Simply Hers Christmas Survival Guide 2022

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Eric Hoffman, Jeff Hess, Chris Finch, Roger Karr, Chad Gibler, Jim Cole, Rob Sayles, Jeremy Taylor, Christopher Finch II, Rob Grossheim, Tim Kempter, Beshad Kowssaire, Steve Rzepka, Dustin Dihle, and Charlie Balog

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Barrett’s Showplace Gardens and Flower Shop - 13

Belson Asphalt - 4

Birdie’s and Howell - 7

Blossom Shop - 62

Broad Street Auto Service, LLC - 59

Bundy Hill Diner, LLC - 29

CASA - 17

Carpet Outlet Plus - 23

Cavoni’s Pizza - 63

Center for Women Pregnancy Services - 49

Christie Plemmons Realty - 9

City Collision - 33

Comfort Keepers - 31

County National Bank - 21 Country Carpets - 15

Crossroads Home Care - 63

Daphne’s Framing & Gifts - 59

DMCI - 59

Downtown Dempsey’s - 63 Eagle Funeral Homes - 43 Edward Jones / Don Toffolo - 63

El Cerrito Mexican Restaurant - 25 F&B Wholesale - 19

Family Life Radio - 51 Finish Line - 53

Foster Care Navigator Program - 64 G&D Wood Products Sons & Daughters Inc. - 35

Gene’s Auto Service, LLC - 51 Glory to God - 52 Gossage Eye Institute - 39

Griffiths Mechanical - 5 Handmade Treasures - 8

Helping Hands Pregnancy and Resource Center - 49 Hillsdale Communty Schools - 29 Hillsdale County Community Foundation 29, 37, 39 Hillsdale County Medical Care Facility - 27 Hillsdale County Veteran Affairs - 45

Hillsdale Family Chiropractic - 21 Hillsdale Hospital - 34 Hillsdale Hospital

Auxiliary Gift Shop - 41

Hillsdale Natural Grocery - 47 Hillsdale Towing - 43

I’ve Been Framed! - 43

Jenkins Team Realtors - 45

Karen’s Uptown Cafe - 45

Kelly’s Furniture - 65

Leigh Raddatz, CPA - 59 Lloyd Ganton

Retirement Centers - 57

Lorrie Miller Law - 35

Lone Ranger Cafe - 45 M&M Smokehouse - 66

Maggie Anne’s - 47 Mindy Shoemaker, Viaggio Salon - 35

MoseArt / Xpress Sewing - 45 Omega Physical Therapy - 43 Pediatric Place - 35 Perennial Park - 39 Performance Automotive - 51 Pittsford Gas & Tire - 43 ProMedica - 2

Pub & Grub - 63

Razorbak Outdoors - 41 Rob Sayles / Stillwell Ford Lincoln - 35 Ryan & Bradshaw - 21 Serenity Salon & Day Spa - 63 Shea’ Nanigans - 53 Silverback Automotive - 41 Simply Hers - 16

Southern Michigan Bank & Trust Spangler’s Family Restaurant - 40 State Farm Insurance - 47 Stillwell Ford Lincoln - 3

Ten East Treasures - 15 The Posy Shop - 53 Todd H. Ryan, D.D.S. - 20 Toledo Clinic - 53

LORRIE MILLER LAW, PLC

She’s Here to Help!

Written by Melissa McCance

We’ve all heard those shady lawyer jokes, but the truth is that many—possibly most—people will need the services of an attorney at some point in their lives. A knowledgeable attorney can save you a great deal of heartache and expense by ensuring that important issues are discussed and provided for regarding your estate and your care in your advanced age. Lorrie Miller of Lorrie Miller Law in Hillsdale is just such a person.

Raised in Quincy and a graduate of Quincy High School, Lorrie received her undergraduate degree from Spring Arbor. She attended Regent University School of Law in Virginia and married her husband while living there. When they were expecting their first child, they returned to Michigan.

Lorrie worked part-time for 16 years while her children were younger doing estate planning. This was followed by joining a law firm for a few years, and, while she enjoyed her time there, she wanted to have her own practice. The Hillsdale office opened in January 2022, and she knows she made the right decision because she is loving her new situation. The focus of Lorrie’s practice is estate planning, estate administration, probate work, and elder law.

Estate planning involves more than just putting things in order for after you’re gone. Circumstances can arrive that affect the living, and it’s much better to think about the variables and make decisions before those situations arise. For example, long-term care insurance helps offset the cost of services such as nursing homes, residential facilities (like assisted living) and a variety of in-home care services. It can be difficult— sometimes impossible—to purchase this insurance at the time it’s needed, so advance planning is essential.

