The Lenawee Voice — July 2024

Blissfield and Tecumseh bicentennial celebrations are this month » PAGES C3 & C5

Kindness to all living things is the goal of Ahimsa Safe Haven animal sanctuary » PAGE B1

River Raisin Ragtime Revue honors the past, looks to the future » PAGE C1

THE LENAWEE VOICE

Local women-operated masonry business builds on a foundation of trust » PAGE A7

137-year-old building in Morenci has new purpose as event center » PAGE A9

Young cast ready to rock in Croswell production » PAGE C9

Goodwill’s Art Works program launches at two locations » PAGE C14

Bringing the work home

Expansion

to

at

Lenawee County’s Silbond plant

is

part of

a

nationwide effort

reduce dependence on other countries for semiconductors

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

WESTON — Anyone who bought a car, a computer, or just about any piece of electronics in the past few years was probably affected by the global semicondutor shortage. Beginning with supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19, the chip shortage led to steep price increases and long waits for any product that uses integrated circuits.

With the average modern car using more than 1,000 chips, the auto industry was heavily impacted. Wait times for new cars skyrocketed, as did prices. The same was true for many popular electronic products like video game consoles. Even simple things like getting a credit card replaced took longer.

The lessons of that shortage led to a nationwide effort to start making more semiconductors in the U.S., with the goal of reducing America’s dependence on manufacturers in Taiwan and South Korea, the two largest chip-producing countries in the world.

A recent expansion at a Lenawee County factory is part of that effort.

Silbond Corp., located in Weston, recently completed a $7.9 million expansion and started producing ultra-high purity colloidal silica for the semiconductor industry. Colloidal silica is a critical raw material for the electronics and semiconductor industries.

“This new facility is the first in the U.S. to reliably produce the quality and purity of colloidal silica needed for semiconductor production.”

— Lauren Kjeldsen, Evonik Corp.

Silbond is a subsidiary of Evonik Industries AG, one of the largest specialty chemical companies in the world. Evonik, which is headquartered in Essen, Germany, acquired Silbond in 2014.

According to Evonik, the new facility is the first of its kind in North America. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on June 7 to inaugurate the new facility and celebrate the milestone.

“This new facility is the first in the U.S. to reliably produce the quality and purity of

colloidal silica needed for semiconductor production,” Lauren Kjeldsen, head of Evonik’s Smart Materials Division, said at the June 7 event.

“As the first site in North America to produce colloidal silica of such exceptional quality, we here at the Weston plant are literally at the forefront of innovation,” Kjeldsen said.

Employees at the Silbond plant were already experienced in producing ultrapure materials for the semiconductor industry, and the new plant is integrated into existing processes at the site.

The expansion was aided by a $900,000 performance-based grant from the Michigan Business Development Program. Lenawee Now, which is Lenawee County’s nonprofit economic development agency, offered help in the form of staff, financial, and economic support.

The Weston facility has 50 employees, including three who were added for the new colloidal silica facility, according to Robert Brown, head of communications and government affairs for Evonik.

See SILBOND, page A15

Melissa McCormick, director of production and technology for North America at Silbond Corp., a subsidiary of Evonik, holds a sample of the first batch of ultra-high purity colloidal silica produced at the Silbond plant in Weston during a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 7.

Ways to get involved in community decisions

Welcome back to The Agenda, a monthly column in which we highlight issues of importance in our community and ways you can get involved.

Downtown Adrian survey: The Adrian Downtown Development Authority is updating its downtown development plan and has put out a public survey that will be open until July 7. The survey contains questions relevant to anyone who visits or has an interest in downtown, not just those who live or work there.

The survey asks about housing, parking, what kind of businesses people would like to see, how downtown can be made more easily accessible, and more.

It can be taken online by going to mckenna.mysocialpinpoint. com/adrian-dda-plan, or by clicking the QR code above.

Commissioner Conversations: Adrian city commission member Bob Behnke holds regular sessions at the Adrian District Library in which he is available to talk with any resident who has questions about city government or wants to express views on a city topic.

Upcoming dates are:

n Wednesday, July 10 from 6-7 p.m.

n Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 6-7 p.m.

The Adrian District Library is at 143 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Community Academy: On page A16 of this month’s issue you’ll find a notice about the second annual Community Academy organized by the city of Adrian. This is a 10-week course for any resident who wants to learn more about how a city operates. Each session deals with a different department within the city, such as the fire department, water treatment, parks and engineering, and so on.

Commissioner Mary Roberts got the ball rolling on the program last year, and it’s a great way for city residents who are interested in becoming more involved in the community to learn about everything that goes into making a city run.

If you’re interested in being part of the Community Academy, you can go to adriancity.com, scroll down to “News and Announcements,” and click on “Adrian Community Academy,” or email mroberts@adrianmi.gov.

Community partners work to strengthen Adrian’s east side

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — A partnership focused on improving the lives of east side Adrian residents is bearing fruit, participants in a Lunch and Learn event held at the Weber Center on June 12 were told.

The collaboration between ProMedica, the Adrian Dominican Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee, and the All About Adrian (A3) Coalition is leading to a number of new initiatives ranging from mentorship and literacy programs for young people to programs focused on health issues.

Sister Sharon Weber and Jennifer Hunter, the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ chief operating officer, began the event by explaining the sisters’ creation of a resilient communities initiative several years ago. The Adrian portion of that initiative developed into the collaboration between ProMedica, the Adrian Dominicans, the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee, and the A3 Coalition. The Adrian Rea Literacy Center is also involved as an advisor.

Hunter also explained some of the income and other disparities between Adrian’s east side and Lenawee County overall and gave the audience an overview of the plan’s major goals.

Cody Waters, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee, began his portion of the presentation by outlining the club’s programming, which includes activities focused on academic enrichment carried out with the help of mentors.

Funding from the community partnership allowed the Boys and Girls Club to hire a community and family liaison, a role that ended up being filled by Hayden Seegert, who was previously an Adrian Public Schools teacher and coach.

Seegert’s duties include engaging with students, building rapport with teachers and parents, and creating programming at the club that involves mentors.

“The impact of what this young man has done for our team is really substantial,” Waters said.

The community partnership also enabled the club to hire a mentorship director, but that person left several months ago. A search for a replacement was underway at the time of the June 12 event.

Waters said the club is presently working with businesses and community organizations to build out its mentoring program.

“From the bottom of our heart, thank you,” he said to conclude his presentation. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re going to change the world.”

Also speaking at the Lunch and Learn were Frank Nagle, director of community impact for ProMedica, and Lynne Punnett, ProMedica’s manager of community resilience. The two discussed the Ebeid Neighborhood Promise program in Adrian.

The program is modeled on a similar initiative in Toledo that was launched with support from philanthropist Russell Ebeid.

“It takes a village, it takes collaboration, and certainly one organization can’t do it alone,” Nagle said.

The Adrian Ebeid Neighborhood Promise began in February 2022 in partnership with the Lenawee Community Foundation and the A3 Resident Coalition. In October 2022, ProMedica joined forces with the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ Resilient Communities Initiative, which Nagle said allowed the program to build out a team in Adrian.

ProMedica then rented classroom space from the Adrian Public Schools at the former Comstock School, 801 E. Maumee St. in Adrian, as its local headquarters for the program, and has gone on to host a wide range of community programs.

Punnett said that 52 different community partners have been identified to assist. Of those 52, 17 are already actively involved.

“People are interested,” Nagle said. “We’re just getting started.”

Punnett gave an overview of these programs, which range from financial literacy and nutrition education classes to employment preparedness. The programs, many of which are offered in Spanish, are conducted with the help of experts from local organizations. A variety of events geared toward communitybuilding and engagement are part of the effort as well.

Jennifer Hunter, chief operating officer for the Adrian Dominican Sisters, speaks during the Weber Center’s Lunch and Learn session on June 12, which focused on a partnership between various groups working to strengthen Adrian’s east side. ASHLEY DUKE/ADRIAN DOMINICAN SISTERS

AUGUST 2024 ELECTIONS

What’s on your ballot for the August 6 elections

Following is a list of candidates and ballot questions that will be on the August primary ballot in Lenawee County communities.

Polls will be open on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone who doesn’t know their polling location can look it up by going to michigan.gov/vote.

In addition, as a result of a statewide ballot measure passed in 2022, early voting is available for residents of most Lenawee County communities at the Lenawee County Human Services Building, 1040 S. Winter St., Adrian. Early voting will be offered from Saturday, July 27, to Sunday, August 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fairfield Township is conducting its own early voting site.

U.S. SENATE

Democratic primary: Sen. Debbie Stabenow is not running for re-election. The candidates are Hill Harper, a lawyer, union organizer and owner of a Detroit coffee shop, and Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and Department of Defense official who has represented a Lansing-area district in the U.S. House since 2019.

Republican primary: The candidates are Justin Amash, a former House member who left the Republican party to become an independent in 2019 and joined the Libertarian Party in 2020; Sherry O’Donnell, a physician who previously ran in the Republican primary for the 5th Congressional District seat held by Tim Walberg; Sandy Pensler, a businessman and founder of a private investment firm; and Mike Rogers, an Adrian College graduate and former FBI agent who served in the U.S. House from 2001 to 2015.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

There are no primary contests. Democratic candidate Libbi Urban will challenge incumbent Republican Tim Walberg in November. All of Lenawee County is in this district.

MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

District 34: This district covers most of Lenawee County. Rep. Dale Zorn is ineligible to run for re-election. There are no primary contests. The candidates in November will be John Dahlgren, a Democrat from Clinton, and Nancy Jenkins-Arno, a Lenawee County Commissioner and former state representative who was term-limited in 2016 but became eligible again when term limits changed after a 2022 ballot referendum.

District 35: This district is mainly in Hillsdale and Branch counties but also includes the city of Hudson. Incumbent Andrew Fink is not running for reelection; he is instead running for a seat on the Michigan Supreme Court. On the Democratic side, Don Hicks is unopposed for the nomination. On the Republican side, the candidates are Branch County Commissioner Tom Matthew, Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford, and Jennifer Wortz, a former Quincy school board member and founder of the conservative group Branch County Moms for Liberty.

District 30: This district is mainly in Monroe County but also includes portions of the Britton and Deerfield areas. There are no primary contests. The incumbent, Republican William Bruck, is running for re-election. The Democratic candidate is Rick Kull, chair of the Monroe County Democratic Party and former Jefferson school board member.

District 31: This district is mainly in Monroe, Wayne and Washtenaw counties, but also includes Macon Township. There are no primary contests. The incumbent, Democrat Reggie Miller, is running for re-election. The Republican candidate is Dale Biniecki, a retired truck driver and member of the Monroe County Republican Party.

LENAWEE COUNTY COMMISSION

District 1 (Tecumseh and Tecumseh Township): There are no primary contests. Incumbent David Stimpson, a Republican, will be challenged by Bill Swift, chair of the Lenawee County Democratic Party, who

previously ran against Stimpson in 2020 and 2022.

District 2 (Cambridge, Rome and Woodstock townships): There are no Democratic candidates. In the Republican primary, incumbent Dustin Krasny is being challenged by John Lapham, who held the seat before Krasny.

District 3 (Rollin, Hudson and Medina townships, including the city of Hudson, plus the city of Morenci): There are no Democratic candidates. Incumbent Nancy Jenkins-Arno is not running for re-election, running instead for Michigan House. The candidates in the Republican primary are David Aungst and Mike Leonard.

District 4 (Dover, Fairfield, Seneca and Madison townships): There are no Democratic candidates. In the Republican primary, incumbent Dawn Bales is being challenged by Beth Blanco.

District 5 (East side, city of Adrian): Incumbent K.Z. Bolton is not running for re-election. The candidates in the Democratic primary are attorney James Daly and retired Lenawee County administrator Martin Marshall. There are no Republican candidates.

District 6 (West side, city of Adrian): There are no primary contests. Democrat Andrew Winckles will challenge Republican incumbent Terry Collins in November, in a rematch of 2022.

District 7 (Ogden, Palmyra, Riga, Blissfield, Deerfield and Ridgeway townships): There are no Democratic candidates. In the Republican primary, incumbent Kevon Martis is being challenged by Palmyra Township supervisor David Pixley Sr.

District 8 (Raisin Township and Adrian Township east of Wisner Highway): There are no Democratic candidates. In the Republican primary, incumbent Ralph Tillotson faces two challengers, Meghan Van Dame and Matthew Witte.

District 9 (Clinton, Macon and Franklin townhips and Adrian Township west of Wisner Highway): There are no primary contests. In November, incumbent Republican James Van Doren will be challenged by Democrat Jeff DiCenzo in a rematch of 2022.

OTHER LENAWEE COUNTY OFFICES

Sheriff: Incumbent Troy Bevier is being challenged in the Republican primary by Michael Breznik, who also sought the position in 2020. There are no Democratic candidates.

Drain Commission: The Republican primary is between deputy drain commissioner Edwin Scheffler and Jeff Ludlum. There are no Democratic candidates.

County Treasurer: The Republican primary is between incumbent treasurer Erin Van Dyke and Onsted Village Council member Steve Muth.

Unopposed candidates: Unopposed for re-election in either the primary or the general election are county clerk Roxann Holloway, prosecuting attorney Jackie Wyse, register of deeds Carolyn Bater, road commissioner Stan Wilson, and surveyor Kevin Pickford.

ADRIAN TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans. Stephen May, currently a township trustee, is unopposed for supervisor. The five candidates for four trustee seats are Michael Herr, Jim Koehn, Thomas Magnes, Douglas McGee and Ben Ruesink. (Koehn is the current supervisor; Herr and Ruesink are incumbent trustees.) For treasurer, the candidates are incumbent treasurer Jim Malarney and current clerk Rob Hosken. There are no candidates for clerk.

Public safety millage renewal: A 10-year renewal of the 0.9428-mill police and fire levy, estimated to bring in about $269,000 in the coming year, is on the ballot.

Public safety equipment millage renewal: Adrian Township also has a 10-year millage for police and fire equipment. This levy of 0.2496 mills is up for renewal and would bring in about $71,000 in the coming year.

BLISSFIELD LIBRARY DISTRICT

Library proposal: The Schultz-Holmes Memorial Library, currently a department of the village of Blissfield, is proposing to become an independent district library. The boundaries of the library district would include those parts of Blissfield, Ogden, Palmyra and Riga townships that are part of the Blissfield school district. Currently, the library is funded by the village of Blissfield, but the village has reduced its funding, leading to cuts in services and threatening library operations. The library board is requesting a 10-year levy of 1.25 mills, which is estimated to bring in about $468,000 in the first year, enough to support the library continuing to be open six days a week. The impact on the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would be $62.50 per year.

BLISSFIELD TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans. Supervisor Al Navarro is being challenged for re-election by Alan Dickerson, currently a township trustee. Diann PaulWarner is unopposed for re-election as clerk. Tammy Cox-Wynn is unopposed for re-election as treasurer. The three candidates for two trustee seats are incumbent Steven Wilson, Rachel Bonaminio, and Nancy Cranor.

CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans. Incumbent supervisor Bill Gentner is opposed by Tom Kissel. Incumbent clerk Rick Richardson is unopposed. The candidates for treasurer are Brooke Armstrong and Diane Higgins. The five candidates for two trustee positions are incumbent Otis Garrison, incumbent Norm Gentner, Brian Giroux, Dan Hubbard, and Lori Pelham.

Public safety millage: Voters will consider a four-year levy of 1.25 mills, replacing an expired millage, to fund police and fire department operations. The millage would bring in about $576,000 in the coming year.

Public safety building and equipment millage: Also on the ballot is a levy of 0.25 mills for police and fire buildings and equipment, replacing an expired millage and expected to bring in about $115,000 in the coming year.

Additional police and fire millage: Finally, voters will consider a four-year 0.25-mill levy for additional police and fire operating needs, replacing an expired millage. It is expected to bring in about $115,000 in the coming year.

CEMENT CITY

Extra operating millage renewal: Voters will consider a two-year, 4.9665-mill renewal for village operating expenses, expected to bring in about $46,000 in the coming year.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans. Running for supervisor are Pete Marchmont (who is also on the ballot for trustee) and Walter Jamie Murphy. Incumbent clerk Kim Scott is unopposed. Leslie Ann Kovalski is unopposed for treasurer. The five candidates for two trustee positions are incumbent Gary Couture, current supervisor Basil Greenleaf, Pete Marchmont, Dennis Scott, and James Strickland.

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans and all are unopposed — Ronald Cousino for supervisor, Shirley Soldwish for clerk, Pam Witt for treasurer, and Steve Andrix and Randy Dusseau for trustee.

Road millage: Voters will consider a two-year, 3-mill levy for roads and bridges, replacing an expired levy and expected to bring in about $274,000 in the coming year.

Fire department operating millage: Voters will consider a two-year, 0.25-mill levy to fund fire department operations, replacing an expired millage and expected to bring in about $23,000 in the coming year.

Fire department equipment millage: Voters will consider a two-year, 0.5-mill levy for fire department equipment, replacing an expired millage and expected to bring in about $46,000 in the coming year.

DOVER TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans and all are unopposed — Daniel Borck for supervisor, Amber Swander for clerk, Donna Baker for treasurer, and Michael Birdsell and Amanda Butz for trustee.

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans and all are unopposed — Chris McCallister for supervisor, Debra Keller for clerk, Kay Rutledge for treasurer, and Paul Green and Bonnie Zenk for trustee.

Road millage renewal: Voters will consider a renewed levy of 2 mills for three years to fund roads and bridges, expected to bring in about $144,000 in the coming year.

Fire and rescue millage renewal: Voters will consider a renewed levy of 1.5 mills for three years for fire and rescue operations, expected to bring in about $108,000 in the coming year.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans and all are unopposed — Gordon Whelan for supervisor, Sue Whitehead for clerk, Adam Ondrovick for constable, and Mike Kelley and Daniel Van Valkenburg for trustee. There are no candidates for treasurer.

HUDSON TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans. Matthew Smith is unopposed for supervisor and Douglas Cook is unopposed for trustee. Running for treasurer are Tyler Mattison, Barbra Quiel-Korczyk, and Nathan Smith. There are no candidates for clerk.

MACON TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans and all are unopposed — Dean Montrief for supervisor, Julia DeJonghe Marshall for clerk, Beth DeJonghe for treasurer, and Charley Downing and Joe Rine for trustee. Road millage renewal: Voters will consider a four-year, 1.5-mill renewal to fund roads and bridges, expected to bring in about $139,000 in the coming year.

Fire millage renewal and addition: A four-year, 1-mill levy is on the ballot for fire services, with half of the amount being a renewal and half being an increase, to provide fire protection through contracts with other local governments.

MADISON TOWNSHIP

Township board: There is a Republican primary for supervisor. Incumbent Gary Griewahn is being challenged by Ryan Rank, who ran in the primary for Michigan House in 2022. Clerk Janet Moden and treasurer Harold Gregg are unopposed for re-election. Running for four trustee seats are Democrat Michelle Holtz-Johnson and Republicans Howard Bales (incumbent), Ralph Benschoter, Chad Rodgers (incumbent), and Norman Schutte Jr.

Road and other infrastructure millage: Voters will consider a four-year, 1.156mill levy for roads, bridges, street lights, and township driveways and parking lots, expected to bring in about $305,000 in the coming year.

Fire building and apparatus millage renewal: Voters will consider a four-year, 0.9661-mill renewal for fire and ambulance equipment, expected to bring in about $257,000 in the coming year.

MEDINA TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans and all are unopposed — Jason Root for supervisor, Sylvia MonserrateDamon for clerk, Jennifer Blaker for treasurer and Timothy Sword for trustee. Road millage renewal: Voters will consider a four-year renewal of 1.9836 mills for roads and bridges, expected to bring in about $124,000 in the coming year.

MORENCI LIBRARY DISTRICT

Library millage renewal: Residents of the city of Morenci and those parts of Seneca and Medina townships in the Morenci school district will vote on a millage renewal for the Stair District Library. The current millage expires in December of this year. The renewal is for another 10 years and is at a reduced rate compared to the initial millage of 1.25 approved in 2015 following the formation of the district library. The Stair Board of Trustees voted to set the millage rate request at its current reduced rate of 1.2342 mills, projected to bring in about $205,600 in the next fiscal year, about 82% of the library’s projected operating budget. For a home valued at $100,000, the yearly cost would be $61.71. Previous to becoming a district library, the city of Morenci funded the operations of the library as a department of the city. The millage replaced that source of funding.

OGDEN TOWNSHIP

Township board: There is only one candidate running for any position, current trustee Joshua Van Camp, who is running for supervisor as a Republican.

Fire and ambulance millage: Voters will consider re-enacting an expired levy of 0.6 mills for four years for fire and ambulance services contracted from Madison Township, expected to bring in about $54,000 in the coming year.

Road millage: Also on the ballot is reenactment of an expired millage of 2 mills for four years to fund roads and bridges, expected to bring in about $180,000 in the coming year.

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans and all are unopposed — David Pixley Sr. for supervisor, Christine Whited for clerk, Angela Koester for treasurer, and Mark

AUGUST 2024 ELECTIONS

Crane and Steve Papenhagen for trustee. Pixley is also running for Lenawee County Commission.

Fire millage renewal: Voters will consider a four-year, 1-mill renewal to fund fire department operations and equipment, expected to bring in about $120,000 in the coming year.

RAISIN TOWNSHIP

Township board: Tom Hawkins is unopposed for re-election as supervisor and Susan Bunch is unopposed for re-election as clerk. Incumbent treasurer Dale Witt is being challenged in the Republican primary by Brandon Quigley. Running for five trustee seats are Democrat Jim Palmer (incumbent) and Republicans Debra Brousseau (incumbent), Shelley Purkey Hunt, Kerry Hamilton Smith (incumbent), and Cheryl Witt (incumbent).

RIDGEWAY TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans and all are unopposed — Robert Downing for supervisor, Lora Feldkamp for clerk, Deborah Marks for treasurer, and Marc Brown and Daniel Prielipp for trustee.

Fire equipment millage renewal: Voters will consider a six-year, 1-mill renewal for fire department equipment, expected to bring in about $95,000 in the coming year.

Road millage renewal: Voters will consider a six-year, 1-mill renewal for roads and bridges, expected to bring in about $95,000 in the coming year.

RIGA TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are unopposed — Democrat Gary Lee Kastel for supervisor and Republicans Natalie Thompson for clerk, Katy Gust for treasurer, and Brenda Buyaki Delgado and David La Montaine for trustee.

ROLLIN TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans. Incumbent supervisor Irma David is being challenged by Michael Clark. Marcia Willett is unopposed for re-election as treasurer. Running for three trustee seats are incumbent Olis Burch, current clerk Denice Combs, and Todd Crane. There are no candidates for clerk.

Ambulance millage: Voters will consider reinstating an expired 1-mill levy for fire and ambulance services, expected to bring in about $271,000 in the coming year.

ROME TOWNSHIP

Township board: In the Republican primary, incumbent supervisor Scott Gosselin is being challenged by Robert Apoian and Bill Milner. Treasurer Roxann Sweet is unopposed for re-election. Running for three trustee seats are Democrat Matthew Minnick and Republican incumbents Leo Oswald and Jeremiah Ruttkofsky. There are no candidates for clerk.

Road millage renewal: Voters will consider a four-year, 0.5-mill renewal to fund roads and bridges, expected to bring in about $44,000 in the coming year.

