Simply Hers May/June 2023

By Rob Shewman

By Rob Shewman

After being in the automotive repair business for 30 years and with help from ar tist David Youngman, we have come up with a second logo

Keep in mind that I’m writing these notes when we’re barely into April, so you’ll understand why my current feeling is, “HEY, SPRING—C’MON, ALREADY!!!” Seriously, it’s just weird when early spring is colder and nastier than December.

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that the holidays are here—the stores have had Christmas stuff

I love this issue because it comes out when we’re at the beginning of our warm weather which also means the beginning of all the fun stuff that comes with this time of year. Late evenings under the stars, grilling, gathering with friends on the patio, trips to the beach—good times!

I’m trying not to be a crazy grandma, but I’m sure all you other grandmothers understand how overbuy for my Nixon. They make too much cute stuff! He’s grown so much that I’m truly treasuring

e ever ything

Tiggers vs Struts

Aft business from a hav summari ything about Glor y to God.

First of all, we have Glor y to God— the name is our purpose in life, our command to live by 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “… do all to the glor y of God.” That is how we star ted in 1981, and although we may fall shor t as humans, that is still our goal and desire each and ever y time we ser vice your vehicle

o God— the name is our purpose in life, our nthians 10:13 says, “… do all to the glor y of God ” That is how we star ted in 1981, and although we may fall shor t as humans, that is still our goal and desire each and ever y time we ser vice your vehicle.

SECOND IS C AR SENSE

This is how we work together: YOUR car, YOUR sense, YOUR

SECOND IS C AR SENSE —

This is how we work together: YOUR car, YOUR sense, YOUR cents.

You know your car better than anyone, and your senses will aler t you to any change that may need to be addressed. When your senses pick up on something, we are here to diagnose and evaluate for you and to give you options to save you the most cents

We have a great article highlighting a loop through the Upper Peninsula that would be a fun trip for families, couples, or friends. You can also pick out some of your first beach reads from Nancy Ryan’s book column and try some new recipes

Welcome to our yearly double issue. One side is our regular publication and the other focuses We try to share things that will help you during this busy time. Our cover article highlights a great updates you on the many new items available at Birdie’s & Howell.

We’re also acquainting you with Lorrie Miller, a local attorney specializing in estate planning hope the article will get you thinking about some of the important decisions that need to be

Read the cover article on Dr. Sarah Spencer who has joined the team of Hillsdale Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Spencer, who was raised in Jonesville, is enthusiastic about the team approach within the practice and

I want to end this year with a heartfelt thanks to our advertisers! I know I thank them every think the repetition makes the appreciation less sincere. Their steady support makes the magazine patronize local retailers, professionals, and service providers whenever you can.

Take some time to browse our ads along with the articles. There are some new businesses among our advertisers as well as our long-time supporters. Advertising makes this magazine possible, so we encourage our readers to utilize local resources for shopping and services whenever possible.

Finally . . . my staff. Every issue is a little bit of a miracle because there’s so much to do and group! Their dedication, determination, and talent make it happen over and over, and I’m proud

Thank you for continuing to pick up Simply Hers! We appreciate our readers and will continue to do our best to bring you articles and features that inform, entertain, encourage, and inspire.

You know your car better than anyone, and your senses will aler t you to any change that may need to be addressed. When your senses pick up on something, we are here to diagnose and evaluate for you and to give you options to save you the most cents

Until nex t time, this has been Rober t from Glor y to God and Car Sense

Until nex t time, this has been Rober t from

However you’re celebrating this season, we wish you happy and safe holidays!

EDITOR

Melissa McCance

EDITOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Melissa McCance

Angela Blake Dakota Harding

PHOTOGRAPHY

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Angela Blake Dakota Harding

Synergy In Motion Studios

PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Melissa McCance

Laura Loveberry

Willie Smith

Elyse Apel

Olivia Pageau

Synergy In Motion Studios

Nancy Ryan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Diane Clow

Melissa McCance

Hannah Burkhart

Laura Loveberry

James Campbell

Willie Smith

James Campbell

Nancy Diane Hannah

Kara Wilson

Cyndi Young Sherry Sheffer Hannah Sayles

Hannah Sayles Michelle Henthorne

Heidi Lanius

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MEET DR. SARAH SPENCER— READY TO PROVIDE YOUR BEST OB/GYN CARE

For some people, growing up on a farm and being interested in animal births on the place might lead to a career as a veterinarian For Sarah Spencer, D O , it led instead to helping bring human babies into the world as well as providing women with care for all aspects of their gynecological and obstetric health

Raised in Jonesville, Dr Spencer participated in the Jonesville High School band and showed horses through 4-H. Following graduation, she received her bachelor’s degree from Albion College and continued her education at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine From the outset, she knew that she wanted to pursue a specialty in obstetrics and gynecology a goal that did not change during her medical education.

B E S T C A R E

Dr. Spencer completed her residency in OB/GYN at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in 2019 For three years, she practiced at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Dr. Danyelle O’Dell, another Jonesville native and former schoolmate who has been with Hillsdale Obstetrics & Gynecology since the fall of 2021, knew Dr Spencer in high school and contacted her about the possibility of joining the Hillsdale practice

Dr. Spencer enjoys the variety that her field offers: “I like that we spend some of the time in surgery and some in the office And babies are fun!” she adds with a laugh “Deliveries are always special.”

She takes satisfaction in being able to assess the problems her patients bring to her and then offering solutions and options that individualize care to each person. Her focus is both helping with the immediate situation and also finding solutions that will contribute to improving the overall quality of life for the women who come to see her. Dr. Spencer not only wants to provide help but, in addition, likes educating her patients about their conditions.

When asked what she finds challenging about her work, Dr Spencer said that persistent conditions which can be difficult to manage such as chronic pelvic pain and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) fall into that category “But if we can get a good treatment plan for patients, it’s really rewarding to get them feeling better I’m all about quality of life I use that to help people make decisions what option do they think will work best for them based on the different outcomes.”

For the future of obstetrics and gynecology in Hillsdale, she sees the strength of the practice growing as they continue to provide a personalized, patientfocused experience.

“A good team approach is already developing We’re working to make it patient-centered, especially for our obstetric patients. We want them to feel they have some autonomy and can make decisions on how they want their labor to be and what they

want to use for pain Giving people more personalized birth experiences is our goal while always making sure that we maintain patient safety ”

Dr Spencer recently moved back into the area and is settling in with her two cats and also has two aquariums. She is looking forward to summer and being able to spend some time boating and pursuing other lake activities.

Hillsdale Obstetrics & Gynecology is in the Three Meadows Medical Building, located at 451 Hidden Meadows Drive, Suite 220, in Hillsdale In addition to Dr Spencer, the practice includes Dr. Brian Sinischo and Dr. Danyelle O’Dell; Rachel McCormack, Certified Nurse Midwife; and Alyssa Hartley, NP-C. You can reach the practice by calling (517) 437-8292.

I enjoy explaining what is causing the patients’ problems—the underlying issues so that they can understand the treatment and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I think having patients understand the reason for what’s happening and why I’m recommending treatment helps them feel more motivated to make needed changes.”

Dr. Sarah Spencer

•

•

Amie Pelham Owner/Designer

VanSickle

Renald

Manager

Spr ng S T E P I N T O

Around this time every year, it feels like we ’ re coming to the end of a marathon. Winter has a way of keeping us in little cold cocoons with grey days re-playing themselves on loop.

But, finally, it’s time to put our salt-stained snow boots away and not think about them again until we absolutely have to and replace them with shoes that you want to be seen in. Here are the five spring shoe trends that have us counting down the days until we can show our toes again. Luckily, that day isn’t too far away.

Chunky Sandals

Last summer gave us the first taste of sandals you might describe as living somewhere on the uglier side of town. This spring, they’re back with a vengeance and we couldn’t be happi wearable

Clogs

In fashion, what goes around, comes around, and nothing makes that truer than this year ’ s clog trend. With textured fabrics, studded details, and an effortless aesthetic that’s completely of the moment, they just might be our favorite shoe of the year.

Sneakers

There’s always a time and place in our hearts for our white sneakers, but this spring we ’ re giving them a little TLC in exchange for pairs with a bit more pizazz. Bright colors, platform soles, and fun designs are just a few of the sneaker details we ’ re swooning over.

Vasular Suite with advanced equipment at Advanced Veins and Vascular Management.

Platforms

Whether it's a flatform, wedge, or bulky block heel, there's a souped-up silhouette to suit every aesthetic

From heels to sneakers to extrachunky loafers, platform shoes will be making a statement all year long and we frankly can’t get enough

Girly Glamour

Crystal embellishments, bows, pointed-toe pumps the ultra-girly details of our dreams are making picking out a new shoe for the season easier than ever. This trend is giving us a breath of fresh air with shoes that are made to lift spirits.

Beautiful Brows

Trends involving eyebrow shaping and shading are ever-changing. Sometimes it’s de rigueur to have thin eyebrows while other times trends call for much thicker eyebrows.

Bold Brows

The thinned-out eyebrows that were popular in the 1990s will probably not reappear any time soon, despite the throwback fashion trends showing up in many different stores. Bold brows continue to dominate magazine beauty spreads. What Brooke Shield did for brows 40 years ago, Cara Delevingne has done for modern bold brow lovers. Thick, full brows continue to make waves. The bold brows of 2020 aim to look less perfect than in years past. Rather than appearing painted or stamped on, celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes says a soft, fluffy brow is popular and can be achieved using a brow pencil in an upward motion, slightly angled towards the temple of your head.

Soap Brows

Soap brows refer to a technique and not exactly the shape. These brows are brushed up and fluffy in appearance. Rather than using eyebrow gel to keep brows in place, a time-tested method relies on soap instead. Simply drag a wet, spooled brush (like that for mascara) across a bar of clear soap and use to brush brows into place.

Shadow Brows

Natural brow texture is on display with a shadow effect that uses a buffed-in base of brow powder to follow the curves and contours of the natural brows. A setting gel can keep hairs in place.

Dewy Brows

A wet, glossy finish is the hallmark of this style. Using a wax pencil and clear setting gel help the brows look slightly wet and shiny.

Makeup artists advise that even though women may see several different brow trends in magazines and on social media, the latest trend is not the best shape and shade for everyone. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the style that works best for you.

By James Campbell NSCA Certified Personal Trainer Owner, PRIME Fitness

NUTRITION: A Critical Fitness Component

I’ve been doing the personal trainer thing now for more than 10 years! Before that, I was always a gym guy but didn’t have all the tools to succeed with max benefit. I’ve been committed to educating myself both with education and real-life experiences (trial and error). At times, books don’t get it all right and there’s also the thing about people reacting to outside pieces differently. That’s even before we start to discuss underlying medical issues such as diabetes. This is an entire topic on its own.

So, I know I’ve talked about this before...several times I’d imagine, but the importance of what you do OUTSIDE the gym is actually MORE important than what you do IN the gym. Now, before anyone takes my words to a place I didn’t intend, the work in the gym is pivotal in your goal success. However, it in itself is not going to get you there.

