Adrian Our Town | Summer 2020

OUR TOWN

MEET THE DOCTOR BEHIND THE SMILES

Dr. Jody Atzmon of Willow Pediatric Dentistry

LIVING WITH COVID-19 pg. 6

CORONAVIRUS

What is the new normal?

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS pg. 24

LENCO CREDIT

UNION CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

From the Editor

We picked a heck of a time to start a magazine, eh?

e dream of bringing a publication full of local news and stories of your Lenawee County friends and neighbors began months before the novel coronavirus existed but, like every other aspect of life, that dream was put on pause for a bit.

ings have been changing rapidly, both in daily life and in the world of news. So while this publication may have had a longer launch than we originally intended, it seems appropriate that we’re bringing this ink and paper child into the world now.

You see, in times of great trouble — times like the COVID-19 pandemic — we need news, and we need stories. We need to be informed, to know what’s going on in our communities, we need to know how to plan and protect ourselves and our families.

But we also need comfort and entertainment, ways to keep our minds occupied and ways to escape the daily grind that has become even more grind-like in the face of a global pandemic.

In the spirit of bringing our friends and neighbors news and entertainment, we hope you nd the inaugural edition of Maple City Our Town informative and useful, but also a fun way to help make the most of your summer.

ank you for giving our new publication a shot. We hope you love it as much as we do.

TOWN

Kate Mitchell Editor-in-Chief

By Kate Mitchell Editor

COVID-19 AT HOME

Weathering a global pandemic in Lenawee County

On New Year’s Day, 2020, everything was normal and the novel coronavirus was a world away. Half a year and months of isolation later, the early days of 2020 seem like an alternate reality.

When the coronavirus arrived in Michigan on March 10, things moved quickly and life began to shi for Michiganders, including those in Lenawee County. In person schooling was almost immediately canceled. Less than a week a er the rst positive COVID-19 test in Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered all bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues in the state to close. Soon a er, the stay at home orders were put into place, and much of daily life for so many Michiganders has been in limbo ever since.

Although everything changed rapidly for many, the health care providers in Lenawee County had the impending virus in their plans well before it arrived in Michigan.

“ProMedica has been planning for the potential arrival of COVID-19 for the past couple of months,” ProMedica said in a statement shortly a er the rst diagnosis was made in Michigan. “We have stocked up on personal protective equipment to help safeguard direct care sta and prevent the transmission of COVID-19. We believe we are as prepared as any health system in the nation.”

As the virus progressed, Lenawee County fared well compared to the rest of southeast Michigan. With 161

cases and 6 deaths as of June 15, the county was fairly insulated from the human toll found in Wayne County (20,999 sick with 2,551 dead), Washtenaw (1,372 ill and 101 dead), or Monroe (497 sick and 20 dead).

But, with so much of the state shut down to try and save lives, the economic impact was impossible to avoid, even in Lenawee County.

“Local businesses have reacted as anyone would expect given that many of them lost the vast majority of their income while still having to pay a signi cant portion of their expenses,” Christopher Miller, Adrian Downtown Development Authority and Economic Development Coordinator, said. “ ey have been very concerned, looking for COVID relief programs, and attending seminars and workshops about what they are required to do, best practices, and resources available to them. ey have been working with all of our local economic developers and units of government, and hearing from many of their customers about how much they are missed.”

Outdoor events, too, have felt the impact of the pandemic. First Fridays, while canceled for June, will be returning with requirements for social distancing and PPE. Artalicious, the annual art fair, also fell victim to the virus. e Lenawee County Fair moved the queen competition online and is aiming for a virtual 4-H contest, but canceled the rest of the festivities.

Sneeze guards, masks and temperature checks are the new normal for U.S. retail stores

Now things are beginning to reopen, however cautiously, around the state. Restaurants, one of the earliest businesses shuttered by the governor when the pandemic reached the state, reopened for dine-in service in early June, and those looking for a haircut and color could seek out their favorite stylist beginning June 15.

While plenty are ready for signs of things returning to what the world was before, business reopenings are hinting at the new reality that will likely be around, at least in part, until a cure or vaccine for COVID-19 is found. e prep work for that new reality has fallen on local businesses.

“Businesses are following requirements and guidelines from state and local agencies who have a role to play in public health,” Miller said. “Many of them are incurring signi cant costs in an environment that also prevents them from generating ‘normal’ amounts of business. For example, in addition to PPE to protect customers and employees, many are also hiring or dedicating sta to do much more aggressive and frequent cleaning.”

Requirements for reopening in this time have been strict, but open to interpretation. Employee screenings for fevers and exposure to the novel coronavirus are required for businesses, as is a social distancing plan, limiting capacity to allow for social distancing, and requiring masks and other protective equipment for employees who cannot stay six more more feet away from other people in the workplace.

But just what businesses do to accommodate these requirements varies. Some stores have implemented one way aisles and designated entrance and exit doors to help facilitate social distancing. Others require masks for entry, and others still have severely limited the number of customers allowed in a store at a time. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual stores and companies to nd the best way to keep people safe while maintaining their business. But, in the meantime, Adrian is trying to support businesses as they adjust to the new, post-coronavirus world.

“ e city passed a resolution allowing expansion of outside dining including accelerated processing where an approval is required,” Miller said. “For businesses that already had outside dining in downtown for example, they could simply add space while adhering to the basic requirements (which center on ADA accessibility). e Commission approved the waving of all fees and permits related to these business expansions, and allowed expansion in public spaces in an unprecedented fashion. e motivation for this was both safety and providing businesses the opportunity to increase business where it has been constrained due to COVID safety measures.”

e road to recovery from the coronavirus is just beginning in Lenawee County and around the nation, and it will almost certainly be a long one. e reopening of states is uncharted territory, and avoiding another spike in COVID-19 cases may take additional restrictions or shut downs. But Miller is hopeful that Adrian and the people of Lenawee will weather the storm.

“I am very optimistic about the [economic] outlook, but that is tempered by the unknowns with this virus,” he said. “We have not heard of large scale business closures and many businesses [and] employees were able to leverage some help from state and federal programs. Our fundamentals are very strong, and the overall trends that brought recent investment and growth to the city I believe may be delayed but not eliminated. One of the very strong expressions we’ve heard during the entire lockdown was how important our local small businesses are to our communities; that has come in messages and in speci c actions in support of these members of our community.

“ e folks I’ve talked to are thrilled to have our area businesses open and serving the community,” Miller said. “…Generally speaking the businesses were really happy with how hard their partners worked to support them.”

“I am very optimistic about the [economic] outlook, but that is tempered by the unknowns with this virus.”

Popular Adrian restaurants like Sauce reopened with social distancing restrictions in mid June.

