NOV/DEC 2023
SH S I M P L Y
it’s a woman thing! BRANCH/HILLSDALE/LENAWEE/JACKSON
H E R S
Jenilee
GRIFFITHS
BREATHE FREE DUCT CLEANING
Winter Vests COLD WEATHER MAKEUP TIPS
Mental Health for the Holidays AN INSIDE LOOK AT FOSTER PARENTING
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from the publisher Another year has run its course and we’re coming up on the holidays. This time of year is so special. I love the get-togethers with family and friends, decorating, gifts, celebrations, special traditions, and, of course, the wonderful holiday food!
Marlanea McGraw Owner/Publisher
Our double issue gives you our usual magazine on one side and a holiday focus on the other. We’re highlighting Breathe Free Duct Cleaning’s services for commercial customers as well as bringing you up to date on what’s new with the business. On the flip side, find out about a new product line at Birdie’s & Howell along with the dates for their much-anticipated holiday events.
We’ve profiled a Hillsdale County couple who dedicate themselves to foster parenting, presented what’s happening at the Hillsdale County Community Foundation, and given the history of luminaries with details about the upcoming holiday luminary project in Hillsdale. Our recipes focus on cast iron skillet cooking and includes how to prepare and care for these durable pans. We hope that you will find much to inform, entertain, amuse, and encourage you in these pages. Remember that our annual Christmas giveaways will start on December 1! Browse the prize pages and figure out which days’ giveaways you’ll want to enter. As we come to the end of the year, I send a heartfelt “Thank you!” to all our advertisers. They make our publications possible, and I appreciate each and every one of them. Please utilize local service, retail, and professional businesses whenever you can. Thank you, also, to my staff! Sometimes I don’t know how we do it, but every issue goes to print and out for distribution, and I’m grateful to have them on my team.
SH S I M P L Y
H E R S
SALES STAFF
Sherry Sheffer
Cyndi Young
Simply Hers is published by and is the property of
MCGRAW PUBLISHING For information on how to submit story ideas, concerns, or information on how to advertise, please contact Marlanea McGraw 517-320-9235 • sales@simplyhers.net www.simplyhers.net
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Simply Hers Magazine makes every effort to provide accurate information in advertising and editorial content, however, does not make any claims as to accuracy of information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors and accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccurate information
Hannah Sayles
Lindsey Dane
Heidi Lanius
Tracie Clough
EDITOR Melissa McCance GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dakota Harding PHOTOGRAPHY Synergy In Motion Studios CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Melissa McCance Nancy Ryan Laura Loveberry Diane Clow Willie Smith Molly Mason Elyse Apel Emma Verrigni Kendra Zieman Angela Hebert.
Our survival guide to a stree free holiday season. Homes are meant to be lived in so don’t sweat the mess.
Focus your decorating on creating an environment that brings you peace.
Tim Groves 517-398-1514 Sherri Groves 517-398-2996
Make the holidays about the memories rather than money.
Alone for the holidays? Consider volunteering for those less fortunate.
HILLSDALE
268 W. Carleton Road Hillsdale 517-439-1511
CBGROVES.COM
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On the Cover 10
Jenilee Griffiths Breathe Free Duct Cleaning
Fashion 13 Winter Vests
Beauty 16
30
Local Beat 18
32
Winter Makeup Tips
What’s Happening Now
Fitness 20
Holiday Stress
54
Ask the Doctor 22
Mental Tips for the Holidays
64
Business Spotlight 24
Coffee Drinks
Simple Holiday Recipes
City Pages
Manitou Beach - 32 Jackson - 34 Coldwater - 36 North Adams - 38
Winter Makeup Tips
Foster Parenting
An Inside Look
Hillsdale Community Thrift
Giving Back to the Community
Hillsdale County Community Foundation
Turn the Page 26
Book and Author Reviews
Over the Edge 28 Garbage Picker Gifts
30 Simple Holiday Coffee Drinks
68 SH SEPT/OC T 2023
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S I M P L Y
An Inside Look at Foster Parenting
! it’s a woman thing ACKSON
ALE/LENAWEE/J BRANCH/HILLSD
H E R S
Jenilee
On the Cover:
GRIFFITHS
BREATHE FREE DUCT CLEANING
W inter Vests
Jenilee Griffiths is the office manager for Breathe Free Duct Cleaning. Learn more about them in our article on page 12.