Too many times I’ve had people, and even clients, struggle with proper nutrition. Not always for the same reasons. Most aren’t eating enough, or at least not enough of the right macros. I’ve had clients fight me so hard on eating that we’ll train for two years and continue having the same conversations about food. This blows my mind!! I mean, it obviously means enough to them to pay a trainer to get the workouts right, but to see that money’s efforts minimized is mindboggling. Now, in their defense, over those two years they definitely made better choices but usually by cutting out the excess of fat and or carbs but not gauging where the macros actually are or replacing poor nutritional sources with more solid choices.

Listen, I get that starting a fitness lifestyle is hard. It can be daunting when you try to do too much all at once, especially when there are other life factors needing your attention. But it doesn’t have to be so overwhelming!! I’ve tried to get clients to make big life changes right off the bat and usually it didn’t take. Sometimes, given specific personalities, it’s the best plan of attack (which I’ve learned to read ;) while other times it medically-based and the client has no choice BUT to make big changes immediately. For the general population, though, it can be done a bit slower.

One thing I’ve seen work well is to have the client download a nutrition app like MyFitnessPal. (There’s too many to count anymore; that’s just the one I’ve used and am familiar with.) Once downloaded, I simply ask them to log their current intake—the only alteration is that they have to measure to be sure of what they’re getting via macros. This does a couple things. First, it gets the client used to measuring food which will be necessary going forward. Second, it helps them take ownership of their current choices while showing them what it is they’re actually taking in. Most are pretty surprised at the outcome. Then what I’ll do is make small adjustments to what they’re routine is currently so that we start to get the macros going in the right direction. Also, building in snacks to keep the body going because, as I said, most aren’t eating enough of the right macros and we need to get the body going.  Now, back to the alterations.

If someone was eating two eggs, three sausage links, two slices of toast with a teaspoon of salted butter on each slice and one cup hashbrowns, the macros look like this: protein 31g, carbs 92g, and fat 66g totaling 1126 calories.

Instead, two eggs, 1 slice of toast with ½ of an avocado, ½ cup hashbrowns and a café latte protein shake: protein 50g, carbs 57g, and fat 42g totaling 807 calories.

Overall calories are lower, fat is significantly lower, carbs more controlled and protein much higher. I’d also taper the fat down the rest of the day to keep it 75-85 for the day.  Of course, everyone is different; I just wanted to show what I’d do if I saw a breakfast like this and how I’d alter to get closer to what we’d need.  Keep in mind there are many other factors throughout the day to consider and the daily picture is really what we want.

This has been a PRIME snapshot on nutrition. For more, reach out! I’d love to help!

MUSCLE UP... live fit

Ask the Doctor:

6 ways to reduce your melanoma risk

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers around the world. No one is immune to skin cancer, although those with lighter skin colors are at higher risk.

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Melanoma develops in the cells that produce melanin. While the exact causes of melanoma aren’t entirely clear, exposure to ultraviolet radiation greatly increases risk of the disease.

Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on areas that have had significant exposure to the sun, such as the back, legs, arms, and face. It also can form in the eyes. The American Skin Cancer Society says that there is no definitive way to prevent melanoma, but following are six ways individuals can lower their risk.

1. Limit UV exposure. The most important step to take is to protect yourself from UV rays which includes both natural sunlight and light from tanning beds. Staying in the shade or indoors during peak hours of sunlight can limit UV exposure.

2. Use sunscreen every day. Choose a formula that will screen out both UVA and UVB rays. Apply about two tablespoons of the product at each application. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even more regularly if you will be swimming or sweating a lot.

3. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Tanning beds and sunlamps are not safer forms of UV exposure. They provide more exposure to UV radiation over a shorter period of time, potentially making them quite dangerous.

4. Schedule routine skin exams. Visit a dermatologist to get a full-body skin exam. A qualified doctor can identify moles or other skin abnormalities that may prove problematic. Always let a doctor know if moles change size or shape. Normal moles are generally a uniform color and shape. Unusual moles are asymmetrical in shape with color changes and irregular border.

5. Wear large or wrap-around sunglasses. These types of sunglasses will protect the eyes and the sensitive skin around the eyes.

6. Learn your family history. Healthgrades says some types of melanoma cancer genes are passed from one generation to another. Find out if you can get gene testing if you have several family members with melanoma or a family member who had melanoma more than once.

By Hannah Burkhart, FNP Hillsdale Medical Associates

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Anemia is a condition that affects your red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin.

People who have anemia don’t have enough hemoglobin. The most common cause of anemia is when your body doesn’t make enough hemoglobin because it doesn’t have enough iron. This is called iron deficiency anemia.

Some children with iron deficiency anemia do not get enough iron in their diet, but this is not a common cause in adults. In women, heavy blood loss during menstrual periods can cause iron deficiency anemia. In men and postmenopausal women, it can be a warning sign of ulcers or cancer.

People with iron deficiency anemia often do not have any symptoms. As the condition worsens, you might feel tired or dizzy, have trouble catching your breath, have a fast heartbeat, or have unusual cravings. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you think you have anemia. This will require blood work to further work up your symptoms.

All children should be tested before their first birthday. Pregnant women

should be screened at their first prenatal visit.

The first step in treatment is to find out what is causing the iron deficiency. Men and postmenopausal women may need to have their stomachs and intestines examined to make sure that they do not have any hidden bleeding. This is especially important in older adults because colon cancer can cause iron deficiency anemia. Premenopausal women will be examined for gynecologic causes. Pregnant women and children with iron deficiency should take iron pills.

Some causes of iron deficiency anemia can be prevented. If you are not getting enough iron in your diet, try eating small amounts of meat or other foods high in iron. Babies can have a formula with extra iron and can start eating iron-fortified foods at four to six months of age.

Pregnant women can take prenatal vitamins that contain a small amount of iron. Everyone’s situation may be a bit different.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe iron supplements to restore iron lost from excessive bleeding or if you’re not getting enough iron from food. If you have a condition that keeps you from absorbing iron, they may prescribe intravenous iron supplements.

BEE A POLLINATOR HERO

Your yard is a haven. During the warmer months of the year, we stretch our legs and take advantage of outdoor living space—at the same time, insects and animals are hard at work helping gardens and orchards grow. While we garden to enrich our lives with color and joy, important pollinator species rely on our gardens to provide crucial habitat and resources

PERENNIAL POWERHOUSES

Don’t just garden for the visual beauty it provides. Select plants that draw bees, butterflies, moths, and other insects all throughout the blooming season. Native perennial plants offer the most food and habitat to From top: butterfly weed, Autumn Joy sedum, and coneflower are colorful and dependable perennial favorites.

GROW A MEADOW

When it comes to trimming grasses and wildflowers for the benefit of wildlife, less is more. Allow portions of your lawn to remain unmowed and meadowlike to provide food and habitat for hardworking pollinators. With growing interest in landscaping for habitat, commercial growers sell wildflower seed mixes, prairie grass blends, and specialty plant kits for specific growing regions and wildlife visitors.

Bats, bees, butterflies, birds, lizards, beetles: every species has its own pollination specialty.

Did you Know?

Honeybees alone contribute $15 billion in economic value to the US economy

SHOP FOR GOOD

Tall grasses and wildflowers enhance the beauty of your lawn and feed

fluttering friends

Taking care to purchase items that meet our needs and benefit plants and insects is a small thing you can do to have a positive impact on the environment and ensure that we all live in healthy and diverse ecosystems. Building habitat in our own backyards gives us cleaner air, water, and can add value to your landscape investment. Your gardening habit isn’t just a satisfying hobby—it can make you feel like a pollinator hero. Learn more at Pollinator.org

JUNE IS NATIONAL POLLINATOR MONTH

Barrett’s top 5 picks for attracting bees and butterflies.

•Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

•Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)

•Scentlandia® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) (Proven Winners exclusive)

•Coral Berry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus)

•Autumn Joy stonecrop (Hylotelephium telephium)

Barrett’s carries supplies for pollinator plantings, rain gardens, and all of your habitat-building garden projects.

— Catch and reuse rainwater with a purpose-built rain barrel.

— Buy supplies to compost your kitchen waste and mulch yard clippings for super-nutritious soil.

We carry a wide range of pest control products, allowing you to keep out unwanted visitors without applying indiscriminate pesticides.

Bee houses – Bat houses

Fruit trees and shrubs

Wildflower seeds

Perennial plants

Targeted pest control solutions

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

Life is the Berries Womb Mates

Where does the phrase “born again” come from?

Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, sneaked over at night to talk to Jesus. He responded to Nic’s curiosity, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

(John 3:3b NASB).

This is where Christians get the term “bornagain Believer.” It’s a label for Christ-followers who are made new by believing in Jesus and God’s kingdom.

My Bible study girls believe in Jesus. We trust that Jesus came to earth to die for our sins and rose from the dead so we can have heaven. By faith in Jesus, we birthed into new life. We are born-again Believers who meet weekly to study and pray.

We bond as spiritual “womb mates.”

I call it our born-again sisterhood. We are “unbiological,” but sisters, nevertheless. Our study of the Scriptures binds us together like family as we share prayer requests, praises, and even confess our sins at times. We pray to grow more like Christ. We encourage each other in a group chat when apart. Ding! (I just got texted a prayer request.)

What a variety of soul sisters!

We run the gamut from widows to wives, fasttalkers to long-listeners, hand raisers to arm folders, years-of-church attenders to brandnew-to-church goer, softly meek to loud Jesus Freaks. Some of us laugh loudly peeing our pants a smidge. Others giggle quietly dry as can be. Some sing hymns as others prefer praise choruses.

This is my circle of sistas.

Our common bond – we are born-again Bible readers. We challenge each other to grow more like Jesus, to love God and love people. The refreshing restores us. We certainly aren’t perfect, but we show progress.

What about you? Do you long to belong?

Have you considered joining a ladies Bible study? Why not call a Bible-teaching church nearby and ask? Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide. If this is new to you, these scriptures can walk you through understanding faith: Romans

3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Ephesians

2:8-9, Romans 10:13, John 3:16. Look ‘em up. Perhaps talk to a Christian about a new life in Christ.

You can come as you are, like Nicodemus. You might leave smiling and born again!

By Diane K Clow Quilter and Sewist Picker

Mother Nature –

Don’t Poke the Bear

Winter of 2023 was mild. Starting out it was, anyway. A couple of one-day snowstorms, including one on Christmas weekend, but other than that there had been unseasonably warm temperatures for a Michigan winter.

Michiganders love to comment on the weather. We like to brag about how we have faced three seasons in one 24-hour period. We like to regale non-Michiganders with how we can drive when there are multiple feet of snow on the road. How we don shorts and flip-flops until the temps drop into the 20s, and we will sunbathe once it hits 60.  So, this winter we had to comment on how mild the winter was. Piece of cake mild. How spring was here. And we tempted fate, or rather Mother Nature.

I was working at the antique mall and customers were going on and on (and on and on) about the mild weather; almost spring, yada, yada, yada.  I would politely remind them that it was only February. They were Poking the Bear. Remember that commercial years ago that said, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.” It was an advert for some kind of margarine spread. And the Mother Nature character would make the “Not nice” statement, then whip up a storm complete with thunder and lightning.

