Fowlerville News & Views Online

Fowlerville News & Views On-Line Edition November 4, 2012

Local author Clayton Klein writes about his first 90 years

By Steve Horton For “we” mortals, reaching 90 years of age is considered a milestone in longevity. Another, more important measurement of human endeavor, though, is what you accomplish during your time here.

On both of those accounts, Fowlerville native Clayton Klein can take pride. He’s 91 years old, still walks four miles a day, and has published another book that he’s currently promoting. Called appropriately MyFirst 90 Years, Continued on next page

Clayton Klein, continued Klein’s latest is a memoir that begins six months before his birth and runs through his latest birthday.

“The book highlights things I remember during those years,” he noted. “Fortunately, I kept a diary off and on. I did one for a couple of years in high school and then for most of the three years I was testing cows in Gratiot County (in the late 1930s), and then I’ve kept a personal journal fulltime since Jan. 1 of 1967. A lot of the entries are nothing anyone else would be interested in, but going back through them helped jog my memory.”

My First 90 Years is 345 pages and, besides his recollections, it features numerous photographs. “We printed 550 copies and had 200 preorders,” he noted. The copies arrived at Klein’s home on Friday, Oct.26, and he began distributing them the next day. The book is on sale at Curtis Grocery and Olden Days Café in Fowlerville or can be purchased from Klein by calling 223-8135.

The major highlights, he noted, were getting married to his wife Marjorie Nash in 1941, their two children Darrell and Deb, daughter-in-law Millie, and two granddaughters Kristene and Patricia.

Among the other highlights detailed in the memoir is Klein’s interesting and varied career… or several careers.

He grew up on a farm on North Gregory Road in Conway Township and was born in the home that he’s lived in most of his adult life. After graduating from Fowlerville High School in 1936 he worked, as mentioned, in Gratiot County.

“In 1939, while I was working there, the agriculture teacher asked me if I’d like to join him as a chaperone with the FFA boys he was taking to the World’s Fair in New York City,” Klein recalled. “He told me we’d be gone a week and, if I could come up with $15 that this would cover all of my expenses including meals and admission to the fair. I borrowed the money from my father. There were about 20 of us who rode all the way there in the back of a stake truck, sitting on bales of straw.

The teacher had planned it all out.”

At the eve of World War II, now a newlywed, Klein was working on the farm with his father. Later, along with planting and harvesting crops and tending to the livestock, he gradually got into the fertilizer business. “Fertilizer was scared during the war,” he noted. “Afterwards, in 1948 I began buying it and selling some of the surplus to neighboring farmers. That business grew to where we would have it shipped by train to Fowlerville, pick up the bags, and then take them to the farm. In 1951 we finally located the business in town.”

Klein Fertilizer Company grew over the years to include plants other locations in lower mid-Michigan.

During those years as a successful business owner, he would take canoe trips in the Arctic region of Canada and the Northwest Territories as a vacation getaway. He also

learned to fly and took several plane trips to Mexico and as far away as Central America.

His excursions to the north became the basis for his first book, Cold Summer Wind, penned in 1983 and a new career. Along with writing that book, Klein also founded Wilderness Adventure Books and used it to publish his work. Over the ensuing years, he published several more of his own books and those of other authors. He also gave lectures on his experiences in the Arctic region to school classes and numerous community and service groups.

He later sold this business, which was relocated to Manchester. But retirement was not even considered.

Klein and his wife Marjorie had founded Klein Booklien as an off shoot to the publishing company. They purchased surplus copies of books, called remainders, at a discounted price from publishers and then re-sold those books in their Fowlerville store and to over 200 book stores located in Michigan and six neighboring states.

Copies of his various books were also available at their retail outlet.

After his wife passed away in 2003 and with the book store closed prior to that, Klein took on another endeavor.

For five years he headed up north to Paradise in the Upper Peninsula and began walking south. Since the Mackinac Bridge is only open for pedestrians on Labor Day, those walks were timed to allow him to cross into the Lower Peninsula on that date.

From there he headed towards Livingston County and the small hamlet of Hell, south of Fowlerville. After reaching this destination, he continued to the Ohio border.

His walk was billed ‘From Paradise to Hell and Beyond’, and it captured the attention of TV and radio stations as well as newspapers along the route, making him the subject of several features. He became known as ‘The Walking Man’. His effort also inspired others to join him for portions of the journey. For the last three years, having gotten this attention, he used it to raise funds for Hospice.

These walks were the culmination of a daily habit that began many years before. “Those fertilizer bags we lifted weighed a hundred pounds and pretty soon I began having back problems,” he pointed out. “Even though we stopped having to move those heavy bags, my back problem eventually got worse and in early 1966 I ended up in the hospital. I was told I needed back surgery which at the time was pretty risky and, without it, I’d have to wear a back brace.

“I was advised by a friend to visit a chiropractor in Owosso,” he continued. “I remember laying in the back of the car, hunched over in pain, when we drove over for the appointment. The first thing he told me was to stand up straight; that it was better for me and being bent over didn’t really lessen the pain. He then looked at my X-ray and felt he could help me. He also told me to walk as far as I could. By my third visit I was walking without pain, and he said I didn’t need to come back.”

Klein’s first long walk came when he went from the company’s plant in Perrinton, 63 miles away, to Fowlerville. “The first time I didn’t have the right shoes and had to quit,” he remembered. “After I got the right equipment, I completed it. I undertook a number of long walks after that and then decided to try going the length of Michigan.

“I like walking for exercise and it’s healthy, so I still do it every day,” he added.

Staying physically and mentally active is the advice he gives to others. “I’ve enjoyed life and tried to be a participant rather than just a bystander. Also, I’ve tried to test myself with new challenges. I think that has helped me last as long as I have.”

Over 90 years old, with a new book to promote, a wonderful life to look back at, Clayton Klein-- the author and walker-- is proof that one-step-at-a-time , taken day after day, with a purposeful and positive attitude, can cover a lot of distance. For a fellow who still lives in the same place he was born, Clate’s gone a long ways and it’s been ‘one incredible journey’. And there’s more ahead.

New membership dates announced for Fowlerville Equestrian Team There will be important upcoming events pertaining to the 2013 FSET season on Wednesday. November 7 from 7 to 9 pm at the Fowlerville High School Media Center.

There will be an Information Open House for all students (grades 6-12), individuals and business owners who are interested in participating with the 2013 FSET. This is a great opportunity to watch video, ask questions, fill out the information form and meet some of the people associated with this club. We hope to see some new faces.

Secondly, the informational Application deadline is Friday November 9. You can download this two page application off our Facebook page: Fowlerville Equestrian Team or pick one up at our Informational Open House previously mentioned in this article.

Our third important meeting will be held Tuesday, November 13 from 7 to 9 pm at the Fowlerville Junior High Media Center. This will be the first General Membership Meeting for the 2013 season. ALL new members are required to attend. Election of the Advisory Board officers will take place. You must have a 2013 Application on file to run for a board position AND vote.

A meet and greet amongst new riders, and some brainstorming for the new season will also take place.

Please plan to attend if you are interested in becoming a part of this competitive Equestrian Team!!

If you have any questions, please contact Sloan Elzerman at (810) 599-5834.

Fowlerville Fire Report The department responded to 20 emergencies this week.

Thursday, October 25th, at 8:02 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to a medical emergency on Fowlerville Road in Conway Township. A second medical emergency, on Linda Ray Lane in Iosco Township, was reported at 9:12 a.m. At 3:41 p.m. the department was called to assist in removing a tree blocking the roadway on Wallace Road in Handy Township.

A medical emergency on Benjamin Street in the Village was reported at 7:34 a.m., Friday, October 26th. At 5:31 p.m. personnel responded to on Nicholson Road in Handy Township to assist a medical emergency.

Saturday, October 27th, at 12:25 p.m. the department responded to assist EMS on Fowlerville Road in Handy Township was reported.

At 10:33 a.m. Sunday, October 28th, personnel responded to a medical emergency on Iosco Road in Iosco Township. The second dispatch, received at 12:22 p.m. was to assist EMS on N. Grand Ave. in the Village.

Firefighters responded to a reported chimney fire on Renee Court in Handy Township at 5:23 p.m. At 6:06 p.m. the department was dispatched to a medical emergency on Mason Road in Handy Township with another medical emergency being on Harrington Road in Conway Township at 7:16 p.m.

Firefighters responded to two medical emergencies Monday, October 29th. At 8:59 a.m. personnel responded to Hibbard Street in the Village. The second call was on River Bend Drive in Iosco Township at 11:42 p.m.

Tuesday, October 30th, at 12:31 a.m. the department received a request for mutual aid from the City of Howell Fire Department at a reported structure fire on Marr Road in Howell Township. Arcing power lines on Marsh Road in Conway Township were reported at 2:01 a.m. At 5:00 a.m. the department responded to standby at downed power lines on Gregory Road in Handy Township. At 7:59 a.m. personnel responded to remove a tree blocking the road in Coon Lake Road in Iosco Township. Downed power lines on Second Street in the Village were reported at 8:39 a.m. At 2:21 p.m. personnel responded to assist at a medical emergency on Gregory Road in Conway Township. A second medical emergency, on Alans Drive in Handy Township, was reported at 2:55 p.m.

By Cheryl Poch

November – can you believe it? What will November’s weather bring us? More rain, sleet and ice? According to The Best of The Old Farmer’s Almanac there are ‘surefire’ methods of predicting the weather. And yes, the animals and birds know.

Sheep run to and fro, jump from the ground, and fight in their gambols before a change of weather.

