Mirror file photo from 2024 Canoe and Kayak Race.

by Marsha Chartrand

It’s almost here … time to get ready for the 2026 Canoe and Kayak Race on Sunday, May 17. The Manchester Men’s Club is coordinating the event; check in from 10 to 11am at Fellows’ Bridge on Sharon Valley Road between M-52 and Sharon Hollow. Free parking is available at this site, as well as at Chi-Bro Park on Ann Arbor Hill. Or sign up in advance at: https://60thmanchestercanoekayakrace.eventbrite.com. Registration costs $30 per adult with children under the age of 12 able to compete for free. T-shirts are $30 each and organizers recommend you purchase yours in advance online as there will be limited numbers on the day of the race. Launches begin at 11am, and continue until everyone is on the river.

‘We’re very excited!” said Men’s Club member Carl Werner. “This is a great event to kick off the summer in Manchester, and being the 60th annual race, we want to just keep the tradition going.” He added that this is the longest-running consecutive canoe/kayak race in the state.

The club has plenty of support throughout the community from the Robotics Club, which has overseen the race in the past, to Joe Jarvis, who is leading the river clean-up crew in advance of the race, to financial support from various corners of the Manchester area. Of course Jim Mann’s presence and assistance is deeply missed this year as he has spearheaded the clean-up effort for most of the last 60 years.

“The river is up by about two feet this year,” reported Stas Schebella, a Men’s Club member who lives along the river within the city limits. “So we have to wait for it to go down a bit before we can get started with the clean-up.” But that will begin soon since it will be a time-consuming task for Jarvis and the Men’s Club members. The high water level will likely contribute to faster race times, as well. It should be an interesting day for all—spectators and participants alike!

If you are up for a quick baptism in the River Raisin, if you have a grudge meet to challenge this year, or if you just want to participate in one of Manchester’s great traditions, this could be the opportunity you’re waiting for. Don’t miss this year’s annual Canoe & Kayak Race in Manchester!

T-shirt design for the 2026 River Raisin Canoe & Kayak Race.

by Sara Swanson

There is an upcoming election on May 5 but most Manchester-area residents do not have anything on the ballot this time around so have to sit this one out. The two exceptions are residents in the SW corner of Manchester Township who live in the Columbia School District and residents in a very small area in the NW corner of Sharon Township in the Grass Lake School District. Both of these school districts will be voting on bond proposals. 

If you live in one of those two areas and want to vote in person on May 5, it is important to note that voting will not be happening at Manchester and Sharon Township halls for this election. Manchester residents who live in the Columbia School District can vote in person at Norvell Township Hall located at 300 Mill Rd in Norvell. Sharon Township residents who live in the Grass Lake School District can vote in person at Grass Lake Charter Township Fire Hall, Pct 1, 12222 E Michigan Ave, Grass Lake.

Rev. Susan Hitts, courtesy photo. She stated, “Church members posted this sign on my office door when I passed my defense in March, officially making me a doctor.”

submitted by Manchester United Methodist Church

Rev. Susan Hitts of Manchester United Methodist Church has reached a significant milestone, earning her Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Her degree will be officially conferred on May 16.

Over the past three years, Rev. Hitts has focused her research on how churches can better understand and welcome people who experience the world in different neurological ways, often referred to as neurodiversity. Her doctoral publication, entitled “Developing Hospitality for Neurodiverse People within a Christian Community via Clergy Education,” included data from training clergy across the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. Through this project, she equipped church leaders with tools to better support and include neurodiverse individuals in congregational life.

One year ago, her unpublished work received academic recognition when it won The William and Carolyn Anderson Applied Theology Competition at United Theological Seminary. This award honors students who demonstrate strong critical thinking and apply theology to real-world challenges. Though this award is typically only reserved for one student at graduation, Rev. Hitts was recognized mid-program due to her innovative work in authoring her original framework, the “Theology of Neurodiversity.”

According to Rev. Hitts, research suggests that as many as one in five people think, learn, or interact in ways that differ from the majority around them. However, many churches are still structured around a single set of expectations for communication, behavior, and participation. This mismatch can create unintentional barriers, leaving some individuals feeling misunderstood or excluded. Rev. Hitts’ work challenges churches to move beyond simply being friendly and instead become more aware of how their practices may impact others. She encourages congregations to examine their assumptions, improve communication, and create environments where diverse ways of engaging the world are recognized and valued.