LIFE WITH CORONAVIRUS IN LENAWEE COUNTY

When America followed in the footsteps of China, Italy, South Korea and other countries in engaging in a partial shutdown of public and civic life to ght COVID-19, a respiratory disease that the World Health Organization declared a pandemic on March 9, the internet was awash with misinformation and testing kits had just begun their slow roll out nationwide.

All the while, citizens around Lenawee County reacted to the outbreak with a mix of caution and just getting on with life.

“I had some travel plans and those have all been cancelled,” Adrian resident Cindy Prue told Maple City Our Town. She added that in addition to washing her hands she is “being careful, diligent and being careful what I touch.”

e pandemic impacted all areas of life, starting slowly with precautionary measures before bringing everything to a full stop in mid-March.

Adrian College moved its classes online, cancelled most large events and encouraged students to return home ursday, March 12, out of precaution for the coronavirus. Now, schools around the country are trying to decide how classes will look when they start up again in the fall.

“It’s made me more concerned about my family and if they’re taking necessary precautions,” Adrian College employee Kevin Harrington, who lives just o campus, said. “I’m watching the news and Twitter much more closely. It’s making me stay home much more and [I’m] leaving the house only when necessary.”

By Drew Saunders

Governments around the world are still recommending that people avoid gathering in large groups and to not travel unless absolutely necessary. Public services like Adrian’s District Library were closed for months. But in the face of wall to wall coverage of the virus’ e ects on the global economy and the closing of borders, it’s easy to miss how it is a ecting local residents like Adrian’s Dominic Rodriguez.

“My gym and job are closed, but I just go about it the best way I can,” Rodriguez said. “For older and younger people, I’d say yeah, stay inside. But I’m 21. My immune system hasn’t failed me yet.”

Symptoms can appear up to two weeks a er exposure to the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include fever, a cough and shortness of breath and the CDC recommends you get medical attention if you have di culty breathing, confusion, chest paints or if your lips or face turn a blue color.

“Everybody wants you to stay home all the time, but you’ve got to get out every once in a while. I’m just surprised how far its spread from other countries. It’s amazing. Our hospital would never be big enough and the new one outside of town isn’t ready,” Joan Poling said.

For some, the concerns lie outside just themselves but for those they interact with every day.

“It hasn’t really a ected me too much outside from not being able to buy the supplies we need,” Adrian resident Jacob Miller said. “ ere’s nothing you can do other than wash your hands. I work with some elderly men, so I’ve been more concerned with them rather than me.” 

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“For Hospice of Lenawee, our care continues”

By Michelle Siegel

Locally-based hospice strives to maintain quality end-of-life services amid pandemic

The end of life can be a tumultuous period for patients and caregivers alike. However, one’s dying days do not have to be devoid of peace and comfort. In this day and age, more and more individuals are choosing to focus on the quality of the time they have le by enrolling in hospice, a form of end-of-life care that prioritizes symptom relief and emotional support over curative e orts.

According to the Hu ngton Post’s examination of recent federal data from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the hospice industry more than quadrupled in size between 2000 and 2014, with the number of hospice patients more than doubling in the same timeframe.

Even well prior to the hospice boom, though, residents of Lenawee County — and, later, neighboring counties — have had unique access to quality end-of-life care from Hospice of Lenawee, which Hospice of Lenawee President and CEO Travis Havens described as “the only freestanding, nonpro t, independent and board-governed hospice in the area.”

e organization dates back to the early ‘80s, when a group of volunteer healthcare practitioners became inspired by the new kinds of end-of-life services that were being o ered by providers in the United Kingdom, such as St. Christopher’s Hospice in London.

“ is group of trailblazers in Lenawee County said, ‘We need hospice over here’ — and they founded Hospice of Lenawee,” Havens said.

Hospice of Lenawee was chartered on January 1, 1982 as an independent, community-based and nonpro t hospice. While initially an all-volunteer organization funded entirely by donations from the community, Hospice of Lenawee became certi ed to receive reimbursement from Medicare in the fall of 1990. is a orded Hospice of Lenawee the stable funding source it needed to grow and ourish. Nonetheless, according to Havens, Hospice of Lenawee remains committed to its independent, community-based and nonpro t values.

“It’s very important that we are in this to serve our mission to care for patients and families in our community,” Havens said. “We are not in this as a nancial investment. We are not in this to make money o of the care that we are doing.”

Hospice of Lenawee now has not only 110 paid sta , but also 130 volunteers.

“We have an extremely vibrant volunteer program.” Havens said. “ ey have certain training that they have to go through, background checks — all of that. So they are really a part of our team.”

is team works together to serve around 120 patients at any given time. e vast majority of Hospice of Lenawee’s enrollees receive outpatient services. Some live in their own homes or with family, but an even greater portion live within other care-providing facilities.

“We work very closely with really outstanding nursing homes, assisted livings, independent livings, memory care communities and adult foster care settings, so we are really blessed to partner with a lot of really dedicated and devoted senior care providers,” Havens said.

From the comfort of their own places of residence, then, these patients receive outpatient services tailored to their individual needs.

“Sometimes people can be resistant to us coming in, because they think we just come in and take over, but it’s really not like that at all,” Havens said. “It’s very much based on an assessment and what that family needs.”

Due to the potentially intensive nature of Hospice of Lenawee’s care, the organization will generally only enroll individuals within 35 miles (or an hour’s drive) of its o ce, which is located at 1903 Wolf Creek Highway in Adrian.

“We want to make sure that we can get to our patients quickly, especially when they are symptomatic,” Havens explained.

For a handful of patients, though, even the most intensive and local outpatient services are not enough. In order to better help those in need of constant symptom management and medication monitoring — or simply a comfortable place to die outside the home — Hospice of Lenawee opened Hospice Home, Lenawee County’s rst hospice inpatient facility, in July 2012. e eight-bed facility also o ers temporary stays for both patients adjusting to posthospitalization end-of-life care and patients whose caregivers need some time to attend to their own personal needs.

“[Hospice Home] was created to provide our patients and their families compassionate end-of-life care in a beautiful environment that feels like home,” Hospice of Lenawee advertises on its website, hospiceo enawee.org. “With large rooms, private outdoor patios and spanning views of our local woods and wild owers, it is peaceful, relaxing and comfortable. ... ere are no restrictions on visiting hours. Family pets are also welcome. Enjoy the natural light ltering through large windows, so easy chairs and large screen Smart TVs. e entire family will feel welcomed, as this is their home, too.”

Aside from direct patient care, Hospice of Lenawee also provides a very in-depth bereavement program — far more in-depth than the minimal bereavement support that Medicare requires hospice providers to provide a patient’s family up through a year a er his or her death.

