WK# 40

FOR SALE - Luxair fuel oil furnace, $100. 616-723-5476.

TUXEDO RENTAL NOW AT SIDS FLOWER SHOP! Stop in to order your tux for proms, weddings and quinceaneras. Order 2 weeks in advance for best availability. 616-5274660. 305 W. Main St. Ionia.

TRUCK AND DRIVER FOR HIRE. Chevy Duramax 2500 HD with fifth wheel hitch and tow package for hire. Call (989) 265-1017 and ask for Herb.

EMERGENCY ROAD Service. Saranac and surrounding areas. On road repairs. Rob’s Towing & Auto Salvage. “CHEAP HOOKER” 616- 2927649 or 616-295-8820.

Countryside Sales & Service. 6201 Stage Rd. Ionia 989-637-4795. Has Snowblowers in Stock Again!! Check with us for a snowblower this year. 2-stage blowers starting at $699, Single stages starting at $399. Due to shipping and trade difficulties snowblowers will be in short supply. So don’t Wait! Buy Now!

ATTENTION DEER HUNTERS Donate your deer to the Portland Community Food Bank! Drop your field dressed and legally tagged deer off to Hanna-Davis Fine Meats, 4151 E Eaton Hwy, Sunfield.

SHOPPERS GUIDE HOURS Monday - Thursday 8am3pm. Closed Friday -Sunday. DEADLINE IS 12PM THURS.!

LOOKING FOR LARGE PARCELS exceeding 40 acres. Leasing for agricultural 2023 season and beyond. Corn & soy bean rotation. Please call 616-893-0139.

STEEL ROOFS - We put steel roofs on high barns. Free estimates. John Reurink. Call 616-527-3635.

WORK WANTED - Double D’s Tree Service Plus 40’70’ bucket trucks. Tree trimming and removal, brush chipping. Free Estimates and Insured. Call Dave Delinsky, 616-2123008.

COLD WEATHER IS COMING! Do you have your wood cut? EFCO chainsaws with all your supplies in Stock! 16” EFCO saw with 2 years warranty for only $199. Buy a 20” Chainsaw for $259 receive a free carry case with each saw purchase! Countryside Sales & Service. 6201 Stage Rd. Ionia 989-6374795

DRYWALL/REPAIR WORK. Big and Small jobs. Fully insured. 35 years experience. Call Tom Teunessen. 616-2182877.

FLAGS! FLAGS! FLAGS! We have porch pole banner flags, 3’x6’ pleated fan flags as well the standard flags for poles. Get your new flag for the 4th and Show your Pride!!

JIM SOLOMONSON DRYWALL Hang and finish, textures and repairs. New homes, remodels, basements. Free estimates. 20+ years experience. 616- 498-4539.

WANT ADS GET RESULTS

Communicate with anyone, anytime, securely with Citrix® : App fee $9.78/ Monthly. LawsHttps.com C & J Tax Service: TaxesbySmartphone.com We help you save tax dollars. 616-527-8195

SARANAC PLUMBING - All your plumbing needs at a reasonable price! Service and Installation of Water heaters. Call me before you call anyone else! Guaranteed to satisfy you with excellent results! 616-262-9825.

GOT LEAVES IN YOUR YARD? Jonsered handheld blowers for $149. Got a lot of leaves? Buy a EFCO backpack starting at $549 or sweep them with a Ohio Steel pull behind sweeper for $329. Countryside Sales & Service .6201 Stage Rd. Ionia 989-637-4795.

Call for a Free Insurance Quote or Review… Becky Wagner, All Seasons Insurance 989-584-3155.

SEEING IS BELIEVING! Print advertising is where it’s at!

Special Guests: Dan & Jean Werner Pledge recited.

Board Meeting called to order by Supervisor R Bennett. Minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer’s report was approved as read.

Motion made by R Alexander and supported by M Palmer to pass Development Agreement Water Extension for facility located at 2880 S State Rd, Ionia. Motion passed 5 yes, 0 no, 0 absent.

Several items were discussed with no action taken at this time.

Motion made by W Vaarberg and supported by W Marcussen to accept payment of the township bills as submitted. Motion passed 5 yes, 0 no, 0 absent.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25P.M.

FREE Loveseat sofa-bed in good shape. Just come and get it. Dan 616-902-5332

NOTARY SERVICE now available at The Ionia County Shoppers Guide. Monday through Thursday, 8am to 3pm. Call ahead to schedule 616-642-9411.