This perspective emphasizes that true hospitality is not just about welcoming people, but about making space for them to fully belong. Her research highlights that when churches embrace a wider range of human experiences, the entire community is strengthened. Consequently, inclusion is not an added effort, but a faithful expression of what it means to live in community together and honor the worth of each person.

Rev. Dr. Susan Hitts, who also holds a Master of Business Administration, continues to serve the local church while contributing to broader conversations within the Christian community. She has already presented her findings through the Bishop Ough Innovation Center and is looking forward to future speaking engagements to continue the conversation regarding neurodiversity and the church. 

Previous year’s Klager Bike to School Day. Photo courtesy of Ann Arwin.

submitted by Ann Arwin, event organizer

Manchester families, students, and community members are invited to kick off the school day in an active and festive way at Klager Elementary’s Annual Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 6.

Participants should gather at 7am at Chi-Bro Park for music, bubbles, and a brief welcome and thank-you speech from Klager Elementary Principal Widad Luqman. They will also be invited to join a short warm-up stretch to get energized for the ride. 

At 7:45am students will depart the park, traveling together by bike, scooter, or on foot along the eastern sidewalk of M-52 toward Klager Elementary. The group ride, expected to last about 15 minutes, will arrive at the school around 8am. Parents, siblings, and community members are encouraged to join in, either by participating in the ride or cheering along the route.

Local businesses will be on site at Chi-Bro Park offering refreshments and fun items for purchase. Sharon Valley Bike Shop will be providing free air and safety checks and offering 10% off accessories at their shop. Millie’s will be selling drip coffee, Lotus, pastries, and Millie’s Merch. The Manchester Market will offer coffee, pastries, and breakfast options. Bank Michigan will be passing out swag and water. And the Manchester District Library will be passing out goodies, too.

Safety is a key focus of the event. A Washtenaw County Sheriff’s deputy will assist as a crossing guard at Chi-Bro Park, and a patrol vehicle with flashing lights will be positioned near M-52 to help slow traffic. Children who wear helmets will be rewarded with coupons for a free scoop of ice cream.

Upon arrival at Klager Elementary, students will be greeted with a fire truck on display in the parking lot, and gift bags filled with fun items and giveaways.

The event will take place rain or shine, and participants are encouraged to bring a change of clothes if needed. Parking is available downtown, at the Klager Elementary lot, and along nearby streets including Cass, Auburn, and Lafayette.

Community members—especially seniors—are invited to bring chairs and line Ann Arbor Street to cheer on the parade with bubbles and noisemakers, helping create a lively atmosphere for the students.

For more information, visit saferoutesmichigan.org/bike-to-school-day or email Ann Arwin at aarwin@mcs.k12.mi.us.

submitted by Matt Pegouskie, 5 Healthy Towns Foundation

Free food and some fun!

Manchester Wellness Coalition (MWC) cordially invites anyone living within the Manchester Community School District region to join us for a meet and greet on Tuesday, April 28, at 5:30pm, in the Manchester Senior Center located at 912 City Rd; park in the back parking lot. There will be free pizza and giveaways as the MWC looks for new project ideas and coalition members. 

Over the past 14 years, MWC and 5 Healthy Towns Foundation have invested almost $1,000,000 of grant money into Manchester for projects centered on eating better, moving more, and improving mental well-being. We’ve helped fund the Shared-Use Trail, Manchester TOPs, the Farmers Market, SRSLY Manchester, and more! Now it’s your turn to help steer funding decisions.

The coalition is made up of volunteers living in or serving the Manchester area, and everyone in the community is welcome to attend meetings, participate, or propose projects. This meet and greet (and eat!) is open to all ages as we work on projects that make Manchester and our surrounding communities a place where its easier to eat well, be active, and find the support you and your families need to be successful.

See you on April 28! 

After the presentation Kathy assisted planting marigold seeds with the attendees. The seeds, pots, and planting soil were provided by Denise Prielipp at Hilltop Nursery. Photos courtesy of Betty Harper.

submitted by Della Smith, Bethel Memory Cafe’s organizer

The Bethel Memory Café’s first meeting on March 25 was great. The Manchester Senior Center was a beautiful location for our meeting. The program by Kathy Fusilier about Fusilier Farms was fascinating. Did you know they were the site of the very first corn maze in Michigan? It was great to hear how Chuck and Marilyn Fusilier got started 30 years ago with pigs. Next, their son Michael and his wife, Kathy, took over. Now, Michael and Kathy’s sons Travis and Chad are working there, too!