“Because we are a nonpro t, and because we can raise funds to go above and beyond what we are required, we provide bereavement support to anybody in our community that calls us and needs grief support, even if they were not in our hospice care,” Havens said. “We’ll provide support to them one-on-one, or over the phone, or they can join one of our many support groups. ey can come to our retreats. All those things, again, at no cost, because we raise funds to do

that. … We feel like it is the right thing to do, because the community needs it. We know that grief can be crippling if it is not addressed, especially for children.”

One aspect of Hospice of Lenawee’s bereavement program, Kaleidoscope, focuses speci cally on children’s grief. rough Kaleidoscope, Hospice of Lenawee sends a full-time, master’s level social worker to go into local school districts and support grieving children.

“She works with all the schools’ counselors, and so if they have a child that’s struggling… because they are grieving in the classroom, and they’re unable to learn and interact appropriately with others … she goes in there to the schools and supports those children one-on-one,” Havens said.

While some aspects of Hospice of Lenawee’s bereavement program have been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, patient care has continued, albeit with modi cations. Recent precautions have included substituting some in-person check-ins with telehealth, screening patients, screening families, screening sta before each shi , maintaining appropriate personal protective equipment, undergoing extra training, doing extra sanitation, suspending some volunteer services and restricting who can enter the facilities.

“We have been just absolutely determined to continue to provide the excellent end-of-life care that our community knows that we provide, and we focus on just adapting our care to make sure that we keep our patients, their families and our sta safe.” Havens said. “For Hospice of Lenawee, our care continues.”

For Hospice of Lenawee’s donation wishlist, visit hospiceo enawee.org/ les/hospice-of-lenawee-wish-list.pdf.

To donate funds to Hospice of Lenawee, visit hospiceo enawee.org/donate.php. 

Travis Havens

of

Hospice

Lenawee President & CEO

“It’s very important that we are in this to serve our mission to care for patients and families in our community.”

ONE TANK OF GAS

Maybe you’re dreaming of a sandy beach where you can soak up the sun and listen to the waves crash ashore. Perhaps a weekend in the big city sounds right up your alley. What about a quick day trip to a historical park? It doesn’t matter if you have just a day or can squeeze in a long weekend away, there are plenty of options for a quick trip this summer.

Here’s a look at some summer vacation destinations that are not only within driving distance, they won’t blow your budget.

Three family friendly travel destinations

By Rachel Brougham

Emmet County | MICHIGAN

ONE OF THE GREAT THINGS ABOUT THE PETOSKEY and Harbor Springs area is that it doesn’t drastically change. Diane Dakins, assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, says Emmet County is a good spot for a summer getaway as you’ll get your x of nostalgia along with plenty of new attractions.

While Mackinaw City may be the county’s top summer tourist destination, you’ll nd the city of Petoskey nestled along the south end of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay and Harbor Springs on the north end. is sweet spot is known for its “Million Dollar Sunsets,” abundance of Petoskey stones, charming downtowns and plenty of options to keep the entire family entertained.

Beyond Petoskey State Park and other area beaches where on the right day, thanks to the crystal blue water you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean, families will nd plenty of trails to explore, whether it be on bike or on foot.

“ e Little Traverse Conservancy Trails are not just places to walk, they’re places explore with eyes wide open,” Dankins noted. “Kids love the boardwalks, the chance to run and occasional sightings of deer, cool birds and other small wildlife.” Most conservancy spots are free to explore.

When it comes to biking, Dankins said the Little Traverse Wheelway appeals to all ages, while younger kids may be more excited by riding the North Western State Trail which starts at Spring Lake Park where you’ll likely get a glimpse of turtles or sh. “A short jaunt to Oden takes riders past another beautiful lake and on to the Oden State Fish Hatchery which o ers fun classes during the summer and

the opportunity to make schools of sh jump while feeding them,” Dankins said. Admission to the hatchery is free, while sh food is 25 cents. When night falls, stroll the streets of Harbor Springs or Petoskey and you’ll nd plenty of live music and entertainment in bustling local restaurants and pubs, breweries and at Odawa Casino. e Great Lakes Center for the Arts and Crooked Tree Arts Center also o er concerts and shows for all ages.

is summer, visitors will get a chance to hope on a ferry. e Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company will start running a 44 passenger ferry between Harbor Springs and Petoskey. “We are excited about this not only as commuter transportation between the two beautiful towns, but the ferry will give our guests an opportunity to get out on this gorgeous body of water,” Dankins noted.

e area features plenty of lodging options, from hotels and cabin rentals to camping spots.

“With tons of fun outdoor recreation, a terri c foodie scene, quaint shops and beautiful scenery, the Petoskey Area is pure pleasure,” she added. “Guests can do as much or as little as they like and at the end of the day, one of our legendary Million Dollar Sunsets may be waiting to tuck them in.”

For more information, vist www.petoskeyarea.com

Grand Rapids | MICHIGAN

FOR A GETAWAY WITH BIG CITY FEEL along with a touch of small town charm, Grand Rapids is less than three hours away from Lenawee County. ere you’ll nd plenty to keep the family busy and entertained, whether it’s just for the day or a weekend.

Stephanie Bradley, public relations manager for Experience Grand Rapids, noted the city is growing rapidly so visitors can visit all their old favorite spots and also experience plenty of new attractions.

“ e Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum and John Ball Zoo are three must-do attractions for families with young kids,” Bradley said. “ ere is a new downtown complex called Studio Park which includes a movie theater, restaurant, storefronts, apartments, an outdoor green space, music venue and more!”

For free family friendly activities, take a walk around the Downtown Market, explore the Heritage Hill Historic District or watch ights at the Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park.

Downtown you’ll nd Fish Ladder Park, which features a functional piece of artwork that is designed to allow migrating sh a means of circumventing the powerful water ow at the man-made rapids in the Grand River. Watch sh jump up the “ladder” during their seasonal migration in the spring and later summer.

And foodie lovers and beer a cionados rejoice: You’ll have plenty of options to choose from. e area has more than 40 breweries and Bradley recommends downloading

the Beer City Brewsader Passport App. e app will help you explore the beer scene while collecting stamps from di erent locations. “Because there are so many breweries, they’ve had to not only serve up great beer but great food as well. e area breweries have made themselves community staples thanks to their unique menus such as City Built Brewing which serves Puerto Rican food and Brewery Vivant which serves food with a French are,” Bradley said.

“Grand Rapids is perfect for a quick getaway because you’ll have a large city experience with small town charm,” Bradley added. “ e city also has something to o er for everyone, whether your interests are in music, cra beverages or arts and culture. Grand Rapids has it all, and at a much more a ordable price than larger destinations.”

For more information, visit www.experiencegr.com.

Toledo | OHIO

TAKE IN THE OUTDOOR SCENERY and the open spaces at Metroparks Toledo. In just a short drive you’ll nd a park (or 16 to be exact) that promise one-of-a-kind experiences.

