That all changed the day they decided to make time for their creative writing as an alternative to the scholarly-natured literature they were used to doing.

Jim, a health sciences professor, said he and his wife have written as a team since they were in college.

“The writing process is challenging, but also rewarding. My wife and I enjoy writing books together — it’s fun,” he said.

Their newly published book, titled “McAngel,” asks one question: “Would you take advice from a grizzled old man who hangs out at McDonald’s, has a preference for Quarter Pounders with Cheese, and claims to be an angel?”

“‘McAngel’ is a bit of a spiritual mystery that we hope readers will find thought-provoking. Part of the story takes place in Mount Pleasant, and local readers might find it interesting to read a book with a setting is in this geographical area,” Jim said.

The book was recognized as a finalist in the 2008 William Faulkner-William Woods Creative Writing Competition and is the second book they published this year.

“Robin Sees A Song” was rereleased in 2009, but was originally published 32 years ago. Coincidently, Jim has also worked at CMU for 32 years; Cheryl recently retired from her job at Charles V. Park Library.

How they write

Cheryl said they spend a lot of time discussing a story so, when they sit down to write, they are in sync about the overall story line.

“Sometimes, a character seems to take on a life of its own as the story evolves, and then we have to discuss and make adjustments. We do several revisions, passing the manuscript back and forth and, eventually, it works out,” she said.

Jim said they generally get along when figuring out story ideas.

“It’s not hard to agree on story topics, but perhaps that is because we think alike. It helps to have a partner with whom to explore ideas and gain a broader perspective,” Jim said.

Cheryl said they each bring a different set of work habits and unique strengths to their projects, which keeps them from stepping on one another’s toes.

“We both have the same goal: to write a good story; so there is not really a power struggle between us,” she said.

Rochester Hills sophomore Morgan Hummon and Clare senior Jenna Hatch were elected to be CMU’s co-coordinators for Michigan’s Power Shift Summit.

“This is a monumental conference,” Hummon said. “We have the chance to stand up for a new culture, economy and country like never before. We are more organized, more educated, more resourceful and more driven than ever, and we have the opportunity to take this movement mainstream at a national level, to push for bold climate legislation, now.”

Michigan’s Power Shift is set for Friday through Sunday at the Lansing Center in Lansing.

The shift is part of the process of enabling more green jobs, sustainable living, and an America which has the ability to produce adequate living for all people she said.

“Being a part of this conference means to be a part of history in the making,” Hummon said. “In 20 years when our children come home from school, in a land free from fossil fuel addiction and tell us that they read about us in their U.S. History textbook, we will know we have truly held up to our civic, and more importantly, our moral duty to ourselves, our country and our future generations.”

The cost of attending in D.C. is $45, while the event in Lansing is $20. Hatch said they are trying to get CMU to provide transportation; last year the transportation for the trip to D.C. was paid for.

Information on becoming a part of Power Shift 2009’s efforts can be found at Michigan.powershift09.org. or contact them directly at cmu.powershift@gmail.com.

The Alumni Association is putting on two events this Saturday.

Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Development Christopher Austin said he is expecting about 100-150 people for the Alumni complimentary breakfast at 8 a.m. Saturday outside Powers Hall. Austin said the Alumni Village at Rose Ponds, meanwhile, is expected to draw around 3,000 visitors from 9 a.m. to noon.

“Homecoming is one of my favorite weekends of the year. The energy and atmosphere across the campus and throughout the community really make you feel proud to be a CMU alumnus,” he said.

This year’s Grand Marshal, Carter Oosterhouse, a 2000 graduate of CMU, will be a part of Friday’s Rock Rally, alumni breakfast, parade, the Alumni Village and will be participating in the Homecoming halftime ceremony at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

“He was chosen based on the numerous nominations he received for Grand Marshal,” Austin said.

Oosterhouse, who majored in interpersonal communications at CMU, has two brothers who are CMU alumni: Todd Oosterhouse, a 1991 graduate, and Tyler Oosterhouse, a 1995 graduate.

“He is tremendously successful, widely recognized and a great ambassador for CMU,” Austin said.

