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Holiday Gift Guide December 2016
Creating local, usable art in the Mitten New business Paige’s Patterns presents a slice of home this holiday
Choosing a Christmas tree What is the best tree for you? Tips for picking the right natural tree inside
Prepare your home for new gifts
Ogemaw County Herald
Arenac County Independent Oscoda County Herald
Remiusables offering a way to go green to save green
How to:
20
make a scarf in minutes
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Prepare your home for new gifts
Clean out closets and other areas of your home in preparation for holiday gifts.
Are you ready for the boxes and packages that are set to arrive under the tree? If your home annually bursts with everything from children’s toys to electronics to clothing, it may be time to take inventory and prepare for the gifts that have yet to find their way into your home.
Before the first strand of garland goes up and before you begin thinking about holiday wish lists, set a plan in motion to reduce what you already have in the house. This project can include the entire family and tie into holiday volunteerism that highlights this season of giving. There’s a very good chance your closets are brimming with items that are collecting dust or haven’t seen the light of day in some time. Make these the first things to go. If something hasn’t been used in a year or more, add it to the donation pile. Kids’ rooms and play areas may be some of the areas most overrun with belongings. Children are likely to get many new toys and other gifts throughout the year, so focus most of your energy on these spaces, cutting kids some slack if they don’t want to part with certain items. If children are reluctant to part with some of their belongings, stress the point that do-
nating helps others who are less fortunate. Involve kids in the donation process, letting them see where their unused clothes and other supplies will go. This can make giving away older toys less traumatic and more personal. Adults also should pay attention to any belongings they can spare. Take advantage of thrift stores in the area, such as The Stawberry Patch in Mio, Ogemaw Community Thift or Cheryl’s Resale in Standish, to clear your home of bulky sweaters, linens, older furniture or kitchen supplies. These stores service some well-known charities and associations, and items will be appreciated and put to great use. Use the weeks prior to the holiday rush to create space for any gifts that might be arriving under your tree before Christmas Day. A little cleaning and decluttering can go a long way toward helping the less fortunate in your community.
Holiday Gift Guide Publisher Elizabeth Gorske
Managing Editor Eric Young
Editorial Staff Tim Barnum Kimberly Landenberg Scott Nunn Tiffany Nutt Nick Powers Advertising Sales Joyce Clark Carla Reeves Anthony Kachiros Composition Sharon Elert Merhia Adrian
On the cover
Creating local, usable art in the
Mitten 5 Remiusables offering a way to go green to save green 7
The Squeaky Wheel 17 How to make a scarf in 20 minutes 18
Choosing a Christmas tree 20
More Than Just a Hardware Store... Frogg Togg Boots
Free Kromer Can Wrap with Hat Purchase
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2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 2
Luzerne Hardware 989-826-8050
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PICK UP SOME ORANGE FOR CHRISTMAS...
We have a Large Selection of Unique Home Décor, Mitten-made Products & Holiday Gift Items you won’t find anywhere else!
1980 W. US-23, Omer, MI 989-653-3173
1-800-818-9971
www.nagystractor.com
3308 N. Abbe Rd., Comins, MI woodworkersshoppe.com
207 S. Morenci, Mio, Michigan 989-826-6900
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2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 3
SALES ON IN-STOCK MERCHANDISE ONLY. NOT ALL AS PICTURED.
Holiday Events 2016
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Arenac County Arenac Community Funds Annual holiday auction Ali’s UpNorth Au Gres p.m.
12/1
Au Gres tree lighting and Christmas Parade Au Gres City Park
Au Gres Men’s Club annual Christmas Party Au Gres-Sims multipurpose room
Pictures with Santa Standish Historical Depot
12/3 6 p.m.
Ogemaw County
12/3
Au Gres Christmas in the Park Au Gres City Park Fresh greens Xmas sale Ye Olde Courthouse in Omer Breakfast with Santa Standish St. Mary’s Hospital
6
Standish Area Chamber Kids Day Local businesses in Standish
Christmas tree lighting Rose City Park
7 p.m.
12/10-11 2-8 p.m.
12/12-13 6 p.m.
12/12 8:30 a.m.
Art Walk and Wine Tasting Downtown West Branch Christmas Light Parade Downtown West Branch Kids Christmas Party Richland-Logan Fire Department
12/12 10 a.m.1 p.m.
12/18 1-3 p.m. 12/1 6 p.m.
12/3 5-9 p.m. 12/10 7 p.m. 12/10
1 p.m.
Santa in the Park Rose City Lions Cabin
Christmas Fantasy Downtown West Branch a.m.-3 p.m.
12/10 4-7 p.m 12/17 11
Visit with Santa
12/17
Kids Christmas Party Comins Fraternal Order of the Eagles
12/3
Skidway Lake Area Chamber 12-2 p.m.
Oscoda County
1-3 p.m.
Lunch with Santa Mio Moose Lodge
12/10 12-2 p.m.
Annual Christmas Dinner Mio Knights of Columbus
12/11 4 p.m.
A Pioneer Christmas The Steiner Museum
12/10 2-4 p.m.
