H&H Earns
Industry Award
by Tom Serino
H&H Tube of Vanderbilt has been honored with the 2010 TPJ Industry Award presented by the Tube and Pipe Association (TPA). TPA is a technology affiliate of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International ® (FMA) which honors industry success stories.
H&H Tube meets the criterion of an industry success story. With its high regard to customer service, quality, on-time delivery and short lead times, H&H Tube not only encompasses the essence of the TPJ Industry Award, but is a great example of a quality American manufacturing facility. In addition, H&H Tube has taken incredible steps over the past several years in reducing inventory levels, minimizing scrap and achieving safety goals while never losing focus on their customers.
“Our editors meet many fabricators every year, and every one of them is unique,” said Ed Youdell, group publisher for FMA Communications Inc., the company that publishes of TPJ-The Tube & Pipe Journal. “Some are in specific niches, and some are very diverse; some have just a handful of employees and some have dozens; some use all the latest technologies and others use tried-and-true machinery; but despite these differences, every fabricator makes a contribution to this industry. As this years’ top award winner, H & H is a fabricator we believe everyone can learn from. We selected H & H because the company exemplifies what metal fabrication is all about.”
“Every application goes through several reviews,” said Eric Lundin, editor of TPJ-The Tube & Pipe Journal®. “What really stood out for H & H Tube was what the company does for people. Not just its customers, but its employees and the people in its community, too. Its safety record speaks for itself,” Lundin continued. “Three years without a lost day says a lot about its commitment to a safe workplace. When customers call, they talk to a receptionist because the company doesn’t want them to have to deal with a frustrating and impersonal automated phone system. And to top it off, H & H supports nearly a dozen local charities and causes.”
“It is truly an honor to be recognized with this award.” comments Dan Dreyer, General Manager. “It is the result of the hard work of every employee; without their dedication and support, this award wouldn’t be possible.”
The award will be presented at the Metal Matters 2010 conference hosted by FMA. H&H Tube will also be featured on the cover of the January / February 2010 issue of TPJ – Tube & Pipe Journal ® with an editorial covering how its culture was recognized for the Industry Award.
H&H Tube is one of the largest tube fabricators supported by its own customer redraw mill. Established in 1930, H&H Tube was built on the philosophy of always recognizing the needs of its customers and understanding that quality, on-time delivery and customer service are paramount to success. Today, H&H Tube still conducts it business with the same philosophy. H&H Tube is ISO 9001:2008 certified and owned by Sunspring America, Inc. with locations in Kentucky and North Carolina.
Corwith Township Budget Aired
by Tom Serino
The Corwith Township Board met Wednesday, October 7 and answered some questions regarding its budget. Posing the questions was Tom Serino, for OUR HOME TOWN News (OHT), and its readership. The questions surrounded the costs of running the township and its board. As reported in last week’s issue of OHT, costs of running the Village of Vanderbilt were outlined in response to village resident Jack Deming.
This week it was learned that the township’s annual budget was $373,856 which includes $41,000 on maintenance and repair (presumably for the Corwith Township hall) and a contingency of $48,000 on township property. Those figures were taken from budget statements provided to OHT. In fact, total ‘contingencies’ in that budget came to an additional $10,625 or $58,625. Also, trustees serving on the Corwith Township board earn $173.00 for both regular and special meetings. The township clerk earns $14,922 as does the township treasurer. Both the deputy clerk and the deputy treasurer earn $3,250 per year for their efforts. The tax assessor earns a whopping $16,812 for his part-time job and the township supervisor earns $5,433
Prior to that meeting, Serino learned that Michigan State Revenue Sharing funds were constitutional, and specifically, according to Village of Vanderbilt Office Manager Elizabeth Haus, both the State of Michigan and the Michigan Municipal League, stress that Michigan state revenue sharing funds be spent on “Public Safety” (police) and fire protection.
According to Marilyn Cole, Corwith Township received $79,280.00 in revenue sharing funds last year, and so far this year, has received $32,788.00. Elizabeth Haus reported that the Village of Vanderbilt has received $22,434 so far this year. “That represents an 11% cut from last year.” added Haus.
These revenue sharing funds are being dumped into in the township and village coffers in a ‘general fund’ according to Mrs. Haus. For the past five years, the Corwith Fire and Rescue Department has been funded by a millage, and not by revenue sharing funds from the state of Michigan. A third attempt to pass a millage is set for Tuesday, November 3rd for1.5 mils five years.
