Fowlerville News & Views Online Edition March 3, 2013
Getting ready for the annual Chili Cook-off are these members of the Fowlerville 4th of July Committee. From left, front row, are Enrique Salfate, Denise Brown, Bruce Brown, and Jim Mayhew; and back row, Wayne Copeland Tom Couling, and Butch Ogden. The Cook-off is a major fundraiser for the committee with proceeds used to purchase fireworks for the area Independence Day celebration.
“Hot time coming to town” when Chili Cook-off takes place this coming Saturday “It’ll be a hot time in the old town” this coming Saturday (March 9) when the 9th annual Chili Cook-off takes place at the Fowlerville VFW Hall, located at 215 Veterans Drive. The Cook-off competition runs from 4 to 7 p.m. and is sponsored by the Fowlerville 4th of July Committee. Proceeds from this fundraising event are used to purchase fireworks for the local July 4th celebration. There is still time to enter the contest. The entry fee is $10 and the deadline is this Wednesday (March 6). Call Bruce or Denise Brown at (517) 223-1927 or Peggy or Butch Ogden at (517) 223-3454 for information. Entry forms are also available at the Village of Fowlerville office. The public is encouraged to attend the contest and taste-test the various entries. The admission price also includes a bowl of chili, salad, beverage and dessert. Prices are $7 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 years, and no charge for those under five years of age. A three-member panel will award the Judges Choice, those attending the Cook-off will pick the Peoples Choice, and others categories are: Spicy Hot, Best Presentation, and Best Business/Organization. Cash prizes will be given out to the winners. In addition 50-50 Drawings will be held, and vendors will have displays set up inside the Hall. The vendors include Maple Syrup State Senate Cookbooks, Scentsy, LESA Cards, and Papa Turts Hot Sauce.
Pictured L to R Front row: James Kulaga and Emily Sparkia. 2nd row: Andrew Beavers, Jonah Sparkia, Beverlyn Salvia, Katelyn Wylie. 3rd row: Denae Hummel, Jacob Aubuchon, Sam Sparkia, Grace Hull, Kelsey Mayville, Calvin Scofield. Back row: Chris Weston, Lukas Weston, Greg Shaw, Nick Webster, Dakota Brown, Jestin Griffes, Dillon Brown, and Jordan Hath.
Webberville Robotic Club completes 2013 season The Webberville Robotic Club recently completed its 2013 season by competing in the VEX Robotics Michigan State Championship. Four robotics sub teams represented Webberville in this invitational tournament. Two of the robots in the event were built by middle school students and two were built by the high school students. This is the 3rd tournament of the year for the students in the robotics club. Previous events included a home event in Webberville and a District event in Belding. At the Belding event two of the clubs robots made it to the semifinal round of the tournament and one robot team was awarded the Design Innovation Award by tournament judges. The Robotics Club was formed in the fall of 2010 and over the past three seasons it has competed in a number of events across the state. "When we first started the club we really did not know what we were doing. Over time we mastered the learning curve and each year we have improved the quality of our robots. We have been able to do this because we have a very dedicated group of students and adult volunteers," said club advisor Greg Shaw. The goal of the Webberville Robotics Club is to increase interest in science and technology through the hands on learning experiences. The club accomplishes this goal by participating in an annual competition organized by VEX Robotics. Each year VEX comes up with a new game based competition and students from around the world build robots to complete in tournaments structured around the game. This year's game was called Sack Attack and it involves building robots that can pick up beanbags and place them in designated goal areas. In order to build a successful robot, teams must apply a variety of engineering and programming skills. These skills are precisely the skills that employees are looking for to fill the high tech jobs of the future.
Michigan Senate Report By Cheryl Poch Twenty-two years ago Steve Allen wrote a book entitled “DUMBTH.” It talked about 81 ways to make Americans smarter! Even though this book is 22 years old, what Allen has to say is still relevant for today’s society. Rule number 43 – Take Advantage of your Local Library! How true. The Fowlerville District Library has a lot to offer our community. We have numerous programs and special events for all ages; DVD’s that appeal to every audience out there, CD’s to listen to when you are traveling in your car, going on a trip, etc. We are now getting The Detroit Free Press and USA Today along with the Lansing State Journal and the Press & Argus. Rule number 35 – Find out What’s Going On – He states: “You don’t have to be ignorant anymore.” The library has all sorts of magazines to keep you informed of what is going on in the world today. Newspapers with different views and stories, non-fiction books that give you different perspectives on all sorts of topics. Be INFORMED...READ...Listen to a non-fiction CD about presidents, about science or history. Read the Yahoo news headlines to get a quick idea of what is going on for the day. If you have a tablet or electronic device – book page newspapers or TV stations and keep up on things that are going on around you and the world. You don’t have to be a scholar to be informed of the day’s events. Here is some more interesting library trivia for you to digest. The 10 TOP ‘circulators’ in fiction adult books: Mystery/Suspense, General fiction, Romance, Thriller, Christian Fiction, Women’s fiction, Historical fiction, Young Adult, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Western. In the non-fiction category we have Cooking as number one, then How to/Home arts, Arts/Crafts/Collectibles, Biography/Memoirs, Business/Careers, SelfHelp/Psychology, History, Travel and Current events/political. And the good thing is – we have all that here at the FDL. Come on in and check out our collections. Something for everyone. Till next week: “The greatest treasures are those invisible to the eye but found by the heart.”
By Joe Hune, 22nd District
Get help with your heating bills With cold temperatures and steady snowfall continuing to hit Michigan this winter, it is crucial to keep yourselves and your loved ones warm. Home heating assistance is available to Michiganders this winter. HeatingMyHome.org, a website hosted by the Michigan Propane Gas Association, provides consumers with easy access to federal, state and local home heating assistance programs. These resources are available to households throughout the state of Michigan. In every county, a patchwork of agencies can be found that provide heating assistance, from the Michigan Department of Human Services to the Salvation Army. The website also provides weatherization information that can save homeowners money on their home heating bills. Unfortunately, some people illegally adjust their propane tanks to try to save money while others allow their tanks to run completely dry or simply use illegal tanks. By getting home heating assistance, Michigan residents can avoid taking these dangerous risks. The website also provides information on heating the home safely. I urge my constituents to take a minute and look at this useful website and make sure your home is properly heated and your family is not wasting energy this winter. *** Sen. Joe Hune is chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. He represents the 22nd state Senate District, which includes Livingston and Shiawassee counties, and the southern part of Ingham County. The Ingham County portion includes Bunkerhill, Leslie, Stockbridge and Vevay townships, and the cities of Leslie and Mason.
Placement) classes offered. To the freshmen, she says, “Never be afraid to try new things!” Outside of school, Meghan spends a lot of time with the National Honors Society and her church Youth Group. She is really excited for her roles in the spring play “Five Americans, Three Murders, and a Poisoning,” and the Fowlerville Community Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Meghan also enjoys traveling with her family, her favorite trips being vacations to Arizona and the Bahamas. She also had fun going on a trip with her girls Bible study group (God’s Precious Froot Loops) to Suttons Bay. Meghan also has a job at the Fowlerville Veterinary Clinic, where she serves as kennel staff, preparing surgical instruments and doing custodial work. Meghan’s favorite movie is Elf, and enjoys listening to music by the band Lifehouse. Her favorite TV show is “The Big Bang Theory” (BAZINGA!), and enjoys reading “The Hunger Games” and playing “Apples to Apples.” When asked how she felt to be nominated Student of the Week, Meghan told us she felt, “honored and glad for the opportunity.” One of Meghan’s friends, Kelly Keating, said, “I like that Meghan is a very outgoing person and always makes my bad days better!” Again, congratulations to Meghan Wright, this week’s student of the week!