Road millage increase: Separately, voters will consider a four-year, 1-mill increase for roads and bridges, expected to bring in an additional $88,000 in the coming year.

Fire millage renewal: Also on the ballot is a four-year, 1-mill renewal for fire services, expected to bring in about $88,000 in the coming year.

SENECA TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans and all are unopposed — John Gould for supervisor, Allison Ott for clerk, Anna Simpkins for treasurer, and David McCowan and Chirstopher White for trustee.

Road millage renewal: Voters will consider a four-year, 2-mill renewal for roads

and bridges, expected to bring in about $143,000 in the coming year.

TECUMSEH TOWNSHIP

Township board: All candidates are Republicans and all are unopposed — Curtis Brown for supervisor, Rita Roth for clerk, Rick Bunch for treasurer, and Gerald Coulter and Michael Feight for trustee.

WALDRON AREA SCHOOLS

Sinking fund millage: The Waldron school district, which is mainly in Hillsdale County but extends into some parts of western Lenawee County, is proposing a six-year, 1-mill sinking fund that would bring in about $91,500 in the first year. A sinking fund provides school districts with funds for repairs, improvements and equipment as needed.

WHITEFORD AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS

Bond issue: The Whiteford school district, which is mainly in Monroe County but extends into some parts of eastern Lenawee County, is proposing a 30-year, $9.6 million bond issue to pay for improvements to Whiteford Elementary School. The estimated annual average millage, over the life of the bond, is about 1.5 mills, but it would be a zero net increase from the district’s current tax rate.

WOODSTOCK TOWNSHIP

Township board: There are Republican primaries for clerk and trustee, with Marjorie Keenoy and Ashley Wilson running for clerk and James Hassett, Chad Hehl and Joanne Wheaton running for two trustee seats. There are no party primary contests for supervisor or treasurer, but there will be contests in November. Running for supervisor are Democrat John Clark (currently a trustee) and Republican James Anderson Running for treasurer are Democrat Teresa Votzke (incumbent) and Republican Heidi Perry.

Q&A on early voting from the Lenawee County Clerk’s Office

Following is a list of questions and answers about early voting published by the Lenawee County Clerk’s Office.

1. What is early voting?

In November 2022, Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment that gives voters the right to vote early and in person at early voting sites before statewide and federal elections. Communities may also choose to provide early voting for local elections. Early voting allows a voter to cast a ballot before Election Day, in an experience similar to voting on Election Day. During the early voting period, voters are issued a ballot and can then insert their ballot directly into a tabulator at their early voting site.

2. How is early voting different from absentee voting?

Both early in-person voting and absentee voting allow voters to cast a ballot prior to Election Day. However, there are key differences between the two methods of voting. Early voting allows voters to cast a ballot similar to how they would do so at a polling place on Election Day. Voters are issued a ballot and can personally insert it into the tabulator at their early voting site. Absentee voting allows voters to request a ballot by mail or in person at their local clerk’s office. Voters can complete their absentee ballot at home or at their local clerk’s office and submit it in an envelope by mail, in person, or by drop box. After an absentee ballot is received by the local clerk, the voter’s absentee ballot is processed and tabulated by their local clerk.

3. Who can vote early?

Any registered voter in Michigan has the right to vote early in person at an early voting site for statewide and federal elections in which they are eligible. Voters in Michigan can register to vote up to and on Election Day, including during the early voting period.

4. Can I register to vote at the early voting site?

No. If a voter visits the early voting site and is not registered, they will be directed to their local clerk.

5. Do I need a photo ID to vote at the early voting site?

No. Voters should remember to bring an acceptable form of photo identification to an early voting site or to the polls on Election Day. However, a photo ID is not required to cast a ballot. Voters without a photo ID, or voters who forgot to bring their photo ID, can still vote after signing an Affidavit of Voter Not in Possession of Picture Identification.

6. What if I have a disability?

All voters, including voters with disabilities, have the right to vote in person at an early voting site, at a polling place, or by using a standard or accessible absentee ballot. Early voting sites feature at least one Voter Assist Terminal (VAT), a ballot-marking device that can be used by any voter. VATs also provide assistive tools for voters with visual, hearing, mobility, or other disabilities. Accessible curbside voting is also available at early voting sites. Voters may contact us to request curbside voting. Voters may need to send someone into the early voting site to request curbside voting on their behalf. An election official will then bring the ballot outside for the voter to complete.

7. Where can I vote early?

Voters can visit an early voting site in their area to cast a ballot in person during the early voting period. In Lenawee County, we have a centralized early voting site located at the Lenawee County Human Services Building located at 1040 S. Winter St., Adrian.

8. When can I vote early?

The early voting period takes place for a minimum of nine consecutive days, ending on the Sunday before an election. Early voting sites must be open for at least eight hours each day.

9. If I’m in line to vote when an early voting site closes, can I still vote?

Yes. During each day of the early voting period, eligible voters waiting in line when an early voting site closes have the right to stay in line and cast a ballot.

10. Can I vote early with an absentee ballot?

Yes. Voters can request an absentee ballot and submit it before Election Day by mail, in person at their local clerk’s office, or by drop box.

11. Is my early voting ballot secret?

Yes, every voter has the right to a secret ballot. At early voting sites, voters insert their completed ballot into a tabulator, just like at a polling place on Election Day. To protect voter privacy, once a ballot has been inserted into a tabulator, it cannot be traced back to an individual voter. Ballots inserted in the tabulator are sealed in secure containers each night during the early voting period. After polls close on Election Day, all ballots submitted at an early voting site are totaled and reported, along with the vote totals from absentee and Election Day ballots.

12. Can I change my vote after voting early?

Once a ballot has been inserted into a tabulator, it cannot be changed.

13. When are early voting ballots counted?

After polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, all ballots submitted at an early voting site are totaled and reported, along with the vote totals from absentee and Election Day ballots.

14. Is early voting secure?

Just like voting on Election Day, there are multiple security reviews and checks and balances in the early voting process.

15. Can someone vote twice by voting early and later submitting an absentee ballot?

No. The Qualified Voter File, a secure voter records database, receives regular updates of a voter’s ballot activity. If a voter submits two separate ballots, the system indicates a vote has already been submitted, and the second ballot is not issued.

16. Are election observers, such as poll watchers and challengers, allowed at the early voting site?

Yes. Election observers are an important part of the electoral process to ensure transparency and properly run elections. Volunteer election challengers and poll watchers may observe the voting process at early voting sites as permitted by Michigan election law. All election observers must strictly adhere to proper standards and procedures.

17. How are early voting ballots retained after the election?

All paper ballots submitted in Michigan, whether at a polling place, an early voting site, or through absentee voting, are retained in secure, sealed ballot containers after the election. Each seal has a unique number that is recorded in the poll book by a team of bipartisan election workers. Michigan election law requires the secure handling of paper ballots. Once early voting is complete and a ballot container is sealed, the seal cannot be broken until the canvass, recount, or audit process begins. An unbroken seal ensures that ballots are in the same condition they were on Election Day.

City commission approves point-of-sale real estate inspections by 4-3 margin

Ordinance affects residential properties in the city limits

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — A closely divided Adrian City Commission voted 4-3 on June 3 to enact a controversial point-of-sale inspection ordinance.

The ordinance, which will go into effect six months from now, requires any residential dwelling being sold to undergo an exterior inspection for items such as peeling paint, damaged windows, rotting wood, roofs in need of repair, or junk accumulation.

Residences will have to pass the inspection to be sold, unless the seller agrees to put aside sufficient money for the buyer to make repairs.

Voting “yes” were Commissioners Kelly Castleberry, Gordon Gauss, Doug Miller, and Matt Schwartz.

Voting “no” were Mayor Angie Sword Heath and Commissioners Bob Behnke and Mary Roberts.

The commission heard public comments from 18 people, the majority of whom were against the ordinance.

The most common objections were that it would place a burden on older and low-income homeowners and that the city should look first to stronger enforcement of rules that are already on the books.

“The city of Adrian has many, many ordinances. They’re not being enforced,” Russell Richards of Adrian said.

“There’s a medley of ordinances that are at your disposal,” said Bill Swift of Tecumseh, chairman of the Lenawee County Democratic Party.

Jeff Rising of Adrian, a Realtor and former Adrian city commissioner, said point-of-sale inspections are not the right tool for combating blight.

“I don’t want you to confuse people being in favor of blight removal with people being in favor of this ordinance,” he said.

Angie Verner, a Realtor who lives in Raisin Township but owns property in Adrian, said she’s talked to people in Washtenaw County who do point-of-sale inspections, and they said it’s often sad because the sellers whose homes they’re inspecting can’t afford to make the repairs that their local ordinances require of them.

“The people that are hurt the most are people who are trying to sell their house because they can’t afford to keep it,” she said.

Realtor Mary Clymer said that waiting for properties to go on the market won’t do anything about blight right now.

Two people spoke in favor of the ordinance. Brad Watson, a former city commissioner, said that even if homebuyers negotiate a lower price because the house they’re buying has problems, that’s no guarantee that they’ll actually fix those problems after buying. He also said that commissioners should make their decision based on what they feel is best for the community, even if there is vocal opposition.

“You have been elected to make this decision on behalf of all residents, current and future,” he said.

Jim Kapnick of Adrian said that because sellers would have to put money aside for repairs in order to sell a home that doesn’t pass inspection, homebuyers who may have already put all of their resources into buying a house will have money available to fix it up.

He also said the ordinance would be an additional tool for fighting blight.

“Blight is a significant issue throughout our community and we must use every tool possible to eliminate it,” he said.

Commissioner Gordon Gauss disagreed with those who characterized the ordinance as west-side residents dictating to the east side or a case of government overreach.

“From my point of view it’s an attempt to beautify our city and improve our quality of life,” he said.

Commissioner Kelly Castleberry said point-of-sale inspections are a good alternative to traditional code enforcement through fines and the court system, which she said is punitive and ineffective.

“Traditional code enforcement does not work,” she said.

Commissioner Bob Behnke, who is retired as superintendent of Adrian Public Schools, said the debate reminded him of working on the school district’s unsuccessful bond issue in 2015. He said he thought the district had a good plan, but the bond issue’s failure “forced us to take a hard stop and a deep breath and really listen to our community.”

“We have to go back and create a better plan that our residents can respect and honor,” he said.

Noting that the city has been awarded about $470,000 in state funds to help homeowners make repairs, Behnke proposed that the city identify Adrian’s most blighted residential properties, approach those homeowners with information about how to get funding, and “provide a warm, friendly hand.”

Mayor Angie Sword Heath said she visited another city where officials said a point-of-sale inspection ordinance was working well for them, but that community’s average income was $20,000 higher than Adrian’s and their poverty rate was 8 percentage points lower.

“There are vast differences that might make a point-of-sale ordinance not the right fit for us,” she said.

Heath also said she was concerned that the ordinance would lead to more people holding onto deteriorating houses instead of selling them.

After the vote, Commissioner Mary Roberts, who had joined Behnke and Heath in opposing the measure, said the point-of-sale ordinance doesn’t have to be in place forever. She said the city can try it for a couple of years and, if it isn’t working, either amend or rescind it.

“Ordinances are changed and rescinded every day in communities across the country,” she said.

Roll call

Voting yes: Kelly Castleberry, Gordon Gauss, Doug Miller, Matt Schwartz

Voting no: Angie Sword Heath (mayor), Bob Behnke, Mary Roberts

A foundation of service

Jeanie DeCocker’s women-operated masonry business is thriving in Lenawee County

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

SAND CREEK — Back when Jeanie DeCocker first went into business for herself, she would get phone calls from potential customers asking to speak to her husband.

Her reply? “He works for the phone company. I’m the one you want.”

After all, 30 years ago it was pretty much unheard of for a woman to be the owner of a masonry business. But today, DeCocker’s On the Level Masonry Restoration, based in Sand Creek, even has two women working with her as stonemasons: Dawn Moran and Cagni Karl.

Moran came to the business 10 years ago after having previously been a dental assistant until the dentist she worked for retired. Karl is in her first year with On the Level.

DeCocker’s sons, Tobias and Seth Goetz, have also worked with their mother several times over the years.

DeCocker worked in several jobs including retail over the years after high school. Then her niece came home from the Marines, where she had been a heavy equipment operator, saw that her aunt was ready for a change, and got her interested in trying a new career. The end result was that DeCocker became an apprentice bricklayer.

“I didn’t know anything about it at first,” she said. But after she did the tuckpointing at a job site and washed the brick, “it looked great and it gave me a lot of satisfaction, making the old look old but be new.”

She began doing masonry work on the side for friends and family and eventually left the company she was working for and started her own business.

On the Level does both residential and commercial restoration work, including repairing or restoring chimneys, walkways, foundations, walls, exteriors, and retaining walls at lake homes. Historical restoration is one of the company’s specialties.

DeCocker and her employees do jobs all over Lenawee County and have also handled projects in Brooklyn and into Washtenaw County. Their work has included a number of buildings in downtown Tecumseh and Adrian, such as the Masonic Temple building in Tecumseh and the Lenawee County Historical Society museum in Adrian.

The oldest home DeCocker has worked on dated back to 1853.

Making new masonry match the existing brick or stone work is a real art, involving matching bricks and mortar colors to what’s already there. It might take finding a supplier that has some old bricks that will match the ones at the site, or it could involve using certain techniques to replicate the texture of the existing masonry. And as for the mortar, “Dawn’s a whiz at matching colors,” DeCocker said.

Her personal favorite part of being a stonemason is the same thing that made her love the work back when she first started out as a bricklayer: tuckpointing.

“I love the results afterward. It’s like a new product,” she said.

“I always tell the people who work for me, ‘If you don’t want it on your house, don’t put it on this one. ’ ” — Jeanie

She really enjoys working with brick and stone both. “It all gives you the same sense of satisfaction when you’re done with it,” she said.

What’s the secret to being a good stonemason?

“It’s very meticulous work, so it takes being detail-oriented,” she said. And it also means being personally invested in the work. “I always tell the people who work for me, ‘if you don’t want it on your house, don’t put it on this one.”

That attention to detail and commitment to doing quality work has led, over the course of her 30 years in business, to a substantial customer base. “We have a lot of satisfied customers,” she said, “because I don’t leave unless they are.”

On the Level Masonry Restoration can be reached at 517-442-5969.

Cagni Karl, Dawn Moran, and On the Level Masonry Restoration owner Jeanie DeCocker are pictured at a job site near Britton. When DeCocker first went into business, she’d get phone calls from prospective customers asking to speak to her husband. “He works for the phone company,” she’d reply. “I’m the one you want.”

ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

DeCocker

Jeanie DeCocker, owner of On the Level Masonry Restoration, with her employees, Dawn Moran and Cagni Karl.

Financial advisor establishes new practice in Adrian

ADRIAN — Financial advisor Lynette Foor is now in business at 115 N. Main St. in Adrian.

Foor is part of Edward Jones, a financial services firm that serves investment clients in the U.S. and Canada through a network of about 15,000 offices and 19,000 advisors. She started with Edward Jones as a branch office administrator in 2011 and became a financial advisor in January 2020.

A resident of Lenawee County since 1995, Foor holds an associate’s degree from Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lawrence Tech in Southfield.

“I enjoy working with my clients and getting to know them on a personal level,” she said.

Foor said she wants to help people of all ages plan for their futures. People too often put off planning for any number of reasons, she said. They may think Social Security is all they need; that they’re too young or too old; they don’t feel financially able; or they just don’t know how to start or who to talk to.

“My job is more than just investing,” she said. “It is to connect personally with each of my clients and to understand what is truly important to them.”

Foor also works with established and startup businesses on retirement plans for their employees.

Lynette Foor’s office is at 115 N. Main St., Adrian. She can be reached at 517-759-1051 or via the Edward Jones website, edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/lynette-foor.

Curious Crow Collective in Tecumseh is vintage store’s ‘moodier’ spinoff

10 years of operating

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — Kate Van Theel is a familiar face in downtown Tecumseh, given that she has operated Antiques & Vintage on the Boulevard for 10 years. Her latest venture, The Curious Crow Collective, is a spinoff of the antiques and vintage store, but it has what Van Theel describes as a “moody” feel.

“I’ve always been a natural lover of things kind of moody and odd and a little creepy, and so I kind of took things from that store and brought them over here and made them its own store,” she said.

The building fits in with the antique feel of the store, as the location dates from the 1860s. Van Theel likes the natural light and acoustics that the older building offers.

“It’s got a nice Zen in here for sure,” she said.

So far, business has been good for the new venture, and Van Theel has received a lot of good feedback.

“Everybody seems to really embrace the store so that’s nice,” she said.

Van Theel describes her merchandise as “very eclectic.”

“A little whimsical, a little moody, a little odd,” she said. “There’s a lot of garden in here now because of the spring.”

“But Halloween is my favorite holiday and so it definitely will get a little more — I don’t want to say creepy,” she said. “I like moody better ... a little more odd.”

As well as natural items, such as ostrich eggs and different kinds of material “from Mother Nature,” The Curious Crow Collective carries artisan pieces, such as handmade paper prints, jewelry, home décor and furniture. One of the more interesting items displayed in the store is a Victorian-era mourning dress.

“It’s definitely an eclectic vibe,” she said, adding that many of the items for sale were made in Michigan or in the U.S.

Van Theel herself has always worked in retail. She started working the antique business 36 years ago, in an antique mall and later for an auctioneer.

“I think I have an old soul, and I think that’s why I like the old,” she said.

“Older things have character,” she continued. “The mass-produced-stuff produced nowadays lacks something.”

Prices for the merchandise collection at The Curious Crow Collection range for $1 up to $200. Currently, the most popular set of earrings are “the guillotines.”

“I’ve had to order them three times now,” she said.

As well as merchandise, The Curious Crow Collective offers classes in making mosaic projects from old china in the back room of the store. Beverly Webb of Plymouth has worked at Antiques and Vintage on the Boulevard for several years, and is now teaching at the spinoff store on Saturday mornings. Van Theel said she would like to find an artist to teach watercolor painting in the back room as well.

The Curious Crow Collective is at 154 E. Chicago Blvd. in Tecumseh. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, call 517-301-4747 or go to facebook.com/antiqueboulevard.

Repurposed and More opens on Chicago Boulevard in Tecumseh

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — Repurposed and More is a new addition to downtown Tecumseh. The store carries a variety of vintage and newer furniture pieces that it will customize to satisfy what the customer wants, as well as other accent and home décor pieces. The store had a “soft opening” over Memorial Day weekend, and officially opened on June 1.

Repurposed and More is owned by Crystal Wormuth, Tammy Dailey and Judy Love, all from Deerfield. While Love is Dailey’s blood mother, she is also “Mama Judy” to Wormuth.

Wormuth is familiar with owning a business in downtown Tecumseh. She previously owned an antique store across the street, which had 32 vendors, before she took time off to take care of her grandson. When the three partners started talking about opening a store together, Wormuth knew where she wanted it to be.

“I knew what Tecumseh had to offer,” Wormuth said. “I knew how they supported their merchants. I knew the programs that they have, and I told Mama Judy that the only place I would go is Tecumseh.”

Repurposed and More looks for pieces “that were Grandma’s,” Wormuth said, describing the variety of merchandise that can be found in the store. From there, Repurposed and More works with customers to refurbish the piece into something that is exactly what the customer might want.

“We try to adjust it to fit somebody’s style,” Wormuth said. She gave the example of a china cabinet that is

currently for sale in the store.

“That could be put in a bathroom and hold towels and soaps and stuff and can be painted a color that matches,” Wormuth said. “There’s different ways to use things to make them still work and they’re not in the landfill, they’re not being thrown away.”

“If somebody’s looking for a piece they can come in and say ‘Hey, I’m looking for a table and this is the size I want, and

when you find it I want you to paint it this color,’ ” Dailey said. “Any piece we have in our shop, if they don’t like the color, we have paint swatches, and they can pick a color and Crystal will custom paint it for them.”

Wormuth said that, for a negotiated price, she once drove an hour and a half to pick up a bench that a customer found online, bring it back to Tecumseh, and paint it the color the customer wanted.

Love runs the cash register in the store, handles pricing, and does some of the shopping for the store. She also baked over 100 homemade cookies from her mother’s recipe for the store’s grand opening.

“I’m very excited,” she said.

Dailey said that working with the customer to provide them with an item they want is their aim.

“I think our biggest goal is to be ‘custom customer service,’ ” she said. “We’re looking to bring value to the customer and to help them with things that they’re looking for and they want.”

Repurposed and More is at 108 E. Chicago Blvd. in Tecumseh. They can be found on Facebook by searching for Repurposed and More, or contacted by phone at 517-301-2440. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kate Van Theel is pictured inside The Curious Crow Collective, which she opened in downtown Tecumseh after

another store, Antiques & Vintage on the Boulevard. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

Tammy Dailey, Crystal Wormuth and Judy Love are pictured at Repurposed and More in downtown Tecumseh. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

Lynette Foor

Entrepreneur brings new life to 137-year-old building in downtown Morenci

By Julie C. Clemes

The Lenawee Voice

MORENCI — Kristen Smith bought the building that is now known as the Morenci Event Center in August of 2020, but the roots of the business go much farther back than that. Originally built in 1887, the building first housed a dressmaker shop on the first floor, while the second floor housed a Freemasons Hall. The building changed hands several times, and has served as a general store, a dime store, a banquet hall called Milestones, and a shaving business.

The Morenci Event Center has a 3,700-square-foot space, with décor that includes an exposed brick wall and dark wood flooring. According to Smith, the space has been used for everything from a hay bale maze to housing a legal proceeding to a wake.

“People book it for all kinds of things,” Smith said.

“Anything you can imagine, I’m open and available,” she continued. “I also do community events.”

Birthday parties, baby and bridal showers, weddings, dances, craft shows and community holiday events for St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween are some of the occasions for which the Morenci Event Center has been used. A Kiddie Craft Show is scheduled for Sept. 7.

One very successful event the event center is used for is Small Business Saturday.

“It draws in a ton of people, so we do that the Saturday after Thanksgiving every year,” Smith said, adding that this

year, 30 vendor spaces are reserved for the event.

In addition to providing space for local events, Smith hosts classes that she teaches herself at the Morenci Event Center. She teaches a class on truffle making, using chocolate. The next class she has scheduled is in October.

“I try to do as many community things as I can,” she said.

Those interested in booking the Morenci Event Center can contact Smith about availability, which can vary depending on the day they want to use the space. Bookings can be made, at times, as quickly as one day in advance.

“They can book out a year or a year and a half in advance,” she said. “I had a wedding on the books for almost two years, so really it depends on the event and how important the date is to them.”

“Fall and spring weekends tend to be booked pretty quickly, and then around holidays,” Smith added. “I do recommend that people get those in a little bit earlier if they’re really wanting a specific date.”

Smith is currently looking for grants to help with renovation to the 137-yearold structure. Because the room is not air conditioned, events are usually not booked during the summer, but there are exceptions. One group booked the Morenci Event Center to use for an indoor garage sale. Smith said that the group knew about the lack of air conditioning, but wanted to have the sale inside in case of rain.

The Morenci Event Center is at 139 W. Main St., Morenci. For more information, call 419-280-4786 or go to facebook.com/morencieventcenterofficial.

RIBBON CUTTING AT ADRIAN HEARING CENTER

The Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Dr. Michelle Rankin and her team at Adrian Hearing Center, 1103 W. Beecher St. in Adrian, on May 22.