COLD WEATHER MAKEUP TIPS
Mental Health s for the Holiday AN INSIDE LOOK AT FOSTER PARENTING
FREE 1
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Photo by Synergy In Motion Studios
B URG R GEER RSS •• SSPPEE C C II A A LL S S BBRREEAAKKFFAASSTT• •S SOOU U PPSS• • SSAALLAADDSS •• BU
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Please thank our Without their continued commitment & support, ADVERTISERS this publication would not be possible. All Aboard Travel - 42 Artesian Wells - 33 Athletico - 52 Bailey, Hodshire & Company, P.C. - 47 Baxter Lawn & Snow - 39 Becker & Scrivens - 44 Bildner & Donahue - 50 Blossom Shop - 29 Burdick Kitchen & Bath - 41 Brandy Titus SMBT - 44 Breathe Free Duct Cleaning - 9 British Tea Garden - 33 CAPA - 66 Chris Hodos/ Frank Beck Chevrolet - 29 Christoff & Sons Flooring - 47 City Collision - 61 Coldwell Banker Groves Real Estate - 5 County National Bank - 62 Crossroads Farm - 62 Crossroads Home Care - 45 Daphne’s Framing & Gifts - 29 Devils Lake View Living - 33 Drew’s Place - 37 Early Pregnancy Loss - 66 Edward Jones - 29 Fackler Monument -63 Fry’s Painting & Restoration - 39 Hampton Funeral Homes - 49 Habitat for Humanity Restore - 48 Hillsdale County Community Foundation - 25 Hillsdale Community Thrift - 48, 65 Hillsdale Hospital - 2 Hillsdale Medical Associates - 23 Hillsdale County Right to Life - 59 Hitching Post - 39, 48 IDK Creative Décor - 48 I’ve Been Framed! - 47 Jake’s Concrete - 50 June’s Place - 48 Karim HealthCare - 67
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Lake LeeAnn Golf Course - 51 Lakeside Cafe - 33 Lloyd Ganton Retirment Centers - 60 Longstreet Living - 53 Maggie Anne’s - 19 Maverick’s Pizza - 39 Midgetts - 39 Mindy Shoemaker, Viaggio Salon - 29 Parney’s Car Care - 58 Point Rental - 51 Pleasant View BEEF - 35 PRIME Fitness - 21 Professional Hearing Services - 27 Ramshackle Brewing Co. - 40 Rick W. Builders - 39 Rob Sayles / Stillwell Ford - 59 Rosalie’s Roadhouse - 43 Ryan & Bradshaw - 49 Simply Hers Magazine - 12 Silverback Automotive - 50 Southern Michigan Bank & Trust - 45 Southern Michigan RV - 68 Spangler’s Family Restaurant - 7 Spratt’s Trading Post - 45 St. Peter’s Free Clinic - 43 Stillwell Ford Service - 3 Stoll Construction, LLC - 46 Tammy’s Affordable Home Furnishings - 39 The Sweet Boutique - 35
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Cover Feature
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HOLIDAY STRESS
Focus on balance, not perfection
By Kendra Zieman Personal trainer Fitness coach
Another holiday season is quickly approaching and we all know that a busy schedule with lots of gathering comes along with it. Far too often, women start to stress this time of year and it’s not just about the actual holidays. Many women will feel the stress because they are not comfortable with the way their bodies look. They know during the holidays they will see a lot of friends and family members and pictures are always taken. Many women also feel pressure and stress because they are so busy with the holidays that they give up on keeping their health and fitness as a top priority. I’m going to share a few tips and ideas to help you ease that pressure and be able to find balance. You wouldn’t stop taking care of your kids or house during this busy season, so don’t stop caring for yourself. If you know you will be enjoying dinner out one night, make it a priority to start your day with a healthy breakfast. Eat a high protein and low carb lunch. This will help so you have more flexibility with your dinner. When filling your plate, make sure you have a good protein source on there and eat that first. Protein should be your main focus each meal—don’t fill up on your carbs first. Focus on balance, not perfection. It’s OK to eat a favorite dessert but try to limit it to one serving and save some time for exercise. I prefer to work out in the morning. It makes my day feel more productive and, let’s be honest, no one wants to exercise after a big meal.
