The day I got hit in the head by a baseball

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Pitcher Cullen Ratliff of Petersburg-Summerfield, center, is embraced
by his team while celebrating winning the Division 4 regional
final game over Concord in Concord.

Kyle Martin of Concord runs home during the Division 4 regional semifinal
game against Petersburg-Summerfield in Concord.

Jack Ropp of Concord makes a diving catch and throws to first from the ground
Saturday afternoon during the Division 4 regional final game against Petersburg-Summerfield
at Concord High School in Concord.

Spanish Dancing, Kids & Curiosity

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Ella Tupper, 5, center, looks up and smiles while Flamenco dancing
with classmates Thursday morning at the North Star Montessori Preschool in Jackson.
The students dressed up in Spanish clothing and performed a dance recital for parents.

From right, Valen Koszegi, 4, Elijah Maitland, 3, and Eagan Lewis, 4, react
as their instructor's skirt flies while performing a Flamenco dance
Thursday morning at the North Star Montessori Preschool in Jackson.

Division 3 District Baseball Champs

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Pitcher Colton Brannick jumps on catcher Ben Lefere, both of Lumen Christi,
after the final pitch to claim the Division 3 District Baseball
Championship title over Michigan Center Saturday afternoon
at Vandercook Lake High School in Jackson.

Ha-Ha-Ha-Hair

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Eva Halliwell fixes Shawn McKinney's hair before work Thursday afternoon while their son
Don'Trese McKinney, 3, watches on the porch of their Jackson home.
"We are enjoying the cool breeze," Halliwell said.

Memorial Day Parade

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CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Staff Sergeant Daniel Barron of Jackson laughs while looking up at the flag
of the United States Marine Corps Monday morning before the
Memorial Day Parade in downtown Jackson.

Dean Dumbauld of Jackson represents the American Legion Post 29
Ritual Team Monday morning in the Memorial Day Parade in downtown Jackson.
Dumbauld is also a World War II veteran.

Sergio Bravo of Wisconsin represents the Marine Corps in the color guard
Monday morning in the Memorial Day Parade in downtown Jackson.

Joe Lorenz, 16, of Grass Lake marches with the Lumen Christi High School
marching band Monday morning in the Memorial Day Parade in downtown Jackson.
"It's nice to honor the veterans who have served our country," he said.

Neighbors | Walter & Lucille Wrozek

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Walter and Lucille Wrozek smile as they talk about their wedding 58 years ago
at their home in Jackson. The Wrozeks spend the majority of their time volunteering.
"It draws us closer together," Walter said.

Walter Wrozek dedicated his early years to serving his country in the U.S. Navy. Now in retirement, he serves his community alongside his childhood friend and wife, Lucille.
The Jackson couple have spent the majority of the past 30 years volunteering in the community where they were born and raised. Lucille’s late mother volunteered for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and hoped the Wrozeks would take her place.
“My mom said, ‘I am ripening these two children up so they will volunteer after I am gone,’” Lucille said.
One thing led to another, Walter said, and the Wrozeks began to serve at several places, including area care homes and churches.
“We need a calendar to keep track of everything,” he said. “We are very active in this community.”
The time spent dedicated to community service has drawn the couple closer together, Walter said.
“We don’t take anything unless we can volunteer together,” Walter said.
He noted that during their working years, they “had to be separated.”
The Wrozeks believe volunteering has kept them in good health. Walter said while they intend to lighten their schedule, they will continue to volunteer.
“The good Lord has been good to us,” Lucille said. “We are so thankful we’re healthy and able to give ourselves to someone else.”

Baseball

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Zachary Boone of Columbia Central bats during the first game of a doubleheader against
Hillsdale Friday in Brooklyn. Hillsdale won the first game 6-2.

Youth Build

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
De'Angelo Baker, 18, right, laughs with Drake Pfeifer, 19, both of Jackson,
between tasks while working on a house Thursday afternoon in Jackson for the Youth Build
Program. "It's a great experience," Baker said. "It's an opportunity to open a lot of doors with
construction and GED programs."

Diamond Classic

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CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Sienna Surber, center right, and Lelah Weber, both of Jackson, celebrate in the dugout after
winning the championship game 3-1 against Columbia Central in the 20th Annual Citizen Patriot
Diamond Classic Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn.

Trisha Binschus of Jackson cries and laughs as she hugs teammate Lelah Weber after after
winning the championship game 3-1 against Columbia Central in the 20th Annual Citizen Patriot
Diamond Classic Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn. "I just don't want to be done," Binschus said.
"I love these girls so much. We're like family."

Second basemen Ashley Chesney of Jackson retrieves a hit and looks to throw to first base
during the championship game against Columbia Central in the 20th Annual Citizen Patriot
Diamond Classic Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn. Jackson won 3-1.

Heather Schwyn of Columbia Central bats during the championship game against
Jackson in the 20th Annual Citizen Patriot Diamond Classic Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn.
Columbia Central lost 3-1.

WINE TASTING!

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Melissa Weaver, left, and Joan Edwards laugh with Tony Ciccone of Ciccone Vineyard and
Winery while tasting the local wineries of Michigan Saturday afternoon during the Great Lakes
Wine Fest at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.
"We're here for the wine and the sun," Joan said.



CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Anna Dietrich of Morenci pours a glass of wine from Burgdorf Winery while owner Deb Burgdorf
of Haslett, left, speaks to a customer Saturday afternoon during the Great Lakes Wine Fest at
the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. The Fest featured various local wineries,
breweries and vendors.

Regional Track Meet - Shot Put

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Tonia Pratt of Michigan Center throws a shot put 38' 4.5'' during her second attempt at the
Division Three Regional Track Meet Friday evening in Olivet.
Pratt won the event with a throw of 41' 6''.

First Day Feature Hunt

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
From left, stepbrothers Joel Garner, 13, and Ryan Stull, 14, react as they guess the color of
oncoming cars from the roof of their Jackson home early Monday evening.
"We asked our mom if we could clean the gutters," Garner said. "We are just hanging out."
Although they are too busy during the school year, Garner and Stull
often sit on the roof during the summer.

HOOPS!

Hero for the Day!

I appreciate my experience at Camp Quality more and more every day.
I miss these kids, and I pray for their strength and wellness.

Love & Devotion Part II