Kristen Smith is the owner of the Morenci Event Center. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

IN BRIEF

Local radio personality launches online station

BLISSFIELD — Longtime radio personality Jerry Hayes has launched a local internet-based radio station at 517Rocks.com.

The move follows the sale and format change last year of WBZV-FM, licensed to Hudson and also known as Buzz 102.5. Hayes said he saw an opportunity to fill the classic rock format for Lenawee County listeners and also provide local news and information.

Segments will include “What’s Happening in the 517” near the halfway point of every hour.

“It’s a no-cost way for clubs, schools, churches and other civic non-profit organizations to get the word out about events that they have coming up,” said Hayes, who currently works full time in auto sales and runs the station out of his Blissfield home.

Hayes also hosts a Saturday morning show from 6-10 a.m. 517Rocks.com is the second local online radio venture to be launched recently in Lenawee County. Doug Spade and Mike Clement started Local Buzz Radio, located at localbuzzradio.com, in 2023.

Downtown grocery store plans move to new home

ADRIAN — The Marks Trading Company, a new grocery store in downtown Adrian, will be moving down the street.

The owners announced on Facebook that their new home will be 142 N. Main St., which was previously the home of Arnold’s Mens Wear and, before that, Legacy Printing. It’ll be business as usual in the current location, 220 N. Main St., until they move. The target date to complete renovations is later this summer.

Former tea room becoming Asian fusion restaurant

ADRIAN — The former Governor Croswell Tea Room at 125 E. Main St. has a new name and a new menu.

Owners PlaneWave Instruments announced that the restaurant is now Draco’s Asian Fusion. It is initially open for takeout only.

More information is available at facebook.com/dracosasianfusion or by calling 517-920-4167.

Quarterly dividend declared

HILLSDALE — CNB Community Bancorp, the parent company of County National Bank, has declared a quarterly cash dividend on the Company’s common stock in the amount of $0.29 per share.

Horizon Travel marks 40 years of helping people get away from it all

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Horizon Travel and Cruises in Adrian is celebrating its 40th year in business. The company, started by Jim Koehn in 1984, is currently owned by Dawn Harke, who bought the business from Koehn in July, 2010.

Harke starting working at Horizon Travel and Cruises 33 years ago. She got interested in travel when she was in high school, and did a lot of traveling with her parents when she was young.

“I went to travel school right out of high school instead of going to college, so that’s how I got started,” Harke said. She started working at Imperial Travel in downtown Adrian in 1986 and “just

ventured from there.” She moved to Horizon Travel in 1991.

Harke said the business has changed over the years, from booking plane tickets or car rentals to being a consulting business that helps people plan their dream vacations.

“It used to be when we started that we were order takers,” she said. “Usually people called and we issued airline tickets and rental cars and so forth.”

But now, she said, “We try to take the recommendations of what they are looking to do and try to design the trip for them. So, we are more of a travel designer these days instead of an agent just taking orders.”

Horizon also organizes package tours and has a motor coach division.

Horizon Travel and Cruises can plan anything from an overnight stay to extended vacations. Because they are a consulting firm, they do charge an additional fee for their services.

“I always let people know that,” she said.

Harke said she has many repeat customers, including those who have asked her to make travel arrangements for years.

“I still have a customer that was one of my first ones,” she said. “They moved away and they are still using me.”

Horizon Travel and Cruises is at 604 S. Main St., Adrian. For more information, call 517-265-6666, go to horizontravelandcruises.weebly.com, or email dawn@horizontravel.org.

Two Lenawee County natives open chiropractic office

By Julie C. Clemes

TECUMSEH — Tribe Chiropractic, located in downtown Tecumseh, is owned by Dr. Devan Marry and Dr. Shane Wallace. Marry, who is originally from Hudson, and Wallace, who is originally from Onsted, knew each other in high school and met up again at Life University in Marietta, Georgia, where they both studied to earn their degrees in chiropractic.

Marry attended Eastern Michigan University before moving on to Life University. He moved to Tecumseh with his wife after graduation because of its central location to both of their extended families.

“My wife had never had the small town feel,” Marry said. “She got a taste of Lenawee County and we decided this is where we want to raise our kids.”

Wallace attended Siena Heights University before going to Life University. He worked in Brooklyn for several years before meeting up with Marry again, and the idea of starting their own practice took shape.

“I think it’s time to open up our own,” he said to Marry. They started planning in February of this year, and the two opened Tribe Chiropractic in June.

“The last five to six months has been kind of a whirlwind to get everything around,” Marry said.

As far as patients go, there is not just one type of person who might seek chiropractic care.

“We were both athletes, so that’s our passion,” he continued. “But we’re both family men, too, so we want to see families, we want to see kids, we want to see grandparents, babies, whoever wants to be seen.”

After doing a history and an exam, the doctor might find out that some of the issues a patient is experiencing have been there for a long time, so it’s not going to be “one and done,” Wallace said. Or a patient might end treatment when the problem is resolved, and come back only if needed.

Tribe Chiropractic accepts most major insurances. Through the end of July, they are offering a “Cash Promo” that includes consultation, full exam,

X-rays, a report of findings, and a “Q&A” for $49.

“Patient education is maybe the biggest tool outside of the actual adjustments that we can do,” Marry said.

“People don’t understand chiropractic if they’ve never been, so that’s what we’re trying to promote as well as the adjustment.”

A portion of the proceeds from the “Cash Promo” will go to benefit Tecumseh Public Schools.

Tribe Chiropractic, located at 120 N. Evans St.

Dawn Harke is the owner of Horizon Travel & Cruises on South Main Street in Adrian. She started working at the business 33 years ago and purchased it in 2010. The company is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

The Lenawee Voice

Drs. Shane Wallace and Devan Marry, both Lenawee County natives, recently started Tribe Chiropractic in Tecumseh. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

LAND & WATER

New conservation specialist hired to support local farmers

ADRIAN — Allegra Baird joined the Lenawee Conservation District office earlier this spring to support Lenawee County farmers. She comes to the conservation district with a background in ecosystem science and management.

Baird studied at the University of Michigan, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2021 before going on to obtain a master’s degree from the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability in 2023. She lives near Milan.

Her role as a conservation specialist will specifically focus on furthering the adoption of conservation practices that will keep soil and nutrients on farm fields and out of waterways. For example, loose soil and excess nutrients that leave our farm fields via wind and rain transport eventually make their way to Lake Erie, which continues to suffer from harmful algal blooms every summer. This problem can be reduced through the incorporation of farming practices that build soil structure and minimize nutrient losses. Using a

How to safely dispose of household hazardous waste

We cannot thank Wacker Chemical and Anderson Development enough for hosting their annual household hazardous waste collection events each May. This year, they collected more than 80,000 pounds from Lenawee County residents!

But now that the event is over, it begs the question — what do you do with any household hazardous waste items you accumulate the rest of the year?

For those who do not know, household hazardous waste includes things found around the home that require special handling rather than going into the regular trash.

Some examples include:

n Solvent-based paints

n Used motor oil

n Certain pesticides

n Unknown liquids

n Batteries

n Fluorescent light bulbs

Lenawee County does not collect household hazardous waste, so residents have to consider other options for its disposal.

Recycle Ann Arbor accepts motor oils, vegetable oils, and light bulbs. They charge by the vehicle, and the cost is $3 per day for standard vehicles and $15 per day for large vehicles.

ERG Environmental in Livonia can take a majority of household hazardous waste, including paint. They charge 75 cents per pound, with a $25 minimum. However, there are a few Lenawee

JULIE MAURER

County options for specific hazardous items. For example, you can contact your local car repair shop or auto parts store to see if they will take your used motor oil.

Lenawee County Building & Grounds Department will crush and dispose of florescent tubed light bulbs for a nominal fee from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekdays. They only take the straight, florescent long tubes. Call 517-264-4738 for more information.

Battery Wholesale, 1002 N. Main St. in Adrian, accepts all recyclable batteries. If you give them a call at 517-263-3462, they may be able to help you determine which ones are able to be recycled.

You can search for drop-off locations for specific items at the Michigan Recycling Directory, which can be found at recyclesearch.com/profile/michigandirectory. But if you don’t want to make the drive out to the county, try to find a place, if possible, to safely tuck away your household hazardous waste items until next spring’s event.

Julie Maurer is Lenawee County’s solid waste program coordinator.

nutrient management plan to determine how farms can reduce nutrient inputs while maintaining crop yields cuts costs for farmers and lowers the potential for nutrient loss into waterways.

Baird’s role at the Lenawee Conservation District will be to connect farmers with the information, funding resources, and technical assistance they need to successfully implement conservation practices that make sense to each individual farmer.

She is also assuming responsibility for the coordination of the Cover Crops FlyOn service in partnership with Scott’s Cover Crops LLC, and the Tile Monitoring Project in partnership with the Institute for Water Research. Both opportunities are available for all farmers in Lenawee County to take advantage of. Baird can be reached at allegra.baird@macd.org.

IN BRIEF

Michigan Dairy Expo and 4-H Youth Dairy Days are coming up in July

LANSING — 4-H members from around Michigan will participate in Michigan 4-H Youth Dairy Days, July 15-19 at the Michigan State University Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education. Dairy Days is part of Michigan Dairy Expo, a celebration of dairy farmers and dairy cattle in the Great Lakes State.

During the week there are breed shows and showmanship contests for 4-H youth as well as open shows for dairy enthusiasts of all ages. In addition to cattle events, there are three additional contests young people may participate in.

For more information, contact Kendra VanOrder, 4-H Dairy Science Extension Educator for Michigan State University Extension, at vanorde4@ msu.edu.

Allegra Baird has joined the staff of the Lenawee Conservation District.

PERSPECTIVES

EDITORIAL

Expanded voting options are good for democracy

If there’s one thing we should all be able to get together on as Americans, it’s that offering more opportunities for people to vote is a good thing. Participatory government works best when people are able to participate. That’s why the new voting options implemented as a result of a 2022 referendum in Michigan are good news.

One of those options is early voting, which for most of Lenawee County will be offered at the Lenawee County Human Services Building at 1040 S. Winter St. in Adrian. Under the new voter-enacted law, early voting for the August primary is available from Saturday, July 27 to Sunday, Aug. 4.

Worth noting is the fact that the early voting period covers two weekends. Our tradition of holding elections on Tuesdays is a relic from horseand-buggy days that, in the modern world, creates an obstacle for many working people. The nine-day early voting period, covering as it does the two Saturdays and Sundays before the election as well as the week that falls between them, dramatically expands the number of opportunities that working Americans have to make it to the polls.

There can, of course, be something nice about the ritual of going to your neighborhood polling place on Election Day. In some ways it is a communal experience, a tangible reminder of the exercise of democracy that we all practice together.

But there are many reasons to take advantage of early voting too. One of these is that you don’t have to worry about something coming up on Election Day that keeps you from making it to the polls. If you’ve already cast your vote during the early voting period, you can be sure that your voice will count even if something comes up at the last minute.

In-person early voting for most Lenawee County communities is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 27 to Sunday, Aug. 4 at 1040 S. Winter St. (Fairfield Township has opted to conduct its own early voting.) With the exception of the location, what you do and how your ballot is processed is identical to what happens when you vote on Election Day.

We encourage our readers to take advantage of the opportunity. Make sure your voice is heard.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

County

needs to stop playing games with our money

Did you know that in 2021 the county paid $2,322,714 for the old Tecumseh Products site but just a couple years later it only appraised at $440,000?

We need to vote people into office that have a better grasp of how to

Letters to the Editor should be 350 words or fewer and may be emailed to letters@lenaweevoice.com. Please include your town of residence and a phone number for verification purposes.

Illegal immigration: The facts and the hype

There is a lot of talk about securing the border. We’re told that if we don’t do that, the immigrants will eventually take over our homeland and push us out. Could that happen? It already did. Just ask any Native American. Uninvited immigrants came from Europe and took over the Americas and pushed the indigenous people nearly to the point of extinction.

In the late 1800s, the government began to pass laws limiting immigration, first by Chinese and then by all Asians and even southern Europeans. The citizens wanted to keep “their” country white and Protestant and soon began to oppose the immigration of Catholics and Jews. So our country has a history of opposition to immigration, both illegal and legal, which continues today. But the rhetoric of many Republicans is based on innuendo, misinformation, and simply political posturing. Let’s take a look at some of it.

First, think of the difference between the terms “illegal immigrants” and “undocumented immigrants.” We tend to perceive illegal immigrants as criminals. Actually, we have been told that most of them are. But what are the facts?

According to a Stanford University study from 2024, immigrants are 60 percent less likely to be incarcerated than U.S.-born people. The Cato Institute, a libertarian

spend our hard earned tax dollars. I have bought homes in the past, but I always had an appraisal done by the bank. Why wasn’t an appraisal done before money exchanged hands? Now the county has not only been saddled with a 50-acre piece of property, but no tax revenue or jobs have come to fruition during this time. Now the contaminated parcel needs to be cleaned up, to the tune of hundreds of thousands of

think tank, found that undocumented immigrants were 37.1 percent less likely to be convicted of a crime. There is no truth in stating that undocumented immigrants are mostly criminals.

“OK,” you say, “but what about fentanyl and other deadly drugs? Those illegals are going to poison us.” Again, the Cato Institute: “In 2022, U.S. citizens were 89 percent of convicted fentanyl drug traffickers — 12 times greater than convictions of illegal immigrants for the same offense. Over 90 percent of fentanyl seizures occur at legal crossing points or interior vehicle checkpoints, not on illegal migration routes.” U.S. citizens are responsible for over half of that 90 percent, according to NPR. And just 0.02 percent of the people arrested by Border Patrol for crossing illegally possessed any fentanyl whatsoever.

“But, still,” you say, “Biden has created an ‘open border.’ ” Conservatives suggest that anyone can get into the U.S. without

dollars, before we can even start to do anything with it. Not only that but the county commissioners did not sell the property to a gentleman that was very interested that is local to Tecumseh. We’re going to take a loss on this no matter what we do with it. Imagine what the county could have done with the $1,882,714 that was wasted on the purchase of this property. This was the Phoenix project.

Who voted for this? County

much hassle. But, according to Axios, the southern border is more fortified than it’s ever been. The number of Border Patrol agents has increased from 5,000 in 1992 to nearly 20,000 today, and the Border Patrol regularly breaks arrest records. If we had an open border policy, those numbers would be dropping. Barriers, walls, and fences have been erected along much of the U.S.-Mexico border, and Biden approved an additional barrier in Starr County, Texas. He has also consistently asked for additional funding for border control, which Republicans have resisted. Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Mike Pence, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, to name just a few, allude to open borders with little evidence. More misinformation. Where does this misinformation start? Donald Trump stated that “Drugs, criminals, gang members, and terrorists are pouring into our country at record levels. We’ve never seen anything like it. They’re taking over our cities.” Really? Sorry. There is no evidence. What is true is that almost all of us are the descendants of immigrants who came to America for many of the same reasons that people are coming today. Know the truth, and spread it.

Hank Cetola lives in Adrian.

Commissioners Bales, Bolton, Collins, Tillotson and Stimpson. Now most recently a motion not to sell the property for industrial use was voted for by County Commissioners Bales, Bolton, Collins, Tillotson and Stimpson. We need to vote new people in office, not the same people that made this huge error. Our money is not to be played with like a Monopoly game.

— Ileana Chandler, Dover Twp.

HANK CETOLA

LOCAL VIEWS

Adrian College, Jackson College sign business program agreement

ADRIAN — Adrian College and Jackson College representatives recently signed a Master Articulation Agreement to facilitate the transfer of students who complete a Business Administration Associate in Applied Science or Business Administration Associate in Arts at Jackson to a Bachelor of Business Administration program at Adrian.

Jackson College students who complete 60 credit hours or more will be allowed to transfer their credit hours to AC through a “2+2” degree program where students complete the first half (typically around two years) of their degree at JC and then transfer to AC, a four-year college, to finish their bachelor’s degree.

“We created an agreement where Jackson College students will be able to complete a little over 60 credit hours, and when they come to Adrian College, they won’t have to repeat those courses,” Adrian College registrar Amy Mergen said. “We are also counting the general education requirements at Jackson as our skills and distributions, so those students don’t have to backpedal and retake those courses. It’s a big deal. We’re transferring

POLICE REPORTS

Following are reports from law enforcement agencies listed in the Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information Systems (CLEMIS) database.

ADDISON VILLAGE

May 22: Assault, 300 block of East Main Street. June 16: Assault, 400 block of Lake Street.

ADRIAN CITY

May 21: Assault, 200 block of Cross Street. Larceny from a yard, 1300 block of West Maumee Street. Assault, 100 block of East Maumee Street. Retail fraud by misrepresentation, 1500 block of West Maumee Street.

May 22: Assault, 1100 block of Frank Street. Larceny from a building, 500 block of East Maumee Street.

Illegal use of a credit card, 400 block of South Winter Street. Retail fraud, 1500 block of West Maumee Street. Larceny from a building, 600 block of West Beecher Street. Assault, 300 block of Rice Street. Sexual assault, 100 block of Dawes Avenue. Larceny from a vehicle, 100 block of North McKenzie Street.

May 23: Property damage, 300 block of Erie Street. Assault, 1600 block of West Maumee Street. Assault, 500 block of Cherry Street. Larceny from a yard, 300 block of East Siena Heights Drive. Assault, 100 block of Dawes Avenue.

May 24: Larceny from a yard, 400 block of South Main Street. Arson, 800 block of Treat Street.

May 26: Assault, 4400 block of West Maumee Street. Larceny from a yard, 400 block of West Maumee Street. Retail fraud, 1500 block of West Maumee Street. Larceny from a vehicle and illegal use of a credit card, Ferguson Avenue and South Main. Assault, 1600 block of West Maumee Street. Larceny from a building, 1600 block of West Maumee Street. Disorderly conduct, South Scott Street and Michigan Avenue.

May 27: Larceny from a vehicle, 700 block of Loveland. Retail fraud by misrepresentation, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Operating while intoxicated, North Main and Curtis Road, May 28: Assault, 1200 block of South Main Street. Operating while intoxicated, 1100 block of North Main Street. Retail fraud, 1500 block of West Maumee Street.

May 29: Larceny from a yard, 500 block of South Madison Street. Larceny from a yard, 1100 block of South Main Street. Assault, 400 block of State Street.

their credits, course for course. Their hardearned dollars won’t be misspent.”

Mergen said Business Administration degrees provide graduates the ability to enter fields that are in high demand in the workforce and by facilitating the transfer of students from a Business Administration program at Jackson to a degree program at Adrian, the partnership helps meet the demands of employers for skilled professionals in this field.

“Through this agreement, we aim to eliminate barriers to higher education by ensuring a smooth curriculum transition that maximizes the transfer of credits and minimizes duplication of coursework,” Mergen said. “This partnership exemplifies our shared values of supporting students in their educational journey and preparing them for success in their chosen careers. We look forward to welcoming transfer students from Jackson College into our vibrant academic community and supporting them every step of the way.”

This agreement is the first of its kind between the two colleges. However, they are also looking at several other majors where similar agreements could be made.

May 30: Property damage, 1400 block of Village Green Lane. Assault, 100 block of East Maumee Street. Larceny from a vehicle, 1100 block of Lowe Avenue.

May 31: Assault, 700 block of Erie Street.

June 1: Assault and disorderly conduct, 800 block of West Maumee Street. Assault, 100 block of Pleasant Knoll Drive.

June 2: Operating while intoxicated, Beecher and Center streets. Aggravated assault, 1200 block of South Main Street. Property damage, Division and Michigan streets.

June 3: Retail fraud, 300 block of East Beecher. Property damage, 200 block of North Locust. Property damage, 1300 block of South Main. Property damage, 100 block of East Maumee. Sexual assault, 100 block of West Maumee. Property damage, 100 block of Toledo Street. Property damage, 1300 block of South Winter Street.

June 4: Property damage, 700 block of South Main. Property damage, 300 block of North Main. Assault, 200 block of Sand Creek Highway. Larceny from a yard, 200 block of North Main. Aggravated stalking, 200 block of East Church.

June 5: Property damage, 1100 block of South Main. Assault, 1200 block of West Maumee. Larceny from a yard, 900 block of West Beecher. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223.

June 6: Assault, 200 block of Division. Fraud, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Assault, 1100 block of South Main. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, 700 block of Dennis Street. Arson and aggravated assault, 700 block of West Maumee.

June 7: Assault, 500 block of State Street. Illegal use of a credit card, 700 block of North Broad. Assault, 100 block of Chestnut Street.

June 8: Property damage, 1300 block of South Winter. Assault, 100 block of East U.S. 223. Operating while intoxicated, Butler and Croswell streets.

June 9: Telephone harassment or threats, 700 block of East Front Street. Property damage, 600 block of North Dean Street. Assault, 500 block of South Winter. Assault, 400 block of East Butler.

June 10: Burglary (residential, forced entry), 700 block of North Broad. Larceny from a building, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Larceny, 1000 block of North Broad. Retail fraud, 4400 block of West Maumee.

June 11: Property damage, 900 block of Howell Avenue. Property damage and burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 1300 block of North Main. Illegal use of a credit card, 1800 block of West Maumee.

June 12: Assault, 400 block of Baker Street. Property damage, 1300 block of West Maumee. Sexual assault, 700 block

Two appointments announced for Siena Heights athletics

ADRIAN — Siena Heights University leadership recently announced the promotion of Sue Syljebeck as the new Vice President of Athletics. Additionally, SHU has announced the hiring of a new head women’s basketball coach to take over Syljebeck’s former position.

Syljebeck has been with Siena Heights University since 2004, joining the Saints as the seventh head coach in the history of the women’s basketball program.

In May 2019, she was named interim athletic director and then in January 2020, she accepted the official position as the university’s athletic director while continuing her coaching responsibilities. Now, she has moved into a new role as vice president of athletics.

Syljebeck’s new position will allow her to increase focus on expanding Siena Heights’ athletic offerings, effectively fundraise for the athletic programs, and serve on the executive leadership team.

As Syljebeck prepared to step into the Vice President of Athletics role, the need for a new head women’s basketball coach arose. Candice Leatherwood was hired for that position.

of Sheffield Avenue. Assault, 500 block of Tabor Street.

June 13: Property damage, 300 block of Croswell Street. Telephone harassment or threats, 300 block of Crystal Springs Avenue. Assault, 500 block of Tabor Street.

June 14: Assault, McKenzie and Maple streets. Assault, 4400 block of West Maumee. Larceny from a building, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Disorderly conduct, Center and Frank streets.

June 15: Larceny from a building, 200 block of Sand Creek Highway. Larceny, 500 block of South Main. Assault, 1300 block of West Maple Avenue. Assault, 600 block of Frank Street.

June 16: Property damage, 100 block of South Main. Larceny from a building, 600 block of Toledo Street. Larceny from a vehicle, 1100 block of South Main Street. Property damage, 900 block of West Maple. Illegal use of a credit card, 1500 block of West Maumee. Assault, 100 block of Pleasant Knoll Drive. Assault and larceny from a building, 600 block of Toledo Street. Operating while intoxicated, U.S. 223 and Sand Creek Highway. Property damage, 500 block of South Winter. Assault, 400 block of West Beecher.

June 17: Aggravated assault, 1200 block of South Main. Property damage, 200 block of East Front Street. Telephone harassment or threats, 800 block of Ormsby Street. Larceny from a building, 700 block of Lakeshire Trail. Disorderly conduct, 1300 block of South Main.

