Marine Toys for Tots has been around for 75 years and delivered more than 627 million toys and books to children. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is once again a drop off for the annual Isabella County Toys for Tots event, and we’ll wrap up this year’s drive Thursday when we Cram a Cruiser from 3-5:30 p.m. We have collection boxes for Toys For Tots set up in our sales showroom, Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center and the Krapohl Body Shop. Donated toys and books should be new and unwrapped.
Eastman’s Antique Apples/Forbidden Ciders in Wheeler is first stop in video series Welcome to “Touring with Tom,” an occasional series designed to showcase the hidden gems, longtime favorites and exciting new spots that make Michigan’s central region so special. Tom Krapohl, second-generation owner of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, invites you along to experience, reminisce and maybe discover something new. Local Dealership. Local Commitment. For Tom Krapohl, family trips in a car when he was a child usually meant another drive to Bay City to visit grandparents. “It was to their house, and then to the graveyard. We got to not like those trips,” Tom, co-owner of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln said, laughing. “I really can’t think of any highlights. We rode in a ’57 Ford Fairlane. There were a lot of station wagons because there were three of us kids.” Eastman’s Antique Apples/Forgotten Ciders co-owner Nicole Ward shows Tom and Mary Krapohl and their grandchildren Merritt, 10, and Jake, 8, how to load an old-style apple carrier. As parents themselves, Tom and his wife, Mary, enjoyed taking short trips and traveling on vacations. They regularly included their children. “Every year, we would do a family trip,” Mary said. “So now, our kids do. Our girls just did a trip to California to see Pink. They wanted Tom and I to go! I was like, ‘You know, you guys do this.’” Tom and Mary’s love of adventure and arriving in a Ford continue. For the inaugural “Touring with Tom,” we arranged a behind-the-scenes look at Eastman’s Antique Apples in Wheeler. Like Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, the orchard is a multi-generational operation. Tom and Mary were joined by two of their grandchildren, Merritt, 10, and Jake, 8. They rode in one of Ford’s hottest models, a full-size 2020 Bronco Wildtrak sporting an orange metallic tri-coat. Orchard co-owner Nicole Ward set up Merritt and Jake in a prime spot while Tom donned the gear of long-ago apple pickers — a metal container with a cloth opening and straps to secure it to his body. The boys helped fill it after Ward taught them how to pick an apple by lifting and turning so it snapped off the tree. She also brought tiny apples — a tart crabapple variety — for the boys. Both took one bite and grimaced. One signaled his review with a thumbs down. Ward, who operates the farm with her husband, Rafe, and other family members, said the fifth-generation orchard has more than 1,000 varieties of apples and more than 3,000 apple trees. “Basically, my husband’s grandfather and uncle treated apple trees like a baseball card collection,” Ward said. “Over time, we’ve learned what a rare, unique gem we have. I haven’t fully vetted it, but I think we are the largest commercial orchard — in terms of varieties. We might be the last holder of some of these types of apples.” While the orchard itself is no longer open to the public, people do visit to enjoy its Forgotten Ciders tasting room, food trucks and live music. The apple variety creates a series of hard ciders with unique tastes, including the best-selling, red, dry and tart “Mad Russian.” Eastman’s Forgotten Ciders is located at 1058 W. Midland-Gratiot County Line Road in Wheeler.
Annual customer appreciation event combines music and classic vehicles Did you ever drive a Ford Falcon? Do cool cars equal a good day in your world? If yes, put Thursday, July 21 on your calendar and stop by between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the annual car show at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. This free event is a way to show appreciation to our community and customers. It’s extra special this year as we thank all of you for your ongoing support and patience while our industry continues to wrestle with supply shortages and shifting norms in buying vehicles and getting service parts. Over the past 72 years, customers have encouraged us, pushed us to go further, and joined us in making our communities better places to live and work. Please stop in to wander among 200 cars and trucks of today and yesterday, meeting their owners and marveling at how these vehicles have taken us, our families and our friends to places near and far.
