000-27:38.50
2004: Runner-up in the 5000m at the NCAA Outdoors (13:52.13)
2003: NCAA XC Champion (29:14.01)
Big 12 XC Champion
2002: Fourth place in the 5000m at NCAA Outdoors (14:01.02)
Big 12 5000m champion
Fifth place at US XC Championships
Twenty-fourth place at World XC Championships
2001: Fourth place at NCAA Cross Country
Second place at Big 12 XC
Rockford (Mich.) High School (1998-2001)
Prep PRs:
1600m-4:05.9
3200m-8:41.10
5000m-13:44.70
2001: National Scholastic 2-mile champion
Eleventh in the 5,000m at USA Outdoors
2000: Third place at the IAAF World Junior Championships
Second place at US XC Junior Championships
Foot Locker XC champion
1999: Foot Locker XC champion
Despite all he has accomplished in his running career, Ritzenhein is keeping his perspective on what he considers important in life.
He stated, “But even if running were taken away from me, I would still count myself lucky to have my terrific wife, Kalin, my beautiful daughter, Addison, and the opportunity to travel the world as a family.”
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Reading Festival promises fun Saturday
August 27, 2009 · Filed Under Top News Stories · Comment
THE THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO AS MAYOR—Include dressing silly to promote the town’s newest festival, Reading Rocks in Rockford. Mayor Chi Chi Rogers reads with Rockford Rotary president Ramona Hinton. As part of Hinton’s presidency, she came up with this new festival to promote literacy in an active, hands-on way.
Rockford is a town of many talents and a town of many exciting summmer events. This Saturday, August 29, Rockford Rotary combines the two in the newest annual event: Reading Rocks in Rockford.
Reading will be anything but a sedate, solitary pursuit this weekend with active and hands-on activities with a reading theme.
Rockford Rotary has long partnered with Rockford Schools and schools in other countries to promote literacy, international goodwill and even fill hungry bellies. Each Tuesday children in a Dominican Republic School eat breakfast because Rockford Rotary pays for it.
Now, right at home, experience literacy in a variety of venues.
Have breakfast with authors in Krause Memorial Library Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. for just $4. At 9:45 a.m. dress up as your favorite storybook character and enjoy a side walk parade which starts at Rockford City Hall.
Events take place throughout the day all over downtown. More than a dozen authors will visit town and will read and sign books. Signs around town will direct festival attendees to the different events. An outdoor lunch adventure will take place from 11:30 a.m. at Garden Club Park. Bring a lunch or purchase lunch downtown and enjoy Jeff Schatzer and his new book Professor Tuesday’s Awesome Adventure.
All ages will enjoy this chance to celebrate the joy of reading, to meet Rockford athletes, school officials, authors and Rotarians as they read out loud.
Activities begin with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and continue to 3 p.m. Don’t miss this first-time new festival with a literary theme.
1. Jeff Schatzer – main stage
2. Carl Behrend – main stage
3. Sow Hope-One Hen – main stage
4. Nancy Edwards
5. Jean Alicia Elster ( wants to come to Author breakfast)
6. Renee Hand
7. Alan St. Jean
8. Karen Bell-Brege – possibly present as well
9. Kim Cory -
10. Roland Hansen
11. Kenn Vidro
12. Shirley Neitzel
13. Judith Wade
14. Janet Heller
15. Wendy Gager/and an author friend
16. MaryAnn Lesert
Robin Schmidt to display books at Frenz Restaurant
Information about authors:
Judith Wade, Author Eagle, MI email: rileypress@yahoo.com Judith’s website: rileypress.hypermart.net
Books:
Mermaid Dreams (Riley Press, 2005)
The Mermaid’s Gift (Riley Press, 2004)
The Secret of Mermaid Island (Riley Press, 2003)
Kim Delmar Cory, Author Holt, MI email: kcory@lcc.edu Kim’s website: www.kdelmarcory.com
Books [titles are Michigan-based historical novels for grades 4-6]
Home to Mackinac (Mackinac State Historic Parks, May 2006), Michigan based YA Historical Fiction
Charlie Boy (Royal Fireworks Press, 1999)
Lilly’s Way (Royal Fireworks Press, 1998)
Renee Hand, Author Byron, MI e-mail: thecryptocapersseries@gmail.com
Renee’s websites: www.reneeahand.com and http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com
Books (The Crypto-Capers Series):
Book 3: The Legend of the Golden Monkey (North Star Press, fall 2009)
Book 2: The Case of Red Rock Canyon (North Star Press, 2009)
Book 1: The Case of the Missing Sock (North Star Press, 2008)
Jean Alicia Elster, Author Detroit, MI email: author@jeanaliciaelster.com
Jean’s website: www.jeanaliciaelster.com