TOOLS, ABRASIVES, supplies and hardware. Make us your first stop instead of your last stop. We probably have it. Just think of all the time and gas money you will have saved. Easy in, easy out! C&W Tool Sales, 4548 South State, (M-66) Ionia. 616-527-2724.

COLOR COPIES available at the Ionia County Shopper’s Guide, 13 Bridge Street, Saranac.

SODA BLASTING Mobile unit. Environmentally safe and less abrasive than sand blasting. For more information and pricing, Call 616-204-1922.

Countryside Sales & Service .6201 Stage Rd. Ionia 989-637-4795. Power Pro log splitters in stock! 22-35 ton. Available Now! 3 year warranty! Starting at $1299. We Also rent log splitters for $50 per day!

SHOP MARY’S COVE 154 KENT ST. PORTLAND: Saturday December 10th Holiday Fest, and again on MONDAY FUN DAY December 19th, with other local Business’s in (Downtown Portland). There will be samples of some of my Clean Healthy Energy Drinks and some snacks will be served too. Plus on MONDAY FUN DAY, Dec. 19th, we will have drawings from all the Business’s involved. One gift from each store. It’s a FUN night out for the gals. Crafty items & more in MARY’S COVE.

If you need a box of food for your Christmas dinner call Zion Church by Monday 12/19/2022. 616527-1910.

FOR RENT - 3 bedroom house on Long Lake near Belding. We pay for garbage pick up. There is natural gas heat. 1 year lease. $1000 per month + Deposit. Call 616545-2016 or 616-902-2324.

FOR SALE - Lawn tractor. 24 hp. With snowblower and mower. Excellent condition. $3500 or best offer. 616-902-1605.

STEVEN’S LAWN CARE AND HANDYMAN SERVICE - 616902-3001.Weekends Welcome!

U.S.A Flags in Stock at the Shoppers Guide. 13 N. Bridge St. Saranac. 616642-9411.

BAILEY’S SEWING MACHINE REPAIR - 4849 N. State Rd. Ionia, MI48846. 616-5220702. Hours are 9am to 5pm.Singer, Brother, Pfaff.

† NASH Brenda Sue Nash age 76 of Saranac passed away December 3, 2022 at home with her family. She was born October 18, 1946 in Cleaton, Kentucky the daughter of Rondal and Rena (Decker) Mayes.

Brenda married Walter C. Nash July 1, 1967. She loved to Garden and especially enjoyed Restoring and Driving Vintage Cars.

Surviving Brenda is her husband Walter C. Nash of Saranac. Children; Laura Nash of Saranac and Rondal Nash of Saranac. Grandchildren; Justin Leland of Orleans, Rachael Leland of Portland, Xavier Nash of Saranac and McKenna Nash of Lowell. Three brothers Jackie, Jeffrey and Sam and Sister Sandy. Brother in laws Kenneth (Michelle) Nash and Denny Nash both of Saranac. Several Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation has taken place and Memorial Services will be at the Lake Funeral Home in Saranac Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Noon. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to Saranac American Legion or Ionia Commission on Aging. Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com

– OBITUARY –– AREA DEATHS –

† POHL

Germaine Mary Theis Pohl, age 89, of Portland, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

† SMITH

Marilyn Sue Smith, age 77, of Portland, passed away Monday, December 5, 2022.

† EDWARDS

Joann Marian Edwards, age 90, of Ionia, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022.

Rachael Alexander Township Clerk

C & S DRYWALL- 20 years experience. Hang, finish, hand texture ceilings. Free estimates. 616-868-6140.

TICKETS!!!! We carry double roll tickets raffle tickets for $9 + tax per roll at The Shoppers Guide. Also available: Custom printed tickets! Call for a quote. 616-642-9411. 13 N. Bridge Street. Downtown Saranac.

RECONDITIONED BATTERIES: $40 plus exchange. Wandel Auto Salvage, 2200 Welch Road, Ionia. 616-5273792.

DAVAL’S USED FURNITURE & ANTIQUES- 6 buildings with 15,000 sq. ft. of quality furniture, antiques and collectibles. SAVE TIME & MONEY. Shop Daval’s for the Best selection, Best Quality, Best Price. You have to see it to Believe it! We are truly a destination place and worth the drive. We buy Estates. Layaway terms available. Visa/Mastercard/Discover accepted. 2 miles West of Hastings at 2084 W. M-43 Hwy. Near Bob’s Gun and Tackle. Hours Sunday 125pm, Mon-Fri, 10am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, 269948-2463.

FOR SALE - Gas garage heaters. Wall mounted. $75 or best offer. 616902-1605.