It’s better to make decisions as to who will have power of attorney and/or medical power of attorney when you aren’t stressed by extreme medical, emotional, or financial pressures.

The same applies to deciding who will administer your estate after you’re gone and how that estate will be distributed. And Lorrie wants everyone to understand this: if you do not decide and have those decisions properly documented, the state will decide all these things for you. “People need to realize that a judge who is not acquainted with you or your family members could be deciding who will be in charge of your care,” she cautions.

Working with an attorney to settle these issues in advance not only protects your assets and ensures things will be handled as you wish, but it allows you to discuss your decisions with those affected by them. “I’ve found that a great deal of stress, bickering, and unhappiness can be avoided if people make these plans and share them with their family members,” says Lorrie. “It’s also important to make sure you list your assets and update that list as needed. It makes it much easier to administer your estate.”

Lorrie also wants everyone to be aware that estate planning is not just for older individuals. Younger people, especially parents of minors, should consider this step as well. It’s critical that parents nominate a guardian or guardians for their minor children should something happen to the parents. Just as with your assets, if you do not have this in place, the court will decide who gets your children. Not a comforting thought!

Elder law essentially begins with estate planning but also encompasses determining if and when it’s time for assisted living or nursing home care. An attorney knowledgeable in elder law can help with preserving assets and connecting the individual to assistance programs, if necessary.

There can also be the question of competency if someone is struggling to manage his or her life— is it time to establish guardianship? You may also need an attorney’s help if there’s a possibility of elder abuse.

Lorrie emphasizes that the thrust behind this advance planning is twofold. First, that the issues surrounding how your final years are managed and how your estate is administered after your death are thought through and decided upon while you have the time to do it thoroughly and without the pressure of circumstances demanding immediate action. Second, as mentioned, advance planning allows you share your choices and your reasons for making them with those who will be affected. This gives you time to work through any questions or concerns your loved ones might have.

Besides loving the law and the logic of its processes, Lorrie says that her greatest satisfaction in what she does comes from serving her clients.

“I like working with people, getting to know them, learning about their situations. And it makes me happy to know that I’ve helped them. Once we work through all the issues, make the decisions, and everything is documented and settled, I know that I’ve relieved a lot of anxiety and given them peace of mind. That’s no small thing.”

Lorrie Miller Law is located at 3222 West Carleton Road, Suite A, in Hillsdale. You can reach her by calling 517-278-2505 or emailing her at LMiller@HillsdaleLaw.com. Visit her website at www.HillsdaleLaw.com.

The Gifts That Keep On GivingHoliday Plants –

Plants are popular holiday gifts that recipients can enjoy long after festive feasts are eaten, glittery decorations are packed away and joyous carols are silent. In fact, many holiday plants can flourish for years, reminding that someone special of your caring and thoughtfulness no matter what the season. But which plants are the best to give as holiday gifts? There are many beautiful plants that make exceptional holiday gifts, including…

Poinsettia

These classic and familiar plants make a stunning holiday gift. The broad, colorful petals are actually the plant’s leaves, and can be red, pink, white, magenta, orange, salmon, purple or variegated shades. Poinsettia sizes vary, and their bushy, mounding shape is ideal for centerpieces and bold arrangements.

Paperwhites

Also called white narcissus or paperwhite narcissus, these small, upright blooms grow from bulbs and can be several inches tall. They are often arranged in groups to create a snowfall effect when they flower, and binding the stems with ribbon adds an extra festive accent to the plant.

Christmas Cactus

Not really a cactus but actually a succulent with flattened, lobe-like trailing foliage, these plants bloom in the winter in bright red, pink, orange or purple shades. Properly cared for they can live for many years, reliably reblooming to celebrate each holiday season.

Norfolk Island Pine

These pines can be beautiful house plants with the soft, pliable needles and spreading branches. They can be decorated as living Christmas trees or even grown to plant outdoors in the landscaping.

Rosemary

A fragrant and delicious herb, rosemary is often trimmed into a tree-shaped bush to be a fun holiday gift. Not only are these beautiful plants, but they can be used to deliciously season a wide variety of savory holiday meals, making them just as practical as they are attractive.

Cyclamen

A low mounding perennial with broad green foliage, the red, pink or white blooms of cyclamen are stunning decorations for the holidays. These plants will bloom prodigiously for weeks, and need very little care to stay beautiful all season long.