High Flying RC Toys with Low Flying Prices Turbo Runner Drone Regular Price: $49.99
Sale: $39.99 Superman Helicopter
Accelerator Live Smart Phone Viewing
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SkyRider Eagle Live Smart Phone Viewing
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Sale: $149.99
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The Hulk Helicopter
Captain America Helicopter
Batman Helicopter
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Sale: $39.99
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Dominator Drone
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RC 2 Channel Helicopter Regular Price: $29.99
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Sunray Speedboat Regular Price: $39.99
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Photon NanoDrone
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Sale: $12.99
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Digital Handheld Scanner Regular Price: $399.99
Sale: $289.99
Digital Desktop Scanner Regular Price: $399.99
Sale: $289.99
Don’t forget about our Name Brand Appliances! We are competitive with big city prices & have NO interest financing. See store for details. www.littlejoesappliance.com
989-846-0853 3767 S. Huron Rd., Standish, MI
Amish Country Natural Products Fresh Baked Artisan Breads Rustic Loaves & Sweets Now taking orders for Holiday Baked Goods (call for prices & times)
• Organic & Natural Foods • Featuring only Michigan’s Finest Wines & Beers • Artisan products: Pottery, Art, Quilts & More! • Handmade Soaps & Lotions • Locally Produced Chicken, Pork & Beef • Michigan Made Cheeses & Sausages • Shelter Farms Products including Egg Nog Find us: From the South 5 miles North of the light in Mio to Mt. Tom Rd., just before the curve From the North 4 miles South of the light in Fairview to Miller Rd., just before the curve, then left on Mt. Tom Rd.
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 4
Open Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
1454 N. Mt. Tom Rd. Mio, MI 48647
989-390-5915
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Creating local, usable art in the Mitten
Happy Holidays from your Au Gres Area Chamber of Commerce Support your local businesses this holiday season
By Tiffany Nutt
tiffanynutt@ogemawherald.com 989-387-8929
WEST BRANCH — Fusing artistry and craft, Paige Moss caters to all with her handmade woodworking featured in her business, Paige’s Patterns. “I was born and raised in West Branch, and then I moved to Reed City to be closer to my fiance at the time,” owner Paige Moss said. “Then pretty much after my dad died my husband uprooted his business to make me happy, to come up here.” The couple owns and operates Precision Carpentry, which mainly deals in woodworking like custom cabinets, moldings and trim. Her own business was born from that business, according to Moss. “I started tinkering around out there and started making cutting boards and stuff,” she said. “I actually took a liking to it, and last year I quit my job and went full-time with him doing cabinets and custom furniture. My stuff — I did craft shows and things like that, but yeah, we both just do this.” Each board is uniquely special, since
PO Box 455, Au Gres, MI 48703
For more info and details on all of our events:
www.augreschamber.org
989-876-6688
The Brickery 15% Off Storewide
Local Artists & Crafters Antiques & Gifts
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December 9 & 10 Only
Paige Moss
it is composed of different types of wood from around the world. “We get all kinds of wood from Brazilian purpleheart to African mahogany — woods from everywhere,” Moss said. “They are all cut out by hand — (I) pretty much glue them up, sand them and then hand-cut them.” “The band saw is my baby,” she continued. While she builds up an inventory to take to various shows, Moss said she also makes custom orders. “We get a lot of custom orders with the engraving on them — great for weddings,” Moss said. “They make really great gifts.”
Both Moss and her husband enjoy turning a seemingly boring piece of wood into something special, like their log furniture. “We make red cedar coffee tables in the shape of Michigan,” she said. “We can start them off from small cants (pieces of wood) into a table — it’s amazing.” Moss and her husband both hold opinions about shopping local, and encourage others to buy from their community rather than big-box stores. “Without these small shops you don’t get a handcraft, you don’t get things that people put their heart and soul into as
See CUTTING BOARDS, 8
107 Ottawa Grayling, Michigan 49738 989-348-8999 thebrickery@gmail.com
WEST BRANCH
& AUTO SERVICE CENTER
Your holiday car care specialist! Stop in today and let us make sure your car is ready for holiday travel.
Gift certificates available FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1962 AUTO REPAIR 8-5 M-F • OIL CHANGE 8:30-5 M-F • TIRES • INTERSTATE BATTERIES • BELTS & HOSES • FUEL INJECTION • STARTERS & ALTERNATORS • MINOR ENGINE • MOTOR TUNE-UP • SHOCKS-STRUTS • ATF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGER • CHECK ENGINE LIGHT • ENGINE REPAIR
3149 W. HOUGHTON WEST BRANCH
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 5
(1/4 MILE WEST OF M-30)
345-4410
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How to find great gifts for the family handyman For those people who don’t know a box cutter from a box saw, shopping for men and women who like to get their hands dirty around the house can be a difficult task. Home improvement projects are complex undertakings that often involve the use of complex tools, and novices may be lost in the proverbial woods as they look for gifts for their loved ones who can’t wait to swing hammers around the house. Though there’s always an element of risk when shopping for gifts for loved ones, the following hints might help shoppers with no knowledge of home improvement projects find gifts that will please their favorite handyman. • Take inventory of his or her existing tools. When shopping for the DIY enthusiast in
your family, try to take inventory of his or her tool chest before beginning your search. Make note of any tools that look new, checking those off your shopping list, and any that look like they need replacing. Use your phone to photograph any unfamiliar tools that you might want to replace so you know what to look for when visiting the hardware store. • Think of what your relative likes to do most. The family handyman may have a particular area of home improvement expertise or something he or she is especially passionate about. Does your loved one prefer to work in the garden? Is he into woodworking and making decorative items for the house? Think of what he or she likes to do most and then look for something that will make that hobby more enjoyable. While multipurpose
Sit Back and Relax This Holiday RECLINER SALE
tools might make for welcome gifts, something more specific to his or her particular passion may make an even better gift. • Think outside the (tool)box. While new tools might make a handyman’s day, they are not the only items that make great DIY gifts. Consider enrolling your loved one in an advanced class so he or she can learn more about a favorite hobby. Or gift a magazine subscription so he or she can stay abreast of the latest DIY trends and topics. Such gifts are great options for shoppers hesitant to purchase potentially costly tools that may or may not be hits with their relatives. • Speak with a professional. If you can’t access your loved one’s workshop or simply don’t know what he or she might want, ask a local con-
tractor for gift recommendations. For example, a carpenter might know just what will elicit a smile from woodworking enthusiasts, while landscapers might be able to suggest items for gardening or lawn care enthusiasts. Advancements are always being made in the home improvement industry, and those people who make their living in that industry might be great resources as you try to find the go-to gift for your loved one. Finding a gift for the family handyman might be difficult for shoppers with no DIY experience of their own. But a little forethought and perhaps some professional assistance can be just what shoppers need to find gifts their loved ones will cherish for years to come.
