WK# 42

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.

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

NORMAL SHOPPERS GUIDE HOURS Monday - Thursday 8am to 3pm. Closed Friday -Sunday. DEADLINES ARE NOON ON THURSDAYS!!!

HOLIDAY HOURS: Monday-Wednesday 8AM3PM. CLOSED THURSDAY-SUNDAY.

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!

THANK YOU I wish to thank everyone for the many Birthday Cards I received for my 90th Birthday. ~ Marcia Sandborn

FOR SALE - Running parts car. 2005 Chevy Impala. Best offer. 616-477-1569.

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

FOR SALE - 2011 Ford Edge SEL Sport. Very little rust. 240,000 miles, but runs great! $4,500 or best offer. Call 616-644-5584.

COLLECTOR BUYING trains, die-cast cars & trucks. Also cast iron cookware. Phone 616-984-2273.

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.

FOR SALE - 2012 Chevy Crew Cab 4x4, new brakes, newer tires, 143,000 miles, runs great. $12,500. 616292-3933.

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.

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.

EAR PIERCING

Paul Mitchell • Redken • Sebastion Shear Styles Salon 616 642-9995 31 Main St., Saranac Sandy Whorley, Owner/Stylist A Family Salon – Barrier Free

The origins of "The 12 Days of Christmas"

Christmas carols can be heard far and wide from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Day. "The 12 Days of Christmas" is one of the most recognizable carols, and for good reason, as the popular song can trace its history back several centuries. Researchers have traced the earliest printed version of the poem on which the song is based all the way back to 1780. That's three years before the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the American Revolutionary War. The song has long been suspected to have been a way for Catholics in Britain to teach their children the catechism, as the 1700s was a controversial period for Catholicism in the country. However, no documentary evidence exists in support of that theory, and many historians feel it is inaccurate. Others indicate that, while 1780 is likely the first time the poem was printed, the poem is likely much older than that, with origins potentially in France or Scotland. What is known is that the version many people recognize today, namely in song form, can be traced to the early twentieth century, when English singer and composer Frederic Austin first popularized the melody for the song. Austin performed that version of the song beginning in 1905, and it was first published in 1909. TF22C556

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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

GLORY TO GOD in the ighest, and on earth peace, Good will toward men. Luke 2:14

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.

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STOVES / OVENS FOR SALE

For those in need, and can not afford to buy a new Stove / Oven for the holidays. I have several good used ones available for $100 each. They have all been tested and cleaned, ready to cook your holiday dinners. Call or Text 517-230-6196.

BF $25.00,Red Oak 59 BF $22.50, Red Oak Live Edge $2.00,Walnut Live Edge $10.00.

OBITUARIES – Area Deaths

† BRIGGS Rodney (Rod) A. Briggs, 71 passed away peacefully at home December 12th after a brief battle with cancer. Rod was born September 15, 1951 in Lansing, MI to James and Ardyce (Southern) Briggs.

Rod graduated from Ionia High School with the class of 1969.

In December of 1969, Rod enlisted in the United States Marine Corp serving as a Avionics Technician until March of 1978.

Upon returning home during a rough job economy, Rod decided to re-enlist in the United States Navy in August of 1978.

Rod served the next twelve years as a Data Systems Technician traveling all over the world. He retired in June of 1990 with twenty years of military service.

Rod spent the next five years working different jobs and enjoying his time as he pleased.

In February 1995 he joined the team at Poultry Management Systems INC. in Saranac-Lowell MI working until December 31, 2019. He retired just two months short of 25 years.

Then on May 14, 1999 Rod decided he was done with single life and married Ronda Lewis in Ionia. Rod is survived by his wife Ronda, step daughter, Tracy Bryant whom he treated as his own. Grandson, Logan Guthrie who was and will always be his “Buddy”, his world and loved so much. Rod was the best husband, step-dad and Papa any family could ask for.