Obituary
Betty Gouthier
Mrs. Betty J. (Harker) Gouthier, 82, died Dec. 5, 2009 at her home in Vanderbilt, with her daughters at her side following a 17 month battle with lung cancer. She was born Jan. 20, 1927 in Gaylord and in 1950 she married the love of her life Harold J. Gouthier, who preceded her in death 29 years ago this week. Together they built and operated the Elkland Motel until his death in 1980. Betty also worked at Cooper Standard and retired in the early 1970’s after more than 20 years. She loved horses and last rode in October 2008 at the age of 81. She enjoyed bingo, working outdoors, reading, and most of all her family. She was a very giving, hard-working, strong-willed lady and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her daughters, Dianne M. (John) Wren and Linda (Gary) Hayman. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, Larry Grizzel, Stacy Philips and Ginger and Ty Hayman. Per her request, services will be held at the Vanderbilt Community Church at 11 a.m. on Wednesday Dec. 9, 2009. Visitation at the Nelson Funeral Home will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the spring at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Vanderbilt. The family extends their greatest appreciation for the care provided by Hospice of Michigan and Otsego Memorial Hospital, during a difficult time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vanderbilt Community Church or to the charity of one’s choice, through the Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
My Vacation 2007
By Tom Serino
Well, here I am back from my vacation to Japan. The first trip back there in 18 years. It was a fun trip, with lots of things to do, great food to eat, and lots of my wife’s family to meet and spend some time.
The trip was eventful with a lot of new experiences. Things have advanced greatly in the past 20 years. For example, the new trains are faster, very roomy, with very nice bathrooms. I say that since on the last leg of my journey there, after landing in Sapporo, I took the express train to Wakkanai, about a 5 hour trip. I had to use the bathroom and there is one conveniently located every second car, so that passengers don’t have to travel too far to get to one. The doors open easily at the push of a button. They also close easily, but you have to remember to push the button. As I left the bathroom, I touched the door to enter the passenger car and the door opened, but then I noticed that the bathroom door was still open, so I stepped with one foot and pushed the button, so the door closed. That left me with my legs spread wide apart, as well as my arms, so that when the train shifted around a fast corner my body went crashing into the wall, giving me my first view of stars during daylight hours and a black eye. At age 58, it was painful, but I can take it. I went and sat down.
The next day, my son and I ventured to Rebun. Rebun island is the most northern island of Japan and south of Sakhalin, Russia. The weather there is bitterly cold in winter time. However, it does contain many beautiful scenery for one to see. It is also called the Island of Flowers because there is a great variety of flowers over the island in summer time.
Anyway, there are two courses, an 8 hour trek and a 3 hour trek. My son agreed to the 3 hour trek with his Dad. The 3 hours meant 3 hours up, and it took us about 2 hours to come down the mountain, and another hour to walk back to the main town Kafuka, to eat and then catch the ferry back to Wakkanai. I suggested taking the bus, but Kenichi thought it was a great weather for a walk, which it was. It would have only cost us a dollar each for the bus ride to the ferry. And I figured it would be a buck well-spent. But we walked. It took my legs 3 days to recover. At my age it takes longer, I guess.
Lastly, the trip to the main family farm, owned by brother in law Haruo Watanabe. It is a dairy farm with 84 cows, and since we stayed there, I felt compelled to help, along with my wife Fumiko and son Kenichi, in the barn.
My wife and son had been there off an on during their two month stay in Japan, and I was only there 4 days, and it was nice to help out and learn about the dairy farm business. Helping out meant twice a day, once at 6 a.m. and later at 5 p.m. cleaning out the barn, the stalls with the cows in them, and then feeding them hay.
I became good friends with the cows, as they became intimate with me, licking every part of me as I tried to clean manure from under their feet and inside the stalls. One cow especially gave me a rough time. I struggled three days, thats six times, with this one cow who seemed to like me a lot. On the third day, she pushed me so hard I lost my footing and I don’t know what I hit, but found myself holding on to a post in the stall, so I wouldn’t be on the floor, and the cow was right up against me. I was dazed and suffered a large scratch and bruise to the top of my forehead. I did manage to stay off the floor, and also learned how to use the other cow in the stall to keep the seemingly agressive cow away from myself.
On the last day, I dreaded going into that one stall, but I figured I had to meet my fear head on, so I did, keeping the tamer cow between myself and the agressive cow. About a minute or two before I completed cleaning the task, and after what seemed a lot of maneuvering of the two cows, my wife came over and cautioned me, saying, “You need to watch out for that one cow, she’s in heat.”
At my age, I’m still learning.
On the Other Side
of the Street...
by John Crinnion
More On Health Care!