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If you have been trying to lose weight throughout the year, shift your mindset to maintaining your weight instead of trying to lose weight during the holidays. This is more realistic and you don’t want to miss out on all the festivities and fun with your family because you are so worried about your diet. Again, we are focusing on balance not perfection. During the holidays, some women put on 5 to 10 pounds simply because they are not conscientious about their food and exercise. This is why I strongly encourage that you continue to make healthy choices without completely restricting yourself. Some women decide just to wait until the New Year for a fresh start. This is where the vicious cycle happens—once January hits, you will go hardcore and be overly restrictive. You can only keep up with that lifestyle for so long before you give in. I encourage you to work towards a more balanced life. The consistency will help achieve and maintain the results instead of the constant crash diet just to gain all your weight back. So, this holiday, my advice to you would be to start focusing on your long-term health. Don’t wait until January. Aim for consistent balance over inconsistent perfection.
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Ask the Doctor:
Mental Health Tips for the holidays... Even though the holiday season is regarded as a time of togetherness and love, many people experience holiday blues. While some sources of sadness may come from being separated from loved ones during holidays, the American Psychological Association issued a survey to unearth other common causes of strain on your mental health. Nearly 38% of individuals polled said that stress was the number one contributing factor to their decreased mental wellness during the holidays. Here are five additional tips for safeguarding your mental health during the holiday season. 1. Get enough sleep Getting ample, quality sleep is essential for your physical and mental wellbeing. Research shows sleep deprivation can increase rates of insomnia and severely impact your mood. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep in a cool, darkroom. You might also benefit from a white noise machine to block out household noises. If you have a hard time falling asleep, avoid blue lights (TV screens, tablets, phones) for an hour or two before bed. 2. Create (and stick with) your schedule For individuals with ADHD and other mental health conditions, sticking with a routine is important. When it comes to the holiday season, it’s very easy to detract from your normal routine, especially with incoming invitations to social events. The National Alliance of Mental Health suggests sticking to your routine. Even if you can’t follow your routine for the entire day, stick with as much of it as possible. For example, continue to follow your morning routine, even if you have events later in the evening. Most importantly, continue to stick with your medication schedule. You shouldn’t change or alter your medication schedule or dosage unless instructed to do so. 3. Create a budget Stress has an enormous impact on your physical and mental well-being, and the holidays can certainly add financial stress to your list of concerns. To reduce finance-related stress, create a budget for holiday gift buying -- and then stick with your budget.
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4. Exercise There is a plethora of research highlighting the benefits of exercise for your mental health. Exercise can lift your mood, reduce stress, and give you some well-deserved “you time” to decompress. There are many ways to include exercise in your daily routine: •Go for a walk around the block •Go for a hike with your family •Throw a football in the yard •Take your dog to the dog park and play fetch •Try an online exercise program from the comfort of your home •Dance If you exercise outside, it’s even better. The experts at Harvard report that spending time in nature can also boost your mood. 5. Manage stress with healthy outlets Despite your best efforts to eliminate stress, you’ll likely still experience some stress during the holidays. Remember, the key isn’t to eliminate all sources of stress (that’s impossible), but to reduce what stress you can and then manage the rest of it with soothing stress management techniques. During holiday get-togethers, it might be tempting to relieve stress by pouring a drink, taking a pill, or even using food as a comfort. MentalHealth.gov suggests healthier stress-busting options like: •Exercise •Getting some fresh air •Meditation •Spending time with a friend or loved one •Calling a friend or loved one •Spending time doing art •Reading a relaxing book •Deep breathing •Talking to a therapist Making time for yourself to decompress and unwind -- without relying on alcohol, drugs, or food -- is a healthy way to protect your mental health. www.alliedpsychiatry.com
