The Walking Man turned 90 in 2009.

It was a helluva year for Fowlerville’s Clayton Klein, who completed his fifth annual walk for Hospice of Michigan (a 420-mile, three-week trek each September straight down the heart of Michigan from Paradise in the Upper Peninsula to Hell and beyond to Ohio).

The hometown hero not only reached nonagenarian status, he inspired Michiganders of all ages last year -- with the magnitude of his walking accomplishments -- from a class of fourth graders to the Governor of Michigan.

Topping the year off, Klein was also a grand marshal of the annual Christmas Parade in Fowlerville, along with a couple of his longtime friends and contemporaries, Chester Dietrich and Maurice Kingsley.

But, perhaps the biggest surprise for Klein came on an ordinary day in December with an official package in the mail. Governor Jennifer Granholm (who’d greeted Klein at the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk in Mackinaw City) sent him a plaque honoring his years of walking for the benefit of Hospice.

The plaque – or certificate of appreciation from the State of Michigan – bore all the “Whereas” notes in regard to Klein’s walks, his service to hospice, raising awareness of physical fitness, his character and service to the community, and making a difference in the lives of state citizens. Clayton also received a photo collage from Michigan Hospice & Palliative Care Organization commemorating moments along the 2009 walk.

Simply said, Clayton Klein walks the talk. That’s why I, and many others, like to hang out with him. In the years that I’ve known him – since writing about his adventure book Cold Summer Wind II and later on his book about baseball (A Well-Kept Secret: From the Glory Years of the Detroit Tigers) -- I’ve enjoyed a wonderful mentor and friend. I’ve helped, along with Fowlerville’s Lynne McLean, to publicize his walks for hospice. I’ve walked in Paradise, MI; and I’ve walked in Hell, MI. It’s been a journey to remember.

Authentic homegrown heroes often slip through the cracks in the minds of locals who knew them before they achieved that elusive description. Clayton Klein grew up in the palm of Michigan’s mitten, in Fowlerville. Soon to be 91, he’s earned the distinction of becoming a nonagenarian, which is exceptional in itself. Nowadays that age group is more active than ever, and Klein is exemplary. He could be considered a pied piper, in a way, for all of us to work at maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

What’s different about Klein? Where does the heroism enter in? For the past five years, this former businessman, author and adventurer, has walked the state up and down on behalf of Michigan Hospice. He’s gained the admiration of countless fans and friends along the way.

To my mind, though, one of the most inspiring experiences during the five years of walks was being present – a mouse in the corner with my camera – last Nov. 17 when Sue Charron invited Klein to be a guest in her Fowlerville fourth grade classroom. The class previously made a field trip one warm September day down to Olden Days Café, when their hero came through town on his way from Paradise to Hell and on to Ohio.

I say hero, because it was plainly evident that day in the classroom how much these fourth graders admired Clayton Klein, his long notable life and adventures. They’d been following his walk, every step of the way, on a state map posted on the classroom bulletin board. Kreeger Principal Jan Fleck walked us down to the room and stayed to listen in, eagerly joining in during question time.

The kids walked with Klein along the Kreeger pathway; they posed with him for a photo; they posed thoughtful questions; they viewed the slide show of his walks; they presented him with posters they’d drawn; and they welcomed him with all their hearts. Somehow, it seemed they knew they had a hero in their midst.

The Walking Man…imparting inspiration to young minds for a life of character, service, and adventure. It’s a day warmly etched in my memory.

As for Klein, his motto always is: “Keep on Walking.” So keep an eye out this spring around town, around the state, for the Walking Man. You just might find him stepping along on a brisk walk around the Fowlerville Community Park or on a rainy day at Webberville Spartan Center walking track. If you find him, go up and introduce yourself. Join in the walk. You’ll be glad you did.

Above all, let’s all keep on walking.

* * *

Susan Parcheta may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

(this article was first published at www.livingstontalk.com)

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Author's Note: This article first published in Llivingstontalk.com

Black Sheep Weavers Guild fiber artist creates wool sculptures

Fowlerville fiber artist Lynne McLean and I both moved to the area in the early 1970s, yet decades would go by before I would meet this talented wool artist and master gardener, better known to her Black Sheep Weavers Guild friends as “the Dragon Lady.”

