Holiday Edition 2018

FREE

s a m t s i r h C GET READY FOR

BLACK FRIDAY

‘Tis The Season For Sales!

NOVEMBER

Holiday Supplement to the bigrapidsnews.com

23

RD 2018

2

3

The history of Black Friday Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Come Black Friday, shoppers strive to get the lowest prices on gifts for their loved ones.

Much of the focus of Black Friday is on finding the best deals, but it can be interesting to take a breath and learn how this phenomenon developed and how it has evolved over the years.

“Black Friday” The term “black Friday” was originally associated with gold prices and manipulation on the part of speculators Jay Gould and James Fisk. This scandal occurred in September 1869.

Commodity prices plummeted 50 percent as a result, and the term “black Friday” was coined to refer to that drop.

The phrase “black Friday” also became famous for all the wrong reasons in 1966.

Philadelphia police used it to refer to the Friday traffic jams and crowding in downtown stores from tourists and shoppers who flooded into the city in advance of the Army-Navy football game held the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. Bigger crowds and rowdiness contributed to long hours and stressful shifts for local police.

Black Friday reinvented The retail industry started using the term “Black Friday” in the late 1980s. Spin doctors turned previously negative connotations into positive ones by associating the phrase with stores turning a profit and moving accounting ledgers from “red to black” thanks to big year-end sales.

Retailers and consumers rallied around low-cost “doorbusters” and other discounted prices.

Interestingly enough, according to the National Retail Federation, Black Friday really hasn’t been the most lucrative day for retailers over the years. In fact, greater profits and larger crowds are often seen on the last Saturday preceeding Christmas.

Shopping weekend evolves While Black Friday may have been the catalyst, in recent years shoppers have made the entire weekend of Black Friday a lucrative one for retailers. Many stores now open on Thanksgiving and extend sales through the entire weekend. Small Business Saturday and Sunday promote patronizing mom-and-pop stores. Cyber Monday emerged when online shopping became a popular way to grab deals, and it marks the close of the opening weekend of the holiday shopping season.

Hammer Auto Sales

SHOP

LOCAL

Home Of The $3000-$5000 Vehicle

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS FREE delivery on all snow blower purchases*

Santa Hammers Down The Prices & Delivers!

231-629-8811 | 616-450-8923 9101 Northland Drive • Stanwood, MI (Next To Sandmans Appliance)

www.hammerautos.com

*first 10 miles from the store

20% OFF one item in the birding department*

*excludes seed

bergmanpe.com | (616) 453-9581 | 4073 Remembrance Rd NW | Grand Rapids, MI 49534

SPECIALIZING IN “Good Ole Fashioned Home Cookin’!”

$9 Specialty Catering Buffet Italian Buffet ~ Baked Potato Bar Mexican Bar ~ Broasted Chicken Includes plates, napkins, silverware, and cookies or brownies.

Expires: 1/31/19 - 12 person minimum

21226 Perry St., Big Rapids

1244 W. Main St., Fremont

(231) 796-4455

(231) 924-6510

Mon. - Fri. 9-7, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 12-5

Mon. - Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5, Sun. Closed

www.thebedroomcenter.com

Dine In

989-441-1047

Take Out

Closed Mon; Tues., Wed., Thurs., Sat. 8:00am - 8:00pm Fri. 8:00am - 9:00pm • Sun. 8:00am - 3:00pm

27 S. Coldwater Rd. Lake Isabella, MI 48893

Check Us Out On Facebook!

4 CRANBERRY-INFUSED COCKTAIL FOR AUTUMN ENTERTAINING Besides the ubiquitous “pumpkin spice,” nothing says “autumn” more than tart cranberries.

Cranberries are a major component of Thanksgiving feasts, turning up alongside and atop turkey as well as in quick breads and desserts.

Cranberries are loaded with health benefits, which include reducing the risk for ulcers and preventing gum disease. Also, just eight ounces of cranberry juice cocktail contains 137 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C. Cranberries can even be used to craft great cocktails. Move over mulled ciders, this crisp “Cranberry Margarita” from The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association makes a great autumn-inspired beverage.

Cranberry Margarita - Serves 1 1 1⁄2 shots of tequila 1 shot of cranberry juice cocktail 1⁄4 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce 1⁄2 shot of triple sec 10 ice cubes Sweetened dried cranberries, for garnish Lime, for garnish Combine all ingredients except garnish in a blender.

Blend on high until smooth and frosty.