Well, Mother Nature was listening, and soon following we received her wrath with a major ice storm that took out thousands of area households’ electricity – for days.  The ice storm coated the trees with a layer of ice

that weighted the limbs to the ground. Trees suffered and toppled – on top of cars, garages, and houses. Then just to thumb her nose at us, in the same day the temperature rose and the sun shone, melting the ice to nothing. But she was not done. Before power was fully restored, we woke to a dusting of snow, complete with a glare of ice underneath. Then the sun, melting ice, repeat.

One short week later, most people have restored power, they’ve thrown away their refrigerator contents and restocked, there is a line up at the local ice cream shop, broken limbs are stacked by the streets for pick up, the army of linesman trucks from various states (our sincere “Thank you” to them all) are starting to head home, and March 1st blesses us with a 60-degree day.  And then I hear it. “Why it’s almost spring!” I have a visual image of myself slapping my head firmly with the palm of my hand. Two days later and it is reported that we’re up for 8 to 10 inches of snow, possible ice and under a Winter Storm Watch for three days.

As I am writing this, there is an actual eight to ten inches of fresh snow on the ground. There are reported power outages, the driveway is clogged and our backyard pine trees have again flung their branches to the ground.  (This time I believe it’s in disgust.)  Michiganders, you just had to Poke that Bear!

Happy Spring!

And, hopefully, Good Friend

LARGE

TURN THE PAGE

Book and Author Reviews

By Nancy Ryan Simply Hers Magazine

On a recent trip to the Hillsdale Library, I discovered two new good things. First, when I approached the new books section, I noticed the books had been removed from the bottom two shelves and incorporated into middle and higher ones. This really enables patrons like me who have trouble seeing down that low and then getting up from that low! Second, they’ve added a display of the books that local book clubs are presently reading. Well done!

Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Gamus was on that display as a current book club selection. I had also seen it mentioned on Facebook and picked it up. Was so happy I did, as it turned out to be one of my favorite books read in a long time. It is set in the 60s. Our heroine, quirky Elizabeth Zott, is a budding chemist in a man’s world. She faces many challenges in her position at Hastings Research Institute as she is the sole woman on the team. She is also the smartest, which makes her a threat to her all-male department.

At Hastings she meets her true love, Calvin Evans. He is a Nobel Prize winning scientist and a bit of an odd loner. Calvin is attracted to our heroine’s brilliant mind (not to mention that she is a very pretty woman). It is a story of how Elizabeth handles various situations at work as the sole woman and at home with Calvin. It is also a beautiful love story of Calvin and her. Although I do not think of it as a funny story, in certain parts she made me laugh out loud. Give it a try and see what you think.

I reread Liane Moriarty’s book Madly, Truly, Guilty. She has written some very good books and this one did not disappoint. It’s the story of three

neighborhood couples who gather for a barbecue where a life-changing occurrence takes place. The book delves into the background of each of the three marriages before they came together that Saturday afternoon and experienced this traumatic event. It had good insight into each of the characters’ personal histories and how they interacted in their marriages before and after that day.

My friend, Carolyn, enjoyed author JoJo Moyes’ new publication Somebody Else’s Shoes. This is a cute story about two women who accidentally take each other’s gym bag upon leaving from their workouts and how that impacts their lives. Nisha is 45 and lives the globetrotting life of the seriously wealthy until her husband of 20 years cuts her off with only her gym bag to her name. Sam is a 47-year-old woman struggling to keep herself and her family afloat. She has a depressed husband who has lost his job, and a bratty teenager.

When she opens her gym bag at work, she discovers a very expensive pair of Christian Louboutin red heels. She must wear them to her afternoon sales appointments as she is still wearing her flip-flops. Well, the red heels give her confidence as the men she is selling to are enthralled with her legs and shoes. Sam is top seller for the day! It is a cute story of the two women coping with their lives, and then, after meeting, how they interact. Both women end up helping each other in their personal crises. Moyes is the writer of some very good books including The Giver of Stars and Me Before You. Give her a look.

What are you reading? Email me at nancyryan47@ gmail.com See you at the library!

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By Willie Smith Simply Hers Magazine

Over The EDG

E

Have you ever fallen into what would be considered a fad? It seems everyone is talking about it so you decide to try it yourself. If there was no harm, why not, right? I did that very thing recently and it just about put me over the edge.

Have you seen those infomercials that show some guy with huge bags under his eyes and then this incredibly magical cream was applied and the bags simply disappeared within minutes! Wow, what a wonderful product. The ad showed comments from people that couldn’t say enough good things about the product. Fantastic!

I was just about to place my order when my husband told me about his friend who knew someone related to his second cousin’s wife on his mother’s side. She found a cheap miracle cream that could be purchased over the counter and cost less than $10 for a whole tube! Now we’re talkin’. I’m cheap as they come so I thought I’d give it a try.

This miracle cream is not something I wanted everyone to know I was using, so I discreetly brought home a tube of Preparation H and hid it in the bathroom. Yep, you read that right. My husband’s friend’s second cousin’s wife on his mother’s side said anything that could shrink a hemorrhoid should be able to shrink other bags on the body. I was a little skeptical, but, due to the cost factor, I decided it was worth a try.

The first day I tried this miracle cream I decided to apply a little more than was necessary, but I’ve got some big bags and I was staying home for the day so I thought why not give those bags

a good dose? I could cut back tomorrow when I was scheduled to work. Being as I’ve always been hemorrhoid-free, I never had the need to use a hemorrhoid cream and I wasn’t prepared for the smell. Eww! It smelled awful, but I was willing to live with that for the day if it helped my baggy eyes. By bedtime I didn’t see any results, but I thought I’d give myself another big dose before I went to sleep and hopefully when I woke up I’d have bag-free eyes. That was the hope; that was not the result.

I woke up late the following morning and only had time to spray on deodorant, brush my hair and teeth and rush to work. I don’t usually wear makeup so I didn’t give my eyes a second glance until I noticed people sniffing and turning away as they walked by my desk. A couple hours later I went into the bathroom and as I’m about to walk out of the stall, I heard a couple of women talking about me and how bad I smelled. They actually said I smelled like a big tube of hemorrhoid cream. Oh! My!! Goodness!!! I had forgotten to wash that “miracle” cream off. I did smell like hemorrhoid cream and all for naught. When I looked in the mirror, I still had big bags under my eyes.

Well, dang! I made an excuse and went home early to clean myself up. I was so embarrassed! What a social faux pas that was. That’s the last time I’ll listen to my husband’s friend’s second cousin’s wife on his mother’s side. The good thing is even though the cream didn’t work on my eyes, it is working on the hemorrhoids I’ve recently developed. Good grief, this is enough to put me over the edge.

WOMAN’S CONGRESS of Hillsdale

Written by Melissa McCance

Many of us have enjoyed the entertainment provided at the Hillsdale County Fair by the Woman’s Congress, but do you know when the group got started or how they’re involved in this yearly event?

While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Mrs Belle Perry from Eaton County, Michigan, learned that a Board of Lady Managers had been formed for that fair to arrange and oversee activities for women From her experience there, the first Woman’s Congress Woman’s Fair Auxiliary of Michigan was formed There were groups formed in Calhoun and Lenawee counties as well as Hillsdale, but the Hillsdale group, established in 1896, believes ours is the only one still in existence

Woman’s Congress members include one woman from each Hillsdale County township and city The organization has its own building on the fairgrounds which is maintained by the fair administration

It’s thought the lower level was originally for poultry exhibits while the main floor held musical instruments for sale The community theater we now know as The Sauk was once the Broad Street Players and utilized the same building for ten seasons before moving to its current location in Jonesville

Although the name seems to indicate a connection to politics, that is not the case The word congress in this context just means a gathering or assembly The first motto for the Hillsdale group was, “Let us as women, learn to put down self and work for a cause ” The purpose of the group was to provide things for women to do during the fair as not many activities were available to women at that time Initially, the main offering was a speaker who would present topics of interest to women along with other entertainment And, initially, the programs were restricted to women only

Over time, men and children were included, and focus on the featured speaker lessened Currently, the Woman’s Congress presents one program per day for five days of the fair The program opens with a 15-minute prelude followed by a variety of acts in five-minute segments These acts cover a range of performances including recitations, singing, dance, skits, instrumental music, and more The group focuses on talent from within Hillsdale County, although consideration can be given to residents of other counties

Anyone interested in being part of the programs for the 2023 Hillsdale County Fair should email the Woman’s Congress at womanscongress@gmail com They make the program decisions in July, so anyone who’d like to perform should be sure to contact them before then You can follow their Facebook page to stay current with the group Search for Woman s Congress of the Hillsdale County Fair

By Tracie Clough

Established in 1835, North Adams, Michigan, is a small rural community with approximately four hundred fifty residents.  There is a strong sense of a community bond and support of the locally owned and operated small businesses.  Several of these businesses have been generationally passed on such as Lynch Bros Insurance Company (4th generation) and Ginolfi’s—AKA The Coffee Shop (3rd generation).  Many other businesses have been in the community for years and many newer ones have joined.  Check out and support the advertisers listed alongside the article.

Upcoming Events—

April 29 - Townball Game: Hillsdale vs CantonBall Diamond @ Vreeland & Railroad St. (rain or shine)

May 6 - North Adams-Jerome Alumni Banquet - 4 pm

May 6 - Church Breakfast @ Ginolfi’s for The Community Church of North Adams - 8:30 am

May 8 - Senior Tea (High School Seniors) at The Community Church of North Adams - 1 pm

May 18 - The Community Church of North Adams - Mens Group, 6 pm

May 21 - North Adams-Jerome Graduation, 3 pm

May 29 - Memorial Day Parade, 10 am

May 29 - Veteran Memorial Slide Show at The North Adams Community Memorial Library, 4pm - 6 pm

June 3 - Summer Kickoff Carnival at the 1st Baptist Church of North Adams, 11 am - 3 pm

June 5 - Summer Reading Program starts at The North Adams Community Memorial Library

June 23 - ARK Animal Encounters at The North Adams Community Memorial Library, 1 pm

June 25 - EATS In The Streets - Food Truck Festival, 12 pm - 4 pm

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WELCOME SPRING!

With spring comes an increase in outdoor events, and that’s true for Adrian! Make plans to take advantage of some these upcoming activities.

May 5: 1st Friday in downtown Adrian! Fun, food, art, and music. Many downtown businesses will be offering shopping and dining specials.

May 6: Cinco de Mayo festival, downtown Adrian. The parade begins at 1 pm with entertainment running from 4 to 9:30 pm.

May 13: Mother’s Day Family Sculpture, 1 pm to 3 pm, Adrian Center for the Arts. Open to ages 6+, cost is $15 per person with a two-ticket minimum purchase. Create a family school of fish in clay using fingerprints for scales and adding personality to each person’s fish.

Upcoming Events

May 13: The Farmers Market opens for the season with hours from 10 am to noon. The market is located at 115 Toledo St., Adrian.

June 2: 1st Friday in downtown Adrian Fun, food, art, and music. Many downtown businesses will be offering shopping and dining specials.

June 2-4: Adrian’s City-Wide Garage Sale! Dozens and dozens of yard sales for your browsing and buying. Who knows what treasures you might find?

Spring Over to Jackson County

Y Jackson Z

After a long winter, people are itching to get outside. The frost has evaporated off the leaves, we’re starting to see more green, and flowers are finally in bloom. The sun rays are beckoning us to spend more time outside, and there are plenty of spots around Jackson County for the whole family to embrace that sunshine and soak in the early moments of summer.

