FREE
MARCH/APRIL 2012
Simply Hers Its a Woman Thing!
TWO OF A KIND LOCAL TWINS SHARE
Spring TRENDS
Women All About
Health Fair & Expo
BRIDGES OUT OF POVERTY
what do we have in common? We were both born at
“Large enough to be of service... small enough to care.” “A teaching site of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine”
www.hchc.com
Long time resident John MacRitchie and newborn Emmalee Fox
e z i m o t s YOUR RIDE u C
FORD INVITES YOU TO
ORDER IT YOUR WAY... STRAIGHT FROM THE FACTORY!
2013 FORD
2013 FORD
FUSION
ESCAPE
2013 FORD
EDGE
2013 FORD
MUSTANG
2013 FORD
TAURUS
See The Professionals
Eric Hoffman, Jeff hess, Chris Finch, Julie Childers, Roger Karr, Chad Gibler, Jim Cole, Rob Sayles, Jeremy Taylor, Marco Gabriele, Christopher FInch II, Katlynn Jenkins, Josh Bockway and Terry Helmick
www.stillwellford.com
(517) 849-2121 M-99 (Between Hillsdale & Jonesville) • www.kenstillwellford.com e-mail: stillwell@dmci.net
The Hillsdale County Community Foundation is proud to announce the introduction of a new community giving program to benefit nonprofit agencies in Hillsdale County. “Give Where You Live” is a newly formed initiative aimed at meeting the needs of our area nonprofits and offering local residents a financially secure and convenient means to contribute to the causes they care about most. The goal of Give Where You Live is to provide support for local agencies by receiving and administering funds designated specifically for local nonprofits and their programs. HCCF currently has the infrastructure in place to allow for several giving options for donors. Contributors can choose to utilize payroll deduction through an employer, pledges, and one-time donations to support any of several designated local agencies. The following list represents the agencies currently listed as designated recipients for the Give Where You Live program: • • • • • • • • • • •
211 Alpha Omega Women’s Care Center Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness (CAPA) Community Action Agency Domestic Harmony Hillsdale Area Men With Vision Hillsdale County Senior Services Center Hillsdale Dental Clinic Hospice of Hillsdale County Kimball Camp YMCA Nature Center Legal Services of South Central Michigan
• • • •
Salvation Army St. Peter’s Free Clinic Unmet Community Needs Fund Area Food Pantries: Hands of Mercy Hillsdale Baptist King’s Kupboard Lifeline Litchfield United Methodist Waldron First Church of Christ
I want to make a difference in Hillsdale County! NAME
_________________________________
ADDRESS
______________________________
CITY/STATE/ZIP PHONE EMAIL
__________________________
________________________________
_________________________________
COMPANY
______________________________
SIGNATURE
_____________________________
The Hillsdale County Community Foundation qualifies as a public charity under the Internal Revenue Service Code. Therefore, your contribution, in most cases, will qualify as a charitable deduction for tax purposes.
04
Donation Options: 1) Payroll Deduction $_________per pay I am paid: !weekly !bi-weekly (26 pays) !monthly !bi-monthly (24 pays) 2) Cash/Check Enclosed $_________ Please make checks payable to HCCF
3) Donate online at www.abouthccf.org !"Please designate my donation to an unrestricted fund to be distributed locally !"Please designate my donation to the following local nonprofit agency:
______________________________________________________ Return to: Hillsdale County Community Foundation • PO Box 276 • Hillsdale, MI 49242 For questions or more information, please call 517-439-5101 or visit www.abouthccf.org
ALL ABOUT WOMEn The Adrian Area Chamber, ProMedica Bixby and Herrick Hospitals, and Meijer along with many other sponsors invite you to attend The All About Women Health Fair and Expo at The Centre on April 14th. All About Women is The Chamber’s signature event designed specifically for women. The event features health screenings by ProMedica Bixby and Herrick Hospitals, Make & Take gift workshops, pampering stations, product sampling, and a shoppers paradise. Appearing at All About Women is Michigan’s own Joanne Estes, President of The Chicks In Red Heels Society, encouraging all women to come kick up their red heels and learn from her presentation Smart Steps: The Art of Success. A Joanne original, Smart Steps: The Art of Success is geared toward stimulating the senses and overall self empowerment for achieving success in daily life. Major sponsors Meijer and ProMedica Bixby and Herrick Hospitals will be on hand with a plethora of services and products. Meijer will
HEALTH FAIR AnD ExPO
be showcasing how-to-cooking demos, with product samples, and special event giveaways. ProMedica Bixby and Herrick Hospitals will be offering multiple health screenings, information stations, and onsite medical professionals. The first 300 women that register will receive a tote bag filled with a wide range of product samples and coupons. Our mission is to show the women of our community just how much they are appreciated and valued. Our goal is to have all women leave the event feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. Event Details All About Women will be held on Saturday April 14th from 9 am until 4 pm. The event is located at The Centre located on the corner of Wolf Creek Hwy. & W US 223. Admission is $10 per person and tickets can be purchased at the door or through The Chamber in person, by phone, or mail. Lunch will be available for purchase at The Centre Café and High School cafeteria. For any questions please feel free to contact The Chamber at (517) 265-2320 or online at www.adrianareachamber.com.
P r o m ot e Yo u r B u s i n e s s to t h e r e a l D e c i s i o n m a k e r s
Be A 2012 exhiBitor Meet, Greet & Sell to Hundreds of Women! Cost: $75 Members • $95 Non-Members
Saturday april 14 • 9aM-4pM Call 265-2320 or visit www.adrianareachamber.com for vendor registration materials. 05
SpRInG cAR cARE TIpS
From the
publisher
By Rob Shewman • Undercarriage road salt – Road salt can damage your vehicle’s undercarriage by eating away or corroding the metal. A thorough cleaning at a car wash should do the trick. • check the tires – It’s crucial to check your tires after weather changes because tire pressure changes about 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in temperature. • Wiper blades – Windshield wipers take a beating during the winter weather – wiping away dirt, debris and salt and gravel spray. Make sure the blades are making full contact with the windshield and have not dried out. • rotate tires – This should be done roughly every 5,000-10,000 miles and it can extend the life of your tires significantly by reducing wear. • change oil and filter – Some car makers suggest changing to a heavier oil to help your vehicle’s engine perform more efficiently during warmer weather.
WELCOME to the March/April issue! It’s that time of year when the days tease us with the promise of spring, and yet remind us we still live in unpredictable Michigan!
Marlanea Chestney Owner/Publisher
We also highlight a local organization, Bridges Out of Poverty, and share the very personal stories of two women who have graduated from their “Getting Ahead” program. Katja shares some inspiration on starting the growing season indoors and we give you a behind the scenes look at running a Bed and Breakfast On a lighter note, be sure to check out information on the Simply Hers ‘HOTTEST HUSBAND’ contest! We are giving you an opportunity to nominate your husband and win some great prizes for both of you! What makes a husband “hot”? That is your call! The winner will be featured in a future publication. Lastly, I wanted to thank everyone who has joined our Facebook family. We have reached a monumental 1000 followers and are growing more each week. Amazing! So, I hope you will steal a few minutes for yourself. Find a spot of sunshine and enjoy what we’ve put together for you! See you in a couple months ~
Marlanea
• change air filter – Your car’s air filter prevents dust and other debris from getting into the engine’s running parts, meaning less efficient use of gas and weaker engine performance. • flUsh and fill cooling system - This is cheap insurance against engine failure. Experts recommend flushing every 5 years for most vehicles. • check radiator and gas caps – Tight fitting caps on the radiator and gas tank are important. Radiator caps can corrode and deteriorate, so it’s a good idea to replace yours as often as you flush the cooling system. • check battery and plUgs – Make sure battery posts and connections are clean. Spark plugs fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles. • clean the interior – It’s easy to use your car or truck as a storage area for all kinds of things (including useless junk and garbage), especially in the cold months when you don’t feel like cleaning your car in the freezing cold. Take the time to de-clutter your car. It’s worth it.
STop bY TodAY FoR A FREE SAFETY & TIRE InSpEcTIon. (517) 439-1323 146 Lewis St Hillsdale 06
This publication is more jam-packed than ever, with human interest stories from local women. Don’t worry, you’re not having double vision! It’s a special feature about two sets of identical twins. I think you’ll enjoy getting to know the Lantis and Matthews twins, and find the photos pretty amazing!
Peggie Bildner ............................................... EDITOR ZONYA Foco.......................................................................Health Article Katja Szarafinski.............................................Local Spotlight I would also like to ANGELA BLAKE ..........................................................Fashion & Beauty thank the writers who Laura Loveberry ...................................................Life is the Berries provide such timely and AMIEE ENGLAND ......................................................... Local Spotlight interesting articles PAM Colletta-Benzing....................................Backyard & Beyond Willie Smith ...................................................................Over the Edge AMBER YODER ................................................................Local Spotlight JEAN KARR ................................................................Aging With Attitude jim pruitt .............................................................. Local Spotlight Deb Wuethrich........................................................... Local Spotlight NANCY RYAN .................................................................. Turn The Page dave smith ......................................................................Photographer
Marlanea
Fitness Update
Cyndi Armstrong Age 48
Cyndi Armstrong has recently enrolled in a fitness plan working with trainer Tyson Carpenter at Anytime Fitness two days a week with a combination of strength and cardio training additionally she has incorporated a cardio program into her off days. To date Cyndi has lost 8 pounds and 12.75 inches overall. We will continue to update you on her progress.
advertisers
Without their continued commitment & support this publication would not be possible.
8 North - 21
Finish Line Restaurant - 62
Malibu Tan - 39
Addison Granary - 59
Gelzers & Sons - 21
Maribeths - 11
Adrian Chamber - 5
Glei’s Orchard - 59
Mary Kay Christine Levack - 17
Allcare - 59
Glory to God - 6
Mindy Shoemaker - 17
American 1 Credit Union - 47
Goldstar - 47
Mulberry Lane - 7
sat. march 17, 2012 • 10am to New 3pmLine Electric - 57 Gossage Eye Institute - 17
Andrea Thompson, Nails - 15
GOW Construction - 55 to noon Olivia’s Chop House - 63 WcSr Live • 10am
Artisian Wells - 65
Hacker Jewelers - 15
Barrett Insurance - 27 Bedioko, Alfred M.D. - 24
Patty’s Apparel - 9
Hillsdale Beauty College - 11IrIsh” drawIng Perennial Park - 59 • “Luck of the
Book Signing by Ginny Karoub,Comm. $75Foundation gIft certIfIcate Hillsdale -4 Belson Asphalt - 29 & cd of IrIsh tunes author of Mulberry Lane and BiCounty Herald - 39 Hillsdale Comm. Health Ctr. - 2 numerous children’ books. College Dow Center - 35 Boutique de Joie - 15 Hillsdale
Plant Nook - 9 Professional Massage - 9 Pub & Grub - 64
• free homemade soap Bar
Pure Romance - 17 Hillsdale Country ClubfIrst - 4545 customers to the
BPU - 29
Local author Russ McLogan, Quigleys B&B - 42 Hillsdale Hydro - 55 author of Boy Soldier with • servIng green tea (of course) Resale Trail - 52 Brettys - 11 Hillsdale Interiors - 52 puncH & SHaMrOck cOOkieS memorabelia display. Roger Losey Jewelers - 9 Broadstreet Market - 15 Hillsdale Jewelers - 11 Bras That Fit - 15
Caffé Azzurri - 61
Hillsdale Surgical Group - 68
Rooms At Grayfield - 57
Cavonies - 62
Hunt Club - 64
Rosalie’s Roadhouse - 63
Classic Cabinets - 21
International Diamond & Gold - 25
Sanders Insurance - 47
Classic Cuts - 23
Jigsaw Tutoring - 43
Saucy Dog - 65
CNB - 25
Jilly Beans - 62
Sensible Solutions - 28
Computer Services - 55
Johnny T’s - 61
Smile Photography - 39
Country Junction - 27
Katja Allen Day Spa - 55
Smith Flowers - 21
Country Loft - 49
Kelly’s Furniture - 9
Stillwells Ford Lincoln - 3
CR Motors -27
Kelseys - 23
Taylor Agency - 42
Dailey’s Carpet Cleanong - 57
Kimball Camp - 43
Theraputic Massage - 57
Days Inn - 15
Laura Loveberry - 45
Tilton Shoes - 21
Dog Trainer, In Home - 28
Laymans Service Center - 47
Toasted Mud - 45
Doncaster - 8
Leutheuser Motors - 66
Trevathans Sew & Vac - 42
Dr Desjarlais - 16
Lucas 300 - 49
Tuckers Water Conditioning - 45
Dr Robert MIller - 17
Maggie Anne Shoppe - 9
Twisted Salon - 29
Dr Michael Miller - 23
Margaritas - 64
Warner Family Restaurant - 63
Fender Mender - 59
Market House - 65
Woodstock Winery - 29
Ryan & Bradshaw - 45 Chestney Excavating In The Key - 43 54- 49 N. Howell • Hillsdale • 517-437-0095
FACEBOOK FREEBIES IS HERE!
stay connected with us: Facebook.com/simplyhers Receive exclusive offers, giveaways and V.I.P. status at special events!
Primitive Decor • Lodge & Cabin Decor • Handmade Soaps • Lotions & Shea • Candle • Natural Jute Rugs & Mats • Sweet Annie & Status • Fragrance Oils • Old Village Paints • Potpourri • Valance Tier Sets • Teas • Collectibles
Please Thank our
Spring
Open HOuSe Sat. March 17, 2012 (St patrick’S Day) 10aM to 3pM
WcSr Live
10:00aM tO nOOn
• “Luck of the IrIsh” drawIng $75 gIft certIfIcate & cd of IrIsh tunes • free homemade soap Bar to the fIrst 45 customers • servIng green tea puncH & SHaMrOck cOOkieS
Book Signing by Ginny Karoub, author of Mulberry Lane and numerous children’ books. Local author Russ McLogan, author of Boy Soldier with memorabelia display.
54 N. Howell • Hillsdale
517-437-0095
07
MAKE A STATEMENT
From the
editor
By Peggie Bildner Editor In Chief It seems like we were just saying ‘Happy New Year’ and already two months of 2012 have gone by! Always working in advance for the magazine seems to speed up life even more.
In this issue you will meet two young ladies that have already been through more challenges than some experience in a lifetime. As you read Tina and Dianna’s stories, I hope you will come to understand that every face of poverty has a personal history. My goal was not to exploit their pasts, but to inspire, with their hope for the future. I saw a post on Facebook that said, “If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world.” Something to think about…….
So how are those New Year’s resolutions going? My first one (laugh more) is easy- it helps to have an absolutely crazy husband and friends! The second one (move more) is a challenge every day. But I have managed to fit in a brisk walk more mornings than not! The third (to count my blessings) is easy when things are going good. The times when things aren’t going so well, test my resolve. But I try to remember that even on my worst days, there is still a lot to be thankful for! Here’s hoping your New Year is off to a good start- whatever that looks like for you!
THINK SPRING ~
Extraordinary AppArel for Extraordinary WoMeN
doncaster spring
trunk show Mon. April 9 - Fri. April 20
DoncaSter agency owner SuSan Cervini 139 Budlong St. | Hillsdale | (517)439-5840
scervini@sbcglobal.net
08
www.doncaster.com
Simply Hers magazine is published by and is the property of
Chestney Publishing Hudson, MI 49247
Visit us at www.simplyhers.net
Peggie
For information on how to submit story ideas, concerns or information on how to advertise, please contact
Marlanea Chestney 517-320-9235 marlanea@simplyhers.net
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
Joy
Their
spreaD a little
coupon is our coupon
517-437-0057 97 South Broad St. • hillSdale We offer personalized service and quality selections of mother of the bride and groom gowns. Whether it is long or short, formal or informal, modern or classic, we have them all!
StackableS Fresh, Fragrant & Fabulous spring arrangements DesigneD Daily!
The Plant Nook
F l or i s t 517-849-9262
411 Evans St • Jonesville
www.theplantnookflorist .com
Create your own style with these stackable rings. In an assortment of diamond weights, colors of gold, widths and designs, the creative combinations are endless.
Patty’s Apparel & bridal shoppe
RogeR Losey JeweLeRs
6 West Chicago St. • Quincy 517-639-7000 • www.pattysbridal.com
36 N Howell St., Hillsdale MI • (517) 437-4381
EENIE
MINEY
MEENIE
WOAH!
© 2011 Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.
March 1 – 13 only: Shoot From the Hip Crossbody For a limited time, this special style is yours for just $32. (Suggested Retail $38) Available in our new spring colors, including Island Blooms (shown).
Maggie anne’s (517) 439-1334 | 50 North Howell | Hillsdale | www.maggieanneshoppe.com Mon - Wed 10:00 - 5:30, Thurs & Fri 10-6 and Saturday 10-4 | www.facebook.com/MaggieAnnes
(517) 523-2178 | 9269 Hudson Rd. | Pittsford 09
CONTENT
40
FASHION 12 36 TRAVEL MICHIGAN Spring Trends
Got Mud?
BEAUTY 18 38 SHE’S GRADUATING
Beauty for Busy Women
How to Pay for College.
FOLLOWING SARA 20 40 TWO OF A KIND Bound for the Middle East
31 36
Local Twins Share
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 22 44 LIFE IS THE BERRIES Bed & Breakfast
Spots on the Dam Wall
ZONYA 26 46 OVER THE EDGE
Fitting in Fitness
I Did Not Tell A Lie... Right?
PETS 28 48 TURN THE PAGE
The Mystery of Frito Feet
Book and Author Reviews.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 30 50 HOME Tilton and Son Shoes
Imagine Something New.
BRIDGE OUT OF POVERTY 31 54 A TIME FOR PLANTING Finding the Path to Success
Katja Szarafinski
BACKYARD & BEYOND 34 56 S.O.S. Becoming an Outdoor Woman
Magazine Mayhem
58 AGING WITH ATTITUDE It is All About the Attitude
12 10
60 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT The Hammered Dulcimer
61 RECIPES 67 HOROSCOPES
50
ameriCan CountrY at its Best
Custom Designed Jewelry can be created just for you at Hillsdale Jewelers. CeleBrating 23 Years
Bretty’s AmericAn Period Lighting Folk Art • NAuticAl • lodge
www.brettys.com | Open Daily 10-5 | SunDay 12-5 | 517-849-2477
Shop two wonderful stores located 4 miles east of Jonesville on US 12
Hillsdale Jewelers
Chris Bahash Master Jeweler
77 N. Howell Street “The Wedge” Hillsdale, MI 49242 517-439-0100 | hillsdalejewelers.com
HILLSDALE BEAUTY COLLEGE Whether you’re choosing a first time career or your second time around Hillsdale Beauty College will help you reach your artistic, technical and lifestyle goals. No matter your age it’s never too late to explore the career of your dreams.
WeddINg JeWelry
doNe rIgHt!