June 18: Property damage, 500 block of South Winter

June 19: Burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 1000 block of Michigan Street. Sexual assault, 1600 block of West Maumee. Assault, 1000 block of North Broad. Property damage, 900 block of East Front Street. Retail fraud, 4400 block of West Maumee. Aggravated assault, 700 block of North Broad.

June 20: Sexual assault, 700 block of Lakeshire Trail. Property damage, 500 block of South Winter.

ADRIAN TOWNSHIP

June 8: Assault, 3100 block of North Adrian Highway.

BLISSFIELD TOWNSHIP

May 25: Assault, 3600 block of South Blissfield Highway.

BRITTON VILLAGE

June 15: Property damage, 100 block of East Chicago Blvd.

June 17: Larceny from a vehicle, 100 block of South Street. Larceny from a vehicle, 300 block of North Main Street. Larceny from a vehicle, 100 block of South Street. Larceny from a vehicle, 100 block of College Avenue.

“I am deeply honored to lead this talented group of women,” Leatherwood said. “Our focus will be on fostering a culture of excellence, both on and off the court. I am eager to build on the team’s strong foundation and guide them to new heights.”

Leatherwood joins Siena Heights University following a three-year stint at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Leatherwood graduated from Sacred Heart in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. After completing her undergraduate education, Leatherwood attended Siena Heights University and graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration in 2021.

June 18: Larceny from a vehicle. 100 block of College Avenue. Larceny from a vehicle, 100 block of Church Street.

CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

June 9: Operating while intoxicated, 200 block of East Fourth Street.

June 19: Assault, 1200 block of Wamplers Lake Road.

CLAYTON VILLAGE

June 20: Illegal use of a credit card, 7100 block of Railroad Street.

CLINTON VILLAGE

June 11: Aggravated assault, 100 block of Gibson Street.

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP

May 22: Larceny from a yard, 9900 block of Brown Street.

June 7: Fraud, 7400 block of Jefferson Street.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

June 13: Larceny of parts or accessories from a vehicle, 6600 block of Pawson Road.

HUDSON TOWNSHIP

June 6: Operating while intoxicated, Beecher Road and Henning Highway.

June 10: Assault, 5000 block of South Posey Lake Highway.

MACON TOWNSHIP

June 12: Larceny from a yard, 9700 block of Stone Highway.

MADISON TOWNSHIP

May 22: Burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 2000 block of West Beecher Road. Larceny, 3400 block of Treat Highway.

May 28: Larceny, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Drug possession, 3400 block of Treat Highway.

May 29: Assault, 100 block of Storr Street.

June 1: Burglary (non-residential, no forced entry) and larceny from a vehicle, 2800 block of West Gorman Road. Fraud, 3000 block of Hillview Drive.

June 2: Operating while intoxicated, U.S. 223 and South Main.

June 4: Retail fraud, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Property damage, South Adrian Highway and Gier Road.

June 7: Drug possession, 1000 block of West U.S. 223.

June 9: Assault, 5600 block of South Adrian Highway.

June 11: Property damage, U.S. 223 and Cadmus Road.

June 16: Aggravated assault, 2800 block of Sharp Road.

MEDINA TOWNSHIP

May 31: Property damage, 14600 block of Wabash Road.

June 3: Vehicle theft, 11500 block of Morenci Highway.

OGDEN TOWNSHIP

May 21: Vehicle theft and burglary (residential, forced entry), 12400 block of Neuroth Highway.

May 22: Vehicle theft, 12200 block of Treat Highway.

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP

May 25: Larceny from a yard, 4200 block of Sycamore Street.

May 26: Property damage, 3700 block of Deerfield Road.

RAISIN TOWNSHIP

June 16: Property damage, 3600 block of Mystic Court.

RIGA TOWNSHIP

May 21: Sexual assault, 7500 block of Riga Highway.

June 1: Assault, 11900 block of Wegner Road.

ROLLIN TOWNSHIP

May 28: Wire fraud, 3800 block of Shierson Highway.

May 31: Assault, 16800 block of Manitou Road.

ROME TOWNSHIP

May 21: Burglary (unoccupied building), 6100 block of Brooks Highway.

June 3: Illegal use of a credit card, 3200 block of Southard Highway.

TECUMSEH CITY

May 22: Assault, 400 block of West Chicago Blvd. Assault, 500 block of Murray Drive.

May 25: Assault, 700 block of Brook. Assault, 800 block of Waskin Drive.

May 27: Drug possession, Shady Lane and Huron Street.

June 9: Property damage, 500 block of West Russell Road

June 13: Burglary (residential, no forced entry), 500 block of Hickory Ridge. Retail fraud, 800 block of West Chicago.

June 14: Property damage, 400 block of West Chicago.

June 18: Retail fraud by misrepresentation, 800 block of West Chicago.

TECUMSEH TOWNSHIP

May 24: Illegal use of a credit card, 9700 block of Southwind Circle.

June 10: Fraud, 9200 block of North Adrian Highway.

WOODSTOCK TOWNSHIP

June 13: Illegal use of a credit card, 2000 block of Thompkins Drive.

June 16: Assault, 6300 block of West U.S. 223.

Sue Syljebeck

Candice Leatherwood

IN BRIEF

Lenawee District Library has new youth librarian

ADRIAN — Nicole Grisham has been hired as the new youth services librarian for the Lenawee District Library.

An Adrian native and graduate of Adrian High School, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. Her first library job was at the Lenawee District Library where she was one of the Bookmobile librarians from 2012 to 2017. More recently, she worked as a reference assistant for the Belleville Area District Library and as one of the youth services librarians for the Oregon Branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. It has always been her goal to end up back at the Lenawee District Library, she said.

Michener students learn from Adrian Steel engineers

ADRIAN — In a collaboration with local company Adrian Steel, Michener Elementary School recently completed a 12-week engineering program that left students inspired and eager to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The initiative, facilitated by Adrian Steel and part of SAE International’s A World in Motion Jet Toy Competition, brought the excitement of physics and engineering directly into the classroom.

Engineer Eric Liu, alongside his team of engineers Ali Moreno, David Wright, and Chief Engineer George Bernwanger, guided Michener’s fifth-grade students through a curriculum that ranged from Newton’s laws of motion to the intricate design of jet-powered cars. The program was more than just theoretical; it was an immersive experience that culminated in a high-energy competition where

students showcased their jet car designs, blending creativity with scientific principles.

“The partnership with the engineers from Adrian Steel was an incredible opportunity for our students,” said Michener principal Ann Lacasse. “Not only did these gentlemen teach the students what engineers do, but they also ignited a desire to become engineers for several of the students who participated. I was impressed with the personal connections they made with each student.”

Teachers Meriah Kania and Devin Bates, who played pivotal roles in integrating the program into their classrooms, observed remarkable growth in their students.

“Our partnership with Adrian Steel was a great opportunity to show our students real careers involving math and science in our community and hopefully get the students excited about options for their futures that they never thought about before,” Kania said. “I am looking forward to the possibility of continuing this partnership in the future.”

The program was structured to engage students in hands-on activities that made learning both fun and impactful. By building and testing their own jet cars, students gained practical experience and a deeper understanding of engineering concepts. This experiential learning

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

approach proved to be a hit, sparking enthusiasm and an increased interest in STEM fields.

Superintendent Nate Parker praised the program, emphasizing its alignment with the school district’s commitment to innovative and engaging educational experiences.

“We are committed to providing our students with innovative and engaging learning experiences,” he said. “The partnership with Adrian Steel has not only enriched our students’ knowledge but also inspired many to consider careers in STEM fields. We are deeply appreciative of Adrian Steel and their team for their time, expertise, and passion.”

Contractor chosen for Stephenson Park project

MORENCI — The Morenci City Council recently awarded the contract for the construction phase of the Stephenson Park reactivation project. Midwest Contracting Inc.’s bid of $784,712.14 was accepted.

The project includes installing lighting, constructing a six-foot-wide walking path around the perimeter with accessibility features, updating the parking area, expanding the basketball court, adding a pickleball court, and installing pavilions, picnic tables, benches, and updated play equipment.

Nicole Grisham is the new youth services librarian at the Lenawee District Library.

IN BRIEF

Addison, Onsted announce superintendent picks

The Addison and Onsted school districts will both have new leaders next year.

Addison has chosen Scott Salow, the superintendent of Superintendent Summerfield Schools, as its next superintendent.

The new superintendent of Onsted Community Schools will be Jonathan Royce, previously the principal of Charlotte High School.

Proposed solar installation being reviewed by board

RAISIN TWP. — The Raisin Township Planning Commission is reviewing the site plan for Beecher Solar, a proposed solar power facility to be located on approximately 827 acres.

The facility is being proposed by NextEra Energy Resources, which operates projects in 27 states, including Coldwater Solar in Branch County.

According to the Tecumseh Herald, the planning commission tabled action at its June meeting. The next meeting of the Raisin Township Planning Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Raisin Community Center, 3266 Gady Road.

Police enforcing abandoned vehicle regulations

ADRIAN — The Adrian Police Department is seeking to address issues with abandoned vehicles. Rather than just responding to complaints, Police Chief Vince Emrick said, the department is trying to address abandoned vehicles throughout the city.

The presence of a dismantled, partially dismantled, inoperable, or unregistered motor vehicle on any parcel of land is considered a public nuisance. Such vehicles are subject to removal by the city upon ten days’ notice and a ticket can be issued.

Emrick said this is a fairly common issue, with police having handled 32 complaints in 2023 and 60 in 2022.

New officers head to training

ADRIAN — The Adrian Police Department has hired five new officers who will be attending the Wayne County Regional Academy at Schoolcraft College from July to November. After the academy they will go through field training at APD and could be on solo duty by May 2025.

Silbond

from page A1

The Weston site has also been invited to apply to the U.S. Department of Commerce for CHIPS Act funding, Brown said. If successful, that application would lead to additional expansion.

The CHIPS Act, which provides federal funding for American semiconductor research, development, and production was signed by President Joe Biden in 2022. It passed Congress by a 64-33 vote in the Senate and a 243-187 vote in the House.

Two Michigan Republicans, Peter Meijer and Fred Upton, joined 24 other GOP House members in supporting the bill.

Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Tipton) voted no.

Speaking at the June 7 event, Kjeldsen said the semiconductor industry in the U.S. is “on the cusp of a transformative era.”

“The CHIPS Act of 2022 has sparked significant investments in the industry — nearly $450 billion of investments across 25 states, in fact,” she said.

Christian Edlinger, Geoff Varga, Lauren Kjeldsen and Melissa McCormick of Evonik are joined by Jim Coutu, business development manager for the Michigan Economic Development Corp., at a ribbon cutting on June 7 for the new expansion at the Silbond plant in Weston.

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Residents who would like to learn more about how a city functions are invited to apply for a spot in the city of Adrian’s second annual Community Academy.

The Community Academy is a 10week course on Wednesday evenings. It will run from Sept. 4 to Nov. 6, with each session taking place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The sessions will primarily take place at the Adrian City Chambers Building, at 159 E. Maumee St, but some meetings will be held at other city facilities such as the fire department, water treatment plant, and parks department.

Each session will feature a different department of the city, with presentations by department heads and staff members about how the department operates, how decisions are made, and how funds are allocated.

The idea for the Community Academy originlly came from Commissioner Mary Roberts, who contacted the Michigan Municipal League for support and also met with city leaders from Troy, Midland and Toledo to develop the plan.

Participants in the first Adrian Community Academy hear about engineering from Matt

director of parks and engineering services, during a session in October 2023.

The academy is free of charge, and space is limited to 25 city residents to

“Those communities have been offering academies for many years and have seen improved communication and involvement from their residents, and that is the goal for the city of Adrian also,” Roberts said.

faciliate better communication and participation. Applications are being accepted on the city website, adriancity.com, now

through Aug. 1.

Anyone with questions about the Community Academy can contact Roberts at mroberts@adrianmi.gov.

Tomaszewski,

MARY ROBERTS/CITY OF ADRIAN

NEIGHBORS

THE LENAWEE VOICE

SECOND SECTION JULY 2024

Kindness to all living things

Ahimsa Safe Haven, a sanctuary in Lenawee County, provides a home for all kinds of rescued animals

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ONSTED — It all started for Cari Clift back in 2019.

A chicken farm in Colorado had gone out of business, and some of Cari’s friends were on social media discussing how to save some of the birds. The company was simply going to leave them to die, “which is legal but horrific,” Cari says, and so “a big cross-country rescue effort ensued” that saw one of her friends drive out to Colorado, pick up six of the birds, and bring them back for Cari.

“Those six roosters ended up being just spectacular little beings,” Cari says. And ever since then, “it’s been a slippery slope.”

That chicken rescue eventually led to Ahimsa, Clift’s animal sanctuary located on 10 acres near Onsted. Ahimsa, a Sanskrit word that translates to “noninjury,” is used in animal rights, yoga, and spirituality circles to convey the idea that all living creatures are one and that all of life is interconnected.

“We’re trying to make the world a kinder, friendlier place,” says Garry Clift, who is Cari’s father, the owner of Clift Buick GMC in Adrian, and Ahimsa Safe Haven’s vice president.

On a sunny but windy recent Friday afternoon, Garry is at Ahimsa helping tend to its animal residents. From the massive variety of produce — apples, bananas, watermelon, blueberries, and more — that he’s brought in the back of his SUV, he uses a saw to cut watermelon slices for the chickens Kalanchoe and Nel.

“Do you like that?” he asks as they peck away at the treat.

Nel’s name was Penelope until they discovered she was actually a he. He was found dumped in some woods near Saginaw and came to Ahimsa with an eye infection. Cari’s plan was to adopt him out once the eye infection was cleared up, but it proved harder to treat, and

Nel now has just one good eye. He has a deformed beak as well.

“Finding a home for a disabled rooster is a whole lot harder than finding a home for a healthy hen,” Cari says.

As it turned out, however, Kalanchoe needed a buddy, and now he and Nel are inseparable. Kalanchoe doesn’t have any injuries — “he’s just weird,” Cari says, laughing.

The two birds roam the grounds together all day, follow Cari around — as she heads from one animal pen to another on this particular day, the pair can be seen running along after her like pet dogs might do — and even spend the nights in her house.

Besides Kalanchoe and Nel, the approximately 100 birds — chickens,

turkeys, peafowl, pheasants, and quail — at the sanctuary include Fitz, Perrier, Spot, Reggie, and Coretta, just to name a few.

But animals of the avian sort aren’t Ahimsa’s only denizens. The shelter is a licensed facility for cats, including some who are feline leukemia positive and are housed in a separate building on the property, and a large part of the organization’s work involves getting kittens and adult cats adopted out.

Cari and Garry stop off at one of the buildings on the property, which is home to a whole range of cats. Maple peeks through a window. Logan lounges on a bunk bed. Several of the other kitties sidle up and ask for attention. Outside, Jenkins is patrolling the grounds, even

hanging out for a while in one of the poultry pens with some chicken friends.

Presently there are also pigs of all sizes, a couple of rabbits, and even a turtle named Clarissa. All of them, like the chickens and the cats, are rescues.

As Cari tends to other duties, Garry unloads the rest of the produce he’s brought into a wheelbarrow and sets off to make a whole lot of animals’ day.

Some of the chickens get blueberries. A couple of peahens who hurry up to him at one of his stops get some watermelon. Benji the pig gets a whole basketful of goodies including tomatoes, watermelon, bananas, and apples.

“Hi, guys, I’ve got some treats for you,” he says as he gets to a pen housing several potbellied pigs. He tosses produce over the fence to them, then heads with his wheelbarrow to another pen, this one containing four standard-sized pigs who were among six total that were rescued by animal control in Saginaw.

“Hi, everybody,” he calls out. “Yeah, here they come.”

The pigs come to greet him at the fence as he selects some apples, carrots, and bananas for them, feeding a couple of them by hand and tossing more of the produce into the pen for the others.

All of this is a pretty new thing for Garry. “Back in 2019, I was probably the biggest meat-eater on the planet,” he says. But, he adds, when you get to know pigs and poultry the way he has thanks to his daughter, your outlook changes.

More than just his outlook on meateating has changed, at least according to Dallas Garcia, who works at Clift Pontiac GMC handling its website and does the same thing for Ahimsa.

Dallas has seen firsthand how his boss has been impacted by being part of Ahimsa. “Garry has really opened up to the animals, and I’ve seen how it’s helped him,” he says.

See AHIMSA, page B6

Cari Clift, founder of Ahimsa Safe Haven, is pictured with Kalanchoe and Nel, two of the chickens at the sanctuary. About 100 birds live at Ahimsa, including chickens, turkeys, peafowl, pheasants, and quail. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

Siena Heights announces 2024 alumni awards

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Siena Heights University recently announced its 2024 Alumni Award winners. This year’s recipients will be honored on Oct. 4 during Homecoming Weekend. The awards to be given out this year are the Saint Catherine of Siena Award, Sister Ann Joachim Award, Saint Dominic Award, and the Honorary Alumni Award.

helped on-campus summer residents gain awareness and understanding of food options available to them while the University Center is closed for the summer.

The 2024 Saint Catherine of Siena Award winner is Paula Sanematsu (class of 2007) of Syracuse, New York. After graduating from Siena Heights, Sanematsu obtained a Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of Tennessee Space Institute and joined Louisiana State University (LSU) to pursue a doctoral degree in Engineering Science. During her time at LSU, Sanematsu investigated image-based pore-scale flow and nanoparticle transport in porous media. She obtained her doctorate in 2015 and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at LSU and Syracuse University. Now, Sanematsu serves as a Senior Research Computing Facilitator at Harvard University’s FAS Research Computing. The Saint Catherine of Siena Award recognizes alumni whose outstanding professional achievements or volunteer contributions promote Siena positively to the community; who demonstrate strong leadership characteristics; who serve as significant role models for others; and who embody the spirit of Siena Heights University.

De’Angelo Boone (class of 2007) of Adrian, is the recipient of the Sister Ann Joachim Award. This award is presented in memory of faculty member Sister Ann Joachim, O.P., and recognizes significant contributions to the university or community through activities that demonstrate strong leadership, the ability to get things done, and the capacity to confront issues head-on while maintaining the image and spirit of the university. Boone has done so by spearheading the creation of the City of Refuge Food Pantry, which works to remedy food insecurity for underserved populations in the Adrian area. In addition, Boone has contributed to the Siena Heights University food pantry and

The Saint Dominic Award recognizes an alumna or alumnus for commitment to Christian education in family, school, or community. Named for the 12th-century Spanish nobleman who founded the Dominican order, the award honors a person who embodies the Dominican philosophy and the spirit of Siena, and who promotes pride in Christian ethics and education. This year’s Saint Dominic Award recipient is Michael Nelson (class of 2001) of Toledo, Ohio. Nelson serves as the founder and Executive Director of JustWrite Inc., a nonprofit organization created to promote teen literacy. JustWrite hosts workshops, competitions, and outreach programs to encourage young writers to find their voice, express themselves, and develop their writing and literacy skills. In this year alone, 600 high school teens in Ohio and Michigan have benefited from JustWrite.

Tom “Push” Puszczewicz of Blissfield is the 2024 Honorary Alumni Award winner. Affectionately referred to as the “Mayor” of Siena Heights University, Puszczewicz has served as the Campus Minister at SHU for over 25 years and made a lasting impact on the Siena Heights community. He has helped foster the faith of many students and demonstrates a consistent commitment to compassion, involvement, and positivity. Puszczewicz routinely involves himself in on-campus events, including making omelets at the notable “Late Night Breakfast” for students during finals week or acting as a card caller for bingo nights, among many other activities. In addition, he has successfully organized and promoted several blood drives on the SHU campus for the Red Cross, which reflects his desire to help others not just in the Siena Heights community, but beyond. The Honorary Alumni Award recognizes nonalumni who demonstrate exceptional commitment to and support for the mission and spirit of the university.

USA Patriots amputee softball team to host kids’ camp at Adrian College

ADRIAN — The USA Patriots Amputee Softball Team will host a kids’ camp from Aug. 7-11 at Adrian College.

The team is made up of veterans who have lost limbs in combat and non-combat related injuries. They travel the country playing able-bodied teams in competitive and exhibition softball games. The group established a kids’ camp in 2014 after noticing the impact that seeing the team had on children who had lost limbs. They noticed what an impact it made when kids

got to meet adult athletes who looked like they did. The veterans on the team serve as coaches and mentors for the children, teaching them adaptive techniques and life lessons.

Both the adult team and the kids’ camp participants will play games on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Adrian College’s Nicolay Field, with an opening ceremony at 5 p.m.

For more information or to sign up as a sponsor, contact Janet Dillard at jldillard68@hotmail.com or 517-403-9505.

Paula Sanematsu

De’Angelo Boone

Michael Nelson

Tom “Push” Puszczewicz

THOMPSON HONORED FOR WORK AT ADRIAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Ken Thompson, former president of the Adrian Center for the Arts board of trustees, was recognized during an event on June 12 for his work at the organization. Thompson, who is also the owner and founder of Flatlanders Sculpture Supply and Art Galleries just east of Blissfield, was a key driver of the campaign to renovate an old garage building into studios for glass, metalsmithing and sculpture. At the June 12 event, a plaque was unveiled that will hang in the lobby of the ACA gallery honoring Thompson’s leadership. The Adrian Center for the Arts is located at 1375 N. Main St., on the campus of Planewave Instruments. Thompson is pictured here with ACA executive director Valerie Herr.

Farming and aging in Lenawee County

Lenawee County was founded with farming as one of the original occupations. Farmers were at the heart of small businesses, church and school boards, and local government. Today, family farms are declining and farmers are aging.

When retirement age approaches, many people look forward to pensions, travel, and leisure. For farmers, this stage of life often finds them continuing to invest in themselves, their farms, and their community.

While some individuals seek to escape the increasing use of technology, farmers are embracing advancements to enhance productivity, manage grain, market their products, and the physical strain. John Tuckerman of Blissfield shared that he finds technology “one of the most wonderful things we have.”

“By selecting economically feasible options, a farmer of any size is able to enhance their work,” he said. This does mean that they will need to engage in continuous learning through in-person and virtual environments, watch YouTube videos, and follow various agriculture-related social media platforms to keep abreast of the most recent advancements.

The physical and mental demands of both crop and livestock agriculture are intense. Tuckerman shared that when “a farmer considers retirement, it will likely be because they just can’t do it anymore.” Many farmers understand

that recreation is vital for their livelihood and can extend their ability to continue to farm. In Lenawee County, you can find those in the agriculture industry golfing, fishing, boating, bowling, and doing many other recreational sports. Many attend their local senior center to play cards, chat over coffee, or gather at a local breakfast or lunch spot to connect with community members for support, encouragement, or even a laugh, all while supporting the local economy.

Tuckerman noted that in addition to financial support of local community projects and clubs, farmers continue to serve on committees in the agricultural industry, local schools, churches, and government. These individuals are often found volunteering for programs in 4-H, FFA, and Farm Bureau, bringing their heart and expertise to inspire the next generation. You might also find them delivering meals to homebound individuals for local senior centers or serving on a local senior center board, like Tuckerman, who is a member of the Bliss-Liewert Senior Center Corporate Board.

In an industry that each year notes a decrease in family farms, Lenawee County still has farming at its heart supporting our community. The Lenawee County Department on Aging appreciates their efforts to provide us with food on the table, assistance in delivering that food to homebound individuals, and helping us remember that hard work needs to be balanced with rest, community, and fun.