Books:
Who’s Jim Hines? (Wayne State University Press, 2008), a middle grade novel
I’ll Do the Right Thing (Judson Press, 2003), a picture story book, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell
I’ll Fly My Own Plane (Judson Press, 2002), a picture story book, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell
I Have a Dream, Too! (Judson Press, 2002), a picture story book, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell
Just Call Me Joe Joe (Judson Press, 2001), a picture story book, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell
Shirley Neitzel, Author Grand Rapids, MI email: shirleyneitzel@charter.net
Shirley’s website: www.shirleyneitzel.com
Books [all titles are picture books illustrated by Nancy Winslow Parker unless otherwise noted]
Who Will I Be? A Halloween Rebus Story (Greenwillow, August 2005)
This Is the Ark That Noah Built (Augsburg, May 2004)
Liberty and Justice for All (River Road, 2002), illustrated by Carolyn Stich
Our Class Took a Trip to the Zoo (Greenwillow, 2002)
I’m Not Feeling Well Today (Greenwillow, Spring 2001)
I’m Taking a Trip on My Train (Greenwillow, 1999, ISBN 0688158331)
The House I’ll Build for the Wrens (Greenwillow, 1997, ISBN 0688149731)
We’re Making Breakfast for Mother (Greenwillow, 1997, ISBN 0688145752)
The Bag I’m Taking to Grandma’s (Greenwillow, 1995, ISBN 0688158404)
The Dress I’ll Wear to the Party (Greenwillow, 1995, ISBN 0688142613 )
The Jacket I Wear in the Snow (Greenwillow, 1989, ISBN 0688045871)
From the Land of the White Birch (River Road, 1997, ISBN 093868244X), a storybook of Ojibwa legends illustrated by Daniel Powers
Kenn Vidro 2115 Plymouth Ave., SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 Email: kvidro@rockfordschools.org
Square Pears I, II, III
Tongue Twisters
Pear Pair
Roland Hansen, Author Fenton, MI
Roland’s website: http://www.childrensbooksbyrolandhansen.com/
Books
Email: rlndhansen@yahoo.com
[picture books; all illustrated by Brittany Janay Jackson]
Tim the Cat (English, Spanish, and Arabic editions, GP Publishing, 2007)
Jingle Jangles Smith (GP Publishing, 2008)
Timmy’s Trouble Tale (GP Publishing, 2009, Spanish edition forthcoming)
Life on Happy Pond (GP Publishing, 2009)
Nancy Edwards, Author Port Huron, MI email: nancy_leigh@hotmail.com
Books
Mom for Mayor (Cricket Books, Feb 06), a MG novel
Glenna’s Seeds (Child and Family Press, 2000, ISBN 0878687882), a picture book
Alan St. Jean, Author Battle Creek, MI e-mail: author@alanstjean.com
Alan’s website: www.alanstjean.com
Books
Spooky Mooky, Volume II of the Daydreams Collection (Oren Village, Summer 2008) illustrated by Libby Carruth Krock, picture book
Big Fella, Volume I of the Daydreams Collection (Oren Village, Summer 2008) illustrated by Krock, picture book
Aidan of Oren, Valley of the Dragons (Oren Village, Fall 2007) illustrated by Judith Friedman Nagel, chapter book
Aidan of Oren, The Elf Princess (Oren Village, Spring 2006) illustrated by Nagel, chapter book
Aidan of Oren, The Journey Begins (Moo Press, Spring 2004) illustrated by Nagel, chapter book
Alyssa and the Spider, Volume III of the Daydreams Collection (Oren Village, Summer 2009) illustrated by Libby Carruth Krock, picture book
The Chronicles of Oren (Oren Village, Summer 2010) – Middle/High School Thriller
Karen Bell-Brege, Author Brighton, MI email: mickmorrisinfo@yahoo.com
Karen’s website: www.mickmorris.com
Mick Morris Myth Solver # 4 The Grudge of the Gremlins! (Team B Creative, 2007), illustrated by Darrin Brege
Mick Morris Myth Solver #3 Champ…A Wave of Terror! (Team B Creative, 2006), illustrated by Darrin Brege
Mick Morris Myth Solver #2 Bigfoot…Big Trouble! (Team B Creative, 2006), illustrated by Darrin Brege
Mick Morris Myth Solver #1 All Isn’t Well in Roswell (Team B Creative, 2005), a middle grade novel, illustrated by Darrin Brege
The Chill Art Sketchbook-How to Draw 12 of Your Favorite Chillers Creatures (Audiocraft Publishing, 2005), non-fiction, co-author and illustrator Darrin Brege
Janet Ruth Heller, Author Portage, MI email: janet.heller@wmich.edu
Books
How the Moon Regained her Shape (Sylvan Dell, Feb 2006), a picture book, illustrated by Ben Hodson
Maryann Lesert 524 Plum Wayland, MI 49348
Books
The Best TenMinute Plays of 2007
The Art of the One Act
Published in Voices of Alzheimers
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‘King of Cannonsburg’ seeks successor
August 27, 2009 · Filed Under Top News Stories · Comment
‘I’m keeping the moose’
“If I sold it off in bits and pieces, the synergy goes away. They have to buy it all or nothing,” Don Kurylowicz, long-time business owner in Cannonsburg, has posted his domain for sale.