WHOLESALE JEWELRY TO THE PUBLIC! 39 $ 29 $
10K GOLD RINGS............................
& up
10K GOLD CHAINS..........................
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In 40 years of business Stan has never been undersold. Stan has more jewelry than anyone in the area! WE BUY GOLD, SILVER AND DIAMONDS! Choose from 3 great recliner styles available in over 30 select fabrics at no additional charge.
DIAMONDS WHOLESALE TO THE PUBLIC
Morse Clark Furniture Co.
219 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch Ph. 989-345-0355 www.morseclark.com Mon.-Sat. 8 am - 5:30 pm • Closed Sunday
Compare your local jeweler’s holiday book to Stan’s prices!
3865 Wilder Rd. • Bay City, MI 48706 - Across from McDonald’s
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 6
989-686-3160
Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 5pm
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Remiusables offering a way to go green to save green By Tiffany Nutt
ANTIQUES - CURIOSITIES - HOME GOODS RESALE AND CONSIGNMENT SHOP
Cookies & Beverages
Reusable sandwich & snack bag set
December 10th • 11 am - 4 pm
Enter to win a Door Prize
10% OFF ENTIRE STORE! Stop in and experience our store!
tiffanynutt@ogemawherald.com 989-387-8929
FAIRVIEW — After having children and realizing the amount of disposable items someone can go through, Remi Swartzendruber developed a business of reusable items like towels, sandwich bags and makeup wipes. “It didn’t hit me until I used cloth diapers and saw how much we throw away — how bad it is, and expensive,” Swartzendruber said She said she began asking herself, ‘What else can I do? What do I need to not throw away?’” The first items she made were cloth wipes made from flannel. She then expanded from there with produce bags, nail polish-removing wipes and coffee filters. “So I kept coming up with more ideas,” she said. “(Things) that we can replace.” While Swartzendruber and her husband Mike have three young daughters — Nova, 5, Ella, 2, and Aria, 3 months — her business has been open for a little over a year. She manages it on Etsy. Another reason she decided to start a business out of her home was just that: it allowed her to be in her own home while bringing in revenue. “I didn’t want someone else rais-
Christmas Open House
Unique Gifts & Estate Jewelry • Gift Certificates Available Mon. - Thurs. 10a.m. - 5p.m. Fri. - Sat. 10a.m. - 4p.m. • Sun. 12p.m. - 3p.m.
Behind McDonald’s, Standish 989-314-4004
M-65 Bait Shop Specializing in Darton Cross & Regular Bows. Killer Instinct Crossbows All in stock for your holiday shopping! Remi Swartzendruber
ing my children,” she said. While the items geared toward children have a playful pattern, other items are more muted. “For kitchen things, I try to keep it in adult patterns,” she said. “I go, ‘Yeah, OK, I can see someone wanting that to stay up in their kitchen year-round.” Building up her inventory and market, Swartzendruber now attends craft shows around the area, like in Fairview and West Branch. While she has some Christmas-themed items in stock, the majority of holiday items are custom orders. All Remiusables items are machine-washable and can be thrown in with regular laundry. “Little things like sponges and makeup-removing wipes I tell people, throw them in a garment bag,” she said. “Just to save wear on them.” The overarching reason Swartzendruber started the business was to not only think green but also to help people save financially. “We have to live on this planet until we are dead, and so do our children,” she said. “And you save a ton of money.” Her store can be accessed at www.etsy.com/shop/Remiusables.
Deer Feed Indoor Archery Range Bait and Tackle Archery Supplies Hunting Supplies
Whittemore, MI 989-756-3651 Ed & Helen Beckley
Celebrating over 51 years of quality customer service! bernardbuilding.com
Hale
Cheboygan
989-728-2211
231-445-9031
395 S. Washington (M-65) 829 N. Huron St. Hale, MI 48739 Cheboygan, MI 49721
Au Gres
808 E. Huron (US-23) Au Gres, MI 48703
989-876-7114
Hillman
27300 M-32 Hillman, MI 49746
989-742-2299
Call for NEW YEAR’S EVE SPECIALS December 15 from 6-8 pm DINNER WITH SANTA Au Gres, MI 989-876-7022
Gift Certificates Available
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 7
Happy Hour All Day Sunday & 50¢ Wings
Monthly Paint & Pour Classes
Check our FB page for upcoming events!
Holiday Gift Guide 5, 8.qxp_Layout 1 11/28/16 12:47 PM Page 2
Cutting boards: FROM PAGE 5
Patti’s Discount Store and Resale WE HAVE A LARGE SUPPLY OF Yarn, Thread & Sewing Necessities Reading & Sunglasses Cards, Wrapping Paper & Gift Bags Yankee Candles, Socks Laundry & Cleaning Supplies Jewelry & Gifts Sledge Hammers & Axes, Oil & Antifreeze Spray Paints
COME IN AND SEE US!
