Midland's former G-man crosses to the dark side in 'Treasure Island'

 A motley crew of bloodthirsty buccaneers waits for the curtains to open Friday, Feb. 10, on Midland's Center Stage Theatre production of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," and among the worst is the notorious Black Dog. He's dark and the most bestial of the lot, say students of the classic tale, and that says a lot, considering the competition. But Kevin Kendrick, a student of deviate personalities himself, begs to differ.
"He's not Pew," says the vice-president of global security at Dow Corning, as he shifts attention from his character to the blind, doomed Pew. "That guy is infinitely creepier."

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Midland Mayor Maureen Donker wants to see continued growth in 2012

The city of Midland saw a lot happen in 2011. MidMichigan Health completed a $115 million expansion, plans were announced to build a $49 million retail and office building across from the Dow Diamond, and plans to bring Panera Bread to town were announced. Midland Mayor Maureen Donker says the city has a lot to be proud of, and hopes to see a lot of the same in 2012. Donker on Wednesday gave the Midland State of the City address at the Great Hall Convention and Banquet Center to a crowd of more than 300 people. "I want to see continued growth," Donker said when asked about what she wants to be discussing at next year's State of the City Address. Wednesday's address marked the seventh year for the annual event and the third year with Donker as keynote speaker.

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Midland woman plans Zumbathon for her mother, of Holland, who has leukemia

When Jill Lareaux's insurance lapsed in July, she wasn't too worried because she had always been in good health. Then she was diagnosed with leukemia. Lareaux, 61, of Holland is a fine artist. She was diagnosed with acute lymphocystic leukemia in 2011. “She's always been healthy,” said Trena Winans-Bagnall, Lareaux's daughter who lives in Midland. “But she started looking pale, her limbs became heavy and she started to get unexplained bruises all over her body. That's when she knew it was time to go to the hospital.”

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Dow Corning's liquid silicon is helping people in the developing world see

Liquid silicon made by the Dow Corning Corp. is helping people living in developing countries through a partnership with the Centre for Vision in the Developing World. A recent report from NPR highlighted how different businesses and organizations are helping to bring quality eye care to areas where exams are often thought of as luxuries. Through their partnership, Dow Corning and the Centre for Vision are working to make cheap glasses with lenses made of liquid silicon, a product developed by Williams Township-based Dow Corning. Dow Corning's James Stephenson told NPR the glasses are equipped with a little pump that can adjust the shape of this liquid lens.

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2012 Dow Corning Tennis Classic main draw begins in Midland

Ashley Weinhold of the United States returns a serve from fellow American Chi Chi Scholl in the first set of their match in the 2012 Dow Corning Tennis Classic in Midland. The women's singles feature match between American Melanie Oudin and sixth-seeded Foretz Gacon of France takes place at 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, at the Midland Community Tennis Center, 900 E. Wackerly in Midland.

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Midland Mayor to look forward at Wednesday's State of the City address

Midland Mayor Maureen Donker on Wednesday will provide a glimpse into the state of things during the Midland State of the City Address. The luncheon address is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Great Hall Banquet and Convention Center, 5121 Bay City Road in Midland. Cost to attend is $25 for Midland Area Chamber of Commerce members, $50 for non-members and $250 for a table of ten. Those interested in attending can register online, or by calling the Midland Area Chamber at 989-839-9901.

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Moolenaar, Cotter to speak at senior centers

via Midland Daily News

Senior Services will host Sen. John Moolenaar and Rep. Kevin Cotter as their Lunchtime Learners program goes on the road to the Happy Diners Center and Coleman. The representatives will discuss legislation and the effect it has on Michigan’s older adults. On Friday, Feb.10, from noon to 1 p.m., Moolenaar, R-Midland, will speak at the Happy Diners Center at 1310 Ashman St. (in the Memorial Presbyterian Church). A native Midlander, Moolenaar has been an elected official at the state level since 2002 when he began the first of his three terms as Michigan’s 98th District state representative. Prior to his political career, Moolenaar worked in diverse fields from The Dow Chemical Co. to directing the Small Business Center at Middle Michigan Development Corp. During his years in office he has served on the Education, Energy & Technology, and Appropriations committees with particular focus on the Department of Education and the Department of Environmental Quality.

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