A Note from the Editor and Publisher – Issue 01

by Rebecka Hoyt, Editor, and Jen Garry, Publisher

Thank you for turning on your electronic device today whether it be a computer, tablet, smart phone, iPad, etc… to read the first issue of The Buchanan Chronicle! Since today, Saturday, March 20, 2021, is the first day of spring, we thought that it would be a good idea to publish our first issue. 

Here is a little about ourselves.

Rebecka grew up in Fruitport, Michigan (just south of Muskegon), and graduated from Fruitport High School in 1998, attended Muskegon Community College for a certificate in Early Childhood Education. Fast forward about 6 years, she met her future husband, Tom Hoyt at her sister’s wedding. Tom lived here before they met, and Rebecka moved here after their wedding almost 15 years ago this June.

Rebecka has had a love of photography and writing, so she went back to school at Lake Michigan College and graduated with an Associates of Arts degree last spring of 2020. You can find a couple of her photos and small articles in the past issues of The Paper and her photography portfolio at https://rebeckahoyt.smugmug.com. Tom has been supportive of this new adventure while he works for Bosch, and will be a proof reader and writer from time-to-time.

Their family consists of their daughter Julie who goes to Buchanan Middle School, and their beloved pets: cat, Cupcake and dog, Lucy. They love this little town, the friendships they have made, along with some favorite eateries. One of their favorite places to go to is the Buchanan District Library for DVD rentals, the studying area, kids clubs like “Geeky Bits” and story time when Julie was in Preschool. Favorite eateries include: Union Coffee House, Lehman’s Farmhouse, Bucktown Nutrition and Hilltop Cafe.

Rebecka’s position with The Buchanan Chronicle is Editor. She will also be writing articles in the areas of Buchanan Community Schools, City Commission Meetings, Local Clubs/Restaurants/Businesses, Faith, and Health with the help of awesome volunteer writers and of course taking photos. If you see her in and around town with or without her camera, stop and say, “Hi” along with an article suggestion.

Growing up in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Jen’s parents both taught in Central Michigan University’s business department. She graduated from Great Lakes Adventist Academy in 2005, and then attended Andrews University 2005-2011, initially bringing her to Berrien County. After graduating with her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Architecture, Jen worked with Dr. Stanley M. Bell, Architect for a time while living in Berrien Springs. 

Some occupational discovery time later she completed a Master of Urbanism Fellowship at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, graduating Spring 2017. During this time she met and married her husband, Dan, who was raised in nearby Kalamazoo. Their family first grew when they adopted their puppy DJ Spring 2015, and they welcomed their first child, their son Theo Fall 2017.

When it came time for Jen and Dan to purchase their first house, they naturally looked to Berrien County; and as Jen had a love of the City of Buchanan already, when the perfect property became available Summer 2020 in town they jumped on it. They’ve been loving Buchanan life ever since, and Dan’s folks even bought a house in town too! All of the Garry family would enjoy reading The Paper and Jen felt a particular call to help when they found out about its discontinuation. Her design and visual background will be of great use to The Buchanan Chronicle, and she’s very much looking forward to being a part of making it happen!

Jen would love to chat with you about any ideas you have, for The Buchanan Chronicle or even any personal projects or any way that her design background could be of help to you!

It is our hope that you will be an informed Buchanan, MI citizen, or if you do not live here, thank you for taking the time to read and we hope that you have a chance to visit “The Nicest Place in America!” While checking out The Buchanan Chronicle Facebook Page, please share with your friends and family as well as suggestions you may have for some future stories!