Kalanchoe

A winter-blooming succulent, kalanchoe brings a beautiful touch of the tropics to winter homes. The flowers sprout in tiny clusters that may be yellow, peach, pink or other shades. New plants can easily be grown from the cuttings of healthy, vibrant plants.

Lucky Bamboo

The ultimate in easy-care, hard-to-kill plants, Lucky Bamboo arrangements are available with different numbers of stalks as well as elaborate twists, turns and curls. A more exotic option for a holiday gift, these plants will always be welcomed and appreciated.

Amaryllis

This bold bulb grows thick, upright stems with large, stunning blooms in red, white, pink, peach, orange or variegated hues. These plants are easy to care for and are stunning accents around a holiday home

Any House Plant

A plant doesn’t have to be a traditional holiday option to be a good gift choice. Select the gift recipient’s favorite plant types, or choose any plant they might enjoy. Succulents, air plants or even heirloom seeds are all fun choices that can be thoughtful gifts.

By Diane K Clow Sewist and Long Arm Quilter Eversew Quilted

Holiday Blow Molds

General Foam, TPI, Empire, Grand Venture, Polaron, Bayshore, just to name a few.  These are the manufacturers of those plastic light-up forms in the shape of Santa, snowmen, Easter bunnies, nativity scenes, ghosts, vampires, angels and the like that are known as “blow molds.” Made since the early 60s, these figures have gained popularity as being highly collectible, and so, of course, I go on the search to stock them in my booth at the antique mall.

The great thing about blow molds is that they are light and easy to carry, unless they’ve been weighted by their owners. I understand the thinking behind adding the weights to keep them upright on windy days, but I question some of the methods to weight them. I’ve dug socks filled with sand, large rocks, and actual ankle exercise weights out of their insides. Although they are light when relieved of their weights, they can be bulky to transport. I’ve received more than one strange look when Waving Santa or Ghost-in-a-Jack-o’-Lantern are riding shotgun in my truck.

Used mainly as outside decorations, they are typically in need of a good scrubbing.  I’ve found the eraser sponges come in handy for any scuff marks or surface scratches. This summer I was giving a stripe-scarfed and candy-caned snowman a good washing with the hose. He was dirty inside and out. A glance at him lying in the grass with the hose, well, inserted in his underside, it was just too tempting not to share. A quick-texted pic to a fellow antique vendor with the caption, “snowman receiving an enema” was definitely

called for. (You’re welcome, Donna.)

When buying blow molds, it’s difficult to “secure” (picker speak for “grab before anyone else gets it”) a number of them at one time.  It helps to take a sticky-note pad with the word “SOLD” written on each one, so you can slap a note on each of the blow molds’ foreheads as you pass through the sale. This is especially true when purchasing a nativity set with not only the complete Holy Family, but the three wise men, an angel, a pair of camels, and a small flock of sheep.

As much as I admire these plastic wonders in all their light-up glory, I don’t collect them myself.  I have kept one large ghost who sits on top of a jack-o’-lantern. His job is to light up the upper window in our barn during the Halloween season. And when my oldest son Chris was two, we set out a 36” blow mold Santa on the front porch during the Christmas season and plugged him in each night. Chris would look out the front window delighted by the scene. Following Christmas, we brought Santa inside where Chris would fondly hug this new friend and call him “Ho Ho.” Ho Ho was especially coveted as he formerly sat for many holiday seasons on my grandma’s front porch.

Happy Holidays to You and Yours - Keeping it in Stitches - and Blow Molds!

(You will find a massive selection of holiday blow molds at the Hog Creek Antique Mall in Allen, Michigan.)

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

are trained volunteers who work with kids in foster care and advocate for their best interests in court.

For more information contact Heather Upton at 517-425-4145 or email director@hillsdalecasa.org

Change a child’s story. Change a child’s life. Volunteer today.

#changeachildsstory

Hillsdale CASA would like to thank our volunteers who sel essly donate their time to give foster children a voice in court. We would also like to thank the many people/organizations and businesses who have donated to our non-pro t throughout the year!