Cari Rebottaro is director of the Lenawee County Department on Aging. She can be reached at Cari.Rebottaro@lenawee.mi.us.

CARI REBOTTARO

Siena Heights lists local students who earned academic honors during most recent semester

ADRIAN — Siena Heights University has announced its academic achievement lists for the recently concluded semester. Students are recognized each fall and winter semester for high academic achievement by being named to the Dean’s List or Academic Achievement List. To make the lists, students must achieve a minimum 3.5 grade point average out of a possible 4.0. The Academic Achievement List is for part-time students who complete between six and 11 credit hours during the semester. The Dean’s List is for fulltime students who complete 12 or more credit hours during the semester.

Following are the students from Lenawee County communities who earned academic honors for the semester.

Adrian

Academic Achievement List: Abigail Amber Foote, Krystal Rose Holbrook, Isabella Luppo, Lydia Lee Nieto-Rodriguez, Jennifer Kay Randall, Josephina R. Rincon, Amy Lynn Sleeker, Melissa Lynn VanValkenburg, Colt Wicking.

Dean’s List: Alan J. Alston, Maurice Irvin Bieri, Caitlynn Brockway, Shelby Burger, Brittnee Marie Byers, Marisa R. Cappelletty, Herus Ramon Carvalho da Costa, Madelyn Eva Chandler, Tiffany Starr Cole, Omar Cortes-Otero, Racheal Gipson, Addison Elaine Goll, Ryan J. Hand, Everett M. Hanley, Edilson Henriques Godeiro, Zachary Henry, Brooke L. Hildebrandt, Avah B. Holland, Grace L. Holland, Noah V. Holland, Olivia E. LaRatta, Briana Lynn Lamont, Isabella G. Lee, Abigail R. Lenhart,

Melissa Ann Long, Juliet Lourdes Lugo, Sabina Martinez, Chyanne Mathis, Aedan F. Munger, Zoe Ornelas, Thiago Py Machado Palomo Sr., Enzo Andrade Pizzol Sr., Julia Elisa Porchetta, Drew J. Price, Luke Quintero, Garrett Ramos, Marcelo Santos Rocha, Isabel Rua, Justin Scro, Gavin N. Sluss, Lyndsey M. Stamman, Jonathan Stovring, Alyssa Thacker, Dylan Lee Thacker, Nicklaus Tiller, Aubryana G. Tripp, Shekeya Watts, Amanda Wetzel, Rebecca K. Woodbury, Kodie Zamora.

Blissfield

Dean’s List: Dalon William Beddingfield, Natalie A. Fisher, Kaitlyn C. Jacobs, Bella Jones, Alexa Jae Mapstone, Aubrie Deviegh Marlatt, Ella Anne Marlatt. Britton

Academic Achievement List: Carrie Lynn Miller, Matt H. Woerner.

Dean’s List: Bethany M. Nowak, Kylie B. Spaulding.

Brooklyn

Academic Achievement List: Brooke Eberly.

Clinton

Academic Achievement List: Bradyn Clark-Gilmore, Elizabeth Anne DeLisle. Dean’s List: Cassandra Jean McNatt, Josilyne Ann Schanz, McKenna N. Schmittlein, Danette S. Urban.

Deerfield

Dean’s List: Lilli A. Kastel, Aiden M. Nighswander, Emily Elizabeth Simpson, Kara LeeAnne Zilke, Dalton J. vasBinder.

Hudson

Dean’s List: Mackenzie L. Boies, Logan L. Parks.

Manitou Beach

Dean’s List: Kimberly Guadalupe Delgado, Emily S. Hicks.

Morenci

Academic Achievement List: Jacquie Brittany Erbskornkass.

Dean’s List: Sophie E. Corkle, Lexi A. Holtz, Amanda R. Wright, Josette H. Zuvers.

Onsted

Academic Achievement List: Hannah Taylor Nighswander.

Dean’s List: Maya S. Bender, Jacob M. Buchanan, John Matthew Buchanan, Emily L. Kilpatrick.

Palmyra

Dean’s List: Abigail L. Fisher, Leah Mae Gregg, Hannah Elizabeth Leupold, Nethanel J. Leupold.

Tecumseh

Academic Achievement List: Trevor Funchion, David Gentner II, Shaun Allen Lewandowski, David Nam.

Dean’s List: Eva Alcock, Jaret Allen Alcock, Ryan Kie Boast, Emmalee Ann Fair, Matthew August Goeloe, Rachel A. Haft, Makenna Janae Horn, Joseph V. Kane, Larry D. Keck, Nadia M. Kelham, Kassidy M. McCullough, Brandon Rau, Hannah Siek, Peter J. Smith, Phoenix Aislinn Waters.

Gleaner and Kiwanians join forces for Kiwanis Trail cleanup project

Volunteers collected about 15 bags of garbage from the trail

ADRIAN — Two service groups teamed up June 8 to pick up trash along the Kiwanis Trail in Adrian, making the corridor even more attractive while enjoying a nice morning. Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s Legacy Arbor organized the second annual event and was joined by seven members of the Kiwanis Club of Adrian.

Volunteers collected about 15 bags of garbage. That was far less than a smaller group removed a year ago, showing the improved condition of the trail and the Adrian city parks it passes through. A complimentary lunch was available after the project. Adrian’s parks department provided trash bags and mechanical pickup sticks.

“We’re thankful to all who came and helped clean the Kiwanis Trail with Legacy Arbor including several members of the Kiwanis Club,” Legacy Arbor President Julie Tison said. “While we collected several bags of trash, we were pleasantly surprised to see how clean and beautiful the parks looked overall this year. We hope to continue to find ways to impact the Lenawee community.”

Legacy Arbor is one of several local service groups for Gleaner Life, which is headquartered in Adrian. Founded in 1894, Gleaner is a nationally recognized not-for-profit fraternal benefit society.

Volunteers for the Kiwanis Trail cleanup project assembled where the trail passes St. John’s Lutheran Church and a bike repair station is located. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GLEANER LIFE INSURANCE SOCIETY

Christine Zeller (left) and Legacy Arbor Vice President Rebecca Creque cleaned up a section of trail from M-52 south to St. John’s.

Jim Koehn (left) and Garry Clift were among seven Kiwanis Club of Adrian members who assisted with the cleanup.

Ahimsa from page B1

Dallas started volunteering his services not long after coming to the dealership. “I wanted to be involved,” he says. “I wanted to help with their adoptables program. It aligns with what I like, because I’m an animal lover myself.”

A number of the dealership’s other employees have been among the sanctuary’s volunteers as well, with much of the construction work done thanks to them. Dallas, besides his work with the Ahimsa website, helped build the chicken coop.

He said his goal is for the community to know that Ahimsa exists and is “a real rescue,” not a farm. And to him,

Ahimsa’s underlying philosophy is an important one: “to show the power of being kinder and friendlier to creatures other than humans. Not only do animals deserve to be treated well, but they have personalities just like you and me.”

Those words echo some from Cari herself.

“It’s hard to hurt [animals] when you get to know them,” she says. “They have personalities. The chickens love to snuggle, just like the kitties do. … Animals experience fear and pain just like people do.”

Ahimsa Safe Haven welcomes new volunteers and donors as well as people interested in adopting. More information is available online at ahimsasafehaven.org or by searching for Ahimsa Safe Haven on Facebook.

Looking for a career with purpose?

Join our team at the LISD!

Whether in a classroom, on a school bus, or in an office, our goal is the same: supporting and serving learners.

Careers at the LISD span a range of programs and services, including special education, career and technical education, general education, early childhood, adult learning, transportation, technology, and administrative and support services.

Local instructor included in Woodworking Network’s 2024 ‘40 Under 40’ list

ADRIAN — Zack Fealk, lead instructor at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, was recently named to the annual 40 Under 40 list of Woodworking Network, an organization of professional woodworkers.

The list celebrates the next generation of industry professionals who are making an impact on North American wood products manufacturing, design, sales, services and education.

Fealk is from Detroit and graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management. In addition to teaching at SBWI, he is also a graduate of the institute’s Wood Design program. Outside of the woodshop, he facilitates historic home remodels in Detroit.

According to a news release from Woodworking Network, those selected have been recognized by their peers for their achievements and innovations in the categories of productivity, profitability, social good, ingenuity, peer inspiration, product development, organizational leadership, or another area.

“Once again, we are so impressed with the remarkable talent, dedication, and commitment shown by this year’s honorees,” said Tim Fixmer, president and CEO of CCI Media, the parent of Woodworking Network. “It is so satisfying to realize that this level of talent continues to be drawn to our industry, providing us with the reassurance that all that we have worked so hard to achieve, has such a brilliant future at the hands of these young professionals.”

LCS student selected to take part in Middle School Honors Performance Series

— Garrett Ensign of Palmyra, a student at Lenawee Christian School, has been selected for the Middle School Honors Performance Series in Pasadena, California.

Garrett earned the chance to perform in the Middle School Honors Choir in June. He has studied music for six years and is a member of the National Children’s Chorus Premier Ensemble. He has appeared in several plays and musicals locally. He has sung at Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden, and also performed the National Anthem for the Toledo Mud Hens.

He has attended Interlochen Arts Camp and is part of the dance squad team for Adrian’s Encore Dance Company.

The Honors Performance Series was created to give accomplished student performers the chance to study under master conductors and perform in worldrenowned venues.

Garry Clift pets Benji the pig while making the rounds with food at Ahimsa Safe Haven on a recent Friday afternoon.

PALMYRA

Zack Fealk, pictured with his dog, Yarrow, is lead instructor at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SAM BEAUFORD WOODWORKING INSTITUTE

Garrett Ensign

IN MEMORY

We regret that space does not allow us to print detailed obituaries. These listings are intended as a guide to the obituaries that may be found on local funeral homes’ websites. When available, brief biographical information is provided to aid the reader in determining if they knew the deceased. To view complete information, please refer to this key:

[AM] Anderson-Marry Funeral Homes, andersonfuneralservices.com

[BVH] Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, brownvanhemert.com

[E] Eineder Funeral Homes, einederfuneralhomes.com

[H] Handler Funeral Homes, handlerfuneralhomes.com

[PM] Purse Martinez Funeral Home, pursemartinez.com

[W] Wagley Funeral Homes, wagleyfuneralhomes.com

Doris Ann Bowman, 90, of Jackson, formerly of Brooklyn, died on May 6. She worked at Jackson Community College as an account specialist, retiring in 1989. She sang in her church choir and was an all-star softball player in 1977 and 1978. [E]

Kelly Marie McWilliams, 46, of Jasper died on May 12. She was a graduate of Sand Creek High School and was employed at Jeep of Toledo. [AM]

Timothy Allen Fox, 63, of Tecumseh died on May 14. He had been a resident of Tecumseh since 1985 and was employed as an auto body technician. [PM]

Asher Kane Hetke, newborn son of Tanner and Georgia Hetke, died on May 16 at Trinity Health Hospital in Ann Arbor. [E] Louella Ruth Misiak, 78, of Tecumseh died on May 16. She was a nurse in the labor and delivery department at Herrick Hospital for 20 years and then worked as a night supervisor at Bixby Hospital. [AM]

Marvin L. Stotler, 86, of Tecumseh died on May 17. He worked at the post office in Tecumseh for 36 years, retiring in 1992. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Tecumseh. [PM]

Pearl James “P.J.” Popejoy, 42, of Ashville, Ohio, formerly of Adrian, died on May 18. He was employed by Old Dominion Freight Line for many years. [AM]

Sandy LeBaron, 76, of Tecumseh died on May 19. She was retired from SEDCO Primore in Adrian. [PM]

Ronald R. Noden, 92, of Tecumseh died on May 19. He attended Purdue University and after graduation was commissioned in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps. He worked at Ford for 32 years. After retirement he was a consultant with Motorola Semiconductor and later founded his own company. [H] Willie L. Henagan, 84, of Adrian died on May 19. She loved cooking and working in her garden. [AM]

Olivia Len Herrst, newborn daughter of Krista Shepherd and Joshua Herrst of Tecumseh, died on May 19. [AM]

Robert “Robb” Jay Goedert, 77, of Humble, Texas, formerly of Adrian, died on May 19. He was a 1964 graduate of Adrian High School. He had a long career in real estate and mortgage lending.

Jerry L. Fike, 81, of Jasper died on May 19. He worked at Dana Corp. and Roadway Truck Lines, and then for over 40 years on the family farm near Metamora, Ohio.

Darold Marc Kidd, 71, of Adrian died on May 20. He was a graduate of Adrian High School and worked at Tecumseh Products for many years. He was known for playing Santa Claus at Tecumseh Products and other places around Lenawee County. [W]

Donna Marie Burk, 87, of Brooklyn died on May 21. She was employed at the Beach Bar in Clarklake for over 25 years and was known as the “Soup Lady.” [E] Ray Gustaf Maxe, 91, of Adrian died on May 21. Shortly after his marriage in 1954 he was deployed to Germany. He worked for the city of Adrian as parks and recreation director and he was instrumental in the creation of Trestle Park and the Kiwanis Trail, among many other projects. He was active in the Adrian Rotary Club, served on the Croswell Opera House board, and volunteered with Adrian Community Preschool. [W]

Roger L. Logan, 78, of Onsted died on May 21. He held various jobs including working in a body shop, driving cement trucks, and hauling cattle. [AM]

Shirley J. Firestone, 87, of Adrian died on May 21. She worked as a secretary at Heart of the Hills Real Estate. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, cooking, baking, playing the organ, singing, and teaching Bible study. [AM]

Peggy Pfaffinger, 80, of Adrian died on May 22. She retired from accounting and enjoyed golfing, fishing and gambling. [H]

Orvetta Ann Bristoll, 92, of Adrian died on May 22. She was a graduate of Adrian High School and worked at the Lenawee Intermediate School District for 43 years, retiring in 2020. [W]

Marshall Edward Agge, 66, of Adrian died on May 22. He worked as a meat cutter for Meijer, retiring after 46 years. He loved the outdoors, kayaking, fishing, and sports. [W]

Karoll Ann Ehinger, 84, of Adrian died on May 22. She was a house mother for the Coleman Foundation and other adult care facilities. For many years she worked in the Mowat Orchard salesroom. She was part of the Lenawee County 4-H Clowns and was known as “Kandy Klown.” [W]

Donald Lewis Coward Sr., 87, of Adrian died on May 22. He formerly lived in Cement City, Texas, Japan, Spring Arbor, and Clinton.

Carlos E. Garcia, 45, of Adrian died on May 24. He is remembered as charming, warm, artistic and kind-hearted. [H]

Dalton Errol Becker, 82, of Clinton died on May 25. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961-67. He was retired from Xerox of Ann Arbor. He enjoyed wintering in Florida, bicycling, pickleball and cornhole. [AM]

Charlene Wielfaert, 72, of Adrian died on May 25. She was a 1969 graduate of Adrian High School and worked at Bixby Medical Center for 18 years as a respiratory therapist. She was the founder of The Daily Bread of Lenawee. [AM]

Julia Villegas, 83, of Adrian died on May 25. She enjoyed playing bingo and dancing, especially Mexican dance and square dance. She was known for her cooking, especially her tamales. [AM]

Travis Jeffrey Tison, 36, of Addison died on May 25. He was a 2006 graduate of Addison High School and worked for his grandfather’s business, Bill’s Landscaping — Bendele Excavating and Seawalls, for several years. [BVH]

Verna Kay Fulcher, 83, of Adrian died on May 26. She was a member of the Church of Christ for 30 years and volunteered to help with all of the funeral luncheons. In her free time she and her husband restored and decorated their 1855 Victorian home. [AM]

Kenneth Lee Weasel II, 66, of Deerfield died on May 26. He was a heavy equipment operator, working for several years at Wilson’s Backhoe in Britton and then Slusarski Excavating, retiring in 2024. He was a member of the Deerfield American Legion. [AM]

Bridget (Lila) Choss, 91, of Brooklyn died on May 27. She was a bus driver for South Lyon Community Schools. [H]

Ella May Green, 81, of Hudson died on May 27. She worked at C-Mart in Hudson for over 15 years. She and her husband had organized the Cars for Kids Car Show since 2001. [BVH]

Lois Jean Geiger, 89, of Clinton died on May 28. She worked as a bookkeeper for her son’s restaurant, Café Muse, until last year. Prior to that she worked at H&H Property Management and Clinton Products Company. [H]

Donna Mae Bednarz, 90, of Adrian died on May 28. She was active in her church choir and a member of Southeastern Michigan Choral Society. She was an artist. [AM]

Tanna K. Sattler, 71, of Tecumseh died on May 29. She was a retired nurse and had worked at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and the University of Michigan Hospital. [H]

David Allen, 77, of Adrian died on May 29. He worked at Ford Motor Company as a tool and die apprentice and supervisor, retiring after 30 years. He was a Navy veteran, Clinton volunteer firefighter, and Clinton Little League coach. He belonged to the Buckeye Hunting Club. [AM]

Donna M. Seay, 73, of Adrian died on May 30. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Church in Tecumseh. [PM]

Allen Lee Schick, 93, of Adrian died on May 30. He served in the U.S. Army as a pipefitter during the Korean War. After his service he was worked for Chrysler as an assemblyman for 35 years until his retirement. [AM]

Kenneth Douglas Proffitt, 55, of North Carolina, a native of Adrian, died on May 31. He worked as a machinist at Ace Drill Company. [AM]

Brandy Anne Harris, 42, of Morenci died on May 31. She was a 2001 graduate of Hudson High School. For the past 12 years she worked third shift as a clerk for the Circle K convenience store in Fayette. [AM]

Brent B. Anderson, 77, of Adrian died on June 1. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. After the military he toured the country with various bands, including the band Gallery, who recorded the song “It’s So Nice to Be With You” and two other Top 40 hits. [H]

Clark Riley Pearson, 92, of Tecumseh died on June 1. He was employed at Tecumseh Products from 1951-68. He then became a tool and die maker at Ford Motor Company in Saline, retiring after more than 30 years of service. [W]

Yale Hyder Metzger, 64, of Anchorage, Alaska, died on June 1. He was born in Adrian in 1959. He practiced law for 30 years in Anchorage. [W]

James Valdez Jr., 74, of Adrian died on June 1. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. He enjoyed traveling to new places and loved adventure. [AM]

Opal “Charlene” Knickerbocker, 91, of Clarklake died on June 1. She worked for 25 years at Napoleon High School. She enjoyed traveling, riding mopeds, and collecting clowns and butterfly figurines. [BVH]

Loretta “LaLa” Cabose, 56, of Adrian died on June 2. She attended Tecumseh High School and was employed with Cates Adult Foster Homes. [PM]

Barbara Brown, 87, of Clinton died on June 2. She was a lifelong resident of Clinton. She and her husband and son spent 50 years establishing Brown’s Trailers. [H]

Nancy June Grounds, 90, of Britton died on June 2. She was a foster parent for 10 years until 1972. Later she worked for Hillside Retirement Homes in Ann Arbor as the head of housekeeping for 20 years. [H]

Rafael Soto Mendez Jr., 58, of Adrian died on June 2. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed cooking, especially within the church community. He worked in floor installation. [W]

Debora Jean Monagin, 60, of Tecumseh died on June 3. She was retired from Evangelical Home in Saline. She was a member of the Ridgeway Church of the Nazarene’s sewing bee and the crocheting group at the Tecumseh District Library. [H]

Pamela Wondero Hadley, 68, of Cement City died on June 3. She was a member of the Eagles of Brooklyn. She was artistic, spending her time crafting jewelry and creating glass artwork. [E]

Sharon Lee Knisel, 79, of Northwood, Ohio, died on June 3. She worked at Tecumseh Products for over 30 years, retiring in 2009. She was active in the Blissfield community and spent many years working on the River Raisin Festival committee. [W]

Pamela Cooper, 61, of Adrian died on June 3. She enjoyed shopping, playing the lottery, and fishing. [AM]

Bradley Scott Rogers, 59, of Deerfield died on June 3. He worked at Nagy’s Auto Sales for many years as a mechanic. [AM]

Rene Rosas Tames, 49, of Adrian died on June 4. He worked in construction as a roofer. He loved fishing, cooking, singing, listening to music, drawing, and writing poetry. [H]

Dolores R. Justice, 91, of Adrian died on June 4. She was a lifetime member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She loved playing guitar, singing, and watching the birds. [W]

Richard Smith, 71, of Clayton died on June 5. He loved people and music of all kinds. He enjoyed riding his bicycle and gardening, and was generous with acts of service, his time, his produce, and his cooking. [PM]

Kathleen Cecile Whalen, 76, of Northville, formerly of Brooklyn, died on June 5. She was a member of 4-H and remained an equestrian into adulthood She was a Christian Motorcycle Association member and managed the family auction business. [E]

Sharon Joan Kinel, 80, of Adrian died on June 5. She worked at Tecumseh Products Company, retiring in 1998. She was active in the Optimist Club, Tau Delta Sorority, Bixby Medical Center Auxiliary, and Adrian Community Preschool board. [AM]

Joseph Francis Budzyn, 78, of Clayton died on June 5. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service to others. [AM]

Recina Lynn Wichar, 54, of Concord died on June 7. She was a graduate of Columbia Central High School and worked for many years as a waitress, most recently at John Ganton’s Countryside. [E]

Federico G. Flores, 101, of Georgetown, Texas, formerly of Adrian, died on June 7. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps at the Battle of Normandy in World War II. He worked for GTE and owned Flores Commercial Cleaning Service and Flores Lawn Care Service in Adrian.

Debra Ann Bonar, 71, of Brooklyn died on June 8. She enjoyed antiquing, shopping, and decorating. She was an avid traveler. [E] Yolanda C. Gomez, 79, of Tecumseh died on June 8. She was a 1963 graduate of Tecumseh High School and was retired from Peerless Gear in Clinton. She was a member of the Guadalupe Society and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. [PM]

Linda L. Goodrich, 66, of Tecumseh died on June 8. She was self-employed as a housekeeper for many years before working at Shar Products, where she continued until her retirement. [H]

Richard “Rick” N. Vaught, 71, of Adrian died on June 8. He worked at the Adrian Training School as a youth specialist for 34 years, retiring in April 2009. He enjoyed singing and participating with several community theater organizations. [AM]

John Michael Denning Sr., 85, of Adrian died on June 9. [W]

Barbara J. Parker, 84, of Manitou Beach died on June 9. She had worked at the Cherry Nook in Palmyra and also in sales at Faraday. [W]

Keith Edward Gilbert, 80, of Adrian died on June 9. He was the owner of The Pub in Adrian from 1986-2012, and worked for over 30 years at Tecumseh Products. [AM]

Melvin Sayler, 77, of Blissfield died on June 9. He worked at the Tecumseh Products for 44 years, retiring in 2008 when they closed. [AM]

John Dean Cote, 55, of Onsted died on June 10. He grew up in Onsted and attended Onsted schools. [PM]

James A. Hibbard, 86, of Tecumseh died on June 10. He worked for O&W Inc. of Ann Arbor for over 46 years and was a proud Teamster Union steward. [PM]

Sherri Talena Hunter, 61, of Tecumseh died on June 10. She worked as a nurse at Herrick Hospital and Chelsea Hospital. [H]

Patricia “Patti” J. Kintner, 68, of Adrian died on June 10. Using her accounting skills she worked at several companies, including Kresge’s, K-Mart, and United Bank & Trust (later Old National Bank), and was retired as office manager for the Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband were chapter directors for the Maple City Wings. [W]

Rodger Gallaway, 65, of Deerfield died on June 10. He worked for 25 years for Sheridan Books. [AM]

Margie Sharon Payne, 74, of Adrian died on June 10. She was employed by Masco Cabinetry for 12 years. [AM]

Kathleen Kaye Napier, 82, of Temperance died on June 12. She was a 1960 graduate from Deerfield High School. She was an LPN for several years. After her children were grown she joined her husband’s business at the former Hinkle’s Donuts in Toledo. [AM]

Richard R. “Rick” Knoblauch Jr., 67, of Adrian died on June 12. He was a custodian for Adrian Public Schools for nearly 20 years. He enjoyed flipping houses. [BVH]

Eleanor May Mackey, 90, of Adrian died on June 14. She worked at Kewaunee Scientific Equipment Corporation for 20 years and later at PPG and C&J Pallets of Adrian. She was an accomplished seamstress. [AM]

Randy David Wiles, 67, of Adrian died on June 15. He worked as a lineman and head technician for Comcast for 40 years. [AM]

Barbara Ann Brooks, 63, of Onsted died on June 15. She was employed as a secretary for many years at Selective Data Systems in Adrian. She was involved in many projects in her church. [AM]

ARTS & LIVING

Honoring the past, looking to the future

The River Raisin Ragtime Revue is preserving both America’s musical heritage and a piece of Adrian history

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — By the time Laura Smith Haviland spearheaded the creation of what was originally known as the State Industrial Home for Girls (later the Adrian Training School) in the late 19th century, she was well known for her tireless efforts for the equality of all people, from her work helping escaped slaves get to freedom on the Underground Railroad in the decades before the Civil War to being an advocate for integrated schooling.