Student of Week—Meghan Wright By Josh Schaefer
Congratulations to this week’s Student of the Week, Meghan Wright! Meghan, a sophomore, is the daughter of Chuck and Dee Wright. She has to twin older brothers, Eric and Jason, who are both 21 years old. Eric just proposed to his girlfriend, Amanda Potter, so Meghan will soon have a sister-in-law as well. Meghan is currently enrolled in Honors Algebra II, BST/Core Computers, Theatre, French II, Honors Sophomore Literature and Composition, and College Prep Chemistry. Her favorite class is Theatre, because it is a lot of fun and stretches her comfort zone. Madame Dowker is her favorite teacher because “she makes French easy and fun to learn.” Meghan was nominated for Student of the Week by Mrs. Dowker. When asked about Meghan, Mrs. Ording, her theatre teacher, told us, “Megan is a great student! She works hard, is thoughtful and kind, and fun to have in class!” After graduating high school, Meghan plans to study biology at a university—possibly Huntington University, where her brother Jason attends. She really looks forward to making new friends, having great memories, and of course, her diploma. Meghan’s favorite thing about Fowlerville High School is the teachers—she thinks they’re all great! However, if she could change one thing, she wishes that there were more AP (Advanced
Community Theatre called “an entertainment jewel” To the Editor: I wanted to take just a moment to highlight a new entertainment jewel in our local area…the Fowlerville Community Theatre! Looking for something different to try for Valentine’s Day, my husband and I got several friends and family together and bought two tables for the Romantic Fools dinner theater show at Woodshire Place in Fowlerville last Friday night (Feb 15). What a treat! The show was sold out; we all laughed and laughed, ate delicious food and experienced an all-around wonderful evening right here in Fowlerville. Next on the agenda for the Fowlerville Community Theatre is a full-scale musical production of The Wizard of Oz featuring many Fowlerville Community Schools youngsters as munchkins. After the quality of Romantic Fools, I’ll bet they’ll pack the house for the Oz show, March 15, 16 & 17 at the Alverson Center for Performing Arts at the high school, and I hope many Livingston County area residents come give their support to this new local entertainment venue…you won’t be disappointed! Jennifer Orr Iosco Township Resident
Important Information for the 2012- 2013 School Year: March 6- Kreeger Spring Picture Day March 28– End of Marking Period March 29– April 5– Spring Break April 11 – ½ day school Parent/Teacher Conferences April 26 – No School Teacher Professional Development May 1 & 2– Limo rides for Kreeger students that sold $200.00 or more during the Frankenmuth Fundraiser May 23- Volunteer Tea May 27– Memorial Day No School *** Box Tops, VG Receipts, Campbell Soup Labels: Remember to keep collecting Tyson A+ labels, Vg's receipts, and Campbell's labels, in addition to Box Tops! *** Meijer’s Community Rewards and Target Program: Kreeger Elementary is enrolled in the Meijer’s Community Rewards Program. When you apply for a Meijer’s Credit Card or Meijer’s Guest Card, be sure to use the Kreeger number 199139. The Meijer’s Corporation supports schools by returning a portion of qualified customer purchases to the school! When using the Target program remember to mention Kreeger Elementary. Remember, “Every little bit helps!” Thanks for your support. *** Frankenmuth Fundraiser Limo Rides: Limo rides have been scheduled for those students that have sold $200 or more in our Frankenmuth Fundraiser for May 1 and 2. Those students will have a limo ride and lunch at Wendy’s. We will send home notes, as the dates get closer. *** A Note from the Transportation Department: During inclement weather, we may have to use a “Main Road Only” bus stop Plan. Your bus driver has established a designated road/stop for you to meet the bus. When this announcement has been made it will be posted VIA, Fowlerville Schools Website, WHMI radio station, Phone Master and Mass Email. Please make sure that your information is up to date. Your child will be bringing home a note with the information for times and stops. Thank you for your support and effort to help us safely transport your student(s) to school. Doreen Redinger, Transportation Supervisor 517-223-6122 ***
Kreeger 5th Grade Talent Show: On Friday, February 22 the fifth grade students of Kreeger Elementary put on a talent show for staff, students and family members. The hour-long performance treated the audience to acts including singing, dancing, gymnastics, skits, and magic, More than 55 students participated in demonstrating their talents during the show. Congratulations to all who worked so hard that day!
Livingston Centre Historic Society meeting on Thursday, March 7 The Livingston Centre Historic Society will meet on Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. in the Fowlerville Fair office. Anyone interested in local history, or in preserving historic buildings and objects is welcome to attend. Plans continue for both spring and fall fundraisers, including another rummage sale as the society works toward further restoration of the buildings and acquisition of historic artifacts. Also, the priority list of cleaning, repair and minor improvements will again be considered and defined, and the society will continue to communicate with the Fair Board regarding major restoration projects Winter is a quiet time for the society and these cold months have allowed for planning of several projects. The society continues to work with other local organizations and individuals to offer even more opportunities and information to the community.
OFFICE HOURS: Administration Office 7:00 am – 3:30 pm Counseling Office 6:00 am - 2:30 pm *** IMPORTANT DATES: Mar. 4--Progress Report 5 Mar. 5-7--MME & Plan Test Mar. 4-8--Senior Announcement Packet Mar. 12-13--Michigan Grads here at lunch Mar. 21--Senior Project Fair Mar. 29--Holiday Break *** The Fowlerville High School Bands will be putting on their Pre-Festival concert this Thursday, March 7 at 7 pm in the Alverson Center for Performing Arts. The concert is free to the public and features both the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. The program will include music by Ticheli, Bach, Zdechlick, Whitacre, Maslanka, and Sheldon. Come on out and support the Fowlerville Bands." *** 2013 senior announcement order packets will be delivered the week of March 4 to senior English classes. Michigan Grads will be here at lunches March 12 & 13 to take orders, you can also order online or via mail, addresses included in the packet. *** On Friday, May 17 any Fowlerville High School Senior that has applied to LCC is invited to go on a field trip to West Campus to take all of their placement tests, meet with an advisor to schedule classes, take a campus tour, and enjoy a healthy lunch!! The LCC bus will pick students up at the high school at 8:00 am. Please contact Mrs. Petit in the Fowlerville High School Counseling Office if you have questions, or would like to sign up for the trip. petitj@fvl.k12.mi.us or call 517-223-6106. *** Any seniors who would like to earn their "RED" cord for graduation, make sure you give blood at a local blood drive before March 23. Log on to redcrossblood.org to check out local blood drives in the area. The next blood drive at the high school will be Friday, May 17. Seniors need to donate blood at least 3 times and have their donor card stamped to receive a cord. See Mrs. Hardenbrook if you any questions. *** Senior parents: to order your caps and gowns go to www.migradgear.com. Packets for Fowlerville graduation invitations and announcements will be distributed in February for ordering. *** Parents having trouble using Zangle to view grades, email questions to connect@fvl.k12.mi.us. ***
Target – Take Charge of Education–Through Take Charge of Education, families, teachers and members of the community have an easy way to raise money for our school. When you sign up and designate Fowlerville High School, Target donates up to 1% of every purchase you make with your RED card (Target® Visa® Credit Card, Target Credit Card or Target check Card) to our school. If you shop at Target stores and use their cards, please consider designating Fowlerville High School to receive the Target 1% donation!
Webberville Library News By Head Librarian Peg Mawby March is Reading Month! All across the nation March is the month when schools and libraries celebrate the importance of reading. March was selected because it’s the birth month of one of our most celebrated children’s authors, Theodor Geisel. If you are unfamiliar with that name, just think Green Eggs and Ham! Dr. Seuss is Geisel’s pseudonym. He wrote many beloved children’s books under the name Seuss and other pseudonyms such as Theo LeSeig, which is Geisel spelled backwards. At the Webberville Library we will be kicking off March is Reading Month on Monday, March 4 with a Dr. Seuss Celebration for young readers and their families. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m., with a Seuss story from a surprise guest reader well known in our community. There will be Seuss-themed games and activities for all the little ones. The Friends of the Webberville Library have generously provided Seuss books to give away, one title per family while supplies last. Don’t miss out on the fun! Our Friends group is also sponsoring a March is Reading Month book drawing beginning Monday, March 4. The four titles they are giving away are: * This is Not My Hat, written and illustrated by Jon Klassen, winner of the 2013 Caldecott Award for most distinguished picture book *The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal for most distinguished contribution to children’s literature *Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, winner of the William C. Morris Award, which honors a book written for young adults by a previously unpublished author *Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, a novel for adults that has been on the New York Times Bestseller List for over 30 weeks. Stop by soon to enter! Capital Area District Libraries’ Webberville branch is located at 115 S. Main Street in Webberville. For information about our hours, services or events, call 517521-3643 or visit cadl.org.