Cats remaining indoors, devoid of vivacity, forecast wet or windy weather. I don’t know about that one – I have a cat and he did not let me know this wet and windy weather was on its way. Where was he when I needed to know what jacket to take to work the other day?

Swallows flying near the ground, robins coming near the house, and sparrows chirping a great deal all mean rain or wind. Well, here is another I don’t know about that one...

The other day I was driving and there were a ‘ton’ of blackbirds flying to the left of my car – I thought they were going to all fly into my front window – but oh no, they flew up high in the air and then plop, plop, plop! And then it started to rain!

Speaking of cats...did you know that three-colored cats are almost always female? Years and years ago, P.T. Barnum offered $1,000 for a male three-colored cat. He never got one. Oh yes, my cat has three colors. It is a male and is white, black, and red. He brushed up against the door I was painting red the other day. Where is P.T. Barnum now?

The Old Farmer’s Almanac is filled with all kinds of folklore and fun facts. The FDL has a book or two on this subject. Fun things to know, trivia to impress your friends and family!

Folk remedies for headaches...Put leeches on your forehead, run around the house three times, tie a buzzard’s head around your neck, or rub cow dung and molasses on your temples. All tried and true folk remedies. I have not tried them but according to the book I am using – these things work! Think I’ll just take an aspirin. Have a good week.

Quote for the week: “A friend is the first one to come in when the whole world has gone out.”

P.S. Customer Appreciation Day is coming up on Tuesday, November 20th. Drop in for a cool Fowlerville Library key chain, some ‘goodies,’ and bags of goodies for the little ones! We so do APPRECIATE our library patrons. Every day is different and we owe that to our library supporters and library patrons who cross our doors each and every day.

Important Information for the 2011- 2012 School Year: November 5- 9–Kreeger Book Fair November 7–Frankenmuth Fundraiser Delivery November 8–K-12 day school-Parent Teacher Conference November 14– Picture Re-take day Frankenmuth Fundraiser Money Due November 21-23 -Thanksgiving Break November 26-Teacher Professional Development-No School for students November 29–KPTN monthly meeting 3:45 p.m. Kreeger Media Center Room Citizens Breakfast 8:10 a.m. Kreeger Cafeteria December 24-January 2–Christmas Break *** Box Tops, VG Receipts, Campbell Soup Labels: Remember to keep collecting Tyson A+ labels, Vg's receipts, and Campbell's labels, in addition to Box Tops! *** Meijer’s Community Rewards and Target Program: Kreeger Elementary is enrolled in the Meijer’s Community Rewards Program. When you apply for a Meijer’s Credit Card or Meijer’s Guest Card, be sure to use the Kreeger number 199139. The Meijer’s Corporation supports schools by returning a portion of qualified customer purchases to the school! When using the Target program remember to mention Kreeger Elementary. Remember, “Every little bit helps!” Thanks for your support. *** The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Kreeger!!!!

Book Fair Reminder: You should have received the Scholastic Book Fair Newsletter from your student. If you need forms, stop in the library. The book fair will be this week, Nov. 5—9, 9 am to 4:30 pm and from 9 am to 7:30 pm on conference day. You can also purchase over the Internet and Kreeger will get the credit. Go to the Kreeger home page and look under quick links.

We still need VOLUNTEERS!!! Call 223-6325 or email: tupy@fvl.k12.mi.us. The proceeds from the book sale will go to help purchase our new AR program and books for the library. *** Title I Survey: We will be conducting a school wide Title I survey during our Fall Parent/Teacher conferences.

There will be a brief paper survey available for all parents to complete. If you will please take a few minutes to complete and return the survey it will be very beneficial to our building and the School Improvement Team. Thank you in advance for your help.

Sincerely, Jason Miller, Kreeger Princi

ATTENTION PARENTS: The number to call when you would like to leave a message for your student was printed incorrectly at the beginning of the year. The correct number is 223-6204. *** Wed. Nov. 7--- PAC meeting in the media center 6pm Thurs. Nov. 8---Parent Teacher Conferences……1/2 day of School for K-12 Conference times are 1:00-4:00pm and 5:00- 7:30 pm FUNDRAISER COOKIE DOUGH PICKUP…. during conference times.

Monday Nov. 12----Next Student Council meeting *** REMINDER TO PARENTS: Students are to be dropped off in the morning in the circle drive attached to the main entrance only. We have a number of drop-offs occurring by the gymnasium entrance that are causing safety issues as busses are attempting to enter, drop off students, and leave the parking lot between the High School and Junior High.

Please be sure to use the designated circle drive for dropoffs in the morning. We appreciate your help in keeping all of our students safe. *** FUNDRAISER COOKIE DOUGH PICKUP: The cookie dough is being delivered to the school and will be ready to pick up on Thursday, November 8 during conferences. Conference times are 1 to 4, and 5 to7: 30 pm. If you are unable to pick up your order, please make arrangements for someone else to pick it up for you. The school does not have the available space to store frozen cookie dough. Thank you. *** Parents having trouble using Zangle to view grades, please send an email questions to connect@fvl.k12.mi.us. *** The athletic department at FJH will continue to collect VG receipts. Anyone wishing to donate their VG receipts may drop them off at the FJH office. *** * Did you know that humans need access to a supply of fresh and clean drinking water in order to survive? *In Haiti, the people there do not have a clean supply of water, so the water they drink can pollute not only the Earth, but their bodies as well. Help us bring them clean water by donating pop cans and bottles to help raise $400! We will be collecting the cans and bottles in the main office up until November 10! Please bring your returnables into the office labeled, “Pop donations”! Thank you and have a great day! *** ATHLETICS FOR WEEK OF Nov. 5: Boys Basketball:

Wed., November 7………7th grade……Home against Jackson Parkside……..Game time….4:30 8th grade…… Away at Jackson Parkside……..Game time 4:30……bus leaves at 2:45; CHEER at home games Practice continues on other nights; if questions, check with coaches.

Spectators should plan to pay at all junior high athletic events, home and away. *** Effective immediately: Every athlete on a 2012-13 athletic team at FJH may stop by the FJH athletic office and receive an athletic pass. The athletic pass is good for admission to all HOME FJH athletic events. Coaches will provide Mrs. Recker with a team roster. Any student planning to go out for a team later in the school year may also request a pass. However, there are certain stipulations. Please see Mrs. Recker for additional information. IF AT ANY TIME, THIS ATHLETIC PASS IS MISUSED, IT WILL BE CONFISCATED & NOT REISSUED. *** Student Council Food Drive: Fowlerville Junior High School’s Student Council is having a food drive for the Family Impact Center. The Food Drive is from November 12–November 16. Items needed are: Baked beans/ pork & beans, canned fruit, fruit juice, &juice boxes, canned meals (Spaghetti O’s, Ravioli, etc.), canned meats (chicken, ham, especially tuna), canned vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, mixed), cereal: especially “Kids’ Favorites”, condiments: mustard, ketchup, salad dressing, etc., Helpers: Chicken, Hamburger, & Tuna, Jam/ Jelly, Macaroni and Cheese, packaged meat meals, rice & pasta mixes, soaps: dish/ laundry, soups: chunky or regular, and cans of spaghetti sauce. Also, we cannot accept any “home canned” products. Thank you so much for helping. *** Friends of Rachel is proud to announce the date of their second annual Maison Z. Wilkinson Fundraiser. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, March 23, 2013. In order to have another outstanding garage sale for the community, we are looking for your donations again. If you have unwanted items cluttering up your house, we would love to take them off of your hands. Friends of Rachel will accept your donations up until the actual fundraiser. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Jarvis at jarvis@fvl.k12.mi.us or 223-6225.

Also, FOR will be holding their annual pop can tab contest starting November 5. The competition will be between the academic teams. Whichever team brings in the most pop can tabs will win a prize (to be determined).

The contest runs through Friday, November 30. The winning team will be announced the following week.

More importantly, the tabs are sent into the Ronald McDonald House to help lower the cost for parents needing to stay in their facility. If you don't know anyone who attends Fowlerville Junior High and would like to

donate the pop can tabs, contact Amy Jarvis at jarvis@fvl.k12.mi.us or 223-6225. ***

FJHS Teacher of the Year: Congratulations to Katie Bowling, our Fowlerville Junior High School Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Bowling teaches 7th grade ELA and Social Studies. She consistently works hard at making her classroom a fun and inviting learning experience. She is loved by her students and co-workers. Great job Mrs. Bowling! . ***

Grace Filled Walkers Relay for Life team sponsoring craft fair Nov. 10 Grace Filled Walkers Relay for Life team is sponsoring a holiday craft and vendor fair Saturday, Nov 10 from 11 am to 4 pm at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Fowlerville.

The Fair will include a variety of handcrafted items and new merchandise, and there will also be a bake sale. All proceeds benefit American Cancer Society.

Contact Tina at 734-262-4724 or Pat, 517-223-0785 for more information.

TIGER OF THE WEEK-Wyatt Arledge: Wyatt Arledge is the “Tiger of the Week” for Team Princeton. He lives with his mom, dad, and brother and loves to play basketball in his spare time. He is also a black belt in karate and lives by the true principal of being a black belt which is to always do a little bit more than anyone expects.

Wyatt makes an impression on anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He is a genuinely happy young man with a positive attitude, an unrelenting drive to do his best, and a natural ability to be polite and respectful. He is most proud of his vintage Chevy pick-up truck, which he is currently refurbishing. Teachers and students alike are anxious to see the finished product.