This includes: The Hillsdale County Community Foundation, Christie Plemmons Realty, Jilly Beans, Cottage Inn Pizza, the udder side, Lifeways Community Mental Health, KB Law O ce, Molli Grace Boutique, The Pediatric Place of Hillsdale, Silo’s Fun Park, Simply Hers Magazine, All Aboard Travel, Horton Law O ce, Eagle Funeral Homes, County National Bank, C.H.B.W, Century 21-Jessica Hayes, Vested Risk Strategies, Chefs Way Organic Farm, Current O ce Solutions, Main Street Pizza, Hillsdale Family Orthopedic, Hillsdale Market House, Finish Line Family Restaurant, Southern Michigan RV, Elite Home Remodeling LLC, He ernan Soft Water, Toasted Mud, Healthies of Hillsdale, Hillsdale Filling Station, Fetched Dog Grooming, Bob & Shelly at the Movies, Ken Rubin, Over owing Cups & Cones, Identity Salon-Brittany Maxson, Hillsdale Pizza Hut, Teresa Keck, Amy Howe, Lottie Underwood, Juli Morgan, Hillsdale Community Schools & HCISD Department of Transportation, The Knights of Columbus, The Hillsdale Exchange Club, Flagstar Bank, Kroger Community Rewards, Amazon Smile, Dr. Dan & Melissa McCance, Hon. Judge Michelle Bianchi, & 100 Women Who Care - Jonesville Chapter.

By Laura Loveberry Elementary School Assembly Author/Speaker, Inspirational Speaker Women’s Retreats/Conferences, Caricature Artist

400 Dresses

“When my husband died, I wanted to die.”

This quote echoed from a senior guest speaking to the audience at the Fall Senior Retreat. The room hushed. No one stirred or made a sound. Her lip quivered. An awkward silence and a deep breath came from the speaker. As the widow cleared her throat, she explained she was still here, but alone and floundering to adjust to life.

One sleepless night, she jolted up in bed in the middle of the night wide-eyed. Smiling, she thought of a worthy cause. She resolved to do for the Lord with her remaining time left on earth. Since her church put together Samaritan’s Purse boxes (also known as Operation Christmas Child), she determined to help assemble boxes for needy children in third world countries.

They had nothing. She had time. She knew how to sew, so she began to make sweet little dresses to put in the gift boxes shipped overseas. She collected and boxed a handmade dress along with a toothbrush, flipflops, Bible story booklet, soap, notebook, pens, coloring book, crayons, and assorted gifts

for the girls. She loaded up boy boxes, too. She stuffed the shoeboxes full and wrapped each box.

Beaming, she looked at her stack of shoeboxes. She imagined the faces of the little children bouncing, dancing, and whooping opening their own personal box. The widow’s smile glowed. She found her purpose and lost her loneliness.

Her husband has been gone for a year and a half. Since then, she sewed over 400 sweet dresses. You read that correctly – 400 handmade dresses! Each one pops with color and sports a pocket with a surprise gift inside to delight the recipient.

She grins telling her story. Her husband would be delighted to see her uplifting efforts. She inspires for good with her time remaining. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him,” (Col. 3 17 NIV).

God saw her gloom and flipped on HIS light in her night. She radiates gloriously in what was darkness. Instead of despair, she shines spreading God’s love . . . one handmade dress at a time.

Beauty — Food for Thought

Many of the same wholesome foods you eat to help your skin glow from inside out can also be used externally as cleansers, moisturizers, and skin masks. The vitamins, minerals, and oils that nourish your body also nourish your skin. Below you’ll find recipes for a variety of skincare products that you can make at home with a few simple ingredients. Make them for yourself or even give them as gifts by reusing pretty glass jars or bottles. Your friends and relatives will love the personal touch, and you’ll be recycling and saving money too! Here are some recipes to get you started.

Soothing Lavender Body Wash

Lavender essential oil gives this body wash a fragrant scent while grapeseed oil helps keep skin healthy.

½ cup liquid, unscented castile soap

1 tsp grapeseed oil

4 drops lavender essential oil

Pour ingredients into a container, swirl to mix, and store in the shower for up to one month.

Coconut Oil & Coffee Scrub

Coffee grounds - approximately ¼ cup. More can be used if you want a deeper, richer coffee experience and more scrub power. ½ cup softened virgin coconut oil

Mix ingredients together and set aside, stirring as it hardens for an even mix of coconut and coffee grounds.

It works well to store this in a wide mouth glass jar. It’s easy to scoop out and stays fresher longer. Store in a cool place or refrigerate. Makes a perfect gift for loved ones.

Note — These have a tendency to melt (similar to chocolate) in warmer temperatures and can stick together too. You can store them in an airtight jar in the refrigerator (make sure to label them so that they won’t be mistaken as food!). www.bitsquareblog.com

White Chocolate Coconut Bath Melts

These bath time treats are simple yet luxurious. They smell of chocolate, leave your skin beautifully soft and supple, and are a delight to make. What could be better?