IMPORTANT DATES: March 5 & 6–Kindergarten Round Up (See More Info Below) March 14–Spring Pictures (See More Information Below) March 18, 19, 25 & 26–Hearing Screening For Kindergarten & 2nd Grade (See More Info Below) March 28–End of 3rd quarter March 29–Spring Break Begins April 7–Spring Break Ends April 8–School Resumes April 11–½ Day of School For All Students K-12 (Dismissal time for Elementary is 12:18 pm) April 11–Parent Teacher Conferences From 1:00 – 4:00 pm and 5:00 – 7:30 pm *** Spring Pictures – Spring Picture Day will be held on March 14. Schoolpictures.com photographers will begin taking photos at 9:15 am. You should have received an order form in your child’s last Friday folder. Remember you can place your order online at SCHOOLPICTURES.COM using our school ID# AA4804. Only students who have a paid order ON OR BEFORE picture day will have their picture taken. *** Remember that Smith Elementary Loves Box Tops and VG Receipts! - There are contest run throughout the school year for Box Tops and students should turn in their box tops to their classroom teacher so they can keep track of the running totals. The Office is the collection area for VG Receipts. Please stop in anytime to drop off your receipts, we would love to see you! *** Kindergarten Round Up For 2013/2014 School Year – Kindergarten Round Up will be held on March 5 and 6. The hours for enrollment will be the same for both days, 8:00 to 10:30 am, 1:00 to 3:00 pm & 5:00 to 7:00 pm. You may come on either day and at any time block that works well for you. You are encouraged to pre-enroll your child before coming to Round Up by going to our website at fowlervilleschools.org and click on the “New Student Enrollment” link. You must print a complete copy of the enrollment after entering your information. Bring that copy with you to Round Up. We cannot retrieve the enrollment later so you must print it right after you finish entering the information. There are 2 sections of entry (approximately 14 pages total). If you do not have computer access, then computers will be available during Round Up. Please come prepared to enroll with your child’s Birth Certificate (*see the revised school code regarding age eligibility below), Current Immunization Record, Vision Screening after 3 Years of Age and Proof of Residency (Proof of Residency items should include a Driver’s License and 2
additional pieces, such as a bill, statement, lease or purchase agreement, etc.) If you do not have a Vision Screening done before Round Up for your child, the Livingston County Health Department will be at Round Up on March 6 during the 8:00 to 10:30 am and 1:00 to 3:00 pm sessions. Your child does not have to accompany you to Round Up, unless they need a vision screening. Any questions regarding Round Up please call Laura at 517-223-6430. *** *Please take note of the revised school code regarding new age eligibility for Kindergarten Round Up below: For the 2013-2014 school year, a child may be enrolled in kindergarten if the child is at least 5 years of age on or before November 1, 2013. If a child is not 5 years of age on or before November 1, but will be 5 not later than December 1, the parent or legal guardian of that child may enroll the child in kindergarten for that school year if the parent or legal guardian notifies the school district in writing not later than June 1 before the beginning of the school year that he or she intends to enroll the child in kindergarten. If a child described above becomes a resident of the school district after June 1, the child’s parent or legal guardian may enroll the child in kindergarten for that school year if the parent or legal guardian submits this written notification to the school district not later than August 1 before the beginning of that school year. A school district that receives this written notification may make a recommendation to the parent or legal guardian of a child described above, that the child is not ready to enroll in kindergarten due to the child’s age or other factors. However, regardless of this recommendation, the parent or legal guardian retains the sole discretion to determine whether or not to enroll the child in kindergarten under this new revised school code. *** Information Regarding Bus Transportation–During inclement weather, we may have to use a “Main Road Only” bus stop plan. Your bus driver has established a designated road/stop for you to meet the bus. When this announcement has been made it will be posted VIA, Fowlerville Schools Website, WHMI radio station, Phone Master and Mass Email. Please make sure that your information is up to date. Your child will be bringing home a note with the information for times and stops. Thank you for your support and effort to help us safely transport your children to school. Doreen Redinger – Transportation Supervisor 517-223-6122. *** Hearing Screening Kindergarten & 2nd Grade–The Livingston County Health Department will be at Smith Elementary to do Hearing Screenings of all Kindergarten and 2nd Grade Students on March 18, 19, 25 & 26. Please read the information below to see if it applies to your child. Please call the School if: You have a concern and it is not your child's scheduled year for screening.
You do not want your child screened. Call (517) 223-6430 and ask for Laura Please call the Health Department if: Your child has a programmable shunt. Call (517) 546-9850 and ask for the Hearing & Vision Coordinator. *** Enroll Now For The 2013/14 Early Childhood Programs - Livingston Educational Service Agency Early Childhood Programs are enrolling for the 20132014 school year. Head Start and Great Start Readiness offer no cost comprehensive preschool for children who are between the ages of 3 and 5.Families meeting eligibility guidelines have access to educational, medical, and other community resources. Children of all abilities are encouraged to apply. For info, an application, or to schedule an appointment, please call (517) 548-2100. *** Please Help We Are In Need of Pants - The office at Smith is requesting donations of boys and girl’s pants or sweat pants. The sizes we use the most are 6, 7, 8 & 10. Thank you in advance for helping our students. *** AFTER SCHOOL NOTES – Phoned in messages are for changes to your child’s schedule that will happen after 3:35. If you are picking up your child before 3:35 you do not have to call the office prior to arriving at school. Just come to the office and sign your child out and we will call them from the classroom. *** DISMISSAL REMINDERS: If there are changes to your child’s dismissal from the building at the end of the day you MUST notify the office with a phone call before 2:55 pm. Dismissal is one of our busiest times of the day and we want to make sure your child is safe and goes to the appropriate place. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Millville United Methodist to host Soup Cook Off & Bake Sale March 16 The Millville United Methodist Church will be hosting a Favorite Soup Cook Off and Bake Sale on Saturday, March 16 starting at 5 to 7 p.m. For a donation of $5.00 you may sample 5 varieties of soups or one large bowl. Prizes will be awarded to the winner that you help select. The church is located at 1932 N. M-52, five miles north of Stockbridge or nine miles south of I-96 on M-52. For more information contact church at 517-851-7853.
Relay For Life of Williamston/Webberville collecting newspapers Spring is just around the corner, and as you begin your spring cleaning and wonder what to do with all those newspapers that have piled up, consider donating them to Relay For Life of Williamston/Webberville. The next collection will take place Saturday March 9 from 11am-12pm at both Brent's Pizza, 222 W. Grand River, Williamston and Webberville United Methodist Church on the corner of Holt Rd. & M-52, Webberville. If you can not make it during this time we encourage you to call to make arrangements for someone to pick them up from you or you may take them to Applegate Insulation, 1000 Highway Drive in the Webberville Industrial Park Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. Tell them you are donating to Relay For Life and they will put it on the account. This year Relay For Life of Williamston/Webberville will take place 4pm to 4pm May 3-4, 2013 at the Williamston Football Field/Track. There is still time to register a team or for you to join a team. For more information about the paper collection or Relay For Life call Diane at (517) 521-0220. The next collection will be at Relay For Life in July.
Vic Bond Sales of Howell hosting 1st annual St. Patrick’s Day chili cookoff Mar. 16 Vic Bond Sales of Howell is hosting its 1st Annual St. Patrick's Day Chili Cook Off on March 16th. The chili cook off begins at 9:00 AM, with judging at 2:00 PM. Dan Petry, who helped the Detroit Tigers win the 1984 World Series, will be judging the event. He will also be taking pictures in a photo booth and signing autographs from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. WHMI will be broadcasting live from 10 AM to 12 PM and Bobby Standal will be singing live in the showroom from 12 PM to 2:00 PM. The Arden Academy of Irish Dance will be performing at 2:00 PM. Food, drinks, activities, and giveaways will make this an event for the whole family. This event is open to the public. Everyone is invited to enter the contest or come on down for the festivities. Please join us for a day of St. Patrick’s Day fun! For more information, visit the website at VicBondOnline.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VBSSt.PattysDayChiliCookOff, or call Brook at (810) 869-5906.