His future plans include becoming a homicide investigator and he believes that his personality is the one trait that makes him unique. Wyatt’s mom, Kathy, describes him as an all around great kid, a friend to all, respectful, and fun to be around. He is a joy to be around and his family is very proud of him! Compliments about his attitude and manners are plentiful. Team Princeton appreciates Wyatt’s zest for life and looks forward to a great year with him!

Fowlerville Rotary Club invites local Veterans to annual luncheon Nov. 14 The Fowlerville Rotary Club wishes to invite area Veterans to their Annual Veterans Day luncheon on Wednesday, November 14. The event will be held at Noon at the Fowlerville First United Methodist Church.

Please call reservations by Thursday, November 8 to Dave Morgan at Citizen’s Bank at 223-9163 or Dawn Horton at the Fowlerville News & Views at 223-8760.

IMPORTANT DATES:

November 5 – Book Fair Week Begins (See Week Long Schedule Below) November 8 – K-12 Half Day of School (Elem. Dismissal 12:18 pm) November 8 – Parent/Teacher Conferences 1:00 to 4:00 & 5:00 to 7:30 pm November 14-Parent Teacher Club (PTC) meeting 3:45 November 15 – Picture Re-Takes November 21, 22, 23 – Thanksgiving Break November 26 – No School Teacher PD Day December 7 – Christmas Dance December 12 – Parent Teacher Club (PTC) meeting 3:45 December 18 & 19 – 1st Grade Musical Program (The Alverson Center For The Performing Arts) December 22 to January 2 – Christmas Break January 3 – School Resumes *** Book Fair Runs November 5 through November 9 – Complete schedule below.

Mon., Nov. 5 –Book Fair Open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Tues., Nov, 6–Muffins for Moms & Donuts for Dads 9:00 am – 11:00 am Book Fair Open 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Wed., Nov. 7-Lunch With Someone Grand (This follows the students regular lunch schedule) Book Fair Open 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Thurs., Nov. 8–Book Fair Open 8:30 am – 7:30 pm (Conference Day) Fri., Nov. 9-Book Fair Last Day Open 8:30 am – 4:00 pm *** News from the Smith PTC (Parent Teacher Club) HELP MAKE SPECIAL SCHOOL EVENTS POSSIBLE! Without our fantastic volunteers, we cannot continue to hold the high quality events we have planned. We are in need of volunteers to assist during the Book Fair, Christmas Dance, and Family Fun Nights. Sometimes all we need is a donation of a loaf of bread or a dessert for a Teacher Appreciation Meal. Please contact our volunteer coordinator by emailing htsmithptc@gmail.com or send a note to your child’s teacher and she will pass it on to the PTC. Once you are on our volunteer list, we can include you on our Volunteer Spot service to coordinate and remind you of events. Thanks for all you do for our kids! *** Reminder to Parents – Children are not allowed to carry any medication, and they cannot transport any medication. Please do not send in cough drops, aspirin, Tylenol, etc. with your child without going through the proper procedure, filling out the necessary forms, and bringing the medication to the office. A parent/guardian must transport medication to and from school. Students

must be aware that they are not allowed to administer medication to other students. Medication must also be in its original container and include the physician’s instructions. *** Please do not park in the drop-off (Kiss & Go) lane in front of the school. This lane is to be used for parents to drop off their children and move ahead so the next car can do the same. You do not have to wait for the front of the line to drop your child off. Students may exit vehicles anywhere along the sidewalk area and walk to the main entrance. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION! *** Picture Re Take Day will be November 15. *Please note these instructions: If your student is having their photo taken for the first time, order forms will be available in the photo area for you to fill out. If you are having a re-take done because you didn’t like the first picture, then your child must hand the photographer their returned photo packet to have another photo taken.

-Sierra Club Events"MICHIGAN SNAKES ALIVE" PROGRAM: Join the Crossroads Group of the Sierra Club on Wednesday, November 14 at the Brighton District Library at 7 pm for an informative and fascinating program about Michigan snakes. Our presenter, Jim McGrath, from Nature Discovery, will bring several live snakes and discuss their specific identification, behavior and habitat requirements.

Jim McGrath will also dispel some of the widely held misconceptions about our Michigan snakes that too often lead to their senseless persecution and destruction. At the end of the program, participants will have an opportunity to handle these truly gentle reptiles, so bring your camera.

Members, nonmembers and their families are welcome to attend this amazing free program.

For more information, contact Dr. Roy Schwarz at 517545-9362 or at roydschwarz@yahoo.com. *** ANNUAL WINTER DUCKS OUTING AT KENSINGTON METROPARK: Join the Crossroads Group of the Sierra Club on Sunday, November 18 at 1 pm to watch the migration of ducks, geese and other species of waterfowl as they stop on Kent Lake at Kensington Metro Park on their way south for the winter. This popular, annual outing is free, except for the Metro Park entrance fee, and members, nonmembers, families, novice and experienced birders are welcome to attend. Binoculars, bird books, warm clothing and rain gear are recommended.

Meet at the Nature Center parking lot.

For more information, contact John Wilson, at 734-9540429 or john.wilson@michigan.sierraclub.org.

For descriptions of more Crossroads Group outings visit the website at www.michigan.sierraclub.org/crossroads.

OFFICE HOURS: Administration Office 7:00 am – 3:30 p.m.

Counseling Office 6:00 - 2:30 p.m. *** IMPORTANT DATES: Now thru Nov. 16—Food Drive Nov 8. -- day k-12 Nov 8. --Conferences 1-4 & 5-7:30 Nov 20. --Senior Students- Graduation Assembly Nov 21. --Holiday Break Nov 26. --Professional Development Day No School Nov 27. --Return to School *** Attention Freshmen Parents! We are in need of your support! The freshman class is currently participating in a Yankee Candle Fundraiser now until Nov. 5 (all orders and money are due to Mrs. Brown, C-207, or Mrs. Hasseld, D211 on Nov. 5) Everyone LOVES Yankee candles, so it’s an easy way to support the freshman class in raising funds for their senior lock in. *** Also calling all Window Painters: The freshman class needs help window painting, which will begin at the end of the month and continue throughout November. In order to get our town ready for the big Christmas parade, we need lots of students and parents to volunteer to help decorate the town by painting festive holiday scenes at tons of local businesses! Every window painting job we complete earns our class money! Contacts Mrs. Brown at 223-6036 or Mrs. Hasseld at 223-6118 if you’re interested. *** Attention any 10—12 grade students interested in joining NHS. Applications are now available in the office or pick one up from Mrs. Hardenbrook. You must have an overall 3.3 GPA to apply and have completed 10 hours of community service in high school. Applications are due by November 2 by 2:30 pm. *** Fowlerville High School will be holding their annual food drive from October 29—November 16. Students can bring in either 10 canned or boxed goods or pay $5 in order to receive the privilege of going to a movie in The Alverson Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, November 20 during hours 5 and 6. Students that bring in food or pay $5 will receive a ticket to the movie. All food collected will go to the Family Impact Center and be used for the holiday season. Due to the high demand during this holiday season we really are looking forward to a lot of participation. If you have any questions please contact Jill Thomas at 2236084. If you do not have a student at the high school but would like to donate as part of our food drive please contact Jill Thomas as well.

*** Do you need some extra help in your subjects? NHS is sponsoring DROP-IN TUTORING to help out students having trouble in classes. You do not need to sign up, just come in on Wednesdays in the HS library from 2:20-3:20 pm. *** The Sophomore Class is collecting old cell phones and ink jet cartridges. Please donate them to Mrs. Tomassi (class sponsor) room D-207 at the high school. Help us raise money for prom and senior year! *** Fowlerville Idol will be held Nov. 16 at the PAC. *** Any parent interested in joining the newly formed Parent Principal Group (PPG), please contact me at luskb@fvl.k12.mi.us. The next meeting is Oct 16 at 3 pm in the high school. *** The high school now has a Twitter account where you can follow any new info about academics or athletics in the high school. Please spread the word to follow Fowlerville High School at: @FHSGlads. *** Fowlerville High School Hosting an ACT Prep Workshop in December -An "ACT With Writing" Test Prep Workshop will be held at Fowlerville High School on Saturday, December 15. The workshop will be run by Mr. Frank Bernier in the FHS Cafeteria from 8:30 am until 1:30 pm and the fee is $60. Students will take an authentic full-length ACT practice test and essay. You will receive your practice test scores at the workshop and the essay scores will be mailed home. Registration forms are available online at the Fowlerville High School web site or directly from Mrs. Glover in the Counseling Office. The form may be mailed to Mr. Bernier or returned to Mrs. Glover with payment by Thursday, December 13. This is an excellent opportunity to get some test taking tips prior to the Spring MME test! *** Parents having trouble using Zangle to view grades, email questions to connect@fvl.k12.mi.us *** Target – Take Charge of Education–Through Take Charge of Education, families, teachers and members of the community have an easy way to raise money for our school. When you sign up and designate Fowlerville High School, Target donates up to 1% of every purchase you make with your RED card (Target® Visa® Credit Card, Target Credit Card or Target check Card) to our school. If you shop at Target stores and use their cards, please consider designating Fowlerville High School to receive the Target 1% donation! *** Continued next page

Ordering Transcripts for College Now Online (Michigan eTranscripts) Please visit the Fowlerville Community Schools website for more information. *** Alverson Center for Performing Arts at FHS: Our performing arts center is gearing up for a busy performance season with many great productions hitting our stage between now and June 2013. If you're looking for a night of great entertainment...look no further than our very own Alverson Center for Performing Arts.