Parks are a great spot for a walk, a picnic, or some ice cream. Sparks Park is the perfect spot for all three! Enjoy a walk around the perimeter of the park, wandering over bridges and between tall trees. You may see little ducks march in a row or children playing on the playground or in the splash pad on an especially hot day. In the winter, Cascades Hill is known for some epic sledding, but in the summer, it’s the perfect place to wind down with a picnic, and overlook the beautiful park. Finish your outing at Sparks Park with some hand-dipped ice dream at Cascades Ice Cream Co. On a special occasion, stick around till dusk to watch the fireworks sparkle over Cascades Falls.

Ella Sharp Park is not only a spot for some great local scenery, but also a fun pit stop for some mini golf. Make your way around boulders and waterfalls after enjoying the winding paved trails that exist throughout the park itself. You may even catch a local baseball or soccer team practicing before their next game.

For a bit more adventure, head over to Waterloo State Recreation Area for more challenging hiking and biking trails.

Spring is the perfect time to move your gym regimen outdoors while exploring what beautiful Pure Michigan wildlife our local parks have to offer. Bring a paddleboard if you’re looking to spend some time on the water at Portage Lake. If you’re into biking but are looking for a ride that’s a bit more relaxed, head to Falling Waters Trail and pedal your way along the 10.5-mile trail. Be sure to stop and take in the picturesque views of Lime Lake while you’re there! Don’t have a bike? Rent one by the hour at the trailhead.

Your pup is probably looking forward to enjoying spring just as much as you. Luckily, there are plenty of dog-friendly spots in Jackson County for your dog to get some long-awaited outdoor time. Betty’s Dog Park lies in the heart of downtown, so while you’re running errands or enjoying some of Jackson’s downtown attractions, let your dog blow off some steam.

Head to experiencejackson.com and read some of their latest blogs to get more inspiration on how to spend your spring and summer!

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SPRING AT THE LAKE

Y Manitou Beach Z

Spring is in full bloom, our Manitou Beach Village activities are well underway, and we have a full calendar of events for the year.

On April 30, we have our 4th annual “Cinco De Mayo 5k.” We have had great turnouts, so get ready, it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy a good run with your friends and family. Contact Nutrition Beach for more details.

If you are looking for the latest arrivals, a gift for Mother’s Day, a yummy snack or lunch, then check out our Manitou Beach Village Spring Fling on Saturday, May 13.

The Land & Lake Ladies Club Inc. will host “A Nautical Night” on Friday, May 19.   This is LLLC’s 2nd annual fund-raiser which supports many projects in our community. It will include 50/50 raffles, Lake Life raffles, entertainment, games, snacks, and drinks.

Beginning Saturday, May 27, (through September 2), our “Manitou Beach Village Farmers Market” takes place in Manitou Beach Village where you can find a variety of goodies. The area has also become a spot to catch up with friends over a cup of coffee.

Children entering 2nd through 7th grades are invited to attend the first of five Summer Art Camps, June 12-16.  Throughout the week, they work on three to four art projects, then pick their favorite to be displayed at the Manitou’s Young Artist Gallery located in the Sandbar Café. After three months, they take them home to treasure.  Also, each student will select one piece of their artwork to be

Upcoming Events

MAY 13

SPRING FLING

MAY 19

A NAUTICAL NIGHT

MAY 27 - SEPT 2 MANITOU BEACH FARMERS MARKET

JUNE 17

DEVILS

JUNE 24

IRISH HILLS LAKE AND HOME TOUR

professionally photographed on a minimum of 3 notecards and to be sold.  There is one more Art Camps in June, two more Art Camps in July and one in August. Sign up early by contacting the Sandbar Café; the classes fill up quickly.

You won’t want to miss our Devils Lake Festival of the Arts on June 17 Thousands of people turn out to enjoy over 50 juried artists and over 50 crafters in Manitou Beach Village.  A day of family fun near the shores of Devils Lake, Michigan. Artists, food vendors, music, activities, and more!

On Saturday, June 24, Devils Lake will also be one of the stops on this year’s Irish Hills Lake & Home Tour, brought to us by the Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce.   This is a great way to tour some of the fabulous lakes in the Irish Hills by boat, connect with a local realtor, and learn more about what each lake offers to home buyers.   Contact the Irish Hills Chamber for tickets.

July is also packed full of fun events and you can get more details when you visit our website at: www.manitoubeachmichigan.com. You can also visit our village Facebook page and the individual businesses’ websites and Facebook pages throughout the area for additional details.

We look forward to seeing you!

SPRING IS HERE!

Spring is here and it’s time to dust off your winter blues and get out into your community. There are so many great activities kicking off the season!

Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14, head to the fairgrounds for a swap meet and car show. Then, at 4, enjoy (or participate in) the car cruise.

The Quincy Memorial Day Parade will take place on May 29, starting at the American Legion at 11.

Kick off the end of the school year with tickets for the Tibbits Opera House Summer Theater. Shows begin on Saturday, June 10. Visit Tibbits.org for more information and to buy tickets.

The annual Quincy Sounds of Summer concert series starts on Thursday, June 15, from 6-8. Bring a blanket or chair to the Century Bank and Trust Entertainment Center every Thursday through August.

Mark Your Calendar!

May 13 & 14

Swap Meet & Car Show

May 29

Quincy Memorial Day Parade

June 10

Tibbits Summer Theatre

June 17

Coldwater Festival & Craft Show

Every Sat. starting June 24

Corner Farmers Market

Thurs. June 29 - Aug 31 Hops on Monroe

Strawberry season is upon us! On Saturday, June 17, visit historic downtown Coldwater to enjoy strawberries and strawberry-themed items at the festival and craft show. Over 100 vendors will be set up from 9-3.

On Saturday, June 24, you can shop the first Corner Farmers Market of the year. Open downtown every Saturday of summer from 9-1.

If you enjoy food trucks or Michigan beer or live entertainment (or all three!), make sure to check out Hops on Monroe. This is a family-friendly outdoor beer garden. Beginning on Thursday, June 29, from 5-9, and continuing each Thursday until Labor Day.

Springtime in Hillsdale means family fun

Y Hillsdale Z

The days are beginning to get longer, heralding the arrival of warm weather and balmy nights. Soon, the school year will be winding down, and families will be looking for fun activities to do together.

Fortunately, the City of Hillsdale has a busy spring calendar with many programs and events coming up over the next few months. There is something for just about everyone. First and foremost, Hillsdale Community Library has plenty to offer families in the way of programming. The library’s scheduled activities are perfect for those rainy spring days when the weather is uncooperative and parents are looking for something fun they can do with their children.

Parents with younger children may find the library’s weekly story time programs appealing. Little Bookworms story time is geared towards children ages 0-5, but older siblings are always welcome. It meets at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday morning.

Story Time with Mrs. Freeman meets from 10:30-11 a.m. every Saturday in the library’s Children’s Room. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome.

For older kids, Lego Club is a great opportunity to engage their creative side and make friends. Every Wednesday at 3:304:00 p.m. in the library’s Children’s Room.

You can stay up-to-date on Hillsdale happenings by following the city’s Facebook page (@ cityofhillsdale), or by listening to WCSR 92.1FM every 4th Tuesday of the month at 8:45 a.m. for a special City Spotlight program that highlights upcoming events, activities, programs, and more!

Kids under age nine are welcome, too, but must be accompanied by an adult.

There is no cost, registration, or library card required to attend these events.

The Hillsdale County Farmers Market will return on May 20, this time in a new location due to the ongoing renovations at the Hillsdale County Courthouse. The market will be located on N. Howell Street between E. Bacon Street and McCollum Street where it will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. The street will be closed to traffic, allowing the market to accommodate even more vendors this year.

In June, the Indiana Rail Experience’s TriState Scenic Steam Excursion will return to downtown Hillsdale. Take a ride on a real life piece of history — a 19th-century steampowered locomotive. Train tour dates and activities are still being finalized, but more information will be shared to the City of Hillsdale’s website and social media in the coming weeks.

We’re “Better Because

We’re “Better Because We Want to Be!”

Care for Them Even After You’re Gone By Planning Ahead Now

It can rock our world when someone we love passes away before we’re ready to comprehend what’s happening. We’ve all experienced moments like that. We take for granted how fragile life really is, but a sudden loss brings it home. That is why it can be so beneficial for your loved ones when funeral plans are arranged ahead of time. This gives those closest to you the room to grieve without the stress of planning and preparing. It also allows you the opportunity to create your own unique celebration of life with your family by your side and can help them feel connected to you in life and death. No matter what life throws your way, pre-planning will be a blessing to your dear ones.

Home improvements that can add value to

THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK WILL USUALLY BE FOUND IN UPDATING/UPGRADING THE FOLLOWING

 Kitchens and bathrooms

 Adding living space such as finishing a basement or even putting on an addition

 Adding a deck or patio for outdoor entertaining space

 Landscaping can be a nice boost as well!

MORE BUDGET FRIENDLY SUGGESTIONS:

 Fresh paint

 De-cluttering

 Updated lighting

 New window treatments

 New simple fixtures

 Freshen up simple touches to kitchens & baths

 Landscaping on a smaller scale that can add pop

ALWAYS REMEMBER, IF YOU WANT TO BE MINDFUL OF SELLING IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THINK MIDDLE OF THE ROAD IN TERMS OF COLORS AND FINISHES. NOT TOO FLASHY OR OVER THE TOP EXPENSIVE.

Call anytime to discuss this in more detail, or for any of your real estate needs!

People's Choice Favorite Hillsdale

by Elyse Apel

Parks are a tangible reflection of the quality of life in a community. They provide identity for citizens and are a major factor in the perception of quality of life in a given community. Here are a few of our favorites in our surrounding communities:

Hillsdale County

Slayton Arboretum - Hillsdale, MI

This 48-acre natural area owned by Hillsdale College is open to students and the community alike to explore Explore its grounds, which include two gazebos, a children’s garden, numerous nature trails, a waterfall, and two ponds. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Lewis Emery Park - Hillsdale, MI

Located outside of Hillsdale, this 98-acre park has five fishing ponds. Its facilities also include handicap-accessible piers, playgrounds, a ball field, picnic areas, nature trails and more! The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Kathe and Cali Memorial ParkSomerset Township, Jerome, MI

This 20-acre park is a great place to come and enjoy nature. It is within walking distance of Goose Lake and has four ecosystems and several endangered species within it Its facilities include 2 5 miles of nature trails, a playground, basketball hoops, a sand volleyball court, and more! The park is open daily from dawn to dusk

Branch County

Quincy-Marble Lake ParkQuincy, MI

Quincy Park is located on the northeastern shoreline of First Lake The park’s facilities include campsites, a boat launch, pavilion rentals, public beaches and more! Playgrounds, fish cleaning facilities, and picnic areas make it a great stop for families.

