My Vision For America
by Autumn Rey Petrick
America, the melting pot, is and always has been, consistent with change. Next year we will be electing a new President after eight years of the same commander in chief. At age 17, I am one year away from being able to vote, so I find myself asking, “what do I want for my future and what can I do to contribute to our society?” I feel that America is definitely a land of opportunity, especially for young people today. But with that opportunity comes responsibility; the responsibility to be informed and in-tune to the needs and the changes of our country. My vision for America is based on some of the core democratic values that have made this country great; freedom, diversity, and the pursuit of happiness.
The first thing that defines this county is Freedom. It’s our first amendment; the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition, are our basic freedoms as citizens of this county. We as young adults have the freedom to choose what we want to do in this world, whether that’s starting our own business, making music, being involved in youth groups and clubs, or doing whatever we want to do as young adults, it?s our choice. Also with the technology available to our generation, it gives us young adults endless possibilities, that no generation has ever had, to make a difference in this world. Freedom is the key to these possibilities given to us by this country.
Diversity is another area that helps the youth of today recognize our goals and dreams. Every human being is created equal and every human being is completely unique and different from one another. Being able to understand what makes us different and accepting those differences only makes us a better society. All people have gifts that contribute to the world around us. If we fail to recognize these gifts, because we get caught up in the fact that people are different, then we miss out on great talents and people. As human beings, we should all have compassion for everyone. It should not matter what your race, religion, choices, or any other circumstance, people should be respected for who they are. My vision for the future of America, is that we continue to embrace our differences and get past the negative feelings that can hold us back from making progress. Diversity is a key component to my vision for America’s future.
Young adults today have the ability to create their own footsteps in this world. In the pursuit of happiness, the youth are able to make decisions that make them happy and not just do what their parents believe they should do. What makes a young adult happy, may not necessarily be what their parents want them to be. With the many opportunities for young adults, there are many new doors that can be opened to find their own happiness. With hard work and dedication, someone should be able to recognize happiness in their everyday life, because they have made their own choices and are doing what they love.
My vision for America is based on some of the core democratic values that have made this country great; freedom, diversity, and the pursuit of happiness. Our generation should embrace the opportunities given to them by this country. This country embraces our differences and continues to find the good in all people. Everyone should be a contributing member to this country and be the best that they can possibly be. The examples that were set for us by our parents and family, should give us the basis to live up to our full potential. But the happiness that is pursued should be ours alone. Our generation has the world at our feet right now, and we need to get engaged and be enthusiastic about all the possibilities that await us now and in the future.
The present epidemic of influenza in St. Johns requires the cooperation of all the citizens to stamp it out. There are at present 135 cases under strict quarantine. The flu is no joke; the state is full of it and it rages from Siberia to the tropics, with 300,000 deaths having occurred in this country. Eleven deaths have occurred in St. Johns.
At the Wilson Center Auditorium – January 15, 19
A Look Back – Rehmann’s Men’s & Boys Wear
On Wednesday, January 20th, the Friends of the Maple River (FOMR) will hold its bi-monthly meeting at the Maple Rapids Community center, located at 209 Maple street in Maple Rapids. The meeting will start at 7:00 PM. 
Harry Hulse died on May 10, 1960. Both gentlemen were customer orientated and very nice gentlemen. Customers were their top priority. There was a huge assortment of shirts, ties, dress-wear, casual, shoes and hats that their store provided and I believe that men’s suits were their pride and joy.
Ruby G. Kimball, 87, died at her daughter’s home in Lakeland, Florida on January 10, 2016. Ruby was born on July 3, 1928 in Duplain Twp. the daughter of Orin and Ruth (Shellenbarger) Acre, and had lived most of her life in Elsie and St. Johns, MI. Ruby was a homemaker, though she worked early on at Sealed Power where she met her future husband, Keith. She also worked as needed at Levey’s Jewelry with her sister Elisabeth and brother-in-law, Dale. On March 25, 1951 she married Keith at Duplain Church of Christ. She was a member and attended Duplain Church of Christ all her life and also attended Isle of Capri Christian Church during winter months in Florida. She was very involved in activities at both churches, helping at pot-lucks, rummage sales and sharing corner. She loved her vegetable and flower garden, enjoyed crafts, sewing and quilting with her sisters and church family, and finding treasures at garage sales. She was a voracious reader and especially loved old books.
Ray Griffin passed away peacefully at home on January 1, 2016 at the age of 92. He was born December 19, 1923 to Frank and Myrtle (Sturdvant) Griffin in Ashley, MI. Ray was a tool setter at General Motors for 30 years. Ray married Arlene Goerge in Owosso, MI. on April 13, 1975 and she preceded him in death on June 10, 2013.
With family by his side, Claude J. Hufnagel, of Fowler, MI passed away peacefully on January 9, 2016 at the age of 75. He was born August 12, 1940 in Fowler, the son of the late Walter and Marie (Geller) Hufnagel. Claude lived his entire life in the Fowler area. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a founding member of the Fowler Conservation Club and loved spending time at the Hufnagel Country Club in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Claude was a union carpenter for over 50 years and a member of Local # 1449/1004, United Brotherhood of Carpenters. His family was his whole life and spending time with family was very important to him. On December 27, 1960 Claude married the love of his life, Judy Weber, and they were blessed to share 55 years together. 
Julie Kay Mrazek, age 68, of St. Johns, MI passed away Thursday, January 7, 2016 at McLaren Regional Medical Center, Lansing, MI. Julie was born in St. Johns, Michigan on January 25, 1947, the daughter of Cyrus Harold and Leona (Suggate) See. She graduated from Ovid High School with the class of 1965. Julie married Louis “Jim” Mrazek on January 30, 1965. Julie retired from Jackson National Life. She spent many years working at Riley Elementary School and was a boy scout leader. Julie enjoyed traveling, Karaoke, crocheting, crafts, garage sales and going to the casino. She loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and friends. Julie attended Grove Bible Church.
Freedom is to me is waking up every morning and thanking God that it is safe to go to school or go anywhere you please. Many people have to worry about getting to school safely. We have the privilege to go to school, but there are girls in Pakistan or any other country who do not have the same privilege that we do.
City releases draft of 5-year Recreation Plan
Friends of The Maple River to meet January 20
Remember When? – MacKinnon and Son Dry Goods
Fedewa says she discovered her passion for fisheries and marine biology during a summer internship at Shedd’s Aquarium in Chicago that she completed the summer before her senior year at SJHS.
Interim Emergency Medicine Chair Michael VanRooyen, MD, MPH, has been appointed chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Health Care in Boston, effective January 1.