Community Matters Calhoun County

(Community Matters 195) Remembering Dr. Joe Schwarz: Governor Gretchen Whitmer

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joins Community Matters to pay tribute to Dr. Joe Schwarz and reflects on how his principles shaped the way he led and the way others learned to lead around him. Whitmer talks about his fierce advocacy, respect for the oath, and why putting people first still works even when politics gets divisive.  ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/].

(Community Matters 195) Remembering Dr. Joe Schwarz: Michigan State Representative Steve Frisbie

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Michigan State Representative Steve Frisbee recalls why Dr. Joe Schwartz's humor, blunt honesty, and steady presence mattered to Battle Creek. Frisbie shares stories from the ER, his clinical style with patients, and the kind of political candor that still left room for respect.  ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/].

(Community Matters 195) Remembering Dr. Joe Schwarz: Businessman Vince Pavone

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Vince Pavone from Lakeview Ford reflects on the life of Dr. Joe Schwarz and the kind of civic leadership that feels rare right now: sharp, principled, and community-first. Pavone shares personal stories that show how Joe could disagree without being divisive and still push Battle Creek toward better outcomes.  ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/].

(Community Matters 195) Remembering Dr. Joe Schwarz: Battle Creek Author, Communications Executive T.R. Shaw

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  T.R. Shaw, CEO of Shaw Communications and author of Defy the Immediate, reflects on Dr. Joe Schwarz's lifelong dedication to public service in Battle Creek driven by duty, relationships, and a refusal to let the city be sidelined.  ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/]

(Community Matters 195) Remembering Dr. Joe Schwarz: CEO Joe Sobieralski, Battle Creek Unlimited

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Battle Creek Unlimited CEO, Joe Sobieralski, discusses what Dr. Joe Schwarz's leadership meant for Battle Creek Unlimited and what any community can borrow from his playbook.  ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/].