“Most of my artwork takes the form of animals,” she notes, “but I also create wizards, Santas and figures of the imagination.” Her current work-in-progress is a ballroom dancing couple. McLean may be found each year with her sculptures and hand-made Christmas ornaments at the Annual Black Sheep Weavers Fiber Guild Sale (this year Dec. 4-5) in Hartland.

The public will be able to see her decorating talent, as well, on Dec. 17. She is the house decorator for “A Winter of Fantasy” Holiday Home Tour of Raven Oaks north of Howell. Funds raised will benefit the Howell Opera House restoration (tickets available at the Opera House).

“I became involved with Black Sheep Weavers several years ago,” she says, “when I was looking for a group of other like-minded artists who were also intrigued with fibers.”

“The Guild has a long and rich history in Hartland,” adds McLean. “The holiday sale is packed full of gorgeous art and wearable art that you will not see anywhere else.” (See event info below).

“This year we look forward to a new location in a wonderful venue with hardwood floors, large windows with much natural light and lots of space to display our art!”

McLean also enjoys showcasing her artwork each fall at the Ann Arbor Fiber Expo in Saline and at the Arts & Greens Holiday Market at Bogie Lake Greenhouse in White Lake. This event is organized by the Huron Valley Council for the Arts.

Lynne explains how she creates her fiber art sculptures

I'm a self-taught fiber artist, with my main focus being wool sculpture using a method called needle felting. Felting needles have been used for many years in industry to make fiberglass and other products. They're very sharp needles, approximately three inches long, that come in different gauges and have barbs in various locations on the needle. When the needles are inserted or "poked" into the sheep's wool, the barbs pull the fibers together; the more the wool is poked the firmer it becomes.

To make a needle-felted figure I roll and shape the wool, poking the needle in hundreds of times to hold the wool together, while also adding additional wool to "sculpt" the piece. There are no patterns nor sewing involved. I use primarily wool from sheep and alpacas, preferably locally-raised animals. In preparation for needle felting, the wool is scoured and processed at the mill. I use some in natural colors and some I dye myself, or purchase from other Guild members who dye wool. One commission piece that I did was a cat's face using fur from the actual cat; that was a challenge!

Retirement brings out another artistic endeavor

I knew Lynne loved gardening, but only recently learned the extent of her artistic expression in that arena. She'd worked for SBC.AT&T. After Lynne retired, her mom, who also loves gardening, suggested she enroll in the Michigan Master Gardner course.

McLean continued on to become a Master Gardener and then earned the Advanced Master Gardener certificate. “I love to spend time in my perennial gardens at home,” she says. Her favorite spot is her water garden. “Every year I have beautiful water lilies and healthy frogs.”

All this is managed without filters. “I was determined that I could have a pond without all the filterings that the greenhouse people say are necessary,” McLean says, “and I have succeeded.”

Her gardening expertise led her also to care for the perennial gardens at Raven Oaks, a beautiful estate located north of Howell. “I work in the gardens from spring through fall. Then when the weather turns cold, I have the opportunity to further push my creative limits by decorating the inside of the medieval house for first Halloween and then Christmas.”

McLean has been decorating inside of the house for the Holiday Home Tour. (see info below).

Enter the ' Walking Man,' Clayton Klein

While Lynne McLean and I live on opposite sides of town, we have one friend in common. We're both friends of Fowlerville's own Clayton Klein, the Walking Man.

Lynne and husband Mike bought an 1800s farmhouse out in the country when they moved here in 1974. Turns out, it was just up the road from Klein's farm home. The McLeans have known Clayton since day one. It's been a long, satisfying relationship for them, being neighbors and friends.

“Clayton and I have spent many a morning over coffee at his kitchen table, discussing plans for his walks,” says McLean. “I've had the opportunity to be able to work on publicity for all five of his 'Paradise to Hell and Beyond' walks, as well as the privilege of walking with him several times.