Riverbend Park - Union City, MI

Located South of Union City, the 25-acre park is a perfect stop for nature-lovers. Have a picnic in one of the many open areas containing well-maintained and mature trees There are also picnic areas and foot trails scattered throughout the park. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Memorial Park - Coldwater, MI

This 30-acre park is located just minutes from downtown Coldwater on Messenger Lake The park includes 52 modern campsites, a swimming beach, and playgrounds There are also a handicap-accessible pier, public pier, and boat launch as well as two cabins that were recently added

Lenawee County

Bicentennial Park - Tipton, MI

This 78-acre park has a beautiful natural hiking trail that highlights Lenawee County’s natural prairies and woods. Facilities also include a grilling area, picnic tables, pavilions, a playground, and a soccer field. The park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 8:00 a m to dusk

Gerber Hill Park - Blissfield, MI

There are numerous trails through this 40acre park that you can explore, finding tree identification markers as you go The park includes many sports facilities, including baseball fields, a horseshoe pit, soccer ball field, volleyball court, and more! The park is open daily from dawn to dusk

Island Park Adrian, MI

From ball fields to benches, playgrounds and picnic shelters, this scenic community park is certain to appeal to the whole family Located at the end of North Broad Street it is home to the popular Island Park Community Build Playground. Picnic shelters can be rented by contacting the Parks and Forestry office.

Ramsdell Park - Clayton, MI

This park is perfect for year-round fun In the winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, while in spring through fall it is perfect for hiking, bird watching, fishing, and family picnics. Facilities include gazebos, a playground, and picnic sites open daily from dawn to dusk

Trestle Park — Adrian, MI

Home to many of Adrian’s extensive trails, walking paths, picnic shelters, a ball field and a beautiful outdoor amphitheater where the City Band performs each Thursday night during the summer Trestle Park features raised boardwalks through natural areas near the river and is also a stop along the Kiwanis Trail.

Jackson County

The Cascades - Jackson, MI

An illuminated, colorful, man-made waterfall amplified by fireworks stands out on summer nights in Jackson. The Cascades, within the boundaries of the Sparks Foundation County Park, is one of Jackson’s most spectacular attractions Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Wednesday through Sunday 8-11 p m

Little Wolf Lake County Park

Grass Lake Township, MI

This 9-acre park offers a swim area with a grassy beach, play equipment, picnic shelter with a grill and restrooms Little Wolf Lake is a 106-acre lake that is connected to seven lakes that allow boaters to travel all the way to Michigan Center Open daily dawn to dusk

This small, five-acre park has available picnic areas, a gazebo, and a playground Explore the park (stopping by the dam, located near to the gazebo) and fish in the pond. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk

Pleasant Lake ParkPleasant Lake, MI

Pleasant Lake is a 21-acre park with 60 modern campsites, it makes for the perfect camping getaway Outdoor activities include a GaGa ball pit, shuffleboard, basketball and volleyball courts, and a swimming area You can also enjoy fishing and picnicking Open daily from dawn to dusk

Lime Lake Park - Spring Arbor, MI

This large, 321-acre park includes a 96-acre lake which provides limitless fun for local fishermen It also contains a boat launch, a swimming area, and 10.5 mile-long trail. There is also a picnic area and playground equipment The park is open daily from dawn to dusk

Horton Mill Pond Park - Horton, MI

Hillsdale County

Art Guild Show

The Hillsdale County Art Guild’s final two-day show is Friday, June 23, from 10-7 and Saturday, June 24, from 10-1. The show is in memory of Anabelle Hill and Nick Zemaiduk. This show is for students entering grades 9 through 12, and home-schooled students are also welcome. The Hillsdale Community Library will be co-hosting the show and offering the library for the event.

Participating students should bring their artwork to the library (11 E. Bacon, Hillsdale) on Thursday, June 22, between 10 and 5. Please label the back of each piece with the student’s name, grade, and phone number. Awards are Saturday at 11 and include first and second place cash prizes for each grade, People’s Choice, and certificates for all entrants.

Questions? Please contact Rose at 437-3993 (leave name and number if no answer).

22nd Annual Cars for Kids

Santa and Mrs. Claus in June??? That’s right! The 22nd Annual Cars for Kids will be Saturday, June 17, from 9 to 3 at the Market House in Hudson. Entry fee is by donation only, and the first 50 cars receive dash plaques and goody bags. There will be games for adults and children with music and entertainment provided by DJ Dancers. All proceeds go toward providing Christmas dinners and gifts for local families in need. Contact Jerry at 517-448-8047 for more information. Come out to have fun and support this great cause!

Reading

Camp Selah, a Christian camp located at 3600 Long Lake Road in Reading, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The camp provides year-round programming and offers camp experiences for all ages including family camps. They have even put together some family-friendly escape rooms suitable for groups of four to seven people. The escape rooms ended in April, but check their website periodically for word about your next chance to be part of the fun. This facility provides a biblically-grounded camp experience. “Camp Selah is all about Jesus! Our desire is to lift Him high in all that we do and say, preach and live the Gospel, and make committed disciples.” Their website is campselah.org, and you can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The email address is campselah@gmail.com.

Quality PC Repairs & Service came under new ownership when Tim and Kimberly Lindley of Hanover acquired it in November 2022. The couple is committed to providing first-rate PC repair service to business and home customers. They are also helping to expand the availability of knowledgeable computer technicians by offering on-the-job training to IT students. Quite a few of these students come from the Hillsdale Area Career Center. If your PC hasn’t been behaving itself lately, bring it into Quality PC Repairs & Service. They offer a free diagnostic PC checkup to see what’s going on with your computer.

They’re located at 37 Waldron Street in Hillsdale and be reached by calling 517-610-5372 or emailing them at Kimberly@willisinfotech.com. Follow them on Facebook or visit their website at www.qualitypcllc.com.

Camp Selah

Quality PC Repairs & Service

Hillsdale

Michigan Picnic Areas for Relaxing Afternoons

Written by Pure Michigan

There’s nothing that elevates a road trip to a memorable vacation the way a roadside picnic does. Here’s your guide to some of Pure Michigan’s best spots to pull over, lay out the checkered tablecloth and enjoy your spread (and the view) with the family or a special someone.

Belle Isle Conservancy

This island park destination near Detroit has been a picnic outing spot for generations of Detroit natives and visitors. Pick up lunch from a vendor or food truck and lay the spread at Sunset Point, the best spot for gazing at the skylines of both Detroit and Canada.

High Rollaway Roadside Park

Walk down the 234-step wooden staircase above the Muskegon River to capture the views from the top of the park, located off M-82 near Newaygo. This park is popular year-round, but especially stunning for the view of river bluffs in the fall.

Photo Credit: Pure Michigan

There is something very peaceful about nature and there is no place like home. Creating a backyard oasis for yourself combines the bene ts of both. Some budget friendly ways to create a backyard oasis might include:

Outdoor Lighting- There is something very romantic and peaceful about outdoor lights at night. You can utilize poles, trees, or other items already in your yard for anchoring the lights. This a cost e ective way of adding an ambience to your backyard.

Stock Pool - Adding a classy stock pool on a small deck or patio can be very cute in a backyard. You can paint the pool to your desired color and add some lounge chairs around it for seating. Add a little decor around it and you have a lovely spot to hang out this summer.

Grill Area - Creating a space where you can grill and enjoy a meal with friends provides for amazing summer evenings. Adding a storage cabinet and small table with your grill will ensure you have the space and tools necessary to cook up a delicious meal for your friends. Finish the space with a table and chairs for seating.

Fire Pit - There is nothing quite like sitting around the re at night enjoying a drink and s’mores. There are many budget-friendly options for re pits. Laying down brick pavers or a base of some kind and adding comfy chairs will create a relaxing space for you and those you love to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

Lake Huron Roadside Park

This stop in Port Sanilac borders the Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve on Lake Huron, where you can spot shipwrecks and outfitters that lead snorkel trips. Rent kayaks for paddling to craft a mini vacation at this park where a historic marker memorializes the Great Storm of 1913. End your visit by watching freights and collecting colorful stones along the shore.

Elk Rapids Day Park

This park isn’t just a park. It’s also one of the state’s prettiest beaches and an outdoor art gallery. Just south of downtown Elk Rapids, find picnic tables, grills and restrooms at this perfect picnic stop. You’ll also find some 30 works of carefully curated art installations along the wooded trails and downtown.

Benzie Scenic Turnout and Roadside Park

You may recognize this as the Arcadia Scenic Turnout or Inspiration Point if you’ve traveled M-22 north of the tiny village of Arcadia. Climb 120 steps up 80 vertical feet to the highest point along this scenic roadway so you can look out to one of Lake Michigan’s deepest, bluest points.

Esrey Roadside Park

M-26 runs along the north shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula, past wide stretches of Lake Superior beach, roadside waterfalls and unexpected stops like The Jampot—a shop of pastries and jams run by a skete of Eastern Orthodox monks. Stop to fill your picnic baskets, then take a rest at Esrey Roadside Park as you head toward Copper Harbor to take in the views of Michigan’s northernmost tip along Lake Superior.

Canyon Falls and Gorge Roadside Park

This Baraga County stop south of L’Anse along the Lake Superior circle tour offers a sweet, shady spot for a picnic and destination hike all in one. The short trail leads to a rocky gorge with waterfalls and rapids along the scenic Sturgeon River.

Au Train Beach

This stop on M-28 just west of Munising offers stunning views along Lake Superior to help you relax and recharge during your picnic. Here you’ll find picnic tables where you can eat your pasty (a meat pie favored by Upper Peninsula miners that you can find at Muldoon’s Pasties & Gifts) to the thundering waves of Lake Superior waves. Your trip begins at michigan.org

CANYON FALLS

Photo Credit: Pure Michigan

ARCADIA SCENIC TURNOUT

Photo Credit: Pure Michigan

Our Upper Peninsula Tour

SUNSETS ON LAK

If you travel in the summer, head beaches to watch the sunset we

BOND FALLS, CALDER

These 50-foot falls are just a few minut enroute to Paradise An accessible boa locations is available.

HIKES IN PORCUPINE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS STATE PARK

Lake of the Clouds –It’s a short walk along the paved trail loop (which is handicap accessible) from the parking lot to the overlook This is one of the most photographed locations in all of Michigan and worth the stop!

Summit Peak Observation Tower – This summit of the Porcupine Mountains reaches about 2,000’ above sea level A short hike concludes with a 50’ tower where you climb stairs to get to the top, (yes, that’s a lot of stairs!) There is no access to the summit beyond the stairwell. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Apostle Islands and Isle Royale.

Presque Isle Falls, Waterfall Loop – The hike, rated as “moderate,” was an absolute highlight of the trip for everyone. It is just about two miles in and out, but there are lots of places to stop along the way You can walk out onto large boulders, enjoy multiple waterfalls, and walk down along the river, all along this hike which takes you through beautiful, wooded areas. The trail comes out at the lake shore where you are free to walk and enjoy.

Nonesuch Falls – Nonesuch Mine was located along the Iron River and the remains of the mining community still exist Small structures stand in some form or another, and all of this is near the falls, which is your ultimate destination on this 1.2 mile ‘ easy ’ rated hike.

Bonanza Falls – Make sure to pack water shoes and a picnic and wear your bathing suit These falls invite you out into them to splash, swim and lay in the sun

KE SUPERIOR

d down to one of the public ll after 10 o ’clock!