CLASSES STARTING
Financial aid available For Those WhoQualiFy 64 Waldron St. Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-4670
www.hillsdalebeautycollege.com
Custom bands and so much more
AttendAnts Gifts / enGrAvinG services Let us help you find the perfect gift for your wedding party! Trinket boxes, personalized charms, cuff links and more.
Maribeth’s
Hillsdale Home Decor & more 517-439-0100 | hillsdalejewelers.com 10 North Howell Street • Hillsdale • 517-437-3113 Jewelers 77 N. Howell Street “The Wedge” Hillsdale
11
SPRING TRENDS
S
pring is finally here, time to put away the sensible shoes and wool coats. Ruffles, shirring and flirty feminine silhouettes are what is in order now. Time for neutral chocolate, chai and mocha with pops of amethyst for styling options that look chic and pulled a look together, day to evening. A new leaf has been turned in the fashion world and the latest trend of incorporating “Brights” back into the everyday wardrobe is possibly the biggest shift in quite some time. Cheerful golden rod and nectar balanced with beautiful basics like black, white and dove grey make everyday outfits sing with spring. The always chic pairing of black and white offers fresh and modern looks. Patterns, floral prints and graphic shapes are a perfect mix of flair for fashion forward, chicly-minded dressing. Classic Latin dressing elements have influenced pops of color and floral, giving way to fun, festive skirts and flowing tops. The Brights and Colorblocking trends take center stage with colors like lemondrop yellow and and clover green paisley. When paired with a black and white palette or with stripes they offer the option of the “mixing prints” trend.
12
Black also provides a base for a variety of options for the career minded consumer. Rich earth tones like dark chocolate and saddle blend with chino and ivory basics for a beautiful palette. Attention to detail is paramount on suiting trimmed in leather accents, eye-catching closures on gorgeous leather and tweed jackets. Pretty patterned ruffle elements on blouses and knits also pair back to suiting options, providing day to evening versatility. Color blocking combines a variety of easy-chic looks made for spring days. In wearable fabrics like denim, eyelet, cotton silk and waxed cotton, silhouettes are clean, simple and flattering. Pops of spearmint green and liberty blue blend with ivory for looks that speak to the modern style seeker. Colors abound in the It List group; full of fun, fashion forward separates that work together. In bright tones like lapis, flamingo and tangerine, these items are sure to get noticed. Whatever look you choose, demand your right to express yourself.
Cool
shades
Women’s Chiffon Tie-Front Maxi Dresses Regular Price $39.94 www.oldnavy.com
Lake Girl Sweatshirt
Kelseys Boutique, Brooklyn, 517-592-5032
Jag Midrise Jeans, $99
Coral Skinny Patent Bright, $24.00
Lindsey Phillips Tote Bag, $19 Boutiuqe De Joie, Adrian, 517-673-8307
Eastland Solstice Casual Shoe, $59
Maggie Anne Shoppe, Hillsdale, 517-439-1334
www.topshop.com
Tilton Shoes, Tecumseh, (517) 423-2150
Mudd® Crochet Dolman Cardigan, $40 www.kohls.com
Products and styles may vary.
13
funky Fashion
Designer Sunglasses
Gossage Eye Center, Hillsdale, 517-439-2020
Nikibiki Animal Print Dress 8 North, Hillsdale, 517-439-9888
Vera Bradley Wristlet, $26
Maggie Anne Shoppe, Hillsdale, 517-439-1334
14
Lindsey Phillips Red Ballet Snap, $21 Boutiuqe De Joie, Adrian, (517) 673-8307 Shellac Nail Color, $19
Beach House Salon, Quincy, 517-617-4455
Blu-Pepper Blouse
Maribeth’s, Hillsdale, 517-437-3113
Drop-Waist Halter Dress, $89 Kohls Stores, www.kohls.com
Lenny Eva Sentiment Bracelets Maribeth’s, Hillsdale, 517-437-3113
Perfect Fits.
www.hackerjewelers.com
Girls...
NEW!
Say Hello To The Future
Beautiful bras for every size at gorgeous prices.
The first NAIL polish gel hybrid
• On like polish • Wears like gel • Zero dry time • Mirror finish
Special $19 ( 25 $
00
value)
Easy On - Easy Off
Andrea Thompson - Nail Specialist For an engagement ring as different as you and her ...
20 N. Howell St. • Hillsdale • 517-437-4160
(517) 617-4455
Company Coming for EastEr?
let’s talk custom design.
Days Inn of Hillsdale
(517) 439-3297
3241 Carleton Rd. (M-99)
BrAS ThAT FiT
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm • Sat 10am -3pm 4114 Page Ave • Michigan Center 800-796-0977 | www.brasthatfit.net
One of S.E. Michigan’s largest selections of natural fancy colored diamonds. 888-659-8979 Downtown Tecumseh
we do GRAdUATIoNS!
Open SwIM DaIly 11am-7pm $ 7adult (+12yr) • $5children/Senior Recommended to bring your own towel Conference Room Available
ooh, la, la...
! t i e v o L Many new lines arriving!
THe ITemS you waNT wITH THe perSoNal aTTeNTIoN you deServe.
Wines Gourmet Cheeses Champagne Special Order Bakery Items
B e e r Ca ve • Wi n e s • C h e e s e s • D e l i • B a ke r y
Boutique de Joie
Join our Free Text Club for exclusive offers 55 N Broad St • Hillsdale • 517-439-1921
www.broadstreetdowntownmarket.com
Like us for Upcoming Events & Special Promotions
Clothier of Fine Apparel Accessories, Jewelry & Gifts 120 N. Main • Adrian • 517-673-8307 | Tu - Fr • 10 - 5:30 | Sat 10 - 3 or by Appt.
15
ProLipo Plus™ Watch your body take a new shape!
Laser Lipolysis with Sciton’s ProLipo Plus system is the new, minimally invasive way to remove fat! Laser Body Contouring Fat reduction with quick results and minimal downtime! • Very rapid results • Better smoothing and sculpting of tissue • Minimal down-time • Minimal bruising and discomfort • Faster treatment time • Comfortable and easy treatment • Better skin tightening
Evolving our Services to Meet Your Needs
We have discovered the foundation of youth. Lawrence
517.264.5603
2000 Curtis Road • Adrian 16
Desjarlais mD,pc
mD, FaaD
Board certified Dermatologist
FREE Consultation! www.drdesjarlais.com www.mdcosmeticdermatology.com
Ready for something new? Pure Romance has more new flavors, scents, and products than ever before!
by Tonya Ellenwood
Host a party and receive a FREE gift.
WHITE Tonya Ellenwood
517-610-3692 | www.tonyaellenwood.pureromance.com
sprIng
salE
Get 8-10 Shades Lighter in 1 HOUR with long lasting, safe results
Independent Senior Sales Director 100% satisfaction guarantee on purchase
17 Glendale Ave., Hillsdale 517-437-0662 clevack@sbcglobal.com
Nobody does
UP-dos
LIKE MINdy! She’s now offering a
Wedding Pa r t y SPecial...
1/2 o f f U P - D o
with the purchase o f a Fu l l s e t o f acr ylic or gel nails & Pedicure* *Some restrictions apply
Get a
today Flash your whitest, brightest smile this Call spring
for your with laser teeth whitening. Today’s state-of-the-art technology complimentary lets you reverse years of discoloration in less than 1 hour. consultation! Call today for a free consultation. Most Insurance Plans accePted eMergency servIces avaIlable
Christine A. Levack
RobeRt P. MilleR DDS 1 Budlong St., Hillsdale • 517.439.9394
call Mindy today at
Salon & Spa (517) 439-3900 | 390 Carleton Rd | Hilldale
We are welcoming new patients for eye exams and full optical services at both Hillsdale and Homer locations.
Your
Vision focus
Hillsdale Office HOurs
Mon - Thur. 8am - 5pm • friday 8am - 4 pm 50 W. Carleton Rd. • Hillsdale • 517-439-2020
is Our
HOmer Office HOurs
Mon - Thur. 9am - 4pm • Fri & Sat - closed 125 W. Main St. • Homer • 517-568-4411 Most major insurance plans accepted
17
Beauty Tips for Today’s
busy womAn
Women are juggling much more today than in years past. According to U.S. Census Bureau reports from 2002, 31 percent of married couples with children are two-income families, and many women are balancing work, family, social obligations, and additional activities. This can leave little time for personal grooming. However, looking your best doesn’t require a lot of time or money. In fact, by focusing on a few areas, you can put your best face forward despite being under a time crunch. 18
Select dual-purpose products.
Saving time can often mean using beauty products that serve more than one purpose. For example, a moisturizer that’s also a sunblock saves on the extra step of applying SPF. Some mineral powder products serve as a foundation and a oil-reducing finish coat. For women who want to skip a foundation, tinted moisturizers are also an option.
Invest in a good haircut.
Consult with a stylist who knows his or her stuff. Ask for recommendations on what cut will work for your facial shape, lifestyle and trends you desire. You want something that works for you and doesn’t require a lot of effort to achieve. For example, if you’re time-pressed and your ‘do requires 40 minutes of blow-drying every morning, it may not be practical for your situation. Work with your hair type instead of against it. Investing in a good cut is a beauty secret every woman should know.
Play up your eyes.
Bright eyes give the impression of being well-rested and healthy. If you spend time on anything in your beauty regimen, it should be adding some impact to your eyes, even if this just means using some mascara and applying a highlight under the browline and in the corners of the eyes. Don’t forget to cover under-eye circles if they are a problem.
Don’t overlook your hands.
Hands have a way of giving away your age. Many women who use age-defying products or enlist in the help of plastic surgery fail to realize that their hands can reveal their age. Always moisturize and care for your hands. Routine manicures can help tame cuticles and keep nails and hands in top form. Use sun protection on your hands to avoid wrinkling and age spots from sun exposure.
Whiten your teeth.
Putting a fresh-face forward also involves having a great smile. There are many inexpensive, over-the-counter whitening products that can lighten the shade of your teeth dramatically. They can be used while you’re taking care of other tasks, such as laundry or making dinner, maximizing your time.
19
Kelly Marshall, Mindy Sullivan and Sara (Armstrong) So
following sara Bound for the Middle East Submitted by Sara So Edited by Peggie Bildner Simply Hers Magazine
Good afternoon,
Feb. 16, 2012
I told you I’d contact you once things got started and they have finally kicked off. We arrived at our mobilization site this afternoon. We are stationed at Camp Shelby Mississippi for the next couple of months while we train up to leave. We’ll be here for a while because a few weeks ago our mission changed. Previously we were going to Kuwait to do a Security Force Mission, now we are going to Afghanistan to do a Police Mentorship mission. This is actually really exciting because as a Military Policeman this would be my choice of missions. Teaching our host countries Police and Military forces how to protect their own country so that we can withdraw and they will be able to protect themselves. Of course it means more training down here and was definitely a shock to my husband. Leaving this morning was difficult, you can have months to mentally prepare yourself to leave your loved ones for a year but when it actually comes time for that final hug you can never really prepare yourself for how bad it’s going to hurt. The idea of Afghanistan doesn’t really scare, the military has physically and mentally prepared me to be deployed to a combat zone for years, but they can’t really prepare you for how to prepare your life to just leave it. Packing for a year, putting your finances into order, 20
even just organizing your house. I mean you’re certainly not going to be using all your household things so what do you do with them? For me that was the hardest part, how do I prepare my family and my home for my absence? So basically what we will be doing for the next couple of months is training, all kinds from basic briefings on what the people will be like in Afghanistan to how to fire the BIG weapons, I also hope to make my Captain sometime this summer. I can’t tell you at this point where we will be going in Afghanistan as we are not authorized. I can tell that it’s not the most dangerous but it’s also a far cry from the safest. Either way, I trust in the abilities of the people around me and I know that we will be fine. I will email you again at some point down here before we leave. And once I have some, I will send you some pictures. 1LT Sara So Sara’s email highlights the reality of leaving the security of home, and loved ones behind. But you can also sense confidence in her training and enthusiasm for her chosen career. It’s reassuring to know we are in the hands of such capable, dedicated and selfless service men and women. Please keep Sara, and all of our troops, in your prayers. We’ll look forward to sharing future emails as they are received.
EEE EVERY occasion
Eastland ~ Walking CradlE ~ ElitE by Walking CradlE
PUT SOME
EasTER
in
BLOOM
Spring
IN YOUR STEP
t i lt o n & s on s
Available in a variety of styles and colors.
shoEs
www.tiltonshoes.com | 517-423-2150 | 134 E. Chicago St., Tecumseh
We promise to beat any competitor’s price with like products. w w w. c l a s s i c c a b i n e t s a n d i n t e r i o r s . c o m
Smith’s
Flower Shop 41 N Broad St Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-4485
www.smithsflowersmi.com
Cabinetry exclusive Merillat & Kraftmaid Countertops Hardware Design Consulting Lighting Flooring Remodeling 0% Financing Available
Amie
Jenna
Lisa
Craig
Ask About Our Guaranteed Low Prices!
118 W. C hi cago • Tecumseh • 517. 423. 2600 919 E . S outh S t. • Jackson • 517. 817. 5650 112 N . M ai n • Adrian • 517. 264. 1111
Love her in the kitchen?
Wait ‘til you see her in the rest of the house.
Hey y’all, I’m bringing my love of hospitality and comfort food to my new furniture collection for every room in your house with Paula Deen Home. Comfort has always been a big part of my life and home has always been my first love. Inspired by Savannah’s charm and my favorite pieces in my own home, there’s no better time that now to let these furnishings welcome your friends and family and bring comfort to your home.
HJ Gelzer & Son, inc 517-437- 3321 • 94 N. Howell • Hillsdale 21
“The better way to stay”
Area members of the Southern Michigan Bed and Breakfast Assosication invite you to discover the offerings of alternative lodging in the region. By Aimee England Simply Hers Magazine
Staying at a local Bed and Breakfast Inn (B & B) offers the weary traveler a relaxing change of pace from the usual Plain Jane hotel room along the road. Members of the SMB&BA offer many unique amenities that a normal hotel stay often lacks. One of the great aspects of staying at an area B & B is the personal service. Mike Venturini who operates the Munro House B & B in Jonesville, MI and a past president of the association stated that one of the major reasons travelers should choose a B & B over a chain motel is the personal service lodgers receive during their stay. Rather than just being handed a key and left on your own to find local attractions, the innkeepers of the SMB&BA strive for that extra special personal touch, not found along highways, but rather along they byways of Southern Michigan. Many B&B’s are located in small towns that have no other formal lodging prospects, which give the innkeepers an opportunity to focus on the guests,providing specialized attention at each individual B &B. Potential travelers are put off by the idea that a B&B is more costly than the average hotel stay- and while they may have slightly higher room rate, the luxurious amenities offered and personal service make any B &B Stay worthwhile. Those choosing to stay at B &B are not just looking for a place to sleep and shower, they are seeking out an experience- whether it is rest and relaxation, or historic exploration, B &Bs offer so much more than just a place to crash. B&Bs are great choices for those looking for a different kind of getaway- whether it’s romance or a pampered weekend to escape with the girls. The area B&Bs offer packages for all sorts of events- anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and even life events such as funerals. While most tend to think of staying at a B&B is for couples, in reality, they offer a unique space for family members who have lost a loved one to come together in a more private setting rather than to be separated in rooms at a basic hotel. Some B&Bs even offer bereavement rates for families in their time of need.
22
While there can be many reasons to choose a B&B for your stay, one of the tastier sides is often the food. Imagine a home cooked, gourmet 5 course breakfast with Belgian Waffles, fresh fruit, omelets or even something you’ve never had before. Venturini says to be “adventurous’ about what foods are served as some of the best gourmet chefs double as innkeepers and pride themselves on their signature breakfasts. Innkeepers can also direct you to the local fine dining establishments, and often because a local innkeeper has a relationship with the owners of area restaurants guests are all but guaranteed extra special service and attention.
If you are planning a stay at a area B& B there are some things to consider to help you choose the ideal place to stay. Are you looking for a place you can get away from it all and be pampered to you’re hearts content? Or, do you desire to get out and about and explore area historical attractions? Typically, a B&B owner will have a good working relationship with local businesses such as massage therapists, salons or museums and other places of entertainment. Check with the B& B that looks interesting to you to see what packages are available for guests . Unlike hotels and motels, area B&B rates stay the same throughout the year, are not subject to fluctuation when there is a community event such as a MIS race, or College Parents weekend. Consider booking your stay during the week when rates may even be less due to the slow down in travel. (the average rates in the SMB&BA are $99-$219 a night depending your room choice/package) While most area B& Bs are in homes that were built more than 75 years ago, or even earlier, like the Munro House in Jonesville which was built in 1834. They offer many modern day luxuries such as Satellite TV for watching the big game, free wireless internet, and jacuzzis in many rooms. While the B&Bs offer modern amenities –guests have amazing opportunities to sleep in rooms where famous folks once rested their heads, or dine from china once used by royalty, or visit a station on the Underground Railroad during your stay, such unique touches are not part of the usual motel stay. Some of the various packages offered at the area B&Bs are include the following options- Theater Tickets, Sleigh and Carriage Rides, Flowers and Chocolate, Movie Nights, Massage and Spa, Dinner and Restaurant packages, Bereavement packages and Wedding packages. Venturini said that the Munro House is gaining popularity as wedding location since he’s started offering his $1000 wedding package- which includes the site, flowers, ceremony, and reception for 20 people and a 2 night stay for the happy couple. Also offered at other area B&Bs are craft nights, and scrapbooking packages. Veturini says that he loves his job because he gets to live one of the coolest old houses in town and has the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.” Venturini says that the Munro has served guests from all 50 states and 64 countries so far. It is advisable to call ahead for reservation at any of the local B&BS and to check for Pet friendly inns.
Life Can Hurt... We Can HELP!
TreaTing more Than The PAIN
Albion Heritage
517 E.Michigan Ave., Albion, MI 49224; 517-629-3550 www.albionheritage.com
Quigley’s Log Home B&B
8450 Acker Hwy., Hudson, MI 49247; 517-448-1057 www.bbonline.com/mi/ quigleysloghome.com
Munro House B & B
202 Maumee St., Jonesville, MI 49250 800-320-3792 www.munrohouse.com
Barrett Place B&B 308 S. Barrett St, Niles, MI 49120 269-683-2518 www.thebarrettplace.com
Dewey Lake Manor 11811 Laird Rd., Brooklyn, MI 517-467-7122 www.deweylakemanor.com
Voyager’s Inn B & B
210 East St., Three Rivers, MI 49093 269-279-9260 www.voyagers-inn.com
Rooms at Grayfield
310 W. Chicago St., Jonesville, MI 49250 517- 849-9580 www.roomsatgrayfield.com
Muscle strain is common in the spring. It might be a results of too much pressure on the muscles during pursuits like contact sports, heavy lifting as well as doing day-today tasks. Muscle strain has many symptoms, like pain whilst the sufferer is at rest, or pain when a specific joint related to the pulled muscle is utilized. Likewise, there’s swelling, bruising or open cut near the affected area. Muscle strain can also be seen as weakness of the tendons or muscles, or the complete inability to utilize pulled muscle. In treating muscle strain, chiropractors enroll in the normal treatment formula of RICE meaning sufficient rest, putting on ice, compression, and elevating the injured or involved area. This treatment formula is needed through the initial few days of the injury.