Serve in a margarita glass. Garnish with dried cranberries and a lime wheel.

Holiday party must-haves & traditions Parties are highly anticipated events come the holiday season. Office parties, gatherings with friends and family celebrations, here are just some examples of the some things that can help make the holidays fun...Though office parties might be governed by certain organizational protocols, but parties with friends and families come with no such rules. That said, holiday hosts might want to keep their guests’ expectations in mind when planning their get-togethers. While there’s always room to try something new, the following are some must-have items when hosting holiday parties.

Holiday foods and beverages It goes without saying that holiday hosts will be expected to provide food for their guests. But certain foods, such as gingerbread cookies, can put everyone in the holiday spirit. And don’t forget that staple of the holiday beverage menu: eggnog. Eggnog can be made with and/or without alcohol so everyone can enjoy this beloved holiday beverage.

Decorations & Traditions Decking the halls is a holiday tradition, and hosts should make an effort to string some holiday decorations before welcoming guests into their homes. A Christmas tree might be the most ubiquitous decorative item come the holidays, so hosts can make their tree the centerpiece of their decor. Hang some mistletoe around the house, which also can be adorned with season-specific plants like holly and poinsettias. If kids are attending the party, a kid-friendly decoration station can even be set up to ensure the youngsters have fun and stay busy during the festivities. This could also give you a chance to look back on every holiday that your family has spent together.

Plus the tree will be filled with heirlooms that you can pass on to your kids for their future trees.

Feed Santa’s Reindeer Everyone knows that Santa loves milk and cookies or even the occasional hot chocolate, but don’t forget his reindeer, they could use a snack too. Carrots and celery are a good go-to.

Music Christmas music can go a long way toward getting everyone in the holiday spirit. Utilize iTunes or music streaming services such as Amazon Prime Music or Pandora to ensure that the holiday hits keep coming throughout the party.

Games Games can be a great way to keep guests occupied during the party. From a safety perspective, games that engage guests might prevent them from overindulging in alcohol at a time of year when the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration says drunk driving incidents are at their highest. Games in which participants can win holiday-themed prizes might be especially enjoyable for players.

Holiday parties are highly anticipated parts of the holiday season. Hosts can take their parties to the next level by incorporating certain must-have items into the festivities.

Get Professional Get Professional Results in Your Results in Own Backyard.

Your Own Backyard.

Get Professional Results in Your 125B displacement: 28 cc Own Backyard. •• Cylinder Air flow in pipe: 425 cfm • Easy to operate with in lined air outlet Price: 159.95 Price:$$159.95 125B • Cylinder displacement: 28 cc • Air flow in pipe: 425 cfm HUSQVARNA 350BT • Easy to operate with in lined air outlet • Cylinder displacement: 50.2 cc Price: • Air flow$in159.95 pipe: 494.41 cfm • X-Torq® engine cuts emission and fuel consumption HUSQVARNA Price: $$319.95 319.95 350BT Price: • Cylinder displacement: 50.2 cc • Air flow in pipe: 494.41 cfm 455 Rancher • X-Torq® engine cuts emission and fuel • Cylinder displacement: 55.5 cc consumption • Power output: 3.49 hp Price: $ engine 319.95cuts emission and fuel • X-Torq® consumption 455 Rancher Price: $$439.95 419.95 Price: • Cylinder displacement: 55.5 cc • Power output: 3.49 hp • X-Torq® engine cuts emission and fuel www.husqvarna.com Copyright © 2013 Husqvarna AB (publ).consumption All rights reserved.

Price: $ 419.95 EDMORE SAW & LAWN LLC

EDMORE SAW & LAWN LLC 989-427-3300

79 E•M46 MI 48829 MI 48829 989-427-3300 79 EHWY M46EDMORE HWY EDMORE PARTS SALES AND SERVICE FOR MOST YOUR LAWN AND GARDEN www.husqvarna.com PARTS SALES & SERVICE FOR MOST YOUR LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT NEEDS. PICKUP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE. EQUIPMENT NEEDS. AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE. Copyright © 2013PICKUP Husqvarna AB (publ).

All rights reserved.

EDMORE SAW & LAWN LLC 989-427-3300 79 E M46 HWY EDMORE MI 48829 PARTS SALES AND SERVICE FOR MOST YOUR LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT NEEDS. PICKUP AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE.

WEST MICHIGAN’S NO NONSENSE DEALER!

