Yearbook staff earns top honors
GRAND BLANC — The 2006-07 Grand Blanc High School yearbook staff earned top honors in both national and statewide student journalism competitions.

The 75th volume of the award-winning Echo was named Now You See IT, and also recognized for excellence by several organizations. Columbia Scholastic Press Association awarded the yearbook the Gold Crown award in the national competition.

The National Scholastic Press Association awarded the yearbook the All American award in the national competition. The Michigan Scholastic Press Association awarded it the Spartan Award in the statewide competition. — N.B.

Center changes
van schedule
GRAND BLANC — The Grand Blanc Activity Center, 12632 Pagels Dr., changed its van schedule. The van will run 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For safety concerns, the bus needs to be back at the Center by 4 p.m. to coincide with Senior Center hours. Seniors who need a ride after 4 p.m. can call Your Ride at 810-780-8960. — N.B.

Donate instruments
GOODRICH — The Goodrich Music Boosters are looking for donations of used instruments to help beginning students.

People can donate and receive tax deduction forms from the music department. To obtain the forms contact either, Chris Hall at the middle school or Aaron Orkisz at the high school.

The middle school band is starting a new program called Smartmusic. The computer-based program gives students online instructions, allowing students to individualize assignments and practice time away from the classroom. Smartmusic gives direct feedback to the student, allowing recording, tuning, group rehearsal and more features promoting quicker learning. Program cost is $25 per student.

If anyone would like to help out, contact Hall or Orkisz.
For contact information, visit the Goodrich Area Schools website at www.goodrich.k12.mi.us. — K.G.

Halloween Extravaganza
FLINT TWP. — Genesee Valley Center hosts Merlin the Magician, near King Arthur’s Castle in the JCPenney wing, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct. 27. Included with the magic show are face painting, trick-or-treating and more.

A Halloween parade starts at noon, and trick-or-treating runs from noon-1 p.m. No face-covering masks are allowed for anyone over the age of eight.

Barnes & Noble also hosts a Halloween party at 5 p.m. on Oct. 31. The Halloween party includes a costume contest, trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving. — K.G.

Memorial service
at Genesys
GRAND BLANC TWP. — The Spiritual Care department at Genesys Regional Medical Center will conduct a memorial service at 5 p.m. Nov. 8 for families and friends of patients who have passed away during the past year.

The service will be held in the auditorium of Genesys Health Park campus, One Genesys Parkway.

Individuals wanting the name of a loved one to be announced at the service can call 810-606-5290. — N.B.

Health and
safety classes
FLINT — The American Red Cross offers CPR and first aid courses throughout the month at its Flint office, 1401 S. Grand Traverse.

From 5-10 p.m. Oct. 30, adult CPR/AED, child, infant CPR and first aid courses will be offered. Costs range from $35 for just adult CPR/AED to $60 for all course components. Course fees include all materials. Automated External Defibrillation (AED) training included with adult CPR.

Pre-registration is required.
Call 810-766-6405. — N.B.

Retired school
personnel meeting
GRAND BLANC TWP. — The Southeast Genesee Association of Retired School Personnel and Genesee Association (SE-GARSP and GARSP) will hold a business meeting 10:30 a.m. Oct. 31 at Woodfield Golf Club.

Branko Bojicic, MPSERS customer service administrator for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan, is the guest speaker. Lunch will be served and pre-registration for both meeting and lunch is required.

Participants also can bring a small wrapped gift marked for a male or female for the Meals on Wheels Program to deliver with its Christmas trays.

For more information, contact Joan Ferrell at 810-232-3345. — N.B.

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