DAN MCCANCE, DO
KEITH BAKER, MD
ROBERT E. SCHALL, MD
KARA WILSON, PA-C
ABBIE MARTON, FNP
FROM THE STAFF OF
HILLSDALE MEDICAL ASSOCIATES
HANNAH BURKHART, FNP HMAPLC.PORTALFORPATIENTS.COM | 1456 HUDSON RD. | HILLSDALE | 517.439.0200 | HOURS: MON.-FRI. • 9 AM - 5 PM HMAPLC.PORTALFORPATIENTS.COM | 32 S. BROAD ST. | HILLSDALE | 517.437.3361 | HOURS: MON - THU. • 8 AM -6 PM
Business Spotlight
Hillsdale County Community Foundation The Blessing of Giving Back By Molly Mason
As the leaves flutter down and the calendar creeps closer to the holidays, local nonprofit organizations are ramping up their efforts to serve Hillsdale County with critical programming and services. The Hillsdale County Community Foundation partners with many of these important groups and also helps raise funds to support their programs and operations. “We receive gifts from members of our community all year long and distribute those gifts back through grants and scholarships,” said Sharon Bisher, president and CEO of the Hillsdale Community Foundation. “The foundation also actively partners with Hillsdale County educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government units.” The foundation hosts an annual fundraising event, The Great Give, providing almost 20 local nonprofits with the opportunity to tell their stories and share other needs with the community. This year’s event will be held Tuesday, November 28, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the HUB Activity Center, 1300 South Hillsdale Road. The Community Foundation also collects early gifts by mail or drop off at the office located at 2 South Howell Street from November 6-27, 2023. Another popular initiative occurring every fall is the Warm the Children program, a donor-driven partnership with the Community Action Agency and Walmart. Over 100 children every year receive warm winter clothing through the program facilitated by the Community Action Agency. Seventy-five dollars provides clothing for one child but any donation amount is encouraged. “Giving is really a personal choice and we try to connect what someone is passionate about with an agency in the community serving in that area,” said Bisher.
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There are a number of options for donating through the foundation. Residents can set up a payroll deduction or give gifts of cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, or personal property. Some residents choose to establish a fund in their name or the name of a family member they wish to honor. Others give back to their community by a donation made through a will, trust, or life insurance. “We work with our donors to ensure their contribution is supporting projects or programs they are passionate about,” said Bisher. The foundation not only encourages monetary gifts but also volunteering as a way to give back. “Many of our nonprofits are in need of volunteers to help with their programming and services,” said Bisher. “I think we’ve all been blessed in various ways and when you have been blessed, the next step is to bless someone else.” “Giving is also about time, which is why we are excited to partner with Hillsdale College’s GOAL program in the spring,” said Bisher. “We’ve financially supported the GOAL program for several years, but we are trying to bring together some key players to participate in this day of service for the first time.” Hillsdale College’s Great Opportunities for Assistance and Leadership (GOAL) program will host the annual Day of Service on April 6, 2024. The campus and Hillsdale community come together to work and serve at a variety of projects around the community.
To learn more about the Hillsdale County Community Foundation and its various programs, visit www.abouthccf.org or call 517-439-5101.
Three Ways to Give!
E M O C
R E H GET
TO
Y A D S E U T 8 2 . NOV
· Hillsdale County Community Foundation ·
· Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness · Domestic Harmony · · Early Pregnancy Loss Association · Greater Hillsdale Humane Society · Helping Hands Pregnancy Resource Center · · Hillsdale Community Theatre - The Sauk · Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative · Hillsdale Hospital · · Hospice of Hillsdale County · Love INC · King’s Kupboard · · St. Peter’s Free Clinic · Salvation Army · The Jonesville Mission · EARLY GIVING AVAILABLE AT THE FOUNDATION OFFICE NOVEMBER 6 - 27, 2023 Drop off or mail to: 2 SOUTH HOWELL STREET, HILLSDALE, MI 49242 ONLINE GIVING WWW.ABOUTHCCF.ORG TUESDAY NOVEMBER 28TH, 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
DRIVE THROUGH AND DROP OFF OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE
THE HUB ACTIVITY CENTER
1300 SOUTH HILLSDALE ROAD, HILLSDALE, MICHIGAN 49242
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TURN THE PAGE Book and
Author Reviews
In keeping with the theme of this issue, here are a couple of suggestions to help you through the holidays.