WANTED - Standing timber. Cash in advance. Maple Rapids Lumber, 989-6824225 days. 989-875-4565 evenings.

NEEDED IMMEDIATELY - Automotive Service Technician. Call Young Chevy. 616-5274800 and ask for George.

HAVING GARAGE DOOR PROBLEMS? We can Help! Call us for service or a new install. O.C. Construction 616-291-4520 - Darrell.

SEASONED HARDWOOD for wood boiler for sale. 14ft dump trailer load. Approximately 2 full cords, $375 if within 15 miles, $400 if more. Cash Only. 989-640-8414.

WELCOME!! We are Open Monday-Friday 10am, to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm. Seymour Furniture. Downtown Ionia. 616527-0630.

E- MAIL CLASSIFIEDS TO: tracy.icsg@sbcglobal.net

FOR SALE - Meyers snow plow with lights, wiring, hand held blade control and mounting brackets from a Chevy Pick up. $2500. 517-896-5026.

Do You Still not have a good generator? What will you do when the power goes out?? We have the generator in stock for you! The size to fit your needs! The price to fit you budget! Firman Generators on Sale!! Countryside Sales & Service. 6201 Stage Rd. Ionia 989-6374795.

Santa’s Elves are working long hours, Riverbank Treasures are also with our Holiday hours beginning November 9th : Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, 12pm to 5pm, Wednesday and Thursday, 12pm to 7pm and Saturday, 11am to 5pm. Come see our treasures! 436 W. Main St, Ionia . 517526-4692.

Sherri Froling, Froling Insurance achieves Marketplace Circle of Champions recognition

Ionia, Michigan - Sherri Froling, Froling Insurance has been recognized by the Health Insurance Marketplace® as a member of the 2023 Marketplace Circle of Champions for helping consumers gain qualified health coverage.

This Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) award highlights Sherri Froling, of Froling Insurance success in actively enrolling 20 or more consumers during this Open Enrollment Period and demonstrates her expertise and experience in helping consumers find health coverage.

"Agents and brokers are key partners to CMS in our shared goals of helping expand access to coverage for Americans," said Ellen Montz, Director of the Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight within CMS, which oversees the Marketplace. "We thank Sherri Froling, Froling Insurance for

her dedication to providing exceptional service and helping access coverage."

This year's Open Enrollment Period for applying for Marketplace coverage runs from Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 15, 2023.

Consumers with questions about their coverage or who would like help enrolling can contact Sherri Froling, Froling Insurance at 616-527-4622

What is the Marketplace Circle of Champions?

CMS created the Marketplace Circle of Champions program to commemorate the hard work and commitment of Marketplace-registered agents and brokers throughout America.

This award recognizes agents and brokers who have actively enrolled 20 or more consumers. Each year, thousands of agents and brokers reach the Marketplace Circle of Champions, highlighting their hard work, expertise, and service.

FOR RENT - 3 bedroom house on Long Lake near Belding. We pay for garbage pick up. There is natural gas heat. 1 year lease. $1000 per month + Deposit. Call 616545-2016 or 616-902-2324.

FOR SALE - Howard Miller grandfather clock, excellent condition, $500. Also, For sale portable generator, 800 watts. Under 1 hour of use, $50. WANTED - Used adult water ski’s . 616-902-2175.

SAYERS TREE SERVICE: Trimming, removal, brush chipping, lot clearing, and stump grinding. Walnut Lumber. Free estimates. Insured. 616-527-4762.

Have you had a positive experience with a local business or organization? Shout it out to all of Ionia County here! Place your 25 word maximum Shout Out by calling 616 642-9411; emailing kara.raimer@att. net; or from our website www. ioniacountyshoppersguide. com. Free of charge for a limited time. Deadline is Noon on Thursday.

TOOLS, ABRASIVES, supplies and hardware. Make us your first stop instead of your last stop. We probably have it. Just think of all the time and gas money you will have saved. Easy in, easy out! C&W Tool Sales, 4548 South State, (M-66) Ionia. 616-527-2724.

FREE Scrap metal removal of Ionia. Cars, trucks, mowers, snowmobiles, motorcycles, quads, golf carts and more! Call Scott 517-526-7644.

TUXEDO RENTAL NOW AT SIDS FLOWER SHOP! Stop in to order your tux for proms, weddings and quinceaneras. Order 2 weeks in advance for best availability. 616-5274660. 305 W. Main St. Ionia

MARY’S COVE REAL HEALTH REVOLUTION will be showing LIVE ZOOMS on big screen TV, Thursday evenings, Monthly. My Friend and Mentor, Dr. Ginger will be doing it LIVE from her home. She will be teaching us about different Health Tips, how to read Labels what to look for. Plus much more for our Health. We only have one body, let’s learn together how to take care of it. ASK QUESTIONS GET ANSWERS. CALL 517282-3616 FOR MORE INFO. A New Year, A New You!!!!