311 S. Bullock • Whittemore, MI •
Accepting Donations for Resale
989-756-2014
Hours: M-F 9-5 Sat. 10-2
Rose City Greenhouse • Wreaths • Grave Blankets • Fresh Cut Christmas Trees • Poinsettias • Centerpieces
2260 M-33, Rose City, MI 989-685-2108 • Fax 989-685-3122 Monday - Saturday 9 am - 6 pm
much,” Moss said. “Box store, you get things from China and from factories. It takes out the uniqueness of it in my mind, and you have to shop small in order to keep them going.” Precision Carpentry’s newly renovated building, located on M33 and M-55, has been built of local goods, staying in that realm of “shopping small” that the couple is passionate about. “Working on this
“A lot of the big things that I really like is a lot of people buy them for people who live out of state and who are from Michigan. So it’s a way of giving them a piece of home.” — Paige Moss See more on page 13
If you are looking for quality and service, you won’t be disappointed here! We feature 3 levels of Heirloom Amish-Crafted Furniture for every room and outdoors. Chocolate Treasures Home decor, wall art, lace, candles, textiles, children’s corner and so much more!
a room filled with candy that we make right here!
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 8
building we trying to do everything (local),” she said. “All of our steel is from Miller Construction right down the road. We are trying to keep it as local as we can.” By pairing her love of local with her business, as well as its parent business, Moss hopes people think of home when they see her cutting boards — the Michigan-shaped boards specifically. “A lot of the big things that I really like This board is made of cherry, ash, walnut and spalted maple.
is a lot of people buy them for people who live out of state and who are from Michigan,” she said. “So it’s a way of giving them a piece of home.” Moss doesn’t confine her designs to only the mitten shape. Her boards also consist of common rectangular shapes to more custom shapes like a trout or a guitar. “If anybody can think of it, I do it,” Moss said. “I like a good challenge.”
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How to make gift wrapping easier
While holiday shoppers are often enthusiastic about finding great gifts for their loved ones, many are decidedly less excited about wrapping those gifts. Many holiday shoppers spend hours wrapping gifts each year, and as gift lists grow, so does the amount of time needed to get all of those presents wrapped, hidden, packaged and/or shipped. Shoppers can employ the following strategies to make the process go much more smoothly and to reduce gift wrap-related anxiety. • Relearn the basics. Some people may think they know how to wrap gifts, only to realize it’s harder than it looks once the paper, scissors and Scotch tape come out. Relearn the basics by viewing online tutorials prior to wrapping gifts so the lessons learned remain fresh in your mind. Learn how to wrap standard clothing gift boxes and recognize that such boxes can often be used to house oddly shaped items. • Wrap as you buy. Instead of getting bogged down with wrapping all in one evening, wrap presents as you purchase them. This ensures that you don’t leave everything for the last
minute and reduces the likelihood that curious kids or inquisitive spouses discover gifts before the big day. • Work on a hard surface. It may be tempting to lay everything out on your bed and wrap gifts while you’re binge-watching the latest Netflix series. But hard surfaces make the best places to wrap gifts. This ensures there won’t be any wrinkles in the paper and that you won’t lose supplies in the bedspread. • Rely on double-sided tape. For that professional look, invest in some double-sided tape so you will not have any unsightly tape lines. • Keep all of your supplies together. Store wrapping paper, scissors, tags, tape, ribbons and whatever else you may need to wrap gifts in one convenient location. This cuts down on time wasted hunting for supplies around the house. • Draw on plain gift boxes. Make your own “wrapped gifts” by drawing or stenciling on plain gift boxes if you’re short on time. • Identify recipients by gift wrap. Desig-
GREEN HARDWARE
nate one gift wrap for each person on your shopping list. This way you can easily distinguish one person’s gifts from another’s. This can keep things more organized when sorting and visiting with friends and relatives later on. • Keep gift bags on hand. Gift bags work in a pinch and make it easy to conceal gifts that are hard to wrap. Curious loved ones can easily peak inside gift bags, so be sure to wrap gifts in tissue paper before placing them in the bags. • Less is usually more. Do not use too much paper when wrapping; otherwise, you will be left with bulky, sloppy folds. Before trimming the gift wrap from the roll, check that it overlaps the ends of the box by just a couple of inches. A sturdy paper will help you achieve crisper folds and prevent tears when wrapping. For the simplest wrapping design, try kraft paper (brown mailing paper), which can be dressed up with ribbons, cutouts or stamps. The process of wrapping holiday gifts can go more smoothly when applying some time-tested tips and tricks.
Hill Furniture k a O
& Fabrics Has something for everyone on your holiday shopping list...
Shopping for the holidays? Find the perfect holiday gift in
Weaver & Sons Jewelry Boxes now in stock. Available in many sizes, colors & designs.
FOR CHRISTMAS! Handmade childrens furniture & toys, handcrafted solid wood furniture, Rhythm clocks, quilts, candle bouquets, wood crafts and much more.
1734 Galbraith
Co. Rd. 608/
Miller Rd.
Check us out on Facebook
N
M-33
Kittle Road
÷
2106 South M-76, West Branch 989-345-0020
Galbraith Road
Fairview
Mio
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 9
1734 Galbraith Rd., Mio, MI 48647 Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., & Sat. 8:30 am-5 pm Closed: Wed. & Sun.
989-826-1913
All Furniture Made in the USA!
Melvin & Betty Byler
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Heat Things Up With These Savings! Too Many Tool Specials to Mention! 148 Piece Crescent Set
$75 4 Pack 1”x15’ 500lb. Rachet Tiedown
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Milwaukee Heated Jacket
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Over 26 Stoves on Display • Starting at $599 HIGHLAND LUMBER We Deliver 989-848-8000 & HARDWARE
Mon. - Fri. 7 am - 5 pm Sat. 8 am - 3 pm • Closed Sunday!