Youth soccer is one of many Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation activities that rely on volunteers. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, Summit Smokehouse partner to sponsor awards Parks and recreation programs are a pillar of so many communities, and Mt. Pleasant has one of the best. Youth programs teach fundamental athletic skills in areas such as golf, T-ball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, while providing opportunities to learn and grow mentally and socially. In addition, programs such as PEAK and special events such as Thrilling Thursdays, the Farmers’ Market and the annual Christmas celebration engage our community throughout the year. None of this would be possible without dedicated volunteers. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is partnering with Summit Smokehouse and Mountain Town Brewing Co. to sponsor a new program recognizing Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation volunteers. “Krapohl is proud to sponsor this new program to celebrate volunteers who give selflessly to provide special opportunities for our community,” said Mark Smith, co-owner and general manager of Krapohl. The first volunteer will be announced later this week, and one will be announced each month throughout the year. “We saw this as an incredible opportunity to recognize and give back to people in our community,” said Ryan Longoria, director of Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation. “These volunteers give so much of their time and energy to be role models, mentors, and community partners, and allow us to put on all of the programming and events that help make our community such a great place to live.” Volunteers recognized through this program will receive “The Works” from Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center at Krapohl, which includes a full oil and filter change, tire rotation, brake inspection, top off of fluids under the hood, battery test, air/cabin filter check and more. They also will receive a $50 gift certificate to Summit Smokehouse.
The 2021 Disney animated movie "Encanto" will be shown in the parking lot at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln on Saturday, June 25. Families can enjoy Disney's 'Encanto' while helping raise money for a great cause Join Krapohl Ford & Lincoln for the animated Disney movie, “Encanto,” during a drive-in movie night Saturday, June 25. We're partnering with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan Area 7. Donations collected at the event will benefit Special Olympics athletes at the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan. The lot at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln will open for movie-goers at 7 p.m., and the movie will start at dusk. Suggested donation is $20 per vehicle, but any donation will be greatly appreciated. Reserve your spot today to receive free popcorn during the movie! RESERVE YOUR PARKING SPOT This event is co-sponsored by Keller Williams Signature Group Northern Michigan and MLT Transport, LLC. Also, law enforcement officers will be at Krapohl from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on June 25 to conduct car seat safety checks. We thank the Mt. Pleasant Division of Public Safety and the Isabella County Sheriff's Department for providing this important service for our community. Event details: Drive-in movie “Encanto” will benefit Special Olympics athletes at the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan Date: Saturday, June 25 Time: Lot opens at 7; movie starts at dusk Location: Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, 1415 E Pickard Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI Need an oil change? Krapohl Ford & Lincoln will donate 50% of all oil change sales on Friday, June 24 to Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan. Stop in anytime between 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. **PLEASE NOTE: Audio for this movie is provided via FM radio right through your vehicle.
Products, funds help women and girls through The Care Store, Clothing INC The second annual Kay’s Way’s fundraiser and supply drive to collect items for women and girls of Isabella County raised $12,000 in May, a 58% increase from the inaugural campaign. From left to right, Brian Chapman from Clothing INC, Mark Smith, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln co-owner and general manager, Jennifer Reinhardt, Erika Ross, Ramie Harrison, Linda Coyne, Leah Rau, Shannon Vautrin Browne, Maureen Starry — all from the Women's Initiative — Julia Eigenbrood, the executive director at The Care Store and Paula Arndt from co-sponsor Weichert Realtors/Broadway Realty. Kay’s Way, conducted by the Women’s Initiative and sponsored by Krapohl Ford & Lincoln and supported by Weichert Realtors/Broadway Realty, collected supplies for The Care Store and Clothing INC. Both organizations will distribute the donated items from their locations in the Strickler Nonprofit Center on High Street. All monetary donations will fund additional supplies. “The products donated through Kay’s Way will help us for several months,” said Julia Eigenbrood, executive director of the Care Store. “All of the products we have in the Care Store are donated or purchased through financial donations. We need that help, that support. The Women’s Initiative and Krapohl Ford are just amazing how they help do that for us.” Bryan Chapman of Clothing INC said the Kay’s Way drive provides key items that often do not come through regular donations. “The Kay’s Way drive provides items we know we’re going to use — clean socks, underwear, bras — because the Women’s Initiative asked what we needed, and then they worked to get those things,” Chapman said. Kay’s Way is named for Kay Krapohl Smith, daughter of Bob Krapohl, who founded Krapohl Ford & Lincoln with his brother, Harold. Kay could be found working behind the scenes at Krapohl, raising her family and volunteering. She co-founded the Women’s Initiative 19 years ago, establishing it as an endowed fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. When Kay passed away in 2008 at age 67, her obituary listed more than 20 volunteer organizations she had served, mostly in leadership roles. She was the Mt. Pleasant Citizen of the Year in 2006. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln played host to an oil change fundraiser for Kay’s Way on May 18. All proceeds from oil changes went to the drive, and the event raised $4,133.
