HUDSON CAN BE PROUD OF ITS TREES, such as these flowering beauties at the Hudson Library.  A "Trees for Tomorrow" Committee has formed to encourage the planting of trees to commemorate Hudson's 175th anniversary this year.

Trees for Tomorrow in Hudson

Lee Ann Minton wants to make the 175th Anniversary of Hudson to be remembered for a long time, not just a passing remembrance -- some form of permanent marker for us to mark the passing of a milestone.

Hudson is a very green city, with lots of trees. However, many of them are nearing the end of their life cycle, and over the next few years we will probably be losing more than we want to. So, Ms. Minton's proposal is that for the 175th Anniversary of the city, that 175 new trees be planted around the city. To accomplish that, she, Linda Freeborn and Janet High formed the "Today's Trees for Tomorrow" Committee.

"One of the things that we need to accomplish is to have the right tree in the right place," Ms. Minton said, of her meeting with Adrian Forester Ron Gentry Monday. "For instance, willows or black walnut trees are beautiful, but in town, they just don't work."

Gentry also suggested that it's a good idea to make sure that neighborhoods have a variety of trees. A diversified planting will keep a neighborhood from being denuded if a disease or pest comes along that affects one type of tree, such as the current problem with the Emerald Ash Borer.

If anyone wants to donate a tree to be planted on city property -- parks, boulevards, or the cemetery, the city will plant the tree. Trees on boulevards have to be at least an inch and a half in diameter. "The inch and a half is good," Ms. Minton said of her meeting with Gentry. "Any larger than that is just wasted money."

If you want to plant trees on your own property, you're free to do what you wish, but Ms. Minton said it might be a good idea to check with the city Department of Public Works before planting, to avoid it being a problem in the future.

A discount program for trees will be available through Bean Creek Garden Center.

Mike Shadbolt has a tractor and auger, and has offered to help anyone who wants to place a tree on private property.

It's recommended if you plant a tree this spring that it be in the ground by June 10, so that it has a good chance to survive the summer.

The Today's Trees for Tomorrow Committee suggests that families may wish to create a planting of "Family Heritage Trees" during the actual festival celebration next September. A plaque or marker could be attached to denote the dedication.

Ms. Minton asks residents to register their 175th anniversary trees. This can be done at the city office, at Bean Creek Garden Center, or by calling Ms. Minton at 448-6091. Also, a digital photo of the tree is requested, so it can be saved for the city's 200th anniversary. Ms. Minton will take a photo of the tree if you wish.

It's also hoped that people will help maintain the trees by contributing to an endowment fund for their care.

For further information on the Trees for Tomorrow program, contact Ms. Minton at the above number.

Family Researchers to Meet in Hudson

Lenawee County Family Researchers will meet on Tuesday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at the Hudson Museum, 219 W. Main St., Hudson, MI.  Hazel Pray Monahan, Curator, will speak on researching and writing a book with Martin Bertera, “Cleaning Up the Muss, The Civil War Letters of Surgeon David P. Chamberlin to the Hudson Gazette Newspaper.”  Monahan will also discuss the wide holdings of the museum, which include military, school, dental, nature, Girl Scout, nature, and local history items.

The evening is open to the public.  Visitors will be able to tour the museum after the talk.  The stairs are equipped with a chair lift for anyone who needs it.  For more information, call Paula at 517-467-7522 or visit our website at http://geocities.com/genieyorks/LenCoFamRes.html.

Animal Rescue

Fire Chiefs who are members of the Lenawee County Fire Chiefs Association on Thursday  will receive animal rescue oxygen masks at the Clayton Fire Department.  Mask kits will be presented and fire department personnel will demonstrate how the masks are used on their canine friends.

It is estimated that in 2006, more than 40,000 pets died in fires; most succumbed to smoke inhalation. In most states, emergency responders are unequipped to deal with the crisis. The donation of these specially-designed and potentially lifesaving Animal Oxygen Mask sets will enable first responders to efficiently administer oxygen to a stricken animal.

This donation was made possible by Invisible Fence® Brand whose commitment to pet safety extends beyond electronic pet containment by funding deserving projects that help to save the lives of pets.

Friends of Library Book Sale

The Friends of the Hudson Public Library will be having their annual Spring Book Sale on May 8, 9 and 10. It will be at 307 W. Main St., and will be open on Thursday, 10 AM to 6 PM, Friday 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM. Bag sale will be on Saturday, $3.00 for a bag of good books. Donations can be dropped off at the back door of the Library, or you may call 448-3801 to make other arrangements.

Flag Sunday

Flag Sunday will be May 4 at 8 AM, at the Maple Grove entrance to Maple Grove Cemetery. Legion members and friends are asked to give of their time to place flags on military gravesites. Breakfast to follow at American Legion Post Home.

TDS Announces DSL Availability in Clayton

TDS announces DSL service is now available in Clayton, Mich. TDS will offer speed ranging from 768 Kbps to 3 Mbps.