By Nancy Ryan Simply Hers Magazine
Author Silver Rose presents her book The Holiday Survival Guide, Pave Your Way to The Best Season EVER! Having high expectations during the holidays is something we all share. Money for gifts, family relationships, who will be at your table, travel worries, on and on it goes. Rose asserts that expectations are premeditated resentments. That’s something to ponder. Trying to manage and control everything and everyone is insanity. Everyone does not cooperate! Her survival book gives techniques, tools and mindsets that are easy to implement and are proven to be effective by the many endorsements from her readers. On another holiday survival note, certified sports nutrition specialist Katie Dunlop offers up The Holiday Survival Guide and Recipe Book. Her book contains over 30 healthy holiday recipes, on-the-go travel workouts and tips, and self-care essentials to help de-stress. There are do-it-yourself gift ideas, shopping checklists and budget trackers. Book clubs in the area are picking their favorite Christmas books to read and celebrating the holidays, too. Naturally, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is at the top of the list! A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote is another must-read at the holidays. It is a nostalgic look back at holidays past in the life of a young man from rural Alabama and his elderly friend. Each year they make 30 fruitcakes and share them with only the most deserving persons, including one they send to the White House, wondering if the President serves it. A sweet, nostalgic story. Another Christmas classic is O Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.” It is a short story published in 1905, but the message is timeless. If you don’t know the
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story, make sure you read this one. It is a message of sacrifice and love, and a loving ending. Here are a few other suggestions for holiday reading. One Day in December by Josie Silver centers around a romance that could have been, but wasn’t. Wrong matches are made, friendships are put to the test, and the notion of true love is tested. It is being made into a Netflix presentation. Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand was her first foray into Christmas novels on Nantucket. This first one revolves around Kelley Quinn, owner of Winter Street Inn. He is the proud father of four children, Patrick, Kevin, Ava and Bart. The series then follows each of his children in their own book, Winter Solstice, Winter Stroll, Winter Storms, Winter in Paradise. All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox is a light, romantic comedy about two competitors in a country music reality singing competition during the holiday season. As they are thrown together in a publicity stunt romance, their relationship ebbs and flows over time. Author Liz Curtis Higgs is the author of The Women of Christmas, Experience the Season Afresh with Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. God reached down from Heaven with the best gift of all! A sacred season is about to unfold for these three women of the Bible. The author’s goal is to help women embrace the Grace of God with joy and abandon. What are you reading? Email me at nancyryan47@ gmail.com
See you at the library!
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Over The
GE
ED
The holidays are coming. Do you have any holiday survival guide tips you might want to share with others? I do, just one, but it’s a biggie! If you have kids and a garbage picker husband like mine, do not, under any circumstances, let your husband do the Christmas shopping. I learned that the hard way and it just about put me over the edge. By Willie Smith Simply Hers Magazine
As noted, my husband is a garbage picker. Yep, a good garbage picker I might add, but a garbage picker nonetheless. He’s made many a pretty penny by searching for items thrown to the curb by others as unusable. But, if there was any life left in it at all, he could fix it up, clean it up, and wrap it up as a gift for the kids. When they were younger, they were okay with used stuff. As they got olde, though, they didn’t want to be embarrassed by telling their friends they got a used, very old and rusted-out family camper for Christmas. Yeah, that was the year my husband found that “wonderful” family camper that had been left in a field for years. It was totally rusted through in many places, the bench cushions had been eaten by animals, and they had left their own personal “gifts” in return. That camper was absolutely disgusting, yet he enlisted the help of our second son to “drive” it home. Now, granted, Chris was not old enough to legally drive, but he was actually only steering the camper as my husband towed it home. The camper didn’t have working brakes and poor Chris was sweating bullets trying not to ram into the back of his dad’s truck when they slowed for
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any reason. The camper hadn’t run in at least a decade and I had no doubt it would never run again. Yet, according to my husband, Christmas was coming and that baby would soon be ready for a big red bow. Then there was the year my husband found an old, rusted riding mower. Oh, the fun the kids would have riding that dilapidated thing! Yep, take that blade off, find an engine, seat, and tires and all would be good. I have to say, the kids did have fun pulling each other on sleds behind the mower. Too bad it lasted less than an hour. The engine died, the seat came off, and the tires went flat. Used parts found in the garbage just don’t last like they used to. And then, finally, I had to draw the line at the new beds he wanted to give the kids one year. The summer before that Christmas his thought was to wait for a city-wide yard sale to end and the unsold items put to the curb. He was sure we could pick through the piles of discarded items before the garbage trucks came and get some “gently” used mattresses. He figured a little duct tape to fix any holes, a lot of Lysol to kill any germs, and all would be well! That is disgusting you say? I agree 100%! His heart might have been in the right place, but his brain was not. Thank goodness the kids are older now and cash is what they ask for. Can you blame them for wanting to buy their own gifts? Me either. The holidays are a time of giving so the gift I give you is a tip for your survival guide: do the shopping before your garbage picking husband does so he doesn’t put you or me over the edge.
DAPHNE’S
CUSTOM FRAMING - GIFTS & HOME DÉCOR
We have everything you need this
Daphne's invites you to visit for unique, whimsical and beautiful Christmas items.
Holiday Season
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2370 Hudson Rd. , Hillsdale, MI (517)610-5869
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M-99
BETWEEN HILLSDALE & JONESVILLE
517-849-2886 800-351-5585
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New job, new retirement account options
CHRIS HODOS
Changing jobs? Consider these 401(k) options: • Leave the money in your previous employer’s plan • Move it to your new employer’s plan • Roll it over to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) • Cash out the account subject to early withdrawal penalties
PERFECT RIDE!
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KNOWS HOW TO FIND YOU THE
Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 517.425.0839 | chrish@frankbeck.info
Don L Toffolo, AAMS™ Financial Advisor 253 E Chicago St Suite 1 Jonesville, MI 49250 517-849-7771 IRT-1948K-A
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Happy Holidays from Lakeside Cafe Team! The Lakeside Cafe meets at the intersection of art, food and community. Discover local delights, from quiche and breakfast sandwiches to handcrafted cookies, all in a warm ambiance while enjoying Zingerman's amazing coffee or espresso drinks!
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Merry Christmas FROM EVERYONE AT...
We are focused on new homes and developments. Our core virtues are Faith, Knowledge, Integrity, Responsiveness & Innova�on.
Thank you to our community for supporting our small business this year!
CUSTOM HOMES – ROOFING – BARNS/GARAGES
Visit Our Showroom at 590 Olds Street in Jonesville • 517-849-7470 • www.stollcm.com Mon-Fri 7 AM – 4 PM • Closed Sat/Sun • Follow us on Facebook 46 | SimplyHers.net
Print & Frame Your Holidays!
Residential and Commercial Framing Custom Matting & Framing The Areas Largest Seletion of Ready-Made Mats & Frames 866 N. Wisner Street | Jackson | 517-783-3810 Mon & Fri 10 - 4 | Tues to Thurs 10 - 6 | Sat 10 - 2 | Closed Sunday www.ivebeenframedjackson.com
Printing services available!
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RESALE TRAIL R S LE TRA A L
ANTIQUES • CLOTHING • COLLECTIBLES • RE-PURPOSE
ADRIAN
TECUMSEH
Hitching Post Antiques Mall 1025 E. US 223 • Adrian Tue - Sat • 10 -5 517.266.0746 Donations and purchases help to build and repair homes in Lenawee County! Selling new and gently-used donated building supplies, appliances, and furniture
READING 49 Enterprise Drive, Reading South of Dollar General Fri & Sat • 9-5 517.283.1888
Clothes, household items, holiday decor, small appliances, books, movies, toys, games, and occasional vintage. All items are clean & cheap! Taking garage sale leftovers & estates.
BROOKLYN
IDK Creative Décor
146 1/2 N. Main St. (M-50) • Brooklyn Thur -Sat 12-6 • Sun 1-5 517.938.8147 idkcreativedecor.com Vintage, Industrial, Antiques, Jewelry
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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 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 Mon -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.
HILLSDALE
3380 W. Carleton Road (517)437-0605
HANOVER
221 Main Street (517)563-2255
JACKSON
4204 Ann Arbor Road (517)315-4333
www.hamptonfuneralhomes.com
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.
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Interment · Graveside Services/ Tributes · Scattering Ashes · Urns
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Specializing in
decorative concrete
Skid Steer service available Driveways, sidewalks, patios, floors, & more!
5621 Abbott Rd. | Reading, MI 49274 | jcaldwell@dmcibb.net | Accepting Visa and Mastercard | Jake Caldwell - Owner
We Know Numbers. But, You’re Not A Number To Us! Call Us Today! 517-439-1585 HOURS: Monday - Friday 8-5
“Get with the Gorilla” WE HAVE THE TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND EXPERTISE TO GET YOUR VEHICLE BACK ON THE ROAD SAFE AND SOUND. FROM OIL CHANGES TO ENGINE WORK, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.