Metroparks is a system of parks and trails that help connect people with nature in compelling and exciting ways. “With more than 12,000 acres of protected natural land to explore and 120 miles of trails to traverse, there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the wonder and majesty of nature in northwest Ohio,” boasts the park’s website.

“Howard Marsh, our newest park, is near the Lake Erie shore and attracts birders from around the world to see an array of waterfowl and shorebirds,” explained Scott Carpenter, director of public relations for Metroparks Toledo. “Oak Openings Preserve, our largest park, is a rare and beautiful natural area with miles of hiking, biking and horse trails, plus a 12-mile mountain bike trail, mountain bike skills course and a brand new treehouse village (opening in May). We have an archery park, kayak concession and roll-o kayak launches, playgrounds and 180 miles of trails to explore.”

For those looking to take a step back in time and see what life was like along the area’s rivers and waterways, Providence Metropark o ers visitors the chance to experience an authentic, mule-drawn canal boat on an original section of the Miami and Erie Canal. ese canal boats once carried goods and people nearly 250 miles between Toledo and Cincinnati. e park’s canal boat and mill are open May through October.

History bu s will want to visit Metropark’s Fallen Timbers Battle eld and Fort Miamis. While these sites are managed by Metroparks, they are also a liated units of the National Park Service.

At Fallen Timbers Battle eld, you can walk a 1.5 mile trail through a wooded area to nd where the 1794 Battle of Fallen Timbers took place. Along the way, interpretive spots o er up information about the con ict.

Next, explore Fort Miamis, which is the British fort that played a role in the Battle of Fallen Timbers and later, the War of 1812. Much of the earthworks used to create the fort are still visible.

“Our playgrounds are pretty special,” Carpenter added. “Many of them go beyond the typical play structures and incorporate nature themes. Kids won’t want to miss the new playgrounds at Pearson, Farnsworth, Swan Creek Preserve and Oak Openings Preserve.”

If you’re looking for a spot for a family camping trip, Metroparks o ers plenty of campgrounds and cottage rentals. From primitive sites to spots along Maumee River, Metroparks has overnight and multi-day outdoor adventures.

“It is access to nature that I would say truly makes us unique. We are one park away from being able to say that we have a Metropark within ve miles of every resident of Lucas County (this fall, we will achieve that goal),” Carpenter said.

For information, visit metroparkstoledo.com.

Rachel Brougham is a former newspaper editor from Michigan who now works as a syndicated columnist, freelance writer and editor. She lives in Minneapolis. 

THE DOCTOR BEHIND THE smiles

By Lorie Beardsley

Do your children like to play in the snow? How much fun would it be to tell them that you know a dentist who likes the snow too.

Jody Atzmon was born and grew up in rural Alaska. A er completing her training in dentistry, she opened Willow Pediatric Dentistry, the only pediatric dental practice in Lenawee County, in a picturesque setting in Tecumseh.

ough all aspects of the o ce were designed with kids’ speci c needs in mind, Dr. Jody and the sta understand the challenges that their young patients face. “We like to make their visit fun. We sing, we watch movies, we joke. Dentistry does not have to be hard,” Dr. Jody said.

According to Dr. Jody, “taking care of our bodies, including our teeth, is something everyone has to do over their entire life. We like to teach and help kids learn about dentistry and how we can help them become a good dental patient if they need their teeth xed”.

Whatever her patients’ expectations about or prior experience with dentistry, she and the sta are well equipped to engage them in the process by using the “tell, show, and do” method in which they tell the patients about the steps of the planned treatment or procedure then show them each tool to be used, and let them hear how it will sound, prior to actually doing the work.

ey also know that it is not always easy for their young patients to be still. Squishy balls and dget spinners are among the items that are available to help the children to keep their hands busy during treatments. To help the time to pass even more quickly, each patient room is equipped with a TV on the ceiling.

While the practice is prepared to meet young patients’ needs, parents can help their children to be prepared as well. “Make an appointment when it’s best for your child,” Dr. Jody recommended. If the child is a morning person, that is likely to be the best time for an appointment. If a ernoons are routinely nap time, that may not be an ideal time to schedule the appointment.

Using positive language and avoiding terms, like “shots,” that children might nd scary is also helpful in reducing potential pre-appointment anxiety. Dr. Jody stated that parents can enable their children to do well by expressing con dence in their ability to meet this challenge, just as they would with other new things they will face.

e path to optimal dental health begins six months a er the rst tooth comes in, or by the child’s rst birthday. During that rst appointment the sta will provide parents with useful information on topics ranging from the best techniques for brushing teeth to foods that are helpful or harmful to children’s teeth.

Earlier this year the practice incorporated laser dentistry, a valuable tool in caring for their patients. Although it can’t be used in every situation, the laser o en allows dental work to be performed without the need for numbing the patient, eliminates the vibrating sensations that drills cause while in contact with teeth, and allows for more directed, less invasive treatments.

With options ranging from TVs to laser dentistry to oral conscious sedation to operating room treatment should that be deemed necessary, Lenawee County’s only pediatric dental practice is well equipped to guide parents and their children along the life-long path to optimal dental health. 

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A path less traveled

65-year-old “community service artist” keeps pushing forward

Most people tend to envision their early sixties as a time to retire and wind down — a period for rest and relaxation, rather than any jarring life changes. 65-year-old Brenda Singletary, however, is not like most people Since turning 60, the artist has made a crosscountry move from the Atlanta area to rural Michigan, gotten married and opened her own art studio, where she taught free art classes to fellow seniors in fall 2019…

By Michelle Siegel

“No guts, no glory. You have to figure out what it is that you want and go for it.”

“It’s a path less traveled — it just is,” Singletary said. “No guts, no glory. You have to gure out what it is that you want and go for it — and sometimes you’ll fall at on your face, but if you try o en enough, you’re gonna win a few of them.”

Singletary has been venturing the path less traveled since becoming interested in art during her grade school years, which she spent growing up on Detroit’s East Side.

“My father, on Sunday mornings, before we went to Sunday school, he would pull out the Sunday paper — that’s when they had the ‘funnies,’ they called them, y’know, the comics — and he would imitate certain characters ... and he would sit at the table and just draw them,” Singletary said. “I would imitate him, and I realized that I could do it better than my three sisters could do it.”

Seeing this talent, Singletary’s grade school art teacher put her in a special, weekly a ernoon art program, which further cultivated her passion for the cra .

“ at’s the rst time I realized I did something really well,” Singletary said. “It gave me a little con dence.”

In high school, Singletary went on to win a competition at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

“Everybody thought it was such a big deal,” Singletary said, laughing. “And I said, ‘Well, wow, maybe I should investigate this art thing when I go to college.’”