NEEDED IMMEDIATELY - Automotive Service Technician. Call Young Chevy. 616-5274800 and ask for George.

DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENDED or REVOKED? Don’t get sucked into $100-$300 evaluation fees. I NEVER charge for your record evaluation and consultation! Driver’s license RESTORATION: $3,500 includes all filing fees and FREE consultation and evaluation of your case. Have a question? Call Attorney Martin Mead, 616-2350330. Visit www.Attor neyMartinMead.com.

SCRATCH PADS are available at the Ionia County Shoppers Guide! 50¢each. 13 Bridge St. Saranac.

PROFESSIONAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY cleaning since 1991. 24 hour flood service. Insurance billing. Dry in approximately 6 hours. Smith’s Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners, formerly known as Lake Odessa Carpet Care. Call Now! We answer! 616-724-8151 lakeodessacarpetcare@ yahoo.com.

An Amish Log Headboard and Queen Pillow Top Mattress Set. Brand new-never used, sell all for $375. Call anytime 989-923-1278

WANTED: OLD GUITARS Guitar Collector Will Pay CASH for Old Fender, Martin, Gibson & More USA Made Guitars! Call Tony: 517-749-2397

December Online Consignment Auction December 1519, 2022. Signed Yzerman jersey, Nascar, Hockey, Baseball, other sports collectibles, Beer signs, Dozens of Invicta brand watches. Details at www.NarhiAuctions.com Booking 2023 auctions call 810.348.6442.

ATTENTION DEER HUNTERS

Donate your deer to the Portland Community Food Bank! Drop your field dressed and legally tagged deer off to Hanna-Davis Fine Meats, 4151 E Eaton Hwy, Sunfield.

Korean War Veterans Friends and Families. Buy-A-Brick-Program for the Belding Freedom Memorial Wall. Call for more information call Contact Bob Sayers or Holly Noble 616894-5488 or Stop down to the Ionia Barber Shop!

If you need a box of food for your Christmas dinner call Zion Church by Monday 12/19/2022. 616527-1910.

Amish Log Beds, Dressers, Rustic Table and Chairs, Mattresses for Cabin or Home. Lowest price in Michigan!DanDanTheMattressMan.com 989-923-1278

Conrad Defrees Gun Auction. 175+ guns, muzzleloaders, antiques, parts, restoration firearms. Inspection, shipping available. Next Gun auction is January. Selling? Call John 989-345-4866. Bid anywhere anytime. johnpeckauctions. com Award winning since 1979.

Multiple Online Estate Auctions Weekly! Great selection of: Collectibles; Antiques; Household; Lawn/Garden; Shop; Tools; Furniture; Sporting Goods and more. For your convenience, shipping is available as noted. www. EstateAuctionExperts.com 248-987-0030

Weekly Online Auctions featuring Hand and power tools, Vehicles, Lawn & garden, Collectibles, Vehicles, Sporting goods, Antiques, Household, more. All at Bid.SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC.com Call 1-800-835-0495 for your live and online auction needs.

METAL ROOFING regular and shingle style, HALF OFF SPECIAL COLORS! Lifetime asphalt shingles and vinyl siding. Licensed and insured builders. Pole Buildings. Quality work for 40 years! AMISH CREW. 517-575-3695.

Adjustable Bed Brand New with mattress. Made is U.S.A., in plastic, with warranty. Retail cost $3,995.00, sacrifice for $875.00. Call for showing or delivery: DanDanTheMattressMan.com 989615-2951

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-8357273 Hablamos Espanol

AMISH BUILT storage sheds and mini cabins delivered to your site anywhere in Michigan! Starting at $2,500.00 mynextbarn.com 989-8321866.

E- MAIL CLASSIFIEDS TO: tracy.icsg@sbcglobal.net

FOR SALE - Luxair fuel oil furnace, $100. 616-723-5476.

Tricks to trim your utility bill

A rapid rise in the cost of living will undoubtedly prove to be one of the major stories of 2022.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, energy prices rose by 41.6 percent in the 12-month period that ended in June 2022, marking the highest 12-month increase since April 1980.

The significant spike in energy costs is somewhat misleading, as the BLS considers motor fuel prices, which rose more than 60 percent in the 12-month period ending in June 2022, part of the energy category. However, during that same period, electricity prices rose by nearly 14 percent while natural gas prices increased by 38 percent. Both of those increases were more significant than the more publicized rise in food prices, which rose by right around 10 percent.