Did you know you can keep track of what's happening on stage at Alverson Center for Performing Arts by following us on Facebook? Just search "Alverson Center for Performing Arts at Fowlerville High School" and LIKE our page. Our production schedule is listed under the NOTES section of our Facebook page, and updates and posts on events are posted on our wall to keep our friends informed.

You can also find our 2012-13 production schedule online by visiting the Fowlerville Community Schools web page and clicking the "Performing Arts Center" link found on the main FCS page. We are proud to have over 30 productions scheduled on our stage this season! Here are just a few productions to look forward to in the near future.

See our production schedule for full details on each event and all that is coming in 2013!

Nov. 9-10--Fowlerville Community Theatre Wizard of Oz Auditions Nov. 15--Kreeger 3rd Grade Musical Nov. 16--Fowlerville Idol Competition Dec. 6-9--FHS Thespians: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten Dec. 11--FHS Band Concert Dec. 14-15--Elizabeth Williams' Dancers Present: A Nutcracker Ballet Dec. 17--FJHS Band Concert Dec. 18-19--Smith 1st grade Musical Dec. 22--Karen's Dance Academy Presents: A Nutcracker Ballet

Ingham County Genealogy Society meeting this Thursday, Nov. 8 The Ingham County Genealogical Society will meet on Thursday, November 8 at 7 pm at the Vevay Township Hall, 780 Eden Road, one mile south of Mason.

The November meeting will feature a program by Natalie Winans titled "Victorian Clothing Fashion as an Aide to Dating of Photos". All area genealogists and the general public are welcome. For more information call President Diane Bishop at 517-676-7140.

Michigan House Report Cindy Denby, 47th District With the school year well under way and the holidays in near sight, we find ourselves in the midst of flu season. At such a busy time of year, we must protect ourselves from catching the flu that travels throughout Michigan communities each year. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

MDCH recently confirmed this season's first cases of influenza. Flu season is just beginning however, and it is difficult to determine if these specific influenza viruses will be most prevalent or if another strand will appear within our communities. Although we cannot predict the severity of this season's influenza viruses, we can take the appropriate measures to prevent the flu from entering our homes. MDCH recommends that residents receive an annual flu vaccine as the number one way of prevention.

The annual flu vaccine is administered by private physicians and designated health care centers across the state.

In Michigan, the flu only occurs sporadically in the fall months and is more prevalent in the winter months of January and February. The best time for flu prevention is now, before the epidemic becomes prevalent in our communities. I encourage all residents to stay healthy this flu season receive an annual flu vaccine as soon as possible.

To find nearby influenza vaccination clinics, visit www.flushot.healthmap.org. For more information on types of influenza viruses and flu prevention, visit www.michigan.gov/flu. *** If you have any questions or need assistance with any state issues, please contact me toll free at 866-828-4863 or via e-mail at cindydenby@house.mi.gov.

A Wolf Hunt?

During my adult life I’ve watched the entire effort by the Department of Natural Resources as it worked to finally reintroduce wolves to our Upper Peninsula. When the efforts were finally successful I felt that an important plan had been realized. Now we seem to once again be on the trail to eradicate these beautiful animals from our state, animals that had been here for centuries!

Clearly, we must establish policies to control wolves and perhaps even include a limited hunting season in areas where serious conflicts occur between wolves and humans—but not just nine months after they have been removed from the endangered species law and before responsible policies for their handling and management have had a chance to be developed. That could turn out to reverse all of the DNR’s good efforts in getting wolves back in Michigan.

So what do we do?

Within cities we have zones where certain things are allowed and other zones where other things (activities) are allowed. For instance, why should livestock farmers be allowed to raise livestock in areas where wolf habitat is known to be of high quality? I’m pretty sure we don’t want to be telling farmers they can’t raise livestock, but are we out of line suggesting they not make their livestock readily available to predators? And if the farmers were there before the wolves were reintroduced, could the DNR help them by maintaining baiting stations for deer a short distance away? In the meantime, let’s not encourage the blaming of wolves for doing what they’ve always done.

And also, let’s wait and see how the new hunting seasons in Wisconsin and Minnesota impact the wolves there, where the animals have been present for quite a bit longer time. A lot of scientific study went into the planning before the first wolf was encouraged back in Michigan. Let’s not forget what we learned. Let’s not let emotions replace science as we try to solve the problem.

I’ve seen it written that Minnesota will allow the killing of 400 of their estimated 3,000 wolves. I’ve seen it written that Wisconsin will allow the killing of 200 of theirs. That amounts to approximately 13.3% and 23.5% respectively, in those two states.

I’ve heard though I’ve not seen it written down that Michigan is also considering allowing the killing of 200 of our 700 if recreational hunting is allowed in Michigan, I’m wondering just how those numbers can be controlled if the woods is suddenly filled with wolf haters.

Michigan has done a wonderful job during this last century of restoring a respectable turkey population, managing a practical bear population and for the most part, controlling its vast deer herds. This is to say nothing of what it has done for trout, salmon and walleye fisheries in the state. I would feel terrible if, for the second time, our beautiful wolves were driven from the State.

If we must encourage more in the way of shooting predators, how about getting after our feral dogs and maybe doing something to seriously reduce the numbers of coyotes that are eating up our small game and even taking a toll on whitetail fawns.

For now, let’s get smart and move very carefully towards any kind of a wolf-hunting season.

Veterans Day Ceremony at Great Lakes National Cemetery being held Nov. 11 Veterans, their families, friends and the general public are invited to attend a Veteran’s Day ceremony honoring all who served in the armed forces of our country.

The Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly will host the observance set for 11 am on Sunday, November 11.

Colonel Thomas M. Doman, USMCR, Inspector General, 4th Marine Logistics Group, will be the keynote speaker.

The ceremony will feature patriotic music, presentation of colors, a rifle salute and taps. The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard will also make a wreath presentation and a flyover is scheduled. The invocation and benediction will be conducted by Rev. Laurie M. O’Reilly PHD, BCC, Chief of Chaplain Services at John Dingell VA Medical Center.

The Great Lakes National Cemetery is one of two such National Shrines in Michigan. Opened for burials in 2005, the cemetery’s 544 acres will be the final resting place for an estimated 177,000 Veterans. Thus far, over 16,000 Veterans and their eligible dependents have been interred at the site.

Sunday’s ceremony is one of a multitude across the area and the nation. The Great Lakes National Cemetery is located at 4200 Belford Rd. in Holly. If you have any questions about this ceremony, please contact Jeanne Thick, Great Lakes National Cemetery Advisory Council President, at jthick@co.genesee.mi.us or (810) 257-3068.

WEBBERVILLE SCHOOLS DISTRICT NEWS Board of Education Election – The Webberville Board of Education has two seats open for election on Tuesday, November 6. Competing for the two seats are Mike Chase, Scott Sparkia and Jennifer Lycos. *** Kids Basketball Skills Camp – Students in grades K – 6th grade (boys and girls) are invited to participate in the Kids Basketball Skills Camp on Saturday, November 10 from 9:00–11:30 AM in the Spartan Center Gym. No preregistration is required; registration will take place at 8:30 AM on the day of the camp. The cost is $15 per child with checks payable to Webberville Girls Basketball. Please bring a basketball and appropriate footwear. If you need additional information, please contact Coach Kris Tennant at 517-468-2215. *** Board Meeting – The next meeting of the Webberville Board of Education will be on Monday, November 19 at 7:00 PM in the Spartan Center Community Room. *** Thanksgiving Break – There will be no school on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23.

Students WILL have school on Wednesday, November 21.

This is a change from previous years so please take note. *** Spartan Yard Signs – The varsity volleyball team is selling customized yard signs for the low, low price of $20 per sign. The sign will be created using your child’s name and their chosen sport or musical interest. Order forms are available in the district and secondary offices, or you can download a form from the homepage of the district website. Buy a sign and support your Spartan volleyball program!

WEBBERVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Veterans Day Celebration – The annual Veterans Day Celebration at the elementary school will be held on Friday, November 9 at 10:00 AM in the gym. You are invited to join the staff and students as they honor those who served our country. *** End of Trimester – The first trimester at the elementary school will end on Friday, November 16. *** Family Movie Night - The elementary school Family Movie Night is officially scheduled for November 16 at 6:30 PM (different date than previously advertised). We will be showing a PG movie and having a drawing so

someone can win it! Please bring your pillow, blanket, drink and an item for the local food pantry. We will be supplying the movie and free popcorn! Can't wait to see you there.

WEBBERVILLE SECONDARY SCHOOL Fall Choir Concert – The first choir concert of the school year will be on Wednesday, November 7. The concert will include students in 6th-12th grade and will take place in the secondary school cafeteria at 7:00 PM. *** Fall Sports Banquet – The fall sports banquet will be held on Thursday, November 8 at 6:30 PM in the HS café. The coaches will be recognizing all the student-athletes who participated in a fall sport. *** Powerschool Logins – All parents are provided a login and password for their child’s PowerSchool account.

Access to PowerSchool allows you to view your child’s grades, and also review assignments that have been turned in or are missing. If you need your PowerSchool password, please email ksweethouse@webbervilleschools.org or call 521-3447 ext: 320. *** Senior Pictures – Senior pictures must be submitted to the yearbook staff by Thursday, November 15.

Digital images are preferred in jpeg format, CMYK at 300dpi.

Pictures must be: wallet size, vertical format facing forward, color, head and shoulders pose facing forward, traditional or neutral background –no outdoors shots, no hands, no identification marks can appear in photo, head size must be 1.5 inches from the hair to chin line, and eyes should face forward. We cannot include pictures that do not meet these requirements. Please also include a close up baby or childhood picture.