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 10
693 E. Kittle Rd. Mio, MI 48647
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Explore options in local outdoor gear with Michigan-made eyewear accessory By Tiffany Nutt
tiffanynutt@ogemawherald.com 989-387-8929
MIO — Passionate about the outdoors and Michigan-made items, Chad and Kerry Yost have made multiple items, including their more wellknown saw, but currently they are focusing on their eyewear accessory product — GRAPLRZ. “We’ve worked on it now for four or five years now with the saws,” owner Chad Yost said. “And we’ve been to Bass Pro, we’ve been to big shows, a lot of different things, and it is just to be competitive — the cutlery market.” Although this eyewear product has been sold for the same amount of time as the saws, the couple is shifting to only selling GRAPLRZ and renaming the company from ARC to GRAPLRZ. “So we’ve had this product for about the same amount of time,” he said. “And what we’ve done is kind of scraped everything else and took this product out from the line and are making it its own company.” After the economy slowed, the Yosts’ business also slowed. “We were out there at building three, out there by BP, we were getting things really going and then things really just slowed down with the economy and the industry,” Chad said. Switching to just focusing on the accessory, the company has had the opportunity to make its best product, according to the couple. “This product here is pretty much all-year-round,” he said. “Anybody (into) fishing, hunting, camping, backpacking — adventure, outdoors — is kind of our customer.” The item has a lifetime warranty and is made in the U.S., minus some parts that are imported. While it is mainly for the outdoor enthusiast, the item also has a breakaway mechanism for safety glasses. The cord is not cloth but aircraft cable,
according to Chad. “It is all assembled in town,” Chad said. “Manufactured, of course, in Michigan.” “There are competitors out there, but this is the strongest on the market,” he continued. While GRAPLRZ is not as widely known in Mio, it is coming to light on a larger scale, according to the Yosts. “Around here, they’re not really big,” Chad said. “We have put them in a couple of the hardwares, you know, for the people on the river and stuff like that. On a grander, national scale they are picking up.” For the Christmas season, the company is dropping the price. “It’s a good price point,” he said. “We are going to drop it for the locals to $12.” Their website, www.graplrz.com, is currently under construction, but people can reach the couple at 567230-6798, which is where the sales will be run through until further notice. The items were at one time in both the Mio Ace Hardware and Fairview Hardware, but Chad is not sure how many are left in the stores.
“We’ve got a Facebook and Instagram, we’ve got all that,” he said. “So we’re trying to drive people to that too.” “It keeps our community moving in the right direction,” Chad said. “That’s the biggest thing.” “It helps keep people here too,” Kerry Yost added. “If nobody buys anything locally, I mean you can’t rely on outside people coming in year-round, especially around here. The summer is great, but in the winter it really drops off.” The Yosts hope their product is thought of as being American-made and unique, as well as user-friendly. “A big thing that people do not realize is — we get a lot of this feedback — is that they didn’t ever see themselves using it until they had one, and then it’s like, ‘Wow, this is really convenient,’” he said. Kerry went on to say that most, if not all of her co-workers use them in the healthcare field. “I mean, we promote to the active lifestyle but anybody can use them,” Chad said. “We take pride in the quality,” he continued. “The quality and the functionality of the product.”
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 11
Did you know?
The first Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center was erected in 1931, two years before the opening of Rockefeller Plaza, where the tree now draws thousands of tourists each year. The tradition began when construction workers hard at work on building Rockefeller Center decorated a roughly 20-foot-tall balsam fir tree on Christmas Eve in 1931. Strings of cranberries and tin cans were among the items used to decorate the tree. While there was no tree in 1932, the first official tree was unveiled in 1933 in Rockefeller Plaza, and the lighting ceremony was broadcast over NBC Radio. The 1933 tree, at 50 feet tall, dwarfed the 1931 tree. However, the 1933 tree paled in comparison to the 10-ton Norway spruce erected in 1999, which measured 100 feet tall and remains the tallest tree ever erected at Rockefeller Center. The tradition of the Rockefeller Center tree continues to evolve to this day, but the evergreen is no longer lit with incandescent light bulbs. LED bulbs that consume a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs are the bulbs of choice now. In addition, in 2007 Rockefeller Center partnered with Habitat for Humanity, which used the tree after it was taken down to furnish lumber for home construction.
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2015 Holiday Gift Guide • page 12
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Mitten-focused home decor sprucing Lighting up homes this Chirstmas season tips for your tree this holiday
Sarah Godfrey
By Tiffany Nutt
tiffanynutt@ogemawherald.com 989-387-8929
WEST BRANCH — Being crafty and making home decor has always been an interest for Sarah Godfrey. Originally from Brooklyn, Mich., Godfrey teaches preschool at Surline Elementary School, which is a good outlet to pair craftiness with teaching. “I grew up there and then I went to CMU and ended up getting two degrees,” she said. “Then I moved up to Vermont and had a baby and then decided to stay home for a few years.” “While I was staying home I always liked being crafty,” Godfrey said. “So I kind of always wanted to have an Etsy shop, just didn’t know what I wanted to do. And then I just kind of got into doing the signs and have been doing that for three years.” Longtime citizen of the Mitten, Godfrey makes signs in the Michigan theme through her business Birch Lake Signs. “I think most people in Michigan love their state,” Godfrey said. She handpicks the wood that she uses to make her signs before the painting process. She then creates an image, which is cut into a stencil, she said.
“I think that you can really see the time and effort that a small business person puts into their business,” she said. “And I think that people that have their own business have a true passion in what they do.”