KYLE D. BAKER - OWNER
1522 Hudson Rd. Hillsdale | www.bildneranddonahue.com 50 | SimplyHers.net
HILLSDALE, MICHIGAN | (517)-212-8129
10339 Fairway Dr. • Jerome • 517-688-3445
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Start Here. Finish Pain-Free. Time to take care of those aches and pains you have been avoiding. Schedule a free assessment in-clinic or virtually through our secure telehealth platform.
Contact one of our four Athletico clinics in South Michigan today for your Free Assessment *: Athletico - Adrian | 517-264-6141 Athletico - Brooklyn | 517-879-4006 Athletico - Hillsdale | 517-439-2376 Athletico - Hudson | 517-448-2035
*Per federal guidelines, beneficiaries of plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VHA and other federally funded plans are not eligible for free assessments.
athletico.com • 877-ATHLETICO (284-5384) | SimplyHers.net
Scan here to contact us for a Free Assessment
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AN INSIDE LOOK AT FOSTER PARENTING By Melissa McCance
Foster parent: a person temporarily serving as a parent for a child who has lost or been removed from a parent’s care and who is not the person’s own biological child. It’s a simple and straightforward definition but an ironic one considering there is nothing simple or straightforward about being a foster parent. The decision to bring other people’s children into your home does a lot more than ramp up everyday things like laundry, meals, family schedules, and transportation. These children’s life histories can create issues that make them more challenging to parent. A child may exhibit any combination of sadness, confusion, mistrust, anger, combativeness, poor socialization, lack of discipline, and more. There is no doubt that loving, committed foster parents can be in for a journey that will tax them mentally and emotionally, all while being an exceptionally rewarding experience. John and Mary (not their real names) are an area couple whole-heartedly invested in fostering. They married in 2017 and, after some moving around, settled north of Battle Creek. John began working in insurance which is still his line of work. While living there, they became licensed as foster parents—a step John and Mary decided upon before their marriage. The first placements were a boy and girl (now their adopted children) and they have a biological daughter born soon after the adoptions became final. Other moves followed and they’re now in a larger home in Hillsdale County which 54 | SimplyHers.net
allows for more children. The couple has fostered a wide range of ages including teenagers who are significantly harder to place than younger children. They’re contracted with the state for three Temporary Placement Provider beds for emergency placements by the state and could be children who are coming out of psychiatric hospitals, juvenile detention, police custody, etc. Those placements are two-week contracts during which time the state tries to find a long-term placement. If the child fits in with their household, John and Mary can sign on for additional two-week segments if another placement hasn’t been found. However, if the state finds another place for a TPP child, the child must be moved. At this time, John and Mary are licensed for the three TPP beds and several general placement beds along with their three children. Currently, they’re waiting for their reclassification as a group home to be finalized. John explained that the rules and regulations governing the foster parent system can make it difficult for licensed parents to navigate the system. John and Mary said they coordinate with their licensing worker to figure things out.
In order to allow them to handle everyone’s schedules; the appointments with social workers, health care providers, educators, etc.; and intermittent or ongoing crises, the couple hires help when they can find people who meet several strict requirements and who are sincerely interested in being part of the process. At this time, they would like to find someone willing to work nearly full time (under 35 hours per week) as a salaried employee. Some people have helped by supervising the younger children, but Mary says the biggest help to them is covering the housework so she and John can invest in the children. Additionally: “If one of us is handling a crisis, you really need another set of eyes on the situation to see what’s happening and be able to provide another account.” Because foster parents are closely monitored by Child Protective Services and the foster care workers—a necessary step to ensure that the children are safe—having another person there when a child is acting out or creating chaos can be important.
“I don’t think it really takes a community to raise a child,” says John. “But it does take a community to raise a foster child.”
2020, Mary and John have had 34 foster children; amazingly, 22 of those 34 were placed just in the first nine months of 2023. However, it’s not a move to be taken lightly. Across the United States, 30% to 50% of foster parents quit within the first year. Fostering is an opportunity to offer love, attachment, connection, and stability to a child who’s lived in chaos. “We try to attract them to what is good in life and we teach them what is necessary to have it. Why you behave, why you finish school, why you need a job,” explains John.
If you would like to connect with John and Mary to discuss being a foster parent or if you are interested in learning more about the support position, you can send a message through the Simply Hers Facebook page and we will forward your contact information to them.