Millville Men’s Group hosting hunter’s breakfast November 15 The Millville Men's Group will be hosting a Hunter's Breakfast on Thursday, November 15 starting at 4:30 to 11:00 a.m. A great country breakfast for a free will offering! Come whether you hunt or not! We are located at 1932 N. M-52, Stockbridge, which is five miles north of Stockbridge or nine miles south of I-96 ON M-52. For more information contact the church at 517-851-7853.

Senior Spotlight-Gabriel Lee Marshall

By Emily House

Agriculture is very important to the town of Webberville but is even more important to senior Gabe Marshall.

Marshall is the son of Jeff and Teresa Michalski, the brother of Marlena Acker (Charles), Ethan Marshall (Brooke), Phil Marshall, Jeffrey Michalski, Eric Michalski, and uncle to Connor Acker, and Hank Marshall.

Marshall has attended Webberville Community Schools since kindergarten. He is the fourth generation of his family that will have graduated from Webberville, after he walks across the stage this spring. And his lives neighboring his family’s centennial farm.

Once in high school, Gabe focused his attention to agricultural activities through FFA. Marshall was most influenced throughout high school by Mr. Bill Wheeler who is a retired Ag teacher from Webberville and active FFA alumni member.

“Mr. Wheeler always pushes me to try new things,” said Marshall. “He is well-respected and has influenced many students and adults. He is known for his giving nature, and I could never thank him enough for all the things he has helped me with.”

In 2011 Marshall received the outstanding junior award from the Michigan FFA. In February of this year, Marshall’s hard work paid off and he received a grant of $1,000 through FFA from Kohler Engines, and this year he plans on applying for scholarships through FFA for his future and obtaining his State Degree.

“Gabe found he could apply himself and become a leader. He is caring, hardworking, energetic, and is always willing to help someone in need,” said Mr. Wheeler.

Marshall’s favorite classes include Ag Tech, Ag Science, and Farm Shop. His future plans include attending either Baker College of Owosso to study diesel mechanics, or a Howell training center to get certified as a heavy equipment operator.

“When Gabe puts his mind to something, he accomplishes great things, “said FFA Adviser and teacher Colleen Scott Keiser. “He has really grown as a leader, and has great potential to be very successful in his future.”

Marshall has been involved in Leadership Contests, Skills Contests, and has been a chapter officer for 2 years.

“I’ve watched Gabe develop from a quiet shy young man and develop his confidence and skills through various FFA activities,” said Mr. Wheeler.

When Marshall is not at school he enjoys spending time with his nephews, family, and friends, attending FFA events, hunting, and helping out on the family farm.

Marshall’s favorite FFA activities include AGstravaganza, “drive your tractor to school” days, National Convention, and State Convention.

“He always finds a way to make people laugh,” said friend Justin O’Connor. “We always have a great time together and I enjoyed taking trips to Moore’s Farm Repair to get steel with him for Ag Tech. After we graduate I will miss hearing jokes from Gabe every morning when I come to school.”

As the countdown begins toward graduation, Marshall has one piece of advice to share with the underclassman, “Get your work done on time and don’t wait until the last minute. It is hard to get caught up once you fall behind.”

Webberville 4-H Club meeting November 12 The Webberville 4-H Club is holding their monthly business meeting on Tuesday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Webberville Village Hall. This is the final meeting for new members to sign-up for the 2012-2013 year. For more information please contact Suzie at 4496711 or Sandy at (517) 388-1959.

Michigan House Report Barb Byrum, 67th District

The following is an editorial written by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). If you have questions about this commentary, please contact Rep. Byrum's office by calling (517) 373-0587.

As we prepare for the Holiday season, giving thanks and spending time with loved ones, we must remember to give thanks to the men and women who have dedicated their service for this nation. Be sure to thank a veteran every day, but especially Sunday, November 11, Veterans Day! Though we can never truly repay them for their sacrifices, many of the veterans I have spoken with have told me that even hearing "Thank you for all you have done for our country" means so much to them and they absolutely deserve our gratitude and respect.

Every time I speak with a veteran of our armed services, I am reminded of the tremendous sacrifices they have made, and how little they have asked for in return. They leave their families, their homes, their communities, and put their lives on the line in defense of our freedom.

Without their selfless sacrifice, we would not enjoy the country we have today.

This service and dedication serves as an example that we can draw from in our everyday lives. Honor, duty and respect for self and country – these are values that will serve you well whether you are a soldier in Afghanistan or in Leslie. By carrying on their lessons of service and honor, we will build a stronger Michigan and a stronger country. Following their example not only honors their sacrifice, but the ideals they fought to protect: a country where all are free to speak, gather and worship as they please, participate in government, raise our children, bear arms and live a happy life full of joy and opportunity.

Our veterans are examples of this service and sacrifice and provide a model for us to emulate. As you contemplate what they have done for us this Veterans Day, consider what you can do to make our community stronger. Perhaps you can donate a few dollars to a local charity or a couple of hours at your local food bank. Take some time with seniors this holiday season or mentor a struggling youth.

Remember it is the Veteran, not the politician that gave citizens the right to vote. In honor of our Veterans, all qualified registered voters should exercise their right and VOTE!

Capital Area District Library Events November 5—11 WEBBERVILLE: Scrabble Club (Ages 5-10) Date: Nov. 8. Start Time: 6:30 PM. Description: Our informal club for adults welcomes players of all skill levels in a relaxed, low-key atmosphere.

Library: Webberville (WE) *** WILLIAMSTON: Lego Club (Ages 6-14) Date: Nov. 6, 20. Start Time: 4:00 PM. Description: Drop by the library to build brick creations with your friends. You supply the imagination, we provide the Legos! Library: Williamston (WM) *** eReader Roundtable* Adults. Date: Nov. 6. Start Time: 6:00 PM. Description: Come and learn the ins and outs of today’s eBook technology, including hands-on time with your own eReader. Use of CADL’s eBook lending collection will also be covered. Participants need to bring their own Nook, Kindle, iPad, or other eReader device. *Registration required; call 517-655-1191. Library: Williamston (WM) *** Early Literacy Playtime (Ages 1-5) Date: Nov. 8. Start Time: 11:00 AM. Description: Drop in with your preschooler for fun parent/child activities designed to introduce and build early literacy skills.

Library: Williamston (WM)

Crossroads United Methodist Church hosting 2nd annual craft show Nov. 17 Hand-sewn purses, stone birdhouses, steampunk jewelry, wooden crosses and keepsake boxes, handmade cards, embroidered linens, baby blankets, artisan knitted hats and scarves, original artwork and Ugandan paper bead jewelry are among the fine crafts to be featured at the second annual Fall Craft Show at Crossroads United Methodist Church.

The show, sponsored by the Crossroads United Methodist Women, is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, November 17 at the church, corner of Haslett and Zimmer roads east of Haslett and north of Williamston. There is no entrance fee.

Each of the 27 crafters is donating an item to be given away as door prizes throughout the event, which is free. A light lunch is available.

For more details please call the church at 517/655-1466, email at office@crossroadsofwilliamston.org or see the website at www.crossroadsofwilliamston.org.

Around the House

By Andy Lekarczyk As heating season has started, many folks find their homes too warm in one room and too cold in others. This is common in two story and large ranch style homes.

During summer the cold air is harder to lift to a second floor and during winter heat normally rises. If you have a forced air system in your basement. you’ll have ductwork feeding your rooms. Normally, you have a main trunk line, a rectangle shaped duct from which a round duct is attached and feeds your rooms. At the point where the round duct connects to the trunk, there are small levers.

These levels control damper plates in the duct. This allows you to ‘throttle down or up’ the air floor to that room.

If you have rooms that are not comfortable, you can open or close these dampers. As the lever moves to point across the duct, you are closing the damper or limiting airflow.

This is the same rule for plumbing valves that have a straight handle. If the handle is in line with the pipe (or in our example the duct work) the valve is open. You can use tape to mark your starting point and make small adjustments. Once you find the perfect position, you can mark this spot as a winter adjustment. If the previous spot worked well for summer, then indicate that as the summer setting.

If you don’t have these dampers on your basement ducts, you can use your room grills to shut down airflow. We mentioned changing the furnace filter in past months, so if you didn’t yet now would be a good time. A clean filter helps your heating equipment move air easier and removes dust from the air. The cold air return usually enters the side of your furnace; the warm air ducts typically exits straight up.

If your furnace is on its side (horizontal), your cold air enters on one side and warm on the other. Keep in mind your air filter is always on the cold air side. If you have a humidifier on your cold air return, check that as well. The humidifier helps to add moisture to your home for comfort.

Many people get dry nose issues or nose bleeds if the air is too dry. These units have a filter or water pad in them.

The water passes over this pad as air flows past it to help increase humidity. This pad can become clogged by minerals in your water supply.

There should be a valve to close the water feed to the unit. You then can remove the cover and expose the pad.

You should be able to see how to remove the assembly and

take the entire piece to the hardware or home center to purchase a replacement. Remember to install your glass inserts in your storm doors. This will help with cutting down any warm air loss thru your doors. You can make a simple box using a 2x4 bottom and top, closing the back with one additional 2x4 and using a thin plywood or hardboard for the sides. Place the box in the basement or garage and use it to store any removed screen to protect them for next year. Screens are expensive! Remember to Vote, and have a great weekend Around The House!

As always past articles are archived on our website www.power24hrs.com and we welcome your questions at JustAskHandyAndy@hotmail.com.