Families need to eat and many professionals now must return to in-person work after years of pandemic-related remote working, which means they must confront higher fuel costs. That leaves little room to save money in those areas. However, there are ways for

families to reduce home energy costs without adversely affecting their quality of life.

· Run appliances during offpeak hours. According to the United States Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the best time to use appliances in a home is when overall electricity use is low. Though this time changes depending on the season and can vary based on geography, the DOE and the EPA both note that after 9 p.m. and before 9 a.m. are generally the off-peak hours in most areas.

· Strategically use your shades and blinds. The energy providers at ConEd estimate that about 40 percent of un-

wanted heat comes through windows.

Strategic use of curtains, shades and blinds can keep heat out on hot days, thus allowing homeowners to turn the thermostat up on their air conditioning units in summer. Opening curtains, blinds and shades on winter mornings and afternoons will allow more sunlight in, allowing homeowners to control heating costs more effectively.

· Reorganize your refrigerator. There are plenty of contradictory strategies regarding how best to store foods in a refrigerator so the unit consumes as little energy as possible while still keeping foods fresh and chilled. But various energy providers, including ConEd, recommend that consumers avoid packing a fridge too tightly. By allowing cold air to circulate within the refrigerator, the refrigerator won’t need to work as hard, and thus consume as much energy, to

keep foods cool. It’s important to note that the opposite should govern how the freezer is packed. Packing frozen items tightly in the freezer will help the refrigerator work a little less hard.

· Turn off the lights. Estimates

from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicate that electricity for lighting accounts for around 10 percent of electricity consumption in homes. A concerted effort to turn off lights in rooms that aren’t being used can help

consumers save money. Rising utility bills are compelling millions of people to seek ways to trim their energy consumption. Thankfully, there are many ways to do that without upsetting daily routines. MM22C512

Strategic use of appliances in a home can help consumers reduce their energy bills by a significant amount.

Full page $672.00 Half page $360.00 Quarter page $192.00 add color for $2.50/inch Front corner $165.00 (3 col.x2.25” - color included) Front page $800.00 (6 col.x13.5” - color included)

A 44¢ postcard mailed to 12,816 homes would cost $5,639.04e plus the cost of printing, addressing and handling.

Width is measured by columns: 1 col. 1.625” • 2 col. 3.375” 3 col. 5.125” 4 col. 6.875” • 5 col. 8.625” • 6 col. 10.375 Height is measured in standard inches.

ADVERTISE IN OUR CLASSIFEDS to sell, buy, rent, etc. for as little as $5.00 per week! 15 words = $5.00; each additional word is 20¢. Call 616 642-9411 or email tracy.icsg@sbcglobal.net. You can even place your ad online at ioniacountyshoppersguide.com!

A BOXED CLASSIFIED is sure to set your ad apart from the rest for only an additional $1.00

MOVING SALES, MEMORIALS & THANKYOU ADS must be paid in advance. We accept credit cards over the phone.

WE OFFER BOLD ADS FOR JUST $1.00 EXTRA!

REVERSE ADS will cost $2.00 extra, but helps your ad jump off the page!

If you choose to have a bill sent to you, we do add an extra $1.00 for the billing charge. You can send checks to us at P.O. Box 46, Saranac, Michigan 48881

616 642-9411 - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022

Coming events (up to 30 words) can be placed in this column at no charge for nonprofit organizations. Deadline is noon on Thursday. Email to kara.raimer@att.net; send to the Ionia County Shopper’s Guide, Box 46, Saranac, MI 48881; or fax to 616-642-6040. Remember to include your name, address, and phone number.

– IONIA –

DECEMBER 12 – GREAT LAKES CONCERT Award-winning barbershop chorus and quartets will be in concert at First United Methodist Church, 105 E Main Street, 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 616-527-1860.

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY – FREE PREGNANCY TESTS, educational classes on pregnancy, newborn care, and parenting, free boutique with essentials for maternity, preemie/newborn to 4T, Positive Solutions • Informed Choices, 330 Lovell Street, Ionia. Online scheduling available. www.PSICionia.org (616) 755-6077 (voice/text)

TUESDAY – FOOD PANTRY/CLOTHING CLOSET Ionia Seventh Day Adventist Community Service Center, 721 Elmwood Drive (behind the church) is open on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. No ID needed. Accepting slightly used clothing for those in need. 616 527-6465 for info.