At the age of 19, Singletary did just that, moving to Atlanta to attend Morris Brown College, where she went on to attain a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education.

“I just fell in love with Atlanta,” Singletary said. “I’d come home [to Detroit] for the summer to work, but I’d go back, and one summer I didn’t want to go home. I didn’t want to come back to Detroit — so I started looking for a job.”

Singletary found employment at a television station, and spent several years in the production business. However, she gradually discovered that this was not the career path for her.

“I liked working behind the scenes, but every job I got pretty much required that I do things in front of the camera, and I didn’t enjoy it at all,” Singletary said. “So I decided to take a chance again, and just quit and try art.”

Singletary has since made her career out of being what she calls an “interdisciplinary” artist, using di erent materials and working with di erent processes to explore di erent modes of self-expression.

“I’m able to truly express myself — to put on canvas or papers, or whatever medium I’m working with ... my feelings, my ideas ... — just, a wonderful voice that I can share with the world,” Singletary said.

Suzanne Schreiber, who coordinates the INAI Gallery as a ministry of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, said that Singletary “has a wonderful style in her art.”

“I think she has a good sense of color and texture,” Schreiber added. “I guess the textures in her work were just really kind of interesting.”

According to e HistoryMakers, a nonpro t educational institution that prides itself as “the single largest collection of African American rst-person video oral history testimony in the world,” Singletary’s artwork has been collected by former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young, Atlanta Braves senior vice president Hank Aaron,

Corporate sponsor Bill Milner of Humana Health speaks to the class to show their support of the arts.

bestselling author Terry McMillan, former Attorney General of Georgia urbert Baker, and Children’s Defense Fund founder Marian Wright Edelman.

Despite the popularity of her work, Singletary emphasized that she identi es herself as a “community service artist.” She spoke far more proudly of the “art burnings” she held in the ‘90s, for which she would invite people to come “save” some of her spare works for themselves by bidding on them before she destroyed them. Singletary would then set aside a chunk of the proceeds for nonpro ts.

“Just about every nonpro t in the city of Atlanta, we did an art burning over a ve-year period,” Singletary said. “And so, I started going out to California and doing them out there. Oh, boy, it was unreal there… I didn’t frame the pieces of artwork — we sold everything unframed. I’d go with about 50-70 pieces and come back with an empty portfolio… go back home, just to create more artwork, and then go back out there a month later, just to sell it. It was amazing. It really was.”

Singletary spent 40 years based in Atlanta. However, when her father fell ill a few years ago, she moved back to Detroit to support him. Once there, she reconnected with a former classmate, Town Money Saver publisher Mike Johnson.

“He took me to my rst dance in the sixth grade, but I had forgotten about him in that way,” Singletary said. “And he contacted me through Facebook... and he started coming over… and I couldn’t get rid of him. And that was a long drive from Adrian to Detroit, so I felt sorry for him and married him.”

A er marrying in 2017, the pair settled down together in Adrian, where Singletary set up her own art studio, e Art Factory, at 209 N. Main St. in September 2019.

Shortly a er opening e Art Factory, Singletary — who had realized that Adrian had a stark lack of programs available for people her age — decided to use its back room to host art classes for seniors. Because many seniors live on xed incomes, Singletary made the fall 2019 classes free, allowing older adults from all backgrounds to experiment with drawing and various forms of painting, including pastel and watercolor.

“We [as a class] try to inspire them, and just... make them aware of the art that’s all around them by just doing the

simple things that they can adapt and take home — put on the wall — and just be proud to say they’ve done this themselves,” Singletary said.

Sharon Fry, 76, is one of Singletary’s success stories. According to Fry, the classes have “enriched and broadened” her life — and Singletary’s unique personality was key to her enjoyment of the experience.

“She just sounded so bright and cheery and inspiring on the phone when I talked to her ... I found out that she was every bit as bright and cheery and inspiring as she sounded on the phone when I went to the rst class,” Fry said of Singletary. “You know, everybody’s busy, and everybody’s stressed ... but ... even when she’s stressed about something, she’s so encouraging.”

According to Singletary, her encouragement is sincere. Even now, at 65, she takes the path of the community service artist so that she can make art accessible to those who want to access it.

“I remember as a child, I used to go to the Detroit Institute of Arts, and we’d see the paintings — you know, especially being a black kid, we didn’t see paintings like that at our house,” Singletary said. “I just felt that it was always on a pedestal away from me — something that we couldn’t a ord to really even enjoy. And I didn’t want other people to feel the way that I did — that it is not accessible, that it is for people of wealth and privilege. … So I just always felt strongly for the arts — and it’s not just visual arts, but also music, and dancing… all kinds of culture… it should be accessible to all of us.” 

LENCO CREDIT UNION CELEBRATES

By Michelle Siegel

LENCO CREDIT UNION is ringing in its 50th anniversary this year with an array of impressive achievements, including two branches, about 8,000 members and around $90 million in assets.

As Lenco Credit Union CEO Ben Neal recalls, the member-owned nancial cooperative has come a long way since the late 1960s, when its “driving force” — community gure Dr. Richard Werstler — chaired the very rst meeting to establish an educational credit union in Adrian.

“Teachers … weren’t getting paid during the summer, so they were having trouble getting credit,” Neal said. “And so credit unions popped up all over the country due to this. ere’s a lot of educational and former educational credit unions out there, and Dr. Werstler saw that movement was happening and decided to do the same thing here in Adrian.”

A er a certi cate of organization from the State of Michigan o ciated its existence on May 26, 1970, Lenco Credit Union (then known as “Lenco Ed Credit Union”) spent its rst few years housed within the facilities of other institutions — rst the Lenawee Intermediate School Building, then the Tecumseh Products Employees Credit Union.

In 1975, Lenco Ed Credit Union found its rst full-time manager — later referred to as “president” — in David Chambers.

“Dave was just a tremendous president,” said Neal, who took over Chambers’s role on Jan. 1, 2016, a er serving as Lenco Credit Union’s assistant manager — later referred to as “executive vice president” — for more than three decades. “He was the rst employee of the credit union and hired as the manager, and so he was the rst and only manager until he retired, and he did that for 40 years. He was respected by his sta , and very, very respected by the membership. And I would say that he was probably the face of Lenco Credit Union.”

Lenco Ed Credit Union held the grand opening for its location at 615 W. Maple Ave. in Adrian in 1976. At around the same time, it permitted government employees of Lenawee County to become members. Membership restrictions were li ed again in the 1980s, and once more in the 1990s, nally opening to all citizens who worked or resided in Lenawee County. To t these relaxed requirements for membership, Lenco Ed Credit Union dropped the “Ed” from its name, becoming Lenco Credit Union.

