Letter to the Editor – July 31, 2025

Dear Editor:

   I am taking this opportunity to share my experiences as a “transplant” with James Thomas, Jr. of the Village Planning Commission regarding his reading of current results of the Master Plan Survey at the recent meeting of the Village Council.

   Thirty-four years ago, this Halloween, I became a “transplant” in Marcellus. It was a community I chose. The Bluegill Frolic the following summer was perfect to become acquainted. My relationship grew from there with the kindness, encouragement, and support of “lifers” and once-upon-a-time “transplants.”

   Through the friendships of Rotarians: Cordell Jones, Arnie Schten, Ralph Parker, Elwyn Shugars and more, I went on to become a Rotary President. 

   Rotarian Arnie Schten encouraged me to join him as “Gracie” to his “George” in Burns and Allen re-written scripts for over 5 years of the Rotary Vaudeville Show.

Because of the kindnesses of Don Moormann and his crew, I became a member of Marcellus DDA and later a township trustee.

   Upstanding and outstanding Marcellus women (Mona Moormann, Abigal Schten, Carolyn Ingersoll, Barb Abrams, Mary Quinn, Juanita Hagen, Florence Murray, Mary Ann Claridge, Carol Bainbridge, Susie Johnson) asked me to join their book club. I am still a member with new women and reading choices.

   Laura Bair Dunn and I were the May Day fairies for over two decades, only ending with the pandemic.

   I took “vacation days” from my Kalamazoo management job to sub at the Marcellus Middle School just a couple of blocks south of my home. Upon retirement from full-time teaching, I substituted in many classrooms at the Middle/High School, where I met many of the community’s children – now adults.

   I married Curt Johnson of Marcellus/Volinia Township (thank you, Arnie Schten) and still actively support this greater community.

   “It is impossible for you to go on as you were before, so you must go on as you have never been.”  Cheryl Strayed

   The Master Plan survey is a nice start. Keep looking to our future. Encourage and support not only your children, but also your “transplants” – therein lies our future success for a vital Marcellus.

Paula Johnson
Marcellus, MI 

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