When asked what they feel the essential qualities are for someone considering being a foster parent, John and Mary offered a good list: a heart for the children, flexibility, and a backbone to hold your ground with difficult children, foster care workers, or even doctors. The need for foster parents is great. Since their first placement in January
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wreaths...
g n i m o c l We you home Nothing brings spirit to your front door quite like a beautiful wreath! No matter the season, wreaths are like the centerpiece to your home - they set the tone for your home’s decor and give your guests a warm welcome that will last all season long. 56 | SimplyHers.net
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www.gantonretirement.com Call Us Today! 517-750-2700
May Your Holiday Season Be Filled With Joy Independent Living
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Call today and speak to one of our Senior Living Professionals. We focus on your individual needs and know one size does not fit all.
Wishing you a Safe & Happy Holiday Season! Trust us to make your “Sleigh” look better than before! “We Use OEM Parts” From fender benders to deer accidents, we work with all insurance companies to give you the best service possible.
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
FULL WARRANTY ON ALL COLLISION REPAIRS!
3391 Hudson Road, Hillsdale, MI 49242 • 517-437-4551 • citycollision.hillsdale@gmail.com
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Hillsdale Community Thrift By Angela Hebert
Over $150,000—that’s how much Hillsdale Community Thrift (HCT) has given back to the community since it opened in November of 2018. That was the mission from the beginning; the community was lacking a place to get essential items quickly. That’s what the store offers, a place where the community can donate their unused or unwanted items for those in need to come and get the essentials, such as clothes, furniture, and home necessities. Hillsdale Community Thrift remains self-operational, covering high monthly expenses of two locations that could only be supported by the community when they donate to or purchase from the store. HCT keeps prices low on essential items making them accessible to all. Other nonessential items such home décor and collectibles are priced intentionally but fairly to help the non-profit sustain. The employees work very hard to be conscientious of prices and want to make it a deal for customers. They spend a lot of time researching prices on items to be considerate of the customers but also to be able to continue the mission. Hillsdale Community Thrift has been able to help support other non-profits and community organizations by helping supply items needed for their clients free of charge. For example, when homeless veterans and community members are housed, HCT has been able to give the items needed to start their homes. Give clothes and extra supplies to classrooms/schools with students in need. When families experience house fires, they can come to the store and get a week's worth of clothes for each member of the family.
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Hillsdale Community Thrift also gives back to the community by having recurring sales at the store and warehouse. To name a few: • • • • • • •
Veterans’ discount is every day. Every 3rd Monday of the month - free pair of shoes Mondays & Tuesdays - senior discount Tuesday - double loyalty points Wednesday - five free books Saturday - five free CDs Specialty sales daily—check Hillsdale Community Thrift Facebook page.
HCT increased their support for community members struggling with homelessness when the city council approved the ordinance that prohibited them from staying/camping on city/public property. Those who choose to follow the rules set by HCT are allowed to stay on the property behind the store which is called Camp Hope because they are JUST HOMELESS NOT HOPELESS. To name a few rules, they must all comply with no illegal substance use and must pass a drug test. They must actively be looking for a job and working with agencies/community organizations to better their current situation. Almost all have been approved for section 8 housing but there are no places available. Hillsdale Community Thrift has helped pay for or provided transportation for campers to get legal documents such as drivers licenses, birth certificates, and social security cards. We’ve taken campers to doctor’s appointments, to jobs, and to rehab. Most of all, HCT have given these members of our community emotional support and encouragement to help themselves out of the situation they live in every day, giving them a leg up with a healthy support system. Camp Hope has had 60 people stay since April.
Some ways community members could help support Hillsdale Community Thrift is by continuing to donate and shop at the store and warehouse, donating basic items for those struggling with homelessness (see list below), donating time working in the store, or helping with the campers by providing guidance or transportation.
We need: • Shampoo (men’s and women’s) • Deodorant (men’s and women’s) • Body soap (men’s and women’s) • New socks (men’s and women’s) • Body wipes • Laundry soap • Canned veggies • Canned fruit • Canned soup • Hamburger Helper • Venison, beef, or chicken • We also accept returnable cans/bottles to help pay for these items • Toothpaste/toothbrushes • Paper plates and paper bowls • Plastic silverware • Napkins/paper towel
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