And now, when River Raisin Ragtime Revue (R4) executive director William Pemberton stands in what was once the training school’s chapel/activities center, he finds great satisfaction in the fact that a building connected to Haviland is being transformed into R4’s new home. After all, ragtime was developed by Black musicians.

“This chapel, with its provenance to Laura Smith Haviland, is huge,” he said. Haviland Hall, as the building is now known, will not only house R4’s activities but will also be used more broadly as a community performing arts center.

PlaneWave Instruments, which owns the former Training School property, leased the building to R4. The plan for the space complements the two other artistic endeavors already located on the PlaneWave campus: the Adrian Center for the Arts and the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute.

“The PlaneWave people wanted to have music on campus,” Pemberton said. “They’re all musicians in addition to designing telescopes.”

Plenty of work needs to be done to the building, which stood unused once the training school closed in 2009. So far, new windows have been installed and the front entrance has been rebuilt. Pemberton said the goal is to have the renovations complete and the space open by fall 2025.

“We’re happy to team with PlaneWave on renovating this place,” he said.

When everything is finished, Haviland Hall will be able to seat 400 people and will be available not only for performances but as a rental space for events.

Donations to assist with the work are welcome, either through R4’s website, www.ragtimeband.org, or by emailing info@r4ragtime.org.

R4’s new connection to Laura Smith Haviland isn’t the only historic tie to come the band’s way recently. Not long ago, R4 became the new owner of a piano that comes from St. Louis, the home for a time of ragtime’s most famous composer, Scott Joplin.

Pemberton first became aware of the T. Bahnsen upright piano through

See RAGTIME, page C13

William Hayes, music director emeritus of the River Raisin Ragtime Revue, and William Pemberton, the orchestra’s current executive director, stand outside Haviland Hall, which the organization is working to renovate into a permanent home. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

William Hayes plays a rare historic piano that was recently donated to the River Raisin Ragtime Revue. The piano was made in St. Louis in 1900, around the time Scott Joplin moved there, by a company that also published much of Joplin’s music.

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The 185-year-old Lenawee County Fair will return to Adrian during the last week in July, bringing with it something many people have been asking for: a return to having live music in the grandstand.

Although there are always free concerts in the bandshell, the last time the fair offered a big musical act in the grandstand was 2017, when Joe Diffie performed.

“For a while we were the only fair in the area that wasn’t having any live music acts in the grandstand,” fair board vice president Dawn Barrett said.

And when the board would ask people for their comments about the fair, she said, “that was our biggest suggestion — to bring music back.”

The music acts used to mainly be country artists, but for the return of live music to the grandstand, the fair board opted to try a ’90s throwback concert. The artists Tone Loc, Digital Underground, Tag Team, Color Me Badd, and C&C Music Factory will all perform.

The concert will be on Tuesday, July 23 at 8 p.m., with tickets ranging from $35 to $65.

Barrett noted that ’90s clothing and music are having a comeback.

“All things ’90s are kind of popular right now,” she said, adding that even kids in school now know some of the songs by groups in the concert.

The artists will keep the concert family-friendly, Barrett said, and when there’s an original version and a radio version of a song, they’ll perform the radio version.

Barrett said the fair has gotten good feedback so far, and is also marketing the concert outside of Lenawee County, including in Jackson, where the fair isn’t doing a big music act this year.

A concert in a venue that seats thousands is expensive to put on, and that factored into the fair cutting grandstand concerts from the schedule several years ago, but Barrett said the strength of fundraising made it possible to take the leap this year.

“Sponsors and donors have been great,” she said.

The fair kicks off on Sunday, July 21, with events in the grandstand and bandshell every day, and of course 4-H activities throughout the week. Rides will open on Tuesday at 5 p.m., a little later than the rest of the fair as a safety measure to ensure the ride operators have time for rest between events.

Also of note: The Steak Shack is back after a year away, now under the ownership of Hart’s Family Farm, but still staffed by 4-H members.

Gate passes are $7 per day, free for kids ages 9 and under. Most events are free to attend with gate pass, but some do have an additional charge.

The Lenawee County Fair is a nonprofit organization, funded by ticket sales and donations, and run by a volunteer board.

A partial schedule follows:

Sunday, July 21 (Queens’ Day)

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Car and bike cruise-in on the Midway.

1 p.m.: Fair parade, starting on College Avenue and proceeding east on Maumee Street to the fairgrounds.

6:45 p.m.: Opening ceremonies in the bandshell.

7 p.m.: Lenawee County Fair Queen pageant in the bandshell.

7 p.m.: Tractor pulls in the grandstand.

Monday, July 22

1 p.m.: Cardio drumming demo in the bandshell

5 p.m.: 4-H performing arts and project runway in the bandshell.

6 p.m.: Los Hermanos (Tejano band) in the bandshell.

7 p.m.: Figure 8 Car and Truck Demolition Derby in the grandstand.

Tuesday, July 23 (Senior Citizens’ Day)

Rides open at 5 p.m.

1 p.m.: Gramberry Jam (live music) in the bandshell.

4 p.m.: Onsted Line Dancers in the bandshell.

5:30 p.m.: Warehouse Cloggers in the bandshell.

7 p.m.: Adrian City Band in the bandshell.

8 p.m.: ’90s Throwback Concert in the grandstand.

8:30 p.m.: Part Time in the bandshell.

Wednesday, July 24 (Veterans’ Day)

Rides open at 2 p.m.

11 a.m.: Veterans’ complimentary lunch and program at the bandshell.

2 p.m.: Michael Snyder-Barker in the bandshell.

4 p.m.: Queens’ talent revue in the bandshell.

5-10 p.m.: Your Generation In Concert in the bandshell.

7 p.m.: Figure 8 Car and Truck demo in the grandstand.

Thursday, July 25 (Kids’ Day)

Rides open at 2 p.m.

1 p.m.: Great Start Readiness Program activities in the bandshell.

3 p.m.: Lawn Flamingos in the bandshell.

5 p.m.: Black Dragon’s Den (martial arts) in the bandshell.

6 p.m.: JTE in the bandshell.

7 p.m.: Lost Nations Rodeo in the grandstand.

Friday, July 26 (Ag Day)

Rides open at 2 p.m.

5 p.m.: Bret Maynard in the bandshell.

6-10 p.m.: The Bennett Hall band, featuring three sisters from Nashville, in the bandshell.

7 p.m.: Diesel and Gas Truck Pulls in the grandstand.

Saturday, July 27 (Merchants’ Day)

Rides open at 2 p.m.

1 p.m.: Adrian Junior Majorettes in the bandshell.

2:30 p.m.: Savannah Rose Dance Studio in the bandshell.

4 p.m.: Encore Dance Studio in the bandshell.

5 p.m.: Michael Snyder-Barker in the bandshell.

6-10 p.m.: Grant Reiff (country and heartland rock) in the bandshell.

7 p.m.: Tuff Truck & Car Competition in the grandstand.

Note: This is only a partial schedule. More details can be found at lenfair.com.

Blissfield marks its 200th birthday with a weekend full of activities

The Lenawee Voice

BLISSFIELD — Residents of Blissfield are planning a variety of activities this month to mark the 200th anniversary of the town’s founding by Hervey Bliss.

Bliss, who was born in Massachusetts in the same year that the U.S. Constitution was ratified, was living in the Monroe area when he decided to move north and start a farm on what was then land filled with swamps and forest. In addition to founding the town that bears his name, he is known for having started one of the first abolition groups in Michigan, the Blissfield Anti-Slavery Society.

In addition to enjoying the bicentennial festivities, residents and visitors can stop by the parklet on the east side of South Lane Street to see a mural by local artist Barret Dvorsky commemorating various aspects of Blissfield’s history.

A partial schedule of events follows:

Saturday, July 27

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Softball tournament in Ellis Park.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Time capsule display and movie from Blissfield’s sesquicentennial in 1974 at the American Legion, 451 High St.

10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Civil War reenactment at Bachmayer and Ellis parks.

10 a.m. to noon: Bed races (race your handmade bed down South Lane Street — prizes for fastest, best theme and most bicentennial spirit).

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Model train open house, 109 E. Adrian St.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Open exhibits at the Depot Museum, home of the Blissfield Historical Society, 105 N. Lane St.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: See the inside of Victorville School, a one-room schoolhouse on the grounds of Blissfield High School.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: 1860 barn open house, with agriculture and toy history display plus kids’ games and activities, on the future site of the American Farm Museum and Education Center, 400 E. Jefferson St. (Rain date Sunday.)

Noon to 4 p.m.: Euchre tournament at the Bliss-Liewert Senior Center, 206 S. Lane St.

Noon to 4 p.m.: Historical Miniature War Gaming, 107 W. Jefferson St. Noon to 4 p.m.: Historic carriage rides, starting on South Lane Street, $5 per person.

The village of Blissfield will mark its bicentennial with a series of activities the weekend of July 27-28.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Pulled pork sandwich lunch, Blissfield Presbyterian Church on Franklin Street, $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

1-2 p.m.: Beard, mustache and sideburn competition on South Lane Street.

2-4 p.m.: Letter-making party. Friends of the Library are hosting a letter-making party at the SchultzHolmes Memorial Library. Create a card or letter about why you love the library or a memory of the library. To be displayed at the library.

5 p.m.: Story Walk ribbon cutting at Bachmayer Park.

5 p.m. and 7 p.m.: Cemetery tours.

6-8 p.m.: Music in the Park. Bring a lawn chair or grab some food and sit at a picnic table and listen to the sounds of Old Creek Road.

Sunday July 28, 2024

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Time capsule display at the American Legion.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Civil War reenactment in Ellis and Bachmayer parks.

Noon to 5 p.m.: Open exhibits at the Depot Museum, home of the Blissfield Historical Society, 105 N. Lane St.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Historic carriage rides, starting on South Lane Street, $5 per person.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m: Volleyball tournament in Ellis Park.

Noon to 4 p.m.: Activities at the future home of the American Farm Museum, 400 E. Jefferson St., including kids’ pedal tractor pull at 2 p.m.

Noon to 4 p.m.: Historical Miniature War Gaming, 107 W. Jefferson St.

1-4 p.m.: Ice Cream Social at the American Legion with old-fashioned ice cream made by the Legion Auxiliary.

Noon to 5 p.m.: See the inside of Victorville School, a one-room schoolhouse on the grounds of Blissfield High School.

2-5 p.m.: Cornhole tournament in the Rich Lanes side parking lot. Twoperson teams, $20 per team. Teams report at 1:45 p.m.

1-3 p.m.: Music in the Park featuring the Sugar Beats, South Lane Street.

3-5 p.m.: Music in the Park with the Blissfield High School Ensemble.

3 p.m.: Rotary Trail ribbon cutting, Bachmayer Park.

5 p.m.: Cemetery tour with notable figures in Blissfield history.

Blissfield’s River Raisin Festival turns 40 this year

BLISSFIELD — The River Raisin Festival, a family-friendly event that brings people to the banks of the River Raisin every summer, is 40 years old this year.

Live entertainment on the Pavilion Stage, located in Bachmayer Park on the north bank of the River Raisin, will include the Miss Bliss Bicentennial Spirit Queen Pageant on Thursday, July 11, at 7 p.m. Blissfield-area women ages 70 and up will compete to be the ambassador of the July 27-28 bicentennial celebration.

The 29th annual Miss River Raisin Scholarship Competition will take place on Friday, July 12, at 6 p.m., followed by the Metro Soul Band from 9-11 p.m.

On Saturday, July 13, there will be a Blissfield Ministerial Association concert at noon, a variety show at 2 p.m., the band Stealin’ Copper from 6-8 p.m., and the band Under the Influence from 9-11 p.m.

The Kids’ Corner, under the leadership of Nikki Dotson, will offer a variety of activities including a petting zoo, arts and crafts activities, and games. There will be a calming area for kids with sensory needs.

Friday evening will end with fireworks, presented by Uckele Health & Nutrition and co-sponsored by Blissfield State Bank.

The festival is led by Rick Allen.

The first River Raisin Festival took place in July 1984 and included a craft show, sidewalk sales, canoe race, and the Hathaway House’s traditional summer picnic. The committee chair was Anita Bailey and the committee also included David and Vivian Pell, Judy Barrett, and Jennie Buechele.

Tecumseh honors history with bicentennial celebration

The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — The city of Tecumseh will mark the 200th anniversary of its founding by Musgrove Evans with a series of activities from July 18-21.

Individuals, businesses and organizations from all over the city have pitched in to make the celebration possible, whether by organizing events or making donations. About 50 sponsors have been lined up.

“We’re overwhelmed by the way that the community has supported this,” said Vicki Riddle, one of the organizers. “The community has really embraced it and are really excited about it.”

Following is a partial list of activities. A full and up-to-date list can be viewed on the city’s website, mytecumseh.org.

Thursday, July 18

10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.: Local History Theater at the Tecumseh District Library.

2-6 p.m.: Tecumseh Products retrospective and employee reunion at the American Legion, 101 W. Pottawatamie St. Tecumseh Products was a major employer in the city for many years, and this event is intended to give former employees a chance to reconnect. There will be displays of photos from Tecumseh Products over the years.

5:30 p.m.: Kiwanis Club clock dedication at Adams Park. Installing a clock at Adams Park was a dream of the late Terry Lighthall, who was a longtime Kiwanian.

6-8 p.m.: Music in the Park featuring the River Raisin Ragtime Revue. Befitting the historical nature of the event, this concert features early 20thcentury music by one of the nation’s only professional ragtime orchestras. (See story about the River Raisin Ragtime Revue on page C1.)

6-8 p.m.: Classic car show in the Old National Bank parking lot and adjacent downtown parking lot.

Friday, July 19

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Downtown block party featuring sand sculptures on the streets of downtown Tecumseh.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Historic art show organized by Martha Melcher and Jeanne Knight at the Carnegie Library, 304 W. Chicago Blvd.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Tecumseh Area Historical Museum programs, 302 E. Chicago Blvd.

Noon to 8 p.m.: Tecumseh Products retrospective and employee reunion at the American Legion, 101 W. Pottawatamie St.

3 p.m. and 5 p.m.: Native American dancing demonstration at Adams Park. 6-8:30 p.m.: History and cultural activities at Tecumseh High School, including an open mic night, student art show, a timeline of Tecumseh history in the sculpture garden, and handson demonstrations of crafts like yarn dyeing, flint knapping, soap making, weaving and more.

6 p.m.: Live music downtown.

7 p.m.: Historic walking tour of downtown, leaving from Old National Bank.

Historical sketch by the Tecumseh Area Historical Society:

“One of the first pioneer settlements in the Michigan Territory, and the first in Lenawee County, Tecumseh grew from a communal log cabin erected on the riverbank in 1824 to the present attractive city. Tecumseh now has a variety of businesses and homes located

Saturday, July 20

10 a.m.: Bicentennial parade, beginning at the intersection of South Maumee and East Patterson streets, then proceeding up Maumee to Chicago Boulevard, the west on Chicago and south on Union Street. Register on the city website, mytecumseh.org, or at City Hall.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Downtown block party with sand sculptures continues.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Tecumseh Area

Historical Museum programs, including a video presentation, “Early Industry in Tecumseh” by Ed Hodges, at 10 a.m.; a Powerpoint presentation of Tecumseh history postcards and photos by Ashley Chase at 2 p.m.; and many displays and historical experts both inside and outside the museum at 302 E. Chicago Blvd. Additional activities and displays will be at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 108 Brown St.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Promenade Tecumseh, the return of Tecumseh’s popular historic home tour. Tickets are available at the museum or at any of the houses on the tour; find information by searching for Promenade Tecumseh on Facebook.

Noon to 8 p.m.: Tecumseh Products retrospective and employee reunion

in its historical structures.

“Musgrove Evans, a Quaker from New York and Pennsylvania, was a surveyor and civil engineer. He was attracted to an advertising campaign conducted in the East by Michigan’s Territorial Governor, Lewis Cass. Evans was hoping to secure surveying contracts for the military roads that he knew

at the American Legion, 101 W. Pottawatamie St.

Noon to 8 p.m.: Live music downtown.

Noon to 5 p.m.: Train rides with the Southern Michigan Railroad.

1 p.m.: Downtown walking tour, leaving from Old National Bank.

1 p.m.: Coffee roasting demonstrations at Musgrove & Co. downtown.

2 p.m.: Re-enactment of President William Howard Taft’s “whistle stop” visit to Tecumseh in 1910, presented by the Southern Michigan Railroad. Train departs at 2 p.m. from the corner of Chicago and Evans, proceeding to Shawnee Street.

2-4 p.m.: Visit with “Abi Evans” at the Musgrove Evans House, 411 E. Logan St.

5 and 7 p.m.: Tours of Brookside Cemetery, 501 N. Union St.

6-8:30 p.m.: History and cultural activities at Tecumseh High School, including a student art show, a timeline of Tecumseh history in the sculpture garden, and hands-on demonstrations of crafts like yarn dyeing, flint knapping, soap making, weaving and more.

Dusk: Fireworks at Tecumseh High School.

would be built on routes used by Native Americans for centuries. Austin Wing, whom Evans met in Monroe on his first scouting trip, directed him to the area.

“Water power furnished by the River Raisin and a nearby creek, rich soil, and an ample supply of timber among the “oak openings,” a natural clearing in the forest, Tecumseh was a carefully

Sunday, July 21

10 a.m.: Ecumenical service at Riverbend Friends Church, 9500 Tecumseh-Clinton Highway.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Tecumseh Area Historical Museum programs, including “100 Years of Tecumseh Postcards” with Diane Proctor at 11 a.m. and “Early Industry in Tecumseh” at 2 p.m., plus displays and experts inside and outside the museum, 302 E. Chicago Blvd. Additional activities and displays will be at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

11 a.m.: Dynamic Kernels presentation at Riverbend Friends Church. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Promenade Tecumseh home tours.

Noon: Old-time baseball game with music by the Dodworth Saxhorn Band, a 19th-century brass band, at Tecumseh Middle School.

2-4 p.m.: Visit with “Abi Evans” at the Musgrove Evans House, 411 E. Logan St. 2-6 p.m.: Tecumseh Products retrospective and employee reunion at the American Legion, 101 W. Pottawatamie St.

3 p.m.: TCA Historical Radio Show featuring the TCA Big Band, Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St.

3 p.m.: Downtown walking tour, leaving from Old National Bank.

planned settlement.

“Named for a great Shawnee Indian Chief as a sign of respect, the settlement and growing town continued to name its streets after Native American groups or pioneer settlers.”

Read more at historictecumseh.org.

Two longtime theater artists team up to bring Shakespeare in the Park to Adrian

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Centuries ago, William Shakespeare staged his plays in London’s Globe Theatre, not far from the River Thames. Now, two longtime members of the Adrian theater community are producing one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays near the banks of the River Raisin.

John MacNaughton and Stephen Kiersey have known each other since high school and have worked together off and on for decades, frequently in shows at the Croswell Opera House. Both are now retired — MacNaughton from the Croswell, where he worked as creative director until 2020, and Kiersey from Grosse Ile Township Schools, where he taught English and drama.

The two often walk through Trestle Park, and every time they passed the bandshell not far from the Hunt Street entrance, they found themselves saying “Somebody ought to do Shakespeare there.”

“Somebody” turned out to be themselves, and now an outdoor production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is scheduled for the first weekend in August.

Shakespeare in the Park is a tradition in many communities, including Livonia, which MacNaughton and Kiersey visited.

“It’s just delightful to see Shakespeare in the daylight like it was done originally, in a very uncluttered, unstuffy environment,” Kiersey said.

MacNaughton said the Trestle Park bandshell feels like an especially appropriate setting for staging Shakespeare in Adrian.

“It looks like the Globe Theatre,” he said. “That timberframe construction hearkens to the era.”

They chose “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” for their first production in part because it’s not intimidating.

“It’s a comedy, it’s easily accessible, people can enjoy it,” MacNaughton said. “You don’t have to know Shakespeare.”

Set in ancient Athens, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” revolves around the wedding between two mythic figures, Theseus and Hippolyta. There are several interwoven plots. One is a conflict between four Athenian lovers; another involves a group of six amateur actors rehearsing a play that they will perform at Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding. Over the course of the play, the human

characters find themselves manipulated by a cast of fairies for reasons of their own.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and frequently produced plays, and has inspired many adaptations.

The play has “something for everyone,” Kiersey said, with three different love stories, lots of comedy, and even some stage combat.

Putting on a play in a park comes with its challenges, even for two people with long resumes in the performing arts.

“We both know how to do theater, but we’re used to doing theater in a building,” Kiersey said.

The challenges include finding space for dressing rooms — they’ll be using tents behind the bandshell — and securing a trailer where costumes and props can be locked up overnight.

The actors know they won’t have all the amenities they’re used to when performing indoors — but “that’s OK,” Kiersey said. “That’s part of the fun of it.”

‘A Midsummer

Night’s Dream’

DATES AND TIMES: Friday, Aug. 2 at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 4 at 3 p.m.

LOCATION: Trestle Park, 302 W. Hunt St., Adrian

COST: Free and open to the public

They’ve set a fundraising goal of $20,000 for the production. Donations may be made through the Lenaweee Community Foundation by going to lenaweecommunityfoundation.com and clicking on “Donate Now.” There will be a dropdown menu to select which of the funds underneath the LCF to contribute to, and the Adrian Shakespeare Company is one of those funds. Checks may also be mailed to the Lenawee Community Foundation, 1440 W. Maumee St., Adrian.

The cast includes Nate Adams, Amelia Bowman, Katie Buckley, Peter Crist, Eric Diehl, Evan Garcia, Mark Hyre, Toni Isom, Justin Kohlruss, AJ Landingham, Scott Leake, Kyler Mattoon, Carolyn

Mohler, Maria Portaro-Mohler, Max Ruff, Mark Schersten, Macy Schmidt, Aaron Treadway and Nick Trevino.