Also surviving Rod are his siblings and their families, Brad (Kathy) Briggs, Terri (Dan) Barnes, Karen Taylor, Scott (Diana) Briggs, Christine (Kim) Rowley and sister-in-law Vicki Briggs. Rod was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ardyce; brother, Denny and niece Cassandra Rowley.

Per Rods request there will be a celebration luncheon on Monday, December 19th from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Ionia Moose Lodge, 869 E. Lincoln Ave., Ionia, MI. Arrangements cared for by Lake Funeral Home in Ionia. Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com A big Thank You to Faith Hospice for keeping Rod pain free as promised. To everyone who has been with us through this horrible time, Thank You. There are not enough words to express how much we (I) appreciated it.

Lastly, Rod loved music of all kinds. One in particular these last few months was “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire.

So…as my loving husband would say to all of you…Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, de ya).

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

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SCRATCH PADS available at the Shoppers Guide! 50¢each. Downtown Saranac.

KEENE TOWNSHIP

MAP AMENDMENTS

Keene Township Hall 8505 Potters Rd-PO Box 24 Saranac MI 48881

The Keene Township Board at their December 14, 2022, meeting, adopted amendments to the zoning ordinance map as described below:

The property known as 2938 S Hawley Hwy, Saranac owned by Rich and Kara Albert was rezoned from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Agriculture Residential (AR).

The property known as 2780 S Hawley Hwy, Saranac owned by Donald and Tina Vroman was rezoned from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Agriculture Residential (AR).

The adopted ordinance map amendments can be viewed in the Township Hall notice box or on the Township website at www.keenetownship.org.

The map amendments will become effective 7 days after publication.

Questions may be emailed to: zoningadmin@msn.com.

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

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.

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GRAHAM

†

Daryl Lee Graham, age 74, formerly of Ionia, passed away Friday, December 16, 2022.

† SCHMITZ

Mary Louise Schmitz, age 86, of Pewamo, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2022.

STEMLER

†

Kenneth Gerald Stemler, age 70, of Sunfield, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2022.

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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.

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Merry,Bright & Beautiful Wishes

Movies that are perfect for families this holiday season

Various traditions take center stage during the holiday season. One of those traditions may be sitting down and enjoying any of a number of timeless Christmas movies or even newer holiday films that are quickly becoming favorites.

Film fans have their own ideas about the best films to watch during the holidays, but the following movies are some kids and adults can enjoy together.

· “THE POLAR EXPRESS” (2004): A young boy enjoys a magical adventure to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express train. He learns about the true spirit of the holidays and the value of bravery and friendship along the way.

· “THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL” (1992): Charles Dickens’ classic story about a bitter miser might be a little frightening for young children to enjoy in

its more theatrical offerings. However, when the Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale, the story becomes much more family-friendly.

· “A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS” (2021): Based on the book by Matt Haig, this movie is a reimagined take on Father Christmas. It focuses on Nikolas as he goes on an adventure to find a magical town called Elfhelm.

· “JACK FROST” (1998): When a father dies in a car accident, he comes back to life as a snowman in his son’s front yard. Jack learns to keep his promises and make things right with his son - things he wasn’t capable of doing as a human.

· “CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS” (2004): The Kranks decide to forgo thir annual Christmas party and plan a vacation since their daughter will be out of town. But when said daughter decides to come home after all, chaos sets in as the couple tries to figure out how to put together an extravaganza at the last minute.

· “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: THE ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS” (1997): The Beast does not favor the holiday season, so Belle must change his mind on the matter in this animated Disney offering.

· “ELF” (2003): As a youngster, Buddy was magically

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

transported to the North Pole and raised by Santa’s elves. As an adult, he’s determined to find his real dad in New York City and uncover a way to fit in.

· “SANTA HUNTERS” (2014): A young boy teams up with his sibling and cousins to try to capture new footage of Santa in action and prove that the man in red truly exists.

· “THE NUTCRACKER AND

THE FOUR REALMS” (2018): This is a newer take on the classic Nutcracker tale. This adventure sees Clara defending the Land of Sweets from the evil Mother Ginger.