Little Glad Center News Beverly Farmer, Director farmer@fvl.k12.mi.us 517-223-6480 www.fowlervilleschools.org Preschool Registration; Fall 2013: Enrollment for fall 2013 started March 1. We offer full day and half-day sessions with a total of 5 sessions to choose from. We have sessions available for 3 and 4 year olds. Registration fee is $50.00 (non-refundable). We welcome parent volunteers in the classrooms. Call or visit the office for additional information. Children must be three or four by November 1, 2013 to participate in preschool. FULL-DAY SESSIONS Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday Three and Four year olds 9:00am – 3:00pm Total enrollment: 20 children Teacher: TBD Assistant: Mrs. Cindy Mathews HALF-DAY SESSIONS Monday, Wednesday & Friday Four year olds 8:30am – 11:30am Total enrollment: 18 children Tuesday and Thursday – AM Three year olds 8:30am – 11:30am Total enrollment: 16 children Tuesday and Thursday – PM Three and four year olds 12:30pm – 3:30pm Total enrollment: 16 children *** Year-End statements: If your child attended the Little Glad Center in 2012, a billing statement with our tax ID # is available in our office. You may need this information for tax purposes. This information is not available over the phone. Our office hours are: 7:00am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday *** Winter Weather: The Little Glad Center will be CLOSED if Fowlerville schools are CLOSED due to hazardous road conditions. We recommend listening to WHMI, 93.5 FM for school closing information. If you call our office at 223-6480 the voice mail will have updated information as well any time after 5:00am or check Dynacal at www.fowlervilleschools.org *** Up-Coming Events: March 5--Little Caesar Pizza Kit Arrive -- Pick-up 11:30 am – 6:00 pm March 29 – April 5--Spring Recess, Little Glad Center is CLOSED
Fowlerville Rotary Club planning special programs in March The Fowlerville Rotary has two special programs planned for March. Wednesday, March 13 will be the return of our annual Farmer’s Day and the following week March 20 the club will host their annual Senior Citizen’s Day. Each program will be held at the Fowlerville First United Methodist Church, 201 S. Second Street. The “Farmer’s Day” will start at 12 pm and the “Senior Citizen’s Day” at 11:30 am. Special programs and a delicious meal are planned for both days. Farmer’s Day will feature our guest speaker Mike DiBernardo. He is the Economic Development Specialist for the Office of Agriculture Development of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. He oversees the development and promotion of agri-businesses in Michigan including new products, emerging technologies and markets through the establishment of new and existing partnerships. Returning for Senior’s Day will be the Senior Class Band with many great “oldie tunes” starting at 11:30 am. Following their performance, lunch will be served and concluding will be musical entertainment by the “Kreeger Honors Choir”. Reservations should be called to Dawn Horton at “Fowlerville News & Views” 223-8760 or Scott Niblack at 223-8656. For Farmer’s Day call by Thursday, March 7 and for Senior Citizen’s Day by Thursday, March 14.
-Sierra Club EventsLATE WINTER HIKE OUTING: Join the Crossroads Group of the Sierra Club for a late winter hike on the Penosha Trail in the Brighton State Recreation Area on Sunday, March 10. This great hike "near your own backyard" is five miles long through woods and meadows and takes about two and a half hours. Members, nonmembers and families who can hike the distance are welcome to participate in this free outing. An annual or daily State Park pass or fee is required for entry. Hiking boots and appropriate layers of warm clothes are recommended for the possibly wet, cold weather and muddy trails. Meet at the trailhead within Brighton S.R.A. at 1 PM at the Bishop Lake parking lot, 6360 Chilson Road, Howell. For more information on this outing or other outings, contact John Wilson at 734-954-0429 or at john.wilson@michigan.sierraclub.org.
Outdoor Classrooms I read recently where a school district was cutting down trees on one of their woodlots to help with next year’s budget. But the article went on to say that this would not be a clear-cut because the woodlot was an outdoor classroom and it had not yet been determined which trees would be cut. And since one of the school’s classes studied the age, growth and several other things about the tree and plant life on the property, care was to be taken as to which trees would be cut. The article reminded me that a decade or so ago, quite a few schools managed outdoor areas on or near their property as places for outdoor study. My own children’s elementary, which had managed to get permission to use a piece of land adjacent to a city park, well forested and along a river, had a place to study species of trees and plants as well as the fauna that lived there. That piece of land was about a quarter of a mile from the school and attracted kids from the two upper grades to do and learn a lot within the ten or so acres available for study. The first year they made signs to identify some of the more accessible of the trees and bushes they wanted to study. After that they cut a walking path past the trees with signage so they’d be easily found. And for the second year, they obtained wood chips from the city, from tree damage caused by storms. This made the path free of mud and discouraged weed growth. If a school had access to a pond of some kind, another whole segment of study was available. Mosquito larvae is usually a favorite with ponds and when the young scientists learn that golf courses often use guppies to help control the mosquito numbers, they can do the same thing with the help of County Agricultural Agents or local golf course managers. Pollywogs and tadpoles are also obvious items for pond study. If the kids are allowed to find what lives in the pond they will likely enjoy studying it. It really doesn’t take much to start an outdoor classroom. Almost any school has room for a small garden plot or for a flower garden. Again, with the help of a County Agricultural Agent who can check the quality of the soil and a teacher with an imagination, most soil plots can be coaxed to produce a few vegetables or a few colorful flowers. In some cases the plants can be started
inside and then, with that head start, be producing something before school is out for the summer. But no matter what kind of an outdoor classroom a school may develop, the kids who become active in their study will take with them a little bit of different information that, unless their folks had taken the time to teach, the regular indoor classroom would not have been able to share. Just be sure that enough requirements are included in this different kind of curriculum to insure that this doesn’t become just a way to get outdoors. Right now, as spring is coming but not for awhile, might be a time for seeing what, if any, kind of an outdoor classroom might work in your neighborhood school.
Webberville FFA’s Jenna Kingsley named regional winner in contest Jenna Kingsley of the Webberville FFA chapter recently was named the regional winner in the FFA Creed Speaking Leadership Contest in Durand. “I had a lot of fun with this competition, and it has taught me a lot about public speaking,” said Kingsley. Kingsley will compete in the state competition at Michigan State in the finals round on March 7.
Area Deaths—
Sutton co-officiating. Burial was in Elmwood Cemetery in New Lothrop. Those desiring may make contribution to Asbury Seminary, Taylor University Campus in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
Jack M. Manning
Pastor Paul L. Amstutz Pastor Paul L. Amstutz, age 85, of Mt. Morris died Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at McLaren-Flint. Paul was born in Berne, Indiana on January 4, 1928, the son of the late Omen and Selma (Hirschy) Amstutz. On January 28, 1950 he married M. Jean Andrews in Celina, Ohio. He graduated from High School in Berne, Indiana, and Ft. Wayne Bible College with a Bachelor’s degree; Taylor University, Upland Indiana with a Bachelor’s degree; Asbury Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. He attended Hope Seminary in Holland, MI and Garrett Evangelical Seminary in Illinois. Paul was a Pastor at various churches, including New Haven and Meade Methodist Churches, Armada and Omo Zion Methodist Churches, New Lothrop and Juddville UMCs, Owendale and Gagetown UMCs, Millington and Arbela UMCs, Fowlerville UMC, Lincoln Park UMC of Flint, Lennon UMC, and Christ Church UMC of Burton. Mr. Amstutz was a member of the Rotary Club for 37 years, Genesee Rotarians and Past President of United Methodist Men’s Flint District and was Pastor Emeritus of Calvary UMC. He received the Paul Harris Award in the Rotary Club. He led the bicycle hike for the Detroit Annual Conference Youth Camp for 20 years. Preceding him in death were his son, Robert Amstutz and siblings, Mary Brewster, Edward and James Amstutz. He is survived by: his wife, M. Jean; children, David and wife Carrie Amstutz of Gladwin, Helyn and husband Craig Smith of Flint, Dan and wife Barbara Amstutz of Grand Island, FL; grandchildren, Aaron, Kyle, Micah, Wendi, Ashton, Duncan, Elijah and Elianna; greatgrandchildren, Caitlyn, Summer, Baleigh, Rory, MacKenzie and Jayce; brothers, Richard and wife Hannah, Robert and wife Sara; sister, Carolyn and husband Bob Christener; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Calvary United Methodist Church with Reverend Dave Amstutz, Reverend Roger Gedcke and Reverend Dr. Tara
Jack M. Manning, age 82, of Whitsett, North Carolina died February 5, 2013. He was born January 12, 1931 in Fowlerville, the son of Freeman E. and Donna M. (Hershey) Manning. He was a 1949 graduate of Fowlerville High School and after serving in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne 325th Battalion he attended and graduated from Michigan State University. He retired from the U.S. Government, Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition to his sons Derek and David Manning, he is survived by his granddaughter Amanda, grandson Christopher, and sister Linda (Jake) Allshouse. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marilyn Brinkman and brothers Glendon (Bud) and Durwood (Dob) Manning. Burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery sometime in the spring.
