Chelsea celebrates back to school, former mayor

The City of Chelsea took time on Sunday, Aug. 27, to celebrate getting back to school.

During the Back to School Bash, community members gathered for lunch, free popsicles, arts and crafts, games and a special dedication ceremony. In addition to celebrating the new school year, attendees took time to recognize former Mayor Earl Niven.

Niven served as Chelsea's first mayor and was re-elected six times. He decided not to seek reelection last year, and Mayor Tony Picklesimer was elected. In honor of Niven and his dedication to the city, Picklesimer said, the city council voted to rename the Chelsea Community Center in his honor.

"Today is a day we come together to celebrate a new school year, we come together to have an open house of this beautiful facility, we come together to say a special thank you for the work of one who did so much to make it possible," Picklesimer said, indicating toward Niven in the audience. 

Niven thanked the council and Picklesimer for choosing to rename the community center.

"I'm just thankful that this honor has been bestowed on me and my family," Niven said. He also said while he was part of the start of Chelsea, it was just the start of a marathon for the city, and there are many laps left to run.

Toward the end of the Back to School Bash, a crowd gathered outside to watch the unveiling of the words "Earl S. Niven" above the community center's sign.