RWOOD

tes off the highway rdwalk with six viewing

THE FALLS OF MUNISING

Horseshoe Falls, Munising – This is the area ’ s largest springfed waterfall Enjoy the falls, and then kids can take a gnome hunt, where they scour the beautiful grounds to locate different garden gnomes It’s free to do!

Miners Castle, Munising - One of the most famous views in the Pictured Rocks lakeshore! The overlook gives you sweeping views of Lake Superior and aerial views of Miners Castle. From there you can head down a short, wooded path to a vantage point much closer to Miners Castle itself

TAHQUAMENON FALLS, PARADISE

At almost 200 feet across and with a 50-foot drop, these are the largest falls in Michigan and are a UP bucket list item! Featuring upper and lower falls, you will find multiple pathways and overlooks to access them from a few vantage points Upper falls is generally considered the bigger, more impressive falls. You can access the overlook via a short path. To view the falls from additional platforms requires quite a few stairs

KITCH-ITI-KIPI, MANISTIQUE

Take a short ride on a man-powered raft with a partial glass bottom and enjoy the largest natural, freshwater spring in MI Water temp is a constant 45 degrees and the teal water is crystal clear

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR TRAVELING TO THE UP:

1. Acquire a Michigan State Recreation Passport. It’s $12 added to your car registration renewal or $18 purchased separately. You get a car sticker that’s good for one year.

2 Pack for a variety of weather and wear easy layers Temperatures can vary greatly from location to location and can range widely, even during the summer

3 Find a good grocery store in a larger town and stock up You will be able to get basic necessities near your stay but it is limited and more expensive.

4. Plan for no cell phone service. Download your driving maps ahead of time. If WI-FI is important to you, check that your rental property offers it. Enjoy your time away from social media!

5 Gas up whenever you can! It can be hours in between places once you ’ re across the bridge

6 Be willing to be spontaneous and stop at scenic overlooks and random tourist stops There are a lot of them, and they are usually worth the time

Follow this loop through the U.P. get close to Michigan’s beauty!

TRAIL ETIQUETTE

YIELDING KEEPS EVERYONE HAPPY AND SAFE

Yielding right-of-way to a fellow trail user does not always mean stopping or stepping off the trail, yet sometimes that’s the best way to ensure safe passing. The most important thing to remember when interacting with others on the trail is courteous communication is often the safest way to pass. Trail conditions and specific situations are always a little different, and will dictate whether you need to stop, step off the trail or simply smile and say “hello” as you pass each other

Everyone

Avoid using trails that are muddy, so you don't leave uneven bicycle ruts, deep footprints or hoof tracks. If you must traverse a muddy trail, go right through the center of the trail (even if it is muddy), rather that travelling around the mud and widening the trail. Stay on the trail, and respect trail conditions and trail closures. Say hello to other trail users and communicate. Trails are a great place to meet new people! Leave no trace - pack it in; pack it out.

If you see litter, please pick it up. If you love Michigan's trails, get involved and join your local trail organization!

Hikers & runners

If you must traverse a muddy section of trail, go right through the center of the trail, rather than travelling around the mud and widening the trail. Keep pets on a 6-foot leash and keep them close. When hiking in a group, please walk single-file and be aware of other passing trail users.

If you're about to pass another trail user, a simple "hello" is often the best way to announce your presence. Don't block the trail and stay alert to other trail users, especially cyclists.

Yield to horseback riders, and be sure to speak to the rider and ask the best way to pass their horse.

Horseback riders

If you encounter a muddy trail, travel through the center of the trail so inadvertent trail widening doesn't occur

Communicate with other trail users about the safest way to pass on the trail Keep at least a horse length back from other trail users

Clean up after your horse in staging areas and campgrounds

STATE-TRAILS

Clothes,

RESALE TRAIL R S LE TRA L

517.283.1888

1322 E. Monroe (M-50 at M-52) Tecumseh • Open 7 Days 10-5:30 517.423.8277

hitchingpostantiques.com

Over 8000 sq ft – Victorian, Military, Clocks, Glass, Estate Jewelry, Lighting & Lamp Parts

Hillsdale Thrift — 390 W. Carleton • Hillsdale

Mon-Sat 9-6 | 517.513.1729

The Warehouse — 90 W. Fayette St. • Hillsdale Fri 9 - 5 • Sat 9-4 | 517.513.1729

hillsdalecommunitythrift.org

New/gently used clothing for the family. Housewares, furniture, books, electronics, jewelry Donations are tax-deductible and accepted during business hours. Rewarding Loyalty Program. 501(c)3.

Family Store & Donation center

2940 W. Carleton, Hillsdale

-Sat 10 - 7 517.439.1202

New and gently-used items including clothing, housewares, home decor, furniture, books, collectibles. Donations are tax-deductible & always accepted.

Yard

Fountains

When you’re designing the landscape for your home, consider where you might add a water fountain. Water fountains have been a part of civilization since ancient Egypt. Today, it can be a vibrant statue that welcomes visitors to your home, or it can be a quiet bubbling urn that creates serene white noise in a small garden.

Palletplanters

There’s never a perfect time to start growing potted plants. You just have to want it and then it all starts to take shape. A pallet planter can make things easier, as pallets are a great source of material to use if you want to build a planter stand or a vertical garden.

Tree

Benches

There’s nothing like a tree bench that invites you to have a seat and enjoy a quiet reflective moment in nature! If you thought these benches required a custom building and assembly job, think again. While hiring a professional to create the tree bench of your dreams is an option, as is taking a DIY approach, you can also purchase a tree bench online and easily put it together once it’s conveniently shipped to your home.

Spring activities for families to enjoy together

Spring is one of the most popular seasons of the year. After several months of chilly temperatures in many regions, spring provides a welcome reprieve from the cold.

Moderate temperatures make it much more comfortable and inviting to venture outdoors, particularly for families with children who might not adapt to the cold as well as adults. The following are some family-friendly activities that make the most of spring renewal.

Visit the local park

A park visit in spring is a great time to soak in the beauty of nature. The trees are budding and flowers are beginning to bloom. Both young and old will benefit from spending time in the fresh air. Take a ball or frisbee and get some exercise while enjoying the spring sunshine.

Prepare a home garden

Now is the time to get some dirt under your nails. In addition to planning a vegetable garden to enjoy tasty pickings throughout summer, you can devote some property to flowers that will attract wildlife. Check with a garden center about which flowers and plants attract butterflies and other beneficial insects. Many garden centers sell butterfly and hummingbird mixes to attract wildlife.

Go animal watching

Flowers are not the only thing on display come the spring. Many animals, including birds, are born this time of year. Baby animals are not only adorable, they can be entertaining to watch grow. Families can spend time viewing the animals that visit their yards or surrounding parks, being careful to keep their distance. Adults may be quite protective of their young, so it’s better to watch from the lens of a camera or with binoculars. Always resist the urge to help a baby animal who seems like it was abandoned. The parent may be a short distance away gathering food or trying to avoid drawing attention to the young to deter predators.

Get out on the water

A bright, warm day is an ideal time to enjoy the open water. Spring is a season when many marinas reopen and avid boaters put their vessels back into the water. You also can venture into streams or lakes aboard kayaks or canoes, getting exercise and seeing the scenery in the process. Bring a fishing pole along and cast it into the water for a few hours of recreation.

Make wind chimes

Enhance the garden or decor around the home by making wind chimes or other percussion items that can create beautiful music when spring breezes blow. Commercially available kits are sold, but wind chimes also can be made from items like bamboo or even strung shells.

Pittsford, MI 49271

Specializing in the control of flying and crawling insects and rodents.

Serving the tri-state area since 1995

Opening May 12th

S T O

T E T H E

ARRIVAL OF SPRING

S p r i n g i s w h e n c e r t a i n a n i m a l s e m e r g e f r o m h i b e r n a t i o n w h i l e m a n y s p e c i e s l a y e g g s o r g i v e b i r t h t h i s t i m e o f y e a r . F l o w e r s a n d t r e e s a l s o b l o o m i n s p r i n g , p r o v i d i n g s p e c t a c u l a r f o l i a g e a n d a w e - i n s p i r i n g c o l o r .

People also may feel like they have a new lease on life as they shake away the doldrums of winter and embrace longer hours of sunlight and warmer temperatures. The arrival of spring is worthy of celebration, and these activities and ideas can be enjoyable ways to spend the first day of spring.

· Spend time outdoors. One is never too old for a picnic in a park or a bike ride along the trails. Spending time outdoors is beneficial because it exposes people to sunlight which is a precursor to the development of vitamin D which affects muscles, joints, and tissues. It also can affect mood.

Plant a tree. Honor the first day of spring, and Earth Day shortly thereafter, by planting trees. Trees provide habitats for wildlife, create shade, reduce air pollution by filtering the air, and produce oxygen. A sapling is a manageable tree to plant and something children can do as well.

Enjoy spring crafts. Grab an inexpensive canvas and paint a landscape that is in full bloom. Use quick-set plaster to create stepping stones embedded with mosaic glass pieces for color that can be added to the backyard.

Host a spring potluck. Put fresh spring vegetables and fruits on display. Options include artichokes, apricots, asparagus, carrots, dandelion greens, and radishes. Put together a pasta primavera which is essentially a spring pasta dish laden with fresh vegetables.

Decorate with flowers. Bring fresh flowers indoors and put them on display in vases or table centerpieces. Cut stems on a 45-degree angle underwater to help flowers last longer. In addition, choose floral-themed curtains and throw pillows to add some spring decor.

Create a water feature. The sound and sights of cascading water can be both relaxing and picturesque. A water feature can be something as simple as a small fountain or more elaborate like a koi pond.

What CASA volunteers have to say...

CASA is important to foster children because their voices often go unheard. The CASA volunteers make sure those voices get recognized. I’m proud to help educate people about this organization and the work that is done.

- Sharon Turnbull, MA, LPC, CASA board member since 2018

CASA means being a friend to a child when their world has been turned upside down.

– Julie White, CASA volunteer since 2019

In my opinion, CASA means that as a community and advocates we stand together to help our children to be heard, respected, loved, and treated with kindness and safety. We are a link in a network designed with the goal of building strong children and strong communities!

-Heather Lowe, CASA volunteer since 2020

CASA gives me the opportunity to positively impact children’s lives and make a lasting di erence that matters.

- Jessica Spangler, CASA Volunteer since 2020

Being a CASA volunteer means that you have the opportunity to come alongside a child who is going through a very di cult time. In addition, you are able to advocate for this child communicating to the Court their needs, well-being, and wishes.

-Pat Loper, CASA Volunteer since 2020

CASA has changed my life and opened my eyes to the horrors that so many children face every day. I am so thankful for CASA, and for allowing me to be a voice for children in foster care.

– Danielle Gould, CASA Volunteer since 2021

Bringing joy and friendship to a child in need, while looking after their best interests, is one of the most important and rewarding "jobs" I have ever had!

- Lauren LaTour, CASA Volunteer since 2019

can

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.

Getting outdoors is good for you!

People who live in regions where winters are cold (like Michigan) often note the feeling of rejuvenation they enjoy on the first warm day of late winter or spring. The chance to get outside and soak up some sun while breathing some warm air is a feeling unlike any other for those who spend much of their winters bundled up in layers of clothing.