Open casting call for “The Wizard of Oz” production being held this week Fowlerville Community Theatre will be holding auditions for its March 15-17 production of The Wizard of Oz on November 9 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. and November 10 from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Auditions will be held in the Alverson Center for Performing Arts located at Fowlerville High School.

Directors have roles for children, teens, and adults.

Anyone interested in acting on the stage is welcome to audition. While prior experience is helpful, it is not required. Audition materials, including a character list, are available by emailing Diana at fowlervillecommunitytheatre@gmail.com or calling 517223-9409.

-Card of ThanksWe would like to express our appreciation to everyone for the many expressions of kindness extended to our family during these past two years. Living with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a challenge.

And, now our loved one has been released from this earthly life.

Your thoughts, prayers, and caring acts have been a blessing and a reminder of God’s love during such difficult times.

The Family of Frank Utter

Veteran’s Day luncheon being held Nov. 11 at American Legion Post A Veteran's Day luncheon will be held at the Howell American Legion November 11 from Noon to 2pm immediately following the Veteran’s Day Salute at the Livingston County Court House. The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary will host a Veteran's luncheon at the Post.

Lunch is free to all Veterans. The Post is located at M-59 and Grand River, Howell. For more information call 5462534.

Photo by Richard Lim Photography

Howell Community Theatre announce performance schedule for The Little Mermaid What: The Little Mermaid JR performances Who: The Community Theatre of Howell Where: At Howell High School Freshman Campus, 1400 West Grand River, Howell When: December 6, 7, and 8, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. and December 8 and 9 at 2:00 p.m.

Educators: December 4 and 6 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and December 5 at 10 a.m. and 12 noon. School group tickets at a reduced rate. Teacher’s guides are available.

Contact Ryan Johnson, School Liaison at johnsonr@howellschools.com for tickets.

Public performance tickets are available beginning November 8 at the Bennett Recreation Center in Howell, Parent/Teacher Tech Center in Brighton, Maria’s School of Dance in Fowlerville, and through the theatre box office at 517-545-1290, or online at www.cththeatre.org.

Tickets: All tickets are $7.00 (Visa and MasterCard are accepted) The Community Theatre of Howell is pleased to announce performances of The Little Mermaid JR where in a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel (Aubrie Gramer) longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father King Triton (Jack Oliveri), make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula (Tori Poloski), and convince Prince Eric (Zac Hines) that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice. Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production, Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. features the hit songs "Part of Your World," "She’s in Love," and the Oscar-winning "Under the Sea." To round out a very talented group of 44 youth from throughout Livingston County and beyond, you will also find Drew Laughner (Scuttle), Jacob Scherba (Sebastian),

Kaitlyn Bloom (Carlotta), Nic Bishop (Flounder), Lauren Eldred and Maddie Haas (Flotsam and Jetsam), Tyler Dixon (Pilot and Chef Louis), and Joshua Ceccacci (Grimsby). Ariel is accompanied by her lovely Mersisters (Julia Coulier, Emily Harkins, Aubrey Klein, Tori Rogers, Bronsyn Sacker, and Rachel Wylie).

Ursula’s counterparts, the Poor Unfortunate Souls (Abbey Bean, Amanda Bock, Alex Klein, Sarah Laughner, and Gwenna Zanin), endeavor to attain Ariel’s enchanting voice.

Alongside Scuttle are 3 squawking gulls (Madison Lim, Jenna Pasfield, and Joseph Streight). Pilot’s crew, a group of sailors (Megan Bryne, Audrey Moyer, Ethan O’Dell, Carly Scruggs, and Stephanie Simonson), weather out the storm. No sea or land scene would be complete without the sea creatures or the lagoon animals (Aimee Bean, Becca Bishop, Hannah Brock, Brett Coleman, Alexis Gronow, Nelson and Nathan Hull, Amy Lucas, Brienna Scheidler, Lucy Thomas, Makenna Usher, Emily Wilson, and Isabella Woodby).

The show is co-directed by Sherry Randall and Ann O’Reilly, music director Marci Johnson, choreographer Maria Usher, and assistant choreographer Rachel Tobey; produced by Karla Tobey, and assistant Jenny Bloom.

Behind the curtains are stage manager Lynda Bednarczyk and assistant Ben Breneman.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Karla Tobey (dktobey@juno.com), Jenny Bloom (fourblooms@comcast.com), or visit our website: www.cththeatre.org.

Area residents participating in 40th Anniversary Christmas Celebration A 40th Anniversary Christmas Celebration will be presented by Thurlow Spurr and the CMI Michigan/Ohio Concert Choir at various locations in Michigan.

Tickets are on sale now for all performances by calling (800) 993-7464 or at the web site: www.cmichoir.org.

Performances will be held on select November dates. For specific dates and locations please go to the web site.

Local performers include Michelle Dobreff, Phyllis Koutsobous, Irma Schnell, Nancy McCarbary, Mary A. Vidito, Mary K. Vidito and Phyllis Langston-Glazier.

For more information please call Phyllis LangstonGlazier at 223-9197.

Little Glad Center News Beverly Farmer, Director farmer@fvl.k12.mi.us 517-223-6480 www.fowlervilleschools.org New Afternoon Preschool Session–TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS. Our center is offering an afternoon preschool session starting in January 2013. The preschool session will be from 12:30–3:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is open for 3 and 4 year olds. Registration fee is $50. (non-refundable) We welcome parent volunteers in the classrooms. Call or visit the office for additional information. Children must be three or four by December 1, 2012 to participate in preschool. *** Tuesday and Thursday – PM - Three and four year olds 12:30pm – 3:30pm. *This session must have 8 children enrolled for the session to start. *** Playgroups- Great Parents, Great Start-Livingston: The Little Glad Center is offering a fall session of playgroups. Registration forms are available in the Little Glad Center office. The focus will be on the developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Parents stay with their child during the class and receive information to assist with their child’s development. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents, have fun, and participate in activities with your child. We welcome new registrations throughout the sessions.

Ages: 0 - 36 months Dates: Fridays November 9, November 16, November 30, December 7 Enrollment is limited to 10 children per group.

Cost for the six-week session: $60 Each playgroup will run from 9:30am – 11:00am Facilitator: Cindy Mathews – 223-6489 *** A look Ahead: November 8--Half-day of school – K-12, Little Glad Center is OPEN, preschool is in session November 21–23--Thanksgiving Recess - No School, Little Glad Center is CLOSED, no Wednesday-Friday preschool sessions.

November 26--No school K-12, TPDD. Little Glad Center is OPEN; preschool is in session.

Mason Munsell who attends the Little Glad Center before school care is dressed up and ready for Halloween!

Shootings on I-96 near Fowlerville heighten concern & anxiety Random shootings by a gunman, aiming at motorists driving along the I-96 freeway corridor and adjacent highways during the past couple of weeks, have caused a great deal of concern and anxiety, plus state and national news headlines.

Two of those incidents occurred on the freeway near the Fowlerville exit on Saturday, Oct. 27, with one of the drivers being wounded. Those shootings made the local area front-and-center in the ongoing investigation and the resulting news coverage. On that Saturday, following the shootings, this section of the freeway between Fowlerville and Webberville was closed down as law enforcement officers searched for clues.

“At approximately 11:52 a.m. a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-96, about a mile west of the Fowlerville Road exit, was struck by a projectile fired from an unknown location,” said Livingston County Sheriff Robert Bezotte in a press release. “The vehicle was struck in the driver side rear window and the projectile continued through the passenger side rear window. The driver, an 18yar-old male from Canton and his passenger, an 18-year old female from Plymouth, were uninjured.”

The driver in the second incident, which took place at approximately 12:19 p.m. that day, was not so lucky. “The vehicle traveling eastbound on I-96 between the Ingham County line and the weigh station (near Nicolson Road) was struck by a projectile fired from an unknown location,” said Bezotte. “The vehicle was struck in the drivers’ side door.

The driver, a 46-year-old male from Delton (who was heading to the World Series game that evening in Detroit) was hit in the left buttock area. The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the incident.”

According to media reports, the driver was unaware he’d been wounded until he got out of his car and noticed blood.

He had, at first, thought the sound from the gun shot hitting his car was a blown tire. He drove to the Mobil gas station off of the Fowlerville Road exit to report the crime.

“The driver was treated at the scene (gas station) and then transported to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital of Livingston where he was listed in stable condition on the day of the shooting,” noted Bezotte.

As of last Thursday (Nov. 1), there have been 24 reported incidents. While those occurring on I-96 have garnered much of the headlines, only three of the shootings have taken place on the freeway— two of those happening on Oct. 27. The rest have been on trunk lines and side streets near the freeway in Ingham, Shiawassee, and Oakland Counties. One of the incidents involved a man in Wixom who was taking out his garbage. The rest have been motorists. The shootings have taken place during the day and at night and on both week days and weekends.

Ballistic tests have linked nine of the shootings to the same firearm. Law enforcement officials believe the crimes are being committed by one person, but have not ruled out a copycat.

One of the earlier victims was able to get a look at the shooter, although this occurred at night. Based on this information, investigators are looking for a man in his 30s, driving a dark-colored four-door car similar to an Oldsmobile Alero or Toyota Camry. Police believe the man is shooting at drivers from the oppose lane.

Federal agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Explosives have joined with law enforcement officials from the Michigan State Police, the Sheriff Departments in Livingston, Ingham, Shiawassee, and Oakland Counties and local police departments in investigating the incidents. Over 100 officers have reportedly been assigned to the case and both marked and unmarked police vehicles have been patrolling the midMichigan area.

A reward of $102,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter. Over 2,200 tips have been forwarded to investigating task force, with many coming after the high reward was posted.

Detective Marc King is heading the investigation on behalf of the Livingston County Sheriff Dept. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact him at 517540-7953. Information can also be called in to Crimestoppers at (800) SPEAKUP or (800)223-2587.

Christmas Parade Registration Forms available at Village office The registration forms for persons or groups wishing to participate in the upcoming Fowlerville Christmas Parade are available at the Village of Fowlerville office. The parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 1, beginning at 6 p.m.

Organizers request that the registration forms be submitted by Nov. 12 if possible. For more information, call Sherry Prevo at the Village office at 517-223-3771.

The parade along with the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree on the Main Four corners of town will be the culmination of the planned afternoon and evening events for the Fowlerville ‘Christmas in the Ville’ celebration.

Other celebration highlights include ‘A Visit with Santa Claus’ before and after the parade at the Fowlerville Fire Hall, ‘Balloons Over the Ville’ that will feature pilots flying their hot-air balloons over the town (weather permitting), a 5-K Run/Walk on West Grand River from the Downtown to Potts Road and back, the Firemen’s Chili & Hot Dog Supper at the Fire Hall, Hay Rides, the Pet Parade at the Centennial Park, the Scavenger Hunt, and several special events planned for area youngsters.

Upcoming Programs at the Fowlerville District Library Follow us on Facebook & www.fowlervillelibrary.org.

Registration usually opens 2 weeks prior to the event unless otherwise noted. *** LEGO CLUB: Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 4pm. Kids 4 years-5th grade. Join your child in building Lego creations based on stories read at Lego Club or from their own imagination! *Registration is open. Call 223-9089 or stop in to register to attend. Must be registered to attend. *** Astronaut Training: Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 5:30 pm.

Kids 4 years-5th grade. Are you interested in going to space? Do you have the “Right Stuff” to be an astronaut?

Come hear stories and play some fun games while we ‘train’ to be astronauts! *Registration begins October 31.

Call 223-9089 or stop in to register to attend. Must be registered to attend. *** Family Impact Center Food Drive: Help us help our community! The Family Impact Center needs our help!

Bring in five non-perishable food items and check out a new DVD for free. Or bring in a food item and we’ll take a dollar off of your overdue fines, with a limit of five nonperishable food items for $5 off your overdue fines. *Not applicable to fines that are in collections. *** From A to Z with Mrs. D: Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10 & 11 am. Ages 1-4 years old. The Fowlerville District Library is proud to present an all new, high quality program for Toddler and Preschool aged children. There are still some openings in these groups. For more information call 223-9089 or stop in at the library. *Registration is on a first come, first served basis. You must come into the library to register. You must be registered to attend. *** Scrabble Club: Monday, Nov. 12 from 5:00-6:45 pm.

Adults. Scrabble enthusiasts are welcomed to join our second season of scrabble tournaments, regardless of skill level. Improve your game while playing at the library!

Seating is limited; register early to attend. *Registration begins October 29. Call 223-9089 or stop in to register to attend. Must be registered to attend. *** Patron Appreciation Day: Tuesday, November 20. The Fowlerville District Library would like to thank the Fowlerville community for their support and patronage.

Stop in for a visit and take home a key chain for adults or a goody bag for kids from our ‘Appreciation Display’! *** Retired & Refurbished Computer Sale: Begins Tuesday, November 20. We will be selling our retired computers.

All systems are professionally prepped and set up. Ready

to go to your home! Included in the price of a computer is the following: refurbished computer, keyboard, and mouse.

Monitors and Microsoft Office software packages are available as add-on accessories and are separately priced. All purchased software package will be installed prior to delivery to the library and the purchaser will receive all of the discs for their computer. For more information, visit the library and see the Computer Sale Specification Sheet on display. *** Mixed Media Necklaces: Thursday, Nov. 29 at 6 pm.

Adults. Join us in creating one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry using a variety of materials. Visit the library to see the examples created to inspire your inner artist! *Register in person at the library. There is a $5 cash deposit for this program that is refundable at the program.

A good time was had by all at Costume Bingo. In Back L to R: Alex Sienkiewicz, Katie Pachasa, Laela Sirrine, and Rory Sirrine. In Front: Lizzie and Caleb Banko.

-Woman’s Advance ClubThe Woman’s Advance Club of Webberville met on Thursday, October 18 at ALDI, Inc. The spacious yard with beautiful landscaping is located at 2625 N. Stockbridge Rd., Webberville, just off the I96 exit. Some people will remember this as the Phillip Millis Farm until August 2003 when this site became the ALDI Distribution Center and Warehouse.

Our tour guide was Mr. Adam Whitesel, Director of Warehouse. We would like to thank him for a great tour and expertise on how the systems work. It was very informative. We were very impressed with the efficiency of the entire organization. The employees wee friendly, with warm smiles even though they were very busy and on the move. The entire work place was very clean, with attractive surroundings and plenty of light. The building is very large but well organized with multiple aisles of products. The warehouse supplies the 55 ALDI stores in Michigan with everything they sell.

The order selectors build two pallets at a time while driving a large pallet jack they call a tugger. As the order selectors get their orders, they proceed down the many aisles and pick up what is on their orders with the direction from a computer headset. They communicate the information back to the computer via the headset to complete the orders. Once the pallets are full they are taken to the wrapping station where they are shrink wrapped, then taken to the truck pick up areas. The drivers are very courteous; following the rules just like one does when driving on a highway. They are continuously in motion, quietly zipping here and there.

The products for distribution are in different areas. There are canned goods, dry goods and anything not requiring to be kept in a cooler. In another area is the cooler, which has fresh vegetables, flowers, fruits and other items needing to be kept cool. Then there is the freezer for the frozen items such as ice cream, turkeys and other frozen items.

The employees work primarily in one department but are cross-trained to work in other departments if necessary.

Teamwork was very apparent and even though busy, they seemed happy. It is amazing that 50 plus people can be that well organized and efficient.

In our immediate area are four ALDI stores: Howell, Owosso and two in Lansing. They require no membership fees, however, you must pay by cash, debit card or EBT. We thank Brenda Bradley, Executive Assistant to the Vice President, Ryan Fritsch, for proof reading the article and checking for accuracy.

Following the tour they had lunch at Sparta Coney Island Grill in Webberville.

On Wednesday, November 14 Club President Nancy Webb, plus Trustees to Marsh Pointe: Marge Lawson and Rosemary Cahaney, and Ingham County Home Association and Ingham County Residence Board of

Directors: Jill Moon, will meet at Marsh Pointe for the fall meeting and luncheon. The club will donate money to be used to buy Christmas gifts for the residents.

The next meeting will be November 19 at 1:30 pm. The Club will tour the Family Impact Center in Fowlerville.

The Center provides food, clothing, classes, counseling, and support to families in need. Please bring cans of food for the Center. Following the tour we’ll have dessert at Olden Days Restaurant in Fowlerville.

The Woman’s Club tries to keep up with our area businesses and services and gain knowledge of how we can impact the community. We are still active, like our founders in 1919, a group of local women who wanted to keep up with the times.

We welcome new members. If you like to learn, feel giving, and want to have fun, we’re the women who do all of this.

For more information about the club please contact Betty Dodge at (517

Plainfield United Methodist Church serving chicken dinner November 10 A chicken and biscuit supper will be served at the Plainfield United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 10 starting at 5 pm. A free will donation will be accepted and take-outs will be available.

The church is located at 17845 M-36, north of Gregory.

For more information call (517) 851-8932.

Fowlerville Senior Center hosting shopping expo on November 17 Don’t shop ‘til you drop. Come join us at the Fowlerville Senior Center for all your holiday shopping needs under one roof. The expo is being held on Saturday, November 17 from 1 to 5 pm. Vendors include: Pampered Chef, My Thirtyone, Tupperware, Close to My Heart, Scentsy, Mary Kay, Lia Sophia, Avon, Sweet Sensations, Osborne Books, Cookie Lee, Tastefully Simple and more! There will also be a Senior Center bake sale, raffles and door prizes.

Admission is free.

Advocacy & Services are main focuses of Michigan AARP

By Steve Horton A variety of programs and causes keep the staff and volunteers of AARP busy, both at the national headquarters in Washington, D.C. and in its 50 state offices. Nearly all of them, though, fall under the two main categories of Advocacy and Services.

AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, “is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social welfare organization with a membership that helps people 50 and older have independence, choice, and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole.” The organization provides a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services.

Founded in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, a California educator, with an initial purpose of helping retired teachers obtain health insurance and as part of her overall philosophy of promoting productive aging, AARP now boasts over 37 million members.

Of that total, some 1.4 million of them reside in Michigan and are served by the state office located on Washington Square, just north of the Capitol building, as well as an information center located in Detroit. There are 13 staff members, headed by the director, Jacquelin Morrison. In addition there are over 250 volunteers who lend assistance.

Among those staff members is Mark Hornbeck, a former newspaper journalist who serves as the communications director.

“Providing services to our members is a key part of what we do,” Hornbeck noted. The list of those programs offered range from the ‘Drive to End Hunger’ to ‘Retirement Preparedness Workshops’ to ‘Driver Safety Courses’ to ‘Tax Aide’, a free service that helps older Michiganders fill out their state and federal tax returns.