108 W. Erie St., Albion, MI 49224; 517-629-0001 www.palmerhouseinnbnb.com
Boutique & Gifts
517-592-5032 |122 N. Main Street | Brooklyn
Resting allows the muscle strain to recover particularly when used with ice to reduce symptoms such as pain, inflammation and bleeding. Rest can go as short as 5 days to weeks, according to the extent of the injury. Wrapping the affected region in a bandage can be required in increasing the healing and recovery period. Chiropractic care for muscle strain is safe and non-invasive. Chiropractic care comes with chiropractic techniques like joint manipulation, ice and warm therapy, electrical muscle stimulation and ultrasound. Chiropractors also recommend that their patients dealing with muscle strain perform stretching and strengthening exercises to hasten their recovery. Chiropractic exercises not only accelerate the recovery from muscle strain but in addition make sure that patients will have stronger, more flexible muscles that may prevent future injuries.
WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK! • Enhanced Range of Motion • Painless & Extremely Effective
Offering bOth cOmputerized and manual adjusting
Palmer House Inn
For One-of-A-Kind Finds visit ...
MillER ChiROpRACTiC MiChAEl MillER D.C. 325 Reading Ave | Jonesville, MI | (517) 849-7911
Cellulite Reduction. Microcurrent. Chemical Peels. Body Wraps. Eyelash Extensions. Sclerotherapy
Robert Reese Lashes Full Set $99
The staff at Classic Cuts Plus are here to assist in your transformation. From hair and makeup to anti aging solutions. Call today to schedule your consultation.
Classic Cuts Plus
Salon & Spa
38 McC ollum St | Hills dale | (517)437-0302
23
Annual Exams for Women Dr. Alfred Bediako
Y
start by building a relationship with a doctor you can trust.
our ob-gyn will deal with some of the most important health issues in your life, including birth control, childbirth, and menopause. An ob-gyn can also screen for cancer, treat infections, and perform surgery for pelvic organ or urinary tract problems. Because ob-gyns deal with such personal and sensitive health issues, the thought of seeing one, especially for the first time, may be troubling to some women. You might be nervous or embarrassed at having a doctor see the most private parts of your body. OrDr. you may be reluctant to discuss your most Alfred Bediako intimate issues with an ob-gyn.
Gynecologists (AcOG) recommends that girls have their first ob-gyn visit when they’re 21 years old or they become sexually active, whichever comes first. The first visit for teens may just include a talk with the doctor and no exam.
if you are sexually active, the doctor might also test you for sexually transmitted diseases (sTDs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and hiV. To test for sTDs, the ob-gyn will take a swab of tissue during the pelvic exam and/or check blood tests.
monthly menstration Your appointment will usually start with a general health check. The nurse will weigh you and take your blood pressure. You may have blood and urine tests done, too.
Your ob-gyn should also do a breast exam to check for any lumps or other abnormalities.
TAlkinG TO YOur OB-GYn What Every Woman Needs to Know. By Dr. Alfred Bediako
Your ob-gyn will probably start by asking you use your annual ob-gyn appointment as some general questions about your personal and an opportunity to ask questions. Even if your family health history. A nurse or other health questions seem intimate or embarrassing, you can professional might stay in the room with you and To take the dread out of your annual be sure that your doctor has heard them before. the ob-gyn for the pelvic exam. appointments, it is imperative that you find an it’sand Ok your to ask Gynecologist about your periods, sex, or whatever ob-gyn you feel with. Youoffice wouldn’t With this view in mind you can discuss and This is a topic in comfortable the Gynecologist’s that is always spoken you wantaccording to know about yourlifestyle reproductive health. The doctor the outside wantby to both trust just sensitive manipulate yourof menstrual cycle to your as far as about the anyone young with and the old.most To some it is a “mystery” andwill to first examine your vagina for abnormalities. The doctor will and childbearing for instance, is concerned. The partsaofpure your“nuisance”. body. That’s why you need to think schooling, working others Your ob-gyn should also you a lotwithout of then examine your reproductive organs from carefully about your choice of an ob-gyn. Don’t menstruation couldthe be temporarily suppressed forask instance, questions. These questions might get very inside. Your ob-gyn will causing also examine the walls of resumed just randomly a doctor’s off your perception health a disease and at appropriate times. When we trace pull history aboutname the human of menstruation personal, but your doctor needs to know the the vagina and cervix. list. one’s Get a referral friend, family oneinsurance may drop jaw in from utteraastonishment: answers to carein forthe youchildbearing properly. remember member, or your primary care provider. Remember that the majority of women age may that your ob-gyn is your in reproductive A new pap test is often done during pelvic exam. have nothe problems or difficulties associated withpartner their menstruation Pliny in 23 AD wrote... Contact with it (menses) turns wine carry on that partnership issues by making Your ob-gyn will removebut a sample cells from thathealth. WhAT ExpEcTby DurinG OB-GYn VisiTs makeofno mistake there are severe, debilitating thatand sour... cropsTO touched it become barren... keeping your annual appointments. in between your cervix using a smallmany brush. others Those cells will be with experience their menstruation to the extent that visits,their let your doctor if you have any new sent to aalab and checkedwithout for cervical cancer intervention and Whenwrote... should you seeing an ob-gyn? medical lives mayknow be compromised. Aristotle Thatstart a menstruating woman could dull mirror problems. otherbe abnormalities. TheaAmerican Obstetricians and with look, andcongress the nextofperson to look into it would bewitched. No wonder I dropped a tear when my daughter had her first menstruation... it was the flash in my mind of all my difficult The physiologic truth about menstruation is that it is one of the discussions with some of my patients. complex preparatory steps towards conception. A woman sees her menses ONLY because she did not become pregnant in her See your Gynecologist and understand your menstruation. preceding cycle. This is a simplified concept of menstruation. Therefore, the blood that a woman loses with each cycle or every month is “pure” good blood and has no “disease or toxins” to be thrown out of her body contrary to some beliefs.
st u r T
Obstectric Care You Can
are your health center serving female health needs We We are your health center serving youryour female health needs pre-conception to birth beyond. mission fromfrom pre-conception to birth andand beyond. OurOur mission is tois to provide patients with a high level of obstetric and gynecologic provide patients with a high level of obstetric and gynecologic using proven, effective methods as well as innovative carecare using proven, effective methods as well as innovative advanced technologies in a skilled and caring manner. advanced technologies in a skilled and caring manner. 24
HILLSDALE hillsDAlE Dr. AlfreD BeDiAko
Dr. AlfreD 517-437-5390• 1711 S Hillsdale Rd. • BeDiAko Hillsdale 517-437-5390• 1711 S Hillsdale Rd. • Hillsdale
Classic selections and INTERNATIONAL new jewelry DIAMOND trends
Classic selections and new jewelry trends For classic jewelry selections and the newest trends, head to International Diamond in Adrian.
For classic jewelrysays. selections and the “It is a great feeling to know you are providing Pandora bracelets and head newest trends, to that International someone an heirloom accessories are still among Diamond Adrian. quality piece of jewelry the hottest giftin items, says that will last a lifetime and manager Chuck Jacobson, Pandora bracelets are beand passedaccessories down through who describes Pandora as generations.” “this generation’s charm still among the hottest gift items, says bracelet.” The bracelets are threaded withChuck a variety ofJacobson, Finally, customers want manager who may describes charms, often representing to be aware of International Pandora as “this generation’s things with meaning Diamond’s goldcharm buying to the wearer, making program. In addition to bracelet. ” The bracelets are threaded Pandora a gift that’s easy to offering high prices for goldwith personalize. items, the store gives double a variety of charms, often representing value for customers who International is want to exchange theirmaking gold things withDiamond meaning to the wearer, also proud to have one of for store credit. the largest bridal collections Pandora a gift that’s easy to personalize. INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND in the area, most of which is 995 S. Main Suite A, Adrian International Diamond isSt.,also proud made completely in the U.S. 517-265-9800 “We have more control www. internationaldiamondadrian.com toover have oneputofintothe the quality the largest bridal collecjewelryin andthe it allows us to most of which is made tions area, give a free lifetime warranty with all of our bridal completely in the U.S. purchases,” Jacobson “We have more control over the quality put into the jewelry and it allows us to give a free lifetime warranty with all of our bridal purchases,” Jacobson says. “It
25
Zonya Foco is a TV host, author and professional speaker. Visit www.Zonya. com for healthy tips, recipes and her new DIET FREE lifestyle program.
By Zonya Foco, RD, CHFI Simply Hers Magazine
Fitting in Fitness
Yes. Even YOU can find time to exercise by following these helpful tips
H
ow is it that people who can never find time to exercise can always find time to eat? You may find it interesting to learn that there are 336 thirty-minute time segments in EVERY week. You need ONLY 3 to 5 of these time segments each week for exercise. This requires less than 5% of your time each week! While eating, on the other hand, takes much more time – and we always find time for that! Exercising Consistently: How to Make Your Good Intentions Come True! If you are just getting into an exercise routine, it’s important to establish positive feelings of accomplishment, so you will want to continue and be consistent.
WEEK 1 Try starting with only 5 minutes* of easy exercise, but do it 5 times that week. Try marching in place in front of the TV or spinning on your exercise bike. (Keep your intensity low.) You can always find 5 minutes! What’s important is to do it 5 times per week. Do it at the same time each day, which will become your routine exercise time. *If you are particularly fit, you can start with 10 minutes, but not more. The point is NOT to do all you are physically capable of doing, but rather to establish the concrete habit for CONSISTENCY. Most people agree that consistency is the hardest part! WEEKS 2, 3, 4 and 5 How does it feel to have exercised 5 times last week? Pretty good, huh? Now, over the next 4 weeks, increase your exercise time up to 7 minutes, then 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30. Keep your intensity fairly low. Be sure to keep up 5 times a week! WEEK 6 Now, don’t you feel GREAT having exercised 5 times a week for 5 weeks? Congratulations! Now you’re ready to add intensity. Increase your walking speed or turn up the resistance on the stationary bike. Be sure to complete your exercise with stretching! The benefits of lifting weights are endless! Helps fight off osteoporosis. Raises your metabolism (muscle burns more calories than fat does). Helps you lose inches, look firmer and feel great. Helps reverse the aging process. Try an exercise video or DVD on for size Collage Video offers a free catalog of hundreds of the best exercise videos on the planet with complete descriptions. They even boast that their telephone video consultants have used the tapes themselves, so they can
26 26
tell you the details! Call Collage Video at 800-433-6769 and ask for their free catalog entitled “The Complete Guide to Exercise Videos” or better yet, visit their Web site at www.collagevideo.com where you can search options by type and view 30 seconds of each one right online. Don’t let the weather dictate your success Always have a back-up plan for nasty weather. If the weather is nice, I walk, jog, rollerblade or ride my bike. If not, I work out indoors on an exercise machine or to an exercise video. Develop a plan that works best for you. Arriving home starved: What to do If you arrive home starved, you’ll need something to hold you over until dinnertime. For a snack that’s great exercise fuel, it’s hard to beat a piece of fruit or glass of fruit juice. Or try a few crackers, 1/2 a bagel or 2 rice cakes. Be sure to chase it with a glass of water. This will give you energy and valuable hydration until dinnertime, while holding off hunger throughout your workout. Don’t let house guests cramp your exercise routine Why not invite them to join you? Make an early morning walk followed by a nutritious breakfast part of a perfect visit. It’s amazing what a positive impact you can have on your family and friends! Likewise, if you are the guest, look for opportunities to get your exercise in. Even if you go by yourself, it can provide a break for you and your host. A new way to get your quota Long gone are the days that you MUST exercise 30-40 minutes NONSTOP to receive the benefits. Studies show that breaking your 30- to 40-minute exercise into 3 or 4 separate 10-minute segments has the same cardiovascular AND weight-loss benefits. Now there is additional good news from the University of Pittsburgh, where researchers determined that at the end of 6 months, women on the short-bout program exercised 30 more minutes per week than the longbout exercisers. That’s an extra day’s worth! They also lost 2 pounds more on average. Obviously 10 minutes here and there is easier to stick to! Also keep in mind: 10 minutes doesn’t work up enough of a sweat to require a shower. Frequent 10-minute exercising breaks will do wonders for alleviating stress!
2005 KZ Sportsman 32’ Fifth-Wheel—$12,500
• 16 ft Awining • AC/Heat • Sleeps 7-8 • 4 Bike Rack • Storage • CD Player 2005 KZ Sportsman • AC/DC/Propane • Super-Slide Out32’ Fifth-Wheel—$12,500 • Bathroom w/Shower • New TiresReading, & More MI Fifth-Wheel description and accessories
• Overall Description-Super-slide slide-out with awning, 16ft Awning, Ducted AC and Heat, AC/DC/Propane, spare tire, new battery and new tires in 2010. Wood Primitives, • Kitchen appliances- refrigerator and freezer, microwave,Barn 3-burner Hand Poured Soy Candles, propane stove top, propane oven, double sink. New Country & • Sleeping Space-4 twin size bunk beds, 1 queen size bed, fold out couch Primitive Home Decor, (full size bed). Sleeps 7 to 8 people. Wreaths, Garlands • Bathroom- Shower, toilet, sink, mirror and cabinet. an 32’ Fifth-Wheel—$12,500 517-283-3622 Dayrack, lots of storage, built in CD& More! • Other accessories- 4-bike player / Radio.
517-398-0647 - After 6:30PM Reading, MI If you are interested, please contact us at: vgdieterle@dmcibb.net
9009 W. Chicago Rd. | Allen, Michigan | 517-869-2705
Visit us at the Allen Antique Mall escription and accessories 517-283-3622 daytime or 517-398-0647 after 6:30PM.
lide slide-out with awning, 16ft Awning, Or e-mail us at vgdieterle@dmcibb.netDuplex al als new battery and new C/Propane, spare Renttire, Commerci ses in pictures because it is currently winterized) *(Slide out isHnot ouextended Home Apartments
ator and freezer, microwave, 3-burner oven, double sink. anted ers/Renters W eow mfold bunk beds, 1 queen size outncouch Hobed, rance ustworthy insu people. or Honest and tr er n eow s and/ nk, mirror and cabinet.agency looking for hom , ey on m ve sa t be willing to ck, lots of storage, built re in nt CDerplayer / Radio. s. Mus avoiding
ct us at:
8-0647 after 6:30PM.
d be open to feel secure an daches. insurance hea
bb.net
Spring is here...
SpRing CAR ChECK
129.00
$
✔ Engine check ✔ Coolant flush ✔ Oil change ✔ Battery check
✔ Exhaust system test ✔A/C system test ✔Brake inspection ✔Tire Rotation
Front End Alignment
Only $59.95
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Ask About Our
$15.00
OiL ChAngE SpECiAL Transmission Service Only $129.95
Flush transmission with 16 quarts of new fluid.
Vehicle Safety inspection Only $79.95
Checking the following...
Brakes • All Lights All Fluid Levels • Tire Tread & Condition • Road Test Vehicle
ntly winterized)
Having the right insurance agent is imperative in any relationship.
“Protecting your dreams.”
Clint Barrett
800-451-0717
125 W. Chicago, Jonesville | 849-1000 www.barrettins.com
Quality Service and Fair Prices Always Guaranteed oil changes • tune-ups • emissions • fuel injection • belts & hoses • engine checks • inspections • fluid flushes • shocks & struts • electrical • transmissions • air conditioning • radiators • tires • steering • brakes • exhaust • heating • leak repair • brake service
CR MOTOR SALES 5180 S. Meridian Rd. • Hudson
517-448-2741• 877-814-5337 27
THE MYSTERY BEHIND “FRITO FEET” “Frito feet.” Many dog owners are aware of this condition, but few likely know its origins. Although most people don’t go around sniffing a dog’s paws, individuals who come in regular contact with dogs might have noticed dog feet sometimes smell like stale popcorn or corn chips. The condition has thusly been dubbed “Frito feet,” a reference to the popular brand of corn chip snacks. Pet owners are often concerned about foul odors coming from their dogs simply because odor can be a signal of an infection. Therefore, veterinarians are often questioned about the corn chip smell on paws. The consensus behind the Frito feet is that it is largely caused by bacteria and fungi. Dog’s feet are in constant contact with the ground, which is full of microorganisms. In addition, dogs cool off by panting and sweating through the pads of their feet. The combination of moisture and bacteria that builds up in the fur of the feet and between the pads can contribute to the nutty, popcornlike or corn chip aroma. Essentially it’s a form of doggy B.O. If the minor odor is all that is present, most vets will tell you it’s nothing with which to be concerned. If the smell is accompanied by licking or biting at the paws, limping, lumps, blood, or swelling of the feet, there could be a more significant problem that will need to be promptly addressed. There could be a Jodi domestic short hair female
Feet alone are not the only places on dogs that may become malodorous. Routinely check dogs’ ears for buildup or odor, which indicates an infection. Also, bad mouth odor can mean dental decay and disease. ELVIS TERRIER MIX MALE Elvis has not left the building, but he would sure love to! Elvis gets along well with other pets and loves children of all ages.
Tixx is a pretty Boxer mix. She has just had a litter of pups and is probably looking forward to a new forever home.
Greater Hillsdale Humane Society 3881 S Tripp Rd • Osseo • 517-523-2308 www.petfinder.com/49266
Humane Society of branch county 969 Wildwood Rd • quincy • 517-639-4426 www.petfinder.com/49082
carpet a little Winey?
Spring Special only $110
28
Pet parents who can live with the popcorn smell should not be overly concerned. However, when bathing the dog, spend extra care washing the paws and between the pads to remove extra dirt and sweat. For dogs with long hair that grows between the pads, such as shaggy breeds, consider trimming the fur short on the underside of the paws so less dirt will become trapped.
TIXX BOXER MIX FEMALE
Jodi & her sister Juliet came to the shelter on 10/11/11. Jodi & Juliet are wonderful, loving kittens. They are very social with other kittens & do very well with people.
any room combination up to 500 sq ft
foreign object caught in between the pads, like a pebble or grass burr. There also may be a small cut.
SenSible SolutionS Carpet Cleaning (517) 260-1554
Lenawee Humane Societ y
705 W. Beecher St. • Adrian • (517) 263-9111
www.lenhumanesoc.org
Home Dog Training
Sean Nowicki Behavior Specialist & Former K-9 Officer
2 Hours of Training With Us, A Lifetime of Happiness with Your Dog! Call In Home Dog Trainer at
877-223-1869
www.InHomeDogTrainer.com serving southern Michigan
Nicole Homminga , ReAnn Newsom, Sarah Jackson
BPU ... Giving Power
Quality is not in the name, but in the workmanship
you the
to save money Did You Know
a 1/2 inch garden hose can spew more than 600 gallons of water in one hour.