It is an important subject and as my column’s name indicates, I think I am presenting “the other side of the street” based upon the major media. The NY Times claims, “The stubborn, yet false rumor that President Obama’s health care proposals would create government-sponsored ‘death panels’ to decide, which patients were worthy of living, seemed to arise from nowhere in recent weeks.” Then the response: “Nowhere?” Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel is “special advisor for health policy” for the Obama Administration. That’s nowhere? He is also co-author for an article on Americans’ “over utilization” of medical care in the June 18, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Is that nowhere? Now before the critics claim that I am a racist, the response was written by Thomas Sowell, a nationally known economist, has been very critical of the Obama Administration, Oh, he happens to be black and has written about thirty books on economics and black issues.
The problem with the proposed healthcare is a main goal to gain control of the healthcare industry. The President has said, many times, he wants a single payer system. A single payer system is one where the government is responsible for all medical payments; as is the situation in England and Canada and Massachusetts; all of which has delayed service and created excessive costs.
Another argument is that the dreaded insurance companies have been increasing their costs. What is not explained is that the government dictates the prices they pay for Medicare and Medicaid regardless of cost to the hospitals; As a result, the hospitals must increase the fees to those that pay either by cash or private insurance. The insurance companies are forced to pay the increased rates the hospitals charge to make up for the low prices the government pays. Now fast forward, with greater government intervention, while adding 46 million uninsured onto their rolls and the hospitals will have an added cost to pass on to private insurers. This will cause these rates to increase as the government can mandate the holding the line on their rates. As this rate difference grows, people and companies will be forced to turn to the government program. The bill, as written, now claims if you change insurances after the bill is passed, you cannot go to another private insurer, but must go to the government plan. Before long, there will not be enough who can afford private insurance to support a competitive plan to the government.
Then there is the abortion issue in the plan. Recently a nurse whose religion taught against abortion and a woman who was scheduled to have an abortion, the hospital put her on the team; a situation she had indicated she could not perform, but the hospital demanded she take part in the abortion. This was against federal law; but these days, that does not matter. Now project that to the government healthcare where insurers will be required to pay for abortions (the government plan does not have any exclusion of any type for abortions; which means government-paid abortions will be mandated even for private insurers also. Popular opinion does not matter with Washington politicians since abortions are now opposed by a majority of Americans for the first time since Roe v. Wade legalized abortions.
A bill pending, that Obama is pushing, will make abortions of all types legal regardless of state laws. Forget the X Amendment which states: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.” Now consider owning car companies and insurance companies; consider setting wages of companies, consider blocking oil/gas drilling on private land, consider toilets that don’t flush, seat belts and airbags and now the dangerous CFL (Compact Florescent Lamps) and ethanol in gas; then there is the funding of the UN, the World Monetary Fund (WMF) and financing a loan to a foreign country to drill for oil, while blocking job-creating oil drilling in this country.
Although the Web edition contains most stories that the print edition contains,not all stories are guaranteed to appear online. For the most complete news coverage, we invite you to subscribe to the print edition of the paper.
You read this news FIRST in OUR HOME TOWN NEWS!
Publishers Note:
by Tom Serino
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Seniors Group
Pays off Mortgage
by Tom Serino
Elkland Seniors of Vanderbilt and members of the Otsego County Senior Citizens Non-Profit Housing Association (OCSCNPHA) Board celebrated a day of festivities Sunday, Nov. 29th as they gathered together to burn the mortgage of the Elkland Senior Center. While the Board maintained control over funds used, it was only due to the hard work of many Vanderbilt folks and their Gaylord friends that the 40 year Mortgage was paid off in 17 years.
After burning the mortgage everyone also enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by some of the best cooks in Vanderbilt.
It all started in the 1980’s at a time when it was not the most convenient time to think about building a Senior Citizen residence and a recreation facility for Seniors in Vanderbilt. But three individuals active in overseeing Alten Zimmer-Richard Yuill, Gerald Noffzinger, and Ken Arndt were instrumental in starting the activities that eventually in Horsell Manor and Elkland Senior Center. Money, or the lack of it, played a big part in how difficult it was to achieve this goal. Ralph Woodard, a life long Vanderbilt resident was active in fund raising and construction activity.
Finally in the early 1990’s with mortgages from Rural Development (RDA) the two buildings were built. Who would have believed that a mortgage could be obtained based on “Bingo Money” The OCSCNPHA, sponsor of Gaylord (Alten Zimmer) Bingo and Vanderbilt (Elkland Bingo) managed to persuade RDA that the 2 games sites could cover at least the Elkland Center’s Mortgage.