“I love wood with interesting grains and knots in it,” Godfrey said. “I do buy my wood and I either paint it or stain it.” “I do all the designing myself,” she continued. “And then I have a machine that cuts my stencils out for me.” This process allows Godfrey to scale her design to fit any size sign, which gives her options when bulking up her inventory. Godfrey also makes custom signs, which she sells both in her Etsy shop and at area craft shows. “I typically sell on Etsy and then I do some local sales too,” she said. “And I have a couple stores that I cosign with as well.” Those shops include a store in the Detroit area and one in Tawas, The Basket Case. While she enjoys making signs, her business is not her main source
of income but more of an enjoyment that brings in some funds. “I think it would grow as much as I would want it to, but right now I’m kind of satisfied with the Etsy sales,” she said. Shopping small is an important thing in a smaller community, according to Godfrey. “I think that you can really see the time and effort that a small business person puts into their business,” she said. “And I think that people that have their own business have a true passion in what they do.” “I think just supporting local people is better than supporting a huge corporation,” she continued. For more information or to view signs made by Godfrey, visit www.etsy.com/shop/BirchLake Signs.
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 14
Lighting a Christmas tree may seem like child’s play, but time and again people struggle with the task. Untangling wires and wrapping them around boughs can be nerve-wracking, but lighting a tree doesn’t have to be a chore when you follow some tips from the professionals. First, keep in mind that wrapping lights around the tree horizontally is more work and often doesn’t produce a multi-dimensional effect. Rather, string the lights from the trunk up to the top, working vertically. This is actually how the tree decorators at Rockefeller Center in New York City do the famous tree year after year. This method helps eliminate tangled wires and empty spots. Remember to plug in the strands of lights before you begin to check for burned-out bulbs and to adjust the spacing of lights to prevent dark spots. Think about varying light bulb sizes to add more dimension. String an inner layer of small LED white lights to produce an inner glow on the tree before adding larger, colored lights on top to increase visual appeal. Just be sure to match the same wattage of the lights so that you do not have power surges and can prolong the life of the bulbs.
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2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 15
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Stocking stuffers fo athletes, sports enthusiasts r
Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the best gifts are those that come in small packages. Though some people pore over their holiday shopping lists for weeks, it’s not uncommon for even the most devoted holiday shopper to overlook stocking stuffers, which can be just as difficult to find as larger gifts. When shopping for stocking stuffers, consider the recipient’s interests. For example, athletes and sports enthusiasts would undoubtedly love a gift that reflects their loyalty to a favorite team or their devotion to a particular sport. Holiday shoppers who have a sportscrazed superfan or accomplished athlete on their shopping lists may want to consider the following items when looking for stocking stuffers this holiday season. • Sports memorabilia: Sports fanatics sometimes double as collectors who are always on the lookout for new memorabilia to display. Such collectibles may include bobble-
heads, cards, ticket stubs and signed photographs or equipment. Rare memorabilia may be beyond many gift-givers’ means, but there are still plenty of impressive items that can fit into any holiday gifting budget. • Game tickets: Give sports fans a chance to cheer on their favorite teams in person. Find a home game that will not require the recipient to travel too far, or if you want to splurge, include transportation with the tickets to an away game. Secondary market ticket-seller StubHub is a reliable resource that guarantees tickets sold on its site are legitimate, removing any doubt ticket market buyers may have. • Fan gear: Sports fans can never have enough gear to show off their team pride. Everything from mugs to hats to authentic team jerseys makes for great stocking stuffers. In addition, look for pennants or Tshirts that feature team names or logos. Today just about any item comes emblazoned with sports team names. If you can’t find a particu-
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 16
lar item, it may be possible to order it directly from a team or retailer or have it customized locally. • Sports equipment: Athletes may benefit from updated equipment. Determine if the athletes on your gift list have any gear that needs replacing. Parents, coaches or even teammates may offer recommendations regarding which equipment your loved one needs. If you don’t know a catcher’s mitt from a tennis racket, stuff the stocking with a gift card to a sporting goods store. • Newspaper subscription: Your local newspaper keeps readers informed on sports for the local schools. A subscription to a newspaper may be the perfect gift. • Winner’s trophy: For the sports fan who has missed out on getting his or her own trophy, have one made up as a stocking stuffer gag gift. It is certain to bring a laugh and hold a prime spot on the shelf with other sports memorabilia.
Hand-painted signs can create holiday spirit for your home this Christmas
Holiday Gift Guide 17.qxp_Layout 1 11/28/16 11:38 AM Page 1
By Tiffany Nutt
tiffanynutt@ogemawherald.com 989-387-8929
AU GRES — Erin Dittenber brings life back into old barn wood by making signs featuring various holiday sayings, and she sells them through her business, The Squeaky Wheel. “We have lot of children, OK,” she said. “My husband and I have four children — I don’t know if you’re familiar with ‘the squeaky wheel gets the grease’? Yup, that’s where it comes from.” Dittenber said she has been making these signs for about three years with help from her husband, Todd. “I’ve been doing craft shows for a little while; I just had to find something that really worked for me that actually could meet the needs of more people,” Dittenber said. “They just seem to go over very well compared to some of the other things that I’ve done,” she continued. Her business not only allows her to bring in money for her family but also gives her a chance to be creative, she said. “It’s a great creative outlet for me,” Dittenber said. “The fact that I have actually found something that I can make money doing that I really, really enjoy — and they turn out, I mean, they’re pretty beautiful — it’s been a blessing on so many different levels.”
Erin Dittenber
While she doesn’t harbor bad feelings toward corporate chains, Dittenber hopes people who buy her creations know where the money is going: to her family. “Behind my business — The Squeaky Wheel — is my family, and if you buy something from me it’s not going to a big corporation,” she said. “It’s literally going to a husband, a wife, a father, a mother and four children.” Shopping small is something Dittenber is passionate about and encourages people to think about doing this Christmas. “I think it’s incredibly important, especially with the turn the economy has taken,” she said. “I may not bring a lot in to my family, but I bring in enough that we can do the little extra
The Squeaky Wheel set up at Tawas High School Nov. 19 for a craft show, which is where Dittenber normally sells her signs.
things. And I kind of run around with a group of women who all do little things off to the side.” Dittenber makes signs sporadically throughout the year, but around the holidays she picks up her pace, which allows her to bring in extra funds during the Christmas season. “I know for me personally, it takes the pressure off my husband. And I feel really good, I’m able to basically pay for my family’s Christmas,” she said. While Dittenber enjoys creative new ideas, she also takes special orders.