‘Kay’s Way’ honors Kay Krapohl Smith by collecting personal hygiene products May 9-25 Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is partnering with the Women’s Initiative on this year’s Kay’s Way Supply Drive, May 9-25. The dealership is a drop-off site for items for women and girls of Isabella County. Imagine your mom, daughter, friend, neighbor, or the woman you met yesterday not having essentials such as feminine hygiene or period products, underwear or shampoo. It happens more than we realize. That’s why the Women’s Initiative is launching Kay’s Way today — a special drive to collect items for women and girls of Isabella County. The top 6 supplies needed are: Feminine hygiene/period products Underwear, socks and sports bras Deodorant Shampoo, conditioner and styling products Shaving cream, razors Lotion, moisturizer Supplies and donations can be dropped off at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln on Pickard and Weichert Realtors on Broadway through Wednesday, May 25. Clothing INC and The Care Store will distribute all items from their locations in the Strickler Nonprofit Center on High Street. All monetary donations, which can be made at their locations or via their websites, will be used to buy additional supplies. Kay’s Way is named for Kay Krapohl Smith, daughter of Bob Krapohl, who founded Krapohl Ford & Lincoln with his brother, Harold. Kay could be found working behind the scenes at Krapohl, raising her family and volunteering. She co-founded the Women’s Initiative 19 years ago through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. When Kay passed away in 2008 at age 67, her obituary listed more than 20 volunteer organizations she served, mostly in leadership roles. She was the Mt. Pleasant Citizen of the Year in 2006. In Kay’s honor, Krapohl also will have a special oil change fundraiser on Wednesday May 18, donating 100% of all oil change purchases at Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center to the supply drive. The Women’s Initiative endowment has granted more than $100,000 to local organizations to support women and girls. It has funded coats, boots, diapers, formula, tricycles, a lunch that introduced eighth-grade girls to careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), Girls on the Run, and phone/video-conference mental-health services during the pandemic. “Mom was a force and a role model for women,” said Mark Smith, her son and third-generation co-owner and general manager of Krapohl. “Tom (Krapohl, dealership co-owner and Kay’s cousin) and I are excited to partner with the Women’s Initiative and Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation to expand her impact.”
Solar panels on top of the main sales and service building at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. Solar panels continue to power savings at dealership Although today is Earth Day, the 904 solar panels at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln work year round, providing electricity and generating savings. “I believe in protecting the environment, and using solar has an even bigger impact with the business than at my house,” said Mark Smith, Krapohl's general manager and co-owner. For instance, the original 576 solar panels on the main dealership building went up in 2017. They’ve provided an average of 161.3 megawatt hours each year since then. A megawatt hour is equivalent to 1 million watts of electricity being used for an hour. The longer summer days in June and July produce the most energy at 22 megawatts per month from the original panels. December (3.5 MWh) and January (3.8 MWh) produce the least. Smith can log in at any time to see updated statistics and real-time performance of the panels. Once Smith saw an average annual savings of $25,000 from those original panels, he had another 328 solar panels added to the Krapohl Body Shop and reconditioning building last year. The second set of panels is providing approximately 170 MWh per year, giving Krapohl about $45,000 a year in total savings. “We also switched to LED lights a few years ago, and that has dramatically lowered costs as well,” Smith said. “While solar panels do have a cost for installation, they’ll pay for themselves in seven to nine years.”
And Kay’s Way, in memory of Kay Krapohl Smith, starts May 8 The Women’s Initiative of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is accepting grant applications through mid-May for programs and initiatives that support women and girls of Isabella County. Charitable organizations, schools and municipalities can find information about grants and the application process on the Foundation’s website, through the “Grants” tab at the top. A grantseeker informational video is available on YouTube. Letters of intent are due 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 11; applications are due 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 18. “We’re looking for initiatives that help women and girls in their everyday lives, in their education and careers, and in their wellbeing,” said Erika Ross, co-chair of the Women’s Initiative. “This endowment fund through the Community Foundation exists to help women and girls become their best selves.” “We encourage creative thinking,” Co-Chair Linda Coyne said. “We hope to see applications from a number of organizations seeking to address needs or create dynamic opportunities for women and girls.” The Women’s Initiative was started in 2003 by Judy F. Smith and Kay Krapohl Smith, daughter of Bob Krapohl, who founded Krapohl Ford & Lincoln with his brother, Harold. Her impact is the driving force behind Kay’s Way: The Women’s Initiative Drive to Support Women and Girls, May 8 through 25. During the drive, Krapohl and Weichert Realty will collect personal care and clothing items for women and girls to be distributed locally through Clothing INC and The Care Store. The dealership also will donate 100% of oil change sales from the Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center on Wednesday, May 18 to the Women’s Initiative Fund. Watch Krapohl Ford & Lincoln’s Facebook page for details. The Women’s Initiative has granted more than $100,000 to local organizations, including for phone/video outpatient mental-health options during the pandemic. Other grants have funded coats, boots, diapers, formula, tricycles and a lunch that introduced eighth-grade girls to careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
Kyle Hauger, left, and Shawn Siegel flip the Baja frame so prep work can continue. Body Shop’s prep work will lead to smooth, long-lasting paint job Kyle Hauger, a technician in the Krapohl Body Shop, was busy Monday scuffing a black frame from the Baja Society of Automotive Engineers Team at Central Michigan University. Kyle Hauger uses a scuffing pad to reach the hard-to-get spots on the frame. It’s tedious work, prepping for a paint job. First, a degreaser was applied to clean the frame. A wire wheel took care of scuffing much of the frame. That left Hauger, using a scuffing pad, to hit the tiny details by hand. Overall, the prep work took about 2.5 hours to complete, a mini version of what a typical vehicle takes. Properly scuffed, the black metal piping was left with a dull finish. “You’ve got to get into all of the nooks and crannies, or the paint won’t stick,” he said. The Baja team is one of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln community partners. The program at CMU challenges students to engineer, fabricate and race developmental, single-passenger, off-road vehicles. It’s a real-world manufacturing project that teaches students skills such as engineering, technology, logistics and marketing. Krapohl provides support by loaning the team vehicles to travel to in-state races, and the Body Shop offered to paint the Baja and formula car frames. Hauger, a Beal City High School graduate who has worked in the Body Shop for about 18 months, said he enjoys the Baja team project because he’s never too far away from dirt track racing. His father-in-law, Willis McKenzie, is the defending champion in the Hobby Stocks class at Mt. Pleasant Speedway. Kyle helps out by working on Willis’ vehicles. The final step for the Baja car — painting in the bay — likely will happen later this week.
Krapohl Ford & Lincoln's showroom served as a drop off spot in May for items for the Women's Initiative Fund. Noah Pontius, an estimator in the Krapohl Body Shop, helped direct traffic for a drive-in movie in March at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. Harold and Bob Krapohl founded Krapohl Ford & Lincoln more than 70 years ago. Today, we honor their spirit of community with one of our core values, acting all year on a strong sense of responsibility to help others. We got involved with and supported numerous nonprofit organizations during 2021, always driven to improve lives and communities. And we want to thank you for helping to make that support possible, because when you do business with Krapohl, you, too, help area residents. Here are a few ways we leveraged your support in 2021: Created holiday magic for thousands of area children through Toys for Tots and in partnership with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department Are providing cars and drivers through Community Cancer Services to patients without transportation Welcomed spring with a drive-in movie on our lot to benefit the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum Contributed to new appliances at the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen Gave oil change proceeds to the Humane Animal Treatment Society Hosted an annual car show with more than 200 vehicles Promoted a vibrant downtown and healthy living by investing in the new GreenTree community-owned grocery Gave emergency scholarships to kids wanting to play youth soccer Spread the joy of art by sponsoring the Art Reach Festival of Banners Collected personal hygiene products and gave oil change proceeds to Kay’s Way: Women’s Initiative to Support Women and Girls Encouraged outdoor activity by sponsoring the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy’s Passport to Adventure Are providing road trip transportation to the CMU student Baja racing team We believe in helping others. We believe in collaboration. And we believe it takes all of us to create vibrant communities. #LocalDealership #LocalCommitment #WillYouJoinUs?
A classic car and a classic photo: Ford Mustang pedal cars made children happy in 1965. Krapohl will serve as a Toys for Tots collection site for new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 10. Three Cram a Cruiser (and a classic Ford!) Toys for Tots events set for December There’s nothing quite like a child opening holiday presents. Which is why Krapohl Ford & Lincoln and the Mt. Pleasant Police invite you to join them in supporting the 2021 Marine Toys for Tots campaign. Krapohl will serve as a collection site for new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 10. The dealership also will join the police department for three “Cram a Cruiser” events, bringing a classic Ford to fill with toys as well. These are great opportunities for the family to explore a police vehicle and vintage Ford while experiencing the joy of giving. The dates, times and locations of the events are: Thursday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln on Pickard Street Friday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m.to 8 p.m., during Mt. Pleasant’s Christmas Celebration on Broadway and Main streets Wednesday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Division of Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street Will you join us? Your gifts will deliver holiday magic to local children. #LocalDealership #LocalCommitment Marine Toys for Tots is rated one of the top charities by “Philanthropy 400” and meets all 20 standards established by the Better Business Bureau WiseGiving Alliance.