Holiday films enhance the celebratory nature of the season.

Certain movies are tailor-made for families to watch together during this special time of year. HL22A357

Sid’s Flower Shop

305 W. Main, Ionia • 527-4660 Mon.-Fri. 8:30-6:00 • Sat. 9:00-3:00 www.sids.flowers

Merry Christmas

SALES GALORE!

SALES GALORE! Come to our store. Buy gifts they’ll adore! Tuesday-Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Riverbank Treasures. 436 W. Main St, Ionia . 517-5264692.

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.

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

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.

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

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

ATTENTION DEER HUNTERS

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Happy Holidays

Thank You Merry Christmas!

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!

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Traditions are the glue that hold many celebrations together. Individuals and families embrace many customs that serve as the script for commemorating year-end holidays.

Some celebrants may adhere to traditions without really knowing how they began or why they continue. Here is a closer look at some of the most popular traditions tied to New Year’s Eve, both domestically and around the world.

DRINKING CHAMPAGNE

The use of champagne for celebrations is rooted in the Christian

ritual of consuming wine during the Eucharist. In the year 496, a wine from the Champagne region of France was offered during the baptism of the Frankish warrior Clovis, according to the Champagne Committee of France. It then became customary for champagne to be used at religious events like consecrations and at coronations or soirees. Eventually the tradition became associated with secular rituals, such as celebrating the new year.

FOOD

People of Japanese heritage might eat soba noodles on New Year’s Eve. The Toshikoshi Soba, which means “year crossing buckwheat noodle,” denotes the crossing from one year to the next. Nibbling the noodles represent traveling from one year to the next as well as letting go of the previous year’s regrets.

In Spain, people gobble grapes to bring good luck in the coming year. The goal is to eat 12 green grapes during the 12 remaining seconds until the New Year. Those able to do so will have 12 months of good fortune.

DROPPING THE BALL

Hallelujah!

Revelers have long watched the giant ball drop in New York City’s Times Square in person and on television. This tradition may be rooted in the custom of sailors using “time balls” to set their own timepieces while at sea. These chronometers were employed by using a spyglass to scan the harbor looking for balls that were dropped into the water at certain times, PBS reports. The first ball was installed in 1829 in Portsmouth, England. The Times Square ball was first used in 1907, according to the Times Square Alliance.

MAKING RESOLUTIONS

Historians trace the making of resolutions to the Ancient Babylonians. Citizens made spoken resolutions during their new year festival known as “Akitu.” This ritual required making an oath to the sitting or new king. Romans also swore oaths of loyalty to the emperor when the New Year started.

FIREWORKS AND NOISEMAKERS

Fireworks are a big part of cele-

brations and are not to be outdone on New Year’s Eve. Fireworks were invented in the seventh century in China. According to Anthony Aveni, an astronomer and anthropologist at Colgate University, the fireworks were designed to ward off evil spirits. In cultures around the world, fireworks, banging drums and other efforts were used to chase away spooky creatures,

especially during the transitional period that is the passing of the new year. Today fireworks and noisemakers are employed not for scaring away spirits, but rather to add to the revelry.

New Year’s Eve traditions abound, and many of these annual customs have interesting origin stories. TF20C564

Bake up a sweet holiday treat

Entertaining is a big part of the holiday season. Calendars are packed this time of year with gatherings with friends, family and professional colleagues. Entertaining requires keeping plenty of refreshments on hand to ensure guests maintain their holiday spirit. Dessert is no stranger to the season, with office break rooms, dining tables and buffet stations brimming with sweet treats to tempt celebrants’ palates. Everyone should have a

go-to dessert to bring along to a holiday party or to offer guests when hosting their own fêtes. Cookies are a standard due to their versatility and portability.

Festive “Sour Cream Cookies” provide all of the holiday feels and

can be customized in color to reflect celebrations of Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, or New Year’s. Bake up a batch, courtesy of “Live Well Bake Cookies” (Rock Point) by Danielle Rye.