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2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 17
“I’m happy to do those, although this time of year it’s tough,” she said. “Otherwise I more or less just stick to the craft shows.” One perk to buying local art is the uniqueness of the piece, according to Dittenber. “There is really something to be said about (small business),” she said. “I don’t use any stencils, I do everything free-hand. I mean you could go to Walmart or Pier 1 and grab anything off the shelf, but all my stuff is hand-painted.” To reach Dittenber call 989-3871640.
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How to make a scarf in 20 minutes 1
Find the end of your yarn; pull out two arms’ lengths from both bundles. Make a slip knot at that mark, which is about 6 feet from the end. The slip knot will be your first stitch.
1
2
What you need: 2 skeins of bulky or super bulky yarn 2 hands/arms
2
20 minutes & scissors
Take the tail and working yarn, wrap around thumb and pointer finger and hold with ring and pinky fingers. Then pull back like a slingshot.
With the hand the first stitch is on, go under 1, over 2.
Repeat until desired number of stiches is on your arm.
Now put stitches on your other arm. Hold your working yarn with the hand that has the stitches on it, and slip off the first stitch with the other hand, creating a loop with the working yarn that will be a stitch on your other arm.
3
After going under 1, over 2, now go through 3.
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Put the loop you created on your other arm.
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2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 18
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Binding off your scarf Heritage Wood Stove Matte Black
This is how it should look after transfering your first stitch onto your other arm. Repeat this until you have reached your desired length.
After reaching your desired length, now secure your project by binding off. Make a stitch on your opposite arm, then a second.
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While binding off you should have no more than two stitches at one time. Take the stitch closest to your body and let it go. Make another stitch to have two again. Repeat the process.
Cut off excess.
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Now tie your end together with remaining tail and length you have cut from your working yarn.
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2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 19
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Holiday decorating is a big part of the holiday season. Bins are taken out of the attic or garage, and decorations are once again given their opportunity to shine for several weeks before being packed away again. Among the many decorations families use to deck the halls are ornaments that were made by hand. This year creating homemade ornaments can be a crafty project that helps families make new holiday memories. Christmas tree ornaments come in all shapes and sizes and often tell the stories of holiday traditions. There are several different ways to create personalized, do-ityourself ornaments and leave the cheap, easily broken ornaments from the dollar stores behind. Photo ornaments Fun photo ornaments showcase how a family has changed and grown over the years. Experiment with different ways to create these ornaments. You can glue a photo to a ceramic ornament and cover it with decoupage glaze to set it permanently. Try purchasing clear, glass or-
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 20
naments, then remove the top of the ornament, which is usually spring-loaded, before slipping a photo inside and replacing the top. You also can laminate a photo, punch a hole in the top and affix a ribbon.
Ceramic ornaments The popularity of paint-it-yourself pottery has led to an increase in ceramic and craft shops across the country. During the holiday season such shops offer many holiday items that can be painted. Often the store will then fire the pieces after they are painted so that they are shiny and hardened for display. Those who want to do their painting at home can visit their local craft or hobby shop, where typically there are unfinished ceramic ornaments that can be painted with acrylic paints found right in the next aisle. A finishing coat of clear glaze will help protect the ornaments from year to year. Wood crafts Many of today’s craft centers have expanded to include sections devoted to unfinished wood items.
Everything from letters to animal cutouts to boxes and rocking horses can be purchased and finished. Turn keepsake boxes into painted and ribbonadorned gift boxes. Stain a treasure chest that can be used to store reindeer snacks for Santa’s crew. Turn small decorative pieces into ornaments for the tree. Paint and affix wood initials onto stocking holders to identify to whom each stocking belongs. Crafty individuals also can turn plain wooden plaques into signs with clever sayings, such as “Park your sleigh here.” Scavenge around the house Young children can use any medium for making ornaments. Garlands made of macaroni or popcorn are traditional. Fabric scraps can be sewn and stuffed with potpourri for homemade scent satchels. Handdrawn pictures can be made and laminated and hung on the tree. The only obstacle with regard to DIY ornaments is a limited imagination. Homemade items can add whimsy and a personal touch to the holiday season.
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Tips for buying a natural Christmas tree Types of Christmas trees
Fraser Fir | Blue-green 1-inch needles, soft, upward-slanted branches and pleasant aroma. Noble Fir | Deep green, sturdy limbs and usually made into wreaths, pleasant aroma. Colorado Blue Spruce | Blue-green, triangular shape, sturdy for heavy ornaments. Grand Fir | Dark green, 1 1/2-inch needles and lightweight limbs. Balsam Fir | Dark green, holds needles well but has lightweight limbs. White Pine | Largest pine in the U.S., soft 2-inch needles, bad aroma when needles are crushed. Douglas Fir | Dark green, soft 1 1/2-inch needles, sweet aroma. Scotch Pine | Holds needles well, bright green, high survival rate.