Celestie Newton Celestie Marie Newton, age 95, of Fowlerville passed away Thursday, February 15, 2013 at Geer Adult Foster Care in Fowlerville. Celestie was born in Royal, Missouri on June 23, 1917 to the late August and Nora (Fuhring) Garver. She was united in marriage on January 6, 1940 in St. James to Walton Newton. She was a homemaker in her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walton Newton, her daughter, Estella Tennant, and three brothers: Leo, Delmar, and Leslie Garver. Her survivors include her two sons: Walton “Sonny” Newton of Fowlerville and Delmar Newton of Howell, two brothers: Everett Garver and wife Ruth Ann of St. James, August Garver and wife Norma of Rolla; one sister: Bernice Drewel of Bland, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Friday, February 23, 2013 at Zion Evangelical Church in Bland with Rev. Leo Roberson and Rev. Dave Knudsen officiating. Burial took place in the Countryside Memorial Gardens of Owensville. Arrangements by Gottenstroeter Funeral Home.
Area Deaths— Fred G. Morga Fred G. Morga, age 62, of Webberville, died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. He was born Feb. 5, 1951 in Detroit to Fred & Dorothy (Beach) Morga. Fred was an Electrical Engineer at Ford Motor Co. and enjoyed bowling and Bible study. Surviving are his 2 sons: Matthew and Michael, sister: Judy Pahl, and brother Craig Morga. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services were held on Feb. 27 at Niblack Funeral Home, Dillingham Liverance Chapel with Pastor Herman Yost officiating. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery, Fowlerville. www.niblackfuneralhome.com
Capital Area District Library Events March 4 – 10, 2013 Events WEBBERVILLE Dr. Seuss Celebration (Ages 1-6) - Date: 3/4/2013 Start Time: 6:30 PM Description: Celebrate March is Reading Month at our Dr. Seuss party! We’ll have stories, games and activities, plus a free book, courtesy of Friends of the Webberville Library (one per family while supplies last). Library: Webberville (WE) Stitchin’ Time Drop-in Needle Arts Group Adults - Date: 3/5, 19 Start Time: 6:00 PM Description: Share ideas and conversation while working on your projects in good company. Library: Webberville (WE) Table Games -Adults - Date: 3/6, 20 Start Time: 12:30 PM Description: Socialize over a game of Scrabble, cribbage and more. Library: Webberville (WE) Drop-in LEGO Club (Ages 5-10) -Date: 3/7/2013 Start Time: 3:00 PM Description: Kids will love getting creative with our LEGO collection! Imaginative play with building-type toys helps them develop skills used for reading. Library: Webberville (WE) *** WILLIAMSTON Retro Saturday Morning Cartoons -Date: 3/9/2013 Start Time: 9:30 AM Description: Kids can wear their pajamas to enjoy classic cartoons from the 1980s and 1990s and a cereal breakfast. We’ll even have coffee available for adults. Library: Williamston (WI)
Grand Valley State University announces December 2012 graduates More than 1,000 students earned degrees from Grand Valley State University in December 2012. Grand Valley is dedicated to providing a rich learning environment for students, offering a wide range of majors and hands-on research opportunities. Highly credentialed and responsive faculty and individual advisors and mentors promote a liberal arts emphasis that teaches students critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students who graduated at the conclusion of the Fall 2012 semester in December include: Fowlerville: Timothy S. Lelito, BS; Ryan W. Tefft, BS Howell: Jennifer B. Dougherty, BS; Kaitlin R. Greene, BS; Allison C. Hartwick, BA; Jesse R. Soerries, BBA Webberville: Jaime K. Jackson, BS; Rachel L. Townsend, BS Williamston: Chelsea E. Stoskopf, BA
Baker College offers training to the community Baker College of Owosso kicks off its spring schedule with Microsoft Office 2010, QuickBooks 2012, and Getting Started with the iPad. “The QuickBooks 2012 Series” includes: Beginning QuickBooks, for the novice user, will be held March 5th and 7th, Intermediate QuickBooks, students must have accounting experience or be familiar with basic QuickBooks tasks, will be offered March 19 & 21, and Advanced QuickBooks will be held April 9. “Getting Started with the iPad” will guide participants through the basic set-up and utilization of the iPad. This workshop will cover Navigation, Customizing, Settings, Installing Apps, Web-browsing, E-Mail, and Syncing. If your iPad is still in the box, this session is for you. Note: Participants must bring an iPad to the class. This session is scheduled for March 26. March and April workshops also include a variety of Microsoft Office 2010 programs to help support your business and home activities. Sessions include an Introduction to Personal Computers, Word, Excel, Publisher, Access and PowerPoint. To register for classes or for more information on class schedules and costs, contact Megan Garvin at Business and Corporate Services, (989) 729-3615, or visit us on the web at Bentley.Baker.edu. Minimum class size required for all sessions.
Webberville Elementary School Daddy Daughter Dance held February 14 The W.E.S. Boosters hosted another successful Daddy Daughter Dance on February 14. Guys and gals gathered in their finest attire to enjoy this special evening of music, food and fun. DJs, Jane and Emily Sparkia, kept the party rolling with upbeat tunes, as parent volunteers prepared and served food and drinks to the crowd. Webberville graduate and photographer, Stacie Arendt Checchi, worked hard all night to capture individual photographs of the girls and their ‘dates’. Special thanks go out to each and every individual who volunteered their time to greet guests, set-up/decorate, and provide food to make this night special for our girls and their guests!
Students, Elleah, Abby and Ruth ‘strike a pose’.
Win a new book at the Webberville Library by signing up for drawing Visitors to the Webberville Library can win an adult, teen, juvenile or a picture book by coming into the library, printing their names and phone numbers on a provided slip of paper and putting it into the appropriate container. Four lucky winners will be selected. Entries into this drawing, sponsored by the Friends of the Webberville Library, will be accepted from Monday, March 4 until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28. One entry per visit. Please enter and good luck.
Ingham County Genealogical Society to meet March 14 The Ingham County Genealogical Society will meet on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 7pm at the Vevay Township Hall, 780 Eden Road, one mile south of Mason, MI. The program will feature Holly Flynn from the MSU Libraries speaking on "The Espresso Book Machine". A short business meeting will follow the program. For more information call Diane Bishop, President 517-6767140.
Michael Kost with his dates, Ashton and Reese.
Chelsea would like to attend college either at Michigan State University or Olivet; there she plans on studying to become a molecular biologist. She wants to become a Cytologist someday. “I am really excited to go to college and start my life but I will miss all of things that I have done and been involved in during high school. I have made some really good friends and will miss them all very much next year,” said Albin. Chelsea will be greatly missed by her friends and teachers after she graduates. Albin’s math teacher, Mr. Travis Brown said, “Chelsea is a good worker, she thinks outside of the box and is fun to have in class because she is funny and jokes around but at the same time she can be serious.” Fellow senior Kayla Aldapa and Albin have been friends since 7th grade. “Chelsea is caring person,” Aldapa said. When asked about what she would miss most about Albin, Aldapa said, “Her personality, she always tries to make the best out of things.”