“ e charter expansion movement was welcomed by the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) and by state examiners to allow credit unions to grow,” Neal said. “And we think that the products that we o er should be open to anyone who lives in the county. A lot of the credit unions

Main branch before and after renovations

have even opened up to a statewide charter, where they’re open to anyone in the State of Michigan ... but we think we want to stay true to our roots here in Lenawee County, and then some of the surrounding counties as well.”

Lenco Credit Union opened its second location at 1455 E. US-223 in Adrian in 2013. According to Neal, the two branches are now sta ed by a total of 18 employees.

“I have a tremendous sta here. I enjoy coming to work each day,” Neal said. “We stay in tune with each other’s lives, and I think that we just work well together, and can serve our members because we get along and give it our very best each day.”

Being a member at Lenco Credit Union is di erent than being a shareholder at a bank, said Neal.

“Banks have shareholders, and their pro ts are returned to these people who may or may not bank at the bank — they’re just shareholders,” Neal said. “At a credit union, you’re a member, and one member equals another member. If you have a $5 share account, you get one vote, just like any other member who has a $5 share account. And … we try to pay a higher dividend on deposits and lower rates on our loan rates. And that’s how we return our pro ts to our members, as opposed to what the banks do: return it to their shareholders.”

According to Neal, Lenco Credit Union also sets itself apart from other credit unions by fostering particularly close personal connections with its members.

“Our ‘customers’ are members,” Neal said. “We try to take a greater interest in their lives. We try to keep our fees as low as possible. And when members come in and tell us their story, we try to lend a helping hand. … ey’re not just account holders — they’re actual members of the credit union, and we look at them as our bosses.”

One of these members is County Emergency Communications Dispatcher Dustin Chapman, a former Adrian resident who has been with Lenco for more than three years.

“ e folks at Lenco are friendly, professional, and educated. ey know their job, they know their customers and they know their community. ey look at each transaction not as a business transaction, but rather as a personal conversation,” Chapman said. “I plan on staying with Lenco for as long as they are willing to have me as a member.”

For more information about Lenco Credit Union, visit www.lenco.org.

Lenco Credit Union staff

A helping hand

Adrian Morning Rotary Club pitching in in Puerto Rico

Charitable e orts can come from anywhere and go anywhere, whether it is in Lenawee County or the Caribbean. In the wake of Hurricane Maria, one member of the Adrian Morning Rotary Club who has family in Puerto Rico, suggested turning their attention to helping communities in the southwestern part of the island. ey got into contact with the local rotary club and they planned to help them by sending four of their members to help repair a school. But then the earthquakes came.

“We had everything lined up for it; [we] raised some funds and then the earthquakes started up at the end of December and then the big one hit at the end of January,”

Adrian Morning Rotary Club President Ray Lennard said. He explained that the local rotary in southwestern Puerto Rico that they are working with called them and said “‘We really, in good conscience, can’t work on the school. Would you be interested in doing some earthquake relief?’ So, we switched.”

e four members of the Adrian Morning Rotary Club who went to the U.S. territory last February found a city relatively recovered in San Juan, on the north side of the island. But once you get to Ponce — an Ann Arbor-sized city in the southwest, and Añasco, a roughly Adrian sized city nearby, where they spent most of their time — you nd more and more buildings still damaged and people in need of help.

By Drew Saunders

Contributing writer

“They’re actually sleeping in tents outside. It’s their home, all their stuff is there.”

FEMA and the Puerto Rican government have delivered some aid, but it has not been enough for a complete recovery. Damage can range wildly from a slightly damaged façade, to a collapsed roof, to a building being totally demolished.

“What has happened is [that] where there is damage most people that don’t want to leave their homes are afraid to be in their homes. ey’re actually sleeping in tents outside,” Lennard said. “It’s their home, all their stu is there.”

While some people have been able to get on their feet, others haven’t, leading the Rotary Club to decide to provide more help. e group purchased supplies and helped distribute them to anyone who needed it. e group helped purchase supplies like tarps, hand sanitizer and bug spray, distributing them with the help of the local rotary club.

But they couldn’t take care of everyone in a single trip, so they are planning on going back next February. What exactly the club is planning on doing is not set in stone yet. Right now, the group is looking for donations and is waiting to see what the needs on the ground are before they go back next February.

“What we’ve done is a couple of things. From a nancial area, what we do is we set a budget supplemented by individual donations and then we determine at that time what the need is,” Treasurer Rich Donner said. “It could be something like generators or it could be building supplies. Typically, what we’ll do in a situation like that is that we’ll buy gi cards from Home Depot or [another store] at that time so we can purchase materials there.”

Earthquakes still harass the American territory regularly, including the quite serious 6.4 quake last January. e United States Geological Survey predicts that the island will be feeling a ershocks for years. ey are expected to be less intense and frequent over time. You can track recent a ershocks and forecast new ones at USGS.gov.

e club is funded in two ways. e club holds a yearly dinner called the Celebrity Wait, where local celebrities serve paying attendees. Individual donations can also be made at the Adrian Morning Rotary Club’s website. 

CONGRATULATIONS

Even though this year wasn’t what you expected, the hard work, the Experiences, and the lessons you learned along the way will stay with you for a lifetime.