Many people harbor strong opinions with regard to which type of Christmas tree they want to purchase. Some cannot live without a natural, freshly cut Christmas tree, while others prefer the convenience of artificial trees. Those who insist on a natural tree might want to consider the following tips when buying what’s likely their biggest decorative item of the holiday season. • Ask when the tree was cut down. Precut trees may be cut down weeks before they’re sold. So if you’re buying a precut tree, chances are the tree was cut down much earlier than you think. This doesn’t mean the tree won’t make it through the holiday season, but a tree that was cut several weeks ago should have some of its bottom trunk removed before it’s placed in the stand. This will make it easier for the tree to consume water. This step likely isn’t necessary if the tree was cut down the same day you bring it home. • Have the tree shaken before taking it home. A tree should be shaken in a shaker
before you put it in your car and bring it home. A shaker removes any debris or dead needles from the tree, which can save you the trouble of cleaning up all of those dead needles from your living room floor later on. • Have the tree wrapped before taking it home. A tree should also be wrapped in twine before taking it home. The twine should be tight enough to keep the tree’s branches from blowing in the wind when you attach the tree to the top of your vehicle. If possible, keep the tree wrapped in twine as you place it in the stand. This makes the tree easier to control. • Choose the right location. When looking for the right place to set up your natural tree, it’s best to choose a spot that’s cool and free of drafts. The tree should not be placed near heat sources, including appliances, fireplaces or vents, because such heat sources create a safety hazard and can make it difficult for the tree to retain moisture. There should also be ample space between the
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 21
top of the tree and the ceiling. • Place some covering on the floor beneath the tree. Even a freshly cut natural tree will shed needles over the course of the holiday season. Before placing the stand in the location you’ve chosen, put some type of covering, such as a tree bag, beneath the stand so it’s easier to gather all those needles once the holiday season has ended. • Remember that natural trees are thirsty. Men and women who have never had a natural Christmas tree in the past might be surprised at just how thirsty natural trees get. The stand’s reservoir should have lots of water, which should never dip below the stump. If the water dips below the stump, you might be forced to cut a little more off the bottom of the trunk to ensure the tree will make it through the holiday season. That can be a hassle once the tree has been decorated, so be sure to check the water in the reservoir at least once per day to maintain adequate water levels.
Holiday Gift Guide 22.qxp_Layout 1 11/28/16 11:51 AM Page 1
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2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 22
Guide to shopping for tech gifts
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Gadgets make great gifts come the holiday season. Children may want the latest must-have video games, and many adults scour store advertisements for the newest televisions, tablets, smartphones and other gadgets to include among their own most wanted lists. According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the holiday season is typically a record-setting time for consumer spending on tech gifts. The CEA notes that roughly $34 billion was spent in 2015 on tech gifts, and that number is expected to grow during the 2016 holiday season. The holiday season is a time when consumers buy tech gifts for their loved ones, but it’s also a time when they splurge on items for themselves. Technology gifts are popular, but these purchases require some research prior to swiping a card at the checkout counter. Consider this advice before gifting any gadgets this holiday season. • Check product reviews. Use resources such as Consumer Reports to read up on the reputations of certain products and brands. Avoid purchasing products that have no established track record. Also try to read reviews from thirdparty sites rather than those posted on
>
manufacturer websites. Independent reviews may be more forthcoming than customer testimonials. • Speak with an educated retailer. Visit a store before making any purchases to learn more about the inner workings of the product you plan to buy. Discover its attributes, advantages, disadvantages and what others are saying about it. The salesperson may have his or her own opinion on the item and may calm any nerves you have. Niche retailers tend to have knowledgeable sales staff and can be assets when comparison shopping. • Determine if the gift is age-appropriate. It may be tempting to purchase the latest and greatest tech gifts for children because all their peers may be getting similar items. But first determine if certain items are age-appropriate. Remember, many tech gifts, such as tablets and smartphones, open children up to the world of social media. So if you buy such products, make sure you have turned on the privacy and safety features available before giving the item to your loved one. If you are purchasing a gift for a young person who is not your child, check with his or her parents to see if the gift will be
appropriate or even permitted. • Compare prices across various retailers. While popular gifts may be similarly priced because of the level of demand, it is still a worthy effort to comparison shop before making a rash purchase. In addition, consider that new generations of certain tech products come out quite frequently, and the previous generation may become obsolete rather quickly. Know when manufacturers are releasing new products so you can time your purchases accordingly. • Put the product through your own test run. Try a product out for yourself to get a feel for it and its attributes. Hands-on knowledge may be the best type when gifting tech items. Just keep in mind that many retailers have a reboxing or restocking fee on tech products. If the item fails to meet your expectations and you plan to return it, it may cost you a percentage of the price. The popularity of tech gifts makes them one of the most widely exchanged categories of presents during the holiday gift-giving season. With research and knowledge, consumers can find the perfect gifts to light up their loved ones’ faces.
“Determine if the gift is age-appropriate. It may be tempting to purchase the latest and greatest tech gifts for children because all their peers may be getting similar items. But first determine if certain items are age-appropriate. Remember, many tech gifts, such as tablets and smartphones, open children up to the world of social media.” 2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 23
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$
$
Our Prices are for the Birds! SUNFLOWER SEEDS
4.99
RUSSELL STOVER CHOCOLATES
Assorted styles CBA7
40” SPORTSMAN ELITE DIGITAL ELECTRIC SMOKEHOUSE
• Temp monitor w/built-in remote adjustment • Remote controls FREE! • 4 Racks 2 bags of apple • Built-in Meat Probe • Side Wood Chip Loader smoking chips
$
SAVE $15
EXPRESSIVE BOXED CHRISTMAS CARDS Reg.
$
OUR PRICE
OUR PRICE
PERFECT GIFT FOR THE GRILLMASTER IN YOUR LIFE!
ASSORTED ROLLS OF WRAPPING PAPER
C-9 MULTI COLOR LIGHTS
LARGEST SELECTION
of John Deere Toys!
2016 Holiday Gift Guide • Page 24
SAVE 259.99
$