Rochester Post | Published November 20, 2023
RCS welcomes U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Cushing, Class of ’89
ROCHESTER — Brig. Gen. John Cushing, Rochester Adams High School Class of 1989 graduate, returned to his alma mater Nov. 10, walking the halls for the first time after 34 years to honor local veterans, share gratitude and show support for students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Cushing serves as the commanding general of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, where he leads a team of scientists, engineers, analysts, technicians and support staff who leverage cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum effects, autonomy, robotics, advanced energetics and synthetic biology to give soldiers the advantage.
“This command has 14,000 people, eight reporting centers and three international units. There are a lot of really smart people who are shaping what the Army of the future needs to look like,” Cushing said in a statement. “When we’re surrounded by excellence, we’re set up for success.”
Cushing was commissioned as an armor officer after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served in various assignments stateside, as well as in deployments to Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve; Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom; and two tours to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cushing has served 30 years, following the legacy of his father and grandfather, who also served in the Army.
Rochester Adams welcomed Cushing to the building, along with his mother, Anne, who remains a resident of Rochester Hills. In recognition of Veterans Day, Cushing joined nearly 200 Rochester Adams students, staff and families to honor local men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The annual event included a special breakfast that provided an opportunity for the students to have conversations with individuals who have served in the military.
Art students handcrafted poppy flowers for the veterans, and all 1,500 students placed American flags along the perimeter of school grounds with personalized signs of appreciation.
STEM book drive
ROCHESTER HILLS — The Rochester High School Robotics Team is collecting STEM books for K-12 students. Drop off your donations at 632 Seventh St. in Rochester in the bin on the front porch. Donations, which will be accepted until Dec. 14, will be donated to Little Free Libraries in the area.
Historic Home Plaques offered in Rochester
ROCHESTER — The Rochester Historical Commission continues to offer historical markers to celebrate the long-standing heritage of homes and businesses in the city of Rochester built before 1969. Organizers say the city’s historical marker program is strictly an educational program and will not affect the owner’s ability to make changes to their property. Markers cost $150. Applications are available by visiting the city website at www.rochestermi.org/plaques.
If you need help filling out the application or finding the date a structure was built, email lynncanderson@hotmail.com.
The Rochester-Avon Historical Society presents: Christmas in Avon Township
ROCHESTER — Come visit “Christmas in Avon Township,” a festive program at noon Dec. 5 at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road.
Rochester Avon Historical Society member and Civil War walking tour historian Chris Brown will take guests on a trip back to the Christmas celebrations of Avon Township and the surrounding community.
To continue the festive spirit, attendees are invited to stay after the program for a special tour of the historic farmhouse at Van Hoosen Farm. The house will be decorated for the holidays. Space is limited. Bring a lunch and bring a friend.
Registration is required. This program is free for RAHS members. Nonmembers are encouraged to make a $5 donation at the door.
Local history holiday gifts will be available for sale at the program. Register online at rochesteravonhistoricalsociety.org/calendar or call (248) 266-5440.
Library hosts author fair, book sale
ROCHESTER — Squeezed in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is the Fifth Annual Rochester Author Fair, hosted by the library and Rochester Writers.
Twenty authors will discuss their books and writing and will sign copies in the multipurpose room 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Registration is not required.
People can also mark their calendars for Nov. 30, and Dec. 1-2 for the annual Friends of the Rochester Hills Public Library Quality Sale.
There will be books, puzzles, games, DVDs and CDs, as well as unique items that make great gifts. The sale will be held in the multipurpose room of the library, 500 Olde Towne Road in downtown Rochester. All proceeds benefit the library. The sale will run 3-8 p.m. Nov. 30, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 1 and 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Dec. 2.