Please join this month’s Bethel Memory Café at the Manchester Senior Center at 912 City Rd on Wednesday, April 22, from 1 to 3pm. The entrance is off the lower parking lot. The program this month will feature Julie Roberts and her guitar leading us down memory lane as we share our memories of favorite songs.

Every fourth Wednesday of the month through October 2026, from 1 to 3pm, Bethel Church UCC will provide a Memory Café event at the center. A Memory Café is a social opportunity for people with dementia or memory difficulties and their caregivers (this is not a drop-off event; caregivers must stay) to engage in activities, hear programs, and enjoy light refreshments in a low-key, safe atmosphere with easy parking and access with minimal obstacles.

This is a community activity and everyone is welcome. We ALL wear name tags, make friends, and have a good time. This event is free, thanks to generous sponsors and donations. If you need a ride, the WAVE bus will take you! Call 734-475-9494 to book your ride.

More information: Leave a message at the church office, 734-429-8530, or call the Hands for Local Missions lead, Betty Harper, at 734-218-2988.

Art on display at last year’s art show. Mirror file photo/photo credit Isabella Lehrer.

by Sara Swanson

Manchester Community Schools will be holding their Annual Young 5s–12th Grade Art Show on Thursday, May 7, from 6pm to 8pm, at the Manchester District Library.

Student creations from both art and STEM classes will be on display. Students in grades 3rd through 12th have personally curated the show, selecting the artwork they feel most proud to show off to the community to be on display. Each student will have at least one piece of artwork to present.

This year they will be following a farm theme, and all attendees are encouraged to wear their best farm attire. In addition to the art on display, there will be a farm animal visit, interactive STEAM activities, and refreshments. 

The works will be on display at the library beginning on May 4 running through the art show on May 7, so if you can’t make it to the main event, you can stop by earlier in the week to view the art.

Bella Push, the art teacher for 3rd through 12th grade, states, “The art show is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students’ creativity and for the community to see all the wonderful things we learn and create in the art room. Please come out to support our amazing students at the MCS Art Show!”

Coach Coltre and Coach Gale crunch numbers while athletes look on. Photo courtesy of Michael Coltre.

submitted by Michael Coltre, Coach, Manchester Track and Field

Napoleon

The Dutch improved their placing from the year before and scored more points!  The Boys scored 78.33 and took 5^th place overall to winner Adrian Madison with 94 and runner-up Lumen Christi with 87.  The Girls’ team scored 27 and took 10^th place overall with Ida winning the Girls’ side.

Grant Johnson led the way with two first place finishes in the 110m (15.35) and 300m hurdles (41.18). These times early qualified (EQ) Grant for the State meet and he currently has the fastest 110m in D4, and the 3^rd fastest 300m hurdle time.  Jayden Johnson had a stellar performance as he took 2^nd in the 200m (22.99) and an EQ time for States! He was 3^rd in the 100m dash which was a PR of 11.39 and is currently the 2^nd fastest time in all of D4! On the Girls’ side, Siera Jedele took 2^nd place in the 100m Hurdles only behind the defending State Champion in D3.  Siera would also take 3^rd place in the 300m Hurdles.

The relays were a huge success as some new faces stepped into some new roles in their first track meet. The boys 4x400m Relay of Gavin Horky, Brennan Woods, Michael Navitskis, and Grant Johnson placed 3^rd overall with a time of 3:40.02 and are currently the 2^nd fastest time in D4. The two relays that beat them were some of the best 4x4’s in D3.  On the Girls’ side, their 4x400m Relay of Valorie Hieber, Caroline Mason, Elle Woods, and Siera Jedele also ran a superb early season time of 4:38.62 for 4^th place in a competitive field!  They currently have the 8^th fastest time in D4!