Lynne's artist sister, Laurie McDowell of Chelsea, designed the Walking Man logo for Klein's walks.

The walks took place over the past five years. The McLean's 90-year-old neighbor walked the length of Michigan over a three-week period each September to help raise money for Michigan Hospice Organization in memory of his wife, Marjorie.

I met Lynne because of Clayton's walks, since I was helping with publicity for the the past four years.

While I wish I could say I could create great art and beautiful gardens, I'm stuck with a “brown thumb” in both areas. However, I love to write about people who bring out their creative gifts into the world.

Besides being friends with Klein, we have one other thing in common. Says Lynne: “My max walking distance, however, is 7 miles compared to his 20 miles a day!”

As the Detroit News interviewer yanked out of me – when calling to ask about Clayton this summer – that's my speed, too...about seven miles. I guess you could say that Lynne and I spent a lot of fun time letting our fingers do the walking over the computer keys, while dreaming up publicity projects for the long-distance walks.

Both of us will remember those September epic walks; and we both share the privilege of having been part of the effort. We'll definitely keep fond memories of our mutual friend, Clayton Klein, and of all the wonderful walking folks we've met along the way.

Lynne McLean, the fiber artist, decorator, gardener and good neighbor, will no doubt keep on walking with Clayton, just as I will.

Event information and links for this article:

This year the Black Sheep Weavers Guild Holiday Sale is no longer being held at Cromaine Library in Hartland. The location has moved to the Hartland Insurance Agcy Building at 2532 N Old US 23.

Black Sheep Weavers information

www.blacksheepweavers.com

View (and purchase) McLean's artwork at her website:

www.woolieart.etsy.com

Howell Opera House benefit “A Winter Fantasy” at Raven Oaks

http://www.theoperahouse.us/events.html

Fiber Expo is a weekend event for the family

You can see live fiber producing animals, purchase supplies, and finished fiber art.

www.fiberexpo.com

Author's Note: This article was first published in LivingstonTalk.com

 By Susan Parcheta

In August the word was: “Come Walk With Me.”

 From Paradise on Lake Superior (Longfellow’s shores of Gitche Gumee); south across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to St. Ignace; over “The Bridge” with 50,000 other Labor Day walkers to Mackinaw City; and with a proper send-off there by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, on downstate through the heart of Michigan’s lower peninsula – to Hell and beyond to Ohio – walking, one step at a time.

 By September’s end, the word from Fowlerville’s Clayton Klein was: “The Walk is Complete.” Klein had concluded his fifth annual walk for Michigan Hospice Organization, in memory of his wife, Marjorie, who in 2003 was under hospice care in the final weeks of her life. “In the spring of 2005,” Klein says, “I contacted Michigan Hospice & Palliative Care Organization in Lansing to learn if they could use me to increase donations to their work.”

 This year’s walk, Klein insists, is his last. The 90-year-old earned his nonagenarian status in February. Those who walk with him, no matter what age, marvel at the scope of his accomplishment. The three-week September walks averaged 20 miles a day; the entire walk from border to border is about 420 miles.

  Karen Jackson, service delivery leader for St. Joseph Mercy Home Care and Hospice in Howell, heard about Klein’s long distance walks and decided to join him this year. Jackson walked with Klein on the Chelsea to Manchester leg Sept. 26. .

 “I love to walk,” she says, when asked what attracted her to Klein’s project. She also points out,  “I think Hospice is a valuable service that most Americans do not utilize. It is a Medicare benefit that you are entitled to, and I thought it would be interesting to talk to Clayton.”

 Having worked with so many elderly people, Jackson was interested in seeing what was up with this extraordinary senior. “I enjoy the senior generation,” she explains. “They have so much to teach us. Our society is very youth oriented; and I think it is wise to learn from those who have walked in our footsteps earlier in their life.”

 “I got more than I gave that day,” she says, reminiscing about the walk along M-52 into Manchester.  “Clayton is a history buff; and boy, did I learn from him!”