“We’re excited to be able to finally make this announcement,” says Mark Neistat, market manager for TDS. “Our Clayton customers have been waiting patiently for access to TDS’ high-speed Internet service; they needn’t wait another minute.”

TDS’ new DSL service is available to businesses and residences throughout the community. The residential introductory pricing for 3 Mbps Internet service is $14.95 for the first six months; regular price is $49.95/month. Speeds of 768 Kbps and 1.5 Mbps are also available for $29.95/month and $39.95/month, respectively. For businesses, speeds of 768 Kbps, 1.5 Mbps and 3 Mbps are also available; prices begin at $49/month.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Lines) - also known as high-speed Internet - allows subscribers to be on the phone and the net at the same time. When compared to dial-up, DSL also offers quicker downloads, faster speeds, and a better overall Internet experience.

According to the Internet World Stats, the United States has more than 66 million Internet broadband subscribers; worldwide, the number of DSL subscribers jumps over 304 million.

High-speed Internet DSL is a distance sensitive technology and speeds may vary. Therefore this service may not be available to all TDS customers in Clayton. Customers interested in finding out if TDS’ DSL service is available to their home should call TDS at 1-888-CALL-TDS.

Awareness to Domestic Violence

RICHIE WHEATON wants to bring awareness to domestic violence, and wants you to purchase a "Pretty Things" T-shirt to support their softball team. Domestic violence is no laughing matter. It can hit anyone; people can fight over money and children. Alcohol is also a factor. Stop domestic violence by bringing awareness to the community. The shirts are on sale at the Market House.

Studying the Civil War

SACRED HEART SCHOOL'S fifth grade class is studying the Civil War, and they were fortunate enough to have two of their very own students who participate in Civil War re-enactments throughout the summer. Montgomery and Vena Hall, with their grandparents Elden and Brenda Cattell will be participating in a re-enactment in Gettysburg this summer. The entire school had the opportunity to learn about the weapons, tactic and maneuvers that were used during the Civil War when the family put on a special presentation on Monday.

Science is Egg-citing!!!

Second Grade Brownie Girl Scout Troop 180 (Helping Hands for Hudson) held an Egg Drop during their meeting last week. This activity completes the Science in Action Brownie Try-It badge that the girls have been working on.

With the help of her family, the girls filled a half-gallon milk or juice carton with a material so that a fresh egg placed inside would be protected and survive the fall from the roof of Sacred Heart School. The girls used many different materials to protect their eggs including hamburger buns, fabric, newspaper, cereal and marshmallows.

Police Chief Charles Weir was our Official Egg Dropper and he carefully dropped each container onto a bull’s-eye drawn onto the asphalt. The dropped containers were opened to check the outcome of each egg and any unbroken eggs were broken to verify that they are uncooked. Surprisingly, many eggs survived the 38-foot plummet.

Troop Leaders Kris Eschedor and Dianna Davis and the Brownies of Troop 180 would like to again thank Chief Weir and Angela Johnston, Principal of Sacred Heart School, for their continued support of our Troop!

Dr Dan Spencer Attended Fund Raiser 

Dr. Dan Spencer attended a fundraiser in Hillsdale on April 22 for Chief Justice Taylor.  He was able to speak with Representative Caswell and the justices about chiropractic healthcare and specifically about Michigan House Bill 5759, the Patient Services Restoration Act.  This bill would allow Doctors of Chiropractic to practice in this state as they are trained and educated.  It would allow patients more choices in the types of care they receive, and several studies show that overall healthcare costs would actually decrease. Shown are  (L to R):  Dr. Kevin Walton, Lucille Taylor (wife of Justice Clifford Taylor), Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Clifford Taylor, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Young and Dr. Dan Spencer.

Hudson Woman's Club May Party

The officers of the Hudson Woman's Club will be holding a Spring Luncheon for members on May 13th at 1:00 PM at Karen's Uptown Kafe. RSVP to Betty Camp or Kathy Hepker. The 115 year old club will resume meetings in September.

April Senior of the Month - Andrew Osborne

KIWANIAN (and father) Mike Osborne presents the Kiwanis Senior of the Month award to Andrew Osborne.

The April Senior of the Month from Hudson High is Andrew Osborne.

A student council representative throughout high school and a member of the National Honor Society since his sophomore year, Andrew enjoys sports and music.

Andrew played in the Hudson High band since the 9th grade, and participated in baseball, basketball and football to his senior year.

Andrew volunteered as a Lunch Buddy in his sophomore, junior year and senior year and is a member of the bowling club this year. He had a lead role in this year’s All School Play “Beauty and the Beast”.

As a high school student, he has been active in his church’s youth group and joined its Church Praise Band in the 10th grade.

Andrew plans to attend Concordia College in Ann Arbor and will study Family Life Ministry.

He is the son of Michael and Nancy Osborne of Hudson.

Congratulations Andrew, April senior of the month.

Glimpses of the Way it Was in Hudson

• Glen Tracy, Walter Spalding, and
  Post-Gazette editor and publisher Stanley Stone.

• The old Thompson Field, located near the corner
  of West and Willow Streets. 

• Glen Tracy at the easel.

Hudson’s Traveling Artist Sketches a Familiar View

By Ray Lennard

Did you know that Hudson was the home of a world famous artist?  Glen Tracy was born in Hudson on January 24, 1883.  At the age of 16, Tracy would begin to study with Frank Duveneck at the renown Art Academy of Cincinnati.  Glen Tracy’s first major work came in 1924, when he was commissioned to produce six full page illustrations for the book “Aucassin and Nicolete”.  This was the first publication for the Flueuron Press of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the edition was limited to 500 numbered copies.  Demand for his work caught on quickly and within a few months Tracy could boast of major art exhibits in Cincinnati, Detroit, and New Orleans.

Tracy enjoyed travel and his work.  In the June 26, 1925 edition of the “Hudson Post Gazette” an article entitled “Tracy Art Exhibit Will Be Shown” recounted Tracy’s career to that point:

"Since leaving Hudson…Mr. Tracy’s travels have taken him to nearly every interesting place in North America and his adventures have been many and varied.  Like most men who travel extensively he has learned the art of seeing much and saying little and it is only when the flickering light of a camp-fire plays gently on the faces of one or two intimate friends that he can be induced to relate his real thrillers.  He numbers among his many friends Jack London, T. G. Stribling, Hendricks and many other talented story tellers with whom he has shared many an exciting experience".

The article went on to say Tracy had produced paintings in Colorado, Florida, New York, and North Carolina; as well as in Canada and Cuba! 

The sketches and paintings that drew rave reviews at the Hudson show were the home-town sketches and oils.  Two scenes from the Round Lake area caught the attention of the Post-Gazette editor.  The sketch of the “Village Blacksmith” identified Arthur Wheeler of Geneva as the model for the original work.

Tracy captured the city landmark, Thompson Field.  The original sketch resides in the collection of the William G. Thompson House Museum.  On the back of the frame, William G. Thompson recounted the history of Thompson Field:

"This is a representation of Thompson Field, given to the City of Hudson by G. I. Thompson and his son, W. R. Thompson in 1921.

"The old North Branch School on top of the hill, on West Street,  Hudson, Mich and former location of DeGolyer Post, GAR, was converted into showers and dressing rooms for the athletes.  The grandstand was roofed over, and had screening in front of it.

"A professional baseball team was subsidized during the 1920’s, and games played regularly.  There were tennis courts, baseball field and football field and concession stands on top of the hill.  There was an iron entrance gate with arched block wood name over the top with the name Thompson Field in gold letters, resting on top of two stone surmounted brick gate posts. (Part of this gate still stands off the end of Willow Street). The field was completely fenced in, and during games canvas was stretched along the inside of the fence to bar viewers from the street.  There was a ticket booth by the gate.

"The fences around the outfield were lined with painted wood advertising sign boards placed there by local business men as was the custom of the times.  The games attracted large crowds of fans and were very popular with the public, especially since Hudson has always been a sports minded town."

For several years, Tracy traveled with the circus and honed his skills as an illustrator and painter while focusing on circus scenes and performers.  In 1951 he and his wife Mimi moved to Florida to be closer to the circuses and to the major tent art shows which set up in the warm climate.  Glen Tracy passed away in Sarasota, Florida in April of 1956. 

With Hudson celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, the Bean Creek Festival Committee looks back at some of the people, places, and events that have made Hudson the place it is today.

Sports Physical Clinic for 2008-2009 Students

A Sports Physical Clinic for 2008-09 School Year for area students going in to 7th through 12th grade will be held at the office of Jonna L. Schmidt, M.D., 458 Cross Street, Hudson, MI  49247, (In Thorn Hospital), 517-448-8918, http://jonnaschmidtmd.com

Orthopedic examinations will be provided by Gary Gray Physical Therapy. The clinic will be Wednesday, May 14, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Thursday, May 15, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. It will be done on a walk in basis~first come, first served. No insurance claims will be filed, and no appointments given. The cost is $15.00 cash up front.

Methods of payment include:  Cash, Check made out to Jonna Schmidt, M.D., Mastercard, or Visa credit or debit.

Come with your sports physical form filled out completely and signed by your parent or guardian, and payment of $15.00. No physical will be performed without signed physical form by parent/guardian and payment of $15.00. Obtain your physical form from your School Athletic Office or download it at http://jonnaschmidtmd.com.

The $15.00 fee is a special, reduced fee for May 14, 2008 and May 15, 2008 only.  Our regular fee of $35.00 will be charged for any sports physical not done at this clinic.  If you do not have your physical form properly completed and your money paid when you are called, you will be sent to the back of the line.

                                     To Index