In the morning in Battle Creek, the ‘Cereal Capital of the U.S.’, Mayor John Godfrey kindly welcomed us to this beautiful downtown area in front of City Hall. Joining him were some of the staff and the local Television station. We presented them with some of our experiences and shared common ideas of harmony through community activities. Mayor Godfrey offered us a proclamation supporting the efforts of the World Harmony Run. It is very encouraging when community leaders offer their support and think about ways to encourage harmony in their areas. The Mayor even offered to treat us to a great breakfast next year as this city manufactures many delicious breakfast cereals. Got milk?

Not far from the City Hall was the downtown YMCA. Mary Proulx, one of the Directors who was so enthusiastic and kind to us last year could not be there today unfortunately, but we did meet more very enthusiastic and supportive people there. Dan Fullenkamp, the CEO or President of this YMCA happened to be there and cheerfully carried the Torch with us and participated in our ceremony with the children. Lindsey Jones, one of the counselors, and Pam Badger who works on the staff, put on their running shoes and joined in also with much eagerness and joy. It is no wonder that the children were also quite enthusiastic because of their teachers being so nice and encouraging. It was a wonderful ceremony in this great facility as we did not have to try hard to explain how harmony could be shared in communities like this one in Battle Creek.

Further along the route in the cozy little town of Marshall, Mayor Duane Cowgill , Chester Travis and Cindy Porter from the Office of Economic Development, joined us at the Greek style fountain across from City Hall. Teri, from the Recreation Department also showed up and was disappointed that it was about to rain and she could not bring the children who wanted to meet us there. After some discussion we decided to go to the school where the children were at day camp, the Gordon School. The children were quite happy and surprised when we ran in with the Torch aflame. We had a wonderful outdoor event to which the Mayor once again appeared. It turns out that two of his grandchildren attend that day camp. It was harmony in the family for Mayor Cowgill in Marshall.

On our way to Jackson. Team which consisted of Edi and Julian and myself, were surprised by a whole family waiting for us in a small town called Parma. Jill Carr, the editor of the County Press Newspaper and her husband Doug her mother Pam Rogers along with Shelby, Kayla and Tessa, their children, met us at the beginning of town to run through town with us. For two miles, the Carr family carried the Torch as Pam drove the car to pick them up at the other side of town. They had so much enthusiasm and joy that it did not matter to us if we were going to be late to another event. It is not that often that we have a whole family share the Torch in spreading harmony with us. As Jill said after they finished, “The family that runs together stays together.”

Photos from the Martin Luther King Recreation Centre

Finally, all our gratitude to the Webers Inn for graciously hosting us in Ann Arbor

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