The boys 4x800m relay which consists of Cade Sayer, Justin Gale, Alec Dodak, and Gavin Horky ran 8:52.52 which is over two seconds faster than their best time last season.  They would take 4^th place last night and currently have the 5^th best time in D4!  The sprint relays were not to be outdone by the mid-distance relays.  The boys 4x200m Relay of Ethan Hittle, Michael Navitskis, Gavin Lindeman, and Jayden Johnson took 4^th place with a time of 1:39.28. The boys 4x100m Relay of Anthony Cencer, Ethan Hittle, Gavin Lindeman, and Jayden Johnson placed 4^th in a time of 47.24 which is currently 11^th in D4.

In the 800m, Gavin Horky and Cade Sayer would place 5^th and 6^th overall. Valorie Hieber ran a great 300m hurdles race and took 6^th place.  Caroline Mason ran a great early season time in the 1600m and would place 6^th.  Gavin Horky would also take 6^th place in the High Jump. In the 1600m, Alec Dodak would take 6^th place and in the 3200m, he ran a PR time of 10:49.83 for 7^th in the meet and that is currently 17^th overall in D4! Also in the 1600m, Justin Gale took 7^th overall and ran a PR of 5:07.44. In Long Jump, Gavin Lindeman would get off to a good start with a 7^th place finish and jump of 17’10. Michael Navitskis, in his first Track meet would place 7^th in both the 110m (17.53) and 300m hurdles (45.71)! Teagan Clarke who has battled some early season injuries was able to place 7^th place in Pole Vault.  Brennan Woods finished 8^th in High Jump to close out our medal honors.

Some other notables:

• Gavin Lindeman big PR in the 100m in 12.08 and 13^th place
• Giuliana Brothers with PR’s in the 100m, 200m, and 400m
• Ethan Hittle PR in the 200m in 25.80 and 11^th place
• Max Harvey with PR’s in the 400m and Long Jump
• Natasha Seaman running hurdles for the 1^st time with a PR and 11^th place
• Ava Rentfro with a PR in Discus of 79’3 for 10^th place and just missing a medal, and Shot Put of 27’0 for 14^th overall in a strong field of D3 throwers
• Eli Finnegan with a big PR in Pole Vault
• Cordelia Matthies PR in the Discus
• Tommy Simpson PR in the Shot Put
• Milo Ryan PR in the Shot Put

Grass Lake

The Dutch were involved in a very competitive Conference Double Dual.  The Boys won both at Grass Lake in defeating the Warriors 76-61 and beating Leslie 77-60.  On the Girls’ side, the Dutch defeated Leslie 79-51, and fell to the 5-time defending Conference Champions Grass Lake 52-80.  They kept it close for much of the meet! The boys start 2-0 and the girls are 1-1.

Some very key shout outs tonight:

-Jayden Johnson winning the 100m, 200m, anchoring the winning 4x2, and winning Long Jump in his first time doing the event with a jump of 19’8.25

-Alec Dodak having an outstanding night in winning the 1600m with a PR time of 4:57.6, winning the 3200m by nearly 30 seconds, and running a great leg on the pivotal winning 4x800m Relay team.  He followed up his 3200 by wanting to run on the 4x4 in which he ran a great split just for good measure!

-Grant Johnson doing some events he doesn’t normally do.  Winning the 110m and 300m hurdles per usual, but throwing PR’s in the Shot Put 39’4, and winning the Discus with a PR of 126’9

-Cade Sayer for starting the 4x800m Relay off to a great start, and taking 2^nd in the 800m

-Gavin Horky for running a great anchor leg to hold off Leslie and Grass Lake in the 4x800m Relay, PR’ing by a second in the 400m to take 2^nd overall, and to jump solid in the High Jump

-Justin Gale with a great leg on that pivotal 4x8 Relay and an outstanding closing burst in the 1600m to take 3^rd overall and 2^nd against GL

-Gavin Lindeman for jumping 18’2.5 feet in Long Jump to take 2^nd overall and to take 3^rd overall in the 200m and being on that fast 4x200m Relay team

-Siera Jedele who won both the 100m and 300m hurdles and ran a great anchor leg on the 4x200m Relay that defeated Leslie

-Valorie Hieber with a win in Shot Put with a huge PR throw of 28’7.5, she also took 2^nd in the 300m hurdles, and ran a great opening leg in the girls 4x100m Relay

-Ava Rentfro for throwing a PR in the Discus of 82’1 and winning the event, and having the 3^rd best Shot Put throw

-Audrina Lauer for winning the Long Jump and running great legs on the 4x1 and 4x2 Relays