Happy Thanksgiving

TO ALL OF YOU FROM ALL OF US HERE AT SPARTA CHEVROLET.

SPARTA CHEVROLET WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL THE BEST DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

GREAT DEALS ALL MONTH LONG FOR THE BLACK FRIDAY SALES EVENT. 0% FINANCING ON SELECT MODELS. REDUCED PRICES ON OVERAGE INVENTORY AND DEMO’S. 2018 CHEVROLET CRUZE LT

2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT

18C015

18C046

HEATED LEATHER SEATING, POWER SEATS, BOSE AUDIO, POWER SUNROOF WITH 2ND ROW SKYLIGHT, WIRELESS DEVICE CHARGING, FORWARD COLLISION ALERT, REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT, LOADED.

POWER DRIVER SEAT, HEATED SEATS, KEYLESS START, KEYLESS LOCKS, REMOTE START.

WAS $23,765 • SALE PRICE $18,980

WAS $32,170 • SALE PRICE $27,064

230/MONTH 0% FINANCING AVAILABLE

LEASE FOR ONLY

2018 CHEVROLET TRAX PREMIER FWD

299/MONTH 0% FINANCING AVAILABLE

$

LEASE FOR ONLY

$

2019 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE AWD 1LT

2018 COLORADO Z71 CREW DIESEL

18T415

MIDNIGHT EDITION, POWER SUNROOF, HEATED SEATS, REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT, SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT, LANE DEPARTURE WARNING, BOSE AUDIO

18T082

260/MONTH WITH $0 DOWN

LEASE FOR ONLY

2018 SILVERADO DOUBLE CAB Z71 4X4

19T109

2.8L DURAMAX TURBO DIESEL ENGINE, NAVIGATION, INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER, BOSE AUDIO.

POWER LIFTGATE, REMOTE START, HEATED SEATS, BLIND ZONE ALERT, REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT, REAR PARK ASSIST.

WAS $41,910 $

WAS $31,740 • SALE PRICE $26,661

WAS $28,835 • SALE PRICE $22,370

$

2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AWD LT

SALE PRICE

2018 SILVERADO 1500 4X4 Z71 LTZ CREW CAB

35,971

LEASE FOR ONLY

295

$

/MONTH 0% FINANCING AVAILABLE

2019 SILVERADO 3500 DUAL 4X4 CREW CAB LT

SAVE

$10,000!

XXXXXX

REMOTE START, HEATED SEATS, POWER LIFTGATE, REAR PARK ASSIST, REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT, LANE CHANGE ALERT WITH SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT, TRAILERING EQUIPMENT.

WAS $41,525 $

SALE PRICE

18T290

HEATED AND COOLED LEATHER BUCKET SEATS, POWER SUNROOF, NAVIGATION, BOSE AUDIO, HEATED STEERING WHEEL, CHROME ESSENTIALS PACKAGE, 20” CHROME WHEELS, CHROME ASSIST STEPS. 6300 DEMO MILES

WAS $58,385 $

LEASE FOR ONLY

318 /MONTH WITH $0 DOWN 0% FINANCING AVAILABLE

38,569

$

0% FINANCING AVAILABLE

SALE PRICE

MSRP

TERM

MILES/ YEAR

DOWN PAYMENT

SECURITY DEPOSIT

AMOUNT DUE AT START

CRUZE LEASE 18C015

$23,765

36

10,000

$0

$0

MALIBU LEASE 18C046

$32,170

36

10,000

$0

$0

COLORADO LEASE 19T086

$37,615

36

10,000

$0

TRAX LEASE 18T415

$28,835

39

10,000

EQUINOX LEASE 19T109

$31,740 $46,550

36 36

DUAL REAR WHEELS, DURAMAX DIESEL ENGIN, NAVIGATION, HEATED SEATS, POWER SEAT, REMOTE START, 110V POWER OUTLET, CHROME ASSIST STEPS, SPRAY IN BEDLINER.

WAS $65,600 $

SALE PRICE

60,423

0% FINANCING AVAILABLE

WE WILL BE CLOSED NOV 24TH AND WILL BE CLOSING AT 6:00 PM ON WED., NOV. 23RD TO OBSERVE THANKSGIVING WITH OUR FAMILIES.

TOTAL OF PAYMENTS

EXCESS MILEAGE

L.E.V.