50g (1.8 oz.) white cocoa butter, unrefined (more chocolatey) or refined   25ml (0.8 fl. oz.) refined coconut oil  Around 10 drops essential oil or fragrance (optional)

The cocoa butter has a naturally rich chocolate aroma which would go well with rose, sweet orange, peppermint, lavender, or even grapefruit oils. Chocolate or vanilla would both be great fragrance options, too). You will also need chocolate molds or an ice cube tray

1. Shave cocoa butter into small pieces and flakes using a large, sharp knife or you could use a grater.

2. In a saucepan, bring about 1½ cups of water to a boil and let it simmer at a low temperature.

3. Place the cocoa butter and coconut oil in a bowl over the saucepan and stir until melted. You can prop the bowl up on a spoon so steam can escape easily from the side.

4. Take the melted oils off the heat and add the essential oil (if using).

5. Pour into molds and let them sit in the refrigerator for a few hours.

6. Once set, gently remove from molds and store in a cool, dry place.

pressure

Ice Skating

LOCAL Spotlight written By: michigan tourism in Michigan

ne of our favorite parts of winter is enjoying the outdoors, whether it’s skiing or sledding. But is there anything more magical than lacing up your skates and slicing the ice at an outdoor ice skating rink? Here in the Great Lakes State, our cold winter weather is ideal for this beloved seasonal activity, and you’ll want to lace up your skates as soon as possible. Here are seven of the loveliest outdoor skating spots throughout Pure Michigan.

Campus Martius – Detroit

For a unique experience in downtown Detroit, head to The Rink at Campus Martius. The skating season begins with the official lighting of the Christmas tree in November and extends through mid-March! After skating, warm up with a hot chocolate in the Cadillac Square Lounge and take a peek in the boutique shops surrounding Campus Martius.

Greenfield Village – Dearborn

Take a trip back in time and visit Greenfield Village this Christmas season. The village is filled with cheer as carolers line the streets and Santa’s sleigh bells jingle in your ears. Strap on a pair of skates and take a spin around the ice rink built in 1800s fashion. And, when you’re ready for more yuletide cheer, munch on roasted chestnuts and finish your night with a fireworks show.

University of Michigan-Flint Ice Rink – Flint

After 25 years, the University of MichiganFlint reopened the downtown Flint ice rink. The rink is not only an on-campus attraction but also a festive and family-fun atmosphere! The rink is free to the public on Wednesday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Rosa Parks Circle – Grand Rapids

Concerts are held here on summer evenings, but, in the wintertime, ice-skating at Rosa Parks Circle is the perfect holiday outing. Each winter this public space is filled with skaters of all ages, come to enjoy the beauty and charm of downtown Grand Rapids.

Muskegon Winter Sports Complex – Muskegon

Pretend you’re an Olympic athlete at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex this winter! With two acres of ice skating and an ice path through the woods, this complex has some of the best ice skating opportunities in West Michigan. The Winter Sports Complex is also outfitted with an ice luge, cross-country skiing paths, snowshoeing trails, and a sledding hill! Welcome to a true winter wonderland!

Petoskey Winter Sports Park – Petoskey

For over 80 years, the Petoskey Winter Sports Park has been the hot spot for winter family fun. With a skating rink the size of a football field, the Winter Sports Park has one of the largest rinks in Michigan. Featuring a ski hill, sledding, two ice rinks, and a warming building, the Petoskey Winter Sports Park is like a throwback to a Norman Rockwell painting.

Marquette Commons – Marquette

Bundle up and grab your skates for an afternoon of free family fun! Marquette can be extremely cold in the wintertime but that doesn’t stop us from spending time outside. After spending plenty of time twirling on the ice, get some feeling back into your fingers in the warming hut. Marquette Commons is open Thursdays through Sunday from noon to 8 pm.

Warm the Children

Please

to: Hillsdale

Box

Hillsdale, MI 49242

All

www.abouthccf.org

that says,

Ophthalmologists in Hillsdale

Do you see what I see?

By CASEY WARNER Michigan Department of Natural Resources

New viewers at two Michigan state parks make colors easier to see

In June, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division unveiled specially adapted scenic viewers at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park that offer people who are colorblind a tool to enjoy the full spectrum of colors at the park for the first time.

Two colorblind viewers are shown at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

The viewers, made by SeeCoast Manufacturing, have filters produced by EnChroma, a company that manufactures eyewear for colorblindness.

EnChroma’s specially engineered lenses enable people who have red-green colorblindness to see color more clearly, distinctly and vibrantly.