-Abbi Austin winning the 100m dash against Leslie and running great legs on the 4x1 and 4x2 Relays

-Olivia Woods taking first in High Jump against Leslie and taking 2^nd in the 400m against GL.  She also placed 3^rd in the 200m against Leslie and was on the 4x2 Relay that defeated Leslie

-Natasha Seaman for winning the 200m against Leslie, taking 2^nd in both the 100m hurdles (with a PR) and in the Pole Vault. She also ran a great leg on the 4x1 Relay that defeated Leslie

-Teagan Clarke for winning the 3200m against GL, winning the PV against Leslie, and taking 2^nd in Discus against Leslie

-Caroline Mason for taking 2^nd in the 800m against both Leslie and Grass Lake and taking 2^nd against GL in the 1600m.  She would also nab a point in the 100m against Leslie

-The boys 4x200m Relay team running a 3 second improvement from the Napoleon Invite with a team of Ethan Hittle, Michael Navitskis, Gavin Lindeman, and Jayden Johnson.  This time currently has them ranked 4^th in D4.

PR Shout outs:

• Shot Put – Lucas Brothers, Seth Myers, Milo Ryan, Tommy Simpson, Sullivan LaHuis, Drew Matthies, Braylin Deschoff, Isabella Rattray, Giuliana Brothers, Cordelia Matthies
• Discus – Seth Myers, Milo Ryan, Braylin Deschoff, Tommy Simpson, Drew Matthies, Teagan Clarke, Isabella Rattray, Giuliana Brothers, Cordelia Matthies
• Pole Vault and 200m – Ethan Hittle
• 800m – Eli Finnegan
• 300m Hurdles – Michael Navitskis and Charlotte Williams
• 200m – Giuliana Brothers
• Josiah Helwig – 800m, 1600m and 3200m

The Flying Dutchmen are next in action tomorrow April 21 at Home against Addison and Homer in a Conference Dual. Field Events start at 4:30pm and Running Events start at 5pm.  Read about that, and how we did in the Ralph Rice Invite next week.  Go Dutch!

Gavin Horky, Brennan Woods, Michael Navitskis, and Grant Johnson after their 3rd place finish in the 4x400m Relay. Photo courtesy of Michael Coltre.

Siera Jedele, Elle Woods, Caroline Mason, and Valorie Hieber after their 4th place finish in the 4x400m Relay. Photo courtesy of Michael Coltre.

submitted by Laura Wohlgemuth, Manchester District Library Event Coordinator

Join Manchester District Library for After School Art on Monday, April 27, at 3:30pm, in the City Room. Create and decorate your own kite, then head outside to see it soar. Celebrate the season with a fun, hands-on activity perfect for a spring afternoon! All ages are welcome.

Stop by the library or visit the event calendar for information about this and other great programs for all ages at the Manchester District Library (MDL). MDL regular hours are Monday–Thursday, 10am–8pm, Friday, 10am–6pm, and Saturday, 10am–2pm. The most up-to-date hours and the latest news are always available on the MDL website. MDL is proud to serve the City of Manchester, Manchester Township, Bridgewater Township, and Freedom Township. Village of Clinton and Clinton Township residents are also eligible for MDL library cards and welcome to use all MDL resources.

submitted by Laura Wohlgemuth, Manchester District Library Event Coordinator

A Daisy Sampler event for pre-K girls and their families will be held Saturday, May 2, from 11am to 1pm, in the City Room. The program offers a hands-on introduction to Girl Scouts, featuring activities focused on camping, traditions, community service, and other core elements of the organization. Participants will have the opportunity to meet new friends while building skills to help prepare for kindergarten. An adult must accompany each child. For more information, contact Avery Sugarbaker at asugarbaker@gshom.org or 800-497-2688.

Stop by the library or visit the event calendar for information about this and other great programs for all ages at the Manchester District Library (MDL). MDL regular hours are Monday–Thursday, 10am–8pm, Friday, 10am–6pm, and Saturday, 10am–2pm. The most up-to-date hours and the latest news are always available on the MDL website. MDL is proud to serve the City of Manchester, Manchester Township, Bridgewater Township, and Freedom Township. Village of Clinton and Clinton Township residents are also eligible for MDL library cards and welcome to use all MDL resources.