Ted Grossnickle, Campus Activities Intern for the Office of Student Life and a White Lake senior, said another event open to all faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members is the Homecoming Block Party from noon to 3 p.m. today in front of the Bovee University Center. There will be free food, inflatables, music and giveaways.

Parade Coordinator Kellie DeSchutter said because many more people are coming to Main Street to tailgate, they are expecting more people.

“We might have to be especially careful keeping parade participants safe on Main Street as the new tailgating rules have caused an increase in the amount of people there,” DeSchutter, a Troy junior, said.

The parade starts at approximately 9:30 a.m. and is expected to end around 11 a.m. Students can view the parade on Washington Street between Preston and Bellows Street, as well as on Main Street between Bellows and Sacred Heart Academy in downtown Mount Pleasant.

Because of a policy that limits alcohol, bans external sound systems and more at Lot 63 south of Kelly/Shorts Stadium, many students moved tailgating festivities to Main Street instead.

The Homecoming Committee said it wants a safe, comfortable and fun atmosphere for parade participants.

“We’re looking for all students watching the parade to behave in a respectful manner to ensure the success of our goal and the parade in general,” DeSchutter said.

Carter Oosterhouse, a 2000 graduate of CMU, is this year’s Grand Marshal. Oosterhouse, on HGTV starring in “Carter Can” and the eco-friendly show “Red Hot and Green,” made his first big break appearing on “Trading Spaces.”

“He was an obvious choice from the Alumni Association’s stand point,” Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Development Christopher Austin said.

Interim University President Kathy Wilbur also will participate in the parade, as well as the CMU Marching Band, cheerleaders, ROTC, local businesses, Disney characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse and registered student organizations showing CMU Homecoming spirit as they march down Washington and Main streets, DeSchutter said.

Many RSOs, including dorm hall councils, will decorate elaborate floats to show off their CMU spirit in their quest for the Maroon Cup.

Larzelere Hall President Kenny Hayes, a Lowell sophomore, said the homecoming theme this year, “the Adventure Continues,” is broad, giving RSOs an opportunity to be unique with exciting individual themes for floats.

“Considering we’ve only competed the past two seasons, I think we’ve done very well,” she said. “It’s fun to work through the challenges and be able to see the success in the end. Its all about the visual effects.”

The Open Collegiate Synchronized Skating Club of CMU took the ice for their first team practice Monday night at the I.C.E. Arena on East Remus Road. The team welcomed five new members for the upcoming season.

Aside from competing in four competitions across the country from September to February, the team also takes the opportunity to showcase its talents at various exhibitions throughout the season.

The first competition of the season is Dec. 5 in Ann Arbor.

“Think of it as synchronized swimming, but we’re ice skating. It’s a group of people performing to music with elements of synchronization,” Nelson said.

Nelson said the club was created with the intention to help keep people interested in what they have done for so long, but find hard to continue after high school.

“It’s the commitment of wanting to be part of a team. That’s what it’s really all about,” Nelson said.

An essential sport

Stephanie Lange, a Highland junior, has been skating for as long as she can remember.

After coming to college, she, like many others, found it difficult to continue.

“The team is a good supplement for those who are used to being involved in the sport,” she said.

Lange said being an instructor for the past couple years at the Mount Pleasant ICE Arena was the perfect opportunity that helped her stay involved in skating.

“I wasn’t aware that CMU’s team competed. In this sport, it’s essential that there is something like the Skating Club because its not something that gets a lot of attention in college,” she said.

A costly effort

Last year, the team had the opportunity to travel to Tennessee and Colorado, though the perks have some costs.

Depending on the size of the team, expenses can range from $700 to $1,000 a season. The money is used toward ice time, competition entry, travel expenses and team outfits.

The total expenses for the season are divided evenly among each member. Nelson said most people pay out of pocket or raise money fundraising.

“They do a variety of fundraisers throughout the season,” Nelson said.

The full cost is not due up front. Instead, payments are made monthly.

Although members must be a full-time student, it is not required members attend CMU. Members also can be from area colleges.

To date, the team has consisted only of female athletes.

“There just hasn’t been any interest shown by male skaters,” she said.

Team members must know basic skating skills. She said most have prior experience in competitive skating.