Best Wishes, Rep. Bronna kahle

Derrik Allen Lyria Autumn Aneed Dylan Baggett

Nathan Barrios

Angel Beltran Nathan Bills

David Blaker Tanner Blohm Bret Borton Nathaniel Bowman

Caleb R Brown

Shelby Burger

Allen John Capa Casey Champanois Rachel Cheng

Gaven Cherry Ti any Cole Dante Collins

Peyton Cornack Omar Cortes-Otero Logan Cortez Shaylan Craig Elijah Daniels

Dylan Dopp

Larisa Dowhaniuk Abbey Dusseau-Garno Morgan Erpelding

Logan Fenton Joseph Flores

Vanessa Flores

Jacob Foster Korie Fowler Cameron Fox Shayna Glase

Andrew Halter Christopher Hamann

Justin Harvey Chelsea Haynes Justin Herevia Bradyn Hinman

Erin Howard Sunny Hughs

Chelsea Hunt Logan Janke Shaniya Jones

Rachel June

CONGRATULATIONS

To the Madison High School Class of 2020

Grace Larson

Alexander Lerma McKenzie Liberi

Hannah Lobkovich

Mykenzie Louden Anthony Lubinski

Jazmyn Luce

Juliet Lugo Katlyn Marr

Carly Mascia

Kaileb Masters Felipe Mata

Alexus McDade Raeliahna Miller Anela Mosier

Tyler Moyer

Lyapa Mugala

Isabel Muhl

Sammuel Muhl Alayna Murday Kegan Newcomb

Blake Oram

Brianna Osborne Payton Parkhurst

CONGRATULATIONS To the Madison High School Class of 2020

Giovanna Pina Connor Proudfoot

Breyanna Rivera Kasidee Rodlund

Antonio Rodriguez Sarianna Rodriguez

Bailey Rose Jacob Rumsey

Alyssa Sayers

Brady Schadewald

Jessica Schwab

Lauren-Arthur Sellers

Makenna Sharp Arieanna Smith Joseph Stokes

Aidan Tarsha

Elizabeth Turgeon

Dylan Vickery

Gino Villalobos Kizzi West Tyler Wilson

Allison Wilt

Reece Yeager

Isabell Young Mia Young

Autumn Adams Michael Adamson Diego Alcozer

Dominic Algarawi Hunter Allen Somer Allen

Cheyenne Allison Joshua Andrews Jasmynn Archer

Emily Armentrout

Zeke Armstrong Zachary Arnold

Ahmad Awad Matthew Bagley

Rachel Bauer

Cohl Beaubien

Hunter Boring

Dahn Bui

Tamarys Bunts Gaige Busch-Johnson David Calvo

Grace Campbell

Reshawn Carpenter

Victoria Castillo

Zacaria Cepeida Elena Chiem

Carter Clark

Emma Clark

Gabriel Clark Hunter Constock

Clayton Cook

Megan Courington David Cox

Adam Cruanyes Unge

Sandra Cruz

Jayla Cryder

Dylan Darr Hannah Davis Parrish DeForest

Angel DeLaney

Jaime Delgado Caden Dempsey

Madeline Dempsey

Maliki Denman

Michael Denman

Sage Doan

Gabriel Dochstader Corey Doran

Terrell Dorsey Heidy Duron Liam Eklund

Rhysha Ferrell

Damian Flores

Emily Francoeur

Nicoalis Francoeur Ethan French

Jenna Garland

Alivia Gauna

Nicholas Gillin Sarai Gradeless

Ava Hanley

Mitchell Hanosh Julia Harke

Nicholas Hartman

Edward Hay Cole Hayes

Arien Heiden Seth Henderson

Dominic Henning

Dayna Hernandez

Jonah Hernandez Collin Hicks

Dylan Holey

Austen

Howard

William Howard

Jorryn Hudson Lexy Hu man

Baylor Hughes

Isaac Hughes Scott Irby

Casey James

Jeremiah Johnson II

Jordan Kearbey

Madison Kendall

Kloe Knisel

Bryce Koch

Alyssa Kopke

Samantha Koplin-Swantner

Luis Lara Daisy Leal

Nathan Letson Raina Lohr

Thomas Maddox

Moises Martinez

Gerald Mathis

Joseph Mayes

CONGRATULATIONS

To the Adrian High School Class of 2020

Seth Mayes

Hannah McAllister Willow McDermott

Haleigh Melton Carter Merillat Torrie-Jo Miller

Stephanie Moore Jayden Musso Jennifer Myers

Matthew Olivarez

Maria-Cheyenne Paniagua Ja’Kwan Parra

Emily Patton Jehovanee Perez Ha Phan Paige Pilbeam Serenity Putten

Margaret Raab

Kane Rada

Victor Rayes

Sabrina Reynolds

Emily Richard Christopher Riddick Mekayla Rincon

Cassandra Rivera-Kanitz

Devon Roberts

Sofia Rodriguez Ariana Rodriguez-Vallejo

Christopher Rodriquez Anabelle Rosen-Hurley

Leah Sage Alyssa Sanborn Ayriana Sanders

Angelo Sanford

Eden Sayle Rebecca Scha ner

Cameron Seagraves Brooke Sellers Cole Shirley Landon Slusarski Logan Slusarski

Amarraye Smiley

Daeahna Smiley

Haley Smith

Jordan Smith Kaitlyn Snead

Kristyanna Soto Kolton Suydam

Susan Tan Chloe Terada

Gabriela Terrones

Derrick Thomas Gri in Thomas Spencer Toner

Alexa Valdez Trinity Vargas Anthony Vetter

Dresden Villanueva Tyler Villegas Nicole Walkowe

Gavin Weted Jacob Wingfield Nicole Wood

CONGRATULATIONS

To the Lenawee Christian Class of 2020

Haleigh Adams Mia Adkins Caitlin Anderson Brooke Ayers

Reagan Ayers Adam Baker Kelsey Baker

Brookstyn Black Michael Braman Brandon Bright Jacob Chapman

Anah Dettman Cameron DiMarco Ava Rose Fisher

Laura Gamel Zachary Goniea Jaclyn Gordon Grace Green Hutson Hohlbein

Nicole Howard Zimu (Eric) Jia

Ahsaan Jones

Luke Kauranen

Mattison Keeler

Jonathan Kuiper Gavin Laberdee

Ethan Langton

Chief Circuit Judge Anna Marie Anzalone

Probate Judge

Catherine Sala

Circuit Judge

Michael Olsaver

District Judge

Laura Schaedler

Anna LaRose Hanson Lilly Taegan Long

Leonard Luoma

Anthony Marty Ashton McClellan Elizabeth Miller

Gabriel Morr Kaden Morton Megan Neace Matthew Parisien

Ethan Pettrey

Andres Quevedo Zachary Riordan

Tucker Rupp Carly Rutter

Danielle Salenbien Samuel Spaulding

Eli Stover

Ryan Swirles Alexis TenCate

Carmen Vasquez Ray Votzke Isaiah Willett Silvia (Bingni) Yang Jacob Yape Eric Yoerg

QUIT STALLING, START HIKING!

Get out, start a new hobby, and explore the nature in your own back yard

There’s something about the old cliche, “becoming one with nature” that is so freeing. e sun shines between criss-crossed branches in just the right spots and the wind cools your neck in perfect harmony. Even though the hike is tiring, you never really notice until the end; you’re too busy being reborn in the surrounding beauty. And when your adventure is over, there is a peace that tingles through your bones like no other.

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, one of the few outlets available to us for fun and freedom has been going for a hike. Suddenly, getting outdoors holds so much more meaning than it did before. Even as things reopen to the public and life begins to adjust to the new normal, activities like hiking are some of the safest ways to get out and have fun.

But perhaps you haven’t felt the therapeutic thrill just yet. You keep meaning to buy a comfy pair of shoes or grab the old hiking pack buried in the garage. Relatable. We usually put o some things because we aren’t entirely con dent in that department, especially when coping with major disruptions like a pandemic. Stall no longer! Here’s a little advice to kickstart your adventure:

WEAR COMFY CLOTHES: Social media has created this image of cuteness in the mountains. But every true hiker knows that a good hike will leave you looking rough. Don’t go for the Instagram or Pinterest look, go for comfy and breathable clothing. Always wear layers. Make sure you pack an extra pair of socks in case you come across swampy areas. Gander Mountain has it all.