Several Livingston residents joined Klein when he walked through the county. Brighton resident Mary Ann Kulaszewski heard about Klein’s walk on the radio. “They said anyone could join him, so I did.” “I had been walking twice a week in Brighton.  “There is a six-mile trail in the woods there,” she says, “so I wanted to see if I could walk farther.  It was very nice.”

 “Kulaszewski, who works for a home care company, walked the Webberville to Fowlerville route on Grand River Avenue Sept. 23, arriving with the Klein entourage to celebrate at Olden Days Café in downtown Fowlerville.

 Among those who walked into town with Klein were several members of Genesis House, Livingston’s mental health clubhouse in Fowlerville. The Genesis folks have traditionally supported Klein’s walk, as he has supported theirs each year during the annual May Walk-a-thon to raise money for clubhouse events.

 November is National Hospice Month. Always walking for a cause, Klein enjoyed the hospice connection because of the support the organization provided for Marjorie.

 Michigan Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (MHPCO) -- the state’s umbrella organization for all hospice groups – honored Klein Sept. 22 at the Flap Jack Shack in Lansing the morning he walked from there to Webberville. Remarked Lisa Buttigieg, communications coordinator, “Our guy Clayton is ‘Our Walking Man!’”

 Buttigieg praised the awareness that Klein’s walk has raised over the past five years in regard to hospice and the compassionate care provided to the ill and their families. One benefit of the walks was the Sondra Seeley Scholarship Fund, which provides free registration to hospice staff so they can attend MHPCO’s educational offerings.

 “These well deserving hospice workers, Buttigieg says, “would otherwise not have been able to attend without the scholarship funding.”

  Clayton’s walk news was posted on the MHPCO website until just recently. However, it’s not too late to donate to the cause. Here are Buttigieg’s suggestions:

 “If you would like to make a donation to honor Clayton, please visit our website at www.mihospice.org and then, just beneath our logo in the top left corner, click on “Make A Donation” (for credit cards only). When you enter your name, just enter (example: John Doe in honor of Clayton’s Walk).  Or if you would like, you can mail a donation to MHPCO, 12800 Escanaba Drive, Ste. E, DeWitt, MI 48820.

 “True Grit” defines Klein and inspires fellow walkers. While there are many walks going on to benefit numerous organizations, Klein’s effort to create his personal walk project for hospice carries the weight of true grit to those who walk in his footsteps.

 Like John Wayne and other World War II contemporaries, Klein reflected the traditional American values of hard work and perseverance, building a home life and career. A husband, father, active church member and community advocate, he established a hriving fertilizer business in his hometown. He went on to become a successful book publisher and author, writing and speaking about his canoeing adventures in the far north.

 His most recent foray back into writing came with the publication in 2007 of his book about his wife, Marjorie, and her friendship before they married with the legendary Detroit Tiger Hall-of-Famer Hank Greenberg. His book, A Well-Kept Secret: From the Glory Years of the Detroit Tigers, is based on her diaries discovered after she died. Clayton and Marjorie had been married for 61 years; and it was truly a well-kept secret, since he’d not known of this amazing story about his artist wife.

 Klein’s love affair with walking began somewhat painfully about 40 years ago. He’d been hospitalized after injuring his back carrying a hefty bag of fertilizer. Doctors were not about to send him home without back surgery. By a stroke of good fortune, a friend of Klein’s happened by and told him he knew a doctor that could help him, if he could get out of the hospital. He left, never to return.

  The new doctor told him an amazingly simple thing. “Go walk.” He did. He’s been walking daily ever since; and he’s inspired countless others to enjoy the benefits of walking.

 As Lucy Olivera of Dearborn puts it,  “Clayton is an incredible inspiration.  I was starting to feel a little old, not taking care of myself, thinking it was too late to start exercising. I was only 39 years old. Then I met Clayton.”

 Olivera walked into Fowlerville this year, but first met Klein a couple of years ago on his walk into Manchester. He left an impression. “He didn't start walking until he was in his early 40s,” remarks Olivera, “and he hasn't stopped since.”

 “Clayton makes me feel hopeful,” she says. “I'm not walking daily but I walk occasionally, and I like being outside. I’m not going to give up on myself; and I walk whenever I can. Meeting Clayton has enriched my life and I'm thankful for that.”

 While his doctor gave him a perfect bill of health for the walk, Klein’s resilience was tested on this fifth walk. Barely into the Sept. 19 schedule, he was walking down the sidewalk in St. Johns with Todd Brooks of Perry and St. Johns Hospice folks Michelle Wiseman and John Thelen, when he caught a shoe on a curb, falling on his face and knees. Bruised, and glasses broken, he got checked over at Clinton County Memorial Hospital.

 Said Klein, “The staff went to work immediately. Within an hour they cat-scanned my head, the doctor installed a dozen stitches along my right eyebrow and treated various other scrapes and bruises.”  Klein’s spent the weekend at home, keeping ice packs on the injured eye. Though his face was swollen and his right eye closed, Klein felt fine otherwise. The walk resumed on Tuesday as scheduled. Then, as he always has, whether  a rain day or some other mishap, he returned to re-walk the St. Johns portion.

 Walking from Paradise to Hell? Why not Hell to Paradise?

The idea of walking from Paradise to Hell caught on back in 2005; and arriving in Hell, Michigan was always a highlight for Klein. When people ask why he didn’t walk from Hell to Paradise, Klein reminds them that you can only walk the Mackinac Bridge one way, north to south on one day of the year.

 The Labor Day Bridge Walk was memorable this year, when Klein met up again with Governor Granholm, who’d sought him out on his 2006 walk. Granholm said she remembered that meeting and the photo up of the two together at the bridge.

 As Klein relates the story, he told Granholm,  “Since that time, I’ve shown that picture to dozens of people and I always tell them, ‘You are the first Governor of Michigan that I’ve ever had my arm around,’ and then I tell them, ‘You are the only Governor of Michigan that I ever wanted to have my arm around!’”

 After he told her that rendition, he says, “She nearly doubled up with laughter.”  Another handshake, and the 5^th and final walk downstate to Hell and beyond continued on.

 This Dec. 5, however, Klein gets to ride; and it will be through his hometown. Klein is being honored as a hometown hero, along with three of his fellow Conway Township citizens, Chet Deitrich and Maurice Kingsley, as a grand marshal for the Fowlerville Christmas Parade.

 When all the festivities are over, though, the Fowlerville nonagenarian plans to follow his own motto: “Keep walking,” scouting out new, but shorter, trails for trekking…one step at a time.

 Hospice links and information:

 St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospice
907 Fowler Street, Howell, MI 48843, 800-862-5162, 517-540-9000.

Contact: Central Intake Department at 734-327-3200.

Michigan Hospice & Palliative Care Organization

12800 Escanaba Drive, Ste. E, DeWitt, MI 48820

 EmbroidMe of Birmingham

Howell native Gail Wilcox Backus and husband, Craig, created the Walking Man tee to commemorate Klein’s fifth annual walk for Michigan Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, as well as his 90^th birthday. Tees are available for ordering at www.embroidme-birmingham.com

http://thewalkingman.promoshop.com/

 St. Joseph Mercy Health System
www.sjmercyhealth.org

 National Hospice Palliative Care Organization
http://www.nhpco.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=5754

 Hospice Care Saves Money for Medicare

http://www.nhpco.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=5386

 Final Gifts is a classic and comforting reference book on hospice care

Written by two hospice nurses Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley . Available at Amazon.com

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October 2009…

Last December I wrote my first blog for Fowlerville News Online. As you can see, below, from what I wrote in that blog, I was excited to see the News & Views coming online.

This year, double greetings are in order. The News & Views is not only online, with its own website, but it’s gone quantum leaping onto Facebook!

I enjoyed working with the Horton’s niece Jamie Horton McCarthy (now living with her family in Texas) when she was in the office during summers and school vacations. The other day, I noticed a suggestion from her in my Facebook notifications to join Fowlerville News Online fan page.  I did, and I see there are a few members already.