WEBBERVILLE SCHOOLS DISTRICT NEWS
Senior Spotlight--Chelsea Albin By Lauren Leonard
After attending Webberville Schools her entire life, Chelsea Albin is ready to graduate and move forward with her life. Albin is the Daughter of James and Beth Albin, and has one younger brother Jimmy Albin, who is currently a junior at Webberville. Albin is a caring and outgoing person. She is involved in the Spanish club, and is a member of the cheerleading and softball team. In her spare time she likes being with her family and cheer girls. “Our cheer team will definitely miss Chelsea. She always seems to find the best in situations and always makes sure she is having fun with whatever she is doing. She has brought a lot to our cheer team and we will miss her leadership and all the things she has given us,” said teammate and friend, Brooke Scifers. Albin is really looking forward to spending her senior year with her friends and classmates, but will really miss high school. “I will miss all of the football games and dances the most, but I will also miss all of the people that I see every day,” said Albin. Albin’s advice to her underclassmen is, “Get your work done, it’s easier to do now rather than later and try your best to not get behind.”
Dodgeball Tournament–The Webberville Girls Basketball program is sponsoring a Dodgeball Tournament on Saturday, March 23 in the Spartan Center. Teams of 6-7 people will compete; the number of games will depend on the teams that sign up. The divisions are 3rd-5th grade, 6th-8th grade, and 9th grade – adult. The deadline to register your team is Friday, March 15. To have the registration materials emailed to you, please contact Coach Tennant at dreambig88@tds.net. *** Board Meeting–The next board meeting of the Webberville Community Schools Board of Education will be on Monday, March 18 at 7:00PM in the Spartan Center Community Room. *** Mobile Dentists–The Mobile Dentists will be at Webberville Schools on April 17 and 18 from 8:00AM – 3:00PM. Children ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years old may be seen. They accept Medicaid and private insurance. There are also grants available as well as subsidized fees. Information with sign-up and permission slips will be arriving the first week of March, so watch for more details! *** WJAA Registration-WJAA Baseball and Softball registration is open for players and coaches. Please go to wjaasports.com and register today! Practices will begin in April for both sports.
WEBBERVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Spelling Bees–Join the elementary students as they compete to win the elementary spelling bees! The 1st – 3rd grade will compete on Tuesday, March 12 and the 4th and 5th grade will compete on Wednesday, March 13. Students can begin practicing and preparing for this fun competition by returning a signed permission slip. Both competitions will take place in the multi-purpose room beginning at 6:00PM. *** Mother-Son Night Out-The Elementary Boosters are sponsoring, “Boyer the Magic Guy” on Friday, March 15. All Moms and their boys are invited to come and enjoy a magical night together! The event will take place in the elementary multipurpose room from 6:00PM – 8:00PM. The cost is $12.00 per couple and $3.00 each additional son. Ticket order forms will be sent home in Friday folders. Payments are due Friday, March 8 and should be in the form of cash or checks made payable to WEB. *** Elementary Musical–The 4th and 5th grade students will perform “101 Dalmatians Kids” on Thursday, March 21 and Friday, March 22. Both shows will take place in the high school cafeteria and will begin at 6:30PM. Tickets are available at the door for $3.00 each.
WEBBERVILLE SECONDARY SCHOOL MME Testing - MME testing dates are scheduled for March. Juniors will be testing on the following days; Tuesday, March 5 – ACT, Wednesday, March 6 – Work Keys, Thursday, March 7 - Michigan Components. Students should come to school prepared to start promptly at 8:00AM. *** Concert Band Festival - Middle school and high school music students have been working hard to prepare for concert band festival performances. Both groups will perform on Saturday, March 16th at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center on the campus of Charlotte High School. The middle school concert band will be performing at 9:00 am. The high school concert band will be performing at 1:00 PM.
Fowlerville Varsity Boys fall to Perry in season closer The Fowlerville Varsity Basketball Team lost its regular season finale on Thursday night to Perry, 62-41. Joey Ackerman led the way for the Gladiators with 10 points and Connor Collins added 9 points for the team. Carter Collins chipped in with 4 assists. Mike Wisuri had a solid defensive performance with a steal and a he took a charge. The team plays Howell in Districts on Monday.
Gladiator Boys Varsity cagers finish league play with 54-49 win The Fowlerville Boys Varsity Basketball team defeated league rival Haslett on Friday night (Feb. 22) by a 54 to 49 score after making a great 4th quarter comeback. The team was down 42 to 35 after three quarters of play before Joey Ackerman sparked a huge comeback scoring 12 of his 15 points in the fourth period. Garrett Brigham led the team on the night with 18 points and 11 rebounds while Carter Collins chipped in 11 points and had 6 assists. This win gives the team a 4-6 record to finish CAAC Red Division play. They are 9-9 on the season.
Fowlerville Equestrian Team hosting membership meeting on March 12 The Fowlerville Equestrian Team will be holding their General Membership meeting on Tuesday, March 12 at 7pm in the High School Media Center. We will be accepting new riders for the 2013 season at this meeting. If you are interested in being part of our team, please come join us and meet our 2013 coaches!
Important Dates: March 15--Semi-Formal Dance March 29—April 5--Spring Recess April 11--½ Day of School/Parent Teacher Conferences *** IMPORTANT: Student pick up and drop off is to be in the circle drive only. We've had many vehicles driving through the staff parking lot and it's causing a significant safety concern. Thank you for helping us to make these busy times as safe as possible! *** Scheduling for next year: Do you have questions? Please call our counselor, Kathleen Kephart at 223-6210 to leave a message. Mrs. Kephart’s voicemail message is delayed so please wait for the message. *** Sports for the Week of Mar. 4: Thurs. March 7: WRESTLING vs Jack. Parkside & Jack. Catholic at J-Parkside; 4:30 game time; bus leaves at 2:30 pm 7th & 8th graders: spring track is just a few weeks away; please get your physical in to Mrs. Recker ... if not already on file. SPRING TRACK PRACTICE FOR FJH BEGINS Monday, March 18; 2:30-4:30-FJH gym. The 7th Grade Girls Basketball team lost to Jackson Catholic 10 to 39 on Feb. 20. The team hustled the entire game, but struggled offensively. Shannon McDonald had 1 point and Taylor Patterson scored 9 points. The lady Glads also struggled with rebounding and had trouble stopping Jackson Catholic from scoring on the outside. The 7th grade girl’s basketball team lost to Eaton Rapids Feb. 21 7 to 24. The Lady Glads struggled offensively with Audrey Trinka scoring two points and Taylor Patterson scoring 5 points. The team did well defensively with Kalei Dillard and Allison Sarniak grabbing key rebounds. Last game for the Lady Glads is Monday at home against Williamston. The 7th Grade Girls Basketball team finished their season Monday with a win against Williamston 21 to 12. The entire team hustled and played tremendous defense against the Hornets. Kate Bennett led in rebounding for the Lady Glads. Taylor Patterson led the team offensively, scoring 21 points for the Gladiators. Great game ladies! Don't forget to turn in uniforms Thursday after school at the team party. Reminder to parents: Please plan to pay admission to ALL 7-8 athletic events, home & away. Also, your help is needed by the Fowlerville Athletic Boosters for their many events. FHS concessions need workers. Please contact Tracey Peterson-517-202-3210 if you can help. Almost every night of the week is available to help! Mrs. Recker continues to collect VG receipts for the athletic program. Receipts may be dropped off anytime at
the FJH office. THANK YOU to those who have contributed in the past. *** NJHS is planning to sponsor after school clubs for Kindergarten through 5th grade. We are looking for supply donations to make this the best experience possible for the kids involved. If you have any of the following at home and would like to get it out of your house please drop it off to the Junior High or contact Bobbiesue Adams at 223-6216 or adamsb@fvl.k12.mi.us to have it picked up. We are looking for Legos, arts & crafts supplies, glue, scissors, fabric, yarn, puzzles, board games, etc. *** Questions about Field trips? Please contact the following for each grade. 6th grade……Mrs. Sinke/Mrs. Messner………223-6259 7th grade……Mrs. Mathis…………………….223-6171 8th grade……Mrs. Miller……………………..223-6221 *** Night In New York - Semi Formal Dance: Student Council is sponsoring the "Night In New York" Semi Formal Dance Friday, March 15 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tickets will be sold the week of the dance during lunch for $8 and $10 at the door. Boys are to wear dress pants and collared shirts, even a suit and tie if they choose. Girls can wear dress slacks, skirts, dresses (they must have more than a spaghetti strap). No jeans are allowed. Also, shoes must be worn at the dance, bringing an extra pair of flip-flops might be helpful. If you would like to chaperone or have any questions, please call Ms. DeLuca 517-223-6250. *** A Note from the Transportation Department: During inclement weather, we may have to use a “Main Road Only” bus stop plan. Your bus driver has established a designated road/stop for you to meet the bus. When this announcement has been made it will be posted VIA, Fowlerville Schools website, WHMI radio station, Phone Master and Mass Email. Please make sure that your information is up to date. Your child will be bringing home a note with the information for times and stops. Thank you for your support and effort to help us safely transport your student to school. Doreen Redinger, Transportation Supervisor 223-6122 *** Friends of Rachel is hosting the Maison Z. Wilkinson Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Fowlerville Junior High School. Last year's event was a huge success. Much of that was due to the community donating items to sell at the garage sale, as well as businesses donating items for the silent auction. This event is a win/win situation because the scholarship earns money while the community is able to purchase items at very reasonable prices.