$230

$8,302

.25

$12,358

$299

$10,764

.25

$17,694

$0

$367

$13,248

.25

$24,450

$0

$0

$260

$10,161

.25

$14,418

10,000

$0

$0

$295

$10,635

.25

$19,044

10,000

$0

$0

$318

$11,480

.25

$26,999

a t r a Sp SILVERADO LEASE 18T290

48,385

0% FINANCING AVAILABLE

HURRY, OFFER ENDS 11/30/18 LEASE

19T107

18T325

HEATED SEATS, POWER SEAT, DUAL ZONE CLIMATE CONTROL, REMOTE START, 18” WHELLS, CARGO BOX LIGHTING, INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER.

OPEN UNTIL 8:00 MON. - THURS., 6:00 ON FRI. SAT. UNTIL 3:00

Disclaimer: No Hidden Fees or Charges; just add tax, title, plate and doc fee. Sign and drive leases add tax and plate fee. Must take delivery by 11/30/2018. Lease payments include lease loyalty and require qualified credit. Vehicles may not be exactly as pictured and are subject to prior sale. Some residency or other restrictions may apply, see us for complete details. We have made every effort to assure accuracy and reserve the right to amend and/or correct any errors. Promotional rates and lease payments require qualified credit. Some incentives require financing with GM Financial and qualified credit. Should rules or rebates change, neither customer nor dealer will be obligated to consummate deal. Due to other special offers which may be available, YOUR PRICE MAY ACTUALLY BE LESS THAN ADVERTISED; please ask us for details. Thank you for shopping Sparta Chevrolet.

YOU’LL LOVE THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS

616-887-1791 Corner of M-37 & Sparta Ave.

www.spartachevy.com

5

Are poinsettias poisonous?

Christmas trees, Santa Claus, menorahs, and glittering lighting displays are just a few of the many prominent symbols of the holiday season. And while mistletoe might garner more attention and inspire more displays of affection, poinsettias are another prominent sign that the holiday season has arrived.

Thanks to its bright red and green colors, the poinsettia is perhaps the ideal holiday plant. But as much as it suits holiday decor and seems tailor-made for that special time of year between Thanksgiving and the first of January, the poinsettia has a reputation that few plants would want.

First discovered in Mexico and brought to the United States by Dr. Joel Poinsett, the poinsettia has long been rumored to be poisonous. However, the National Capital Poison Center notes that poinsettias are not deadly. In fact, the NCPC notes that the rumor that poinsettias are deadly may have been around for more than a century, tracing its origins all the way back to a child who was found dead lying next to a poinsettia plant. The plant was blamed for the child’s death, and even though that blame was misplaced, the stigma stuck. WebMD notes that others trace the false rumors surrounding poinsettias to 1919, when parents blamed the death of their daughter, who they thought had eaten poinsettia leaves, on this ubiquitous holiday plant.

Even today, when researchers have long since proven that poinsettias are not deadly, many people still believe they can be fatal if consumed. The NCPC notes that, in most cases, exposure

to any part of a poinsettia plant in children or pets has little, if any, effect. However, if the plant is swallowed, some people and pets may experience symptoms including nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Some who touch the plant may develop a rash after contact.

While poinsettias are not deadly, the NCPC still advises those who plant to include the plant in their holiday decor to take every measure necessary to prevent children and pets from swallowing it. Placing poinsettias beyond the reach of kids and pets is one simple way to accomplish just that.

Poinsettias are seemingly everywhere come the holiday season. And because they’re not fatal, celebrants can continue to display these beautiful plants that call to mind the colors of the holiday season.

Get Ready for the...

Holidays, Parties & Gatherings

Stop in and Schedule

A Cut or New Style, Highlights or Coloring Manicure or Pedicure

www.serenitywellnesschiro.com

“Helping you reach your health care goals.”

Visit and follow us on Facebook for exclusive offers, health tips and more!

• Spinal adjustments • Extremity adjustments • Cold laser • Traction • Decompression • Medical massage

Gift Cards Make Great Gifts!

• Deep tissue & relaxation massage • Hot or cold stone massage • Prenatal massage • Gift Certificates!!!

Dr. LynnMarie S. Leyder Doctor of Chiropractic info@serenitywellnesschiro.com

Downtown Big Rapids • 223 S. Michigan Ave.

542 S. State St. • Sparta MI 49345

231-598-9441

3871 S. Evergreen Dr. White Cloud (Just north of 40th Street)

231-689-0700

Area’s largest alternative heating retailer.