It was difficult to get the apartments rented, expenses were high for furnishing for Elkland Center and a shortage of funds developed. In 1995-96 the OCSCNAPHA appealed to the state, township and Village for tax abatements. By Ordinance in 1997 a Pilot Program was set up, with an annual payment of 4% net profit as payment in lieu of tax.
While the Pilot Program was helpful, it was difficult to meet all of the monthly expenses of Elkland Center and the quarterly Mortgage payments. The management company overseeing Horsell Manor was responsible for payment of that Mortgage. More than once the OCSCNAPHA had to lend Horsell funds to meet Mortgage and utility payments.
In 2000 the membership of the board (OCSCNAPHA), changed with greater representation for Vanderbilt residents. At that time it was discussed how great it would be to have Elkland out of Mortgages (there were 2) In 2003, the Small $40,000.00 Mortgage was Paid In Full. And then began a big push to pay off $160,000.00+
Mortgage # 2. Both Bingo Groups worked very hard to increase their contributions.
It was with much elation when the final payment was made on the Mortgage early in 2009.
Paper work releasing the Board took time, and in November 2009, the Board proudly held a “Mortgage burning” open house.
Ella Chidsey, a regular at the Elkland Seniors dinners commented, “If you’ve never been to the senior center, come and stop by. Friday evenings there are various activities such as card games, dominoes or a pool table or just good snacks and great fellowship. The Center serves lunches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays.
Letter to the Editor
By Phil Williams
This past week I received a schedule of fees from my propane gas company (at bottom). As I read through it, I could not believe that in a time when gas prices are skyrocketing that they would have the nerve to add additional fees or better yet to send me a notice at Christmas.
And heaven forbid—You run out of gas——Because you are low income and don’t have regular refills—It will cost you $150.00 if you call after 4:30 or before 8 am or $250.00 if it is on the week end. Then add $85.00 for the leak check fee (because you ran out of the gas that you can’t afford anyway) then another $100.00 if you can’t afford the 200 gal minimum! So now for running out of gas on a Holiday weekend you will need $435.00 to make the call to get any gas…Gas fee not added in yet.
The more I read the angrier I got. But after some reflection I realized that this is just a great marketing plan and I began to think of ways that I could also benefit.. Here are some of the concepts I came up with:
Driveway usage, every time they deliver… $100.00.
If unable to back in with one try additional $50.00 per attempt.
Per minute fee for using our property $5.00 per minute or $100.00 whichever is greater.
$100.00 fee for arriving before 9am and disturbing my morning coffee.
$100.00 a month advertising fee for having their company name on the tank in MY yard.
Obviously the days when Customer Service mattered are gone. When a Company was just darn happy to have you as a Customer… Now it is about the money. Needless to say, I will be shopping for a friendlier Gas Company, one that wants my business, not my Soul. Maybe you should too. But first I will have to save up the $100.00 fee for the tank removal!
Phil Williams
Gas Savings Tips for the Thrifty
by Tom Serino
At $2.59 per gallon of gas prices are a relief, but there are some ways to save gas that are well worth consideration. According to energy tips at Yahoo, MSN-Money you can get up to 50 m.p.g. if you drive your car with a goal to save gas.
Some of the tips found at Yahoo, and MSN-Money include:
1. Jack rabbit starts burn gas. When leaving a stop sign or green light, press lightly on the gas.. you will still move forward, albeit slower, but the you might be surprised at how little it takes to get the car up to the speed limit in town.
2. Racing up to red lights
While driving you see a red light up ahead. Take your foot off the gas. If you’re still doing 45 m.p.h. when you reach the light, you’ll be burning up your disc brakes to stop. It’s a lot cheaper to let your car coast to the stop while braking gently. As an added benefit, your brake pads will last longer, too.
These two tips alone can improve your fuel economy around town by as much as 35 percent, according to tests conducted by automotive information on the Web site Edmunds.com.
3. Highway driving. On a recent trip to Grand Rapids, I drove my Honda CRV, a small S.U.V at or below 62 m.p.h on the expressway, and on M-55 and other places where it was 55 m.p.h. I drove only 52 mph. You would be surprised at how many cars passed me. And as they passed me, they dragged my S.U.V.. I actually attained 34.9 miles per gallon on that trip.
According to the Yahoo site, in tests by Consumer Reports, driving at 75 miles per hour instead of 65 miles per hour reduced fuel economy by between 3 and 5 miles per gallon, depending on the vehicle.