If you have any items that you would like to donate to sell or put in the silent auction, please contact Amy Jarvis at 223-6225 or jarvis@fvl.k12.mi.us. *** The Fowlerville Junior High Bands will be giving their second concert of the year this Tuesday, March 5 at 7 pm in the Alverson Center for Performing Arts. The concert is free to the public and will showcase bands in grades 6, 7, and 8. Come on out and support the performing arts in Fowlerville."
Fowlerville District Library Upcoming Programs Follow us on Facebook & www.fowlervillelibrary.org. Registration usually opens 2 weeks prior to the event unless otherwise noted. Concert in the Library “Ari & Mia”: Thursday Mar 7, 6:45pm Adults & Families. Join us in welcoming Ari and Mia Friedman for a unique and intimate musical performance. Ari and Mia are “Boston’s Americana sister act, a soulful and spirited acoustic accompanied duo. They explore the traditions of Southern Appalachia, Northeastern fiddle music, and the realm where their own compositions cross paths with older traditions. Get here early for best seating opportunities. Seating is limited. Out of consideration for the musicians and audience, no late arrivals will be admitted. *You must register to attend. Register in person at the Circulation Desk. There is a $5 refundable cash deposit payable at the time of registration. Registration is open. *** FINAL CLASS SERIES OF THIS SEASON Intro to the Kindle Fire: Tuesday, Mar 5 at 2:30 or Monday, Mar 11 at 5:30 Come to our special workshops and learn about your device! Bring your device and questions. Do you have a Nook or similar eReader; then call the library to schedule a specialized one-to-one tutorial.*Must register to attend. Register in person at the Circulation Desk. There is a $5 refundable cash deposit per class payable at the time of registration. Registration is open. *** FINAL CLASS SERIES OF THIS SEASON Intro to eBooks at the Fowlerville District Library: Thursday, Mar 7 at 2:30 or Wednesday, Mar 13 at 5:30 Come learn how to check out our brand new collection of eBooks! Get an overview of how the “Magic Wall” works. Download the Blio app. Everyone with a Kindle Fire or Tablet will be able to check out an eBook at this class. Bring your device; know your email, and have a valid Fowlerville District Library card. *You must register to attend. Register in person at the Circulation Desk.
There is a $5 refundable cash deposit per class payable at the time of registration. Registration is open. *** Bingo: Monday, Mar 4 5:30-6:30pm All ages 4-144yrs. Come join us for the last Bingo game night of the season at the Fowlerville District Library. This session’s game will feature traditional Bingo cards. *You must be registered to attend. Register at the Circulation Desk or call 223-9089. *** Brick Building Club: Tuesday, Mar 5 4pm Kids 4yrs-5th grade. Join your child in building a creation based on a given theme or your own imagination! *You must be registered to attend. Register at the Circulation Desk or call 223-9089. *** Teen Advisory Council: Monday, Mar 18 6pm 6th-12th grade. The Summer Reading Program “Beneath the Surface” is just around the corner…. Do you want your ideas to be heard? Do you want to give input on teen reading logs or program suggestions? Themes and programming for the summer will be under discussion at this meeting. *You must be registered to attend. Registration begins Mar 6th. Register at the Circulation Desk or call 223-9089. *** Just Horsing Around Event: Saturday, Mar 23 11:30am Kids 4yrs-5th grade. Come to an extra special event and meet Fowlerville High School’s Equestrian team. We will have horse related stories and a super special craft recycling horseshoes into beautiful ornaments! *You must be registered to attend. Registration begins Mar 8th. Register at the Circulation Desk or call 223-9089. *** Great Library Egg Hunt: Wednesday, Mar 27 5:30pm Kids 4yrs-5th grade. Listen to bunny related stories, and then find eggs and prizes hidden around the library! The hunt will be outdoors, depending on the weather, please dress accordingly! *You must register to attend. Register in person at the Circulation Desk. Registration opens March 13th.
Around the House By Andy Lekarczyk Well I am still getting excited about spring, even with the four plus inches of wet, heavy snow we recently received. As we move forward this year, let’s remember to change our furnace filters. We have run our heating equipment for several hard months, so out with the old and in with a new….filter. Changing them is an easy task. Simply pull out the old and reference the size labeled on the edge, put back in place until you purchase a replacement. Then while you are in town doing your weekend errands, purchase a new one at the local hardware or home center and install it when you get home. Have a garbage bag handy to place the old filter in. It is probably full of fine dust and, since it worked hard to remove these small particles, let’s be careful not to shake them loose back into the air. Tie the bag and get it outside for disposal. While you’re in town looking for a little fun project, consider purchasing a weather station. I still have Grandpa’s old barometer and it does a good job predicting the weather trends. The new digital weather stations give a wealth of information, and their prices have come down since Christmas. These are a great little project for yourself or family. The sensors are wireless and install easily outside using cable ties or the supplied brackets. Install the batteries and power up the units. In less than an hour (depending on the unit you purchased), you can have temperature, barometer, wind speed and direction, and weather predictions. Some interface with your computer or can be monitored remotely from an Internet connection. This is useful information for the family, a learning experience for the kids (performing some simple installations) and the reward for receiving data from what you connected. I have seen full stations for under $80 or less at the club and box stores. Watch for those sales tags. Speaking of sales, if you have been in the market shopping for a new snow blower, check the local stores. They agree with me, winter is over! (Watch a huge snowstorm will hit next week!) All the patio furniture is up for sale and on the showroom floor and the snow blowers have to go. You may find that great deal. If you have a lawn tractor and wanted a set of tire chains or snow blade, look carefully.
These items are sold for giveaway prices as spring approaches. No one wants to store them until next year. Many of the lawn tractors are manufactured by the same builder and sold under different names. Even if the blade isn’t specifically made for your machine, a little ‘adjusting’ may insure a fit. Just keep any modifications safe. Hire the local backyard welder to help finish the project if needed. Finally, to help us all get ‘that spring feeling’, brush off the BBQ. Plan on cooking some burgers or steaks to surprise the family or friends. Everyone is starting to feel those cabin fever blues, so have a little fun Around The House! As always past articles are archived on our website www.power24hrs.com and we welcome your questions at JustAskHandyAndy@hotmail.com.