We’re Armed And
Try this...
look AmAzing
Prevent pests naturally rather than use chemical laden pest control products, chase garden critters away naturally by weeding often, making nontoxic pesticides and filling your garden with a variety of pest-resistant plants
COLOR • PERM • UP-DO • NAILS
Did You Know
reAdy to help you
517-283-3584 • 800-934-2500
Gift certificates | Walk ins welcome
Twisted
hair Salon
The average home contains as much as 100 pounds of hazardous household waste (HHW) such as paints, oil, batteries, and pesticides. Contact your local environmental, health or solid waste agency to find out where to dispose of HHW.
402 W Chicago Rd | Jonesville | (517) 849-9072
Try this...
Life is to short to Drink BaD Wine
asphalt paving Asphalt Repair • Milling Asphalt Curbing • Crack Repair Infrared Repair • Resurfacing Seal coating • Line Striping
Seal air ducts. ten to 30% of your home’s conditioned air escapes from air ducts. Properly sealing air ducts results in cleaner air and can save up to $140 in energy costs annually
Did You Know Ceiling fans don’t just provide cooling comfort from summer heat, they also reduce your energy bills. Ceiling fans can save as much as 40% on summer cooling costs by making a room feel up to 8 degrees cooler, so you can turn up the thermostat. When shopping for a new ceiling fan, be sure to look for one with the energy star label, it will be approximately 50% more efficient than basic units and move 20% more air.
Check out our new website at www.hillsdalebpu.com and analyze your usage with our energy calculators.
Beers | Wines |Liquors
WOODSTOCK WINE & CHEESE 517-547-7522
us-223 at Devils Lake Hwy. Devils Lake www.woodstockwineandcheese.com
FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES
serving most of southern michigan family owned & operated www.belsonasphaltpaving.com belsonasphalt@core.com COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL
45 Monroe St HillSdale (517) 437-3387 customerservice@hillsdalebpu.com
5651 Bankers rd • reading
29
TILTON AND SONS Shoes
Poviding Fashion and Comfort By Deb Wuethrich Simply Hers Magazine
The well-stocked store is for the whole family, but one of the most important things Tilton & sons Shoes in Tecumseh has to offer women is what they most want: comfortable shoes. “What we can offer them is comfortable, fashionable shoes,” says Gladys Tilton, who owns the store with her husband, George (Bud), and sons Tim and Todd. “Gals like a good looking, nice fitting shoe, but they also want it fashionable.”
“We have customers who come from great distances because we carry what they want,” said Gladys. She looks forward to meeting shoppers who come to Tecumseh for lunch and who take the time to browse the city’s unique shops while there, and Mondays are a big day for such visitors.
Tim who is the store manager, says Tilton & Sons has an inventory of over 5,600 pairs of shoes in many styles and colors.
“Tecumseh is such a unique town, it’s become a destination town,” she said. “I don’t think there’s another place around quite like it.”
“Tim is the backbone of the store and he has a tremendous amount of knowledge,” said Gladys. Todd, who has a Bachelor’s degree in business, is more behind the scenes. “Todd helps us with the computer work and takes care of the taxes and such,” Gladys said.
Tilton & Sons Shoes also participates in the city’s special events, such as a recent Ice Sculpture Festival, and an upcoming Divas at Dusk event to be held March 22, from 6-9 p.m. where shoppers find treats, giveaways and special bargains throughout the downtown. They also hold their own President’s Day sale annually with sales from 6-9 a.m., and people from all over visit their tent sale during summer sidewalk days.
The family has owned the store for 17 years, opening as Tilton & Sons on Nov. 14, 1994. “Bud always wanted to own a retail business, so when we saw an ad in the paper looking for someone to operate a family shoe store, we responded,” Gladys said. She is a retired nurse, and Bud retired from the propane business, so they had to learn the business from the ground up. They kept on staff members who had worked in the shoe store on premises prior to theirs, and learned the ropes. “These women have been our mentors,” Gladys said. One of the biggest challenges, she said, is staying in step with fashion trends and meeting customers’ needs before they know they have them. “We do big buys in Livonia twice a year, and we have to buy for the season ahead; to anticipate trends and stay within budget at the same time is really hard,” she said. “We look to our shoe reps to guide us, but it’s also anticipating the needs of our customers that we have come to know. I’ll sometimes buy with a certain person in mind.”
30
Tilton & Sons Shoes has a wide variety of women’s shoes in sizes 5-13, and also carries a lot of narrows, which some women have a difficult time finding.
“Divas have their escorts during Divas at Dusk, too,” said Gladys. There’s a second event each September. “We see quite a few men in the store that night as well.” Tilton & Sons also carries such items as Donna Sharp purses, belts, a wide array of socks, children’s rain slickers and Robeez baby shoes. “We’re always looking for something new and different,” Gladys said. The store recently added a line of women’s shoes made by New Balance for women who stand a lot and have problematic feet. Even in winter, there are a few “summery shoes” like sandals on display. “We have customers heading south or going on a cruise,” said Gladys. “We’re all about having what our customers need and want.” Tilton & Sons is located at 134 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh, and is open Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30, Sat. 9-5, with extended hours by appointment and during special events. To reach them call 517.423.2150 or email tiiltonshoes@d-pcomm.net.
Meet the
Neighbors
BRIDGES POVERTY OUT OF
By Peggie Bildner - Simply Hers Magazine
makers. Citing numerous cities where the Bridges concepts have been successful, Elizabeth emphasizes they work best when the entire community is involved. The second tier of the program is the “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin’ By World”, which is a class designed to help people trapped in poverty create their own path to a stable and secure life. Small groups meet in two hour sessions for fifteen weeks, analyze their own circumstances and create individual action plans towards a future vision. The curriculum is designed to give them the knowledge and tools to help them work their way out of poverty. It’s about developing personal resources: financial, mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. (See accompanying stories about Tina and Dianna, graduates of the class.)
A
fter hearing about a program called Bridges Out of Poverty, Elizabeth Hermann researched it on the internet. Wanting to become educated so the concepts could be implemented locally, in October of 2010 Elizabeth traveled to Albuquerque for a four day training and certification. She has since attended two national conferences and has been re-certified.
The Bridges Out of Poverty steering committee is passionate about making people aware of these programs and making policy changes that will have a long term, positive impact on the Hillsdale community. The committee encourages community members and organizations to consider attending a Bridges Out of Poverty workshop, sponsoring a “Getting Ahead Program” and/or incorporating the Bridges concepts and strategies into their goals. With the loss of United Way, the need for organizations to sponsor a workshop is even more critical. For more information or to get involved, please contact Elizabeth Hermann, 517-287-5893 or email her at intercultural@comcast.net.
Bridges Out of Poverty uses a three part approach to reach 1) the individual, 2) agencies, institutions and businesses and 3) the community. It is designed to stimulate proactive and innovative approaches to address poverty in a comprehensive way. Poverty is the extent to which an individual does without resources. The basic concept of the Bridges Out of Poverty program is not to be another band-aid, but rather a bridge to these resources; empowering rather than enabling. Bridges Out of Poverty encourages politicians, city planners, economic development boards, chambers of commerce, schools, service agencies and volunteer programs to develop strategies and resources that will make our community sustainable. Under the auspices of the Hillsdale County United Way (now defunct), the first Bridges Out of Poverty workshop was held in January of 2011 for the general public. Since then, two more workshops have been held and approximately one hundred local people from churches, agencies and service clubs have been trained in the Bridges concept. As a basic tool, they offer a one day workshop for community members to explore and better understand the real-life experience of people in poverty. The program directs participants towards identifying ways to build necessary personal and community resources. They believe that for people to escape poverty there must be bridges to those resources as well as mentors and a support network within the community. The workshop addresses the challenge of building community sustainability with jobs, resources, and a vision of the future. Although the program has realized some success with churches and service clubs, they are still desperately trying to reach employers and policy
“Bridges Out of Poverty and Getting Ahead are real, practical, doable and necessary for halting the downward spiral Hillsdale County has been in. And with neighbors helping neighbors and all of us working together for the common good, good things will grow out of the efforts.” ~ Nancy DeBacker, Executive Director of the Alpha Omega Women’s Care Center
This message brought to you by these community minded businesses SIMPLY HERS S im ply He rs JAN/FEB 2011
Frank Beck Chevrolet
32
170 E South St Hillsdale 800-624-8296
3750 W. Carleton Rd Hillsdale (517) 849-2886
WA RNER’ S
FREE
Empowering Today’s
Women
FAMILY RESTAURANT Leader in shower products Hillsdale, MI
517-437-3949 3380 Beck Rd • Hillsdale
WINTER FUN FOR EVERYONE
WEIGHING YO U R
A Word For
OPTIONS
The
Wise WISEwomen
Offer FREE
Mammogram
AND MORE
s
THE HEALING POWER
OF TOUCH
39 31
the bridge of hope
Tina’s Story By Peggie Bildner Simply Hers Magazine
What does ‘poverty’ look like? Probably the first vision that comes to mind is that of a homeless man on the street corner. Or maybe it’s the child (usually from a far away country) with the distended belly and sad eyes. But look a little closer and you will discover that poverty can look like the young family sitting next to you in church, the woman waiting in the doctor’s office with her children, or even the gray-haired couple in line at the grocery store. In the mid-90’s, Tina (Martinez) Burr of Hillsdale became one of the statistics of poverty. Raised in a mid-to-upper class, two parent, two income home, she recalls a “great childhood” with “awesome parents.” But even with that, she was anxious to be on her own and with a streak of independence, left home at age 17. Tina attended college for almost two years, during which time she gave birth to a son. The baby’s father was not in the picture, but she received a lot of support from her parents. When she found a good employment opportunity, she left college believing herself to be at the beginning of a career path. It was when the job fell through about three years later, that Tina says she now realizes, “I lost my way.” In 1999, Tina met her husband, Fred. He had come from a different background and had a troubled past. When Tina decided to make a life with him, her parents were concerned with her choices. But after Tina and Fred had a baby daughter together, she was even more determined to be with him and to be a family. Not wanting to uproot her son’s stability, she allowed him to stay in his grandparent’s care. At this point, Tina was working and even though she was making a “decent” paycheck, it was their only income. Fred struggled to find work. They could not get enough money together to get an apartment so they ended up homeless, sometimes staying in a motel room. As the situation got more and more critical, Tina kept asking for pay advances just to keep a room and have a little food. Eventually, it got to the point where on payday not only was there no paycheck, but she would actually owe her employer money! For awhile, Fred was able to do odd jobs around the motel to keep their room. Tina remembers one of her lowest points being when a relative offered them a tent and two blankets in her backyard. It was at this time, now out of work herself and pregnant again, she broke down and sought welfare assistance - only to find out she was ineligible because she didn’t have a permanent address. A break finally came for them when Fred was hired as a painter. For a short time things got a little better. They were able to move into an apartment and had another baby daughter. But once again, things spiraled downward when Fred’s pay checks started bouncing. Tina refers to this time as “a crazy nightmare” that ended up with Fred going to prison for writing bad checks. While he served his sentence, Tina worked at various part time jobs, concentrated on her children and made an effort to take back control of her life. They married while he was in prison. When Fred was paroled in April of 2002, they started attending church and
volunteering. Tina noticed a real change in Fred, as he helped others and learned a different way of life. To increase his job prospects, he attended truck driving school. He found work as a driver and also did construction. For about three and a half years, Fred’s income supported the family in what Tina calls, “a middle class lifestyle.” But again, poverty reared its ugly head about two and a half years ago, when Fred collapsed at home. Doctors are still sorting out all of his medical issues, but he is considered disabled and is not expected to be able to work again. Over the last few years, Tina says she has done a lot of soul searching and will be the first to admit she has made some bad choices. But she takes pride in the fact that she has stayed committed to her marriage vows and persevered through the worst of times. Therapy, maturity and strong faith have helped her learn from her mistakes and give her optimism for the future. She still does volunteering, picks up odd jobs whenever she can and takes advantage of available opportunities to learn and network. Through the United Way, she heard about a program called “Bridges Out of Poverty” and took their 15 week “Getting Ahead” class. Even though her background was not the generational poverty that some of the participants had experienced, she found the program eye-opening and educational. She says she also came away with more compassion for others, and an even stronger desire to help break the cycle. Tina now serves on the Bridges steering committee, and will be an assistant to the facilitator for future “Getting Ahead” classes. Although at the present time, she is still struggling financially, Tina describes herself as “not waiting, but actively searching for an open door.” Ask where she sees herself in 10 years and with animated enthusiasm, she will tell you about her dream; a vision for helping people in Hillsdale County. She is educating herself and consulting with mentors to learn about grants. She envisions a large facility that will house all kinds of life-enriching businesses and services, available to all income levels. In her dream, the facility will be filled with people not standing in line for handouts, but working and learning life skills. Tina says she knows from experience that many programs, although well intentioned, offer a band-aide approach to poverty. She believes most people need a hand up, not a handout. It seems that Tina’s own personal “bridge out of poverty” is very much under construction, at full speed ahead. And this is one bridge that is going somewhere!
the bridge of hope
Dianna’s Story By Peggie Bildner Simply Hers Magazine
The cute, dark-eyed young lady that walks into the coffee house looks like any college student in middle-class America. But within minutes of starting our conversation, it is very obvious that her life has been anything but typical. In fact, Dianna Justine Coombs didn’t even start out as Dianna Justine Coombs! Born in Florida, child number six in a family of seven, she was named Stacy Lynn Jordan. When she was three years old, the family moved to Michigan. When she was seven years old, the children were removed from their home, where they had suffered all forms of abuse- physical, mental, and sexual. Since it was impossible to find a foster home for all of them together, they were separated in pairs, Stacy (Dianna) was placed with her youngest sister. For the next few years they were moved from home to home, with different combinations of the siblings being together until eventually, at age eleven, she and two sisters were adopted by the woman Stacy (Dianna) now calls Mom. At that point, their adoptive mother gave the girls lists of names to choose from- one for their first name and another for their middle name. So at age eleven, her identity was completely changed. Dianna remembers being teased in school because the other children didn’t understand and thought it was “weird!” Dianna stayed in that home for four years but at age 15 started getting rebellious. So, once again, she was put back into the foster care system where she says she was “moved around every year.” At age 17, she got into an argument with her foster mother that escalated into her being told to get out of the car and ended with her walking away, to be on her own. By the age of 19, Dianna had given birth to two daughters and was living in Florida with the girls’ father. Dianna says he took care of them and didn’t want her to work but when they moved back to Michigan, he abandoned them and Dianna says she “fell off the deep end.” She started experimenting with drugs and by age 21, had developed a full-blown addiction to crack cocaine. Realizing she was not able to properly care for her daughters, she took them to her mother’s house and asked her to keep them while she attempted to get off drugs. Her mother took the girls, and then ordered Dianna off her property. She moved to Battle Creek with a boyfriend/drug dealer and for the next two years, even though she wanted her daughters back and made attempts to get clean, she was unable to break the hold. When she was arrested for unpaid tickets and held in jail for 16 days, it ended up being a turning point. Dianna says when she realized she was “still alive after the fifth day,” she started to see the jail time as the best thing that could have happened to her. With counseling, she made the decision that as soon as she could, she would move back to Hillsdale, change her course and try to repair her relationship with her daughters. Her new resolve was tested immediately when her boyfriend/dealer was waiting outside for her as she was released from jail. But by then she had started down a different path and was determined to turn things around. She soon realized that path was anything but straight! Dianna has spent the last 6 years working to get her life back on track. On the positive side, she has attended AA (Alcoholic Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings, obtained her GED, went to outpatient therapy, got an apartment and held down full time employment.
One of the turns in the path was getting pregnant with a third child, whose father is not in the picture or providing any support. She has not had a full time job since the birth of her son about two years ago. Rebuilding trust and a relationship with her mother and daughters has been an uphill battle, with sporadic periods of visitation. Dianna is very grateful that her mother has given her daughters good care, but it has been somewhat of a tug-of-war to reclaim a place in their lives. In fact, at this time, they are in the process of being legally adopted by her mother. This is a very emotional subject for her; not the way she wanted the situation to play out, but she has resigned herself to it. She hopes this will give them stability and eventually open the door to her being a part of their lives. In the past few years Dianna has made a lot of very positive choices; probably the most life-changing have been developing a strong faith in God and enrolling in college. She has also periodically taken parenting classes at Alpha Omega Women’s Care Center since her son was two months old. That is where she heard about the Bridges Out of Poverty and the “Getting Ahead” class. As Dianna worked through the program last year, she had to deal with a lot of issues she had been avoiding. Although the whole process was difficult, she says she came out of it with a realistic picture of her history and a vision of a successful future. One of the most eye-opening things she came to understand was that her poor decisions in the past gave her the “outlook of someone in poverty.” The education she acquired empowered her with a “moving forward attitude”, rather than just dreaming of a wonderful life with no realistic goal of how to get there. Now 29 years old, Dianna’s life is much different. She tries to surround herself with good, strong individuals that will support her on the right path like Linda and Nancy from the Alpha Omega Women’s Care Center. Nancy DeBacker, Executive Director, says Dianna is “a remarkable young lady who has come a long way through mentoring at the Center.” And Dianna will forever be grateful to a Christian woman who counseled her in jail and gave her the first hope of a different life. Among Dianna’s goals is to someday heal the wounds and rebuild trust with her mom so she can have an “open door” relationship with her and her daughters. Her career goal is to become a corrections officer. She believes in marriage and would welcome a committed relationship at some point, but for now is concentrating on becoming strong on her own. She is enjoying her son and probably for the first time in her entire life, feels confident that she is a good mother and capable of building a stable future for both of them. When you hear the stories behind the statistics of poverty, you realize that for many people, life is a very slippery slope where just a few missteps can take them down. Dianna knows she still has a lot of hard work ahead of her but she has already proven she is a survivor. She may have fallen down the hill, but even if the path back up is filled with curves, it is easy to believe she will make it to the top!
33
backyard and beyond
Becoming an Outdoor Woman.
By Pam Colletta-Benzing Simply Hers Magazine
Of the fourteen women in the Intro to Handgun class only a few had ever handled a gun before. They came to the BOW weekend class for various reasons. Some were thinking about getting a gun for personal protection. Some had grandchildren that live in a home with guns. Some had husbands and sons who hunt and they wanted to know more about the guns in their homes. All of them came to learn more about how to safely handle a handgun. In the first half of the class session the instructors, myself included, taught them the basics of how a gun works and how to use one safely. Then the real fun began as we headed out to the range for the opportunity to shoot at some targets. The Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program is a fun, no pressure way for women to learn how to do new outdoor activities that they might otherwise not have a chance to try. The 30+ women who attended this most recent BOW weekend at the Ralph A. MacMullen Conference Center on the north shore of Higgins Lake in Roscommon had the opportunity to fish through the ice; learn how to use a compass and GPS in the woods; learn the basics of snowshoeing and hiking; cook a complete meal over a campfire; take the NRA Refuse to Be a Victim class; learn the basics of turkey hunting; and have an introduction to the safe use of handguns. The women attending this weekend came from as far away as the UP to the north and Ohio to the south. Some were first-timers. Some had been to
34
previous weekends. There was even a pair of sisters who said they make BOW an annual trek to spend time together. All of them came to learn new things in a relaxing atmosphere of camaraderie and the encouragement of other women. The ice fishing expedition and campfire cooking classes came together nicely as one woman who caught a walleye through the ice in the morning class then got a lesson on how to clean and cook her fish in the afternoon campfire cooking class. Everyone agreed that fish tastes best when cooked fresh from the water. Brownies baked in a cast iron dutch oven set directly in the fire were the perfect dessert to finish the outdoor meal, and probably the favorite part of the entire weekend. It was exhilarating as an instructor to see women who had never shot a pistol before learn how to operate one safely and properly and then hit targets with accuracy they didn’t know they could achieve. The class was only supposed to last for three hours, but many of the women chose to stay on the range during their free time because they were having so much fun shooting the various revolvers and semiautomatic pistols available for them to try. Those who wanted to were able to take home their targets as a lasting memento and proof of their newly acquired skills. If a BOW weekend sounds like something you might like to try you can find more information at: www.michigan.gov/bow
Come Stay With Us!
T
he Rockwell Lake Lodge is a great get-away for a week, a weekday or a weekend, offering great cuisine, warm hospitality and five-star accommodations, all surrounded by a pristine, natural setting. The 16,000 square foot Rockwell Lake Lodge, located on Hillsdale College’s G. H. Gordon Biological Station in Luther, Michigan, is a conference and retreat facility featuring ten custom-furnished guest suites, a Great Room, a small conference room and the Lakeview Dining Room.
RECREATION
The Rockwell Lake Lodge has much to assist in crafting a great family time together, an escape, a romantic get-away or holiday vacation. Start the day off with coffee, fish as the sun rises, utilize the exercise room or take the 1.2 mile walk around tranquil Rockwell Lake. Return to the Lodge in time for breakfast, then spend the remainder of the day swimming off the floating dock, hiking the old logging trails or bring your own bike to ride through the countryside. Other options for your afternoon include a self-guided tour of the grounds to discover the beauty and wildlife for which the Michigan hill country is so celebrated. The trails are lined with informative trail markers to make the walk more enjoyable. If you still have energy, enjoy a game of volleyball, a round of corn hole or perhaps some fossil hunting. Jon boats, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats are available for enjoying the lake. Do not be surprised if you spot our resident bald eagles in flight. From outdoor activities and fire pits to s’mores and fine dining, The Rockwell Lake Lodge can accommodate your vacation wishes and dreams.
FISHING
In Michigan we appreciate the joys of lake fishing and The Rockwell Lake Lodge offers anglers the opportunity to try their luck. As a biological station used primarily for research purposes, folks are asked to practice catch-and-release with barbless hooks. Just bring your valid Michigan
fishing license, or purchase one in the nearby town of Luther. Only watercraft provided by the Lodge is permitted on the lake.
DINING
The Lakeview Dining Room offers excellent cuisine for lodge guests. Whether you choose to enjoy your meals in the dining room or outside on the large deck (weather permitting) you will enjoy the spectacular view of Rockwell Lake and the surrounding woods. The staff blends great service with imaginative menus to create meals that are enjoyable and memorable, from steaks on the grill, gourmet breakfasts or the most skillfully prepared desserts. You will be in for a dining treat. Guests are invited to bring their own beer or wine to enjoy with dinner. The staff is available to assist with uncorking and pouring guests’ beverages.
MEETINGS
The Rockwell Lake Lodge is a great place for small business meetings. The relaxed atmosphere invites discerning groups to retreat, yet stay in touch with wireless networks and the latest in audiovisual technologies. Meetings will thrive with the aid of wireless Internet, high-resolution projection displays, wireless microphone and a conference room set to accommodate any needs. The Staff will prepare your breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as organize refreshment breaks during your meeting. The Lodge is a wonderful place to hold a business or family retreat.
EXCLUSIVE USE
The small size of The Rockwell Lake Lodge makes it possible for a business, organization or family to book the entire facility, thus ensuring full and undisturbed use. Exclusive use bookings include the Lodge conference room, Great Room, Lakeview Dining Room and surrounding deck. Complement your stay with our premium, all-inclusive meal plan.
Come Stay With Us! The Rockwell Lake Lodge is a conference and retreat facility, offering ten custom-furnished guest suites, a great room, conference room and dining room at Hillsdale College’s G.H. Gordon Biological Station.
Make Your Reservation Today.
517-437-3311 3943 N. Skookum Road ~ Luther, Michigan 49656 ~ therockwelllakelodge.com
35 69
Got
Mud? Michigan’s got mud holes. And bottomless mud. Off-roaders will find mud boggin’ and more---rocks, stumps, logs, water obstacles and sand---on Michigan’s 3,200 miles of lightly groomed trails and at tracks and parks that have been specially designed to put motorcycles, ATVs, 4X4s and SUVs to the test. Grab the Michigan ORV/ATV trail maps External Link, pull on the helmet, strap on the goggles, get the winch ready and head to the great outdoors for a ride to remember, whether it’s an scenic trail excursion or a white knuckle track experience. The State of Michigan’s ORV system of motorcycle trails, all terrain vehicle (ATV) trails, and ORV routes crosses mostly state forest land. The system also has five scramble areas, where a variety of vehicles mix and mingle (some restrictions may apply), including the popular Silver Lake State Park External Link where driving on the sand dunes is allowed. The state has multiple regulations and guidelines, from licensing to land use, equipment requirements, age restrictions and sound emission (maximum 94dB A). Read all about it in the online Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws External Link. Need wheels? You’ll find sources for rentals at michigan.org, as well as details on the following ORV sites and more public areas and privately owned parks where you can take the family to play, get a grip on your ride, or challenge your skills and your vehicle. 36
Southern Lower Peninsula: Head to Bundy Hill Off Road External Link in Jerome, south of Jackson, for a variety of experiences in one park: trails, sand dunes, gravel hills, rock crawling, mud pits and “hood-deep water.” For something different, join one of the monthly guided Night Tours. The Mounds Off-Road Vehicle Area External Link north of Flint is a 240-acre park for a variety of vehicles and challenging terrain with mud holes, pits, non-directional trails, water obstacles, and an 8-acre scramble area.
Northern Lower Peninsula: Black Mountain Forest Recreation Area External Link on the north shore of Black Lake has a 65-acre scramble area, 60 miles of ORV trails, 15 miles of ORV routes and mild-to challenging hills for testing your suspension. Dune buggies, Jeeps and family SUVs sport orange flags as they cross Silver Lake Sand Dunes External Link, the largest sand dunes area in the Midwest that is open to motorized vehicles. At two square miles, St. Helen Motorsport Area External Link in Roscommon County has been called Michigan’s “best kept off-road recreation secrets.” There are about ten miles of trails, hill climbing, sand
pits, sand bowl, trails and a new rock crawl course. Nearby, Ogemaw Sport & Trail Center External Link is a Motocross Campground that gets rave reviews for its variety of tracks, hill climbs, trails and access to state land. The North Missaukee Trail at Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground External Link has 73 miles of cycle/ ATV trails and rustic campsites near Manton, north of Cadillac. Bull Gap External Link, located east of Mio in Oscoda County, is known for its nearly 100 miles of trails and challenging hill climb. It’s the only designated motorized area in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Upper Peninsula: It’s a short ferry ride from the eastern tip of the UP to Drummond Island and Turtle Ridge Off-Road Terrain Challenge Park External Link. The 400-acre area features old forests and rock ridges, hill climbs, mud and other challenges. The UP has two Bass Lake State Forest Campgrounds External Link with motorcycle trails and rustic camping: the 34 mile Silver Creek Motorcycle Trail in the Eastern UP and the 26 mile Bass Lake Motorcycle Trail near Gwinn. Head to the Keweenaw Peninsula for the scenic and challenging Bill Nicholls Trail External Link, largely an abandoned railroad route from the copper mining heyday. Over 41 miles of terrain cover the gamut: steep grades, rock escarpment, cinder surface, loose stone, dirt, sand, rocks and bridges. The terrain and limited obstacles of the 27-mile loop at Baraga Plains State Game Wildlife Area External Link, is great for novice riders on off-road motorcycles, and ATVs and UTVs (less than 50 inches wide). The Western UP also boasts the Watersmeet Rails to Trails External Link, an old railroad grade that travels about eight miles through forests and open land between the US Forest Service visitor center in Watersmeet to Land O’Lakes Wisconsin.
37
she’s graduating...
Now how do you pay for college? By Jim Pruitt Simply Hers Magazine
Parents of prospective college students may be wondering how they are going to pay for it, but there a few simple steps that can take away much of the stress. For all parents, the first thing to do is to complete and file a FAFSA form with the federal government. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s the key form that will open up the avenues for grants, loans and scholarships that can reduce out-of-pocket expenses. It’s also easy to find, just go to www.fafsa.gov and follow the questions. If you need some help understanding the forms, there are several workshops offered by Jackson Community College’s Financial Aid Office. The next two workshops are 9-11 a.m., Monday, March 12 and noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14 at the LeTarte Center on M-99 in Hillsdale. Amanda Janes, academic advisor and LeTarte Center coordinator, said the FAFSA is most critical piece in securing financing for college. “It makes you eligible for grants, makes you eligible to apply for student loans and most scholarships require that filed the FAFSA,” she said. “The FAFSA is the foundation to all student aid.” To be eligible for state and federal aid, the deadline to file the FAFSA is March 1. If you file after March 1, you will only qualify for federal aid, Janes said. The information covers the following fall, winter, spring semesters, Janes said. Anyone in the family can apply, but each person must file their own FAFSA, she said. The government takes about three to five days to process the file and will send the applicant an e-mail they have processed the application and have sent it off the school. Janes said the school will get the information and process it. One of three applicants will be selected for verification of assets and income, she added.
38
The school will contact the student directly if verification is needed, she said. The school will let the applicant know the grant level they qualify for and if
there is a gap, the student can then apply for a loan. Applying for a student loan is a simple process that is found on link from the school’s web site. Students should not go looking for a loan on their own. They should stick with their school’s page. “You only want federally directed student loans,” she said. Janes said there are two types of student loans, subsidized and unsubsidized. Subsidized loans are ones the government makes the interest payments until graduation. Unsubsidized loans have no such backing. “The FAFSA will determine which one the student qualifies for,” she said. “Freshmen dependent students are limited to $5,500 in loans.” Other acceptable loan programs include the Parent Plus program which is based on the parents’ credit. Interest rates for federal loans are capped at 8.5 percent. Other loans have no caps. As for grants, there is the Pell Grant which can give students up to $5,500 a year. Contributing factors to qualify for this include income, family size, assets and investments. The supplemental opportunity grants are available on a first come, first serve basis and determined on need. Grants run from $100 for smaller schools up to $4,000 for larger schools.There are state grants available and applicants will be notified by the state. As for scholarships, Janes advises students and parents to apply for everything. She urged students to contact their high school counselors, colleges, community organizations; i.e., service clubs like the Exchange Club, Rotary, Kiwanis and Moose, Community Foundations for available scholarships. A parent’s employer might also have a scholarship program. “Apply for everything single thing possible, she said. It’s important, because college costs a lot of money. JCC charges $2,200 in tuition per semester and all then grants, loans and scholarships will go toward tuition first. After that come room and board, fees and then books. For some students, excess funds will be given to them for living expenses.
Family Portraits Senior Portraits Church Events School Events Weddings Sports
Smile Photography
517-283-3245
NewsFlash
Expand Your Advertising Area With The Bi-County Herald We cover 16 communities in Hillsdale & Lenawee County. Call today. Serving Hillsdale & Lenawee Counties Since 1934
Bi-County Herald, Inc. 517-448-2201 115 Church St. • Hudson, MI 39
o w T d n i K Of A
By Peggie Bildner Simply Hers Magasine
The scientific phenomenon of identical twin births (monozygotic) is explained as the result of a single fertilized egg, splitting into two embryos after conception. The babies are always of the same sex and genetically alike, sharing 100% of their genes (DNA). But I think the two sets of twins that share their stories here, would tell you it is much more than a scientific hiccup; they seem to understand they were born to go through life together, as best friends.
THE LANTIS TWINS~
Fourteen year old, Kelsey and Kendra are the twin daughters of Jeff and Kelly Lantis of Hillsdale. They are freshmen at Hillsdale Academy. As soon as they introduce themselves, Kelsey is quick to explain that she is the older of the two, with Kendra being a whole fifteen minutes younger! There is no doubt they are identical twins but there is also no doubt they have two distinctive personalities. Kelsey, the more talkative of the two, starts right in sharing about who they are and answering questions, while Kendra smiles, nods her head in agreement, and sometimes finishes Kelsey’s sentences. Kelsey and Kendra have an older brother Scott, a junior at Hillsdale College, and a sister Heather, a freshman at Hillsdale College. The Lantis family was very surprised to find out they were having twins, since there weren’t any other sets in the family, on either side. But even though it caused a flurry of preparation- building a larger house and getting a second one of everything baby- Kelly says “it is a joy having twins, what a blessing they have been.” The two of them look so much alike that even their mother had trouble telling them apart in the very beginning. Kelsey shares the story that when she was a baby, her mom put nail polish on her toe to distinguish them. As a toddler, Kendra developed a birthmark on her forehead so that helped people for awhile. Kendra says people would even come up to her and lift the bangs of her hair to determine which twin she was! When they were little, their mother dressed them alike. As they have gotten older, they often get the same clothes, but in different colors. The fact that they go to a school that uses uniforms and are often dressed in game uniforms for their sports activities, confuses things more. The girls say it was always a little harder for their dad to tell them apart and claim he has tried to send the wrong daughter to her room for punishment!
40
Kelsey and Kendra share a passion for sports. They both play basketball, volleyball and run track, although they agree that Kelsey is a little better at basketball and Kendra is a little better at volleyball. They also share friends, a bedroom and clothes, which seems to work really well most of the time. Their clothes closet is intermingled but when asked about keeping their clothes purchases separate, they both spoke (in unison) of a “first dibs” policy! Kelsey explains she is the “clean freak, the one who makes the beds every day” and admits to being a little more “argumentative.” Kendra is described as “a very good artist” and more “laid back.” When asked if they will plan to attend the same college, they say they haven’t really thought much about it yet, but probably wouldn’t make a college choice solely on staying together. The girls don’t feel they necessarily have a special telepathic connection, but Kelsey does remember one incident when Kendra fell outside in their driveway. She was in the house, got an uneasy feeling and asked her Mom where Kendra was, prompting her to check and find that she had been hurt. They don’t think of themselves as being unique, maybe because in their small school, there are five sets of twins! As we talked about a photo shoot and story on twins in the current National Geographic, Kelsey says she was shocked at how much the twins in the photos look alike and wondered if that’s what people see when they look at her and her sister. But, these charming young ladies aren’t above using their identical looks to trick people! They admit they have switched seats in the classroom before and their mother tells of them trying to pass for each other in Sunday school. They got exposed when they forgot and put their own names on their papers! Given the opportunity to express frustration or any downside of being twins, neither could come up with anything negative. Even though they occasionally have the usual sister squabble, they both seem very happy to be one of the two ‘Lantis Twins.’ Kelsey summed it up like this, “It’s like always having my friend by my side.” And with a nod and a smile, Kendra agrees!
THE MATTHEWS TWINS~ Joan Matthews was surprised to go into labor in November of 1951 because the baby she and husband Louis were expecting wasn’t due for several weeks. But that was not the only surprise they had coming that day. Eleven minutes after delivering a baby girl, they had an even bigger surprise - there was a second baby girl that looked just like the first! The first twin was named Janice, the second Janet. Janet’s lungs were underdeveloped, so she had to stay in the hospital for two weeks. After that, they were inseparable. They are identical twins and when they were younger, it was pretty much impossible for anybody to tell them apart. They laugh that their mother always claimed she could, but aren’t sure that is true. In fact, when we looked at some photos of them as children and I tried to guess which was which, Janice finally admitted they don’t even really know themselves! They have been told they developed their own “language” while still in the crib. At a very early age they realized they were unique because everybody always made comments and even complete strangers would ask to take their picture. When they were four years old, their mother left her marriage and moved them and their baby brother from California to Michigan. For a short time, the four of them moved in with Joan’s parents in the Camden area, and Janet and Janice started school at Camden-Frontier. They went through every grade sharing the same classroom. Janice says their childhood “had many challenges”, which made them even closer. They have always been best friends and instinctively knew they were meant to help and support each other. They also credit their strong faith, another bond they share. Until a couple of years ago, when they were both attending college and decided to do an “experiment”, they never tried tricking people by switching. But that’s not to say people haven’t gotten confused anyway! Janice recalls a time in the grocery store when she and husband Tom, were holding hands and laughing when someone who knew Janet (and apparently thought she was Janet), approached them with a look of puzzlement and concern. Janice realized the person thought he had caught Janet in a scandalous situation! For a long time, their mother made most of their clothes- beautiful, matching dresses. So when they reached junior high age and could start
buying their own with babysitting money, of course they were anxious to get different things. Ironically, more than once they have returned from shopping with matching items, even when they’ve gone to completely different towns! Even as adults, the same has happened with haircuts and eyeglasses. Their in-sync closeness also extends to an almost telepathic connection. Janice tells of having severe abdominal pains, only to find out that Janet was in labor with her second child. More than once, one twin has “felt” when something was going on with the other. They laugh easily with shared, inside jokes but also seem to know instinctively when one or both of them need a hug. When asked if one is more dominant or out-going, they say they “go back and forth, depending on the circumstances.” Janice seems to be a little more serious, but she will tell you she was born into that role because she is the oldest! As adults, they have continued to have many things in common, especially their love of children. Their desire to help and be around children has led them to entertain as clowns, have home day care businesses and even their current occupations; Janice is an Early Childhood Specialist and Janet a preschool teacher. They both went back to college around the same time (Janice ultimately received her master’s degree and Janet an associate’s degree) and are even employed at the same place. They have both been married for over 40 years, Janice to Tom Seely and Janet to Ron Reynolds. When asked if there is a downside to being twins, Janice and Janet do admit there are times when it is hard to have your own identity. At 60 years old, they seem to be very comfortable with themselves but they both still bristle a little when they explain that some people assume if they know one of them, they know both. Or worse yet, treat them as if they really are only one person. As Janice puts it, “We’re not ‘JAN’! We are Janice and Janet.” After we left our interview, I received this email from Janet who summed up how she feels about being a twin: “I believe that God knows exactly what we need in our life, and that is why He chose Janice to be born with me. One of the best gifts in the world is to be born with your best friend.” At the same time the email was being sent, I received a call from Janice who said she had something more she would like to tell me- no surprise; it was almost word for word the same thing Janet had just emailed to me!
According to Wikipedia, studies have shown that twins tend to grow more alike as they age, in personality and even IQ. As Janice and Janet were getting their photos taken, Kendra and Kelsey smiled and whispered to each other, “That will be us someday!” It was interesting to watch and listen as these two sets of sisters shared a little “twin talk.” And one thing they all seem to agree on- they love being twins and wouldn’t want it any other way!
41
Carrying Concealed Weapon license course. One Day Class
QUIGLEY’S SHOOTING RANGE & TRAINING FACILITY
Firearms training, learn the fundamentals of gun handling under the instruction of a certified instructor. You will get safe, hands-on training, classes are beginning in April. Call for dates. Now offering Couples Packages. The His/Her Shooting Package where couples attend the class together. For the women who would rather shop than shoot we also offer the “Shoot & Shop” package. Both packages include overnight stay at Quigley’s Log Home Bed and Breakfast, breakfast included of course.
TREVATHANS SWEEP & SEW SHOPPE
firearms training learn the fundamentals of gun handling under the instruction of a certified instructor, you’ll get safe, hands-on training.
-SHOOTING CLASS COUPLES PACKAGESSHOOT & SHOP COUPLES SHOOT He shoots... she shops includes overnight stay with breakfast
Couples take class together package includes overnight stay with breakfast
Photo:(l)Jack Quigley (r) Beth Pennington
Lt. Jack QuigLey (Ret.) NRa FiReaRms iNstRuctoR (cPL)
Quigley’s shooting range & training facility (517) 448-1057 8450 Acker Highway • Hudson, MI 49247
The best cleaning comes from the best tools. Easy access to clean everything in sight, and those hard to reach areas with:
Thoughtfully considered. Brilliantly Refined. with the s6 Miele has engineered a brilliantly refined cleaning solution one conceived to maximize performance and efficiency in an elegant, space saving design. Weighing less than ten pounds, its durable, innovative skeleton construction is built to capture and securely retain more than 99.9% of dirt, dust and allergens, while its efficient, near silent motor delivers significant noise reduction without sacrificing power. The result is a jewel of a canister vacuum cleaner: thoughtfully considered, flawlessly fashioned and timelessly desirable.
THE TAYLOR AGENCY - SERVICE AND INTEGRITY
It’s that dreaded time of year again…tax time. Don’t get stressed out. Don’t get tangled up in the hundreds of changes and nuances of the year. Don’t miss out on valuable tax credits. Let us handle all of that for you so that you have time for the really important things in life! We at The Taylor Agency have been serving the community for the past 22 years and pride ourselves in service and integrity. Income tax preparation is just one of the valuable financial services we provide. Call our tax specialist, Tanya McCullough, today for your stress free tax season! 800-833-1992
• Natural bristle dust brush • Crevice nozzle • Upholstery Nozzle • Lightweight • Miele made Vortex motor • 33 ft operating radius • One touch cord rewind
Because you have more important things to do than your income taxes….
TREVATHANS SwEEp & SEw SHoppE
Tanya McCullough 517-265-2323
Hours 10am-5pm For a complete class schedule visit us on facebook 47 N Broad St. Hillsdale, 49242 • (517) 437-5555
42
800-833-1992 203 N. Broad St..
Adrian, MI 49221
www.tayloragency.us
IGSAW TUTORING JIGSAW TUTORING
gsawJigsaw Tutoring has been quality quality private private tutoringtutoring for eightforyears. tutor hastutor proven Tutoring hasproviding been providing eightEach years. Each has o owner, Melanie Shearman, thatShearman, he or she is skilled in she the is subject tutor.which Confidentiality proven to owner, Melanie that he or skilledwhich in thethey subject they tutor. taken into high regard. Only names areOnly used the offices, on infolders, and in Confidentiality is taken intofirst high regard. firstinnames are used the offices, ondiscussions folders, and oncerning the student. in discussions concerning the student. gsawJigsaw Tutoring can reinforce subjects, helphelp a student getget organized, Tutoring can reinforce subjects, a student organized,teach teachchildren childrentoto work work ndependently, and help students become more self-confident. Currently Jigsaw Tutoring specializes independently, and help students become more self-confident. Currently Jigsaw Tutoring n reading, algebra, studyalgebra, skills. While we can certainly withcertainly other subjects, theother former three specializes in and reading, and study skills. Whilehelp we can help with subjects, re thethe most asked about. former three are the most asked about. oin usJoin at our offices the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce Building at 506 W. at Carleton us new at our new in offices in the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce Building 506 W. d. ForCarleton more information, please call (517)398-2819. Rd. For more information, please call (517)398-2819.
Kimball YMCA Camp
Attention Kimball Camp YMCA campers and supporters: Please join us for our Annual Benefit Auction Monday, March 26, 2012, silent auction 5:00pm, live auction 6:30pm. The auction will be held at Johnny T’s, 171 E South St., Hillsdale - With your generous support we are able to give hundreds of scholarships to children in our community and fund various programs at Kimball Camp. Please contact Kimball Camp YMCA for more information or to donate to the silent auction, call (517)283-2168.
Your Child’s Missing Educational Piece... • ReinfoRce SubjectS • oRganization SkillS • teach independent Study Specializing in Reading algebra Study Skills
In the Key - key opportunities
Key Opportunities is a vocational rehabilitation center for people sixteen and older with disabilities and has been serving Hillsdale County for over 35 years. Located on the north edge of town, Key employees have always been known for doing sorting jobs for area manufacturers but they are also able to help with many home chores through Helping Hands. These include lawn cleanups, flower beds, mulching, mowing, car washing, auto detailing and more. Call Key Opportunities 517-437-4490.
Jigsaw
TuToring 506 W. Carleton | 517-398-2819
Kimball camp ymca
spring lawn care
MondAY MARCH 26, 2012 Silent Auction 5 pm • Live Auction 6:30 At Johnny T’s in Hillsdale
let us help!
benefit auction
can be a chore
Sports Memorabilia, Event Tickets, and other donated items and certificates from area businesses will be auctioned.
There are several ways you can help us:
You Are My Sunshine . . .
*DonaTe GooDs *DonaTe Money *DonaTe GifT cerTificaTes
Fest & More
*aTTenD The aucTion anD biD on iTeMs
WiNter DaY Camp With your generous support, Dec 20we - 23 27 hundreds - 30 areand ableDec to give of Dec 24th and 31stto children in our scholarships Ages 4community - 12 • $20/day or $85/week and fund various
NeW Year’s Fest programs at Kimball Camp. Dec 30 - Jan 1 • Ages 6 - 14 • $69 Please contact Kimball Camp WiNter retreat for 6more Feb 11 YMCA - 13 • Ages - 12 information. • $69
Call for Reservations Gift certificates Available
Kimball Camp YmCa Nature Center
(517) 283 - 2168 4444 Long Lake Road • Reading www.k imballc amp.com
From the moment she was born I promised to love her, to protect her from all the monsters under her bed, and to support her and all her dreams. From the moment she was born I promised that I would always provide for her, no matter what.
providing That’s why ILabor bought to Life residential Insurance, because from the moment I heldclients her I wanted to secure andcase business since 1976.her future in I couldn’t always be there for her. Because it’s not about my life, it’s about hers. Call or visit us today!
AGENCY NAME OR LOGO
KEY
opportunitiEs
Town Name • 555-555-5555 • web site
67 N. Howell St. Hillsdale, MI 49242 (517)437-4490 Toll Free: (866)439-9345 Fax:400 (517)439-5536 N Hillsdale St Hillsdale Mi | Mon. – Fri. 8:00 AM thru 5:00 PM
43
life is the berries Spots on the Dam Wall By Laura Loveberry Simply Hers Magazine
S
o my brother sends me an e-mail titled, “Spots on the Dam Wall.” Since my brother uses an occasional cuss word, I figure this is about nasty stains on the wall and how to scrub them off effectively. Well, I could not be more wrong.
I was amazed at the photographs in this intriguing e-message. The first photo was a distant shot of a huge dam wall with tiny dark spots on the side of this monumental structure. The next close up photo of the spots had me scratching my head in bewilderment. Deer. Yes, deer, had risked their lives to climb out on the steep dam and eat the apparently great tasting moss on the hedges of the wall. These surefooted deer were hundreds of feet up and balancing on the tiniest ledges formed by occasional bricks protruding out mere inches. Who knew these animals were so nimble, fearless, and could balance in precariously dangerous heights?
Well, this deer e-mail totally enlightened my understanding of a dear-to-my-heart Bible verse. When I received the snapshots, I was memorizing the Habakkuk 3:17-20 verses to inspire others climbing through adversity. I view these Godbreathed words as support for going through difficult hard times, yet trusting in God to strengthen you on your upward climb when facing life’s mountainous journey. “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:17-20 NIV
44 44
The first time I saw these verses in another version of the Bible, I read, “And He has made my feet
like hinds’ feet, And makes me walk on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:20 NAS. I had no idea hind’s feet were deer feet, so I did not fully understand the application. I ended up reading a classic spiritual book Mom gave me called Hinds Feet in High Places by Hannah Hurnard. Between viewing the photos of the deer, memorizing these strong verses, and reading this classic allegorical book; I began to truly grasp the power of these words in Habakkuk. Three times the verse repeats “though”. Can you think of 3 challenging “thoughs” in your life? I can. The death of my childhood best friend, the death of my dad, and struggles of dealing with my special-need child are my three “thoughs”. Then I read on “..yet I will rejoice in the LORD…” “Yet” is a key word here. I encourage you to memorize all these verses, but if you just memorize this three-letter word “YET” and think of how God can give you strength to climb up through rough, dangerous, precarious, hardships; then you will be uplifted in middle of your trials. God may not change your sorrow and suffering circumstances; He may be growing you strong through the adversity to equip you to help others along life’s journey. Life is scary on top the sheer-drop rock face. Have you been there? I have heard story after devastation story of tumultuous cliffs and overbearing mountains Simply Hers readers are facing. Let’s together draw our strength from the Word of God, grasp God’s hand, and upward climb the rocky rough heights like the feet of a surefooted deer. I am believing if our feet are shod in the Word of God, our trek Leader will enable us to tread on the heights, and we can reach out to fellow hikers on the way up the precipice. As the characters in Hurnard’s book, even though we are “Much Afraid” we can journey with “Sorrow and Suffering” following our “Shepherd” to our “High Places.”
How Clean is Your Water? SoftenerS Iron removerS reverSe oSmoSIS fIltratIon SyStemS Purchase Rent Rent-to-Own
TUCKERS Serving our neighbors for 50 years
3557 Hudson Rd. Osseo • 517-523-2513
sinGle MeMBersHiP $1200 uP front faMilY MeMBersHiP $1500 uP front includes: HusBand, Wife, Kids uP to 22 Years old BotH MeMBersHiPs include: • UNLIMITED GOLF • GOLF LEAGUES • “NO” DINING MINIMUM • “NO” ASSESSMENTS contact Jari rice to siGn uP todaY!
Golf only
MeMberships *cart fees not included
hillsdale Golf & Country Club 517-437-7538
1990 Ash Te Wette Dr. • Hillsdale
InovatIon n e v e r f e lt s o
good!
CAll TodAy To be reAdy when The merCury rises. Efficiency ratings of up to 21.00 SEER—can save you hundreds of dollars a year, compared to a standard air conditioner. icomfort™-enabled technology—allows the air conditioner, when installed with the easy-to-use programmable icomfort Touch® Touchscreen Thermostat, to exchange information and make adjustments as needed to optimize performance and efficiency**
XC21 Air Conditioner
The most quiet and efficient central air conditioner you can bu
Laura Loveberry is available to speak on a variety of topics for your conference, retreat, or outreach event.
Plumbing - Heating - air Conditioning
For the new workout DVDs and information on booking, visit www.LauraLoveberry.com.
1401 Vera Dr. • HillsDale, mi 49242
517-437-4259
45
Over The
By Willie Smith Simply Hers Magazine
GE
ED
Have you ever had a conversation with someone and later think, maybe they’re right? I had a conversation with one of the Pastors at my church not long ago about lying. I thought about some of the columns I’ve written and wondered if I’d stretched the truth so much that it could be considered a lie. These reflections about the truth were enough to nearly put me over the edge. Many people have asked me if my columns are true. My first thought is always, you callin’ me a liar? After I calm down I realize most people don’t know me well enough to understand it’s just my sense of humor. They don’t know there’s some truth in every column, you just have to search for it. There are those that suspect I tell some real whoppers. To these people I say, I resent that! I see it as a matter of perception. Dictionary.com lists one of the definitions of perception as “understanding”. In my first column I said I was a few pounds overweight. Actually it was more than a few. My doctor said I was 45 pounds overweight, but 45 pounds isn’t necessarily that much is it? I mean if you weighed 4500 pounds, it’s a mere 1% of your total weight. I personally “understand” this to be not all that much. As for the hair dye issues, I did dye my hair red once. It wasn’t Bozo red, but it was definitely red. I guess I did fib in that one though because I said my husband screamed like a girl when he saw me. He didn’t really scream, it was more of a whimper as he clutched his chest and fell to the floor. And although my husband is a great guy, even he wouldn’t have gone to the store for me as many times as I said he did. So okay, that was an untruth, but I “understand” it to be almost the truth.
46
I really do have a great hair stylist named Sally. She has changed shops a couple of times, but it has absolutely nothing to do with me. At least I don’t think it does. Ya know, now that I think about it, she recently moved to a new shop and it might have been after I confessed that I had cut my own hair. I was trying to make an appointment to have her fix it when the phone went dead. I figured she hit a dead zone and
would call me right back, but apparently I was wrong. It’s been weeks and she still hasn’t called. If you see Sally, get her number for me please. I promise I won’t tell her where I got my information. I “understand” I should not divulge my source (unless, of course, money is involved, then I hope you “understand” I will spill my guts). I am cheap, but that article about making my dining room table look like a magazine cover? Now really, do you think that I would honestly go to the dollar store to buy dishes to make my table look elegant? Do you really think I’m that cheap? You betcha, I am. I’ve been to the dollar store to buy just about everything. If they carry it, I’ve got it. I’m telling you, I love cheap stuff and I’m not lying. And finally, that last article about the body shapers. I did see a picture of one in a magazine once and my mind went in circles wondering how in the world I’d ever get one of those babies on. It was a falsehood however about actually trying one on. I’m afraid if I ever got it on, I’d never get it off and that is no lie. Boy, I have to tell you, all this reflection trying to sort the truth from the lies is wearing me out! I don’t think I like it. Besides I’ve thought about it and Pastor Jeremy is wrong. I don’t really lie, per se. I might elaborate. I might embellish. I might exaggerate, but it’s not like I lie, lie. Do you know what he said when I told him that? Well, I won’t go into the sordid details, but I have to tell you there was some shouting and some name-calling. I think I was doing the shouting while he was doing the name-calling. I know I heard him call me a sinner and I’m pretty sure he called me a liar too. During the scuffle that followed I believe there was some slapping and kicking because the next thing I know, I’m at the local jail waiting for my one phone call. As I’m singing a chorus of “nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen” with a guy in the drunk tank next to me, I’m trying to figure out how in the world I’m going to explain this to my husband when he comes to bail me out. Yes, sweetheart, I did assault a man of the cloth, but it’s my “understanding” that it was all his fault. I’m telling you, the truth is enough to put me over the edge.
Don’t trust anyone else to Diagnose anD service your car with the care anD expertise you’ve come to expect from us!
Layman’s Service Center A Certified Bumper to Bumper Service Center
42 Waldron St., HillSdale • (517)437-3821
insurance for fields, freeways and everything in between...
auto home life health motorcycle commercial farm randy sanders Owner/Agent
now with a new location to serve you.
517) 283-2614 235 N Main St • Reading
47
turn the page
Book and Author Reviews
I don’t know about you, but I love to read. Sometimes husbands and housework get in the way; I hate it when that happens!
By Nancy Ryan Simply Hers Magazine
I remember my childhood walks to my local library. The silence within as I closed that door behind me, and the smell of those books when I entered are a treasured memory. Then I graduated to the young adult section, and all new books opened up to me. It was paradise. As retired woman, my love of reading has only intensified. I grew up with Trixie Beldon mysteries, Nancy Drew, and Perry Mason. Later I graduated to Beverly Cleary, Victoria Holt, Danielle Steele, and Janet Dailey. Now romance writer Nora Roberts and general fiction author Jodi Picoult hold me captive. Nora Roberts has written 190 novels! Just read them all, one at a time, and enjoy. Her recent Bride novellas are a good starting point. Mac, Emma, Laurel, and Parker are single, beautiful women and childhood friends. They have combined their talents and started a wedding business together. Photographer Mac’s storyline takes place within Vision In White. In Bed of Roses, Emma has found her calling as a wedding florist. Laurel creates “luscious tiers of cakes” in Savor the Moment;and Parker, the wedding planner, in Happy Ever After, is the face of their business, Vows. (Nora has just started a new series about three brothers. The first is entitled, The Next Always.) Roberts also has wonderful stand-alone novels, like Hot Ice, Public Secrets, Genuine Lies. Two of my favorites wereSacred Sins and Brazen Virtue. (I notice these two have recently been reissued and are available in local stores.) They are written from a man’s viewpoint, trust me, you’ll like it. In addition to finding the bad guys, two police detective partners have their cases end up with them wearing wedding rings. Ah, romance!
48
Jodi Picoult is the gift that keeps on giving. Every one of her novels is hard to put down. She most always has a little twist at the end of her books, which keeps you guessing all the way through. Nineteen Minutes, a book ripped from the headlines about the effects of bullying, was riveting. Other stories of hers are also topical Picture Perfect, spousal abuse; The Pact, teen suicide; Mercy, about euthanasia; all are issues relevant to the days we live in. Her newest book, Lone Wolf, comes out soon. Can’t wait for that one. So, you’ve probably noticed I’m all about authors. We each have different tastes or genres in what we choose to read, and I hope this column, with suggested authors, opens up some new avenues for your future reading pleasure. See you at the library!
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm • Sat 8am-12pm
For service second to none visit Lucas 300 for all of your heating and plumbing needs.
Spring in today and get inSpired! • Full Service FloriSt • Scrapbook Shoppe • unique GiFtS • home Decor
(517) 547-3313
www.countryscrap.net countryscrap@comcast.net
14900 E. Chicago Rd. (US 12) (1/4 mile west of US 127) Cement City, MI 49233
52 Willow St., Hillsdale • (517)439-2422
Chestney Excavating, LLC Your premier excavating contractor
Drainfields • Grading • Basements • Driveways • Land Clearing Septic Installation & Repair • Perk Tests
Family Owned & Operated
References available No Job too Small FREE EStImatES lIcENSEd & INSuREd
Commercial • Residential
(517)523-3756 49
50
imagination Make old items shine in a whole new light.
By Angela Blake Simply Hers Magazine
Traditional decor is usually pleasant and predictable. This month we want to talk about untraditional decor. Have you ever walked into a home and saw something that made you take a second look? Something that made you say, “I can’t believe they thought of using that”? Well we have come up with some of our favorite decorating ideas to inspire all of us to think outside the box when it comes to decorating. Spring offers endless opportunities to update and refresh interior spaces with touches of color. While it is recommended to start with a neutral foundation that includes walls and major pieces of furniture in shades of white, beige or brown, it is incredibly fun to add seasonal flourishes by changing up accents and accessories. With a neutral foundation you don’t have to invest a lot of time or money to refresh. Once you have the basics -- those pieces of furniture that you absolutely love and will stand the test of time -- the sky’s the limit in terms of changing accents. Repurposing items in a unique way can add a bit of character to your home. You can use it to show your guests a bit of who you are on the inside... An antique door in place of a modern pantry door says you hold value in things from the past. A bicycle for a vanity screams “I’m too fun for a plain brown box!” The only limit is your imagination and if you are limited in that area then borrow a page from someone else’s inspiration book and get started. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a statement just a little imagination and ingenuity. Happy decorating!
Vintage Pantry Door found at Home Decor by Paige Witte
Bulb Planters
found at “Home Sweet Home” by Cynthia Marquart
Old Bike Vanity
found at Home Decor Ideas by Jennifer Abrams Anderson
Crib Desk
found at Alittlelearningfortwo.blogspot.com
Chair Planter
found at Apartment Therapy.com
51
Colors of Spring
SALE
Carpet starting at $1/sq ft Laminant starting at $2/sq ft Ceramic Tile starting at $2/sq ft Interior Design and so much more... DeaLer Financing/SpeciaL oFFer Here
(517) 523-4111
3391 Hudson Rd. Suite B • Hillsdale
www.hillsdaleinteriors.com 32 52
R E S A L E
TR A I L
Hsavvy I L Lshoppers S D A Lout E there, , B Rif you’re A N Clooking H A for ND ENA WEE To all of you localLresale, second-hand, thrift, or consignment shops in your area, you’ve found the right place! Resale Shopping is one of the fastest retail categories today andlooking we wanted introduce you to some of our favorites! To all growing of you savvy shoppers out there, if you're for local to resale, second-hand, thrift, or consignment shops in Be sure to check the listings in each issue for new updates and your area, you've found the right place! Resale Shopping is one of the fastest growing retail categories today and we special offers exclusively for Simply Hers readers. Happy Trails! wanted to introduce you to some of our favorites! Be sure to check the listings in each issue for new updates and special offers exclusively for Simply Hers readers. Happy Trails! resale
v
v
consignment gallery
24 e Chicago st. (us-12) | quincy, mi 49082 (517)639-3807 summer hours: Thursday, friday, saturday 10:00am-6:00pm 8 E Chicago St. (US-12) | Quincy, MI 49082 theconsignmentgalleryofquincy.com
resale
Consignment Gallery
FEATURED ITEMS: FABULOUS Full Figure-size clothing, jeans, capris, shorts and Summerdresses hours:forThursday, Friday,and Saturday gorgeous all sizes! Curtains bedding,10:00am-6:00pm kitchen items, and various theconsignmentgalleryofquincy.com household decor; from vintage to present-day. FEATURED ITEMS: FABULOUS Full Figure-size clothing, jeans, capris, shorts and gorgeous dresses for all sizes! Curtains and bedding, kitchen items, and various IN THe KeY - CoNSIGNMeNT household decor; from vintage to present-day. & vINTAGe CeNTer
400 n. hillsdale st | hillsdale, mi 49242 (517)437-4490 hours: m-f 10:00am-5:30pm sa 10:00am-2:00pm
In the Key - Consignment & Vintage Center
FEATURED ITEMS: Furniture, home accessories, kitchen & household items, One of a 400collectibles, N. Hillsdale St | Hillsdale, MI books, 49242movies and clothing. A Ten Thousand kind eclectic accents, gifts, (517)437-4490 Villages Store
Hours: M-F 10:00am-5:30pm SA 10:00am-2:00pm
FEATURED ITEMS: Furniture, home accessories, kitchen & household items, One of a
TreASUreS for - UPSCAle reSAle kind collectibles, eclectic accents,lIfe gifts, books, movies and clothing. A Ten Thousand
75 n. howell Villages Store st. | hillsdale, mi 49242 (517)437-4454
FEATURED ITEMS: Gently used as well as many vintage items. Everything from furniture to toys. Donations accepted All proceeds support Life Challenges of Michigan.
Salvation Army 92 N Broad St | Hillsdale, MI 49242 SAlvATIoN ArMY (517) 439-1202
92 n Broad st | hillsdale, mia.m.–5:30 49242 p.m. Monday—Saturday 10:00 (517) 439-1202 http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/hillsdale monday—saturday 10:00 FEATURED ITEMS: Gently useda.m.–5:30 clothing forp.m. men, women and children, housewares, small appliances, home decor, furniture and so much more Donations always aphttp://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/hillsdale preciated. ITEMS: Gently used clothing for men, women and children, housewares, FEATURED small appliances, home decor, furniture and so much more Donations always appreciated.
Random Comforts rANdoM 2984 Treat Hwy.CoMforTS | Adrian, MI 49221
2984 Treat hwy. | adrian, mi 49221 517-265-3545 517-265-3545 randomcomforts.com randomcomforts.com FEATURED ITEMS: New & gently used, clean furniture and decor for your home or
146 146nNmain Mainst St| |Brooklyn Brooklynmi MI (517) 592-8686 (517) 592-8686 hours: Hours:monday Mondaythru thrufriday Friday10:30 10:30till till5:00 5:00 sat Sat10:00 10:00till till4:00 4:00pm pm Brooklyn’s Brooklyn’sleading Leadingfashionable FashionableConsignment Consignmentshop Shop Closet is aa quality qualityConsignment ConsignmentBoutique Boutiquewith with high standards. Closet overload Overload is high standards. Wewe offer and used usedfashion fashionand andaccessories. accessories.Ininorder order offerup-to-date up-to-date new new and toto dodo thisthis we we must be very selective. Closet overload has 2000 of and space must be very selective. Closet Overload has 2000 squaresquare feet offeet space has and haseach grown every sinceinopening in 1993. Check us web out on grown andeach everyand year sinceyear opening 1993. Check us out on the at the web at http://www.closetoverload.net/ for downloadable coupons http://www.closetoverload.net/ for downloadable coupons
helping inc. Helpinghands HandsthriFt Thriftstore, Store, Inc. aAlenawee Lenaweecounty countynon-profit non-profitorganization organization 795 795division Divisionstreet Street| |adrian, Adrian,mi MI49221 49221 (517)266-7002 (517)266-7002 hours: Hours:m-sa M-SA10:00am-6:00pm 10:00am-6:00pm
FEATURED FEATUREDITEMS: ITEMS:Gently Gentlyused usedand andsome somenew, new,quality qualityfurniture, furniture,appliances appliancesand andother other larger and small household items as well art, tools, antiques and clothing. Donations larger and small household items as well art, tools, antiques and clothing. Donaalways accepted Free pick-up of yourofquality used furniture and large aptions always accepted Free pick-up your quality used furniture andworking large working pliances appliances
threads oF hillsdale This & That Resale
Threads hillsdale hip new Center, teen and in 10600 Eof Chicago Rdis| aSomerset MIyoung 49282adult Next toclothing Buddy’s BP store on US-12 downtown hillsdale. we buy/sell abercrombie, aeropostale, american (517)688-9419 eagle, mudd, levi, Bke, forever 21,TH lei,10:00am-5:00pm; hollister, Charlotte russe Hours:Pink, M, SA 10:00am-4:00pm; TU, W, and many more... F 10:00am-4:30pm; SU Noon-4:00pm 14 n howell st., hillsdale, 49242 FEATURED ITEMS: Everythingmi from VCR’s to cars~bikes, lawnmowers, outdoor items (517)437-4115 quality used furniture and more. Layaway Available hours: 10:00am-6:00pm, sat: 9:00am-5:00pm Mentionmon-fri Simply Hers receive a 10% discount Enjoy tea at the Tea-ki-Hut for moms/dads and shoppers to sit and enjoy a nice cup of tea, hot or cold and many flavors to choose from.
FEATURED New & gently 20% used,off clean furniture and decor for your home or office; NewITEMS: Symbol Mattresses office; New Symbol Mattresses 20% off
46
53
The time for planting seeds by Katja Szarafinski Simply Hers Magazine
Yesterday was Valentine’s Day and the next best thing to the new love I have in my life was the arrival of my seed order from Fedco Seeds. This year I yearned for those living treasures in their neat paper packages with new urgency because I have a little greenhouse now, which allows me to start some plants a month earlier. How remarkable a seed is! I have ordered most all of mine from Fedco Seeds for over 20 years. They specialize in varieties for the northern climate, and they are very careful of our world seed heritage. Through them I have been encouraged to save seed myself, much of which I offer for sale at my spa and our local Hillsdale County Farmers’ Market. So today I will plant peppers and a few tomatoes. By the time the plants outgrow the set-up in my basement, my greenhouse should be warm enough to house them until they can be planted into the garden. But this is not the first seed I’m starting this year. We plant or sprout seed all year. Just two weeks ago I started some Rosemary seeds in a pot. They did not come up yet and might well be dead, but I’ll try a little longer. “Gut Ding will Weile haben,” Germans are fond of saying: good thing will take time. The zesty sprouting mix in a canning jar on our window sill, however, germinated in two days and now sends forth a lovely show of green. We grow successions of various yummy, crunchy sprouts all winter long.
54
I am addicted to watching and tending growth. The most spectacular green unfolding here right now comes from amaryllis bulbs sending up their thick, green buds. In order for us to cherish their spectacular, red, pink and white blooms (while outside our long Michigan winter holds nature in an icy grip), I dig them up in the fall, pot them in fresh soil and tuck them into our root cellar. Starting in mid January I bring them up in two
week intervals, soak them thoroughly and wait for the show to begin. The toughest time in the care of the bulbs is after they bloom and before they can go back into the garden soil. They need light and warmth and water. My window sills are overflowing with them by April, but I continue to take in orphans other people have given up on because they can’t seem to get them to rebloom. Putting them in the ground and forgetting about them from June till frost is what does the trick for me almost 100% of the time. To plant a seed is the ultimate expression of hope and trust. When it sprouts it is as much a miracle as birth. To nurture that seed is entering a commitment. I am careful to point out that I don’t grow things. The plants do the growing! They have life! I am awed and delighted by their beginning and their progress. When they present their blooms, fruits, leaves, and roots for harvest I feel favored by the universe to have such gifts given to me. Michigan is a wonderful state in which to grow a garden or orchard. We have mostly good soils and plenty of water. A local, active community of gardeners shares knowledge, plants and encouragement. With care and protection most any spot that sustains a weed can grow a cultivar. I invite you to cherish the sun, the soil and the seed! Start some, and see what happens! Katja Szarafinski is the year-around owner and operator of Katja’s AllenDaySpa LLC (see ad in this issue), located at East of Edon (east of Edon Rd. /49), just south of Allen. She sells at market in the summer and spins local fiber into fine yarns in the winter. Visit allendayspa.com to see our spa and gardens. Send emails to katja@allendayspa.com, or call us at 517 869 2207.
security systems • V i r u s m a lwa r e r e m o Va l
Anytime, Anywhere Secure Business and Home
internet + SmArt PHone SECURITy SySTEMS • see camera from anywhere • android & iphone compatible call for quote
Everything You Need for Indoor Gardening Indoor growing supplies for all forms of hydroponics, soil and soilless growing Lighted Plant Stands Perma Nest plant trays Plant Lights Starting lights Timers Meters Plant labels Watering
15% off with mention of Simply Hers
Let Us Help U Grow
Hillsdale Hydro
COMPUTER SERVICES 18 N. Howell St. • Hillsdale • 517-437-9000
notebooks • desktops • software • accessories
36 Waldron St. Hillsdale 517-366-0044
You’re a
Winner with us!
call ron 398-6401 www.AllenDaySpa.com
European Facial - Massage - Pedicure - Manicure - Wax Hair Removal - Lash and Brow Tinting
Katja’s
AllenDaySpa,LLC EuropEAn FACiAL with dr. hauSchka productS $ ( . $50)
SALE 40
rEg
valid now through MothEr’S daY
“My skin never felt so clean and fresh, my neck and shoulders never so expertly massaged! ~ CS, Quincy, MI
Located amidst gardens “East of Edon” road (49), just south of Allen on 6851 N. Weston Rd., Allen, MI 49227 • (517) 869-2207
55
S imp FREE
ly H ers JAN
UARY/
FEBRU ARY 201
Its a W om
an Th in
2
g!
Blink Lif e
Ca n
Ch an In Th
ge
e
Of An
EYE
CAsU Al YE
WIN t ClAss tE H R
FAs
ION
Love’s tRUE
MEAN
ING
MAGAZINE MAYHEM
S.O.S. Sort, Organize, and Simplify Your Life!
By Peggie Bildner Simply Hers Magazine
The fact that you are reading this article, tells me you probably enjoy magazines. Some people believe the paper copy will eventually become extinct as tech devices become our new media tool. But I still enjoy the hands-on meandering through a good publication and often find them to be full of resources for future reference. Therein lies the problem! In our busy lives, it is rare to get through a magazine cover to cover. You always have the feeling that you aren’t done with it yet. Or, you find things you want to save, copy or share. Before you know it, you have piles of half-read magazines and you don’t even remember why you are keeping them!
Here is the S.O.S. solution to getting your magazine chaos under control: • Find a 3 ring binder, multi pocket folder, or accordion file. • Gather up all your magazines, especially the ones you have put aside to read again or keep a certain article or recipe. • Get a pair of scissors, sit down and peruse through them. As you (quickly) leaf through them, cut out anything you may want to read or reference again. When you are done, toss (recycle) the rest of the magazine. • As you cut items out, put them in piles by category. Here are the ones I use: Recipes, Gardening, Decorating, Health & Exercise, DIY Home Projects, Craft Projects and General Interest (like stories or informational articles.) You can make your own categories based on your interests. The key is to not allow yourself to be pulled in to reading or getting sidetracked. If you think you will want to re-visit it, go ahead and cut it out.
56
• Put each pile in a section of your binder/sorter. Label each section by category. If you are techsavvy and are trying to go paperless, you can scan what you’ve cut out and put in computer folders by subject. From now on, when you sit down to read a magazine, have your scissors and folder ready! This is even something you can do while watching TV. Now instead of piles of magazines and papers, you will have one binder or folder with quick access to the thing you want to read or reference. Get in the habit of grabbing your binder when you know you will be waiting at an appointment, for a child to finish sports practice, or have just a few minutes to read. Throw things out as you are finished with them, or if it’s something you want to keep long term (like recipes) move them to a permanent place. If you have a certain magazine that you just can’t part with (like Simply Hers), they make attractive magazine storage boxes to keep them neat and in one place. But think long and hard before you do this- will you really ever go back and re-read them?and limit it to one special publication. If you have an aversion to throwing away a “perfectly good magazine”, check around for somebody that could make use of them and make a commitment to share. (Some places you might check- Domestic Harmony, the jail, your hairdresser.) To keep magazine clutter in check in the future, make a deal with a friend by coordinating your subscriptions to different issues and agree to pass them on to each other. You’ll save money too. Following these steps and making a commitment to do this with every publication that comes into your house, can help get your magazine mayhem under control. (Now can someone please help me convince my husband that every single Hockey News issue is not a “collectors’ item”?!)
Simply Hilar ious
Q
A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching his wife who was looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off, he asked what she’d like to have for her birthday. “I’d like to be six again,” she replied, still looking in the mirror. On the morning of her birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to a Six Flags theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, The Wall of Fear, the Screaming Roller Coaster, everything there was! Five hours later, she staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and
TO BE SIX AGAIN!
her stomach felt upside down. He then took her to McDonald’s where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake.
Accept Only The
17 years
BEST
(517)605-8595 14480 Church Rd Hudson, MI 49247
Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, soda pop, and her favorite M&M candies. What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed, exhausted! He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, “Well dear, what was it like being six again?” Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed, “I meant my DRESS SIZE, you idiot!”
Commercial • Residential • Industrial Service Upgrades New Construction Remodel Generator
www.hillsdalemassage.com Too mucH SpRiNg cleANiNg? we HANDle THAT 1342 S. Hillsdale Rd | Hillsdale 517-439-HAND (4263)
MIkE BROwn, OwnER
(517)605-8595
got mud?
spring special 3 rooms cleaned & deodorized
95.00
$
517-788-7710 or 734-663-0930
™Even my husband loves Grayfield,
Grayfield THE ROOMS
At
and he usually hates B&Bs
Finally a beautiful B&B we agree on!∫ floors JW, Ann Arbor, MI
upholstery 310 West Chicago Street | Jonesville, MI
residential
517- 849-9580 CommerCial www.roomsatgrayfield.com
24 hour emergenCy
By Jean Karr Simply Hers Magazine
AGING WITH ATTITUDE Searching for paperwork to help our tax burden, I found myself going through 18 boxes of old papers. It took me a week, but I sorted through documents clear back to 1988! I’m not a packrat, but I do save a lot of stuff I don’t necessarily need. It was like a treasure hunt! I discovered pictures I didn’t even know I had and a card that had been attached to flowers from my husband, sent when I was taking a college class clear back in 1986. Among the treasures, I found a paper yellowed from age, probably at least 30 years old. It was the perfect thing I needed to lift my spirits for the day, so I want to share it ~
ATTITUDE By Charles Swindoll
The longer I live the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude is more important to me than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for the day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes. Yes, I was able to find the receipts I needed. But by finding Charles Swindoll’s words, I was also able to refocus on my attitude for my life. I have always been a positive person- my cup is half full, not half empty. I embrace old sayings such as ‘the sun will come up tomorrow’ and ‘time heals all things’, finding them to be true more often than not.
58
New medical research shows that a person with a positive attitude lives much longer than a negative person. So maybe it’s time for you to do an attitude check on yourself. Are you making things rougher for yourself? Is there room for improvement? Now that I’ve unearthed these words of wisdom and encouragement, I’m going to make sure I read them frequently so I can continue with my own attitude adjustment. “And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.”
Perennial Park Senior Center Offers Heartfelt “Thank You”
Perennial Park Senior Center would like to sincerely thank all those that helped the Center have a successful 2011 Fiscal Year. Below are a just a few accomplishments: · 4 We received the 2011 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics from the Better Business Bureau recognizing our commitment to high standards of business ethics and conduct. · 4 The Detroit Free Press named the Center as one of the best places to work in Michigan in November. · 4 The American Red Cross assisted the Center when we opened as a designated 24 hour emergency disaster site, allowing residents a warm bed, food and shower facilities during the February ice storm serving a total of 262 people. The Center uses a tiered system to make sure that those most in need, i.e., physical limitations, income, access to care, age and assistance with daily living challenges, are receiving services to avoid unnecessary nursing home placement. In FY2011 the Center served 329 grant clients needing Homecare Assistance i.e., Meals on Wheels, Personal Care and Homemaking. Had those same people been placed in a nursing home (according to a 2009 Met Life Market survey of 1850 Nursing Homes) it would have cost an average of $215 per day x 365 days = $ 78,475 per year x 329 clients = $25,818,275. The Center provided Home Care Assistance using $ 475,480 in millage funds that equaled $ 1,445.23 annually per person or $3.96 per day. The Center estimated that the total cost to provide seven meals and four hours of service per week cost approximately $ 7,346 per year per client or $ 20.13 per day. What wasn’t covered with millage funding was made up with program income, grant and private donations. The Center keeps people at home and it costs less. For more information on the services Perennial Park offers please call (800) 479-3348 or (517) 437-2422.
The
Addison Granary
Antiques & Collectables Open 10am - 5pm Sundays 12pm - 5pm Closed Holidays Terry & Lorraine Beach 16765 Rome Rd. • Addison 517-425-7877 terrylorrainebeach@gmail.com
sprinG plantinG
FOR a beautiFul suMMeR Stop by today, our experts would love to help.
320 West Bacon Street, Hillsdale 517.437.2422 • 800.479.3348
• Transportation • Meals on Wheels Growing to Serve!
• LiquidPlace Supplements • Homemaking ServicesThe Perfect Perennial Park: to Plant Progress • Respite Services
• Legal Services
A private non-profit that for the last 28 years has been • Equipment Loan Library • Personal Care Services helping people remain at home and • Counseling & Supportindependent. • Kinship Care Program
• Building RentalHillsdale • Fitness Center 320 West Bacon Street, • Medicaid/Medicare Assistance Program • Life-Long Learning Classes www.hillsdaleseniorcenter.org • Free 24-hour Telephone Reassurance Program • Legacy Club (Adult Day Care) (800) 479-3348 • (517) 437-2422
• Meals on Wheels • Homemaking Services • Respite Services • Personal Care Services • Kinship Care Program • Fitness Center • Life-Long Learning Classes • Free 24-hour Telephone Reassurance Program
• Legacy Club (Adult Day Care) • Transportation • Medicaid / Medicare Assistance Program • Legal Services • Equipment Loan Library • Counseling and Support • Building Rental • Liquid Supplements
GReenHOuse
3500 Milnes Rd. • Hillsdale • (517)437-4495 • www.gleisinc.com
light housekeeping - laundry - meal prep - appointments - home care cosmetology - skilled nursing services - general and grocery shopping diabetic monitoring - diet nutrition - transportation - ostomy care
Perennial Park: The Perfect Place to Plant Progress
www.hillsdaleseniorcenter.org
ORcHaRd &
Visit us on Facebook
Growing to Serve A privAte non-profit thAt hAs been helping people remAin At home And independent sinCe 1983.
Glei’s
The Place To Go for ThinGs ThaT Grow
Serving the tri-State area michigan | ohio | indiana care can be provided for a few hours a week or around the clock depending on your needs. i’m very happy with all care i receive personal care, homemaking & they also make trips to the pharmacy & grocery store for me as well as put up with “Joey” Thanks Jean Sally Porter
allcare, inc. 24 / 7 call 866-379-8945 www.allcareinc.biz call for a free consultation in your home
fender bender? Insurance specialists Free Written estimates All work Guaranteed. CoMplete CollIsIon servICes Original factory parts • Frame straightening Pre-accident restoration • Dents, dings & rust removed
Auto pAIntInG speCIAlIsts Color match experts • Thousands of colors Economy & premium finishes
Fender Menders 517-529-9913
10525 S Meridian Rd • Clarklake
59
By Pennye Scheiber Simply Hers Magazine
the Hammered Dulcimer
It’s never too late to learn!
OK, so you are a woman at the point of your life where your children are on their own or you might have just retired. How will you spend your time? Have you thought of adding music to your life?
and also was played in many parlors. It was the forerunner of the pianoforte. When the piano became affordable, the dulcimer lost favor and almost became extinct.
Welcome to the world of the hammered dulcimer. This is a stringed musical instrument that is very easy to play. If you can hum a tune and hold a rhythm, you can play it. You don’t even have to read music, but eventually basic music reading will sneak its way in.
Another little known fact is that the dulcimer was Henry Ford’s favorite instrument, and he even had a band with a dulcimer in it. In the 1950’s and 60’s folks started it’s revival in the folk world. Today it is very popular among the older generation, but many young folks play it too. If you doubt me, just check youtube for “hammered dulcimer” and see how many hits you get.
I started playing the hammered dulcimer after my children left home while I was still working. I had heard the music at Greenfield Village and fell in love with the sound. It’s very harp-like and some think it is a zither. After I took a few lessons, I was able to learn tunes on my own. I joined a club and the rest is history. One of the neat things about this instrument is that it is a pattern instrument. Your hands remember the pattern so you don’t read music while you play. Believe me, it’s true. Today I teach this instrument to many women who were like me, looking for something to add to their lives. Yes, there have been fellas who took lessons too, but I wanted to let you know how many women are out there playing when they never thought they would be able to.
60
Michigan is home to one of the largest dulcimer festivals in the U.S. which takes place in Evart. The festival offers workshops and more than 200 dulcimer players performing. Visit www.dulcimers.com for information on this event. I love to sharing music with seniors, children and groups alike. Dulcimers can be enjoyed at events like those held at the Will Carlton Poor House in Hillsdale. What is even more fun, is when I can have other dulcimers play with me. My students are amazed to be playing a tune by the end of the first lesson.
I have had over 50 students come through my doors since I have lived in Manitou Beach. The dulcimer is very portable making it easy to transport. There is a club in Spring Arbor, many of my students are now a part of the club and will be playing at one of the Maumee Street Jams in Adrian.
If you would like further information about the hammered dulcimer, learning to play, music jams or the Uncle Carl’s Dulcimer Club, you can email me at pennyes@comcast.net or call 517-547-7448. I hope you will be able to add music to your life an any form.
The dulcimer (dulci = sweet, mor = tune) is a very old instrument which came from Europe in the 17th century. It was known as a street dance instrument
It’s never too late to learn!
corned beef and cabbage in guinness
4 pounds flat cut corned beef brisket 1 12-ounce bottle Guinness draught (don’t use Guinness stout as it will turn bitter) 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut 3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 to 1/4 quarter tsp ground cloves (to taste) 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 head cabbage, cut, rinsed and drained 6 medium white potatoes, peeled and quartered 1 to 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut
Rinse corned beef under cold water and pat dry.
Add carrots, then potatoes and then the cabbage wedges to the pot.
In a Dutch oven, or other large pot with cover, brown corned beef well on all sides over high heat.
Cover pot, and continue cooking until meat and vegetables are tender (about 20 to 30 minutes).
Pour Guinness over the meat and add enough water to just cover the brisket.
Remove meat and vegetables to warm serving platter/dishes, leaving the cooking liquid/sauce in the pot.
Add the onion, garlic, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and pepper to the pot.
Over high heat, bring the cooking liquid to a boil, and cook until the amount of liquid is reduced by half (about 10 minutes).
Bring pot to a boil and skim off any foam.
Slice the corned beef; serve with the vegetables and the sauce on the side.
Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover pot and simmer for 3 hours.
Note: Corned beef should always be sliced across the grain.
Woodstock wine & cheese 517-547-7522 US-223 at Devils Lake Hwy. Devils Lake
J Trees Cellars Dry Rose. J Trees Cellars is a Michigan winery with a tasting room at the Stables in Blissfield. His vineyards are in Petersburg MI.
SAVE THE DATE
FRIDAY • MARCH 16 JOHNNY T’S BISTRO’S
Dinner
on the Lakefront 517-437-7538 • 1990 Ash Te Wette Dr. • Hillsdale
ST. PAT’S PARTY! “NEXT DOOR” AT THE BANQUET FACILITY FEATURING: THE GRAPE SMUGGLERS
Fresh, Handcrafted
Pizza
517-439-1100 • 173 E South St • Hillsdale
61
easter egg bread 6 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups milk 6 tablespoons butter, cubed 4 eggs 3 hard-cooked eggs vegetable oil 2 tablespoons cold water
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom and salt. In a saucepan, heat milk and butter to 120 degrees F-130 degrees F. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add 3 eggs; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Dye hard-cooked eggs; lightly rub with oil. Punch dough down.
Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough into thirds. Shape each portion into a 24-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; bring ends together to form a ring. Pinch ends to seal. Gently separate braided ropes and tuck dyed eggs into openings. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 20 minutes. Beat water and remaining egg; gently brush over dough. Bake at 375 degrees F for 28-32 or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Refrigerate leftovers.
FAMILY RESTAURANT
Owners: Frank & Carolyn Mancino
Quality Second to None! ITALIAN DINNERS NACHOS • SALADS
Great Food
Mon.-Thurs. 11 am - 10 pm Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 11 pm Sunday 12 pm - 8 pm
256 CARLETON RD. • HILLSDALE
437-9585 A World AWAy from the
any time oF day
75 W. Carleton rd • Hillsdale •(517) 437-3470 62
dAily grind
• R ich h ot c hocolate • F Resh - bRewed c oFFee • i mpoRted t eas • c Reamy c appuccinos • l uscious l attes • h omemade p astRies • d elicious d esseRts
2 N. Howell St. • Hillsdale • 517• 437• 3338 Mon-Wed • 6:30 am-6 pm • Thu-Fri • 6:30 am-9 pm • Sat 9 am-6pm • Closed Sunday
Tandoori Tilapia 1 pound of tilapia 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon of minced ginger 1 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric 1 teaspoon of garam masala 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder chopped cilantro for garnish
Mix together all of the ingredients except fish and cilantro. Add fish and marinate for 30 minutes. Warm a nonstick grill pan or nonstick regular pan over high heat and coat with cooking spray.
Woodstock wine & cheese 517-547-7522 US-223 at Devils Lake Hwy. Devils Lake
Who’ll Know? Take & Bake SelecTion Traditional Lasagna Chicken Lasagna Fettuccine alfredo pluS Many MoRe Starting as low as $15
*Serves 8-10
WALONE R NRANGER E R’ S FAMILY RESTAURANT
FAMILY135RESTAURANT Michigan St. To order callReading 517-437-3949 3380 Beck Rd283-2936 • Hillsdale (517)
If desired, squeeze with a little lemon juice, and top with cilantro. Try with a warmed whole-wheat pita
Salneval Albarino. Albarino is a white Spanish wine which is perfect with shellfish.
Prime Rib Perfection
Women have been faking it for years
order dinner from Warner’s Family Restaurant and pretend you made it yourself...
Lower heat and add fish. Cook for 4 minutes per side- times might vary depending on thickness of fillets.
etchup
Stop in and K with the
! t s e B Homemade Burgers and Fresh Cut Fries at
Olivia’s prime rib is slow cooked for 10 hours making it tender, juicy, and delicious.
ROADHOUSE (517)849-2120
417 West Chicago St. | Jonesville
517-849-3663 | 205 East Chicago Street | Jonesville, MI 49250 http://www.facebook.com/oliviaschophouse
63
Taco Soup 2 pounds ground beef 2 cups diced onions 2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans 1 (15 1/2-ounce) can pink kidney beans 1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can tomatoes with chiles 2 (4 1/2-ounce) cans diced green chiles 1 (4.6-ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet, drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large slow cooker or a stockpot.
1/2 cup green olives, sliced, optional 1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix 1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix
Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, black olives, green olives, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove.
Corn chips, for serving Sour cream, for garnish Grated cheese, for garnish
To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese, green onions and jalapenos.
Chopped green onions, for garnish Pickled jalapenos, for garnish Woodstock wine & cheese 517-547-7522 US-223 at Devils Lake Hwy. Devils Lake
T R A D I T I O N
$
Chateau Chantal Michigan Chardonnay. This is a tough one - tomato and wine are a hard combo. But I think the Ch Chantal Chardonnay from Old Mission Peninsula would be a great compliment.
2 Margaritas
F L A V O R
F R I E N D S
burgers, beer & basketball
Tues. & Thur.
Open 7 Days
Mon-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 12pm-12am
GOOD FOOD GOOD TIMES
Under new $29 -OwnerShip $189
march madness is here!
Gift & Custom Samplers
(517) 448-3100 521 S Meridian rd HudSon
64
pub & grub 45 North St., Hillsdale
The hunT Club
(517) 437-4002
Downtown Hillsdale
(517) 437-7356
Mini Strawberry Mascarpone Tarts 8 ounces frozen pizza dough, thawed 1/2 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 8 large strawberries, hulled and finely diced 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, whipped Preheat the oven to 400o. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. In a small bowl add 1/2 cup of sugar and the salt. Stir to combine and pour about half of it evenly onto a work surface. With your hands, press the dough into the sugar and roll out into a flat disk, about 1/2-inch thick. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 of the sugar evenly over the top of the dough and press it a few times to adhere. With a rolling pin, roll the dough into a thickness of about 1/8-inch, turning and flipping as you roll to incorporate the sugar into the dough and to keep it from sticking to the surface. With a 3-inch round cutter, cut out 12 dough rounds and arrange them on the lined baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and bake until crisp and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool the crisp rounds completely on the pan. Woodstock wine & cheese 517-547-7522 US-223 at Devils Lake Hwy. Devils Lake
GREAT FOR ANY OCCASION! Open 11am-9 pm daily Inside the Market House
Meanwhile, pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer until thick and syrupy, about 4 minutes; it should still swirl in the pan. If too thick, simply add about a teaspoon of balsamic, stir, and remove from the heat. Put the strawberries in a small bowl and sprinkle them with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let them stand until juicy, 5 to 10 minutes. To assemble the tarts, spread about 2 teaspoons mascarpone on each crisp dough round with a spoon or small offset spatula. Put diced strawberries on the top of each tart. Drizzle a little balsamic syrup over the tarts and serve immediately.
Sandhill Crane Vineyards Rhapsody in Red. A delicious raspberry blend wine from a very local vineyard - located in Jackson. Wonderful with chocolate.
Bits & Kibbles — Appetizers
Good Food Good Friends
Chicken Wings—BBQ (Sweet, Spicy, Mustard) / Buffalo / Plain / SD Hot Sauce / Garlic Parmesan / Wicked Bleu Cheese 6…4.99 9…6.99 12…8.99 15…10.99 Ranch Dressing...35¢ Bleu Cheese Dressing...50¢ Celery...35¢
Sinful Stuffers Potato skins stuffed with pulled pork, SD Hot Sauce, jalapenos, topped with melted cheddar cheese ...5 St. Louis Rib Sampler 7 finger-lickin’ Saucy Dog ribs tossed in our Sweet BBQ Sauce. …8.99
GREAT BBQ
Shadow’s Famous BBQ Nachos Crispy tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar cheese, Sweet BBQ Sauce, jalapeño peppers and your choice of Hand-Pulled Chicken or Pork. . .7.49 Half order…4.00
517-437-2100 H i l l s da l e
Bacon & Cheese Potato Boats Topped with bacon, green onion, melted cheddar chee and garlic herb sour cream. . . 5.99
Deep Fried Mushrooms Battered fresh whole mushrooms served with Create Your Own Nachos ranch dressing. . .5.99 Crispy tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar cheese …6.99 Half order. . .4.00 artesiaN 6pm every thursday Hand-dipped Onion RingsWells Choose any three toppings—bacon, green onion, sourlive cream, garlic herb Served with Texas ranch…5.49 music, drink specials, food , Sports Tavern sour212 cream, green olive, chili, diced tomato, lettuce or jalapeños E. Chicago St. (US-12) | Jonesville campfires, horseshoes and bikes! Extra toppings …50¢ Mini Corn Dogs 517-849-BBQ2 (2272) Add Pulled Chicken, Pulled Pork or Beef Brisket …2.49 Served with honey mustard. . .5.79 U.S. 12 & U.S. 127 • Cement City • 517-547-8777
Bike Night
www.saucydogsbbq.com
Chips & Salsa or Cheese Corn tortilla chips with smoked tomato salsa or melted cheddar
Fried Dill Pickles Served with ranch dressing. . .4.99
65
Gems of Wisdom Have You Read Your Horoscope Today?
PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, it may seem like a struggle right now, but you will find out that almost any obstacle can be overcome if you set your mind to it.
TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you won’t necessarily feel comfortable when a friend asks for a favor. But in this instance you simply need to go along for the ride to ruffle the least feathers. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, your social energy is helping to bring the right people into your inner circle. Be sure to pay one particular person a good deal of attention. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, financial issues are certainly keeping you on your toes, although you are hoping for a respite. Go with the flow for now and find a better way to organize. LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Keep trying to win over someone who is not entirely on board with your line of thinking, Leo. A little more persuasion and there’s a good chance you can get another supporter. VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you’re energy and attention span is a bit scattered but could be just enough to find a new way to take care of things. Experiment with fun activities.
Just Right for Mama Bear...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you typically have a lot of energy and feel the need to come in first in everything you do. Now that trait will work to your advantage at work.
LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you have an uncanny ability to tune into the way people think and operate. You can put this knowledge to work at the workplace and find success in new ventures. SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, a family member needs help getting through a rough time. You may be the only one who can provide the comfort and help your loved one needs and deserves. SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Put your creative energy to good use, Sagittarius. It could mean renovating a part of your home or discovering a new hobby to keep you busy. CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, try to tackle an easy financial project. It could involve brown-bagging your lunch or saving loose change for a vacation fund. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Don’t fret, Aquarius. People are paying attention to you even if they seem distracted on the surface. Take every opportunity to be on your best behavior.
Not too big, not too small. Test drive the
32 mpg
GMC Terrain TodaY!
Hillsdale • 517-437-7334 w w w.LeutheuserGM.com 66
... and her cubs
ATTENTION LADIES! IMPORTANT CONTEST INFORMATION!
Have you always thought you had the HOTTEST HUSBAND around? Well now is your chance to prove it!
SIMPLY HERS MAGAZINE is having a ‘HOTTEST HUSBAND’ CONTEST. To enter, just send a photo of your husband and a short essay (250 words or less) telling us why you think he deserves the title of ‘HOTTEST HUSBAND’! Email (send photo as attachment) to: sales@simplyhers.net Entries must be received by April 10th, 2012 Include your phone number, husband’s name, age and occupation The winner will be featured in an upcoming issue and receive a prize package fit for a King (and his Queen), including: *One night stay at Quigley’s Bed and Breakfast (some restrictions apply.) *$50 Gift Certificate from Caffé Azzurri *30 minute massage from Professional Massage Therapy So whatever it is about your husband that makes him HOT in your eyes, brag about it and be the envy of thousands! 67
Thumb Pain? arthritis of the thumb? Introducing
modular Thumb imPlanT • Minimally Invasive •One Inch Incision • Outpatiient Surgery • No Cast • Excellent Pain Relief Barry J. Collins, D.O.
Bone & Joint Center
of Hillsdale County
517-439-5411 | 61 W. Carleton Rd. | Hillsdale