4. Tailgaiting
People tailgate, thinking they can stay inside the vacuum zone, to be dragged by the car in front of them, as in Item 3 above. Actually, tailgaiting is dangerous and wastes gas. Every time the driver ahead taps his brakes, you need to slow down considerably, and faster. The biggest problem is that you can’t see what is happening in front of the other driver when you’re that close to him. Take a lay back attitude, put a couple of car lengths between you and the other driver. You’ll be able to drive more smoothly and use less fuel. A good rule of thumb is to allow two seconds of space between your car and the one ahead. You can figure that out by counting off two seconds after the car in front of you passes an obvious landmark like an overpass.
5. Saving gas at stop lights
With modern fuel-injection engines, it takes very little extra gas to restart a car once it’s warmed up. So, if you are stopped for more than 14 seconds, according to MSN - Money, shut it off. At a long line of cars, at a traffic light in downtown Gaylord - by the way, if you travel at the correct speed, you will be stopped by at least one of the lights since they aren’t synchronized yet... Maybe in another 20 years. In the meantime, once you are in a long line waiting for a left turn, or at one of those fast-food restaurants, shut off the engine. Idling burns about a half-mile worth of gas every minute, according to the California Energy Commission. By the way, you will get more exercise going into Burger King for your meal.
My Vacation 2009
By Tom Serino
From time to time, your editor takes a vacation... I can usually find something to bore our readers with.. So here is a summation of one of my vacation days in South Africa.
Easter Sunday was special in South Africa. I did want to go to a Catholic church, but my son, a journalist for the South African Press Association (SAPA) had been given an assignment to do a story on a political rally for the President of the African National Conference (ANC) so we went there instead. While my son was able to take some time off work, it was great tagging along to see him do his work. Actually, it was fantastic!
As we approached the main church, we were met and challenged by one of the church’s deacons, who turned out to be the media spokesperson for the church. My son presented his credentials with the media. Then the PR person for the church asked me for mine. I had to say, “I don’t have any credentials, I’m here just visiting my son.” The man asked where I came from. I responded, “The United States.” That resulted in a broad smile and a “Come on in!” That gave me a great feeling of welcome, and pride of my home country. And that happened on other occasions, as well. But I digress.
It was a great event. besides seeing the President of the ANC up close.. he even smiled for me a couple of times as I took some pictures of him, as my son did his work.. taking notes for the story.
The President of the ANC, Jacob Zuma, age 67, is the most likely winner of the Presidential Election for S.A. which was held April 22, so this was a huge story.
Interesting that he showed up at the International Pentacostal Holiness Church IPHC, for a campaign stop... He was there from Noon to about 3, because there was also scheduled for that same religious service 400 weddings of 150 men... you ask how do 150 marry 250? easy.... some men married 2 or 3 wives on the same day... I was shocked... and in the procession of the couples to be, the wives would lead and the husband would walk behind the wife.... Sometimes the wife-to-be would have at her side, the current wife or wives of the man she is marrying... I took pictures because I didn’t think anyone would believe me.. One guy, a young man, married three women the same day... Can you imagine what was going through his head? And the decisions he had to make later in the day? I was impressed. In all cases, the wife’s bouquet of flowers contained a color matching the man’s suit, or vest, or tie at least.
The reason so many got married this day, was because Easter is a special day for this religion, and it is considered an auspicious day for weddings, in particular.
After the procession of the wedding parties to the music of a great choirs and large band (with some great sax.. even got me dancing) Yes, most of the newlywed couples ‘danced’ down the aisle.. not just walked...
The President to be, J Z as he is called, has four wives... and his fourth wife MaNtuli, while the youngest of the others, age 33, may take the front seat as the FIRST LADY, when he becomes President of S.A.
Anyway, what is especially interesting is the fact that the Leader of the Church, welcomed J.Z, the politician, into the church.... i.e. they have no separation of Church and State here... After the rally at the IPHC, which featured about 30,000 church members attending, J Z went to a Muslim celebration, and spoke there as well... We followed him there as well.... all very interesting...
As my son interviewed and I listened to people’s response, it was mixed.. some liked J Z, some did not... their most important concern was crime against their people... Africa has a 40% unemployment rate, and 70% of blacks are unemployed... so it makes for a lot of crime, thievery, muggings and the like... As such residents live in compounds, homes with 6’ cement or steel bar walls.
By the way, the car of the day was the Rolls Royce which the leader of the church showed up in... the President of the ANC rolled up in a BMW... It turned out to be a nice Easter.
Tom Serino
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