Elizabeth Ohlgren is the stage manager, Rosemary Olsaver the costumer, Doug Miller the scenic artist, Jessica Briggs the choreographer, and Mark DiPietro the fight choreographer.

MacNaughton and Kiersey don’t know what kind of attendance to expect.

“We might have 30 people show up, we might have 300 people show up,” Kiersey said.

MacNaughton and Kiersey hope that performing Shakespeare in the park will become an annual tradition in Adrian just like it is in many other towns.

Performances will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 3, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Picnics are welcome.

The event is free and tickets are not required.

Trestle Park is at 302 W. Hunt St., just north and west of downtown Adrian.

Stephen Kiersey and John MacNaughton, both longtime veterans of the theater scene in Adrian, have teamed up to create the Adrian Shakespeare Company, which will produce “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Trestle Park bandshell in August.

JULY

THINGS TO DO IN LENAWEE COUNTY & early August

To submit events for inclusion in this calendar, please email news@lenaweevoice.com by the 15th of the month before the event. This month’s calendar includes early August because our August issue will be delayed by a few days to accommodate coverage of the Lenawee County Fair.

TUESDAY, JULY 2

Genealogy talk

Lenawee County Family Researchers, 6 p.m.

Matt Pacer from the Library of Michigan will speak about Fold 3, a subscription website for military records.

Lenawee Historical Museum, 110 E. Church St., Adrian • lcfamilyresearchers.wixsite.com/lcfr

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

Brooklyn Big Boy Car Show Night

Brooklyn Big Boy, 5 to 8 p.m.

Every Wednesday, featuring live DJ, 50/50 drawing, and driver prizes.

329 S. Main St, Brooklyn

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Adrian Fourth of July Parade Maumee Street, 10 a.m.

Adrian’s annual Independence Day parade is organized by Civitan of Lenawee. The parade forms at Greenly, St. Joseph, Company and Chandler streets and steps off at 10 a.m., proceeding east on Maumee Street to Monument Park. Please register by calling Carolyn Marr at 734-418-8870.

Cruise into Sandbar Cafe

Sandbar Cafe, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Bring your classic or muscle car, hot rod, bike or just stop in to join in on the fun. 103 S. Talbot St., Addison sandbarcafe.cafe or 517-252-5560

Clinton Chevrolet Car Show

Clinton Chevrolet, 5 to 7 p.m. Street Machines of Lenawee presents a car show on the first Thursday of each month. 1070 W. Michigan Ave., Clinton irishhills.com

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Adrian Armory Open House

Adrian Armory Events Center, 5-8 p.m.

Tour Adrian’s 100-year-old National Guard armory, learn about its history, and see the renovations that made it the home to Launch Lenawee, a new small business incubator. 230 W. Maumee St., Adrian adrianarmory.com

Adrian First Fridays: “Big Wheels”

Downtown Adrian, starting at 5 p.m.

Downtown Adrian’s monthly First Friday event includes music by Jaded Soul on South Main Street from 5-8 p.m.; music by On the Rocks on West Maumee Street from 6-9 p.m.; a Hot Wheels car giveaway sponsored by CR Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Adrian (limited to the first 500 kids under 12, one car per child); a Bikes, Trikes, and Hot Wheels Show (anyone can sign up, funds benefit Special Olympics of Michigan); and specials and activities at downtown businesses. A fireworks display will follow (see below). facebook.com/adrianfirstfridays

Bikes, Trikes & Hot Wheels Show

Downtown Adrian, 6 p.m.

Parade and contest for kids ages 6 and under. Deck out your ride in style for a mini parade and contest. Lineup starts at 5:30 p.m. in front of The Novelty Shoppe, 145 S. Main St. The parade will go up South Main and East Maumee and through the Gallery of Shops, then end at the Church Street parking lot for judging. Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Sponsored by the Gallery of Shops. Preregistration is required to be eligible for prizes. galleryofshopsadrian.com

The Corner Park’s 10th

Birthday Celebration

The Corner Park, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrate a decade of joy, laughter, family, and memories as The Corner Park, located at The Centre on the west edge of Adrian, marks its 10th anniversary.

1800 West U.S. 223, Adrian thecornerpark.info

Downtown Adrian Fireworks Display

Comstock Park, 10 p.m.

Fourth of July fireworks are coming to downtown Adrian this year. The display will be fired from the DPW facility on Race Street, and the recommended viewing area is Comstock Park, where there will be food trucks available prior to the fireworks. Bringing a chair or blanket is recommended. The display is sponsored by TLC Community Credit Union. 263 W. Maumee St., Adrian

Devils and Round Lakes Fireworks Manitou Beach, 10 p.m.

The 41st annual Devils and Round Lakes

Fireworks Display will launch from the sandbar on Devils Lake. This show is funded entirely by community donations. drlfd.com

Free concert series brings original music to Hudson

It’s what organizer Dave Sheely calls “one of Lenawee County’s best kept secrets” — a concert series that, for more than a decade, has been bringing talented acoustic groups and singer-songwriters to play free concerts in Hudson.

“I wanted others in the community to experience some of the talent that is out there without having to travel,” said Sheely, who founded the Celebrate Hudson Music in the Park series in 2013.

The concert series began in Webster Park, and in addition to the park, concerts have taken place at Hudson First United Methodist Church and the Southern Michigan Center for Science and Industry on the east side of town. This year, all the concerts are taking place at SMCSI because of better parking for people with disabilities and because concerts can happen either indoors or outdoors.

“Since 2013, we have hosted nearly 80 concerts,” Sheely said. “Our local sponsors cover the cost of the performers and donations at the concerts cover the cost of food and lodging. We have an impressive list of past performers and get regular requests from musicians looking for bookings. Our attendees travel from Ohio, Indiana and Michigan.”

A mix of genres are featured, but the concert series favors acoustic music and singer-songwriters performing original work. Sheely presents the concerts in cooperation with the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce.

Flagship Romance (pictured below), performing on July 11, is made up of husband-and-wife team Shawn Fisher and Jordyn Jackson. The alternative folk duo is known for their breathtaking vocal harmonies, inspired songwriting, dynamic live show, and remarkable chemistry.

Dangling Participles (pictured above) are a Lansing-based band with a diverse song set ranging from indie folk and Americana to jazz and pop. They will perform on July 25.

The series will wrap up on Aug. 8 with the Keynote Sisters, a duo from Lake Orion.

Upcoming dates and times

n Thursday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m.: Flagship Romance

n Thursday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m.: Dangling Participles

n Thursday, Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m.: Keynote Sisters

Concerts take place on the grounds of the Southern Michigan Center for Science and Industry, 550 E. Main St., Hudson.

First Friday Car Show

Lenawee County Fairgrounds, 5-8 p.m.

Featuring hot rods, classic cars, trucks, rat rods, and motorcycles. Live music by the Metros; food trucks on site. Bring a nonperishable food item and get entered to win a door prize.

602 N. Dean St. 517-673-7553 or 810-730-6708

6 to 11 p.m.

Featuring the Jack Pine Savages, a musical trio kicking out the funky sounds of blues, R&B, rock, Motown and more. 10426 S. Jackson Road, Cement City facebook.com/McCourtiePark

McCourtie Park Music and Fireworks McCourtie Park

JUNE 10 - AUGUST 10, 2024

THERE’S STILL TIME TO SIGN UP!

Challenges for all ages! Babies & Toddlers | Preschool - Grade 6 Grades 6-12 | Adults

ROLLER COASTER ADVENTURE

TUESDAY, JULY 16 | 2-3 PM GRADES 2-6

Excited for the upcoming county fair? Join us in building some homemade roller coasters at the library! All supplies provided.

MURDER MYSTERY PARTY

THURSDAY, JULY 11 | 7-9PM GRADES 6-12

Help solve a murder! Take on the persona of a masquerade party guest and interrogate your friends. Food and masks for all who attend. Registration required.

ANIMAL ADVENTURE

TUESDAY, JULY 23

2-2:45 PM OR 3-3:45 PM PRESCHOOL- GRADE 6

ARK Animal Encounters will be bringing animals to the library. Two sessions available. Registration required.

JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

3:30 - 5PM | ADULTS

Saori Shimizu, of Numazu Delights, offers a traditional tea ceremony and talks about other interesting customs in Japan. Registration required.

Visit adrian.lib.mi.us for a full list of programs including all ages programs for the whole family!

143 E. Maumee St. Adrian, MI 49221

adrian.lib.mi.us 517.265.2265

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Ragtime Extravaganza

River Raisin Ragtime Revue, 2 p.m. to dark Enjoy live bands, food and drink, art exhibits, youth activities, an instrument petting zoo, and tours of the Planewave Instruments campus while learning about a uniquely American style of music. See story on page C13. 1375 N. Main St., Adrian ragtimeband.org

MONDAY, JULY 8

Art Works store grand opening Goodwill Art Works, 4-6 p.m. Goodwill Industries of Southeast Michigan opens its new Art Works store inside the Gallery of Shops.

136 E. Maumee St., Suite 15, Adrian goodwillsemi.org

TUESDAY, JULY 9

Science Heroes: Adventure of the Lost Treasure Adrian District Library, 2-3 p.m.

A treasure-hunting themed event for kids ages 5 and up. The Science Heroes will conduct experiments with chemical reactions, air pressure, physical explosions, and more. Free, but registration is required.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian adrian.lib.mi.us or 517-265-2265

Tecumseh Lore & Legends: Kayaking Adventure Tecumseh Paddling Co., 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Discover the legends and lore of Indian Crossing Trails as guide Mickey Alvarado leads you on a 2.5-mile kayaking adventure down the River Raisin. This is a strenuous, rigorous and wet activity. Kayaks can be rented.

Organized by the Tecumseh District Library. 703 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh Register at tecumsehlibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10

Summer Reading Carnival Schultz-Holmes Memorial Library, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Blissfield library’s annual Summer Reading Program is back, featuring games, prizes, and fun for the whole family.

407 S. Lane St., Blissfield blissfieldlibrary.org

Brooklyn Big Boy Car Show Night

Brooklyn Big Boy, 5 to 8 p.m.

Every Wednesday, featuring live DJ, 50/50 drawing, and driver prizes.

329 S. Main St, Brooklyn

Adventure on the Rhine River Tecumseh District Library, 1-3 p.m.

Take a pictorial tour along the Rhine River from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, exploring several cities along the way with their historic buildings and vineyards with Andy Jorgensen, professor emeritus at the University of Toledo. 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh tecumsehlibrary.org

THURSDAY, JULY 11

River Raisin Festival

Ellis and Bachmayer Parks, all day Blissfield’s annual River Raisin Festival marks its 40th year. See story on page C4. West Adrian Street, Blissfield riverraisinfestival.org

Blissfield Car & Bike Show

Springbrook Commons

The shops and restaurants of Springbrook Commons invite you to a monthly car show.

636 W. Adrian St., Blissfield blissfieldmainstreet.com

Teen Murder Mystery Party

Adrian District Library

Take on the persona of a masquerade party guest, interrogate your friends, and catch a murderer. Food and masquerade masks for all who attend. For grades 6-12; advance registration required.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian adrian.lib.mi.us or 517-265-2265

Adrian City Band: Science Fiction Night City Market Pavilion, 7:30 p.m.

Join one of the nation’s oldest continously active municipal bands in a tribute to great science fiction soundtracks. Experience epic space battles, videogames, robots, electronics and the music that made them memorable.

115 Toledo St., Adrian

Making Teas, Tinctures, and Oils

Lenawee District Library, 7-8 p.m.

Gardener and herbal enthusiast Bevin Cohen will teach attendees how to create salves, balms, tinctures, and more using herbs that you can grow in your own backyard. Ages 18 and up. 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517-263-1011

Evening Concert at Walker Tavern Walker Tavern Historic Site, 6-8 p.m.

Enjoy a cool evening in the shaded lawn of the Hewitt House as you listen to some live music by Jackson Ukes, all all-ukelele band, with a patriotic theme. Bring a friend, bring a lawn chair, bring a picnic, and celebrate summer. The Friends of Walker Tavern will have their root beer for sale. The concert is free; Recreation Passport required for park entry.

13220 M-50, Brooklyn irishhills.com

Celebrate Hudson Music in the Park: Flagship Romance

Southern Michigan Center for Science and Industry, 6:30 p.m.

Married singers-songwriters Shawn Fisher and Jordyn Jackson are an alternative folk duo known for their breathtaking vocal harmonies, inspired songwriting, dynamic live show, and remarkable chemistry. For more information about this concert series, see story on page C7. Free.

550 E. Main St., Hudson facebook.com/psgraphics123

FRIDAY, JULY 12

River Raisin Festival

Ellis and Bachmayer Parks, all day Blissfield’s annual River Raisin Festival marks its 40th year. For more information, including s schedule, see story on page C4. West Adrian Street, Blissfield riverraisinfestival.org

“School of Rock” Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

Opening night for the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical based on the 2003 movie about a burned-out wannabe rocker who moonlights as a substitute teacher and turns a class of straight-A pupils into a first-rate, guitarshredding rock band. Tickets are $22 to $44 for adults, $15 to $25 for students, and should be purchased only from the Croswell, not from any third-party reseller websites, to avoid markups.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Summer theater season at the Croswell continues with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘School

of Rock’

Get ready to rock with a talented young cast when “School of Rock” arrives on the Croswell Opera House stage. Based on the 2003 Jack Black movie and featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, “School of Rock” is the story of a washed-up wannabe rocker who takes a job as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school, discovers the musical talent of his students, and molds them into a first-rate rock band.

Aaron Roos of Perrysburg, Ohio, plays Dewey Finn, the substitute teacher. Jared Freeman, also of Perrysburg, plays Dewey’s roommate Ned Schneebly, with Amber Wilkes of Toledo as Ned’s girlfriend Patty DiMarco. Maya Gangadharan of Adrian is the principal, Rosalie Mullins.

The students who make up the rock band are Josiah Torrence of Adrian as guitarist Zack, Sophia Bernard of Toledo as cellist-turned-bass guitarist Katie, Luca Walter of Adrian as keyboard player Lawrence, and Adrian Stukey of Saline as drummer Freddy. Alayna Brazzil of Holland, Ohio, plays Summer, the band’s manager.

The other students at the prep school are Zariah Blackmon, Zarek Devlin, Jesse Gutierrez and Olivia Shulters, all of Adrian; Charlotte Teall Beaver of Ann Arbor; Laila Seeburger of Blissfield; Adrienne Clair of Canton; Emmy DiPatrizio of Dexter; Nevaeh Bravo of Manchester; Juliette Jackson of Tecumseh; Adalyn Brazzil of Holland, Ohio; and Lydia Cole and Natalie Villagomez of Swanton, Ohio.

In the adult ensemble are Chance Adkins, Haylie Blohm, Everett Hanley and James Hanley, all of Adrian; Quinn Fritz of Commerce Township; Michelle Doerfler, Julia Jones, Camdenne Kruse and Zach Traeger, all of Tecumseh; Leigh Jewett of Temperance; Kaitlyn Cross and Bekah Stankiewicz of Ypsilanti; Brian Jones of Maumee, Ohio; Kelly Frailly of Perrysburg; Diane Ley of Sylvania; Bella Bradbury of Monclova; and Brockston Lewis of Toledo.

The director is Erin Pifer, whose previous Croswell directing credits include “Mary Poppins” and “Footloose.” She is assisted by Sabriyah Davis. The choreographer is Lilly Buck, the music director is Adam Miller, and the stage manager is Madelynn Ketola.

Tickets range from $22 for $44 for adults and $15 to $25 for students. The Croswell reminds patrons that it does not sell tickets through any third-party vendors, and also never sells tickets for more than the advertised price. Tickets should be purchased only from the Croswell’s website, croswell.org, by stopping by the box office at 129 E. Maumee St., or by calling 517-264-7469.

Show dates and times:

n Friday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m.

n Saturday, July 13 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

n Sunday, July 14 at 2:30 p.m.

n Thursday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m.

n Friday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.

n Saturday, July 20 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

n Sunday, July 21 at 2:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 13

The band from “School of Rock” at the Croswell: First row, Sophia Bernard, Alayna Brazzil and Adrian Stukey; second row, Luca Walter and Josiah Torrence.

The Art of Bonsai

Hidden Lake Gardens, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn about bonsai, the Japanese art of growing and shaping miniature trees, at Hidden Lake Gardens. Includes workshops, vendors, demonstrations, a visiting display, and Hidden Lake Gardens’ own bonsai collection. Entry to the grounds is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and veterans, $5 for youth and students. See website for details. 6314 Monroe Road, Tipton hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu

517-431-2060

“School of Rock”

Croswell Opera House, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical based on the 2003 movie of the same name.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Onsted Movies in the Park: “Cheaper by the Dozen”

Onsted Park, 7 p.m.

Onsted’s Movies in the Park series continues with the comedy “Cheaper by the Dozen.”

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

Brooklyn Big Boy Car Show Night

Brooklyn Big Boy, 5 to 8 p.m.

Visit the Brooklyn Big Boy every Wednesday through the summer for a car show featuring live DJ, 50/50 drawing, and driver prizes.

329 S. Main St, Brooklyn

THURSDAY, JULY 18

Adrian City Band: Christmas in July City Market Pavilion, 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy Christmas favorites performed by the Adrian City Band. 115 Toledo St., Adrian adriancityband.org

Movies on Lane: Jurassic Park

Downtown Blissfield, 6:30 p.m.

Music in the Park:

River Raisin Ragtime Revue

Adams Park

The River Raisin Ragtime Revue performs during downtown Tecumseh’s Third Thursday free concert series.

309 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh downtowntecumseh.com 517-423-5602

“School of Rock”

Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical based on the 2003 movie of the same name.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Awesome Amphibians

Schultz-Holmes Memorial Library, 2 to 3 p.m.

Learn about amphibians with the River Raisin Watershed Council.

Lenawee County Fair Parade

Maumee Street, 1 p.m.

Lineup begins at 11:30 a.m. along College and Michigan Avenues near Thee Old Mill. Preregistration is not required. The parade begins at 1 p.m. and proceeds east along Maumee Street to the fairgrounds.

507 College Ave., Adrian lenfair.com

Tecumseh Bicentennial Celebration

Throughout Tecumseh, all day Tecumseh celebrates its 200th anniversary with events throughout town. See story on page C5. facebook.com/mytecumseh

School of Rock

Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m.

Steve Martin stars as a football coach with 12 children who uproots his family when he is offered a dream job at his alma mater. Before the movie, beginning at 7 p.m., families can enjoy games and live music. Food trucks on site will be Taco Truck of Clinton, Rollin’ Fresh Gourmet, and Hannah’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice. The movie starts at dusk. Blankets or lawn chairs are recommended.

200 E. Third St., Onsted

SUNDAY, JULY 14

“School of Rock”

Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical based on the 2003 movie of the same name.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Enjoy the 1993 Steven Spielberg adventure that spawned an entire movie franchise. Before the movie, kids can dig for dinos, try a skill challenge, and race through a dinosaur adventure course to save humanity. Movie starts at dusk; bring your own chairs and blankets. South Lane Street, Blissfield blissfieldmainstreet.com

Tecumseh Bicentennial Celebration

Throughout Tecumseh, all day Tecumseh celebrates its 200th anniversary with events throughout town. See page C5. facebook.com/mytecumseh

Classic Car & Bike Show

Downtown Tecumseh, 6 to 8 p.m.

Classic cars and bikes will be on display in the Old National Bank parking lot and the adjacent downtown lot. Registration is free, but participants are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to donate.

205 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh downtowntecumseh.com

517-424-6555

407 S. Lane St., Blissfield blissfieldlibrary.org

Cruise into Sandbar Cafe Sandbar Cafe, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Bring your classic or muscle car, hot rod, bike or just stop in to join in on the fun.

103 S. Talbot St., Addison sandbarcafe.cafe or 517-252-5560

FRIDAY, JULY 19

“School of Rock”

Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical based on the 2003 movie of the same name.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Tecumseh Bicentennial Celebration

Throughout Tecumseh, all day Tecumseh celebrates its 200th anniversary with events throughout town. See story on page C5. facebook.com/mytecumseh

Tecumseh’s Summer Beach Party and Sand Sculpture Festival

Downtown Tecumseh

Tecumseh’s annual summertime event includes sand sculptures by Ice Creations in Napoleon, Ohio, the people who create Tecumseh’s wintertime ice sculpture festival. downtowntecumseh.com 517-424-6818

Faster Horses

Michigan International Speedway

The annual country music festival returns to MIS with a lineup that includes Old Dominion, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean, Ashley Cooke, and more. Continues July 20 and 21. fasterhorsesfestival.com

SATURDAY, JULY 20

School of Rock

Croswell Opera House, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical based on the 2003 movie of the same name.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Tecumseh Bicentennial Celebration

Throughout Tecumseh, all day Tecumseh celebrates its 200th anniversary with events throughout town. See story on page C5. facebook.com/mytecumseh

Faster Horses

Michigan International Speedway

The annual country music festival returns to MIS with a lineup that includes Old Dominion, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean, Ashley Cooke, and more. Continues July 21. fasterhorsesfestival.com

SUNDAY, JULY 21

Lenawee County Fair

Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, all day

The first day of the Lenawee County Fair includes opening ceremonies at 6:45 p.m. in the bandshell, followed by the Lenawee County Fair Queen pageant at 7 p.m. No midway rides today. See story on page C2. 602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical based on the 2003 movie of the same name. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Tecumseh Bicentennial Celebration Throughout Tecumseh, all day Tecumseh celebrates its 200th anniversary with events throughout town. See story on page C5. facebook.com/mytecumseh

Faster Horses

Michigan International Speedway

The annual country music festival returns to MIS with a lineup that includes Old Dominion, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean, Ashley Cooke, and more. fasterhorsesfestival.com

MONDAY, JULY 22

Lenawee County Fair

Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, all day Events include music by Los Hermanos in the bandshell at 6 p.m. and a Figure 8 car and truck demo derby in the grandstand at 7 p.m. No midway rides today. See story on page C2. 602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com

Food Safety in the Garden Tecumseh District Library, 7-8 p.m.

Learn how to get food from the backyard garden safely to the table with Mary Donaldson, food safety program educator with the Michigan State University Extension. 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh tecumsehlibrary.org

TUESDAY, JULY 23

Lenawee County Fair

Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, all day Senior Citizens Day. Events include music by the Adrian City Band in the bandshell at 7 p.m. and a ’90s throwback concert at 8 p.m. in the grandstand. First day for midway rides (beginning at 5 p.m.). See story on page C2. 602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

Lenawee County Fair

Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, all day Veterans Day. Events include Your Generation in Concert at the bandshell starting at 5 p.m. and a Figure 8 Car and Truck Demo Derby in the grandstand at 7 p.m. Midway opens at 2 p.m. See story on page C2.

602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com

Family Carnival

Lenawee District Library, 2-4 p.m.

Head out to the library for a family carnival. Enjoy hot dogs off the grill, play games, make a craft, and more. All ages are welcome. This event is free to attend.

4459 West U.S. 223 517-263-1011

Japanese Tea Ceremony and Other Customs

Adrian District Library, 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and learn about other customs with Saori Shimizu of Numazu Delights. Register online.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian adrian.lib.mi.us or 517-265-2265

Brooklyn Big Boy Car Show Night

Brooklyn Big Boy, 5 to 8 p.m.