When I wrote the article last December, I’d already been writing a blog for the Horton’s Michigan Country regional website. So I was tickled to see that they were going a step further to round up the local community news online, as well.

I hope, though, we can all use this soapbox to help get everyone who needs or wants high speed Internet to get it. When Steve put the videos on earlier this summer, I could not watch them. It’s only been in the past couple of months that I’ve been able to watch videos, or really enjoy my Facebook experience without feeling like a turtle agonizing over the slow trip down the Internet highway.

Yes, We finally had to bite the bullet and get satellite. I couldn’t be doing all the things I am now on the Internet, otherwise. Yes, now I not only can view videos, I can send them. I can send photos and receive photos. I can Facebook to my heart’s content. I can write up a storm and surf, surf, surf for information. I can work on my websites and blogs…with more to be created. I can actually have fun.

While I may be having fun online, there are so many yet without faster speed Internet. Dial-up is archaic. I just heard that Finland wants each citizen to have the right to high speed Internet. Wow. Why can’t we?

I applaud all the efforts people, such as Grace Damerow in the Fowlerville Community Schools tech department, have made to forward the existence of wireless Internet in our area. I don’t know where the cause stands at the moment, given the current state of the economy.  I’m just glad we finally decided to make the commitment. There weren’t any options.  I’m still hoping for faster, easier and cheaper to be the norm.

Meanwhile, congratulations to the News & Views for joining in the media phenomenon that the Facebook platform is providing for individuals and businesses everywhere.

The face of community journalism is far different than we’d ever have imagined, even back in the office…musing over what it would it would be like to have the news online. I certainly never thought Facebook would be such a big part of my life and that of all my friends and family.

So, double greetings…and see? What I wrote last year still rings true. The adventure continues…and we’re flying faster than ever.

Greetings to Fowlerville News Online! (from Dec. 2008) by Sue Parcheta

You may color me happy this December 2008. Fowlerville News & Views is online at last.

I recall discussions in the News & Views office, when I was working there a few years ago, about being online. We'd talk about it. But knowing the effort entailed, the idea would get tabled for sometime in the future. The future is here...and I'm excited about the possibilities for Fowlerville News Online.

. Technology moves quickly, but these days it's cruising at warp speed. Everything's speeded up. We, the News & Views readers have speeded up…like it or not. And, sometimes, I don't like it. Sometimes, as at Christmastime, I wish life would slow to my pace.

Yet it's handy to have headlines appear in my email, almost the instant an event has occurred anywhere on the planet. It will be handy to be able to visit this web space and get a feeling for the local news beyond the weekly paper. And, it will be wonderful to check in often, knowing that a little community is developing because of this web effort of Dawn and Steve Horton.

I'm happy about that. It seems all the more important that this web venture is beginning now, because suddenly everyone is tuning in to online networks. The 2008 election experience brought this networking phenomenon to the forefront of our awareness, I think. Online networks resonate with people more and more. Social networks like Facebook are in the news daily.

The power of social networks, even the virtual ones, is being studied regarding the state of our health and even our longevity, with extraordinary findings. And guess what? It turns out we're happier if we're involved, and actually in the center of, several social networks.

I'm happy, too, to learn of the value of creating little networks within networks. Have you seen recent studies done about happiness being contagious? Big news this month. Of course, that seems obvious. But the kicker is...this happiness thing extends to communication, not just in person face to face, but when we're on the phone, or online. Maybe this online community just might contribute to bringing us a little extra local cheer in these challenging economic and political times.

Thinking about Fowlerville News Online and the local folks, who read the paper edition of the News & Views, checking in here is exciting to me. I sense the same feeling of community that the Hortons have built up over a generation -- of Fowlerville and Webberville residents -- reaching out now into all our home computers, blackberries and iphones.

So I'm happy to add this virtual network of Fowlerville/Webberville folks to my life. It will give me a chance to connect virtually with readers I've known from my years at the News & Views. And some new ones, as well.

Yes, I've looked forward to this day of the News & Views web community. Glad tidings, indeed.  Cheers...and, may we enjoy coming together in this space…to adventure together in the coming year.

Susan Parcheta may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it