The lenses contain optical filters that remove small slices of light, which helps compensate for excessive overlap in the photopigments in the eye and enhances the vibrancy and saturation of colors while facilitating color discrimination, depth and perception for people who are colorblind.

The company has launched International Color Blindness Awareness Month in September, “to educate the world about the impact color vision deficiency has on people at work, in school, and in fully appreciating art or the colors of nature,” said Erik Ritchie, CEO of EnChroma.

Missing some of nature’s true colors

One in 12 men and one in 200 women, about 425,000 people in Michigan and 13 million in the U.S., have colorblindness. While people without colorblindness see over one million hues and shades, people with colorblindness see only about 10% of them.

To people who are colorblind, some colors are indistinguishable. For example, purple and blue look the same, red appears brown, pink looks gray and green seems brownish or gray.

A park visitor looks through one of the new colorblind viewers at the Lake of the Clouds Scenic Overlook.

Adding this new technology for those who have colorblindness is part of a larger effort to make the park accessible for visitors of all abilities.

“The Porkies is such a special place, and we want everyone to enjoy it,” Knack said. “This is just one more way we can bring everybody into the park, and they can all enjoy and experience the park in a similar way.”

Introducing new technology for visitors who are colorblind

The viewers have been installed at the park’s three signature attractions:

Lake of the Clouds Scenic Overlook: Surrounded by the silhouettes of the Porcupine Mountains and overlooking thick forest, Lake of the Clouds is the most photographed feature in the park, and one of the most photographed in the entire Upper Peninsula.

Summit Peak Observation Tower: The highest point in the park, at nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, this 50-foot tower offers spectacular views. On clear days, visitors can see the Apostle Islands to the northwest and Isle Royale to the northeast.

Nawadaha Falls: There is a viewing platform for guests to enjoy Nawadaha, one of three beautiful waterfalls on the Presque Isle River, located on the western edge of the park.

Both the falls and the Lake of the Clouds Scenic Overlook have two viewers, one of which is at a height suitable for wheelchair users.

Patty Steingberg, 66, is a retiree from Crystal Falls who was diagnosed with colorblindness in her 20s. She said that she has always relied on a sibling or spouse to help match her clothes and that she has yearned to see the vibrant colors of the outdoors.

“If you’re colorblind, and you wonder what you’ve been missing, you should come and look at the viewfinder and see what you’ve been missing,” Steinberg said. “It was awesome. I saw colors and hues I’ve never seen before.”

Building on DNR’s accessibility, equity and inclusion efforts

The specialized viewers aren’t available only at the Porkies. An EnChroma-enabled viewer also was recently installed on the Skyline Trail at Ludington State Park in Mason County, thanks to the Friends of the Ludington State Park.

Jim Gallie, Ludington State Park manager, said the Friends group came to the park staff with the idea after the organization’s president, Patrick O’Hare, learned of it at the DNR Parks and Recreation Division Friends Group Summit.

“He was surprised to learn of the prevalence of color blindness in the population and thought that it would be a great addition to our accessibility improvements at the park,” Gallie said. “We opted to place it on the Skyline Trail since that location has such expansive views to the south. In the future, we are looking at placing additional viewers at other locations in the park, such as along the Island Trail looking out over Hamlin Lake.”

The specialized viewers for visitors who are colorblind are part of the DNR’s goal to expand accessibility, equity and inclusion.

“Over the years through feedback from the department’s Accessibility Advisory Council, passion and fundraising from local state parks friends’ groups, and a commitment of improving existing facilities from park planners and managers, the DNR has made significant strides to improve amenities and facilities for people of all abilities,” said Dan Lord, acting assistant chief of the DNR Finance and Operations Division.

Lord also serves as the executive sponsor for the Accessibility Advisory Council, which provides guidance to help the DNR develop, manage and plan opportunities for those of all abilities to enjoy Michigan’s natural resources.

“The technology that’s been incorporated at Ludington State Park and the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park allows more people to experience the amazing colors of the natural resources that these two amazing locations have to offer,” he said.

Since this story was published, two new EnChroma-enabled viewers were added to the top of the newly opened berm in Milliken State Park and Harbor in Detroit. The beloved hill reopened with safer and more accessible pathways that will also help protect the soil from future erosion issues. These viewers, courtesy of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and EnChroma, enable visitors to view the river and our neighbors in Canada through two new spotting scopes.