Every Wednesday through the season, featuring live DJ, 50/50 drawing, and driver prizes.

329 S. Main St, Brooklyn

THURSDAY, JULY 25

Lenawee County Fair

Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, all day Kids’ Day. Events include music by JTE in the bandshell at 6 p.m. and Lost Nations Rodeo at 7 p.m. in the grandstand. See story on page C2.

602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com

Library Field Day

Schultz-Holmes Memorial Library, 2 p.m. Assemble in front of the Blissfield library for tons of fun outdoor activities.

407 S. Lane St., Blissfield blissfieldlibrary.org

Celebrate Hudson Music in the Park: Dangling Participles

Southern Michigan Center for Science and Industry, 6:30 p.m.

A Lansing-based band with a diverse song set ranging from indie folk and Americana to jazz and pop. The band has been performing genre-hopping originals and covers throughout mid-Michigan since 2015, pairing their love for songwriting, harmonizing, and arranging with a lively on-stage experience. Free.

550 E. Main St., Hudson facebook.com/psgraphics123

Adrian City Band:

Solo and Ensemble Night City Market Pavilion, 7:30 p.m. Quartets, trios, soloists and more will perform as the ensemble celebrates the “bands within the band.” The Adrian City Band is one of the oldest continuously operating community bands in the United States.

115 Toledo St., Adrian adriancityband.org

FRIDAY, JULY 26

Lenawee County Fair

Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, all day Ag Day. Events include The Bennett Hall Band, made up of three sisters from Nashville, in the bandshell at 6 p.m., and Diesel and Gas Truck Pulls at 7 p.m. in the grandstand. See story on page C2.

602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com

Morenci Car Show

Downtown Morenci, 5-7 p.m.

Morenci’s monthly car show, organized by Denise and Nash Walsh. Across the street from Wakefield Park on Main Street.

517-490-6068 or 517-610-0480

SATURDAY, JULY 27

Lenawee County Fair

Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, all day Merchants Day. Events include Grant Reiff in the bandshell at 6 p.m. and the Tuff Truck & Car Competition at 7 p.m. in the grandstand.

602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com

Blissfield Bicentennial

Throughout Blissfield, all day Blissfield celebrates its 200th anniversary. blissfieldmainstreet.com

What’s the Buzz? All About Bees

Adrian District Library, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

For the first hour, Janet Tucker will teach about honeybees. At 2 p.m., Vincent Ste. Marie will present “A Year in Blooms,” teaching about planting for pollinators.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian adrian.lib.mi.us or 517-265-2265

Blissfield Music in the Park South Lane Street, 6-8 p.m. Live music by Old Creek Road in Bicentennial Park, just off of South Lane Street downtown. blissfieldmainstreet.com

SUNDAY, JULY 28

Blissfield Bicentennial Throughout Blissfield, all day Blissfield celebrates its 200th anniversary. See story on page C3. blissfieldmainstreet.com

Blissfield Music in the Park South Lane Street, 1-5 p.m.

Live music in Bicentennial Park, just off of South Lane Street downtown. The Sugar Beats perform from 1-3 p.m. and the Blissfield High School ensemble performs from 3-5 p.m. blissfieldmainstreet.com

MONDAY, JULY 29

Follow the Drinking Gourd Tecumseh District Library, 6:30-8 p.m.

Learn about the Underground Railroad through the eyes of one family in this talk by historian Rochelle Balkam, former professor at Eastern Michigan University.

215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh tecumsehlibrary.org

TUESDAY, JULY 30

Ice cream and sorbet class Tecumseh District Library, 7-8:30 p.m.

Learn basic recipes to make ice cream, sorbet, and gelato at home with Keegan Rodgers of The Lakehouse Bakery in Chelsea. This session

will also include vegan recipes. $10 materials fee; advance registration required.

215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh tecumsehlibrary.org

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31

Brooklyn Big Boy Car Show Night

Brooklyn Big Boy, 5 to 8 p.m.

This car show takes place every Wednesday throughout the summer, featuring a live DJ, 50/50 drawing, and driver prizes.

329 S. Main St, Brooklyn

Flavors of the World Adrian District Library, 6:30 p.m.

The Marks Trading Company will present a flavor adventure discussing seasonings and spices from around the world. They will bring flavor pairing suggestions and participants will leave with their own blended spice. Register online.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian adrian.lib.mi.us or 517-265-2265

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1

Botanical Gel Printing

Schultz-Holmes Memorial Library, 2-3 p.m.

Learn about botanical gel printing from artist Karen Waggoner.

407 S. Lane St. blissfieldlibrary.org

Adrian City Band: Kids’ Night City Market Pavilion, 7:30 p.m.

Music that reminds us of childhood, from Mother Goose to Disney and beyond.

115 Toledo St., Adrian adriancityband.org

Cruise into Sandbar Cafe Sandbar Cafe, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Bring your classic or muscle car, hot rod, bike or just stop in to join in on the fun. Event includes music, cornhole, cards, and ice cream.

103 S. Talbot St., Addison sandbarcafe.cafe or 517-252-5560

Blissfield First Thursdays:

Tractor Cruise In Downtown Blissfield Blissfield throws open its doors on the first Thursday of every month, with a different theme each time.

blissfieldmainstreet.com

Clinton Chevrolet Car Show

Clinton Chevrolet, 5 to 7 p.m.

Street Machines of Lenawee presents a car show on the first Thursday of each month.

1070 W. Michigan Ave., Clinton irishhills.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

Adrian First Fridays: A Night at the Movies

Downtown Adrian, starting at 5 p.m.

Events include a carnival theme with games throughout downtown and a putt-putt golf course in the streets, live music by The Metros from 5-8 p.m., the movie “Wonka” shown at dusk, and a variety of specials and activities at downtown businesses. facebook.com/adrianfirstfridays

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Trestle Park, 6:30 p.m.

The Adrian Shakespeare Company presents one of William Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, surrounded by the beauty of Adrian’s Trestle Park. Blankets and lawn chairs recommended; picnics welcome. See story on page C6.

302 W. Hunt St., Adrian

LIVE MUSIC AT BARS AND NIGHT SPOTS

Information in this listing is taken from a mixture of submissions and information published by the venues. We recommend checking with venues to verify that information is up to date before making plans. If you have a date you’d like to add, please email news@lenaweevoice.com before the 15th of the preceding month.

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Cat Canyon, 6-8 p.m., at Flying Otter Vineyard, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian.

Big L & Code Blu, 7-10 p.m., at Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn. Part of the Vineyard Jams series. Featured food truck: Cousins Maine Lobster. $5 cover.

T & Rich Dueling Piano Show, 8 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Mike Lee, 6-8 p.m., at Flying Otter Vineyard, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian.

Mark Maze & the Big Deal Band, 7-10 p.m., at Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn. Part of the Vineyard Jams series. Featured food truck: Grateful Crow. $5 cover.

Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute by the Mister Breeze Band, 8 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 7

Noah Benitez-Lee, 3-5 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique, 12000 Pentecost Highway, Onsted. Part of the Sunday Acoustics series. Soup Sandwich, 2-5 p.m., at Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn. Part of the Sounds of Summer series.

FRIDAY, JULY 12

Cat Canyon, 6-8 p.m., at Flying Otter Vineyard, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian. Public Scene, 7-10 p.m., at Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn. Part of the Vineyard Jams series. Featured food truck: Tiki Sam’s Pizza. $5 cover.

The Jim Dandy Band, 8 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Featuring classic rock, blues, and country. Tickets $10; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Trestle Park, 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy live theater surrounded by the beauty of Adrian’s Trestle Park. Blankets and lawn chairs recommended; picnics welcome.

302 W. Hunt St., Adrian

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Trestle Park, 6:30 p.m.

Blankets and lawn chairs recommended; picnics welcome.

302 W. Hunt St., Adrian

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6

Genealogy talk

Lenawee County Family Researchers, 6 p.m.

Lenawee County Register of Deeds Carolyn

Bater will talk about using land records in family history research.

Lenawee Historical Museum, 110 E. Church St. lcfamilyresearchers.wixsite.com/lcfr

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

Adrian City Band: Stage & Screen City Market Pavilion, 7:30 p.m.

Classic film scores and show tunes from hit musicals will come to life in this final performance of the season.

115 Toledo St., Adrian adriancityband.org

Did you know?

The Adrian City Band was originally founded in 1838 by William Tutten as the Adrian Brass Band and over a number of years and consolidations of other area ensembles became the Imperial Band of Adrian and evolved to a full concert band instrumentation. In 1926 the Imperial Band reclaimed its hometown namesake as The Adrian City Band. The Adrian City Band is believed to be the one of the oldest continuously active community band in the United States.

Today, the Adrian City Band gives free and family-friendly concerts of traditional band music including marches, medleys from nearly every genre, classical transcriptions, and newer art music written specifically for wind ensemble.

Concerts take place most Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. throughout the summer in the Adrian City Market pavilion on Toledo Street.

— Source: adriancityband.org

SATURDAY, JULY 13

Andy Schiller, 6-8 p.m., at Flying Otter Vineyard, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian. Monroe Big Band, 7-10 p.m., at Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn. Part of the Vineyard Jams series. Featured food truck: The Naughty Lobstah. $5 cover. ’80s tribute by Hairmania, 8 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Jon Torrence, 3-5 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique, 12000 Pentecost Highway, Onsted. Part of the Sunday Acoustics series.

The Phoenix Theory, 6-9 p.m., at Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn. Part of the Sounds of Summer series. Featured food truck: Li’l Taste of Texas.

FRIDAY, JULY 19

Cat Canyon, 6-8 p.m., at Flying Otter Vineyard, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian.

Midnite Stew, 7-10 p.m., at Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn. Part of the Vineyard Jams series. Featured food truck: Natalie’s Love at 1st Bite. $5 cover.

Tom Petty tribute by Teddy Petty & the Refugees, 8 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Acoustic Ash, 6-8 p.m. at Black Fire Winery, 1261 E. Munger Road, Tecumseh.

Terry Farmer, 6-8 p.m., at Flying Otter Vineyard, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian. The Jack Pine Savages, 7-10 p.m., at Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn. Part of the Vineyard Jams series. Featured food truck: West Texas BBQ. $5 cover.

Beatles tribute by Toppermost, 8 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 21

Piano Mike, 3-5 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique, 12000 Pentecost Highway, Onsted. Part of the Sunday Acoustics series.

THURSDAY, JULY 25

Cabaret with cast members from “School of Rock,” 7-9 p.m., at Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

FRIDAY, JULY 26

Cat Canyon, 6-8 p.m., at Flying Otter Vineyard, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian. Kevin Ludwig, 7-10 p.m., at Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Wishing Well, 7-10 p.m., at Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn. Part of the Vineyard Jams series. Featured food truck: Whole Enchilada Mobile Kitchen. $5 cover.

Def Leppard and Poison tribute by Armageddon, 8 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 27

Soup Sandwich, 6-8 p.m., at Flying Otter Vineyard, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian. Blockhouse Valley Quartet, 7-10 p.m., at Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

John Louis Good & the Rose City Troubadours, 7-10 p.m., at Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn. Part of the Vineyard Jams series. Featured food truck: FFF Truck. $5 cover.

Rolling Stones tribute by The Brownstones, 8 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 28

JTE Acoustic Band, 3-5 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique, 12000 Pentecost Highway, Onsted. Part of the Sunday Acoustics series.

Sounds of Summer, 12-6 p.m., at Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn. The Native Heart performs from noon to 3 p.m.; Bret Maynard & Noah Martis perform from 3-6 p.m. Featured food and beverage trucks: Melted, Smoke House 52, Craveable, and Zero Bar.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

Cat Canyon, 6-8 p.m., at Flying Otter Vineyard, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian. Act III, 7-10 p.m., at Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn. Part of the Vineyard Jams series. Featured food truck: Grateful Crow. $5 cover.

The 1985 (’80s tribute band), 8 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

Brad Skinner, 7-10 p.m., at Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Terry Farmer, 6-8 p.m., at Flying Otter Vineyard, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian.

Bad Company tribute by Band Company, 8 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

Cat Canyon, 3-5 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique, 12000 Pentecost Highway, Onsted. Part of the Sunday Acoustics series. Maze & Clauser Rockin’ Acoustic, 2-5 p.m., at Chateau Aeronautique, 12000 Pentecost Highway, Onsted. Part of the Sunday Acoustics series.

The Blockhouse Valley Quartet performs on Saturday, July 27, from 7-10 p.m. at Farver’s at the Croswell, the bar located just off the main lobby of the Croswell Opera House in Adrian.

Ragtime

from page C1

an online ragtime forum where a seller posted that he needed to find a good home for the instrument. Pemberton contacted the seller, who ultimately decided to donate it to R4.

Based on the serial number, it was built in 1900, which would put it near to the time Joplin moved to St. Louis. The T. Bahnsen company was also a music publisher, and Joplin saw some of his music published by them. According to Pemberton, only two other T. Bahnsen pianos are known to survive today and they’re located in Joplin’s home, which is now a museum.

R4’s new addition needs some repair work before it can be used for performances.

Joplin is best known for music like “The Entertainer” and “The Maple Leaf Rag,” but he also composed two operas. His first one, “A Guest of Honor,” has been lost to time. His second, “Treemonisha,” has been both recorded and performed in various forms over the decades.

As a Black man writing music in the era he did — the late 19th and early 20th centuries — Joplin struggled to get it published. He wrote it in about 1911, and when he took it to publishers “everyone said, ‘who’s going to listen to an opera by a Black person?’ ” Pemberton said.

In a poignant twist, Joplin took his piece to Irving Berlin and was told Berlin had no use for it, only to later hear Berlin’s “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” and insist that Berlin had stolen its melody from “Treemonisha.”

The opera’s score is now getting yet another life thanks to R4’s music director emeritus, William Hayes, who regularly

orchestrates the music the band performs.

“Pemberton sends me the piano score and I make it into a 13-piece orchestra,” Hayes said. “It’s an everyday learning experience for me. I get to see what [R4’s performers] could accomplish.”

While “Treemonisha” has been orchestrated by others, some of those versions “are on a grand scale that would have been beyond Joplin’s grasp,” Pemberton said. “We wanted to have our own version to use, and Hayes is acclaimed [as an orchestrator]’.”

“Treemonisha” tells the story of a Black child who’s the adopted daughter of two former slaves, Ned and Monisha, who gave her the name Treemonisha because she was found under a tree. The girl is eventually kidnapped, rescued, and returned home where she becomes a leader among her people.

“It’s a very uplifting story for me,” Hayes said.

His work on the score has taken about 16 months so far. As he does with all his orchestrations, “I take the time to sit and reflect — what would work for the instruments we have and who’s going to play what,” he said.

Joplin wrote both the music and the libretto for “Treemonisha,” showing his capability as both a composer and a storyteller. And for Hayes, working on it has been “an awesome experience … to see a Black man write about the experience of his people.”

R4 has reached out to a number of opera companies to see about producing this new version of Joplin’s work. In the meantime, Lenawee County audiences can take in R4 in several upcoming performances including, locally, the Ragtime Extravaganza on July 6 and a concert during Tecumseh’s bicentennial celebration that will be from 6-8 p.m. July 18 at Adams Park.

Lenawee County’s little-known link to ragtime history

ADRIAN — One of the many almost-forgotten stories of the ragtime era is that of Lenawee County’s own Harry LaForest Alford. Alford was born in rural Lenawee County in 1875. Henry, his father, was a carriage and wagon maker who moved the family between Hudson, Blissfield, and Morenci, all very small villages at the time.

Even as a youngster, he showed musical talent, playing trombone in the Hudson town band. At the age of about 15 he went to Warren, Ohio, to attend Dana’s Musical Institute. “He went on to become America’s first great arranger,” said William Pemberton, executive director of the River Raisin Ragtime Revue. As the premier arranger of the ragtime era, his services were utilized by all the major music publishers and he counted among his clients many of the leading figures in the music world at that time, including John Philip Sousa, W.C. Handy, Irving Berlin, Sophie Tucker, Scott Joplin, and Chico Marx of The Marx Brothers fame, who was a talented pianist. By any measure, Alford was a prodigious arranger. He created some 34,000 arrangements, “and sometimes his arrangements were better than the songs,” Pemberton said. Alford died in Chicago, his longtime home base, on March 4, 1939.

Ragtime Extravaganza to take place July 6

ADRIAN — Live music, family events and fireworks are all on tap for the River Raisin Ragtime Revue’s 12th Annual Ragtime Extravaganza beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 6. The event will be held at the PlaneWave Instruments campus, 1375 N. Main St., Adrian.

Admission is free. Free parking is available on campus by entering at PlaneWave’s Curtis Road entrance.

The Extravaganza features local, regional, and national musical talent including the Adrian City Band, directed by Brian Gorski; Los Hermanos, the Adrian-based Tejano ensemble; Miss Maybell and Charlie Judkins, a ragtime and early jazz duo from New York City; and the River Raisin Ragtime Revue (R4) orchestra in a concert focusing on the music of Lenawee County ragtime musician Harry Alford.

Other activities include a children’s magic show, an instrument petting zoo, children’s face painting, games, and a bounce house. Local artists will have their work for sale and a variety of food trucks, craft beer, and wine will be available. Fireworks at dark will cap off the event.

This is the Extravganza’s third year in Adrian after nine years in Ann Arbor. Originally it focused solely on early jazz and ragtime, but after the event moved to Adrian “we decided we wanted to reach as many people as possible,” R4 Executive Director William Pemberton said. “We also wanted to make it family-friendly and represent the community.”

More information is available at www. ragtimeband.org or by emailing info@ r4ragtime.org.

The day’s schedule:

n 2 p.m.: Extravaganza opens

n 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Adrian City Band

n 3:30-4 p.m.: 30-minute PlaneWave Instruments tour

n 4-5:30 p.m.: Los Hermanos

n 5:30-7 p.m.: 90-minute PlaneWave Instruments/Haviland Hall tour

n 6-7 p.m.: Comedy and magic show by Gordon the Magician

n 7:30-8:30 p.m.: Miss Maybell and Charlie Judkins

n 9-10 p.m.: River Raisin Ragtime Revue

n 9:15 p.m.: Cake Walk contest and raffle drawing 10 p.m.: Fireworks

William Pemberton shows the inside of the former Adrian Training School chapel and activities center, which has been named Haviland Hall and is being renovated into a performance space for the River Raisin Ragtime Revue.

The River Raisin Ragtime Revue is a professional orchestra dedicated to the preservation of ragtime music. RIVER RAISIN RAGTIME REVUE

Goodwill opens two Art Works locations in Lenawee County

ADRIAN — Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan is opening two retail spaces in Lenawee County where participants in Goodwill programs can make and sell original artwork.

The locations are at 136 E. Maumee St. in Adrian, inside the Gallery of Shops, and at 1207 W. Chicago Blvd. in Tecumseh.

Goodwill describes the program as “a dynamic space where creativity flourishes and biases are dismantled.”

The goal is to foster a diverse and inclusive community, celebrating the power of art to challenge perspectives and break down barriers. Participants will get to express themselves, learn, and grow a business, but also connect with other members of the Lenawee County community through the universal language of art.

“Art Works is all about showing that art has no barriers,” Hannah Sellers of Goodwill community engagement said in a news release. “Art is for everyone. We want this program to be a fun way for our participants to interact with the community, build self confidence, and be able to express themselves.”

Art Works is both a creative art space and a retail store where individuals can sell their creations while learning to build and maintain a business.

A grand opening for the Tecumseh location took place in late June, and one for the Adrian location is scheduled for July 8 from 4-6 p.m.

A view of the inside of Goodwill’s Art Works location in Tecumseh. Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan is opening two spaces, one in Adrian and one in Tecumseh, where participants in Goodwill programs can make and sell art. GOODWILL INDUSTRIES

A display inside the Goodwill Art Works Tecumseh location.

‘Echoes of Inspiration’ on display at ACA gallery

“Echoes of Inspiration,” an exhibit of student works paired with response pieces by professional artists, is on display at the Adrian Center for the Arts gallery through July 21.

According to ACA education director Taina Mantey, participating ACA artists selected a piece of art created by a student who attended either the Kids Club or Teen Club, summer camp, or Adrian Public School art enrichment program organized by the ACA, and then created a piece in response. Some artists created their response in the same medium as the student who inspired them; other times the response pieces crossed media.

ART EXHIBITS

“The kids were excited about the possibility of having their artwork in a show,” Mantey said. “The member artists that selected the kids’ art to pair with seemed inspired and challenged. It was interesting how many 3D artists chose 2D work to respond to. Many artists opted to work in media that was different than the student art, but just picked up on the theme and went a different direction.”

Students will take their framed work home at the end of the exhibit.

The Adrian Center for the Arts gallery is open from Thursday through Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. More information is at adriancenterforthearts.org.

Up next at the ACA: Jewelry and Objects, the Michigan Silversmiths Guild 2024 Membership Exhibition. Founded in 1948, the Michigan Silversmiths Guild is a community of craftspersons dedicated to the fields of metalsmithing and jewelry. On display from July 29 to Aug. 29, with a reception on Sunday, Aug. 4 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Dawud Shabazz at Flatlanders: Flatlanders Art Galleries in Blissfield will present “The Sudden Flows of Creativity,” a solo exhibition by abstract expressionist Dawud Shabazz, from July 8 to Aug. 31.

A self-taught artist born in Detroit, Shabazz has displayed his work in the Toledo Museum of Art as well as the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

Zax Sharrock, an Adrian Center for the Arts student artist, and ACA education director Taina Mantey are pictured with their pieces at a June 9 reception for the “Echoes of Inspiration” exhibit. The original work was a charcoal drawing, and Mantey created her response piece in oils and mixed media.

“My main intentions are to capture the eye of the beholder,” Shabazz states. “Spark a moment of serenity. Encourage imagination within the eye of the beholder. My intentions are to ensure my customers receive quality art that will last a lifetime. Multiple hours and effort are put into each painting which consists of many layers of media and texture. ... The view and joy of my paintings will always create a conversation to the beholder’s eye.”

The exhibit is curated by Steven J. Athanas. An opening reception with the artist is planned for Sunday, July 14 from 1 to 3 pm.

Admission is free. Flatlanders is at 11993 East U.S. 223, Blissfield. Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Stars and Stripes” at Adrian College: Adrian College’s Hickman Gallery continues to host “Stars and Stripes: Artistic Dialogues on the American Flag” through July 26. The exhibition explores the American flag through the lens of contemporary art, featuring a diverse selection of work showcasing the talents of artists who have reimagined and reinterpreted the Stars and Stripes in innovative ways.

Admission is free. The Hickman Gallery is on Adrian College’s campus in the Mahan Center for Art and Interior Design and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, email Travis Erxleben at terxleben@ adrian.edu.

INAI retrospective: “INAI: A Retrospective” at the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ INAI Gallery, featuring the work of Dominican sisters and associates, continues through July 28.

INAI Gallery is next to the Weber Center, 1257 E. Siena Heights Dr. Watch for the bright green door. INAI is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment. For more

information, call 517-266-4090 or email inaispace@adriandominicans.org. This will be the INAI gallery’s final exhibit. As part of a campus transformation, the INAI building will be used for another purpose after this exhibit, but plans are in the works for a new space that can continue to offer the community a place of reflection, art, and beauty.

The work of Dawud Shabazz will be on display through Aug. 31 at Flatlanders Art Galleries in Blissfield.

Dawud Shabazz