“One of the programs we’re involved in is ‘Encore Entrepreneur Workshops’,” he pointed out. “This is being done in partnership with the Small Business Administration with workshops offered for those 50 and older who are interested in starting a business. More and more Michiganders are losing their jobs. It’s tough for them to find work, so we’re providing this assistance for those trying to realize longtime dreams of having their own business.”

Another effort along those same lines, Hornbeck said, is ‘Promoting Yourself at 50 plus’. “We’re trying to help those who are job hunting to better present themselves,” he explained. “A lot of them haven’t done job interviews in three or four decades and are unfamiliar with how best to find

Mark Hornbeck, Communications Director and apply for jobs nowadays, to put together a resume, and to showcase their experience in an effective manner.”

The Michigan office of the AARP also recently assisted the City of Lansing in a sidewalk inventory. “Volunteers walked the 700 miles of walkways and identified those sections that were either missing or in bad shape and needed repair,” Hornbeck said. “This is in line with our priority of creating more ‘Age-Friendly Communities’. This program is an effort to ensure that Michigan municipalities modify infrastructure, including sidewalks, to ensure mobility and accessibility to essential services for all ages.

“Appropriate housing is also part of this,” he added.

“As the population ages, there is a need to ensure that living quarters are available that allow people to live on their own for as long as possible. Our ‘Homefit’ program is aimed at helping older residents, especially those 60 to 85, modify their homes so they can live independently.

But it’s also a priority, we feel, for local communities.”

While the Michigan AARP spearheads these and several other initiatives that are designed to provide beneficial assistance to older citizens, the organization also serves as an advocate on behalf of this age group.”Advocacy efforts play a key role in the mission of AARP to lead positive social change,” noted Hornbeck.

Included in this effort is the ‘State Legislative Agenda’.This involves lobbying the governor and state legislature, members of the state’s delegation to the U.S. Congress and, where appropriate, local municipalities in support of certain issues or proposed programs. The AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. It does, however, take strong, active stances, and, in taking those stances, the staff seeks to enlist the support and involvement of its members and volunteers.

Such activism can and has put the AARP at odds with elected officials and the positions of the two major political parties. An example would be the proposal by Gov. Rick Snyder, made in his first year that was passed by the Republican-controlled legislature to levy a tax on pensions. This was part of the governor’s revenueenhancement plan that, once approved, allowed for the repeal of the Michigan Business Tax and a new, less costly corporate tax to replace it.

“AARP Michigan opposes Michigan’s new pension tax because it is unfair and creates an undue hardship on Michigan retirees,” noted Hornbeck. “Retirees made retirement and financial planning decisions based on the tax exempt status of our pensions. We will keep up the pressure on the Legislature to replace the pension tax, but also help educate citizens who are 50 and older about this new tax and how it will impact us.”

Nationally, the ARP supported the main goals of the Affordable Care Act that is designed to provide health insurance to more Americans, prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to customers with preexisting conditions, and to curtail the high annual increases in medical and hospital costs.

At the state level this includes the implementation of a health insurance exchange. That’s a step Gov. Snyder had urged the Legislature to take to insure state control. The Senate supported his recommendation, but, given the politics of the current presidential campaign, his measure did not find support in the House of Representatives or from many other Republicans. The AARP, having backed the law, is pushing as well for the implementation of this health insurance exchange.

“We feel this is an important step toward our vision of affordable, quality, secure health care for all Americans,” Hornbeck said of the organization’s position of this issue.

“Having an effective state exchange that focuses on the consumer’s best interest will help ensure the affordability of individual and small group health coverage. We will advocate for passage of health insurance exchange legislation in the Michigan House and work with Governor Snyder and his Administration to facilitate this implementation.”

The AARP Michigan office has also opposed certain reductions made in the last two state budgets as well as a tightening of restrictions that it feels has an adverse effect on older residents. “We’re concerned in general about cuts in services that make communities less livable,” explained Hornbeck. “Many seniors are living on fixed incomes, so anything like public transportation or food that ends up costing them more is a problem. Cuts that curtail the hours of operation for public libraries would be example. Seniors are big users of this service. Some of this is an indirect consequence. When the state cuts its revenue sharing to local governments, they in turn have to make reductions of basic services. Again, if you have a

limited source of income, as many older Michiganders do, this hurts them.”

At the state level the AARP is “opposed to efforts by the Department of Human Services to impose a new asset test for food assistance in Michigan and opposes efforts to codify the DHS policy or establish further restrictions on food assistance eligibility for low-income older households,” adding, “We will continue to defend food assistance programs.”

The organization has also taken a position on the legislative effort to tighten voter eligibility with the requirement of a state-issued picture ID and restrictions placed on voter registration groups, like the League of Women Voters. Critics of this effort have contended that the elderly would be among the demographic groups adversely affected by this new law and that it is aimed more at suppressing turnout of Democratic Party supporters than the stated goal of preventing voter fraud.

While Gov. Snyder vetoed some of these more contentious parts of the law, the issue is likely to resurface in the next session of the Legislature. “AARP believes the right to vote is the most basic of political rights,” it was noted. “We oppose the imposition by government of hindrances to voting, including registration impediments and voter identification requirements that discourage or prevent citizens from voting.”

Other, less politically contentious priorities supported by the Michigan AARP include legislation and accompanying programs for Long Term Care and Long Term Supports & Services and the continued program for Home Heating Assistance that “help the 50 and older residents meet their home fuel costs and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.”

PART OF HOW THE AARP DETERMINES IT’S ADVOCACY OBJECTIVES comes from soliciting input from members.

Proposed changes to both Social Security and Medicare have been front and center for senior citizens in recent years and more so during the current political campaign.

Anticipating what’s now happening in the candidate debates and what will occur after the election when legislation is proposed to bring down the national budget deficits, the AARP began a “You’ve Earned A Say” dialogue with its members.

“This has been a major effort for us in 2012,”noted Hornbeck. “This is a national initiative that the Michigan office has been part of. What’s been done is to take the various proposals, ranging from the recommendations of the conservative Heritage Foundation to the liberal Brookings Foundation as well as other ideas, present them at a meeting, and then have those attending break into smaller groups to discuss the merits and objections and report back to our moderator. One of the proposals that’s considered is the one put forth by Congressman

Paul Ryan (the current Republican vice president nominee) to phase in a voucher option for future retires as a way to reform Medicare. Another option is to increase the tax by a higher percentage. With Social Security, you have a suggestion to increase the eligibility age to 70 before someone can begin to collect Social Security. Another, more popular option is to raise the cap on earnings that can be taxed for Social Security from the present $110,000 to a higher amount.

“We’ve held 44 of these events,” he added. “Our volunteers have helped in this project. Notes are taken of the input that’s provided and forwarded to the national office.”

While AARP is encouraging the involvement of its members in this dialogue and welcomes all manner of ideas, the organization stands firm in its support for both of these entitlement programs.

“The majority of our members want to make sure both Social Security and Medicare are still viable in the future,” said Hornbeck. “While most current seniors can expect to receive or continue receiving these retirement benefits, they are concerned about their availability for their children and grandchildren. We’re interested in insuring the continuation of these programs and oppose the more radical proposals of diminishing their benefits or of privatizing them. The more practical solution is probably going to be a mix of ideas that are acceptable to a broad range of people and to both political parties which are why getting everyone’s input is important.”

Providing information to members is an important part of the advocacy effort. For the past two years, staff member Andy Farmer has traveled about the state, attending meetings with the purpose of explaining the Affordable Care Act. “He tells seniors and others about what’s in the law, what isn’t in the law and still needs to be addressed, and he seeks feedback,” noted Hornbeck.

“All viewpoints are welcomed.”

As the communication director, Hornbeck prepares news releases, serves as a spokesman to the media, helps promote the organization’s various services and initiatives, attends events on behalf of the AARP, provides content to the state office’s web site www.aarp.org/michigan, sends out e-mails and tweets to members, and is involved in the Legislative Action Agenda,.

He grew up in Royal Oak and graduated from Royal Oak Kimball High. “The school no longer exists,” Hornbeck noted. “A main extracurricular activity back then was playing basketball.”

A teacher told him he had talent in English. Not wishing to pursue a teaching degree, he majored in journalism at Michigan State University and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree. “My first newspaper job was with the Tuscola County Advertiser in Caro

where I covered everything from high school sports to city hall,” he said.

The next step up in his career came with the daily Kalamazoo Gazette where he worked for five years.

“During that time my beats included education and business, and I also covered the police, city hall, and some politics,” he said.

“The Gazette is part of the Booth Newspaper chain and for the next five years I served with Booth’s State Capital Bureau, covering state government.”

Hornbeck then took a position with the Detroit News as its chief political correspondent and remained for 21 years. Two years ago he decided to pursue a different career option and went to work at Michigan AARP. “This new job has been enjoyable,” he said. “A lot of what I do is familiar, I still do a lot of writing, but it’s been different enough to be stimulating. I’m able to use a lot of what I learned in journalism and from covering state government.

“One of the reasons I came to AARP is that I feel the organization does a lot of good things,” Hornbeck pointed out. The goal of helping people age with dignity and purpose is a good calling, and I sleep well at night.”

Michigan Rehabilitation Specialist employees celebrate game rivalry The employees of Michigan Rehabilitation Specialist in Fowlerville wore Michigan and Michigan State attire to work in celebration of the annual in-State football game played each year between the two schools. Each employee donated five cans of nonperishable food items to the Family Impact Center so that they could wear blue jeans to work.

From left to right kneeling: Lisa and Melissa. Back row: Tom, Shawn, Miki, Lindsey, Katie and Jessica.