SOUR CREAM COOKIES

Makes 22 cookies

11/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, at room temperature 11/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature

VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 11/2 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Gel food coloring (optional)

1. To make the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt until well combined. Set aside.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together for 1 to 2 minutes, or until well combined.

4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, making sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Mix in the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the sour cream. Make sure to mix in each addition until just combined, and be careful not to overmix the batter.

6. Using a 11⁄2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave a little room between each one.

7. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are set and spring back when touched lightly. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. To make the vanilla buttercream frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter for 1 to 2 minutes, or until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, 1⁄2 cup at a time, mixing in each addition until well combined.

9. Add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and gel food coloring (if using), and continue mixing until fully combined.

10. Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the frosting on top of the cookies.

11. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. HL22A320

100.1 F M

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Caring for an aging loved one? Wondering about options like senior-living communities and in-home care? Caring.com’s Family Advisors help take the guesswork out of senior care for your family. Free, no-obligation consult: 1-855-759-1407

Merry Christmas from all of us at the Ionia County Shopper’s Guide - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 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 28 – RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE 11:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Ionia Moose Lodge, 869 E Bluewater Hwy. Walk-ins welcome. Bring a donor card or photo ID.

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 Rather School on Tuttle Road, in front of the football field. 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 24 – CLOSED The Lake Odessa Community Library will be closed in observance of Christmas!

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 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 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

Portland District Library Lines

Holiday Closings

The Library will be closed on Saturday, December 31 to allow our staff to celebrate New Year’s Eve. All of us on the staff and board wish you and yours a happy holiday season!

Beautiful Bottles

Create your own "Beautiful Bottle" during our in-person adult program on February 8 at 6:00 pm. There are only 12 spots available for patrons 16 and older, and pre-registration is required. Come see us or give us a call to register.

CHILDREN’S AND TEEN Petey L.’s Blizzard Adventures

What could make playing in the snow and warming up inside even more fun this winter? How about… taking fun photos and submitting them to the library for a chance

to win a prize every Friday from January 2 until February 10th!?!?!?!

Starting Monday, January 2, patrons ages 8 & under can register for Petey L.’s Blizzard Adventures! Receive a Take-and-Make bag that will include supplies to make your own version of Petey L. Then you’ll take him on all your winter adventures, dressing him appropriately, and including him in your photos. Patrons can submit as many photos as they’d like each week –they’ll be on display in the library’s Youth Department, and winners will be drawn every Friday until February 10.

Virtual STEM Club: Dancing Trees

Dancing trees?  How is that possible?  With a little bit of craftiness, a battery, and a piece of wire we will see if we

can indeed make a crafted tree dance.  Registration for your Virtual STEM Club: Dancing Trees Take-and-Make bag begins December 21. This program is recommended for ages 6-12, requires parental supervision, and is limited to 35 patrons.

Strumming Along

Learn how to play ukulele at the Portland District Library in our introductory course: Strumming Along. And the best part? This 6-week program is available for both youth (ages 10-18) and adults!

Youth classes will be held every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. from January 12-February 16 with adult classes held every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. from January 14-February 18.

Patrons in both classes will learn to play the ukulele in a group setting; instruments will be loaned and learning materials will be provided. Space is limited in each class, so make sure to call the library at 517-647-6981 to reserve your spot today! Lessons and materials are provided by Music Is The Foundation.

Winter Reading Program

Portland District Library is back at it again this winter with our all-ages Winter Reading Program! Get the whole family involved starting Saturday, December 17.

Patrons can decide between using PDL’s virtual reading tracker, Beanstack, or picking up a traditional paper tracker

at the library. Adult readers will be entered to win a grand prize for each badge they earn and then can collect a prize after earning all five badges.

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.

Youth readers, ages 18 and under, will be competing for weekly prizes for each age group: Littles (ages 0-5), Middles (ages 6-12),

and Teens (ages 13-18). All reading must be logged on Beanstack or trackers turned in by Saturday, January 28.