Winter in the

Once all the colorful leaves have fallen and the crisp air is accompanied by a flurry of snowflakes, you know that it is officially winter in Michigan. As the peninsulas are blanketed with fresh, white snow, you’ll find that the Great Lakes state is the perfect place for winter wonderland adventures.

Whether you are looking to explore new holiday and seasonal traditions, experience an exciting winter event, try a new sport, or sit leisurely while you watch the snowfall through a train car window, there is something for everyone this winter in Michigan.

PLAY IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

For those looking to take the snow and ice in stride, Michigan has plenty of outdoor adventures, no matter your level of experience. Start off with cross-country skiing through the Porcupine Mountains or along the historic paths of Fort Mackinac. For a thrill, hit the slopes of Boyne Mountain Resort or Crystal Mountain and test your skills on a downhill run. For those looking to try something new, head to Michigan Ice Fest in Munising where professionals and beginners alike take on some of the best ice climbing Michigan has to offer around the shores of Lake Superior. Take a class from a pro or simply attend to watch -- but the festival is one you won’t want to miss as the Yooper culture and local festivities will make you want to come back every year.

So much of Michigan freezes over during the chilly months, and the lighthouses along the Great Lakes are no exception. When winter waves of the lakes crash against Michigan’s lighthouses, the iconic structures become beautiful winter castles encased in ice against a stunning snowy landscape. Please note to view these frozen marvels from land to stay safe and warm.

FAMILY-FUN ENTERTAINMENT

Visit downtown Marquette in the Upper Peninsula this winter where spectators from all over gather to watch the exciting start of the UP 200—a premier 12-dog, mid-distance sled dog race that qualifies teams for the famous Iditarod. Mushers race through the snowcovered terrain of the UP wilderness, and spectators enjoy the local culture and cuisine while cheering on teams of furry, four-legged racers. Don’t leave the UP without checking out the Lights of Soo when all of Sault Ste. Marie, including the Soo Locks, twinkles in an array of holiday lights.

In the Lower Peninsula, the city of Rochester takes the holidays seriously with their Big, Bright Light Show. From sidewalk to rooftop, the storefronts of the city streets transform as they are lit by more than 1.5 million glimmering seasonal lights. To the west in Owosso, take a seat on the North Pole Express to create unforgettable family memories. The nostalgic Steam Railroading Institute’s holidaythemed train ride, pulled by the historic Pere Marquette 1225 Steam Locomotive, is complete with hot chocolate, a souvenir ticket and bell, and a stop at the Village of Ashley Country Christmas.

EXPERIENCE CULTURAL FESTIVITIES

Michigan has events celebrating all different holidays and traditions to enjoy during the winter months. Start off by hearing the beautiful voices of the Mona Shores High School Choir in Muskegon as they form America’s largest singing Christmas tree at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts. With its 25,000 colored lights, 15 tiers that reach 67 feet, and over 275 singers, the Singing Christmas Tree must be seen to be believed. Another holiday staple is Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, the world’s largest Christmas store where aisles are packed floor-to-ceiling with decorations, light displays, and more than 350 fully-decorated Christmas trees.

Flocking

A CHRISTMAS TREE

If you love the look of a flocked tree but don’t want the added expense, here’s some good news: you can do it yourself for a lot less than buying one already flocked! Simply Hers staff member Hannah Sayles took the plunge and tried it with great results. Here are her how-to tips and photos of her beautiful tree.

There’s not much to it other than buying the flocking powder (which looks a lot like powdered sugar) and dusting it on the tree with a metal mesh colander.  I used a large spray bottle and a ladder to go around spraying the tree with water before dusting doing one section at a time. Then I shook the colander downward over the wet boughs.  Adding extra spray/water to the already flocked portions helped “glue” it down to the tree better.  There are many products you can buy, but we used the brand name SnoFlock—“Self-Adhesive Snow Flock Powder.” (Look it up online.)  It comes in bags and some versions have glitter in them.

DIYCoffee Stations

Dress up your coffee maker at home with these fun and creative coffee bar stations. These easy DIY ideas can be recreated in any space and are sure to make coffee lovers go nuts!

Some restaurants become our favorites because of certain items on their menus that we love. Creating copy-cat recipes of these favorites is a popular thing, because who doesn’t want to enjoy these delicious items at home? Surprise your guests or your family this holiday season with some delicious restaurant favorites. We’ve also included holiday drink recipes to help with your entertaining!

Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana

INGREDIENTS

1 pound Italian sausage (I recommend spicy)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium white onion, peeled and diced

1½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and diced

4 cups chicken stock

2 cups water

2 cups chopped fresh kale

1 cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half)

Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper

6 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped

DIRECTIONS

Cook sausage in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, breaking the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate, reserving 1 tablespoon grease in the stockpot for later*, and discarding the excess grease. (I actually like to briefly rinse my cooked sausage in a strainer to remove even more excess grease.) Set aside.

P.F.Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 pound ground chicken

1 medium/large sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, diced small

1/3 cup hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Asian chili garlic sauce, or to taste (sriracha may be substituted)

3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed

1 teaspoon ground ginger or 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger, or to taste

one 8-ounce can water chestnuts, drained and diced small

2 to 3 green onions, sliced into thin rounds

½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste butter lettuce leaves, for serving

DIRECTIONS

Add the oils and chicken to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until chicken is cooked through; stir intermittently to crumble while cooking. Add the onion, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, chili garlic sauce, stir to combine, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until onion is soft and translucent and most of the liquid has been absorbed; stir occasionally.

Add the garlic, ginger, stir to combine, and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the water chestnuts, green onions, salt and pepper to taste, and cook for about 2 minutes, or until tender. Taste filling and make any necessary flavor adjustments, i.e. more soy sauce, hoisin, pepper, etc. Spoon about ¼ cup of the filling into each lettuce leave to serve.

www.averiecooks.com

Add onions to the stockpot (with the grease), and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add the potatoes, chicken stock, water, and cooked sausage, and continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the kale and cream, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm, garnished with the bacon bits.

www.gimmesomeoven.com

Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken

INGREDIENTS

1¼ – 1½ lbs. chicken breasts

2 Tbsp. lime juice

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

2 Tbsp. taco seasoning

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbsp. oil olive or avocado

1 Tbsp. honey

tsp. salt to taste

Optional: tortilla chips, pico de gallo, and additional cilantro

Salsa Ranch

¼ cup ranch dressing

cup salsa, mild or medium

2 Tbsp. sour cream

1 tsp. lime juice

1 Tbsp. cilantro, finely chopped

oz. Colby Jack cheese slices

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut chicken into four 5-6 ounce portions. Tenderize with a meat mallet until they are 1-inch thick. Whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, honey, and ½ teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add chicken and marinate in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour.

Once the chicken has marinated, place it in a 13 x 9 inch baking dish in a single layer with a little space between each piece. Be sure to let any excess marinade drip off before adding it into the dish. Bake chicken at 350° for 20-25 minutes.

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the salsa ranch in a medium-sized bowl. Once the chicken is almost cooked through, add 1-2 tablespoons of sauce per breast and then place 1 slice of cheese on each. Return to oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Serve over tortilla chips with additional sauce, lime wedges, pico de gallo, and cilantro, if desired.

www.evolvingtable.com

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits INGREDIENTS

Biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1 tsp. sugar ½ tsp. garlic powder ¼ tsp. baking soda ¼ tsp. salt

1 cup milk, more if needed 1/3 cup cold butter ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garlic butter ¼ cup butter, melted 1 tsp. dried parsley ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. Italian seasoning, optional

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400°. Mix together flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, baking soda, and salt. Add butter and mix with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly and the butter pieces are about the size of peas. Stir in milk and cheddar cheese. Drop dough by heaping spoonfuls onto a parchment lined pan. Bake 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.

While biscuits are baking, combine melted butter, parsley, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning if using. Remove biscuits from oven and let cool 3 minutes. Brush warm biscuits with butter mixture and serve warm.

www.spendwithpennies.com

raise hope foster dreams &

Children in foster care need supportive adults to provide loving homes until they can be safely reunited with their family. A loving family can help a child cope with separation and make sure they have opportunities to be a kid.

All I want for CHRISTMAS

This traditional clock is finished in Golden Oak on select hardwoods and veneers. Featuring rare, book-matched olive ash burl and a raised shell and vine overlay which enhances the graceful bonnet pediment, this is a carefully crafted piece. Olive ash burl corner overlays frame the crystal-cut oval glass on the lower door, providing a striking view of the pendulum and weights.

Swivel Chair & Ottoman

This Leather Manual Reclining Swivel Chair and Ottoman offers an attractive silhouette and fresh

that make it as fashionable as it is functional. You can easily swivel to join the conversation anywhere in the room and put your feet up to recline in total comfort.

Rocker Recliner

only

in

of

700+

Saver®, Rocker, Swivel Glider, Power Lift, Power Rocker or Power Space Saver® - any of which can come with a

but it’s available as a

adjustable

option.

Grandfather Clock