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY – IMMUNIZATION WALK-IN CLINIC 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Ionia County Health Department, 175 East Adams Street. Appointments also accepted. To schedule, call 616 527-5341, select 3. COVID vaccines available.

TUESDAY – MOBILE ZION FOOD PANTRY Second Tuesday each month, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Zion United Methodist Church. Call 616 527-1910 for information.

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, SATURDAY – THE CHRISTIAN SERVICE CENTER OF IONIA NOW OPEN Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.; Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to noon. On the corner of Depot & Washington. Phone 616-527-1530.

WEDNESDAY – IMMUNIZATION CLINIC 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Ionia County Health Department, 175 East Adams Street. To schedule, call 616 527-5341, select 3. TB test done Tuesday and Wednesday Only. Have to return in 48 to 72 hours to get the results.

WEDNESDAY – COAT GIVE-AWAY Every 3rd Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. during Community Drawers at the First United Methodist Church of Ionia.

WEDNESDAY – COMMUNITY DRAWERS Third Wednesday each month from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Ionia First UMC, 105 E Main Street. Personal care items for those in need in our community.

WEDNESDAY – ZION FOOD PANTRY 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. Currently using a drive-thru format. 423 W Washington. Call 616 527-1910 for information.

THURSDAY – FREE DINNER (formerly The Soup Kitchen) at Zion United Methodist Church. 6:00 p.m. Call 616 527-1910 for information.

THURSDAY – AL-ANON MEETINGS 7:00 p.m., Now on Zoom! Call Sandi at 616 255-3751 or Joy at 616 901-7779 for more info.

SATURDAY – BREAKFAST BUFFET 2nd Saturday of each month, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran School, 617 N Jefferson Street.

– LAKE ODESSA –

DECEMBER 7-21 – TAI CHI at the Lake Odessa Community Library, 1:00 p.m. All skill levels welcome and registration is encouraged. Sponsored by Ionia County Commission on Aging. For more information, please call 616.374.4591, check our website www.LakeOdessaLibrary.org, or check our Facebook page.

DECEMBER 7-21 – LAKE ODESSA COMMUNITY LIBRARY FAMILY STORY TIME 10:30 a.m., perfect for ages 2-5! Registration is appreciated! For more information, please call 616.374.4591, check our website www. LakeOdessaLibrary.org, or check our Facebook page.

DECEMBER 15 – HOME-BASED EDUCATION PROGRAM at the Lake Odessa Community Library, 1:00 p.m., all students welcome! Come learn about the Skin and Hair System! Registration is encouraged! For more information, please call 616.374.4591, check our website www. LakeOdessaLibrary.org, or check our Facebook page.

WE BUILD ALL WINTER LONG! Built Best Barns, Best Quality, Best Service. Now in our 25th Year! Over 4,000 Buildings in Mid-Michigan. Call for QUOTES. Licensed/Insured, 989-205-2534.

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 877-401-2404

DISH Network. $64.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-866-950-6757.

DRYWALL/REPAIR WORK. Big and Small jobs. Fully insured. 35 years experience. Call Tom Teunessen. 616-2182877.

DECEMBER 16 – SELF-DEFENSE FOR WOMEN Lake Odessa Community Library presents from Noon to 5:00 p.m. $60/person. Registration required with $30 deposit by Friday, December 9. Hosted by Peacemaker LLC. For more information, please call 616.374.4591, check our website www.LakeOdessaLibrary.org, or check our Facebook page.

DECEMBER 28 – FAMILY MAGIC SHOW WITH "MR. JIM" at the Lake Odessa Community Library, 10:30 a.m. For more information, please call 616.374.4591, check our website www.LakeOdessaLibrary.org, or check our Facebook page.

DECEMBER 28 – BOOK DISCUSSION at the Lake Odessa Community Library on "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe", by C.S. Lewis, Noon. Any reader welcome. Pizza provided! Registration requested! For more information, please call 616.374.4591, check our website www.LakeOdessaLibrary.org, or check our Facebook page.

DECEMBER 24 – CLOSED The Lake Odessa Community Library will be closed in observance of Christmas!

DECEMBER 31 – CLOSED The Lake Odessa Community Library will be closed in observance of New Years!

MONDAY – BINGO 1st & 3rd Mondays. Games start at 6:00 p.m., VFW Post, 3600 W. Tupper Lake Road. Doors open at 4:30. Questions: 616 374-7075.

MONDAY & THURSDAY – AA MEETING 7:00 p.m. at St. Edwards Church, W M-50 Highway. For more information call Robert at 616 902-9001.

TUESDAY – BABY QUILTS FOR THE BABIES at the Spectrum Pennock Hospital Nursery. The First Congregational Church of Lake Odessa, 767 Fourth Avenue, the first Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. For more information call Judy Graham at (616) 374-8753.

THURSDAY – AREA ALANON MEETING 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Lakewood United Methodist Church, 10265 Brown Road (M-50). We're great listeners; everything said at our meetings is held in confidence; we can help you regain your serenity! Call 616 575-8000 for information.

SATURDAY – ALWAYS IN MOTION PHYSICAL FITNESS 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for adults. Bring a towel and water! At the Lake Odessa Community Library.

– LYONS/MUIR –

DECEMBER 6 – GAME NIGHT

Lyons Township District Library 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Stop by to play computer, board, and card games with friends.

DECEMBER 8 – WRITERS GROUP Lyons Township District Library 10:00 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a cup of coffee while engaging with fellow writers for feedback and inspiration.

DECEMBER 13-23 – TAKE & MAKE CRAFT: BOOKISH ORNAMENT Pick up all the materials you need to enjoy this seasonal craft at home from the Lyons Township District Library.

DECEMBER 8 – GAME NIGHT Lyons Township District Library 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Stop by to play computer, board, and card games with friends.

DECEMBER 13 – GAME NIGHT Lyons Township District Library 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Stop by to play computer, board, and card games with friends.

DECEMBER 14 – STORYTIME Lyons Township District Library 11:30 a.m. Enjoy stories and songs designed to develop early literary skills.

DECEMBER 15 – WRITERS GROUP Lyons Township District Library 10:00 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a cup of coffee while engaging with fellow writers for feedback and inspiration.

DECEMBER 15 – SANTA CELEBRATION Lyons Township District Library 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Visit with Santa and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and holiday craft. Hosted in partnership with Lyons-Muir Events Committee.

DECEMBER 17 – BOOK LOVERS BINGO Lyons Township District Library 11:00 a.m. Play Bingo for a chance to win a prize ticket redeemable for bookish goodies.

DECEMBER 20 – GAME NIGHT Lyons Township District Library 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Stop by to play computer, board, and card games with friends.

DECEMBER 22 – WRITERS GROUP Lyons Township District Library

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FC Firewood $60.00 to $77.50, ¾ FC Firewood $37.50. There will not be a sale on December 24th. Hay Auction Every Saturday at 10am Sharp!

Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime!

Limited Time Offer - $500 Discount + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-888718-1856

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EMERGENCY ROAD Service. Saranac and surrounding areas. On road repairs. Rob’s Towing & Auto Salvage. “CHEAP HOOKER” 616- 2927649 or 616-295-8820.

10:00 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a cup of coffee while engaging with fellow writers for feedback and inspiration.

DECEMBER 22 – STORYTIME Lyons Township District Library 5:30 p.m. Enjoy stories and songs designed to develop early literary skills.

DECEMBER 23 – FRIDAY MOVIE: ELF Lyons Township District Library 11:00 a.m. Watch Elf (PG) on the big screen at the library while enjoying some Buddy the Elf-approved snacks.

DECEMBER 27 – SIP & READ BOOK CLUB Lyons Township District Library 11:00 a.m. Join fellow readers for a discussion of Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva. Tea, Coffee, and Snacks provided. Limited number of free hardcover copies of the book available.

DECEMBER 27 – GAME NIGHT Lyons Township District Library 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Stop by to play computer, board, and card games with friends.

DECEMBER 28 – STORYTIME Lyons Township District Library 11:30 a.m. Enjoy stories and songs designed to develop early literary skills.

DECEMBER 29 – WRITERS GROUP Lyons Township District Library 10:00 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a cup of coffee while engaging with fellow writers for feedback and inspiration.

DECEMBER 29 – YOUTH WRITERS GROUP Lyons Township District Library 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Enjoy snacks while engaging with fellow youth writers for feedback and inspiration.

THURSDAY – POINT THE WAY at First Christian Church, 138 W Garden Street, Muir from 3:30 too 5:30 p.m. K-12 youth welcome for this free event through June 8, 2023.

– PORTLAND –

MONDAY – PORTLAND COMMUNITY FOOD BANK Portland United Methodist Church, 310 E Bridge Street. Open 9:00 to Noon. All of Portland School District eligible.

MONDAY – DALE E. HYLAND AMERICAN LEGION POST 129 meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Portland VFW on 1324 E Bridge Street.

MONDAY – BINGO at 6:00 pm at the Portland Senior Center, 144 Kent Street. For more information call 517-647-4004.