The value of spending time outdoors extends well beyond dusting off winter cabin fever, providing longterm benefits that might surprise even the most ardent outdoor enthusiast. A 2018 report from researchers at the University of East Anglia found that living close to nature and spending time outside has wide-ranging health

benefits, including a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure. Authors of the report studied data from across the globe, gathering evidence from more than 140 studies involving more than 290 million people.

Researchers cannot pinpoint exactly why people who spend ample time in greenspaces enjoy better health. However, the benefits appear to be so wide-ranging as to suggest that people who currently do not spend much time in greenspaces should make a concerted effort to do so. The following are a handful of ways busy individuals can start spending more time outdoors:

Dine al fresco

On nights when the weather is fair, take dinner into the great outdoors. People who live in private homes can dine on the patio or on the deck in the backyard, while apartment dwellers can make use of local parks for nighttime picnics or dine on balconies or rooftop recreational areas which have become popular in crowded metropolitan areas. Rooftops and balconies may not pass the “Is it greenspace?” test, but dining in such areas can be more relaxing than an apartment dining nook.

Get off the sofa

Don’t hesitate to get outside when night falls. Spend time in the backyard or go for nightly walks around the neighborhood or in a nearby park. Say so long to television binging sessions, making healthier and more beneficial use of nightly free time by utilizing nearby greenspaces.

Go hiking on weekends

Even city dwellers no doubt live within driving distance of local hiking areas. Hiking provides a host of cardiovascular benefits and can make for a great, full-body workout. Researchers associated with the UEA report suggested that the practice of forest bathing, which is popular in Japan and promotes spending time sitting down or lying in nature, exposes people to a diverse array of bacteria present in natural areas that may benefit the immune system and reduce inflammation.

People who think that accessing nature is helping them to stay healthy aren’t wrong. In fact, making time to include nature in your daily or weekly routine can have positive and wide-ranging effects on your overall health.

Summer barbecue season has arrived, and this season may be an especially active one.

It is that time of year again, time to dust off the grill and find the badminton set. This bodes well for backyard barbecue enthusiasts who can’t wait to cook their favorite foods over an open flame.

Now is a great time to revisit the essential components that make barbecues such a beloved summertime tradition.

·Furniture: If you re planning to host a backyard barbecue this summer, inspect your outdoor furniture for wear and tear, especially if you did not bother to take it out of the garage last summer A thorough cleaning might be in order. Many outdoor furniture retailers have replenished their inventory since last summer when supply chains were interrupted by the pandemic So, if your existing furniture has seen better days, now is the time to replace it.

Food: Ask guests if they have any food allergies prior to the barbecue. Let it be known that anyone with a food allergy can bring their own foods without fear of offending hosts. If someone does have an allergy, set aside some freshly-cleaned dishes for them in the days before the party. Make sure those dishes are not kept alongside other serving dishes so guests have uncontaminated plates and cutlery to use when they arrive. When planning the menu for people without food allergies, don’t forget traditional fares like hamburgers and hot dogs Such foods might not be fancy, but they will lend a little normalcy to the festivities. And be sure to stock up on supplies for s’mores so everyone can finish off the night with a delicious dessert around the firepit

Games: A new cornhole set, some frisbees, and even a few extra baseball mitts and baseballs can ensure everyone has something to do in between hamburgers If you have the room in your backyard, set up a wiffle ball field and encourage willing guests to make teams and play a game of wiffle ball.

Audio/visual entertainment:

An outdoor movie screen or television and some surround sound speakers can allow those inte rested to watch a game during the barbecue. If yours is more of a musical crowd, some Bluetooth speakers around the backyard set to a relaxing summer playlist can help to establish the perfect backyard barbecue ambiance.

Whether your gathering is an all-out bash or a simple family affair, you can’t go wrong with great food, good friends, and a little fresh air.

Have you thought about having a

Themed Picnic?

The Silent Picnic

Now there’s nothing wrong with the usual— someone brings a large picnic blanket, a basket filled with bread, spreads, salad and a bottle of your favorite drink—but who wouldn’t want a change every once in a while? If you’re up for a twist to the traditional picnic, you can try these wacky and creative suggestions:

How long do you think your friends can last without saying a single word? You’ll know when you dare them to communicate through Morse code, body language or by writing. People who were talking nonstop during the week would appreciate a few moments’ peace and quiet. Plus, if you wanna up the ante, have the first one who breaks the “no talking” rule buy a round of drinks afterward! Try a thrilling blocks game such as Jenga played in silence; the loser could treat everyone with their favorite snacks!

Gadget Free Picnic

Quit staring at that screen—it’s time you look at real faces and smiles for a change! Hit the power button on your phone or tablet for now and enjoy the laughter and company of real people. Wouldn’t it be great to get away sometimes from the endless pings and dings we’re so used to in our everyday lives? You can still make your gadget-less picnic more exciting by sharing stories or playing naughty card games with your friends.

THIS WILL BE THE ART GUILD'S LAST SHOW AND IS

IN MEMORY OF ADABELLE HILL & NICK ZEMAIDUK. CO-SPONSORED BY THE HILLSDALE COMMUNITY LIBRARY

ART SHOW ART SHOW

CONTEST IS FOR STUDENTS GOING INTO THE 9TH, 10TH, 11TH AND 12TH GRADES. HOME SCHOOLED STUDENTS WELCOMED.

EVENT IS BEING HELD AT THE HILLSDALE COMMUNITY LIBRARY, 11 E. BACON, HILLSDALE.

FRIDAY JUNE 23RD: 10-7

SATURDAY JUNE 24TH: 10-1

ALL ART WORK MUST BE AT THE LIBRARY ON THURSDAY JUNE 22NDBETWEEN 10AM AND 5PM WITH NAME, GRADE AND PHONE NUMBER ON THE BACK OF EACH PIECE OF ART.

GIFT CERTIFICATES WILL BE GIVEN TO EACH STUDENT PARTICIPATING.

CASH PRIZES FOR 1ST. & 2ND. PLACE AND PEOPLE'S CHOICE IN EACH GRADE.

ALL PRIZES AND GIFT CERTIFICATES WILL BE AWARDED ON SATURDAY AT 11.

“Rob makes everything easy. He is always one step ahead and made getting a new truck a great experience!”

International Food Festival

Do you have mixed-race family members or some well-traveled friends you want to gather? Highlight each one’s heritage or travel experiences by assigning them a dish to bring from their home country or a favorite destination they’ve visited. Each guest can then regale the group with anecdotes or trivia featuring their assigned country.

To experience the taste of other countries, why don’t you try snacks from around the world?

Beach Bum Picnic

If you can’t go to the beach, who says the beach can’t come to you? When the temperature is just sizzling hot and a beach trip isn’t possible or practical, you can still cool yourselves and enjoy each other’s company. Set up a large inflatable pool, have guests come over in their swimwear, and make lots of refreshments to quench everyone’s thirst!

Circus Picnic

Does a backyard picnic get any more fun than having your favorite childhood treats — Popcorn with a popcorn maker, Jelly Beans, Cracker Jacks, M&M’s, cotton candy, and hot dogs as the picnic food? And setting up carnival games such as a ring toss or a balloon popping station will make sure everyone feels like a winner at your picnic.

Rock-and-Roll Picnic

Getting together with your fellow Guns ‘n’ Roses, Rolling Stones or Elvis fans? Make the gathering interesting by having invitees come over in their best Elvis or Mick Jagger costume. You might even have the best of them who can sing or dance do a little entertainment at the picnic site with a wireless Bluetooth karaoke mic. Rock on!

No matter what theme you choose, be sure to incorporate some of the yummy food recipes starting on page 96 and maybe a couple of the Mocktails on page 94.

Pet Talk How to prevent Lyme disease in Pets

Lyme disease is a bacterial illness often spread through the bite of the black-legged tick. A bacterium known as borrelia burgdorferi is carried inside a tick and can be transmitted from the tick’s saliva into the bloodstream of an animal host, whether that host be a person, pet or wild animal.

Though it is often transmitted to humans, Lyme disease is less common in dogs, even after they’ve been bitten by an infected tick. A report published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found Lyme disease causes clinical symptoms in only 5 percent of dogs who are affected with the disease. Lameness, joint swelling, arthritis, depression, weight loss, and other appetite issues are noted as the most common symptoms.

No matter how large or small the risk for dogs acquiring Lyme disease may be, pet owners can employ various measures to prevent the illness from affecting their companion animals.

Use a tick preventative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that pet owners should speak with their veterinarians about the best tick prevention products for their dogs. Most are broken down into two classes: topical and oral. Topical tick preventatives are liquids placed on the skin or chemicals embedded in special collars. Oral medications are consumed and absorbed by the pet. There are pros

and cons to both types, which warrants an honest discussion with a pet professional.

Stick to trails. When walking dogs, keep to clearly identified and cleared trails and try to avoid tickinfested spots. Ticks are found in sandy, wooded and grassy areas. They find their way onto animals by detecting approaching motion and then crawling or dropping on to people or animals. Also, keep home yards mowed to cut down on tall grasses where ticks can hide.

Physically remove ticks. Inspect dogs when they come inside from the yard or after walks in parks and elsewhere. Remove any ticks that you can find. Some may be quite small and hard to detect. Carefully remove embedded ticks to keep the tick’s mouth parts intact.

Vaccinate against Lyme disease. Veterinarians offer Lyme disease vaccinations for dogs that are administered yearly. Should an infected tick bite the dog, a vaccinated animal will be less likely to contract Lyme disease. VCA Animal Hospitals says vaccination is recommended for pets who live in endemic areas or travel to areas where Lyme disease is prevalent.

Schedule wellness visits that include Lyme testing. Annual vaccines are necessary to maintain immunity to Lyme disease. Vets often will conduct blood tests to check for the presence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses during wellness visits. Should Lyme disease be present, an antibiotic, typically doxycycline, will be prescribed.

ADOPTABLE PETS

Mamma Mia, my, my, how can I resist you?

You can’t! This gorgeous calico is laid-back, enjoys hanging out with other cats, and has a purr that can be heard for miles! If you’re looking for someone to love you unconditionally, look no further. Sign up to foster or adopt Mamma Mia at lenhumanesoc.org!

Bebo would LOVE to be your running/walking partner! He’s a lab mix around 2 years old but has puppy energy! He loves rope toys and soft treats. He’s neutered, up to date on vaccines, microchipped, and heartworm negative. If you have a dog, a meet and greet is required before adoption. greaterhillsdalehumanesociety.org

Harley is 1 yr old lab mix. He is currently in the prison training program. Harley is housebroken, crate trained, and learning lots of new commands. He is good with people and other dogs

Spring

For March only all bath appointments will be $10 off when scheduled with a student

Mocktail Mocktail Madness Madness

These mocktails are refreshing, delicious, loaded with vitamin C, and perfect for a picnic in the park!

Strawberry Daquiri

1 cup fresh strawberries

1 cup frozen strawberries

1/2 cup water

1/2 lime juiced

2 strawberries, for garnish

Place ingredients in blender and mix. Garnish with fresh strawberries.

Recipe adapted from “The Leaf”

Pina Colada

1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1/2 cup coconut cream

1/2 cup pineapple juice

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.