START SMALL: You aren’t expected to pack a bag and hike Mount Everest. A simple day stroll through the woods will leave you feeling refreshed. Try to monitor your pace by recording how many miles you walked and how long it took you to complete them. is will help you determine what route level you are. When you look for your next hike, take note of your previous paces; it will help with your gradual exploration.

WHAT TO PACK: If you are someone who likes to wander, you should always be prepared for the worst. If something happens and you get lost in the woods by dusk, you should have the correct supplies to get you

By Catherine Bennett

through the night. Fire sticks, a re starter, Brita-Filtered water bottle, dried fruit and granola, a knife, a compass, a ashlight, a space blanket and a change of clothes.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Of course, you should expect to be exhausted. You might get a few blisters from breaking in new boots. You might need to bring your inhaler along! But it is all worth it. Expect beauty, peace, and awareness. Take this time for yourself to breathe and embrace something bigger than your job, your marriage, your responsibilities. Feel the freedom.

WHERE TO GO

Here are some places in Lenawee County and the surrounding area to get your hike on.

Indian Crossing Trail | Indian Trails Park Path, Tecumseh

Located in Tecumseh, this trail is great for a nature walk with the family and features some spots along the River Raisin. e loop is about 2.5 miles, which can be a great distance for those just getting started!

Waterloo Recreation Area | 16345 McClure Road, Chelsea

Did you know that the largest state park in Michigan’s lower peninsula is just a hop, skip, and a jump away? Waterloo Recreation Area has ve hiking trails ranging in length from just half a mile all the way up to nearly 34 miles. Pick the size of your adventure, pack accordingly, and go explore!

Sterling State Park | 2800 State Park Road, Monroe

e only one of Michigan’s state parks located on the shores of Lake Erie, Sterling State Park has two trails — one 1.6 miles, the other 6 miles — and o ers other outdoor activities like shing and lakefront camping. Make a day or a whole weekend of your time at the trails!

Oak Openings Metropark | 4139 Girdham Rd, Swanton, OH

Located just south of the border in Ohio, this park has the Toledo area’s only long-distance hiking trail, Oak Openings Hiking Trail, a 16-mile adventure waiting to be conquered. If you’re not up for quite that length yet, you can try the Ferns and Lakes Trail (2.9 miles), Springbrook Lake Trail (1 mile), or Fox re Trail (1.5 miles). Regardless of your skill and comfort level, Oak Openings probably has the trail for you.

THINGS TO DO IN LENAWEE COUNTY

Editor’s note: Although we have made every effort to bring you the latest information, due to the COVID-19 outbreak events listed below may have been cancelled or rescheduled. Please check with the venue.

JULY

3 First Friday, 5-8 p.m., downtown Adrian, facebook.com/adrianfirstfridays/

7 “Tecumseh Lore and Legends: Kayaking Adventure,” a four-mile trip down the Raisin River with guide Mickey Alvarado, 6:30 p.m. beginning at Tecumseh Paddling Co., 703 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh, more information at tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

8 “Senior Living 101: Help at Home” with Comfort Keepers owner Butch Irwin, Facebook Live event, 1 p.m., Facebook Live event by the Tecumseh District Library, tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

16 Classic Car & Bike Show, 6-8 p.m., Old National Bank parking lot, 205 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh, downtowntecumseh.com

“ABCs of Medicare Enrollment: We Speak Fluent Medicare” with pharmacist Jonathan Shores, Facebook Live event, 7 p.m., Facebook Live event by the Tecumseh District Library, tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

30 “Same Time, Same Channel: Detroit’s Classic Kids Shows” with Tim Kiska of the University of Michigan and Ed Golik of detroitkidshow.com, 7 p.m., Facebook Live event by the Tecumseh District Library, tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

AUGUST

6 “Introduction to Disc Golf” with former world champions Sheila and Terry Calhoun of The Throw Shop, 7 p.m., Tecumseh District Library, 215 N. Ottawa St., tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

7 First Friday, 5-8 p.m., downtown Adrian, facebook.com/adrianfirstfridays/

“Holiday Inn,” 8 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

8 “Holiday Inn,” 8 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

10 “Holiday Inn,” 2:30 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

11 “Senior Living 101: A Glimpse Into Assisted Living” with Cherish Scott of Baruch@Tecumseh Place, 7 p.m., Tecumseh District Library, 215 N. Ottawa St., tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

12 “The Sauk Native American Trail (U.S.-12): Detroit to Chicago Today” with John S. Geisler, professor emeritus at Western Michigan University, 1 p.m., Tecumseh District Library, 215 N. Ottawa St., tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

13 “Has the Mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald Faded?” with John R. Beck of Heritage Christian Academy, 7 p.m., Tecumseh District Library, 215 N. Ottawa St., tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

“Holiday Inn,” 8 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

14 Family Bike Day, Hidden Lake Gardens, 6214 W. M-50, Tipton, canr.msu.edu/ hiddenlakegardens or 517-431-2060

“Holiday Inn,” 8 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

15 “Holiday Inn,” 2:30 and 8 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

16 “Holiday Inn,” 2:30 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

18 “Desserts Through the Decades: The Swinging ‘60s” with Keegan Rodgers of Lakehouse Bakery, 7 p.m., Tecumseh District Library, 215 N. Ottawa St., tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

20 Classic Car & Bike Show, 6-8 p.m., Old National Bank parking lot, 205 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh, downtowntecumseh.com

“The Saucer Life: America’s Profound, Strange and Amusing Relationship with UFOs” with author Aaron Gulyas, 7 p.m., Tecumseh District Library, 215 N. Ottawa St., tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

SEPTEMBER

4 First Friday, 5-8 p.m., downtown Adrian, facebook.com/adrianfirstfridays/

17 Classic Car & Bike Show, 6-8 p.m., Old National Bank parking lot, 205 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh, downtowntecumseh.com

18 “The Little Mermaid,” 7:30 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

19 Run for the Hills! 5K/1 Mile Walk-Run, 9 a.m., Hidden Lake Gardens, 6214 W. M-50, Tipton, canr.msu.edu/hiddenlakegardens or 517-431-2060

“The Little Mermaid,” 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

20 “The Little Mermaid,” 2:30 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

22 “Your First Book: From Pondering to Publication” with author Craig Brockman, 7 p.m., Tecumseh District Library, 215 N. Ottawa St., tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

24 “The Little Mermaid,” 7:30 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

25 “The Little Mermaid,” 7:30 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

26 “The Little Mermaid,” 2:30 and 8 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469

27 “The Little Mermaid,” 2:30 p.m., Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, croswell.org or 517-264-7469