TUESDAY – EUCHRE 1:00 pm at the Portland Senior Center, 144 Kent Street. For more information call 517-647-4004.

WEDNESDAY – AREA ALANON MEETING 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 421 East Bridge Street in the Fellowship Hall. We're great listeners; everything said at our meetings is held in confidence; we can help you regain your serenity! Call 616 575-8000 for information.

THURSDAY – EUCHRE at 1:00 pm at the Portland Senior Center, 144 Kent Street. For more information call 517-647-4004.

THURSDAY – PORTLAND COMMUNITY FOOD BANK Portland United Methodist Church, 310 E Bridge Street. Open every Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. All of Portland School District eligible.

THURSDAY – TOPS (TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY) A non-profit weight loss support group meets weekly, 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Portland Apartments, 1800 Lillian Blvd. Community Room. Call 517-647-2025.

FRIDAY – BINGO at 9:30 am at the Portland Senior Center, 144 Kent Street. For more information call 517-647-4004.

– SARANAC –

MONDAY – BOSTON SARANAC HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETINGS Regular monthly meetings are at 7:00 pm the 3rd Monday of each month.

THURSDAY – FOOD PANTRY at Saranac Community Church, 125 Bridge Street is open the FIRST & THIRD Thursdays, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm – no appointment needed. Must be Saranac-Clarksville resident. For information call 642-6322.

THURSDAY – SAMS (SARANAC AREA MUSICIANS AND SINGERS) PRACTICE in the Saranac High School band room. Choir is from 6:00 to 7:00 and band is from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Anyone welcome. For more information call Karen at 616-902-7237.

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Switch and save up to $250/ year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time offer – get $50 off on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-855-947-2891

STEVEN’S LAWN CARE & HANDYMAN SERVICE - 616902-3001.Weekends Welcome!

Heckler & Koch German handgun $2,100, and many others. In addition to the firearms our auctions begin with the sale of ammunition, and related articles to the field. There is also a strong market for swords, civil war memorabilia and Indian articles, item of this type and other pieces will be accepted for our firearm auctions, as well as our antique live and online auctions. Call us to discuss your items and collections in confidence. Reasonable rates, experience, and quick settlement following the auction. Call Steven E. Stanton, 517-331-8150, Email - stevenEstanton@gmail.com

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Things everyone can do to support rural economies

Efforts to revive small business sectors have helped countless communities regain their prosperity and sense of community pride. Those efforts have been wildly effective in many urban areas, and they also can help rural economies recover from the many challenges they’ve been confronting since the Great Recession, which occurred between 2007 and 2009.

Rural communities have faced many unique challenges since 2007. For example, a 2019 study published in the journal Rural Sociology found that 46 percent of remote rural counties were depopulating, while just 6

percent of metropolitan counties were facing population losses. Reviving rural communities does more than help the people who call those communities home. Thriving rural communities can ensure access to fresh foods for people in both rural and urban areas, thus keeping costs down. Thriving rural communities also can reduce reliance on government assistance programs. With access to well-paying jobs, more people in rural communities can live above the poverty line. That’s a significant benefit, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that roughly 85 percent of counties combatting persistent poverty are rural.

Attempts to revive rural economies will require a collective effort on the part of people from all walks of life, and there’s much everyone can do to pitch in.

• Buy products from local farms. When buying foods, looking for products from local farms and/or domestic farms can benefit consumers in various ways. Many individuals find locally grown foods more flavorful than products imported from foreign countries. And buying local, whether the farm is on

the outskirts of the metropolitan area you call home or elsewhere in your own country, provides some much-needed economic stimulation to rural communities.

• Look beyond foods. Rural communities produce more than food. Soaps, lotions, candles, decorative items, and other products people use everyday are produced on farms and within rural communities. Choosing these products over mass-produced alternatives made in other countries or in places where profits are less likely to be funneled back into local communities is a great way to support rural economies.

• Support legislation that benefits rural economies. One of the most effective ways to lend a hand to rural economies is to support legislation that can help them. There are many reasons why rural economies have fallen on hard times, and a lack of digital infrastructure has undoubtedly contributed to those struggles. All businesses benefit from a strong online presence, and communities can attract more remote workers if their digital infrastructure is improved. Those improvements are often the subject of local, state and even federal legislation. Individuals who want to help rural economies can urge their representatives to support legislation

that can help rural communities build their digital infrastructure so it’s on par with that which has already been established in more populous areas.

Rural economies are struggling. However, there’s much everyone can do to pitch in and support efforts to revive rural communities. TF22C558