Recipe adapted from “The Mindful Mocktail”

Margarita

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice from 2 limes

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice from ½ a medium lemon

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice from ½ a small orange

1 tablespoon agave nectar

1/4 to 1/2 cup club soda to taste add crushed ice and top with soda for a frozen drink

Mix ingredients in a shaker and pour.

Recipe adapted from the “Spruce Eats”

Cranberry Cosmopolitan

1/3 cup reduced sugar cranberry juice 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup sparkling water

2 tablespoons orange juice

Lime garnish

Place cranberry juice, lime and soda in a cocktail shaker or similar (a mason jar works great!). Add plenty of ice and shake gently. See Notes. Pour into a martini glass. Add a splash of orange juice and serve.

Recipe adapted from “The Mindful Mocktail”

White “Sangria”

Juice of 1 lemon

1 cup peaches

1 cup strawberries

1 cup white grape juice

1 cup club soda

ice

Place peaches, strawberries and lemon in a shaker. Muddle the fruit slightly to get juices out but keep mostly intact.

Add grape juice and club soda and stir.

Recipe adapted from “The Leaf”

Mojito

10 or more fresh mint leaves

1/2 lime cut into 4 wedges

2 tablespoons granulated sugar or to taste

1 cup ice cubes

1/2 cup club soda

In a medium sturdy glass, add mint leaves and 1 wedge. Use a muddler to cush the mint and lime, to release the mint oil and lime juice. Add 2 more lime wedges and sugar. Muddle lime again. Fill glass almost to the top with ice. Add club soda and garnish with mint leaves and lime wedge.

Recipe adapted from “Culinary Hill”

Picnic Faves

KANSAS

CUCUMBER SALAD

I N G R E D I E N T S

1 c s a l a d d r e s s i n g s u c h a s M i r a c l e W h i p

¼ c s u g a r

4 t . c i d e r v i n e g a r

½ t . d i l l w e e d

½ t s a l t ( o p t i o n a l )

4 m e d i u m c u c u m b e r s , t h i n l y s l i c e d

3 g r e e n o n i o n s , c h o p p e d

1

I n a l a r g e b o w l c o m b i n e M i r a c l e

W h i p , s u g a r , v i n e g a r , d i l l , a n d , i f

d e s i r e d , s a l t ; m i x w e l l . A d d

c u c u m b e r s a n d o n i o n s , t o s s . C o v e r

a n d c h i l l f o r a t l e a s t o n e h o u r .

Picnic Faves!

COUSCOUS SALAD

4 cups cherry tomatoes, (half for roasting, half raw)

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

1 cup dry Israeli couscous

1 tablespoon lemon juice, more if desired

1 garlic clove, minced

Leaves from 6 sprigs fresh thyme, more for garnish

1½ cups roasted chickpeas , tossed with 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika before roasting

¼ cup fresh basil, more for garnish

2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced

⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Roast 2 cups of the cherry tomatoes. These can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days. Cook the couscous according to the package directions until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool. In the bottom of a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the lemon juice, garlic, thyme, ¼ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Add the cooled couscous and toss. Slice the remaining raw cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl with the roasted tomatoes, the chickpeas, basil, cucumbers, and feta. Top with more fresh herbs and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Season to taste.

TACO CRESCENT RING

INGREDIENTS METHOD

1# ground beef

1 package taco seasoning

½ c. water

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz.)

2 cans (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent rolls (8 counts)

Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, taco sauce, salsa—whatever you love on tacos!

Heat oven to 375°. Cook beef in a skillet until no longer pink and add taco seasoning and water. Simmer 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. In medium bowl, mix beef mixture with cheese.

Unroll both cans of dough and separate into 16 triangles. On ungreased large cookie sheet, arrange triangles in ring so short sides of triangles form a 5” circle in center. Dough will overlap. Dough ring should look like a star. Spoon beef mixture on the half of each triangle closest to center of ring. Bring each dough triangle up over filling, tucking dough under bottom layer of dough to secure it. Repeat around ring until entire filling is enclosed (some filling might show a little). Bake 20-25 minutes until dough is golden brown and thoroughly baked. Cool 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into serving slices. Top with preferred items. [Note: we recommend taking a look online to see the how-to photos.]

GARLIC CHICKEN STIR FRY

INGREDIENTS METHOD

2 T. peanut oil

6 cloves garlic, minced (fewer if you aren’t a big garlic lover)

1 t. grated fresh ginger or ⅛ t. ground ginger

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1 t. salt

1# boneless, skinless chicken breasts

cut into strips

2 sweet onions, thinly sliced

1 c. sliced cabbage

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

2 c. sugar snap peas

1 c. chicken broth

2 T. soy sauce

2 T. white sugar

2 T. cornstarch

Heat oil in wok or large skillet. When oil begins to smoke, quickly stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, ginger root, green onions, and salt. Stir fry until onion becomes translucent, about 2 minutes. Add chicken and stir until opaque, about 3 minutes. Add remaining 4 cloves of minced garlic and stir. Add sweet onions, cabbage, bell pepper, peas and ½ cup of the broth and cover. In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup broth, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Add sauce mixture to wok/skillet and stir until chicken and vegetables are coated with the thickened sauce. Serve immediately, over hot rice if desired. [Some reviewers found the sauce too sweet; you might want to start with 1 T. of sugar and check the taste.]

Picnic Faves!

C A K E I N G R E D I E N T S

1 ½ c . a l l - p u r p o s e f l o u r

1 t b a k i n g p o w d e r

¾ t b a k i n g s o d a

¼ t . s a l t

1 t c i n n a m o n

½ t . g r o u n d g i n g e r

¼ t n u t m e g

½ c o i l

2 l a r g e e g g s a t r o o m t e m p e r a t u r e

1 c p a c k e d l i g h t o r d a r k b r o w n s u g a r

⅓ c . u n s w e e t e n e d a p p l e s a u c e o r y o g u r t a t r o o m t e m p e r a t u r e

1 t v a n i l l a e x t r a c t

1 ½ c p e e l e d a n d s h r e d d e d c a r r o t s ( a b o u t 3 l a r g e c a r r o t s )

O p t i o n a l a d d - i n : ¾ c . c h o p p e d w a l n u t s o r p e c a n s , r a i s i n s , o r d r i e d c r a n b e r r i e s

C I N N A M O N C R E A M C H E E S E F R O S T I N G I N G R E D I E N T S ( o p t i o n a l )

4 o z . b l o c k c r e a m c h e e s e , s o f t e n e d t o r o o m t e m p e r a t u r e

2 T u n s a l t e d b u t t e r , s o f t e n e d t o r o o m t e m p e r a t u r e

1 c p o w d e r e d s u g a r

½ t . v a n i l l a e x t r a c t

¼ t c i n n a m o n

P i n c h s a l t

M E T H O D

P r e h e a t o v e r t o 3 5 0 ° . G r e a s e a 9 x 5 l o a f p a n . W h i s k t h e f l o u r , b a k i n g p o w d e r , b a k i n g s o d a s a l t , c i n n a m o n , g i n g e r , a n d n u t m e g t o g e t h e r i n a l a r g e b o w l u n t i l c o m b i n e d S e t a s i d e I n a m e d i u m b o w l , w h i s k t h e o i l , e g g s , b r o w n s u g a r , a p p l e s a u c e , v a n i l l a , a n d c a r r o t s t o g e t h e r u n t i l c o m b i n e d P o u r t h e w e t i n g r e d i e n t s i n t o t h e d r y i n g r e d i e n t s a n d g e n t l y w h i s k u n t i l * j u s t * c o m b i n e d . F o l d i n t h e

n u t s / a d d - i n B a t t e r w i l l b e s e m i - t h i c k

S p r e a d t h e b a t t e r i n t o p r e p a r e d l o a f p a n . B a k e f o r

5 5 - 6 5 m i n u t e s ( Y o u m i g h t w a n t t o c o v e r t h e p a n l o o s e l y w i t h f o i l h a l f w a y t h r o u g h t o p r e v e n t h e a v y

b r o w n i n g o n t o p ) T h e b r e a d i s d o n e w h e n a

t o o t h p i c k i n s e r t e d i n t h e c e n t e r c o m e s o u t

* m o s t l y * c l e a n w i t h z e r o r a w b a t t e r R e m o v e t h e

b r e a d f r o m t h e o v e n .

C o o l c o m p l e t e l y i n t h e p a n s e t o n a w i r e r a c k

b e f o r e r e m o v i n g a n d f r o s t i n g

U s i n g a h a n d h e l d o r s t a n d m i x t u r e w i t h p a d d l e o r

w h i s k a t t a c h m e n t , b e a t t h e c r e a m c h e e s e i n a

m e d i u m b o w l o n m e d i u m - h i g h s p e e d u n t i l

s m o o t h a n d c r e a m y B e a t i n t h e b u t t e r u n t i l

c o m b i n e d . A d d t h e p o w d e r e d s u g a r , v a n i l l a ,

c i n n a m o n , a n d a p i n c h o f s a l t , t h e n b e a t o n l o w

s p e e d u n t i l s m o o t h a n d c r e a m y . T a s t e . A d d m o r e

c i n n a m o n a n d / o r s a l t i f d e s i r e d F r o s t c o o l e d

b r e a d , s l i c e , a n d s e r v e .

Written by Elyse Apel

O R L D B L O O D D O N O R D A Y

Giving blood saves lives!

On June 14, countries around the world will celebrate World Blood Donor Day. It has been celebrated annually as an international holiday since 2004. On that day, the many national blood transfusion and blood donation organizations are also recognized for the crucial need they fill by forming a network dedicated to ensuring everyone in need can receive safe blood on demand.

World Blood Donor Day is on the birthday of Karl Landsteiner who was the first scientist to categorize blood types into the different groups. In 2012, the World Health Organization started a global campaign on that day to raise awareness about the constant need for donors and to celebrate the millions of people globally who have been blood donors

Every year, over 100 million units of blood are donated across the world. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, someone in the United States needs donated blood every two seconds In 2017, around 8 million people donated blood, with 12.2 million units of blood being collected.

According to the Red Cross, just one donation can save up to three different lives

Thankfully, six in ten Americans usually meet the requirements to give blood By donating blood, you can help fill a critical need and save a life

On World Blood Donor Day, the American Red Cross partners with other blood donor organizations across the globe They all hope to raise awareness about the need for blood and other blood products (like blood platelets or plasma) for critical transfusions.

Whether it is because of an accident or a disease, many people throughout their lives will likely be faced with the need for donated blood. Without a wide variety of different types of people giving blood, it would not be possible to create an effective national blood donor program

Currently, less than 10% of the population gives blood. According to the Red Cross, blood donations see a decline in the late spring and early summer, but that isn’t because the need isn’t there! Donors are needed on a regular basis to maintain the national blood bank and its four types of blood, platelet, and Power Red donations.

In order to donate, you must be 16 years old, not be sick, and must weigh at least 110 pounds. There are also a number of restrictions on those who can’t give blood To see more about the restrictions, visit RedCrossBlood org Before donating blood, there are a number of things you should do to keep yourself healthy. Make sure to get a good night of sleep, eat healthily in the days leading up to the donation, and drink a lot of water Especially try to avoid any caffeine or alcohol products. Remember to bring an I.D. to your donor appointment, as well as a list of any current medications you are taking

Here are some tips before you give blood: