Dec. 18, 2011 by Matt Smith

Lifestyle

Sunday December 18, 2011

Veterans remembered during wreath ceremonies By Christopher Nagy

After a search during a traffic stop turned up a bag of suspected marijuana, a Pennsylvania man asked the officer, “Can I have my weed back?” FILE

DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

Snow blanketed the ground and the frigid temperatures bit at fingers and faces. Yet for Livingston County residents Esther Brown and her husband, Duane Brown, as well as hundreds of other volunteers who visited Great Lakes National Cemetery in the Holly area on Dec. 10, any slight bodily discomfort was a nonissue compared to the solemn goal of their work: remembering, honoring, teaching. The three words are the mission of Wreaths Across America, and on the second Saturday of December every year, thousands of people perform the same work as the Browns performed this month by placing wreaths on the graves of veterans at cemeteries in all 50 states. “Even though it was cold, it was fantastic. They laid 3,000 wreaths,” Esther Brown said of the work at the cemetery. “It was wonderful to see everybody up there. For as cold as it was, people came up

PHOTO BY ROD SANFORD/GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Man asks officer: ‘Can I have my weed back?’

Above, volunteers hold the nation’s colors as people place wreaths on the graves of veterans during the 2010 Wreaths Across America ceremony at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. At top, rows of gravesites are adorned by wreaths at the cemetery in 2010. SUBMITTED PHOTOS BY JOYCE FISHER there, and many even brought their children. If you’ve never been up there

… it’s quite a thing to see all those wreaths laid out.” A good portion of the 3,000 wreaths — 212 in all — came from Livingston County residents through a wreath-sponsorship program coordinated by the county’s Philip Livingston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Brown, the chairwoman for the chapter’s Service for Veterans Committee, organizes the event with fellow member Joyce Fisher. This was the second year the chapter participated in the Wreaths Across America program. “We heard about it and thought it was something we could sponsor,” Esther Brown said. “It’s not a fundraiser for the Daughters of the American Revolution. It’s a sponsorship. Joyce Fisher and I go to the veterans’ organizations and ask if they’d like to sponsor a wreath. A lot of people will sponsor two. The veterans’ organizations are absolutely wonderful. They’re very responsive. We get a lot of sponsorships from individuals, too.” Brighton resident Beverly Griffin sponsored a wreath this year for her late husband, a Korean War veteran who died in June 2010 and was buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery. “It’s a wonderful place. I think it’s a beautiful cemetery, and it’s nice that (the veterans) are all together,” Griffin said. “Many of his friends are there, which I

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• For more information on the Wreaths Across America program, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org. didn’t know about until after he was buried. It’s just a great honor to the soldiers.” Griffin learned about Wreaths Across America this year and decided that participating in the program would be a proper way to give her late husband a holiday memorial. “Somewhere, I read a little article that they were looking for donations,” she said. “I think it’s a wonderful program. The cemetery looked gorgeous last Christmas. I think it’s a great service to all the men and women who served.” Because her 90-year-old brother was ill, volunteers with the county chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution laid the wreath on the grave of Griffin’s husband this month. She hopes to perform the service herself next year — for her husband as well as other heroes laid to rest. “Hopefully, next year I can go out there and help them Continued on page 2

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY • TODAY: On Dec. 18, 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was declared in effect by Secretary of State William H. Seward. • MONDAY: On Dec. 19, 1971, “A Clockwork Orange,” Stanley Kubrick’s controversial movie adaptation of the Anthony Burgess novel, had its world premiere in the United States. • TUESDAY: On Dec. 20, 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of then-Gen. Manuel Noriega. • WEDNESDAY: On Dec. 21, 1861, former Winston Churchill President Abraham Lincoln signed a congressional act authorizing the Navy Medal of Honor. • THURSDAY: On Dec. 22, 1941, then-British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived in Washington for a wartime conference with former President Franklin D. Roosevelt. • FRIDAY: On Dec. 23, 2001, Israel barred Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat from making his annual Christmas Eve journey to Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus. Yasser Arafat • SATURDAY: On Dec. 24, 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts, orbiting the moon, read passages from the Old Testament Book of Genesis during a Christmas Eve telecast.

BEAVER, Pa. — A defense attorney’s argument that a bag of marijuana uncovered during a Pennsylvania traffic stop could have belonged to a man other than his client has unraveled after an arresting officer recalled the suspect asking him: “Can I have my weed back?” Nineteen-year-old Devonte Davon Jeter was one of four men in a car stopped by Midland police May 13. Jeter’s attorney said Monday that the marijuana could have belonged to any one of the men in the car. Yet the prosecutor told the judge: “I don’t know what else ‘Can I have my weed back?’ can mean, other than it’s his.” The district judge agreed with the prosecutor and ordered Jeter to stand trial on marijuana possession charges.

Police: Fake bills were simple photocopies SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — It didn’t take special training for workers in South Dakota to spot the fake $20 bills that were being passed off as real money last week. Police said the phony bills were simply low-tech color photocopies. Sioux Falls police spokesman Sam Clemens said the reason someone was able to get away with passing off about $200 worth of the bills is that he wrapped the phony ones inside of a real one, then rushed out the door before employees could stop him. The bills were used at more than a half-dozen businesses before police arrested a suspect — inside a hotel room he allegedly paid for, in part, with a fake bill. The man is being held in jail. The Secret Service will determine if he’ll face federal charges.

Shipyard gets a load of black widow spiders BATH, Maine — A Navy shipbuilder in Maine said it had to fumigate a warehouse and part of a warship because a shipment of parts from the West Coast contained about twodozen venomous black-widow spiders. Bath Iron Works employees discovered the arachnids in a crate containing vertical-launch-system components. Spokesman Jim DeMartini said Tuesday the discovery led to the fumigation of several compartments in the USS Michael Murphy, a destroyer that’s under construction. A warehouse in Brunswick also was fumigated. DeMartini said the spiders were discovered this month. The shipyard is confident exterminators eliminated any spiders that weren’t stomped. Black widows aren’t found in Maine but are found in California, where the shipment originated. The females are known for their distinctive hourglass marking and their potentially lethal bite.

Marijuana flung from car pelts state trooper

Apollo 8 astronauts, from left, Frank Borman, James Lovell Jr. and William Anders pose in 1968 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. While orbiting the moon 43 years ago this week, they read passages from the Old Testament Book of Genesis during a Christmas Eve telecast. ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

EUGENE Ore. — An Oregon state trooper said he was giving chase at more than 100 mph when suspects in the car ahead ripped open half-pound bags of marijuana and began flinging it out of the window. Trooper Clay Core said the pot was “pelting my car” as the chase continued Monday night on Interstate 5. Eventually, the car stopped, and officers detained two Washington state men on several charges, including tampering with evidence. Core said jettisoning the pot was an unsuccessful attempt to get rid of evidence. — The Associated Press

DAILY PRESS & ARGUS-Sunday, December 18, 2011

LIFESTYLE

Sgt. First Class Samuel Ethridge of the Alaska Army National Guard salutes after placing a wreath at a veteran’s burial site at Fort Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage, Alaska. FILE PHOTO BY MARC LESTER/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sacrifices honored with wreath ceremonies Continued from page 1

place the wreaths,” Griffin said. “I didn’t know about it the first year (the county chapter) did it. I was really excited to find out about it in the second year.” For each two $15 wreaths sponsored, the Worcester Wreath Co. — the Mainebased business that started and facilitates Wreaths Across America — ships three wreaths to be placed on the graves of veterans. The 212 wreath sponsorships for the chapter this year was up from roughly 175 sponsorships last year. Esther Brown and Fisher start their work on the program in late October or early November. “We work hard,” Esther Brown said. “But that’s my job — to see that these veterans are treated with dignity and respect.” Dignity and respect are familiar themes for why the national movement has gained so much traction — as are the three goals of the program’s overall mission. “It’s quite an amazing program,” Fisher said. “Not only is it about the wreaths, but they want to teach young people about those who served.” It’s a lesson that it not lost on those who have been intimately affected by war and sacrifice. “Esther Brown’s husband is a Marine. My father and three uncles spent three years of their lives defending our country in World War II,” Fisher said. “I am still here to make sure their service is never forgotten. As you lay each wreath, straighten the red bow, you take a moment to thank each person for their service. I never want to forget where freedom comes from. “I’m still here to remember their service and make sure people don’t forget the reason they served,” she added. “It’s just important. I need to do it. I don’t know how to explain it. My freedom is very precious to me, and those who have gone before me provided that freedom. We need to remember that, and not only support the veterans, but support those that are still trying to keep our homeland free.” Although Wreaths Across America is now a nationwide effort, it started as a small gesture on the part of one man. According to the Wreaths Across America Web site, Morrill Worcester, the owner of Worcester Wreath Co., won a trip to Washington, D.C., at age 12. His visit to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia moved him so deeply that when, decades later as a successful businessman, Worcester found his business with a surplus of holiday wreaths, he made arrangements to have the items placed on the graves of fallen servicemembers at Arlington. Several other organizations stepped in to aid in the effort in the years that followed that initial gesture in 1992, and the tribute continued quietly until 2005, when a photo of the wreath-adorned burial

“I’m still here to remember their service and make sure people don’t forget the reason they served. … My freedom is very precious to me, and those who have gone before me provided that freedom. We need to remember that, and not only support the veterans, but support those that are still trying to keep our homeland free.” JOYCE FISHER Philip Livingston Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution

sites at Arlington gained national attention and spawned Wreaths Across America into a nationwide movement. “In 2010, Wreaths Across America and our national network of volunteers laid over 220,000 memorial wreaths at 545 locations in the United States and beyond. We were able to include ceremonies at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, as well as Bunker Hill, Valley Forge and the sites of the Sept. 11 tragedies. We accomplished this with help from 902 fundraising groups, corporate contributions, and donations of trucking, shipping, and thousands of helping hands,” according to the Web site. Arlington National Cemetery is where Wreaths Across America began, and it remains the base of the largest focus for the effort. Thousands of volunteers placed the wreaths at the gravesites of about 90,000 veterans Dec. 10. It was the most wreaths ever placed at the cemetery in the 20-year-old tradition. The most wreaths ever given in the past was 25,000, program spokeswoman Amber Caron said. Organizers said they hoped to place 100,000 wreaths at Arlington this year, but donations fell short of that goal. Still, Wreaths Across America said it aims to honor every veteran at the cemetery by placing 220,000 wreaths there in the future. About 15,000 people joined the effort at the Virginia cemetery across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital, Caron said. Within a few hours, all wreaths were distributed across the large cemetery. “It was pretty incredible,” she said. “We weren’t expecting that many people. … We were really impressed.” However, while Arlington may be the focal point, Wreaths Across America has reached every corner of the nation. “I think what I’m starting to miss the most is what he would have been, because I already know what he accomplished in 31 years,” Christopher Brevard said after placing a wreath on the grave of his son — Sgt. Christopher Robert Brevard, who died in southern Iraq in 2007 —

at Fort Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage, Alaska. “That’s what bothers me the most, is never seeing him go further in his career or further in his life. Your future rests with your children, and when you don’t get to see that, it’s heart-wrenching.” A few feet away from their son’s marker, the elder Brevard and his wife saw a marker for a 21year-old soldier killed in Afghanistan. They walked over and brushed the snow from a bouquet of flowers that someone had placed on the grave. “I noticed there’s quite a few more since when our son passed,” Christopher Brevard said. “Sometimes, it makes me sad … because I think people forget that these wars are even going on.” Remembering, honoring, teaching — the mission of Wreaths Across America — helps ensure that the sacrifices servicemembers have made and are still making don’t go unsung. “It’s absolutely gorgeous to see and know that these veterans are remembered,” Esther Brown said. “Some of the graves have grave blankets, but so many others would just be empty.” “It’s a great way to honor those we have lost,” Fisher noted. “Sometimes, this will be the only Christmas recognition they get because their families are gone.”

Hundreds of volunteers took part in the 2010 Wreaths Across America ceremony at Great Lakes National Cemetery in the Holly area. This year, 212 of the roughly 3,000 wreaths placed on the graves of veterans at the cemetery came through sponsorships collected by the Service for Veterans Committee of the Philip Livingston Chapter of the Daughters of the America Revolution. SUBMITTED PHOTO BY JOYCE FISHER

The Empty Stocking Fund needs your help.

For the past five decades, the Empty Stocking Fund of the Daily Press & Argus has collected donations to help brighten the holidays for Livingston County children in need. There are no administrative costs associated with the fund, so every penny you donate goes directly into making the holidays brighter for county kids in need

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact Daily Press & Argus copy editor Christopher at (517) 552-2826 or at cnagy@gannett.com.

Celebrations Policy You can share news and photos of engagements, weddings, anniversaries, births and other Celebrations in the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and www.livingstondaily.com. Submit your story and photo through our website under Celebrations on the Customer Service page. If you do not have Internet access, call 517-552-2853 to request a form. The fee for your Celebration announcement is determined by size, $60, $90 or $120. We will run basic birth information for free. For more information, call 517-552-2853.

YES! I would like to make the holidays brighter for Livingston County kids in need. Enclosed is my donation of: $20

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Sunday, December 18, 2011-DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

Names & Faces Students named Good Citizens DAR chapter honors seniors in ceremony The Philip Livingston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a reception Nov. 12 at First United Methodist Church of Howell to honor the 2011-2012 Good Citizen Award recipients. An outstanding senior with exceptional qualities in leadership, dependability, service and patriotism was selected from each participating Livingston County high school. Winners were Zeke Miller of Fowlerville High School, Hope Hersh of Howell High School, Madeline Murphy of Hartland High School, Cameron Fattahi of Brighton High School and Abby Loewenstein of Pinckney Community High School. The students shared their plans at the reception. Miller plans on becoming an engineer. He has not yet determined which college he will attend next year. Fattahi is planning a career in neuroscience. Duke University, the University of Michigan,

Michigan State University and the University of California, Berkley, are on his list of college choices. Murphy plans to major in psychology at Western Michigan University. Hersh will focus on anesthesiology at the University of Chicago, the University of Southern California or Vassar University in New York. Each winner was invited to participate in the DAR Good Citizens Essay Contest. The contest consists of a 500-word proctored essay, a resume containing high school and community service activities and awards as well as personal recommendations. The essays were judged by an independent panel of judges. The winning essay was written by Loewenstein, who plans on studying mathematics for secondary education with a minor in Spanish. Her essay will be placed in the statewide DAR competition. The winner will be named at DAR State Awards Day on

Zeke Miller

Hope Hersh

Madeline Murphy

March 27 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. The state winner will continue to the national competition in Washington, D.C. A certificate and pin were presented to each student by DAR Good Citizen Chairwoman Barb W right. The chapter applauded the students for their hard work and wished them the best in their future plans. The Philip Livingston Chapter has been honoring DAR Good Citizens since 1936. For more information on the Good Citizen Awards program, high school students can contact their guidance counselors.

Cameron Fattahi

Abby Loewenstein

Airman completes training at Texas base Air Force Airman Cody T. Double has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. The airman comERVICE pleted an intensive, eight-week program. EWS Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force. He is a 2011 graduate of Pinckney Community High School and the son of Dawn Rice of Whitmore Lake.

From left, Terri Burton accepts the Coach of the Year Award on behalf of her father, Charlie Bates; Jen Kramer accepts the Corporate Sponsor of the Year Award for Buffalo Wild Wings; and Mary Ellen Aria receives the Volunteer of the Year Award during a ceremony honoring volunteers of the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Recreation authority commends volunteers On Nov. 17, the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority recognized its volunteers who have given their time and energy to support the organization during 2011. “Volunteers are the backbone of our programs,” said Director Debbie Mikula. “They help with everything from answering phones to coaching sports to organizing special events.” In 2011, volunteers contributed 8,952 hours, which provided $191,215 in savings for the authority. Special volunteers including individuals, a business and a student group who have gone the extra mile during the past year were recognized for their contributions to the authority. Jim Clore was presented with the Instructor of the Year A ward for his dedication to teaching hunter safety. The Teen of the Year Award went to Eric Kraus for his daily assistance to the teen center staff. The Organizational Volunteers of the Year Award went to the Howell High School National Honor Society

The Daily Press & Argus is going one step further to crank up the spotlight on the names and faces that matter to you. Those names and faces, of course, would be yours. The twice-weekly Names & Faces page features the kind of news you can only get in your hometown newspaper. The page is dedicated to achievements, special occasions and other news from people and groups around town. Community contributions are big parts of the Names & Faces page. If you’re involved in a club at school, work or church, or involved in arts, music, Scouting, service or other pursuits, you’ll be able to share your news and pictures with Livingston County with the Names & Faces page. Story submissions are always welcome at our special Names & Faces e-mail address, names@ livingstondaily.com. The Names & Faces page appears Tuesdays and Sundays in the Daily Press & Argus. You can read past Names & Faces articles at www.livingstondaily.com.

for frequently providing 30-40 students at special events held by the authority. Denise Bochinski was given the Senior of the Year Award for her support of every aspect of the Howell Senior Center’s activities and events. The Coach of the Year Award went to Charlie Bates for his commitment as diving coach at the Howell Area Aquatic Center inside Howell High School. The Corporate Sponsor of the Year A ward was given to Buffalo Wild Wings for its investment and partnership with the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority. Mary Ellen Aria was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award for her efforts in producing the inaugural Pooch Posse dog walk. The commitment and passion of all the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority’s volunteers makes the community one of the best places to live, work, visit and enjoy recreation and allows the authority to be an outstanding contributor to the health and well-being of its citizens, Mikula said.

From left, Jim Clore, Eric Kraus and Erica Vichiles accept the Organizational Volunteers of the Year Award for the Howell High School National Honor Society.

Share good news with the county in Names & Faces

SUBMIT PHOTOS A N D GET REPRINTS • FOR PHOTOS: We can make your

Denise Bochinski was given the Senior of the Year Award by the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority for her support of every aspect of the Howell Senior Center’s activities and events.

photographs reproduce to the best quality in the Daily Press & Argus’ Names & Faces section if you’ll follow the guidelines listed below. • All images should be sent as JPEG-format files. • Images should be a minimum of roughly 6 inches wide by 4 inches high for horizontal photos and 4 inches wide by 6 inches high for vertical photos. • Images should be saved at 200 pixels per inch. • Maximum total file size per e-mail is 8.5 megabytes. • FOR REPRINTS: Keepsake page reprints from the Daily Press & Argus are available back to April 3, 2006. Prints are 12 inches by 18 inches on glossy paper, suitable for framing. Call (517) 548-7095 for further information on getting reprints.

DAILY PRESS & ARGUS-Sunday, December 18, 2011

LIFESTYLE

‘Young Adult’ latest stereotype-buster from a female writer By Julie Hinds GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

There’s a scene early in “Young Adult” where Charlize Theron, looking as bleary-eyed as a sublime beauty can, chugs from a two-liter bottle of Diet Coke as part of a morning wakeup routine. “I can relate to that scene,” screenwriter Diablo Cody said with a laugh. Cody doesn’t write characters who fit the sunny romantic-comedy landscape where lovely women and handsome men overcome silly obstacles to realize they’re made for each other. This explains why there’s something about her latest movie that seems relatable to the 2011 hit “Bridesmaids” — even though the two are worlds apart. Where “Bridesmaids” was a raunchy broad comedy with a heart of gold, “Young Adult” is a challenging dark comedy about a grown-up mean girl. Yet in both screen universes, it’s possible to conceive of women who swill soda straight from the fridge and have deeper imperfections. “In ‘Bridesmaids,’ we got to see flawed women, with their flaws on display, behaving in realistic and sometimes irresponsible ways,” Cody said. “It’s sad, in a way, that that was so refreshing and new, because to me, there should be all kinds of movies out there that depict women realistically. But there aren’t,” she added. Now, there’s one more. “Young Adult” reunites Cody and director Jason Reitman, who worked together on her 2007 breakthrough film, “Juno,” which earned her an Oscar for best original screenplay. Like that film — about a hip, punk-rock-loving pregnant teen with a mind of her own — this one contains an indelible female character that doesn’t fit any convenient stereotypes. In “Young Adult,” Theron plays Mavis, a ghost writer for a young-adult fiction series who’s left her small Minnesota town for the bright lights of Minneapolis, only to be drawn home after finding out that her high school boyfriend (Patrick Wilson) and his wife (Elizabeth Reaser, who grew up in Bloomfield Hills) are new parents. While there on a mission to win him back, Mavis bumps into another ex-classmate,

“Juno” screenwriter Diablo Cody, left, is the writer of the new dark comedy “Young Adult,” starring Charlize Theron, right. GANNETT NEWS SERVICE FILE PHOTOS Matt (Patton Oswalt), an outsider who’s still dealing with the scars of his teen years. Cody wasn’t afraid to make Mavis a hard-to-like person who’s vain, self-absorbed and prone to drinking too much. Mavis watches reality shows about the Kardashians and totes around a tiny dog and an attitude that’s mostly superior, but also sensitive to the reality that her facade is as prefabricated as the fast food she binges on. What’s frustrating to Cody, who also created Showtime’s “United States of Tara” series about a wife and mother with multiple personalties, is that Mavis is so unusual for a female character. “There’s so many movies about disturbed male anti-heroes. We’ve seen so many. We’ve seen so many guys onscreen grappling with alcoholism or obsession and getting to be curmudgeons. We always celebrate these male curmudgeons. But you don’t see it as often with women,” Cody said. Yet, “Young Adult” is arriving at a time when audiences seem increasingly interested in projects featuring women who don’t necessarily fit stereotypical molds. The TV sitcoms “New Girl” ”and “Up All Night” — both created by female writers — are getting critical acclaim in a lackluster year for new shows. “Bridesmaids,” written by “Satur-

day Night Live” star Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, earned nearly $170 million domestically in theaters and is out on DVD. Two rising actresses, Emma Stone of “Crazy Stupid Love” and “The Help” and Melissa McCarthy of “Bridesmaids,” drew praise as being the best “Saturday Night Live” hosts of the season — sorry, Alec Baldwin. Even a less critically wellreceived project like “Bad Teacher” with Cameron Diaz made $100 million at the domestic box office, showing that audiences are responding to nontraditional roles for women.

Evolution of a character Cody, who’s on the vanguard of creating offbeat female characters, said she wasn’t really sure who Mavis was at first when she wrote “Young Adult.” The film delivers as much drama as comedy in its portrait of Mavis as a thirtysomething woman stalled in life. “I just kind of created the character and followed her through some situations. Then, the script started to take shape, and when I thought I had a pretty good first draft, I sent it to Jason, just to get his opinion.” When Reitman came on board as director, Cody was delighted. “I always want to work with Jason,” she said of the “Juno” director.

She had a similarly enthusiastic response to the idea of casting Oswalt, who had a recurring role on “United States of Tara.” “I was like, done and done,” she said, describing Oswalt as a brilliant actor and probably the best comic today. Picturing Theron as Mavis was another matter. “My first reaction was just happiness when I heard she had agreed to do the movie, because she is incredible,” Cody said. “On the other hand, I’m from the Midwest and I’ve never seen anybody who looks like her. I don’t even think I’ve ever seen anybody who looks like her in America, in Los Angeles, let alone Minneapolis. So, I thought this character needs to be somewhat pitiful. Who could pity her? And then, you see the genius of what she does and what an amazing actress she is, because I do think she is pitiable in this movie.” Cody said she should have known that the 36-year-old actress, who won an Oscar for playing a slovenly serial killer in “Monster,” could handle Mavis easily. Already, Theron is making the short list of Oscar-nomination predictions for immersing herself in such a different role.

Evolution of a writer As one of the best-known female screenwriters around, Cody represents a growing num-

ber of women, including her friends Lorene Scafaria (“Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist”), Dana Fox (“What Happens in Vegas”) and former metro Detroiter Liz Meriwether (“New Girl”). The number of women being recognized for their work on a range of scripts continues to grow and, in turn, the success stories are helping the newcomers. “It seems like every time a new lady writer comes to town, they are welcomed into the fold in some way,” Cody said. “We’ve created this amazing satellite network of women who support each other as writers and directors. I think it’s so important to us because people expect the opposite, for some reason. They think women are just catty and competitive, and that’s not the truth. I’ve seen guys get a lot more catty and competitive in Hollywood with each other.” Cody also is helping revise what she calls a wonderful script for the remake of “The Evil Dead” that’s being produced by Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and Rob Tapert, the trio of friends who, as unknown metro Detroiters, made a huge impact with the original 1981 version. Has she seen the first “Evil Dead”? “Of course, I saw the original!” she said, pleasantly indignant. “I’m a huuuuge fan of Sam Raimi and a huge fan of Bruce Campbell, and I would have not gotten involved in this if they weren’t involved as well. When I had the opportunity to talk to Sam and Bruce, I thought, ‘OK, I’ve got to do this.’ ” She’s also getting her first opportunity to direct one of her scripts. The project is set to star Julianne Hough, Russell Brand and Octavia Spencer. Cody said she was inspired to direct by Scafaria, who just helmed an upcoming movie with Steve Carell and Keira Knightley. Even though Cody is at the forefront of acclaimed writers in Hollywood, she made it clear she is upset that there is still pressure for women to prove they’re funny and can write successful movies and direct them. “We don’t put that kind of pressure on men,” she said. “They can just go and make a movie. It’s not a huge sweeping statement about their entire gender. That, to me, is what is so frustrating.”

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Holiday in the Park — The fifth annual half-mile rustic drive that is reminiscent of a Currier and Ives painting is open at Howell City Park. The park will be lined with trees decorated for the season by local families, businesses, church groups and service organizations. Holiday in the Park will stay open through Christmas Eve. Call (517) 546-0693 for further information. Theater — Livingston County Christian musicians present the Christmas musical “Child of the Promise” at 3 p.m. at Hartland High School, 10635 Dunham Road in Hartland Township. Tickets are $10 at First Presbyterian Church of Brighton, at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, at Love In the Name of Christ of the Greater Livingston Area in Howell and online at www.childofthepromiseliv.org. Some tickets will be available at the door. A substantial portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Livingston County’s Love INC to assist local residents with needs including food, shelter, clothing and transportation. Call (616) 821-6074 for more information. Pet photos with Santa — Have a digital color photo taken of you and/or your pet with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pet Supplies Plus, 2649 E. Grand River Ave. in Genoa Township. Proceeds will benefit Always Hope Animal Rescue and the Livingston County animal shelter. Call (517) 552-2493 for more details. Christmas past — The Brighton Area Historical Society invites families to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus from 1-4 p.m. at the historic Lyon School between Pleasant Valley Road and Van Amberg Road, at 11455 Buno Road in Brighton Township. Children can experience what Christmas was like in the 1800s schoolhouse, which will be decorated with old-time Christmas decorations. There will be make-and-take crafts, cookies and hot chocolate. The event is free. The building is barrierfree. Call (810) 250-7276 for more details. Outdoors — Take a winter walk with an interpreter to search for birds and mammals at 2 p.m. at the Kensington Metropark Nature Center, a few miles east of Brighton at 2240 W. Buno Road. The program is designed for ages 6 and older. Cost is $3 per person. Registration is required. Call (800) 477-3178 for more information. Music — Music and dancing to the sounds of the Blue Notes Band and Special Quests runs from 3-7 p.m. at Howell Eagles Aerie 3607, south of Interstate 96 at 141 Schroeder Park Drive in Marion Township. There is a $5 cover charge. Dinner is available for $7. Sandwiches are $3.50. There will be a cash bar. Call (517) 548-1630 for more information.

MONDAY Music — The Brighton High School bands present a holiday concert at 7:30

p.m. at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts at the school, 7878 Brighton Road in Brighton. Admission is free. Call (810) 299-4100 for more information. Tree lighting — Ashley’s Friends will hold a memorial tree lighting at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center, 1875 N. Eager Road in Oceola Township. Ashley’s Friends is a free program for youth ages 5-18 who have experienced the death of someone loved and the adults who care for them. Call (517) 546-4440 to register.

TUESDAY Children’s holiday craft night — Kids ages 2-17 can craft their own holiday gifts and decorations at 6:30 p.m. at the Pinckney Community Public Library, 350 Mower Road in Pinckney. The event is free. Registration is requested for ordering supplies. Call (734) 8783888 or visit www.pinckneylibrary.org for more information. Classic movie and lunch — The movie “The Bishop’s Wife” will be featured at 11 a.m. at the Howell Senior Center, 925 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell. Cost is $5 and includes a $2 discount coupon for lunch at Diamonds Restaurant immediately after the show. Tickets are available 30 minutes prior to showtime. For more information, call (517) 546-0693 or visit www.howellrecreation.org.

WEDNESDAY Music — A free holiday sing-along concert happens from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Brighton District Library, 100 Library Drive in Brighton. The concert features harmonica virtuoso player Peter Madcat Ruth with his folk instruments from around the world; and Dr. Mike and the Sea Monkeys with their guitar, banjo, ukulele, resonator, djembe, and F-sharp plastic egg. Call (810) 229-6571, ext. 227, for more details. Caregiver workshop — The Alz-heimer’s Association will present a class on surviving and enjoying the holidays as a caregiver of someone with dementia from 4:30-6 p.m. at Be Our Guest Adult Day Service, 2020 E. Grand River Ave., Suite 103, in Howell. The program will provide information on the emotions, challenges and expectations of the holidays and how caregivers can have a more successful holiday season. It will also provide some alternatives for maintaining safety, familiarity, comfort and inclusion for loved ones. Call (517) 546-9910 for more information.

THURSDAY

The Opera House, 123 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell. Doors open at 6 p.m. Also performing are Good Weather For Airstrikes, Mike Mains and the Branches and Free Kittens. Tickets are $7 in advance or $8 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Last Chance Rescue animal shelter. Visit www. fusionshows.com for more details. Religion — The Longest Night Service for people who find it difficult to celebrate the holidays due to a loss in their lives will be held at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Brighton, 300 E. Grand River Ave. in Brighton. There will be a time for individual prayer and light refreshments after the service. The service is a combined effort of the First Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist Church to acknowledge the bond of community in Christ and its united efforts to share the peace and joy of the Christmas season. Call (810) 229-8561 for more information. Camp Frosty — Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade can spend a chunk of their holiday break cross country skiing, sledding, making snow sculptures, taking wildlife park tours, playing games and making crafts. Camp Frosty runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and Dec. 27-28 at the Howell Conference and Nature Center, south of Howell at 1005 Triangle Lake Road in Marion Township. Cost to attend the camp is $33 per day. Beforeand after-care are available for $10. Registration and advance payment are required. Call (517) 546-0249 or visit www.howellnaturecenter.org for more details.

FRIDAY Food — Sloppy joes and Boston coolers are served from 5-8 p.m. at American Legion Post 419, south of M-36 at 9807 Whitewood Road in Hamburg Township. Sloppy joe plates are $2; additional sandwiches are $1 each. Call (734) 878-9522 for more information. Music — Jeff Pianki and Koji will headline a night of music at Lakeview Lodge at the Howell Conference and Nature Center, south of Howell at 1005 Triangle Lake Road in Marion Township. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Also performing are J.T. Royster, The Skis and Carter Moulton. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door. All ages are welcome. Beverages an s’mores will be provided around an outdoor campfire. Organizers encourage attendees to bring canned goods and blankets for a local charity. Visit www.fusionshows.com for more information.

Adult writers workshop — Get feedback and ideas for your writing style for your book, paper or manuscript from award-winning writer Mike Ball at the Brighton District Library, 100 Library Drive in Brighton. Call (810) 229-6571 or see www.brightonlibrary. info for more information.

DEC. 25

Benefit concert — Fusion Shows presents Indie rock band Tips, who have reunited for a special holiday show, at

DEC. 26

Dinner — Free traditional Christmas dinners will be served from noon to 4 p.m. at American Legion Devereaux Post 141, 3265 W. Grand River Ave. at M-59 in Howell Township. Those in need of a delivered meal should call (517) 546-2534 by Tuesday.

Snowy Days Winter Camp — Kids can spend some of their holiday break

doing fun activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hamburg Fitness Center at 8540 Hamburg Road in Hamburg. The program is designed for kids ages 6-14. Activities include ice bowling, sledding, animal studies, snowman contest, survival skills, arts and crafts, and hockey. Kids can attend one session or as many as five through Dec. 30. Cost starts at $27 per day for one child. Before care is also available from 7-9 a.m. Registration ends Dec. 26. Call (810) 231-4169 or e-mail c.dewar@hamburgfitness.net for more information.

DEC. 29 Music — Fusion Shows presents the second annual Chris Nance Memorial Show at The Opera House, 123 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell. Performers include Endeavors, Deadlight, Siren the Escape, The Yellow Sign, The Right Stuff, From Rise To Ruin, Shivers and Traitor. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door for this all-ages show. All proceeds will be donated to the Pinckney Community High School culinary-arts program, as cooking was Nance’s passion outside music. Visit www.fusionshows.com for more information.

DEC. 30 Blood drive — A blood drive will run from noon to 5:45 p.m. at Town Commons Assisted Living at 605 Pere Marquette in Howell. Call (517) 540-1926 to schedule an appointment.

DEC. 31 New Year’s Eve party — Howell Elks Lodge 2168, 2830 E. Grand River Ave. in Genoa Township, will host an evening of food and music from the 1950s through the ’80s. Doors open at 8 p.m. The event includes an hors d’oeuvres table, cash bar, midnight toast and live musical entertainment featuring the groups Mario’s Band, Johnny Lightning and The Way Back Machine. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. Call (517) 545-0634 or (517) 202-7809 for more information. New Year’s Eve party — American Legion Devereaux Post 141, 3265 W. Grand River Ave. at M-59 in Howell Township, holds a New Year’s Eve party beginning at 8 p.m. The evening includes appetizers, desserts, party favors, live entertainment by the Devereaux Dawgs band, a champagne toast and a cash bar. Tickets are $20 per person. Drivers will be available for local residents who may need a ride a home. Call (517) 546-2534 for more information.

JAN. 3 Travelogue — The Hartland Audubon Nature Club presents a tour of Lake Superior with professional photographer Bruce Montagne at the Hartland Educational Support Service Center, west of Old U.S. 23 at 9525 E. M-59 in Hartland Township. The meeting begins with social time at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7:15 p.m. Call (810) 632-5223 or (269) 6572602 for more information.

JAN. 5 Support group — A support group for parents and caregivers of children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder meets at 7 p.m. at Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital, 620 Byron Road in Howell. Call Terri Moore at (810) 5999399 or e-mail fasdliving@comcast.net for more information.

JAN. 6 Music — The Livingston Arts Council presents Matt Watroba and Robert Jones to kick off this season’s Acoustic Café concert series at 7:30 p.m. at The Opera House, 123 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell. Admission is $7 at the door. Call (517) 540-0065 for more details. Dinner — All-you-can-eat chicken, rib and fish dinners with side dishes and beverages are served from 5-8 p.m. at the Livingston County Wildlife and Conservation Club, 6060 E. M-36 in Hamburg Township. Cost is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors or $5 for kids ages 6-12. Kids 5 and younger eat for free. A cash bar is available. Call (810) 2311811 for more information.

JAN. 8 Breakfast — An all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is open from 8 a.m. to noon at the Livingston County Wildlife and Conservation Club, 6060 E. M-36 in Hamburg Township. Cost is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors or $3 for kids ages 6-12. Kids 5 and younger eat for free. Call (810) 231-1811 for more details. Shooting sports — A target competition shoot begins at 1 p.m. at the Livingston County Wildlife and Conservation Club, 6060 E. M-36 in Hamburg Township. Ammunition is provided. The competition includes prizes and raffles. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Call (810) 231-1811 for more information.

This week’s blood drives:

Monday, December 19 Time: 1:00 - 6:45 pm Place: Oak Grove United Methodist Church 6686 Oak Grove, Howell Wednesday, December 21 Time: 12:30 - 6:15 pm Place: Independence Village of Brighton Valley 7700 Nemco Way, Brighton Friday, December 23 Time: 11:00 am - 4:45 pm Place: First United Methodist Church 400 E. Grand River, Brighton Appointments preferred

www.redcrossblood.org Walk-ins welcome as space permits. This notice is provided by The Daily Press & Argus as a public service

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TODAY

Sunday, December 18, 2011-DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

Media Mix The Black Keys

Black Keys kick it into higher gear Spotlight • The Black Keys, “El Camino” That’s a vintage Chrysler Group LLC minivan, not a Chevy El Camino, on the cover of the Black Keys’ seventh studio album, a confident and compelling rock throwdown that manages to upstage last year’s excellent “Brothers.” The title, which means ISTEN “the road” in Spanish, refers to the band’s slow P and steady journey to success, symbolized by the shabby vehicle that carried the band across the country as it built a following during its first two years of gigs. Singer-guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer-producer Patrick Carney, who teamed up 10 years ago in Akron, Ohio, have evolved into an inventive, cogent force, and their talents coalesce with a fiery brilliance in the 11 tracks on “Camino.” The duo simply floors it, taking its blues-funk core on a tire-squealing joyride of crackling hooks, fuzzy guitars, thumping beats and molten grooves. “El Camino” never idles or backfires, hugging every hairpin turn with breezy certainty. Producer Danger Mouse tags along to spice up the ride with his usual nimble flourishes, making this road trip even more exhilarating. — Edna Gundersen

Pop • Nils Lofgren, “Old School” The guitarist brings loads of hard-won experience to these occasionally engaging meditations on aging and lost love: He found fame at 17 playing with Neil Young; then came his ongoing quarter-century stint with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band; and now he’s 60. The toll that a rock career extracts and the regrets of middle age — the album’s dedicated to recently deceased E Nils Lofgren Streeter Clarence Clemons, and “Miss You Ray” is an ode to Ray Charles — inform everything here. Nils and guest Sam Moore of Sam & Dave sum it all up on “Ain’t Too Many of Us Left.” — Jerry Shriver

With “Mario Kart 7,” Nintendo erred on the side of caution by delivering an experience similar to its past games. Sure, it now has 3-D graphics — and with the Nintendo 3DS game system, you don’t need to wear glasses to see the effect — plus it was added with a few other new twists, but for the most part, it feels like the same game. IMAGES FROM GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

‘Mario Kart’ takes so-so seventh lap By Marc Saltzman GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Creating sequels for popular video games can be tricky: On one hand, you don’t want to mess too much with the formula that made its predecessors a success, but on the flipside, you need to offer enough new features to justify the purchase for longtime fans. With “Mario Kart 7,” Nintendo erred on the side of caution by delivering an experience similar to its past games. Sure, it now has 3-D graphics — and with the Nintendo 3DS game system, you don’t need to wear glasses to see the effect — plus, they’ve added a few other new twists, but for the most part, it feels like the same game with a fresh coat of paint. For some, that’s just fine — but be aware of this before you plop down nearly $40 for the cartridge. As with past games in the series, players first choose a familiar Nintendo character — beginning with Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Bowser, Koopa Troopa or your own Mii character — before hopping into a kart car to enter a wild, cartoon race. The goal of each match is to reach the finish line through speed and cunning use of weapons, such as dropping bananas on the track to slip up opponents trailing behind or engaging a speed burst to temporarily soar past rival riders. This time around, you can customize your karts prior to the race by selecting various components — such as the kart frame, wheels and glider type. Each choice gives you a slightly different amount of speed, acceleration, weight, handling and off-roading capabilities. After playing around with various options, however, it seems whatever character or kart setup you choose doesn’t really change the experience much. Similar to past “Mario Kart” titles, you’ll select from 50cc, 100cc and 150cc races for easy, average or challenging races.

‘MARIO KART 7’ • PLATFORMS: Nintendo 3DS • GENRE: Racing • DEVELOPER: Nintendo • PUBLISHER: Nintendo of America • WEB SITE: www.mariokart7.com • PRICE: $39.99 • RATING: Everyone out of four coins

The various tracks are very welldesigned as you race down the asphalt, pick up coins and power-ups, drift around tight corners, avoid obstacles and look for alternate tracks, shortcuts and ramps. Courses range from “Mario Kart” classics (Koopa Beach and Luigi’s Mansion) to new tracks (Cheep Cheep Lagoon and Shy Guy Bazaar) to ones based on other Nintendo games (Wuhu Island from “Wii Sports Resort” and a jungle level based on “Donkey Kong Country Returns”). Plus, you can unlock a mirrored version of each track. New to the franchise is the ability to fly through the air at certain points on the course and use the glider to steer your kart back onto the track. At other times, you’ll submerge underwater with a propeller and resurface a few moments later. These new elements are fun additions, but don’t make or break

the latest version of the game. “Mario Kart 7” is easy and intuitive to control using the analog pad, buttons and triggers, though after a short while, my thumb became sore as it held down the acceleration button. The touchscreen isn’t utilized much during the game but shows you where your opponents are on the course. The main single-player mode is Grand Prix, where you’re challenged to come in first place in four-course cups. In Time Trials, it’s just you on the track as you aim for the fastest time. Balloon Battle has you popping your opponent’s balloons. Coin Runners has you collect as many coins on the track as you can. While it sounds lengthy, there isn’t a lot of meat here, but fortunately, there are fun multiplayer modes for up to eight people. When it comes to multiplayers, you can create or join a local match — allowing friends to connect wirelessly (even if they don’t have the game) — while online multiplayers joins you to a worldwide lobby to find others. Or, you can look for specific friends and communities based on preset rules. Before you join, you’ll see a little flag beside the character’s face to see what country they’re from. Cool. The game also supports the Nintendo 3DS SpotPass feature, to wirelessly receive new content pushed to the device, as well as StreetPass, allowing you to exchange game info with other nearby 3DS systems. Overall, fans of the franchise won’t likely be disappointed with “Mario Kart 7,” but while it’s fun, it’s not fresh. Adding 3D visuals and a couple of new game mechanics help separate it from previous games, but racing though these tracks will feel like deja vu for those who’ve played other “Mario Kart” offerings.

The Roots • The Roots, “undun” The Roots’ latest tells the compelling story of the brief life of a fictitious career criminal, Redford Stephens, a character based on the song “Redford” by singersongwriter Sufjan Stevens. Through soulful beats and gritty rhymes from Black Thought, Dice Raw and others, Stephens makes a postmortem reflection on his bleak life in the streets and the choices that led to his undoing. “There I go, from a man to a memory,” he says as he begins his backward trip through his self-destructive existence. Even knowing how it ends, it is still a riveting tale. — Steve Jones • Robin Thicke, “Love After War” Robin Thicke has always been a lover, not a fighter. His sensitive-but-sexy soulman persona rests on not letting desire spill over into aggression. This latest effort can find him self-consciously smooth at times, suggesting too much artful foreplay. Still, this a consistent showcase for his dextrous singing, which evokes adult popand R&B icons from Marvin Gaye to Michael McDonald, and his ability to serve old-school textures with a fresh and nottoo-shiny finish. — Elysa Gardner

Know how to convert text to an e-book

Kim Komando TECH Q&A

Q: My father has written several books about his time as a game warden. How can I convert these to e-books? A: Start with a converter program like Calibre. It can turn TXT, ODT and PDF files into common ebook formats. You could also use an e-book-creation programs like Sigil. To create an e-book for the Kindle, use Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing service. Visit www.komando.com/news to find links to all these programs and services.

Q: I’m trying to print some photos from a friend’s Facebook account. They keep turning out blurry. What can I do to make them clearer? A: The photos you’re printing are probably low resolution. In other words, they have a low number of pixels or color units. Trying to blow them up to a normal photo size makes the pixels larger and causes blurring. You’ll want to contact your friend and see if he or she has high-resolution originals you can download.

Q: I’m trying to remove the background from a photo. Is there another program besides Photoshop? A: For a similar program that is free, I recommend GIMP. You can use GIMP’s select tools to separate your subject from the background. In many cases, it won’t be simple, but I have the steps for you at www.komando.com/news. Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk-radio show about consumer computers and the Internet.

DAILY PRESS & ARGUS-Sunday, December 18, 2011

LIFESTYLE REUNIONS Organizers for the Howell High School Class of 1973 special-education class are seeking classmate information for a reunion planned in July. Call Carolyn Harmon at (812) 909-0078 for further details.

The Fowlerville High School Class of 1972 will celebrate a reunion in June at the Alumni Banquet at Fowlerville High School. Reunion committee members are seeking classmate contact information. Call Wayne Hicks at (517) 223-1324 or email waynehicks_5374@yahoo.com.

The Howell High School Alumni Asso-ciation is seeking reunion contact information on a number of graduating classes, including the classes of 1937, 1942, 1947, 1952, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2002. Send e-mail with class information to jeffsalisburyhhs1967@yahoo.com with updated details on former classmates.

The Howell High School Class of 1972 is organizing a reunion for 2012. Keep contact information up-to-date with Dave Kuhlman or Leann Schroeder Krugh by sending an e-mail to howellhigh1972@ yahoo.com. Visit www.facebook.com/ howellhigh-1972 for details.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED These volunteer opportunities are provided by Volunteer Livingston, a program of the Livingston County United Way. See a complete list of volunteer opportunities for the county at www.volunteerlivingston.com.

COMMUNITY EVENT PLANNER Mary Ann Wiesen holds her birth certificate in her Bay City home. Wiesen received her first birth certificate in November at the age of 81. She was born at home in Ohio and never was given a birth certificate. PHOTO BY MICHAEL RANDOLPH/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Woman, 81, receives first birth certificate By Shannon Murphy ASSOCIATED PRESS

BAY CITY — It took 81 years and five months to get one, but now Bay City’s Mary Ann Wiesen can celebrate. She has her first birth certificate. “I was elated,” she said. “I share it with everyone I can. I’m just so excited to be acknowledged.” It wasn’t easy, though. Wiesen fought months of government red tape to prove she was born June 5, 1930, at her family’s home in Massillon, Ohio, about 60 miles south of Cleveland. She didn’t receive a birth certificate, a common practice at the time for children born at home. For 65 years, Wiesen used a court affidavit, in which family members swore to her birth, as the official legal document to obtain everything from her marriage license to her GED to her Social Security checks. In September, Wiesen brought her document to a secretary of state office to get an enhanced driver’s license. She planned to travel to Canada for a family reunion in October and to use the license in place of a passport. The office told her she needed an original birth certificate to get the new license. “I was adopted at age 3 by my grandparents and never even got one then,” she said. “I doubt my grandparents even had birth certificates.”

She turned to Bay County Clerk Cynthia Luczak for help. Luczak said she’s seeing more elderly folks like Wiesen face issues when it comes to providing documents and records under stricter homeland security rules and safeguards designed to prevent identity theft. Agencies have a set list of documents they can accept. The secretary of state, for example, confirms a person’s legal status for a driver’s license by requiring documents such as a birth certificate, unexpired passport or certificate of naturalization. A court affidavit stating birth is not listed as an acceptable document. Wiesen worried that she’d never be able to get a birth certificate since family members that could have sworn to her birth were no longer living. When Luczak learned of Wiesen’s plight, the two began a two-month journey, enlisting the help of Probate Court in Summit County, Ohio, and the Ohio Office of Vital Statistics. Both Luczak and Wiesen said Ohio officials were extremely helpful and worked as quickly as possible to resolve the situation. Although Wiesen didn’t get her license in time to attend the family reunion, she did get the birth certificate she went her whole life without. “I think everyone should be aware of the possibility that they’ll run into snags for legal documents,” she said.

Holiday

Worship Services

Recycle Livingston in Howell is looking for a person to organize fundraising events such as a dinner or entertainment event. The volunteer must have experience organizing other community events, must be able to interact appropriately with others and must be willing to staff the events when they are held. Contact Linda Berch, director, at (517) 548-4439 for more information.

COURSE INSTRUCTOR The Adult Center for Enrichment was formed to bring intellectually stimulating adult courses to residents of Livingston County. It offers a variety of courses on topics of interest, such as humanities, history and science. It offers the free courses at Livingston County libraries, primarily the Howell Carnegie District Library and the Cromaine District Library in Hartland Township. It is seeking instructors so that it can increase course offerings. Call Linda Dassori at (517) 304-1308 for more details.

STATE PARK CLEANUP People are needed to volunteer once a month for stewardship activities at the Pinckney Recreation Area, Island Lake Recreation Area and Brighton Recreation Area. Volunteers will be working with steward Laurel Malvitz-Draper in helping to restore native fens, tallgrass prairies, lakeplain prairies, and oak savannas on state parklands and recreation areas. For more information, contact Malvitz-Draper at malvitzl@michigan.gov.

AGENCY SUPPORT Volunteer Livingston is a community clearinghouse for volunteerism, energizing and inspiring people to make a difference by matching volunteers to opportunities that best serve their interests, talents and knowledge; helping to identify and solve community problems, mobilizing resources to meet community needs; and promoting volunteerism throughout Livingston County. It is looking for volunteers who are available to assist nonprofit agencies with posting their opportunities on its Web site. Knowledge of computers is required. The post can be completed at your own pace from home. Contact Candy JonesGuerin at volunteerlivingston@google.com for more information.

JOB NAVIGATORS The Livingston County Department of Human

Customers are checked in at Recycle Livingston. The Howell facility is looking for a person to organize fundraising events such as a dinner or entertainment event. Contact Linda Berch, director, at (517) 548-4439 for more information. FILE PHOTO BY ALAN WARD/DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

Services needs volunteer job navigators. Volunteers will assist DHS clients who are no longer eligible for cash assistance in navigating the complexities of finding and retaining employment. Training and orientation will be provided by Michigan Works!, and navigators will work with the clients at Michigan Works! utilizing its resources and employment services. Job navigators must be registered as a DHS volunteer and submit to a background check. Contact Sue at (989) 725-3291 or at (517) 548-0204, or Jeanette at (989) 725-3270 or at (517) 548-0207 for more information. To post a volunteer opportunity, send an e-mail to volunteerlivingston@gmail.com.

Advent & Christmas 2011 at First Presbyterian OPEN SANCTUARY

Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church

Weekdays from 8 am - 7 pm in the Sanctuary beginning now through Friday, December 23

228 N. Burkhart Road, Howell, MI 48843

Take time out during this busy season. Come in - rest, relax, pray, light a candle!

517-552-7218 www.hotshepherd.org

“PROPHECY IN MUSIC” A Christmas Choral Celebration

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP “Peace On Earth”

Sunday, December 11th, 9:00 & 11:00 Worship

Family Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion

THE LONGEST NIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE

Saturday, December 24

Ecumenical Service of Remembrance, Consolation, and Assurance

6:30pm & 10:00pm

Thursday, December 22nd, at 7:00 pm In our Sanctuary

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Area Catholic Churches 2011 Christmas Mass Schedule St. Augustine, Howell Sat. Dec. 24 4:30 pm Vigil Mass 7:00 pm Mass during the Night 12:00 am Mass at Midnight

Sun. Dec. 25 10:00 am Mass during the Day

St. Joseph, Howell Sat. Dec. 24 4:30 pm Children’s Choir Mass 7:00 pm Mass during the Night 12:00 am Mass at Midnight

St. John the Baptist, Howell Sat. Dec. 24 4:00 pm Vigil Mass 7:00 pm Mass during the Night 10:00 pm Mass during the Night

Sun. Dec. 25 9:00 am Mass during the Day 11:00 am Mass during the Day 1:00 pm (Spanish) Mass during the Day

Sun. Dec. 25 9:30 am Mass during the Day 11:30 am Mass during the Day

St. Patrick, Brighton Sat. Dec. 24 4:00 pm Vigil Mass 6:30 pm Mass during the Night 12:00 am Mass at Midnight

St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton Sat. Dec. 24 4:00 pm Vigil Mass 6:00 pm Mass during the Night 10:00 pm Mass during the Night

Sun. Dec. 25 9:00 am Mass during the Day 11:00 am Mass during the Day

Holy Spirit, Brighton Sat. Dec. 24 4:00 pm Vigil Mass 11:00 pm Mass during the Night Pre Mass Music 1/2 hour before each Mass

St. Mary, Pinckney Sat. Dec. 24 4:00 pm Vigil Mass 6:00 pm Mass during the Night 12:00 am Mass at Midnight

Sun. Dec. 25 11:00 am Mass during the Day

Sun. Dec. 25 10:00 am Mass during the Day

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 4 pm - Family worship with Christmas Pageant 8 pm - Candlelight and Carols 10 pm - Candelight, Carols & Communion

ONE WORSHIP SERVICE ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 10 am - A Service of Lessons and Carols in Old Sanctuary Hall followed by a Christmas Brunch

ONE WORSHIP SERVICE ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 10 am - in the Sanctuary

First Presbyterian Church of Brighton 300 East Grand River Ave., Brighton 810-227-7411 www.brightonpresbyterian.org Check us out. HT00545571

St. Agnes, Fowlerville Sat. Dec. 24 4:00 pm Vigil Mass 4:15 pm Vigil Mass (Parish Life Center) 9:30 pm Mass during the Night

While there is much merry-making going on, we realize that loneliness, illness, and losses in our lives can take much of the joy out of this season. May the candlelight, music, prayers, Word of God and Christian community comfort and inspire you. Pastors, Lay Pastors, and Stephen Ministers will be available to pray with you following worship. Bring a Friend

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Sunday, December 25 • 10:30am

Westminster Choir and Friends

Sunday, December 18, 2011-DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

LIFESTYLE

High-tech Christmas display is up in Spring Lake By Steve Kaminski ASSOCIATED PRESS

Holiday

Brad Boyink uses a laptop computer inside his garage to test Christmas lights.

“The reason I do it is because it brings families together, it’s a lot of fun, and it’s just something really good for the community,” said lights display creator Brad Boyink, center. The display is up and running in Spring Lake. PHOTOS BY CORY MORSE/ASSOCIATED PRESS Christmas Day. Boyink said he expects about 70,000 visitors to visit his street this holiday season. Spectators can drive or walk. Those who drive are asked to tune in to 88.1 FM in that area to listen to the Christmas music as the show progresses. In all, it takes about 15 minutes. Boyink’s home was the only house in the show in 2006, and it remains the main attraction. Boyink even has video screens planted on his home this year. The congestion it created that first year convinced Boyink to move it to Harbor Island in 2007 and 2008. By 2009, though, he had his whole neighborhood signed on to take part, so he returned to Heather Court. The show is free, although donations are accepted, and all proceeds will be donated to the Special Olympics. Boyink raised about $140,000 for local charities in the first five years of the show — and all visitors receive a candy cane. Boyink started playing around with computers when he was 10 years old. Now, he is co-owner of Meal Magic, a computer software company. Sacrifices, including a $250-a-month electric bill, are worth it, he said. “This is one of the true essences of Christmas,” Boyink said.

Worship Services

Cars back up on West Spring Lake Road, waiting to turn onto Heather Court for the lights show in Spring Lake.

Celebrating a Christmas of Miracle Transformations 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve 11:00 a.m. Christmas Day First Presbyterian Church 323 W. Grand River Howell, MI 48843 HT00543774

SPRING LAKE — It started with a $5 bet, but anyone driving through Heather Court in Spring Lake this Christmas season must be wondering whether it was a wager that Brad Boyink won or lost. Boyink, 42, is the mastermind behind Holiday Road Lights, an annual high-tech lights display that is synchronized to the sounds of the season. A team of 150 volunteers helped him start stringing up nearly 300,000 LED lights around his home at 16204 Heather Court on Sept. 1, plus 13 other houses in his cul-de-sac neighborhood. He said his show is the second-largest neighborhood computerized display in the country. There is a 19-house display in Ohio. “But when it comes to computer systems, we outdwarf them,” said Boyink, who uses 64 computers for the show. “The amount of technology I’m running this year is, by far, the most of any private display in the country. This is the most technologically advanced show. I am running three wireless networks to handle everything. “The numbers that we have in this display are just unheard of for (what) we are doing,” he added. It might be March by the time the team completely takes down the display. This project isn’t cheap. Boyink has invested about $50,000 in computers, lights, decorations and props. Plus, if you think the outside is impressive, you should see what he has inside his garage: About 40,000 candy canes are stored that will be given out to show-goers. About that bet, though. Carson Williams put up a lights show around his home in Mason, Ohio, back in 2005 — and it ended up as a viral video on YouTube. “Back in 2005, when Carson Williams’ home in Ohio went viral, I had employees who thought it was fake, and I bet them $5 that it wasn’t,” said Boyink, a 1988 Grand Haven High School graduate. “I looked at it and examined the video, and I really didn’t think it was. “So, I started investigating it, found out that it wasn’t fake — and won the $5 bet. Once I realized how it was done, the following year I said, ‘I’ve got to do this.’ The geekiness came out in me,” he continued. “So, I started buying things and getting controllers. I did my first show in 2006. It became a huge hit.” This year’s show opened the day after Thanksgiving and will continue through

Travel

Sunday December 18, 2011

Niagara Falls is illuminated in orange to honor the late New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton in Niagara Falls, N.Y. The tourism season at Niagara Falls is slowing, but November started the busy season for those who light the falls in colors every night. Two Ontario men, 80-yearold Peter Gordon and 78-year-old Dick Mann, alternate on the controls, working from an illumination tower on the Canadian side of the falls. The 21-spotlight system uses 4,000-watt bulbs that shine with a combined brilliance of 8.2 billion candles. PHOTOS BY DOUG BENZ/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Illuminating Niagara Falls has long, colorful history By Carolyn Thompson ASSOCIATED PRESS

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario — You can’t take a boat ride into the roar and spray of Niagara Falls in the winter, but this time of year offers a different spectacle: nighttime illumination of the falls in a changing array of colors — red, white, blue, purple, orange, amber and green. In spring and summer, the colored lights shine for just three hours, but with less daylight in winter, curtains of color wash over the falls each night for up to seven hours. Crowds gather along the sidewalk and railing on Niagara Parkway to see the show as mist rises from the falls and basin in front of them; others watch from the windows of hotels and restaurants on the Canadian side. The display starts with patriotic themes — red, white and blue for the American Falls, red and white for the horseshoe-shaped Canadian Falls — and frequently includes colors to honor a cause. When Niagara Falls hosted the first wedding following New York’s legalization of same-sex marriage in July, Mayor Paul Dyster arranged for a rainbow of colors, the symbol of gay pride. On Nov. 16, the falls were lit by white light for 15minute stretches for lung cancer awareness, a request made by Christine Dwyer, who founded a group called Make Some Noise for Lung Cancer Awareness after losing her best friend to the disease. “I think it validates us a bit,” said

IF YOU GO • Niagara Falls: Visit www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/falls-illumination.html for details. The falls are currently illuminated in color from 5 p.m. to midnight, with shorter hours as dusk and daylight change through the seasons.

Dwyer, of Becket, Mass. She said supporters sent her e-mails after the lighting saying, “I heard about this, I’m in tears, I’m so grateful.” The light beams emanate from a bank of 18 spotlights, each 30 inches in diameter, sitting atop a raised stone bunker. For more than 50 years, Peter Gordon, 80, has been manning the light show, splitting the week with “the rookie,” Dick Mann, 78, who has been at it just under 30 years. Both are from Ontario. “I never get tired of it,” Gordon, 80, said one night in November, the start of his busy season, when fewer daylight hours mean longer nights to light. The best views come on crisp winter nights, Gordon said, when the mist is transformed to sparkling ice crystals that catch the soft colors. For the past year, Gordon and Mann have used a relatively new technology to control the lights — computerized touchscreens. Yet the history of Niagara’s illumination goes back more than 150 years. The falls were lit for the first time at 10 p.m. Sept. 14, 1860, when 200 lights like those used to signal for help at sea were put in place for a visit from the Prince of Wales. Electricity was first used in 1879. An illumination tower, still used today, was built in 1899. Colors appeared in 1907 when gela-

tin films were included in a 36-light system near the base of the gorge designed by General Electric Co. of Schenectady, N.Y. Workers, including Gordon’s father, were paid $3 a night to change the gels when a foreman shouted cues. The Niagara Falls Illumination Board, a cross-border body established in 1925, has kept the lights on most nights since with a few exceptions. They were turned off during World War II, for example, to conserve power. The control room where Gordon and Mann work 75 feet above street level has a musty, old feel with stone walls, well-worn wooden floors, cobwebby beams overhead and a couple of bare bulbs above a bank of humming generators. “This place is a dump, really,” said Gordon, laughing. Yet then there’s that million-dollar view. After changing the lights’ colors on the touchscreen, the controller can see the result 15 seconds later by looking out the windows or stepping through a door to a platform outside where the lights are mounted. On the face of the waterfalls, colors fade to white as the next colored gel covers the spotlight and a new hue spills with the water over the falls. With each color change, it’s as if

someone has dumped dye into the river above as it careens over the edge to the rocks below. The 4,000-watt spotlights burn with a combined brilliance of 8.2 billion candles, about what NASA used to light the runway for nighttime space shuttle landings. Gordon staggers the lights to avoid repeating color combinations, changing them as often as every five minutes to keep things fresh for tourists milling across the street below. Like other landmarks, including the Empire State Building and Eiffel Tower, the falls have been lit to honor a variety of causes: Alzheimer’s disease, World AIDS Day, Canada’s Remembrance Day, the March of Dimes and others. The charities are not asked to pay the $85 an hour it takes to light the falls. The cost is split among Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Niagara Falls, Ontario; Niagara Parks and Ontario Hydro. Each bulb costs $1,500. However, not everyone loves the illumination. “All that does is make it into a sideshow,” said Niagara Falls historian Paul Gromosiak, who advocates for keeping the falls in their most natural state and questions the logic and expense of using artificial light on a natural wonder. “The only light we should have on the falls is moonlight.” As midnight nears, Gordon goes back to the patriotic colors that began the night, leaving them on for 15 minutes. The colors retract and the water rushes white for the last few minutes before the falls fade to black.