Shirley Valentine coming to the Williamston Theatre this Spring Mid-Michigan’s award winning professional theatre company, Williamston Theatre, located at 122 S. Putnam Street in downtown Williamston, is bringing a touch of England to their stage with the classic Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell. Tickets for this funny and moving one woman show go on sale Tuesday, February 26. Shirley Valentine begins with five Preview performances starting Thursday, March 21. During the first four Previews audience members will have the opportunity to take part in the process of creating a show by participating in a talkback session with the director following each performance. The Official Opening Night is Friday, March 29 with the show scheduled to run through Sunday, April 21. Performances will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at eight o’clock and Sunday matinees at two o’clock with additional three o’clock matinees on Saturdays starting March 30. Please note there will be no performance on Sunday, March 31. What can you do when you realize that you’ve hit middle age and your life has been shaped by choices made by everyone except you? The heroine in this actor’s tour-de-force is an ordinary middle class English housewife. As she prepares chips and egg for dinner, she ruminates on her life and tells the wall about her husband, her children her past and an invitation from a girlfriend to join her on holiday in Greece to search for romance and adventure. Ultimately, Shirley begins the process of shaping her life into something wonderful. The show contains mature themes. Julia Glander (Eleemosynary) will be playing the iconic Shirley Valentine. The Director is Williamston Theatre's Artistic Associate, Lynn Lammers (Eleemosynary,Flap). The production team includes Set Design by Dan Walker (The Usual, Dead Man’s Shoes), Lighting Design by Genesis Garza (The Dead Guy), Costume Design by Jodi
Ozimek (While We Were Bowling, An Infinite Ache), Sound Design by John Lepard (Talley’s Folly) and Prop Design by Bruce Bennett (boom). The Stage Manager is Stefanie Din. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can for Thursday, March 21. Remaining Preview tickets are $15.00! Starting Opening Night, tickets prices are $25.00 for Friday and Saturday evenings, $22.00 for Saturday and Sunday matinees and $20.00 for Thursday evenings. Discounted rates are available for senior citizens (65 and older), students (with a valid student ID) and groups of 10 or more (booked at least 1 week in advance). Tickets can be ordered by calling (517) 655-SHOW (7469) Tuesday – Friday from 12 – 6pm or by visiting our website www.williamstontheatre.org. Shirley Valentine is supported in part by an award from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. A preview video for Shirley Valentine can be seen at www.youtube.com/user/williamstontheatre. The Williamston Theatre is a not-for-profit, professional live theatre company, dedicated to producing plays that excite, engage and entertain our audiences. The theatre opened its doors in 2006 and has received a number of local awards including the 2008 Robert Busby Award for extraordinary overall contribution to theatre in the Greater Lansing Area. Williamston Theatre patrons will find ample parking on the street and in several municipal lots throughout the city. The theatre is located in downtown Williamston (exit 117 off of I-96) just south of Grand River Avenue. Additional information about the company and the 20122013 Season is available online atwww.williamstontheatre.org or by calling (517) 655SHOW (7469).
Michigan House Report Cindy Denby, 47th District
March is reading month, which is a great time to read with the young children in your life. As a parent I know how important reading is to a child's social development and success in the classroom. In addition, reading to children at a young age will also help children to develop a life-long love of reading. Children and adults alike can be transported to a different world through the pages of a book. With all the new technology children have today, it is wonderful to see that they still find enjoyment from an old-fashioned storybook. When you are reading to the young person in your life I encourage you to look at some of the wonderful children's books about the great state of Michigan. The Michigan DNR has created of list of Michigan authors and stories and there is no better time than now to explore those books. To check out the list visit http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-15354463_18670-77702--,00.html *** The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recently completed a study that showed Michigan homeowners insurance premiums have stayed below the national average. In 2010 Michigan's premium for a homeowner's policy was $743, which is below the national average of $909. This is great news for local residents. For those who are looking to purchase a home or searching for insurance there are some important things to remember. The amount of insurance a person pays is based on many factors including type of construction, age of the home, and quality of local fire services. It is a competitive marketplace right now so by shopping around and taking a few simple steps you can take advantage of this and possibly save money. I want to pass along to you a few tips from The Insurance Institute of Michigan to help save on the cost of insurance. The first tip is to take advantage of discounts offered by your insurance company. Things like installing smoke detectors or a dead bolt lock, insuring your home and car with the same company, and living in a nonsmoking household are small things to do that can provide big savings. Another tip is to raise your deductible. Covering more small losses could result in a 15 to 30 percent reduction in insurance premiums. The final tip is
to always shop for the best combination of coverage. Encourage you to go towww.iiminfo.org to request a free "Shopping for Insurance" kit.
Bowl For Kids’ sake on March 8-10 Bowl For Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston County’s signature event. For more than 25 years they have hosted this fundraiser which raises money for the much needed mentoring programs in the county. On March 8, 9, and 10, Striking Lanes in Hartland is host to this major bowl-a-thon. Teams made up of 5 members register with the agency to raise awareness and dollars. Each bowler is asked to raise a minimum of $60.00 per person to bowl in the Community Bowl. Donors, corporations, individuals, and businesses come together at this fun-filled event and celebrate mentoring. Big Brothers Big Sisters turns this event into a “Thank You” party for their bowlers by providing 2 games of bowling, pizza, Pepsi, and door prizes. WHMI staff are at the microphone cheering on the bowlers and handing out door prizes. Sunrise Rotary is again volunteering as 50/50 ticket sellers. “This is our largest fundraising campaign of the year,” stated Executive Director, Shari Davis-Schoech. “Money raised through this event enables the agency to match children in a professionally supported one-to-one relationship with a caring mentor.” The money raised at Bowl For Kids’ helps to support mentoring programs like Big Futures at Kreeger. This year, Fowlerville High Schoolers are mentoring 53 Kreeger students. The Bigs and Littles meet every Wednesday after school until March. This program has been very helpful not only to the mentored children but to the high school Bigs who increase their leadership skills during their participation. School Counselor, Mr. Pete Wedesky (who volunteers his time) and BBBS staff member Laura Klimek are on-site to supervise and make sure the matches do their homework and then have some fun playing in the gym or playing board games. On Sunday March 10th, Bowl For Kids’ Sake has a special time for youth to bowl. At 3:00pm, School Challenge youth bowlers from all over the county come and bowl for the kids having raised a minimum of $30.00 each. The same great format as the Community Bowl is followed with the exception of the minimum pledge requirement and the kids bowl one game. Each youth participant receives a 2013 Bowl For Kids’ t-shirt for having fun and helping kids. This year, the agency is experiencing a slow registration, but it’s not too late. There is still time before March 8th to form your 5 person team and keep the mentoring programs in Fowlerville strong. Every dollar raised at this event stays in Livingston County. For more information on Bowl For Kids’ Sake, call Big Brothers Big Sisters at 517-546-1140 or visit their website, www.bbbslc.net.
Cars and Trucks By Thomas Breningstall
Cars and trucks, love or hate them, we all have good and bad memories of them. Some people see a vehicle as a necessary evil and just drive to get from place (a) to place (b) without much thought as to liking or disliking the vehicle. As long as the thing starts, can be driven, stops and gets them back home again that’s about all that matters. My dad liked to drive and growing up we’d take long drives up north, but my mother was a white-knuckle driver. She did not like driving at all. But everybody that drives, like it or not, had at least one car or truck that they enjoyed. The vehicle was liked for its color, its ride, its handling, the miles per gallon of gas. Some like the vehicle just for the radio or the heating and air conditioning. Whatever you liked about that vehicle you just wanted that vehicle to last forever and forever. However, today’s cars and trucks last about ten years or two hundred thousand miles on average some, more some less. It’s sad but most daily driven cars no matter how much they are liked will end up in the crusher to be recycled into tomorrow’s new cars or toys or household appliances. Remember that car you liked so much? Well, some of it could be looking back at you from that new refrigerator door you just opened. Smile and say hi to it. I have owned one car twenty-eight years, that being my 1960 Chevrolet Impala two door hardtop. Fifteen to twenty years is not uncommon for me to have a car but most are replaced in eight to ten years. I never own just one car at a time. I have had as many as five at one time. Vehicles have become so complicated today that it takes a mechanic with a PhD in engineering just to understand them. Gone are the days of fixing most repairs on your own car in your back yard. I’m a car guy, I enjoy cars and trucks to the point that they are a hobby, from my first car at age fifteen to the cars and truck I now drive, I’ve owned forty nine vehicles. Cars and trucks are fun to drive, to work on and to show. Car hobbyists in and around Fowlerville are fortunate to have a place locally to show off our masterpieces, every Thursday from May to September at the parking lot at St. Agnes Catholic Church organized by Ken Bielous and family. Come and look at the cars and bring back memories or bring your car to show off and talk with other car enthusiasts, and it’s free.
In the fourth quarter, Kallie Allen (32) scores three of her team high 13 points.
Lexa Elzerman (40) scores on a drive in the fourth quarter.
Photos by Dawn Gawel Fowlerville Girls Basketball Team lost to South Lyon, 51-40, last Monday, Feb. 25 in the opening round of the Districts
Kaleigh Callahan (11) makes a free throw in the fourth quarter.