With an asking price of just under $4.5 million, the properties aren’t for just anyone, and Kurylowicz hopes the right sort of person, or a group of individuals, will keep the tenor of his old-time town.
Despite the high-tech built in—his group of buildings in the village are networked and have security cameras installed nearly everywhere—the village is Kurylowicz’s homage to Americana.
“Meijer and DeVos saved downtown Grand Rapids, but no one is saving these little towns,” Kurylowicz said.
In his late 50s, Kurylowicz said it is time to find someone else with the passion, vision—and stamina—it takes to juggle the many hats he wears in the village. He admits, however, if someone ponies up the asking price, he can’t say no.
“I’d owe the realtors their commission, that would be $450,000,” he said. He listed the property with The Wisinski Group last Thursday, August 20.
This summer Kurylowicz celebrated 25 years in the town, from his first investment in the Honey Creek Inn. He recalled his stubborn efforts to save the historic buildings of the village. The first store was built in 1844 and by 1978 employed seven individuals between its cattle dealer, lumber dealer, shoe and boot store and a hardware.
When Kurylowicz bought the Inn, it was in bad shape. He said the township at that time did not make his efforts to rehab the building easy. He dug in his heels and over the years acquired the other properties—mostly by happenstance—he now lists for sale as one unit.
Over the years he has enjoyed the feeling of rural community that he promotes through festivals and being very active in the community. He believes people crave the social environment fostered by small towns, which sadly are gone or disappearing. He believes the success of the village is because of the caring people there.
Listed are nine parcels, including Honey Creek Inn, Cannonsburg Market and Grist Mill. Kurylowicz said he’s keeping the newest celebrity addition to the town, Ralph the Moose.
Kurylowicz said the listing is only the first step in what might be a long process. Another town he heard of had a similar situation and a group of people formed a non-profit and purchased the properties.
“I have a lot of questions,” he said. “How do you keep the town going with the next generation? It’s not just businesses. It’s the history of the buildings, it’s the whole idea of a small community.”
On reflection of his years with Cannonsburg, Kurylowicz is clear. “It’s been an amazing ride.”
THIS COULD ALL BE YOURS (except the moose)—For $4.5 million. Don Kurylowicz is ready to hand over the reins of his domain, hoping his legacy of small-town preservation will continue.
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Stites earns DNR master angler status
CATCH OF THE WEEK—Carl Stites of Rockford catches a 22.5-inch small-mouth bass on Intermediate Lake in northern Michigan near Bellaire. The fish qualified for master angler status with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, after being measured and released. If you think you have a “Catch of the Week,” send us your photo and information to squiremail@aol.com or drop it off at The Rockford Squire, 331 Northland Drive, Rockford. Print This Story
Open mic brings more music to downtown
August 27, 2009 · Filed Under Top News Stories · Comment
Newly-renovated Garden Club Park has seen more music and free entertainment this summer with Open Mic Wednesdays. Individuals have been invited to show off their talent in song on the stage, located on the banks of the Rogue River on Wednesdays. “This is another way to make use of the stage and setting,” said City Manager Michael Young.Young joined in the show Wednesday, August 19, signing up with friend Jerry Douthett and singer Amanda Jones to offer their version of the Stones’ You Don’t Always Get What You Want and Janis Joplins’ Me and Bobby McGee.
FAMILY AFFAIR—Tim Curry and son Josh, just shy of his third birthday, wowed crowds Wednesday, August 19 during Open Mic at Garden Club Park. Josh, the seventh-generation of the family to live in Rockford, played drums and sang. The pair are pictured with other family members who came along to enjoy the evening
Douthett played guitar, Jones amazed crowds with her vocal talents and Young contributed in song and playing the egg. Jones said she has been singing since she was in Rockford High School choir.
“We’ve been playing at all the major venues,” Young told the crowd. “We’ve played at Sparta, at Harvard and in Smyrna.”
See videos from the evening (NOTE – Files are 8 meg +, please be patient waiting for the downloads):
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