Serving Northern Michigan and Lakeshore Monday - Friday 9 am to 5 pm Saturday 9 am to 1 pm

l a i c e p S

WINTER’S HERE!

10% OFF On All Stoves

Wood • Gas • Pellet

WE FINANCE!* *With Approved Credit

Welcome to

FIREPLACE OASIS

SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION • • • • • •

Wood, Pellet & Gas Stoves Fireplace Inserts Zero Clearance Fireplaces Outdoor Fireplaces Hot Tubs Pellet Grills

phone:

616-887-2178

199

$

95

FSA 56 Battery Trimmer • 11” cutting width • Trim the length of five football fileds with 10.5” swath - all in one charge • battery and charger included STFSA565ET

19995

$

299

$

95

BGA 56 Lightning Battery System® Handheld Blower • 100 mph air velocity • Up to 20 minutes of run time • Battery and charger included STBGA56

MS 250 Chain Saw • 18” bar WAS $359.95 BES-SRP

12995

$

HSA 45 Luthium-ion Battery Hedge Trimmer • 20” blade length • 2,500 strokes per min.

• 5.1 lb.

• Integrated battery STH5A45

13995

$

Stihl Blower STBG50

12995

$

FS 38 Trimmer • Curved shaft • 27.2cc engine • 9.3 lb.

• Gas STFS20

29995

$

MSA 120 C-BQ Battery Chainsaw • Up to 35 min. run time • 8.4 lb. • 10” to 12” guide bar STMSA120CBO

(989) 967-3624

2509 9 Mile Rd. (M-20) Remus, MI 49340

Snowblowers & Chain Saw Tune-Ups

6

l a c o l p o h S

Food • Drinks Shopping

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE SINCE 1948 For 70 years Rogers Jewelers has been the premier location for quality jewelry in Downtown Big Rapids.

Whether you’re in need of repair or searching for that perfect piece, our combination of experience, skill and knowledge will help you make a confident jewelry purchase.

ating lebrFriday CeBlack Small Business

&

November 23

Serendipity • Cadillac 101 S. Mitchell Street Cadillac, MI 49601 231-468-3241

Saturday November 24

follow us on

serendipity.cadillac@gmail.com

Serendipity • Big Rapids 102 S. Michigan Avenue Big Rapids, MI 49307 231-629-8464

www.iloveserendipity.com

Visit our website or our new location!

We offer a diverse selection of services! www.CardinalSpaAndMassage.com

126 Maple Street • Suite C Big Rapids, MI

231.598.9212

Thank You For Voting Us Your Favorite Jeweler!

• Trust • Integrity • Honesty • Expertise • Confidence

114 S. Michigan Ave. Big Rapids RogersJewelersMI.com

Located in the back of the Fairman Building!

231-796-7743

HOURS Mon-Fri 9am-7pm Sat 9am-5pm

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Saturday, November 24th

Check Out Our In-Store Specials!

IT’S NOT TO LATE FOR NEW FLOORING BEFORE THE HOLIDAY’S (in-store stock available!)

14150 Northland Dr.

BIG RAPIDS 231-796-2700

101 Maple St, Big Rapids

Fax: 231-796-8433

(231) 796-7621 • HometownPharmacy.com eP

ie H

ole

Fabulous Finds

Th

$10.00 $1 5 The Pie Hole t .0 GGif ift d 0 CaCar rd

gilbertscarpetsplus.com

0

0.0

$2

The

Pie

Hole

t Gifard C

WE ARE OPEN Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-4:00pm

Friday • 8:00 am-5:00 pm Saturday

9:00 am-1:00 pm

The Pie Hole fillyourpiehole@yahoo.com

Resale Shoppe

The Pie Hole Niki Stricker Owner, Baker

Join us November 24th, 2018 for fabulous deals on

Small Business Saturday!

CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCATION!

New Store Hours: Tues. 11 - 4; Wed. 11 - 7; Thurs. 11-5; Fri. 10-6; Sat. 11-5 103 S. Michigan • Big Rapids

104 S. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids, MI

(231) 912-0445 Find me on Facebook: The Pie Hole

On the corner of Michigan and Maple

231-796-5840

All proceeds go to WISE (Women’s Information Services) Serving Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors of Mecosta, Osceola & Newaygo Counties

Support Your Favorite Hometown Businesses This Holiday Season!

Purchase a Band of Locals Key-chain for Access to Hundreds of Discounts!

Visit our website to view participating businesses! www.bandoflocals.com