stillwell ford lincoln car show
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BY MELISSA MCCANCE
So, car lovers, make plans to visit Stillwell Ford Lincoln on September 14 for another great show!
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Sometimes, a good idea turns out to be a great idea! This is exactly what happened with the Stillwell Ford Lincoln car show. First held in 2016, the car show was planned as a celebration of the dealership’s 50th anniversary. “We didn’t want to do a sale,” explains Eric Hoffman, owner of Stillwell Ford Lincoln. “Everybody does a sale to celebrate an anniversary, but we wanted to come up with something different.” Although that initial show didn’t draw a large number of spectators, it did have almost 200 cars entered. It was supposed to be a one-time event, but many people enquired about “next year” and indicated plenty of interest in returning. So . . . the show has continued! This year’s car show will be Saturday, September 14, from 9 am to 2 pm. Those wanting to enter a car can pre-register by completing a form at the dealership or on the website (www. stillwellford.com). Registration is also available the day of the show. Pre-registration guarantees you a dash plaque and gift; plaques and gifts might not be available to those registering the day of the show. There will be free doughnuts and coffee in the morning and other food vendors on site later in the day. Visitors to the show will have a chance at some giveaways, and the dealership is holding a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds from the raffle will support the dealership’s
very successful Coats for the Community project which provides new and gently-used coats for adults and children throughout our area who cannot purchase these garments themselves. There will be a van at the site to accept coat donations during the show. Participation in the car show has grown steadily. There were over 250 cars entered in 2017 along with a significant increase in spectators, and the entries jumped to better than 300 in 2018 with even more people coming to enjoy the cars. Eric emphasizes that all classic cars are welcome, not just Fords and Lincolns. In fact, a car doesn’t have to meet any rules about age or condition to be entered in the show. It’s a time for car enthusiasts to gather, reminisce, discuss, and just admire some of the best things on four wheels. So, car lovers, make plans to visit Stillwell Ford Lincoln on September 14 for another great show!
www.stillwellford.com
one instead of a stranger. “You get to choose who works with you. You hire who you want.” Plans are all approved and monitored by state agencies but allow clients to live in their own homes and be taken care of by people they know and trust for as long as possible. The individuals who need services and their chosen provider must meet the qualifications and guidelines as set by the state and CMH. Choices grew quickly and by November 2010 Tina expanded into home help care. Her company has clients in Hillsdale, Branch, Lenawee, and Jackson counties. They work with elderly patients and those with disabilities. “We deal with all kinds of diagnosis,” Tina says. adding that in her 20 years working in the industry she has just about seen and done it all. “I would never ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do.” Tina is very proud of “Choices” and of her employees. “I have very, very good employees who love their job and are good at what they do,” she says. “I have been blessed with a good, caring staff. Our employees have compassion for this work. I like our employees to say “I work with Choices, not for Choices, as it is a team effort.” Recent injuries put Tina on the receiving end of home health care after she broke her ankle and was in a wheelchair for several weeks. It really put the philosophy of her business into practice – “what would I want if it were me.” She has since recovered but this injury was a wake-up call for Tina and while it is difficult for her to let go, she is starting to delegate more responsibilities to her highly-trained staff. Tina was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She proudly states, “I am a breast cancer survivor, celebrating four years of being cancer-free. I learned that I have to take time out to take care of myself in order to take care of others.” Tina and Jon are also Independent Marketing Directors with a company that falls right in with Tina’s nature of wanting to share with others a way to empower people’s lives. “We share a concept that was created over 20 years ago and just keeps getting
better.” Part of the concept has the ability to possibly reduce student debt, a health sharing plan, and so much more. Tina states, “Jon and I would love to share this concept with others. My cell is 517-398-6677.” This time of year her tight schedule gets tighter with the hunting season starting up and working at the Hillsdale County Fair highlighting Lakeside Cabins and Sheds, which she and Jon are brokers. Lakeside Cabin and Sheds are customizable cabins, sheds, mini barns, and garages. There are many stock choices available on-site at the Archery Spot Guns & More location or customers can create their own which is built and then delivered to purchaser’s property. Hunting season is a big time of year for the Archery Spot Guns & More and they have everything a novice or advanced hunter could need for both bow and rifle hunting. “If we don’t have it, we can get it,” Tina says. Customers come from hours away for the professional service and quality products. Tina says when a customer purchases a bow or a firearm from Archery Spot Guns & More it is ready for hunting. “When a bow leaves here, it’s right. We are a pro shop which sets us apart from box stores.” Although her life is very busy, she tries to take time to be with her family, her mom and dad–Jack and Karen Toner– and especially her grandson, Hunter. She says when he asks to play a game of checkers or wants her to watch him shoot his bow, she always makes time. “The number one priority is family,” she says. Tina and Jon recently held an open house at Archery Spot Guns & More, and Tina and her staff will celebrate their 10 year anniversary of Choices with an open house in October. For more information on Archery Spot Guns & More, call 517254-4455 or visit their website at www.thearcheryspot.com. The business can also be found on Facebook under Archery Spot; please like us and share our page. For more information about Choices with Self Determination, call 517-254-0017 or email tjenkins@choiceswithselfdetermination.org.
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Keeping It in Stitches
Motherhood. It’s Not For the Faint of Heart. My daughter recently became a mother. So, now all conversations are about feedings, hours of sleep or lack of, and baby poop.
By Diane K Clow Sewist and Long Arm Quilter Eversew Quilted
Every new mother believes that she is the first to discover all the little functions a new Bundle of Joy (BOJ) produces. So details are a must. However, through this discovery also comes some shocking revelations (let alone having just experienced the miracle of pregnancy and the birth process about which no one ever gives full disclosure) like once the little BOJ is here, there will be a severe case of sleep deprivation. Then, there is slobber; upchuck or projectile vomiting of a recent, lovingly provided mom-produced meal; diaper blow-out; and the trumatic late-night screaming fest my daughter has named “The Witching Hour.” She also swears a full moon brings out the vampire (or is it werewolf?) in her little darling. Once the sleep pattern starts to take shape, the Tooth Fairy decides it’s time to torture the little BOJ with the development of teeth. Hence the continuance of the vampire theory. It’s long been a belief of mine that kittens, puppies, and babies were purposely created as cute little beings for the reason that we won’t regret taking them in and think about giving them back. And there are cute moments! Those crooked little smiles that appear, that we swear are just for us and not due to a gastrointestinal condition. There’s the first real belly laugh. The miraculous daily changes in hand to eye coordination. The fascinating little facial expressions while in “Angel Mode”—you know,
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when they are asleep. These are the moments that make it all worthwhile. It’s also amazing how new momma’s mom suddenly becomes “The Wise One.” After years of being “Lame Mom,” she’s now the “Keeper of Knowledge.” (I do milk this and remind my two children who are now parents that I’ve been through what they have . . . only three times over within a five year period. This puts me on the Next-To-Goddess level to their single-child-only status.) On the flip side, when my newly-blessed daughter texts or calls with newmom questions, I have to remind her that my latest baby is now 28 years old, and that things have most certainly changed. I tell her she may want to check in with her brother whose parenting experience is more current, as he is father to a nine-year-old BOJ. One of the great improvements today over what we had in the past is the access to communication and information. My daughter can access professional baby care advice online. She can share new developments and milestones with family who live out-of-state with her tablet or smartphone. Although we are fortunate to spend time with BOJ weekly, I love receiving almost-daily photos or videos of baby Betty. Today I received a video of her rolling over! Soon we’ll see crawling, then standing, then she will be into everything! And I will go from being The Wise One to The Mother of All Mothers. And this, dear fellow-mothers, is Keeping Me in Stitches!
Life is the Berries Light in the Dark
By Laura Loveberry Elementary School Assembly Author/Speaker, Inspirational Speaker Women’s Retreats/Conferences, Caricature Artist
“Mommy! I am scared,” quivers our 4-year-old daughter.
“We love the light!” is their bouncing-up-anddown reply.
We are in the middle of family devotions after dinner. My husband Mark and I try to keep devotions short, simple, and attention-grabbing because our two kids our easily distracted. Object lessons seem to work best with our active children.
In this dimly-lit atmosphere, we teach a lesson based on the words Jesus spoke: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12b NIV. Our once-trembling kids are now all smiles. Both kids are appreciating the effect of our candle flickering in the surrounding darkness. We grab their full attention as we share the importance of Jesus, our source of light in the darkest of times.
On this night, we make our way down to the Michigan basement of our home, and then Mark asks me to turn off the lights. Suddenly, it is pitch dark. Even I am getting a little creeped out in the surrounding darkness as we huddle together. The kids clench our hands and tremble as they beg us to turn the light back on. Dad and I whisper to our clinging children the Bible lesson describing Jesus as the light of the world. We experience dreadful times in our life, but we can remember in those dark nights, those scariest of times, to cling to what we learned in the light. Jesus is our light source we can sprint to in the deep of night. In the calmest of voices, Mark convinces the kids to let go of the death grip they have on him, so he can light a match. He strikes the match. The tension and fear lighten up, because our frightened little students can make out our shadowed faces. “How do you feel with the light from the match breaking up the darkness?” asks Mark.
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This family devotion time was more than 15 years ago, yet our now adult children have never forgotten the impact of this memorable lesson and neither did I. We all still remember closing out the family devotion time by singing together, “This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine . . . .” Even years later, our family vividly remembers the bright message taught in the dark. As parents, we have a season of time when our children are young and eager to learn Bible truths from us. Since Jesus used object lessons often, I think we can follow his example as well. Can you think of other lessons with a coin, log, fruit, bread, thermometer, fish net, yeast, mustard seed, fig tree, or vine? Perhaps our Simply Hers readers with young ones will enjoy adding a 5-minute family devo time after dinner, too. Jesus used tangible objects to teach spiritual truths, and we can, too.
TWIN
Mon-Fri 8-6 | Sat 8-4 | Sun 11-3 517-278-4885 • swicktv.com 314 W Chicago St, Coldwater
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ESTATE PLANNING IS MORE THAN JUST PLANNING FOR DEATH Many believe that estate planning is simply instructions on how to distribute your assets when you pass away, but the reality is that proper estate planning can do much more. While one major benefit of estate planning is to provide for your family and friends when you are gone, there are many benefits for you as well. By Timothy Dixon Simply Hers Magazine
Additional Benefits of Estate Planning Life can give us surprises, both good and bad. Estate planning can help you be prepared for some unfortunate surprises in life. This is because proper estate planning includes planning for you and your care in the event you become incapacitated.
Timothy E. Dixon Licensed Michigan Attorney Law Office of Timothy E. Dixon 27 N. Broad St. Hillsdale, MI 49242 Ph: (517) 437-4070 Fx: (517) 437-4062
One tool used to address your care in the event of incapacity is a financial power of attorney. This legal document allows you to appoint someone to manage your finances and property on your behalf. A financial power of attorney can go into effect as soon as the document is signed, allowing someone to act on your behalf immediately, even if you are not incapacitated. Alternatively, a financial power of attorney can be “springing,” only going into effect in the event you become incapacitated (as determined by a physician). You can determine which type of financial power of attorney fits your unique situation. Another estate planning tool that can protect you in a time of need is a medical durable power of attorney. Also referred to as a healthcare directive, this legal document lets you name a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so yourself. It also
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gives you an opportunity to lay out some of your wishes regarding the end of life medical care you want. Sometimes referred to as an advance directive or a living will, it is often included in a healthcare durable power of attorney. Finally, the use of a revocable living trust can be beneficial in the event you become incapacitated. When you are healthy and have capacity, you are typically the trustee of a revocable living trust, able to manage the assets and use them for your benefit. However, the trust instrument also allows you to name a successor trustee who will step into your shoes to manage the assets when you are no longer able to act due to incapacity or disability. Successor trustees also have a duty to continue to use the assets for your benefit. Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind Having a properly drafted estate plan that includes the documents described above can help protect you during your lifetime. Failure to have these documents in place may result in your loved ones going before the court to have someone appointed to make financial and medical decisions for you. This process is expensive and stressful – not to mention part of the public record – during a difficult time when your loved ones are already dealing with the incapacity of someone they care about. If you have questions about any of these legal documents or how to protect yourself through estate planning, call me or an attorney of your choice to learn about your options under applicable law.
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BROCCOLI AND CHEESE SOUP This lighter version of a comfort classic is quick to make and very satisfying. Of course, if calories are of no concern, go ahead and use the richer versions of the ingredients! 1 c. chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 c. fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth 1 (12 oz.) package broccoli florets ⅓ c. flour 2½ c. 2% milk ¼ t. black pepper 8 oz. light processed cheese, cubed (such as Velveeta Light) Heat a large nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion and garlic; sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Add broth and broccoli. Bring broccoli mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook 10 minutes. Combine flour and milk, whisking until well blended. Add milk mixture to broccoli mixture. Cook 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in pepper. Add cheese, stirring until cheese melts. Put one-third of the soup in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Return pureed mixture to pan and stir to blend. From “Cooking Light Comfort Food”
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HUNGARIAN GOULASH 2 lb. stew beef, cut into 1” cubes 1 large onion, sliced very thinly 1 clove garlic, minced ½ c. catsup 2 T. Worcestershire sauce 1 T. brown sugar 2 t. salt 2 t. paprika ½ t. dry mustard ¾ c. water ¼ c. flour
Put meat in the bottom of a slow-cooker and cover with sliced onion. Combine all remaining ingredients except the flour. Pour over meat. Cover and cook on low for 9 to 10 hours. Turn control to high. Mix flour with a small amount of cold water and stir gently into the meat mixture. Cook on high 10 to 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Serve over egg noodles or rice. From Mable Hoffman’s “Crockery Cookery”
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